Edmond Life & Leisure - March 12, 2020

March 12, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 42

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.

Edmond Mobile Meals schedules benefit tourney Page 12

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Showers High 54 Low 45°

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Showers High 56° Low 40°

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 PM Showers High 59 Low 45°

PHOTO PROVIDED Jessica Harraman, (center) a first-grade teacher at West Field Elementary has been named the 2020 Edmond Teacher of the Year. She is shown with finalists (from left to right) Kathy Radle, John Ross Elementary; Mary North, Northern Hills Elementary; Jonette Ayubi, Cimarron Middle School and Christine Custred, Edmond Memorial High School.

By Eriech Tapia for Edmond Schools Jessica Harraman, a first-grade teacher at West Field Elementary and product of Edmond schools who says she was inspired by her own teachers to enter the profession, has been named the 2020 Edmond Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent Bret Towne made the announcement on March 5th during the district’s Celebration of Excellence event sponsored by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.

“Our teachers are our backbone and we have some of the best here in Edmond,” Towne said. “The teachers have such a heart for our children.”

Harraman has been with Edmond Public Schools and in the same position since she graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2014.

“As a former student of this district and teacher, it is really a privilege to represent Edmond,” Harraman said. “This community creates amazing teachers.”

Each day Harraman gives each student a final goodbye and always makes sure to tell them, “I love you. You are so special. You’re so smart and I cannot wait until I get to see you tomorrow.”

Harraman’s mother, Michelle Little, says it’s a joy to watch her daughter interact with her students.

“Her students know that she loves them,” Little said. “She was born to be a teacher.”

For Harraman, they are not just students, but people who she can foster both academically and emotionally. Harraman has sent letters to students for years offering words of encouragement and just to check-in.

“There are great teachers, and then there is Jessica Harraman: the Mary Poppins of education,” West Field Elementary Principal Crystal Smith wrote in her nomination form. “She leverages every single asset to the benefit of all of our students.”

Her passion for the students goes beyond the classroom walls as she has often cheered students on at their athletic, religious and cultural events.

“I love opening their eyes to the big world we live in,” Harraman said. “My heart and soul is in this.”

In 2018, she invited all of her former students to be in her wedding as flower girls and ring bearers. More than 30 past students showed up for the ceremony.

“It was such an amazing and cute ceremony,” her grandmother Sue continued on Page 3

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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 3

Cruz in concert this March 22 A free concert by acclaimed Oklahoma City guitarist Edgar Cruz will kick off the Elm Tree Concert Series at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Cruz will perform from 1 to 4 p.m.

March 22 beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the Round Barn. Picnic tables are available, and concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn, has assembled a stellar lineup of Oklahoma musicians for the Sunday afternoon series, including several who helped kick off the inaugural season in 2019. Concerts are held once or twice each month.

New this year will be the ever-popu-

lar Red Dirt Rangers, who will perform on June 21. Also on the schedule are Baxter’s band, The Regular Joes, who will play on May 3. Terry Ware and the Shambles will close out the series on Sept. 27.

Cruz is a classical and fingerstyle guitarist who has recorded nearly 20 CDs in styles ranging from classical to flamenco to pop to jazz. He is perhaps best known for his fingerstyle arrangement of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“Edgar has been a great friend to the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society, donating his time for a concert every year to help us maintain the barn built in 1898,” Baxter said.

Top Support EPS Employee

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond Schools Superintendent Bret Towne congratulates David Barker, Head Custodian at Charles Haskell Elementary School, on being selected the 2020 Support Personnel of the Year. Barker received his award at the Celebration of Excellence sponsored by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation. He received $500 from the foundation, food for a year from Taziki’s restaurant and dozens of other prizes and gifts from area businesses.

Cover From Page 1 Shellabarger said. “She has always worked well with children.”

Harraman even volunteers her extra time by mentoring new teachers, serving on new curriculum committees and other civic organizations around town.

“The biggest thing for me is to impact student lives every day and I get to learn just as much as they do,” Harraman said.

As Teacher of the Year, Harraman received a $1,000 check from the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, free dinner for a year from Taziki’s

restaurant and hundreds of dollars in gifts from nearly 40 area businesses.

As EPS’ Teacher of the Year, she will now compete in the state Teacher of the Year competition facilitated by the Oklahoma Department of Education.

Other Teacher of the Year finalists include Kathy Radle, John Ross Elementary; Mary North, Northern Hills Elementary; Jonette Ayubi, Cimarron Middle School and Christine Custred, Edmond Memorial High School.

Renowned guitarist Edgar Cruz coming to the Arcadia Round Barn on March 22 for a free concert.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Page 4 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Edmond Favorites observations Last week, Edmond Life & Leisure published the results of our annual Edmond Favorites survey from our readers.

It is important to note that we were the first media outlet to do this just for Edmond. I have to give credit to the Oklahoma Gazette that started their “Best of OKC” contest in the 1980’s.

The publisher was my old friend Ray Hibbard Randy Splaingard that dreamed up the idea for the Gazette. They used to have a giant party to announce the results and invited all the other media in town. They even invited the folks from the world of radio and television. It was incredibly generous of them to do so. Those were in the day and time of true competition with each media instead of today when we all cling together for survival.

Since we started Edmond Favorites in 2002, several cheaper imitations have cropped up. It has watered down the results in most of them. I bet if Splaingard were still the publisher of the Gazette he would have morphed it into something even bigger. We use an open-ended format and not just a line with your pick on it for our questioner. I feel like it gives our readers a chance to express their opinion better rather then just cast a vote. The tabulation is more difficult but modern technology has helped the process.

When we started Edmond Favorites, we purposely stayed away from calling it a “best of” Edmond. For one, I felt like it would be encroaching on what the Gazette had been doing for Oklahoma City all these years. But we also felt it was a better description of what we were looking for from our readers. We wanted to know from our readers what their favorite places and businesses were. Being the “best” requires a judgement call and lots of folks aren’t comfortable with it. However, being a favorite just happens to be where your family chooses to do business. There are so many factors that go into being a favorite that we felt it was a better reflection on our local businesses. It has turned out to be just that over the years.

Since I am the one that tally’s the voting for the most part, the comments and choices gives me the opportunity to make some observations. They tell me something about the direction Edmond is moving and highlight some changes that have taken place in our community since we started the news-

Professor honored for excellence The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has named David Bass, Ph.D., professor of biology at the University of Central Oklahoma, as one of the winners of its 2020 Oklahoma Bass Medal for Excellence Award. The award honors five outstanding educators in Oklahoma’s public schools. The awards will be presented at the foundation’s 34th annual Academic Awards Banquet May 16 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

“David’s dedication to teaching, his students and his discipline are laudable.

We are proud of David and the recognition this award brings him. Our students are the true winners when they have the privilege to be taught by him,” said Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, UCO president.

Bass is a leading expert in aquatic invertebrates and teaches courses ranging from beginning biology and ecology to invertebrate zoology and aquatic ento-

goes on locally.

A couple of folks wrote in that they hate coffee.

It just seems unnatural to me for someone to hate coffee. I don’t mind that they wrote it in the survey, but I had to wonder why. You could skip the question, but someone must have frightened them when they were little with coffee to cause such a reaction. I’m not big on tofu but I wouldn’t say I hated it. Go figure?

Boulevard is another restaurant that takes favorite steak by storm. It is just the way it is folks.

Their steak and sides are second to none among the steakhouses of the world. I’ve eaten in plenty so called steakhouses around the world only to find they fall far short of Boulevard. I would swear that some of the bands that come back to play at the UCO Jazz Lab due return engagements just so they can eat at the Boulevard. Singer Steve Tyrell and his band always want to know if they can go to the Boulevard when they land. First thing they ask when they get off the plane.

Our friends here in downtown, Bison Creek, showed up in many categories. They are a great store that has gifts, women’s clothing and men’s clothing. I bought a new suit there a couple of months ago and Lisa has done some of her Christmas shopping there. She even ordered a couple new pairs of slacks for me for Valentine’s Day. Good people and great merchandise. They also advertising so that makes for the trifecta of a winning combination in retail.

There was the yearly butting of the heads for favorite antique shop. Edmond Antiques versus Broadway Antiques. They trade places each year it seems. The best news is that they are both in downtown Edmond only one block apart. No need to pick if you are a shopper because you can hit both in an afternoon.

There wasn’t much of a mention of our newest food and beverage hangout in downtown Edmond, The Railyard. It is so new that many folks are just now learning about the incredible food and drink choices available. It is where the old lumber yard was located just east of the railroad tracks on the north side of first street. I am thinking we will see it play a bigger role next year.

Hope you enjoyed the result that appeared last week. Thank you readers for taking the time to fill out the survey. We hope you will continue to try new places as they come to Edmond.

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

paper 20 years ago. Here are some of those observation: It will come as no surprise to those of you who have lived in Edmond since before 1997 but we have many more restaurant choices. What used to be a few locally owned restaurants and a lot of fast food chains has become a plethora of choices for Edmond residents. Even since we started Edmond Favorites in 2002, the number has increased dramatically but also the variety of food has expanded. The restaurant businesses are hard work, so we appreciate all the ones that have come and stayed in our community.

I’m proud of how well some of the old favorites have kept their first-place spot given the number of new places that have some to Edmond this year.

Around the Corner (ATC) is a great example. They have always taken the top spot for favorite breakfast restaurant. I was curious to see if they would hold on to that seat given the level of competition that has come to downtown Edmond. When the announcement was made that a new diner was coming to downtown, the ownership of ATC welcomed the new folks. Their theory was that competition is good for everyone and that it would make them even better. Turns out they couldn’t have been more correct. Congratulations to the Weiss family and ATC. One of the newest places to dine in town is The Mule. We knew they would be popular, but they did incredibly well having been opened less than a year. The Mule was voted favorite new restaurant but also as the favorite place for lunch. Many of our readers selected them as their favorite in other categories as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take more categories next year. The word seems to be out that The Mule in Edmond was just as good if not better than their original location in the Plaza District.

The battle for favorite coffee house was strong.

It bounced back and forth between Evoke and Ellis Island with Ellis Island taking the top spot. In the past, the competition was strong, but the advantage may have gone to Ellis Island this year due to a new location on 33rd and Bryant opening and exposing their great products to even more folks.

What pleases me the most is that the national chain of coffee shops barely even showed in the voting. Our readers like local when the quality and service is there. That makes this locally owned and operated newspaper guy smile. Afterall, they are our readers and that means they care about what

mology. Most courses Bass teaches involve field studies where students make observations in nature. Bass instructs students to “get out of their human skin” and imagine they are the organisms being studied to gain a greater understanding of organisms and their environment. He also coaches Centrals’ competitive sailing team.

Other winners of the Medal for Excellence and their award categories include: Michelle Rahn, a sixth-grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Math teacher at Will Rogers Junior High in Claremore, Oklahoma (elementary teaching); Shelley Self, an art teacher at Coweta High School, in Coweta, Oklahoma (secondary teaching); Chuck McCauley, superintendent of Bartlesville Public Schools in Bartlesville, Oklahoma (elementary/secondary school administration); and, Edralin Lucas, Ph.D., professor of nutritional sciences at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma (research university teaching).

Each of the five winners will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a glass “Roots and Wings” sculpture.

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.

Check out what’s inside! n Fun events at the zoo ..................................................................Page 7. n Swim lessons offered ....................................................................Page 8. n A look back at Super Tuesday election ......................................Page 10. n Weekend calendar of events ......................................................Page 11. n George Gust reviews ‘Spenser Confidential’ film ........................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Show coming to Armstrong Auditorium ....................................Page 16. n Musical act set for Arcadia ........................................................Page 20. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Puzzle answers ..........................................................................Page 22. n Church directory ........................................................................Page 23.

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 • March 12, 2020 • Page 5

PHOTO PROVIDED

Rep. Nicole Miller and Jenny Schmitt on the House floor.

Schmitt honored as state House ‘Nurse of the Day’ Cara Jernigan

For Edmond Public Schools

Cara Jernigan named new Elementary Ed. Director Edmond Public Schools’ Board of Education has named Cara Jernigan Executive Director of Elementary Education. She takes over the leadership role from Price Brown who retired last month.

In her new role, Jernigan will supervise all administrators, instructional programs and methods of teaching at the district’s 17 elementary schools.

Jernigan has been the principal at Frontier Elementary since 2013. Prior to that, she served as the principal at West Field Elementary for five years.

She also has experience serving as an assistant principal at two Edmond elementary schools.

Under her direction, Frontier Elementary was the first school in the nation to be named a Great Expectations Model School in its first year of operation.

In addition, the school was chosen

as a demonstration site for the Oklahoma State Department of Education (SDE), a collaborative program in which the department and the school work together through the Oklahoma Tiered Intervention System of Supports to improve both academic and behavior outcomes for all of its students.

“Cara is smart, organized, and innovative,” said Superintendent Bret Towne. “She knows this district, has experience opening new schools and is well respected among her peers. I am confident she will excel in her new role and be a solution-oriented leader who will positively affect the culture of our schools and advance student learning and achievement.”

Jernigan will begin her new duties later this month. A new Frontier principal is expected to be named at the April Board of Education meeting.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives honored Jenny Schmitt as the “Nurse of the Day” at the State Capitol on Oklahoma Nurses’ Day on Tuesday. She is a resident of District 82 and was presented by State Rep. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond).

Schmitt is a certified registered nurse anesthetist from Edmond and practices Nurse Anesthesiology in Oklahoma City. She obtained her Nurse Anesthesiology degree from Mayo Clinic Health System School of Anesthesia.

“Jenny is a passionate healthcare advocate,” Miller said. “She truly cares about providing quality healthcare for our citizens and improving our healthcare outcomes. House District 82 is proud to claim her as one of our own.”

Schmitt has served on the board of the Oklahoma Association of Nurse Anesthetists for over four years and is currently their immediate past president. She also serves as a commissioner on Attorney General Mike Hunter’s Opioid Commission.

Tuesday was Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) Nurses Day at the Capitol. Members of ONA visited the Capitol to discuss issues vital to ONA and the nursing profession.

As part of the “Nurse of the Day” program, each recipient is presented on the House floor with a citation commending them for their work.

Rep. Nicole Miller, a Republican, serves District 82 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Edmond, Oklahoma City and Deer Creek.

Page 6 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Lawmakers praise role of women

By Senator Stephanie Bice I’ve often said that my greatest inspiration for public service has been my daughters. I want to do everything I can to create a better future for them. It’s what I want for all our children. That means working to enact laws and public policies that are fair, just, and that empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential.

On Thursday in the State Senate, we paused to remember the efforts of Oklahomans from 100 years ago to ensure women, like men, had a say in their government ensuring full participation in the political process. Senate Resolution 13 commemorated the centennial of Oklahoma’s passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. It happened on Feb. 28, 1920.

What many Oklahomans may not know is that the effort to give women the vote actually began long before the 19th Amendment was introduced. Women’s suffrage organizations began working to gain the vote in the 1890’s, lobby-

ing in Oklahoma and Indian Territories, and at Oklahoma’s Constitutional Convention in Guthrie in 1906, but only succeeding in securing the right to vote in school elections.

But despite that 1906 defeat, it’s important to note that child advocate and social reformer Kate Barnard was elected in 1907 as the first Commissioner of Charities and Corrections, making her the first woman to hold a statewide office in Oklahoma, and among the first women to hold statewide office in the country. And that happened at a time when she couldn’t even vote for herself. So even though the men who wrote Oklahoma’s Constitution didn’t grant women full suffrage, the men of Oklahoma voted to put a woman in statewide office. She also won with the greatest plurality of any candidate on the ballot that year.

Women continued their fight for the right to vote in Oklahoma over the next several years, and in March of 1917, the Legislature approved Senate Concurrent Resolu-

tion 5, allowing voters to decide whether to grant women the right to vote. In November of 1918, it was approved, making Oklahoma the 21st state to approve women’s suffrage — about two years before the 19th Amendment was ratified.

Nevertheless, Oklahoma’s passage of the 19th Amendment was still a turning point in our nation’s history. Many states still didn’t allow women to vote. Thirty-six states were needed to approve the 19th Amendment, and Oklahoma was the 33rd to support it. By August of 1920, three more states had joined in ratifying the amendment, ensuring women in every state could vote.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those women, and to the men who supported their efforts to ensure their daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters would not be denied the opportunity to choose who represented them in government.

If you have any questions about legislation, please contact me at 405-521-5592, or email Stephanie.Bice@oksenate.gov.

Wanted: Applications for Women’s Hall of Fame The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) is seeking nominations for 2020 inductees to the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. Nominations must be postmarked by the June 1 deadline.

“There are many outstanding Oklahoma women who are improving the lives of other women, families and children and deserve to be recognized for their efforts,” said Riki Snyder, the 2020 Commission Chair. “It is important to honor these women in a permanent manner to inspire and encourage today’s young women and girls to pursue their dreams through today’s role models.”

To be eligible for the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, nominees must live in Oklahoma or be a former resident of Oklahoma. As a guide for choosing a woman to nominate, consider the following questions: n What enduring contributions has she made? n How has she positively elevated the status and positively impacted women and girls? n Has she helped open new frontiers for women and society in general? n Is the community/state/nation or world better for the contributions of the nominee? n Are people in general better because of the accomplishments of the nominee? n Are women in the state, region, United States and/or world better?

Has their status improved or opportunities increased because of the contributions of the nominee? n Is her particular profession or

field better because of the contributions of the nominee? n Various categories of disciplines, professions or fields may include but are not limited to: Arts, Business, Community Service, Public Service and Sciences. n Attendance at the event is required to be eligible.

Current commissioners of the OCSW are not eligible.

Snyder added, “The significant impact Oklahoma women have made due to their remarkable actions has transformed many lives. These actions have earned the right to be recognized in the Hall of Fame and be included in Oklahoma history record books.” The 2020 inductees will add to the current 132 women who have been inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame after it was established in 1982 by then Gov. George Nigh.

Nomination forms and a list of former honorees are available at www.ok.gov/ocsw.

The nomination form and supporting materials must be postmarked no later than June 1, and mailed to: Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women Will Rogers Building 2401 N. Lincoln Blvd, Suite E-1 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Nominations can also be emailed to ocswadmin@omes.ok.gov.

The Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame is one of several events sponsored by OCSW to support its mission to improve the quality of life for women, children and families in Oklahoma.

Tobacco Helpline can make a difference Volunteer firefighter Shaun Pryor, of Edmond, admits that he could not have quit smokeless tobacco – dip, chew, snuff – if it weren’t for the free services provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

"I absolutely could not have done this alone, so having support from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline was instrumental in my success,” Pryor said. He, and many like him, recently celebrated Through With Chew Week, a week-long event that en-

courages smokeless tobacco users to stop dipping.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a TSET-funded tobacco cessation program.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a tobacco addiction, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is here to help with free cessation resources and no judgement. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or click here to receive immediate help and take the first step to living tobacco-free.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

The ‘Explorikeet Feedings’ at open daily at the OKC Children’s zoo.

Why not spend some of the spring break at the OKC Zoo? Add these popular attractions to your Oklahoma City Zoo “must do” list and there’s no limit to the fun you’ll have! All Zoo rides and attractions are operational weather permitting. The following schedules can be made and all are subject to change without notice. n Centennial Choo Choo: Rides offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Children two and under free. n Children’s Zoo Barn: Guests with young children will go wild for this spacious oasis where little ones can connect with animals and nature. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free to experience. n Elephant Express Tram: Enjoy the view as you tour the Zoo! Rides offered daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with four stops in the park. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free. n Endangered Species Carousel: Take a spin! Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. n Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Flock to the fun! Guests have the unique opportunity to feed and interact with our colorful lorikeets.

PHOTO PROVIDED Have your child feed a giraffe. $3 per person to feed. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This experience closes for a “bird break” from 1ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS 1:30 p.m.

– NEW LOWER PRICING! n Giraffe Feeding: Come face-to-face with our The Oklahoma City Zoo provides you with an gentle giants–Ellie, Julu and Demetri! Daily feeding exclusive peek at what happens behind the Zoo opportunities from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per scene with Wild Encounters! Wild Encounters are person. unique experiences that let you see some of your n Sea Lion Presentations: Sea lion presentations favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never beprovide “fin”tastic fun for all ages! Daily presentafore. Follow expert animal caretakers backstage to tions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Sea Lion Presen- learn more about the grizzly bears, Asian eletation Stadium. Cost is $4 per person. Children phants, Indian rhinos, sea lions and Galapagos tortwo and under are free. toises. Wild Encounters are available daily and n Stingray Bay: Be in awe as the Zoo’s majestic each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard! stingrays glide and slide past your fingertips! Cost Each child under 14 must be accompanied by an is $3 per person with paid Zoo admission. Children adult. Prices range from $36–$45 per person for two and under are free. Open daily from 9 a.m. to ZOOfriends members and $40–$50 per person for 4:30 p.m. non-members. Reserve your spot by calling Guest Services at (405) 425-0262 online at ONGOING: NOW THROUGH THURSDAY, okczoo.org/tickets.

APRIL 30: GORILLAS ON THE LINE CELLPHONE CHALLENGE ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S CARETAKER CHATS When gorillas are on the line, it’s up to us to anAre you curious about wildlife and wild places? swer the call! The Oklahoma City Zoo and BotaniAsk and learn! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is looking to the community-at-large to cal Garden is offering daily opportunities for guests help save gorillas by donating old or used cell to engage with its animal experts called “Caretaker phones to the Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Chal- Chats”. These free, informal chats, provide a lenge. Small electronics frequently contain a subunique opportunity for guests to ask questions stance called coltan and 80 percent of the world's about the Zoo’s animal family and their countercoltan supply is in the Democratic Republic of the parts in the wild from the experts themselves–our Congo, also home to many gorillas. Mining for caretakers. OKC Zoo keepers are everyday consercoltan threatens the habitats of gorillas, chimvationists, dedicated to protecting and preserving panzees, okapi and other endangered species. our planet and the amazing animals we share it When individuals donate used phones or other with. “Caretaker Chats” signage will be posted on electronics, the coltan from those devices is re-used grounds and the schedule includes the following and reduces the need to mine for the compound in animal areas: gorilla habitats. The global goal for Gorillas on the n 10 a.m.: Clouded Leopard (Cat Forest) Line is to collect 20,000 devices in 2020! Schools, n 10:30 a.m.: Galapagos Tortoise (New Habitat organizations, businesses and individuals are enNear Entry) couraged to collect as many cell phones and elecn 1:30 p.m.: Western Lowland Gorillas (Great tronics as they can in support of gorilla EscApe Habitat) conservation. These items can be dropped off for n 2 p.m.: Asian Elephant Presentation (Sancturecycling in the Zoo’s guest experience office in ary Asia’s Elephant Pavilion) the entry plaza. n 3 p.m.: Southern Cassowary (Sanctuary Asia)

Page 8 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

A newly renovated food science lab classroom at the University of Central Oklahoma has created new research and development opportunities for students and faculty that will benefit communities and businesses across the country. Pictured, Roshaniben Chaudhari, a graduate student in the nutrition and food science program from Gujarat, India, gives a tour of the lab.

State-of-the-art UCO food lab expands students’ horizons University of Central Oklahoma nutrition and food science students can take part in more research and development opportunities that keep food safe to eat in the university’s newly renovated food science lab classroom. The lab, located in the Human Environmental Sciences building on Central's campus, is now equipped with updated research equipment and technology used in the food industry.

The research conducted in the lab by UCO students and faculty can benefit communities and businesses throughout the country.

"One of the major focuses of today’s food industry and academic research is to explore sustainable processing and preservation technologies,” said Kanika Bhargava, Ph.D., an associate professor in the nutrition and food science program at Central.

"This state-of-the-art food science lab offers opportunities to execute student projects that are mutually beneficial to the food and agricultural business sectors of Oklahoma."

New equipment for the lab was funded through a grant received by Bhargava from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2019 as well as the College of Education and Professional Studies student course fees.

Students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels will have access to conduct research projects in the lab with the primary focus centered on developing sustainable food processing and safety technologies that can be used by manufacturers.

Effective developments in this area may help reduce future costs associated with food recall and foodborne outbreaks in the produce industry.

For more information about the lab and research being conducted by Bhargava and her students, contact Rachel Baugh at rbaugh@uco.edu or 405974-5408.

For more information about UCO's College of Education and Professional Studies programs, visit www.uco.edu/ceps.

Learn to swim clinics Did you know that Oklahoma ranks eighth in the nation in drownings? It’s true and this is a saddening statistic that we simply cannot live with.

American Energy Swim Club (AESC) is doing its part to improve this statistic by offering free swim clinics ahead of its usual summer swim league season. Clinics will be held at Oklahoma Christian University (Payne Athletic Center) on March 27 and April 3.

The clinics will focus on water safety and drowning prevention, along with teaching basic stroke technique to kids ages 6-13. Attendees must have some level of comfort in the water and know how to swim, as this is not intended to be a swim lesson, rather an opportunity to learn more about swimming and basic swim strokes, develop and hone swimming skills, and increase safety both in and around the pool.

Following the free clinics, for those who are interested, AESC has provided a summer neighborhood swim program for over 20 years. This year, Summer League will commence June 1 in various neighborhoods across Edmond and NW OKC. Registration opens March 20. Summer League offers an opportunity for kids to learn more about competitive swimming, be a part of a team, get some exercise, and meet other kids, all while learning basic swimming techniques and water safety.

Some participating neighborhoods will allow those from outside their communities to join their teams. Visit the AESC Summer League website for details on participating neighborhoods: www.teamunify.com/recaesl.

Each step taken towards preventing drownings is a step in the right direction.

Visit the sign-up genius for more information and to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EAEAE2AA4F58-2020.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 9

Breakthrough could prevent, treat diseases A team of researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has identified the exact origin point of movement within chromosomes for the first time.

This is a critical step in understanding — and potentially treating or preventing — diseases where people inherit an incorrect number of chromosomes, known as aneuploidy. This is a common cause of genetic disorders and birth defects, including Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, spontaneous abortion and fertility problems.

OMRF scientist Roberto Pezza, Ph.D., and his team discovered other remaining unknown elements in the process, as well as their functions, down to the most basic level.

“We now know the complete machinery that directs, energizes and regulates the movement of chromosomes,” said Pezza, who joined OMRF’s Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program in 2008 from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. “By knowing these aspects, we can move toward better diagnosing, treating or preventing aneuploid diseases and problems with fertility.”

Chromosomes are long, thread-like pieces of DNA on which genes are encoded. These carry hereditary information on everything from eye color to hair color to height and contain all the specific genetic instructions that make us unique. We have 23 pairs of chromosomes, so 46 in all.

During reproduction, he said, all of this information needs to be halved so the child receives equal genetic information from each parent, resulting in the correct number of chromosomes. During that process, however, many errors can occur.

Every year an estimated 7.9 million children—6 percent of total births worldwide—are born with a serious birth defect of genetic or partially genetic origin. Errors in this process are also the leading cause of spontaneous abortion.

“This process is very complicated and humans are notable among all sexually reproducing organisms for how many problems occur,” said Pezza. “We have to know exactly where—and when— to look to understand what is going wrong. And now we have that information.”

Pezza said this finding will not only help researchers answer questions about errors in cell division that can lead to birth defects or diseases, but also potentially lead to the development of therapies or even methods to prevent the errors from occurring altogether.

The findings were published in the journal Current Biology.

Other OMRF researchers who contributed to the findings were Luciana Previato de Almeida, Ph.D. and Emma Lee, Ph.D. The research was supported by funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a part of the NIH, as well as the Fulbright Program.

“What we now understand could fundamentally change the future of these diseases and fertility problems,” he said. “The finding itself is very basic, but its importance could be significant for human health.”

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Roberto Pezza, Ph.D.

Page 10 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

A look at Super Tuesday voting Last week's Super Tuesday results in the state had some interesting results.

Of course Joe Biden won the presidential Democratic priSteve Gust mary, beating out Bernie Sanders. Sanders won the state four years ago.

The GOP race didn't have quite the drama, since the president didn't have organized competition.

He still won with 92.6 percent of the GOP vote, setting a record for best percentage by an incumbent.

The previous high was about 90 percent by George W. Bush in 2004. Since Oklahoma's entry in the Super Tuesday sweepstakes in 1988, we've seen the following results for other incumbent presidents seeking a second term: George H. W. Bush 1992, 69 percent; Bill Clinton, 1996, 76 percent; Barack Obama, 57 percent in 2012.

Obama's race saw a former Republican, Randall Terry get 18 percent in the Democratic primary.

Terry also carried a handful of

counties. He didn't have much desire to actually be president. He wanted the platform so he could push a fairly aggressive anti-abortion position, complete with graphic ads.

Fast forward to today. I always believed the Oklahoma Panhandle was the most GOP area of the state. Maybe it still is. In 2006, gubernatorial candidate Ernest Istook won the three Panhandle counties in his race against incumbent Brad Henry. That was about it though.

Anyway, I went through the results and surprisingly to me, the southeast portion of Oklahoma had highest percentages for Trump than the Panhandle, although the Panhandle was still well over 95 percent.

In the southeast part of the state, McCurtain and Haskel counties saw Trump get over 99 percent. In McCurtain County 1,730 people voted in the GOP presidential primary. Of those, all but six, voted for Trump. That came out to 99.65 percent. I thought that was the highest until I saw nearby Haskell County. That was 99.75 percent. There were 790 votes, with all but two going for the incumbent. So in those two counties

there were 2,520 votes and only eight people didn't vote for Trump.

The president's message resonates down there.

I'm not sure Ronald Reagan, Abe Lincoln or George Washington could have done much better.

In all of the rural counties, Trump's margin of victory easy topped 90 percent. But in the larger counties, such as Tulsa and Oklahoma, he was in the upper 80s. With that many GOP voters there are probably many folks who haven't got around to registering independent or Democrat yet. Or they are people who were for Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio in 2016 and haven't gotten over it yet.

The Super Tuesday election isn't the last one for this year.

There are special elections and board of education votes on the April 7 ballot. From there we have a primary election on June 30. If runoffs are needed for that election, they will be held Aug. 25.

The big enchilada is Nov. 3.

Lots of people will come out to vote for president.

The last Democrat to win an Oklahoma county was Al Gore in 2000.

Use caution, not panic

By Ryan Stewart With Oklahoma reporting its first coronavirus case on Friday, state health experts are preparing for more infections. But, they emphasize, that’s no reason to panic.

“Most of those infected to date have shown only mild symptoms,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “In many cases, it appears to be virtually indistinguishable from the seasonal flu.”

The virus causes an upper respiratory infection, resulting in symptoms like a dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and fever. Patients may also exhibit gastrointestinal distress or diarrhea.

At this time, there is no known effective treatment for the underlying virus. “So, that means treating symptoms by resting, staying hydrated and using over-the-

counter medications and pain relievers as needed,” said Prescott, a physician and medical researcher.

In mild cases, treatment won’t require hospitalization or, for some, even a trip to the doctor.

“Unless they’re tested, some people will get infected and won’t even realize it,” Prescott said.

“They’ll just come down with what seems like a mild case of the flu, recover, and go on with their lives.”

However, in others, the virus can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.

“Those most at risk for severe symptoms appear to be the elderly and people already facing other health challenges,” said Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., an immunologist and OMRF’s Vice President of Clinical Affairs.

“Those with underlying heart or lung disease also seem prone.”

These cases often require hospitalization, with oxygen therapy to help breathing. “In the most serious cases, doctors will place patients on ventilators. Experimental therapies as part of clinical trials are also becoming available in the U.S.,” James said.

Those who exhibit symptoms should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If you have reason to believe those symptoms are a product of being exposed to someone else carrying the virus, seek medical care.

“Be sure to call your healthcare provider before you go,” said James.

“That will help them prepare for your visit and prevent others from being infected.”

At the doctor’s office, she said, be sure to cover your mouth; you may be given a face mask or isolated in a special room. “The goal is to ensure droplets in saliva or mucus don’t infect others.”

An update on Legislature after five weeks

By Senator Stephanie Bice We’ve just completed the fifth week of the 2020 legislative session and are quickly approaching the March 12 deadline for full Senate votes on measures that made it through the committee process. This past week alone, we voted on some 175 bills.

Among the bills we approved this past week was Senate Bill 1290. I’m co-author of this legislation, which is an attempt to reduce workplace violence in hospitals and other health care settings. This bill came about after an interim study last fall on violence in health care workplaces. Health care workers are subjected to verbal abuse, being spat on, kicked, shoved, slapped and punched, but the assaults can be much more violent and dangerous.

Assaults are underreported and they’re common place in emergency rooms, hospital rooms and the

back of ambulances. It can lead to serious injuries and burn-out.

The statistics show why this is such an important issue. Nearly 75 percent of all workplace assaults occur in health care facilities. Health care workers at inpatient facilities are five to 12 times more likely to experience nonfatal workplace violence than workers overall.

One in four nurses have reported experiencing workplace violence, and that’s more than three times higher than all other occupations. More than half of physicians working in emergency rooms are physically assaulted, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 58 hospital workers died in 2014 as a result of reported violence in their workplaces.

Senate Bill 1290 will expand Oklahoma’s existing first responder and emergency room assault

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

law to include protections related to assaults upon all health care workers. This ensures that not only doctors and nurses are protected, but other health care workers, such as physical therapists, chaplains, hospital volunteers and others.

It also strengthens the penalty for aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon, and it requires the annual reporting of all assaults to the State Department of Health. The bill also requires hospitals, clinics and ambulance services to post signs stating: “WARNING; ASSAULTING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES IS A SERIOUS CRIME.” SB 1290 will enable us to collect the data we need to really get a handle on the scope of the problem. It will also help us better educate the public, patients and employees that assaulting a doctor, nurse or any medical worker is a serious crime with serious consequences.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

If you have any questions about legislation or other issues dealing with state government, please contact me at 405-521-5592, or email Stephanie.Bice@oksenate.gov. Thank you for allowing me to be your voice in the Oklahoma State Senate.

MAKE IT COUNT OKLAHOMA! Census Day is April 1 and Oklahoma needs a full count. An undercount in the census of just 2 percent can cost the state $1.8 billion in lost federal money over the next 10 years. Fill out your census form, Oklahoma. Learn more at: www.2020census.gov.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 11

What’s Happening This Weekend March12 to15 Thursday, March 12 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- Learn the Art of Wire Wrapping ---- Wendelin Van Draanen: A Discussion on Writing and Publishing ---- Brown Bag Lunch Series: Lange: Artist or Activist?

---- Oklahoma Youth Expo ---- Cher in Concert Friday, March 13 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- 2020 Cinch Timed Event Championship ---- Willie Nelson & Family ---- Oklahoma Youth Expo ---- OKC Broadway presents: The Illusionists ---- Jurassic Quest Saturday, March 14 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- 2020 Cinch Timed Event Championship ---- St Patrick’s Weekend Party!

---- The Lucky Coyote 5K ---- One Two Ten ---- Liichokoshkomo’ Spring Break Sneak PeekWeek ---- Oklahoma Youth Expo ---- OKC Broadway presents: The Illusionists ---- Jurassic Quest Sunday, March 15 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- 2020 Cinch Timed Event Championship ---- Oklahoma Youth Expo ---- Jurassic Quest Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featured artist Shelly Presley; edmondfinearts.com Little Women Tea Party Location: Inspirations Tea Room Extra Info: Adults: $26.95, children: $19.95; inspriationstearoom.com or email info@inspirationstearoom.com Learn the Art of Wire Wrapping Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: $35; 6-8 p.m.; sales@silverleafgems.com; 405 285-9700

Wendelin Van Draanen: A Discussion on Writing and Publishing Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 6 – 7:30 p.m.; $5-$20; Facebook.com/events 2020 Cinch Timed Event Championship Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: $25-$50; Facebook.com/events St. Patrick’s Weekend Party!

Location: Iron Nation Harley-Davidson Extra Info: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; facebook.com/events The Lucky Coyote 5K Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra info: $25-$35; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; facebook.com/events Willie Nelson & Family Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre Extra Info: 8 p.m.; riverwind.com One Two Ten Location: Riverwind Casino, River Lounge Extra Info: 9 p.m.; riverwind.com Brown Bag Lunch Series: Lange: Artist or Activist?

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 12– 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Liichokoshkomo’ Spring Break Sneak PeekWeek Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org OKC Broadway presents: The Illusionists Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: okcbroadway.com Cher in Concert Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena Extra Info: 7:30 p.m.; chesapeakearena.com Oklahoma Youth Expo Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; statefairparkokc.com Jurassic Quest Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri 3-8p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday

Speaker will discuss socialism at Edmond Women’s GOP Club The next meeting of the Edmond Republican Womens Club will be Monday, March 16, at Johnnies Charbroil on 33rd St. in Edmond.

The meeting will begin at 11:15 am for those who would like to order lunch in advance. (Please mention that you are there for the meeting when ordering). The meeting will begin at 11:45 am.

The guest speaker this month will be Dr. James Taylor (Introduction attached). Dr. Taylor's topic for the meeting will be "Socialism." The meeting is open to the public and members are encouraged to bring guests.

Taylor is an educator, speaker, author and consultant, He lives in Norman with his wife Rapheala and is pastor of Christ’s Church of Norman.

The Club will also be sponsoring a Candidates Forum for Republicans seeking the Fifth District Senate seat on Tuesday, April 28, at 6 p.m. in the Edmond Downtown Community Center located at 28 E. Main in Edmond Women & Civil War In honor of Women’s History Month, Honey Springs Battlefield will host “Women During the Civil War,” a presentation by Kelly Houston, on Saturday, March 14, at 1 p.m. Houston is the director of the Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City. Her

Briefs presentation will include examples of items created and used by women during the Civil War era.

After the program, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the battlefield and learn about key aspects of the engagement and those who fought at Honey Springs. Visitors also can tour the Visitor Center, purchase items from the gift shop, and learn about the new exhibits that will open in the near future.

For more information regarding the presentation and the Honey Springs Battlefield, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or alynn@okhistory.org, or call 918-4735572. Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Checotah. The Visitor Center is located on a hill in close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville.

Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).

Honey Springs Battlefield is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma.

Page 12 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Benefit tourney April 13 Edmond Mobile Meals invites the community to play in their fourth annual golf tournament on Monday, April 13. “Mulligans for Meals” is a fundraiser created to support the rapidly growing local nonprofit that provides a nutritious meal and daily wellness check to over 220 homebound elderly and disabled residents in Edmond.

The four-person scramble will be held at River Oaks Golf Club in Edmond with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Each player will receive; 18holes of golf, range balls, two drink tickets courtesy of Beverage Cart sponsor MidCon Data Services, and dinner after play is completed.

Awards will be presented for first, second and third place.

A Rolex from BC Clark Jewelers is also up for grabs in a hole- in-one contest, along with other on-course contest prizes and raffle items. The

cost is $700 per team. Teams can register online https://edmondmobilemeals.org/mulligans-for-meals/.

Sponsorships are also available for local businesses.

Cristi Twenter, Executive Director at Edmond Mobile Meals said, “We are so happy to be holding our fourth annual golf tournament. The demand for our service continues to increase rapidly over the last several years and we are excited to offer a fun way to offer teams an opportunity to play at a beautiful, private golf club while supporting Edmond Mobile Meals in our mission to feed the most vulnerable residents in our city. Every team that registers covers the cost of nourishing meals for six months for a homebound senior in Edmond who cannot afford to pay for the service.”

For more information about Edmond Mobile Meals or Mulligans for Meals, please visit www.edmondmobilemeals.org or call 341-3111.

New name for OKC Boathouse Foundation The Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation has announced a name change for the nonprofit organization.

Effective Tuesday, March 3, the Foundation has been known as RIVERSPORT Foundation.

“This is our 15th year as an organization,” said Mike Knopp, executive director. “We’ve grown and changed tremendously since 2005 when we began with a dock, a shipping container for rowing shells, and a plan to build a boathouse.”

Over the years, the Foundation has developed the $100M+ plus Boathouse District which includes several boathouses, a Finish Line Tower, Oklahoma City’s whitewater rafting and kayaking center, and outdoor urban adventure experiences such as ropes courses, zip lines, high speed slides and a bike park.

“As we’ve grown, we’ve seen the impact we’re having on Oklahoma City as a whole,” Knopp said. “In many ways, we’ve helped redefine how the world sees our city.”

The Foundation has also expanded its program offerings to include rowing, kayaking, whitewater rafting and kayaking, dragon boating and sailing on both the competitive and recreational side.

“We see RIVERSPORT as more of

a lifestyle than any single program,” Knopp said. “People who enjoy outdoor sports and recreation find a unique urban experience at RIVERSPORT.” The organization’s efforts to build outdoor culture were recently recognized by the Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the outdoor industry, with a $410,000 Thrive Outside grant. The collective impact grant is allowing RIVERSPORT to partner with nearly a dozen Oklahoma City organizations to “get more kids outside more often.” More than 1,000 underserved youth attended free summer camps last year as a result of the grant.

RIVERSPORT Foundation will be launching a new fundraising initiative later this spring to provide matching funds for the outdoor grant.

“Over the years the Foundation’s role in Oklahoma City, Olympic sports, the outdoor industry and even on the world stage has grown exponentially,” Knopp said.

“While the original name served us well, we believe RIVERSPORT Foundation ties all of our initiatives – adventures, athletics, our Olympic initiatives – together seamlessly and straightforward way. It’s just easier to understand who we are and what we do,” Knopp concluded.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 13

Upcoming Sequoyah Play

PHOTOS PROVIDED/VICKI KELLER

This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sequoyah Middle School School drama department presents ‘The Best Worst Day of My Life,’ under the direction of Miriam Conrady. All tickets are $5 for the show at the school’s cafeteria. Thursday and Friday’s shows are 6:30 p.m. and the Saturday showings are at 3 and 6:30 p.m. Above is Reagan Powers as Ms. O’Toole. Below are Emma Johnson and Jackson Sorrell as Amanda and Max.

Page 14 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Stephanie Vogel

Retired federal workers group hears about Nature Conservancy Dr. Stephanie Vogel spoke at February’s Edmond Chapter of National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE ) Vogel of The Nature Conservancy(TNC).

She reported that TNC is the largest conservation non-profit in the world. The Conservancy has more than a million members and a diverse staff and more than 400 scientists, they impact conservation in 79 countries and territories across six continents.

Using a PowerPoint during her presentation she provided details of The Nature Conservancy Oklahoma (TNCO), a presentation which included beautiful photos of five Oklahoma preserve’s features and wildlife.

Vogel informed members that TNCO conserves around 105,000 acres on 14 nature preserves across the state of Oklahoma, and provided details of five of them.

The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska. The Preserve includes the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie left on earth. It is also home to the imperiled greater prairie chicken and 2,000+ wild bison.

The J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve near Tahlequah. The Preserve is perhaps the last landscape-scale opportunity to address threats of habitat loss and fragmentation, the spread of invasive species and fire exclusion in the Oklahoma Ozarks.

The Four Canyon Preserve near Arnett. The Preserve encompasses

4,000 acres along the Canadian River in western Oklahoma.

The Pontotoc Ridge Preserve and Oka’ Yanahli Preserve, both near Ada. The 2,900-acre Pontotoc Ridge Preserve is a prime example of a healthy, natural cross timbers ecosystem, including bottomland oak forests, limestone outcrops and prairie. Oka’ Yanahli Preserve, along two-miles of the Blue River, is an iconic symbol of natural beauty and a precious resource for life and economic development in southern Oklahoma.

Vogel concluding that individuals interested in becoming involved with TNC may participate in field trips, hikes and volunteer days and also those wanting a more in-depth conservation experience, TNCO offers a year-long program designed around field trips and educational activities that showcases conservation efforts across the state with the Oklahoma Conservation Leadership Academy .

As a non-profit organization, she mentioned various ways to support TNCO, such as donating vehicles, land, or using Oklahoma State’s special license plate, i.e, Save the Monarch Butterfly or Pioneer of the Prairie, Bison.

If anyone wants more additional information about TNC or to support its work in Oklahoma, visit www.nature.org/Oklahoma or contact Dr. Vogel, stephanie.vogel@tnc.org.

To learn more about Edmond’s NARFE Chapter 947, contact Randy Koonce at 405-345-4801 or visit NARFE.ORG.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 15

Public expects more from Wahlberg

‘Spenser Confidential’ goes through motions

By George Gust “Spenser Confidential” follows Spenser (Mark Wahlberg) an ex-cop better who just got out of prison and is trying to leave Boston for good.

But first he gets roped into helping his old boxing coach and mentor, Henry (Alan Arkin), with a promising amateur, Hawk (Winston Duke). When two of Spenser's former colleagues turn up murdered, he recruits Hawk and his foul-mouthed exgirlfriend, Cissy (Iliza Shlesinger), to help him investigate and bring the culprits to justice.

In the age of Netflix originals, there’s been a satsurprised that Wahlberg played somewhat against uration of movies that hit the market with a little type, as he loses more fights than he wins in this amount of fanfare and marketing. If you hadn’t film. His role in this film is suited perfectly for his been paying close attention to the Netflix release Hollywood persona, playing a lower status cop on schedule you might not have heard of “Spenser the rebound fighting for the justice of people Confidential” featuring another collaboration between Wahlberg and director Peter Berg (“Deepwa- wronged by some very villainous antagonists, but the overall result is somewhat of a dud. ter Horizon” “Patriots Day”). And unfortunately, Overall, “Spenser Confidential” is not an all“Spenser Confidential” feels as inexplicable and around disappointment of a movie, but only plays half-baked as the marketing leading up to its Netto a very narrow audience of Wahlberg/Berg fans. flix release.

If you’ve already seen the director/star collabora“Spenser Confidential” feels like a movie that is tions like “Lone Survivor,” “Deepwater Horizon” simply going through the motions of a buddy cop and “Patriots Day” and you want more, then action comedy. Conspiracy and crooked cops “Spenser Confidential” might scratch that itch, but abound in the film, but the film’s predictable plot and lack of originality waste the talents of the star- it ultimately can’t quite stand on its own. Unfortustudded cast. There’s some fun chemistry between nately, “Spenser Confidential” is another piece of Netflix content that will shine bright for a couple Wahlberg and Duke, but the moments of comedy weeks but will ultimately fade into the background never come to full fruition, as the rote conspiracy of an ever-growing library of movies and TV. plot takes the front seat for most of the run time.

“Spenser Confidential” is rated R for violence, The film is directed competently with interesting vilanguage throughout and sexual content. sual style and a decent pace and the small scale 2.4 out of 5 stars feels like a perfect fit for the small screens of Netflix across America, but leaves the audience feeling like it was more of a missed opportunity.

At this point in his career, and with a special relationship with director Pete Berg, Wahlberg has become almost a film genre in himself. When you enter a Wahlberg movie you know you’re going to get a ton of macho bravado and a touch of comedy. In this Mark Wahlberg, right, and Winston Duke team up in Netrlix's hard-boiled cop thriller ‘Spenser Confidential.’ movie, I was pleasantly

St. Pat’s parade Saturday The O’klahoma Irish Heritage Society will mark its third year in partnership with Historic Stockyards City Main Street to kick off the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

The parade is a unique combination of Western and Irish heritages featuring the famous Chain Ranch Longhorns being herded down Exchange Avenue, as well as marching bands, bagpipes, antique cars, community groups, equestrian entries and much more.

Admission to the event is free. Stockyards City’s locally owned stores will be open for business, and paradegoers will enjoy the district’s distinguished restaurants and watering holes.

The parade route begins at the intersection of Exchange Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue and will head west before turning south at Agnew Avenue and ending at Southwest 14th Street.

About O’klahoma Irish Heritage Society We are a group of people who hope to further and preserve Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.

Visit us on Facebook @OklahomaIrish.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Crossword Puzzle THEME: RENAISSANCE FAIRE ACROSS 1. Wing it 6. Salvatore, to his friends 9. Bigger than tsp.

13. Swedish money 14. Snoop 15. Hold the floor 16. Predict from an omen 17. More of the same 18. Cell dweller 19. *Good ____, as in morning 21. *Gathering of rogues and ____, sing.

23. What engineer and auctioneer have in common 24. Japanese vodka 25. Gourmet mushroom 28. Sheer profit 30. *Set up a tent 35. "Best ____ schemes o' mice an' men" 37. Attention-getting interjection 39. One who looks at the stars, e.g.

40. Eye up and down 41. Train stop 43. Laughing on the inside 44. Remember this battle site!

46. Isaac's firstborn 47. Zelensky's capital 48. Fermented milk drink, pl.

50. Billy Joel's "____ the Good Die Young" 52. Use lacrimal glands 53. Weakest in chess 55. Burmese neighbor 57. *Please 61. *Men's vest 64. Child-eating daemon, Greek mythology 65. Call to Bo-peep 67. Andretti or Lauda 69. Colorado ski resort 70. "Slippery" tree 71. Phantom's genre 72. Scotland's famous lake 73. Johnny's other nickname

74. Martha Washington post 1799, e.g.

DOWN 1. Rap sheet abbr.

2. Keith Moon's instrument of choice 3. Apple's apple, e.g.

4. Accustom 5. Like infertile land 6. Do like volcano 7. *Are 8. Swimsuit fabric 9. Not kosher 10. Island east of Java 11. Roofed colonnade 12. One of the Ivies 15. Murdering, slangily 20. Artemis' companion 22. Island strings 24. Blended family family member 25. *Longer than a cape 26. Two under par 27. a.k.a. pilau 29. *Fare ____ well 31. *Horseshoe cleat 32. Pre-life 33. *Shakespeare's pattern 34. *Restroom

36. Actress Moore 38. Sound of pain 42. Tutu fabric 45. Annie or Oliver, e.g.

49. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 51. Peter of Peter, Paul and Mary 54. Big name in grills 56. Giraffe's striped-leg cousin 57. Blueprint 58. Tear down 59. Mischievous sprites 60. Decorative neckwear, pl.

61. Doorframe part 62. Tea choice 63. Infamous Roman 66. *Popular Renaissance Faire beverage 68. Like sashimi

See Answers on Page 22

Answers Page 22

Page 16 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming performance at Armstrong Auditorium Under the direction of his father, the internationally-recognized conductor Gerard Schwarz, acclaimed cellist Julian Schwarz will make his debut appearance at Armstrong Auditorium with the Mozart Orchestra of New York on Tuesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m.

The program “Two Fathers, Two Sons” will also feature Armstrong’s music director Ryan Malone on harpsichord and his son Seth Malone on cello.

“We’re excited to welcome a cellist of Julian’s caliber, as well as the return of his father who is worldrenown as one of the great conductors of our day,” Armstrong’s Concert Manager Ryan Malone said. “It will also be an honor to perform with the Schwarzes alongside my son Seth.”

The illustrious Schwarzes will meld their musical talents with the Mozart Orchestra of New York to deliver an exciting program of masterpieces from legendary composers Haydn, Vivaldi and Mozart. In addition to the well-known cello concerto by Haydn, the performance will include a highly anticipated rendition of the rarely performed Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto, featuring both sons on cello.

Heralded as an exceptional cellist from a young age, Julian Schwarz receives praise for his powerful tone, effortless virtuosity and extraordinarily large color palette. His captivating performances have dazzled audiences around the world, beginning with his concerto debut at the age of 11.

His achievements include winning first prize at the 2013 Schoenfeld International String Competition and at the 2016 Boulder International String Competition's "The Art

of the Duo" alongside his fiancée, Marika Bournaki.

Celebrated for his moving performances and innovative programming, Gerard Schwarz is a prolific conductor as well as an inspired musician and composer. His diverse talents and command of his craft are on full display in each of his evocative performances as conductor of the Mozart Orchestra of New York, which he created in collaboration with the New York Chamber Soloists, who act as the principal players. Among his numerous accolades, he has received seven Emmy Awards, 14 GRAMMY nominations and eight ASCAP Awards.

Tickets to Julian Schwarz, Cellist, Gerard Schwarz and Mozart Orchestra of New York range from $31 to $71 for orchestra seating. For more information about ticket options, subscriptions, group rates, or current exhibits, please visit Armstrong Auditorium’s website or call (405) 285-1010.

The award-winning Armstrong Auditorium has established itself as a world-class center for the arts in Oklahoma since 2010. The theater has hosted acclaimed local and international performances from a vast array of genres, including classical, jazz and folk music, theater, classical ballet, folk dance and more.

Designed to provide an exceptional acoustic experience, only 75 feet separate the stage from the back wall, allowing the 823-seat theater to boast a nine-millisecond initial time delay gap – a measure of remarkable acoustic intimacy. Armstrong Auditorium’s exquisite beauty and warm atmosphere continue to make it an extraordinary venue worthy of its numerous accolades.

PHOTO PROVIDED

This is a photo of Julian Schwarz. Ryan and Seth Malone will join Julian, his father Gerard and the Mozart Orchestra of New York for a guest appearance during the upcoming show on March 24.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 17

Getting ready for the big FAI gala and benefit, are, from left, Brent Pedersen, Jennifer Rogers, Janet Hoppe, Shannon Price and Enrique Ruiz.

FAI benefit, ‘Eat. Drink. Art.’ scheduled April 3 Celebrating 35 years as Edmond’s nonprofit arts organization, the Edmond Fine Arts Institute is gearing up for this year’s Eat. Drink. Art., presented by Oklahoma City Abstract, on Friday, April 3 at the Edmond Conference Center. Join your fellow supporters of the arts for an evening of fabulous foods, indulgent drinks, and beautiful art. Proceeds benefit the Art in Schools Program, a partnership with Edmond Public Schools, which provides weekly art education classes to 3rd and 4th grade students.

The evening beings at 6:30 with delicious wine and food samplings from Edmond’s best establish-

ments, including Café 501, Alvarado’s Mexican, Boulevard Steakhouse, Fish City Grill, Gogi Go!, Hilton Garden Inn, Millie’s Table, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Othello’s, Running Wild Catering, Sparrow Modern Italian, and Taziki’s Mediterranean Café.

Musician, Jeff Wood, will entertain guests while they enjoy watching Reian Williams paint a live portrait of Miss Oklahoma, Addison Price, and bid on original art by Dale Chihuly, Jennifer Hustis, Lana Lopez, Brad McNeill, Bert Seaborne, Thomas Stotts, and other well-known artists. Multiple extravagant trips, unique experiences, concert tickets, special din-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jacci Gantz, Gamma Zeta member, presents educational on ‘Rosie the Riveter.’

ESA teaches members about Rosie the Riveter’s real life From a musical in 1896 to a 1942 popular song to a 1943 movie starring Betty Gable and Robert Young, Rosie the Riveter is a popular topic.

In a continuation of Gamma Zeta educationals about outstanding women of the past 100 years, Rosie the Riveter is an important icon.

From presidential campaigns, to consumer goods, coffee mugs to magnets and commercials, all are used to send a message of female empowerment.

The Rosie icon we associate with female empowerment during WWII was only displayed for two weeks in Westinghouse factories during 1943, but her image now is not a Norman Rockwell picture.

Mary Doyle Keefe, a petite 19 year-old phone operator, was Rockwell’s model. She received a total of $40 for posing for Rockwell. How-

ever, her finished image was a bulky Michelangelo Isaiah from the Sistine Chapel ceiling, holding a metal riveter & her feet placed on a copy of MEIN KAMPF. Mary Doyle Keefe appeared on the Jay Leno show in the 1990’s and then actually held a riveter. She died in 2013 at the age of 92.

This image was forgotten until the early 1980’s. J. Howard Miller’s depiction of Rosie is what we have today. The slogan “We Can Do It!” was originally about winning the war.

But it is now meant to suggest women can do anything they put their minds to.

In 2002 this iconic painting sold for 4.9 million to Elliot Yearly Gallery in Colorado, but in 2009, it was sold to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas. Her image is one that is continually used today.

ners, sports, and advertising packages are just a few of the auction items available.

Tickets for this important fund-raising event are $100 per person and on sale now online at edmondfinearts.com or by calling FAI at 405.340.4481.

The Fine Arts Institute is Edmond’s non-profit arts organization offering educational enrichment for adults and children in the visual and performing arts.

Classes are taught year-round for all ages at 27 East Edwards in Downtown Edmond. For more information on FAI classes or programming visit www.edmondfinearts.com or call 340-4481.

Page 18 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘Ageless Brain’ due discussion at March 17 meeting

“The Aging Brain” is the topic for the March Neuro Night forum, scheduled at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 17.

Time passes and time affects the human brain's anatomy and functions, from slowed reflexes to risk for dementia. Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience invites the community to spend some quality time learning about the aging brain and what might be done to minimize the effects of aging on the brain.

This months’ forum includes the following speakers: n Ally Wallace, director of communications, Areawide Aging Agency

n Sree Logan, Ph.D., senior research scientist at OU Health Sciences Center n Heather Price, Ph.D., assistant professor, department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OU Health Sciences Center During the event, participants will have the opportunity to speak with these specialists on the topic of The Aging Brain.

The forum is part of the Neuro Night series sponsored by the Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, a consortium of neuroscientists from across the state that serves as a research center and information resource at the University of

Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The series is aimed at improving neurological health through education and the sharing of information about research and access to care.

A light dinner will be served at no cost to participants beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at 1404 N.W. 122nd St., Oklahoma City. It is held in collaboration with The Fountains at Canterbury.

For more information or to arrange accommodations, call (405) 271-6267 or visit the center’s website at www.oumedicine.com/ocns.

‘Genealogy Gals’ and their research The Genealogy Gals, Cheryl M. Jones and Emily Hedinger, will be the speakers for the March 16, meeting of the Edmond Genealogical Society.

Cheryl and Emily, avid genealogy researchers, traveled with the National Genealogical Society for a research trip with professional genealogists.

They did research in the National Archives and Records Administration, The Library of Congress and the Daughters of The American Revolution Library. With 27 researchers on the trip there were opportunities to ask questions and receive assistance from the professional genealogists. Cheryl and Emily will offer tips and insights gleaned from the research.

Both Jones and Hedinger are members of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy Group and served on the board of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society.

Meetings are free and open to the public, beginning with social time at 6:15 p.m. Programs start at 6:30 p.m. If you have genealogical questions an EGS member will be available at 5:30 p.m. Edmond Genealogical Society meetings are held the third Monday of the month at the Edmond Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1315 E. 33rd Street, Edmond.

Enter through the doors at the rear (north side) of the building. The church offers plenty of parking and is fully handicap accessible. For more information on EGS, go to: www.rootsweb.com/~okegs, or visit us on Facebook at Edmond Genealogical Society. The April 20 program will be The Gateway Project of the OK Historical Society, presented by Chad Williams, Director of Research Division, OHS.

Cheryl M. Jones and Emily Hedinger, also known as the Genealogy Gals will give tips on researching records in Washington D.C.

Meeting set March 16 at 1315 E. 33rd 6:15 p.m.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 19

Performer honored by alma mater Kristin Chenoweth has accepted an appointment as Artist in Residence at her alma mater, Oklahoma City University, beginning in April 2020.

The Tony and Emmy Award winning performer will be in residence at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University at least once a semester, according to Mark Parker, dean of the Bass School of Music.

“This is a continuing appointment and will be in place for the foreseeable future. Should her schedule permit, she may be on campus more than twice a year. We are thrilled she will be working with students in masterclasses, lessons and workshops and leading ongoing conversations on the business of Broadway and Hollywood. Formalizing our long-standing relationship with Kristin is a major step for the music school and for all of the performing arts at Oklahoma City University.”

OCU’s Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company, the nation’s longest-running collegiatebased opera and music theater troupe, has won nine National Opera Association Production Awards in nine years, including seven in the past four seasons. The school was named to Playbill's 2018-19 and 2019-20 “Big Ten” lists of Top 10 collegiate training grounds for Broadway performers.

Chenoweth’s career spans three decades as a Broadway headliner, actress, author, recording artist and concert soloist from Royal Albert Hall to the Metropolitan Opera.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance at OCU and made her Broadway debut in 1997. She won her Tony Award for “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and was nominated for originating the role of Glinda the

Kristin Chenoweth Good Witch in “Wicked” and for her starring role as Lily Garland in the revival of “On the Twentieth Century.” She earned an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Olive Snook in “Pushing Daisies” and was nominated for an additional Emmy for her portrayal of April Rhodes on “Glee.” Her candid, comedic chronicle of her life so far, “A Little Bit Wicked,” debuted on The New York Times’ Hardcover NonFiction Best Seller List. In 2015, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Edmond museum awarded grant The Oklahoma Historical Society is proud to announce that the Edmond Historical Society & Museum has been awarded a grant through the new Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.

The Edmond Historical Society & Museum has been awarded $2,800 to fund elements of a new exhibit on Route 66. "Because of Edmond's placement along Route 66, visitors are eager to learn more about our role in the history of the Mother Road," said Will Blanchard, board president for the organization. "This grant will enable us to create a more striking exhibit for showcasing our artifacts and telling the story of our town."

"Route 66 is a major part of Oklahoma history," said Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. "This is an exciting opportunity for the Edmond Historical Society & Museum to further showcase the unique history of the Mother Road for Oklahomans and visitors from around the world."

A total of just over $410,000 in grant funds will be distributed, with projects ranging from collections care and exhibit development to strategic planning and educational programming. "We are very pleased with how well this first cycle of the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program has gone," said Nicole Harvey, grants administrator. "Both the variety of projects and the number of applications submitted show that this program is not only necessary, but a game changer for the future of col-

lecting, preserving and sharing Oklahoma history in local communities across the state."

The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society with a goal of encouraging the collection, preservation and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state.

Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma secretary of state, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits and programming.

Applications for this annual program open in the fall and award announcements are made in January.

For more information visit www.okhistory.org/grants.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

The Oklahoma Historical Society was founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.

Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma.

For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Chenoweth was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2010 and into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2013, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Oklahoma City University. In 2016, she invited 16 music theater students from the Bass School to perform with her in “My Love Letter to Broadway” at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. She is a longtime champion of arts education, founder of the annual Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp and namesake of the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center’s Kristin Chenoweth Theatre and the Kristin Chenoweth Arts & Education Fund. At OCU, she has been a member of the Bass School of Music’s Executive Advisory Board since 2000.

“The transition from school to professional career is made smoother when you know what to expect, what’s needed, and what is current in the business of arts and entertainment,” Parker said.

“Kristin, like many of our successful alumni, has been so generous in returning to campus to share knowledge and insights. What makes this formal arrangement as artist in residence so exciting is her commitment to the school and our students in a regular, recurring teaching role. Her effect on our next generation of performers will resonate for years to come.”

Chenoweth will star in the film “Holidate,” which will premiere on Netflix in 2020. Her latest album, “For The Girls,” debuted at #3 on the Current Pop Albums chart and #11 on the Billboard Top Albums chart. The album is a heartfelt tribute to the great female singers throughout history, many of them her heroes and friends. To celebrate the album’s release, Chenoweth returned to the Broadway stage for a sold-out eight-performance concert engagement at the Nederlander Theatre.

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

Edmond’s Osburn seeks reform to civil service system Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, has introduced a major modernization of the state’s civil service system.

The civil service system, also known as merit protection, is essentially the state’s human resources model for the state workforce. It has not Osburn received any major update since the early 1980s and is widely viewed as outdated and ineffective.

“Every taxpayer should be interested in this issue because the state’s biggest expense is its workforce. We will do far better for Oklahoma’s taxpayers and state employees alike by modernizing this extremely outdated system,” Osburn said. “The effect of this bill in practice will be more profound than almost any other policy we pass. It empowers the state workforce like never before, which will be truly transformational across the entire government.”

Osburn, who held an interim study on the topic last year, has worked with several stakeholders to develop a plan to be introduced in House Bill 3094 that will: n Place all new hires into unclassified civil serv-

ice, effective Jan. 1, 2021; n Allow existing classified employees a choice to transfer to unclassified civil service or remain in the existing classified service until they leave their job; and n Preserve due process for unclassified employee protests of disciplinary actions – including protections for whistleblowers and appeals of alleged politically-motivated actions – that would be heard before independent administrative law judges.

HB 3094 was scheduled to be heard in the House Government Modernization Committee earlier this month. Osburn chairs the panel.

“This bill starts the process to make state government a more attractive employer, set employees up to succeed and keep the protections necessary for a strong civil service,” Osburn said. “It will remove mountains of red tape so managers can actually manage, good employees can be rewarded and prospective employees can pursue state service without byzantine application processes.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt identified civil service modernization as a priority in his State of the State speech.

The current civil service system was put in place in 1982 and has not received any significant updates since then. It is overseen by the Merit Protection Commission, a six-person state agency governed by a nine-member commission.

Osburn served on the Merit Protection Commis-

sion from 1996 to 1999.

“Even then, the system was a dinosaur that needed to be modernized. That’s even more true today,” Osburn said. “As a commissioner, it was easy for me to observe both the deficiencies and benefits of the system. The needle we are trying to thread is to throw out the deficiencies while keeping the benefits, and I believe this bill does that.”

Under the bill, the Merit Protection Commission would remain in place until no classified employees remained in state government. The bill assigns administration of the new, unclassified civil service system to the Human Capital Management Administration within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

If passed, the bill would allow each agency and managers within the agency to set hiring, promotion, pay and other human resources policies for unclassified employees in a manner that meets the needs and resources of each agency.

The state has more than 30,000 employees across more than 100 agencies. Today, about two thirds are classified employees.

“Two thirds of the state workforce can’t be managed with the current best practices in human resources because the archaic civil service system prevents it,” Osburn said. “It’s time to modernize the system and unleash innovation. Ultimately, this leads to better management, better performance, better pay and a stronger workforce that provides improved value to taxpayers.”

Lankford helps honor first African-American Congressman Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Roger Wicker, (R-MS) this month introduced a resolution honoring former Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels.

This month marks 150 years since Revels was sworn-in as a Senator from Mississippi. He was the first African American to serve in Congress.

“Today, my colleagues and I introduced a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Senator Hiram Revels of Mississippi, who became the first African American to serve in the United States Congress 150 years ago today,” said Lankford. “Senator Revels broke racial barriers in what remained a widely divided country following the Civil War. Despite this division, Senator Revels was determined to use his position for healing and racial reconciliation during a dark time in our nation’s history. Senator Revels was a man of deep faith, hope, and courage. Today, I urge all of us to take a moment to celebrate and reflect

on Senator Revel’s legacy while following his example by striving to solve racial divisions in our own communities.”

“Hiram Revels was an extraordinary Mississippian and American whose legacy extends far beyond breaking the color barrier in Congress,” Wicker said. “He used his platform to fight for equality and reconciliation in a nation divided by race and the Civil War. The broad bipartisan support for this resolution demonstrates the deep respect and appreciation Americans still have for Hiram Revels’s service.”

Revels represented Mississippi in the Senate from Feb. 25, 1870, until March 3, 1871. He served as the first president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College in Claiborne County, today’s Alcorn State University. He later taught theology at Shaw University, now known as Rust College. Revels died in 1901 and is buried in Holly Springs, Missi.

T.Z. Wright

Morning Music set at Arcadia Oklahoma singer-songwriter T.Z. Wright will provide Morning Music on Saturday, March 14, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Wright is a multi-instrumentalist who since 2003 has been a member of the house band at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival.

He has appeared at The Blue Door in Oklahoma City, the Norman Music Festival, the Skyline Music Festival in Tulsa and the Summer Breeze Con-

cert Series in Norman.

Morning Music is every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the downstairs museum of the barn. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

The nonprofit Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66 and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm.

For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-833-1350.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 21

State tax income dips by 1.5 percent After recording modest growth for two months, total Gross Receipts to the Treasury returned to negative territory in February, pushed down by shrinking sales, gross production, and motor vehicle tax collections, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

February total monthly collections were $956.8 million, down by $14.7 million, or 1.5 percent, from February 2019. Collections from individual and corporate income, and use taxes were greater than those of the prior year, but not enough to offset the downturn in the other sources.

Sales tax collections for the month are down by 3.4 percent, while gross production taxes on oil and natural gas are off by almost 20 percent.

February marks the sixth consecutive month of contraction in both revenue sources. Motor vehicle tax receipts, down by 2.2 percent in February, are below the prior year for a second consecutive month.

“Through the end of last month, we have seen a downward trend spurred by low oil and gas prices,” McDaniel said. “In the coming months, we will be closely monitoring national and international devel-

opments relating to the coronavirus and the resulting economic impact.”

Total monthly gross receipts were last reported as below the same month of the prior year in November, which ended a 32-month streak of growth.

The growth rate of 12-month gross receipts also continues to decline.

Twelve-month receipts through February are $13.71 billion, up by 4.2 percent. In February 2019, the 12-month growth rate was 12.3 percent.

Business conditions The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index for February was listed above growth neutral for only the second month since October 2019. February’s rate of 51.5 is down from 52.2 in January. Numbers above 50 indicate economic growth is anticipated during the following three to six months.

February collections February gross collections total $956.8 million, down by $14.7 mil-

See Income, Page 22

New business to bring 65 jobs HomeGoods, an off-price home décor store, will open an approximately 22,000 square-foot store in Edmond on Sunday, March 29 at 8 a.m. The new store is located in Edmond Crossing Shopping Center at 22 East 33rd Street.

HomeGoods provides an ever changing selection of high-quality merchandise at excellent values. With prices generally 20 to 60 percent below full-price retailers’ (including department, specialty, and major online retailers) regular prices on comparable merchandise, the HomeGoods shopping experience is unlike any other. From top brands and designers to exciting finds from all over the world, HomeGoods offers an inspiring selection in countless styles for every room of the house.

“Our values, brand names, and vast assortment make HomeGoods an exciting destination for shoppers,”

states John Ricciuti, President of HomeGoods. “With a large variety of special merchandise from around the world, customers will always find something thrilling in our treasure hunt environment at great values. We are happy to provide Edmond with a local HomeGoods.”

HomeGoods merchandise departments include furniture, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, kitchen and dining, bedding, bath, kids’ décor and toys, pet accessories, storage, workspace, outdoor, gourmet, wellness and more.

HomeGoods expects to fill approximately 65 full- and part-time positions. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Special Grand Opening Day hours will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For additional HomeGoods locations, please visit Homegoods.com.

Travel insurance covers virus?

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready Spring Break is drawing near, and whether your plans include a beach, or a magical theme park, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance for your Spring Break trip.

Like most of you, I have been reading news about the coronavirus COVID19 and the impact that it might have on the global community and the insurance industry. With the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak upending travelers’ plans, it is important to know what travel insurance covers.

Can’t decide if you need travel insurance? Here are some questions to help you decide.

I’m afraid to travel due to COVID19 and want to cancel my trip. Am I covered?

Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with an epidemic or pandemic is usually not covered. However, more expensive policies such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage may be able to

refund a portion of your insured prepaid, non-refundable trip cost. Note that with CFAR coverage, the insurance policy must be purchased within a set amount of days and notified at least 48 hours prior to scheduled departure.

What if my cruise line or airline cancels a trip due to COVID-19?

Most standard travel insurance does not cover losses caused by an epidemic or pandemic. If you purchased the CFAR policy, you may be covered for a portion of your trip cost. Contact your cruise line, airline or tour provider to see if any refund is offered by them first.

Travel insurance plans cost between 4%-10% of your trip expenses.

I encourage travelers to determine their actual risk, understand what they are trying to cover and then find a policy that accomplishes that. If you decide travel insurance is a good option for your trip, make sure you know exactly what the plan covers before buying.

PHOTO PROVIDED

It took about two years for completion of the new Oklahoma Insurance Department building at 400 N.E. 50th in the metro.

State Insurance Department celebrates new office building Last week state and local officials joined Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Oklahoma Insurance Department's (OID) new building located at 400 NE 50th Street in Oklahoma City.

The 32,500 square-foot, state-ofthe-art facility is the first standalone State Insurance Department building in Oklahoma history. The entire building construction process took approximately two years from design to occupancy with the grand opening held on Tuesday, March 3.

The building project was made

possible by House Bill 2308 (2018) allowing OID to lease the land from the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) while owning the building.

Through lease payments to the CLO, $3.7 million will go to public education over a 55-year lease. The OID is a non-appropriated state agency, thus all construction costs will have no impact on the general revenue fund.

"This great new facility will better allow us to meet the needs of our staff, the Oklahoma consumers and the insurance industry," Mulready said.

Page 22 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Guests artists Milton Trice and Gail Trice, right, with Heritage Hall students Macey Fletcher, Elizabeth Siatkowski, Abi Siatkowski, and Noah McAdams, and Upper School Art teachers Trish Winnard and Serena Engle.

Artist exhibit at Heritage Hall

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.

On Tuesday, March 3, Milton Trice brought his vibrant, larger-than-life paintings to the Heritage Hall Embree Art Gallery for an exhibition that also featured the adorned book art of Gail Trice. The exhibit – attended by members of the school and greater Oklahoma City communities – was the latest installment of the School’s Guest Artist Program.

A self-taught visual artist, M. Trice creates experimental, broken plane paintings that invite the viewer to walk into the scene. According to Trice, “If you combine multiple surfaces, bend and break them, you can give a bigger jump to your figures.

You feel like you can pick them up or be there. I call it, ‘Being There.’”

During the event, Trice shared details about his personal journey as an artist, what led to his technique and style, and his lifelong pursuit to perfect his craft. Trice also talked about his book Stereo Realism: The Hidden World. In the coming weeks, as part of the Guest Artist Program, Trice

will visit Heritage Hall Upper School art classes for more in-depth discussions and demonstrations.

Upper School Art teacher Trish Winnard developed Heritage Hall’s Guest Artist Program in 2017 with an aim of bringing local artists to work with students and to showcase the diverse artwork being created in the Oklahoma City area. Since its inception, the program has welcomed local artists Margaret Reynolds Hoge (Heritage Hall Class of 1974), Lyn Kopta, and Kevin Thomas.

“My vision for this program was to provide additional educational opportunities for our students and to give the Heritage Hall Art Department visibility in the school community and beyond. I am delighted that the program and our beautiful Embree Art Gallery attract exceptional artists like Milton and Gail, who share different media and perspectives with our students and give them an even deeper appreciation of art,” observed Winnard.

Income From Page 21 lion, or 1.5 percent, from February 2019.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $293.3 million, an increase of $2.8 million, or 1 percent, from the previous February.

Individual income tax collections for the month are $280.1 million, up by $704,000, or 0.3 percent, from the prior year. Corporate collections are $13.2 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 18.7 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $409.2 million in February. That is $8.9 million, or 2.1 percent, less than February 2019.

Sales tax collections in February total $356.3 million, a drop of $12.4 million, or 3.4 percent from the same month of the prior year. Use tax receipts, collected on out-of-state purchases including online sales, generated $52.9 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 7.1 percent, over the year.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $84.9 million in February, a decrease of $20.8 million, or 19.7 percent, from last February.

Compared to January 2020 reports, gross production collections are down by $3.5 million, or 3.9 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $56 million, down by $1.3 million, or 2.2 percent, from the same month of 2019.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including

taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $113.4 million during the month. That is $13.4 million, or 13.4 percent, more than last February.

Twelve-month collections Gross revenue totals $13.71 billion from the past 12 months, March 2019 through February 2020. That is $551.3 million, or 4.2 percent, above collections from the previous 12month period.

Gross income taxes generated $4.77 billion for the 12 months, reflecting an increase of $342.2 million, or 7.7 percent, from the prior 12 months.

Individual income tax collections total $4.18 billion, up by $265.7 million, or 6.8 percent, from the prior period. Corporate collections are $567 million for the period, an increase of $76.6 million, or 15 percent, over the previous 12 months.

Combined sales and use taxes for the 12 months generated $5.58 billion, an increase of $101.6 million, or 1.9 percent, from the prior period.

Gross sales tax receipts total $4.85 billion, down by $8.2 million, or 0.2 percent, during the period. Use tax collections generated $731.7 million, an increase of $109.8 million, or 17.7 percent, over the previous 12 months.

Oil and gas gross production tax collections brought in $993.8 million during the 12 months, down by $72.8 million, or 6.8 percent, from the previous 12 months.

Motor vehicle collections total $791.2 million for the 12 months.

Answers to this week’s puzzles

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 12, 2020 • Page 23

National Poison Prevent Week set for March 15-21 Some of the basic household items people use every day are the leading causes of accidental poisonings. Laundry detergent, hand sanitizer and vitamins are three of the most common sources of poisoning, but there are other products in the home that also pose a danger.

National Poison Prevention Week, March 15-21, is a time to increase the level of awareness of potential household risks in an effort to keep people of all ages safe.

Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer and housing specialist, said there are easy steps to take to help make your home safer for everyone, from infants to those age 99 and beyond.

“First and foremost, put the American Association

of Poison Control Centers telephone number by every household phone and plug it into your cell phone,” Peek said. “The number is 800-222-1222.

Next, take a look around your home. There are obvious products in your home that can cause accidental poisonings – oven cleaner, bug spray, cleaning products and laundry detergent, to name a few. One of the most popular places to store some of these is in the cabinet beneath the kitchen or bathroom sink.

However, if these products are easy for you to get to when you’re ready to use them, they’re also ready for little hands who are exploring in the home.”

But, keep in mind it is not just cleaning products and chemicals that are dangerous. There are products not so obvious, such a medication and even

carbon monoxide, that are dangerous as well.”

When it comes to household and lawn care chemicals, be sure to read the label before using any product that may be poisonous. Keep chemical products in their original containers so you always will have the list of ingredients. Peek said never store chemicals in food containers such as cups, bottles or jars.

While one product is good, two must be better, right? Wrong. Never mix household cleaning products together. They can cause a chemical reaction that results in toxic gases.

“When using chemicals, especially in smaller spaces, be sure to turn on a fan and open a window,” she said.

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 10:00aam Animal Friendly Friendly Parish “If yyou ou ha have ave people who ex exclude clude an anyy of God’ God’ss cr creatures eatures fr from om the shelter of compassion and pity pity,, yyou ou will ha have ave those who deal lik likewise ewise with their fello fellow w human being. being.””

St. St. Francis Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) (1182-1226)

www.anglicancgsedmondok.com www w.ang . gllicancgsedmondok.com 11928 928 Book of Common Pr Prayer ayer • ang anglicancgesedmondok.com licancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • March 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure