May 24, 2018 for issue

May 24, 2018

Vol. 18, No. 52

In This Issue ROUGH CUT SWISS

Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it 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.

FRIDAY, MAY 25 Sunny High 89° Low 69°

SATURDAY, MAY 26 Sunny High 90° Low 69°

SUNDAY, MAY 27 Mostly sunny High 93° Low 70°

MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY, MAY 28 Partly cloudy High 93° Low 71°

PHOTO PROVIDED

The 19th Annual UCO Endeavor Games, June 7-10, is expected to feature more than 300 athletes from 40 states and Puerto Rico. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.endeavorgames.com/edmond. Pictured, an athlete runs during a track and field event at the 2017 UCO Endeavor Games.

Registration is open for the 19th Annual University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games, an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in various sporting events on a competitive level, June 7-10, on Central’s campus and throughout the Edmond community.

The UCO Endeavor Games is the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability event. The 2018 games include 10 sports – archery (indoor and outdoor), cycling, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, table tennis, track and field, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair softball.

“The UCO Endeavor Games has a rich history, and we are looking forward to showcasing it again this year. The games provide a family-friendly atmosphere and exciting competition for athletes of all ages,” said Cassidhe Walker, coordinator for adaptive sports and events at Central.

The games will open on Thursday, June 7, with a day of sports clinics and camps for aspiring athletes. Competition kicks off

on Friday, June 8, with cycling in the morning; powerlifting, archery, basketball and several field events, presented by MidFirst Bank, in the afternoon; and an evening of swimming at the Edmond Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Drive.

Saturday’s events feature track and field, also presented by MidFirst Bank, at Edmond Santa Fe High School, 1901 W. 15th St., followed by archery, shooting and sitting volleyball on Central’s campus. The games conclude on Sunday, June 10, with wheelchair softball, table tennis and archery at the UCO Wellness Center.

Competitions will be held at six sites across UCO and Edmond.

All events are free and open to the public.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, including drivers, track and field and more.

Each volunteer will be provided with a T-shirt.

“Our volunteers are central to the success of the Endeavor Games. They are a big reason why the event has grown into the largest of its kind, and we are

very grateful for their contribution,” Walker said.

“Volunteers can expect to have a lot of fun and have a unique opportunity to see these inspiring athletes in action.”

Central is an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and is the host training site for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Volleyball teams. In addition, Central currently is a training site for USA Taekwondo.

National Partners for the Endeavor Games include the University of Central Oklahoma, Turnstone Center, U.S. Paralympics, Disabled Sports USA and Hanger Clinic, as well as local sponsors MidFirst Bank and Professional Contract Services, Inc. For athlete and volunteer registration, or to view a complete schedule of events for the 2018 UCO Endeavor Games, visit www.endeavorgames.com/ edmond. Registration closes May 28.

For more information about the UCO Endeavor Games, contact Walker at cwalker68@uco.edu or 405-974-3411.

Page 2 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 10, 2018 • Page 3

Science Museum Oklahoma will be transformed into an adults-only summer camp from 6:30-10 p.m. on Friday, June 22 during SMO 21, an afterhours program for ages 21 and up. Tickets for ‘Camp SMOnawanna: Salute Your Science’ are $21 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Upcoming science camp allows adults to become kids once again Science Museum Oklahoma will explore the science of summer camp during “Camp SMOnawanna: Salute Your Science” from 6:30-10 p.m. on Friday, June 22 for the second installment of SMO 21, an adults-only, after-hours event for ages 21 and up.

The evening of summer camp nostalgia will include all of the adventure of summer camp without the mosquitoes, mess hall food and sunburns — from ghost stories in the museum’s Kirkpatrick Planetarium, edible insects and camp games to humansized foosball, SMO’s own version of capture the flag and more.

“Whether you’re a former camper, a former camp counselor, or both, camp holds a special place in a lot of our hearts. To add to the fun memories of camp, there’s science beneath it all that’s waiting to be discovered,” said Clint Stone, vice president of programs for SMO. The entire museum will be open during SMO 21, giving guests the opportunity to explore SMO’s permanent exhibits like CurioCity, Big Game Theory and the smART Space galleries plus experience the museum’s planetarium and live science demonstrations.

In addition to themed activities, the museum’s café will be open with a cash bar, themed drinks and numerous entrée and snack options.

“Our SMO 21 kickoff event in April was a fun evening of welcoming adults into the museum without kids in tow, many of whom hadn’t visited the museum in many years. This event will be another opportunity for adults to be kids again and see how the museum has evolved. We’re thrilled to welcome friends new and old for a night of camp adventure and fun,” Stone added.

Tickets for SMO 21 are $21 in advance, $25 on the day of the event and are available online, over the phone and in person during regular museum hours. Tickets include all activities and access to the entire museum. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as admission is limited.

Those purchasing tickets at the door should check SMO’s website for updates regarding ticket availability and arrive no later than 7:30 p.m.

There will be no ticket sales after 7:30 p.m.

Additional SMO 21 events — with themes to be announced — are planned for Aug. 17 and Oct. 19. All events will take place at the museum located at 2020 Remington Place in Oklahoma City.

For more information about SMO 21 or to purchase tickets, visit www.sciencemuseumok.org/smo21 or call 405-602-3760.

Okla. History Center will explore World War II topics on June 6 On Wednesday, June 6, the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center will hold a one-day program exploring the history of World War II from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historian Joe Todd will speak about D-Day, women in World War II, the USS Oklahoma and share the story of “The Man Who Never Was.” The cost for the program is $45 per person and lunch is included.

Preregistration is required; please call 405522-5225 to register.

This program will be held in the Musser Learning Lab inside the Research Center, located on the first floor of the Oklahoma History Center at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma native Joe Todd served in the armed forces in Vietnam, and in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.

He has received numerous awards and honors including the Bronze Star, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service and Presidential Unit Citation. Todd has worked at the Oklahoma Historical Society and the 45th Division Museum preserving documents and conducting oral histories.

He currently volunteers at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library interviewing World War II veterans.

Todd has conducted more than 1,400 interviews to date. Todd is the author of “USS Oklahoma, Remembrance of a Great Lady,” “Robert Huston: Oklahoma Rough Rider,” and numerous articles.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of

the state of Oklahoma.

Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.

For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Page 4 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Make memories this summer Leaving the office one evening last week, I rounded the corner for the back parking lot and saw a man on a ladder working on an air conditioner.

His young son was with him handing his dad tools, picking up screws that had fallen and generally just enjoying time hanging with his dad. It was easy to tell that this evening service call was Ray Hibbard much more enjoyable for dad because he was spending time with his son. I stopped to visit with the two.

While the son was deep in playing a game of pretend with tools, I said to the dad, “You know, your son may not understand it now but there will come a time he remembers and appreciates this time with you more than you would think possible.” A smile came across the dad’s face but then turned to a curious look as if he was wondering how I could predict that happening.

I explained to him that my dad had been in the heating and air conditioning business for over 50 years and that I would often make service calls with him. Sometimes on weekends or even in the evenings when he got called. “They are some of my favorite memories with my dad who died 11 years ago,” I quietly told him. We took a ton of vacations and had lots of special activities with our family but for some reason, the work time was the best for me. Probably because it was just us. We visited a little more about the other work my father did since running service calls became something he did for extra money to put all three of us through Heritage Hall School and on to college.

There were no student loans in the Hibbard family.

It was all pay as you go.

Turning to the young boy before I left I asked, “Do you have fun working with your dad?” Of course, the answer was yes, and I reminded him that he should always appreciate how hard his dad is working to take care of their family. He gave me a curious look and said, “OK.” Just as I was at his age, he was pretty much clueless about why that would be a consideration for him. After all, that is what dads do, right?

As I was getting in my car to drive home, I could feel myself tearing up thinking about my dad and how much I missed him every day. Pop gave his family, his country in the USMC and the folks he worked for everything he had. “There is no such thing as neutral,” he would say. It also got me to thinking about the importance of memories in our lives.

A great example of how important memories can become is the trip I took with my son Clark after he graduated high school. We went to Scotland to hike as many trails as possible in 10 days.

Two seasoned Boy Scouts on the trail in a country where we could read the signs but could not understand a word anyone said. My driving on the left side of the road was a constant source of amusement for Clark as well. After the trip was over, I felt better bonded with my son, but I could tell Clark was just on to the rest of his life including his summer job, friends and college bound to become a Mechanical Engineer, which he did.

At what age it finally kicked in I really could not

tell you. All I know is that at 28 years old today, he talks about that trip and other favorite memories almost every time we are together. We love to relive the special moments we had, the challenges we faced and all the trails we traveled together, just he and I. Of course, he really likes to remind me of how often I banged the rental car into the left-hand curb almost making the tires square by the time we were done.

I was blessed to raise five children and anytime we are together, the stories of memories flood the conversation. We were blessed to have so many of them. Of course, each kid has their own version of how the stories should go. Not every memory is grand in location or activity. Most of them are simple and cost next to nothing for us to do.

With summer approaching, it will be a wonderful time to make memories with your family especially here in Edmond. Our parks are just waiting for you to take your family, Arcadia Lake is just a stone’s throw away and Edmond’s famous LibertyFest celebration is just around the corner. If you have big travel plans, great. But sometimes the best memories just happen with no big plans and no money spent. It comes when expectations are low.

ate your thoughts even more. n If you're a mom, letters can be written while you are pregnant and then given to your child later in life. n Letters can also be written for special occasions, such as a graduation from elementary school, public profession of faith, special birthday, first day of school or first date. n Letters can be written to celebrate a success or to offer consolation after a disappointment. n As your kids grow up, letters can be beautiful gifts at occasions such as engagements, weddings, births and special achievements.

Here are some ideas to get you started: Give the gift of time. n Schedule one-on-one time with each of your children and consider these "dates" as important as any other commitment on your calendar. I just can’t tell you how important that one-on-one time is folks. n If you're running errands, take one of the kids along and talk about what they find interesting anything from a favorite game or book to a sport or a particularly intriguing subject at school. n Make a special occasion out of taking your child to work with you. This can be an important, impacting and extremely effective way of sharing this part of your life.

Every family will be different. Just do things that fit how your family rolls. And, mom and dad (especially dad), make sure you do activities that the kids want to do. Trying to relive your childhood or impose what you want to do on the rest of the family will only lead to frustration and bad memories. Just remember it is all about the kids. Whatever you do, don't let the years pass without creating some memorable times that your children will cherish and perhaps pass on to their own kids someday. It may be frustrating to you at the time because it may seem that they didn’t “get it” but the truth is that they do get it. It may take a few years but just when you are convinced that they had no appreciation for the memories, they will remind you of something you did together that you had no idea was that meaningful for them.

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

Make generous use of pen and paper. Record your thoughts, hopes and dreams for your child saving them for later in life when they will appreci-

Plan significant family vacations. For instance, if your family loves history, your itinerary could follow the Santa Fe Trail. If you're big baseball fans, you might tour the country scouting out all the best-known stadiums. A white-water river-rafting trip is a great way to create new bonds and strengthen family ties. If you don't have the money or the time to spend on any of these options, you can have a great time setting up a tent and camping out in the backyard.

Make holidays unique. You can do this by starting new traditions or re-creating old ones.

Check out what’s inside! n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 7. n Chamber urges voters to go to the polls ......................................Page 8. n FAI offering summer classes & camps ........................................Page 11. n Jr. Rodeo series returning............................................................Page 13. n ‘Deadpool 2’ movie review by George Gust ..............................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Sports ........................................................................................Page 19. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

Find the ‘Rough Cut Swiss’ Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Rough Cut Swiss is by artist David Phelps. Phelps is an Oklahoma based sculptor whose work has been featured throughout the state. He is inspired by expansive spaces and hopes his works will inspire meaningful meditation.

Said Phelps, “I grew up on a farm in the central valley of California where the fields became an extension of oneself. I continue to live in the wide open spaces of Oklahoma where my sculptural images expand to include their environments as part of the aesthetic experience.”

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Copyright © 2018 by Edmond Media Publishing

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax)

Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not

Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

the express written permission from

Photographer Melinda Infante

facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Cover Design April Burgess

be reproduced in any form without Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 5

RAY HIBBARD

Former Edmond Mayor Carl Reherman and his granddaughter Maddie Buffington at Saturday’s event.

Officials help dedicate Carl Reherman Park A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Saturday, at the new Carl Reherman Park at Arcadia Lake. The park is located on 33rd Street just east of Air Depot Road.

The park is named for longtime resident and former Edmond Mayor Carl Reherman. Reherman served five terms as mayor and was instrumental in the city’s partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers to create Arcadia Lake during the 1980’s.

The ribbon cutting ceremony also included several Edmond Mayors including Mr. Reherman, former Mayor Saundra Naifeh, and current Mayor Charles Lamb.

“This day use park is a great addition to our lake park system,” said Parks & Recreation Director Craig Dishman. “We are excited to see this phase completed and eager to finish future phases including a fishing dock, pavilion, restroom and a boat ramp.”

With the development of the park, the City of Edmond now operates five parks at Arcadia Lake: Carl Reherman Park, Central State Park, Edmond Park, Scissortail Campground and Spring Creek Park.

More information about Arcadia Lake and its parks can be found at www.arcadialakeok.com.

RAY HIBBARD

Former Edmond Mayor Carl Reherman watches as current Mayor Charles Lamb officially slices the ribbon to open a park at Arcadia Lake, named for Reherman.

Students Win Project

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School students, Kayla Graybill, Hailey Harrington, Evan Rich, and Colin Gormley won the Grand River Dam Authority Award for the most environmentally centered project at the state National History Day contest held at the Oklahoma History Center on May 2. The group received a check for $250 and each participant received a medal.

Page 6 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Governor looks back on legislative session Governor Mary Fallin last week complimented lawmakers for passing criminal justice reform legislation, appropriating a record amount of funding for public schools, and approving a budget for the upcoming fiscal year without cuts to state agencies.

The $7.6 billion budget puts significantly more money toward education, mental health services, and public safety.

“The budget includes many of the priorities I have requested lawmakers to approve the past three years,” said Fallin. “It provides for a teacher pay raise and additional funding for public schools as well as increased funding for mental health and corrections to implement criminal justice reform measures.”

“For the first time in years, no agency is receiving a cut. This budget provides a long-term solution to multi-year budget deficits and helps reduce

the reliance on one-time funds.”

In all, the governor received 342 measures for consideration during this year’s session. She signed 324 and vetoed 18.

2018 Policy Highlights Education “Common education receives a 19.8 percent increase in funding for the upcoming fiscal year, which is the largest appropriation for public schools in state history. The appropriation includes $353 million to fund teacher pay raises that average $6,100 per teacher, which move Oklahoma teacher from last in the seven-state region to second for average annual pay, and from 49th in the nation to 29th. When taking into account the cost of living, Oklahoma teachers will be the 12th-highest-paid in the country. It also has $52 million for support personnel pay raises, $24 million for flex

health benefits; $33 million for textbooks, and $17 in new funding for the school funding formula.

“Improving the quality and outcomes in education is the single-most important thing we can do to attract and retain jobs, alleviate poverty, and help Oklahomans have fulfilling and productive lives.” – Governor Mary Fallin n House Bill 1023XX – establishes a new teacher salary schedule, the largest teacher pay increase in state history. Teachers will receive a $6,100 pay raise on average in the upcoming school year. n HB 1026XX – provides a $1,250 annual increase in pay for school support personnel. n HB 3705 – appropriates $2.9 billion, a 19.7 percent increase over last year, for K-12 public education. This is the largest appropriation to educa-

See Governor, Page 10

Smart meter program considered by city

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By Ereich Tapia NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman Residents could soon better understand their utility services as the city looks to spend nearly $12 million on smart meters.

Last week, the Edmond City Council heard opposition from residents on a program that would affect the nearly 35,000 homes in Edmond.

“It is going to be an educational process as we go through this. Technology is a part of our lives now,” said Councilman Darrel Davis. “I just know the complexity.”

During the meeting, residents Robert Simmons and Don Powers spoke on the negative effects they believe new smart meters are causing.

“Already, we have a lot of this radiation in our environment,” Simmons said. However, he made references to security concerns about the devices.

Smart meters are able to allow users to have near real-time information about their water and electricity usage. There is a one-day delay on information for customers when they view it online.

“If you think about it, these are surveillance devices,” Simmons said.

“We don’t want to go there in a free society, at least not here in Edmond,” Across the United States, nearly half of all electricity customers have a smart meter, including OG&E customers who have had them for years.

“This will better help us quickly respond to problems on our system,” said Glen Fisher, Edmond Electric di-

rector. “It is a pretty quick process at this time.”

No rate increase for customers is expected at this time.

In November, project consultants from Red Clay, along with Fisher, are expected to give the city council a final cost estimate.

It would take nearly 12 months to complete the behind-the-scenes infra- structure at a cost of $1 million before meters are installed.

Several council members were comfortable with having another meeting before the meters are approved to make sure all of the details are still going well.

“We are leaving ourselves an offramp before the meters in the field are installed,” said Mayor Charles Lamb.

Benefits to Edmond Electric include reducing system losses, operational costs, and peak demands. It would also detect leaks.

The city has nine meter readers who read the water and electric meters.

“For us to think that smart meters and smart systems are the greatest thing since sliced bread, that takes us down the wrong path,” Powers said.

“I know that you have needs to make your system more efficient for the taxpayers.”

In 2016, Edmond Electric asked 300 resident volunteers to help participate in a pilot program to determine if smart meters should be placed throughout the city. The pilot program cost $45,000.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 7

May 25 ---- In the Gallery ---- Equilibrium ---- Chris Neal's Future Stars Calf Roping ---- Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship ---- NCAA Division III Softball National Championship ---- Penn & Teller

May 26 ---- In the Gallery ---- Annual Chuck Wagon Festival ---- Chris Neal's Future Stars Calf Roping ---- Docent-Guided Signature Tour ---- Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship ---- NCAA Division III Softball National Championship ---- Edmond Farmers Market

May 27 ---- In the Gallery ---- Annual Chuck Wagon Festival ---- Chris Neal's Future Stars Calf Roping ---- Western Explorers Summer Camp Preview Day ---- Docent-Guided Signature Tour ---- Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship ---- NCAA Division III Softball National Championship

May 28 ---- Pelican Bay Opening ---- Western Explorers Summer Camp Preview Day ---- NCAA Division III Softball National Championship More information on happenings

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Fine Arts Institute Adult Students For more information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/

Equilibrium Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m., $10 first come first serve seating. For more information: 405-974-2100 or www.ucojazzlab.com

Annual Chuck Wagon Festival Location: National Cowboy & Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Showcasing chuck wagon food samples, a petting zoo, artisan demonstrations, bandanna decorating, leather stamping with the Oklahoma Chisholm Trail Leather Guild, live music, rope making with Ward Family Trick Ropers, archery, Western reenactors, face painting, children’s craft stations, square dancing, photos with a longhorn, giant puzzles, dress up areas,

book signings with The Museum Store, and more! Admission Purchased at the Door: $15 per person, Free for children 12 & under and $5 off for Last Frontier Council Scouts & Families (wear your uniform!)

Penn & Teller Location: Riverwind Casino Extra Info: Visit Riverwind Casino presents: Penn & Teller on Facebook.

Edmond Farmer Market Location: Festival Market Place & Plaza Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Chris Neal's Future Stars Calf Roping Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: For more information go to: 405-282-RIDE www.LazyE.com Pelican Bay Opening Day Location: Bay Aquatic Center For more information contact 405216-7649 or go to: www.pelicanbayaquatics.com Docent-Guided Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Heritage Museum, Canyon Princess (cougar sculpture in West Hallway) Extra Info: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. See some of the finest Western art in the country. View ethnographic material from American Indians and mountain men, and learn about frontier military life. Round out the tour with a look at the evolution of the cowboy, from the range to their portrayal in film and pop culture.

Western Explorers Summer Camp Preview Day Location: National Cowboy & Heritage Museum, Museum Hallway Extra Info: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Register on the spot for sessions from 8:30 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., especially designed for 8 – 15 year olds. Museum members enjoy discounted rates. To register, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/summercamp. For more information, call (405) 478-2250 ext. 264 or email camps@nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship Location: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Extra Info: The Big 12 Baseball Championship returns to Oklahoma City and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark May 23-27. Features eight teams competing in a double-elimination tournament. For more information go to www.okcallsports.org NCAA Division III Softball National Championship Location: USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium Complex, OKC Extra Info: for more information go to: www.okcallsports.org

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

Pelican Bay is back in business this weekend, starting Memorial Day Monday.

Page 8 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Tax revolt due review It seems a petition is under review by the Oklahoma Supreme Court considering tax increases.

If you'll recall, the state legislature finally passed a tax hike measure to help boost pay for our state's public school teachers. A group of Steve Gust citizens, opposed to the tax increases, wants to put the issue on the ballot to repeal the measure.

I'm conflicted on this issue. A part of me agrees with the people who don't want to pay additional taxes.

The schools, and teachers, say they can't accomplish a lot of their goals without more money. Yet the state doesn't seem to care a whole lot that the average taxpayer will now have to make do with less money.

Having said that, school districts across the state have to have some kind of idea of what kind of budget they'll have for the next school year.

Trying to plan a budget, with possibly slashing millions of promised dollars, is a real challenge. I've seen the budget planning for the Edmond School Dis-

trict and I know how involved that is.

For that reason alone, I'll probably vote against repeal.

In addition, I'm in favor of teachers being paid more. Although the "one size fits all" approach to handing out pay hikes is odd. Some teachers are just more gifted than others and deserve more compensation.

To be honest, the teachers probably deserve a lot more money than what was approved.

In should also be noted our state lawmakers took the easy way out by raising taxes. We didn't do the hard work of reviewing all state budgets and seeing where money can be saved.

Our next governor needs to take that approach.

---As of press time the peace summit with North Korea seems to be somewhat up in the air.

I truly hope all sides get together and agree to get rid of the nuclear weapons and threat there. The world would be a much better place. To save millions of people the horror of a nuclear attack is a great idea and long overdue.

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

Having a special session to override vetoes a bad idea

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Before adjourning earlier this month, Oklahoma lawmakers had been in session essentially non-stop since February 2017 due to special sessions. Now some members upset with Gov. Mary Fallin's vetoes are itching to bring colleagues back yet again.

The procedural bar that needs to be cleared makes this effort a long shot, but regardless it's a terrible idea that lawmakers should reject.

Sen. Nathan Dahm, RBroken Arrow, and Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, are leading the push to get two-thirds of the members of both chambers to sign a petition allowing the Legislature to call itself into session.

Those percentages, which equal 68 House members and 32 sena-

At last a good ranking for the state Citizens often have reason to complain that Oklahoma appears at the top of national rankings of negative trends and the bottom of rankings for positive trends.

While there's still much room for improvement, a new ranking of states based on drug abuse defies that stereotype.

Analysts at finance website WalletHub examined “where drug abuse is most pronounced and which areas are most at risk.” The analysts reviewed 20 metrics, ranging from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and meth lab incidents per capita. Oklahoma landed 35th nationally. For once, the state is far from a national leader in a problem area. Instead, the District of Columbia, Missouri, New Hampshire, Michigan and West Virginia comprised the five worst states.

It's worth noting three states bordering Okla-

homa — Missouri, New Mexico, and Colorado — were in the top 12 spots, while neighboring Arkansas ranked 19th. That suggests Oklahoma officials will have to fight hard against the trends harming regional counterparts.

But Oklahoma's woes were less pronounced than other states'. In the subcategory of “drug use and addiction,” Oklahoma ranked 30th. Oklahoma was among the five states with the lowest percentage of teenagers offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property, and was among the five states with the lowest percentage of adults with unmet drug-treatment needs.

There is certainly much work to do to address drug problems in Oklahoma. But it's welcome to find Oklahoma, at least in the view of one entity, is not serving as a cautionary tale for other states.

From NewsOK.com

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tors, are spelled out in a state constitutional amendment approved in 1980.

Dahm issued a news release last weekr saying a dozen House members and four senators had signed the petition. That leaves a considerable hill to climb. Our sense is that most term-limited members will be content to move on, and that most of those seeking reelection will prefer to tend to their campaigns.

The primaries are just five weeks away.

It's generally accepted that once the Legislature adjourns, potential veto overrides become moot.

Dahm says there is “legal ambiguity” about that, but even so, new bills with identical language could be filed and approved during a special session.

But what's the hurry?

None of the bills men-

tioned by Dahm are so pressing that they couldn't wait until the 2019 regular session to be revisited — if then.

At the top of his list is “constitutional carry,” which would have allowed Oklahoma residents 21 and older, and military personnel who are at least 18, to carry a handgun, openly or concealed, without a state-issued license or permit. A broad coalition that included the cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, law enforcement groups and the state's largest business groups opposed the bill. We also opposed the bill, noting its potential negative impact on law enforcement funding and the state's image, and the importance of training in the proper use of guns.

Dahm also is bothered that Fallin vetoed a bill that would have watered down the state law that's used to determine whether third-graders read well enough to be promoted to fourth grade. Lawmakers should be looking for ways to improve rigor in schools, not dilute it.

Another potential target for the proposed special session is a bill that sought to give municipalities final say on any state highway bypass project and would have prevented the Department of Transportation from adding a bypass to its eight-year road plan.

This bad bill was the product of Muskogeearea lawmakers irked about a planned U.S. 69 bypass there.

These bills are but a few of those targeted by Dahm and Roberts. They say they want to consider vetoes issued throughout Fallin's two terms. That totals well over 100.

Most Oklahomans want lawmakers to look forward, not backward, and work on ways to improve the state.

Chamber urges public to vote in the primary Editor: Letter to the Editor June 26 is the State of Oklahoma Primary Election day. June 26 is also the middle of the summer and while some of us will be going about our daily work, many voters will be out of town visiting friends and family, on vacation or just simply unavailable to get out and practice their right to vote.

I’ve got good news — you can get your ballots by mail! Not only is signing up for an absentee ballot helpful if you’re traveling, but it’s also great for avoiding the long lines on election day, filling out your ballot at your convenience and giving you the opportunity to research candidates and state questions.

To sign up for absentee voting, apply at https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voting/ by 5 p.m. on June 20. Once you’ve received your ballot, fill it out and return it by mail before 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 26, 2018.

Here’s more voting info you might need: Voter Registration Deadline – June 1, 2018 Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot – June 20, 2018 Early Voting – June 21-23, 2018 Statewide Primary Election – June 26 There’s a lot riding on this Primary Election in terms of Oklahoma’s economic strength, business competitiveness and more. Be sure to make your voice heard in this election, whether at your polling place or through absentee voting!

SHERRY JORDAN President & CEO Edmond Chamber

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Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 9

Page 10 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Governor

From Page 6 tion in state history. Funding contained in HB 3705 includes $353.5 million for teacher pay; $52 million for support personnel pay: $33 million for textbooks: $17 million for the state aid formula; and $24.7 million for flex health care benefits. The total increase in common education funding for the 2019 fiscal year is $480.2 million. n Senate Bill 1171 – establishes work-based learning opportunities, such as apprenticeships and internships, as a duty of the Governor’s Council of Workforce and Economic Development (GCWED) in an effort to improve the state’s talent pipeline. n SB 980 – creates a tiered certification program for teachers so that high-quality teachers have the ability to advance in their careers without having to leave the classroom to become administrators. n SB 1196 – allows junior and senior high school students to participate in concurrent enrollment program, regardless of location in the state. n SB 1370 – Allows high school students to replace one credit of math for a three-hour per school day CareerTech program that is endorsed or aligned to industries in Oklahoma. n HB 2009 – requires schools to annually publish a report listing all increases in wages, salaries, rates of pay or fringe benefits and any changes to job class to increase transparency. n HB 2860 – requires school districts to provide a link to the State Department of Education’s Oklahoma cost accounting system and school district financial information on their websites to increase transparency. n HB 3311 – requires the inclusion of civics in the subject matter standards for history, social studies and U.S. government Economic Development & Commerce n SB 897 – codifies the Incentive Approval Committee for the Quality Jobs program to review all applications for approval and oversight. This ensures taxpayer interests are represented when Quality Jobs applications are reviewed. n SB 923 –implements changes recommended by the Incentive Evaluation Commission for Small Employer Quality Jobs by increasing the maximum number of full-time employees

from 90 to 500. n HB 3324 – provides for the transfer of 5 percent of the quarterly incentive payments made by the Oklahoma Tax Commission to qualifying establishments related to the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Incentive Act, the Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act and the 21st Century Quality Jobs Incentive Act to the Quick Action Closing Fund. n SB 1585 – establishes automotive engineer tax credits by creating several income tax credits designed to incentivize qualified employers and employees in the automotive manufacturing industry. n SB 1388 – creates a statewide framework for wireless providers to work with municipalities and others to deploy small cell devices. n SB 1475 – creates the Occupational Licensing Advisory Commission, which will review each occupational or professional licensing once every four years and make recommendations to the Legislature. n HB 2933 – a product of the Governor’s Task Force on Occupational Licensing, directs licensing boards to grant a one-year waiver of fees associated with licensure or certification to a low-income applicant.

Health & Human Services n HB 2932 – establishes Medicaid work requirement eligibility for ablebodied adults without dependents.

Directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to apply to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver. n HB 2825 – directs the Department of Human Services (DHS) to explore opportunities to enhance community partnerships for the purpose of linking Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients with career and technology education and training programs. This will expand opportunities for TANF recipients to participate in and complete employment and training activities. n HB 3104 – clarifies that DHS must report any infant who is diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. n SB 1367 – states that a law enforcement officer may not take a person into custody if the officer was contacted by the person in question for medical assistance (either for themselves or another person).

‘Stamp Out Hunger’ drive again yields great results While donations are still rolling in, so far more than 285,000 pounds of food were collected in the Oklahoma City metro-area as part of the 26th annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive.

On Saturday, letter carriers in 194 central and western Oklahoma cities helped “Stamp Out Hunger” by collecting donations from residents on their mail routes. Donations benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and its partners across the state.

“I want to thank the letter carriers and everyone who made a donation to help fight hunger in our state,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “Thanks to your support, the Regional Food Bank and its partner agencies will have more food available to help feed our hungry neighbors. Thank you for your generosity.”

Many groups and individuals contributed to the success of this food drive, including letter carriers, volunteers, sponsors, donors and numerous businesses. More than 500 volunteers sorted the donations at metro-area post offices as letter carriers returned from their routes.

If you missed your letter carrier, donations can be dropped off at Oklahoma City fire stations through May 16 and participating post offices through May 25. Financial donations can also be made at feedinghope.org or call 405-600-3136. For every dollar donated, the Regional Food Bank is able to provide the equivalent of

four meals. A $10 donation will provide 40 meals, or a $25 donation will provide 100 meals.

“Thank you for donating and impacting the lives of our neighbors,” said Steve Riggs, statewide chair of the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive.

“Hunger is a silent epidemic and is closer than you think. One in six Oklahomans face hunger every day.”

Even though the one-day food drive is over, nearly 100 business locations in the Oklahoma City area are holding employee-driven food drives through May 25. For more information contact Kallie Mikles at kmikles@regionalfoodbank.org or 405-600-3193.

The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is presented by APMEX.com and the Cresap Family Foundation. The drive is also sponsored by: AFL-CIO, Allen Lund Company, American Fidelity Foundation, Ascent Resources, Bank of Oklahoma, Chesapeake Energy, Commerce Bank, Devon Energy, JAKE FM, KOMA, The Journal Record, Lamar Outdoor, La Zeta, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Magic 104.1 KMGL, Morning Star Storage, National Association of Letter Carriers, National Association of Rural Letter Carriers, News 9, OGE Energy Corp., Oklahoma City Firefighters Assoc. Local 157, The Oklahoman, OU Medicine, Riverwind Casino, Tapstone Energy, Tyler Outdoor, U.S. Postal Service, United Way of Central Oklahoma and Valpak.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 11

Charter school honors trio of Edmond students

6Turn this

summer into a creative colorful time through the classes and camps offered at Edmond’s Fine Arts Institute.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Summer art classes, camps offered at Fine Arts Institute Let the fun begin! Summer is a great time to take an art class or sign up for a camp in the creative environment at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, 27 E. Edwards. Enrollment is underway for classes and camps for all ages. Enroll now at www.edmondfinearts.com or by calling 340-4481.

Little Artist camps are offered monthly for children ages 3 – 6 years. Our youngest artists create paintings, collages, prints, 3D art and perform as they rotate among four teachers and explore art in a fun environment.

Art Escape Camp is a FAI tradition where kids enjoy a week filled with creative workshops in the visual arts. Students will rotate through 4 workshops each day where they will draw, paint, create with clay, mixed media and more. This camp is offered three different times during the

summer.

Theatre Escape Camp is for the performing artists. In this fun filled camp actors delve into the very core of theatre.

Throughout the week, students explore different areas of the performing arts including hair, makeup, costume, props, stage combat, stunts and of course scene work within a script.

Doll House Camp is new this summer. Students make everything imaginable for their very own dollhouse to take home.

Participants will be painting walls, putting up wallpaper, creating art for the walls, making furniture and dolls and so much more! This four-day camp in June is one students won’t want to miss.

Life on the Farm, taught by Jennifer Hustis, gives children the opportunity to enjoy small farm life and art with horses, ponies,

goats, bunnies and dogs! Explore the farm and create many works of art while learning to draw in multimedia.

New classes are offered each week in drawing, painting, cartooning, clay, theatre arts, collage, mixed media and much more. The FAI faculty, composed of professionals certified in their areas of expertise, creates an environment which makes learning fun and enhances self-esteem. For details on all the creative summer class opportunities check the website at edmondfinearts.com.

For 33 years the Edmond Fine Arts Institute has been the OKC Metro areas leading non-profit community arts organization offering educational enrichment for adults and children in the visual and performing arts. For more information visit edmondfinearts.com or call 340-4481.

EPIC Charter School honors the academic achievements of three Edmond students from its graduating Class of 2018, which comprises a record number of nearly 1,400 seniors.

Yasameen Etami was named valedictorian for earning the highest grade point average in the class.

Etami plans to attend George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health to pursue Yasameen Etami health and pre-medical studies. Sarah Anzani was named salutatorian for earning the second highest grade point average in the class.

Etami and classmate Tristan Young were named Okahoma Academic Scholars.

According to criteria set forth by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma Academic Scholars are students who maintained a 3.7 GPA throughout grades 9-12, completed the requirements for a standard diploma and either achieved a 27 composite score on their ACT or a 1220 SAT score when taken on the national test date.

“We are so proud of the academic achievement of these students,” said EPIC Superintendent, David Chaney, “It will be exciting to see where their hard work and commitment to learning will take them. The sky is the limit for these outstanding young people.”

EPIC Charter School is Oklahoma’s largest charter school and 11th largest public school district.

With more than 14,000 students enrolled from every one of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, EPIC provides a fully state-accredited, customized education via a blended learning model for each student. For more information, visit epiccharterschools.org.

Page 12 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music invites community, college and advanced high school musicians to join the Edmond LibertyFest Summer and, an all-volunteer band under the direction of Brian Lamb, D.M.A., director of the School of Music. Pictured, Lamb conducts the summer band during LibertyFest 2017.

Musicians invited to join UCO Summer Band The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music invites community, college and advanced high school musicians to join the Edmond LibertyFest Summer Band for the annual LibertyFest concert.

Under the direction of Brian Lamb, D.M.A., director of the Central’s School of Music, the all-volunteer band performs patriotic works and popular songs during the 68th Concert in the Park.

As part of Edmond’s annual Fourth of July celebration, the Concert in the Park will occur at 7:30 p.m. June 28 on the UCO campus, near Buddy’s.

Interested musicians should be available for rehearsals from 7-9 p.m. every Monday in June, beginning June 4. Band members do not need to sign up, enroll, email or call to participate but are asked to bring their instrument to the first day of practice in Central’s Music building, Room 104.

“The members of the band range in age from about 14 to 90. It’s very fun and rewarding to watch musicians make music that honors our great country.

We’ve had married couples meet in summer band, and we have several multi-generational families that

participate in the band together,” Lamb said.

“The UCO Summer Band will be joined this year by special guests, the Oklahoma 145th Army Band. The Concert in the Park has been one of the oldest musical traditions on the UCO campus.”

For more information, contact Stasi Stansbury, marketing assistant for Central’s School of Music, at 405-974-5947 or sstansbury2@uco.edu.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED/ JENNIFER COCOMA HUSTIS

Get ready for the Edmond Jr. Rodeo series The best part of the end of the school year is the startup of the Edmond Jr. Rodeo series at Edmond Round Up Club in the Carl Benne Arena 300 N. Kelly Edmond.

This is what to expect from the Jr. Rodeo series, according to Jennifer Cocoma Hustis.

“The families always volunteer to help run the rodeo smoothly, guide the kids with their knowledge of horsemanship, and expertise in the different disciplines of rodeo from roping and bull riding, to running barrels and poles. This community of families grows every

year with this amazing sport laced with traditions whose opening ceremonies start with our National Anthem and a prayer while old glory and our Oklahoma flag is proudly carried into the arena on horseback by rodeo royalty.

The atmosphere under the summer Oklahoma sunset and fun with family, friends and their horses is what many of these kids crave Friday and Saturday nights. Come join us at the Edmond Round Up Club we offer events for ages walking (on foot events for little ones) up to -18. For more information please visit http://edmondroundupclub.com/

Page 14 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Heritage Elementary instructor

A top science teacher Mendy Shepard has been named Oklahoma Science Teacher of the Year for Elementary by the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association.

Mendy is a fourth grade science and math teacher at Heritage Elementary School.

She has taught for 13 years in Oklahoma and Texas. Mendy loves integrating science and math activities to engage students in real-world learning activities. Her students designed her a new earthquake-resistant home, built rigs that could hold substantial weight and authored their own Who Would Win books, competitions between animals who don’t normally meet in real life.

The Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) is the affiliate of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). OSTA is dedicated to addressing the interests and concerns of Oklahoma science educators, and to promoting high quality science ed-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mendy Shepard with two of her students.

ucation for Oklahoma's students, including developing students' interest and expertise in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

New director of Forestry Mark Goeller was recently named State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services by Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese.

Goeller has served Oklahoma Forestry Services, a Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, for the past 33 years. He has held various positions with the division, the latest being Fire Management Chief and Assistant Director since 2005.

“I am pleased to name Mark Goeller as the new State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services,” said Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese. “With his extensive experience and leadership abilities, Mark is the right person to take the division forward to the next level.”

In his new role, Goeller will lead the division of over 100 people who are dedicated to conserving, enhancing and protecting Oklahoma’s forests and natural resources. In addition to providing forest management advice and best practices, Oklahoma Forestry Services is the state’s lead agency for wildfire suppression.

“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past years and excited about the opportunity to continue to provide valuable services to the people of Oklahoma,” said State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services Mark Goeller.

In addition to his regular duties, Goeller also serves in leadership roles on the state, regional and national levels.

He is chair of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Risk Management Committee and serves on the S-520 Advanced Incident Manage-

Mark Goeller ment Steering Committee. He also chairs the Southern Group of State Foresters Fire Management Chiefs.

Additionally, Goeller is an Operations Section Chief, having served in that capacity on a Northern Rockies Type I Incident Management Team since 2005.

His incident management experience comes from wildfire and all-hazards assignments in 21 states. He also serves as chair of Oklahoma’s All-Hazards Standards, Qualifications and Training Committee for Incident Management Teams and a member of the Oklahoma Incident Management Team Advisory Committee.

Goeller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture – Forest Management from Oklahoma State University.

iCan Shine program helps disabled learn to ride bikes iCan Shine is a non-profit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through its iCan Bike program. This five-day camp, requiring riders to attend only one 75minute session per day, is taking place June 4 to June 8 at Heritage Hall School, 1800 NW 122nd St, Oklahoma City, Ok. iCan Shine is a non-profit organization that collaborates with local organizations to host camps in their communities. This year’s host/director is Steve Brooks. Presenting sponsor for the camp is Steve Brooks Farmers Insurance Agency of Edmond and Edmond Kiwanis Club.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs - more than 660,000 members strong – annually raise more than $100 million

and dedicate more than 18.5 million volunteer hours to strengthen communities and serve children. iCan Shine uses adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. With 75 minutes of instruction over five days, over 80 percent of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp.

To be eligible to enroll, riders must be at least eight years old, have a disability and be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane.

Riders must be able to side-step quickly to both sides. Riders must have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches and weigh no more than 220 pounds.

To enroll your rider or as a volunteer please visit our website at https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-oklahoma-city-ok/

Edmond Life & Leisure Locally Owned & Locally Operated

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 15

Review of ‘Deadpool 2’

A fun & irreverent sequel

By George Gust Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson AKA Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is back for more in "Deadpool 2." This time he has to bring together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy of supernatural abilities from the brutal, timetraveling mutant, Cable (Josh Brolin).

A few of years ago, "Deadpool" burst onto the mainstream movie going scene with an irreverent, gory and comedic take on the popular superhero movie, and became a runaway success story for an R rated comic book movie. There's always been a small element of winking at the camera to comic book movies, but "Deadpool" took it to the extreme pulling Meta references from all different kinds of pop culture.

Featuring an Easter egg or three has been a past time of comic book movies that want to hint to the audience of a larger universe and let the fans know they've heard the fans' comments, and "Deadpool 2" continues the barrage of self-aware comedy and references to things comic book movie fans will adore.

There is a lot to like about "Deadpool 2" if you've been in the comic book movie marketplace for some time, however it is certainly not the first comic book movie you should see if you're unfamiliar with the goings on in superhero movie world for the past few years, as there are a bunch of references/jokes at the expense of other movies in the genre that would fall flat for the uninitiated.

And while "Deadpool 2" mostly wants to operate outside of the standard genre tropes, there's a surprisingly emotional through line in the movie that hits the familiar beats of comic book movies of the past. This tonal balance between emotional and comedic beats falls a bit off tract from time to time, leaving the audience to be unsure of how the movie wants you to view its story, leaving you thinking "Should I take this part seriously, or is there a joke coming soon?" and this uncertainty can take you out of fun of it all.

For all of its tonal shifts and flimsy motivations for two of its main characters, "Deadpool 2" is a beefed up version of the first movie in the best ways featuring more polished action sequences and new characters that successfully play off Reynolds' fast talking self-aware mutant. Brolin as the time traveling super soldier Cable provides a no nonsense foil to the nonstop nonsense that

Pollard production Brought back by popular demand, the Pollard Theatre Company closes out its 31st Season with a celebration of a legendary music icon and an extraordinary friendship. Besides being a delightful tribute to the renowned country singer, “Always ... Patsy Cline,’ is based on the true story of the friendship between Patsy and her most devoted fan, Louise Seger.

This American classic returns to The Pollard Theatre, June 8th 30th.

Named one of the most produced musicals in America according to American Theatre Magazine.“Always ... Patsy Cline,” has enjoyed great success all over the United States. Combining humor, sadness and reality "Always ...

Patsy Cline" offers fans of Cline a chance to look back, while giving new fans an idea of what she was like and what she meant to her original fans.

The show runs June 8 to 30 at the Pollard Theatre in Guthrie. Tickets are $30 with senior, military, and student discounts available. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Thursdays June 21st, and 28th at 8:00 pm and Sundays June 17th and 24th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available online at www.thepollard.org, by phone, 405-282-2800 or at the Pollard Box Office in Guthrie.

Reynolds' has mastered in this Deadpool character.

While Cable's backstory is not fully fleshed out, the mystery of where he comes from and Brolin's screen presence gives Reynolds a worthy adversary. Also, the inclusion of Zazie Beetz as Domino, the mutant whose ability is being incredibly lucky, is a welcome addition to the proceedings. Beetz is able to push back on Deadpool's comedic style and has an easy going nature that allows for a few fun sequences that take advantage of their playful back and forth.

Overall, "Deadpool 2" is a fun and irreverent sequel that will deliver a satisfying experience to comic book fans, but won't appeal to a more mainstream audience. "Deadpool 2" knows what kind of movie it is and is a mostly successful send up of the comic book movies of today's blockbuster environment.

"Deadpool 2" is rated R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material.

3.9 out of 5 stars

PHOTO PROVIDED

Ryan Reyonlds, left, as an X-Men trainee with Colossus, right, voiced by Stefan Kapicic.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FARM TO TABLE ACROSS 1. *Key farm-to-table attribute 6. Goldfish or koi 10. Excessively abundant 14. Obelus, pl.

15. Black and white treat 16. Revise for publication 17. Swamp plant 18. "Saved by the ____" 19. Guilty, e.g.

20. Looking at 22. Silage storage 24. Building add-on 25. James ____ Jones 27. Baloney 29. *____ varieties 33. Greek letter N, pl.

34. Caterer's coffee pots 35. *Key component of manure 37. Lady's wrap 41. Fleur-de-____ 42. Accustom 44. River in Spain 45. Sailing vessel with two masts 48. Evoke emotion 49. 2016 animated musical 50. Female sib 52. *____ breeds 54. *Lettuce units 57. ____ well ____ someone 58. Small one in a large machine 59. Per person 61. Peace of mind 65. Os in XOXO 67. Takes to court 69. Away from harbor 70. Biblical twin 71. Final notice 72. *Food ____, as in distance 73. Shadeloving plant 74. "____ a soul" 75. Game outcome

DOWN 1. Leave in the dust 2. Do as directed 3. Relinquish 4. Capital of Algeria 5. Relating to spleen 6. *Corn holder 7. Bellicose deity 8. Archeologist's find 9. *"The Omnivore's Dilemma" author 10. One in a set 11. Lazybones 12. *____-to-table, farmto-table alternative 13. And others, for short 21. Search blindly 23. Cross to bear 26. Duck-like divers 28. Holy Wednesday 29. a.k.a. Dr. Robert Bruce Banner 30. It's between Ohio and Ontario 31. Research facil.

32. Oral cavity 36. Snooped 38. "Summertime" of Porgy and Bess, e.g.

39. POTUS' West one 40. Private theater box 43. Computer message 46. *Harvest subscription, acr.

47. *Honey-producing facility 49. Astringent drug 51. *What's in ____?

53. I-resembling supports 54. Canine foe 55. Daytime moth 56. Aqua-lung 58. *One who runs the show 60. George or Louis to Kate and William 62. Capital on a fjord 63. Nostradamus, e.g.

64. Alleviate 66. *"Full ____," on a seed package 68. Wilbur's home

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation president Stephen Prescott, M.D., is reminding adults of the need of vaccinations.

Official: Vaccines aren’t only for children

Although you may associate them with childhood, vaccines remain important at any age.

“Vaccinations are an important part of staying healthy for all adults,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Stephen Prescott, M.D. For starters, he said, make a point of getting the annual flu shot. It’s an every-year necessity, as the virus mutates constantly.

“The flu shot is one that we know we should get, but that doesn’t mean we all get it,” said Prescott. “It’s not perfect, but it is your single best defense against the flu.”

The combined vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (known as whooping cough) should also be on your checklist, said Prescott. All adults should receive this vaccine — known as DTaP or TDaP — if they didn’t as children, and then a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years after.

Since the introduction of the vaccine, cases of tetanus and diphtheria have dropped by 99 percent, and whooping cough has been reduced by

80 percent. But those numbers are expected to climb.

“I really encourage this for protection from all three, but pertussis in particular has had a large resurgence in adults because of the waning in immunization for children,” said Prescott.

Two more key vaccines come along once you’re a little longer in the tooth.

The FDA recently lowered the vaccination age for shingles to 50, and doctors say the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is a must. It’s also recommended that you get the new vaccine even if you’ve previously received the first shingles vaccine, Zostavax.

“If you have ever had chicken pox, the shingles virus is already in your body, and as you get older your immune system becomes less equipped to keep it at bay,” said Prescott. “This new vaccine is superior and everyone should get it as soon as they are eligible. The risk rises with age, so get it as soon as you can to be safe.”

Another must-have for adults age 65 and up is the pneumococcal vaccine. The CDC also recom-

mends the vaccine for children younger than 2, but it’s important to receive it again later in life.

Pneumococcal symptoms can range from ear and sinuses infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. It can even be fatal. There are two primary vaccines for pneumococcus, PCV13 and PPSV23, that you should receive about one year apart.

Other vaccines are a little more specialized and the need for them depends on your lifestyle, travel habits, health condition or other factors.

These include yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and HPV. If you never received the MMR vaccine — measles, mumps and rubella — you should also consider getting one now because the number of cases is on the rise as fewer people immunize their children.

“You should ask your doctor for advice on which additional ones you need for your circumstances,” said Prescott. “The important takeaway message is: get vaccinated. Many of the vaccines you’ll need as you age will give you the best shot at long-term health and can even save your life.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 17

Genetic mystery solved; teen saved A rambunctious kid with big brown eyes, Xander Auld liked to crack jokes and goof around with his friends. He loved sports and spent lots of time on the baseball diamond, football field and basketball court. He seemed like a healthy, happy, welladapted child.

Still, his parents worried.

At the age of 1, Xander had been diagnosed with abnormally high levels of red blood cells, along with elevated blood pressure. A CT scan soon revealed another symptom: small growths, or “micro-cysts,” on his kidneys, pancreas and stomach.

His physicians could not find a cause for the symptoms. They prescribed medication to control his blood pressure and regular phlebotomies to keep Xander’s red-cell levels down. For more than a decade, he saw doctor after doctor, all to no avail. Over time, said his mother, Felicia Gamble, “It just became a part of life.”

Eventually, his case was referred to Klaas Wierenga, M.D., who holds the McLaughlin Family Chair in Genetics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. After a battery of tests failed to cast any light on Xander’s condition, Wierenga turned to Patrick Gaffney, M.D., a genetics researcher at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

The best hope, the two researchers decided, was for Gaffney to use the DNA sequencing technology in his lab at OMRF to analyze Xander and all of his direct family members. That way, they could identify any potential genetic differences between him and his family, none of whom shared his symptoms.

For Xander, who was 13 at the time, one more test was no big deal.

Not so for his younger brother, Landon. When the 10-year-old went to Wierenga’s office—along with his parents, Xander and his oldest brother, Isaiah—“he was scared,” said Gamble.

Still, knowing it could help his brother, he bravely allowed Wierenga to extract blood from his arm.

Studying the results of a genetic sequence can be like trying to examine individual flakes in a snowdrift. While the test narrows the analysis to two percent of the human genome, that still leaves almost 30 million letters of DNA to analyze. “We looked at data for a long time and made very little progress,” says Wierenga.

But one night, a particular piece of data—a gene—caught Wierenga’s eye.

“I knew this gene,” he said. “It’s associated with renal-cell carcinoma,” a malignant cancer of the kidney. Xander’s copy of this gene was mutated.

Doctors ordered an MRI, which revealed a golf-ball-sized tumor in Xander’s right kidney. Eleven days later, OU urologists Dominic Frimberger, M.D., and Mohammad Ramadan, M.D., removed the kidney. Happily, there was no sign the cancer had spread.

When Xander awakened, he was groggy from the anesthesia and in a good deal of pain. Still, the first words he said to his parents were, “Will you please tell the doctors thank you?”

Xander had imagined that recovery would be seamless. “He thought he was going to eat Buffalo Wild Wings right after surgery,” said his father, Matt Auld. “That didn’t happen.”

Still, he was able to leave the hospital after two days. Three weeks later, he was back at school.

He underwent a single phlebotomy after surgery. When doctors did follow-up testing, his red-blood-cell count had decreased to a normal level. And it’s remained there ever since—without a single phlebotomy.

Similarly, after a few months, Xander’s blood pressure dropped. It fell so much that his doctors took him off all blood pressure medications.

Since that time, Xander has grown

PHOTO PROVIDED

Xander Auld, center, with his parents, Felicia Gamble and Matt Auld.

several inches and put on 20 pounds or so. He’ll turn 15 on Sunday, and he’s finishing up his freshman year at Yukon High School. Like his older brother, he joined the swimming team.

Most importantly, the cancer has

shown no signs of returning.

The discovery of the mutation and the ensuing surgery, Gamble said, have been “life-changing. I am so thankful for this research.

“It could have been really bad if they didn’t catch it when they did.”

Page 18 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Integris Hospice seeking compassionate helpers Integris Hospice and the Integris Hospice House seek volunteers for the next training session. This free, indepth training is open to anyone who has a compassionate heart, and provides information necessary to help hospice patients and support for their caregivers.

Integris Hospice provides care in nine counties, including the metro and surrounding areas. Hospice care includes physical, spiritual and emotional support for the terminally ill.

The hospice team is comprises of the medical director, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains and trained community volunteers.

“Integris Hospice volunteers provide a unique kind of support to caregivers and patients at critical times,” says Carol Prewitt, RN, manager of Volunteer Services. “Their support

makes a big difference and leaves a lasting impression for our families.”

Volunteers may run errands for caregivers, stay with a patient while caregivers take a break, or volunteer their time at the Integris Hospice House by sitting at the bedside, answering phones or assisting the hospice staff.

Hospice volunteers provide special comfort and support to hospice caregivers and patients.

Integris Hospice and the Integris Hospice House are affiliates of Integris, a Medicare certified, non-profit agency dedicated to providing quality care to terminally ill persons and their families.

For more information about the volunteer program or to enroll for training, please contact Carol Prewitt at 405-848-8884.

A reminder, please beware of extreme heat conditions Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants to remind Oklahomans to stay safe during this Summer’s extreme heat conditions.

Living in Oklahoma during the late spring and summertime, means facing intense heat conditions that can sometimes reach dangerous and even deadly temperatures. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, and an estimated 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

It is important to know how to protect yourself and others from the impacts of heat waves. Extreme heat can lead to dangerous heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. These illnesses happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the body is supposed to cool itself off by sweating. However, in cases of extreme heat, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly.

Personal factors such as age, weight, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use can also play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

“People must balance their summertime activity with actions that help the body cool itself,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “It is important that everyone understands the signs of heat illness, and should even take time to check on the elderly, friends, family and neighbors during these conditions to ensure their health and safety."

Limit outdoor activity.

If you like to exercise or even just like being outdoors, it is important to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. You must start slowly and then gradually pick up your pace. However, if you are exercising in extreme heat and you are left gasping for breath, immediately stop all activity, let someone know where you are, and get into a shaded and cool area to rest. In addition, it is important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.

Never leave kids or pets unattended in a hot vehicle.

As a reminder, the temperature in a car can be deadly during extreme heat. The temperature inside a car can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, so leaving a window open is not enough. Children who are left unattended in the heat and in parked cars are highly at risk for heat stroke, and sometimes even death.

To avoid any heat illnesses, dress children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. It is also important that they drink lots of fluids.

Check up on the elderly, sick and those without AC. People aged 65 years or older are more at risk to encounter heat-related health problems. Prevent these illnesses by checking up on people in the community during periods of extreme heat. A/C is important to have in conditions of intense heat. If someone is without A/C, offer to drive them to an air-conditioned location or a safer environment. Also, consider carrying extra bottles of water and other supplies in case others are in need of them.

May dedicated to women’s health The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is celebrating Women’s Health Month during May. Women are encouraged to take steps toward being their healthiest as they are often primary caretakers of their families, and should make their health a priority. In particular, women of childbearing age are encouraged to be in good health before and during pregnancy to help give baby a healthy start to life.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can promote wellness before, during and after pregnancy.

Being at a healthy weight can benefit women of all ages by reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and may result in taking less pain medication. Being in good physical health also promotes good mental health. Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression.

Steps toward better health include: n Setting health goals such as being active and maintaining a healthy weight.

Steps toward better health include: n Eating fruits and vegetables

every day.

Steps toward better health include: n Drinking more water and less sugary drinks.

Steps toward better health include: n Taking prescription medication only as prescribed.

Steps toward better health include: n Getting regular checkups and preventive screenings.

Steps toward better health include: n Taking time for yourself with activities you enjoy.

Health officials recognize that making healthy choices can be challenging. Limited access to healthy foods, unsafe neighborhoods for physical activity, and busy schedules can be barriers to achieving health goals. It’s never too late to take actions to promote good health by starting with small steps for long-term benefits.

For more information on women and health, visit Office on Women’s Health at www.womenshealth.gov.

Preparing for a Lifetime offers information on being healthy before and between pregnancy at http://iio.health.ok.gov.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 19

Sports Do you have a photograph of an Edmond Little League baseball team needing recognition for their tournament win?

If you do or if you have a local sports article and/or photograph, please send to: news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Christian University baseball player Jake Collins received league recognition last week.

Honor for OC player Oklahoma Christian infielder-pitcher Jake Collins was named last week to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-South Central Region baseball secCollins ond-team honor list.

The D2CCA honor teams are voted on by sports information directors from universities in the three leagues that make up the South Central Region – the Heartland, Lone Star and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conferences.

Collins, a senior from Ada who once starred at Latta High School, made the D2CCA list at the utilitypitcher position. He alternated between third base and first base for the Eagles this season and established himself as his team's closer on the mound.

He emerged as one of the Heartland's top players while overcoming thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that required him to undergo multiple surgeries As a hitter this season, Collins hit .313 with five home runs and a teamhigh 36 RBIs and posted a slugging percentage of .491. He tied for 10th in the Heartland in RBIs and 13th in doubles (12). On the mound, Collins

led the league with seven saves while going 1-0 with a 3.71 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 17 innings. OC finished 22-27 overall.

"Jake had to overcome a lot just to make it back to the field," OC coach Lonny Cobble said. "We knew he could perform at a high level when he was healthy and we are proud that he went out and did just that this season. He was one of the best players in our conference."

OC has had a player earn all-region honors on one of the three major NCAA Division II lists in each of the last three seasons.

Collins followed former teammates Kolton Brown, a first-team D2CCA and second-team National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association pick in 2017, and Ben McKenzie, a secondteam D2CCA pick in 2016. Six Eagles have received all-region honors since OC players became eligible for the award with the 2014 season.

Collins made the D2CCA All-South Central Region list despite not being named by Heartland coaches to the all-conference teams that were announced earlier this month.

He also earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America and is on the ballot for CoSIDA's prestigious Academic All-America award.

Star softball player

Upton also recognized Oklahoma Christian two-way standout Kaylie Upton was named Monday to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-South Central Region softball second-team list.

Upton, a junior from Pauls Valley, was honored in the pitcher/utility position on the honor list, which is voted upon by sports information directors from universities in the three leagues that make up the South Central Region – the Heartland, Lone Star and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conferences.

As a pitcher, Upton went 13-5 with one save and a 3.31 ERA, recording 61 strikeouts in 127 innings. She pitched two complete games, both shutouts. In the Heartland, she ranked fifth in wins and eighth in innings pitched.

As a batter, Upton hit .337 with two home runs and 23 RBIs while posting a .470 slugging percentage and .391 on-base percentage. She ranked sixth in the Heartland in batting average, seventh in hits (56) and second in triples (three). She committed only three errors all season while playing pitcher, first base and the outfield, finishing with a .981 fielding percentage.

Upton helped OC post a 32-25 record and reach the championship round of the Heartland Conference tournament for the first time.

"It was through hard work and dedication that Kaylie is receiving this award," OC coach Tom Heath said.

"The hard work began last summer, when she dedicated herself to come into fall in the best softball shape possible. From that point through the end of the season, she continued to

Kaylie Upton get better as a pitcher working with coach Steve Gault and as a hitter working with coach Mike Farris.

"It's a difficult task to be a great pitcher as well as a great hitter, but Kaylie did just that. Her dedication wasn't only to softball, as Kaylie is an outstanding student. I expect great things from Kaylie her senior year and I know she has a great career ahead of her."

Upton is the second OC softball player to make the D2CCA all-region team in as many years. Her teammate, pitcher Madison Hagood, was a second-team all-region pick in 2017.

Upton was one of only two Heartland players recognized on this year's D2CCA list, joining Lindzi Clemmer of Lubbock Christian (Texas), who also was a second-team selection.

Page 20 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Helping others just comes naturally

Roberts gives fully to 4-H & FFA Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series of stories on Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture.

The project is a collaborative program between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and Oklahoma State University to recognize and honor the impact of countless women across all 77 counties of the state, from all aspects and areas of the agricultural industry. The honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of industry professionals.

By Betty Thompson CALERA — Some people are born with an innate desire to help others.

That is certainly true of Lindsay Roberts.

Growing up 10 miles north of the Oklahoma-Texas state line in Calera on her family farm, Roberts was heavily involved in agriculture from a very young age. And she loved it.

“It completely defined my life,” said Roberts, “Agriculture should define your life; It feeds you three times a day.”

Like many who grow up in the industry, Roberts became involved in the youth organizations 4-H and FFA. She began showing sheep at age three as a Cloverbud. As soon as she turned nine, she immersed herself in everything 4-H had to offer, showing,

Lindsay Roberts of Calera, Okla., is being recognized as a Significant Woman in Oklahoma Agriculture.

public speaking, shooting sports, and so much more. When she entered the 8th grade, she joined FFA and took advantage of the many opportunities it had to offer as well.

“I love both organizations,” Roberts said, “I think they are valu-

able resources.”

Roberts reflected on many life lessons she obtained in those organizations.

“I have a wonderful mom and grandma at home who taught me lots of things, but I learned how to set a table properly, how tip a waiter or waitress and how to put on pantyhose through FFA,” Roberts laughed.

She continued her FFA membership even into the collegiate chapter.

Today she volunteers with both organizations wherever she can, one of those ways is by serving as the sheep superintendent for the Bryan County Junior Livestock show.

Roberts said many of the same volunteers who were here when she was showing as a kid are still in the barns volunteering today. She is the youngest of the livestock show volunteers, and the only woman.

“I love to help these kids with their projects,” Roberts said. “If they need something, or can’t afford something, I want to help. It’s my way of giving back to all those who helped my parents raise me.”

After Roberts graduated from Calera High School, she studied at Agricultural Economics at Murray State and went on to finish the degree at Old Dominion University in Virginia.

In the winter of 2004 Roberts was home on Christmas break from school and over at a friend’s house.

As fate would have it, there was a young man there who was home on leave from the Navy. Dustin Roberts was deployed shortly after she met him, and the two began dating through letters and emails.

Shortly after, they got married, and three days later, Dustin deployed again for 18 months. They have been happily married for 13 years now.

The two have settled near where Roberts was raised, allowing her to help with her family’s fertilizer plant in Durant.

She is putting her economics degree to good use as the accountant for the family business, and also helps with other duties such as assisting with and loading bulk fertilizer, ensuring customer orders are filled and invoiced, and managing the office.

Her dad and grandparents have owned the business since 1995, and most of their employees have been there for over 15 years, so Roberts said they are all like family.

“I love working with my family every day,” Roberts said. “Not many people get to do that. It sure is rewarding at the end of the day.”

While working full time at the fertilizer plant, Roberts is also working on her Certified Public Accountant licensing at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

“A lot of federal and state agencies recommend using a CPA that specializes in agricultural accounting,” Roberts explained. “That’s a service I hope to provide in our community.”

Roberts said there are not many CPAs who concentrate on agricultural accounting, so there is a great need in a highly agricultural area.

Her desire to help those in her community does not stop with 4-H, FFA and accounting. She has become the main point of contact for Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) issues in her area.

Roberts said the law enacted by the FDA took many producers, retailers and veterinarians by surprise.

“I worked with local vets and a local math teacher to work out an education program to help the vets and those of us on the retail side as far as what their options were,” Roberts said.

She even got her husband Dustin, who is the Representative for House District 21, to work on a legislative approach. She took time to meet with Congressmen and ranchers from various states, and as a result, she became a valuable resource to many in the community on how to stay compliant with the law.

She carries her helping nature into her home as well. In addition to the Roberts’ two rescue dogs and cat, they also have two rescue ducks.

Roberts said she was attending a birthday party for a toddler when she rescued the two baby ducks from being trampled by the toddlers.

“They weren’t being handled gently, so I just went over and scooped them up,” Roberts laughed. “I turned my green house into a full-blown aviary—they live the life of luxury.”

The rescue ducks, Petey and Petunia, are certainly not the only ones in southern Oklahoma who have benefited from Roberts’ generosity and desire to help.

Sunnyside Diner plans opening new cafe in downtown Edmond Sunnyside Diner is planning to open its newest cafe, transforming the former service station at the corner of Second Street and Broadway.

Owners of the diner hope their business will open later this year or earlier next year, depending on approval from multiple boards and the Edmond City Council.

Changes planned for the location include a 490-squarefoot addition on the north side of the building, outside seating areas and dining areas in the former auto bays.

Outdoor seating will be on the two overhead canopies on the south and west side of the building.

A variance will be needed for a roof-mounted sign, but the former pole sign will be removed.

The intersection has about 50,000 cars daily. The business has access to 14 parking spaces, although only four spots are required along with a bicycle rack.

An additional 22 parking spaces will be provided at the Audiology Clinic of Edmond, which is owned by the same owner as the planned diner.

Last week during the Central Edmond Urban District meeting, Adam Edge, with HSE Architects, requested a concept review for the designs.

Broadway Corner LLC owns the lot.

In 2008, Van’s was planned for the building, but it was never developed.

The site used to be the location of Van’s Bakery, which had been open for 44 years and was demolished.

From NewsOK.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 21

Divorce & the impact on your wallet

You know that divorce will have a significant effect on your life, including your finances. And that’s a reality for a large number of people. There are around 800,000 divorces in the United States each year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. If you’re on the verge of separation or divorce, the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants offers these tips for adjusting your finances for this major life change. n Anticipate the costs. Legal and other fees related to divorce can be expensive, which is why it’s never too early to begin to understand how much you’ll need to cover the costs of a split. If you plan in advance, you’ll be in a better financial situation once the divorce is finalized. It’s also a good idea to gather as much documentation as possible—tax returns, bank statements, loan documents, invest-

ment records, credit card information and retirement account statements—so you have the details you need to sort out your finances and negotiate financial concerns. n Be aware of a significant tax change. Couples who are separating or divorcing should take into account a major change in the tax treatment of alimony that will apply to divorce or separation instruments executed after Dec. 31, 2018. (There is no change to the federal income tax treatment of payments made or received under divorce agreements executed before 2019.) Under the old federal tax law, the person paying alimony was able to deduct those payments from his or her income and the person receiving alimony was required to include those payments in his or her income.

Under recent tax reform, those rules have

changed. For divorce or separation agreements beginning in 2019, the person paying alimony will no longer be able to deduct it, and the recipient will no longer have to include the alimony in his or her taxable income. It’s critical for divorcing couples to consider the impact of this change in their tax and financial planning and to determine the best options available to them for the timing of their settlements. n Revise your monthly budget. Instead of pooling two incomes, after a divorce you’ll be relying on your own earnings. You’ll also be setting up your own financial life, opening new checking and savings accounts and possibly moving into and furnishing a new residence. To keep yourself on track amid all these changes, create a new monthly

See Divorce, Page 22

The Bridge pool hall opens The Bridge pool hall held a ribbon cutting on May 18th with the Edmond Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 261 S Santa Fe Ave. The Bridge is Edmond’s newest pool hall. They have 8 bar size tables and 8 tournament size, plus a full size snooker table and full length shuffleboard. There is also a stage for live music and a private room for those special occasions or business meetings.

The Bridge offers a delicious food menu featuring signature pizzas, hot sandwiches and more.

There is a full bar including mixed drinks and local beers plus an expresso lounge serving locally roasted, ground on location espresso beans. The Bridge has

been open since April 2018 and is a locally owned and operated business in Edmond. The Bridge offers a unique smoke free atmosphere in an upscale and relaxing venue. They are open 7 days a week from 11am to 2am and have weekly drink specials.

Nathan Toland is the owner of the Bridge. He is a local entrepreneur with a passion for pool. This is why he chose to outfit his location with 16 Diamond pool tables. The absolute best in the industry! He is an Edmond resident with 3 kids and is looking forward to showing them that pool playing is not about bars and back alley hustles and that you should take risks to follow your dreams. The bridge will be a place where they will learn that pool is a game for everyone.

EEDA official ends training sional. The program is accredSarah Dickson, communiited by the International Ecocations director for the Ednomic Development Council. mond Economic OU EDI classes focus on the Development Authority three core areas of business re(EEDA), recently graduated tention and expansion, real esfrom the University of Oklatate and credit analysis as well homa Economic Developas areas of concentration in ment Institute (OU EDI) at marketing, strategic planning, the Spring 2018 session held in Fort Worth, Texas. DickDickson entrepreneurship and managing economic development orson was also the recipient of ganizations. the Derieth Sutton Legacy ScholarSince OU EDI's inception in 1962, ship. the program has trained more than OU EDI is an intensive 117 hour 5,000 graduates and remains the certificate program which provides a broad spectrum of advanced education world's leading economic development teacher. for the economic development profes-

Wrasse joins Arledge team Kristie Wrasse has joined Arledge and Associates, the Edmond accounting firm announced recently.

Wrasse, a former accounting manager at Designer Hardware & Plumbing in Oklahoma City, joins the firm as a client accounting specialist.

“Kristie’s background and experience will make her a very valuable contributor to our staff,” said Jim Denton, managing partner. “We’re excited to add her skillset to our talented team.”

Wrasse Arledge & Associates, PC is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting and accounting advisory services.

Company lauds White’s sales record Joe White, Shelter Insurance Companies agent at Edmond, has been honored as one of Shelter’s highest achieving sales representatives, based on overall 2017 agency operations.

The Champion designation recognizes members of a select group of Shelter agents who demonstrate the highest overall excellence in insurance services and meet corporate standards of sound agency operation during the previous year. White has represented Shelter since May 1988.

Since then, he has earned the Champion recognition 13 times.

The Joe White Agency Inc. is located at 1704 S. Blvd., Suite A, Edmond. # Shelter Insurance® is a group of companies with four per-

sonal lines property and casualty companies, a reinsurance company, a life insurer, and a direct Internet marketing company. Shelter offers auto, home, life, farm and business White insurance.

------Do you have a business notice like that of Shelter Insurance agent Joe White?

If you are local and have received recognition in the business community, we’d like to hear from you.

Please e-mail the editor at news@edmondpaper.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Bridge pool hall held its ribbon cutting last week. The locally owned and operated business is at 261 S. Santa Fe Ave.

Page 22 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Divorce From Page 21

budget based on your income and expenses as a single person, so you can start with a sound financial foundation. Within your budget, don’t forget to include continued payments to savings and retirement accounts to ensure you have a financial cushion now and a nest egg when you retire. n Build a new big picture plan. Divorce can drive many changes that will influence your finances, including getting or changing jobs, downsizing your residence, relocating or revising retirement or other near- or long-term plans. After you’ve taken some time to adjust to your new life, step back and reconsider what larger changes may make sense to you. Do you still need the same big house? Do you still have the health care coverage you need? Are you on track for retirement? These are the kinds of issues you should examine in building a new plan for your future. n Know your emotional needs.

There is a lot to think about when

going through a separation and it can be easy to get so focused on the concrete tasks, like paperwork, that you neglect the emotional aspects. Taking the time to plan out your finances can ultimately help prevent future stress, but it’s also important to make time for yourself and come to terms with your new life situation.

No matter what kind of financial issues you’re facing, your CPA can offer the expertise and advice you need. Reach out to him or her for personalized answers to all your financial questions. If you don’t have one, get a free referral at FindYourCPA.com.

For more advice on wise spending and investing, like Know What Counts on Facebook, follow Know What Counts on Twitter or visit KnowWhatCounts.org, where you can sign up for a free e-newsletter, read additional financial columns and more.

Leadership Edmond grads Leadership Edmond Class XXXIII held graduation for 31 participants on April 26 at the CHK|Central Boathouse with keynote speaker, Dr. Roger Webb, UCO President Emeritus.

The program is presented by Innovative Healthcare. James Boggs of First Fidelity Bank was voted by his class to speak at the ceremony as well. Leadership Edmond is a leadership development program designed to provide community leaders with a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting the Edmond area.

Participants receive in-depth exposure to those issues through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations and other leadership development activities. Participants also get a chance to meet key community leaders. The Leadership Edmond Program would not be possible without session sponsors: Francis Tuttle Technology Center, FSB Architects and Engineers, MIDCON and OneSource Managed Services. Are you interested in applying for the next Leadership Edmond class? Applications for class XXXIV are available at edmondchamber.com and are due by July 18.

Class XXXIII graduates are: Matt Allen, MIDCON Savannah Barrington, Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Jason Blubaugh, FSB Architects and Engineers James Boggs, First Fidelity Bank Carissa Brackelsberg, Agape Chiropractic David Curran, Sandler Training Cindy Dimit, Teal Creek Assisted Living Sammy Flores, Crawford Family Funeral & Cremation Services

Nate Geist, Edward Jones Cindy Guthrie, University of Central Oklahoma Andrew Haralson, Citizens Bank of Edmond Bryan Heathcock, Edmond YMCA Micah James, First Christian Church Steve Johnson, MidFirst Bank Erin Johnson, Oklahoma Sports & Orthopedics Institute Lauren Laird, Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Mike Liskey, University of Central Oklahoma Lori Love, Edmond YMCA Sean Nathan, Opulence PR, LLC Natalie Parker, Citizens Bank of Edmond Laura Lea Payne, Align Wealth Management Karen Pierce, Francis Tuttle Technology Center Brittany Platt, University of Central Oklahoma Christy Prather Skinner, Francis Tuttle Technology Center Stuart Sullivan, Arvest Bank Melie Vincent, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority Robin Waters, Petra Industries, LLC Paula Whitlow, OU Medical Center Edmond Amy Wilson, Arvest Bank Mallory Wilson, Edmond Economic Development Authority JD Younger, Edmond Police Department The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business.

It is a hundred-year-old, 1,000 plus member organization, working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community.

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Calculating home’s loan-to-value ratio

By Kenneth Wohl, RCB Bank When applying for a mortgage, the loan-to-value (LTV), is an important factor lenders consider when reviewing and determining your mortgage loan type.

It also plays a part Wohl in figuring your mortgage interest rate and if you will have to purchase mortgage insurance.

You can calculate your LTV at home to get an idea.

Your LTV ratio is the amount of money you are borrowing as a percentage of your home’s value. The math varies based on loan purpose.

Generally, LTV is your loan balance divided by the value of the property.

When purchasing a home, the value of the property is determined by the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price. These prices can be the same, but often times they vary.

For example, if the purchase price is $188,000 and the appraisal comes in at $200,000, to factor your LTV, you will use the purchase price. Say you plan to borrow $160,000. Your LTV is 85 percent. Loans with LTV’s above 80 percent require mortgage insurance. Note: Lenders charge mortgage insurance based on purchase price not the appraisal.

In a refinance, LTV is typically calculated using the appraised value of the property. Sticking with the example above, say your current loan balance is $100,000. Divide that by the appraised price, $200,000, and you

Mortgage Matters have 50 percent LTV. For secondary mortgages — home equity loans and home equity lines of credit — it gets a little tricky, as the math varies by banks. Your loan balance is the combined balance of the primary and secondary mortgages.

Generally, the total loan balance is then divided by the purchase price if financing within the first six months of ownership. After six months, the appraised value is used to calculate the combined loan-to-value (CLTV), or total loan-to-value (TLTV) if there are more than two liens.

These examples are general guides.

There are some exceptions for calculating LTVs. I encourage you to talk to a lender before you begin home shopping so you know exactly what you can afford based on your personal situation. Getting pre-qualified will help you understand your options and may help you gain bargaining power when you are ready to make an offer on a house.

I’m here to help, even if you’re not an RCB Bank customer. Feel free to call me, Kenneth Wohl, at 405-6085291 or email kwohl@bankrcb.net.

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

Rendezvous Ukulele Festival at Round Barn this June 10 ARCADIA – Dozens of ukulele players are expected to gather for the June 10 Round Barn Rendezvous Ukulele Festival at the Arcadia Round Barn.

The free concert, which will be the first to feature the popular stringed instrument, is part of the Round Barn Rendezvous series held every second Sunday of the month in the loft of the barn, which is five miles east of Interstate 35 on Route 66.

Ukulele soloists and ensembles will perform from noon to 5 p.m. At 2:15 p.m., all the players will form the Big Ol’ Uke Band for a couple of musical numbers.

“The ukulele-loving public is invited,” said singer-songwriter Joe Baxter of Midwest City, who produces the Round Barn Rendezvous.

Bands and soloists scheduled to perform include Frank and Scott, Can’t Stop Singing, the La-ti-das, Jeff

Howard, Janice Francis-Smith, The Misspent Ukes, Functional Polly, Tulsa Ukuleles, the OKC Ukuleles Ensemble and Well Now, Margery.

A fried onion burger truck from El Reno will be on the grounds, and the gift shop and museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations will be accepted for the maintenance of the Arcadia Round Barn, which is owned and operated by the nonprofit Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society.

Edmond Life & Leisure • May 24, 2018 • Page 23

Food Bank sends out appeal for volunteers For thousands of children, the end of school means months of wondering whether or not they will have enough food to eat.

Thanks to support from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Oklahoma Department of Education and the Sodexo Foundation, children 18 and under can receive nutritious meals and/or snacks through the Summer Feeding program.

To make this program a success, the Regional Food Bank is asking the community to donate their time to help prepare the meals children so desperately need over the summer.

“Our Summer Feeding Program depends on a strong base of volunteers to help assemble the meals in our Hope’s Kitchen,” said Katie Fitzgerald,

chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

“Children should be carefree during summer months, not worrying about whether or not they’ll have something to eat. Summer Feeding volunteers are critical to making sure children will receive adequate nutrition during the summer months when school meals are not available.”

The Regional Food Bank needs volunteers to pack fresh meals for children in its production kitchen from June 1 through July 27.

Volunteer shifts are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and both individuals and groups are welcome. The nonprofit needs at least 24 volunteers per shift each day to ensure that the meals will be available for children over the summer.

Dolese helps to feed needy Throughout 2018, Dolese is matching donations made by volunteers at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Volunteer Center – up to $30,000. To date, enough financial donations have been made to Dolese Delivers: Fight Hunger Faster match to provide more than 15,700 meals to help feed chronically hungry children, seniors on fixed incomes and families struggling to put food on the table.

“We are so grateful to Dolese and our volunteers for helping us fight hunger faster,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer at the Regional Food Bank. “Over the last five years, the number of Oklahomans we serve each week has skyrocketed by 71 percent.”

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

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

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

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

"One of the greatest things about partnering with the Regional Food Bank is that our kids are getting a solid meal every single day,” said A. Jaye Johnson, community relations and facilities director at Memorial Park Boys and Girls Club, one of the Regional Food Bank’s Kids Summer Feeding sites.

Help fight childhood hunger by signing up to volunteer at regionalfoodbank.org/volunteer or call 405-600-3160.

Volunteers are also needed to sort donations, bag and box food products and more. Thanks to the work that volunteers do, the Regional Food Bank is able to provide enough food to feed more than 136,000 Oklahomans each week throughout 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. In fact, every day volunteers pack enough food to fill a semi-truck.

Page 24 • May 24, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure