For the Love of Local Art
One of ten children growing up in a two-bedroom house in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Susie Varner says she was only still when she had a pencil in her hand. “I loved drawing and horses, and wanted to be an artist when I grew up.” Though life sometimes limited her artistic pursuits, Susie continued to practice painting…
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Entrepreneurs Bring Mobile Gaming to Town
Barbara King is a busy woman. By day, she leads multiple teams at her government job, applying her expertise in IT and leadership. But on the weekends, she’s a mobile gaming guru. It seems like a lot to balance, but the fourth-generation entrepreneur finds that such skills run in the family. “My great-grandparents owned and…
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Building Life Skills at Boys Ranch Town
Since 1954, Edmond’s Boys Ranch Town has offered a child-focused campus for boys in need of a home. There, young men arrive seeking help, experience a home, and leave with skills to serve them for life. One of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children’s (OBHC) many ministries, Boys Ranch Town is a 145-acre working ranch housing…
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Amber Layne: Following the Creative Thread
Name a needle, thread, machine, or fabric – Amber Layne knows it. Not only does she know it, she understands how it’s made. She can tell you why it’s chosen. She can show you how it’s used. She is an expert in her craft, and after one conversation with her, you’ll suddenly want to take…
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Jarrad Hewett: The Voice of Disney and Best Selling Author
Even if you don’t know his name, you may recognize his voice. Edmond native, Jarrad Hewett, is an award-winning author and the voice of HGTV and Disney Channel. Though he’s experienced incredible success on this path, it’s not one he always imagined for himself. “After graduating from Oklahoma City University, my intention was to attend…
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Luminance, an Enchanted Stroll
From November 17 to January 1, Edmond’s Mitch Park comes alive in a tapestry of lights called Luminance. Hosted by Edmond Electric, the aptly named “enchanted stroll” leads guests through more than 30 larger-than-life, lighted displays. Over 80,000 visitors will attend during the season. They may come for the lights, but they linger for the…
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A Comforting Canine
Emme knows who needs comfort as soon as she walks into a room – a skill strengthened by experience but ultimately intuition. The eight-year-old Bernese mountain dog became a certified therapy dog at the age of one (or seven, if you’re counting dog years) and her owner, Noreen Lyman, says she executes her role with…
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Simone’s Kids
Simone Puccinelli says she grew up with a heart for kids and in a way, she now has hundreds. Since starting Simone’s Kids in 2010, the Arcadia resident has guided the non-profit to build a primary school, high school, and medical clinic in Nakaseke, Uganda, all as a means to give students hope for their…
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Linda LaFleur: 82-Year-Old Point Guard
Eighty-two-year-old Linda LaFleur claims she’s lived an average life. But three masters degrees, a doctorate, decades of military service, and present-day basketball pursuits add up to anything but average. Linda is currently training for her ninth Senior Games, with her sights set on nationals. The Oklahoma Senior Games unite athletes ages 50 and up in…
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