Edmond Life and Leisure - August 4, 2022

August 4, 2022 Vol. 23, No. 12

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

A sellout

All 10,000 tickets sold for St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway

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.

Back to School Elementary Edition

See pages 12-15

FRIDAY, August 5 Partly Cloudy High 102° Low 78°

SATURDAY, August 6 Mostly Sunny High 100° Low 78°

SUNDAY, August 7 Mostly Sunny High 100° Low 77°

Tickets went on sale June 2nd for the 2022 Oklahoma City St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway on FOX25. All 10,000 tickets sold out in just over a month and a half raising $1,000,000 dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The house was built by Shaw Homes in Fox Lair Estates in Edmond.

If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket this year, you have a chance to win this brand new home, a $10,000 VISA Gift Card, a $2,500 Homeland grocery shopping spree, and a 2022 Kia Forte.

Winners will be announced Thursday, August 25th on FOX25 at 10:00 a.m.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway benefits the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center. In its 31st year the St Jude Dream Home Giveaway has raised over $514 million dollars by building over 590 houses nationwide.

For complete information about the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, visit dreamhome.org.

Sponsors include Shaw Homes, Fox Lair Estates, FOX25, 101.9 The Twister, Bob Moore Auto Group, Mathis Brothers, The Oklahoman, 405 Magazine, Edmond Life & Leisure, Homeland, El Latino American, Dream Day

Foundation, Epsilon Sigma Alpha and national sponsors Brizo, Shaw Floors, Trane, Bosch, and Kichler Lighting.

About St. Jude St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures.

Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened in 1962. And we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Page 2 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 4, 2022 • Page 3

Edmond GOP women will meet Aug. 15 at George Nigh Center The next meeting of Edmond Republican Womens Club will be Monday, August 15th, in the Cherokee Rm. of the George Nigh Center at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

We start gathering around 11:15 to 11:30 am, with the buffet lunch served at 11:30.

This month, our meeting sponsor is Randy Grau, Senior VP and Chief Legal Officer for The Citizens Bank of Edmond. Randy previously served the Bank as outside counsel while a member of the Oklahoma City firm of Cheek & Falcone. Randy is a former, three-term state Representative for Oklahoma House District 81, which includes Edmond and North Oklahoma City. Randy is also a Grau former Deputy Commissioner for Oklahoma County where he assisted in the administration and development of public policy for over 700,000 residents. In 2020, the Edmond YMCA named Randy "Volunteer of the Year", noting his service as a youth sports coach. He received numerous honors and awards after graduating "magna cum laude" from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, where he received a degree in Telecommunications and Religion and helped establish a service fraternity.

One of our featured speakers this month, is Christie Mullin, wife of senatorial candidate, Markwayne Mullin.

Christie and Markwayne were high school sweethearts and were married in their late teens. Taking over Markwayne's fathers business, they worked to build Mullin Plumbing from 4 employees to over 400 throughout the

state. They have built multiple businesses over the years, including opening her restaurant, "Rowans", just days before the Covid shut down. Christie and Markwayne Mullin have six children, 3 biological and 3 adopted, Jayce, Jim, Andrew, Larra, and twin girls, Lynette and Ivy. The Mullins still live on the same property in Westville where Markwayne grew up.

Additional quest speakers will be announced before the meeting.

The club membership drive is ongoing. Any member of ERWC who brings a guest or guests to the meeting, has their name go into the hopper for a chance to win a very nice prize. If their guests decide to join our club, the member's name goes into the hopper again. The names are drawn at the end of each quarter. Last quarters winner was Saundra Naifeh.

If you choose to join us for both meeting and lunch, the cost is $20, or the meeting alone is $5. The meeting officially begins at 11:45 and if you need a parking pass for the visitor parking lot, one will be provided for you.

The public is welcome and encouraged to join us.

Markwayne & Christie Mullin

Page 4 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Confessions of a streaming binge watcher was. Let us face it, the man is just odd, but it happens to fit the character he is playing. He does it well.

Between Bosch and Jack Ryan, Amazon sure does love a dad show -- case in point, Goliath.

Do you see a theme in what I like to watch as in dad shows? This legal drama centers around Billy McBride (played by Thornton, total dad bait) a washed-up, hard-drinking lawyer who, at the beginning of the series, agrees to take on a wrongful death case, and exposes a vast criminal conspiracy in the process. This show follows the tried-and-true procedural format of addressing issues that relate directly to what is going on in the real world via the fictional cases that McBride takes on.

I am guessing like many of you, the watching and use of entertainment streaming services has increased over the last three years. This pandemic has caused us older folks specially to turn to the modern way of watching television. I must confess that Lisa and I have become binge watchers on some programs.

Ray Hibbard It is great not to have to record shows and then watch them later like in the “old” days. When I read books, I usually have at least two going at one time and this drives my wife crazy watching me do so. When I wanted to do that with two or three programs, she votes no so we watch one series until finished and they go on to the next one. She is organized in her thoughts and not surprisingly my thoughts are all over the place.

I decided to share some of our favorites from the last two years. With all due respect as they say in the film Talladega Nights, I would ask our movie reviewer, George Gust, to forgive me if I am stepping on his toes. I promise George, it is just this one issue. You are the qualified reviewer. I am just a hack.

We are always looking for new series to watch so feel free to send me your suggestions. My warning is that since we do not have children in our home on a regular basis, most of these contain strong language and some violence. Actually, some of them contain a lot of both so if you are offended by either you can skip to next week’s column. Naturally, when the grandkids are over, we do not watch them. We do not watch anything on television with the grandkids.

They have fun playing trucks with us.

Bosch This was one of our favorites. It has seven seasons including a form of a sequel series Bosch: Legacy which just came out this summer. We loved the characters in this show.

Author Michael Connelly's rough-around-theedges cop Harry Bosch comes to the screen in one of Amazon's most popular series, a prestige dad show about morality and cleaning up the scum of Los Angeles. In the show Harry was a marine and that could be why his rough, but kind nature reminds me of my dad. Titus Welliver plays Bosch, a homicide detective who does not always play well with authorities, but that might have something to do with the fact that he is always caught up in investigations against him dealing with police procedure. The police work is much more authentic than what you are used to, which some might call slow, but it is worth the watch for some gripping turns and its gritty atmosphere.

This one really has a binge warning because Connelly really knows how to grab you and tempt a person to stick around and stay up late to get to the next episode. They are some real cliff hangers.

Jack Ryan Most of you have probably seen this one. It is outstanding and some great representations of

Money Heist This series was one of the first we binge watched. It is a series made in Spain, but the English is dubbed over the Spanish, so you do not have to mess with subtitles. It is another series that hooks you at the end of each episode so that you stay up to watch just one more.

There are three seasons to this series, and you will hang on each season.

Netflix recently announced that 97 percent of its American subscribers have watched an international (non-English language) series on its service, and I am willing to bet 97 percent of those people were watching Money Heist, Álex Pina's Spanish bank heist series. Pina's preference for style and mystery over everything else is all over Money Heist, making it highly bingeable and perfect for the Netflix formula. Action!

Drama! Skin! More action! Be sure the kids are in a deep sleep or somewhere else when you watch this one.

John Krasinski as Jack Ryan.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books. It has been renewed through four seasons and we are waiting for the third one to come out. You can currently watch the first two on Prime. John Krasinski does an excellent job of playing a young Jack Ryan. Who knew? I thought he was just a comedy actor.

Amazon takes author Tom Clancy's most famous character and digs into Jack's origins with this political thriller starring Krasinski as the titular CIA agent who regularly mops up international conflicts with both brain and brawn. It is not trying to reinvent the genre so much as update it for today's era, with expensive location shoots and top-tier action. It is not the most cerebral viewing, but neither was Gunsmoke, but I loved that as a kid too.

Goliath This is one I recommend with some hesitation.

Please do not think I am weird watching a series starring Billy Bob Thornton. After all, Thornton was Bad Santa as horrible of a character as that

Vikings: Valhalla Lisa loves historic television and this one probably fills the bill. Some critics have been harsh on both this series and the original History channel series saying they are not authentic. It could be but honestly, I do not care. It was a great series.

About a year after the end of Vikings, History's cult favorite action-packed historical drama, the Norsemen and Norsewomen have returned for Vikings: Valhalla, a sequel series that covers the next epoch of the Viking reign. Valhalla is set a century after the original show and follows Leif Erikson’s journey as he becomes the first European to set foot on North America alongside his sister Freydis , as well as Harald Hardrada , who tried and failed to claim the English throne.

So yes, this show is building toward the end of the Viking age. If you liked the clanging swords and sexy bearded warriors of the original Vikings, you will definitely want to check this out, because it is more of that.

There you have it folks to round out your summer viewing. When you read this with any luck, we will be in Colorado enjoying cool weather and catching giant trout on the Frying Pan river.

See you next week.

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Edmond Family Counseling article ..............................................Page 7.

---- George Gust reviews a new film ................................................Page 8.

---- Crossword Puzzle........................................................................Page 8.

---- Upcoming chamber events ........................................................Page 9.

---- Sen. Lankford’s thoughts on open borders ..............................Page 10.

---- Traveling with Elaine ................................................................Page 11.

---- Back to School ..................................................................Pages 12-15.

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

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

This and so much more in this week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure •August 4, 2022 • Page 5

Poverty & its link to cancer under review for poor counties in the state

Dr. Darla Kendzor, Co-Director of the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC), and Dr. Jon Hart, Director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH), are leading a study to address exceptionally high rates of cancer and cancer mortality in areas of Oklahoma that experience persistent poverty.

In Oklahoma, 16 counties meet the criteria for persistent poverty, which means that at least 20% of residents have been living in poverty since 1980.

How health issues have affected family lineage While the Coronavirus pandemic we have been experiencing has brought a lot of changes to our lives and businesses, the pandemic experience isn’t new to the human race. Similar pandemics have taken place in the past and those diseases ravaged families and communities. It wasn’t just pandemics that affected our families; health issues changed family dynamics and family stories, just as it continues to do today.

The Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy Group will meet Wednesday, August 17th, at 10 a.m. at the Oklahoma County Extension Office, 2500 NE 63rd Street. Our speakers for the August meeting will be vehoae Yancey, Cindy Thomas, and Martha McNeese. vehoae Yancey will discuss health issues addressed in U.S. Censuses between 1830 and 2000. Following a career with USDA’s Rural Development Administration, vehoae turned her attention to continuing research of primary documents as a historian and author, and speaking to groups on research and writing issues. Her work is published by 4RV Publishing, and is now a part of Oklahoma University’s Western History Collection.

Cindy Thomas and Martha McNeese are facilitators for the Edmond Santa Fe Caregiver Support Group. As genealogy researchers are interested in health issues affecting their families/ancestors, the probability is 100% that they will, at some point, have contact with individuals who are or have been caregivers; genealogy researchers may themselves be caregivers or have family/friends who are. The Edmond Santa Fe Caregiver Support Group works to support individuals who are caregivers for family members/friends who suffer from various diseases (including Parkinson’s and many other Dementia-related diseases). The group is recognized by the Oklahoma Chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association, and by the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA). Thomas and McNeese will present information about support that is available for individuals who serve as caregivers for family and/or friends.

Our meetings are open to the public, no preregistration is required and we invite you to join us.

Police report will return next week The booking report of the Edmond Police Department will return next week.

Steve Gust Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure

Although the smoking prevalence rate has declined to 14% nationally, the prevalence of smoking remains elevated in these 16 counties with a range of 19% to 32%. Smoking is known to be a major cause of cancer and a contributing factor to high rates of cancer and cancer mortality in counties that experience persistent poverty. Kendzor and Hart have initiated a new study to evaluate the addition of incentives for completing tobacco cessation counsel-

ing sessions and quitting smoking for Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline callers.

The target counties in this study are Adair, Caddo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Greer, Harmon, Haskell, Hughes, Johnston, McCurtain, Okfuskee, Payne, Pushmataha, Seminole, Sequoyah and Tillman. The study will combine Kendzor’s expertise in incentives-based interventions with the standard treatment offered through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, directed by Hart.

Page 6 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Weekend calendar of events, Aug. 4-7 What’s Happening Weekend Aug. 4-7 ---- In the Gallery ---- Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- LibertyFest Exhibit ---- Edmond Bike Night ---- Concert in the Park ---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience ---- Edmond Jr Rodeo ---- Sunny Dayz Mural Festival ---- Back To School Bash ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy ---- Yellowstone ---- Signature Tour ---- American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Venus in Fur ---- ARTini ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Horror Con ---- All Star Team Roping Finals ---- Red Brick Nights ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, Aug 4 – Wed, Aug 31; The art of Heather Porter; Opening night, Thu, Aug 4; 5 p.m.; Free; edmondfinearts.com Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Aug 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondok.civicrec.com

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 5 – Sat, Aug 6; Adults: $5; 18 and younger: $1; edmondroundupclub.com

Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, Aug 6; Free; 12 – 8 p.m.; sunnydayzmuralfest.com

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhistory.org

Back To School Bash Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Aug 4; 5 ---- 7 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

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

Kids Take Over the Cowboy – Yellowstone Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Aug 6; 10 a.m. ---- 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Edmond Bike Night Location: Edmond Railyard Extra Info: Tue nights through Tue, Oct 18; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondbikenight.com Concert in the Park Location: Hafer Park Extra Info: Thu, Aug 4; 6:15---- 9 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Thu, Aug 4; Free; 5 – 9 p.m.; edmondvibes.org Edmond Jr Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Aug 6 & Sun, Aug 7; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Thu, Jul 28 – Sun, Aug 7; 8 a.m. each day; aqha.com Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Venus in Fur Location: Indoor Black Box, OKC Extra Info: Fri, Jul 29 – Sat, Aug 13; Thu – Sun: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okshakes.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 4, 2022 • Page 7

Ways to build resilience

By Lisa Kadavy Edmond Family Counseling What is resilience?

Resilience is the ability to withstand adversity self-care, positive relaand bounce back from tionships and purpose. difficult life events.

Ahlschlager says we all Being resilient does not experience stress. The mean that people do difference is in those not experience stress, who choose to face it emotional upheaval and head on and not let it suffering. Life has it ups get the best of them. and downs. We all exCompartmentalizing perience stress in our these stressors, denying lives, life-changing stressors, or burying events, and setbacks. your head in the sand It is clear does not make us stressful situaresilient individutions are conals. By working stant and through the five inevitable. pillars as menNow, more tioned above, we than ever beare much more fore, resilience equipped to manis so imporage the stress in tant. Reour lives in a Kadavy silience is our healthy manner ability to and become more bounce back from the resilient. Let’s explore stressors in life. Accord- the five pillars of reing to Dr. Ginsburg, silience in more detail. human development ex-Self-awareness is havpert, there are 7 inteing conscious knowlgral and interrelated edge of your own components that make personality, including up being resilient. Com- strengths, weaknesses, petence, confidence, emotions, and motivaconnection, character, tions. It allows us to uncontribution, coping derstand how those and control are referred around us perceive us. to as the 7 C’s of Re-Mindfulness is our silience as stated by ability to be fully presGinsburg. Certified ent in the moment and Health Coach, Jenna not overwhelmed or reAhlschlager, ACE-CHC, active to what is going refers to the 5 pillars of on around us. Every resilience during tough time you bring awaretimes as follows: selfness to your senses, you awareness, mindfulness, are practicing mindful-

ness.

-Self-care looks different for everyone. Practicing or maintaining action to improve our mental and physical health is up to us be intentional about selfcare.

-Positive relationships is those people in our lives who support and care for us and who have our support in turn.

-Purpose helps us to shape our mindset and attitude. It allows us to recognize we belong to something bigger than ourselves. Find ways to help others in need. We can find purpose in our family, friends, and community organizations.

Practicing the abovementioned pillars can reframe our thinking and help us not only manage stress better but impact our wellbeing for the better!

Also, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth can be rewarding. Resilience gives you the ability to rise to the occasion and learn new skills. Struggling with challenges and overcoming obstacles offers opportunities for selfdiscovery and growth.

The experience can enhance your appreciation for life and remind you to be thankful for what you have!

Resilience will not

make your problems go away or protect you from trauma. Although, resilience can give you the ability to manage stress and keep functioning physically and psychologically. Some people are more resilient than others, but resilience is an achievable trait for anyone.

(Edmond Family Counseling is a nonprofit organization. Our therapists may be reached at 405-3413554 to schedule a counseling appointment. Donations may be made to Edmond Family Counseling, 1251 N. Broadway, Edmond, OK or online @ www.edmondfamily.org by clicking the YELLOW DONATE button).

Page 8 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘Nope’ a tad hard to discern but not bad

By George Gust “Nope” After random objects falling from the sky result in the death of their father, ranch-owning siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer) attempt to capture video evidence of an unidentified flying object with the help of tech salesman Angel Torres (Brandon Perea) and documentarian Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott).

Writer/Director Jordan Peele has quickly become the kind of auteur filmmaker that is rarely seen in these days of terms like ‘shared universe’ ‘intellectual property’ and ‘reimagining’. Much like Christopher Nolan, Peele is one of the only filmmakers who can make original movies whose big pull is that it’s from a unique filmmaker with a unique vision, and “Nope” is a pure distillation of Peele’s uniqueness in Hollywood. “Nope” is the kind of movie that you won’t know what to expect, and there is something thrilling about the unexpectedness that you don’t get in the big tentpole movies of the summer, but there is a point where the unexpected meets the unexplained that can cause frustration for movie goers.

“Nope” as a visceral experience is an exciting

visual achievement and is best absorbed through the big screen theater experience. The visual style to “Nope” is breathtaking at times both in beauty and disgust from the R-rated elements at play.

There’s a clear statement of intent from Peele to show the filmmaking process through the characters in the movie in a tactile while, but by the third act some of the more artificial seams begin to show.

In terms of performance its fantastic to see Peele team back up with Kaluuya after their home run collaboration in “Get Out” and the rest of the cast is also engaging in original ways.

Keke Palmer brings an upbeat and optimist energy to the proceedings that is much needed for the eerie atmosphere of this movie. And in a supporting role Steven Yuen shows another side of his acting range as he’s both charismatic while being totally unhinged at times.

Overall, “Nope” is a movie that follows in the tradition of mysterious movies that hold on to the mystery at the center for so long that the film can be rather hard to discern.

The ideas that Peele wants to get across can feel clunky if you’re not able to turn off your logical brain and enjoy the mysterious eerie tone and look of the film. While “Nope” isn’t an unmitigated success like Peele’s first film “Get Out” but the landscape of Hollywood filmmaking is better off when talents like Peele are taking big original chances even if they don’t connect on every level.

“Nope” is rated R for language throughout and some violence/bloody images.

2.7 out of 5 stars.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Nope’ is the third original film from writer/director Jordan Peele (‘Get Out’ & ‘Us’) and features a unique take on a familiar mystery film genre.

Answers appearing on Page 19

Cowboy Jones next Elm Tree concert The Tulsa band Cowboy Jones will present an Elm Tree Concert at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Each of the band members is a veteran of the Oklahoma music scene. Members of Cowboy Jones have been involved in several bands and played many genres of music.

Elm Tree Concerts are held on the north side of the Round Barn beneath the shade of the giant elm tree.

Guests can bring lawn chairs or sit at the picnic tables. Admission is free but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which is owned and operated by the nonprofit Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society.

The barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. For more information about live music, call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.

When?

Aug. 7; 1 p.m.

Where?

Round Barn in Arcadia

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: American History ACROSS 1. Frill on a blouse 6. Consumed 9. Toothy freshwater fish 13. *Site of famous Texas Revolution battle 14. "Losing My Religion" band 15. Opposite of crazier 16. Marine polyp 17. "____ Te Ching", book 18. Gastric woe 19. *First Catholic President 21. *Underground Railroad conductor 23. Knot-tying vow (2 words) 24. Cold transmitter 25. Definite article 28. Popular fairy tale beginning 30. Woody tissue 35. X-ray units 37. Women in habits 39. It follows eta 40. Quantity of measurement 41. Crosswise, on deck 43. Old flames 44. Carryalls 46. Pavarotti's song 47. European money 48. Hairy, of plants and animals 50. Charitable contribution 52. Wrath, e.g.

53. American Girl, e.g.

55. Life story, for short 57. *Louisiana Territory's previous owner 60. *Infamous 1995 Oklahoma City event 64. Olympic torch, e.g.

65. Toni Morrison's "____ Baby" 67. The press 68. Fake duck, e.g.

69. "Home of the brave" 70. Choose by a vote 71. Stink to high heaven 72. Third degree 73. Hazards

DOWN 1. "Boxed" clown 2. Burn-soothing plant 3. Owl's hangout 4. Saudi neighbor 5. Canadian city on Lake Erie 6. Bohemian 7. *1773 cargo overboard 8. Bring character to life 9. Rodeo Drive tree 10. Machu Picchu builder 11. Hiking sandals manufacturer 12. Make a mistake 15. Hand over 20. Ritchie Valens' 1958 hit 22. Modern address 24. *Grant, Patton or Sheridan 25. *"Ain't I a Woman?" speaker 26. Capital of Vietnam 27. Marks on a manuscript 29. *Bay of Pigs location 31. Clarified butter 32. Connection in a series

33. Wombs 34. *Dixon's partner 36. Dance move 38. Go yachting 42. Lou Bega's "_____ No. 5" 45. Actor Poitier 49. Brown of "Back to the Future" 51. Cook on low heat 54. Reduce pressure (2 words) 56. Obelus, pl.

57. What refugees do 58. Speed test 59. Crazily 60. Actor Pitt 61. "____ of March" 62. One of Jonas brothers 63. Gangster's pistols 64. *The New Deal Pres.

66. Campfire residue

Answers on Page 19

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

Page 10 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

School time? Already?

By Steve Gust Oh my gosh, we’re already talking about going back to school.

It seems like summer vacation anymore is like a blink of the eye. Soon most of the youngsters will be returning to the classroom.

People had better get used to school zones once again. Drive carefully folks. We don’t want anyone, including any little ones, hurt.

When I lived on the east side, I always used to enjoy hearing the Memorial High School band practice early in the morning. I know some people didn’t like it, but I did.

Can you imagine if you graduated from Edmond Schools about ten or 15 years ago and came back to Edmond for the first time since graduation?

The first thing you’d notice are the new football stadiums at each high school. The second thing you’d see would probably be the storm shelter buildings. Both were good ideas.

Don’t forget the mission of providing a good education never stops.

If you’re community minded, give some thought to helping out with

your neighborhood school. Hope the schools get the help they need this year. The Edmond Schools can always use talented and smart educators.

It has to be a hard job teaching, especially these days. People are keeping a close eye on what is being taught in school. That’s probably the way it should be as well.

It is odd that, in some out of state districts, people fight like heck to let a valedictorian student say any odd they he or she wants to say during graduation. Yet if you’re a high school football coach, praying silently at midfield after a game, then you have to go all the way to the Supreme Court to have your First Amendment rights affirmed. It’s a crazy, but entertaining world we have, isn’t it?

Don’t forget also that the school years sure go by fast.

I remember taking my boys to school years ago. Now it’s been many, many years since they’ve even been in college.

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

Lawmakers seek study on adoption & foster care Following the overturning of Roe v.

Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, a group of legislators will soon host an interim study to examine adoption and the foster care system within Oklahoma.

Reps. Brian Hill, RMustang, Brad Boles, R-Marlow, and Dick Lowe, R-Amber, requested Interim Study 22-074 to take an indepth look at possible avenues for reduce barriers to permanency and find options to support a more efficient foster care system without compromising the wellbeing of children in the program.

"The ruling by the

U.S. Supreme Court to return to the states the decision whether to permit abortions has already had a huge ripple effect throughout our nation, including right here in Oklahoma, where we've passed the most prolife legislation in the country," said Hill, a former foster parent.

"We've made great strides in recent years to significantly improve our state's foster care system, but we want to ensure the state is well-prepared to give all current and future children the care and support they deserve."

"I've been a very vocal supporter and co-author of many pro-

life bills since I was elected in March of 2018. This is a very personal issue to me since I was adopted at birth, and I thank God every day that the adoption process led me to my loving family," Boles said. "We must ensure that our Oklahoma adoption and foster care systems are well-funded and functioning efficiently so we can best serve this population in need. I'm looking forward to learning more about what we can to in the Legislature to help improve this process."

According to the Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services (DHS), approximately 7,000 children are currently in the foster care system.

"I particularly am interested in studying ways to make our current foster and adoption system more efficient, reducing burdensome regulations and costs for people who want to help raise these children," Lowe said. "At the same time, it's incredibly important to safeguard the kids entrusted to the state's care. I'm interested to hear firsthand experiences and ideas from our study participants as we consider ways to better serve our children."

The interim study will be held before the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee but hasn't yet been scheduled. Interim studies must conclude by November.

The Legislature is back in session during early 2023.

Help law enforcement prosecute crooks

By Sen. Lankford enator James Lankford (ROK) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and 23 Republican colleagues in introducing a broad legislative package to clarify and strengthen violent crime laws related to homicide, bank robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and other offenses. The Combating Violent and DanLankford gerous Crime Act resolves discrepancies brought on by conflicting court decisions and clarifies congressional intent regarding crimes of violence and their respective penalties. Despite an ongoing crime wave, no Democrats have agreed to cosponsor the fixes.

“With our wide open southern border and Democrat leaders being soft on crime, we should update federal law so federal prosecutors have the necessary tools to prosecute crimes like carjackings, bank robberies, and violent kidnappings,” said Lankford. “We also need to set appropriate penalties for individuals who prey on children by making and marketing candy-flavored illegal Schedule Ι drugs like marijuana. These are commonsense reforms, and we stand with law enforcement who are trying to protect law-abiding citizens.”

“Crime is skyrocketing in communities across the country. Carjackings, homicides, attacks on law enforcement are all up. We have a duty to ensure that penalties for federal offenses serve as a deterrent and that any ambiguity from split court decisions is rectified so that perpetrators can be held accountable. This bill includes a number of small fixes that will go a long way in improving justice and preventing future crimes. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have bipartisan support to advance these modest, but meaningful, reforms.

American communities are suffering under a scourge of lawlessness, so I hope we get some cooperation soon

and I’ll keep reaching across the aisle to get it,” Grassley said.

Many communities across the country continue to experience steadily increasing violent crime. Murder rates increased 30 percent in 2020 and continued climbing in 2021. Carjackings, particularly in urban areas are on the rise, with some cities recording up to 400 percent spikes. Overdose deaths surpassed 100,000 last year, with fentanyl appearing in a variety of substances, including candy-flavored drugs that are marketed to children. 2021 marked the deadliest year for law enforcement since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

The Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act addresses ambiguity and conflicting application of existing law by clarifying congressional intent without establishing sweeping new offense categories. Among other provisions, the bill: · Clarifies that attempted bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery are punishable under the current bank robbery statute; · Abolishes an outdated rule that prohibits perpetrators of violent crime from being charged with murder if the victim succumbs to injuries sustained by that violent crime 366 days after the attack; · Rectifies conflicting circuit court decisions that have resulted in a higher burden to charge offenses like assaulting a police officer than Congress intended; · Increases the statutory maximum penalty for carjacking and removes a duplicative intent requirement needed to charge a carjacking offense; · Rectifies conflicting circuit court decisions by clarifying that an attempt or conspiracy to commit an offence involving physical force meets the legal definition of a crime of violence; · Outlaws the marketing of candy-flavored drugs to minors; and · Establishes a new category of violent kidnapping offences, allowing for greater penalties for violent kidnapping.

Biden’s open borders killing Oklahomans

By US Senator James Lankford Oklahomans have told me they don’t hear much about the southern border anymore on the national news, so it must be better. I’m sorry to tell you, it’s worse. The national media has just stopped covering it. I’ll let you guess why.

Almost every family in our state knows someone who has destroyed their life with illegal narcotics. Recently, I spoke to leadership in the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and multiple district attorneys about our state’s drug issues. They all spoke about the rise of illegal drugs from Mexico over the past two years since enforcement at the border dropped significantly.

During a recent trip to the Rio Grande Valley, Customs and Border Protection told me they seized over 27,500 pounds of illegal drugs this year in just one region of south Texas. Fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and meth are streaming across our border because the border patrol are too busy processing thousands of people instead of interdicting drugs.

The catch-and-release policy of the Biden Administration encourages people to come illegally, knowing that they can stay in the country eight years while they await their hearing for asylum. Even if they don’t show up for their hearing, no one will come looking for them. The result of the open border policy is more than twice as many people crossed our border illegally last year as entered legally.

Currently we have over 6,000 people a day illegally crossing our southwest border, but the Biden Administration has handcuffed federal immigration officers so only 161 people a day are being deported — 6,000 in, 161 out. That math is not hard to figure out. The goal of the Administration is efficient processing of people illegally entering, not stopping illegal entry.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 4, 2022 • Page 11

Partially surrounded by an original Italianate pergola and white lilies, the courtyard provides a beautiful introduction to the formal gardens.

Off the beaten path in Weatherford, Texas

By Elaine Warner Looking at the map made me shudder. We were headed to Cleburne, Texas, subject of my last article. The most direct route went through Fort Worth. Jack and I had just made that Elaine drive a few months before and having a root canal sounded like a more pleasant prospect than trekking down I-35 again. Construction just north of Fort Worth had turned the freeway into a parking lot. I looked for alternatives, even considering braving Dallas traffic and cutting west on I-20.

A lovely lady at the Texas Visitor Center just south of the state line offered another option – taking Highway 51 southwest from Gainesville to Weatherford and Highway 171 from there to Cleburne. Although the route may have been longer, it provided a calmer drive and some pleasant surprises. Beautiful county courthouses in Decatur and Weatherford caught our attention, but the capper was Chandor Gardens in Weatherford.

I had a vague recollection of gardens in Weatherford; consulting Google gave me details. Tripadvisor gave it five green dots. This sounded like a necessary stop.

The gardens are named for Douglas Chandor, a noted 20th century portraitist. He was born in 1897 in Surrey, England, After graduating from college, he served in the military during World War I. Following the war, he enrolled in the Slade School in London to study portraiture. His first major commission in 1919 was so well-received he was commissioned to paint the Prince of Wales.

While achieving artistic success in England, Chandor felt more opportunities lay in America. He immigrated in 1926. By the next year a gallery showing brought commissions from President Herbert Hoover, the Vice-President and members of the Cabinet. Included in the approximately 300 portraits he painted during his lifetime, are portraits of Queen Elizabeth, Sir Winston Churchill, and Eleanor and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

A few years after setting in New York City, he met widow Ina Kutema Hill at a dinner party. They married in 1934 and moved to Ina’s family property in Weatherford, Texas. There they built a beautiful home, White Shadows, and began the gardens out of what had been a cow pasture.

For the next 16 years, the couple spent six months in New York and six at their Texas home. After Douglas’s death in 1953, Ina renamed the property Chandor Gardens. The gardens were open to the public until Ina’s death in 1978.

The property stood abandoned, returning to the wild, until Melody and Chuck Bradford bought it in 1994.

The Bradfords remembered visiting the gardens when they were children, before they knew one another. The sight of such beauty gone to ruin overcame their reluctance to take on such a project. They worked for a number of

years, returning the house and grounds to their previous grandeur. In 2002, they sold it to the City of Weatherford.

Since then, it has been reopened to the public. In 2014, Chandor Gardens was added to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.

The temperature was hovering around 100 when we arrived at the Gardens. We found a shady spot to park and entered the grounds into a large, semicircular courtyard lined with beds of white lilies. In the center of the courtyard a fountain topped with an astrolabe splashed water into a surrounding pool.

Large trees and water features helped mitigate the heat and made our stroll pleasant. The gardens are an interesting blend of formal English plantings and areas featuring Chinese motifs.

Nothing typifies Chandor’s English heritage more than a long stretch of lawn – the Bowling Green. Built in the ‘40s, it was used by the family for croquet and bocce ball. Close by is a white Chinese bridge which crosses a stream and pool with colorful koi.

A walkway led us to one of the garden’s highlights, Mount Cox. While painting a portrait of Ohio Governor James Cox, Chandor spoke of his intention to build a mountain with a cascading waterfall. Governor Cox subsequently gifted the artist with a check to enable him to fulfill his dream.

Chandor visited local ranches seeking boulders, some weighing as much as 15 tons, to construct a massive geologic feature. Chandor died before the project was finished, but the Bradfords brought his vision, complete with a 40foot waterfall, to fruition.

The gardens boast eight water features. One of my favorites is the ChiLing fountain which originally featured two fired and glazed, ceramic ChiLings. The Chi-Ling is a traditional Chinese guardian animal – the combination of a dragon, lion and horse. The original figures are now in the house, protected from the elements, and have been replaced by bronze replicas. The fountain, designed

by Douglas Chandor, incorporates Seven-Up, Coke bottles, and marbles in the base. Sounds tacky, but it is really quite attractive.

A labyrinth surrounds another garden feature – the Stone of the Immortals. This large construction, roughly in the shape of a Fu dog, was made by Chandor from porous, native rock, mortar and sea shells and is decorated with figures of Kuan Yin. Another homage to Chinese culture is a beautiful Moon Gate, again built by the portraitist. The keyhole-shaped opening leads into a mini-grotto where visitors can see a diorama of a Chinese fishing village built into the wall by the artist. Glazed figures atop the gate are also original Chandor creations.

These formal garden rooms offer a lot to see packed into three-and-a-half acres. The Chandor property, however also includes another 13 acres. Part of the remainder hosts a nature trail which takes visitors through two distinct sub-areas of the Western Cross Timbers ecosystem.

The upper part of the eight-tenths of

a mile trail goes through small trees., shrubs and grasses in a caliche clay and sandy area. The lower portion features loamy soil and larger trees. A biological inventory is ongoing but visitors will see a variety of plants and animals from stubby prickly pear to fragrant Western White Honeysuckle and, with luck, may spot a fox or coyote.

Access to the nature trail is free when the main gate to the gardens is open. Admission to the formal gardens is $5 for guests age 13 and up; 12 and younger are admitted free with an adult. Docent-led tours, which include the house, can be arranged in advance.

There’s a minimum charge of $100 for fewer than ten guests; larger groups are $10 per person. Check the web site (www.weathrfordtx.gov/170/ChandorGardens ) for days and hours.

Our detour was definitely worth while. Freeways are fine, but side roads are often more fun.

This poster includes reproductions of portraits of several of Douglas Chandor’s most famous subjects.

Page 12 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

How to prepare children for kindergarten

The first day of kindergarten is a milestone moment for children that their parents will remember forever.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that around five million children attend an organized preschool or daycare facility in the United States, while Statistics Canada reports that roughly 52 percent of children in non-parental child care are in a daycare center, preschool or childcare center. Children who attend preschool or daycare may make a relatively seamless transition to kindergarten. However, it’s still a good idea for parents to take steps to prepare youngsters for kindergarten in advance of the first day of school.

• Attend orientation or related events. Elementary schools typically are housed in much larger buildings than preschools or daycares,

and that size can be intimidating for children.

Attending kindergarten orientation or related events as a family can help children see their classrooms, meet their teacher and potentially their classmates.

• Meet other kids in the neighborhood. Some children attend preschools or daycares close to home, while others may go to facilities near a parent’s office. Regardless of where kids go to daycare or preschool, they’re likely to meet new youngsters in kindergarten. Introducing them to other kids in the neighborhood who will be going to kindergarten as well can calm children’s nerves. Seeing a familiar face on the bus and/or in class can put youngsters at ease.

• Avoid lengthy goodbyes. Parents may get a little teary-eyed on their children’s first day of kindergarten, but drawing out goodbyes as kids

Did you know?

Did you know?

Large school buses are not equipped with seat belts, but that doesn’t compromise their ability to transport students safely to and from school. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that school buses are designed differently than passenger cars and light trucks. As a result of their unique design, as well as their size and weight, school buses distribute crash forces differently from other vehicles, utilizing a different kind of safety restraint system that is effective at keeping

passengers safe. This system is known as “compartmentalization.” The NHTSA says the interiors of large buses protect children without seat belts because of closely spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs.

This compartmentalization will keep children from being forced out of their seats during an impact. However, in the United States, small school buses, or those with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, must be equipped with lap or lap/shoulder belts in all seating positions.

get on the bus or walk into school will ultimately make it harder on children. Limit your goodbye to a hug and kiss and some words of encouragement. Keep the emphasis on the positive and the fun that’s to be had so kids arrive at school in a good frame of mind.

• Remind youngsters you’ll be there to pick them up at the end of the day. Let children know that, just like daycare and preschool, mom or dad will be there to pick them up at school or the bus stop at the end of the day. This sense of the familiar can calm kids’ nerves and reassure them that a smiling face will be there at end of the school day.

The first day of kindergarten is a big moment for young children. Parents can take steps to calm first-day jitters and ensure children have a memorable day.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 4, 2022 • Page 13

Back to school Elementary Edition Strategies that can improve reading comprehension

Strong reading comprehension skills are one of the foundations of a successful academic career. According to the Institute of Reading Development, students with strong reading comprehension skills get a big boost in all subjects, including math and science.

Though the benefits of reading comprehension are well documented, many students are struggling in this area of their academics. Officials with the National Center for Education Statistics note that, over the last decade, students have made no progress in reading performance. That likely comes as no surprise to seasoned educators, as data indicates students are reading less outside of school than they have in years past. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicates the percentage of public school students who said they read 30 minutes or more a day

declined by 4 percent between 2017 and 2019, dipping below 50 percent overall in the latter year.

There’s likely a multitude of reasons why students now read less than they used to. Parents concerned about their children’s reading comprehension can try these strategies to bolster this highly valuable skill.

• Let kids read what they like. The tutoring professionals at Oxford Learning® report that 73 percent of students indicate they would read more if they found books they liked. Parents can address this issue by taking children to their local libraries and letting them choose which books to check out. The more practice kids get with reading, the more their comprehension skills develop.

• Read aloud to children. Various studies have found that reading aloud to children significantly benefits literacy development. One study from the National Association for the Education of Young Children found that listening to others read helps children develop key understanding and skills, including how stories are written. In addition, the Reading Rockets project, which aspires to bring reading research to life in the hopes of helping young children develop into strong, confident readers, notes that children can listen on a higher language level than they can read. That makes complex ideas more accessible.

• Ask questions when reading to children.

When reading to children, parents can compound the benefits of this activity by asking youngsters questions about the book. Asking what, when, where, why, and how can encourage children to look for answers to these questions while they’re being read to. As students advance and then read more on their own, parents can encourage them to ask these questions of themselves (if they’re not already doing so on their own). Asking and answering these questions is a great way to strengthen reading comprehension skills.

Strong reading comprehension skills can help students reach their academic potential. Parents can employ various strategies to help children bolster those skills.

Factors to consider when setting up a school carpool Getting kids to and from school can be a challenge for working parents.

School start times do not always coordinate with parents’ work schedules, and school typically lets out before parents’ workdays end.

Carpools are one way parents confront the challenge posed by juggling work and family. With a new school year approaching, parents can take the following factors into consideration as they work to establish carpools.

• Determine your insurance needs. Before planning carpools, parents who plan to participate should contact their auto insurance providers to make sure their policies cover driving others. The organizer of the carpool should make sure every parent does this prior to the school year. Some parents may need to purchase supplemental insurance, and each parent should be willing to provide proof of their insurance as well.

• Reach out to parents in your neighborhood. A carpool that is neighborhood-based as opposed to one that is based more on students’ social circles will likely prove more convenient for parents. A carpool with neighbors means parents won’t have to drive far to pick up and/or drop off other students, saving everyone valuable time each day.

• Don’t go overboard. Even if your minivan or SUV can seat half a dozen children, you may want to limit the carpool to a more manageable number of youngsters. Getting kids up and out the door each morning is a challenge when there’s just one youngster involved, let alone several. By limiting a carpool to between two and four children, parents won’t have

to worry about too many hiccups during their morning routines.

• Discuss early closures and other unique days in advance. School schedules tend to be the same throughout the year, but there are various times when early closures can affect carpools. This is especially true for parents with children who attend different schools. When planning a carpool, discuss early closure dates with other parents and develop a plan for how to manage pickup.

School carpools are convenient for working parents. Planning prior to the school year is a great way to ensure carpools are successful.

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

Back to school Elementary Edition Shop Smart and Spend Less This Back-to-School Season

As summer nights shorten and the school year approaches, you may be looking for ways to reduce the stress and costs of back-to-school preparations and ease into a new routine.

Thankfully, the experts at Dollar General are offering families suggestions for an easy and affordable return to classes.

School Supplies Start by separating and categorizing students’ supplies lists and compare to items that may be left over from the previous school year. To pick up needs in one easy stop, visit a local Dollar General to purchase school supplies that are colorful and cost-effective, with over 100 backto-school items priced at $1 or less. School and classroom essentials may include notebooks, coloring supplies, backpacks, a reusable water bottle and more. Additionally, a variety of hand sanitizers starting at $1 can be easily placed into lunchboxes, desks, pencil cases or given to school staff to help stop the spread of germs.

For teachers who want to save big in 2022,

sign up for a DG account and get verified for 30% off qualified items on up to four shopping trips through September 9, 2022. Additionally customers can save $3 on qualifying $15 or more supply purchases in the stationery, cleaning and paper, and houseware categories through September 9, 2022. All offers are available through DG Digital Coupons online and in the DG App, where customers can load coupons and rewards on an easy-to-use platform and redeem them at checkout.

Healthier Eating Back-to-school also means after school activities such as clubs and athletics. While juggling practices, rehearsals and club meetings, consider packing healthier snacks to support a busy schedule. Meal prep can also be helpful on busy days, and Dollar General’s DG Easy Meals provides access to simple recipes with affordable ingredients to make breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner easy and stress-free. Entrees like Pecan-Crusted Salmon or Buffalo Chicken Pizza can be made ahead and

stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat.

Dollar General also offers Better For You recipes that provide healthier meal options featuring ingredients available at DG stores.

Organization Necessities As the school year begins and schedules fill up, some find it harder to stay organized. Use a customizable planner or calendar to remind you of pick-up times, parent-teacher conferences and other important appointments. These tools are also great for high school or college students managing a new class schedule. Write out chores on a dry erase board, which can be secured to the side of the fridge, to keep track of daily duties. Finally, if your surfaces tend to collect clutter, a large canvas storage container can be a great way to keep items together for a quick cleanup.

With these back-to-school tips and tricks, you can send students of all ages to their classes prepared with everything on the list, all while saving time and money in the process. -Statepoint

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 4, 2022 • Page 15

Page 16 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mortgage Matters

Walkthrough checklist

By Kenneth Wohl RCB Bank So you’ve decided on a house and your closing day is set.

That means you’re finished and can let out a big sigh of relief, right? Not so fast.

Wohl Since your home most likely is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, it’s best to make absolutely sure everything is as it should be before the keys are handed over to you.

That’s where your final walkthrough comes in.

A final walkthrough allows you to make sure the house you committed to buying is in the same condition as when you first looked at it and that everything is in working order. In essence, this is your chance to make sure your new home is absolutely ready for you.

Usually, it’s just you and the real estate agent at the final walkthrough.

Whatever you do, don’t rush through your final walkthrough. You may want to hurry up and “get to the finish line” of owning your home, but if you rush through this final step, you may overlook something you hadn’t seen before.

Here’s what to look for in your final walkthrough: • Make sure the seller’s belongings are completely removed – and be sure to check any external storage buildings or attic spaces.

• Check the walls, ceilings and doors to ensure no damage occurred when the seller was moving their belongings out of the house.

• Make sure all faucets – inside and outside – are working with adequate water pressure, that all the toilets flush and that there are no water leaks.

• Check all light fixtures and make sure all the light switches work.

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• Test all electrical outlets by bringing a cell phone charger.

• Check for any rodent droppings or pests.

• If the seller promised repairs were to be done, verify that they have been completed.

• If the seller has agreed to leave any appliances, make sure they are there and in working order, and make sure the manuals to those appliances also were left behind.

• Check the yard, and if the property has gates, ensure they latch properly.

• Make sure the seller left all keys and garage door openers in the house or with their real estate agent.

If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them. And don’t settle for an answer you’re not comfortable with. Remember to trust your gut. If something feels wrong, speak up. It’s better to walk away than signing a bad deal.

The final walkthrough is your last chance to fix any problems that may have been unaddressed. Don’t skip anything on the list, and if you find problems, consult your real estate agent to decide the best course of action.

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

Sources: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/ documents/cfpb_buying-a-house_mortgage-closing_checklist.pdf https://benefits.va.gov/stpaul/docs /VeteransHomeBuyingGuide.pdf

Page 18 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

FAI and EPS District marking 20 years of Art in School program In 2022-23, all 3rd and 4th-grade students in Edmond, OK, will receive formal art education classes provided by the Edmond Fine Arts Institute (FAI). In 2002, an innovative collaboration called the “Art in Schools Program” (AIS) was developed between the Edmond Fine Arts Institute and Edmond Public Schools to meet the need for art education due to a lack of funding for the arts. Prior to the AIS program, students in Edmond did not receive formal art education until 5th grade. After years of success, growth, and financial support, what started in three elementary schools is celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall. Every elementary school in Edmond, including Edmond’s newest, Scissortail Elementary, will have weekly art classes provided by FAI instructors. Implementing art education classes at all EPS elementary schools has been a long-time goal of the FAI staff and board of directors. “The value formal art education provides is immeasurable for students. Without the support of Edmond Fine Arts Institute and their partners, Edmond

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Hi and Lois

Blondie

Shoe

Hägar the Horrible

Zits

schools could not provide the art program currently taught to our 3rd and 4th grade students. We are forever grateful for this partnership”, states Dr. Angela Grunewald, EPS Superintendent.

—— VIBES Edmond's First Thursdays is collaborating with Sunny Dayz Mural Festival to bring the community a Mural Paint Off featuring eighteen local artists on Thursday, August 4th in Downtown Edmond, from 5 to 9 p.m.

This is a collaboration you will not want to miss! Eighteen veteran Sunny Dayz Mural Artists that painted in the 2021 Festival will be live painting panel murals from 5pm to 9pm at the VIBES event at the southwest corner of Campbell and Broadway.

Artists participating include: Ana Iaccarino, Aunj, Elisha Gallegos, Elizabeth Richards, Emma Difani, Faye Miller, gentree, Hayley Owen, Jelliii, Kalee Jones W., Katelynn Noel Knick, Made by Nat, Print Party, Shelly Collins, Thumy Phan, Tiffany McKnight, Trashwolf, and Virginia Sitzes.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 4, 2022 • Page 19

Smart Choice & new tech for utility customers There will be a citywide upgrade to smart meters starts this month Technology enhances everyday life now in so many ways, and new technology from the City of Edmond – “smart” meters being installed for both electric and water customers – offers both the convenience and efficiency of automation while providing a path for a partnership between those vital utilities and customers.

Smart Choice is the program and it begins rollout this month when contractors start what is expected to be an 18-to-24-month journey, exchanging all the current electric and water meters for smart meters in homes and businesses throughout Edmond. Smart Choice technology will help improve service and response times to issues from the City of Edmond electric and water utilities because of its quick and proactive nature.

This is really the first step to allow for future programs and services,” said Glenn Fisher, Director of Edmond Electric. “With this new technology, customers can access their usage data and be an active part of tracking how they are using their utilities. That helps them see if there are adjustments to their usage needed and helps us see much earlier if there might be an issue we can help address.”

The $16 million multi-year project also will include a portal for customers, where they can pay a bill online and more, making information even more accessible to the customer. That portal is targeted to go online Fall 2022.

“What the new technology brings is next-day available data, automatic meter readings, more customer understanding of when water is used,

and overall better quality and reliability,” said Kris Neifing, Director of Water Resources. “Because water is such a vital resource in this region, this kind of investment and technology is important and can make a huge difference both for us and customers.”

Representatives from Utility Partners of America (UPA) – the approved metering service installer for Smart Choice – are executing the extensive changeout. Approved by City Council in October 2019, the citywide implementation

will take place in stages at no additional cost to utility customers. Customers will be notified by UPA approximately two weeks prior to installation through a notification letter sent by mail.

During installation, customers can expect: A UPA representative, with appropriate identification, will knock on the door before installing the new smart meter. If no one answers, installations will still proceed. The customers do NOT need to be present for the installations to take place.

Puzzles appear on Page 14

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

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

Please information.

Page 20 • August 4, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure