October 8, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 21
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
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.
Santa Fe wins city championship See Page 12
FRIDAY, October 9 Sunny High 85° Low 59°
SATURDAY, October 10 Sunny High 86° Low 61°
SUNDAY, October 11 Mostly Sunny High 87° Low 64°
PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE
Hundreds of children enjoy the holiday spirit at Arcadia Lake each year.
Storybook Forest returns to Arcadia Lake Oct. 23 Arcadia Lake’s Storybook Forest returns for 2020 and runs from Friday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Oct. 30th. This fun, family-oriented event lets children meet Storybook characters in scenes from their favorite fables each night from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Storybook Forest is geared for children 12 and under who are encouraged to wear costumes or dress in warm, casual clothing. Additional activities include a reading tent and a campfire setting for roasting hot dogs and s’mores or warming up with hot chocolate. The traditional hayride and carnival game areas will not be available this year due to COVID-19 safety measures in place. Entry for each child twelve and under is $12 and all tickets must be purchased in advance at http://storybookforestok. com. Ticket sales are limited to 400 per evening to ensure proper social distancing measures. Parents are free when accompanying a child, but any vehicle not purchasing a child’s ticket will be charged an entry fee. Storybook Forest takes place in Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park located 2.5 miles east of I-35 on 15th Street in Edmond. Storybook Forest is presented by Arcadia Lake and Edmond Electric, Edmond’s community-owned power utility. For complete information about Storybook Forest, including ticketing policies and COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit http://storybookforestok.com. PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE
The police will be on hand as well.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 3
Scarecrow contest under way The Downtown Edmond Business Association will be hosting their annual scarecrow decorating contest this October. Members of DEBA were each given a scarecrow and asked to decorate it and display it to help welcome Fall in to Downtown Edmond. “We feel this is a fun way to attract people to downtown Edmond to see the scarecrows while bringing some fall cheer to the streets. Everyone has been excited to participate again and the scarecrows are even more creative this year”, DEBA Executive Director Stephanie Carel said. The public will vote via social media with a first, second and third
FAI benefit on Nov. 7 The OK Ale Trail is a 3-mile fun run/walk in Downtown Edmond, on Saturday, Nov. 7th at 11 a.m. Registration includes three craft beers from local breweries including: Coop Ale Works, Frenzy Brewing, and Roughtail Brewing as well as live music, great food, 2020 souvenir Ale Trail beer glass, and fun with family and friends. A new racecourse brings additional excitement this year! Participants begin at The Railyard, 23 W 1st St, Edmond, OK, loop through downtown Edmond and run through The Railyard where the beers are served. Runners may choose to participate in the “Ale Trail Challenge” which requires running a lap and drinking a beer (3 laps, 3 beers), or runners and walkers are welcome to enjoy the three complimentary beers at their leisure. Prizes and awards will be presented to the top three male and female “Ale Trail Challenge” finishers. In addition, the 2020 OK Ale Trail kicks off with optional Beer Yoga at 10:00 a.m. provided by well-known Oklahoma Yogi, Scott Bartel. Stick around for the after party sponsored by Regent Bank, that includes a Beer Chug contest, and live music on the outdoor stage sponsored by T-Mobile. Registration is recommended at EdmondFineArts.com for $50. All ages are welcome to participate in the race, but beer run participants must
be 21 and over with a valid ID. The OK Ale Trail is a rain or shine event. If conditions are unsafe to run the course, participants will still hang out, drink beer, and enjoy live music and fun! Walk up registration will be available at the Railyard on race day. Want to get an early start? Join the pre-party packet pick-up on Friday, Nov. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. at 1884 which includes happy hour specials for Ale Trail Runners, or pick-up packets on Saturday, November 7th beginning at 9:30 in The Railyard. Participants are expected to follow the City of Edmond’s COVID guidelines to ensure a safe event for everyone. EnMotive will manage the start/finish line and official race timing, while the Edmond Police Department oversees the course throughout downtown. Special thanks to supporting sponsors, David Dobson Re/Max First, RadVine Marketing, Jetta, Bath Fitters, BancFirst, 1884, The Patriarch and Gogi Go, for making this event possible. Proceeds benefit the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program for Edmond Public School students. For more information visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-3404481.
place winner announced. Scarecrow contest will run until October 1 evening through Oct. 31 morning. Please visit Downtown Edmond on Facebook to vote for your favorite scarecrow. Be sure to “like” your favorite scarecrow on the original post created by Downtown Edmond. To find out more about the event, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. About Downtown Edmond Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) is a membership organization formed by business owners in Downtown Edmond. DEBA holds many family-friendly events throughout the year.
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From the Publisher
Edmond City Council updates If most of you do not hang in to watch an entire Edmond City Council meeting on Zoom these days, we understand. They can get a little, shall we say “dry.” The truth is that when Ray Hibbard they get bogged down in drainage or zoning issues, a person can darn near fall asleep. Unless it is zoning that is going to affect the house you live in, odds are many just don’t take an interest even though it would be a good idea watch the wheels of your city elected officials turn however slowly that might happen. Good news is we will have a new mayor soon so it could get better come April. The best part of the Sept. 28, 2020, Edmond City Council meeting was the city manager report from Larry Stevens. He has good and useful information that affects us all here in Edmond. Stevens does a fantastic job and we are lucky to have him here in Edmond. Stevens is one of those folks that just gets it. He should be our next U.S. President to be honest. Our problems in this nation would get cleaned up in a hurry. He reported to council members that progress for the new “Quiet Zone” is going well. It may even finish a little ahead of what was planned. Having this designation for the trains coming through Edmond means that we will not have to hear the train whistle blasting all the way through town. All our intersections with railroad crossings are being configured so that it will no longer be a requirement for the trains to blow their horns at the intersection. The cost to the City of Edmond is $4 million. The city must take on all the expense to have it done but the railroad folks get final inspection. Redevelopment of Stephenson Park located on Boulevard between 4th and 5th street is moving along well. Currently, they are working on drainage issues before moving forward. I know drainage is not a glamours topic, but it is important. Former Edmond Mayor Charles Lamb was a drainage expert and understood the issues dealing with drainage. He died before the last election and I sure wish he were with us now and still our mayor.
Our sales and use taxes are up over the same period last year. It is amazing folks but the combination of both was up 7.3% over the same period with use tax being up 26%. Most importantly, our sales and use taxes are up over the same period last year. It is amazing folks but the combination of both was up 7.3% over the same period with use tax being up 26%. Use tax comes from Internet sales so we can see how much folks are ordering online with the virus still in full force. The average for the last three months shows that both taxes are up a combined 8.6% over the same period last year so this last collection month was no accident. It is important to us all so that we can continue our extension and maintenance of city services we enjoy. Those were the highlights. We will continue to suffer through the meetings on your behalf and let you know what we discover. As always, should there be a “skunk under the house” of city hall, Edmond Life & Leisure will be there to report on it and shower it with the light of day. Cox Communications Commits $60 Million to Close the Digital Learning Gap There are companies that care about our children continuing to learn in these difficult times. Cox Communication has always been a good corporate citizen to Edmond and to our school district. Cox Communications’ President and CEO Pat Esser announced in a live press conference last week that Cox will pledge $60 million over the next year to close the digital learning gap. Esser urged in the press conference the need for collaboration to solve the digital divide. “Our commitment remains strong, but we cannot do this alone. We need to keep partnering with cities, school districts, counties and community-based organizations to get families connected,” said Esser. “Connection is more important than ever before, especially for kids.” Esser also announced that Cox will be extending the company’s offer to new customers that qualify for Connect2Compete. This has been an important program during this time. New customers that sign
up for the program before the end of the year will receive the company’s low-cost internet for two months free, and $9.95 per month thereafter. Cox’s outdoor Wifi hotspots will also remain open to keep families connected during this time of need. The press conference included Jim Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, the Superintendent of The Clark County School District in Nevada, Dr. Jesus Jara, Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada and President and CEO of the NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Michael Powell. Cox CARES Act Solutions for Education were also discussed. As school districts work to connect teachers and students through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Cox has launched Cox CARES Act Solutions for Education to help school districts as they implement virtual learning during the pandemic. The CARES Act funds can be used by school districts for purchasing educational technology to support online learning for all K-12 students and for additional authorized activities. Cox offers a variety of connectivity solutions to districts that are subsidizing internet to better support students and educators as they implement virtual learning and teleworking in their homes. Cox CARES Act Solutions for Education include: • Connect2Compete provides internet for low-income families with a K-12 child participating in a government-assisted program. Connect2Compete supports eligible students and their families by providing low-cost home internet with Wifi and access to the Cox Digital Academy, a free online resource hub that connects families with educational videos, tutorials, games and more. Eligible participants signing up before December 31, 2020 receive two months of free service and pay $9.95 monthly going forward. Families can qualify for Connect2Compete easily from anywhere whether
on their mobile device or desktop by visiting www.Cox.com/CareAct. ; • New CARES Act-specific Cox Internet speed are available in two levels: CARES Starter Internet offers speeds of 25 Mbps/3 Mbps at $30 per month, and CARES Essential Internet offers speeds of 50 Mbps/3Mbps at $40 per month. Both come with free, easy-connect options and include equipment. • Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU) Bulk Wifi is ideal for schools and student housing. Provided by the property owner, speeds and pricing for this option vary based on the needs of the property. • Cox Business Managed Wifi for educational systems gives participating students, teachers, and staff a strong Wifi internet connection to enrich their experience and enhance productivity.This fully managed technology supports private and guest Wifi networks and includes all speed tiers. Pricing varies but typically costs $60 a month per access point. There are no term commitments or cancellation fees for any Cox CARES Act solution, and flexible payment options are available. To learn more about the Cox CARES Act Solutions for Education, visit Cox.com/Caresact. “Hundreds of schools have worked with us to connect students, teachers and faculty through our CARES Act Solutions for Education,” said Ashley Perkins, Vice President of Cox Business. “Not only have we created affordable options to ensure connectivity, but we’ve developed a process to quickly pre-qualify students to make it easy for the schools. We realize each school has unique challenges, and we’re ready to partner to ensure these schools’ students can harness the power of an internet connection.” Cox recently announced additional support to help families by suspending late fees and extending payment relief offerings for Connect2Compete customers who express an inability to pay due to the pandemic. In addition, Cox recently signed onto the “K-12 Bridge to Broadband” initiative to help identify families that need a connection to the internet by working with school districts. For more information on Cox’s coronavirus relief efforts, visit cox.com.
(Ray Hibbard, publisher, may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- October events ............................................................................Page 6. ---- Coach marks 1000th match win..................................................Page 8. ---- Columnist questions social media use ........................................Page 10. ---- SF & Memorial football scenes ..................................................Page 12. ---- Celtic Throne coming back to Armstrong Auditorium ................Page 13. ---- George Gust reviews new mystery film ......................................Page 14. ---- North gets first win at new stadium ..........................................Page 15. ---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. ---- Business news ............................................................................Page 17. This and so much more in this week’s edition
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 5
Meghan Mueller of the Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance accepts a donation from Les Cummings and John Carr.
Rhonda Flowers (center in red) of the Dale Graham Veterans Foundation accepts food pantry items from left, DJ Boyce, Greg Ruch, Gerald Hulsey, Joann Moorehead, Bob and Vicky Daniel.
Edmond Elks Lodge supports local non-profits The Edmond Elks Lodge #2578 has disbursed $10,500 in Elks National Foundation (ENF) grants to nine area agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic: Hope Center of Edmond: $1,750 First Christian Church Breakfast on Boulevard: $1,750 Edmond Senior Center Luncheon Program: $1,000 Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance: $2,500 Edmond Mobile Meals: $500 Logan County Aging Services for mobile meals: $500 Norman Veterans Center: $1,000 in COVID-19 supplies Dale Graham Veterans Foundation: $750 in food for food pantry Veterans Corner, Inc.: $750 in food for food pantry Grants Coordinator, Les Cummings, reports that since the Edmond Lodge began writing grant applications to the Elks National Foundation in 2013, the Lodge has received and distributed $59,000 in Community Investment Program Grants. This year, due to the pandemic, the ENF has encouraged its Lodges nationally to distribute the funds as soon as possible to assist during the pandemic. The usual hands-on volunteer hours requirement has been eliminated this year to keep Lodge members and the community safe from COVID-19.
From Left Rev. Chris Shorow accepts donation from Joann Moorehead and Les Cummings.
Jerry Baxter of Veterans Corner on right accepts food donations from Joann Moorehead, Vicky Daniel, Gerald Hulsey, Bob Daniel, Greg Ruch and DJ Boyce.
From left are John Carr, Candic McIntire (Norman Veterans Center) and Les Cumming.
Chris Sperry, Executive Director of the Hope Center accepts donation from Joann Moorehead and Les Cummings.
From left are Edmond Elks members Bob Daniel, Vicky Daniel, Joann Moorehead, DJ Boyce, Gerald Hulsey and Greg Ruch preparing to distribute food items to veterans food pantries.
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Area bank offers community free ‘Shred Event’ on Friday, Oct. 16 First Liberty Bank will be hosting a free community Shred Event on Friday, Oct. 16. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon in the bank’s parking lot at 9601 N. May Avenue in The Village. Our staff will be wearing masks and practicing social dis-
tancing, but you don’t even need to get out of your car! Just pull up and pop your trunk – we’ll take care of the rest. Please share and tell your friends - all are welcome! There is a limit of 10 boxes per visit. Questions? Call us at 405608.4500. Absolute Data Shred-
ding will be providing a mobile shredding unit to destroy all personal and confidential documents. Shredding your personal documents is one way to help protect yourself from identity theft, which is one of the fastest growing forms of consumer fraud. Properly disposing sensitive, but out of date documents like old tax returns, bank and credit card statements, medical records and other documents with personal information, is one way to help protect your identity. First Liberty Bank is a locally owned, full-service community bank offering a wide range of high-quality bank
October Events ---- In the Gallery: David Padgett ---- “You Are Here” Interactive Exhibit ---- Darci Lynne Exhibit ---- Back to the 1950s ---- Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Pink Buckle Barrell Horse Race ---- Frenzy Pop Up Shops ---- Taproom Tones w/Edgar Cruz ---- Art in Public Places Tour ---- Celtic Throne: The Royal Journey of Irish Dance ---- Isaac McClung at the Patriarch ---- Harry Potter Cookie Decorating Class ---- Oklahoma’s Richest Rodeo ---- Bach for Christmas ---- FACS: The Lupine Trio (LindbladeEvans, Pollack, & Zhu) ---- Live Music Friday: Brendan Mobley ---- Storybook Forest ---- World Cup Finals of Team Roping ---- Drop-In Drawing ---- Fall Break Drop-In Activities ---- Perked-Up Playdates ---- Oklahoma Homeschool Day ---- Steampunk Fall Celebration ---- Cherokee Cultural Celebration ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- HallowFest ---- Arcadia Route 66 Neonfest ---- Guthrie Crazy Days ---- Guthrie Sweets & Drinks Festival ---- R.K. Gun Show ---- Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show ---- Haunt the Zoo For Halloween ---- Red Earth Parade ---- An Affair of the Heart ---- Oklahoma City Oodities & Curiosities Expo ---- Summer Canine Olympics ---- Halloween Train ---- The Hall of Fame Gun Show ---- Oklahoma Mineral & Gem Show ---- Midwest Arms Collector Gun & Knife Show Extra Information on October Happenings In the Gallery: David Padgett Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; David Padgett’s art will be displayed during the month of October. “You Are Here” Interactive Exhibit Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---- Melton Gallery Extra Info: Free; 12-4 p.m.; Mon – Thursday; uco.edu/cfad; Facebook Darci Lynne Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Now – Jan 30, 2021; edmondhistory.org Back to the 1950s Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Now – Jan 31, 2021; several exhibits with the 1950s theme, edmondhistory.org Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Pink Buckle Barrell Horse Race Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Thur Oct. 10; pinkbuckle.com Frenzy Pop Up Shops Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Wednesday’s; 5 – 8:30 p.m.; Showcasing small businesses; Facebook Taproom Tones w/Edgar Cruz Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Oct 8; 7 – 9 p.m.; Facebook Art in Public Places Tour Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Oct 13 and Oct 29; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $15; visitedmondok.com Celtic Throne: The Royal Journey of Irish Dance Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Thursdays, Oct 15; 7 p.m.; Oct 18; 2 p.m.; $15-$45; armstrongauditorium.org Isaac McClung at The Patriarch Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House
Extra Info: Oct 16; 8 – 10 p.m.; Facebook Harry Potter Cookie Decorating Class Location: Sweets on the Side Extra Info: Oct 16 – 17; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $25-$50; Facebook Oklahoma’s Richest Rodeo Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Oct 16 – 18; risingstarsevents.org Bach for Christmas Location: Shannon Miller Park Extra Info: Oct 17; Free; 6 – 7:15 p.m.; Facebook FACS: The Lupine Trio (LindbladeEvans, Pollack, & Zhu) Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Oct 23; 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.; $10; Find them on Facebook Live Music Friday: Brendan Mobley Location: Conscious Community Café and Co-op Extra Info: Oct 23; 6:30 – 9 p.m.; Facebook Storybook Forest Location: Arcadia Lake Extra Info: Oct 23 – Fri, 30; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; $12 per child; storybookforestok.com World Cup Finals of Team Roping Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Oct 24 – Nov 1; ustrc.com Guthrie Haunts Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK Extra Info: Now – Nov 7; http://www.guthriescaregrounds.com
Fall Break Drop-In Activities Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Oct 15, Fall Tree Finger Painting, Oct 16, Foam Fall Leaf Wreath, Oct 19, Beaded pumpkin; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Perked-Up Playdates Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Oct 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Homeschool Day Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Oct 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Steampunk Fall Celebration Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Oct 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Cherokee Cultural Celebration Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Oct 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Hallowfest Location: Frontier City Extra Info: Oct 2 – Oct 31; Fri, 4 – 10 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 6 – 10 p.m.; sixflags.com Arcadia Route 66 Neonfest Location: 3100 E Old Hwy 66, Arcadia, Extra info: Oct 2 – 4; Fri, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun, 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Facebook Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Oct 10 – 17; morgangrandnational.com Haunt the Zoo For Halloween Location: Oklahoma City Zoo Extra Info: Oct 10 – 11, 17 -18, 2425, & 31, Nov 1; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okczoo.org, Facebook Red Earth Parade Location: Downtown, OKC Extra Info: Oct 17; 4 p.m.; redearth.org An Affair of the Heart Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 7
Fact file on Hamilton Fieldhouse The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department is home to some of the finest facilities in the country. Over the past five years, construction projects have taken place that physically transformed the face of the campus. We're taking a closer look at each of those facilities each Wednesday. Up this week is our final facility – and our oldest facility – Hamilton Field House. Built in 1965, Hamilton Field House is the hub of UCO athletics. It served as the base for the entire athletic department, housing administration, athletic training, strength & conditioning, and all 14 varsity sports, until just a few years ago when Central's great facility improvements took on life. Even without half of the department, Hamilton can still call itself the center of the Broncho athletic world.
FILE PHOTO
Jaci Littell of UCO women’s basketball team, should be back in action next month. Broncho sports have been on hold since last March, when the COVID-19 virus halted all competition.
Broncho sports set to get started again The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced last week its CEO council approved a measure to start basketball season as scheduled this November. Central Oklahoma is slated to open the 2020-21 basketball season with a home game against Missouri Southern on Nov. 19, beginning a 22-game schedule that consists of all conference contests. The MIAA also announced that wrestling and indoor track & field scheduling will be left up to the discretion of the institutions. Central has not yet announced schedules for either of those sports. Central will announce as the season gets closer more information on protocols that will be implemented to ensure the health and safety of all of its student-athletes, coaches, and personnel. UCO will also announce more information regarding spectators in the coming weeks. The MIAA also announced it will not develop a formal football schedule or conduct a cross country championship this academic year and it will not crown a champion in either sport. MIAA football programs will
be permitted to set up no more than four joint practices, scrimmages, or games with outside competition or other MIAA members this spring as each member institution deems appropriate for its program. As a result of this action, a few MIAA schools have decided to pursue limited independent schedules in both sports this fall. These independent events are non-conference contests as permitted per NCAA regulations. The CEO Council was also updated on the Association's Athletics Administrators Committee (AAC) review of possible formal 2021 spring seasons for volleyball and women's soccer. At the current time, and based on current health and testing conditions, it is the intent of the MIAA to offer sport seasons this spring for MIAA schools to compete against each other, and possibly non-conference opponents, in the sports of volleyball and women's soccer. Issues concerning the season structure, team schedules, conference awards and statistics, spring tournaments, and other sport issues will continue to be discussed by each sport's MIAA Monitoring Group.
Hamilton Field House hosts every Central volleyball match in the fall, and all of UCO's wrestling matches, along with each men's and women's basketball contests, in the winter. Hamilton has also served as the home for several campus events, none bigger than the commencement ceremonies in December and May. Concerts, UCO's annual cheer & dance event, as well as orientations and banquets all take place in the field house. Central opened Hamilton Field House in 1965. This from The Vista ahead of the first basketball game. … A new era in Central State College sports will be launched at 8 p.m. Friday, January 8, when the first basketball contest will be played in the school's magnificent new Broncho Field House. Opening of the sports structure will initiate the celebration of Central's 75th year of existence.”
Page 8 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Santa Fe girls volleyball team, during action earlier this season. Will Ethridge, the coach, posted his 1,000th match win last week.
SF coach gets 1000th match win By Cameron Jourdan Oklahoman.com A lot of change has occurred during Will Ethridge’s career as Edmond Santa Fe’s volleyball coach. There are nearly 100 more high school volleyball teams across the state. The sport’s tremendous growth is also occurring at the club level, and Oklahoma has started churning out top-tier Division-I athletes year after year. As for Ethridge, he has been with Edmond Santa Fe’s volleyball program since its inception in 1993, when the
Ethridge school opened. On Tuesday, he collected his 1,000th career win after topping Moore 30. It was 1,000 career wins for one of the biggest proprietors in the sports’ growth
across the state since Ethridge began coaching. It was the 1,000th win for a program which has been dominant since it started. Yet for Ethridge, it’s just another step in his journey. “It’s a lot of years and a lot of really good kids,” Ethridge said. “I’ve just been blessed with some wonderful, talented kids. You string that together for a bunch of years, and that kind of success breeds success. And now we’re here.” Ethridge’s teams have made 13 state championship match appear-
ances in 27 years. He has won seven state titles. Ethridge said there has been no magic recipe to his success. “He’s simply the GOAT,” Edmond Public Schools athletic director Mike Nunley said. “Guy's records and history of the program are simply incredible. “Will is the ambassador of volleyball for Oklahoma. The transformation in the sport over the last 15-20 years, he’s been at the front.” Ethridge’s team last won the state title in 2018, which was his second straight. This season’s team is strong enough to make a run, too. The Wolves are ranked fifth in Class 6A with two matches to go until regionals begin, which Santa Fe will likely host. If Santa Fe is able to make the state championship match for the 14th time in 28 years, it will also be the 12th straight year the one of the Edmond high schools has made the finals. Edmond’s dominance in volleyball all ties back to Ethridge in some way. “This year, more than ever, we’ve seen so much depth in talent, at least in 6A,” Ethridge said. “It’s really impressive, and it all traces back to the growth.”
Page 10 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Social media threat? My son George wrote about the Netflix movie “The Social Dilemma” a few weeks ago. I also recommend people try to watch it. It’s not the most flattering view of the computer tech giSteve Gust ants. Seems we’re all the sheep out here and they’re using us to make lots of money for advertising wishing to our change behaviors. I’m not sure I agree with it all. For instance, they state that conservative people hear only conservative viewpoints and the same for liberals. Maybe, but it seems to me on Facebook the liberals and conservatives are mixing it up just fine. They also came to the conclusion that, if things don’t change, we could be looking at a civil war after the upcoming election. Again, I don’t have a crystal ball, but people have been arguing in this nation ever since it was founded. That’s not likely to change. Besides, what social medial were people using 160 years ago when we had our actual
last Civil War? But I will agree with one premise of the movie. People are on their phones too much and I probably have to include myself in that dreadful stat. I will say that I got off Twitter more than a year ago. Best thing I ever did. The online platforms can steal so much time. Hey, watch a good movie or read a book. There’s no law that you have to know everything about everybody and hit the “like” button. ----One of the claims being made recently, is that if the Democrats come into power, then Puerto Rico becomes a state. What’s not brought out is the territory has rejected statehood in the past, because residents don’t want to pay federal taxes. Who can blame them? It’s not a done deal by any means. ---Did you see in The Oklahoman Sunday the millions and millions of dollars being spent on the Fifth District Congressional race? Just incredible!
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Showing compassion for those facing evictions By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Writing in The Oklahoman in May about the challenges presented early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the executive director of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma said, “The Oklahoma Standard is visible daily in our legal profession.” Those words from Michael Figgins continue to ring true, as Legal Aid attorneys work with the housing assistance group Community CARES Partners to help keep residents from being evicted — at least for now. Reporter Kayla Branch highlighted the organizations’ efforts in a story that offered a reminder of the many caring people throughout this community. Community CARES Partners was formed to
help those facing COVID19-related income loss. The organization has access to $24 million in city, county and state housing assistance funds that were part of the coronavirus relief package approved by Congress. Oklahoma City residents can apply for funds to pay for rent or utilities as soon as they realize they cannot pay. Branch noted that by applying the money strategically, Community CARES Partners has been able to cover back rent and pay forward through the end of 2020. Landlords who know assistance is available often hold off on filing evictions, directing renters to Community CARES and local service providers. Judge Trent Pipes has urged mediation be-
tween property owners and tenants when a case makes it to an eviction docket. More cases are getting resolved, Pipes said, “because of the availability of direct rent assistance from various sources and input from Legal Aid.” Indeed, the number of evictions in Oklahoma County has been far lower than expected, due to the housing assistance funds, two federal moratoriums on evictions and courthouse closures. Branch interviewed one woman who lost her job at a local gym and fell at least three months behind on her apartment rent. She eventually went to the Oklahoma County courthouse, expecting to be evicted, but instead was directed to tables staffed by Legal Aid and Community CARES Partners. Legal Aid was able to get her eviction case extended so her application had time to be processed by Community CARES and a payment could be made to her landlord. “I’m very grateful they were here,” she said. An ongoing concern is the tremendous need. As of mid-September, Community CARES Partners had served nearly 400 people and paid out more than $1 million in housing assistance. However, at that time about 8,000 requests for assistance had been submitted from 17 counties. The 8,000 figure, says Community CARES Director Ginny Carl, “tells me that there is a delayed response and things are accumulating.” j“I worry,” she said. “But we just have to worry first and foremost about what we have in our control right now.” Hundreds of Oklahomans are grateful for that. From Oklahoman.com
The real reasons to re-elect the President Editor: The moment when someone says, "I can't believe you would vote for Trump." I simply reply “I'm not voting for Trump.” I'm voting for the First Amendment and freedom of speech. I'm voting for the Second Amendment and my right to defend my life and my family. I'm voting for the next Supreme Court Justice(s) to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I’m voting for the continued growth of my retirement 401K and the stock market. I’m voting for a return of our troops from foreign countries and the end to America’s involvement in foreign conflicts.
Letter to the Editor I'm voting for the Electoral College & the Republic we live in. I'm voting for the Police to be respected once again and to ensure Law & Order. I’m voting for the continued appointment of Federal Judges who respect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I’m voting for our jobs to remain in America and not be outsourced allover again to China, and other foreign countries. I’m voting for secure borders and legal immigration. I'm voting for the Military & the Veterans who fought for this Country to give the American
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.
people their freedoms. I'm voting for the unborn babies that have a right to live. I’m voting for continued peace progress in the middle east. I’m voting to fight against human/child trafficking. I’m voting for Freedom of Religion. I'm voting for the American Flag that is disrespected by the Democratic Party. I'm voting for the right to speak my opinion & not be censored. I'm not just voting for one person, I'm voting for the future of my Country. I'm voting for my children and my grandchildren to ensure their freedoms and their future. What are you voting for? DIANE BARNHART Edmond
General Election set for Nov. 3 Please vote
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 11
Sessions set for adults interested in degree The University of Central Oklahoma will host several information sessions for adults looking to complete their college degree as part of Reach Higher: Reconnect Week, Oct. 19-24. Sessions include program preview webinars, the opportunity to virtually meet with an academic adviser to discuss a personalized degree completion plan and a chance to win a $250 tuition stipend. The Reach Higher program offers adult learners a flexible schedule, allowing them to maintain a normal work routine while completing their degree entirely online. Reach Higher Week will kick off with two reconnect webinars from 11:30 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20 and noon - 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. Program representatives will cover the application process, financial breakdown, course requirements and will answer attendee questions about the process of returning to school. Registration is required. "Returning to school as an adult can be scary. We have fears about time, money, schedules and even if we will do well," said Trevor Cox, Ph.D., assistant professor and program coordinator for the organizational leadership major at Central. "These sessions will provide important tips on what it takes to go back to school, provide detailed information on our adult degree completion
The University of Central Oklahoma will host several information sessions for adults looking to complete their college degree as part of Reach Higher: Reconnect Week, Oct. 19-24.
program and allow you to set up appointments to get enrolled and get started on that next step." Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership, designed to prepare students for success in corporate, industrial, government and nonprofit careers, meeting the needs of today’s businesses. Admission requirements include an associate degree or a minimum of 72 credit hours, must be 21 years of age or older, have a minimum 2.0 cumu-
Edmond Fine Arts 2020 Commemorative Ornament
FAI’s 2020 commemorative ornament Enjoy something beautiful in 2020. For 16 years, Andy Boatman of Blue Sage Studios has been commissioned by the Edmond Fine Arts Institute to design and create commemorative glass ornaments for holiday decorating and giving. This year the skilled artisan has incorporated some of the most complex glassblowing techniques resulting in a one-of-a-kind treasure. His use of variety in colors makes for an even more unique piece that adds elegance to any holiday décor. These limited-edition ornaments are packaged with coordinating customized
ribbons ready for holiday gift giving. “Andy’s ornaments are collector’s items and each a unique piece of art,” Shannon Price, Edmond Fine Arts executive director states. “We always look forward to his new designs, but this year’s ornament is an extra special reminder that creativity continues, even during the midst of a difficult year. ” The ornaments may be preordered now by emailing info@edmondfinearts.com or by calling 405-3404481 and will be available for purchased at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, 27 E. Edwards, Edmond, OK for $25 beginning Oct. 20.
lative GPA in past college coursework, have completed general education requirements and satisfy all institutional requirements for completion of remedial coursework. A provisional admission status may be given to students who do not yet meet the minimum credit hours or general education requirements. Opportunities will also be offered for program applicants to meet virtually one-on-one with an academic adviser at Central. The first fifteen students to schedule appointments with an adviser will automatically re-
ceive a $20 Amazon gift card. The first student to enroll in the Reach Higher - organizational leadership program at Central during the week of events will receive a $250 tuition stipend to apply towards their first semester in the program for adults. For more information about the Reach Higher events or to register, visit www.blogs.uco.edu/ceps/reachhigherweek. To learn more about the organizational leadership program at Central, visit www.uco.edu/reachhigher.
Page 12 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond SF the 2020 ‘Edlam’ Champ Wolves put together a 46-20 win over crosstown rival Memorial
Santa Fe QB Scott Pfieffer (16) looks downfield for an open reciever
The SF cheerleaders were on hand last week for a rare Monday night game featuring Memorial at Santa Fe. The game was postponed from the previous Friday due to virus concerns. The Wolves scored 20 points in the final quarter to seal the win. Coupled with an earlier victory over Norht, SF is this year’s ‘Edlam’ champ. Both teams also played a second game last week with SF blasting Westmoore 69-14. Memorial fell to Norman, 27-20.
Memorial QB Carson Riney (12) looks for an open receiver .
Santa Fe DB Karmelo Flowers (33) pursues Memorial LB Jett Burgess (18).
Memorial LB Kiefer Mullins (26) and DE Brady Stone (89) tackle Santa Fe RB Ethane Hyche (7)
Photos by Melinda Infante
RB Ethane Hyche (7) scores for Santa Fe
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 13
The excitement of Celtic Throne returns to Armstrong Auditorium next week for two encore performances.
At Armstrong Auditorium
‘Celtic Throne’ dance show back for encores From Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne (Heartbeat of Home) comes Celtic Throne, a majestic new musical score for a brand-new Irish dance production from Herbert W. Armstrong College and Armstrong Dance. Fresh off tours of Branson, MO and Rapid City, SD, Armstrong Auditorium will host two encore performances of Celtic Throne on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music- and dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States. Infused with innovative choreography, dazzling costumes, spectacular lighting and projection, Celtic Throne is Armstrong College’s largest production to date. “Celtic Throne combines Byrne’s powerful, cinematic musical score with hard- and soft-shoe Irish dancing, all set against epic imagery of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, scenes from the British Empire and traditional America. This show is a stonking celebration of the British Isles and the United States. It is guaranteed to leave audiences thrilled and inspired,” said co-director Brad Macdonald. “Bring the entire family for an unforgettable experience!” Irish-born Brian Byrne is a multiaward-winning film and television composer, songwriter and producer whose wife is lyricist Kasey Jones, a native Oklahoman. The couple lives in Oklahoma. Byrne composed music for Heartbeat of Home and has collabo-
rated with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Katy Perry, Bono, Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, Sinead O’Connor, Kelly Clarkson and Sarah McLachlan, to name a few. The Armstrong Dance troupe is comprised of more than 30 Irish dancers from around the world, including Britain, Australia, Canada and the United States, ranging in age from 22 to just four years old. The troupe is comprised of students from the Carey Academy in England and the Maguire Academy in America, some of whom have competed with great success in top Irish dance competitions, including Worlds, All Irelands, Great Britain and North American Nationals. Tickets to Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance range from $20 to $45 for adults and $15 for children 17 and under, and reservations are required. For tickets, visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call (405) 285-1010. The award-winning Armstrong Auditorium has established itself as a world-class center for the arts in Oklahoma since 2010. The theater has hosted acclaimed local and international performances from a vast array of genres, including classical, jazz and folk music, theater, classical ballet, folk dance and more. Designed to provide an exceptional acoustic experience, only 75 feet separate the stage from the back wall, allowing the 823-seat theater to boast a nine-millisecond initial time delay gap— a measure of remarkable acoustic intimacy. Armstrong Auditorium’s exquisite beauty and warm atmosphere continue to make it an extraordinary venue worthy of its numerous accolades.
Page 14 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Holmes mystery story with a new twist By George Gust We have seen a many number of Sherlock Holmes interpretations in recent years; a couple of modern TV shows, a classic Victorian style movie series with movie star power, and even an animated gnome version. So, is yet another take on the famous detective really called for at this time? “Enola Holmes” is Netflix’s newest ‘blockbuster’ release and follows the exploits of Enola Holmes (Millie Bobbie Brown), Sherlock's (Henry Cavill) teen sister. When Enola discovers her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) missing, she leaves the sheltered country life she’s known to find her, becoming a super-sleuth in her own right. In her efforts to outwit her famous brother and find her mother, she unravels a dangerous conspiracy around a mysterious young Lord. “Enola Holmes” feels like the rare modern movie that can engage and entertain nearly the whole family. Behind the effervescent performance of Brown, “Enola Holmes” delivers a fourth wall breaking, teen friendly mystery adventure that is equal parts charming and engaging. There’s an energy to the film and Brown’s performance that is fitting for the fast pace life teens tend to lead these days, and breaks up a Victorian setting that other filmmakers may be inclined to portray as only rainy and gray. You mustn’t need to be a life-long
Sherlock Holmes fan to have an appreciation for “Enola Holmes”, and astute viewers of “Enola Holmes” will be able to deduce many of the film’s setups and their eventual payoffs, but the journey through the clever twists is enjoyable all the same. With fresh female eyes, “Enola Holmes” breathes life into the tropes of the classic Sherlock stories. With a ‘find your own path’ message and an emphasis on empowering girls/women the film feels prescient to today’s climate, while being set in the male dominated Victorian society, even going so far as to highlight a vote on women’s suffrage in the film. Throughout the movie Enola is pulled in opposing directions; her mother wanting her to be fierce and completely inde-
pendent in every way to the point of loneliness and her newfound lord and brother Mycroft (Sam Claflin) wanting to send her to a posh finishing school to find a husband. However, it is the perseverance and uplifting charm of Brown’s performance that brings home the overall positive messaging, making Enola an inspiring intelligent heroine for young girls. Overall, “Enola Holmes” is an endlessly charming and entertaining mystery adventure featuring a star making performance from Brown as the titular amateur detective. Cavill brings a surprising amount of empathy and loads of charisma to the oft portrayed detective but is only featured for a small amount of screen time, making room for the Brown to be the star of the show. The adventurous family-friendly tone and fantastic performances make a sequel a solution that bears little deduction. “Enola Holmes” is rated PG-13 for some violence. Now available to stream on Netflix. 4.2 out of 5 stars
To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.comt See past reviews by visiting our web site at www.edmondlifeandleisure.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Millie Bobby Brown turns in a star-making performance as ‘Enola Holmes’ the much younger sister of famous detective Sherlock Holmes, portrayed gracefully by a former Superman, Henry Cavill.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 1970s
Answers appearing on Page 19
ACROSS 1. Muscular contraction 6. D.C. mover and shaker 9. "That was close!" 13. Blood circulation organ 14. FEMA provisions, e.g. 15. Not bob, to a boxer 16. Like a whistle? 17. UN labor org. 18. Speck in the ocean 19. *Fallen South Vietnamese capital 21. *War movie and Oscar-winner 23. Once around 24. Hippocrates' promise 25. Ribonucleic acid 28. Bakery unit 30. Foliage vein 35. In fine fettle 37. Scoop or skinny 39. Nephew's sister 40. "Metamorphoses" poet 41. *ABBA's genre 43. Thailand money 44. Temporarily ban 46. Way to fry 47. Jamie Fraser of "Outlander" 48. *"The Gods Themselves" author 50. Romanov ruler 52. Give it a go 53. It prevents objectivity 55. Brewed beverage 57. *First U.S. space station 60. *Mr. Jefferson 63. Nest for an eagle 64. Between Fla. and Miss. 66. Cold cream brand 68. Does like some coffee makers 69. Tasseled hat 70. Not snail mail 71. Back talk 72. *Nicklaus' peg 73. Smartly dressed
DOWN 1. Anatomical pouch 2. Plural of #6 Across 3. ____ 51, Nevada 4. *"____way to Heaven" 5. Feed beet 6. Some have a high tolerance for it 7. *1973 ____ crisis 8. *Oliver Sacks' "Awakenings" drug 9. Boll weevil, e.g. 10. Saintly sign 11. Like never-losing Steven 12. Kind of nurse 15. Not outside 20. Egg-shaped 22. Cash dispenser 24. Compensating equivalents 25. *"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" spin-off 26. Center of a church, pl. 27. Defendant's excuse 29. Black tropical cuckoo 31. "I call first ____!" 32. Undergo a chemical reaction
33. Blood of the Greek gods 34. *First Lady, familiarly 36. Dutch export 38. South American wood sorrels 42. Talk like Demosthenes 45. Paso ____, CA 49. By means of 51. Go back into business 54. Behind a stern 56. Pleasant odor 57. Serum, pl. 58. *Cheryl Ladd on "Charlie's Angels" 59. Golfer's dread 60. Fixed look 61. Flying biter 62. Blue pencil mark 63. Internet pop-ups 65. *"Enter the Dragon" star 67. *"Rocky" star's nickname
Answers on Page 19
Grant given OMRF The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation $2.2 million to study a cellular protein’s role in reproduction and cancer. OMRF researcher Jian Li, Ph.D., received a five-year grant that will investigate the role that a cellular protein called HSF1 plays in cell division and growth. “Reproduction and cancer may seem unrelated, but at a basic level, they both have to do with how cells divide,” said Li, who joined OMRF from Northwestern University in Chicago in 2017. “In reproduction, cells need to divide properly. And in cancer, cell division is out of control, which grows and spreads the disease.” The protein his lab has zeroed in on is proven to have an important role in healthy cell division, Li explained, but studying it in the context where something has gone wrong is crucial. “We want to better understand the role this protein plays when reproduction doesn’t go as it should, such as in infertility. Knowing that, we could provide ideas that could aid in successful pregnancy through therapies that target the protein,” Li said.
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 15
Edmond North gets first win in new stadium
WR Xander Steele (12) makes a nice run for a gain. In year No. 2 of North’s new stadium the Huskies got the first win with a 14-7 victory over Moore. North has three losses this year, but each have been by narrow margins.
DE Avery Stone (48), DL JP Louie (50) and DE Arttemus Jones (74) wait for the Moore offense North students have waited a long time to celebrate a win in their new stadium.
QB Carson Horton (8) scrambles to gain yardage before being pushed out of bounds by the Moore defense.
Photos by Melinda Infante
Page 16 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
‘Spamalot’ opens OCU musical season Oklahoma City University’s awardwinning Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company will open its 69th season Oct. 9 and 10 with its firstever mainstage livestream: a newly unveiled pandemic version of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” A masked cast will present the regional premiere of “Monty Python’s Spamalot Socially Distant Concert-ish Version,” live from OCU’s historic Kirkpatrick stage at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10. Both performances will be livestreamed worldwide. Tickets ($10) are available from ocu.booktix.com. Director Karen Coe Miller noted: “Last spring, we were disappointed to have to cancel our final show of the season, ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot,’… but then the creators of ‘Spamalot’ gave us a gift. Theatrical Rights Worldwide released a version adapted for our times. How appropriate for a musical set in the year 932 during a time of plague! “We are proud to produce ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot Socially Distant Concert-ish Version.’ Expect sets, costumes, projections and all of your favorite Monty Python characters and gags. Expect a brilliantly sung, danced and acted show by a fabulous OCU cast in masks and safely 10 feet away from each other, performing their hearts out to an empty theater. “Want to see how we do it? This is a new era of creative staging and performance solutions. Join the fun by streaming with us.” Billed as being “lovingly ripped off” from Eric Idle’s 1975 film ”Monty
PHOTO PROVIDED
Junior music theater major Brianna Reed portrays Patsy in the Oct. 9-10 collegiate premiere of ‘Monty Python's Spamalot: Socially Distant Concert-ish Version.’
Python and the Holy Grail,” the show is an irreverent retelling of the legend of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and the Lady of the Lake that pokes fun at Broadway classics from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” to Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards — including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Eric Idle, and Best Original Score, shared by co-composers Idle and John Du Prez. Its success led to two
acclaimed runs in London’s West End where the cast continued to search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.” In addition to Miller, the creative team for OCU’s Wanda L. Bass School of Music production features Matthew Mailman, music director, and Sheri Hayden, choreographer. OCU’s Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company, the nation’s longest-running collegiate-based opera and music theater troupe, has won nine National Opera Association
Production Awards in nine years, including seven in the past four seasons. The school was named to Playbill's 2018-19 and 2019-20 “Big Ten” lists of Top 10 collegiate training grounds for Broadway performers. The Company’s mainstage season continues Oct. 30 and 31 with a livestream of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” set in the socially distanced 1950s. For details on upcoming performances, visit www.okcu.edu/music.
Concert at Arcadia
Susan Pierce, left, and Robin Brooks make up Middle Sister. (Photo provided by Middle Sister)
Middle Sister will bring Morning Music to the Arcadia Round Barn from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Susan Pierce and Robin Brooks are the singer-songwriters who make up Middle Sister. They perform an acoustic mix of originals and folk/rock classics. All concerts are outdoors beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Masks are required. The barn is currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. Regularly-scheduled live music concerts continue through the end of October, and occasional weekend music will continue as the weather allows, according to Oklahoma City singer-songwriter Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn. The Round Barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historical Route 66. For more information about live music, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 17
Edmond banker honored
PHOTO PROVIDED
The EEDA presented Edmond Music with a commemorative arrow for being a recent ‘Featured Business’ in The Arrow -- the EEDA’s publication.
Business spotlight on Edmond Music The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) recently featured Edmond Music in the EEDA’s newsletter, The Arrow. The Arrow is a monthly newsletter emailed to approximately 2,000 subscribers. Featured businesses also receive a commemorative arrow to recognize their participation. “The featured business portion of The Arrow was created as an outlet for the EEDA to further support and promote the Edmond business community,” said Janet Yowell, EEDA executive director. “We were pleased to share more about Edmond Music with the readers of The Arrow.” Edmond Music, located at 3400 S. Broadway, offers a large in-stock inventory of musical instruments for stu-
dents, professionals and collectors. The knowledgeable staff works to provide the best in band instruments, pianos, guitars, accessories sales and service at the most competitive prices. “Edmond Music Owner and Founder Mike Gilliam chose to establish our store in Edmond because he saw a need for a music store to support the neighbors in his community,” said Susan Starns with Edmond Music. “Edmond has been a wonderful place to operate and grow a business.” To read the full feature on Edmond Music in The Arrow, visit www.eeda.com/archives. To subscribe to The Arrow, visit www.eeda.com/newsletter.
Integris makes Dr. Watson its Chief Medical Officer Julie Watson, M.D., has been officially named the Chief Medical Officer of Integris Health. She has held the interim role since May. Watson is responsible for the system medical staff services, medical informatics, research, utilization management, graduate medical education and oversees the clinical enterprise with Chief Nurse Executive Kerri Bayer. Prior to her appointment to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Watson served as Vice President of Medical Affairs for Integris Health and Chief Medical Officer for Integris Baptist Medical Center. Watson completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma and received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and her neonatal-perinatal fellowship at Northwestern Feinberg School of Med’icine in Chicago. She also holds a master’s degree in Public Health
Dr. Julie Watson from the University of Illinois– Chicago with an emphasis in Health Policy. A native Oklahoman, Dr. Watson began her neonatology career in the NICU at Integris Baptist Medical Center as a board-certified neonatologist in 2008.
Bank supporting teachers For the fifth consecutive year, Arvest Bank will honor educators throughout its footprint by conducting its “We Love Teachers” campaign. This year, Arvest will award 157 teachers with a total of $78,500 in prize money. The decision to award 157 $500 gifts to individual teachers was made not only out of respect and appreciation for the work teachers do, but as a sign of support at a time when they face exceptional challenges. All prizes will go to teachers who work at state-funded schools and are to be used for classroom needs. “Maybe more than ever, Arvest values the critical roles teachers play not just for our children, but our collective future,” said Ron Witherspoon, president for Arvest in Oklahoma
City. “For almost 60 years, commitment to community has been a cornerstone of the Arvest culture, and it is our pleasure to further that commitment by recognizing some of the teachers who make our communities better. We trust these awards reflect our gratitude not just to the winners of the prizes, but all of our educators.” To nominate a teacher to receive one of the $500 prizes, look for an Arvest Bank Facebook post about this contest during the week of Oct. 5-11, then select the link in the post to complete a nomination form. More contest rules and details are available on Arvest’s Facebook page. In the four-year history of the “We Love Teachers” campaign, Arvest has awarded a total of $167,000 to more than 330 teachers.
Citizens Bank of Edmond is pleased to announce its President and CEO, Jill Castilla, today was named as one of the 25 Most Powerful Castilla Women in Banking by American Banker. It is the first time Castilla has been awarded this prestigious listing by American Banker following six years on American Banker’s Women to Watch list (20142019). This year’s diverse list of leaders and change-makers span the industry and highlights a shared commitment to driving real outcomes for diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial services. “For 18 years, this list has honored those who have achieved amazing things in the face of countless challenges — individuals who are bravely creating the change we need and driving the industry forward,” said Gemma Postlethwaite, CEO of Arizent, publisher of American Banker. “This year, our honorees have col-
See Banker, Page 19
Page 18 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
When COVID effects linger for months Brad Benefield hasn’t tested positive for Covid19 since April. But as spring turned to summer, and now fall, Benefield is growing increasingly concerned about his bout with the virus known technically as SARSCoV-2. “One thing everyone told me to do once I was symptom-free was to donate plasma to help others recover, or donate blood for antibody studies,” said Benefield, whose wife, Beth, works for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. “I haven’t donated yet. Thing is, they said to be symptom-free.” Although he tested positive for Covid-19, Benefield’s initial encounter with the virus was mild. After losing his father-in-law to complications from the virus, he considered himself lucky. “No fever, no loss of taste or smell,” the 38year-old Moore resident said. “I just felt cruddy. I had a cough and was always tired.” But months later, he said, he continues to feel fatigued. “That has me worried. It’s alarming to get winded and have to rest after moving a 5-pound glass punch bowl to the car.” While the virus has cleared Benefield’s body, its fingerprints remain. That means he joined an unenviable club: the Covid long-haulers, as they’ve come to be known. As the pandemic marches on, physicians around the world are reporting an increasing number of people feeling the lingering effects of the virus. In one study in Europe, researchers found that of 143 people with Covid-19, more than half reported fatigue and 43% had shortness of breath an average of two months after their symptoms started. “A growing number of patients report dealing with a sort of ‘brain fog’ that makes it hard to concentrate. Others report breathlessness, muscle aches, lingering cough and chronic fatigue,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. As confirmed Oklahoma cases have now surged past 80,000, Prescott said, accounts like Benefield’s should serve as a warning to those who have relaxed their precautions surrounding the coronavirus. And at OMRF, researchers are part of a worldwide effort to understand the virus, including its long-term symptoms. OMRF scientist Linda Thompson, Ph.D., is leading the foundation’s study of the body’s immune response to Covid-19. Thompson, an immunologist, attributes the long-term symptoms to the initial havoc the virus wreaks. “It’s not that the virus is sticking around in the body,” said Thompson, who holds the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research at OMRF. “The body’s immune response seems to go haywire, leaving lasting damage behind. In some
PHOTO PROVIDED
Covid-19 has taken a huge toll on Brad and Beth Benefield. Brad has yet to fully recover nearly 7 months after contracting the virus. Beth's father died from Covid-19 in March. Pictured, Brad and Beth Benefield vacationing in Florida in 2018.
people, we’re seeing it in the lungs. Others in the heart. Some even in the brain. Only time and more research will tell the extent.” However, social media posts suggesting the virus might go dormant like varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox and can later rear its head as shingles, are unfounded. “Some viruses incorporate themselves inside of our genetic material. Covid-19 does not behave this way,” said Thompson.
For long-haulers like Benefield, the virus doesn’t need to reactivate to cause long-term issues. Half a year after testing positive for Covid-19, he still doesn’t feel back to normal. “When I got sick, my biggest fear was the unknown,” said Benefield. “Almost seven months later, that remains my biggest fear. Just because you beat it doesn’t guarantee you get better, and I don’t know if or when I ever will.”
Battle your anxiety with exercise By Brian Attebery We all have delt with one level or another of anxiety in our lives. In an October 2019 article I read from Psychiatrist, Dr. John J. Raley and Harvard Medical School, “One in five Americans over 18, and one in three teenagers 13-18, reported having Attebery a chronic anxiety disorder during the past year.” I would imagine that number is even higher now. Mental health doesn’t just affect your mood but it changes your body’s entire physiology. Your blood pressure, cardiovascular health, blood sugar, cortisol and weight can be negatively impacted. Anxiety can lead to depression and depressed people tend to move less. This leads to further health problems and can start a cycle of more health issues. Anxiety and depression have been proven to be treated successfully with exercise. Research has shown repeatedly that physical activity can be a very helpfultool in dealing with these issues. Not only does exercise help deal with these issues but they have found that the amount of ex-
ercise is directly proportionate to the benefits of fighting anxiety. Exercise more. Have less anxiety. Throughout my years of being a Trainer, I have seen many people that are obese partly due to stress eating and excessive alcohol. We have all heard of gaining your “Freshman 15” in college but not we are hearing about the “Covid 15” or 20 or more. The lockdowns and challenges we are all dealing with has set up situations where many Americans are becoming their own worst enemy and adding to their anxiety by stopping their workouts. This is the worst thing you can do. I have written and read about dozens of studies that also show how much exercise increases your immune response to viruses and infections. With Covid and anxiety hitting hundreds of thousands of Americans, you must stay active. Aerobic activities like brisk walks and bike riding are great this time of year. Group exercise classes are still available at most gyms with limits of class sizes and gyms like mine have also started offering Zoom versions to do at home for those that are more nervous about exposure. Way before Covid, studies have also shown that group exercise classes
not only offer the health benefits of exercise but they also provide a social outlet for many and we all know that having accountability and exercising with friends is more fun! Social interactions while exercising can be a “win-win” when dealing with anxiety and depression. Lift each other’s spirits up while aiming for a common goal of a healthier body and mind. I have been a fitness expert since 1997 and was exercising and competing in sports before that. I have no doubt that my commitment to fitness is helping my own mind and spirit during these tough times. Many people have asked me, “Brian, what is your secret? How do you stay so motivated?” My simple answer is that I am NOT motivated all the time. I just do it anyway. There are no studies or opinions that will convince me that stopping exercise will help your mind, body and over all health. Get going. YOU MATTER!
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 8, 2020 • Page 19
Banker
Reminder on ‘Streateries’ From Page 17
lectively succeeded in moving us forward despite unprecedented obstacles.� This year, the honorees are leading their organizations in the face of unprecedented challenges. Even so, they remain at the forefront of the biggest ideas driving the industry. “It is a true honor to join the ranks of incredibly talented women leaders in the financial services industry, especially this year as we have navigated unchartered waters with the pandemic,� said Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. “Citizens Bank of Edmond is a small but mighty bank that stepped up as an economic first responder both in our community and nationally to help protect small business owners and customers from the impacts of COVID-19. Our successes didn’t happen overnight. Due to hard leadership decisions over the years, a commitment to accessibility and a drive for collaborative innovation, we are well positioned to thrive for generations to come. Thank you to my board, the dedicated team at Citizens Bank of Edmond and the countless community partners who made this American Banker recognition possible.� American Banker’s profile of Jill Castilla focused on her efforts with Mark Cuban to advocate for relief and resources for small businesses across the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as featured her efforts to advance development in underserved communities and investment in minority-owned businesses. The full list of 2020 honorees and their profiles appears on American Banker’s website here: https://www.americanbanker.com/women-in-banking. The 2020 Most
Powerful Women lists also will be the October cover story in American Banker Magazine. Honorees are not only recognized specifically for their efforts to advance the next wave of female leaders; the lists are a reflection of the industry as it evolves, as can be seen in the many new entrants this year. “There are many women and men across financial services who are doing extraordinary work in a year unlike anything we have ever experienced before,� said Bonnie McGeer, Executive Editor of American Banker and Chair of The Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance program. “Against this backdrop, where the circumstances have raised the bar for everyone, the women selected for this honor continue to stand out as the best of the best.�
The City of Edmond has implemented a new policy allowing “streateries� in the community. A streatery utilizes safely barricaded on-street public parking adjacent to a business for outdoor seating and dining. The use of streateries helps restaurants and like businesses more safely institute social distancing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. These streateries are mainly concentrated in the Downtown Edmond area where most on-street public parking exists. There are currently four streateries that have been put into place by businesses, with more planned for the coming weeks. Each business must meet a list of qualifying conditions as part of their operating plan. For full details on how a business can implement a streatery, please visit http://edmondok.com/streatery.
&KDQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ 8QLYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK For the safety of our members and friends, all services and events at Channing UUC have been cancelled through April 12th, 2020 in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic. tÄž ĆľĆŒĹ?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹśĆ? ƚŽ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç ĆšĹšÄž Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞůĹ?ŜĞĆ? Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĆľĆšĹšĹ˝ĆŒĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ Please be safe. : WK 6WUHHWÂł(GPRQG 2. See us on Facebook at: Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ä¨Ä‚Ä?ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÍ˜Ä?Žž͏ ŚĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ?hh ĹšĆľĆŒÄ?Ĺš
In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online. Please check with your house of worship for more information.
Page 20 • October 8, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure