Edmond Life and Leisure - August 12, 2021

August 12, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 13

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Edmond goes back to school today

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 See page 15 -18

FRIDAY, August 13 Partly Cloudy High 95° Low 72°

SATURDAY, August 14 Isolated Thunderstorms High 89° Low 70°

SUNDAY, August 15

Isolated Thunderstorms High 89° Low 69°

Today is a special day for more than 24,000 students and their families.

One of the largest school districts in the state, the Edmond Public School district, is going back to school today. For now the district is planning five-day a week in person instruction.

If you’re still not sure about the schools’ COVID protocols, please check out the district’s web page at www.edmondschools.net.

This week, we also have our second installment of Back to School

on Pages 15 to 18. Get ideas and updates on developments for students and parents.

We will also have a final Back to School section next week, focusing on high school students.

Speaking of high school students, a special shoutout goes to Jhenna Dancer Samara. She currently has an 11-year perfect attendance record. She hopes to end her school career with 13 consecutive years of not missing a day of class.

Please turn to page 9 for the rest of that story.

Also, Memorial High School is proud this week of an accomplishment from one of its graduates, Micah Hancock. More than 10 years ago, she was a former Oklahoma champion in volleyball with the Lady Bulldogs. Micah is now a world champion for the USA Women’s Olympic volleyball team. The squad won gold over the weekend in one of the last Olympic events.

That article appears on Page 3.

For all administrators, students, parents and teachers, good luck this year and best wishes.

Page 2 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 3

There was a lot of excitement for Team USA as the women’s team won a won medal with a win over Brazil. Micah Hancock, a Memorial graduate (seen above) was part of that success.

Ex-Bulldog star strikes gold TOKYO — On the final day of the Tokyo Summer Olympics, the U.S. women's volleyball team, including a former Memorial High School standout, did something it had never done before: win a gold medal. The squad defeated Brazil 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 2514) at Ariake Arena.

Playing for Team USA was Memorial graduate Micha Hancock.

It was the sixth volleyball medal for the United States. It had previously won three silver and two bronze and it was the fourth Olympics in a row that the U.S. had medaled. But this was the most complete effort of any previous team. The U.S. lost just one of its eight matches in Tokyo Hancock, 28, played high school volleyball for Edmond Memorial High School. She helped guide her team to the 2007, 2009 and 2010 Oklahoma 6A State Championship, was a twotime All-Edmond Player of the Year, All-City Player of the Year and MVP of the State Championship All-Tournament Team. She was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year twice.

She played college women's volley-

ball at Penn State University. In her freshman season in 2011, Hancock was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year as well as the AVCA Mideast Region Freshman of the Year and set the Penn State single season aces record with 91.

Meanwhile teammates basked in the success in Tokyo.

"Growth. It's all about growing. No matter what happens, whether you win or whether you lose every game, it's all about growing and getting better," said U.S. player Haleigh Washington. "We did that so well, and by the end, we were executing and I think we did an amazing job of that execution and doing what we do best, which is playing USA volleyball, baby."

Like the U.S., Brazil entered this match undefeated at these Olympics winning its seven previous times.

"Unfortunately, today was our moment to feel defeat and it hurts like hell but I'm very proud of everything we've done," said Fernanda Rodrigues who won silver and was playing in her final Olympics for the Brazilian national team.

Donation means EPD’s Robbie will get armor vest protection Edmond Police Department’s K9 Robbie will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Robbie’s vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of the Donald E. Fike Family Foundation and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to ServeLoyal Always.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for fourlegged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,327 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts

Robbie tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-8246978.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

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 4 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

JeepFest returns to Guthrie, helps vets The 2021 Midwest JeepFest will begin on Saturday Sept. 4 at 11 a.m.

The event is being held at John Vance Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM, located at 5302 S. Division Street in Guthrie - I-35 exit Ray Hibbard 153. This is the fourth year for Midwest JeepFest. It is expected to bring thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts from Oklahoma and surrounding states. JeepFest is always a great event that Edmond folks enjoy.

There is no cost to attend, but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of any amount, and all proceeds from off-road course driving and other venues will be given to Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-America Chapter. Off-road course fees are $5 for one drive, and $25, to an allday driving experience.

A new off-road Track Chair course is being added to the event. It will be managed by Paralyzed Veterans of America. There will also be a Crawlers, remote control cars track this year for those who want to drive their off-road vehicles on a much smaller course.

Something exciting and new has been added this year. The originator of Duck, Duck, Jeeps, Allison Parliament, will be present to sign ducks and talk about why she created this fun, friendly and world-wide craze that involves the act of "Ducking" or placing a rubber duck on someone’s Jeep! This means the owner got "Ducked" and must continue by planting another rubber duck on other Jeeps. Duck, Duck, Jeep’s mission is to help make this a seamless experience to help spread the love of Jeeps, and their owners.

Midwest JeepFest is the creation of the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie Tourism, Red Dirt Jeep Club, Guthrie News Leader, John Vance Auto Group, City of Guthrie, Edmond Way, Newby Vance Mobility, Dirt Worx of Oklahoma, and Tim’s Body Worx of Guthrie.

Attendees of Midwest JeepFest can expect to see hundreds of Jeeps - all ages and models - including many that are modified for extreme off-road use.

Jeep Corporation will have the newest Jeep makes and models on-site. Representatives of Vance Upfitters will be available to share the latest information about Jeep upgrades and aftermarket parts and accessories. The challenging off-road course has been enhanced and increased in size. The course is located behind John Vance Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM in Guthrie. Attendees with 4-wheel drive vehicles (approved) can also drive the course.

There is plenty for the public and kids to do in addition to exciting Jeep off-road action. Children will enjoy Corny Carny and the Inflatable Carnival with all types of inflatable slides and games. You won’t want to miss the University of Oklahoma Sooner Schooner, ponies, and personnel.

Come take photos and see, close-up and personal, the hottest and best college football mascot in America.

Many food and beverage trucks will be present during the event, along with music by Gary Good. A special American flag and Star-spangled Banner salute kick-off begins at 11am with a special color guard ceremony by Paralyzed Veterans of America, MidAmerica Chapter.

The Oklahoma National Guard is providing a rock-climbing wall that will challenge attendees of all ages.

Following Midwest Jeepfest is, Red Brick Nights, held in the streets of downtown Guthrie. The event includes live bands, food trucks and plenty of fun for the family. It cost nothing to attend and begins at 5:30 pm.

Other Jeep clubs are encouraged to attend as well as the general public, individual Jeep owners and those wanting to know more about Jeep.

Interested persons can visit the Midwest JeepFest website for more information at www.midwestjeepfest.com.

Traveling by air in 2021 Last week was our first time back flying for vacation in almost two years.

We planned a trip back to the town where I had pleaded with Lisa to marry me four years ago, San Francisco. In a moment of weakness, she agreed. The entire restaurant where I proposed was rooting for me, which helped.

We made the plans as the COVID19 virus numbers were dropping. As you know, by last week they were rapidly on the increase. We made the decision to go since the vaccination rate in San Francisco was much higher then here in Oklahoma. It is at 81%. They had also instituted the indoor mask mandate again for the city.

The flying part felt comfortable enough for us. Simple rule, everyone wears a mask in the airport and on the plane. The planes were full, but the airport didn’t seem too congested. I did upgrade our seats so that we would have plenty of room between us and the other passengers. Travel by air has changed a good deal for 2021 but some things are still the same or even worse.

Folks comment about how people dress when they fly, noting that they “remember back in the day when you’d dress up to fly.” I get that folks like to be more comfortable these days to fly but I’m in disbelief at what many of them wear when flying. I used to claim that flying went from being dressed up to travel to where it has become dress for bus travel. Honestly, the way people dress now to fly would have gotten you thrown off a bus 20 years ago.

I totally get that folks want to be more comfortable. Seats are closer, planes are more crowded and lay over times are reduced. The choice of athleisure wear is understandable, but it should at least cover the person, mostly. The only dress code for many airlines is to dress appropriately which means no bare feet or offensive clothing. That leaves a wide range of freedom some folks don’t handle well.

There were so many of our fellow passengers that dressed as if they were going to the gym. Baggy shorts and tshirts that flopped open exposing more than anyone else on the flight

The attire of modern travelers.

wanted to see. I understand that jeans with giant holes is in fashion but I’m thinking some of the ones we saw were self-inflicted wounds on the jeans. There is no designer that would have put holes in those places.

I get that folks like having their own jam on the plane with the comfort of home they bring but good grief, the amount of stuff they try and bring on the plane is crazy. A two-hour flight does not need half of your bedding, two suitcases and a bag of food. You can live on pretzels and water for days much less two hours. I did it for a year when I was traveling all over the country with the Oklahoma Press Association. There was an occasional beer thrown in but mostly peanuts (in those days) and water.

Of course, now everyone must bring a dog with them. I love dogs but there is no way they can all be service dogs folks. A German Shepard or Golden Retriever is a service animal but not the squeaky little pooch that was in front of me on our return flight.

He had a vest that was embroidered with the words, “Service Dog” but his owner was spending all her time giving him comfort instead of the other way around.

Well, there it is, I have become an official old grump. I just don’t want to see the amount of flesh that we saw on this trip again.

Wear comfortable clothes on your next flight my friends but just wear enough of them. Thank you.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by email at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6.

---- Business news ..............................................................................Page 7.

---- Columnist looks at a radio program from the 1960s ................Page 10.

---- Carol Smaglinski writes about pineapples ..................................Page 13.

---- George Gust reviews new release ..............................................Page 14.

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

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

This, and much more, in this week’s edition!

A moving article about how the old tradition of letter writing lifted the spirits of two new friends. See Page 13.

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 © 2021 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 12, 2021 • Page 5

Edmond and VIBES downtown

Photographs by Melinda Infante

Kyle Dillingham, an artist who has performed all over the world, was performing last week.

Genealogical Society to discuss heirlooms The Edmond Genealogical Society’s Aug. 16 program is entitled “Heirloom Show and Tell.”

Family heirlooms (e.g. jewelry, furniture, recipes, quilts, letters, musical instruments, kitchenware, art, etc.) can be many generations old, passed from parent to child for centuries.

Or they can be newer, something inherited from a parent or grandparent that will be passed along in the future. Most important, whatever they may be, family heirlooms conjure memories of the special people who passed them along to us. This is an audience participation program where members and guests can bring a family treasure and give a short story (two to five minutes) about the items’ provenance and what it means to that person. If the item is too big to bring, email a picture of it to Jan Beattie at jankb80@sbcglobal.net which she will use on a slide, and you’ll be included in the program.

Meetings are free and open to the public. Programs start at 6:30 p.m. Edmond Genealogical Society meetings are held the third Monday of the month at the Edmond Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints at 1315 E. 33rd Street, Edmond, OK. Enter through the doors at the rear (north side) of the building.

The church offers plenty of parking and is fully handicap accessible.

For more information on EGS, go to: www.rootsweb.com/~o kegs, or visit us on Facebook at Edmond Ge-

Meeting is Next Monday

nealogical Society. The Sept. 20 program Finding Your Native American Roots, will be presented by Veronica Redding, Research Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator at the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Angel Jaramillo a street artist at VIBES.

Page 6 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

marijuana and failure to appear.

Kevin Christopher White, 42 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Latoya Monique Frederick-Ivy, 39 of Edmond.

Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

July 26 Austin Hunter McClendon, 26 of Edmond. Nonassault resisting officer and a felony warrant.

Michael Andrew Carrejo, 22 of Albuquerque, N.M. Lewd or indecent proposals or acts to child under 16 and rape by instrumentation.

Jacquelyn Renee Johnson, 32 of Okla. City.

Three counts of possession of CDS and possess drug paraphernalia.

July 29 Larry Anthony Braswell, 24 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Kyler Bradley Powers, 19 of Yukon. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Christopher Darrel Jefferson, 42 of Edmond.

Felony warrant.

Craig Allen Buckler, 43 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant.

July 27 Charles Derek Hodges, 31 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Marcos Galvan Jr., 21 of Edmond. Expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Deaunte Shyton Cobb, 33 of Oklahoma City.

Four felony warrants and a misdemeanor warrant.

Christian Emmanuel Toles, 36 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Shane Raye Bohl, 49 of Edmond. Child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Arneisha Tyneil Antwine, 31 of Oklahoma City.

Operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver's license and a misdemeanor warrant.

July 28 Kenny Lee Stamp, 32 homeless. Possession of

July 30 Daniel Weber, 35 of Edmond. Child endangerment and felony DUI/APC. Roger Keith Ray II, 37, address unknown.

(Felony value) obtaining by false pretenses, trick or deception, exploitation of elderly person or disabled adults and conspiracy.

Jabriex Diya Mann, 27 of Valdosta, Ga. (Felony value) obtaining by false pretenses, trick or deception and conspiracy.

Thomas Allen Hale, 41 of Bartlesville. Public intoxication.

Cody James Denewith, 24 of Edmond. Possess with intent to distribute CDS, public intoxication and possess drug paraphernalia.

Seth Charles Chance, 24 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Richard Allen Thompson, 47 of Midwest City.

Possess CDS. July 31 Gary Geraldon Canary, 43 of Edmond. Possess CDS. Krystina Michelle Tapleyl, 34 of Guthrie. Misdemeanor warrant.

Michael Anthony Nix, 47 of Edmond. Use language to arouse anger or cause breach of peace.

Shawn Paul Tackitt, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication and use language to arouse anger or cause breach of peace.

John Charles Hand, 47 of Guthrie. Misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant, possess drug paraphernalia and three counts possess CDS. Joseph Adam Gonzales, 30 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear, petty larceny and public intoxication.

Timothy Blake Weaver, 39 of Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Stephen De Shawn Ligons, 37 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Rachel Ashley Standlee, 27 of Meeker, Okla.

Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Aug. 1 Corrion Desean Collins, 18 of Oklahoma City.

Public intoxication.

Cade Curry Newbold, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Scencca Ladawn Beavers, 26 of Edmond. Expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Bandi Lee Osborn, 43 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Weekend Calendar of Events August 12-15 What’s Happening This Weekend Aug. 12-15 ---- In the Gallery: Jordan Tacker ---- What’s Cooking, Edmond?

---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- Concert in the Park: City Moon & Erin Michelle ---- Pint Night with Cape Brewing ---- Movie at the Park: TBD ---- Edmond Jr Rodeo ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Oklahoma Bicycle Society Streak ---- Read the West Book Club: News of the World ---- Signature Tour ---- USA Softball All-American Games ---- All Star Team Roping Finals ---- Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show ---- Night Market Extra Information In the Gallery: Martha Turner Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Jordan Tacker; edmondfinearts.com What’s Cooking, Edmond?

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Tue, Aug 31; Free; edmondhistory.org VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society

Genealogy & DNA testing to be explored Stories about DNA being used to find serial killers, identify unknown crime victims, reunite children with birth parents or reveal family secrets show up in the news more and more in recent years.

These reports are fascinating but how often do these things really happen? Come find out on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. when The Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy Group presents Finding Family .... Adoptions and Other Successes and Surprises with DNA Testing. This program will feature several group members speaking on how they have found

adoptees, lost family, family members they weren't expecting, biological family and how DNA testing has assisted them in their genealogy with breaking down brick walls, confirming or disproving relationships and ethical dilemmas that may be encountered with DNA testing.

The Genealogy Group meets at the County Extension office at 2500 SE 63rd St. and the public is welcome. Masks are encouraged but optional at this time. For more information about this meeting and our group you can find us on Facebook at OHCEgenealogy or on our website: www.ohcegenealogy.com.

& Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org

Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Aug 13; Free; 8:30 p.m.; edmondparks.com

Concert in the Park: City Moon & Erin Michelle Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Thu, Aug 12; Free; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; edmondok.com

Edmond Jr Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena Extra Info: Fri, Aug 13 – Sat, Aug 14; $5 for adults; $1 for 18 and younger; edmondroudupclub.com

Pint Night with Cape Brewing Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra Info: Thu, Aug 12; 5 p.m.; facebook.com

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Aug 14; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com

Movie at the Park: TBD

Oklahoma Bicycle Society Streak Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sun, Aug 15; 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $20-$40; okcbike.org Read the West Book Club: News of the World Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, Aug, 15; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Aug 14 & Sun, Aug, 15; 1- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, Aug 13 – Sun, Aug 15; Fri, 2 – 7 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; homeshowcenter.com USA Softball All-American Games Location: USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Extra Info: Fri, Aug 13 – Sun, Aug 15; usasoftballallamericangames.com All Star Team Roping Finals Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Sat, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 15; allstarteamroping.com Night Market Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Fri, Aug 13; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 7

July gross receipts affected by tax filing deadline Oklahoma Gross Receipts to the Treasury in July are impacted by last year’s delayed income tax filings but show solid economic growth once the extension is taken into account, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

McDaniel said the monthly report appears negative at first glance due to a reduced bottom line of 15 percent compared to the same month of last year. However, he pointed out the comparison is distorted because income taxes were paid in July instead of April in 2020. He also noted every revenue stream except income taxes have substantial gains.

“Gross receipts demonstrate a resilient and expanding state economy,” McDaniel said. “Last July’s large income tax collections are an outlier

caused by a timing issue.”

July collections total $1.22 billion with growth reported in sales and use, motor vehicle, and gross production taxes. Even so, individual and corporate income tax receipts are almost 50 percent less this month.

Consumer confidence is strong as sales and use tax receipts are 12 percent higher than a year ago.

The gross production tax on oil and natural gas is 260 percent more than last July. Every major revenue stream, including income taxes, exceed collections from 2019.

Twelve-month total collections of $14.1 billion reflect a year of economic expansion with every revenue source higher than during the previous 12month period. This 12-month report is the first in

19 months showing positive growth in oil and gas production tax collections.

Other indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index for July anticipates continued economic growth. The monthly index was set at 72.7, down slightly from 73.6 in June. Numbers above 50 indicate expansion is expected during the next three to six months.

The June unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 3.7 percent by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s jobless rate was down from 4.0 percent in May and from 8.2 percent in June 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was set at 5.9 percent in June.

Living out the dream with French-style yogurt ARCADIA -- Juliana Forster enjoys at least a serving a day of Amelia Creamery’s French-style yogurt.

“Besides being natural and healthy for you, it’s almost like a desert,” Forster said of the yogurt made at her family’s factory and available at the Arcadia Farmers Market General Store.

“The French-style yogurt is creamier, with no sour aftertaste.”

Her father, professional pilot Tony Barros, was of the same opinion when he visited France many years ago.

“He’s always had a dream of starting a food business,” Forster said.

“He grew up in Brazil, his mom cooked from scratch, and yogurt was one of their staple foods.”

The French yogurt tasted much like that made by his European ancestors, but to him it was just a little bit better, Forster said.

Another Tony Barros dream was to move to the United States, especially after visiting friends in Kansas and Oklahoma in 1994.

So they traded some family land in Brazil for a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, the family obtained citizenship, and five years ago Amelia Creamery came to be. Juliana and her husband, Daniel, partner with her

father in the Nowata County business.

The staff is small but growing. Juliana Forster is production manager, Barbara Wilson is assistant manager, and three additional employees keep the production lines moving.

Jenefier Wickham is general manager, three drivers deliver most of the yogurt, and Daniel Forster “assists with anything we need,” Juliana Forster said.

The yogurt is sold in 5-ounce clay jars and 30ounce plastic containers at the Arcadia Farmers Market General Store and about 70 other stores in Oklahoma, plus a few in Kansas and Arkansas. The business really grew after they joined the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, Forster said.

Clay jars affect the taste and texture of yogurt less than any other container, and keep it lightsafe to protect the live bacteria and maintain freshness longer.

The clay jars are also reusable and “infinitely recyclable,” the family says.

The fruit yogurts are flavored with jam made from recipes passed down through generations of her mother’s side of the family.

“Our most popular flavors are vanilla, strawberry

See Creamery, Page 8

Integris schedules hiring event INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma’s largest health care provider, is hosting a systemwide hiring event to fill positions at locations across the state. The hiring event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 19, in the Oklahoma Station Ballroom at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, 100 W Oklahoma City Blvd, Oklahoma City.

Interested candidates should bring two copies of their resume and come prepared to interview for open positions including those in the areas of clinics, mental health, dietary, patient services, nursing, allied health and more. Qualified applicants may receive an offer of employment during

the event. There will also be multiple raffles throughout the day for attendees. Some hard-to-fill positions will qualify for sign-on bonuses.

“This is one of the biggest hiring events we’ve ever had,” said Mark Robinson, director of Talent Acquisition. “We’re looking for caregivers across many disciplines who want to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. We’re confident we can provide that opportunity at INTEGRIS Health.”

If you have any questions about the event, please email Shannon Wilmoth at james.wilmoth@integrisok.com. To learn more about INTEGRIS Health, visit integrisok.com.

Blatt leading architectural firm Hornbeek Blatt Architects is pleased to announce that effective now Anthony Blatt has assumed executive leadership as president and sole principal for the firm, soon to be named Blatt Blatt Architects.

Founding Partner, David Hornbeek has left his role as firm President and concluded his involvement in day-to-day operations of Hornbeek Blatt Architects, P.C. David Hornbeek will remain engaged in the architectural community through participation on various professional boards, his philanthropic work with his initiated non-profit, and will continue to lend his expertise as a consultant on selected projects.

With over 40 years of experience, Hornbeek has been serving as President of the firm since 1999 and has been active in the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Architects, Landscape Architects and Registered Interior Designers, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), as a visiting adjunct professor and member of the University of Oklahoma School of Architecture’s Professional Advisory Board / Board

of Visitors, and the AIA Central Oklahoma chapter. Currently, Hornbeek is serving as the Region 5 director on the NCARB National Board of Directors.

“David has made an incredible impact to the built environment on a variety of projects that span the globe, with a number of prominent projects in our great state of Oklahoma,” said Tony Blatt. “He has been a mentor to many, making an impact on numerous professionals in our field. I would not be the person I am today without the influence that David has afforded me.

I have deep gratitude for all of his efforts during our partnership.”

Hornbeek Blatt Architects, P.C., founded in 1999 as a corporation, has grown to become a well-respected multi-service architectural firm in Edmond, Oklahoma. Named the 2011 AIA Central Oklahoma “Outstanding Firm of the Year,” Hornbeek Blatt has been designing award winning architecture for over 20 years through leadership, vision, and a commitment to quality design. Notable projects include 21C Museum Hotel OKC, Edmond Center Court, Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Variety Care Britton Health Center and OKC MAPS3 Senior Health and Wellness Center No. 3.

PHOTO PROVIDED/AMELIA CREAMERY

Tony Barros and his daughter, Juliana Forster, are living the dream making French-style yogurt.

Page 8 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

A look at retirement issues

By Mikayla Estes Retirement can be very overwhelming when you are just getting started. It can be daunting to determine how much you need to save in order Estes to comfortably retire. The key is to start as soon as possible and not put retirement planning to the side because it sounds too difficult.

Where do I start?

At a minimum, you want to start with contributing to your employer’s retirement plan up to the amount your employer will match. How far will that get you? Let’s say you have an income of $50,000, and you contributed 3% of your income and your employer matched it, that would be a total contribution for the year of $3,000. If you continue to contribute 3% every year and you invest that in mutual funds for a 7% return; then in just 30 years you would have a little over $300,000. While that example is at least a good start we are going to have to do more.

How should I make up the rest of the retirement money? What if my employer doesn’t offer a 401K plan?

There are multiple ways to pre-

pare for retirement, and it will depend on your situation to see what will fit you the best. You can setup an IRA (Roth or Traditional), Health Savings Account, simplified employee pension plan (SEP) account, or maxing out your contributions to your 401K just to name a few. Each of these accounts has a limit on how much you can contribute each year, so make sure you are aware of how much you are contributing.

If setting up an IRA, whether traditional (pretax) or Roth (after tax) account, you can reach out to a local financial advisor, and they can help you set up an account within a short amount of time.

A health savings account is an option if you have a high deductible health plan. You can contribute money pretax. The money in your health savings account can be invested once your account reaches a certain threshold, anything in excess of the threshold can be invested. The account provider will know what the threshold is for your specific account. I have seen some thresholds as low as $2,000 and others as high as $5,000.

If you are self-employed and do not have a 401K option, a simplified employee pension plan (SEP) account could be right for you. Again, a local financial advisor will be able to assist with this.

The main thing you want to

do is get started, have your money work for you so that you do not have to. Even if you have to start small with only $50 a month, watching your funds grow is encouraging. Be active in your investment planning, but not obsessive, you want to make sure you have made wise investment decisions.

If you are saving for retirement over the course of 30 to 40 years, times change, what you invested in at the beginning may not be such a good investment years later, so make sure at least once or twice a year you evaluate how your investments are doing.

Mikayla Estes, CPA, is a manager at Arledge, an Edmondbased public accounting firm.

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

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Creamery From Page 7 and blueberry,” Forster said. “And guava fruit is pretty popular.”

No preservatives are

used, and the yogurt is made from whole cow’s milk sourced locally from Hiland Dairy.

Amelia is the name of the Forsters’ 13-year-old daughter.

“Dad’s mom was named Amelia,” Forster said.

“That was my dad’s

first granddaughter, and he wanted to name the business for her.”

The Arcadia Farmers Market General Store also stocks locally grown and processed garden produce, beef, pork, milk, eggs and cheese, and shelf items such as honey, gluten-free bread

mixes and home-canned pickles, salsa and jelly.

The store is at historic State Highway 66 and Odor Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. For more information, call 405-2260346.

To know more, call 405 226-0346

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 9

Jhenna Dancer Samara

Memorial student looks to end with a perfect attendance mark Today starts another challenge for one young woman attending high school in Edmond.

On this first day of school, Jhenna Dancer Samara, a junior at Memorial High School, continues her bid to end her school career without missing a day of school.

In the photograph above, she is holding her framed certificate commemorating 11 years of perfect consecutive attendance within the Edmond School System, it is signed by head principal of Memorial High School, Tony Rose.

Jhenna's other school-related interests and accomplishments include Memorial track discus shot put

thrower, debate team member and yearbook staff member.

Most of her classes are in advanced placement and she maintains a 3.65 grade point average. She has exceled in shot put with winning as a freshman.

Her family has asked many school officials if there are others with such a streak of perfect attendance. They haven’t been able to identify another one, relatives say.

And they remain proud of the streak accomplished by their “Undisputed Attendnance Queen.” She now starts her final two years of school at Memorial and hopes to end with a perfect 13 years of attendance.

Get ready for 15th Street closure Beginning on Monday, Aug. 16, the 15th Street will be fully closed at the railroad crossing to traffic for repairs. The closure is expected to last four days with cooperative weather.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) will be conducting the work at their crossing with assistance from the Edmond Public Works department. All travelers will need to find an alternate route until the work is comThe dot shows the location of scheduled work. pleted and the crossing can The railroad crossing work starts next Monday. reopen.

Page 10 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

A voice from the past

By Steve Gust The message hasn’t changed much this week. This nation is in big trouble on many fronts. Please pray for America. We need it.

Having said that, I wanted to mention an interesting satellite radio program. It’s called “Let’s Talk to Lucy” It’s on Sirius for a while and has about 230 short episodes. In the 1960s entertainer Lucille Ball briefly had a radio program. And it hadn’t been replayed until now.

It is interesting hearing her quiz different entertainment people of the era.

She also referred to the Beatles as young men. When’s the last time you’ve heard them referred to as young?

Lucille Ball’s diction and enounciation is flawless. Must have been her stage training.

She interviewed lots of celebrities, including Clint Walker, former star of the western “Cheyenne.”

I found out that Mister Walker was a twin. His twin was his sister and she grew up to be a foot shorter than Walker, who stood 6-foot-6.

Actress Eva Marie Saint also talked

about her experience as an actress and how she won a role opposite of Marlon Brando in the iconic film, “On the Waterfront.”

One of the more amazing interviews was with Ernest Gold. He did soundtracks for major films and won an Academy Award for his work on the 1960 epic film “Exodus.” What was odd is that Mr. Gold wasn’t happy with his work on it. Apparently somebody was as he took home the Oscar.

Gold also mentioned his family and noted he had a son, Andy, who had just turned 13. He said Andy liked having a Ringo haircut and wanted to be an actor. Lucy said that Andy would probably change his mind and follow his dad into music. Lucy was right.

Andy became known as Andrew Gold and went on to have two huge pop hits, “Lonely Boy” and “Thank You for Being a Friend.” Really great songs. Sadly he died 10 years ago.

Lucille Ball was an unique personality and it’s interesting to recall such an interesting time in the nation’s history.

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

Lankford grills nominee Senator James Lankford (R-OK) recently participated in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to consider several nominations for the Departments of Energy and the Interior. Lankford’s questions to Cynthia Weiner Stachelberg, a nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior (Policy, Management, and Budget), centered on her previous remarks made while working at the Center for American Progress opposing Congress’s “recalcitrance” to enacting stricter gun laws and how laws passed by Congress “limit” the Executive Branch’s ability to regulate. Lankford sought an answer from her on whose job it is to make laws and whose job it is to execute them.

Lankford referenced Oklahoma’s experience dealing with the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken as a way federal agencies must take direction from Congress and not make activist policies outside of the law in order to make sure laws are workable for Oklahomans. Last week, Lankford joined Senator Jim Inhofe (ROK) to lead a letter to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) urging them to extend the public comment period by at least six months for the proposed rule listing the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC) on the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Lankford has worked for years to ensure Oklahoma farmers, ranchers, energy companies, and developers were not burdened outside the scope of the law.

Sen. Lankford

Excerpt Lankford: …Can agencies decide what they want to do, or are those parameters set by Congress?…In 2016 you wrote at one point, ‘In the face of persistent inaction in Congress, to close the gaps in the nation’s gun laws that leave many communities vulnerable to near daily gun violence, today’s commonsense actions demonstrate this Administration’s continued commitment to taking a comprehensive approach to address this public health crisis.’ Okay. No issue there. Then the next statement is, ‘the Center for American progress is eager to continue working with leaders across the country to follow the President’s example to explore opportunities to take action now without waiting for a recalcitrant legislature.’

That’s one. In 2013 you wrote, ‘There are more than a dozen appropriations riders passed each year, typically without any discussion or debate, which significantly limit the federal government’s ability to regulate the firearms industry.

Congress has interfered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and its ability to fulfill its mission by enacting riders to the appropriations bills that dilute its power over licensed gun dealers.’

So, the reason I ask is, it’s a philosophical question, but it is a practical effect to try to figure out just your perspective on whether Congress has the authority for in-

Lankford, Page 11

What to know about Delta variant Dr. Jennifer Rudd is an infectious disease specialist in Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Five things to know about the Delta variant as we head into the fall 1. Delta spreads faster.

The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 emerged from India in late 2020 and has spread across the globe like wildfire by out-competing other variants worldwide. How did it do this? While the exact mechanism is still being studied, this variant tweaked its outer spike protein to better bind to and infect our cells than it ever has before. People infected with Delta have over 1,000 times more virus in their cells than the original strain, making Delta infection spread sooner after exposure than ever before and with much higher amounts of virus, resulting in rapid spread from person-to-person.

2. The symptoms may be a little different.

Gone are the days where loss of smell was a go-to symptom for COVID-19. Common signs of Delta infection include headache, runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat — sounds a lot like allergies or a cold, right? That’s problematic because many people will

assume it’s “not COVID” and continue their lives while shedding large amounts of virus to others. And many will still end up hospitalized since the inflammatory damage from COVID is far more severe than that in allergies or a cold. Coughing, fever, and loss of smell or taste are all still possible, just not a hallmark sign in every case. So please get tested frequently.

3. Delta isn’t necessarily more severe in kids — but it is more transmissible.

We don’t yet know if Delta causes more severe disease in kids than previous variants, but we do know it spreads through unvaccinated people, including children, rapidly. The vast majority of kids that are infected with Delta will not experience severe illness, but as we see the numbers go up, we will naturally see more children who are hospitalized or have longterm complications from COVID-19.

4. Your vaccine is working.

We are well over a year into a global pandemic and we can all appreciate that our public health choices fall into a balancing act of protecting our families and continuing the human contact that

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

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

keeps us sane. This is best achieved through vaccination. The available vaccines are safe, well-studied and remain effective. As new variants emerge, the ability of the vaccine to prevent infection does drop a little.

For example, the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine was originally 99% effective at preventing severe disease, then dropped to 93% effective with the Alpha variant, and currently sits around 88% with the Delta variant. Here’s the thing though. 88% is still very good. Breakthrough infections among the vaccinated remain rare and disease in these instances often remains mild. This vaccine is worth it.

5. We need you to make good choices.

The choices we make this fall will be a little different depending on our families, communities and lifestyle. I know we all have decision fatigue, but we need to think critically just a little bit longer. There will be settings where masking remains appropriate regardless of vaccine status — especially in large indoor crowds. There will be events that may not be worth the risk to you or your family depending on vaccine status and your health. Most importantly, if you are eligible for COVID vaccination but have not received it, please get any lingering questions answered and make the choice to get vaccinated. We are truly fighting a pandemic of the unvaccinated at this point. This includes people who could be vaccinated but are choosing not to, children who are not yet eligible, and indirectly includes immune compromised people who may be able to be vaccinated but will not have as protective an immune response to the vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the biggest gift you can give our children and our community this fall.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Jennifer Rudd is a veterinarian, researcher and a board certified microbiologist at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. She teaches veterinary students about infectious diseases and is active in SARS-CoV-2 research.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 11

UCO selects 2021 Hall of Fame class The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department announced last week its 2021 Hall of Fame Class, with five individuals and one national championship team set to be inducted this fall.

Lacie Allen (volleyball), Sam Belt (basketball), Robin Freeman (golf), Mike Keim (wrestling) and Dustin McNeal (football), as well as the 1989 wrestling national championship team will inducted at a banquet this fall.

The 2021 UCO Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 1 in the Nigh University Center.

Central Oklahoma will also honor the 2020 hall of fame group that missed their own banquet due to the pandemic a year ago. More details about the banquet will be announced closer to the time of the ceremony this fall.

Allen will be the fifth volleyball player inducted into the UCO athletics Hall of Fame. She played for Central from 2004-07 and also joined the basketball team during her time as a Broncho. Most notably, her hall of fame career includes the honor of being the first All-American in program history.

Allen helped the Bronchos reach the national tournament twice in her four-year career and led the team to a 101-34 record during that time.

She still has her name in the NCAA record book too over a dozen years after she played her last match.

Allen’s 996 digs during the 2007 sea-

son remains the most ever in DII history for a single season in the 30point scoring format with unlimited libero substitutions. Her 2,765 career digs still rank eighth in DII history.

Allen earned All-Lone Star Conference honors in 2006 and 2007 and also took All-Region honors in both of those seasons. She was named AllAmerican in 2007.

Belt is one of the most decorated players in Central Oklahoma's long basketball history. An inside-outside scoring threat with great court savvy, he led the Bronchos to 87 wins, three Lone Star Conference North Division titles, three NCAA Division II national tournament berths and one Elite Eight appearance during his brilliant career from 2004-08.

Belt was a four-time All-LSC North Division selection, earning Freshman of the Year honors in 2004-05 and Player of the Year accolades as a senior in 2007-08 when he was a consensus All-American.

Belt is UCO's all-time leader in 3pointers made (263), 3-pointers attempted (698), free throws made (511) and free throws attempted (652). He also ranks second in career points (1,918), field goals made (577) and field goals attempted (1,332) while ranking third in rebounds (845). Belt averaged 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds during his illustrious 122-game career.

Freeman golfed at Central from

See UCO, Page 12

Send local news, photos to: news@edmondpaper.com

GOP women’s meeting Aug. 16 Edmond Republican Women’s Club reconvenes this month on Monday, August 16th at Eddies in Edmond. Joining this month’s meeting will be Governor Stitt's Special Council for Native American Affairs, Ryan Leonard.

Leonard, with Edinger, Leonard, and Blakley law firm, was hired by Governor Stitt in 2020. He assists the Governor and his administration on issues arising from the U.S. Supreme court's recent decision in McGirt v.

Oklahoma. During that trial, the court ruled the Creek Nation reservation still exists within the State of Oklahoma for purposes of criminal jurisdiction. In January 2021, Governor Stitt designated Ryan as the lead

negotiator for the state in the discussions with Oklahoma's native American tribes to address the foundation jurisdictional issues raised by the McGirt decision.

To learn more about Leonard’s role in Gov. Stitt’s cabinet, members and guests are invited to attend. A buffet is available for $15 (cash or check) to those who would like to dine during the meeting. Registration and Mingle is open at 11:15am and the buffet available at 11:30am. The club meeting is from 11:45am to 1:00pm. For more information on how to become involved with the organization contact the VP of Membership at jen@nextlevelgo.com.

Lankford From Page 10

stance to give instructions, do legislation. That’s appropriations riders, is legislation, to give instructions to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to be able to deal with what they can do and cannot do or to be able to deal with firearms, or if agencies or entities—or your office in the future in dealing with firearms policy on Department of the Interior lands, for instance—what that’s going to look like. How wide is that latitude or is that set by Congress?

Weiner Stachelberg: …Absolutely Congress passes laws and works with agencies. As you know, the Executive Branch has the ability to pass regulations, and so one of the things I’m looking forward to if I’m confirmed is working with Congress to achieve policies that address climate change, affect the conservation of our public lands, and that’s the job that I’m be-

fore you now seeking to talk about.

So if you’re asking me whether agencies have latitude to issue regulations and Congress has latitude to pass laws and write appropriations riders, absolutely both of them are true.

Lankford: …In Oklahoma for instance, we’re dealing with the lesser prairie chicken in the western side of our state. We’ve done a lot of voluntary cooperation. Our farmers and ranchers and commercial entities have done a lot of work, and when the agency steps in and says, ‘Thanks for all your work on this, but now we’re going to take it from here,’ it diminishes some of that. So, we do have some work to be able to do to be able to actually have the Endangered Species Act be successful—because I don’t see a two percent graduation rate as successful.

Page 12 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

UCO Class From Page 11 1980-82 and helped the Bronchos to arguably the most successful season ever. He also followed his time in the Bronze & Blue with a fruitful professional career. Freeman won at Central on more than one occasion and did so professionally too.

During the 1980-81 season, his junior year at Central, Freeman led the Bronchos to a third-place finish at the NAIA National Championships. He finished third himself in the individual standings, posting a 72-hole 219 (76-71-72), just three strokes off the national title. The fourth round of that tournament was canceled due to rain.

Freeman earned a spot on the PGA Tour in 1988 and tied for second at the 1995 Byron Nelson Classic. He also played on the Nationwide Tour, where he won two tournaments, and the Champions Tour. He posted a pair of eighth place finishes at the 2009 U.S. Senior Open and the 2010 Senior PGA Championship.

Freeman was an All-District 9 selection in both the 1980-81 & 1981-82 seasons as well as his AllAmerican selection in 1981.

Keim wrestled his way to an amazing career at UCO in finishing as a two-time national finalist with one title while helping lead the Bronchos to a pair of team titles.

A native of Owasso, Okla., Keim spent two

years in junior college before coming to UCO and stepped in as a junior at 134 pounds in 1992-93.

He captured the Midwest Regional title and advanced to the national finals before suffering his only Division II loss in setting for runner-up honors while helping the Bronchos win their second straight team title.

Keim redshirted at his own request the following year as Ryan Martin took over the starting role at 134 and went on to win the national championship. Keim still took Outstanding Wrestler honors at both the Central Missouri and Nebraska-Omaha opens while competing unattached.

Keim returned to the mat with a vengeance in 1994-95 in putting together one of the best seasons in school history and leading UCO to its fourth consecutive team championship. He won six tournament tiles and set a single-season school record that still exists with 47 wins in going 47-3 with 24 bonus-point wins, capping it by winning a second Midwest Regional crown and the national championship.

Keim ended his career with a 33-match winning streak. He went 35-1 against Division II opponents during his career, including a 21-0 mark with 16 bonus-point wins as a senior.

Pineapple The cuisine of the sun can truly be fun

By Carol Smaglinski The sweet and punchy pineapple - a perfect partner for practically anything, is also quite healthy.

It is a perfect fresh fruit because it contains the enzyme bromelain, which aids in digestion and helps to erase the inflammation from arthritis and is a natural meat tenderizer. Be aware that if you should choose the canned variety, its bromelain is knocked out through the canning process. Unfortunately, bromelain is only the core, but there is a bit in the pineapple flesh. For a sore throat, reach for the pineapple Did you think that the pineapple would ripen up a bit more in your kitchen? Not so. Pineapples are picked off the tree ready to go and its starch will not convert to sugar once off the tree.

Sure, they might develop a nice fragrant smell, but the fruit only ripens on the tree. So, wrap it tightly and get it under refrigeration.

Pineapples are so named because they resemble a pine cone and interestingly enough, hand grenades resemble small pineapples.

Christopher Columbus discovered the fruit in Guadeloupe in 1493 and natives in the West Indies used them as symbols of hospitality.

Natives placed pineapples just outside their huts welcoming visitors.

The custom spread to England and around Williamsburg, Va. Today, carved wooden pineapples are seen above front doors and gate posts there.

The fruit migrated from Pre-Incan Peru and Spanish explorers introduced them to Hawaii, where the fragrant fruit stills grows in abundance The Hawaiian Honeys are simple to prepare.

With a serrated knife, slice off one inch at the top and at the bottom. Stand the pineapple upright and slice off strips of skin, cutting down along the contours of the pineapple. To get to the core that is inedible, start with a sharp knife, and cut out any eyes (pips) that may still be there. Then cut the pineapple into quarters lengthwise and stand each quarter on end and slice down to cut away the core.

In the following recipe, you can certainly use fresh pineapple, but if “you are in the weeds” as hard-working restaurant staff say when they are running behind on orders, grab that can of pineapple. Also, try to keep the sliced veggies all the same size for even cooking.

Always taste your masterpiece in the kitchen before the dish goes to the table to ensure that the seasonings are just right.

An Asian Pineapple Flirtation Makes 4 servings ¼ lb. mushrooms, sliced 1 red pepper, diced 1 green pepper, diced 1 onion, diced 1 8 oz. can of pineapple in natural juices (or fresh pineapple) 2 Tbsp. fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried ¼ tsp. ground ginger, put through a garlic press 4 oz. cooked ham, cut into cubes ½ cup water chestnuts, sliced in halves 2 cups cooked white rice Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Heat wok over medium heat and add mushrooms, peppers and onions.

Stir-fry for just a minute or two. Drain the pineapple juice and sprinkle about 2 Tbsp. over the vegetables. Cover and steam briefly Turn up the heat to high, add the rest of the ingredients. Stir fry a few seconds then add the rice, mixing gently until all is hot.

Season to taste.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 13

Catherine Filer, a resident at OKC’s Concordia Life Plan Community and Jordan Brodmerkel became friends through writing letters to one another. It came during a time of lockdowns, which was a particulary lonely time for seniors in residential homes.

COVID leads young woman to become pen pals with senior

The loving art of letter writing

By Mallery Nagle You probably remember the last time you got something in the snail mail that wasn’t a bill or a piece of junk mail.

Sadly, letter writing is a dying art form. Texts and e-mails have all but snuffed the life out communication’s once scared trinity of pen, paper and postage stamp.

But two women with Oklahoma ties are taking the lonely letter off of life support by breathing new air into “airmail.”

Edmond Memorial High School graduate Jordan Brodmerkel left Oklahoma to pursue her career in advertising in New York City. Her advertising agency has a history of doing a Some of the letters the two shared with service project during an annual each other. It was one way to stay convolunteer day. Two years ago, she nected during a lockdown. and her co-workers put on a prom it helped to realize she was not the for LGBTQ seniors in her adopted only one grieving missed holiday feshometown. “It was an opportunity to tivities. connect with older people,” said the “It was such a lonely time,” Filer 32-year-old. “I enjoy that age group.” said when she and Brodmerkel first Enter COVID-19 and its subsequent started writing to one another. “I had lockdowns, thus cancelling 2020 senonly been at Concordia (a short time) ior proms of all varieties all over the when the pandemic started. It was country. very hard to be cut off from family, But not even COVID could cancel especially my grand- and greatgrandBrodmerkel’s desire to connect with children, as well as my church more “seasoned” citizens. That’s friends.” where her best friend Megan Carter The two pen pals got the opportucame in. Carter is the lifestyle director nity to meet face-to-face this summer for Concordia Life Plan Community in when Brodmerkel came back to town Oklahoma City. Brodmerkel asked for a visit. She said it’s nice to be Carter if any of her residents might be able to visualize her pen pal’s face interested in becoming pen pals with and home when she writes or reads a her. Concordia resident Catherine letter. The meeting allowed the two Filer volunteered. to connect on a more personal level.

Brodmerkel acknowledged that letShe called the experience “incredible.” ter-writing may be an unusual pursuit “It was a pleasure to meet Jordan,” for a Millennial. “It’s an opportunity Filer said. “She could be one of my to write a longer form of communica- grandchildren easily. I wrote to her tion and form a more meaningful rela- about all of them, so she knew their tionship,” she said of using a pen and names and ages. She was always inpaper to correspond. “It’s engaging terested in them and what they were another part of my brain,” she added, doing. They are 38 to 3 with a great pointing to the fact that she spends grandson due at the end of the most days typing on a computer. month.”

Filer is Brodmerkel’s first pen pal, The pen pals plan to continue their and she said she learned that you can long-distance friendship although continue to make new friends no mat- COVID restrictions are tapering off. ter how old you are or how far apart “I just mailed a letter earlier this you live. Despite the generation gap week telling Jordan how much I enbetween the women, Brodmerkel joyed meeting her and how much it learned they had similar interests and meant to me to be her friend through pandemic experiences. Both are avid letters,” Filer said. “It was also special readers and both missed family terrihow it started through friends. Her bly during lockdown. friend, Megan, who is our activities Filer never had an official pen pal director at Concordia and Jordan met either. She and a cousin in Kansas cor- in high school, and Jordan and I responded during their high school ended up making a friendship connecyears, and she writes an annual tion through letters.”

The Millennial discovered that getChristmas letter. ting something personal in the snail The correspondence began around mail is pretty terrific. “It’s the anticipathe 2020 holiday season, and they tion,” Brodmerkel said. “It’s exciting shared stories of traditions that were and nice to get something besides being broken and of feeling isolated at that time of year. Brodmerkel said your Amazon boxes.”

Page 14 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘The Suicide Squad’ better than original

By George Gust DC’s crew of misfit supervillains is back on the big (and small) screen in writer/director James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad.” This time supervillains Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena) and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, supershady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

Years ago, when “Suicide Squad” was released, it seemed like a misstep in the ever-expanding DC comics universe, and in following the Marvel blueprint of movie making it was. However, with the follow up film “The Suicide Squad” Gunn as writer/director brings a singular confident vision to the off the wall supervillain turned hero concept.

Where “Suicide Squad” seemed insecure about its very existence - constantly resorting to needle drops and stuffing in cameos and an endless barrage of slick visual character introductions – “The Suicide Squad” has a narrative thrust and pace that keeps you guessing what will happen next in an ultraviolent darkly comedic way.

“The Suicide Squad” is the kind of undercutting heightened film you get after over a decade of su-

perhero movies. Gunn uses over-the-top gory violence, anarchical tone and dark humor to entertaining results. This movie isn’t as nostalgic or emotionally resonant as his two “Guardians of the Galaxy” entries but does manage to add connective themes between disparate characters that help keep an oddly amusing momentum over the two-hour run time of the film.

“The Suicide Squad” brings in a bunch of fresh faces (human and otherwise) but is anchored by the once again brilliant performance of Robbie as Harley Quinn, who is the life blood of the franchise. However this time around, Elba and Cena bring a fun

chemistry to a more fleshed out ensemble as they try to one up each other in rugged assassin business.

Also adding to the anti-hero proceedings Joel Kinneman returns as square jawed military man Rick Flag, who this time around actually has a character and becomes someone the audience cares about.

Overall, “The Suicide Squad” improves upon the hopelessly flawed “Suicide Squad” in nearly every way. With a colorfully off color tone/visual style and a simple yet effective narrative, Gunn puts his stamp on the send up of heroic superhero movies with another ensemble of misfits and cast offs of the comic book universe. Violent, gory, humorous “The Suicide Squad” is a brutally surprising break from the superhero formula that also delivers the comic book action fans have come to expect from these kind of blockbuster movies.

“The Suicide Squad” is rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity. Now in theaters and for a limited time on HBO Max. 4 out of 5 stars To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Answers on Page 19

Idris Elba and John Cena join the misfit supervillain team in writer/director James Gunn's send up of the DC comic universe in ‘The Suicide Squad.’

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Football ACROSS 1. *Sports analyst, ex-wide receiver Randy 5. Dashboard acronym 8. *Depth of an end zone, in yards 11. Fencing blade 12. Weight not charged for 13. Young hog 15. Witnessed 16. Aroma 17. Nary a soul 18. *Line of ____ 20. Spanish earthen pot 21. Pinocchio and the like 22. Bean house 23. Antonym of descent 26. Cycle taxi 30. Greek "t" 31. 50-50 34. Not happening 35. Newbies 37. Bert Bobbsey's twin 38. Like a neon sign 39. "Clueless" catch phrase 40. Not a desktop 42. Metal-bearing mineral 43. "Chim Chim Cher-ee" setting 45. Relating to nose 47. Actors' group 48. Sink hole 50. Golf club handle 52. *3-point score 56. Make a canyon, e.g.

57. Not written 58. Racing sled 59. *"Purple People ____" song, inspiration for Vikings defensive line name 60. Like H. C. Andersen's duckling 61. Poet Pound 62. *AFC counterpart 63. Dreaming stage of sleep 64. Daytime entertainment

DOWN 1. Hodgepodge 2. Oil cartel 3. Palm reader, e.g.

4. Old and mentally infirm 5. Weather-related Doppler tool 6. Programs, for short 7. Insignificant 8. Hammer or sickle 9. Europe's highest volcano 10. Born, in bio 12. Marinara fruit 13. Ornamental hair net 14. *Grabbing penalty 19. Breath freshener 22. *Pre-game encouragement 23. Rose oil 24. One's assertion 25. Collectible in a cabinet 26. *Fourth down option 27. Colonoscopy tract 28. Ancient assembly area 29. B in IBS 32. *Start of a football play

33. Goo on a trunk 36. *Scrimmage-related penalty 38. Plant louse 40. Yule firewood 41. By word of mouth 44. Candle shape 46. English in Spanish 48. Mourner's song 49. Camelot, to Arthur 50. Tennis great Steffi 51. College officer-training prog.

52. *Number of downs to get a first down 53. Anis-flavored aperitif 54. Site of Taj Mahal 55. *Lambeau Field jump 56. Poetic "even""

Answers are found on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 15

Many benefits of extracurricular activities

School offers much more than a top-notch education. Being an engaged student involves learning lessons in the classroom but also participating in the myriad activities that begin once the dismissal bell has rung.

Participation in extracurricular activities should be a consideration for every student because of the vast array of benefits such pursuits provide.

Information published in the Brandon University Journal of Graduate Studies in Education indicates that participation in extracurricular activities positively correlates with students’ development both academically and personally. Research shows being involved in afterschool clubs and sports promotes greater character development, improved academic success, good time-management techniques and leadership skills, and greater interest in community involvement.

Every school offers some type of extracurricular activity — from school bands to academic clubs to

volunteer groups to sports. The National Center for Education Statistics says these activities offer students opportunities to learn many valuable lessons, including group responsibility and the value of competition. Students who participate in extracurricular activities also can be exposed to a diverse array of people and cultures. Some activities also help students develop their mental and physical strength. The NCES notes that participation in extracurricular activities can foster a strong sense of connection between students and their schools, which can reduce the likelihood of school failures and dropout rates.

Extracurricular activities also are the gifts that keep on giving, particularly as they relate to future academic success. Crimson, an admissions support company specializing in increasing acceptance to highly regarded institutions, says extracurriculars are a critical part of a student’s university application. Involvement in clubs and

more provides a clearer picture of who a student is outside of the classroom and offers an opportunity to showcase various skills and interests.

Furthermore, diversifying one’s interests through extracurricular activities broadens a person’s world view and improves self-esteem. These are benefits that can ultimately help students become well-rounded persons and successful professionals.

While people are quick to view extracurriculars for the academic advantages they provide, one often overlooked benefit is the social benefits of these pursuits. One of the best and easiest ways to make friends is through extracurricular activities. Fellow participants share the same interests and that can lay a solid foundation for lasting friendships.

Students who view extracurriculars as vital components of their school experiences can reap the rewards of being active members of their campus communities.

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 neigh-

bors 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 16 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Back to school middle school Edition How to foster social skills in an era of social distancing

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretched on, children who have been called on to do their part still may not fully understand why they have had to skip play dates or avoid sitting together at lunch tables inside school cafeterias. Older children who are cognizant of much more may be growing weary of social distancing and may have started to question the benefits of staying home.

Social distancing helps maintain public safety, but there’s no denying such measures have produced some difficult side effects, some of which may be felt long after the pandemic has ended.

For instance, some experts suggest that social distancing has the potential to affect long-term social development.

“When young children are learning the basics of being social beings, their parents and siblings can provide most of the input they need,” says Amy Learmonth, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist who runs the Cognition, Memory and Development Lab at William Paterson University in New Jersey and has studied children as young as eight weeks old. In fact, having parents and siblings home much of the time actually can be a boon for children age five and younger.

Conversely, Learmonth says older children and adolescents develop social skills by learning to “navigate complex social groups of peers.”

Prolonged isolation from peers could be stripping opportunities to naturally develop social skills, particularly the longer social distancing goes on.

Clinical psychologist Laura Markham, founder of the site Aha! Parenting, indicates that kids “practice reading social cues and learn constructive social responses — including the give-and-take of conversation — how to self-regulate when they get annoyed at another person, and how to ask for what they need in a socially acceptable way” through in-person encounters.

Families can get creative to help foster social skills in their youngsters as the world continues to confront social distancing and its potential side effects.

• Schedule virtual play dates. While it may not be the same as hanging out in person, virtual play dates can provide one-on-one interaction with friends and help to maintain preexisting positive peer connections.

• Plan outdoor activities. When weather allows, people from different households can interact outdoors, provided they keep safe distances. This can be advantageous to teenagers chomping at the bit to hang out with friends.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one can become infected with COVID-19 when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and those droplets enter the mouth or nose of another. Outdoor fresh air disperses virus particles and people are more able to keep their distance from others.

Sitting in a backyard, walking a boardwalk or riding bikes together are some ways for adolescents to safely maintain social connections.

• Practice good manners. When at home, families can continue to

interact and offer opportunities to talk, listen and practice social manners.

• Foster game nights. Encourage social interaction at home with family game nights that involve board games or video games. Teens and tweens also can do multiplayer games with friends over the internet through their favorite gaming consoles.

A little creativity can help parents find ways to promote socialization in their children as the world continues to practice social distancing.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 17

When it’s time to call in a tutor Busy schedules, hybrid learning and demanding coursework have affected students’ academic performance over the last year-plus. The months since a pandemic was declared in March of 2020 have been unlike any other, and confronting the academic challenges of the pandemic may have adversely affected some students’ grades.

A recent report from the Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Research and Strategic Improvement in Virginia found the number of middle and high school students with two or more failing marks increased by 83 percent in the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year compared to the year prior.

But students’ grades may slide or they may find certain school work overly challenging even in normal years. Since many parents have not seen a periodic table or had to solve high school math problems in decades, tutors may be just what students need to regain their academic footing.

Failing grades are not necessarily the most notable indicator that students can benefit from the services of a tutor. The Princeton Review says 25 percent of high school students say homework is their biggest source of stress, and homework progress can help parents determine if it’s time to call in a tutor. Students who find their homework is taking too long, particularly double or triple the amount of time it once required, may need some extra help.

Here are some additional indicators that a tutor may be needed.

• Declining test scores: Some students are simply poor test takers, but a gradual or sudden decline in test scores may indicate students are having trouble mastering material. Teachers can pinpoint if certain concepts are overly challenging to students and notify parents if there are any problem

areas.

• Poor time management or focus: Students who are struggling may have their attention drift or they put off doing tasks because they don’t grasp the assignments.

• Lack of homework help at home: Parents may have prior commitments during the times of day when their children are doing homework. Even when parents are home, they may discover that the concepts covered in school are not being taught in the ways parents learned them and they may have difficulty assisting their children. Tutors can step in and help students when parents cannot.

• Learning disorder: Certain students learn differently from others due to a diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disorder. A child who is struggling with reading, phonics, spelling, and writing may have dyslexia, according to the tutoring experts at Dyslexia Practitioner NJ. Tutors who specialize in learning disorders can assess and address learning conflicts and tailor instructions in ways that can help students overcome those challenges.

• Students “shut down” or say they “hate” school: Disinterest in school or expressions of hating going to school may be indicative of academic struggles in the classroom, says the Princeton Review. Some students get so frustrated they simply give up. Tutors can solve learning puzzles and help get students back on track and reignite their interest in school.

Tutors can be valuable resources for students who need some one-on-one attention to master general learning concepts or reinforce skills for key tests or projects.

Page 18 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

EDMONDOK.COM/SHOP

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 12, 2021 • Page 19

Major contribution made to Regional Food bank Residents in central and western Oklahoma helped to raise $272,643 for Oklahomans living with hunger through Walmart and Sam’s Club’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. In its eighth year, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates engaged their customers and members, along with 27 participating suppliers, to help fight hunger in the state.

“Our neighbors are facing difficult times with one in six are struggling to find their next meal.

The Regional Food Bank is incredibly grateful for Walmart, Sam’s Club, their associates, suppliers, customers and members who helped to support this incredible campaign,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

Each Walmart and Sam’s Club across the nation was matched with at least one of 200 local Feeding America® member food banks. Through the campaign, shoppers made monetary donations at checkout or purchased participating items in stores or online to benefit their local food bank. For every participating product purchased in central and western Oklahoma, the participating supplier donated to the Regional Food Bank.

“Hunger is an issue that impacts every community in our country and the pandemic has exacerbated this issue,” said Maria Zazycki, senior manager at Walmart.org. “Through the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, we provide everyone the opportunity to join the fight to end hunger in their communities. We are grateful to our customers, members, suppliers and associates for supporting their local food bank.”

The 27 participating suppliers for the campaign were: Abbott, Bodyarmor, Bush Brothers & Company, Campbell Soup Company, Clif Bar & Com-

pany, Ferrera Candy Company, General Mills, GoGo squeeZ, Great Value, Iovate Health Sciences, J.M. Smucker, Kellogg’s, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kitu Coffee, Kraft Heinz, Mighty Spark, Monster Energy, PepsiCo, Post Consumer Brands, Purina, Simply Good Foods, Strong Roots, The Coca-Cola Company, The Clorox Company, This Saves Lives, Unilever and United States Nutrition.

More than $26.5 million was raised this year through the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. Funds will benefit 200 Feeding America member food banks nationwide. Walmart kick-

started the campaign with a $3 million donation, most of which supported food banks in communities with the highest rates of food insecurity and racial and access disparities.

Walmart and Sam’s Club provide donations of both food and funds to support the Regional Food Bank and both are consistently the top partners in the Regional Food Bank’s Retail Recovery Program. Through the program the Regional Food Bank and its community-based partners pick up surplus food donations from Walmart and Sam’s Club locations.

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Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • August 12, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure