Edmond Outlook - February 2021

February 2021

Post-Covid Fashion: Pick A Decade A Love For Language: Oui And Sí Graeber Design: Custom Furniture Jordan’s Funny Socks

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If you’ve been following along, in 2019 I got married to a wonderful lady named Alison. While we dated, we traveled a lot. Dined out a lot. Took motorcycle trips. Zipped around in a little sportscar she suggested I purchase (I didn’t even know I liked convertibles). We got married on a beautiful beach in Maui. Everything was wonderful. We’d spend every waking hour together. We still do, but things are different now. I was diagnosed with cancer last year, and my awesome valentine has taken on the role of caretaker during my treatments.

This is not what I wanted for either of us. I am so grateful for Alison’s love, care and companionship. In the last 6 months, we’ve spent 128 days out of state for treatments. There were weeks when I didn’t do much but sleep, sit and stare.

She’s been my rock through the pain, treatments and recovery.

I don’t know how she does it. Well, maybe I do. I lost my first wife to cancer 5 years ago this month.

I was her caretaker. It’s humbling to be on the receiving side.

Alison drives me to treatments, makes sure I take my meds, advocates for me with the insurance company and doctors.

Does the shopping, the cooking - and takes care of Back40 and Outlook business.

It’s been a long road, but remission feels wonderful. And she’s planning for me to be here a long, long time. We have trips to take. New York City, California and Maui Part 2. I feel so blessed to have Alison in my life. Happy Valentines, Baby!

Dave Miller Edmond Outlook Publisher Back40 Design President

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Features 8

Ask Edmond

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Jordan’s Funny Socks

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Post-Covid Fashion: Pick A Decade

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Opus Prime Steakhouse

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A Love For Language: Oui And Sí

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Renewing The Old Ice House

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Oklahoma’s Hockey Pro

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Graeber Design: Custom Furniture

Business 22

Align Interventional Pain

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FlasHOLR Apps

Columns 18

Recipe: Strawberry Red Velvet Cupcakes

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Louise Tucker Jones

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 February 2021 Volume 17, Number 2

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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

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© 2021 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

Who has been your greatest mentor and what did they teach you?

Marybel Campuzano Data Entry/Research Freelance Worker for Democratic Party My greatest role model is Lisa Long.

She taught me throughout our friendship that no matter where I go or what I do in my life, I must believe in myself and love myself to see anything I do truly bloom.

Ethan Tartsah Mentor for Native American Student Initiative University of Central Oklahoma My greatest mentor was my fifth grade teacher who helped me develop skills that have carried me through my school and personal life. I’m proud of who I’ve become, and I hope to mentor others who have struggled like me.

Landon Willis Sales Representative Brewer Carpet One

Marlyn Sepulveda B.S in Biology Recent Graduate - OC

My dad has not only been a mentor for me but a best friend and living legend.

He’s taught me more than I could ever ask for. If I had to pick one, it would be the ability to problem solve.

My college professor, Dr. Alcon, has been my greatest mentor. She has taught me to always have faith in myself and God, and to always keep reaching for my goals, even if they seem impossible to accomplish in the moment.

Mindy Vo Recent Graduate University of Central Oklahoma My greatest mentor is my research mentor during college. Not only did I learn research skills but also life skills from her, too, like how it’s okay to ask for help or not know something. You are always continuously learning.

Tanner Luther Recent Graduate - OSU My greatest mentor was one of my history professors at OSU. She always pushed me to excel, made me aware of opportunities that prepared me for the world outside of college, and made my college experience more meaningful.

Interested in participating in our Ask Edmond feature? Email us at AskEdmond@EdmondOutlook.com. We’d love to hear from you!

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FEATURELOOK

By Amy Dee Stephens

Jordan’s Funny Socks Jordan Black

Film Title: Socks Again A 4-min comedy film written by 12-year-old, Jordan Black, from Edmond’s Deer Creek Middle School. 1st Place Winner, 2020 Will Rogers Film Festival, category 14 & Under.

Film Scene: Grandpa, the late Paul Black, walks around the house, keeps seeing socks everywhere GRANDPA: “Socks again? Socks again?”

Grandpa wonders why this is happening, and he’s in for a funny surprise.

Film Director Interview JORDAN: I made my first movie, about superheroes, when I was nine. It was fun. Now I want to be a movie director. Last year, I had my grandpa star in a film called Jingle Bells, and he was funny, so I wanted to use him again.

Socks Again was an accidental family collaboration, inspired by Jordan’s mom, Melody Black. In fact, many of the “mom” things that Melody says get discussed at the dinner table and then become fodder for Jordan’s films.

JORDAN: I was talking to Dad one night before bed, and Mom walked in and said, “Socks again?” Dad and I looked at each other and we knew that was going to be my next movie. I wrote a script outline. Grandpa adds things in.

MOM: Grandpa has no acting experience. He’s just a goofball.

And a good sport.

Mom and Jordan laugh JORDAN: It took about an hour and a half to film Socks Again and an hour to edit it.

Jordan’s parents both have a background in the arts. Melody sings and acts at church, and Jordan’s Dad, Jason Black, used to act professionally in Los Angeles.

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MOM: He was in several television shows and movies, including Friends. For the last 16 years, he’s done movie reviews as part of the Film Critics Association on KJ103 radio.

That’s how he heard about the Will Rogers film contest. So, yes, we are big into the arts. We take the kids to see musicals and plays. Jordan and I usually have season tickets to the ballet.

JORDAN: I like to act. I’ve been the main character in several plays at my aunt and grandma’s church. That’s what got me into acting, and now I’m enrolled at Kismet Arts Studio & Theater.

JORDAN’S SISTER: Me, too. I saw my brother acting, and I thought it would be fun, too.

JORDAN: In 6th grade, I tried out for Mufasa in The Lion King, but my teacher picked me for Zazu, the funny bird who’s the sidekick. She said that’s more my personality, more funny.

Although COVID-19 caused the Film Festival award’s ceremony to be cancelled this year, Jordan was pleased when his trophy arrived in the mail. He plans to continue movie-making.

JORDAN: I made one film that was like Home Alone, and it got over 4,000 views. Now I’m working on a stuffed-animal version of War of the Worlds. Next, I want to do a comedy murder mystery where the whole family comes over to eat, and everyone keeps dying.

MOM: That’s another plot inspired by something that happens at our house all the time. The situation, not the dying!

Jordan, Mom and sister laugh.

SCENE FADES Watch Socks Again at https://youtu.be/S1KLyCyJ2V0

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FEATURELOOK

By Amy Dee Stephens

Post-Covid Fashion: Pick A Decade We enjoyed working in our pajamas this year, but the end of that forgivable allowance looms as people return to the workplace. Men and women are looking in the closet to realize they’ve lost interest in their “old” work clothes or (gasp) they’ve changed sizes.

A dramatic overhaul in clothing is upon us. After a year of sweatpants and comfy jeans, the fashion industry is suddenly forced to re-invent itself—but it’s not ready yet. Major fashion magazines agree that post-pandemic clothing will be taking cues from history until a new style emerges.

What’s New is Old Fashion has adjusted to every major world event in history, forcing people to make do with their clothes or alter them during the disaster. Without fail, once life normalizes, both women and men have emerged ready to “spruce up” their wardrobes. Don’t panic, getting a little fancier does not mean expensive couture!

Nationwide, second-hand stores are seeing increased sales as buyers look for high-dollar clothing at reasonable prices. Across Edmond and Oklahoma City, stores are consistently reporting a demand for vintage clothing. Here’s what’s flying off the racks: 1980s: Puffy sleeves, ruffles, and oversized sweaters layered over button-up shirts. Pantsuits, colorful blazers, and, yes, shoulder pads are back!

After the relaxed-look of the seventies, 80s styles swung toward vivid, expensive-looking clothing, produced cheaply. The time to find these styles is perfect since many folks cleaned out their closets during the pandemic.

1960s & 1970s: Tie-dye is huge right now! Also, loose tunics, bell-bottom pants, corduroy pants, platform shoes, boots, and anything with fringe.

Much of this era’s style came from post-French Revolution when poverty-stricken peasants layered any clothing in any color.

It became a “look” now known as the Boho, and later, hippie style.

1940s & 1950s: Simple dresses are still going strong for working women.

A-Line dresses embellished with buttons or bows, and straight skirts with solid blouses, cardigan sweaters or peplum jackets.

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During WWII, women converted to plain, military-style clothes. It was a full year after the war before fashion switched to feminine elegance, with silhouette-hugging sheath dresses by night and full-skirted house dresses by day (think I Love Lucy).

Although those styles are harder to find in vintage now, modern replicas had started trending before the pandemic.

So, pick a decade or two. You can’t go wrong right now.

Clothes That Love the Earth During 2020, consumers stayed home reevaluating their finances and the items in their closets. The pandemic has heightened the Earth-friendly movements of “less is more” and “buy sustainable.” The fashion industry has taken gradual steps toward becoming more eco-friendly, but the impact remains profound. People are now seeking a few staple items with versatility, rather than investing in fast-fashion that will be gone in a year.

The New Look for 2021?

Following a rough 2020, designers will release a few conservative lines while trying to invent the new styles that meet our post-pandemic way of living. The opportunity to create never-before-seen clothing is upon us, because truthfully, we liked working in pajamas! The market is ripe for a hybrid of comfortable career clothing. Whether it’s athletic suits, dinner fleece, fancy hoodies or flannel office wear—you can expect that “soft” and “sustainable” will be major themes. Until we see which post-Covid styles stick—pick a decade.

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FOODLOOK

Billy Wilson, Owner

Opus Prime Steakhouse

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Bill Wilson started at the top. His former restaurant, Nicz at the Top, offered great views and a quality dining experience in the iconic Founders Tower. A retired army colonel, Bill inspires loyalty among his team and accepts nothing less than best. With Bill’s son Billy taking the lead, Opus Prime Steakhouse opened on Oklahoma’s 100th birthday in November 2007. The restaurant is a nod to upper end steakhouses found in larger cities but embraces the Oklahoma tradition of comfort. Opus Prime Steakhouse is approachable, but diners can expect a memorable meal.

Billy says all hands on deck will be required for Valentine’s Day. For those who wish to have a night out, the dining room offers intimate seating and exceptional service. For those who prefer a night in, Valentine’s Day DIY Boxes will be offered. The kits will be prepared mise en place, meaning all the prep work will have been completed. All offerings will come with detailed cooking and preparation instructions, as well as all seasonings and sauces.

The kit will offer a choice of salad, entree, sides and dessert for $59 per person, with add ons and wine available.

Boasting of the most extensive wine list in the state, Opus Prime offers more than 1,000 selections with vintages dating back to the 1950s. With varietal specific glassware, the wines are 14

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perfectly conditioned for sipping alongside a fine meal. Many of the staff working at Opus Prime date back to the beginnings of the family’s first restaurant. Their knowledge of the wine list and offerings is vast and irreplaceable. “Our regulars come back and see the same faces. The staff gets to know their guests and can make recommendations tailored to their tastes. This sets us apart. We treat our staff like family, and they are very loyal,” Billy says.

Sourcing from across the world and across the state, the Wilsons don’t compromise when it comes to quality. Perfectly marbled Wagyu beef is sourced from Australia. The Comanche Ranch Buffalo Filet is a menu stand out. Raised in Lawton, the buffalo are allowed to roam free, producing a lean and flavorful cut. Billy says with a laugh, “I know, I know. It’s actually bison and customers are quick to point that out. We call it buffalo to remain cohesive with Comanche Ranch’s brand.”

As the name suggests, Opus Prime is a steakhouse by design, but one would be remiss to skip over the seafood selections.

All the fish is ethically sourced and flown in fresh. The Ora King salmon from New Zealand, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Chilean Sea Bass offer a world tour of prime seafood. The main dishes shine, and the sides are served family style and designed to share. House made desserts offer a perfect ending to an exceptional meal.

Opus Prime Steakhouse is located at 800 W Memorial Road.

For more details, including reservation information, visit www. opusprimesteakhouse.com or call 607-6787.

Valentine’s Day DIY Boxes can be ordered at www.opusprimesteakhouse.com/valentines-daydiy-boxes/.

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FEATURELOOK

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

A Love for Language: Oui and Sí It’s never too late, or too early, to learn something new. The mind of a young child is a sponge, soaking up information that lays a foundation for learning. The mind of a parent can feel drained by the task of coming up with new and engaging activities. The needs of both can be met with Oui and Sí!

While spending more time within their own four walls, Mindy Nix and Susanne Huffman discovered a world of learning could be shared in a box. Mother and daughter, both are language educators. Susanne began learning Spanish in Edmond Public Schools. Her love for the language blossomed when she studied abroad in Spain. Post college, Susanne studied French at University of Central Oklahoma. She now teaches at University of Central Oklahoma and preschools. Mindy teaches at Oklahoma Christian and Oklahoma City University. In the spirit of saying “yes” to new things, the two developed Oui and Sí.

Early Love for Language Oui and Sí curates French and Spanish activity boxes that encourage learning through play and instill an early love for language. The boxes include trinkets, flashcards and letters that teach basic vocabulary. Each box has a theme like forest, city, bug, space, zoo, dinosaur, construction or holiday in French or Spanish. Parents can choose the box that will most interest their child or monthly subscriptions are available.

The boxes are 7 by 5 inches and have transitioned from plastic to wood. “It is important to us that they be aesthetically pleasing as well as fun and educational, so we are excited about this change,” Susanne says. Materials are sourced from all over, 16

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and the two are always on the hunt for unique and high-quality manipulatives.

Connection and Education The boxes facilitate caregiver and child connection. Each themed box has a code that links to an interactive lesson which can be pulled up on a smartphone. Further, the boxes offer endless opportunity for creative and independent play. Susanne plunged into working from home during the pandemic. “I have a two-year-old son, so like every parent, I was trying to come up with activities to keep him entertained.”

The boxes can easily be pulled out while parents work or prep for meals.

Mindy started making the boxes for grandchildren, and they held the idea for a business in the back of their minds.

They’ve been delighted by the response and interest, fulfilling orders from all over the country.

Language learning teaches empathy for and acceptance of those of differing cultures. Children’s brains effortlessly assimilate new information and concepts through play. Though designed with ages 2 to 7 in mind, the boxes spark a desire to learn that can inspire the whole family.

Mindy and Susanne say, “Our love of travel and language is lifelong, though neither of us became fluent in a foreign language until adulthood.” The mother and daughter put their pursuit for lifelong learning in action by going back to school together.

They hope to offer parents and children the opportunity to play together and expand their French and Spanish vocabulary along the way.

Learn more at www.ouiandsi.com.

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FRESHLOOK

Strawberry Red Velvet Cupcakes Whether you love Valentine’s Day or dread it, you have to admit it’s a great day for food. One of my favorite V-day memories as a kid was waking up to a festive basket of candies, heart-shaped pancakes, and pink smoothies before school. I had no significant other and only a kind girlfriend to buy me one of those school fundraiser carnations, but I always felt excited to celebrate anyways. Whether you’re celebrating with a special person, a friend, or in quarantine on your own, I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of red, pink, and strawberry red velvet cupcakes.

Cupcake Ingredients Makes 11 cupcakes • • • • • •

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp.

1 Tbsp cocoa powder 3/4 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 Tbsp red gel food coloring

• • • • •

1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1-1/4 cups flour 1/2 cup whole buttermilk 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: • 4 oz. cream cheese, room temp.

• 1/2 cup butter, room temp.

• 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp clear vanilla • 2 Tbsp strawberry jam • 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

Cupcake Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix in the cocoa powder, followed by the food coloring.

Mix in half the dry ingredients until just combined, then mix in half the buttermilk. Add the rest of the dry ingredients, again mixing until just combined. Stir the vinegar into the remaining buttermilk and add to the batter.

Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 20 min or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Frosting Directions: For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter. Add the vanilla. While beating, slowly add the powdered sugar until combined. Mix in the jam and dried strawberries and pipe onto cupcakes.

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Gina is a long-time food blogger, Back40 Design web developer and professional eater. Find more of her recipes on her Instagram @gina.chong.

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FEATURELOOK

Renewing the Old Ice House

By Amy Dee Stephens

Every town has its legends and oddities. After a halfcentury of abandonment, the Ice House property near the railroad in Edmond and directly west of the Edmond farmers market is about to become a community hub--again.

To understand the new concept, you must appreciate the old.

The Edmond Ice Plant began in 1909, providing the exciting, new, American trend of “refrigeration” in the form of ice blocks. In 1921, Shelden’s Ice Cream and Butter Factory opened next door in partnership with Rodkey Flour Mill. These three properties became an industrial center and a gathering place to share cold drinks.

Now, a hundred years later, the site is returning to its original purpose as a creamery. The idea resonated with development partners, Brandon Lodge and Patrick Myers. Patrick’s family, who owns and operates a local dairy farm, was seeking the right place to open an urban creamery.

“We plan to truck fresh milk in from Cushing, OK every day to process into cheese and ice cream,” said Patrick. “The creamery was new and innovative a century ago, before the rise in industrial dairy farming. Our approach brings us back to fresh, community-grown products. We think that shortening the food supply chain will resonate with people.”

Although the creamery has become the heart of the Ice House renovation, it’s just one piece of the concept. The entire property, which includes a variety of buildings, has evolved into a complex of unique restaurants dedicated to promoting local food producers.

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Here’s the quick tour: • The Ice House: Because the brick icehouse is the “crown jewel” building, it is being saved and repurposed.

• The Creamery Complex: The central metal building is the creamery, which includes a bakery and coffee shop. The surrounding buildings include a brewery, taco diner and a unique pizza eatery.

• The Courtyard: A large outdoor area, fenced for child safety, will have seating, edible landscaping, and a large interactive grasshopper art piece.

• The Stable Events Space: The old horse stable is being converted into an intimate event space with a secret garden, working in conjunction with the larger event space, Venue 102, located in the renovated Farmers Grain building next door.

“We’re not just creating a real-estate development, we’re promoting a lifestyle of sustainability,” Patrick said. “We’ll have food growing on property using advanced urban agriculture systems. Even the spent grains from the brewery will be fed to the cows. We think this approach is how people want to eat, and so we’re creating this “destination space” where people will also want to spend their time for holidays, events or kid’s field trips.”

“It’s really a social project. That’s why we’ve decided to brand the area The Icehouse Project,” Brandon said.

“We want to honor the site’s history and keep its past spirit of innovation alive for the community,” said Chandler Bennett, development partner and marketing manager.

“I love the historic districts in Oklahoma City, Guthrie, and Edmond. I want to save our beautiful old structures, especially in Edmond, where I live,” Brandon said. “The original Icehouse introduced a new way for people to gather for ice-cold refreshment and conversation. Now, it will be reintroduced as a venue where families can go for great local food, drink, and socialization. The past Icehouse and the present Icehouse will have a story that intertwines,” said Brandon.

Website coming soon at www.icehouseproject.com.

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BIZLOOK

Align Interventional Pain

By Maria Veres People with chronic pain have more treatment choices now than ever before. At Align Interventional Pain, Dr. Morgan Pollard offers innovative, simple procedures to help patients get their lives back.

Safe, Effective Options “Recovering from surgery is no joke,” says Dr. Pollard, who had shoulder surgery herself as a collegiate golfer. “All the treatments I offer are much easier to recover from.”

Many therapies use electrical impulses to change the way nerves respond to pain. Radiofrequency

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ablation is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that disrupts the nerves’ pain signals. Neuromodulation techniques involve implanting a small device that sends impulses to the nerves. Patients don’t feel the impulses, and the device is easy to remove, if necessary.

Dr. Pollard is also enthusiastic about the promise of regenerative medicine, which harnesses the patient’s own body to generate healing. Most people aren’t familiar with this treatment model, but it’s becoming more widespread. She offers several safe, established therapies based on this model.

Improving Quality of Life Dr. Pollard grew up in Purcell and graduated from OU School of Medicine.

After a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, she returned to Oklahoma in November 2020. Her brand-new practice accepts most major insurance, including Medicare. She invites patients to give them a call and see what they have to offer.

Dr. Morgan Pollard

“Most of my patients have been through a lot—surgery, therapy, medication, and more,” she says. She encourages people not to see pain management as the last step before surgery, but to explore other options much sooner. “The field has changed dramatically in recent years,” she says.

“It’s rewarding to see patients have great improvement in function and quality of life.”

Align Interventional Pain is located at 501 E 15th Street, Suite 300-A, in Edmond, and online at alignpain.com.

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BIZLOOK

FlasHOLR Apps

By Maria Veres Whenever Lily Jiang purchased some furniture or appliances online or in local stores, she became frustrated with the high prices and logistical problems she encountered. Recognizing the need, she created FlasHOLR app. FlasHOLR is a platform that matches drivers with big cargo vehicles to customers that need furniture hauling or vehicle towing.

Affordable Hauling and Towing “We connect people who need service with people who own a big cargo vehicle, pickup, tow truck, or trailer,” Lily says. Customers use the app to request a driver whenever they need one. The company charges by the mile, just like ride-sharing platforms, with no

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minimum fee. You can add a request for labor through FlasHOLR. Labor charges are calculated by the minute, not by the hour, so the app is very budget friendly.

“AMAZING app!” said Raniesha Lynock, a recent customer of FlasHOLR, “Setup and arranging the help with store pickup was super easy. Took minutes to go from installation to fully scheduled, and then I just had to wait for them to arrive with my stuff. Being able to do it all in the app made everything hassle-free.”

Extra Income for Drivers and Great Tools for Transportation or Towing Companies FlasHOLR invites drivers to download the app and start earning extra money by driving their own cargo vehicles.

Drivers are notified whenever there’s a job within 30 miles of their location, and they always have the option to accept or reject the requests. Driving with FlasHOLR is a perfect opportunity for students, full-time parents, and anyone who wants to supplement their income.

The app for drivers is FlasHOLR Driver app.

Lily also encourages towing, moving, and delivery companies to use app as a tool to enhance their business’ revenue and maximize their resources, where they’ll get notifications about jobs they might otherwise miss. FlasHOLR app enables businesses to connect directly with customers.

“It’s like a taxi for hauling,” Lily says. “Haul it, tow it, or deliver it with FlasHOLR.” FlasHOLR is available in App Store and Google Play Store. Their website is flasHOLR-app.com.

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FEATURELOOK

By Amy Dee Stephens

Oklahoma’s Hockey Pro Matt Donovan made Oklahoma hockey history in 2009 as a college freshman when he helped Team USA earn a gold medal at the World Junior Championship. Twelve years later, he’s a family man whose professional hockey career has allowed him to travel the world—but his Edmond roots remain strong.

“All my family lives in Edmond, so we come back regularly. We own a house in Oak Tree, but it’s rented out now while I’m in Milwaukee,” Matt said.

Matt has a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Predators, but because of Covid-19, the last season was put on hold.

The new season will hopefully begin February 9th. Matt is training as much as he can, but the break afforded him the rare opportunity to spend the winter holiday with his family in Edmond.

Fortunately, Matt can train in his hometown because his father runs the Blazers Ice Center. He grew up skating with his father but credits his mother, a world champion skeet shooter, for his athletic hand/eye coordination.

“Hockey is a physically-demanding sport,” Matt said. “First, you have to be a good skater. Then you have to skate while people are swinging a stick at you, slashing and hitting at you. There’s a lot of adrenaline going on, especially when thousands of fans are watching, but once you get the hockey bug, you want to be on the ice all the time.”

His family joins him rink-side. He married his friend from middle-school, Hallie, in 2014 after distance-dating for four years during college. They now have two boys, ages two and five, who 26

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have grown up at the rink. “The oldest has loved watching hockey since he was tiny, but the youngest is harder to entertain in the bleachers,” Hallie said with a laugh. “I struggle to keep up with the other players’ names and numbers now that I’m babysitting during the games, but I love that they are seeing their dad play.”

The Donovan family has enjoyed living in different places and experiencing other cultures. “Our older son has more stamps in his passport than most adults!”

Hallie said. “We loved living in Sweden. The country is small, so we could travel home every night instead of living on the road. It’s getting harder to move so much now that our son is starting school, so we’re glad to have a two-year contract in Milwaukee.”

Matt, now 30, will soon approach retirement age, and although he’s unsure of his next career, he’s open to the idea of coaching. In 2017, he founded the Squatch Hockey Company, which provides training camps and his line of hockey apparel.

“The name of Squatch is entirely Oklahoman,” Matt said. “I was always interested in Oklahoma’s Sasquatch sightings, so I ran with that for the name. The mission of Squatch is to teach and inspire young hockey players, and we donate money to support the Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association.”

Although his post-retirement job will dictate where he lives next, Oklahoma might be in his family’s future. “Oklahoma is a good place. I love my Edmond friends and family, but it’s too soon to tell what I’ll do next.”

Visit www.squatchhockeyco.com to learn more.

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ALOOKBACK

Sweet Memories

By Louise Tucker Jones

Tonight, as I fixed a cup of hot tea— my evening calm—the aromatic smell brought back a memory of yesteryear. I was sixteen years old and in the hospital for the first time ever. Pneumonia. When asked what I wanted to drink for my evening meal, I requested tea, picturing a tall glass of the golden liquid since my mother often served iced tea at home.

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However, what came on my tray was a small silver pitcher of hot tea along with a cup and saucer. I didn’t even know people drank hot tea. Coffee? Yes! But tea!

Mama wanted me to send it back, remembering the medicated, warm tea she was given as a child, but I decided to walk on the wild side and try the new brew. So, for a full week I drank hot tea.

It wasn’t my favorite beverage back then, but tonight as I relaxed with my nightly cup, I had to smile at the memory of the naïve, young girl I was in the early 60s, on the verge of womanhood.

Growing up in a small farming community, I attended a little country school in a two-story stone building with the same friends for 12 years. We played basketball and took fun class trips. There were hayrides, horseback riding and gathering wild roses along dirt roads to decorate the gym for our high school graduation.

Summer nights I would often lay my pillow on the open windowsill beside my bed and watch the moon and stars

while dreaming about the future. After graduating with only 18 students, I was shocked at the large college campus, but then came the fun of meeting new friends. Dating. Falling in love over and over before finding that special guy who turned my heart upside down the minute we met.

I eventually had a life full of love with my husband and children. But sometimes, on melancholy nights, I like to reminisce on those carefree days of my youth and the beautiful memories of my late husband, Carl, and me when we were just young, college sweethearts.

Wishing you sweet memories and a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Graeber Design: Custom Furniture William Graeber’s first encounter with woodworking came with a bit of teenage angst and reluctance. What he thought would be an opportunity for a mid day goof-off, wood shop class at Edmond North provided a different kind of escape for William. The teacher sat him down, put tools in his hands, and William’s artistic inclinations took over. As shavings were swept away, William’s talent revealed itself. With each cut made and nail hammered, his knack for woodworking would provide much more than a passing grade in an elective. As he followed the grooves of the wood to plan his cut, the wood would also reveal his career path.

Career Craftsman After high school, William continued building and repairing furniture. As his skill grew his recognition did as well, leading buyers to approach him with his favorite question: “Will you build me something?” He opened his furniture shop Wm. Graeber, offering stringed instrument repair, reupholstery services and antique restoration in addition to custom builds.

William spent the next 15 years honing his skills with custom furniture, cabinetry, woodwork and finishing. In 2015, Graeber Design settled in North Edmond with a retail store offering one of a kind furniture and decor under the name “Rust & Rot.” Popularity grew rapidly, making retail and custom furniture too much to balance. William refined his focus and returned to offering handcrafted pieces built to order.

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Refined Design To William, furniture design and construction are timeless art forms. He takes pride in his craft, putting pencil to paper, sketching ideas, engineering parts, and creating one-of-a-kind pieces. “It’s very rewarding to be approached by someone who has seen my work, gives a rough idea and lets me run with it,” William says.

When asked about his favorite pieces, he answers, “The ones I get to keep.” William’s treasured coffee table sits in his living room where he puts his feet up after a long day in the shop.

Graeber Design produces between 250 and 300 pieces per year. Each cabinet, hutch, dining table and chair is meticulously crafted. In a year that challenged many small businesses, business remained steady for William. Longer days at home inspired design ideas for many.

Oklahoma Oak to the Coast Most of William’s work stays local. William estimates, “About a quarter of my pieces end up on the coasts because of my affordability. Oak is plentiful in Oklahoma.” Graeber Designs has been featured in HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful and countless Instagram shots. William’s custom pieces make a statement and become a conversation piece. Word of mouth remains his primary business source.

Each Graeber Design piece is handcrafted in Edmond using locally-sourced, sustainable materials and guaranteed to last a lifetime. To learn more go to www.graeberdesign.com.

1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003