Edmond Life and Leisure - February 3, 2022

February 3, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 38

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Beat the winter blahs

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

A partnership with UCO and Rose State See page 3

FRIDAY, February 4 Mostly Sunny High 27° Low 5°

SATURDAY, February 5 Sunny High 38° Low 15°

Travel writer explores Carnival Season Lake Charles Gala gives guests a look at the most elaborate of royal regalia.

SUNDAY, February 6 Mostly Sunny High 41° Low 17°

No need to let winter or frigid cold weather, dampen your spirits.

The folks in Louisiana certainly don’t. In the spirit of Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, lots of family-friendly celebrations are planned in Shreve-

port or Lake Charles — both in Louisiana. Tag along with Edmond Life & Leisure travel reporter Elaine Warner as she relates all of the various traditions and galas available to tourists.

There’s even a Mardi Gras

PHOTO PROVIDED

Museum, open year around.

Elaine outlines all the fun and food available during the last festive gasp before the religious season of Lent starts.

The special time of year is called Carnival Season by the revelers in Louisiana.

Page 2 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 3

: The University of Central Oklahoma and Rose State College now have a transfer agreement that provides Rose State students with a seamless transfer experience to Central. The institutions celebrated the partnership with a signing ceremony at Rose State Jan. 25. Through the partnership, Rose State graduates are guaranteed admission to UCO upon successful completion of an associate degree. Pictured, left to right, Jeanie Webb, Ph.D., Rose State College president; and, Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, UCO president, at the signing ceremony.

UCO & Rose State College establish partnership The University of Central Oklahoma and Rose State College now have a transfer agreement that provides Rose State students with a seamless transfer experience to Central. The institutions celebrated the partnership with a signing ceremony at Rose State Jan. 25.

"The UCO and Rose State teams have worked diligently to define more than 70 streamlined pathways to degree completion bolstered by collaborative support from our institutions,” said Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, UCO president.

“We want to make the process of transferring from Rose State to UCO seamless for those who aspire to continue their education. With more pathways under development in engineering, business and communications, this strengthened partnership is a big win for Oklahoma students and our state."

Through the partnership, Rose State graduates are guaranteed admission to UCO upon successful completion of an associate degree.

This creates a simplified transfer experience and allows students the opportunity to quickly and easily begin pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

“This partnership provides an opportunity for our students to smoothly transition to UCO to obtain their four-year degree upon graduating with an associate degree at Rose State,” said Jeanie Webb, Ph.D., Rose State College president.

“I am thrilled to partner with UCO to provide additional educational opportunities to students in Oklahoma.”

The agreement also includes dedicated on-site support personnel for Rose State students to facilitate the transfer process and build relationships with students, co-advising opportunities for UCO and Rose State advisers and co-programming opportunities to connect Rose State and UCO students.

“The goal of this partnership is to help Rose State students see a clear path from Rose State to UCO,” said Melissa Hayt, Ph.D., senior director of retention and completion at UCO. “The extra resources we are putting in place will support the seamless transition from Rose State to UCO and create an even better experience for these transfer students.

With a full-time professional UCO staff member being located on the

Rose State campus, Rose State students will have access to UCO resources without ever stepping foot off their campus. It truly is focused on enhancing the transfer student ex-

perience.”

For more information about Central, visit uco.edu.

For more information about Rose State College, visit rose.edu.

Page 4 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Vote YES on EPS bond issues Feb. 8

Vote Jones and Hobgood for EPS board This coming Tuesday will be an election that deals with not only bond issues for Edmond Public Schools but also election of two open seats on the school board. District 2 and District 5 could show up on your ballot depending on where you live.

Unlike our City of Edmond elections, only those in the district can vote for the candidate.

District 2 is currently held by board member Kathleen Duncan who has decided not to run again. District 5 currently is held by Marcus Jones who was appointed for the vacant seat in November of 2021 until the next election date. This will be his first time to run for election of this position.

We are printing the district wide map this week so you can know if your ballot will contain a school board election.

Edmond’s Board of Education consists of five members-one from each election district-who serve a five-year term with one member’s term expiring each year.

Each year the board sets Strategic Goals which serve as a guide map to assist the board and district in prioritizing and aligning efforts and resources to fulfill the district’s mission of “Empowering all students to succeed in a changing society.”

Another common mistake folks make about the Edmond School District is assuming it is aligned with the City of Edmond boundaries. This is not

School Board Election Districts

N

Miles

Seward Road Liberty Lake Rd.

9

Simpson Rd.

8

Charter Oak Rd.

7

6

W

Simmons Rd.

5

5

Waterloo Rd. (County Line NW 248)

0DUFXV -RneV $SSRLQWHG

4

Sorghum Mill Rd. NW 234

3

Coffee Creek Rd. NW 220

2

Covell NW 206

1

2

1

Danforth NW 192

Lee Ann Kuhlman

Kathleen Duncan Jamie Underwood

2nd St. Hwy. 66

3

E

15th St. NW 164

4

33rd St. NW 150

Cynthia Benson

Memorial Rd.

1/2 mile

true. The Edmond School District goes far beyond the Edmond city limits to the north, south, east and west. The school boundaries even extend into Logan County. You could live well out of Edmond city limits and still be in the Edmond School District. The color of your trash cans tells you if your house is in Edmond city limits but no such easy test that we have come up with to tell you if you are in the Edmond school district. Of course, your property tax bill will tell you.

Jones has done a good job filling in for the vacant seat. He spent some time in my office last week talking about the issues. We believe he should be voted in to fill this seat for an entire term. Jones is a graduate of Edmond public schools and the parent of two Timberwolves who currently attend Cross Timbers Elementary.

Jones has a degree from Oklahoma State University in Management Information systems. After starting his career as a software developer, Jones and his wife chose to move back to Edmond to raise their family, wanting to give their girls the same opportunities EPS provided for Jones.

“I am a husband and father of two girls who are ages 10 and 6. I attended Edmond Public Schools as a child from Kindergarten through High School. I attended Oklahoma State University where I received my bachelor’s in management information systems. I currently work for a small software company as a developer,” Jones said “I am running to be a School Board Member because I want to be able to help Edmond Public Schools continue to excel at teaching the next generation. The Board makes big decisions on a host of different topics from infrastructure, to staffing requirements. I believe as a parent in the district I could have a good pulse on how kids, parents, and teachers enjoy our district,” he said. He adds that he is a good listener and after spending some time with Jones, I would agree.

His expertise in technology is a strength in my mind as well. “We have a 1:1 student to device

Anderson

Westminster

Post Road

Douglas Blvd.

Midwest Blvd.

Air Depot Road

Sooner Road

Coltrane

Bryant

Eastern Boulevard

Kelly

Santa Fe

S Western

Pennsylvania

May

NW 122

Portland

Meridian

The turn out is sure to be low this coming Tuesday February 8th but this is one of those election where your vote really counts. It makes an impact but more than a presidential election, yet it is where you have the most influence. There are school bonds on the ballot and two seats up for a vote on the Edmond Public School board.

Ray Hibbard Voters inside the Edmond Public School district will be allowed to vote on the bond issues.

The EPS administration is careful to only replace bond issues with new ones when old issues fall off the rolls. It keeps your tax rate the same. Passage of the bond issue is not planned to raise homeowner’s taxes. The district has planned this bond proposal to keep the millage level stable at between 24 and 25 mills.

"Citizens have told us repeatedly how much they appreciate not having surprises in their property taxes. Maintaining a stable tax rate has allowed us to enjoy a tremendous level of support with the successful passing of sixty consecutive bond issues dating back to the 1950s,” Superintendent Angela Grunewald said. It is a smart way to keep up and not let the buses, buildings and maintenance go by the wayside. So many taxpayers call for running government like a business and this is exactly the way Edmond School District does it. They are excellent stewards with taxpayer funding.

We encourage you to turn out and vote in favor of these bond issues. If you need more detail on how the money will be spent, please see by column from our January 4th issue of Edmond Life & Leisure.

ratio ahead of schedule. Now it is time to be creative on how to balance device utilization in and out of the classroom,” he told me. I am interested in hearing more about what he has in mind on that subject.

“It has been tough for everyone since Spring of 2020. During this time our teachers, principals and staff have been rock stars. They managed to work tirelessly to adjust curriculum to online learning, extra cleaning, and countless other job duties,” he explained. He also told me he wants to improve the communication and transparency between the school system, parents, teacher and students. He believes better communication using technology will help with some of the frustration that parents are feeling.

District 2 is loaded up with 5 candidates, but our pick is Courtney Hobgood. She took the time to come to our office and visit about her vision for EPS. I liked that she sees that as the board’s role in the system. It is not running the details of the school but setting a direction. Having served on a variety of boards over the last 42 years I can promise you the last thing a board needs to be doing is trying to manage the operation. You leave that to who you hire to run the organization.

When relocating to Oklahoma, Hobgood and her husband decided to plant roots here in Edmond. She told me they conducted an extensive search on what community to reside. Crime level and school system were the top priority. They chose well. They have three boys in EPS. She says, “if elected, I will bring a mother’s perspective to the board due to the current personal connection with EPS. With the young ages of my children, I have a vested interest in the future success of the school district. There is no greater gift than watching your children grow academically and I will do anything I can to help the students, teachers and school staff achieve that.”

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police report ..............................................................................Page 6.

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6.

---- Columnist bemoans lack of press coverage ..............................Page 10.

---- Carnival season in Louisiana ....................................................Page 12.

---- Teacher of the Year finalists......................................................Page 13.

---- George Gust reviews ‘The Tender Bar’......................................Page 14.

---- Crossword puzzle ....................................................................Page 14.

---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17.

---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18.

---- Worship directory ....................................................................Page 19.

This, and much more, in this week’s edition!

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 5

Can you buy a home with no money down?

By Kenneth Wohl Buying a house likely is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make.

Conventional wisdom says to aim for a 20% down payment on your mortgage. But saving money for a down payment on your dream home can be downright daunting and likely impossible on an average salary.

Wohl But there are alternatives to a conventional mortgage. There are some loans where you can buy a house with no money down. Other loans are available with little money down as well.

So how do you know which one is the best for you?

Let’s navigate some of the options.

USDA loan The USDA loan program – otherwise known as the rural development loan – requires no money down.

However, borrowers must meet certain credit and income requirements to qualify. And even though there is no down payment, a “funding fee” of 1% of the total loan amount is required, but that can be rolled into the loan if necessary. According to the 2017 USDA Rural Development Performance Report, nearly 72% of the nation’s land mass is rural. You can see if your area qualifies on the map linked here.

VA loan If you are an active or retired United States military service member, as well as some reserves, you can potentially get 100% mortgage financing through the Department of Veteran Affairs. In fact, nearly 90% of all VA backed home loans are made without a down payment. You will still need to do a certificate of eligibility and may have to finance a VA funding fee into your mortgage, but overall, VA loans are some of the best mortgage deals out there.

Specialty loans Some lenders choose to offer loans outside of the traditional, conventional federal regulations.

Some lenders offer no down payment mortgages for physicians, dentists and other medical professionals who are buying a primary residence. They can’t be used for buying a second home or vacation home.

Check with your bank to see what other options they offer.

Conventional 97 loan For first-time homebuyers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer a Conventional 97 loan that only requires a 3% down payment that has no income limits, but tighter restrictions than conventional loans, and it carries higher interest rates. They also offer a 3% down payment loan that doesn’t require you to be a firsttime homebuyer but it does have income limitations.

Mortgage Matters To receive a Conventional 97 loan, you will need a strong credit score, reliable income and employment, and a debt-to-income ratio under 43% (in most cases).

The property must be your primary residence. This includes a single-family home, a condo, planned unit development or co-op. If you are not a first-time homebuyer, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also offer 97% loans with lower interest rates and mortgage premiums, however these are limited by income.

FHA loan The Federal Housing Administration offers mortgage loans with as little down as 3.5%. FHA loans do require a monthly fee over and beyond your interest rate – similar to mortgage insurance. This is charged to the borrower two different ways; as a one-time fee of 1.75% of the loan amount and as a monthly premium.

The duration and cost of your MIP may last for the duration of the loan. However, you do have the option

to refinance your home at any point after you close the mortgage. This may be especially helpful when you have paid 20% of the home’s value and can get a new loan that does not require the monthly fee. Similar to the Conventional 97 loan, there are no income limits, the home must be your primary residence.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply.

RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.

Sources: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/homeloans/loan-types/

Page 6 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department.

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

Jan. 18 Gregory Duane Phillips, 45 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant.

Diana Lynne Ross, 38 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant.

Keshun Dewayne Maddox, 20 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Logan Chaves Meiseman, 36 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, transport open container of intoxicating beverage

or beer and felony DUI/APC James Daniel Watson, 44 of Sapulpa, Okla.

Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Suzanne Michelle Aitken, 39 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Chelsea Lynn Bradley, 32 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and felony DUI/APC/ Darren Loyd Setser, 26 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Jan. 19 Alonza Horne, Jr., 39 of Oklahoma City. Two felony warrants and a misdemeanor warrant.

Hannahn Abigail Grigsby, 22 of Oklahoma City. Two counts (Felony) uttering any forged, counterfeit, altered instrument or counterfeit gold/silver coin and possess drug paraphernalia.

Rodrae Lutrell White, 38 of Edmond. Possess of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Austin Hunter McClendon, 25 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Christopher John Cannon, 47 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Gladys Melissa Stanford, 33 of Edmond. Misdemeanor eluding police officer, failure to stop — accidents involving damage to vehicle, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Jermaine Tyrone Golden, 46 of Edmond. Misdemeanor domestic abuse assault.

Jan. 20 Griffin Thomas Kearns, 42 of Edmond. Public

See Police, Pg 7

Feb. 3-6

Weekend Calendar ---- In the Gallery: Natalie Miller ---- Sweetheart Tea Party ---- “I Remember That:” Edmond in the 1980s Exhibit ---- Shortt Dogg ---- Brent Blount and Friends ---- Signature Tour ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Music Speaks ---- Construction of a Portrait ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: American Gold

Extra Information In the Gallery: Natalie Miller Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: featuring the art of Natalie Miller; edmondfinearts.com Sweetheart Tea Party Location: Inspirations Tea Room Extra Info: Tue, Feb 1 – Sat, Feb 12; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $32.95 for adults $26.95 for 12 & under; inspirationstearoom.com “I Remember That:” Edmond in the 1980s Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Tue, Feb 1 – Thu, Mar 31; Tue – Fri: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 1 – 4 p.m.; Free; edmondhistory.org Shortt Dogg Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, Feb 4; 7 p.m.; $15; ucojazzlab.com Brent Blount and Friends Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sat, Feb 5; 8 p.m.; $20 ---- $30; ucojazzlab.com Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Feb 5 & Sun, Feb 6; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Music Speaks Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Feb 5; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Construction of a Portrait Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Feb 5; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org OKC Philharmonic presents: American Gold Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Sat, Feb 5; 8 p.m.; okcphil.org

Please send calendar items to Melinda Infante at infante318@cox.net

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 7

Paseo First Friday Gallery Walk set

Police

Each First Friday of the month, the

From Page 6 community is invited to two opening intoxication.

Jarrett Robert Austin, 43 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Jan. 21 Alexandra Blair Shank, 29 of Guthrie. Transporting open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Gerrard Tywan Thompson, 26 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jeremy Ryan Jones, 32 homeless.

Possession of marijuana and false representation to an officer.

Anthony Dorien Rainger, 20 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Richard James Dumas, 55 of Oklahoma City. Possession of CDS and public intoxication.

Jan. 22 Lamatha Gaines, 51 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS and engage/solicit prostitution.

Mitch Joseph Luman, 32 of Yukon. Expired license plate and felony DUI/APC. William Aaron Posey, 42 of Oklahoma City. Nine felony warrants, nine misdemeanor warrants, expired tag one to three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Derrik Walter Duarte, 18 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Alano Ezekiel Eckiwardy, 18 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor 1st and second offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer, assault and/or battery with a deadly weapon, robbery in the first degree and failure to appear.

Jermetris Da’Juan Spencer, 29 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Blakely Joel Rogalsky, 26 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or a combination of chemical or controlled substance.

Kimberly Dawn Crouch, 58 of Edmond. Violation of protective order.

Janae Christine Hanson, 53 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Victor Keewan Jones, 34 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and three counts of failure to appear.

Jan. 23 Raphael A. Hill, 22 of Edmond.

Two counts of failure to appear.

Terrell Demontre Frederick, 23 homeless. Four counts of failure to appear.

Michael Lynn Rayburn, 28 homeless. Felony warrant, (felony) possession of another’s debit card and obstruction of public highways or streets.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 48 homeless. Public intoxication.

Michael James Kyle, 38 of Edmond. (Felony) domestic abuse assault and battery.

Cori Dawn Wanzer, 28 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Destinie Kay Kaiser-Torres, 31 of Edmond. Petit larceny and possess drug paraphernalia.

Dustin Lee Holliday, 28 of Crescent, Okla. Possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, (felony value) receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor warrant.

(Remember if you drink, please do not drive. keep the streets safe for everyone.)

receptions at the Paseo Arts and Creativity Center, home to the Paseo Arts Association, which coincides with the monthly First Friday Gallery Walk. The opening receptions at the PACC will be on Friday, February 4, 6-9pm, each exhibition is on display through the end of the month. All guests are encouraged to wear a mask indoors, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer.

This month, the Paseo Arts Association is thrilled to feature the second annual exhibition by Poetic City, a black founded 501c3 nonprofit, in Gallery I of the Paseo Arts and Creativity Center. Poetic City is a high

energy and inclusive performance arts entity that supports all forms of creative expression. This year they introduce “Perception” a show that represents how artists see the world today from technology, health, spirituality, human engagement, social awareness, education and much more. Poetic City’s goal is to recognize that love and ambition come in all shapes and sizes, they work to coordinate and promote professional platforms for those seeking a creative outlet for their passion. “Perception” is curated by artist and photographer Sunee Rice and Poetic City founder and 2021 PAA Emerging Artist of the Year, Bleek Blakely. The exhibition includes vibrant paintings.

Page 8 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 9

Metro Library System had 2.7 million digital 2021 books checked out The Metropolitan Library System announced last week that it reached a record-breaking 2.7 million digital book checkouts in 2021. This milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of library digital lending of e-books and audiobooks, especially after a prolonged period of building closures due to the global pandemic. Metro Library is one of 121 public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million digital checkouts (complete list here).

The library system has been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks for several years through the award-winning Libby app, the library reading app created by OverDrive. Reader interest and usage has grown every year.

“We were worried about closing the libraries in

UCO announces its top ranking The University of Central Oklahoma is ranked as a top institution for its online Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership according to a recent national ranking by ZDnet. Central ranked nine out of 25 and is the only higher education institution in the state recognized on the list.

Programs were assessed on academics, reputation, affordability and programmatic excellence.

Data sources include the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.

“We have a great team in place not only to support our adult students but to implement a rich curriculum that prepares our learners for leadership positions,” said Trevor Cox, Ph.D., assistant professor and assistant chairperson of adult education and safety sciences at Central.

“Our partnership with state regents helps us keep our degree affordable and we have a great support team to help students navigate online learning and complete their degrees. We are honored for all of this hard work to be recognized.”

As part of Central’s Connected Campus adult degree completion program, the Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership prepares students in professional communication, leadership and management and ethics with a focus in either supervision or global citizenship.

UCO offers adult degree completion programs designed for adults who have earned prior college credits and want to complete their degree.

In addition to the Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in general business, a Bachelor of Science in general studies or a Bachelor of Arts in applied liberal arts.

Other fully online degrees offered through the UCO Connected Campus include the Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management, management or marketing, the professional Master of Business Administration and the Master of Education in library media education, the Master of Public Administration in either urban management or public and nonprofit management, Master of Arts in strategic communications and the Master of Science in nursing, as well as the RN to B.S. in nursing track.

To view a complete list of rankings, visit www.zdnet.com/education/business-management/best-online-organizational-leadership-degree.

To learn more about Central’s online degree programs and Connected Campus, visit online.uco.edu.

the pandemic and how this would affect our customers, but because of our downloadable e-books, our book check out rate held pretty strong,” said Chris Kennedy, Deputy Director of Public Services at MSL. “We're so glad we had this available to our customers.”

The highest-circulating title Metro Library readers borrowed in 2021 was The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

The top-circulating genre, romance, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes mystery, biography & autobiography, children/young adult and more.

The top 5 e-book titles borrowed through Metropolitan Library System’s digital collection in 2021:

1. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah 2. Bridgerton Collection, Volume 1 by Julia Quinn 3. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 4. A Time for Mercy by John Grisham 5. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Metropolitan Library System’s digital collection in 2021: 1. Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling 2. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah 3. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey 4. Atomic Habits by James Clear 5. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Page 10 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Political oddities The double standard in politics is astounding.

Do you think Trump would have gotten the same pass Biden got if he insulted a reporter?

Biden was extremely rude to a Steve Gust reporter. But it was no big deal for Biden.

And does anyone remember when the press corps questioned Trump and his “cognitive,” abilities. There was a lot of talk of invoking the 25th amendment and removing Trump that way.

Biden may need that cognitive test.

That was ridiculous also. It’s not just Trump. It’s anyone or concept or person on the right.

The U.S. Congress has ignored hundreds of liberal riots during 2020. The liberals say those were “mostly peaceful.” That wasn’t true.

Instead they concentrate on an alleged Jan. 6 “insurrection.” Up until

a few weeks ago none of the hundreds of people involved in that incident were charged with sedition.

And as people kept pointing that out, the liberals finally put enough heat on Attorney General Merrick Garland to charge a few extremists.

I know of no Republican who condoned violence or lawbreaking.

What about when the liberals attacked the White House in the summer of 2020 and hurt Secret Service agents? Which liberal politician condemned that?

And what’s with Ukraine now?

The liberals want to protect their borders and don’t care about our southern border. Can anyone explain that to me? Don’t get me wrong. I don't want anyone to be hurt by Russian aggression but why is that more important than people being hurt by some criminals let in illegally by our government?

We don’t have a national press that will accurately report on these matters. It’s tragic.

(Steve Gust may be e-mailed at news@edmondpaper.com)

State senator’s bills would help youth

By Senator Jake Merrick When I first sought the opportunity to represent my friends, neighbors and fellow citizens from Senate District 22 at the state Capitol, one of my top priorities was to promote legislation and public policy that would help strengthen Oklahoma families.

You may recall that during the interim I held a study examining how to improve our court system and processes as they pertain to children in the foster care system.

As an adoptive parent, I know firsthand that there are many

factors and individuals involved in court cases involving the placement and custody of children. There are custodial and noncustodial parents, foster parents, social workers, the courts, and then of course, there are the children. I believe the needs of those children, their safety and well-being, and providing the best environment possible, should always be the main consideration.

Along those lines, I wanted to share information with you about two bills I’ve filed for the 2022 legislative session, which convenes on Feb. 7, to bet-

ter prioritize the needs of Oklahoma children and increase accountability in the judicial system.

Senate Bill 1761 will also be known as the Children First Family Court Reform Act. This bill pertains to any family court action concerning custody or visitation in which an allegation of child abuse or domestic violence is made. SB 1761 would require the court to do a thorough investigation of the accusations. Often this doesn’t occur and the children either remain in that situation or are given to the parent who is actually the abuser. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen. Under my legislation, if there is substantial evidence confirming that abuse or domestic violence against the party making the allegation or a family or household member of either party, then the abuser would not only lose custody of the child or children, but they would also be responsible for the cost of the investigation.

A second bill I’ve filed dealing with our courts is Senate Bill 1825, Kavita’s Law, concerning special judges. While district judges are elected by voters, special judges are appointed by district judges. In order to ensure greater accountability, my legislation would ensure that after their first term as an appointed special judge, they would have to be placed on a retention ballot for the citizens to decide whether they should be given another term.

Lankford presses Biden on open borders Senator James Lankford (R-OK) offered the following statement after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its report on illegal crossings and counterfeit drugs and materials smuggled across or southern border as of December 2021: “CBP encountered over two million migrants at the southwest border in 2021.

That is a staggering numLankford ber,” said Lankford. “The daily and monthly numbers remain overwhelming for our border law enforcement whose hands they’ve told me ‘are tied’ by this Administration. I exposed the Biden Administration’s billions in waste not finishing the wall, and after months of alarmingly high border crossings, they finally decided maybe it’s a good idea to close the gaps in the wall. We must reinstate President Trump’s ‘remain in Mexico’ policy immedi-

ately, finish the wall, and enforce our laws if we ever hope to effectively manage illegal activity at our southern border.”

The report highlighted that a staggering $3.31 billion in counterfeit goods were seized last fiscal year, up 153 percent from the previous year.

Heroin seizures were up 113 percent in December as the cartels continue to send drugs across our southern border. CBP encountered 178,840 individuals along the southern border in December 2021 and over two million individuals total during 2021. Almost 12,000 unaccompanied minors were encountered at the southern border in December, and CBP encountered more than 51,000 family units.

Lankford traveled to the Arizona border last year to see first-hand the unfinished construction of border wall. He was the first to expose the crisis at the border through Facebook so Oklahomans could see firsthand the crisis at the southern border in Texas.

After months of holding the Biden Administration accountable for its failures to enforce the law

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and preserve national security at the southern border, Lankford announced right before Christmas that the Department of Homeland Security would close multiple gaps in the border wall located in San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, Tucson, El Paso, and Del Rio. This announcement came after Lankford released a report that exposed billions in waste to pay contractors to babysit the border wall materials at these sites while the Biden Administration “studied” it, even though Congress already allocated the money to build the wall.

Lankford grilled DHS Secretary Mayorkas on his ongoing delay to finish the wall and participated in a press conference in November to discuss the ongoing crisis at the southern border that Biden continues to ignore. Lankford successfully blocked President Biden’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office from opening a “surge overflow temporary facility” at the Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, Oklahoma, that would have been used to process migrants who crossed the border illegally and release them into Western Oklahoma.

Also, Lankford weighed in on the upcoming opening on the Supreme Court.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week issued a statement following Supreme Court Justice Breyer’s official announcement that he plans to retire later this year: “President Biden has demonstrated for months that he is intent on pushing his progressive agenda on our nation. Supreme Court Justices should not push an agenda; they should follow the original meaning of the Constitution and the clear intent of the law. Selecting justices should focus on who is going to honor the law from the bench, not who is going to write law while on the bench.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 11

Bill would allow COVID patients to legally designate one visitor Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has filed legislation to require medical entities to allow visitation to COVID-19 patients, even when the patient is in isolation from the public and other patients.

House Bill 3313 allows a patient with COVID-19 to designate an individual with full visitation rights. The individual may be required by the hospital to comply with certain requirements, including signing an acknowledgment-of-risks document, receiving a health screening from staff or wearing personal protective equipment.

“Many Oklahomans have had to endure the horrible heartbreak of not being with a loved one while they were hospitalized with COVID-19,” Roe said. “This adds stress and trauma onto an already fraught situation.”

Roe said she has heard from constituents who were either not allowed to visit a loved one or were not allowed to receive a guest while hospitalized for COVID-19.

“Hospitalized Oklahomans have the right to visitation regardless of their health issues,” Roe said. “Not seeing anybody besides their nurses and doctors takes a severe toll on a patient’s mental health.”

Roe added, "I firmly believe that human touch is essential to the heal-

ing process."

Roe has been a registered nurse for 39 years and a nurse practitioner for 22 years. She currently chairs the House Public Health Committee.

The hospital may revoke visitation rights to individuals if they fail to follow safety protocols or visitation policies.

If an individual’s right is revoked, the patient may designate a new individual. Individuals who have been suspended from visitation shall be reviewed every 30 days for reinstatement.

Last year, the Legislature approved the No Patient Left Alone Act to allow patients to designate a visitor to have unrestricted visitation, but Roe said facilities have not been complying. The legislation, House Bill 2687, did not include any kind of enforcement mechanism.

HB3313 also allows any person to bring a civil action against anybody who isolates a COVID-19 patient without visitation rights, knowingly aids in the isolation of a patient or intends to isolate or aid in the isolation.

The bill has an emergency clause allowing it to take effect immediately upon becoming law.

HB3313 is available for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins Monday, Feb. 7.

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

Page 12 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Pre-Lent party time in Louisiana

By Elaine Warner You may not have noticed but we’re in Carnival season – the pre-Lenten celebration that begins with Twelfth Night and ends on Mardi Gras (March 1). For family-friendly festivities, I recommend Shreveport or Lake Charles, La. While you may be able to catch a parade any weekend, the closer to Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday, the day preceding Ash Wednesday), the wider the choices for activities.

The major events are produced by krewes – private groups who sponsor balls, parades or both.

The most public of the celebrations are the parades. Floats are massive, elaborate and carry celebrants who throw treats – most often beads – to crowds which line the parade routes.

Parades scheduled for Shreveport include the February 13 Parade of Barkus and Meoux at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds. There is a nominal charge -- $1 – to attend the event which includes the pet parade, decorated golf carts and batterypowered, kiddy vehicles. Lots of food trucks add to the fun.

The Krewe of Centaur Parade marches out on Saturday, February 19, and the Krewe of Gemini Parade is scheduled for the next Saturday, the 26th. Veteran parade watchers pick spots along the routes early – bringing folding chairs or finding spots in parking lots so they can back up their trucks and set up in the truck bed. Most people spend the parade standing, with arms up, calling, “Throw me something, mister!”

The goal for many is to collect as many “throws” as possible. I’ve seen little kids so loaded with beads that only their heads and hands stick out.

Greedier attendees bring baskets or fish nets for catching the flying beads, Moon Pies, plastic toys, etc.

Lucky people – and I was one – get a bird’s eye view from atop a float. It’s a real dance keeping up with holding handfuls of beads and throwing them. While we had to keep up rapid-fire throwing, I never threw to the basket people – always tried to aim for small children.

On Sunday, February 27, those in the know will head for the Highland neighborhood for the Krewe of Highland Parade. In the past, the most popular throws were foil wrapped hot dogs. I’m not sure they’ll get to throw those this year. This parade is a combination of some of the large floats, marchers,

Lake Charles Gala gives guests a look at the most elaborate of royal regalia.

kids on bikes, and fun home-made creations.

Also on the 27th, Marilynn’s Place is party central. Once a filling station, this popular eatery throws a great Mardi party. There’ll be boiled crawfish, red beans, beignets and more – all to the tune of a zydeco band.

To prepare properly for the celebrations, I recommend two stops. First is Tubbs Hardware and Cajun Gifts. The Tubbs family was instrumental in bringing the Mardi Gras tradition to Shreveport. So in addition to hardware, a good portion of their stores are dedicated to all things Carnival. You’ll find walls with beads hanging from floor to ceiling.

I asked Kenneth Tubbs to estimate the number of bead strings he had. The answer was complicated. There are hundreds of variations on Mardi Gras beads – the regular throws, beads with accessories, pearl beads, krewe beads and so many more. Of the beads I have collected, most are simple throws, but I also have beads with alligators,

shrimp, fishermen’s boots, even a string with a music box. So Tubbs’ estimate – they have tens of thousands of beads. There are also, tiaras, funny hats, masks, noise makers and all sorts of party accessories.

The second do-not-miss spot is The Enchanted Garden. I do not enjoy shopping. The Enchanted Garden, owned by Deb Cockrell, is the one place that could make me change my mind. It’s full of gorgeous gifts, unique apparel, soaps, lotions, toys and seasonal specialties. Mardi Gras items – you bet!

The masks at The Enchanted Garden are art.

Created by Dennis Beckman, these gorgeous, hand-made masks range from small ones (I bought a little, black and silver, music-themed beauty for a very reasonable price) to elaborate, feathered, and jeweled masks with towering head pieces.

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is much like Shreveport – balls, parades, and lots of beads. To me, the most impressive thing about Mardi Gras there is the Gala. This is an open-to-the-public, inexpensive evening where the royalty from all the krewes parade in their exquisite finery. You won’t see these outfits in the parades – they’re strictly for indoors – the krewe balls and the Gala. The Gala was cancelled this year, but they’re looking forward to returning it next year.

No matter what time of year, visitors can get a big taste of Lake Charles Mardi Gras by visiting the Mardi Gras Museum. In a former school building, fabulous costumes line the main hallway and the classrooms now are filled with exhibits on every aspect of Mardi Gras from costume and float design to the history of King Cakes.

Ah, King Cake, a highlight of the season! The tradition is said to have originated in 12th century France, when, on the Twelfth Night after Christmas (Three Kings Day) this special treat would be served. The base is a raised dough baked in a circle or oval to represent the circuitous path of the Wise Men, filled or unfilled, topped with icing decorated with gold, green and purple sugar.

Tucked into the cake is a tiny baby. The person who gets the piece with the baby is supposed to supply a King Cake the next year.

Tubbs, in Shreveport sells at least 10,000 of their original recipe King Cakes (more moist, more filling than the average cake) each year – and they ship.

I have to put in a plug for my favorite source – Rao’s Bakery in Beaumont, Texas.

They have sent me one for the past several years – complete with beads for decorating and, of course, a baby.

I planned to go Mardi Gras again this year, but I couldn’t imagine social distancing at a parade.

Shreveport is an easy day’s drive, and the last weekend is the best, but you might prefer planning for next year. Me, I’m sitting here hoping a King Cake will arrive soon!

Elaine Warner models a Dennis Beckman creation at The Enchanted Garden

Participants spend hours loading beads and other throws on Mardi Gras floats

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 13

Stories behind top teacher finalists Editor’s Note: Last week we looked at three of the five finalists for Teacher of the Year in the Edmond Public School District. The winner will be announced on March 3. Last week we profiled Joran Hopper, Emily Boyett and Cindy Rosario. This week we look at Nikke Spence and Dalton Savage. The articles are by Patty Miller.

Nikki Spence Changes career path; seeks to serve others In her 15th year of teaching at Chisholm Elementary, Nikki Spence has been at Chisholm from the start.

She completed her student teaching there, began her career teaching third grade, and this is her 11th year teaching first grade.

She said she has never really pinpointed her reason for going into the field of education.

“In fact, when I started college, I was on the path to become a Physical Therapist,” Spence said. “I always knew growing up that I wanted to do something that would give me the opportunity to serve others.”

After her first two years of college, she started wondering if there was a different direction that she needed to explore.

“I even transferred colleges hoping that I would find the enthusiasm I once had for PT. Spence said she often found herself touring other buildings on campus and eventually realized that she had visited the education building multiple times.

“It was then that I decided that my true calling was to focus on a career in education and I have loved every minute of it,” Spence said.

She said that staying in education has really been an easy decision for her.

“A handful of years into my teaching career, I discovered my true ‘why’, and it has helped me grow into the educator I am today,” Spence said.

A military family, she and her husband have two boys.

“During my early years of teaching, my husband deployed multiple times with the Air Force,” Spence said.

“All the deployments were tough in terms of our family learning to adjust with him gone — but we adjusted and became stronger because of it.”

She said they quickly realized that all of the de-

ployments had changed her husband also — only the change was not a positive one.

“He was diagnosed with severe PTSD and our family essentially was diagnosed too,” Spence said.

“Our two boys unfairly learned to deal with anger, isolation, quick tempered meltdowns, and many Spence other things as their dad navigated life with PTSD. At times our family seemed to be on the brink of crumbling, but through it all, our boys remained positive and well-adjusted.”

Spence said that over a period of time it finally occurred to her that it wasn't her or their dad that had given them the skills they needed to thrive, it was their teachers.

“It was the teachers that had loved them, cheered for them, and had given them a safe place to learn. They were behind it all,” Spence said. “I knew at that moment that this was exactly the kind of teacher that I needed to be and why I needed to do it. I became the kind of teacher that made sure her students felt loved, valued and most of all had a positive, safe place to come learn, regardless of what might be happening outside of school.”

She added that through it all her husband acquired the tools to live successfully with PTSD and their family was able to learn and thrive.

Spence added her classroom is definitely an active classroom.

“I think that's probably the biggest impact on my first graders,” Spence said. “They need to get up and move. They need to be silly and at the same time, see their teacher being just as silly as they are. We dance, we exercise, make up silly handshakes and songs — pretty much anything that we can do to connect some type of movement to what we're learning.

“With all that being said, I also feel that we have a good, solid balance.”

Spence said her students are active a lot, but they also learn how to be independent workers.

“So in the end my goal is to provide a learning environment that is highly engaging to all types of learners,” Spence said.

Spence said an obstacle that she personally had to overcome with remote learning was having to quickly learn the ropes of navigating and utilizing

the tools she needed to successfully teach her students each day.

“Technology is an incredible thing, but it can be a bit daunting when you have to shift gears totally and rely solely on it to deliver your instruction,” Spence said.

In terms of positive outcomes from remote learning, Spence said she hast to admit there are two that really seem to be headliners for her.

“The first one is that it really gave students an opportunity to discover how they could be successful. They weren't on a daily schedule moving from one thing to another, they (along with their parents for younger students) were given the freedom to design their own day,” Spence said.

She said she believes choice can be a huge motivator and quite possibly helped many students be successful during their remote learning days.

“The second positive outcome is that I truly believe that it gave — students, teachers, families — the reminder of what matters most,” Spence said. “Living during a pandemic was uncharted territory for many of us. I think as things in life slowed down, it provided some of us with an opportunity to reassess our priorities and realize what we value most.”

She added her first grade team worked hard to make it the best possible experience for their students.

“Looking at it now, although it seemed so daunting then, we realized that just like our students, we are capable of so much!”

Dalton Savage Credits grandmother as inspiration to teach Memorial High School’s Dalton Savage credits his grandmother Kathy, a life-long educator, as his inspiration to become a teacher.

“Her passion and dedication to her students made me realize from a young age that education was important,” Savage said.

“This led me to begin ‘practice Savage teaching’.

His first experience teaching was during the summer of his fourth grade school year.

See TOY, Page 15

Page 14 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘Tender Bar’ more story than special effects

By George Gust “The Tender Bar” is Amazon Studios newest original movie from Director George Clooney, base on the memoir of the same name and follows the life of a boy (Daniel Ranieri & Tye Sheridan) growing up on Long Island seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle's bar.

People will often throw around the term “cinematic” and these days they mostly mean big spectacle blockbuster kind of movies. “The Tender Bar” is a throwback to the kind of movies that used to be ‘cinematic’ but in today’s movie theater climate this kind of movie is finding life on streaming services. In terms of plot and story structure there’s no ‘elevator pitch’ hook to this memoir film, but instead this film showcases several thoughtful and engaging performances instead of flashy sequences and melodrama. While “The Tender Bar” isn’t the story of some giant character of historical significance, but for what it lacks in grandeur it makes up for in relatabilityquirky family, hard times, big dreams.

“The Tender Bar” is mostly focused on the protagonist, but also features a fun and effective en-

Answers appearing on Page 19

semble cast. Throughout the film the chemistry between Ben Affleck and the various aged protagonist is what takes center stage, and Affleck has aged well into being the sage barfly uncle with just the right mix of sleaze and charm, something like his character from “Good Will Hunting” only 20 years older. In a surprising turn late in his career Christopher Lloyd has a load of fun as the grumpy and unapologetic quirky grandpa character. And Sheridan does well enough to hold together the story and play the romantic naivete of a kid from no where with a

dream to be a published writer.

Overall, “The Tender Bar” is a quiet and cozy coming of age story that is a relatable and relaxing ‘hang out’ kind of film. For those fans of 70’s classic rock and pop music there’s a needle drop in just about every other scene plucking the nostalgic strings. This movie doesn’t have a third act heist or a character having dealing with an unsavory gangster and a steep gambling debt, but this lack of overt action is also to the film’s benefit as a change of pace to today’s go go go world. And from an actor-turned director Clooney does well by his actors to output a character study film that features a bevy of compelling and recognizable characters that are interesting to spend an hour and a half with.

“The Tender Bar” is rated R for language throughout and some sexual content. Now available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription.

3.9out of 5 stars You can reach George Gust to comment at gust.george@gmail.com,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Ben Affleck turns in a strong performance in Amazon's newest film based on the memoir "The Tender Bar"

Bronchos preseason favorites in poll The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its 2022 Softball Preseason Coaches Poll.

Defending MIAA champions Central Oklahoma tabbed the top spot in the poll for the third consecutive season.

The Bronchos were picked first in the preseason coaches poll with 162 points and eight first-place votes.

The Bronchos won their second consecutive MIAA Regular Season championship in 2021 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Central Region Championship.

Defending MIAA Tournament champions Central Missouri finished second in the poll with 158 points and the remaining six firstplace votes. The Jennies 2021 season also ended in the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament. Rogers State finished third with 142 points while Missouri Southern came in fourth with 124 points.

Missouri Western rounded out the topfive with 118 points.

Just one point behind the Griffons in sixth was Washburn with 117 points.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Valentine’s Day ACROSS 1. Fantasy sports data 6. Accounting acronym 9. Stark daughter on "Game of Thrones" 13. Branch of economics 14. All talk, no action type of service 15. Relating to symmetry, in geometry 16. Base-8 numeral system 17. "____ the land of the free..."

18. Lots and lots 19. *Actor Ryan of "Blue Valentine" 21. *Desdemona's suspicious husband 23. Big fuss 24. Nose-in-the-air type 25. Uber alternative 28. One on a pedestal 30. Moderately wide 35. Eye layer 37. Twelfth month of Jewish year 39. Cheese-covered chip 40. Popped relief?

41. *"Love, ____" movie 43. Splints site 44. Muhammad's teachings 46. Orchestra instrument 47. Past of heave 48. Avoids work, in British slang 50. Give off 52. Dose of sunshine 53. Back seat 55. Hair-raising product 57. *____ valentine, an opposite of love note 61. English author perhaps best known for "The Canterbury Tales" 65. Like MaryKate and Ashley 66. Pooh's "wise" friend 68. Bring to an end 69. Potassium nitrate 70. Farm sound 71. Arm bones 72. Back talk 73. Uniting con-

junction 74. Imposter DOWN 1. Smoke plus fog 2. Comes in hard or soft shell 3. Parts of a play 4. ____-____-la 5. Plural of solidus 6. Heidi's shoe 7. *Sweetie follower 8. Cook's cover 9. Wheel holder 10. Cambodian money 11. Two-masted vessel 12. "The Sun ____ Rises" 15. Trash can for fireplace (2 words) 20. Source of lymphocytes, pl.

22. Pull along 24. Dormant state 25. *Famous archer 26. Dispatch boat 27. "____ and whistles" 29. Hodgepodge 31. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible's

son 32. Blood of the gods, Greek mythology 33. Seven days postmortem 34. *Hive-related endearment 36. Unfortunately, exclamation 38. Rumpelstiltskin machine 42. Stallion's cry 45. Business combination 49. Old Man's turf, according to Hemingway 51. Darjeeling server 54. Smell, usually pleasant 56. Calms 57. Ford Transit and such 58. Pelvic parts 59. Lice eggs 60. Augments 61. Oaf 62. Scoop holder 63. Biblical twin 64. Donna or Lou 67. Got a blue ribbon

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 15

Study will look at longterm effects of COVID-19 virus OU Health is projected to receive more than $1 million to participate in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection. Enrollment in the study begins soon, and researchers will follow participants for up to four years.

The NIH launched the RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) Initiative to learn why some people have prolonged symptoms (often referred to as “long COVID”) or develop new or returning symptoms after the acute phase of infection from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The most common symptoms include pain, headaches, fatigue, “brain fog,” shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, fever, chronic cough and sleep problems.

“This is a unique opportunity to be part of a nationwide study that investigates the impact of post-acute sequelae from SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which includes long COVID. In other viral infections, you rarely see long-term symptoms at the rate we have seen with COVID-19. If we can understand the biological underpinning of these symptoms, that may help us to better treat people who continue to have problems for weeks or months after the infection is over,” said Timothy VanWagoner, Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the study for OU Health.

VanWagoner is deputy director of the Okla-

homa Clinical and Translational Science Institute (OCTSI) at the OU Health Sciences Center. The OCTSI unites universities, nonprofit organizations, American Indian communities, public agencies and primary care providers in research addressing the health outcomes of Oklahomans. OCTSI’s existing infrastructure will be used to enroll patients from across the state, including those in rural and medically underserved areas. OU Health is among more than 30 academic healthcare institutions across the nation enrolling patients in the study.

OU Health will enroll approximately 80 adults in three different study categories. One group will include individuals with a past COVID-19 infection who continue to have symptoms.

Another group will be comprised of people with a recent COVID-19 infection who may or may not continue to have symptoms.

To serve as study controls, the final group will feature people who have never had COVID-19.

Participants will be asked to undergo laboratory tests and other analyses, depending on the category.

Current data show that 10% to 30% of people who have had a serious COVID-19 infection will continue to experience symptoms for at least one month. Researchers don’t know why symptoms persist long after the infection or why some people have little to no symptoms.

TOY From Page 13 “My cousin Morgan and I created our own school we called Savageville Elementary School,” Savage said. “My two cousins, Blake and Jacob, were the students.”

Now he teaches social studies, but back in Savageville Elementary School his content areas were math and English.

“I really became fond of teaching during my college years at the University of Oklahoma,” Savage said.

He said he had several professors that went above and beyond to empower him to be in charge of his learning. “Their encouragement and support were what made me really fall in love with teaching because I wanted other people to feel the same way I felt,” Savage said.

He said one professor in particular, Dr. Kristy Brugar, has had the greatest impact on him and his teaching career up to this point.

“She invested in me early on and has continued to support me into today,” Savage said. “Her caring nature and love of learning is something I carry with me into my classroom.”

This is Savage’s sixth year teaching, and his fourth in Edmond. At Memorial he teaches AP U.S. History, AP Human Geography, and Oklahoma History.

Savage added he has the unique opportunity to teach three subjects that give him great flexibility in his delivery methods.

“I enjoy student-centered activities, including project-based learning and socratic seminars. This encourages students to collaborate and become more engaged in their learning,” Savage said. “Additionally, I try to empower students by incorporating choice in deliverables.”

Savage said remote learning was challenging for him, because he really enjoys the interaction with his students.

“It was hard only seeing students two days a week,” Savage said. “I felt like it took longer for students to get to know me, as well as each other.”

He said he asked students to collaborate daily and remote learning presented a challenge to that because they were remote three days a week for the majority of the school year last year and interacting through discussion boards online is not the same as in-person.

While remote learning presented challenges, Savage said there were some positive aspects to it.

“It brought attention to the digital divide we have in Oklahoma,” Savage said. “It gave students more access to technology, which will be beneficial to them as our society becomes more advanced and relies on technology.”

He added that additionally, it provided greater flexibility for students. Many high school students began working during the school day and did their studies in the evening.

Page 16 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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3213 NW W 35TH - $224,900 Make this your DIY home project for an EXTREME MAKEO KEOVER! R! Gr G eatt style t l good d bones, b desirable neighborhood,AND ND D jjustt replaced l d the h roof (Dec. 2021)!

Floor plan Fl l designed d i d with ith llarge living li i area off kitchen, ½VITPEGI [ KEW FIHVSSQW HS[R YT [MMXL FYMPX in desks), 3 bathroom ms, ample storage throughout.

SOLD PRICE P $225,000 LARGE CORNER LOT

2.85 ACRES!

- 3800 Wolf o Creek Cir -

4260 N Boulevard- $399,900

Large corner lot (1.18 acre) in the desirable Auggusta Farms Approximately 2.85 Acres at the NW corner of neighborhood! Bring your own builder and build d the home of Coffee Creek and Broadway, just north of the water your dreams in this fabulous neighborhood! Witth easy access to tower. Property zoned F1, Light Industrial. Don’t miss I35 get anywhere in Edmond and the OKC metrro quickly!

this opportunity! t

BUILD YO OUR DREAM HOME!

3001 Lakeshire Ridge Way - $135,000

Bring your ow wner builder and build the house of your o dreeams on this fabulous lot.

TIMBERDALE

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RUSTIC CREEK

SOLD!

2300 Rustic Creek - $350,000 Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the fabulous backyard on the wood deck - so peaceful! Home backs up to 6.8 acres of gorgeous trees. HOA takes care of the front yard - mows, edges, weeds, trims, and fer e ttilizes - No yard work required!

$215,000

TH ST $695,000 2421 NW 194T

SOLD! 506 SUNNY BROOK - $399,900

SOLD PRICE $411 $411,000 000 IRON HORSE RANCH

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330-2626

SOLD! 4108 High Range Ln- $ $525,000

SOLD PRICE $525,000

L TS & ACREAGES LO 3100 Basanova Drive - $85,000 - Oldee Edmond Lot Great neighborhood in Edmond. Build your drream home here!

3208 Basanova Drrive - $118,900 - Olde Edmond - East Edmond - Cul-de-sac lot!

3000 Basanova Drive - $122,500 - Old de Edmond • East Edmond - Cul-de-sac lot

4260 N Boulevard 2.85 - Acres! $399,900 Approximately 2.85 Accres at the NW corner of Coffeee Creek and Broadway, y, just norrth of the water tower. Property zoned F1, Light Industrial. Don’t miss m this opportunity!

3016 Basanova Drive - $99,900 - Olde Edmond Lot • Great Location - Build your dream home!

1624 Saratoga Way - $249,900 - Saratog a a Farms • Approx. .7274 acre

Property to Sell? • Accepting New Listings • CALL US! WE SELL homes, ranch hes, acreages and developments.

As busy as they are with television, music, cooking, a new skincare line, and raising two children, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen hardly have time to oversee the restoration and combination of two contiguous New York penthouses.

So, they are selling the two penthouse units they recently bought in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood with plans to combine them into one huge residence on two floors, plus over 3,300 square feet of rooftop terraces. Spending almost all their time in California, John and Chrissy have decided to discontinue the combo project and have put the two apartments on the market at $18 million.

As Mr. Legend told ‘The Wall Street Journal,’ "We've realized that because of work and everything, we're really mostly going to be in Los Angeles, so we're going to focus our home-building energy and renovation energy on what we're doing in L.A." Still keeping their four feet in the Big Apple part time, the glamor couple plan to look for another New York home that will be less work.

Nolita, in Lower Manhattan, is on the edge of all the sights and sounds that make the city such a fascinating place to live with ethnic dining, shopping and weekend explorations. Built in 1900, the Brewster Carriage House is directly across the street from Little Italy and three city blocks from Chinatown. As the New York Daily News put it, “There is a reason Nolita stays a cut of cool above the rest. It's sophisticated, fashionable, and a bas-

tion of serenity at the crossroads of urban chaos.” It’s a fascinating place to people watch and it’s rumored that on any day one might see one of the Olsen twins or other celebrities perusing the shops.

It was a good idea and one that some celebrities and people with deep pockets often do: Buy two apartments in a trendy neighborhood, join them and end up with a mega residence that they feel matches their status in life. Joined together the finished penthouse would include a total of 6,164 square feet with six bedrooms and seven baths.

The hardwood floors appear to be original, the windows are large and offer lots of daylight streaming through the rooms with neighborhood views.

A particularly interesting item is the bar with lighted translucency in front of the bar stools. A touch of urban-style rusticity is seen in boards on some walls and a large three-sided fireplace. A unique touch is the glassfront wine cellar located under the stairwell. Skylights abound throughout and the landscaped roof terrace, with its own irrigation system and grill, is an ideal place to just hang out in the sunshine or entertain with a cookout.

Listing agents are Noble Black, Jennifer Stillman, David Son and Corinne Cahlon, all of Douglas Elliman, New York City.

For more celebrity home news and celebrity home video tours, visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

Page 18 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Free N95 masks handed out The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is working to make sure Oklahomans have widely available access to N95 masks in the state.

In partnership with the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association and pharmacy partners around the state, the OSDH will be distributing N95 masks around the state to local pharmacies through a distribution system that will provide Oklahomans the opportunity to go to their local pharmacies to receive N95 masks, free of charge.

Through the OSDH and Federal Government distributions, local, independent pharmacies and pharmacies that are a part of the Federal Retail Providers program will have N95 masks available to Oklahomans throughout the state.

“With the highly transmissible omicron variant we know that the quality of the mask someone chooses to wear matters,” said Michael DeRemer, director of emergency preparedness and response

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service for the OSDH. “We want to make sure all Oklahomans have access to the best mask possible to protect themselves and others from this virus, no matter where they live and at no-cost.”

The first shipment of masks was sent to select pharmacies on Thursday, Jan. 27 with the next shipment, to additional pharmacies, occurring on Monday, Jan. 31.

In total, the OSDH will be distributing a total of just over 500,000 N95 masks across the state The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease.

OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oåklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 3, 2022 • Page 19

Agencies transition away from contact tracing The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Tulsa County Health Department (THD) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) are moving away from universal case investigation and contact tracing to focus on a more strategic approach of outbreak investigations and targeted case investigations.

Transitioning away from these is something Oklahoma has been moving toward in many ways, as evident in the implementation of OSDHCI which is allowing our case investigators and epidemiologist to prioritize following-up on outbreaks or clusters, as well as individuals in high-risk settings after a positive COVID-19 result.

“Tools such as at-home testing kits, updated isolation and quarantine guidance, and the self-serve case investigation portal has provided Oklahomans the opportunity to be the driver of their own personal health and the health of their family and community,” said leaders from all three agencies.

“Empowering Oklahomans with the most up to date recommendations and mitigation strategies has paved the way for autonomy and a more sustained public health system that is not reliant on universal case investigation and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The community has a greater understanding of public health and the necessity of public health intervention and how to navigate those tools.”

This change isn’t unique to Oklahoma. Five na-

tional public health organizations issued guidance on Tuesday supporting the transition.

“It is appropriate for our public health agencies to transition our resources into more effective strategies to lessen the impact of COVID-19 by focusing surveillance and prevention efforts on the most severe outcomes of COVID-19: hospitalizations and deaths,” stated the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) along with several other agencies.

You can read the full, joint statement from na-

tional public health organizations here.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

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Page 20 • February 3, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure