Edmond Life and Leisure - February 16, 2023

Edmond PD helps Special Olympics

Polar Plunge at Hurricane Harbor

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.

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Seen are the before and after photographs of the

members of the Edmond PD get ready to jump in the icy

water. It was all for a good cause as the officers raised money

SUNDAY, February 19

Congratulations to Edmond PD for braving the elements over the weekend.

The scene of the action was at Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City. Although it was sunny it was still about 40 degrees in the morning. The Hurricane Harbor pool, a source of great fun during the summer months, had another mission on Saturday. There was a Polar Plunge scheduled on behalf of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). The goal was to help Special Olympians. Dozens of law enforcement were present, including

the Edmond PD.

Officers attempted to raise enough money to support the over 12,000 Special Olympics athletes in Oklahoma. Leading up to the event, each team collected donations from the public to entice the officers to jump into freezing cold water.

“It is a joy and honor to partner with the Edmond community to support such a worthy cause,” said Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger.

While all money raised by each team goes directly to Special Olympics Oklahoma, there is still a friendly rival-

ry amongst metro agencies. Edmond Police Captain, Tom Evans adds, “We’re all on the same team, but we do like the bragging rights to who can raise the most money.” Evans, whose son Tyler is a Special Olympics athlete, says that getting to help out with LETR, and spend time with his son is the perfect combination.

If you’re interested in helping please use your browser and enter tinyurl. com/EPDPolarPlunge.

As of Monday morning, the Edmond PD was less than $500 from their goal of $5,000.

PHOTO BY MELINDA INFANTE

Polar Plunge at Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City. Above

water. Below slows their stunned reactions to the icy

for Oklahoma’s Special Olympics.

Jed GreenState Sen. Adam Pugh

Edmond Republican Women to have meeting on Feb. 20

The next meeting of the Edmond Republican Womens Club will be Monday, Feb. 20th, at our new meeting location, Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Rd., in the Gaylord Center.

“We are so pleased to have State Senator Adam Pugh as our sponsor for the month of February,” said Tonya Coffman, president of the group.

Senator Pugh represents District 41, covering Edmond and northern Oklahoma County. He was first elected in 2016 and in 2017 was one of Oklahoma's "40 under 40" achievers.

Our primary speaker this month will be Jed Green, who is the founder of ORCA - Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action. One topic he discusses is the explosive growth of medical marijuana production in the State of Oklahoma and the need for better regulation of the industry. There will be a vote, State Question 820, on March 7th, regarding legalizing the sale of Recreational Marijuana in the State of Oklahoma. ERWC is encouraging a "NO" vote.

In 2022, our Community Outreach emphasis was our Veterans. At our Christmas Party, "A Patriotic Christmas", on Dec, 7, 2022, in conjunc-

tion with Warriors for Freedom, we were able to raise over $5,000 through a Silent Auction and Donations to help a veteran who found himself the sole support of his four young children.

He was able to move his family into a mold free home and spend $500 for each of his children for Christmas. Their gifts included both toys, new clothes, and shoes.

This year, our Community Outreach will be "Our Daughters", with emphasis on young women who choose life over aborting their babies and also those caught up in human and sex trafficking.

On Monday, February 20th, we will start gathering around 11:15 to 11:30 a.m., with the buffet lunch served at 11:30. Our meeting will start around 11:45. The cost is $20 if you choose to take part in the buffet lunch, this month "A Taste of Italy", or if you just want to attend the meeting, the cost is $5 to help cover the venue cost. If you would like to attend, please sign up through https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8 05094FA5AE28AA8-resp2. Remember, we are now meeting at Oklahoma Christian University in the Gaylord Center, 2501 E. Memorial Rd., Edmond.

46 years later at their wedding in 2017

Out kicking my punt coverage

In celebration of Valentine's Day this week, here is a pretty good love story. It is not your typical love story but a good one, none the less. After meeting Lisa, my friend Derrick Turner said, “Wow, you really outkicked your punt coverage Hibbard”. Please forgive the personal nature of this column folks. I will get back to the news stuff next week. It is more of a story of trusting God. He truly always has your back folks and a plan.

A person should never say never. Seven years ago, if you had asked if I were ever going to remarry, the answer would have been a firm no, not ever. Heck, I had settled into a good life. With so many friends and family my life was good, well-adjusted and a happy one.

I just needed to trust God that it was going to be even better even though I have done nothing in my life to deserve it. In October of 2017, I married my seventh grade sweetheart. We were in school at Heritage Hall and graduated together in 1976. We had known each other for 46 years and through the grace of the Lord, found each other again. It was amazing how close our paths had come to crossing over the last 46 years but for both, the timing of when we fell in love could not have been better. “It’s a God thing”, Lisa says.

Our love story in seventh grade only lasted about a week but we have both tried to remember what being boyfriend and girlfriend in seventh grade involved. We don’t think it was much and frankly, if she had declared her everlasting love to me at 13 years of age, I would have been like the dog that caught the car and not known what to do. For the record, she is the one who broke up with me in seventh grade but she doesn’t remember that part of our relationship.

In a weak attempt to justify her decision in Junior High, Lisa reminded me that I had given another girl in our class a drop but not her. Unless you are of a certain age, you may not know what a drop was at that age. It was the boy’s initials, together at a slant and on a chain. In my defense I did give her friend a drop but it was not until eighth grade when I was much more sophisticated and mature. In my attempt to win her over on Valentine’s Day 46 years later, I gave her my initials on a chain at a slant just so I wouldn’t make

the same mistake again. She was thrilled but did want to know if it was the same drop I had gotten her friend. I assured her it was a brand new one.

Let me add that obtaining a drop is not as easy as it was in 1971. As you can guess, the price has gone up. Let me just say they are not the $20 I paid at Zales in Shepard Mall for the first one I purchased. In fact, they don’t make them anymore.

I turned to my friend at BC Clark’s, Lane Roberds who was the manager of the store in Northpark Mall. When I asked him about it his response was, “Wow, I have not heard that term in decades”. Never say die Lane had one made for me. I can promise you that no online company can compete with this kind of service.

Lisa and I were friends all through Heritage Hall and stayed in touch at reunions. I had a crush on her but was afraid of rejection to talk about it. So, here is a lesson for our readers. Take that chance folks. Don’t let opportunities slip away from you. We both feel grateful that God has given us another chance to be together.

We had a special moment provided by Ann Hampton Callaway when she was in town performing at the UCO Jazz Lab a week before the wedding. At our dinner the night before the concert, Ms. Callaway asked Lisa and I how we met. After telling her the story, we added that it was a mystery to us why we had not gotten together much earlier in life but were just grateful that we finally did. “Oh, I have the perfect song for you, and I will add it to the set tomorrow night”, she said.

Ms. Callaway not only sang the song at the UCO Jazz Lab concert but dedicated it to us. It touched our hearts because it is about all the things we have done in our lives that led us to be together. We are hoping she sings it again for us at her upcoming concert in March. The title is On My Way to You. I hope you will read the lyrics below because it applies to so many of us and our journey through life.

On My Way to You

So often as I wait for sleep

I find myself reciting

Check out what’s inside!

---- Senior news........................................................................Pages 6 & 7.

---- Comics......................................................................................Page 8.

---- Business news............................................................................Page 9.

---- Senator Mullin reacts to Biden speech......................................Page 10.

---- Elaine Warner looks at Johnny Bench museum........................Page 11.

---- Police report............................................................................Page 12.

---- Weekend calendar of events....................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews new romantic comedy............................Page 14.

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

This and so 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.

The words I've said, or should have said

Like scenes that need rewriting

The smiles I never answered

Doors perhaps I should have opened

Songs forgotten in the morning

I relive the roles I have played

The tears I may have squandered

The many pipers I have paid

Along the roads I have wandered

Yet all the time I knew it

Love was somewhere out there waiting

Though I may regret a kiss or two

If I had changed a single day

What went amiss or went astray?

I may have never found my way to you

The smiles I never answered

Doors perhaps I should have opened

Songs forgotten in the morning

Yet all the time I knew it

Love was somewhere out there waiting

Though I may regret a kiss or two

If I had changed a single day

What went amiss or went astray

I may have never found my way to you

I would not change a thing that happened on my way

On my way to you...

Thank you, Ann Hampton Callaway, for helping me find the words that I could not have crafted on my own. We played this piece by her at the reception as well.

Folks these times are truly getting crazy. Hang on to your Valentine as close as you can and always trust in God’s plan.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

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 Reger 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 © 2023 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

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Ray Hibbard and Lisa Freeman at Heritage Hall dance in 1971. Ray and Lisa Hibbard

FAI has upcoming art show with Marie Kash Weltzheimer

Join us at the Edmond Fine Arts Gallery, 27 E. Edwards St, for a solo show featuring local artist Marie Kash Weltzheimer on Thursday, March 2, from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Marie is an award-winning artist, having been a signature member of the Pastel Society of America since 1989 and becoming a Master Circle Honoree with the International Association of Pastel Societies in 2021. She has exhibited in numerous local, national, and international shows receiving several "Best of Show “Awards for her work. Having been represented by several galleries, she has placed her work in numerous collections, private, corporate, and public.

For her show at Edmond Fine Arts, Marie is featuring her body of work titled “Elton John 52 Years On”. This artwork depicts Elton John at various stages of his career. Marie states, "I love John's endurance, tenacity, and ability to get honest with himself. He keeps his kindness and fierce spirit about him." When speaking about what inspired her to create this body of work, she shared, “Music and the natural world are my inspirations. Brushes, oil or pastel pigments, charcoal, graphite, color, and light are my tools to bring forth the extraordinary that exists around us. Being a decade’s long Elton fan and the 50th anniversary of his breakthrough performance at the Troubadour Club in L.A., I was inspired to create this body of artwork, a celebration & visual exploration of an impressive career. I seek to capture his passion, sensitivity, and essence, moments throughout an adult lifetime."

Following Marie’s Gallery Opening at Edmond Fine Arts, join Elton John fans for an exceptional tribute performance featuring Adam Marsland at Frenzy Brewing in Downtown Edmond beginning at 7:30 pm. Adam is a critically acclaimed songwriter who

won accolades from the national press in 1999 and 2001 for creating the “Best Album of the Year. His music has ranged from playing underground punk bands to power pop groups in the Los Angeles area! He has been in demand as a session musician, and has toured with The Beach Boys.

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute Gallery is open daily for public viewing Monday – Thursday or by appointment. Monthly gallery exhibits are a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, with support from presenting sponsor, BancFirst, LLC. FAI is Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing year-round visual and performing art classes for children and adults and the Art in Schools Program for 3rd and 4th-grade students in Edmond Public Schools. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481.

Photo by Marie Kash Weltzheimer

Marie Kash Weltzheimer

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.

Retired federal employees group

NARFE elects slate of officers

At its regular monthly luncheon meeting in the Duncan Room of the Gaylord Center of Oklahoma Christian University, the members of Chapter 947 of the National Association of Retired and Active Federal Employees (NARFE) in Edmond, elected its 2023 Officers: Randy Koonce was elected as President; Chris Dumesnil as First Vice President; Ed Moore as Second Vice President, Karen Hackett as Secretary, and Julie Kraman as Treasurer.

Over the past 20 years, the NARFE Chapter in Edmond has provided a social and public service forum for active and retired employees from the wide range of Federal Agencies serving the nation and central Oklahoma, including major high tech facilities like DOD’s Tinker Air Force Base and FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center at Will Rogers International Airport, and everyday

services we take for granted like FAA air traffic controllers and TSA security at the airpor t, and the US Postal workers.

The Chapter’s luncheon meetings have become a popular venue for retired employees from Edmond and beyond to meet and share their career experiences in a wide range of assignments and locations with retirees from other agencies. Guest speakers from Edmond and the surrounding area have been informative and entertaining and the newly remodeled and upgraded Gaylord kitchens is providing an excellent variety of moderately priced meals.

The president, Randy Koonce, has invited the many retired Federal employees in the Edmond area to join us for an enjoyable lunch and an informative guest presentation at noon on the last Thursday in February or in the coming months.

New officers on the front are Karen Hackett, Randy Koonce, and Julie Kraman. In the back are Chris Dumesnil and Ed Moore.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 1165 E. 2nd Street.

Insomnia Cookies, the beloved cult brand known for serving warm cookies all day and late into the night, has opened its first store in Edmond. The new bakery, situated southeast of the University of Central Oklahoma’s campus in The Shoppes at Edmond University, marks the brand’s fourth location in Oklahoma and 234th location nationwide.

To learn more about Insomnia Cookies, visit www.insomniacookies.com.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Chamber selects Youth Leadership Class

Class XXI of Youth Leadership Edmond (YLE) has been selected by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. Youth Leadership Edmond is designed to enable high school juniors the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, gain a broader perspective of the issues in their city, introduce them to career paths in the Edmond community and take an active role in improving their community by introducing them to volunteer opportunities. The program meets once a month from November to April. Class XXI is hosted by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

YLE applicants are area High School Juniors who reside in the Edmond city limits and/or the Edmond Public School District and attend Edmond

Public Schools, private schools, or who are home schooled. All attendees had to have a 3.0 GPA or better in order to be considered for the program. Each student has been selected for demonstrating leadership or leadership potential in family, community, and/or school activities and their desire to develop additional leadership skills. Selected students also expressed an interest in furthering their knowledge of the Edmond community. Students filled out a written application and were interviewed in-person.

Class XXI includes the following students from Edmond Memorial: Fawwaz Ayodele, Bennett Bickle, MeKinley Brooks, Lorelei Cash, Claire Cornmesser, Kaitlyn Cotton, Madison Dolan, Claire McKinnon, Kyle Nguyen, Cooper Praytor, Jaclyn

A new high for the state

Gross Receipts to the Treasury recorded a new high over the past twelve months, yet rising interest rates are a cause for concern regarding future economic growth, State Treasurer Todd Russ announced last week.

Twelve-month gross receipts through January are $17.48 billion, up by $1.98 billion or 12.8 percent from the prior twelve months. For the month, total collections of $1.59 billion are up by $40.5 million, or only 2.7 percent compared to last January.

“The Gross Receipts report shows noteworthy improvement,” said Treasurer Russ. “Even so, higher interest rates are causing a slowdown in housing demand and other economic activity.”

Over the past year, all major revenue streams reflected growth. Sales and use tax collections exceeded the rate of inflation of 6.5 percent, growing at 8.6 percent. Income tax receipts increased by 13.1 percent.

The monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index rose slightly in January. This index, produced by Creighton University, increased from 40.2 in December to 43.3 depicting some economic improvement. However, an index number under 50 indicates a forecast for potential contraction during the next three to six months.

Other indicators

As measured by the Consumer Price Index, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the annual inflation rate at 6.5 percent in December. The energy component of the index at 7.3 percent over the year is expected to remain high, along with the food index which stands at 10.4 percent.

Oklahoma’s employment numbers continue to exhibit strength, despite changes in workforce trends. The Oklahoma unemployment rate in December stayed at 3.4 percent, as reported by the BLS. This rate has not changed since September.

Pruitt, Nathaniel Stephens and Caroline Wofford. Edmond North High School Students are: Maira Arshad, Victoria Brazil, Grant Donovan, JD Evans, Damien Guo, PeightonHarak, EvelynHrencher, Mia Lewallen, Pressly Morrison, Kate Pollot, Anna Rainwater, Abbie Randol, Inara Ukawuba, Carson Wallace and Reagan Wood.

Students from Edmond Santa Fe High School include: Madison Adkins, Grace Lin, Varsha Nair, Alexia Pham, Sameeha Sajid, Katarina Samwel, Ariyanna Underwood and Gabrielle Whitfield.

Students from Oklahoma Christian School: Riley Collins, Anna Degraffenreid and Anna Moore.

YLE sponsors are: session sponsors: Cowboy Chicken, MIDCON, Oklahoma Christian University and University of Central Oklahoma.

Members of the XXI class of the Chamber’s Youth Leadership program.

Some good news

By Steve Gust

There actually is a great event this week. The Stanley Rother Shrine will officially be dedicated and will open Friday.

The shrine is in honor of Rother, a Catholic priest martyred in 1981. It should be noted that nobody will worship Rother, who was declared Blessed Stanley Rother in 2017 by the Vatican. His road to possible sainthood continues. Saints, in the Catholic faith, are those who have led a life of heroic virtue. And they help pray for people here on earth. They are declared saints because of the holy lives they lived. They are very respected and venerated, but worship is reserved exclusively for the Holy Trinity.

The shrine is on SE 89th, not far from Interstate 35. Footage and photographs of the shrine don’t do it justice. It looks a lot larger in person. I hope a lot of people, including nonCatholics, will get around to visiting it sometime and learning about the life of Stanley Rother.

It will seat 2,000, which now makes it the largest Catholic church in the archdiocese. Before that, Edmond’s own Saint John’s had the largest sanctuary seating with about 1,250. I look forward to seeing the new shrine full every week with people wanting to pray and help others.

The shrine will highlight Rother’s life including how he temporarily dropped out of the seminary because of his difficulties with Latin.

But, once a priest, the one-time Okarche farmer went on to learn Spanish and the Tz’utujil language.

As mentioned, Father Rother had his beatification ceremony back in 2017 in Oklahoma City at the Cox Center with thousands there.

A lot of people were turned away. There just wasn’t enough room for everyone.

With the shrine, there most likely will be pilgrims coming here from all around the world.

They will remember a servant of God who gave his very life for the faith and people of Guatemala he loved. It’s a sacrifice like that is worth honoring and remembering.

(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

A look at the state legislative process

By: Rep. Collin Duel

The first session of the 59th Legislature has officially started. We will spend the next four months moving bills through the legislative process and finalizing the state budget for the Fiscal Year 2024.

Oklahoma lawmakers prefilled almost 3,100 bills and joint resolutions. Over 1,900 bills and 44 House joint resolutions were filed in the House, and more than 1,100 bills and 18 Senate joint resolutions were filed in the Senate. Only some of these bills will become law.

A joint resolution is similar to a bill but is mainly used as legislative referenda placed on statewide ballots. These are typically constitutional amendments submitted for the people to vote on, but sometimes legislators will send a proposed change in statute to the ballot voluntarily.

Once bills are first and second

read in their chamber of origin, which happens the first week of session, they can be assigned to committees.

This year the House has 29 regular standing committees and 10 Appropriation and Budget subcommittees.

I will serve as vice chair of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Judiciary Criminal Committee. I am also serving on the Judiciary Civil, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Judiciary Committees. Committees must approve each bill before it can be heard on the House floor. Once a bill moves to the House floor, the entire chamber will vote on them. In March, we will send our approved House bills to the Senate and then begin considering Senate bills.

Once it passes in both chambers, it is sent to the governor. If the governor signs a bill, it becomes state law. If the governor vetoes a bill, it does not become state law unless the Legislature overrides the veto.

A two-thirds vote is needed in each house to override a veto.

Session officially started with the Governor's annual State of the State address. He presented his plans for the legislative session focusing on advancing education, improving our economy and promoting freedom for all Oklahomans.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to address many of the issues Gov. Stitt addressed.

The Legislature must adjourn by Friday, May 26.

This past week we celebrated Rose Day at the Capitol. People presented roses, representing the sanctity of the unborn, to their state senator or representative. Several legislators and I released a statement supporting Oklahoma's current abortion laws and every child's right to life.

I am thankful and honored that the constituents of House District 31 have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-5577350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov.

Rep. Collin Duel, a Republican, serves District 31 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Logan and Oklahoma counties.

President Biden’s fantasy world

By Senator Markwayne Mullin

I always tell my kids, “You’ll never change anything you are willing to tolerate.”

Over the last two years, Joe Biden has proven that he is willing tolerate crisis after crisis while hardworking Americans suffer the consequences.

On Tuesday night (Feb. 7), Joe Biden stood in front of Congress, and all of America, to deliver his State of the Union Address. He could have used his speech as an opportunity change course after years of hardship for Americans, but predictably, Biden doubled down on the destructive policies that got us here in the first place.

From his radical Green New Deal agenda and unhinged spending to a reckless open border and softon-crime policies, Biden’s tenure can be summarized in one word: failure.

Under Joe Biden, 64% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. The cost of gasoline, rent, groceries, and everyday goods have skyrocketed. Now, more than 60% of Americans believe we are on the wrong track, and it’s easy to understand why.

Illegal immigrants are flooding across our southern border at unprecedented rates, allowing deadly fentanyl to pour into our communities and handing Mexican drug cartels an edge. Thirty-eight known or suspected terrorists have been caught trying to entire our country since October. That disturbing number does NOT include the over one million illegal aliens who have evaded border patrol since Biden entered office.

Our reliance on adversaries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela for fuel has our hands tied. The presi-

Letters to the Editor policy

dent’s inability to show peace through strength sends a terrible signal to countries like China that wish to do us harm.

Mr. President, just because you ignore the hardship does not make it go away.

Our country allows for a system of checks and balances that ensures our experiment in self-governance remains the greatest in the world. As elected officials, it’s Congress’ job to hold our president accountable.

The American dream is still alive and well in Oklahoma despite the heavy hand of Washington bureaucracy. Over the past two years, I have witnessed the grit and resolve of our farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and energy producers. They continue to succeed and innovate despite the challenges and burdensome regulation the Biden administration has thrown their way.

To address his crises effectively, Joe Biden must first take the blame. Hard-working Americans have had to make their dollar stretch farther than ever before, pulling from retirement accounts and compromising on what were once considered necessities. Despite Joe Biden’s words last night, American families know the pain he has caused them. For this coming year, I urge the Biden administration to begin governing with Americans’ best interests in mind.

Steve Gust Duel

Binger — home to baseball hero Johnny Bench

By Elaine Warner

Getting the facts about Binger, Oklahoma isn’t easy. Depending on the source you consult, current population is somewhere between 392 and 447. I’d set standard deviation at plus or minus 25 on either end. Another source says it is the 372nd largest city in Oklahoma. Anyway you figure it – Binger is definitely a small town. But a small town with a big attraction: the Johnny Bench Museum.

Situated in a former bank building, the museum shares space with Binger City Hall – you get to the museum through the door to City Hall. The museum began with a couple of cases of memorabilia in the city offices.

Wayne “Buddy” Britton grew up with Johnny Bench, Dean Crain, who played high school baseball with Bench, and Buddy’s wife, Janet, put their heads together to turn the small display into a wonderful, little museum.

Janet and Buddy got married in 1968, Johnny Bench’s first year in the major league with the Cincinnati Reds. Janet, whose dad had been a fan of the Yankees and rooted for Oklahoma’s Mickey Mantle, changed her allegiance to the Reds to cheer for the boy from Buddy’s home town.

She began collecting Johnny Bench items wherever she found them. She was teaching school and accompanied a senior trip to California. While visiting Knott’s Berry Farm (California’s first theme park), she found a small, ceramic figure of her favorite baseball player and bought it for $60. Wherever she found a bit of Benchobilia, she added it to her collection. Her years of accumulation make up a good part of the museum’s displays.

Exhibits range over decades of Johnny Bench’s life. Johnny was born in Oklahoma City but his family moved to Binger when he was four. His father loved baseball and would have loved to have a career in the sport. World War II got in the way. Bone chips in his shoulder from playing on a team during his service didn’t help. He vowed that when he married, if he had sons, he’d give them every chance he could to help them realize his dream.

He did marry – and had three sons. But only his youngest son, Johnny, made that dream come true. It became Johnny‘s dream from a very young age.

The Bench boys were raised with a strong work ethic. Johnny earned money picking cotton and working in local peanut patches as a little kid. Later, working with his dad, he delivered propane tanks, driving the truck when he was just 15. He built his

muscles with hard labor – no fancy gym for him.

He told every one he was going to be a major league baseball player. During his early school years, people laughed when he said that. A nine-inch growth spurt between 8th grade and high school stopped the laughter.

The museum has several exhibits from Bench’s high school years. He pitched his junior year baseball team to a state championship and the next year helped the basketball team to the state finals where they were defeated. Bench graduated in 1965 as class valedictorian.

Bench was 17 when he graduated – and was recruited by the Cincinnati staff right out of high school. He was sent to the Buffalo Bisons, a Reds farm team..

August 28, 1967, at the age of 19, Johnny Bench made his debut with the Cincinnati Reds. He was named 1968 Rookie of the Year*. That was just the first of many accolades earned by him.

He spent his entire major league career -- 19671983 -- with the Reds. During that time he played in 14 All-Star games, helped his team to two World Series championships, was named World Series MVP in 1976, won ten Golden Gloves, was the youngest player ever to win the National League Most valuable Player (an award he won twice), and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown the first year he was eligible.

In addition to learning all these facts in the museum, you’ll see some very special artifacts. Among these are a number of bats he used in All-Star games

and two of his Golden Glove trophies. Also on display, donated by teammate Dean Crain, are two of the bats used in the high school championship game.

The most unusual exhibit is the gray, pin-striped suit Johnny wore at his induction ceremony at the Baseball Hall of Fame. What makes that unusual? If you look closely, you can see that the thin, red stripe is actually made up of letters spelling “Johnny Bench.” Nearby is a small record player with a 45 rpm record called “From Binger to Cooperstown” sung by rock and roll singer Tom Steele.

In addition to biographical displays, cases contain promotional materials and samples of products with Bench’s image on them including a classic Wheaties box. Posters and artistic prints cover the walls – one done by LeRoy Neiman.

A trip to Binger from Edmond will take about an hour and a half. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s definitely worth the trip.

If you’re wondering why Bench was Rookie of the Year in 1968 instead of 1967, Ross Porter, native Oklahoman and former Edmondite, former announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and longtime friend, explained it to me. He told me, “The rules then stated that a player had more than 130 atbats over 45 days on a major league roster, he was considered a rookie. In 1967, Johnny had only 86 atbats and played in just 28 games after being called up from the minor leagues late in August.” It was Porter’s hour-long interview with Johnny Bench that piqued my interest in the museum. You can watch this interview by going to YouTube and searching for Ross Porter Johnny Bench.

Elaine

The picture on a door in the museum illustrates the size of Johnny Bench’s hands – he could hold seven baseballs in one hand.

The Johnny Bench museum in Binger displays all sorts of Bench memorabilia in its cases.

(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. 26

Kylie Jean Hogard, 21 of Yukon. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Ernesto Hernandez, 29 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a minor child) and failure to appear.

Tyler Jon Wennersten, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Amy Kristine Reymolds, 39 of Edmond. Petit larceny, non-assault resisting officer, public intoxication and five counts of failure to appear.

Anthony Donte Williams, 27 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jan. 27

Kristi Jean Meierhoff , 41 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Jimmy Frank Hines, 63 of Guthrie. Possession CDS and two misdemeanor warrants.

Tiffany Nichole Toole, 46 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Abigail Elaine Johnson, 27 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Jan. 28

Javiar Guadalupe, 41 of Oklahoma City. Obstruction of police officer and felony DUI/APC,

Robbie Renee Burnette, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication and breaking & entering.

Darious Oneil Jackson, 27 of Del City. Possess firearm after conviction of felony and public intoxication.

Philemon Carleka Randle, 36 of Edmond. Felony warrant, failure to appear, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jacob Allen Falter, 36 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Harold Lynn Chapman, 60 of Wichita, Kan. Obstruction of police officer, conspiracy and grand larceny.

Miquel Jay Retiz, 27 of Wichita, Kan. Public intoxication, obstruction of police officer, eluding police officer (misdemeanor), conspiracy and grand larceny.

Jan. 29

Terry Don Hinkle, 50 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and transport open container or intoxicating beverage or beer.

Destin Daquan Metoyer, 27 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Tylenn Lamorris Evans, 26 homeless. Destroying evidence, possess CDS, use firearm while committing a felony, possess with intent to distribute CDS and driving with license, canceled, suspended or revoked.

Blake Murphy Barron, 22 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and malicious injury or destruction of property.

Princess Jacklon Nicole Spencer, 21 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Trevion Marquel Collins, 24, of Oklahoma City. expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and three counts of failure to appear.

Jacob Thomas Craig, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Toni Dale Mines, 45 homeless. Public intoxication and non-assault resisting officer, William Howard Thurman Jr., 55 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Wilda Leona Williams, 63 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Jan. 30

Forest Raine Ryan, 30 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Charles Vernon Griffis, 36 of Oklahoma City. Three misdemeanor warrants, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Jan. 31

Alton Duane Giese Jr., 41 of Oklahoma City. Felony DUI/APC.

Charles Eugene Mumford, 47 of Edmond. Trafficking in illegal drugs, possess drug paraphernalia, obstruction of police officer and public information.

Feb. 1

Bronson Dean Blackburn, 32 homeless. Public intoxication.

Kerry Floyd Walton, 56 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Natalie Rae Rich, 44 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Fayth Destiny Kimbrell, 25 of Piedmont. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dewayne Demario Roberson, 29 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and reckless driving.

Clinton Robert, 29 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and trespassing after being warned.

Tina Marie Thomas, 60 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear.

Steven Ray Friday, 51 of Midwest City. Assault or assault & battery, use of firearm while committing a felony, possess firearm after conviction of felony and assault & battery with a deadly weapon.

Feb. 2

Kristofer Newman Knoerzer, 34 of Marshall, Texas. Public intoxication and a felony warrant.

Leann Nixie, 38 homeless. Possession of marijuana, false representation to an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia,.

Jamie Dawn Novakowski, 37 of Edmond. Nonassault resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor warrant.

Aaron Donnell Eversole, 28 of McLoud. (Misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise of retailer and (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception.

Feb. 3

Abigail Rose Graham, 19 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or above.

Joshua William Trotter Fields, 47 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.

Trevor Lowell Jones, 29 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) and (misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse assault in the presence of a minor child.

Walter Jerome Funches Jr., 42 homeless. Non-as-

sault resisting officer.

Rickey Paul Gissandanner, 60 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag over three months, felony warrant, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Joe Benjamin Rosenhamer, 44 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jacob Thomas Northenor, 22 of Edmond. Operate (DUI/APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Feb. 4

Dawne Amber Morrison, 42 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor 1sr & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Caleb Scott Lance, 23, of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more,.

Darion Thyontae Smiley, 33 of Oklahoma City. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Taylor Ray Hopper, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

James Kalvin Owens, 46 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Emma Lorraine Carmona, 25 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Calvin Maurice Owens, 42 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and possession of marijuana.

Nicolas Xavier Christensen, 24 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Torre Owen Parcel-Bruce, 36 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Fernando Raul Silva, 25 of Cashion. Misdemeanor warrant.

Michael Lynn Webb, 44 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Kendra Leanne Hunt, 36 of Shawnee. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Feb. 5

Patrick Thomas Varesi, 55 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Eric Todd Watkins, 33 of Reed Springs, Mo. False representation to an officer.

Leonard Linton Jackson, Jr., 32 of Moore. Felony DUI/APC.

Dezjuan Vonte Jackson, 32 of Frisco, Texas. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Janson Shea’len Sharp, 20 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance, expired tag over three months and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Jason Daniel Simon, 40 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Krystal Deeann Fischer, 40 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Travel Bolden, 51 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Jennifer Lynn Geimausaddle, 34 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Victor Leo Martinez, 37 of Oklahoma City, No proof of insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Hope McDowell Lambert, 36 of Edmond. Assault and assault & battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff. Public intoxication.

Weekend calendar, Feb. 16-19

What’s Happening This Weekend Feb 16-19

In the Gallery

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Indoor Winter Market

February at the UCO Jazz Lab

February Events at Frenzy

Live Music at Round Midnight

All-Star & Lazy E Arena Team Roping

Clue! at the Cowboy

Signature Tour

Read the West Book Club: Killers of the Flower Moon

OKC Broadway presents: Jesus Christ Superstar

Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry Finn’s Big River

RV Super Show

Extra Info: Featuring the art of Brad McNeill; edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

Indoor Winter Market Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 18; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

February at the UCO Jazz Lab

Location: UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16; ---- Sun, Feb 19: Bonnie & Clyde: A New Musical; ucojazzlab.com

February Events at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16; The Brave Amigos; 7 p.m.; Fri, Feb 17; Kris Strobeck; 8 p.m.; Sat, Feb 18; Christian Schafer; 7 p.m.; Free; frenzybrewing.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16: Vintage Vinyl; Fri, Feb 17: Vintage Vinyl; Sat, Feb 18: SavoyTrio; 7 – 10 p.m.; $60 ---- $75; simpletix.com

All-Star & Lazy E Arena

Team Roping

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Fri, Feb 17 – Sun, Feb 19; lazye.com

Clue! at the Cowboy

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Feb 17; 7 – 9 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Feb 18 – Sun, Feb 19; 1 to 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

See Events, Page 13

What to know about the 2022 filing season

By Jenny Dickerson

After another year of tax law changes, we have now seen a lot of changes to the Form 1040 (individual) tax return for 2022. There are some import changes outlined below that will impact many households. The filing deadline for the 2022 tax return is April 18, 2023, you must either file your return or extend your return by this deadline. The standard deduction has increased for all filers, $12,950 for single and married filing separately, $25,900 for married filing jointly, and $19,400 for head of household. There has also been a change in a filing name, qualifying widow(er) is now called qualifying surviving spouse.

Charity Deductions

Dickerson

For 2021 there was an above the line deduction of up to $300 (or $600 for married filing jointly) for charitable donations, even if you take the standard deduction. This is gone for 2022.

Student Loan forgiveness

Under the Student Debt relief plan, student debt forgiveness by the U.S. Department of Education is not a taxable event. The Student Debt relief plan can give up to $20,000 in debt cancellation to eligible Pell-grants and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation for eligible non-Pell Grant recipients.

Child Tax Credit

The biggest change on the individual tax return is the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Previously the credit was fully refundable and children ages up to 17 years old qualified, and half of the credit was paid in advance through monthly payments. For 2022 the credit is nonrefundable, the credit amount also drops back down to $2,000 per qualifying child, and the

Events

Read the West Book Club: Killers of the Flower Moon

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sun, Feb 19; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

OKC Broadway presents: Jesus Christ Superstar

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Tue, Feb 14 – Sun, Feb 19; okcbroadway.com

Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry Finn’s Big River

Location: Lyric at the Plaza

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16 – Sat, Mar 11; lyrictheatreokc.com

new age limit for children to qualify is 16 years old. This is different from the Other Dependent Credit (ODC), and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

Child and Dependent Care Credit

The child and dependent care tax credit is also back to being nonrefundable. The maximum credit percentage drops to 35% of your employment-related expenses and the limit of childcare expenses is lowered to $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children, previously $8,000 for one child and $16,000 for more than two or more children.

Earned Income Tax Credit

The earned income credit also has some big changes this year. If you don’t have qualifying children, the age restriction returns with a minimum age of 25 and limit of 65 years old. If you are married filing jointly, one spouse must meet the age requirement to qualify. The maximum credit for single workers with no children drops to $560. The maximum credit for workers with children has increased to an inflation adjusted $6,935, and the phase-out ranges have also been adjusted for inflation.

Jenny Dickerson is a tax associate at Arledge, the largest locally owned accounting firm in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

From Page 12

RV Super Show Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Fri, Feb 17 – Mon, Feb 20; okcrvshows.com

International Dog Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Sat, Feb 18 – Sun, Feb 19; okcfairgrounds.com

Monster Jam Location: Paycom Center Extra Info: Sat, Feb 18 – Sun, Feb 19; 7:30 p.m.; paycomcenter.com

Please send upcoming events to infante318@cox.net

Romcom stars of the past take a bow

By George Gust

Love is in the air at Netflix with an eye on Valentine’s Day. And here comes “Your Place or Mine,” another attempt to revive the movie star led studio romcom with Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher, the last vestiges of the stars from the last romcom heyday at the beginning of the century. But would this entry prove to be a return to form or another half-hearted effort from Netflix that only vaguely resembles your favorite films in the genre?

“Your Place or Mine” follows two long-distance friends (Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher) who change each other’s lives when she decides to pursue a lifelong dream and he volunteers to keep an eye on her teenage son.

“Your Place or Mine” is a totally inoffensive romcom in the vein of the Nancy Meyers’ filmography (“The Intern” “It’s Complicated”) but fails to reach its full potential given the classical movie star charm of the two lead actors. From a script structure perspective “Your Place or Mine” ties one hand behind its back by having the two lead characters spend 90% of the movie apart from each other in physical space.

This strategy can work (see “Sleepless in Seattle”), but in this movie this lack of personal chemistry puts more distance in the investment between the audience and the story.

At its best “Your Place or Mine” is a likable and breezy romantic film that features some likeable and breezy performances by charismatic actors. Witherspoon and Kutcher are dependable to deliver the kind of self-exploratory where am I in my life now and where do I want to be that is a hallmark of these kinds of romcoms, but where this movie excels past the ro-

Answer on Page 19

Higher pay for election workers?

The Senate Judiciary Committee met on last week and unanimously passed Senate Bill 290, which would increase pay for election day poll workers.

“This is a much needed and much deserved pay raise for our dedicated poll workers who often work over 13 hours on election day,” Hamilton said, “I am so appreciative of those who take their time and carry out this important patriotic and civic duty. I hope increasing their compensation will help retain the poll workers we have and encourage more Oklahomans to participate.”

SB 290 would increase election inspector pay from $110 to $225 and pay for judges and clerks who volunteer at polling locations would be increased from $100 to $200.

“We have seen shortages of poll workers across the state, resulting in long lines at polling places. Once again, the hope with this pay increase is that it will encourage more people to become poll workers. These individuals are so important to our election process, ensuring safe and secure state elections,” Hamilton said.

mantic TV movie of the week is the supporting cast. The ‘best friend’ archetype can feel played out, but in this movie Zoe Chao and Tig Notaro elevate their roles with humor and a fun energy that pops off the screen and could easily have been overlooked by other productions of this kind of film.

Overall, “Your Place or Mine” is a completely serviceable entry into the romcom genre. Its place in the Netflix canon of this style of romcom rests just above another surprising Netflix hit romcom “Set it Up” and well above the more slapdash holiday romcoms that aim directly for the cheesiest schmaltz. If you have an affinity for the Witherspoon romcoms of the past (“Sweet Home Alabama” “Home Again”) then you won’t be disappointed in “Your Place or Mine” but you won’t likely feel the need to return to it again and again.

“Your Place or Mine” is rated PG-13 for suggestive material and brief strong language. Now available to stream on Netflix.

2.8 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com

Crossword Puzzle

snuggle up with Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher this Valentines season with the throwback romcom ‘Your

Coffee

EDMOND FAVORITES 2023

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Antiques

EDMOND FAVORITES 2023

FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY:

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Appliances

Athletic Shoes / Apparel

Books

Children’s Clothing / Accessories

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Consignment / Resale

Shoes

Flooring

Furniture

Gifts

Sporting Goods / Outdoor Gear

Tires

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Groceries

Hobby Supplies

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Shop

Dine

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24

VOTE ONLINE! EDMONDLIFEANDLEISURE.COM

Simply answer each question below. Feel free to elaborate on a separate piece of paper! We will announce your Edmond Favorites in our March 2 issue.

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Barber

Birthday Parties

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Park

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Best Customer Service

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Civic Organization

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OTHER:

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Special Event Venue

Welcome to fitness training after athletics ends

By Brian Attebery

I am writing this article a few days prior to the Super Bowl being played. I don’t know what the outcome will be but I know one thing, as this NFL season ends, there will be more retired athletes this year. Athletic careers, whether it be high school, college or the pros will end. Many years of pushing yourself along with the coaches to be your best through practices, games, and workouts. Now it is over. What do you do? How do you stay in shape? How do you stay motivated just to be fit?

I played multiple sports growing up. Football was my favorite and when I decided to take an academic route instead of an athletic one for college due to injuries, I felt lost the first year. I quickly turned my love for working out into a competitive bodybuilding career that lasted 12 years and included me winning multiple shows, including Mr. Oklahomaand competing in the National Championships. I was blessed to find a new focus for a while longer. I have been able to stay focused regardless of my retirement from this sport too. I have had many conversations with other retired athletes and it is tough to find that drive and passion when the coach isn’t there waiting on you. How do you recapture that?

One of the biggest mistakes former athletes make is to think of their fitness the exact same way they did when they were younger. If you are in your 40s, 50s and beyond, you don’t need to be maxing out on bench press and squat for example. You don’t even need to do those exercises. None of have “have to”

do any one exercise. Sometimes when you focus only on those things you did when you were younger, you can feel less accomplished because you are measuring yourself against a standard that is not realistic for you now. Your goals will most likely need to change in terms of what your exercise routine looks like. I still think it is good to think, “I AM AN ATHLETE” in that you are trying to get stronger, build endurance, burn calories, increase flexibility and just improve yourself as a whole. Mind, body, and soul. You just need to define what that looks like for where you are now and your current needs for health and fitness. Set goals. When we train for sports, we have a schedule. We know what the practice schedule is along with the games. We also have an off-season

schedule where you may not practice but you are doing more weights and conditioning. Those times of the year don’t take as long. Our workouts now can be similar. Have you signed up for a 5k? What about doing a challenge with your buddies?

Have you had your body fat and cholesterol levels checked?

Set a 12 week plan into action with diet, weights and cardio to see what you can do in that period of time. Keep records and notes of your workouts and nutrition. Keep notes on how you FEEL!

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

Attebery