August 30, 2018

August 30, 2018 Vol. 19, No. 14

In This Issue ROUGH CUT SWISS

Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it 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.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 Sunny High 96° Low 77°

PHOTO BY JENNIFER WAGNON

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Sunny High 94° Low 74°

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Partly cloudy High 91° Low 73°

LABOR DAY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Partly cloudy High 89° Low 72°

For almost 20 years, the Edmond Public Schools have used Edmond Police officers for campus security through the School Resource Office (SRO) program. Officers providing a law enforcement presence at high schools and middle schools are, from left, Sgt. Gerald Dixon, Santa Fe High School; Lt. Derick Pickard, SRO supervisor; Sgt. Dack Pearson, Boulevard Academy and Sequoyah Middle School; Sgt. Bervis Littles, Memorial High School; Sgt. Nick Tant, Heartland, Central, Cimarron and Cheyenne middle schools; and Sgt. Tom Williams, North High School.

By Steve Gust Edmond Schools are planning to invest up to $400,000 this year into its School Resource Officer (SRO) security program.

Officials believe it’s worth every cent.

“Edmond students are blessed every minute of every day by the selfless service of our police department,” said associate superintendent Debbie Bendick, who works closely with the program.

Edmond Schools superintendent Bret Towne said this school year the district will employ up to eight uniformed and armed SRO’s - with one full time member at each of the three high schools and the others split between the district’s middle schools and Boulevard Academy, on a rotating basis. Boulevard Academy, an alternative school, helps an estimated 250 high school students a year who may have fallen behind on their

studies. This marks the 19th year Edmond schools have used police to help protect thousands of students attending high school. It began in 1999 when off duty officers were assigned to high schools. Bendick said that changed In August 2000, when the Edmond PD assigned on-duty officers to the SRO post. A few years later middle schools were added for law enforcement protection The cost to the district is $25,000 each semester for each SRO. Serving the schools are Edmond officers Dack Pearson, Bervis Littles, Gerald Dixon, Tom Williams, Nick Tant and SRO supervisor Lt. Derick Pickard.

A separate contract is needed for Summit Middle School. That campus is in Oklahoma City. They use Deputy Brent Zweifel of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office.

Board member Kathleen Duncan wondered at the meeting if officers

gave talks on the consequences of illegal drug or alcohol abuse.

Santa Fe High School principal Jason Hayes told the board said his SRO annually gives a talk to incoming Santa Fe freshmen on “making the right choices.” Duncan hoped all the SROs would be able to give such presentations. Bendick, a former principal at Memorial High School, said the officers make even a bigger difference when interacting “oneon-one,” with a teen to explain drug dangers.

Perhaps the top priority for an SRO is in providing an immediate law enforcement presence at a school, Bendick explained. Yet students aren’t their only concern.

“Our SRO’s have also provided parents education, speaking to PTOs and other gatherings that provide focused attention to topics that parents and continued on Page 3

Page 2 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 3

Cover From Page 1 law enforcement share as concerns,” Bendick said.

In an age where national school shootings grab headlines, the mission of the SRO and school security continues to be refined for improvements.

Currently a 25-member committee, including senior Edmond PD officials, is meeting to continue to make sure all students are safe. Among the members, is Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger, who Bendick describes as “bringing a firm commitment to protecting schools.” Younger admits guarding the campuses takes a high priority.

“During the day we have more than 25,000 of our residents inside our schools,” he said. “We know the high priority school safety is to all of us. That is why we have six dedicated officers currently with the hope of adding more.”

Younger, as well as Towne, both said the schools and police maintain

a strong relationship.

One new priority this year will be an emphasis on chronic absenteeism, or truancy. Bendick explained the SRO’s will be enforcing a state law, as well as a local ordinance, to make sure parents have youngsters attending class regularly.

“Officers will work with school counselors and administrators to uncover root causes of chronic absenteeism,” Bendick said. In the next few weeks more plans will be made public on ways truancy will be addressed.

Her experience with the officers show them to be willing to help with any kind of special role.

“I don’t think any of us (administrators) could imagine leading our secondary schools of between 800 and 2,500 students without our SROs,” she said. “I am profoundly grateful for our partnership with the Edmond Police Department and the SRO program.”

Many activities set at regional airport

By Schellon Stanley, Director Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport A partnership was formed, the people worked together, and this beautiful general aviation airport started to grow.

I am so blessed by the beauty that surrounds the Guthrie Edmond Regional Airport of over 120 based aircraft. As I stand out on the end of the runway, I’m in awe of the city of Guthrie nestled below the airport.

You can see for miles – the sun shining, the blue skies and big white puffy clouds, and tree-filled, green rolling hills. However, the real beauty of it all, is being a part of this unique partnership between the cities of Guthrie and Edmond, and seeing the positive attitudes of the surrounding communities who continue to work together to make this airport great.

The airport is hustling and bustling these days with lots of activities throughout the year for all to enjoy.

The airport isn’t just for people who fly airplanes; and we’re always looking for ways to get the community more involved. Some of the community outreach events happening at your local airport consist of the Summer Aviation Program held in July consisting of a one day hands-on educational experience for children between the ages of 8 to 14.

We also conduct Airport Tours usually lasting one to one and a half hours depending on the age group.

It’s an opportunity to learn why an airport is so important to your community.

This year we started an inaugural Pancake Breakfast & Fly-In hoping to draw out more families and children; during this event the EAA Young Eagles give free airplane rides to children between the ages of 8 to 17.

Continuing on to our biggest event of the year, the Annual Fly-In Community Day, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brief Calm Waters Center for Children and Families recently announced Erin E. Engelke as the new Executive Director.

Located in Oklahoma City, Calm Waters provides free grief support services for children and families on their grief journey caused by death, divorce or other significant loss.

“This is an exciting time of growth for Calm Waters and Erin,” said Dan Martel, Chairman of the Board. “She is a seasoned leader who brings tremendous value.”

Serves Guthrie & Edmond New this year, we will have an exhibit called “Fly with Banning.” James Herman Banning, an Oklahoma aviation pioneer and hero was the first African American to fly across the United States in 1932.

Banning graduated from Faver High School in Guthrie and often used the Excelsior Library. He was born and raised on a homestead not too far from Canton, Okla.

Come and get to know James Herman Banning in a series of interactive performances and short stories during our Fly-In. The Annual Fly-In Community Day is a blast for the entire family. You won’t want to miss it!

It’s a perfect opportunity to see the airport up close. You get to touch and feel the aircraft and visit with the pilots. Attendance and parking are free for this event. There will be dozens of aircraft of all types on static display to include the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) World War II A-26 Invader.

As always there is a hands-on activity center for children, hosted by Sooner Flight Academy. Coming back again this year, is the EAA Young Eagles program who will be providing free airplane rides for children, ages 8-17.

Both News helicopters, KOCO Sky5 News, and Sky News 9, will be here along with lots of other activities for your family to enjoy.

Finally, in December we have the Santa Fly-In. Watch Santa Claus fly into the airport, enjoy some hot cocoa, candy canes, and Christmas Cheer.

All ages young and old take pictures with Santa Claus while telling him their Christmas wishes. For more information about these events 405.282.2312 / website: www.guthrieedmondregionalairport.c om / Facebook: GuthrieEdmondRegionalAirport

Page 4 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

What does a Commissioner of Labor do?

Because Edmond Life & Leisure goes to press on Monday evenings, we won’t know the results of the runoff election that took place August 28, for publishing in this issue. This includes the final party nominee for the office of Commissioner of Labor for the State of Oklahoma going to the general election in NoRay Hibbard vember of this year.

My editor and longtime political analyst, Steve Gust, and I were discussing the possible outcomes of the runoff election when I asked him, “What does the Commissioner of Labor in Oklahoma do?” He stopped, gave it some thought and said, “I know they inspect rides at carnivals and fairs in Oklahoma.” That came as a surprise to me but at least that was one more duty then I could think of for the position. I also have no clue as to why he would know that fact and was afraid to ask.

Gust is usually correct about such things, but I decided to look it up just to be sure. Here is what I found: Inspectors from the Oklahoma Department of Labor inspect all amusement rides at permanent amusement parks annually. All mobile amusement rides are inspected every time that they are moved. Additionally, inspectors with the Oklahoma Department of Labor perform surveillance of amusement rides during the year to ensure that the rides are being operated in accordance with state law.

Most folks are clear on what the U.S. Department of Labor does and the kinds of rules they enforce for workers in this country. What is not as clear to many is what the Oklahoma Department of Labor does and why we need a state organization for what could be duplication of duties. All the folks I have met from our state department seem like nice folks and professional so please don’t think I am insulting any of the qualified staff that work there. My question is more along the lines of streamlining state government in the best way possible without harm to any Oklahoma worker.

What makes me wonder about such things is that Oklahoma is one of only four states in the union that elect a Commissioner of Labor. There are 46 other states that decided it was better to have the position appointed. Oklahoma joins with Georgia, North Carolina and Oregon in having the position an elected one. In my small way of thinking, the position should be held by a professional in the industry and could be an appointed position. I also feel the same way about our Insurance Commissioner.

Texas has a three-member board that serves this function instead of a single executive position. I’m not sure how that would help streamline state government but we in Oklahoma like to compare ourselves to Texas. In Nevada and West Virginia, two agencies share the responsibilities of labor management, so I am guessing that eliminates the need for a separate department and an agency head.

Salaries range across the country for the post from $61,747 per year in Wyoming to $194,105 in California. My brother who lives in California says that is not nearly enough, so he won’t be trying to get appointed to that office. From what I could find,

The Labor Commissioner’s office inspects carnival and State Fair rides.

our Labor Commissioner has a yearly salary of $105,053.

Just so you know, here is the mission statement of our Oklahoma Department of Labor: The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Labor is to help ensure fairness, equity and safety in Oklahoma workplaces through ethical behavior, conscientious guidance and loyal service to Oklahoma's employers and employees.

The Commissioner of Labor is charged with preserving, protecting and promoting the welfare of the wage earner. Oklahoma's workers are our state's greatest asset. Each has the right to work in an environment that is fair, equitable, healthy and safe.

These are among the duties of the Commissioner of Labor according to the state website: 1.Foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners of this state; 2.Improve working conditions of the wage earners; 3.Advance opportunities of wage earners for profitable employment; and 4.Carry into effect all laws in relation to labor enacted by the Legislature for which responsibility is assigned to the Commissioner of Labor.

The current officeholder is Melissa McLawhorn Houston. Houston was appointed to the position

by Gov. Mary Fallin in November 2015 to fill a vacancy created by the death of former officeholder Mark Costello. Houston is serving the remainder of Costello's term, which expires in January 2019.

She did not seek election to a full four-year term in the 2018 election cycle.

As further evidence that this position could be appointed is the great job by all accounts that Houston has done after being appointed by Fallin.

She and her staff have been good stewards of tax payer funds and worked hard at protecting workers in Oklahoma. If it had been an appointed position my speculation is that Houston might have agreed to stay on, but I would guess the rigors of running a campaign including the invasion of your personal life was reason enough for her to declare she would not run for the office. Houston is a professional in every way at running a state agency.

The Oklahoma Department of Labor was created by the Oklahoma Constitution in 1907.

Sometimes the reason things get done a certain way in government gets outdated. In August of that year, delegates from the labor unions of the Twin-Territorial Federation of Labor, the State Farmers' Union and the Railroad Brotherhoods met in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to formulate a list of demands for the upcoming constitutional convention.

One demand called for the establishment of a State Labor Department.

Consequently, when the new state constitution was ratified by the delegates to the constitutional convention in 1907, the Oklahoma Department of Labor was created, with the Labor Commissioner as its head. The office of the Labor Commissioner has been both appointive and elective at various times in Oklahoma's history, so it might be time to go back to having it appointed.

As the head of the Labor Department, the Labor Commissioner is the chief executive officer of the Department and supervises the work of that Department. In performing his official duties, the Labor Commissioner may administer oaths, issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and take testimony in all matters relating to the proper enforcement of all laws over which the Commissioner has supervision of.

Departments for our Oklahoma Department of Labor include: •Administration •Asbestos Abatement Division •Child Labor Unit •Licensing Unit •PEOSH Unit •Safety Pays OSHA Consultation Division •Safety Standards Division •Statistical Research Unit •Wage & Hour Unit •Workers' Compensation Enforcement Unit By no means do I want to single out the Oklahoma Department of Labor. I come from a union family. My father was a member of the Pipefitters and Plumbers Local #344 for over 50 years.

My question is that if we carve through all the election mud being slung, is there a way after the election in November for state government to look inward for opportunities to streamline offices, departments and duties? Our state legislature likes to demand that Oklahoma school systems do just that and save taxpayer money. Shouldn’t the consolidation idea be led by example from state agencies? It could be that good for the goose and good for the gander idea.

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

Check out what’s inside! n n n n n n n n n

Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 7.

It’s Pigskin time again ..................................................................Page 8.

Red Shoe Gala a success ............................................................Page 9.

Edmond Elks Lodge marks milestone..........................................Page 13.

George Gust reviews a comedy with few laughs ........................Page 15.

Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15.

Teen’s musical talent takes her to New York City ......................Page 18.

Business News ............................................................................Page 21.

Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

Find the ‘Rough Cut Swiss’ Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Rough Cut Swiss is by artist David Phelps. Phelps is an Oklahoma based sculptor whose work has been featured throughout the state. He is inspired by expansive spaces and hopes his works will inspire meaningful meditation.

Said Phelps, “I grew up on a farm in the central valley of California where the fields became an extension of oneself. I continue to live in the wide open spaces of Oklahoma where my sculptural images expand to include their environments as part of the aesthetic experience.”

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Copyright © 2018 by Edmond Media Publishing

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax)

Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not

Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

the express written permission from

Photographer Melinda Infante

facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Cover Design April Burgess

be reproduced in any form without Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 5

Rotary Club donates books to Ida Freeman Elementary Ida Freeman Elementary School is the recipient of 26 new books. The Edmond Rotary Club meets almost every Wednesday of the year, and at each meeting the club donates a book in honor of the weekly speaker.

This gift of books to the Ida Freeman Elementary Media Center has been taking place for 20 years. It was originally started by club member, Carol Hartzog and most recently member, James Boggs has picked up the torch. Making the presentation was Boggs and Club President, Jessica Lyle.

Approximately, 26 club members volunteer on a weekly and bi-weekly basis to read in the classrooms during the school year. Club member, Beth Case said “I get great joy in the big greeting that I get from the students. They are so happy to have a guest in their classroom, and it brings back fond memories of reading to my own children.”

To find out more about Edmond Rotary Club please visit http://www.edmondrotary.org or PHOTO PROVIDED https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfEdmond/.

On hand for the donation, were, from left, Jessica Lyle, club president, Nicole Marler, Ida Freeman principal, Sarah Johnston, Ida Freeman media specialist, James Boggs, club member and Scott Rotary Meets every Wednesday at noon at Mercy HosGoodrich, assistant principal. pital on I-35 in Edmond. Guests are always welcome.

Page 6 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Contentious Coffee Creek rezoning issue is on hold

By Eriech Tapia NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman The planning commission voted last week to table a vote on rezoning the former Coffee Creek Golf Course after hours of heated debate with nearly 200 neighbors in attendance, along with attorneys and engineers.

“That horse has left the barn,” said Randel Shadid, an attorney representing the developer. “The golf course is not coming back.”

The Edmond Planning Commission will hear the proposal again on Sept.

18.

Planning Commission Chairman Barry Moore wants residents and developers to fix issues on language in the planning documents and create covenants for a new homeowners association, which are not normally required at the rezoning process, the city attorney said.

Sandra Kathryn had been planning to buy a new home in Coffee Creek, but now she is unsure.

“Coffee Creek is the most unique place I have seen in Edmond,” Kathryn said. “Now, there is a huge thorn in the side of residents.”

During the meeting, Kathryn said she felt as though the commission disregarded her comments and she has lost respect for the developer.

She now rents an apartment since her former home has sold.

"Why would I move to Edmond if they do not protect me?" Kathryn asked.

If the development is approved and developed, a new homeowners association would be created along with the current one.

“We feel like this plan is much better than what you would get from single-family homes,” said Katy

O'Meilia, a senior planner with Planning Design Group, which was hired in October 2017.

Under current zoning, 392 singlefamily homes could be built, but neither side is in favor of that. However, multiple commission members stated the golf course is not coming back.

"It is going to be developed," said Commissioner Kenneth Wohl, whose motion for the 30-day extension was seconded by Bill Moyer.

Multiple residents questioned aspects of the plan, including drainage, lot sizes and subjective language on public spaces.

“I really do question on whether we have a master plan this committee can rely on,” said Clay Booth, a Coffee Creek resident and attorney.

“We need to stop kicking the can down the road.”

On Aug. 14, the homeowners association filed a lawsuit against developer Kyle Copeland, claiming an implied easement requires the property to be a golf course.

A 35-foot green buffer would be provided between existing and new residential developments if the proposal is approved.

About 91 acres of the former 189acre golf course could be developed and include an office park, singlefamily and multifamily residential, mixed-use retail and a town center.

Developers have outlined multiple restrictions for each of the different zones, including no car washes, gas stations, big box stores or drive-thru restaurants in the 6.4-acre office district and 7.4-acre town center.

If the planning commission decides to vote on the issue at its next meeting, it will head to the city council on Oct. 8.

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Parents Helping Parents meeting set The Edmond Chapter of Parents Helping Parents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4 at McLaren's Pantry located at 3414 South Boulevard in the Boulevard Shopping Center (located in the SE corner of 33rd and Boulevard).

The restaurant is closed to the general public at 6 p.m. The meeting is from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

The speaker is Kyle McGraw –

LPC, LADC, Owner, Transforming Life Counseling Center. His topic is, "Road Map for Recovery: A Continuum of Care."

Parents Helping Parents provides support and resources for parents of addicted children (any age child).

This is an anonymous meeting and no cost or reservations required. For more information please call 405642-8198.

Treat picked to be on panel State Sen. Greg Treat, president pro tempore-designate of the Oklahoma Senate, has been elected to serve on the 2018-2019 National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Executive Committee.

“I’m honored to serve in a leadership role for NCSL,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “NCSL is a great resource that provides research and analysis, training and seminars, and other resources to lawmakers in state capitols across the country. I’m excited to give Oklahoma a voice on this important national committee.”

The NCSL Executive Committee is the governing body of NCSL, which is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. Comprised of 63 elected members, the executive committee drives the organization by supervising and controlling the affairs of its annual legislative conference, its committees, and publications.

“We are pleased to have Senator Treat’s expertise on NCSL’s Executive

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Sen. Greg Treat Committee,” said NCSL President and Illinois Senator Toi Hutchinson.

“Senator Treat’s participation in NCSL over the years has been a key part of the organization’s success.”

Senator Treat has been an active participant in NCSL since being elected to office, and has served on the NCSL Redistricting and Elections Committee.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 7

Lyric announces Sept. production

Thursday Aug 30 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Tea 101 Class ---- Saloon Series ---- Summer Signature Tour ---- Member’s Preview Reception: American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Read the West Book Club: Orphan Train ---- Blue Star Museums ---- Pollard Theatre Presents: An Act of God

Friday Aug 31 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Blue Star Museums ---- Summer Signature Tour ---- Pollard Theatre Presents: An Act of God ---- Live Music at Kamps ---- Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company ---- Friday Evening Glow

Saturday Sept. 1 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Saturdays for Kids: Blacksmithing and Metalwork ---- Art Moments ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Blue Star Museums ---- Bank of America Museums on us Weekend ---- Ukulele Open Jam Session ---- Shawna Russell ---- Pollard Theatre Presents: An Act of God ---- Labor Day Weekend Fun ---- Red Brick Nights

Sunday Sept. 2 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Art Moments ---- Blue Star Museums ---- Bank of America Museums on us Weekend ---- Pollard Theatre Presents: An Act of God ---- Labor Day Weekend Fun ---- Z-Fest Extra Information on Weekend Happenings

http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ Saloon Series Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; $25 at the door includes a whiskey flight, one full drink ticket, one food ticket, whiskey class, live music and museum admission or $5 without the drink ticket. https://nationalcowboymuseum.org Saturdays for Kids: Blacksmithing and Metalwork Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Time: 10 a.m. – noon; watch blacksmithing demonstrations and create your own metal foil drawing while supplies last. For more information visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Friday Evening Glow Location: Riversport Rapids Patio Extra Info: 6 p.m.; for more information visit riversportokc.org Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Marketplace & Plaza Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondparks.com or 405 359-4630 Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Free, Exhibit will be available until Aug 19. armstrongauditorium.org WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Housewives living in Edmond, Oklahoma made sacrifices and conformed to the government’s requests in order to help soldiers overseas. This exhibits demonstrates their efforts. For more information go to: edmondhistory.org or call 405 3400078.

Tea 101 Class Location: Inspirations Tea Room Extra Info: For passionate tea drinkers who want to learn more about tea.

For more information visit them on Facebook.

Read the West Book Club: Orphan Train Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Extra Info: 6 – 7:15 p.m.; visit nationalcowboymuseum.org

In the Gallery ---- August Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Jennifer Jones For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/

Ukulele Open Jam Session Location: American Banjo Museum, Oklahoma City Extra Info: 1 – 4 p.m.; Free admission when you bring an instrument and participate in the Jam Session. For more information visit www.americanbanjomuseum.com

In the Gallery – September Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Diane Goldschmidt and Diana Robinson For information go to:

Shawna Russell Location: River Lounge at Riverwind Casino Time: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. for more information visit riverwind.com

YogaFest OKC scheduled YogaFest OKC is a two-day celebration of all things yoga slated for Sept. 15 and 16. Events, yoga classes and lectures will be held in the heart of Oklahoma City, in Bicentennial Park, the Civic Center Music Hall and 21c Museum Hotel. This year's theme is Mindfulness and the weekend is loaded with inspiring classes, workshops, shopportunities and discussions that will cultivate awareness and promote present-moment living.

Dr. Sara Lazar, neuroscientist from Harvard Medical School and Gina Caputo (aka Yogini on the Loose) are YogaFest OKC’s headliners. Lazar will discuss her research on meditation and the brain, and Caputo will teach 90-minute classes on Saturday and Sunday. Regional favorite local teach-

ers will lead a variety of workshopstyle classes each day.

Caputo is the founder and director of the Colorado School of Yoga in Boulder. Her passionate and inspirational style of teaching is called Integrated Vinyasa. This style emphasizes the fusion of alignment and flow, anatomy and energetics, focus and release, work and play.

Lazar, the YogaFest OKC 2018 keynote speaker, is an Associate Researcher in the Psychiatry Department at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School. Lazar will present “How Yoga and Meditation Reshapes the Brain,” Saturday, Sept. 15 from 10:45 a.m. to noon.

Lyric Theatre concludes its regular 2018 season next month with a world-premiere rock musical – the fifth title in the organization’s New Works Initiative.

“When We’re Gone”follows Todd, an angst-ridden teen, in plague-ridden, 14th century London and his desire to make great art in a time of great need. The three-week run

opens Sept. 29 at Lyric at the Plaza, 1725 NW 16 St., and continues through Oct. 14.

This marks the fifth production in Lyric’s New Works Initiative, which began in 2014 with the world premiere of “Triangle” and continued in 2015 with “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” and “Mann… And Wife” in 2016 – all staged at the Plaza Theatre.

Page 8 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Football fanatics happy again This is the first full week of high school and college football.

Edmond North started things last week with a road trip to Yukon. It didn't turn out too Steve Gust great, but it's still a young season and lots of time to turn things around.

Tonight marks the start of Oklahoma State's season when they host Missouri State.. It will be interesting to see if there is life after Mason Rudolph for the Pokes. Then OU, trying to replace Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, starts on Saturday morning at home with Florida Atlantic. Seems like the Sooners usually like to schedule a few weaker opponents for the opening games. It's not quite a preseason schedule, but it's close.

It doesn't matter. There will still be more than 80,000 people

there wanting to see OU hang 60 points on whoever the Sooners play.

I hope fans will continue to support the local teams at Memorial, North, Santa Fe as well as the Bronchos at the University of Central Oklahoma. I've been to many UCO games. Wantland Stadium isn't a bad place to view a game at all. They've spent $10 million recently on a Sports Performance Center.

Try to get out and support the Bronchos this year, not only in football but the other sports as well.

It's hard to believe UCO football coach Nick Bobeck is heading into his seventh season this year. It seems like only a few months ago they were announcing him as the new head coach. Bobeck and the Bronchos did a great job last year going 8-4 -- including wins in the last six games.

Like OSU, the UCO season begins tonight at Pittsburg, Kan. against Pittsburg State. The Go-

rillas usually are pretty tough. I remember years ago the Gorillas came to Wantland and there was a huge crowd for that game.

Then there's the National Football League. I'm not terribly excited about the NFL, and the national anthem protests.

I found out last year, it really frees up a lot of time Sunday not turning on the television to commit to a few NFL games. That's not a bad thing either. Sports fans probably are investing enough time in the Friday and Saturday games as it is. Use Sunday to worship and get some stuff done around the house.

The other thing that impresses me about football season, is how quick it's over.

It seems like OU and OSU just kick off the season and before long everyone is speculating about which bowl game they'll be attending.

Still, it’s a fun time of year.

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

Don’t politicize schools

By Greg Forster School districts should not close schools on Election Day for the express purpose of increasing their employees' political clout. It would not just inconvenience parents and thus make it harder, not easier, for everyone else to vote. It also would politicize and polarize public schools even worse than they already are.

The Oklahoma City School Board voted unanimously to close on Election Day, so their employees can “engage in continued advocacy.”

Tulsa Public Schools and Yukon Public Schools are also closing. Yukon Superintendent Jason Simeroth said, “Now we will make it much easier for our advocates to express their concerns.”

Empowering greater

civic involvement for everyone across the board is a fine idea. Empowering greater civic involvement for one selected group alone, expressly so it can advocate more effectively for bigger budgets and less accountability for itself at everyone else's expense, may sound noble to those in that group.

However, the rest of us may be forgiven if we see it as more self-interested than noble.

That's doubly true when a group increases its own power to vote at the expense of everyone else's power to vote. Parents who don't work for schools don't have the luxury of getting the day off work. Now they will have to find child care.

Voting on top of that?

Good luck. You're on your own.

The more long-term danger is that educational special interests are crossing an important line. School employees organizing outside of school to advocate their own interests is just ordinary politics in a democracy. It's not pretty, but in the rough and tumble of democracy, not much is.

Running the schools themselves with institutional policies designed — explicitly — to maximize school employees' political power at everyone else's expense is another matter. Now they're using our tax dollars to create a political machine designed to extract evermore tax dollars for themselves. The rest of us are allowed to notice this. If you want to create a big and vicious political backlash in an already polarized environment, this is one way to do it.

The danger this day would come was always inherent in creating a government school monopoly. As Tulsa teacher

Schools, Page 10

A look back at another presidential retaliation

By James Finck One of the big stories earlier this month was President Trump revoking John Brennan’s security clearance.

Let me start by admitting my ignorance, I assumed everyone lost their clearance when they left the job, and I am not sure why he Finck still needs it. Obviously, I am wrong in my assumptions because stripping Brennan of his clearance has set off a firestorm. As always, I am not commenting on the correctness of Trump’s actions, but, historically, criticizing the president has often led to similar consequences. In fact, criticizing the president publicly has had even larger significances.

Coming out of WW II there were few men with the public stature of General Douglas MacArthur.

In 1941, with tensions rising around the globe, MacArthur took command of U.S. forces in the Pacific. MacArthur built up troop strength in the Philippines in preparation for a possible Japanese

attack. On Dec. 7, 1941, the same day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they also attacked the Philippines. Not willing to lose MacArthur, Roosevelt ordered the General off the Island, leaving his men to a horrific fate. Upon his exit, MacArthur publicly vowed to return.

After two years of hard fighting in the Pacific, MacArthur, true to his word, triumphantly liberated the Philippines. Cameras captured the largethan-life general as he waded ashore with his iconic hat, sunglasses, and pipe announcing “I have returned by the grace of the Almighty Lord.”

MacArthur went on to win the war in the Pacific, become Supreme Allied Commander, and accept the surrender of the Japanese in September 1945. For the next six years, he remained in Japan overseeing military operations. He was such a large personality and so successful that his name was batted around as a possible presidential candidate.

In 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, MacArthur took command of the U.N. forces with the intent of containing the communist threat in North Korea. Not only did the General

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stop the North Koreans with a stunning amphibious attack, he got behind the enemy forces and invaded the North. What he did not expect was Chinese forces entering the conflict, forcing him to retreat back across the 38th parallel.

MacArthur believed the only course the U.S. had was to take the war to China. However, President Harry Truman disagreed. Truman believed a war with China would lead to a possible WWIII not only with the Chinese but also with their ally, the Soviet Union. When MacArthur went public with his ideas and criticized the president’s policies, even having a letter read in Congress, Truman relieved him of his command. Truman later said, “I fired him because he wouldn't respect the authority of the President.”

The general’s firing was incredibly unpopular.

Many even questioned the constitutionality of the action. Truman’s approval rating dropped so low that it was one reason for his decision not to seek reelection (he was grandfathered in for the 22nd Amendment and so he could have run). Later investigations agreed that Truman had legal authority to fire the popular general and eventually public sentiment came around to his side. However, by that time the damage had already been done.

I am not saying that stripping an ex-CIA director of his security clearance is not a big deal, but when compared to removing the general in charge in the middle of a war for criticizing the president, Trump’s actions do not seem as bad. That being said, the president may want to look at the consequences of presidents like Truman or Nixon, who fired subordinates for personal slights.

Dr. James Finck is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. To follow Historically Speaking on Facebook search for @jamesWfinck

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 9

Red Shoe Gala a success

Jason Ledlow with live artist Ray Tennyson.

From left are Micah Zachary, Jacob Thorley, JP Lopez and Ruby from the Central Oklahoma Humane Society.

LEFT -- Miss Northwestern’s Outstanding Teen, Carli Seabolt.

Also attending the gala was the Ronald McDonald House Charities OKC guest family. They include Logan Davis, Kipton Davis, Riff Davis and Randal Davis.

Supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities Oklahoma City (RMHC-OKC) on Saturday, Aug. 11, put on their finest red shoes and raised $325,000 in net proceeds at the 16th annual Red Shoe Gala at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club in support of RMHC-OKC’s mission to keep families together in a medical crisis.

This year the prestigious Red Shoe Award was given to Jodi Sanchez for her continued commitment to support RMHC for over 15 years.

“At Ronald McDonald House Charities, we believe just one person can truly make a huge difference in the lives of others,” said Susan Adams, RMHC-OKC President and CEO. “Our community is very fortunate to have Jodi Sanchez call Oklahoma City home. Jodi has walked the RMHC mile in so many ways, has touched the lives of so many people, and seen so many things. She knows how important it is to lead by example.”

The 16th annual Red Shoe Gala had many entertaining moments from admiring Ray Tennyson paint Russel Westbrook on canvas; discovering which Kendra Scott piece of jewelry was opened; listening to the amazing vocals of Miss Northwestern’s Outstanding Teen, Carli Seabolt; hearing from two RMHC-OKC Guest Families about their experience; being entertained by Weekend All Stars and enjoying a late night snack from McDonald’s.

“This year’s Red Shoe Gala was an incredible evening” said Dave Lopez, Co-Chair of the Red Shoe Gala and VP of Operations for Lopez Foods. “The Davis and Siewe families’ story about their time at the Ronald McDonald House was extremely touching and truly brings to life the reason why we raise money for the mission to keep families together in their time of need. We are able to help families from all over our state and give them a “home-away-from-home” at no cost to guest families when their child is in the hospital.”

This event will help families like the Siewe family. From Stillwater, Uliyemi and Siewe weren’t expecting to welcome their youngest son quite so soon. Uliyemi was having complications and was sent to The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. After just one day, David was born 15 weeks premature weighing 1 lb and 6 oz, on Nov.r 20, 2017.

The Siewe family stayed 83 days at the Ronald McDonald House to be near David while he received treatment before going home.

“The Ronald McDonald House gave me the ability to take care of both of my boys, Daniel and David,” said Uliyemi. “I didn’t have to choose to leave Daniel with a family member in Stillwater where I would barely get to see him while I was with David in the hospital. I was able to keep my whole family together. It was the best thing during that stressful time.”

Sponsoring the event was: Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, The Chickasaw Nation, Dorada Foods, Lopez Foods, Inc., and John and Jeannie Lopez.

Page 10 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

UCO names 2018 distinguished alumni The University of Central Oklahoma Alumni Association will recognize six recipients of its Distinguished Alumni Award at its annual 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, in the Grand Ballroom of Nigh University Center.

The six recipients include lifelong educator Marjorie Bennett, who graduated from UCO in 1939 with a Bachelor of Arts in speech, when the university was known as Central Bennett State Teachers College. She also received a master’s degree from Colorado State University. A native of Hennessey, Oklahoma, Bennett spent more than four decades teaching high school and college English, Latin, literature, speech and debate in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, including at her hometown high school.

During her career, Bennett coached a number of award-winning debate teams and was named Forensic Coach of the Year in the Greater Philadelphia Area in 1972. Throughout her life, Bennett has tirelessly served her community through involvement in many civic organizations, including serving as past president of both the United Methodist Women and American Association of University Women. She has three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bennett resides in her hometown of Hennessey and celebrates her 101st birthday this month.

Mike Collison, who received his Bachelor of Science in accounting from UCO in 1991, is vice president and chief financial officer of The Oklahoma Publishing Company (OPUBCO), a multi-industry holding company that owns Oklahoma media landmark outlets The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com.

Collison began his career in 1989 as an auditor with accounting firm Arthur Andersen and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1993 before joining OPUBCO in 1995.

Collison At OPUBCO, he oversees the financial and accounting responsibilities for the company’s diverse portfolio, which includes interest in Suddenlink Communications and several luxury hotels and resorts. He remains involved with his local community and serves on the Board of Trustees for both the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and the UCO Foundation. He and his family reside in Oklahoma City.

Alisa Green is the founder and chairwoman of the Dress for Success Oklahoma City affiliate.

She has been working in the nonprofit sector for nearly a decade and is passionate about raising Green community awareness, advocating for women and building relationships with at-risk individuals. Through Dress for Success, Green is able to help disadvantaged women in the Oklahoma City area achieve their career goals and support themselves and their families.

Green graduated from UCO in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications. While pursuing her bachelor’s, she was active in 26 organizations on campus while still mentoring inner-city school students. Green also was a former Miss Asian UCO and was fourth runner-up in Miss Vietnam USA. Green and her husband, film director Brent Ryan Green, reside in Oklahoma City.

Bill Pink, Ed.D., is the 10th president of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Grand Rapids,

Michigan. Prior to his role as president at GRCC, Pink served as vice president and dean for workforce development at GRCC, as vice president for academic affairs at Pink Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and as an associate dean in the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies.

Pink received his master’s degree in education from UCO in 1995 after receiving his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University and prior to receiving his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Pink is involved with his community through organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids and the Heart of West Michigan United Way. He serves on the board of directors for Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids and is often invited to speak across the country on topics associated with diversity, economic and workforce development, and faith-based leadership.

Joli Sanders completed more than 40 hours of coursework through the UCO Master of Fine Arts interior design program to become a licensed interior designer in 2000.

Combining her passions for psychology, Sitton interior design and helping others, Sanders established the nonprofit organization Focus on Home in 2014.

Focus on Home provides design services, furnishing and home essentials free of charge to deserving Oklahoma families who are in need of assistance.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas-Austin in 1995, Sanders moved to Oklahoma City.

Through her own life experience, she understands the importance of creating a warm home environment for one’s family on limited resources. She remains involved with UCO, often providing professional development and community service opportunities to UCO design students. She and her family reside in Norman, Oklahoma.

Retired orthodontist Dr. J. Michael

Steffen has been serving the Oklahoma community for more than 40 years through The Brace Place, the Edmond and Clinton, Oklahoma-based orthodontics practices Dr. Steffen he opened in 1974 and 1975, respectively. From 2014-15, he served as president of the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, a branch of the Oklahoma Dental Association focused on eliminating barriers to oral health care.

Steffen graduated from UCO with his bachelor’s degree in biology in 1972 before graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He remains involved with his alma maters through philanthropy, scholarships, mentorship and volunteerism. He serves on the UCO Foundation Board of Trustees. He and his wife Kathryn reside in Oklahoma City.

A committee selected the Distinguished Alumni Award recipients based on peer recommendations and notable accomplishments in one of three categories: professional, community service and university service.

The UCO Alumni Association has given the awards annually since 1952.

"This luncheon is a highlight of homecoming each year,” said Lauri Monetti, director of UCO Alumni Relations.

"Our Distinguished Alumni honorees are great examples of what it means to be a ‘Broncho for Life,’ each one making a unique and lasting impact in their communities. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with UCO alumni and friends.”

The luncheon will include a formal awards presentation with video highlights of the honorees' lifetime accomplishments as well as provide an opportunity for alumni to reconnect.

Alumni and friends are invited to attend the luncheon by purchasing a $25 ticket, meal included, by Sept. 14.

To purchase tickets, call UCO Alumni Relations at 405-974-2421 or register online at www.centralconnection.org/homecoming.

For more information about UCO Alumni Association or the Distinguished Alumni Awards, visit www.centralconnection.org.

Schools From Page 8 Stephanie Jones, credited in news accounts with initiating the idea of closing schools on Election Day, said: “Teaching is a political job. Our boss is the Legislature. That's who sets our revenues. That's who controls our curriculum. Ultimately, we have to be politically active because so much of our job is determined in the Capitol.”

As long as government has a monopoly on schooling, that logic will be powerful. But it may not end where Jones thinks it will. In a democracy, every political action creates an equal and opposite reaction.

The only serious long-term strategy to get politics out of the classroom is school choice. When parents are in charge of education, the political interests of parents and their schools will be aligned rather than opposed. And it will no longer be true that teachers “have to be politically active because so much of our job is determined in the Capitol.”

Teachers could get back to teaching.

Even on Election Day.

Forster is a Friedman fellow at EdChoice.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 11

Page 12 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Melton Gallery will host a closing reception for ‘Those Who Can Do,’ a current exhibition featuring the work of Art and Design faculty at Central, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 30. Pictured is furniture created by Sam Ladwig, a member of Central’s Design Department.

Melton Gallery’s 2018-19 season opens tonight The University of Central Oklahoma’s Melton Gallery will host a free and open-to-the-public closing reception for “Those Who Can Do,” an exhibition featuring the work of Central’s Art and Design faculty, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 30.

The show is currently displayed at the Melton Gallery and will remain on exhibit until the closing reception. The Melton Gallery is located in the UCO Art and Design building, in the center of Central’s campus.

“Those Who Can Do” explores the scope and diversity of work that the UCO Art and Design faculty practice in contribution to their careers as full-time educators.

Reclaiming the quote, “Those who can’t do, teach,” the exhibit showcases a range of visual artwork, design images, prototypes and research posters.

“It is important to recognize the creative talent of UCO Art and Design faculty members,” said Kyle Cohlmia, curator of exhibitions at the Melton Gallery. “While the first priority of these educators

is to instruct and mentor our students, they are also professional artists and designers who have created, researched, and exhibited work on diverse and impressive scales.”

The show aims to demonstrate an aspect of faculty members’ identities that the Central community is rarely able to experience in a classroom setting. “’Those Who Can Do’ is a unique exhibit, as Art and Design faculty are debuting recent and new works, which give viewers a glimpse into their current creative process and what is to come from these individuals as professional artists,” Cohlmia explained.

The exhibit includes work by nine faculty members representing the Art Department and 13 from the Design Department.

“The diversity of UCO Art and Design faculty work is often individualized in solo or separate shows,” Cohlmia said. “With ‘Those Who Can Do,’ the Melton Gallery is excited to showcase the talent from these professors and instructors in one

collective exhibit.”

Light refreshments will be served at the reception, and artists will be present to provide more information about their work.

The Melton Gallery’s 2018-19 exhibit season will continue in September with the installation and performance of “Poetic Embroidery: Tales of Woah

by Kelly Rogers and Red Dirt Rug by Rena Detrixhe,” followed by the exhibition of “Flight of the Elephant: Works by Stacey Holloway” in October.

In November, the Melton Gallery will welcome a performance and artist Q&A by Paul Waddell. The semester will conclude with the Art Department’s senior capstone exhibition in December.

The Melton Gallery is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and on Fridays by appointment.

For more information about the Melton Gallery, visit www.meltongallery.com.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, please visit cfad.uco.edu.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

The 40th anniversary of the Edmond Elks Lodge saw a charter pin presentation by Jack Roper to the four remaining charter members of the group. Those members are, from left, Les Cummings, Tom Menasco, Jack Roper and Dr. D.J. Boyce.

Elks Lodge marks 40th anniversary

Earlier this month the Edmond Elks Lodge celebrated 40 years of community service with over 100 guests in attendance.

On August 16, 1978, 104 area residents stepped forward to be initiated into the Order at Bob and Mary McDowall’s Broadway Motor Inn just south of 33rd street on Broadway Extension.

Since that time 35 different Exalted Rulers have lead the Lodge to many State and National awards.

In 1983-84 and 93-94 the Lodge was recognized nationally as an All-American Lodge for its community service programs and growth.

Edmond Past Exalted Ruler, Leo Strong was the event chair and emcee for the evening and recognized many visiting dignitaries from around the state including Past Grand Exalted Ruler, Millard Pickering of Tulsa who lead the national organization during 2013-14.

Past State President, Jack Roper of Midwest City Lodge, presented charter member pins to the four remaining charter members of the Lodge including, Dr. D.J. Boyce, Tom Menasco, Dale Swiggett and Les Cummings.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American organization with no foreign Lodges.

To be eligible for membership, you must be a citizen of the United States over the age of 21 who believes in God. You must be sponsored by a member of the Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join.

The Edmond Elks Lodge is located at 5925 E Waterloo Rd, Edmond and its phone number is 405-348-8252.

The Lodge main hall is available for rental, has available RV rental spots and is readying its annual Giant Flea Market on Saturday, Oct. 13. Weekly dinners are served on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Page 14 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

Swimmer excels in both the pool and classroom Edmond swimmer Kellie Fischer, 18, of the American Energy Swim Club has been named a 2017-18 Scholastic All-American by USA Swimming.

Fischer is among 1,600 athletes nationwide being recognized for excelling both in the classroom and in the pool. To be considered for the award, swimmers must have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher during the year and achieved a 2017 Winter Junior National qualifying time. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for inclusion.

Fischer graduated as Salutatorian from Edmond Memorial High School in May, finishing her senior year with a 4.16 weighted grade point average.

She also achieved two qualifying times: a short-course time in the 100yard backstroke and a long-course time in the 100-meter backstroke.

"It means a lot to receive USA Swimming’s Scholastic All-American award because it recognizes hard work both in the pool and in the classroom,” said Fischer, who will swim for Florida Gulf Coast University this fall. “It is an honor, and I am humbled by this achievement."

Fischer currently holds three individual and two relay records for Oklahoma Swimming, as well as three relay records for Edmond Memorial.

She started swimming competitively

Kellie Fischer when she was six years old and is coached by AESC Head Coach Chris Van Slooten.

"Student-athletes are students first.

They must focus on their coursework so they can compete. It's no accident that those who strive to excel in the classroom also excel in their extra-curricular activities. Being recognized as a Scholastic All-American is the pinnacle achievement for a high school athlete,” Van Slooten said.

“This is a great honor for Kellie.

Over the course of her high school career, she strove to be the best in the classroom and in the pool. Her determination to excel will serve her well as a collegiate student-athlete," he said.

Optimism for Memorial cross country team

By Adam Kemp NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman Edmond Memorial is in the midst of a cross country rebuild.

Both in team and in building.

As construction began this summer on a new sports complex at Edmond Memorial, the Bulldogs cross country team has had to learn to live without a home track or locker room.

Coach David Sammons said the good news is that his runners are getting a proper warmup before each practice.

“We run over to Central Mid High to use their track,” Sammons said.

“We got spoiled down there with our own cross country locker room, and now we are stretching out in the gym lobby. It's a bit different, but our kids are taking it in stride.”

Sammons, who is beginning his 45th year in coaching this season, is excited by the influx of young talent his team has this year as the roster

swelled to more than 50 kids.

Though Edmond Memorial lost star runner and Class 6A individual champion Jed Helker from its secondplace team a year ago, Sammons said he thinks he still has some hardworking guys who are eager to compete.

“We don’t have a Jed unfortunately,” Sammons said.

“But it’s going to be more of a team effort this year, and I think we have some guys that will lead the way for us.”

Two of those guys are seniors in Alejandro Endres and Jay Kiefer.

Kiefer finished eighth overall at the state meet last year with a time of 16:16.46. Endres finished 24th overall.

“Jay came on really strong and had a tremendous track season for us,” Sammons said. “And Alex has really been a great leader and has really improved too.

See Memorial. Page 15

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 15

Actress Melissa McCarthy teams up with a Puppett private eye (voice of Bill Barretta) in ‘The Happytime Murders.’

PHOTO PROVIDED

Comedy fails to produce laughs

By George Gust “The Happpytime Murders” is a comedic send up to the Los Angeles Noir/Private detective movies of the past, only now with puppets.

When the puppet cast of an '80s children's TV show begins to get murdered one by one, a disgraced LAPD detective-turned-private eye puppet (voice of Bill Barretta) takes on the case. However, in order to solve the case he must enlist the help of his former partner Detective Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) who has a checkered past with the down and out puppet.

"The Happytime Murders" would have you believe it's an edgy raunchy comedy that takes an artistic medium meant for children and reframes it for adult audience, but in actuality it's a lazily executed noir comedy that wastes its interesting premise. Most of the movie tries its hardest to shock you with crude and over the top scenes of vulgarity involving puppets. There are a few bits in the movie that produce a laugh, but those few laughs come few and far between.

Comedy is a funny thing sometimes. "The Happytime Murders" on the surface looks like a wonderful showcase for its comedic star, McCarthy, but much like her recent career her performance in this movie is a grab bag full of successful bits and scenes that are aggressively unfunny. McCarthy has made her career off shocking and unapologetic comedy, but in this movie, she's characterized as unlikable and sophomoric.

However, her puppet companion, voiced by Barretta, gets the bulk of the laughs with his straight man delivery and some impressive and seamless

Memorial From Page14 “We are kinda building around them.”

Even with their track home demolished, Sammons said his team remains excited about the start of the cross country season.

“Team unity can pull things together,” he said.

“The construction has made things a little more challenging, but we are all together.”

Jay Kiefer

Alejandro Endres

puppetry that feels out of place in this mess of a movie. Speaking of wasted talent, seasoned comedic performers Maya Rudolph, Joel McHale and Elizabeth Banks are reduced to nothing more than a couple of scenes that leave no appreciable mark on the movie.

Ultimately, "The Happytime Murders" is a movie that never fulfills its full potential, never making it up to the standard of a noir knockoff or a shocking irreverent comedy. We've seen similar premises work on the big screen, in "Team America: World Police" and to a degree "Sausage Party," however "The Happytime Murders" is nothing more than a 90-minute, boring 'mystery' movie that is so obsessed with being crude and vulgar that it forgets to be funny. And while the puppetry in the movie is fantastic, it is certainly not worth sitting through the cringe worthy attempts at comedy.

"The Happytime Murders" is rated R for strong crude and sexual content and language throughout, and some drug material.

1 out of 5 stars

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FOOTBALL ACROSS 1. Hunk 5. Cough syrup amt.

8. "Scene one, ____ one" 12. Grand theft target 13. Broflovski of "South Park" 14. Polished surface of gem 15. Simpleton 16. A in A = b x h 17. Tarzan's swing rope 18. *Dream football destination 20. Medley 21. Olden-day Celts 22. *Mo. of NFL preseason games 23. Confine a river 26. Khufu's resting place 30. ____ Tsu 31. First little piggy 34. List of chores 35. *First black head coach to win Super Bowl 37. Computer network acronym 38. Rank 39. "... happily ____ after" 40. *Team conference 42. Dress like Ancient Greeks 43. What's left 45. *NFL teams play at least 8 games here 47. Slow-witted 48. Like Cinderella's ball gown 50. Blade in Litchfield 52. *Worth 6 56. "Madama Butterfly," e.g.

57. Mythological hominid 58. Annette Castellano on "The Mindy Project" 59. Evil one 60. ____ gum on a list of ingredients 61. Pains 62. Site of original sin 63. Opera-

tions 64. Fountain order DOWN 1. Cul de ____, pl.

2. Lululemon on NASDAQ 3. At the apex 4. Hispanic grocery and wine shop 5. Innsbruck's province 6. Lots and lots 7. Sound of thunder 8. *What fans do before the game 9. ____ bowl, Brazilian dish 10. Bingo-like game 11. 7th letter of Greek alphabet 13. Japanese theater 14. Miller's product 19. Went past 22. Sailor's "yes" 23. Village V.I.P. 24. Shade of violet 25. Fox crime drama, 2005-2017 26. "On Golden ____," movie

27. *"Go Pack Go" to Green Bay Packers?

28. "Pulling my leg," e.g.

29. Evade a ball 32. It binds 33. Little bit 36. *Playing field 38. "Bring back!" to Fido 40. Refrigerator sound 41. Jousting match participant 44. Parlor piece 46. Monster with nine heads, pl.

48. Get overcast 49. Saintly glows 50. Hightailed it 51. Blood component 52. Pizza for home, e.g.

53. *Home to Bengals 54. Join by heating 55. U.S. space agency 56. Schiller's poem

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

Meg Stangl of Okarche is being recognized as a significant woman in Oklahoma agriculture.

Ag tradition continues in Kingfisher County

Life’s lesson: Hard work ‘non-negotiable’

By Bryan Painter OKARCHE – What is it that for decades has made a child’s ear or nose itch so bad right when a sale barn auctioneer kicks into gear?

Meg Stangl’s father John Murphy, well aware of this mysterious power, had a rule when he took one or more his children to the sale.

“Dad always told us to sit on our hands,” Meg remembers more than 45 years later. “He didn’t want us to look like we were bidding.”

Stangl, who was raised on the Murphy Ranch in the tallgrass prairie up in the Osage, lives in Kingfisher County near Okarche where she and husband Greg Stangl have a wheat farm, with an emphasis on stocker grazing, along with a starter/grow yard.

The joy and the experiences within some trips is more the journey than the destination. Stangl’s story is a lot like that. What she lived and what she learned along the way is certainly a factor in who she is.

Early in the trip The ranch Stangl grew up on was established in 1896 by her great-

This is part of a continuing series of stories on Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture. The project is a collaborative program between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and Oklahoma State University to recognize and honor the impact of countless women across all 77 counties of the state, from all aspects and areas of the agricultural industry. The honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of industry professionals. grandfather Frank Murphy, in which the small town of Frankfort (where the ranch was located) was named after. His grandson John Murphy would take over in 1954 and four years later marry Linda. There they would raise four children Suzanne, Francis, Chris and Meg, who was born in 1963. On that cow/calf cow operation – which also included horses and a hundred or so ewes – Stangl learned that hard work was “non-negotiable.”

“Growing up it was just known that we all got up at the same time, had breakfast, and headed outside

with Dad,” she said. “I had a chestnut mare named Rosie.

She was special as my Granddad had bought her for me. I fondly remember the early mornings saddling up. Those early mornings were good times just visiting and watching the sun come up while heading to the pastures. My favorite times were when we worked the calves. I was in charge of giving the vaccinaPHOTO PROVIDED tions and keeping syringes Meg Stangl catching up on office work. full.” ranch plans and budgets for farmers Then there were the sale days. It and ranchers.” wasn’t just going to the sale barn In 2012, Stangl’s father passed café for burgers, fries and homemade away, and the ranch was passed to pies that made them special. Those Meg and her siblings, with her brothdays taught Stangl about not only ers actively operating the ranch raising cattle, but taking pride in today. those cattle.

“Not to brag, but Dad usually did Part of the journey very well with his black baldy calves “Marrying a farmer was all new to and the auctioneer always announced me,” said Stangl, having grown up in that the calves selling were from the a different area of the state on a Murphy Ranch,” she said. ranch. “I had to learn a lot.”

The children weren’t just observers Again, it’s part of the journey. This in raising cattle. is a journey they have taken with “When I was young, we fed cattle their three daughters, Molly, Amy small square bales of hay and 50and Catherine. pound sacks of cubes that we loaded This is a journey of taking quarters on the back of a flatbed pickup,” she of land that they own and renting said. “Daddy would put the truck in other acres of a Centennial Farm first gear and tell one of us kids to from Greg’s dad, who recently rehead towards a certain tree or fence tired. This is a journey of implementpost. We sat on a vinyl covered ing no-till or minimal tilling on much wooden box that Mom had made so of their land for not only conservathat we could see over the steering tion purposes, but to reduce equipwheel.” ment wear and fuel costs. They also Besides the hands-on work of the have their own feed mill and raise a ranch, Stangl became active in 4-H, variety of silage crops during the showing sheep, cooking, sewing, summer months. They retain ownerjudging livestock and taking on leadship of some of their stockers sendership roles. That passion for agriculing them on to feedlots, while others ture carried on to Oklahoma State are sold at local markets. They have University where she worked at the varied their operation in many ways OSU feed mill learning about animal and continue to evaluate those apnutrition and in the Agricultural Ecoproaches and look for others if nomics computer department. needed.

“By my senior year, I knew I wanted a career in the agriculture inStaying the course dustry and also be an ambassador for “As I stated earlier, I knew in colagriculture by volunteering with the lege I wanted to be an ambassador youth,” said Stangl, who graduated of the agriculture industry to the with an Agricultural Economics deyouth,” Stangl said. “I feel it is imporgree with an option in Farm and tant that all youth, whether rural or Ranch Management. big city, have a general understandAfter OSU she went to work for ing of agriculture. Therefore, when Stillwater National Bank where she the girls got active in 4-H and FFA, so eventually became a lender of small did I.” business and agriculture loans. In As if there is any time left in her 1999, Meg married Greg Stangl and days, Stangl is a member of the Holy moved herself and her, at that time, Trinity Catholic Church, a member of two young daughters, to his family the Oklahoma CattleWomen, a farm in Kingfisher County.

Meals on Wheels volunteer and a co“I started my own business of ordinator for the Okarche Girls State packaging SBA (Small Business Association) and USDA B&I (Business and Delegates.

In many ways this dedication to Industry) loans to be able to have the family, to the farm and to the time to be with our girls and help community – whether in business or Greg on the farm,” she said. “During as a volunteer – traces back to the this time, I also worked with the OSU Extension IFMAPS (Intensive Fi- start of the trip and the belief instilled by her father that hard work nancial Management and Planning was “non-negotiable.”

Support) program, doing farm and

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 17

Page 18 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

FAI to be holding auditions soon for ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.’ The FAI Jr. Theatre Company is preparing for the 2018 Fall Junior Theatre Production, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” Auditions for the Edmond Fine Arts production of this classic novel turned musical is Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Audition sign up is available through our website edmondfinearts.com. Children in second to 12th grades are invited to participate. An audition workshop (not required) will be Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. Enrollment in the audition workshop is available at edmondfinearts.com Under the capable direction of Performing Arts Director, Brent Pedersen, this production will entertain all ages. “Brent has a wide range of experience in acting, theater movement and education,” states Shannon Price, Executive Director of the Fine Arts Institute, “we are excited to add musical theater to our drama department and give children the opportunity to experience a variety of performing arts.” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” includes many classic songs like Toot Sweets, Me Ol Bamboo, Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain,

and of course the title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Cast members will have six weeks of rehearsals on Mondays and Thursday culminating in four performances. If cast, tuition of $220 is required which includes the costume fee. Performances on November 2nd-4th and will be a family event, appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $10 and go on sale in October.

The goal for the Edmond Fine Arts Institute’s theatre department is to help young people experience the arts through drama and to discover the world of expression. “The annual fall musical is always a fun event at Edmond Fine Arts. Excitement is high during that last week of rehearsals,” states Shannon. “Audiences of all ages love live performances.”

For over 33 years, the Fine Arts Institute has been Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization offering educational enrichment for adults and children in the visual and performing arts. Located at 27 East Edwards across for the downtown post office, the FAI is the place for all ages to discover, create and perform. For more information call 405-340-4481 or visit edmondfinearts.com.

Teen’s musical talent leads her to NYC & Carnegie Hall An Edmond teen this summer got the chance to showcase her talent in New York City of all places.

Jenna Carnine plays the clarinet (as well as saxophone) and had the opportunity to perform in an honors band this summer at Carnegie Hall in the Big Apple.

She was a member of the Oakdale School band in Edmond during her middle school career and played the clarinet for four years under the direction of Robert Scott, Oakdale’s Band Director. Jenna credits her talents and appreciation of music to the director.

Today Jenna is in her freshman year at Bishop McGuinness High School.

As a previous participant of various Oklahoma honors bands, Jenna received an invitation to audition for the Middle School Honors Performance Series in New York.

She was chosen to attend the fiveday program earlier this summer with other band, orchestra and vocal students who also performed at Carnegie Hall. That band included around 430 middle school students from across the United States, Canada, Taiwan and even one stu-

PHOTO PROVIDED

The honor band, composed of seventh and eighth graders, performing in the famed New York City entertainment venue, Carnegie Hall.

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This summer Jenna Carnine, right with glasses, was part of an honor band which played to a sold out house in Carnegie Hall. Jenna is 14 and now attends Bishop McGuinness High School.

dent from Isle of Man! Throughout the week, junior finalists were able to rehearse and work with renowned conductors. They were also able to see a Broadway show visit the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks and experience New York. The students performed to a sold out crowd. What made it even more memorable for Jenna was that she turned 14 the day after the performance.

“She truly feels lucky to have been part of such a special experience,” said her mother Julie Carnine.

Julie Carnine also noted the event took place at the same time as the NBA draft, being held in New York.

“Many of the draftees were staying in the same hotel where junior finalists were staying,” she said.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 19

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University of Oklahoma students teamed up with the Red Cross to make dozens of homes in the metro safer from fire danger.

Red Cross, OU partner in fire prevention effort

The American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma recently partnered with the University of Oklahoma MBA program to install more than 50 smoke alarms and teach families about home fire safety during the Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation event earlier this month in Oklahoma City.

“The day was a big success and an important step in helping educate residents about how to be safe if a fire should occur in their home,” said Brittney Rochell, Chief Communications Officer for the Oklahoma Region of the Red Cross. “We are grateful to everyone who supported this effort.”

Red Cross volunteers and the OU MBA students canvassed neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms, replacing batteries in existing alarms and helping families create escape plans. The partnership with the OU MBA program was made possible because of a Central and Southwest Oklahoma Board Member, Megan Allen.

“As a board member for the American Red Cross, and a representative of the OU MBA program, I was thrilled that our incoming MBA students had the opportunity to volunteer with Sound the Alarm as part of their orientation week,” Allen said. “The students were engaged, thoughtful, and passionate about giving back to the community adjacent to where they’ll be studying and making lifelong connections. Sound the Alarm provided a unique opportunity for students to work directly with community members to ensure as many homes as possible are equipped with functioning smoke alarms, which plays a huge role in homefire prevention. I’m proud to represent the OU MBA and the incredible services provided by the American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left, University of Oklahoma MBA students Cameron Lay, Beau Bost, Chad Rhoades pose as they head out to install free smoke alarms in the local community. OU MBA program partnered with the American Red Cross Central and Southwest Oklahoma chapter to install over 50 alarms in the local community. Along with installing alarms, teams worked with the home owners on fire safety tips and creating an evacuation plan to help

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OSU's Dr. Heather Fahlenkamp, a professor of chemical engineering, was a Phase 1 OCRID CoBRE core research project leader.

Okla. State gets $11.1 million to research respiratory disease The *National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $11.1 million to a major biomedical research center at Oklahoma State University to continue the work of more than 60 scientists from three research institutions in the state. OSU’s Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases (OCRID) received the grant to fund a second, five-year phase of the center’s research mission begun in 2013 when it was founded.

The funding comes from the NIH Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) program, which supports expanding biomedical research through recruiting and training investigators, developing core research facilities and carrying out cutting-edge research.

The grant funds pioneering research into a multitude of respiratory diseases

that sicken millions. OCRID researchers are working to better understand these diseases and develop vaccines and drugs to prevent infection, limit transmission, treat lung injury and avert related infections.

Infectious respiratory diseases are a worldwide public health burden. These diseases run the gamut from the common cold and strep throat to lifethreatening infections such as tuberculosis, influenza, pneumonia (the leading worldwide cause of death of children under 5 years of age), human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), infections that exacerbate such disorders as cystic fibrosis and many other illnesses.

OCRID includes OSU, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Cen-

See OSU, Page 20

Page 20 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Congressman visits Chamber

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com.

We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

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Jan Moran, Area Manager-External Affairs for AT&T, welcomes Oklahoma’s U.S. 5th District Congressman, Steve Russell, to the Edmond Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the new Edmond Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn on I-35 and Covell. Russell updated chamber members on activities in Washington D.C. and answered questions about upcoming legislation. AT&T was the presenting sponsor for the event.

PHOTO PROVIDED/JACCI GANTZ

Billye Peterson looks over a few items for the ESA Closet Sale for Edmond Charities.

ESA closet sale is Sept. 8 Come one and all. Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international philanthropic organization, Gamma Zeta chapter is holding a closet sale on Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 19524 Crest Ridge Drive at the clubhouse in the Stonebriar Addition which is off Danforth between Western and Santa Fe. Men and women’s clothing, plus shoes, purses and jewelry are several

of the items in the Closet Sale. The proceeds will be given to several Edmond charities. Mobile Meals, UR Special, All Things Baby, Coffee Creek Riding Stables, Free to Live, No Boundaries, Int’l, Boys’ Ranch Town, Project 66, and Salvation Army Night Watch are charities Gamma Zeta helps with volunteer hours and donations throughout the year.

OSU From Page 19 ter (OUHSC), the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). It administratively reports to OSU Vice President for Research Dr. Kenneth Sewell. The center is based at the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

“OCRID has put Oklahoma on the map in this critical area of medical research,” Sewell said. “Phase 2 funding from the NIH will allow researchers at OSU, OUHSC, OU and OMRF to accelerate their collaborations over the next five years, generating breakthroughs essential to understanding the causes and potential cures for devastating infectious diseases of the respiratory system.”

Dr. Lin Liu, OSU Regents Professor and Lundberg-Kienlen Endowed Chair

in Biomedical Research, has directed OCRID since its founding. The continuation of funding for the next five years is a significant milestone.

“Phase 1 has been transformative to the landscape of respiratory and infectious disease research in Oklahoma,” Liu said. “We want to be extraordinary in Phase 2 by continuing to mentor junior faculty, building infrastructure and promoting collaboration and thus developing a sustainable center of research excellence.”

Four core projects in its first phase highlight the OCRID CoBRE focus. At OSU, associate professor of virology Dr. Tom Oomens and colleagues are designing and testing a vaccine for HRSV, the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among children.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 21

State’s big banks post big profits

By Don Mecoy NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman Oklahoma banks produced record profits in the second quarter, with the state's largest banks continuing to pull in the lion's share of that income.

The state's 204 federally insured banks posted a combined net income of $426 million in the Aprilthrough-June period. That's a 12 percent improvement over the same period a year ago.

It's also the best second quarter on record for Oklahoma banks, according to numbers issued last week by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Roger Beverage, president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, said the banking industry is doing fine in Oklahoma.

"It looks like they're on track for a year of record earnings," Beverage said last week. "I don't expect it to turn anytime soon. I don't see anything on the horizon that causes me to think we can't keep a steady climb forward."

Just four Oklahoma banks failed to turn a profit in the second quarter, and two-thirds of state banks said their earnings grew.

The 78 smallest Oklahoma banks, each with assets of less than $100 million, posted a combined profit of $15 million, up from $13 million in the first quarter.

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The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, at 825 NE 13th St, in Oklahoma City, deeply values its donors as it continues its mission of life-saving research.

OMRF earns a four-star charity rating The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has once again received the highest-possible rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator.

This is the 16th time OMRF has received a four-star designation from Charity Navigator, recognizing the foundation’s demonstration of accountability, strong financial health and transparency.

Using publicly available financial information, Charity Navigator promotes intelligent giving by providing report cards for U.S. and international charities. The nonprofit organization measures performance in fund-raising efficiency, fund-raising expenses, program expenses, primary revenue growth, administrative expenses, program expense growth, working capital ratios and more. It then assigns each charity a score from zero to four stars so that donors have confidence when making a charitable gift.

“We take our fiscal responsibility to donors seriously,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “It’s tough

Grooms a banking school grad

added Grooms.

Keegan Grooms recently Grooms works on asset and graduated from the Graduliability management, budgetate School of Banking at ing, bank reporting, and regulaColorado (GSBC). tory compliance with the FDIC The Boulder-based school and state banking authorities. has been a trusted source He graduated with his Bachefor training leaders in the filor’s Degree in Finance from nancial industry since 1950.

Oklahoma State University and “Since joining our team as Grooms earned a Master’s in Business an intern in 2012, we have Administration from Oklahoma watched him grow, receive Christian University. accolades for his outstanding accomHe attended Edmond Memorial plishments, and now he has comHigh School, is a graduate of the Unipleted Graduate School,” said Sandy versity of South Carolina’s Graduate Bracken, CFO. “We could not be prouder and are excited to see what’s School of Bank Investments and Financial Management, holds a Certifinext for this outstanding young procate in Financial Management from fessional in his banking career,” Cornell University, and is a member added Bracken.

“I am so grateful to have been able of the Delta Mu Delta International to learn from an institution with such Honor Society and the Oklahoma Bankers Association Emerging Leada strong legacy,” said Grooms. “I can’t say enough how much I appreci- ers. In 2016, he was named to the NextGen Under 30 list of individuals ate that I work for a company like under 30 who demonstrate talent, First Liberty Bank, which gives me drive, and service to their communithe ability to enhance my banking ties sponsored by ionOklahoma Magknowledge by providing additional azine. education opportunities like GSBC,”

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Sense Float and Cryo Spa recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening at 6200 W. Memorial Road. Customers can relax, refresh and renew at Sense Float and Cryo Spa. Sense offers a state of the art Cryo chamber, a float tub, soaking tub and several other amenities. Floating was designed to help relax the body and free the mind. The Cryo chambers helps muscle tension reduction, muscle soreness relief, exercise recovery, better sleep and more. Sense also offers other amenities that help with relaxation and reducing stress. The spa is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. MondaySunday. Booking is now available online. For more information, visit www.sensefloatcryospa.com.

Group labeled as ‘Financially Efficient’ out there right now, which means less money to give and a lot of competition for it. So when people choose to support OMRF, we want them to know we use their gifts wisely by funding life-saving research on human disease.”

Since 2002, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a four-star rating.

As the largest charity evaluator in the nation, the organization evaluates more than 8,000 charities.

“We are proud to announce OMRF has earned our four-star rating. This indicates that OMRF adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets OMRF apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”

Page 22 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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The Oklahoma Political Science Association (OPSA) recently presented University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz with the Robert Darcy Lifetime Achievement Award, on Aug. 14 at the UCO Fall Forum. Pictured, from left, are OPSA members Louis Furmanski, Ph.D., chair of Central’s Department of Political Science; Robert Darcy, Ph.D., the award’s namesake; Brett Sharp, Ph.D., UCO political science professor and OPSA board member; past recipients of the award Rick Farmer, Ph.D., and Randall Jones, Ph.D.; Betz; OPSA President Christine Pappas, Ph.D.; and, Loren Gresham, Ph.D., former president of Southern Nazarene University.

Don Betz gets lifetime achievement award The Oklahoma Political Science Association (OPSA) recently presented University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz with the Robert Darcy Lifetime Achievement Award, on Aug. 14 at the UCO Fall Forum. Betz, who has served as Central’s president since 2011, is retiring in June 2019.

OPSA presents it lifetime achievement award to members who have made a significant and lasting contribution in leadership, research and mentorship. The association recognized Betz specifically for his outstanding contribution to political science and for his distinguished record of public service.

Betz is known for his excellence in teaching international relations and leadership, as well as practical application of his expertise. He worked with the United Nations, founding and chairing the International Coordinating Committee on the Question of Palestine (ICCP), a U.N.-affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) network pursuing peace in the Middle East based on U.N. resolutions.

Within Oklahoma, Betz has served as president of both Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah and UCO in Edmond.

“OPSA is proud to recognize one of our mem-

bers who has done so much for students in our state,” said OPSA President Christine Pappas, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science at East Central University.

“I have watched his career from his early days as a teacher at NSU. I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of the award than Don Betz,” said Bob Darcy, Ph.D., emeritus professor of political science at Oklahoma State University.

To learn more about OPSA, myopsanet.org.

To learn more about Betz, visit www.uco.edu/betz.

Edmond DAR Chapter attends Norman workshop

PHOTO PROVIDED

Members of Edmond’s Samuel King Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution participated in the state workshop in Norman last week. In addition to the business meetings of the Society, members attended forums on membership, chapter finances, course offerings, chapter dynamics, and chapter achievement. Pictured back row from left, are Andrea Aven, Chaplain General Pamela Rouse Wright, Honorary President General Lynn Forney Young, Vice President General Pat Miller McFall, Jeanne Westerhoff, Chapter Regent Gayle Demeyer, Mae Runyan, Nancy Doyle, Magen Runyan. On the front row are Honorary Chapter Regent and Chapter Librarian Sara Memmott, Chapter Historian Tammy Ross, Honorary Chapter Regent and Chapter Corresponding Secretary Rosalind Triplett, State First Vice Regent Teresa Cales, State Regent Sue Allen, Nancy Cotton.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 30, 2018 • Page 23

Tyson donation will end up providing 29,250 meals

Tyson Foods recently donated a semi-truck full of chicken products – 35,100 pounds - to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. This donation will provide 29,250 meals for chronically hungry children, seniors living on limited incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.

“The reality is any one of us could lose a job, face unexpected medical bills or experience other circumstances and suddenly struggle to keep food on the table,” said Sherri Johnson, senior specialist of social responsibility for Tyson Foods. “To think that one child, or an entire family, would go to bed hungry somewhere in our country is heartbreaking and to know how many do is unacceptable. This is happening right here in our

own backyard. Together, we can make a difference and help end hunger.”

Tyson Foods’ generous donation will be distributed through the Regional Food Bank’s network of more than 1,200 community-based partner agencies across central and western Oklahoma. With the support from companies like Tyson Foods, the Regional Food Bank is able to provide enough food to feed more than 136,000 Oklahomans living with hunger each week.

“We are so grateful to Tyson Foods,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

“This donation will go a long way in helping provide Oklahomans we serve with good, nutritious protein.”

Working together, we can end childhood

hunger in Oklahoma.

Thanks to a generous offer from the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, Lezlie and David Hudiburg, David Gorham and an anonymous donor, every donation to the Food for Kids Programs through Sept. 30 will be matched – up to $150,000. To make a donation, visit foodforkids.us or call 405600-3136.

Jesus House to have awards dinner Jesus House, Inc., a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless adults overcome mental illness and addiction, will host its third annual Be the Light Awards dinner on Sept. 20 at Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City.

The event will celebrate the organization’s 45th anniversary, while bestowing awards on three individuals and one area church congregation.

Those receiving Be the Light Awards include: n Meg Salyer, Ward 6 Oklahoma City Councilmember and president & CEO, Accel Financial Staffing n Members of Community of Christ, Edmond Those receiving Jim Edwards Volun-

teer Awards include: n Dede Outlaw, pastor, Discovery Church, Yukon n Tammy Akerman, principal, Akerman Investments, Oklahoma City Event tickets are $100 each and can be obtained by calling 405-2327164 or online at www.jesushouseokc.org.

---Jesus House, Inc. is a faith-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides more than 145,000 hot meals to homeless persons annually and offers a residential sobriety and life transformation program for homeless men and women who are diagnosed as having both a mental illness and an addiction problem.

Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am Animal Friendly Parish “If you have people who exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have those who deal likewise with their fellow human being.”

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • August 30, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure