Edmond Life and Leisure - July 14, 2022

July 14, 2022

Vol. 23, No. 9

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Miss Oklahoma from Edmond

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.

Heard on Hurd returns this weekend

Megan Gold

See page 9

FRIDAY, July 15

Sunny High 100° Low 73°

SATURDAY, July 16 Mostly Sunny High 102° Low 76°

SUNDAY, July 17

Partly Cloudy High 101° Low 76°

Megan Gold, OU Meteorology graduate, crowned Miss Oklahoma 2022 TULSA, OK - Thirty-six candidates from across the state of Oklahoma competed for the title of Miss Oklahoma. Megan Gold, Miss Bricktown, was crowned the winner on earlier this summer at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. She is also from Edmond, attending high school at Oklahoma Christian Schools. Gold receives a $25,000 cash scholarship to further her education and will represent Oklahoma in the Miss America competition.

Gold performed a flute solo, “Dueling Banjos” for the talent phase of the competition. Her Social Impact Initiative is, “America, Let’s Do Lunch - Ending Senior Hunger.”

Gold volunteers with Meals on Wheels. She says, “Although my current efforts are geared toward seniors, as Miss Oklahoma, I will work to fight hunger for all Oklahomans.” Gold is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Meteorology. Gold won Social Impact Initiative, Evening Gown, and Talent Awards during the preliminary competition.

Gold is from Edmond. Her parents are Kathy and Mike Gold, and

she has a twin brother Michael.

Her grandparents, Janice and Clint Gold reside in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. She works as a weekend meteorologist for News on 6 in Tulsa.

The remaining top five finalists included first runner-up, Emily Faith, Miss Tulsa; second runner-up, Miss Oklahoma City, Mackenzie McIntyre; third runner-up, Miss Oklahoma State Fair, Claire Grace; and fourth runner-up, Miss Edmond, Evelyn Smith. All 36 candidates received a minimum of a $1,000 scholarship.

For her social impact initiative, Gold decided to “start with grandpa and grandma” by advocating for seniors who face food insecurity through Meals on Wheels. One in 10 Oklahoma seniors struggles with hunger, according to the Oklahoma Food Bank, and Gold said her grandpa, Wilson, was once one of those seniors. “(Wilson) was my hero, and I loved my afternoon visits to see him. But on a particular visit, my family noticed he was eating Vienna sausages and M&Ms for dinner, and that wasn’t the nutrition that he needed to stay healthy,” Gold said. “So, I knew it was time to get

PHOTOS PROVIDED

involved not only for Grandpa, but for other seniors in similar situations. It’s my mission to advocate for the silent, forgotten group, because they took care of us, and now it’s time that we take care of them.”

Gold said she knows Oklahoma seniors have been through a lot, and pride can make it difficult to come forward with this challenge.

She said it is the job of younger generations to check on their grandparents and neighbors who might not feel comfortable asking for help.

As Miss Oklahoma, Gold said she will work to uphold the traditions of the Miss America organization and take what she has learned from past titleholders to heart.

“My goal is not to change the title, but to add to it,” Gold said.

“There have been so many incredible ladies standing here that I’ve been able to go have coffee with to learn about their years of service, and (I) have things I could do differently but also (can) build on the things that they did.”

Gold will represent Oklahoma in the Miss America competition, which will be held in Uncasville, Connecticut later this year.

Page 2 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 3

Rumble Makes An Edmond Visit Rumble, the mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder, showed up at the Edmond LibertyFest parade last week. For more parade photographs, please see Page 10.

MELINDA INFANTE

Poll: Majority want government to make health care affordable Voters overwhelmingly support government action to make health care more affordable, including by extending the increased premium tax credits for purchasing health coverage on the Marketplace, and by closing the Medicaid coverage gap.

According to a new national poll conducted by a bipartisan team of researchers for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), 8 in 10 (81%) voters agree that the government should protect people so that they don’t lose their coverage during high inflation and economic instability. Support was highest among Democrats (96%) but was also strong among Independents (74%) and Republicans (64%).

Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) voters also believe the government should do whatever it can to make Marketplace coverage more affordable and nearly two-thirds (68%) support making the expanded premium tax credits permanent. Candidates who support making the credits permanent are twice as likely to gain votes as they are to lose votes.

The poll comes as lawmakers in Congress continue to negotiate whether to include these and other health care provisions in a possible budget reconciliation package. Failure to include an extension of the tax credits will result in many people’s monthly marketplace premiums increasing by double digits starting this fall.

“Clearly voters understand the importance of affordable health coverage and want their lawmakers to keep the increased premium tax credits in place now and in the long-run,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Support for keeping this change is strong across all parties, but more important than the policy’s popularity is its effect on people’s health.

American Cancer Society research shows that uninsured Americans are less likely to get screened for cancer and thus are more likely to have their cancer diagnosed late when survival is less likely and the cost of care more expensive. These subsidies help more people get and keep the kind of affordable comprehensive coverage that could save their lives.”

Voters also overwhelmingly support (76%) expanding Medicaid coverage to the more than 2 million people in the 12 states that have yet to expand the program. Support is highest among Democrats (95%) but is also strong among Independents (69%) and Republicans (61%).

“These data show the strong public desire for Congress to act on health care issues,” said Lacasse. “Extending the premium tax credits and closing the Medicaid coverage gap are among the two most tangible ways lawmakers can clearly demonstrate their commitment to their constituents and to improved access to health care. Congress must preserve and extend access to affordable care in the upcoming legislative package.”

Page 4 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

CIA offers travel ‘Tradecraft’ It makes me happy to see so many folks traveling overseas again. Safety is a big concern but not just with this virus. The world is a very different place then it was three years ago. I spent 20 years traveling without too much concern for my safety. I did pay attention to my surroundings but given that I was much bigger than I am Ray Hibbard now and younger, I was fearless.

Now, being 64 years of age and weighing one hundred pounds less, I take more precautions.

I can only remember twice when I got concerned about safety in my travels to Europe.

Once was in Monaco. We were walking near the casino gardens, and it was getting dark. I made the mistake of turning left into the poorly lighted gardens.

I saw a man blocking our path and turned around to go back into the lighted part of the street only to find another fellow right on our tail.

We found ourselves in between two odd looking men and one had a big stick. I noticed a group of kids under a streetlight and yelled hello to them in a big loud voice. It startled the man in front of us and made the kids take notice of us and look our way. The two guys disappeared.

In 2014 I was on my eastern European walk about alone. I checked into a hotel in Prague, and they asked if I needed help with my luggage. I said no and proceeded up the tiny elevator to my floor. When the doors opened it was pitch black.

There had to be motion for the hall lights to come on, but they were slow to react. I made my way down the dark halls to my room. The smart thing to do would have been to let the staff help me to my room. I let pride take over and that can get you in trouble my friends.

There is a great organization that offers the best advice on traveling safe. It is not AARP. It is the Central Intelligence Agency. They are experts at blending into the local surrounds. Standing out as the rich American can get you mugged in quick order. CIA operatives on assignment overseas call it “being the gray man” who blends in and does not alert the world to their American citizenship and all the assumed wealth and baggage that can bring.

The CIA has a column about safe travel on their website. They call it advice from Molly.

Who knew? They offer lots of tips and here are a few suggestions you will want to keep.

CIA officers travel to some of the most dynamic and dangerous places on earth—from global capitals to remote outposts to active conflict zones. CIA’s informal motto is, “We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.” To do so safely, officers follow many safe travel best practices that anyone can use. They call it “travel tradecraft.”

OBJECTIVE ONE: GETTING THERE TIP: Make a copy of your passport. While traveling abroad, your passport might be your ticket home during a tough situation. If the front desk

of your hotel asks to hold on to your passport, see if they will accept that copy. While you are at it, write down some important phone numbers—emergency contacts, your country’s local embassy, etc.—just in case.

TIP: Register with your embassy. Think of it as establishing communications with your home base. Registering with your country’s embassy ahead of your foreign travel enables embassy staff to contact you in the event of an emergency or unfolding crisis. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sign up with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

TIP: Learn some local lingo. You do not need to go full incognito, but if you have time, try to pick up key words and phrases in the language of your destination. We think that “hello,” “goodbye,” “yes/no,” “help,” and “police” are just a few of the essentials. These phrases might come in handy if you find yourself in a tight spot. And feel free to use the CIA World Factbook to do some all-around research on your international destination—it is publicly available and a great resource. Our World Factbook team even created special travel briefings for several countries.

TIP: Scout out local transportation. Upon arrival, ask an airport official or travelers’ aide how much it should cost to catch a public shuttle or taxi to your hotel. If you choose a taxi, be sure to negotiate the price before loading your baggage and getting inside. Only use taxis from the official queue that are clearly marked and have a functioning meter and the driver’s ID displayed inside.

OBJECTIVE TWO: SETTLING IN TIP: Know your escape route. That cliché about knowing the fastest way out of a room?

We might have invented it. When you get to your hotel, take a moment to familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation plans. How many doors are between yours and the nearest stairwell? Could you find it in the dark? In a smoky haze?

TIP: Use the elevator (unless it is an emergency). Using the stairs is great for exercise, but crimes frequently occur in isolated stairwells. If you can, try to stick to the elevator.

TIP: Look for a middle floor. Being on the ground floor can leave you more vulnerable to break-ins, but many countries’ emergency response personnel are not equipped to reach higher than a few floors off the ground. Consider requesting a room somewhere in between.

TIP: Lock it up. The automatic locks on hotel room doors can often be forced open, and the chains can often be cut. Use the deadbolt. Do you know what else can help keep a door closed?

A door stop. Consider investing in a traveler’s portable door lock or alarm to help further secure your hotel room. Yes, it is our job to be paranoid, and we are professionals at it.

TIP: Beware of unsolicited knocks. A knock at your hotel door? Do not open it unless you know or can verify who is on the other side.

Special delivery, turndown service, or room serv-

ice that you did not request? Call the front desk to confirm. The same goes for unexpected maintenance or housekeeping.

OBJECTIVE Three: STEPPING OUT AND ABOUT TIP: Taking a car? Lock the doors. Whether you are renting your own wheels or taking a taxi, lock the doors as soon as you get in. Best practice is to keep the windows rolled up, as well. Carjackers often prey on simple mistakes like an open door—do not let them.

TIP: Stay alert. Our officers are trained to be highly attuned to their surroundings, constantly maintaining situational awareness. It is a habit that will pay you dividends, too. If you use all five senses to pay attention to what is happening around you, you will not only spot telltale signs if something is amiss, but you will also soak up your destination’s unique atmosphere.

TIP: Be mindful when drinking alcohol. Spies might swill martinis in the movies, but alcohol impairs alertness and judgement. Like the tip above, you will want to be alert and maintain situational awareness, especially in an unfamiliar country. Some countries also have local customs and restrictions on alcohol consumption, so be sure you know what those are and follow them closely before you decide to imbibe.

TIP: Walk the walk. Your demeanor on the street can sometimes be the best deterrent to criminals.

Do not look like an easy target. Take it from us, you do not want to attract attention by looking meek, lost, or distracted. For example, do not stand on a busy street corner poring over a map or your smart phone. Instead, channel quiet confidence. At the same time, you do not want to be too flashy, showing off extravagant items or wealth. Leave at home the fancy jewelry, watches, electronics, and other items that might make you an especially appealing target to thieves.

TIP: Plan your route and reroute, as necessary.

Whether you are traveling by car, public transit, or foot, prepare in advance. Do your day’s activities take you through a dangerous part of town?

Take a different route. Adjust your plans and routes as necessary to avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas that are not too isolated, if possible.

TIP: Trust your instincts. We know from experience that when something does not feel right, it often is not. Someone standing too close to you, following you across multiple locations, loitering outside your room—if a situation raises your suspicions, remove yourself from it or seek help.

I believe it is safe to travel in Europe. Just take some time to know things like where the exits are when you sit down at a restaurant. A little prevention and fore thought will go a long way in making your experience safer. One more thing. Use a local travel agent to book you trip.

They offer a lifeline if something goes wrong with you travel. It is good insurance.

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6.

---- Heard on Hurd this weekend......................................................Page 9.

---- Columnist puzzled by ‘ranked’ voting ......................................Page 10.

---- Scenes from LibertyFest parade ..............................................Page 11.

---- George Gust reviews “Thor’ ....................................................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 • July 14, 2022 • Page 5

Cutting costs on the summer road trip

By The Metro News Service The most memorable road trips are often the byproduct of ample planning. Careful examinations of maps months before a trip begins can help vacationers find the best sights to see and uncover must-visit restaurants. In fact, many people find pre-trip planning nearly as enjoyable as the trip itself.

Vacationers who planned road trips months ago likely did not think they would be forced to contend with extraordinarily high gas prices, but that’s precisely the position drivers find themselves in this summer. The average gas price in many parts of North America exceeded $5 U.S. dollars per gallon by early June, and economic forecasters predicted prices could climb even higher as June gives way to the summer travel season.

High gas prices likely won’t compel most vacationers to cancel their travel plans this summer.

And those who are staying the course can rest easy knowing there are plenty of ways for them to cut costs and still enjoy a memorable summer road trip in the months ahead.

• Book a vehicle maintenance appointment.

Prior to heading for parts unknown, visit your local auto body shop and have your car or truck serviced. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that regular engine tune-ups to ensure a vehicle is running efficiently increases fuel economy by an average of 4 percent. Schedule an oil change and tune-up shortly before your departure date so your car won’t be forced to work extra hard, and thus consume extra fuel, during your trip.

• Reconsider your ride. Vacationers with more than one car to choose from may want to reconsider which car they drive on their road trip this summer. For example, families with one SUV and one sedan may save money by driving the sedan instead of the SUV, which is likely less fuel-efficient than the smaller vehicle. In addition, consider the type of fuel each of your cars requires and let that inform your decision. For instance, certain vehicles require more expensive high-octane fuel. If you own a car that requires the more budgetfriendly regular 87 octane fuel, take that one on the road with you this summer.

To lead Sunset Elementary

New principal named The Edmond Board of Education has named Michelle Wartley principal of Sunset Elementary. Wartley succeeds Kartina McDaniel who has accepted a district-level position with Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Wartley has been with the district since 2011 most recently serving as an assistant principal at Chisholm Elementary. She also spent several years in Edmond as a kindergarten teacher. Additionally, she has worked for other districts in central Oklahoma in a variety of roles including administrator, teacher and academic resource team lead.

“Michelle has a passion for the students and families at Sunset,” said Superintendent Angela Grunewald.

“Her breadth of knowledge, coupled with her desire to foster a collaborative environment, will serve the Sunset community well.”

Wartley says she is honored to join the Sunset Elementary family. “To-

Michelle Wartley

gether with staff, students, parents, and community partners, we are committed to fostering and nurturing a love of learning.”

Wartley has a master’s in educational leadership from Southern Nazarene University and a bachelor’s in education from Oklahoma State University.

EPS District recognizes perfect ACT scores

• Look to save on lodging. Roadside motels have undergone something a rebirth in recent years. Many motels have been given full makeovers but remain budget-friendly lodging options for road trippers. Motels won’t offer all the amenities of five-star hotels, but they’re affordable places for vacationers to lay their heads for a night before traveling on to the next adventure the following morning.

• Take your foot off the gas. Another way to conserve fuel during a summer road trip is to resist the temptation to drive too fast. Avoiding excessive speeds isn’t just safer; it’s also more fuel-efficient. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reports that fuel economy for a light-duty vehicle traveling at 80 miles per hour is about 27 percent lower than when traveling at 60 miles per hour.

Vacationers may be worried that high fuel costs will bust their budgets during road trips this summer. But there are various ways to cut costs and still enjoy memorable trips, even when fuel prices are especially high.

Page 6 • July 14, 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.)

June 27 Hali Rose-Anna Lanke, 19 of Edmond. Minor in possession of beer, non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Annabelle Devlyn Marie Albertson, 19 of Edmond. Minor in possession of beer, non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Success Julius Okojie, 27 of Edmond,. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Lindsey Michelle Maxwell, 31, homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS. Kenya Lynn Preatto, 46 of Edmond. Expired tag of more than three months, failure to wear seatbelt, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

Ward Laray Price, 53 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, expired tag of more than three months, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear.

Gage Marshall Langley, 26 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Krishawna Belle Morris-Escarra, 31 of Edmond.

Three counts of failure to appear, expired tag of over three months, no proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

June 28 Letron Dante Deloch, 36 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, possession of marijuana, transporting open container alcoholic beverage and a misdemeanor warrant.

Charles Derek Hodges, 32, homeless. Lewd conduct and trespassing.

Damani Arzean Craig, 23 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and non-assault resisting officer.

Brian Christopher Gass, 49 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Toni Leigh Bacus, 64 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Edgar Benard Jackson, 39 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

June 29 Asha Lynn Crawford, 18 of Oklahoma City. Disregard signal light, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

Rhett James Hanson, 18 of Edmond. Petty larceny.

Tanner John Mullen, 23 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

June 30 Kailyn Victoria Lashan Burris, 19 of Edmond.

Speeding and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Darakshan Behrooz, 60 of Edmond. Reckless driving, pointing a firearm, robbery in the first degree and malicious injury of destruction of property.

Mark Lewis Tribble, 62 homeless. Possess CDS and failure to appear.

Walter Jerome Funches, Jr. 41 homeless. Failure to appear.

Cougar Amos, 34 homeless. Public intoxication.

July 1 Gregory Steede Ferguson, 42. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess with the intent to distribute CDS. Kalen Joshua Hazelip, 21 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Amy Lee Benear, 46 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jeremy Kade Campbell, 34 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Lord Vincent Gregory Dwayn Crutcher, 32 of Edmond. Expired tag over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Amanda Gail Kirk, 39 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Marcus Conrad Calloway, 58 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Frank Louis Johnson III, 43 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Christopher Lee Johnson, 50. Expired tag 1-3 months, possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance , driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and possession of marijuana.

Herald Noble Hudnell, 51 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and petty larceny.

Christopher Lamone Denson, 52 of Arlington, Texas. Possession of marijuana and shoplifting.

Amber Gail Rankin, 39 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and two counts of CDS possession.

Paige Nicole Hoff, 37 of Edmond. Possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol and failure to appear.

July 2 Lewis Jarvis Brown Jr. 66 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor warrant and public intoxication.

Alexander William Hoffman, 36 of Moore. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Sabriyah Hadiah Perkins, 22 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Samuel Abel Vera, 29 of Luther. Failure to appear.

Tyler Scott Beatty, 27 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.

Kimberlyn Kay Evans, 60 homeless. Felony warrant.

Tony Lamont Littlejohn, 33 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and no tag or improper tag.

Kristina Marie Sipe, 53 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. July 3 Elizabeth Marie Payne, 43 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Catherine Di Page, 32 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Payton Banning Adams, 24 of Oklahoma City.

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

Isaiah Israel Fields, 31 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended denied or revoked.

See Police, Page 7

Weekend calendar of events, July 14-17 What’s Happening Weekend July 14-17

tory.org

---- In the Gallery ---- Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- LibertyFest Exhibit ---- Edmond Bike Night ---- Dana Lombardo Gallery ---- Concert in the Park ---- Cycle 66 Training Ride ---- Heard on Hurd ---- Yoga in the Park ---- Date with the Duke: Big Jake (1971) ---- Signature Tour ---- Read the West Book Club: Yellow Bird ---- Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show ---- Dancing in the Gardens – Bollywood Night ---- Oklahoma City Summer Bead & Jewelry Show ---- Thunder Coding Camp ---- R.K. Gun Show ---- Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC ---- Oklahoma International Dance Festival ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series

LibertyFest Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Fri, July 1 – Sat, Sep 3; edmondhistory.org

Extra Information

Heard on Hurd Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, July 16; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, July 7 – Sun, July 31; 5 – 8 p.m.; Free; Dana Lombardo Gallery; edmondfinearts.com; facebook.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 p.m.; edmondok.gov Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhis-

Read the West Book Club: Yellow Bird Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, July 17; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Edmond Bike Night Location: Edmond Railyard Extra Info: Tue nights through Tue, Oct 18; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondbikenight.com

Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Thu, July 14 – Sat, July 23; arabianhorses.org

Dana Lombardo Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, July 7 – Sun, July 31; Free; 5 – 8 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com

Dancing in the Gardens – Bollywood Night Location: Seasonal Plaza Extra Info: Fri, July 15; 7 – 10 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

Concert in the Park Location: Hafer Park Extra Info: Thu, July 14; 6:15---- 9 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com

OKC Summer Bead & Jewelry Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, July 15 – Sun, July 17; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Su: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m; aksshow.com

Cycle 66 Training Ride Location: Littler Lawn Extra Info: Sat, July 16; Free; 8 a.m.; mapmyrun.com

Thunder Coding Camp Location: Thunder LaunchPad, 309 NW 13th St, OKC Extra Info: Sat, July 16; Session one (ages 7-9): 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Session two (ages 10-14); nba.com

Yoga in the Park Location: Shannon Miller Park Extra Info: Sun, July 17; Free; 6 – 7 p.m.; facebook.com Date with the Duke: Big Jake (1971) Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, July 15; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, July 16 & Sun, July 17; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

R.K. Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, July 16 – Sun, July 17; Sat: 9 a.m.

– 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; rkshows.com Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC Location: 608 Kiamichi Pl Extra Info: Sat, July 16 – Sun, July 17; Sat: 9 a.m.

– 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; buchananeventco.com Oklahoma International Dance Festival Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Sun, July 17 – Sun, July 31; okdancefest.org Sunday Twilight Concert Series Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sun, July 17; 7:30 ---- 9 p.m.; artscouncilokc.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 7

Courtesy of VillagesOKC

For mature adults, an effective way to organize

By Kris Rush, VillagesOKC member The older I get, my biggest challenge is getting – and staying – organized.

There are just way too many other FUN things to do!

Thankfully when it comes to planning for the future, VillagesOKC – a dynamic, energizing organization connecting mature adults 50+ to resources fostering independence, active living and graceful aging – came to my rescue!

Gathering Information for Transitions (The GIFT) is the answer. The GIFT is an interactive workshop led by trained VillagesOKC facilitators. Participants in these confidential small-group sessions complete their own step-by-step workbook capturing detailed personal, legal, medical, financial, and real estate information, passwords, personal preferences, emergency contacts, a crisis plan and much more. It’s exactly what spouses, children or caregivers need in stressful family times.

Together the class talks through tough questions, challenges and options – and captures solutions for their own “what if’s” in the future. Materials are easily updated. Most importantly, when they’re done, participants are encouraged to talk through their new plans with key family members.

Before he passed away, my beloved husband, Dick Rush, and I gathered all the key info we thought our families might need.

But The GIFT revealed things we missed: Invaluable info for anyone stepping in during a crisis. Peace of mind for me as a potential care receiver, today. Things like:

Kris Rush

• What’s your daily living routine?

• Who are emergency contacts?

• If you’re in the hospital and unable to speak, what do you absolutely need staff to know? Well, it sounds crazy, but I go nuts wearing those hospital socks – unless the toe seams faced out.

But without notes in my GIFT binder, who would tell a hospital helper?

• Who are my closest neighbors and friends – and how to reach them?

• My kitty has bad allergies and specific meds. Who’s his vet? His caretaker when I’m away? Food and other care routines?

My GIFT binder is complete, easy to update, organized. And, thanks to The GIFT facilitators and terrific folks in my class, it was so much fun.

To learn more about The GIFT, go to www.thegiftworkshop.org. Call 405 990 6637 or email info@villagesokc.org.

Meeting set for July 18

Protect genealogy records lege of Medicine and Health SciThe Edmond Genealogical ences Center for more than 16 Society’s July 18, program, years. presented by Jan Beattie, Now retired from the medical EGS President, offers anfield, Jan has time for her genealswers to the problem of how ogy hobby of which she is most to safe-guard family records passionate. She is involved in in case of a weather or act several genealogy and lineageof nature emergency. Disasbased societies and loves to ters often strike when we Beattie share her knowledge with others. least expect them and often She has made numerous presenwith little or no warning and tations, seminars and workshops we are often unprepared. across the state on topics relating to As we all know, living in Oklahoma genealogy and family history. In addican be a challenge disaster-wise. Have tion to EGS, Jan holds memberships in you considered what it would mean if many other organizations including your home was the victim of a Oklahoma Genealogical Society, First calamity? What would happen to Families of the Twin Territories, First your genealogy records, documents, Families of Central Missouri, First Famifamily treasures and precious photographs? Decades of research could be lies of Eastern Tennessee, Colonial Dames 17th Century, Cordelia Steen born on the wind, rendered to ash or Chapter NSDAR, and several others. washed away and lost. Most of us are In addition, Jan is involved in ill-prepared to handle such a scenario.

“Cemetery Hopping” to help others loHowever; the last several years of the cate the final resting places of their rising numbers of emergencies due to Oklahoma ancestors. Married with a disaster throughout the world has two children, and one grandchild, Jan raised a higher level of awareness that is actively involved in her church. She each of us needs to do more to prepare ourselves in the event of a natural also enjoys volunteering with several youth programs. or man-made disaster that could deMeetings are free and open to the stroy our family history records. By bepublic. Programs start at 6:30 p.m. Edcoming proactive now, - sooner rather mond Genealogical Society meetings than later - you can protect the legacy are held the third Monday of the of your family if a crisis strikes.

Thirty-five years ago Jan Beattie left month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 15700 N. her native California to attend college Penn, Oklahoma City. Enter through in Oklahoma, and never left. Professionally, she is a member of the Ameri- the doors on the east side of the buildcan Society of Clinical Pathologists and ing. The church offers plenty of parking and is fully handicap accessible. For the Southwestern Society of Clinical Microbiologists and spent her career at more information on EGS, go to: www.edmondgensoc.org, or visit us on the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was also Facebook at Edmond Genealogical Society. an adjunct professor at the OU Col-

Police From Page 6 Thaies Lee Griffin, 57 of Edmond.

Misdemeanor warrant.

Travis Don Horton, 28 homeless.

Public intoxication.

Mason Turner Howell, 27 of Edmond. Two felony warrants, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear.

July 4 Sierra Alena Lucas, 34 homeless.

Public intoxication.

Andrew Blaine Atkinson, 43 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Evin Lenin Santos-Zamora, 18 of Oklahoma City. Glass containers prohibited (Land/water) (Lake Only) and public intoxication (Lake Only.)

Page 8 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

The lure of custom designed lures

PHOTO PROVIDED/TIM BURK

David Witte greets customers at the Arcadia Farmers Market.

best in clear water, while others ARCADIA – David Witte lure more fish in muddy water. started making plastic fishing Witte creates fish-shaped lures about three years ago, for lures called swim baits. Others himself and a few friends. look like crawdads, or “generic But as it goes with many hobcreature-looking things,” he bies, Route 66 Baits is now a fullsaid. “Some look like worms.” fledged side business, and he’s Witte purchased specialized churning out several thousand equipment for the manufacturcustomized baits every year. He ing process, which starts with sells his soft plastic baits mostly plastic in a liquid form. It’s through social media and by word heated to a gel, then returned of mouth, and this is his second to a liquid state where Witte insummer to have a booth at the jects the color, then pours it all Arcadia Farmers Market. into one of his 30 molds to soIn a face-to-face situation at the lidify.

Saturday market, he said, “it’s a He sells the baits for $6 a lot easier to educate people about PHOTO PROVIDED/TIM BURK bag. Some of his regular cuswhat I do and what I’m capable David Witte calls this lure the tomers tell him they catch more of doing. I can make them what- ‘Ninja Beaver.’ fish with his baits; others just ever color they want in whatever like the way they look. shape I have molds for.”

Witte grew up in Chickasha, where his grandfaWitte custom-blends colors with results not typither taught him how to fish. Now he lives near Arcally seen in retail settings. cadia and his fishing is catch-and-release. His wife, “I have one customer that likes my worms beCarrie, doesn’t care for fishing “but she likes to cause I can add purple flake to the color that he ride in the boat,” he said. likes,” he said. “And I have molds that you don’t As a computer programmer, Witte has learned see everywhere.” the importance of having creative outlets.

Color does matter, Witte said. Some hues work “My primary job is purely analytical,” he said.

The outdoor Arcadia Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Route 66 and Division Street. The year-round Arcadia Farmers Market Store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 210 N. Odor St. in Arcadia.

For more information or to become a vendor, call 405-226-0346 or email admin@arcadiafarmersmarket.com.

A tasting event set at Gourmet Gallery Gourmet Gallery, located in Edmond at 3325 S. Boulevard, #107, will host a tasting event on Saturday, July 16th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., featuring the product line, Butcher BBQ from Wellston, OK. Butcher BBQ is an award-winning Oklahoma company that producesBBQ sauces, rubs, seasonings, beef jerky and BBQ essentials.

David Bouska, Pitmaster/Owner of Butcher BBQ, will be here sampling products complete with recipes, perfect for your summer entertaining.

A 20% off discount storewide will be offered.

Budget From Page 10 transportation system in rural Oklahoma, something that’s important to our entire state as that is where much of the food all of us consume is grown.

There are other transportation issues of special concern to rural Oklahoma as well. In our metro areas, like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, personal transportation options include buses and street cars. In rural Oklahoma, we work through some of the community action agencies to provide transportation services. This year, we added $5 million for such programs, for a total of $10.75 million. Those community action agencies are able to leverage that with federal funds to purchase busses and other vehicles to get people where they need to go, such as doctors’ appointments, work, and the grocery store for a small fare.

Transportation is an important core function of government, but as population and transportation needs increase and technology changes, we face additional challenges. Today, we’re largely funding transportation through fuel taxes – fossil fuels, to be exact. But as more electric vehicles hit the road, the question is going to be how we can continue to fund our transportation infrastructure in the future. Many of the vehicles that will soon be on our roadways include autonomous vehicles, like self-driving trucks that will add to the wear and tear of our roads. We will meet those challenges and keep transportation in Oklahoma moving forward.

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

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

The crowds and fun of Heard on Hurt will be back this Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.

Heard on Hurd to be this Saturday Citizens Bank of Edmond will host Heard on Hurd on Saturday, July 16, in downtown Edmond from 6-10 p.m. The event will celebrate Christmas in July with a handful of special guests in addition to a wide variety of food trucks, pop-up shops and local music.

“We are more than halfway through our ninth season of Heard on Hurd and each month I’m still so amazed and inspired by the support of our vendors and community,” said Jill Castilla, president and CEO at Citizens Bank of Edmond. “It’s wonderful to see the ripple effect Heard on Hurd has had on Edmond and the surrounding areas and can’t wait to see our community come together again this month.”

Opening for Heard on Hurd at 6:00 p.m., Spaghetti Eddie is an award-winning, familyfriendly duo that has been writing, recording and performing since 2010. Performing at 7:20 p.m., Chloe-Beth is a singer/songwriter who is a little indie-rock with a hit of Oklahoma twang. Headlining Heard on Hurd is the King Cabbage Brass Band from Tulsa, Okla. They will take the stage at 8:40pm playing a range of music, from hymns to originals, in the New Orleans brass band style.

This month’s featured nonprofit is the First Americans Museum. The museum opened in September 2021 along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City. Attendees will be able to learn more about the museum and the various

Farmers Market The Edmond Farmers Market is held each Saturday during the summer from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Festival Marketplace. Dozens of vendors are on hand with the latest produce.

MELINDA INFANTE

camps and programming they offer.

The Citizens Bank of Edmond Community Lobby will be full of cheer with several special guests including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Elsa, Olaf and UCO’s Mascot, Buddy Broncho. Attendees can visit the Community Lobby from 6:00-8:00 p.m. to meet and take photos with the special guests.

The July 16th event will have four new food trucks at Heard on Hurd including Spunkie’s Soul Food, Newman’s Firehouse BBQ, Papa Loco and Kozoes Kuncessions. New retail pop-up shops in July include Annie’s Sweets, Copper Dust Jewelry, GoGE Skate, The Daily Shredd and Q Boutique.

To find out more about the event, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and

Page 10 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Latest voting oddity

By Steve Gust There’s been a lot of talk about voting over the past two years.

The way we used to run elections worked. Then something happened and we “tweaked,” our voting processes. I don’t think it’s always been such a good thing. I’m sure they’re still waiting for some more presidential ballots to be counted for the 2020 election in places like Michigan or Pennsylvania.

But Alaska now has one of the more unique methods of voting. Others might just say odd.

They’re doing some kind of ranked voting. As usual you vote for your first choice, but they give you the option of voting for your second, third and fourth choice as well. Somehow all of this is tabulated. If you have enough second or third place votes, you might qualify for a runoff. If it sounds somewhat complicated, that’s because it is.

The Alaska Election Board has a twominute video, which tries to explain it. I watched it a few times and still don’t quite understand it all.

Some people say that the system has been instituted because of Lisa Murkowski. She’s a liberal U.S. Democ-

rat senator from Alaska, who masquerades as a Republican. She represents and serves the people of Alaska about as well as Hillary Clinton serves the people of Alabama.

In a normal election, she would be thumped at the polls. Apparently with this new “ranked,” voting system, Murkowski stands a chance because she can get more liberal and Democrat votes. I can’t even imagine what a recount would look like in an upsidedown election world like that.

Here is the simple formula folks. An American citizen may register to vote and then vote on election day. All ballots, including absentee ballots, must be in by election day. And the person with the most votes, barring a runoff situation, wins. There should be no need to make this more complicated than it is.

Despite pleas from the liberals, there should never be ballot harvesting or drop boxes, ever again. And get the law involved for folks who vote more than once or who forge ballots.

(Note: The Oklahoma Election Board gets it and does a good job. I am mostly critical of their colleagues in other states)

Transportation needs from this year’s budget

By Sen. Roger Thompson, Senate Appropriations Chair Here in Oklahoma, one of the main topics of conversation is the weather, but I’d say transportation is right after that. People want to know when a road they rely on is going to be repaired, or how long before all the darn road construction is finally done.

In this week’s Budget Break Down, we’re looking at transportation funding in Oklahoma. First of all, I want to say that Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz and the folks at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) do a

great job. We also need to acknowledge that like many other businesses, they’re working under unusual circumstances due to ongoing supply chain issues. Currently, they’re running behind on some 20 percent of their projects because of those supply chain problems. There’s a project in my own Senate District 8 that’s been impacted by an asphalt plant that was shut down. It’s just a reality that is impacting both public and private sectors right now, so it’s important we take those factors into account.

When we look at funding for our roads in Oklahoma, including

federal resources, we’re talking about a little over $1.7 billion.

That’s a lot of money, and I believe we’re getting the most value we can for our dollars.

Looking at the state budget and what we put into it, this year there was about a 2.8 percent increase in the budget. For years, we’ve funded ODOT’s Eight-Year Construction Plan off-the-top. In other words, those dollars were earmarked so that it wasn’t reflected in the budget as other appropriations were.

The last couple of years, we began to show that through the budget process to increase transparency.

This year, we’ve taken that number from $575 million to $590 million. There are additional state appropriations beyond the off-the-top dollars set aside for the Eight-Year program, bringing our total state dollars for Fiscal Year 2023 to more than $783.8 million for ODOT, which is a great investment in Oklahoma.

Our county roads and bridges are of tremendous importance to rural Oklahoma. We’ve been putting $120 million a year of state money into county roads and bridges, but this year we passed legislation to add $5 million a year for the next six years, ultimately increasing those funds to $150 million annually.

It’s a great program involving our county commissioners and ODOT to improve our

Budget Page 8

Lankford against Biden health plan (Editor’s notel As of presstime, the president had not decided to declare a health emergency over abortion)

By Sen. Lankford Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Lankford Tillis (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to introduce the Prohibiting Federal Emergencies for Abortion Act to prohibit the Biden Administration and any future Administration from declaring a federal emergency to expand abortion services. The legislation follows reports the Biden Administration may declare a public-health emergency to protect access to abortion services nationwide.

“The Biden Administration is obsessed with in-

creasing abortion in America. Now they are even considering using a ‘public health emergency’ as an excuse to provide unlimited abortions now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe,” said Lankford. “Even the notion of this is ridiculous. This bill reminds all of us that public health emergencies are designed to save life, not take life. Clearly the Biden Administration will stop at nothing to promote abortions.”

“President Biden and Democrats are hell-bent on preserving the practice of murdering unborn Americans,” Rubio said. “We should be protecting the lives of innocent babies, not Planned Parenthood’s ability to kill them. I will do everything I can to protect life and block this gross abuse of presidential power.”

Lankford‘s bill would prohibit the President from declaring a national emergency under the Stafford Act to promote, support, or expand access to abortion or go after states that prohibit or otherwise restrict abortion.

Lankford celebrated the biggest win for life in a generation when the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v.

Casey to allow decisions about abortions to re-

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, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

turn to elected representatives. In its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Court ruled that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion and that the authority to protect life at all stages falls to the American people.

Lankford has been a pro-life advocate and proparent advocate for his entire career, ensuring that babies, mothers, and parents are supported.

Lankford has fought to protect life at every stage, make adoption more affordable, expand the child tax credit to the unborn, provide food assistance and healthcare to needy families, fund maternal and infant health programs, and incentivize giving so that local nonprofits can more easily assist those in need.

Lankford pushed back on the Biden Administration’s rule to allow taxpayer-funded abortions. He successfully secured language to save the longstanding Hyde and Weldon Amendments, which prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions and abortion-related discrimination against health care workers, including insurers.

Ahead of oral argument in Dobbs before the US Supreme Court, Lankford met with Students for Life during a prayer vigil. Lankford gave a moving speech on the Senate floor recognizing the significance of Dobbs in the fight for life. He joined an amicus brief signed by more than 220 Members of Congress supporting the state of Mississippi in Dobbs.

Lankford published an op-ed ahead of Dobbs highlighting the pivotal moment the case presents for protecting the right to life in the nation. Lankford released two episodes of a four-part series on his podcast, The Breakdown with James Lankford, highlighting the science behind life in the womb and the stories behind the pro-life movement. .

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 11

One more look at LibertyFest 2022

Old Glory was flown often and proudly during the annual parade.

Edmond’s own Darci Lynne was the grand marshal of the LibertyFest parade in downtown Edmond. Darci rocketed into the limelight years ago winning ‘America’s Got Talent’ contest.

Mayor Darrelll Davis greets the big crowd.

Another big crowd showed up for the event.

Photos by Melinda Infante and Eriech Tapia

Page 12 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mint — you know it and now you can grow it

By Carol Smaglinski Cooking doesn't start when you tie on that apron.

No, it begins when your mind settles on the main course.

Then comes shopping for ingredients followed by the mise en place (the set-up).

The production begins and the cook turns into somewhat of a ballerina dancing around the kitchen.

Meals make memories and it is as simple as that and it might have meant saying yes to the unexpected. But years from now, most family members and guests will still recall in that certain period of time just what was presented, the good and the bad.

How about the time the fish got cooked in the dishwasher or that recipe made with cream of mushroom soup with tuna fish? Those get-togethers might conjure up a chuckle about a couple that were not up to snuff. Tuck those away and dwell on the good stuff.

The base of cooking is flavor which includes herbs and spices, the food lover’s companions.

Direct from Mother Nature, they can turn into the soul of your kitchen and can sometimes cover up many mistakes. If it smells a little off, add some sprigs of fresh parsley or chop up some chives and suddenly, the potent aromas arrive.

One big help in the herb department is the easily grown mint. In fact, if you let it, the fragrant plant will creep over a large part of the garden.

In ancient times, mint was a symbol of hospitality. Shakespeare wrote about it along with other herbs, and in the Middle East, visitors were greeted with a cup of mint tea, heavy on the sugar. European colonists brought mint along when they first arrived in America. Soon, it was growing fast and incorporated into recipes and tea.

To make mint tea, simply place handfuls of aromatic mint in an old coffee pot, pour over boiling water, let steep and enjoy. Add sugar if you wish for sweet tea with a punch.

With more than 30 species of mint including the most popular peppermint and spearmint, it is used to flavor candies, toothpaste, gum and to soothe tummies. The word mint is an Anglicized version of Sanskrit “‘chatni” which translates to “licking good.”

In England, mint jelly is imperative with a lamb roast. In India, chutney is known as its national condiment, always eaten in small quantities and made fresh before each meal.

There are several versions of chutney, from uncooked to jam-like concoctions highlighting Indian spices from turmeric, cumin, ginger, cardamom and more. Among the best are chutneys made with mango. But, as Americans do here, a recipe can vary from region to region and every family clings to their own favorites The following recipe for chutney, a dish which enhances any meat from lamb, chicken or fish, is easy to make with contrasting flavors and is incredibly fresh.

Chutney with Mint ¼ cup fresh spinach 4 Tbsp. fresh mint leaves 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 small to medium onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 fresh green chili, chopped The juice of ½ lemon Place all ingredients in a food processor and let whirl until it is all processed, which should take just seconds. Add a little water if needed to make the blades of the machine move easily.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 13

Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen when going outside.

Stay safe outside Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants you to stay safe from harmful UV rays.

Spending time outdoors can promote physical activity and reduce stress, but exposure to UV rays may increase your risk for skin cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Luckily, you can take precautions to protect your skin.

“Remember to apply a thick layer of sunscreen on exposed skin before going outdoors and reapply every two hours,” said Janice Hixson, MD, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer.

“Choose broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months; instead, keep them inside or use protective clothing.”

Although sunscreen is important, it is most effective when combined

with other protection methods.

Spend time in the shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat. If possible, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts. Covering your skin not only protects you from sunburn, but it reduces your risk for heat exhaustion.

Your skin isn’t the only area of your body that needs protection.

Your eyes may develop cataracts after exposure to UV rays. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the best protection.

“UV protection is important all year, but your risk is highest when the UV index in your area is 3 or higher,” Hixson said.

UV rays are usually the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check the UV index in your area here: https://www.epa.gov/enviro/uvindex-search You can enjoy spending time outdoors while protecting your skin. Taking precautions against UV rays can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and cataracts.

UCO prof awarded grant The Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services (OSDE-SES) recently awarded a $130,000 grant to University of Central Oklahoma faculty member Scott Singleton, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychology.

The grant will be used to provide behavioral consultation to Oklahoma public schools at no cost through a program called Behavior Central, set to launch Sept. 19, 2022. UCO graduate students in the board-certified behavior analyst program will provide coaching and training for special education teachers working with students who have significant behavioral challenges.

“Graduate students will work with K-12 special education teachers and students by conducting assessments, designing treatment plans, providing

staff training and ongoing coaching support,” Singleton said.

“It provides a great opportunity for behavior analysis graduate students to practice their skills and contribute to Oklahoma schools and communities.”

The consultations are designed to be individualized and comprehensive to promote a deeper understanding of behaviors that lead to sustainable skill development among staff. The program aims to support teachers, promote social communication skills in children and reduce time away from the classroom.

For more information about Behavior Central, contact Singleton at bsingleton1@uco.edu or 405-974-5427.

For more information about the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, visit www.uco.edu/ceps.

Local news?

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Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper.

Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.

Page 14 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of film ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

True fans will still like slightly flawed film

By George Gust "Thor: Love and Thunder" finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) retired and on a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” is the fourth Thor movie and who knows what number Marvel movie at this point. And with a load of miles on the franchise we are deep into the cosmic aspects of the Marvel comic book universe. This movie feels like the spiritual follow up to writer/director Waititi’s dazzlingly stylish “Thor: Ragnarok” than a new entry into the Thor series.

And like its predecessor “Thor Love and Thunder” is long on style but falls short on plot and character development. So much of this movie feels like there was a ticking clock on the filmmakers to finish the film as there’s much of the

film’s story wasn’t given much room to breath in favor of transitioning to the next visual feast.

What “Thor: Love and Thunder” does succeed at is the inclusion of some familiar movie star faces either returning to the series or becoming interesting new additions to the world. Portman returning to the series was a welcome surprise, and she turns in a fun performance that differs from what you might expect from a character who had been missing from the series for years.

And on the other side of the coin, Bale is a brilliant addition to the film with a straighter dra-

matic performance as the serious-minded antagonist, however the film’s mostly silly tone can make his performance stick out in a distracting way.

Overall, “Thor: Love and Thunder” will appease fans of the raucous colorful rock & roll feel of “Thor: Ragnarok” but the jumbled editing and unbalanced tone of this movie hold it back from being a memorable entry into the franchise.

It reaches the baseline entertainment level of a ‘Marvel’ movie with ease and style, but the joke-heavy and highly comic book movie formulaic structure makes it hard to ignore the superhero seams for this long-running franchise.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” is rated PG-13 for intense Sci-Fi violence, action, language, partial nudity, and some suggestive material. Now showing only in Theaters.

3.4 out of 5 stars.

You can reach George Gust to comment on this film, or any of his motion picture reviews at gust.george@gmail.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and friends are back in another raucous godlike superhero romp, which sees the return of longtime Thor love interest Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) in 'Thor: Love and Thunder.’

Answers appearing on Page 19

Fairgrounds events boost economy The OQHA Redbud Spectacular Horse Show took place at the OKC Fairgrounds May 31 through June 12. The horse show took place in the Jim Norick Arena and across Barn Row. Ninety percent of attendees traveled from outof-town, while 10 percent were locals. Attendance for the event exceeded 42,000, generating more than $9.43 million in direct spending into the Oklahoma City economy.

The 2022 National Reining Horse Association Derby took place at the OKC Fairgrounds June 15 through 26.

Competitors and attendees took to the Jim Norick Arena and Barn Row for the competition. Ninety percent of attendees traveled from out-of-town, while 10 percent were locals. Attendance for the events exceeded 39,000, generating more than $8.72 million in direct spending into the Oklahoma City economy.

The OKC Fairgrounds hosted a total of 9 events during the month of June. In addition to the above mentioned, other events included: King Street Productions, Claude Hall’s Original

Events, Page15

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Annual Traditions ACROSS

1. Verdant 5. Vietnamese neighbor 8. "Before" prefix 11. Curved molding 12. *It rings at midnight on Christmas Eve at church 13. Yarn store unit 15. Relating to armpit 16. Criminal's surprise 17. Nephew's sister 18. *4th of July spectacle 20. 1952 Olympics host 21. 1,000 kilograms 22. Meat sauce 23. Vacation location 26. French painter of "La Danse" fame 30. Menu words (2 words) 31. Lean 34. Wine valley 35. Impertinent 37. *Annual Assumption tradition blesses it 38. #2 Down, pl.

39. Highest volcano in Europe 40. Puppies 42. Bit of binary code 43. Dean's official residence 45. Small stream 47. Wine quality 48. Bilbo Baggins' land 50. Windsor family's sport 52. *Popular New Year's libation 56. Stored by bees 57. ____-decamp 58. "On the ____" by Jack Kerouac 59. Make laugh 60. Tear 61. Tibetan priest 62. Woolen cap 63. Banned insecticide 64. Big Bang's original matter

DOWN 1. Bakery serving 2. Tangelo 3. Scorch 4. Regarding this point 5. "Live and ____" 6. Description for twins 7. Auto pioneer 8. Banana remnant 9. Puerto ____ 10. Compass bearing 12. "Jane Eyre" author 13. Pig part 14. *Action under mistletoe 19. Like a damaged apple, possibly 22. Jam container 23. Torn down 24. Fill with optimism 25. Sweating room 26. *Thanksgiving's main event?

27. Beauty parlor 28. Chiropractor's concern 29. Painting holder

32. Light gray 33. "Wow!" 36. *Birthday cake decorations 38. Seize the throne 40. Kind of humor 41. Ready 44. Deteriorate 46. Just about 48. Jumped aside 49. Lacked 50. Type of cotton 51. Female gamete 52. *Valentine's Day tradition 53. *New Year's resolution weight or savings target 54. One in a roster 55. Red-encased cheese 56. *Graduation flyer

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 15

Haven Alexandra

Next Elm Tree concert will feature Haven Alexandra ARCADIA – Singer-songwriter Haven Alexandra will present an Elm Tree Concert at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Alexandra’s love of music began with many nights of family singing and the sounds of hymns on Sunday morning.

She got her start performing in singing competitions and music festivals when she was 14, and found her true passion when she began writing and performing her own songs. Her music is a reflection of her roots in country and folk with a flair for indie rock.

Elm Tree Concerts are held on the north side of the barn beneath the shade of the giant elm tree. Admis-

sion is free but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn.

The concerts are held every Sunday except the second Sunday of the month, when musicians are invited to a noon to 4 p.m. jam session known as \the Round Barn Rendezvous. The seasonal Elm Tree Concert Series continues through Sept. 25.

The Round Barn Ramblers house band performs every Saturday yearround, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Arcadia Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historical Route 66. For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-833-1350

Events From Page 14 Heart, AAA Route 66 Road Fest, Oklahoma Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market, and Oklahoma Gun Shows. In all, there were 105,409 visitors present during June events held at the OKC Fairgrounds, generating more than $20.82 million in direct spending into the Oklahoma City economy.

For more information regarding June events, or any upcoming months, please contact the OKC Fairgrounds Office at 405-948-6700.

To stay up-to-date on all the OKC Fairgrounds has to offer, visit www.okcfairgrounds.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Page 16 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

When embracing fitness, put thought into your goal setting

By Brian Attebery Whether you are trying to achieve financial gains, life gains or simply wanting to lose some weight, you need to set goals. When it comes to fitness and health, most people shoot only for the top Attebery goal and not all the intermediate goals. I have been a trainer for 25 years and I hear more than anything, “I want to lose 25, 50, 100 pounds.” I love it when people shoot for the moon! The problem with that single-minded focus is that they lose 4lbs the first month and then think of their progress as “failure” instead of a realistic first month that was a great accomplishment. What does healthy weight loss look like?

The general accepted guideline for healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. You have to understand that this might not happen at all the first few weeks, or you may be a person who loses 5-6 pounds the first week alone simply because you cleaned up your diet by reducing sugars, refined carbohydrates and sodium-rich foods.

You have primarily lost water that all those types of foods can cause you to hold. Get rid of them and you see a quick shift in your water weight initially. Your body might also not lose any weight at first because you have a damaged or slow metabolism from years of yo-you dieting or ineffective thyroid function. It will take time and in our world of immediate gratification, this is a hard concept for many people to grasp.

Weight loss may be your end goal but you need to focus on the steps that lead to a healthier you. A healthier you should be the primary focus.

Think about how you can get stronger with weight training for example. A stronger person hits the golf ball further, has no problem picking up that flowerpot in the yard or going on a hike with their family. I have seen skinny people that have no muscle not be able to do those basic things. Skinny does not equate to healthy.

Healthy equates to healthy. Yes, there are guidelines for a healthy weight based on height but as a per-

son who is “obese” according to the U.S. government, I base weight off of my clients body fat percentage. Ideal general healthy body fat for a man is 15% and a woman is 23%. The lowest a man can get is 3-5% and for women, it is generally considered 1012% body fat. When you add muscle to your body, your “weight” may not change much at all but that doesn’t mean you are not losing fat. If you gain 5lbs of muscle and lose 10lbs of fat, your scale weight indicates your “weight” has on only dropped 5lbs, but since you gained the muscle, your actual success was much greater than the scale shows!

Your heart and lunges need to be worked. You need to make cardiovascular/aerobic training a priority.

Walking, elliptical, biking and various cardio-based classes are essential for improving your cardio. Once again, your scale and inches may go down slowly but surely, those are not your only measure of success. Set goals to be able to go further on your walks or to be able to improve how hard you can go by covering the same amount of distance in less time. If your resting heart rate is lower after a few months, you are also seeing progress with that because your heart has become more efficient.

There are many ways to measure success. Set goals for those ideas and give yourself quarterly assessments to see the changes. Pat yourself on the back with those accomplishments too.

Your fitness program needs to be layered with various goals from low to high. They need to have various ways to measure success from small, measurable ones that range from less hard to attain to some major ones that may take years to accomplish.

They all matter and they keep you mentally focused on how much you matter! Don’t be too hard on yourself by setting goals that are too far off and expect them to be accomplished in a month or two. This journey of fitness takes time, and you need to appreciate the fact that you are doing great by simply making fitness part of your life.

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

SBA loans for individuals also A U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan isn’t just for businesses. Applying may offer many benefits for Oklahoma survivors who are seeking assistance.

After you applied for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may have been contacted by the SBA. If you were asked to apply for a low-interest SBA loan, you are encouraged to do so, even if you don’t currently need a loan. Applying with the SBA assures that all available disaster assistance options remain open to you. In fact, the SBA application may be the basis of referrals to other grant programs.

The SBA can help renters and homeowners replace household contents (e.g., clothing, furniture and appliances) and vehicles, referred to as

personal property. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, and homeowners can apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace damage to their personal residence. If you apply for, but are denied SBA assistance, FEMA may be able to offer additional grant assistance. However, you must first apply for an SBA loan to be considered for personal property assistance from FEMA. If SBA determines you are eligible for a loan, you do not have to accept it.

Nor does qualifying for an SBA loan mean you are ineligible for FEMA assistance. Similarly, if the SBA denies your loan application, you still may be referred to FEMA for additional grants.

OGA Senior Am finalists, left, champion, Chris Laughlin and runner up, Dr Jon Valuck.

Edmond’s Laughlin excels

By Steve Steele The 2022 Oklahoma Golf Association Senior State Amateur Championship was recently contested at The Trails Golf Club in Norman. 48 golfers were qualifying for 31 spots to join defending champion Eric Gudgel of Stillwater in the 32 player match play bracket.

Playing conditions were windy and hot the four days play was contested.

It was a strong field that played in 25 mph winds for the first day qualifying round. Former winners of the event to make it thru to match play were Mike Hughett (3X), Kirk Wright (3X), Blake Gibson and Dr. Jon Valuck. In the qualifying round, Norman's Ricky Bell and Edmond's Chris Laughlin carded the lowest rounds, even par 70's in the tough, hot and windy conditions with tricky pin placements.

Three past champions made their way to the semi-finals. In the upper bracket, defending champion Eric Gudgel faced Jon Valuck. In the lower bracket it was Blake Gibson facing the just eligible 50 year old, Chris Laughlin.

Valuck advanced to the final by getting past Gudgel up two holes with one to play. It took Laughlin three extra holes to get past Gibson on the 21st. In the final match, the recently retired Dr. Valuck, who lives in OKC and plays out of Gaillardia Country Club had a hard fought match with Laughlin, who grew up in Edmond and attended Edmond Memorial. Laughlin played college golf at Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University. After college he had long stints as an assistant professional at Oak Tree National and Oklahoma City Golf and Country

Club before transitioning, in 2008, to the oil and gas business, first at Chesapeake and now as an independent Landman. Laughlin plays out of OSU's Karsten Creek Golf Club.

Laughlin won the short and tight par four, dog leg right 17th hole to claim a 3&1 victory and the large hardware to go with it.

The course was in excellent condition following heavy May rains that had kept many of the back nine fairways under water for several days into June. Hats off to General Manager Alan Hagar, his staff, maintenance crew and the Trails membership. And to the OGA for a well run event, as always! Here are the qualifying and match play score results: 1 Eric Gudgel, Stillwater ing Champion 2 Ricky Bell, Norman 3 Chris Laughlin, Edmond 4 Brian Szymanski, OKC 5 Scott Athey, Enid 6 Mike Hughett, Owasso 7 Kirk Wright, OKC 8 Jay Smith, Edmond 9 Kurt Cummins, Lindsey 10 Andy Lucas, Tulsa 11 Don Cochran, Norman 12 Jon Valuck, OKC 13 Jason Gulley, Tulsa 14 Mike Gotcher, Broken Arrow 15 Blake Gibson, Yukon 16 Jeff Case, Norman 17 Kirk Fryer, Tulsa 18 Jerry Nick, Okmulgee 19 Ron Roden, OKC 20 Bruce Maddox, Ponca City 21 Rob Martella, Norman 22 Joel Driver, OKC 23 Mark Wallace, Edmond 24 Don Clark, Shawnee 25 Mike Goold, Blanchard 26 Scott Challis, Edmond 27 Terry Collier, Bixby 28 Steve Hughes, Bartlesville 29 Steve Steele, Edmond 30 Blake Bartholomew, Tulsa 31 Andrew Allen, Edmond 32 Curt Howard, Bristow

Defend70 70 72 72 72 74 74 75 75 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 78 78 78 79 79 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 82

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 17

Energy field fueling brisk state economy

Torchy’s Tacos & t ribbon cutting Torchy’s Tacos recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce at their location at 1556 E. 2nd St. in Edmond.

In living by their mantra, Torcy’s Tacos is constantly innovating to ensure they are delivering the tastiest tacos, queso, and margaritas in the game.

Their Taco of the Month promotions allow them to provide unique tacos to all their Taco Junkies year 'round. They also pride themselves by hiring good people who develop one-of-a-kind partnerships in each community they serve. They offer dine-in, to-go, & catering.

For more information, visit www.torchystacos.com.

OU Health names COO as we focus on integrating our OU Health, Oklahoma’s organization in order to bring only integrated, comprehenthe best outcome and experisive academic health sysence to our patients” said tem, has named Jonathan Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, W. Curtright, MBA, MHA, president and CEO of OU chief operations officer.

Health.

Curtright comes to OklaCurtright joins OU Health homa from MU Health as a member of the executive Care, the University of MisCurtright team and will have operational souri’s academic health sysand business oversight of OU tem, where he has served Health University of Oklahoma as CEO since 2017. His executive exMedical Center, Oklahoma Chilperience in healthcare spans more dren’s Hospital OU Health, OU than 25 years and includes leaderHealth Stephenson Cancer Center ship roles at Indiana University and OU Health Edmond Medical Health, UK Healthcare and Mayo Clinic. He will be onsite in Oklahoma Center.

Curtright has worked in accelerCity in August. ated leadership roles over the course “Jonathan brings to OU Health a of his career. He has extensive leaderwealth of experience in academic ship experience across the entire conhealthcare and has a successful track tinuum of care, including outpatient, record of operational excellence, strategic growth, health system trans- inpatient, procedural, imaging, regional and outreach practice, support formations and employee engagement. He is uniquely qualified to step services, post-acute care, research into this important role at OU Health and education.

WEOKIE announces new director The WEOKIE Board of Directors has appointed Mike Kloiber to be the first to serve in their newly created Ambassador Director position.

This non-voting position will help advise the WEOKIE Board and provide important industry expertise, as well as provide assistance to the board and management in order to benefit the growing membership at WEOKIE. "We are grateful to have Mike’s experience, insight, and wisdom at WEOKIE. I am very appreciative that the Board saw value in bringing Mike on WEOKIE’s Board through the creation of the Ambassador Director role," Jeff Carpenter, President, and CEO of WEOKIE, said. "Mike has served as a mentor to me since we first met when I was at the Oklahoma League X years ago, so I appreciate the chance to work with Mike during his appointment.”

Kloiber is a native Oklahoman, born in Tulsa and a resident of Oklahoma City for over 67 years. He was

employed at Tinker Federal Credit Union for 33 years, where he served as President and CEO for 25, bringing a total of over 43 years of financial industry experience. He retired in August of 2021. As President/CEO, he worked alongside the Board of Directors and Senior Management team to elevate the member experience for TFCU, helping them grow their assets from $1 billion to almost $6 billion, 12 branches to 32, 155,000 members to 440,000, and 400 employees to nearly 800.

He expressed a strong interest in remaining active among credit unions, and was impressed by WEOKIE’s vision and mission. After expressing his deep belief in the credit union philosophy and desire to stay involved post-retirement, the WEOKIE board moved forward with creating the position.

“I am very thankful to the WEOKIE Board for giving me the opportunity to continue my involvement in the credit union industry.”

Aided by record collections from oil and gas production, Gross Receipts to the Treasury in June and for the just-ended fiscal year show the state’s economy continues to expand in spite of current inflationary pressure, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

Collections during Fiscal Year 2022 (FY-22), which ended June 30, are $16.46 billion, up by 15 percent from Fiscal Year 2021 (FY-21). For the first time in any 12-month period, oil and gas production taxes topped $1.5 billion in FY-22.

June gross receipts of $1.51 billion are down by 1.5 percent from the same month of last year, but the reduction is due to non-economic factors. The income tax filing deadline in 2021 was moved to June, so collections spiked during that month instead of in April. June 2022 oil and gas production taxes of $171.2 million are the highest of any single month.

“Inflationary forces are a significant concern for consumers, but Oklahoma’s macro economy is benefitting from current energy prices and low unemployment,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “Economic activity remains strong as reflected in sales and use tax receipts.”

Combined sales and use tax receipts of $578.1 million in June are up by 10.3 percent from last year.

During FY-22, those consumption taxes generated $5.59 billion, an in-

crease of 13.3 percent.

Due to last year’s shift in tax filing deadlines, combined income tax receipts of $541.2 million in June are down by 23.2 percent this month.

For FY-22, income taxes generated $5.78 billion, up by 8.6 percent.

The record high collections from oil and gas production in June are based on April production when crude oil averaged $101.78 per barrel in Cushing and natural gas averaged $6.60 per million BTU at Henry Hub. As measured by the Consumer Price Index, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the annual inflation rate at 8.6 percent in May. The energy component of the index is up 34.6 percent over the year.

Other indicators The Oklahoma unemployment rate in May was reported as 2.8 percent by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is up from 2.7 percent in April. The U.S. jobless rate was listed as 3.6 percent in May, unchanged from April.

The monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index slumped in June.

The index for the month was set at 63.7, down from 66.1 in May. The outlook remains positive as numbers above 50 indicate expected expansion during the next three to six months.

June collections June 2022 collections compared to See State , Page 18

Page 18 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

State From Page 17 gross receipts from June 2021 show: Total monthly gross collections are $1.51 billion, down $23 million, or 1.5 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $541.2 million, down by $163.7 million, or 23.2 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $401.1 million, a decrease of $118.4 million, or 22.8 percent.

Corporate collections are $140.1 million, down by $45.4 million, or 24.5 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $578.1 million – up by $54.2 million – or 10.3 percent.

Sales tax collections total $495.2 million, an increase of $41.9 million, or 9.3 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on outof-state purchases including internet sales, generated $82.9 million, an increase of $12.2 million, or 17.3 per-

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Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $171.2 million, an increase of $91.5 million, or 114.8 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $81.1 million, down by $4.8 million, or 5.6 percent.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $140.6 million – down by $102,960, or 0.1 percent.

The medical marijuana tax produced $4.7 million, down by $1.3 million, or 21.1 percent from June 2021.

Fiscal year collections Combined gross receipts for FY-22 compared to FY-21 show: Gross revenue totals $16.46 billion. That is $2.14 billion, or 15 percent, above collections from FY-21.

Gross income taxes generated $5.78 billion, an increase of $459.2 million, or 8.6 percent.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 14, 2022 • Page 19

‘Fresh Start’ hygiene drive The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) began collecting hygiene products for its annual Hygiene Drive now through September 1, community members can drop off shampoo, deodorant, toiletries, and other necessities to collection boxes around Oklahoma City for distribution to low-income and homeless individuals within the community who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

For those who have been incarcerated, basic needs are not always available. Without employment, transportation, housing, or money, starting “fresh” can be difficult – if not impossible. TEEM’s mission is to break cycles of poverty and incarceration by providing resources and education to those in need. Each year, the community has an opportunity to join this mission by dropping off hygiene products at donation boxes around Oklahoma City.

These donations do more than supply basic needs: they build confidence, give comfort, and most importantly, reflect the dignity and respect of each person.

Matt Staples, TEEM volunteer coordinator, noted that donated products help program participants “put their best foot forward,” and that it “gives them the opportunity to get a fresh start and make a new first impression.”

The products collected during this two-month drive, which include deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shaving razors, lotion, wash cloths, and more, will meet the hygiene needs of at-risk and low-income individuals through June of 2023. TEEM hopes to collect 7,300 hygiene items over the two-month time period. “At TEEM, we know that each item makes a major impact and can help change someone’s outlook on life. When we give items to our participants it shows that someone in the world cares for them and is in their corner. I hope that

people are able to feel connected and part of the solution by helping to meet those basic needs that can often be taken for granted,” said Staples.

TEEM is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of incarceration and poverty through providing education, resources, and employment services to those impacted by the criminal justice system. For more information about TEEM’s mission in Oklahoma City, and for a complete list of hygiene products needed and collection locations for the 2022 “Fresh Start” Hygiene Drive, visit www.teem.org/hygiene-drive.

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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.

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Page 20 • July 14, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure