Edmond Life & Leisure - April 30, 2020

April 30, 2020

Vol. 20, No. 50

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.

Remembering John Arledge See Page 14

FRIDAY, May 1

Partly Cloudy High 88° Low 65°

SATURDAY, May 2 Partly Cloudy High 91° Low 71°

SUNDAY, May 3

Partly Cloudy High 88° Low 63°

Jessica Harraman In early March, Jessica Harraman, a first-grade teacher at West Field Elementary and product of Edmond Public Schools, was named the 2020 Edmond Teacher of the Year. Six weeks later, her world (and that of every teacher in the district) turned upside down when the Oklahoma State Department of Education announced that schools must cease face-to-face instruction and move to distance learning.

“Routines and a sense of normalcy are especially important to young children, so ending school early has been difficult on some of my students,” said Harraman. “However, parents have been reaching out to express their gratitude for providing a variety of ways for students to stay connected with our class.”

Harraman hosts Zoom meetings on Mondays-Thursdays. This helps to provide her students with routine opportunities to engage in social conversations with their peers. One student had to miss the first week of meetings but was finally able to join during week two.

“When she popped up on the screen, she immediately started crying

once she saw her friends’ faces for the first time in weeks. She is seven years old and was overwhelmed with joy at the simple opportunity to see her classmates again,” recalls Harraman. “It was a touching moment, and it made every challenge that comes from navigating this new platform of continuous learning well worth the extra work and effort.”

Harraman embraces creativity and themes to make her Zoom meetings new and engaging.

“On Tuesdays and Thursdays, our class Zoom meetings are in the evenings and are themed ‘Show and Shares’. I send out the theme beforehand, and students get to bring something they want to show the class or think of something to tell the class for that night’s theme,” she said. “Our animal theme was a big hit as students shared their favorite stuffed animals and pets of all shapes and sizes! We also do scavenger hunt nights where I will give a description of something and they have to quickly find something around the house that matches that description to share with the

PHOTO PROVIDED

class.”

Harraman also posts quick videos of herself checking in on her students each day to her class SeeSaw app. In the videos, she asks a question for them to respond to. For example, she’ll ask them to tell her about something they have done at home to help keep their bodies healthy.

“Then, students send me their responses by writing a comment on See Saw, recording a voice memo, or sending me a picture/video in an email.”

During the videos, Harraman also reminds students how much she loves and misses them.

“I want them to understand that I am here for them. My desire is to make an impact on their lives every day.”

West Field Elementary Principal Crystal Smith said Harraman’s continuous learning has been just like her classroom teaching: engaging, fun, and creative.

“There are great teachers, and then there is Jessica Harraman: the Mary Poppins of education,” said Smith.

“She leverages every single asset to the benefit of all of our students.”

Page 2 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 3

Tesha Loven

The sacrifices made by those tending to COVID-19 patients Tesha Loven has been a nurse for 26 years. She is currently the Clinical Director of the Emergency Department at INTEGRIS Health Edmond.

She says they’re prepared to handle an influx of COVID-19 patients, even though she hopes they never see one. “We wait on the edge of our seat wondering if ‘today is the day’,” admits Loven.

She understands there’s an element of danger to her job, especially when dealing with a novel virus that we don’t yet know much about. “I feel it’s important to not let fear define me. I must take control of the things I can and accept the things I can’t.”

In order to protect those she loves, Loven has made the conscious decision to stay away from her children, grand-children and parents until this crisis is over. “It’s very difficult, yet it’s a sacrifice many in the medical field are willing to make to keep our families safe.”

She adds, “Many of our caregivers are making far greater sacrifices than myself, they have small children so they have chosen to stay in hotels, RV’s or with other health care workers.”

She knows some in the health care profession feel like they didn’t sign up for this, that caring for people during a worldwide pandemic is too much

to ask. “I know many nurses who have spouses who have told them that it is not their job to risk their lives for strangers and have requested that they walk away from the situation,” Loven says. “But thankfully, my husband supports me. He prays for me and my team and prepares us for battle. For that, I am thankful, and I am at peace in the role I play in this crisis.”

Loven says she will continue to come to work as long as there are people in need. “There will always be doctors and nurses who continue on with the mission. Although it will be overwhelming if others retreat, there will always be those who walk into the storm.”

That’s what she wants the public to realize. “Health care workers are being asked to sacrifice their time with family, their own mental, physical and emotional health. It is very dis-heartening to see members of the public congregating in large groups and proceeding with daily activities as if nothing is occurring around them.”

She concludes, “It is difficult to see the end in sight if the public does not comply with sheltering in place, social distancing, self-monitoring and self-quarantine when appropriate.

Their actions have the biggest impact on the overall situation.”

Lifted to see a loved one Bradford Village at 906 N. Boulevard used cherry pickers to take family members to see their loved ones at the assisted living facility. Senior citizens have been protected from seeing others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many got to see their loved ones for the first time, thanks to being lifted to their windows.

RAY HIBBARD

Page 4 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

The Lady with the Lamp With great justification, much is being made of our heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are the tip of the spear in military terms of saving lives and battling the virus. They have become our heroes and it is so past due. I am referring to the medical staff at our hospitals.

The forerunner of these brave Ray Hibbard men and women is the famous Florence Nightingale. She is the founder of modern nursing and providing compassionate care for patients. She received the title of Lady with the Lamp from her work during the Crimean War in the mid 1800’s. It was a military conflict fought from October 1853 to February 1856 in which the Russian Empire lost to an alliance made up of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain and Sardinia. The immediate cause of the war involved the rights of Christian minorities in the Holy Land, which was a part of the Ottoman Empire.

She was labeled with the phrase from a report in the London Times: She is a "ministering angel" without any exaggeration in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow's face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, making her solitary rounds.

The phrase was further popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1857 poem "Santa Filomena" Lo! in that house of misery A lady with a lamp I see Pass through the glimmering gloom, And flit from room to room.

While her compassion and thirst for knowledge of better medicine for patients is well know and relates to our current pandemic, there are a couple of other attributes that Nightingale pursued that relates to our situation. Her impact by todays standards would be nothing short of a miracle.

Upon her arrival to the war zone, Nightingale found horrible conditions. The wounded were not being taken care of by any. Part of the problem was that the medical wards caring for the wounded were made up of three different armies.

The other problem was that it was mostly men who were trying to care for the wounded, and they did not know much about modern medicine.

She reduced the death rate from 42% to 2% either by making improvements in hygiene herself or by calling for the Sanitary Commission. If you want to talk about bending the curve, she flattened the thing to almost nothing given the condition she and her band of nurses were forced to work with in the medical wards. Nightingale implemented handwashing and other hygiene practices in the war hospital. Sound familiar?

During her first winter at Scutari, 4,077 soldiers died there. Ten times more soldiers died from illnesses such as typhus, typhoid, cholera, and dysen-

Florence Nightingale tery than from battle wounds. Nightingale insisted that the British government send in the Sanitary Commission in March of 1855. She knew the cause of the illnesses was overcrowding, defective sewers and a lack of fresh air. The commission flushed out the sewers and improved ventilation.

Death rates were sharply reduced, but she never claimed credit for helping to reduce the death rate.

You might have expected that our nursing hero was a reformer in sanitation, but you may not be aware of another area that Nightingale excelled at that also relates to todays COVID-19 crisis. She had a gift for mathematics from an early age and excelled in the subject under the tutelage of her father. She was a pioneer in the visual presentation of information and statistical graphics. She used methods such as a pie chart. We do not think anything about such a chart now but at the time it was a novel method of presenting data. Go figure?

President Trump could have used her help in sticking to the facts my friends. Nightingale is described as "a true pioneer in the graphical representation of statistics", and is credited with developing a form of the pie chart now known as the polar area diagram or occasionally the Nightingale rose diagram, equivalent to a modern circular histogram, to illustrate seasonal sources of patient mortality in the military field hospital she managed.

So, she took the data she could obtain about the crisis taking place in the military hospital, broke it down and put it into a form that the rest of the folks could visualize. Nightingale called a compilation of such diagrams a "coxcomb", but later that term would frequently be used for the in-

dividual diagrams. She made extensive use of coxcombs to present reports on the nature and magnitude of the conditions of medical care in the Crimean War to Members of Parliament and civil servants who would have been unlikely to read or understand traditional statistical reports. It seems to me she had to find a way to dumb the information down to us men. In 1859, Nightingale was elected the first female member of the Royal Statistical Society. In 1874 she became an honorary member of the American Statistical Association from her work in medical statistics.

When she was done with her work after the Crimean War, she turned her attention to the health of the British army in India. She demonstrated that bad drainage, contaminated water, overcrowding and poor ventilation were causing the high death rate. Following the report The Royal Commission on India, which included drawings done by her cousin, artist Hilary Bonham Carter, Nightingale concluded that the health of the army and the people of India had to go hand in hand and so campaigned to improve the sanitary conditions of the country as a whole.

Remember folks this in the in the mid to late 1800’s. The world was run by men. Do not you know they were thrilled to have this “woman” telling them how they were messing up. It was not always easy for her. The way she was able to get the British government to send in the Sanitary Commission during the war was to write a letter to the editor at the London Times. The lady may have been sweet and kind, but she was a tiger when it came to get the proper care to folks that were sick. More importantly, she worked to prevent sickness in different populations where conditions were horrible.

The results? After 10 years of sanitary reform, in 1873, Nightingale reported that mortality among the soldiers in India had declined from 69 to 18 per 1,000.

This incredible woman was not even close to being done. The Royal Sanitary Commission presented Nightingale with an opportunity to press for compulsory sanitation in private houses. She lobbied to require owners of existing properties to pay for connection to mains drainage. At the same time, she combined with the retired sanitary reformer Edwin Chadwick to devolve powers to enforce the law.

Her Crimean War statistics had convinced her that non-medical approaches were more effective given the state of knowledge at the time. Historians believe that both drainage and devolved enforcement played a crucial role in increasing average national life expectancy by 20 years between 1871 and the mid-1930s.

It will be interesting to see what fantastic contributions will come from medical staff that are on the front lines of this pandemic. You just know there will be so many stories that are yet untold.

They are offering those in the hospital kind and compassionate care but there are bound to be innovative ideas and methods that will be used for years to come just as did Nightingale.

Stay safe my friends.

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Honor for UCO Theatre program ................................................Page 6.

---- Learn about Telehealth ................................................................Page 9.

---- VP went from being a patriot to being a traitor ........................Page 10.

---- Learning packets assembled ......................................................Page 13.

---- George Gust review HBO film....................................................Page 15.

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

---- Honors for OMRF officials ........................................................Pages 17.

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

---- Dealing with grief ......................................................................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 30, 2020 • Page 5

OMRF makes due with a skeleton staff

By Ryan Stewart Even in the best of times, medical research is a long game. Progress happens in increments and requires small armies of technicians, scientists and support personnel to keep the enterprise moving forward.

When the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation issued a workfrom-home order on March 13 to all but essential onsite personnel, one question echoed across the foundation’s laboratories: How can we make this work?

“The idea,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D., “was to shut down new projects and maintain only those irreplaceable elements for research into conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, lupus and heart disease.”

For that, he said, “We’ve come to rely on the group we call our skeleton crew.”

That reliance, said Prescott, starts with the people who maintain OMRF’s buildings and systems.

OMRF’s campus consists of more than 500,000 square feet of building space — and approximately 100,000 mechanical systems and pieces of equipment that require monitoring, from air handlers and freezers to microscopes and imaging equipment with price tags in excess of $1 million.

To maintain the facilities and equipment, the foundation relies on a team of specialists that includes plumbers, electricians, HVAC experts, mechanics and carpenters. They now take turns walking miles of darkened hallways, checking laboratory spaces for leaks, lighting problems or the sound of equipment alarms.

“It’s a little bit eerie to see the

See OMRF, Page 6

EPS high schools make top 10 U.S. News & World Report has named all three Edmond High Schools among the top ten in Oklahoma.

The publication’s 2020 Best High Schools rankings, released April 21, includes data on more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. The publication evaluated six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates.

Of the 433 Oklahoma high schools included in the report, Edmond North ranked No.4, up three spots from last year’s rankings, Edmond Memorial ranked No. 5, up one spot from last year’s rankings and Edmond Santa Fe ranked No.8, up one spot from last year’s rankings.

“The Best High Schools rankings provide the most comprehensive,

data-based information on nearly every public high school in the country,” Anita Narayan, managing editor of Education at U.S. News said in a statement. “Families can use this information to see how their local schools compare on graduation rates and state assessments, as well as academic performance by students who are traditionally underserved.”

Superintendent Bret Towne said this recognition serves as validation for students, parents, and staff who work steadily in pursuit of academic excellence.

“All of our high schools offer increasingly robust Advanced Placement and STEM programs. These programs, supported by exceptional instruction in our middle and elementary schools, ensure continued excellence in meeting the needs of our learners,” said Towne.

To learn more about the rankings, go to www.usnews.com/education.

Outside of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Page 6 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Musical theatre program gets national recognition The University of Central Oklahoma’s musical theatre program was recently recognized for outstanding quality by the online theatre community Performer Stuff. Central is one of 10 schools named for the western division and one of 40 programs listed nationally in the article series "The Top College Theatre Programs You Might Not Know, but Should."

Programs were ranked in areas based on location, budget, environment, school size, degrees offered and what students want out of programs.

"Those of us who have witnessed the polished professionalism of our productions will not be surprised by this recognition," said Steven Hansen, M.F.A., dean of the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design.

"As accolades continue to pour in, we will soon lose our moniker as a hidden gem and take our place at the forefront of nationally recognized musical theatre programs."

UCO musical theatre has previously been recognized in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 10 programs in the nation by the OnStage Blog.

Performer Stuff is a national online

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pictured, from back left to right Skylar Hemenway, a junior musical theatre major from Houston, Texas; Sophie Mings, a sophomore musical theatre major from Colleyville, Texas; Guest Artist Ryan Steer; and, Sierra Sikes, a junior musical theatre major from Choctaw, Oklahoma, stared in the recent UCO musical theatre production of ‘Nine.’

community created as a resource for performers, educators and industry professionals. Their feature article lists several reasons for awarding UCO musical theatre a top nod this

year. Among them are specialized and rigorous training by leading arts professionals; regular collaborations with local professional companies that offer students professional cred-

its with the Actor’s Equity Association Union; and, successful alumni who can be found throughout the professional performing arts world.

“We live in an area where musical theatre is prevalent. There are three competitive programs in the metro area alone, while Texas only has three in the entire state,” said Greg White, Ph.D., head of the UCO musical theatre division.

“One thing that sets us apart from other programs is the incredible collaboration between different departments within the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design. Our students have the opportunity to work with our dance department to refine dance techniques or they can take advanced acting courses in the theatre arts department while also working directly with our talented voice faculty in the School of Music.”

For more information about UCO musical theatre, contact White at 405-974-2657 or gwhite10@uco.edu.

For more information regarding the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design or musical theatre program, visit cfad.uco.edu.

Tips to stay safe when you have left your home According to the CDC’s Interim Recommendations for U.S. Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease, “the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.”

“After essential workers, restaurant staff and those in healthcare return to their homes during this Covid-19 outbreak, there are many ways to keep our families safe,” says Elizabeth Mullans, M.D. Here are 10 tips to consider: n Disinfect your wallet, phone, keys, and credit cards travel items. n Clean and disinfect the clothes hamper according to the guidance provided by the CDC for surface cleaning. n Place a large garbage bag or disposable liner in the dirty clothes hamper. The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces where clothing, linens, and towels that could have been worn or used by someone suspected to have the coronavirus were stored prior to washing. n Wear disposable gloves when removing worn clothing. n Organic, FDA & EPA approved Disinfect & Shield has been used to disinfect surgical suites over the decade and the formulation is gentle enough to spray directly on the face/body. Disinfect & Shield can be applied directly on medical person-

nel’s protective equipment (PPE), including masks, making the wearing and especially the removal of this equipment even safer. n Do not shake dirty laundry. n Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.

The CDC recommends washing your clothes in the warmest appropriate water setting (above 167 degrees) and fully dry the washed clothes. n Add laundry detergent into the washing machine before adding water and clothing. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, Arm and Hammer’s Sensitive Skin Free & Clear detergent is dermatologist tested and specially formulated for sensitive skin and is free of dyes and perfumes for the whole family. n Clean your washing machine with P2 Probiotic Power I Clean Washers, the first external probiotic technology developed to clean and form a defensive barrier against microorganisms, like superbugs, that are invisible to the naked eye and get stronger and multiply by feeding off of the microscopic gunk that builds up in the washing machine. P2 delivers a safe, healthy, protective clean, replacing natural and chemical based products, like bleach and disinfectants, that are ineffective at stopping bad bacteria from coming back that can make you sick.

“Please take all recommended precautions in staying virus free and keeping your loved ones healthy around you,” adds Mullans.

OMRF From Page 8 place so empty,” said OMRF electrician Bruce Clark. He patrols OMRF each Thursday, but, like his colleagues, he’s always on call in case a problem arises. “We’re keeping this facility in tip-top shape so when the scientists come back, there are no delays.”

With laboratory mice to care for, animal technicians like Stefanie Doak still come onsite each day. Doak is responsible for looking after more than 1,000 laboratory mice, the precious assets most OMRF scientists use to answer questions about human disease.

“We change their bedding, replenish their food and water and inspect them all to assure none of them need medical attention,” said Doak. “We have to keep the ball rolling. Without research, we wouldn’t have vaccines or other medications, so we adapt and move ahead.”

Doak arrives at the foundation around 6 a.m. weekdays and changes into scrubs, shoe coverings, a hair net and a mask before she sets foot in

the mouse facility. Other than the mask, the precautions aren’t to protect Doak; they’re to ensure that no germs reach her rodent charges, which have been bred in a way that leaves many with compromised immune systems.

Social distancing has forced Doak and her colleagues to adjust their routines. “We have fewer hours onsite, so we have to work more quickly now,” she said.

But as a former sled dog trainer, volunteer firefighter, EMT and TSA agent, she knows how to deal with change. “I can be very adaptable, even when measures are extreme,” Doak said.

Across OMRF’s campus, senior research technician Lorraine Yap comes in three days a week to tend the tiniest of creatures in the foundation’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. She maintains colonies of fruit flies called Drosophila, which scientists use as a model for studying neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

State Reps. Nicole Miller, Marilyn Stark and Tammy West deliver meals and gift bags to health care workers from the Oklahoma City/County Health Department doing testing at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City last week.

State lawmakers deliver meals to health care workers State Reps. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond), Marilyn Stark (R-Bethany) and Tammy West (R-Oklahoma City) on Tuesday delivered meals and gift bags to health care workers from the Oklahoma City/County Health Department who were conducting testing for COVID-19 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.

Lunch was purchased from Aloha Shaved Ice and Coffee in Bethany, which donated chips for the lunches. Tenaciously Teal, a nonprofit honored at the Speaker’s Ball last year for their work to encourage those who are fighting cancer, donated gift bags that included Gatorade, food bars, lotion, crossword puzzle books, lip balm, fuzzy socks and Kleenex.

“We are inspired by the work of these health care professionals who put their own health and safety at risk to ensure the public is tested,” the representatives said in a joint statement. “We wanted a way to say thank you for their selfless service, and we were so pleased by the generous donations of our community partners who helped us show our gratitude. This also should serve as a reminder to anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or who has been exposed to someone that has the illness that they can still get tested.”

Regional drive-thru testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a crosscounty, city and state health system partnership.

Zoo’s virtual broadcasts continue through Sunday Despite an indefinite closure related to the unprecedented COVID19 public health emergency, the Oklahoma City Zoo remains hard at work fulfilling its mission to connect people with the world’s vanishing wildlife! “OKC Zoo Two” episodes are posted on the OKC Zoo’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and at okczoo.org/okc-zoo-at-two.

Daily installments include pre-produced stories as well as live broadcasts allowing viewers to submit their questions to be answered by Zoo caretakers. Here are the topics forthrough Sunday, May 3: n Thursday, April 30 – OKC Zoo IQ: Snakes n Friday, May 1 – Coyote Caretaker Chat n Saturday, May 2 – Senior Saturday: OKC Zoo’s Oldest Animals n Sunday, May 3 – Patagonian Cavy Veterinary Exam “OKC Zoo Two” also includes daily educational activities that complement the subject of each episode.

These family-friendly activities are nature and conservation-based and can be completed at home in 30 to 60 minutes. “OKC Zoo Two” education connection activities are available online at okczoo.org/okc-zoo-at-two.

Those wishing to support the OKC Zoo and mitigate the significant cost of the temporary closure can pre-purchase general admission tickets and Zoo-It-All tickets online at okczoo.org/tickets at a 20% discount. These tickets will be valid to

use any day before March 31, 2021.

The public can also support the OKC Zoo by making a donation at okczoo.org/donate towards the Zoo’s general operating fund or by becoming a ZOOfriends members at zoofriends.org/membership. All active ZOOfriends memberships will be extended for the length of time the Oklahoma City Zoo is closed to the public, including those purchased or renewed during the closure.

Indefinitely closed to the public for the well-being of Zoo guests, team members, ZOOfriends members, volunteers and, of course, the animals in our care, safety is our top priority every day at the OKC Zoo, particularly with the emergence of COVID19.

Zoo officials will continue to closely monitor this developing situation and follow guidance from federal, state and local health officials to determine the Zoo’s reopening date.

Connect with your Zoo daily at 2 p.m.! Located at the crossroads of I44 and I-35, the Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or inperson at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

Testing requirements and capacity varies by location. A list of sites and contact information is available at this website: https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/drive-thru-testing.

Nicole Miller represents District 82 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Edmond and Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County. Marilyn Stark represents District 100, which includes parts of Bethany, Oklahoma City and Warr Acres in Oklahoma County. Tammy West represents District 84, which includes parts of Bethany, Oklahoma City, Warr Acres and Woodlawn Park in Oklahoma County.

Page 8 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

State’s free resources to keep public healthy

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

As Oklahomans practice social distancing to protect from the spread of COVID-19, they are in need of ways to stay healthy, active and safe.

Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is a reliable source for tips to help Oklahomans live healthier, longer lives.

Shape Your Future provides free educational and hands-on resources for physical activity, nutrition, water consumption and living tobacco-free lifestyles.

Families are facing unique challenges during this time – including reduced access to resources that support healthy choices. Unhealthy snacking, consuming more sugary drinks and physical inactivity are all challenges when our routines are different. Shape Your Future provides healthy tools to meet those needs, including creative, at-home physical activities and recipes that make it easier to plan healthy, affordable family meals with just a few ingredients.

“Oklahomans are juggling a lot of challenges right now, but Shape Your Future is here to help,” said TSET Executive Director, Julie Bisbee. “TSET and Shape Your Future offer free tools to help Oklahomans make healthy choices during this time.

Healthy choices and being physically active also boost our moods and support our mental health. When cooped up at home, it’s easy to let your health take a backseat, but we are encouraging Oklahomans to use this time to reinforce healthy habits.

It’s a great time to make a plan to cook healthy dinners as a family, drink plenty of water and stay active while social distancing with some of our outside-the-box ideas.”

Here are a few ways to get started with ShapeYourFutureOK.com:

n Easy, low-cost recipes you can make with a few ingredients n At-home physical activity ideas fit for the entire family n Fun and FREE creative adventures for kids n A free Facebook group for accountability and support n A free toolkit (attached) that offers sample social media posts, healthy talking tips and more.

Feel free to use these resources in your organization’s emails or as website content.

Here are additional steps you can take to protect your health and the health of those around you.

They’re provided by our partners at the Oklahoma State Department of Health: Clean your hands often Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contacts Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other people if COVID19 is spreading in your community.

Make sure to wear a cloth face cover when you have to go out in public.

This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Student Entrepreneurship Challenge to go online The Oklahoma Council on Economic Education is hosting a virtual Student Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The group is looking to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in Oklahoma youth and for an opportunity for Oklahoma students to dazzle the community with their creative and unstoppable business minds.

Current 3rd – 12th grade students are asked to think of a business idea that solves a problem they see around them. Then they complete a one-page business plan overview and a 90 second commercial that they submit to the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education.

“We are looking forward to seeing all the innovative ideas and solutions to problems that our young people think up. We hope this program will nurture creative thoughts and encourage an entrepreneurial mindset in our state,” said Amy Lee, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education.”

A panel of judges will then determine the finalists in three categories: 3rd – 5th grade, 6th – 8th grade and 9th – 12th grade. The finalist’s ideas and commercials will be posted on the OCEE website for the final round.

In addition to promoting the entrepreneurship spirit, this challenge will serve as a campaign to help raise funds to keep OCEE’s important mission of promoting economic education and financial literacy moving forward. Supporters will be invited to submit votes through donations for the community to determine winners.

All finalists will receive a finalist certificate mailed to them for social media bragging rights. Additionally, Grand Prize winners from each grade category will receive a $100 prize and the ability to claim the title as Oklahoma Entrepreneurship Grand Prize Winner!

The Student Entrepreneurial Challenge is sponsored by Tinker Federal Credit Union.

COMPETITION TIMELINE MAY 4, 2020 Deadline for entries MAY 8, 2020 Finalists announced in each category Voting Begins MAY 17, 2020 MIDNIGHT Deadline for votes MAY 19 Winners announced

City keep original closing schedule Last week the Edmond City Council has affirmed its standing Declaration of Emergency related to community spread of COVID-19.

The Declaration of Emergency will continue as previously adopted through April 30 and businesses identified by Governor Kevin Stitt as potentially opening on Friday, April 24, will not be able to open before April 30.

This option was made available by the Governor for cities that had adopted a local Declaration of Emergency.

For additional information on the State of Oklahoma’s Open Up & Recover Safely (OURS) Plan, please visit

https://www.okcommerce.gov/covid 19/. The page is updated regularly, so please check back as more information is made available by the state.

At press time the Edmond City Council will re-visit discussion on the Declaration of Emergency and reopening of businesses at their next regularly scheduled meeting. That virtual meeting will take place earlier in the week.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 9

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There is no charge to publish a news item.

As offered through Integris

Telehealth explained Telehealth options allow you to communicate with a health care provider by telephone, messaging or live video even when you can’t visit the office or clinic in person. To make the most of your visit it is important to remember some things before your first visit.

Pick the right setting - Find a quiet, well-lit space you feel comfortable with few distractions. Choose a place that will have as little noise as possible and enough light so that your provider will be able to see you clearly. Wearing headphones can help minimize outside noise and improve privacy during the visit.

Make sure you have the right resources - Most telehealth visits require the use of a smartphone, tablet or computer that's connected to the internet. INTEGRIS offers several telehealth options, including Video Visits, Telephone Visits and Virtual Visits, all of which will require a clear connection (and a good internet signal if your visit involves a video component).

A Video Visit is a face-to-face encounter with your INTEGRIS medical provider through your smart phone, tablet or PC. If you want to schedule a Video Visit with your INTEGRIS provider, call his or her clinic. The clinic will explain how to register through the patient portal, which is called INTEGRIS and Me, and how to activate your Video Visit.

A Telephone Visit is just like a Video Visit with your INTEGRIS provider, except it's solely a phone call. To schedule a Telephone Visit, call your provider's clinic to set up the appointment. Your provider will call you at the appointment time, and you’ll discuss your concerns, ask questions, and work out a treatment plan with your provider.

There is no upfront copay or fee required to start a Video Visit or Telephone Visit; however, once your insurance has processed the claim for your visit, you may owe a balance.

A Virtual Visit with INTEGRIS allows you to see a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner for only $45,

from wherever you have internet access, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. You’ll receive a diagnosis and any prescriptions you need. You don't need to already have an INTEGRIS provider or an INTEGRIS and Me account to do a Virtual Visit.

Need help finding the right doctor or determining which type of visit is best for you? Call INTEGRIS Central Scheduling at 405-552-0345.

Check with your insurance company - For Video Visits and Telephone Visits, it’s always best to doublecheck with your insurance provider first to confirm that your telehealth session will be covered. A Virtual Visit with INTEGRIS is a flat $45 fee, no insurance required.

Prepare for the visit like a normal visit - Organize your thoughts before and prepare a list of symptoms before beginning the appointment. This will help maximize your time with your provider and prevent you from forgetting anything important you want to discuss.

Create an INTEGRIS and Me account for Video Visits - Video Visits require an account with INTEGRIS and Me, which is the INTEGRIS patient portal. If you already have an INTEGRIS provider, you can immediately create your account to set up a Video Visit as well as view your health documents and billing information.

If you don't already have an INTEGRIS provider and want to do a Video Visit or Telephone Visit, you can call INTEGRIS Central Scheduling at 405-552-0345. They will help you pick an INTEGRIS provider. Once you've made contact with your new INTEGRIS provider, you can schedule a Video Visit or Telephone Visit.

As mentioned, Virtual Visits with INTEGRIS require no previous relationship with an INTEGRIS provider, no registration through the INTEGRIS and Me portal, and no first call to an INTEGRIS clinic.

Fore more health news from INTEGRIS, please visit the INTEGRIS On Your Health blog at www.integrisonyourhealth.com

Page 10 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

He went from patriot to traitor During the shutdown, I've studied one of my favorite subjects, history.

The office of vice president has always interested me. It's something to look at the lives of people, who were only a heartbeat away from the very powerful office of president. I can now tell you the vice presidents from John Adams to Mike Steve Gust Pence. I'm not sure what kind of a market there is for that kind of knowledge but I have it.

One of the more interesting men to be Veep was John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky. His VP duties were from 1857 to 1861 and he served under the inept James Buchanan.

In the 1850s, Breckinridge was a huge rising star in the Democrat party. He was elected to the vice presidency at age 36, the youngest ever. Before the that he served in the Kentucky state house and was elected to two Congressional House terms. The skilled lawyer also led a military unit to Mexico during the Mexican-American war. President Franklin Pierce also wanted the guy to become the territorial governor of what is now the state of Washington. He declined the president's offer. He also passed on becoming the U.S. ambassador to Spain. All of this was before age 36!

The southerner set his sights a bit higher. In 1860 he was a candidate for president. What an odd election that was. The Democrats couldn't make up their mind who they wanted for president. So they ran two guys. Illinois Sen. Stephen Douglas got the nod from

the northern Democrats and Breckinridge the nomination for the southern Democrats.

Breckinridge went on to win 10 states in the 1860 presidential election and had 72 electoral votes. Of course Abraham Lincoln won with 180 votes. Something else of interest is that Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd, was Breckinridge's cousin. The failed Breckinridge candidate also knew Lincoln and got along well with him despite being in different parties and having different philosophies.

So on March 4, 1861, the vice president swore in his replacement, Hannibal Hamlin. The new vice president swore in Breckinridge into the U.S. Senate. That's where he served until December. He gave up his senate seat when he decided to enlist into the Confederate Army.

That was an interesting decision. For years, it wasn't that clear that Breckinridge was even pro-slavery.

He had an abolitionist uncle and belonged to antislavery church. After the war he strongly condemned the Ku Klux Klan. Before the war urged Lincoln and fellow senators not to enter into hostilities and come to some kind of a peaceful compromise. Yet he did end up fighting for the Confederacy, taking up arms less than a year or so of making a strong run for president. My thinking is Breckinridge probably felt the feds were bullying the south. The two sides of the nation were simply too entrenched in their beliefs. By

See Gust, Page 11

Lankford helps halt Chinese aid Senator James Lankford (R-OK) along with Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ), Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and a bicameral coalition of over 50 other lawmakers sent a letter to Senate and House leadership requesting no COVID-19 relief funds be appropriated to China’s notorious state-run bio-agent laboratory, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).

Reports indicate that for years WIV has received taxpayer dollars from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for secretive and dangerous laboratory research on coronavirus-infected bats. US State Department officials have even warned that these experiments posed a

coronavirus pandemic risk because of sloppy practices at WIV. Lankford’s letter to Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Charles Schumer (DNY) and Representatives Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reads, in part: “We’re sure you agree that taxpayers’ money should not be sent to a dangerous Chinese state-run bioagent laboratory that lacks any meaningful oversight from US authorities and is run by adversaries with a history of lab leaks, including SARS, and deception about the causes and extent of deadly disease outbreaks, including COVID-19. Although President Trump has stated that his administration “will end that grant quickly,” we hope to ensure that WIV will not receive federal funds in any future spending packages.”

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced his intention to end any NIH grants currently funding WIV. Lankford's letter builds on this development and seeks to ensure that no tax dollars from any agency end up at WIV through COVID stimulus bills.

"We applaud Senator Lankford for his outstanding leadership to ensure that American taxpayers are not forced to pay for wasteful and treacherous coronavirus animal experiments at China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology,” said Justin Goodman, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at 2-million-member taxpayer watchdog group White Coat Waste Project.

A monumental budget challenge for state

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Just a year after signing the largest budget in state history, Gov. Kevin Stitt is dealing with budget woes that present a major test for him and the Legislature.

The state Board of Equalization last week certified a $416 million revenue shortfall for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. That hole was filled by stabilization bills approved earlier this month.

For the upcoming fiscal year, however, the amount available for appropriation is expected to be just under $6.9 billion, roughly equal to the fiscal 2017 appropriation and a whopping $1.36 billion less than the $8.2 billion the Board of Equalization certified just two months ago.

The culprits are outside forces, chiefly the

COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused closures and cutbacks to Oklahoma businesses that provide major streams of revenue to the state.

No business has historically been more important to the state’s budget than the oil and gas industry, and it is getting hammered by COVID-19 and a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. The resulting oversupply of product has led to prices plummeting — on Monday, oil futures fell below zero dollars per barrel for the first time in history.

The state budget is based on estimates of oil selling for $54 per barrel.

To ease the pain of future cuts, Stitt wants lawmakers to consider cutting the current budget by about $100 million, although he didn’t provide specifics. Leaders in both parties have said they oppose doing so during the COVID-19 crisis.

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

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

The governor says even if the state’s savings account is depleted this year — $534 million remains — there will be 7.5% less available for the Legislature to appropriate in FY 2021. The following fiscal year is sure to be difficult, too. The head of the Oklahoma Tax Commission noted that drilling activity isn’t expected to resume “in a meaningful way” until late in FY 21 or early in FY 22.

“The question becomes, do we want steep cuts or should we try to smooth them out over the next couple of years?” Stitt said. It will be important, he said, “to get creative about how we protect our core services over the long term.”

Stitt has said core services would be protected, and pressure began mounting immediately after Monday’s presentation. The executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association said the governor had a chance “to take a strong public stand in favor of protecting public education, but the failure to do so was a missed opportunity and colossal disappointment.”

Similar sentiments can be expected from backers of government agencies that endured many lean budgets before seeing revenues increase in recent years.

Stitt says he is seeking flexibility in how federal COVID-19 stimulus money is used, to see if it can help address pending budget gaps. House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, a frequent critic of the governor, said that’s worth pursuing. “We need to be looking at all options to fill these budget shortfalls,” she said.

Oklahoma faces a monumental budget challenge. Cooperation and collaboration from the state’s elected leaders are needed help to meet it.

From Oklahoman.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 11

Governor coordinates with feds on PPE Gov. Kevin Stitt spoke by phone last week with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Polowczyk, the leader of the FEMA supply chain task force, to discuss Oklahoma’s PPE supply and distribution.

Governor Stitt was joined on the call by PPE Coordinator Gino DeMarco.

“I thank Rear Adm. Polowczyk for his time this morning and appreciate all he is doing to manage the supply chain,” said Gov. Stitt. “I made sure to let him know of some of the challenges we are facing acquiring N95 masks in Oklahoma and look forward to his continued help for our state.”

Rear Adm. Polowczyk praised Oklahoma’s system of tracking PPE inventory across the state, including using the National Guard to ensure accurate and timely data reporting.

The rear admiral asked for more information to share as a best practice with other states and FEMA regions.

“Gino DeMarco has done great work on our PPE in an incredibly complicated and difficult environment,” said Gov. Stitt. “Oklahomans should be proud of our focus on collecting accurate data to ensure we keep our health care providers and first responders safe and protected. Maj. Gen. Thompson, Brig. Gen. Mancino and the Oklahoma National Guard have been tremendous partners in this effort as well.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, visits on the telephone with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Polowczyk, the leader of the FEMA supply chain task force. Also listening is Gino DeMarco, state PPE director.

UCO ups amount of automatic scholarships for some students The University of Central Oklahoma has increased the amount of automatic scholarships for qualifying transfer students who submit a completed online application and all admissions-related documents by the deadline for the fall 2020 semester.

Incoming transfer students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and at least 24 credit hours will automatically receive $1,000 per year for two years.

The scholarship amount has been increased from $500 in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing financial struggle some students may be facing.

Transfer students who are admitted for the summer 2020 semester and meet the qualifications will also receive the scholarship beginning in the fall 2020 semester.

Applicants are also automatically submitted for consideration for other select UCO scholarships when they apply for admission by the term deadline.

“As a former UCO transfer student myself, I understand how intimidating the transfer process can be,” said Tony Gregory, assistant director of Transfer and Transition Support at Central.

“The Transfer and Transition Support Office is excited to help students navigate the transfer process.

Our staff is ready to answer questions about transfer credits, admissions and automatic scholarships. We want every new incoming transfer student to have the tools they need to succeed.”

The application deadline for incoming transfer students applying for fall 2020 is 5 p.m. June 1, 2020.

Incoming students may apply for admission after these deadlines, but they will not be considered for scholarships.

For more information about transferring to Central, visit www.uco.edu/transfer.

Gust From Page 10 December 1861, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to expel Breckinridge from the Senate and labeled him a traitor, which he was. (He received a pardon from President Andrew Johnson in the late 1860s.)

As a soldier, Breckinridge received accolades for his leadership on the battlefield. In 1865 he was named Confederate Secretary of War. In the spring, Confederate president Jefferson Davis wanted to continued the fight. Breckinridge is credited for talking him out of it.

The man had great charisma and appeared to be a good leader. I sincerely believe he didn’t want an armed conflict. Had he been president, instead of Buchanan, the nation may have been spared a lot of bloodshed. Breckinridge died at age 54 in 1874.

One odd footnote on his life. The town of Breckenridge, Colo. sought a post office in 1859. They ascertained they might get the post office, if they named their town after the vice president. They did and they were awarded the post office. The town liked the name but weren't too happy with its namesake becoming a traitor. The solved that by changing the first "i" in the name to an "e." Breckinridge, Colo., became known as Breckenridge from then on.

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

You can also read Edmond Life & Leisure online at www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

Page 12 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 13

Learning Packets Assembled Edmond Public Schools Reading Specialist Souna Phollurxa helps prepare one of the hundreds of learning packets that the district delivered to the homes of students without internet connectivity. The packets are for use during continuous learning and contain books, reading and writing prompts, math and writing journals, games, and worksheets. Students with internet are accessing lessons on the district's Learning Dashboard.

Page 14 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

John Arledge 1945-2020

Longtime resident John Arledge

Arledge & Associates founder dies at age 74 John Michael Arledge, Sr. was born on August 24, 1945 as the seventh of eight children to Howard and Ophelia Arledge. He graduated from Mt. St. Mary High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was an overall great athlete, and played basketball in high school and in college at St Gregory's in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

John married Sandy Ruzicka on June 25, 1966, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma City University with an accounting degree. He worked for Moak, Hunsaker, Rouse, Thomas and Company until starting his own accounting practice (Arledge and Associates) in Edmond, OK in 1983.

John and Sandy had four children together in their 53 years of marriage.

John Jr. married to Robin, Chris married to Keri, Kevin married to Carrie Jane, and Marc married to Kathleen.

John and Sandy have 12 grandchildren - Drew, Morgan, Samantha, Trey, Vivian, Stormy, Kiernan, Holden, Brenna, Bryndan, Blakely, and Ellie.

John loved Jesus and was an amazing father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

He especially liked hosting groups of friends and family in their home and at the family's 100 acre wood retreat where he really enjoyed spending time on the four-wheelers. John had a way of making people feel welcome and important. He loved working with young people and has helped to shape the lives and careers of many more people than he ever imagined. He loved traveling and especially enjoyed cruising the world with his wife, family and friends.

Obituary Notice He was an entrepreneur and especially liked real estate investments.

Both early in adulthood and late in life, John got heavily involved in racing pigeons and had numerous "Bird of the Year" awards. Some of his hobbies and activities include golfing, snow skiing, loved to laugh, coaching soccer (Superior Coaching), Edmond Chamber of Commerce, AMBUCS, and the early days of the Edmond Soccer Club. John was a faithful member at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, OK for 47 years, serving for years as a Eucharistic Minister and sponsoring numerous youth group trips John passed from this earth peacefully in his sleep on March 30, 2020 in Edmond, OK after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. John was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy and his father, Howard, and mom, Ophelia. He is survived by his four sons and 12 grandchildren, his siblings Jerry Arledge, Jo Askew, Bede Arledge, Jim Arledge, Juanita Rother, Judy Mrasek, and Jean Arledge, as well as the rest of the large Arledge and Ruzicka clan including 55 nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held post COVID-19 restrictions.

Funeral arrangements through Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to the John and Sandy Arledge Memorial Accounting Scholarship, care of Citizens Bank (Attn: Sharon Arneson) at 1 East 1 St, Edmond, OK 73034.

Francis Tuttle instructor sews, donates dozens of masks during the pandemic Francis Tuttle instructor Clint Drabek has sewed together more than 75 masks for family, friends and those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Drabek, an instructor in the Automotive Collision Repair Technology program, picked up the skills to create the masks in a Francis Tuttle Lifelong Learning sewing class he took a few years ago. With classes stopped and the campus shut down in response to the state’s COVID-19 prevention measures, Drabek decided to put those skills to use and start sewing masks together.

“With all of the Covid-19 issues going on, the call for those who can sew is huge,” Drabek said. “People are scrambling to make home-made masks for personal protection, as well as offering assistance to health professionals. Thanks to the training I received at Francis Tuttle, I'm able to make masks for family, friends and my community.”

Betty Gresham, who has been a sewing instructor at Francis Tuttle for about 25 years, taught Drabek this

Clint Drabek skill, and he is thankful for her hard work and dedication. Beyond providing them to family and friends, he plans on donating the masks he has made.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The enrichment program, known as a College for Kids summer camp has been cancelled this year due to the ongoing pandemic.

Kids summer program cancelled Oklahoma City Community College officials announced the cancellation of the 2020 College for Kids summer camp program in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

College for Kids was scheduled for June and July at both the Capitol Hill Center (CHC) and Family and Community Education Center (FACE).

“This program is the highlight of our year, and the decision reached was difficult but necessary,” said Lemuel Bardeguez, Vice President for Community Development. “The safety and health of program participants is our chief concern.”

OCCC’s College for Kids is a hands-on, activity-based enrichment program designed to address topics in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Since 2016, the camp has served more than 2,000 students, and classes are offered individually or all-day.

Oklahoma City Community College enrolls over 17,000 students annually. Thousands more are served in non-credit classes and programs. The college has more than 60 fields of study and offers associate degrees, certifications and leadership opportunities.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 15

‘Bad Education’ a surprisingly interesting release

By George Gust Inspired by true events, “Bad Education” follows Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) and Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney) who reign over a popular Long Island school district on the verge of the nation's top spot. But when an embezzlement scheme surfaces that threatens to destroy all they've built, Frank is forced to maintain order and secrecy, by whatever means necessary.

“Bad Education” is an HBO original movie that has the feeling of a larger theatrical release, featuring a powerhouse and darkly comedic performances by Jackman and Janney. Director Corey Finley has brought out a layered portrayal of people who started with the best of intentions, but lost their way ending in a scandal that gripped a community. Finley and screenwriter Mike Makowsky focus mainly on the perspective of Jackman’s superintendent character in a way that slowly reveals the true scope of the scandal. As a result, the film lags during the middle, but ramps up in its third act when the conflict reaches its crescendo.

“Bad Education” is set in 2002 and has a banal everyday aesthetic that belies the way that this embezzlement scandal could have been carried out in the dull everyday affairs of the school district’s bureaucracy. And while the setting of the film is mundane and familiar, Finley uses a variety of interesting framing techniques and camera work that gives the movie a sharp satirical edge.

However, the biggest takeaway from “Bad Education” is the performance of Jackman as the once beloved superintendent Tassone. For much of his

career Jackman has played the larger than life superheroes or musical showmen, but in this film he’s able to play a much more nuanced character.

Through makeup and characterization, Jackman became a man who was so obsessed with himself and his success that he became a shell physically and morally of the once optimistic teacher he once was.

Overall, “Bad Education” is a darkly satirical and entertaining exploration of a real life scandal. Outside of a slow buildup to the big headlining conflict, the phenomenal cast and darkly witty presentation make “Bad Education” one of the most interesting new releases in the past few weeks.

“Bad Education” is rated TV-MA, and is now available on HBO. 4 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

Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney headline HB0's satirical drama based on a real life scandal ‘Bad Education.’

Child care subsidies available Beginning May 1, Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) will begin offering 60 days of subsidized child care to Oklahomans who are job searching due to the loss of employment during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our most critical role at OKDHS is to serve our state’s children and families,” said OKDHS Director and Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives, Justin Brown. “We know that Oklahomans have been significantly impacted by the COVID crisis and we hope that this benefit will help support them as they get back on their feet.”

The funding for this program was made possible by a $50 million block grant through the federal CARES Act. In order to take advantage of this 60-day subsidy families must: n Apply for child care benefits on www.OKDHSLive.org n Provide their final paystub If eligible, families will be approved for fulltime care for their children.

Families must choose a child care provider who is licensed and contracted with OKDHS to accept subsidy payments. Available child care programs can be found using the Child Care Locator at http://childcarefind.okd hs.org/childcarefind/

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: ACTORS AND ACTRESSES ACROSS 1. "Flowers in the ____" 6. Emergency responders 9. Peacock's pride 13. Life force in Sanskrit 14. Doctor Dolittle, e.g.

15. The Beast's problem 16. Happen again 17. Freudian topic 18. In a fitting way 19. *Hopkins' Lecter to ____'s Starling 21. *McGillis' Charlie to ____'s Maverick 23. Unagi 24. Undesirable row 25. Stuff in a tray?

28. The Tramp's love interest 30. Hairy vertebrate 35. "Best ____ schemes o' mice an' men" 37. Be inclined 39. City in Belgium 40. Debussy's "Clair de ____" 41. D'Artagnan's weapon, pl.

43. Speed on water 44. "This ____ ____," on a box 46. The Chapin School, e.g.

47. Ä 48. Post-roller coaster ride state 50. The Coen brothers' "True ____" 52. ____ Diego 53. Deuce topper 55. Lamb's mother 57. *Clark's Rhett to ____'s Scarlett 60. *John's Danny to ____'s Sandy 63. Continually annoy 64. Matterhorn, e.g.

66. Cooler clime conifer 68. Do like phoenix 69. Tiger's peg 70. "My Own Private _____" 71. Thou ____, or you have 72. Bajillion years 73. Article of

faith DOWN 1. 2020 Easter mo.

2. Not kosher 3. Meal in a shell 4. Occupied, two words 5. El Chapo's organization 6. "What ____ Happened to Baby Jane?"

7. *Billy's Harry to ____'s Sally 8. Investor's asset 9. ____-Guarani languages 10. Liberal pursuits 11. Archipelago unit 12. Bovine hangout 15. Posterior, anatomically speaking 20. Fill with optimism 22. Basketball target 24. Two heads are better than one, e.g.

25. *Keaton's Annie to ____'s Alvy 26. Sweating room 27. Hinduism follower 29. *Knightley's Swann to ____'s Sparrow 31. *Cameron's Fiona to

____'s Shrek 32. List of options, pl.

33. Ancient Greeks' assembly area 34. Pretend, two words 36. ____ ex machina 38. Doe, e.g.

42. Sales pitch 45. Smallest at the clothing store 49. Second person of be 51. Lighted by twilight 54. Related on mother's side 56. Avoid, as in taxes 57. Designer Bradley 58. Osiris' wife 59. One third of a threepiece suit 60. Welcoming sign 61. A Flock of Seagulls' hit, 2 words 62. Soreness 63. "____, humbug!"

65. *Kate's Rose to ____'s Jack 67. "Some Like It ____"Y

See Answers on Page 19

Answers to the puzzle On Page 19

Page 16 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Reopening safely Fischer

T. Griffin

Kovats

Rankin

OMRF hands out honors At its annual spring board meeting recently, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation named scientist Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., the Scott Zarrow Chair in BioC. Griffin medical Research.

The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation endowed the chair with a major gift to OMRF in memory of Tulsa attorney and philanthropist Scott Zarrow.

Griffin earned her B.A. at Harvard and her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. Following postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina, she joined OMRF in 2008.

Her research focuses on genes that regulate blood and lymphatic vessels, which has implications for heart dis-

ease, aneurysms, cancer and toxic drug overdose. She also serves as scientific director of the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research.

Also at the meeting, long-time OMRF board member Malinda Berry Fischer of Stillwater was named a Life Director. Fischer was elected to the OMRF board in 2002. Since that time, she has served on or chaired the foundation’s Development, Governance and Executive Committees.

Three other OMRF scientists were also honored at the meeting: Tim Griffin, Ph.D., received the Merrick Award for Outstanding Medical Research.

Susan Kovats, Ph.D., was presented with the J. Donald & Patricia H. Capra Award for Scientific Achievement.

Susannah Rankin, Ph.D., received the Fred Jones Award for Scientific Achievement.

Exhibit at Western Heritage Museum awarded $400,000 The National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) has awarded a $400,000 grant to support the exhibition “Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World” at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

The first major presentation on the Spiro Mounds ever undertaken by a museum, the exhibition will share the art, history and culture of the Spiro people, representing the first, and possibly last, time these artifacts will be reunited from various collections across the country.

The exhibition will include approximately 200 objects and will debut at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Feb. 12 to May 16, 2021, before traveling to the Birmingham Museum of Art and then to the Dallas Museum of Art. The Spiro Mounds in Oklahoma are one of the United States’ most important ancient Native American sites, yet the Spiro people are nearly forgotten in the pages of history books, despite creating one of the most sophisticated

ancient cultures. It is believed that the Spiroan people, along with other Mississippian groups across the eastern half of North America, created a world equal to that of the Aztec, Maya or Inca, consisting of trade networks and highly developed social, political and religious centers. During the 1930s, commercial and academic excavations revealed the Spiro site contained one of the greatest collections of prehistoric American Indian artifacts ever discovered in the United States.

This exhibition will include the reunification of a range of items looted and archaeologically excavated at Spiro that have not been together since the early 1930s and 1940s. Embossed copper plates, wooden sculptures, thousands of pearls and beads, large human effigy pipes and engraved shell gorgets and cups are just some of the things that were housed at Spiro. In fact, nearly 90% of all known engraved shell created during the Mississippian period (900 – 1650 AD) was discovered at this one site.

By Rep. Nicole Miller District No. 82 We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Updated projections show the effects of social distancing. The curve for peak cases in Oklahoma is flattenMiller ing; originally, a midApril peak was expected, but we are now seeing a late April peak instead.

Additionally, the estimated number of hospitalizations during our peak has also decreased thanks in large part to the efforts implemented by leaders in our cities and state.

The Governor announced last week his plan to begin reopening the state.

Elective surgeries may resume on April 24 and personal care businesses, including hair styling and nail salons, may open that day as well.

His plan has three phases, and the first phase will begin on May 1. The statewide safer-at-home order will remain in effect for Oklahomans over 65 or part of a vulnerable population.

On May 1, restaurant dining rooms, movie theaters, sporting venues, gyms, and places of worship may open statewide if they follow the proper social distancing and sanitation protocols. Places of worship should keep their childcare center closed during worship.

If our hospitalization rates remain manageable for 14 days, we will move to the second phase given the data supports it.

The second phase will continue the safer-at-home order for elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans.

Non-essential travel can resume and organized sports activities can reopen under social distancing and sanitizing protocols. Funerals and weddings with more than 10 people can resume and places of worship can reopen their children’s areas during services.

If our hospital rates remain flat for another 14 days, we will move in to phase three. The Governor said more info will be given on phase three when we are approaching that time. Decisions will be made based on the data we are seeing in Oklahoma.

To promote safety, the Governor has outlined guidelines for each industry to follow as they reopen. For personal care businesses opening on April 24, this means only taking scheduled appointments, having customers wait in their cars until it’s their turn, and continuing social distancing efforts by

spacing customers around the store and heavily sanitizing the business as well.

Employers should start making a plan now to reopen so they are prepared when the time comes. The Governor emphasized that offices should consider bringing in only a few people at a time and keeping common areas closed. Additionally, he encouraged Oklahomans to continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks when in public.

Officials will monitor the situation as it continues to unfold to decide what is in the best interest of the people of Oklahoma. Although officials are not expecting a spike again, if we do see one happening, the Governor has said he will retreat some of these steps as needed.

However, city ordinances may differ from the state’s orders, so be mindful of announcements from Oklahoma City and Edmond leaders regarding reopening businesses.

Last week, I joined some of my House colleagues, Representatives Marilyn Stark of Bethany and Tammy West of Oklahoma City, to deliver meals and gift bags to health care workers at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. Tenaciously Teal, a nonprofit supporting those who are fighting cancer, donated the gift bags, which included Gatorade, food bars, lotion, crossword puzzle books, lip balm, fuzzy socks and Kleenex.

These health care professionals are putting their own health and safety at risk to conduct COVID-19 testing at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Their diligence and care for the public is inspiring. Delivering the donated lunches and gift bags was a small way we felt we could express our gratitude for their sacrifices to keep Oklahomans healthy.

If you were exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, please get tested at your local drive-thru testing site. Information on testing near you and how to schedule an appointment to be tested can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/drive-thru-testing.

I am working directly with many constituents to help address issues they are facing during this pandemic.

You can contact me at (405) 5577357 or nicole.miller@okhouse.gov.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

Rep. Nicole Miller represents District 82 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Edmond and Oklahoma City.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 17

Not all businesses stung by pandemic COVID-19 may have knocked U.S. stocks into a bear market and pummeled the U.S. economy, but the disease has also left some companies asking the question: “What recession?”

Streaming media services, video game makers, and consumer staples companies have all gained ground as people stay home, try to stay entertained and focus on essentials. Netflix, already the top streaming entertainment service, has benefited from a mostly captive audience and its shares are up about 30% in 2020.

Amazon.com has seen consumers flock to its site for their purchases. The retail giant has been furiously hiring workers to meet demand, bucking the national trend of mass layoffs. Its shares are up

more than 27% for the year.

“The outperformance of those names has been nothing but extraordinary,” said Julian Emanuel, chief equity and derivatives strategist at BTIG. “We have no doubt they will gain in importance as mainstays of life.”

Edmond home market steady

By Brian Preston March was another good Month with 415 closed transactions, the best for years. Up 35 from last March. We are 93 transaction ahead of last year’s “Year to date sales” through March. That is up 10.4% from last year’s record setting year. But as you suspect, the trend will not go on.

With the stay at home policy for Covid-19 our pending contracts are down. But they are not as bad as i would have thought. There are 594 pending contracts at this time. that is down 131 contracts from last month and down 157 from last March. But it is only down 29 from 2018. People are still out buying, but in a very different way. I missed my first closing in 32 years, because only buyer and sellers were allowed in he building. I had to wait in parking lot if there was a problem, and did not even go to my last one. When we are able to get back out full steam, we should see some big numbers.

I have people waiting to buy and put their homes up for sale until this passes.

New homes pending contracts are down about the same amount. from 253 in February to 200 in March. one good thing is we all should be catching upon paperwork. there were 13 new closings for January and February that were not there when I searched last month. Guess they had time to enter them.

The gains are in stark contrast to the more than 13% drop in the broad S&P 500 index this year and some of the hardest-hit industries. Airlines have been pummeled, with American Airlines Group falling more than 64%. Cruise line operator Carnival lost more than 78% and retailer Kohl’s is down about 70%.

Grocery chains and certain consumer product makers, including Clorox, have also held up well as consumers shop for food, toiletry and cleaning essentials during the pandemic.

Investors have been mostly hunkering down as they absorb updates about the virus and its eco-

Goodwill Industries of Oklahoma makes appeal to help its employment programs

With unemployment nearing historic levels, Goodwill, a century-old organization that helps people find work, is facing a struggle of its own.

“We’ve had to close our stores and donation centers due to the pandemic and furlough over 650 of our employees,” said Jim Priest, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma. “The revenue from our stores supplies 85% of the income we need to fund our mission. That mission – helping people overcome challenges to employment – is more critical now than ever.

We need help so we can help others.”

Employees who might otherwise struggle to find meaningful work because of developmental challenges or life circumstances gain skills and independence, earn wages and prepare for jobs at Goodwill’s 25 retail stores (Brian Preston is an Edmond Realtor who studies the home market.) and 20 attended donation centers. The pres-

A weak April indicator The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City released the April Services Survey last week. According to Chad Wilkerson, vice president and economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the survey revealed that Tenth District economic services activity dropped sharply in April, greatly surpassing the previous survey low set in March, and expectations for future activity remained negative.

“We saw a sharp decrease in activity as regional businesses continued to be negatively affected by COVID19,” said Wilkerson. “Most firms have taken measures to cover shortfalls in revenues and many reported employment changes as a result of coronavirus.”

The Kansas City Fed’s monthly Survey of Tenth District Services provides information on several indicators of activity including sales, revenue, employment and capital spending, while identifying changes in prices of input materials and selling prices. Survey participants repre-

sent a variety of industries, including retail and wholesale trade, automobile dealers, transportation, information, high-tech and professional services, real estate, education, restaurants, health services, tourism and other services firms. Historical data, results from past surveys and release dates for future surveys are available at www.kansascityfed.org/research/indicatorsdata/services.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City serves the Tenth Federal Reserve District, encompassing the western third of Missouri; all of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming; and the northern half of New Mexico. As part of the nation’s central bank, the Bank participates in setting national monetary policy, supervising and regulating numerous commercial banks and bank holding companies, and providing financial services to depository institutions. More information is available online at www.kansascityfed.org

Stitt, Holt tell nation about reopening Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made separate appearances on national television Sunday to talk about reopening businesses amid the pandemic, with Stitt arguing that the state accomplished its goal of relieving pressure on hospitals.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, the governor said, “You have to go back and think about why we closed down in the first place. ... It was to build capacity in our hospitals to make sure we didn’t overrun our health care system, it was to build supply for PPE (personal protective equipment) and it was to flatten the curve.”

Stitt said hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in the state peaked at 560 on March 30 and were down to 300 now.

“We built capacity,” Stitt said. “We now have 4,600 hospital beds for COVID-related patients and that was

See Businesses, Page 18

the whole objective” of executive orders to close non-essential businesses and require some people to stay home.

Stitt announced last week that he would not renew the order that expires on May 1 shuttering non-essential businesses in the state. Holt and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum later announced that they would not extend their own orders past May 1 because of the problems that would be created with conflicting policies in neighboring cities.

However, Holt reiterated on CNN on Sunday that Oklahoma City would set conditions on businesses that must be observed.

The mayor said specific conditions would be released this week but that possibilities included requiring masks and gloves for workers and potentially masks for customers, along with spacing restrictions in restaurants.

From Oklahoman.com

ence of those centers in Oklahoma City and Norman and other areas of the state, including Stillwater, Shawnee, Ardmore and Ada, is vital for seniors, veterans and single parents.

Goodwill operates training centers, provides access to apprenticeships and coordinates certificate program attendance so jobseekers can gain credentials quickly. Program participants provide janitorial and unarmed security services to businesses and 26 state-owned buildings through state-use contracts.

The organization served more than 1,800 vulnerable Oklahomans in 2019 and helped 312 people find employment.

Although retail stores will reopen as soon as possible, mission-critical funding is needed today. Donations can be made online at www.okgoodwill.org/donate.

All money donated stays in Oklahoma.

Page 18 • April 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Lawmaker renews concerns for state daycare owners NEW LISTING!

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shutdowns. Walmart shares have risen about 16% in April.

The pandemic is also shining a spotlight on normally low-key investments in household consumer product companies.

Clorox, whose name is synonymous with bleach, is seeing demand surge for its household cleaning and sanitizing products.

Investors are also focused on a handful of drug developers that quickly moved to begin developing treatments for COVID-19.

Both Regeneron and Gilead Sciences have seen their stocks jump over the last several months as investors cheer encouraging updates on their progress.

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nomic impact. Analysts are urging investors to stay calm and look more closely at how a company is positioned financially and whether its business model is solid.

“What you want to know is that the company can survive intact,” said David Kelly, chief global strategist at JPMorgan Funds. “You need to know that the company can weather the storm.”

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is benefiting from its reach and distribution network as shoppers focus on food and other essentials.

Investors have also given steady support to Kroger and other large grocery chains, as food shopping remains essential during the business

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has to improve quickly.”

Oklahoma daycare owners across the state have seen massive reductions in daily attendance as the state closed down business for a large population of Oklahoma's workforce, he said. Many parents have applied for or are getting approved for unemployment, and the state's unemployment system has been pushed to the brink, he said.

To make things worse and even more financially difficult for our state's childcare facilities, Oklahoma does not provide daily subsidy payments to daycares unless the child is physically attending. So this means when a child is enrolled in a daycare and then misses, his or her spot is normally saved, but the daycare business isn't paid even while their daily costs continue in paying for staff, education, utilities, insurance and food, Kiger said He said COVID-19 didn't start the crisis for daycares, because this financial situation has been around for decades. But, the virus has brought out into light the many problems that these important businesses are experiencing.

He said when talking to daycare owners it's easy to see that they've now reached new levels of frustration that's created a financial crisis for almost every one of them.

Kiger said Congress has done their job by passing relief in the CARES Act, which has sent approximately $50 million to Oklahoma for the purpose of social services including helping daycares to get back on their feet. But no decisions have been made or announced by DHS on how the funding will be utilized for our state's childcare facilities.

“For years, daycare owners have worked independently,” Kiger said.

“But as times have become more financially difficult, and regulations have increased in becoming even more detrimental, this has sparked the attention of many state lawmakers and one member of Congress who have joined Oklahoma daycares in this fight of staying open for business.”

Most Oklahoma daycare businesses belong to an industry association that allows owners to meet and discuss new rules and better ways in meeting regulations and serving their children.

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State Rep. Lundy Kiger (R-Poteau) last week renewed his call for DHS to help restructure regulations for Oklahoma daycare owners.

“When it comes to essential businesses, there are many that are required to remain open for business, and these people have continued fighting the good fight right on the front lines for those required to work,” Kiger said. “While many of our health care professionals, police, fire, grocery and drug store and industry workers kept going to work every day, each of these daily heroes were able to do their jobs well with the peace of mind that their children were well cared for in the safe and loving hands of state daycare professionals.”

Kiger said Oklahoma daycares come in different shapes and sizes and are located in almost every small and large city in the state.

“When you look at the collective economic impact of this industry, it runs into the millions while also helping to keep thousands of Oklahomans working,” he said. “As new parents begin their search for a suitable daycare in their community, the search in finding a location to take their children is becoming increasingly difficult.”

Kiger said COVID-19 is not the only reason for changes in the daycare industry. Daycares in Oklahoma have been struggling with long hours and inadequate funding from the state as well as being over regulated to the point that many of these businesses called it quits over the past 12 months, he said.

In 2005, there were 5,887 licensed daycare homes and centers in Oklahoma, Kiger said. In 2008, the number of childcare homes or centers declined by 34%, to 3,409. In 2015, the number was approximately 3,472, and a 2015 survey released by the Department of Human Services (DHS) showed that 44% of parents who were looking for childcare experienced difficulty during their search. Today, there are currently 2,900 childcare centers in the state, Kiger said.

“This pandemic that has kept so many at home and not working has only deepened the crisis that Oklahoma daycares have been under for the past 15 years,” Kiger said. “This

The Better Business Bureau serving central Oklahoma warns Oklahomans of pet and puppy scams on the rise following a pattern of complaints that emphasized loss of money or false advertising from online pet breeders.

Pet and puppy scams are common; consumers should be careful of adopting pets online and are encouraged to research the validity of the business before transferring or sending money. Some red flags that consumers should look for include: Requests to pay by wire or money transfers Requests for additional money to ship the pet Low or discounted pricing on premium pet breeds

Urgency to send money to reserve the pet Often, breeder or pet websites will appear legitimate which helps build trust with consumers but BBB® warns that looks can be deceiving.

BBB® encourages consumers to search BBB.org, request a video chat to verify pets are legitimate and shop around to compare prices before moving forward with adopting a pet.

If consumers have questions, they can call 405-239-6081 or search and report scams on the sites listed below: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/ https://petscams.com/ https://www.ipata.org/current-petscams

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 30, 2020 • Page 19

Sunbeam Family Services & thoughts on grief COVID-19 has globally impacted communities in a big way. From what we at Sunbeam Family Services are reading and hearing from colleagues in the field, our staff wanted to share some thoughts regarding this experience. We know it has left many people anxious about life and death issues.

We are all wrestling with a multitude of both obvious and subtle changes to our daily patterns. It’s normal to feel powerless right now, and many people have a sense of shock, numbness, anger, disappointment, blame and fear. All of these emotions are part of grief.

We are grieving. n The loss of felt safety. n The loss of routine. n The loss of the familiar. n The loss of predictability. n The loss of social proximity. n The loss of easy access to supplies. n The loss of freedom to come and go as you please. n The loss of time with extended family and dear friends.

Through all of this, we are all stretching and growing new muscles – like juggling multiple Zoom calls from home while trying to teach 4th grade math. The essence of who we are has not changed, but the platform of how we do our work certainly has. This adds to the heaviness of it all, as many of us do not have access to the environments we are used to.

What we are all doing each day to manage our own stress while meeting the needs of our work and family is no small feat. If this experience feels hard, it’s because it is hard.

Grief is not linear, but rather comes in waves. According to Harvard Business Review's recent inter-

view with David Kessler, even grief over the pandemic has stages: “There’s denial: This virus won’t affect us. There’s anger: You’re making me stay home and taking away my activities. There’s bargaining: Okay, if I social distance for two weeks everything will be better, right? There’s sadness: I don’t know when this will end. And finally, there’s acceptance. This is happening; I have to figure out how to proceed.”

Grief is not a problem to be solved and the only way to get past grief is to actively work through it.

Here are some tips from mindbodygreen.com to help you in this process: Choose to feel.

Loss is a rich soup of emotions, sensations, urges, and memories. Make room for them all. Research shows that people who respond to loss with tears and laughter; mourning and honoring; missing and appreciating, are more likely to recover and even

prosper. Post-traumatic growth is real. If you want that for yourself, start by opening the door to your own reactions to the loss.

Notice your thoughts, but choose which thoughts to follow.

Bring your wiser self into the room, and watch your mind try to deny, blame others, withdraw, or force a silver lining. Every mental move from every developmental era will be attempted when there is a major loss. These thoughts may encourage you to reach out to others, change in ways you know are healthy, or give yourself (and others) a moment of kindness.

Attend to what is important here and now.

As you begin to take in the loss, direct your attention to what's actually important in the present moment. Let go of worry and instead broaden your focus. You are here. You are alive. This moment contains life in full measure.

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 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure