Edmond Life & Leisure April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020

Vol. 20, No. 49

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.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Showers High 67° Low 51°

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Partly Cloudy High 68° Low 46°

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Sunny High 71° Low 49°

By Ryan Stewart Isolation has become the new normal as we all do our part to end the spread of Covid-19. But while we’re separated, experts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation say there are important steps we can take to maintain our psychological and physical health.

Stick to a schedule The lack of a set daily routine can be disruptive. Resist the urge to stay up late and sleep in, as it disrupts your body’s circadian rhythms, said OMRF immunologist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D. “Sleep deprivation also causes stress hormones like cortisol to rise, signaling the body to go into fat-storage mode by slowing your metabolism,” said Chakravarty. “And when you’re sleepy, you eat more, which can put you on a slippery slope.”

Get moving

Research shows that even 30 minutes of moderate exercise lowers blood pressure, strengthens bones, improves mood and helps maintain muscle mass, said OMRF researcher Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D. “Getting outdoors when the sun is shining boosts your physical and mental wellbeing,” said Van Remmen. “Do some gardening, mow the lawn, go on a long walk—whatever gets you off the couch.”

Say no to junk food “Resist the temptation to graze all day long out of boredom,” said Chakravarty. “If you snack, have healthy options on hand like veggies and hummus, fruit or nuts.”

It’s no secret that obesity has a severe negative impact on health in a variety of ways. And that can be compounded by coronavirus, which appears to take a severe toll on people suffering from obesity-relat-

ed conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Stay connected Sunshine and fresh air can work wonders for your mood, but so can maintaining contact with friends and family—from a distance. “Pick up the phone, send emails or write letters to stay in touch,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “Even though we’re not together physically, we don’t have to be alone.”

Take a news break “There’s a difference between staying informed and dwelling on never-ending commentary and speculation,” Chakravarty said. “Instead, go sew, paint, learn a hobby or rediscover an old one. Be creative.”

We don’t know when this pandemic will end, said Chakravarty.

“But how you come out when it’s over depends a lot on the decisions you make now.”

Page 2 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 3

Honoring Health Care Providers PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma lit up Old North, the university’s oldest building and a landmark of higher education in the state, blue as a symbol of support for health care providers and essential workers who are serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Francis Tuttle board has virtual swearing in for its new member Meredith Hines was sworn in this week as a member of the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Board of Education, marking a first for the career technology school.

The board’s newest member traveled a unique path to the office she holds, becoming the first board member in the career tech’s history to take her oath of office virtually. With coronavirus precautions cancelling in-person meetings across the country, the Francis Tuttle board also held its first virtual board meeting in the school’s 41-year history.

Hines, associate vice president of clinical excellence and magnet programs at OU Medicine, now holds the Zone 2 board seat which represents the Edmond Public School District. She was appointed to complete the term of Chad Mullen, which expires in 2022.

Hines holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with High Distinction in Healthcare Systems Leadership from Chamberlain College of Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing in Clinical Nurse Leadership from Saint Xavier University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma.

"It's an honor to become a part of the Francis Tuttle Board and help further the vital work the school is doing on behalf of students, employers and our community," Hines said.

An active member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the American Nurses Association and the Oklahoma Nurses Association, Hines also volunteers with many organizations throughout the community.

“We are excited to welcome Meredith Hines to our board,” said Dr. Michelle Keylon, Francis Tuttle superintendent. “Her medical and administrative background, coupled with her commitment to nonprofit service, will prove valuable to the Francis Tuttle community.”

Francis Tuttle is governed by a fivemember board of education representing patrons from the six partner school districts it serves; Cashion, Crescent, Deer Creek, Edmond, Put-

Meredith Hines nam City and Western Heights.

Members are elected for a five-year term by district voters. The board provides the guidance, support and approval needed for the operation of Francis Tuttle's three campuses. As the district’s policymakers, board members focus on the quality of education and on the achievement and accomplishments of the students through organizational outcomes.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region. Francis Tuttle also offers complete business and industry training and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment. With locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace. More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.

Page 4 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

J. Carl Hancuff turns 90 You probably know a few people who don’t look their age.

They seem to be the same age as when you me them a couple of decades earlier.

Such is the case with our former di- Ray Hibbard rector of special sections, J. Carl Hancuff. This guy has looked the same since I met him about 20 years ago. His wife, Mitzi, tells us he turns 90 this week. It just doesn’t seem possible given his incredible energy level.

My first meeting with Carl was about the second year we started operations. We had known his wife Mitzi who was the director of the Fine Arts Institute at the time. In fact, Mitzi was one of our biggest supporters in the early years and I totally give her credit for us even being able to get a newspaper started in this town. She is the first Edmond leader I can remember standing up for our little family owned and operated newspaper back when competitors were not being so nice. Mitzi defended us and boosted our credibility. We can never repay her for the kindness.

About a year into publishing this newspaper, I was at a fundraising party at the downtown home of Jim and Mary White. The Whites and their partners had built the retail space across from the post office with living space above it all which was their home. It is occupied by a law firm now. I met Carl at the buffet table which should be no surprise to anyone who knows either of us.

Our casual conversation revealed he was retired from the old Southwestern Bell yellow page team. In fact, Carl had traveled the country helping train and supervise selling teams for “the book” as it used to be called. He had also been sales directors for big companies and had won a multitude of awards. He used to sing in Barbershop Quartets and even competed nationally at their competitions as well. Keep in mind that he didn’t volunteer any of the information, but it only came through me continuing to ask questions.

For those of us in the newspaper business, the yellow page sales folks were to be despised. They would come into town, sell “our” advertisers on contracts and tie up their budgets so there was nothing left for your local newspaper. In short, they beat us at every turn. Their training was superior, and they only hired folks

Carl Hancuff that got results. The newspaper industry didn’t spend a fraction on training compared to the yellow pages team. Instead of getting better training in the newspaper business, we just got mad.

In between bites, I asked my new friend Carl, “So, what are you doing these days”? His reply was a one word, “Nothing.” As Humphrey Bogart said in the movie Casa Blanca, “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” I made my offer to Carl who didn’t want to be tied down to a desk every day. He loved selling and especially advertising. The guy was a master at his craft. The added benefit was that everybody in town knew Carl and they all loved him. We agreed that he would take the lead in selling advertising for five of our special section magazines. He took what had been 16-page newsprint sections and turned them into 70-page glossy magazines that are still successful today. Many of the accounts he sold are still advertising with us in every issue. Carl just knows how to explain benefits to customers and have fun doing it.

Carl could care less about the money, but he does have a requirement of a certain level of fun in the office. When he was working on a section and would come into the office, it would just brighten the entire

office. He would turn in his orders, gift us with a few jokes and off he went to sell more advertising. A visit from Carl would light up our day. It didn’t hurt that he would bring in a handful of sales orders as well. Even after he retired from our operation, Carl was always on call to help.

When we would get just swamped in the spring, he would come in to help us out and make sure his regular accounts were in the magazines. He still pops in from time to time to make sure we are doing well.

A couple of years ago, we invited Carl to come by for our annual Christmas lunch at the office. It was one of those white elephant gift exchanges. As we were enjoying the lunch, the gift exchange started. My

number came up and I picked up a nicely wrapped box. I noticed it was cold to the touch. I was curious but didn’t think too much about it. Carl had no expression on his face which should have been my sign that it was his gift.

Under the wrapping was a box. As I opened the box a giant snapping claw came crashing through the top.

It was a fresh, alive Maine lobster.

Carl could not hold back any longer.

The man had wrapped a live lobster fresh from the grocery store for his gift. As I wrangled the darn think in hand, we were all laughing like crazy.

Carl was quick to claim that he had consulted with the folks at Uptown Grocery as to how long the lobster could stay in the box without harm.

It was his disclaimer. It didn’t really matter because in less then six hours it was dinner.

Carl is the only person I’ve ever known that would think of such a thing. It had to be the best white elephant exchange, ever.

It is also at this point that you must admire his bride, Mitzi. This guy has been pulling stuff like that off since I am sure they have been married. All you can hope is that Carl’s sense of humor keeps Mitzi from feeding him to a tiger a time or two.

They are the most loving and darling couple in Edmond.

If you know our guy J. Carl, or even if you don’t, please join us in wishing him a Happy Birthday. Carl is quick to volunteer to help organizations in this town. Above being a great salesman and having the best sense of humor, Carl is kind, caring and loves people. He would give you the shirt off his back, sing you a song or do whatever was in his power to help someone in need. We are blessed to call him our friend.

Happy Birthday J. Carl Hancuff!

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by email at ray@edmondpaper.com)

My Christmas present one year --- a lobster.

Check out what’s inside!

---- COVID workers on the frontlines ................................................Page 6.

---- Sports ..........................................................................................Page 8.

---- Students excel ..............................................................................Page 9.

---- Time to ease lockdown? ............................................................Page 10.

---- UCO’s storied wrestling program ..............................................Page 13.

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

---- George Gust reviews Troll movie ..............................................Pages 15.

---- Business News ............................................................................Page 17.

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 5

A Newman Civic Fellow University of Central Oklahoma junior Christian Coleman, an international business major from Oklahoma City, recently earned recognition as one of Campus Compact’s 2020 Newman Civic Fellows.

Campus Compact, a Boston-based nonprofit organization, working to advance the public purposes of higher education, announced 290 students, including Coleman, who comprise the organization’s 2020 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.

Coleman’s accolades stretch beyond his recent recognition from Campus Compact. Through UCO, he has served in many leadership roles.

Coleman has served as the vice president of Central’s Student Association (UCOSA), a member of UCO’s Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT), a mentor for the UCO Black Male Initiative and is an active member of Central’s Black Student Association. Also, Coleman is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and serves as the assistant vice president for the southwestern region. Outside of UCO, he is a mentor for Camp HOPE America, the leading year-round camping and mentoring program for children and teens impacted by domestic violence.

“Christian is involved in civicallyoriented organizations throughout campus. By serving as the vice president of the UCO Student Association, he participates in high-level conversations on campus governance and student success,” said UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar.

“Christian has shown exemplary leadership skills that will serve him well as he continues to help transform himself and the campus com-

Christian Coleman munity.”

The Newman Civic Fellowship, supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation and named for Campus Compact cofounder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience, emphasizing personal, professional and civic growth.

Through the fellowship, students gain a variety of learning, scholarship, post-graduate and networking opportunities, including attendance at a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows, in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate.

For more information about the Newman Civic Fellowship program, visit www.compact.org/newmancivic-fellow.

For more information about Central and its commitment to transformative learning for all students, visit www.uco.edu.

Lyric Theatre cancels summer season For the first time in 56 years, Lyric Theatre will not bring a summer season of musical theater to an Oklahoma City stage.

The venerable nonprofit theater is taking an intermission until the holidays due to the coronavirus pandemic, postponing all remaining shows on its 2020 subscription season to 2021.

"We're just lucky in that we can do that very thing. ... We've already built all the shows: We have the sets built, the costumes, they've all been cast. ... For the actors, they all get the role that they were cast in; they just get to come back next year. Musicians, the same thing, and technical people," said Michael Baron, Lyric's producing artistic director.

"The message to our patrons is, 'Don't do anything. We're just going

to send you new tickets; the whole thing will happen next year when we're all able to leave our houses and resume our lives.'"

The theater plans to return in November with its popular annual addon performance of "A Christmas Carol," now set for Nov. 27-Dec. 27 at its Plaza District theater. Baron said the company has already added performances in case it has to leave seats empty due to social distancing requirements and is prepared to add more if needed.

"I think if people are ready to come to the theater, then 'A Christmas Carol' is the best show for people to come back to. And if for some reason we're still on lockdown at that point, we'll keep moving forward to the next show," Baron said.

Page 6 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Thoughts of COVID-19 health care workers One thing we’ve learned from COVID-19 is that no one is immune. The community of Yukon is proof of that. INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital is caring for several coronavirus patients, some of whom are critically ill.

“These patients are sicker than your average patient. This is definitely not the flu. Our COVID patients are sick for a long time. They are not recovering quickly from this,” Elise Kuykendall, D.O., is on the frontlines of the pandemic. She says what happens to the body is called the cytokine storm.

“This is when there is a severe immune reaction in which the body releases too many cyDr. Kuykendall tokines into the blood too quickly. Cytokines play an important role in the normal immune response but having a large amount of them released all at once can be harmful,” she explains. “Sometimes it can even be life threatening and lead to multiple organ failure.”

Mary Lou White is a nurse in the COVID Unit at Canadian Valley. She says this illness can be extreme. “Once a patient is intubated, from my experience, they can deteriorate quickly – sometimes within 24 hours.” She adds, “They struggle for air. They never seem to be able to catch their breath.”

Caitlin Coppock is a respiratory therapist at the hospital. She knows her particular skill set is necessary to defeat this virus.

“I don’t think a lot of people understand what “flatten the curve” really means. Flattening the curve does not mean we will eliminate the disease completely, it just buys us more time to properly prepare for what could be coming.”

She continues, “We may need more equipment, like ventilators, to handle the potential surge. But you need more than just the machines. You have to have individuals who are specifically trained to use those machines. It takes years of experience to truly understand how to critically care for these patients.”

Coppock worries more about a staffing shortage in her specialty than she does about having the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

“I feel we are well informed and well supplied. I’m not scared. It is a little unsettling to deal with something you haven’t seen before, but I am confident in our procedures.”

One thing all of these caregivers say is they wish there was a way for the public to see just how sick COVID-19 can make certain members of our community. They say once you’ve seen that, you can’t forget it. And once you realize this could happen to your neighbor or your loved one, a person is much more apt to take the shelter in place guidelines far more seriousl

PHOTO PROVIDED

These have been demanding, challenging and dangerous times for health care providers.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 7

Some see empty roads & speed

National survey reveals unsafe driving Emptier streets may be encouraging some drivers to flaunt traffic safety laws, including speed limits. Despite there being far fewer vehicles on the road due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, state highway safety officials across the country are seeing a severe spike in speeding. Many states have reported alarming speed increases, with some noting a significant surge in vehicles clocked at 100 mph or more.

Being a safe driver should always be a priority, but during the coronavirus pandemic, traffic safety experts at the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) say it is more important than ever. “While COVID-19 is clearly our national priority, our traffic safety laws cannot be ignored,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. “Law enforcement officials have the same mission as health care providers — to save lives. If you must drive, buckle up, follow the posted speed limit and look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. Emergency rooms in many areas of the country are at capacity, and the last thing they need is additional strain from traffic crash victims.”

During the past month, pedestrian and bicycle traffic are reported to have increased exponentially, while motor vehicle traffic is down. Adkins noted that GHSA is encouraged to see so many communities across the country making roadways more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. To keep roads safe for everyone, traffic safety officials nationwide are pleading with motorists to slow down and respect traffic safety laws.

Here are examples of the reckless

PHOTO PROVIDED

Police have little tolerance for speeding, pandemic or no pandemic.

driver behaviors reported recently: n In Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska and Utah, police have clocked highway speeds of over 100 mph. n State police in Florida and Iowa are reporting drivers going 20 to 40 miles over the posted speed limit. n In New York City, despite far fewer vehicles on the road, the city's automated speed cameras issued 24,765 speeding tickets citywide on March 27, or nearly double the 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier. In Los Angeles, speeds are up

OBI effort under way to assist virus patients Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) has collected its first units of convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, part of an experimental initiative to treat seriously ill patients.

In a rapid response to the Food and Drug Administration’s action to fast track the potential treatment, OBI created a statewide registry to catalogavailable recovered COVID-19 patients to serve as possible donors.

The registry – which has been live less than a week – has already seen more than 20 patients sign up, one of whom was the first to donate plasma units.

“At OBI, we’ve always pursued innovation and emerging opportunities to improve health and save lives,” said John Armitage, MD, president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. “Today, that innovation has allowed us to bring hope to patients and their medical teams as they explore this new treatment option.”

After collection, the plasma units will be processed and tested for safety. Once cleared for patient use, they will be transfused to critically ill patients at local partner hospitals as part of the experimental initiative.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, more recovered patients will be needed to donate their plasma. To provide convalescent plasma, donors must: n Have a prior diagnosis of COVID-19, documented by a laboratory test n Be symptom-free for 14 days prior to donation and test negative for COVID-19 (testing will be provided, if needed) n Be eligible to donate blood Donors are encouraged to sign up for Oklahoma’s registry at my.bio-linked.org. Bio-Linked allows users to submit confidential health and social information via a secure site and to list themselves as potential volunteers for medical research.

“Our team is honored to be pioneering a cutting-edge treatment that allows special patients who have fought off COVID to use plasma donations to power recovery for other patients,” Armitage said. “Generosity is a natural strength of our species and now we can use it directly to defeat this terrible virus.”

my.bio-linked.org

by as much as 30% on some streets, prompting changes to traffic lights and pedestrian walk signals. n Some states are finding reduced crash rates but more serious crashes.

In Massachusetts, the fatality rate for car crashes is rising, and in Nevada and Rhode Island, state officials note pedestrian fatalities are rising. n In Minnesota, motor vehicle crashes and fatalities have more than doubled compared to the same time period in previous years. Half those deaths were related to speeding or to

careless or negligent driving.

“During the past two months, Americans nationwide have shown that we are all willing to do the right thing to protect ourselves and each other,” said Pam Shadel Fischer, GHSA’s Senior Director of External Engagement and Special Projects. “We must maintain that same sense of urgency when it comes to the road.

Drivers need to respect the law and look out for other road users, so that we can prevent the needless loss of life now and moving forward.”

A 2019 report on speeding by GHSA, “Speeding Away from Zero: Rethinking a Forgotten Traffic Safety Challenge,” highlights excessive vehicle speed as a persistent factor in nearly one-third of all motor vehiclerelated fatalities, while a 2020 GHSA report on pedestrian fatalities, published in February, finds that pedestrians now account for 17% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Despite the fact that a significant percentage of all crashes are speeding-related, speeding is not given enough attention as a traffic safety issue and is deemed culturally acceptable by the motoring public. To combat this problem, GHSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. (NRSF) have partnered to provide up to $200,000 in grant funding to a community to develop, implement and evaluate a speed management pilot program.

The organizations are looking for a pilot program that can be scaled nationally and plan to announce the grant winner in May.

Page 8 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

Baseball player reflects on quick end to season As a global pandemic, COVID-19 has affected the on-goings of everyday life in countries around the world, in the United States and even at Central. For many UCO student-athletes, their seasons came to an abrupt end, signaling the end to a college career that came much sooner than expected. This is the experience of baseball player Joe Mondragon – in his own words.

Trevor Norby, left, and Andres Brictson made the All-South Central Region team.

Postseason honor for OC golfers Oklahoma Christian standouts Andres Brictson and Trevor Norby made the AllSouth Central Region honor list, named last week by the Golf Coaches Association of America.

Brictson, a junior from Merida, Mexico, who qualified for last year's U.S. Amateur Championship, finished the abbreviated season ranked 11th in the region and 45th in NCAA Division II by Golfstat.com.

Over 19 rounds during the 2019-20 campaign, Brictson posted an average score of 72.68 and had four top-10 finishes, including a win in the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational at Tascosa Golf Club in Amarillo, Texas. It was his third collegiate win.

Norby, a senior from Carlsbad, Calif. – who earned GCAA All-Region and third-team All-America honors in 2018-19 – ended this season as the region's top-ranked golfer by Golfstat.com and at No. 11 in Division II. Norby finished in the top three in five of OC's seven tournaments this season, winning twice – in the Jerry Hrnciar Invitational at The Territory Golf Club in Duncan and the St. Mary's Invitational at The Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, raising his career total to four wins. He posted an average score of 71.56 over 18 rounds, 12 of

which were even par or better.

"I'm very proud of Trevor and Andres for the seasons they had this year," OC coach David Lynn said. "They both won golf tournaments individually on the way to leading our team to three wins. Although our season was cut short, I'm extremely excited to have them both back for the 2020-21 season."

The 12-man All-Region team included eight players from Lone Star Conference schools, but only two schools – No. 11ranked OC and No. 10-ranked St. Mary's (Texas) – placed two players on the list.

OC has had at least one All-Region golfer in seven of the eight years the program has competed at the NCAA Division II level.

In their six tournaments against Division II competition, the Eagles won three times, finished second twice and third once. OC posted an 80-4-1 mark in Division II play and didn't have a losing record against any Division II team, splitting with No. 6 Arkansas Tech, No. 21 Colorado StatePueblo and California-San Diego while going 3-1 head-to-head against St. Mary's.

The Eagles, like every other Division II program, had their season suddenly ended last month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Joe Mondragon We all kind of had an idea, just hearing things. We're all on social media, just seeing things. It was kind of uncertain what was about to happen. The vibe around practice was an eerie feeling and I know a lot of our guys had talked about it throughout the practice. It was just a completely unknown feeling.

As far as when he [Central Oklahoma head baseball coach John Martin] actually had to break the news to us. Never should you have Joe Mondragon to see 30 grown men be as heartbroken as they were. For me, individually, I didn't know if that was the last time I was ever going to put baseball pants on again. It was heartbreaking. Who am I without baseball? It was tough.

I'm from Platteville, Colo. It's just a little farm town outside of Greeley. I was fortunate enough to have two older siblings and my brother was my role model growing up. He's 11 years older than I am. I like to think I came out of the womb wanting a ball in my hands. I really started playing when I was six or seven.

Other than that, every time before that, I was always at the field just watching my brother.

Growing up I played football, basketball and baseball. Then, in high school, I just played baseball and basketball. I went to Eaton High School and then I went to Neosho for two years.

The big thing [about UCO] was Coach Martin. I know he was an old JUCO coach. Him and I have pretty similar personalities.

And honestly, the way the guys before me played. The culture that they have here. I just love it. It's a family atmosphere and we all just love to get after it.

We were all trying to take in the news together. There was a lot going on with, stay safe, and maybe, stay away from each

See UCO, Page 9

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 9

Taylor Menn

Adriana Moad

Charlotte Ruth

Regional winners in science competition John Ross Elementary students Taylor Menn, Adriana Moad and Charlotte Ruth, second-graders, were recently named regional winners in the National ExploraVision science competition. Their idea of TeddyCare, a customizable stuffed animal that uses artificial intelligence to monitor and track important vital signs for children with fears, phobias or illnesses was one of 24 regional winners chosen from more than 4,000 entries nationwide.

When operational, TeddyCare would detect the cause for the change in a child’s temperature, heart rate, oxygen levels or other body signals and either notify parents or make simple adjustments to calm the child.

For example, if a child is afraid of the dark and his/her heart rate goes up when they get scared, the TeddyCare would turn on its own light and soothe the child.

Learning Dashboard & education opportunities During week two of continuous learning, John Ross Elementary first-grader Graham Bloyd enjoyed storytime with actress Betty White, left, categorized nouns and worked on his ability to tell time. New content and lessons are posted to the Edmond Public Schools Learning Dashboard every Sunday. To access the dashboard, go to edmondschools.net.

Trump tabs Oklahoma’s senators for task force President Donald Trump asked Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) to serve on the Task Force on Economic Recovery. The bipartisan task force, comprised of other members of the Senate and House of Representatives, will advise the president on the re-opening of America in the wake of COVID-19.

“Our nation and the world have been faced with an incredible challenge in the last couple of months,” Lankford said. “As Oklahomans, we’ve kept our distance, acted in the best interest of neighbors, and have significantly bent the curve to protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable. As we continue to battle this virus, we must also plan for the future and develop solutions for how to restart our economy while we protect employers, workers, and families. I’m honored that President Trump would include me in this critical conversation. I said at the start of this crisis, reopening the nation is much harder than closing the nation. Reopening business and personal travel require specific data that is difficult to track, and it involves a risk that can always

be second-guessed. I’m eager to work on real solutions with this bipartisan group of members of Congress, along with the White House and industry leaders.”

“It is an honor to be named to President Trump’s Task Force on Economic Recovery, and I look forward to working with him and the other members on reopening the economy and getting Americans back to work, school, church, and normal life. Before I came to the Senate, I was a builder and developer—so I know the questions and fears small business owners are having right now. I’m going to bring that perspective, as well as the voices of the countless Oklahomans I have talked to since this started, to the task force,” Inhofe said.

Inhofe continued: “Just a few weeks ago, we had the best economy of my lifetime because of President Trump. I know that, because of his leadership during this crisis, the economic recovery will be as fast as possible as we win the war against the virus. I’m honored to be part of the team to help our companies and small businesses roar back to life.”

Season From Page 8 other, but, we've talked about it all year, we are a family, we still are a family. We felt like it was necessary for us to stay together.

The next couple of days, it was just an unbelievable feeling. Like is this really happening right now. I think that, the hardest part about it, we felt like we had so much potential.

We felt like it hurt us more because we were so good.

Because we had the potential to be great. We'll never know if we could have achieved what we wanted to do.

We're getting into the routine of

things again. I know a lot of the guys are taking care of themselves. Ever since we've been granted an extra year of eligibility, I think it kind of, it just lit a fire under us. That's what it's done for us.

It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I know within seconds I said, I know I'm coming back. I know a certain number of guys that are coming back. It was a relieving feeling, a sense of relief, where we said, okay, we know what we need to do.

It lit a fire underneath us. This is our second chance. We know we need to take care of this.

Page 10 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Time to ease lockdown?

These have been interesting times.

I wonder how many people ever saw this coming? I was very concerned when I saw China lock down a city of millions of people back in January. Yet Steve Gust for some reason i didn't think the same thing would happen here and all over the world.

Let's hope we can try to get this economy rolling again by May. When you mention that, some people think you care nothing about the pandemic and health of others. That’s incorrect.

We've seen the grocery stores adapt to the challenge of having people in their stores. if those businesses can pull it off, then I don't see any reason why others can't do the same thing.

And I don't want to get started again on "essential" vs. "non-essential," businesses. If a business is your livelihood, then believe me, it's essential. But the government doesn't see it that way.

People can take precautions in the public, and hopefully, avoid any contact with the virus. If the problem flares up again, then we can take action. Let's hope that isn't the case.

Having 22 million people out of

work is not a good thing.

Some people are holding rallies, urging the government to lift some of the restrictions. One of them was in Seattle, Wash., where a single mom showed up. She was among the 4,500 people at the rally. (The press said a few hundred were present.) She's not eligible for unemployment assistance because she's self employed. She has some real concerns about feeding her children.

I'm sure there are probably lots of stories like that all over.

We were told we were asked to stay home to help flatten the curve and not overwhelm the hospitals. That makes sense but it seems like that was a big mission accomplished. Are we now asked to stay home until the virus disappears completely? If so, I'm not sure how long people will want to forego their livelihood for that.

Some of these governors (not ours) seem to enjoy placing undue restrictions on people. Doesn't seem right.

----I have liked some of the upbeat stories about how many people have reached out and helped others. We have a lot of regular people to thank now and when this is over. They're the folks who did their jobs and fed us as well as provided health care for us.

It’s not the first time we’ve overcome a crisis

By Bob L. Blackburn & Elizabeth M.B. Bass As all of us deal with the COVID-19 crisis, it is worth remembering that Oklahomans have faced many challenges over the years. By connecting the dots of history in the life of one man, we can find some comfort that courage, resilience and taking care of one another defines the Oklahoma experience.

Gene Stevens was raised on a farm near Sharon, Oklahoma, the eldest of three brothers and one sister. Life was hard on the high plains, where sagebrush and cedars grew better than wheat.

After the stock market crash of 1929 and the collapse of the farming and ranching economy, Stevens’ fa-

ther loaded the family in an old car and made his way to distant San Bernardino, California, where he hoped to find work.

Leaving family and friends behind was hard enough, but it was made even more painful when those better off told the immigrants they were not welcome.

Stevens overcame the abuse and never lost his self-confidence and pride.

Back in Oklahoma, hoping to find a brighter future and serve his country, 18year-old Stevens joined the U.S. Navy in 1939.

He was assigned to the USS Houston, a heavy cruiser and the flagship of the Asiatic Fleet.

On Feb. 29, 1942, less than three months after Pearl Harbor, the

USS Houston was ambushed by a Japanese fleet of 12 destroyers and three cruisers. After an eight-hour firefight at night, the ship went down. Out of a crew of 1,000 men, only a few hundred survived.

Stevens was one of them.

For the next three years Stevens was a prisoner of war. As bad as prison in Singapore was, it was worse in the death camps building a railroad and the bridge over the River Kwai from Thailand to Burma. To survive, Stevens and a fellow POW, an Australian, took care of each other.

Having survived torture and debilitating jungle diseases, Stevens came back to Oklahoma, got married and kept searching for that brghter future.

On April 9, 1947, that search was upended once again when the deadliest tornado in Oklahoma history leveled the town of Woodward and killed 169 people. Stevens and his wife, huddled with a small group of people above Oliver’s Shoe Store, survived and helped injured neighbors get to the hospital.

Through each crisis, Stevens stood up to the challenge, held his head high, and did his duty.

We can do the same.

Bob Blackburn is executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Elizabeth Bass is the society’s director of publications and editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma. They are Connecting the Dots of history to provide a better understanding of where we have been and where we are going as a community.

Call goes out to fund state’s daycares State Rep. Lundy Kiger (R-Poteau) last week called on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to relax some of the rules and regulations stemming from the federal government for Oklahoma daycares and to properly fund the child-care centers.

Kiger expressed appreciation for the dedication of daycare operators and the members of DHS who love and care for each child being served, but he also expressed frustration for many of the rules and regulations stemming from the federal government that have now become obstacles to many daycare owners.

Kiger was joined in his opinions by State Rep. Randy Randleman (R-Eufaula).

“Rules and regulations from the federal government flowing down to the state, then to daycare operators, are designed for maximum benefit from each dollar in providing fairly for each of our children,” Kiger said. “During the pandemic, and from the governor's orders we're now under,

many of these rules and regulations have now become obstacles that many daycare business owners cannot meet and remain open for business.”

Kiger said many of the rules, including daily subsidy pay and absentee pay per child, have made it nearly impossible for all daycare operators, including subsidy pay and private pay centers, to care for and feed the children in their care. The problem, he said, is that many children enrolled in daycares are being kept at home because parents have lost their jobs. This is putting many daycare businesses in jeopardy of bankruptcy and possible closure because when the kids aren’t there, daycares don’t get paid.

Another problem that daycare businesses are facing is trying to buy food that meets regulations. When a daycare operator can't readily find milk and meats on the shelves of stores, they are forced to pay twice the amount in just trying to meet meal requirements.

Kiger said from discussions he’s had with day-

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care owners and watching many on video explaining their situation, their concerns and complaints are legitimate, but they feel they are not being heard by the state.

Kiger said he spoke to DHS Director Justin Brown this morning about daycare needs and concerns, and the director committed total support from DHS and confirmed that communications are open with all legislators and daycare leaders representing these businesses. Brown also told Kiger that 7A loans through the Small Business Administration are available to these businesses and are forgivable. He said daycares should take advantage of filing for these funds. Kiger and Brown also discussed the new money that just arrived to the state in the federal stimulus package that is another option for daycares and other service businesses in the state.

Kiger told Brown there's a real difference between what's happening in Oklahoma City at DHS compared to what's happening on the ground for daycares and their perceptions and needs. Kiger committed to Brown that he would work together with him and daycare operators in getting through this difficult time, but in the end he said DHS must review what's happening to these businesses during this pandemic and consider real changes for the good of Oklahoma children and their parents.

Kiger said he’s optimistic that Brown, who also serves as state secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives, and the state recognizes the difficult times many in this business are going through and will take swift action. Kiger said he also was on a call last week in which U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin told daycare owners that

See Daycare, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 11

State senator’s update on lawmakers’ session work while providing much

By Senator Stephanie Bice greater safety for members, On April 6, utilizing special staff, the public and the press procedures, including faceduring the pandemic. masks, social distancing and Even though most of us limiting the numbers of memhave been focused on bers on the floor at any given COVID-19 and how it’s imtime, we met in special sespacting our lives, I want to resion and regular session in remind everyone again how sponse to the COVID-19 Bice important it is to respond to pandemic. We approved the the 2020 U.S. Census that’s governor’s statewide emergency health declaration, temporarily now underway. Billions of dollars in granting expanded authority to better federal funding for hospitals, schools, coordinate the state’s response to the transportation and more is distributed to cities, counties and states virus. every year based on population as That same day, in regular session, determined by the census. If we the House and Senate, with bipartidon’t have a full population count, san support, overwhelmingly apwe’ll be short-changed on those proved legislation to utilize a portion funds every year for a decade. of Oklahoma’s emergency savings to As of April 14, the national averbackfill the current budget which has age response rate was 49.1%, combeen dramatically impacted by the pared to 44.2% for Oklahoma. Here economic downturn resulting from in Senate District 22, Oklahoma the pandemic. The bills we approved County had a response rate of 49.9% fully fund core services that our enand it was 54.8% for Canadian tire state depends on—especially in County. The response rate for Edthe face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving forward, we’ll still have emer- mond was 61.8%. Oklahoma City gency savings to help us as we deter- had a response rate of 49.2% while Piedmont’s response rate was 61.3%. mine the details of the Fiscal Year It was 58.7% in Yukon.

2021 budget.

The reality is, Oklahoma is going The Senate also voted to temporarily to be dealing with the economic imsuspend rules in order to allow us to hold committee meetings and floor ses- pact of the COVID-19 pandemic for years to come. We cannot afford to sions remotely or virtually in order to conduct the official work of the session leave money on the table that is needed to better support core servwhile adhering to safety recommendaices. If you haven’t responded to the tions. Citizens will have the ability to 2020 Census, there’s still time. You follow those committee meetings and can respond by mail, over the phone floor sessions online through our webby calling 1-844-330-2020, or online site at www.oksenate.gov. at 2020census.gov. If you have reLegislators, the public, state agensponded already, thank you. cies representatives and the media If you have any questions about had an opportunity to experience legislation or other issues dealing one of these virtual hearings on with state government, please conThursday for the first time during a tact me at 405-521-5592, or email joint appropriations subcommittee Stephanie.Bice@oksenate.gov. hearing. Other committees are exThank you for allowing me to be pected to hold meetings in the comyour voice in the Oklahoma State ing days. Meeting virtually will Senate. enable us to efficiently continue our

Daycare From Page 10 the federal government funded the state $50 million that is available to help Oklahoma daycare facilities.

Mullin said he will contact state officials today to push for help for daycares that are so important to the state.

“While many Oklahoma businesses have closed and sent their employees home to keep them safe, daycare operators are open for business and taking care of the children for our front-line workers,” Kiger said. “At the same time, as many of our dedicated daycares are taking great risks for inadequate pay, and many are losing daily attendance which is affecting their business’ bottom line.

“There needs to be a reevaluation and reconsideration of revamping many of these rules, regulations and more importantly how daycares are paid per child,” he said. “We need to make sure that after this pandemic is over our parents have a place to take their children.”

Kiger is asking DHS to consider giving daycares that receive subsidy pay or private pay payment for all children enrolled.

“As a state depending on private individuals to invest, educate and care for our kids, we cannot cut daycare pay for enrollees whose parents are no longer able to send their children to daycare and expect these businesses to be open and a spot reserved for their children when these parents go back to work,” Kiger said.

“Over the past year, Oklahoma has lost over 500 daycare facilities, and now even more are in jeopardy of closing.

“This is not the fault of the daycare operator, and they should not be penalized during this pandemic for what is happening while parents are under orders not to go to work,” he said.

DHS is providing three days of extra pay and just authorized $5 more per child enrolled per day. But

Kiger said to him the $5 per day will be viewed as the retired teachers saw the one-time stipend paid last year, as a slap in the face instead of a real Cost of Living Adjustment or real pay increase.

“If you talk to daycare operators, they will tell you after reductions are made from chronic absenteeism, owners are not seeing enough of a difference in their bottom line to keep many of them from closing,” he said.

“The state and nation need to recognize the financial issues that absenteeism is causing many business owners during this time and should consider allowing daycare operators during this pandemic to do as many of the Tribes are doing for their children. The Tribes get what is happening to these businesses and many are paying daycare fees for children absent to help keep businesses open.

“DHS promotes to parents that if you don't go to work then don't take your child to daycare. Many of these parents would take their children to daycare but worry about the virus and that it might not be safe,” he said.

“As a state we need to work for parents in finding a balance between keeping kids safe and keeping kids at home when they don't work. But no one is working so it makes sense in keeping our daycares solvent by at least allowing daycares to be paid for all children enrolled.”

Kiger said that because of the pandemic and people hoarding food, many daycares in his district couldn't find the right food or enough food or adequate learning supplies. After receiving calls from his daycare owners about these issues, he visited all stores in his hometown and was able to work with managers to find a time and a way for daycare operators to get the foods and products they desperately need in trying to meet all requirements.

OIC still teaching amid virus The Opportunities Industrialization Center of Oklahoma County, Inc. (OIC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and motivating adult learners through academic and career education, is fully operational while the state is under quarantine due to COVID-19.

Two years ago, OIC launched its Diploma Prep 24/7™ online virtual class platform to offer residents the chance to earn a high school diploma through online work. Without knowing there would be a pandemic on the horizon, OIC was fully prepared to transition its students and staff to

the virtual platform during a quarantine closure. In September, 2019, OIC successfully launched its virtual diploma program in Anadarko so expansion throughout the state would be a possibility.

“OIC is a great model for distance learning, as

the process has been running well since the quarantine started,” said Executive Director DesJean Jones. “Our main objective is to continue the daily routine as normally as possible, while servicing our students from remote locations.

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Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 13

Success stretches back decades

The history of UCO’s top wrestling program

By Mike Kirk Central Oklahoma boasts a storied wrestling tradition and has always been a player on the national stage, but it took a long-overdue project to fully appreciate the rich history of the program.

With the coronavirus pandemic shutting down the spring sports seasons – and, sadly, the need to work games – the task became to start putting in past schedules on bronchosports.com.

I started with wrestling and the last schedule listed was 2006-07, which was the season UCO captured its 15th national championship. It took a lot of research to find all the dates from the early years, but 53 schedules later the job was done.

And it was an eye-opening project in a variety of ways.

Here are some tidbits I gleaned from this research.

Central wasn't scheduled to field a team in 1922, but Oklahoma State had a team back out of a scheduled dual so the Bronchos put together a squad and wrestled their first-ever dual on March 2, 1922, losing a 34-12 decision to the Cowboys in Stillwater. The Bronchos had just two matches the next year, losing to OSU and tying Oklahoma, and four in 1924 before taking a year off.

UCO had a team from 1925 to 1940, was inactive off six years for World War II and returned for the 1946-47 season before going on a long hiatus that didn't end until the program was restored in 1972.

There were seven individual weight classes when the program started – not 10 like there are now – and that grew to eight in the late 1920s. Matches were 10 minutes long (it's seven now) and overtime consisted of a pair of three-minute periods.

For decades the only way to win was by fall or time advantage, which is the equivalent of riding time. No points were scored. You won by fall (say in 9:15) or by time advantage (say in 1:46).

There was only one NCAA division in the early days, so UCO competed with OU, OSU and the like. And the Bronchos held their own, finishing in the top 10 at the national tournament four times in the 1930s. That was highlighted by a runner-up showing in 1936 behind champions Ted Anderson (123 pounds) and Ray Clemons (191).

Most of the other state schools fielded teams – Southwestern, Southeastern, East Central, Oklahoma City and Northwestern. SWOSU was actu-

A celebration of a win over UCLA in 1976 ally a national power during the 1920s and '30s and the Bulldogs are one of just four non-Division I teams to own a series advantage over UCO (13-9).

Tragedy struck when Central traveled by train for a dual in Ada against ECU on Jan. 24, 1930. A coal stove used to heat the rail car UCO was in exploded, injuring James Callahan and Louie Andersen. The train stopped in Shawnee so the two could be transported to a hospital and the rest of the team continued to Ada, forfeited two weights and battled ECU to a 16-16 tie. Sadly, Callahan died two days later.

Anderson has always been considered UCO's first-ever national champion, but this research discovered that Louis Tomlinson actually won a national title the year before (1935) when he took the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) crown at 145 pounds. The AAU National Tournament was considered harder than the NCAAs in those days and Tomlinson – runner-up to three-time champion Wayne Martin of OU in the NCAA meet two weeks earlier – beat Martin in the AAU tournament.

When UCO reinstated the program in 1972 it was as a member of NAIA and the Bronchos were an immediate power, finishing fourth in the national tournament that first season. Central was a member of both NCAA Division II and NAIA in 1975-76, coming in 11th in D2 and third in NAIA.

The Bronchos were D2 the next year (finishing seventh) and then went back to NAIA. Many "name" Division I programs sponsored wrestling in the 1970s and early '80s, with a number of those visiting Hamilton Field House to challenge UCO. Among those that came to Edmond were OU, OSU, Alabama, LSU, Oregon, UCLA, Nebraska, Kentucky, BYU and Colorado State. The Bronchos pulled off a huge 21-18 upset of then-Big 10 power UCLA on Jan. 15, 1976 when heavyweight Richard Long scored a fall in the final match and Central roasted the Crimson Tide 35-6 to close out the 1978-79 dual campaign.

Central claimed the first of its 15 national championships in 1979 and the Bronchos won again in '81 and '82 – with Adams State finishing second all three times. The 1981 team is arguably the best in school history after racking up a then NAIArecord 155 ¼ points behind six individual champions (Dennis Kendrick, Todd Osborn, Ronnie James, Alan Maddox, Benny Coleman and Bill Ameen).

That squad wrestled 11 Division I schools, going 65, and outpointed Adams by a staggering 70 points in the national tournament. The six individual champions is still a record for most by one school in any division – NCAA I, II, III or NAIA. Amazingly, UCO finished first or second in the

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Page 14 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

UCO From Page 13

Five schools added to UCO’s OKA+ Schools Network Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma advances its mission of helping schools to think, plan and behave more creatively in the 2020-21 academic year with the addition of five new schools to the statewide network.

The new schools are Arrow Springs in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Esperanza Elementary in Oklahoma City, Hennessy Early Childhood Center in Hennessey, Oklahoma, and Pathways Adult Learning Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

They join the network of 60 schools representing early childhood education through high school in urban, suburban and rural Oklahoma communities.

"We are pleased to be adding these five new schools to our evergrowing state network. We have established a tradition of excellence with our whole school transformation model which helps schools to think, plan and behave more creatively," said Sandra Kent, executive director of OKA+ Schools Institute at UCO.

“Creating schools that work for everyone is our mission. The more schools we add to the network, the more students in Oklahoma will have access to an education integrated with arts, creativity and innovation.”

To be accepted into the OKA+ network, schools commit to a set of eight A+ Essentials, which they learn about through ongoing professional development provided by professional educators and artists, known as OKA+ Fellows.

The schools will begin their initial OKA+ professional development training at a five-day summer summit in July, which includes arts-integrated teaching methods surrounded by an understanding and application of the A+ Essentials framework.

Since its inception in 2002, the OKA+ network has provided the state’s only research-based whole school reform model and supports schools throughout the state that encourage creativity, innovation and critical thinking.

For more information, visit www.okaplus.org or call 405-9743779.

Electric linemen singled out for praise Edmond Electric recognized April 18, as National Lineman Appreciation Day to honor the hardworking men who work often in challenging conditions to keep the power on.

"Electric linemen do not often receive the recognition they deserve," said Glenn Fisher, Director of Edmond Electric. "They work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions, going above and beyond to restore power to the community. Our linemen, as well as linemen from all across the nation, truly deserve this

special day of recognition."

These highly skilled men and women power your homes and businesses every day. They endure harsh weather and long hours, all to make your lives better. Today (and every day), please take a moment to thank them.

Edmond Electric encourages residents to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do. Use #ThankaLineman to show your support for the men and women who light our lives.

national tournament 13 consecutive years from 1984-96, winning five NAIA and four NCAA Division II championships during that incredible stretch.

More success That 1991-92 team went 14-1 in duals and the lone loss was perhaps the most crushing in school history, a 17-16 setback to OU in Norman.

UCO led 17-11 going into the final match and then heavyweight Fay Barnett was disqualified for stalling with one second – one second!! – remaining in the final period. That gave the Sooners six points to pull even at 17, but head coach David James was docked a team point for arguing the call with the official and the Sooners literally stole the victory.

The 1993-94 team could challenge the 1980-81 squad as Central's best.

The Bronchos went 12-2 in duals and finished seventh in the National Duals, which at that time included the defending D2, D3 and NAIA national champions along with the 13 best D1 teams. UCO beat No. 4 Michigan (24-13), No. 10 Fresno State (43-9) and D3 champ Wartburg (37-2) while falling to Penn State and Nebraska in that tournament. UCO finished with eight All-Americans, crowned four champions (Brian Melchiori, Ryan Martin, Jerry Best and Wes White) and rolled up 127 ¼ points, 62 ahead of runner-up Min-

nesota State-Mankato.

The 2001-02 team can't be overlooked. The Bronchos went 15-1, with the lone loss to OU in the dual opener, and had four gold medalists (Cole Province, Matt Dodgen, Shawn Silvis and Muahammed Lawal) in finishing with 128 points.

UCO won national championships in bunches – back-to-back in 1981 and '82, four straight from 1984-87, four straight from 1992-95 and backto-back in 2002 and '03. The Bronchos are tied for first in NAIA team titles (eight) and tied for third in NCAA Division II championships (seven).

Central is one of just three schools to have had two four-time individual national champions. Johnny Nimmo won NAIA titles in 1987, '88 and '89 before claiming his fourth in Division II in 1990, while Cole Province took Division II titles in 2001, '02, '03 and '04. Lock Haven and Simon Fraser are the only other schools with multiple four-time champs.

It was established long ago that UCO has had dozens of great teams over the decades, but the Bronchos didn't put together their first unblemished dual season until 2016-17. Central went a perfect 18-0 that year, winning three duals by three points.

Suffice it to say, UCO has an amazing wrestling legacy. And it continues to this day.

COVID-19 aftermath could adversely affect children An estimated 2,100 Oklahoma children will be newly affected by substance use disorders in their homes this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statewide study released this month by the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative concluded that as isolation and unemployment increase, new drug and alcohol addictions would occur in 13,000 Oklahoma adults.

U.S. Census data ties that to about 2,100 children living with those adults who will also be affected.

“We’ve already seen data pointing to frightening increases in domestic violence and alcohol consumption,” said Peaceful Family Solutions Executive Director Ted Streuli. “The Healthy Minds study shows that illicit drug use will also rise, as will the suicide rate. We are concerned about the effect that has on children living in those households who don’t even have their schools and churches to attend for relief.”

The research concluded that as much as 30% of Oklahoma children may experience Post Traumatic Stress

Disorder as a result of the pandemic.

Adverse Childhood Experiences negatively affect children’s mental health and can lead to substance use disorders and other mental health problems. Parental addiction, suicide, financial hardship and many of the other family problems wrought by the pandemic are likely to increase the ACE scores for Oklahoma children.

Peaceful Family Solutions chairman, Mike Barcum, said that speaking up will save children.

“If you see something, say something,” Barcum said. “If you see or suspect there’s a substance use disorder in a home with children, those kids need your help. They won’t ask for it because they’ll think they’re to blame or that they’ll get in trouble if they say anything. But they definitely need help from a safe adult.”

Peaceful Family Solutions, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, provides free programs for children affected by addiction in their homes and is an affiliate of the National Association for Children of Addiction.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 15

‘Trolls: World Tour’ made for the younger viewers

By George Gust “Trolls: World Tour” is the follow up to the 2016 DreamWorks Animation “Trolls.” Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock. When a member of the Rock tribe wants to destroy all other kinds of music, it’s up to Poppy, Branch and friends to unify the musical tribes and restore the harmony.

“Trolls: World Tour” is a kids movie that feels like the product of a child’s imagination after three Cadbury eggs, two pixie sticks and a icing covered cupcake. There’s a cavalcade of pop song covers, colorful characters and an energy that’s hard to slow down that make “Trolls: World Tour” a welcome distraction for cooped up kids and has enough recognizable references and familiar songs for the parents to enjoy.

In terms of story, “Trolls: World Tour” doesn’t quite have a lot on its mind outside of cashing in on toe-tapping cover songs and filling the screen

fectly matched for a shorter attention span. Featuring beautifully colorful animation and a star-studded voice cast headlined by the endless charm of Kendrick and Timberlake, “Trolls: World Tour” is a delicious piece of leftover Easter candy, but lacks enough depth to be compelling for the parents in the house. If you’re looking for a more emotional animated feature, a recent movie like “Onward” might better fill that description.

“Trolls: World Tour” is rated PG for some mild rude humor. with more fluff and color than you can shake a twizzler at. The movie does well to keep the pace up and get to the next song, but the naive choices the characters make don’t feel natural, giving the movie a feeling that it cares more about the dance numbers than trying to tell a compelling narrative.

And in the end when the movie wants to get to its emotional peak, the heartstring pulling feels like it comes out of nowhere.

Overall, “Trolls: World Tour” delivers a fun kind of kid-friendly cinematic experience that seems per-

2.7 out of 5 stars

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake return to the colorful animated musical sequel ‘Trolls: World Tour’ out now on video on demand.

Awards show is cancelled

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MOTHER'S DAY

A Nederlander and Civic Center Foundation Presentation reports that that The Broadway League has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Jimmy Awards due to the ongoing crisis with COVID-19. This decision was made out of respect for the health and safety of the many students, families, theater professionals, and fans who attend and participate in this national program each year.

And due to the ongoing mandates from local officials, many events at the Civic Center Music Hall have been postponed or canceled. As a result, OKC Broadway is revising the 2020 Kelli O’Hara Awards, sponsored by Paycom and presented by OKC Broadway and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, to a virtual audition and winner selection process.

The finalists announced for this school year will submit their video auditions, and the awards committee will select the Outstanding Actor and Actress.

And although the winners will not compete in New York this year, they will still receive an all expenses paid trip to New York to see the newest Broadway shows as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

The awards committee will also be honoring the Best Musical, Best Ensemble and the standout performer from each school.

ACROSS 1. "Ali Baba and the Forty ____," sing.

6. Eureka!

9. Schools of thought 13. Sound of artillery 14. Car nut 15. Without illumination 16. Nosey one 17. Kind of trip?

18. Lasso loop 19. *Little Women's mom 21. *Tracee Ellis Ross on TV 23. ____ o' shanter 24. Quitter's word 25. Like a fiddle?

28. Like Charles Dickens' Tim 30. Quarantine state 35. *Egyptian goddess of fertility 37. Insane, in Spain 39. Mother or daughter, in Italy 40. *Biblical Rebecca's son 41. Online reviews 43. Research facil.

44. Fisherman's decoys 46. Daytime entertainment 47. Furniture wood 48. End of the road, pl.

50. Blatant promotion 52. Swedish shag rug 53. Yours and mine 55. Little squirt 57. *Mother's mom 61. *She fought for Mother's Day, then against it 64. In advance 65. *Bambi's mom 67. Fancy tie 69. Less than fernier 70. I have 71. "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" host 72. Fairies 73. Galley equipment 74. Feed the fire

DOWN 1. Kitchen meas.

2. Stay out of its way!

3. Pelvic parts 4. Tennis great Chris ____ 5. Particular arrangement 6. Away from wind 7. *Mother's favorite gift?

8. Ancient marketplace 9. Part of a scheme 10. No neatnik 11. Sushi restaurant soup 12. One-pot meal 15. Like the States 20. *One of the Gilmore girls 22. Hill dweller 24. One-eyed giants 25. *She played Forrest Gump's mother 26. May edition, e.g.

27. *Worn atop the Queen Mother 29. Denials 31. Nike's "Just ____ ____" 32. Private 33. "Take it back!"

34. *Mother in KrakÛw

36. Lard cousin 38. October birthstone 42. Plural of sputum 45. Rundown 49. Bottom line 51. Kind of ungulate, pl.

54. Where you'll find AM 56. Living room centerpiece?

57. Gamecock's spur 58. *Greek goddess of fertility 59. Bald eagle's nest 60. *Mums' mums 61. Opposite of cheer 62. International Civil Aviation Org. 63. Puppet precursor, possibly 66. *Female gametes 68. CafÈ alternative

See Answers on Page 19

Answers to the puzzle On Page 19

Page 16 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond trio join NAMI directors board NAMI Oklahoma, the state organization for the National Alliance on Mental Illness has announced the addition of three Edmondites to its Board of Directors.

All three board members have a wealth of experience from professional to philanthropic. Shar’dae Ihekona is a licensed professional counselor. Jayne Van Bramer has more than 30 years of experience working in the field of behavioral health. Michelle Britten is an accounting and finance professional with over 20 years of experience.

“We are delighted to have Shar’dae, Jayne and Michelle join our board and aid in our mission to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental

illness,” said James Bost, executive director for NAMI Oklahoma.

“NAMI has a significant impact on the community, and I would like to help others learn more about their mission,” said Ihekona.

“I believe the work NAMI does to support families and friends is of paramount importance,” said Bramer.

“I am ready to be a proponent to raise greater awareness for NAMI,” said Britten.

Founded in 1985, NAMI Oklahoma is a 501©3 nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental illness through support, education and advocacy. For more information visit https://www.namioklahoma.org/.

Nellie Marie Clay

Arcadia Facebook concert to be held on Saturday Singer-songwriters Amanda Cunningham and Nellie Marie Clay will present a Facebook Live concert at 10:30 a.m.

April 25 on the Arcadia Round Barn Facebook page.

The Round Barn’s Saturday music concerts known as Morning Music switched to the Facebook Live format after the barn was temporarily closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The barn will remain closed until at least April 30, but continues to Amanda Cunningham offer musical programming through its group live music at the barn, encouraged Facebook page. fans to listen to the concert and doCunningham, who began playing nate to the artists online. Musicians guitar and writing songs while atwho perform at the Round Barn have tending Oklahoma State University, lost much of their incomes due to moved to Austin and toured nationconcert postponements. wide before returning to Oklahoma The Arcadia Historical and PreserCity. Her most recent album is entivation Society, which maintains the tled “Run.” barn built in 1898, depends on donaClay, who lives in Okemah, said tions and gift shop sales. Donations she experienced a musical rebirth can be mailed to P.O. Box 134, Arcawhile living off the grid in Alaska. dia, OK 73007. Through Sept. 1, She then moved to Nashville where people who donate will be mailed she established herself at the legpremiums of gift shop merchandise, endary Bluebird Café before returning based on the amount of their gifts. to Oklahoma. Her latest album is enFor more information about music titled “Long Sunsets.” at the barn, call Baxter at 405-833Joe Baxter, who coordinates the 1350.

Round Barn gift shop offers gifts to Route 66 donors Popular items from the Arcadia Round Barn gift shop are now available as premiums to people who donate to the nonprofit Route 66 icon.

“We closed the Round Barn in early March, even before asked to do so by our government leaders,” said Linda Simonton, president of the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society. “We don’t regret taking this action to protect our volunteers and visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, but we do depend on the donations and gift shop revenues we receive when the barn is open.”

Through Sept. 1, supporters who donate $10 or more to the historical society will receive either a Round Barn or Route 66 sticker, depending on available inventory. People who donate $25 or more will receive a sticker and a Round Barn magnet.

For donations of $50 or more, the premium is a sticker and a colorful deck of Route 66 playing cards, and people who donate $100 or more

will receive a Round Barn history book and a CD by Oklahoma City musician Buffalo Rogers or Midwest City singer-songwriter Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn.

Everyone who donates $100 or more will also receive a free one-year membership to the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society, valued at $20.

Donations can be made by mail at P.O. Box 134, Arcadia, OK 73007.

Premiums will be mailed to the donors.

“The Round Barn is beloved by tourists from around the world as well as local residents,” Simonton said. “We appreciate all those who have tuned in to our Facebook Live concerts and donated to the musicians who perform for us every weekend, as many of them have lost much of their income during the pandemic.

We will re-open the barn as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 17

Some insurance providers slice premiums

Giving some relief The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every type of business and service around the globe, including the insurance industry. As the insurance community navigates these challenging times, many companies are stepping forward, providing muchneeded relief to their policyholders.

During this public health emergency, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has received requests from several property/casualty insurers to return a percentage of paid premiums to their policyholders.

Most major auto insurers recognize that their customers are driving less during the COVID-19 crisis.

Many insurance companies who operate in Oklahoma have announced refunds, dividends, credits or other appropriate premium adjustments to their customers. Most cited reduced policyholder mileage and the receipt of fewer claims amid the COVID-19 crisis as their reason for these offers.

"I want to recognize and thank the insurance industry for doing the right thing," Insurance Commissioner Glen

Mulready said. "These companies are taking the lead in helping ease some of the financial burdens many are experiencing during this crisis. I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for their leadership, community service and assistance during this difficult and unusual time."

The OID is working diligently with insurers to approve these relief program requests and get money into consumers’ hands as quickly as possible. To see information about insurance companies offering premium relief and assistance programs to Oklahoma consumers, visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/covid19_relief/.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

Dental association’s new leader Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., assistant dean for clinical and preclinical education at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, was inducted as president of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) on Friday, April 17.

Born in Mumbai in 1966, Mullasseril grew up in India and completed his dental education from the University of Bombay in 1988. Upon graduation, Mullasseril knew he wanted to continue his training in maxillofacial prosthetics. Thanks in part to Drs. Dean Johnson and Ram S. Nanda at the OU College of Dentistry, Mullasseril began his post-doctoral training at OU, graduating in 1994. Afterward, Mullasseril completed a fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in 1996.

In 1998, Mullasseril joined the faculty in the Department of Removable Prosthetics at the OU College of Dentistry and served as Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics from 2002 to 2008. In 2008, he moved his family to Spokane, Washington; however, within a few years, he moved back after realizing Oklahoma felt like home. In 2011, he was appointed Chair of Restorative Dentistry at the OU College of Dentistry, and in 2015, he was appointed Assistant Dean for Clinical and Preclinical Education.

“The symbiotic relationship between the college and organized dentistry is vital to the success of both entities,” said Mullasseril. “Clinically accomplished graduates from the school are the lifeblood of the professional dental community. Similarly, support from alumni and the dental association creates a vibrant and forward-looking college.”

This next year, under his direction,

Dr. Mullasseril the ODA will focus on further developing the relationship with the dental community and the college.

Additionally, in collaboration with the ODA and the Dale Graham Veterans Foundation in Norman, Mullasseril announced that the college will provide free dental treatment to selected Oklahoma veterans on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.

Mullasseril will also focus on further developing relationships with and educating state legislators on the need for support to the college through legislation that will benefit the dental well-being of the citizens of Oklahoma.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Paul Mullasseril, our dean of clinical and preclinical education, is being inducted as the president of the Oklahoma Dental Association,” said Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “Our philosophy at the college is that we are an integral part of the community and leadership involvement is our responsibility. This further demonstrates the close bond and support between the college, profession, and our community.”

Group offers student loan help Omaha, NE – In continuing their efforts to help members down the path to financial security, WoodmenLife will launch a new member extra on May 1. The WoodmenLife Student Loan Relief program will provide up to 200 $1000 awards to eligible members to help them pay down their student loan debt.

To apply for an award, a member must meet eligibility requirements, submit an application and write a short essay. This year, applications will be accepted May 1 through June 30. Applications are then reviewed and recipients selected by Scholarship America, an independent third-party administrator.

“We continue to look for ways we can help members of the WoodmenLife family build on their financial future,” said Patrick L. Dees, WoodmenLife President & CEO. “This program will allow hundreds of our members the opportunity to pay down on this haunting debt load.”

The WoodmenLife Student Loan Relief program is just one of a wide range of valuable extras the organization offers its members. A person becomes a member when they purchase a WoodmenLife life insurance or retirement product. To find out more about the program, visit: WoodmenLife.org/Student-Loan-Relief .

Nhinja Sushi gives back to help health professionals For restauranteurs changing, modifying and updating their operations by the hour can make or break a business.

But it’s familiar territory for one local chain, Nhinja Sushi. Mary and Kang Nhin know that adapting is key to surviving. In addition to providing self-ordering kiosks, online ordering capability via website or mobile app, Nhinja Sushi has launched the Adopt a Doc or Nurse program to help those on the front lines.

Customers have the option to sponsor one meal, 10 meals, or an entire hospital staff. And you can do it all online.

Since launching the program, the community has helped their restaurant prepare over 600 meals to various hospital departments in the Oklahoma City Area. With the increased business, it has helped Nhinja avoid laying off any of their employees. We’ve been able to help our local economy by maintaining payroll numbers,” says Kang Nhin.

Their catering program helps to feed hospital personnel during the COVID-19 outbreaks. “It’s so amazing

to help those on the front lines and rally the community together behind a good cause,” says Kang Nhin.

For the past three weeks, restaurant owners can add another reason to the industry’s high failure rate: the lack of consumer demand in the market for dine-in service.

Many restaurants due to forced government closures and the elimination of the lunchtime crowd for traditional restaurants and quick-service restaurants.

For more information about the Adopt a Doc or Nurse or to sponsor, visit https://www.nhinja.com/adopt-anurse-or-doc.html or sponsor a doctor or nurse online.

Page 18 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

After virus, expect more evictions

By Steve Lackmeyer Oklahoman.com Oklahoma City could see thousands lose their homes in coming months due to record unemployment and economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorneys and academics told The Oklahoman a moratorium on eviction hearings, once ended, will be followed by a wave of evictions creating a homeless population not seen since the Great Depression.

Court records reviewed by The Oklahoman show the number of filings over the past two weeks has slowed — but that trend won't continue after the pandemic, warns Richard Klinge, director of the Pro Bono Eviction Assistance Program at Oklahoma City University.

The state’s unemployment rate hit record levels within weeks of the outbreak, with first-time claims on unemployment insurance up by nearly 800%. Nearly 100,000 Oklahomans, more than the entire population of Edmond, filed initial claims in the past two weeks.

“I don’t see how these people are going to be able to pay their bills,” Kinge said. “It’s a tsunami coming on the horizon as people can’t pay their rent.”

A national survey by Eviction Lab at Princeton University ranked Tulsa and Oklahoma City as cities with the 11th and 20th highest eviction rates based on 2016 data. The Pro Bono Eviction Assistance Program under Klinge has helped 650 families — more than 1,300 men, women and children — facing eviction and other landlord issues since the organization was started in 2018. That is only a fraction of total evictions the state could see this year alone.

“Before COVID-19 struck, based on filings to date in Oklahoma County, 14,000 cases would be set for Oklahoma County in 2020,” Klinge said.

“That means more than 30,000 men, women and children will be facing eviction from their homes.

“Now, given the COVID-19 situation and the resulting massive unemployment, the numbers throughout Oklahoma will grow exponentially,” Klinge said.

Filings continue Normal eviction processes have been disrupted, slowed or stopped altogether as a result of the coronavirus.

The CARES Act passed by Con-

gress put a 120-day moratorium on evictions for property owners with federal funding used for mortgages, financing or rent assistance.

On March 16, the Oklahoma State Supreme Court “strongly urged” courts to stop hearing non-emergency cases, including evictions, and doubled down on that message March 27.

About the same time, Oklahoma County Sheriff P.D. Taylor put a stop to enforcing eviction orders.

But landlords continue filing evictions, creating a backlog of cases to be attended to later.

Just three days after the March 27 closing of courts, local filings resumed with Home SFR Borrower seeking to evict tenants in 12 rental homes scattered across the metro area and Yes Companies evicting four from a trailer home park in Choctaw.

Auburn Lane Apartments, in west Oklahoma City, filed three evictions.

The owners of Aspen Way apartments, 2700 Indian Creek Blvd., filed 41 eviction notices, representing 11% of its 358 units, on April 1.

Many of these are likely related to prepandemic rent issues, but those numbers will continue to grow.

“Those filings will be just sitting there in the courts until they reopen,” Open Justice Oklahoma Director Ryan Gentzler said. Open Justice Oklahoma has been studied the rate of eviction filings throughout Oklahoma since the coronavirus outbreak.

Under current orders, the courts could start hearing eviction filings as early as May 6. Regardless of when the courts pick the cases back up, it will create a logistical challenge.

“We could be potentially seeing thousands of evictions happening and being executed all at the same time,” Gentzler said. “Either all of those thousands will show up at court and it will be a public safety disaster having everyone in court filing evictions or it will be equally disastrous if they don’t show.”

Brigid Kenedy, an attorney who represents landlords including Aspen Place and Yes Companies, isn’t convinced a flood of eviction filings by landlords will hit courts when they reopen. She said landlords must balance the situation at hand with how to stay in business.

“They’re doing everything they can to work with tenants,” Kennedy said.

“They don’t want to lose them. "It doesn’t serve anyone’s interest.”

Tenants at Risk Low-income tenants are often without representation in eviction proceedings unless they are fortunate enough to obtain representation from Legal Aid, a nonprofit civil service organization that provides help through attorneys’ offices in 20 locations across the state.

Despite moratoriums currently making evictions almost impossible, especially in the metro area, Michael Figgins, director of Legal Aid, is dealing with cases where landlords are resorting to other tactics to get rid of tenants behind on rent.

“Some are doing lockouts and shutting off utilities,” Figgins said.

“There’s a lot of nasty stuff going on.

It’s not as easy to lock people out when they’re staying home with the pandemic. But God forbid you leave, you may come back and find out the door is locked. They can also switch the utilities from the tenant to the complex and then shut them off.”

Such actions, Figgins said, are not criminal acts though they can be found to be liable to civil actions. But those tenants, he added, aren’t in a position to afford litigation.

Legal Aid is switching tactics with the building rent crisis. Instead of a focus on defending low-income Oklahomans, it is helping those Oklahomans communicate with landlords about paying rent and possible resolutions. Sometimes just a lawyer’s letter can do “magic,” Figgins said.

City protections As both a city councilwoman and education coordinator at the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, JoBeth Hamon has long advocated for the challenges facing lower income residents.

As the pandemic hit, Hamon said some of her first thoughts were of the homeless and those facing possible eviction.

She cited the case of one formerly homeless Oklahoma City man who was unable to withhold rent when forced to make his own repairs after the landlord refused to help.

Hamon recently searched Oklahoma County court filings for evictions and discovered some of the same cases reported by The Oklahoman. Apsen Place, which does not appear to have any federal funding to tie it to the 120day moratorium, caught her attention.

“Those filings were obviously people having difficulty paying prior to all of

this,” Hamon said. “They got a month behind and some change and they are being filed on.”

Hamon said she approached the city attorney to see the council could either restrict evictions or provide tenants with help.

“Obviously our eviction issues were pretty bad before this,” Hamon said.

“We don’t have strong tenants' rights laws. So landlords are pretty powerful in evicting or intimidating people to leave.”

Hamon said she was informed eviction laws are overseen by the state, not the city.

But she still wants to explore a tenant right to counsel law similar to one planned as part of Tulsa’s housing program. Hamon also wants to see lawmakers reconsider a law proposed in a previous legislative session to update landlord-tenant rules to give tenants the right to withhold rent over maintenance issues.

That effort, she said, died in committee but she thinks it is something Oklahoma City and Tulsa should team up on to make a reality.

“We need to coordinate advocacy,” Hamon said.

Signs of hope Not every landlord is rushing to evict. Some are waiving late fees, accepting weekly rent and making other payment arrangements with tenants struggling to survive with pay cuts and loss of income. Still others are exchanging maintenance work or landscaping performed by tenants for rent breaks.

Some tenants are making arrangements with landlords while using a mix of unemployment assistance and the recently delivered $1,200 aid check.

For Lucas Dunn, money was tight until he started getting unemployment assistance. His partner, Jenny Broad, was able to stay employed because the store she works at continued sales online.

It was Dunn’s landlord who approached him to check on his wellbeing and assured him they could work out an arrangement if money got too tight to pay rent on time.

“He’s always been a pretty good landlord, the best I’ve ever had,” said Dunn, who lives in a fourplex near Paseo. “I’m financially better now that I’m not able to get out and spend money, and after getting the assistance, I’m trying to pay down some debt.”

NASA singles out OSU researchers with recognition NASA has recognized a team of researchers from Oklahoma State University with the University Leadership Initiative Award. OSU is one of just five university teams to receive the honor and a share of $32.8 million in funding over the next four years to address some of NASA’s strategic research initiatives.

As the lead institution for this initiative, OSU will receive $5.2 million. The other teams awarded were from Stanford University, the University of Delaware, North Carolina A&T State University and the University of South Carolina.

“Each of these teams is working on important problems that definitely will help break down barriers in ways that will benefit the U.S. aviation industry,” said John Cavolowsky, director of NASA’s Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program in Washington, D.C. OSU’s team, which includes faculty members and students from the College of Engineering, Ar-

chitecture and Technology, aims to improve realtime weather forecasting of low-level winds and turbulence in both rural and urban environments.

The team’s aim is to improve safety for Unmanned Aircraft systems (UAS) flying in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.

OSU investigators include professors Jamey Jacob, Brian Elbing, Imraan Faruque and Nicoletta Fala. Jacob, the director of OSU’s Unmanned Systems Research Institute, is the project’s principal investigator. Researchers from USRI have worked with NASA in the past, and Jacob said he is looking forward to using OSU’s research prowess to spur innovation again.

“Selection to the NASA University Leadership Program confirms OSU’s expertise and preeminence in unmanned systems, particularly in the area of unmanned aircraft for weather and meteorological applications,” Jacob said.

The University Leadership Initiative aims to unite

NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) and prominent American research universities to produce new, innovative ideas. Jacob said the NASA ULI program allows university and industry teams to provide unique solutions to the most complex problems facing aeronautics today.

“The challenge our team is addressing will have an impact across a wide range of aircraft, not only helping advance the integration of drones and urban air taxis into the national airspace, but also increasing the safety of air transportation and airport operations for all aircraft from airliners and general aviation aircraft alike,” Jacob said.

OSU’s team includes members from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Nebraska, the University of Kentucky, Virginia Tech University, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Vigilant Aerospace Systems Inc. AirXOS and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 23, 2020 • Page 19

Spotting stress & helping children deal with it This is the Week of the Young Child™, an annual celebration that spotlights early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities. In honor of this week, Amy Chlouber, LPC-S, early childhood services director at Sunbeam Family Services, shares what stress looks like in babies, and how to help.

The brain develops more rapidly before age 3 than during any other time. In fact, 90 percent of the brain is developed by age 3, and 95 percent by age 6.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health refers to how well infants and very young children are doing socially and emotionally in the earliest years of life. According to the ZERO TO THREE Policy Center, between 9.5-14 percent of children from birth to age 5 experience social-emotional problems, like anxiety, depression and challenging behavior.

Caregivers can buffer the impact of stress and trauma when they are aware and present, both physically and emotionally.

Small children aren’t immune to stress and trauma just because they’re young. While they don’t necessarily understand, they are keen observers of things happening around them. Their bodies remember experiences and sensations, both positive and negative. Memories are stored in the earliest weeks and years of life and can precede young children’s capacity to talk about them.

Little ones often have big feelings, and one of the only ways they’re able to express a need for comfort is through behavior. Very young children don’t yet have the ability to calm themselves. They need connection with caregivers to support them in calming.

This is called co-regulation.

It’s important to notice your child’s behavior,

which is his form of communication. Sometimes crying, fussing and challenging behavior may be communicating a need to connect with you. A stressed baby or young child may become more fearful of things like separation, the dark and noises. There may also be an increase in meltdowns, crying, defiance or destructive behavior or a regression in toilet training or independent sleep. She may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

In general, babies and very young children may be difficult to soothe and need more frequent reassurance and “check-ins� with a caregiver through closeness, being held, smiles and eye contact. Keeping a routine, especially during COVID-19, creates some structure and a sense of safety for young children.

Other ways to support connection include reading, dancing, talking, sitting with your child on your

lap and staying near him. Having fun and playing are important. Take breaks and go outside. Go for a walk and take deep breaths. Notice flowers blooming, the green grass, and trees budding and point them out to your child.

Your child needs you. Remember to limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time under the age of 2. Even “educational� videos can be too much and will never take the place of being with you.

When taking care of babies and very young children, it’s also important to take care of yourself. On an airplane, adults are told that in case of emergency, put the oxygen mask on yourself first and then your child. That can feel like the opposite of what we want to do, but this is key to keep little ones safe and help them feel secure to support their well-being.

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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.

Page 20 • April 23, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure