Edmond Life & Liesure - January 2, 2020

January 2, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 32

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

For more information, see page 4.

Improving your finances this year See Page 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 Partly Cloudy High 49° Low 29°

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 Sunny High 50° Low 38°

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 Sunny High 60° Low 38°

Several events and newsmakers made 2019 another fascinating year.

Edmond Life & Leisure again was honored to bring you the activities that helped shape your life and the community during the 12-months.

Please look through this week’s edition and relive the moments, that made life in Edmond so special.

And when news happens in 2020, we will again be there to bring it all to you.

If you have a story idea for us, please share it by either calling (405) 340-3311 or e-mailing the news directly at news@edmondpaper. com Happy New Year everyone.

Page 2 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 3

Images 2019

Recycling Christmas trees Beginning this week, Christmas trees can be recycled by dropping them off at either Hafer Park or Mitch Park by Jan. 17. Trees are chipped, and free mulch is available for residents to pick up only at Mitch Park after Jan. 29.

Drop off locations will be: Hafer Park - upper-level parking lot adjacent to Bryant Avenue Mitch Park - On the South end of the West parking lot adjacent to Marilyn Williams (directly across from the MAC) The trees will be chipped, so please remove all tree stands, nails and ornaments. Commercial accounts, Christmas tree lots and other businesses will need to dispose of their trees by dropping them off at one of the two drop-off locations.

If You Can’t Drop Off The Tree: If you can't drop off your tree, residential customers can schedule a special, free collection the week before January 7. Call the tree-cycling hotline at (405) 359-4701 between now

The two-million-gallon bowl of the new Danforth Water Tower was raised into place in July. It took hours to complete. The facility is located just west of the railroad tracks on Danforth Road. The event drew interested spectators near the parking lot at Edmond North High School. ‘The Danforth Tower will be a significant improvement for the core area of Edmond’s water system and help balance the water pressure during our peak usage times,’ officials said.

Please see many more ‘Images of 2019’ all throughout today’s edition of Edmond Life & Leisure.

Museum event for Wayne fans Put on your cowboy boots and head to National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for an exciting evening of food, fun and one of The Duke’s best, True Grit (1969) Friday Jan. 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

A memorable evening will begin with John Wayne’s own granddaughter, Anita La Cava Swift, who will make a special guest appearance to give an introduction of the film.

Movie-goers will dine on a scrumptious buffet prepared by The Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City and a cash bar will also be available.

In conjunction movie fans will also experience the exhibition Two Grits – A Peek Behind the Eyepatch, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1969 film and the 10th anniversary of the 2010 film and explores the similarities and the differences between the two films. Guests will be greeted by John Wayne’s actual True Grit costume – shirt, pants, jacket, neckerchief, belt, cowboy boots, hat and iconic eye patch.

Other treasures include film artifacts including Wayne’s personal script he used during the production of the 1969 film (complete with The Duke’s own drawing in the margin!) and the

Best Actor Academy Award he earned for True Grit.

Other film artifacts include Kim Darby’s and Hailee Steinfeld’s Mattie Ross costumes, Jeff Bridges’s Rooster Cogburn hat, Matt Damon’s LaBoeuf costume and much more.

Following the movie, guests may enjoy a walk through the Two Grits exhibition with curator Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections & Western Art. It’s $45, $40 for Museum members. Reservations required by Jan. 7.

Charles Portis’ classic novel “True Grit” (1968) is the February 2020 book selection for the Read the West Book Club, which meets once a month in the Museum’s Dub & Mozelle Richardson Theater to discuss the month’s book and enjoy provided refreshments. Book lovers will meet to discuss “True Grit” February 9, 2020, from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (Register by February 6, 2020) Reservations are $6 for Museum members and $9 for general admission. For more information or to register for the event, visit https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/event/read-the-westbook-club-true-grit/

and Jan. 3 to be placed on the schedule. Collection will be provided during the week starting Monday, Jan. 6 and ending Friday, Jan. 10.

When placing your tree out for collection, please do not cover your water meter.

Trees may not necessarily be picked up on normal trash collection day. So, those who have called the hotline must place their tree at the curb before 7 a.m. on Jan. 6 to be included in this collection.

If You Miss the Special Collection: Cut your tree into smaller pieces and place it in your cart for regular collection.

Schedule a monthly, bulk collection for January by calling Utility Customer Services at (405) 359-4541 beginning Jan. 2. The bulk collection fee is $10 per cubic yard for the first two cubic yards and $5 for each additional cubic yard.

Take your tree to the Transfer Station located at I-35 & Covell Road for disposal. The charge for disposal of a Christmas tree is $5.

Page 4 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

The worst predictions, ever that it might even decrease My old mentor in the the number of automobile acnewspaper business, Leland cidents.

Gourley, always made preInteresting thought from dictions in his column for the Nobel Laureate but I’m the New Year. He would glad it was a prediction that also give his accuracy record isn’t coming true. Training anifor the predictions he made mals for such activities could the previous year. Most help but be cruel to the anitimes he had a pretty good mals. It is also not what narecord but other times it Ray Hibbard ture intended animals to be was a real stinker folks. for us humans. I think the robot idea Gourley never sugar coated the is still a better idea. truth. He told it just like it was given “I am convinced that within a centhat he was probably the greatest community journalist of all time. The tury coffee, tea, and tobacco will be no longer in vogue,” Wrote Nikola man was brilliant, and I miss him every day. The other day at the office Tesla wrote in 1937. “While smoking is a habit that’s waning,” he added.

I was grappling with a decision and thought, “If I could just give Leland a He sure had that one wrong, but he was on track with alcohol when he call.” said, “Alcohol will still be used. It is Gourley taught me many things not a stimulant but a veritable elixir about community journalism and of life.” business. He used to put it this way, Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-Ameri“I taught Ray everything he knows.

Not everything I know but everything can inventor, electrical engineer, mehe knows.” He also used to tell folks, chanical engineer, and futurist who is best known for his contributions to “Ray makes my living for me. It isn’t the design of the modern alternating a great living, but it is a living.” That current (AC) electricity supply sysold man loved me, and I loved him. tem. And yes, the car is named after However, one thing he didn’t pass along was how to make good predic- him.

Alexander Lewyt, American inventions for the new year. tor and entrepreneur predicted in Gourley seemed to have more fun 1955, “Nuclear-powered vacuum with the predictions that didn’t work cleaners will probably be a reality in out especially the ones that were to10 years.” One of his creations was, tally opposite of what he had prein fact, a vacuum cleaner. Although dicted. He laughed harder than the Lewyt machine was powered by anyone when his predictions would electricity. crash and burn. In honor of that, Even if someone was brave enough here are some past predictions that to be willing to use a nuclear-powdidn’t work out too well. ered vacuum in their house, I’m In 1967, American chemist and thinking their neighbors might object.

Nobel Laureate Glenn Seaborg sugI will have to ask our friend Bob gested robots were not the wave of March owner of House of Vacuums the future. He suggested that we her in Edmond if he would be willing would be relying on our animal to sell them. I know Bob well and I’m friends to do all the work when he guessing his answer would be a giant said, “For housewives of the 21st NO century who prefer animate rather In 1959, the U.S. Navy and Postal than mechanical domestic servants, there may be a choice other than the Service had the bright idea of a new way to deliver your mail. They collabrobot.” He wrote this in an article in orated mail delivery experiment, atThe Futurist titled “Women and the taching 3,000 letters to a missile and Year 2000.”

“By the year 2020 it may be possi- shooting it into the sky. It fell to ble to breed intelligent species of ani- earth 160km away at the Mayport naval base in Florida and was judged mals, such as apes, that will be capable of performing manual labor,” to have been a success. But, according to the U.S. National Postal Muhe said. seum, “missiles would never carry Old Seaborg must not have been enough mail to make their use worththinking of the SPCA being such a while.” big part of our lives. Even if this I hesitate to write this fearing the could be done, I don’t see the animal mail order folks and Internet sellers activists allowing folks to have a of goods will decide it is a good way trained monkey or ape in the house to deliver packages. Folks that order to do the laundry. He went on to goods could then yell, “In coming” as suggest that using well trained apes their package is delivered. I can’t rearound the house might be good in ally understand how the idea of misassigning them to be chauffeurs and

sile mail got started but it seems to be to be a good thing it didn’t take flight.

Here is a list of a few more that didn’t hold water. The amazing thing to me is who said some of these things. Folks like Bill Gates who went on to be giants in their industry. It just proves that no one is right all the time.

1,000 vacuum tubes and perhaps weigh one and a half tons.” — Popular Mechanics.

----1957: “I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won’t last out the year.” — Editor of Prentice Hall business books.

1903: “The horse is here to stay ----but the automobile is only a novelty 1959: “The world potential market — a fad.” — President of the Michigan for copying machines is 5,000 at Savings Bank advising Henry Ford’s most.” IBM told the eventual lawyer, Horace Rackham, not to infounders of Xerox. vest in the Ford Motor Company.

--------1961: “There is practically no 1921: “The wireless music box has chance communications space satelno imaginable commercial value. lites will be used to provide better Who would pay for a message sent telephone, telegraph, television or to no one in particular?” — Associates radio service inside the United of David Sarnoff responding to the States.” — T.A.M. Craven, Federal latter’s call for investment in the Communications Commission (FCC) radio. commissioner.

--------1926: “While theoretically and 1977: “There is no reason for any technically television may be feasible, individual to have a computer in his commercially and financially it is an home.” — Ken Olsen, founder of Digiimpossibility.” — Lee DeForest, “Fatal Equipment Corp. ther of Radio” and a pioneer in the ----development of sound-on-film record1981: “No one will need more ing used for motion pictures. He had than 637KB of memory for a perover 180 patents. sonal computer. 640KB ought to be ----enough for anybody.” — Bill Gates.

1936: “A rocket will never be able ----to leave the Earth’s atmosphere.” — 1989: “We will never make a 32bit operating system.” — Bill Gates.

New York Times.

--------1992: “The idea of a personal communicator in every pocket is a “pipe dream driven by greed.” — Andy Grove, then CEO of Intel.

----1995: “I predict the Internet will soon go spectacularly supernova and in 1996 catastrophically collapse.” — Robert Metcalfe, founder of 3Com, inventor of Ethernet.

----2003: “The subscription model of buying music is bankrupt. I think you could make available the Second Coming in a subscription model, and An early prediction on the fate of tel- it might not be successful.” — Steve evision proved to be terribly wrong.

Jobs, in Rolling Stone ----2007: “There’s no chance that the 1946: “Television won’t be able to iPhone is going to get any significant hold on to any market it captures market share.” — Steve Ballmer, Miafter the first six months. People will crosoft CEO. soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.” — Darryl Happy New Year to our readers, Zanuck, film producer, co-founder of advertisers and staff at Edmond Life 20th Century Fox. ----& Leisure. We thank you all for mak1949: “Where a calculator on the ing this newspaper possible.

ENIAC is equipped with 18,000 vacuum tubes and weighs 30 tons, com(Ray Hibbard may be reached by eputers of the future may have only mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside! n Remembering Michael Behenna’s pardon ....................................Page 7. n Weekend Calendar of Events........................................................Page 8. n Gaming dispute complicated ......................................................Page 10. n More on Addision Price ..............................................................Page 12. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n George Gust reviews Adam Sandler film ....................................Page 16. n A dinosaur, up close ..................................................................Page 20. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.

For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Account Executive Bryan Hallman bryan@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design April Burgess Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2019 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 5

Images of 2019

Heavy Spring Rains Once again, a very wet spring flooded out camping areas of Arcadia Lake. The rains forced the park to be closed for several weeks during the busy late spring and early summer time of year.

By August downtown Edmond was introduced to fleets of the Green Scooters. Riders can rent the transportation devices by the minute.

Page 6 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Images of 2019

The Edmond School Board makes decisions for 3,000 Edmond Public School employees and 25,000 students.

From left are members, Cynthia Benson, Jamie Underwood, Lee Ann Kuhlman, Meredith Exline and Kathleen Duncan.

In December, Exline was reelected to her second new fiveyear term when she did not draw an opponent.

Above, a map details a planned expansion for Summit Middle School in Edmond. It was part of a school bond package, which went before voters in February and was overwhelmingly approved. Below, a ground breaking was held for a new tennis center near Kelly and 15th. It’s a joint venture between EPS and the City.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 7

Images of 2019

A Full Pardon for Michael Behenna In spring Michael Behenna, a former Edmond North student, received a full pardon from President Trump. Behenna, a former Army first lieutenant, had spent years at Fort Leveanworth’s prison for the death of a terrorist. That happened during a tour of duty in Iraq by Behenna. President Trump pardoned Behenna, citing among other things the broad support Behenna enjoyed from elected officials, the military and the public.

Images of 2019

The University of Central Oklahoma again honored the America Indian heritage of Oklahoma with a Spring Powwow in April. The Spring Powwow was sponsored by the UCO Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and the Native American Student Association (NASA).

Page 8 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Dolls subject of upcoming genealogy meeting Little girls love dolls, but so do big girls.

Many of our beloved dolls were passed down from mother to daughter and hold special meaning. Some dolls were works of love.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10:15 a.m. the OHCE Genealogy group Monaghan will have the pleasure of hearing the story about a special doll presented by Molly Monaghan. Mrs Monaghan is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and entered their annual contest for the American Heritage Committee, winning first place for her handmade wooden doll.

The doll represents the young girl ancestor, Abigail Seeley, who grew up during the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Monaghan lives outside of Blanchard, Okla. with her family. She is an avid gardener and crafter.

The OHCE Genealogy group meets at 10:15 am in the 3rd floor Fischer boardroom on the 3rd Wednesday monthly at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zudhi Dr. in Oklahoma City, across from the State Capitol.

For additional information, visit our website:

Local Briefs www.ohcegenealogy.com or find us on Facebook: ohcegenealogy.

Our programs are always open to the public and we invite you to join us.

Population growth slows The past year’s population growth rate in the United States was the slowest in a century due to declining births, increasing deaths and the slowdown of international migration, according to figures released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The U.S. grew from 2018 to 2019 by almost a half percent, or about 1.5 million people, with the population standing at 328 million this year, according to population estimates.

That's the slowest growth rate in the U.S. since 1917 to 1918, when the nation was involved in World War I, said William Frey, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution.

For the first time in decades, natural increase — the number of births minus the number of deaths — was less than 1 million in the U.S. due to an aging population of Baby Boomers, whose oldest members entered their 70s within the past several years.

What’s Happening This Weekend Jan 2 - 5 Thursday, Jan. 2 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Holiday in the Park Friday, Jan. 3 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Shortt Dogg ---- Arcadia Lake’s Eagle Watch ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Holiday in the Park Saturday, Jan. 4 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Arcadia Lake’s Eagle Watch ---- Vince Norman ---- Scott Keeton Band ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Horsin Around ---- Holiday in the Park ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Travis LeDoyt in Concert ---- Guthrie Maker Days Sunday, Jan. 5 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Arcadia Lake’s Eagle Watch ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Holiday in the Park ---- Oklahoma Winter Bridal Show Extra Information on Weekend Happenings

lights.com Arcadia Lake’s Eagle Watch Location: Arcadia Lake Extra Info: $3 per vehicle; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; for more information go to edmondparks.com Vince Norman Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: $10; 8 p.m.; for more information go to calendar.uco.edu Scott Keeton Band Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 9 p.m.; for more information visit then at riverwind.com Shortt Dogg Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: $10; 7 p.m.; for more information go to calendar.uco.edu Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Horsin Around Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Musuem Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; for more information visit them on nationalcowboymuseum.org Devon Ice Rink Location: 113 S Robinson Ave, OKC Extra Info: for more information visit downtowndecember.com Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: for more information visit downtownindecember.com Travis LeDoyt in Concert Location: Showplace Theatre Riverwind Casino Extra info: for information go to riverwind.com Illuminations: Starry Starry Night Loc.: Crystal Bridge Conservatory Extra Info: for information go to calendar.oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring artwork of Jim Sharp; for information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com

Guthrie Maker Days Location: Guthrie Art Center Extra Info: for more information go to travelok.com

Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 3 – 10 p.m.; for more information find them on Facebook

Holiday in the Park Location: Frontier City Theme Park Extra Info: for more information visit sixflags.com

Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Free; 5 – 10 p.m.; For more information go to edmond-

Oklahoma Winter Bridal Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for information go to okbride.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 9

Images of 2019

Officials with Pelco manufacturers produced a stunningly beautiful float for the annual LibertyFest parade on July 4. Once again thousands of people saw this, and dozens of other entries, during the parade, which paid tribute to America’s founding.

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

David A. Rhodes, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health in Edmond, where he specializes in sports medicine as well as adult and pediatric hand surgery.

He made headlines in April after winning the 26-mile Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Page 10 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

An abuse of power?

The article of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power intrigues me.

I saw one commentator state that every president in the history of the republic could have Steve Gust been slapped with such a charge.

Practically anytime a president does any action, he's done something that upsets somebody. There are probably folks who think the annual pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey is an abuse of power. I can hear them now.

'If not for the pardon, that turkey could have fed a needy family of four for at least a week. Yet our president seems to care more about birds, than he does humans."

If you go back through history, some of our leaders have done questionable things. I think President Roosevelt may have been guilty of abuse of power when he took thousands and thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II and put them in internment camps. Their only crime was their ancestry. The only problem is that ancestry isn't against the law. But apparently it was then.

We also had President Lincoln suspending habeas corpus during the Civil War. And it was treason to do any kind of business with the rebel states.

Everyone knows the penalty for treason is death. Abe made those decisions on his own. But now any presidential decision the Congress doesn't like may result in impeachment.

At this rate, we may elect presidents who become too timid to be decisive because of "abuse of power." Maybe future presidents will be impeached for not taking action quick enough.

In this particular case we're told the president wanted help from another nation for his own personal interest.

What interest was that? Because an alleged political rival may have been involved in corruption. It's such a stretch. But that's where we are.

Article No. 2 alleges obstruction of Congress. Not sure I'd be anxious to cooperate with folks who didn't allow me a lot of legal rights during the committee hearings. The bottom line?

Congress should have allowed the courts to decide the thorny legal issues. But they were in a hurry and didn't go that way. Let's hope this issue gets put to bed sometime during 2020. The sooner the better.

(Write news@edmondpaper.com)

State gaming dispute sees the gulf widening

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board U.S. Rep. Tom Cole’s hunch in the early months of a gaming dispute between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Indian tribes looks more and more prescient today.

“I suspect this ends up in court at some point if the parties can’t agree,” Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation and an expert on tribal issues, said at a town hall meeting in early September. “Hopefully, they sit down and find common ground.”

There have been meetings between state and tribal officials over the gaming compacts, but no common ground.

Stitt contends that the 15-year compacts expire on Jan. 1 and must be renegotiated. The tribes say the compacts auto-

matically renew.

The tribes operate more than 130 casinos in Oklahoma, which in fiscal year 2019 generated payments to the state totaling $148.2 million. Those came from “exclusivity fees” of 4% to 6% on Class III games such as slot machines, and 10% on table games.

The governor wants some tribes to pay considerably higher fees.

The tribes say the current deal is fair to all parties. Rhetoric has ramped up on both sides in recent weeks, and most recently took a toll on Stitt’s Cabinet. On Monday, Lisa Billy resigned as Secretary of Native American Affairs, and didn’t mince words in her letter to Stitt.

“It has become increasingly clear you are

committed to an unnecessary conflict that poses a real risk of lasting damage to the State-Tribal relationship and to our economy,” said Billy, who is Chickasaw.

“You have dismissed advice and facts that show the peril of your chosen approach and have remained intent on breaking faith with the Tribes … Your actions have shown that my continuing service on your cabinet is unnecessary to you and impossible for me,” she wrote.

Stitt angered many tribal leaders during the summer when he used a newspaper op-ed piece to call publicly for the compacts to be renegotiated. More recently, he said that without an extension of the compacts, all Class III gaming would be illegal at the start of the year, creating “tremendous uncertainty for Oklahoma tribes, for those conducting business with the casinos, for casino patrons.”

His offer of an eightmonth extension of the compacts was flatly rejected by the tribes, who gathered in Tulsa in a show of unity. Thirty-two of the state’s 35 gaming tribes were represented.

The next day, 32 tribal leaders sent Stitt a sharply worded letter.

“We regard your threats to our vendors, who are not parties to the compacts, as inappropriate,” the letter said. It added that Stitt’s “unfounded claim about illegal gaming is offensive to our hardworking employees, our citizens, and our numerous governmental and charitable organizations that benefit from our gaming.”

Meantime the chasm widens, and while we hope it doesn’t come to this, a potential court date seems likely.

Official says new tobacco law will save lives The executive director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) praised a new federal law that will raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 while also calling for more to be done to protect youth from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

“This action by Congress is a good first step toward curbing youth access to tobacco and vaping products,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director.

“But this is only a first step. State and federal leaders can do more to protect Oklahoma youth through polices like restricting flavored products, passing a comprehensive clean indoor air law and devoting more resources to compliance checks of tobacco retailors.

On Dec. 20, 2019, Congress passed a federal spending package that included a provision prohibiting the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products to people under the age of

21. President Trump signed the measure into law that night. The provision, known as the Tobacco-Free Youth Act, would make it a violation of federal law to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.

Raising the minimum purchasing age is part of Tobacco Stops With Me’s 7-point plan to cut the adult smoking rate in half over the next decade. By increasing the age to purchase tobacco, it cuts off the main pipeline for underage tobacco access from 18to 20-year old peers. Preventing children and young adults from starting tobacco use is critical as 95% of users start before age 21.

According to a 2015 report by the Institute of Medicine, the passage of Tobacco 21 in the U.S. could prevent 223,000 premature deaths, prevent 50,000 deaths from lung cancer and reduce smoking prevalence by an additional 12%. In Oklahoma, 1,800 children and teens become daily smokers each

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

year.

The Food and Drug Administration will update its regulations within 180 days to implement the Tobacco-Free Youth Act. Bisbee stressed the need for increased enforcement of existing laws that prevent children under 18 from purchasing tobacco.

“It is important that we understand the benefits of increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco and continue to enforce existing laws that protect children from purchasing tobacco,” Bisbee said. “As rule making moves forward at the federal level it will be important to avoid tobacco industry influence that has brought exemptions and other loopholes at the state level.”

With the surge of teen e-cigarette use, rising 78% from 2017 to 2018, adolescents are starting their tobacco use as early as 12 years old. In 2016, a national survey found that among youth and young adult e-cigarette users aged 13-25, more than half (55.9%) used another tobacco product in addition to e-cigarettes.

Nineteen states, as well as the District of Columbia, already have laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 21, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

----Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco. Funding is primarily provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 11

Images of 2019

Remembering T. Boone Pickens Gov. Kevin Stitt spoke at a memorial service at Oklahoma State University. Being honored was longtime benefactor, and famed oilman, T. Boone Pickens. Pickens died in the fall.

Open Carry Law Signed Gov. Kevin Stitt, shortly after taking office in January, signed an open carry firearm bill. The measure survived legal challenges and enacted into law on Nov. 1. Opponents vow to keep fighting the bill.

A petition, to get a possible repeal on the ballot, failed when it did not meet the number of signatures needed.

Page 12 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Images of 2019

What a year it was for Addison Price. The North High School graduate was named Miss Oklahoma in competition held in Tulsa over the summer. The Oklahoma State University student went on to the Miss America contest where she was third runnerup in the prestigious competition, aired on national television.

Her finish nationally drew this quote from Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil.

‘We are so proud of Addison and her accomplishments. She is a great Ambassador for her hometown and the State of Oklahoma.’

The fame of Edmond’s Darci Lynne Farmer continued to grow in 2019. The 2018 Edmond Chamber ‘Citizen of the Year,’ had many performances all across the nation. She was also the star of a Christmas special, which aired on national television.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 13

Sports

Lady Rocket 5U Y basketball team

The joys of coaching a youth girls basketball team

By Shannez' Vancauwenbergh The lady Rocket 5u basketball team is an energetic and exciting group of basketball players to watch.

This group of young girls is formulated from the Oakdale Community which is located southeast of Edmond. Don't be fooled by their sweet smiles. They like to get after it!

As a team, we like to begin our practices with exciting, up beat drills to keep the girls moving and dribbling. We play games peppered in between drills to keep the girls having fun as they learn. Two things

we do as a team that I feel are important to their development. One, we circle up with arms around each other in a tight huddle to demonstrate unity within the team and sisterhood as good teammate.

The second is a question I pose to the girls after practice and games. I ask "Why do we play?" and they respond loudly "to have fun!" This is very important to reinforce that playing the sport is FUN! And they love it.

As a coach it is a pleasure to serve the YMCA as a volunteer from our local community. The service that

the YMCA provides in organizing children at young ages gives them a great start towards learning a new skill. I have had the pleasure of coaching a number of teams through the Y and I can say that they provide a safe and positive environment for children to learn and grow. This is extremely important when youth sports can be difficult for a parent to navigate.

If you have a chance to watch some young girls play basketball keep an eye out for these Rockets!

They love to play the sport of basketball and I and honored to coach their team.

Fans in Atlanta OU fans at Saturday’s Peach Bowl included, from left, Paul Douglas, Denise Fuchs, Valerie Hoke and Karl McKinney.

Although the outcome of the football game wasn’t what they hoped for, the fans still enjoyed the trip to Atlanta, Ga. for the college semi-final national championship game.

Page 14 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Images of 2019

Changing of the Guard

In January Kevin Calvey was administered the oath of office by Oklahoma County District Judge Tom Prince. With Calvey was his mother Mary Jane Calvey. Kevin Calvey, a Republican and Iraq War veteran, was elected to the post last fall with more than 59 percent of the vote in 2018. He replaced Ray Vaughn a longtime political figure from Edmond.

Then-University of Central Oklahoma president Don Betz and wife, Susanne were honored at the annual Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce banquet as citizen of the year. By the end of the spring semester Don Betz’s tenure as president was coming to an end.

Former University of Central Oklahoma vice president Patti Neuhold, 45, became the University of Central Oklahoma's 21st president July 1 — the first woman to lead the university.

Former Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil was elected to a new twoyear term in April last year. Also on the ballot was the lateCharles Lamb, longtime mayor of Edmond. Lamb unexpectedly died in December, shortly after filing. By law, his name remained on the ballot.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 15

Images of 2019

Answers Page 23

Emmy Frost, 3, was a little tigress after getting her face painted at the annual and very popular Downtown Edmond Arts Festival.

Blood drive set January is National Blood Donor Month, and the perfect time to make a resolution to save local lives.

Oklahoma Blood Institute encourages healthy adults to “follow their instinct,” and set aside about an hour from their busy schedules to donate blood.* Oklahoma Blood Institute will hold a blood drive with MOMS, Inc. on Friday, Jan. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hearts for Hearing, 11500 North Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City.

Each blood donor will receive a free, limited edition, long-sleeved Tshirt. Moms On MissionS celebrates, blesses and prays for champion Moms who dedicate their lives to the care of their children persevering through serious illness, trauma and special needs. You can find out more about MOMS, Inc. at momsonmissions.org.

“Some of our friends and neighbors are facing another year of difficult and life-threatening health challenges,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Texas Blood Institute.

Blood recipients have the opportunity to send a message of appreciation to their individual blood donor, anonymously, through Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Thank the Donor program.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and the supply must be constantly renewed.

One blood donation can save up to three patients’ lives.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: BEST-SELLING AUTHORS ACROSS 1. Fresh talk 5. Jet follower 8. Sherlock Holmes' assignment 12. U in I.C.U. 13. Tiny river 14. Fires 15. Weather ____ 16. *"How to Make an American Quilt" author 17. Distinguishing feature 18. *Master of legal thriller 20. "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" singer 21. Keyboard key 22. G, in solfa 23. *Master of Western fiction 26. Flavorful rice dish, pl.

30. Former name of Tokyo 31. Broadcasting devices 34. Whiskey without water 35. Dried fruit and spices, in a pie 37. Member of Shoshonean people 38. Discombobulate 39. Drawn to light 40. Young traveler's inn 42. "____ it or lose it!"

43. Hindu spiritual retreat, pl.

45. Chase away 47. Philosophical system 48. Singlecell protozoan 50. Home on a limb 52. *James Bond creator 54. Cafe option 55. Site of Taj Mahal 56. First queen of Carthage 59. Goes up or down 60. Jiffs 61. What accomplices do 62. 2 aspirin, e.g.

63. Old college one

64. Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday DOWN 1. Blazer or Explorer 2. Baptist leader?

3. *"I ____ The Body Electric" by Whitman or Bradbury 4. Sound setup 5. Like a ballerina 6. "I do" spot 7. Thieve 8. *Master of romance and particularly prolific 9. Palm tree berry 10. Sleigh runners 11. Is, in Paris 13. Podium 14. Counter seat 19. Habituate 22. Female sib 23. Helping theorem 24. Bye, in Castile 25. Calendar unit of time 26. *William Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss 27. Sick and tired 28. Wrong answer adjective 29. *Her every novel was a best-seller 32. Abbott and Costello,

Rocky and Bullwinkle, etc.

33. "____ all fun and games..."

36. *Master of detective novel 38. "My wife can vouch for me," e.g.

40. Expression of doubt 41. Swellings 44. Daisy-like bloom 46. Summer shoe 48. *Master of the dime novel 49. Bryan Stevenson's "Just ____" 50. Brussels' org.

51. JFK or ORD postings 52. Like Usain Bolt 53. Hurtful remark 54. Dropped drug 57. Bear's hibernation place 58. Pro baseball's "Master Melvin"

See Answers Page 23

Page 16 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

Adam Sandler ditches his signature comedic persona for a sleazy and impactful performance in ‘Uncut Gems.’

Review of film ‘Uncut Gems’

An Adam Sandler not seen before

By George Gust Adam Sandler has become one of the most polarizing actors of his generation.

There's a large contingent of people who still enjoy his goofy mostly high concept movies featuring a cavalcade of his friends, but on the other side, there are those that believe he's become a cynical moviemaker and have given up on taking him or his movies seriously.

However, the most recent release "Uncut Gems" finds Sandler teaming up with critically acclaimed filmmakers Benny and Josh Safdie (2017's "Good Time") breaking him free of the formulaic Happy Madison movies of the past few years. Would Sandler be up for the challenge of a dramatic tension-filled performance or falter without the safety of his tried and true formula?

"Uncut Gems" follows a short period in the life of a charismatic New York City jeweler Howard Ratner (Sandler) who is always on the lookout for the next big score. After he makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime, Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

Centered on a tremendously affecting performance from Sandler, "Uncut Gems" is a clinic on how to build tension and suspense from the Safdie brothers. As Sandler's character digs a deeper and deeper gambling hole, selling jewelry that's not his for cash he can't pay back without a big score, the pressure is constantly mounting. The experience of watching "Uncut Gems" is not a leisurely afternoon at the movies, but a stressful couple of hours that will have you rooting for Sandler's character as he makes terrible decision after terrible decision. The dissonant way the filmmakers allowed characters to talk (yell profanely) over each other transposes the stress building around

Sandler directly onto the audience.

Sandler's performance is almost uncanny to the comedic turns he's produced in the past years. His sleazy jewelry dealer characterization fits well in the Safdie's grimy version of 2012 New York City. Everyone in this film looks like they've gotten 8 hours of combined sleep in the past month and feeds into the intensity of the consequences Sandler will experience if his dominos don't fall the right way. Sandler's performance smoothly goes from the confident fast-talking salesmen to frantic gambling addict at the edge of either losing or winning it all, and ultimately to a broken man who's facing seemingly insurmountable odds. All the while, you can't look away from the high wire performance Sandler's attempting (successfully) to land.

"Uncut Gems" produces that other holiday feeling, where you're hosting 15 family members at your house, cooking a full turkey dinner, cleaning the house, giving directions to lost relatives on their way, all with a baby crying in the background. "Uncut Gems" is not a fun and easy escapist movie. Featuring the grime and sleaze of the back rooms of New York City's fluorescently lit jewelry shops, this film plays by its own rules and nails the atmosphere the filmmakers were aiming to reproduce.

"Uncut Gems" delivers a distressing experience that is undeniably stress inducing it captivates you in its own way all the way through.

“Uncut Gems” is rated R for pervasive strong language, violence, some sexual content and brief drug use.

4.3 out 5 stars

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 17

Images of 2019

A popular attraction each summer is LibertyFest. One of the more popular attractions of LibertyFest is A Taste of Edmond.

Many restaurants help out to bring a large crowd to downtown Edmond. It’s the main benefit that helps to fund the annual patriotic celebration.

Page 18 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Images of 2019

More Entertainment ABOVE -- To coincide with LibertyFest, a carnival, above, was held at Mitch Park, featuring rides and other attractions.

RIGHT -- A Mexican rope specialist was among the many acts to perform at the fall Oklahoma State Fair. Annually thousands from Edmond attend.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 19

Images of 2019

In March the high stepping Celtic Nights comes to Armstrong Auditorium. They were one of several top entertainment acts to visit the wonderful venue in north Edmond.

There was also street entertainment during the year. Many acts and musicians entertained during the Heard on Hurd street party held from March to October, once a month.

Heard on Hurd again drews thousands of people to downtown Edmond. Its main sponsor is Citizens Bank of Edmond

Page 20 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Images of 2019

‘Red Dirt Dinos: An Oklahoma Dinosaur Adventure’ opened at Science Museum Oklahoma last spring. The Oklahoma Museum Network exhibit featured three interactive, lifelike robotic dinosaurs.

Last winter, Mineman 3rd Class Zimmerman, left, explains the capabilities of the SeaFox mine disposal unmanned underwater vehicle to Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Gregory Slavonic of Edmond.

It was part of Slavonic’s many trips he took last year shortly after being named to the prestigious position by President Trump.

In the fall Slavonic handled the opening coin toss in Tulsa when The Golden Hurricane hosted Navy.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 21

Improve your finances in 2020 At the same time that Americans are feeling the financial pinch of the holidays, they’re gearing up for 2020, with their top two goals being to save more and increase their credit scores, according to a national consumer survey by Experian.

Almost three out of four consumers surveyed are motivated to improve their finances. To reach their New Year goals, survey respondents say they’ll spend less money to improve their credit score (59%) and pay off credit card debt (58%).

To help get you started, Experian Boost ambassador, actor and financial empowerment activist, Hill Harper is providing these money tips: n Create a Financial Blueprint: The first step is to create a blueprint identifying your money, saving and investing goals. Examine your priorities and determine how much money you require to meet your basic needs. From there, you should assess what else you need to be happy and how you can use money as a resource to achieve it. n Assess the Cost of Being You: If your expenses or debt outpace your income, then it’s very difficult to live the best version of your life. Rather than continuously playing catch-up, track your spending to discover new ways to reduce monthly expenses. Apply those savings towards self-investment. n Understand Smart vs. Dumb Money: Not all dollars spent hold the same value. Knowing the difference between “smart” and “dumb” money is key to building a solid financial foundation, according to Harper, who says that “dumb money” is spending on things like credit card interest or items that lose value quickly, whereas “smart money” is spending on things that pay dividends, like an education or home. n Control Your Credit Score: A good credit score can help you gain access to capital with better terms at affordable rates. To improve it, pay bills on time and use a resource like Experian Boost, which is a free online tool that allows you

to add positive payment history from utility and telecom bills to your Experian credit file, which can increase your score instantly. n New Year, New You: “We’re starting a new decade and what better opportunity is there to do a complete financial makeover?” says Harper, who recommends many other steps that will set you up for financial success, including building an emergency fund, securing health insurance, avoiding debt for unnecessary purchases and investing wisely.

Images of 2019

President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, Jill Castilla, added yet another honor to her long list of accomplishments.

Last year she was elected as the Dean for Bankers of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation.

The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation is a nonprofit educational foundation. It is one of the banking industry’s top sources for leadership development

“No one has a crystal ball, but given lower unemployment rates and low interest rates, 2020 could be a good year to have a plan for growth. A diversified portfolio for this next decade is a good portfolio,” says Harper. More tips from Harper can be found at www.experian.com/education.

While managing finances can seem intimidating, identifying trouble spots is the first step toward conquering your goals.

--- StatePoint News Service

Page 22 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Scheduling your fitness for success in 2020

By Brian Attebery Happy New Year! It is 2020 and you know that it is time for a restart with your health and fitness. What is going to be different about this year? What are some techniques you can try to keep at it? How are YOU going to change YOU? Staying focused on fitness is dif- Attebery ficult. I will admit, even as a gym owner and fitness expert, I make myself do workouts and eat healthy daily. Yes, I said it. I don’t always “love” to workout. People have asked me, “Brian, how do you stay so motivated all the time?

What is your secret?” The honest answer is that I am NOT motivated all the time. I just do it anyway. I think about being fat, out of shape, losing my muscle and being unhealthy if I turn away from the gym versus towards it. I recognize that some days I am simply maintaining versus breaking “new records” for my fitness. That is okay too. Sometimes in life, we are just lucky to get by and fitness is no different. The key is to tell yourself it is not an option. You must keep moving and GO whether you are highly motivated that day, week or month!

Accountability is no doubt a huge help. I always notice that during the Holidays, we slow down a lot with our general membership population. At the same time, I notice that our Personal Training clients keep plugging along. Are they fired up and super excited? Not always but they have a scheduled, paid appointment with a 24-hour cancellation policy. They are accountable and it works! Yes, it costs more to have a trainer but ask those people if it was worth it to not have 15lbs to lose that some gain during the Holiday season.

It is estimated that 80% of members join gyms because of the group exercise programs. Group exercise programs are fun and can create a social environment like nothing else. You have the accountability scheduled classes with the knowledge that you will begin to know fellow members who become friends many times. You don’t know anyone?

This is when you get a friend or two to join the gym with you and that is part of your fitness journey along with social time to see each other during the week 3-5 times. What about your spouse?

Classes can be a great way to keep each other accountable with your fitness. The instructor is the one telling your spouse what to do during the workouts and you don’t get in trouble for being

“bossy”!

Most people fall off the wagon because they get busy and quit prioritizing their health. Scheduling your fitness is a common denominator for Personal Training and Group Exercise Classes. They both have designated times to attend the gym. Think about it. If you simply tell yourself to “workout” but don’t have a set schedule, are you going to make it happen?

Most won’t. Have set times and days. The early morning has a higher chance of success in my opinion. Do you have business meetings, soccer or dance practice and traffic issues at 5 a.m.? Do you have those issues at 5p.m.? You know the answer and yes, it is not fun to get up at 4 a.m. Just do it two days during the work week and get a workout in on Saturday for your third day. You can do that!

Fitness is truly a journey. It is a constant battle.

Plan your 2020 with intent. Schedule your workouts, book Personal Training, commit to classes and call your friends and family to join you. You are worth it!

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer.

He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com

Late-famed artist

Artwork of D.J. Lafon on display at The Elms The new year 2020 brings good news. JRB Art at The Elms recently acquired all remaining works of art from the estate of well-known Oklahoma artist D.J. Lafon (1929 – 2011). The exhibition of many of the works opens First Friday, at JRB Art at The Elms on Jan. 3.

An accomplished painter of people, D.J. Lafon is known for his skill in using a sophisticated visual language to capture the interest of the viewer. When speaking about the appeal of Lafon’s work, gallery owner, Joy Reed Belt, states, “Every painting is well thought out, well-conceived and extremely original.” Every detail is thoughtfully placed on the canvas to enhance the meaning of the painting. He typically painted in series, each one unique and interesting. His solo exhibitions at the gallery over the years have included “Farm Series,” “Businessman Series” and “Watercolor Series.” One of his most popular exhibits, recalls Belt, was titled “Uncommon Influences.” That show featured paintings of 15 writers, musicians and artists – painted in the style of which they lived. Lafon credited these individuals as being creative influences for him. JRB Art at The Elms is delighted to display this collection containing pieces from each of his series – many of which have never before been publicly available.

Born and raised in Utah, Lafon realized at age 15 his desire to be an artist. He entered a national art competition when he was 18 years old and won second place. As a result, his work was published in “Life” magazine. He received formal training at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Art and Master of Fine Arts Degrees in Painting and Illustrating.

Lafon worked as an illustrator and art educator before serving as Chairman of the Art Department at Oklahoma’s East Central University in Ada for 20 years. In addition, he also served as Visual Arts Director for the Oklahoma Arts Institute.

Throughout his lifetime, Lafon was honored by the Governor of Oklahoma and his work continues to be a mainstay in many prestigious museums, galleries and public collections, including: the State Art Collections of Oklahoma and Utah, the University of North Carolina Art Museum, Springfield Art Museum, Oklahoma City Art Museum, the Philbrook, Southwestern Bell Telephone, Conoco and Koch Industries. Lafon also received numerous top awards in competitions across the country and completed commissions for Warner Brother, the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry and the Ada Public Library.

Due to the popularity of its shows, JRB Art at The Elms is extending the length of exhibitions in 2020 to two months at the start of the new year. The works of D.J. Lafon will be available to view at JRB Art at The Elms from Jan. 3 – Feb. 29. The Elms is at 2810 N Walker Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Lafon self portrait

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 2, 2020 • Page 23

A valuable resource for those trying to quit smoking Oklahomans resolving to be healthier and quit tobacco in 2020 have a partner on their journey to being tobacco free.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), provides free resources to Oklahomans who are thinking about quitting tobacco or ready to quit.

Resources are also available to former tobacco users wanting to stay tobacco free and those who want to support loved ones, patients or employees.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (1-800-QUITNOW) offers free customizable services including coaching over the phone or on the web, as well as text and email support to any Oklahoman, plus free patches, gum or lozenges to Oklahomans 18 years or older. These tools provide flexibility for Oklahomans searching for a way to quit that fits their lifestyle.

“Quitting tobacco is the single most important step someone can take to improve their health,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Quitting tobacco is also one of the most challenging changes a person can make, but they don’t have to do it alone. The coaches at the Helpline can help any Oklahoman develop a personalized quit plan that maximizes their chances of success.”

Those seeking to quit tobacco can also talk to their health care providers about receiving additional cessation benefits like nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medication.

For Oklahomans who are not quite ready to quit, the Helpline can provide information and resources to help prepare for a successful quit attempt.

More than 30,000 tobacco users registered for services from the Helpline between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, and nearly 95% of recent user

survey respondents reported satisfaction with the services they received. During a seven-month follow-up survey, 31.5% of those surveyed reported not using tobacco for one month or longer, exceeding the North American Quitline Consortium benchmark for quit rates of 30%.

“The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is an invaluable resource for all Oklahomans, no matter where they are in their quit journey,” said Paola Klein, Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline coordinator. “This New Year, consider calling the Helpline and giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of a healthier life.”

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

Center to host performance The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) is proud to announce its first Kilgen Organ performance of calendar year 2020 on Monday, Jan. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Devon Great Hall of the OHC. Organist Tedde Gibson will present “From Gospel to Jazz and Beyond,” a performance featuring many different musical styles.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and seating is first come, first served. Tickets are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers, and may be reserved by calling 405-5220765. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am Animal Friendly Parish “If you have people who exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have those who deal likewise with their fellow human being.”

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • January 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure