May 2, 2019

May 2, 2019

Vol. 19, No. 49

In This Issue DIRECTIONS

Directions, by Joe Slack, in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E. 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email c o n te s t @ e d m o n d p a p e r. c o m with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

For more information, see page 4.

Woman recalls lifesaving transplant See Page 13 PHOTO PROVIDED

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Scattered Thunderstorms High 74° Low 57°

SATURDAY, MAY 4 AM Showers High 77° Low 60°

SUNDAY, MAY 5

AM Thunderstorms High 82° Low 64°

The University of Central Oklahoma African American Faculty and Staff Association, and the Black Student Association will host a congratulatory celebration for students graduating this spring at 4 p.m. May 5 in the Nigh University Center (NUC) Ballrooms on Central’s campus.

This event is open to the public.

Graduation is an event that annually touches thousands of lives.

It can be something as simple as kindergarten graduation or commencement for those earning their medical degrees. Over the next few weeks, thousands in the Edmond area will be marking an education milestone.

In fact the season of cap-and-gowns has already begun as Oklahoma Christian University again celebrated commencement early with hundreds getting degrees last Friday at the Payne Athletic Center.

The other institutes of higher education will be marking commencement over the next two weeks. Most notably will be the University of Central Oklahoma.

The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,937 graduates during the Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremonies May 10-11 in Central’s Hamilton Field House.

Oklahoma Congresswoman Kendra S.

Horn will address graduates at the 6 p.m. ceremony Saturday, May 11.

UCO President Don Betz also will offer comments at each of the university’s five ceremonies.

Commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows: n 3 p.m., Friday, May 10: College of Education and Professional Studies bachelor’s degree candidates; except psychology undergraduates; n 7 p.m., Friday, May 10: College of Education and Professional Studies psychology undergraduates and Jackson College of Graduate Studies master’s degree candidates; n 10 a.m., Saturday, May 11: College of Business bachelor’s degree candidates; n 2 p.m., Saturday, May 11: College of Fine Arts and Design, and College of Mathematics and Science bachelor’s degree candidates; and, n 6 p.m., Saturday, May 11: College of Liberal Arts bachelor’s degree candidates.

The University of Oklahoma and

Oklahoma State University will also be having graduation the weekend of May 10 and 11. At OU, a campus wide commencement is May 10 at the football stadium starting at 7 p.m. Individual colleges hold ceremonies the next day. Oklahoma State holds most of its graduation on May 11.

(See article Page 3.)

The next weekend, Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Bret Towne will shake the hands of thousands of students, who graduate from Edmond’s three high schools. On May 18 at the Cox Convention Center, the three high schools will alternate times for commencement.

At 10 a.m it will be Santa Fe followed

by Memorial at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m, Edmond North closes out graduation ceremonies.

Make plans for graduation cards and gifts now. The 2019 graduation season promises to be busy for families, friends and the grads themselves.

Page 2 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 3

Edmond’s Kelly Ogle among graduation speakers

OSU commencement ceremonies to be held May 10-11 Oklahoma State University will graduate an estimated 4,500 students this spring and summer, and more than 3,500 are planning to participate in one of six commencement ceremonies May 10-11 at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Graduation exercises start with veterinary and graduate students on Friday, May 10, and conclude Saturday, May 11, with four ceremonies for undergraduate students, each featuring a different OSU alumnus as a commencement speaker.

“We are honored to have these accomplished alumni share their insights with our students and look forward to celebrating our students’ academic achievements,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.

The Oklahoma State University Pipes and Drums Band will lead the processionals into Gallagher-Iba Arena on May 11. Graduation candidates will be announced individually, photographed and presented an OSU Commencement print while crossing the stage.

The ceremonies will include: May 10 • 1 p.m.: OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences hooding ceremony.

• 7 p.m.: Graduate students.

May 11 • 9 a.m.: Spears School of Business with speaker Jack Allen, chairman of Hub International CFR, an insurance brokerage.

• Noon: College of Education, Health and Avia-

FILE PHOTO/OSU

Four graduation ceremonies will be held at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Saturday May 11.

tion and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with speaker David A. Cockrell, co-owner of Cockrell Eyecare Center in Stillwater.

• 3 p.m.: College of Human Sciences and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology with speaker Rick Muncrief, chairman/CEO of WPX Energy, an oil and gas exploration company.

Saturday graduation at OCU Oklahoma City University will hold its graduation ceremonies May 4 in the Freede Wellness and Activity Center at N.W. 27th Street and Florida Avenue.

The undergraduate ceremony will start at 11 a.m. and the graduate ceremony at 3 p.m.

OCU alumna Shannon Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, will deliver the commencement address during the undergraduate ceremony. Law professor Shannon Roesler, this year’s recipient of the OCU Outstanding Faculty Award, will deliver the graduate ceremony commencement address.

The undergraduate ceremony will also recognize an honorary juris doctor that was awarded in November to Hugh Akin, executive director of the Hatton Sumner Foundation.

The OCU School of Law will hold its hooding and commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. May 19 at the Freede Wellness Center, with Brian Huseman, vice president of public policy for Amazon, giving the commencement address.

Religion professor the Rev. Leslie Long will give the baccalaureate message titled “Name It, Claim It, Live It” at 9 a.m. May 4 in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.

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.

• 6 p.m.: College of Arts and Sciences with speaker Kelly Ogle, news anchor at KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City.

All six ceremonies will be streamed live online at OState.tv. For more information about OSU’s commencement ceremonies, go to http://commencement.okstate.edu/.

Page 4 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Edmond Arts Festival this weekend I have lost count of the number of Downtown Edmond Arts Festivals I have attended over the years. Having first moved to Edmond in 1988, it has been a bunch. This is the 41st annual arts festival in downtown Edmond so my rough count would be that I’ve attended at least 30 of them. Even so, I still get excited about this Edmond Favorite Ray Hibbard event every year. Having our offices in downtown Edmond makes it even more special.

While some folks that work close to the event complain about the traffic issues it causes, I just see rows and rows of beautiful art. My walls are full of art that I’ve purchased at this event. I still think that Lisa married me for my art collection and my All Clad pots and pans. Few guys come with such things at 58 years of age. I am sure she loves me, but the art and kitchen stuff couldn’t have hurt.

The love our organization has for this incredibly family friendly festival is why we are a presenting sponsor again this year. It is also with a great amount of pride and appreciation that we publish the official program for this yearly event. I hope you got to see the glossy program book in your paper last week but if not, you can pick one up while you are at the festival.

You can also access it from our web site, edmondlifeandleisure.com. It is packed with information about featured artists, food booths, entertainment schedules, maps, parking and much more. We appreciate the advertisers who make this possible and for all the sponsors who make it possible to put on this event. I hope you will patronize them often and give them a thank you for their support.

In a salute to the inverted pyramid that I was taught in journalism school, let me get to the important stuff right away.

The Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) is the host of the 41st annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival in historic downtown Edmond on May 3, 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The event, which is free to the public, features more than 145 artists and hosts live entertainment including a free Saturday night concert by Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road. In short, you don’t want to miss it especially the concert with Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road. I saw them at an event a couple of weeks ago and they will bring down the night sky folks. It will be fantastic.

Other activities during this family-friendly event include face painting, character appearances from Forever After Parties, games, inflatables and interactive crafts provided by Edmond Young Professionals and the Edmond Metropolitan Library.

More than 20 area food vendors, including some local favorites such as I Don't Know and I Don't Care, Let’s Do Greek and Chef Ray’s Street Eats will also be on hand to serve the public. The festival will also feature live art demonstrations by the Plein Aire Painters of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Sculpture Society.

The Arts Festival will benefit Fostering Sweet Dreams. Fostering Sweet Dreams is a nonprofit that provides tangible needs such as beds, car

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Edmond Arts Festival brings huge crowds to downtown.

seats, high chairs and strollers to Kinship fostercare placements along with unexpected traditional foster-care placements. Edmond Police Officer Randy Payne and his wife, Kristy, were so moved by the needs of foster children that they've made it their life's goal to help. They started this organization in March of 2016 and have impacted 1750 children to date.

Representatives from Fostering Sweet Dreams will be selling tickets to win a gift basket with various items from downtown Edmond merchants.

Stop by the hospitality tent at the Arts Festival to buy a ticket and pick up a program for a full listing of the festival’s artists and activities.

Our peerless leader for DEBA is president Stephanie Carel. She has had quite a year including being named Woman of the Year by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. She also puts in countless hours to benefit all downtown and make it a better place to be. One of the many traits I love about Carel is that she brings no personal agenda to her volunteer work. While she owns and operates Silver Leaf Gems in downtown, all her efforts go into helping all downtown Edmond succeed. About the arts festival she said, “The Downtown Edmond Arts Festival is a great event for all ages with nearly every artistic expression represented, live entertainment on stage and three street corners, live art demonstrations, a children’s area and a variety of food. Our extension to Campbell Street last year has allowed us to bring in more artists and activities. We have many returning artists as well as quite a few new ones.”

Bryanne Wallace has continued to serve as committee chair of the DEBA host Edmond Arts Festival. It is amazing to me how she keeps it all straight. Wallace along with other committee members put in an incredible amount of volunteer hours while running their small businesses at the same time. The festival also appreciates the support from the City of Edmond, The Edmond Police Department, Edmond Parks and Recreation, the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Electric and of course the Edmond Fire Department along with My Brother’s Keeper.

I am a fan of all kinds of festivals but this one must be my favorite. While the quality of the art work is second to none in our state, it is also affordable. Our arts festival is also so family friendly.

It is like a giant block party for the city in that you see folks that you may not have seen in a while.

Getting reacquainted with old friends and making new ones is a fun part of the event.

You can never underestimate that food is a big part of the reason to come to the Edmond Downtown Arts Festival. Our friend and loyal volunteer Danny Marx heads up the food recruitment efforts. He knows the vendors and places high expectations on the ones that can plant their food trucks around the festival. He has really done an outstanding job again this year in making sure there is a good mix of types of food including some healthy choices. If you are like me and when you are at a food festival you want, well, festival food I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed folks.

Here are some of the inconveniences you may have to deal with: Festival Market Place will close Wednesday, May 1 at 8 a.m. There will also be street closings beginning on Thursday, May 2 at 7 a.m. Drivers should be aware of the following closings; Broadway at Second Street north to Campbell; First Street west to the railroad tracks and east to the alley; Main Street east and west to the alley and the alley from Second Street to Main.

Streets will reopen on Sunday, May 5 at approximately 9 p.m.

The CityLink Edmond Transfer Center at Festival Market Place will relocate during the Arts Festival.

Park and ride from outer areas of Edmond are also available with CityLink. Please refer to their website for more information at citylinkedmond.com Please thank all the volunteers and sponsors while you are at the festival. Without them, none of us would be able to enjoy such a great event.

You can also get more information at: www.downtownedmondok.com.

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

Check out what’s inside! n n n n n n n n n

Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6.

Justice reform making progress ..................................................Page 10.

Eighth grader writes first book....................................................Page 13.

George Gust reviews Avengers film ............................................Page 15.

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

Dave Farris look at treasure hunt................................................Page 18.

Edmond physician wins Memorial Marathon..............................Page 20.

Business news ............................................................................Page 21.

Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

See if you can find ‘Directions’ “Directions,” in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Local artist Joe Slack created the sculpture to draw the public in. “I just want to engage,” said Slack, “And for it to be part of the landscape.” At it’s tallest point of 17 feet ‘Directions' is the largest sculpture Slack has ever attempted. It features three huge faces with a rust patina. Located along I-35 it is certain to draw travelers in to engage with just one of the pieces of public art Edmond is known for.

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 April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2019 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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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Cover Design April Burgess

instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 5

Parents Helping Parents group to meet The Edmond Chapter of Parents Helping Parents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at McLaren's Pantry, 3414 South Boulevard (SE corner of 33rd and Boulevard).

The restaurant is closed to the public during the meeting. The group’s upcoming speaker is Rich Whitman, Certified Interventionist, his topic is,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Deirdre Gurry at Duncan’s Halliburton Field.

Pilot flies to all 108 stops in state’s Airport System Lt. Col. Deirdre Gurry last week completed her personal mission to fly into all 108 public-use airports within the Oklahoma Airport System (OAS).

Gurry is a military and general aviation pilot and hangars her plane at Enid Woodring Regional Airport (KWDG).

In pursuit of general aviation, Gurry purchased an RV6 aircraft a little more than a year ago. Itching for an aviation adventure, it was midwinter when she began looking for a goal to keep her busy. She said the idea came to her when she received the 2018 Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) official aeronautical chart during the Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day event held in Tulsa.

Gurry’s journey launched this past December and was fulfilled April 24 at Duncan’s Halliburton Field (KDUC). Over a four month period, she took nine day-trips with the Oklahoma Panhandle being her longest.

“I enjoyed finding buildings with paintings on the roofs. It’s fun to think about the people who leave the art just for us pilots to find! I’ve seen an eight-ball, a smiley face, and even a rooster!” said Gurry. “One thing that was a small, but fun, challenge was transiting between the airports that were very close. I would only do one “touch and go” or “low approach” to wet grass fields, and then move on to the next. With some airports very close, switching frequencies, finding the airport, and scanning for traffic kept me on my toes.”

Oklahoma has four commercial airports and 104 public general aviation airports and Gurry landed at every one of them. The OAC is a non-appropriated agency funded directly by users of the state airport system through aircraft excise and fuel taxes, and aircraft registration fees. These taxes and fees generate $5 million on average annually funding the OAS. “Lt. Col. Gurry probably has some great insight as to how the Aeronautics Commission is doing in our mission to maintain and improve the state’s airports,” said Grayson Ardies, deputy director of the Commission.

“Pilots using the state’s runways can tell you that our pavement has dramatically improved over the past two decades, and we are proud of our 108 airports. A commitment by state, local, and federal officials has resulted in what is now a well-maintained comprehensive airport system,” Ardies continued. “OAC’s recently proposed Airport Construction Program (ACP) which invests $130M of federal/state/local funding in 66 projects will go a long way in helping ensure the state’s runways,

‘Pilots using the state’s runways can tell you that our pavement has dramatically improved over the past two decades, and we are proud of our 108 airports.’

Grayson Ardies, deputy director of the Okla.

Aeronautics Commission taxiways, and other infrastructure items are the best they can be for the users of the system.”

Nearly 20 years ago, federal funding for Oklahoma general aviation airports was significantly lower. The Legislature providing dedicated funding sources enabled agency staff to develop an ACP proving to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) that the state was serious about improving their air transportation system, and now, the FAA uses Oklahoma as a model when talking to other states.

“My home airport is Woodring Regional in Enid. The runway is in great condition and very long. And the shorter runway is great for those strong-crosswind days.” said Gurry.

The 2,000 foot extension to the runway at Enid Woodring Regional Airport completed a few years ago would not have been possible without the largest State/OAC airport grant ever of $2.5 million. The extension was done so that T-38 trainer jets from nearby Vance Air Force Base could land and takeoff from the Enid regional airport rather than having to go to Wichita or Tulsa to train when the main runway at Vance is closed for maintenance. The record investment from OAC was necessary because the FAA could not invest what it usually would because the extension was driven mostly by military rather than civil aviation demand.

This is just one example of several critical state investments in airports that the OAC has been able to do.

The core responsibility of OAC has been to ensure that the needs of communities and commerce across the state are met by a system of public airports, the Oklahoma Airport System (OAS). Since 2001, OAC has received $82 million from aviationgenerated revenues and invested $68 million in airport infrastructure across the State — 83 percent of the revenue that OAC received has been invested in airport infrastructure. That is a rate of return the users of the OAS, who pay the aircraft taxes and fees, can be very proud.

Memorial class of 1989 seeks classmates for 30th reunion The Edmond Memorial High School Class of 1989 is seeking classmates for its 30th class reunion, scheduled June 21-22 in Edmond.

“Our class had more than 800 graduates, and we’ve made contact with nearly half,” said Layne Wroblewski, chairman of the EMHS89 reunion committee. “We are planning a memorable event and want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to attend.”

The reunion will be held Friday, June 21, from 7-11 pm at Venue 102 in downtown Edmond and Saturday,

June 22, from 7-11:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn near I-35 and Covell. Both events will feature a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. On Saturday evening, popular Oklahoma City cover band Replay will entertain with a playlist of music from the 1980s.

Classmates should contact the reunion committee at PawsBackto89@gmail.com and join the EMHS89 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ emhs1989/. Registration details are available on the Facebook page.

"How to Help Someone Who doesn't want Help!" Parents Helping Parents provides support, resources and hope for parents of addicted children (any age child).

This is an anonymous meeting and no cost or reservations required. For more information please call 405642-8198.

Page 6 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Downtown Edmond will see many visitors this weekend as host of the 41st annual Edmond Arts Festival.

Food, music, fun and vendors will all be featured May 3 to May 5.

FILE PHOTO MELINDA INFANTE

Thursday May 2 ---- In the Gallery ---- 5X5 Art Show and Sale ---- Lazy E Red Dirt Reining ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Beehive – The 60s Musical Friday May 3 ---- In the Gallery ---- Lazy E Red Dirt Reining ---- Shortt Dogg ---- 41st Annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Beehive – The 60s Musical ---- ONA Coin & Currency Show ---- First Friday Gallery Walk Saturday May 4 ---- In the Gallery ---- Lazy E Red Dirt Reining ---- 41st Annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival ---- Edmond Family Bike Ride ---- Family Camping ---- Jipsi Live at The Patriarch Craft Beer & Lawn ---- Smilin’ Vic ---- KMGL Cinco De Mayo ---- Stars ---- Saturday for Kids: Oklahoma Animals ---- Red Brick Nights ---- ONA Coin & Currency Show ---- OKC Women’s Living Expo ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Beehive – The 60s Musical Sunday May 5 ---- In the Gallery ---- Lazy E Red Dirt Reining ---- 41st Annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival ---- ONA Coin & Currency Show ---- OKC Women’s Living Expo Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Brad McNeill, for information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ 5X5 Art Show and Sale Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: 5 p.m.; All art $55, first come, first served; for info go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ Lazy E Red Dirt Reining Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: for information visit lazye.com 41st Annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Free admission; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; for information visit downtownedmondok.com Edmond Family Bike Ride

Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Free; 8:30 a.m.; for more information visit edmondok.com Family Camping Location: Arcadia Lake Extra Info: for information visit edmondparks.com Jipsi Live at The Patriarch Craft Beer & Lawn Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer & Lawn Extra Info: 7 – 10 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook Smilin’ Vic Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 8 p.m., $10; for more information visit ucojazzlab.com KMGL Cinco De Mayo Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 7:30 – 11:30; for more information visit riverwind.com Stars Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.; for more information visit riverwind.com Saturday for Kids: Oklahoma Animals Location: National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Classrooms A & B Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; for more information visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Red Brick Nights Location: Oklahoma Ave & Wentz Ave, Guthrie Extra Info: for more information visit guthriechamber.com ONA Coin & Currency Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Free, Fri. 1 – 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; for more information visit statefairparkokc.com First Friday Gallery Walk Location: Paseo Arts District Extra Info: for more information visit thepaseo.org OKC Women’s Living Expo Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for information visit womenslivingexpo.com Shortt Dogg Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 8 p.m., $10, for more information visit ucojazzlab.com Pollard Theatre presents: Beehive – The 60s Musical Location: Pollard Theatre Guthrie Extra Info: for information go to thepollard.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond Memorial High School senior Grace Fox is one of 300 students nationwide selected to receive a full scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She will be attending Columbia University in New York to major in psychology and plans to attend law school to become a civil rights lawyer and activist.

Memorial student is one of 300 nationwide to get Gates stipend During the 2018 Oklahoma teacher walkout, then 16-year old Edmond Memorial High School student Grace Fox was among a select group of student advocates who took to the stage to express their support for teachers and education funding.

“It was exciting to use my voice as a student to interact with the legislators and my peers,” recalled Fox. The exhilaration of that moment ignited a desire in Grace to further champion causes and groups she believes in --- a calling she plans to fiercely pursue at New York’s elite Columbia University where she has been awarded a full scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. ”I’ve always desired to go bigger and reach farther; and New York is the music, cultural and academic epicenter.

I will have opportunities there that I can’t get anywhere else,” she declared.

The Gates Scholarship is a highly-selective scholarship for exceptional minority high school seniors. It covers tuition, room and board, opportunities to study abroad, internships, travel expenses, medical insurance, and technology needs for up to five years. Of the 36,500 applicants, Fox is one of 300 across the nation to receive the award.

“We are so thrilled that Grace has been selected to receive a Gates Scholarship,” said Edmond Memorial Principal Tony Rose. “We can’t think of a more fitting representative from our school. Grace is an exceptionally hard-working, well-rounded student who not only excels academically, but is also an accomplished musician, proven leader, and a caring friend,”

noted Rose. “Whatever she sets her mind to she accomplishes, and we are certain that she is destined for a bright future at Columbia University and beyond.”

Fox will be majoring in psychology, minoring in viola performance, and attending law school with the goal of becom-

ing a civil rights lawyer and activist.

“It’s gratifying to bring equality to minorities,” she said. “They should have representation.”

Fox says she is “mentally prepared” to leave the security of her family and Oklahoma to pursue her dreams. She

credits her loving parents and her Edmond teachers for providing a nurturing, supportive environment in which to thrive.

“The Edmond schools have given me a wonderful foundation, and I have loved each and every one of my teachers.”

Page 8 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Citizens Bank of Edmond marks 118 years Late last month, Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd returned to the corner of Broadway and Hurd in downtown Edmond to celebrate the bank’s 118th birthday in coordination with a “Spring has Sprung” themed prize egg hunt. The April event welcomed 32 food and beverage vendors along with 14 retail pop ups with an outstanding turnout for one of the largest events up to date in the streets of downtown Edmond.

Festival goers enjoyed hunting down the prize eggs and exchanged them for Citizens Bank of Edmond swag items, Heard on Hurd T-shirts, and tickets to upcoming concerts at Tower Theatre.

Three talented local artists rocked the stage with sounds ranging from one of PHOTO PROVIDED a kind freestyle brass bass by Food trucks and entertainment helped Citizens Bank of Edmond celebrate 118 years of business in downtown EdS.E.A.R.C.H. Committee, blues and folk mond. Heard on Hurd, a street party, is sponsored by Citizens Bank. The next gala will be Saturday, May 18.

by Levi Parham, and fiery rock ‘n’ roll with a blues twist by headliner KALO. Event attendees were able to learn about the featured nonprofit of the month, RED Day Run. Red stands for Renew, Energize and Donate and is Keller Williams Realty's Annual Day of Service which will be held on May 11.

“It is almost unbelievable that the Edmond community has been supporting our small local bank for 118 years,” said Citizens Bank of Edmond’s president and CEO Jill Castilla. “Ever since our humble beginnings on the same intersection in 1901, we have strived to create a lasting impact on our community and this month’s event reminded us of the unrelenting support from our customers and friends as we plan to be supporting the community for another 118 years.”

Don’t miss next month’s event as Don't Tell Dena, Jason Scott, and Vandoliers take the main stage.

To find out more about the event, like Citizens on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 9

Page 10 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Obits & accuracy An interesting program aired the other day that discussed how the New York Times covers obituaries.

They will take about four or so death notices a day and write about how Steve Gust that person's life has affected the culture or nation. Of course other deaths are easy for them to publish. Some politicians and entertainers rate 700 to 900 words.

Something that caught my attention was how easy it is for the writers, even at The Times, to make mistakes on a death notice. The writers cross their fingers after turning in the story.

Some of the problem rests with families. Some families just don't provide accurate information and many times it isn't their fault.

Like the editor said on the show, some facts in someone's life take on a legendary status, even if it's not true.

For instance a family may believe their father played football at Notre Dame.

Somehow that becomes playing quarterback at Notre Dame and even being the top scorer for Notre Dame.

I know about that first hand. My family asked me, the reporter, to write

my mom's obituary several years ago.

We were pretty happy with the published notice. However, my aunt was curious why I said my mom was born in Oklahoma City. She said my mom was born in Bartlesville. I never knew that and none of my siblings did either.

Weeks later my brother got her birth certificate and my aunt was right. The rest of the family was stunned.

Unlike the New York Times, most published obituaries are almost exclusively from families.

Therefore it's probably not a bad idea for families to visit with loved ones about their life. The New York Times is very cautious about people's military records and any claim that someone invented something or was the first to do something remarkable.

In fact, The Times needs to have a death confirmed and put source in the article. They learned that the hard way when they published an article on someone who hadn't died. Yikes.

I used to hear incidents like that.

How sick do someone have to be to do something like that?

The bottom line is that most people generally only get their name in the newspaper when they die. Most people will only know about it from reading the newspaper. Therefore please make sure it's as accurate as possible.

More work remains with justice reform

By Gov. Kevin Stitt, Sen. Kim David and Rep. Jon Echols For the first time in recent history, Oklahoma’s incarcerated population declined by more than 1,000 state inmates from this time last year. Yet our state’s incarcerated population still includes more than 27,000 men and women.

And while the decrease was a welcomed change, we have a long way to go to modernize our criminal justice system and end Oklahoma’s reputation as the top state for incarceration.

Oklahomans deserve a modernized criminal justice system that makes public safety the priority, uses innovative alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders, provides rehabilitative services and reunites families

to create a brighter future for all Oklahomans. There are six areas to focus efforts initially to make this a reality for our state: n Reform the funding of district attorneys and courts so their budgets are based on an appropriation and not on their collection of fines and fees. Any fines and fees should go directly to the state's general revenue fund. This removes the conflict between administering justice and generating revenue, which will result in fewer fines and fees, and fewer individuals in a debtor’s prison. n Correct the decline in Pardon and Parole Board numbers over the last decade, and ensure it is fulfilling its constitutional duty to release inmates who should no longer be in prison. The Pardon and Parole Board

reports that thousands of inmates waived their parole in fiscal year 2018.

Eliminating the parole waiver and narrowing the violations for which a parolee may be returned to prison are effective commonsense reforms. n Invest in diversion and treatment programs that help Oklahomans break the cycle of incarceration. Programs like Pay for Success are more cost effective than incarceration, improve public safety and help Oklahomans become productive citizens. These investments are critical to have any success at reforming our current system and reducing incarceration. n Allow Oklahomans with a nonviolent felony conviction to be licensed in occupations so long as the occupation is not substantially related to the offense. We must remove barriers to opportunity, like licensure, and give Oklahomans a second chance instead of a second prison. n Create an expedited pardon and parole commutation process and an expungement process for Oklahomans convicted of felonies that are no longer a felony in state law. This includes all past and future changes in law, including the release of hundreds of inmates currently in prison for crimes changed by State Question 780, and expungements for all Oklahomans who have ever been convicted of such crimes.

Being a top ten state includes being smart on criminal justice. These key areas of reform will help us move the needle to improve public safety, honor victims, rehabilitate offenders and reduce prison crowding.

Stitt was elected governor in November. David is the Senate floor leader and Echols is the House floor leader.

Nursing home reform among bills approved

By State Sen. Stephanie Bice We’ve now completed 12 weeks of the 2019 legislative session, and hit our April 25 deadline for floor votes on bills that started out in the House of Representatives. Likewise, they were working through bills that began here in the Senate. Heading into this past week, we’d gotten through about 67 out of 226 House Bills that Bice were approved in committee, so this week we had extremely full floor agendas in our chamber.

Among the Senate bills the House has already approved — a measure I authored that will ensure nursing homes provide informed consent before prescribing anti-psychotic medications. Oklahoma nursing homes are among the worst in the nation

when it comes to using these drugs on patients.

It’s often used as a way to keep patients docile but it can cause numerous physical and mental complications for those individuals.

In both chambers, legislation that continues Oklahoma’s criminal justice reform efforts is moving through the process, and I have authored some of these bills as well. While much of the focus in this years-long reform effort has been on finding better ways to hold non-violent offenders accountable so that we are not continually growing an already over-crowded prison population, this is just one area that must be addressed.

We also need to look at what happens after an offender is released. If illiteracy, substance abuse, or mental health issues are factors that may have resulted in that individual’s incarceration, what services are provided to address those? This is important, because without that component, offend-

Letters 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.

ers simply find themselves in a revolving door, in and out of prison, which is far more expensive in the long-run and doesn’t provide a path for the person to re-enter the work force and become a productive member of society.

Work also continues on the 2020 state budget.

Unlike in past sessions when we faced multiple years of budget shortfalls and downturns, we do have growth revenue this year. The funding requests we have received far exceed available resources, but we do have the opportunity to prioritize needs in our core services, like education and public safety, and make targeted investments that will move our state forward.

If you have any questions about legislation or other issues dealing with state government, please contact me at 405-521-5592, or email bice@oksenate.gov. Thank you for allowing me to be your voice in the Oklahoma State Senate.

Energy leader welcomes signing of bill Following Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signing of House Bill 2676, OIPAOKOGA president Chad Warmington released the following statement: Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry is committed to the communities where the men and women of our industry work and live. One of the biggest issues those communities face is upkeep and upgrades to the roads their residents use on a daily basis.

OIPA-OKOGA and the state’s oil and natural gas industry are in full

support of House Bill 2676, which will provide an additional $30 million to the county roads and bridges improvement fund and increase funding for critical repairs and improvements.

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry takes great strides to reduce the amount of heavy trucks traveling Oklahoma’s roadways, but the transportation of machinery needed to drill for and produce oil and natural gas means truck traffic will always be a part of the state’s defining industry.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 11

New law will allow law enforcement to arrest those who pass stopped buses A bill allowing law enforcement to use cameras on school buses to track down drivers who illegally pass stopped buses was signed into law last week.

House Bill 1926, by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, and Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, requires a minimum ticket of $100 for drivers who break this law.

It also requires 75 percent of tickets for this violation to be deposited into the Cameras for School Bus Stops Revolving Fund, a grant which schools without proper video surveillance on their buses can apply for to purchase necessary equipment.

“House Bill 1926 gives our law enforcement officers the teeth they need to go after drivers who endanger our state’s children,” Kerbs said. “Right now, law enforcement can only give these drivers a warning if the officer didn’t see it themselves. This legislation allows buses’ video cameras to be the eyes for the officers to hold these dangerous drivers accountable, which helps better protect students loading onto or unloading the bus.”

According to the National Association of State

‘This legislation allows buses’ video cameras to be the eyes for the officers to hold these dangerous drivers accountable, which helps better protect students loading onto or unloading the bus.’

Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, nearly 84,000 drivers ignore a bus’ stop arm every day.

Sharp served as the Senate author of the bill, which passed 30-14 through the Senate.

“Sadly, this is a common and dangerous occurrence. People are in a hurry and don’t think about the fact that a kid could run out in front of them,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee. “There’s a reason it’s illegal to overtake a stopped school bus, but the problem is there’s usually not a cop around to catch offenders. By allowing districts to put cameras on buses, drivers breaking the law can be caught on tape and held accountable by law enforcement.”

The bill takes effect Nov. 1.

Possible new trust would oversee operation of jail

By Kevin Calvey District 3 County Commissioner On April 18, Oklahoma County's Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC) made a historic move towards accountability Calvey and progress for the jail.

The Council voted to forward a "working Trust document" to the Board of County Commissioners, for us to consider enacting a Jail Trust to oversee the finances and operation of the troubled Oklahoma County Jail.

Under the leadership of Clay Bennett, the influential Council has taken this innovative step.

The Vera Institute of Justice's 2017 report presented thorough, systematic steps to change the ongoing jail issues stemming to its inception in 1991. This led to the creation of the advisory council to enact the recommended changes.

The stated goal of CJAC is to study and understand the data surrounding our county's system, and to recommend policies based on what the

facts indicate. The council played a role, along with our judges and outgoing OKC Police Chief Bill Citty, in significantly lowering the population in the jail over the past couple of years. Besides influential figures in the city, the council includes a range of representation: City managers such as Larry Stevens of Edmond and Craig Freeman of Oklahoma City, as well as Judges such as Tom Prince and Philippa James. The county itself has a diverse voice. District Attorney.

David Prater and the Court Clerk Rick Warren are on the council, in addition to myself.

The opinions of CJAC on the Trust will be an insightful lens that should show the true opinions of the members. The vote on April 18 saw 12 Yes and zero No votes, with six abstaining and one absent, proved that metro leaders are ready to act and finally begin the changes our jail so desperately requires.

Overall, our community's leadership will be showing its true colors as it advances the potential trust, to gain greater oversight, accountability, and transparency over jail finances and operations.

Page 12 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 13

Getting a transplant at the last moment Conna Weaver of Moore, wakes up and looks around her room and thinks to herself, ‘I’m really here?’ Normal and mundane days are often surreal to her; remembering the journey to her second chance at life.

Conna lived a very active life – with four grown kids and nine grandchildren all involved in their respective hobbies and within miles of her – she never missed anything. She spent time at the lake with her family and looked forward to family vacations to the ocean.

When she wasn’t with her family, Conna was working at a job she adored. She worked more than 22 years keeping semi-truck drivers safe and compliant on the road.

Her health had always been fairly good, but her legs and feet swelled constantly for several years.

Typically, doctors diagnose swelling with heart issues, so Conna underwent multiple tests to ensure she had no heart issues. Her doctors did notice that she had high liver enzymes. He sent her for a CAT scan before a procedure and called her to come into his office the next day.

The doctor told her news she wasn’t expecting: her liver was not functioning. She began seeing a specialist, who encouraged her to have a healthy diet and lose weight to get her liver numbers looking better. Throughout the process, Conna lost more than 100 pounds.

After her fourth visit with the liver doctor, he told her to continue this healthy lifestyle because her numbers were improving. Encouraged, she went on vacation with her granddaughter to the ocean. While she was there, she got sick with what she thought was a stomach virus.

When she arrived back in Oklahoma, Conna made an appointment with her family doctor. The morning of her appointment, March 21, 2017, she began feeling sick and started throwing up blood.

She was rushed to the emergency room.

Through a series of tests, the doctors realized she had cirrhosis of the liver and would need a transplant to survive. Five months later, after many doctors’ appointments and meetings she was officially on the waiting list.

It was surreal for Conna to be listed. She had always been on-the-go, but she found herself unable to work, sick and waiting for the phone to ring with the hope of a second chance. She waited for one and a half years.

As Conna waited, she was scared; her feet and ankles were swollen. Her quality of life was depleted and she felt like a burden to her family.

Worst of all, Conna realized she was not improving

The doctors talked to her family – assuring them they did everything they could to save her life. They would continue to give her medication to be comfortable, but she would be discharged soon to spend her last days at home.

Conna Weaver and husband, Jimmy

and just getting weaker by the day.

A glimmer of hope came in the form of a phone call one night. A family friend had a stroke, and was becoming an organ donor. The family immediately thought of Conna and asked if they could directly donate their loved ones liver to her. Conna was humbled but excited; she thought this might be her chance at another life. However, though the process, they realized the liver was not transplantable.

A few months later, Conna realized she was even weaker than she thought she could ever be.

She couldn’t get out of bed and she knew something was wrong. Her husband took her to the hospital and found out she had sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by her body’s response to an infection. The doctors took her directly to the Intensive Care Unit. She was on life support, and the medical staff was making her as comfortable as possible. The doctors talked to her family – assuring them they did everything they could to save her life. They would continue to give her medication to be comfortable, but she would be discharged soon to spend her last days at home.

Robin, a friend of Conna, who had received a liver transplant was sitting in the room with her and encouraging her.

“Don’t give up,” Robin said.

A few minutes later, she saw doctors and nurses gathering in the hallway. Conna thought this might be bad news again – but the doctor walked in and told her something she wasn’t expecting.

“We found a perfect match for you,” the surgeon explained. “You’re getting a transplant today!”

Conna underwent surgery within hours of hearing the news. She woke up feeling better than she had in years.

Humbled, Conna realizes that the worst day of one family’s life was the best day of hers. Through the midst of this family’s tragedy, they chose to give life to someone like Conna – who chooses to do good with this new life she was been given.

She honors her donor by loving her grandkids and spreading positivity.

We are just finishing National Donate Life Month. Across the United States, more than 115,000 individuals wait for an organ transplant to save their life. Thousands more are in need of tissue and corneal transplants to restore mobility and sight. Without the generous gift of more than 30,000 donors in the United States each year, many would still be waiting for a lifesaving gift.

LifeShare is honoring those who have given the gift of life by celebrating National Donate Life Month. You can give the gift of life by registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at www.LifeShareRegistry.org.

About LifeShare LifeShare is a nonprofit, federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. We work closely with four transplant centers and 145 healthcare organizations in the state of Oklahoma to facilitate donation. Additionally, we strive to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation through public education.

For more information about LifeShare, please visit www.lifeshareok.org.

Edmond eighth grader pens first book on mental toughness He’s 14 and he’s already accomplished what most of us only dream of.

Middle-schooler, Kobe Nhin has written and will be self-publishing a book titled, How to Win Wimbledon in Pajamas on Amazon. The book is available for pre-order and will be released on May 14th. He’s only 4 days into his Kickstarter campaign and is 87 percent funded. He was presented a co-op book deal from two different publishers but chose to self-publish.

Nhin cleverly presents 5 mental tips that help you conquer performance anxiety, self doubt, and frustration. The 32-page children’s book focuses on building mental toughness through strategies and techniques that help us remain calm under pressure. “Our goal is to help all performers from sports players to future business leaders to reach their potential during high-pressure situations,” says Kobe Nhin, author.

The story from How to Win Wimble-

don in Pajamas took Kobe a few months to write, despite maintaining his National Junior Honor Society status and juggling a competitive tennis schedule that includes two tournaments a month. His mother helped him refine his ideas and is listed as a co-author.

Nhin points to his own struggles as a particular source of inspiration for his book. He has played competitive tennis since he was 10 years old. In the begin-

ning, he won a lot but then as he reached new levels it became more and more difficult to close out matches.

Nhin went through a phase where he was losing the really tight matches.

He began researching mental toughness through books, took a course to help him develop necessary skills, and took time to work with coaches to overcome his plateau. The investment paid off. He started winning again, but more importantly the love of the sport came back to him. He enjoyed playing after learning how to be calm and carefree.

Nhin was motivated to help others overcome their own self-limiting beliefs during a high school course he took during eighth grade. The course required Nhin to write a research paper.

He chose the subject of finding the zone and increasing mental toughness so that he could further his understanding of key concepts. From his research and from what he had learned first-

hand on the court, he wrote How to Win Wimbledon in Pajamas. The children’s book is the first in a series on mental toughness Nhin has planned.

He is currently writing the next books in the mental toughness series, How to Win the World Cup in Pajamas and How to Win the Masters Barefoot.

His goals for this book series include: n Encourage a growth mindset: We believe it is important for kids to develop intrinsic motivation and autonomy through the development of long-term goals. Setting our sights on performance goals, rather than outcome goals provide a basis for longterm satisfaction.

We hope these books give children a love for battling new challenges and that they grow up eager to explore what this big, beautiful world has to offer.

See Book, Page 15

Page 14 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Bringing German Culture to Edmond Schools

Students from Heartland Middle School and Edmond North High School who are learning German recently got to experience the country through the WanderbUS-an interactive exhibit featuring virtual reality tours of German cities as well as games and apps highlighting German businesses and culture. Edmond was the only city the bus visited in Oklahoma.

Esther Lemoha and Olivia Fortune play an online game about Germany.

Raevan Hanan listens to an audio recording about German culture.

Photos provided

by Susan Parks-Schlepp

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 15

Review of ‘Avengers: Endgame’

A satisfying final chapter

By George Gust Famed French playwright Molière once said “Trees that grow slow bear the best fruit.” The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been in production since 2007 and has produced 21 films which have been part of a tree of comic book movies that weave together an unprecedented saga and have all led to the climatic fruit of “Avengers: Endgame.”

And with an exciting, emotional and epic film, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has born the sweetest fruit by living up to the hype and giving the characters we’ve been following for 12 years a satisfying closure. The severe course of events set in motion by Rudd made this epic superhero tale not as dour as it could have been. However, the real standout perThanos in last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War” that formances come from Downey and Evans as they wiped out half the universe and fractured the show that the years of character arc were worth the Avengers ranks compels the Avengers left behind to wait and provide an emotional and entertaining contake one final stand and attempt to restore order to clusion for these characters that we’ve love watching the universe.

When going into “Avengers: Endgame” it’s best to change and grow.

Ultimately, there’s a million ways that “Avengers: prepare for this film like you would a long road trip; Endgame” could have buckled under the pressure of not too much drink before or during, and find the tying up 12 years of storytelling, but the filmmakers your most comfortable position in your seat because managed to send off the Marvel Universe (as we’ve it’s going to be an entertaining ride, but it will be a known it) with a bang. We may not see another selong one. ries of movies get the time and space to have such “Avengers: Endgame” is a movie that knows what an extraordinary run at the box office, and heaven it is and isn’t afraid to take time to revel in the quiknows others have tried and failed and will try again eter character moments. It’s the kind of confidence (Looking at you Dark Universe!). There will continue that Marvel has built up over its unprecedented run to be Marvel movies for the foreseeable future, but of blockbuster offerings that makes “Avengers: “Avengers: Endgame” gives fans who have been Endgame” a wonderfully entertaining film and a film that wraps up so many character arcs that have been there from the beginning a satisfying final chapter.

“Avengers: Endgame” is rated PG-13 for sequences ongoing for 12 years. of sci-fi violence and action, and some language.

In terms of performances it will always be a marvel how they brought so many talented people to4.6 out of 5 stars gether on one screen.

“Avengers: Endgame” has more room to focus on the original characters that made of the Marvel Universe, especially Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Steve Rodgers (Chris Evans).

Hemsworth continues his somewhat surprising comedic turn as the god of thunder and alongside other humorRobert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans lead the Avengers on their most epic ous performances from mission to date capping off 12 years of Marvel Movies.

Bradley Cooper and Paul

Book From Page 13 n Cultivate kids' selfconfidence: We believe it is important for kids to learn how to practice positive self-talk and positive body language. The more they understand that even mistakes and failures teach us, the more they can focus on celebrating their journey, mistakes and all. Our books will teach kids to be courageous enough to take risks and trust that the dots will someday connect. We want to teach kids how it feels to be scared and brave all at once, and how to move past fear and learn to jump.

“We believe this book fills a huge gap in children’s literature to help prepare children mentally when pressure and anxiety build up,” says Mary Nhin, co-author and Kobe’s mother.

It cost Kobe about $5,000 to publish his first book, which he paid with his own money. His Kickstarter campaign to raise additional funds will run until May 14 when his book releases on Amazon.

“I’ve never been to Wimbledon before but I go there in my head sometimes when I’m visualizing my strokes and strategies. I’d like to go there one day, “ says Kobe Nhin.

To pre-order his book , visit the kickstarter website at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/me ntaltoughness1/how-towin-wimbledon-in-pajamas-mental-toughness-f?r ef=356n26

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MOTHER'S DAY ACROSS 1. May occasion 5. ____ Tzu 8. Auto unit 11. Lyft alternative 12. "On Golden ____" 13. Zetkin of International Women's Day fame 15. Forever and a day 16. "The Simpsons" palindrome 17. Angler's decoys 18. *Mother, e.g.

20. Friend in war 21. Divided, it cannot stand?

22. Black gold 23. *Mother, e.g.

26. Like anti-cruelty proponents 29. "This land is your land..."

30. Loan shark 33. *Like Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard 35. "Captain Marvel" genre 37. It also rises, in Spanish 38. Faulkner's "As I Lay ____" 39. Ant construction 40. "Not my brother's ____" 42. First Tudor monarch's number 43. Meteorologist's line 45. Battles royal 47. Modus operandi 48. Chocolate source 50. Barrymore or Carey 52. *Like grandmother on mother's side 55. Like Al Yankovic 56. Gaelic 57. Joie de vivre 59. On pins and needles 60. *She played Zuzu's mom in Christmas movie classic 61. Left to a Russian 62. Pastrami partner 63. Greek H 64. One

quarter of a Presidential term DOWN 1. *School org. with moms (and dads) as members 2. Indian music 3. Farm team 4. Pool hall mishap 5. Powerball, e.g.

6. Playwright Chekhov 7. Perfume property 8. Lime-rich soil 9. Mouse to a snake 10. Fossil fuel 12. Accepted truths 13. Request to Geico 14. *Mother's song 19. Tedium 22. "Days of ____ Lives" 23. *Delivery room word 24. Binary digits code 25. Train runners 26. *What many mothers want 27. Lacking guile 28. "Sesame Street" regular 31. Olympic cast-out 32. Future fish

34. Shining armor 36. *Form of thank you to mom 38. Gloomy and drab 40. Jared's competitor 41. Hosted 44. Off-color 46. With nobody to call your own 48. Editor's insert 49. Between harbors 50. Controvert 51. *Mother's Day, e.g.

52. *Emmanuel Macron's mom, e.g.

53. Toward shelter, nautically 54. Volcanic flow 55. "The Art of ____" 58. And not

See Answers on Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Senior high school scholarship winners honored by the Character Council of Edmond, are from left, Caroline Grace Best of North, Aja L. Montgomery of Santa Fe and Casey Merann Minnick of Memorial.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Annual essay winners

Trio awarded scholarships from Character Council Recently, the Character Council of Edmond hosted a reception after their monthly meeting for their 2019 Senior Scholarship recipients.

The council was able to meet and congratulate this year’s winners. The Character Council of Edmond was able to offer three $1,000 scholarships to Edmond seniors. Seniors were asked to write a 500-550 word essay on how they exemplified a specific character trait. The scholarship selection committee comprised of Champions of Character, Edmond citizens, and Character Council Board members had the difficult task of selecting three recipients from the 19 outstanding applications submitted.

Winning the 2019 scholarships this year were Casey Merann Minnick (Edmond Memorial); Aja L. Montgomery (Edmond Santa Fe), and Caroline Grace Best (Edmond North).

----In her essay, Casey Minnick focused on the trait of Generosity. She wrote, “Whether my acts of generosity are large or small, they remind me that I am truly blessed and keep me grounded.”

Her credentials include: n DECA President n Outstanding Achievement in Parenting and Childhood Development; Pre-AP English; Edmond Memorial High School n Four years Superintendent Honor Roll n National Honor Society; Key Club: FCCLA; DECA n Part time job at Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics Casey will be attending University of Oklahoma in the fall. She plans to study psychology.

---Aja Montgomery emphasized the character trait of Forgiveness. In her essay, Aja wrote, “The toughest time in my life has turned me into one thankful self-confident individual who

has learned about forgiveness.”

Her credentials include: n Volunteer experience: Ascend Leadership program; Shiloh Adventure Camp; Word First Ministries n Key Club; FCCLA; Business Professionals of America n Criminal Justice major n Mentor and Tutor to youth in church and community n Santa Fe and Memorial Track Team Aja plans to attend Cameron University majoring in criminal justice.

----Caroline Best focused on the character trait of Determination in her essay. She wrote, “The stumbling blocks I encountered built my character of determination, helped me reach my goals, and shaped my experiences at Edmond North and in my walk through life.”

Her credentials include: n Student Council; National Honor Society; Key Club; Fellowship of Christian Athletes n BALTO 5k chairman; BALTO Candidate; Pre-BALTO chair n Valedictorian n Senator Student Leadership Class n Cross Country; Track Caroline plans to attend John Brown University in the fall. She plans to major in biology and hopes to be an orthodontist.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the Character Council of Edmond. Your generous support will be used to help fund the character scholarship program for Edmond high school seniors. Please contact them for more information by visiting their website at www.edmondcharacter.org or by mailing your contribution to the Character Council of Edmond, P.O. Box 392 Edmond, OK 73083-0392. They greatly appreciate your support.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 17

Page 18 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

A rock formation in the Wichita Mountains, known as the Buzzard’s Roost, yielded some hidden treasure from the criminal James Gang.

More on the James Gang

The gold that he left behind

By David Farris The Keechi Hills, deep in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma, in northern Comanche County, had long held secrets about Jesse James and lost gold.

Farris Old-timers in the area have whispered for decades about buried outlaw treasure that could only be found by interpreting symbols and other clues left carved on rocks and into trees.

These were secret codes known only to members of a shadowy, Confederate, post-Civil War organization. Optimistic treasure hunters have traveled these hills for decades in search of any sign that would lead them to $2 million in gold bullion the James Gang stole from a Mexican Government transport not long after the American Civil War. In 1901, the Unassigned Indian Land surrounding this mountainous region was opened to white settlers.

Residents of the area heard tales about the buried outlaw treasure, but may have believed them to be only legend.

That changed in 1907, when Frank James, himself, returned to the area and settled on a 160-acre farm, two miles north of Fletcher.

It seemed odd that the 64-yearold, retired outlaw would suddenly decide to return to this rural and undeveloped area, where he had traveled through decades earlier, just to grow peaches.

Local residents noticed that Frank didn't seem to spend much time down on the farm. His days were spent crisscrossing the landscape where he formerly rode with his brother and their various associates, obviously in search of something.

During one week, while making house calls near Apache, Dr. L.C. Knee repeatedly observed the old outlaw sitting on his horse atop a hill and staring intently to the south.

Within a few months of his return, Frank determined that the location he sought was then on farmland owned by Mrs. Belle Hedlund. He paid the widow a visit to learn whether certain landmarks could still be found on her property, before finally introducing himself. Primarily, he was searching for an old spring near where the gang used to camp, which also marked the location of a large, flat rock with a map carved on the underside. Luckily for Frank, Mrs. Hedlund found the old outlaw to be a gentleman and gave him permission to return on many occasions over the next several months.

Frank discovered a few old “treasure signs” to help direct him and is alleged to have retrieved a copper kettle that contained $6,000 in gold. Old-timers around the Wichitas who knew Frank claim that he did locate much of the buried gold

he sought, and wore out six horses in the bargain. Unfortunately, due to the evolved landscape, he was never able to locate the strange rock in question, nor the items to which they led. After seven years in Oklahoma, Frank decided to cut his losses and return with his wife, Anne, to their home to Missouri, where he died a year later.

In 1932, Joe Hunter was a Rush Springs police officer when an elder gentleman stopped by the station to pay him a visit. The stranger introduced himself only as Cook, and then asked the officer if they could go someplace private before he told his tale. About three miles outside of town, Cook explained to Hunter that he had known his father and he wanted him to have these, “treasure charts.” The three maps, two on cowhide and one on a goatskin, would lead to treasure that he claimed to have buried with Hunter's father 62 years earlier.

The stranger further described a location in the Wichita Mountains where a flat rock could be found on which an additional map had been carved on the underside. The elder gentleman, perhaps in his eighties, explained that he was too old to go looking for “blood money.” After their chat, the men returned to town and Cook departed. Their meeting had played out like an opening scene of a movie where an old stranger appeared, only once, to advance the plot, and then Hunter never saw him again.

Due to Cook's vivid description of the area, Hunter found the flat rock in the Wichita Mountains with the map. Although the trail was warm, it would take years for the lawmanturned-treasure-hunter to locate vital clues. Hunter was further aided by another enigmatic elder gent who discovered two similar maps hidden in the false bottom of a small chest that he had owned for five years.

More than 30 years after Frank James left the state, Mrs. Hedlund found the strange, flat map rock he had sought on her property. Hunter read about the event in the local paper and soon paid her a visit. The information disclosed on the rock, along with the earlier maps he had acquired, sent him to the north base of a nearby stone landmark known as Buzzard's Roost where he dug up an iron teapot that contained gold bullion, jewels, a watch and, most importantly, a rolled sheet of copper.

The sheet was unrolled to reveal yet another map.

Hunter gave the gold he found on Mrs. Hedlund's land to her and kept the rest of the items. Especially, the coded map that led him 30 miles southwest, deep into the Wichitas, where he discovered additional, tedious clues to decipher. In 1948, two years later, Hunter was finally led to

See Farris, Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 19

Area youth serves as page at Capitol

Farris From Page 18 the cedar tree-lined base of Tarbone Mountain. It was there, concealed under a rock ledge where he found what Frank James, and many others since, had strove but failed to obtain.

In the winter of 1876, Frank and Jesse James, along with Cole Younger, and nine other gang members whose names have been lost to history, found themselves snowed in the Wichitas after having robbed a Mexican gold transport south of the Texas border near Chihuahua.

After hiding their plunder, a contract, binding the men together as the rightful owners of the gold, was carved into the side of a brass bucket, dated March 5, 1876, and hidden under a rock ledge at the foot of Tarbone Mountain. The contract held more treasure clues, followed by the men's names, which included Frank and Jesse James.

After more than seven decades, Hunter retrieved the valued brass bucket which contained more of the Mexican bullion. Within this same

proximity, he also dug up a threelegged Dutch oven containing more gold, and a chain and fob that matched the watch found in the iron tea pot unearthed on Mrs. Hedlund's farm.

On Sunday, Feb. 29, 1948, the banner headline on the front page of The Lawton Constitution read, “Lawton Trio Believes End Of Trail Is Near In 16-Year Search For Fabulous Treasure In Expansive Wichitas.”

The article included photos of some of the various items discovered, including the Dutch oven and the brass bucket carved with the “brass bucket contract.”

Since then, the trail has gone cold; but that hasn't stop Hunter and many other dedicated treasure hunters from their search. At least one other treasure stash hidden by the James Gang, estimated at $180,000, remains somewhere in the Wichitas, unclaimed. Their legend continues to haunts the hills and old outlaw trails they formerly rode.

Lindsi Shipley served as a page for State Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, at the state Capitol last week during the first session of the 57th State Legislature.

Shipley is a senior at Deer Creek High School, where she is a National Honor Society member and is active in student council. She is also inHouse Page Lindsi Shipley with State Rep. volved in her schools T-Shirt Club. In her spare time, she fo- Nicole Miller on the floor of the Oklahoma cuses on art and photography, House of Representatives. and has won awards and scholprocess. I’m sure she’ll succeed in her arship money in several competitions next chapter of her life. District 82 is for her photography. proud to claim her!”

Shipley will attend University of House pages run messages to legisArkansas and plans to study either lators while they are in the chamber business marketing or law. She is the or committee meetings. Pages also daughter of Kurt and Keri Shipley. participate in a mock session, in The family resides in District 82 in which they learn legislative procedure Edmond. and how to write, present and de“Lindsi was a wonderful page at bate legislation. the House this week,” Miller said.

Rep. Nicole Miller, a Republican, “I’m glad she had a chance to experi- serves District 82 in the Oklahoma ence the business of deadline week House of Representatives, which inat the Capitol and get an up-close cludes parts of Edmond, Oklahoma look into our state’s legislative City and Deer Creek.

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left are Mark McDivitt, Angela Dormiani, Rotarian Terri Watkins, ASTEC Superintendent Shannon Grimes, ASTEC CEO Dr. Freda Deskin and Rotarian Chris Griswold.

Rotarians honor teacher from Edmond An Edmond resident and long-time educator has been named as the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City’s Teacher of the Month.

Angela Dormiani, who teaches history at ASTEC Charter, was recognized April 23 by the Rotary Club.

A 17-year educator, Dormiani is a head lead teacher, planning and coordinating ASTEC’s professional development and training. She also assists the school’s junior class with planning the Junior/Senior Prom. Dormiani is a National Board Certified Master Teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rockhurst University and her master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

“I chose to teach history for several reasons,” Dormiani said. “I want teenagers to understand the diverse cultures, people and institutions that have developed and kept our country going strong.

I want to pass on the passion to understand our past and encourage young people to find connections between the past and their own lives.”

Outside of school, Dormiani supports The Care Center, Santa’s Cause, United Way and Allied Arts.

“Angela Dormiani is a phenomenal teacher who challenges her students,” said Dr. Freda Deskin, ASTEC CEO. “Ms. Dormiani is respected by her peers and administrators. I am very proud of her.”

The Advanced Science and Technology Educa-

tion Charter (ASTEC) Schools, founded by Deskin, became Oklahoma’s first start-up charter school in 2000. The school began with just 100 middle school student scholars and quickly grew to include a high school with a combined enrollment of nearly 1,000 middle and high school scholars and a waiting list. An elementary school will be added in the fall of 2020. ASTEC integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) into a liberal arts curriculum. Technology is a daily core subject. ASTEC values character, citizenship, social and cultural awareness, community service, a strong work ethic and entrepreneurship.

Page 20 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Clinical trial patient looks toward future after brain cancer treatment When Claudia Cavallin was diagnosed with a brain tumor three years ago, the Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine not only provided lifesaving surgery and clinical trial treatment, but it became a home away from home.

Cavallin is a doctoral student at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, where she, her husband and two children moved in 2015 from their native Venezuela. Cavallin was excited about the move and for her family to learn a new language and culture. But she also was having constant headaches.

“Good things were happening – I love OU and was making friends, but my headaches were still happening,” she said. “I thought maybe they were because of the weather – we don’t have winter in Venezuela – or because I was so busy and needed to rest.”

One evening when she came home after class, Cavallin had a seizure, an event she doesn’t remember. Her family called 911 and the search for a cause began. After an MRI revealed the tumor, she was referred to Stephenson Cancer Center.

Brain tumors have four grades, with grade four being the most aggressive type of cancer. Cavallin was diagnosed with a grade II glioma. It was located in the area of her brain where language and memory functions take place. She told her treatment team how important it was for her to retain all the abilities necessary for her work – reading, teaching, speaking different languages and translating. They opted for awake brain surgery, during which Cavallin interacted with the surgical team.

They asked her questions about language, colors and mathematics to ensure her brain function was intact – all while the surgeon was removing the tumor.

PHOTO PROVIDED/CAROLINE RYKARD/OU MEDICINE

Clinical trials patient Claudia Cavallin and her neurologist Dr. James Battiste.

“Our surgeons could always go in and remove a bigger area of the brain around the tumor, but it would cause patients lots of problems,” said James D. Battiste, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Comprehensive Brain Tumor Program at Stephenson Cancer Center. “Because a big part of her career involves speaking and language, we wanted to preserve that functioning.

In brain tumors, that’s always the trade-off. We want to treat the patients as aggressively as possible, but we also don’t want to take too much brain because then they couldn’t function. What good is it if you’re cured but not functioning?”

Since her successful surgery, Battiste has led Cavallin’s treatment, which involved radiation and chemotherapy. She opted to go on a National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trial that compares two different protocols for effectiveness and amount of complications and side effects. One protocol involved radiation plus a cocktail of three drugs that have been around longer but are harsh for the patient’s bone marrow and are partly given through an IV. The other protocol involved radiation plus a newer drug that is less harmful to bone marrow and can be given in pill form. The clinical trial, which is being conducted across the nation, is

still ongoing.

Cavallin endured her radiation and chemotherapy well, with manageable side effects. She returns to Stephenson Cancer Center every four months for an MRI. Her checkups are like reuniting with family – the physicians, nurses and staff who have answered every question, reassured her and her family, and played her favorite music while she was in the MRI machine.

Cavallin said she intentionally arrives at her appointments a little early, for a sentimental reason.

“Sometimes I miss my family because I left them in Venezuela, and it’s not such a good situation there right now,” she said. “But my father plays the piano, and in the lobby of the cancer center, there is a piano playing all the time. And it plays many of the same songs my dad used to play for me, so it helps me make a connection to him. I like to wait for my appointment because I can drink a coffee and listen to the piano. It’s not a sad place where you think about sad things. I’m going to a beautiful place where I have friends.

That’s another kind of medicine for me.”

Cavallin also has resumed her busy schedule. She is working toward her doctorate in the Department of Modern Languages Literatures and Linguistics. She also works as a graduate teaching assistant and writes for Latin American Literature Today, an affiliate of OU’s renowned World Literature Today publication. In the future, she plans to teach.

She also calls herself a cancer survivor. As a clinical trial participant, she not only received cutting-edge treatment, but she contributed to research that will improve the lives of other patients for years to come.

“Patients like Claudia are the heroes,” Battiste said. “They’re the ones who have so much courage.”

Edmond physician wins OKC Memorial Marathon This is what David A. Rhodes, M.D., looks like at his day job. He is a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health in Edmond, where he specializes in sports medicine as well as adult and pediatric hand surgery.

He has lived in Oklahoma for only about a year, but has already endeared himself to his many patients and the entire INTEGRIS staff. Now, after winning the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on Sunday, it seems everyone knows his name.

The weekend event was just the fourth marathon the 47-year-old had ever run.

Still, he was able to run away with the title in an impressive time of 2 hours, 39 minutes and 6 seconds.

He himself is in disbelief.

“I can’t believe I won a marathon,” Rhodes admits.

“That’s crazy. I’m still in shock.”

His victory came despite taking a wrong turn around mile 15. “There was one point out in the race where I started going the wrong way and people were screaming at me to turn around.”

Not to say, Rhodes didn’t deserve the win. He definitely put in the training hours, waking up at 4 and 5 a.m. to get his runs in before heading to work. He is most certainly the epitome of determination, discipline and commitment to all things.

“It was pretty hard the last few miles. I really struggled to keep going.” But the father of six dug deep to find the strength he needed to finish strong.

The meaning and magnitude of this particular race is not lost on the

Dr. Rhodes

unlikely champion. “I never ever thought I’d win a marathon. In this town, this state, there are so many better runners than I am,” Rhodes concedes. “For whatever reason, I got to win that day. It’s humbling to win a marathon that honors so many people.”

Nearly 24,000 runners participated in the 2019 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon to remember the 168 lives lost on April 19, 1995 – and the countless others whose lives were forever changed on that fateful day.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 21

Insurer will decrease its rates

Silver Leaf Gems Date Established: April 2006 Number of Employees: Three Full-Time, one Part-Time Product/Service: Hand designed jewelry and jewelry repair

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the largest auto insurer in Oklahoma and in the nation, will cut its rates in that state.

Website: As a result, the overall auto rate will www.silverleafgems.com drop by 6 percent. The total stateTwitter: @silverleafgems wide savings for all State Farm cusFacebook: tomers affected by this rate @silverleafgemsjewelry adjustment in Oklahoma will be more than $36 million.

Instagram: @silverleafgems “The company’s financial strength From left are Sondra Reid, Diana Pate and Stephanie Carel. is allowing us to pass along rate savings to our Oklahoma customers," said State Farm Vice President Brian Maxwell. “We continually evaluate Many businesses refer pearl repairs to the store how we can best serve our customers (Editor’s Note: The following business because Pate is a silk knotting expert. Large was featured in a recent edition of the Edand are very pleased to be able to stores also call on Silver Leaf Gems for repairs mond Economic Development Authority’s offer this rate decrease in Oklahoma.” of broken jewelry items. newsletter The Arrow. The following was Overall changes in premiums for Silver Leaf Gems offers hand designed jewwritten about the downtown business.) individual motorists will vary deelry. The staff enjoys redesigning out-of-date pending on the specific details of an jewelry and making it into something modern. individual customer’s policy and Silver Leaf Gems offers hand designed They love taking grandma's vintage jewelry and chosen coverages. The effective jewelry and jewelry repair. The store, located turning it into something new for customers to date for new and renewal business at 15 W. Campbell Street, is owned and opwear or give as gifts to family. The process is erated by Diana Pate and her two daughters, is May 27. Oklahoma customers especially fun when using grandpa's coin collec- with questions can contact their Sondra Reid and Stephanie Carel. tion, grandma's mismatched clip-on earrings or local State Farm agent to discuss Originally opened as Bead Attic in 2001, the store became Silver Leaf Gems in April 2006. The family vintage pearls for a great-granddaughter's wedding. their individual situation.

The store has been recognized in publications and media chose to locate both stores in Edmond because they love In addition to this rate reduction, the people and the city. They especially love the Downtown across the country and showcased on Discover Oklahoma.

State Farm agents are able to reSilver Leaf Gems-designed jewelry is sold in businesses area because Carel and Reid spent time there as children view with new and existing cusacross the state of Oklahoma. The staff has also received while Pate worked at the Sears catalog store, formerly lotomers the many opportunities for cated in the building that is now Around the Corner Restau- recognition, including co-owner Carel being named the Edadditional discounts that may apply mond Chamber of Commerce and Prosperity Bank 2018 rant. Now they are helping to make the area where they to an individual’s unique circumWoman of the Year. grew up a great place to enjoy. stances. A rate decrease combined Pate, Reid and Carel's goal for the future is to continue with discounts offers an exceptional The staff at Silver Leaf Gems repairs jewelry, mostly to grow Silver Leaf Gems, while staying true to the quality long-term value to State Farm cusbeaded jewelry, and they have learned over the years that and unique style their customers have come to know. they are one of the last businesses doing this in Oklahoma. tomers.

Silver Leaf Gems featured by EEDA

OSU’s energy conference to be held in metro May 23 Leaders from some of the state’s top energy companies will speak May 23 at the 13th annual Oklahoma State University Energy Conference in downtown Oklahoma City. The conference is from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Cox Convention Center.

Participants will learn from energy industry experts and network with business professionals to get a better understanding of the current energy market and hear speakers share opinions and predictions on the future of energy.

“We are excited to present the 13th annual Oklahoma State University Energy Conference,” said Ken Eastman, dean of the OSU Spears School of Business. “Participants will hear from leading energy experts and learn about important industry trends. We believe that attending the conference will be beneficial to anyone with ties to or interest in the energy sector.”

Topics and speakers for the conference are: n “Technology and Regulations,” with Sean Trauschke, chairman, president and CEO, OGE Energy Corp.; n “How Technology is Changing Unconventional Resource Development,” with Dave Hager, president and CEO, Devon Energy, Oklahoma City; n “Big Data in the Oilfield,” with Kate Richard, founder and CEO, Warwick Energy Group, and Chris Buie, director of Data Science and Strategic Initiatives, Warwick Energy Group,

Oklahoma City; n “The Midstream Imperative: Meeting the Challenge in Connecting Energy to Global Markets,” with Timothy D. Roberts, executive vice president, Midstream, Phillips 66, Houston; n “The Permian: Opportunities and Challenges Moving Forward,” with Rick Muncrief, CEO, WPX Energy, Tulsa; n “Changing Role of Private Equity in the Energy Sector,” discussion panel with Steve C. Dixon, chairman and CEO, Tapstone Energy LLC, Oklahoma City; Jeff Fisher, CEO, Ascent Resources, Oklahoma City: and Carey Joullian, chairman, president and CEO, Mustang Fuel Corp., Oklahoma City.

Griff Jones, president and CEO of Twin Eagle Resource Management in Houston, will moderate the conference.

This year’s gold sponsors are Ascent Resources, the Chickasaw Nation, Grant Thornton, Le Norman and WPX Energy. Silver sponsors include Devon Energy, Deloitte, EY, Stinnett & Associates and White Star Petroleum.

Registration is $275 a person and includes open seating at the luncheon.

The cost is $250 per person if eight or more register from the same company.

Fees include registration, digital materials, continental breakfast, break refreshments and the luncheon.

For more information on sponsorships or to register, contact Cristina Alsip, program coordinator, at 405-7448650 or visit the website.

Oklahoma rig count unchanged Oklahoma’s rig count remained unchanged at 102 this week as the number of working rigs nationally continued to fall, Baker Hughes reported last week.

The national working rig count declined by 21, to 991, off 30 from the 1,021 that were drilling the same week a year ago. The number of rigs drilling for oil fell to 805, while the number of rigs drilling for natural gas declined to

186. A year ago in Oklahoma, 133 rigs were operating. The number of rigs working in the Cana Woodford basin declined by two, to 46.

The most active fields this week, Baker Hughes said, were the Permian in west Texas and southeast New Mexico at 460, the south Texas Eagle Ford at 73, the Marcellus Shale at 62, the Williston at 58 and the Haynesville at 54.

Page 22 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Give weed whacker some TLC

NORTH NOR RT TH SECTION SECTION

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

STUNNING HOME ON ON 1.61 ACRES ACRES

L LUXURY UXUR UR RY ON ON ACREAGE ACREAGE

2+ A ACRES CRES IN ABBEY PLACE PLACE

OAK O A AK TREE

EAST GOLF COURSE COURSE - 15TH HOLE

SPECTACULAR SPECT TACULAR LAKE LAKE VIEW-1.03 VIEW-1.03 ACRES ACRES

FAIRVIEW F AIR A VIEW FARM FA ARM

TOWN SQUARE

Don’t forget the maintenance on your string trimmer.

phase separate into alcohol and water and cause damage to your mower’s engine. Follow safe handling procedures and dispose of old fuel properly.

Protect your power by using the right fuel. Always use E10 or less fuel. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol in any outdoor power equipment, including your string trimmer. Higher ethanol blended fuels may damage or destroy outdoor power equipment. For more information about safe fueling, go to www.LookBeforeYouPump.com.

By following these tips before you start using your string trimmer this spring, you will protect your investment. For more information about the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, go to www.opei.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD PO POND ND ON ON 1+ ACRE ACRE

ROSE CREEK 9TH FAIRWAY FAIRWAY

FAIRFAX F AIRF FAX A BEAUTY BEAUTY

EDMOND OFFICE BUILDING

The gas-powered string trimmer, also known as a weed whacker by many people, is a common yard and garden tool. Because they are less complicated than a lawn mower, many people do not know that string trimmers can benefit from a tune-up.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute shares seven tips to help you tune up your string trimmer for spring and summer use.

Clean and visually inspect your equipment. Wipe it down with a rag or cloth and remove any dirt or debris. Look for loose screws, missing parts, or signs of damage.

Remove and inspect the spark plug. If the electrode looks worn replace the spark plug. Whether you install a brand new spark plug or plan to use the old one, use a spark plug gapping tool to set the proper gap.

Information on this should be found in your owner's manual.

Inspect and replace the line. Pull the trimmer line spool out and remove any leftover line from last season. The line can get brittle over time. Rewind with new line and reinstall the head.

Examine the air filter. Remove the cover and the air filter. Inspect the air filter carefully not only to see if it needs to be cleaned, but also to make sure it does not have any holes in it. Holes will let dirt enter the engine, causing damage.

Check the controls. Start with the on/off switch. It should click on and off. Pull the starter rope all the way out and check for cuts, nicks, and frayed spots. Replace it if you see any signs of damage. Test the throttle for smooth operation and check the choke and primer bulb.

Drain any old fuel. If you did not empty your trimmer’s fuel tank in the fall, drain your tank now. Most fuels today contain ethanol which can

TWIN BRIDGES

OAKTREE PARK

FAIRFAX ESTATES

OAK TREE WEST

REDSTONE CUSTOM HOME

FAIRFAX ESTATES

Fred Hill

Fred Hill to provide music May 4 at Arcadia Round Barn

OAKMOND

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SELL Y YOUR OUR HOME WITH BRAD! NEW LISTINGS ACCEPTED! CALL US AT

330-2626 OAK TREE ESTATES

ACREAGE IN DEER CREEK SCHOOLS

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SOLD!

EDMOND SCHOOLS

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SOUTH SECTION

VALENCIA

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Singer-songwriter Fred Hill will bring Morning Music to the Arcadia Round barn from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 4.

Hill accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica and performs his own music as well as covers of country, folk and rock music.

He is the host of Fred Hill’s Listening Room for Songwriters at Java 39 in Bethany and has appeared at Michelangelo’s and the Bluebonnet in

Norman, the Chicken Shack in Luther, Grandad’s in Oklahoma City, the Norman Music Festival and the Paseo Arts Festival. He is scheduled in June for a return appearance at the Taos Inn in Taos, N.M. Admission is free but donations are accepted. The barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66.

For more information about music at the barn call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 2, 2019 • Page 23

Group helps hundreds of children in April An Edmond nonprofit had a busy April as it sought to increase self-esteem for children in the region. With the help of more than 125 local volunteers, U R Special distributed brand new clothing to 458 children during the first weekend in April alone.

U R Special distributes clothing to underprivileged children in the Edmond area three times a year: April, August and November. Children choose new articles of clothing (including shoes) and create a personalized outfit from stations at the nonprofit's location at 25 W. Third St in Edmond. The April distribution allows children to choose bright, colorful outfits that are perfect for spring or Easter events.

Volunteer and Edmond resident Joanne Young is a longtime supporter of U R Special.

"This is my opportunity to give back just as others did for me," Young said. "My mother was a widow with small children, and we depended on others to get through some tough times. Every child smiles when they receive new clothes, and we want them to know they are loved in this community."

U R Special would not be able to help students without volunteers and donors who make the giveaways possible. The organizational serves families that are below the HUD poverty line; parents or guardians certify that at the distributions. U R Special was founded in 1993 and has grown from serving 150 children a year to about 500 children per distribution. The nonprofit serves children ages 3 to 9 who live in Edmond or go to Edmond Public Schools. Children must be present with parents or guardians, and a utility bill or current report card is required at each distribution.

U R Special’s goal is to serve children with compassion and love. The board of directors wants to serve children and inspire them to serve others.

The organization aims to help the children build positive self-esteem, healthy habits and positive relationships. To do that, volunteers address children by name, distribute in a way that is encouraging and allow children to choose their own clothes. To learn more, visit www.urspecialedmond.org or call 405-340-2799.

About U R Special U R Special exists to foster self-esteem and healthy lifestyles in needy and at-risk children. The organization provides new, one-of-a-kind outfits for the children of Edmond, Oklahoma. One of the founders of U R Special saw how one dress given to a girl in need made her face light up. Staff and volunteers offer service and love to children and families without regard to religion, race or ethnic background.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Joselyn Jaurez is grateful for the help received at U R Special.

Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am Animal Friendly Parish “If you have people who exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have those who deal likewise with their fellow human being.”

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • May 2, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure