Edmond Life & Leisure - October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019 Vol. 20, No. 23

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.

P r e t a e n adventure P lfies its way to UCO

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Sunny High 56° Low 30°

PHOTO PROVIDED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Sunny High 54° Low 34°

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Sunny High 58° Low 40°

From left to right, Maddie Lawson, a sophomore theatre arts major from Yukon, Oklahoma; Timothy Schoenborn, a freshman theatre arts performance major from Norman, Oklahoma; and Taylor Reich, a senior theatre performance major from Oklahoma City, star in the University of Central Oklahoma’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 2 and 2 p.m. Nov. 3 in Mitchell Hall Theatre on Central’s campus.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Theatre Arts will tell the tale of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling and Tinker Bell with four performances of “Peter and the Starcatcher” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31Nov 2 and 2 p.m. Nov. 3 in Mitchell Hall Theatre on Central’s campus.

The Tony Award-winning play is a wildly theatrical adaptation of the 2004 novel “Peter and the Starcatcher” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and was adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. “’Peter and the Starcatcher’ playfully explores the depths of greed and despair, as well as the bonds

of friendship, duty and love,” said Daisy Folsom, M.F.A., professor of theatre arts at Central and director of the show.

The play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be “The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.” The story begins when the boy and his friends are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains a precious, otherworldly cargo. When the ship is taken over by pirates, the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure.

The “Peter and the Starcatcher” cast is comprised of theatre arts students, ranging from seniors to freshmen and features production design from UCO faculty and staff.

Tickets for “Peter and the Starcatcher” are free for students with a valid UCO ID and range from $10 - $20 for all others.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mitchellhalltheatre.com.

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

Page 2 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 3

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Oklahoma Council for the Social Studies (OCSS) recently named Edmond Memorial High School teachers Greg Oppel (seated) ‘High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year,’ and Dalton Savage ‘Clara Luper Rising Star Teacher of the Year’ - an award given to the most outstanding social studies educator in the state with less than five years of experience.

Memorial High School teachers achieve recognition from OCSS Oklahoma Council for the Social Studies (OCSS) recently named Edmond Memorial High School teachers Greg Oppel “High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year,” and Dalton Savage “Clara Luper Rising Star Teacher of the Year”- an award given to the most outstanding social studies educator in the state with less than five years of experience.

Oppel, a National Board Certified teacher and social studies department chair, has been at Edmond Memorial for 22 years. In that time, he has distinguished himself as a teacher leader and a student favorite. He teaches Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Advanced Placement Comparative.

“I enjoy helping students learn about the U.S. and its place in this world,” said Oppel. “It’s a matter of helping them to broaden their perspectives.”

Savage, who juggles his teaching and coaching duties with a master’s course load at OU, is noted for differentiating his instruction.

He teaches Oklahoma History and Advanced Placement Human Geography.

“I enjoy giving students a choice in what they do. They may not be the best writer, but they may be great at

presenting the material through infographics or other ways which shows me that they have learned it.”

Edmond Public Schools Social Studies Content Specialist Liz Rogers says what distinguishes both educators is their ability to reach students in new and innovative ways.

“Dalton actively engages students in inquiry, delving deeply into historical significance,” said Rogers. “And Greg consistently works to improve his teaching practices by building relevant and authentic lessons to engage students in civics.”

Oppel’s ability to reach students is borne out in a scrapbook he keeps in his classroom which is overflowing with cards and letters from former students who have written to explain how much they learned in his class.

One of the most memorable letters came from a struggling reader who thanked him for teaching her how to write a better essay and how to study effectively so that she could be more successful in class. She went on to become a doctor.

“After a bad day, it helps to look over these letters. It reminds me of the importance of what I do.”

Oppel and Savage will receive their awards at the OCSS annual conference this Friday, Nov. 1.

Page 4 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Possible solutions for pedestrians Last week the City of Edmond staff held a meeting at the Edmond city council chambers to discuss and cover the traffic issues in downtown Edmond. This emphasis centered around pedestrian’s safety. There were conversations about long term solutions and short-term solutions that could be completed Ray Hibbard quickly and for not much of an investment.

The meeting was not for discussing parking problems or possible solutions. That discussion was for another time and after the city of Edmond has completed yet another parking study for downtown. I am not sure how many parking studies that will make for downtown Edmond. I would be willing to take half of what they are paying a firm to do the study and give them my report. My chair in our office faces a giant window and I watch traffic all day long up and down Broadway. No outside firm could possibly learn as much as I know about our Broadway traffic. I also get to hear the squealing tires for the near misses and the unmistakable bangs that come when they don’t miss.

The most basic of questions is the one dealing with competing interest in downtown traffic. Is Broadway from Second Street to Danforth a thoroughfare for cars commuting or is it area for walking? My view from working in downtown Edmond and based on the number of restaurants and businesses coming to the area is that we need to view it as a pedestrian friendly area. Kelly Ave., Boulevard and Fretz all offer better opportunities for through traffic from Danforth to Second street.

The space we have to work with for downtown traffic is about 100 feet building to building. Cars have about 82% of that space dedicated to them with the rest available for parking, landscaping and pedestrians. This is not a good mix. I would like to see us get the car dedicated space down to at least 65%. This will require some long term and expensive projects that will totally tear up the downtown area for a period.

I think there is better promise in some simple projects that could be done in the short term.

They would provide much safer steps for those of us that walk downtown frequently and not disrupt the entire area for shoppers. They could also provide some tools to slow down the traffic and discourage folks using it as a thoroughfare for getting to and from their work in Oklahoma City.

My favorite project is to install raised cross walks for each of the intersections. Raised pedestrian crosswalks serve as traffic calming measures by extending the sidewalk across the road and bringing motor vehicles to the pedestrian level.

Raised crosswalks also improve accessibility by allowing a pedestrian to cross at nearly a constant grade without the need for a curb ramp and makes the pedestrian more visible to approaching motorists. They have a trapezoid-shaped cross-section to slow motorists at the pedestrian crossing where the slowing will be most effective.

Flashing lights at crosswalks are another great idea. There is no need to push a button. The lights start when someone enters the crosswalk thus getting the attention of drivers just as they do in a

school zone. It would also be a good idea to have all the traffic lights go red when the pedestrians are in the crosswalk. This would eliminate the problem of people getting hit from folks turning left and not seeing them. Our Citizens Bank of Edmond CEO & president was hit by a truck who did just that. He said he never saw her. I don’t think the guy was looking either.

No right turns on red could calm down the activity some in downtown Edmond. From the comments at the meeting, right turns don’t seem to be a problem, but it does peel away another movement by drivers that can get confusing and dangerous if they are not looking for the pedestrian stepping off the curb.

A little more invasive would be the use of what is called parklets. A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Usually parklets are installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces.

Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space. Parklets are intended for people. Parklets offer a place to stop, to sit, and to rest while taking in the activities of the street. In instances where a parklet is not intended to accommodate people, it may provide greenery, art, or some other visual amenity. A parklet may accommodate bicycle parking within it, or bicycle parking may be associated with it. It could also be a place where folks can park the electric scooters that are now such a big part of downtown Edmond.

A parklet may be thought of as permanent but must be designed for quick and easy removal for emergencies or other reasons such as snow removal without damage to the curb or street. As initially conceived, a parklet is always open to the public. However, some cities have allowed restaurants to create parklets that are not open to the public.

These are my favorites. There was a lot of talking about possible solutions. My hope is that we will move quickly to implement some of these ideas. They don’t take much time or money, but they do take making some decisions and getting started. The first step is the best step.

St. Elijah Orthodox Set to Host Annual Food Festival My church, my people and my heritage are all set to come together for the St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church annual Food Festival celebrating Mediterranean food, culture and church history on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 & 2, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day. St. Elijah is located at 15000 North May Avenue in Oklahoma City. This is the food that I grew up on folks, but it is also popular now as a type of health food. We had no idea when we were kids that it was all good for us.

St. Elijah will again offer its ever popular a la carte menu in both dine-in and carryout and will feature Middle Eastern selections such as Ruz and Yahknee (Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Green Bean and Sirloin topping), Yubra (Grape Leaf Rolls), Kafta Sandwiches, Chicken Sandwiches, Talami (Homemade Lebanese Bread), Salata (Lebanese Salad), Hummus (Garbanzo Bean Dip), Tabouli, Baklawa and so much more. This year, by popular demand we have brought back our Sampler Plate! It’s a

Lots of good food offered at St. Elijah.

great way to try out our favorites! Also, new to our menu this year, we’ve added Ruz Bi Haleeb (Rice Pudding), a sweet you are certain to enjoy!

“We are thrilled to open our church home and share a part of our rich, diverse cultural history with our friends and neighbors in Oklahoma City,” said Malek Massad, Co-Chair of the event. “Our parishioners look forward to this event every year and start preparing months in advance with the anticipation of our faithful guests joining us year after year. We are blessed that people come from near and far to attend this event and we definitely won’t disappoint!”

In addition to the hot and ready food guests can dine on while at the festival, St. Elijah also offers The Culinary Cupboard which features some of the finest pastries, breads, cookies, cakes, pies and ethnic foods from around the world, made by the parishioners of St. Elijah. Guests can also find fresh-made refrigerated and frozen items to savor for long after the festival ends.

Beyond the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, guests are also invited to the Cultural Committee’s Hospitality Room to learn about the diverse cultural history of St. Elijah and its parishioners representing such countries as Lebanon, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Armenia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Ethiopia, Greece, and Russia.

St. Elijah also proudly welcomes guests to learn about their ancient Faith, history, church architecture and beautiful icons during guided tours of the Church Sanctuary given throughout each day.

For more information about the St. Elijah Annual Food Festival, please visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StElijahAnnualFoodFestival/. For more information about St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, please visit www.stelijahokc.com

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

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

Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 8.

A new Civil War? ......................................................................Page 10.

A look at the EEE virus................................................................Page 11.

A theme park with 7 million Christmas lights ............................Page 13.

Movie review of new Eddie Murphy offering ............................Page 15.

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

A mansion for sale......................................................................Page 20.

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

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 31, 2019 • Page 5

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Rodriguez family is happy now following surgery done on their child Simon, who was facing a very serious health challenge.

Urologist performs life-saving surgery on Edmond infant Edmond residents Juan and Bibiana Rodriguez were excited to welcome their first child into the world and, after a normal pregnancy, their beautiful boy Simon was born. But only 12 days later, Simon began running a high fever and the Rodriguez family started a journey of surgery and medical care that was crucial to their son’s future.

Initially, doctors thought Simon simply had a urinary tract infection, but it soon became apparent that something more was taking place.

The Children’s Hospital pediatric urologist Adam Rensing, M.D., diagnosed Simon with posterior urethral valves, a condition in which extra flaps of tissue, or valves, block the flow of urine so that it cannot leave the body in a normal way. The condition is serious because the baby’s bladder and kidneys can be damaged, sometimes to the point of renal failure.

Posterior urethral valves is a congenital condition that is usually diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound.

However, for the Rodriguez family, the condition was not spotted during the pregnancy. Because the problem was diagnosed early, though, Rensing performed the surgery quickly.

The procedure involves using a scope and a small blade to cut the tissue away so that the urine can flow and the bladder can empty more normally. Rensing compared the condition to the sail on a sailboat that catches the wind.

“When someone needs to pass urine out of the bladder, the valves fill up like a pair of sails and obstruct the flow of urine,” he said. “The valves are an abnormality that only serve as a blockage.”

The Rodriguez family said Rensing and his team have helped them understand and manage a frightening and difficult diagnosis.

“Dr. Rensing is an incredible human being,” Bibiana said. “He is an amazing professional, and we feel like he’s become part of our family.”

Although the surgery was lifesaving and corrected the immediate problem, posterior urethral valves usually causes problems for years to come.

The problem begins in utero, when the baby’s bladder fights against the blockage. Because urine can’t get through the urethra, the bladder becomes distended and pushes up against the kidneys, which either don’t develop properly or become damaged. And because of the pressure on the bladder, the urine often flows back up into the kidneys, causing further problems. Even after the valves have been cut away, the blad-

der can change from a dynamic organ to a static, inflexible state, unable to fill and empty properly.

“The No. 1 thing I tell families is that no matter how quickly we get to the patient and cut the valves, the changes to the bladder and kidneys are lifelong and need to be monitored closely, both by myself as a surgeon and by a nephrologist looking at the medical side of the urinary tract,” Rensing said.

Simon is now 13 months old, and Bibiana said she must insert a catheter three times a day and again just before he goes to bed. He also takes a low dose of daily antibiotics to ward off infections. The daily regimen can be challenging, she said.

“It’s tough for us because I had to stop working – I cannot put him in a daycare,” Bibiana said. “When we do the cathing, we make sure we’re in a clean space and I wash my hands and Simon stays clean. We also make sure he eats healthy foods so that his kidneys don’t have to work too hard.

It’s a challenge, but I try to make him feel as normal as I can.”

The Rodriguezes monitor Simon for a return of urinary tract infections, and they see pediatric nephrologist at The Children’s Hospital regularly to assess his kidney function. There are no guarantees about how smooth or difficult the condition will be to manage as Simon grows up. Children born with the condition often wear diapers longer and need intermittent catheterizations to finish emptying the bladder because they have lost the sense of when they need to urinate. The condition can also affect quality of life as the child goes through adolescence and begins spending more time away from his parents.

“With this condition, I’m working with the family to prepare them to handle everything,” Rensing said.

“That’s why I think so highly of the Rodriguez family – they are the best parents you could ask for. They’re very on top of things, compliant with recommendations and are forthcoming with any issues they’re having, which is so important with pediatrics.”

As new parents, the Rodriguez family gained the realization that they would do anything for their child, Bibiana said. That keeps her going during the ups and downs of managing Simon’s condition.

“He’s a very happy boy,” she said.

“He likes to explore everything and wants to know everything. I know there are no guarantees about his future quality of life, but we are adjusting and we are hopeful.”

Dr. Adam Rensing

Page 6 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Newcomers Club meeting Dr. Worden, Medical Director of Oklahoma ER and Hospital, will be the speaker at Edmond Newcomers meeting on Nov. 6 at First Christian Church located at 201 East 2nd Street in Edmond.

The class will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Oklahoma ER Hospital is teaching others in the community life-saving lessons in case of a major emergency. The course will consist of 2 parts (CHASE) Civilian Response to “Active Shooter Events” and “Stop the Bleed.”

The course is designed to provide civilians with knowledge that will empower and instill confidence to survive an active shooter event whether at work, church, movie theater, mall, grocery shopping, a game, a concert or anywhere else. It will empower and strengthen the ability to survive by all ages and abilities.

The course is free, but registration is required so the speaker can plan effectively. If you plan to attend please email your intent to marynjoe68@att.net by Oct. 31.

How to preserve family heirlooms Join the staff of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for “Preserving Your Family Heirlooms,” a workshop on preserving your own family collections.

The workshop will cover the tools and supplies available for saving your treasures for future generations.

Knowledgeable OHS staff members will share best practices for preserving photographs, books, documents, textiles, newspapers and more. Participants will also learn about digitizing items and how to convert audio and video to different formats.

Registration is $30 for Oklahoma

Historical Society members and $40 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required, and you can do so by calling the OHS Research Center at 405522-5225. This program will be held in the Clark and Kay Musser Learning Lab, which is located inside the Research Center on the first floor of the Oklahoma History Center.

This event is cosponsored by the Oklahoma Historical Records Advisory Board, with funding support provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

The Research Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Entries open for Mayor’s Essay Contest The 36th annual Mayor’s Essay Contest is now open for entries. The contest is open to all first through fifth grade students in Edmond.

Students wishing to participate will write a short essay (250 word limit) over the following topic: If you were going to the North Pole to help Santa and the Elves upgrade their workshop with new technology, what features would you add and how would it help them?

To enter, students need to submit their essay along with their name, school, grade and parent’s contact information no later Nov. 13 at 5 pm.

Essays may be turned in to the

Mayor’s office at 24 E. First Street in Downtown Edmond or emailed to specialevents@edmondok.com.

Each grade’s First, Second & Third place winners will be recognized at the Luminance Kick-Off and Tree Lighting at Mitch Park beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. Contest winners will have their picture taken with the Mayor and awarded a special keepsake. Additionally, all winning essays will be printed in an edition of the Edmond Sun following the event.

For additional information or questions, please contact Sarah London at 359-4580.

Could impact ovarian cancer

Stephenson Cancer Center Physician & trial proposal A gynecologic oncologist at Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine recently presented her proposal to the National Cancer Institute to launch and lead a national Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Through a competitive process, Camille Gunderson, M.D., was named a project team member for the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. Her proposal is to test a combination of two drug therapies in patients whose ovarian cancer has recurred and is resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. As the leader of a Phase 1 trial, Gunderson would test, for the first time in humans, a novel cancer agent that has already been approved for treatment of breast cancer, in combination with another cancer drug.

“In a Phase 1 study, we’re primarily focusing on the safety of the combination of the drugs,” Gunderson said.

“We’ll also be looking at how effective the combination is, as well as conducting both tumor and blood testing of how the drugs interact and are cleared from the body. This drug combination has already been evaluated in the laboratory in multiple cancer types, including ovarian cancer, and holds great scientific rationale for also being effective in humans. In addition, we’ll be looking at whether subgroups of ovarian cancer patients may be more likely to benefit from the treatment than others.”

If the trial is approved, Gunderson

Dr. Camille Gunderson will serve as the national principal investigator, and the trial will be conducted at a number of cancer centers across the United States, including Stephenson Cancer Center, which was recently named a site within the National Cancer Institute’s Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network. To design the trial, she worked several months with a multidisciplinary group of pharmacologists, cancer biologists, basic science researchers and translational scientists.

“It’s very fulfilling to work with a team of experts who bring to the table different skill sets and perspectives,” Gunderson said. “Together, we can creatively design drug combinations and methods of evaluation with the joint and ultimate goal of offering better treatments to our patients.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 7

Officer slate for the Edmond Genealogical Society The Edmond Genealogical Society is pleased to announce its Board of Directors and Officers for the 2019-2020 term of office. Pictured from left, are, Dick Cypher, Second Vice President/Membership Chairman; Iris May, First Vice President/Programs and Publicity Chairman and Recording/Corresponding Secretary; Libby Holshouser, Hospitality Chairman; Linda Cotton, Assistant Hospitality Chairman; Edie May Parmeter, Surnames Project Chairman and Membership Committee; Sara Memmott, Past President and Edmond Historical Society and Museum Liaison/Genealogical Library and Research Center Chairman; Jan Beattie, President; Carol Bird, Assistant Secretary and Membership Committee; Andrea Moon, Webmaster and Newsletter Chairman Karl Kuteman, Treasurer. Not pictured is Darla Hunter, Newsletter Editor.

The Edmond Genealogical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday monthly at the LDS Church, 1315 SE 33rd in Edmond. Free genealogy assistance is available at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meetings.

Additional information can be found at our website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~okegs and find us on Facebook: Edmond Genealogical Society. Our meeting are always open to the public and we invite you to join us soon.

Epsilon Sigma Alpha

JoAnn Bullard and Veronica McCain, Epsilon Sigma Alpha members, participated in garage sale fundraiser.

Group holds its annual garage sale Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Service Organization’s Gamma Zeta chapter held its annual garage sale as a fundraiser this last Saturday. The sale was a great success.

Funds will be used for local charities. The first fundraiser in September was for Coffee Creek Riding Stables.

The proceeds from the October garage sale as well as future

fundraisers will be used for UR Special, All Things Baby, Free to Live, Boys’ Ranch Town and Project 66. State projects are Easter Seals, Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee and Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the national project. If interested in volunteering with the energetic group, call Veronica McCain at 405-589-5820.

Club notes 90 years of service Billye Peterson Putnam presented her educational about the 90 years of Epsilon Sigma Alpha.

ESA Oklahoma is on a roll! In 2019 Oklahoma received the ESA Headquarters Spotlight Awards in recognition of outstanding success. For the second year in a row, Okla-

homa has seen net growth in membership with more chapters on the ESA membership “Honor Roll” than any other state.

They have a deliberate focus on community with the balance of service with lots of good fun.

Come join us!

Page 8 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

What’s Happening This Weekend Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 Thursday, Oct. 31 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpians and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- USTRC Guthrie Shoot-Out Team Roping ---- Dog Trick or Treat!

---- Little Mermaid ---- Peter and the Starcatcher ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- FrightFest ---- Riverscream & The Splice ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Evil Dead the Musical Friday, Nov. 1 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpians and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- USTRC Guthrie Shoot-Out Team Roping ---- Little Mermaid ---- Peter and the Starcatcher ---- Ron White ---- OKC Ghost Tour ---- Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly in Concert ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- Riverscream & The Splice ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Evil Dead the Musical Saturday, Nov. 2 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpians and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- Little Mermaid ---- Peter and the Starcatcher ---- Dance With A Cause Community Jam ---- Holiday Open House ---- Kids Take Over The Cowboy, Colors of Clay Celebration ---- Jamey Johnson in Concert ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- Riverscream & The Splice ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Evil Dead the Musical ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Guthrie Maker Days ---- Little Red Heart 5K Run ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Italian Gems ---- Jingle Bell Bazaar Sunday, Nov. 3 ---- In the Gallery ---- Peter and the Starcatcher ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- Day of the Dead Festival Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Sandy Springer; beginning Nov 1, featuring works by Behnaz Sohrabian; for information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com Scorpians and Petticoats: A Living History Program Location: 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse Extra Info: 6 – 7 p.m.; Free; for more information find them on Facebook Dog Trick or Treat!

Location: Dogtopia Extra Info: 7:30 -9:30; for more information find them on Facebook Little Mermaid Location: Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: 7:30 p.m.; $10 ---- $20; for more information go to oc.edu and look for events.

Peter and the Starcatcher Location: UCO – Mitchell Hall Theater Extra Info: $10 ---- $25; for more information find them on Facebook

Dance With A Cause Community Jam Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $5+; for more information find them on Facebook Holiday Open House Location: Paper Arts Extra Info: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; for information find them on Facebook Guthrie Maker Days Location: Guthrie Art Center Extra Info: for more information find them on Facebook Little Red Heart 5K Run Location: Regatta Park Plaza Extra Info: for more information visit lifeshareokfoundation.org USTRC Guthrie Shoot-Out Team Roping Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: for information go to ustrc.com Ron White Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 7 & 10 p.m.; for more information go to riverwind.com Jamey Johnson in Concert Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 7 p.m.; for more information go to riverwind.com Kids Take Over The Cowboy, Colors of Clay Celebration Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 – 12 a.m.; for more information visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Riverscream & The Splice Location: Boathouse District, OKC Extra Info: for more information visit riversportokc.org Guthrie Haunts Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK Extra Info: for information go to guthriescaregrounds.com Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm Location: Orr Family Farm Extra Info: for more information go to orrfamilyfarm.com FrightFest Location: Frontier City Extra Info: for information visit sixflags.com Pollard Theatre presents: Evil Dead the Musical Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie Extra Info: for more information go to thepollard.org or find them on Facebook OKC Ghost Tour Location: 142 S Oklahoma Ave, OKC Extra Info: walk through Bricktown and Downtown OKC; for more information find them on Facebook Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly in Concert Location: Zoo Ampitheatre Extra Info: for more information go to zooampitheatre.com OKC Philharmonic presents: Italian Gems Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: for more information go to okcphil.org or find them on Facebook Jingle Bell Bazaar Location: 15400 N Western, Edmond Extra Info: for more information visit them at lordoflifelutheranok.org/jingle-bell-bazaar Day of the Dead Festival Location: Plaza District Extra Info: for more information find them on Facebook

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 9

PHOTO PROVIDED

Nine-time Grammy Award-winning band Asleep at the Wheel put on a private concert at OMRF's 241 fundraiser recently.

OMRF benefits take in $670,000 for research The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation raised $670,000 at a pair of events last week. Proceeds from the events will support medical research projects at the Oklahoma City nonprofit.

The foundation’s annual “241” events—two events for one great cause—consisted of a wine festival and concert by nine-time Grammy Award-winning band Asleep at the Wheel at OMRF recently.

The fundraiser was capped off with a golf tournament on at Oak Tree National in Edmond.

This was OMRF’s eighth year to hold the benefit, which has raised $5.2 million since 2012.

Funds raised this year will be used for research areas where the need is greatest and for promising

projects that need additional funding. In the past, event proceeds have gone to support research in cancer, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

“Our scientists work on a wide range of disease areas, and funds raised at events like 241 are crucial to our research efforts,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “These resources are essential, and we are grateful to those who’ve chosen to support our 241 events. These gifts are making a difference that will benefit the health of generations to come.”

Honorary co-chairs for this year’s events were Kim and David Rainbolt. Leslie and Cliff Hudson

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 241 Event, Oct. 20. From left are Oklahoma State University president Burns Hargis, Ann Hargis, Mac Troy and Carol Troy.

Ann-Clore Duncan and Walt Duncan were among the many guests having fun at the benefit.

served as sponsorship co-chairs.

Lead event sponsors included The Chickasaw Nation, American Fidelity/InvesTrust, Virginia and John Groendyke, Dr. William D. Hawley, Leslie and Cliff Hudson, Presbyterian Health Foundation, Susan and Stephen Prescott, H.A., Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust, Clearwater Enterprises, LLC., Devon Energy Corporation, Hardesty Family Foundation, Tim Headington, Gene Rainbolt, Tyler Media, and Wilshire Charitable Foundation/Andria and Paul Heafy.

Nine-time Grammy Award-winning band Asleep at the Wheel put on a private concert at OMRF's 241 fundraiser.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Also having a good time at the event were, from left, Carl Edwards, Steve Prescott and Susan Edwards. The fundraisers for the OMRF raised $670,000, which will be used for research.

More supporters of OMRF were Trisha Everest, Christy Gaylord Everest and Jimmy Everest.

Page 10 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

New civil war? Really?

There was a shocking poll released last week showing seven in 10 people believing the nation was heading for a new civil war.

I wonder what definition of civil war those people Steve Gust have? When I think civil war I think of Abe Lincoln, General Lee and Gettysburg all while humming the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Have we really gotten to the point when we can't respect different opinions or tolerate others who think differently from us?

If I no longer associated with people with different views, I would be somewhat isolated. I would never see a lot of my family, ever again.

Why does everyone have to think alike anyway? That’s kind of dull.

A little variety probably isn't a bad thing.

Should I hand potential friends a check list of my beliefs? I'll let them know what I think about social issues, politics, political candidates, religion as well as my favorite sports teams, movies and celebrities. If they can pass that test, then maybe we

can be friends.

Sound absurd? Of course it is.

Now there are of course limits to this. Nobody is going to go out of their way to befriend someone who a racist or who advocates something illegal, that hurts people.

Those are the kind of folks you pray for.

I don't think we've gotten to the point where we have to have a civil war. At least I hope not.

I'll also admit there are some plans now that would have serious blowback if ultra liberals came to power.

Gun confiscation and the abolishment of oil, gas and the combustion engine would be met with strong opposition.

However I think normal political institutions would have checks and balances on plans that extreme.

If anything, the poll does reveal one ugly truth. People are dug in with their beliefs and can be rude about expressing them.

The bottom line is that there are a lot of great people in the world.

Many of them won't always agree with you.

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

Kris Steele is a powerful ally for Medicaid expansion backers

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board As a member of the state Legislature, former Republican Rep. Kris Steele made expanding health care coverage for Oklahomans one of his priorities while also casting a wary eye at proposed federal solutions.

Steele takes a different view of the latter today.

Steele, who heads The Education & Employment Ministry, an Oklahoma City nonprofit that assists ex-convicts on their return to society, said recently that he supports expanding Medicaid in Oklahoma. “I totally acknowledge my evolution on this issue,” he said.

Under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, states may add able-bodied adults to their Medicaid rolls, with the federal government paying 90 percent of the

costs and the state paying the rest. Most Republican-controlled states refused to expand Medicaid following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the ACA in 2012, but several have done so in recent years.

Steele was speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2011 and 2012, and was among the many GOP members in the Legislature who criticized Obamacare after its passage.

However, in remarks Sept. 30 at a mental health forum, Steele said, “When people are healthier, they tend to commit less crime.

When people are healthier, it tends to improve the quality of life.”

Oklahoma is a rural state and “health care in rural Oklahoma is in crisis,” Steele said. “If there’s a way to bring

some of our tax dollars back home to benefit the people who live in our state, I don’t know why we wouldn’t do that.”

A chief concern about Medicaid expansion has been the price tag to the state — estimates have ranged from $150 million per year to perhaps $374 million annually.

Also, many states that have adopted full expansion have seen costs steadily rise as the number of enrollees has far exceeded estimates.

The expansion issue is now at the forefront in Oklahoma. A question could go before voters next year that would expand Medicaid to low-income adults 18 to 65 whose income doesn’t exceed 133 percent of the federal poverty level.

If approved, it would expand coverage to perhaps 200,000 uninsured residents.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt opposes the proposed state question and has called for creating an Oklahoma plan.

A legislative working group is exploring the issue.

As a House member, Steele authored a bill to help increase enrollment in the state’s Insure Oklahoma program, in which participating employers and employees pay a part of their health insurance premiums, with the state paying the rest.

Steele became active in criminal justice reform during the latter part of his 12-year stay at the Legislature, and has remained so since leaving.

He is a leading voice for the cause of reducing the incarceration rate and re-examining the state’s approach to crime and punishment.

What will happen with Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma is unknown. But proponents of the idea have gained a powerful ally in Steele.

Sheriff’s decision puts pressure on Jail Trust

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Since voting in August for an outside administrator to oversee jail operations, Oklahoma County's new jail trust has been planning for that person to take over early next year. Sheriff P.D. Taylor has provided a firm start date — Jan. 1.

Taylor sent a letter last week to Tricia Everest, chairwoman of the trust, saying his office will no longer manage the jail’s day-to-day operations effective at one minute after midnight on that date.

Taylor, a veteran of the office who was elected sheriff in 2017, is a member of the nine-person trust but has disagreed strongly with many of its actions, including the change to administrative oversight. His frustration is clear in his letter.

Taylor said that since county commissioners and a spokesman for the trust have questioned

his management of the jail, “you must agree that it is time for the Trust to immediately take over to eliminate any further alleged mismanagement.”

The jail has been beset by problems since it opened in 1991. Cells and windows in the highrise building proved easily escapable early on, and over time the jail has been burdened by overcrowding, inmate deaths, violence and infrastructure problems such as bad plumbing and mold.

County commissioners voted 3-0 in May to create the jail trust, formally the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority. In August, the trust voted 6-2 to hire an administrator. It accepted applications from mid-September through Oct. 10.

Concerns about jail employees being able to keep their jobs and benefits have been raised throughout this process. Because it hasn’t had full

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.

authority over the jail, the trust has only been able to say it plans to give current employees benefits that are “equivalent or better” than they have now.

Everest said at the trust’s September meeting that she didn’t expect the level of confusion that had been displayed.

In a recent formal opinion, the district attorney’s office said jail employees wouldn’t be allowed to keep benefits unless changes were made to the current benefit policy. Once the changeover occurs, jail workers will be employees of the trust, not the county.

Mark Myers, sheriff’s office spokesman, says roughly 20 employees leave during an average month, but 35 did so during the August pay period, 36 left in September and 29 left this month.

The jail has roughly 375 employees.

Taylor wrote, “We, through no fault of our own, have experienced a mass exodus of employees due to their confusion and outright distrust of the County Commissioners and the Trust when it comes to their future employment, benefits and the like. In our current state of disastrously low staffing levels, we simply cannot operate in a proper manner and will soon have to seek outside assistance if we are to maintain adequate services.”

This change was never going to be simple and easy, but Taylor’s decision likely makes it even more difficult. The trust, and the administrator it hires, have their work cut out for them.

From Oklahoman.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 11

Study shows benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy State Rep. Jay Steagall (R-Yukon), House chair of the House and Senate Veterans Caucus, held an interim study last week to examine the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a way to significantly improve the quality of life for veterans and other Oklahomans.

The study took place at the state Capitol before the House Health Services and Long-Term Care Committee.

“This therapy has been beneficial in treating issues such as the many forms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – including concussions, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mental illness, the reduction of dependency on anti-depressants and opioids, and much more,” Steagall said. “This allowed us to further examine the issues surrounding this treatment so we can better meet the needs of Oklahomans including our veterans, our teenagers who suffer sports injuries and many others who currently suffer from debilitating illness or disease.

“We are closely monitoring other states in their efforts to make this type of therapy more available to those who can benefit from it.”

Steagall, a retired member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves, opened the study with a presentation about why Oklahoma needs to address the TBI/PTSD issue. Steagall spent 22 years in the military and has been deployed nine times. He served the country as a senior KC-135 pilot in the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Reserves, and retired this spring with the rank of Major.

He said thankfully he returned home from each of his nine deployments unharmed, but many of his brothers and sisters in arms were not so blessed. Many returned home with noticeable physical or emotional injuries or both, which left untreated, lead to a greatly reduced quality of life

Dr. Alfred Johnson discussed why HBOT is beneficial to the brain, showing a timeline of concussions and explaining how the therapy helps heal the body’s tissues. He said 80 percent of the veterans treated with this therapy were able to regain employment and return to functional life. and a higher risk of suicide. He told the committee of the many veterans and other active-duty military members he’s met who suffered from either TBI or PTSD or other physical or mental conditions who have benefitted from HBOT. Kris Morgan, a retired senior airman from the Air Force, discussed his experience pre- and postHBOT after suffering a TBI while deployed in the Middle East and PTSD after volunteering to help after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the May 3, 1999, tornado. Morgan was medically retired as a result of injuries on his deployment and said he’s suffered migraines and seizures. He testified that as a result of his suffering and his consequent inability to hold employment, he sincerely considered suicide. He said he is convinced that HBOT healed his brain bleeds, vastly improving his health.

Caleb Freeman, an Oklahoma teenager who was in a horrific auto accident but who has miraculously recovered, addressed committee members and attendees at the meeting to share his testimony of the benefits of the therapy in his recovery.

Derek Dennis, a former college football player and current high school football coach, gave a personal family football history detailing his experience with HBOT. “HBOT changed my life,” Dennis said.

He said he’s struggled with irritability, insomnia,

Are Oklahomans at risk for dangerous EEE virus?

Other than influenza, the most common means of virus transmission today is through bug bites, typically from mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are the primary carriers of malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika, among others. A dangerous mosquito-borne virus making the news recently is EEE, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. This year alone, the number of cases has exceeded 30 and there are 11 deaths nationwide.

Although no cases of the EEE virus have been reported in the Sooner State, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation immunologist Hal Scofield, M.D., said it is wise to take safety precautions against this and all other mosquito-borne viruses, of which West Nile is the biggest risk to Oklahomans.

“One bad mosquito bite can be life-changing and, in some cases, lifeDr. Stephen Prescott threatening,” said Scofield.

“The EEE virus, in this that we know how these viruses case, is not new. In fact, it’s been spread and what spreads them, so around for a very long time and it’s there are measures you can take to extremely rare. But the number of protect yourself and your family.” cases is rising at an alarming rate.”

The best defense, Prescott said, is In a typical year, around seven EEE to keep insects off your skin. cases are reported in the U.S. Even “Whether you wear long sleeves and though no cases have occurred in pants, use an insect repellent with Oklahoma, EEE has gotten close with DEET or both, you are taking a cruconfirmed cases in Arkansas, cial step, he said.

Louisiana and Missouri within the Using insect repellant, said past decade. It is most commonly Prescott, doesn’t pose a risk. “There found in the Gulf Coast region and is no evidence that regular applicaalong the Atlantic. tion in this circumstance is detrimenSymptoms of EEE begin with chills, tal to your health. It represents far fever, headache and vomiting. This less risk than getting bitten by an incan then progress into more serious fected insect.” issues, including brain inflammation, Other ways to protect yourself are disorientation, seizures and coma. by eliminating standing water in The Centers for Disease Control places like flower pots, buckets, gutand Prevention states that approxiters and the like. It is also best to mately one in three people who get avoid outdoor activities around dusk EEE will die. Many who survive are and dawn, when mosquitos are most stricken with life-long brain dysfuncactive. tion, seizure or severe mental impair“EEE may not be a threat in Oklament, among other disorders. homa presently, but many mosquito“EEE is one of many bad viruses borne illnesses are, and prevention is out there that a lot of Americans your best defense,” said Scofield. “I have never heard of, like chikungunya know a lot of people aren’t really or dengue, also known as ‘breakbone looking forward to the upcoming fever,’” said OMRF President Stephen winter temperatures, but at least it Prescott, M.D. “But the good news is will get rid of the mosquito threat.”

fits of rage, depression and even thoughts of suicide much of his adult life. He said he thought he was just dealing with stress but later discovered his symptoms were the result of concussions suffered playing football. He said HBOT has improved his impulse control and stabilized his mood. He said he now has a healthier relationship with his wife and children. He spoke of the need for greater insurance coverage of the therapy and greater support from the medical community.

Dr. Alfred Johnson discussed why HBOT is beneficial to the brain, showing a timeline of concussions and explaining how the therapy helps heal the body’s tissues. He said 80 percent of the veterans treated with this therapy were able to regain employment and return to functional life after 80 hours of treatment.

Dr. Johnson and Paul Conrady, a hyperbaric chamber operator with Oklahoma Oasis in Edmond, also discussed tools to measure recovery in those who have suffered concussions and other injuries including phone apps that show baseline brain function vs. post-injury that can be examined by medical professionals to determine if treatment is needed. They also discussed the cost savings experienced with this therapy vs. other traditional measures.

Following the interim study, legislators were invited to Oklahoma Oasis HBOT in Edmond for a hands-on look at HBOT.

Page 12 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 13

Theme park & its seven million lights Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, fourtime winner of “Best Theme Park Holiday Event*,” debuts an all-new, 80-foot-tall, state-of-the-art Christmas tree as part of the two-month long holiday celebration in Branson, Missouri. The sheer height and immense density of lights on the tree make it the first of its kind on Earth. The customdesigned, towering tree will soar 8 stories into the night sky as the centerpiece of the all-new “Joy on Town Square.” This significant $1.5-million project adds to the illumination of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas.

The tree will feature hundreds of thousands of dancing high-resolution lights with an infinite ability to combine color, music, light and animated imagery. In total, the tree’s output, along with Town Square, will equal more than one-million LED

lights—the brightest and most advanced lights to ever be used at An Old Time Christmas.

“We engaged a team of the world’s most-celebrated lighting geniuses to create this just for Silver Dollar City guests,” said Brad Thomas, President of Silver Dollar City Attractions. “Joy on Town Square, with our new Christmas tree as the centerpiece, will include illumination of the Square’s buildings, trees and landscape, immersing our guests in an even greater Christmas adventure,” said Thomas.

The designers, considered to be experts in lighting and leaders in ‘architainment’ technology for the global amusement and Christmas industry, say the sheer density of color, sound, light and movement will create an immersive experience. “Joy on Town Square will take guests on a physical and

emotional journey of mind and soul,” said Jared Everline of S4 Lights, Atlanta, Georgia. “This tree is like no other tree on Earth,” claimed Everline.

"Town Square is the entry portal where guests step into a holiday wonderland. With this stunning icon, the traditions and legacy of Silver Dollar City will meet state-of-the-art technology," Thomas said.

"Joy on Town Square will be another 'must-see' attraction, marking an even bigger & brighter nationally-acclaimed event," Thomas added.

This holiday season, the 1880s theme park is adorned with nearly seven million lights (680 miles of lights), 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, 600 wreaths, over 3 miles of garland and 15,000 yards of ribbon all setting the stage for holiday entertainment, foods, shopping and attractions in this Ozark-ian Christmas celebration.

Page 14 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Part of art, religion & culture series of talks

Game designer to give lecture at OC Hosted on OC’s campus, ARC Talks focuses on the intersection of art, religion and culture.

In some communities, faith and art seem opposed, but integrating the two is central to the education experience at Oklahoma Christian University. To bolster the links between art, religion and culture, OC will launch a new lecture series called ARC Talks on Nov. 8.

The first ARC Talks lecturer is Amy Green, video game developer at Numinous Games and creator of the game “That Dragon, Cancer.” In a field where some artists feel pressure to keep their religion private, Green is transparent. She shares her faith, her story and her grief. In fact, her TED Talk given in New York City on the subject has over 1.5 million views. Green created her first video game based on a bedtime story she told her children to help them understand their brother Joel’s unsuccessful battle with cancer.

The ARC Talks series is designed to bring in creatives and artists who both excel professionally and live examples of faith. OC’s Department of Art and Design will host ARC Talks, and new Gaming and Animation Instructor Ellie Kirkner will coordinate speakers.

With ARC Talks, Kirkner wants to demonstrate how art can transform lives by crossing boundaries and reaching out to those on the fringes.

“Art can be used to evangelize in a really beautiful way,” Kirkner said. “As creatives, we must challenge ourselves to allow art to be more than just a personal statement of self-expression. We have the opportunity to let art change and challenge us.

Creating art with purpose and intent can be an act of love.”

Through “That Dragon, Cancer,” Green takes the player through the narrative gameplay of an observer in the autobiographical account of her experience of losing her son to cancer.

“It was the story of Joel,” Green said. “It was the story of hope in the shadow of death. It was the

Amy Green Creator of ‘That Dragon, Cancer’ game story of faith and doubt and the realization that doubt is a part of faith, maybe the biggest part of it.”

Kirkner praised Green for creating a game that is so different in many ways because, unlike most games, it is unwinnable.

“It fundamentally breaks many of the concepts that make games, games,” Kirkner said. “She created this immersive and interactive experience that

takes players on her family’s journey and forces them to bear witness and be participants in this story of loss and love. The interactive element forces the player to engage, empathize and fall in love with the characters, rather than simply being an observer. Becoming an active participant in “That Dragon, Cancer” is a rich, moving experience.”

Green will speak at OC in Judd Theater Nov. 8.

Admission is free to the public.

The Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Tina Winn, is eager to bring speakers like Green to OC because it gives students real role models who have successfully navigated how to integrate their faith into their workplace.

“I think there is a great benefit to seeing professionals like Amy Green who are highly successful, who have acclaim in their field and who are transparent about their faith, people who integrate their faith and their passion into their work,” Winn said.

“The Oklahoma Christian Art and Design program is pleased to provide this opportunity to our students and to the community."

OC’s ARC Talks will be structured similar to TED Talks, and the overall theme was inspired by the artist Makoto Fujimura. He wrote about engaging in culture care rather than culture wars. Kirkner hopes the community can explore how artists and designers can explore genesis moments and act as global influencers who contribute to positive change.

Teachers, students, artists, creatives and the community are invited to the lectures. Green’s talk begins at 5:45 p.m.; a reception with her begins at 5:30 p.m. in the OC Art Gallery. Admission is free, but tickets are required; those can be ordered online at www.tinyurl.com/arctalks.

About Oklahoma Christian University OC is a higher learning community transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship and service with a 14-to-one student-teacher ratio.

Keith Bryant

Makes plans now to prevent lethal flames in home

By Keith Bryant Flames inside your home are unplanned, unwanted and often deadly. The destruction and loss that fire can bring are something no one should have to experience — but it's a risk that can affect any home at any time.

While we need to work on preventing house fires year-round, this month is specifically designated for fire prevention. At the U.S. Fire Administration, our goal is to stop these events before they happen and encourage the nation to be proactive.

Prior to assuming my role as chief of the U.S. Fire Administration, I was a firefighter for nearly 40 years. I have seen how fast, hot and deadly fire can be. It doubles in size every minute, with temperatures reaching anywhere from 600 to 1,500 degrees.

When a fire occurs, there is no time to discuss an escape plan with your family — there is only time to act. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. If you inhale the superhot air in a house fire, it can literally scorch your lungs. If you wake up to a fire in your home, you may be blinded by smoke, disoriented and unable to find your way around. The odorless, colorless fumes from carbon monoxide can lull you into a

See Fire, Page 16

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 15

Stars in Netflix’s ‘Dolemite’ film

Murphy returns to comedy

By George Gust In Netflix's latest release, "Dolemite is My Name" Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kungfu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.

"Dolemite is My Name" is an endearing story of perseverance and resilience and a return to comedic form for Murphy. "Dolemite is My Name" follows in the tradition of 'oddball scrappy crew comes together to produce a so-bad-its-funny piece with an entertaining energy that we haven’t seen of art that gains cult classic status' as seen in prior films like "Ed Wood" and "The Disaster Artist." And from him in decades. And rounding out the talented like those previous films, this movie delivers on the cast was an enjoyable straight man performance from Keegan-Michael Key and a touching yet stranger than fiction behind the scenes absurdity of the subject matter while providing an underdog comedic turn from Da'Vine Joy Randolph whose narrative that will have you rooting for the comed- character arc, while being sidelined by the main story has a similar 'never let anyone tell you, you ically unflappable Murphy, which should come as can't follow your dreams' feeling. no surprise as the writers of "Dolemite is My Overall, "Dolemite is My Name" features a starName" also were the writers of the underrated cult studded cast performing at a remarkably high classic "Ed Wood."

There was a time when Eddie Murphy could do no level, headlined by a refreshing lead performance

by Murphy, in an endearing over-the-top against all wrong in Hollywood, producing hit after hit and almost single-handedly saving Saturday Night Live from odds story. Like the subject matter its reliving, there is a lot of shock value in "Dolemite is My obscurity, but that time has long since passed (see "The Adventures of Pluto Nash"). Now in "Dolemite is Name" full of filthy language, nudity and comically violent scenes, so much so that it could turn off My Name" Murphy appears to have recapture the spark and energy that made him a comedy superstar the more modest viewers.

4.3 out of 5 stars in the 80s and 90s. Playing a character who has been “Dolemite is My Name” is rated R for pervasive constantly knocked down by the trials and tribulalanguage, crude sexual content, and graphic nutions of trying to become an famous entertainer, dity.

Murphy was able to tap into his real life fall from the heights of stardom to an obscure former superstar in family comedies giving the performance that much more dramatic weight while still proving he hasn't lost his outrageous comedy chops.

"Dolemite is My Name" is a movie that succeeds on the strength of Murphy's performance and recaptured charisma; however, the supporting cast is also a who's who of talented actors.

The standout supporting performance that must be seen to be believed comes from Wesley Snipes as the eccentric actor/director. Snipes, like Murphy, enjoyed a time of ultra-movie stardom Eddie Murphy returns to comedic form in Netflix's ‘My Name which has since faded, but in this movie, is Dolemite’ following the improbable rise to stardom of Rudy Snipes' performance jumps of the screen Ray Moore and his alter-ego Dolemite.

Arts awards dinner set Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 Paseo Arts Awards Dinner which is Nov. 14 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel.

This year’s award recipients are Denise Duong, Artist of the Year Award, Benjamin Harjo Jr., Lifetime Achievement Award; Ken Fergeson, Volunteer Service Award; John Wolfe, Michi Susan Award and Lucas Simmons, Emerging Artist Award.

“This event grows each year and this year promises to be an elegant, fun and art-filled experience. It’s so exciting to honor well-deserving artists and patrons,” says Amanda Bleakley executive director of the Paseo Arts Association. The evening will feature several artistic representations. The Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan will perform silently during the reception while classical composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate (Chickasaw) entertains with his talents on the piano. During the dinner, actors from Shakespeare in the Park will perform a scene from the ever enchanting The Tempest, a romantic comedy, which is their fall production. The emcee for the evening will be DeadCenter’s Lance McDaniel, who is sure to have everyone falling out of their seats.

For more information and tickets go to our website at thepaseo.org or call 405-525-2688.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: NFL TEAMS ACROSS 1. Kate DiCamillo's "____ and Ulysses" 6. Blunder 9. Gymnastics parallel ____ 13. About 1.75 pints 14. Pronoun that can be singular or plural 15. Chic's "Le ____" 16. Willow tree 17. Teller substitute, acr.

18. With ample space 19. *Only communityowned NFL team 21. *Only team with no logo on helmets 23. Greek letters on campus 24. Log splitter 25. *Traditional team ride 28. Ranee's husband 30. '70s TV series "The ____ Woman" 35. Bookkeeping entry 37. Do over 39. Words to live by 40. Italy's obsolete money 41. Fur shawl 43. Pay a visit 44. Beau's and Jeff's acting dad 46. Edward Scissorhands' sound 47. Editor's mark 48. Port city in Alaska 50. Cozy spot 52. Store posting, abbr.

53. Bright thought 55. Bonnie and Clyde, e.g.

57. *Team that shares stadium with #29 Down 60. *Cincy's team 64. Not taut 65. Tamari sauce ingredient 67. Kind of salami 68. Realtor's wares 69. Bowl over 70. Unborn vertebrate 71. What outgoing tide does 72. Not no 73. Site frequenters

DOWN 1. Hit's opposite 2. Bonet or Kudrow 3. Suffix with psych4. Does like something rotten 5. Unpaid debt 6. Unfledged hawk 7. Decompose 8. "Dancing with the Stars" number 9. Arch above eye 10. Another spelling for eon 11. *Moved from St. Louis 12. Blue hue 15. Lark about 20. Raises children 22. "____-a-dub-dub" 24. Superbowl 2012 halftime act 25. *Only team to play home games in New York state 26. Being of service 27. Asian goat antelope 29. *Headquartered in New Jersey 31. Tolkien villains 32. Poet's "below"

33. Lazybones 34. *Their stadium hosts NFL Scouting Combine 36. She knows "Why the Caged Bird Sings" 38. Mixture or medley 42. Horace's poem 45. John Collins and Tom Collins, e.g.

49. Banned pesticide 51. Karate-like art 54. Composition notebook entry 56. S-shaped moldings 57. Lump 58. Shakespeare's metrical unit 59. Single pip cards 60. *Team rest weeks 61. Place one's stake 62. Look angry 63. Back talk 64. Mother, sister or daughter 66. Be in the red

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Fire From Page 14 deep sleep and you may not wake up in time to escape. It's imperative to have your plan already in place.

Each year more than 30,000 fire departments and 1.2 million firefighters in the United States are called to respond to over 28 million requests for help. When a fire sparks and spreads, citizens are the first true responders. This month, and throughout the year, FEMA, through its U.S. Fire Administration and The Ready Campaign, is committed to building a culture of preparedness by educating, encouraging and empowering neighborhoods to make themselves more resilient.

While structural fires are eventually contained and extinguished, the impacts on people, homes, businesses and infrastructure can continue for years. Being resilient and having a plan are the most effective ways to

reduce risks to people and property.

One easy step is to have a working smoke alarm on every level of your house, and make sure to check the batteries routinely, along with their expiration date.

Additionally, practice your family’s fire escape plan. Also, installing home fire sprinklers will keep fires and deadly smoke from spreading and give you extra time to escape.

Taking these simple steps now can prevent heartbreaking reality in the future.

Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s fire prevention website, or www.ready.gov/home-fires, for more ways on how to protect your home.

Bryant, former chief of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, is U.S. fire administrator.

History Center announces event to honor our veterans Oklahoma History Center is proud to announce an event to commemorate Veterans Day. The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Devon Great Hall at the Oklahoma History Center located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. The event is open to the public at no charge, and veterans and active-duty military personnel and dependents with ID are always admitted free of charge. For more information, please call 405-5220765.

Presentations at the ceremony will be made by retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon, retired Brig. Gen. and Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Military Ben T. Robinson, Vietnamese-American Community Chairman and retired Lt. Col. in South Vietnam Vinh Nguyen, and former Huey helicopter pilot and retired Capt. Bob Ford. Guests to the Veterans Day recognition event are invited to view the History Center’s exhibit Welcome Home: Oklahomans and the War in Vietnam, which will be closing on November 30.

Music for this ceremony will be furnished by the 145th Army Band, “The Governor’s Own,” which is comprised of musicians enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. They have traveled across the nation for various events and, in 1988, were deployed to Torino, Italy, for the 45th celebration of the Alpini-45th Alliance. The

band has performed for Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, Vice President Al Gore and the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson.

The color guard for this event will be provided by Honoring America’s Warriors, an organization formed to assist the families of those lost in the service of their country as well as retired or disabled veterans from all branches of service. This is achieved through hunting, fishing, shooting sports, family and couples gatherings, faith-based programs, service/companion dog placement, employment and adaptive sports for veterans who are paralyzed or amputees.

The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.

Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Parents support group meets Nov. 5 The Edmond Chapter of Parents Helping Parents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at McLaren's Pantry located at 3414 South Boulevard in the Boulevard Shopping Center located in the SE corner of 33rd and Boulevard.

The restaurant is closed to the general public at 6 p.m.

The meeting is from 6:30 to 7:45

p.m. The speaker is Julio Rojas, PhD. His topic is, "The Cunning, Baffling and Deadly Nature of Addiction." Parents Helping Parents provides support and resources for parents of addicted children (any age child).

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 17

Sports

Late FG gives UCO win 21 carries. He had a 2Alex Quevedo kicked a yard touchdown run in the 20-yard field goal with third quarter that put three seconds left in the UCO up 19-13. Garrett game and the University was also 14-for-34 passing of Central Oklahoma footwith 134 yards and one ball team beat Washburn touchdown. He connected 22-20 in an MIAA affair with Dustin Basks for a Saturday afternoon.

26-yard touchdown pass Quevedo's kick followed in the third quarter that a huge, 31-yard quarterput the Bronchos up 12-7. back scramble by ChanBasks's 66 yards on dler Garrett to put the eight catches led the Bronchos with a first & 10 team. Roberts also had 76 inside the Washburn 10yards on eight carries, inyard line. The field goal cluding a 44-yard rush that capped off a 10-play, 71was the longest play from yard scoring drive. scrimmage of the afterWith 2:50 to play in the Kicker Alex Quevedo came up clutch for UCO last noon. game, Garrett started the weekend, delivering the winning field goal.

Washburn took a 7-0 drive with a 7-yard run, lead in the first quarter after a game-opening 10-play, but a pair of incomplete passes setup an early 4th & 75-yard scoring drive. The Bronchos responded with 3 that could've halted the drive as soon as it began. an 8-play, 47-yard scoring drive that ended with But Garrett then darted for a gain of six to earn the Quevedo hitting a 36-yard field goal to make it 7-3 first down. He then ran for eight before a complete with 7:59 to play in the opening quarter. pass to Amonte Phillips for an eight-yard gain, crossAfter the next eight drives ended with no scores, ing midfield and setting up a first down at the WashCentral used a big punt to pin Washburn down at its burn 45.

After a run for no gain, UCO called a timeout with own 1-yard line. WU got out to its six, but after 49 seconds left. On the next play, Washburn jumped dropping back to pass, Mike Rios sacked Ichabod quarterback Mitch Schurig in the end zone for a offsides. Garrett heaved a ball down the sideline to safety. That made it 7-5 with 5:46 to play in the first Phillips on what was a free play, but the pass fell incomplete and Central took its five yards. Now 2nd & half.

UCO opened the second half with a 5-play, 855, Garrett hit T.J. Roberts for a 3-yard catch. That yard scoring drive. Roberts had his 44-yard scamper setup 3rd & five from the Washburn 37.

Garrett dropped back to pass, then darted through on that drive and Basks capped it off with his 26yard touchdown catch. That put the Bronchos up 12the middle of the line and made a big juke move on two Washburn defenders and burst downfield for the 7. Washburn hit back-to-back field goals to go up 13-12 with 5:24 to go.

31-yard rush to the Washburn six with just six secGarrett led the Bronchos down the field on a 10onds left. A personal foul after the play put the ball play, 75-yard scoring drive that he finished off himself on the 3-yard line. UCO used its final timeout and with his 2-yard touchdown run to make it 19-13 with then Quevedo knocked in the kick for the win.

Washburn attempted numerous laterals on the en- 1:23 to play in the third quarter. Washburn went up 20-19 early in the fourth quarter. UCO punted on suing kickoff but to no avail and Central got out of two possessions before the big, final drive. the Kansas state capital with the victory.

Bryan Burns led UCO with eight tackles on de"We fought hard today in game that had a bunch fense. Adrien Cross and Dillon Hall both had seven of mistakes," UCO head coach Nick Bobeck said. tackles and Jeremiah Hill had six. Rios had four tack"But our defense played their tails off and they deles to go with his sack-safety. Kolby Underwood serve a lot of credit. And our offense came up big in added three tackles and had has team-leading third the end, credit to those guys too for never giving interception of the season. up."

Central Oklahoma hosts Missouri Southern next UCO is now 3-5 on the season with three games Saturday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. The Bronchos host Northleft on the schedule. The Bronchos have two home eastern State the following Saturday at 1 p.m. in the games left, each in the next two weeks.

Garrett led the Bronchos with 84 yards rushing on battle for the President's Cup.

Trevor Norby - the LSC ‘Men’s Golfer of the Week’

Another honor for OC golfer

Norby

A day after Oklahoma Christian's Trevor Norby picked up his third collegiate win, the Lone Star Conference named him last week as its men's golfer of the week.

Norby, a senior from Carlsbad, Calif., rallied in the final round on last week to take medalist honors in the Jerry Hrnciar Invitational, hosted by Cameron at The Territory Golf Club (par 72, 7,110 yards) in Duncan.

He shot 72-69—141 (3-underpar) to top a field of 100 players, with his eagle in the final round proving to be the difference, as five players tied for second at 2-under. The tournament included four top-25 teams, including No. 4 Arkansas Tech, No. 7 OC, No. 9 St. Mary's and No. 21 Midwestern State.

OC posted its third team win of the fall season, beating St. Mary's by 11 shots. The Eagles

haven't been topped yet by a NCAA Division II opponent during the 2019-20 campaign.

Norby's previous wins came this past spring in the Broncho Intercollegiate at Oak Tree Country Club's East Course in Edmond and in the Heartland Conference Championship at Slick Rock Golf Course in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, when he tied for the title before falling to teammate Andres Brictson in a playoff.

The player-of-the-week award was the second of Norby's collegiate career, as he was honored as the Heartland Conference last March after his win at Oak Tree.

Norby is the second OC player this season be named as the LSC's player of the week, as Brictson received the honor after earning medalist honors in the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational at Tascosa Golf Club in Amarillo, Texas, last month.

Page 18 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Heard on Hurd street parties recess until 2020 This past weekend, the Edmond and surrounding communities came together for the season finale event of Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd with one of the largest attendances of the season.

The local festival is a hit for all of the community and continues to grow each season. Because of the support of the community, so many local businesses have thrived.

“Heard on Hurd has been an incredible community experience for us,” said Heather Brehm, owner of Wicked Hangry. “We’ve been a part of HOH since 2015 & we have been blessed to watch the event grow under the amazing support and enthusiasm from Citizens Bank & everyone...including

the adorable fur babies, that come out to enjoy it.”

Festival goers thoroughly enjoyed the stage lineup which included local talent Ben Brock, stepmom and J + The Bishops who rocked the stage and filled the streets. Kids and adults of all ages enjoyed crafting glow-in-the-dark slime to raise money for the Ida Freeman PTO, strategically battling on the inflatable Spartan Wars laser tag course and tossing bags for the 3rd annual cornhole tournament hosted by Café Evoke.

The dedicated theme for October’s event was “Keep it Local.” Numerous businesses located in downtown Edmond stayed open late and offered special deals and discounts along with the mobile vendors.

“As a mother-daughter small business, Heard on

Hurd is a chance for us to spend time together.

Our whole family comes out to help setup and enjoy the evening”, said Lauren Bieri, co-owner of Sand Rose Soap Co. “We feel a strong connection to the community as we source local ingredients, produce and sell our products all here in Edmond.

My favorite part of being a vendor is telling our story and seeing fellow Okies get excited when they see our Oklahoma-shaped soaps.”

The October event also marked the ceremonious lighting of the Citizens Bank of Edmond Christmas lights. It is our annual tradition to light our Christmas lights for the last Heard on Hurd and keep them on until the first event of the new season in March.

Free workshop on Nov. 5 will help give edge to vet business owners Veteran-led businesses are invited to a free workshop to help veteran business owners connect with customers and grow their business using resources available through Google.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center is hosting the free one-hour workshop at 11 a.m. Nov. 5. Francis Tuttle’s Workforce and Economic Development team will lead the workshop, also providing the opportunity to network and share with other veterans and local business owners.

The training is being held in conjunction with National Veteran Small Business Week.

The workshop will be held at Francis Tuttle’s Rockwell Campus Corporate Training Center at 12777 N Rockwell Ave. in Oklahoma City. It is free to attend, but participants are encouraged to RSVP at

community.grow.google/s/event/a0r1E00000Bvu3m Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region.

Francis Tuttle also offers complete business and industry training and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment.

With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace. More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.

DRAWING PROVIDED

An artist rendering shows the planned Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine to be built in the metro.

Holt among guests Sunday for Rother groundbreaking Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt will join Oklahoma Roman Catholic leaders for the groundbreaking for the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine set for 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at SE 89, between Shields Boulevard and Interstate 35.

The Most. Rev. Paul S. Coakley, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, will lead the ceremony. Others joining him for the groundbreaking will be Oklahoma City Archbishop Emeritus Eusebius Beltran and Tulsa Bishop David Konderla. Little Rock Bishop Anthony Taylor, a former priest with the Oklahoma City archdiocese, also will participate.

Holt said Oklahoma City is honored to host the shine, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors each year.

"I’m excited to participate in the launching of this important project that reflects our city’s diverse faith community and honors an esteemed Oklahoman," Holt said in a

news release.

The groundbreaking is free and open to the public. Children's activities, music and dance performances will begin at 3 p.m. The groundbreaking will be at the future home of the shrine at the former Brookside golf course. Parking will be off Shields Boulevard.

"The groundbreaking for the shrine will be a significant moment in the life of the Church in Oklahoma and for the broader community,” Coakley said in a news release.

The shrine is being built to honor Blessed Stanley Rother, the first U.S.born priest and martyr ever beatified.

"It will be a place of pilgrimage where the faithful will come from near and far to honor Blessed Stanley at his final resting place and to seek his intercession for their many needs.

It will be a place of welcome, serving all people,” Coakley said.

From Oklahoman.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 19

Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day reports a sell for the group’s third annual event Organizers of the third annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day will host their event November 1st at the AAR Corporation hangar on Will Rogers World Airport. Tickets to the occasion sold out in three weeks to a crowd of 500 aviation and aerospace professionals and students.

The public luncheon, reserved for aviation and aerospace enthusiasts, provides an opportunity for individuals to learn more about current Oklahoma general, business, and commercial aviation, the future of the industry, and how Oklahomans may advocate on behalf of aviation and aerospace for young girls and women to pursue aviation interests.

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC), in partnership with the Oklahoma Air Force Association Central Oklahoma Gerrity Chapter, and AAR Corporation host the event and secured Rear Admiral (Ret) Margaret “Peg” Klein as their keynote speaker.

Senator Paul Rosino-R (Oklahoma City) District 45, a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer made the introduction of Klein to the group and suggested her for the event. “I served with Admiral Klein when she commanded Fleet Air Reconnaissance Three (VQ-3) and then as Commander Task Force 124 and Commodore for Strategic Communications Wing One (SCW-1)

Klein at Tinker AFB. When we look at the contributions of women in the aviation and aerospace industries in our state, Admiral Klein exemplifies the Oklahoma standard. She has flown over 4500 flight hours in the EC-130 Hercules and E-6 Mercury. She holds numerous aviation-firsts, including her post as the first woman to serve as the 82nd Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy,” said Rosino. “We are fortunate to have her here for this special day.”

Klein currently serves as the Dean of the College of Leadership and

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion currently is accepting presentation proposals for the sixth annual Black Male Summit, set for March 24,

UCO calls for proposal submissions for the 2020 Black Male Summit The University of Central Oklahoma’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is now accepting presentation proposals for the sixth annual UCO Black Male Summit, set for March 24, 2020. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 2. Early submissions are encouraged.

The theme for this year’s summit is “The Marathon Continues.” Inspired by the late rapper, entrepreneur and community activist Nipsey Hussle, the 2020 summit is designed to allow young black males to (re)discover their identity and reimagine their futures despite the cultural, political and systemic barriers that they face in society, specifically within education.

The mission of the Black Male Summit, part of Central’s Black Male Initiative, is to address the historical, cultural and relevant challenges that affect the development of young, black males; build connections between UCO and public and private high schools across the state of Oklahoma; and, encourage the pursuit of obtaining a postsecondary degree.

The Black Male Summit focuses on high school and college students who are committed to personal, academic

and professional development.

The committee for the summit will select nontraditional, creative and interactive presentations that meet the needs of the Black Male Summit mission. Examples of topics include black male identity, community policing, school-to-prison pipeline, higher education, hip-hop education, sports and social activism, politics and K-12 resources.

“UCO’s Black Male Summit provides such a transformative and immersive experience for young black males,” said Dene Roseburr-Olotu, assistant director for diversity retention programs and UCO Black Male Summit coordinator.

“At its very core, the Black Male Summit is about empowering and uplifting this often-forgotten segment of our community. Every year Central plays a pivotal role by providing a welcoming space that allows more than 300 students to come together and engage in authentic conversations while emphasizing the importance of postsecondary education.”

For a full list of submission topics or to submit a presentation please visit www.uco.edu/blackmalesummit.

Ethics at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI. She completed a 35year naval career March 2017. Rear Admiral Klein served as the Secretary of Defense’s Senior Advisor for Military Professionalism from March 2014. Prior to 2014, Klein served as Chief of Staff for the newly created U.S. Cyber Command. In 2008, she served as director of worldwide operations for the Navy’s Network Warfare Command. Klein’s leadership experience reaches from sky to sea, and from classroom to boardroom. In 2011, she commanded an American military force of five ships, 30 aircraft, and over 3,300 Sailors and Marines in successful combat operations in the Mediterranean Sea. The history of Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day began in 2017 when the Oklahoma legislature passed a bill to officially recognize the contribution of Oklahoma women in the State’s aviation and aerospace industry December 9th annually. Former Governor Mary Fallin signed the bill into law going into effect November 1 that same year.

The date marks the birth of the famous Chickasaw aviator, Pearl Carter Scott, of Marlow, Oklahoma. Scott learned to fly at the age of 13 under legendary aviator Wiley Post. She became the youngest pilot in the United States with her first solo flight on September 12, 1929, the same year that Amelia Earhart established

the female pilot group, the NinetyNines.

“With so many aviation historical dates in mind, the event was moved from December this year to accommodate the 90th annual meeting of the The Ninety-Nines, Inc, International Organization of Women Pilots which will be held November 2nd in Oklahoma City. We are excited to host 99s from across the United States for our special event, and since they are already in town, we wanted to honor them as well,” said Sandra Shelton, public and government affairs liaison for OAC. “Not only is it the 90th year since Pearl took her first flight with Wiley, this year we will celebrate the life of Oklahoman and American aviator and NinetyNine, Geraldyn M. Cobb.”

After the keynote, a panel discussion is planned that will include Klein as well as other aviation and aerospace professionals who will candidly answer questions about their own experiences and the future of the industry. Commissioner of Labor, Leslie Osborn, will moderate the session.

Mayor David Holt, will present a congratulatory proclamation on behalf of the City of Oklahoma City to the Ninety-Nines membership and to their International President, Jan McKenzie. KOCO Channel 5’s news anchor Markie Martin, a private pilot, will serve as the event’s celebrity emcee for the day.

Page 20 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Belongs to famed singer Kenny Rogers

Mansion on market for $4.495 million Before Ellen DeGeneres, Meg Ryan and Diane Keaton, there was Kenny Rogers - Hollywood celebrities who entertained us and flipped homes on the side. Born in 1938 with the entrepreneur gene, Kenny's instinct for making money goes back to his poor Houston childhood in a federal housing project with his parents and seven siblings when he had to make a few bucks to finance his budding music career. He found early success as a local teen star and sang his minor-hit song “That Crazy Feeling” on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” at age 20. Later joining the New Christy Minstrels and then the First Edition and then going solo with giant hits such as “The Gambler,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream,” his career soared as one of the world’s favorite country-pop singers.

By the 1980s, Rogers had won over 50 major music awards including many Grammy, American Music and Country Music awards and in 1986 was named the Favorite Singer of All Time by USA Today.

Always with lots of energy while singing, acting, producing and television roles, Kenny segued into buying, renovating and selling big homes with solid bones in upscale neighborhoods at a good profit. He sold his first flip in 1984 in Beverly Hills for $20 million which was a record price at the time. Since then, most of his homes have been in the Atlanta area where he also started an interior design business, Kenji Design Studios, that catered to Atlanta’s richest home owners such as Home Depot’s Arthur Blank.

A small sample of Kenny’s real estate work, in 2002 Rogers bought a bank-owned, 27,000-squarefoot home in Atlanta that had been on the market at $12 million for just $2.75 million and sold it in 2006 for $8.5 million. Just outside of Athens, Georgia, Rogers built the almost 1,000-acre Beaver Dam Farm which he later sold in 2011 for $10.5 million. In 2009, Rogers paid $2.8 million for a home in Atlanta’s ritzy Tuxedo Park that was listed at almost $8 million. He sold it elegantly furnished in a down market in 2011 for $3.725 million. It is once again on the market along with the furnishings just the way he left it asking $4.495 million.

Rogers bought and then spent over $3 million to redesign and decorate the Tuxedo Park home when his twin sons were only four years old and needed plenty of space to play (Kenny has been married five times but married to his current wife and twins’ mother since 1997). Sited on a little over an acre, it is similar to the other large homes in the neighborhood echoing status with their elaborate architecture, pools and tennis courts. Measuring almost 7,000 square feet, the style is Mediterranean with a meticulously landscaped gated-drive entry and grounds. From the large motor court, the front doors open into a dramatic foyer with soaring ceiling, curving stairs to the floor above and large enough for a grand piano perfect for greeting party guests in southern style. Formal spaces are large and elaborate with rooms having 20-foot ceilings, gilded doorways and mirrors. For less formal entertaining the movie-game room also has a large sit-down bar area. There is also an office surrounded by tall windows with coffered ceiling and a huge eat-in kitchen. With six en-suite bedrooms and two additional baths, plenty of room for Kenny’s large collection of music-business friends. The large master suite includes a romantic fireplace. Entertaining options extend to an expansive pool terrace with an enclosed play area to the side.

Tuxedo Park has been home to Atlanta’s wealthiest residents since the early 20th century when they engaged the best architects to design their elaborate summer homes outside the heat of the city. The neighborhood, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion and has been home to Coca Cola chairman Robert Woodruff and golfer Bobby Jones among other notables.

Kenny retired from entertaining in 2017 and has not done any recent home flips, but there is talk of one more studio album, so The Gambler might be back soon. The elegant home where he raised his young children is now for sale, priced at $4.495 million. The listing agent is Travis Reed of Harry Norman Realtors in Atlanta, Georgia.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The elegant Atlanta home where Kenny Rogers raised his young children is now for sale and featured this week at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Above is the opulent staircase and chandelier, which greets guests upon their arrival.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 21

Students experience ‘Manufacturing Month’ Clubhouse Trailer Company hosted 18 students from Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s carpentry class on last week. The event was facilitated by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance in support of Manufacturing Month, which is held annually in October.

“Participating in Manufacturing Month is an opportunity for The Clubhouse to highlight the work, processes and innovation that make us unique,” said Drew Taylor, Vice President of Operations. “Our story could ignite passion in these students, and encourage them to pursue education in manufacturing-related fields.”

“It was very informative,” said Bryan Kropfinger, instructor with Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Students were given a tour of the facility, which included demonstrations of

tools and innovations that the Clubhouse uses to make their products.

Manufacturing Month is an initiative organized by The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. Events give manufacturers the opportunity to connect with future generations, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.

Clubhouse Trailer Company is the industry leader in marching band transportation, focused on logistics and solutions for safe and efficient transit of the marching arts. Products include fully-customized trailers as well as custom and standard kits to meet the budgets and time constraints of any group. Founded in 2010, the company has completed 70 projects, impacting more than 17,250 students across 10 states.

One field needing more experts Construction is one of Oklahoma’s largest industries, and it is only getting bigger.

More than 82,000 Oklahomans work in construction, but more than 119,000 new jobs are expected to open in Oklahoma by 2026. In the entire country, an additional 1.4 million construction professionals will be needed by 2022.

A nationwide skills gap, however, means those construction positions may go unfilled. Oklahoma CareerTech is working to fill that gap with construction trades training and

education at 58 technology center campuses statewide and at its skills centers.

“Oklahoma has a critical shortage of workforce in construction. We regularly hear from contractors who have difficulty finding qualified entry level employees, and they are holding back on bidding projects,” said Jeff Huffman, trade and industrial education program manager at ODCTE. “Careers in Construction Month showcases all of the career

See Construction Page 23

Edmond banker graduates from OBA Consumer Lending School Benjamin Nichols, with Interbank in Edmond, recently completed the Oklahoma Bankers Association Consumer Lending School in Oklahoma City.

Nichols was among 38 graduates of the school, which was held Oct. 711 at the OBA Harris Event Center.

The OBA Consumer Lending School, conducted annually, educates students on the overall consumer credit function and helps develop skills to meet the needs of loan customers and their bank. Specific areas of training include loan application generation and credit analysis, loan pricing, collections, direct and indi-

rect lending, real estate structure, bank liability, compliance, risk management, bankruptcy and banking trends.

The OBA conducts more than 70 educational programs and seminars each year, which reach more than 5,000 bankers across the state. The Association represents approximately 200 banks across the state and serves as the primary advocate for the banking industry. It’s also heavily involved in fraud training and prevention as well as legal and compliance services and communications for its member banks.

State’s credit outlook upgraded commitment to sound State Treasurer financial practices and Randy McDaniel anincreasing rainy day nounced last week savings, along with the that Moody’s Investors Legislature’s ongoing Service has upgraded efforts to responsibly the state’s credit outmanage the state look from stable to budget. positive. The rating “The positive outagency concurrently aflook reflects our expecfirmed Oklahoma’s tation that strong fiscal credit rating of Aa2. management and a Moody’s action folcommitment to inlows a meeting last creasing reserves will month with state leadcontinue, in line with ers to provide rating the state’s goal of analysts with an upstrengthening its predate on the economy, Randy McDaniel paredness for the next credit trends, and policy cyclical economic downpriorities. turn,” Moody’s said in a written “The state’s improved fiscal condistatement. “We also expect the tion is being recognized nationally.

Our efforts to increase reserves, elim- state’s debt and pension burden will inate structural deficits, improve pen- continue to run well below the 50sion finances, and diversify the state’s state median.”

While the state’s bond rating – economy are working,” McDaniel two notches below the best possible said. “Our financial house is in order – was not changed, Moody’s listed and we are poised to strengthen our factors that could lead to a rating upposition in the months and years grade including, increases in financial ahead.” reserves, enhancement of the state’s Moody’s analysis acknowledges a fiscal flexibility, and further economic number of positive trends for the state, including Governor Kevin Stitt’s diversification.

EEDA honors work of Edmond Trophy (Editor’s Note: Recently the Edmond Economic Development Authority honored Edmond Trophy as a featured business in their newsletter, The Arrow.)

Edmond Trophy Company, LLC has been locally-owned by the Flewelling family since 1978. The Flewellings chose to locate their business in Edmond for the great sense of community, terrific schools and the awesome people.

Located at 401 W. 15th St., Edmond Trophy Company offers awards, trophies and engraving. With the recent addition of another laser, the company was able to expand its product offerings of both fun and practical gifts. Customers can choose from tumblers, picture frames, cutting boards and much more. The company also offers sublimation and is able to add color to many types of awards.

Fact File Date established: 1978 Employees: Three Product/Services: Acrylic Awards, Plaques, Crystal Awards, Trophies, Medals, Personalization & Tumblers.

Web page www.edmondtrophy.com Facebook @edmondtrophy

Edmond Trophy Company recently launched an updated website that now offers e-commerce options. Customers can browse the company's product offerings at www.edmondtrophy.com.

For those customers who would rather visit the showroom, hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The company wants to continue to grow and provide more options to the community and its loyal customers. Edmond Trophy Company owners and staff appreciate each and every customer who walks through the door, no matter the size of the order.

Page 22 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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By Chad McCoy Edmond Family Counseling As we enter into the Thanksgiving season, I reflect on how fortunate we are to be living the life we have and the importance of teaching children to be grateful. By learning gratitude, children McCoy become sensitive to the feelings of others, by developing empathy and other life skills along the way. Grateful children appreciate what others do for them. On the flip side, kids who aren’t taught gratitude may end up feeling entitled and disappointed.

Studies have shown that people who are grateful are considerably happier ( 25% more) than those who are not grateful. Are you aware top universities such as Yale and Stanford are teaching students to prioritize happiness, not money and power? A growing number of universities are offering courses that aim to put students on the happiness track by teaching students how to be connected with their community, better citizens, socially connected, and practice gratitude.

Mental Health issues among children, adolescence, and young adults are on the rise around the world.

Overwhelming anxiety and depression are becoming more prevalent.

We must teach children ways to live an emotionally rich, balanced, and happy life. The fact that research supports individuals who are grateful are happier in life inspires me. Adults can begin teaching an attitude of gratitude to children at a young age. Instilling grateful feelings now will benefit your child later in life.

Here are some helpful tips to instill an attitude of gratitude in your children: n Model the practice of gratitude in your life as an adult. Emphasize the use of “thank you” as an example of how to show gratitude which demonstrates good manners and appreciation. n Insist your children write thank you notes. Younger children can draw or dictate the letter while you write.

The act of verbalizing out loud why the gift was appreciated will make a child feel more grateful and appreciative. n Model offering help to those in need around you. Hold the door open for others, help someone carry packages, demonstrate patience while waiting in line at the grocery store. Modeling acts of kindness is a way of giving back. n Purchase a gratitude journal for your child. Have them write down or draw three things they are grateful for each day. Talk with your child about the reasons we have to be

Chad McCoy, MA., LPC (#5743) is Assistant Director & Practicum Coordinator for Edmond Family Counseling. He may be reached at CMcCoy@EdmondFamily.org

September home market brisk

By Brian Preston September was another good month with 371 closed transactions for Edmond, Deer Creek and Oakdale school systems. making Year to date sales at 3,669, up 193 over last year for a 5,55 percent increase. With $1.12 billion dollars in sale volume.

The lower price ranges are harder and harder to find homes in. being no homes under $150,000 are being built. I went back and compared Active listings from September 2014 and this September. also the closed YTD sales. It see how much we have changed in five years.

There were 1158 listings in September 2014 compared to 1268 in September 2019. We have 110 more homes on the market than five years ago. by September 2014 we had 3,354 closed transactions compared to 3,669 through this May. So we have had 315 more closed Transactions.

But below is a breakdown in price ranges to show where we have made the most changes.

(Brian Preston is an Edmond Realtor who regularly does an assessment of the home market.)

A five year look at the market

grateful in life. Start your own gratitude journal and share your list with your children! n Expose your children to diverse cultures and life experiences. Giving children perspective and a sense of their lives compared to others allows a natural appreciation to develop. n Model giving back to your community. If your local church or school hosts a food drive or school supply drive, have your children assist you in picking out the items for the less fortunate. Explain to your children the importance of helping others in time of need. n Practice saying no. Children will naturally ask for toys, video games and candy frequently. It is difficult to feel grateful when you are granted everything you desire. Saying no will make children much more grateful when saying yes is granted. n Give your child chores around the house. Chores give children a sense of ownership and responsibility in the household. Assist your child as needed and compliment them on a job well done. If they are given a small allowance, let them use their money to buy special treats or toys for themselves. Understanding the value of money can assist the teaching process of becoming grateful. n Emphasize gratitude with a Thankfulness Jar. Throughout the week remind your children to write down items on a piece of paper in which they are grateful and place them in the jar. Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful holiday to emphasize this trait. Have each family member choose a piece of paper from the Thankfulness Jar and read it aloud around the table at your Thanksgiving feast.

“No one is born grateful,” says life coach Mary Jane Ryan, author of Attitudes of Gratitude. “Recognizing that someone has gone out of the way for you is not a natural behavior for children—it’s learned.” As children mature and grow their ability to communicate appreciation and gratitude will emerge. Until then, our job as parents is to model the behavior of gratitude and make it a part of the daily family ritual. Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to reflect on gratitude in your own life. Make sure you include your children in the ritual!

2014 listing

Under $150,000 ..........95 $150,001-$225,000 ..217 $225,001-$300,000 ..219 $300,001-$500,000 ..408 500,001-$700,000 ....113 $700,001-$999,999 ....55 $1 million & up ............51 TOTALS

2019 listing

..................7 ..............175 ..............288 ..............512 ..............143 ................73 ................70

1158

2014 closed homes

2019 closed homes

..............557 ............302 ............1070............1119 ..............749 ............898 ..............730 ............994 ..............164 ............231 ................68 ..............92 ................16 ..............33

1268

3354

3669

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 31, 2019 • Page 23

Construction From Page 21 fields in construction. Oklahoma CareerTech can help you map a successful path to many available career options in construction.”

Oklahoma CareerTech offers education in carpentry, masonry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, heavy equipment operation, cabinetmaking and computer-aided design and drafting at technology centers and skills centers. The system offers construction-related certifications in 13 areas.

The system’s construction trades programs are celebrating the national Careers in Construction Month in October, and Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed a proclamation declaring that October is Careers in Construction Month in Oklahoma.

Careers in Construction Month was founded by the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Build Your Future to increase public awareness and inspire the next generation of craft professionals in the much needed construction industry.

For more information about CareerTech’s construction trades programs, go to https://www.okcareertech.org/educators/career-clusters/architectu re-and-construction or visit your local technology center.

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education.

The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 58 campuses, 394 K-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult basic education service providers.

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

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

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

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • October 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure