Edmond Life and Lesiure - October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019 Vol. 20, No. 19

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

er nc ca st a re b by ed ct ffe a se o th s lp Prep team he Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

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

For more information, see page 4.

New service helps local authors See Page 4

PHOTO PROVIDED

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 AM Showers High 78° Low 66°

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 Scattered Thunderstorms High 81° Low 61°

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 AM Thunderstorms High 74° Low 54°

the m won over Edmond North in tea all yb lle vo l oo Sch h Hig l ria The Memo to help Project 31, which helps annual Pink Out game, played by breast cancer. patients and families affected Late last month brought more than a victory to Edmond Memorial Volleyball over crosstown rival Edmond North. The young women chose to highlight the work of Project 31 for the school’s Pink Out game.

In addition to a bake sale, the team passed the plate, asking attendees to donate to the nonprofit.

The team raised $900 to support

the services Project 31 provides.

Project 31 works to restore lives and families impacted by breast cancer through counseling, mentoring, support groups and providing “Handles with Care” gift bags that contain items frequently needed by breast cancer survivors. Founded by two-time survivor Sarah McLean, Project 31 is a faith-based organization here to focus on the reconstruc-

Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women.

About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise

awareness about the importance of finding breast cancer early. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms, and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this opportunity to spread the word about taking steps to detect breast cancer early.

tion that often needs to be done on the heart, spirit, and relationships with those closest to you throughout breast cancer and beyond.

The girls are passionate about giving back to our community as well as supporting women in need.

“We are all so blessed to play a sport we love and it feels really good to see these girls give back in such a big way,” said Coach Natalie Murray.

Here are just a few ideas: n Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.

Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms. n

Organize an event to talk with women ages 50 to 74 in your community about getting mammograms every 2 years. n

Page 2 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 3

Bronchos marking Homecoming 2019 this week UCO Invites Community to Homecoming Week Festivities, this week The University of Central Oklahoma invites the community to celebrate its 2019 Homecoming with a week of events.

This year’s theme is “Old, New, Bronze and Blue,” which celebrates new beginnings, by looking to what we have accomplished in our past.

Combining old traditions with new while still holding true to what Bronze and Blue truly is at Central.

The week’s events also benefit the community. Each year, students select a local nonprofit to support. This year’s beneficiary is Palomar, Oklahoma City's family justice center. During Homecoming Week, students will volunteer and collect donations and supplies for Palomar.

Events include Central’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Oct. 4.

The week’s events culminate Saturday, Oct. 5 with the Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. and the football game at 1 p.m. against the Fort Hays State University Tigers.

Additional Homecoming activities include: n Bronchtoberfest, 5-8 p.m., Oct. 3, The Patriarch, 9 E. Edwards St., Edmond: Kick off the weekend’s homecoming activities with fellow alumni and UCO Alumni Association Board members.

The first 100 registered attendees who arrive will receive their first drink for free.

Register at www.centralconnection.org/bronchtoberfest. n Cheer and Dance, 8 p.m., Oct. 3 and 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 4, Hamilton Field House: This year, Cheer and

County responding to safety concerns at metro school

By Kevin Calvey Okla. County Commissioner On our Sept. 11 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools to construct a bus road at John Marshall Middle School. Our road Calvey crew has been working hard and have already finished the base lift.

The project is scheduled for completion by early October. We hope that both parents and students (there are 900 students at John Marshall) reap the safety benefits from this bus pass project.

Oklahoma City Public Schools says the primary benefit of this project will be safety due to reduced conges-

tion. Student pickup and drop-off times (8:20-9:00 in the morning, and 2:30-3:00 in the afternoon) are especially crowded. The bus pass project will cut congestion in front of the school. Cars picking up students in the front of the school will be separated from busses. The bus loading will now be at the back of the school, with exits on the side streets.

This will allow buses to stay off the street in front of the school.

As always, I am very proud of the great work our road crew does throughout the county, in this case in OKC by contract. The John Marshall project is a prime example of the importance of a well-run infrastructure.

This project not only benefits the county but will improve the lives of our citizens at the school.

(Kevin Calvey is the District No. 3 commissioner for Oklahoma County.)

Dance will span two nights. Student organizations will compete for the title of cheer and dance champion. Admission is free for UCO students and $7.50 for all others. All attendees must have a designated ticket for the show to enter. To purchase tickets, visit www.uco.edu/homecoming. n Golden Bronchos’ Reunion Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Oct. 4, Nigh University Center, Ballroom A: The Alumni Association invites graduates, faculty and staff from 1979 or prior to join them for a complimentary reunion breakfast. Graduates from the class of 1969 will receive special recognition and a commemorative gift. Register at www.centralconnection.org/homecoming. n Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m., Oct. 5, UCO campus and downtown Edmond: Join the UCO community as it celebrates its history and Homecoming theme during the annual parade through downtown Edmond. n Homecoming Family Tailgate and football game, 10:30 a.m., Oct. 5, west of Wantland Stadium: UCO’s Alumni Association hosts its annual family-friendly tailgate with food, face painting, inflatables and more, before the Bronchos play the Fort Hays State University Tigers at 1 p.m. in Wantland Stadium.

Page 4 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

New program markets local authors We are growing our services here at Edmond Life and Leisure by offering a new computer-topress book publishing program. It is open now to writers who want their work edited with the same care given Ray Hibbard best-selling authors and who want help marketing their book. We have received enough requests for help by local authors to make the decision to add this service easy.

The new program is called Edmond First Edition (EFE). It shores up a critical gap currently in Print-on Demand (POD) models. POD models bank on quick-time technology, not on a timeconsuming deep dive into a manuscript to check for errors. Authors put so much of themselves into the writing of a book that they deserve a more extensive review of what will be in the public eye with their name on it.

EFE makes the deep dive. It turns an author's manuscript into a book that is press-ready and solid in editorial integrity from inside to outside, including cover artwork. And it offers this service at a cost lower and a quality higher than the customary POD editorial model.

Our goal is to give authors affordable help that puts them on a professional footing. We want authors to be confident that their book is editorially competition inside and out, as well as visually attractive from cover to cover. Our staff has close to 100 years of publishing experience and can walk an author through the process. What really makes this all possible is our partnership with one of the best book editors in the country. He lives in Edmond and an author will have personal access to his incredible talent and experience.

Richard M. Crum will serve as Editor-in-chief of the program. He served as a senior writer and book editor for National Geographic for more than 20 years. In addition, he is the founder and owner of The Editorial Annex (www.theeditorialannex.com).

The imprint of his publishing house appears on children's books, medical books, business-to-business books, and religious books.

Richard is a veteran writer, editor, publisher, and teacher. He brings to the EFE program world class editorial standards. Honestly, we would not have even considered adding this line of service to our business model with out the participation of Richard Crum. He is first class and offers new

Richard M. Crum and experienced writers the chance to have their work made ready to the highest standards in book publishing.

EFE considers a wide range of subjects. Fiction subjects include adventure, fantasy, history, juvenile, young adult, sports, western, science fiction, religious, children's stories and picture books, poetry collections. Nonfiction subjects include biography, business-to-business books, history, health, medicine, memoirs, sports, travel, animals, archeology, and art.

EFE provides 10 major editorial advantages over the POD model.

First: ONSITE TEAMWORK: EFE authors work on-site, face-to-face with an editor. Prior to starting the project, the author can interview the editor and decide if the editor is a fit for the project. In contrast, POD vendors choose the editor, a free-lancer online far removed from the author.

The author is screened from the editor. The author must discuss his or her work through a publishing consultant. This person is neither an editor nor a printer.

Second: PLANNING: At no extra cost, EFE devotes hours to help the author turn a book idea into a professionally written manuscript. In contrast, POD vendors offer no developmental editing.

Third: LEVELS OF EDITING. In addition to developmental editing, EFE edits a manuscript at the deepest level, the substantive level. At this level, each detail making up the manuscript's cornerstones — clarity, logic, style, and grace — is scoured for ac-

curacy. Syntax, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, transitions, tone, topic and thesis statements, as well as story development and content structure appropriate for fiction and non-fiction — these are just a few of the hundreds of elements to be checked for possible error. EFE puts every keystroke and element through the wringer. And at no extra cost.

Fourth: FREE REWRITES: EFE allows the author unlimited manuscript rewrites, galley rewrites, and production file changes at no extra cost.

The POD model puts a limit of one to three galleys to make changes. If more galleys are required, an extra fee kicks in. If an author wants to rewrite or make a change to a production file, the POD vendor applies extra charges. A POD charge can be as much as $50 per file plus $2 or more per correction.

Fifth: ACCURACY. EFE guarantees 100 percent editorial accuracy. POD vendors make no such guarantee.

The POD customary practice for catching errors fluctuates around 80 percent. This leaves 20 percent of the manuscript possibly riddled with mistakes. Such mistakes can destroy your credibility as an author, consultant or speaker. Each editorial error builds a reader's mistrust of the author. Such mistrust prompts the reader to think: If the book contains errors, so must the product the book is promoting.

Sixth: At no extra cost, EFE helps the author wordsmith the special sec-

tions of the book. For example, frontof-the-book data includes the copyright page, cataloging-in-data, table of contents, acknowledgments, foreword, preface, title page. Back-of-thebook data includes appendices, epilogue, and index. Most authors need help with the wording for these sections. POD vendors leave specialsection wording in the unassisted hands of the author.

Seventh: MARKETING. EFE promotes the author's book, including press releases, ads in Edmond Life and Leisure, book-signing dates, media interviews, speaking engagements. All of this at no extra cost.

Most POD vendors offer no marketing support. Those that do, limit the support to almost nil, unless the author is willing to pay more for an expensive marketing package.

Eighth: PRESS-READY MOCK-UP OF BOOK. A final mock-up of the book is printed out. The author can see the book's exact design inside and out, front and back cover artwork, and each page of the formatted text in its correct position. The mock-up gives the author and the EFE editor one last chance to check every element.

Ninth: PRINTING PRESS ADVICE. EFE helps the author evaluate all the press options available to print the book. POD vendors offer no such consultation. POD vendors use digital and Xerox presses, not traditional offset presses.

Tenth: PRINTER LIAISON. EFE supplies the author with a computer file ready to go directly either to a POD digital/Xerox printer or to a traditional offset printer. Which type of printing process to be used is the author's choice. If a POD press is chosen, EFE helps the author transfer the book file to the chosen POD vendor.

If the author chooses a traditional offset press, EFE connects with the offset printer. EFE guides the author through every step from pre-press production, through the press run, and to delivery of printed book.

We have a comprehensive pricing sheet that allows authors to select the services they require. If you have always had that book you wanted to write or have a book you need to get published to promote other parts of your business, our new product line will be helpful to you. For a free consultation about having your book project edited, designed, and made press-ready, contact Richard Crum.

Call today at 405-474-2114 or email Richard at crumo@cox.net.

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

Check out what’s inside! n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6. n Columnist weighs on on impeachment ......................................Page 10. n Citizen claims water rates are too high ......................................Page 11. n A festival which welcomes & wants dogs ..................................Page 13. n George Gust reviews animated family film ................................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Hospital program assures nobody dies alone..............................Page 16. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Account Executive Bryan Hallman bryan@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design April Burgess Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2019 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 5

Edmond attorney has hearing for judge’s post Attorney Jodi Dishman of Edmond, nominated for a vacancy on the federal bench in Oklahoma City, breezed through a hearing last week before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Dishman, whose practice has focused in recent years on defending big insurance companies in lawsuits, faced no questions about her career or legal views. Committee members aimed most of their questions at a judicial nominee from Missouri who has been a strong advocate against abortion.

Dishman was nominated by President Donald Trump to fill the vacancy created when U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange took senior status in the district that includes Oklahoma City and western Oklahoma.

The nomination must be approved by the Judiciary Committee and the full Senate.

Dishman, a shareholder at McAfee & Taft in Oklahoma City, was unanimously rated well-qualified for the judgeship by the American Bar Association.

U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, appeared at the meeting on Wednesday, endorsing Dishman as “extremely well qualified.”

“She is a reputable attorney,” Lankford said.

“She has an excellent reputation in Oklahoma, and we are grateful that she has accepted to be able to go through this long, arduous process to be able to serve on a federal district court in the Western District of Oklahoma.”

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, submitted a statement calling Dishman “an exemplary attorney with an extensive career in complex judicial cases.”

According to a written questionnaire submitted to the committee, Dishman notified Lankford and Inhofe in 2017 and again in 2019 that she was interested in being considered for a federal judgeship.

From Oklahoman.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

U.S. Senator James Lankford, R-Edmond, visits with Edmond attorney Jodi Dishman last week. She underwent a hearing before a Senate committee. She is being considered for a federal judge’s post.

Free trees offered Beginning now, Edmond Electric and The Arbor Day Foundation are teaming up again to bring our community the Energy-Saving Trees Program.

This program offers free trees along with an easy-to-use online mapping tool to take the guesswork out of tree planting. By entering simple information about your home and yard, the tool calculates where to strategically plant trees for the greatest energy-and money-saving benefits. To date, Edmond Electric has given out 1,056 free trees to residents which results in 1.7 million kWh reduction*.

“Edmond Electric recognizes the importance of trees for health and quality of life, and they can also help lower energy costs,” said Community Relations Coordinator, Jessica Lyle.

“Planting the right tree in the right place will not only lower energy costs, but will provide comfort for families for years to come.”

There will be 150 trees available to Edmond Electric customers only. Residents will be able to reserve a free

tree beginning Monday, September 30 by visiting www.arborday.org/edmondelectric.

Trees will be available for pickup at Bickham - Rudkin Park located at 33rd & Rankin from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 or 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Residents who took advantage of this program in April 2019 will need to wait at least one distribution before reserving another tree.

Available species include Nuttall Oak, Brandywine Maple, Swamp White Oak, Profusion Crabapple, Cedar Elm and Kanzan Cherry (one tree per customer/household).

For additional information, or help with website difficulties, please call 1855-234-3801.

Page 6 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

What’s Happening This Weekend Oct 3 - 6 Thursday, Oct. 3 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- Western Dressage Association World Finals ---- Max Brallier Book Signing ---- 4th Annual International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- FrightFest ---- Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival Friday, Oct. 4 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- Western Dressage Association World Finals ---- 4th Annual International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference ---- EdFest ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- FrightFest ---- Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival ---- First Capital Quilters Guild Quilt Show ---- Quilting Harvest Quilt Show ---- Josh Abbott Band in Concert ---- Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale ---- Oklahoma Regatta Festival ---- Chris Stapleton in Concert ---- Day Out with Thomas Saturday, Oct. 5 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- Western Dressage Association World Finals ---- 4th Annual International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference ---- Holy Trinity Lutheran School 5K ---- UCO Homecoming 2019 – Old, New, Bronze & Blue ---- Classic Country Revue ---- Kids Take Over The Cowboy: Little Buckaroos Round-up ---- Special Exhibition Tour ---- All Things Fall ---- Fall Clay ---- Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- FrightFest ---- First Capital Quilters Guild Quilt Show ---- Quilting Harvest Quilt Show ---- Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale ---- Oklahoma Regatta Festival ---- Day Out with Thomas ---- Guthrie Maker Days ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: The Voyage ---- OKC Ghost Tour Sunday, Oct. 6 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- Western Dressage Association World Finals ---- OkBride Edmond Fall Bridal Show ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Day Out with Thomas ---- FrightFest ---- Oklahoma Regatta Festival Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Sandy Springer; for information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com Edmond Farmers Market Location: Festival Marketplace & Plaza Extra Info: Free admission; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; for more information go to: edmondOK.com Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program Location: 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse Extra Info: 6-7 p.m.; Free; for more information visit them on Facebook

Western Dressage Association World Finals Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: for more information visit westerndressageassociation.org First Capital Quilters Guild Quilt Show Location: Logan County Fairgrounds, Guthrie Extra Info: for more information visit First Capital Quilters Guild Show on Facebook Quilting Harvest Quilt Show Location: Logan County Fairgrounds, Guthrie Extra Info: for more information visit Quilting Harvest Show on Facebook Max Brallier Book Signing Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 6 – 7:30 p.m.; For more information visit them on Facebook 4th Annual International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: $40-$125; for more information go to Facebook EdFest Location: Edmond Mobile Meals Extra Info: 6-9 p.m.; Free; for more information visit edfestokc.com Holy Trinity Lutheran School 5K Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 8:30-10:30 a.m.; 5K run & walk and 1-mile kids fun run, for more information go to edmondok.com UCO Homecoming 2019 – Old, New, Bronze & Blue Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook OkBride Edmond Fall Bridal Show Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: 1-4:30 p.m.; for more information visit Facebook All Things Fall Location: Edmond Fine Arts Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; for more information go to edmondfinearts.com Fall Clay Location: Edmond Fine Arts Extra Info: 1 – 3:30 p.m.; for more information go to edmondfinearts.com Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival Location: Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area, Guthrie, OK Extra info: for information go to oibf.com Oklahoma Regatta Festival Location: Boathouse District, OKC Extra Info: for more information go to riversport.org Guthrie Haunts Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie Extra Info: for information go to guthriescaregrounds.com Classic Country Revue Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 9 p.m.; for more information visit riverwind.com Special Exhibition Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 1 – 2 p.m.; for more information visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Kids Take Over The Cowboy: Little Buckaroos Round-up Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; for more information visit nationalcowboymuseum.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 7

Tealridge Open House The Tealridge Retirement Community for seniors celebrated new ownership and new property improvements last week during an Open House. Also on hand were resources for seniors, left. The center is at 2100 N.E. 140th St. in Edmond.

ABOVE -- The featured speaker last Thursday was Dean Blevins, a sports television anchor and former quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners.

For more information please call 405-347-8381 or www.tealridge.com.

MELINDA INFANTE

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Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 9

Volleyball Conference Champions PHOTO PROVIDED

The Sequoyah volleyball team beat their rivals, Summit Middle School, over the weekend in the finals to win Volleyball Conference Champions. Their season record was 17-1. This is the first Conference Championship for their head coach, Emily Sardis.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Board members Nancy Landrum and Pati Burns pose with latest Free Hearing Aid Raffle Winner Mary Mast.

Hearing loss group schedules speaker Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA) is proud to announce the program schedule for the 2019-2020 year. Dr, Jace Wolfe lead off the new year with a discussion of how hearing loss is related to dementia and other cognitive disorders.

The Oct. 17 meeting will feature Jill Oliver, DRS, discuss how Oklahoma takes care of our citizens with disabilities. In November, Miss America, Jane Jayroe Gamble will bring a message of gratitude and hope to the chapter. December holds a traditional Christmas party with pie & cookie baking contests and gifts galore. January will be a Town Hall meeting to update the membership with changes in HLAA and local events. February’s speaker will be Jack McMahan, the ADA director of the city of Norman, who will discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how Oklahoma is shaping up. Dr. Patricia Burke, Oklahoma's manager of Newborn Hearing Screening will speak to the group in March. Dr. Suzanne Kimball will talk about tinnitus & noise exposure in April and May will round out the season of speakers with Alex Freedman, the voice of OKC Dodgers Baseball. Batter up!

“Our meetings are the perfect place for Oklahomans trying to live better with hearing loss,” said Ana Covey, Chair. “Whether you are shopping for your first hearing aid, need more advice on implants, or looking for friends who understand, our chapter is ready to help.”

The Central Oklahoma Chapter has made major changes this year including a new location and time, as well as adding a free light lunch and opportunities to win a free pair of hearing aids. The HLAA meets on the third Thursday each month at the from 11:30 AM - 1PM at the Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th Street. The free monthly meetings are captioned, and are open to the public.

For more information, visit the website at okchearingloss.org.

Page 10 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Buckle

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side state’s mental health up everyone Improving could help homeless situation I think what’s a bit disturbing for me

There has been some interesting news coming out of Washington D.C. lately.

I don’t understand the alleged violation by the president, which has led to the latest impeachment Steve Gust effort. Then again, I’m certainly not a legal expert.

It’s interesting to see his opponents utter the phrase “no one is above the law.”

I didn’t hear that too many times from the same folks during the Clinton impeachment. Lots of people appear to be above the law.

I don’t want to get into the full list but suffice it to say I doubt Congress would have legally forgiven me if I had deleted e-mails they subpoenaed. Plus we have about 20 million people here illegally, who appear to be above the law.

An impeachment effort is a long and complicated procedure. This will, undoubtedly, suck the air out of many other issues facing Congress and the nation.

It could even zap some attention from the Democratic Party presidential primaries.

is to see the national press openly picking sides.

I kept waiting last week for the CBS News to show the clip where Joe Biden talks about threatening to withhold $1 billion in foreign aid to the Ukraine unless they fired a government official. I never saw CBS air it and, I could be wrong, but I doubt they showed it at NBC, ABC or most of the other cable news networks.

Buckle up everyone. Bound to be one bumpy ride from here on out.

---On a much different subject, Major League Baseball opens its postseason this week.

It’s sad to see baseball lose some of its luster and popularity over the years.

Although the sport did it to themselves with some of the player strikes in the past.

I still have fond memories as a kid, when people would bring transistor radios to school or work to listen to the World Series.

Sometimes at school they actually would wheel in a television to follow the action. Then baseball scheduled most of the games at night.

It just wasn’t the same after that.

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

By Madison Nee According to the 2019 Point in Time Report, there are 1,273 people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City, an increase of 8% from last year. This includes than 100 veterans, more than 70 families and almost 90 unaccompanied youth.

Considering over half a million people reside in the city, it's easy to ignore the small number of citizens without a home.

However, an entire community can experience consequences of homelessness such as an increased risk of disease outbreaks and a higher burden placed on public services. Due to the risk factors associated with homelessness and especially because of the increase seen in Oklahoma City, this isn't an issue to be disregarded.

To put a decline in the fluctuating percentage of

The cartoon is being reprinted

homeless people within the city, attention needs to be turned to a solution that can prevent homelessness altogether: improved mental health services.

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability, according to the Mayo Clinic, so when someone becomes disabled due to untreated, poor mental health, they are no longer able to seek and maintain employment. Besides being disabling, mental illness can cause problems in personal relationships, physical health and substance abuse, which can isolate a person from their support groups and require large amounts of money for rehab facilities and medical treatment.

The Point in Time Report stated that 31% of homeless people in Oklahoma City are living with mental illness. Having no support system, financial troubles or coping with

substance abuse make it almost impossible to carry out daily activities required to earn a stable income and maintain a household.

However, most plans to combat homelessness focus on providing affordable housing and employment services. While these solutions deliver immediate and effective results in reducing the homeless population, the focus should be on efficient prevention of the issue to ensure that it does not reoccur.

A study on homeless and housed (below the poverty line) youths of Worcester, Massachusetts, was done to examine mental illness, mental health service use and homelessness. The study found that 32% of homeless and housed youths exhibited a mental disorder, and 20-35% had used mental health services. The study showed that the prevalence of mental illness among the sample was high, but use of services was low. This could be due to lack of knowledge of mental health services, the stigma about mental health in today’s society, or the absence of resources to use the services.

If OKC wants to see a decline in the percentage of the homeless population, different action plans need to be placed.

Not only should public health officials focus on one of the most vulnerable groups within our community, they should focus on implementing mental health services that will prevent future families, veterans and children from experiencing homelessness. This can be done with increased awareness, the destigmatization of mental disorders, and the increase of resources that can be used by our population.

Nee is a community health/pre-medicine major at OU.

Lankford fighting for lower drug costs

By Senator James Lankford (Republican-Edmond) Most Americans are affected in some way by rising prescription drug and healthcare prices.

Whether you’re personally impacted or hear about the effects of rising costs on a family member or friend, you know things aren’t getting better.

The Senate Finance Committee, on which I serve, started working Lankford this year on a series of hearings to better understand the complexity of drug pricing, especially in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. We’ve heard from pharmaceutical experts, federal regulators and patients. I’ve been surprised at the bipartisan common ground we’ve

been able to achieve toward solutions in lowering prescription drug costs.

To lower prescription costs, we should start with how they’re priced. Many people are comfortable interacting with their doctor or pharmacist and have a general understanding of the insurance that covers some of the cost and the drug companies that develop and sell the drugs. But the other component to drug pricing is the pharmacy benefit manager working behind the scenes to negotiate prices and determine access to the federally approved drugs covered by insurance plans.

PBMs are not inherently bad. They were created to advocate for lower prices throughout the system. But the negotiations behind the scenes can sometimes leave patients paying higher prices or restricting access to the latest generic. For example, a patient may have taken a brand-name drug

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

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

that now has an available generic. Once the generic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and a doctor prescribes it, patients should reasonably expect to pay a lower price for the generic at the pharmacy. But sometimes patients discover the new generic costs the same as the brand-name drug. How does that happen?

In Medicare Part D, there are typically five tiers of drug prices within the insurance market that dictate the formulary for the costs patients pay at the pharmacy. When a new drug comes to market, the drug manufacturer negotiates with the Part D plan through the PBM to get the new drug into circulation and gain market share. After a period of time, that drug can also be produced in generic form, which usually costs significantly less. However, if you’ve found yourself paying brand-name prices for a new generic, it’s probably because the drug company negotiated the drugs into the same tier. So the patient pays the same price at the counter, but the PBM gets a “rebate” from the branded-drug company for helping block the new competition.

That’s not how it’s supposed to work.

In an equally concerning development, PBMs, many of which own a massive network of retail pharmacies, have been merging with insurers. This has decreased competition and limited consumer choice and access to certain drugs. Currently, three PBMs control nearly 80% of market share and that’s growing. When companies vertically integrate in the manner in which PBMs, insurers and big-box retail pharmacies have, consumers lose.

In April, Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck

See Lankford, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 11

Remembering the late-T. Boone Pickens

PHOTO/Gary Lawson, OSU Brand Management)

Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks during OSU's Celebration of Life for T. Boone Pickens held last week at Oklahoma State University. The successful businessman and financier died Sept. 11. Pickens was a big donor to Oklahoma State, giving millions over the years.

Edmond water rates are simply too high EDITOR: Your article in the Sept. 26, 2019, issue (“A look at Edmond’s Water Bills,” From the Publisher column) is a good explanation of the increase in water consumption, but the summer consumption is only part of the problem.

It totally ignores the fact that the city raised the water rates in November 2018, February 2019, and has one scheduled for November 2019.

That is THREE water rate increases in a 12-month period. The City blames it all on consumption, never mentions the annual water rate increases that have been occurring since 2010 +/-. In fact our water rates are 45 percent higher than OKC before the Feb 2019 rate increase. (COE Wilburn Rate study, dated Jan 2019, Table ES1, Page 4, OKC 10K Gallons, $45.40, COE 10K Gallons, $65.61.)

Edmond has the highest water rates (other than Nichols Hills), highest electric rates, and reportedly the highest waste water rate in the area. This is the major reason our bills are higher year round, not the increase in consumption that makes it noticeable in the summer.

The city, in your response, and in Channel 4, Channel 9, and Fox 25 only talks about consumption. I would like to see the city talk about its very high utility rates, what is it going to do about them to bring them to a regional competitive level. Utility rates (and profits) should not be a nonvoted tax on the Edmond citizens and ratepayers.

Mayor O’Neil, as one of his first ac-

The city raised the water rates in November 2018, February 2019, and has one scheduled for November 2019.

Letter to the Editor tions as Mayor, attempted to get the Public Works Committee Expanded from three (2 Council Member, 1 At Large) to five members, to include some business people on the committee. (This is one of only two city committees that has three people on it, Finance and PWC. Yet they deal with the biggest financial issues of the city.)

The City Manager recommended against it. The Mayor’s effort failed, for lack of a motion. I never heard what the City Manager’s reason(s) were.

However, the past history has been that the PWC considers these rate issues in a “work session” with the council, there is no citizen participation as this is not a council meeting, and the rates are then pretty much a consent issue on the EPWA part of the Council agenda. Not exactly conducive to public knowledge or input.

I could go on for a while, but this is already too long. There is a lot of history here, this is only a brief overview.

I have worked in Publicly owned utilities in three different states.

This issue is not going away, it is a big deal on the social media.

ROLAND DAWSON

Lankford From Page 10 Grassley (R-Iowa) and I introduced the bipartisan Prescription Pricing for the People Act, which requires the Federal Trade Commission to study recent PBM mergers that have created an anti-competitive environment in the drug industry.

On July 25, I joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Phair Relief Act, Transparency for Pharmacists Act and the Right Price for Medicare Act. I have heard from Oklahoma pharmacies that want to provide price transparency to patients, but they are limited in how they can respond by PBM fees, rules

and cost issues. We can help fix this anti-competitive mess and improve financial certainty for pharmacies.

These bipartisan bills are a step in the right direction.

We can and should find ways to ensure drug companies have the resources they need to find the next lifesaving drug or treatment. We can and should ensure patients can afford those treatments without declaring bankruptcy. Market-based solutions for pricing coupled with regulatory solutions for transparency can help increase drug options for consumers at affordable prices.

State senate leader applauds Governor’s fiscal oversight move Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat commended the governor’s move to increase oversight of state agencies’ pursuit of federal grant money.

The governor last week issued an executive order that according to the Governor’s Office “requires state agencies, boards or commissions to first submit any grant application for review to the office of the Governor and for approval by the Secretary of Budget before the agency’s final submission to the funding source.”

Treat previously sponsored legislation establishing an office to track federal grant money at the state level, but the bill was vetoed during the previous administration.

“This is a bold and exciting move from Governor Stitt that will increase accountability and transparency of the entirety of all state agency budgets,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Federal dollars make up a significant portion of the funds spent by state agencies. And many state agencies are not accountable to the governor, the Legislature, or the people so there’s not enough oversight in their pursuit of federal money.”

“It has been far too common in the past for an agency to apply and receive a federal grant, expand services beyond their core mission, then come to the Legislature to fund that programming when federal money is cut off.

Having a centralized source in the governor’s office will help end that bad practice.

It also gives Oklahomans a better sense of accountability in how agencies seek federal funds and for what purposes.”

Page 12 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 13

First Friday Gallery Walk set for Oct. 4 As Oklahoma’s first arts district, the Paseo Arts District continues to grow with restaurants, galleries and retail.

The community is invited to the First Friday Gallery Walk every month, rain or shine. Galleries and shops stay open late, and the evening marks the opening of new exhibitions each month. This month’s walk is Friday, Oct. 4, 6 to 9 p.m.

The Oklahoma Pastel Society began in 2003 and was organized for the benefit of providing members with educational opportunities through monthly meetings and semi-annual workshops.

Member artists enjoy getting their hands dirty while painting and spend a good amount of time working to improve. Their small works show in the Paseo Art Space Oct. 4-26 will feature a wide variety of representational work including landscapes, still life and animals created by artists dedicated to the art of pastel. “We are thrilled to host 20 of Oklahoma’s finest pastel artists as they come together from all over the state to show in the Paseo Art Space,” says Amanda Bleakley executive director of the Paseo Arts Association. To learn more about OPS, please visit okpastel.org.

Enjoy a live music performance by Casey & Minna, a local fiddle and guitar duo who perform folk, contemporary pop, oldies and original music, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the red “Flamenco” sculpture at the center of the district. Casey & Minna began their musical journey together as a raucous big string band and whittled it down to just the family, often playing unplugged and strolling to meet the needs of venues, audiences and themselves.

Mekong Spice food truck will be serving authentic Thai and Lao cuisine. Egg rolls and pork satay are a couple of menu favorites; don’t miss out!

Their menu items pair nicely with libations from The Big Friendly Craft Beer Bus, exclusively pouring COOP Ale Works. Stop by Growe Flower Truck to create your own summer bouquet; 10% of their proceeds from the evening will go to Rainbow Fleet. Country Girl Kitchen will be selling her delicious homemade loaves of bread and cinnamon rolls outside of Betsy King. A Shoe Boutique.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

This Saturday will make ‘Pets on Paseo,’ in the metro’s Paseo Arts District.

At this metro festival please make sure to bring your pets As Oklahoma’s first arts district, the Paseo Arts District continues to grow with restaurants, galleries and retail. On Saturday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Paseo merchants are celebrating the art district's adoration of their canine clientele with the inaugural Pets On Paseo, which is free and open to the public.

Coinciding with the Paseo Farmers Market, this district-wide event will invite pets and their humans to a series of pet-focused events such as a themed costume contest, vaccination clinic, adoption centers organized by Pet Angels, doggie makeovers, and a scavenger hunt sponsored by Wag House in Little Market Paseo. Pets On Paseo is part of Shoppes on Paseo, a subsidiary of the Paseo Merchants Association that focuses on free

community events celebrating the legacy of the historic district.

Named by Forbes as one of America’s most transformed neighborhoods, the Paseo is a vibrant, self-sustaining arts district, which was the first of its kind in Oklahoma City. As the catalyst for this neighborhood’s revitalization, the Paseo Arts Association established the monthly First Friday Gallery Walk, where galleries offer special exhibitions, refreshments, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment to the public. First Fridays are one of several ways the Paseo helps to bring the arts closer to the lives of its community members.

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

Part of the Tolar artwork to be displayed

Page 14 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Vibro Kings were part of the entertainment late last month with the latest edition of the Heard on Hurd street party in Edmond.

Crowd again has a blast at Heard on Hurd In late September, the Edmond and surrounding communities came together to help celebrate six seasons of Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd – a community street festival that has been showcasing local food, local retail, local music and local people since 2014.

Heard on Hurd welcomes new food and retail vendors to every event. This month festival goers enjoyed shopping from the Pearl Boutique, and enjoyed delectable treats from Daisy-Mae’s, Junction Coffee Tiny House, and Big Biang Theory.

"Heard on Hurd is an amazing event for foodies and food truckers, it amazed us the amount of people that wanted to try our new and unique concept. The crowd was very intrigued to what we are serving. We hope to come back every month!" said Co-Owner of Big Biang Theory, Davy Sangouanesy. “For a first time vendor at Heard on Hurd, we didn’t know what to expect. What we know was, the public was very welcoming to our

food concept. Not everyone does hand-pulled noodles, and I don’t think anyone thought of doing it from a food truck. The environment was perfect for us, Heard on Hurd helped us in more ways than we could ever imagine”.

This month’s featured local nonprofit was the Edmond Women’s Club.

“Edmond Women’s Club (EWC) had a blast at Heard on Hurd this past Saturday! EWC is a volunteer organization comprised of community-spirited women who combine their talents to promote the cultural, civic, educational and community efforts of the City of Edmond.” Said Denise Roberts, President of EWC. “Being the featured non-profit organization allowed EWC to meet other community minded women who like us, are eager to use their talents to help local non-profits and promote the City of Edmond. We also had the chance to spread the word about our upcoming Pub Crawl in downtown Edmond on October 25th and our An-

nual Gala on February 15th”.

There is only one more Heard on Hurd left in the 2019 season. Be sure to visit the intersection of Broadway and Hurd on October 19th for the season finale celebration of all things local.

To find out more about the event, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

—— About Citizens Bank of Edmond Citizens Bank of Edmond continues to operate on the same downtown Edmond intersection where it was founded in April 1901. The independent $290-million-asset institution is a leader in community banking, providing commercial and consumer financial services with a focus on building the community using innovative techniques like inventing Cash Mobs, powering Heard on Hurd, providing co-officing space and launching an unmanned bank. For more information, visit www.citizensedmond.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Proudly having a visible presence at the last Heard on Hurd were members of the Edmond Women’s Club.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The food trucks at Heard on Hurd remain a popular attraction.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 15

Featuring an adorable magical Yeti named Everest, ‘Abominable’ is a fun family animated adventure from Dreamworks studios.

PHOTO PROVIDED

An adorable animated family film

By George Gust “Abominable” is the latest feature length animated film from Dreamworks.

When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family to Mount Everest. However, the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of a wealthy man (Eddie Izzard) intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help the young Yeti reunite with his family.

In my mind Dreamworks Animation has built a reputation for producing movies that are generally more aimed at younger kids in opposition to the headier mature themes that Pixar seems to be aiming for. When you hear of another big foot/Yeti animated movie and from the studio that brought you the gibberish slapstick “Minion” & “Despicable Me” movies you might think that “Abominable” is going to be another goofy adventure featuring silly characters. However, what we have in “Abominable” is a thoughtful, beautifully designed family adventure that eschews Dreamworks’ usual snarky tone for an optimistic and sentimental one.

The building blocks of the story of “Abominable” will undoubtable be familiar to you, as the film’s plot features a pretty routine ‘girl finds magical creature-adventure ensues’ storyline, but the straightforward and earnest way the film is told is a sign of a movie that knows what it is. The comedy in “Abominable” is subtle and used sparingly to good effect. Whereas some animated films can

Singer to be at Arcadia Midwest City singersongwriter Joe Baxter and other acoustic musicians will provide Morning Music on Oct. 5 at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn, said the ensemble will likely include some of his friends who will be staying in Guthrie during the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival.

Musicians from across the country reserve spots at the campground and hold jam sessions, often playing until the early hours of the morning.

Morning Music is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday in the downstairs museum of the nonprofit Round Barn. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

The barn is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about live music, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.

fall into the trap of trying too hard to be funny, at the expense of the story, “Abominable” only falls into this territory a few times, which ultimately felt appropriate in order to keep the younger children interested in the film’s proceedings.

Overall, “Abominable” is an adorable family adventure that features beautiful animation and an emotional storyline that is surprisingly earnest.

And while the pacing of the movie picks up towards the middle the film could have done better by giving some of their character and plot moments more time to breathe, as some of the beats felt like they came and went with little punch.

However, the brisk pace ultimately worked in its favor, as the 1 hour 37-minute running time works well to get keep the youngsters’ attention. “Abominable” is anything but, and is a safe and cozy animated film that the whole family can enjoy.

“Abominable” is Rated PG for some action and mild rude humor.

3.3 out of 5 stars

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SCARY MOVIES ACROSS 1. Will alternative 6. Put into service 9. Ball on a string 13. Conversation starter 14. "Platoon" setting 15. "Four" prefix 16. Macaroni shape 17. Dunk value 18. *"The Dark Knight" star 19. *Marion Crane stops at a motel 21. *Eccentric scientist teleports himself 23. Sonny and Cher, e.g.

24. *What "The Swarm" attackers do 25. Hot tub feature 28. Think, archaic 30. Kentucky Derby sound 34. *"American Psycho" weapon, pl.

36. Andy's radio partner 38. Dished out 40. Drunkard 41. Type of turn, pl.

43. Spare in a trunk 44. Pore in a leaf 46. Straight out of bottle, as in whiskey 47. Port of Yemen 48. Angry growl 50. Whiskey grain, pl.

52. Is in Paris 53. "What a ____!"

55. Car nut 57. *Chris Washington meets his girlfriend's family 60. *Girl bullied at school 63. Type of renewable energy 64. Caviar 66. Abstains from food 68. Opposite of binary 69. Barley bristle 70. Web mag 71. Department store department 72. *Sematary resident 73. Saw

again DOWN 1. *"____-Wolf of London" 2. Counseling, e.g.

3. Priestly vestments 4. Frank Wright's middle name 5. Showing cleavage 6. "Do ____ others..."

7. *Photographer and oncologist trapped by Jigsaw 8. Bring character to life 9. Bone to pick 10. And others 11. Pretentiously artistic 12. Morse Code dash 15. Like Murder Mystery Party 20. Pertaining to hours 22. Type of farm house 24. Two for the price of one deals 25. *It terrorized Amity 26. Highway departures 27. Part of mortise joint 29. *Boy brings grief to adoptive parents, with The 31. 9th letter of Greek alphabet

32. Move like on ice 33. *Jack Torrance's catchphrase "____ Johnny!"

35. "Brave New World" drug 37. Don't go 39. Fender-bender damage 42. Funerary art form 45. Weapon storage 49. Romanian money 51. The Beach Boys' "____ Girl" 54. Seatbelt, e.g.

56. Feed in a meadow 57. *"____ Girl" 58. Panache 59. Before feathers 60. One tenth of a dime 61. a.k.a. The Islamic State 62. Tallest volcano in Europe 63. Math class total 65. Be in the red 67. Do needlework

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond pot demand greater than Denver’s?

By Richard Mize The Oklahoman.com Using a marijuana-to-munchies ratio for comparison, Edmond, population around 92,000, has eight times the number of medical marijuana dispensaries as Denver, which has nearly eight times as many people.

Comparing the number of certain eateries to dispensaries is one way to gauge the explosion in medical marijuana production and sales, which have rocked both the retail and industrial property markets.

David Chapman, property broker and developer, professor, state real estate commission member

Oklahoma collected $2.8 million in medical marijuana taxes — an additional 7% on top of sales tax — in August, up from $2.5 million in July. Medical marijuana tax receipts are expected to climb for the foreseeable future. and Edmond City Council member, presented the stats, and a plate of brownies, during a session at the Commercial Real Estate Summit held last week.

The brownies — and a comical video entrance by Chapman — underscored what many see as the sheer absurdity of Oklahomans' rush to grow, sell and ingest marijuana for what ails them: How much can we possibly use?

In the video, Chapman tumbled out of a smokefilled microbus in apparent homage to stoner-surfer Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) and friends' arrival at school in the classic scene from 1982's "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

Chapman even has an answer for Spicoli's checkerboard Vans: He wore marijuana socks — black with bright green leaves.

How much is too much? Markets, certain physicians, patients and, probably, eventual mergers and acquisitions of today's fledgling mom-and-pop shops will decide.

In the meantime, Oklahoma has more than 6,500 dispensaries, ranks No. 1 in the U.S. in percentage of medical marijuana patients per capita, and is No. 3 in overall patient count.

Two dispensaries have failed already in downtown Edmond, he said. That still leaves 84 in the

city as a whole. Denver has 364, he said.

Edmond has a combined 10 McDonalds and five Starbucks locations. Denver has a combined 111.

Chapman used the ratio of dispensaries to McDonalds-Starbucks to show how widespread medical marijuana has taken root here.

Denver has 1.5 dispensaries for each location.

Edmond has 8.4.

The two dispensaries that failed? Chapman said he recently showed one of the properties to a potential new tenant, and the place stunk. He had to disclose that it had been a dispensary.

Hard-to-eliminate "skunky" odors from marijuana smoke are just one issue property owners and managers must be ready to deal with, he said at the summit, presented by the Central Oklahoma Commercial Association of Realtors at the Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown/Medical Center.

With marijuana still illegal under federal law, some landlords, Chapman said, won't touch it, including him. Difficulties in finance, banking regulations and other nuts and bolts of the real estate business, plus the fact that the federal government could crack down any time, makes it not worth the risk, he said.

But he said no one expects medical marijuana to go away. Too much money is involved. He had these numbers: n U.S. retail sales are expected to be as high as $5.5 billion this year and as high as $7.3 billion in 2022. n Medical marijuana is selling for $319.80 per ounce in Oklahoma, close to the U.S. average of $320.10. It costs $210.60 per ounce in Oregon and $600.70 per ounce in Washington, D.C. n Oklahoma collected $3.6 million in sales taxes from dispensaries in August.

Mercy Hospital program so ‘No One Dies Alone’

By Steve Gust Catholic Deacon Richard Thibodeau has played a big role in the establishment of a new program at Oklahoma City's Mercy Hospital entitled "No One Dies Alone."

As its name implies, Thibodeau and a group of volunteers, make sure those ending their earthly journey have someone to help them transition to the next world in a dignified manner.

"This is a real ministry of compassion," Thibodeau said. He is a chaplain at Mercy and also a deacon at Saint Robert Bellarmine in Jones. Although some may not wish to think about the final earthly outcome, he doesn't see it that way.

"Death is a process. It's normal," he said.

"No One Dies Alone," began at Mercy on July 1. Coincidentally the group also had its first patient that day.

For almost five years, the deacon has worked at Mercy.

"It's important for people to know I didn't come up with the idea for 'No One Dies Alone,'" he noted. "It became in the early 2000s in Oregon."

Although he didn't establish the program it was a personal experience years before that led to him pushing for the program.

While in another job, he was traveling and found out at an airport in Houston his father passed away. The news struck him hard because his father died alone.

"I was the oldest child and should have been there with him," he recalled.

Partly because of the guilt, he pushed to have the program established at Mercy. Last year talks with Mercy officials began and eventually led to its establishment this summer.

The deacon explained there are many reasons people find themselves in the position where they are facing death alone.

"Some people come from broken families or there is distance with family members," he said. "Others may have already lost their spouse."

One example he provided was the case of two brothers. One of the brothers was in Mercy and receiving end of life care. The other brother lived in California and flew in to be with his sibling for the final days. He stayed for ten days but eventually, family and other obligations, forced him to return to California. The other brother was then alone, but thanks to the new program, did have a caring volunteer when he passed.

Generally almost all are anxious by

Richard Thibodeau the experience.

"It's facing the unknown and that can be frightening," Thibodeau said.

He added that those with a strong faith do transition easier.

Helping to ease that process are his volunteers, now totaling 51. They work in two-hour shifts. Hospital staff will notify Thibodeau when a patient may be facing death and does not have immediate family near by.

Then volunteers will be at the their side providing comfort and compassion. Thibodeau recalled the case of one of his elderly volunteers gently rubbing the arm of someone nearing death.

"It was very emotional and there were tears from the others witnessing it," he said.

Other volunteers, wishing to remain anonymous, also shared their experiences.

"This has been such a spiritual and at times, emotional experience for me," Calvin said. "An LPN walked in and told me just how meaningful it was to the nursing staff knowing that someone was here for Mr. C." Kathy related her experience as a volunteer.

"I truly enjoyed humming, whispering and singing to him (Mr. R.) in his final hour. What a holy moment these last hours with him have been."

While Deacon Thibodeau is pleased with the number of volunteers he has, he noted more are still needed.

Those wanting to volunteer their time and compassion to others may call Richard at (405) 752-3176 or (405) 936-5487 or richard.thibodeau@mercy.net.

(This article appeared in The Sooner Catholic and has been reprinted with their permission.)

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 17

Researcher looks to new device for earlier oral cancer diagnoses Would save patients from having involved surgeries Because two-thirds of oral cancer diagnoses are made when the cancer is advanced, treating it usually requires complex surgeries, followed by reconstructive procedures that are necessary because tissue has been removed from the patient’s face.

A University of Oklahoma researcher is developing computer technology and a new medical device that he hopes can detect oral cancer at an early stage, when the survival rate is much higher. Javier Jo, Ph.D., is a professor with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering on OU’s Norman campus, and a member of Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine. His expertise in applying engineering concepts to solve a medical problem earned him a $2.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute.

Jo’s research involves creating a hand-held endoscope to look for precancerous and cancerous lesions of the mouth, and “training” it to recognize patterns and signatures of those lesions with more accuracy and at an earlier stage.

“When oral cancer is diagnosed early, treating the patient is much more effective and a lot less invasive,” he said. “The survival rate and quality of life of the patient is fairly high if the cancer is detected early.”

Jo’s technology aims to address two problems in oral cancer detection. A person’s general dentist is usually the first health provider to examine the tissue inside the mouth and search for lesions based on look and feel. However, it’s difficult to distinguish a benign lesion from a cancerous or precancerous lesion, Jo said. In addition, dentists have varying degrees of experience in oral cancer screening.

If a dentist discovers a suspicious lesion, the patient will usually be referred to an oral pathologist, who may decide to do a tissue biopsy.

However, because some lesions are quite large, the pathologist has to decide from which area to take the biopsy sample. Unfortunately, the pathologist may take a sample from a non-cancerous portion of the lesion, yet another area is cancerous, Jo said.

“Those are two main barriers to detecting oral cancer early,” Jo said.

“What’s missing is an objective and quantitative tool to provide more precise information about the presence of malignant vs. benign lesions.”

Jo is developing fluorescence imag-

ing endoscopes and combining them with artificial intelligence technologies. When he shines light of a specific color into the tissues of a person’s mouth, the molecules in those tissues respond by emitting light of their own, known as fluorescence. Because cancer cells divide very quickly, Jo is looking for changes in the fluorescence characteristics of specific molecules associated with increased cell activity – a hallmark of cancer cells.

At the current stage of his research, Jo’s team is engineering the endoscopes, which will be sent to several clinical centers where patients with suspicious lesions will be imaged before having a biopsy to confirm whether oral cancer is present. This multicenter study will provide data to develop artificial intelligence algorithms that aim to distinguish between benign, precancerous and cancerous oral lesions.

“Once we have a computer algorithm that can discern different types of lesions, we can put that algorithm into the endoscope and test it on a larger group of patients to see if it works with enough accuracy to be clinically useful,” Jo said.

Jo’s aim is that the technology will first be used in the dentist’s office for a more accurate determination of whether a patient needs to be referred to an oral pathologist.

He also envisions an oral pathologist using the tool to determine which area of the lesion needs to biopsied.

Robert Mannel, M.D., Stephenson Cancer Center director and Rainbolt Family Chair in Cancer, said Jo’s research has the potential to dramatically increase the number of oral cancer patients who are diagnosed at an earlier stage.

“We are excited by the prospects of Dr. Jo’s innovative research,” Mannel said. “Not only does it point to a promising avenue of improving patient outcomes through earlier cancer detection, it also underscores the close collaboration between Stephenson Cancer Center researchers at the OU Health Sciences Center and OU Norman campuses.”

Research reported in this press release was supported by the National Cancer Institute under the award number R01CA218739. Jo originally received the grant while on faculty at Texas A&M University, and he collaborates with researchers in Texas and California.

Javier Jo

Page 18 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Elks again sponsor Fishing Derby for disabled youth

PHOTO PROVIDED

Some of the Elks Lodge members, volunteers and participants in the 18th annual CAST for Kids Fishing Derby for children with disabilities.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Edmond Elks Lodge helped support and volunteer for the 18th annual CAST for Kids Fishing Derby for children with disabilities.

The Elks National Foundation’s Promise Grant provided major funding for the event along with many local donors.

Even the heavy rains didn’t dampen the excitement of the children as they left the dock for their fishing trip. At ll:30 the children were welcomed back to the Lake Thunderbird BoatHouse to a delicious luncheon and gifts for all. Over 30 handicapped children attended, and each child enjoyed a morning fishing trip on Lake Thunderbird with an experienced fishing guide.

This was the 18th annual CAST for Kids fishing derby co-sponsored, Oklahoma State Parks, Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation, Thunderbird Sailing Club and the Edmond Elks Lodge.

PHOTO PROVIDED

A scene from last year’s walk. This year’s goal is $1 million.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk scheduled Oct. 5 The Alzheimer’s Association invites people of all ages to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Oklahoma City.

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Bicentennial Park.

On Walk day, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease with Promise Flowers during the poignant Promise Garden Ceremony – a moving display of hope to represent the personal reasons participants join together to fight against Alzheimer’s. The purple Promise Flower is for those honoring a loved one lost to the disease; yellow is for those currently serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers; blue is for those living with dementia; and orange is for those who support the cause and the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Too many people are living alone with this isolating disease,” said Carl Strickler, 2019 Oklahoma City event chair. “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is our opportunity to raise funds so that the Alzheimer’s Association can continue providing free care and support services and fueling the vital research that will one day find a cure.

We have an aggressive fundraising goal of $1 million dollars, but I know we can get there with Oklahoma's

giving spirit.”

In addition to the two-mile walk around downtown Oklahoma City, participants will enjoy family-friendly fun including photo opportunities with Disney princesses and super heroes, local vendor booths and music that is sure to spark dancing in the crowd.

More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Oklahoma alone, there are more than 65,000 people living with the disease and 224,000 serving as unpaid caregivers.

Participants can start, join or donate to a team at okcwalk.com.

Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The group’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The association’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Edmond GOP Women to meet The Edmond Republican Women’s Club is proud to sponsor the upcoming Patriots Forum, featuring dynamic speakers everyone should hear. The date is Saturday, Oct. 5 at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond.

The forum will begin at 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. with Check-in and Continental Breakfast. The guest speakers will begin at 9:30, with Dr. Everett Piper, former Oklahoma Wesleyan University President, and author of "Not a Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth," Sen. Nathan Dahm from Broken

Arrow, on the dangers of abolishing the electoral college, Ryan Walters, Executive Director of Oklahoma Achieves, on the U. S. Constitution, and luncheon speaker, Josh Blair, on how educators indoctrinate students in the public schools and universities.

Tickets may be purchased through eventbrite.com/patriots forum, or at the door. Tickets are $5 for students (forum only), $10/adults (forum only), luncheon tickets must be purchased by Oct. 3 (today), and are $30/students (forum/lunch), and $35/adults (forum/lunch).

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 19

PHOTO PROVIDED

Front row left to right: Board Member Guy Berry, Chairwoman Dana Weber, Secretary of Native Affairs Lisa Billy, Kickapoo Chairman David Pacheco Jr., Board Member John D. Jones and Board Member Todd Cone. Second row left to right: Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and OTA/ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz, Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Governor Edwina Butler-Wolfe and Board Member John Titsworth.

OTA honors Kickapoo Tribe in naming of new turnpike The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) Board of Directors voted to approve the Kickapoo Turnpike as the official name of the Driving Forward initiative’s Eastern Oklahoma County corridor construction project at its monthly Board meeting.

“We are honored to recognize the Kickapoo Tribe through the naming of the Kickapoo Turnpike,” Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz said. “Much thought and consideration went into the opportunity to name this current construction project. The Kickapoo name both reflects and will bring awareness to Oklahoma’s strong Native American culture to all who travel this turnpike.”

Targeted for completion in late 2020, The Kickapoo Turnpike will connect I-40 in Oklahoma County and I-44 (Turner Turnpike). The new, 21-mile stretch of road will help to alleviate current traffic congestion and increase safety by reducing the number of dangerous vehicle collisions and fatalities in the Oklahoma City metro area.

"The Kickapoo Tribe is humbled to have the new turnpike in our name," Kickapoo Chairman David Pacheco, Jr. said. "We appreciate our neighboring tribes, the Absentee Shawnee and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, for also supporting the name."

The Kickapoo Turnpike joins a list of Oklahoma turnpike names that honor the state’s Native American tribes. These include the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Muskogee Turnpikes.

The Kickapoo Turnpike joins a list of Oklahoma turnpike names that honor the state’s Native American tribes. These include the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Muskogee Turnpikes.

“Today’s momentous announcement is something I have been looking forward to for a very long time,” OTA Board Chairwoman Dana Webber said. “The Kickapoo Turnpike will serve as a key to the future of Oklahoma’s safe and efficient transportation network, and its proud name will endure for generations to come.”

The Driving Forward initiative is a total of six large-scale corridors to modernize, enhance and improve safety, reduce congestion and support population growth on the turnpike system. To date, two corridors have been completed with the other four currently under construction.

The Driving Forward initiative’s number one priority is to improve the safety and security of travelers.

When completed, these corridors will create safer Oklahoma roadways by addressing current weaknesses and providing solutions to achieve less congestion.

For more information about this project and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, please visit www.PIKEPASS.com or www.drivingforwardok.com.

Michael McHale

Internationally recognized pianist to perform in metro Oklahoma City Community College will present Michael McHale, one of Ireland’s leading pianists Oct. 10 at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center, 7777 S. May Ave. A performer of McHale’s magnitude is a rare opportunity for Oklahoma City music aficionados. He has established an international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician, performing with a broad range of orchestras, including the Minnesota, Hallé and Moscow Symphony.

McHale has also performed at the Sinfonia of London and all five of the major Irish orchestras, as well as the Tanglewood and Tokyo Spring Festivals. Other notable appearances include London’s Wigmore Hall, the Berlin Konzerthaus, New York’s Lincoln Center, Boston’s Symphony Hall and Pesti Vigadó in Budapest.

McHale’s début solo album, “The Irish Piano,” was released in 2012 and was immediately selected as CD of the Week by the British critic Norman Lebrecht. More recent solo releases include “Schubert: Four Impromptus on Ergodos, Miniatures and Modulations on Grand Piano,” and a first orchestral album, “Irish Piano Concertos” featuring works by John Field and Philip Hammond with the RTÉ National Symphony Orches-

tra and conductor Courtney Lewis.

McHale studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Cambridge University and the Royal Academy of Music. In 2018 he was appointed as a part-time professor of piano for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Cork School of Music in Ireland.

Winner of the Terence Judd/Hallé Award in 2009, Michael was also awarded the Brennan and Field Prizes at the 2006 AXA Dublin International Piano Competition, the 2005 Camerata Ireland/Accenture Award, and in 2016 a Major Individual Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

To purchase tickets, go online to tickets.occc.edu or call the OCCC Box Office at (405) 682-7579. The Box Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Friday. Tickets for the performance are $15 and may be purchased at the door the day of the performance.

Doors and concessions will open one hour before start time at 7:30 a.m. The OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center is located at 7777 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City.

McHale’s performance is supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Page 20 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Genealogical Society will revisit Salem witch trials Do you have New England ancestry? If so, you may have connections to those accused of witchcraft.

The infamous Salem witch trials began during the spring of 1692, after a Beattie group of young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony claimed to be bewitched and accused several local residents of witchcraft. Before the hysteria abated, at least 25 people died: 19 were executed by hanging, one was tortured to death, and at least five died in jail due to harsh conditions.

The Edmond Genealogical Society will meet Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the LDS Church, 1315 E. 33rd Street in Edmond. Our program, “The Salem Witch Trials ... A Tale of Three Sisters” will be presented by Jan Beattie, President of the Edmond Genealogical Society. You won't want to miss this interesting program!

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a dark time in American history. Three of the accused women were the daughters of Edmund and Joanna Towne and ancestors of our speaker.

She will tell the tale of the witch trials and its effect on the people of Salem and her family.

Jan Beattie is a native of California, but came to Oklahoma more than 35 years ago to attend college and never left. Now she is married with two children and retired from the medical field.

Now she has time for her genealogy hobby of which she is passionate.

She is involved in several genealogy and lineage-based societies and loves to share her knowledge with others. She has presented numerous presentations, seminars and workshops across the state on topics relating to genealogy

and family history.

She is President of the OHCE Genealogy Group in Oklahoma City and Chaplain for Samuel King Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Edmond and President of the Edmond Genealogical Society.

She is also a Board Member of the Mountain Meadows Association and holds memberships in several other organizations including Oklahoma Genealogical Society, First Families of the Twin Territories, First Families of Central Missouri, First Families of Eastern Tennessee, The White River Valley Historical Society, Colonial Dames 17th Century, The Towne Family Association and several others. She is currently awaiting approval from The Mayflower Society hoping to approved in this 400th anniversary year.

She is also involved in "Cemetery Hopping" to help others locate the final resting places of their Oklahoma ancestors. Professionally, she is a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the Southwestern Society of Clinical Microbiologists. She is actively involved in her church.

She also enjoys volunteering with several youth programs and especially with the Oklahoma DeMolay Association where she is Secretary of the Edmond Advisory Council, past ODA State Parent's Club President and past State DeMolay Mom. Our Nov. 18 program will feature "Bloodlines and Genealogy" presented by wellness consultant, Belinda Ruffle.

Genealogical research assistance is available at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meetings.

For more information, visit our website: www.rootsweb.com/~okegs and find us on Facebook: Edmond Genealogical Society. Our meetings are open to the public and we invite you to join us.

NAMI Oklahoma names new executive director NAMI Oklahoma is proud to welcome James Bost as the newest addition to their staff. Bost has assumed the duties of Executive Director, overseeing the direction and leadership toward the achievement of NAMI Oklahoma's vision, mission, goals and objectives.

Bost joins NAMI Oklahoma from Phase 2, a software engineering firm, where he served as vice president of development.

“James is stepping into this role at a time when mental illness is an important part of our everyday societal conversation,” said Clark Grothe, President of the NAMI OK Board.

“NAMI is focused on ending the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and advancing initiatives that provide treatment and support for patients and their families. We are thrilled to have James join our strong NAMI

team and lead this important conversation in communities across Oklahoma.”

A cancer survivor, Bost is the president of the Board of Advocates for Stevenson Cancer Center. Prior to his work at Phase 2, Bost owned Market Research and Consulting, a market research company. His nonprofit volunteer service has included work for Family Builders and Calm Waters.

“Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are living with mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health,” Bost said. “We know that with proper intervention services and treatment, we can impact the lives of those who suffer from mental illness. The work NAMI does at the community level is remarkable. I’m proud to join NAMI and to help grow their services to help even more people.”

Stephenson Cancer Center researcher will study vaping With vaping products rising in popularity over the past few years, it is important to focus on how users’ respiratory systems react to the nicotine product.

A researcher at the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center at Stephenson Cancer Center, Alayna Tackett, Ph.D., was recently awarded a five-year research grant by the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of vaping and vape products on human health.

“We’ve had generations to study the effects of combustible tobacco, but this is the first time we are looking at vaping,” Tackett said. “The goal of the study is to examine the effects that vaping has on the respiratory system.”

The grant, worth a total of $983,190, will help Tackett examine the respiratory differences between youth/young adult e-cigarette users and non-users over the course of a year. By measuring the volume of vapor inhaled by e-cigarette users and comparing it to non-users, Tackett will

be able to examine the changes in respiratory function. The study will also examine if e-cigarette users become susceptible to other tobacco products, and will determine how the additional products impact users’ respiratory health.

This is one of the first studies in the nation to look at the long-term effects of vaping. Currently, there are no FDA regulations on vaping products and devices, so the results of this study, if taken into account, could have the potential to inform tobacco regulatory efforts and policy to improve public health.

Tackett’s research is supported in part by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). An endowment created by the voters in 2000 to improve the health of Oklahomans, TSET is dedicated to reducing the state’s leading causes of preventable death – cancer and cardiovascular disease – caused by tobacco use and obesity.

Venezuelan attorney will discuss escape from the socialist nation

Edmond group helps out Coffee Creek Riding Stables Jim and Billye Putnam at Epsilon Sigma Alpha and Chili’s Restaurant Fundraiser for local charity Coffee Creek Riding Stables.

Thanks to Chili’s and the public our Coffee Creek Riding Stable fundraiser was a success! Miracles abound at Coffee Creek Riding Stable where “challenged children” are offered free therapeutic riding—gaining skills such as balance, eye-hand coordination, upperbody strength and even sign language. Some of these children walk or talk for the first time at the stable. Some meet an animal for the first time. And some of these little ones find a friend for the first time in these gentle giants called horses.

If interested in volunteering at Coffee Creek Riding Stables, call 05340-8377.

Leaving her parents, brothers and a sister behind, a successful attorney in Venezuela, Aleida Velasquez, fled for America with her young daughter to escape socialism.

Representative Jason Dunnington (D-88) and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-90) will join Velasquez this Saturday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. at Western Heights High School Auditorium, located at 8201 S.W. 44th St. for a presentation on The Dangers of Socialism. The event is free and open to the public.

Prior to Hugo Chavez being elected President in 1999, her father was a General in Venezuela’s last democratically-elected government and served as the country’s military attache to Canada. After Chavez was elected, in due time she was fired as an attorney at PDVSA, the prominent national oil company, and blacklisted from working for any government agency or company.

Velasquez witnessed the wealthiest

Latin American country plummet into poverty, rationing, lack of health care, escalating murder rate and rampant corruption. Eventually, she and her daughter fled to America so that her daughter could live in a free society, have a quality education and opportunities to achieve her dreams.

In her presentation, Velasquez will describe how Venezuela quickly plummeted from promises of free elections and free services into a corrupted judiciary and government that resulted in rationing of everyday items, such as toilet paper and baby food. She is bringing her message to America in the hopes that her new country will not experience the same horror that she experienced in Venezuela.

Following her presentation, Velasquez will answer questions from the audience. Fred Mendoza, CEO of Fred Mendoza Entertainment Management and an Oklahoma City civic leader, will emcee the event.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 21

New Red Cross leader The Central and Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross is excited to announce the hiring of a new Executive Director, Sidney Ellington, who will be based in Oklahoma City.

Ellington, a retired Navy SEAL Officer, brings many years of diverse leadership and operational planning experience to Red Cross Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Red Cross, he served in leadership roles with the Warrior-Scholar Project, Teach For America, and the Louisiana State Department of Education, where he was able to gain valuable experience in community engagement, fundraising, and volunteer management—skills that he now brings the Red Cross.

“It is truly an honor to be joining the American Red Cross, a highly

celebrated organization whose army of volunteers have worked to alleviate human suffering across the globe,” Ellington said.

Ellington spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2005 at the rank of Commander.

“I can think of no better post-military career than to join an organization that has been so prominent in my life and those of my family members,” Ellington said. “I am humbled by the amazing sense of unselfish and tireless service provided by Red Cross volunteers, and I am privileged to be able to work side by side with them and to continue to serve others by working to alleviate human suffering in my home state of Oklahoma.

He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma,

Workers comp costs are set to decrease

Sidney Ellington

Economist: Recession not likely

By Jack Money Oklahoman.com An economist told bankers last week he doesn’t think it likely Oklahomans will see a recession between now and the middle of next year.

Robert Dauffenbach, director of the Center for Economic and Management Research at the University of Oklahoma's Price College of Business, also stated Oklahoma’s economy appears these days to be more closely tied to the national economy than it was four decades ago.

“When our economy collapsed in the 1980s, we gained a certain amount of diversification by default,” Dauffenbach said. “Before that, with high oil and natural gas prices, we had an economy that had gotten kind of modified to support the mining activities.

“The reverse happened, when it died.”

Since then, Dauffenbach observed it has been much

more difficult to discern what specific drivers have supported Oklahoma’s economy since the oil bust of the 1980s.

Data he presented showed the state’s economy has pretty much mirrored the nation’s economy ever since.

“They have rhymed,” he said. “No doubt, commodity prices impact the health of our state’s economy. …

There are clear indications that we could stand a whole lot more of diversification in our economy."

But at the same time, he said, "we are more diversified than we give ourselves credit for.”

Dauffenbach spoke to participants at an annual conference for bankers held by BKD, a financial services firm that has offices in Oklahoma and other states.

During his presentation, he discussed current trends on both the Oklahoma and national levels, including

See Economist, Page 22

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond City Councilmember David Chapman; James Boggs, Edmond Market President for First Fidelity Bank; Edmond City Councilmember and EEDA Board Trustee Nick Massey; Russell Evans, Ph.D., executive director of the Steven C. Agee Economic Research & Policy Institute; Janet Yowell, EEDA executive director; and Edmond City Councilmember Josh Moore attend the 2019 Market Forecast.

EEDA hosts Market Forecast The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) recently hosted Market Forecast, sponsored

by First Fidelity Bank, last week at the Edmond Conference Center, 2833 Conference Drive.

The event included networking, a featured speaker, hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

Featured speaker Russell Evans, Ph.D., executive director of the Steven C. Agee Economic Research & Policy Institute, presented "State & Local Economic Outlook," providing insight into U.S. economic conditions, challenges to U.S. economic activity and economic geography. Dr. Evans is also the director of the Center for Regional Economic Forecasting and Policy Analysis and an assistant professor of Economics at Oklahoma City University.

"Our Market Forecast events are all about providing the Edmond business community with useful and relevant information," said Janet Yowell, EEDA

executive director. "We were so pleased to have Dr. Evans present a discussion on the local and national economy."

First Fidelity Bank has sponsored EEDA events for more than 10 years.

"First Fidelity Bank has been a proud supporter of the Edmond business community for many years, including more than a decade as the EEDA event sponsor," said James Boggs, Edmond Market President for First Fidelity Bank. "Market Forecast and other EEDA events are valuable resources for anyone in Edmond and the surrounding areas."

The EEDA exists to offer resources that stimulate the growth of Edmond's economy by creating and maintaining an optimum environment for both new and existing businesses, offering services that facilitate the growth and expansion of those businesses and generating opportunities to increase the sales tax base of the city of Edmond.

Commissioner Glen Mulready and the Oklahoma Insurance Department approved a 5.1% percent decrease in workers’ compensation insurance loss costs for 2020. This will mark the ninth annual experience filing with a decrease The new loss costs go into effect on Jan. 1. Loss costs are the average cost of lost wages and medical payments of workers injured during their employment.

Commissioner Mulready said, “The biggest driver in bringing down the loss costs portion of premiums, is what is actually paid out in claims, and the reduction in the number of claims filed.” The state’s lost time claim frequency continues to decrease under the new commissioner and is projected to continue its downward trend into 2020.

“This is excellent news for Oklahoma businesses,” Mulready said. “The decline in workers’ compensation rates will lower the cost of doing business in our state. I will continue to work hard and help create a more business-friendly environment for all sectors.”

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), a rating and advisory organization, collects annual data on workers compensation claims for the insurance industry.

NCCI publishes loss costs that form the basis for all workers compensation premium determinations.

Oklahoma insurers use the NCCI loss costs as a base.

The new loss costs, recently approved, will go into effect for new and renewing policies effective Jan. 1.

Page 22 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Economist From Page 21

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“We are still growing,” Dauffenbach said, referring to both state and national economies, though he added there are mixed signals that indicate a slowdown could eventually appear.

Doug Van Meter, partner in BKD’s Oklahoma City office, said about 120 participants were at the event.

At the event, they were presented with information about and discussed economic, accounting, credit, legal, taxation, regulatory, cybersecurity and other issues that are impacting the banking industry.

Van Meter said one topic at this year’s event involved changes the Financial Accounting Standards Board has made to rules that govern how banks account for losses when they calculate their reserves.

He said the revised rules probably will have the impact of increasing estimated reserves for banks, but agreed that Congress may slow the revisions’ implementations, given to sensitivities some members may have about how reserve problems at some banks (outside of Oklahoma) played a role in the Great Recession.

“We had a record attendance at this year’s event,” Van Meter said.

BKD, started in Missouri in 1923, opened its Oklahoma City offices in 2006 and offers audit and tax, internal audit, regulatory compliance, loan review and various consulting and planning services.

The firm aims to help banks manage risks and compliance issues while and reach shareholder goals, its website states.

FAIRVIEW F A VIEW FARM AIR FA ARM

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ROSE CREEK 9TH FAIRWAY FAIR A RWAY

EAST GOLF C COURSE OURSE - 15TH HOLE

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A ACREAGE CREAGE IN HIDDEN LAKE LAKE

growth involving the nation’s gross domestic product, industrial production and how consumers continue to play a role in propping up the nation’s economy.

He noted the nation continues to show a healthy growth in year-overyear employment, but added the number of open jobs that haven’t been filled have skyrocketed since early 2018.

Unemployment rates, he said, are at their lowest sustained rate since Lyndon Baines Johnson was president, while the number of workers nationwide unemployed for six months or longer has fallen back to about 1.1 million, about the same as before the start of the Great Recession in early 2008.

Dauffenbach said the data also continues to show year-over-year earnings across the nation are up by about 3%, but most of that likely is being eaten up by increased costs employers are absorbing to provide employees with medical insurance.

Dauffenbach also briefly touched upon small-business owners’ optimism and manufacturing, non-manufacturing and employment indexes, new and existing home sales, housing starts for one-unit and multiple-unit projects, a national activity index generated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, data on U.S. rail intermodal traffic, and federal budget deficits.

Plus, he discussed global interest rates and international trade patterns, and national employment growth patterns.

EDMO EDMOND ND OFFICE BUILDING BUILDING

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ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME

TIMBERDALE

REDSTONE CUSTOM HOME

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BIRNAM WOODS

BELMONT LANDING

ARROWHEAD HILLS

THE OAKS ADDITION

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closed deals. New homes have not seen those numbers in five years.

Still keeping the above $300,000 average price as well, which will be a record setting average price.

We also hit the billion dollar volume closed in August for the first time. Last year we hit it in September. In past years it is not until October that we pass that volume number. The exception to that was in 2016 when it took until November before we hit it.

(Brian Preston is a Realtor and has closely followed the Edmond real estate market for years.)

Educating families on youth IBD

LO LOTS TS & ACREAGES ACREAGES

By Brian Preston August was another good month, and we are now 149 closed transactions ahead of last year’s record setting month. which is an increase of 4.7%.

Inventory made a small jump for this time of the year, but that is all new homes which had an increase of 40 listings. They are having to resupply after another 100 plus closing month for new homes.

And three more new homes closings were added in the last couple of weeks for July to bring July New home closing to 100 even! Making it four straight months with over 100

CANYON PARK

SOLD! SOLD!

August had 149 homes sold, according to Realtor

The pediatric gastroenterologists at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine will host a patient education conference for families of children who have been newly diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Saturday, Oct. 5.

Participants will leave the conference with a better understanding of a complex disease, including: n What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? n What do medications do? n What do labs mean? n The basics of surgery n Nutrition and diet therapies There will also be a panel discussion covering the importance of a support team.

Conference speakers will include the following physicians and other medical staff involved in the care of

children with IBD, as well as the parent of a child with the condition: n Dr. John Grunow, pediatric gastroenterologist n Dr. Jeanne Tung, pediatric gastroenterologist n Dr. Noel Jacobs, pediatric psychologist n Rebecca Suddock, R.D., dietician n Dr. Alejandro Ruiz-Elizalde, pediatric surgeon The Patient Education Conference will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 5, at the Samis Education Center, located in The Children’s Hospital, 1200 Children’s Ave., Oklahoma City. The program is presented by The Children’s Hospital and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

To RSVP for the program, which is offered at no cost to participants, go to tinyurl.com/y6kow68p.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 3, 2019 • Page 23

Thousands view relics of Catholic saint

By Carla Hinton Oklahoman.com A metro area church expected to draw a large crowd for the viewing of relics of an Italian Catholic saint last Friday.

Those expectations were well founded as an estimated 3,000 people had viewed the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina by 3 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8005 Dorset Drive. At times, the line to get into the house of worship snaked around the exterior of the church. The Rev. Rick Stansberry, the church's pastor, expected the largest crowd for a planned Mass with Archbishop S. Coakley set for later in the afternoon.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina, commonly known as Padre Pio, was the first Catholic priest in the history of the Catholic Church to be stigmatized when the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, appeared on his body on Sept. 20, 1918.

Stansberry said Coakley asked Christ the King to host the relics because the church had hosted the relics of St. Maria Goretti in 2015. He said he wasn't surprised by the large crowd because numerous people were interested in seeing Padre Pio's relics who is considered a modern-day saint.

"Padre Pio is a very mystical figure in the life of the church with the stigmata and the gift of reading souls plus he lived until the 1960s and so a lot of people still kind of remember him," Stansberry said.

For example, I knew a priest of our diocese who had gone to see him celebrate Mass at San Giovanni Rotondo in the 1950s and saw him celebrating Mass with the blood still in his hands. And I think there's still enough people around that that legend is still there plus a lot of miracles have been

attributed to his intercession. He was well known and well loved."

Friday, several relics of Padre Pio were displayed for viewing and veneration. This included his mantel/cloak, glove, a lock of his hair and crusts from his wounds. Visitors watched a brief video about Padre Pio's life and read about his life and ministry before lining up to see his relics displayed near the altar of the church. Most knelt in front of the relics and appeared to pray or venerate. In the Catholic Church, veneration is showing reverence through prayer — it is not worship, which the Catholic Church teaches is due to God alone.

Among the visitors were Greg and Virginia Schultz of Norman, who attend St. Thomas More University Parish and Student Center on the University of Oklahoma campus.

"He's a great saint in our religion, that's why we came," Greg Schultz said.

McGuinness entry exam set Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School will be administering the STS High School Placement test on three different dates to any eighth grader interested in attending the school as a freshman for the 2020-2021 school year.

Dates are: Saturday, Oct. 26 8 am to noon.

Saturday, Nov. 9; 8 a.m. to noon.

Saturday, Dec. 7; 8 a.m. to noon.

All prospective ninth graders must take this test in order to help with course selection.

Students will need to arrive before 8:00 a.m. on the day of testing. They need to bring two #2 pencils.

No calculators or cell phones are allowed. The test lasts approximately three and a half hours.

Students not attending a feeder school and interested in taking the placement test must contact Dr. Andrew Worthington, Director of Curriculum and Testing at aworthington@bmchs.org or 8426638 ext. 234 to register for the test.

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

St. Francis Pet Blessing Sunday 10/6 at 8:00 & 10:00 am www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • October 3, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure