March 26, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 44
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.
Look for At Home in Edmond inserted in this week’s issue!
FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Cloudy High 81 Low 49°
SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Partly Cloudy High 62° Low 39°
SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Mostly Sunny High 69 Low 46°
By Heather Dean
In the spirit of the Oklahoma standard and driven to do a kind thing for others, one Tulsa woman became a living donor to someone she did not know to save their life. In October of 2018, AnnMarie Hayden of Tulsa, had completed several tests and was determined healthy enough to donate a kidney. She knew that she wanted to donate her kidney to a friend, but she was discouraged when she received the call that they were not a compatible match. She went to her office the next day and mentioned to a coworker her experience, and they said to her, “Well, can you give it to someone else?” Later that day, AnnMarie called the donation coordinator she
had previously been working with and told her that she wasn’t sure what all it involved, but she wanted to donate her kidney to someone else. The donation coordinator told her there was a process for non-direct donors but it was unusual for a living donor to want to give an organ to a total stranger. She went on to tell AnnMarie that she could get on the national list for donors, statewide list or stay local and even had the option to stay just within the hospital. The coordinator told her that they had over 90 people just within their hospital waiting for a kidney that were her blood type. AnnMarie, driven by her faith, remembered a scripture which stated, “if you have two coats,
give one away”. She had two kidneys, and wanted to share with someone that was in need. A month and a half later, she had finished her medical evaluations, and her surgery date was set for Dec. 6, 2018. The surgery went off without a hitch and AnnMarie quickly recovered. More than a year has passed since AnnMarie’s generous act of kindness. Since then, she has had the opportunity to meet the recipient of her good deed. AnnMarie is excited to watch the recipient of her donation live her best life. LifeShare encourages all Oklahomans to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor and share their decision with their family. Oklahomans can sign-up at LifeShareRegistry.org.
Page 2 • March 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 3
What is involved in Mayor’s Declaration of Emergency Last week the Edmond City Council adopted a Declaration of Emergency related to community spread of COVID-19 that has been signed into effect by Mayor Dan O’Neil. This Declaration of Emergency is subject to change by the City Council at future scheduled, special or emergency meetings. The Declaration of Emergency institutes new community measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in Edmond. The changes are the result of recommendations from our health partners the Oklahoma CityCounty Health Department (OCCHD), the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSHD) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Effective immediately upon signing of the Declaration of Emergency: The City is revoking all previously approved special event permits between now and April 19. All events or meetings of 50 or more people at City owned-operated facilities are suspended until further notice. The City Manager is directed to not discontinue water and utility services for customers unable to pay their bills for a period of 30 days. All Citylink passengers must maintain a distance of at least three feet from other users when possible. All bars without on-premises food service, hookah bars, cigar bars, and vaping lounges aree closed to the public effective 12:01 am, Thursday, March 19, 2020 through April 6, 2020. This does not prohibit the
presence of personnel required for the maintenance of the facility or grounds. All other persons are restricted from such places. All bars with on-premises food service, breweries, taverns, and restaurants are restricted to providing only take-out or delivery of food and sale of pre-packaged alcohol authorized for sale under state law effective 12:01 am, Thursday, March 19, 2020 through April 6, 2020. Such locations are otherwise closed to the public and persons, other than employees, are restricted from such places for any other purpose. This provision does not include institutional or inhouse cafeterias serving residents, employees, childcare facilities, hospitals or long-term care facilities. The following places are closed to the public and all persons, except personnel necessary for maintenance of the facility and grounds, are restricted from such places effective 12:01 am, Thursday, March 19, 2020 through April 6, 2020: Athletic gyms, exercise facilities, indoor sports facilities, indoor climbing facilities, bowling alleys, skating rinks, trampoline parks, and similar recreational facilities. Movie theaters. Food courts. Additionally, the City of Edmond is taking measures in the coming days to limit access to some city buildings. For the latest information on building closures, additional cancellations and access to resources from our health partners, please visit http://edmondok.com/coronavirus.
All events or meetings of 50 or more people at City owned-operated facilities are suspended until further notice.
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From the Publisher
Support local businesses The plea to support your locally owned and operated businesses is made many times each year in this column. I don’t think I’ve ever meant it more then right now. If we don’t, many of these Ray Hibbard businesses will not be around once we get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Every time in my life I think that I have seen it all, I get surprised by another incredible challenge. This is at the top as it is with all of us. Some owners might decide it is too much and they will just shut their doors. As Congress argues about relief, I have a fear it will not come in time to save many of our small businesses around the country. It is disheartening that our elected representatives in Washington, D.C. could still be fighting over what needs to be done. And yet, as of our deadline, they are still arguing over legislation meant to help us survive as small businesses not having any understanding for how precious time is for the small businesses. The best news is that our small businesses, especially retail, are fighting back against the pandemic. It would be so easy for some of these folks to just close their business and retire but instead, many of them are pushing ahead and finding new ways to accommodate their customers even in this difficult time. Here are what a few have done that are long time advertisers and our friends. Edmond Wine Shop located at 1520 S Boulevard has gone to curb side service only. Owner Vance Gregory struggled with the decision, but he wanted to do what was best for keeping his employees and customers safe. Vance noticed like other business owners I have talked to that while many are observing the guidelines of social distancing, personal hygiene and sneezing etiquette many others are not doing so. The curb side service only will be in effect until April 6 at this point and reconsidered at the end of that time. Vance is a total cleaning master. He may be even more of a germophobic guy then I am and that is saying something. He is worried that customers will see this as an inconvenience, but it is music to my ears. In another time, I love strolling through Edmond Wine Shop looking at different wines and asking questions of the staff. They always have great suggestions. However, for now,
Local businesses are the backbone of a community.
I know what I want and just want to pick it up. They know me so well; his staff could probably guess at what my order would be. That is the benefit of doing business with a locally owned retailer. They know you and what you like. It is going to take them a while to get the new routine down but not long folks. Customers just need to call ahead to place their order. Their phone number is (405) 341-9122. Give them some lead time to pull your order together and show just a little patience. I honestly can’t think of a better way during this pandemic to make your purchase. I appreciate that Vance is looking out for his staff and customers. Vance tells us that no order is too small so don’t think you have to buy cases of wine to take advantage of the service. Thank you, Vance Gregory and Edmond Wine Shop. Now that we have your favorite cocktail or wine taken care of, on to the purchase of snacks and dinner to go with them. Our friends and longtime customers Gourmet Gallery can provide just that. Because they are a food store, they can remain open. As a food store, health and hygiene protocol has always been within or above the CDC guidelines and at the forefront of daily activity. Co-owner Janet McDonald wanted to let folks know that they are welcome to come by the store. Here are five points about the service this locally owned and operated store offers that they wanted me to share with you: We have four full time employees that work at Gourmet Gallery. We do not have a rotation of several people that come and go. All employees are aware of the CDC protocols for
health and hygiene. We have a delivery service available if you would like to have an order delivered. We also have shipping available if you need to send a gift of comfort or care package to someone. We can take an order out to your car if you prefer to not come into the store. Our philosophy has always been to offer easy and delicious recipes to “eat at home.” We offer hundreds of recipe suggestions that are simple and family friendly. Do not hesitate to ask us for suggestions for meals you might want to prepare. We have a full stock of most items with product coming in daily. Some items you might think about: • Pasta Sauce & Pasta • Peanut Butter, Jams & Jellies • Breakfast Mixes • Sauces to put over any kind of meat • Soup Mixes Businesses can call and order care packages to be delivered to staff working from home. Also, they are selling the ready-made soups, salads, single serve entrees, dips and desserts that are made by Prairie Gypsies, another local small business that could use your support. Gourmet Gallery is located at 3325 S. Boulevard, Suite 107 here in Edmond and the telephone number is 405.715-3663. Our friends and long-time advertiser at Steven Giles Clothing are now offering carry out service as well. Instead of getting online to order your men’s clothing, please consider calling the professional staff at this store located at 5850 N. Classen in the
Classen Curve shopping center. Their telephone number is (405) 6074633. With some extra time on your hands at home guys, look at those shirts. Are some of them worn, buttons missing or frayed about the collar? You know your shirt size to call to order replacements and then take advantage of their curb side service. Men, including me, are terrible about taking the time to go through their closet and getting rid of stuff you don’t wear any longer. You can cross it off your list and be helping a locally owned and operated business. If you think my column this week is too commercial at a very difficult time, you would be correct. I plead guilty but for good reason. We will get through this and businesses will have to rebuild. However, the more small businesses that we can keep in place and supported the faster our recovery will be. Big businesses will take care of themselves and get the giant bail out money. Family owned businesses will have to get through this the way we have always survived every challenge through the ages. It will be by helping each other, taking care of employees and taking care of customers. Through your support of these small businesses, you will be preserving jobs and helping take care of families. Don’t wait on the government to do it all my friends. We need their help, but we must step up as well. It will be a long haul from the looks of things, but we will get through all of this. Our world will look different but the values we hold to in Edmond including helping our neighbors will stay strong. (Ray Hibbard may be reached by email at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ----------------------------
Good hand hygiene vital ..............................................................Page 6. Sports feature story......................................................................Page 8. Resident pleads for civility at grocery stores ..............................Page 10. Scouts, First Lady seek to thank health care workers ................Page 14. George Gust reviews film ‘Blow the Man Down’........................Page 13. Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. Beware of critter damage to your yard ....................................Pages 16. Business News ............................................................................Page 17. Obituary notices ........................................................................Page 18.
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke
Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York
Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com
Account Executive Bryan Hallman bryan@edmondpaper.com
Contributing Writers 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 © 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
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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26 2020 • Page 5
St. Monica’s ‘drive-in’ Mass draws big crowd By Carla Hinton Oklahoman.com Never one to be late to church, Darrel Waggoner arrived more than an hour early Sunday so he could get a good seat. Instead of sitting in the pews at St. Monica Catholic Church, he sat in his truck, which he strategically parked close to the house of worship's front doors. Thus, Waggoner had one of the best views of St. Monica's first "driveup Mass." "I thought it was real nice," he said afterward. "It brought a feeling of comfort in this time of the unknown." The Rev. Stephen Hamilton celebrated the unique outdoor Mass on Sunday on the expansive paved area in front of the church, 2001 N Western. His parishioners and some members of other Catholic parishes sat in their cars in the church parking lot, where they watched and listened to the sacred Catholic liturgy. The priest said he estimated about 700 people — including many young families with children — participated in the "drive-up" event. Hamilton, 46, came up with the special Mass as a way to bring his parish together while still complying with Archbishop Paul S. Coakley's directive to suspend public Mass throughout the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The archbishop suspended in-person Mass to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Knowing that his parishioners would be disheartened by this chain of events, Hamilton became creative. He said the Catholic faith community's "highest form of our worship is the Mass, especially on the Lord's day." "We really need some normalcy. I thought we could do Mass and make it as normal as we can," the priest said Sunday. "My hope is that they found some comfort in it, in seeing the things they would normally see." An altar was created specifically for the outdoor Mass, which included six altar servers, an associate priest and a deacon. Parishioners listened as Hamilton celebrated the liturgy of the Eucharist by tuning into their car radios. The priest said the church set up the audio with the help of a parishioner who is savvy about radio frequency technology. The Mass in English was held at 10:30 a.m. and lasted about an hour and, for St. Monica's Hispanic parishioners, Hamilton planned to celebrate Mass in Spanish at 1 p.m. The church livestreamed the English Mass on its YouTube channel. Some people, a few
among all the wearing proteckids was basitive masks over cally that they their mouths, never apprecigot out of their ated the comcars, but most munal aspect of remained in worship quite so their vehicles as much as today. they listened to There was someHamilton share Hamilton thing tangible in his homily closeness, not which included only to the Lord but to a timely analogy about each other as well," the coronavirus that Samwell said. prompted Sunday's "Out of the mouths Mass. of babes." Several times, parishioners could be heard Sprinkling of grace throughout the parking Hamilton sprinkled lot as they voiced their holy water on parishcollective responses to ioners' cars and said a the liturgy. blessing of protection The familiar sound touched the heart of St. over his flock and visitors as they drove out Monica parishioner of the parking lot. Cheryl Gumerson. One of the last to "I was helping my son with the livestream and leave was Marian Jeter, a member of Edmond's I heard the people in St. John the Baptist their cars responding. Catholic Church. They were chanting "Well, aren't you a their response and it brought me to tears — it blessing!" she told was beautiful," she said. Hamilton as he sprinkled her SUV with the 'It's still Jesus' water. Brett Farley and his "This uplifted our family were dressed in souls. We don't always their Sunday best alhave to touch and see though they didn't expect to get of their cars each other to know the love of God and the to be seen by other churchgoers. Farley said love of each other in the community." he and his wife Jessica explained to their four daughters that they were dressing up for Jesus, not other Christians. "Mass is Mass, whether we celebrate it inside or outside, it's still Jesus," Farley said Sunday. "Unfortunately we can't take Communion but we can still celebrate. We're going to participate in Mass whatever way we can." Jo Ann Patterson, a St. Monica parishioner, sat in a car with her mother Madalene Smith. The older woman said she regularly attends St. Paul Catholic Church in Del City but she knew she wanted to attend the drive-up Mass in Edmond as soon as she learned about it. "I'd been grieving all week because I couldn't come to daily Mass," Smith said."I think it's beautiful, absolutely wonderful that the father has made an effort to get us all together." Like Smith, Waggoner attends another church, St. Andrew Catholic Church in Moore, his home church while he was growing up. He said he came to the drive-up Mass because he thought it was a good idea. "I heard about this and I thought it was fantastic," he said. "You couldn't have done it any better than the way they did it. It was very true to Catholic doctrine." Peter Samwel, his wife Aron and their children were another St. Monica family who attended the Mass in their finest clothing. He said the different setting for the Mass provided a unique lesson for his five children. "The consensus
Page 6 • March 26 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
William Hildebrand
Health Sciences researcher part of virus vaccine project The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has launched a research collaboration with Pure MHC, an innovative biotechnology company, to work toward the development of a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. At the OU Health Sciences Center, the scientific team is led by William Hildebrand, Ph.D., whose expertise is helping the body’s protective immune cells target and kill virus-infected cells. He will be working with Pure MHC, part of a family of biotechnology companies formed, funded and managed by Emergent Technologies, Inc. Approximately 20 years ago, it commercialized and advanced Hildebrand’s and others’ research to develop breakthrough drugs and therapies. This partnership represents a unique collaboration between researchers in a university setting and a company with the scientific expertise and investment to further the project. Hildebrand’s research career has focused on a crucial component of vaccine development: creating targets that help the immune system’s T-cells find and kill virus-infected cells. Because COVID-19 is an entirely new virus, the body’s immune system has not been trained to recognize it. Hildebrand’s research discoveries could provide a target for a potential vaccine. “The body’s T-cells are able to distinguish virus-infected cells from healthy cells and, for the most part, they are able to eliminate infected cells without harming healthy cells,” Hildebrand said. “However, with COVID-19, our Tcells have not been prepared to recognize this coronavirus, and the disease is able to get a foothold before our immune system is able to catch up to it. What we want to do is to prepare our cells in advance, just as the body uses the flu vaccine – it gets your immune system ready to target the flu. Our role is to identify the targets that mark COVID-19, and then steer the T-cells to those targets using a vaccine.” Hildebrand has been working on this type of target discovery technology for nearly three decades. He successfully discovered a target that allows T-cells to protect against the West Nile Virus, as well as a cancer target that allows T-cells to kill the malignant cells in melanoma. Now his
charge is to discover the target for COVID-19. For that work, the OU Health Sciences Center brings an important resource to the collaboration with Pure MHC: a Biosafety Laboratory-3, one of the safest and most specialized laboratories for working with infectious diseases. The laboratory ensures a high level of protection for research personnel because they will be working with the live virus. “With OU, we have obtained the actual virus, and we will infect cells and look for the targets on the infected cells,” said Curtis McMurtrey, Ph.D., Director of Immuno-Proteomics for Pure MHC and a graduate of the OU Health Sciences Center. “We will use those targets to either develop a vaccine or to directly target them with something like monoclonal antibodies.” Because the OU Health Sciences Center and Pure MHC have been working together on similar projects for over 20 years, they are uniquely positioned to quickly develop a target for COVID-19, said Tommy Harlan, founder, chairman and CEO of Emergent Technologies, Inc., the technology commercialization company that manages Pure MHC. Harlan said he founded his company specifically to find and commercialize early-stage discoveries so they can positively affect human health and disease. “After 20 years of working with Dr. Hildebrand and the OU Health Sciences Center, and through our commercial entity Pure MHC, we are positioned nicely to pursue this discovery very quickly at a time when speed is important,” Harlan said. “It all lines up nicely at a time when society needs help with this devastating disease.” Such partnerships are key to the university moving its discoveries into the marketplace, said James Tomasek, Ph.D., Vice President for Research at the OU Health Sciences Center. In 1998, the state of Oklahoma passed two state questions that allowed academic research to be transformed into start-up biotech companies. Tomasek, along with the university’s Office of Technology Commercialization, assist researchers in preparing their science for outside licensing and investment.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 7
Good hand hygiene can save lives Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is joining the world’s fight for reducing the risk of contracting the coronavirus, or COVID19. OKCIC has implemented many policies to combat the spread of COVID-19, including closing our Wellness Center and canceling all group gatherings with staff or patients. For a full list of our actions, please visit our website at www.okcic.com. The ideal way to combat this virus is through proper hygiene methods, limiting close contact with people who are sick and getting a flu shot if you have not already this season. Washing your hands correctly and often is important. OKCIC wants to encourage everyone to take action and start practicing good hand washing habits today. Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean running water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an al-
cohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol to clean your hands. “Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on your hands,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “The spread of many illnesses can be prevented with soap, water and correct washing techniques." Here are some tips on how to properly wash your hands in order to avoid the transmission of harmful germs and prevent health care associated infections: Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you need a timer, you can hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. In addition to handwashing, another way to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections
Advice from state on virus (Editor’s Note: This was released by the state Monday. The release provides good advice for those on the virus.) As of this advisory, there are 81 positive cases of COVID-19 and two deaths in Oklahoma. If you are coming from a country or a region with widespread ongoing transmission of COVID-19 (Level 3 Travel Heath Notice), you may be screened when you arrive in the United States. After you arrive home, take the following steps to protect yourself and others: Stay at home. Do not go to work, school, or leave your house for 14 days. Discuss your work situation with your employer. Monitor your health. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever (temperature of 100.4°F/38°C or higher). Also watch for cough or trou-
ble breathing. Practice social distancing within the home. Avoid contact with other people for the 14 days. Maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from family members and others in the home when possible. Before there was community spread of COVID-19 in Oklahoma, monitoring pending PUIs was a way to track all imported suspect cases as a means of preventing community spread. Now that there is community spread of COVID-19 in Oklahoma, the PUI metric no longer reflects the current outbreak status in Oklahoma. This is largely driven by the high volume of people being tested at labs independent of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Public Health Laboratory. Therefore, we will no longer report daily PUI numbers to prevent causing confusion as we transition to an expanded process of testing for COVID-19 in Oklahoma.
like COVID-19 is to stay home when you are sick and limit close contact with people who are sick. Remember, there is no need to wear a face mask if you are well and do not have any symptoms. Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve is important to protecting others from germs. Do not ever use your hands. Lastly, get a flu shot to prevent influenza if you have not already received one for this season. OKCIC offers flu shots to all patients at no cost.
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Page 8 • March 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Sports
Senior duo reflect on cancelled wrestling championships By Mike Kirk On the cusp of competing in their first – and only – national wrestling tournament earlier this month, Central Oklahoma seniors Cody Karstetter and Zachary Moore instead saw their careers end in an emotional hotel room team meeting and not on the mat. The fifth-ranked Bronchos of fourth-year head coach Todd Steidley had qualified six individuals for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships that were scheduled to start last Friday, March 13, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Redshirt freshman Dalton Abney and sophomores Brik Filippo and Ty Lucas were also making their first appearance, while junior Heath Gray was in the tournament for the second time. UCO’s contingent made the drive
to Sioux Falls Wednesday. Early Thursday afternoon, Steidley -- as coach of a top-five team -- and Gray – as the No. 1 seed at 184 pounds -participated in separate press conferences. An hour-long practice at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center followed before the team returned to their hotel. And then, at 3:17 p.m., came word that the NCAA was immediately cancelling all winter championships on every level due to the escalating Coronavirus pandemic. “We got back to the hotel after practice and within five minutes I got an email saying the tournament had been cancelled,” Steidley said. “I texted the guys to come to my room and just said ‘there’s no easy way to say this’ and gave them the news. Nobody said anything for a minute or
Cody Karstetter two. “There were some tears, no doubt about it. It was a very difficult situation, but I was proud of the way our guys handled it. Obviously they were all crushed, but everybody handled it like the mature young men that they are.” In an instant, the dreams that UCO’s qualifiers had of becoming an All-American or contending for a national championship were dashed. For Karstetter and Moore it was even more devastating. “I didn’t think it was real,” Moore said of hearing the news. “It felt like I was in a movie. Ever since then I’ve had a feeling that something’s missing, there’s something I can’t accomplish. It’s like a missing puzzle piece that I can’t find to put in.” A Putnam City High School product who spent four years at West Virginia before transferring to UCO for his final season, Moore was on a roll entering the national tournament. He had battled Filippo for the starting spot at 149 throughout the season while also seeing time at 157 and then jumped to 165 for the Regional IV Tournament. Moore went 5-1 in that tournament in finishing third to earn a qualifying berth, with his only loss a tough 3-2 decision to the top-ranked wrestler in the country. “I had all that momentum from the regional and then nationals gets cancelled,” said Moore, who finished the season 26-8 with a team-high 14 falls. “Every time I hear the word Coronavirus I’m reminded about it and I hear that word a thousand times a day. It still hurts.” Karstetter, like Moore, is in his fifth year of college. He’s battled injuries
throughout a career that saw him attend two Division I universities and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M before landing at UCO two years ago. After settling into the lineup at 133 early in the second semester, Karstetter had been making plenty of noise. He had beaten several ranked wrestlers, qualified for nationals with a regional runner-up finish and was excited about ending his career standing on the podium as an AllAmerican. It was not to be. “With social media it’s easy to see the news spread and I saw stuff getting shut down left and right as we were on the bus heading to the tournament,” Karstetter said. “As a wrestler you think there’s no way that’s going to happen, especially after we got there and got comfortable. “We spent the night, ate breakfast and went to practice. I wasn’t really thinking about it that much because I was really focused on the tournament. And then it all blew up.” A week later, the emotions are still raw for Karstetter. “This Pandemic is a bad situation and hopefully it gets settled,” the Tulsa native said. “But as far as my athletic career is concerned I’m gonna be selfish about it. It means a lot to you when you’ve grown up around the sport and always looked forward to competing in the national tournament and then when you finally get a chance to do that, it’s ripped away. “Others are talking about their seasons ending and I’m talking about my career ending. I’m hopeful that those who qualified for nationals get an-
See Seniors, Page 9
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 9
No Paseo Walk in April As Oklahoma’s first arts district, the Paseo Arts District has the responsibility to ensure the safety of our visitors, artists and merchants. With that in mind, the April First Friday Gallery Walk has been cancelled as we follow emergency declarations of the city and state to postpone group gathering and minimize contact to prevent the spread of COVID19. This is a challenging time for our restaurants and retailers. The community can find updates and ways to support Paseo merchants by visiting thepaseo.org, including how to order curbside takeout and delivery and where to shop online. The Paseo Art Space’s April exhibit will be installed as planned. However, instead of opening with a reception during First Friday and gallery hours open to the public, a virtual tour of the exhibit and information about the artwork will be available at thep-
Zachary Moore
Seniors From Page 8 other year, or at least another semester, but I know that’s probably a long shot.” The pain is also still with Gray, though having another season ahead of him in 2020-21 takes away some of the sting for the junior from Chandler. “For the most part I’m still heartbroken,” Gray said. “I didn’t think this is how it would go down, especially being the number one guy. Nothing’s guaranteed, but I liked my chances.” As well he should have. Ranked No. 1 most of the season after finishing third in last year’s national tournament, Gray carried a 29-1 record and 28-match winning streak to Sioux Falls. He didn’t figure to leave town with the same marks. “Wrestling is a grind,” Gray said. “It’s six months of beating down your body and it’s pretty demoralizing to work all that time to accomplish a goal and then get it ripped away from you. “I told myself if they cancelled it I
was gonna freak out. I had one little breakdown, that’s about it. It’s still tough to take, but it’s best to not get too mad because I can’t do anything about it.” Steidley also tries not to dwell on what his six-man team could have accomplished, though that’s still difficult. “I really felt like we were wrestling well and were peaking at the right time,” Steidley said. “I feel in my heart that all six guys would have been All-Americans and think we would have had a few with a chance to make the finals. “But looking back, it was the right decision. I hate it for our guys and initially I thought it was a huge kneejerk reaction, but in hindsight it wasn’t worth getting people infected. We have to worry about what’s best for our country and our citizens.” Even if that meant cutting short the season – and career – of thousands of student-athletes.
aseo.org. “Music that is organic “grows” from the seed of an idea then develops into a different thing.” The same could be said for the visual arts as discovered by five female artists who each explored their own “Organic Atmosphere.” Annalisa Campbell, Kafie Carman, Jean Longo, Michelle Metcalfe and Carol Ann Webster present their findings at Paseo Art Space in April. As their idea seeds grew, so did thoughts on materials and imagery. From beeswax, bark, leaves and minerals, emerge an appreciation of life and friendship in the current atmosphere of uncertainty in our world. Stay up to date with the Paseo as this situation develops by signing up for our e-newsletter at the bottom of our website. Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson.
Page 10 • March 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Let hope be contagious We are experiencing yet another week of our odd new reality. Most of us probably feel like a MASH surgeon scrubbing up. I’ve washed my hands quite a bit. I've always liked my Steve Gust home. In the past, there have been days I've set out to accomplish as little as possible. And surprisingly I've succeeded many times. Working from home isn't new for me. About 20 years ago, I struck out on my own, writing from home. A writer generally only needs a keyboard and a telephone. There are many, many stories out there to cover. These days, there are even more, like the lady here in Edmond who sang to her neighbors. Corona caroler, it's called. One of the many things I read on Facebook over the weekend, was that the virus is contagious, but so is hope. There are some serious challenges here. I'm not telling you anything you don't know. But please pray for a safe outcome. God bless those people who have become ill. We want them to recover soon. Seems to me we're probably dealing with a lot of pneumonia as well as
regular garden variety flu. What a bad time for all of that. I truly salute the health care workers. They've trained for this and have known this scenario was always possible. Keep them in your prayers, as well as first responders, grocery store workers and the big rig drivers. Getting back to Facebook, there is one saying that is starting to irk me. Someone will make a statement online and then follow that up with "let that sink in." I'd love to retire that. It's sad that churches have closed. I salute Father Stephen Hamilton for having the drive-in service at Saint Monica's Catholic Church. It's a good idea. See article, Page 5. Good thing technology has progressed to the point where people can do a lot of their jobs from home. If you get tired of watching streaming programs on television, do something nice. Send someone a letter or card. Make a call to a relative. Smile at the overworked grocery store person. And for goodness sake, keep the conversation light. Hang in there wonderful Edmond folks. And don't be afraid to turn off the news and select a comedy movie.
Worship & challenges By Oklahoman Editorial Board In times of crisis, pews tend to become more crowded in places of worship, at least for a while. We saw this after the 9/11 attacks. According to some estimates, half of the U.S. adult population attended a religious service on the Sunday following that terrible day in 2001. The same option, however, is becoming less and less available with the COVID-19 outbreak because churches are closing their doors. Last week, many United Methodist churches in Oklahoma, at the request of the domination’s state leader, decided to suspend in-person worship temporarily. The same day, the archbishop of Oklahoma City ordered all Catholic churches in the diocese — 107 parishes with roughly
120,000 parishioners across the western twothirds of Oklahoma — to suspend all public Masses and liturgies through Easter. The latter is unprecedented in the diocese’s 115-year history. But then, given the continued spread of COVID-19 and recommendations by health officials that gatherings be limited to 10 people, other options weren’t viable. “I know this will be difficult for many of us …” Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said in his announcement. But, “we must take further steps to protect the community and our most at-risk parishioners, so everyone can remain safe during this health crisis.” Many faith groups in Oklahoma had already canceled in-person worship services and livestreamed services instead. This trend is sure to continue as the state,
and the country, wrestle with the coronavirus. These are difficult, unsettling times. Gov. Kevin Stitt noted during a news conference last week that Oklahomans “are hurting, they’re anxious and fearful about the future, but … we will get through this.” He’s right. Perhaps this prayer, making its rounds on social media, will help with that effort: “May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. “May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. “May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. “May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options. “May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no place to go. “May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. “May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. “During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. “Amen.” Amen, indeed.
The Oklahoman Editorial Board consists of Kelly Dyer Fry, Publisher, Editor and Vice President of News; Owen Canfield, Opinion Editor; and Ray Carter, Chief Editorial Writer..
Yes, newspapers provide ‘essential services’ By Dean Ridings California’s governor has issued a “shelter-inplace” order directing everyone to basically stay inside their homes indefinitely in hopes of suppressing the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the region. It looks like many of us are going to be living under similar shelter-in-place orders sooner or later. Bedroom community New Rochelle, New York, has a “zone of containment,” and at this writing, New York City’s mayor is considering an order sending everyone inside. One key to shelter-in-place orders is that businesses that don’t provide “essential” services must send workers home. Most coverage lists the essential services as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and vital services from police and fire fighters to utility workers. In California, newspapers are among the essential services exempt from shelter in place. That is
exactly how it should be. It’s imperative that shelter-in-place orders recognize that newspapers provide “essential services.” It’s imperative that these orders recognize their communities badly need those services in this crisis — and would be imperiled by their absence. Day in and day out, newspapers bind communities, enhancing civic life and informing, entertaining and educating their local audiences. But it is during crises that newspaper prove their mettle. In hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires, newspapers have provided the information, the background, the warnings and the directions to financial and psychological aid that help communities prepare, survive and rebuild in emergencies. Newspapers are especially essential in this COVID-19 public health crisis. For one thing, it’s a complex and often baffling crisis. Again and again, public health experts
speak of being in “unchartered territory.” Newspapers are uniquely situated to provide the extensive background people need to understand as a community and as individuals. Newspapers (in print and online) continue to demonstrate their ability to tackle and explain complex issues with the necessary and important details. Newspapers also have been a voice demanding accountability on behalf of their communities during this COVID-19 crisis. And when this crisis passes and America begins to rebuild its economy, its trust and its health, newspapers will continue to provide the essential services vital to the commonweal. Are newspapers “essential services”? You bet.
Ridings is CEO of America’s Newspapers (www.newspapers.org).
During this time, please be kind to everyone EDITOR On my limited excursions to the grocer store I have seen multiple incidences of anger and unkindness to employees who are working on the front lines to make sure we get the supplies we need to get through the Corona Pandemic. The virus is not a reason for social graces, kindness and behavior to disappear. I feel each of us has concerns about our health as well as financial concerns. I am older and am very careful about going out. My daughter has graciously volunteered to pick up items for us. We all live and we all die
Letter to the Editor that is a fact. I hope I leave legacy of kindness during my lifetime. Take a breath you can still smile and say hi from six feet away. We can abide by the government guidelines and still be kind. There is no reason to snarl at people or refuse to make eye contact. Smiling is good for all of us. It is a great stress reliever. No conversation needed! We have seen items ripped out of the hands of stockers, staff being verbally
abused because a store was out of a product (that the news stated would be hard to find), checkers being attacked and items being thrown at them while they are having to work to make sure we have the items we need to exist through the crisis. My daughter was buying one box of RiceAronie when a man stepped in front of her and swept the whole shelf into his basket. So be kind to everyone.
JUNE CARTWRIGHT
‘There is no reason to snarl at people or refuse to make eye contact. Smiling is good for all of us.’
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 11
State issues guidance for child care centers As the licensing and inspection body for child care providers across the state, Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) issued expanded guidance today to child care centers in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). “In providing this guidance, we are sensitive to and considerate of many factors. We’re taking to heart the guidance offered to us by our stakeholders as well as other state and federal entities,” said Justin Brown, OKDHS director. “OKDHS understands that child care facilities are traditionally places where people congregate,” Brown said. “We are also aware of the CDC and the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s guidance around social distancing. Although children are not considered ‘vulnerable populations’ in the context of COVID-19, we all maintain an intense desire to keep them and their adult caregivers safe, and to restrict the overall spread of the virus.” In this context, OKDHS provides the following guidance to child care centers: Provide critical services - The child care industry is a vital element of a community’s ability to respond to a crisis, and OKDHS is working to do everything possible to support them. A widespread closure of child care facilities will dramatically impact the ability of first responders and health care workers to remain available to serve their communities. That said, child care providers, including homebased centers, are private enterprises with the ability to make their own individual business decisions. Increase sanitization practices and remain vigilant in providing hygiene protocols to children and employees – In talking with child care providers and the OKDHS child care licensing
team, partners and providers alike believe that many children maintain their best personal hygiene practices in their child care facilities where these practices can be constantly reinforced. Increasing these practices and regularly talking with children about proper handwashing are important to promoting healthy environments. The CDC recommends washing hands for 20 seconds as often as possible. Follow best practices on social distancing and sanitization – The CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health have provided guidance on social distancing and proper wipe down protocols to promote safe places for children. OKDHS asks that providers revisit protocols with their employees daily and put in place systems to ensure those processes are being followed. OKDHS is supportive of programs choosing to postpone inperson professional development sessions, staff meetings, parent meetings and field trips. Pre-screening before children enter a program – Child care programs should consider implementing a prescreening checklist to assess the health of the children and families they serve. Pre-screening could also include infrared thermometers to check for fevers at the entrances to facilities. Exposure to COVID-19 in child care programs - Programs need to notify their Licensing Representative if someone connected with the program, including household members, is diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if the program is closed. Flexibility and emergency regulation accommodations – Staying open during a time of crisis can present challenges, but the work of child care centers is critical for working families. The number one priority of OKDHS
The Arcadia Round Barn is closed Board members of the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society have made the decision to follow the recommendations of local and federal officials and close the Arcadia Round Barn until further notice. The board is concerned for the health of its loyal volunteers as well as the visiting public.
The closure will include the cancellation of live music concerts scheduled for the coming weekend. An announcement will be sent to the news media and posted on the Round Barn Facebook page when it is deemed safe to re-open the Route 66 attraction.
Edmond schools offering children free meals at seven different sites Edmond Public Schools will offer free school meals for all children 18 or younger, regardless of the school they attend or family income level. Meals will be available at seven sites. Only Ida Freeman Elementary and Sunset Elementary will have drive-thru service. All locations will have walk-up service for free meals: • Ida Freeman Elementary School (12:30-1:00 p.m.)
• Sunset Elementary School (12:30-1:00 p.m.) • Reed's Landing Apartments (10:30-11:00 a.m.) • Uni-City Mobile Home Park (11:30 a.m. to noon) • Lamplighter Mobile Village (10:30-11:00 a.m.) • Coffee Creek Apartments (11:30 a.m. to noon) • Windrush Apartments (12:301:00 p.m.)
is child safety. Working with state and federal partners, OKDHS is evaluating processes to expedite new program applications and issuing alternative compliances to current requirements to meet the needs of working families. As facilities consider expanding services, OKDHS encourages offering preference to providing care to children of first responders and health care workers. Guidance for parents – Parents who can should be encouraged to keep their children at home to fully achieve proper social distancing while also allowing for space for children of first responders and health care workers.
Independent decision-making – OKDHS knows that some programs may decide to close. If this is your choice, please notify your Licensing Representative. OKDHS is here to help - Licensing Representatives are available to answer questions or concerns related to the operation of your program. Visit the DHS COVID-19 Feed at www.ourokdhs.org for more. The community is also here to help - If there are specific supply or other needs child care centers have, “Raise your Hand” at www.ourokdhs.org so OKDHS may try to help, either directly or through community partners.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 13
Advice to boost your immune system Food may be great medicine for anyone trying to ward off the flu and Coronavirus. While much of the conversation about safety has focused on washing your hands for 20 seconds, avoiding handshakes, and resisting the urge to touch your face, another key step to staying healthy involves strengthening your immune system. Immune health is bolstered by smart lifestyle choices and the right diet — a year-round pursuit that allows our body the chance to defend itself no matter what we face. “We often think of nutrition and how to support the immune system when it comes to the flu season, but our body’s defense systems operate every second of every day, fighting off foreign bacteria, viruses and other invaders, and keeping us healthy. Our goal should be to think of this daily, how best to support our bodies proper metabolic function,” said Randy Evans, MS, RD, LD, a registered dietician consultant with Fresh n' Lean. Here are six tips to boosting your immune system. Take care of yourself Getting shuteye and taking the time to de-stress could help you stay healthy. Lifestyle choices such as sleep and stress management are vital to the proper function of your immune system. The non-profit National Sleep Foundation recommends adults receive an average of 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Stress hasn’t been so easy lately. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it anxiety and fear. Stock markets tumbled, sports leagues suspended operations, cultural events and large gatherings were canceled, and our way of life began to shift. Breathing exercises, meditation or a jog could help you shed some stress, helping you maintain positivity and maintain your immune health.
We often only focus on our gastrointestinal tract when we’re having issues, but most of our immune system cells (70-80%) are located in our gastrointestinal tract.
Eat the rainbow Focus on the colors in your diet — green kale and cucumber, orange sweet potatoes and carrots, purples and blue hues of plums and blueberries. “The colors in healthy foods are actually a part of the plant’s immune system, so eating the rainbow in your diet boosts your phytonutrient intake and boosts nutrients to help support your immune function,” Evans said. Eating whole foods reduces the intake of chemicals, additives and artificial sweeteners often found in processed foods, improving the body’s detox system. Beyond veggies and fruits, healthy fats — those found in extra virgin, organic, and cold-pressed coconut or olive oil, avocados, raw nuts and seeds, and range-fed or wild-caught animal products — are also a smart addition for meals and snacks. Eat your medicine Nutraceuticals represent the perfect balance of food and medicine — they provide nourishment as well as medical benefit. The supplements “might aid prevention and control” of viruses like COVID-19, according to a research article published in February by the
journal “Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.” Key nutraceuticals highlighted in the study include: Ferulic acid Lipoic acid Spirulina N-Acetylcysteine Selenium Glucosamine Zinc Yeast Beta-Glucan Elderberry The nutrients are often found to be low or very low in unhealthy patients, Evans said, meaning the body is weak and unable to respond to viral threats. Follow your gut The best measure of your immune health can be found in your gut bacteria. All of the bacteria in your body makes up your microbiome. The right types of food — such as leafy greens and lean proteins — can promote the growth of good bacteria, or microflora, in our systems and reduce inflammation. The wrong types of foods, such as too much sugar, can fuel inflammation, making you more susceptible to disease and impacting hormone balance.
Soak up some sun Make sure to stay on the sunny side. Vitamin D — which is produced when the skin receives sunlight, and is also found in fresh fish and eggs — has many important functions in the body, including bolstering bone and overall health. “It’s actually more of a hormone than a vitamin in function,” Evans said. “Research suggests Vitamin D has both antimicrobial and antiviral potential in the body. The most potent impact is shown when Vitamin D levels are boosted when found low.” The most effective way of measuring the body’s Vitamin D levels is through the amount of the serum 25hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, and experts recommend a concentration of 50 nanomoles per liter. Stay hydrated Water is the fuel that triggers the body’s metabolic processes, making H20 especially important for our immune health. The goal: drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water. You may need more water than that if you’re active, and anyone who’s been told they’re fluid-restricted should discuss hydration with their doctor. Dehydration, meanwhile, can invite a wide range of issues, including afternoon fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps. It’s important to be mindful of staying hydrated if you drink alcohol. Be sure to trade one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume, and be sure to drink water before and after to keep your body in balance. Your boosted immune system and diminished hangover will thank you the next
Page 14 • March 26 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
First Lady, scouts want cookies for health workers
Lawmaker pushes voting by proxy INOLA – State Rep. Tom Gann (R- Inola) issued the following statement in response to the plan to allow legislators to consider and vote on bills without being present at the Capitol: "The Oklahoma Constitution requires a quorum of legislators to be present to consider legislation. This important provision was wisely designed by our states' founders. It prevents the many evils that would arise if legislators were making policy without direct participation in the lawmaking process that impacts those we serve. If I am well, showing no symptoms and do not have Covid-19, I will perform my duty as an elected official of the House of Representatives from House District 8. I will travel to the Capitol and cast my vote personally. I will not use a proxy. Proxy voting is not what I was elected to do. The 'proxy' voting proposal is unnecessary and reckless to our constitutional form of government. A bill or measure voted under implementation of this plan could be challenged in a court of law, and a dangerous precedent could be set to allow proxy voting from here on out. We have a representative form of government where each member of the house is a proxy already for approximately 38,000 people. We have no authority to delegate that responsibility to one or two individuals. Our Constitution is clear that we are to be present for votes and debate if needed, to the point that even law enforcement cannot detain us en route to fulfil our duty. If the person delegated to be a proxy is able to travel to the capitol to cast votes if they are well, why would I not be able to cast my own vote if I am well? There are many others in our society who by virtue of their jobs cannot call it in, nor use a proxy and forsake their duty. I will fulfill my duty according to the State Constitution I swore an oath to and be present to vote and represent the 8th House District of Oklahoma. I understand and appreciate the necessity to reduce the risks of exposure and virus spread by limiting the number of legislative events.”
First Lady Sarah Stitt
First Lady Sarah Stitt, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (GSWESTOK), and the Oklahoma State Medical Association have launched Cookies for Courage, a program that allows Oklahomans to purchase a box of Girl Scout Cookies for medical professionals fighting COVID-19. “Cookies for Courage is a great way for Oklahomans to let our health care workers know we are thinking of them during this very difficult time,” Stitt said. “Oklahomans always pull together in tough times, and this is a very sweet, very simple way to support our medical community as they work to protect us all.” Cookies can be purchased online for $5 per box or $60 for a case at www.gswestok.org/cookiesforcourage. The cookies will be distributed to health care workers and others on the frontline. Proceeds from the program will support leadership opportunities for young girls through the Girl Scouts. “Oklahoma’s physicians, nurses and other providers are working extended hours to keep our community safe during this health crisis. We are grateful to the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and its members for providing this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those on the front lines of patient care,” said Oklahoma State Medical Association President Larry Bookman, M.D. Girl Scout cookie season was set to run through March 22, but due to COVID-19, inperson sales have been paused. Individual Girl Scout troops have the option of returning their unsold cookies to GSWESTOK or continuing sales online through their individual Digital Cookie websites. “Oklahomans always set the standard for how we care for our people,” said Shannon Evers, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. “Cookie season was cut short this year because of coronavirus, and while that’s disappointing for our girls, they recognize that there’s an opportunity here to show love for people who are fighting this pandemic on the front lines.”
Mayor delivers food to school Edmond Mayor Dan O'Neil, who is also a member of the Edmond Kiwanis Club, brings in food on March 13 to the club's K-Closet at Will Rogers Elementary School. Other Kiwanis club members delivered food not only to Will Rogers Elementary School, but to Sunset, Ida Freeman and Orvis Risner Elementary Schools, to ensure that students would have food prior to Spring Break.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 15
‘Blow the Man Down’ an entertaining mystery By George Gust “Blow the Man Down” is the latest offering from Amazon Studios and now available to stream on Prime Video. Mary Beth (Morgan Saylor) and Priscilla Connolly (Sophie Lowe) attempt to cover up a gruesome run-in with a dangerous man. To conceal their crime, the sisters must go deep into the criminal underbelly of their hometown, uncovering the town's darkest secrets. “Blow the Man Down” is a darkly comedic noir movie in the same vein as a movie like “Fargo.” It is a movie that has a unique sense of place, a small sleepy fishing town in a remote part of Main’s rocky coast. Writer/Directors Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy created a cold and insular small town with a cast of offbeat characters whose lives become intertwined around a few gruesome acts. This film features several scenes with sweet older ladies discussing untoward criminal behavior in their town, which feels as original as it does incongruous with what you’d expect. This movie while centered around the two sisters in over their head, is a true ensemble featuring some engaging performances from its talented
cast. As the movie reveals its many layers, you get a better sense of the relationships between the town’s surprisingly devious group of women. This is accentuated in the performance of Margo Martindale who plays the hard as nails owner of a criminal enterprise who becomes the focal point of the town’s growing disdain. There is something so simple yet effective about the filmmaking of “Blow the Man Down.” Most of the film plays out in conversations between people in cozy northeastern kitchens and dining rooms, but the cinematography and editing elevate the
mysterious goings on of this salty fishing town. Several scenes are framed in way that keeps the film feeling as dynamic and revealing as the layers of mystery in the narrative. “Blow the Man Down” isn’t afraid of taking chances with its visual filmmaking or its darkly comedic tone, featuring extreme closeups, fourth wall breaking chorus singing, and a nice mix of still subtle framing and slow tracking shots. Overall, “Blow the Man Down” is a surprisingly entertaining mystery that follows an ugly criminal underbelly of a seemingly cozy costal Main town with an elevated sense of setting and visual filmmaking. While this movie probably isn’t going to be a movie that makes your best of the year list, it is an intriguing film that engages you for all its 90minute runtime. “Blow the Man Down” is rated R for language, some violence, sexual material and brief drug use. 3.9 out of 5 stars
To comment on this review, or any other, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sophie Lowe and Morgan Saylor star in Amazon's darkly comedic Coen Brothers' style murder/mystery ‘Blow the Man Down’ now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Postponement of city events The City of Edmond has been monitoring developments associated with COVID-19, and in an effort to reduce community spread have decided to postpone the Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Distribution Event originally scheduled for Saturday March 28. Our top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved, including residents, employees, volunteers, and others who help make this event successful every year. At this time, a future date has not been scheduled; however, please continue to visit the event’s webpage for updated information and an announcement of a new date for the event: www.edmondok.com/rai nbarrels. Thank you for your understanding and please reach out to the event’s coordinators with any questions you may have.
Office restricted The Oklahoma State Department of Health will suspend lobby services for Vital Records until further notice. This includes the offices in Oklahoma City, McAlester and Tulsa. During this time, all Vital Records staff will remain on site to fill online, phone and mail requests. For more information on alternative options to order Vital Records, please visit: vr.health.ok.gov. You may also email Vital Records at AskVR@health.ok.gov or call (405) 271-4040 with any additional questions.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS ACROSS 1. Wire danger 6. Part of a circumference 9. Nashville's Keith 13. In a cold manner 14. Prefix for something revived 15. Paralyzing disease 16. Mulled wine 17. Egg cells 18. A do-nothing 19. *"Alphabet Series" detective novels author 21. *"It's close to midnight, and something evil's lurking in ____ ____" 23. Second mo. 24. Fabricca Italiana Automobili Torino 25. Not don'ts 28. Popular Japanese soup 30. *Agatha Christie's famous sleuth 35. Wood sorrels 37. "Through" in text 39. Give sheep a haircut 40. Raise the roof 41. Wall or pedestal support 43. Cogito, ____ sum 44. Drink like a cat, two words 46. Be inclined 47. Commotions 48. Bewitch or beguile 50. Jack and Jill's water jug 52. Put to work 53. *James Patterson's "____ the Girls" 55. "Jack and the Beanstalk" Giant's disapproval 57. *Hitchcock classic 61. *Poe's "Tales of ____ and Imagination" 65. In the know 66. *Subject of Roswell's mystery 68. Cocoon dwellers 69. King Julien XIII of "Madagascar," e.g. 70. Bubble source 71. Possible
allergic reaction 72. Gaelic tongue 73. Store posting, for short 74. Oceanic trenches DOWN 1. Google alternative 2. Maple genus 3. Capital on the Baltic Sea 4. Blindman's ____ 5. International ____ of Units 6. In a little while, oldfashioned 7. Once around 8. Raccoon's South American cousin 9. *The Demon Barber 10. Spanish earthen pot 11. Coffin stand 12. *New ____, setting of "The Alienist" 15. Michelangelo's famous Vatican statue and others like it, e.g. 20. Death reports, for short 22. Deli offering 24. Baby extractor 25. *Sherlock Holmes creator
26. Continental divide 27. Planktonic tunicate 29. *"Who ____ J.R.?" 31. Actress Perlman 32. "Lost" in Paris 33. Mar-a-___, pl. 34. Having a toothed margin 36. Undesirable location 38. Forearm bone 42. Enlighten 45. Slower 49. Oil drilling apparatus 51. Spoke with a speech defect 54. Make a murmuring sound 56. Chopin's composition 57. Wide river valley 58. Water carrier 59. L.A. footballers 60. *HBO's "____ Detective" 61. *Pamela Voorhees and Norma Bates, e.g. 62. D'Artagnan's sword 63. Stairway alternative 64. Those not opposed 67. *Remus Lupin's occasional body cover
See Answers Page 19
Answers to the puzzle On Page 19
Page 16 • March 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
These deer, although beautiful, can cause a homeowner serious grief when they run through a yard.
Protect landscape from hungry critters By Melinda Myers While you’re busy filling your landscape with beautiful flowers and scrumptious vegetables, the deer, rabbits and other wildlife are watching and waiting to move in to dine. Don’t lose your beautiful investment to hungry animals. Be proactive in keeping wildlife at bay, so you can grow a beautiful landscape this season. Protect plants as soon as they are set in the ground. It’s easier to prevent damage rather than break a habit. Once critters find delicious plants, they will be back for more and they’re likely to bring along a few additional family members. A fence is an excellent defense against animals. A four-feet-high fence anchored tightly to the ground will keep out rabbits. Five-feet-high fences around small garden areas will usually keep out deer that tend to avoid smaller spaces. Woodchucks are more difficult. They will dig under or climb over the fence. You must place the fence at least 12" below the soil surface with four to five feet above ground. Make sure gates are secured so animals can’t squeeze through or under these. The last thing you want is an animal happily living and dining inside your fenced in garden. For gardeners who do not want to spend the
money on fencing or view their flowers and other ornamental plantings through a fence, there are other options. Scarecrows, rattling pans and other scare tactics have been widely used for decades. Unfortunately, urban animals are used to noise and human scent and not discouraged by these tactics. You must move and alternate the various scare tactics to increase your chance of success. Repellents may be your best and most practical option. Always check the label for details on use, application rates and timing. Research has proven that odor-based repellents are more effective than other types of repellents. Wildlife will avoid plants rather than taking a bite before they discover they don’t like the taste. Look for organic repellents labeled for use on food plants when treating edibles. Plantskydd (plantskydd.com) is the only OMRI certified organic repellent and is effective against rabbits, deer, voles, elk, moose, chipmunks and squirrels. It is rain resistant and each application lasts three to four months during the growing season. Maximize results by treating new growth according to label directions. Most liquid repellents need time to dry while granule repellents may need to
be watered to activate the smell. Always check the label for the product you are applying. Protect new tree whips by dipping them in a long-lasting liquid repellent. Mature trees will benefit as well. Treat them prior to bud break or two to three weeks after leaves have developed. Continue to monitor plantings throughout your landscape all season long. Watch for animal tracks, droppings and other signs wildlife have moved into your area. Protect new plantings and those favored by wildlife before they start dining on your plants. Always be as persistent as the hungry animals. If you’re ever feeling discouraged, remember that gardeners have been battling animals in the garden long before us and there are lots of options to help protect your flowers and harvest. Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care Products for her expertise to write this article. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
TSET Board renews grant for Stephenson Cancer Center Oklahomans will continue to have access to cutting-edge science and research in addiction and tobacco cessation after the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors voted today to renew its grant to the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center (OTRC). The grant provides up to $11.4 million over three years for research into addiction and the harms of tobacco and nicotine products. The renewal recognizes the progress of OTRC scientists, whose efforts currently include 25 active studies with federal awards totaling over $29 million in research funding. “The faculty at OTRC are performing vital research into the harms of tobacco and the nature of addiction,” said TSET Board of Directors Chair Bruce Benjamin, Ph.D. “OTRC researchers are exploring how to use new technologies to aid cessation, investigating the harms of vaping and more. Their research is crucial to countering Big Tobacco’s innovation and investment in new products designed to hook the next generation on nicotine.” OTRC scientists are a pivotal component of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Stephenson Cancer Center and were vital to Stephenson becoming Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center.
The TSET grant also will continue to recruit new scientists to Oklahoma, award research grants to Oklahoma scientists and leverage funds to advance behavioral and cessation research. Included in those studies is work by Alayna Tackett, Ph.D., that focuses on tobacco regulatory science with an emphasis on the effects of e-cigarettes among youth and young adults. “The scientists at OTRC continue to build a premier tobacco research program and it is the research of Dr. Tackett and others who are keeping the pulse on new tobacco products designed to hook our youth. TSET is pleased to support these efforts that bring expertise, innovation and vital knowledge to our state,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. TSET was created by a constitutional amendment in 2000 as a long-term strategy to improve health and ensure settlement payments from a 1998 multi-state lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Funds are used to improve the health of all Oklahomans and are placed in an endowment to ensure a growing funding source for generations to come. Only the earnings from the endowment are used to fund grants and programs. To learn more, visit www.tset.ok.gov.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 17
Feds offering SBA loans The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Oklahoma small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This funding will be provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by President Trump. To qualify for the program, the state must submit documentation of business losses for at least five businesses per county. If approved, an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration will make disaster loans of up to $2 million available to small businesses and private, nonprofit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by COVID-19. According to the SBA, these loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the impact of COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere and 2.75% for nonprofits. Businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible for this program. Oklahoma businesses affected by the Coronavirus are asked to fill out the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management’s Small Business Disaster Economic Injury Assessment survey by clicking HERE. When SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications are made available, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will have staff available to assist small businesses with filling out the forms. Companies needing assistance with the application forms and economic development organizations providing assistance to businesses in their communities should contact Ray Little at ray.little@okcommerce.gov or 405-815-5227.
Call 405-815-5227
Trucking industry excels By Jack Money & Josh Dulaney Oklahoman.com Cole Stevens, vice president of sales for Stevens Trucking in Oklahoma City, said demands for truckers’ services continue to climb as the coronavirus epidemic unfolds. “We definitely have seen a huge demand for our services,” he said. “We haul a lot of critical supplies — a lot of paper goods, both raw and consumer goods that are in short supply, plus a lot of food, water and beverages.” Stevens, which was established in 1980, schedules and hauls loads for its customers using a fleet of 300 trucks and 1,000 trailers that it owns on routes that cover the U.S. and Canada. It employs about 350 workers, with most operating trucks for the business. While the federal government has relaxed mandatory rest rules for drivers who are hauling critical supplies, Stevens said his drivers pretty much are keeping to regular schedules. “You still have to remain safe in what you are doing, regardless,” Stevens said. “But the trucks can’t stop. If they did, shelves would be empty and there would be a whole lot more panic than what is occurring throughout the country. “Our truck drivers are getting well-deserved recognition that they don’t always get.” Millions employed According to the American Trucking Associations organization, 7.8 million workers are employed in trucking-related jobs across the nation, with nearly half of those working as drivers. In 2018, the industry earned revenues of $796.7 billion by hauling about 11.5 billion tons of freight. Sean McNally, a spokesperson for the organization, said the nation’s truck transportation system continues to operate today as it delivers goods to grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies and other facilities.
Company chairman responds to virus (A note from Sean Trauschke, Chairman, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp.) To Our Valued Customers and Communities: In this unusual time, caring for each other is more important than ever. It is this shared responsibility that will help us navigate through this unprecedented crisis. At OG&E, we serve nearly 860,000 customers in Oklahoma and Western Arkansas – each of you is important to us. You depend on us for reliable energy – a responsibility every one of our employees takes to heart. Whenever our customers and communities face a challenge, we will do whatever we can to help. During this time, our commitment at OG&E centers around two vital purposes – one is ensuring you continue to receive reliable electric service and, two, working with state and community leaders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Perhaps we can all use this time to reconnect with our colleagues, neighbors, or families with a phone call or an online message to check on their well-being. Working together to protect not only ourselves but every one of our fellow citizens, especially the most vulnerable, will make our communities better and stronger post the COVID-19 situation. You can reach us anytime from anywhere online. During the next 30 days,
we are also suspending all disconnections for nonpayment. Here is some helpful information: · 24/7 access to manage your account – oge.com gives you the option to remotely handle many of your needs. Should you need to access your account, stop, start or transfer service, or pay a bill, you can do so using this site. · Financial assistance – If you are facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, we are here for you and have flexible payment terms available. Please contact Customer Service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 405-2729741 (Oklahoma City) or 800-2729741 (all other areas). · Contact us – Our specialists can be reached by phone, by mail or online. You can visit the Contact page here. For additional information about OG&E’s response to COVID-19, please visit ogeenergy.com/covid. At OG&E, our team is always ready to work around the clock to make sure our communities and customers stay safe and secure with dependable electricity to energize life. Let’s accept the essential role we each play to care for each other and protect our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers by staying informed and making smart decisions. Sincerely, Sean
‘Working together to protect not only ourselves but every one of our fellow citizens, especially the most vulnerable, will make our communities better and stronger post the COVID-19 situation.’ Sean Trauschke, Chairman, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp.
“Supply chains are generally running well,” McNally said. “What we are seeing with store shelves is the impact of surge demand as Americans rush to stock up on goods. “Empty shelves simply reflect a supply chain that is adjusting to the sudden spike in demand, which will correct as carriers and retailers adjust.” McNally stated the organization is, however, asking state governments to leave rest areas open for truck operators so they can take the breaks they need to continue safely operating. "As we continue to address this ongoing pandemic, we urge all levels of governments to do what they can to keep critical goods moving.” Showing recognition Employees for one Oklahoma City-based company that provides support services to truckers handed out free lunches during a "Sandwiches 4 Semis" event last week at to two exits off Interstate 35. Truckers who exited the interstate at Hefner Road also were met with a friendly smile as they grabbed their bags, honked their horns in appreciation and rolled on. While Americans are rightly concerned about the health and well-being of first responders during the coronavirus pandemic, truck drivers are a critical yet overlooked population who work tirelessly to keep needed goods flowing into all corners of the country, remarked Jennifer Lickteig, TBS Factoring's president. “We want to show them that we care about them,” she said. Originally founded in 1968 as Truckers Bookkeeping Service to offer over-the-road truck drivers permitting and fuel tax reporting services, TBS Factoring was established in 2004 to buy customer truckers' outstanding invoices for what they were owed, minus a fee, and then collecting those receivables itself. It later created a dispatching service designed to help truckers find highpaying loads.
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Edmond Round Up Club’s Carl Benne dies Combat Engineer. They built roads Carl Eugene Benne was born and cleared mines. He was dison June 28, 1932 to William H. charged at Colorado Springs, Coland Katie May Benne. He orado and held the rank of Staff passed away peacefully on Sargent. March 15, 2020. He was the In April 1955 Carl met and started eighth born of twelve children. dating Mary Lou Stewart and they Including Carl, there were five were married on July 27, 1956. This boys and seven girls. Carl atcoming July, they would have celetended Chisolm School for his brated 64 years of marriage. first grade in September 1938, For decades, Carl Benne’s name the one room school consisted has been synonymous with the of grades one through eight. He rodeos at the Edmond Round Up walked to school two miles with Carl Benne Club. Carl first joined the Edmond his two sisters and one brother. Round Up Club when he was around In the late summer and early fall of 1940, the family moved to a farm located at 17 years old. The location of the arena at that time was where the Kickingbird Golf Course is the northeast corner of Pennsylvania and Coffee presently located. Carl’s first official role with the Creek Road. There Carl attended a country school Edmond Round Up Club was Parade Marshall, named Prairie Bell. It was also a two mile walk to then moved on to a role as President. When the school and back. After two years, the school Edmond Round Up Club needed a place to hold closed. The students were transferred to Deer rodeos and play days in 1966, Carl Benne stepped Creek School west of Edmond, Oklahoma. Growforward to help design and build the arena where ing up on his family’s farm taught him horsemanit stands today. When repairs were needed, Carl ship skills that blossomed into an affinity for would go to the arena to get things taken care of. rodeo. Formally he has served approximately 30 years as Carl’s first public job was at Rodkey’s Flour Mill downtown Edmond for two years. He then worked President, also served as Vice President, Chairman at Tinker Air Force Base and retired after 37 years. and on the Board of Directors many years. He continued to volunteer his time and efforts to the Carl served in the United States Army from July arena until the very end. 1952 to April 1954. He took his basic training at The Edmond Round Up Club and arena was a Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served in Korea huge part of his heart and soul. In January of from January 1953 to April 1954 with the 16th
Obituary notice 2003 The Edmond City Council voted to name the arena for the club’s long-term member and former President Carl Benne, a well-deserved recognition. Aside from the rodeo, his other interest and passion were his two draft horses, Tom and Jerry. He pulled a 30-person trolley, buggy, wagon and stagecoach, which he built himself. He was well known for being in all the parades around and when he finally decided to retire from the draft horses, he had never missed a LibertyFest parade in Edmond. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and five sisters. He leaves behind his two children, Carl Wayne Benne and wife, Denise of Mustang, OK; and Kimberly Dawn Benne-Gray and husband Fred Gray of Edmond, OK; three grandchildren, Reanon, Rachel and Kayla; four great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Marty, Katie and Carly; two sisters, Mary Ann Lane of Midwest City, OK and Oneta McDaniel of Edmond, OK and numerous nieces and nephews. Carl will be remembered for the legacy he leaves with the Edmond Round Up Club, the arena, parades and for his continued devotion to the City of Edmond through the years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. Services, under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home, were held Friday, March 20, 2020, at Matthews Funeral Home.
Family, friends remember Jimmy Dean Williams Jimmy Dean Williams, famously known as “Big Cat,” put his big black Caddy on cruise control, cranked up the Beach Boys, exhausted what seemed to be a fair share more than his allotted nine lives and jived to the middle of the Lord’s dance floor on March 15th, Jimmy Williams 2020. 1949-2020 Big Cat’s story began March 30th, 1949, when Jimmy burst onto the scene in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to the great delight of his adoring parents, Earl and Bette Jo Williams. The family soon decided that “P-Vine” couldn’t contain them, so they moved to McAlester, Oklahoma. In Big Mac, Jimmy discovered girls and Isle of Capri’s Italian cuisine, which shaped his formative years and resulted in a voracious lifelong appetite for food, drink, and making memories. Jimmy graduated a proud Buffalo from McAlester High School but not before wreaking havoc on the football field, baseball diamond, golf course, and most often, school halls. He ultimately took his football talents to Southeastern Oklahoma University, where he discovered his actual superpowers were off the gridiron. Specifically, Jimmy carried the extraordinary ability to harness his personality to make friends no matter the situation,
Obituary Notice make hard work look effortless, and to persuade anyone he met. Jimmy’s exceptional gifts became unmistakable after taking a summer job at an automobile dealership. It was on a single fateful day in July that he sold more than a dozen cars, and academia lost a scholar to that ornery muse called the car business. However, before pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams, Jimmy first served his country as an active Army serviceman deployed in Germany. An experience that further bolstered his love of America and wiener schnitzel. Upon arriving home, Jimmy wasted no time launching his career in the auto business. His mastery of the spotlight and knack for creating clever, auspicious publicity stunts and television commercials catapulted him from a small “tote the note” used car lot owner to a marquee new car dealer on the Magnificent Mile of Cars. For the last five decades, Jimmy reveled in owning a fleet of dealerships and trading everything from general stores, bowling alleys, and restaurants to horses, coffee shops, and an awful lot of wisecracks. Jimmy was passionate about the Oklahoma Sooners, his son’s music and Hawaii. He especially loved taking his family and friends to Maui, where he could always be trusted to find the freshest ahi tuna, biggest Hula Pie, and best boat drinks. Make sure to raise a toast to Big Cat the next time you
visit Lahaina Grill! Among Jimmy’s greatest sources of pride was raising his grandson, Reid. Thanks to Reid, Big Cat transformed into “Pops” and found a miniaturized version of himself which kindled a vitality and dedication that inspired everyone who witnessed them prowling the streets of Oak Tree. Most of all, Jimmy was a committed follower of Jesus who put Christ first in his life. He joyfully shared his love whenever the opportunity presented itself. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marty, children BJ and Creede, daughter-in-law Lori, and three grandchildren, Reid (13), Creede Hudson (12), and Charlotte (9). Also survived by nephew Shawn Williams; niece Blake Hunter; the mother of his children, Cindy Speake-Williams; aunt Bobbie Lanz and husband Bob. Jimmy was preceded in death by his grandson, Jimmy Liam; brother, Denny; and parents Bette Jo and Earl Williams. Big Cat leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and mammoth laughter. His family and friends remember him as a fearless, fun-loving, light on his feet, sing at the top of his lungs, gentle giant, and an endless source of unconditional love and bravery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Boys Ranch Town-Edmond, 5100 E. 33rd St., Edmond, OK 73013.
Special Olympics Oklahoma cancels spring events Due to concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus, officials announce that Special Olympics Oklahoma has made the very difficult decision to cancel all April and May sports training, competition and special events, along with our 2020 Summer Games scheduled for May 13-15. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has recommended that over an eight-week period from March 15, 2020, organizers hosting an in-person event of 50 individuals or more throughout the United States should cancel or postpone. Special Olympics, Inc. has recommended all Accredited Programs cancel events through the end of May, 2020. While canceling April and May events and Summer Games is truly disappointing for athletes who have trained for months to compete – as well as
News briefs for the volunteers, family, friends and our staff and board who support them and look forward to cheering them on – we know that our love of sport doesn’t compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of all involved. “This was an extremely difficult decision to make, and we know this is a great disappointment for the entire Special Olympics Oklahoma family, but the safety of the athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff remain our primary concern,” said Paige Martin, marketing and communication manager for Special Olympics Oklahoma. “Athletes, we recommend you visit www.sook.org for some links to various “in-home” training options that can help you stay fit during this time.”
Company hiring Petra Industries, the consumer technology authority and wholesale electronics distributor, is looking for new team members to add to their distribution center in Edmond. Petra plans to hire at least 50 new full-time positions over the next couple weeks. These new jobs will help Petra meet the rising demand for ecommerce fulfillment. Petra’s top concern is the safety and wellness of its team members. We have taken precautions in our facilities to keep people healthy. We have taken measures to promote social distancing and enhanced cleaning of our facilities. Petra will be accepting online applications only, please visit petra.com/careers to apply for these positions.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 26, 2020 • Page 19
Food bank steps up to meet virus challenge In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is using innovative methods to meet all food assistance needs while also adhering to safe social distancing practices. Due to mandated statewide school closures and overall employment disruption, the Regional Food Bank anticipates and is preparing for an increase in the number of people needing food assistance. The Regional Food Bank encourages anyone needing food assistance to visit rfbo.org/get-help to find an agency nearby or call 405-972-1111. “Our organization is committed to helping Oklahomans impacted by the COVID-19 virus,� said Deb Bunting, interim CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “This is new territory for all of us and I want to assure everyone that we are working hard to continue to provide food assistance while taking all necessary safety precautions.� The Regional Food Bank is in daily communications with its network of more than 300 community-based partner agencies to monitor their response and needs. On March 16, the Regional Food Bank’s Moore Food & Resource Center implemented a new system that limits the number of shoppers in the facility at any given time. Shoppers are given a box of shelf-stable food and allowed to shop for perishables such as meats, dairy and produce. In addition, partner agencies are offering graband-go models where people can come inside the agency to pick up emergency boxes of shelf-stable food while others are allowing individuals to stay in their vehicles while agency staff place an emergency food box in each vehicle. On Monday, the Oklahoma State Department
of Education mandated statewide school closures until April 6. To determine how best to feed students during this extended closure, the Regional Food Bank is working closely with schools, the state and other food assistance partners. More information to come as available. The Regional Food Bank cancelled all large volunteer shifts for the week of March 16. Our staff is working to create volunteer models that follow social distancing guidelines while helping to meet the need for emergency food boxes. The Regional Food Bank is hopeful that in the near future it can provide an environment that is safe for a limited number of volunteers. “We've had many individuals and groups reach out asking how they can assist our efforts. The very best way to help those impacted is to make a financial donation," Bunting said. Individuals and organizations wishing to make a
donation to assist the Regional Food Bank’s response to the COVID-19 virus and help fight hunger overall, please donate at rfbo.org/give or call 405-600-3136. For daily updates to the Regional Food Bank’s response, visit rfbo.org/COVID-19. About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where everyone, regardless of circumstance, has access to nutritious food. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state's largest hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community-based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families
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In light of COVID 19 for the time being, all worship services are suspended. Please check with your house of worship for more information.
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 10:00am Animal Friendly Friendly Parish “If yyou ou ha have ave people who ex exclude clude an anyy of God’ God’ss cr creatures reatur e es fr from rom o the shelter of compassion and pity pity,, yyou o ou will ha have ave those who deal lik likewise ewise with their fello fellow w human being. being.â€?â€? 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 rayeer • ang anglicancgesedmondok.com licancgesedmondok.com
SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON
Page 20 • March 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure