Edmond businesses, neighbors offer help quickly

EDMOND — I’ve seen quite a few tornados in my life.

A couple of them have come dangerously close to my house; one took a few roof shingles with it.

As a reporter, I’ve seen the devastation that twisters can leave behind. The stories of loss and tragedy are often heartbreaking. But I always seem to hear one theme over and over from victims, "We’re alive. No one was hurt. All we lost was just stuff.”

One thing I don’t think people outside Oklahoma understand about us is how resilient and giving we are as a people. Tuesday night, just minutes after a twister left a trail of damage in Edmond, businesses and organizations already were mobilized offering food, shelter and helping hands to recover items.

I want to honor the many people who came out Tuesday in the aftermath of the tornado to check on neighbors, offer help and give support. This is what makes Edmond truly a great place to live.

Free neighborhood summit is scheduled

On Feb. 21, the Edmond Neighborhood Alliance is hosting the Edmond Neighborhood Summit.

Here’s an opportunity to talk to civic leaders about issues concerning your home and neighborhood.

At the end of the summit there is a forum featuring the candidates for mayor of Edmond, incumbent Dan O’Neil and Patrice Douglas.

The event is free and begins at 8 a.m. at the Multi-Activity Center in Mitch Park, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive.