Edmond Life & Leisure - February 20, 20202

February 20, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 39

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

Benefit set for local food bank Page 9

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Mostly Sunny High 45 Low 35°

PHOTO BY MELINDA INFANTE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Showers High 46° Low 41°

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Showers High 53° Low 38°

Edmond North High School recently held its 25th annual BALTO (Bring a Light to Others) campaign, raising $568,082 for The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital.

The students at Edmond North started fundraising for the Hospital in Fall 2019, and revealed the total amount raised at the BALTO final assembly where students, faculty, parents and community members were in attendance. Funds raised by the BALTO campaign will help build The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital’s “Field of Dreams.” The field will be an adaptive sports complex for inpatients and outpatients allowing them to participate in recreational sports on campus.

“We held many fundraising events throughout the year. Some of our largest community events included a golf tournament, 5k race and a silent auction. In addition

to the community events, we held various fundraising tournaments at the school such as BALTO volleyball, 3 on 3 basketball, dodgeball and more. We worked really hard this year to ensure that BALTO was fun and successful not only for The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital but the community as well,” said Paige Diamond, BALTO Chair, Edmond North High School.

The BALTO campaign is a student led campaign. From recruiting sponsors and organizing events to interviewing and choosing a BALTO recipient, the students are involved from start to finish.

“The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital had the opportunity to come and talk to our student council class. Every student loved talking with them, and we all felt the impact of the ‘Field of Dreams.’

We knew this project would reach so many people, and we wanted to

help in any way we could to make this field a reality,” said Lauren Minnix, BALTO Chair, Edmond North High School.

“The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital is overwhelmed by the generosity of the Edmond North High School community. The students at Edmond North went above and beyond to make our Field of Dreams a reality, and for that we can’t thank them enough,” said Heidi Russell, vice president of communications and development, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital.

This year the Common Thread recipient for the schools is Cleats for Kids, which helps needy kids with sports shoes, balls and equipment. Of the total, 5 percent is given. It was reported Cleats for Kids announced they would donate back to the hospital to buy shoes for patients using the new field.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 3

Edmond Public Schools transportation supervisor Garrett Henson

Edmond Schools awarded grants to upgrade bus fleet Since he began working for Edmond Public Schools 13 years ago, Transportation Supervisor Garrett Henson has seen a 30 percent increase in the number of buses used by the district.

Regular maintenance on the fleet of 183 yellow buses and 61 other vehicles is a high priority in order to make sure they are safe.

“The buses really get worn down quickly because these are taxicab miles and not highway miles,” Henson said. “There is always a lot of work to do around here,” he noted.

Regular maintenance is not an area where corners can be cut, but repairs are expensive which is why Henson has taken it upon himself to research, write and submit grants that will help the district stretch its transportation maintenance budget. To date, his ef-

forts have resulted in the district being awarded two grants totaling nearly half a million dollars.

“This investment will definitely help,” he said.

Through the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act of 2010, the two grants allow the transportation department to either buy new buses at a reduced cost or retrofit older buses. Many of the diesel-fueled buses that are being retired have upwards of 180,000 miles on them, but will be replaced with buses with gasoline engines. This results in cleaner emissions and a quieter ride for drivers, Henson said.

The grant also requires that bus drivers not leave the engines idling for more than 5 minutes. This will save the district a lot on fuel as well, and alleviate the higher levels of maintenance that older

State tracking travelers from China In response to the current outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019nCoV), the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), in collaboration with county public health officials, are monitoring travelers returning to Oklahoma from China.

There is currently one person under investigation with test results pending from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The OSDH is notified of travelers who have been screened by the CDC as they return from China to one of 11 airports in the United States. Those who arrive without signs or symptoms of 2019-nCoV are allowed to return to the state and are then monitored and restricted from public settings including work, school and health care settings.

“We are working closely with our local, state and federal partners to closely monitor travelers returning to the state from China,” said Anthony Lee, director of the OSDH Acute Disease Service. “We want to assure the

public that the risk of spreading the virus in public places is still very low.”

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Oklahoma and there are no cases in the United States which have been spread in public places. All 13 cases in the United States have been directly associated with travel to China or being in close contact with someone who was a laboratory confirmed case.

Travelers returning to the United States from China in the last 14 days are urged to seek medical advice if they feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing. It is important to call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room and advise them of recent travel to China. This will allow health care providers to implement the appropriate assessment and infection control measures prior to the patient’s arrival. Any travelers returning from China who were not screened at an airport checkpoint are requested to check in with the OSDH Acute Disease Service.

buses require, explained Henson.

Transportation Director Kenny Chamlee said Henson has saved the district tens of thousands of dollars to keep the fleet updated.

“Garrett is a tremendous asset to our district and the type of employee that everybody would want,” said Chamlee. “He makes sure every dollar is well spent.”

While each grant takes many hours to complete, Henson says it’s worth it to ensure that the 10,000 children who ride the bus daily in Edmond feel secure and comfortable during their journey to and from school.

“You are making sure that children are getting back and forth to school safely,” Henson said. “We take that very seriously.”

Page 4 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Edmond stats in a nutshell There is a great amount of confusion about the geographic area of Edmond compared to the rest of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Causing this confusion is the number of homes that have Edmond, Oklahoma in their address but their home is not in the city limits.

Usually, those home are in Ray Hibbard Oklahoma City limits. Another point of confusion is that Edmond city limits and the Edmond Public School District are not the same boundaries. They do overlap a great deal, but school district covers 130 square miles and the city limits only covers 90 square miles. Folks are sometimes surprised that you can live in Oklahoma City but still attend an Edmond school.

My first home purchased in 1988 had an Edmond mailing address, Logan County taxes and was in the Deer Creek School district. It was located north of Waterloo on Santa Fe in southern Logan County. If someone asked me where I lived back, then I would say Edmond. When folks call our office confused about whether they can vote in an Edmond city election, we just ask them what color their main trash cans are. If they are blue, you live in Oklahoma City regardless of your mailing address. If they are green, you are in Edmond city limits. It is not the most sophisticated of methods but the most accurate.

This confusion can cause statistics for the city of Edmond to be given incorrectly at times. Well meaning folks who shoot out these numbers can be going by postal zip code which does not recognize city limits. As you can guess, the post office is its own sovereign nation and divides up towns and cities as is convenient for the work they do. I’ve seen the maps they draw off for delivery. They make no sense to me, but you must hope they make sense to the folks that actually deliver the mail.

The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) is the only organization that puts out such numbers that gets it when knowing what areas to include in a study for the Edmond city limits. Our company has traditionally done its own compilation of demographics from our home distribution areas every two years. We are holding off this year because of the census. The numbers will be much more accurate when we take them in 2021 because of new census data.

One of the great things about our economy in Edmond is the steady growth that we enjoy. It is not a boom or bust and the statistics prove it out.

The growth is more step by step without spikes that can be damaging to a city or state. When values of homes were shooting to the moon in other parts of the country, Edmond was plodding along upward. However, when the housing market was free falling in other parts of the country, Edmond was still enjoying steady growth.

A big part of the steady growth for Edmond is our well organized and well-run city administration. City manager Larry Stevens is the leader of the band and his staff understands the need for planning and looking at what needs should be in the future. He enjoys a history of excellent elected officials including the current city council in that

New tennis center, being built near 15th and Kelly.

they also understand the need for good planning.

Citizens of Edmond deserve a pat on the back for their ability to share this vision. Paying a regular amount of taxes for the needs of the future is much better than neglecting our capital needs and having to try and make up lost ground with a spike in taxes. It is what has kept Edmond with the lowest tax rates in the metropolitan area and yet having the best services of any city.

Two major factors are what keeps Edmond on all the lists as a great place to live. The EEDA keeps track of all the top ten list and I encourage you to go to their web site to see. One factor is the affordable cost of housing and the other is our great school system. We can look at those numbers for Edmond city limits According to the numbers provided by the EEDA, the average cost of a new home in Edmond is $375,009. The average sales price for a home in Edmond is $301,775. Home ownership for Edmond is at 65.9%. That is an amazing number that your family or friends who live in other parts of the country, especially California, are impressed with to the point they probably don’t believe it. It is a big factor in making up the low cost of living number we have in Edmond. It is 87.2% with a national index number of 100%.

That number is incredibly competitive with other progressive cities in the country including: Austin at 98.4% Kansas City, MO at 95% Westminster, CO at 113.2% We compare well on education to the muchoverrated Austin, Texas. In Edmond, the percent of population age 25 or older with a bachelor’s degree is 54.7%. Austin only comes in at 49.2% followed by Norman, Oklahoma at 43.7%. When Norman folks sport t-shirts that say, “Don’t Edmond My Norman”, perhaps they could use a little more Edmond in their education numbers. We are blessed with two universities in our town. The University of Central Oklahoma with enrollment at 14,821 and Oklahoma Christian University with enrollment at 2,090 which is a private school. Yes, Oklahoma Christian is just outside of our city limits but their effect on Edmond is tremendous and appreciated.

Our Edmond Public School enrollment is at 25,620 students and it is the very best in the state. We have 11 nationally recognized Blue-Ribbon Schools which is the highest number in Oklahoma. The district net assessed property values is at $2 billion. Francis Tuttle Technology Center has a fantastic impact on Edmond with enrollment at

32,796. While they have responsibilities in sections of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area, they are building their newest facility right here in Edmond located on Danforth, east of Coltrane. This is following their large investment in a business training and incubation center built at I-35 and Covel.

We get some complaints at our office about the traffic in Edmond. My standard answer is that you don’t want to live in a town without any traffic problems. Being able to get from one side of town to the other in five minutes or less is not a good thing folks. It means you have no commerce and we have plenty of that in Edmond which benefits us all. Here are the top intersections regarding traffic that you might want to avoid if traffic really gets to you: 33rd & Broadway 15th & Broadway 2nd & Bryant 33rd & Kelly 2nd & Kelly

Another confusing point about traffic is why some projects don’t seem to follow the best planning. This is especially true when we have one project stacked on top of or next to another street project. The answer is usually all about funding.

The City of Edmond are experts at getting the most bang for their buck in road construction. This involves the use of matching federal dollars. The application process is long and can come at times when another project is underway. Not wanting to lose the matching federal dollars on a project, the city makes the decision to go ahead despite the inconvenience it might cause. As a taxpayer and being Lebanese, I am totally good with doing the project when it is the cheapest to do it instead of waiting for the best time for me.

Here are a few other numbers that might interest you: Total Taxable Sales: $1.9 billion Total Sales Tax collections: $71.1 million Retail Sales Tax Collection: $53.7 million Edmond Population: 93,840 Number of Households: 35,753 Unemployment Rate: 2.5% Average Household Income: $110,811 It will be interesting to see how these number change or not after our 2020 census.

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

Check out what’s inside! n Columnist looks former KKK Supreme Court judge ....................Page 10. n Weekend Calendar of Events ......................................................Page 11. n A look at black history................................................................Page 11. n Crosswood puzzle ......................................................................Page 13. n George Gust reviews ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ ................................Page 13. n Sudoku puzzle ............................................................................Page 13. n Edmond Favorites ............................................................Pages 17 to 20. n Business news ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 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 20, 2020 • Page 5

North’s BALTO 2020

Edmond North Students celebrated the 25th anniversary of BALTO, or Bring A Light to Others, last week. They raised $568,082 for The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital.

Above, collections being taken. Left, cell phones light up all throughout the Siberian Gymnasium. Below students celebrate the event.

MELINDA INFANTE

Page 6 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Dr. Jabraan Pasha

Bias may affect health care

Engagement, Wedding or annivesary notices Do you have a wedding, engagement or an anniversary notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 3403311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.

The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

In healthcare, as in many areas of society, people take in mountains of information every day and often make decisions subconsciously without asking the conscious brain to weigh in.

Many times, those decisions are sound and lead to good outcomes.

But subconscious decision-making, by its nature, opens the door to implicit bias. Even though implicit bias occurs outside of a person’s awareness, it still drives decisions and affects outcomes. In the healthcare arena, that equates to health disparities.

OU Tulsa physician and educator Jabraan Pasha, M.D., leads workshops on implicit bias locally and around the world, to groups both inside and outside of healthcare. The key to dealing with implicit bias is understanding that no one is immune to it, he said.

“Simply acknowledging that implicit bias is a reality for most of us is the first step,” Pasha said. “Implicit bias doesn’t have anything to do with our intentions, but the outcomes are the same no matter what the intentions are. There’s no way to protect against it if we don’t know it’s there.”

In healthcare, implicit bias can be found in several well-documented ways. Women receive fewer necessary cardiac interventions than men do, Pasha said, because healthcare providers often don’t think their symptoms are associated with heart disease. African-American patients do not get their pain treated as aggressively as non-African-American patients. People who are overweight and obese don’t receive routine screenings as often as those who are not overweight or obese. Minority women, especially African-American and Hispanic women, are much more likely to die during or after childbirth

than women who are not minorities.

“Even when socioeconomic status and insurance payer status are equal, we know that these gaps still exist,” Pasha said. “So we know that a lot of it has to do with implicit bias.”

During his presentations, Pasha talks about disparities not only in healthcare but in other high-stakes areas like criminal justice, employment and education. Participants share their experiences, both of being biased or experiencing bias. They also brainstorm and talk about methods of reducing implicit bias at both an individual and institutional level.

Once the workshop is over, Pasha encourages participants to take online implicit bias association tests developed at Harvard. Multiple tests are offered in the areas of age, sexual orientation, race, religion, skin tone, disability and others. He also introduces the concept of how the tests work by having participants take an implicit association test about flowers and insects. The results are never surprising – most people have positive associations with flowers and negative for insects. Though simplified, the example sets the stage for people to take the tests on their own.

“Taking those tests can tell you that you have a propensity for bias toward certain groups,” he said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have had discriminatory practices toward someone, but it tells you that you’re more likely to. That’s a good thing because it puts us on notice so that we can be more conscious about our thoughts and the decisions we make. It allows us to step back and say, ‘Am I making this decision based on enough information, or am I filling in the blanks and making this decision based on some biases that I have?’”

State seeks volunteer guardians for developmentally disabled adults The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) offers guardianship assistance to adults with developmental disabilities who are receiving services. DDS is seeking caring volunteers interested in supporting the health and safety of these individuals.

“Our volunteer guardians really make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve,” said Beth Scrutchins, Director of DDS. “In addition to promoting the rights of the individual with intellectual disabilities and helping to ensure their health and safety, the volunteer guardian develops an important relationship with that individual to support as much independence as possible.”

The need for a guardian is based upon a person’s ability to give informed consent. A person is considered incapacitated when he or she has a mental impairment that affects his or her ability to receive and evaluate information and make choices.

Only a judge can determine whether or not a person is incapacitated through a guardianship hearing. DDS

staff takes great care and caution in assessing the need for a guardian and in recommending an appropriate volunteer to serve in that role.

What is Guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal relationship that is established by a judge through a legal process. It can be general allowing the guardian to make certain major decisions for that person, or it may be limited giving decision-making authority to the guardian in only a few areas of a person's life. It may be ordered for only a limited time or even for a single decision.

Guardianship need not be life-long, nor is it an all-or-nothing deal. The guardianship relationship is designed to fit each person's needs and still allow the person to make as many life decisions as possible.

For more information about becoming a volunteer guardian, please contact DDS at dds.volunteerguardian@okdhs.org or by phone at 918-921-3694. Interested individuals may also learn more at http://www.okdhs.org/services/dd/P ages/GAp.aspx

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 7

Concerning immigration law

Bill would mandate helping feds The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation directing all sheriffs, jailers and deputies to comply with any request made in an immigration retainer request provided by the federal government.

House Bill 3195 is authored by Rep. John Pfeiffer (R-Orlando), who pointed to instances in Oklahoma where illegal immigrants have been released by local law enforcement despite their immigration status having been confirmed.

Pfeiffer said the bill was requested by members of law enforcement to help define their role in these situations.

“I repeatedly heard from law enforcement in my district and from across the state that they needed clarification as to their roles in these situations,” Pfeiffer said. “House Bill 3195 requests that they comply with federal immigration agencies by alerting them to a person’s immigration status and holding a

Judy Tolar & her art

Noted pastel artist is scheduled as art group speaker The Edmond Arts Association (EAA) is pleased to announce the program for its February meeting will be a demo by Jude Tolar, pastel artist.

Jude will demonstrate how she paints with pastels, to the members and guests of the EAA on Monday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Edmond Fine Art Institute, 27 E. Edwards Street in Edmond.

Jude Tolar spent her childhood in SE Kansas and Bartlesville, Oklahoma exploring outdoors and drawing indoors. But she set aside drawings and doodling for a psychology degree from OSU. Art followed her, though, and led her to a long career in graphic design/illustration in OKC and Stillwater. Her first art job was as the Staff Artist for the Metropolitan Library System in OKC. Along the way she studied fine arts at OU, and wrote and illustrated children’s books.

In her mid-50s, Jude turned to pastel painting, working mainly from life and often in plein air. She seeks to paint the beauty and joy she sees in the world. She’s become known for her trees and florals outdoors and glass subjects indoors.

Her pastel paintings have won five Best of Shows, plus awards in Plein Air Magazine’s Plein Air Salon and other national and international shows across the US. Her work has been named to the top 100 pastels of the year three times by Pastel Journal magazine.

Jude’s work has been published in art magazines and on art websites in the US and in France. Two of her pastel paintings are in the 2018 edition of The Encyclopedia of Pastel Techniques. She’s also written articles for Plein Air Today/Outdoor painter and Paste Journal.

She’s shown in many exhibitions and juried shows across the US, and her work is in collections across the United States and abroad. She also given pastel demos and teaches workshops in various states.

When not painting, Jude can be found gardening, hiking, reading, or mowing. She lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma with her husband, their gardens, and a studio full of pastels.

For more information on Jude – visit: www.judetolar.com The EAA meeting is open to the public; with a guest fee of $5.

The EAA meets on the fourth Monday evening of most months, with speakers on subjects of interest to artists of all media. Membership is open to anyone interested in the arts. For more information please visit www.edmondart.org and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdmondArtAssociation/

person for no longer than 48 hours while federal officials arrive.”

House Bill 3195 was co-authored by Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy).

“Our local law enforcement should be cooperating with federal immigration agencies in instances where a person’s status as an illegal immigrant has been confirmed,” Roberts said. “We’ve seen unfortunate situations in Oklahoma where our existing laws failed to keep our citizens safe by releasing an illegal immigrant before federal agents arrived.”

The legislation would require the person identified in the immigration detainer to be informed they are being held in accordance with the request from federal agencies. The bill states that a sheriff, jailer or deputy is not required to comply if the person has provided proof that the person is a citizen of the United States.

Page 8 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

Making contributions truly count for 2020 (Editor’s Note: The following is a question-and-answer session with LaDonna Sinning, an associate of Edmond’s Arledge & Associates, an accounting firm.)

Q: Why should I develop a charitable contribution plan?

A: A charitable contribution of any size is significant, but for those who give regularly, and especially in amounts over a certain threshold, a strategic contribution plan can exSinning pand the effects of their giving. The beginning of a new year is a great time for taxpayers to consider the implications of recent tax reform and incentives on their 2020 giving. It might be time for a new strategy to ensure your donations count as fully as possible.

Q: Is itemization still important?

A: A growing number of taxpayers have stopped itemizing their returns, but that is not always best. Since each unique client requires a unique tax approach, we recommend consulting an expert to determine the importance of itemization within your tax strategy. Though taxpayers falling below a certain bracket will not need to itemize, others may hover around or exceed a tax bracket that necessitates careful itemization for a successful tax and giving plan.

Q: What recent changes will affect my giving strategy?

A: One example of recent tax reform that may affect charitable giving plans is the removal of limitations for itemized deductions, increasing the amount of cash contributions that can be made to public charities.

The changes also affect deductions for non-monetary gifts. Now, taxpayers can claim 100% of their allowable itemized deductions. Under the new law, taxpayers may also take an income tax deduction on the full fair market value of appreciated assets they give to charity.

Q: What other ways can I maximize my giving?

A: Another option for taxpayers to

consider are Donor-Advised Funds (DAF). Through this method, the itemized donor may give their most substantial gift to the DAF, which will grow tax-free, serving as a charitable fund from which the taxpayer can recommend gifts to charity in subsequent years. These recommendations do not qualify as additional deductions, leaving the taxpayer to take the standard deduction in those years. For taxpayers 70.5 years of age and older, there now exists the option to request a distribution of up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRAs to charity, thereby satisfying annual required distributions and removing that amount from the donor’s taxable income.

Q: Does it matter which causes I choose to support?

A: The decision on which charity to support is largely personal, but when considering charitable recipients from a tax-related perspective, it can be helpful to ensure the organization you choose is an eligible charity. The IRS offers a Tax-Exempt Organization search engine and Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov to help clarify this decision process. But as always, it is recommended to seek expert council to ensure the most successful strategy in the ever-changing landscape of tax law and planning.

LaDonna Sinning, CPA, CFE, is a partner at Arledge and Associates, PC, an Edmond-based accounting firm. Arledge and Associates, PC 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. Through its Gateway Executive Solutions division, the firm offers outsourced CFO, controller and cloud-based accounting solutions.

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.

UCO’s Pope accepts new leadership post with Alabama Dr. Myron Pope, current Chief of Strategic Engagement at Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS), has accepted a long-time dream position as Vice President of Student Life for the University of Alabama. He says this position will not only allow him opportunities to give back to students at his alma mater, but will also bring him home to be close to aging family members.

“During the last few months, I have been able to work with the finest group of professionals in state government at Oklahoma Human Services,” said Pope. “These people provide the highest degree of service to the citizens of the State of Oklahoma, and I have been delighted to work side-by-side with them.”

Though the agency will greatly miss him and his professionalism, Director Justin Brown understands the wonderful opportunity afforded to Pope and his family.

“Dr. Pope has been a terrific partner to the agency in serving Okla-

homans in need; but the opportunity to go home to Alabama and serve the university that he loves is one he can’t pass up,” said Brown. “I am proud to know him and call him a friend, and am excited to see where this next chapter in his life takes him.”

“I cannot say enough about the trajectory that OKDHS is on under the leadership of Director Justin Brown,” said Pope. “From the vision of Governor Kevin Stitt, he has been pushing the agency to enhance its level of service to the people who need it most by working upstream through collaborative partnerships and streamlining the agency’s operations. His hard work and dedication will prove mightily in moving the needle to overcome poverty and so many issues that the state is confronted with. I am thankful for him for allowing me to serve with this fine agency, and I will continue to support him and his vision in the future.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 9

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left, are Eve Cook, Kim Shirley, Jesica Owens, Josie Eubanks, and Holly Aparicio, Project 66 Auction planners prepare for the benefit auction.

Helps needy with food

Benefit dinner this weekend will provide help to Project 66 “Funding Our Future” dinner and auction benefitting Project 66, food and resource center, will be held Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at The Regal Room located at 420 East Britton Road in Oklahoma City.

Some of the auction items are vacation destinations at Lake Eufaula, Tablerock Lake, and Cancun, four green fees to Oak Tree, a guided quail hunt, a night at the Skirvin, lots of restaurants and local businesses, local art, and professional photo shots plus many more.

Your gift goes directly to impact

the Edmond community. Since 2010, Project 66 has been feeding our neighbors in the Edmond area who may go undernourished, such as children, elderly and working families who are facing unusually difficult economic times. Project 66 provides 2 weeks of food for more than 500 families each month.

Tickets are $30 each.

Please visit the ticket link: https://project66.eventbrite.c om, or email project66FoodPantry@gmail.com or www.Project66.org to purchase tickets.

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

Page 10 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

A justice with a checkered past Gaming resolution?

Over the weekend I heard something interesting from an author who has written a book on the constitution.

Seems in 1937 President Steve Gust Roosevelt nominated a U.S. Senator for the Supreme Court. His name was Hugo Black and he was from Alabama.

The guy had a bad stain on his record. He had been a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

But he put the best spin he could on it, noting he disavowed them in 1925 before he ran for the U.S. Senate.

That would be akin to a nominee now, saying that he left the KKK in 2008.

In this age of a 24-hour news cycle, I'm not sure people would have been so quick to have voted in an ex-Klansman on the high court. Even in 1937 it was a bit of a controversy and there

were 16 votes against his appointment.

Black went on to serve for more than 30 years on the Supreme Court. In later years he championed civil rights. However he did write the majority opinion in 1944 during World War II in the Korematsu v. United States case. That case upheld the Japanese-American internment, that had taken place.

If you really want to talk about an abuse of presidential power, I still think this case dwarfs any telephone call made by the current president. Yeah, we can just strip civil rights away from thousands of Japanese Americans and place them in camps. I still don't know how our government officials got away with that back then.

Fast forward to today.

I'm sure Trump's opponents aren't done yet either. The critics will place him under the microscope on everything he says and does. In a way, it's not a bad idea. An office with that kind of power needs checks and bal-

ances.

---Last week I had a reader call me and ask me about an Edmond sanitation issue. Apparently his housing edition, on the east side of town didn't have their garbage carts picked up on his day during the week of Feb. 3 to Feb. 7.

He was wondering if I knew why. I didn't but got into contact with our city manager Larry Stevens. After a quick review it was determined the routes were delayed one day because of the snow storm on Feb. 5.

As a note, I'm always delighted to speak to readers. Then again, as Larry Stevens pointed out to me, people should have no fear in calling City Hall. People like Larry, Casey Moore and Steve Commons are good people and willing to listen to the public. The same is true for Mayor Dan O'Neil and the City Council.

They're there to help people with concerns.

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

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board If federal judge Timothy DeGiusti has his way, then the gaming dispute between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma’s Indian tribes won’t drag on and on.

DeGiusti, the chief district judge in Oklahoma City, ordered the two sides to mediation to resolve a lawsuit filed on New Year’s Eve by three tribes that sought a declaratory judgment in their favor.

The tribes say the gaming compacts automatically renewed on Jan. 1 for another 15year term. Stitt contends the compacts, agreed upon in 2004, expired on that date and that tribes have been operating Class III games illegally since then.

DeGiusti gave both

sides until Friday to each submit three proposed mediators, and said he would act quickly to choose one.

Once a mediator is appointed, he wants a joint report on the status of the proceedings within 21 days. He wants mediation to be “completed or substantially completed not later” than March 31.

Both sides said they welcomed the judge’s order. The head of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Commission said the tribes “look forward to a timely decision on the case.” They’re not alone — many Oklahomans will be glad when this conflict is in the past.

Oklahoma’s execution respite set to end State officials expect a five-year respite in Oklahoma executions to end soon, with drug injection as the method.

The last execution was in January 2015; one set for September that year was called off when a doctor realized a wrong drug had been supplied. It was the last in a series of executionrelated human errors that forced the Department of Corrections to overhaul its protocol.

Meanwhile, the Legislature approved using nitrogen gas as the method of execution if drug injection wasn’t possible. Attorney General Mike Hunter and others announced last week that work will continue toward adopting nitrogen gas, but that enough drugs have been secured to resume the practice. Legal challenges can be expected, but so too can an execution in the not-toodistant future.

Oklahoman.com

Clarification: Carter economy not better than Trump’s

By Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson In a report that unfortunately received a good deal of attention, MSNBC commentator Joe Scarborough asserted that today’s economy under President Trump is in worse shape than the dismal economy under President Carter in 1979. Scarborough pointed to “Jimmy Carter’s so-called year of malaise [1979],” which, said the former Republican congressman, had been “a lot better” than the economy under Donald Trump.

This clip reminded me why I don’t watch MSNBC. Scarborough’s demeanor was overbearing and obnoxious—smug, scornful, dripping with contempt and condescension. It was also spectacularly counterfactual. (Actually, the segment started with some other journalistic-economics malpractice: After playing a video clip of Trump from two-plus years ago saying that he thinks “the economy may ultimately grow at four, five, or six percent,” a female newsreader mocked Trump for having “promised” such growth, when that is clearly not what he said.) This “report” was “gotcha” journalism at its worst. It needs to be corrected before it gains further currency in the press.

The only “evidence” Scarborough cited in support of his outlandish claim was a single datum — a New York Times report that GDP for the fourth quarter of 2019 was only 2.1 percent compared to the 1979 rate of 3.16%. These two data points were presented side by side on the big screen.

Case closed, right? Wrong!

The 3.16% figure is what economists call “nominal GDP.” But economists routinely adjust that figure for lost purchasing power of the dollar to arrive at “real GDP” growth. The reality under Carter was not a healthy, comfortable growth in the economy of 3%.

That was an illusion. If you subtract the phantom economic growth attributable to the double-digit inflation that raged in Carter’s last two years in office,

you can readily comprehend that the 3.16% figure was phantom, not real, economic growth.

If you look at the following chart found here (which I think understates the economic contraction of the Carter years), you can see that GDP growth was falling sharply during the last two years of Carter’s presidency. By contrast, under Trump real GDP growth is chugging along in modestly positive territory.

I have vivid memories of how tough economic conditions were for me in 1979 as a young teacher near the bottom end of the pay scale. I had received a pay raise of 5.5%. Normally, that would be a raise to celebrate, but with the raging double-digit inflation of 1979 eroding the purchasing power of my dollars by more than twice that amount, my standard of living was falling, not rising. And I was one of the lucky ones; at least I had a job. The unemployment rate was 6.3% at the end of 1979, and rising.

This awful combination of high inflation and high unemployment had given birth to a new term: “stagflation.” Under Keynesian economic orthodoxy, high inflation and high unemployment weren’t supposed to occur concurrently, but they did. So hurtful was the economic impact of these twin plagues that a number called “the misery index” gained wide currency. According to inflationdata.com, “Carter’s misery index peaked at 21.98% in June of 1980. His misery index was still above 20% come November 1980.” That was enough to cause the American people to deny Carter a second term and elect Ronald Reagan in 1980 in a landslide.

Today, people don’t talk about the misery index anymore. It has become a non-issue. At barely above 5%, the misery index is barely one-fourth of what it was under Carter.

There simply is no factual basis for claiming that the economy is worse today than under Carter. Even

The Washington Post — no fan of Donald Trump — has acknowledged that “the typical American worker’s pay is finally growing more than 3 percent a year, a level not seen since before the Great Recession.” And more from the Post: “consumer and business confidence surged after Trump’s election and has remained high, and manufacturing output (and jobs) also saw a noticeable jump in 2018 after Trump’s tax cut…. There’s also been a drop in the number of Americans on food stamps.”

That last datum is worth commenting on. While by no means definitive, changes in the number of people on food stamps serve as a rough indicator of the state of the economy. In tough times, the number of people using food stamps rises; in good times, it falls. As the Post reports, during the Trump presidency, that number is falling (by a whopping 7.7 million, according to official figures). By contrast, during the Carter presidency the number increased dramatically from about 16 million people in 1978–President Carter’s first full calendar year in office–to what the Department of Agriculture states was “a new record high of 22.4 million people” on food stamps in 1981, the year Carter left office.

Shame on Joe Scarborough and MSNBC for their shoddy reporting. They are welcome to report that economic growth is modest and that President Trump is a flamboyantly enthusiastic cheerleader for the U.S. economy who often resorts to hyperbole and exaggeration. But they have no right to butcher the truth with absurd falsehoods such as claiming that the economy today is worse than it was under Jimmy Carter.

— Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson is a retired adjunct faculty member, economist, and fellow for economic and social policy with the Institute for Faith and Freedom at Grove City College.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 11

What’s Happening This Weekend Feb 20 ---- 23 Thursday, Feb. 20 ---- In the Gallery ---- Amour Tea Party ---- Black History Month: Black Girl Magic ---- Poetry Night ---- Simply Indie Film Fest ---- Dinner and a Movie: The Grapes of Wrath (1940) ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Love Letters ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say Friday, Feb. 21 ---- In the Gallery ---- Amour Tea Party ---- Simply Indie Film Fest ---- OC ARC (Arts, Religion, and Culture) Talks ---- Painting Class with Wet Brush Studio!

---- The Jungle Book ---- Candlebox ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Love Letters ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Mariachi Los Camperos Saturday, Feb. 22 ---- In the Gallery ---- Amour Tea Party ---- Simply Indie Film Fest ---- The Jungle Book ---- Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop ---- Replay ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Love Letters ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Mariachi Los Camperos ---- Boutique Blowout ---- Oklahoma Motorcycle Show ---- Battle of Round Mountain Re-enactment ---- Bart & Nadia Sports Experience ---- Oklahoma Gun Show Sunday, Feb. 23 ---- In the Gallery ---- Amour Tea Party ---- The Jungle Book ---- An Evening with George Winston ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Love Letters ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- Boutique Blowout ---- Oklahoma Motorcycle Show ---- Battle of Round Mountain Re-enactment ---- Oklahoma Gun Show Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featured artist is Stacy Haggard; edmondfinearts.com Amour Tea Party Location: Inspirations Tea Room Extra Info: Adults: $26.95, children: $19.95; inspriationstearoom.com

Story-Telling Artist, Bobette Buster https://www.oc.edu/events/arc-talks-bobettebuster Painting Class with Wet Brush Studio!

Location: Conscious Community Co-op Extra Info: 6-9 p.m.; facebook.com/events The Jungle Book Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: $10; facebook.com/events/719741835223368 Black History Month: Black Girl Magic Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; sites.uco.edu/student-life/diversity/programsandevents/bhm.asp Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop Location: Urban Okie Home Shop and Creative Studio Extra info: 2-4 p.m.; $50; urbanokieshop.com An Evening with George Winston Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 7 – 10 p.m.; $75; facebook.com/events/2552145941527975/ Candlebox Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre Extra Info: 8 p.m.; riverwind.com Replay Location: Riverwind Casino, River Lounge Extra Info: 9 p.m.; riverwind.com Dinner and a Movie: The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 9 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Pollard Theatre presents: Love Letters Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie, OK Extra Info: thepollard.org Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say Location: Plaza Theatre Extra Info: lyrictheatreokc.com OKC Philharmonic presents: Mariachi Los Camperos Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: okcphil.org Boutique Blowout Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: boutiqueblowoutokc.com Oklahoma Motorcylce Show Location: State Fair Park Extra Info: jwswapmeet.com Battle of Round Mountain Re-enactment Location: Hwy 51 & Hwy 18, Yale, OK Extra Info: facebook.com/events

Poetry Night Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 6-7:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com/events

Friends of the Metropolitan Library System Annual Book Sale Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: supportmls.org

Simply Indie Film Fest Location: Hilton Garden Inn & Edmond Conference Extra Info: simplyindiefilmfest.com

Bart & Nadia Sports Experience Location: Cox Convention Center Extra Info: bartandnadiasportsexperience.com

OC ARC (Arts, Religion, and Culture) Talks Location: Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: 5:30 p.m.; Free; Guest speaker; Digital

Oklahoma Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: oklahomagunsh

Lankford honors famous black Oklahomans Helps to celebrate Black History Month Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week celebrated Black History Month by honoring several remarkable black Oklahomans who have significantly contributed to the state and nation.

Lankford highlighted past and present Oklahomans who will be renowned going forward for their many contributions to areas of civil rights advocacy, faith-based mentorship, community organization, publishing and broadcasting, music and the arts, and many other areas important to our national identity.

Lankford highlighted the following Oklahomans: n Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher – First black graduate from OU Law School n Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange – First black woman elected to the Oklahoma State Senate, first black woman US Attorney for the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (OKWD), and later a judge on the OKWD n Judge Bernard Jones – First black magistrate judge for the OKWD, now a Judge for the OKWD n Clara Luper, Oklahoma civil rights activist

n Russell Perry, Oklahoma City media trailblazer, banker, former Oklahoma State Secretary of Commerce n Kevin Perry – Oklahoma City publishing and media leader through Perry Publishing n Dr. Kent Smith, Jr. – Current President of Langston University n Hannibal Johnson – Author of Black Wall Street and a historian of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre n Lieutenant Wayland Cubit – Oklahoma City Police officer and at-risk youth community organizer n Terry Monday – Perry Publishing executive in Oklahoma City n Dr. Lester Shaw – Singer, songwriter, international recording artist, filmmaker, educator, and founder/Executive Director of A Pocket Full Of Hope in Tulsa n Clarence Hill – Faith-based community organizer n Stephan Moore – Executive Director of Shiloh Camp for inner-city youth, faith-based mentor, and volunteer

Page 12 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 13

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ a family friendly adventure

By George Gust There have been epic failures like “Super Mario Brothers” (1993), “Street Fighter” (twice), and only a select few can reached the heights of middle of the road successes like “Mortal Kombat,” “Tomb Raider” and the Resident Evil series, but it seems the best a video game movie can hope for is last year’s “Detective Pikachu.”

Now we are treated to Hollywood’s latest attempt to bring a beloved digital character to the silver screen “Sonic the Hedgehog” but would this video game adaptation have Hollywood wanting to hit the restart button on video games or prove to be on par with the middle of the road successes of the past?

“Sonic the Hedgehog” follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic (voice of Ben Schwartz) as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound human best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination.

The context surrounding the production of “Sonic the Hedgehog” is an unprecedented example of fan involvement. After the first trailer dis-

played the famous hedgehog with strangely human teeth and oddly small eyes, the reaction was strongly negative to say the least. After this outcry the filmmakers decided to listen to the fans and redesigned Sonic to match the more cartoonish look from the video games, and the result is surprisingly delightful. Sonic has a fun energy that really holds the boilerplate plot together and has a cutesy look that kids can respond to and parents won’t be horrified by.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” is an enjoyable family friendly film adaptation of a video game because it knows it’s a family friendly adventure comedy. This is most evident in the manic over-the-top perform-

ance of Carrey as the evil nemesis of Sonic and his newfound human friend. Sonic is a character that is most beloved by the millennial 30-year-old who grew up playing Sega in the 90s, and for those same millennials, Jim Carrey was the biggest brand in comedy. In this film he delivers a performance that is reminiscent of those manic comedic Carrey performances of the 90s, which feels like it elevates the standard family friendly road trip movie above the more forgettable films of the genre.

Overall, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is not a revolutionary movie for the video game movie genre, but it is an above average family friendly adventure comedy that will satisfy those Sonic fans in the theater. As quickly paced as its main character, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is mercifully only 100 minutes long. There aren’t many surprises to be had in the story of “Sonic the Hedgehog” but with a mind focused on family friendly adventure and fun over-the-top performance by Carrey this movie delivers a successful experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor and brief mild language.

3.6 out of 5 stars.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Beloved Sega mascot Sonic (voice of Ben Schwartz) and newfound friend Tom (James Marsden) take to the road in the family friendly video game adaptation ‘Sonic the Hedgehog.’

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: WOMEN INNOVATORS

Bobette Buster

Producer to speak at OC Oklahomans may soon meet a Hollywood veteran who has worked with Pixar, Disney Animation, Sony Animation and 21st Century Fox. Film producer Bobette Buster will speak on Friday at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E Memorial Road.

Buster's talk will be open to the public. It will be in Baugh Auditorium at 6:45 p.m., with a reception before beginning at 5:30 p.m.Buster's presentation will be OC's second ARC Talk, which are talks that explore the intersection of arts, religion and culture.

The first ARC Talk was held in October 2019 with narrative game developer Amy Green. The talks are hosted by OC's department of art and design. Buster’s successful career has included working with the Disney Channel and as a Hollywood producer on films and documentaries for more than 25 years.

She has taught at Northeastern University as the professor of the practice of storytelling.

She travels the world giving lectures to students who are looking to gain knowledge about the art of digital storytelling,

ACROSS 1. Cause for September celebration 6. Net holder 9. Island near Java 13. "PokÈmon," e.g.

14. *Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman wrote its first version in 1923, acr.

15. Archeologist's find 16. Synagogue scroll 17. Bag in Paris 18. "Behind ____ Lines" 19. *Aviation pioneer 21. *She rebelled against sentimental novel 23. Nurses' org.

24. Deceptive maneuver 25. Director's cry 28. Snow and cycling helmet manufacturer 30. Low hemoglobin 35. Bryce Canyon state 37. Something to do 39. Lady's Bella Notte date 40. Puerto ____ 41. Bone hollow 43. Slang for heroin 44. Cake cover 46. ____ and drab 47. Roman robe 48. "Purple People ____," pl.

50. Defender of skies, acr.

52. Easter lead-in 53. Attention-getting interjection 55. Pres.

Truman's 1947 creation, acr.

57. *She originated the little black dress 60. *"Hidden ____" 64. Knights' feat of strength 65. *Mary Phelps Jacob patented the 1st modern one 67. Dickens' Heep 68. Ladies' fingers 69. Three strikes 70. Actress Rene 71. Crowdsourced review

platform 72. Lilliputian 73. Master of ceremonies DOWN 1. Better than never?

2. a.k.a. midget buffalo 3. 100 cents in Ethiopia 4. D-Day beach 5. Move a picture 6. Breather 7. Investment option, acr.

8. Last European colony in China 9. Crooked 10. Sheltered, nautically 11. Trace or outline 12. Slippery surface 15. Feel indignant about something 20. Indian cuisine dip 22. *Sally Ride was 1st woman in space for this country 24. Speaker's platform 25. *1st person to win two Nobel Prizes 26. Carthage's ancient rival 27. Implied 29. *She developed philosophy of Objectivism 31. Formerly, formerly 32. *Home of Wesleyan College, first college char-

tered to grant degrees for women 33. Insect, post-metamorphosis 34. *Inventor of a newborn screening test 36. Use a whetstone 38. Caitlyn Jenner's ex 42. Primitive calculators 45. Ulysses and Cary 49. Female 51. *Singular of #60 Across 54. Tennis-affected joint 56. Gold, to a chemist 57. Pepsi rival 58. Fling 59. Rush job notation 60. Inevitable occurrence 61. Reduced instruction set computer 62. Alleviate 63. Old Woman's home 64. *Jennifer Lawrence played her in eponymous 2015 movie 66. Rivoli in Paris, e.g.

See Answers Page 22

Answers Page 22

Page 14 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Elder abuse and the Boomer generation The great demographic shift is upon us — the aging of the baby boomer generation — and it brings with it, in many instances its own special scourge not unlike the carpetbagger, the elder abuser.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “individuals over 65 numbered 40.3 million people and represented 13.0 of the total U.S. population. The 65 to 69 years old segment grew the fastest: 30.4%.” And, according to a study authored by Dr. Christine Traxler of the Nursing Home Abuse Center, “an estimated 10% of older adults are abused and or neglected each year in their homes, and even in nursing homes where care and safety are expected.” Experts generally agree the numbers from the 2020 Census will be vastly higher Unfortunately, the offspring of the boomer generation are often financially ill equipped to take care of older parents and relatives in their “golden years”. Most sadly, many spouses or relatives of aging boomers choose not to expend a lot of effort caring for them, but would rather warehouse them in nursing home where the instance of abuse and neglect is a staggering 90% according to Dr. Traxler.

According to the definition adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO), elder abuse is an intentional act, or a failure to act, by a caregiver or another person such as a spouse or relative who enjoys a relationship of trust that causes distress or harm to an older person. The mistreatment of an older person can take many forms such as physical abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, isolation amongst other forms.

The elder abuser may appear to be a benign actor, but the elder abuser, like the carpetbagger of yore, is an unscrupulous opportunist. He, or she, may use many tools to take advan-

tage of an older parent, relative or spouse. The “tools” may include physical abuse (hitting, punching, pushing, slapping, etc.), verbal abuse; intimidation; emotional abuse; psychological abuse; the withholding of basic needs such as food, toilet facilities, medications; isolation from friends, family and even pets; the forging of financial and legal documents; denial of transportation to medical appointments, and the list goes on and on.

In many instances, it is hard to “prove” elder abuse, especially in the absence of physical evidence like a bruise or a cut. And if a bruise or a cut is apparent, the elder may feel ashamed or embarrassed and say that he or she tripped or fell down or bumped into furniture. The local police most often are reluctant to get involved. In my own experience, a police officer returned my call and informed me that my friend “appeared” to be just fine. The backstory is that he is not “just fine.”

He is suffering from poor health and is living in a converted garage furnished with a hospital bed, a portable toilet and a TV. The garage is isolated physically from the rest of the house. It is hard for the abused to get to the kitchen or to the bathroom. The spouse has turned his child against him. The spouse has even prevented his pet dogs from visiting the garage. The spouse makes it uncomfortable for friends, relatives and even grandchildren to visit. The abused is living in almost total isolation and his access to options is being controlled and/or ignored by the abuser. Incredulously, the spouse monitors his phone calls because she controls the account.

What can one do in a situation like this? There are options such the National Adult Protective Services Association hotline: 1-888-385-4225.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 15

Beware of burnout

Some sage advice for caregivers Caregivers are an important aspect of many older adults’ lives. Contrary to what many may believe caregiver burnout is more common than you may think and should be taken seriously.

It can impact your health, your happiness, and your relationship with your loved one you are caring for.

Being impatient with your loved one may cause you to feel guilty or inadequate. It may also strain your relationship with your loved one and they may come to feel like a burden.

Many caregivers often feel alone and isolated. Some may wish that their siblings and other family members helped more. Frustration with family members may worsen if you’re experiencing burnout. If you’re overworked and tired, it can be easy to become resentful. Then, your family members may avoid you out of feelings of defensiveness or guilt. This might make you feel even more alone, making matters worse.

Every family situation is different.

Understanding your family dynamics will help you recognize what the barriers are for getting help. If you’re comfortable doing so, reach out to your family for support. At the very least, let your family know that you’re feeling burned out so they can be there to listen.

If you’re experiencing burnout, you may not have the energy to focus on your own needs. Who has time to go to the doctor or cook healthy meals

when you barely have time to sleep?

This will ultimately cause more harm than good. If you don’t take care of yourself, you may experience longterm impacts on your health. Put reminders in your calendar so you can keep track of your own health, just as you would for your loved one. A little bit of time each month will go a long way towards protecting your longterm health. As our aging population grows to numbers like never before seen, so does the need to make sure caregivers are taking the appropriate steps to care for themselves.

There are some assisted living and nursing facilities that do accept individuals and provide temporary relief for primary caregivers enabling caregivers to take a much needed break from the demands of caregiving for a sick, aging, or disabled loved-one.

If you have questions about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or need information regarding respite care in an Assisted Living or Nursing Facility you may contact an Areawide Aging Agency and speak with an Ombudsman Supervisor. The Ombudsman program advocates for the needs of residents living in longterm care facilities serving Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma Counties. If you or a loved one are in need of advocacy assistance, you may contact your local Ombudsman at (405)942-8500 or visit the agency website at www.areawideaging.org or find us on Facebook.

Page 16 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

New veterans administration hospital in Tulsa?

Last week, President Trump released his 2021 Presidential Budget Request, which identifies his goals and funding priorities for next year.

The request includes funding to build a new hospital in Tulsa and is complemented with plans for a major investment in the Muskogee health facility to support a transformative specialty care facility.

These new investments — along with ongoing commitment to the VA

Call Center and Regional Benefits Administration in Muskogee — will improve care for our veterans while cementing Muskogee’s future as a VA hub. Over the past two years, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Representatives Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) have worked with Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK), OSU Medical, the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, the City of Tulsa, and

countless other community groups to make today’s announcement possible. While inclusion in the President’s budget is not a guarantee of congressional appropriations, it is a critical milestone in securing the completion of the project.

“Our veterans deserve the best care possible. Today President Trump reiterated this commitment to the Oklahoma veteran community by prioritizing investment for a new VA hospital in Tulsa,” said Lankford.

“Last year, Congress increased funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs to fulfill the MISSION Act which provides specialty care for veterans closer to home. It is right for us to continue to invest, through appropriations and public-private partnerships, in the individuals who have invested so much in our nation. The Tulsa community will help provide care for our Oklahoma veterans in the eastern part of the state, allowing the VA to focus on services that are veteran-specific and enabling nonfederal providers to partner with the

VHA for additional services for our veterans.”

“Taking care of our veterans is more than having good policies in place,” said Inhofe. “It’s also about ensuring that our facilities can provide exemplary service, specialized care and are accessible for our veterans. President Trump’s budget presents a roadmap for the future of our veterans care. Building a new hospital in Tulsa to serve a greater number of veterans in the region and installing a new behavioral health center in the Muskogee facility cements eastern Oklahoma’s importance to providing high-quality care for our veterans and addressing specialized care needs.

“This proposal positions the Muskogee VA to grow in the future.

Muskogee provides vibrant community support and deep-rooted connection to serving veterans, so this new investment, which will increase the number of beds, enables the facility to transform its mission into a specialized care center for behavioral health,” Inhofe continued.

Tai Chi-A-Thon day April 25 Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative will host its second annual Statewide Tai Chi-A-Thon fundraiser on World Tai Chi Day, Saturday, April 25, at five locations across the state -- Oklahoma City, Durant, Enid, Catoosa and Lawton.

Tai Chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Generally safe for all ages and fitness levels, Tai Chi can help older adults reduce their risk of falling, while also increasing balance and flexibility. Health benefits include reduced blood pressure, better sleep, improved muscular strength and enhanced mental wellbeing. It does not matter how strong, flexible or active a person is, Tai Chi is designed for all ages and levels of health.

OHAI is committed to enhancing the health and quality of life of older Oklahomans and their caregivers through community classes, work-

shops and professional trainings. Proceeds of the Tai Chi-A-Thon will help OHAI continue to reach all 77 counties across Oklahoma with health education classes and resources.

The Tai Chi-A-Thon is open to participants 18 years and older. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in each city. Registration is $40 and includes a free event t-shirt for those registered by April 3rd.

To register and find the event location near you, go to www.ohai.org.

On-site registration will be available at the event. For more information, please contact the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative at ohai@ouhsc.edu or by phone at (855) 227-5928.

OHAI is a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and is supported by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 17

D N O EDM

S E T I R O V FA 2020 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 5 issue.

Ballots can be mailed to:

EDMOND FAVORITES, 107 S. BROADWAY, EDMOND, OK 73034

You are welcome to drop your ballot at our office (same address as mailing address above).

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28

AT LEAST 50% OF BALLOT MUST BE COMPLETED FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT! PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY AND COMPLETELY.

FAVORITE FOOD / RESTAURANT: Asian Food

Italian Food

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Bakery

Lunch Spot

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Barbecue

Mexican Food

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Breakfast / Brunch

New Restaurant

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Burger

Night Spot

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Caterer

Pizza

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Coffee House

Sandwiches / Subs

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Desserts

Seafood

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Ethnic Food

Special Occasion Restaurant

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Food Truck

Steak

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Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt

Sushi

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N O M ED

S E T I R O FAV 2020 FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY: Antiques

Home Decor

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Appliances

Jewelry

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Athletic Shoes / Apparel

Mattresses

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Books

Men’s Clothing

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Children’s Clothing / Accessories

Plants / Landscaping

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Consignment / Resale

Shoes

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Flooring

Sporting Goods / Outdoor Gear

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Furniture

Tires

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Gifts

Wine & Spirits

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Groceries

Women’s Clothing / Accessories

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Hobby Supplies __________________________

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 19

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28 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 5 issue.

Ballots can be mailed to:

EDMOND FAVORITES, 107 S. BROADWAY, EDMOND, OK 73034 You are welcome to drop your ballot at our office (same address as mailing address above).

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY AND COMPLETELY.

FAVORITE BUSINESSES/SERVICES: Automobile Repair

Fitness / Health Club

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Barber

Florist

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Birthday Parties

Golf Course

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Car Wash

Hair Salon

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Chiropractor

Home Maintenance

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Custom Framing

Insurance Agent

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Dance Studio

Lawn Care

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Dentist

Live Music Venue / Live Music Spot

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Dry Cleaning

Massage

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Esthetician

Nail Salon

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Eye Care

Oil Change

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Financial Planner

Park

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Page 20 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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N O M ED

S E T I R O FAV 2020 VOTE ONLINE! EDMONDLIFEANDLEISURE.COM FAVORITE BUSINESSES/SERVICES (CONT): Pet Grooming

Senior Living Community

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Pharmacy

Travel Agency

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Physician

Veterinarian

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Romantic Place To Stay The Night

___________________________ OTHER: Best Customer Service

Locally Owned Business

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Most Attractive Building

Long Term Business

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Civic Organization

Public Art Piece

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Edmond Event Or Festival

Special Event Venue

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Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 21

Move would give rural areas more doctors House Speaker Charles McCall has introduced a measure aimed at encouraging more doctors to practice in rural areas of the state.

House Bill 3823 would allow doctors who practice in rural communities to claim a $25,000 tax credit for the tax year beginning in 2021.

The bill defines rural communities as any municipality with a population of less than 25,000 and that is also located at least 25 miles from the nearest municipality with a population greater than 25,000.

“Oklahoma ranks near the bottom of states for access to primary care in rural areas, and the majority of those primary care physicians we do have in rural Oklahoma are closing in on retirement,” said Speaker McCall, R-Atoka. “We need a multifaceted approach to improving access to care in

our smaller communities, and we have to find ways to encourage providers to move into and practice in those communities. This would allow those doctors to take that money they saved and invest it in their practices, to pay student loans and to invest in the local community.”

The bill would limit the exemption only to doctors who practice in a rural area as defined and who graduated from a medical or osteopathic school in Oklahoma. The doctor must also reside in the same county where the qualifying income was earned. Doctors who live within the boundaries of a tribal jurisdiction and are employed by a tribally owned or operated health facility or federal Indian Health Service facility would also qualify for the credit.

A doctor could claim the credit for up to five

Catholic school will honor business leader Judy Love Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School (Cristo Rey OKC) will honor Judy Love with the Cristo Rey OKC Legacy Award for her passionate and selfless commitment to the school, its mission, and most importantly, its students. Judy is co-founder of the successful Love’s convenience store chain.

“Judy’s support of Cristo Rey is remarkable. She leads by example and we know her dedication to Cristo Rey will inspire others to join in our efforts to create a model education for future generations,” said Bob Ross, Inasmuch Foundation Chairman and CEO and Cristo Rey OKC Cinco de Mayo Co-Chair. “We are honored to have such a dynamic community member like Judy invest in Oklahoma City Cristo Rey students.”

The Cristo Rey OKC Legacy Award recognizes an individual whose ideals, influence, accomplishments and distinguished record of community service throughout his/her life have left a lasting, positive impression with the Cristo Rey OKC community.

Nominations are solicited from the Cristo Rey OKC Board of Directors and evaluated by the executive committee.

To be considered for this award, applicants must be an advocate of Cristo Rey OKC – promoting its mission statement and core values while serving as a role model for compassion and service in our community.

“We are deeply grateful to Judy and proud to recognize her for being

Judy Love such an integral part of the Cristo Rey OKC launch in 2018 and our school’s early success,” Cristo Rey OKC President Chip Carter said.

“Judy has been nothing short of miraculous for our school and has done so much for the Oklahoma City community, much more than people know.”

Judy Love will be honored at Cristo Rey OKC’s second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, co-chaired by Bob and Heather Ross, on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Sponsorship and tickets are available online at CristoReyOKC.org.

Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, knowledge, purpose and service

Edmond doctor to lead group the University of Oklahoma The Children’s Hospital PeCollege of Medicine. He estabdiatric Urologist Dominic lished his practice with OU Frimberger, M.D., of EdChildren’s Physicians pediatric mond, was recently elected urology clinic in 2004. to serve as president of the AAPU is a non-profit organiAmerican Association of Pedization whose main purpose it atric Urologists, which held its to promote the practice of pe30th annual meeting last diatric urology and education. month. His presidential term Frimberger It also serves to promote discusbegins January 2021. sion and informational exFrimberger previously change between practitioners served a five-year term as secretaryinvolved in the treatment of genitreasurer of AAPU. He is chief of the tourinary disorders in children. section of Pediatric Urology, within

First Liberty Bank promotes Grooms sity and a Master’s in Business First Liberty Bank recently Administration from Oklahoma promoted Assistant Chief FiChristian University. He is a nancial Officer Keegan graduate of the University of Grooms to Senior Vice PresiSouth Carolina’s Graduate dent.

School of Bank Investments Grooms began his banking and from the Graduate School career as an intern at First of Banking at Colorado. KeeLiberty Bank in 2012 followgan is a member of the Delta ing his graduation from Grooms Mu Delta International Honor Oklahoma State University.

Society, the Oklahoma Bankers In 2014, Keegan left the Association Emerging Leaders, and a banking industry to work in the 2016 NextGen Under 30 Honoree. credit department of Devon Energy Corporation, where he honed his anKeegan Grooms also enjoys volunalytical skills. Keegan returned to First teering his time with Mobile Meals in Liberty in 2015 as Assistant CFO. Edmond.

Keegan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Hecurrently serves as Vice PresiFinance from Oklahoma State Univer- dent on their board.

years. The credit would end once a total of $1 million was claimed statewide. Speaker McCall said the bill is essentially a pilot program, and he would seek to expand the credit if it encourages doctors to relocate to rural parts of the state.

McCall introduced a similar measure last session, House Bill 2511, which passed out of the House by a vote of 98-2 before stalling in the Senate.

In addition to House Bills 3823 and 2511, McCall said he intends to introduce additional legislation this session to address rural health care worker shortages by instituting improved professional licensing reciprocity for health care professionals.

Doing so would make it easier for licensed health care workers from other states to practice in Oklahoma as long as their existing license meets Oklahoma’s standards.

U.S. peer review group honors Edmond lawyers Two Crowe & Dunlevy attorneys from Edmond were recently recognized by Benchmark Litigation.* Tanya S. Bryant was recognized as an Oklahoma Local Litigation Star - General Commercial and as an Oklahoma Labor & Employment Star. Mary P. Snyder was recognized as an Oklahoma Labor & Employment Star.

Benchmark Litigation is a national peer-review publication that researches and ranks litigation law firms and attorneys in North America. The publication’s selection process includes independent examination of casework and interviews with individual litigators who are asked to provide their professional opinions on peers and practitioners within their jurisdiction or practice area.

Benchmark Litigation also recognized Oklahoma City-based Crowe & Dunlevy one of only five “highly recommended” law firms in Oklahoma for 2020.* The publication also honored Crowe & Dunlevy as one of only two Oklahoma firms designated as “highly recommended” in the Labor & Employment practice area.

Tanya Bryant

Mary Snyder

Page 22 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Training for disaster site workers offered next month NOR NORTH TH SECTIO SECTION N

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Francis Tuttle Technology Center and the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma Education Foundation are offering an OSHA certified training for disaster response workers. Trainees may participate in a one or two-day training course on March 9-10.

The training is geared toward members of the construction trade, including disaster clean-up workers, volunteers, utility and public works employees. The course will address the safety and health hazards encountered at a disaster work site, the importance and proper use of respiratory and personal protective equipment and effective decontamination procedures. The course will also address the traumatic incident stress that can result from disaster-related working conditions, and measures to reduce this stress.

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will receive a certification card from the University of Texas-Arlington OSHA Education Center. Completion of the 10- or 30hour OSHA Construction or General Industry Outreach Training Program class is a prerequisite to both the one and two-day training courses.

The cost for the one-day course is $209, or $159 for AGC of Oklahoma members. The cost for the two-day course is $418, or $318 for AGC of Oklahoma members. The trainings will be held at Francis Tuttle’s Rockwell Campus, 12777 N. Rockwell in

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For registration or more information, email jaclynn.gray@agcok.com or call 405.528.4605.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region. Francis Tuttle also offers complete business and industry training and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment. With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace. More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.

The Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma is a statewide, fullservice, non-profit organization for construction professionals. AGC actively represents all types and disciplines of contractors and related affiliates.

Love yourself enough to start exercise routine

The training will be held at Francis Tuttle’s Rockwell Campus, 12777 N. Rockwell in Oklahoma City.

By Brian Attebery We all know February is the month of love. You know?

Valentines Day. I hope you had a great one. I hope you had lots of love poured out on you.

Attebery One of the common themes I see with many people struggling with weight loss and health issues is they don’t take time to love themselves.

Do you sacrifice for your family?

Your kids are always first in your schedule … correct? Is your job taking up so much time you find yourself running out of time in the day to have fitness in your life? Do you take time to reflect on your health, go to the Doctor for blood work or schedule a massage? These things are important at one level or another.

I want you to make yourself a priority for 2020. Sit down and make an appointment to get a full physical.

Make sure you get your cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure checked. Do you know where they are? Do you know what they should be? Do you realize that heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S.? Get a baseline of all your blood work and vitals.

Once you have gotten a report from your Doctor, find out what your body fat percentage is. I am not talking about B.M.I. (Body Mass Index) that is used for height and weight generalizations but the actual percentage of your body weight that is fat versus muscle, bone and organs.

Did you know that 23% is ideal for women and 15% is ideal for men? If you are 10% over either of those standards, you are considered obese.

A body fat test takes just a few minutes and it is a much better way to

determine your body composition as apposed to just looking at the scale.

You have your blood work, blood pressure and body fat tested and now you are ready for a program. Be realistic. If you have 100 pounds to lose, it won’t happen in three months. This is not “Biggest Loser” where you live on a Hollywood lot and do nothing but workout. This is real life that has schedule conflicts, soccer practice, PTO and days you just can’t make it. Don’t focus on those days. Focus on the days you CAN make it and DO make it and know the difference between an excuse and a true reason to miss.

The phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child” is very appropriate for many things. It also “takes a village” to be successful in fitness/weight loss. Your village needs to be a Trainer, your gym buddies, friends at work, family and yourself. Surround yourself with people who say you “can” versus dragging you down. It is hard to get it all in but you can do it!

You will be surprised if you boldly recruit those around you to join in the fight and many will do it. Everyone needs exercise and most make the same excuses of not having time. The other excuse is money.

The average obese person costs an additional $500 per month in health care costs. The average gym membership is around $47 per month. There are 33 major illnesses associated with obesity and your quality of life will go down with obesity as well. This is the most important investment you can make. Loving yourself enough to take care of your health. You can’t afford NOT to do it.

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

Answers to this week’s puzzles

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 20, 2020 • Page 23

Anti-hunger rally set Feb. 25 at State Capitol

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Hunger Free Oklahoma will host Anti-Hunger Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

"It takes more than food to fight hunger and it’s important to have that conversation with elected officials," said Kendra Loper, chief community engagement officer at the Regional Food Bank. "It’s vital that we work together not only on this date but every day as we work to end hunger and help Oklahoma families thrive."

Formerly known as Hunger Action Day, Anti-Hunger Day brings together employ-

ees and volunteers from the three organizations to meet with state lawmakers and discuss ideas on how to make an impact in the lives of Oklahomans living with hunger.

Oklahoma is the fifth hungriest state in the nation. The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Regional Food Bank, and Hunger Free Oklahoma work daily to ensure the one in six Oklahomans living with food insecurity have access to the resources they need.

“As an organization we spend the entire year collaborating with agencies and elected officials at the local, state and federal level to find the best nutritional out-

comes for our state,” said Chris Bernard, executive director at Hunger Free Oklahoma. “So, we’re thrilled volunteers from all of our organizations can also connect with legislators personally on a topic that’s a priority for them. We all know that ending hunger must include both direct assistance and strong policy; we’re excited for a day that highlights that mission.”

The three organizations actively advocate for policies that remove barriers and increase both access and awareness to food and nutrition programs. Volunteers at the event will also be asking lawmakers to consider policies that address the intersections of hunger and health.

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

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

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

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • February 20, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure