Edmond Life and Leisure - May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

Vol. 22, No. 51

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

UCO will graduate More than 1,300

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

For more information, see page 4.

A look at the amazing career of educator Debbie Bendick

See page 8

FRIDAY, May 6

Sunny High 81° Low 56°

SATURDAY, May 7 Sunny High 86° Low 69°

SUNDAY, May 8

Mostly Sunny High 89° Low 69°

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,351 graduates during the Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremonies May 6-7, in Central’s Hamilton Field House.

UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar will offer comments at each of the university’s five ceremonies.

Pictured, UCO graduates dressed in regalia.

The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,351 graduates during the Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremonies May 6-7, in Central’s Hamilton Field House.

UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar will offer comments at each of the university’s five ceremonies.

Commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows: · 3 p.m., Friday, May 6: College of Education and Professional Studies bachelor’s degree candidates; except psychology undergraduates; · 7 p.m., Friday, May 6: Jackson College of Graduate Studies master’s degree candidates and College of Education and Professional Studies psychology undergraduates;

· 10 a.m., Saturday, May 7: College of Business and College of Fine Arts and Design bachelor’s degree candidates, · 2 p.m., Saturday, May 7: College of Mathematics and Science bachelor’s degree candidates; and, · 6 p.m., Saturday, May 7: College of Liberal Arts bachelor’s degree candidates.

Graduates and guests attending the ceremonies are asked to arrive early as the field house traditionally fills to capacity. All guests ages 4 and up are required to have ticket for entry.

Limited parking to the west of the field house will be reserved for those with disabilities. All campus parking spaces, except those in the reserved lot to the west of the field house,

will be open during the commencement events for those attending the ceremonies.

The ceremonies may be viewed online at www.uco.edu, with livestreaming beginning approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony.

Additionally, Central will livestream each commencement ceremony on UCO’s Facebook page. The Facebook Live stream will capture the traditional graduate walk from Old North to Hamilton Field House, weather permitting.

Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, mask wearing is strongly recommended.

For more information about Central’s graduation, visit www.uco. edu/commencement.

Page 2 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 3

Wanting a second home?

Now may be time to buy

By Kenneth Wohl, RCB Bank If you’re looking for a place to get away for weekends or longer vacations, or if you’re getting close to retirement and thinking of a place to relocate to, a second home may Wohl be just what you need.

A second home also can be a great investment opportunity.

Defining a second home A second home is defined as a one-unit property that’s located within a reasonable distance from your primary residence. It can be a home you occupy for just a portion of the year.

It is not considered a second home if someone else lives there full time.

For example, if you buy a home in Stillwater but you live in Oklahoma City and your child lives in the Stillwater home full time while attending school.

Second homes are typically located near an attraction such as a lake, mountain or beach.

A property can be considered a second home if you live there occasionally because you work far from your primary residence. For example, you live in Tulsa but work in Oklahoma City.

You may short-term rent a second home, but cannot rent it full time.

Full-time rentals should be purchased as an investment property.

Financing a second home The financing guidelines for a second home are similar to financing a primary residence. The down payment on a primary residence is a minimum of 3% in certain instances; the minimum down payment for a second home is generally 10%. Rates typically are higher on a second home than a primary residence.

However, the terms usually are the same – up to 30 years.

Your lender will need to verify you have sufficient funds for closing and 6 months’ worth of reserves to cover both your primary and second home loan payments. Government loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA) are not available for second home financing.

If you’re interested in purchasing a second home, talk to a mortgage lender before taking the plunge. They can help you get prequalified. Your lender will help you navigate the process and determine if purchasing a second home is right for you.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit.

For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.

For more business news See Page 17

Page 4 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Do not find yourself defrauded At 63 years of age, I can totally relate to those television commercials that feature a guy teaching a class on how not to become their parents.

In the television advertising, the class is made up of young people but in my case, I am entitled to become my dad.

Sometimes I hear things come out of my mouth and just thing, “Dad used to say that.” Ray Hibbard This column has me taking the role of my dad when it comes to storm damage and what to do if it hits your neighborhood. It is that time of year.

I also have personal experience in that on May 3, 1999, my house was blown away to the slab.

We learned a lot about rebuilding with nothing to your name. Thank God, we left before the fastest winds every recorded by humankind twisted over the top of our home. We literally had nothing but the clothes on our back. My shirt was from a trip to Cozumel that said, “Hogs Breath is better than no breath at all,” on it. I appeared on Larry King live with that shirt as the hick in the ball cap that they find here in Oklahoma to interview on national television. It used to upset me when national broadcasters would do that but then I was that guy.

Thanks to the Lord, the support of our family and friends and State Farm, it turned out not to be the personal disaster that it could have been.

State Farm was the absolute best in helping us get back on our feet and I would never move my insurance. I am sure other insurance companies were good as well but at a time like that, it is the insurance company time to shine, and they did folks. Gary Baccus is the local Edmond agent for State Farm.

Let me add this piece of fatherly advice. The last thing you want to do is check your insurance coverage after the disaster. Please review it beforehand. If your agent does not do a yearly review on your coverage, ask for one. I had such a meeting in April of 1999. We upgraded the home coverage for a small amount of money, but it added benefits including replacement cost that were a life saver after the disaster hit.

Hopefully, if you have storm damage it is not to the extent that we experienced and the kind that can be repaired. The problem after severe weather caused damage throughout a community is that the streets are loaded with out of town and fly by night contractors looking to make a fast buck. I totally get that you will be in a hurry to get the work done and at a decent price but please be patient and wait for a locally owned and operated contractor to do the work. A good tip is to look at the license plate on their car or truck. No matter what the magnetic sign says on their vehicle, make sure they do not’ have out of state tags.

Here are some tips from State Farm on selecting a contractor.

Tips to find a quality contractor to help with your home recovery or project If your area got hit hard by recent storms, scammers may arrive offering repairs to your roof and other property damaged. Learn to spot them.

Contractors replacing a roof after storm damage Neighborhoods recovering from storm damage

Some big decisions need to be made after a storm causes damage. Make sure you make the right ones.

to their roof or other property often attract the attention of repair companies, both reputable contractor and home repair scammers. Ask questions and do research before signing a contract for repairs.

And remember, the first step you should take is contacting your insurance agent and filing a claim.

You should ask about your policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Share your home inventory with your insurance company and save all receipts for any items you purchase due to the storm, including those for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy.

Here are some tips to help find a quality contractor. Demand for contractors will be high after a storm. Before installing a new roof, or having repairs made following storm damage, consider the following when choosing your contractor: Do your research: Contact your local Better Business Bureau to check for complaints filed against the contractor. You can also review contractor's reviews online. You may also contact your National Roofing Contractors Association for assistance in locating a professional contractor in a specific geographic area at 800-USA-ROOF (800-872-7663) or go to nrca.net. You can also check to see if they are a member of the Edmond Chamber or Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Are they licensed or bonded? Look for an established, licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors while other cities require contractors to have a license on file before they are able to get permits.

Do they have a certificate of insurance?

Ask to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers compensation insurance coverage is carried and are in force during the time the roofing work is being done.

Ask about a warranty: Carefully review and understand any warranty and watch for conditions that would void it.

Ask for a detailed estimate in writing: In-

sist on a detailed, written estimate clearly stating the quantity of materials needed (labor charges; work specifications), including approximate starting and completion dates, payment procedures and any necessary building permits.

Ask if they plan to use subcontractors: If they are, make sure you review the subcontractors as well.

Ask for references: Request a list of projects they have worked on in the past and request to speak with the customers.

Question low bids: Use caution (ask questions) before accepting a bid substantially lower than other bids covering the same repair work.

Be cautious of deposits: If the contractor offers you a pay today for a discount price, be cautious.

Get a receipt: Be wary of contractors who want cash and make sure you get a receipt of payment for each payment.

Getting repairs to your home or property after a natural disaster requires patience and diligence.

You will need to work with your insurance company, secure a settlement, then find a contractor who help you with the repairs. Do not rush. Take the time you need to thoroughly evaluate your options. And remember, do not have any work started on your property until after you have discussed the damage with your insurance agent.

I have my roof inspected every year by Red River Roofing here in Edmond. No, they do not pay me to say that. They are a family owned locally, owned company that I trust. It is good to have a relationship before the winds blow your roof off because you get priority if something does happen. A regular inspection also helps keep your roof in decent shape in preventing leaks and weather damage.

Forgive me for sounding like my dad but with storm season upon us, I just could not help myself.

A little preparation and planning now could save you much headache if something does happen.

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police report ..............................................................................Page 6.

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6.

---- Educator Debbie Bendick to retire ..............................................Page 8.

---- Columnist puzzled by a fed office on disinformation ..............Page 10.

---- Scenes from Arts Festival..........................................................Page 11.

---- Elaine’s latest trip ....................................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews ‘All the Old Knives’ ................................Page 14.

---- Crossword puzzle ....................................................................Page 14.

---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17.

This, and much more, in this week’s edition!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Page 6 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department.

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

April 18 Kimberlyn Kay Evans, 60 homeless. Non-assault resisting an officer and trespassing.

Victor Hugo Chavez, 36 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Krystina Michelle Tapley, 35 of Guthrie. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Sawyer Curtis Gatewood, 29 homeless. Three counts of failure to appear.

Anthony Trenell Russell Jr, 26 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

April Christine Delgado, 30 of Oklahoma City.

Failure to wear seatbelt and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Tyler Wayne Glass, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Alex Michael Thomas, 31 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Dusty Cole Collier, 39 of Oklahoma City. Four misdemeanor warrants, driving while license is canceled, suspended or revoked and misuse of forged, counterfeit, or suspended driver license.

April 19 Dakota Morgan Neighbors, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Mark Lewis Tribble, 62, homeless. Possession of CDS and failure to appear.

Delicia Quentrell Lewis, 33 of Oklahoma City.

Petty larceny.

April 20 Patrick John Jantz, 53 of Edmond. Public intoxi-

cation.

Carl Edward Buffington Jr, 51 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

April 21 Davyn Ryan Ballard, 30 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Denice Latrell Vadi, 46 of Del City. Four misdemeanor warrants and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Kathleen Ann Hauck, 24 of Edmond. Possess CDS, child endangerment, operate (DUI or APC) under the influence of drugs or a combination of schedule I drugs, chemical or controlled substance.

Michael Clinton Nuttall II, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Conridge Paul Iser, 43 of Edmond. Driving across dividing space or barrier, tinted windshields & windows prohibited and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Mickey Calvin Rose, 67 of Edmond. Petty larceny.

Tyler Wayne Glass, 35, of Edmond. Trespassing and public intoxication.

April 22 Destinie Kay Kaiser-Torres, 32 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant, possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, obstruction of police officer, false personation of another and two counts of failure to appear.

Michael Richard Dees, Jr, 36 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Gary Dewayne Lane, 58 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

April 23 Loretta Lynn Cragar, 56 of Edmond. False representation to an officer and two counts of failure to appear.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 48 homeless. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Luke Becker Sparks, 21 of Davis, Okla. Public intoxication.

Melvyn Douglas Oliger, 58 of Edmond. Public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Zachary Thomas Horton, 26 homeless. Felony warrant.

William Howard Allen II, 41 of Edmond. Breaking and entering, use a firearm while committing a felony, possess a firearm after a felony conviction, assault or assault and battery and discharge firearms (at building or dwelling.)

April 24 Christian Perez, 21 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Melissa Renee Shaffer, 41 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant, two felony warrants, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Christopher Scott Smith, 34 of Amarillo, Texas.

Burglary in the first degree.

Jacob Allen Rodriquez, 40 homeless. (Felony) possession of another’s debit card, possess CDS, public intoxication and obstruction of a police officer.

Walter Jerome Funches, Jr., 41 homeless. Three counts of failure to appear.

Jenni Marie Cowan, 37 of Oklahoma City. Four felony warrants, operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment, no proof of insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dejuan Wyuantrel Matthews, 36 of Edmond.

Misdemeanor warrant, public intoxication and nonassault resisting officer.

Weekend calendar of events, May 5-8 Homecoming Weekend Location: Various Locations Extra Info: Fri, May 6 – Sun, May 8; neokcr.org

What’s Happening This Weekend May 5-8 ---- Zonly Looman Gallery ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- 5x5 Art Show & Sale and Gallery Opening ---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience ---- Shortt Dog ---- Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company ---- National Travel & Tourism Week 2022 ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Western Games ---- Drop-In Drawing: Horse, Laura Gardin Fraser ---- Signature Tour ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare presents: As You Like It ---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Sleeping Beauty ---- Dancing in the Gardens – Salsa Night ---- oNE OKC: Homecoming Weekend ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord ---- Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival ---- Cowboys of Color ---- Oklahoma Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale ---- Indie Trunk Show ---- Red Brick Nights ---- Round Barn Rendezvous Extra Information Zonly Looman Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, May 5 – Tue, May 31; featuring the art of Zonly Looman; by appointment; edmondfinearts.com Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: Amer. Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhisory.org

First Friday Gallery Walk Location: Paseo Arts District Extra Info: Fri, May 6; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org Pool & Spa Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, May 6 – Sun, May 8; Fri: 12 – 9 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

VIBES, Edmond’s Downtown art experience, will be tonight, 5 to 9 p.m.

5x5 Art Show & Sale and Gallery Opening Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, May 5; 5 p.m.; Free; facebook.com VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Thu, May 5; 5 – 9 p.m.; Free; Shortt Dog Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, May 6; 7 p.m. doors open; $15; ucojazzlab.com Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sat, May 7; 7 p.m. doors open; $15; ucojazzlab.com National Travel & Tourism Week 2022 Location: Social Media @VisitEdmond Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, May 7; 405-341-4344 Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Western Games Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, May 7; 10 a.m. ---- 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Drop-In Drawing: Horse, Laura Gardin Fraser Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 8; 2 ---- 3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, May 7 & Sun, May 8; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Shakespeare presents: As You Like It Location: Outdoor Shakespeare Gardens Extra Info: Fri, Apr 29 – Sat, May 14; 8 p.m.; okshakes.org Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Sleeping Beauty Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Fri, May 6 – Sun, May 8; Fri & Sat: 7:30 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okcballet.org Dancing in the Gardens – Salsa Night Location: Seasonal Plaza Extra Info: Fri, May 6; 7 – 10 p.m.; myriadgardens.org oNE OKC:

Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord Academy presents: Into the Woods Location: 1725 NW 16th St, OKC Extra Info: Fri, May 6 – Sun, May 8; Fri & Sat: 7 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 2 p.m.; thelmagaylordacademy.com Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sat, May 7; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; myriadgardens.org Cowboys of Color Rodeo Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, May 7; doors: 3:30 p.m.; events: 6 – 11 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com Oklahoma Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale Location: Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center Extra Info: Sat, May 7; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okorchidsociety.org Indie Trunk Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, May 7; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; indietrunkshowokc.com Red Brick Nights Location: Oklahoma Ave & Wentz Ave, Guthrie, OK Extra Info: Sat, May 7; 5 – 11 p.m.; facebook.com Round Barn Rendezvous Location: Round Barn, Arcadia, OK Extra Info: Sun, May 8; 12 – 5 p.m.; arcadiaroundbarn.com

Edmond Life & Leisure •May 5, 2022 • Page 7

Advice for planning the perfect road trip People who wish to hit the road this Spring are advised to plan their trip in advance to make it as relaxing and fun as possible.

Surviving a long-distance car journey can be challenging but car rental experts from StressFreeCarRental.com have put together a list of good tips that can help you plan the perfect road trip.

You should still leave some room for unexpected adventures and the thrill of uncertainty but a good plan will make it more likely that you’ll get through the trip without a hassle.

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Although they’re all about fun and spontaneity, the secret for a good road trip is preparation.

“You can’t enjoy the ride if you’re constantly stressing about things you could have easily avoided.

“At the end of the day, when you think back on the journey you want to remember the happy memories and exciting adventures you had with your family or friends, not the stress and petty arguments.”

Have a look at some tips for a stress-free road trip that help you make the most of your experience: Make sure vehicle is in good condition There’s nothing worse than setting off for a fun road trip, only to be stuck by the road because of a mechanical issue. Make sure you check your tire pressure, oil and wiper fluid levels and don’t forget to fill the tank.

Clean out your car Decluttering your vehicle before you head out on your journey is a good starting point because rubbish will inevitably start to pile up when you spend a long time on the road.

So it’s good to at least have a ‘clean slate’ at the outset. Throughout the trip you should also make an effort to clear out the pockets and floor of the car at least once a day.

Agree on the budget This one may not be as relevant when you’re travelling with your family members but it’s a crucial step when you’re planning a trip with your friends or anyone else who’s not in your household. You should take into account how much each passenger is willing to spend on the trip to avoid people being upset. Decide whether you’re just buying meals from gas stations or going to restaurants, do you want to stay in hotels or camp out in tents?

Put together a playlist See Trip, Page 9

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.

Page 8 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Career spans nearly 50 years

Debbie Bendick’s education career to end in June It was a career that took her across the nation, but for Debbie Bendick, her nearly 50 years of investing in future generations have been the joy of her educational career.

“I knew from having lived here in college and student teaching here that Edmond Schools was the kind of district I wanted to be a part of,” Bendick said, who graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1973.

Bendick taught for nearly 20 years across the nation before settling in Edmond in the mid-90s when she started at Summit Middle School as an assistant principal. She was given the opportunity to be the first principal at Cheyenne Middle School, and was able to invent the school from the ground up. She would serve nine years there as principal before becoming principal at Edmond Memorial High school.

“From every child needing a spiral notebook to now every student needing a computer,” Bendick said. “I have seen a breadth of change over my career.”

Now Bendick serves as the associate superintendent for secondary education. She oversees the three high schools, Boulevard Academy, secondary education on Virtual Edmond, and six middle schools. Her goal is to mentor others, solve problems, and oversee all secondary education.

“I love being in the schools more than anything,” Bendick said. “The kids are my favorite.”

Her days start early and end late and can sometimes involve life and death student issues.

Debbie Bendick "Dr. Bendick is one of the most impressive educators I have ever worked with," said Superintendent Angela Grunewald. "I have admired her from the time we were middle school principals together until the time where we now serve as district leaders to-

gether. There is never a task too small or a challenge too big for Dr. Bendick. She makes everyone around her better by her example, her knowledge and her vision."

Debreon Davis, Edmond North High School principal since 2017 and Bendick’s successor said she is thankful for her wise leadership.

"She has been my sounding board to call when making decisions and I could always trust her feedback,” Davis said.

Bendick also considers mentorship one of her greatest responsibilities.

She is known for asking in-depth questions to make sure leaders across the district are caring for all students.

“She is a true example of a lifelong learner; she never stops asking questions, reading, or striving to adapt to the changes in education she's seen it all,” said Emily Steele, former EPS school and district admin-

istrator who recently left Edmond for a position with Francis Tuttle Technology Center. “She has truly been a mentor to me.”

Superintendent Grunewald said generations of Edmond students, teachers and principals owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Bendick.

“To say that tens of thousands of people who have graduated from or taught at Edmond Public Schools have benefitted from Debbie Bendick’s tireless devotion to this district and those it serves is not an understatement,” said Grunewald. “She sets a high bar for all of us.”

Debbie’s retirement plans include not setting an alarm and doing more traveling to places across the world.

She also hopes to read more and enjoy her three book clubs.

“I have a lot of life left to learn and a lot of the world left to see,” Bendick said.

See related story, Page 16

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 9

Trip From Page 7 Good tunes are one of the most important aspects of a good road trip. Blasting music and singing along with the windows down and hair flying in the wind – that’s a road trip essential. To cater to everyone’s music tastes, you could create a specific playlist for the road trip that includes all of the passengers’ favourite songs.

Bring healthy snacks and water Snacks are another road trip necessity and that is one thing you definitely shouldn’t hold back with. However, you should try to pack some healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, granola bars etc, as constant junk food indulgence will make people feel more fatigued. Don’t also forget to bring loads of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Have stops to stretch your legs Experts suggest that you should get out of your car and stretch your legs in every two hours. This can be planned in an effective way – for example time stops for when you’re going to get meals or want to do some sight-seeing.

Bring your charger Nowadays everything is done from smartphones, which means you won’t have to bring a map or GPS device, you are able to Google different places to go and use a translation app to help you communicate when you travel abroad. To rely on this powerful tool on your trip, you must definitely remember to bring your phone charger and a battery bank.

Agree on sight-seeing stops When you set out on your journey there may be many interesting sights to see on the way, but if you have a set timeframe for your trip then you might have to prioritise some places over others.

Make sure to discuss with your fellow passengers which are your must-see sites to avoid seeing disappointed faces in the car.

Don’t drive when you’re tired Driving while you’re tired is extremely dangerous because fatigue lowers your reaction time and reduces your ability to focus. It’s important to take turns when driving, make regular stops and have enough sleep before you get behind the wheel.

Pack an emergency kit It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Although hopefully you’ll never have to use it, packing an emergency kit including some essential tools and a first aid kit is something very simple, yet it can have a massive impact when an accident should occur.

StressFreeCarRental.com

Page 10 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Disinformation? Really? Lawmakers up penalty

By Steve Gust It’s almost funny that Homeland Security wants to create an agency on “disinformation.”

Seems like there is probably a lot of disinformation in the government any- Steve Gust way. In the old days, it was the responsibility of the press to determine what is legit and what isn’t. Yet today the national press has joined the side of the liberals and ceded whatever objectivity they may have pretended to have.

What about Hunter Biden’s laptop? In 2020 the government and 51 allegedly intelligent officials labeled that Russian disinformation.

Most sane people knew that was wrong. And now most of the liberal press admits Hunter’s laptop was NOT Russian disinformation. Speaking of the computer, I’ve heard one scenario, which may play out. Hunter could get indicted. But a deal could be struck with the president’s son,

which ensures no details will be released on the investigation. I can see that happening.

Some in the government know how to cover up. And as a disclaimer, I must say I am not alleging all government employees are trying to keep secrets from the public. But seriously, a department of disinformation? That sounds like something the Russians do, not Americans with first amendment protection. And who is authorized to determine absolute truth anyway? Two people may interpret facts differently anyway.

The government, especially at the federal level, needs all kinds of transparency. With that in mind, please read the article on this page by Senator Lankford and the ways the government wastes money. Read the part of how the government spent $2 billion last year NOT to finish the southern border wall. That’s just inexcusable. Our leadership in this nation is terrible.

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

for those who stalk The Senate gave approval to House Bill 3286 last week, legislation that would increase the penalty for stalking from a misdemeanor to a felony while also providing a warning to those who are accused of stalking.

Authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, the measure would increase the punishment from one year to up to three years in prison and increase the fine for stalking from $1,000 to up to $10,000.

Additional punishment would be levied on the second or third offense.

“Oklahoma has the highest rate of domestic violence, including partner stalking, in the nation,” Bergstrom said. “Our state also ranks among the highest in the country for violent crimes, including third in the nation for the number of women killed in single victim and homicide.

“We know stalking is strongly correlated with homicide and physical and emotional violence. In fact, 76 percent of women murdered by an

intimate partner were stalked first as well as 85 percent of women who survived a murder attempt. This is a serious problem, and we must increase our stalking penalties to prevent this behavior from escalating to violent assaults, rape or murder.”

HB 3286 also requires law enforcement to provide a stalking warning letter to the accused when a complaint is made.

This letter would be issued in the same manner as a victim protection order (VPO).

“The stalking warning letter has been implemented in other states, and the number of stalking cases were reduced significantly in those areas,” Bergstrom said. “My hope is that by passing this legislation we will have a similar reduction in the number of occurrences of stalking.”

The measure next moves to the House of Representatives for their final approval before heading to the governor’s desk.

More ‘objectionable’ team nicknames?

Note: Jo Jones, belows, takes a light look at some the problems caused by team nicknames.

EDITOR: I was interested in your article (Gust, “PC World vs. Sports April 28) about “objectionable” team names since I have been thinking along the same lines.

Some examples: Obviously, OKC “Thunder” which glorifies a natural phenomenon that may presage violent weather.

Others: Steelers (Stealers?)

Saints, Angels – obviously a violation of church and state!

Packers – just exactly what do they “Pack”, guns?

Heat – slang for guns Dodgers – derogatory name for employment challenged individuals?

Pirates – glorifies criminals Warriors – glorifies war There is no end to it!

JO JONES

Lankford points out government waste Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week brought this week’s release of volume 6 of his government waste report, Federal Fumbles: Ways the government dropped the ball, to those who need to hear about it most: the US Senate.

Lankford spoke about specific examples of waste from the report and about his frustration that some Lankford in Congress talk about debt and some of the big decisions we face for long-term solvency of several major federal programs, but most are not willing to actually address it.

Lankford’s sixth volume contains examples of $10.5 trillion in wasteful federal spending as well as solutions to address it. Lankford’s report points to the almost $2 trillion in so-called “COVID relief,’ which he opposed when it passed in March 2021, that led to our skyrocketing 8.5 percent inflation,

countless employment shortages, and supply-chain delays. Lankford called out earmarks, which he opposes, and cited in the report several jaw-dropping examples of “pork” in the most recent bloated spending bill he opposed in March. Lankford’s report highlights waste, fraud, and abuse in programs Oklahomans depend on like Social Security and Medicare as well as waste and mismanagement in the Highway Trust Fund.

Transcript About six years ago I came to this floor and presented an idea. How do we get on top of our debt and deficit? Are we going to get on top of our debt and deficit? Interestingly enough, for each of us and our own families, we can all tell a story about a season in our life where we really hit hard times. I've had several where the money was really tight and our family was very attentive to what we were spending. Very. Those moments when we would literally make sure that every time we went to the grocery store, we only spent this much because we knew we had an electric bill coming in, we knew we had our rent coming due.

My family’s most definitely been there.

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My wife and I when we first married, we had a rule that we couldn't ever spend more than $25 without the other person knowing it because our fear was when we were first married that one of us would spend $30 and the other would spend $35 that day, and we would blow up our bank account because we were living that close to the edge and just getting by while I was in school and we were just getting started. A lot of families have been that way.

But you can tell how serious a family is about them dealing with their debt by how seriously they take their expenses. There's some individuals that have massive debt that still keep running up their credit card. They still keep buying more and more product. They still use their credit card and go get additional electronics and go get more stuff and thinking, ‘I will max out this card and then max out another one,’ not with essentials, just with fun, not paying attention to the fact that someday that comes due.

When I started presenting the idea of Federal Fumbles, my whole concept was simple, where is it the federal government's dropping the ball? That we are not paying attention to the areas we need to be able to pay attention to in our spending. It is a well-known fact that we have trillions in debt. In fact, as a nation, we have now crossed $30 trillion in total debt—30 trillion.

But it's interesting the conversation doesn't seem to be serious. We don't seem to be in a dialogue about how we're going to actually try to bring our debt down. We're still spending on other things and still saying not we're limited in what we can do, we seem to be adding more to the mix. It's not necessarily on essential things. It just seems to be on things.

The Federal Fumbles book that I released this week and put on our website just details of several

See Lankford, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 11

Arts Festival a Success

Lankford From Page 10

Fitzpatrick Phillips (5) enjoying the activities in the children’s art tent at the Edmond Arts Festival.

The food court is always a popular stop for visitors.

Live music made Saturday an even prettier day.

(Photos above by Melinda Infante)

Artist Chris Westfall, right, was presented first place in honor of the late Bryanne Wallace Arts Award by her husband Phil Wallace at this year’s Downtown Edmond Arts Festival.

different items. One is: where are we on our debt and how did we get here? But I also walk through some of the trust funds on this because I think it's important. Where are we on Medicare trust fund? By the way, we're four years away from insolvency on Medicare—four years.

Where are we on Social Security?

We're 12 years away from insolvency in Social Security—12. Where are we on the Highway Trust Fund? We're well past insolvency on the Highway Trust Fund and we've been accelerating borrowing to cover more and more, in fact, that was don't even recently.

I laid out a set of ideas of how do you actually solve some of these and how to address it, but I also laid out some of my frustrations that said, ‘At some point this body will be serious about dealing with debt and deficit, but apparently we're not yet.’ And so I laid out some areas and just got a chance to be able to talk through some of those in the book. And I encourage folks to be able to look at the book. And quite frankly, everyone’s free to disagree with me on it.

But I laid out some of these issues.

For instance, we spent $2 billion — billion with a ‘b’— we spent $2 billion this last year not building the border wall. The contracts had already been let out, the steel was already purchased. The steel, in fact, is laying on the ground still today. Everyone was already hired, and there were literally individuals on the ground ready to do installation because the contractor was there because career professionals at the Department of Homeland Security had made recommendations on certain areas of our southern border that desperately needed fencing.

And so those career professionals had worked with contractors and had a contract in place to be able to put fencing in those areas. And they were under way until the Biden Administration stepped in on day one and stopped it all. Though the contracts

had already been let out.

We spent $2 billion not building border fencing —$2 billion. Now, I asked the simple question: what would it have hurt to go ahead and finish those contracts out that career professionals had signed off on and that career secure individuals from the Department of Homeland Security had said was desperately needed in those areas? What would it have hurt to finish those contracts out?

But instead we sent messaging that we're not going to build a fence and spend $2 billion not to doing that.

What did we do instead? Well, we started doing robot dogs along the border instead.

I wish I was kidding. These robot dogs would instead be hired to help border folks and border patrol and CBP to be able to help identify and carry things. So instead of border fencing, it's robot dogs that are now being contracted to be able to put in there. What else did we actually deal with? Well, of the trillions of dollars of debt, recently we put $2.6 million into China to help pay for some of their health programs.

Now, follow the irony of this. We actually borrow a trillion dollars from China to pay our bills so we borrowed money from China to be able to be able to then send money to China help pay their medical expenses. Does anyone else think this is a bad idea, that if we were serious about dealing with debt and deficit, we would start going line by line through all of this and be able to identify, maybe this is not a good idea if we have $30 trillion in debt, maybe we could cut back in some areas. We could cut back on that, or maybe cut back on the grant that was given out to write about Russian screen writers that we actually paid someone to do research on Russian screenwriters to be able to release this project out so that people could study Russian directors and screenwriters.

Page 12 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

During his term in office, President Lyndon B. Johnson spent a quarter-of-his time at his ranch east of Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg, Texas is truly unique

By Elaine Warner Unique is a funny and over-used word.

There are no comparatives for “unique” – no uniquer or uniquest, no more unique or most unique. It means one of a kind, nothing else like it, alone in Elaine the universe. So I’m going out on a limb here and telling you that Fredericksburg, Texas is unique.

Why is it unique? It’s the home of what is considered to be the only treaty ever made with Native Americans that was never broken—the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty. The 175th anniversary of that treaty will be celebrated next weekend.

After 1842, when Texas gained its independence from Mexico, efforts were made to bring settlers into the Republic. Due to political conditions in Germany, groups there began looking at Texas as an answer to resettlement.

Among the German groups was one known as the Adelsverein made up of 21 German noblemen. Their first land purchase resulted in the founding of New Braunfels, northeast of San Antonio. In 1845, John Meusebach chose the site which would become Fredericksburg, northwest of San Antonio. A small party of surveyors arrived in January of 1846; the first colonist – approximately 120 men, women and children – arrived in May. Because the settlement was in the heart of the Comancheria – the traditional homelands of the Comanches – the colonists feared attacks. Early in 1847, Meusebach and a band of 40 rode further into the territory to make contact with the Comanches.

Historian and expert on Indian culture Hoppy Hopkins, who has written extensively on the interactions between the settlers and Native Americans, set me on the trail of Ferdinand Roemer, a German scientist whose diary records details of the meeting.

According to Roemer’s journal, the meeting took place in the main camp of the Penatuka Comanche. Meusebach’s words of peace and assurances of respect were received favorably and plans were made to consider the terms of peace and to meet again in

PHOTOS/ELAINE WARNER

This Fat Man bomb casing on display at the National Museum of the War in the Pacific is the same as the one carrying the plutonium bomb which was dropped on Nagasaki.

Fredericksburg in May to finalize the treaty. On May 9, 1847, the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty was signed.

This year’s observance of the anniversary will be particularly exciting.

The first event will be a prayer service in observance of National Day of Prayer and the anniversary of the treaty on Thursday evening, May 5.

Friday evening will include a “Lasting Friendship” ceremony, cowboy cookout, music and fireworks.

The Saturday schedule includes a parade on Main Street, live history demonstrations and hands-on activities at the nearby Pioneer Museum and a rare display of the MeusebachComanche Treaty will be held at the Museum of the Pacific War. In addition, there will be special events, Comanche dancers and Indian Market Day vendors in the Marktplatz.

On Sunday there will be a commemoration of the laying of the cornerstone of the Vereins Kirche (a reconstruction of the first permanent building erected in Fredericksburg), a reading of the Treaty, and a wreath laying at the bust of John O. Meusebach.

I learned about all this when I was in Fredericksburg two weeks ago. I’m sorry I didn’t know sooner so more Oklahomans would have the opportunity to attend. It’s my understanding that there will be Oklahoma Comanches in attendance, but I’ve been unable to confirm what, if any, their roles will be.

PHOTOS/ELAINE WARNER

Frederichsburg peaches are rose-gold flavor treasures.

Don’t feel too badly about missing this event. Fredericksburg is a wonderful place to visit any time of year.

I can highly recommend visiting in May when the first peaches come in (probably late this year). Fredericksburg peaches are the best.

There will be a number of peach stands open in the area including one at Das Peach Haus. Be sure to go in and check out all the specialty food items produced by Fischer & Wieser.

Most people spend most of their time in the historic downtown district. Here you’ll find shops of all sorts, cool and quirky boutiques, art, antiques and one of my favorite shops – Der Kuchen Laden. Anything you can think of for the kitchen or cooking, you’ll find here -- and lots of things you hadn’t thought of – like onion goggles or a jalapeno pepper corer.

Hungry or thirsty, it’s here, too; beer, wine, spirits, or just plain soda pop, German food, gourmet fare, or casual eateries are all found along Main Street. And if you have a sweet tooth, stop in at Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery for homemade ice cream.

Here’s another, to my knowledge, unique thing in Fredericksburg – Quintessential Chocolates. Chocolatier Lecia Duke is the only chocolatier in the U.S. to fill chocolates with wine, liqueurs, or juice. Using a technique she learned in Switzerland – and taking advantage of some interesting chemistry – she is able to encapsulate the liquids in a thin, sugar shell before enrobing them in chocolate. Expensive – yes. And they must be eaten in one bite. The chocolate filled with cabernet sauvignon that I tried would have tempted Carrie Nation!

Speaking of wine – there are around a hundred wineries within easy driving distance of Fredericksburg. Many people book wine tours so they don’t drink and drive.

As for history and museums, that’s my thing. The local trolley tour is outstanding and the Pioneer Museum, an open-air collection, is fascinating.

I don’t usually like military muse-

ums, but the Museum of the Pacific War is one of the best. From the causes of Asian conflict to the bombing of Japan, this place is better than any history book. Why is it here?

Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commanderin-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas during World War II. The Marktplatz in the center of Fredericksburg’s historic district features a beautiful sculpture of John Meusebach and Comanche Chief Santanna sharing a peace pipe. A standing figure represents the nearly two-dozen other Chiefs who were party to the agreement. The reproduction of the Verein Kirche here has a small museum. And the park is the perfect place to rest or have a picnic.

Outside of town, the LBJ State Park and Historic Site has several components. Arrange for tours of the LBJ Ranch at park headquarters but don’t miss the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm in the park.

Another great stop, Wildseed Farms, southeast of town. This was the only place we could see a field of bluebonnets; the drought has turned the spring landscape brown.

I haven’t even begun to talk about places to stay, but choices are many.

They range from individual Sunday Houses (built by German farmers who came to town on the weekend to market and go to church) to elegant inns, boutique hotels and chains.

Fredericksburg is one of my favorite destinations. Go during the week – weekends can get crowded.

But go. You’ll love it. It’s unique!

On the Fredericksburg Historic District Trolley Tour, guide David Schafer explains ‘fachwerk,’ a medieval building technique used by early German settlers.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 13

Yeargin

Thompson

Garcia

Hurt

Camua

UCO names 2022 Class Marshals UCO Honors Students for Top Academic Achievement as Spring 2022 Class Marshals The University of Central Oklahoma has named five students as Class Marshals of their respective colleges for the spring 2022 semester, recognizing them for their academic excellence.

Students earn the title of Class Marshal for achieving the highest academic records within their colleges during their time at Central.

Ashton Yeargin is an accounting major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Business. A graduate of Blanchard High School in Blanchard, Oklahoma, Yeargin received placement on the UCO President’s Honor Roll from 2018-22.

“My time at UCO was filled with many ups and downs, but in the end, my experience was extremely rewarding,” Yeargin said.

“UCO pushed me to be the best version of myself, which has improved my life tremendously. I will forever be grateful for my time spent at UCO.” After graduation, Yeargin plans on taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and obtain a CPA license to provide accounting services to independent pharmacies.

Aren Thompson is a music - jazz performance major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Fine Arts and Design. A graduate of Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences and a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, Thompson is a member of the UCO Jazz Composers Club. He is a recipient of the Baccalaureate Scholarship and Jazz Guitar Scholarship. He also earned placement on the President’s Honor Roll.

“The professors in the jazz department have

continually provided learning environments that are conducive to practical musical development alongside getting me connected to the local music scene,” Thompson said.

“Grant Goldstein, Jeff Kidwell, Zac Lee and all the others in the jazz department are my lifelong mentors.”

Following graduation, Thompson will have released his first studio album of all original music titled, “From There to Now,” and will begin recording a record with Goldstein. He plans to move to Chicago to continue his pursuit of a career in music.

Kelsey Garcia is a criminal justice and forensic science major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Liberal Arts. Originally from Pueblo West, Colorado, Garcia is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Garcia is a recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, UCO Forensic Science Foundation Scholarship, Roger Webb Endowed Scholarship and the Mike Cisowski 4.0 GPA Award. Garcia also received placement on the President’s Honor Roll.

“I enjoyed how professors from the School of Criminal Justice and W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute taught lessons that provided insight based on their personal experiences,” Garcia said.

“It gave me a glimpse into the career I am interested in pursuing. In addition, the courses and practicums offered equipped students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this career field.”

After graduation, Garcia plans to serve the com-

munity and become a police officer for the Edmond Police Department in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Emily Hurt is a psychology and forensic science major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Education and Professional Studies. A graduate of Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma, Hurt is a member of the UCO President Leadership Council and served as vice president from 202021, TedxUCO and served as executive director from 2019-21, Sigma Kappa Sorority, the UCO Hispanic American Student Association, Delta Delta Epsilon Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She also served as a forensic science living learning community resident assistant. She received the Outstanding Freshmen Award 2019, the Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability 2020, the Commitment to Service Award and the Outstanding Member Award from the President’s Leadership Council, the Forensic Science Institute Endowed Scholarship and the Rothbaum Scholarship.

“Attending UCO has been the greatest experience of my life. Through the support of faculty, staff and peers, I have found my passions,” Hurt said.

“I have found mentors who will be with me long past graduation, as well as friends that I know will be by my side for every milestone to come after leaving Central. I am so thankful to attend the same school as my mother, my grandfather, two of my grandmothers and my great-grandmother.

UCO has been a part of my family for many years

See Marshals, Page 15

Page 14 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of film ‘All the Old Knives’

Adult spy drama perfect for adults

By George Gust “All the Old Knives” follows two CIA agents and ex-lovers (Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton) are brought back together years after a failed rescue attempt and forced to blur the lines between profession and passion.

“All the Old Knives” is an original straight-forward spy thriller that is not tied to any pre-existing source material. Instead the visual and story language of this film is akin to the relational political thrillers of the past like “Three Days of the Condor” or some of the romantic noirs of Alfred Hitchcock. Instead of the pulse pounding action of a James Bond film or some of the later Jack Ryan films (Pine’s entry included), “All the Old Knives” derives its tension from the intrigue and mystery of the players’ underlying unknown intentions.

Much of the film plays out between people talking in scenic cafés or drab CIA office buildings, which may not bring the same kind of cinematic excitement, but subtle power struggle of information draws you into the espionage mole hunt plot.

Where “All the Old Knives” succeeds the most is

the brilliant cast and their chemistry. This is the kind of movie full of professional who are good at their jobs and the cast is up to the challenge. Pine and Newton have an electric chemistry that is popping off the screen whether it be in the 2012 timeline of the terrorist attack or in the present timeline of unraveling the mystery of what happened. Pine brings a slick but dangerous presence while Newton’s performances imparts a more mysterious but haunted feel. And rounding out the cast are a couple of top tier supporting character

actors in Jonathan Pryce and Laurence Fishburne.

Pryce is fantastic as the older operative who’s jittery and world weary with a fun American accent for the posh British actor.

Overall, “All the Old Knives” is a slow burn espionage thriller that is heavy on the espionage and light on out and out thrills. “All the Old Knives” knows what kind of movie it is and isn’t trying to be anything more, and for fans of that kind of intrigue it delivers. And clocking in at just over 90 minutes, “All the Old Knives” doesn’t outstay its welcome. Now available to stream on Amazon Prime “All the Old Knives” is well worth the time if you’re looking for an adult spy drama for grownups.

“All the Old Knives” is rated R for sexuality/nudity, violence and language.

3.6 out of 5 stars You can reach George Gust to comment on this film, or any of his motion picture reviews at gust.george@gmail.com,

Thandie Newton and Chris Pine share the screen as CIA agents and former lovers in Amazon's espionage thriller ‘All the Old Knives.’

Answers appearing on Page 19

Ambassadors Concert Choir concert set for May 15 “Free to Praise” is the theme of the Ambassadors Concert Choir’s allgospel concert, set for 7 p.m. May 15 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 5700 N. Kelley Ave. Dr. Sandra D. Thompson, who is assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Central Oklahoma, has been artistic director of the Ambassadors Concert Choir since 2010.

The Ambassadors Children/Youth choir will also perform, under the direction of Norma Noble and Cameron Barnett.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Concert-goers should enter on the east side of the building, as COVID-19 protocols will be observed.

A freewill offering will be taken, and donations for the nonprofit choir organization are welcome any time at www.ambassadorschoir.com.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: The 1950’s ACROSS 1. a.k.a. vampire 6. Asian cuisine pan 9. Type of tide 13. Make more attractive 14. Lawyers' grp.

15. China grass 16. *"West Side Story's" Tony and ____ 17. Mourner's acronym 18. Utilizing 19. *a.k.a. "The King" 21. *Kitschy art movement begun in '50s (2 words) 23. Mortar carrier 24. Back of the neck 25. *Kelly or Chanel 2.55, e.g.

28. Hurtful remark 30. "____ Margery Daw," nursery rhyme 35. Paper unit 37. Duds 39. Eurasian antelope 40. Guesstimate phrase (2 words) 41. Unaccompanied 43. Disgust with sweetness excess 44. Brandish 46. Track competition, e.g.

47. Frustrated driver's recourse 48. Legendary King of Pylos 50. Tsar, tzar or ____ 52. Greek letters on campus 53. Deprivation 55. Greek R 57. *"A Streetcar Named Desire" star 60. *Popular type of 1950s restaurant 64. Pro athletes' move 65. Sea in Spain 67. Narcotics agent 68. Stringed instrument of India 69. Brewpub offering 70. Shakespearean "ergo" 71. *Gwendolyn Brooks' "Annie Allen" entry, e.g.

72. *Doris of "Que Sera, Sera" fame 73. Disinfectant brand

DOWN 1. Statue of Liberty: "I lift my ____ beside the golden door" 2. Sixth month of civil year 3. Encore!

4. *Like Maureen O'Hara and Samuel Beckett 5. Not digital 6. On one's guard 7. ____-Wan of "Star Wars" 8. Fraternity K 9. *Space program established in 1958 10. Arabian chieftain 11. Are not 12. Margaret, for short 15. Raja's money, pl.

20. Changes to a manuscript 22. Military moves 24. Fail to care 25. *_____ v. Board of Education 26. Eagle's nest 27. Kr and Xe on the periodic table, e.g.

29. *Postwar prosperity 31. Per person 32. Farm structures

33. Ancient market 34. *"Rio Grande" and "Rio Bravo" star 36. Lose skin 38. *Egypt's disputed canal 42. Sir Richard Starkey of the Beatles 45. Like certain Debbie 49. Unit of absorbed radiation 51. Relating to nose 54. Frances McDormand's Oscar-winning 2020 role 56. Estrogen producer 57. Spiritedness 58. Equal to distance divided by time 59. Actor Driver 60. Squirrel's nest 61. Units of work 62. International Civil Aviation Org. 63. Hall of Fame Steelers coach 64. Cooking meas.

66. Fla. neighbor

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 15

Spring proves to be a busy time in college golf

By Steve Steele The Central Oklahoma Broncho Women's Golf team played in the MIAA Conference Tournament at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, KS April 21-23. In very windy conditions the ladies finished in third place.

In an attempt to defend her individual conference championship from last year, Sophomore Susana Olivares from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico came up just short, finishing second to Claire Solovic from Central Missouri. Olivares shot rounds of 70-80-77-227. Earlier that week Olivares was recognized as the MIAA Conference Player of the Year. Two other Broncho women placed in the top 10 at conference, Junior Madison O'Dell of Owasso, OK shot rounds of 7981-78-238 to T9 and Kinsey Hall, a Senior from Elk City, OK shot 81-74-83-238 to also T9. Finishing out the scoring for the Bronchos was Sophomore Mika Ramos of Tulsa who T21st and Sophomore Taylor Towers of Owasso who finished 44th in the 55 player field. The Bronchos received good news on April 25th, they received the fourth seed in the NCAA Div II Central Regional that is being played May 2-4 at Hot Springs CC in Hot Springs, AR. Teams representing Oklahoma at the Central Re-

gional are No.1 seed and 21st ranked Rogers State, No.4 seed Central Oklahoma, No.7 seed Northeastern State and No.9 seed Southwestern Oklahoma State. The top three teams from the Central Regional will advance to the NCAA Div II National Championships which are being held May 10-14 at Chattahoochee Golf Club in Gainesville, GA. The last time the Lady Bronchos qualified for the national championship was in 2015.

The Oklahoma Christian Lady Eagles golf team played their Lone Star Conference tournament in Glen Rose, TX April 21-22 and finished a disappointing 5th. They were hoping for a West Regional bid but it did not come and they are finished for the season. At the conference tournament the Lady Eagles were in good shape starting the third and final round in third place, they had posted rounds of 290-288 (+2). They had a disappointing final round of 302 to finish at 880. Meanwhile the two teams behind them went on a heater. Texas A&M Commerce shot 294-291-274-859 to claim 3rd place. Texas A&M International shot 287-292-285-864 to finish fourth.

Defending national champion Dallas Baptist University won the event with 273-278-283-834 (-30).

The Big 12 Men's Conference Tournament was

Marshals From Page 13 and I am honored to understand what is so special about this school.”

Following graduation, Hurt plans to attend law school at Oklahoma City University in hopes of specializing in criminal law. She plans to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an agent after law school.

Kassandra Camua is a chemistry – health sciences and biology – biomedical sciences major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Mathematics and Science. An Oklahoma City native, Camua is a member of the UCO Chemistry Club and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She is a recipient of the Dr. Terrill Smith Endowed Scholarship, Dr. David Hart Endowed Scholarship for Chemistry and Dr. Margaret Hamilton Endowed Scholarship. She was awarded the Undergraduate Research Badge and the Oral Presentation Badge from Oklahoma Research Day in 2021, Outstanding Student in Organic Chemistry and the Academic Achievement Award in Biology. She also received placement on the President’s Honor Roll.

“I have honestly enjoyed my time here at UCO. I’ve cultivated relationships with fellow peers, faculty members and my love and passion for

science,” Camua said.

“I have spent countless hours researching in the lab and studying in the library. I’ve gained so much knowledge in chemistry and biology throughout the years. As a student of both departments, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my classes and my professors.

I’m pleased to have made the memories I have with the people I’ve met here. I’m grateful for everything the chemistry and biology departments, friends, family and UCO have prepared me for.”

Following graduation, Camua will participate in Oklahoma IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (OK-INBRE) to continue her passion of research and will continue her passion for science in the field of medicine as a physician associate.

First presented in 1994, the Class Marshal title has become a proud Central tradition. Each of the honorees will wear a bronze graduation gown and a special stole during the spring commencement ceremonies, signifying the highest degree of academic excellence.

For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit www.uco.edu.

played last week at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, TX and as expected came down to the last hole. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas each had the lead during the final round. Oklahoma got off to a hot start, and they would need every bit of it as the Sooners counting four scores were eleven under par on the front nine, Oklahoma State was six under thru nine and Texas was two under thru nine.

The wind switched and came up on the tough five finishing holes and starting on number 14 the Sooners were +7 coming in, OSU was even par and Texas was +5 the final five holes. More importantly, on the finishing hole, the Sooners were even par and the Cowboys and Longhorns were +3. The Sooners clipped the Cowboys, who had posted their score earlier by two and they got by the Longhorns by three. On that final hole, the Sooners Patrick Welch had made a 50 footer to save par, Logan McAllister made a clutch approach to three feet for an easy birdie and Chris Gotterup blasted a drive into the wind to set up an easy par. Texas Tech's Ludvig Aberg took medalist honors with a 208(-8), Gotterup came in second at (-6), OSU's Bo Jin T3 at (-5) with Texas' Cole Hammer and OSU's Aman Gupta was 5th at (-4).

Page 16 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Principals moved over to administrative posts

District fills two key leadership roles Edmond Public Schools’ Board of Education filled two district-level leadership roles at its March board meeting naming Debreon Davis Executive Director of Secondary Education, and Tony Rose Executive Director of Educational Services.

Davis will replace Debbie Bendick who is retiring at the end of this school year after 28 years of service with the district. Rose replaces Emily Steele, who left Edmond Public Schools for an administrative position with Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

Superintendent Angela Grunewald said Davis and Rose are exceptional educators who are well-suited to their new roles.

Since 2017 Davis has served as the principal of Edmond North High School. A product of Edmond schools, she has served as an assistant principal, teacher, and coach.

She was named a Milken National Educator in 2017, an award that targets early-to-mid career education professionals for their impressive achievements and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the fu-

Debreon Davis

ture. She holds a Master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern Nazarene University.

“Debreon is the perfect person to oversee all secondary schools,” said Grunewald. “She has served in a variety of roles in all three of our high schools which gives her a unique insight into the culture of each school.

Tony Rose

She is well respected for her leadership expertise and problem-solving capabilities which are crucial skills in her new role.”

Since 2016 Rose has served as the principal at Edmond Memorial High School. He began his career with the district as a science teacher and in 2010-2011 was named the Cheyenne

Middle School Teacher of the Year.

He went on that same year to be named Edmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He recently completed a doctoral degree in School Administration at Oklahoma State University.

“In his previous roles as an assistant principal and principal, Tony has been deeply involved in curriculum planning and implementation. He will bring his experience, project management skills, and high personal expectations to this new role to ensure Edmond continues to provide the best instructional services possible,” said Grunewald.

Rose said he is looking forward to his new position. “I am excited to work with an extraordinary team as we continue to assist teachers in providing the best instructional opportunities for the students in our district,” he said.

Also at the March meeting, board members named Amanda Neely principal of Cross Timbers Elementary.

She previously served as an assistant principal at Charles Haskell Elementary.

Taking aim at pesky robocalls

Arcadia Farmers Market to begin on May 14 The summer season gets underway May 14 at the Arcadia Farmers Market, and continues every Saturday through Aug. 27. The outdoor market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Route 66 and Division Street.

“As we enter our fifth season, it’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown and the vendors have grown with us. We do all of this for the community and the vendors,” said Jesse Waltrip, manager of the outdoor market and the Arcadia Farmers Market Store at 210 N. Odor St. in Arcadia.

Vendors will offer produce such as onions, potatoes, peppers and micro-greens. Fresh eggs, farmraised beef and milk from a family dairy will be available, as well as homemade baked goods and gourmet coffee and tea.

One vendor will offer cutting boards and handcrafted furniture; others will be selling organic baby food, handmade jewelry, olive oil and balsamic vinegars, home-canned jelly and pickles and handcrafted lotions, soaps and candles.

The market’s own Snow and Grow food truck will be on site every week, along with a second food truck that will change each week.

Amenities include a petting zoo, picnic tables, restrooms and playground equipment.

The Farmers Market Store is a year-round expansion of the outdoor market and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Nearly everything in the store is grown or produced in central Oklahoma.

For more information or to become a vendor, call 405-226-0346.

Oklahomans could be getting fewer irritating solicitation calls thanks to legislation unanimously approved last week by the Senate. House Bill 3168, by Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, creates the Telephone Solicitation Act of 2022, which would prohibit numerous types of marketing calls and set strict parameters on when others can be made.

“There is nothing more annoying than getting constant calls from solicitors, from your car warranty expiring to something questionable on your credit report. This list goes on and on, and the calls are endless,” Coleman said. “This act will limit robocalls and sketchy sales calls, giving citizens some peace. This is a consumer reform that has been desperately needed for some time to get control over this frustrating industry that is continually finding new ways to get around the federal Do Not Call list.”

HB 3168 prohibits: • Automated telephonic sales/robocalls without prior express written consent; • Telephone sales calls that do not display the originating telephone number and name on the caller ID; • Telephone sales calls that intentionally alter the caller’s voice to disguise or conceal their iden-

tity to mislead or confuse the recipient; • Sales calls before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.; • More than three sales calls within a 24-hour period on the same matter; and • Telephone sales calls that block caller ID or display a different phone number than the originating number.

The measure also provides 26 exemptions, including: • Sales calls of an infrequent or one-time nature; • Calls for noncommercial purposes; • Solicitors who do not make the sales presentation during the call, but rather arrange a face-toface meeting; • Financial institutions or licensed securities, commodities, investment, or insurance brokers; • Newspaper or cable solicitations, or book, video, or record club plan; and • Qualified business-to-business sales calls.

If a sales call violates this act, an aggrieved party can initiate legal action to have a judge require the solicitor to stop, and the called party can recover actual damages or $500, whichever is greater.

HB 3168, by Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds, now moves to the governor’s desk for final consideration.

Senate action to help those wanting to adopt The full Senate has given approval to a bill creating an income tax credit to help defray some of the costs associated with adoptions. Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, is the principal Senate author of House Bill 3088. Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, is principal House author of the measure.

While many services and costs of adoptions through the Department of Human Services (DHS) are covered by the state, private adoptions can cost prospective parents an average of about $41,532 per adoption in the U.S., which includes court-related costs, health and psychological exams, medical expenses and other costs outlined in statute.

Hall said this issue was a very personal one for him.

“I’m blessed because I had a biological mother who chose life and I was blessed by wonderful

adoptive parents who gave me love, support, guidance and opportunities that enabled me have a wonderful life,” Hall said. “Helping encourage more adoptions in Oklahoma is as pro-life as it can be, and I am excited about passing legislation to help and support families who want to open their hearts and homes to children through adoption.”

Currently, Oklahoma has a tax deduction available for parents who opt for a private adoption, which is equal to 4.75 percent of the cost incurred for tax year 2022. Under HB 3088, that deduction would be replaced with a 10 percent tax credit for adoption expenses of up to $2,000 for an individual or up to $4,000 for joint filers.

The change would give much greater financial support for those seeking private adoption and could even be used by those adopting through DHS to cover out-of-pocket expenses.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 17

AT&T Communications Solutions opens facility on South Broadway AT&T Communications Solutions recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of their new facility at 3248 S. Broadway St., Unit 132 in Edmond.

AT&T Communications Solutions is an AT&T authorized premium dealer for AT&T. They have been in serving the Edmond community since 1995 and are dedicated to providing the best in customer experience and wireless needs.

For more information, visit www.comnow.com Chamber officials and well wishers were on hand for the ribbon cutting of the new AT&T Commuications Solutions building.

Retired Edmond Electric’s Sherrick honored for his 46 years of service Recently retired Edmond Electric Distribution Superintendent, Dean Sherrick, was recognized by the Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma (MESO) for his outstanding 46-years of service.

“Dean’s service to not only Edmond Electric, but to public power in Oklahoma, has helped Edmond and other municipalities build more reliable and safe electric systems for the communities they serve,” said Glenn Fisher, Director of the Electric Utility for the City of Edmond.

MESO’s Pruett-Lamb Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the growth of their or-

ganization and/or Oklahoma’s Public Power community over the lifetime of their professional career.

Sherrick began his career as an apprentice lineman in 1976, and he served his entire 46-year professional career with Edmond Electric. His efforts, experience and ability to work effectively with others were the basis for his being selected as his system’s Distribution Superintendent in 1992, a position he held until his retirement in February.

During his career, he constantly worked to improve Edmond Electric’s and Okla-

See Honored, Page 18 From left are, Mike Doublehead, Tahlequah Public Works Authority; Dean Sherrick; and Mike Villareall, City of Altusrey.

PHOTO PROVIDED/BEN EHRLICK

From left are Kenneth Wagner, Dr. Kayse Shrum and Harold Hamm.

OSU names energy director Oklahoma State University announced the appointment of Kenneth Wagner as the inaugural executive director of the Hamm Institute for American Energy on Tuesday in Oklahoma City.

With 23 years of experience in the energy industry, including serving as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, Wagner brings a high level of expertise to the role.

“Ken’s appointment to lead the Hamm Institute for American Energy represents a strong investment and commitment to the Institute’s mission to become a global energy leader,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “Ken’s experience and deep knowledge of the energy industry will serve the Institute well as it lives out its mission to educate the next generation of energy leaders and position Oklahoma as a global energy leader.

“I look forward to Ken making an immediate impact as he works to help shape energy leadership in Oklahoma, the United States and beyond.

On behalf of Oklahoma State University and the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, I want to congratulate Ken on being named executive director of

the Hamm Institute for American Energy.”

The Hamm Institute for American Energy is founded on the guiding principle of solving humanity’s greatest energy needs. The Hamm Institute will develop the energy leaders of tomorrow by engaging industry and academia and developing practical, global, science-based solutions through collaboration, research and development.

“Ken’s knowledge of the industry and Oklahoma’s energy landscape makes him the perfect fit to work with energy leaders from around the world and help live out the Institute’s mission,” said Hamm Institute Founder and Continental Resources Chairman Harold Hamm. “I am confident with Ken’s leadership the Hamm Institute will be recognized as the global leader for all things energy.

The Hamm Institute will be a place where the best and brightest come together to responsibly solve the world’s energy needs.”

The announcement was made at last week’sw 15th Annual Oklahoma State University Energy Conference, which was hosted at the Hamm Institute for American Energy.

Page 18 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Honored From Page 17 homa’s Public Power professionals.

His passion for operational excellence and safe work practices led to his service as the chair of MESO’s Job Training and Safety Oversight Committee. Under his leadership, MESO’s apprentice program, on-site training and comprehensive multi-day training events continually improved to ensure the latest safety and operational best practice are taught to all lineworkers.

Additionally, his service to Oklahoma’s Public Power community led him to serve on the MESO Board of

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Directors since 2010, including a term as Board President, and on the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Municipal Utility Services Authority, serving as Trustee and OMUSA’s Chairman, a position he held until his retirement.

Public power utilities are community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that safely provide reliable, low-cost electricity to more than 49 million Americans in 2,000 communities. Edmond Electric is one of the more than 60 Public Power utilities in Oklahoma.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 5, 2022 • Page 19

Make this Mother’s Day a tobacco-free success This Mother’s Day, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is wishing Oklahoma mothers and their families a happy, healthy and tobacco-free life. To help make that wish a reality, the Helpline is offering up to 8 weeks of FREE nicotine replacement therapy, rather than the two weeks typically offered.

Registrants will also receive up to five Quit Coach calls for those who enroll in the All Access plan. The increased nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches or lozenges) is a limited time offer and expires on June 30.

About 17% of Oklahoma women smoke, which places them at high risk of smoking-related health issues like infertility, lung cancer, stroke and heart disease. Babies born to mothers who smoke may be born too early or at a low birth weight, which increases the risk of longer hospital stays and sickness.

Candace Hammontree of Glenpool, Oklahoma was motived to quit tobacco with the Helpline to be a healthy role model for her family. She quit alongside her husband, Chase, who also successfully quit with the Helpline.

“You only get to enjoy your children’s childhood once, and smoking cigarettes was standing in the way of that.” Candace said. “We wanted to make sure that our children grow up healthy. My personal goal was for my daughter to never remember her parents as cigarette smokers — and she doesn’t.”

To assist mothers and other participants in their own quit journeys, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline allows participants to select individual options, a comprehensive plan or a bundled program of FREE services. These include text and email support, phone and web coaching, texting and free patches, gum or lozenges. Moms-to-be are eligible for addi-

tional one-on-one support so their babies can have the best start at life — and receive the gift of a healthier mom. “[Since quitting tobacco], I’ve enjoyed hiking, spending time outside and even taking the kids to the splash pad,” Candace said. “When you’re a cigarette smoker, you can’t do that. You’re huffing and puffing. You’re coughing your head off.”

Children from families who smoke are twice as likely to become smokers themselves. Infants and young children, whose bodies and lungs have not fully developed, are particularly vulnerable to dan-

gerous secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma attacks, bronchitis, pneumonia and more.

This Mother’s Day, May 8, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is offering all mothers – smokers and nonsmokers – tips on how to protect their children and families from the dangers of smoke, secondhand smoke and secondhand vape: • If you smoke, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit okhelpline.com to learn more about the free, nonjudgmental and supportive services offered.

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In light of CO COVID OVID 19 for the e time being, some s worship servi services ces may be su suspended uspended or on online. nline.

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Page 20 • May 5, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure