Edmond Life & Leisure May 7, 2020

May 7, 2020

Vol. 20, No. 51

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

No LibertyFest for 2020 See Page 5

FRIDAY, May 8

Partly Cloudy High 64° Low 44°

SATURDAY, May 9 Mostly Sunny High 68° Low 49°

SUNDAY, May 10 Partly Cloudy High 71° Low 48°

Jill Castilla, inset Mark Cuban

By Kacee Van Horn Citizens Bank of Edmond CEO Jill Castilla never imagined partnering with someone like entrepreneur and billionaire investor Mark Cuban.

When she saw a tweet from Cuban seeking a way to help people as they waited on their stimulus checks, Castilla responded and a partnership was born. Together, they were able to get desperately needed cash advances to customers in less than a week.

Castilla already had programs in place to help customers, waiving overdraft fees, contacting business and consumer borrowers to offer deferred payments if their cash flow was restricted, but it wasn’t enough.

After several rounds of e-mails and calls with Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, the two developed a plan for an overdraft line. “It was like a Shark Tank experience,” said Castilla, “I would pitch, he would

destroy it, and we’d go back and forth until we came up with this program.” Castilla was able to quickly take the idea to implementation.

The Citizens Cares program allows eligible customers to overdraw their account up to $900 with no fees or interest and request deferment of loan payments. Bank customers can request access to the program on Citizen’s Bank of Edmond’s website. “We will also cash stimulus checks for non-customers with no fee,” noted Castilla.

“Banks need to be walking with the community.”

Knowing that still more could be done to help her customers, Castilla and her team worked 24/7 to help small business customers take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program, or “PPP.” It was not an easy task.

Banks were operating with a lack of knowledge about the program. It

PHOTOS PROVIDED

was unclear what the risks were and there was little to no information on a repayment or forgiveness plan.

Guidelines directed the loans to be funded in 5 days, but community banks had no mechanism in place to do it and many were unsure what their role was. “It was like jumping out of plane without a parachute and trusting the government to build one on the way down,” said Castilla.

“The program kept changing, so the goal post was always moving,” continued Castilla. “The final guidelines weren’t released until 24 hours before the program went live.

We got access on Saturday night and the staff worked all night and all day Sunday. We were ready on Monday morning when the program went live on April 3rd.”

In the process, Castilla realized an educational process was needed continued on Page 3

Page 2 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 3

Many safety measures put in place

Farmers Market open again The Edmond Farmers Market opened last Saturday, at the Festival Market Place in Downtown Edmond.

Fresh produce, cut flowers and Made in Oklahoma (MIO) items are available each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the month of May. Hours will change to 8 a.m. to 1 p.m in June through the end of October.

For the safety of all customers and vendors, new measures have been implemented. They are subject to change as the market season progresses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The measures include: All vendors and customers are required to wear a mask.

Hand sanitizer will be available on tables.

Bathroom doors will be propped open to reduce contact with doors and handles.

Customers will enter on the East side of the shade structure and exit on the West side.

Booths will be limited to two shoppers at one time.

Customers are limited to one person per family unless disabled or have no option for childcare.

Vendors will have an empty table in front of each booth to place purchased items for 'contactless' transfer.

Customers will not be able to handle items until they are placed on the table after purchase.

Customers will not be allowed to use reusable bags.

We ask that conversations with vendors be kept at a minimum to keep shoppers moving.

Samples will not be available for products.

Online orders for pick up at the booth are strongly encouraged. Ordering information is on the Edmond Farmers Market Facebook page.

Festival Market Place is located at 24 West First Street, just west of Broadway in Downtown Edmond.

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE A scene from last’s year Farmers Market. This year safety measures For more information or to become a vendor, please have been implemented. call 359-4630.

More telehealth options Physicians at OU Medicine in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are offering telehealth visits in 77 medical specialties for both adults and children, representing nearly every specialty available. Telehealth visits are available for both existing and new patients.

More than 800 OU Medicine physicians and advanced practice providers are connecting with their patients across the state through telehealth.

A telehealth visit is a face-to-face encounter with a physician or specialist through a smartphone, tablet or personal computer with a web camera and strong Wi-Fi. Healthcare providers can assess a patient’s health, diagnose any problems and prescribe treatment through video, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes.

“Our telehealth capability at OU Medicine allows us to provide care for our patients that is convenient for them no matter where they live in Oklahoma,” said John P. Zubialde, M.D., executive dean of the OU College of Medicine. “Telehealth is serving an important role during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is a service that is always available to our patients. As the largest and most

comprehensive physician group in Oklahoma, OU Medicine provides care to address every health need, from primary care to specialty expertise.”

To schedule a telehealth visit, existing OU Medicine patients can contact the clinic where they normally go to see their doctor. The clinic staff will provide information about how to download the OU Medicine Health Connect app and set up an account. New patients can do the same by contacting the clinic they are interested in visiting.

If a prescription is warranted, the healthcare provider will electronically submit a prescription directly to the pharmacy. If follow-up care is needed in person, patients can continue their care with the same physician.

Telehealth visits are billed to a patient’s insurance plan similar to a regular in-office visit. Most insurances cover telehealth visits, and there is no co-pay or fee to start a video visit.

Telehealth visits are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., pending physician availability. Visits are HIPAA-compliant, and videos are never recorded or saved.

To find a telehealth provider or specialty, visit oumedicine.com/healthconnect.

Cover From Page 1 to help small businesses understand the program and how to apply. “The larger small businesses in Edmond and Oklahoma City had access to CPAs to prepare applications.

Smaller, mom and pop businesses didn’t have that access. We are the economic first responders.

Our team embraced that role, knowing we were the conduit to get money to the community and ease anxiety. We huddled our team together and walked customers through the process, spending hours with borrowers. To date, we’ve lent $25 million,” shares Castilla.

Castilla is fond of a line in a song from the movie, Frozen II, “…do the next right thing.” According to Cuban, how businesses act right now will forever define what kind of community they are. Castilla and Citizen’s Bank of Edmond are defining our community. They are doing the next right thing.

Page 4 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

It’s National Travel & Tourism Week I totally understand that thinking about of this being National Travel and Tourism Week is difficult given the struggles of COVID-19 and our stay at home policy that is still in place in many parts of the world. Just like most things in this great country, tourism will be back. Folks will be busting at the seems to travel again just as soon as possible. The theme this year is The Spirit of Travel which is a good fit.

It is also a time to reflect on how devastated the businesses and folks that work in the hospital- Ray Hibbard ity industry have been. We are praying for the workers and owners of these companies who have brought us so much enjoyment through travel, eating out and recreation through the years. Just like many lessons we have learned because of this virus, appreciation of what we had and not taking things for granted is important when it comes to the travel industry.

I would encourage you to use a travel agent to start booking your future trips now. My friend Victor Neal at Prime Time Travel has been sending out what he calls “armchair” travel emails. I am sure if you will call, they will be glad to put you on the list. It gives you links and information to help you decide where you might want to go when you feel it is safe to travel for you and your family. A travel agent can walk you through deposits, reservations, cancellation policies and travel insurance. I believe some bargains are to be had folks but use an expert to help you figure out what is best for you and your budget.

City of Edmond Mayor, Dan O’Neil, declared a proclamation for it being Travel and Tourism Week in town last City of Edmond Council meeting. The proclamation said that the travel and tourism industry is vital to the City of Edmond and the State of Oklahoma by providing significant economic and cultural benefits to our citizens. Tourism ranks as the third largest industry in Oklahoma. In normal times, it generates more than 100,000 jobs and over $708 million in state and local taxes from visitor spending.

“Tourism in Edmond?” you might ask. It is true folks. Despite the lack of a great natural resource such as mountains or the ocean, we have a good

tourism industry here in Edmond. My friend Steve Kreidler used to say that tourism is the best kind of economic development a city can have. Folks come to town, spend their money and then they leave. You do not have to provide many services to them so the cost of having them come to town is next to nothing compared to the sales tax dollars they leave behind.

We have world class facilities here in Edmond and many of them have been developed over recent years. They include the Edmond Conference Center, the soon to open Edmond Tennis Center, the Edmond Aquatic Center, 25 miles of our town is on Historic Route 66 and a variety of other attractions including public and private golf courses. We also have fifteen hotel properties that serve thousands of visitors each year. These properties generate over $500,000 in lodging taxes each year that is used to promote tourism in Edmond.

We have one of the best in the state Convention and Visitors Bureaus. We call it Visit Edmond these days, but it has operated for years as an enthusiastic booster for tourism in Edmond. They help groups bring their events to town and support them both financially and with knowledge about our community.

They act as a go between with associations wanting to hold their events in Edmond and hospitality companies that are happy to host groups from out of town. It is a total win-win for the events and our community businesses.

One of the biggest categories that comes to town and is considered great tourism are sports. Soccer, football, swimming, tennis, and baseball tournaments bring thousands of youth into town weekly. The best part is they do not come alone. Parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents and more follow these kids and their sports. They eat in our restaurants, fill up with gas and stay at our hotels which all brings in sales tax revenue to the City of Edmond which helps pay for the fantastic services we all enjoy year round.

Since the beginning of March, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in $119 billion in losses for the U.S. travel economy. What will be our back-to normal barometer for travel to resume again? A travel association investigated that million-dollar question.

Roughly one-third of customers would return right now to their regular activities (including hotels and airline travel) without hesitation if that were a possi-

bility, while another third is waiting for a medical breakthrough (vaccine or treatment). With assurances that it is safe to do so, 57% would go on an overnight trip within three months.

More than half (55%) of business travelers expressed that health screenings at public venues would have an extremely positive impact on their willingness to visit (compared to 42% for leisure travelers) More than half of travelers would be open to participating in medical screenings (temperature check and/or swab test) upon entering a hotel or casino, but a sizable minority would refuse or seek other locations. I read all of this as we have a long way to go and is even more reason to support the hospitality industry as much as we can and as soon as we can folks.

Jennifer Seaton the executive director of Visit Edmond invites folks to join in celebrating the 37th annual National Travel & Tourism Week. Travel is an enriching experience; it allows folks to visit new places and make memories with family and friends.

She said, “As restrictions begin to lift, Edmond is ready to welcome visitors back to our hotels, restaurants and attractions. Your first getaway can be a staycation or short drive to Edmond”. She offers these suggestions for ways that you can support our Edmond hospitality industry right now. You can spice up your Zoom background with a selection of Edmond scenes. Folks can also Share the Spirit of Travel with a new Facebook profile picture frame. Search for "Edmond Spirit of Travel. If you are part of a group or association that has regular meetings or conferences, please have your planner get in touch with Seaton or her staff to learn about how they can help you bring that event to Edmond in the near future.

It is more important then ever to grow tourism in our state as well. With the ups and downs of the oil industry and the aerospace industry, tourism could help fill a big gap in state funding. Tourism could move into first place and help jump start our economy again. Please keep the folks that work hard in this industry in your thoughts and prayers. They truly need our support for now and when things begin to reopen, and travel becomes popular again .(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Reminders on tornado safety........................................................Page 7.

---- Four Day school week? ................................................................Page 9.

---- If you want to vote, show an ID ................................................Page 10.

---- Sports ........................................................................................Page 11.

---- UCO news ................................................................................Page 13.

---- George Gust review....................................................................Page 15.

---- Crossword puzzles ....................................................................Pages 15.

---- Mike Kirk tells world why he loves sports ..................................Page 16.

---- Business newsf............................................................................Page 17.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 5

Officials cancel LibertyFest 2020 LibertyFest is being postponed until 2021 out of health concerns from the COVID-19 virus. This was an extremely difficult decision arrived upon after three months of serious contemplation by the LibertyFest committee. LibertyFest is an Edmond tradition which began over forty eight years ago. This is heart breaking to all the committee members and volunteers.

Every year a dedicated group of non-paid volunteers start planning LibertyFest in February for the actual event which starts in June and goes through July 4th. At each LibertyFest Meeting the safety of our Edmond residents is discussed, that is a top priority. There is much advanced work required to put on each individual event. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to pull off the ten events and many of our volunteers are part of our communities most vulnerable senior population. The cost of event insurance in this current environment was yet another consideration. Our greatest concern is the safety of those that have attended LibertyFest for the past 48 years. LibertyFest normally has over 50,000 people watching the parade making it difficult to practice the social distancing guidelines from the CDC. Over the years we have been so pleased that all of our events have been so well sup-

No LibertyFest parade this year. ported and attended.

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) campus is being closed for most of the summer making the staging of the parade and other events more challenging. LibertyFest has have

been fortunate to have a great partnership with UCO. There were many elements that influenced the decision of the LibertyFest board and committee chairs. The most impactful is the inability to maintain social distance at all of

Edmond Grads Honored

SFHS Senior Chloe White jumps for joy after receiving her sign.

Administrators, teachers, parents, and EPS Foundation board members and student ambassadors join together to deliver congratulatory Senior 2020 yard signs to the households with graduating seniors. EPSF raised more than $5,000 to fund the initiative. The special gesture was done in lieu of no formal graduation ceremonies for the students.

EPSF Foundation Board member Sara Walker puts a sign in the yard of a ENHS senior.

the various events.

Taste of Edmond is the primary fundraiser for LibertyFest. Chairwoman Maggie Murdock Nichols felt this was not an appropriate time to ask restaurants to donate staff time and food as many of them have struggled as a result of the pandemic.

She said, “The nature of this event calls for gathering and we just can’t do that without putting our community at risk.” Alongside community volunteers, she is in the process of putting together a program that will encourage the Edmond community to support restaurants as they feel comfortable, whether dining-in or carry-out. “Now is the time to support the restaurants that have supported LibertyFest year after year”, Nichols said.

The motivation that keeps our volunteers going is the fact that next year we anticipate one of the most fabulous 4th of July Celebrations in Edmond’s proud history. “We are planning one of the best fireworks shows ever for 2021”, said Bob Meinders, LibertyFest Fireworks Chair. Be sure and view our on line presence for updates on virtual LibertyFest events at www. LibertyFest.org or our Facebook page.

For more information contact June Cartwright, LibertyFest Public Relations Chair at 405-820-9667.

Page 6 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Are worms the key in fighting digestive illnesses?

Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation are using unusual tools in a search to curb digestive system damage caused by conditions like acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease and tumors in the digestive tract.

Specifically, they’ve turned to flatworms called planarians. OMRF researchers believe the tiny organisms may hold keys to reversing these ailments.

“The human digestive system is constantly fixing minor damage, but its ability to fix severe damage is quite limited,” said OMRF scientist David Forsthoefel, Ph.D. “By contrast, planarian flatworms are much better at regeneration and can even rebuild large portions of their digestive tracts after losing large amounts of tissue.”

Although scientists have long known about the worms’ regenerative abilities, the genes required to achieve these amazing feats are largely unknown, said Forsthoefel.

But technology is catching up and allowing researchers to pinpoint these genes in animals like planarians.

In a new research study, Forsthoefel applied a technique called laser capture microdissection to isolate and identify more than 1,800 genes that were highly active in planarian intestines, including during the regeneration process. Along the way, he identified hundreds of genes that were not known to be active in the intestine, and several new digestive cell types in the worms.

“Regeneration is tricky, because it must perfectly restore all cells in a tissue and all of their individual functions,” he said. “But before we can tap into that power, we first have to know an organ’s structure before it’s damaged so we can know how it’s supposed to go back together.”

Forsthoefel and his scientific collaborators are now identifying active genes in the worms’ specific digestive tissues that will help them to zero in on the ones that are important for regeneration.

“There are a substantial number of similarities between some of these genes in planarians and humans,” he said. “If we can understand what to turn on or off, there is a lot of potential here to develop therapies that can unlock more regenerative capabilities in us to fight disease and damage.”

The new findings were published in the journal eLife.

OMRF researcher Nic Cejda also contributed to the research.

Funding for this research was provided by the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, under grant COBRE GM103636

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist David Forsthoefel, Ph.D.

Food drive gives HOPE to those who are in need Relieve some of your “quarantine stress” by giving HOPE. HOPE Center of Edmond is holding a drive through food drive, Saturday, May 9. In years past the annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive was scheduled for this same weekend, but due to COVID-19 it has been postponed.

“The demand for food always increases during the summer,” explained Executive Director for HOPE Center Chris Sperry. “Almost half of our canned food and non-perishable food donations come from the Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger drive, so we’re trying to fill that void.”

The food drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be set up as a no-contact drive through. Social distancing guidelines will be observed. Donors will enter the HOPE Center parking lot from Bowman on the south side of their building at 1251 N. Broadway. Volunteers will be in the parking lot to receive donations of canned and other non-perishable food.

Sperry said, “Volunteers will be in the parking lot to receive donations or donors can use our donation box that will be set up that day. Either way they won’t have to leave their vehicles, but we do ask that the donations are bagged and if a receipt is needed, to please put that in the bag so we know. We are very thankful for the support of our community.”

For more information on the drive through donation drive see their website at www.hopecenteredmond.com or see their Facebook page.

OSU online enrollment Oklahoma State University will launch the state's first free online concurrent enrollment program for Oklahoma high school seniors from a four-year public university beginning this fall.

Concurrent enrollment occurs when high school students take college classes before completing high school. Through funding provided by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the OSU Foundation, the new Cowboy Concurrent Online courses at OSU will be offered 100% free of charge to Oklahoma high school seniors admitted to OSU as concurrent students. High school juniors will pay a discounted rate of $775 per course. Students will pay for any textbooks or additional course materials, if required. Out-of-state high school juniors and seniors are also eligible to enroll in the courses, at a discounted rate of $900 per course.

“We commend the Oklahoma legislature, current and past governors, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for making concurrent enrollment a funding priority,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “T Oklahoma State University will launch the state's first free online concurrent enrollment program for Oklahoma high school seniors from a

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 7

Red Cross reminder: Tornado season here Spring is here and for Kansas and Oklahoma, that also means the start of tornado and storm season.

Even amidst the coronavirus crisis, the Kansas/Oklahoma American Red Cross region encourages people to be ready for the possibility of tornados, flooding, and severe storms that can bring hail and damaging winds.

“We understand that people may not be thinking about preparing for the storm season right now,” Kate Struttman, Regional Disaster Officer for the Kansas/Oklahoma Region.

“But in our area, with the advent of spring comes thinking about how to prepare to protect your family, pets, or others you care about before storm season comes in full force.”

Struttman continued, “The Red Cross has great online resources and apps that people can download to quickly access and understand what you can do to prepare in advance for storm season.”

The Red Cross Emergency App gives instant access to weather alerts for home area and where loved ones live, as well.

And, the First Aid app offers expert medical guidance and a hospital locator. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.

To prepare at home for tornado or severe weather events the Red Cross also recommends: n Assembling an emergency pre-

paredness kit. n Creating a household evacuation plan that includes your pets. n Staying informed about your community’s risk and response plans. n Educating your family on how to use the Safe and Well website.

For tornado safety the Red Cross recommends: n Know your community’s warning system. n Know where you will go to be safe: basement, underground shelter, or safe room. If none is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. n Remember: no area of a mobile home is safe during a tornado. If you have access to a sturdy shelter go there immediately, using your seat belt if driving.

RAY HIBBARD

As seen from near 15th and Broadway.

Flyover honors many fighting COVID-19 spread The 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus AFB and the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance AFB partnered up last Friday to fly over several medical centers in Oklahoma to honor our frontline COVID-19 responders.

This was in-line with OPERATION: AMERICAN RESOLVE, the Department of the Air Force’s efforts to lift morale in cities across America that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The flyovers are a salute to healthcare workers, first responders, transportation drivers, grocery workers, and other essential personnel supporting the COVID-19 effort in Oklahoma.

They featured formations of four C17 Globemaster IIIs and two KC-135 Stratotankers from the 97th AMW and four T-38 Talons, two T-1 Jay-

hawks, and four T-6 Texan IIs from the 71st FTW. Aircraft flrew over the locations in five minute, separated time blocks.

The military urged viewers to practice safe social distancing and to refrain from gathering in large groups to view the flyover.

The aircraft will began their route north of Oklahoma City and flew over Summit Medical Center, St. Anthony Healthplex North, Mercy Hospital OKC, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, St. Anthony Hospital - OKC, OKC VA Health Care System, OU Medical Center, OU Children’s Hospital, Norman Regional in Moore, and Norman Regional Hospital. The C-17s and KC-135s also performed flyovers for the Comanche Regional Hospital in Lawton and Jackson County Me-

n Find a local emergency shelter and best routes to get there if you need to. n Prepare for strong winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees. n Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

The Red Cross and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Safety The Red Cross is also preparing for storm season with the coronavirus creating new challenges with social distancing protocols. “Our mission to provide comfort and support, like food service, and shelter is still number one, but now we can accomplish those goals and also keep people safe,” said Struttman.

To keep those impacted by a disas-

ter and volunteers and staff safe from COVID-19, the Red Cross will be: Working closely with area hotels to house those affected by a disaster if they cannot return home. In the case that a shelter is opened, the Red Cross will work with local health officials to set up a health screening process for everyone entering the shelter, provide masks, add additional space between cots, and use enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices.

Red Cross will use technology to limit the person-to-person contact while assessing damage in a this pandemic environment.

By using satellite technology and partnering with local governments, we can get resources to as many impacted people as possible.

Mental health and financial support will be conducted virtually using laptops, mobile devices, and wireless hotspots.

Food distribution and relief supplies if needed, will be distributed while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Instead of self-service foodservice pickup, volunteers will be delivering food to families.

Our mission to respond to a disaster will not change during this pandemic. We will be able to deliver shelter, emergency supplies and food, and also ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff and people in the community.

Page 8 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Many Realtors report no transaction delays According to a new survey from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), more than a third of REALTORS who are closing transactions reported no delays, including those in Oklahoma.

“This survey provides valuable information to REALTORS across the nation on how the real estate market is being impacted by the coronavirus," Oklahoma Association of REALTORS (OAR) President Amy Bladow said. “The market may be slowing down a little, but REALTORS are fortunately reporting that very few have had any major interruption to executing their clients’ transactions.”

NAR’s latest Economic Pulse Flash Survey – conducted April 26-27 – asked members how the coronavirus outbreak has impacted the residential and commercial real estate markets.

Several highlights include: More than three in four REALTORS working with home sellers said their clients aren’t reducing listing prices to attract buyers. A majority of REALTORS – 64 percent – reported buyers are looking for some discounts in home prices.

Seventy-one percent of REALTORS said they could complete transactions within the government directives for socially distancing (including the use

of gloves and masks) and three in 10 REALTORS said they were able to complete nearly all aspects of real estate transactions while complying with social distance directives.

NAR also released its 2020 REALTORS and Sustainability Report, which surveyed REALTORS about sustainability issues facing the real estate industry.

“We expect to continue seeing a gradual increase in the significance that sustainability plays when homebuyers are house hunting,” OAR CEO Jessica Hickok said. “These national numbers help REALTORS get an inside look as to what to focus on when marketing themselves and their business moving forward.”

Several highlights from the survey include: Seven in 10 REALTORS said energy efficiency promotion in listings was very or somewhat valuable.

A majority of REALTORS – 61 percent – found clients were at least somewhat interested in sustainability.

Forty-one percent of homes with green certifications spent neither more or less time on the market.

The home features clients listed as very important to their agent or broker included a comfortable living space; proximity to frequently visited places; and windows, doors, and siding.

High school drama awards A Nederlander and Civic Center Foundation Presentation announces the finalists for the 2020 Kelli O’Hara Awards! Although The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) in New York have been cancelled this year, OKC Broadway and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma will present a ‘virtual’ 2020 Kelli O’Hara Awards. The following finalists will submit video auditions, and the awards committee will select the Outstanding Actor and Actress via online submission. In addition to selecting the Actor and Actress, the awards committee will also be honoring the Outstanding Musical Performance, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and the Spotlight Awards, given to a standout performer from each school. “When we heard the news of the cancellation of The Jimmy Awards, it was an automatic thought that we had to continue with our program in some fashion – to honor the students who worked so hard throughout the year,” said Elizabeth Gray, General Manager of OKC Broadway.

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

Finalists for OUTSTANDING ACTOR Garrison Brown, Choctaw for Bright Star Michael Buller, Norman North for Fiddler on the Roof Brenden Coplen, Choctaw for Bright Star Sean Danley, Classen SAS for A Chorus Line Hyrum Farnsworth, Norman North for Fiddler on the Roof Braden Henson, Norman North for Fiddler on the Roof Garret Langley, Deer Creek for Newsies Jacob Marino, Bishop McGuiness for Legally Blonde Quaide Parker, Southmoore for Seussical Noah Youmans, Casady for Urinetown Finalists for OUTSTANDING ACTRESS Isabella Acuña, Classen SAS for A Chorus Line Gentrey Anderson, Edmond North

for Little Shop of Horrors Ryleigh Andrews, Choctaw for Bright Star Addie Bassemier, Southmoore for Seussical Elizabeth Jones, Ada for Cinderella Aubrey Miller, Classen SAS for A Chorus Line Audrey Payne, Heritage Hall for Spitfire Grill Justine Rogers, Classen SAS for A Chorus Line Caroline Terrell, Casady for Urinetown Emily Trnka, Norman North for Fiddler on the Roof

Finalists for OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PERFORMANCE & OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

BY AN ENSEMBLE Ada for Cinderella Choctaw for Bright Star Norman North for Fiddler on the Roof

The Jimmy Awards celebrates the brightest stars of high school musical theatre from around the U.S. Regional winners are invited to New York for professional training and compete in a spectacular national awards program on a Broadway stage. The Kelli O’Hara Award™ , created for the 18-19 school season, are officially recognized as the local regional awards program of the Jimmy Awards® and were poised to recognize the 2020 nominees, where participants compete for the titles of Outstanding Performance by an Actor and Actress among other honors. The top performers receive a trip to New York to compete on Broadway amongst other regional awards winners. That dream for many of Oklahoma’s most talented high school performers will be delayed until 2021, however, OKC Broadway is committed to still recognize the exceptional talent of this year’s schools and participants through this virtual awards opportunity.

The ‘Virtual’ 2020 Kelli O’Hara Awards are schedule to take place on Tuesday, June 2.

OKC Broadway will be publishing further information as it is available.

For more information about The Kelli O’Hara Awards visit www.okcbroadway.com/kellis .

Winners announced on June 2

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 9

ER nurses asks for patience before ‘normal’ returns Rachel McCloy is a nurse in the Emergency Department at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center. She says the COVID-19 experience feels like a “hurry up and wait” scenario.

“I think we are all wondering, ‘When will the influx get here? When will we be completely overwhelmed by this?’”

She explains, “When all this started there was a sort of a grim panic everywhere you went as if everyone was trying to stuff their anxiety deep down and pretend like everything was okay, even though we all knew that this could be the worst thing we’ve experienced as a health care community.”

“But now, we are settling into a new kind of normal. We’re getting better at putting on our PPE, we’re better at knowing what to expect with suspected COVID patients and we’re becoming more comfortable with managing their care.”

But McCloy doesn’t take the seriousness of the situation for granted. “Of course, I am afraid of getting COVID-19.

Is there a health care worker out there who is not right now,” she asks? “But I think it is a healthy fear. It’s a healthy fear that makes me put on my mask, gown, goggles and gloves before I go into a patient’s room. I refuse to let fear of contracting this virus control me, but I’m still going to take reasonable precautions to protect myself.”

She understands the public’s desire to return to normal as quickly as possible, but she cautions there’s still so much we

don’t know about this novel coronavirus.

“Nothing I have faced before during my short time in health care has scared me more,” admits McCloy. “There are a lot of unknowns in this crisis and we need the data that will only be available years after this is over. Only time will tell if we did too much or if we did not do enough.”

She continues, “I really wish society would realize that health care workers and public health officials are not ‘taking this too seriously’ or ‘over-reacting’ regarding the severity of this pandemic.

Most of the public has not seen the horrors of COVID-19 close-up. Maybe the situation in Oklahoma is not as dire as in Seattle or New York City, but I hope that means that what we are doing is working and that we are ‘flattening the curve’.”

She asks for patience and continued support as we all navigate these uncharted waters together. “I would just ask the public to remember that doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and all health care workers are still human. It’s one thing to go to the grocery store and wonder if you’ll be exposed to COVID19, but it’s another — more terrifying thing — to be guaranteed an exposure at work. Please remember that we are experiencing new things and we are having to develop new skills. We do not know everything, but we are doing our best.

Please remember that every bit of love and support that you, as a community shows us, is hugely appreciated.”

Four-day school week may be reconsidered State Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, is calling on the State Department of Education to cancel and resubmit its proposed rules on waivers from new school year calendar requirements limiting four-day school weeks that are favored by many rural districts.

Last year, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 441, which requires school districts to use school years with a minimum of 165 days and at least 1,080 hours, beginning in the 202122 school year. The change essentially prevents four-day school weeks unless a waiver is obtained. Many rural districts are relying on the waiver to continue school weeks that work best for their communities.

The waiver rules required by SB 441 that were produced by the State Department of Education and Board of Education have not been finalized by the Legislature.

“In the current state of the Oklahoma economy, it is more important than ever before that we fully consider the consequences of requiring our rural districts to add days to their calendars,” Conley said. “The rules the State Department of Education proposed make it far too difficult to obtain a waiver from these requirements, contrary to the clear desire of legislators who worked hard to include a fair waiver process in this bill.

While many of us still have concerns with this law, the law is the law, and this law called for a fair waiver process that the State Department of Education’s rules fail to provide.”

Discussions that were underway about the State Department of Education’s need to modify details in its proposed rules have been affected by

the ongoing pandemic response.

Conley, a former teacher and school administrator, said the State Department of Education should resume discussions with legislators and local stakeholders about the rules when the pandemic passes.

“Without adequate discussion to get these rules right and fully approved, what was intended to be a flexible compromise could turn into a heavy-handed mandate for some of our most vulnerable school districts,” Conley said. “Legislators worked hard to protect local control in this legislation, and I urge the State Department of Education to respect that sentiment.”

Conley added: “The pandemic created further problems with implementing this law due to the cancellation of student assessments, gaps in attendance data, and other factors that were to be considered in the waivers. Given all these problems, I am requesting the State Department of Education to go back to the drawing board and have further discussions with stakeholders when the pandemic passes to refine these rules and resubmit them to the Legislature.”

Also joining in Conley’s request to SDE regarding SB 441 are State Reps.

Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton; Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont; Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow; Tom Gann, RInola; Jim Grego, R-Wilburton; Ronny Johns, R-Ada; Lundy Kiger, R-Poteau; Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow; Jim Olsen, R-Roland; Logan Phillips, RMounds; Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay; Judd Strom, R-Copan; Johnny Tadlock, R-Idabel; John Talley, R-Stillwater; and Tammy Townley R-Ardmore.

Free pet food now available With the help of GreaterGood and the Humane Society of Tulsa, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry was able to donate hundreds of pounds of pet food all across the state to pet owners in need.

In total, 54 pallets of pet food, including dry cat food, dry dog food, canned cat food and canned dog food, were distributed out across Oklahoma.

Pallets have been distributed to all corners of Oklahoma based on the need for food in the area.

“We are very, very appreciative of the donations made to ensure pet owners have the necessary supplies to provide for their pets in this time,” said Dr. Alicia Gorcyzca-Southerland, veterinarian for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the number specific to your area of the state.

Central OK: Pet Food Pantry of OKC- 405-664-2858 or email info@petfoodpantryokc.org

Call 405-664-2858

Rachel McCloy

Page 10 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

ID to

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side vote remains a good idea Reopening cautiously

In some of these federal virus relief bills, there have been proposals from the Democrats seeking "election reform."

What Pelosi and gang want most, is for most voting to be done by mail.

From the outset, I want to say that I do not see anything wrong with voting by mail. I've been Steve Gust doing it for years myself. But for goodness sake, have your ballot notarized. It costs nothing and it ensures that the person with the ballot, is the person who should be filling it out.

That's because you must show identification to the notary.

Otherwise, we will have a repeat of what happened in California in 2018. It's called ballot harvesting and a third-party can deliver ballots to election officials. In Orange County, Calif. some 250,000 of these ballots were delivered on election day. Most likely 249,999 of them were for the liberal candidate. To be fair, this practice also came under fire against the GOP in a North Carolina Congressional race. North Carolina wouldn't certify the results and a new election was ordered in 2019, which the Republican barely won.

Having voted absentee, I do appreciate election officials putting a reminder in each ballot sent out.

It reminds people of the stiff penalties they face if they commit a felony during the voting process.

It you vote by mail, show an ID to a notary. If you vote at a precinct, show an ID to the precinct

worker. It's that simple.

Something that irritates me a bit, is when critics of Oklahoma's absentee law, note, we're "only," one of three states, which requires the identification. So what? It's not Oklahoma's fault the rest of the nation risks voter fraud.

I also like that Oklahoma requires that these ballots be turned in by election day. It's much better than what happened in Broward County, Fla. In 2018, the Democrat in charge there, masquerading as an election official, announced the discovery of tens of thousands of ballots after the general election day. It was almost enough to change the results of the senate and gubernatorial races. If there were 80,000 new Florida ballots, then once again like Orange County, nearly every one was for the Democrat.

I really thought the nation would have serious election reform after the 2000 debacle with George W. Bush and Al Gore. Instead it seems like it's gotten worse.

If we are only one of three states that requires an notarization for an absentee ballot, then I'm alarmed for the nation. Can we trust our national election results?

I don't worry so much about Oklahoma, but the nation should have strong election laws and they need to be enforced.

The legality and integrity of our election results demands it.

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

By State Rep. Garry Mize Oklahoma has begun the process of reopening, and while it’s encouraging to know our lives will begin to look a little more normal, we still have several months left of this virus.

Given our success in lowering hospitalization rates through effective social distancing, the Governor announced last week his phased plan to reopen nonessential businesses across the state. I was honored to be selected to serve on his advisory board to recommend procedures and provide insight as to the safest way to begin reopening.

Decisions are being made based on the data we are seeing here in Oklahoma.

On April 24, elective surgeries were allowed to resume. Personal care businesses, like hair

parlors and nail salons, were allowed to reopen at this time as well.

The first phase of the Governor’s plan began on Friday, May 1.

Restaurant dining rooms, movie theaters, sporting venues, gyms and places of worship were allowed to open statewide if they follow the proper social distancing and sanitation protocols. However, the Governor asked that places of worship should keep their childcare centers closed during worship.

However, the statewide safer-at-home order will remain in effect for Oklahomans over 65 and those who are considered high-risk or immune compromised.

If our hospitalization rates continue to decrease for 14 days, the Governor will move forward with phase two of the reopening. If hospitalization rates decrease for another 14 days, we will move into phase three.

In the interest of public health, the Governor has outlined guidelines for each industry to follow as they begin to reopen. Restaurants have been asked to space out their tables to allow for six feet between families. People vising personal care businesses are encouraged to stay in their cars until it is time for their appointment to help eliminate a group gathering in the lobby.

Strong sanitation and health practices are encouraged as well.

Many employees returning to work have been asked to wear masks and gloves while interacting with others to help prevent community spread. The Governor also asked that offices consider slowly bringing in a few employees at a time and keep common areas closed.

Is current situation a pause or a pruning?

By Hance Dilbeck Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer Our patterns of life have been changed this spring — school cancelled, work altered, agendas changed and events postponed. Our lives were driven by important pursuits like winning a championship, walking down an aisle or donning a cap and gown. Our days were consumed by less important things like weekend trips or little league games.

The pattern of church life has been changed this spring. Weekly schedules came to a sudden stop.

Gatherings long taken for granted were taken away, and sacred cows have been put out to pasture. Routines, rituals and regular activities no longer fill our spring days.

We now have more time at home, more time with family, more time to be quiet and more time to talk with friends on the phone or neighbors

over the fence.

What is the nature of this season of change?

How should we experience it? I hope we will have wisdom to embrace this interruption of our lives as a pruning, not just a pause. Let me explain.

To pause is to take a break; a temporary rest.

After the pause, we pick up right where we left off. We push the pause button to stop, then push the same button to keep right on going.

When we “re-open,” will we pick up right where we left off? Is this merely a pause or is it a pruning?

To prune is to cut away what is unproductive, unnecessary and undesirable. The cut can be painful. We tend to resist the cutting. Yet now, by God’s grace, the pruning has come. Think of all the “stuff” that has been cut out of your schedule.

Make a list of all the “stuff” that has been cut away from the life of your church. Things we would never give up, never let go, never stop —

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

they have ceased.

God help us to resist our urge to push the “unpause” button!

Wisdom would make “re-opening” a process, not an event.

Take your time. Start with the most essential, the most productive. Try not to reattach those dead, dry branches. Maintain the margins.

Some of what was cut from your life should stay cut. Some of what has been cut from your church should stay cut. If this spring was merely a pause, all we got out of it was a little rest. If we embrace this cutting as a pruning, the result could be an increase of productivity that we have not seen in a generation or two.

Cutting the undesirable, unnecessary and unproductive will leave room and energy for a new season of Kingdom productivity.

Maybe we can travel a little lighter as we advance the Gospel together.

Economy linked to health Much of the current conversation about returning to normalcy pretends that public health and the larger economy are unrelated. However, they’re actually closely associated with each other. For instance, although someone may argue that social distancing is necessary for community health, prolonged poverty isn’t good for it either.

It could be that we conquer the current virus but wind up with a less healthy populace. Think of it this way: Without jobs, people will make less money and pay less in taxes. Fewer tax dollars means less money for public safety, infrastructure, national defense and – you guessed it – public health.

– Mick Cornett, Ex-OKC Mayor

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 11

Sports

UCO’s Heath Gray named top NWCA wrestler

Heath Gray 29-1 last season

onship, and MIAA Wrestler of the The National Wrestling Year awards.

Coaches Association anGray went 29-1 this season. His nounced last week that Univeronly loss came against an Oklasity of Central Oklahoma homa State grappler in the Oklajunior Heath Gray is the 2019homa City Open last fall. Gray 20 National Wrestler of the also won the Lindenwood Open Year. this season and the Midwest ClasGray, a junior from Chandler, sic, where he was named OutOkla., went 29-1 this season standing Wrestler. and was ranked No. 1 in the Gray compiled some impressive country for most of the seanumbers this season. His 29 wins son. He was the No. 1 seed as cam in various fashion. He pinned well heading into the 2020 Heath Gray three opponents this season and NCAA Division II National scored six technical falls while earning a major Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D. when the decision in 12 matches. Gray also had 67 takeevent was suddenly canceled, nixing the downs this season to only eight against. He chance for Gray to win a national title. also had 16 nearfalls.

Gray did earn All-American honors, the secNow a two-time All-American, Gray will ond time in two years he accomplished that. take a 65-3 record over the past two seasons And that award goes alongside his NCAA Rein the Bronze & Blue into his senior season in gional Championship, NWCA Regional 2020-21.

Wrestler of the Year, MIAA Dual Champi-

OSU tennis Academic teams includes two from Edmond Oklahoma State's men's and women's tennis programs were honored for their work in the classroom last week with the announcement of the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Tennis Teams.

Four Cowboys were named to the team, while five members of the Cowgirl squad were recognized.

K. Blumenthal Lora Boggs On the men's side, junjunior Lisa Marie Rioux, an entrepreior Brady Draheim, a nutritional scineurship major, and sophomore Bunences/pre-med major, was joined by yawi Thamchaiwat, a university sophomore and philosophy major Emile Hudd and senior Maxim Tybar, studies major, were also named firstteam selections. a university studies major.

First-team members consist of Junior Luke Hammond, a university those who have maintained a 3.20 or studies major, was named a secondbetter GPA while the second-team seteam selection. lections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA. To Five members of the Cowgirl program were named to the squad's first qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cuteam. Edmond senior Katelyn Blumulative or the two previous menthal, an applied exercise science major and Edmond redshirt freshman semesters. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of Lora Boggs, an accounting major, academic residence. Lora Boggs went were among those nominated carryto Edmond North and Katelyn Bluing a 4.00 grade point average. menthal graduated from Edmond MeThe trio of American studies/premorial. law sophomore Catherine Gulihur,

OC’s Lynn up for national ‘coach of the year’ honor The Golf Coaches Association of America named Oklahoma Christian's David Lynn last week as one of five finalists for its NCAA Division II men's coach of the year honor, David Lynn known as the Dave Williams Award presented by Golf Pride Grips.

It's the first time in OC's Division II era (which started with the 2012-13 season) that Lynn has been a finalist for the GCAA national honor. The other finalists for this season are Luke Calcaterra of Arkansas Tech, Darcy Donaldson of Georgia Southwestern, Mark Immelman of Columbus State (Ga.) and Jimmy Stobs of Barry (Fla.).

Lynn guided the Eagles to three wins in seven tournaments during the season, which ended in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. OC was ranked No. 11 in the final Bushnell Golfweek Division II coaches' poll. In their six tournaments against Division II competition, the Eagles won three times, finished second twice and third once.

OC posted an 80-4-1 mark in Division II play and didn't have a losing record against any Division II team, splitting with No. 6 Arkansas Tech, No. 21 Colorado State-Pueblo and California-San Diego while going 3-1 head-to-head against No. 10 St. Mary's (Texas).

"It is such an honor to be chosen by my peers as a finalist for the Dave Williams Award," Lynn said. "This honor is a direct result of all the hard work my team put in this season, on and off the golf course, and I am extremely grateful for that. In times like these, we especially appreciate the opportunity to compete and I can't wait to be with my team again.

"I'm also thankful to coach at OC and appreciate the support of my administration and staff for all they do to help us be successful."

Calcaterra helped lead Arkansas Tech to a pair of wins in 2019-20.

The Wonder Boys also posted five top-five finishes in their other five events of the season. Barry claimed five team titles under Stobs' tutelage in 2019-20 and the Buccaneers also had one top-five and one top-ten finish in their other two events of the season.

Georgia Southwestern posted four victories during the 2019-20 season under the direction of Donaldson.

The Hurricanes also finished the year with three top-five finishes and closed out the year as the No. 1 team in the Division II coaches' poll.

In 2011, after OC won the NAIA title, Lynn was named as both the NAIA national coach of the year and as the GCAA's Dave Williams Award winner for the NAIA, which are separate coach-of-the-year honors. In fall 2012, the National Christian College Athletic Association named Lynn as its national coach of the year after the Eagles won the NCCAA championship.

Page 12 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 13

UCO accepting applications for nursing program The University of Central Oklahoma is currently accepting applications for fall 2020 to its accredited, fully-online RN to B.S. in Nursing track.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Central’s track is available 100% online for registered nurses who are interested in furthering their nursing education. Upon successful completion, nurses will have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

With both part- and full-time options available and for as low as $8,500, Central’s track is designed to provide flexibility for students, with the option to complete the track in as little as 10 months.

“The RN to B.S. in Nursing track at UCO takes the flexibility, affordability and convenience of an online degree with the recognized quality provided by our faculty to provide an experience students are looking for,” said Barbara Arnold, Ed.D., R.N., chairperson and associate professor of nursing at Central.

“With a student-focused curriculum and experienced professors, our track

provides nurses with the skills and training required to advance their careers.”

As part of Central’s Connected Campus, registered nurses are eligible to apply to Central’s RN to B.S. track with an associate degree from an accredited nursing program, completion of UCO’s prerequisites, a minimum 2.5 retention GPA and a current unencumbered nursing license.

The deadline for admission to the RN to B.S. in Nursing track is July 1.

Other fully-online degrees offered through the UCO Connected Campus include the Bachelor of Business Administration in either Human Resource Management, General Business or Marketing, and the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership or General Studies as well as two master’s degrees, the Professional MBA and Master of Education in Library Media Education.

UCO Connected Campus students are assisted by a concierge who will guide them through the admissions and enrollment process and will be available for questions as they pursue their degree.

Complete the UCO Program in 10 Months!!

UCO to hold a virtual graduation on May 22 Celebrate this landmark moment in the UCO graduates' lives in a way that protects the health of our campus community and guests. UCO will recognize their spring and summer graduates with a virtual commencement ceremony May 22.

We hope the Class of 2020 can look forward with confidence to the future. Congratulations!

Some Q&A on the virtual ceremony.

A virtual ceremony has many of the same components of a live ceremony, which you and your guests will view online. During the ceremony, your name will be announced as your photo is displayed. Your unique registration link to participate in the virtual ceremony will be emailed to you.

An e-mail will arrive in the grad’s uco.edu inbox inviting you to create your graduation slide and pronounce your name. Regalia not required. This is due by May 8.

Another email will arrive inviting you to upload a video message or picture –regalia not required.

What is an individual recognition slide?

An Individual Recognition Slides will be created for each graduation candidate who registers to participate in the Virtual Ceremony. They will include your preferred name, college, degree, major, photo and an audio announcement of your name and degree. This is our way to celebrate you and your accomplishments!

How do I join in on the virtual ceremony?

Our partners at Stage Clips will email you a link to join the virtual ceremony on May 22 at a yet-tobe-determined time. The ceremony is not live, but the link to the ceremony will be made active at a set time. You can choose to share with family and friends to view at any time after the link to the ceremony becomes active.

How can others view the virtual ceremony?

All those who register to participate in the virtual ceremony will be sent a box in the mail filled with items to help you celebrate your graduation.

Our partners at Stage Clips will email you a link to join the virtual ceremony on May 22 at a yet-to-be-

determined time. The ceremony is not live, but the link to the ceremony will be made active at a set time. You can choose to share with family and friends to view at any time after the link to the ceremony becomes active.

Will I still be able to walk in a traditional commencement ceremony?

You are also invited to participate in the fall 2020 commencement ceremonies, which are set for Dec. 11-12, 2020. The spring and summer 2020 class will be acknowledged in each ceremony and you are welcome to walk across the stage.

What if I do not want to participate in the virtual ceremony?

All spring 2020 graduation candidates are not required to participate in the virtual ceremony, but we do encourage you to. You are also invited to participate in the fall 2020 commencement ceremonies, which are set for Dec. 11-12, 2020. The spring and summer 2020 class will be acknowledged in each ceremony.

Page 14 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

What’s next during these unprecedented times?

By Kevin Calvey Oklahoma County Commissioner The coronavirus epidemic and its consequences will not be a thing of history anytime soon. However, our Governor with many across the country are beginning to re-open local businesses in an effort to stave off long-term economic issues. Edmond City Council’s emergency declaration expired May 1 and the city is partially re-opening. OKC is also beginning a new phase in accordance with Gov. Stitt’s OURS plan, albeit remaining in the state of emergency.

As our leaders strive to aid public safety while gradually getting constituents back to work, I’m sure many are wondering “What’s next” for our community!

I don’t have all the answers, but I can guarantee to do my part to help lead our Oklahoma County elected officials to have both the physical and economic well-being of our constituents in mind.

The limited access to county annex and courthouse buildings will still be enforced for the time being, despite businesses and restaurants beginning to re-open. In the meantime, work continues from remote for most county employees. The reduced foot traffic is allowing our facilities management department to do maintenance work on the building. In other good news, Oklahoma County was awarded significant CARES act emergency funds from the Treasurer’s office last week.

Amongst all this uncertainty, Oklahomans have stayed true to their reputation of generously helping one another in times of need, even while social distancing.

Nancy Weiss, and her Edmond family at Othello’s (and Around the Corner) have done great work giving charitably to the local food bank. I am sure they are some of many who are helping in this regard. To give another unique example: BioLife Plasma

in OKC has been generously compensating those with financial troubles for donating plasma, as well as working with recovered Coronavirus patients to aid recovery. Local busiCalvey nesses leaders have noticed many more examples of the “Oklahoma Standard” in recent weeks. Jill McCartney, President of the NW Chamber agreed, “It is neat to see people coming together, in big ways and small … by encouraging carry-out, and supplying medical and first responders with meals.” It has also been inspiring to see business owners reacting positively to hard-economic times, expanding their normal operations and helping fill safety needs. Ryan Morrison, CEO of The Morrison Group in Edmond has successfully done just this, saying: “as you know, face masks are hard to come by these days, and we are using our supply chain expertise to globally procure this PPE from the factory directly to Oklahoma. We also are offering curbside pickup for these masks at our distribution center.”

I wish to once again encourage my constituents to take heart: this will pass! We are already seeing the unique and generous response of many to the tragedies the pandemic has brought upon us.

We also know that good will result out of the hardships we are bearing as well. The Bible reminds us that “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Rom. 8:28).

Let’s continue to be responsible, charitable, and loving to our neighbors (from six feet away of course!) and lead our community back to health and prosperity!

Kevin Calvey is the District No. 3 commissioner for Oklahoma County.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 15

Netflix’s ‘Extraction’ delivers an intense action film

By George Gust “Extraction” is Netflix’s latest action thriller and a placeholder for the traditional May blockbuster in the age of shuddered box offices. Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) is a fearless black market mercenary with nothing left to lose when his skills are solicited to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. But in the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers, an already deadly mission approaches the impossible, forever altering the lives of Rake and the boy.

“Extraction” is the epitome of an elevator pitch action movie, “it’s “John Wick” meets “Man on Fire.” And there is something so satisfying about this straightforward action movie using a small scale and expertly choreographed to tell a familiar, but focused story. “Extraction” doesn’t necessarily have much to say on an intellectual level, but as a visceral gory action experience it delivers on action and energy. This John Wickian style is seen best in the clear editing of the hand to hand fight sequences and the way the camera impossibly moves seamlessly around the unfolding action and chaos.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Hemsworth lead a movie, as he’s been busy wielding a hammer in the Marvel movies. “Extraction” clears the screen for his impressive action physicality and clear charm. And while this movie doesn’t ask much more of him than some brooding and shooting, Hemsworth’s charm and humanity shine through the typical tough guy routine you’d find in this kind of movie. Joining Hemsworth in the tough as nails yet charismatic category is David Harbour who lights up the proceedings in his lim-

ited screen time.

Overall, “Extraction” is a straightforward action flick that dispenses with political or franchise contemplation in favor of brilliantly executed action that is equally high in energy and violence. If you’re a for an action movie reminiscent of the 80s and 90s genre films “Extraction” will scratch that itch, but the relentless intense action and familiar narrative won’t bring in audiences looking for a more complex cinematic experience.

“Extraction” is rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use. Available to stream on Netflix now.

3.8 out of 5 stars

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Read past movie reviews by George Gust by visiting our web site at www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Chris Hemsworth trades Thor's hammer for a flak jacket in Netflix's newest action/thriller ‘Extraction.’

USAO plans to open again After carefully considering the current situation and available models for the coming months, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma fully intends to return to a traditional academic and residential college life this fall.

USAO is well-positioned to adapt to this ever-changing situation, and the institution’s top priority remains safeguarding the health and safety of students, staff and faculty. By design, the school’s close-knit nature allows it to maintain a safe learning environment without unduly affecting student success.

“Every last one of us is all too keenly aware of how severely these past few months have disrupted the course of our lives,” said President John Feaver. “While we cannot predict what the future holds, I am confident that, with the steps in place now, and with the dedication of our faculty and staff moving forward, we shall overcome this difficult time and find ourselves both stronger and kinder for it.”

With a student-to-faculty ratio of only 12:1, the university is looking into a variety of ways to modify classrooms and housing to ensure the safest possible environment for everyone on campus, while also providing students with the sort of traditional college experience that they desire.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: 21ST CENTURY ACROSS 1. A bit cracked 5. Traitor's blow?

9. Cause of Princess' downfall 12. Hawaiian tuber 13. Prospector's mother?

14. Heavy footsteps 16. "Iliad" or "Odyssey" 17. Caribbean color 18. Frustration, in print 19. *Proponent of colonization of Mars 21. Small island 22. *Edmond Halley's apparition, 2061-2062 23. Expression of disgust or recoil 24. *2007 "Invention of the Year" 27. Give satisfaction 31. Neither a win nor a loss 32. Having no courage 35. Medicinal houseplant 36. Dodge, as in a tax bill 38. Take the gold 39. Anti-seniors sentiment 40. Immigrate 41. Bold and without shame 43. Take illegal drugs 44. Adverb of steep 46. Tower of London guard 48. *Legalized in many states 49. Cambodian monetary unit, pl.

51. Gift toppers 53. *Major spring 2020 occurance 56. *23andMe unit 57. Baron Munchhausen, e.g.

58. Original thought 60. Not yes or no 61. Nobel Peace Prize home 62. Long forearm bone 63. Formal wear, colloquially speaking 64. *Review service 65. *Walter White's concoction

DOWN 1. Polished off 2. Mock or make fun of playfully 3. Seed covering 4. Late Baroque 5. *Harvey Weinstein's new home, slangily 6. Part of chef's uniform 7. Sunbaked, archaically speaking 8. Bird's groomer 9. Opposite of knit 10. Competitive advantage 11. Combustion product 14. Boreal forest, in Russia 15. *Number sign turned metadata tag 20. Time being 23. Coffin alternative 24. Agenda entries 25. Turning point 26. Launch or throw 27. *Millennials' followers, for short 28. One hipbone 29. "Madagascar" predator 30. *Site of Abdrabbuh

Mansur Hadi/Houthi conflict 33. Best-laid plans often go ____ 34. Roman road 37. *Sites with no easy access 39. Anoint 41. Sandwich with acronym name 42. Ophthalmologist's prescription quantity 45. Wild West group 47. Os 49. Pay hike 50. All told 51. One of the Bridges 52. December stone 53. Clever tactic 54. Opposite of busy 55. Copper coin 56. Greenwich-related acronym 59. Expression of pleasure

See Answers on Page 19

Answers to the puzzle On Page 19

Page 16 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports Ex-UCO official gives his reasons

Why love sports? Ask Mike Kirk Editor's note: Retired University of Central Oklahoma assistant athletic director for media relations Mike Kirk told The Oklahoman newspaper last week why he loves sports and the role it's played in his life.

By Mike Kirk Why do I love sports? For me it’s the people and the moments — good and bad — that are weaved into the fabric of playing games.

I grew up in Perry with three older brothers and we all ended up with very diverse interests in regards to the field of play. Floyd gravitated to basketball, Lloyd was more into baseball, Mark was a natural on the wrestling mat and I ended up going with the easiest one — at least in terms of physical ability — in golf.

But as kids it was just about playing. Whether it was wiffle ball in the front yard, baseball games at Jay Dauman Park with whoever would show up or touch football at Daniels Field, it seemed liked there was always a ball involved. Unless Jeff Womack and I were on our bikes speeding down the sidewalk toward a board elevated by a stack of bricks trying to emulate Evel Knievel, which was never one of our smartest ideas.

But that was growing up during the 1960s and ‘70s and it was glorious.

It was playing little league baseball for the Jersey Queen Tigers and legendary coach Hector Tovar, who once made me run laps around the field between innings after dropping a fly ball in center field. But who also waited to envelop me in a big hug after I struck out — looking no less — with the winning run on third base in the bottom of the last inning.

It was spotting my good friend Lori Roth sprint into the stands just in time to see me take the mat for a junior varsity wrestling match during high school. And then smiling at me in encouragement as I trudged off the mat after yet another defeat.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mike Kirk, right, spend nearly 30 years as sports information director at UCO.

It was me and four teammates (Kurt, Kirk, Randy and Joe) going to Alva to win the regional golf championship in qualifying for the state tournament. And then the next year missing out on state by one stroke when one of those teammates was penalized two shots for hitting a range

ball out of the way on the seventh fairway during the final round.

It was going to college at Oklahoma State during Jimmy Johnson’s early days and the legend of Press On and Rick “Cowboy” Antle. Of losing my professionalism while working in the sports information office and jumping on the mat after Mitch Shelton pinned Dr. Death to give OSU a 20-17 win over the Sooners (a blown-up photo of which still hangs in my house). Of Eddie “Halfcourt” Hannon beating defending national champion Louisville at the buzzer.

It was spending one year as a sports writer at McAlester and getting to watch Donnie Smitherman run wild in football and Donna Beed lead the girls basketball team to a state championship.

It was going to Lawton as a sports writer for four years and seeing some of the best high school athletes I’ve ever witnessed. Chris Nuncio.

James Byrd. James Trapp. Charles Thompson.

Stacey King. Tony Page. Rodney Fisher.

It was getting lucky enough to be picked by the best boss (Skip Wagnon) a person could ever ask for to take over a dream job as sports information director at UCO and then spending nearly 30 years in that role.

It was seeing Johnny Nimmo score five points in the final five seconds to pull out an impossible win in capturing his fourth national wrestling championship. Of watching a No. 1-ranked football team win its first 12 games — and then losing a heartbreaking overtime game in the playoffs to a team that later forfeited for having 20-some ineligible players.

It was the joy of seeing Kim Brown, Kate O’Neill, Lizzie Brenner, JoBi Heath and untold others compete on the field of play with unbridled passion and fierce determination.

Of watching Alex Wright lead a men’s basketball team that averaged 114 points a game in making the Elite Eight — and then dropping a 127-124 double-overtime thriller in the national quarterfinals.

It was holding my breath before Kalynn Schrock struck out the final batter in the bottom of the ninth inning to clinch a national softball title. Of watching Michael Fox throw nearly 200 pitches to lead UCO into the national championship game — and then losing a bottom-of-the-ninth jaw-dropper the next night on a pair of errors.

It was witnessing David James win his 100th, 200th and 300th duals while also being there for seven of the 12 national wrestling championships UCO won with him at the helm. Of marveling at how Mike Cook started a soccer program from scratch and turned it into a perennial national contender.

It’s playing golf and hanging out with so many of our coaches and former student-athletes, men and women I have grown to know and love.

Sports are all that and more, at least to me

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 17

Cox commits to help keep America connected Cox has announced its continued support for the FCC’s Keep America Connected initiative, along with extensions to existing offerings to provide support for customers and communities in greatest need as part of the company’s ongoing coronavirus response efforts.

Through June 30 Cox extends its pledge to: not terminate internet or telephone service to any residential or small business customer because of an inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; waive any internet or telephone late fees that any residential or small business customer incurs because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and keep open its Cox WiFi hotspots to help keep the public connected in this time of need.

“From our continued support of the FCC’s initiative to the extension of our other relief offerings, our focus remains on ensuring our customers stay connected and have the speeds they need to work and learn from home,” said Pat Esser, president and chief executive officer of Cox Communications. “We do not want our customers to worry about losing essential services during this time of need.”

In addition, Cox is extending previously announced relief offerings to provide continued support and relief

for customers and communities in greatest need.

Cox is offering the following through July 15: Free Connect2Compete service, Cox’s low-cost internet product for families with school-aged children who are enrolled in low-income assistance programs. Customers must sign up before May 15 to qualify. All new customers that have enrolled since March 13 will receive free service through July 15.

Upgraded speeds of 50 Mbps download for residential customers in the company’s Starter, StraightUp Internet and Connect2Compete packages.

For those tiers, free Cox Complete Care phone and remote desktop support for residential customers providing assistance for loading new applications they may need to use during this time like online classroom support applications and web conferencing services.

Residential customers can still take advantage of a $19.99 offer for new Starter internet customers through May 15, which includes a temporary boost up to 50 Mbps download speeds, no annual contract or qualifications to help low income and those impacted from Coronavirus challenges, like seniors and college students.

Lawmakers announce state budget agreement Legislative leaders announced a Fiscal Year 2021 state budget agreement Monday designed to hold education funding harmless while limiting most budget reductions to 4% or less amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a far better budget than many expected and that should come as a relief to the citizens who

rely on core services and the agencies that serve them, given the effect of both depressed oil and gas prices and the pandemic on state revenues,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “We successfully avoided the catastrophic cuts some had feared, and I thank the budget chairs and their committees for

their hard work and leadership during this difficult time.”

Under the agreement, most of the $1.4 billion, or 17%, revenue hole Gov. Kevin Stitt projected last month is filled by using reserve funds, cutting one-time spending, temporarily redirecting non-appropriated money into the budget and agency appropriation reductions.

Relief to help reboot economy

Commerce Depart. reaches out to small businesses Last week, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce simultaneously announced funding awards for one business assistance program as well as the launch of a new program to help Oklahoma businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched April 10, the Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program was designed to assist Oklahoma manufacturers as they retool to develop new products and/or expand current capabilities. In the one week the application was available, Commerce received more than 300 applications.

Today, Commerce and Governor Kevin Stitt awarded contracts to more than 30 Oklahoma companies, including Cosmetic Specialty Labs, IMMY, Parrish Enterprises, and Rapid Application Group (RAG).

RAG, a company which normally develops and supplies parts for the aerospace, energy and healthcare industry, shifted gears and is today working around the clock to design, develop, test and manufacture two different types of adaptable, reusable masks for healthcare professionals, first responders, and veterans.

“This is a crisis that needs a solution right now. That’s what we’re doing,” said Terry Hill, former medevac pilot and CEO of RAG. “It’s just in our core DNA. If there’s somebody that needs help, if we have the resources, we’re going to give them everything that we can” Because of the high level of interest and the quality of projects submitted in the Reboot program, Commerce developed the Oklahoma Bounce Back Assistance Program to continue to stimulate economic growth and combat the negative effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s economy.

This new assistance program will support high-impact new capital investment across a broader range of industries, that will diversify the

state’s economy, lead to new product development or increase capacity at Oklahoma’s existing companies. In addition to encouraging new capital investment, these small but impactful awards will support existing jobs and the creation of new jobs.

“We are all aware of the strain the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our state’s economy,” said Sean Kouplen, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development. “By enacting this program, we can help businesses start to move forward, giving them more flexibility as they adjust capabilities, begin new operations and hire more Oklahomans.”

The Bounce Back program utilizes funds set aside by Oklahoma Economic Development Pooled Finance Act (62 OS 891.1 et seq) and therefore companies must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the statute.

This incentive makes monthly cash payment awards in the form of payroll tax rebates to help companies grow and boost business expansion investments in Oklahoma. In order to be eligible, a company must have a minimum annual payroll of $1.25 million. Special consideration will be given for awards associated with projects that can be implemented quickly.

Awards will generally range from $50,000 to $150,000. When reviewing the applications, Commerce will take into consideration: amount of capital investment from the company; the ratio of private sector dollars leveraged from Bounce Back Assistance awards; number of existing jobs, number of projected new jobs, and the average wages paid to employees. Projects must provide a net positive benefit for the state.

To apply, companies will submit an application to Commerce at www.okcommerce.gov/bounceback. After submitted applications are reviewed, Commerce staff will reach out to eligible companies.

TFCU to acquire Prime Bank

By Dale Denwalt Oklahoman.com Tinker Federal Credit Union will acquire Prime Bank of Edmond, the two companies announced last week.

TFCU has agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets and operations of Prime, a community bank located at 1016 W Covell. TFCU will retain all of Prime’s employees and will operate the newly formed commercial division out of Prime’s existing branch location in Edmond.

“We’re excited about the prospect of providing expanded services to TFCU members and to customers of Prime as well,” said TFCU President and CEO Michael Kloiber.

TFCU’s members will benefit from expanded small business and commercial banking services, including commercial lending, SBA financing expertise, member business checking and other business-related financial services, he said.

“We have a lot of members and business partners who have been asking for member business loans and accounts, and this will allow us to bring on the expertise needed to provide those services in the best possible way,” Kloiber said.

“Prime’s customers will continue to receive the high level of service they have relied upon and will also have access to TFCU’s comprehensive range of consumer based financial services, such as auto lending, credit cards, mortgages, checking, money market accounts and many other consumer products and services.”

Drew Litsch, Founder and CEO of

See Bank, Page 19

Page 18 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mortgage Matters column

Three ways your mortgage rate is determined

By Kenneth Wohl RCB Bank Interest rates for a mortgage are not as simple as you might think. There are ways to impact your interest rate such as a good credit score, money for a down payment or a shorter loan term.

However, there are factors that Wohl depend on the current market and are simply out of your control. When a loan is fixed, or doesn’t adjust, for 15-30 years, several factors are considered and priced into the interest rate. Some factors that may impact your rates include inflation, the Federal Reserve and the value of Mortgage Backed Securities.

Inflation Inflation has a large but somewhat predictable impact on mortgage interest rates. Banks have to price in the interest rate for inflation so they can make money over the life of the loan. When infla-

tion is rising, so are mortgage rates. If the value of the dollar is lower, it decreases the buying power of the dollar. Rates then go up to compensate for that difference. Inflation has been low for the last decade and has caused mortgage rates to be historically low. When the inflation rate is lower, you will typically see interest rates lower.

The Federal Reserve The second thing to remember is that the Federal Reserve does not set mortgage rates. The Federal Reserve, commonly referred to as “The Fed” raises and cuts short-term treasury rates based on changes in the economy. These rates impact the rate indexes used by some to price credit card interest rates, some car loans and lines of credit.

Mortgage rates are also generally impacted by the economic market and the Fed’s fiscal policy.

Mortgage-Backed Securities Mortgage-Backed Securities are also a factor in determining mortgage interest rates. MortgageBacked Securities are a bundle of loans grouped to-

Celebrate a tobacco-free life this Mother’s Day on May 10 Mother’s Day is May 10 and the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is ready to help Oklahoma mothers, grandmothers and all women who use tobacco take a step toward a healthier life for themselves and their families.

The Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), offers FREE resources for any Oklahoman seeking to quit tobacco.

Nearly one in five women in Oklahoma smoke. Female smokers put themselves at high risk for developing smoking-related health issues like infertility, lung cancer, stroke and heart disease. They are also at a higher risk of complications if contracting COVID-19. Children from families who smoke are twice as likely to become smokers, and many mothers say they don't want to pass tobacco addiction to their children.

Caroline, of Collinsville, grew up surrounded by a family of smokers. She tried her first cigarette at age 13 and became a regular smoker for 16 years. After four quit attempts, Caroline turned to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline for support. Motivated by her young son and family, Caroline quit for good with the Helpline’s assistance.

“What makes me happiest about quitting is that I have more time for my son,” Caroline said. “Those 5-10 minute increments I used to spend smoking was time away from my son.

This extra time is all the motivation I need to stay quit.”

Smoking during pregnancy can cause a premature birth or a low birth weight – making it more likely the baby will be sick or stay in the hospital longer. To combat this, expectant mothers can receive additional one-on-one support from the Helpline.

For infants and young children, cigarette smoke is especially harmful because their bodies and lungs are not fully developed. Exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma attacks, bronchitis, pneumonia and more. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers all mothers, smokers and nonsmokers resources on how to protect children from the risks of smoking: Call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit

OKhelpline.com to learn more about the free, nonjudgmental support offered through Helpline.

Protect your child by avoiding places that allow smoking.

Maintain an entirely tobacco-free home and car.

Educate your child about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use at an early age.

Ask your child about their friends’ attitudes toward tobacco. Discuss peer pressure and how to deal with it.

In addition to the FREE quit services and resources, the Helpline also offers information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the disruption and uncertainty of COVID-19, this can be a challenging time for tobacco users, as stress is a main motivator for tobacco use. Since the virus attacks the lungs, those who smoke are more vulnerable to infection because their lung health is already compromised, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The benefits of quitting smoking and the use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, far outweigh the risks.

For those whose regular routines have been disrupted, now could be an ideal time to replace old habits with new, healthier habits.

This Mother’s Day, consider a healthier life for you and your family by thinking about quitting tobacco. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore the free services and resources available to Oklahomans.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free.

gether and sold from the bank that originated them.

Banks sell loans for a profit and use that money to make new loans. Once the loans are sold, investors buy and sell them on the open market. What investors are willing to pay for these Mortgage-Backed Securities impacts mortgage rates. When a lot of Mortgage-Backed Securities are purchased, mortgage interest rates are typically lower. When demand is lower, due to other investment opportunities, mortgage interest rates may rise.

Understanding how these three factors can help you better understand mortgage interest rates and the home buying 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. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.)

Cristo Rey celebration event is put off until fall Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School (Cristo Rey OKC) will commemorate the success of their students while enjoying An Evening of Royals on Thursday, Sept.

10, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. This is the private high school’s second annual celebration of students, donors and corporate work study partners.

“We are really proud of these students and they deserve to be celebrated,” Cristo Rey OKC President Chip Carter said. “This evening allows us to recognize special individuals including students, staff, faculty and community members who support our mission.”

An Evening of Royals will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by a dinner and celebratory program at 7 p.m. Co-chaired by Bob and Heather Ross, this event will also include honoring Judy Love as the recipient of the Cristo Rey OKC Legacy Award.

“We are deeply grateful to Judy and proud to recognize her for being such an integral part of the Cristo Rey OKC launch in 2018 and our school’s early success,” Carter continued. “Judy has been nothing short of miraculous for our school and has done so much for the Oklahoma City community, much more than people know.”

We would like to extend our appreciation to all of our 2020 sponsors including our Faith Sponsor, Bridges Health, and our Knowledge Sponsor, the Inasmuch Foundation. Our Purpose Sponsors include Christ the King Catholic Church, Dana and Ronald Hill, Love’s Travel Stops, Maguire O’Hara Construction, Sue and Chris Neuberger, Stella Nova and the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

BancFirst and the First National Bank of Oklahoma are our Service Sponsors. Friends of Cristo Rey include Peggy and Kevin Corbett, Debbie and Greg Downs, Lisa and Bentley Edmonds, Kim and Chris Harrell, Jones PR, Fitzgerald Associates Architects, Karen and Martin Smith, Smith and Pickel Construction and Lee Anne and Renzi Stone.

For more information about this event, visit https://www.cristoreyokc.org/events.

Shoppes at Northpark open The Shoppes at Northpark, located at 12100 North May Avenue in Oklahoma City, reopened its common entrances last Friday.

The mall’s public entrances will be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. Several tenants have dedicated exterior entrances, and customers are urged to contact their favorite retailer for specific reopening plans and hours of operation. The property has undergone a complete sanitization and cleaning in advance of Friday’s reopening with several COVID-19 precautions and procedures in place, according to the mall’s owner, Tom Morris Enterprises.

“The entire mall has undergone an extensive cleansing, including public restrooms and common areas that exceeds CDC guidelines,” said Kevyn Colburn, Tom Morris Enterprises Vice President. “We are committed to providing the safest environment possible including disabling public drinking fountains, installing restroom social distance protocol, encouraging masks or facial coverings and prohibiting mall walking until further notice. Social distancing will also be enforced by mall security if deemed noncompliant by CDC guidelines.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 7, 2020 • Page 19

Bank

Children’s Hospital at OU is reopening From Page 17

Prime praised TFCU's commitment to members and employees, saying its focus aligns with how Prime has operated.

"We look forward to working together to provide a smooth transition for our customers and team members," Litsch said.

The acquisition, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of both institutions, is awaiting regulatory approval and is expected to close later this year.

Financial Advisors is acting as financial adviser and Howard & Howard is acting as legal counsel to TFCU. Commerce Street Capital is acting as financial adviser and Blaney Tweedy Tipton & Hiersche PLLC is acting as legal counsel to Prime. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tinker Federal Credit Union, founded in 1946, is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, with a full range of financial services, including auto lending, credit cards, mortgages, checking, money market accounts and many other consumer products and services.

The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine, Oklahoma’s only freestanding pediatric hospital solely dedicated to the treatment of children, as well as labor and delivery services, is restoring all healthcare services in a phased process with extensive safety protocols.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Children’s Hospital and OU Children’s Physicians have continued to care for children requiring medical treatment and to welcome families who are delivering babies. A broader slate of services will reopen over the next several weeks during a multi-phase process that focuses on widespread patient testing, new pre-visit and pre-admission protocols, and continues with rapid triage and isolation of symptomatic patients awaiting COVID-19 results.

Universal masking has been in place and will be an ongoing requirement for patients, employees and

visitors at The Children’s Hospital and OU Children’s Physicians.

The Children’s Hospital has been safely caring for patients with emergency or critical needs during this pandemic, as well as guiding mothers through the labor and delivery process. Our Women’s and Newborn Center is the only center in Oklahoma where women can deliver their babies inside of a children’s hospital environment.

We are ready to restore all of our services to take care of the kids of Oklahoma,” said Cameron Mantor, M.D., chief medical officer for The Children’s Hospital.

The Children’s Hospital began performing limited outpatient surgeries on Wednesday, April 29, and will resume additional services in phases that continue throughout May. Time-sensitive and essential cases will be prioritized.

In light of COVID 19 for the time being, all worship services are suspended.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • May 7, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure