February 21, 2019

February 21, 2019 Vol. 19, No. 39

In This Issue DIRECTIONS

IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR YOUR EDMOND FAVORITES! SEE PAGES 17 - 20

BALTO Benefit Blast North students help abused children

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

For more information, see page 4.

Edmond Youth obtains Eagle rank See Page 16

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 PM Showers High 47° Low 43°

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Thunderstorms High 52° Low 30°

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Sunny High 54° Low 33°

PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE

Students at Edmond North High School were a part of a BALTO (Bring A Light to Others) benefit last week. The total, with $500,000 from an anonymous donor, raised a total of $786,052. Most of the funds will go to helping child abuse victims through The CARE Center of Oklahoma County. Other community benefits will be held in the coming weeks at Edmond Santa Fe and Edmond Memorial high schools.

The high school season of giving officially got under way last week at Edmond North High School as students reached out and helped The CARE Center of Oklahoma County.

Totals were announced last Friday at the Siberian Gymnasium.

With major help from an anonymous donor, Edmond North High School raised a whopping $786,052 during BALTO 2019. BALTO stands for Bring a Light to Others. In addition to the CARE Center, some funds go to Pivot, the common thread of all three high schools which receives five percent of funds raised.

Monies will be used to anchor a significant expansion project at The CARE Center. The partnership with BALTO allowed The CARE Center to leverage additional community

interest and support resulting in a one-time, anonymous donation of $500,000 to BALTO. This money will benefit The CARE Center and will anchor a significant expansion project there. Organized in 1991, The CARE Center is a nationally-accredited child advocacy center and the only child advocacy center in Oklahoma County. Child abuse is an epidemic: one in three girls and one in five boys will be abused before their 18th birthday.

It is our daily mission to fight abuse and change the statistics.”

Pivot-A Turning Point for Youth will also be benefited from this event as they are Edmond Public School’s Common Thread charity.

Pivot, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization that works with young

people lacking stability in housing, basic needs, education, employment, life skills and therapeutic care through advocating, educating, intervening and counseling youth and families to make a positive difference in their lives.”

As the common thread of all three high schools, Pivot will receive five percent of all funds raised.

The CARE Center works together on the investigation, treatment, and management of child abuse cases.

They also ensure the best possible outcome for children, while creating a caring, supportive, and safe environment for all who visit.

Upcoming will be community benefits at Santa Fe High School, Double Wolf Dare Week and Swine Week at Edmond Memorial.

Page 2 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 3

Edmond mom among those speaking on bullying bill Parent activists expressed dismay last week, as the Oklahoma State Senate Committee on Education voted to reject a scholarship program designed to help children who are the victims of bullying.

Senate Bill 570, authored by Sen. Rob Standridge, created the Hope Scholarship Program Act. The program would have provided a limited number of scholarships to students who experience ongoing bullying at public schools in order to help them attend a private school of their choice.

Cara O’Daniel is an Edmond parent who attended the meeting to support the bill. She said her son is living with a relative in order to switch public schools and escape relentless bullying in her school district.

“I could see the effects that bullying had on my son: physically, mentally and academically,” said O’Daniel. “He lost interest in his favorite activities, had trouble sleeping, and began missing assignments.

He eventually was diagnosed with depression and anxiety from the relentless bullying he endured. Our local school district just could not figure out how to keep our child

safe.”

O’Daniel said her family exhausted every possible local option to find a place where her son could learn safely and reach his academic potential, including an intra-district transfer.

Eventually, he moved in with a relative in a different part of the state.

“A program like the Hope Scholarships could have helped us find a local solution and avoided an incredible hardship for our family,” O’Daniel continued. “We don’t want anyone else to have to go through what we have. I don’t understand how our legislators can vote against a policy designed to help kids and parents in desperate circumstances. Children’s safety and education needs to be their top priority.”

Robert Ruiz, executive director of the parent advocacy organization ChoiceMatters, said that lawmakers were getting caught up in politics and losing sight of the needs of their constituents.

“Every year we see lawmakers reject policies designed to help children and parents because of politics,” said Ruiz. “The people who are hurt the most by that failure are kids trapped in poverty, kids with special needs, or

Heritage Hall Gala to be in April The Heritage Hall Board of Trustees has announced its plans to host the School’s annual fundraising event and auction, Gala 2019: Heart of Gold on Saturday, April 6 at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

This year’s event, chaired by Heritage Hall alumni, Brian Bogert ’95, Jenny Gray Ferguson ’96, and Heather Verity Showalter ’95, was named Heart of Gold to recognize Heritage Hall’s teachers as the “heart of the school,” as well as to commemorate the school’s “golden” anniversary as the independent school observes its 50th year of operation.

Heritage Hall alumna and ABC News anchor Erielle Reshef ’01, will

serve as emcee for the event, which features dinner, as well as silent and live auctions.

“Party on the Moon,” an Atlantabased, 13-piece band, will perform immediately following the dinner and live auction.

Net proceeds from the event will benefit the School’s faculty through a Master Teacher Endowment and other faculty enrichment which allow the school to attract and retain exceptional teachers. Heart of Gold is also supported by grand benefactors Cory and David Le Norman, Shelley and Leland Welker, Anna and Wes Welker ’00, and Sarah Holder Welker ’97 and Lee Welker ’95.

disabilities, or the victims of bullying.

These children and their families are suffering because special interest groups in education want to preserve our current system at all costs.”

Lawmakers who opposed the Hope Scholarship Act include Sens. J.J. Dossett, Tom Dugger, John Haste, Carri

Hicks, Allison Ikley-Freeman, Chris Kidd, Roland Pederson, Dewayne Pemberton, Paul Scott and Jason Smalley.

Senators voting in favor included David Bullard, Marty Quinn, Wayne Shaw, Joe Newhouse, Gary Stanislawski and Greg Treat.

Page 4 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

New York did us a favor Last week’s national business news was full of analysis of the Valentine’s Day decision of Amazon to pull out of their plans to build a giant office complex in Long Island City, New York. As the terms of the “incentive” package became public and residents had time to digest what was being given up luring the merchandise machine to the area, Ray Hibbard a growing voice of discontent was being heard.

Lawmakers and citizens around the country are questioning these incentive packages more often.

Some in the press have even labeled the anti-incentive sentiment as a movement.

The package in New York offered to Amazon included incentives from both the state and the cities in the area. The estimated total was $3.4 billion which is a steep price tag by any standard.

There was $1.2 billion refundable tax credit from the New York state jobs program and a $505 million capital grant for the real estate investment and improvement. The city made up the difference including an abatement program and REAP. Going into the negotiations and after they were announced, Amazon and their supporters said that the reason for building the mega headquarters was not because of the tax incentives. The New York City area having the talent pool needed for staffing position as the new headquarters was cited as the main reason for Amazon selecting that location. Incentives were downplayed by many as being insignificant. I honestly don’t believe anyone on this earth will tell you that there is anything insignificant about $3.4 billion. All I know is that after it was known that the incentive package might be reduced or even eliminated by lawmakers, Amazon announced they were not going ahead with the project on Long Island City but would proceed with planned incentivized building in nearby Virginia.

Calling it a movement might be going too far but these type of incentive packages deserve to be questioned. The interesting thing about the Amazon process of selecting new places to build their headquarters is that it was a uniquely open process. They almost made a game out of it and responded to the bidding wars that started over a year ago. Most typically, these type of incentive packages are negotiated not in the light of day but in back rooms. It isn’t until the voting is taking place by the government unit needed to approve the final package before residents of a community realize what is being given away.

“What we’ve seen play is one of the most public site-selection processes in recent years,” said Jared

Walczak, a senior policy analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation. “Taxpayers are getting a look under the hood at the sorts of negotiations that happen every day.” Walczak went on to argue that local businesses and residents would benefit more from overall tax reform compared to huge tax incentive packages for individual companies. Some go as far as to label these corporate welfare. “When states pick a particular company and throw money at them, someone has to pay for that and you’re foregoing other opportunities,” he said. “If you focused on creating a more competitive business tax environment rather than targeting one white whale, you would have a much better system overall and, frankly, it would probably create more than 25,000 jobs.”

It struck me as odd when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo kept saying to the press, “I didn’t have a choice, this is how the game is set up.” Really? New York City doesn’t have trouble attracting investors. It is one of the coolest places on earth folks. Yet, this powerful man kept saying he had to compete to win Amazon over. He was so proud that he won. This supposedly intelligent guy never understood the game was rigged folks. Large corporations have local officials bullied into thinking they have to offer amounts of cash to even be considered.

Two events in dealing with tax incentives in Oklahoma stand out to me. The first one was the notorious tax rebate for the General Motors plant that was offered by Oklahoma economic development officials bank in the 1980’s. GM purchased land, built the plant and operated for a few years before the Oklahoma Attorney General decided that the tax rebates were not legal. GM was forced to repay those incentives. In their zeal to win over a new plant being built in central Oklahoma, economic development folks had not cleared all the hurdles with the state. It was a giant black eye on Oklahoma.

The second one I remember was the bid to get the United Airlines maintenance facility in Oklahoma City. Consultants told economic developers that to compete and play the game we had to develop an incentive package. So, we did, and it was a good one. It was probably one of the best offered to United from around the country. Yet, we were not selected. Then Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick traveled to United headquarters to find out why in an effort to improve on the next incentive offer.

What he found was that the reason for United cutting Oklahoma City from the list had nothing to do with the incentive package. They had quietly sent a group of top executives and their spouses to Oklahoma City for a weekend. Staying in the best

hotel available in downtown Oklahoma City proved to the couples that we had nothing to offer these folks. At that time, downtown Oklahoma City was a ghost town loaded with high crime, no outdoor space, little to no shopping and at 5 p.m. on Friday the entire place rolled up and locked up.

The rest of the story is that Mayor Norick realized what had to be done and he went about the process of making it all happen with the help of other Oklahoma leaders. The MAPS program was born. Our leadership rolled up their sleeves and went to work turning Oklahoma City into one of the most vibrant and fun cities in the country.

Bricktown, downtown, Midtown, Film Row and a little basketball team called the OKC THUNDER all came about. The loss of United was the best thing that could have happened to Oklahoma. I can’t remember where United settled but my recollection is that the plant didn’t stay there very long and was abandoned by the airlines.

I used to work for a guy, Ed Livermore, Sr., that told me the easiest thing to do when faced with a problem is to throw money at it. But it was usually not the best thing to do. Problems or goals require more then money folks and the idea of having to play the game of offering economic incentives to attract new businesses to the area is wrong. If a business is only moving into an area because of what is being offered by state or city governments in the way of cash, it probably isn’t the best fit for your community. Every community wants new business, but it needs to be for the right reason.

Amazon showed its true colors to the residents of New York. “Rather than addressing the legitimate concerns that have been raised by many New Yorkers, Amazon says you do it our way or not at all, we will not even consider the concerns of New Yorkers – that’s not what a responsible business would do,” said Chelsea Connor, Director of Communications for the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), in a statement.

It is encouraging that our new governor is putting emphasis on helping businesses that are currently located in Oklahoma. This is a smart move and I like the idea he has of rewarding businesses that have brought us this far. Loyalty is almost always repaid with loyalty. Besides, it is just the right businesses decision for Oklahoma. Business you must go out and purchase may not be worth having in our state. The City of Edmond would do well to remember the same thing. We haven’t done much of it in Edmond but with a new mayor and council members coming on board soon, it would be a good time to re-evaluate the entire idea of it.

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

Check out what’s inside! n n n n n n n n n

Senior news..............................................................................Pages 6-8.

Weekend Calendar of Events........................................................Page 9.

Columnist looks at businesses & tax bills....................................Page 10.

Dave Farris story of a 1930s trial & evidence in the case ..........Page 14.

George Gust reviews ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ film ............................Page 15.

Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15.

Vote for Edmond Favorites ..................................................Pages 17-20.

Business News ............................................................................Page 21.

Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SCHOOL GALA -- Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School celebrated its 33rd annual dinner and auction recently at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The theme this year was ‘Clancy in Wonderland.’ Edmond’s Mark and Carol Scanlon Lester ’74 were the honorary chairmen this year. All four of the Lester’s sons attended, and graduated, from McGuinness. More than 700 were at the gala and proceeds went to the scholarship fund at McGuinness.

See if you can find ‘Directions’ “Directions,” in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Local artist Joe Slack created the sculpture to draw the public in. “I just want to engage,” said Slack, “And for it to be part of the landscape.” At it’s tallest point of 17 feet ‘Directions' is the largest sculpture Slack has ever attempted. It features three huge faces with a rust patina. Located along I-35 it is certain to draw travelers in to engage with just one of the pieces of public art Edmond is known for.

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production April Burgess, Deanne York

Cover Design April Burgess Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2019 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax)

Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com

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

Advertising Account Executive Chris Thomas chris@edmondpaper.com

All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing.

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 5

A Flock of Sprinkles

Engagement, Wedding notices PHOTO PROVIDED The birds aren't wrong folks. Here in Edmond we love frozen treats. Do you have a fun picture from around our great town? Send it to news@edmondpaper.com for a chance to see it in print. We love seeing our Edmond through your eyes!

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 6 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Tips for visiting friends, relatives in nursing homes Many residents in long-term care facilities eagerly await a visit from friends or family members. Visitors should plan ahead to make these visits rewarding for both the residents and themselves. Consider a few tips when visiting a loved one in a long-term facility. n Call ahead of your visit to inquire if the resident has any needs, such as personal items, clothing or other necessities. n Arrange a time when the visit will be mutually satisfying. n Children of all ages are generally welcome in a nursing facility. Young children rarely react negatively to nursing home resident. Teenagers and older children may need some time to adjust.

n Inquire about pet visits and limitations. n If the person you will be visiting is in a specialized unit, there may be different hours and regulations to follow. Visits where you will take the resident outside the facility are always encouraged, when possible, although there must be planning and coordination with the resident and staff. Always consider including the resident in holiday meals at home and other outings. n If you are visiting a relative or friend for the first time, understand that this will be an emotional visit.

You will need to give yourself time to become acclimated to the new surroundings. n Most visitors initially experience mixed feelings.

These feelings typically include nervousness, guilt, or anger. The person you visit may have many complaints during his or her adjustment period. The overall environment may feel uncomfortable. Seek support from staff.

You always want to be supportive of what the resident wants. You can consider engaging in activities with the resident that are stimulating to them, such as reminiscing about the past or working on a hobby they enjoy.

If you find you need additional assistance in solving a problem within the facility, contact the Areawide Aging Agency Ombudsman Supervisor’s office at 405-942-8500.

Use common sense when visiting a nursing home.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 7

For seniors, secret is out on Lyndale’s top quality Positioned in the serene but vibrant community of Edmond, Lyndale-Edmond sits in the heart of the city at 1225 Lakeshore Drive not too far away from 15th and Kelly. It’s considered by some the ideal retirement living option for seniors in the Oklahoma City area.

Lyndale-Edmond raises the bar for what seniors should expect in a retirement community. They have been Rated Best of Senior Living by SeniorAdvisor.com for the past two years, top rated on Caring.com and have received the Caring Super Star award.

Life at Lyndale-Edmond revolves around, personal freedom, and optimal health. Resident living options include spacious Cottages, and well-appointed Independent Living and Assisted Living apartments.

Community Set in a prime location, Lyndale-Edmond sits on 37 beautiful acres of open space. The community offers regularly scheduled bus and town car transportation, which provides easy access to area shopping, restaurants, doctor’s appointments, and local parks. The majestic community fea-

tures beautiful courtyards furnished with comfortable seating areas, and walking paths by the lake. The community is also home to a salon, barber shop, dining room, library, activity rooms, and common spaces.

Residents can also enjoy fishing in the spring fed seven-acre lake, bird watching in the cultivated landscape, and hiking along nature trails. Residents can take advantage of unique features like an outdoor grill, business center, indoor fireplace area, a beautiful piano, and more.

Amenities & Services Lyndale-Edmond empowers residents to live a carefree lifestyle they deserve. Concierge services, apartment maintenance, transportation services, laundry & linen service, weekly housekeeping, and gourmet restaurant style dining give residents the freedom to live life without worry. Residents have the opportunity to partake in the countless activities offered such as worship services, fitness classes, fun outings, games, social events, and more.

See Lyndale, Page 9

Stunning view of the nearby pond at Lyndale-Edmond.

Page 8 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Lyndale From Page 7 “I enjoy living here. The food is good and the people are nice. What more can you ask for?”

- Marvin J. Care & Assistance Care is always close at hand for residents of Lyndale-Edmond. 24-hour support and 24-hour access to care are available with a daily check-in system, medication management and assistance with bathing, dressing and other tasks if necessary. All Assisted Living apartments are equipped with pull cords and pendants for emergencies.

“Very resident focused, great staff and management. Improvements under way continuously.

Have lived here three years going on four.” – Dan L. Residents of Lyndale-Emond benefit from knowing there are different levels of care offered. If needed, residents can transition from Independent Living to Assisted Living without leaving our beautiful community-or leaving the compassionate associates our residents know and trust.

Lyndale-Edmond operates around a Resident First philosophy that delivers respect and dignity to all residents while encouraging an independent lifestyle. Call today to schedule a personal tour and enjoy a complimentary gourmet lunch. Independent Living: (405) 340-5311. Assisted Living (405) 348-6006.

A beautifully decorated, welcoming residential bedroom.

A private dining room is available for hosting family and friends.

The sun-dappled living room provides residents a cheerful place to socialize.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 9 Thursday Feb 21 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Winter Theatre Production: The Secret Garden ---- Introduction to Blacksmithing – Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Workshop ---- Oklahoma Heritage Concert ---- Saloon Series ---- Hearts for Art ---- Almost, Maine

Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Free Admission; an archaeological exhibition that will enable visitors to discover the history of ancient Judah’s most famous kingprophet pairing—a story which illuminates how Jerusalem escaped annihilation at the hands of King Sennacherib’s Assyrian army at the end of the 8th century B.C. For more information visit armstrongauditorium.org.

Friday Feb 22 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Winter Theatre Production: The Secret Garden ---- Introduction to Blacksmithing – Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Workshop ---- Bison and Beer Paint Night ---- Souled Out ---- Watercolor Workshop for Kids ---- Edmond Restaurant Week ---- Leake Collector Car Show & Auction ---- Hearts for Art ---- Almost, Maine

Winter Theatre Production: The Secret Garden Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Fri, 7 p.m., Sat, 3 & 7 p.m.; 60 minutes – 1 Act – No Intermission; $10 visit onthestage.com.

Saturday Feb 23 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Winter Theatre Production: The Secret Garden ---- Edmond Restaurant Week ---- Scott Keeton Band ---- Leake Collector Car Show & Auction ---- Oklahoma Gun Show ---- Oklahoma Motorcycle Show and Swapmeet ---- Friends of the Metropolitan Library System Annual Book Sale ---- Miss Brown To You ---- Hearts for Art ---- Almost, Maine Sunday Feb 24 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Transcendence: Contemporary Op Art by Jason Wilson ---- Winter Theatre Production: The Secret Garden ---- Edmond Restaurant Week ---- Shanghai Opera Symphony Orchestra ---- Scott Keeton Band ---- Oklahoma Gun Show ---- Oklahoma Motorcycle Show and Swapmeet ---- Friends of the Metropolitan Library System Annual Book Sale ---- Hearts for Art ---- Almost, Maine Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Cody L Rains For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/

Events Bison and Beer Paint Night Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 6 – 9 p.m., Visit the Museum for a painting class under instruction from local artist Courtney Abbott.

In conjunction with The Bison Exhibit, create your own colorful bison silhouette painting. visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Leake Collector Car Show & Auction Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park, Bennett Event Center Extra Info: for more information visit leakecar.com Oklahoma Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for more information visit oklahomagunshows.com Oklahoma Motorcycle Show and Swapmeet Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for more information visit jwswapmeet.com

Watercolor Workshop for Kids Location: Heart Studios Extra Info: 6 – 8 p.m., $25 ---- $30, Ages 5 and Up, 2 hour small group class, drinks/snacks and art supplies included. Visit them on Facebook.

Edmond Restaurant Week Location: Edmond Extra Info: go to EdmondChamber.com and click the restaurants to view the great deals. For more info, contact the Chamber at 405 341-2808 or email Savannah Barrington at sbarrington@edmondchamber.com Introduction to Blacksmithing – Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Workshop Location: Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Heritage Concert Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Special Events Center Extra Info: 10:30 a.m., Watch history come to life at the National Cowboy Museum with stage performances by Rodeo Opry, using an interactive

Page 10 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The human condition Every Sunday at my church we pray for peace and love in the world.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for each of those concepts and I truly wished we all lived like that.

Steve Gust Reminds me about 30 years ago I was reading a column about officials marking the end of World War II. I'm sure when that awful conflict ended in 1945, people were hoping that would be the last bit of war they'd see for a long, long time.

When I read that piece 30 years ago, the writer noted there had already been 26 new wars since World War II. It's probably twice that number now. That's a sad fact.

There is something about the human condition, which we never quite get right.

Maybe we were all destined to have challenges in this life. Seems to me when we face adversity we find out pretty quickly what kind of a character we have. Then in a way, not all adversity is bad either. People have probably launched very successful businesses because their first five

businesses failed miserably and they learned from those mistakes.

Look at Abe Lincoln. He lost a lot of elections because he was elected president.

----Speaking of business, there is some outrage that Amazon apparently didn't' pay federal income tax.

I understand some people aren't happy. But does a business ever pay a tax? Generally that cost is passed on to the consumer. On the positive side for Amazon, they've hired thousands and thousands of people.

Those folks do pay some tax. Without that Amazon payroll the cities and states would have billions of dollars less to spend.

Amazon can pay taxes, but it will just get added on to whatever someone orders online. In other words the public will pay the tax.

---That leads me to my least favorite saying by a politician. “They need to pay their fair share.”

I don’t want any politicians to decide what a “fair share” is. Besides most politicians are terrible stewards of the federal budget as it is.

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

Dems too far left?

By Jonah Goldberg Donald Trump can’t win in 2020 but the Democrats can lose, and they seem determined to give it their best shot.

Straight-line predictions are the undoing of every pundit and prognosticator. But it seems safe to say that if present trends hold, President Trump has no path to winning a majority of the popular vote.

In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote by more than 2.8 million ballots.

He carried the Electoral College by very narrow margins.

Just going by the numbers, barring a compelling independent candidacy of someone likely to siphon votes from the Democratic column, it seems impossible for Trump to get reelected.

Of course, it’s not impossible, because we never get to the future as the crow flies. In the heat

of an election, many Trump-skeptical Republicans and Republican-leaning voters will come home. But if that happens, it almost surely won’t happen because Trump moderated his behavior.

So, the only variable in the binary presidential election lies on the left side of the ledger. If the Democrats present a face that is scarier than the reality show of the previous four years, many Americans could vote against the Democrats rather than for the Republicans.

That process is already starting. Erick Erickson, a prominent “Never Trump” conservative in 2016 and a Trump critic since then, announced last week that he will be voting for Trump in 2020.

Democrats would be wise to pay attention. Erickson hasn’t suddenly fallen in love with Trump; he’s grown decisively hor-

rified by the Democrats.

And I can’t blame him.

Just last week, Democrats unveiled the Green New Deal, a wild-eyed fantasy of an agenda that would cost trillions, destroy whole industries and serve as a Trojan horse for socialism.

Not long before that, Sen. Kamala Harris, DCalif., cavalierly admitted that “Medicare for all” would wipe out the insurance policies of more than 100 million Americans. She has done some backpedaling since, but other leading Democrats remain committed, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who recently said eliminating private insurance was an “urgent goal.”

The scandals unraveling the Democratic Party in Virginia have obscured the fact that the controversy started because someone was appalled

by Gov. Ralph Northam’s defense of legislation that seemed to support the right to terminate the life of delivered babies.

A host of other story lines, largely ignored or downplayed by the mainstream media, have caught the attention of conservatives nonetheless, from increasingly open hostility to Catholic judicial nominees to greater tolerance for antiSemitic rhetoric.

In many respects the parties are mirroring each other, as the incentive structure on both sides is geared toward the extremes. Politics is no longer about capturing the center where most voters gravitate, but revving up the ranks of the most passionate.

Faced with that reality, enough Americans may hold their noses and vote against the devil they don’t know.

Jonah Goldberg’s latest book, “Suicide of the West,” is now available wherever books are sold.

You can write to him by email at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com.

The legitimacy of political parties

By James Finck With the government shutdown now over, it is historically intriguing that one of the central players, President Donald Trump, with plenty of help from the Democrats, is helping to destroy the political reality that his hero, Andrew Jackson, helped create--legitimate political parties.

Finck The Founding Fathers all abhorred the idea of parties. George Washington made parties the subject of his farewell address, as he left office. Yet, as Washington preached against them, they were forming around him. The way the president was chosen in the original Constitution demonstrates that the Founders hoped to avoid parties. For the first four elections, the winner of the Electoral College became president while second place became Vice-President. Under this system Trump would be president and Hillary Clinton would have been his vice-president.

One reason the Founders detested parties is that parties are more concerned with the party’s welfare than the nation. A great example of this is that our current parties were more interested in claiming a political “win” over a border wall than they are at compromising and helping government workers get back on the job. Democrats are now claiming “victory,” and the media can report that Trump lost. Turning this into a win or lose situation will not help either side when it comes to the next big issue.

Another issue for the Founders was parties were

not seen as legitimate. In other words, the opposing party was not seen as acceptable and their policies would destroy the experiment called “America.” Those calling themselves Republicans (while believing parties were wrong) believed the Federalists wanted to turn America into a monarchy, while the Federalists believed the Republicans wanted to start a “Reign of Terror” similar to France.

This is not like today’s rhetoric, such as, “If Trump wins, I am moving to Canada” and then no one actually leaves because they know America will survive until the next election. We know that parties are legitimate. I have written about the 1800 election and why I think it’s the most important ever -- this was the first election we see some legitimacy in the opposing party.

We really do not see full legitimacy until the Jacksonian Era. During this time leaders, such as Jackson, argued that parties are not only legitimate, but positive.

The man who deserves the most credit for this change is the brains behind Jackson, his second VP and eventual presidential replacement, Martin Van Buren. Van Buren began by building his own party, the Bucktails, in New York and eventually turned it into the Democratic Party. The new party organization helped Jackson win two elections and solidify his strength. The Democrats were so successful that the Whig Party was forced to follow suit if they ever hoped to win.

Van Buren believed parties benefitted Americans by having a side to choose on issues and the parties could contend against each other in an orderly

manner. He also saw parties as the glue that would hold the nation together. As long as there were northern and southern Democrats and Whigs, he thought, America would not have a Civil War. But none of this was possible unless everyone saw parties as legitimate.

Today we are losing the idea of legitimate discord. Parties have always fought each other but, except on a few occasions, they have always been able to work out compromises. Recently, it seems that Democrats attack any proposal from the Republicans for the sole reason that Republicans proposed it, and vice versa for Republicans against Democrats. Past Democratic leaders made statements and speeches about border safety similar to our current president. So why are Democrats now suddenly against it?

With the Democrats in control of the House both parties chose “the wall” to make a stand on.

Instead of truly working together to find a solution, they delegitimized the other party, and refused to budge an inch in order to claim victory.

Yesterday was the wall, who knows what it will be tomorrow. Yet whatever it is, the parties will not care about the issues half as much as who will “win” the fight and hold the upper hand going into the next election.

Dr. James Finck is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Chair of the Oklahoma Civil War Symposium. Follow Historically Speaking at www.Historicallyspeaking.blog or Facebook at @jamesWfinck.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 11

Page 12 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Navy’s Slavonic of Edmond has overseas trip

By Naval Public relations WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) Gregory J. Slavonic completed his first overseas trip in the position meeting with personnel, leaders and dignitaries in Djibouti, Bahrain and Italy.

"As a former reservist myself, I was grateful for the opportunity to conduct this trip with the commander of our Navy Reserve Force,” he said referring to Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, chief of Naval Reserve, who accompanied him during the trip.

“In my first overseas trip in this position, I greatly appreciated meeting our hardworking men and women as well as their families in Italy, Bahrain,

and Djibouti. The work they do every day is of strategic significance and I was honored to have the chance to meet with them during this trip,” Slavonic said in Washington upon his return.

The tour started in Djibouti where Slavonic, McCollum and Navy Reserve Force Master Chief Chris D. Kotz visited the East African base Feb. 2-4. Camp Lemonnier, home to more than 900 forward-deployed Sailors; two-thirds of whom are Navy Reservists.

Slavonic, who was sworn in to his current position, June 11 last year, attended the 77th Annual Seabee Ball Official Ceremony; a few all-hands calls at the base; and had meals with Sailors and Marines. In an all-hands

call, he said he joined the Navy in 1971 enlisting as a seaman recruit and spent most of his 34-year career as a reservist, retiring at the rank of rear admiral.

In Bahrain, Slavonic visited the crews of USS Monsoon (PC 4) and USS Gladiator (MCM 11) as well as the Department of Defense Dependents School (DODDS). He also took time to visit with active duty and reserve sailors on their experiences while deployed.

Cdr. Terrence Jones, the total force, manpower, manning and personnel director for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command explained in Bahrain the importance of the Navy reserve.

“The reserve component of the U.S. Navy is a crucial for maritime superiority,” said Jones. “Without the reserves, success in forward-deployed locations would be a daunting task.

The active, reserve, and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian components of a forward-deployed location work together like a three-legged stool. If you take one leg away, the whole mission is affected.”

Slavonic’s visit in Italy began with a meeting with Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, Naval Forces EuropeAfrica and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, to discuss the region as well as personnel matters.

He also visited the US Navy Hospital in Naples, Italy where he met with family members, patients, and medical staff.

Capt. Richard Knittig, commander, US Navy Hospital, Naples Italy expressed how honored they were to host the assistant secretary.

“Our role in the medical field is to keep warfighters in the fight. Having Secretary Slavonic talk with our Corpsmen and providers re-instills the importance of that mission,” he said.

Hospital staff was equally excited to have a visit with an assistant secretary of the Navy.

“He took such a genuine interest in who we are as professionals,” Lt. Jessica Tate, a pediatric nurse within Medical Home Port, said. “He asked us all where we were from and where we went to school; I could tell he really cares about people.”

Lt. j.g. Haley Huff shared her sentiments.

“Secretary Slavonic was so personable,” Huff said. “He even noticed my bull JG collar device. It was great to see the head of manpower at our deck plate.”

Hospitalman Jonathan Cancino said this was his first command out of corps school.

“Having an assistant secretary walk through our halls and talk to us is definitely a memorable experience,” he said.

Slavonic said he was appreciative of the feedback and discussions he had with the staff at the hospital and at the bases concerning personnel matters. Having discussions like these first hand allowed him to hear from the source if there are any concerns, he said.

PHOTO PROVIDED/ NAVY PHOTO SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS BRYAN NEAL BLAIR

Mineman 3rd Class Zimmerman, left, explains the capabilities of the SeaFox mine disposal unmanned underwater vehicle to Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Gregory Slovanic, middle, during his tour of mine countermeasures ship USS Gladiator (MCM 11).

Gladiator, attached to Naval Surface Squadron 5, is forward-deployed to Manama, Bahrain in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 13

UCO-based Oklahoma A+ Schools announces Poetry Out Loud finals Disney Institute sets March stop at UCO Disney Institute is bringing its renowned professional development course, Disney’s Approach to Employee Engagement, to Edmond March 28.

Sponsored by the University of Central Oklahoma, the one-day event will help area professionals explore how to adapt training strategies that ensure employees are confident in their roles by creating a holistic plan that drives employee engagement.

This day of Disney Institute training uses business insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide to inspire individuals and organizations to enhance their own customer experience using Disney principles as their guide.

Disney’s Approach to Employee Engagement gives participants the chance to explore how corporate culture insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide can provide relevant illustrations and engaging stories to help organizations deliver the type of long-term results they are capable of delivering.

Registration is $445 and includes all course materials as well as breakfast, lunch and parking.

Group discounts will be provided for groups of three and six. For more information, call (405) 974-3670 or to register, visit blogs.uco.edu/disneyprofdev.

About Disney Institute For nearly three decades, Disney Institute has helped professionals discover ways to positively impact their organizations and the customer they serve through immersion in leadership, service and employee engagement.

Unique to Disney Institute is the opportunity to go behind the scenes in a “living laboratory” to observe firsthand how Disney methodologies are operationalized and how they can be adapted and applied to any work environment.

To learn more, visit www.disneyinstitute.com or call 321-939-4600.

University of Central Oklahoma-based Oklahoma A+ Schools (OKA+) and the Oklahoma Arts Council will host the state finals for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest at 10 a.m.

March 7 in UCO’s Constitution Hall in the Nigh University Center. The competition, presented in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition.

“Oklahoma A+ Schools is honored to have been awarded the oversite of the Poetry Out Loud Competition this year,” said Sandy Kent, executive director of Oklahoma A+ Schools.

“This is certainly an opportunity to engage curious minds, as the students dig into classic poetry and showcase their confidence in presenting the spoken word.”

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country. Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure. Beginning at the classroom level, winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to the state competition and ultimately to the national finals in Washington, D.C. Guest judges for the competition include Matthew Hollrah, Ph.D., UCO professor of English and department chairman, author, and poet; Steffie Corcoran, executive director of communications at Oklahoma State Department of Education; Scott Thompson, news anchor at KJRH-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Stephanie Crossno, secondary English department chairperson at All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, Texas; and, Gary Jones, educational consultant for Oklahoma Public Schools Resource Center.

The winner of the Poetry Out Loud Oklahoma finals will receive $200 and the winner’s school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. The state champion of the Poetry Out Loud Oklahoma final will receive an all-expense-paid trip (with an adult chaperone) to compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C. April 30–May 1. The Poetry Out Loud national finals will present a total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends with a

$20,000 award for the Poetry Out Loud National Champion. The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the monetary prizes awarded and travel arrangements for Poetry Out Loud.

For more information about the event, contact Kent at 405-974-3779, skent@uco.edu or visit poetryoutloud.org.

Page 14 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

State rested case on a single fingerprint

By David Farris Adam Richetti was on trial in Kansas City, Mo., charged as one of three ambush shooters at the Union Train Station, where four lawmen and Farris their prisoner were killed on June 17, 1933.

As it turned out, convicting him would be a real problem for prosecutors since there was no actual evidence connecting him to the massacre. It was true that he and his partner-in-crime, Charley “Pretty Boy” Floyd, had arrived in town late on the night before, but that was to visit their girlfriends. None of the witnesses on the morning of the shooting claimed to have seen Richetti, and the only witness who claimed she saw Pretty Boy had misidentified a station employee.

Since the first morning of his four day trial, that began on June 13, 1935, the prosecution had presented a series of perjured statements and questionable evidence high-lighted by

a lot of razzle-dazzle, which included grizzly photos of the slain men and a pile of confiscated guns. Richetti was adequately represented by defense attorneys, Ralph Latshaw and James Daleo, who unfortunately, did not have access to Bureau reports. Testimony given by FBI agents who were present on the morning of the shooting had changed drastically from their original statements. Even worse, evidence was excluded that connected one of their own agents, Joe Lackey, as being responsible for accidentally killing three of the five men.

Agents had connected a known mob hit-man who lived in Kansas City, Verne Miller, to the massacre through a series of phone calls. The prosecution's challenge was to connect Richetti and Floyd to Miller.

Agents thought they had made that connection when they persuaded a confidential witness, Miller's girlfriend, Vi Mathias, to confirm the bloody bandages found at their house were from Floyd, who was thought to have been wounded in the shoulder during the shooting.

Their premise fell apart after Floyd was killed and his autopsy revealed

no shoulder wound.

That left only one single piece of evidence that both FBI agents and the prosecution knew would be the equivalent of a Hail-Mary pass. In order to tie together the prosecution's elaborate conspiracy involving the defendant, all that remained was a single fingerprint. It was perhaps the most questionable part of the prosecution's case, and would require the most razzle-dazzle in order to sell to the jury.

Fingerprint analysis today is better understood, but during the 1930s it was a new science being developed by law enforcement agencies. At that time, defense attorneys were still learning how to effectively argue against such cutting-edge technology.

That meant if someone was recognized as a fingerprint expert and made a determination, it was usually accepted. This was a significant advantage for the prosecution regarding evidence from the FBI's crime lab at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. It wasn't until 11 days after the massacre when agents finally raided Miller's abandoned house in Kansas City. By that point, fingerprint evidence would have begun to evaporate and become further obscured by dust. Prints found at the scene were matched only to Vern and Vi, which would have included any prints recovered from “dusty” beer bottles found in the basement. No new evidence was discovered, and the Bureau's investigation had moved on to explore other leads.

In all fairness to investigators, Floyd's prints would have been hard to find anywhere. His autopsy also revealed that he had gone to extreme measures to have his fingerprints, at least for the most part, removed. At that time, in an attempt to avoid identification, it was fashionable for gangsters to endure barbaric procedures in order to remove the tell-tale grooves at the tips of their fingers.

It wasn't until March 1934, when it was discovered that a photo of a single fingerprint, from a single beer bottle found in Miller's basement, had been stashed away in a drawer and forgotten. The fingerprint was determined to match that of a former inmate from the Oklahoma State Prison in McAlester, Adam Richetti. It was this single bit of evidence that had originally launched the FBI's pursuit of Richetti and Floyd.

The sudden discovery of the fingerprint seemed to be a little too convenient. Just when the Bureau's massacre investigation was going nowhere, vital, over-looked evidence that was needed to crack the case was miraculously found stuffed in a drawer.

There were other questions involving the fingerprint that the defense didn't raise: Why only one print?

Richetti had all 10 fingers. Why only one bottle? The defendant was an alcoholic, known to drink a case of beer a day. It just didn't make sense.

Then, there was the fact that the single print from Richetti's right index finger seemed too good. It was not the regular type of print usually found on a glass surface. In Robert Unger's book, “The Union Station Massacre: The Original Sin of J. Edgar Hoover's FBI,” he wrote, “Finally, it is no secret that Bureau laboratory scientists during those years were experimenting with faking fingerprints.”

Richetti's defense attorney Ralph Latshaw referenced this point when he cross-examined the Bureau's fingerprint expert from Washington, D.C., Jerry Murphy. Latshaw referenced “published reports” regarding the Bureau's efforts to see if fingerprints could be transferred from one surface to another. Murphy admitted to the allegation in court, but added, “...we were decidedly unsuccessful.”

Latshaw persisted, “In other words, then, you would say that you couldn't transfer a fingerprint and make it appear as a latent fingerprint?”

After a brief hesitation, Murphy replied, “I would say that I have never seen it, nor heard of it being successfully done.”

Of course, that wasn't true. All that was required to transfer a fingerprint to a hard surface, like a glass bottle, was a copy of the print in question and cellophane tape. Murphy would obviously have to downplay any advancements made by agents in regard to faking fingerprints. To brag about such achievements would have compromised any fingerprint evidence presented by the Bureau in subsequent cases.

By today's standards, the lone, questionable fingerprint could have been more easily discredited. However, to people in 1935, this new scientific technology, displayed on large poster boards and presented by official federal agents who used technical jargon, was very impressive. Unfortunately for the defense, the razzle-dazzle presented by the prosecution worked. Bureau scientist, E.P. Coffey, who was in court during the presentation, enthusiastically wired a memo to Director John Edgar Hoover in Washington, D.C. proclaiming, “... the members of the jury appeared interested and apparently comprehended the purpose and method of the testimony.”

There was something else that the defense apparently didn't argue. Regardless of whether the fingerprint found at Miller's house was genuine or not – IT STILL DID NOT PLACE RICHETTI AT THE UNION TRAIN STATION ON THE MORNING OF THE MASSACRE! There was no other way to put it; Richetti's trial had gone from a lie, to a cover-up, to a conspiracy. There was little left for his attorneys to do, and a not-guilty verdict seemed unlikely. The only strategy that was left for the defense was to reach out to at least just one sympathetic juror, who could see through all of the nonsense, and hope for a mistrial.

Kiwanians schedule annual ‘Rise & Dine’ pancake event The Edmond Kiwanis Club’s Rise and Dine Annual Pancake Day, Family Celebration and Silent Auction will be held from 7 am to 11 am Saturday, March 9th in the Family Life Center at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 South Rankin.

The Centennial Kiwanis Club is cosponsoring this community-wide family event that benefits the children and youth of Edmond. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any Kiwanis member or at the door. For children under 12, the cost is $3. The all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast includes sausage and a beverage.

There will be a silent auction which will feature many quality items donated by local merchants, as well as a special raffle drawing. Come early to bid on your favorite items.

In addition, the children’s creative center will feature coloring sheets, face painting and temporary tattoos.

This fundraising event benefits activities for children and youths, including Key Clubs at the high schools and elementary school reading programs (BUGS – Bring Up Grades).

Key Club members also will be assisting with the Pancake Day. In addition, Kiwanis supports the Children’s Miracle Network, the Edmond Hope Center and Angels Foster Family Network.

Join in this family celebration, while enjoying the pancakes and fellowship! And don’t forget to make a bid or two on an item you must have from the silent auction!

The Edmond Kiwanis Club meets at noon Wednesdays in the ballroom of University of Central Oklahoma’s International House, 930 East 2nd Street. The program includes a speaker and lunch is available.

Visitors are invited to the meetings.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 15

Review of ‘Alita: Battle Angel’

A fun film that still has some faults

By George Gust “Alita: Battle Angel” follows a deactivated female cyborg, Alita (Rosa Salazar) who is revived by a compassionate doctor, Ido, (Christoph Waltz), and introduced to the post-apocalyptic world of Iron City.

Alita cannot remember anything of her past life but is constantly drawn to life threatening situations which leads her on a quest to find out who she is.

There is a select group of filmmakers that when they are involved with a project, no matter how strange and off the wall it may appear, your attention is required, James Cameron is somewhere near the top of that list. As one of the writers and creative collaborator with director Robert Rodriguez, Cameron’s influence on the film feels distant but impactful especially when considering the impressive visual sequences and high concept science fiction setting.

Coming into “Alita: Battle Angel” I was unaware that it was based on a series of Japanese books and anime, which when given the context of the arch sci fi of the world of anime, “Alita: Battle Angel” can be more fully enjoyed as the over-thetop sci fi elements and futuristic setting make more sense. In “Alita: Battle Angel” the story takes a

back seat to the amazingly interesting visuals and fantastically constructed action sequences. Upon a spot of internet research, it appears that “Alita: Battle Angel” was adapted from the first 4 volumes of the series of books causing the story to feel like an over-stuffed and exposition heavy adaptation.

At a running time of two hours Cameron and crew needed to fit in a lot of world building and character development, but there are times when the pacing and character arcs left much to be desired.

For its faults, “Alita: Battle Angel” features several engaging performances from familiar faces like Mahershala Ali and Waltz, but the standout performance in this film was from newcomer Salazar under the shroud of a CGI face featuring digitally

enhanced big doll eyes that could have been an instant performance killer for another performer. She brought life and a charming innocence to the 300year-old cyborg with a mysterious past and a violent purpose. Unfortunately, the central romance between Alita and the street-smart Hugo, (Keean Johnson) never gets off the ground in any meaningful way, which is an unavoidable hinderance in the third act of the film when the stakes are at their highest.

Overall, “Alita: Battle Angel” is a well-executed film on a technical visual level and provides several satisfying action sequences, but suffers from an over stuffed expositional plot and lack of chemistry between the film’s love interests. And while this film is not without its faults it still provides a fun film going experience especially on the big screen.

“Alita: Battle Angel” is better than other anime adaptions, especially the most recent “Ghost in the Shell” remake, and it would be interesting to see if there is a cult following for this film and a sequel is made.

“Alita: Battle Angel” is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language.

3.6 out of 5 Stars

PHOTO PROVIDED

Christoph Waltz, as Ido, rescues a deactivated cyborg Alita (Rosa Salazar) from the distant past in director Robert Rodriguez and writer James Cameron's live action adaptation of ‘Alita: Battle Angel.’

‘Ninja’ taping at State Capitol Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell last week commented on the announcement that the Oklahoma State Capitol will host “American Ninja Warrior” this spring. Oklahoma City was announced along with Los Angeles, Atlanta, Baltimore, Seattle, and Cincinnati as host cities.

“I am excited about the announcement from NBC that “American Ninja Warrior” will be taped in front of the Oklahoma State Capitol for the second time,” said Lt. Governor Pinnell. “This is a great opportunity to highlight Oklahoma and our beautiful Capitol building.”

Lt. Governor Pinnell also serves as Secretary of Tourism and Branding. The Oklahoma Film + Music Office played an integral role in Oklahoma’s selection by “American Ninja Warrior.” The Oklahoma Film + Music Office is a state agency that serves the mission of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

“In addition to highlighting Oklahoma to a national television audience, this selection highlights the importance of the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program,” continued Pinnell. “This program is vital to our efforts to attract highprofile, quality production opportunities to Oklahoma.”

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: '80s MUSIC ACROSS 1. "Formerly," formerly 5. *Steven Tyler to Liv 8. *"Ebony ____ Ivory" 11. Shakespeare king 12. Depression drifter 13. *One with lonely heart 15. Epiphany guests 16. Sir Mix-____-____ 17. *"Free Fallin" performer 18. *"This is what it sounds like when ____ ____" 20. Day before, pl.

21. Scandinavian fjord, e.g.

22. *"Sweet dreams ____ made of ..."

23. *"Clock strikes up the hour and the sun begins ____ ____" 26. Iceman to cinema 30. Time frame 31. Maximum 34. Greek liqueur 35. Escape 37. Black and white sea bird 38. Razor sharpener 39. Antonym of all 40. Starting time 42. Chowed down 43. Like geometric reasoning 45. Styled with salon goo 47. Decompose 48. Past participle of bear 50. Duck-like black bird 52. *A-ha's hit 55. Folium, plural 56. Argonauts' propellers 57. Container weight 59. Apartments, e.g.

60. Blackeyed legumes 61. Author Murdoch 62. Opposite of paleo 63. Checked at bar, pl.

64. Catholic

fasting period DOWN 1. "Slippery" tree 2. Done between the lines 3. Kind of palm 4. Alex Trebek's forte 5. Big name in fashion 6. Terminate, as in mission 7. Half-rotten 8. Pot contribution 9. In proximity to the Knicks 10. *Def Leppard album, "High 'n' ____" 12. Pork meatloaf 13. Phantom's favorite genre?

14. *"We've got to hold on to what ____ ____" 19. Provide with ability 22. *"Goody Two Shoes" singer, Adam ____ 23. "Tiger Beat" audience 24. Lowest deck 25. Flora's partner 26. Says "what?"

27. Beyond suburban 28. Nitrogen, in the olden days

29. Bicycle with a motor 32. Stake driver 33. *Swing ____ Sister 36. *"Just a city boy born and raised in South ____" 38. Dictation taker 40. Quaker Man's cereal 41. Emerge 44. Itsy-bitsy bits 46. Dal staple 48. Talked like a sheep 49. Ladies' fingers 50. Orange traffic controller 51. Spaghetti aglio and ____ 52. Serengeti antelope 53. Foal's mother 54. "Joannie Loves Chachi" actress 55. *"Oh girls just want to have ____" 58. NYC time

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Summit Rotary opens up entries for teacher awards The Edmond Summit Rotary Teacher of the Year “Service Above Self,” Award contest has opened for entries.

Once again, they are going to award at least $1,500.00 to be divided between three teachers.

Entries are now open to nominate

any current Edmond School Teacher by going to www.edmondsummit.org and clicking on the “2019 Edmond Service Above Self Teacher Entry Form,”menu button and then simply filling in the blanks and submitting it.

The date they will close the contest will be April 15.

Youth earns Eagle rank Dallin Cease, age 17, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program. He is a member of Troop 351 chartered to 1st Ward-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Guthrie, under the direction of Scoutmaster James Stuart.

Dallin demonstrated leadership to others in a service project benefitting Hands of Jesus, a food pantry in Guthrie, where he oversaw a project to prime and paint a storage building at the pantry.

Favorite Scouting memories for Dallin include anything high adventure such as white-water rafting, hiking Pikes Peak and deep sea fishing.

When not Scouting, Dallin is a student at Edmond North High School. Join us in congratulating Dallin and his parents, Charles and Tina Cease, on his earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America includes 24 counties in Central and Southwest Oklahoma.

Cease The Council serves more than 11,000 youth, who annually record more than 100,000 service hours.

The Last Frontier Council

is the fastest growing council in the nation with a membership growth of more than 20 percent over the last five years.

ESA News

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pictured from left are Bonnie Daye, Laura Howells, Veronica McCain, and Linda Coniglio.

Bunco winner helps Wings group Gamma Zeta of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international philanthropic organization, held a bunco fundraiser.

The winner chose the charity to which she wished to donate the proceeds.

Linda Coniglio won and choose Wings as the recipient. Wings exists to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational, and residential programs guided by principles of the Bible. Four days a week for four hours, adults can participate in dayprogram activities such as health and

wellness, bible study, culinary skills, life skills, computer and art production. Over 3,000 volunteers give over 15,750 hours of their time to Wings each year. Last year Wings impacted 56,250 individuals.

The Wings member community assists adults with Down Syndrome, autism, muscular dystrophy, developmentally delayed, traumatic brain injury, Prader Willi and other illnesses.

Wings also host weddings, anniversaries, birthday and special events with the rental fee benefitting Wings.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 17

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 7 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

Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt

__________________________

__________________________

Bakery

Lunch Spot

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__________________________

Barbecue

Mexican Food

__________________________

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Breakfast / Brunch

Night Spot

__________________________

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Burger

Pizza

__________________________

__________________________

Caterer

Sandwiches / Subs

__________________________

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Coffee House

Seafood

__________________________

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Desserts

Special Occasion Restaurant

__________________________

__________________________

Ethnic Food

Steak

__________________________

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Food Truck

Sushi

__________________________

___________________________

Page 18 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY: Antiques

Home Decor

___________________________

___________________________

Appliances

Jewelry

___________________________

___________________________

Athletic Shoes / Apparel

Mattresses

___________________________

___________________________

Beauty / Cosmetic Supplies

Men’s Clothing

___________________________

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Books

Plants / Landscaping

___________________________

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Children’s Clothing / Accessories

Shoes

___________________________

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Consignment / Resale

Sporting Goods / Outdoor Gear

___________________________

___________________________

Flooring

Tires

___________________________

___________________________

Furniture

Wine & Spirits

___________________________

___________________________

Gifts

Women’s Clothing / Accessories

___________________________

___________________________

Groceries ___________________________

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • 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 7 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

___________________________

___________________________

Barber

Florist

___________________________

___________________________

Birthday Parties

Golf Course

___________________________

___________________________

Car Wash

Hair Salon

___________________________

___________________________

Chiropractor

Insurance Agent

___________________________

___________________________

Custom Framing

Lawn Care

___________________________

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Dance Studio

Live Music Venue / Live Music Spot

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Dentist

Massage

___________________________

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Dry Cleaning

Nail Salon

___________________________

___________________________

Eye Care

Oil Change

___________________________

___________________________

Financial Planner ___________________________

Page 20 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

VOTE ONLINE! EDMONDLIFEANDLEISURE.COM FAVORITE BUSINESSES/SERVICES (CONT): Park

Romantic Place To Stay The Night

___________________________

___________________________

Pet Grooming

Travel Agency

___________________________

___________________________

Pharmacy

Veterinarian

___________________________

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OTHER: Best Customer Service

Locally Owned Business

___________________________

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Most Attractive Building

Long Term Business

___________________________

___________________________

Civic Organization

Public Art Piece

___________________________

___________________________

Edmond Event Or Festival ___________________________

CHECK BACK IN TWO WEEKS, IN OUR MARCH 7 EDITION, FOR THE RESULTS OF YOUR:

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 21

Aerospace sector lures students

Pictured left to right Brian Dahlvang, Lindy Ritz, Brigadier General Ben T. Robinson, State Representative Tammy West, Chase Rutledge, Britton Lee, Jeff James and director Victor Bird.

Aeronautics ‘celebrities’ & judges The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) hosted “celebrities” from the Oklahoma aviation and aerospace community this week to judge the 2019 Aeronautics Commission Aviation & Aerospace Art Contest.

The state-level art contest, sponsored by the OAC, encourages youth, ages 6 to 17, to reflect on aviation by designing a piece of art based on the year’s chosen theme. This year’s contest theme was “My Dream to Fly.” In the year 2014, 35 students participated. In 2015, there were 85 entrants.

A total of 132 students contributed in 2016 and the contest yielded 1,112 entries from 73 schools statewide in 2017. The entries for 2018 accounted for 1,301 entries and 81 schools across the state. In 2019, the agency received 1,220 entries from 86 schools.

“Recently we learned from a comprehensive economic impact study of aviation and aerospace activity, that aviation and aerospace has become the second largest industry in the state providing over 206,000 jobs. We must have skilled and competent workers for that industry to remain viable,” director of aeronautics Vic Bird said. “The annual Oklahoma Aviation Art Contest is critical to stimulating aviation interest among young minds. If we can reach

Judging Art Contest them at the earliest of ages, we can guide them into STEM based education and aviation and aerospace careers.”

The judges included Brian Dahlvang, communications program specialist, FAA Monroney Center, who is also a graphic designer and artist; Aeronautics District 4 Commissioner Lindy Ritz, former FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Monroney Center director and current president of the Ritz Group who also serves as the assistant director of the FAA Center of Excellence, Brigadier General Ben T. Robinson, former Commander, 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base and owner of Century One, LLC; State Representative Tammy West from House District 84, who serves as an Assistant Majority Whip and the Majority Caucus Chair; Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5, Chase Rutledge, pilot and journalist for KOCO’s Sky5 helicopter; Britton Lee, single and multi-engine certified flight instructor and designated pilot examiner and airframe and powerplant mechanic; and Jeff James, vice president of aerospace education for the Air Force Association Gerrity Chapter #215.

Moad now at OU Medical Center Edmond also completed his residency, Jeremy B. Moad, M.D., a internship and earned his medboard-certified pulmonoloical degree. gist, has established his pracHis clinical and research intice with OU Medical Center terests include bronchoscopy, Edmond. percutaneous tracheostomy, He comes to OU Medical management of difficult airCenter Edmond from St. ways, bedside ultrasonography Francis Hospital, Tulsa, and EBUS (endobronchial ulwhere he was instrumental Dr. Moad trasound). in establishing a pulMoad also performs a full monary/critical care program, range of critical care and pulmonary which included a 16-bed intensive procedures. He is an associate of the care unit.

American College of Chest PhysiMoad is board certified in pulcians. monary and critical care medicine Moad will see patients in Edmond and internal medicine. He completed at 105 S. Bryant, Suite 104, Edmond. a pulmonary medicine/critical care For an appointment, call (405) 715fellowship at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, where he 2022.

City seeking volunteers for copper, lead testing The City of Edmond’s Water Resources department is currently seeking volunteers to expand the current sampling pool for our annual copper and lead testing program. The sampling event starts on June 1 and continues through Sept. 30.

Due to the type of materials used in some interior plumbing, specific homes may have an elevated risk of copper and lead contamination in their water. To meet the criteria for testing, your home must include at least one of the following: n Copper pipes with lead solder installed after 1982 and before 1989. n Visual presence of interior lead plumbing. n Copper plumbing with lead sol-

der installed before 1983. n Presence of a Lead Service Line (LSL). Lead Service Lines are connection sites with lead goosenecks or pigtails commonly defined as the publicly owned portion of the service line between the water main and either a connector line or the curb box.

For households that qualify and have genuine concern about the possibility of high levels of Lead and Copper in their drinking water, we highly encourage applying for this program.

Participation is free and full information, along with the application, can be found at https://www.edmondok.com/1524/Lead-Copper-Sampling.

By Dale Denwalt NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman A Kansas college is offering a sweetheart deal to students willing to move to Wichita, get a degree and work in that state's aerospace sector.

Wichita State University Technical College said this week it would pay moving expenses and housing, along with a full-tuition scholarship for people who live more than 75 miles away. The college said it will offer a signing bonus if hired by an aviation manufacturing company, where a job interview is guaranteed upon completion of the program. The first classes begin in March.

This would be the second time WSU Tech offered the deal to the first 50 eligible students willing to make the transition to its sheet metal assembly and

process mechanic paint programs. All of the students who went through the sixto-eight-week courses last fall were offered jobs the school said.

"Wichita Promise Move is designed to help break down the barriers that keep individuals from getting trained," WSU Tech President Sheree Utash said.

"Whether those barriers are financial, location, time or the fear of failing, we are ready to help anyone get the training they need to get a career in aviation and live, work and play in Wichita."

Oklahoma is also trying to bolster its aerospace industry training programs.

Legislation introduced this year could lead to the creation of a dedicated CareerTech facility where students can learn about aerospace manufacturing by using industry tools and materials.

Page 22 • February 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Aging is not for wimps 13TH F FAIRWAY AIR RWAY - OAK OAK TREE BEAUTY BEAUTY

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By Brian Attebery “Aging is not for wimps?” At least that is what I hear from quite a few of my clients. “It is heck getting old.”

That is another statement I hear from one of my feAttebery male clients at least every other week. What is the problem with aging and how does it influence fitness?

By the age of 90 as many as 32 percent of women and 17 percent of men will have sustained a hip fracture, and many will die of related complications (NFPA Resource Manual 2010, Special Populations). It is a scientific fact that strength training increases bone density. Increased bone density will limit the likelihood of sustaining a fracture of the hip if a person were to fall. What we need to think about is why are older people simply falling? Is this common for people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s? If not, then why are people in later life simply losing balance to the point that they fall all the way down to the ground?

People tend to think of weight training as an endeavor that is for macho, muscular young men trying to bulk up. Weight training is so much more than that. What you must understand, beginning in the fourth decade of life, adults lose three percent -five percent of muscle mass per decade, and the decline increased to one percent -two percent annually after age 50. How many times have you heard people say, “Once I hit 40, things changed.”?

The metabolism will consequently slow down as much as 10 percent between the change in hormone profiles as well as the loss of muscle mass. This not only leads to loss of muscle, but a gain in body fat percentage. So, you have extra weight on your joints and less strength to handle it.

Balance is a product of strength. If you have strong, well-balanced muscles then you can support your body

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weight and keep yourself up-right and stable. I have also noticed that even, persistent weight training individuals find it challenging to balance.

We forget how much we must balance and shift our center of gravity around when we use to run, play and participate in sports when we were young. You must work on balance exercises just like you work on strength.

For example, try standing on one foot while you perform your bicep curls. Can you do that? Perhaps you should try to stand on one foot without doing a curl first.

We have numerous clients in their 60’s and quite a few in their 70’s and 80’s that work out at my facility. We work with them on their specific needs. That is why it is so important to seek professional help. My Trainers are required to have Exercise Science Degrees which becomes essential when you are dealing with older clients. Just because a Trainer looks “fit” does not automatically qualify him or her to work with a 75-year-old woman with a fused lumber spine and artificial knee. These types of clients require extra T.L.C. and only a trained professional should design programs for this specific population.

Check with your facility to make sure that are truly educated through a university.

Aging is going to happen. The question is, “are you going to respond to it?” You can strive to increase your muscle strength and size.

You can incorporate balance and coordination exercises and daily activities that encourage this. There are people 65 years old and their body knows it. There are also people that are 65 years old and their body feels and looks closer to 50 because they have continued to fight the aging process. They keep working their heart and lungs. They keep strengthening the body and stretching. They keep living life and making their health a priority. Are you?

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

Charles Courtney Wood was born in Chillicothe, Mo. Aug. 29, 1935 to Charles L. and Evelyn Wood. He was raised in Fort Worth, Texas and graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1953. Courtney briefly attended and played football for New Mexico Military Institute before an injury ended his playing days.

He then transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and Army ROTC. Always a math whiz, he agreed to tutor the friend of a friend for her Economics class and she turned out to be the love of his life. He married Patricia Gardner from Oklahoma City on November 23, 1957. Shortly thereafter, he graduated with a business degree from OU and he and Patty moved to Houston, TX to begin his career in the insurance industry.

He started as an underwriter with USF&G in Houston, moved to their home office in Baltimore, MD and later transferred to the Oklahoma City office. He became an agent serving and selling to clients when he joined the

Obituary Notice Howell-Stone Independent Insurance Agency in Edmond. At various times, he also ran his own agency, was a Vice President with Marsh & McLennan, Inc. and served as an expert witness for many insurance related court cases.

Courtney also volunteered in his industry to better the business serving locally in Oklahoma and advancing to become the President of the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA), representing over 300,000 members.

He spoke for reform and better legislation before United States Congressional Committees and met with national dignitaries during this work.

He received many honors and awards for his contributions to the industry including the Eagle of Excellence Award and the Woodworth Memorial Award, the most prestigious of the industry. In 1996, after more than 25 years of ef-

See Wood, Page 23

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 21, 2019 • Page 23

Wood From Page 22 forts toward the technical arenas of the industry he was awarded the Matthew A. Cantoni, Jr. Technical and Risk Management Award. He was only the second person to ever receive this honor.

Throughout the time that Courtney’s career was flourishing, he was also giving back to his community as an educator and a volunteer. He taught classes for over 20 years at Central State University, the University of Oklahoma and a variety of insurance schools.

Additionally, he received wide acclaim as a speaker and author of dozens of insurance-related articles. As a volunteer he served on the Board of Trustees and as an Elder at The First Presbyterian Church of Edmond and was installed as a Stephens Minister. He also received the John G. Tower Distinguished Alumni Award from Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the George L. Cross Award from the University of Oklahoma. He had a special place in his heart for the YMCA and was Chairman of the Board of Directors, spear-headed many capital campaigns and was elected an Honorary Board Member for Life.

Shortly before turning 65, Courtney suffered a massive stroke which left him with debilitating consequences that he lived with for his last 19 years. He learned to compensate for his speech deficiencies by using a flipbook. He might not be able to say the word he wanted, but he could flip to it and show you. He suffered mightily but rallied and began a crusade for stroke awareness, leaving brochures and information at businesses and organizations throughout Edmond. It was during this time that he volunteered with the Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Edmond’s Hope Center.

During his later years, Court lived at Touchmark Senior Living and he continued to bless others with his gregarious personality and a ready smile on his

face. The family wishes to express our gratitude for the excellent and loving care that Court received during his many years living at Touchmark.

Courtney went to be with the Lord and his precious Patty on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Survivors are his children, Pam Saylor and husband Mark, and David Wood and his wife Lisa, all of Edmond.

His grandchildren are Kim Saylor and her husband, Doug Vrooman of Seattle, WA, Adam Saylor and his wife Katie Saylor, Blake Saylor, Brad Wood and Jack Wood, all of Edmond and a great grandchild, Caleb Vrooman.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest a contribution to YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, 500 North Broadway, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

These funds will be dedicated to an Edmond project in the future.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church in Edmond.

Courtney Wood 1935 – 2019

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 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure