Edmond Life and Leisure - May 6, 2021

May 6, 2021

Vol. 21, No. 51

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

New city leaders t a ke o f f i c e o at h

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.

Graduation this weekend at UCO See page 13

PHOTOS BY RAY HIBBARD

Edmond now has a new mayor. Darrell A. Davis, above took the oath of office Monday at City Council Chambers. Davis is not a stranger to City Hall, having served two four-year terms as the Ward 3 council member.

FRIDAY, May 7

Partly Cloudy High 79° Low 66°

SATURDAY, May 8

Partly Cloudy/Windy High 88° Low 69°

SUNDAY, May 9

Partly Cloudy High 79° Low 63°

Also taking the oath were new members Christin Mugg, below left and Stacie Peterson, below right. Mugg will represent Ward 3 and Peterson is the councilperson for Ward 4. They both will serve four-year terms. The term for mayor is two years. Darrell Davis also becomes the first African-American Mayor in Edmond’s history and replaces Mayor Dan O’Neil, who did not seek re-election. Swearing in the council members was Judge Diane Slayton.

Page 2 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 3

City will mark National Bike Month in May With spring in the air, it is a great time to ride a bicycle. May is National Bike Month and is celebrated in cities and towns across the country.

To promote May Bike Month, the Edmond Bicycle Committee and friends of bicycling have several events scheduled and encourage your support and participation: Monday, May 10 - City Council proclamation for Bike Month, 5:30 PM at City Council Chambers Saturday, May 15 - Cycle 66 Training Ride, 8 AM at Festival Marketplace Route Reveal & Kickoff Party, 6 PM at Edmond Railyard (23 W. First) Tuesday May 18 - Oklahoma Bicycle Society casual ride, 6:15 PM at parking lot west of Target Wednesday, May 19 - Ride of Silence, 6:00 PM at parking lot west of Target Thursday May 20 - Bicycle-Pedestrian Counting, 5-7 PM Friday, May 21 - Bike to Work Day Celebration, 7:30 AM at Littler Lawn (First St. & Littler Ave.) Saturday, May 22 - Bicycle-Pedestrian Counting, 10 AM – 12 PM Sunday, May 23 - Bike to Church Day to the church of your choice.

With growing cultural awareness around health & wellness, sustainability and economic savings, bicycling is growing in popularity nationwide.

There is a growing need and responsibility to provide options that give people the opportunity to bike more often, to bike to more places, and to feel safe while doing so. The benefits of riding a bicycle, whether for transportation, physical activity or recreational purposes, can be expressed in terms of staying fit, avoiding traffic delays, saving money, enhancing quality of life and sustainability.

Below are some tips for bicycling provided by the League of American Bicyclists who encourages motorists and cyclists to share the road: Bicycles are vehicles with the same rights, rules and responsibilities of other road users- Always ride with the flow of traffic.

Motorists: Please pass a bicycle only when it’s safe to do so. Oklahoma State Law requires motorists give cyclists three feet of passing room.

Cyclists should obey all traffic laws, stop signs and traffic lights.

Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash.

Be visible and predictable at all times; wear bright clothing and signal all turns.

Before riding, inspect your bike for safety and mechanical concerns.

Ride together.

For additional information about May Bike Month, contact Jan Fees at jan.fees@edmondok.com or 3594796.

Page 4 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Vote ‘Yes’ on school bond issue We encourage eligible voters in the Edmond Public School (EPS) district to turn out and vote yes, this coming Tuesday, May 11th for the district’s school bond issue. EPS has always been great stewards with funds and this bond vote will not raise the rate you pay on your property taxes. It is part of a brilliant investment and facility program that was estabRay Hibbard lished many years ago by EPS and it is what keeps us among one of the top school systems in the country.

Far too many Oklahoma school districts wait and let buildings, buses and other equipment get dilapidated. They then find themselves in a pinch and must raise the millage to make needed repairs and replace buses. Instead, EPS does a great job of replacing bonds as they fall off which keeps the rate the same and lets the administration have a well-organized plan for keeping up with the needs of our students.

Many times, folks will ask for government to be run like a businesses and EPS does that in keeping up maintenance and equipment and other needs for the system. We need you to get out and vote yes because bond issues need to pass by a super majority of 60% to go into effect. Passing this bond issue sends a clear message that we value our school system. A well-funded and run school system keeps our property values up.

All registered voters who live within Edmond Public School district boundaries qualify to vote, including those residents who live outside the city limits of Edmond. Individuals should vote at their regular precincts. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11.

Here is what the Edmond Chamber had to say about the bond issue: The Board of Directors of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce has unanimously endorsed the passage of the Edmond Public Schools bond issue. Residents can vote May 11 on the $65 million bond issue, which includes funding for technology upgrades, building improvements, classroom additions and land purchases to build a new elementary school.

“As our city continues to grow, it’s important to support and prioritize strong schools,” said Sherry Jordan, President and CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. “This past year, we have seen the importance of quality education for our students, and this bond issue allows us to continue providing excellent schooling and investing in the next generation of leaders in our community.”

The Edmond Public Schools Foundation board of directors also recently announced their support of a “Yes” vote for the bond issue.

“A yes vote provides technology, school security, curriculum support and so much more,” said Deanna Boston, Executive Director of the foundation. “Not only do our kids deserve what the bond issue will provide them for their education, but quality public schools are an economic engine for a community.

The bond issue impacts every citizen of Edmond."

All registered voters who live within Edmond Public School district boundaries qualify to vote, includ-

ing those residents who live outside the city limits of Edmond. Individuals should vote at their regular precincts. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11.

Here are more specifics on use of funds from EPS: The Edmond Board of Education voted at its March 2021 board meeting to bring before patrons a $65 million bond issue on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 to fund school additions, purchase land for future schools and make repairs and upgrades to existing facilities.

“In constructing this bond proposal, we were mindful of balancing the considerable needs of our older schools with the immediate needs of those schools which have experienced steady growth in student population,” said Superintendent Bret Towne.

Five and a half million of the bond issue would be earmarked to update the cabinets, doors, restrooms, ceilings, and lighting at nine elementary schools…fixtures original to their sites. New roofing, flooring, and HVAC systems at several school sites are also part of the bond proposal as is constructing, resurfacing, and/or modifying parking lots at numerous schools.

“Keeping our schools updated positively impacts the overall learning experience for students and improves the culture and climate of our schools,” noted Towne.

The bond issue includes $3 million to construct a new media center at Cross Timbers Elementary and renovate the old media center into classrooms.

Other noteworthy construction projects include more than $3 million for a classroom addition at Santa Fe High School, $3.2 million to construct a freshman academy classroom addition and renovate the industrial arts building at Edmond Memorial High School, and $1.4 million to construct a new building for Ag Engineering and Mechanics.

“As we continue to grow, we must add new classrooms to accommodate the expected increase in student population,” noted Towne.

Two new schools being built by the district, Redbud Elementary and Scissortail Elementary are expected to open at capacity. Included in this bond proposal is $8 million for classroom additions to both schools, which are scheduled to open in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

“By approving this bond proposal, voters will help to ensure that the district can plan for future additions to these schools that are located in fast-growing areas,” said Towne.

Passage of the bond issue is not planned to raise homeowner’s taxes. The district has planned this bond issue to keep the millage level stable at between 24 and 25 mills. The timing of bond sales will coincide with the retirement of existing bonds to support the district’s objective of sustaining a stable millage rate.

The breakdown of the May 11, 2021 bond issue is as follows: Proposition #1 $63,700,000 School Upgrades and Additions School Security Curriculum and Technology Land for Future Schools School Additions: Construct classroom additions

to Redbud Elementary and Scissortail Elementary. $8,000,000 Technology: Purchase and install computers, digital devices, software, wireless networking equipment, phone systems, and technology support services. $7,500,000 School Improvements: Improve/upgrade cabinets, doors, restrooms, ceilings, and lights at the following elementary schools: Northern Hills, Sunset, Ida Freeman, Orvis Risner, Charles Haskell, Chisholm, Russell Dougherty, Will Rogers and Clegern. $5,500,000 HVAC: Improve or replace HVAC systems at Sequoyah Middle School, Russell Dougherty Elementary School and Santa Fe High School $5,000,000 Parking Lots/Roads: Construct, and/or resurface existing parking lots and access roads at the following elementary schools: Chisholm, Northern Hills, Angie Debo, Orvis Risner, Russell Dougherty, West Field, Charles Haskell as well as at Summit and Cheyenne Middle Schools and Memorial and Santa Fe High Schools. $4,750,000 Curriculum and Equipment: Purchase fine arts and athletic equipment for secondary schools, library/media center books, software subscriptions, instructional equipment, child nutrition and operations equipment, and school support vehicles. $4,650,000 Purchase Land: Buy land for the site of a new elementary school and purchase properties to expand selected school sites as needed. $4,500,000 North High School: Renovate the Siberian gymnasium. $3,500,000 Memorial High School: Construct freshman academy classroom addition/storm shelter and renovate the industrial arts building. $3,200,000 Santa Fe High School: Construct classroom addition, renovate freshman academy. $3,150,000 Roofing: Replace roofs of Russell Dougherty Elementary and Santa Fe High School. $3,000,000 Cross Timbers Elementary Media Center: Construct a new media center and renovate the former media center into classrooms. $3,000,000 Classroom Furnishings: Purchase student desks, and chairs. $2,000,000 Playgrounds: Improve playgrounds as needed with new equipment and impact materials. $2,000,000 FFA Facilities: Construct a new building for Ag Engineering and Mechanics. $1,400,000 School Security: Improve/upgrade security to include electronic security & door control devices, student/staff photo ID badges and card reader systems, and video surveillance camera systems. $750,000 School Flooring: Replace flooring as needed at Ida Freeman Elementary, West Field Elementary, and Centennial Elementary. $700,000 Marquees and Directional Signage: Update or replace existing marquees and exterior school signage. $700,000 Gymnasium Flooring: Replace gymnasium flooring at the following elementary schools: Chisholm, Ida Freeman, Cross Timbers, and John Ross. $400,000 Proposition #2 $1,300,000 Transportation Vehicles: Purchase small and large buses and high-capacity sport utility vehicles.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Calendar of Weekend Events ......................................................Page 8.

---- Columnist questions $4.5 billion utility bill ................................Page 10.

---- The zoo features some real big critters ......................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews a new film ................................................Page 14.

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

---- A new dean named at UCO ......................................................Page 15.

---- OMRF looks back at time as president ......................................Page 17.

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

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 Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 5

Welcome to Edmond A welcoming mural, at First and Broadaway, is now done. The splendid looking mural also features a lot of Edmond’s culture and attractions.

MELINDA INFANTE

LibertyFest is returning LibertyFest is returning this summer, after being canceled last year due to the virus. There will still be COVID guidelines in effect for events, organizers announced.

The following is the schedule : Concert in the Park at UCO Thursday, June 24th Time: 7:30P.M. Location: UCO Campus. The UCO Summer Band conducted by Dr. Brian Lamb, Director of the UCO School of Music.

Due to covid this years band will be composed of UCO Faculty members. They will be celebrating 70 years as one of UCO’s longest running musical traditions.

Free Event 52nd Annual LibertyFest Rodeo Friday, June 25th & Saturday, June 26th Location: 300 N. Kelly – Carl Benne Arena Time: 8:00 P.M. both nights. The LibertyFest Rodeo is sanctioned: IPRA & Open Ticket price is $10 Adults (12 & over) and $5.00 Children (11 & under) LibertyFest KiteFest Saturday, June 26th and Sunday, June 27th KiteFest is Free.

Time: Sat. 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Sunday 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Location: West side of Mitch Park on N. Santa Fe and KiteFest Lane 20th Annual LibertyFest Car Show Saturday, June 26th Time: 8:00 A.M.– 2:00 P.M. Location: Hafer Park Cars are judged separately by class (either by decade, make or specialty group).

The public is invited for Free but there is an entry fee for vehicles ($20.00 prior to: $25.00 Day of the Event).

32nd Annual LibertyFest Road Rally Sunday, June 27th Location: Earl’s Rib Palace, 2121 S. Broadway. Release Forms Required Time: Registration 10 A.M. the first car out 11A.M. Entry Fee is $15 per vehicle. Awards Ceremony 5:00 P.M.at Earl’s Rib Palace.

A Taste of Edmond The Taste of Edmond is cancelled this year out of respect for our restaurateurs who have suffered under covid. We plan a spectacular return celebration in 2022 which will be the 50th anniversary of LibertyFest LibertyFest Parade “Flying the Flag of Freedom” Saturday, July 3rd Time: 9:00 A.M. Downtown Edmond. The parade entry applicationsare now available online.

Spectators line the 1.5 mile Parade route in downtown Edmond to watch the greatest July 4th parade in Oklahoma.

LibertyFest ParkFest Saturday, July 3rd Location: Mitch Park Time: 2:00 P.M. to 4:30P.M. Free watermelon (while supply lasts), bouncys and family entertainment. Food trucks on-site.

For security precautions we ask that you not bring ice chests to the event.

Fireworks Sunday, July 4th Location: Hafer Park 1034 S. Bryant Enjoy the spectacular fireworks show! Time: Fireworks begin around 9:30 P.M. Park will be closed.

For information Contact 405-820-9667 (Please leave a message or text if no answer) or libertyfestpr@gmail.com

Page 6 • May 6, 2021 • 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 19 Joshua Ronald Hargis, 41 of Yukon. Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS to distribute and felony DUI/APC. Alaina Elise Menken, 24 of Edmond. Disregarding signal light, not having proper or valid driver’s license and failure to appear.

Alexa Ines Nagle, 29 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia and five counts of possession of CDS. Corbin Blane Howard, 32 of Oklahoma City.

Possession of drug paraphernalia and five counts of CDS possession.

Sierra Alena Lucas 23 of Edmond. Trespassing.

April 20 Mason Wyatt Hill, 18 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Lori Lynn Engel, 61 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under influence of drugs or CDS. Tiffany Dianne Jones, 45 of Oklahoma City.

Expired tag of over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Kimberly Dawn Blood, 38 of Lyndsay, Okla.

Trespassing after being forbidden and (misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny from a

retailer.

April 21 Garry Gunner Levi Dewoody-Sims, 18 of Edmond. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor and burglary/theft from a motor vehicle.

April 22 Damyen Wade Goodnight, 27 of Edmond. Operate a motor vehicle (DUI or APC) with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more.

Nicholas Ivan Lewis, 19 of Edmond. Operate a motor vehicle (DUI or APC) with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.

Charles Michael Barber IV, 31 of Edmond. Expired tag over three months, driving while license is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear.

April 23 Kailey Page Spencer, 31 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Lennon Elijah Schadegg, 20 of Edmond. Speeding, 16-20 mph over and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jordan Michael Haddock, 31 of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license and failure to appear.

Daniel Lee Dickinson, 59 of Guthrie. Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS. Yan Amont Billy Darianssen, 47 of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Adrian L. McCorvey, 34 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) April 24 Austin Scott Owens, 24 of Yukon. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alco-

hol content level of .08 or more.

Robert William Armstrong, 27 of Yukon. (Anything other than alcohol) Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Vincent Wayne Winslett, 65 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant and driving while license is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Anthony Troy Mishion Jr.,40 of Edmond. Trespassing and possession of marijuana.

Daniel Stephen Castrejon, 44 of Houston, Texas. Speeding (11 to 14 mph over) and driving while license is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Brodie James Carr, 48 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Nicole Alice Francis, 22, of Oklahoma City.

Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.

Kentrayle Dewayne Edwards, 35 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

David Ray Gaddis, 65 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS, and (anything other than alcohol) Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

April 25 Eric Matthew Crane, 28 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Noah Bradley Wittrock, 22 of Edmond. Failure to carry current security verification form in vehicle, expired license plate, transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Mathew Ryan Davidson, 31 of Edmond. Failure to signal, carrying a harmful weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Joshua Lee Young, 38 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Robert Granville Martin, 44 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Brittany Lyn Hemmerich, 33, of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Angelica Marie Noah Rodriquez, 23 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Car chase leads to felony charges On Sunday, April 25 at approximately 11:30 p.m.., Edmond officers responded to a call from a woman calling from her car stating that her exboyfriend had threatened her, and was actively ramming his truck into her vehicle near 2nd and Coltrane. Officers located the suspect and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. With Officers behind him, the suspect collided into the side of the woman’s vehicle and then fled.

A pursuit was initiated, winding through the area of 15th and Boulevard and 15th and Rankin.

The suspect eventually turned down a dead-end street on Mary Lee Lane, where he crashed into a gas line at the end of the private drive. He exited the vehicle and took off running, jumping head first over a fence with a considerably long drop-off on the other side, and into the backyard of a residence. After a short foot pursuit, Officers located him and took him into custody.

The suspect, 37-year-old David Kerschner Jr. was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Felony Eluding, Obstruction and Driving Under Suspension.

Once apprehended, Kerschner immediately complained of back pain, and was transported to OU Edmond. There it was found that he had suffered numerous broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a separated shoulder in the fall.

Edmond Fire and Oklahoma Natural Gas responded to the gas leak and the affected residents were temporarily evacuated while the gas was shut off.

Kershner was transported from OU Edmond to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City for further treatment of his injuries. Once released, he will be booked in to the Oklahoma County Jail. Kerschner also has a Logan County Felony Warrant for Endeavoring to Perform an Act of Violence, Malicious Destruction of Property, Threatening an Act of Violence and Possession of Contraband in a Penal Institution After Former Conviction of a Felony.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 7

A sample of the transformer box art in downtown Edmond.

Thinking ‘Outside the Box’ to spread public art Edmond Electric and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission are proud to debut a new public art program called “Outside the Box”.

The Outside the Box program is offered to qualifying Edmond Electric customers to help beautify their communities by enhancing the aesthetic of their environment while also preventing graffiti on transformer boxes.

Transformer boxes are the green utility boxes that can be found along sidewalks, in courtyards, and on business properties. They house high-voltage equipment for underground electrical service, taking the higher voltage from Edmond Electric’s distribution system and transforming it to lower voltages appropriate for residential and commercial use.

Outside the Box has two options for eligible applicants. Applicants can choose from over 60 preapproved designs or submit a custom design for consideration. Pre-approved designs include land-

scapes, local scenery, unique perspectives, textures and patterns, and more. Edmond Electric will work with each local agency to determine if the requested art is appropriate for the requested location.

“This program is an exciting opportunity for citizens to partner with Edmond Electric to enhance and beautify our City in unique public locations,” said Edmond Visual Arts Commission Chairperson Louise Cleary Cannon. “The images taken from museum public domain collections can educate the public about great art pieces, while the images created locally serve to celebrate the vibrancy of the community.”

Vinyl wraps are used for the program because they follow utility industry best practices. Vinyl has a life expectancy of five or more years and comes with a paint-repelling laminate to further reduce the effects of any graffiti.

In 2020, four traffic signal boxes were wrapped

in Downtown Edmond as part of a pilot for this program. “The overwhelmingly positive response of these first four box wraps has given staff hope that Outside the Box will gain traction and continue to beautify not only the downtown area, but areas all over our community,” said Jessica Lyle, Edmond Electric Community Program Manager.

Each wrapped box includes a label with the name of the art piece and the sponsor. A QR code on the label directs viewers to a webpage with more information. Because these boxes house electrical equipment, all safety warning stickers and identifying markings remain visible in their designated locations.

Outside the Box is open to business associations, individual businesses, commercial property owners and managers, homeowners’ associations (for transformer boxes in common areas only), public agencies and community arts councils and commissions.

Page 8 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Two Edmond students picked for work on research projects The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has selected Edmond students Sidra Jawaid and Estella Seagraves as two of 12 Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2021.

Those chosen for OMRF’s 65th Fleming class work alongside OMRF scientists on research projects covering subjects including autoimmune diseases, cancer and cardiovascular disease for eight weeks. At the program’s conclusion, scholars will author scientific papers and deliver presentations to the foundation’s research staff.

Jaiwad will work in the lab of Bob Axtell, Ph.D., a scientist in OMRF’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program who studies multiple sclerosis. She is a mathematics major at the University of Central Oklahoma and a graduate of the Mercy School Institute.

Seagraves will work in the lab of Xiao-Hong Sun, Ph.D., a scientist in OMRF’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program who studies the immune system. She is a cellular and molecular biology major at Oklahoma City University and a graduate of Edmond Memorial High School.

A panel of scientists chose the class based on their scientific achievements and demonstrated interest in a career in medical research.

“These students inject a sense of excitement and curiosity into our summers,” said OMRF Fleming Scholar Program coordinator Heather Rodriguez. With the program cancelled last summer, she said, “It was a group we sincerely missed seeing, and we’re glad to see them return.”

Founded in 1956, the program gives Oklahoma high school and college students hands-on biomedical research experience. “A summer at OMRF is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students. It’s both challenging and rewarding,” said Rodriguez.

The program is named for Sir Alexander Fleming, the British scientist who discovered penicillin and in 1949 came to Oklahoma City to dedicate OMRF’s first building. OMRF Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., and Vice President of Research Rodger McEver, M.D., started their research careers as Fleming Scholars.

For a complete list of the 2021 Fleming Scholars, visit www.omrf.org/fleming.

Weekend Calendar of Events What’s Happening This Weekend May 6-9 ---- In the Gallery: Brad McNeill ---- Gallery Opening: Brad McNeill ---- 5x5 Art Show and Sale ---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience ---- Taproom Tones featuring Austin Duplantis ---- Edmond Jr Rodeo ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Brown Bag Lunch Series: Eternal Performances: Spirit Tableaus in Ancient Mesoamerica ---- Native American Art, Ritual and Cosmic Renewal Looting & Archeology Panel: Its Effects on Native People and Culture ---- Artist Demonstrations: Martha Berry ---- Artist Demonstrations: Jereldine Redcorn ---- Artist Demonstrations: Margaret Roach Wheeler ---- Artist Demonstrations: Mathew Anderson ---- Live Performances: Seminole Nation ---- Spiro Book Signing ---- Sunday Spiro Spotlight – Martha Berry ---- Drop-In Drawing – Saving the Mail, Charles Schreyvogel ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Nunsense ---- Night Market ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival ---- Guthrie Renaissance Faire ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: American Stories – “Tis” a Gift ---- Central Oklahoma Bicycle Expo Extra Information In the Gallery: Brad McNeill Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Brad McNeill; edmondfinearts.com Gallery Opening: Brad McNeill Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, May 6; Free; 5 – 7 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com 5x5 Art Show and Sale Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, May 6, 5 p.m.; $55; facebook VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Thu, May 6; Free; 5 – 9 p.m.; edmondvibes.org Taproom Tones featuring Austin Duplantis Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Fri, May 7; 7 – 10 p.m.; facebook Edmond Jr Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena Extra Info: Fri, May 7 – Sat, May 8; $5 for adults; $1 for 18 & younger; edmondroundupclub.com Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, May 8; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com Brown Bag Lunch Series: Eternal Performances: Spirit Tableaus in Ancient Mesoamerica Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 6; 12 – 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Native American Art, Ritual and Cosmic Renewal Looting & Archeology Panel: Its Effects on Native People and Culture

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 7; 12 – 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Artist Demonstrations: Martha Berry Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 8; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Artist Demonstrations: Jereldine Redcorn Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 8; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Artist Demonstrations: Margaret Roach Wheeler Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 8; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Artist Demonstrations: Mathew Anderson Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 8; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Live Performances: Seminole Nation Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 8; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Spiro Book Signing Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 8; 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Sunday Spiro Spotlight – Martha Berry Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 9; 1 – 1:30 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Drop-In Drawing – Saving the Mail, Charles Schreyvogel Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: May 9; 2 – 3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Lyric Theatre presents: Nunsense Location: Myriad Gardens Water Stage Extra Info: Thu, May 6 – Sun, May 9; lyrictheatreokc.com Night Market Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Fri, May 7; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; scissortailpark.org First Friday Gallery Walk Location: Paseo Arts District Extra Info: Fri, May 7; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sat, May 8; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com Guthrie Renaissance Faire Location: 308 N 5th St, Guthrie, Ok Extra Info: Sat, May 8 – Sun, May 9; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Facebook OKC Philharmonic presents: American Stories – “Tis” a Gift Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Sat, May 8; 8 p.m.; okcphil.org Central Oklahoma Bicycle Expo Location: 800 Riversport Dr Extra Info: Sat, May 8; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; acogok.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 9

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Oklahoma Christian University students view paintings at The Visibility Project art show

OC art show helps celebrate partnership with the disabled Last weekend, more than 100 people attended an art show at Oklahoma Christian University’s The Brew coffee shop to celebrate a partnership between adults with disabilities and art students. The paintings on display were collaboratively created; those with disabilities began the paintings, and OC students added their own touches to complete the artwork. Both artists and their friends and families were then invited to celebrate the finished pieces. The show highlighted how inclusion elevates the quality of life for everyone in a community.

According to the American Psychological Association, adults with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to experience abuse than adults without disabilities. OC’s Eagle PR students planned the art show in conjunction with its “The Visibility Project” campaign this spring to inform, include and inspire the community to stand up against violence targeted at people with disabilities.

At the art show, Josiah Kern, the son of OC Associate Professor of Family Science professor Bobby Kern, cut the ribbon at the art show’s opening. Josiah was also one of the painters. Attendees enjoyed catered ice cream from Not Your Average Joe, an area coffee shop that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, New Reign, OC’s student a capella singing group, performed for those in

attendance.

In April, the student-led PR team hosted several events. Each Tuesday morning for three weeks, the team hosted a guest speaker to share a message about informing, including and inspiring individuals about the issue of targeted violence.

Associate Professor of Communication Josh Watson, Eagle PR’s faculty advisor, appreciated the student’s outreach to the community.

“The violence that’s targeted against people with disabilities is a serious problem, and our goal is to make the community more aware of this issue and display inclusion of everyone,” Watson said. “The speakers and events helped more people know about targeted violence and how we can all help be part of the solution.”

Isabella Rapp, the firm’s director, said the campaign is close to her heart; she works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities every day at the Not Your Average Joe coffee shop.

“Not Your Average Joe has taught me the importance of inclusion in every part of life,” Rapp said.

“Whether that is inclusion in jobs like at NYAJ or even equal opportunities on a college campus, promoting radical inclusion changes peoples’ lives and encourages those around us to promote it as well.

“I believe this project will highlight the importance of inclusion and ac-

Page 10 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side Facts on sale tax idea A $4.5 billion utility bill, really?

By Steve Gust pirate prices. That's what gets me. Let's say Houston Editor gets hit by a hurricane.

I'm a big believer in You've got a pickup and load free enterprise. up ten generators. You I doubt Joe Biden or charge $300 more than any of his socialist team what the generators cost can say the same. you. You hope to make The system has $3,000. In the law's eyes made America great. you're a price gouger and Someone has an idea Steve Gust can be prosecuted. But if and risks their future and you're a utility company or a money to make it work. They're provider, it's just the cost of doing rewarded, hopefully, with profit. business. That's ridiculous and And competition makes business should concern everyone. How even better. does it work if people move here Having said that, I'm alarmed from another state? They didn't by a few recent headlines. In the Sunday Oklahoman, was an article run up the utility bill, yet will have to pay for it. Or suppose you're a on how people in Oklahoma ran member of the military. You were up a $4.5 billion utility bill in Febstationed abroad and didn't use ruary. Our crime was trying to any heat. You're charged for it stay warm during record cold. So also. The utilities didn't have a somehow we'll have to make up great playbook for the cold blast, $4.5 billion over many years. We have years of higher bills for a few so we all have to pay for it. Meanwhile some people get rich off the days of warmth? The utilities alwhole process. Doesn't seem right legedly got blindsided by the cold to me. I urge State Attorney Genblast and had to pay whatever eral Mike Hunter to look into this. they could on the spot market.

And maybe while Hunter is inThere was natural gas available at

vestigating that, he can look into the cost of how lumber has skyrocketed. That doesn't seem right to me either. Someone plans their dream home and the contractor comes back and say the cost of the home is now $30,000 more than what had been planned.

That's ridiculous.

Reminds me of some of those medical providers who corner the cost of a life saving drug. They jack up the price by 2,000 percent. They know the people need the drug to survive, so they charge anything they want. That's outrageous and just flat out wrong.

I thought Teddy Roosevelt ended this monopoly garbage 120 years ago. What the heck is going on? Oh and to keep everything in perspective, Oklahoma spends about $1.5 billion a year for education. For four or five days of life saving heat, the bill is $4.5 billion.

Mike Hunter needs to do something and the sooner the better.

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

The cartoon has been printed before

Letter to Editor: The Editorial in your recent publication (“O’Neil Suggests Sales Tax Hike”) appeared to cast disparaging light on the pending proposal for a one year ¼ cent sales tax to allow the City of Edmond to purchase land south of Hafer Park.

You stated that your readers should “prepare for a good amount of misinformation” relating to this proposal.

Well, perhaps that is a valid statement since your editorial contained a “good amount of misinformation.”

First, it’s a proposal for ¼ cent, not ½ cent as you reported. It is limited in duration – one year, with a definite start and ending date and cannot be unilaterally extended by the

Letter to Editor council. You indicated that the sales tax would unfairly impact the needy residents. In reality, this sales tax proposal would tax many shoppers who don’t live in Edmond, but visit to eat or shop, as opposed to a property tax that would truly impact residents.

Do the math - it would only add 25 cents – one quarter- for each $100 dollars of purchases in Edmond. And the reality is that even with a ¼ cent increase, Edmond remains one of the lowest sales tax rate in the metro area.

If the proposal passes, Edmond’s rate would be 8.5% tying us with Moore - Oklahoma City is 8.625%, Norman is 8.75%, Yukon, Mustang and El Reno are all 8.85%, Guthrie and Del City are 9.0%, Midwest City is 9.1% and Shawnee is a whopping 9.495%.

As you noted, this property has been contentious for many years, and as the City Attorney explained, it is probably the most litigated piece of land in Edmond. The citizens in Edmond feel very strongly about this property and its potential impact on Hafer Park, so much so that a referendum in 2017 was overwhelmingly successful in stopping a massive 4 story development from being built. Now, we have a unique opportunity in front of us and I am grateful to the Council for recognizing it. The land in question immediately abuts Hafer Park to the south.

While in Hafer, the area in question appears very wooded and natural. It creates a

See Letter, Page 11

Lankford reacts to Biden speech before Congress

By Sen. James Lankford Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week raised his concerns on the Senate floor with some of the spending and policy proposals President Biden offered in his address to a joint session of Congress. Lankford shared his praise for his friend and colleague Senator Tim Scott (RSC) who delivered the Republican Lankford response. Lankford offered his immediate reaction to the speech and response the same night on Facebook Live.

Lankford was clear in his remarks on the Senate floor that he will not waiver in his support of the Second Amendment, protection of life, and tackling our massive national debt but that he welcomed the opportunity to work together on areas where there is common ground.

Lankford has already raised concerns about President Biden’s lack of action to secure our southern border, over the Biden Administration becoming the most pro-abortion Administration ever with his push for progressive Democrat pro-abortion policies and his nomination of Xavier Becerra to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, and over President Biden’s assault on traditional energy on day one of his presidency.

Transcript I've had the privilege to represent the great state of Oklahoma and the people of Oklahoma, to be able to sit in multiple presidential addresses in the House of Representatives chamber. That Joint Address that happened last night I didn't have the privilege to actually get a chance to sit in on as clearly anyone who watched the speech saw there were 200 people in the room designed for 1,600 people. With the spacing and all the things that were happening there, in

some ways it seemed normal and some ways it seemed ridiculous with 200 vaccinated people all spaced out, but that's a different story for a different moment.

For that speech last night as I listened, I thought about the other speeches that I’ve listened to as well.

Many of these speeches are similar. The President comes and casts a vision. They say these are things they want to be able to do. They talk through different programs, talk through different tax issues, talk through where we are as a country, and cast a vision.

I get all those things.

Last night and every night when one of those speeches occur, there's usually something unique or different about the speech, it’s a little different direction from where they want to go. Not all those programs will get implemented, as I have people already contacting my office panicked in some ways saying, ‘Are all those things going to be done?’ I can smile at them and say, ‘No, all those things won't be done,’ because it never is. It's a vision that's cast by the President that they have to convince the American people and Congress to be able to engage with as well.

But last night was epic in the sense of spending. I was even surprised at the amount that we're talking about at this point. And it seems to be so flippant and normal at this point. When you do the math of what just happened with the American Rescue Plan that was just under $2 trillion of spending. Last night there was one of the proposals also about $2 trillion and another one about $2.5 trillion. Take those together, just over $6 trillion in proposed government debt just in those three recommended.

What people aren't adding to is starting in June, in July, it's appropriations time, and our best understanding that we haven't received the budget from the White House yet, is that proposal will be about $4.5 trillion. So added together what has happened

in the first 100 days and the next 100 days that we already see coming is a proposal to spend $11 trillion. Eleven trillion. That far exceeds what was even spent during the pandemic time period when we all determined this is a rainy day that we definitely need to be able to help stabilize our economy—$11 trillion.

Size of government, the number of times that I heard if there's a problem, government here in Washington, DC, can solve it was epic. Now, initially at the beginning of the speech, there was a lot of talk about COVID as well there should be. Our nation is coming through this. But I was surprised how little conversation there was about the vaccines and the process, Operation Warp Speed, and the partnership between government and private industry that was done last year to be able to bring all these vaccines to place.

You see, all the vaccines were developed and ordered last year. All the needles and the alcohol wipes and the materials, the PPE that would be needed were all ordered last year. This year was just a matter of getting shots in arms, which I’m incredibly grateful we've had so many Americans that have stepped up, driven up, come and put their arm out there and said, ‘I want to be a part of the solution for getting rid of COVID in our country.’

Everyone knew that as we got shots in arms, we would see the numbers come down, at least we hoped and we did. The numbers are coming down and the economy is coming back up. That's the other thing that everyone predicted as well is as soon as some of the shutdowns happened, we would begin to see the economy begin to rise again and thankfully we are.

But it was interesting to be able to hear the President last night take credit for all of that, which I assume every president who’s sitting in that spot would. But I am grateful for President Trump and to the leadership that happened in HHS.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 11

COVID in no rush to leave Although roughly half the U.S. population has received at least one Covid-19 shot, new cases are still averaging more than 50,000 daily nationwide.

It’s a sign the virus isn’t going away, according to experts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

“Some have the idea that we can still reach ‘Covid zero,’” said OMRF immunologist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D. “Unless close to 100% of the population gets vaccinated, that’s unlikely.”

Nevertheless, she said, “It doesn’t mean that we can’t get back to something that looks like normal.”

Covid-19 seems poised to join “endemic” viruses like influenza and chickenpox, which remain in perpetual circulation. “These kinds of viruses are always present but not in huge, pandemic-level outbreaks,” said OMRF physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D. Scofield said the best-case scenario is that with widespread vaccination and growing natural immunity, Covid-19 could resemble measles.

“Like Covid-19, measles spreads easily through the air and once wreaked havoc on our communities,” he said. “But thanks to vaccination, it went from being common to just a few hundred cases most years in the U.S.” However, because of vaccine hesitancy, Chakravarty predicts Covid-19 incidence in the

U.S. will more likely resemble the flu.

In 2017-18, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the country experienced 45 million cases of influenza and 61,000 flu-related deaths. “Despite these statistics, the flu doesn’t bring life to a halt,” said Chakravarty.

Although Covid-19 does not mutate as rapidly as influenza does, the dominant variants that have emerged appear more contagious than the original strain. That’s not surprising, said Chakravarty, and another clue that the virus is here to stay.

“The virus wants to survive, so becoming more contagious and, we hope, less lethal is helpful from an evolutionary perspective,” said Chakravarty. “The effects of this coronavirus will likely grow milder over time, and our immune systems should develop ‘memories’ of the virus that will better protect us when exposed.”

Still, said Scofield, the best way to take the bite out of the virus is widespread vaccination.

“Recent CDC shows that infections among the fully vaccinated are rare, but have been reported,” said Scofield, noting that the chance of serious illness and death when fully vaccinated is near zero.

“Whether vaccinated people can spread the virus is still not known. That means that in addition to rolling up our sleeves for a shot, following masking and social distancing practices remains critical.”

UCO named certified health campus for the ninth consecutive year The University of Central Oklahoma has once again maintained its status as a Certified Healthy Campus for the ninth consecutive year, recognizing the university's efforts to promote health and wellness among its students, faculty and staff.

A part of the "Shape Your Future" campaign driven by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Central was awarded the highest level of certification, garnering the excellence designation. The program recognizes public and private campuses and career technology centers that make a positive impact on the health of their communities.

As a part of Central's Healthy Campus Initiative, students, faculty and staff work together to lead several efforts to encourage the campus community in health and wellness.

UCO Health Promotion

serves as the initiative's hub, offering free suicide prevention training, substance and alcohol abuse prevention education, wellbeing programs and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of taking care of our total wellness so that we can continue to show up and be our best," said Carlie Deatherage, assistant director of health promotion and co-chairperson of Healthy Campus.

"I am proud of the work that the Healthy Campus initiative has continued to do throughout the pandemic and that UCO kept holistic health as a priority for students, staff and faculty."

Central also strives for student success mentally, emotionally and physically both in the classroom and out by providing services such as the UCO Cen-

ter for Counseling and Well-Being with free individual therapy appointments, group counseling and Calm Central, UCO's stress reduction room. The Wellness Center offers intramurals, sport clubs, adventure programs and Oklahoma Project WILD. Activities extend to the university's Center for Outdoor Adventure Recreation located on Lake Arcadia, which houses the university's fleet of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and mountain bikes for both rentals and oneon-one or group instruction.

Central is also one of only two universities in the nation designated as an Olympic and Paralympic training site, hosting the national Men's and Women's Sitting Volleyball teams along with athletes training in Paralympic archery, powerlifting, track and field, and the Olympic sport of taek-

For more information on Central's health and wellness programs, visit www.ucowellnesscenter.com and www.uco.edu/healthyhooves.

wondo.

For more information on the "Shape Your Future" campaign and Certified Healthy Oklahoma, visit www.certifiedhealthyok.com.

Letter From Page 10 peaceful backdrop for the park area. Further, Spring Creek runs along the border of the property and the creek area has eroded significantly in the last 10-20 years. Purchasing this property preserves that natural area and allows the City the ability to address the erosion over time.

Keep in mind that the opportunity to buy the park is an urgent and pressing issue. If this area is developed, Hafer Park expansion is forever denied. The developer has agreed to place his plans on hold to allow us to put this issue to a vote of the people and buy the land. While it is true that the City has no current plans to expand the park, it allows for that to be a possibility for the future.

If it’s held as nothing more than a nature area, that is an acceptable use.

You claimed in your editorial that “the elites against multi-family housing” have raised these issues. Not only are you wrong, but it is extremely offensive to call the grassroots citizens “elites”.

Hafer Park is the jewel of Edmond, with its tree growth, playgrounds and duck pond. It is used by families, young people, and ordinary citizens every single day – and all of Edmond does benefit from this proposal. These are the folks who have worked for years to protect the park and surrounding area. You also incorrectly stated that development on this land doesn’t affect Hafer Park.

This discounts the peaceful visual effect of the largely wooded area on areas inside Hafer. It also ignores the increased traffic that will spill onto already crowded 15th and Bryant area, among other things.

This is a meager but important sales tax increase that preserves an open area for our children and grandchildren. Without this small, limited sales tax, our chance will disappear, and we will never have this opportunity again. I encourage you to embrace this proposal for the good of Edmond!

LYDIA LEE

Page 12 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

ELAINE WARNER

The triceratops’ horns look scary, but are little protection for the fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Something big going on at OKC Zoo

By Elaine Warner Big doin’s at the Oklahoma City Zoo – I mean REALLY big. A special exhibit, DINO SAFARI, opened last week. Fifteen giant, prehistoric creatures are roaming (okay, they’re not roaming but they’re roaring and moving some body parts) through the Zoo’s pollinator garden.

Elaine The exhibition, which requires a ticket in addition to the usual admission, features life-sized, robotic figures that lived primarily during the late Cretaceous Period – the last dinosaurs before extinction. Most familiar species like T. rex, and Triceratops are joined by less familiar species including Plateosaurus and Mamenchisaurus. Two later species – the Wooly Mammoth and Wooly Rhinocerous existed during the Ice Age – and were hunted by humans. DINO SAFARI at the OKC Zoo stars robotic dinosaurs created by Dino Don, Inc. A sort of P.S. to the exhibit of these extinct species is a small exhibit of a current species on the edge of extinction – the horny toad, more properly, the Texas Horned Lizard. These little guys used to be common, but loss of habitat resulting from human habitation and land development has seriously impacted their survival. The Oklahoma City Zoo has been working for several years to try to save the species.

They excavate toad nests, bringing the eggs into their lab and incubating them. When the babies are big enough, they are fitted with tiny trackers.

Zoo scientists monitor their movements and physical condition after their release in a safe area on Tinker Air Force Base land.

While the dinosaurs are a great attraction for

ing difficulties.)

For a cool family activity, consider volunteering for the Dino Squad -- folks who help guests learn about these ancient creatures. The zoo will provide all the tools and training you’ll need. Children 8 and up are eligible to participate. Learn more or apply at www.okczoo.org/Dino-Squad-Volunteers.

ELAINE WARNER

The T. rex had 50 razor-sharp teeth the size of bananas.

children, adults can enjoy this special exhibit at the Thursday night (over 21 only) Sip and Stroll between now and June 24, from 6 to 10 p.m. Six .“watering holes” will be selling adult beverages, Tickets for these evenings cost $25/person for general admission. VIP tickets ($40/person) allow early admission and include a sea lion show and access to Stingray Bay and the lorikeet area. Both types of tickets include DINO SAFARI. .And, of course, you can see all the other animals (with the exception of a few spots closed because of distanc-

Currently almost all visits to the zoo require advance tickets. Check the “Plan Your Visit” section on the zoo web site: www.okczoo.org for details and COVID requirements. May 31 through Labor Day, the zoo will open at 8 a.m. to provide for a more comfortable visit during the warmest months. Current zoo admission is $12 for adults (check the web site for discounts, etc.) DINO SAFARI tickets are $6/per person for non-zoo-members; $5 for members, children two and under are free. I’ve checked admission prices on the major zoos within a 200-mile radius and our zoo admissions are a real bargain – and, besides, I think our zoo is better than any of the others!

The Zoo has lots more activities going on – and some exciting things to come. On Friday, May 21, Families can bring their own tents and gear and camp overnight at the zoo. For this event, entitled Bugs and Blooms, there will be an emphasis on how bugs help plants grow. Participants will take an evening hike through the zoo, use black lights to find bugs, snack on s’mores and listen to stories.

The zoo will provide a light breakfast and campers will have zoo admission for that day. The cost is $40 per person with limited capacity and early registration necessary.

Sunday, May 23, is World Turtle Day with spe-

See Exhibit, Page 15

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 13

Graduation at UCO will be this Friday and Saturday.

UCO graduation this weekend The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,302 graduates during the Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies May 7-8 at Central’s Wantland Stadium.

Gov. George Nigh, former UCO president and Oklahoma’s 22nd governor, will address graduates at the 10 a.m. ceremony Friday, May 7.

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

Commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows: 10 a.m., Friday, May 7: College of Education

and Professional Studies and College of Fine Arts and Design; 2 p.m., Friday, May 7: College of Business and Jackson College of Graduate Studies; and, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 8: College of Liberal Arts and College of Mathematics and Science.

Guests must maintain socially distanced seating in groups of four within Wantland Stadium. Masks are required for students and guests. All guests ages 3 and up are required to have a ticket.

Metal detectors will be used at the gates for all participants. Guests and students are asked to minimize the number of items carried inside. Students must wear flat-soled shoes to participate in commencement.

Limited parking to the west of Wantland Stadium will be reserved for those with disabilities. All campus parking spaces, except those in the reserved lot, will be open during the commencement events for those attending ceremonies.

The ceremonies may also 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 Wantland Stadium, weather permitting.

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

Page 14 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’

Film elements come together to deliver a hit

By George Gust As animation technology continues to progress and become more widely available there are a myriad of animated movies you and your family can choose from these days.

For years it seemed as the Pixar/Disney had the market cornered on entertaining, yet heartfelt animated movies that could be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Contenders to the Disney animated crown come and go whether it be the animated movies of Don Bluth in the 90s (“Anastasia” “All Dogs go to Heaven”) or the Dreamworks franchises in the 2000’s of “Shrek” and “Despicable Me” but at the end of the day when you think animated feature films you think Disney. However, now with the critical and commercial acclaim of “Into the Spiderverse” Sony Animated Studios seems to be the latest and greatest contender for animation domination. But would their latest Netflix release “The Mitchells vs the Machines” prove to be a formidable foe for the larger-than-life mouse, or fall by the wayside as yet another animated film in the cacophony of animated offerings vying for you attention?

“The Mitchells vs the Machines” follows young Katie Mitchell (voice of Abbi Jacobson) who embarks on a road trip with her proud parents (voices

of Maya Rudolph & Danny McBride), younger brother and beloved dog to start her first year at film school. But their scenic family trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope.

“The Mitchells vs the Machines” falls in the sweet spot between being a dazzling animated adventure and a heartfelt family film with relatable emotional moments. The robotic uprising hook of the film provides for a multitude of comedic moments commenting on social media culture and harkening back to famous doomsday scenario movies like “Dawn of the Dead” and the artificial intelligence of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” but it is the familiar coming of age fam-

ily story that makes “The Mitchells vs the Machines” a resoundingly successful film. “The Mitchells vs the Machines” does not feel the need to re-invent storytelling or upend expectations, but what it does achieve is the best version of the animated family adventure film.

From the phenomenal voice cast to the compelling animation style that feels more cartoonish and artistic than the ‘reality’ Pixar approach, “The Mitchells vs the Machines” is an unmitigated success.

Younger children in the audience will enjoy the colorful doodles that constantly appear and quick comedic beats that resemble what you could find on Youtube or Tik Tok, but adults will also enjoy the comedic foibles of the tech-phobic father character and the emotion of the sincere family storyline.

“The Mitchells vs the Machines” is rated PG for action and some language.

4.7 out of 5 stars.

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Check out George’s Gust’s previous reviews on www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sony Animation's latest Netflix release ‘The Mitchells vs the Machines’ tells an emotional coming of age family story against the backdrop of today's social media culture and a doomsday robotic uprising.

Paseo event set for this Friday Answers appearing on Page 19

Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. All of the Paseo galleries have reopened, some with abbreviated hours, and most will be open late for First Friday. Restaurants will be open for dining, patio seating and takeout. All guests are required to wear a mask indoors, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer when shopping.

This month’s First Friday is May 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) is pleased to feature two exhibits in April - in Gallery One, Brennan Rhea’s installation Neighbors, and in Gallery Two, paintings

by Debbie Flynn and photography by Steven Taylor. An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 7, 6 to 9 p.m. The PACC will limit capacity and require masks and social distancing. Both exhibits will be on display May 7- 29 in the PACC at 3024 Paseo.

Brennan Rhea is an Oklahoma City based artist who enjoys mixing traditional mediums with contemporary design.

For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 5252688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org.

Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SESAME STREET THEME: FICTIONAL FATHERS ACROSS 1. Like Annapolis Academy 6. Pine juice 9. One in a manger 13. Like a good athlete 14. Modern address 15. Printer cartridge contents 16. Cate Blanchett's movie "____ on a Scandal" 17. 2nd largest living bird in world 18. U in UV 19. *HonorÈ de Balzac's "Le PËre ____" 21. *Nemo's dad, named after a sport fish 23. "____ of the morning!"

24. Seaside bird 25. Tax accounting specialist, acr.

28. Back of the neck 30. Chew the fat 35. Country dance formation 37. Greek goddess of fertility 39. Waterwheel 40. *Drunk and, incidentally, Huck Finn's Pap 41. Metallic sounding 43. Quite a stretch 44. Place to dry out 46. Like the White Rabbit 47. Dr. Robert Bruce Banner's green alter ego 48. Sun-____ 50. Toothy wheel 52. Bad-mouth 53. Made a rug 55. Low-____ image 57. *Simba's father in "The Lion King" 60. *Luke's and Leia's father 63. Golfer's sun protection 64. Romanian monetary unit 66. Introverted one 68. Follow as a consequence 69. Pooh's wise friend 70. Territory in China known as Las Vegas of Asia 71. Young woman 72. *"That '70s Show" dad 73. One-room school house "notebook"

DOWN 1. A Bobbsey twin 2. Awestruck 3. *The Godfather's given name 4. Heads-up 5. Wound 6. Cooking grease 7. Hammer holder?

8. D'Artagnan's hat decoration 9. Weevil's target 10. Not in favor of 11. Capital of Switzerland 12. Chapter in history 15. As opposed to turn-off 20. 1960s abstractionism 22. Rainbow shape 24. Like ones between 13 and 19 years old 25. *Griswold family patriarch 26. Mushroom caps 27. Egyptian symbol of life, pl.

29. *Jay is to Claire as ____ is to Haley 31. Flood survivor 32. Father of psychoanalysis Sigmund 33. Garlicky mayonnaise 34. *Both father in "Mary

Poppins" and father in "Father of the Bride" 36. Unfledged hawk 38. Casino chip 42. Pine 45. ____ of dog!

49. "I ____" at the altar 51. Middle Earth and Kingdom of the North, e.g.

54. Courage in the face of danger 56. Smokeless tobacco brand 57. Short skirt 58. It was Brezhnev's domain 59. Unplayable baseball 60. Old in Scottish 61. Cuzco valley empire 62. Straight pour from the bottle 63. Chill in front of TV, with 'out' 65. Ovine mom 67. Beluga yield

Answers are found on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 15

ELAINE WARNER

The plant-eating Mamenchisaurus, found in China, had the longest neck of any animal that has ever lived – it made up half the length of its 65-foot-long body.

Exhibit From Page 12 cial activities between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For kids 11 and under, this includes a turtle-themed scavenger hunt and turtle information stations. Activities are free with zoo admission.

During July and August, Nutella is sponsoring “Breakfast with the Animals.” The menu includes Nutella-filled pastries, Nutella fruit and pancake kabobs, breakfast meats, biscuits and sausage gravy, a made-to-order pancake station plus an egg and omelet station. Participants will be treated to a sea lion presentation. Check under the Events menu on the web site for schedules and costs.

A visit to the zoo is a bargain. For families, especially with small children, I recommend a Family Pass. It allows unlimited visits, which means you can go home the minute the kids get tired. The zoo’s huge – over 100 acres – and trying to see it all in one visit is almost impossible. You also get discounts on zoo add-ons. There are many of these. In addition to the above options there are the Flamingo Mingle, Camel Rides, Elephant Express Tram, Centennial Choo-choo, Giraffe Feed-

ing, Sea Lion Presentations, Sting Ray Bay, Endangered Species Carousel and the Explorikeet Adventure.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy one of Oklahoma City’s greatest attractions. One of the newest treats is to be found in the Underground habitat in the Children’s Zoo. Working in conjunction with The Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, the zoo currently has 11 baby Alligator Snapping Turtles on display. These turtles have a bad, undeserved, reputation but are actually and important animal in keeping water environments healthy. I love to see these tiny snappers – they look like little hand grenades. They will live at the zoo until they are old enough to go back to Tishomingo and be released into the wild. As they age out, at about four years, they will be replaced by new populations.

Zoos are so much more than just great entertainment. They are vital in species protection and education. And the Oklahoma City Zoo, one of the nation’s best, just keeps getting better.

Page 16 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Caddell named Dean at UCO Way Award, the Neely The University of Excellence in Teaching Central Oklahoma has Award and the College named Gloria Caddell, of Mathematics and SciPh.D., as dean of the ence Vanderford DistinCollege of Mathematguished Teaching ics and Science, effecAward. tive June 1.

Caddell is well known "Caddell is a dein Oklahoma and bevoted servant-leader yond for her contribuwho has earned the tions and expertise high regard of her colrelated to the flora of leagues across campus Oklahoma, particularly for her tireless dedicathe native plant commution to students and nities of gypsum outfaculty, her unparalcrops of northwestern leled work ethic and Gloria Caddell Oklahoma and the polliher thoughtful and nation of Oklahoma prairie plants. calm approach to resolving issues," She is currently the managing editor said Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., of the Oklahoma Native Plant provost and vice president for AcaRecord, a member of the Flora of demic Affairs.

Oklahoma editorial committee and "I am confident that she is the director of the Selman Living Lab. committed, collaborative and effecCaddell holds bachelor's and mastive leader needed to guide the Colter's degrees in anthropology from lege of Mathematics and Science." the University of Alabama and a docSince joining UCO in 1990, Caddell has served as interim dean, asso- torate in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ciate dean and chairperson. She has For more information about the been awarded many accolades UCO College of Mathematics and throughout her career at Central, inScience, visit www.uco.edu/cms. cluding the provost's Modeling the

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.

Janae Adams Taylor

Nursing student overcomes obstacles to get her diploma Graduation time this year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford is an especially happy time for a future nurse.

Janae Adams Taylor, at 2016 graduate of Enid High School and currently a Weatherford resident, has many reasons to smile.

Life was moving along just fine for Janae in the summer of 2019. She had just completed three years of college and her first year of nursing school at SWOSU when tragedy struck. She was traveling to Weatherford from Enid, where she was participating in an internship, for a doctor’s appointment. Near Canton, she was hit head-on by a semi-truck.

She was conscious at first and later was told that she was soft-spoken but told first responders her name and other pertinent data before blanking out. To this day, she has no remembrance of saying anything, the wreck and anything that happened in nine days after the wreck.

Janae was taken to the Okeene hospital at first but became unstable.

The weather was too bad to mediflight her, but she was taken by ambulance to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

She suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injury. The family was told that the chances of her ever walking again were not zero but very low. After spending two weeks in Oklahoma City, Janae was flown in a medical plane to a specialty hospital (Craig Hospital) in Englewood (CO).

Janae spent the next two months relearning how to do everything, including walking. Amazingly, she was walking unassisted just two months after the accident.

She asked the hospital staff if she could be a nurse someday and they replied with a definite yes. She was hoping to return to SWOSU in August 2019, but doctors recommended that she needed a year of extensive therapy and recovery. Janae did that and then reapplied to return to nursing school in the fall of 2020.

After a busy summer of 2020, she was able to walk down the aisle to marry her now husband — Jake Taylor — on the one-year anniversary of her accident. That fall, she excitedly reentered the nursing program at SWOSU. “Janae has worked extremely hard this year after laying out a year to be able to complete her degree and see her dream to become a nurse be a reality,” said Taylor’s mother, Julie Adams, who now lives in Tahlequah with Janae’s father, Jake.

Jake and Janae will soon be moving to Ft. Worth (TX), where Jake will attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jake is currently associate minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Weatherford. Janae will be seeking a job as a nurse.

And, at this year’s SWOSU Commencement, Taylor and her family will have big reasons to celebrate as she walks across that stage and receives her diploma.

Design group names new VP New Fire Native Design Group, a Native Americanowned and operated architecture firm, last week announced its new Vice President Cathleen Guthery. GuthGuthery ery’s addition to the leadership group is a response to the firm’s steady, intentional growth since its 2017 founding. New Fire Native Design Group is focused on meeting the diverse and specialized needs of its Native American clients, producing work that supports the reemergence many tribes continue to experience while acknowledging specific culture, heritage and traditions. Guthery brings nineteen years of experience providing architectural and engineering services to primarily Native American clients.

“I am pleased to welcome Cathleen as our Vice President,” said New Fire Native Design Group President Jason Holuby. “We’ve worked together for many years, and I’ve admired her consistently excellent work product, as well as her passion for

upholding and celebrating tribal culture. Since its founding, our firm has enjoyed a steady increase of projects in the Native American market, and our current and future clients will benefit from Cathleen’s enhanced leadership role.”

Over the years, Cathleen has been involved in many successful projects.

She has contributed to the success of a diverse set of projects for Native American tribes including the Chickasaw Nation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Notable projects include the Chickasaw Nation’s Carl Albert Service Center, the Border and Megastar Casinos, the Cowboys Bar and Grill in the WinStar Casino, the Three Ponds Elder Housing Addition for the Creek Nation, the Lucky Star Watonga Casino-Hotel in partnership with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and many others.

“Tribal design projects are so diverse, from health and human services, to civic buildings to master planning and housing and more,” said Guthery. “Each Native American tribe we work with is different and has a unique history.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 17

Outgoing OMRF president looks back at time with research group Stephen M. Prescott, M.D., who led the largest expansion in the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s history, will retire as president.

Prescott, 73, made the announcement Tuesday at a meeting of OMRF’s board of directors. Prescott was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and said he was stepping down for health reasons. Since 2006, he has led the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit, which will mark its 75th anniversary later this year.

“The time I’ve spent at OMRF has been the capstone to a scientific career that has been immensely rewarding,” said Prescott, a physician and medical researcher. “I’ve been lucky enough to help guide this wonderful institution for 15 years. And nothing makes me happier than knowing the scientists of OMRF will continue the tradition of biomedical research excellence long after I’ve gone.”

Under Prescott, OMRF has three times earned designation by the National Institutes of Health as an Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, one of only 10 in the nation.

Three life-changing drugs born at OMRF have earned FDA approval, including the first treatment for pain crises caused by sickle cell disease.

With the addition of a 186,000-square-foot research tower that included a multiple sclerosis clinic in 2011, Prescott engineered the largest campus expansion ever at OMRF. He also successfully completed a $100 million fundraising initiative that paid for that growth, then spearheaded the recruitment of more than 30 new principal scientists to fill the new labs and clinic space.

In rankings based on employee surveys, OMRF has earned a designation as one of Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces every year since the contest began in 2013. That includes a pair of blue ribbons among large employers in 2017 and 2019. During Prescot’s tenure, the foundation also received more than a dozen four-star rankings – the highest possible – from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of nonprofits.

“Dr. Steve Prescott’s leadership of OMRF has been transformative,” said Len Cason, chair of OMRF’s board of directors. “As a scientist and as a person, he dared not just to think big, but to transform those ideas into action. He chal-

Dr. Stephen Prescott lenged everyone at OMRF to reach new standards of excellence, and then he followed through and made sure it happened.”

Prescott was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2020. In his acceptance speech, he recalled how he’d been recruited to Oklahoma from the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute, where he’d served as executive director. “Len Cason told me that OMRF was the right place for me. He was right.”

The executive committee of OMRF’s board of directors will name an acting successor to Prescott soon. A nationwide search for a permanent replacement will follow.

“I’ve had the great fortune to live a charmed life. I’ve spent each day immersed in medical research,” said Prescott. “When you do something you love, you don’t work a day in your life.”

Governor announces appointments Gov. Kevin Stitt today appointed Billy Taylor and Rick Walker to the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges.

"I am thrilled to have both Billy Taylor and Rick Walker serving on the Oklahoma State Regents,” said Governor Stitt. “Billy’s leadership experience will be an asset in this position and his passion for agriculture as an Oklahoman will be invaluable.

Likewise, I am confident Rick’s strong background in farming and ranching and his drive to succeed will serve him well. I look forward to Billy and Rick’s success in their new roles.”

“It is a sincere privilege to have the opportunity to serve the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, its faculty, and students. I am thankful to Governor

Kevin Stitt for the appointment and will work hard to be a valuable asset to the Board of Regents and its constituents,” said Billy Taylor. “As a product of the OSU system myself, it is an honor to be able to give back to an institution that has meant so much in my life.”

“When I was a student at Oklahoma State, the instruction and experience I received combined with the relationships developed while seeking higher education were crucial in opening doors for opportunities,” said Rick Walker. “I am excited to give back and serve at such a critical time where we need well-founded, job-ready graduates to meet the demands of business and propel innovation and technology. I thank Governor Stitt for this opportunity to serve.”

State to start offering legal services subscription to staff Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation last week that would provide access to legal service plans to Oklahoma state employees through a voluntary payroll deduction.

House Bill 2180 by Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, requires state agencies to make payroll deductions for the payment of any insurance premiums due a private insurance organization or service company at the request of the employee.

“You never know when you’ll need an attorney’s assistance, and when you do need one, you don’t want to add the stress of finding a quality attorney on top of your legal worries,” Johns said. “The change brought about by House Bill 2180 allows our state employees the option of opting into a subscription-based legal services they can utilize when necessary. I believe this will greatly benefit our state employees who choose to use this, and I’m grateful the Governor

saw fit to sign it into law.”

HB2180 was carried in the Senate

by Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada. “House Bill 2180 updates our statutes so that state employees can better access prepaid legal service plans, such as those offered by companies like LegalShield, based in Ada,” McCortney said. “It was a pleasure to work with Representative Johns on this legislation, and I thank our fellow members and Governor Stitt for their support.”

Ada is the headquarters of LegalShield, a company that contracts with Oklahoma law firms to provide legal services for subscribers, which employs approximately 700 people.

“I appreciate the important role that LegalShield plays in our Ada community, and I want to thank their CEO Jeff Bell and Executive Vice President Keri Norris for working with us on this legislation,” Johns said.

Leadership Edmond taking applications Leadership Edmond is a leadership development program designed to provide community leaders with a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting the Edmond area.

The program begins with a two-day out of town retreat in August which focuses on community leadership skills and team building. The remaining eight, one-day long sessions meet once a month, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and each focus on a specific community topic such as city government, education, state government and volunteerism. All sessions occur on Mondays.

Participants receive in-depth exposure to the critical issues facing the community through lectures, discussion groups, onsite visits, simulations and other leadership development activities. Participants also get a chance to meet key community leaders. The location and format of each session is different. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships and prepare themselves for the challenges of years to come. The 2021-2022 class will be the 36th class of Leadership Edmond. Applications will be available online next week.

Page 18 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Supplements play a crucial role in wellness

By Brian Attebery The availability of fitness articles, gyms, fitness equipment and programs is overwhelming. When in history have we had so much at our grasp?. There are virtual workouts, online workouts, videos, YouTube “experts” and so many books to make your head spin.

Attebery Don’t forget that there are fitness centers no more than 3-5 miles apart in most cities. What are some things to make the most of this journey?

The human body is amazing. Within reason, the harder we work the body, the stronger it gets. You perform cardio exercise consistently like walking, jogging, biking or group classes, you will make your heart and lungs stronger as a result of that.

When you perform arm curls over and over, throughout time your arms get stronger. Leave all those things to the wayside, they will return to their former, weaker state. Our body will take care of you if you take care of it. Nutrition is 80% of this.

Many people think of nutrition when they think about being “skinny”. That is the wrong idea. You need to think about nutrition as repairing, protecting and cleansing the body. Dieting is a “D” word and so is “Deprivation”. You need to approach nutrition with an attitude that a high-level athlete should have. You need to look at food as a way to

nourish the body in the appropriate amounts, ratios and variety. That is difficult in a crazy world with fast foods and poor quality. Supplements can help.

I do think it is “possible” to eat all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you need through food.

While we can discuss that it is “possible”, we need to address the idea of if it is “probable” to do that.

I know for me, while I have great intentions to eat well daily, I never get all the things my body needs to be optimal without supplements. Supplements can also be a broad category and quality matters as well. What are some things to focus on in that world?

Protein is the building block of every tissue and cell in our bodies. From our muscles to our organs, skin and hair, we must constantly provide proteins to repair and rebuild. Lean meats, eggs, fish and dairy products are our most common sources. I have always utilized protein shakes in various forms from whey to soy to casein and combinations of all the above to supplement more readily available protein that is easier to digest than trying to eat meat all the time for it. I drink 2 per day out of the 5 meals I eat daily. The ones I make actually taste great too!. That helps.

Multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants are another must in my opinion. We have seen multiple examples in the recent years of certain vitamins and minerals and their role in added benefits of protection of immunity and other functions. How

many of you have started taking Zinc, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin C the last year? Each one of those vitamins have numerous benefits in the body beyond just a boosted immune system. Yes, you can find food sources that these foods naturally occur in and you should. The question is whether you will do that with all of them and will you do it consistently?

If you workout regularly for years, you will most likely have some joint aches and pains. When those knees, shoulders and back are inflamed, it makes it difficult to get the workouts in. I think it is crucial to include glucosamine products that nourish your joints along with omega fatty acids that are natural anti-inflammatories for your arteries and heart as well. There are many products that are designed for joint health that combine a synergy of products like turmeric, msn and other products that nourish the joints.

The human body can do amazing things. Exercise, eat right and start included a variety of supplements that can aid you in your journey to make the most of your body and wellness. While there is no “magic pill” to fitness, wellness and weight-loss, there are an abundance of tools out there to incorporate in your wellness journey. Start the journey today. Your body needs you to.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer.

He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

Gaining knowledge of mortgage refinancing

By Kenneth Wohl A mortgage refinance is when you replace your current mortgage with a new mortgage. There are many reasons why homeowners may want or need to refinance: • To shorten the terms of their current mortgage.

• To get a lower interest rate Wohl than their current mortgage.

• To use the equity of the home to finance a large purchase, pay for an emergency or consolidate debt.

• To convert your loan from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed interest rate.

• To get the PMI (primary mortgage insurance) requirement removed. Many FHA loans require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. A conventional loan will generally not require mortgage insurance if you have paid your loan balance down to 78% or less of the appraised value.

When to Refinance In order to know if refinancing is a good option for you, you need to understand your long-term goals and your current financial situation. If you are refinancing to take advantage of lower interest rates, there are mortgage calculators that give you an estimate of how much it will cost to refinance and how much you can save over the life of the loan.

Mortgage Matters Column You also want to consider the break-even point, or how long it takes to earn back the money you spent to refinance. For instance, if it will take seven years to earn back the money you spent to refinance and you plan on moving in three years, it is probably a bad idea to refinance your loan.

Your personal finances can also determine if it is a good idea to refinance. If you need lower monthly payments because money is tight, refinancing might be a good option to relieve the monthly stress of the payment.

How to Refinance Your Home In order to refinance your home, you will need to get approval approved for a loan the same way you did for the original financing. The first thing to do is have your documentation ready. This can include pay stubs, bank statements, a credit check, tax documentation and anything else your lender requests. It is also important to know that a strong credit score will have a positive impact on your refinancing terms. You may want to wait a few months to improve your credit score before starting the process.

Once your documentation is in order and your credit score is in a good place, you should then apply for a refinance with several different lenders. Apply at

three or four places and do so in a short-time period so it reduces the impact on your credit score.

After you receive the loan estimate from different lenders, compare those documents and determine how much you will likely pay in closing costs. Closely compare the lenders’ fees, which could include the Origination Fee, Discounts Fee, Underwriting, Processing and Tax service Fee. Some third party fees, such as appraisers and title company fees, will likely be the same no matter what lender you choose.

Choose the lender that works best for you and try to get your rate locked in as soon as possible. Then you will work with your lender to close on the loan in the exact same way you closed on your mortgage the first time.

No matter what you decide, do your research and ensure it makes financial sense to refinance before beginning the process. I am here to help, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Feel free to call me at 405.608.5291 or email me at kwohl@bankrcb.net.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.

Celebrities test the waters of real estate world “Madonna Buys Weeknd Mansion” Madonna has a new place to enjoy her weekends, paying $19.3 million for The Weeknd's L.A. mansion. Built in 2016 at almost 14,000 square feet spread across three acres, the seven-bedroom, 11-bath property includes a two-bedroom guest house, a large barn and a five-car auto gallery.

Amenities include a basketball court, gym, pool, spa, a cabana with its own living room, home theater, a bar for entertaining and a dramatically lit wine room.

“Bryan Cranston Is His Bad Self In California Home Sale” Bryan Cranston made quick work of selling his 2,450-square-foot California beach house. The Breaking Bad star sold the home for $5.45 million in just a couple weeks, well over his asking price of $4.95 million. Bryan helped design the home along with wife, Robin Dearden, and their frienddesigner, John Turturro. The three-bedroom, ocean-

view home is built on the site of a 1940's home they bought in 2007 for $2.5 million. The trio used eco-friendly materials, titanium circular towers, hydronic and solar panels to rebuild the home.

and a rooftop deck, where he probably saw a few “Blue Moon Nights,” is for sale at $9 million.

“Pete Davidson Gets His Own Apartment” After living for the last three years in the basement of a New York home he bought for his mother, Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson has his own place. Pete recently paid $1.2 million for a two-bedroom apartment on Staten Island and has already moved in. The apartment includes an open floor plan with city and water views.

“Jerry Seinfeld's Colorado Ski Home” Jerry Seinfeld has listed his 27-acre mountain home in Telluride, Colorado for $14.95 million.

The 11-bedroom, 12,300-square-foot home was built in 1991, and purchased by the Seinfelds in 2007.

Home features include a gym, yoga studio and private trails. There is a separate guest home too.

Tom Cruise's 320-acre estate in Telluride is also for sale, asking $39.5 million.

“'Heard It Thru the Grapevine' - John Fogerty's Home For Sale” John Fogerty was a “Fortunate Son” with his tremendous musical talents and became one of rock 'n' roll's biggest stars. His San Fernando Valley estate with 9,000 square feet, a fountain-fed swimming pool, eight bedrooms, spa, outdoor kitchen

“Kanye West's Monster Lake Wyoming Ranch” Known as Monster Lake Resort Ranch, Kanye West bought his Wyoming ranch with over 4,500 acres in 2019 for $7.7 million. After his divorce from Kim Kardashian, Kanye plans to live at his ranch while Kim gets to keep their $20 million L.A. home.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 6, 2021 • Page 19

Governor wants students to pass citizenship test The governor last week lent his John Hancock to a bill by House Speaker Pro Tempore Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, intended to help students become more informed and engaged citizens.

House Bill 2030 would require high school students to pass the U.S. Civics Test, which is part of the naturalization process, in order to graduate beginning in the 2022-23 school year. This is the same test administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that is required of anyone desiring to become a U.S. citizen. Fourteen other states have adopted similar legislation.

“This law will help ensure students graduating from our public schools will be able to answer basic citizenship questions, understand the rights guaranteed to us under the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments, and explain how our legislative process works,” O’Donnell said. “Unfortunately, today too many adults and young adults in our state and our nation are unable to give an accurate accounting of the information that is basic to our national liberty.”

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the bill. Pugh serves as chair of the Senate Education Committee.

“I’m excited to support a robust civics education plan in which House Bill 2030 is a significant part,” Pugh said. “This measure helps connect future generations to our founding, our history, and the responsibilities entrusted to us as citizens.

Encouraging students to be engaged in their community, state, and nation has long been a passion of mine, and I hope young people will continue to look for ways to involve themselves in the very important affairs of our country to include voting, understanding our past, and helping us build a bright

future for Oklahomans.”

Under the legislation, the graduation requirement will apply to students entering ninth grade beginning this school year, but they will have until the 2022-23 school year to pass the test. School districts shall offer the test to students at least once per school year, beginning as early as eighth grade at the discretion of the district. Any student may retake the exam upon request, and as often as desired, until earning a passing score of 60 out of 100 questions. Students with disabilities that have an individualized education plan (IEP) will be exempted.

HB 2030 also requires subject matter standards for history, social studies, and U.S. Government courses in Oklahoma public schools to include the study of important historical documents, including the Constitution, Declaration of Independence,

Emancipation Proclamation, Federalist Papers and other documents with significant history and heritage of the United States. Subject matter standards for U.S. Government also must include emphasis on the structure and relationship between the national, state, county and local governments and simulations of the democratic process.

O’Donnell said too many students graduate without being able to answer basic questions such as how many branches of government exist in the United States or what actually is protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

“We should expect that all people who will live in our communities, work in our businesses and take part in civic life, including being able to vote for who represents them, will be able to understand and abide by the laws of the land,” O’Donnell said.

In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • May 6, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure