January 24, 2019 by Edmond Life and Leisure

January 24, 2019 Vol. 19, No. 35

In This Issue DIRECTIONS

OC baseball season gets under way Feb. 1

Ex-Big Leaguer helping coach OC Eagles Directions, by Joe Slack, in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E. 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email c o n te s t @ e d m o n d p a p e r. c o m with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.

2019 Calendar of Events & Focus on Education Inserted Today! By Murray Evans

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 Mostly Sunny High 45° Low 31°

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 Partly Cloudy High 47° Low 27°

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 Sunny High 46° Low 32°

Mickey Tettleton, who played 14 seasons of Major League Baseball and twice was named as an All-Star, has joined the Oklahoma Christian coaching staff as an assistant coach, OC head coach Lonny Cobble said Tuesday. Tettleton, 58, grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Southeast High School, the same school as former New York Yankees great Bobby Murcer, for whom OC’s Bobby Murcer Indoor Training Facility is named. Tettleton played collegiately at Oklahoma State, helping the Cowboys reach the 1981 College World Series title game, before being drafted in the fifth round by the Oakland A’s in 1981. He broke into the big leagues in 1984 and retired from pro baseball in 1997 after a career that included stints with the A’s, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. He was an MLB All-Star in 1989 (with the Orioles) and 1994 (with the Tigers) and won the Silver Slugger Award – awarded annually to each league’s best offensive player at

Mickey Tettleton

each position – in 1989, 1991 and 1992. Predominantly a catcher who also saw time in right field and at first base, Tettleton posted a .241 career batting average in the big leagues, with 245 home runs, 732 RBI and 1,485 hits. At OC, Tettleton will work primarily with the Eagles’ catchers and hitters. “We’re very fortunate to have Mickey,” Cobble said. “To have a guy of his knowledge and experience on staff, I don’t think it can do anything but help us. His presence will be invaluable to us.” Tettleton said he and Cobble had spoken the past few months about the possibility of Tettleton joining the Eagles’ staff, after Tettleton brought a team to practice at Dobson Field last fall. Since his retirement, Tettleton has worked with high-school-aged players, but hasn’t been involved with a college or pro team. “I want to help develop hitters and help them reach their potential,” Tettleton said. “My primary thing will be focusing on passing on what I know to our hitters and catchers. I see it as kind of passing

the torch and teaching what I’ve learned from coaches and managers in my career.” At OC, he will join a staff that includes Cobble and assistant coaches Chance Stevens, Andrew McGuire and Mark Craft. As a player, Tettleton had one of pro baseball’s most memorable batting stances, standing almost upright to the plate while holding the bat both horizontal and waisthigh. Tettleton didn’t bend until the pitcher began his delivery. He also picked up the nickname “Froot Loops” during the 1989 season with the Orioles, when his proclivity to eat the cereal every day was revealed during his first All-Star campaign. He now lives in Norman with his wife, Shannon. They have four children – Tyler (a member of the coaching staff of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns), Jessica, Shanny and Tate. The Eagles will open their 2019 schedule on Feb. 1, facing Pittsburg State (Kan.) in the Edmond 1st Pitch Invitational at Central Oklahoma’s Wendell Simmons Field.

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Newly filed state bills would give governor more power Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat last week filed bills granting the Oklahoma governor more appointment power of five top agency directors. Treat said the bills will provide more accountability and give the governor the ability to truly lead the state. “Our current system of government disperses power too widely so that most agencies aren’t accountable to the governor and in turn aren’t accountable to the voter. The system hasn’t worked. The system has bred dysfunction and allowed the ‘status quo’ to hold sway for far too long. It’s time we change this broken system,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Regardless of the governor’s political party affiliation, they are elected to serve as the chief executive of the state and to lead the state. The governor should be able to select the men and women he or she wants to run these top state agencies to help fully enact the governor’s vision and agenda,” Treat said. “We heard in Governor Kevin Stitt’s inaugural address that he seeks to provide more accountability. I am encouraged by his commitment to that principle and excited to work with him to bring it about. These bills are a great step toward providing more accountability and returning more power to the people of Oklahoma,” Treat said. The five bills address five of the top 10 agencies according to state

appropriated dollars. The bills filed Wednesday include: n Senate Bill 456 would grant the governor authority to appoint the administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The bill calls for the administrator to be confirmed by the Senate and to serve at the pleasure of the governor. n Senate Bill 457 would grant the governor authority to appoint the director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The bill calls for the director to be confirmed by the Senate and to serve at the pleasure of the governor. n Senate Bill 458 would grant the governor authority to appoint the director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The bill calls for the director to serve at the pleasure of the governor. The DOC director already is confirmed by the Senate. n Senate Bill 459 would grant the governor authority to appoint the commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The bill calls for the commissioner to be confirmed by the Senate and to serve at the pleasure of the governor. n Senate Bill 460 would grant the governor authority to appoint the executive director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. The bill calls for the executive director to be confirmed by the Senate and to serve at the pleasure of the governor.

Brief Majority Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and State. Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, filed legislation last week that would make State Question 780 retroactive. House Bill 1269 would provide post-conviction relief to Oklahomans whose convictions took place prior to State Question 780 passing but would have been affected had

SQ780 been in place. “It is time for Oklahoma to get out of the business of arresting and prosecuting individuals afflicted by drug addiction,” Dunnington said. “We have Oklahomans that are labeled as felons, and their crimes would be legal or a much lesser crime today. These folks are disenfranchised, and their families are suffering.”

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From the Publisher

Can golf courses be redeveloped? Edmond’s very own Coffee Creek neighborhood appeared as part of an article in the Wall Street Journal last week. It was an overall story related to the shuttering of golf courses around the nation and then being sold to developers who want to convert the course into mixed use complexes or just Ray Hibbard straight housing. What happened with Coffee Creek is happening all over the country and in many places like Great Britain as well. While it is true that the numbers playing golf have been in decline for the last 10 years, it is far from the “death” of golf that many alleged experts are claiming. According to one study by the golf industry group Pellucid Corp., the number of regular golfers fell from 30 to 20.9 million between 2002 and 2016. The study finds that equipment sales are down, ratings are lagging and the number of rounds of golf played is dropping. Golf courses simply got overbuilt in many parts of the country. They also were often used as a development tool for selling more houses, more quickly and at a higher price by developers which, as it turns out, may have not been the best reason for building a course. Golf courses are just going through a process to gain back their equilibrium. I am leery of any report or expert that declares an industry dead or dying. Heck, newspapers have been dying for at least 50 years and yet, we are still here. Radio was going to kill us off and then television. Cable news was the death blow and then the Internet. Again, we have survived. Travel agents are another example of an industry that was on its death bed, yet they still exist. Like newspapers, the travel agents and many industries, golf will need to change to a more profitable format. They will experience comebacks where the socalled experts will declare it the latest and greatest sport on the planet. The crowd mentality is seldom correct and golf, like many other industries, will find its way folks. Some even blame the fall from grace of Tiger Woods for the drop in the sport, but I don’t put any stock in that theory at all. His infidelity was certainly infamous but the bigger factors in less folks participating in golf has to do with time, expense and a difference in the athletic taste of Millennials. The reality for the short term is that there are housing developments built around golf courses that are and will be facing the same challenges of

our Coffee Creek. Many times, these properties are purchased at distressed prices by land developers and the temptation is great to try and make a large rate of return on them by putting in office space, retail, multi family housing and single housing all at the same time. Developers that have and will purchase golf courses as part of a development will be better served to see it as a new partnership with the existing land owners. It is property not on a corner or abutting another development. Rather, it is property that is intertwined with the property of single homeowners. For most of us, our largest personal investment is our home. A developer can take a view of being able to prevail in court on land rights, but it will be an expensive path. This is also costly for current homeowners in an area as the Wall Street Journal article explained. In the article, Florida based development consultant Blake Plumley said most of these matters end up in court. Plumley said that when a course closes prices for the homes in the addition typically fall about 25 percent. However, prices can plummet 40 percent or 50 percent if a contentious legal battle arises according to Plumley. We support the decisions our friends and neighbors in Coffee Creek make but this is something they will need to consider going forward. Generally, folks paid a premium with expectation that a golf course would not go away. While some experts claim the reaction of homeowners in these neighborhoods to substitution of mixed used developments for the golf course are just a NIMBY (not in my back yard) reaction, we believe it is much deeper and more significant. Just as in Coffee Creek, home buyers were led to believe they were purchasing a home on a golf course or in a golf course community. Current and future owners of the former golf course property are going to have to go to more effort and probably sacrifice some profit in order to make this work for both themselves and for homeowners. Developers who take a non-cooperative attitude with current homeowners when they purchase these properties will be making a giant mistake. One of the good things about this being a common problem in part of the United States is that there are some examples to follow. I found one in Prairie Village, Kan. It is a suburb of Kansas City, Mo. A group called VanTrust Real Estate figured out the potential for roadblocks when it purchased Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club back in 2010. They closed the club a few years later but joined with Prairie Village and county officials in working

out a solution. Numerous public meetings were held to solicit ideas and feedback on how the property formally occupied by the golf course could be used. What came from all of it was a plan for a 45acre mixed use development that was surrounded by an 84-acre county-owned park that features jogging trails, playground, open space and a community center. Did it make the purchase as profitable as VanTrust had hoped when they decided to buy the golf club? Probably not but the point is they didn’t get greedy over the transaction and worked to make a nice community for the homeowners where they could stand a good chance of retaining their property values if not even grow them. It was different in the use from the golf course their homes surrounded but it became a use they could move forward with and prosper for both the homeowners and the developers. “There were a lot of ways to develop the site, and we could have developed every square inch into something, but it wasn’t best for the community or the dirt,” said Richard Muller, an executive vice president for VanTrust. Another example is Rochester, N.Y. They are a suburb of Penfield, N.Y., and having some of the same issues with a closed golf course. Recently, voters in that town passed a $3.65 million bond issue to buy out the golf course and turn it into a park. The mistake some developers make in these situations is in thinking that homeowners are not going to be willing to participate in the solution or put any skin into the game as it were. I believe in most cases that homeowners in neighborhoods like Coffee Creek understand what it means to be a business and the need for profit, but they are also desiring to be part of a true discussion where every option can be put on the table. Being combative for developers rarely gets them where they need to be financially on a property. We are blessed in Edmond to have an outstanding and helpful city government that likes to think outside of the box. My guess is that our city management and our city council would be willing to work hand in hand with all the parties involved at Coffee Creek to help find a solution. There are bound to be better options then have been presented. The Coffee Creek homeowners deserve better consideration then they have gotten, and we will continue to support a process that helps them preserve their property values. As fellow property owners in Edmond, they need all our support as well. (Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside! n Dave Farris looks at an infamous 1930s criminal trial ..................Page 6. n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 7. n The truth on tax increases ..........................................................Page 8. n Museum series to look at bison history ......................................Page 10. n Movie review by George Gust ....................................................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Dan O’Neil seeking mayor’s job ................................................Page 18. n Business news ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

MELINDA INFANTE

The Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show wrapped up a three-day stop last weekend at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Thousands again were given the latest advice on how to improve a home both inside and outside.

See if you can find ‘Directions’ “Directions,” in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Local artist Joe Slack created the sculpture to draw the public in. “I just want to engage,” said Slack, “And for it to be part of the landscape.” At it’s tallest point of 17 feet ‘Directions' is the largest sculpture Slack has ever attempted. It features three huge faces with a rust patina. Located along I-35 it is certain to draw travelers in to engage with just one of the pieces of public art Edmond is known for. 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

Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083

Advertising Account Executive Chris Thomas chris@edmondpaper.com

Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante

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Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 5

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. Olivia Castilla

North junior will become part of U.S. Senate page program Olivia Castilla, a current junior at Edmond North High School, and has been selected to serve as a United States Senate Page for the spring semester, sponsored by Senator Inhofe. Olivia is one of 30 students in the nation to be selected for the program. It will last the entire semester and she’ll attend the U.S. Senate Page School from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. every morning then report to the Senate floor. She’ll be paid as a full-time gov-

ernment employee and, as essential staff, will serve the Senate even with the government shutdown. This is the 190th anniversary of the program. Olivia is a Varsity Cheerleader and member of the AFJROTC unit as well as a current participant in Youth Leadership Edmond. This summer, Olivia received a U.S. Department of State scholarship to study Chinese in Shanghai.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

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The trial of Adam Richetti By David Farris Adam Richetti had been accused of participating in the ambush murder of five men at the Union Train Station in Kansas City, Mo., on the morning of June Farris 17, 1933. After his arrest near Wellsville, Ohio, on Oct. 20, 1934, he was returned to Kansas City, to stand trial on state charges. This was only after the federal prosecutor refused to try the case, due to lack of evidence. Of the five men killed in the massacre, state prosecutors decided only to charge Richetti for the murder of Kansas City detective, Frank Hermanson. Richetti and the recently departed Charley “Pretty Boy” Floyd were partnersin-crime who hailed from Sequoyah County, near the Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma. Although Pretty Boy Richetti was dead and buried, it was as if he were the one on trial instead of Richetti. The prosecution would mention the late outlaw, and his association to Richetti, at every available moment despite re-

peated objections from the defense. Richetti's trial began on the morning of June 13, 1935, only four days shy of the second anniversary of the massacre. It would seem that the timing was intentional on behalf of the state's prosecution team, Michael O'Hern and Russell Boyle. Whether the prosecutors were aware of the blatant perjury presented on behalf of agents and other witnesses is unknown. Regardless, the prosecution's case was still weak. It would require copious amounts of razzle-dazzle to prevail. Richetti's court appointed attorneys, Ralph Latshaw and James Daleo, were at a complete disadvantage. The defense did not have access to official FBI reports submitted by agents who were present during the massacre. As a result, they had no way of knowing when witnesses, especially agents, had contradicted their earlier statements. It was as if the discovery process had been nonexistent. The defense was facing a stacked deck. On the first morning of the fourday trial, the prosecution was ready with their razzle-dazzle. Seated behind them was a row of grim-faced FBI agents, shoulder-to-shoulder in a united display representing law and order. Their solidarity was upstaged only by the pile of firearms related to the case stacked on the prosecution's

table. This included a Thompson sub-machine gun that Floyd had discarded after it jammed during a shootout in Ohio. Everyone on the prosecution's side was sharp and official Richetti in jail looking. This was in contrast to a sad-looking Richetti who, since his arrest, had been forced to remain sober for his first time in years. On the first day of the trial, the prosecution titillated the jury with lurid gangster tales. Any time a machine gun was mentioned, Boyle would pick up the one discarded by Floyd and parade it around the room until the defense's numerous objections were finally acknowledged. Both sides in the trial did their best to manifest the specter of Pretty Boy in the courtroom. The prosecution attempted to establish Richetti's guilt based on his association to the infamous, deceased bandit, while the defense strategy was to blame Floyd for any of the defendant's transgressions. It was no secret that Floyd and Richetti had arrived in Kansas City about nine hours before the massacre. Especially because they were in the company of the Polk County Sheriff, Jack Killingsworth, who they had kidnapped while in Bolivar, Missouri. During his testimony, Sheriff Killingsworth sat with Floyd's machine gun on his lap while recounting his time spent held hostage by the duo. The prosecution claimed that one of the two .45 caliber automatic Colt pistols taken from Floyd as he lay dying had been used in the massacre. Strangely, only one shell casing was alleged to have been found at the crime scene that was matched to Floyd's gun. The next step for the prosecution was to establish the identity of the shooters. In order to do so, testimony given under oath by agents varied from original statements submitted in reports to Bureau Director John Edgar Hoover. Frank Smith was the only agent present on that bloody morning who had remained unscathed by gunfire. He had been seated in the back seat of Agent Ray Caffrey's twodoor Chevy, between Agent Joe Lackey and McAlester, Okla., Police Chief Otto Reed. When the shooting started, Smith wisely ducked forward in his seat, as if he had already been shot, until the “firing ceased.” His strategy certainly saved his life, but as a result, he “... was unable to obtain any kind of a description of him (the shooter closest to him) and was unable to see anyone else who did the shooting.” However, on the witness stand, Agent Smith was able to identify a photo of mob hit-man Vern Miller as one of the shooters. This was important because confidential witnesses had linked Miller to Floyd and

Richetti. Next to testify was Kansas City Agent Reed Vetterli, who had been grazed in the upper arm as he ran from machine gun fire during the shooting. Just hours after the massacre, he had erroneously identified a mug shot of Bob Brady, who had recently escaped from the Kansas State Penitentiary, as one of the shooters. Then, Agent Vetterli next claimed that the man he saw had been none other than George “Machine Gun” Kelly. However, while under oath at Richetti's trial, he testified, “I identify the picture...of Pretty Boy Floyd as the individual I saw.” In order to place Floyd and Richetti at the scene of the massacre, it was time for the prosecution to present their worst imaginable witness. Mrs. Lottie West was a 51-year-old member of the Travelers Aid Society who occupied a desk at the Union Station. Of all the witnesses agents interviewed on that morning, she was the only one who claimed to have seen Pretty Boy Floyd. Were he there, he would have been easy to recognize, since his picture was on the front page of the morning newspaper. West told agents that she reported to work at 7 a.m. to find the infamous bandit sitting at her desk. It didn't matter that her physical description of the man was about 40 pounds too heavy, or that he was later identified by his fellow station employees as Harry Blanchard. West was still brought fourth to recall her embellished, mythical tale of heroism. The prosecution's need for her testimony exemplified the weakness of their case. According to West, after her Floyd sighting, she claimed to have been outside of the building on the sidewalk assisting six Benedictine Nuns, who were dressed in full habit, to hail a cab. Not only had none of the other witnesses that morning seen Floyd, no one else reported seeing a group of nuns. She then heard gunfire and saw two men firing machine guns and a third gunman armed with two pistols; one was a “blue gun” (blued finish) and the other was “nickel plated.” It defied logic that she was able to stand openly on the sidewalk during the shooting in order to observe such details, while all others around her ran for cover. O'Hern asked the witness if she saw the man who was brandishing the two “revolvers” (he meant automatics) in the courtroom, to which she replied, “Yes, I do.” When asked to “point him out” West indicated the defendant, Adam Richetti. “He is right back of Mr. Daleo,” she told the court. That was it; the shooters had been identified. The problem for Richetti was that he was the only one alive to take the fall. All that his attorneys could do was cross-examine the witnesses to see how well they stuck to their stories. To their advantage, however, the defense was facing a neatly stacked house of cards, built on lies, that could easily fall.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 7

Absentee ballot information Thursday Jan. 24 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- January Double Page Layout Class ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December Friday Jan. 25 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- January Double Page Layout Class ---- Jewelry Design Class for Kids ---- Miss Brown To You ---- Valentine Gnome & Sign Class ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Oklahoma City Boat Show Saturday Jan. 26 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Garrett “Big G” Jacobson ---- Midland ---- Midas 13 ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Independent Creativity ---- Justin Timberlake in Concert ---- Oklahoma City Boat Show ---- Signature Tour ---- Greater Oklahoma Survival Expo & Gun Show Sunday Jan. 27 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- BYOC: Bring Your Own Computer/Console ---- Midas 13 ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Greater Oklahoma Survival Expo & Gun Show ---- Oklahoma City Boat Show ---- Signature Tour Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Cody L Rains For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Free Admission; an archaeological exhibition that will enable visitors to discover the history of ancient Judah’s most famous kingprophet pairing—a story which illuminates how Jerusalem escaped annihilation at the hands of King Sennacherib’s Assyrian army at the end of the 8th century B.C. For more information visit armstrongauditorium.org. January Double Page Layout Class Location: Paper Arts Extra Info: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $15, create a double page layout using Authentique’s new frosted paper collection. Jewelry Design Class for Kids Location: Heart Studios Extra Info: 6 – 8 p.m., $25 ---- $30, Ages 5 and Up; jewelry class for beginners or advanced students. Drinks/Snacks and Art Supplies Included. Sign up online, find them on Facebook or call (405) 664-4194 to reserve a seat. Valentine Gnome & Sign Class

Location: Paper Arts Extra Info: 6:30 – 9 p.m.; $30, create this fun gnome and a great sign in this class. Perfect gift for your valentine or decorate your home or office. Garrett “Big G” Jacobson Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 8 p.m., $10, Purchase Tickets Online ucojazzlab.com · or by calling (405) 974-2100 BYOC: Bring Your Own Computer/Console Location: University of Central Oklahoma, Grand Ballrooms on the third floor Extra Info: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; meet fellow gamers and students from all over the state. You are encouraged to bring your own computer or console, but not required there will be various activities such as VR and a Smash Tournament ($5 entry fee) with a $100 pot bonus! esports@uco.edu or call 405-531-8780 or find them on Facebook. Midland Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: Show at 7 p.m., Door open 6 p.m., for more information visit riverwind.com. Midas 13 Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 9 p.m.---- Jan 27 1 a.m., for more info visit riverwind.com Justin Timberlake in Concert Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena Extra Info: The Man of the Woods tour, for more info visit chesapeakearena.com Devon Ice Rink Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Mon – Thurs. 3 – 9 p.m., Fri. 3 – 11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun 12 – 7 p.m., $13 per person, $8 if you bring your own skates. Advanced reservations required for groups and private parties available. For more info go to downtownindecember.com Downtown in December Location: Downtown Oklahoma City Extra Info: for list of events visit downtownindecember.com Greater Oklahoma Survival Expo & Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: $14, Sat. 9a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; for more info visit rkshows.com Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC Extra Info: 1 – 2 p.m.; see some of the finest Western art in the country during this docent-facilitated Museum tour. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Miss Brown To You Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 8 p.m., $10, ucojazzlab.com, 405 974-2100. Oklahoma City Boat Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: $10, For more info visit okcboatshow.com OKC Philharmonic presents: Independent Creativity Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: 8 p.m.; for more info visit okcphil.org

Oklahoma County voters wishing to vote by absentee ballot in 2018 elections should apply now. Only voters who applied to vote by absentee ballot in all 2017 elections due to a physical incapacitation will be receiving a 2018 renewal notice by mail to complete and return. No other voters who applied to vote by absentee ballot in 2017 elections will receive a renewal notice but may apply in person at the election board office, by mail, or online at www.elections.ok.gov.

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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Not a perfect world I saw over the weekend where everyone thinks the New Orleans Saints were cheated out of a trip to football’s Super Bowl because of a bad call. To recap, it was late in the fourth quar- Steve Gust ter and one of their receivers was mugged. It was obvious pass interference but it wasn’t called by the official. Over the years we’ve tried to correct bad calls by having video replays. Most of the time that works. The pass interference isn’t one of those calls that is subjected to that kind of a review. The bottom line is that bad calls are a part of sports. I wish it wasn’t that way, but it is. I’m still miffed that the 1972 American men’s Olympic basketball team was cheated out of the gold medal against the Soviet Union. If that’s not bad enough then there was the infamous OU-Oregon football game in which Oregon was given an onsides kick they clearly didn’t recover. That play was reviewed by the booth and they still got it wrong. I do have sympathy for the Saints. It

was truly a shame. We just don’t live in a perfect world. ---There were a couple of interesting stories over the weekend which broke. I won’t go into details, but the initial reaction by some was to go grab pitchforks and lanterns and protest. Then the details came out and it was nothing like what was being initially reported. I caution people. Please take a deep breath and get all the details before you react to a story. I remember years ago a famed conservative commentator was accused of mocking Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s condition. The conservative allegedly waved his arms in a mocking manner. The truth of the matter was that someone on the left manipulated the video clip to make it look like he was mocking the actor. In other words the commentator was smeared for something he didn’t do. Reminds me of the quote, “a lie travels around the globe while the truth is putting on its shoes.“ To this day there are probably millions of people who believe the lie against the conservative commentator. (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

Tax talk vs. reality By The Oklahoman Editorial Board When politicians talk about taxes, they often suggest the average voter will be exempted from tax increases. But when politicians vote, many middle-class families find out otherwise. At the national level, there's been discussion of imposing an income tax rate as high as 70 percent, but proponents have suggested the rate would apply only to people with incomes greater than $10 million, a tiny fraction of the population. This is a tacit admission that tax increases remain unpopular with most voters. Thus, politicians resort to touting tax increases while suggesting most people won't have to pay the freight. Ramesh Ponnuru, senior editor at the conservative National Review, notes that congressional

Democrats' success in gaining votes from “high earners, suburbanites and people with college degrees” has made it harder for the party to champion tax increases it once eagerly embraced. The highest rates in the 1990 federal income tax increase, Ponnuru notes, applied to married couples with earnings of more than $157,000 in today's dollars. Now that the party receives much support from upper middle-income earners, things have changed. “In this new Democratic coalition, raising taxes on couples making more than $300,000 is not a sure-fire applause line,” he writes. “Fixating on the top 1 percent, or the top 0.1 percent, is safer.” Yet while the rhetoric of tax increase debates often suggests relatively few citizens will pay the price, when taxes are in-

creased, the impact is often felt far and wide. In Kansas, which struggled with budget challenges for several years, lawmakers voted in 2017 to enact $1.2 billion in tax increases over two years. That included raising the income tax on couples earning less than $30,000 by more than 19 percent and raising the rate on families with $30,001 to $60,000 in income by more than 14 percent. Everyone else saw their tax rate increase nearly 24 percent. It turned out the “rich” in Kansas looked a lot like the working poor and middle class. A similar scenario played out in Oklahoma, where lawmakers have focused many tax increases on people of average means. This includes raising taxes on car purchases and gasoline. It also applies to income tax increases that have been enacted. From 2004 to 2017, Oklahoma's standard income tax deduction was tied to the federal deduction, which is adjusted annually for inflation. Lawmakers voted to end that practice to subtly raise income tax payments every year via the effects of inflation. That tax increase hit families from all income brackets, but the biggest impact over time will be on those at the low end of the earnings spectrum. The change ultimately ensured Oklahoma government continued to collect significant sums from lower-income workers because the federal deduction has since been raised from $12,700 to $24,000 for couples. Why such a gap between rhetoric and action regarding taxes and the middle class? Because government can reap far more money collectively from the middle class than from the top 0.1 percent, and politicians know it.

Lankford speaks against public abortion funding Senator James Lankford (R-Edmond) last week spoke on the Senate floor about the issue of life and his support for us to come together as a nation and determine how to protect children, regardless of their size or viability. Lankford has supported numerous proposals to protect life and prevent the federal government from encouraging or funding abortions. Last week, Lankford signed on as an original cosponsor to the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which would prohibit taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. The following are excerpts of his comments Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled on a ruling, which is now the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision. It was supposed to have settled the issue about life. It was supposed to have settled the issue that every single state has to allow abortion and that life, according to the Supreme Court in 1973, was about viability. When can this child live on their own outside the womb? Viability. Well, viability in 1973 is very different than viability now, thankfully. When we think about viability now, there are children born at 21, 22 weeks, extremely early, that would have never survived in 1973, that regularly survive now because of great medical care. Viability really doesn't determine life, though. Life is something that begins much earlier, and for some reason in our culture, we're still having a conversation about what to do with that tissue. We as Americans spend a lot of time trying to be able to work on very difficult issues, but for some reason this has become a partisan issue that's exceptionally divisive in our culture. This life and this child shouldn't be a partisan

issue. It shouldn't be a Republican child or a Democrat child. This should just be a child, and we should be able to pause for a moment and be able to determine: what are we going to do about her and is she valuable? ---It is my guess that anyone who Lankford disagrees with this has already tuned me out because as a culture we don't want to think about this life. Because if for a moment we pause and consider that maybe she's really alive and has purpose and value, we would have to swallow hard and acknowledge the millions of little girls just like her that have died in abortions in America — millions. And so to fight against having to deal with that, we just don't want to think about it, and we just tune it out. ---It's something that we acknowledge in the animal world because this Congress has passed laws to deal with endangered species, including a $100,000 fine if you damage a golden eagle egg, a bald eagle egg, if you go to marine turtles, to their nesting spot, and destroy or even disturb the nest of a marine turtle, or in Oklahoma when we deal with barn swallows that will build their nests in the springtime in a construction area. All construction has to stop if a barn swallow builds a nest in your construction area because those eggs are important, not so much because of the barn swallow, but because there is common understanding in this Congress: that those eagle eggs, turtle eggs, barn swallow eggs is a future

barn swallow, turtle, and eagle. ----I have folks that have recently said to me, ‘I understand this is a legislative issue, but it is really a faith issue. This is really about your faith, and your faith shouldn't legislate who I am.’ Well, I would only tell you that cultures all make decisions, including our culture, not just about their faith but their values as a culture. Stealing is also a religious issue. It's in the 10 Commandments, so maybe as a culture we shouldn't ban stealing because the 10 Commandments says you shouldn't steal. But no one would really say that because as a culture we all look at it and say, ‘Theft is a problem. You shouldn’t be able to do that.’ Cultures makes decisions based on their own personal values. So it is not just a religious issue, but our faith does impact our personal lives and decisions. And it does affect who we are. ----In China, where most faith is banned, they allow abortion at any stage. In fact, in China, the state is the most important thing. Everything is about building up the state. The individual has no value. The state has the greatest value. And so in China, they determine, ‘We have too many people,’ so they force women to have abortions and compel them. Some can only have one child, some can have two children, but every child after that has to be aborted because the state chooses that because their greatest value is the state. Our greatest value is the individual. That's why our documents begin with things like, ‘We the people.’ Because the individual has value.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 9

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Museum series will focus on heritage of the bison The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will host a bison-themed Brown Bag Lunch Series on Thursdays, Feb. 28 to April 4. The Brown Bag Lunch Series is made possible by a grant from Oklahoma Humanities. From noon – 1:00 p.m. each Thursday, a different subject-matter expert will explore a topic related to the North American bison. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch or purchase one at The Museum Grill. Reservations are not required, and admission is free to the program and The Museum Grill. “Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and into today, the North American bison has remained the West’s most iconic animal,” said Museum President & CEO Natalie Shirley. “The way in which this creature sustained cultures, was driven to the brink of extinction and then made a remarkable resurgence is an epic story that demands our attention and understanding.” For additional information on this lecture series, contact Shannon Strain, Visitor Services Manager, at (405) 478-2250 ext. 250. Funding for this program is provided in part by a grant from Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this lecture series do not necessarily represent those of OH or NEH. Bison-themed Brown Bag Lunch Series lectures include: Feb. 28, The Bison as Popular Icon Nathan Jones, Associate Curator of Cowboy Culture, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, discusses the impact of the bison as a popular icon. Using artifacts and other documentary sources, Jones tells how — from cave paintings to currency — the bison has been a central symbol to Western identity. March 7, Depicting the Grasslands – Bison in Wildlife Art Adam Duncan Harris, Curator, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, explores how Western art can help us understand humanity’s relationship with wildlife and nature. In particular, he examines the legacy of artist George Catlin through paintings produced following the artist’s 1832 travels to Indian Territory, where he witnessed the landscape blackened by millions of bison.

March 14, The Destruction of the American Bison Andrew C. Isenberg, Hall Professor of American History at the University of Kansas, examines the decline of the North American bison population. Isenberg presents the destruction as the outcome of a process involving the natural environment of the Great Plains, the ecological and economic impact of Euro-Americans and the culture and economy of the Plains Indians. March 21, The Bison and its Meaning to Indigenous Cultures Cherokee storyteller Gayle Ross shares tales about the bison: a giver of life that is tied to creation, medicine and sacred messages. Ross tells riveting stories about the bison’s importance in Native American culture and heritage. March 28, The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains Santa Fe-based historian Dan Flores claims that in 1870 there were at least 10 million bison in the southern herd on the North American plains. Flores draws a vivid portrait of these animals in their glory and tells the harrowing story of what happened to them at the hands of market hunters and ranchers. April 4, The Buffalo War The Buffalo War brought multiple cultures into collision on the Southern Plains. Michael Grauer, McCasland Curator of Cowboy Culture, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, shares a multi-cultural and much-layered story involving Native Americans, Anglo Americans, African Americans and Hispanic Americans, revolving around the destruction of the American bison as a resource for native peoples and a product for the Industrial Revolution. About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located only six miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City in the Adventure District at the junction of Interstates 44 and 35, the state’s exciting Adventure Road corridor.

White honored by Shelter

Joe White

Joe White, Shelter Insurance Companies agent at Edmond, has been honored as one of Shelter’s highest achieving sales representatives, based on overall 2018 agency operations. The Champion designation recognizes members of a select group of Shelter agents who demonstrate the highest overall excellence in insurance

services and meet corporate standards of sound agency operation during the previous year. White has represented Shelter since May 1988. Since then, he has earned the Champion recognition 14 times. The Joe White Agency Inc. is located at 1704 S. Boulevard, Suite A, Edmond.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 11

PHOTO PROVIDED

University of Central Oklahoma photography students have created a series of images inspired by photographer William Mortensen. The series, ‘Monsters and Modonnas’ is currently on display in the Communications building located on Central’s campus, through the end of February.

On display through February

UCO students create series of ‘Monsters and Madonnas’ University of Central Oklahoma photography students have created a series of images inspired by photographer William Mortensen. The series, ‘Monsters and Modonnas’ is currently on display in the Communications building located on Central’s campus, through the end of February. Many of Mortensen’s images are included in the Photographic Society of America’s (PSA) collection housed in the Central’s Max Chambers Library. Each student image has been paired with an image from the collection in the exhibit. “This was an amazing experience for the students to be able to exhibit with such a well-known photographer from the past,” said Mark Zimmer-

man, M.F.A., associate professor of photography. “William Mortensen was an incredible photographer and teacher, and I am so glad we have access to his work in the PSA collection.” The Photographic Society of America’s collections are archived and used as educational aides in the curatorial and art history courses at Central. The collection contains more than 5,000 historically important photographic prints dating from 1913 to present. For additional information regarding the PSA collection, contact Nicole Willard, director of Archives and Special Collections for the Max Chambers Library at 405-974-2885 or nwillard@uco.edu.

Certified a healthy campus for seventh consecutive year The University of Central Oklahoma has once again maintained its status as a Certified Healthy Campus for the seventh consecutive year, recognizing the university’s efforts to promote health and wellness among its students, faculty and staff. A part of the “Shape Your Future” campaign driven by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Central was awarded the highest level of certification, garnering the excellence designation. The program recognizes public and private campuses, and career technology centers that make a positive impact on the health of their communities. As a part of Central’s Healthy Campus Initiative, students, faculty and staff work together to lead several efforts to encourage the campus community in health and wellness. UCO Health Promotion serves as the initiative’s hub, offering free suicide prevention training, substance and alcohol abuse prevention education, wellbeing programs and more. “I am proud to be a part of the Central community as campus administrators, staff, students and faculty have recognized the importance of health, well-being and the impact wellness has in the classroom,” said Alex Russell, assistant director of health promotion and outreach. “It is evident that Bronchos strive to-

wards holistic health and that is what makes our students succeed both on campus and within the community.” Central also strives for student success mentally, emotionally and physically both in the classroom and out by providing services such as the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being with free individual therapy appointments, group counseling and Calm Central, UCO’s new stress reduction room. The Wellness Center offers intramurals, sport clubs, adventure programs and Oklahoma Project WILD. Activities extend to the university’s Center for Outdoor Adventure Recreation located on Lake Arcadia, which houses the university’s fleet of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and mountain bikes for both rentals and one-on-one or group instruction. Central is also one of only two universities in the nation designated as an Olympic and Paralympic training site, hosting the national Men’s and Women’s Sitting Volleyball teams along with athletes training in Paralympic archery, powerlifting, track and field, and the Olympic sport of taekwondo. For more information on the “Shape Your Future” campaign and Certified Healthy Oklahoma, visit www.ok.gov/health. For more information on Central’s health and wellness programs, visit www.ucowellnesscenter.com.

Page 12 • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Joel Melton and Arcadia visit set ARCADIA – Singer-songwriter Joel Melton, who returned to Oklahoma City last year after working as a musician and artist in Austin and South Padre Island, Texas, will provide Morning Music from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in the downstairs museum of the Arcadia Round Barn. Melton will also bring some of his paintings to exhibit. Melton, who describes his music as “Americana roots rock,” is a former member of such Oklahoma bands as “The Panhandlers” and “Uncle Joey and the Mud Puppies” and has released seven CDs during his more than 20-year career. He is a regular at the Blue Door and the Woody Guthrie Festival. A native of Checotah, Melton grew up with a father who played the guitar and relatives on his mother’s side who were artists. He drew and painted daily from the ages of 11 to 21, and took up the guitar at age 18. He said after setting his art aside for many years, he is once again painting every day. His first gallery show opens in February at the Whispering Willows Art Gallery in Norman. The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. Admission is free but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn. Morning Music, which was launched last year, is presented every Saturday by musicians who donate their time to the Round Barn. For more information, call Joe Baxter at 405-833-1350.

Joel Melton

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 13

Early Explorers campers get an up-close look at a science experiment.

Spring break camps at Science Museum Oklahoma Nature, animals, superheroes and gross science are on deck for Science Museum Oklahoma’s spring break camps set for March 18-22 at the museum located at 2020 Remington Place in Oklahoma City. “These camps bring all of the museum’s resources into the hands of children with age-appropriate activities and special themes. Our educators have been excitedly planning wonderful activities to encourage young scientists to explore science beyond the classroom. We’ll have hands-on fun experiments, unique demonstrations and, of course, all of our immersive exhibits and a state-of-the-art planetarium,” said Annie Bewley, museum educator for SMO. The museum’s camps are for children in pre-K to sixth grade and feature a different theme for each age group. “Camps are limited to 15 children per age group, which creates an ideal environment for oneon-one and small-group instruction. Camps at SMO allow us one of our most rewarding ways to achieve our mission of revealing the wonder and relevance of science. We believe these camps can ignite a spark of curiosity that will lead to an adventure of lifelong learning.” Camp themes, times and dates are: n Wild World, ages 4-5 (pre-K and kindergarten), 9 a.m. to noon, $100 for members, $125 for nonmembers: This week will be full of natural science and the critters we can find in our own

secret science behind some of their favorite foods. Investigate pudding painting viscosity, lickable wallpaper and the amount of protein in a cricket. After a couple of taste tests, campers will explore the hidden world of the human digestion system and how different foods affect our daily lives. Advance registration is required. Registration will close March 11 or when full. For more information about Science Museum Oklahoma camps or to register for a camp, visit www.sciencemuseumok.org/spring-break-camps or call 405-602-3760.

Science Museum Oklahoma campers work on snap circuits during Explorers camp.

backyards. Campers will collect and explore the tiniest details of a leaf’s “fingerprint,” dissect flowers, make a toad house and feed the fish in the museum’s Oceanarium. n The Science of Super, grades 1-3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $225 for members, $250 for nonmembers: Campers will get to dive head-first into the world of superheroes, examining favorite heroes and heroines and discovering what makes their powers so super. n Delicious and Disgusting, grades 4-6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $225 for members, $250 for nonmembers: This camp is going to be wonderfully appealing and a little gross! Campers will explore the

Science Museum Oklahoma’s Innovators work together to create rules for a self-designed board game.

About Science Museum Oklahoma Science Museum Oklahoma is the state’s only hands-on science museum and, with over 350,000 square feet, one of the largest science museums in the nation. With a mission of enriching lives by revealing the wonder and relevance of science, Science Museum Oklahoma demonstrates the relationship between the physical sciences and everyday experiences. The museum influences how Oklahomans learn about science through the medium of interactive exhibits, discovery-based activities, astronomy shows, Science Live demonstrations, educational outreach efforts and special events. The museum’s clear mission and firm focus on science literacy encourages families to develop and build upon a strong foundation in the sciences.

(Photographs for this article were provided.)

Page 14 • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘Opportunity Zone’ urges downtown development By Eriech Tapia NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman Developers and longterm investors are preparing to pump investments into the federal Opportunity Zone that some equate to a modern-day land run in downtown. This all comes at a time when the city has seen historic levels of investment, and now downtown could become the center of investment. “It has the potential to make downtown Edmond boom,” said developer Matthew Myers, who has planned projects in and outside the zone. He and other investors are working together to acquire land downtown

for multifamily living, which he said will allow him to take advantage of the opportunity and pump millions into the downtown core. "The boom for Downtown Edmond's designation as a Federal Opportunity Zone is comparable to a land run,” said Jill Castilla, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. The Opportunity Zone allows investors to take their capital gains and reinvest it in specified census tracts with the possibility of lower or no capital gains taxes. “Capital is streaming nationally to these zones — acquiring land and investing in businesses in Edmond's

core is at a historic and rapidly increasing high," Castilla said. In Edmond, the zone is north of 2nd Street from the railroad tracks to Bryant Avenue. The northern boundary stops at Edwards Street near the railroad tracks but jumps up to Ayers Street then follows University Drive and on to Bryant. The downtown opportunity zone is the only one in the city of Edmond. The Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport falls within one, however no plans have been announced. While not every new development in downtown is using the opportunity, others are still pushing forward on projects, including the Edmond Railyard, Sunnyside and the new Rail Spur District. The Edmond Railyard, which will include several small restaurants, a craft wine and cocktail bar along with a few offices, is planned to open during the middle of this year, said Casey Massegee, principal with the Grant Group. Crews are framing the inside of the building and working on an outdoor covered patio at 23 W. 1st Street. Massegee hopes the area will begin to develop this year as he looks to possible multifamily units in the location of the former Dolese

concrete plant. Work on the Sunnyside diner continues with plans to open this spring on the corner of 2nd Street and Broadway. “This could be a huge year for downtown Edmond,” said Janet Yowell, Edmond Economic Development Authority executive director. “We have so much going on already." For Myers and Castilla, their advice to anybody looking into pursuing investment in the Opportunity Zone is to seek good legal counsel. “You have to dot your i’s and cross your t’s with this one,” Myers said. Benefits for investors include the ability to defer capital gains taxes until the end of 2026, along with reducing tax payments by up to 15 percent. “It is designed to create investment in economically depressed areas,” Myers said. “It is great for investors and the community.” For many, the best investment is to hold on for more than 10 years, which would allow the person to pay zero taxes on profits from new investments. There are no tax credits and no public sector financing is involved; instead, it is a tax break, according to the Economic Innovation Group.

Excessive speeding blamed for a third of all road deaths A new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) highlights excessive vehicle speed as a persistent factor in nearly one-third of all motor vehicle-related fatalities. Despite this, speeding is not given enough attention as a traffic safety issue and is widely deemed culturally acceptable by the motoring public. “Speeding Away from Zero: Rethinking a Forgotten Traffic Safety Challenge” takes a fresh look at this challenging topic, outlining the latest available data and research, federal and state policies, existing programs to reduce speeding-related crashes, and promising future approaches. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins points out, “If we want to get to zero deaths on our roads, we need to address speeding on a much deeper and more comprehensive level than we have been. This clear and present danger on our roadways makes it imperative to devote additional resources toward getting drivers to slow down in order to save lives.” Speeding by motorists particularly threatens the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists by not only increasing the chances of a crash, but also increasing the risk of serious injury or death when crashes occur. On the

other hand, even small decreases in travel speed can reduce crash and injury severity and save lives. While some urban areas have had success in reducing vehicle speeds (for example, by lowering the speed limits in New York City and Boston), a greater proportion of speeding-related fatalities actually occur on rural roadways, claiming more than 5,000 lives in 2016 alone. Vision Zero efforts have been at the forefront of steps to curb speeding in cities, and GHSA hopes to see this concept and its principles spread to more suburban and rural jurisdictions across the country. The GHSA report outlines of number of additional recommendations to reduce speeding on our roadways. Suggestions consist of federal legislative and programmatic prioritization, more aggressive and sustained law enforcement efforts (including automated speed enforcement), and engineering the built environment for safer speeds through roundabouts and other traffic calming elements. GHSA’s State Highway Safety Office members are uniquely positioned within state government to launch new speeding reduction programs, spearhead public education and enforcement efforts, and coordinate broad stakeholder alliances.

State says voter registration numbers showing an increase Official voter regOKLAHOMA istration statistics reREGISTERED VOTERS * leased last week by (as of January 15, 2019) the Oklahoma State Election Board show REPUBLICANS............1,008,775 ....................47.4% DEMOCRATS ................777,770......................36.6% the highest number INDEPENDENTS ............331,078 ......................15.6% of registered voters following a guberna- LIBERTARIANS ..................9,274........................0.4% torial election since TOTAL 2,126,897 the board began *Oklahoma State Election Board stats recording voter registration statistics in this trend will continue through 2019 1960. and into the 2020 elections,” said This year’s count reveals 2,126,897 Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State people registered to vote, an increase Election Board. “For eligible citizens of nearly 111,000 voters from the who are not currently registered to same time last year. vote, there is no time like the presRepublican Party voter registration ent.” continues to grow, along with the Voter registration usually peaks folLibertarian Party and Independent lowing a general election, but it’s imvoters. Current numbers show Repub- portant to remember that the numbers licans make up 47.4 percent of the are constantly changing. The Oklaelectorate, while Democrats constihoma State Election Board releases a tute 36.6 percent of voter registracomprehensive annual voter registration. Libertarians consist of 0.4 tion count each Jan. 15. Statistics from percent of the voter population and the 2019 report can be found at: registered Independents account for https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_I nearly 15.6 percent. nfo/Voter_Registration_Statistics/index “As Oklahoma’s chief election offi.html. cial, I am very encouraged by today’s For a complete history of voter regvoter registration statistics. Our state istration statistics or to download a saw a big increase in voter engagevoter registration application, visit ment in 2018, and I am hopeful that http://elections.ok.gov.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 15

Review of film ‘Green Book’

The latest ‘feel-good’ movie By George Gust When you’re painting a room, you’ve got a multitude of choices on what kind of sheen you want your paint to reflect, from flat (no shine) to high gloss (all shine). The same is true when you’re making a major motion picture about the 1960s American South. You can portray the time in a flat and unflinching way like “Mississippi Burning” or a high gloss manor like “Remember the Titans.” This year’s awards darling “Green Book” lies somewhere in between these two extremes. While full of charm educated concert pianist is nothing short of movie and comedy “Green Book” still manages to ring magic. There was a smile on my face for most of emotionally genuine to the time. “Green Book” is a 2018 drama/comedy, directed the film as the two characters develop a friendship where Mortensen softens his harsh feelings on by Peter Farrelly, one half of the Farrally Brothers race and class and Ali loosens his strict ways and (“Dumb and Dumber” “There’s Something About have fun with the simpler things in life. Mary”). The film follows the unlikely friendship of Overall, “Green Book” is a safe approach to deworking class Italian American bouncer Tony Lip picting racism and segregation in the 1960s Ameri(Viggo Mortensen) and African American classical can South, but with exceptionally strong pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) as they performances by Mortensen and Ali is a feel-good tour venues in throughout the American South in movie that will undoubtedly receive loads of accothe 1960s. Farrelly’s background in screwball comedies may lades come awards season. “Green Book” goes down smooth but ultimately won’t challenge the be confusing when watching “Green Book” beviewer too much. cause while there are moments of comedy in “Green Book” is rated PG-13 for thematic con“Green Book” the film is much more focused on tent, language including racial epithets, smoking, the film’s unlikely fiendship. This film plays out sursome violence and suggestive material prisingly smoothly for the harsh subject matter and turbulent time period. 4.2 out of 5 stars The filmmakers of this film opted for a semigloss sheen of racism in the American South, making sure to point out that not EVERYONE in the south was an unflinching racist, but in this way the film lacks the teeth to garner a strong emotional reaction from the audience. What remains is an endlessly charming movie about unlikely friends from completely different backgrounds buoyed by very strong performances by the film’s leads. “Green Book” is a shining example of pitch perfect casting. The interplay between Mortensen’s gruff and unapologetically candid demeanor and Viggo Mortenson and Mahershala Ali star as unlikely friends in the Ali’s calm collected and classically Oscar contending ‘Green Book.’

Student loan debt hurting home market From NewsOK.com Skyrocketing student loan debt put homeownership out of reach for 400,000 Americans in their 20s and 30s from 2005 to 2014, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve. Starting from census data showing a drop of 8.8 percentage points in homeownership among that age cohort, the Fed's researchers estimate that rising student loan balances account for roughly 2 percentage points of that drop, or nearly a quarter of it. "While investing in postsecondary education continues to yield, on average, positive and substantial returns, burdensome student loan debt levels may be lessening these benefits," the researchers conclude. "As policymakers evaluate ways to aid student borrowers, they may wish to consider policies that reduce the cost of tuition, such as greater state government investment in public institutions." From 1989 to 2016, the share of American families of all ages with an outstanding student loan balance rose from 8.9 percent to 22.4 percent, according to the Fed's Survey of Consumer Finances. The median family with student loan debt now owes $19,000 on those loans, according to the survey, up from a median balance of just $5,600 in 2016 dollars in 1989.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: GRAMMY AWARDS ACROSS 1. Bird hangout 6. Loquacious person's gift? 9. Columbus launcher 13. Nebraska's largest city 14. Not a thing 15. Hispaniola republic 16. Shmear holder 17. Brouhaha 18. Court call 19. *Gaga and Cooper hit 21. *The Recording ____ 23. *Drake's "Nice ____ What" 24. Doe's mate 25. *Best New Artist, 1983: ____ at Work 28. Aquarium show star 30. *"Why don't you just meet me in the ____" 35. Line of symmetry 37. Itty-bitty bit 39. Unwelcome message on computer screen 40. Roll call call 41. *"Reputation" artist 43. "The Bridges of Madison County" state 44. Implant 46. Delhi wrap 47. Politicians, for short 48. Isaac of science fiction fame 50. *Grammy Hall of Fame's "Sixteen ____" 52. Sodium solution 53. French Riviera city 55. Trigonometry abbr. 57. Danced to Miami Sound Machine in 1985 61. *____ Center 65. Bay window 66. Poor man's caviar 68. Home to BYU 69. Dished out 70. Three strikes 71. Like yes-

terday's meal 72. '80s sitcom "Who's the ____?" 73. *"____ Robinson," 1968 74. Giving up the ghost DOWN 1. Ugly crowds 2. Wet nurse 3. Indian music 4. Elf's perch 5. Inciting call to a hunting hound 6. Bite like a beaver 7. A hand 8. Swell up 9. Persian backgammon 10. Adjutant 11. Type of cell 12. Well-ventilated 15. Deli offering 20. Florentine iris 22. Tucker of "Modern Family" 24. Fill to satisfaction 25. *Fall Out boy's album 26. End-of-semester events 27. Nimbus, pl. 29. Hang out till these come home?

31. Type of coffee maker 32. Salivate 33. Humble 34. Make blank 36. Appear to be 38. Bushy do 42. Color lightly 45. *Childish Gambino's name 49. *What nominees do 51. Like lathered hands 54. Read-only memory device 56. Aerosol can emanation 57. Toothy groomer 58. Three-ply dunker 59. Lice eggs 60. *Bee ____, multiple awards winner 61. Series of reps, pl. 62. "Laughing on the inside" text 63. Fifty-fifty 64. *____ of the Year 67. Partaker's pronoun

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED/ EF GO AHEAD TOURS

The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation invites UCO alumni and friends on a 10-day trip to South America with stops in Brazil and Argentina with UCO President Don Betz before his June 2019 retirement.

UCO Foundation’s trip with Betz this June The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation invites UCO alumni and friends to join President Don Betz on a trip to Brazil and Argentina June 110. Betz, who has served as Central’s 20th president since 2011, is retiring the end of June. “The benefits of global travel are innumerable and enduring. Traveling creates opportunities for enhancing cultural awareness, making new connections and stimulating curiosity and personal

growth,” said Betz. “I am pleased to participate in this unique program with UCO family and friends.” The 10-day trip features time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tour highlights include Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, Copacabana Beach, Samba School, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires’ La Boca neighborhood.

The trip is organized by EF Go Ahead Tours with pricing options that include round-trip airfare beginning at $4,793 per person. To book the trip, call 800-438-7672. The deadline to register is Feb. 7. To view the complete itinerary of the trip, visit www.grouptoursite.com/tours/uco1. For more UCO Foundation news and events, visit www.centralconnection.org.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 17

Child rearing tips parents should know According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, by the time children have reached the fifth grade, around 80 percent of them have been physically punished. They also report that physical punishment, which includes spanking and hitting, has been shown to be ineffective and lead to more aggressive behavior. They recommend that parents use more effective parenting practices, which is something that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to as positive parenting. “Positive parenting focuses on teaching children what type of behavior is acceptable through means that are more effective and positive,” explains Reena B. Patel, a parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist, and author. “When we focus on positive parenting techniques, we get the desired behavior we want and we help to create children who are mentally healthier and better adjusted.” Parenting styles, including whether or not parents take a positive or punitive approach to discipline, can have an impact on the child’s development. According to recent research published in the journal International Quarterly of Community Health Education, parenting styles influence whether or not adolescents have poor selfesteem, and those who do have poor self-esteem are prone to experiencing many challenges. Their study, which included over 500 pupils, concluded that there is a significant association between parenting styles and an adolescents’ self-esteem. Positive parenting helps to create children who have a healthy self-esteem, are less aggressive, and who tend to have better family bonds. Yet many parents are not sure where to start when it comes to carrying out positive parenting practices. Patel has spent over 20 years working with families to help them adopt supportive and effective positive parenting practices. Here are 11 positive parenting practices that Patel recommends families adopt: n Give your child lots of nurturing physical attention – children like hugs, cuddles and holding hands. n Children are more likely to misbehave when they are bored, so provide lots of engaging indoor and outdoor activities for your child such as play dough, coloring, cardboard boxes, dress ups, blanket tents, etc. n Set clear limits on your child’s behavior. Sit down and have a family discussion on the family rules in your home. Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break the rules. Rules should be few, fair, easy to follow, enforceable, and positively stated (ex: Stay close to dad in the store; Use a pleasant voice; Wash your hands before meals.) n If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them clear instruction to stop misbehaving and tell them what you would like them to do instead. (ex: “Stop throwing. Play with the truck on the ground.”) Use specific praise with your child if they stop (ex: “Thank you for playing with the truck on the ground.”) n Have realistic expectations. All children misbehave at times, and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline challenges. Trying to be the perfect parent can set you up for frustration and disappointment. n Look after yourself. It is difficult to be a calm, relaxed parent if you are stressed, feeling anxious or down. Try to find time every week to let yourself unwind or do something that you enjoy. I know as parents it is difficult to do, but give yourself permission to take time for yourself.

n Children need positive attention. If they do not receive positive attention from family, they may choose to seek out negative attention. This is because negative attention is still attention, and any attention is better than being ignored. Remember to communicate with your child. Love and care are the greatest healers. n Punishing a child is not as effective as using praise and rewards. Rather than focusing on weaknesses, find ways to assist your child in developing to his or her full potential. When encouraged, children will acquire talents to compensate for any deficiencies. n Avoid negative emotional reactions, such as anger, sarcasm, and ridicule. If your child has problems with control, negativity will only make him or her feel worse. Use short and mild verbal phrases/acronyms to remind your child to focus, like “L P.A.,” for “let’s pay attention.” n Parent by example. (Model what you expect) Think of your kids like copy machine who will mimic everything you do. If you make poor choices in behavior, you are giving them permission to act in the same ways. Check in with yourself, and don’t lose it in front of the children. n Don't give up on your child, ever! All of your

child's problems can be worked through with humor, goodwill, and perseverance. With proper parental support, even the most troublesome teens can become amazing people. “When we take compassion and kindness into parenting practices, we are going to have much better outcomes and the whole family is going to be happier and healthier,” added Patel. “If you are not used to using positive parenting practices, it may take a little adjusting, but stick with it, and you will see and love the results.” Patel is the founder of AutiZm & More, and as a licensed educational psychologist and guidance counselor, she helps children and their families with the use of positive behavior support strategies across home, school, and in community settings. She does workshops around California, where she provides this information to health professionals, families, and educators. She is also the author of two children’s books that teach compassion and kindness, called “My Friend Max: A Story About a Friend with Autism," and “Winnie & Her Worries,” both available on Amazon. To learn more, visit the website at www.reenabpatel.com.

Page 18 • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Denton seeking a seat on Edmond City Council Devyn Denton, a 41 year Ward 1 candidate old candidate from Edmond is proud to announce her candidacy for the Edmond City Council Ward 1 seat. An emergency room nurse, volunteer firefighter, fifth-generation teacher, and the founder of a nonprofit aimed at connecting nurses in times of disaster, Denton brings a unique perspective. “My neighbors in Ward 1 deserve someone who knows our neighborhood inside and out,” Denton said. “We need a City Council member who actually cares about putting people first, and who will work hard to make local government serve the people, instead of furthering their own interests.” The race for the Ward 1 seat is contested, with five candidates heading into a Feb. 12 primary. The top two finishers will advance to a general election on April 2. Denton is not only the only woman running in any citywide race, but she is also the only person of color. Denton is the founder of the non-profit Operation Nurses Helping Nurses, an organization aimed at assisting nurses and others, both locally and abroad, during natural disasters and emergencies. Her background in healthcare also prompted her to open her own healthcare consulting practice. “I’ve spent my whole life in Edmond and in service to Edmond,” said Denton. “My love for this community has kept me here, and it’s Edmond that’s nurtured my family, my business, and my commitment to help others. Through my work locally, I’ve had an opportunity to see all sides of Edmond and meet many of its residents, sometimes in the worst moments of their lives. Though my volunteerism, I’ve been privileged to see the people of this city at their very best. I know that I can be a positive voice on the City Council, and I am working hard to talk to all of my neighbors in my ward about this important race.” For more on her platform and her vision, visit DevynForEdmond.com.

Memorial High School’s Benefit Brick Effort for Swine Week The annual spring philanthropy project, Swine Week, is under way at Memorial High School. This year the recipient organization is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. In addition to this construction continues on an enlarged new football stadium at Memorial. On the outside of the stadium is a 15 by 15 foot area with personalized bricks. Bricks, bearing the names of current students, alumni or families. The bricks are $150. Checks should be made to Swine Week. The effort is tax deductible. To get a form please e-mail Jeff.Lovett@edmondschools.net

O’Neil wants to return as Mayor of Edmond issues are intolerable. It Local community volis vital that Edmond deunteer, Dan O’Neil, has velops in a way that announced his intent to matters – not just growrun for Mayor of Eding for growth’s sake. mond. “ We are a community “Many people ask that values beautificame - why would you tion,” O’Neil said. want to serve as Mayor In addition to his again? My answer is time as Edmond mayor, that - simply, I love this Dan O’Neil has a lifecommunity. I loved raislong commitment to ing my family here and I public service. He want the future Edserved us as Edmond mond families who move Dan O’Neil Mayor from 2007-2009, here for our outstanding after being active in our community schools to have the same experience but even better than my wife, Patti and since 1995. He served on the board for Tomorrow’s Edmond 1996-1998 and I had with our daughters. We have all Edmond Plan III committee. In 1995, the building blocks, assets and passion he formed Edmond Neighborhood Alto make that happen. We must have liance in 1995. He was also a member city leadership that plans ahead beof the I-35 Corridor Zoning & Sign cause success does come from autopiCommittee. He served on the Edmond lot operations,” O’Neil said. Parks Foundation and was involved in “I have been actively involved in the securing four Historical Statues in EdEdmond community for nearly 25 mond. He is active in Edmond Beautiful years. We have followed all planning commission and council meeting for 25 in the Adopt a Street and Yard of Week programs. years. Since my retirement from Tinker Dan served in the United States in 2002, I have been a tireless advoArmy 1968-1972 and is a Vietnam Vetcate for trees, trails, recycling, beautifieran and is retired from the United cation and public art. I believe States Air Force Civil Service after 34 Edmond’s future depends on looking forward, working together to develop a years at Tinker Air Force Base in Civilvision for the future,” O’Neil continued. ian Personnel. He is a 10-year member of Kiwanis International, and is active “Many leaders say that Edmond is now a big town, and in many respects, in his church. He has been married to they are right, but for me, we may be a Patti for 50 years, together they have three daughters and five grandchildren. bigger town but we don’t need to act On Feb. 12 O’Neil will appear on or look like one. We need to keep our the ballot for mayor against Richard residents fully informed and involved, Prawdziensk and the late-Edmond we need to preserve the small-town Mayor Charles Lamb. The top two vote charm and continue to be the best getters of that election move on to the place in Oklahoma to raise and educaApril 2 general municipal election. tion our children,” O’Neil emphasized. There will also be elections Feb. 12 for O’Neil also discussed that quality of Ward 1 and Ward 2 candidates. In adlife and a dedication to the future vidition the Edmond Schools will be presion of Edmond. “Great communities senting a $93 million bond issue on do not stay great when they stay the course – they create the course. Traffic the Feb. 12 ballot also.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 19

Benefits Automobile Alley Association

‘Chocolate Decadence’ back for 22nd year The Automobile Alley Association cordially invites you to celebrate its 22nd annual Chocolate Decadence event, one of Oklahoma City’s most anticipated celebrations and Valentine traditions, on Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Volvo Annex located at 33 Broadway Circle in downtown Oklahoma City. Chocolate Decadence attendees will experience an evening of rich chocolate, gourmet coffee, wine, champagne, live music and a Valentine auction. All proceeds benefit the Automobile Alley Association, which promotes local businesses, awards grants and sponsorships, activates and programs the district with events, art, and light displays, cleans and maintains district streets and sidewalks, and advocates on behalf of all area stakeholders. “This has been a fantastic year for Automobile Alley,” said Traci Walton of Plenty Mercantile, who also serves as the Automobile Alley Board Chair. “We are so excited to see all the new construction and renovations that took place this year, and we look forward to seeing even more growth in 2019 as the Oklahoma City Streetcar begins service and new tenants and property owners move into the area.” New developments in Automobile Alley in 2018 include the Eighth Street Market which is home to Prairie Artisan Ales brewery and taproom, Magasin Table, and a coffee concept coming soon. Vanessa House Brewery opened on Eighth Street, Katiebug’s Sips and Sweets moved into a retail space on Ninth Street, and Heartland has broken ground at NW Fifth and Broadway. Construction is also well underway on the Broadway Park building. This year’s Chocolate Decadence food and drink will be provided by a variety of local restaurants and caterers including: Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse, Coco Flow Chocolatier, Coffee Slingers Roasters, Evoke, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Iguana Mexican Grill, Jazmo’z Bourbon Street Café, Kamp’s 1910 Café, Katiebug’s Shaved Ice and Hot Chocolate, Paseo Grill, Red PrimeSteak, Skirvin Hilton Hotel, The Melting Pot, Water’s Edge Winery, and Yuzo Sushi Tapas. Sponsors of the event include Automobile Alley, Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, Midtown Renaissance, The Journal Record, Edible OKC, +ImageNet, Accel Financial Staffing, Dolese Brothers Co., Mason Realty Investors LLC, OKC Firefighters IAFF Local 157, OKC Friday, PLENTY Mercantile, RCB Bank and Urbane Home and Lifestyle.

Chef John Patterson enjoying last year’s event. General admission tickets are $65. VIP tickets will be available to the first 50 buyers for $100 each. VIP tickets include early entry at 6 p.m., access to a VIP seating area, a special VIP checkout for all auction purchases, and one free ticket in a chance drawing for prizes. All tickets must be purchased in advance at www.downtownokc.com/chocolate-decadence or www.automobilealley.org/events. Guests must be 21 to attend. The first 350 guests to arrive will receive a commemorative Chocolate Decadence glass. For more information, contact Nicole Thomas at (405) 706-7484 / Nicole@EpicEventsOK.com.

Grant process to identify historical places to start The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) announces its annual matching grants to state, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations for the preparation of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nominations. The SHPO has reserved $10,000 of its FY 2019 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) allocation from the U.S. Department of the Interior for the program. The funds will be equally divided into two grant rounds with any funds remaining from round one carried over for round two. Applications and detailed instructions will be available from the SHPO on Feb. 1. The deadline for round one applications is 5 p.m. on the first Friday in April, and the deadline for round two applications is 5 p.m. on the first Friday in June. Each grant is limited to $1,000, and the applicant must provide a nonfederal, cash match of at least $700. Grant recipients will use the grant funds and nonfederal match to retain an appropriately qualified professional to prepare a complete individual property nomination package for the NRHP. Applicants must be aware that $1,700 (federal grant plus nonfederal match) is only an estimate of the cost for such projects and that more than the minimum $700 nonfederal match may be necessary to cover the consultant fee. Consultants must consider the nature of the property proposed for nomination and many other factors as they develop their fee proposals. The NRHP is the list of our nation’s

significant buildings, structures, sites, districts, objects and landscapes important in our past. While listing is not a guarantee of preservation or of financial assistance, the NRHP status of a property is often critical to the strategy for its preservation. The NRHP provides increased public awareness of these irreplaceable resources, provides limited protection for them, qualifies property owners for federal and state tax credits under certain circumstances, and may qualify the property owner for grant assistance when such programs are funded. To obtain or submit a NRHP Nomination Grant application form, please visit www.okhistory.org/shpo/nrgrant.htm. You also may contact the SHPO at 405-521-6249. Information about the SHPO and its programs, including the NRHP, is available at www.okhistory.org/shpo. The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Page 20 • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Group names new scientific director Researching adult stem cells

Courtney Griffin, Ph.D.

The Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) has named Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., as its new scientific director. OCASCR was founded in 2010 by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to increase adult stem cell research in Oklahoma. Over the past eight years, OCASCR has funded research projects on diabetes, blindness, cancer and other illnesses at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the University of Oklahoma, and OMRF. Griffin earned her B.A. at Harvard and her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of California San Francisco. Following postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina, she joined OMRF in 2008. Her work focuses on genes that regulate blood and lymphatic vessels, work that has implications for heart disease, aneurysms, cancer and toxic drug overdose. Griffin succeeds OCASCR’s founding scientific director, Paul Kincade, Ph.D., who is retiring. She plans to continue OCASCR’s focus on adult stem cell research and expand the

scope of its vision to include work in regenerative medicine. “Regenerative medicine challenges us to harness stem cell and developmental biology research into discovering new ways of repairing, replacing or rejuvenating disease-damaged organs in the body. We want to open the door to more researchers interested in this growing field of study,” she said. TSET Interim Executive Director Julie Bisbee said she is excited for the future of OCASCR and the role this research plays in TSET’s overall goal. "TSET is proud to support this unique collaboration between academic and research institutions to promote cutting-edge scientific discoveries in Oklahoma," said Bisbee. "Supporting this kind of research that advances treatment for cancer and tobacco-related diseases is fundamental to our mission to improve the health of all Oklahomans." Since OCASCR’s founding, TSET has invested $17 million in Oklahoma scientists focused on stem cell research with a return on that investment of more than $90 million in grants as a result of the projects launched through the initiative.

How to evaluate insurance needs The new year serves as a reminder of all the changes that took place in 2018, and as a chance to look ahead to what’s in store for 2019. Any number of changes, big or small, can require an update to your insurance policies, so it’s important to take the time to review them each year. “The new year is the perfect time to take stock of what you have and look forward to the possibilities of the next 12 months,” said Gary Buckner, executive vice president and general manager of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance. “Whether you recently acquired something valuable or your family responsibilities have changed, it’s important to conduct an annual insurance review and to update your policy to ensure you are ready for whatever the new year may bring.” To help individuals get their policies on track going into the new year, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance is providing the following tips: Prepare for the unexpected. Changes in family responsibilities can impact your life insurance needs or the policy’s premium. Ensuring you know when your life insurance term expires or checking in to see if your permanent policy is performing as you intended can save you a lot of headache if the unexpected occurs this year. Take inventory of your possessions. Did you get any big-ticket items during the holidays? Any special personal property, such as jewelry, antiques, firearms, furs, musical instruments, electronics, art or sporting equipment should be inventoried and listed as personal property on your homeowners policy. For items that

may need additional coverage, consider adding personal property coverage to your policy. Consider changes in driving habits. Whether you drove significantly more or less than last year, have an aging car that has depreciated in value or plan to have a teen behind the wheel in 2019, it is important to consider any changes that need to be made to your auto policy this year. Updating your policy will prevent you from being underinsured in case of an accident, and it will also give you a chance to make sure you understand exactly what your coverage entails. Determine whether your home is properly insured. The new year is a great time to reevaluate your homeowners policy and make sure it is up to date. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, earthquakes or tornados, you may consider adding these specialized coverage lines to avoid disasters not covered in standard homeowners policies. Additionally, any renovations or updates in the last year to your home, yard or property can mean your policy needs a valuation update. About Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance Since 1946, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance has worked to maintain its position as the leading Oklahoma-based insurance company for Oklahomans from all walks of life. The company protects Oklahomans in all 77 counties from the risks they face every day, and because each agent lives and works in Oklahoma, they are present when needed most. To learn more, visit www.okfbinsurance.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 21

Upcoming EEDA Preview reminder The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) will host the 2019 Economic Preview, sponsored by First Fidelity Bank, Thursday, Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edmond Conference Center, 2833 Conference Drive, located at the Hilton Garden Inn on the northwest corner of Interstate 35 and Covell Road. The event will include networking, featured speakers and lunch. EEDA Executive Director Janet Yowell will kick off the event with an Edmond update, including insight into the latest Edmond developments. Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell will then present a discussion on economic development and tourism. "The Economic Preview provides quality information and insights that I am pleased to share with our attendees each year," said Yowell. "I look forward to Lieutenant Governor Pinnell providing his outlook on economic development and tourism." The 2019 event marks more than a decade of First Fidelity Bank's sponsorship of EEDA events. "The Economic Preview is always a valuable event, and this year will be no different," said James Boggs, Edmond Market President for First Fidelity Bank. "First Fidelity is proud to support the EEDA and the Edmond business community." Attendees will receive access to reports that discuss trends and projections in the retail, office, residential and multi-family real estate markets; an Edmond demographic overview; city of Edmond information; and profiles from Edmond Public Schools, University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian University and Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will start promptly at 12 p.m. Cost is $30 until Friday, Feb. 1. After this date, registration will increase to $40. Cancellations must be received by Friday, Feb. 1. To register, visit www.eeda.com or call (405) 340-0116.

Charlie Price and Emily Lang

Company’s scholarship help for UCO students As part of their continuing support for quality journalism, Edmond public relations firm Price Lang Consulting announced today that the application period is now open for the Price Lang Scholarship for Communications Excellence through the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation. The Price Lang Scholarship for Communications Excellence is open to junior and senior-level UCO students who are currently enrolled in the professional media or strategic communications programs. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on Feb. 1. “We are both proud UCO graduates,” said Price Lang co-founder Charlie Price. “We recognize the important impact journalism has on public policy, and we believe it’s important to support the next generation of writers, reporters and communications professionals.” A panel of journalists, public relations profession-

Bank passes $2 billion mortgage mark in 2018 Arvest Bank announced today that its mortgage division originated more than $2 billion in loans in 2018, the third time it has done so in its history. “From strong performance to the launch of our Home4Me mobile app to an updated online platform and process improvements, 2018 was a good year for Arvest Mortgage,” Division President and CEO Steven Plaisance said. “We thank all of those who chose Arvest for their mortgage needs. Helping customers from start to finish in the home loan process is what drives and inspires us every day.” Arvest’s total mortgage loan volume in 2018 was $2,012,808,326, an 8.8 percent increase over 2017 and

the first time since 2013 it eclipsed the $2 billion mark. Arvest also reached the $2 billion mark in 2012. Purchase-money loans continued to account for the majority of volume in 2018. Purchase-money loans are used to buy a home, as opposed to refinances and other types of loans. Arvest reported a record $1.32 billion in purchase-money loans in 2018, compared to more than $684 million in refinance loans. “Our record purchase-money volume is representative of the housing health of the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing that momentum in 2019,” Plaisance said.

Maintaining healthy employees Through the TSET Healthy Living Program at the Oklahoma CityCounty Health Department (OCCHD), metro businesses can receive free support to create a company health promotion plan for 2019. Oklahoma recently ranked 47th in health rankings by the United Health Foundation. As a result, Oklahoma businesses could see increased healthcare costs

for Oklahoma employees if overall health rankings remain low. To be proactive, businesses can schedule a free one-on-one discussion with a Healthy Living Program Business Coordinator to plan health promotion strategies that cultivate a healthier workplace culture. For free assistance on how your business can support the health of employees call 405-425-4490 or by email at healthyliving@occhd.org

Smothers named client services manager

Monica Smothers

Monica Smothers has joined Retirement Investment Advisors as a client services manager. She has more than 17 years of experience in the financial services industry. Monica attended the University of Central Oklahoma and received her Bachelor of Science degree. Monica lives in the metro and is very proud of her son, Michael who serves in the U.S Air Force and is stationed in Italy. Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. is a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm that manages more than $697 million in assets.

als and UCO professors will select the recipient of the $500 scholarship, which will be awarded during the spring 2019 semester. This marks the third year for the award. The $500 per semester scholarship was established by Price Lang founders Charlie Price and Emily Lang in 2016 as a way for the business owners tohonor the professors, mentors and friends who have helped them in their academic and professional careers. The UCO Price Lang Scholarship for Communications Excellence can be found online at scholarships.uco.edu. Price Lang provides tailored communications and public relations services for a diverse client base that includes small businesses, global corporations, local non-profits and government affairs organizations. Price Lang’s services include a wide range of communications and public relations functions.

Page 22 • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Offering up winter gardening advice 13TH F FAIRWAY AIR RWAY - O OAK AK TREE BEA BEAUTY UTY

37+ ACRES ACRES W/MAJESTIC VIEWS

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What do I do about lines of holes in my trees? Vertical or horizontal holes drilled into the trunks and major branches are caused by Yellow-bellied sapsucker, a cousin to woodpeckers. Unlike woodpeckers, sapsuckers rarely, if ever, bore into the bark looking for insects to feed on. They generally feed on the sap weeping from the holes in the wood. These migratory birds travel northward through spring and early summer, returning to southern regions in the fall. These drilled holes almost never cause the death of a tree, but may be seen as unsightly. As these birds are a protected species, exclusion may be the only method of control. A couple of tight wraps of a mesh screen may block access to trunks or major branches. This should be weighed against the loss of landscape appeal. Some people say the sound of pecking on the hard wood is a soothing sound. Get more information on this and other wood borers in the OSU Fact Sheet-7326.

COURSE OURSE - 15TH HOLE EAST GOLF C

STUNNING HOME ON ON 1.61 A ACRES CRES

(Editor’s Note: The following is submitted by Freddy Hill, Oklahoma County Extension Master Gardener.)

FAIRFAX ESTATES

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I can no longer garden the ground: what should I consider when establishing raised beds? In your situation raised beds may extend your gardening abilities for many years. Beds should be narrow enough three to four feet, to reach all areas from one or the other side. These can be as long as you want but it makes for better gardening if you build several beds. Level the areas and secure a half inch hardware cloth to the bottom as a barrier to mice moles voles or gophers. The height should be so you can reach all areas without straining across the bed. Sides may be built with non-treated lumber, metal sheeting, cement blocks or any stackable material. You should have a two to four-inch ledge on top to prevent cuts and damage to the sides. Start filling your beds with most any decomposing material you can fine: branches, limbs, leaves, vines, torn up cardboard or newspapers or garden trimmings and vegetable scraps. This should be covered with good quality, seed-free garden soil and about four inches of decomposed compost. Mix the soil types well; then take a soil sample to your local County Extension Office: they will give you instructions on collection of a proper soil sample. Keep your bed well-watered to promote settling and early decomposition while waiting for the results of you soil test. Make any recommended additions to the bed and mix in well. Planting schedules should be the same as with in-ground gardening. OSU Fact Sheet6033 has much more information on raised bed gardening.

Wilson promoted to manager’s post

EDMOND SCHOOLS

What vegetables can I plant at this time? Early varieties mostly have planting start dates beginning Feb. 15. These include onions (seed, plants or sets); carrots, green peas, spinach or turnip seeds; cabbage and cauliflower plants; head and leaf lettuce plants or seeds. Often gardeners plants onions, carrots, radishes and potatoes early, with risk of cold injury in mind. The Oklahoma Garden Planting Guide FS6004 will give guidelines on planting times for most vegetables, or look on the package label. Know your cold hardy zone number.

existing bugs. A clean and organized room, (4) eliminates hiding places and makes any bug incursion easier to spot. (5) Over-the-counter pesticides are sometimes ineffective. I recommend a professional service for this treatment, keeping in mind reentry time and any airing needed after treatment. When traveling do your own inspections and never place your luggage on the carpet or bed; use existing luggage racks or dresser tops as best you can. If unsure of exposure upon returning home bag all bedding, towels or clothing and wash and dry immediately. Bag your luggage and keep away from moisture sources. A dryer cycle will kill adult bugs and eggs. If items cannot be machine washed, dry clean or place them in a hot dryer for quicker results. When thrift shopping, be aware bed bugs can hide in cracks, tiny holes and upholstery seams. Do a thorough flashlight-search inside of all items. These bugs can live for up to a year without a blood meal. Look for signs of any type of bug infestation in anything you purchase used.

Robert Wilson has been promoted to manager of building products distributor ABC Supply Co. Inc.’s location at 309 W. 33rd St. in Edmond. For over six years, Wilson has served contractors in building materials supply, most Robert recently as an outside sales representative for ABC Supply’s location in Edmond. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. In his new role as manager of the Edmond location, Wilson will continue to grow meaningful relationships with area contractors and lead his team in providing the resources

contractors need to build their businesses. Wilson and the Edmond location offer services that make it easier for contractors to promote their businesses, including ABC Supply’s Freedom Programs. Through the Freedom Programs, Wilson contractors can customize targeted mail and storm postcards, door hangers and jobsite signs. They can also create a company logo and order apparel and stationery featuring the logo. Contractors can even receive support when building or enhancing their business’s website.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 23

Holiday light display nets Lyric Theatre helps food bank 2 million meals for needy In 10 years, the annual Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry in Norman has raised enough food and funds for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to provide more than 2 million meals for Oklahomans living with hunger. This year, the annual holiday lights show raised $29,168 and 8,138 pounds of food, which will provide 240,125 meals for chronically hungry children, seniors living on limited incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The holiday lights show runs from Thanksgiving evening through Jan. 2 every year. There is no charge to view the light show but visitors are encouraged to make a monetary or food donation that benefits the Regional Food Bank. "We are so grateful for the past decade of

support from the Downs Family," said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "Thanks to their support, and support from the community, thousands of meals will be provided to families who are struggling to put food on the table during the cold, winter months." The display is synchronized to a variety of holiday songs and uses 18 miles of light strands and more than 280,000 lights. Learn more about the Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry at downsfamilychristmas.com. One in six Oklahomans are food insecure. Donations such as those from the Downs Family go to help Oklahomans like Billie, who relies on the Community Market of Pottawatomie County to make sure

her family is fed. "If this place didn't exist, I don't know what I would do." she said. "I hate to even think about it because it would be really hard. This place is really important." Join the battle against hunger in Oklahoma. To make a taxdeductible donation, visit rfbo.org or call 405-972-1111.

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma patrons raised $20,698 for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma during the holiday season run of "A Christmas Carol," presented by Devon Energy. Following each production of the show, audiences were invited to donate to the Regional Food Bank. Lyric patrons have donated more than $162,000 since the nonprofit began collecting donations in 2011. "It is amazing to see the generosity of Oklahomans in action during the holiday season," said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "These donations will help provide nutritious meals for one

in six Oklahomans who lives with hunger. Thank you, Lyric!" Oklahoma is the sixth hungriest state in the nation. The donations come at a time when residents could be struggling to choose between paying for food or high utility bills. Every $1 donated helps provide four meals. Last year, the Regional Food Bank distributed 50 million pounds of food across central and western Oklahoma. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help fight hunger in Oklahoma, visit rfbo.org/donate or call 405-6003136.

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

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Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 1B

Page 2B • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

YMCA programs for children

Serving the community

“We want to make sure children have a safe environment where they can develop, thrive and grow,” Geri Valdez, associate director of youth development at the Edmond District YMCA By Mallery Nagle We’ve known that it’s fun to stay at the YMCA since that hit song told us so in 1978. Now, more than 40 years later, Edmond Public School students will tell you truer words were never spoken (or sung). Geri Valdez, associate director of youth development at the Edmond District YMCA, said about 150 EPS students are enrolled in the before and after school care programs offered at the Mitch Park and Rankin YMCA locations. “We’re not a babysitter,” Valdez said. “We’re here for enrichment, encouragement to help them grow.” Valdez pointed out that the Y has three focus areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. “It’s a great thing that we can incorporate all three of these,” she said. “We want to make sure children have a safe environment where they

can develop, thrive and grow,” she continued. “We are here to make sure every child has the opportunity to experience new things, to make new friends and to expand.” These efforts are reinforced by a curriculum that supports students’ academic, physical, social and emotional needs. Valdez said students are offered opportunities for character development, health and wellness activities, help with homework and literacy, STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and math), music and dance, conflict resolution and service learning activities. Service projects are one aspect of the Y’s program that makes it stand out from other child care facilities, according to Valdez. “We teach youth to share what they have with their neighbors and the community as part of social responsibility,” she said. For example, students

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may take collections for local food pantries, write letters to residents of local nursing homes, participate in Hot Dogs for the Homeless or work in the Y’s community garden. Another project aims to sponsor a needy child so he or she can participate in the Y’s summer day camp. “We’re educating them how they can contribute to helping others,” Valdez said. “This is neighbors helping neighbors.” The program is open to all children, ages 5-12, in the Edmond community who attend Edmond Public Schools. Parents may drop off students at the Y beginning at 6:30 a.m. The after school program begins at about 3:30 p.m., and parents pick students up by 6 p.m. EPS buses provide transportation between the Y and the student’s neighborhood school. In addition, the Y provides full day care or “mini-camps” on EPS school

holidays and in-service days. On these days, Valdez said, the Y welcomes students from local private schools as well. While the Mitch Park location has a waiting list, the Rankin location has openings. The location in which a student may enroll is contingent upon the school he or she attends. Some schools, however, are served by both Y locations. Valdez added that every effort is made to accommodate students. For more information on the YMCA’s child care program, visit ymcaokc.org/children-youth or e-mail gvaldez@ymcaokc.org or swhite@ymcaokc.org. There are tuition discounts for YMCA members and financial assistance is available. And although Valdez said tuition is “very affordable” compared to other facilities, she said inability to pay should not be a barrier to attendance. “That’s another way we stand out,” she said.

learn the alphabet via song. Pairing lessons with song can help anyone retain information more easily. Music also is fun, so much so that kids may not realize they’re actually learning while singing. Matthew Freeman, development manager of “Sing up,” a national singing project to help enhance music in children’s education, states that children don’t think of singing as work and may be more willing to participate. Song can be used to reinforce all different subjects, from language arts to mathematics.

Children or adults who are apprehensive about meeting new people can use music as a means to open the door to new friendships. Joining a choral group will immediately introduce people to others who enjoy music as well. Group singing is less intimidating than singing alone, so it takes some of the pressure off of a person and can staunch performance anxiety. Music is beneficial throughout one’s life and can be an enjoyable way to make learning more fun. -MS

How music and singing benefits children Music is everywhere: on the radio, in movies and television shows and as a backdrop when shopping or celebrating milestones. Music is an integral part of cultures all over the world. Music can express emotions not easily conveyed otherwise. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and can help unite the divided. Playing musical instruments or singing has a number of benefits. From the earliest days after their birth, children can be calmed by music. Music helps people work out their feelings and can be uplifting and comforting when people need a boost. While many people are familiar with the mood-enhancing benefits of music, they may not know that music also has developmental benefits. According to Don Campbell, internationally known educator and author of “The Mozart Effect for Children,” music enhances intelligence, coordination, emotional

expression, creativity, and socialization skills. Studies have suggested that music and movement affect all areas of development. Music can bolster listening skills, improve motor skills, assist with problem solving, and promote spatial-temporal reasoning. Many others say that music can calm and focus the mind, which is why it so often employed by therapists. In the book, “The Importance of Music,” author Ellen Judson cites a 10-year study that tracked more than 25,000 middle and high school students. The study showed that students in music classes receive higher scores on standardized tests than students with little to no musical involvement. In addition, singing and engaging in musical appreciation sharpens one’s ability to communicate. Learning a piece of information attached to a tune will more readily embed that information in the brain. For example, many children

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 3B

What kids can do in the face of bullying Many adults may recall being bullied or witnessing bullying when they were in school. Despite that, it’s important that adults, including parents and educators, not see bullying as an inevitable part of growing up. The effects of bullying can be severe, affecting those involved — including the bullied, the bullies and those who merely witness bullying — long after their school days have ended. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, bullying has been linked to various negative outcomes, mental health issues, substance abuse and suicide. When taking steps to combat bullying, parents and educators should not overlook the benefits of enlisting children in their efforts. Kids can be great allies in the fight against bullying, and the following are some ways adults can work with youngsters who want to stop bullying.

other activity rather than saying or doing something hurtful.

Teaching kids to respect others StopBullying.gov, the DHHS’ website devoted to stopping bullying once and for all, notes the importance of teaching kids to treat everyone, including other children, with respect. Parents can teach kids to pause before saying or doing something that can be harmful to someone else. Bullying inflicts physical and emotional pain on its victims, so teaching kids to recognize that words can be just as harmful as fists may encourage them to think twice before saying something mean to a classmate. The DHHS also recommends advising children to do something else if they feel an urge to say or do something mean. Walk away from a situation to watch television, play a video game or engage in an-

where they might be vulnerable to bullies. What witnesses to bullying can do Bullying can have a negative impact on children who witness bullying, even if they aren’t the victims. Adults can encourage children to speak to trusted adults and to report instances of bullying. In addition, children should be encouraged to be kind to children who are being bullied, inviting them to sit with them on the bus or in the lunch room and engaging them in conversations about topics that interest them. Bullying affects children whether they’re being bullied, doing the bullying or witnessing it. But bullying can be overcome if adults and children work together and keep lines of communication open at all times. -MS

What kids being bullied can do Kids being bullied also can employ certain strategies to overcome bullying. The DHHS recommends teaching children to look at bullies and telling them to stop in a calm, clear voice. Laughing it off might also work for kids who find joking comes naturally to them. The DHHS advises against fighting back, instead suggesting kids walk away and stay away before finding an adult who can stop the bullying on the spot. Encouraging students to confide in adults they trust also can help them overcome bullying and the feelings of loneliness that bullying can elicit. Trusted adults can help children devise a plan to stop the bullying. The DHHS notes that most bullying happens when adults are not around, so staying near adults and other children can help kids avoid situations

Page 4B • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Think before you post EPS addresses social media concerns By Rose Drebes most of the erroneous social media es or fabricates information it can website, www.edmondschools.net. Passersby will notice #ThinkBefo- posts which had to be investigated have serious consequences that can According to the district website, reYouPost emblazing the marquees were generated by middle schoolinclude criminal charges.” in addition to the building marat many of the Edmond Public ers. Parks-Schlepp said Edmond’s quees, parents and students are School District schools. “At this time, officers are only campaign mirrors the Federal seeing the hashtag displayed on That’s because school social media the district is beginplatforms and webning the New Year sites. Secondary site with an initiative administrators are aimed at raising also wearing T-shirts awareness among with the hashtag, students and famiwhich were creatlies of the ills that ed and donated by lurk within and the Edmond Public beyond the screens Schools Foundation. of social media. “We hope the Susan Parksvisibility of the camSchlepp, public paign will encourage information officer/ parents and guarddirector of commuians to talk to their nity engagement children about the for the school appropriate use of district, said the their personal devices goal of the disand the social metrict’s #ThinkBefodia tools and apps reYouPost initiative available to them,” is to educate stuAssociate Superindents and parents tendent Dr. Debbie about the serious Bendick said. consequences that “We take very can arise as a result seriously the safety of posting and/ of our students and Officers have been visiting all six Edmond middle schools in the district to speak to students about their digital hope that this initiaor reposting hoax threats, obscene footprint, how to responsibly report any safety concerns they may see on social media and the repercussions tive will enhance the photos of themselves partnership we enjoy of posting or reposting false information. or others and hate with our students’ speech and bullying. parents as we work The district is partnering with speaking to seventh-graders,” she Bureau of Investigation’s hashtag together to preserve their children’s the Edmond Police Department to said. “However, depending on the initiative. The FBI launched its innocence and protect their fupresent the message to students, success of the presentations and campaign last year after experienc- tures.” the school district website states. the feedback, there is a possibility ing a spike in hoax threats in the The response to the initiative, Officers have been visiting all six that we could expand the initiative aftermath of tragic shootings, such both from students and parents, middle schools in the district to in the future.” as the one at Marjory Stoneman has been very positive, Parksspeak to students about their digSchool Resource Officer Derick Douglas High School in Florida. Schlepp said. ital footprint, how to responsibly Pickard said that it is very importResources from the FBI hashtag “We have already heard from report any safety concerns they ant for students to understand campaign, as well as other educaparents who would like for us to may see on social media and the that sharing legitimate information tional materials about social media expand the initiative to the elemenrepercussions of posting or repostabout a potentially unsafe situation use, will be posted to the district’s tary schools.” ing false information. is welcome. Parks-Schlepp said the district is “We never want to prevent that,” starting at the middle school level he said on the website. “However, because during the last semester, when someone changes, embellish-

Stop for school buses By Rose Drebes Children will do the unexpected and motorists following Edmond buses should be prepared for that. Edmond School District Department of Transportation Director Kenny Chamlee said that it is a given that “kids will do the worst.” He cited the two most dangerous situations when bus riders won’t “stop, look and listen.” Those are in the mornings when school bus drivers are picking up students and in the afternoon when drop off is taking place. Motorists should always stop a safe distance behind and in front of a bus, Chamlee said. Bus drivers will start the yellow lights when they are preparing to stop as an alert to motorists. Then, when the bus comes to a complete stop, the familiar red stop sign will

come out. In the mornings, Chamlee said, kids often are late and are hurrying to get to the bus. Chamlee said motorists should pay attention because the young people are trying to get aboard and might run across the roadway. After school, he said, it’s more likely that kids might cross the street randomly to get home or to walk with a friend. “Expect kids to do the unexpected,” Chamlee said. “But, when in doubt, just stop.” According to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety website, the repercussions of not stopping for a school bus that is loading or unloading children is revocation of a drivers license for up to one year and a fine of as much as $300.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 5B

Chromebooks at EPS

FILE PHOTO/PHOTOS BY APRIL BURGESS

Central Middle School students at work with their Chromebooks By Alexx Harms Follow up to ‘Digital Age Ongoing in Edmond Schools Learning Comes Via Devices and Screens’ article written by Steve Gust in Edmond Life & Leisure’s September 13, 2018 edition In 2018, Edmond students, from sixth through 12th grade, were issued Chromebooks which are generally perceived as a faster laptop computer. How have the students adapted? We asked local teacher, Kristen L. Russell, M. Ed.,a sixth grade math teacher at Central Middle School here in Edmond, for her input. Have the students adapted well to the Chromebooks? “Integrating Chromebooks has been an adjustment for students and teachers, but students are adapting well and learning to use them responsibly. What do you find are the advantages of Chromebooks vs. hard copy books for the kids? Chromebooks allow students to navigate technology responsibly (with supervision when necessary). One of the biggest benefits is the student’s ability to complete or create class assignments/projects by quickly accessing information online.

FILE PHOTO/PHOTOS BY APRIL BURGESS

Cell phones are put away and Chromebooks are out What have been the changes in the use of cell phones pertaining to the children’s access to Chromebooks? Students are required to keep all phones put away during the day. For the most part, this has not been an issue since they no longer need cell phone technology in order to complete research or assignments. How are the Chromebooks working out pertaining to you, the teacher, in getting results to quizzes, etc? Teachers who use their Chomebooks for quizzes report that it has been very beneficial in getting quiz/test results quickly. Many of us are still using paper/pencil tests as well as Chromebooks as we feel both are beneficial depending on the content area and what is being assessed.

FILE PHOTO/PHOTOS BY APRIL BURGESS

Chromebooks are at use in classrooms for research, quizzes, and tests. Helping students get test results quickly.

Page 6B • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Magical Special needs children & teachers entertain hundreds with ‘Peter Pan’

PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE

Hundreds of students, and dozens of guests, were entertained last March at Washington Irving Elementary School. Special education classes delighted the huge crowd with an abbreviated performance of the classic children’s tale, ‘Peter Pan.’

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 7B

Apply with confidence

How to make applying to college less stressful Applying to colleges is exciting for many high school students. But that excitement is sometimes tempered by anxiety. The college application process can affect students’ lives for years to come, so it’s understandable why some teenagers might feel stressed as they apply to college. The National Center for Educational Statistics says 69 percent of high school graduates in the United States enroll in college the fall after graduating from high school. Many students begin applying to college before entering their senior year of high school. Students can employ various strategies to make applying to college less stressful. Create an inventory of student experiences and awards When completing their college applications, students submit a variety of materials. In addition to students’ track records in the classroom, schools will be interested in kids’ extracurricular activities, hobbies, volunteer work, and even things they do during their free time. Parents and students can work together to develop a master list that includes information about what

students have accomplished during high school. These may include involvement in certain clubs, participation in sports teams, advanced ranking in scouting programs, or even a list of books read. Having this document handy will make it that much simpler to fill out college applications. Investigate the Common Application The Common Application began as a niche program for select private liberal arts colleges, but now has grown into an organization that services more than 750 schools. The organization enables students to create an account and complete one basic form that will be accepted by all institutions who are members. The CA helps students streamline the college application process and reduce redundancy. An alert system also helps applicants manage application deadlines. Avoid applying everywhere Some students think that applying to dozens of schools will improve their chances of being admitted. However, applicants may be wasting their time applying to schools they have no intention of attending, and that only adds to the stress of meeting deadlines. Narrow down the possibilities to a handful of favorite schools and go from there. Use the resources at your disposal Students who have access to guidance counselors, mentors, college centers, or even teachers who are willing to help with the application process should use these resources wisely. In addition, iPhone and Android apps can help streamline the college application process. Consider scholarships concurrently Some schools automatically consider applicants for scholarships, grants and work-study programs. But that’s not so with every school, so students may have to apply on their own or rely on third parties for scholarships. Fastweb is a leading online resource to find scholarships to pay for school. Advance preparation can make the college application process a lot less stressful for students and their parents. -MS

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Advance preparation can make the college application process less stressful

Page 8B • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Recognizing dyslexia

Learning disabilities can make it difficult for kids to reach their full potential. Such disabilities can sometimes be hard to spot, and youngsters might be hesitant to self-report symptoms or problems they’re experiencing out of shame or a fear of being seen as different from their classmates. Dyslexia, which the Child Mind® Institute notes is now part of the diagnosis “specific learning disorder,” an umbrella term that groups together reading, writing and math disorders, is one type of learning disability that can compromise students’ abilities to perform in the classroom. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity notes that the signs of dyslexia can appear as early as preschool. Such signs may differ depending on the age of the child, but parents can look for the following ones that might indicate the presence of dyslexia. Preschool Preschool-aged children may exhibit various symptoms that may be indicative of dyslexia. Difficulty learning and remembering the names of letters in the alphabet and an inability to recognize letters in their own names are such symptoms. Children who mispronounce familiar words, continue to speak in “baby talk” and experience trouble learning common nursery rhymes also may be experiencing dyslexia. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity also notes that dyslexia tends to run in families, so parents who had their own difficulties reading and/or spelling words should pay special attention to how their children handle these tasks. Kindergarten and first grade Children in this age group who disappear when it is time to read and/or complain about the difficulty of reading may do so because they are dealing with dyslexia. Another potential indicator is reading errors that show no connection to the sounds of the letters on the page. For example, children who say “puppy” when an illustration on a page is a dog. Difficulty sounding out simple words like “cat” also may indicate dyslexia. Second grade through high school Symptoms that appear during these years of a child’s life may include slow, awkward reading; trouble reading familiar words and often compensating by making wild guesses because the child cannot sound out the word; and an unwillingness to read out loud. Kids in this age group who are dealing with dyslexia also may not have a strategy for reading new words. Children in this age group also may exhibit signs of dyslexia through their speech. For example, the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity says some may search for a specific word only to end up using a vague term, such as “stuff.” Hesitation when speaking and language peppered with “um’s” is another potential indicator that a child might be dyslexic. Dyslexia cannot be cured, but it can be overcome. Early screening, diagnosis and intervention can help young people become successful adults. More information is available at www. dyslexia.yale.edu. - MS

Advocating for children Schools are an important cornerstone of children’s development, both academically and socially. And whether students are part of the general education curriculum or requires accommodations for physical or developmental challenges, their parents are their staunchest advocates for their success in the classroom. Parents can represent their children in the educational climate more effectively if they understand how schools operate. As with any official government or municipal organization, there are policies and regulations in place. continued on Page 9B

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Advocating From Page 8B

Parents who can navigate effectively will have the greater chance of having their voices heard. • Develop a positive image in the school. Parents can ingratiate themselves to school personnel in various ways. This includes participation in parent-teacher organizations, volunteering for schoolled activities and taking time to get to know all staff, including office secretaries, paraprofessionals and student teachers. Consider chairing an activity, like Box Tops for education collection or a

scouting troop. Being a positive presence on campus will set the tone for how others view you. • Educate yourself on policies. Read up on the issues you support. If your child has a particular learning disability, research it and the tools that have helped other students in similar situations achieve success. Attend workshops and investigate what your school district offers by way of individualized education modifications so you can present a well-researched argument. In addition, if necessary, learn about children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). • Stay organized. Keep a folder of test scores, homework

Tutoring benefits Tutoring benefits and how to find a tutor that fits Children tend to learn at their own pace, and certain subjects may challenge them more than others. In many instances, students can benefit from working with tutors. Tutors can be very effective. Children who work with tutors and then see their grades improve may develop greater confidence and feel less anxious about going to school or taking tests. Without intervention like tutoring, at-risk students (those who are not meeting academic standards) may not pass their classes, and some may face year-end retention or experience difficulty keeping up in the next grade. The National Tutoring Association says students at all grade levels participating in tutorial programs improve their reading performance and can achieve significant cognitive gains. Tutoring can be the answer for students affected by inconsistent delivery of classroom content. For example, when families move, students may be forced to catch up in a new school where teachers may have different styles than students’ previous teachers. Students who have missed classroom time due to illness or injury may face similar difficulties. Sometimes children struggle because they have difficulty processing or remembering their lessons. In such instances, a fresh approach through one-on-one tutoring may be necessary. Parents and students have different tutoring options at their disposal. Some services may be offered through the school system at no extra charge. Pull-out instruction during the day or before or after school might

be part of such services. Private tutors, academic coaches, peer tutors, online tutoring, and home tutoring are other options. Depending on need, budget and comfort levels, families can explore these and other options at their disposal. The NTA says families should not discount peer tutoring. Peer tutoring is a cost-effective way to improve performance. This type of tutoring also can contribute to students’ social and cognitive development. According to Care.com, which helps consumers find tutors, caretakers and babysitters, one can expect to pay an average $10 to $15 for a peer high school student tutor. Comparatively, a private tutor, whether it’s a professional teacher or a tutor hired through a service, may charge as much as $75 per hour. Parents should contact their children’s schools for information about tutoring programs. Schools typically keep lists of tutors or tutoring programs. Examine credentials and seek recommendations prior to hiring a tutor to get a feel for the person and his or her teaching philosophy. Certified tutors also can be found by visiting www.ntatutor.com. Keep in mind that it isn’t enough for the tutor to know the subject matter. He or she also has to relate to your child. According to the tutoring firm Test Prep Authority, motivation plays a key role in the success or failure of a students’ work with tutors. Motivation may be compromised if the tutor and student do not connect. Tutors also should know how to present materials in ways similar to how it is being taught in school so that lessons are in sync. -MS

assignments, report cards, and other pertinent documents in one place so you can document and track your child’s progress and performance. • Be positive, calm and firm. The advocacy organization Understood says parents can learn strategies and phrases to redirect conversations and defuse tense situations. Parents are an equal member of the education team. Be receptive to staff ideas, but don’t feel pressured to agree with them all. • Communicate regularly. The notion that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” is largely true. Speak with teachers, therapists and the principal as necessary to ensure that lines of communication are kept open at all times. Continue to do so with tact and decorum. Remember to follow hierarchy protocol, first speaking with a teacher directly instead of going straight to an administrator. Parents are their children’s first and most avid advocates. They can help ensure students get the education they deserve. -MS

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Bond issue to increase school security Members of the Edmond School provements in the 2019 bond proposAll registered voters who live within ing lots and access roads at North Board voted late last year to bring be- al include $3.7 million for enhanced Edmond Public School district bound- High School, John Ross Elementary, fore voters a $93 million bond issue safety features at schools. Last spring, aries qualify to vote including those and Sunset Elementary School. Feb. 12 to increase school security, the district formed a committee residents who live outside the city $1,550,000 upgrade and improve school buildings comprised of staff, students, parents, limits of Edmond. Individuals should Flooring: Replace flooring as and fund the construction of classcommunity members, law enforcevote at their regular precincts. needed at Cimarron Middle School, room additions and new schools. ment, and federal officials to review The breakdown of the Feb. 12, Northern Hills Elementary School, Nearly $40 million of the bond the district’s current security proce2019 bond issue is as follows: Russell Dougherty Elementary School issue would be used to purchase land dures and practices. Proposition 1- $90,700,000 Clyde Howell Early Childhood Center, and fund the construction of two “Among the improvements the Technology * School Security * and Orvis Risner Elementary School. elementary schools. $800,000 “Many of our elemenElementary Schools: tary schools are full and Construct Elementawe have had to bring ry School East of I-35: in portable buildings in Construct Phase 1 of an order to have adequate elementary school at S.E. space for the students,” corner of the intersection said Superintendent Bret of Douglas and Coffee Towne. “The construction Creek. $18,000,000 of numerous apartment Construct Elementary complexes in the SouthSchool Southwest Corner west quadrant of our of the District: Construct district and large housing Phase I of an elementaadditions east of I-35 ry school located in the necessitates building new Southwest quadrant of schools in these areas the district. $17,600,000 to accommodate for the Purchase Land: Buy growth in our elementary land for the site of new student population.” Southwest Elementary The district has already School and purchase purchased land at Dougproperties to expand PHOTO PROVIDED las and Coffee Creek for selected school sites as An architectural rendering by the Stacy Group shows what a new elementary school on needed. $3,500,000 an elementary school. Idethe east side of I-35 could look like. The Board of Education voted to bring before voters ally, the district would like Cross Timbers Elemena $93 million bond proposal on Feb. 12. Nearly $40 million of the bond issue would be to build another elementary tary School: Construct a used to purchase land and fund the construction of two elementary schools. school in the far Southwest STEM room and multi-purquadrant of the district in pose room/storm shelter. the Quail Springs Mall area. Absent committee recommended is impleSchool Equipment $3,000,000 from this year’s bond proposal is a menting the use of student/staff phoTechnology: Purchase and install Heritage Elementary School: request for funds to build a fourth to ID cards at all secondary schools computers, digital devices, software, Construct classroom addition/storm high school. which would be used for card-swipe wireless networking equipment, shelter. $2,850,000 “The student population of our access to buildings, installing more secondary schools has not grown at video/audio buzz-in systems for the same rate as it has in our elemen- patrons and visitors, and installing tary schools. We believe the district’s more video cameras on the exterior focus should be on alleviating the entries of schools to display images congestion in our larger elementary of individuals who approach school schools, several of which now have buildings,” said Towne. “We want to between 900-1000 students.” take every measure to protect stuOther noteworthy updates and im- dents and staff.”

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After being buzzed into the front office from the video/audio station, parent Sarah Young uses the School Safe ID visitor check-in system to enter Heritage Elementary School. Above her can be seen images from video cameras placed on the exterior of the building. The camera images are monitored by school and district staff. The Edmond Board of Education has voted to bring before voters a $93 million bond issue Feb. 12 which includes $3.7 million to fund similar safety updates at schools as needed.

phone systems, and technology support services. $10,000,000 School Equipment: Purchase fine arts and athletic equipment for secondary schools, library/media center books, software subscriptions, instructional equipment/materials, maintenance and school support vehicles, grounds equipment, woodshop equipment, and tennis center furnishings. $7,900,000 School Security: Improve and upgrade security as needed to include but not be limited to electronic security and door control devices, shatter-resistant glass film, student/ staff photo ID badges and card reader systems, and video surveillance camera systems. $3,700,000 HVAC: Improve HVAC systems at Angie Debo Elementary School, and Charles Haskell Elementary and Summit Middle School Gymnasiums. $2,000,000 Transportation: Construct access road, fueling station, and additional bus parking at the district transportation facility. $2,000,000 Roofing: Replace roofs of Cimarron Middle School and Washington Irving Elementary School. $1,900,000 Parking Lots/Roads: Construct, resurface and/or modify existing park-

Will Rogers Elementary: Construct multi-purpose room/storm shelter. $1,500,000 Middle Schools: Heartland Middle School: Construct classrooms. $3,500,000 Summit Middle School: Construct classrooms/storm shelter $2,700,000. Cheyenne Middle School: Construct a practice gym. $2,100,000 High Schools: Memorial High School: Improve and secure front entrance, add offices and classrooms, upgrade auditorium stage, lights and sound system. $3,100,000 Santa Fe High School: Upgrade auditorium stage, lights and sound system. $1,300,000 North High School: Upgrade auditorium stage, lights, and sound system. $1,300,000 Boulevard Academy: Renovate gymnasium. $400,000 Proposition 2$2,300,000 Transportation Vehicles: Purchase small and large buses and high capacity sport utility vehicles. This article originally ran in the December 13, 2018 edition of Edmond Life and Leisure.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 24, 2019 • Page 11B

Indoor fun on a cold day 2,000 square foot playground structure for kids and parents By Rose Drebes A cold May day in California and a desire to own their own business led Lucas and Lori Armenta to building the Breakaway Indoor Playground, 14350 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Edmond. Lucas said his family went to visit his sister a couple of years ago. But, it wasn’t sunny in the Sunshine State so they googled indoor places to take the kids and discovered the Romparama. “Me, my wife and my kids loved it,” he said. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we start one in Oklahoma?’” Lisa and Lucas have the exact same degrees in criminal justice with minors in sociology. Lisa was working for the Department of Human Services and Lucas as a police officer for Oklahoma City. Lisa was wanting to do something different, while Lucas is still in law enforcement. “One of our goals was to own our own business,” Lucas said.

Upon their return to the Sooner State from California, they began what would become a labor of love to establish the Breakaway Indoor Playground. They started with research into the concept of an indoor place for children to play. Lisa wrote a business plan and they approached eight different banks about financing, only to be turned down each time. They finally went back to their own personal bank and initially were rejected there, too. “Lori was like, ‘I’m done,’ so I reamped the budget,” Lucas said. With some cuts, the plan for the playground was finally approved and the wheels were in motion. They rented their space and began the build-out of four empty garage-like shells. Lori and Lucas drew the design for their dream on a piece of paper and handed it to a contractor to make it a reality.

“Everything we drew up is how it is now,” Lucas said. But, there would be another “hiccup” when they discovered they would need a sprinkler system at the cost of $50-80,000. It was more budget cuts and back to the bank for additional financing. The process would take a year, but Lucas and Lori were able to open the doors of the Breakaway Playground in March. The Breakaway Indoor Playground is a three-level, 2,000 square foot playground structure with 9,600 square feet of indoor activities for ages 0-12. The fun includes two private party rooms, wave and spiral tube slides, a three-level ball blaster area, a trampoline and foam pit and a drink and snack bar. “Our structure is built large enough for parents to join in and have some fun,” Lucas said. “We also have seating areas where parents can sit back and take a break

while enjoying television and free WIFI.” Once a month, Lucas said, the Breakaway Indoor Playground is shut down for cleaning. The facility employs a fog sanitizer machine which covers the entire building and stops the spread of germs. Thus, far, Breakaway Indoor Playground is getting rave reviews. “We are making people happy,” Lucas said. But, that doesn’t mean they will rest on those laurels. “We try to do the best we can,” Lucas said, “and we continue to strive to be better than we are now.” The Breakaway Indoor Playground is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 1-7 p.m. The facility is subject to closure due to private bookings. For more information, visit www. breakawayok.com.

IMAGE PROVIDED

The Breakaway Indoor Playground is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 1-7 p.m.

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Indoor foam pit and slides provide fun year-round

Page 12B • January 24, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure