March 31, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 46
In This Issue
returning
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.
Final Four Local Winners See page 11
FRIDAY, April 1
Mostly Cloudy High 68° Low 45°
SATURDAY, April 2 AM Showers High 64° Low 41°
SUNDAY, April 3 Partly Cloudy High 69° Low 47°
Downtown event starts April 7 VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays returns for its second season, kicking off on Thursday, April 7 in Downtown Edmond from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. This first event of the season will feature 43 participating businesses, including some new to Downtown Edmond like Edit & Co., Fried Taco, and Woodward Pizza in the Ice House Project, and long-standing favorites like Othellos, Silver Leaf Gems, and Native Summit. Check out the 44 Visual Artists set up over the 15 blocks of DTE showing and selling their artwork and enjoy the more than 10 Performing Artists including Inspyral Circus Stilt-walkers and returning favorites like Vearl T, the Jane Mays Band, Five Year Gap, and more! The April VIBES event will include the “Good VIBES Paint-off” presented by Kirkpatrick Bank, featuring artists Charl Adair, Chris Cargill, Jay Holobach, Jennifer Hustis, Sharon Owsley, Shelly Presley, Jeff Shoemake,
Thomas Stotts, and Reian Williams. These artists will participate in a live painting competition for the audience at the Festival Market entrance on 1st street. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the competing artists and vote for their favorite piece through a fundraiser for VIBES using cash or online card votes. April VIBES will also be kicking off the second season with a “Simply Indie” film screening located on the southwest corner of Campbell and Broadway. Attendees are welcome to watch and enjoy the featured film. NEW for the 2022 Season, The VIBES Visa Challenge will happen every month of VIBES! Attendees can pick up a VIBES Visa Task Card from participating downtown businesses and complete any number of tasks that they choose. Each completed task equals an entry into the drawing. Tasks include visiting visual artists and businesses, making purchases
at any VIBES business or artist, and posting on social media using the hashtag #VIBESVISA. Monthly prize packages vary but include gift cards to downtown businesses, artwork created by VIBES artists, and VIBES merchandise. A new winner will be selected each month! VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays is a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round, and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program for Edmond Public Schools. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481. The 2022 VIBES Season is made possible by Citizens Bank of Edmond, Mercy, Edmond Electric, First Bank & Trust Co., Engel & Volkers The Duncan Group, The Mule, Small Architects, Valor Bank, and the City of Edmond.
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One last thank you One last final thank you to students at North, Santa Fe and Memorial for once again helping non-profits during their annual season of giving. It conclucded last week when Swine Week at Memorial ended. More than $700,000 was raised for charitable causes. Photo by Eriech Tapia
From the Publisher
Vote Jones & Hobgood for April 5 board elections By Ray Hibbard EL&L Publisher This coming Tuesday will be an election to fill two open seats on the school board. District 2 and District 5 could show up on your ballot depending on where you live. Unlike our City of Edmond elections, only those in the district can vote for the candidate. District 2 is currently held by board member Kathleen Duncan who has decided not to run again. District 5 currently is held by Marcus Jones who was appointed for the vacant seat in November of 2021 until the next election date. This will be his first time to run for election of this position. Edmond’s Board of Education consists of five members-one from each election district-who serve a five-year term with one member’s term expiring each year. Each year the board sets Strategic Goals which serve as a guide map to assist the board and district in prioritizing and aligning efforts and resources to fulfill the district’s mission of "Empowering all students to succeed in a changing society.” Jones has done a good job filling in for the vacant seat. He spent time in my office talking about the issues. We believe he should be voted in to fill this seat for an entire term. Jones is a graduate of Edmond public schools and the parent of two Timberwolves who currently attend Cross Timbers Elementary. Jones has a degree from Oklahoma State University in Management Information systems. After starting his career as a software developer, Jones and his wife chose to move back to Edmond to raise their family, wanting to give their girls the same opportunities EPS provided for Jones. "I am a husband and father of two girls who are ages 10 and 6. I attended Edmond Public Schools as a child from Kindergarten through High School. I attended Oklahoma State University where I received my bachelor’s in management information sys-
tems. I currently work for a small software company as a developer,” Jones said "I am running to be a School Board Member because I want to be able to help Edmond Public Schools continue to excel at teaching the next generation. The Board makes big decisions on a host of different topics from infrastructure, to staffing requirements. I believe as a parent in the district I could have a good pulse on how kids, parents, and teachers enjoy our district,” he said. He adds that he is a good listener and after spending some time with Jones, I would agree. His expertise in technology is a strength in my mind as well. "We have a 1:1 student to device ratio ahead of schedule. Now it is time to be creative on how to balance device utilization in and out of the classroom,” he told me. Our pick for District 2 is Courtney Hobgood. She took the time to come to our office and visit about her vision for EPS. I liked that she sees that as the board’s role in the system. It is not running the details of the school but setting a direction. Having served on a variety of boards over the last 42 years I can promise you the last thing a board needs to be doing is trying to manage the operation. You leave that to who you hire to run the organization. When relocating to Oklahoma, Hobgood and her husband decided to plant roots here in Edmond. She told me they conducted an extensive search on what community to reside. Crime level and school system were the top priority. They chose well. They have three boys in EPS. She says, "if elected, I will bring a mother’s perspective to the board due to the current personal connection with EPS. With the young ages of my children, I have a vested interest in the future success of the school district. There is no greater gift than watching your children grow academically and I will do anything I can to help the students, teachers and school staff achieve that.”
Stop vaping program announced The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) launched a new group vaping cessation intervention this month for teens and young adults. Quit the Hit is a free, webbased program designed to reduce youth e-cigarette use, combat the impact of nicotine addiction and help Oklahoma kids live longer, healthier lives. Quit the Hit is currently enrolling participants. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are the most popular tobacco product among middle and high school students in Oklahoma and across the U.S. In Oklahoma, 27.8% high school students reported using electronic vapor products. “Early intervention is key, as vaping has put a new generation at risk for a lifetime of addiction to nicotine,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of
TSET. “Internal tobacco industry documents once referred to youth as ‘replacement smokers.’ With the rise of teen vaping we see the same playbook with a new product. If we help them quit now, we will them a lifetime of costs to their health, wellbeing and finances.” Quit the Hit meets youth where they are. It is an evidence-based, moderator-led cessation education program conducted on social media platform Instagram. Quit the Hit provides teens and young adults with five weeks of free, online quit support in groups of 10-15 participants. Quit the Hit offers peer-to-peer support, daily educational content, coping strategies, quit tools, group challenges and more. Pre- and postprogram surveys will measure success on a variety of outcomes including past 30-day vape use.
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From the Publisher
Citizens Bank supports 50th LibertyFest and is co-chair of the DownStarting last year, the Libertown Edmond Arts Festival. tyFest committee began work Wallace owned Fashion Bouon how to highlight and celetique in downtown Edmond for brate the 50th anniversary of 18 years. She volunteered on this popular series of events. In the DEBA board, Urban Board, most towns, the 4th of July and chaired the Downtown Edcelebration might be one or mond Arts Festival for over 10 two events the weekend of the years. The award, voted on by holiday. Here in Edmond, for the DEBA board, is given to a 50 years, volunteers have volunteer who exemplifies the made the celebration last over two weeks of activities that vary Ray Hibbard unselfish drive and motivation from a kite festival to a car show and to Bryanne exhibited for Downtown Edmond. Wallace passed away in April the best fireworks display in the state. 2021. It has all been done with no paid staff, Schaefer began serving on the DEBA only volunteers. Most of the events are Board as Treasurer in 2008. She has completely free to the public as well. been an insurance agent in Downtown The long standing LibertyFest comEdmond since 1995 and is Co-Chair of mittee knew they wanted to mark the the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival. 50th year of these events with bigger and even better everything. They knew Michelle demonstrates the same dedia premium sponsor was needed to help cation and drive that Wallace had. She volunteers many hours every month to in these efforts. The committee turned making sure our arts festival is the best to the business that has been helping it can be as well as keeping our organiEdmond community events for over zation viable and strong. 120 years including being a 50-year Congratulations Michelle Schaefer! sponsor of LibertyFest, Citizens Bank of The Wallace family traveled to OklaEdmond. This truly locally owned and homa and was present for the award operated bank answered the call as presentation. they have in this community for over a The second award presented by century. For the 50th LibertyFest celebration, DEBA was the Hoot Gibson award for service to the Edmond community. Our Citizens Bank of Edmond will be makfriend Randel Shadid was the recipient ing possible the largest and best 4th of July events that this state has ever seen. of this award. The award goes to a person each year that represents the same I am so proud to serve as the bank board chair for this great Edmond insti- kind of dedication and support that tution. CEO and President of the bank, McCall’s owner Hoot Gibson displayed Jill Castilla, did not hesitate when asked for many years as head of the downtown area. Gibson has passed away but for the help from the LibertyFest committee. She told the committee that Cit- his legacy and many of the programs that were started by him remain today. izens Bank of Edmond was all in and In 1973, Randel Shadid moved to Edproud to be the premium sponsor for mond. He opened his law office in our this fantastic all Edmond event. city and so the legendary story began. There is not enough space for me to A few years later, he was elected to list the honors and service that Castilla City Council, then Mayor. During that has at the national and international time, he helped in the obtaining and level in banking and as a veteran. Her planning Mitch Park and Lake Arcadia innovation in banking stretches everyalong with many, many more great adwhere. Yet, she has not forgotten that her role as head of Citizens Bank of Ed- ditions to our city. Shadid, along with many other art mond is to take care of home base. loving citizens, began the Edmond ViOnce she was aware of the need for the celebration, she made sure that the sual Arts Commission. Because of his work and the work of this group, EdLibertyFest committee had what they mond is now home to 285 public needed to make it happen. Two great works of art with several more slated to organizations working together to celebrate our freedom is a wonderful thing. be installed. His support and dedication to DownI hope you will thank any of the team town Edmond and DEBA has never at Citizens Bank of Edmond when you changed. He has always helped in the see them at the bank or out in our planning and development of our beaucommunity. tiful district. Without his help, we Shadid, Schaefer honored by DEBA would not have preserved the history of this unique area, nor would we have Last week was an opportunity for become the destination that we are the Downtown Edmond Business Assotoday. ciation (DEBA) to honor two individuCongratulations Randel! als. The newest award is the Bryanne Wallace Volunteer Award, and it went (Ray Hibbard may be reached at to Michelle Schaefer who operates a ray@edmondpaper.com) business here in downtown Edmond
Citizens Bank of Edmond becomes premium sponsor for this years 50th anniversary of LibertyFest helping to provide an even bigger celebration for this year’s events. From left, Terry Office, President of LibertyFest committee; Jill Castilla, CEO & President of CBE; Natalie Bartholomew, Chief Impact Officer for CBE and June Cartwright, Public Relations chair for LibertyFest.
Pictured is Stephanie Carel, Michelle Schaefer and the Wallace Family.
Pictured is Steve Gibson, Randel Shadid and Stephanie Carel.
PHOTOS/ RAY HIBBARD
Check out what’s inside! ---- Police report ..............................................................................Page 6. ---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6. ---- Tennis Hall of Fame inductions ..................................................Page 8. ---- Lankford wants no federal funding for abortion ......................Page 10. ---- Former junior golfers reunite with Mike McGraw ....................Page 12. ---- Coach Hardaker quits at UCO..................................................Page 13. ---- George Gust reviews top movie CODA ....................................Page 14. ---- Crossword puzzle ....................................................................Page 14. ---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17. This, and much more, in this week’s edition!
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 5
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(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) March 14 Shelbie Tiarra Shannon, 32, of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant. Geoffrey Allyn Hartgers, 34 of Oklahoma City. Six felony warrants, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Nyki Ida Anquoe, 41 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Shelby Tyler Adair, 35 of Alva. Misdemeanor warrant. Srinaveen Patibandla, 23 of Edmond. Petty larceny. March 15 Tyler Wayne Glass, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Kevin Michael Berggren Jr., 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication. March 16 Trevion Dejon Cato, 29 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant. Aimee Elizabeth Lowry, 52 of Edmond. Public intoxication. March 17 Juan Carlos Ramos, 30 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or ACP) a motor vehicle under the influ-
ence of alcohol. Mathew Michael Fernandez, 22 homeless. Failure to appear. Morgen Lee Spears, 20 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. March 18 Roy Adam Ingram, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication and failure to appear. Jacob Allen Rodriquez, 40 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Jessie Alfonzo Stone, 55 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear. Kay Annette Franks, 51 of Oklahoma City. Petty larceny. Clayton Alan Smith, 50 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear. Reanna Lee McCurley, 35 of Edmond. Felony warrant, malicious injury or destruction of property (Misdemeanor under $1,000 felony over $1,000) and burlgary in the first degree. March 19 Bryant Oneal Warner, 50 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant. Travis Don Horton, 27 homeless. Three counts of failure to appear. David Allen Brayboy, 36 of Merritt Island, Fla. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more. Michael Edward Garret, 34 homeless. False representation to an officer and public intoxication. Jordan Breann Lira, 33 of Edmond. Three misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear. Dionte Tarron Anderson, 33 homeless. Two mis-
demeanor warrants and failure to appear. April Marie Silva, 41 of Oklahoma City. Child abuse neglect and possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS with intent to distribute. March 20 Britten Wayne Chumbley, 41 of Canadian, Texas. Possession with intent to distribute CDS. Shea Ashton Leaver, 29 of Edmond. A felony warrant and a misdemeanor warrant. Demarr Fannell Greer, 43 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant. Dillon Reid Sivigliano, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more. Amanda Beth Brackney 49 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Jared Michael Keeler, 23 of Stillwater. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more. Dylan Phillip Johnson, 25 of Wellston. Public intoxication. Rhianna Michelle Murphy, 28 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, two counts of CDS possession. Jordan Paul Krug, 31 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, failure to carry current security verification, expired license plate, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Rita Kay Lackey, 54 of Edmond. Carrying harmful weapon and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Mauricio Villarreal, 30 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Weekend calendar, March 31-April 3 ---- In the Gallery: Stacy Haggard ---- Exhibit: The Clue in the Museum-A Nancy Drew-Inspired Detective Adventure ---- “I Remember That:” Edmond in the 1980s Exhibit ---- Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping ---- Arcadia Lake Sweep ---- Homeschool Day ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Road Trip! Transportation in the West ---- Signature Tour ---- Just Between Friends Consignment Sale ---- OKC Repertory Theater presents: James and Jerome – Piano Tales ---- Opening Weekend at Oklahoma River Cruises ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Oklahoma Wind Festival ---- Spring Steam Train Rides ---- Junior Botball Challenge ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Scheherazade ---- Bricktown Comedy Club presents: Cory Michaelis Extra Information In the Gallery: Stacy Haggard Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Mar featuring the art of Stacy Haggard; edmondfinearts.com Exhibit: The Clue in the Museum-A Nancy Drew-inspired Detective Adventure Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Thu Mar 31; edmondhistory.org “I Remember That:” Edm. in the 1980s Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Tue, Feb 1 – Thu, Mar 31; Tue – Fri: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 1 – 4 p.m.; Free; edmondhistory.org Tabea Debus, Recorder and
Alon Sariel, Lute: Orwhurm Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Thu, Mar 31; 7:30 p.m.; $30 to $55; armstrongauditorium.org Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Thu, Mar 31 – Tue, Apr 5; $25-$75; bfiweek.com Arcadia Lake Sweep Location: Spring Creek Trail Extra Info: Sat, Apr 2; Free; 8 – 11 a.m.; edmondok.gov Homeschool Day Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Apr 1; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Road Trip! Transportation in the West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Mar 24; 12 ---- 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
OKC Repertory Theater presents: James and Jerome – Piano Tales Location: Oklahoma Contemporary Extra Info: Thu, Mar 31 – Sat, Apr 2; Thu: 7 p.m.; Fri: 7 p.m./ 9:30 p.m.; Sat: 8 p.m.; oklahomacontemporary.org Opening Weekend at Oklahoma River Cruises Location: Various Locations Extra Info: Fri, Apr 1 – Sun, Apr 3; 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; okrivercruises.com First Friday Gallery Walk Location: Paseo Arts District Extra Info: Fri, Apr 1; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org Oklahoma Wind Festival Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Sat, Apr 2; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; scissortailpark.org Spring Steam Train Rides Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: Sat, Apr 2 – Sun, Apr 3; Facebook.com Junior Botball Challenge Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Extra Info: Sat, Apr 2; 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; kipr.org
Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Apr 2 & Sun, Apr 3; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
OKC Philharmonic presents: Scheherazade Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Sat, Apr 2; 8 p.m.; okcphil.org
Just Between Friends Consignment Sale Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, Mar 26 – Sat, Apr 2; okc.jbfsale.com
Bricktown Comedy Club: Presents Cory Michaelis Location: Bricktown Comedy Club Extra Info: Sun, Apr 3; 7 p.m.; bricktowncomedy.com
Major annual benefit for Calm Waters Center is April 8 Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, a nonprofit providing free grief support services to children and families on their grief journey in Oklahoma City Metro Area, will host their 8th annual carnival-style fundraising event, Under the Big Top on Friday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Farmer’s Market at 311 S Klein, Oklahoma City. “Under the Big Top is our largest fundraiser and guests always tell us it’s the most fun, interactive fundraiser in Oklahoma City,” said Erin Engelke, Calm Waters Executive Director. Under the Big Top features carnival performers with stilt-walkers and jugglers from Inspyral Circus, The Flying Okie aerialists, and magician Jonathan Meyer. There will be a raffle hosted by the Raffle Queens, two drag queen entertainers. “Entertainment is a key focus of this event, and we love to bring in exciting performers to wow the crowd.” Engelke explained. “I can’t wait
to see all of these unique acts in one place, creating a wildly fun carnival atmosphere at an over-the-top event.” Event attendees will purchase game tickets to play the many carnival games, including Plinko, Balloon Pop, Punch Wall and putt-putt. Game prizes are gift cards and items valued $10 - $100 from local Oklahoma City businesses and organizations. There will also be a wine walk in which players can win bottles of wine as well as and a jewelry pull where guests can win Kendra Scott jewelry pieces. “Calm Waters’ Under the Big Top event creates a unique atmosphere filled with fun, games and prizes, anyone can participate and support the organization,” said previous event attendee Catherine Divis. “The night features amazing entertainment and brings back the wonder of being a kid again. This is a great way to support Calm Waters’ and their mission.”
Further in line with the theme is the carnivalstyle food, gourmet heavy appetizers provided by catering company Kam’s Kookery along with an open bar. While the event is fun and games, it is also essential to the non-profit’s operations. “Without Under the Big Top, Calm Waters could not afford to provide services to those in the Metro area. Grief touches all of our lives, and we are honored to help our clients through those times,” Engelke said. All proceeds from Under the Big Top will benefit Calm Waters programming. In addition to free grief and divorce support groups both in the agency’s center and more than 250 local schools, Calm Waters offers private counseling, community partnerships and co-parenting seminars. This event will allow Calm Waters to provide vital mental health services to those who are experiencing grief or suffering a traumatic loss.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 7
Time for even tougher laws on DUI? One in 3 Oklahomans think there should be a 'zero tolerance' law on drinking and driving, reveals poll. • 66% think current drunk driving penalties are not harsh enough. •1 in 4 admit they would still drive first thing in the morning after a big night of drinking. •Infographic on zero-tolerance opinions by state. The NHTSA reports that across the United States, nearly 30 people are killed each day in drunk-driving accidents, which equates to roughly one preventable death every 50 minutes due to irresponsible driving. Despite the legal consequences of drunk driving, it appears that so long as alcohol is legal and people drive cars, there will be incidents that involve intoxicated road use – with some, unfortunately, resulting in fatalities. The federal limit to legally operate a vehicle in the US is a 0.08% blood alcohol content, however in 2018, Utah implemented the strictest blood-alcohol driving limits in the country dropping from 0.08% to just 0.05% blood or breath alcohol concentration. DesertHopeTreatment.com conducted a survey of 3,445 people to determine how they feel about implementing a statewide 0% drinking and driving tolerance policy, and found that over 1 in 3 (39%) Oklahomans support the idea - this compares to a national average of 33%. On a national level, women are far more supportive of this idea with 40% agreeing compared to 28% of men. Any amount of alcohol in the system reduces the skills necessary for safe driving, including impaired judg-
ment, vision, color distinction and reaction time. With Utah’s 0.05% BAC limit, the NHTSA compared data from the last full year before the legislation was passed and the first year in which the lower legal limit was in place. This comparison showed that Utah had a reduced traffic fatality rate by 18.3% and there were 19.8% fewer fatal accidents in 2019 even though drivers logged more driving miles. Infographic showing zero tolerance opinions by state The survey also discovered that a significant portion of respondents do not believe drunk driving penalties are harsh enough with 66% agreeing that this is the case. And, reassuringly, 3 in 4 said they would report a friend or family who decided to drive drunk. Worryingly, it was found that more than 1 in 4 (28%) respondents believe it’s worse to use a cell phone while driving than it is to drive while under the influence. Distracted driving in any way, shape or form poses a direct risk to the driver their passengers, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians on the road; in 2019, more than 3,100 lost their lives. Using a phone detracts the driver’s attention away from the road much in the same way, intoxicated driving affects the driver’s mental state. In both circumstances, the driver loses the effectively focus on the road. Another concerning find from the survey revealed that 33% of respondents said they weren’t aware of the 0.08% BAC figure to legally drive a car. The data also uncovered that
Never too young for newspapers When Rylee Quinn Bewley, gets done reading Edmond Life & Leisure, she then takes a look at The Oklahoman. Her grandparents, Dianna and Don Bewley of Edmond are amazed the 20-month-old child shows such great interest in the newspaper. She is also the daughter of Derek and Annie Bewley.
nearly 1 in 4 (24%) drinkers admit they would still drive first thing in the morning after a big night of drinking. Although the legal limit is 0.08% in most states, this volume of alcohol still has the ability to impair a person’s driving ability when it comes to factors like short term memory loss, reduced information processing capability and impaired perception. In fact, in 2018, there were 1,878 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents in which drivers had BACs under the legal limit. There is no definitive answer on how long it takes for a person to me-
tabolize alcohol and reach a state of total sobriety, and driving after a night of drinking is highly discouraged. It is imperative to remember that driving with a BAC at any level presents a serious risk to yourself and every other person on the road. Getting behind the wheel at any level of intoxication should not happen and is something that can be avoided via a number of available alternatives. It is wise to make plans regarding transportation prior to a night of drinking or have some other plan in place that would prevent anyone who is intoxicated from operating a vehicle.
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Edmond art tree winners named The Edmond Historical Society and Museum presents Trees in Our Town, an annual Arbor Day Art Show featuring the award-winning art created by fifth graders from Edmond schools. The exhibit runs from Spring Break through April. Winning Tree Art The Edmond Urban Forestry Department administers this art event annually as part of its Oklahoma Arbor Week celebration. Participating students depict trees through drawings and paintings. The first through third place and honorable mention winners from each school are then showcased at the Edmond History Museum. The Edmond Visual Arts Commission selects the three top “Best of Show” winners, and the Museum selects an “Edmond Heritage Award” for entries that interpret an aspect of Edmond culture or architecture in addition to trees and a “Museum Favorite.” Top winners of 2022 are: Best of Show 1st: Rocket Trees by Lillian Lee of Charles Haskell Elementary Best of Show 2nd: Mother Nature by Peyton McDougal of Centennial Elementary Best of Show 3rd: Lake Spirit by Abby Stewart of Clegern Elementary Museum Edmond Heritage Award: UCO Trees by Ladd Peck of Clegern Elementary Museum Favorite: Willow Wonder by Isabella Gatewood of Frontier Elementary Trees in Edmond In addition to the student artwork, museum interpretive panels provide historical information and photographs about tree culture in Edmond, Oklahoma. When 1889 homesteaders arrived in the area west side of town was a flat mixed-grass
Lillian Lee’s winning entry prairie, but the eastern side was a belt of ancient deciduous forest, made up of hardy blackjack and post oaks. Edmond townspeople quickly saw the benefits of trees, and began planting more trees in urban areas. Some trees in Edmond have been identified as 200+ years old, and Edmondites continue to value parks and greenspaces. Museum Information: The mission of Edmond Historical Society & Museum is to celebrate Edmond history through preservation and education. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Please visit the museum website at www.edmondhistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078 to learn more about how the museum is operating during Covid-19. Admission is free.
Other entries
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31 2022 • Page 9
Jarin Skube
Edmond’s Skube & Minihan inducted in Tennis Hall of Fame USTA Oklahoma is excited to announce a pair of new inductees to the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame for 2021. The newest members include the outstanding player, Jarin Skube, and the Executive Director of USTA Oklahoma, David Minihan. Both men were honored at the USTA Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet at the Edmond Conference Center in Edmond. Since moving to Oklahoma in 1996, David Minihan has managed Westwood Tennis Center, Kickingbird Tennis Center and Edmond Center Court. Serving as both a teaching pro and Director of Tennis, David has delivered the sport of tennis to thousands of players over his career. In addition, David has spent years volunteering for USTA Oklahoma and USTA Missouri Valley, as well as serving as Executive Director for Oklahoma. David’s favorite role, however, is that of a founder and board member of Play It Forward, a NJTL organization that serves adaptive and low-income communities, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have access to the sport.
Jarin Skube is a 1998 graduate of Edmond Memorial High School and a three-time Oklahoma State Champion in 6A singles. He finished his prep career with an overall record of 139-6 and was the No. 1 ranked USTA junior player in Oklahoma and Missouri Valley. His USTA accomplishments include three national championships in doubles competitions in the 14, 16 and 18 age groups. Skube continued his playing career at Texas A&M University where he was a four-year starter, two-time team conference champion and a first team all-conference selection. He now resides in Costa Rica continuing a successful career in investments and banking. Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame: The Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame is proud to honor outstanding players, educators, administrators, promoters, officials and media persons who have lived in Oklahoma and who, by their performances on court and/or efforts off-court, have distinguished themselves by having made significant contributions to the sport of tennis.
David Minihan
Page 10 • March 31, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Many people hopeful By Steve Gust It may not seem like it, but there is some optimism in America. To recap, some might say these aren’t the greatest of times. We have runaway Steve Gust inflation and open borders to the south. We have our government calling some parents at school board meetings terrorists. Our Supreme Court nominee, although seemingly a nice person, can’t define a woman and she happens to be a woman. And then there is a war across the sea. I can’t believe Putin just thought he was going to go to economic summits like “business as usual.” Now there’s a guy more confused than Biden. But on the flip side I saw a photo over the weekend that got me thinking. A niece of mine gave birth
to a nearly 10-pound boy. People bringing children in the world must believe things are going to get better. Not only that, but drive around Edmond sometime. There are a lot of homes and businesses being built. Those people know what the American dream is still worth it. I think the same thing with young people planning on being doctors. They have to invest a lot of years into their education. If they didn’t think it was worth it or the nation may not last, they wouldn’t do it for a second. Our network news people don’t cover it, but most people know that the government is different than the country. Our government has problems, but the country still has a lot of good people in it who raise families, work hard and bring pride to themselves and their loved ones. (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Letter to the Editor
Elizabeth Waner gives thoughts on board races EDITOR: To my friends and residents within Edmond School Districts 2 and 5: There are two School Board elections of great import on April 5 - District 2 and District 5. Voters must live in the specific District in order to vote. While I recognize I reside in District 1, and cannot vote in the upcoming Edmond School Board elections, in my opinion the proper functioning of the Edmond School Board is crucial to all of the residents of Edmond, as decisions at the Board level impact all of the students in the District,
irregardless of where they reside. With that in mind, I would like to encourage Edmond residents in Districts 2 and 5 to support Courtney Hobgood and Marcus Jones, respectively. District 2: Courtney Hobgood would be a great School Board member. She has three children in Edmond Public Schools, has committed her time and energy to their schools, worked with teachers, staff, and administrators, and learned how the Edmond School District and the Board operate. Courtney has been courteous, re-
spectful and exemplary in her public demeanor. In conversation, she is open, thoughtful, and courteous, as well as being a good listener. District 5: Marcus Jones was appointed by the School Board to fill the vacancy created when Meredith Exline resigned, in part as a result of discourteous and abrasive treatment at a School Board meeting. Marcus has had an opportunity to learn how the Board functions best, and how to effect change. He works well with his colleagues, is courteous, thoughtful, and respectful. His primary concern is for the well-being of the students. In addition, his children all attend Edmond Public Schools. In my opinion, both Ms. Hobgood and Mr. Jones would make positive contributions to the Edmond School Board, bring fresh insight to its efforts, be productive through collaboration with their colleagues, and keep the focus on what is best for the children of Edmond Public Schools in a professional, courteous and thoughtful manner. For the best interests of Edmond Public Schools, and all of its students, I encourage residents of the Edmond School Districts 2 and 5 to elect Courtney Hobgood and Marcus Jones to the Edmond School Board on April 5. ELIZABETH WANER
Lankford fights federal abortion funding Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced a resolution of disapproval to stop a Biden Administration regulation allowing combined payments for abortion coverage in taxpayer-funded Affordable Care Act (ACA) health exchange plans, which violates an Lankford unambiguous separate payment requirement in that law. The resolution challenges the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) final rule that repeals the separate billing requirements for abortion services as specifically mandated by Congress in Section 1303 of the ACA. The final rule eliminated a 2019 Trump-era rule on the separate billing requirement, which was enacted to align with the clear text of the ACA and ensure taxpayers who oppose abortion do not subsidize health exchange plans that provide
abortion coverage. “Health care protects life; abortion takes life,” said Lankford. “That’s why Congress ensured in the Affordable Care Act that health care and abortion would be billed and paid for separately. Children of all ages, born or unborn, are blessings that deserve our protection. We are standing up to this flagrant violation of the clear legal mandate to have separate payments for abortion and health care. By putting this rule in place, Biden is once again proving his obsession with abortion. I will continue to do everything I can to stand up to the most pro-abortion president we’ve ever seen and his administration that wants to promote and even increase abortion in our nation.” “The HHS final rule needs to be stopped. It unlawfully creates a situation in which people, who would never support abortions, might have their hard-earned money used to subsidize plans that provide abortions,” Hyde-Smith said. “Congress was explicit in requiring separate billing and everyone should be troubled to see the Biden administration completely flout the law with this rule.”
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pliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste). Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.
The CRA resolution is cosponsored by 20 other Senators. Its introduction follows the July 2021 letter from Lankford and his colleagues to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra seeking the withdrawal of the then-proposed rule to eliminate the Trump separate billing rule. “The Proposed Rule directly violates the express text, clear meaning, and Congressional intent of Section 1303. In construing ‘separate’ to mean ‘together,’ the Proposed Rule would illegally allow insurance companies to collect combined payments for elective abortion coverage, rather than separate payments as the law requires. The Proposed Rule also undermines consumer transparency and makes it harder for consumers to know whether their plan covers abortion, which may lead many to pay for abortions in violation of their consciences or religious beliefs,” the Senators wrote last summer. The CRA allows for expedited procedures to consider this joint resolution, which would need a simple majority for passage. Lankford and Hyde-Smith were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jim Risch (RID), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Thune (R-SD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (RTX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Marco Rubio (RFL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Josh Hawley (R-MO). Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) is sponsoring a House companion resolution. The Susan B. Anthony List, National Right to Life, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Heritage Action, CatholicVote, and the HHS Accountability Project scholars at the Ethics and Public Policy Center are among the groups supporting the resolution.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 11
Tissue donations helped others
Pastor kept giving even as he passed to other side his faith. As a pastor, he had Greg Penna, of Edmond, the opportunity to serve many was known as many things: people both in Oklahoma and a loyal husband of 27 years, across the globe. Being a man a father of three, a pastor, a of faith, he cared very much church planting missionary, for those with needs, and and an avid Saints fan. deeply wanted to see people Greg loved his wife, prosper in their lives. Cindy, and was always supGreg was incredibly giving in portive, encouraging and Penna his life. To anyone in need, he caring towards her emowould work as hard as he could tions. Together, they loved to help or see them prosper. their companionship, watching footIn keeping step with how he lived ball games and serving their local his life, Greg was able to enhance church together. others’ lives across the country in his He and his wife were a dynamic death by becoming a tissue donor. duo while helping church planters His bone has helped reduce pain in and their spouses. A church they those receiving spinal surgery, his skin helped start started had five people has helped those reconstructing after and now runs 10,000 people per a post-mastectomy, and his connecweek. Together, their lives were tive tissue has helped with knee and wrapped around service to God and leg mobility. the local church. Greg lived his life well, and in the There was also a time he served as end he left a legacy for countless othan Interim Pastor at a local church. ers through his decision to be a During his interim, he inspired the donor. congregation to provide a service to the community. This service helped About LifeShare provide glasses, diabetes screenings, LifeShare is a nonprofit, federally food and family portraits to hundreds designated organ procurement organof children and families. ization (OPO) dedicated to the reAs a father of three, he would do covery of organs and tissue for just about anything for his children. transplant purposes. We work closely Driving across state lines for his with three transplant centers and 145 daughter’s sorority events, going to softball games and orchestra concerts healthcare organizations in the state of Oklahoma to facilitate donation. and even driving from Georgia to Additionally, we strive to raise awareOhio in a snowstorm to get a car to ness for organ, eye and tissue donawork on with his son. Greg could make anyone laugh. He tion and transplantation through public education. loved joking around, having fun and For more information about Lifehelping others see the lighter side to Share, please visit www.Lifelife. He was incredibly passionate about ShareOK.org.
Law enforcement measures clear Oklahoma State Senate The Senate approved a pair of law enforcement bills last week to streamline services and improve training, while also providing better mental health support for Oklahoma’s public safety personnel. The measures, authored by Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, were recommended by the Unified State Law Enforcement Commission, which is made up of the state’s top public safety officials, including the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Director, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDDC) Director, the Cabinet Secretary of Public Safety, and the state Attorney General, along with an appointee of the governor, the Senate Pro Tem and the House Speaker. The commission was created by the David last session and their recommendations were highlighted as a priority in the governor’s State of the State Address in February. Senate Bill 1612, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Unification Act, would consolidate the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDDC) under the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 2023. The bill would also create a Mental Wellness Division. David noted that Oklahoma is currently one of only three states with a split state public safety system. “This bill is the result of months of work put in by this commission of our state’s top public safety officials, visiting with hundreds of law enforcement members from various agencies around the state to hear their concerns and ideas about how Oklahoma can improve recruitment and retention. The top needs were for better training, more career opportunities and better access to mental health,” David said. “Unifying these agencies will address all of these and improve services through better collaboration and uniform training. We must ensure all public safety personnel get the same high-level training, so they can easily move from one area of law enforcement to another, giving them more ca-
reer opportunities whether they’re highway patrol or want to go into investigations, drug enforcement or other areas. I’m proud of this piece of legislation and appreciate my Senate colleagues’ support.” SB 1613 directs DPS to establish and maintain the Mental Wellness Division to provide mental health services and programs to public safety personnel and their families. The bill would authorize the division to enter into public/private partnerships for services. It also would establish a revolving fund and a not-for-profit foundation to raise monies for the fund. “Oklahoma’s public safety members are some of the best and most professional in the nation, but these are extremely difficult and mentally taxing jobs. Unfortunately, many won’t seek help for their mental health because of embarrassment, stigma, or fear of career repercussions,” David said. “Depression, anxiety, addiction, and mental exhaustion are common for these heroes from the constant traumas they face, and that also negatively impacts their marriages and other relationships. Just as they protect all of us, we need to protect them and their families, which includes their mental health.” David held an interim study in 2020 where law enforcement officers from various agencies around the state and mental health experts pointed out that public safety officers and other first responders suffer from much higher rates of PTSD, suicide, divorce, depression, and addiction than the public. According to the Ruderman Foundation, 35% of officers have PTSD and 31% suffer from depression while only 7% of the public experience either. A 2018 National Fraternal Order of Police study found that more than 16% of officers have had suicidal thoughts, over 65% have sleep problems or disorders and nearly 61% have intrusive or unwanted memories, including images, sounds and smells from the traumas they have witnessed. The study also found that more than 52% of officers have or are facing relationship problems. Over 90% report stigma keeps them from seeking treatment.
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Page 12 • March 31, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Sports
From left are Steve Steele, 1982 graduate of Edmond Memorial and member of Edmond's first five-man state title team in 1981, he returned to Edmond in 2005 and is a Realtor. Bryan Gathright, a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher in America, coach of PGA Tour winners, Notah Begay, Cameron Beckman, and Jimmy Walker. Bryan currently coaches Baylor freshman Zach Heffernan, who McGraw says is ‘pound for pound the longest hitter in college golf.’ Bryan teaches out of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch near San Antonio, back in the 80's Bryan was an assistant professional at Oak Tree National. Bill Langwell, 1985 Edmond Memorial grad, works in Oil and Gas Services and lives in Edmond. Chris Rouk, 1985 Edmond grad works in Information Technology and lives in Dove Canyon, CA. Rich Spurlin, 1985 Edmond grad, he is the GM at Eugene CC and lives in Oregon. Abe Cornish, 1986 Edmond grad, an Investment Advisor, lives in Edmond and was the 1985 Oklahoma State High School Individual Champion. Terry O'Hara, 1985 Edmond grad, works in Communications and resides in Baltimore, MD. Chad Stanford, 1990 Edmond grad, he is an Attorney/Aviation and lives in Edmond. Mike McGraw, Baylor Men's Golf Coach, Waco, Texas. Dustin York, 1992 Edmond grad, member of three Edmond Memorial State Championship teams, professional golf instructor, lives in Edmond. Austin Miller, he is the head coach of the University of Oklahoma Hockey team and lives in OKC. Andrew Green, 2008 Edmond Santa Fe grad, he is a Realtor and lives in OKC.
McGraw now coach for Baylor Bears
Ex-junior players support ex-mentor Mike McGraw By Steve Steele Several Edmond connected former junior golfers made what has become an annual pilgrimage to Houston, on last week to support one of their former mentors, Baylor men's golf coach, Mike McGraw, in the 39th Annual Curtis Hankamer Classic, a fundraiser that benefits the Baylor Bear men's golf team. The last several years it has been hosted at The Golf Club of Houston, in Humble, Texas. Designed by Rees Jones and David Toms the Tournament Course previously hosted the Shell Houston Open and is regarded as one of the best conditioned courses on the PGA Tour. McGraw, a three year letter winner and All American golfer for the Central Oklahoma Bronchos, received his degree in broadcast journalism in 1982. That same year, McGraw started writing a weekly golf column for the Edmond Evening Sun and continued to do so thru 1997 when he took a job offered to him to assist Oklahoma State golf coach and legend, Mike Holder. McGraw started running the Edmond junior golf program at KickingBird for Art Proctor in 1983. He received his teaching certification and started teaching at Sequoyah Middle School and was an assistant coach for the golf team at Edmond Memorial from 1984 to 1993, years that they dominated Oklahoma High School golf. The first four years of Edmond North High School, McGraw, as head coach led them to three state titles. Then he headed to Stillwater to assist coach Holder, he spent seven seasons as an assistant for the Cowboy men and they won the 2000 National Championship. The 2004-05 season he was head coach for the OSU Cowgirls. Holder took over the athletic director position in 2006 and named McGraw as his successor, he led the Cowboy men to a national title that year and a runner up finish in 2010. Following a few disappointing sea-
Left to Right, Brian Dolehide, Baylor Men’s Golf Volunteer Assistant Coach, Steve Steele, Mike McGraw, Head Coach and Mikkelson Bjerch-Andresen, Assistant Coach
sons, Holder fired McGraw following the 2012-2013 season. McGraw was hired by his good friend, Jay Seawell, to assist him at the University of Alabama for the 2013-2014 season and in a touch of irony the Crimson Tide and Cowboys faced each other in the final match for the national championship at Prairie Dunes CC in Hutchison, Kan. In a riveting, hard fought final the Tide prevailed over the Cowboys. It was a difficult day for McGraw as he loved the players on both teams, the young men that he and
OSU coach Alan Bratton had recruited to Stillwater and the young men that he was pouring his life and wisdom into for the Crimson Tide. Right after that tournament the head coaching job at Baylor opened up, McGraw accepted, he was able to return to a place he is familiar with, the rich harvest of high school and junior golf in Texas. McGraw is currently in his eighth season at Baylor and intends to coach several more years. Baylor is a great fit for McGraw, as he is encouraged and able
to share his deep faith. His wife Pam, a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, is from Houston and still has family there. McGraw, a voracious reader, wrote a book about his life in coaching, published in 2017 titled”, Better Than I Found It.” With the help of his assistant coach, Mikkel Bjerch-Andresen they host a podcast I recommend of the same title, Better Than I Found It, you can download on your Podcast app, they have 88 episodes now and add a new one each Monday at 7 a.m. CST. McGraw was the lead founder of the Bill Nicklas Memorial Junior Golf Foundation in 1993, the organization hosts junior tournaments at KickingBird, recognizes the accomplishments of Edmond's three public high schools and also Oklahoma Christian School with a school year end banquet and does community outreach at several senior centers in the area with the help of high school golfers and coaches. In 1995 he started the Edmond Junior Golf Hall of Fame, which York, Cornish, Steele and Green have been inducted into, it currently resides at Edmond Golf store in downtown Edmond. When the clubhouse at KickingBird is completed in 2023, it will find a new home there. The guys had a great time, and each man was on a team that finished in the top three of the net or gross flights and took home some really nice swag donated by PING golf. The six foot eight Green also won the long drive by 20 yards and Steele came away the winner of the longest putt made on the difficult 18th hole at Golf Club of Houston. There were 92 players participating in the fundraiser event this year. Steele is a contributor to Edmond Life and Leisure with a golf column and cover junior golf, boys and girls high school golf, men's and women's college golf in the area, Oklahoma amateur golf, events held at all of the golf courses in Edmond and professional golf.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 13
Sports
Hardaker steps down at UCO Ends 16-year-run as head women’s basketball coach Guy Hardaker announced last week he will retire from his post as head women's basketball coach after a 16-year career leading the program at his alma mater. "Aside from my wife and my kids this truly was one of the greatest joys of my life," Hardaker said. "To get to come here every day, do something you love. This was such a joy. "This is my school," Hardaker continued. "I went here. My wife went here. My kids went here. One of the things I think has been special is to see the growth of this campus from the early 1980s to now. "I want to thank the administration for supporting me and the women's basketball programs, all the coaches, and all the players and every one that has supported us. It means a lot." Hardaker was introduced at a luncheon at the UCO Jazz Lab April 5, 2006 as the fourth head women's basketball coach in Central's history. His storied run with the Bronchos ends 16 years and 298 wins later. "I'm so grateful to Guy Hardaker for his years of loyalty and service to UCO," Central director of Athletics Stan Wagnon said. "Our athletics department and women's basketball student-athletes, in particular, have benefited significantly from Guy's dedication, ingenuity and competitive spirit. He's a true champion, both on the court and off, and we celebrate his many contributions while also wishing him the very best in a well-deserved retirement." Hardaker first came to Central State University in 1982 to play baseball for the Bronchos. A threeyear star in the middle infield, Hardaker led the Bronchos to over 100 wins in three seasons and became the first player ever taken in the Major League Baseball Draft following his junior season in 1984. Hardaker was a two-time All-District 9 selection and is in the UCO Athletics Hall of Fame as a baseball player. After his baseball career, which took him up to Triple-A ball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, Hardaker returned to Edmond to begin his coaching career.
Guy Hardaker He was an assistant boys basketball coach and head girls' golf coach at Edmond Memorial High School for six years before moving to the newly opened Edmond Santa Fe High School to start the boy's basketball program there. He coached Santa Fe for the next 13 years, winning 173 games, including the 2005 Oklahoma class 6A state championship. Hardaker had Santa Fe ranked as high as 11th in the nation during the 2005-06 season and made the state semifinals that March. He was hired by the Bronchos a month later. "The opportunity is just unbelievable for me," Hardaker said on April 5, 2006 at his introductory press conference. "It's an opportunity to stay in a community that I love, having lived in Edmond for 25 years, and it's an opportunity to go to the university I grew up in." Hardaker didn't waste too much time finding success at UCO. He went 15-13 in his first season and led Central to a Lone Star Conference North Division runnerup finish. He took the team to the national tourna-
Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submitted by noon Thursday.
ment in Year 2, something that had yet to be done since UCO moved to Division II 15 years earlier. Hardaker led the Bronchos to four straight NCAA appearances from 2008-11. The Bronchos reached the Sweet 16 in both 2009 and 2011. Central Oklahoma was independent for one year before transitioning to the MIAA in 2012. After a couple of years of adjusting, Hardaker had the Bronchos competing at a high level once again. UCO went to nine consecutive MIAA Basketball Championships in each of the past nine seasons under Hardaker. He led the team back to the NCAA Division II national tournament in 2017 for a fifth time. Hardaker coached all three of the top three leading scorers in school history and four of the top six rebounders in school history. He coached 25 allconference postseason award winners and five of the seven Bronchos to ever earn All-American honors played under Hardaker. "We do what we do for the kids," Hardaker said. "It's all about the relationships you develop with these kids."
Page 14 • March 31, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Review of CODA
The powerful story of Best Film winner By George Gust This past Sunday, “CODA” was crowned with the Academy’s highest honor: 2021’s Best Picture, becoming the first film presented by a streaming platform to achieve the most coveted Oscar. During the leadup to the Oscars “CODA” was seen as the little film that could, backed by one of the largest tech conglomerate Apple, and now with the hardware distributed we can look back and see if “CODA” will find it’s place in Oscar’s history as a well deserving winner or a head scratching winner (looking at you “Green Book”). As a “CODA” (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby (Emilia Jones) is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents (Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matiln). “CODA” is a coming-of-age story that has a unique perspective on the universally relatable story of growing up and becoming your own person while still remembering and honoring where you came from. With the familiar story of “CODA” you somewhat know what to expect as the film progresses, but it is the brilliant performances, direction and tone that elevates this film from standard sentimentality to a mem-
orable and moving film experience. And in these days of uncertainty and division there is a warm and uplifting message of hope to this film that gives the viewer a feeling that better days are ahead and it's this feeling that likely propelled the Academy to award it with its highest honor. In terms of performances “CODA” brings the reality of being a child of deaf parents to the screen with a pair of deaf actors who are endlessly engaging and deliver some powerful moments. Best Actor winner Kotsur stands out for his ability to express emotion through his eyes and physicality as opposed to the showier best actor moments, like the famous Pacino
in “Scent of a Woman”. Instead, there’s an understated relatability to his performance as well as the rest of the talented cast that imparts the feeling that even though these characters are facing different surface challenges than most, their human experience translates so closely to the audience that it becomes moving to people from any background. Overall, the largest complaint with “CODA” is the predictability of its familiar story and its over-sentimentality, but the ultimate experience of this film provides such a strong emotional catharsis that supersedes the familiar tropes of the coming-of-age genre and becomes a memorable and moving Oscar winner. “CODA” is rated PG-13 for strong sexual content and language, and drug use. Now available to stream with an Apple TV + subscription. 4.6 out of 5 stars on this comment to Gust George You can reach film, or any of his motion picture reviews at gust.george@gmail.com, And to look at some of George’s past movie reviews, please check out the official web page of Edmond Life & Leisure at www.edmondlifeandleisure
PHOTO PROVIDED
‘CODA’ - the small crowd-pleasing family drama turned into the Best Picture winner in 2021's Oscars.
Answers appearing on Page 19
Upcoming festival seeking volunteers The Paseo Arts Festival is right around the corner! We have more than 400 shifts over four days that need to be filled to make our festival happen - we can’t do it without you! Read below for further details! This year's festival will take place during Memorial Day Weekend, May 28, 29 & 30. Volunteer shifts are three hours and include a free t-shirt and beverage ticket per shift. Volunteer categories are listed below: • Beverage Tents • Children's Area • Artist Hospitality • Music Stages • Festival Info Tent • Festival Merchandise • Parking Attendant • Recycle Rangers AGE REQUIREMENT Must be 14 years of age to volunteer without a parent or guardian. All drink tent volunteers must be 21 years of age. SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER If you have any further questions, please call the Paseo Arts Association office at 405.525.2688
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Romantic Comedies ACROSS 1. "We all fall down" preceder 6. Zedong of China 9. W of gridiron's WR 13. Short for betwixt 14. Second-largest bird, by height 15. *"The Taming of the ____" 16. Godfather's family 17. Make a choice 18. Bridal veil fabric 19. *Like Rock Hudson's and Doris Day's talk 21. *Katherine Heigl wore 27 of these 23. Dumbo's big one 24. Gift for the naughty 25. *"I Was a Male ____ Bride" starring Cary Grant 28. Inauguration ball, e.g. 30. Eyelid drooping 35. Half of binary code 37. Ruptured 39. PayPal money 40. Part of colliery 41. Avoid, as in taxes 43. "The Sun ____ Rises" 44. "Colorful" announcement 46. Fifty-fifty 47. Bit of slander 48. Rookie 50. Tolstoy's Karenina 52. Hitherto 53. Hammer part 55. Canada's neighbor 57. *Sleepless in which city? 61. *Drew Barrymore has never been what? 64. Don't mention it 65. Akira Kurosawa's 1985 movie 67. Erasable programmable read only memory 69. Seize a throne 70. Gold medalist Nathan Chen's turf 71. Smooth transition 72. Post-deductions 73. "But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas..." 74. Sound like
Wilbur DOWN 1. 20s dispenser 2. Type of meet 3. Sound reproduction quality 4. Expatriate 5. German POW camp, slangily 6. Garfield's cry 7. Unit of electric current 8. One up 9. "____ Afraid of Virginia Wolf?" 10. Novelist Murdoch 11. Expunge 12. Bo Peep's females 15. Gracefully slender 20. Perform on a dais 22. Eminem's genre 24. Wagon train, e.g. 25. *Julia Roberts played a pretty one 26. Old and feeble 27. Extend subscription 29. *It's crazy and stupid? 31. South American tubers 32. *Who did Harry meet?
33. Question in dispute 34. Like small distance 36. Belgrade native 38. *She starred in "I Dream of Jeannie" 42. Boredom 45. A-one 49. Slippery reef dweller 51. Appraise 54. Like a haunted mansion 56. Colorado skiing destination 57. Render speechless 58. Facilitate 59. Adjoin 60. Suit material 61. Leg joint 62. "Cogito ____ sum" 63. Brooding 66. Acronym, abbr. 68. NYC art museum's nickname, with the
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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 15
Invention education comes to Oklahoma Francis Tuttle Technology Center has joined Partners In Invention Education (PiE), a member-based initiative created by the Lemelson-MIT Program (LMIT). PiE focuses on building strong pathways to invention and increasing the number of inventors from diverse backgrounds. PiE offers consulting services from experienced invention educators and resources that schools, districts and community colleges can selectively use to jump start their invention education offerings. Through PiE, Francis Tuttle and LMIT will collaborate to assess, design and implement educational offerings that enable their students to apply STEM knowledge to the invention of solutions to real world problems. “The PiE membership organization will bring forward best practices that already exist for invention education while exploring new ways of integrating invention education within Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s unique equivalent,” explains Stephanie Couch, Executive Director of the LMIT. “Invention education can no longer exist solely as an extracurricular activity. We must reach all students, especially those who are underrepresented in STEM, and that means invention must fit within the school day. By reaching all of grades K-12 and into community colleges, we’ll be forming an IvE bridge while engaging a diverse student population who may be introduced to invention and innovation for the first time.” LMIT’s unique experience, case studies and research publications offer evidence that this approach to invention education helps students — especially those under-represented in STEM — develop confidence in their ability to embrace the advantages of STEM-based learning. The program’s flagship high school grants initiative, InvenTeams, has resulted in 13 U.S. patents. Other program offerings have created a pathway to invention with Invention Adventures and JV InvenTeams. A twoyear collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Division of Workforce and Economic Development has extended the pipeline to Invention and Inclusive Innovation. Including Francis Tuttle, The Lemelson-MIT Program has 11 active PiE members, with whom they are collaborating to craft programs that bring invention education into their communities. Inaugural members of PiE are located across the U.S. and represent students from kindergarten to community college. Some have embraced invention education as a tenet of their curriculum while others seek to embed invention education within their
PHOTO BY FRANCIS TUTTLE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Students in the Entrepreneurship Academy at Francis Tuttle Technology Center work on their innovation and new business concepts in their classroom at the Danforth Campus in Edmond.
STEM education offerings. “We are excited to partner with the LemelsonMIT Program as the partnership will serve as a hub of creation, innovation, and collaboration for our students, corporate clients, and the communities we serve,” Jaared Scott, Francis Tuttle Deputy Superintendent and COO, said. “The relationship with MIT will allow us to share — and to gain — from others in the field of invention education. This partnership is a natural fit for us, because our high school students have earned 16 patents since 2015. We are exceptionally pleased to have been invited by MIT to be an inaugural member of Partners in Invention Education.” Partners in Education Inaugural Members Gold Members Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma
Caregiver tax credit mulled A bill by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, that would grant an income tax credit for caregivers passed the House recently. House Bills 3371 would create the Caring for Caregivers Act, which would grant an income tax credit equal to half of the expenses of providing care for an older loved who is certified to need help with at least two activities of daily living. "Family caregivers often serve their loved ones at great personal expense," West said. "This measure recognizes their selfless dedication and hard work as they often juggle other jobs, their own lives and the needs of their loved ones." The non-refundable tax credit would be capped at $2,000 unless the loved one being cared for is a
veteran or is suffering from Alzheimer's or related dementia. Then the credit would be increased to $3,000. The credit would cover costs such as: • Home alterations to allow the family member to remain safe and mobile; • Durable medical equipment and technology; • Home care and personal aide attendants; and • Respite and adult day care. West said a poll of Oklahoma voters aged 50-plus, conducted in December of 2021, found broad bipartisan support for the bill. HB3371 now moves to the State Senate to be picked up by Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer.
City, Oklahoma MacDonald High School, Santa Clara Unified School District, Sunnyvale, California Modesto Junior College, Yosemite Community College District, Modesto, California Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Watsonville, California Think Together, Santa Ana, California Silver Members E3 Civic High School, San Diego, California Green Street Academy, Elijah E. Cummings Innovation Center, Baltimore, Maryland Shanél Valley Academy, Hopland, California SOAR Early College High School, Lancaster, California Sylmar Biotech Health and Engineering Magnet, Sylmar, California Tucumcari High School, Tucumcari, New Mexico
Page 16 • March 31, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Don’t ignore your backside in gym
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program that helps balance By Brian Attebery your physique out and improve I know most of us are moweaknesses. Exercises like tivated to workout when we seated rows with machines or see ourselves in the mirror. cables along with lat pull We tend to look at those downs are great examples of muscles we need to tone the upper back/posterior porand body fat we would like tion of the spine that should to trim away. be includedwith any great We evaluate what we priAttebery strength routine. marily see. The front The lower body backside side. When we go to the isn’t ignored as much, especially by gym, we tend to take that same ladies, since most people want a nice mindset of addressing those muscles rear. What is not emphasized as with the exercises we select. While much on the backside are the hammen and women tend to focus on strings that make up the back pordifferent things, we all tend to focus tion of the thigh. The hamstrings on the front of our bodies simply beprimary functions are to bend your cause that is what we look at in the knees and help extend the hip when mirror the most. You see a lot of people doing chest the leg is straight. The hamstrings assist the glutes presses like bench press and dumbbell presses that work your pectorals. (rear end) to extend the hip when you walk and push your legs back. You also see a lot of arm curls being done. Leg presses and extensions are Combine weak hamstrings and glutes along with tight hip-flexors from sitcommonly seen in a fitness routine ing too much and you have a recipe while we can’t ignore the countless for a shortened stride and you begin abdominal/stomach exercises we looking like the person who shuffles. throw in there for good measure. I Hip bridges, stiff-leg deadlifts and mean, who doesn’t want great abs after all? Those exercises are all great even some dedicated hip extension choices but with the exception of ab- machines are some great ways to work that glute/hamstring connecdominal exercise, the muscles of the anterior portion of our bodies, should tion and improve your stride. Hamstrings are also important because not be focuses on as much as the much-neglected posterior/backside of they help to stabilize and strengthen the knee joint. Keep them flexible to our bodies. improve your lower back health as We live life in the anterior portion part of your routine and combine all of our bodies. We read, look at the above for a betterphones, type on our laptops and balanced physique. move constantly in the front of our A properly-designed weight workbodies. We lean forward and round our shoulders and this all can lead to out is essential for a better outcome that will improve not only the musbad posture and a misaligned spine cles you see in the mirror but also and body. the muscles you don’t see. Those The muscles of the back such as posterior muscles must become a priyour latissimus dorsi (lats) and the ority in your routine if you want to muscles between your shoulder make the most of your workout and blades, Trapezius and rhomboids, should be worked 20-30% more than have a balanced body that has the chest muscles in my opinion. We strong, healthy joints. Get to work on need to make a point to include exer- that posterior regionand find the balance you need. cises that address the upper back, (Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certimid-back and lower back to align the fied Trainer. He owns and operates spine and improve posture. Proper Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, “weight-lifting” isn’t about lifting L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnesheavy weights. susa.com) It is about having the appropriate
Edmond’s Conway named trustee Board of Trustees,” Bryce Conway of Edsaid SWOSU Foundamond (SWOSU Class of tion, Inc. Board of 1995) has been named Trustees Chair Bryan to the Board of Trustees Evans (SWOSU Class of the Southwestern of 1998) of Edmond. Oklahoma State Univer“Bryce’s diverse experisity (SWOSU) Foundaences and expertise tion, Inc. will help the FoundaIn 2002, Conway tion to fulfill its purfounded Flex-Chem, a pose of advancing technology company recSWOSU during the ognized as a leader in university’s second providing innovative Conway century.” chemical solutions in the Conway has been assigned to the energy production industry. FlexFoundation Scholarships & Grants Chem maintains operations in Committee and the Development Weatherford, Edmond, Ada and Committee. Pecos (TX). The SWOSU Foundation was Conway is the son of public-school founded in 1977 to promote philanadministrators who worked in the thropy, award scholarships, and disBrownsville (TX) Independent School District. Conway graduated from high tribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. Located school in Brownsville and then studon the Weatherford campus in the ied chemistry and biology at historic Burton House, the FoundaSWOSU. He resides in Edmond and tion currently stewards nearly $37 is the proud father of two sons, Kenmillion for the benefit of SWOSU. nan and Jett. The Conways attend For more information, please call Memorial Road Church of Christ. 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSU“We are very pleased that Bryce Foundation.com. Conway has joined the Foundation’s
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 17
Fighting thefts of catalytic converters Spurred by a skyrocketing rise in catalytic converter theft in recent years, the Oklahoma House of Representatives has taken action to help ensure Oklahoma doesn't become a safe haven for the thefts. House Bill 3005 ensures Oklahoma's catalytic converter theft prevention measures keep pace with laws enacted in neighboring states. The bill's author, Rep. Lonnie Sims, RJenks, said thefts have more than quadrupled nationally from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020. House Bill 3005 recognizes the significant rise in rates of catalytic converter theft and implements necessary regulation, including classifying the possession or transfer of stolen catalytic converters as a felony, with associated penalties. Sims said the bill would help deter
Businesses with large vehicle fleets, such as dealerships, are often targeted due to the number of potential marks in a small area. thieves from selling stolen catalytic converters. It would also provide law enforcement officials more statutory authority to prosecute catalytic converter thefts. "Catalytic converter theft is a huge problem that unfortunately many Oklahomans have been directly affected by," Sims said. "Given the significant increase in inflation and ongoing supply chain problems, replacing a catalytic converter can cause significant financial strain on a family and leave
them with an inoperable vehicle for months." Catalytic converter theft has increased due in part to a significant rise in the price of various precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium, all of which are used in the construction of catalytic converters. Criminals can quickly remove the catalytic converter from vehicles and sell the stolen part on the black market. Thefts from commercial carriers
can lead to replacement costs in excess of tens of thousands of dollars, and additional lost revenue due to halted operations. Thieves' hastiness in removing the catalytic converter often results in accidental damage and results in higher repair costs for consumers and insurers. Businesses with large vehicle fleets, such as dealerships, are often targeted due to the number of potential marks in a small area. Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Kansas implemented new laws targeting the thefts in 2021, and Colorado has introduced a measure for consideration this year. HB3005 passed the House 71-17 and now moves to the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle.
Reasons why Hearing Care by Hough a success By Alexx Harms Business Editor Hearing Care by Hough has been in business, serving Edmond, for 14 years. Dr. David Hough is the owner with Monica Lewis as Operations Manager. They are located at 100 NW 150th, Street, Suite 2A. “My father, Jack Hough, was an ear surgeon,” says Dr. Hough. “My associate and I had the pleasure of working together with my dad at his clinic for 15 years. When dad retired, I decided to go on a working sabbatical in New Zealand, upon returning. I felt it was a good time to start my own audiology practice.” Hearing Care by Hough offers hearing aids,
hearing exams, swim/noise plugs, and cerumen management (earwax). Dr. Hough says that their customer service and value-based pricing is what sets them apart. “I enjoy the flexibility I have in how I can connect to each patient,” says Dr. Hough. “I can Dr. Hough spend time with each patient, allowing me to relate personally and time to address each individual need.” Dr. Hough says that rechargeable hearing aids and Bluetooth connectivity, along with applications have been a great addition to hearing reha-
New Integris CFO named Science in business adminisAfter a national search, INtration from Oklahoma State TEGRIS Health is excited to University and his Master of share the selection of Brent Business Administration from Hubbard as the health care Southwestern Oklahoma system’s new chief operating State University. He is an acofficer. complished health care execuHubbard comes to INTEtive and brings to INTEGRIS GRIS Health most recently Health a strong focus on perfrom Mercy Health System, Hubbard formance metrics. He is a beMercy Hospital Springfield liever in continuous process Communities, where he improvement. Hubbard has extensive serves as president and COO. Since 2016, his responsibilities were to lead experience in improving physician the strategic direction of seven hospi- and coworker engagement, quality measures and patient outcomes, and tals with administrative and operaachieving operational excellence to tional oversight of 7,500 coworkers. Prior to Hubbard’s current position, include service line growth and expanding patient access to health he served as the chief operating officare. cer at Mercy Health System, Mercy He and his wife, Hilary, were both Hospital Fort Smith Communities, raised in Oklahoma, Mooreland and and the chief operating officer at Woodward respectively. They are exHCA, Medical Center of McKinney. cited to be moving, along with their Other roles he has held include associate administrator at HCA – Centen- three children, back to the great state of Oklahoma and joining the INTEnial Medical Center and executive GRIS Health team. Hubbard’s first director and director of marketing at day at INTEGRIS Health will be May Woodward Regional Hospital. 2. Hubbard received his Bachelor of
Higher global fertilizer costs have lawmakers concerned Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) along with Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Cindy Axne (R-IA) led 82 of their colleagues in sending a letter to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting it address the strain on the fertilizer supply by eliminating duties on phosphate fertilizer products imported from Morocco, and suspending the process to impose new duties on urea ammonium fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. In the letter, the members stated that “Currently, in a time of tight global supply and demand for corn, soybeans, wheat, and other com-
modities, planting decisions are increasingly being made not on market fundamentals but rather on the cost of production driven by the price and supply of fertilizer. Again, we urge you to reconsider the duties placed on phosphate fertilizer products imported from Morocco and suspend the preliminary duties on UAN products from Trinidad and Tobago.” The members write that eliminating these duties on fertilizer imports provides the most immediate opportunity for a near-term, partial remedy to the high costs of fertilizer facing US farmers before the end of the 2022 planting season.
‘We urge you (Trade Commission) to reconsider the duties placed on phosphate fertilizer products imported from Morocco.’
bilitation as it simplifies adjustments and phone use. “We expect manufacturers to improve and miniaturize these features in the future,” says Dr. Hough. “Edmondites and Okies in general are so personable and real,” says Dr. Hough on what he loves about having a business in Edmond. “It’s an absolute pleasure serving them in the vital area improving the quality of life with better hearing. They are so appreciative.” Hearing Care by Hough specializes in adult hearing rehabilitation and is offering free hearing screenings and consultations. Call today to schedule an appointment at 405-513-6465 or visit www.hearingcarebyhough.com.
Page 18 • March 31, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure
End of Daylight Savings Time? Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, last week convinced enough of his House colleagues to send to a vote of the people a proposal that could permanently end Daylight Savings Time in Oklahoma. House Bill 3146 would ask Oklahomans to vote on a statutory amendment that if approved would lock the clock on Central Standard Time in Oklahoma and do away with the twice-yearly clock changes. The change would take effect Nov. 8 – the next time clocks are scheduled to fall back an hour. "Regardless of how we manipulate the clock, we still have the same number of daylight hours available to us each day," West said. "This gives the people of Oklahoma the right to decide the time on the clock during which they are observed." Daylight Savings Time, which states can currently opt in or out of, requires setting clocks forward an hour each spring and backward an hour each fall in an attempt to increase daylight during evening hours. Other states, including nearby Arizona, have passed or are passing similar legislation.
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West said people have operated for thousands of years using nature's clock – the sun. It's only been in the last 100 years or so that man has experimented with manipulating sunlight hours through Daylight Savings Time. He explained that in 1973-74 Daylight Savings Time was made mandatory in the U.S., but people revolted against the practice during the winter months when the sun wasn't coming up until after 8 a.m. This affected children going to school and people going to work in the dark, creating a dangerous situation, forcing Congress to pull back on the mandate. Other lawmakers pointed out negative effects of the clock changes, including an increase in heart attacks, strokes and other illnesses as well as an increase in automobile accidents and work-related injuries when clocks spring forward. West explained that right now a state can opt out of Daylight Savings Time but cannot opt out of Standard Time. If the state stays on Standard Time year round, it would get lighter earlier in the mornings and darker earlier in the afternoons and evenings.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 31, 2022 • Page 19
April is National Child Abuse prevention month April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and its community partners encourage all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Oklahoma a safer place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities. Protective factors are the strengths and resources families draw on during difficult times to shield them from life's stresses. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth and families are promoted. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting and child development, parental resilience, social connections and concrete supports. Thousands of Oklahoma children suffer abuse and neglect each year. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services, there were 14,466 substantiated child abuse and neglect victims in Oklahoma in 2021. “These statistics remind us that every possible effort, no matter how simple, should be made to prevent child abuse in Oklahoma,” said Sherie Trice, OSDH community child abuse prevention grant coordinator. “We encourage every citizen to ‘do one thing’ to protect children and strengthen families. Even small gestures, like offering to help a struggling parent by providing an extra set of hands at the supermarket, can make a difference in reducing
stress and make life a little easier for families and children.” Oklahomans can participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month in a variety of ways, including wearing blue to support prevention, decorating a tree with blue ribbons, or participate in the YMCA’s Five Days of Action. A complete list of activities is available online. For additional information about child abuse prevention activities in April or how to get involved in your community throughout the year, contact a local county health department or
OSDH Family Support and Prevention Services at (405) 426-8060. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.
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Page 20 • March 31, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure