Edmond Life and Leisure - March 18, 2021

March 18, 2021 Vol. 21, No. 44

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

You’re vaccinated …..now what?

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.

March Madness See page 16 & 17 ENHS Financial Secretary Pam Kuehni

FRIDAY, March 19 Partly Cloudy High 68° Low 45°

SATURDAY, March 20 Mostly Sunny High 67° Low 45°

SUNDAY, March 21 Mostly Sunny High 66° Low 46°

(Editor’s note: The following information is from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation) Covid-19 vaccination rates are on the rise across Oklahoma and the nation, leaving many curious whether they can relax pandemic precautions.

With new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, experts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation answer questions about post-vaccination life.

1. What is “full vaccination,” and how long does it take?

Being fully vaccinated means your body has formed a maximal immune response to a vaccine.

Whether you received a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson jab, the timetable after the final — or only — shot is the same: two weeks.

“Trial data shows this is the optimal amount of time for your body to build a full immune response and the vaccine to reach peak performance,” said OMRF immunologist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D. “Vaccines are not like pain medication; they a

little while to kick in. Your immune system has a lot of work to do.”

2. Can I be indoors with unmasked people?

Small groups of fully vaccinated people can gather indoors, unmasked with other fully vaccinated people. And, the CDC says, fully vaccinated people can gather unmasked, indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household, as long as none of those people are at high risk for severe illness from Covid-19.

“It’s a much lower risk,” said OMRF physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D. “The Covid-19 vaccines are among the most effective ever produced. If you’re tired of masks, get a vaccine as soon as you can.”

3. Can I see my unvaccinated family, like children who can’t be vaccinated yet?

“Grandparents are particularly concerned with this question,” said Scofield. “The answer is yes, as long as you keep it to one household, and no one is at high risk for severe Covid-19.”

For family gatherings of more than one household at a time, Scofield says, it is best to keep the

IMAGE PROVIDED

festivities outside, practice distancing and wear masks.

4. Do I still need to wear a mask in public?

“Yes, but probably not for much longer,” said Chakravarty, explaining that it is still unknown if fully vaccinated individuals can spread the virus to unvaccinated people.

“With more contagious variants circulating, we all need to do our part to stop another surge. My mask stays on until Dr. Fauci says it’s safe to take it off,” Chakravarty added.

5. Do I still need to quarantine if I am exposed to someone with Covid-19?

“No. Because the vaccines appear to do such a good job at protecting people, fully vaccinated people don’t need to quarantine or get a test only because they’ve been exposed,” said Scofield.

However, you should keep an eye on how you’re feeling and get a test if any Covid-like symptoms develop.

“These guidelines show we’re in the home stretch. They will continue to change as we learn more,” said Scofield. “Let’s just see it through to the end.”

Page 2 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 3

Spring Market in Arcadia

PHOTO PROVIDED/SUSAN SNYDER

Debbie Norrid helped out last summer at the cut flower booth of her sister, Susan Snyder.

The first spring market day of the season is set for Saturday, March 27, at the Arcadia Farmers Market. The outdoor market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Division Street and Historical Route 66. Vendors will offer gourmet coffee, goat’s milk soap, craft and vintage items, potted herbs, vegetable and flower plants and baked goods including gluten-free by Sweet Country Farms.

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

A little over a year ago, Memorial High School had its traditional Swine Week final assembly. This month, because of ongoing COVID restrictions, many activities were altered or canceled. That was also the case at Santa Fe and North high schools.

High schools raise almost $500K to help community The student bodies of all three Edmond High Schools raised nearly half a million dollars for their respective charities during Balto, Swine Week and Double Wolf Dare Week. Despite having to change, alter or cancel events due to the pandemic, the students rose to the challenge, focusing on the spirit of the fundraising and not the total raised.

Students also learned about cooperation and helping one another.

Months ago, they created a plan to provide a cushion for the total amount donated to the primary beneficiaries at each school.

Instead of a 95-5 split of funds between the primary recipient and the common thread recipient, there will be a 90-5-5 split.

Ninety percent of each high school's total will benefit their chosen

charity, and the other 10 percent will be split between the two sister high school's charities. The middle and elementary school funds will be included in the high school of their vertical, prior to the 90-5-5 disbursement.

"Students believe the new arrangement helped unify the three high schools as they worked for others with one another," said Debbie Bendick, associate superintendent of secondary education.

The beneficiaries benefitting from the students' fundraising efforts are as follows: Memorial - Keaton's Kindness Foundation North - Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Santa Fe - The Dragonfly Home

Page 4 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Sales tax TIF created as developer incentive A new Memorandum of Understanding which includes a Sales Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) was approved by the Edmond City Council in their last meeting for land at the intersection of I-35 and Covell. The TIF is a way of trying more incentives to get the area developed. It has lagged since inception. The only two Ray Hibbard projects on the property have already received city tax funding are the Edmond Hilton Inn & Conference Center and ShowBiz Cinemas.

While three corners are included in the TIF, attention is being paid to the northwest corner of the intersection at I-35 and Covell. It was the large piece of land that was clear cut and left with blowing dirt for so many months before construction started on the Edmond Conference Center. The plan was that more development in the form of upscale retail would move into the area as well, but it has not happened. I would guess that both ShowBiz and the Hilton Garden Inn are tired of being the only properties on the undeveloped land.

The City has previous working relationships with the developer that have created the Hotel/Conference Center and the Movie Theater project within the development area. The developer is now seeking an overall development plan for the land they own at the interchange. This includes three corners at I-35 and Covell. Under the agreement the developer has until October of 2022 to secure a development partner that can get the job done of recruiting businesses to the corner.

The southwest corner of the intersection has developed well without incentives. There is an upscale Braum’s store on that corner. There is a national chain coffee house, taco restaurant and the obligatory nail salon as well. It has been a question mark in many of our readers’ minds as to why the corner across the street has not developed even close to expectations. Certainly, the pandemic was not helpful but the difficulty in recruiting retail started before the virus hit. Action by the council on the consent agenda in the same meeting extended the performance portion of the sales tax rebate for ShowBiz another 18 months. I would guess it will have to be extended further in the future.

It is a 25-year agreement where the developer would receive 2% of taxable sales returned. The 2% is only part of the city portion of sales tax.

The dedicated sales tax including fire and police would not be part of the incentive. The developer could in turn offer the businesses he recruits incentives with the TIF funds.

Here are the details on what the new expectations are for the developer and the city under the agreement.

DEVELOPER RESPONSIBILITIES Recruit a development partner with significant regional retail capabilities. Needs to occur by Oct. 1, 2022 Prepare regular progress reports (every two months) on activities with the NW Development

I would guess that both ShowBiz and the Hilton Garden Inn are tired of being the only properties on the undeveloped land.

Tract starting July 31, 2021 Obtain necessary financing for the Project and negotiate/approve any agreements necessary to implement each component of the Project Provide evidence of at least 150,000 square feet of building commitments with reasonable projections that this space will generate $45M in annual retail sales with no more than 40% of the building space or annual sales shall be from restaurants Within 270 days of the adoption of the Project Plan, the Developer shall commence construction of the Mixed-Use development on the NW Development Tract consisting of the scale of development outlined in the previous bullet point CITY/EPWA RESPONSIBILITIES Support efforts to recruit development partner with Developer Monitor progress of the Developer relating to the project Prepare for when the developer meets outlined preconditions to initiate a sales tax increment district (Sales Tax only TIF District) and the creation of a Project Plan for development of the Covell Project Area Review and approve contracts for construction and professional services to provide for design and construction of public improvements in the project area Based on an approved Project Plan establish 2% of taxable sales generated within the TIF District to be applied to approved Project Plan expenditures for up to 25 years or until payment of project costs occur, whichever is less, as required by the Act. The Project Plan budget shall not exceed $40M. The agreement is effective upon the council approval which it received at the last council meeting. This agreement spells out preconditions that must occur before the City will consider moving forward with the creation of the Sales Tax TIF District. If the City is moving forward, the developer has secured a regional retail development partner and has developed commitments that will construct a minimum of 150,000 sq ft of retail space that will generate $45M of retail sales on an annual basis.

An aspect of the agreement that took me by surprise is that it gives the green light by the City of Edmond for the businesses in the TIF District to charge an additional “tax” or fee to folks shopping in the area.

City staff tells me it is common in shopping areas around the country. Since we do not shop when we travel, I have not seen such a thing. I do not believe they can call it a tax, but it could be, for example, a half percent fee tagged on the end of your ticket. I do not know how well that would go over but first things first. Some-

things must be done with the land.

Of course, my concern over any incentives offered by the city is the effect it has on locally owned businesses. The city is in the business of recruiting competition with incentives. If businesses come on their own that is just free enterprise but if the city pays businesses to come compete with our locally owned businesses, that is where I get off the incentive train. Our local businesses need our support more than ever folks. At the same time, we are stuck with helping a piece of land that needs to be developed at this point. It may have been a good idea not to go down the sales tax incentive road in the first place.

Edmond City Council Adopts Tree Preservation Ordinances Also approved in the council meeting: New residential developments will be required to have at least 20% tree canopy. The council unanimously passed the community’s first ordinances for tree preservation in new residential developments.

These ordinances will shape how future residential developments are carried out when it comes to removal and planting of trees on undeveloped land.

The major change requires that when a neighborhood is designed, at least 20% of the area will be set aside for tree preservation and open space. If there are no trees to be preserved, the planting of trees will be required. The area that is set aside will become common area for all future property owners within the neighborhood.

A companion ordinance was developed to allow tree removals once a plan that complies with the design standards has been approved.

Prior to that, the removal of trees from some undeveloped areas will be prohibited. Council members commented in the meeting that removal of the pesty red cedar trees were still approved.

“I’m impressed with the big picture sense of community of the stakeholders,” said Director of Community Image Ryan Ochsner. “Throughout the three-plus year process there was respect, understanding, and sometimes compromise from all involved. The result is a set of standards that is right for Edmond and will touch the daily lives of many residents as they have the opportunity to live next to part of the historic Cross Timbers forest.”

This topic was identified several years ago by the City Council and their desire to support optimal amounts of tree canopy. The Urban Forestry Commission and City of Edmond Community Image staff began working on the ordinances in 2017 with a multitude of community stakeholders that included residents, local developers, designers, and elected officials.

Before the City Council vote, the fully vetted ordinances received a positive recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Urban Forestry Commission, Development Impact Review Committee, and the Edmond Planning Commission.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Senior News ........................................................................Pages 8 & 9.

---- Letter writer wary of ‘Liberty Party’ ..........................................Page 10.

---- Make Daylight Saving Time permanent? ....................................Page 11.

---- Elaine Warner’s travel column ....................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews ‘Tom & Jerry’ film ....................................Page 14.

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

---- Business news ............................................................................Page 15.

---- March Madness................................................................Pages 16 & 17.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 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 18, 2021 • Page 5

Cindy Bickford top support employee

North’s Fugitt named EPS ‘Teacher of Year’ Duncan Fugitt, a high-school STEM teacher at Edmond North High School and a product of Edmond Schools who decided to forgo an engineering career to inspire future generations, has been named the Edmond Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent Bret Towne made the announcement on March 11 during the district’s Celebration of Excellence event sponsored by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.

“Duncan Fugitt displays enthusiasm for his craft and his students,” Towne said. “He cares deeply about his students’ success and additionally has a deep commitment to ensuring that young women, minorities and other marginalized students have every opportunity to learn and succeed in the physical sciences.”

Fugitt has been a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teacher since he began with the district in 2015. He has also PHOTO PROVIDED/ERIECH TAPIA worked with the boys’ tennis team Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Bret Towne, Superintendent Elect Dr. Angela Mills Grunewald, Support since he started and is now the head Staff Member of the Year Cindy Bickford, Rookie Teacher of the Year Hanna Pavao, and Teacher of the Year Duncan Fugitt at the annual Celebration of Excellence sponsored by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation. coach.

“Teaching is the only vocation come a role model for them and “I could not be more thankful for STEM course at Edmond North along upon which all other vocations rely,” pushes them to strive for excellence this path that I have chosen,” Pavao with serving in state and national orFugitt said, who questioned whether in their lives. said. ganizations for science teachers. he wanted to become a teacher or an “She develops relationships with During the last year, she helped a “I want students to get their hands engineer. these students right away and helps fellow teacher who was out with an dirty, try to design or build someHe graduated from the University them with all different tasks throughillness. Additionally, she is active in thing real, and test it in a way that of Oklahoma in 2013, with a degree out the semester, always guiding her community volunteering at the challenges their understanding,” he in civil engineering. them in the right direction,” said Regional Food Bank and Habitat for said.

“I continued to come back to the Brandi Wheeler, an Assistant Principal Humanity.

“There is a deeply personal reward belief that this profession is a powerat the Edmond Memorial Freshman that comes along with this profesful and profound way to influence Academy.

Cindy Bickford Top sion,” Fugitt said. students,” Fugitt said.

Her dedication to the students conSupport Employee Outside of the classroom, Fugitt Giving students real-life experitinues outside of the Freshman AcadCindy Bickford, a support staff has led the Edmond North boys tenences is something Fugitt instills emy when she supports students at member at the Edmond Memorial nis team to multiple state champiwithin his classroom curriculum. He athletic events, fine art shows and Freshman Academy who has been onships and often attends his has given students assignments varythere since the academy was opened, other activities. students’ extracurricular activities on ing from designing a wallet, to re"From the moment I walked in the has been named the 2021 Edmond nights and weekends. cently challenging them to collect door at EMHS for my first day of “Duncan has built lifelong relation- Support Employee of the Year. data and determine where WiFi “I am lucky to be at a place I love,” work to today Cindy has been a shinships with his students because he boosters should be placed at Edmond ing light,” said Dalton Savage, the Edunderstands the importance of taking Bickford said. “I am there to truly North. mond Memorial Oklahoma History time to invest in their lives outside of help students.”

“Upon walking into Duncan’s classTeacher.

Rarely missing a day at work, Bickschool,” Davis said. room you immediately feel the enthuEven as teachers and principals ford is the only person who works the Volunteerism also shapes his life. siasm and expectation for student have moved around in the district, front desk at the Freshman Academy He has participated in tennis clinics learning,” said Debreon Davis, princiBickford has become known as a and greets everybody with what her for youth with down syndrome and pal at Edmond North High School. “rock” within Freshman Academy for co-workers call a “ray of sunshine.” serves in his church.

Fugitt is an emergency certified her wisdom and knowledge on the “She greets everyone with a smile “The passion that people have for teacher who pushed himself to interworkings. no matter what, which is beyond this profession has kept me here,” demonstrate to his peers that, “your “Everyone at Memorial High tough to do with all the craziness Fugitt said. life does not always have to take a going on this year,” said Edmond Me- School is doing great work and it is In addition to other prizes, Fugitt traditional path.” an honor to be appreciated by my morial Teacher Rachel Crabaugh. receives meals for a year from the Being a life-long learner is one of Bickford has worked for the district peers,” she said.

Edmond Tazikis restaurant. his greatest responsibilities to the stuIn addition to other prizes, Fugitt for 22 years and said it has been a Also at the event, Hanna Pavao, a dents, he said. His goal is to ensure receives meals for a year from the Edspecial education teacher at Heritage joy to impact thousands of students. that students are prepared to be sucmond Tazikis restaurant.

Having several student office aids Elementary, was named the first-ever cessful in a changing society. help her each day, Bickford has beRookie Teacher of the Year.

(Articles by Eriech Tapia) Fugitt has helped develop the first

Page 6 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Police booking report (The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

ate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Hilario Bernardino Lopez de Leon, 30 of Oklahoma City. Operating motor vehicle with improper equipment and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

March 2 Darnell Michael Reedom, 23 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Latrecia Lashon Lewis, 51, of Oklahoma City. Expired tag, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

March 5 Curtis Allen Franks, 56 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance, disregard signal light, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and three counts of failure to appear.

Matthew Isaac Hicklin, 40 homeless. Public intoxication.

James Albert Barlow, 51 of Lawton. Misdemeanor warrant, possession of CDS and obstruction of a police officer.

Krista Renae Auten, 50 homeless. Public intoxication.

March 3 Christina Kay Jones, 37 homeless. Four counts of possession of CDS and (anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

March 4 Jessica Lynn Cofer, 22 of Oklahoma City. Oper-

March 6 Kevin Michael Clark, 29 of Oklahoma City. Unlawful carrying of a weapon, (misdemeanor value)

receiving stolen property, misdemeanor warrant, public intoxication, first degree burglary and obstruction of a police officer.

Mason Turner Howell, 26 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Zachary Brinson Radebaugh, 29 of Yukon. Possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and possession of marijuana.

March 7 Micah David Crawford, 21 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

William Lowe Wiley, 73 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Kyle Steven McIntrye, 36 homeless. Public intoxication.

Brayden Eugene Smithson, 21 of Sapulpa, Okla.

Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

James Herman Carpenter, 19 of Edmond. Possession of CDS.

Man claims a simple screening saved his life Cole went to see Romeo ManWade Cole of Oklahoma City had danas, M.D., a medical oncologist at just celebrated his 50thbirthday the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute. when he jokingly told his wife that it “Wade did the smart thing and did was time for him to get a not put off his colonoscopy,” says colonoscopy. “I told her, ‘that’s just Mandanas. “He was healthy, active what you do when you turn 50’. I and asymptomatic and still had canhad no way of knowing it would be cer. Had he waited, this could have a decision that would save my life.” been a completely different story for Cole wasn’t experiencing any Wade.” symptoms, but made an appoint“Dr. Mandanas told me for my type ment with a gastroenterologist anyof cancer there was only one treatway. He thought it would be a ment and I could get it at MD Anderroutine procedure. He never exson or I could get it here one mile pected them to actually find anyCole north of my house - and so I just stayed thing. “The doctor came in and said here and got my treatment close to home,” states ‘Wade I’m sorry, we found cancer’. I didn’t really Cole. hear anything else he said,” remembers Cole. “I He underwent surgery to remove the cancer just started thinking about my wife Kecia and my from his colon and received chemotherapy to kill two girls.” the cancer that had spread into his lymph nodes.

Both of Cole’s parents had recently died of cancer, so in his mind – he was just given a death sen- “Dr. Mandanas is amazing, I mean that man is amazing,” credits Cole. “He was the calm I needed tence. “That was the only reference I had. I for the storm of emotions I was feeling.” thought you get cancer, you die. It’s that simple.”

Sheila Wilkerson was Cole’s primary nurse. He claims she was just as important to his survival as any treatment option he received. “Wade was very anxious and my heart went out to him because he is such a kind and gentle person and I just wanted to help him,” says Wilkerson. “I thought if I can get him just to smile once during the day, I’ve done my job and I’ve done it well.”

Cole beat his cancer, however he still returns to the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute every other week not as a patient but as a volunteer. “I volunteer in the infusion center. I do odd jobs and talk to patients just beginning their cancer journey. What better place to give back than to those who took care of me?”

Cole hopes by sharing his story he can encourage others to get a colonoscopy. When colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is found at an early stage before it has spread, the 5-year survival rate is about 90-percent. When cancer has spread outside of the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower. To schedule a colonoscopy today, visit integrisok.com/colonoscopy.

Signs of anxiety

By Amanda Beck Edmond Family Counseling Anxiety can appear in many forms.

This may look like tightness in the chest, increased heart rate, sweaty hands, shaking, upset stomach, and repetitive intrusive thoughts among Amanda others. For some, these symptoms could come at the thought of meeting new people. For others, it could be when you’re in a new place or learning a new skill. Regardless of the trigger, it’s important to understand anxiety and how it impacts you in order to learn how to manage it.

Anxiety is evolutionarily important.

Without anxiety we would not respond to potentially harmful events in a way that would save our lives, therefore making it essential to the progression of our species. For instance, imagine you are walking through the woods and you come across a mama bear with her two cubs. For the majority of people there are one of three possible responses to this situation: fight, flight, or freeze. Fight in this example would be facing that bear head on by punching, kicking, or throwing things at the bear in an effort to protect yourself and increase your odds of survival.

Flight in this example would be running from the bear as fast as you can in hopes that you could out run the bear or seek help from others as fast as possible. Freeze may look like laying down on the ground and pretending you are dead. As a counselor I can offer you no advice as to which would be the best option to ensure your survival in this bear scenario, but each option may play a role when it comes to anxiety. The symp-

toms many people feel when experiencing anxiety also stem from an evolutionary place as well. The increased heart rate may stem from your body preparing itself to run like the wind. Nausea or upset stomach may stem from the slowing of digestion for the same purpose; to prepare your body for running. Regardless of the symptom this is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I think there’s danger. We’d better get out of here!” For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, this little example may be all too familiar. Anxiety sufferers can often misattribute their bodily symptoms to read danger when there isn’t any.

After all, It’s not too often that we are fighting bears in the woods. So why does the body respond that way to a new job? A date? Trying a new task? Performing in front of others?

At this point in time, society is very socially oriented. Livelihood depends on how well a person can succeed at their job. Finding a partner can help create a support system not only for living but for furthering the population. People can also be judged for how well they can accomplish a task (i.e.-play piano, wood working, machinery, building a business). All of the above can lead to an increase in anxiety across the population. More and more individuals are seeking counseling when the anxiety becomes too difficult to manage alone.

With a better understanding of where anxiety comes from and how it can affect individuals, new treatments can develop to aid those who suffer from anxiety disorders.

Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professional counselors.

(Amanda Beck, M.A., is a Staff Therapist and LPC Candidate at Edmond Family Counseling).

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 7

Edmond Arts Association plans meeting March 22; Artist demo set The Edmond Arts Association (EAA) is pleased to announce the program for its March meeting will be a group participation project demo by Chris Cargill, local Mixed Media and Mural artist. Chris will demo the process of making a Mixed Media piece to the members and guests of the EAA on Monday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Edmond Fine Art Institute, 27 E. Edwards Street in Edmond.

Working in mixed media art, which refers to artwork composed from a combination of different media or materials, Chris will be showing the process of image transfer and unique ways to create backgrounds and other extra elements for his piece. There will be group participation available for those who want to participate.

Chris Cargill has been a Mixed Media and Mural artist for eight years. He was the featured artist of the 2016 Downtown Edmond Arts Festival and one of his Murals was voted Edmond’s Favorite Public Art Piece in 2020.

Chris has lived in Oklahoma most of his life and has been inspired by the history, landscapes and urban design of the 46th state. One of his favorite destinations is Santa Fe, New Mexico, where in the Fall of 2011, inspired him to start painting professionally.

Chris Cargill Many of Chris’s Mixed Media pieces have been purchased by the Toby Keith Foundation and the University of Central Oklahoma. For more information on Chris Cargill’s artwork – check out his website at: https://www.chriscargill.com/ The EAA meeting is open to the public; with a guest fee of $5.

The EAA meets on the fourth Monday evening of most months, with speakers on subjects of interest to artists of all media. Membership is open to anyone interested in the arts.

For more information please visit www.edmondart.org and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdmondArtAssociation/

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

Page 8 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Longest-serving Francis Tuttle Board member Rhodes retires

PHOTO PROVIDED

Suzette Northcutt Rhodes, founding board member of Francis Tuttle Technology Center, speaks to fellow board members and staff after announcing her retirement on Monday, March 8 during a regular board meeting at the Francis Tuttle Rockwell Campus.

Suzette Northcutt Rhodes, a founding member of the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Board of Education who served the district for a collective 35 years, has announced her retirement.

The Francis Tuttle Board of Education voted to accept her resignation from the Zone 4 seat during its sociallydistanced meeting on Monday, March 8 at Francis Tuttle’s Rockwell Campus.

A brief reception was held to allow board members and members of staff in attendance to congratulate Rhodes and thank her for her decades of service.

“Your love for Francis Tuttle has been observed through your dedication to creating and maintaining a school that is second to none,” Superintendent/CEO Dr. Michelle Keylon said during Monday’s meeting. “The work you have done is history making and rare.

There is not one inch of this school that escapes your care. The board and the district are stronger because of your work. Thank you for many years of tireless devotion. Your presence will be missed.”

Rhodes is moving out of the Francis Tuttle district, meaning she would not be able to continue serving on the board.

“It’s not because I don’t love Francis Tuttle,” Rhodes said. “I know I’ll miss you, because I already do. But it is time for me to move on.”

After Francis Tuttle Technology Center was officially founded in 1979, Rhodes was not only chosen to serve on the first Board of Education, but she was also elected as the first board president. It’s a role she served many times as the position rotated between board members.

At its founding, Francis Tuttle had one campus site and one building.

Today, Francis Tuttle has three — soon to be four — instructional campuses that each serve an OKC Metro community along with a business development center in Edmond.

It offers high school and post-secondary students traditional vocational education such as Cosmetology, Auto-

motive Service, Carpentry, Welding, and Machining, and newer, expanded programs for modern industry needs, such as Cyber Security and Web Development, a Culinary Arts program, video and broadcast production, and a full range of healthcare programs.

“In 1979, we started from scratch to build the best technology center in the world, and I think we’ve done that,” Rhodes said. “Now, in 2021, we have an army of Francis Tuttle warriors and over a million square feet of facilities under roof so you and your fellow warriors can work your successful magic for our customers.”

Rhodes emphasized the culture and core values of service, trust, aspiration, respect and responsibility at Francis Tuttle that has allowed it to grow into what it is today.

“The foundation of this wonderful culture was built on the tall shoulders of our beloved namesake, Dr. Francis Tuttle,” I miss Francis every day. In the steps of grieving, the last step is saying goodbye. I’ve never said goodbye to [Former Superintendent] Bruce Gray or Dr. Tuttle. I carry them in my heart, and I want you all to understand what they taught me and what they left us to be a part of. That’s why we’ve always kept the personalities of Bruce, Dr. Tuttle and all the founders of vocational education alive at Francis Tuttle.”

Current Board President Kurt Loeffelholz was among the first instructors hired at Francis Tuttle in 1982. He said he recalls meeting Rhodes at that time and marveling at the amount of work it must have taken to establish a new tech center.

“How busy of a board job it would have been over those three years, [from 1979 to 1982,]” he said. “They built the building, hired an administration, they bought the land; the list goes on. Our appreciation goes without saying, for being there in the beginning and hanging with us through all of these years.”

The Board has appointed Anthony Garcia to serve in the Zone 4 seat until the next general election in 2022.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 9

Preparing family to have aged loved one move in No man or woman, regardless of his or her age, wants to consider that a day may come when they need to rely on loved ones to help them perform everyday activities. But every day tens of millions of people serve as unpaid caregivers for their aging friends or family members.

A 2015 survey from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that approximately 34.2 million people had provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months.

Many unpaid caregivers are pulling double duty, caring for their aging parents while also raising families of their own.

While there’s no guarantee that aging men and

women will require care, caregivers figure to become more necessary as life expectancies increase.

In fact, recent years have seen the senior population in the United States exceed 50 million for the first time in the country’s history, and figures from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that figure will continue to rise until 2029.

Men and women who are preparing to welcome an aging loved one into their homes may wonder how to make that transition go smoothly, especially if they have young children at home. The following are some tips that can help families prepare to welcome an aging friend or family member into their homes.

Aging Services agency announces name change Aging Services, a division of Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) dedicated to developing systems that support independence and quality of life for older Oklahomans and protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation, announced this month a name change to Community Living, Aging and Protective Services to better reflect their services and supports across the lifespan.

“We are proud of this new name that best describes the many programs and services we offer to keep older or vulnerable Oklahomans better connected and thriving in their own communities,” said Jeromy Buchanan, Community Living, Aging and Protective Services director. “Our services ensure the well-being and stability of our customers in their own homes, or support and advocacy for them while they are in institutional settings. We are dedicated to protecting independence for our customers while also protecting the safety of vulnerable adults, and are thankful for the many partners who join us in our work.”

This name change takes effect immediately, and efforts have begun to rebrand the division across all mediums and assets. There is no associated cost for these changes.

About Community Living, Aging and Protective Services: In 2020, Adult Protective Services merged under Aging Services to align resources and services for vulnerable adults under one umbrella. Later that

year, the program launched an elder abuse prevention campaign to provide educational resources and a robust partner toolkit to ensure Oklahomans could recognize and report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults.

The newly named Community Living, Aging and Protective Services better represents the robust services and supports offered to Oklahomans.

This includes State Plan Personal Care (SPPC), a Medicaid service that helps individuals, from children through aging adults, with daily living activities at home, as well as a Respite Voucher Program to allow caregivers of older persons a break when they need it most. Older Americans Act Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation and other programs provided through contracts with 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to provide these services free of charge to Oklahomans 60 years of age and older. Other programs include ADvantage, which provides Medicaid services to help people stay at home instead of going to a nursing home, financial help for Medicare and medicines and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that serves residents in Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities, just to name a few.

To learn more about or apply for any of the services available through Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, visit the Older Adults section of https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html.

Wedding, anniversary notices Do you have a wedding, engagement or anniversarynotice? 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.

• Speak with your loved one’s physicians. Speak with an aging loved one’s physicians so you can get a complete picture of their physical and mental condition. This can give you an accurate depiction of how much care your loved one needs now and how much they might need in the future if their condition worsens.

• Discuss forthcoming changes as a family.

Once you gain a full understanding of your loved one’s physical and mental condition and before this person moves into your home, discuss it with your family. Adding a new member to your house-

Aged One, Page 11

Page 10 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side A year of dealing with COVID Beware of those

By Steve Gust Editor Edmond Life & Leisure We‘ve gone through a year of a virus, which struck the whole world.

I think commen- Steve Gust tator Glenn Beck put it the right perspective when the virus first started. He compared it to a snow storm, which was falling all over the world.

“And we have no idea how long it’s going to snow,” he said.

To a certain extent it’s still snowing.

It’s been amazing how many different things we’ve been told about the virus. Some of the information has changed completely. Remember the masks?

Now, some of the people who told us not to wear a mask, told us that two masks might be best. Gee, why not wear three or 12 masks?

But there is no denying the virus has caused havoc and heartache for

millions of people. God bless those adversely affected.

And it’s been politicized by everyone. We’ve had blue state govenors clamp down on people and businesses. Yet when it came to leftist political protests, they had no problem with people rallying without masks or social distancing.

I really hope, when the time is right, that we sit down and come up with a better playbook to handle something like this again.

----There is something else on my mind. I wish people would live with the knowledge that some day they’ll have to answer for their decisions.

I could be wrong, but I believe that in the next world, people will be held accountable for what they’ve done on earth.

There’s probably a few things most of us wish we could change. I have my list.

Yet a lot of folks don’t think that’s going to be the case. That’s sad.

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

claiming to be of the ‘Liberty Party’

EDITOR: City elections are intentionally nonpartisan.

There is a reason. It promotes individual thought and disdain for political idealogues.

Party politics serves no beneficial purpose in city elections. Mayor and Council members should be independent thinkers, not group think committees who must have others positive affirmations before they can make a hard decision.

Throwing around terms like “Liberty Party” is intentionally deceiving. Those candidates want you to think they are the only ones for liberty under a selfcentered definition of liberty. Everyone wants liberty. We all want life,

Letter to the Editor liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But without life, the liberty we espouse becomes irrelevant as does the pursuit of happiness.

People live in Edmond for community, not liberty. Residents have liberty and always will. Community means sometimes a right (liberty) must have some limitation. Edmond has landscape standards for commercial development, fire safety codes, plumbing codes, electric codes, building codes.

Each code is there for a reason, which is to protect the public (community), health, safety and welfare. Each code restricts someone’s liberty

because historical human experience has shown that too many times someone exercising their self-centered laissez faire liberty, as opposed to personal responsibility, has caused harm to someone else’s life and liberty, i.e. necessitating building codes, wage and hour laws, child workforce laws, etc.

So when you see candidates running under the catch phrase titles like “Liberty Party” and selling protecting churches and small businesses, ask yourself do we really need their protection or are things in Edmond pretty good without their definition of liberty. Usually when candidates offer sound bites and catch phrases it is because they are single issue candidates and have no real program dealing with a big vision for Edmond, i.e. infrastructure, zoning, site plans, budgets for general fund and public works, long term business plan for public works (water, sewer and electric service).

When they say we are for this or that, ask them how they will achieve this or that which often means how will we pay for it?

Rhetoric is cheap in politics. What is their plan? A plan for community health, safety and welfare is truly liberating. Feel good shallow catch phrases is the way of politics and it is sad so many of us often fall for it.

A current example of misplaced liberty vs. community is the failure of the electric power grid in Texas during a weather crisis. Texas, bigger and better than

See LETTER, 11

Let’s invest in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol

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).

agency is commissioned to employ.

Furthermore, the OHP loses dozens of troopers per year to retirement or employment with higher paying law enforcement agencies. It is extremely difficult for the OHP to recruit cadets for its training academies due to low salaries, and when academies are funded, which unfortunately is not every year, they simply do not produce enough troopers to offset those lost to retirement and higher salaried jobs.

While there is no doubt most state employees deserve higher salaries, and to be compensated on par with colleagues in other states and the private sector, the fact is law enforcement is a core priority of state government and must be treated as such. OHP troopers have received one salary increase in the last 12 years, and it made a huge difference — at that time — in allowing the agency to better recruit, train and retain its officers.

Now, is the time to take the next step, in a budget year when the state can afford the investment, to further invest in its state police force.

Since 1937, members of the OHP have worked to provide a safe and secure environment for the public through courteous, quality and professional services.

I call on the Oklahoma Legislature to make a strong statement this session, and show their commitment to the OHP by supporting a salary increase for those charged with the 24 hour-perday protection of Oklahoma’s highways and the citizens who travel them.

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.

Bob Funk Sr. is co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment Professionals.

By Bob Funk Sr. In today’s world, public safety is paramount to a civilized society, and Oklahoma taxpayers deserve for all law enforcement professionals to be fairly compensated.

Unfortunately, the salary scale for the professionals of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has again fallen dramatically behind their state police colleagues in neighFunk boring states, and maybe most importantly, police departments across Oklahoma.

As a lifelong Oklahoma business owner, employment professional and supporter of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, I firmly believe it is time for the Oklahoma Legislature to fund a muchneeded salary increase for the OHP. The facts bear the need. The average annual salary of an OHP trooper is just shy of $48,000,

while that of an Oklahoma police officer averages $54,000. Most troopers fall in the range of just over $38,000 to approximately $58,000 annually, while police officers average approximately $51,000 to $59,000.

Many Oklahoma municipal and or county law enforcement agencies pay entry level officers more than new OHP troopers, and veteran Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro area municipal police officer salaries are far more than OHP troopers with the same years of service. Even outlying communities across Oklahoma pay their local police officers more than the state pays its statewide patrol.

The OHP is Oklahoma law enforcement’s 911 emergency call center, assisting police departments in thousands of instances annually, and are the only law enforcement entity with a presence in all 77 counties. The majority of troopers continue to patrol multiple counties alone, and only 735 are on duty today, down from 925 the

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:

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 11

Aged One From Page 9 hold will affect everyone, so each member of the family, including young children, should be included when discussing how the family dynamic will change. Parents must recognize that even young children may be asked to make sacrifices to accommodate aging loved ones. Explain these sacrifices in advance and how important it is to make an aging loved one feel welcome when they move in.

• Discuss conditions with children.

Children may recognize their grandparents or elderly loved ones have physical limitations, but they likely won’t understand conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Parents can ask a physician about how to explain cognitive decline to young children. Children may not recognize cognitive decline as readily as adults, so parents may need to discuss these conditions with their children periodically and/or if the conditions worsen.

Millions of people across the globe welcome aging loved ones into their

Letter everyone in their mind, decided to have its own power system not connected to any other state or power grid in the region. As a result, over four million Texans were without power and water for days during a catastrophic cold wave.

Texas had no partner to share power with for its grid. Edmond, on the other hand, is on the Southwest Power Grid. We share with others when they need power and they share with us when we need it. We may have an inconvenient one or two hour outage but not days due to inadequate power generating supply.

I think the Texas residents would sacrifice a little mythical liberty and grandeur for heat and water and avoidance of damage beyond that exceeding any hurricane they have en-

Inhofe & Lankford want to make Daylight Saving Time permanent

Oklahoma’s Senators James Lankford (R-Edmond) and Jim Inhofe (ROK) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to reintroduce the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country. The Senators were joined by Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Ed Markey (D-MA) in the reintroduction.

Fifteen states — Arkansas, Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming— have passed similar laws, resolutions or voter initiatives, and dozens more are looking.

The legislation, if enacted, would homes when they can no longer care apply to those states who currently for themselves. Such caregiving participate in DST, which most states changes family dynamics, and these observe for eight months out of the changes should be discussed before year. Standard Time, from November and after a loved one moves in. to March, is only observed for four months out of the year. The bill would simply negate the need for Americans to change their clocks From Page 10 twice a year. Many studies have shown that making DST permanent dured. could benefit the economy and the Some Liberty candidates say Edcountry. mond water rates are too high and DST began, March 14, and lasts need to be liberated. I wonder how until Sunday, Nov. 7. much El Reno residents would have “In a year that feels like it has been willing to pay for water when been in complete darkness, we have they were without for days in freeza solution to allow more sunlight by ing temperatures. I don’t think we making Daylight Saving Time permawant to adopt the El Reno business nent,” Lankford said. “I don’t know a model. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I parent or a young child that would will take community over a misplaced oppose getting rid of springing fordefinition of liberty any day. ward or falling back. Congress creAnd remember, no matter what ated Daylight Saving decades ago as ward you reside in, in Edmond you a wartime effort, now it is well past get to vote in all three races – Mayor, time to lock the clock and end this Ward 3 and Ward 4. You have the experiment.” right to vote in all three no matter “Oklahomans have been through where you live and THAT is liberata lot in the past year—making Daying! light Savings Time permanent with the Sunshine Protection Act is a simRANDEL SHADID ple way to allow them some extra

daylight in the evenings,” Inhofe said.

“We could all benefit from locking the clocks and enjoying more hours of sunshine. Ahead of this year’s ‘spring forward,’ I am proud to cosponsor this bill that will encourage recreation, benefit mental health and support the economy.”

“The call to end the antiquated practice of clock changing is gaining momentum throughout the nation,” Rubio said. “Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is why the Florida legislature voted to make it permanent in 2018. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, and give our nation’s families more stability throughout the year.”

“Americans’ lifestyles are very different than they were when Daylight Saving Time began more than a century ago,” Whitehouse said. “Making Daylight Saving Time permanent will end the biannual disruptions to daily life and give families more daylight hours to enjoy after work and school.”

“The Sunshine Protection Act takes a common-sense step to provide some much-needed stability for families in Oregon and across the nation,” Wyden said. “Springing forward and falling back year after year only creates unnecessary confusion while harming Americans’ health and our economy. Making Daylight Saving permanent would give folks an hour back of sunshine during the winter months when we need it most.”

“The public safety improvements, economic benefits, and the wellbeing of the American people are all excellent and credible reasons to embrace year-long Daylight Saving Time,” Hyde-Smith said. “I know the agricultural sector in Mississippi and across the nation desires this change. I believe the Sunshine Protection Act would give us an immediate and long-term boost after a terrible pandemic year and a very dark winter.”

Page 12 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

ELAINE WARNER

Artifacts from many areas were assembled at the Spiro site, separated by looters, and brought back together in this exhibition

Ancient civilization’s culture on display nearby

By Elaine Warner Mexico and South America are noted for three important preColumbian civilizations – the Maya, the Inca and the Aztec.

But there is a fourth, and often unrecogElaine nized, important civilization in North America – the Mississippian culture (800 – 1650 A.D.).

Encompassing a large area of the southeastern part of what is now the United States, this huge federation reached into Oklahoma. And now, with a major exhibition at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, we have a chance to appreciate this great legacy in Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World.

In our big breakout from isolation, vaccinated and masked, Jack and I toured the extensive exhibition with Curator of Ethnology, Eric Singleton.

We were fortunate to have such a knowledgeable guide. Dr. Singleton has been preparing for this display for a decade.

How did he get interested in the subject? He told us, “When I worked at Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, I would look at the material from Spiro and other Mississippian communities and I realized I knew nothing about it … I knew that if I didn’t know any-

At National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum thing about it, as a trained historian and working as an anthropologist, then most people didn’t either.”

The result is this epic exhibition.

With 11,000 square-feet of space, this is quite possibly (with the exception of the popular Prix de West) the largest exhibition ever mounted at the museum. The first room introduces the Mississippian civilization followed by large areas concentrating on Spiro. Another area features contemporary works with roots in the ancient traditions. A hands-on room offers guests the opportunity to experience basic techniques, utilize virtual reality devices for a more immersive look at the ancient world, and read books and other explanatory materials.

The Mississippian civilization was made up of a number of tribes, ceremonial centers and small communities. The belief systems of individual groups were congruent; creation stories contained striking similarities and artwork shared common symbols.

The largest population centers were located on or near rivers which facilitated trading. Items found in excavations of the most important cities bear evidence of trading which extended far beyond the borders of

the settlements – from the Sea of Cortez to the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes to Florida. The most important cities included Cahokia (Illinois), Etowah (Georgia), Kincaid (Illinois), Moundsville (Alabama) and Spiro in eastern Oklahoma.

The introductory area provides background illustrated by graphics on these five sites and commentary about the present day Caddo Nation and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, closest descendants of the Mississippi culture. In addition to artifacts from a number of locations in the confederation, colored engravings, created in 1591, provide the earliest images of the culture and activities of the communities encountered by European explorers.

The largest section of the exhibition is devoted to the Spiro site. The Spiro community, while not the largest of the Mississippian sites, certainly had great importance. It is unique in that the site housed thousands of ceremonial objects concealed in a buried room, the Hollow Chamber.

Through these objects, important clues to the cultural and everyday lives of this prehistoric society are revealed. Even the simplest items are imbued with embellishment related to belief structure. Gorgets, carved shell pieces worn around the neck, were indications of rank and prestige.

The pieces are richly incised with symbols and depictions of rituals and costumes. Pottery vessels, effigy pipes, copper plates add to the story.

Graphics show a cross-section of some of the mounds. There are twelve mounds on the Spiro site – temple mounds, burial mounds and

house mounds. The large Craig Mound contains the Hollow Chamber.

All the items on display in this area – with the exception of contemporary pieces – were found within the hidden chamber, a space about 16 by 16 feet. You’ll read graphics giving the most reasonable explanation of why all these articles were here. According to Dr. Singleton, “This was the most object-laden Mississippian mound ever discovered in North America.”

The next room tells the story of how, after all these things were assembled in Spiro, they wound up being dispersed throughout the world. In short, the mound was looted. In 1933, a group of men, having discovered a number of artifacts in the area, obtained a lease on the land and set out to excavate the mounds in order to sell what they found. And they found plenty. The looting went on for two years – today you’ll find Spiro artifacts in museums throughout the world.

In 1935, the State of Oklahoma passed an antiquities protection law and the looting was stopped. With WPA participation and funding from the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa and Gilcrease Museum, the Oklahoma Historical Society and Woolaroc, proper excavation and exploration was undertaken.

Perhaps the most colorful section of the exhibition is the last section: Continuation of Culture. Here contemporary pieces reflect traditional themes of the ancestors in new and interesting ways. I’m particularly fond

See Elaine, Page 13

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 13

OMRF Teen Leader applications are open through April 1. It is not yet known whether the 2021-22 program will be in person, virtual or a combination.

Pictured, the 2019-20 OMRF Teen Leaders.

OMRF taking Teen Leaders program applications The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking applications for its 2021-22 Teen Leaders class. Applications are due April 1.

Now in its ninth year, the program is open to high school students entering sophomore, junior and senior years. Through group activities and panel discussions with OMRF scientists and state civic leaders, the program gives teens tools to be change-makers in their communities and learn how they can become advocates for medical research and improving human health.

“Each year, this program inspires students to give back to their communities,” said program coordinator Caroline Allen. “We’re excited to welcome another class of young leaders who will become difference-makers for OMRF and Oklahoma.”

Selected students will learn the fundamentals of fundraising and development, board structure, networking, and using social media. Teens will also work together on a special event to cap off program activities in the spring.

Group sessions will begin in September and continue through the 2021-22 school year. Although the program has traditionally taken place in person, during this past year, it was held virtually. It is not yet known whether the 2021-22 program will be in person, virtual or a combination.

Applicants must demonstrate good academic standing and attend school in Oklahoma. There is no cost to participate.

For more information and to apply, visit www.omrf.org/teen-leaders.

ELAINE WARNER

Native American artists influenced by ancient themes include Karin Walkingstick (Cherokee) who uses nature elements from traditional stories, as here in her Dragonfly Pot, and Richard Zane Smith (Wyandot) whose technique is based on those of ancient Pueblo people

Elaine From Page 12 of a small piece of pottery by Jeri Redcorn, who is credited with reviving Caddo pottery.

She had already begun studying and practicing the tradition when, visiting Natchitoches, Louisiana, she was standing on the edge of Cane Lake. She says, “I looked at the water and the moss hanging on the trees and all of a sudden I realized – we have the Alligator Dance out on the plains. And it was like an ‘aha’ moment – that’s why we have the Alligator Dance. And I thought, ‘They (the ancestors) kept that – they kept that tradition.’ As I stood there, I felt that there were other women on the banks, grass houses and arbors, and they were making pottery with me – even though I was the only one there.” The influence of the ancestors

continues; the creation of the art is a spiritual experience.

This is the first and only time since the 1930s that these Spiro items have been reunited. Coming from 16 American museums and private collections, most will again leave the state after the exhibition. Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World runs through May 9, 2021. Don’t miss this opportunity. As Dr. Singleton says, “It’s America’s classic culture.”

---FYI: Museum hours are 10 to 5, Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 on Sundays. Admission for adults is $12.50; students with ID - $9.75; children 6 to 12, $5.75; five and under, free. Masks and distancing required.

ELAINE WARNER

This costume was designed by Margaret Roach Wheeler who researched Mississippian materials at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the American History Museum

Page 14 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Reivew of ‘Tom & Jerry’

Remake forgets to bring back film fun

By George Gust For generations of children, cartoon shows like “Tom & Jerry” and other Hanna-Barbara characters like Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, Yogi Bear, filled their Saturday mornings with colorful hijinks and at times over-the-top cartoonish violence.

Now in the streaming era, there’s no such thing as Saturday morning, as kids these days are more empowered to pick and choose the shows they ingest than the days of finding the show you want on your television dial.

This film adaptation of “Tom & Jerry” attempts to bridge the gap between the old fashioned 2D animation style with its slapstick sensibilities and this generation’s short attention span, with disappointing results.

Now in theaters and for a limited time on HBO Max, “Tom & Jerry” returns to the mainstream with a combined live-action animated feature film.

A chaotic battle ensues between Jerry Mouse, who has taken refuge in the Royal Gate Hotel, and Tom Cat, who is hired to drive him away before the day of a big Instagram influencer wed-

ding arrives.

“Tom & Jerry” is a lighthearted family friendly offering that has a whacky and colorful tone but doesn’t capture the fun of what made the original series a beloved property.

From the first frames of the movie, we get a fun introduction to the colorful stylized version of New York City the film creates with a hip hop interlude sung by a trio of hand drawn animated pigeons, but as the film strays from the animated characters in favor of the human hotel/wedding shenanigans much of the energy and momentum is lost.

At times it feels like the characters Tom and

Jerry were secondary to the human characters’ wedding plotline, which is a shame as the fun ‘catch that mouse’ dynamic still feels entertaining for the slapstick lane that it fills.

Overall, “Tom & Jerry” is a fluffy family film that features some fun performances from the humans like Michael Peña and Rob Delaney, but ultimately sidelines the titular characters in favor of a silly flat human story centering around a famous wedding.

It appears to make this cartoon from the 1940s relevant to today’s young audiences the filmmakers lost the simple essence of a cat continually chasing a trickster mouse.

“Tom & Jerry” is rated PG for cartoon violence, rude humor and brief language.

2 out of 5 stars.

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Check out George’s Gust’s previous reviews on www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Tom & Jerry’ returns to the big screen (kind of), in a 21st century adaptation of the beloved cartoon series that finds the two foes locked in battle in a fancy New York City hotel.

Protecting motorists during riots?

Answers appearing on Page 19

Legislation to protect motorists fleeing a riot and that would update punishments for rioters passed the House last week.

House Bill 1674 was authored Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore and coauthored by Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, who presented the measure on the House floor.

The bill would create a new section of law to protect motor vehicle operators fleeing a riot under a reasonable belief their actions were necessary to protect them from serious injury or death. It also would update language in statute relating to those who are convicted of illegal activity during the course of riots.

“Last summer, during the height of violent riots that were sweeping the nation, resulting in loss of life and millions of dollars in property damage, a motorist in Oklahoma traveling with his wife and two school-aged children was surrounded by aggressive protestors in the roadway,” West said.

“The protestors beat at his truck and threw things at it, scaring both him and his family. The driver was severely chastised for trying to hurt the protesters and he even faced the possibility of criminal charges for his actions in attempting to evade the protestors. This measure would clarify a motorist’s rights in a similar situation going forward.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: In the Garden ACROSS 1. Great divide 6. World's oldest national broadcaster 9. Pasturelands 13. Chinese fruit 14. #9 Across, sing.

15. Clemency 16. One in advertising 17. "____ the land of the free ..."

18. Characteristic of birds 19. *Ongoing job in the garden 21. *Without synthetic fertilizers 23. 2nd tallest bird 24. Theatrical production 25. Curiosity killed it?

28. Additionally 30. Capital of Poland 35. Passage into a mine 37. Prefix in levorotary 39. Mid-century modern, e.g.

40. Toothy wheel 41. *Some are heirlooms 43. Make like a cat 44. Erasable programmable read only memory 46. Stanislavski's rifle, e.g.

47. Unwanted correspondence 48. Motionless 50. Catch-22 52. "Are you sure?" in a text 53. Freight horse cart 55. Opposite of don'ts 57. *6 or more hours of sunshine 61. *Radicchio or frisÈe 65. On foot 66. Negative vote 68. 2020 NFL MVP 69. Morrison's "The ____" 70. Hockey great Bobby 71. Respectable and quiet 72. Sports award 73. Affirmative response 74. Infernos DOWN 1. Old bathtub foot 2. Opposite of seek

3. Ne plus ultra 4. *Opposite of #57 Across 5. Minimum, pl.

6. Influencer's journal 7. *Stinging pollinator 8. Holiday song 9. Bulgarian money 10. Julia Roberts' Academy Award-winning role 11. Popular smoothie berry 12. Update an iPod 15. Inhabitant of Hungary 20. Nothing, pl.

22. Like sashimi 24. Lack of money 25. *Tomato supports 26. Highly skilled 27. Miss America's headdress 29. Slowly leak 31. Moves at the gym 32. Monument to Buddha 33. Orderly arrangement 34. *Wiggly plowers 36. Faster than a walk 38. *Some plants and flowers

emit a good one 42. *Type of digger 45. Centers, old-fashioned 49. French vineyard 51. *Last of 3 numbers on a bag of fertilizer 54. Be a pest 56. Washington, e.g.

57. Grow dim 58. Extraterrestrials' rides 59. Pilot's stunt 60. Type of parrot 61. "Musical" constellation 62. Russian mountain chain 63. *Type of garden hose that saves space 64. Goes with "odds" 67. Am is to I as ____ is to we

See Answers Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 15

A health merger

In addition to great taste, Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill offers a unique dining atmosphere. It’s located in downtown Edmond’s Railyard.

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill

Downtown’s latest eatery

By Rose Drebes What started as a food truck is now a rockin’ successful restaurant.

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill is a burger and grilled cheese establishment located in Edmond’s Railyard. It is owned by Josh and Michelle Spurlock.

As Josh is a blues guitarist, Michelle said they have incorporated a music theme. The walls of the restaurant are covered in posters of popular artists, old and new.

The couple moved to the area from Ohio in 2008 and became the owners of a painting company. But, with years of experience in the restaurant business, they wanted to get back into the industry.

“Food trucks were starting to be the thing,” Michelle said.

Five years ago, they hopped on board the trend rather than going straight to brick and mortar.

“If people don’t know you, they have to come and find you,” Michelle said.

The opening of the restaurant itself was set for the week everything went down with COVID-19. Michelle said neighborhoods then starting inviting food trucks to visit. They traveled around while people were in quarantine.

“It was helpful in getting the word out and promoting the restaurant,” she said.

Blue J’s menu includes a selection of gourmet burgers and grilled cheese, plus a plain hot dog and a hot dog topped with Cincinnati-style chili and cheese.

“We wanted to do something different, not just ordinary boring burgers,” Michelle said.

They used “different, unusual” toppings to take their burgers “up a notch,” she said. The Blue J is the namesake burger and is loaded with blue cheese.

Other burgers are the Bubba J, the Smokey J and the Heavy J, all with their own specialized toppings.

Blue J’s is also known for its grilled cheese sandwiches. The specialty is the Cheesy Pig which includes smoked sausage.

Michelle said with the introduction of the COVID vaccine, people are seemingly more comfortable with getting out. That is evident with the response the restaurant is getting.

On March 27, she said, Blue J’s will host the grand opening celebration they didn’t get to have last year.

There will be giveaways all day long and the first 100 customers receive free French fries for a year.

Trivia is set for 3 p.m. that day and 4:30-11 p.m., customers can enjoy live entertainment.

Blue J’s is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Can someone really resist a meal this delicious? It’s available at Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill in Edmond.

Arby’s revamping eatery look Arby’s largest franchisee, has announced a revitalization of 24 Arby’s locations in central and western Oklahoma, including Edmond. Renovations will be completed throughout the remainder of 2021, leaving each restaurant with a fresh, new and improved look and feel. The $8.4 million dollar brand revitalization will reinforce Flynn Restaurant Group’s commitment to the Oklahoma City and western Oklahoma areas – adding over 350 jobs to the local economy.

In the coming months, restaurants in Ada, Altus, Del City, Durant, Edmond, El Reno, Elk City, Lawton, Midwest City, Moore, Oklahoma City, Pauls Valley, Shawnee, Weatherford and Yukon will undergo renovations without disrupting the amazing service and incredible food quality

guests have come to love. Each remodel is expected to take no longer than a few weeks, with each drivethru remaining open to guests and offering meal deals. Each newly remodeled Arby’s location will include the brand’s upgraded “Inspired” look, featuring upgraded exteriors, new authentic textures, multi-colored wood materials, modern lighting and chalkboard graphics.

“We want to continue showing our commitment to the communities we serve, and these remodels are just one way for us to do so,” said Randy Bates, Head of Marketing. “As a local partner, we are committed to not only providing guests with the quality food and service they deserve, but also by creating and maintaining jobs to further invest in the community.”

Healthcare in Oklahoma will take a giant leap forward as the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine faculty practice, University Hospitals Authority and Trust (parent organization of OU Medicine) and OU Medicine, Inc. (hospital partner) announce the intent to merge their hospitals and clinics into one unified organization, creating Oklahoma’s first truly integrated, comprehensive academic health system.

“Bringing the strength of these equally powerful healthcare organizations into one structure with a singular CEO and one team will give Oklahoma the health system we need to improve our statewide health outcomes,” said OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. “This merger positions us to flourish and sets the stage for OU Health to be among the top tier of academic health systems across the country. The unification and structural change fully unleashes the talent and collaboration across our faculty practice, clinics and hospitals in order to deliver the best healthcare for Oklahoma.”

The merged organization will create a seamless experience for patients between clinics and hospitals, improve overall quality of care, bring research breakthroughs into care plans and improve Oklahoma’s ability to attract and

retain the brightest minds across the national healthcare landscape. As a result of the merger, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, through its new affiliation agreement with OU Health, is poised to dramatically increase its healthcare research activity and better meet the growing demand for educating and training more healthcare professionals in Oklahoma.

The merger is a natural evolution in a century-long relationship between the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and its hospital partner.

University Hospitals Authority and Trust (UHAT) is the parent organization of OU Medicine, Inc. “In 2018 UHAT brought these Oklahoma hospital assets under local management and into a mutual affiliation agreement with OU,” said G. Rainey Williams, Jr., Board Chair of University Hospitals Authority and Trust. “We quickly began plans to build success based upon our tightly woven relationship with the University of Oklahoma.

OU and UHAT share a common commitment for the new OU Health to be a top-tier academic health care system marked by high-quality patient care, world-class training and innovative research.”

Gourmet Gallery & upcoming spring sale The Gourmet Gallery, located in Edmond at 3325 S. Boulevard, Suite 107 in the Edmond Market Place Shopping Center will have a Spring Sale on Thursday, March 25 to Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be ideas for your Spring & Easter meal planning, complete with recipes.

Due to the current COVID 19 concern, there will be no sampling. The sale is being offered for three days to allow people more time to take advantage of this sale and to avoid crowds.

Curbside service, delivery and shipping is also being offered. Masks are required. There will be savings of 20% off storewide will be offered.

Page 16 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 17

Gonzaga

Norfolk St.

Creighton

Wichita St.

San Diego St.

West Virginia

Clemson

Houston

Appalachian St.

Texas Southern

Oklahoma

Missouri

UCSB

Kansas

Syracuse

Morehead St.

Rutgers

Cleveland St.

Drake

UCLA

Virginia

Ohio

USC

Eastern Wash.

Liberty

Oklahoma St.

Oregon St.

Tennessee

Georgia Tech

Loyola Chicago

Oregon

Drexel

VCU

Illinois

Iowa

Oral Roberts

Grand Canyon

Colgate

Michigan

Mt. St. Mary’s

LSU

St. Bonaventure

UConn

Iona

North Carolina

Winthrop

Texas Tech

Florida

Colorado

Georgetown

Florida St.

UNC Greensboro

Maryland

Baylor

Wisconsin

Purdue

Utah St.

Virginia Tech

BYU

Michigan St.

Texas

Abilene Christian

Alabama

Hartford

Villanova

North Texas

Arkansas

Ohio St.

Page 18 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Updated answers from city on questions from cold blast STAYCATION ST TAYC CA ATIO T N RETREAT! RETREA AT T!

IC ICONIC ONIC OAK OAK TREE NATIONAL NATIO TI T NAL

With the historic February 2021 winter storm behind us, numerous questions remain for the immediate future and recovery. Below are some key questions and answers for Edmond residents:

My recycling was never picked up and is full. Is someone coming to get it?

3/12 UPDATE: The recycling makeup collection is complete, and all customers should follow the regular schedule and rules for recycling collection.

CASUAL CASUAL ELEGANCE ELEGANCE

THE L LAKES AKES KES AT AT BRIDGEWATER BRIDGEW WATER T

2/24: Our recycling contractor, Republic Services, was unable to pick up recycling at some homes last week due to the road conditions. Since we are back on a regular schedule, Republic will pick up additional recyclables placed outside the container (bagged or in a cardboard box) for the impacted customers on their next service date. This is a one-time occurrence only for those impacted customers.

COFFEE COFFEE CREEK

11TH GREEN OF OAK OA AK TREE NATIONAL! NATIO T NAL!

SOLD!

B BUILD UILD YOUR YO OUR DREAM HOME!

OLDETOWNE! OLDET OWNE! W

13TH F FAIRWAY AIR RWAY - OAK OAK TREE BEAUTY BEAUTY

BUILD BUILD YOUR YO OUR DREAM HOME!

GRAND TIMBER

FABULOUS F AB A ULOUS ON ON THE 9TH FAIRWAY FA AIR RWAY

I’ve heard that people in Texas are getting $7,000 electric bills. How much is my bill going to be?

3/12 UPDATE: On Thursday, March 11, the OMPA Board of Directors approved a plan to spread the financial impact of the storm over a period of seven years. As a result, Edmond Electric customers ARE NOT expected to see any rate increases as a result of storm costs. “I am very pleased with the outcome of the plan developed by staff and our financial advisors. To be able to cover the extraordinary cost of the winter storm event and protect our members from cost increases is a win,” David Osburn, OMPA General Manager.

KIMBERLY BERL LY CROSSING CROSSING KIMBERL

PIEDMO PIEDMONT NT SCHOOLS SCHOOLS UNDER 200K!

SOLD!

WONDERFULLY MAINTAINED!

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!

NEAR LAKE ARCADIA!

HIDDEN TREASURE

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

IN THE HEART OF EDMOND

6 CAR GARAGE

SOLD!

LUXURIOUS “LOCK-N-GO”

AMAZING REMODEL!

SOLD!

SELL Y YOUR OUR HOME WITH BRAD!

ABBEY PLACE

VALENCIA

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! CALL US AT 330-2626 NEW LISTINGS ACCEPTED!

LO LOTS TS & A ACREAGES CREAGES

2/24: The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is still working with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and natural gas suppliers on final costs. We are working with OMPA on ways to minimize the impact on our customers. OMPA is not planning to pass the increased costs to us all at once so we are not planning on a sudden increase in bills in the future. For the energy used during the cold spell, the per kWh price for electricity is not increasing. We do expect that customers will have used more energy during this time so, any increases in a customer’s normal bill will be from increased usage, not an increase in electric rates. As the long-

term impact becomes known, we will communicate it with our customers.

I had a pipe burst during the extreme temperatures. Do I have to pay for all the water that was lost?

Customers can submit repair receipts for a water leak adjustment to Utility Customer Service. To start the process, please email them at customerservice@edmondok.com.

My annual wastewater bill is based upon December, January & February usage. Is my bill going to be higher all year because I dripped my faucets?

3/12 UPDATE: More than 70% of meters were read for February prior to the winter weather, so those customers would automatically see no impact based upon dripping faucets.

Additionally, staff has closely analyzed the numbers for the rest of the meters and found that usage numbers are comparable to previous years for February.

2/24: Utility Customer service is analyzing usage trends as meters are read to determine whether adjustments will need to be made to the formula for the coming year. This will take a few weeks and communication will be sent out to customers once more information is known.

There are potholes everywhere!

Who do I tell and how?

Residents can report potholes and associated road issues to Public Works at 405-216-7770 or online at https://www.edmondok.com/forms.a spx?fid=153. Please note that E. 2nd Street & S. Broadway are state highways and maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

I have serious damage at my home from the weather. Is there some type of assistance available?

3/12 UPDATE: Residents of Oklahoma County are eligible to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA. Assistance may include help with the following: Housing repairs or temporary housing; Grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs; U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property.

Go to https://disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 18, 2021 • Page 19

Lawmakers want to see insulin cost capped at $90 The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved last week a bill that would cap the cost of insulin for many Oklahomans with Type 1 diabetes.

House Bill 1019, authored by Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, would cap the amount of copayment an individual would be required to pay at $90 for a 90-day supply.

Currently, an individual’s copay is based on their own insurance plan.

“Access to affordable insulin for Oklahomans for Type 1 diabetes is not just better for their bank account – it saves lives,” Worthen said.

“No Oklahoman should be forced to ration their insulin supply because they can’t afford the outrageous price that insulin has skyrocketed to in recent years. I am grateful to my col-

leagues in the House for working with me to develop and pass this bill.”

The bill also requires the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner to enforce compliance of the cap on copayments and gives the commissioner authority to promulgate rules as necessary.

Type 1 diabetes is caused when a person’s body does not produce enough insulin, resulting in high levels of blood sugar or glucose.

This puts them at risk of serious health complications, including kidney failure and stroke.

There is no known way to prevent or cure Type 1 diabetes.

In Oklahoma, approximately 14.3% of the adult population have some form of diabetes, of which 5% have Type 1 diabetes and require insulin. According to

the American Diabetes Association, Oklahomans with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2.3 times higher than those who do not have diabetes.

HB1019 passed the floor 94-2 and is now eligible to be considered in the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Frank Simpson, RSpringer.

Catholic Charities benefit a success Earlier this month, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City hosted a Facebook Live event to raise money in place of their annual gala fundraiser.

Local news anchor Amanda Taylor acted as emcee for the unique event.

“When they’re able to help a mother and her kids who were sleeping in a car get into a home, you know this is an organization that is making a difference for our neighbors,” said Taylor.

The virtual event raised more than $215,000 for homeless women and children in Oklahoma City and Norman.

“We gathered differently but our

mission was the same. What a joy and privilege it was to see the gifts of all our supporters come together to give Sanctuary to women experiencing homelessness in OKC and Norman,” said Jessi Riesenberg, senior director of development and outreach at Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City. “Thank you to our sponsors, auction participants and donors who have changed the lives of our clients now and in the future.

The financial support raised through Green Tie Gatherings will provide the hope and dignity-affirming essentials that Sanctuary clients need on their journey from homelessness to housing.”

In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • March 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure