Edmond Life and Leisure - June 9, 2022

June 9, 2022 Vol. 23, No. 4

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Endeavor Games This weekend

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

DAR volunteers At cemetery

See page 7

FRIDAY, June 10 Partly Cloudy High 87° Low 65°

SATURDAY, June 11 Partly Cloudy High 83° Low 67°

SUNDAY, June 12 Partly Cloudy High 90° Low 74°

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma will host the 23rd annual Endeavor Games, June 9-12, on Central’s campus and throughout the Edmond, Oklahoma community.

The UCO Endeavor Games is the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability event.

Pictured, an athlete participates in the discus at a prior year’s games.

The University of Central Oklahoma will host the 23rd annual Endeavor Games, an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in various sporting events on a competitive level, June 9-12, on Central’s campus and throughout the Edmond, Oklahoma, community.

The UCO Endeavor Games is the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability event. The 2022 games include 11 sports – archery, air rifle shooting, cycling, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair softball.

The games will open Thursday, June 9, with a day of sports clinics and camps for aspiring athletes. The competition kicks off Friday, June 10, with powerlifting and wheelchair basketball in the morning; air rifle

shooting during the day; several field events, presented by MidFirst Bank, at Edmond North High School, 215 W. Danforth Road; 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 North High School, followed by sitting volleyball on Central’s campus. The games conclude Sunday, June 12, with wheelchair softball, indoor archery and table tennis at the UCO Wellness Center.

“We are so proud of what the UCO Endeavor Games has become and every athlete we have served over the past 23 years,” said Cassidhe Walker, coordinator for adaptive sports and events at Central.

“We look forward to another great

year of competition.”

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, the Hartford Financial Services Group, Hanger Clinic, MidFirst Bank, Visit Edmond, Blue and Gold Sausage and American Fidelity.

To view a complete schedule of events for the 2022 UCO Endeavor Games, visit www.endeavorgames. com/edmond.

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

Page 2 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 3

From left are Dr. Vince Wilcox and Dr. V. Ralph Wilcox — both Rotary FourWay Test winners.

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left are Campbell Christiansen, Damon Corvelo and Cameron Woodard — each scholarship recipients from the Rotarians.

Rotary Club honors dentists & students The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.

The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages. For the Rotary Club of Edmond, the Four Way Test recognizes local business that meet the following test requirements: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The 2021-2022 winners of this award were Dr. V. Ralph Wilcox and Dr. Vince Wilcox of Edmond Dental Associates, PLLC. The Club felt strongly about honoring and showing their appreciation for the work both dentists have done in developing countries with the One World Organization.

Presenting the award was Jordan Malwick, Vocational Chairperson and Beth Case, a long-time patient of Edmond Dental Associates. Case shared that serving others can be the highest level of meaningfulness in a person’s life but can come at great personal sacrifice.

It was also noted that the Wilcox’s work aligns with several of Rotary International’s areas of focus. Primarily being water, sanitation and hygiene and disease prevention and treatment.

Scholarship Chairperson, Christine Meredith presented scholarships to three Edmond students. The first recipient was Damon Corvelo of Edmond Santa Fe High School. He plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma. Also receiving recognition from Edmond Santa Fe was Cameron Woodard. Wichita State University is his intended college. Receiving the third scholarship and the Charles Lamb Service Above Self award was Campbell Christiansen of Edmond Memorial High School. She plans to attend Hendrix College.

On hand to present additional awards was Edmond Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Angela Gruenwald. Gruenwald awarded 4th Grade teacher Cindy Rosario as the Ida Freeman Teacher of the Year. Rosario was also a District Teacher of the Year Finalist. Also receiving recognition was Ida Freeman Principal, Nicole Marler. She was recognized as the Oklahoma Association of Elementary Schools, Principal of the Year.

The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on at St. Luke’s Edmond and on Zoom. Guests are always welcome. www.edmondrotary.org https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfEdmond

Edmond Schools educators honored were Cindy Rosario, left, and Nicole Marler, right.

Page 4 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Citizens Bank & new VA lending platform As chairman of the board at Citizens Bank of Edmond, there are so many efforts at the bank that I am proud to let you know about.

They go well beyond the typical processes you expect from a highly ranked bank in so many areas.

They include our Heard-on Hurd six times a year here in downtown Edmond. They also include the bank’s sponsorship of so many local Ray Hibbard activities and events including the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival and the major sponsor for this year’s LibertyFest.

It is not all just money thrown at projects. When the need is there, our Citizens Bank of Edmond staff is on hand to help. They serve on boards of many organizations, and we have staff in the volunteer squad of about every event in Edmond. The bank is still in the same location where it was founded in April of 1901. We pride ourselves here at Edmond Life & Leisure as being a true community newspaper and you can believe Citizens Bank of Edmond is a true community bank.

They have launched a new program that is going to help veterans obtain housing and I could not be prouder of it. Citizens Bank of Edmond announced the launch of its new VA lending solution, ROGER Lending, a digital platform focused on providing a seamless experience for veterans and active military utilizing their VA eligibility.

The ROGER Lending platform was born out of the personal experience of Citizens Bank of Edmond’s President and CEO, Jill Castilla, who attempted to purchase a home using her VA eligibility. After continued delays, Jill and her family abandoned the VA loan and utilized an inhouse option at Citizens Bank of Edmond.

“Following 90 days of delays on our VA loan and the seller growing increasingly concerned, we abandoned the VA loan and went with an inhouse option at Citizens Bank of Edmond and resolved to fix the issue for American’s military families and veterans,” said Jill Castilla, Citizens Bank of Edmond president and CEO. “Over the past several months our team has been collaborating with several partners to make a better, more streamlined VA loan process. This product works anywhere in the U.S. for all secondary market loans.”

Citizens Bank’s mission to create an improved, more streamlined VA loan process came with the help of several partners including Jack Henry Banking, Teslar Software, ICE Mortgage Technology and local bank executive Ross Alan Hill.

ROGER Lending focuses on hiring military spouses Additionally, the launch of ROGER Lending provided an opportunity to employ military spouses as VA Relationship Managers. According to a recent Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey, fortythree percent of active-duty families surveyed said spousal unemployment is an issue for them, requiring them to reconsider active service. The same survey revealed that twenty percent of military spouses in the labor force are unemployed and actively seeking work.

“We are thrilled at Citizens Bank of Edmond to combine our own experiences as veterans, military spouses and bankers to create remote, professional roles to support VA lending with ROGER,” said Castilla. “Doing our part to not only improve the VA

lending experience but provide employment for military spouses aligns with our mission to make a generational impact for our community.”

The bank has a high percentage of veterans and reserve duty military employed in its ranks. This is truly a case of veterans helping their own by developing this product. I look forward to the rapid expansion of this program and being able to help veterans get through what has been a long and difficult process for them in the past.

To follow ROGER Lending, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Whoever said that life slows down in the summer months has not been to Edmond, Oklahoma. Here are just a few of the things going on in the next few weeks. For more information about other events, go to www.visitedmondok.com.

UCO Endeavor Games Thu, June 9 – Sun, June 12/University of Central Oklahoma I know our cover is about these games, but I just had to mention it again. If you have never been to the Endeavor Games, you really need to go and make it a family event. Our newspaper has been involved with them since they started in the summer of 2000.

The athletes are incredible. Here is some information on it: The University of Central Oklahoma's annual Endeavor Games for Athletes with Physical Disabilities provides children, adults, and military service members with physical disabilities an opportunity to display their talents in a proper and competitive setting against individuals with similar disabilities. The Endeavor Games were held for the first time in 2000 on the UCO campus.

The event was originally created by a non-profit organization, whose mission was to provide quality sports programs to athletes with physical disabilities from Oklahoma and beyond. In 2004, UCO recognized the importance and potential this event had and absorbed the non-profit and its staff. Because of UCO's early involvement with the Endeavor Games, UCO was selected as a U.S. Paralympic training site in 2005 and has since been named a U.S. Olympic training site as well. UCO is one of only eighteen organizations in the nation with this designation and the only university to hold the designation as an Olympic and Paralympic training site. UCO is also an Olympic and Paralympic Community Partner and offers adaptive sports opportunities for its students DETAILS: University of Central Oklahoma 100 N University Dr 405-974-3030 https://endeavorgames.org/ TICKETS: $35 Edmond Jr Rodeo Fri, June 10 – Sat, June 11/Edmond Round Up Club - Carl Benne Arena Growing up going to Rodeos this one is near and dear to my heart. Local rodeos are the best and if you are lucky, you might see my granddaughter ride in this one. The Round Up Club's purpose is to promote family involvement while preserving western heritage.

Junior rodeos are held April through September each year and the LibertyFest Open rodeo is held every June. Turn out and cheer these young folks on.

Gate Admission: $5.00 - Adults $1.00 - 18 and younger

Everyone pays gate admission, including parents, contestants, spectators, rodeo staff and volunteers.

Gate money goes towards helping purchase year-end awards for the finalists!

DETAILS: Edmond Round Up Club - Carl Benne Arena 300 N. Kelly 405-264-3685 edmondroundupclub.com/ The Sound of Music Thu, June 16 – Sat, June 18/Mitch Park Upstage Theater is happy to present the theatrical classic: the Sound of Music at Mitch Park for two weekends. As one of the most beloved musicals of all time! Set in Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power. Travel back in time and enjoy the show at the Mitch Park Amphitheater.

Will be showing from: Jun 16 - 18 Jun 23 -25 DETAILS: Mitch Park 1501 W. Covell 405-359-4630 https://ci.ovationtix.com TIMES AND TICKETS: 7 pm $20 50th Anniversary of LiberyFest June 24 Celebrate America’s birthday at one of the top ten July 4th Festivals in the U.S. Enjoy two weekends of events leading up to a grand finale of the largest fireworks display in the OKC metro area. The inaugural one-mile Liberty Sprint is one of many family-friendly activities.

Farmer's Market Sat, June 4 – Wed, October 19/8am to 1pm/Festival Market Place The Edmond Farmer's Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings from mid-April through the end of October. Located at the Festival Market Place in Downtown Edmond. The market is an all OK Grown/Made market. Offering produce, meat, plants, baked goods, salsa, BBQ sauce, herbs, crafts, and MORE! The market is a one-stop-shop for the best quality goods from the best farmers and manufactures in Oklahoma.

Edmond Bike Night Tue, June 7 – Tue, October 18/Edmond Railyard Bike Night is back this year every Tuesday night from April 19 - October 18. From motorcycle enthusiasts to new adventurers, there is something for all to enjoy at Bike Night. Each night, vendors will have booths and the Festival Market Place will be filled with a variety of bikes. Each bike night ends with a raffle prize and a fun time.

DETAILS: Edmond Railyard 23 W. 1st Street 405-285-2100 https://edmondbikenight.com/ TIMES AND TICKETS: 6 - 9 p.m.

Free Get off that couch and turn off the summer movies. Get out and enjoy Edmond with the entire family this summer.

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 7.

---- A busy time for the DAR ............................................................Page 9.

---- Columnist looks recent tragedies ............................................Page 10.

---- Smag’s latest recipe ..................................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust looks at latest Top Gun movie ............................Page 14.

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

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

---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18.

This and so much more in this week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9 2022 • Page 5

Touch a Truck returns Photos by Melinda Infante

Touch-A-Truck is a fundraising event that provides kids of all ages with the opportunity to experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firefighters, construction workers and many more. It’s sponsored by Edmond Electric & the City of Edmond.

Luke Terrell (5) checking out an older model motorcycle. This was the first time since 2019 the event has been held.

Hudson (2) was a temporary deputy Edmond police officer.

Page 6 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

May 9 Timmy Ray Williams Jr., 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Raman Cassius Lowery-Keith, 24 of Moore. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol, resisting arrest, transport open container of beer or intoxicating beverage, speeding, expired license plate, operating a motor vehicle with defective.improper equipment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Brandon Myles Edwards, 29 of Luther. Felony DUI/APC. Gabriela Morales, 25 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant and failure to appear.

Alicia Dawn Vecsey, 41 of Choctaw. Five misdemeanor warrants, possess drug paraphernalia and possess firearm after conviction of a felony.

May 10 Christopher Adam Luckert, 37 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant.

John Travis Roden, 38 homeless. Two counts of possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Terri Lynn Tester, 57 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Lori Lynn Payne, 34 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Jennifer Jason Lee Burns, 22 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jacob Allen Rodriquez, 40 homeless. Public intoxication.

May 11’ Skyla Jean Lesseg, 23 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Ricky Lee Caldwell Jr., 41 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Dominique LaDawn Hollister, 29 homeless. Violation of protective order.

May 12 Connor Layne Melott, 20 of Yukon. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Justice Harmening Minter, 26 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Giulia Marie Harrison, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

May 13 Derek Kurt Workman, 42 of Edmond. Two felony warrants.

Marco A. Puentes, 20 of Edmond. Misuse of forged, counterfeit or suspended driver license, (drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and public intoxication.

Teagin Alan Spreacker, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jacob Allen Rodriquez, 40 homeless. Public intoxication.

Harvey Harrington Chovanak, 53 homeless. Public intoxication.

May 14 Brittane Share Grant, 33 of Edmond. Stop sign violation and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Gary Allen Maldonado, 51 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Zachery Michael Albert, 19 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Ronnie Allen Kimble Jr. 23 of Oklahoma City.

Public intoxication.

Brandon Soloman Tims, 25 of Del City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Lauren Leigh Clagg, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Edward Lee Billey, 46 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Israel Adeza Morales, 18 of Edmond. Felony value embezzlement, over $1,000.

Kailee Marie Thornton, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Camry Jean Sandefer, 27 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Daniel Lamont Littlebear, 38 of Oklahoma City.

Public intoxication (lake only.)

May 15 Asynnauz Jhaela Nikienta Griffith, 23 of Edmond.

Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Robert Leonard Hall, 50 of Edmond. Malicious injury or destruction of property and domestic abuse assault (deadly weapon.)

Reise Micah Smith, 24 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Monica Ortiz Kenemore, 25 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Jerrel Lloyd Kenemore, 25 of Edmond. Three counts of possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Richard Arthur Guay Jr., 39 of Norman. Public intoxication.

May 16 Jennifer Joy Todd, 43 homeless. Trespassing Blake Joseph Garcia, 25 of Del City. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

May 17 Wesley Ryan McCaslin, 36 of Choctaw, Possess of drug paraphernalia and two counts CDS possession.

Jacob Kyle Bailey, 36 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Anthony Dewayne Sanders, 30 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Mark Wallace McGuinn, 21 of Edmond. Trespassing.

Calvin Maurice Owens, 42 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Georgia Jean Taggart, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

TIME TO THROW AWAY THAT SMELLY BUG SPRAY!

A natural way to avoid being bothered by summertime pests.

MOSQUITO PATCH Quail Plaza May & Hefner - NW OKC • 751-2852

Oak Brook Shopping Center 230 S. Santa Fe - Edmond • 715-4405

May 18 Leonard Joe Martinez, 51 of Edmond. Three misdemeanor warrants, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, no proof of insurance, no tag – improper tag and disregard signal light.

James Gary Wells, 32 of Yukon. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property and a felony warrant.

Amanda Lynn Thompson, 31 homeless. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property.

May 19 Lance Dion Millican, 61 of Oklahoma City. Conspiracy and larceny from building – grand larceny (over $1,000) Isaac Abisai Sanchez Maldonado, 21 of Edmond.

Misdemeanor warrant.

Anthony Craig Chambers, 38 of Oklahoma City.

Conspiracy and larceny from a building grand larceny (over $1,000) Kristopher Mitchell Montoya 49 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

May 20 David Lee Lopez, 23 of Guthrie. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Jeffrey Daniel Montgomery, 47 homeless. Public intoxication.

May 21’ Jennifer Joy Todd, 43 homeless. Trespassing after having been warned and (misdemeanor) defrauding Inns, hotels, restaurant.

Megan Elizabeth Puig, 30 of Oklahoma City.

Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, failure to stop for accident involving damage and felony DUI/APC. Nathan Lee Griffin, 27 of Edmond. Unlawful carrying of a weapon and obstruction of a police officer.

Michael Angelo Smith, 33 of Chickasha. Two counts of failure to appear.

Everaldo Ixcot-Vasquez, 30 of Oklahoma City.

Public intoxication.

May 22 Barry Lamon Knight, 26 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant and failure to appear.

Cory Daniel Poteet, 41 of Warr Acres. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under influence of alcohol.

James Robert Kerns, 34 of Stillwater. Two felony warrants.

Coda Lanne Hatfield, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Brain Christopher Gass, 49 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, operate (DUI APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, felony elude police officer and endangering others, two counts of obstruction of an officer and failure to stop – accident involving damage to vehicle.

Kristen Michelle Fox, 42 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, expired tag over three months, failure to wear seatbelt and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Michael Don Cook, 61 of Guthrie. Public intoxication.

Kyle Cameron Dallas, 49 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Juneteenth celebration planned

by Oklahoma Historical Society The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will celebrate Juneteenth with “Music through the Ages” on Thursday, June 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. Dr. Donnie Nero will serve as the emcee for several educational presentations and musical performances representing Oklahoma’s unique African American roots. Light refreshments will be served. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Harold Aldridge will perform 19th-century calls and early blues while giving background information on their origins. Walter Taylor’s Blu Fonk band will play mid-20th-century blues and swing. Jabee Williams will round out the music with a more contemporary rap mix. Other performers will include Evelyn Morgan, Delta Sigma Theta and the Brothers of Stomp from Beta Omicron Sigma.

This annual event is sponsored by the OHS’s Multicultural Office and Black Heritage Committee. Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation fol-

lowing the US Civil War, and commemorates the day when US Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery in Texas at Galveston on June 19, 1865. This news and celebration spread to the enslaved people of Indian Territory throughout that summer.

The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 7

Weekend calendar of events, June 9-12 What’s Happening Weekend Junee 9 - 12 ---- In the Gallery ---- Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations ---- UCO Endeavor Games ---- Let’s Go! A Tribute to the Cars ---- Movie Night at Mitch Park ---- Edmond Jr Rodeo ---- US Mounted Shooting World Championships ---- Brent Blount and Friends ---- Cycle 66 Training Ride ---- Storybook Festival ---- Yoga in the Park ---- Signature Tour ---- Read the West Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass ---- Drop-In Drawing: Self Portrait, Charles Schreyvogel ---- Children’s Garden Festival ---- deadCenter Film Festival ---- Bricktown Comedy Club presents: Jamie Lissow ---- Guthrie Renaissance Faire ---- LIVE on the Plaza ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Emma ---- An Affair of the Heart ---- Shelly Phelps and the Storm in Concert ---- LibertyFest ---- Round Barn Rendezvous ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series

p.m.; edmondok.gov Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhisory.org Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Tue, May 17 – Sat, June 18; Tue – Fri: 10a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; edmondhisory.org UCO Endeavor Games Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Thu, June 9 – Sun, June 12; $35; endeavorgames.org Let’s Go! A Tribute to the Cars Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, June 10; 8 p.m.; $15 ---- $25; eventbrite.com

Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Aug 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondok.civicrec.com Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1

Yoga in the Park Location: Shannon Miller Park Extra Info: Sun, June 12; 6 – 7 p.m.; Free; facebook.com Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, June 11 & Sun, June 12; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Read the West Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, June 12; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Drop-In Drawing: Self Portrait, C. Schreyvogel

Movie Night at Mitch Park Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, June 10; Free; 7 – 10:30 p.m.; facebook.com

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, June 12; 2 – 3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Edmond Jr Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena Extra Info: Fri, June 10 – Sat, June 11; $5 for adults; $1 for 18 and younger; edmondroundupclub.com

Redbud Spectacular Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: June 2 – June 12; June 2 & 4: 8 a.m.; June 3 d& 5: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; June 8-12: 7:30 a.m.

– 9 p.m.; okqha.org

Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, June 2; 5 p.m.; Free; enjoy the art of Rory Morgan; edmondfinearts.com; facebook.com

Storybook Festival Location: Stephenson Park Extra Info: Sat, June 11; 4 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

US Mounted Shooting World Championships Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, June 10 – Sun, June 12; 9 a.m.; usms.allsportsequine.com

Children’s Garden Festival Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory Extra Info: Fri, June 3 – Sun, June 12; 10 a.m. ---- 5 p.m. daily; myriadgardens.org

Brent Blount and Friends Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sat, June 11; 8 – 10:30 p.m.; $15; ucojazzlab.com

deadCenter Film Festival Location: Various downtown OKC locations Extra Info: Thu, June 9 – Sun, June 12; dcff22.eventive.org

Cycle 66 Training Ride Location: Littler Lawn Extra Info: Sat, June 11; 8 a.m.; Free; visitedmondok.com

Bricktown Comedy Club presents: Jamie Lissow Location: Bricktown Comedy Club Extra Info: Thu, June 9 – Sat, June 11; Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 7:30 & 10 p.m.; bricktowncomedy.com

Page 8 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 9

Cordelia Steen Chapter members Cathryn Schmid, Jennifer Belcher, Ellen Lee, and Tammy Ross

Cordelia Steen Chapter member Andrea Aven places a flag at the Indigent burial ground.

DAR & cemetery research dalism, and from mainteAt their chapter meeting nance crews that threw on May 12, the DAR tombstones over the fence Cordelia Steen Chapter of when they got in the way Edmond presented geof the brush hog used to nealogical research to mow the grounds. local historical organizaIn 1989, as a part of the tions on the 120 identified Centennial Land Run Compersons buried at Gower memoration, Gower CemeMemorial Cemetery. tery received an Award of The two-year research A Civil War vetRecognition, and on Deproject of over 1400 pages cember 27, 1991, the was primarily conducted by eran’s grave site. cemetery was approved by the chapter’s Lineage Rethe National Register of search Chair Cathryn Schmid. Chapter Regent and Historic Historic Places as it is the only surviving resource of a Black community loPreservation Committee Chair Ancated in that area. The cemetery was drea Aven acted as editor, compiler, subsequently renamed “Gower Memoand contributed research. Accepting the project on behalf of Gower fam- rial Cemetery.” In 2012, 123 years after arriving in Oklahoma, John and ily member Sherrod Wall was Ophelia Gower were posthumously inStephanie Carel, immediate past ducted into the Oklahoma Africanchairman of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust. The research was American Hall of Fame for their activities as civil rights and community also presented to Judy Pike, current leaders. chairman of the Edmond Historic The cemetery has 509 gravesites, Preservation Trust, and Amy and 120 burials have been identified, Stephens, executive director of the including 21 Gower family members.

Edmond Historical Society and MuAnother 70 gravesites are unidentified seum. The Archives and Special Colburials, and the remaining are vacant lections at the University of Central plots. Research on those interred inOklahoma will also receive a copy, as will the Oklahoma Historical Soci- cluded cemetery documents and maps provided by the Gower’s great-greatety.

Located on the south side of Cov- grandson Sherrod Wall, along with online resources, interviews, and many ell Road between N. Douglas Boulevard and N. Post Road, the one-acre hours at the cemetery. Not all those historic Black cemetery was founded interred have a marker, and engravby John and Ophelia Canada Gower. ings on some of the markers are no longer readable. There is a separate Originally from Tennessee and area in the southwest corner, estabLouisiana, the couple married in Kansas in 1883. They came to Okla- lished in the 1930s by the Gower’s oldest son Willie, for the burial of indihoma with their three young chilgents regardless of race, creed or dren for John Gower to participate color. It is unknown how many are in the 1889 Land Run in Lincoln buried there.

Township. Gower’s final homestead The DAR chapter's Gower Memocertification was issued on April 12, rial Cemetery Research project con1895. The couple, knowing that retains a summary page of information strictions prohibited the burial of Blacks in White cemeteries, donated for each of the identified persons interred at the cemetery, and copies a portion of their land for Gower Cemetery. The property, in the com- of any documents found such as munity once known as Nonsey – be- U.S. Federal Census records, vital tween Edmond and Arcadia – is now records, military records, city directory information, and newspaper arwithin the Edmond city limits. Elizabeth Miller, second wife of Civil War ticles. Ten 1889 Land Run participants are buried at the cemeveteran Henry Miller, Co. C 17th tery, along with thirteen veterans, U.S. Colored Troops, was the first five of whom are Civil War veterans. burial on November 20, 1896.

Four of the Civil War veterans made In 1986 the Gower’s granddaughthe Land Run. ter Myrtle Gower Thomas, her husThe DAR Cordelia Steen Chapter band David and sister Ethel Gower Spencer, led a restoration effort of the of Edmond promotes the National Society’s objectives of patriotism, cemetery. It was a multi-year project historic preservation and education. that included updating the cemetery Since 2020 the chapter is honored plot map, installing a new fence with to place a Flag of the U.S.A. on the an iron gate, cleaning out shrubs and graves of all the veterans buried at overgrowth, planting sod throughout, Gower Memorial Cemetery for each and repairing everything damaged or Memorial Day and Veterans Day. destroyed from years of weather, van-

Page 10 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Crazy & evil acts

By Steve Gust There has been a lot of craziness out there recently.

It’s hard for me to believe anyone would want to hurt or kill a stranger.

But we’ve seen that time and time again. Steve Gust Last week it happened in Tulsa.

And attacking children is just unthinkable. It all happens when a few people, already unhinged, get mad and go crazy.

So what can be done about it?

With schools,they all need top security. I remember years ago the Edmond Schools and the school board gave this issue a lot of attention.

They took action with more video surveillance. When I went to school it seemed like anyone could get access to the school and the hallways.

Yet in those days I don’t remember the mass shootings.

What’s happened?

Have our moral standards declined? Are there more mentally ill? I

don’t know. The key now is for everyone to be vigilant at schools and everywhere else.

When these incidents happen there is the inevitable talk about gun control. It usually comes from politicians or Hollywood celebrities, who have lots of people with guns guarding them. They’re the same politicians who want gun restrictions on the public but not for themselves.

The people who tell us to ignore immigration and narcotics laws now believe the lawless will obey new laws.

Evil folks already break every law on the books. Laws don’t seem to stop them.

A lot of schools have school resource officers. They all need them.

We should forget all this talk about defunding the police. It’s ridulous.

And when it comes to laws, I’ve said it before but we need to get the Ten Commandments right first. And if people won’t listen to God, who will they listen to?

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

New law may give boost to scholarships Legislation to base income requirements for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program on family size has been signed into law. Sen. Adam Pugh, chair of the Senate Education Committee, is the principal author of the measure, and said since the program’s creation, the income cap has been the same, regardless of how many children were in a family. Senate Bill 1673, which was signed into law

by Gov. Kevin Stitt before the 2022 session adjourned, has higher income limits for larger families.

“Obviously, the more children you have, the more expensive it is to raise them, but until now, that’s never been a factor in determining income qualifications for Oklahoma’s Promise,” said Pugh, R-Edmond. “This is a common sense change that will increase access to the program and help even more Oklahoma students achieve their goal of obtaining a college education. Having a well-educated workforce is key to our efforts to diversify our economy and boost per-capita income in our

state. This will ultimately benefit all of Oklahoma.”

Under the new law, starting in the 2022-23 school year, students applying for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program will have an income cap of $60,000 for families with two or fewer dependent children; $70,000 for those with three to four dependent children; and $80,000 for those with five or more dependent children.

Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs, is chair of the House Committee on Higher Education and Career Tech and was House principal author of SB 1673.

"This change in law will be really helpful for parents who have multiple children going to college," Nollan said.

"As someone who had three children in college at the same time, I know the burdens that exist. This will help more students attend Oklahoma colleges and universities, which in turn translates into more skilled and trained workers who can attain higher-paying jobs, resulting in a better economy and overall improvement for our state.

Why assisting Ukraine is so important

By Sen. Lankford President Reagan fought for eight years to ensure the breakup of the Soviet Union. Now, Putin is working to rebuild it. If Russia takes over Ukraine and controls all the Black Sea ports, the US and world will face serious economic and hunger consequences.

Whoever controls the Lankford Black Sea, can manipulate the global supply and price for fertilizer, wheat, sunflower oil, corn, pig iron, oil and so much more. That clearly should not be Russia.

Standing with Ukraine now as they fight Putin’s domination of Europe is in the best interest of the United States since nations like China and Iran are also watching what we do. If America looks weak, dictators around the world will take action. Biden’s actions during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan already made America look weak; why would we want to send a second signal of weakness to the world? “Peace through strength,” still matters.

Ukraine has clearly shown they will do the fight-

ing for their own country, but since Russia has destroyed their ports and manufacturing infrastructure, they cannot make enough weapons or get enough commodities in or out. The Europeans are defending their own backyard by sending billions of dollars of humanitarian aid to the refugees and billions in military supplies to the Ukrainian military with additional support to the Ukrainian government. The Europeans can help Ukraine fight, but for the Ukrainians to win, they will need our help as well.

American forces have moved into the area around Ukraine to train and equip their forces in case Russia invades the larger region, which Putin has threatened to do. But our forces should stay out of Ukraine and allow them to fight for the future of their own nation.

—— In other issues, President Biden continues to cut off domestic energy production so he can push his progressive alternative-energy campaign promise.

Domestic energy supply was cut off by preventing drilling on federal lands and waters, where we get about a quarter of our domestic oil and gas. They refuse to approve production permits every step of the way and drags its feet through seismic testing for off-shore drilling. I met a few weeks ago with

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034,

the energy leadership in Canada who is still confused why the Biden Administration contacted Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela a few months ago for more oil, when Canada has ample supply that is produced cleaner and less expensive. It is as if the Biden team wants the price of oil and gas to climb.

I questioned Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland about the numerous delays in US energy and mineral production recently. Her answers were basically, we’ll get to it when we get to it regarding the permit process delays and lack of attention to permits Oklahoma continues to lead the way in pressing forward with domestic energy production, while also keeping our lights on and our homes cool this summer. We will not get lower energy prices until we dramatically increase the supply of energy, that means more production, not less. It is just basic economics.

—— Democrats once again demanded a vote on their bill called the “Women’s Health Protection Act” to allow unlimited abortions in our nation right up to the moment of birth. I strongly opposed it. If it passed, it would undo every state protection for unborn life and prevent any future limits on abortion, even late stage abortion. For the first time, the bill also carved out long-standing protections for religious freedom and conscious protections for healthcare providers.

—— I introduced a resolution of disapproval with Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin to dissolve a proposed Biden Administration rule that would illegally upend the process by which the US government grants asylum claims to migrants. With the numbers of migrants coming across the border at a 20-year high, the Biden Administration clearly has no intention of protecting our southern border.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 11

Celtic Throne will also appear near Mount Rushmore later this summer.

Edmond based entertainers also have home shows

Third U.S. tour set for Celtic Throne troupe Irish dancers and musicians from Edmond’s Herbert W. Armstrong College will embark on their third U.S. tour June 6, visiting seven states over 11 performances with their hit show Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance. Armstrong Auditorium will host three performances at the beginning, middle and end of the tour—at 7:30 p.m. one this week and another on Sunday, June 19, and a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 10.

Highlights of the 2022 Summer Tour will include performances at the foot of the iconic Mt. Rushmore monument in South Dakota and an encore performance at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Celtic Throne will also perform in Amarillo, TX, Denver, CO, Huntsville, AL, Branson, MO and Tulsa, OK. Tracing the history of Irish dance across millennia, the updated 2022 show features additional new music by Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne, as well as new choreography, songs and sets, making it Armstrong Dance’s largest production to date.

“Celtic Throne combines Byrne’s powerful, cinematic musical score with hard- and soft-shoe Irish dancing, all set against epic imagery of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, scenes from the British Empire and traditional America. This show is a stonking celebration of the British Isles and the United States. It is guaranteed to leave audiences thrilled and inspired,” said co-director Brad Macdonald. “Bring the entire family for an unforgettable experience!”

Brian Byrne is a multi-award-winning film and television composer, songwriter and producer who makes his home is Oklahoma. Byrne composed music for Heartbeat of Home and has collaborated with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Katy Perry, Bono, Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, Sinead O’Connor, Kelly Clarkson and Sarah McLachlan, to name a few.

The Armstrong Dance troupe is comprised of over 30 Irish dancers from around the world, including Britain, Australia, Canada and the United States, ranging in age from 24 to just five years old. The troupe is comprised of students from the Carey Academy in England and the Maguire Academy in America, some of whom have competed with great success in top Irish dance competitions, including Worlds, All Irelands, Great Britain and North American Nationals.

Tickets to Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance at Armstrong Auditorium range from $25-$50 for Adults and $25 for Youth. For more information about the tour, please visit CelticThrone.com or call 405.285.1010. Discounted group rates are available.

Watch the magic come alive at the Armstrong Auditorium.

Page 12 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘I’m melting’ said the cheese to the tuna

By Carol Smaglinski When anything seems a bit suspicious, a person might say, “You know, that sounds a little fishy to me.”

Well, there’s nothing fishy about a really good Tuna Melt, except good taste.

Are you fond of toasted cheese sandwiches? Go one step further with a Tuna Melt. The bread is first toasted to a crisp and American or Cheddar cheese placed on top. The next step is putting tuna fish salad made with dots of celery bits, and chopped onions, keeping it all together with mayonnaise.

Coming out of the broiler, its cheese oozes out of the sides of the sandwich. Perfect partners are potato chips and zesty bread and butter pickles.

The Tuna Melt began in 1965 at a Woolworth’s lunch in Charleston, South Carolina, and carried on with the cook producing hundreds for hungry customers.

These days, smart chefs are creating several innovative versions. One is done on crisp English muffins and another using a Boboli brand pizza dough with sliced tomatoes on top, only cooked for 12 minutes.

Now, a little talk about tuna, a member of the mackerel family with tender, firmed textured meat.

The Phoenicians used traps some 3,000 years ago to capture tuna. For seasonings, they used cinnamon, ground coriander, and olive oil, oranges and honey.

Every single bit, except the tail of the tuna was used.

That back part was bobbed and hastily hung up like a horseshoe to perhaps bring them good luck.

With the passage of time, today’s tuna is mostly canned. Those can be an ace-in-the-hole during cooking emergencies and as always, are given space in everyone’s cupboard right next to the can of Spam.

Fresh tuna is only available in spring, summer and fall, but canned varieties are available all year-long packaged in vegetable oil or water.

Only albacore, the most expensive and mildest tuna, is allowed to be labeled white. Check the can, because all others will be labeled light meat. Those are mixtures of both light and dark meat.

When exploring canned varieties, three different packs are available depending upon the size of the tuna itself. However, this has nothing to do with the quality of the product.

The Solid Pack of canned tuna is ideal for a nice plate presentation as it most always contains three or four pieces of fish. ($$$$) The Chunk Pack is great for additions to salads and casseroles. ($$$) Finally, the Flake Pack, which contains smaller pieces of the fish, is perfect for spreading on bread and in appetizers. ($$) Check the can for any bulging, rust, or dented parts. Just leave it on the grocery store shelf. When storing at home, cans of tuna are best kept at room temperature away from any heat.

English Muffin Tuna Melt Serves 2 2 English muffins, split horizontally 1 -5 oz. can tuna 1 stalk green onion or several chives, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 medium tomato, chopped 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated Preheat the broiler, and toast the cut sides of the muffins until golden. Keep the broiler going.

Mix ingredients. Taste for seasoning. Place some cheese on the top of each muffin. Then, spoon ¼ of the mixture onto each split muffin half and top with a bit more cheese. Grill until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately. or a different taste, place sliced green or black olives on the tops or even sliced jalapenos.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 13

Indie Lizar

Indie Lizar to perform at Round Barn concert ARCADIA – An Elm Tree Concert is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Arcadia Round Barn. Americana singer-songwriter Indie Lizar will perform, and she will be joined by guitarist and vocalist Michael Updegrove, who is a member of the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame.

Elm Tree Concerts are held outdoors on the north side of the barn, beneath the shade of the giant elm tree. Guests can bring a lawn chair or sit at the picnic tables, and cold water is available. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

The Round Barn Rendezvous will

be from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12. Musicians of all skill levels are invited to join the monthly jam sessions.

Live music is also offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday at the Round Barn, presented by the house band, the Round Barn Ramblers.

The Round Barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on historical Route 66, and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.

Edmond may purchase water from Oklahoma City A potential purchase of water from the City of Oklahoma City could require Edmond residents who require the use of a home kidney dialysis machine to adjust their method of operation.

Edmond’s water supply consists of two primary sources and a secondary source. The primary sources are surface water from Arcadia Lake, and well water from the Garber-Wellington aquifer. The secondary source is treated water purchased from Oklahoma City and may be used during the summer months.

Oklahoma City water, if necessary, will not be purchased any earlier than 30 days from the date of this notice.

City of Edmond Water Resources officials want to advise residents of the purchase because some home dialysis machines may need adjustment due to the different disinfection system used by Oklahoma City.

Although residents typically do not notice any change, kidney dialysis machines may require a different method of operation. Oklahoma City uses chloramines and Edmond uses

chlorine, which is termed “Free” chlorine, for disinfection. Both disinfecting processes meet all state standards and are accepted industry-wide.

When bringing in smaller amounts of Oklahoma City water, Edmond uses the connection located on the southwest side of town. Water is delivered to a large ground tank and then pumped back out as it is needed. The Oklahoma City water used from this location is diluted with Edmond “Well” water.

In the event Edmond needs to bring in large amounts of water, there is a connection and pump station in northwest Edmond. This facility can accommodate up to 15 million gallons of water per day. If it becomes necessary to utilize this facility then Edmond can, if needed, convert the chloramine disinfectant back to the “Free” chlorine state, or use it as it is.

Water Resources Department personnel are contacting hospitals and other medical facilities to advise them of the potential purchase of Oklahoma City water.

Page 14 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ movie

Film brings back thrills of the big screen

By George Gust “Top Gun: Maverick” finds Pete Mitchell (Tom Cruise) back in the air where he belongs. After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators he’s pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him.

Legacy sequel vs reboot vs reimagining, “Top Gun: Maverick” opts smartly to go the legacy sequel route, as it gives Cruise the runway to be the main attraction. There’s been over 30 years of waiting for any kind of follow up and even more as the pandemic repeatedly pushed the theatrical release of this film more than a year. But as far as big screen blockbuster action goes “Top Gun: Maverick” was well worth the wait.

Early in the film Ed Harris as the grizzled high-ranking general tells Cruise’s Maverick character that his way of doing things is on its way out and that there’s a new automated system coming to replace him, and Maverick in his cocksure way dismisses this notion.

This scene sets up the throwback, stick it to the man attitude of “Top Gun: Maverick” and acts as a statement that Cruise as Hollywood’s last proper Movie

Star that good old-fashioned action can win the hearts and minds of movie goers across the country.

And in terms of action “Top Gun: Maverick” features some of the most intense flight sequences committed to film and the realism of using actual F-18’s brings even more of visceral sensation to the action.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is reverential to the original movie but adds enough new character development for Cruise and the new class that you don’t feel like this movie only exists to glide off the vapor trail success of the first movie. Of course, there are plenty of nods to iconic scenes and lines from the first film, but

this follow-up stands on its own. Early on we get a glimpse of what this “Top Gun” standard issue remake could have been with Goose’s son (Miles Teller) cutting it up with the new hot shot pilots in a rehash of the bravado from the testosterone filled 80’s film.

However, this film banks hard right back into Cruise’s movie as he provides the charismatic star performance, he’s made a career off, but this time with a more guilt and melancholy of a hard life in the service.

Overall, “Top Gun: Maverick” is the movie that proves the big screen experience is still top gun over the comforts of home streaming. The cliché of edge of your seat action is true in this film’s case as you root for the ace pilots to complete their incredibly dangerous mission and come home safely. This film delivers the kinds of thrills that will remind you of the first time you were excited by a big blockbuster popcorn movie. “Top Gun: Maverick” will have you driving your car faster than you should as you leave the theater with a need for speed.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action, and some strong language.

4.7 out of 5 stars.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Answers appearing on Page 19

Tom Cruise takes to the sky again as the hot shot pilot, Maverick, in the endlessly crowd pleasing Summer Blockbuster ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’

EFC to host GIRLSTRONG camps during the summer Please join us at Edmond Family Counseling for GIRLSTRONG this summer.

GIRSTRONG is a camp for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade GIRLS!. The camp will provide professional life skills instruction to boost self-esteem, develop positive coping strategies and improve peer relationships. The camp is provided by EFC and has free registration and tuition. The camp will be from 9:00 am to 12 pm the following dates: June 20-24 July 18-22 August 1-5 For more information and to register, please contact Amanda Beck, M.A., LPC-C, at Edmond Family Counseling, 405-341-3554 or email Abeck@edmondfamily.org.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Cars ACROSS 1. Fountain treat 5. Pharaoh's cobra 8. "____ the Woods," movie 12. Gulf V.I.P. 13. Native American tent 14. Rapper Dogg 15. Hindu princess 16. *Used to alert when driving 17. "____ ____ me, then who?"

18. *Corvette, e.g.

20. Cambodian money 21. *Like Stephen King's Christine 22. "Some Nights" (2012) band 23. *Aston follower 26. State legislature's home 30. 7th letter of Greek alphabet 31. *What I used to step on the gas 34. Lowest brass 35. Salon offerings 37. Exclamation of surprise 38. Fathered 39. Do like phoenix 40. Underarm 42. The Jackson 5's "____ Be There" 43. 3 or 6 in 3+6=9 45. Knit cap 47. Shed tears 48. Winter Olympics participant 50. Embarkation location 52. *Earth traveler (2 words) 56. 2-time NBA Champion Rajon 57. Double-reed instrument 58. Muscovite or biotite 59. Lopsided 60. Undesirable dwelling 61. Causing pain 62. Like certain military tent 63. Between "ready" and "go" 64. #63 Across, pl.

DOWN 1. J. Lo's ex 2. Wet nurse 3. *Don't cross it when driving 4. Hot dish stand 5. Garlicky mayonnaise 6. Shopping ____ 7. Pub offering 8. *Car name that sounds like "unending" synonym 9. Opposite of all 10. Hammer or sickle 11. Choose or select 13. Like a rosebush 14. Maple goo, alt. sp.

19. French city, popular coronation location 22. Like a certain Tuesday 23. First 'M' in MGM 24. Aweigh 25. Turn toddler into an adult 26. Chicken house 27. Home of famous shroud 28. Obelus, pl.

29. Soup server

32. *Car company founded by a Henry 33. Unit of electrical resistance 36. *German luxury car 38. *Driving maneuver 40. Take your pick 41. In the same place, in a footnote 44. Cupid's ammo 46. Smells 48. Expensive fur 49. Type of whip 50. Do like a model 51. Squid's defense, pl.

52. Death, to some 53. Kamala Harris, e.g.

54. Not counterfeit 55. Dose of sunshine, pl.

56. *Car name that also means Aries

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 15

A look at what State House enacted The House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die late last month following a successful session in which Republicans enacted historic, progrowth investments for the future of Oklahoma.

"This year's investments in Oklahoma's future expand our economy and protect our budget like never before,” said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. "Over the past two years, the largest House Republican majority ever secured a future of tremendous prosperity, innovation and freedom in Oklahoma. Republicans proudly met the expectations Oklahomans gave us."

The Legislature sent 434 measures to the governor this session, including bills to stop illegal marijuana grows, deliver broadband statewide, protect life, uphold traditional values and enhance public safety.

The Legislature also enacted a balanced budget featuring historic state savings account deposits, law enforcement pay raises, and, for the first time, elimination of the waiting list for services for Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"With a foundation laid by generational investments and the most comprehensive conservative policy agenda ever, Oklahoma's best is yet to come," McCall said. "Thanks to all members of the House and Senate for partnering in these shared, historic accomplishments.”

Generational investments (2022) • Made major economic and infrastructure development improvements through: ◦ Nearly $1 billion for Project Ocean (HB 4455), a major technology and manufacturing job opportunity, and retrofitting rural Oklahoma areas like industrial parks (HBs 4456 & 4464), to recruit future economic megaprojects; ◦ $95 million to critical rural water projects (SB 429) ◦ Maintaining all state transportation infrastructure funding (SB 1040) ◦ Setting the stage for hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband infrastructure funding (HB 3363, HB 3349, SB 1495); and ◦ Increased rural hospital funding, including reopening some hospitals that closed in recent years (HBs 4456, 4464) • Increased state savings to $2.6 billion, the most in state history, through a balanced budget that does not spend all available money.

• Continued historic education budgets in public schools, with K-12 schools receiving a 35% increase in funding in the past six years to $3.2 billion, the highest amount in state history (HB 4465, SB 1040), and a 7% increase to higher education, the largest single-year increase to colleges and universities in recent history (SB 1040).

• Funded and addressed nursing and teaching shortages, including: ◦ $55 million for nursing programs at higher education institutions statewide (SB 1458); ◦ Reforming the healthcare workforce state agency to improve effectiveness (HB 2776); ◦ $17.4 million for scholarships and employment incentives for aspiring teachers to improve recruitment and retention (HB 3564); ◦ Performance-based teacher raises ranging between $3,000 and $10,000 for specially-certified teachers, and one-time awards between $1,500 and $5,000 for teachers in economically disadvantaged or smaller schools (HB 4388); ◦ Creating a STEM Workforce Pipeline Program (HB 4362); and ◦ Improving and expediting the teacher certification process (HB 3658).

• Made health and human services improvements with funds and policies that: ◦ End the waiting list for services for the developmentally disabled with $32.5 million in the FY 23 budget (HB 4466), granting more than 5,000 developmentally disabled Oklahomans critical state services they have waited years to receive. ◦ Control and cap Medicaid spending through capitated managed care that provides budget certainty and produces hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity, especially in rural Oklahoma (SBs 1337, 1396, 1074) ◦ Improve mental health services with increased provider rates and expanded rural access (SB 1048) Comprehensive conservative policy (2022) • Stopped illegal marijuana grows by funding sheriffs to assist with marijuana enforcement (HB 3530), improving packaging requirements (HB 3019), adjusting licensing fees (HB 2179 awaiting signature), and making the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority a standalone agency (SB 1543) and more.

• Expanded broadband by equip-

ping the Oklahoma Broadband Office (HB 3363) to bring high-speed internet access to 95% of Oklahomans by 2027.

• Preserved Oklahoma values by supporting life (SB 612, HB 1102, HB 2441, SB 918, HB 4327, SB 1503), protecting women's sports (SB 2) and ensuring children are safe in school bathrooms (SB 615).

• Supported law enforcement with 30% officer pay raises and increased funds for training, fighting crimes against children and officer mental health support (HB 4470, HB 4471, SB 1055, SB 1056, HB 2958), while stopping all Democrat "defund the police" bills from advancing (HB 4156, HB 4157, HB 4161).

• Maintained election integrity by enhancing voter identification requirements for absentee votes (HBs 3364 & 3365), prohibiting private funds for elections (HB 3046) and investigating suspicious registrations (HB 2974).

Flashback: 2021 Accomplishments

Education • Implemented open transfer policy to expand parental choice (HB 2074, SB 783) • Reduced class sizes in kindergarten and first grade through increased appropriations •Maximized funding formula by making money follow student (HB 2078) • Created charter and traditional school funding equity with Redbud School Funding Act (SB 229) • Increased private support for public schools and scholarships for private schools (SB 1080)

• Required passage of U.S. Civics Test to graduate high school (HB 2030) • Banned teaching critical race theory in public school classrooms (HB 1775) Tax relief • Reduced personal income tax by .25% for all taxpayers (HB 2962) • Reduced corporate income tax from 6% to 4% (HB 2960, HB 2961, HB 2963) Budget • Set state record for common education appropriations (HB 2900) • Replenished savings to record $1.3 billion States’ Rights • Established constitutional process to challenge federal overreach (HB 1236) • Expanded pro-life policies (HBs 2441, 1102, SBs 918, 778, 779) • Protected churches from infringement of constitutional worship rights (HB 2648, SB 368) • Supported more Second Amendment protections (HB 1630, SB 631) Government & Elections • Modernized civil service system to improve state government workforce (HB 1146) • Addressed issues surrounding driver’s license backlogs (HB 1059, SB 1057) • Completed fair, transparent, constitutional legislative redistricting plan (HB 1198, SB 1066) • Add extra day of in-person early voting (HB 2663) • Improved state questions by disclosing fiscal impacts, allowing recounts (SB 947, HB 2564)

Page 16 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Exercise may help in fight with anxiety & depression

Another Masterpiece listing by the Brad Reeser Team 10600 Sorentino Drive, Arcadia, OK $1,350,000

COMMUNITY ADVOCATES: “WE LIVE AND GIVE IN EMOND” -THE RED DAY RUNThe Brad Reeser Team is extremely involved in Edmond’s largest charitable 5K, The RED Day Run. It truly is “A team affair” - Brad is sponsorship chair, Tracy is registration chair, and Chase is in charge of publicity. Team members Angie, Anne, and Melanie are Race Day Volunteers as well! To date, the RED Day Run has given over XS RSR TVS½XW WIVZMRK XLSWI MR RIIH MR )HQSRH

PROUD MAJOR SPONSORS OF -Edmond Public Schools Foundation -Edmond Mobile Meals -Project 66 Food Pantry -Alzheimer’s Association

INDUSTRY LEADERS 40TH YEAR OF SELLING REAL ESTATE IN EDMOND Edmond Board of REALTORS 2021 REALTOR of the Year

-EBR Past President - 2021 -Oklahoma Association of REALTORS 2019 REALTOR of the Year -Chairman, REALTOR Political Action Committee -Federal Political Coordinator -TRACY RATCLIFF Celebrates 24 Years of working with The Brad Reeser Team this year.

-EBR Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, 2021 -EBR Most Cooperative REALTOR 2018 -Keller Williams Central Oklahoma Accelerate Award Reciptient.

HOMES, LAND, LOTS, OR COMMERICAL PROPERTIES - WE SELL IT ALL! NEW LISTINGS ACCEPTED! CALL US AT

405-990-8262

2201 Augusta Ave List Price: $399,900 Sold Price: $420,000 432 Post Road List Price $485,000 Sold Price: $532,000 3601 NW 43rd List Price: $250,000 Sold Price $290,000 2604 Little Timber List Price $339,900 Sold Price $370,000 LET US HELP YOU MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME’S VALUE! CALL TODAY!

By Brian Attebery Exercise is awesome for our physical fitness, but we can’t ignore the mental benefits of it as well.

Anxiety and depression affect millions of Americans on a daily basis.

Attebery Getting counseling, self-help books and possibly medications can be a great help, you need to factor in exercise as a great way to help cope with anxiety and depression.

Exercise will help to relieve the pressures that build up in your body with stress. This stress builds up and can lead to anxiety and depression at varying degrees. I like to use the analogy that your body is like a sponge, and we soak up stresses in life. That sponge can only hold so much and gets overwhelmed. If we don’t wring out the sponge on occasion, then that “sponge” can’t function well.

Our bodies need exercise to help cope with stress, anxiety and depression. When we exercise, our bodies go through the process of releasing some of the effects of those things whether we want to or not. This is a great thing! Even a brisk 10-minute walk can be a life saver for your nerves and mind.

Exercise may improve mental health by helping the brain cope better with stress. In one study, researchers found that those who got regular vigorous exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years (“Exercise for Stress and Anxiety” Anxiety and Depression Association of America. www.adaa.org) Some of the other benefits of exercise include improved mood, sleep patterns, endorphin releases and over

all sense of well-being. Group exercise programs have long been associated with not only the physical benefits of the exercise but the social aspects many people enjoy when they join exercise classes and get to know their fellow gym members. Perhaps recruit a workout buddy to exercise with by simply meeting up to go on walks.

It can be hard to measure all of these changes, but science is showing even physical changes to the body from exercise and how it helps with depression. From a physiological standpoint, exercise has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain that regulates mood. And we know that people with depression tend to have a smaller hippocampus than those without depression, according to Harvard Health Review. This is amazing to see. It just goes to show the ongoing benefits of exercise and when you say you, “don’t have time” or “can’t afford it” then you really need to think about your quality of life and the consequences that will cost you more than just money if you ignore your body and mind’s need for physical activity on a daily basis.

Exercise is truly more than about weight loss or looking better. It has the potential to change your physiology and anatomy too. If you are suffering from anxiety and/or depression you should address it with your health care provider. They may suggest medication and/or counseling but we know that there is nothing more simple than prioritizing your fitness as a non-invasive approach to treating your body right!

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

Collegiate golf results

By Steve Steele Due to heavy rains in OKC on Tuesday May 24 the NAIA Women's Championship was reduced from 72 holes to 54 holes and was played Steele Wednesday, May 25 to Friday, May 27th at Lincoln Park West Golf Course.

The #1 ranked Oklahoma City University Lady Stars came up just short to #3 ranked British Columbia.

British Columbia shot tournament record scores of 286-286-288-860(-4) to OKCU's 290-292-283-865(+1) on the 6,013 yard par 72 course. The Stars were led by Reagan Chaney's 70-69-68-207(-9) 2nd place individual finish. Chaney is a freshman from Ardmore. Maddi Kamas, a freshman from Kingfisher, shot 69-69-70-208 to finish 3rd. Kamas's 69-69 start matched the NAIA record for a 36 hole start with former OCU golfer Ashley Sholer in 2006. Taking medalist honors was MinJi Kang from Truett McConnell(GA) with an NAIA record 69-66-69-204(-12). Rounding out the OCU scores were freshman Paige Wood of McKinney, TX with 74-74-73-221 T21st, Natalie Gough, a senior from Bixby with 77-81-77-235 T70th, Rachel Eckert, a senior from Bixby shot 79-80 the first two rounds and was replaced in the final round by freshman Morgan Palermo of Parker, CO who fired a round of 72.

British Columbia had three ladies finish in the top 10, Sonja Tang (6th), Grace Bell (7th) and Elizabeth Labbe (T9th). Last year the event was hosted by Rose Creek Golf Club and #2 ranked Kaiser (FL) won by 19 shots. This year they tied for 8th with a score of 900. There were 17 teams and 7 individuals competing this year. The Stars have won National Championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2017.

Coach Marty McCauley has led OCU to their previous three national titles.

In the NCAA D1 Women's Championship in Scottsdale, AZ May 20-25 the OSU Cowgirls were unable to advance to the match play rounds. No. 1 ranked women's amateur in the world Rose Zhang of Stanford won the medalist crown with 68-70-69-75282(-6). OSU's Maddison HinsonTolchard was the only Cowgirl that qualified to play the fourth round and shot 78-68-77-73-296 and tied for 31st. In the match play finals Zhang's #1 seeded Stanford team defeated #2 seeded Oregon 3 matches to 2 to claim the 2022 National Championship.

In the Men's DII National Championships held at TPC Michigan in Dearborn May 16-20 the Oklahoma Christian Eagles finished in the top 8 to qualify for the Medal/Match portion of the tournament. The Eagles finished strong in the 54 hole medal qualifying rounds, they claimed the 4th seed for the Medal/Match. In the quarterfinals #7 seed Georgia Southwestern disposed of #2 seed Colorado State-Pueblo 4 matches to 1. #1 seed Central Missouri beat #8 seed Arkansas Tech 3-2. #3 seed Lee University beat #6 seed Barry University 4-1 and #4 seed OC rocked #5 seed Missouri-St. Louis 4.5 to .5. In the semi's Lee beat Georgia Southwestern 3 to 2 and OC got by Central Missouri 3.5 to 1.5. In the finals Lee University beat OC 4 matches to 1. Let's hand it to the Eagles for finishing runner-up in the DII National Championship, led by coach David Lynn. The Eagles got strong efforts by all five members of the team at nationals, led by Mateo Pulcini. Andres Brictson, Exequiel Rodriguez, Alejandro Armijo and Oskari Nikku all made great contributions and had a very successful season.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 17

Official: Inflation stinging Oklahomans Gross Receipts to the Treasury in May reflect the dampening effect of inflation on the Oklahoma economy, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced this week.

May gross receipts of $1.3 billion are up 5 percent from a year ago, the slowest rate of growth in 10 months. The current annual inMcDaniel flation rate is 8.3 percent. Energy prices are up 30.3 percent over the year and food costs are up 9.4 percent, the largest increase since April 1981.

“Oklahoma is holding its own in a challenging economic environment,” Treasurer McDaniel said.

“While unemployment remains low, equity returns have not recovered and inflation is taking a toll on everyone.”

Consumption taxes – sales and use tax receipts – grew by 5.9 percent in May, less than the current rate of inflation.

“When inflation outpaces revenue, buying

power decreases,” said McDaniel. “Spending more to purchase the same things impacts all budgets, especially those of hard-working Oklahomans.”

Income tax collections dropped by almost 12 percent but this outcome is related to last year’s delayed filing deadline which increased 2021 collections. Motor vehicle receipts are up by 5.5 percent from the prior year and gross production collections in May are up significantly.

Twelve-month collections of $16.48 billion are up by $2. 6 billion, or 18.8 percent, compared to the previous 12 months with all four major revenue streams showing growth.

Other indicators The Oklahoma unemployment rate in April was reported as 2.7 percent by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is unchanged from March.

The U.S. jobless rate was listed as 3.6 percent in April, also unchanged from March.

The monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index improved in May. The index for the month

was set at 66.1, up from 65.8 in April. The outlook remains positive as numbers above 50 indicate expected expansion during the next three to six months.

May collections May 2022 collections compared to gross receipts from May 2021 show: Total monthly gross collections are $1.3 billion, up $62.2 million, or 5 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $357 million, down by $47.1 million, or 11.7 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $314.2 million, a decrease of $41.6 million, or 11.7 percent.

Corporate collections are $42.8 million, down by $5.5 million, or 11.4 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties,

See McDaniel, Page 18

A hearty welcome to Red Dirt Image Photobooth Rental Co. Red Dirt Image Photobooth Rental Co. recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening in Edmond.

Red Dirt Image Photobooth Rental Co. is an open air photobooth that takes photos, boomerangs, GIFs, and comes with a live gallery of all the photos taken at an event.

All captures can be sent to your guest’s phones via text or QR scan code.

To learn more about this new business, visit www.reddirtimage.com

The Red Dirt Image Photobooth Rental Co. is officially honored by the Edmond Chamber.

LifeShare of Oklahoma makes history with organ transplant LifeShare of Oklahoma, the organization in the state responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant, has made national history by being the first organ procurement organization (OPO) in the U.S. to successfully own, operate and place a liver for transplant following preservation on the OrganOx metra.

This represents the first time a liver has been clinically transplanted in the U.S. after being preserved on the metra by an OPO-based preservation team. Prior to this, all U.S. transplants involving the device have either been conducted by transplant center teams as part of the clinical trial or following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

LifeShare has their own in-house team of specially trained technicians that operate the perfusion device.

The Oklahoma OPO originally started using this new perfusion technology to conduct clinical research before the device was approved by the FDA for use in transplants.

Perfusion and preservation of organs has become a heavily explored area of medical advancement in hopes of providing more organs for

transplant to decrease the national waiting list. Over the years, LifeShare has grown their use of perfusion technology to improve both the number and quality of organs available for transplant with a focus on kidney and liver preservation.

“When we started down this path to grow our liver preservation efforts last November, the vision was to bring this important, new lifesaving technology to LifeShare to further our mission of saving more lives,” shared Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “We are pleased to announce our vision has become a reality with our preservation team placing a liver for transplant after it was perfused with the metra.”

This history making announcement comes on the heels of LifeShare opening a new Clinical Innovation Center in April, which houses the organizations tissue recovery and organ preservation efforts. The Clinical Innovation Center is a new 19,000 square foot state of the art clinical facility built to support LifeShare’s core purpose of saving and healing lives, along with medical advancement in donation and transplantation.

Part of the LifeShare team making history with an organ transplant.

Page 18 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

McDaniel From Page 17 total $565.7 million – up by $31.5 million, or 5.9 percent.

Sales tax collections total $485.5 million, an increase of $26.9 million, or 5.9 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on outof-state purchases including internet sales, generated $80.2 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 6 percent.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $162.1 million, an increase of $74.9 million, or 85.8 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $75.2 million, up by $3.9 million, or 5.5 percent.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $140.1 million – down by $883,539, or 0.6 percent.

The medical marijuana tax produced $4.9 million, down by $1.1 million, or 18.3 percent from May 2021.

Twelve-month collections Combined gross receipts for the past 12 months compared to the pre-

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Hi and Lois

Blondie

Shoe

Hägar the Horrible

Zits

vious period show: Gross revenue totals $16.48 billion.

That is $2.61 billion, or 18.8 percent, above collections from the previous period.

Gross income taxes generated $5.94 billion, an increase of $920.6 million, or 18.3 percent.

Individual income tax collections total $4.91 billion, up by $663.3 million, or 15.6 percent.

Corporate collections are $1.03 billion, an increase of $257.3 million, or 33.2 percent.

Combined sales and use taxes generated $6.54 billion, an increase of $774.2 million, or 13.4 percent.

Gross sales tax receipts total $5.56 billion, up by $651.7 million, or 13.3 percent.

Use tax collections generated $976.6 million, an increase of $122.6 million, or 14.4 percent.

Oil and gas gross production tax collections generated $1.44 billion, up by $744.2 million, or 107.2 percent.

Motor vehicle collections total $882 million, an increase of $70 million, or 8.6 percent.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 9, 2022 • Page 19

TSET concerned about state’s food security The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust’s (TSET) Food System Impact grants tackled pandemic-related food access issues and facilitated the distribution of more than 100,000 meals to seniors, youth and needy families, and the expansion of a program to increase access to fruits and vegetables for Oklahomans.

Beginning in August 2020, the seven funded grants, ranging from $36,000 to $408,000, targeted hunger in Oklahoma’s most vulnerable populations, including seniors and children. The funded grants also established relationships with numerous partners to leverage additional funding and enhanced services for their target populations. In total, the seven grants generated $2.47 million in direct assistance and $644,000 in inkind assistance.

“The last two years have been difficult for all Oklahomans, but for those suffering from food insecurity, the pandemic intensified the struggle to get access to healthy foods,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “Fortunately, groups are working on this issue every single day, enabling TSET to step in and apply funds to meet these critical needs.”

The areas addressed by these grants, which spanned from August 2020 to December 2021, included senior nutrition and meals, increased community access to produce, nutrition and physical activity education for underserved urban populations, infrastructure for programs serving youth, and mobile food access to rural populations.

Major achievements of the grants included: 47,500+ meals for youth in Northeastern Okla-

homa.

10,200+ families access to mobile community market in rural East Central Oklahoma.

48,000+ meals for seniors across the state.

Expansion of a local food security cooperative in Northwestern Oklahoma.

Expansion of a pilot program to offer increased access to produce through grocery stores in 10 Oklahoma communities.

Implementation of a Community is Medicine program to 317 families in River West Neighborhood in Tulsa.

In addition to the services provided to the various target communities, organizations learned valuable information about the causes of hunger and methods for addressing the problem with Oklahoma-centered solutions.

“TSET funding has made a tremendous impact on our program and our most vulnerable seniors in Northwest Oklahoma,” said Christy Baker, executive director of RSVP Enid. “Even through COVID, we have found we have a better quality program and plan to keep our programs running as they are currently.”

Puzzles appear on Page 14

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

Ple ease check with h your house of o worship for more m informati ion.

Please information.

Page 20 • June 9, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure