Deck the Halls
In this month’s magazine, we’re
celebrating all things Christmas.
From an exclusive sneak peek into the
Governor’s mansion decorated for the
festive season to ways to help you get a
jump start on your resolutions, we’ve got
you covered.
This is also a month where everything
feels like it speeds up and slows down at
once. Sure, you’ve got holiday parties, family events, school and
church functions, but you also have nights decorating the house
and cold afternoons spent in the movies. We’ve got you covered
for that stuff, too, since our own Sarah Neese is quite the movie
buff and there’s a few great ideas for date nights downtown.
I’m making this letter short this month so you can get on
decorating, celebrating and spending time with friends & family.
If you need me, I’ll be decking the halls.
Happy Holidays,
Meg McElhaney,
Editor-in-Chief
Hometown Hoops
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL IN FULL SWING
SCHOOLSsports
Basketball season getshot when the weather
turns cold. Local high school teams are
ramping up their efforts in order to make their
season count and eventually qualify for the “big dance” otherwise
known as the high school basketball state tournament. Each year
teams give it their all and fight it out in Districts, Regionals and
Area hoping to get their time under those bright lights. This year
the Casady and Heritage Hall High School basketball teams are
looking to shake things up in an effort to make their season one
for the books.
Heritage Hall
After coming off of a successful season, the Chargers are ready to
jumpstart the 2015-2016 playoffs with more wins. The reigning
3A Boys Basketball Champions, Heritage Hall will rely heavily on
their tenacious defense and the leadership of Calon Woodson to
power the Chargers to another state championship run. After an
early end to the season in Regionals agains Perkins-Tyrone, the
Lady Chargers are looking to do what it takes to make the state
tournament, as well. With their formidable defense, it’s likely they
will give other 3A competitors a run for their money.
Casady
As a member of the Southwest Preparatory Conference, the
Cyclones are looking to take on their competitors from both in
and out of state. Coach Owens is looking to capitalize on Chandler
Coleman, Jaylan Williams and Isaiah Livingston’s talents. With
their leadership and experience, Casady is sure to give teams in their
conference a run for their money. The Lady Cyclones are hoping to
grow from last year’s season, and Grace Patton and Caroline Silver
are two players looking to
help the Lady Cyclones do
just that.
Written by Katy Fabrie
The beginning of a new year signals the frantic frenzy to kick-start new endeavors and ditch those nasty habits we may
have picked up during 2015. However, it’s a well-known fact that New Year’s resolutions don’t always go according to
plan. At High Five, we’re all about daring to be intentionally different. That’s why we’ve curated a unique list of five
resolutions that we think are pretty rad. Here’s to actually crossing all those resolutions off your list this year. Cheers
to 2016! - Sarah Neese
1) Become an explorer.
In the words of Dora the Explorer, “Come on, let’s get to it. I know that we can do it.” So, why not grab your map and backpack
and head out on a journey? New adventures can be intimidating, but we recommend you start in your own backyard.
Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro areas offer a variety of amazing places to eat, play, and visit. Explore a little more
of your city, this year, and while you’re at it, snap a few artsy Instagram pics to add to your collection.
2) Change the world.
Let’s face it. The world could always use a little change for the better, and kindness is the perfect catalyst to get the ball rolling.
For 2016, try a simple, random act of kindness every day. Pick up a piece of trash. Open a door for someone. Compliment
your coworker’s sweet, new Star Wars shirt, and don’t forget about a simple smile. Smiling is our favorite.
3) Make dreams come true.
Chances are high that, in 2016, you’re going to turn a year older than you were before, which means that you’ve put another
year between yourself and your nostalgic childhood. A new year is the perfect time to finally make those childhood dreams
come true. Have you always wanted to eat Lucky Charms for dinner? Do it! Have you been dreaming of riding Space Mountain
at Disney World for years? Make it happen! Missed out on all those Spring Break ski trips? Hit the slopes! Whatever your
childhood dreams may be, this is the year to wave your own fairy godmother wand and bippity, boppity, boo!
4) Perfect the friend zone.
It’s time to add some new friends into your life, and we’re not talking about expanding your Facebook friends list. Strike up
a conversation with one of your coworkers. Grab a bite to eat with someone new. Spend more time with old and new friends
alike. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself asking, “Did we just become best friends?”
5) Fall in love.
New love is exciting and fun, but it’s time to
swipe right on someone besides creepy Tony
from Tinder. We think we’ve got the perfect
match for you in 2016, and you may know
them better than you think. This year, make
time to fall in love with yourself. Schedule a
solo Netflix and chill date and binge-watch
that series that’s been in your queue for
weeks. We’re firm believers in penciling a
little “me-time” into your schedule. You’re
awesome, and you definitely deserve to
“treat yo self.”
Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion
Talk about decking the halls! High Five Media was honored with
the opportunity to have an exclusive, inside look at Christmas
at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion. Our tour guide, Maggie
Clark, executive director for Friends of the Mansion, toured us
from room to room as we ogled at the impressive trees, table
settings and stockings festooning every inch of Governor Mary
Fallin’s home.
The decoration team was compiled of seven people, headed by
local Edmonite, J. Mark Taylor from Traditions Fine Furniture
and Design. Taylor’s vision was apparent throughout the house
from the festively filled punch bowl (a replica of one from the
U.S.S. Oklahoma), to the towering tree in the entryway to a
custom-made square wreath created specifically to highlight the
state seal of Oklahoma.
“Getting to enjoy the mansion grounds during the holiday
season is truly an extra bonus of my job,” said Maggie Clark,
executive director for Friends of the Mansion. “From the
Oklahoma room which showcases all of the past State holiday
ornaments, to the five beautiful trees in the Phillips Pavilion,
the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion has an outstanding level of
Christmas spirit.”
The Mansion is supported, in part, by proceeds from annual
ornament sales. This year’s ornament is a tribute to the State
Capitol building which celebrates the Capitol Restoration
Project and its effort to relight the dome. Patrons can also
purchase a cookbook entitled Getting Grilled, featuring first
gentleman, Wade Christensen. Getting Grilled is the first ever
first gentleman’s cookbook dedicated to grilling recipes and
techniques.
Written by Katy Fabrie
Photographed by Jonathan Burkhart
Date Night
With so much hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget
about the important things. In the holiday shopping
madness, it’s also easy to forget take care of your
relationships with the people for which you buy
presents. Remembering to foster those relationships
will help your mental state, and when you’re less
stressed, those
around you will be
less inclined to feel
stressed.
So whether you’ve
got to call the
babysitter—or
the dog sitter—or
you need to take
a breather from
studying for finals,
or you just want to
have some good
fun, OKC during
the holidays is the
place for you.
Start off your evening with an early dinner at Pizzeria
Gusto (2415 N Walker Ave.). Pizzeria Gusto takes the
entrepreneur spirit of Oklahoma and mixes it with old
Italian traditions of Pizza Napoleatana, a pizza that
takes simple ingredients and an intense wood fire to
make a pizza you won’t forget. They feature a number
of small plates, appetizers, salads, desserts, and 11
beers on tap
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-
Saturday 11 a.m to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10
p.m.
Catch some drinks at the OKC Uptown success story,
The Pump Bar (2425 N. Walker Ave.). Known to
have Harry Potter audiobooks playing over the sound
system, choose from their 16 local specialty beers they
have on tap, or choose from over 50 domestic and
import craft bottles and whiskeys. You won’t want to
miss out on this Uptown success story.
Open weekdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and weekends 11
a.m. to 2 a.m.
Then, head up to the Plaza district and catch A
Christmas Carol. Lyric Theater will be putting on A
Christmas Carol for
its 5th year in a row
with Devon Energy
as a proud and local
sponsor.
Running December
2-27. Show times
vary. Check
lyrictheaterokc.com
for tickets and show
times.
Just can’t get away
for the night
without crossing
something off your
to-do list? Make a
compromise and
do something fun WHILE still shopping for your gift
list. Check out the OKC Midtown’s Holiday Pop-Up
Shops! Located on the NE corner of 10th and Hudson,
these geodesic domes house different shops every
weekend until Christmas! 35 independent shops
rotating through every week, an urban Christmas tree
lot managed by Bishop John Carroll School and OKC’s
own Katiebug’s hot chocolate trailer make this block
merry!
The holiday shops opened November 27th and will
continue until December 20th. Thursday-Saturday, 10
a.m to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Written by Kennedy McAlister
LINKED QUAIL SPRINGS DECEMBER 2015
With the holiday season comes a certain urgency for
assessing the past year, while looking forward to the new
one. Old habits are often replaced by newer, healthier
ones (if even for a little while). Starting fresh can feel
exciting, especially if bigger and better things await
around the corner.
Similar to that optimistic possibility, Dr. David
Birdwell is bringing a
fresh, new business to his
local community in 2016.
Orthodontic Arts is Dr.
Birdwell’s new practice in the
Midtown area. Orthodontic
Arts strives to provide
state-of-the-art-services
for children and adults at
an affordable price. The
latest technology has been
incorporated including
3 dimensional scanning
capabilities to avoid messy
impressions. The most
cosmetic types of orthodontic care are provided
including Invisalign and clear brackets.
Beginning a new chapter in his career with Orthodontic
Arts, Dr. Birdwell is excited to open a business in the
budding Midtown area. The beautiful facility is located
at 421 NW 10th Street and is currently open for patients.
Dr. Birdwell and his experienced team view 2016 as a
year of innovation and excitement. The Midtown area is
known for its hip, youthful atmosphere and is filled to
the brim with fun restaurants, shopping and activities
for those residing in Oklahoma City. Dr. Birdwell
specifically chose Midtown as the new Orthodontic Arts
location to facilitate that same energy in his practice.
Dr. Birdwell is no rookie to orthodontic care. He began
practicing in 1987, so he’s been working hard to advocate
for orthodontic advances for 28 years. His education
began at Oklahoma State University where he received
his Bachelor of Science degree. He then continued his
education at the University of Oklahoma, receiving his
D.D.S. degree. After receiving his D.D.S., Dr. Birdwell
went on to complete his General Practice Residency
which took place with the United States Air Force.
Once he completed his residency, Dr. Birdwell traveled
to Orgeon Health and Science University School of
Medicine where he received his Speciality Certificate
in Orthodontics. What’s more, he has spent his entire
life championing the Oklahoma City community. As a
founder of Orthodontic
Associates, Dr. Birdwell
grew his practice from
a single practitioner
office to a multi-doctor
facility. In January 2015,
he made the decision
to pursue his dream of
bringing premium dental
care to everyone through
Orthodontic Arts. He is
involved in several local
dental study clubs and
recently founded a new
multi-disciplinary study
club to further improve the overall quality of dental care
for the Oklahoma City area.
As an avid supporter of many local non-profit
organizations including Hearts for Hearing, Young Life,
Youth for Christ and Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, Dr.
Birdwell knows what it means to work with a higher goal
in mind. He looks forward to bringing the same level of
excellence to the Midtown location of Orthodontic Arts.
A new year brings with it new opportunities to grow,
learn and try new things. Dr. Birdwell and Orthodontic
Arts are taking that attitude to heart and benefiting the
local community in the process.
If you're interested in learning more about Orthodontic
Arts visit their website at www.orthodonticarts.com or
call 405-604-3745.745
Written by Katy Fabrie
Photo provided
BUSINESS news
When we walked up to the front porch of Santa’s home
(we can’t tell you where that is, for obvious reasons) he
was chatting with a couple of neighborhood kids who had
stopped by for candy and conversation on their way home
from school. This was a quintessential Santa moment,
embodying everything we think of the jolly Christmas
legend. He gently bade them farewell as he ushered us
inside, to a warm
home with books,
more candy, and of
course, a collage of
crosses on his wall.
Here at Santa’s secret
lair - far from his
holiday headquarters
at the North Pole
– he offered us a
window into his
world. We sat down
with him and heard
how he became
the most beloved
bearded man in the
world.
Thirty years ago,
he wasn’t Santa. He
was Dan Short, an
ambitious man with
a wealth of experience in politics and non-profits. He was a
man obviously interested in, and capable of being a changemaking
leader. But he was – and still is – a very spiritual
man.
“I came to an awareness that my original motivations to
serve and to lead were all motivated very purely to be of
service,” Dan said. “But over the years, those motivations
were corrupted.” He realized that he had become motivated
more by recognition than by service. He prayed about it,
and asked God for the strength to change course. Finally,
he made a promise to himself, and to God, that he would
not seek leadership positions from then on out, and that he
would only accept those offered to him if he truly felt called.
Ten years later, Dan was a man dutifully accompanying
his wife to the mall for some holiday shopping. “I didn’t
particularly like shopping,” he said. But he went along
anyway, as so many husbands, fathers, and significant
others do on chilly days when holiday deals are just too
good to pass up. As his wife shopped, he found a bench, and
soon found himself passing the time by watching the mall
Santa listen to kids talking about what they hoped to get for
Christmas.
“I was enthralled by
the guy,” Dan said. “He
was so gentle with those
kids. Each kid was just
the only person in the
world to him.” Dan
was mesmerized by it.
“He was establishing
a relationship with
those kids,” he said of
the Santa he admits
studying for over an
hour while his wife
shopped.
After five years, - yes,
FIVE YEARS of passing
the time watching Santa
as his wife shopped at
Quail Springs, Santa
came up to him during
one of his breaks.
“I was like a kid,” Dan said, giddy with excitement that
Santa would come talk to him. Then came the unexpected
and life-changing question: Santa asked Dan, “Have you
ever thought about being Santa?”
“Of course I had,” Dan said, but he had no idea how to go
about doing it.
Next thing he knew, he and his wife were in Las Vegas for
what was essentially an audition to be Santa. He met Santas
all over the country, hearing both their saddest and funniest
Santa stories from the previous season. He even remembers
one of the more novel experiences from that first trip.
“We met a couple times to go to a buffet,” he said of the
gathering of real-bearded Santa’s, who could take off their
costumes but not their tufts of cotton-white facial hair. “It
was really quite a spectacle.”
His interview went well, and they eventually found him a
job as Santa at Iowa City, Iowa’s Coral Ridge Mall, where he
served as Santa for two years. He had fun, he said, but had
no idea how draining it could be.
“I literally could not get out of bed on Christmas Eve that
year,” he recalled of his first season. But he found that it
had its perks, as well. Because they were traveling home to
Oklahoma City on Christmas Day, they had their Christmas
dinner at a Red Lobster. When he tried to pay, he found that
their meal was on the house, and as they got up to leave,
they were met with loud applause from the other diners.
Dan went back to Iowa City for his second season as Santa
the following year, but tragically, his wife was diagnosed
with Stage 4 cancer a few days after Christmas. Because
of her diagnosis, Dan decided not to return to Iowa City.
His time as Santa may well have been over then, but as it
happened, North Pole City needed a Santa, and he was
happy to oblige. His debut season as the North Pole Santa
(pretty official sounding, right?) was in 2003. His wife was
still battling cancer, and they were very accommodating.
Any time he needed to take her to the doctor or be with her
after a treatment, they simply hung a sign that said, “Santa is
feeding his reindeer.”
His wife passed away in March of 2004.
Over the years, the ups and downs of his personal life have
had an impact on his work as Santa. But, he says, “The role
of Santa is a privilege to me. It has been since I observed
that Santa so many years ago.” So no matter what happens,
he makes sure that the kids he meets get as authentic a
Santa experience as he can give them.
While some Santas don’t always give it all they’ve got, Dan’s
approach is special.
“I try to convey that Santa is love,” he said, as he talked
of tying his work with his faith. In fact, he sees a lot of
parallels between Santa and the trinity – the unconditional
love of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son, the ever-present
wisdom and nature of the Holy Spirit. He sees that the
image of Santa – a man who inexplicably gives every child
a gift on Christmas, who kids believe works hard all year
to accomplish that feat, who knows who has been naughty
and who has been nice, as a symbol of faith for young
children to absorb. He even incorporates the teaching of
the real story of Christmas into his work as Santa. When he
worked at the mall, he asked every kid he met to do him a
favor: sing happy birthday to Jesus. “For me, it is a mission
of communicating that Santa loves them and that they are
worthwhile, valuable.”
“Every kid is a unique encounter,” Dan said. Knowing that
for many kids, their moment on Santa’s lap can be a huge
one in their lives, he makes sure to say something uplifting
to each kid who comes to see him. He always asks what
their name is and how old they are, but when time permits,
he loves to try to get to know them. And he lets them ask
him questions, as well. “I try to keep it light and affirming.”
One thing parents may not like about Dan’s approach is that
he doesn’t believe in the naughty list. He makes sure to tell
every kid that they made the “Nice List” again this year. But
that doesn’t mean he doesn’t run into mischievous children.
He recalled a little girl who asked him for a big, scary snake.
“Where are you going to keep it?” he asked, to which she
replied, “in my sister’s bed!”
Does he encounter Santa skeptics? Of course! He laughed as
he told us of a time recently when he visited an elementary
school. As the kids were clamoring to meet him, he
overheard an older student say “don’t buy into it, it’s a lie!”
“You can’t win them all over,” he said.
But his spirit of service doesn’t end when Christmas is over.
He lives in one of the poorer zip codes in Oklahoma City,
and does so intentionally. He believes in creating a strong
sense of community, and that that being a good neighbor is
even more important in neighborhoods like the one he lives
in. Most people on the block call him Santa, both because
many of them don’t know his real name, and because they
know he is the kind of person that will help them when
they’re in need. “Being a good neighbor is all I’m trying to
do here,” he humbly said.
One day, he was enjoying the nice weather on his front
porch when a young man walked by. “Hey Santa, will you
pray for my mother?” he asked. “She’s in Detroit, and we
think she’s going to see her last day pretty soon.” Dan prayed
with the stranger. A few days later, that same young man
walked by again and said, “I want you to know, my heart
is good. I know she’s in heaven because she was a good
woman.”
We plied him, and Dan told us several other moving stories
of his interactions with his neighbors. He truly is the
embodiment of Santa, but year ‘round, and for people who
need it the most.
Talking to Dan it is hard not to believe, if not just for his
appearance. If Santa is real, he is most definitely a good
neighbor, a caring soul, someone to pray with and someone
who makes each child know how special and important
they are, even if he’s the only one saying so. He would go
into the bad neighborhoods and love the undesirables. And,
on his off days he would probably rock a sweet pair of Toms.
No one knows if Dan is the real Santa, or just one of his
highest ranking associates, but for now, you can find him at
North Pole City, showing children that they are each special,
and that Santa loves them.
Written by Meg McElhaney & Forrest Bennett
Photographed by Jonathan Burkhart
Coming Soon:
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force
Awakens
Release Date: December 18
Years in the making, the newest addition
to the Star Wars trilogy is finally arriving
in theaters. This story of this long-awaited
film, directed by J.J. Abrams, is set three
decades after the end of Star Wars: Episode
VI – Return of the Jedi. Starring cast
originals Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and
Harrison Ford, as well as a host of Star
Wars rookies, including Daisy Ridley,
Adam Drver, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar
Isaac, Simon Pegg, and Lupita Nyong’o, The
Force Awakens is likely to generate recordbreaking
buzz throughout this holiday
season.
Sisters
Release Date: December 18
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler team up in this
comedy about two sisters who throw one
last house party after discovering that their
parents have placed their childhood home
up for sale. Fey and Poehler have a habit of
working well together on screen, which is
sure to translate in this holiday release. The
film is rated-R, so be sure to leave the kids
at home.
The Hateful Eight
Release Date: December 25
Quentin Tarantino’s eighth film, The
Hateful Eight, tells the story of eight
strangers, ranging from outlaws and
sheriffs to confederates and criminals,
trying to escape a Wyoming blizzard in
the post-Civil War era. Keeping in classic
Tarantino style, the movie features a host
of intriguing characters played by a notable
cast, including Kurt Russell, Samuel L.
Jackson, Tim Roth, and Walton Goggins.
With a likely R-rating and intense themes,
this lengthy Tarantino western is best left
for adult viewers.
Joy
Release Date: December 25
With the likes of Silver Linings Playbook
and American Hustle, David O. Russell’s
recent films have earned multiple Oscar
nominations. Joy will likely follow in
those Academy Award footsteps. Russell
has teamed up once again with Jennifer
Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, and Robert De
Niro for a comedic drama, which follows
the story of Joy (Jennifer Lawrence) and her
journey to becoming the head of a powerful
family business. If you plan on seeing this
film, it would probably be a good idea to
bring along some tissues.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road
Chip
Release Date: December 25
Back again for a fourth installment, Alvin
and the Chipmunks are on a mission to
get to Miami and prevent their friend
Dave from abandoning them for his new
girlfriend. Jason Lee, Justin Long, Matthew
Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris,
and Christina Applegate are all returning
for the film and are joined by new cast
members Bella Thorne and Kaley Cuoco.
Be sure to bring your kids along for this
wild, cartoon “road chip.”
Concussion
Release Date: December 25
This hard-hitting film, starring Will Smith,
tells the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu,
the man who first discovered the effects
of brain trauma caused by football-related
injuries. The film explores the controversy
surrounding the discovery and the NFL’s
efforts to keep it quiet. Also starring Alec
Baldwin and Luke Wilson, Concussion is
already garnering Oscar buzz.
The Revenant
Release Date: December 25
Inspired by true events, The Revenant tells
the story of Hugh Glass, a man left for dead
by his companions after a bear attack. His
journey to seek revenge and redemption
leads him through a brutal winter, and the
audience is along for the ride. Leonardo
DiCaprio and Tom Hardy headline this
film, with Domhnall Gleeson and Will
Poulter joining the supporting cast. This
film is rated-R and will likely be a highintensity
drama.
The Classics:
Home Alone
This year marks the 25th anniversary of
Kevin McCallister’s adventures in boobytrapping
criminals and exploring life while
Home Alone. What better way to celebrate
the holidays and the film’s anniversary than
by watching this classic feel-good film?
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
If we’re honest, we’ve all got a little bit of
Griswold in our family. Perhaps that’s why
this classic Christmas comedy is so darn
funny. We laugh, because it’s true. Join the
Griswolds again this year in celebrating
the most wonderful time of the year –
cousin Eddie and all. Having the haphap-
happiest Christmas should definitely
include a viewing of Christmas Vacation.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Looking for the true meaning of Christmas?
Well, so is Charlie Brown. Let’s face it. We
could all use a little Charlie Brown, and
the perfect time for Charlie Brown to drop
some wisdom into our lives is the holiday
season. It’s a classic that brings equal parts
sarcasm and heart-warming sentiment. We
never thought it was such a bad little movie.
It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs
a little love.
Written by Sarah Neese
GOOOOAAAALLLLL!
RAYO OKC, A NASL TEAM, CALLS OKLAHOMA CITY HOME
“You can’t score a goal if you don’t
take a shot.” Johan Cruijff
A new soccer club is taking a shot at
Oklahoma City this coming spring. Rayo
OKC, a North American Soccer League
(NASL) club is set to kick off its 2016
Spring Season, and High Five Media has
an exclusive interview with one of Rayo
OKC’s Managing Partners, Brad Lund. The
new soccer team will provide locals with a
taste of international soccer competition,
played by some of the most
elite athletes and players from
around the world. Sitting
down with Lund, it’s clear that
Rayo OKC is going to offer a
unique soccer experience for
fans.
“It will be high energy
entertainment from the time
you pull into the parking lot
to the time you leave,” Lund
said. “You don’t have to be a
soccer aficionado to enjoy our
product.”
That product is sure to
impress not only the residents
of Oklahoma City, but also those in
surrounding areas. Lund and his team
are marketing the games as more of a
family and budget-friendly experience
with tickets starting at $12 and going to
$40. Since Rayo OKC partners with Rayo
Vallecano de Madrid, a Spanish team,
the standards of play, caliber of players
and quality of competition will be at the
highest level. Similar to the quality of
the players, is the quality of home field
advantage—Rayo OKC will play at Yukon
High School’s beautiful, Miller Stadium.
Why Yukon?
For those curious about why an Oklahoma
City team chose a home venue outside of
Oklahoma County, Lund provides some
relevant reasons.
“I was shocked how conveniently located it
[Miller Stadium] was,” Lund said. “It’s less
than three miles from Kilpatrick and less
than three miles from I-40. The stadium
is sparkling; it is as nice a high school
stadium as there is in Oklahoma.”
As the fastest growing county in
Oklahoma, Canadian County is
represented by 17 cities, including El
Reno, Mustang and Yukon. When it
comes to soccer, Canadian County has the
quickest growing youth soccer registration
in Oklahoma.
“Canadian County is booming and they
have greeted us with open arms,” Lund
said. “We look forward to bringing prosports
to their county.”
For those hoping to make the trip to Miller
Stadium from Edmond or Oklahoma
City, Rayo OKC home games are a 15-25
minute drive from anywhere in the greater
Oklahoma City Metro.
Why Soccer?
Though Oklahoma has successful youth
soccer clubs across the state, when asked
what sport the state supports most
adamantly, many Okies will instantly
tout football or basketball as reigning
supreme. Soccer, in many cases, seems
to fall out of focus when compared to a
Sooner, Cowboy or Thunder game. The
OKC Energy however, a USL soccer club,
has been making strides in changing this
fact as it has experienced great success in
recent years and has fans popping out of
the woodwork. With one successful soccer
team already in town, the question of why
bring another soccer club to a state known
for hardwood and gridiron competitions
is one that Lund hears quite often. He cites
his team’s research into the demographics
and recent growth of Oklahoma City as
the main drivers, while also remarking on
Oklahoma’s ability to grow into teams, like
the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I think OKC has become a more educated
NBA city,” Lund said.
That education is something
sports fans can use when it
comes to Rayo OKC, especially
since Rayo OKC, a NASL team,
and OKC Energy, a USL team,
are actually quite different.
“There are three main
differences, the economics—
players in the NASL make
considerably more money
than players in the USL.
Secondly, the NASL is not a
developmental league; we are
not signing athletes so they can
move on to bigger and better
things. Finally, is attendance, league-wise
NASL attendance is almost double of USL.”
With such considerable differences, it
seems both the Energy and Rayo OKC
have unique contributions they can make
to the Oklahoma City sports community.
“The Energy has done a nice job branding
their product,” Lund said. “That shows that
the interest is there in pro-soccer. We do
think the market can support two teams.”
Sports fans should gear up for a highenergy
experience, different than anything
they’ve seen before. With Rayo OKC
comes clout, talent, and a family-friendly
activity that champions the community.
What more could locals want?
Written by Katy Fabrie
Photo courtesy Rayo OKC
The start of a new year marks a fresh start for many as
they kick off New Year’s resolutions and find their way
back to the pursuit of health and wellness. Oklahoma
City’s sprawling metropolis and southern lifestyle can
often make healthy living a challenge. However, even
small changes in daily diet can go a long way toward
helping to meet resolution goals.
In recent years, the metro has seen a surge in popularity
among clean-eating restaurants and establishments.
With locations around the city, Cool Greens, located
at 14201 N. May in the Quail Springs area, has already
garnered popularity among Oklahoma residents.
Focused on dishes that boast both nutritious ingredients
and delicious flavors, Cool Greens offers menu items in
the form of salads, wraps, flatbreads and sandwiches.
Patrons can choose from a variety of flavor profiles or
build their own ingredient combinations. For more
information about Cool Greens North May or its menu
items, visit coolgreens.com or call (405) 286-9304.
Also in the Quail Springs area, Zoës Kitchen,
located at 14110 N. Pennsylvania, offers a number of
Mediterranean cuisine options, perfect for a quick and
healthy workday lunch or a cool and clean dinner.
“At Zoës, we’re inspired about the Mediterranean
way of life, which includes cooking with simple, fresh
ingredients to create nutritious meals that will leave you
feeling great,” Marta Danylyk, Public Relations Manager
for Zoës Kitchen, said.
Their menu boasts various hummus starters, pita
sandwiches, salads, and kabobs. For those looking to
expand healthier eating into their families’ diets, Zoës
Kitchen also offers Mediterranean family meal options,
which include one entrée, two fresh sides, and a starter.
“In the Mediterranean, life happens around the
table when we gather as friends and family around
delicious food,” Danylyk said. “At Zoës, we encourage
commensality, and the Mediterranean Family Meal is a
great option for groups of 3-6, where everyone can share
a few fresh appetizers, sides, and entrees while enjoying
each other. It’s a great option for dine-in or take home!”
To find out more about how Zoës Kitchen Quail Springs
can fit into your lifestyle, visit zoeskitchen.com or call
(405) 749-4980.
While Cool Greens and Zoës Kitchen provide healthy
menu choices for a quick and simple meal, one metro
restaurant has introduced a style of healthy eating that
is relatively new to the Oklahoma City area. Provision
Kitchen, located in Nichols Hills Plaza, at 6443 Avondale
Drive, opened in early October and offers a unique clean
eating experience. With a true farm-to-table mentality,
Provision Kitchen’s menu items are chef-created
and made with fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
Differing from other healthy-eating establishments in
the nearby area, Provision centers on ready-to-heat
meals, served in oven- and microwave-safe containers.
“Our dinners are low-carb, so they’re very high in
protein,” Whitney McClendon, managing partner of
Provision Kitchen, said. “They have a lot of organic
vegetables, which will definitely help you wake up
feeling slimmer, better, and ready for a healthier day.”
McClendon began Provision after seeing an available
niche for clean eating in the Oklahoma City market.
“My profession is public health and epidemiology,
so I’ve spent years studying chronic disease, and my
passion is cooking,” McClendon said. “When I moved
up to Oklahoma City with my husband for his job, I just
took a look around the city, and I felt like we were really
ready for something like this. The state’s an agricultural
state, and we’ve got a few businesses that have a focus on
local and healthier options that have done really well. I
just feel like it’s something that the city is ready for.”
Unique to Provision and coinciding with Oklahoma’s
existing agricultural landscape, Provision Kitchen
works closely alongside its farming partner, Provision
Organic Farm, in planning crops and harvests to
provide seasonal and sustainable ingredients for the
kitchen’s menu items. Its expansive menu includes
breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings, as well as soups,
fresh-tossed salads and various snacks.
Provision’s cuisine is focused on what it calls the
Provision Kitchen pillars, which entails food that is:
minimally processed, gluten-free, nutrient dense,
plant-focused, honestly sweet (free of artificial sugar
and sugar substitutes), diet-friendly, calorie conscious,
organic, made with clean ingredients, and part of a
balanced meal.
“I think it’s all about balance,” McClendon said. “Small
changes make a huge difference. Clean eating and high
quality ingredients are key, so rather than trying to
follow some fad diet or eating extremely processed diet
food, it’s all about real food and balance overall.”
For those looking to kick-start their New Year’s
resolution, Provision offers a 21-day restore program.
The program includes three meals and two snacks for
each of the 21 days and begins with a planning meeting,
in which McClendon will help participants customize
the program to fit their lifestyles.
“It helps them jump-start clean eating, and most of
the time they’ll lose several pounds on the program,”
McClendon said. “We’ll work with them, along with a
registered dietician. All they’ll pay for is the price of
food. [The program is] tailored to their lifestyle, so if
they have certain dinners one night and they can’t eat
the food, we’ll work with them along the way, and get
them on track.”
With healthy eating options becoming more accessible in
the metro, the chances of keeping this year’s resolutions
have climbed, in contrast to years past. A small change
in eating could be the difference in making or breaking
your New Year’s goals. To learn more about Provision
Kitchen and its menu, visit www.provision-kitchen.com
or call (405) 843-2310.
Written & styled by Sarah Neese
Photographed by Jonathan Burkhart
DEC. 15 – JAN. 10
Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink
12 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Hours vary by day)
WHAT: A great way to get together
with the whole family, the Edmond
Ice Rink offers up chilly, holiday
fun with an ice-skating rink perfect
for all ages.
WHERE: Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell
Rd. Edmond, OK 73003
INFO: For more information, visit
www.edmondoutdooricerink.com,
email info@expressice.com, or call
(405) 274-1638.
COST: $10 general admission
(including skate rental); $7 with
your own skates; $5 for ages 5 and
under.
December 15 – 22, 2015
Oklahoma City Ballet Presents: The
Nutcracker
TBA
WHAT: The Nutcracker classic
ballet with traditional staging and
Tchaikovsky’s score.
WHERE: Civic Center Music Hall,
201 N Walker, Oklahoma City, OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call 405.843.9898
or 405.848.8637
December 15 – 30 2015
Midwest City Holiday Lights
Spectacular
6pm – 9pm
WHAT: Watch one of Oklahoma’s
largest animated drive thru light
displays.
WHERE: Joe B. Barnes Regional
Park, Midwest City, OK 73110.
INFO: For more information on
this free event, call 405.733.3801 or
405.739.1288.
Dec. 17
Christmas with the Mrs.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Show
begins at 7:30 p.m.
WHAT: Bryce Merritt performs a
Christmas melody line-up, with the
help of his wife, Bethany Merritt.
WHERE: UCO Jazz Lab, 100 East
Fifth Street Edmond, OK 73034
INFO: For more information, visit
www.ucojazzlab.com or call (405)
359-7989. You can purchase tickets
at www.brycemerritt.com.
COST: $12
December 17, 2015
Sounds of the Season
7:30pm
WHAT: Oklahoma City
Philharmonic will perform
Christmas classics.
WHERE: Yukon Fine Arts Center,
850 Yukon Ave, Yukon, OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call 405.350.8937
or 405.354.8442.
December 17-20
A Territorial Christmas Carol
Dec. 17-18: 8 p.m.; Dec. 19: 2 p.m. &
8 p.m.; Dec. 20: 2 p.m.
WHAT: This tradition, celebrating
its 28th year, uses the backdrop
setting of the era of the Oklahoma
Land Run to tell Charles Dickens’
story of the Christmas Carol. This
adaptation by Stephen P. Scott is a
bestseller year after year.
WHERE The Pollard Theatre, 120
West Harrison Avenue
,Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044
INFO: Infants and toddlers will
not be allowed into the theater.
For more information, visit www.
thepollard.org or call (405) 282-
2800.
COST: $30 general admission; $27
seniors (62 & older); $24 military
or teachers; $15 students
December 19
Santa and the Edmond Police
Department
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHAT: Join the Edmond Police
Department for photos with Santa,
also featuring some of Edmond’s
police officers.
WHERE: Edmond Police
Department, 100 E. First St.
INFO: No appointment is needed.
For more information, visit www.
visitedmondok.com or call (405)
341-4344.
COST: Free
December 19
Territorial Victorian Walk
5-9 p.m.
WHAT: The Victorian Walk offers a
peek into Christmas celebrations
of Victorian times. The Downtown
Historic District will feature living
scenes, carolers, peanut vendors,
shopkeepers, and traditional
Victorian costumes.
WHERE: Guthrie’s Downtown
Historic District
INFO: For more information, visit
www.guthrieterritorialchristmas.
com or call (405) 412-4132.
COST: Free
December 23 – 24, 2015
Shen Yun
Wednesday 7pm; Thursday 12pm
WHAT: Global sensation of classical
Chinese dance performed for
audiences.
WHERE: Civic Center Music Hall,
201 N Walker, Oklahoma City, OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call 405.297.2264
or 888.974.3698
December 23, 2015
Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Concert
4pm & 8pm
WHAT: The Ghosts of Christmas
Eve, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s
rock opera.
WHERE: Chesapeake Energy Arena,
100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City,
OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call
405.602.8500.
December 25, 2015
OKC Thunder Christmas Game
1:30pm
WHAT: KD and Russ take on
Derrick Rose and the Bulls in this
NBA match up.
WHERE: Chesapeake Energy Arena,
100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City,
OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call
405.208.4800.
December 31, 2015
Opening Night
7pm
WHAT: New Years’ Eve celebration
with music, dancing, and fireworks.
WHERE: Downtown OKC
INFO: For more information, call
405.270.4888
January 2 - 3, 2016
OKC Land Run Antique Show
Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 10am
– 5pm
WHAT: Discover treasured antiques
and collectibles.
WHERE: Oklahoma State Fair
Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd,
Oklahoma City, OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call 918.619.2875
January 7 – 9, 2016
Oklahoma Winter Quilt Show
10am – 5pm
WHAT: Learn, shop, and get great
quilting ideas at the Oklahoma
Winter Quilt Show
WHERE: Cox Pavilion at State Fair
Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd,
Oklahoma City.
INFO: For more information, call
775.971.9266 or 650.269.0889.
January 12 – 17, 2016
Celebrity Attractions Presents:
Jersey Boys
7:30pm
WHAT: Experience the Broadway
Tony Award winning musical,
“Jersey Boys”.
WHERE: Civic Center Music Hall,
201 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City,
OK
INFO: For Tickets, call 800.869.1451.
January 14, 2016
Armstrong Auditorium Presents:
Sara Sant’Ambrogio
7:30pm
WHAT: Grammy Award Winning
cellist, Sara Sant’Ambrogio will
perform for audiences.
WHERE: Armstrong Auditorium,
14400 S Bryant Rd, Edmond, OK.
INFO: For Tickets, call 405.285.1010
January 15 – 17, 2016
International Finals Rodeo
Friday 7:30pm-10:30pm, Saturday
1:30pm-10:30pm, Sunday 11am-
4:30pm
WHAT: What the top 15 cowboys
and cowgirls compete for World
Championship Titles.
WHERE: Oklahoma State
Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK.
INFO: For more information, call
405.235.6540.
Fostering Love
FOSTER CHILDREN FIND LOVE IN LOCAL FAMILIES
There are over 10,000 children in foster care in the state
of Oklahoma alone. As a minister, I was never ignorant
to this fact or the fact that there are children in my
city and state that needed safe and loving homes, but
it wasn’t until my wife and I stepped out in faith to
become foster parents that I realized just how much these children
need us.
My wife and I started the journey into foster care in January 2014.
Laura and I desired to have our own children for years, but for
whatever reason, the Lord has not allowed this to happen yet. As
we began to consider other options, we felt the Lord prompting
us to take a step of faith to become foster parents and take care
of children who were in need of a loving, supportive home as we
waited upon the Lord. We knew the statistics and knew we couldn’t
help every child, but we knew we were called to help; even if it was
just one child. We received our first placement in April 2014.
As this child entered our home, our lives changed forever. One
of our biggest challenges in becoming foster parents was going
from having no kids, to being a family with kids. We had to make
adjustments to our schedules, sleep patterns, time together as a
couple, and more, but all of this was a welcomed challenge as we
knew that this is what the Lord had called us to.
Despite the challenges, we have had the great pleasure of seeing
these children grow and develop. We have even seen the children
we have fostered moved into kinship placements or adopted into
forever homes. It truly is an amazing journey to see a child have a
home, whether reuniting with their family or an adoptive home,
where they will be loved and cared for.
In the Bible, we see God described as a “Father to the fatherless”
(Ps. 68:5). In foster care, we get to see very real pictures of this.
God has called me to be a father to these children for a time, and
in doing so, I’ve been able to see just a glimpse of how much our
Heavenly Father truly loves and cares for us.
I’ve never experienced anything quite like foster care: loving a
child that has maybe never been loved, and then having to let them
go when it is time for them to move on is extremely painful but
rewarding. The key to foster care is to remember it is not about
you, but it is about these children. When my wife and I decided to
not focus on the pain that we might feel when we would have to
send a child to another home, but instead chose to focus on giving
that child the love and care they deserve right now, our whole
perspective changed. We give everything we can to the children
in our home, and when the time comes to send them to another
home, we get to do so with a peace of mind knowing that they
received all we had to give.
Foster Care is worth it. No one wants to see addiction, anger, abuse
or any other negative factor destroy a family, but it happens every
day. There are broken families who need help. There are innocent
children in these families that need a loving, nurturing, supportive,
and structured environment to stay in while their family walks
through these difficult times. The need for solid foster families in
Oklahoma is great, and there are many families that are out there
that can provide homes for these children.
In my experience, one of the greatest things DHS has done is
contract with agencies. Agencies, like Anna’s House Foundation,
have been extremely helpful in recruiting and supporting foster
families.
Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can be involved.
Whether that is serving as a foster parent, supporting an agency,
providing respite care, or simply encouraging a foster family you
know, these steps can be taken to insure that these children receive
the love and care they need.
Angela Parsons, an advocate for foster care and friend of our
family, told us this, “Being foster/adoptive parents is not an easy
journey, but it is one of the most important journeys that you will
ever undertake. There will be babies that will not remember your
touch, but they will be forever different because of the impact you
made on them. They will be forever changed by your love, care and
touch.”
Every foster family has a story. Ours is nothing special or
extravagant, we just took a step of obedience and faith that has
blessed our life in more ways than we could’ve imagined.
What role will you and your family play in helping a child in the
foster system?
Visit www.
oklahomafosters.com for
more information about
getting involved with
Foster Care.
Jeff DeGiacomo is the
Student Pastor at Quail
Springs Baptist Church
in Oklahoma City.
Connect with him on
twitter: @jeffdejac
