Edmond Life & Leisure - August 27, 2020

August 27, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 15

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

ging school n e l l a C h ge t s u n d e r w ay ye a r

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.

The importance of a flu shot See Page 13 PHOTOS BY Eriech Tapia

Sofia Clark, a second-grader at Will Rogers Elementary, poses for a picture with her mother Zerlene Clark on the first day of school.

FRIDAY, August 28 Sunny High 99° Low 76°

SATURDAY, August 29 Partly Cloudy High 94° Low 73°

SUNDAY, August 30 Partly Cloudy High 93 Low 76°

It’s official. The academic year has started once again for some 25,000 school children despite an ongoing world pandemic.

Last week, administrators, teachers and staff welcomed back thousands of students for the start of the fall semester. It marked the first time since March that students were allowed back into the classroom.

Students who are not currently enrolled in Virtual Edmond will attend in-person classes two days a week and take remote classes three days a week.

Other students, in group A, attend in-person learning on Monday and Tuesday. Group B is in the classroom on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is remote learning for both groups.

Earlier this month, Edmond school officials showed to press the extra measures being taken to keep classrooms and school busses safe during the COVID-19 virus.

Although many safety measures have been taken, the district knows that an sudden spike is possible. Superintendent Bret Towne said earlier in the summer the school district can act to close a classroom, a school or even the whole district. That plan is called “from brick to click.”

Many more questions, and aspects of learning during a pandemic, are cov-

ered on the school’s web page, www. edmondschools.net.

See more back to school photographs on Page 8.

Evey Moss, a pre-k student at Chisholm Elementary, waves on her first day back to school.

Page 2 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 3

Governor Touts Patriotism at Cattlemen’s Association Rodeo at Lazy E Gov. Kevin Stitt's rural roots were shined Saturday night at the Lazy E Arena. Gov. Stitt graciously accepted the invitation to carry the American flag during the National Anthem at the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Ranch Rodeo and it was only fitting that he do it horseback.

The added importance of flu shots during 2020 Millions of people across the globe get flu shots each year. Flu shots protect people against influenza, but they might provide even greater benefits in 2020.

As the world continues to confront the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, it's imperative that people everywhere take every step necessary to protect themselves and others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a flu vaccine will not protect people against COVID-19. However, flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of illness related to the flu. Those illnesses weaken people's immune systems, making them more vulnerable to other viruses, including COVID-19.

Flu vaccines have also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization.

That's a significant benefit of being vaccinated, as people who get their flu shots can indirectly help hospitals conserve potentially scarce resources.

As the COVID-19 virus rapidly spread late in the winter of 2019-20, many hospitals across the country and even the globe were stretched incredibly thin. So anything ordinary citizens can do to alleviate such burdens can help save lives while also making hospital workers' jobs easier and less stressful.

Many people may be concerned about going out and getting a flu shot in 2020. That's especially likely for people who live in communities where the COVID-19 virus is spread-

ing. However, the CDC notes that getting a flu shot in 2020 is an essential part of protecting your health and the health of your family. Many doctor's offices are now insisting patients wait in their cars until doctors are ready to see them, and masks may be required when entering the doctor's office. Such measures can reduce the risk of getting the COVID19 virus when visiting a doctor's office for a flu shot or another visit, so patients should not be hesitant to receive their vaccinations in 2020.

Patients can follow such protocols even if their doctors are not insisting they do so. The same safety measures can be followed by people who intend to get their flu shots from neighborhood pharmacies.

Flu shots are vital to individual and public health every year, but the importance of being vaccinated against influenza in 2020 is heightened as the world continues to confront the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

Page 4 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Miller will run for Council Former Edmond City Councilman, David Miller, called us last week with some great news.

He is planning on running for the Ward 4 council seat currently held by Nick Massey.

Ray Hibbard Massey has announced that he will not be running again for his council spot or any other Edmond city office. There was rumor that Massey would run for Edmond mayor, but he has publicly stated that he will not. Miller wanted Edmond Life & Leisure readers to know about his plans to run for Ward 4 first.

He served on the council from 2001 to 2012 and honestly, these were some of the best years for council leadership. Miller was a big part of that leadership. During that time, he served not only as a council member but as Mayor ProTem under Charles Lamb. He also served on the EEDA Board of Directors, chaired the Public Works Committee, served as Edmond Electric representative to APPA Policy Makers Committee and currently still serves on the Edmond Capital Improvement Projects Advisory Board.

Miller has lived in Edmond since 1995 and has three daughters who are grown and married. He has three grandsons and Miller and his bride, Marsha, have been married for 36 years. He is currently employed at Heartland Payment Systems who have been a great corporate citizen in Edmond.

When I asked him why he wants to serve on the council again, he said, “I want to run because I believe my experience is needed, especially now. I also still have the same passion for Edmond I had before. I want to give while I can and while I can still make a difference in the environment my grandchildren will grow up in, like my daughters, I want them to want to stay in Edmond.”

In my column a few weeks ago, I wrote about leadership and the lack of it at the city, state and certainly the national level. Miller was an excellent leader when he served on the council previously and there is no doubt that he would make a great addition to the leadership of current council members David Chapman and Josh Moore.

With the announcements coming out for those seeking election to the mayor or council position in Edmond, there are some things we should remind voters of about the Edmond system. It is a great one and really is the strength to Edmond government. Here

we plan to be back in full swing as soon as possible. The “Sunny Side (of the street)” to this mess is that those of you on the waiting list might have an opportunity to still get tickets depending on the availability of those with tickets. We will let you know as we get closer to concert dates and after contacting current ticket holders.

Miller, when he was on the council in 2012 is how the election works for city council which is different than other communities.

Candidates file to represent the Ward in which they live. If there are more then two candidates in a ward, there is a runoff where only the registered voters in that particular ward can vote and the top two vote getters move to the general election. Once the top two are in the general election, voter’s city wide get to vote for those candidates and not just the ward they are representing. If there are only two that file for the ward seat, they automatically move to the general and the entire city gets to decide who will serve.

Recently, it has been hard enough to get two candidates to file for a council seat much less more then two so the elections have not had a primary. More will sometimes happen when there is an open seat and this time, we will have two open council seats so it could happen. The reason for this system? My friend and mentor in this business, longtime Edmond resident Ed Livermore more explained it to me this way. Under the Edmond system, the elected council members must get out of their ward, and this makes them beholding to their ward.

However, it becomes a citywide vote in the general and that causes the candidates to be beholding to the entire city which avoids territorial fights among council members. They need to

do what is good for the entire city and not just their ward when such issues occur.

Tyrell and Bonoff re-scheduled, again Being part of an extremely small and not-for-profit promotion company has gotten difficult, but I cannot imagine how difficult it is for the large, professional companies that are trying to make a living as promoters. There is just no live entertainment because of local ordinances or the artist themselves thinking it is too dangerous.

Such is the case with Karla Bonoff who was to appear at the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab this coming Nov. 16. The sold-out concert is being postponed at Bonoff’s request and I really cannot blame her. The new concert date is April 16, 2021. It will still be at the UCO Jazz Lab and the concert starts at 8 p.m.

This announcement follows the second postponement of the Steve Tyrell concert that was set for this coming September. A sold-out concert as well will now be performed Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, at 8 p.m. in the UCO Jazz Lab. The Tres Amigos are sorry for having to do this again to our loyal fans but as you can guess, the situation cannot be helped.

While it also means that we are unable to continue funding, for the time being, the jazz scholarships at the UCO Foundation from these shows,

Cox Expands Commitment With all the uncertainty in the world today, it is refreshing to know that one of our excellent corporate citizens is expanding a great program instead of pulling back. Cox announced this week an expanded commitment to bridging the learning divide as part of its ongoing effort to support kids and families learning and teaching from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Through June 30, 2021 Cox is suspending late fees and extending payment relief offerings for customers in the company’s low-cost internet program Connect2Compete who express an inability to pay due to pandemic hardships. “During this time of distance learning, our focus remains on connecting low-income families with a K-12 student at home to the internet and keeping them connected during this unprecedented time, said Pat Esser, president and chief executive officer of Cox Communications. “We continue to look at ways to support kids that need the tools to succeed and know it starts with an internet connection, device and digital resources.”

Through June 30, 2021 Cox commits to the following as part of its ongoing efforts to bridge the learning divide: • Actively promote Cox’s low-cost Connect2Compete program to drive awareness and adoption among eligible customers, including toolkits for schools to help families connect.

• Continue no requirement of deposits or application fees and proactively waive late fees for eligible Connect2Compete customers.

• Extend our low-cost Connect2Compete plans to eligible customers as long as they qualify.

• Offer consistent and transparent pricing to eligible customers during plan enrollment.

• Provide flexible payment arrangements for eligible customers who contact us with an inability to pay due to pandemic hardships.

• Partner with cities, school districts and community-based organizations to connect large numbers of low-income students to the internet.

See Publisher, Page 5

Check out what’s inside!

---- Medical breakthrough ..................................................................Page 6.

---- First day of school scenes ............................................................Page 8.

---- A look at police records ............................................................Page 10.

---- Obituary notices ........................................................................Page 11.

---- Arrest report ..............................................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews Disney+ animal film ..................................Page 14.

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

---- New theater coming to area soon..............................................Page 15.

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

This and so much more in this week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 5

School incorporates Work Study program As a part of a unique Corporate Work Study program exclusively available to its students, Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School (Cristo Rey OKC) celebrated Draft Day on Friday, Aug. 21.

“Our partners are not only providing a job for our students, but they’re also providing a way for them to earn their tuition, gain invaluable work experience and acquire essential professional skills they need to succeed in high school, college and beyond,” Cristo Rey OKC President Chip Carter said. “This program is a gamechanger for our students, and although we may not have been able to celebrate as we normally do, I’m glad our students still have the opportunities they need to learn, grow and develop as young professionals, and that’s all thanks to our Corporate Work Study partners.”

Cristo Rey OKC’s Draft Day matches students to an employer for the upcoming school year. The Corporate Work Study program offers an opportunity for students to understand the value of hard work while helping stabilize high-turnover positions, reduce burnout in full-time staff and bring community engagement into workplaces.

With safety in mind amid COVID19, this year’s Draft Day consisted of a home visit for each student in which they received a celebratory basket with their corporate work study partner announcement inside.

Cristo Rey OKC opened its doors in August 2018 and is one of 37 nationwide schools that make up the Cristo Rey Network. The Corporate Work Study program includes several

Oklahoma City businesses from a variety of industries such as Love’s Travel Stops and Stores, Bridges Health, BOLDT, United Way of Central Oklahoma and more. A full list can be found here.

Corporate Work Study applications and donations are accepted yearround to help support the mission of Cristo Rey OKC and its students.

“When a business becomes a Cristo Rey OKC Corporate Work Study partner, they are provided with a team of four students that work on alternating days to cover one full-time equivalent position,” Carter continued. “Since our students are employees of Cristo Rey OKC, they are on our payroll. Therefore, we handle taxes, workers comp, the Department of Labor and other employer issues, while businesses receive reliable and productive employees at a highlycompetitive rate in return.”

Businesses interested in becoming a Corporate Work Study partner or donating can visit CristoReyOKC.org.

About Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, knowledge, purpose and service. A member of the national Cristo Rey Network of 37 schools, Cristo Rey OKC combines rigorous academics with real-world work experience, seeking to prepare their students for success in college and life. As part of Cristo Rey’s unique Corporate Work Study Program, students work one day a week in professional settings, earning a majority of their own tuition.

Publisher From Page 4 • Provide timely, exceptional service, including offering a fast-track qualification process for Connect2Compete plan enrollment and service activation with schools.

• Promote existing partnerships with hardware providers who offer a low-cost device along with a connectivity plan for eligible customers.

• Offer creative, interim solutions to provide connectivity before residential activation is possible, including immediate access to 3M+ Cox Hotspots nationwide.

Throughout the pandemic, Cox has implemented several programs to help families connect from home during the pandemic. Recently, the company announced a new offer for new qualifying families who sign up before September 30 to receive Connect2Compete free for two

months including free remote technical support just in time for back-to-school.

Families can qualify for Connect2Compete easily from their mobile device or desktop by visiting www.cox.com/c2c.

The Cox Connect2Compete program is available to families who: • have at least one child that is a K12 student at home •participate in one of these government subsidies programs: The National School Lunch Program, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, WIC, LIHEAP, or Public Housing To help parents help their children learn from home, Cox has provided several tips and resources available on the company’s content hub Converge.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by email at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Citizen criticizes council action Editor: Recent voting by the Edmond City Council raises doubts about the Council's credibility.

This is a time for prudence and rational thinking. The council seemed to be acting wisely, leaving protection decisions with the local businesses to do what is appropriate. And the voting appeared to be precisely what it should never be: divided over politicizing.

But then a vote was taken that both favors a mask ordinance, while de-emphasizing it's importance - we need a mask but not for thirty days.

This is like the double minded man,

Letter to the Editor unstable in all his ways.

There is too much covid data circulating without context. The recovery rate is over 98% but the emphasis is placed on the number of cases and deaths. It's time to curb covid hysteria and mask mania. As many as 60,000 die annually in the U.S. from the flu. Where is the masking, social distancing and economy shut down for that?

We desperately need Paul Harvey with "the rest of the news."

Duane L Burgess EDMOND

Page 6 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Affects primarily older adults

Possible breakthrough in heart dysfunction disorder

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Ann Chiao, Ph.D.

A new finding from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation shows that a heart dysfunction associated with cardiovascular failure in aging adults may be reversible.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 6 million people in the U.S. are living with heart failure. Although it can happen to anyone, the chances increase as we age. OMRF scientist Ann Chiao, Ph.D., is investigating why — and whether it can be stopped.

“Using experimental models of the aging heart, we targeted diastolic dysfunction, a common problem in older adults that occurs when the heart can’t relax properly between beats,” said Chiao, whose lab is part of OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. “It can lead to more significant cardiovascular problems, but there’s currently no proven treatment.”

Chiao and her team zeroed in on the mitochondria of heart cells and how they are impacted by oxidative stress, the imbalance caused by byproducts of metabolism called free radicals.

“Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells,” Chiao explained. “As cells process oxygen for power, their mitochondria emit free radicals, byproducts of oxygen that can lead to organ dysfunction.”

It’s known that lowering high levels of free radicals in cells improves organ function. But in a new finding, Chiao and her team demonstrated that suppressing free radical production later in life reversed existing age-related diastolic heart damage and improved cardiac function. The findings were published in the scientific journal eLife.

“This study is an important step in the process of looking for potential drugs or interventions to improve heart function in the elderly,” said Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., who leads OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. “Our goal as a group is to develop ways to delay, lessen or even reverse some of the negative changes that occur with natural aging. Dr. Chiao is doing phenomenal work to improve heart function for all of us as we age.”

Medication that could reverse cardiac aging would be life-changing for many — and this study shows the potential is there, explained Chiao. “The drug compound we used in the study is currently in clinical trials for heart failure and rare diseases involving heart muscles, but further study is needed,” she said.

Her lab will now dive deeper into the findings to help identify the best potential drug targets in heart cells. And for those who want to keep free radicals in check before arriving in their latter decades? The solution may not come from a medication at all.

“Research shows that regular, moderate exercise and an active lifestyle play a significant role in protecting the body from oxidative damage,” Chiao said.

This study was supported by from a Glenn/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellowship for Translational Research on Aging and a pair of grants (5T32AG000057, K99/R00 AG051735) from the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health.

Deana Rotramel

Bethany musician featured artist at Arcadia Round Barn Aug. 29 Bethany musician Deana Rotramel will provide Morning Music on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Rotramel sings Americana music and accompanies herself on the guitar. Joe Baxter and the Round Barn Ramblers will be special guests for her concert, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn.

Admission is free to all Round Barn events but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which was built in 1898.

All concerts are currently being held outdoors. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged.

The Round Barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. The barn is currently open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through Monday, with some additional afternoon hours based on volunteer availability. Check the Arcadia Round Barn website and Facebook page for music schedules and operating hours.

For more information about live music, call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 7

Reminder on Cancelled Fall UCO Sports

Scenes like this won’t happen for the University of Central Oklahoma this year. Last week it was announced fall sports would be suspended due to the virus. Pictured is former Deer Creek High School standout and junior midfielder Katy Tullis.

Page 8 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

First Day Back for Edmond School Students Thousands return for Aug. 20 opening

Presley Merdith, a second-grader at Chisholm Elementary, poses in front of a school bus on her first day back.

Will Rogers Principal Stefanie Pattillo, welcomes back Zaylen Smith, left and her brother.

Landri Bowen, left, a first-grader, stands next to her sister Paisley Bowen,a third grader, on their first day at Chisholm Elementary.

The Malony family gathers for a picture at Will Rogers Elementary School.

Nate Harner, a fifth-grader at Chisholm Elementary, steps out of the car as he is welcomed by Superintendent Bret Towne.

Towne, a longtime administrator, has been a part of team planning hard to reopen the district during a pandemic.

Photos by Eriech Tapia

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 9

Local operation gives back to foreign growers

Great coffee & so much more Sharie Wilkins loves a good cup of coffee. She loves the people who make up what she calls the “coffee community.” But most of all, she loves the growers who make Flatlander Coffee possible.

“Our hope and desire is to bring awareness to how hard people work in the coffee-growing regions to bring this amazing cup of coffee to us,” said Wilkins, who has owned the company since 2015.

“We purchase green coffee beans based on the relationships that we develop. They are amazing, wonderful, hardworking people who can teach us so much.”

These days the coffee comes from Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, but Wilkins has also sourced beans from Colombia and Uganda.

“We sell small batch, locally roasted specialty coffee,” she said.

“Our heart is in the cup.”

Flatlander Coffee is located on Route 66 near Edmond, and Wilkins employs contractors who help her with the roasting, packaging, delivery and market sales.

Wilkins loves to visit the Latin American coffee farms, which are called fincas. And since at least 10 percent of Flatlander’s proceeds go to charities in the communities where the coffee is sourced, she spends time looking for ways to help.

While spending time with the finca owner in El Salvador, an opportunity was identified and presented for Flatlander to partner with the community.

“We are currently in the process of constructing a library in the area surrounding the finca,” Wilkins said. “It

KIMBERLY BURK/ARCADIA FAMERS MARKET PUBLICIST

Flatlander Coffee owner Sharie Wilkins, left, and Ruth McAdoo greet customers at the Arcadia Farmers Market.

is their library/community center.

They grow the coffee. We roast and sell the coffee. Together we build a lasting relationship.”

Wilkins also partners with Hope for Women, which works to empower women across the world through trade, spirituality and education. Every year, Flatlander sponsors a Ugandan woman for a one-year training program with Hope for

State giving teachers monthly testing option The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), has developed a plan as directed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in Executive Order 2020-20 that will provide for the optional monthly COVID-19 testing of Oklahoma teachers and support employees.

“Testing plays a key role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our schools,” said interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, M.D. “The Health Department has placed a top priority in helping schools navigate through these uncertain times to protect our children, our teachers and communities.”

This plan provides all teachers and support staff free COVID-19 testing in their areas with help from publicprivate testing partners. Tests will be processed through Oklahoma Public Health Lab Network (PHLN) and other state contracted labs to ensure results will be provided in a timely manner.

“No matter the circumstances, learning cannot happen unless all parties – families, school personnel and students – are in a safe environment.

This voluntary COVID-19 testing pro-

gram is an important component of a layered approach to in-person instruction that will help mitigate risk of coronavirus exposure to everyone in the school community,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.

The strategy to best serve Oklahoma teachers and support staff will be delivered to Governor Stitt for approval today, with additional details to follow next week. As COVID-19 research evolves and technology continues to advance, further modifications will be made with additional stakeholders to strengthen community mitigation actions and prevent the spread of the virus.

OSDH highly encourages Oklahomans to seek COVID-19 testing.

Due to sufficient COVID-19 testing supplies and lab capacity, Oklahomans no longer need to exhibit symptoms or to have been exposed to someone who tested positive. Regional COVID19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership, and Oklahomans can find a free testing location in their community by visiting: https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/testing-sites.

Quiet zone work continues Continued work on quiet zone improvements will impact the railroad crossing at Third Street. This work is part of an ongoing project to upgrade all eleven railroad crossings for implementation of the quiet zone in Edmond.

The Third Street project will begin on Thursday, Aug. 27 with a full closure of the railroad crossing. This work is expected to last approxi-

mately four weeks with cooperative weather. Traffic will not be able to pass through the area, and motorists will need to find an alternate route.

Upgrades at the railroad crossings include removal and replacement of the current pavement along with the addition of medians. Rudy Construction is the contractor for the roadway portions of the quiet zone project at a total cost of $1,145,452.80.

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 submitted by noon Thursday.

Women.

Wilkins has a booth at the Arcadia Farmers Market and also sells her coffee online, in retail shops and cafes and through special events and fundraisers. Even though orders can be completed online, she recommended that customers call her at 405-834-9819.

“I like to talk to people, especially if they want it ground,” she said. “I

like to ask them how they are going to brew it, so we can grind the beans accordingly to ensure you experience your best cup of coffee.”

Flatlander Coffee will also be available at the Arcadia Farmers Market General Store, scheduled to open Sept. 1 at 212 Odor St. in Arcadia.

Call 405-226-0346 for more information about the new store.

--- KIMBERLY BURK

Page 10 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

A look at police reports Hazard pay for teachers?

On page 12 today we have a police arrest report.

Our publisher, Ray Hibbard, and I figured it would be a good feature for us to publish.

Normally we don’t cover crime sto- Steve Gust ries in detail, but this is a matter of public record.

I had an editor at another newspaper ask me why it was we covered the police and arrests.

The answer was simple. For openers, the public pays for the police department. And while we’re mentioning that, let me repeat again that the crazy liberal idea of defunding police is completely wrong. I’d double everyone’s salary if I could.

Secondly, the report is a safeguard.

We need a record of what the police do. When I say that, I by no means imply anything derogatory to the Edmond Police Department.

I’ve always thought they were a great bunch of folks. Yet we can never live in a society where someone can be arrested and there not be a record of it.

For the people, whose names appear in the newspaper, I’m sorry for the inconvenience it may cause. Yet there are some consequences for actions.

Anyway, feel free to comment to me below or our publisher at ray@edmondpaper.com.

----I have probably mentioned this story before, but when I first signed on as a reporter 200 years ago, I had a odd experience.

A gentleman came to the newspaper office just livid. He was a wildeyed looking guy with long hair. And he was mad.

It seems the newspaper I was working at during this time, printed his name for driving under the influence. And by the way, that is not a cool thing to do at all.

Anyway, most of us initially believed he was mad about having his name linked to an arrest. What he was really mad about was his name wasn’t spelled right.

We were only more than happy to print it once again.

(Steve Gust, editor of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

By Jon Hazell I am, and always have been, a strong supporter of our nation’s military. It is a critical component for the safety and well-being of our citizens. I believe in the need to fund and equip our military fully, so that they might avail themselves of every resource necessary to protect this great nation from outside harm.

But with that being said, our military is not our nation’s number one defense in securing and maintaining our thriving republic. I believe, along with Thomas Jefferson, that this nation’s most important defense is a well-educated public. It is not hyperbole to say that as our educational system goes, so will our nation.

Now, more than at any other time in our nation’s history, we desperately need quality education for every child in this country. You could almost call this a wartime situation with regard to what is going on in the arena of public education.

Because of that, there is something that we, as a nation, need to consider.

When a man or a woman in active military service is required to go to war, they receive more pay under the term of “battle pay” or “hazard pay,” because they have entered an arena where their life could be in imminent danger, for the

sake of defending their country.

I submit that in America, at this time in history, the American public school teacher is doing the exact same thing.

Many are putting their very lives at stake to provide this country its greatest need for a strong defense — a well-educated public — and in so doing, should be considered worthy of hazard pay, due to the imminent danger many will face every day, when they walk into a classroom full of potential carriers of that which could literally cost them their lives.

No, I am not comparing this to being shot at by snipers or tanks, but I will unequivocally say that there is an unseen enemy that can invade teachers' lives at any given moment, absolutely putting not only their lives in danger, but the lives of other members of their family as well.

It’s time we admit that many public school teachers are putting their lives on the line daily, as they answer the call of providing for our nation’s greatest hope of defending and maintaining our great republic, and they should be compensated accordingly.

Hazell, of Durant, was 2017 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year.l.

More money not luring more teachers

By Ray Carter In 2018, lawmakers voted to raise taxes by roughly $600 million with a significant share of that money going to teacher pay raises, and then voted to raise teacher pay again in 2019.

Over those two years, teacher salaries increased by an average $7,400 apiece. Lawmakers argued the pay raises would eliminate the state’s teacher shortage and draw more educators to Oklahoma’s classrooms.

It has not worked out as predicted, and lawmakers were told earlier in this month to expect an outright decline in the number of teachers in state schools this year.

“We just surveyed all the schools in the state, as we do every year for teacher-shortage survey, and you can probably guess in this year with everything going on it’s a little worse,” said Shawn Hime, executive director

of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

“We expect 300 to 500 fewer teachers this year, based on that survey, statewide.”

Hime made those comments during a study conducted by the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education. He said the shortage is the result of teachers choosing to leave the profession and school officials choosing not to fill vacant positions due to anticipated state budget shortfalls in the coming year. A shortfall of up to $1 billion has been predicted for next year’s state budget due to low oil prices and the impact of the COVID-19 recession.

While COVID-19 may play some role in the predicted decline, many challenges in attracting teachers preceded the pandemic, despite the massive increase in average pay.

While the number of teachers in Oklahoma schools

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.

initially increased after the pay raise, state records showed there would have been a net decline had it not been for growth in emergency-certified teachers.

Overall, from passage of tax increases in 2018 to December 2019, the state netted one additional teacher for every $364,000 in increased school spending.

And a top official at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) indicated those numbers may effectively be inflated as the result of teachers who chose to defer retirement. State retirement benefits are tied to the top three to five highest years of pay, depending on when a teacher entered the system. As a result, some teachers chose to teach a few more years because they would receive larger retirement benefits if their final years of salary included the $7,400 increase.

Noting those factors, the chief of government affairs at the OSDE warned in October 2019 of a pending exodus from the teaching profession, saying, “We have a cliff coming, kind of, in three years down the road from the teacher pay raise.”

Officials have also said any shortage of teachers is not the result of limited supply. In December 2019, education officials said there remain about 32,000 people in Oklahoma who are certified but not teaching.

Recognizing that pay raises have not generated the necessary increase in traditionally certified teachers in Oklahoma schools, lawmakers voted this year to extend the number of years an individual may teach with an emergency certificate from two years to four.

Ray Carter is Director for the Center for Independent Journalism of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 11

Metro’s Goodwill Industries hires Lacey Lett

Lacey Lett

Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (Goodwill) announces Lacey Lett has been hired to be the nonprofit’s Director of Communications. She will join Goodwill on Sep. 14.

“We are thrilled to have Lacey join us, not only because of her impressive professional credentials but also because of her heart for our mission,” Goodwill President & CEO Jim Priest said. “Goodwill’s goal is to transform people’s lives through the power of work and Lacey has shown she works tirelessly for powerful, positive transformation of people’s lives.”

Lett is a talented multimedia broadcast professional with a background in print, radio, television and advertising. She graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications and previously served on the Goodwill Board of Directors until she was recruited to lead the non-profit’s communications efforts.

During her time at the NBC Affiliate KFOR-TV, Lett’s commitment to positive transformation was seen in her work on the adoption series “A Place to Call Home,” which promotes the adoption of Oklahoma children in DHS custody. She and KFOR were

Obituary notices Kenneth G. Summar Kenneth G. Summar peacefully entered into heaven with his wife and girls by his side at his home on August 21, 2020. Born on April 17, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas to Melvin and Dorothy (Scott) Summar, he grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and faithfully served the Lord all his days. Ken graduated from Star Spencer H.S. and played trumpet in the marching band. He attended OSU for one year before enlisting in the Army in 1966, and proudly served his country in Germany during the Vietnam era. Upon his return to Oklahoma, he attended Central State College (UCO) and earned a degree in Accounting. During this time, he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann. They married on May 20, 1972 and made a home together in Edmond for the next 48 years. Ken was so proud of his two girls, Amy and Joy, and being a father and husband was always his top priority. Ken began his career at Kerr-McGee in 1973 and was a loyal, hard-working employee until his retirement in 2004. Ken was also a long time member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing the trumpet in the Orchestra for many years and always enjoyed the annual Christmas productions.

He was a deacon, organized blood drives, and chaired the benevolence fund for many years. After retirement, Ken enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

He especially enjoyed his role as Papa to his grandkids. Ken bravely fought his battle against Parkinson’s disease, and showed grace and strength to the very end. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his great big heart. Ken is survived by his wife Ruth, brother Richard (Joan) Summar, daughters Amy (Ben) Emmons and Joy (Chris) Cable, and grandchildren Katy Joyce and Max and Jack Emmons. Ken was welcomed in heaven by his parents and many other family and friends. In remembrance of Ken, enjoy some ice cream, road construction, balance your checkbook, and show love to those around you.

Come-and-go visitation for Ken will be held on Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with the family to receive friends at a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Crawford Family Funeral Service, 610 NW 178th St. Edmond, OK 73012. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ken will be held on Thursday, August 27th at 2 p.m. at the Henderson Hills Baptist Church, 1200 E I-35 Frontage Rd. Edmond, OK 73034, with burial to follow to Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City, OK.

Jackie Hayes Kimbler Jackie Hayes Kimbler, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Jack was born August 9, 1934 in Columbia, Adair County, Kentucky to Edgar Hayes and Ruby Roy Kimbler. Jack was the first of six children. He enlisted in the Marines after graduating High School. While on leave back home, Jack met the companion and love of his life, his wife, Lila Jane Claywell. After marriage, they established a home in Cherry Point, NC, while finishing his Marine commitment. In August of 1958, they welcomed a son, Gregory Hayes Kimbler. After his service, Jack moved his family to Denver, Colorado to study the Science of Chiropractic Medicine. After graduation, with degree in hand, Jack moved his family back to Falmouth, Kentucky, to establish a Chiropractic practice. In November of 1961, Jack and Lila had their second son, Bradley Allen Kimbler. In the mid 1960’s, Jack made the decision of his life, and started working for Investors Diversified Services (IDS), now known as Ameriprise Financial. While there he was recognized with many awards and achievements. In January 1966, Jack and Lila, welcomed their third child and only daughter, Staci Ann Kimbler Curry. In 1969, after receiving a promotion to District Manager, Jack moved his family to Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1976, after being promoted to Regional manager, Jack made his final family move and relocated to Edmond, OK. Jack had three main causes he actively pursued; first, being the best parent, moral compass and supporter of his family; second he was actively involved with his church, First Baptist Church of Edmond, and gladly volunteered his time, serving in a variety of roles, from Deacon, Sunday School Director, building committees and financial causes; and finally, he was a supporter of the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC), serving on various committees and eventually serving on the Board of Directors. Due to his fund-raising efforts while serving on the Board of Directors, Jack and Lila were honored and recognized by the naming of the Kimbler Cottage at Boys Ranch Town in Edmond, OK. Jack was involved in civic and philanthropic organizations, from Jaycees, Kiwanis, Shriners, and serving as Boy Scout Scoutmaster of Troop 7 in Shreveport, LA. Jack was interested in coin and stamp collecting, traveling the world, and his personal goal was visiting all United States National Parks, a feat he completed in 2015. Jack was also a founding member of the Board for ASTEC Charter Schools.

Jack, a 44-year resident of Edmond, OK was preceded in death by his father and mother, two younger brothers, Bobbie Edward and Joseph Henry. Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lila Jane Claywell Kimbler; children, Gregory Hayes Kimbler, of Aubrey, TX; Bradley Allen Kimbler (Monica), of Edmond, OK; Staci Ann Kimbler Curry (Scott), of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Kelsi Jo Kimbler Martinez, Kendyl Hays Kimbler, Braden Douglas Curry (Kennedy), Levi Ryan Kimbler (Cassie), Morgan Elaine Curry, Faith Elizabeth Kimbler, Claywell Hayes Kimbler, and Annabelle Grace Kimbler; and one greatgrandchildren, Andrew Kimbler; siblings. Delcia Mae Kimbler Cook, Faye Edith Kimbler Simpson, and Harry Allen Kimbler, and sisters-in-laws, Gladys Miller Kimbler and Jewel Bryant Kimbler, and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed.

Jack was well loved and highly respected by all those who came in contact with him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children or the First Baptist Church of Edmond Building Fund.

recognized with multiple awards for this series. She has also been honored as a 40 under 40 recipient as well as a 30/30 NexGen recipient and was inducted into the Oklahoma City Community College Hall of Fame.

Lett started her career in broadcasting at Clear Channel Radio in Oklahoma City. She also served as co-anchor and multimedia journalist for OklaTravelNet before moving to New York City to work for Vh1 and MTV.

Page 12 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘Parent Promise’ campaign hopes to raise awareness & funds to prevent child abuse Several community leaders and supporters of Parent Promise/Prevent Child Abuse Oklahoma have come together to provide their testimonials of support for home-based parent education and support programs that help vulnerable families provide a safe, stable and nurturing home for their children.

Parent Promise is embarking on a multi-week fundraising awareness campaign to educate the community about how parent education and support programs are providing positive results in keeping families together and out of the child welfare system.

The campaign, called “Mission: Possible,” aims to raise money for the organization since Parent Promise’s 2020 fundraising events were canceled due to COVID-19, including the organization’s largest Melody Lane fundraiser that typically takes place in August.

“Having to cancel our fundraising events has definitely been a challenge; however, we also believe this awareness campaign is an opportunity to let the community know just how important home-based parent education and support programs are

to our community,” said Cindy Allen, Parent Promise external relations director. “For the next several weeks, you will be hearing from our donors, our partners, our staff and our families about how Parent Promise ischanging lives and working toward helping families raise healthy and resilient children.”

The campaign begins with an online auction, which starts Friday, Aug. 21 at noon and runs through Friday, Aug. 28 at noon. Anyone can register to participate in the auction by going to the Parent Promise awareness campaign site at parentpromise.ejoinme.org/melody-

lane.

“Particularly in this time of COVID19, Parent Promise programs are more important than ever to families who face many challenges, including poverty and isolation,” said Parent Promise Executive Director Sherry Fair. “Our programs work one-on-one with parents, helping them strengthen their bonds with their children. This pandemic has placed an extra burden on families who already face difficulties in meeting the demands of parenting.”

In addition to the online auction, the Carl. C. and Marie Jo Anderson Foundation is offering a matching op-

portunity for those who donate to Parent Promise during the Mission: Possible campaign.

“This is a great opportunity for supporters to have their donations doubled during this campaign,” Allen said. Donations can be made by going to the Parent Promise web site at parentpromise.org.

Over the next several weeks, Parent Promise will be rolling out videos, stories and testimonials from partner organizations, client families, staff and community leaders, including Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.

“Every positive outcome we want in the state of Oklahoma begins with raising healthy and resilient children,” Allen said. “Parent Promise is on the front lines of those efforts.”

Sponsors of the Mission: Possible campaign include The Exchange Club of Oklahoma City, Paycom, BancFirst, PSA Consulting Engineers, Bobby Abel - Edward Jones, Echols & Associates, Allen and Jacque Wright, The Downtown Exchange Club, Crowe & Dunlevy, Edstrom Law, Dr. Ankur and Melanie Rughani, White & Weddle, Edmond Exchange Club and Matthews Funeral Home.

Arrest Report Editor’s Note: The following reports are obtained from the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

August 17 Michael Angelo Smith, 31, Edmond, arrested for driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dusty Cole Collier, 37, Crescent, Okla. arrested on failure to appear.

Cristian Aldar Antunez-Perez, 24, Edmond, arrested public intoxication.

Aaron Matthew Duehning, 28, Edmond, failure to appear.

Diana Elizabeth Carranza, 24, of Oklahoma City, larceny of merchandise from a retailer, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession CDS. August 18 Logan Jay Cuddy, 22 of Edmond, CDS possession and operating motor vehicle under the influence of chemical or controlled substance.

Stephanie Rae Teuscher, 34, Edmond, public intoxication.

Kian Kimberly Lemaster, 46, Oklahoma City, larceny of merchandise.

August 20 Caleb Michael Bogges, 20, Moore, public intoxication.

Aaron River Fulton, 20, Edmond, minor in possession of low point beer and public intoxication.

August 21 Austin Matthew Burton, 31, the village, public intoxication.

Anthony Lee Farrow, 33, Oklahoma City, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license and felony DUI/APC Breanna Page Riley, 23, Oklahoma City, public intoxication.

Calvin Maurice Owens, 40, Edmond, insection violation, driving with license suspended or revoked and contributing to the delinquency of minors.

Jacob Timothy Wasson, 23, homeless, misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant, and possession CDS. August 22 Jera Leann Hancock, 28, Edmond, failure to appear.

Vincent Abraham Marquez, 22, Edmond, Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, reckless driving and no proof of insurance.

Sergio Fermin Becerra, 20, Oklahoma City, operating vehicle DUI or APC. Billy Kalin Johnson, 35, homeless, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear.

Jennifer Sue Strother, 38, Oklahoma City, embezzlement.

Chase William Ervin, 37, Edmond, operating vehicle DUI or APC. Jill Amber Finley, 45, Edmond, operating vehicle DUI or APC. August 23 James David Ray Sr., 55, Edmond, public intoxication.

Sean Michael Torres, 21, Altus, operating vehicle DUI or APC. Randy Wayne Hendrix, 38, Edmond, possession CDS and possession of a firearm after having felony.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Heritage Hall debaters Saif Salim and Sam Ring and head coach Bryan Gaston display the team's Harland B. Mitchell National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) policy debate national championship trophy.

Heritage Hall debate team

A national championship Heritage Hall is celebrating the addition of its first Harland B. Mitchell National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) policy debate national championship trophy to an already impressive collection of awards and recognitions.

A perennial powerhouse, the School’s debate program has racked up numerous awards, including 18 6A OSSAA state championships (10 since 2004).

This year’s historic national championship run by the team of senior Saif Salim and junior Sam Ring was made even more memorable because the National High School Debate Tournament was held virtually for the first time.

“The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but due to the coronavirus pandemic had to be moved online to host individual debate and speech rounds,” explained Heritage Hall Debate Coach Bryan Gaston. In what was the largest national competition (attendance-wise), Gaston said the competition included 193 policy debate teams from states around the country and one international team.

This year’s debate topic focused on whether the United States government should substantially reduce its foreign military sales and/or direct commercial sales of arms from the U.S. During each round, teams defended a different side of the question, either making a case for reducing sales or for the program’s benefits.

Over the course of five days, Salim and Ring debated 16 rounds, with one loss to Taipei

American School (Taiwan), a team they later defeated in the semifinals. On their way to the championship, Salim and Ring also recorded wins over teams from California, Kansas, Iowa, Oregon, Nevada, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Texas.

“Going into the tournament, Sam and I anticipated doing well, but had no idea we would advance to the final round, let alone win. The School has done so much to support our program, so, though I have yet to fully process it, winning the championship for Heritage Hall was a cathartic way to end my four-year high school debate career,” Salim stated.

Ring also found the win to be a meaningful moment, “We’d had some tough calls at a few of the tournaments this season, so it felt nice to finish our partnership on a big win,” Ring said.

The NSDA, formerly known as the National Forensic League, was established in 1925 and held its first high school speech and debate national championship in 1931 at Ripon College in Wisconsin. A team from Miami High School in Oklahoma won the first policy debate national championship. Since then, the last state team to win the prize was in 1966 with the team of Richard Bernard and Brad Rice of Edmond Memorial High School.

Upon reflection, Salim observed, “Winning the championship reminds me that we are standing on the frontier of a long legacy that was forged before us, going all the way back to 1931. Even locally at the School, the win gives me so

much more appreciation for the exceptional work alumni debaters did before us, and has inspired me to do everything I can to support Heritage Hall debate and high school debate more broadly in the future.”

Having crossed paths with and coached many successful debaters and teams, Gaston said of Salim and Ring, “Saif and Sam had a very special run at nationals and solid practices in the weeks leading up to the tournament. They are both very committed to competitive debate, eager to listen to coaching, and have the ability to adapt and execute a variety of argument strategies in rounds. I’m very proud of their performance.”

While two-person teams compete together at tournaments, Gaston said it is worth noting the contributions of the program’s entire team. “We had an exceptional team of varsity debaters across the board this year.

That’s important because the overall strength of the team contributes to everyone’s success – practices are better, team research is better, and strategy sessions are all improved when you have a strong overall debate squad,” Gaston explained.

Also recognized at the tournament was Gaston, who received the Ted W. Belch Award presented to the coach of the national champion policy debate team. A permanent replica trophy displaying the names of each recipient on its base is housed in the NDSA national office.

Gaston called it an honor to have his name listed among the nation’s top coaches.

Aeronautics Commission grants record amount of $335,400 for aviation & aerospace ed funding This spring and summer have marked some of the most challenging times the aviation and aerospace industry has ever experienced.

The industry has been knocked down and behind the power-curve before: pre-WWII aircraft technology and readiness, the early days of the space race with the Soviet Union, 9/11 and the effects on commercial aviation, and the 2008 Great Recession. In all those downtrodden moments for the industry, however, there are two great things that standout, first, aviation and aerospace has always turned things around and come out on top for the better, and second, a high-quality, well educated workforce was the main source behind that turnaround.

This workforce, and the need to attract new talent is the reason why the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) believes this is the perfect time to invest in our future and inspire today’s youth to become pilots, engineers, mechanics, astronauts, and scientists. The Commission is determined to

focus on vectoring young minds towards the exploration of aviation and aerospace through their nationally recognized and award winning education grant program.

This year, thirty-eight different entities were awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants totaling over $335,400 from the Commission. The record amount of funding will be used to bring more students in Oklahoma to STEM careers, particularly those in aerospace and aviation. The funding was approved by the Commission at its most recent meeting.

Grants are awarded for targeted learning programs that have a direct application to aerospace and aviation for primary through post-secondary education. The grant funds are part of the agency’s initiative to give more Oklahoma young people access to STEM careers in the aerospace and aviation industry.

Among those receiving funding was the GuthrieEdmond Regional Airport, which received $1,150.

Page 14 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘The One and Only Ivan’

An animal film made for the younger crowd

By George Gust Inspired by a true story, “The One and Only Ivan” is the latest exclusive streaming While trapped in a cage at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, a gorilla named Ivan (voice of Sam Rockwell) teams up with a caring elephant named Stella (voice of Angelina Jolie) to piece together his mysterious past and hatch a cunning escape from their shared captivity.

“The One and Only Ivan” is an inoffensive Disneyified movie that attempts to cover complicated issues surrounding the ethical treatment of animals. Told from perspective of the titular Ivan, the film plays well to children as Ivan pieces together his circumstances and his tragic past in a naïve and simple way. However, this kid friendly approach holds the movie back from delving into the darkness of the 27 years Ivan spent indoors and instead paints all the characters as only having the best of intentions resulting in a movie that lacks compelling conflict for parents.

Where “The One and Only Ivan” shines is with the near seamless blend of live action and computer generated animal characters. The animation team behind this movie meticulously recreated the features of the silverback gorilla and was able to project a palpable

emotion onto the animals faces, especially on Ivan and his best dog buddy Bob (Voice of Danny DeVito).

The movements of the animals mostly rang true, save for a bunny driving a firetruck and a seal scooting along the parking lot pavement, but the clear effort and cost of creating immersive animated animals was in the service of a story that ultimately feels too clean and glossy.

And while the at times stunning special effects are the headliner in “The One and Only Ivan” the voice and live action cast are all endlessly charming. Rockwell turns in a kind and reassuring voice performance

as the point of view narrator and artistic gorilla, that feels appropriate to introduce kids to the inner lives of these show animals. And Bryan Cranston as the master of ceremonies and Ivan’s adoptive father figure, is somehow still likable even when his character pushes his animals to perform for crowds in the only semi-antagonistic moments in the film. Except for DeVito as the comedic dog sidekick, the rest of the voice cast is underused as personas like Jolie, Mirren and Chaka Khan barely make an impression on the proceedings.

Overall, “The One and Only Ivan” is a solid family film that feels properly sanitized for younger audiences to enjoy. While the story doesn’t offer the complexity or depth for the parents in the family, it never lacks in charm and visual technical achievement for the younger members of the family. If you’re already subscribed to Disney+ “The One and Only Ivan” is a perfectly fine choice for a family movie night that can engage the kids and has enough charm and visuals for the adults, but isn’t ‘go out of your way’ to see.

“The One and Only Ivan” is rated PG for mild thematic elements. Now available to stream on Disney+.

2.8 out of 5 stars

‘PHOTO PROVIDED

Sam Rockwell voices an artistic show Gorilla in Disney+'s animal rights parable ‘The One and Only Ivan,’based on a true story now available to stream.

Crossword Puzzle Answers appearing on Page 19

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: 1980s LYRICS ACROSS 1. Lascaux and Mammoth, e.g.

6. At the stern 9. Eyeball rudely 13. Inuit boat 14. And not 15. Sing like Sinatra 16. Manicurist's file 17. Old-fashioned "before" 18. *"If you ____, I won't cry. I won't waste one single day" 19. *"Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way ____ ____" 21. *"She's just a girl who claims I am ____ ____" 23. "Play it, ____," from "Casablanca" 24. Boris Godunov, e.g.

25. *"All right stop collaborate and listen, ____ is back..."

28. Between Phi and Kappa 30. Restriction limiting use of lights during air raid 35. J.D. Power awards competitors 37. *"Oh, back on the chain ____" 39. Ann Patchett's novel "Bel ____" 40. Slightly 41. Algorithmic language 43. French "place" 44. Kind of potato masher 46. Brickowski's brick 47. Cleopatra's necklace 48. Canine's coat 50. Sol or fa 52. National Institutes of Health 53. *"____ Christmas, I gave you my heart" 55. Trinitrotoluene 57. *"You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I ____ ____" 60. *"I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who ____ ____" 64. Lithograph, for short 65. Holstein sound 67. Radio sign 68. Killed, like dragon 69. Commotion 70. Yiddish shrew 71. Sleep in

rough accommodations 72. Gourmet mushroom 73. Cancel an edit, pl.

DOWN 1. Whispered from a prompting booth 2. Shells and such 3. *"Meeting you with a ____ to a kill" 4. Brings home the bacon 5. First U.S. space station 6. Again 7. *"Hello, is it me you're looking ____?"

8. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl.

9. Black and white cookie 10. One from Goa 11. *"And I'm never gonna make it like you do, making ____ out of nothing at all" 12. Compass reading 15. One of religious orders 20. Last letter of Greek alphabet 22. Experienced 24. Sine over cosine 25. *"I long to see the sunlight in your hair and tell you time and time again how much ____ ____" 26. Northwoods dwelling?

27. The Goldbergs sibling 29. *"Cuase I'm your ____ cool one, and I'm built to please" 31. Scotch ingredient 32. Kitchen tear-jerker 33. Wombs 34. *"Ooh, what's the matter with the crowd I'm seeing?

Don't you know that they're out of ____?"

36. Petals holder 38. *"Wake me up before you ____" 42. It creates instant millionaires 45. Count on, two words 49. One from Laos 51. Emissaries 54. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. Religious doctrine 57. Venus de ____ 58. Greek Hs 59. Not that 60. Pilot's stunt 61. Not loony 62. Catcher's gear 63. Geological time periods 64. Psychedelic acronym 66. Lyric poem

Answers on Page 19

Museum’s online series Although the doors to the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) in Oklahoma City are open to the public, many people are looking for different ways to spend their leisure hours without risk of exposure to COVID19. In response, the OHC has developed “From the Collection,” a new, online series that will take the community behind the scenes to see some of the fascinating artifacts in its collection storage.

The Oklahoma Historical Society has more than 130,000 artifacts in its collection, ranging from sewing needles to cars and tipis. These items are kept in a temperatureand humidity-controlled environment, and many are used in exhibits at Oklahoma Historical Society sites and museums.

Some items are so fragile or unique that they may never be placed on display, and can be viewed by appointment only. It is on this premise that the Oklahoma History Center will offer “From the Collection.”These installments will be available through the Oklahoma Historical Society website at okhistory.pastperfectonline.com, or may be accessed from the Oklahoma History Center Facebook page, www.facebook.com/okhi storycenter.

The first episode is now available. For more information, please call the OHC at 405-5220765.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 15

PHOTO PROVIDED

Flix Brewhouse, on North Broadway Extension, will be opening soon with the premiere of Christopher Nolan's newest blockbuster, ‘Tenet.’

A combo of theater, eatery & brewery

Flix Brewhouse to open soon Flix Brewhouse (Flix), the world’s only first-run movie theater, eatery and microbrewery, opens its first location in Oklahoma on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Flix will premiere Christopher Nolan’s newest blockbuster, “Tenet," while offering several promotions to guests throughout the month of September, including $1 popcorn, $1 sodas and $3 Flix beers.

“After postponing our opening date due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our excitement has only continued to build,” Flix General Manager Nick Toros said. “We look forward to opening our doors and bringing a new experience to the Oklahoma City Metro.”

Flix auditoriums feature state-ofthe-art digital projection and sound, comfortable stadium seating, parabolic screens, server call systems that allow guests to order silently and reserved seating to limit lines.

The food menu is complete with big flavors such as hand-tossed pizzas, tasty burgers and irresistible wings in addition to other tempting and made-fresh fare — baked, grilled and crafted in-house. The in-theater table service seating will hold approximately 950 guests, and the lobby/bar includes additional seating for 75 to 100 guests, although capacity will be restricted to enforce appropriate social distancing.

“We’re changing the game for movie theaters and moviegoers across the country,” Toros continued.

“No longer are guests coming to just sit down and watch a movie — they’re coming to encounter an elevated experience that will keep them returning for more."

This enhanced theater is not only serving biggest blockbuster movies and delicious food but also its own Flix craft beers and more than 11 taps of the best regional and local craft beer favorites including Angry Scotsman, Anthem, Coop Ale Works, Elk Valley, Iron Monk, Lively, Prairie Artisan, Roughtail, Skydance, Stonecloud and Vanessa House.

“We are eager to offer various beer-forward events including beer

dinners and specialty pairing events in addition to our monthly FanFest celebrations,” Toros said.

The original Flix Brewhouse location was launched in July 2011 in Round Rock, Texas, a suburb city of Austin.

The concept was designed from the inside out to deliver on consumer demand for experiential entertainment, redefining moviegoing by pairing a premium viewing and dining experience with one-of-a-kind brewedon-premises craft beer offerings.

Since then, Flix has quickly become known as America’s Cinema Brewery, opening nine additional locations with Oklahoma being the tenth.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Flix has also invested in an indoor air quality system to improve staff and guests' experience. Specifically, this system is built with Plasma Air bipolar ionization technology, which proactively treats the air in an occupied space. Upon entry, masks will be required by guests but can be taken off while seated if eating or inside the theater or at a table in the Pub. Guests that are not consuming food or drinks should wear their masks when in their auditoriums.

“We want to ensure we’re creating a safe environment for our guests and our soon-to-be staff,” Toros continued. “We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming the Oklahoma City community to its new favorite movie theater.”

Flix is currently accepting job applications for several positions, including, but not limited to, servers, brewers, cooks, box office attendees and managerial positions. Interested applicants are welcome to apply online at https://www.flixbrewhouse.com/employment or walk into Flix Brewhouse located at 8590 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 and interview on the spot.

About Flix Brewhouse Flix Brewhouse is the world's only first-run cinema-eatery-microbrewery.

As America's Cinema Brewery, Flix Brewhouse combines the latest Holly-

wood productions, award-winning, brewed-on-premises craft beer and delicious food – all served “in theater,” on an a la carte basis, allowing the experience to be customized. The genesis of the Flix concept stems directly from consumer demand for a better, more value-oriented way to watch a movie. Designed from the inside out to deliver a premium viewing and dining experience at an affordable price, Flix Brewhouse addresses

the primary concern of moviegoers everywhere – the rising cost of admissions and concessions and the typically poor value realized at the conventional multiplex. The original Flix Brewhouse location in Round Rock, Texas, has been in operation since July 2011.

The company now has ten locations, including its newest venue in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which will open in September.

Page 16 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Help during COVID-19 pandemic

Three Medicare preventive services to keep public safe

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives, patients are deferring routine medical visits or preventive services out of concern for their safety and health.

However, these visits are critical, especially for people with certain medical conditions and older adults who are at the highest risk of contracting influenza and pneumonia.

With Medicare reimbursing for telehealth visits, patients can now use video or telephone instead of face-toface encounters for their preventive visits.

Medicare beneficiaries pay nothing for most preventive services if the

services are administered from a doctor or other health care provider who participates with Medicare. To protect your health during the current crisis, consider taking advantage of the following three Medicare preventive services for free: Annual Wellness Visit If you have had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly wellness visit. You pay nothing for this exam if the doctor accepts assignment. This exam is covered once every 12 months.

Depression Screening Mental health is just as important as physical health. For many, COVID-19 has been a source of anxiety, worry and depression. Please reach out if you

need help. Medicare covers a depression screening once per year, and you pay nothing if your doctor accepts assignment.

Obesity Screening and Counseling According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) or 30 or adobe, increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Medicare Part B covers BMI screenings and behavioral counseling to help you lose weight if you have a BMI of 30 or higher.

An easy and essential way to stay healthy during this pandemic is to get disease prevention and early detection services like exams, shots, lab tests, screenings and counseling.

These services will help you take care of your body and mind and get the advice and guidance you need. Our Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) also provides free, unbiased counseling and information to help Oklahomans understand preventive services covered by Medicare.

To view a full list of preventive services covered by Medicare, visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/i nformation-for-seniors/preventativeservices/ or contact the MAP division at (800) 763-2828.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

Learn Anywhere Oklahoma program benefits from CARES Act funding More than 123 Oklahoma public school districts are in the enrollment process for the state’s Learn Anywhere Oklahoma initiative that launched earlier this month, a doubling of school districts from a week ago. Learn Anywhere Oklahoma is an initiative by Governor Kevin Stitt to provide affordable digital curriculum to Oklahoma schools and students by leveraging funds from the CARES Act. Many of the first districts taking advantage of the program were smaller districts in rural areas across the state. In the past week several of the state’s largest school districts have engaged.

“The Learn Anywhere Oklahoma program is a clear win for public schools, regardless of size or pre-established virtual learning plans,” said Dr. Stacey Butterfield, superintendent of Jenks Public Schools. “This publicprivate partnership offers access to quality, diversified courseware for our students at no additional cost to the district to complement our current virtual learning resources.”

All public school districts received an allocation based on last official enrollment numbers reported on Oct. 1, 2019.

“Learn Anywhere Oklahoma allows Oklahoma students to have access to a wide-array of digital educational curriculum during this unprecedented pandemic and beyond,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “Most importantly, it equalizes education opportunities no matter a school’s size or access to

Many of the first districts taking advantage of the program were smaller districts in rural areas across the state. In the past week several of the state’s largest school districts have engaged. local resources, allowing students to stay enrolled in their school districts.”

“El Reno Public Schools will always seize an opportunity to provide high caliber educational resources to our students and educators,” said Craig McVay, superintendent of El Reno Public Schools. “We are thankful for the Governor’s commitment to ensuring all Oklahoma students have access to the best virtual resources available during a time when we know education will look different than ever before.”

Districts have until Sept. 18 to claim their district’s funding. Following the Sept. 18 deadline, funding may be reallocated to districts utilizing the program who are still in need of additional funding.

Support is standing by to assist school districts with enrollment at learnanywhereok.org. For more information about Learn Anywhere OK, visit the website or contact 405-6457750 with questions. Learn Anywhere OK is administered by the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter Board

Keeping America Safe Abroad Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Blake Fox, from Choctaw, conducts systems checks as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) conducts routine operations. Mustin is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 17

A brisk home market

By Brian Preston What a month with some milestones being set in July.

First, last year we had our first month with over 500 closed transactions, and a couple more since, including last month.

This month, July 2020, we broke the 600 mark with 620 closed transactions. July was up over last years record setting July by 89 transactions for an increase of 16.7%.

Year to date sales thru July are up 135 deals for an increase of 4.7%. We almost broke the $200 million volume in a month. Since I did last month’s report we have had another 20 closings for June and three more for May. I guess they are so busy they can not get data entered on time.

The second milestone is we are under 900 active listings for the first time in 21 years of this report. 867 Active listings.

There are more pending sales and even more closed sales than active listings in every price range from $225,000 and down.

Last month was the first time we dropped under a 1,000 active homes and it only took one month to drop under 900. Same number of homes coming on the market we are just selling them that fast. Except for the bottom and top price ranges all active listing dropped and one remained the same.

Pending contracts are down from the month before by 46 from 922 to 876 for July. But that is 304 more than last July, for an increase of 53% from last year, so we are way up for this month.

With those numbers we have set our third milestone, for the first time we have for our entire market, and not just a price range, we have more homes under contract than active Listing to choose from.

New homes have had a couple great months. July had 141 closed deals which is 39.6% more than last year with 40 more deals. When I did June's report last month there were 130 closed deals. Well, those 20 closed deals added since last month I mentioned, 18 of them were new homes. So the current total for June is 148, up 40.9% from last June with 43 more deals than last year.

Lets hope this keeps up

(Brian Preston is a local Edmond real estate agent and reports regularly on the state of the local home market.)

Tickets sell out for annual St. Jude Dream Home

By Richard Mize Oklahoman.com Despite the house never being open to the public, the fundraiser was a sellout. All of the 8,000 raffle tickets that were available at $100 each were sold by Aug. 3. The drawing will be at 9 a.m. Thursday on Fox 25. Ticket sales are limited to establish the odds of winning the house and other prizes.

"This was the earliest the campaign has sold out and the most we’ve ever raised with the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Oklahoma City!" said Shannon Nadolni, spokeswoman for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities.

Actor Danny Thomas started the charity organization in 1957 to raise money and awareness for the hospital, which he opened in 1962.

The sellout means the project raised $800,000 for the hospital, which works to end childhood cancer and treats children regardless of ability to pay. The survival rate for kids with cancer, 20% when the hospital opened, is 80% now, St. Jude says.

St. Jude says all proceeds go to the hospital, which opened as the first fully integrated hospital in the South: "More than just a treatment facility, this would be a research center for the children of the world, regardless of race, religion or financial status," St. Jude says on its web site, https://www.stjude.org/.

Shaw Homes, based in Broken Arrow, stepped in to build this year's Oklahoma City Dream Home when the chosen builder backed

Dr. Geoff Sparks, Dr. Justin Power, Dr. Brian Amy, Dr. Ryan Theobald, Dr. Gabe Luttrell and Dr. John Archer.

Orthodontic Associates

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And as a top 10 Indaily lives with happy smiles and Edvisalign provider nationwide, Dr. Brian mond is full of growing families.

Amy serves as an international speaker The Orthodontic Associates team consists of many valuable support team and faculty member for Align Technology, Inc., the global provider of Inmembers as well as six board certified visalign treatment. Each year Dr. Amy orthodontists. Some of the Orthodonspeaks to hundreds of orthodontists tic Associates team members have been with the offices for more than 20 from around the world to educate, mentor and advocate for Invisalign years. Orthodontic Associates has a team of knowledgeable employees who treatment options made available for are dedicated to the patients' happiness pre-teens, teens and adults. His work and advocacy for the advancement of and well-being.

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out at the last minute. Shaw did so out of goodness, and then, because of the coronavirus, was unable to reap the benefit of having people come through and see its work.

The home, 2,500 square feet, three bedrooms, three baths at 8616 Maple Creek Road in Edmond, is valued at $365,000. It is in Woodland Park addition east of Douglas Boulevard, north of Covell Road.

When the chance came to build the home, "Our response was 'yes,' before they even told us the details," said Aaron Antis, vice president of sales for Shaw Homes.

It was a big disappointment not to have the personal, one-on-one encounters with people that come with daily public tours of the Dream Home, Antis said. But, he said Glenn Shaw, who founded Shaw Homes in 1985, and others believe that it and the hospital will be blessed for their efforts.

"Our trust is in God. When you sow, you always reap," Antis said.

In addition to the St. Jude Dream Home, Shaw Homes has a model home in the Woodland Park addition, at 3303 Birchwood Creek Circle.

Shaw Homes also builds in Fox Lair Estates, northwest of Waterloo Road and N Pennsylvania Avenue; Ridge Creek, west of Douglas Boulevard and north of Coffee Creek Road; Rush Brook, southeast of NW 192 and Western Avenue; Pinnacle, south of SW 29 between Sara and Mustang roads; Twin Silos, northwest of NW 150 and Council Road; and Timber Ridge, north of Memorial Road between Cemetery and Frisco roads.

Page 18 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

More factors to consider as the virus continues (Editor’s Note: LaDonna Sinning is with Arledge & Associates, an Edmond CPA firm. Below she answers financial questions on the Coronavirus.)

Business Data Released The Edmond Economic Development Authority has released some financial data, which reflects some of the business climate in Edmond. Above, sales tax collections were above what they were a year ago. This was recorded despite the virus affecting local shopping habits.

Last time you spoke to developing a cash flow plan to survive this pandemic. There is still no end in sight, what other advice to do you have for businesses during these uncertain times?

This does seem like it is a never-ending crisis. Once you have managed your cash flow and made sure you can stay afloat, there are a few things you should address. First, make sure you are Sinning communicating to your customers in a clear fashion. Are you open? What limitations do you have on that? Are you required masks and/or social distancing? In other words, if I want to patronize your business, how and when can I do that?

What should I be doing in regards to internal communications?

Don’t fail to communicate with your employees, particularly your best employees. Retaining your best people can be vital to your success.

To retain staff during this crisis, it’s important that they feel physically safe and financially secure. To that end, I would encourage you to talk to them about what you could do to make them feel safer at work as well as talking to them about the security

and future for your business. Giving them a voice in their own safety and making them aware that the business is, indeed, going to continue well beyond this crisis will help calm nerves and improve morale.

Is there anything else that we should be doing?

One thing I know for sure is that most businesses should be reviewing their strategic plan and marketing and business development action steps. The environment has changed and we don’t know that it will ever be as it was before. Now is a great time to adjust strategies and approach for what a more socially-distanced future may look like. If people continue to shop mostly online and have come to enjoy curbside service, what does your business strategy need to be to capture your market? I believe that it’s unlikely that we will be able to return to the levels of customer service we offered in the past as that will be a downgrade to what people have come to expect. We need to recognize that we have made some permanent changes to our business model and work toward incorporating those going forward.

Adding these models of service to your business plan (remote work, curbside service, contactless delivery, etc.) will help you address improvements and profitability while maintaining a competitive presence in this new environment.

LaDonna Sinning, CPA, CFE, is a partner at Arledge and Associates,

See Q&A, Page 19

Black Male Summit Leadership Class nears Applications are now open for the University of Central Oklahoma’s inaugural Black Male Summit Leadership Class (BMSLC) this fall. The program, an innovative extension of the university’s annual Black Male Summit one-day conference, is designed to foster the next generation of leaders by empowering young, Black males.

The BMSLC is a five-week virtual leadership class in which participants will be able to earn a leadership microcredential, a demonstrated mastery of a specific skill. Class sessions are 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays Sept. 23 – Oct. 21 (except for Oct. 14).

The BMSLC is a way to continue the mission of the Black Male Summit, originally planned for March 24 and canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission is to address the historical, cultural and relevant challenges that affect the development of young, Black males; build connections between UCO and public and private high schools across the state of Oklahoma; and, encourage the pursuit of postsecondary education.

As with the summit, the leadership class will allow participants to experience nontraditional, creative and interactive presentations, discussing topics on leadership, Black male masculinity,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Students attend the 2019 Black Male Summit on the UCO campus. This year, the summit will continue as a five-week virtual leadership class.

social justice and community activism.

“During a time of increased uncertainty, UCO’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is excited to offer this innovative and completely virtual experience for our young, Black males,” said Dene Roseburr-Olotu, director of

Central’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

“At its very core, the BMSLC is about empowering and uplifting this often-forgotten segment of our community. Although we will not host the Black Male Summit this year in its

traditional form as we consider the safety of our students and families, we hope that through this leadership class we can still provide a platform for these students to come together and engage in authentic conversations while emphasizing the importance of leadership and postsecondary education.”

The theme for the leadership class is “The Marathon Continues.” Inspired by the late rap artist Nipsey Hussle, the BMSLC will allow young, Black males to (re)discover their identity and reimagine their futures.

Students who are accepted to participate in the BMSLC will be eligible to apply for nearly $4,000 in scholarships, courtesy of diamond-level sponsors Perry Publishing and Broadcasting, CSAA Insurance Group a AAA insurer, UCO’s African American Faculty and Staff Association, and UCO’s President’s Leadership Council and Leaders of Tomorrow.

Interested high school and college students should apply by Friday, Sept.

4. Information sessions will be held Aug. 28-29. For more information or to apply, visit www.uco.edu/student-resources/odi/diversity-outreach/blackmale-summit/ or contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 405-9743588 or odi@uco.edu.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 27, 2020 • Page 19

Some metro nonprofits to get a $5.2 million boost The Oklahoma City Community Foundation announced recently that more than $5.2 million in endowment fund distributions will go out this week to 365 Central Oklahoma nonprofits. And, despite severe economic disruptions tied to COVID-19, the sum of this year’s distribution is an increase over the amount given in 2019. “These distributions help anchor the budgets for many of our nonprofit partners, assuring their long-term sustainability and allowing them to plan for the future,� said Nancy Anthony, president of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. “We could not be more pleased to report that the size of our annual distributions has not been affected by these uncertain times.�

Each Fall, nonprofits that have established endowment funds at the Community Foundation receive a distribution generated from the fund. The

funds are established by the respective organizations or individual donors and are managed through the Community Foundation’s Charitable Organization Endowment Program. In addition to an increased distribution amount, nonprofits are also receiving this year’s distribution months in advance to help with current fundraising and cash flow needs that might have been affected by the pandemic. “We are excited about the size of this year’s distribution,� Anthony said. “Agencies will receive an average of $14,800, and 20 of the organizations will receive $50,000 or more.�

Supporters have been donating through the Community Foundation’s endowment program for years, and now it is the largest of its kind in the nation. “Some of the funds were established by Okla-

homa City Community Foundation Founder John E. Kirkpatrick 50 years ago,� Anthony said, “and the size of our distributions have increased through the years, helping to strengthen our community and improve quality of life.�

Anthony said there are a lot of nonprofits in Central Oklahoma making a real difference in the community, and it is important for the community to continue supporting them because of the positive difference they are making in people’s lives.

But many donors struggle to find organizations that best fit their individual interests, so the Community Foundation is hoping to help through GiveSmartOKC.org, a website with in-depth information about more than 300 charitable organizations in the Oklahoma City area. “GiveSmartOKC.org is a great first step to giving,� Anthony said.

Q&A From Page 18 PC, an Edmond-based accounting firm. Arledge and Associates, PC 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.

Through its Gateway Executive Solutions division, the firm offers outsourced CFO, controller and cloud-based accounting solutions.

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.

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

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • August 27, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure