Edmond Life & Leisure - July 30, 2020

July 30, 2020

Vol. 21, No. 11

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

New UCO Pom team named See Page 12

FRIDAY, July 31

Partly Cloudy High 90° Low 68°

SATURDAY, August 1

Scattered Thunderstorms High 82° Low 65°

SUNDAY, August 2 Sunny High 85 Low 63°

PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE

North High School, joined with Memorial and Santa Fe, in holding commencement ceremonies for thousands of seniors. The pandemic delayed the event for months.

By Steve Gust It was a graduation for the history books last Saturday, as thousands of Edmond high school seniors, finally got the recognition for their accomplishment.

Football stadiums at the three high schools hosted the seniors Edmond students from Memorial, North and Santa Fe. The last time the students were actually in the classroom learning was four to five months ago., In mid-March the teens took off for spring break. Almost none of them suspected they wouldn’t be in class for the rest of the year. The COVID-19 virus cancelled in person classes for the rest of the school year.

Not only that, but it delayed the traditional high school commencement ceremonies. Each May the district hosts

graduation at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. That building is large enough to host all the graduates, as well as their families.

Traditionally the three schools will rotate times at Cox with three different graduations held. With the shutdowns in spring, the commencement was delayed. It was originally planned to have still had the ceremonies at Cox. Those plans were scrapped. It was moved to early Saturday morning outdoors, so grads and well wishers would beat the summer heat.

School officials were please with the results.

“The long-delayed 2020 graduation ceremonies were much appreciated by our seniors and their families,” said district spokesperson Susan Parks-Schlepp.

“The majority of our seniors attended

and it was thrilling to see them again.

These young people have missed out on many traditions leading up to graduation so it was important for the district to be able to publically recognize their achievements. Many families have reached out to the district to express their gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate their loved ones.”

In less than a month, most of the new graduates will continue their education at college campuses around the nation.

For now, the district was glad each of the former EPS students had a chance to don a cap and gown.

“A special thanks go to all of the teachers, counselors, and administrators who worked hard to make the in-person celebration a reality,” ParksSchlepp added.

Page 2 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 3

Chris Koehler

Cindy Dimit

Rotarians install board members Local community leaders were recently installed to the 2020-2021 Rotary Club of Edmond Board of Directors. Rotary District Gov. Angela Rickman was on hand to instate the new officers. Past President, Chris Koehler passed the gavel to incoming President Cindy Dimit. Kohler said in his farewell address concerning the pandemic, "The challenges we face today seem daunting, but as Rotarians and people of action, with a track record of success, we will come out of this stronger, and be proud of the impact we made from doing the things we do.”

Dimit has been a member of the Rotary Club of Edmond since 2016 and currently serves as the Sales and Marketing Director at Teal Creek Senior Living located in Edmond. In her inaugural address, Dimit said, “As we find ourselves in a worldwide pandemic, we need to chart a new course daily, even within Rotary. This year we will focus on our “insides” – our club members and taking care of their needs.

But we will not forget our “outsides”– our community service and the projects we do to support our neighbors.”

James Boggs was installed as President Elect. Boggs is the President of the First Fidelity Bank of Edmond. Secretary, Tom Johnson and Treasurer, Rusty Hale were also installed. Hale a local C.P.A. has been a member of the Club for over 32 years with many of those serving as Treasurer.

Former Club President, Jessica Lyle

James Boggs was slated for Club Service. Community Service will be led by Chris Berry of the YMCA, with Mark Jones heading up International Service and Jordan Malwick leading Vocational Service.

Andy Melvin of the Boy Scouts of America and the Chief of the Edmond Police Department, JD Younger will both serve as Sergeant at Arms.

Rounding out the board is long-time club member and C.P.A. Natalie Bonney who will serve as chair the Rotary Foundation. Sandy Chappel was installed as the Membership Chairperson and returning to chair Public Relations is Beth Case. Allison Calhoun will return for her 15 year as the Club’s Executive Secretary.

The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on Zoom. Guests are welcome. www.edmondrotary.org

Page 4 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Clock undergoes renovation Pulling into downtown Edmond last Friday I noticed Broadway was down to two lanes with cones placed around the Oklahoma Centennial Clock at the intersection of Second Ray Hibbard Street and Broadway. Parked behind the clock was a truck with a crew taking the face off one side of the clock. It made me wonder what kind of company you would call to work on a Centennial Clock and what would make a company take on such a project.

After a few questions, we discovered that Vox Audio Visual of Oklahoma City, was doing a renovation of the historic downtown Edmond street clock.

The clock was one of 24 historic street clock locations awarded funds from Inasmuch Foundation for complete technological upgrades to ensure their continued operation. The clocks were originally promoted by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to celebrate Oklahoma’s Centennial in 2007.

The foundation selected the 24 clock locations in Oklahoma County specifically owned by non-profits and municipalities. Centennial clocks are in all 77 counties throughout Oklahoma with many clocks located on courthouse squares, in front of city halls, and in other prominent public spaces. Many communities have more than one centennial clock. Over 130 centennial clocks exist throughout Oklahoma with many of the clocks falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and reduced non-profit budgets.

“The upgrades that we are doing include replacing the electric movements in the clocks, upgrading the automatic controls. installing an Atomic receiver antennae inside which keeps the clocks correctly on time by receiving data from a military satellite, and replacing the fluorescent lighting with new energy efficient and longer lasting LED lighting,” said Jeff Bezdek, president of Vox Audio Visual.

The large four-face Centennial Clock located at Bronco Lake at University of Central Oklahoma was also upgraded earlier this year through a grant by the foundation.

“Inasmuch Foundation is a proud partner of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to rehabilitate all the beautiful Centennial Clocks owned by non-profits or on public land in Okla-

Jordan Landreth with Vox Audio Visual dismantles clock parts as part of the clock Edmond Centennial Clock renovation.

homa County. When Lee Allan Smith and Blake Wade informed us, the clocks required new state-of-the art Swiss made mechanical systems we were honored to help make this historic project a reality. We also hope others around the State step up to fix Centennial Clocks in their local communitym” said Robert J. Ross, Chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation.

Many of you might remember when the dynamic duo of Smith and Wade crisscrossed the state raising money for and promoting the Centennial celebration. One of the projects was having communities install the street clocks all across the state.

They had hoped to reach a goal of 100 of the clocks but ended up with 130 of them in the state. Those of you who have ever met Smith and Wade are not surprised by their success.

Although when they made the

pitch, the clocks were billed as maintenance free, we all knew better.

However, the same team went to the Inasmuch Foundation recently to raise funds for the upgrades and repair. The Edmond clocks were in good shape but will benefit from the upgrades. As expected, Smith and Wade did not let anyone down and continue to work on benefiting our state. The two are not replaceable folks and they both have a great sense of humor.

The Centennial Clock that was installed in Edmond was not without some controversy. The nice flower bed was already in place from a downtown improvement project from a few years earlier. What was the center piece of the spot was a large bronze titled Royal Red and was a sculpture of a wolf. It was part of the public art project here in Edmond. It was moved to make room for the clock and is now located at Second

Street and Boulevard. Many folks downtown did not want to let it go to be replaced by a street clock tower.

I always thought old Royal Red looked more like Scooby Do from the cartoons from behind which was the view of him from my office. It would have been really cool if we could have put a recording behind the bronze that would shout out, Whelcome to Whedmond” every time a car went by. My idea was shot down by many including our newspaper staff. Still, there were many who liked it and the Royal Red gave way to the clock. Actually, the grand clock has grown on me and I like it.

It is great to know that long time civic leaders Lee Allan Smith and Blake Wade are still looking out for the project. These two are a pair to draw to for sure. They have done so much for Oklahoma in giving and sharing their time to celebrate this great state. Smith has been promoting Oklahoma for more then 50 years. I remember being a Boy Scout when Stars and Stripes show was put on with Bob Hope. It was all spear headed by Smith when he was a broadcast executive at Channel 4.

Both are amazing guys and the state is lucky to have them still pitching for it.

Many communities like Edmond had more than one clock. The clock project proved so popular that many civic clubs, schools, universities, garden clubs, and other institutions installed clocks to celebrate the centennial above and beyond the official grants provided to each county.

In one case in Okarche, a private citizen donated funds to purchase a clock as a tribute to his wife. In Sayre, the Centennial Commission grant was used to add clocks to the Steinbeck era courthouse building which had been cut from the building’s original construction due to cost.

It is easy to drive by something so often that you just do not see it any longer. Next time you are in downtown Edmond, pause a moment to take in our beautiful newly renovated clock. The LED lights are a great improvement at night especially. It is great to have so many new places and features coming to downtown Edmond, but we should take a little time to take care of and enjoy some of the projects that have been here a while.

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Events set for August....................................................................Page 7.

---- Elks Lodge awards scholarships ....................................................Page 8.

---- A group that believes in giving back ........................................Page 10.

---- Rotary Club honors EEDA director..............................................Page 11.

---- Paseo District gears up for First Friday event..............................Page 13.

---- Thriller film ‘The Rental’ reviewed by George Gust ....................Page 15.

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

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

---- OSU impacted by COVID-19......................................................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 Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 5

Rep. Ryan Martinez

Dental Association honors Edmond lawmaker Martinez The Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) is proud to award State Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond with the ODA Legislator of the Year Award.

Chosen by the ODA Council on Governmental Affairs, this honor is intended to recognize an Oklahoma legislator who has exhibited exceptional support for the art and science of dentistry in Oklahoma. The award will be presented on July 31st during the ODA’s virtual Board of Trustees meeting.

Representative Martinez co-authored and was instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 948, the ODA’s pre-authorization bill, which was signed into law and went into effect November 1, 2019. It requires insurance companies to stand by their prior authorization and confirmation of coverage determination.

“The ODA is grateful for Representative Martinez’s partnership and continued support of dentistry and

the overall health of all Oklahomans,” said the ODA Immediate Past President Dr. Dan Wilguess.

Osborn is the third recipient of the ODA Legislator of the Year Award. In 2017 State Rep. Doug Cox received the award and in 2018 State Rep. Leslie Osborn receive the award.

About the Oklahoma Dental Association: The Oklahoma Dental Association, founded in 1907, has a membership of more than 1,600 dentists. The Association was established to help foster an awareness of the obligations and responsibilities of the dental profession to society, to help advance the art and science of dentistry, and to promote public health and health services in the State of Oklahoma.

Formore information about the ODA, visit www.okda.org and to find a dentist, visit https://findadentist.ada.org.

State representatives will start Internet privacy study Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, and Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City, announced their interim study on the issue of internet data privacy.

“Day by day we are losing any semblance of privacy due to internet service providers and online businesses skimming behavioral data from the internet,” West said.

“Take the company responsible for creating the Roomba autonomous vacuum for example,” Walke explained. “They openly stated their goal of selling maps of homeowner’s floor plans to companies like Google and Amazon in the very near future.

Most people who own these items have no idea that their ‘vacuum cleaner’ is actually a corporate spy!”

“The framers of the Constitution knew the risk to individual freedom if privacy was not protected against governmental interference, which is why they created the Fourth Amendment,” West said. “For the first time in human history, corporations now possess more power and influence over private data than many governments; and yet, all levels of government have failed to protect citizens

from such exploitation. The invasion of our privacy through data harvesting without informed consent and exploitation of that stolen data through manipulation, both overt and covert, is not a partisan issue – it goes to the very core of what it means to be an American.”

“The amount of data corporations have on us is astounding,” Walke said. “It’s time we realized that any semblance of privacy has really been ceded to corporate tech greed. Most people are not aware that this is occurring in the first place. Since knowing is half the battle, I look forward to working with Rep. West on this study in order to help Oklahomans understand just how important this issue is and that we must take proactive measures to limit corporation’s access to our data.”

Approved interim studies were announced Friday. Specific dates will be assigned to each House committee and committee chairs may now begin scheduling hearings.

State interim studies may begin Aug. 4 and must be completed by Oct. 29.

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Page 6 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Morning concert at Arcadia ARCADIA – Norman singer-songwriter Brad Fielder will present a Morning Music concert of original and traditional music from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Fielder said his music is inspired by old time, country blues, ragtime and bluegrass and brought to life on acoustic guitar, banjo and resonator guitar. He also augments his melodies with kazoo, harmonica and mouth horn.

All concerts are held outdoors on the north side of the barn, beneath the shade of the giant elm tree. Admission is free but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which was built in 1898.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. The barn is currently open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through Monday.

For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-833-1350.

Brad Fielder

Highland 55

New Edmond senior community now open Amidst an uncertain real estate market, one local developer sees an opportunity to bring an increasingly popular housing option to the Edmond community. Nationally, active adult 55+ rental communities are among the fastest growing segments of multifamily housing. Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a desire among baby boomers to simplify, avoiding the expense of repairs, lawn care, real estate taxes, and insurance; things that play havoc with any budget. Lifestyle Reimagined is the company’s motto championing the idea of freeing up time and other resources in order to live according to your life stage and interests.

David Forrest, a partner in the ownership of Highland 55 at Spring Creek remarked, “Renters by choice who are 55 and older are opting out of the hassle and expense of traditional home ownership and choosing a lifestyle focused on wellness, leisure, convenience and social interaction.”

Located in the Spring Creek area, close to Hafer Park, Highland 55 at Spring Creek is a gated, pet friendly, cottage style community featuring 72 one or two bedroom residences, a clubhouse, fitness center, with features such as a coworking space, yoga room, and pickleball court. In addition, all exterior and interior maintenance, soaring 9 foot ceilings, open floor plans, attached garages, intrusion alarms by SimpliSafe, and Cox Internet and TV are all included in the monthly rental. A second development in Broken Arrow, Highland 55 at Mission Hills, is planned to break ground soon.

Model Now Open Highland 55 at Spring Creek is located at 1117 S Bryant, Edmond, OK. The model is open M-F from 9 a.m. – 5:30pm and on Saturdays by appointment.

Private showings can be scheduled by phone 405- 216-5559 or on the website http://highland55.com

Catholic Charities virtual event raises over $25K Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City held its yearly fundraiser for Sanctuary Women’s Development Center a bit differently this year. In lieu of a large crowd of people, CCAOKC utilized technology and had a Facebook Live event. The Virtual Happy Hour reached 2,325 people and raised $25,100.

“In this new environment many non-profits are discovering ways to connect virtually with our supporters,” said Jessi Riesenberg, Senior Director of Development and Outreach.

“Because of the virtual space we were able to share our program in a way we couldn’t have done with an in-person event. The result was a mission-centered, donor-oriented hour of magic. I am humbled by the support Sanctuary received. It has provided me with new hope.”

Sanctuary Women’s Development Center opened in April 2009 in southwest Oklahoma City. This CCAOKC initiative offers at-risk women and children a secure, em-

powering environment where they can obtain social services, receive lifeskills training and work alongside a case manager to achieve independence.

“In as much as we would like to show people in person the great work their support enables, I was really pleased to see all of the people who joined with us for an hour to learn in a deep and real way the miracles we get to witness occur at Sanctuary,” said Patrick Raglow, Executive Director of CCAOK. “It was new and fun and will make a huge difference in the lives of our clients.”

The Sanctuary Women’s Development Center supports basic human rights by offering homeless and low-income women and children resources, providing support and advocacy to alleviate the effects of poverty within the community and providing tools to overcome homelessness.

For more information on Sanctuary Women’s Development Center, please visit https://bit.ly/2WPM0gI.

Group leads school supply effort Open for Business Oklahoma (OFBO) members have launched a school supply drive for students across the state.

Pencils from Protractors is the first organized effort of OFBO’s We Are Oklahoma Initiative, which highlights the connection between OFBO member companies and communities they serve.

“Children throughout our state will benefit from these donations,” said Gregg Hostetler of CONSOR Engineers, an Open for Business Oklahoma member. “We are pleased to be able to participate in this way. The community’s well-being is at the forefront of our efforts at work and at home.”

With the cost of school supplies rising to an average cost of $685 per household, many families struggle to af-

ford the expense. Local administrators anticipate an increased need for the 2020-2021 school year due to the effects of the economic downturn tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The public is also invited to participate now through Aug. 3 by dropping off donations at the CONSOR Engineers office in Edmond.

Supplies collected will benefit area schools, with all items going directly to teachers and students.

Business leaders across the corporate sector, ranging from engineers and construction workers to planning and design consultants will participate in the initiative.

More information, including a list of needed supplies, is available at https://bit.ly/WeAreOklahoma.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 7

What’s happening during August ---- In the Gallery ---- Black Out Deep Dive ---- Darci Lynne Exhibit ---- Back to the 1950s ---- VIRTUAL EVENT: Tacet Virtual Concert Series ---- Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Wednesday Farmer’s Markets (Including Junior Market) ---- Live Music: Brad Fielder ---- Concerts in the Park ---- Movie at the Park ---- Little Artists Camp ---- trAi13: Let’s Plan an Adventure – State Parks ---- Edmond Jr. Rodeo ---- All Star Team Roping Finals ---- Stampede at the E ---- Bullnanza ---- United States Team Penning Association ---- Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo ---- Deer Hunting 101 Workshop ---- VIRTUAL EVENT: Ruta Sepetys Book Club Meetup with Best of Books ---- VIRTUAL EVENT: Tammi Sauer Book Release Event ---- Jessica Herring LIVE @ Skinny Slim ---- VIRTUAL EVENT: Darci Lynne’s Got Talent Performance ---- Live Music: Rocky Kanaga Acoustic ---- Trolls World Tour Movie Night!

---- Julian Schwarz, Cellist, Gerard Schwarz and Mozart Orchestra of New York: Father-Son Duos ---- Keaton Barron Charity Classic and Auction ---- Rhea Lana’s of Edmond Fall Consignment Event ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Moving Day – Western Luggage ---- Academy of Western Art – Becoming a Better Painter: Guidance from a Lifelong Painter ---- Drawing in Different Styles ---- Drop-In Drawing ---- Read the West Book Club: Cherokee America ---- AQHYA World Youth Championship Quarter Horse Show ---- R.K. Gun Show ---- Round Barn Rendezvous ---- Better Barrel Races World Finals ---- Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show ---- The Hall of Fame Gun Show Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring art by Behnaz Sohrabian; edmondfinearts.com

Live Music: Brad Fielder Location: Arcadia Round Barn Extra Info: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Sat, Aug. 1; facebook.com/events/10273672443 11296/ Concerts in the Park Location: Hafer Park Extra Info: Thu, Aug. 6 ---- Champaign Jam & Jokers to the Right; Thu, Aug. 13 – Ciara Brooke & The Mckee Brothers; Jul 23 – Stars and Jake Gill; The Old Bulldog Band; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com Movie at the Park: Trolls World Tour Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: 7 – 11 p.m.; Free; Aug. 2 & 14; facebook.com Little Artists Camp Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info:10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Aug. 46; $95; edmondfinearts.com VIRTUAL EVENT: Darci Lynne’s Got Talent Performance Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, Aug. 9: 3 p.m.; $20; Make your reservation at edmondhistory.org or call 405-340-0078 to receive a Zoom invitation and password.

Live Music: Rocky Kanaga Acoustic Location: Flatire Burgers Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 14; 7-9 p.m.; flatireburgers.com or Facebook trAi13: Let’s Plan an Adventure – State Parks Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Thu, Aug. 20; 6:30 – 8 p.m.; Free; edmondparks.com Edmond Jr. Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 7; Fri, Aug. 21 – 22; edmondroundupclub.com All Star Team Roping Finals Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Aug. 5-9; lazye.com Stampede at the E Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Tue, Aug. 11 – Sat, Aug. 15; wcrarodeo.com Bullnanza Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 14 – Sat, Aug. 15; lazye.com

Black Out Deep Dive Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Mon, Aug. 10; 9:30 a.m.

– 2 p.m.; $55; edmondfinearts.com

United States Team Penning Association Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 14 – Sun Aug. 16; ustpa.com

Darci Lynne Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Aug. 11 – Jan 30, 2021; edmondhistory.org

Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 21 – 22; okcattlemen.org

Back to the 1950s Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Now – Jan 31; several exhibits with the 1950s theme, edmondhistory.org

VIRTUAL EVENT: Ruta Sepetys Book Club Meetup with Best of Books Location: Best of Books Zoom Extra Info: Thu, Aug. 6; 6 – 7:30 p.m.; $5 ---- $18.99; sign up for the event in store, by phone (340-9202), or online https://www.bestofbooksok.com/event/ruta-sepetys-bookclub-aug.-6th

VIRTUAL EVENT: Tacet Virtual Concert Series Extra Info: Aug. 4-6; 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday; facebook.com/UCOmusic, look for premiere video post at top of page.

Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday Farmer’s Markets (Including Junior Market) Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Wednesdays Aug. 5 – Sep 30; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com

VIRTUAL EVENT: Tammi Sauer Book Release Event Location: Best of Books Zoom Extra Info: Tue, Aug. 11; 1 – 2 p.m.; access link will be provided when you pre-order the book at bestofbooksok.com Jessica Herring LIVE @ Skinny Slim Location: Skinny Slim’s Pub Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 7; 9 p.m.; Facebook Deer Hunting 101 Workshop

Event rescheduled for 2021 Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale originally scheduled for October 23, 2020 -- has now been rescheduled for 2021.

Location: Arcadia Lake Wildlife Conservation Education Area Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 15; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $15-$50; 405 410-1379, NWTF.org/events Trolls World Tour Movie Night!

Location: VIP Insurance Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 15; 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Facebook Julian Schwarz, Cellist, Gerard Schwarz and Mozart Orchestra of New York: Father-Son Duos Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Thu, Aug. 27; 7:30 p.m.; $31 ---- $71; armstrongauditorium.org Keaton Barron Charity Classic and Auction Location: Oak Tree Country Club Extra Info: Sun, Aug. 30 – 31; Sun, 5 -8 p.m.; Mon, 11 a.m.; keatonbarroncharityclassic.org Rhea Lana’s of Edmond Fall Consignment Event Location: Edmond Marketplace Shopping Center Extra Info: Sun, Aug. 30 – Thu Sep 3; Edmond.rhealana.com Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Moving Day – Western Luggage Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 1; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Academy of Western Art – Becoming a Better Painter: Guidance from a Lifelong Painter Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Aug. 4 ---- 7; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Drawing in Different Styles Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Aug. 6 ---- 9; 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Drop-In Drawing Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Aug. 9; 2 – 3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Read the West Book Club: Cherokee America Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Aug. 16; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org AQHYA World Youth Championship Quarter Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Jul 29 – Aug. 8: aqha.com R.K. Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Aug. 1- 2: rkshows.com Round Barn Rendezvous Location: Round Barn, Arcadia Extra Info: Sun, Aug. 9; arcadiaroundbarn.com Better Barrel Races World Finals Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Aug. 12 – 16; shootoutbarrels.com Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Aug. 14 – 16; homeshowcenter.com The Hall of Fame Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Aug. 22 – 23; macshows.com Editor’s Note: To be on the cautious side, be sure to check organizations’ web sites to make sure an event will be held.

Page 8 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

To address the national debt

OC students excel in national campaign Once again, public relations students at Oklahoma Christian University are among the best in the country at motivating voters to address the nation’s debt. The Eagle PR team’s efforts to raise awareness and organize student outreach to elected officials about the federal deficit were selected this summer as a top-20 Up to Us campaign out of more than 100 submissions.

The winning campaigns, including teams from Yale University and the University of California at Davis, were determined by their ability to engage peers, use of creative strategies, earned and social media efforts and overall impact of the campaigns.

“The innovative campaigns created as part of this year’s Up to Us Competition can inspire leaders to re-focus on national preparedness across a range of key areas impacting the next generation, including our fiscal outlook,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, which helps fund Up to Us and its parent organization Net Impact.

With the federal government’s debt at more than $26 trillion this year, the nonpartisan and nonprofit Net Impact invited college students to help develop debt solutions this past school year.

Students on the winning teams were recognized at virtual Up to Us events this summer by Peterson and Sheila Bair, the 19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Due to COVID-19, the students did not get to attend Net Impact’s previously planned 2020 Fiscal Summit. That prestigious, annual event allows students to meet with elected officials and staffers on Capitol Hill who help create and manage the U.S. government’s budget. Last year’s Summit featured distinguished journalists, economists and politicians such as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

OC’s fall campaign included multiple events such as a public debate, news media outreach, organic and paid-for social media messages, student club competitions and a letter-writing drive to deliver zip-code specific messages to elected officials. The OC team was able to achieve more than 400 messages sent to elected officials, which was more than 20 percent of the undergraduate student body. The team’s news and social media messages reached tens of thousands more in the greater Oklahoma City area.

OC’s Up to Us campaign was run by Eagle PR, an award-winning, student-run public relations agency. The team was led by Cypress, Texas, native Elizabeth Killough, Oklahoma City native Bayley Eckhart, Sallisaw, Oklahoma, native Haleigh Evans, and Denver, Colorado, native Melanie Campbell. Other students who helped on the team included Isa Woodson, Kelly Webber, Lindsey Stoeckel, Paige Adams and Brooke Buffington. Associate Professor of Communication Josh Watson advises Eagle PR. “Once again, I am so proud of how hard these students worked for a serious issue that affects our future,” Watson said. “Being named to the top-20 is a reflection of the support we received from the

PHOTO PROVIDED Oklahoma Christian University student Drew Eckhart debates solutions to the nation's debt crisis with Professor of Communication Brian Simmons last school year. The debate was organized by Eagle PR for its campaign to get voters to address federal debt. For the second year in a row, OC's team was honored as a top-20 campaign in the nation.

OC and Oklahoma City communities.”

OC was the only school from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri or New Mexico to be selected among the top-20. The winner of the Up to Us competition this year was Mesa Community College.

Brian Simmons, OC’s chair of the department of communication, praised the OC student team.

“I watched these students work so hard with dedication and optimism last fall,” Simmons said.

“They are each deserving of this recognition for going above and beyond to encourage their peers and neighbors to take action.”

Up to Us is a nonpartisan organization in which students across the nation are encouraged to take action against the national debt crisis. Funded by both Republican and Democratic groups, the Up to

Us competition was created in partnership with Net Impact, the Clinton Global Initiative University and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

The finalists and winner of the Campus Competition were determined by a panel of judges with expertise spanning civic engagement, economic policy and education. Last year’s judges included: Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center; Fatema Basrai, assistant director of InnovateHealth at Yale University; Kristen Dupard, J.D. candidate at Columbia University and double alumnae of the Clinton Global Initiative University; Tony Pennay, chief learning officer at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute; James Roland, senior director of civic and community engagement at Emory University; and Nitiya Walker, founder of Seeds of Fortune.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 9

Joann Moorehead, left, Exalted Ruler presenting the check to Delaney Barghols. Peyton Garrett was unavailable for the presentation.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Elks Lodge presents scholarships Edmond Elks Lodge has awarded two local scholarships to Edmond high school seniors attending Oklahoma University this fall.

The two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to: Delaney Barghols, a senior at Crossings Christian School, daughter of Bradley and Shannon Barghols and Peyton Garrett, a senior at Edmond Memorial High School, son of Patrick and Tracey Garrett.

Both students will matriculate to the University of Oklahoma in the Fall. The scholarship project was chaired by Ms. Twila Bourlon and was funded by the Edmond Elks Terry Horton Scholarship Fund in memory of Dr. Terry Horton, long-time College of Education professor at University of Central Oklahoma and a former Exalted Ruler of Edmond Elks Lodge #2578.

Senate leaders address state redistricting issue Senate leaders last week announced more details of the process the Oklahoma Senate Select Committee on Redistricting will use as the Senate prepares for redistricting next year upon receipt of data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

The moves will ensure the general public’s role in the upcoming redistricting process in the Senate, said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

“Redistricting will be one of the most important issues considered by the Legislature next year. The Senate has been working on redistricting for months and we are preparing for the culmination of that work by taking steps to ensure the general public’s role in the process. The Senate is committed to an open and transparent process as we conduct our constitutional duty to draw state legislative and congressional districts in Oklahoma using data from the 2020 Census,” Treat said.

Senator Lonnie Paxton, chair of the Redistricting Committee, said the public will have an important role in redistricting and that the Senate redistricting process will include: Public hearings at locations across the state with the opportunity for the public to offer comments at the hearings; The public submission of proposed maps of state legislative and congres-

sional districts; and Public notice given before action taken by the committee.

If needed, Paxton said the Senate redistricting committee would take steps such as providing remote participation to accommodate social distancing necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the Senate will also make its resources available to local officials if they so choose to help them draw county commission districts, city council districts, and local school board districts.

“The Senate is committed to transparency in the redistricting process and holding public hearings and accepting maps from the public will help us achieve that goal,” Paxton said.

More details about public hearings and the process for submission of proposed maps by the public will be announced later this year, Paxton said. Treat emphasized the important role that Census data plays in redistricting.

“Census data from the federal government will be used to draw the new district lines,” Treat said. “The best thing the public can do right now for redistricting is complete the Census.”

To complete the 2020 U.S. Census, visit https://my2020census.gov/.

Study participants sought The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is marking World Sjögren’s Day on July 23 with a call for those who have or who think they may have Sjögren’s syndrome to participate in new research studies and a clinical trial.

In Sjögren’s, immune cells attack moisture-producing glands, causing severe dry eyes and dry mouth, and sometimes fatigue, joint pain, rashes, breathing problems and issues with thinking. While there are no approved treatments for Sjögren's, OMRF researchers are out to change that.

“We have several labs across the OMRF campus doing world-class research from all angles on Sjögren’s syndrome,” said OMRF Sjögren’s Research Cohort Director Darise Farris, Ph.D. “Our collective goal is to understand it at the molecular level so we can develop new strategies for treatment – but to do this we need people with Sjögren’s or who think they might have it

to participate.”

Two opportunities are available: Sjögren’s patients are needed for a clinical trial of an investigational drug to treat the syndrome, and both diagnosed patients and those experiencing symptoms are needed for a one-time research evaluation that will help numerous OMRF studies.

“Sjögren’s is a very challenging diagnosis and most people live with symptoms for years before they actually reach us because there is no clear-cut ‘yes or no’ test that can determine the disease,” said OMRF Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., who is leading the clinical trial.

For information about enrolling in the clinical trial, call 405-271-7745 or email Kallena-Haynes@omrf.org.

To learn more about participating in the one-time research cohort evaluation, call 405-868-9412 or email Sjogrens@omrf.org.

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Page 10 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side Charitable actions never die Biden’s green side I read something interesting, and true the other day. The writer said that good deeds and kindness lasts forever.

Seems to make sense to me. We also appear to be in short supply of people who truly love and care about their fellow man.

I reflected on this after reading the magazine Columbia. That is the Steve Gust international publication for the Catholic fraternal organization the Knights of Columbus.

As a spoiler alert, I’m a member so I’m probably not the most objective source on this. I will add the Knights probably aren’t perfect. Like everyone else, we recruit from the human race and all of us make mistakes.

One article I liked from this issue concerned a look back at the Knights and our record with civil rights.

Our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, was a local parish priest back east. He founded the order in 1882 in New Haven, Conn. Sadly, Fr. McGivney died in 1890, still in his 30s. He passed away during a flu epidemic, which took many lives.

One cause Fr. McGivney championed was unity.

The Knights have a history of inclusion with African Americans. In fact the Knights became enemies of the terrorist group the Ku Klux Klan. Back in the 1920s, that group had political power. In 1921 they determined the Knights of Columbus were “the organization most interested in the destruction of the

Ku Klux Klan.”

Because of that, the KKK went out of their way to disrupt Columbus celebrations and destroy statues.

(Sound familiar?)

Yet, the Knights continued to advance the cause of minorities. Knights leaders served on various commissions, with that as a top goal. One served with President Truman’s Committee on Civil Rights. That eventually led to an integrated federal workforce as well as an integrated military.

The Knights continue to advocate for justice for all.

That wasn’t the only article that impressed me.

Since the pandemic the Knights have a “Leave No Neighbor Behind,” program, which helps those impacted by the pandemic. They check on brother Knights and families and do what they can to help in the name of Christian charity.

There was also an article on a man named Tom Bagley. In Canada during the spring, Tom saw a fire at a home. The retired firefighter ran into the house to help. This devoted family man and military veteran was killed. The fire had been set by a deranged gunman who ended up 23 people in a deadly shooting.

Tom also was a believer in “leave no neighbor behind.”

There isn’t a whole lot of great news these days, but there are still people who believe in love of neighbor and love of Christ.

Fr. McGivney recognized this. His legacy are two million men today, who with their families, care and love others.

Yes, one man can make a huge difference.

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Joe Biden is beginning to roll out policy proposals as he nears the Democratic nomination for president, and on energy, his plan has a distinctly green hue. A move away from fossil fuels is being assisted by the courts, which bodes ill for U.S. consumers.

Dominion Energy and Duke Energy recently announced that due to legal and regulatory headaches, they won't build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which was to move natural gas from West Virginia to North Carolina. A U.S. Supreme Court decision had gone the companies’ way, but a nationwide injunction in April by a federal judge in Montana against a different pipeline presented new obstacles.

Dominion and Duke decided enough was enough.

“These lawsuits and decisions have sought to dramatically rewrite decades of permitting and legal precedent including as implemented by presidential administrations of both political parties,” the companies said.

A few days later, a federal judge ordered that the Dakota Access pipeline, which has been moving oil for three years, be shut down to allow for additional environmental review. The pipeline was the subject of months of protests in 2016 and 2017 by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which worried that the project would taint the water supply. The judge said the review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was flawed.

The new review could drag into next year, by which time Biden could be in the White House and scuttle it altogether.

His climate change policy recommendations stem from a joint task force with supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. A co-chair of the task force was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who co-authored the Green New Deal.

The task force calls for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050 by going all in on green energy.

“To reach net-zero emissions as rapidly as possible, Democrats commit to eliminating carbon pollution from power plants by 2035 through technologyneutral standards for clean energy and energy efficiency,” the task force said. “We will dramatically expand solar and wind energy deployment through community-based and utility-scale systems.

Within five years, we will install 500 million solar panels, including eight million solar roofs and community solar energy systems, and 60,000 made-in-America wind turbines.”

The decision to return to schools

By Jacqueline McDaniel Parenting in a pandemic presents unique challenges for families. Planning for a return to school in mid-August looms large as the start date of the 2020-2021 school year approaches.

Concerns about student safety, learning loss and socialMcDaniel ization are on parents’ minds as they decide to participate in a traditional school setting, opt for virtual class models or seek alternatives like homeschooling.

While administrators work to create new policies and address parents’ questions, the debate continues both in broader societal conversation

and individual households.

Weighing factors like the use of masks and social distancing in the classroom versus issues related to supervision, quality of curriculum and student motivation can be overwhelming. Although information continues to change in light of this unprecedented public health situation and school plans are likely to shift in response, parents are still faced with an initial decision to choose a path that best fits their family’s unique needs.

Here are five factors to consider when deciding between virtual or in-person classes: Underlying health conditions: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list underlying conditions such as autoimmune disorders,

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

asthma, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease as contributing to the severity of illness when a person becomes sick with COVID-19. Ask your pediatrician for guidance if you have questions about your child’s ability to return to class in person this fall. Be prepared to present your school district’s policies, including strategies for social distancing and the use of masks, to help inform the discussion with your doctor.

Available supervision while learning at home: Much of the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations advocating for the return to a traditional setting is based on supervisory issues. Children will need basic, routine supervision to ensure their safety throughout the school day while learning from home. Adult assistance with school subjects will vary depending on the student’s age and selected course of study but additional work offline is a component of many programs. The presence of an adult is also advisable for kids of all ages to prevent household accidents.

Professional guidance: Parents are children’s first teachers. However, dealing with unfamiliar subject areas may give parents pause when it comes to teaching academic concepts outside their areas of expertise. Unrealistic expectations, potential for frustration and the inability to leverage other teaching methods based on field experience can also be items warranting concern.

Seeking support from educators and other parents can help establish a baseline, manage these issues and create a plan for what success looks like that is age-appropriate.

Access to school-based programs and resources: Guidance for children who access serv-

See CLASS RETURN, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 11

Lankford supports defense spending Sen. James Lankford (R-Edmond) last week supported the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, which received bipartisan support, was ushered through final passage by Senator Jim Inhofe (ROK) who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee. The bill will authorize $740.5 billion in funding to support military construction projects, push a strong US national defense strategy, care for military families and the civilian workforce, regain US military advantage, and improve the Pentagon’s operations. Lankford advocated for the NDAA during floor remarks and outlined why this work by Congress is so important for the many military men and women around the world who are representing and protecting our nation.

“I am grateful for the leadership of Senators Inhofe and Reed who have worked to pass America’s annual defense bill, the NDAA,” said Lankford.

“In our daily lives it is easy to lose track of the men and women wearing the cloth of our nation throughout the world to protect us every day. They and their dedicated families make countless sacrifices to protect our peace. This year, the NDAA provides thousands of military policy changes like a three percent pay raise, ensures we will not have another round of base closings, adds additional oversight for military housing, and gives military spouses the ability to keep their professional licenses when they move state to state as their loved ones are relocated. These are significant ways we can support our military and their families as they protect and defend our nation.”

The NDAA included a number of im-

portant provisions that help Oklahoma military installations and the federal workforce, including: A three percent raise for all service members.

Tinker Air Force Base: Fully funds the KC-46 and the B-21 Institutes a 180-Day rule modification pilot program, which Lankford has advocated to change.

Encourages the use of additive manufacturing capabilities to repair aircraft more quickly.

Altus Air Force Base: Fully funds the KC-46, Altus AFB is set to receive eight aircraft Prohibits the Air Force from divesting older KC-10 and KC-1335 tankers until technical issues with the new KC-46 are fixed.

McAlester Army Ammunition Plant: Authorizes full military construction funding ($35 million) for the Ammunition Demolition Shop, commonly referred to as the C-Line to allow for safe and proper deconstruction of munitions that are no longer serviceable or have reached their maximum storage time.

Lawton and Ft. Sill: Fully funds the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program. This will serve as the platform for future Army modernization projects that will allow the US to maintain an advantage over our strategic competitors like China and Russia.

Will Rogers—Oklahoma National Guard: Protects the 137th SOW by prohibiting divestiture of manned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft operated by US Special Operations Command.

Class Return From Page 10 ices like developmental and speech therapies, English language learners and others who need consistent, specialized intervention may be better served in traditional school settings. Materials like toys, books, games and other manipulatives may only be available through instructional use at school sites. Lack of access to technology may also be an issue that hinders learning from home. Meals will continue to be provided at school cafeterias throughout Oklahoma’s schools but Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits also will be available via electronic deposit this school year, according to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Socio-emotional wellbeing: People need people. As social beings, even young children benefit from opportunities to interact with others. A variety of options exist, such as video conferencing like Zoom and virtual classroom experiences, afterschool activities, homeschooling coops, community activities like church, volunteer groups, etc. as an alternative to typical classroom interactions.

Every family is different, with unique circumstances and children

who have varying needs. Talking with school officials, your child’s former teachers, his or her pediatrician and other professionals can help. A family counselor may also help you discuss these important issues so you can come to the decision that is best for your household.

Finally, give yourself grace as you commit to working through these important conversations to help keep your family healthy.

Professionals from so many sectors, from education to public health and service providers, are also working to implement best practices at this time. Find more information about the latest in prevention strategies and school recommendations at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Jacqueline McDaniel is the executive director for the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families. The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing health care access to all Oklahomans through education, advocacy and coordinated partnerships. For information on the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families, visit www.okhealthyfamily.org.

Page 12 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

The 2020-2021 UCO Pom Team UCO Pom conducted a virtual tryout and we are excited to announce the 2020-2021 UCO POM Team.

Front row (L to R): Jessica Russell, Jessica Kassan, Nicole Traxler, Sarah Szukala, Clare Dooling, Haylin Elliott, Madilynn Grimes Middle row (L to R): Zoe Underwood, Kaitlyn Tinsley, Emily Swanson, Raven Fowler, Macy Garey, Landry Willis, Kayla Tinsley, Sinclaire Leverenz Back row (L to R): Jaidyn Walker, Brooklynn Hoehne, Bre Sanders, Bailey Reynolds, Emily Pickett, Peyton Kuykendall, Abby Heritage ‘This 2020-2021 team is the largest team we have had at UCO, we are excited with the talent this year and ready to cheer on the UCO Bronchos!’ according to Coach Lil Watson.

Photo by: Jamie Cobb @RentPhotoVille

Janet Yowell wins award from Rotarians Local official Janet Yowell has been named the “George Mikesell Award Recipient” for the Rotary Club of Edmond.

Yowell is the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA). A community leader, she was named as one of the 2006 Fifty Women Making a Difference by The Journal Record, and in January of this year was honored by The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce as "Citizen of the Year.”

Club Member and 2019 Award Recipient, Robert Gibson virtually presented Yowell with the award.

Gibson said, “Janet is a wonderful example of Service Above Self. A board member and volunteer for Edmond Mobile Meals, she also serves in an advising capacity on the Central Edmond Urban Development Board, Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Board and the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. Janet has been an active member of the Edmond Rotary Club since 2001 and has been especially effective at securing dynamic speakers for our meetings.

She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU/EDI) and Leadership Edmond Class VIII, Janet has served as chairman, vice-chairman and secretary of the Governor's Economic Development Team (GEDT). Janet is also a past chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership, a 10-county regional economic development marketing organization. She resides in Edmond with her husband Mark. They have two daughters, Emily and Melissa.”

The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on Zoom. Guests are welcome. www.edmondrotary.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 13

Art district plans abbreviated event Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. Though most Paseo galleries have reopened with abbreviated hours, only a handful will be open for First Friday.

Restaurants will be open for patio seating and takeout.

All guests are required to wear a mask or face covering indoors, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer when shopping. This month’s First Friday is Aug. 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can find more information about how to support your favorite shops and restaurants during their new hours at thepaseo.org/support-paseo.

Enjoy a live music performance by pretty well, the solo noise-making endeavor of Zachary Valladon. An Oklahoma City transplant and musician from Los Angeles with a propensity for laziness and writing indie songs, pretty well will perform 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the red “Flamenco” sculpture in the center of the district.

The Paseo Arts & Creativity Center presents Tour de Quartz, an exhibition of artwork created by Oklahoma high school students during the 2020 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain, which took place online this year. Students are selected for this exciting opportunity through statewide auditions and learn from nationally renowned artists. Though instruction looked dramatically different than in past years, the students’ talent and the quality of the work they’ve created is sure to astonish viewers. Each student is represented by one piece of artwork in a variety of mediums such as photography, painting and drawing. Tour de Quartz will be on display in the PACC at 3024 Paseo August 7-29 and will then continue to tour throughout Oklahoma.

Visit oaiquartz.org for more information.

Images from the Black Lives Matter protests in Oklahoma City taken by Ryan Magnani, Michael Steinman and Eric Waltman will remain on display through August 29. Prints of the photos are for sale with proceeds benefitting Black Lives Matter. More images and resources can be found at thehouseokc.com/blacklivesmatter.

Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson. Each First Friday, Paseo galleries offer special themed exhibits, refreshments, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment - all within walking distance. Ten restaurants and a handful of shops round out the Paseo’s distinctive atmosphere.

For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 525-2688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org.

Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Maya Staggs, one of the Paseo District artists, works on a recent creation.

Page 14 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Eye exams urged

Distance learning may mean vision strain Oklahoma's optometric physicians are reminding parents that all students should receive comprehensive vision exams before the start of the school year, especially as students rely to a greater degree on distance learning, tablets, and computers.

“Because of COVID-19, we are seeing a lot more work being done remotely, and that means a lot more screen time,” said OAOP President Tyson Allard, OD. “Sitting 15 feet away from a blackboard is a lot healthier for your eyes than staring at a tablet that’s a foot from your face.

The result of that kind of sustained exposure to screens can cause everything from minor headaches to eye strains.”

Smart phones, tablets and computers can cause a condition known as “Computer Vision Syndrome,” or CVS. Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burned or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain.

Nationally, parents report that twothirds of all children use devices for homework that can cause CVS. Furthermore, undiagnosed vision problems are extremely common (approximately one-in-four children has an untreated vision condition). Vision problems can cause both aca-

demic and behavioral problems as well as physical conditions like frequent headaches. Approximately 40 percent of all children with learning disabilities have vison problems.

Dr. Allard said that undiagnosed vision problems will probably be even more common during the COVIDera.

“Parents who choose at-home learning may not notice vision problems in the same way that a school nurse or even a teacher would be trained to look for,” said Dr. Allard.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a comprehensive exam from an optometrist."

Optometrists also warn that screenings performed in school or even by pediatricians are often not enough. Many simple vision screenings performed in those settings test basic distance visual acuity (ie “is a child ‘near-sighted or ‘far-sighted?”), without also testing the wide variety of vision conditions and problems that affect learning and schoolwork.

Eye doctors are using the back-toschool season to remind parents that comprehensive vision exams are the best way to identify and correct these issues.

Parents can find an optometrist near them at https://oklahoma.aoa.org/.

New doctor joins Integris Integris Family Care North MacArthur in Oklahoma City welcomes Braxton Nottingham, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician.

Nottingham earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and completed his residency training at Great Plains Family Medicine. His special interests include pediatrics, preventative medicine and chronic disease management.

“My patients often say they appreciate my honesty and the relaxed environment I create. My approach includes partnering with my patients and their families with the goal of establishing long-term plans for improving and maintaining their health,” says Dr. Nottingham Nottingham. “I believe that effective, timely, preventative care is the key for health longevity. I am passionate about my patients’ health and I hope those relationships last a lifetime."

Integris Family Care North MacArthur is located at 5720 W. Memorial Rd. in Oklahoma City. Call 405-470-7100 to make an appointment.

To know more, call (405) 470-7100

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 15

Review of ‘The Rental’

A solid thriller, which just misses the mark

By George Gust “The Rental” is Dave Franco’s (“The Disaster Artist” and brother of James Franco) directorial debut recently released to on demand platforms.

Two couples (Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand) on an ocean-side getaway grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them.

“The Rental” is a horror thriller that could be best described as an airbnb gone completely wrong. Set amidst the backdrop of a luxurious ocean view mansion “The Rental” is a predictable melodrama for the first two thirds. Franco builds the paranoia and suspense through the slow development of the fracturing relationships of the main characters, but the turtle slow pace can be distracting at times as you wait for some kind of creepy incident to kick off the action of the movie.

And while the tension takes its time to pay off the talented core cast is able to salvage the movie’s simple story. As the interpersonal conflicts grow between the couples you become half way invested in seeing how their issues will mani-

fest with the promise of horrific thrills to come.

Brie, Stevens, White and Vand bring compelling drama to their roles, and create characters that rise above the stock archetypes you find in these kinds of films.

Franco employs a certain realistic approach during the Long drawn out set up of the characters that plays nicely with the solid performances however it is all in service of a movie that ultimately fizzles out in the third act.

Even though “The Rental” clocks in at a brisk 89 minutes, Franco and crew managed to cram to movies into one. The first 2 acts play out as a

well acted 20-somethings’ melodrama with strong undertones of dread and paranoia. Then the 3rd act turns into a completely different movie that fails to payoff the built up suspense and mystery, and ends up falling flat on its face. The disappointment of the third act hairpin narrative turn makes the slow burn pacing of the first two acts feel like a plodding, yet well executed, student film. Ultimately “The Rental” is a solid thriller for most of its running time, but the overall experience leaves you feeling disappointed. “The Rental” wouldn’t be the worst movie to turn on if you’re in the mood for a thriller/horror, but you could wait until it costs less than the $5.99 rental fee.

“The Rental” is rated R for violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexuality.

2.5 out of 5 stars To contact George to comment, or for a question, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com Read past movie reviews by George Gust by visiting our web site at www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand check in to Dave Franco's directorial debut, ‘The Rental’ that shows promise in the young filmmaker, but ultimately falls short of expectations.

Art exhibits are now opened

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: WHO SAID IT?

Two new, original exhibitions are now open at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art: “Art with a History” and “The Art of Light.”

“Art with a History,” which explores the provenance, or ownership history, of 13 works of art from OKCMOA’s permanent collection, was researched and curated by Kress Fellow for Provenance Research Dr. Bryn Schockmel. “The Art of Light” celebrates Oklahoma Contemporary’s inaugural exhibition, “Bright Golden Haze,” with three historical artworks that use light as the medium.

“Understanding the provenance of a work of art adds to its cultural and historical value,” said Schockmel. “It allows us to better situate an artwork in the past and to appreciate what meaning it may have held for previous collectors.

“Art with a History” will be open through Nov. 29, 2020. “The Art of Light” will be open through Sept. 27, 2020.

The Museum is currently requiring face coverings, limiting capacity in the galleries and offering timed admission.

Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online at okcmoa.com or over the phone at (405) 2363100 prior to visiting.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

ACROSS 1. Involuntary twitch 6. World's oldest national broadcaster 9. Pilgrimage to Mecca 13. Pacific island greeting 14. "____ the ramparts..."

15. Prefix relating to sun 16. Not so crazy 17. Maiden name indicator 18. Greet the day 19. Mentally prepared for something scary 21. *"There's no place like home" 23. Liveliness 24. Answer to this clue, e.g.

25. Winter bug 28. Hatha or bikram 30. Incense burner, in a church 35. Bubonic plague spreaders 37. Bottle plug 39. Part of TNT 40. Bad luck predictor 41. *"D'oh!"

43. Cleopatra's necklace 44. Red Cross supply 46. Have supper 47. Female crab, or crybaby in Australia 48. Belonging to Cree, e.g.

50. Byproduct of combing wool 52. Be nosey 53. Spilled the beans 55. Band booking 57. *"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" 61. *"The caged bird sings of freedom" 65. Acoustic output 66. Polar toymaker 68. Oodles 69. *"Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant."

70. "Funny or ____" 71. Tutor's student

72. Withered 73. Use a Singer, e.g.

74. Not be frugal DOWN 1. Fresh talk 2. Surveyor's work 3. Excellent 4. Pen dweller 5. *"Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright."

6. *"A martini. Shaken, not stirred."

7. Samantha of "Full Frontal" 8. Words to live by 9. Submarine sandwich 10. Climbed down 11. Potluck offering 12. *"It's a moo point" 15. Habituate, like a plant 20. Historical period 22. Tolkien humanoid 24. Global problem?

25. *"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood" 26. Coeur de ____ ____, "Titanic" 27. Embryo cradles

29. Well-behaved 31. Lice eggs 32. "Sesame Street" prominent architecture feature 33. Not right 34. *"Yo, Adrian!"

36. Give the cold shoulder 38. Bingo-like game 42. 1837 to 1901, to Queen Victoria 45. Ronald McDonald or Mickey Mouse 49. ____-di-dah 51. Hanukkah's eight 54. Must-haves 56. "Faster!" to a horse 57. Tea servings 58. Fishing decoy 59. Month before Nisan 60. Half a golf round 61. "____ ____Good Men" 62. Like the White Rabbit 63. Inviting sign 64. Like a hand-me-down 67. Baron Munchausen's statement

Answers on Page 19

Answers appearing on Page 19

Page 16 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Keystone Schools to begin year in virtual model Keystone Adventure School and Farm, an accredited preschool and elementary school in Edmond, has announced to their families that they will begin school on Aug. 13 in a virtual model.

But Keystone, launching a space theme for the year called “Mission KASAF: Keystone Adventures in Space and Further,” offers something different in their virtual learning scenario: the chance to still be together in person.

“Because we attend to whole-child safety — social, emotional, and physical — we knew that even in a virtual model, we had to find ways for kids to be safe and still be together,” said John Duhon, Keystone co-founder and co-director.

Duhon said that children will spend mornings online one-on-one or in small groups with their teachers, as teachers attend to each child’s individual learning needs. In the afternoons, kids are invited to campus in small groups for outdoor-only, one-hour visits to campus 2-3 times each week.

During these visits to campus, students will be with teachers or staff participating in a hands-on project, PE, art, or caring for pasture animals. This allows the Keystone students to maintain and continue to build strong relationships with friends, staff, and even the animals.

“Our goal is to make sure that the relationships between teachers and students stay strong, and that the students will not experience a gap in their learning,” said Jenny Dunning, also a co-founder and co-director. “We plan to utilize our amazing 15 acres to create lots of opportunities for play, exploration, and learning.”

Keystone has also done something other schools have not: released a public, data-based metric that determines whether school will be in-person (Mis-

sion Control), a hybrid model with A/B groups on campus (Space Colony), or virtual (Satellite).

“Based on what we’ve seen from other schools, parents don’t know how or when those decisions are being made,” Duhon said. “We are telling our parents exactly how we are making those decisions and have released a live spreadsheet, created by a task force that included a statistics expert and an infectious disease specialist. Our metrics were developed so that kids will only be in the classroom when the community spread is low enough to mitigate any high risk of exposure. We aren’t waiting until the spread is out of control in our community to decide to go online, but instead, we are only going to be in person when we know the risk much lower.”

Dunning said that this metric sets Keystone apart, both in its public release and in how specific it is to the Keystone community.

“Our data is compiled daily and is based specifically on community spread within the 19 zip codes that Keystone families live in,” Dunning said. “This allows us to make accurate, informed decisions for the safety of our staff and families.”

Keystone families, overall, have been impressed with how the school is handling the new scenarios the pandemic has brought to education. One parent said, “I feel a deep sense of appreciation that Keystone has been so thoughtful in its approach to handling education and ‘how to school’ in a pandemic.

I feel a sense of immense gratitude for how much time and effort the school leaders have put in to create a plan that prioritizes the fundamental needs that have to be met in order for the children to learn.”

When children are on campus, Keystone has im-

plemented new safety protocols, including touchless faucets and soap dispensers, new HEPA air filters, social/physical distancing, daily wellness checks, and staggered pick-ups and drop-offs.

When indoors, all children will wear face coverings: sun hat face shields for preschool-1st grade, and masks for 2nd-5th grade. All staff will be masked.

“We know it is hard to expect younger children to wear face coverings, unless it’s their idea and they’ve had some practice,” Dunning said. “Our space theme provides a connection for our ‘space cadets’ to wear ‘space helmets’ and ‘atmosphere masks.’ Infusing lots of fun and redirection is just one of the ways we will attend to their emotional safety.”

Over the past few weeks, Keystone has also been sharing information with parents to help families adjust to the changes they may face with social distancing, masking, and proper handwashing.

Both directors said that it’s important to continue to find ways to keep kids safe while engaging them in a learning adventure that focuses their hearts and minds on curiosity and creativing thinking and away from the stresses of our uncertain world.

“It’s important to note that, regardless of whether we are on campus or online, none of our commitments to the mission or philosophy of Keystone have changed,” said Duhon. “We will continue to attend to each child’s social, emotional, physical, and academic health in a way that is best for them.”

More information about Keystone, including the introduction of an out-of-this-world space theme and the COVID-19 plan and procedures, is available on their website at: www.keystoneadventureschoolandfarm.com.

COVID contact tracing to also include texting The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announces the expansion of its contact tracing outreach efforts to include text messaging. This functionality will help streamline the process for contact tracers as they reach out to individuals who have been in close contact with infected individuals.

“Contact tracing is an integral component of fighting COVID-19 by breaking the chain of transmission, and we are pleased to find ways to increase efficiency as we continuously develop robust contact tracing efforts across Oklahoma,” said Deputy Commissioner of Community Health Services Keith Reed.

Oklahoma currently has 300 contact tracers and case investigators, with 160 additional staff in training.

All contact tracers are trained on the new text messaging system to notify positive cases automatically as soon as their information is entered into the contact tracing system.

Contact tracing outreach efforts will now begin with text messages.

This new method will enable the contacts to conveniently fill out their own contact tracing interview form, receive specific quarantine-related messaging, and acquire a letter of exclusion without ever interacting with a contact tracer. For those who do not have a cell phone or prefer to receive phone calls, there is an easy option to enroll in call monitoring rather than text monitoring.

Initial contact messages start with "Message for [Contact’s Initials].”

This is to reassure the contact that the source of the message is valid without revealing the contact’s name or other private information. Contacts who prefer to receive phone calls will be called by a contact tracer from a phone number that will appear on Caller ID as 405-522-0001.

With the abundance of COVID-19 related scams, the public should be aware that these texts and calls are both trusted forms of communication from OSDH and to respond in a timely manner to help with contact tracing efforts.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 17

Home sales booming on a short supply

By Richard Mize Oklahoman.com Homebuyers are rushing up a down staircase: Sales are booming, supply is in the basement, and sellers have the upper hand in negotiations.

The Edmond-area market — Edmond, Deer Creek, and Oakdale public school districts — provides a look at the hottest seller's market here in at least a generation, if not ever.

The area had "a bunch of firsts," last month, said Brian Preston, broker-owner of of RE/MAX at Home, 3224 S Broadway Ave., No. 225.

"June 2020 was an all-time high for the number of

closings in a single month with 549. We have hit 500 only twice before, both times last year. This has put this year 23 transactions over last year's record-setting pace," he wrote this week in his monthly Preston Report and blog at www.edmond4sale.com.

The Edmond area had 2,316 sales in the first half of the year, compared with 2,293 the first six months of 2019, a scant 1% increase.

"But (with) all we have been through, to be ahead of last year at all is a blessing," Preston wrote.

Another first: more than 900 pending contracts — 922 to be exact. May ended with 886 sales waiting

to close.

"Last month's record didn't last long," Preston said.

Another first: Edmond ended June with just 978 homes on the market, fewer than 1,000 for the first time in Preston's 21 years of compiling his report.

"We have almost as many homes under contract as we do available properties to buy," he said.

"If they all close, we would have a one-month absorption rate," Preston reported, meaning the length of time it would take to sell every house listed with a Realtor in the Edmond market arrea. "Even with the current closings, we have under a two-month absorption rate."

Tough time for energy field Oklahoma’s energy industry continues to be hammered as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

An energy index published on a monthly basis by the Oklahoma Petroleum Alliance and partners shows the industry in the midst of a bust “of historic significance,” officials said Friday.

“Unfortunately, it is increasingly difficult to see a quick path to a bottom and even more difficult to see a robust recovery in the near future,” said Russell Evans, executive director of the Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute at Oklahoma City University.

The index uses May 2000 (which was assigned an index number of 100) as a base period to compare against monthly readings of rig counts, energy employment levels for production and support companies and monthly average spot prices for natural gas and oil.

The index number for May 2020 was 95.6, off 5.6% from its April 2020 reading of 101.3.

“The industry is shedding jobs with new activity on hold,” Brook A. Simmons, the alliance’s president, stated as part of the index announcement made Friday.

“It could be months until operators can identify an economic and price path forward in which they can have confidence. In the meantime, activity likely will stay muted while companies cut jobs, assets and costs to better align (operations) with limited cash flow,” Simmons said.

A sign of the times The effect of the COVID-19 virus is evident on local hotels. Information, released by the Edmond Economic Development Authority, shows gross receipts down in June by almost $1 million compared to last year. The number of room rentals was down by more than 10,000 units.

Law firm marks 15 years (Editor’s Note: Below, the city’s Edmond Economic Development Authority recently recognitzed the Mugg/Winston law firm as their “featured business,” in their publication, The Arrow. The law firm is also being honored for celebrating its 15 year in business.)

Comprehensive estate planning, which includes creating and completely funding an estate plan, is at the core of the firm's practice. The Mugg|Winston attorneys also have experience in trust administration, probate, small business administration, estate and gift tax planning, charitable planning, and other related areas of law.

Mugg|Winston is always looking for additional ways to expand and improve client services. The firm recently added estate planning for digital assets. Mugg|Winston also offers an optional Estate Maintenance Plan for a fixed annual fee. Both of these offerings emphasize the importance of having a comprehensive and custom estate plan that is well-maintained.

Mugg|Winston just celebrated its 15 year anniversary on June 1. In the past year of serving the community, Mugg|Winston was a finalist for the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award. The

Mugg|Winston Established: June 1, 2005 Number of Employees: 13 Product/Service: Legal Services Website: muggwinston.law Facebook: @muggwinston Instagram: @muggwinston

firm was also awarded the 2020 Oklahoma Family Positive Workplace Certificate.

The mission of Mugg|Winston is to do what is right for its employees, clients and community. The owners and the majority of the firm's employees live and raise their families in Edmond. All employees are passionate about being a part of the Edmond community and continuing to shape Edmond for future generations.

For more information, visit muggwinston.law.

Chief of Staff leaving post Gov. Kevin Stitt last week announced that Chief of Staff Michael Junk will transition out of the Stitt Administration to pursue opportunities closer to his family in Tulsa effective July 31.

“Michael Junk has been a steady hand that helped guide us through a number of historic challenges throughout my first 18 months in office,” said Gov. Stitt. “The State of Oklahoma is better because of the long hours and tireless effort he has provided, and I cannot thank him enough for his service.”

“It has been the honor of a life-

time working alongside Governor Stitt,” said Junk. “I am so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the first couple years of the Stitt Administration. We have built a great team and set a solid foundation in pushing Oklahoma to become a Top Ten state.”

Junk, 36, joined Gov. Stitt’s transition team in November 2018 after previously serving as Deputy Mayor of Tulsa. He has continued to reside in Tulsa with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children, including a 14week-old son born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Page 18 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Young Hall on the Oklahoma State University campus.

For those living on campus

O-State to require student COVID-19 testing Oklahoma State University will require students living on campus to complete a COVID-19 test before checking in to campus housing.

The university, in its effort to provide safe housing and move-in procedures, also is implementing a staggered move-in schedule for campus residents. All residents are assigned a specific date and time for their move-in. There will be no more than 850 people moving in on any given day spread throughout 31 residence halls. Residents are asked to bring no more than two people to assist during move-in.

OSU is requiring all students and staff to wear a mask any time they are in a public area or outside of their assigned living unit. Campus residents will receive a mask when they check into their residence hall.

OSU University Health Services will process all tests as quickly as possible.

While awaiting test results, students are advised to limit interactions with others and, if possible, isolate in their assigned housing.

Approximately 300 bed spaces will be available for quarantine. These will be assigned as needed as space is available. Students also may be asked to quarantine in place.

There has been a multilayered response to keeping students safe in the resident halls including: installation of social distancing markers, plexiglass shields on desks, centrally located hand sanitizer stations in the halls, designated entrance and exit doors, designated up and down stairwells and new air filters installed in every air handling unit. Additional signage is being installed throughout Housing and Residential Life to remind everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands and use water fountains with caution.

The many benefits of an exercise plan

By Brian Attebery Most of us focus primarily on starting fitness programs for weight loss. It is driven by the desire to lose a few inches around the waist or look better as a Attebery whole. Vanity is not all bad if it keeps you focused on keeping your weight in a healthy range doing it a healthy way. Exercise and fitness are way more important than just for vanity.

We need to think about the multitudes of reasons to keep exercise and nutrition as a priority in our lives.

There are 33 major illnesses associated with obesity. Many would be surprised to know that they are classified as “obese”. For women, anything over 33% body fat is the starting point and for men it is 25% or over. Diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, anxiety and depression can all be linked back to obesity in one way or another. It does not have to be a marathon workout to be affective either. Find a balance and see what it can do. Get convicted on the multitudes of reasons for exercise beyond vanity and if you have stopped going to the gym because you are trying to be healthy. You better reevaluate. Here are a few data points to consider:

• Exercise Mimics Insulin: Insulin lowers your blood sugar in response to consuming carbohydrates and sugars. Excessive blood sugar is highly damaging to the body and can lead to Type II Diabetes. When you exercise, it burns carbs and sugar leading to less need for insulin and improving insulin sensitivity which is needed to combat the development of Type II diabetes. 90% of Diabetics in the U.S. are Type II and there is a 90% correlation with obesity and Type II Diabetes. Obesity is considered a “preventable disease” and so is Type II diabetes in 90% of most cases. Yes, genetics make it harder for some but not impossible for most. You do have a 90% chance of controlling diabetes AND obesity if you are willing to learn what to do and be consistent with proper nutrition and exercise.

• Blood Pressure is reduced: In a recent study in Taiwan, People who exercised moderately had a 4% lower risk than those who didn't exercise, and people who exercised at a high level had a 13% lower risk of high blood pressure than inactive people. (www.upi.com/Health_News) • “Motion is Lotion”: When you suffer from arthritis, it is vital to make sure you include exercise to keep your joints moving. Moderate exercise improves circulation and fluids needed to nourish your joints and lower the pain and stiffness associ-

ated with arthritis. In addition, every pound you lose will take 3-5 pounds of pressure off your joints. So, losing just 10 pounds will take 30-50 pounds of pressure off your joints 24/7. In addition, you will have stronger muscles to support those joints and lubrication from performing the movements.

• Exercise Reduces anxiety and depression: I don’t think I need to tell anyone that THIS alone is pertinent right now more than ever. Science has also provided some evidence that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people. 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. According to some studies, regular exercise works as well as medication for some people to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the effects can be long lasting. One vigorous exercise session can help alleviate symptoms for hours, and a regular schedule may significantly reduce them over time. Exercise for Mood and Anxiety, Proven Strategies for Overcoming Depression and Enhancing Well-Being, by Michael W. Otto, PhD, and Jasper A.J. Smits, PhD (Ox-

ford University Press, 2011) The benefits of exercise and over all wellness can go on and on.

Hence, we will continue to keep you focused with these on-going articles.

Don’t shut down taking care of yourself and the big picture by focusing too much on one fear in the world.

The human body needs you to take care of it by being pro-active.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 30, 2020 • Page 19

Drug cost help available

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready Having to choose between buying groceries or paying for prescription drugs is a decision no Medicare beneficiary should have to make. As many Oklahomans are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, the federal Extra Help Program may be available for you if you are a Medicare beneficiary with limited income and resources. The Extra Help program assists qualified Medicare beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare Part D prescription drug expenses.

There are more than 15,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Oklahoma who may be eligible for this program but have yet to apply. The Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) is a division of the Oklahoma Insurance Department that can help Medicare beneficiaries understand and apply for this assistance. In this unique time, when scammers are taking advantage of fear and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it is important to get your information from credible sources. MAP provides free, unbiased information to help Oklahomans understand Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage and other health plan options as well as long-term care insurance.

The income and asset limits for Extra Help are: $1,615 per month with assets up to $14,610 if you are single $2,175 per month with assets up to $29,160 if you are married Individuals who qualify for this program will receive assistance with their Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. This means that individuals

who qualify for Full Extra Help will have their Part D monthly premium paid up to $28.74 per month and they will pay a reduced co-pay of $3.60 for generic drugs and $8.95 for namebrand drugs.

To see if you qualify for the Extra Help program, call the Oklahoma Medicare Assistance Program at (800) 763-2828 or visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/ship-low-income-subsidy/.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

Food bank benefit The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has kicked off the Stamp Out Hunger Virtual Food Drive, presented by Marathon Oil. The drive, which runs through July 31, is held in recognition of the hard work of letter carriers, volunteers and sponsors who have made the National Association of Letter Carriers' (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive a success in the past.

Since 1992, the Regional Food Bank has partnered with NALC and the U.S. Postal Service for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive held every second Saturday in May. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the 2020 NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive was postponed.

Donations can be made by visiting FeedingHope.org.

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In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • July 30, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure