Edmond Life & Leisure May 14, 2020

May 14, 2020

Vol. 20, No. 52

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.

Edmond senior gets major scholarship See Page 13

Matthew Gresham

FRIDAY, May 15

Scattered Thunderstorms High 83° Low 64°

SATURDAY, May 16

Scattered Thunderstorms High 78° Low 62°

SUNDAY, May 17

AM Thunderstorms High 79° Low 60°

By April Wilkerson If Matthew Gresham’s nursing career could be captured in a saying, it would be this: No one cares what you know until they know how much you care.

One of his nursing instructors told Gresham that adage while he was in school, and it has guided his career as a registered nurse. As a critical care nurse at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, he cares for the sickest of patients and, more recently, those who have been fighting for their lives after being infected with COVID-19. During National Nurses Week, OU Medicine has been celebrating nurses like Gresham who show up every day with a passion for healing.

“Every nurse wants to be the best nurse they can be for their patients, but I believe it starts with caring for your patients,” he said. “Everything else tends to fall in place when you put caring for your patients first. I try to go into a patient’s room thinking that I’m going to take care of them as if they were my family member. Because they are someone’s family member. That’s the type of nursing care I’d like to receive, and that’s what everyone deserves.”

Gresham works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, a specialty of ICU. Typically, he cares for patients with a

variety of conditions, from cardiovascular disease to trauma to sepsis. Because of the severity of those patients’ conditions, each nurse cares for a maximum of two patients per shift, or only one if the condition is particularly acute.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Gresham’s area was converted to the care of patients with the virus.

Healthcare professionals suddenly found themselves treating a disease that no human body has ever experienced.

And because COVID-19 is so infectious, nurses like Gresham had to decrease the time they would normally spend with their patients.

“It definitely changed the way we approached things. We had to rethink every single thing we normally do, and it took some time to put on our PPE and take it off,” he said. “We had to minimize our time in the patient’s room, and get in and out safely while still taking care of our patients.”

For an ICU nurse who typically spends a lot of time talking with his patients, that was a challenge for Gresham. However, he still found ways to communicate with patients when they were able. One of his patients could not talk because he had been intubated for weeks, but he and Gresham discovered that they both knew the alphabet in

PHOTO PROVIDED

sign language.

“He would spell out words in sign language, and I would answer him, and I was safe because I was outside the glass doors surrounding the patient,” Gresham said. “It was a slow conversation, but we ‘talked’ for 30 to 45 minutes. Even though we can’t have as much contact with COVID-19 patients, I could at least interact with him that way.”

Since the peak of COVID-19 cases has passed, Gresham has returned to caring for patients with other conditions in the ICU. But no matter what condition they have, or if they have a disease that cannot be cured, his aim is to be a caring presence that lets them know they are not alone. Because he treats fewer patients each day as an ICU nurse, he tends to develop bonds with them and their families during hours of shared conversations.

“Each person appreciates different types of communication – for some people, a bit of precision humor lowers their anxiety, while others are comforted by detailed explanations of what their treatment will be,” he said.

“No one wants to be in the ICU, but I assure them that they are receiving a high level of care and that I’m going to be with them every step of the way.”

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Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14, 2020 • Page 3

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Edmond Board of Education has named Keith Pautler principal of Central Middle School. Most recently, Pautler served as an assistant principal at Edmond Memorial High School.

Keith Pautler named new principal at Central MS The Edmond Board of Education has named Keith Pautler principal of Central Middle School. The leadership position at Central became open when Laura McGee resigned to accept a position at another school district.

“Keith Pautler is a high-energy educator focused on student and teacher success,” said Superintendent Bret Towne. “He is committed to ensuring that students have an excellent middle school experience and enter high school prepared and eager to continue learning.”

Most recently, Pautler served as an assistant principal at Edmond Memorial High School. Prior to that, he was principal at Ida Freeman Elementary where he produced dynamic assemblies underscored by different genres of music and often dressed in costume to the delight of children, staff, and parents.

“Working with and around the Central Middle School community, I have always admired the hard work and dedication of the Central faculty and staff,” said Pautler. “When you add on top of that the amazing kids that walk these halls, I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of the Central family. I look forward to the new school year and am excited to meet

our new and current Central families.”

As Central welcomes its new principal, the school also welcomes the use of its brand new STEM wing and gymnasium. Outfitted with learning walls, smart TVs, and presentation stairs, the area features modern furniture which allows for flexible seating so students can work in small or large groups.

“The STEM wing is a flexible space where multiple classes can work collaboratively on real-life problems,” said Pautler. “Teachers will utilize this area as an extension of their classrooms.”

Pautler has a Master’s degree in education from Ball State University.

He is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA)and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Also at the May meeting, school board members named Byron Gutierrez Edmond Memorial High School head girls’ soccer coach, and Annisa Angier-Dunn, Shelby Rigsby, Amanda Neely, and Amanda Lonberg assistant elementary school principals. They will be assigned to specific schools in June.

Page 4 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

We practice community journalism Last week saw the dropping of a bit of a bomb shell in the Oklahoma newspaper industry.

A letter from the publisher of The Norman Transcript appeared on the front page of The Edmond Sun stating, “Effective May 6, The Edmond Sun will merge with our sister newspaper, The Norman Transcript.” Our understanding is that employees of Ray Hibbard the paper have been furloughed and then let go after a short period of time. The Edmond printing facility will remain operational.

My first thought when I saw the letter was for our colleagues that were employed at the paper.

Folks may have thought we were competitors, but we were not and have not been for many years.

Their local staff are our friends. The newspaper industry has gone from being super competitive to a state where we cling to each other trying to hang on for survival. For example, we have a terrific partnership with The Oklahoman and thank them for all the help they have given us over the years.

It is sad to us and disheartening for the staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with those that are out of a job from this.

There has been much speculation on social media as to how well Edmond subscribers to The Edmond Sun will feel about getting a newspaper from a town 33 miles away. From the comments of the first edition received last Wednesday, it is not a warm reception. I have contacted the parent company based out of Alabama, twice. My offer is to purchase the subscription list and postage permit so that Edmond residents will continue to get an Edmond paper. To date, the answer has been “no,” but we remain hopeful and will continue to make the offer.

There was much anger on social media toward the parent company, but it is misplaced. The business model of the paper was a paid subscription format and the paper was not supported by the community. At some point, the corporation had to make the business decision to let it stop publishing. I am sure they were not happy about it either, but these are challenging times for our industry, and we understand why they had to do what they did. The paper has been published in some format for 130 years which has a historical meaning to many. It does not carry much weight since the definition of a NEWSpaper is not historical in any way.

Here is some good news folks. Edmond Life & Leisure is alive and well in the Edmond community.

Our distribution has regularly been over five times

what The Sun had listed. Are these challenging times for us as well? Yes, they are my friends, but we are still operating and set for the long haul.

Our paper has enjoyed incredible support from local businesses from the first day we opened in May of 2000. Despite it being an incredibly difficult year, the month marks our 20th year in business as Edmond’s only locally owned and operated newspaper. We did not expect it to be marked by becoming Edmond’s only newspaper.

Our newspaper has been blessed with many successful partnerships in this community. We are the source for all things Edmond. Our newspaper is generally circulated, free to the public and covers local news like no other media in town or outside of town. You just cannot out Edmond our staff and ownership. Community journalism is at its best with a locally owned publication. That is where we operate from and will continue to do so no matter what other publications may or may not do in town.

We will be making some changes to fill in a few of the gaps that might be left. However, let me be clear. We will not replace what has made us successful for the format offered up by the Sun. The obvious reason for that is they folded the tent and we are still here. Why on earth would we want to change what has worked and replace it with a format that did not. My mentor in this business J. Leland Gourley had a favorite saying. “You have to dance with the one that brought you,” was something I heard him say at least a thousand times over the 14 years I worked for the man. By the way, his paper, OKC FRIDAY, is still doing well run by his wife, Vicki Gourley. She was a teacher of mine as well and still is one.

Gourley was the greatest community journalist in Oklahoma if not the entire country. Traditional newspaper practitioners would be critical of his newspaper and still are at times. He had the right business model figured out a long time ago, but it flew in the face of some traditional journalist models. He would say, “the problem with editors is that they insist on printing news that they think people should read and not enough news that folks want to read.” That is exactly the reason our format is the way it is folks. Hometown newspapers should be full of local news. Most of what we report is good news because there is far more good that goes on in this town than bad.

Some folks on social media were concerned over who will be the “watch dog” for local government.

We have quietly done that since we started. Our office has over 100 years of journalism experience under its roof.

Our editor, Steve Gust, is a seasoned journalist

(I am not calling you old buddy) capable of writing for any national newspaper or magazine. There is no story he cannot dive into. The truth is that our city government runs extremely well. There is no skunk under the house as my old boss Ben Blackstock used to say. In fact, if our state and federal governments ran half as well as the City of Edmond, we would all be better off.

We do not sensationalize stories, but we will also not shirk from our journalistic responsibilities.

We do ask the tough questions and get answers.

We check with different sources to make sure we are getting the correct information. At that point there is either a situation that needs the light of day or it does not. Because our business model does not depend on paid subscriptions, we do not need to print headlines that are misleading or write stories just to stir the pot and pump up our revenue. We are responsible journalist which seems to be a lost art in the mainstream media.

Good old community journalism is what we practice folks in the vein of Gourley, Dick Hefton and Ed Livermore. It is about bean suppers, school events, fund raisers, kids making Eagle Scout, businesses that open and have news and much more.

Many years ago, I was visiting with my fellow Heritage Hall graduate the late international reporter Anthony Shadid about his two Pulitzer Prizes. I told him that I will never win one of those writing about bean suppers and such. He laughed and said, “Well, at least you won’t get shot in the butt reporting on them.” He received his first Pulitzer after reporting in the Gaza strip where a stray bullet went just under the back of the vest he was wearing. He recovered only to tragically lose his life while being one of the first reporters to enter Syria when civil war first broke out.

Honestly, there are many towns in Oklahoma that would be happy to have one newspaper in town much less two as Edmond has enjoyed all these years. The local folks at The Sun did a great job. Tough times just caught up with the industry.

We appreciate all the support that our advertisers and readers have given to us over the years. We would just humbly ask for your continued support of community journalism. While we pray for our colleagues in this business and others who have lost their jobs, we also know how blessed we are at Edmond Life & Leisure.

Thank you, friends, for accepting us in this community. We look forward to proudly serving Edmond as your main source for community news for many years to come. .(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Sen. Lankford’s conservative ranking from group ........................Page 7.

---- Learn more about killer hornets ..................................................Page 8.

---- State Sen. Bice looks at state budget ........................................Page 10.

---- Edmond senior’s major scholarship ............................................Page 13.

---- UCO student advisory board members named ..........................Page 14.

---- George Gust reviews teen drama film ........................................Page 15.

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

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

---- Fitness advice from Brian Attebery ............................................Page 18.

MELINDA INFANTE

Not all events are cancelled. The Farmers Market, in downtown Edmond, is now open. Many health precautions are being taken. See more photos, Page 7.

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 14, 2020 • Page 5

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

Little Roxie Ortiz sitting in the driver’s seat last year at the Touch-A-Truck event held in the parking lot of the University of Central Oklahoma.

Exact makeup date not known

Edmond Electric postpones annual Touch-a-Truck event Edmond Electric hosts their annual Touch-a-Truck event each June to raise funds for The Hope Center of Edmond.

This year, due to COVID-19 precautions, the event is being postponed until the fall.

Touch-A-Truck is a fundraising event that provides kids of all ages with the opportunity to experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firefighters, electric linemen and many more.

Families will have the opportunity for a hands-on exploration of many

vehicles such as Edmond’s own fire trucks and police cars, an Edmond Electric bucket truck and even a solid waste truck.

Admission for the Touch-A-Truck event is a suggested $2 donation with the proceeds going to The Hope Center of Edmond to benefit local residents in need.

No specific date has been set for the event at this time, but we will notify the public when one is chosen. To find out more about Touch-A-Truck, visit www.edmondelectric.com/touchatruck or contact Jessica Lyle at 405-2167729.

Oklahoma Senate passes election integrity bill, 38-9 The Oklahoma Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill last week to protect election integrity in the absentee ballot process.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of the bill, which protects the integrity of the absentee ballot process while granting exemptions during the course of the coronavirus health pandemic.

The bill passed 38-9.

“Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Supreme Court legislated from the bench on Monday. Oklahomans need to have confidence that our election process is secure and free from fraud.

This measure upholds the integrity of our absentee ballot process while also making it easier to vote absentee during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic all in an attempt to protect the health and safety of voters and election workers,” Treat said. “Through the ballot box and in our Constitution, Oklahomans have made it abundantly clear they want our elections free from fraud and interference. The Legislature has followed through and enacted measures to uphold and protect our election process. This is a good solution that addresses concerns raised about voting during a pandemic, while also main-

taining the integrity of the absentee ballot process.”

Senate Bill 210: Requires voters to have absentee ballots notarized, which has been the standard in Oklahoma for well over 50 years.

Allows voters to submit absentee ballots with a copy of their identification or voter identification card, in lieu of having it notarized, if a public health emergency has been declared within 45 days of an election. That is expected to include the June 30 primary election.

The bill also allows residents of longterm care facilities and veterans’ centers to vote absentee under existing Election Board procedures for those facilities that would be enhanced by allowing a facility official to be deputized by an election official to enter the facility to collect required documentation.

Those ill with COVID-19 who cannot leave their home, those suffering from symptoms of COVID-19 and those in high-risk categories can be considered “physically incapacitated” and can have an absentee ballot sent to their home.

(Editor’s Note: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the measure into law.)

Page 6 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Stephenson Cancer Center part of COVID-19 trials Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine is participating in two clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute that will investigate the health of patients with cancer who are infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Both trials are scheduled to begin enrolling patients in mid-May, said Robert Mannel, M.D., director of Stephenson Cancer Center. As a National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, Stephenson is particularly well-equipped to enroll patients and conduct clinical trials while providing them the highest standard of care.

“There have been a number of reports that people with cancer face an increased risk for severe complications if they contract COVID-19,” Mannel said. “However, these studies have been relatively small and limited for various reasons. The only way

we’re going to know if a strategy works is by conducting thorough, well-designed and ethical trials.”

One trial being offered at Stephenson Cancer Center is for adults being treated for cancer who also become infected with COVID-19. The clinical trial will follow enrollees for two years and will gather extensive data about their health with cancer, COVID-19 and any other medical conditions, as well as regular blood tests and examinations. The trial will consider the type of cancer the patients have and the treatments they’re receiving for it, and the interplay of those factors with their outcomes regarding COVID-19.

The study will also investigate the effects of cancer and COVID-19 among populations who are particularly hard hit by the virus, including African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, especially Navajo In-

Dr. Mannel dians, Mannel said.

“This will help us learn more about COVID-19 and ways to address current infections, but it also will give us a database that will help us understand vulnerable populations in the future if we experience another wave from this virus or if another pandemic arises,” he said.

The second NCI trial focuses on tocilizumab, a drug that cancer physicians have used for several years to treat patients whose immune systems have become over-activated, Mannel said. When the body is attacked by something, be it a virus, bacteria or cancer, its immune system releases a cytokine called interleukin-6, whose mission is to rid the body of the invader. However, too much interleukin-6 can be released, resulting in cytokine release syndrome, which damages the body. It’s a particular risk for cancer patients who are re-

ceiving a cellular immune therapy like CAR-T. Tocilizumab is prescribed to block the release of excessive amounts of interleukin-6.

Many patients with COVID-19 also appear to experience cytokine release syndrome in which their immune systems go into overdrive with interleukin-6 release, Mannel said. The new clinical trial will study the effects of tocilizumab in patients with cancer who are also infected with COVID-19 and are experiencing respiratory distress. It is a randomized phase 3 trial in which half of those enrolled will receive tocilizumab and half will not, he said.

“In this trial, we’re not looking at how patients are doing with their cancer, but how the drug may be affecting their breathing problems,” he said. “We’re looking at the outcome – how long are people on oxygen, do they get out of the ICU and off a ventilator?”

The tocilizumab clinical trial is for children (over age 2) and adults with cancer who are infected with COVID19. It also will seek to enroll minority and underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and cancer.

We’re grateful to the NCI for establishing clinical trials that we hope will lead to effective therapies and allow us to take better care of our patients,” Mannel said. “We will offer these trials to our patients at Stephenson Cancer Center, but we’re also willing to work with oncologists throughout Oklahoma to register their patients on the trials.”

GOP women’s club will resume meetings May 18 The Edmond Republican Women’s Club will resume their monthly meetings on Monday, May 18, at Johnnies Charbroil on 33d St., in Edmond.

Please feel free to wear your mask if you wish, and precautions required

by Johnnies will be observed.

Those wishing to order lunch should arrive around 11 to 11:15, and please tell them that you are there for the meeting. A short business meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m.

We are so honored to have Dr. David Deming as our guest speaker this month. His topic will be "Climate Change & Other Cool Observations."

David Deming is professor of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He graduated from Indiana University in 1983 with a BS degree in geology, and received a Ph.D in geophysics from the University of Utah in 1988. Prior to his arrival at the University of Oklahoma in 1992, Deming held a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship at the US Geological Survey in California. From 1992 through 2005,

Dr. Deming was an assistant and associate professor in the School of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Oklahoma. Deming is the author of more than 40 peer-reviewed research papers, a textbook on hydrogeology, and a four-volume history of science, “Science and Technology in World History.” He is an associate editor for the academic journals Petroleum Geoscience and Groundwater. Deming has published articles on environmental and energy issues in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, Investors Business Daily, Oklahoman, and other newspapers. In 2006, Dr. Deming testified before the US Senate on global warming.

The Edmond Club, along with Heartland Republican Women and North OKC Republican Women will jointly sponsor a Republican 5th District Congressional Candidates Forum on June 23 at the Edmond Downtown Community Center beginning at 6 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Oklahoma Jeepers Club plans a stop at Arcadia & Route 66 About 50 members of the Oklahoma Jeepers plan to visit Arcadia on Saturday, May 16, during a drive along Route 66 that will originate in Sapulpa.

Club members plan to arrive in Arcadia about 1 p.m. and will park their Jeeps at John Hargrove’s OK County Route 66, at the Arcadia Round Barn and at Pops, according to William Briggs, one of the administrators of the club’s Facebook page.

The public is invited to view the Jeeps, meet the owners and ask questions. Club members will be encouraged to wear masks when they get out of their vehicles in keeping with Covid-19 hygiene protocol, Briggs said.

Most of the approximately 2,500 club members drive Wranglers and Cherokees and have an interest in the vehicle because of its military history and off-roading abilities, Briggs said.

Many do their own mechanic work.

The third Saturday in May is national Jeep Go Topless Day, when Jeep owners like to go on excursions with the hard tops and doors of their vehicles removed, Briggs said. He said

Jeep owners are “fanatics” about wearing seatbelts.

Vehicles included in the outing will range from CJs (Civilian Jeeps) made in the 1970s to more modern Jeeps, and many have been modified with oversized tires, decals and custom paint jobs, Briggs said.

The club will leave Sapulpa at 10 a.m. and stop in Chandler for a break, Briggs said. The excursion will include three diversions to drive on the 1915 roadbed known as the Ozark Trail, which preceded Route 66.

Briggs, who is an accountant, said the men and women in his club represent a wide range of occupations.

Some are daily Jeep drivers, and others own classic models that come out of the garage for special events. For more information, go to the Oklahoma Jeepers

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

Farmers Market Open

The Edmond Farmers Market was open last weekend for its second consecutive Saturday. The event gives the public an opportunity to sample the freshest produce possible.

Because of the virus, some safety precautions are mandated. The sign to the left greets customers as they arrive. The market will be open through fall each Saturday morning.

Photographs by Melinda Infante

Lankford’s top conservative ranking noted Senator James Lankford (R-Edmond) was awarded the 2019 Award for Conservative Excellence by the American Conservative Union (ACU) Foundation for his voting record in 2019. Lankford obtained an ACU rating of 95 percent, the second-highest in the Senate.

“I am grateful Oklahomans put their trust in me to press for our conservative values as a nation, including working to find Sen. Lankford areas of common ground across the aisle,” said Lankford. “As a nation, it’s important that we continue to pursue solutions to address debt and deficit issues, reduce federal regulations, end government shutdowns, cut red tape for our nation’s small businesses, and protect free speech and religious liberty. It’s important to have advocates such as ACU that share and continue to push these same values on behalf of our nation.”

In 2019 Lankford supported pro-life conservative priorities including the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, the Protect Funding for Women’s Health Care Act, and the Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act, to name just a few. Lankford helped ensure the confirmations of qualified individuals to posts important to Oklahoma, including: Judges Jodi Dishman and Bernard Jones to the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and US Attorney Tim Downing to serve Oklahoma. Lankford also supported numerous Executive Branch nominations to ensure President Trump can have qualified, vetted individuals in his Administration with the advice and consent of the Senate, as designed by the Constitution.

Lankford’s bills, to protect taxpayer dollars in the federal grant process, the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act, and the Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act, to protect federal retirement benefits from fraud, both achieved final passage in the Senate and were signed into law.

“This year’s Ratings demonstrate that conservatives in the House largely stood united against Pelosi’s socialist plots to fundamentally transform America,” said ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp. “Not only did conservative fend off the lion’s share of Leftist attacks on American liberty, but the Senate also confirmed 105 judges.”

Page 8 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Western Heritage Museum plans May 18 re-opening (Editor’s Note: The following is a letter to the public from Natalie Shirley, president of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum ) The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, or The Cowboy as many like to call it, is a place where the West comes to life though art and history. We love sharing it and miss welcoming you, our visitors, into this special place.

Tim, our Director of Security and Operation Services and our Marketing Department have done a phenomenal job of sharing The Cowboy with a worldwide audience, but we are anxious to give visitors the opportunity to experience the museum again for themselves. At this time, we plan to reopen to the public on May 18, provided there are no new restrictions imposed by the city or state.

We are so excited to finally open our new children’s outdoor experience Liichokoshkomo’ (pronounced Lee-cho-koshko-mo), a Chickasaw phrase meaning “Let’s play!” Its outdoor setting encourages play while connecting visitors with the social and historical influences that shaped the West. (Plus, it’s just fun!)

Our staff has been using their time and resources preparing the museum to welcome guests again. We’re following state and CDC guidelines to be able to confidently provide a safe, enjoyable experience.

Your safety is a top priority, and because of that, the social distancing and cleaning procedures that have become a way of life for all of us are now staples of the way we run our Museum in this environment. Here

are some of the changes you’ll see when we reopen: Increased Sanitization and Social Distancing Additional cleaning measures have been implemented to sanitize frequently touched objects and surfaces throughout the Museum multiple times a day. Interactive elements have been removed or restricted.

Markers and signage will be placed throughout the building to encourage good hygiene and proper social distancing at all times.

Hand sterilization stations have been placed throughout the museum.

We have over 100,000 square feet accessible to the public under roof, and occupancy will be limited based on the current social distancing recommendations. Occupancy of small galleries and theaters and the Museum Store will be posted and follow the recommended distancing guidelines.

Healthy Staff and Visitors Our staff will have their temperature taken daily and will be wearing masks. Employees showing any signs of illness will be asked to stay home.

Likewise, if guests are feverish or sick, they will be asked to delay their visit. Following CDC guidance, masks will be recommended for visitors where safe and age-appropriate.

We’ve missed you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely, Natalie Shirley

Some questions about the invasive giant hornets Q&A with OSU entomology and plant pathology professor Wyatt Hoback What do Americans need to know about this species / what makes their arrival in the U.S. concerning?

The Asian giant hornet is a non-native species with a unique biology.

They are large predatory insects. Like all bees and wasps, they will aggressively defend their nests when they perceive a threat. These insects are predators and feed on other insects.

Because of their size, they need to capture lots of prey. The problem for the U.S., Europe, and parts of the world where these hornets are native is that people have introduced European honey bees. The hornets get their common name “murder hornets” from attacking bee hives and killing all the workers so they can take the larvae and resources to feed their own offspring. Thirty giant hornets can kill 30,000 domestic bees.

The other concern is, because of their size, giant hornets have a lot of venom and have been characterized as having among the most-painful stings in the world.

2. Is there a chance we could prevent them from gaining a stronghold in the U.S. or are they likely here to stay?

When a bee keeper is Washington State discovered a bee hive that had been attacked, officials began an aggressive search. One nest was discovered and destroyed. A single

specimen of giant hornet was also discovered in Vancouver Canada which was determined to be from a different nest. No additional sightings have occurred since 2019 and it appears that for now, the Asian giant hornet is not established in the U.S. We do have other non-native wasps and yellow jackets here.

3. What effect could they have on bee populations, ecosystems, etc.?

Whenever a species establishes outside of its native range, it often leaves behind the natural checks like disease, predators, and other factors that limit its population. When a species establishes, it can cause big effects to the ecosystem and to the economy that relies in part on the ecosystem.

4. Have we seen any Oklahoma yet? Are they well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate?

We have not found any of this species in Oklahoma. Because it is native to central Asia, our climate would support it. People should keep an eye out, but also learn to recognize native species that provide really valuable services. Native hornets eat pest insects including caterpillars, although they have similar coloration, native species are much smaller. This fall, large solitary wasps will emerge. These are cicada killers. Although the name sounds intimidating, they are not aggressive, have a very weak sting, and help to limit the number of cicadas that feed on plant roots while immature.

An upclose look at the giant killer Asian hornet

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14, 2020 • Page 9

Dillingham at the Grand Ole Opry

Scissortail Park’s free online concert series will feature Grand Ole Opry artist Dillingham A quarantine can’t stop the creative juices of the immense talent here in the Oklahoma City metro, and Grand Ole Opry Artist, Kyle Dillingham, is definitely no exception. He’ll be bringing his fiery fiddling and new music to your living room, Friday, May 15th, 7pm, as part of Scissortail Park's online concert series, Scissortail Streams.

The free concert will be streamed on Scissortail Park’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.c om/Scissortailpark) and YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/YouTubeScissortailParkOKC). To maintain social distancing guidelines, the performance was filmed privately.

Dillingham’s concert

is the seventh episode of the weekly musical showcase that features local artists and also introduces the public to different locations in Scissortail Park.

“Kyle is one of the most dynamic artists I’ve experienced. His authenticity and joy is contagious!” said Ty Calanni, Technical Stage Manager of Scissortail Park. “His mastery over his instrument is just the start of his musicianship! He demands attention with rhinestone jackets, skateboarding and expressive musical movement that only adds to beautiful songwriting.”

Dillingham, Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador and International Acoustic Music Award

Winner, has performed his magic in 40 countries which has electrified and energized audiences around the world. From an historic performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage to wowing Charley Pride in his dressing room, he said he always gives his best to everyone he meets with the belief that music can change lives.

“Hell of a musician, that’s for sure,” said Country music legend and Grammy winner, Charley Pride.

With an eclectic musical style ranging from blues to bluegrass, gypsy jazz to western swing, country, rock and gospel, Dillingham blends them into an earthy genre he calls

Heartland Americana.

“From Bob Wills to my original Americanaflavored new songs, get ready for a high-energy, uplifting musical experience,” said Dillingham.

“I've performed for kings and princesses, and I'm ready to bring that same passion to all my loyal fans in the most beautiful venue in the state.”

Kyle Dillingham has taken his musical talents all around the world.

Page 10 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side Advice for grads More on absentee ballots & veeps I had thought about discussing the Deep State, Joe Biden and the ongoing absentee ballot process in Oklahoma.

But most people already have their minds made up about all of those issues. No use doing a huge rehash of each.

Although I will say two things on the absentee ballot topic that Steve Gust amazed me. A lot of people on Facebook still didn't know that having your ballot notarized is free. Secondly there was a former state senator on one of the threads vociferously arguing how Oklahoma's elections are devoid of fraud. Yet he was advocating dropping the notary requirement. Did he ever suspect for a moment that maybe we haven't experienced fraud because we have a notary requirement?

But I digress. What I really wanted to do is wind up my thoughts on vice presidents.

In baseball the all time leader with pitching wins is Cy Young with 511. Because of the way the game is played now, that record will most likely never be touched. A few modern era pitchers are in the 300s but that's it.

For vice presidents, John Tyler has a record, which is probably untouchable. He was married twice and had 15 children. That record also holds up for president, since he ascended to the high office when William Henry Harrison died a month or so into his term. There have been 48 men, who have served as vice president. There probably would have been an-

other five to eight people added to the post had the 25th amendment existed before the 1960s. That law allows a president to appoint a vice president to the vacant post, pending Congressional approval. Richard Nixon did it in the 1970s after Spiro Agnew resigned due to a scandal. Nixon picked Gerald Ford. Then Ford picked Nelson Rockefeller after Nixon resigned and Ford became president.

Out of the first 27 vice presidents, seven of them died while in office. The last was James Sherman in 1912. He was Taft's VP. Another Veep to die was Garret Hobart in 1899.

He was only 55. Had he lived, I have no doubt President McKinley would have kept him on the ticket for McKinley's re-election. That means the world may have never heard about Teddy Roosevelt. Hard to imagine American history without Roosevelt and his bigger than life personality. Another interesting fact about Mr. Hobart. For some reason, a town in western Oklahoma is named after him.

One of the more sad VP deaths, involved Franklin Pierce's VP, William R. King. After Pierce's election in 1852 King's health went south. He tried to regain it in the warm climate of Cuba. Mr. King was so ill he couldn't attend the D.C. inauguration in March 1853.

Congress passed a law to allow him to take the oath in Cuba. He was sworn in March 24, 1853 and died less than a month later on April 18. And somehow King County in the state of Washington is named after him.

History does have a lot of interesting twists.

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

By Mike Turpen As a State Regent for Higher Education, I have had the privilege of watching thousands of Oklahoma’s graduates walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, ready to pursue their next chapter. However, these are unprecedented times. For the Class of 2020, it may be difficult to visualize a bright future when standing beneath the cloud of a global pandemic. Although we are challenged by living in an uncertain new world, the qualities for success remain the same.

I have learned that success is not measured by a job title, a public image or a paycheck. Instead, success is about enjoying the odyssey of life every second, every minute, every day, and truly understanding the three “F’s” — faith, family and friends. The Creator

teaches us that we are all touched with a divine spark of infinite goodness. Each of us adds to or subtracts from the happiness, the peace of mind and the quality of life of every person whose life we touch. Just be kind to one another.

To be successful, graduates need three qualities: a funny bone, a backbone and a wishbone.

The best way to keep life in perspective is to develop a prominent funny bone — a good sense of self-directed humor. Will Rogers famously observed, “Humor is a passport to the heart.” Will understood that laughter leads to listening and listening leads to learning.

Every successful person possesses a strong backbone, an infallible sense of courage. Life is often about being fearful but saddling up anyway. It is always the right time to do the right thing.

Courage and the choices we make demonstrate character and that character determines our destiny.

The final tool for success is a wishbone — a sense of idealism. Focus on “we” instead of “me.”

We are all fellow travelers on the spaceship we call Earth. Life is all about embracing the idea of shared humanity and continually asking what Martin Luther King Jr. once said was life’s most persistent and urgent question, “What are you doing for others?”

We don’t grow when times are easy. Adversity introduces a person to themselves. The Class of 2020 has learned how to blend the worlds of high tech and high touch, but we are coming to realize that a screen is never as meaningful as the human touch.

Turpen is a partner at the law firm of Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis.

State addresses budget challenges

By State Senator Stephanie Bice This past week, we returned to the Senate to continue the work of the legislative session, including our most important constitutional responsibility, writing and passing a balanced budget.

This was accomplished with some members participating remotely, Bice and some attending in person. The public was able to attend, with social distancing and other safety guidelines in place, or observe committee and floor session via our livestream on our website at www.oksenate.gov.

Last month the State Board of Equalization announced that because of the economic impact of the pandemic and already lower than projected energy prices, we could be facing a budget gap of about $1.3 billion or more for Fiscal Year 2021. The governor had previously mentioned the possibility of budget cuts of 7%, which would have been devastating to our agencies and the citizens relying on their services and pro-

grams, especially during this pandemic.

Instead, we crafted a balanced budget using reserve funds, cutting one-time spending, temporarily redirecting non-appropriated money into the budget, and spending reductions of 4.1% or less. Education was prioritized, and their cuts were held to 2.5%, but when you include federal relief funds, schools will see a net increase. Additionally, we are optimistic that as the economy improves in the coming months, we can restore some funding.

In addition to our work on the budget, we’ve approved additional legislation throughout this past week, including a measure giving limited liability protection to health care providers and facilities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also approved a measure to ensure that law enforcement and other first responders can continue to be briefed as to whether someone at the address they’re being called to has COVID-19 so that they can better decide when to use personal protective equipment. The information would be non-identifying and would comply with federal health privacy laws. While law enforcement

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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.

and first responders have that ability under the governor’s health emergency declaration, this makes sure that will continue even after the declaration expires.

There will likely still be COVID-19 cases throughout the state at that time, and this also leaves us better prepared should there be another pandemic.

I also want to update you on how our communities, counties and state are doing with the 2020 U.S. Census.

As of May 5, the national average response rate was 57.3%. In Oklahoma, our response rate was 51.4%. Here in Senate District 22, we have an average response rate of 64.2% in Canadian County and 57.6% in Oklahoma County. Looking at local communities, we had a response rate of 71.7% in Piedmont; 70.7% in Yukon; 70.5% in Edmond; and 56.8% in Oklahoma City.

I’m proud of the progress our district is making, but I want to continue to encourage everyone to respond.

Please remember that billions of federal dollars are distributed for core services like education, health and mental health, transportation, water systems and much more—and it’s based on population as determined by the census. If you don’t respond, we’re undercounted, and we get less funding than we should for the next decade. Especially as our state recovers economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot afford to be undercounted.

If you haven’t responded to the census, there’s still time. You can respond by mail, over the phone by calling 1-844-330-2020, or online at 2020census.gov.

If you have responded, thank you.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14 2020 • Page 11

Francis Tuttle & its empowerment of students Francis Tuttle Technology Center officials announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through its PLTW-based Biosciences and Medicine Academy.

It is one of just 143 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S. “We are proud of the consistent focus of staff to provide outstanding workforce development education, and of the diligent efforts of students who perform on a daily basis,” said Jennie Croslin, Francis Tuttle Health Sciences director. “This national recognition is just proof of our commitment in helping to fill the skills gap in the vital healthcare industry.”

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, the Biosciences and Medicine Academy had to meet the following criteria: Offer and had students enrolled in at least three

‘We are proud of the consistent focus of staff to provide outstanding workforce development education, and of the diligent efforts of students who perform on a daily basis.’

-- Jennie Croslin of Francis Tuttle Center PLTW courses; Had 25 percent of students or more participate in PLTW courses, or of those who participated in PLTW, at least 33 percent took two or more PLTW courses; Had 95 percent of students take the End-ofCourse (EoC) assessments; Had strategies and procedures in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender and can support such claims with relevant data.

Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and

Some interesting website suggestions for the weekend Virtual Events This Weekend May 14-17

- VIRTUAL EVENT: Workout at Home with the YMCA

Thursday, May 14 - Digital Edmond Visitor Guide - VIRTUAL EVENT: Art Lessons with Land of Light - VIRTUAL EVENT: Backyard Baseball Drills - VIRTUAL EVENT: Bingo with the Edmond Fine Arts Institute - VIRTUAL EVENT: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Tours - VITRUAL EVENT: Experiments with Mad Science - VIRTUAL EVENT: Facebook Live with Edmond Parks & Recreation - VIRTUAL EVENT: Story Time with the Edmond Fire Department - VIRTUAL EVENT: Workout at Home with the YMCA

Extra Information on virtual events

Friday, May 15 - Digital Edmond Visitor Guide - VIRTUAL EVENT: Art Lessons with Land of Light - VIRTUAL EVENT: Backyard Baseball Drills - VIRTUAL EVENT: Bingo with the Edmond Fine Arts Institute - VIRTUAL EVENT: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Tours - VITRUAL EVENT: Experiments with Mad Science - VIRTUAL EVENT: Facebook Live with Edmond Parks & Recreation - VIRTUAL EVENT: Story Time with the Edmond Fire Department - VIRTUAL EVENT: Workout at Home with the YMCA Saturday, May 16 - Digital Edmond Visitor Guide - VIRTUAL EVENT: Art Lessons with Land of Light - VIRTUAL EVENT: Backyard Baseball Drills - VIRTUAL EVENT: Bingo with the Edmond Fine Arts Institute - VIRTUAL EVENT: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Tours - VITRUAL EVENT: Experiments with Mad Science - VIRTUAL EVENT: Facebook Live with Edmond Parks & Recreation - VIRTUAL EVENT: Story Time with the Edmond Fire Department - VIRTUAL EVENT: Workout at Home with the YMCA - Kickingbird Golf Club Family Fun Night - VIRTUAL EVENT: CBE’s Heard on Hurd Online Sunday, May 17 - Digital Edmond Visitor Guide - VIRTUAL EVENT: Art Lessons with Land of Light - VIRTUAL EVENT: Backyard Baseball Drills - VIRTUAL EVENT: Bingo with the Edmond Fine Arts Institute - VIRTUAL EVENT: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Tours - VITRUAL EVENT: Experiments with Mad Science - VIRTUAL EVENT: Facebook Live with Edmond Parks & Recreation - VIRTUAL EVENT: Story Time with the Edmond Fire Department

Digital Edmond Visitor Guide Extra Info: Light reading at home while planning outdoor activities when available. issuu.com/cityofedmond VIRTUAL EVENT: Art Lessons with Land of Light Extra Info: Online art instruction through Facebook Live. Check their Facebook page for the upcoming events.

VIRTUAL EVENT: Backyard Baseball Drills Extra Info: edmondallsports.com Scroll down to CAMPS on the homepage for six different skill videos that parents can do with children in their backyard.

VIRTUAL EVENT: Bingo with the Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Great-at-home art projects for the family that are quick and easy and an entertaining game of Creativity Bingo. Find them on Facebook to find these great ideas.

VIRTUAL EVENT: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Tours Extra Info: Take a virtual tour of the exhibits on youtube.com at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4WlEfC44KCDrauIEDEUug VITRUAL EVENT: Experiments with Mad Science Extra Info: Mad Science is hosting science experiments and you can find their sessions on Facebook VIRTUAL EVENT: Facebook Live with Edmond Parks & Recreation Extra Info: 11 a.m., Monday – Friday; online classes through Facebook Live and Zoom, check their social media for upcoming sessions.

VIRTUAL EVENT: Story Time with the Edmond Fire Department Extra Info: The Edmond Fire Department is posting videos of story time with a firefighter for kids. Follow them on Facebook to hear the latest stories and find them on youtube.com.

VIRTUAL EVENT: Workout at Home with the YMCA Extra Info: Find workout instruction videos to do at home posted by the YMCA on youtube.com Kickingbird Golf Club Family Fun Night Location: Kickingbird Golf Club, 1600 E. Danforth Extra Info: $8 green fees, $8 carts, $3 range tokens; 5 p.m.; http://edmondok.com/391/TournamentsEvents

for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW Biomedical Science curriculum introduces high school students to medicine and human body systems, as well as the wide array of biomedical science careers. Throughout the program, students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals, preparing them for careers in medical and health-related fields.

In addition to the hands-on PLTW curriculum, Francis Tuttle’s Biosciences and Medicine Academy offers students rigorous math and science required in colleges and universities, coupled with exceptional experiences.

“It is a great honor to recognize Francis Tuttle for their commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their work to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.” Francis Tuttle is part of a community of schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with learning opportunities.

Page 12 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14, 2020 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Gabriela Pinto-Ordonez, Edmond Memorial High School senior, a 2020 OGE Positive Energy Scholarship winner, was surprised with a $60,000 college scholarship.

2020 OGE Positive Energy Scholars

Edmond senior among trio surprised by scholarship Three Oklahoma high school seniors, along with their families, were surprised last week to learn that they will receive OGE Positive Energy Scholarships to help pay for college. Per year, each Positive Energy Scholar will receive $15,000, which is renewable annually for up to four years, or a total of $60,000 to cover tuition, fees, books or oncampus room and board.

The 2020 OGE Positive Energy Scholars are Trevor Hughes of Morrison High School, Gabriela Pinto-Ordonez of Edmond Memorial High School and Lynsey Mendenhall of Southmoore High School.

“Congratulations to Trevor, Gabriela and Lynsey on their selection as the newest recipients of our Positive Energy scholarships,” said OGE Energy Corp. Chairman, President and CEO Sean Trauschke. “Education is a key component in building a workforce for the future and keeping our communities strong. We’re proud to offer these scholarships as an investment in the future for these students and the communities we serve.”

Each student, focused on finishing his or her high school career from home, was surprised by a parade of OG&E’s Big Orange trucks, balloons

and signs.

School teachers, counselors or superintendents and members from each recipient’s community looked on from a safe distance while OG&E officials presented the students with certificates.

“I’m thrilled that Trevor has been selected as one of OGE’s Positive Energy Scholars,” said Morrison Public Schools Superintendent Brent Haken. “He’s already demonstrated deep involvement in the community and care for others as well as impressive academic ability. Students like Trevor deserve to be encouraged and supported, and I commend OG&E for investing in the future of our state in this way.”

Hughes will attend Oklahoma State University.

Pinto-Ordonez is bound for the University of Oklahoma.

“Thank you, OG&E, for helping deserving students like Gabriela pursue their dreams,” said Herkisha Hardy, an Edmond Public Schools Career Counselor. “She has achieved a great deal early in life and has so much potential. This scholarship will alleviate a large portion of the financial burden of college.”

Mendenhall will head to the University of Tulsa

next fall.

“Lynsey has shown her passion for serving others and her academic commitment,” said Ladawna Hunter, Southmoore High School Varsity Pom Coach. “Thank you, OG&E, for supporting students like Lynsey who will be the future leaders of this region’s workforce. You are making a difference in our state!”

The OGE Positive Energy Scholarship, administered through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, was established in 2019 and places preference on students pursuing a career in an energy-related field. Students in need of financial aid are also given preference.

Eligible students must be graduating high school seniors from the OG&E service area (Oklahoma, western Arkansas); attend a college in the states of Oklahoma or Arkansas; have an unweighted GPA greater than or equal to 3.25; and receive an ACT score of greater than or equal to 25 and/or SAT score greater than or equal to 1200.

Since 2016, OGE Energy Corp. has provided more than $1.8 million to fund scholarships for students in the OG&E service area.

Page 14 • May 14 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edwards named OCU Law’s Distinguished Practitioner for fall Oklahoma City University School gation Practicum covering all issues from A to of Law recently named Phillips MurZ,” Roth said. “As our first female lawyer in rah Director Nikki Edwards as the this role, it’s an extra special way to highlight Distinguished Practitioner in Resinot only her wonderful skills but to bring atdence for the upcoming Fall semestention to the under-representation of ter. women in litigation practices.

“The role of Distinguished Practi“We have tremendous faith that Nikki will tioner in Residence is an exciting opeducate and inspire men and women to beportunity to interact with the come great practitioners for their clients and students in a meaningful, interactive the profession.” way, as opposed to a lecture forHighlighting Phillips Murrah's firm’s focus mat,” Edwards said. “I’m most lookon gender equity in law firm leadership, EdNikki Edwards wards hopes her role can bring more visibility ing forward to being able to play a small role in the exciting futures of our future to women in the legal field. lawyers.”

“I am honored to be the first female to serve as Edwards will be the third person and first female to Distinguished Practitioner In Residence,” Edwards said. “Today more than 50 percent of law students hold the position, Jim Roth, OCU School of Law are women, yet a very small percentage of trial Dean said. lawyers are female.

“We at OCU School of Law are thrilled to host “I would love my students to realize that women Nikki Edwards as our Distinguished Practitioner in can be strong, effective, trial lawyers, and the courtResidence for the upcoming Academic Year ‘20-‘21 room is not only a place for men. A big part of my where she will lead our lucky students through a Liti-

life’s work is supporting other women as a mentor, friend and colleague. As a shareholder of Phillips Murrah P.C., our firm has a much larger percentage of female shareholders than the state and national average, which is something I am very proud of. I think the future should and will have more female litigators, and that is why being chosen by Dean Roth and OCU Law for this position is such a high honor.”

Enrollment for the course is now open. Learn more at OCU School of Law’s website.

“I hope students learn to love the practice of law and not just the substantive case law found in various subjects,” she said. “A significant takeaway will be that as lawyers in litigation we have the ability to really change lives and that the students realize how important our representation is to our clients, the public and the judiciary.

“Importantly, litigation and trial work can be extremely exhilarating and exciting, but also very frightening for new lawyers, so I hope each student feels a basic comfort level with the process at the conclusion of the class.”

Graduate college names student advisory board members The University of Central Oklahoma Jackson College of Graduate Studies recently named 21 graduate students to the 2020-21 Graduate Student Advisory Board. Following a nomination and evaluation process, the graduate students were selected based on their academic achievement and faculty mentor recommendations.

“The Graduate Student Advisory Board was established last year as a mechanism for privileging and foregrounding graduate student voices directly to the dean,” said Jeanetta Sims, Ph.D., dean of Central’s Jackson College of Graduate Studies.

“We anticipate receiving valuable insights from this group for fostering a stronger graduate community at UCO.”

Advisory board members include Andrea Lodes, a crime and intelligence analysis major from Yukon; LaTrishia Wilson, a nutrition and food science major from Tulsa; Angela Cross, a business analytics major from Oklahoma City; Salena King, a family and child studies – infant/child specialist major from Cleveland, Okla.; Bridget Cuadra, a history major from Trenton, N.J.; Gray Thomas, an experimental psychology major from Edmond; Aaron Taylor, a liberal studies major from Oklahoma City; Whitney Mountain, a forensic science major from Highland Village, Texas; Samantha Dawes, a psychology – counseling major from Bethany; Madison Roberts, a forensic science major from Broken Arrow; Frank Poku, a wellness

management – health promotion major from Kumasi, Ghana; Rachel Armfield, a biology major from Birmingham, England; Sydney Werner, a school counseling major from Kingfisher; Hollie Blackstock, a counseling psychology major from Broken Arrow; Breonna Coleman, a nursing education major from Oklahoma City; Bryan Shannon, a wellness management – health promotion major from Tulsa, Oklahoma; C’Anne Reichert, a business administration major from Bakersfield, Calif.; Aisha Hasanjee, a speech – language pathology major from Edmond; Hannah Canard, an elementary education major from Edmond; Mia King, a marriage and family therapy major from Okmulgee, Oklahoma; and, Cynthia Kagambirwa,

a business analytics major form Kigali, Rwanda.

Based on their graduate majors, the 2020-21 advisory board contains representation from the College of Liberal Arts, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Mathematics and Science, College of Business and the Forensic Science Institute.

Central’s Jackson College of Graduate Studies has served graduate students for more than 65 years.

Through in-person, hybrid, and online classes, graduate students can pursue one of 40 graduate degree programs and more than 70 different major areas of study.

For more information about the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, visit www.uco.edu/graduate.

UCO program recognized for having milestone The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lot of firsts as organizations have found new, creative ways to use technology to continue services. The University of Central Oklahoma Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) recently became the first in the nation to conduct a virtual Family Leadership Institute (FLI) session.

GEAR UP is a federally funded grant designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. FLI is a national program provided to those who utilize the GEAR UP program and is a multidimensional 10-module curriculum focused on providing families with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to help their children succeed in school and life. Central is the only GEAR UP program in the nation that utilizes FLI as a component in family outreach programming.

The first virtual FLI LIVE session was held via Zoom

for the Millwood School District. Jasmine Hooks, UCO academic coordinator for Millwood Middle School and Millwood High School, led the initiative in collaboration with Cecilia Robinson-Woods, Millwood School District superintendent; Dawn Bowles, Millwood High School principal; Consuela Castillo Kickbusch; and, Jackie Tucker, director of GEAR UP Programs for Central. The virtual FLI session had the largest number of participants to date for Millwood families since GEAR UP began the FLI in 2016.

“Millwood is proud to partner with UCO GEAR UP and the Family Leadership Institute to provide support to families during this time of increased parental need due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” RobinsonWoods said.

“This training will help families navigate through this difficult time with their children and serve as a foundation for future relationships between the families, schools and GEAR UP.”

The FLI addresses the emotional struggles many parent and school leaders face that can negatively impact learning. The FLI helps participants acquire strategies to overcome these barriers and challenges.

Due to the training provided through GEAR UP and FLI, the family dynamic, school environment, student attendance, behavioral issues and academic achievement should improve.

“It has been rewarding to connect with the families at Millwood Public Schools through the Family Leadership Institute Program. FLI LIVE has created a virtual space for all parents to know that we are all in this together,” Hooks said.

“Collaborating has made it possible to make FLI LIVE available to parents in the entire K-12 Millwood school district.” For more information about Central, visit www.uco.edu. For more information about GEAR UP at Central, contact Barry Lofton, executive director the program at blofton@uco.edu.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14, 2020 • Page 15

‘The Half of It’ tells story of teen social challenges

By George Gust “The Half of It” follows shy, straight-A student Ellie (Leah Lewis) who is hired by sweet but inarticulate jock Paul (Daniel Diemer), who needs help winning over a popular girl. But their new and unlikely friendship gets complicated when Ellie discovers she has feelings for the same girl.

“The Half of It” has a familiar premise that has been the subject of sitcom scenarios and teen romance comedies, but this film is handled with a tenderness and intellect that separates it from the cheesier attempts of the past. Writer/director Alice Wu draws on personal experiences to create an experience that feels both distinctively personal and universal at the same time. However as our book smart protagonist will tell you, this is not a love story in the traditional sense, but instead a thoughtful inspection of coming of age and finding your own path in life and the unlikely friends you make along the way.

While the premise of “The Half of It” is familiar the movie feels uniquely 21st century, with the proliferation of smart devices and constant connec-

tion. And unlike many other teen love stories, this movie focuses mainly on the emotional journey of self-discovery for Ellie through her new relationships both virtual and physical. Through Lewis’s compelling performance and insightful writing we see a layered and complex character that rings emotionally true. And by casting a girl in the trope of the book smart social outcast tasked with helping the inarticulate jock to land the popular girl the film explores the complicated interworking’s of questioning your sexual orientation, which is ulti-

mately done with a gentle and graceful touch in this case.

Overall, “The Half of It” is an endearing comingof-age dramatic comedy that has a unique point of view and positive message of friendship. Throughout the film there are a few incongruent filmmaking choices, like an animated opening sequence that feels separate from the rest of the narrative and intercutting of ‘deep’ quotes that can slow down the momentum of the movie the overall experience of “The Half of It” is a charming endeavor. With a focus on a character you don’t usually see as the lead of these kinds of movies, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, “The Half of It” provides a perspective and narrative little explored in mainstream teen movies.

“The Half of It” is rated PG-13 for brief language and teen drinking. Now available to stream on Netflix.

3.3 out 5 stars To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Leah Lewis and Daneil Diemer star in a fresh take on the teen romance genre in Netflix's ‘The Half of It.’

Museum hours won’t change CLINTON, Okla. — The Oklahoma Historical Society announced today that the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton will not move to expanded operating hours this summer. To support the surge of summer travelers, the museum usually expands its hours of operation, opening seven days a week and including evening hours. When the museum reopens, which is projected to occur on June 1, the museum will maintain its winter hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in response to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

“Once the museum reopens, we anticipate a large drop in visitation with the loss of international travelers, motor coach tours and out-ofstate visitors—three groups that typically form a significant portion of our summer visitors,” said Pat Smith, director of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum has often been touted as a success story since its opening in 1995. Though it is a state facility, most of its operating funds are generated through earned income from admission fees and gift shop sales.

This means the closing and anticipated decline in visitors following reopening hits the museum just like any other small business that depends on tourism dollars.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: ARMY AND NAVY ACROSS 1. Smoothing tool 5. Broadband access overseeing org.

8. Attorneys' org.

11. Length times width 12. *Lined up single ____ 13. Lump of stuff 14. Carpet attribute 15. Cut the crop 16. Lingo 17. *Entire ship's company 19. Toothy wheel 20. Gives a helping hand 21. They're from mars?

22. Language family, includes Turkic and Mongolian 25. Indian spice mix, pl.

29. Bachelor's last words 30. Baby Ruth component 33. One of the Earnhardts 34. She goes by Lo? 36. Actors' grp.

37. Mister in Madrid 38. Colossal 39. With no effort 41. American cuckoo 42. Leave hastily, two words 44. *Commissioned officer of the lowest rank 46. "____, drink, and be merry" 47. *Omaha ____ 49. Baby whale 51. *It's a wall to a civilian 54. Hands, to #12 Down 55. Check out 56. Cambodian money 58. Welcoming sign 59. Went down slippery slope 60. *Date of Allied landing 61. *Opposite of stern 62. "For ____ a jolly good.."

63. Dried-up DOWN 1. Grammy category 2. Diva's solo 3. Unload 4. Saffron-fla-

vored rice dish 5. Evil one 6. Wears 7. Porcini mushrooms 8. Aquarium scum 9. Uncouth one 10. Address abbreviation 12. Spanish dictator, 1939-1975 13. *Throwing weapon 16. Ice, dark, and middle, e.g.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers' ____ Field 21. Dojo turf 22. Was sick 23. Parkinson's disease drug 24. African antelope, pl.

25. Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior 26. Veranda in Honolulu 27. "____ came a spider..."

28. European finch 31. *"Excellent in all we do" org.

32. None left when on E

35. *____ formation, or on diagonal 37. Make synchronous 39. Credit card payment alternative, acr.

40. What Deep Throat did 43. Stumblebums 45. Type of shards 47. *Announcement device 48. Island off Manhattan 49. Head of family 50. All over again 51. Silly talk or writing 52. *____-de-camp 53. Letter opening 54. Flash dancers 57. NaOH

See Answers on Page 19

Answers to the puzzle On Page 19

Page 16 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Research could benefit those with diabetes In people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a frequent complication and the most common cause of vision loss. To curtail the prevalence of the devastating eye disease, University of Oklahoma researchers on both the Oklahoma City and Norman campuses have launched a pharmaceutical company to develop a new treatment.

The company Excitant Therapeutics was formed to commercialize research being conducted at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. The research comes from the laboratory of physiologist Jian-Xing “Jay” Ma, M.D., Ph.D., whose career has largely focused on diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Ma co-founded Excitant Therapeutics with Adam Duerfeldt, Ph.D., a medicinal chemist on OU’s Norman campus, and Younghwa “Henry” Shin, Ph.D., who was a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Ma’s laboratory.

Because their discoveries show significant potential to treat diabetic retinopathy, they decided to commercialize the research and develop a new, more effective therapy than is currently available.

“We are excited that research conducted at the OU Health Sciences Center will be developed into a new therapy that will more effectively treat diabetic retinopathy,” said Dr. Ma, who also serves as chairman of the

The founders of Excitant Therapeutics, from left, are Younghwa ‘Henry’ Shin, Ph.D., Adam Duerfeldt, Ph.D., and Jian-Xing ‘Jay’ Ma, M.D., Ph.D.

Department of Physiology at the OU College of Medicine. “The current standard of care fails to treat about 40% of patients, and it involves monthly injections directly into the eye. This research serves as the starting point for a new treatment that is effective for more people and can be given as an eye drop or a pill.”

The research of Excitant centers around a protein in the body called PPAR-alpha (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha). When activated, PPAR-alpha decreases the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Researchers in Dr. Ma’s lab discovered compounds that target PPAR-alpha and are structurally different from

those in other known drugs.

The research of Excitant has taken a somewhat unique trajectory among pharmaceutical start-up companies.

They became aware of a clinical trial by another organization that failed in its primary goal but offered a serendipitous finding – the drug being tested activated PPAR-alpha and slowed the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

However, that drug is not selective nor very potent, yet it is toxic in higher amounts. The Excitant researchers knew their compounds could not only activate PPAR-alpha, but have the potential to more effectively and safely treat diabetic retinopathy. And because the other clinical trial demon-

strated it was safe to activate PPARalpha in humans, the journey toward earning an investigational new drug application from the FDA may be smoother.

Excitant is also developing drug therapies that can target the multiple pathological features of diabetic retinopathy. The current treatment, eye injections, only targets the abnormal blood vessel growth that penetrates the retina. However, that’s only one part of the disease.

“Inflammation and neuronal cell death in the retina are other features of diabetic retinopathy,” said Dr. Shin, who serves as CEO of Excitant Therapeutics. “Ours is a multi-pronged approach to a complex disease. We believe we can simultaneously target all features of the disease, and that we’ll be able to help the 40% of the patient population that is unresponsive to the current standard of care.”

Transforming basic science research into an FDA-approved treatment is a long journey but a gratifying one, said Dr. Duerfeldt, who brings expertise in turning a promising molecule into a drug lead. “When I present our results, it’s not unusual for people to come up to me afterward to relay that a relative of theirs has diabetic retinopathy or that they have diabetes and are worried about eye problems,” he said.

Lives in Edmond

Allergy & Asthma Clinic adds new staff allergist Maya N. Gharfeh, M.D., has joined the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic medical providers’ staff.

Dr. Gharfeh treats both children and adults with asthma and allergic conditions. Her particular areas of expertise include atopic dermatitis, asthma, food allergy and delayed hypersensitivity. She is Dr. Gharfeh board-certified with the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Dr. Gharfeh was raised in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2006 with her bachelor’s degree in Biology.

She then attended medical school in Rootstown, Ohio, at Northeastern Ohio Medical University.

During her medical school training, Dr. Gharfeh also pursued a public health degree from The Ohio State University with a specialty in health behavior and health promotion. She graduated from medical school and her master’s program in 2011 and moved back to Columbus, Ohio for her pediatric internship, residency and chief residency training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University.

She completed her fellowship training in Allergy and Immunology at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Following completion of her training, Dr. Gharfeh worked in Waco, Texas prior to moving to Oklahoma City in the spring of 2020 to join the team at Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

She is a patient advocate and is passionate about educating her patients and the community on important topics in allergy and asthma. Dr. Gharfeh published on the efficacy of food allergy school education during her training and has continued to utilize this data to educate local school personnel on food allergy and epinephrine auto-injector use.

Dr. Gharfeh also takes time to blog on these important issues as well as the real-life struggles of living with a food allergic child. During her free time, Dr. Gharfeh spends her time with her husband and their three young children.

The Gharfeh family resides in Edmond and is eager to make the greater Oklahoma City area their new home.

The Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic is one of the largest and oldest allergy and asthma practices in the United States celebrating 95 years in 2020.

The main clinic is located on the Oklahoma Health Center campus. For patient convenience, satellite offices are located in Edmond, Norman, Midwest City and Yukon.

Visit the OAAC website at www.oklahomaallergy.com to view the addresses for all Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic locations. To make an initial appointment for an allergy or asthma problem or to request more information, please call (405) 235-0040 or visit the website.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14, 2020 • Page 17

State treasury feels virus sting April Gross Receipts to the Treasury plunged by more than half a billion dollars as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts Oklahoma’s economy, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

Gross receipts in April total $1.08 billion, a drop of $502.5 million, or 31.8 percent, from April 2019.

McDaniel The economic impact of the pandemic is spread across all major revenue streams, but is most evident in income tax collections due to the postponement of the April 15 filing deadline to July 15. Gross income tax receipts are down by more than 50 percent for the month.

“The state economy is clearly showing the repercussions of the novel coronavirus,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “While the resiliency of Oklahomans is a key source for enduring optimism, the near-term situation is expected to be especially challenging.”

McDaniel pointed out that gross production tax collections have yet to reflect the impact of record

low oil prices. Gross production receipts in April are based on oil field activity two months earlier – in February – when oil was still more than $50 per barrel. Even so, collections this month were down by 24 percent from a year earlier.

The average price of oil during April was less than $20 per barrel. The impact of the price crash will begin to be seen in May receipts, but will be more fully realized in June collections.

Combined sales and use tax collections of $430.4 million are down by $44.7 million, or 9.4 percent, indicating a pullback in consumption during April likely due to shelter-in-place policies. Sales taxes, down by $47.3 million, are somewhat offset by a $2.6 million increase in use taxes assessed on outof-state purchases including online sales.

Economic indicators The unemployment situation in Oklahoma is rapidly changing. The March jobless rate was listed at 3.1 percent, but the employment survey was taken early in the month before many jobs were lost due to the pandemic.

Since March 15, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission reports it has paid more than 430,000 jobless claims. In early March, 56,100 Oklahomans were listed as unemployed.

The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index dropped to 34.2 in April, down from 45.7 in March.

Numbers below 50 indicate economic contraction is expected during the next three to six months.

April collections April gross collections total $1.08 billion, down by $502.5 million, or 31.8 percent, from April 2019.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $405.8 million, a decrease of $414.4 million, or 50.5 percent, from the previous April.

Individual income tax collections for the month are $368.4 million, down by $325.1 million, or 46.9 percent, from the prior year. Corporate collections are $37.4 million, a decrease of $89.3 million,

See State, Page 18

More possible evictions concern officials

By Kayla Branch Oklahoman.com For the social service agencies working to house struggling Oklahoma County residents, the next several months look grim.

Oklahoma County’s district court reopens May 18, meaning eviction cases will be heard again.

Homeless Alliance Director Dan Straughan said the economic devastation from COVID-19 will likely “drive the unsheltered homeless number right through the roof.”

Since March 15, almost 400 eviction cases have been filed in Oklahoma County, according to a report published through the Oklahoma Policy Institute.

While those backlogged cases could relate to pre-

pandemic problems, it’s the all-at-once timing and long term uptick in overall eviction numbers that will create future issues as providers work to house more individuals with the same resources that were already spread thin.

“We are petrified,” Straughan said. “For months and months and months this will be a problem. The system is not equipped, not equipped to handle that.”

Christi Jernigan-Marshall runs the county’s social services division and said the area’s shelter capacity is not able to hold a serious flood of new individuals.

“It is very concerning,” she said.

And more cases are expected to be filed in late July, which is when the eviction moratorium through the federal CARES Act applying to property owners

On how COVID-19 affects higher ed

Rose State president part of virus task force Oklahoma; and John Rose State College PresiMcArthur, President, Cameron dent Dr. Jeanie Webb has University. The Oklahoma apbeen appointed to serve on pointees will collaborate with the Postsecondary Education postsecondary education repRecovery Task Force. The Task resentatives from Alabama, Force is comprised of higher Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, education institutions from 16 Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, states and formed in response Maryland, Mississippi, North to COVID-19.

Oklahoma State Regents Dr. Webb Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and for Higher Education ChancelWest Virginia. lor Glen D. Johnson appointed The task force will collaborate to Webb, who is serving as co-chair of address COVID-19-related challenges the task force. facing colleges, universities and their “The Coronavirus pandemic has students and to encourage institucaused severe disruption to the tions to work together to ensure a higher education system and we will fully systemic approach to higher edbe feeling its effects for months and ucation recovery related to COVIDyears to come,” Webb said. “This 19. The task force will also task force brings us all together to collectively look for responses and so- collaborate with SREB’s K-12 Education Recovery Task Force. lutions that can and will be of great Among the central issues to be benefit in the future.” consider are funding and costs; safety Webb joins other Oklahoma apand health; distance learning, techpointees Burns Hargis, President, nology and innovation; and student Oklahoma State University; Joe Harand faculty/staff support. roz, Interim President, University of

Big losses for Chesapeake

By Jack Money Oklahoman.com Bankruptcy is on the table for Chesapeake Energy Corp.

The company made the announcement last week in a filing with regulators after posting a net loss of about $8.3 billion for the first quarter of 2020.

Hammered by low commodity prices caused in part by the war for global shares of crude markets between Saudi Arabia and Russia and depressed demand caused by COVID-19, Chesapeake had to take a non-cash impairment charge on its assets of about $5.2 billion during the period.

“Fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and quantities of oil, natural gas and NGL reserves that may be eco-

nomically produced,” its filing states.

"Historically, oil and natural gas prices have been volatile; however, the volatility in the prices for these commodities has substantially increased as a result of COVID-19 and OPEC+ decisions.

"We expect to see continued volatility in oil and natural gas prices for the foreseeable future, and such volatility, combined with the current depressed prices, has impacted and is expected to continue to adversely impact our business.

“If the current depressed prices persist, combined with the scheduled reductions in the leverage ratio covenant and an expected significant reduction in our borrowing base in our scheduled determination, then our liquidity and our ability to comply with our financial covenants during the next 12 months will be adversely affected.”

with federal funding will expire, according to the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, which enforces evictions but put that duty on pause during late March, will resume lockouts as they receive court orders, said spokesman Mark Myers.

“People will probably have up to 60 days following their judgements,” Myers said. “We are going to be looking at and being very sensitive to those cases and when judgements come down.”

A May 1 Oklahoma Supreme Court order adds a new step for property owners currently filing evictions — they must prove whether their property “is or is not a covered dwelling under the CARES Act,” which will add an additional hurdle toward filing an eviction before the federal moratorium ends.

Page 18 • May 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Starting fitness habit back following a break NEW LISTING!

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more than you did the last month.

Don’t try to start back where you left off. Instead, let your body benefit from the small amount of fitness stimulus you are getting but with a body that is “fresh” and ready for some positive changes. There is no need to run a marathon or have a bench press competition when you haven’t run three miles or done a push up in two months. Take it slow.

There is a term in fitness called “muscle memory” that applies here. If you have been to a certain level of fitness, strength and muscle tone, your body will “remember” and get back there quicker. When you blow up a balloon for the first time, it takes much more effort to get it to expand and fill up with air. If you do this over and over, the balloon will blow up much easier than the first time because it has been stretched and expanded previously. Muscle are much like that. Those nerves have been fired off over and over in the past when you lifted those weights, swam those laps or rode that elliptical machine. When you begin doing those programs again, the remember and react much quicker than someone who has never done those movements. You still need to take it slow but not as slowly as a person who has never done it. Be patient. You will get back to your previous level of fitness and in many cases, you may surpass it.

The human body is amazing.

Within reason, the harder you work it, the stronger it will get. It takes years to get into maximum shape and only a few weeks to lose much of that conditioning. Don’t despair. Now is also a great time to appreciate your fitness and the opportunities we can use to take care of ourselves. I think we all know how important our health is now more than ever.

ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME

By Brian Attebery Most gyms are open!

You know what that means?

It is time to get back into shape.

Many of us have been off our fitness Attebery routine for the last couple of months due to the restrictions and shutdowns. Some of us have been off a fitness routine for years or maybe have never begun in the first place.

How do we approach fitness after a long break? What precautions do we take?

We all know it is much easier to gain fat, lose muscle tone and get out of shape than the other way around. I know. It is depressing.

Money seems to be like that too. It takes awhile to earn it but in a few minutes on our Amazon account or a trip to the mall, we spend it. Fitness does take time and when we lose our conditioning for various reasons, it will take time to build back up. Taking a break isn’t all bad either. If you have been training for years and have developed little frustrating aches and pains, it may do you some good. Little injuries need to heal so that they don’t become big, chronic injuries.

Some of the most dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts are the most prone to over-use injuries like runner’s knee, tennis elbow and various types of inflammatory issues in the joints. In addition, we can develop too much resting cortisol stress hormones that don’t go down when we over-do it in exercise. These breaks from fitness can be a blessing in disguise.

Now that your body has been “reset” and you are ready to start back, how do you go about it? You must realize that it will not take a lot for your body to recognize a new “stimulus” to your fitness routine. If you haven’t done any weightlifting or cardio for a couple of months or years, doing a little right now is still way

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or 70.5 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $430.4 million in April. That is $44.7 million, or 9.4 percent, less than April 2019.

Sales tax collections in April total $368.3 million, a drop of $47.3 million, or 11.4 percent from the same month of the prior year. Use tax receipts, collected on out-of-state purchases including online sales, generated $62.1 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 4.3 percent, over the year.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $60.7 million in April, a decrease of $19.1 million, or 24 percent, from last April. Compared to March 2020 reports, gross production collections are down by $18.2 million, or 23.1 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $53 million, down by $18.1 million, or 25.5 percent, from the same month of 2019.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $129 million during the month.

That is $6.2 million, or 4.6 percent, less than last April.

Twelve-month collections Gross revenue totals $13.22 billion from the past 12 months, May 2019 through April 2020. That is $223.9 million, or 1.7 percent, below collections from the previous 12-month period.

Gross income taxes generated $4.38 billion for the 12 months, reflecting a decrease of $186.7 million, or 4.1 percent, from the prior 12 months.

Individual income tax collections total $3.86 billion, down by $193.1

million, or 4.8 percent, from the prior period. Corporate collections are $524.7 million for the period, an increase of $6.4 million, or 1.2 percent, over the previous 12 months.

Combined sales and use taxes for the 12 months generated $5.52 billion, a decrease of $15.9 million, or 0.3 percent, from the prior period.

Gross sales tax receipts total $4.79 billion, down by $89.4 million, or 1.8 percent, during the period. Use tax collections generated $729.8 million, an increase of $73.5 million, or 11.2 percent, over the previous 12 months.

Oil and gas gross production tax collections brought in $957.3 million during the 12 months, down by $151.9 million, or 13.7 percent, from the previous 12 months.

Motor vehicle collections total $778.2 million for the 12 months.

This is a decrease of $12.8 million, or 1.6 percent, from the trailing period.

Other sources generated $1.58 billion, up by $143.5 million, or 10 percent, from the previous period.

About Gross Receipts to the Treasury The monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report, developed by the state treasurer’s office, provides a timely and broad view of the state’s economy.

It is released in conjunction with the General Revenue Fund report from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which provides information to state agencies for budgetary planning purposes.

The General Revenue Fund, the state’s main operating account, receives less than half of the state’s gross receipts with the remainder paid in rebates and refunds, remitted to cities and counties, and apportioned to other state funds.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 14, 2020 • Page 19

OKDHS celebrates Foster Care Awareness month May is nationally recognized as Foster Care Awareness Month and Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) often uses this month not only to raise awareness about the ways the community can support foster care, but also to celebrate the many caring Oklahomans who have stepped forward to become foster parents. Now, more than ever, children and their families need support and hope.

“During this season, we have to be intentional about taking moments to acknowledge and celebrate the things that are important to us,” said Dr. Deborah Shropshire, OKDHS Child Welfare Director. “One of the many things I am so thankful for are our state’s nearly 4,200 foster families for the love, support and stability they bring to children in foster care and their families. I’m also celebrating the many families who have come into contact with Child Welfare, for whatever reason, but are working hard to fix circumstances

in their homes so they can reunify with their kids. We know that this season is hard, but we also know families can be successful and heal.”

The theme of National Foster Care Month 2020 is “Foster Care as a Support to Families, Not a Substitute for Parents.” The goal of foster care is to offer supports to strengthen families so they can reunify, whenever safely possible. In state fiscal year 2019, 2,216 children left state care through reunification.

This is the ultimate success both for OKDHS and for the families we served together with our community partners, because it means the families were able to use the services and tools they received to correct the conditions that led to the removal of their children.

Foster families play a vital part in this process by offering support to the biological families and a safe, loving temporary home to the children in their care.

Reunification also ensures children maintain long-term

connections to their kin, culture and community, which are the overall goals of Child Welfare Services.

“When families have the support, tools and resources they need, they can be successful,” said Shropshire. “We see this every day in Child Welfare and will continue to be here to offer help and HOPE to the Oklahomans who need us. But, we also need the community’s help – neighbors helping neighbors so they can be successful. And that is where you might fit in.”

Whether that’s preparing a meal for a family, becoming a mentor or becoming a foster family yourself, everyone can do something to support foster care. To learn more about how you can support foster care or to connect with a foster care recruiter in your area, call 1-800-376-9729 or visit https://okfosters.org/. Follow OKDHS and Oklahoma Fosters on social media for videos and stories.

Gaming conference cancelled The membership of Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association met today and voted to cancel its 2020 Conference and Trade Show, in an abundance of caution related to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic and continuing spread of COVID-19 as a result. The annual Conference and Trade Show had been slated for July 27-29 in Tulsa and draws thousands of exhibitors and attendees each year. It is the second largest Tribal Gaming trade show in the country.

“COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic continue to be unpredictable variables in attempting to plan our annual conference in July. Today, our membership voted to cancel this year’s event. This is not a decision that we have taken lightly,” said OIGA Chairman Matthew L. Morgan.

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 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure