November 8, 2018 by Edmond Life and Leisure

November 8, 2018 Vol. 19, No. 24

In This Issue ROUGH CUT SWISS

VETERANS DAY 2018

Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information see page 4.

Edmond baker to be featured on Food Network See Page 13

UCO ALSO HONORED AS BEING ‘BEST FOR VETS’ PHOTO PROVIDED

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Sunny High 52° Low 30°

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Sunny High 55° Low 39°

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Partly cloudy High 52° Low 37°

The University of Central Oklahoma ranks No. 9, among all surveyed four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., on The Military Times’ just-released “Best for Vets: Colleges 2019” list. Pictured, the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs during Military Appreciation Night at Wantland Stadium, on Central’s campus. The University of Central Oklahoma again earned recognition as a top school for student veterans and active military, as The Military Times announced Central as No. 9, among all surveyed four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., on its just-released “Best for Vets: Colleges 2019” list. Central jumped up one spot on the list, as The Military Times recognized UCO for its dedication to veterans for the fourth consecutive year. The announcement comes just prior to the nation marking Veterans Day on Nov. 11. This year it will be designated as a federal holiday on Monday, Nov. 12. As a federal holiday Veterans Day is typically observed on Nov. 11 every year. However, if it

occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated as the federal holiday, and if it occurs on a Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be designated. When the federal holiday and Nov. 11 dates are different often times Veterans Day activities will take place on both days and still many activities are often scheduled the weekend leading up to Veterans Day even if both dates match. This year also marks the Centennial Commemoration of the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. Concerning UCO, the school offers resources for student veterans through the Veterans Higher Education Resources Office (VetHERO), the Veteran Support Alliance and Student Veterans of

America. These resources aid student veterans with their academic, financial, physical and social needs. In an effort to enhance the university’s existing veteran outreach, Central created the UCO Veterans Upward Bound program, made possible through a $1.3 million U.S. Department of Education grant. The program is designed to motivate and assist veterans in successfully enrolling and completing postsecondary education through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction. UCO Veterans Upward Bound also offers educational assistance, academic services, and motivation and wellness services and activities. continued on Page 3

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Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 3

City to add more police body cameras By Josh Dulaney NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman In addition to a badge and weapon, the next class of police recruits graduates in Edmond will be issued body-worn cameras. Recently, the Edmond City Council approved the purchase of 23 cameras, nine of which will replace old technology and the remaining 14 held for police recruits set to graduate Feb. 1. The cameras will cost nearly $21,000 and be paid for out of the city’s asset forfeiture fund. The Police Department uses digital camera systems in most of its patrol vehicles and interview rooms. Videos are stored on a server until archived onto DVDs and stored. The new body-worn cameras will use the storage servers already in place, which will reduce the cost to implement the program, police officials said. “Edmond has had full deployment dashcams in excess of 15 years,” Police Chief JD Younger said. “The move into the body cameras has been deliberate, not because we don’t believe in them, but we’ve been making sure the technology is something we can support and integrate with our already existing infrastructure.” Over the next two to four years,

full deployment of the cameras will roll out, Younger said. In recent years, civil rights groups have called on police departments around the country to use body-worn cameras, in light of high-profile shootings involving law enforcement. Still, the equipment has been met with controversy within some police departments. For example, in Oklahoma City in 2015, the Oklahoma City Council approved the Police Department’s request for the program. Months later, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123 filed a grievance against the department over fears about how the cameras and recorded footage could be used. The union feared supervisors could use recorded footage against an officer they simply don’t like. By November 2016, an agreement was reached and the pilot program was allowed to be reinstated. In February this year, the department fully implemented the program, with 345 cameras available and swapped during shift changes. Edmond police have watched body camera rollouts in Oklahoma City and other municipalities. “What we hope we’ve done is learn from our partners, to hopefully avoid some of the growing pains they’ve gone through,” Younger said.

Cover From Page 1 “We are honored to be among such a distinguished list of universities, providing outstanding services to our student veterans,” said Retired Lt. Col. Kennan Horn, director for veteran programs at Central. “While we are pleased to be recognized for our efforts, we understand that we couldn’t accomplish this without a tremendous amount of

support from our university leadership, UCO Institutional Research, and our veteran staff members in Student Support Services, VetHERO and Veterans Upward Bound.” To view the complete “Best for Vets: Colleges 2019” rankings, visit rebootcamp.militarytimes.com. For more information, visit www.uco.edu/veterans.

Schedule of Edmond Plan hearings Edmond Plan determines future land use for long-term growth & development. Residents are invited to several upcoming public hearings in which the Edmond Planning Department will present proposed updates for Edmond Plan IV to the Planning Commission and City Council. Edmond Plan IV is the comprehensive land use plan for the city, and will be renamed The Edmond Plan, 2018. The Edmond Plan, 2018 captures how the city should grow and develop over the long-term. This is achieved by examining current issues and trends that will likely influence the community, documenting a desired future vision for the community, and providing goals, policies and implementation tools to see that the vision is achieved. The public hearings take place at 5:30 pm in the City Council Chambers located at 20 South Littler. The dates and specific topics are: n (Previously Held) Oct. 2, Planning Commission - Discussion of how the Edmond Plan can be used to in-

form development related decisions by describing future land use patterns. n (Previously Held) Nov. 6, Planning Commission - A review and discussion of actions and recommendations that the City should consider to achieve the community’s vision. The Planning Commission will provide a formal recommendation to City Council. n Nov. 26, City Council - Discussion of how the Edmond Plan can be used to inform development related decisions by describing future land use patterns. n Dec. 10, City Council - A review and discussion of actions and recommendations that the City should consider to achieve the community’s vision. n Jan. 14, 2019, City Council The City Council will take final action to approve the updated Edmond Plan. For more information on the Edmond Plan, please visit http://www.edmondok.com/420/Th e-Edmond-Plan.

Page 4 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Operation ‘Magic Carpet’ This coming Sunday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day in America (observed on Monday, Nov. 12). It is especially on my mind this year after just attending the induction ceremony to the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame where my cousin, Michael Grammar, was inducted. A United States Marine, graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Ray Hibbard awarded the Silver Star he was killed in action during the Vietnam War. His inclusion into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame was a proud moment for our family. My friend and business mentor, Ed Livermore, brought an often-ignored event that was part of the end of WWII to my attention last week. It isn’t something we think about often or have much knowledge about, if any, regarding the war fought by America’s Greatest Generation. Operation Magic Carpet was the post-World War Soldiers stacked in bunks II operation by the coming home after WWII. War Shipping Administration to repatriate over eight million American military personnel from the European, Pacific, and Asian theaters. The number of troops that were suddenly no longer needed with victory declared in Europe in June 1945 is staggering. These troops were ready to return to their civilian life and be home with their family. To compound the already difficult logistics problem, our Navy was still fighting in the Pacific, so they could not be of much help. What many don’t know is that the Army had ships that they operated. The Merchant Marine fleet played a key role as well. Still, it was not enough to make a dent in the number of troops that needed to be repatriated back to the United States. They used hundreds of Liberty ships, Victory ships and troop transports to begin the process. Beginning in October 1945 after the Japanese had surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, over 370 Navy ships were used for repatriation duties in the Pacific and were able to lend a hand to bring home troops from Europe. Warships, such as aircraft carriers, battleships, hospital ships, and large numbers of assault transports were used. There was a push to bring all the troops home by Christmas 1945, but it soon become clear that would not happen. The European phase of Operation Magic Carpet concluded in February 1946 while the Pacific phase continued until September 1946. The last four Christmases in American had been anxious and somber. The peril and sacrifice of war was hard to reconcile with memories of joyfulness of the prewar holidays. The hope for our troops overseas was to be “Home Alive by ‘45.” The problem was that all our resources had been dedicated to winning the war and neither the Army

or the Navy had spent much time thinking through the logistics of bringing everyone home until after the fighting was finished. With very little preparation, Operation Magic Carpet began. Just think of that number folks and how difficult it would be now even to bring back that many troops. Not only were they handicapped with the lack of planning, but that year season held many violent storms at sea. Even though some 250,000 military personnel found themselves back on American soil, they faced the worst air, rail and automobile traffic jams in history. The rule of thumb in the days immediately preceding Christmas 1945 was that a westbound train would be about six hours late and an eastbound train about 12 hours late. As with most events in their life, America’s Greatest Generation met this predicament with overwhelming understanding and good nature. When asked by a reporter what he thought about being among the 150,000 stranded along the West Coast for Christmas, an Army private trying to get home to Texas responded that simply stepping on U.S. soil was, “the best Christmas present a man could have.” How often do we forget the joy of living in this country folks? Civilians were doing their part to lend a hand and make life better for our servicemen and women trying to get home. Near the West Coast separation center, where soldiers and sailors were being relieved from active duty, civilians opened their homes to the new and soon to be veterans. Many of the 50,000 men and women awaiting discharge from points along the Eastern Seaboard were required to have Christmas dinner at the separation center itself or sometimes even on the ships which had just brought them back to the U.S. Even then, they didn’t complain but instead enjoyed hearty meals provided by the Army and Navy while noting that they were happy that this year’s ration tins were nowhere to be found. As you can imagine, the family of our troops celebrated Christmas day no matter the day they arrived. The estimate is that 94 percent of the passengers on trains originating from the West Coast on Christmas Eve were military or recently discharged military personnel. Goodwill abounded folks as it should have. Civilians gifted their train tickets to returning servicemen and women. Others threw parties for the trainloads of veterans who had just short stopovers at their town’s station. A trainload of veterans returned the favor by spending their 20-minute layover in Salt Lake City taking up a collection of

A packed ship of servicemen.

$125 (the equivalent of $1,700 today) for a local charity they learned about at the newsstand during the stop. Stories were everywhere of good deeds and sacrifice for our returning military. A Colorado truck driver drove 35 veterans marooned in Denver to their homes in Dallas and 34 others to points in between. The driver refused to accept payment insisting instead that the men spend their money on presents for their families. A Los Angles taxi driver drove a carload of six new veterans 2,700 miles home to Chicago. Another drove six veterans from L. A. to their homes in Manhattan, The Bronx, Pittsburgh, Long Island, Buffalo and New Hampshire in exchange for nothing but the cost of gas. Here are some other facts about Operation Magic Carpet In mid-October 1945 the United States Navy donated the newly commissioned carrier USS Lake Champlain – fitted with bunks for 3,300 troops – to the operation. She was joined in November by the battleship USS Washington. The European lift now included more than 400 vessels. Some would carry as few as 300 while the large liners often squeezed 15,000 aboard. One of the ocean liners, the British HMS Queen Mary, the U.S. obtained the use of in exchange for 10 smaller U.S. vessels. The WSA and the army also converted 29 troopships into special carriers for war brides, for the almost half a million European women who had married American servicemen. The Magic Carpet fleet also included 48 hospital ships; these transported more than half a million wounded. This was not a one-way stream. Former Axis POWs had to be repatriated from Europe and Japan and occupation forces had to be dropped in Germany, China, Korea and Japan. Returned to Europe were more than 450,000 German prisoners of war, in addition to 53,000 Italian ex-POWs. A total of 29,204 servicemen returned aboard USS Saratoga, more than on any other individual ship. By the end of her “Magic Carpet” service, Saratoga had brought home a total of 29,204 Pacific War veterans, more than any other individual ship. What might be seen by many of us as difficult was only a minor inconvenience to these brave men and women. They were just happy to be coming home and so were their families. It was a time of joy. There were so many lost in the war and that would not be returning home. There is no chance our veterans would have dishonored those lost by complaining about it taking a little longer to get home. The sacrifice of our veterans and all those who serve was incredibly clear to me last Saturday evening as the heroic actions of my cousin were read at the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame induction ceremony. We all felt the loss that night. I hope you will take the time to think of and thank any of our active military or veterans every time you get a chance. We should also appreciate the families of our servicemen and women. They sacrifice by their sides every time their loved ones are deployed. To all our Edmond active military, reserve, National Guard, veterans and my son Brett, Thank you for your service! (Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside! n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6. n A law we didn’t need to pass?......................................................Page 8. n Cookie maker to be on network program soon ........................Page 13. n George Gust reviews film on the band Queen............................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n A new Miss UCO crowned..........................................................Page 17. n Think safety when hanging holiday decorations ........................Page 18. n Business news ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

Find the ‘Rough Cut Swiss’ Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Rough Cut Swiss is by artist David Phelps. Phelps is an Oklahoma based sculptor whose work has been featured throughout the state. He is inspired by expansive spaces and hopes his works will inspire meaningful meditation. Said Phelps, “I grew up on a farm in the central valley of California where the fields became an extension of oneself. I continue to live in the wide open spaces of Oklahoma where my sculptural images expand to include their environments as part of the aesthetic experience.”

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

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

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

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

the express written permission from

Photographer Melinda Infante

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Cover Design April Burgess

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 5

Eclipse author to sign books Saturday Best of Books, in Kickingbird Square, has announced the upcoming book signing. Local author Carolyn Macy will be hosting a special storytime and signing copies of her book, “Chasing the Moon's Shadow,” on Saturday, Nov.

School has ‘Storybook Parade’ The annual Chisholm Elementary School Storybook Parade took place Friday, Oct. 26. Administrators and staff portrayed characters from the popular children's book, ‘There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.’ Seen, are, from left Principal Tom Higdon, Financial Secretary Kathy Pollock, Counselor Robin Murray, Registrar Mendy Massey, Secretary CeCe Pearson, and Psychologist Stacey Howard. Seated is Assistant Principal Michele Bardrick. PHOTO PROVIDED/SUSAN PARKS-SCHLEPP

Junior Golf Hall of Fame banquet The Edmond Junior Golf Hall of Fame will be having its induction dinner this Nov. 17 at Oak Tree Country Club. The Master of Ceremonies will be famed high school and college golf coach Mike McGraw. This year’s inductees will be Ian Davis, Nick Heinen, Max McGreevy, Alexis Sadeghy, Allison Sell and Hayden Wood. Also due special recognition will be the 1993 Memorial boys golf team. This marks the 25th anniversary of the state champions. In addition Hal Mills has been selected as the prestigious Bill Nicklas Award winner. That award is given to honor individuals who have demonstrated a love for junior golf and who have, through their unselfish acts of kindness and long term dedication, promoted junior golf in Edmond . Since 1995, The Bill Nicklas Memorial Junior Golf Foundation has hosted 11 Induction Ceremonies (with typically 100 – 200 attendees at each) and inducted more that 63 individuals or great teams from the past. Several of these individuals have gone on to play college golf and professional golf. Edmond has produced many team and individual champions throughout the years. ‘Edmond truly is a golfing community! Our organization founded the Edmond Junior Golf Hall of Fame as part of its original charter,” officials stated. In the future weeks, Edmond Life & Leisure plans to feature these star athletes. For additional information on the upcoming banquet, or to see past inductees, please log onto http://edmondjuniorgolf.org.,

City of Edmond calendars now available to the public The 2019 City of Edmond calendars are now available for Edmond residents. The calendars are free and can be picked up at most city offices including Utility Customer Service, the City First building, Public Works, the Downtown Community Center as well as the Municipal Court building. Residents can also find them at the Edmond Public Library and many businesses across Edmond. As always, the calendars have many user-friendly features for our residents such as trash collection dates, holiday office hours, council and planning commission meeting dates, city budget information, a community directory and much more. For additional information about the 2019 City of Edmond calendar, please contact the Marketing & Public Relations office at 359-4531.

10 from 11 a.m. to noon. Along with her husband and son, Macy drove to Nebraska to be in the path of the solar eclipse that stretched across the United States from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean on Aug. 21, 2017.

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Proceeds help many nonprofit groups

EWC & kid-friendly benefits Edmond Women’s Club (EWC) is excited to announce their fall 2018 fundraisers, “Meet a Princess” and a Birthday Party Raffle. All proceeds from these fundraisers are used to fund the Edmond Women’s Club scholarship and grant recipients, nonprofit organizations that address community issues for Edmond families, children, seniors, and more. During the past 35 years, EWC has provided close to $3.5 million in grants and scholarships to individuals and nonprofit groups in Edmond. The Meet a Princess event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11 from noon until 5 p.m. The event will be held at We Rock The Spectrum Gym, which is located at 64 East 33rd Street in Edmond. Tickets are $25 per child, parents attend with their children for free. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ewc.org. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email and your name will be added to the registration list. There are no physical tickets for this event. This event is for children ages 2-12 and their parents. Attendee children

will get a mini glam session to get them ready, followed by a 30-minute audience with the princess. Children will also get a professional photo taken during their visit, along with a swag bag of goodies to take home and remember the experience by. The Birthday Party Raffle winner will receive a complete birthday party experience for 25, except for the venue, which must be in the OKC metro area. Included in the package is: n Professional party planner; n Professional photographer; n Custom cake from You Need A Cake; n Custom party dress or superhero costume for the Birthday Kid; n Decorations; n Food/Catering from Cici’s Pizza. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 10 tickets for $200. The drawing will be held Dec. 1. The winning ticket is good until December 2019. Ticketscan be purchased at https://ewc.org For more information, please contact ewccommunications@gmail.com.

Thursday Nov. 8 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- The Chisholm Trail ---- In the Principal;s Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- Oklahoma City Symphonic Band Presents: Let Freedom Ring ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm

information visit ucojazzlab.com/events/

Friday Nov. 9 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend ---- Craft Days at the Rodkey House ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- Lindsey Buckingham

Gypsy Glam Roadshow Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Location: Farmer’s Public Market, Oklahoma City Extra info: visit oklahomagypsyglam.com

Saturday Nov. 10 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Dog-N-Jog ---- Jeremy Thomas Concert – Hammond Organ Meets Big Band ---- Holiday Bazaar ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm Sunday Nov. 11 ---- In the Gallery ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- Meet a Princess ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Gypsy Glam Roadshow Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Behnaz Sohrabian For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Free Admission; an archaeological exhibition that will enable visitors to discover the history of ancient Judah’s most famous kingprophet pairing — a story which illuminates how Jerusalem escaped annihilation at the hands of King Sennacherib’s Assyrian army at the end of the 8th century B.C. For more information visit armstrongauditorium.org. Devon Ice Rink Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: 3 – 9 p.m. Mon – Thurs through Jan 27, 2019, 3 – 11 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sat, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sun., for more info visit downtownindecember.com Jeremy Thomas Concert – Hammond Organ Meets Big Band Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: Doors open at 6:15, show starts at 7 p.m., $30-$50; for more

Pool & Spa Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: visit Pool and Spa Show on Facebook and Twitter Oklahoma City Symphonic Band Presents: Let Freedom Ring Location: OCU, Petree Recital Hall, Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center, 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City Extra Info: 7:30 p.m., for more info visit okcbank.org

AQHA World Championship Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for more info visit aqha.com Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC Extra Info: 6:30 p.m., for more info visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Meet a Princess Location: We Rock the Spectrum Extra Info: 12-5 p.m., $25, tickets available at https://ewc.org/event3058464 for more info visit them on Facebook Dog-N-Jog Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 8 – 10 a.m., $20-$25, for more info visit them on Facebook Lindsey Buckingham Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino, Norman Extra Info: Show begins at 7 p.m., Doors open at 6 p.m., VIP meet & greet package: $300, Premium package: $200, Platinum: $71, VP/MEZZ $66, Premium: $61; for more info visit riverwind.com The Chisholm Trail Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; visit nationalcowboymuseum.org In the Principal’s Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; visit nationalcowboymuseum.org American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Fall Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC Extra Info: 1 – 2 p.m.; see some of the finest Western art in the country during this docent-facilitated Museum tour. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Craft Days at the Rodkey House Location: Rodkey House Event and Education Annex Extra Info: 2 ---- 5 p.m., for more information visit go to edmondhistory.org Holiday Bazaar Location: Holy Trinity, 308 NW 164th St, Edmond Extra Info: 9: a.m. – 4 p.m., for more info visit holytrinityedmond.org. Fall Festival At The Orr Family Farm Location: Orr Family Farm, OKC Extra Info: for more information visit orfamilyfarm.com.

(If you have an item for the weekend calendar of events, please send to EL&L’s Melinda Infante at infante318@cox.net)

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

Arledge and Associates team members lending a hand were, from left, Mikayla Estes, Sheridan Fuller, Jennifer Lindstrom, Beverly Quinnett, Jim Denton, Kristie Wrasse and Han Vo. They each volunteered at Citizens Caring for Children.

Edmond accounting firm helps during OSCPA’s Day of Service Employees from Arledge and Associates spent the day volunteering at Citizens Caring for Children as part of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs’ (OSCPA) Day of Service. “We love serving our clients through tax, audit and financial services,” Managing Partner Jim Denton said. “But, it’s especially exciting for us to step away from our desks and serve in a different way. We appreciate Citizens Caring for Children for its amazing work, and for letting us be a part of its mission.” Oct. 19 was OSCPA’s Fifth Annual

Day of Service, encouraging CPAs to serve Oklahoma communities through volunteer work. CPAs from Arledge and Associates stepped away from busy audit season to take inventory, sort and organize donations for the non-profit which provides material, emotional and intellectual support for children living in foster care. Arledge and Associates is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Volunteers from Arledge and Associates help sort clothing for Citizens Caring for Children on OSCPA's Day of Service.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jennifer Windstorm, of Arledge and Associates, enjoys giving back during OSCPA's Day of Service.

Page 8 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Post-election thoughts What an election night, huh? Actually because of press deadlines I have no idea what happened. I do know millions of people will be happy and many millions won’t be. A part of me is somewhat glad the campaign season has Steve mercifully ended. It got tiresome seeing ads where candidate A says candidate B is a no-good cheating liar. Then in the next commercial spot, candidate B claims that it’s really candidate A who is the no-good, cheating liar. . And a whole series of those ads plays out over and over again. Enough already. Then come election night, candidate A or candidate B will call the other one and concede the election and hope for the best for our state or nation. Usually the losing office hopeful, who just spent $2 million to drive up his opponent’s negatives, will ask his or her followers to support the newly elected official for the good of all of us. Really seems like an odd way to select the best person for the job. What’s also strange is that this is the way we’ve voted on candidates for many generations. I suppose it got pretty heated back in

1828 with Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. In addition, I never suspected vision care was as controversial an issue as it apparently is. Who knew? The people who won will be giddy for now, until the next election cycle when everything can flip flop again. Gust It’s generally the same assessment after every election. If party A wins, then party B is a failure and it’s not at all certain if party B can survive going forward, unless they make some drastic improvements. Party B usually doesn’t make the “improvements.” What normally happens is the public grows weary of Party A and puts party B back in power. Then four or eight years later, Party B loses to the party of change, Party A. But here is one piece of advice. Most of us will be having family get togethers this month and in December. There’s no law against discussion politics, but it’s not the smartest thing to do. Why antagonize an alleged loved one? It’s just not worth it. Use the holidays to draw closer to family, not apart.

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

Left-lane law not really as needed as first thought By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Each year, there are any number of laws enacted that appear a “solution” in search of a problem. Oklahoma's leftlane law falls into that category for many citizens, and that perception is given some validation by the fact lawmakers have already revised it. In 2017, lawmakers made it illegal for drivers to be in the left lane of a four-way highway unless the driver is passing another vehicle. This was something long observed in practice but not previously subject to a fine when someone stayed in the left lane too long. It was never clear that there was a pressing need for the law. During debate, Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, was a voice of reason, saying, “I don't get the logic of put-

ting everyone in one lane of traffic.” Blancett noted that in her trips from Tulsa to Oklahoma City “most people move out of your way.” “Why do we need a law? Call me crazy,” she said. “People get irritated with you if you're in the left lane. That's a social consequence. I'm not really sure that oftentimes there should be a legislative consequence to everything.” At the time, many questioned how the law was supposed to work in practice when there is congestion on a highway, which is routine. If you pull into the left lane to pass a slower-moving vehicle but cannot immediately pull back into the right lane, are you subject to a fine? When the law took effect in November 2017, the number of citations is-

sued during the first few months of enforcement suggested left-lane drivers were not quite the societal plague some had suggested. Just 60 people were given fines for driving in the left lane in the first three months after the law took effect. Of those, 14 tickets were issued in Carter County. And all but one of those 14 were issued by the same trooper. In Oklahoma County, home to more than 787,000 people, only 12 tickets were issued in those three months. Only eight drivers on Interstate 44 from Oklahoma to Tulsa counties were cited. This year, lawmakers decided the law needed to be clarified. Under that legislation, which took effect this month, driving in the left lane is not prohibited within the city limits of a municipality unless the roadway is part of the interstate highway system. This means you should stay in the right lane, unless you're driving through town, unless you're driving through town on an interstate. Got that? And if you're in Carter County, you should definitely stay in the right lane, unless you're privy to the work schedule of one specific trooper, in which case there are times left-lane travel isn't such a big deal. And throughout much of the rest of the state, odds are that if you drive the way you did before passage of the left-lane law you won't get a ticket. Critics of this law worried it was too vague, which ensures drivers cannot be certain when they are complying and that enforcement will be inconsistent or even haphazard. When a law creates that kind of uncertainty and inconsistency, it's worth asking if the law is serving its purpose.

Make sure government funds are spent wisely By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Government waste and questionable expenditures are bad in times of budget stability but they're especially vexing when finances are strained. In Tishomingo, an independent audit indicates former Superintendent Kevin Duncan, who left that job in June, used $78,000 in school funds for personal purchases, according to a report from television station KXII. The audit found Duncan misspent school funds on items like cellphones, an iPad, Beats speakers, a laptop, pool salt, a 55-inch TV, lamp shades and barbed wire, and submitted $1,400 in travel reimbursements for a hotel that didn't appear to be a job-related trip. Some misspending came to light earlier this year when Duncan's replacement found documents related to the purchases and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation officials searched Duncan's home.

The reported findings of the audit, however, suggest the misuse of funds was even greater than initially believed. While Duncan is responsible for his own actions, $78,000 in misspent funds represents systemic failure that includes the district's school board. Was anybody minding the store? And if school officials failed to keep track of that much money, one wonders how they can claim recent state funding increases will be better spent? In 2016, Duncan was one of 20 administrators named District Superintendents of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators. OASA's executive director described the honorees as people who exhibited “strong leadership skills.” One hopes OASA was mistaken in declaring Duncan one of the leading lights of their profession. That same year, at a conference sponsored by the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Ad-

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.

ministration and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, Duncan was featured on a panel discussing federal funds and regulations. The program warned, “What you don't know CAN hurt your school financially.” Duncan, it seems, understood that point better than most. At Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, officials are not in legal trouble but have provided reason to question their priorities and judgment. Television station KTUL reports that Hale High spent $22,000 to send 12 employees, including Principal Sheila Riley, to a four-day conference in Las Vegas that overlapped with the statewide teacher strike. Then the school spent another $15,000 in June to send Riley and three other administrators to another conference in Napa, California. Overall, the school spent $37,000 in “Title I” funds on similar professional development trips last school year. Riley said the federal money was originally intended to pay to hire a teacher and a paraprofessional. But when the school couldn't find qualified candidates, she said officials had to find other ways to spend the money so the district would qualify for a similar amount of federal funds in future years. We don't doubt value can come from professional development programs, but the public is justified in doubting that these rushed expenditures were designed to provide real value to the school. When it comes to credibility on spending and financial oversight, the actions of officials in these two Oklahoma districts have done little to help education's cause.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 9

History Center partnering with Edmond Public Schools The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will partner with the Edmond Public School system to provide professional development training in the use of primary sources in research and inquiry. This partnership is made possible through a grant awarded to the Edmond Public Schools by the Oklahoma Department of Education as part of its Champions of Excellence program. The training will take place at specified locations in the Edmond Public Schools district and will utilize museum educators and archivists to train 153 teachers on social study concepts focusing on Oklahoma and United States history examples. The training will be scheduled over three days in November 2018. A primary source is an artifact, document, diary, manuscript, autobiography, recording or any other source of information that was created during the time under examination. Using a primary source as the basis of research adds to the validity of the study because the source reflects the attitudes, economic conditions, political points of view and social situations of the time. Secondary sources — biographies,

books and commentaries—and tertiary sources—encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, and indexes — may provide a certain amount of information, but should never be used as the basis or foundation of the research. The partnership between the OHC and Edmond Public Schools will assist curriculum educators in determining the difference between those source values and, in turn, aid in class instruction. In addition to educator instruction, the OHC will provide its History Alive Outreach Program to all 17 elementary schools in the Edmond Public Schools district. Based on primary source research, living history interpreters will come to the classroom and bring history to life for all students, covering topics from American colonial days to World War II. An estimated 12,461 students will be impacted by this program. 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.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Darise Farris, Ph.D.

Grant will help OMRF study an autoimmune condition With a new $2.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will expand their studies of Sjögren’s syndrome. OMRF’s Darise Farris, Ph.D., will serve as the principal investigator on the five-year grant. The project will focus on comparing certain immune cells in patients with Sjögren’s to those of healthy controls. In Sjögren’s, immune cells attack moisture-producing glands, leading to painful dryness and decreased ability to produce tears or saliva. Common symptoms include severe dry eyes and dry mouth, as well as fatigue, arthritis and memory problems. In her lab at OMRF, Farris is focused on identifying the proteins that cause the abnormal autoimmune response in the glands that produce tears and saliva. “We know that Sjögren’s selectively attacks these glands, but nobody understands why those glands are targeted,” she said. “By studying the differences in people with and without Sjögren’s, we hope to determine why the dis-

ease attacks the salivary glands like it’s an infection,” said Farris. “We think inflammation is causing some symptoms, but we also want to know what is causing such chronic inflammation.” If successful, Farris said the work could lead to new therapeutic targets for the disease, which may affect as many as 4 million Americans, according to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation. There is no known cure and current treatments only address symptoms, not the root cause. The new grant represents the continuation of work that Farris began with OMRF colleague Kathy Sivils, Ph.D. A native Oklahoman, Farris earned her Ph.D. in immunology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and has spent almost two decades at OMRF researching Sjögren’s and other autoimmune diseases. Funding for the for the new project will be provided by a grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (R01 AR074310-01), a part of the National Institutes of Health.

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

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Northwest Oklahoma City Rotary Club President Larry Morgan, left, and club member Chuck Musgrave, right, present University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design Dean Steve Hansen, middle, with a check for $6,000, benefitting a new scholarship for deserving firstgeneration students within the college.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Rotary clubs make donation to help UCO College of Fine Arts & Design The University of Central Oklahoma recently received gifts, through its Foundation, from both the Edmond Boulevard Rotary Club and the Northwest Oklahoma City Rotary Club benefitting the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD). The Edmond Boulevard Rotary Club contributed $6,280 to purchase a Boston upright piano for an instrumental studio, while

the Northwest Oklahoma City Rotary Club established a scholarship with an initial investment of $6,000 for first-generation college students facing critical financial need. The Edmond Boulevard Rotary Club’s donation to support the purchase of a Boston upright piano is a milestone in completing the CFAD’s All-Steinway School Initiative, a campaign that will provide music students with the opportunity to learn, practice and perform with Steinway & Sons pianos. “Steinway pianos are the finest instruments in the world,” said Brian Lamb, D.M.A, director of the UCO School of Music. “Handmade by

the finest of craftsmen and artisans, they retain their value and add to the quality of a UCO music education. Thanks to the generosity of the Boulevard Rotary Club, we are now one step closer to being an All-Steinway School.” With the Edmond Boulevard Rotary Club’s donation, the UCO School of Music now is able to purchase its 30th Steinway piano. Only seven more pianos are needed to achieve the All-Steinway School designation. “The Boulevard Rotary Club is proud to help provide the tools students need to succeed as professional musicians,” said Michelle Schaefer, club president. “This Boston upright piano will

help generations of UCO students to achieve their potential, and we are delighted to support Oklahoma’s young artists for decades to come.” The Northwest Oklahoma City Rotary Club also came forward in support of CFAD, creating a fund that is specifically earmarked for first-generation college students who are performing well academically but are financially unable to continue earning their degrees. This scholarship was established in response to a recent analysis performed by CFAD, demonstrating that students with a university account balance exceeding $500 are at the greatest risk of dropping out of school.

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PHOTO PROVIDED/SAVANNAH WOLFE

From left are, Sophia Kenville - The Evil Queen; Addison Welborn - Zero (pumpkin not pictured); Ella Pollot - Cinder; Reese Satterfield - Fancy Nancy.

Sequoyah Middle School announces pumpkin contest winners Sequoyah Middle School's media center hosted its third annual pumpkin contest. Sixth grader Ella Pollot won the most artistic pumpkin with her creation of Cinder from the Lunar Chronicles series. Sixth grader Addison Welborn won the most funny pumpkin. She designed

Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas! Eighth grader Reese Satterfield won for most cute pumpkin. Reese created Fancy Nancy. Seventh grader Sophia Kenville won for most accurate pumpkin. She designed the Evil Queen from Snow White.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 13

Edmond's Lan McCabe mixes up a batch of her famous almond-flavored sugar cookies during an appearance on the Food Network's ‘Christmas Cookie Challenge.’ The show will air at 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12.

PHOTO PROVIDED/FOOD NETWORK

To appear on Food Network Nov. 12

World to witness Lan’s cookie talent By Rose Drebes Cookies are the perfect canvas for decorating and Edmond’s Lan McCabe will be sharing her artistry when she appears on the Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge.” The show will air on Monday, Nov. 12, at 9 p.m. Lan is the owner of Sweets on the Side, a cookie baking and decorating business she started as a way of being able to spend more time with her young children. She said she was working as a chief estimator for a construction company and making cookies for birthday parties and

other events. “People started asking me to bake cookies for them,” she said. Thus, she went out on her own and started Sweets on the Side with her almond-flavored sugar cookies. Lan’s cut-out cookies are available in many shapes and custom decorations. The whole family is involved in the company – including her husband whom she said was “robotic” in the process, her 9- and 5-year-old children and her mother, who does all of the packaging. She said the Food Network saw

her social media pages and got in touch with her. “I was just going about my life,” Lan said. “Then, the Food Network took a chance on me.” There was an extensive interview process. The show was filmed in Los Angeles, Calif. over a five-day period in June. Lan competed against four other bakers. No one was allowed to accompany her to the filming. She said the experience was “pretty stressful, but exciting.” “I just wanted to have fun,” Lan said. “I didn’t have to clean up a

thing and you got to meet people from all over the world.” And, no one, except those involved in the filming of the Christmas Cookie Challenge, knows who is the winner of the $10,000 prize. Lan said there will be no spoiler alerts as the agreement she signed would require her to pay more than that in damages should she let the word out. That has been hard as Lan said she likes to talk. “I talked to the (‘Christmas Cookie Challenge’) host, I talked to my cookies, I talked to the mixer.”

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Rotary Club & Career Shadow youth day

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond youth who participated recently in the Edmond Rotary Club’s annual Shadow Day. The event gives a teens a chance to explore potential career fields.

Forty-one Edmond Students participated in the Edmond Rotary Club’s Annual Shadow Day. Rotarians invited students to observe them in their workplace to explore specific careers and to get a realistic picture of the tasks performed for that job. Through Career Shadowing, the Club promotes Rotary International’s mission to encourage high ethical standards in business and professions; the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the opportunity for each occupation to serve society. Member Andy Melvin with Boy Scouts Last Frontier Council and leader of Vocational Service for the Club organized this year’s event. Students from Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond Memorial and Edmond North spent the morning with their assigned Rotarians and then were treated to lunch at Mercy Hospital on I-35 where the Club meets every Wednesday. Many Students commented that they had no idea that certain career opportunities even existed. With the assistance of club member Tim Richardson, 12 of the students were able to participate in a healthcare presentation and field trip at the hospital. The organizers for Mercy Hospital say they would love to host more students. Sixteen club members participated in the program. Randy Taylor, Rotarian, Master Photographer and President of Taylor Made Photography said, “Rotary Career Shadow Day is a chance for our members to connect to younger people. It gives us an opportunity to explain our industry to students and to help them see possibilities for their future. It is also a way for us to hear what the younger consumer is thinking and maybe get some input for our own businesses. I have been participating from the very first year and have had a wonderful group of students each year. I am able to talk to, educate, and explain why we do what we do in our business. This is a great way to tie the students to the community and to show the community what our students have to offer.” To find out more about Edmond Rotary Club please visit http://www.edmondrotary.org or https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfEdmond/. Rotary Meets every Wednesday at noon at Mercy Hospital on I-35 in Edmond. Guests are always welcome.

Blood Institute marking Veterans Day Oklahoma Blood Institute invites military supporters to recognize the brave individuals who serve our country this Veterans Day by making a life-saving blood donation. On Monday, Nov. 12, the day our nation observes Veterans Day, donors who give blood at any Oklahoma Blood Institute donor center

will have the opportunity to write a letter of gratitude to an active military serviceperson to ensure that those who serve know their sacrifices are appreciated. Donors will also receive camouflage arm wraps to mark the importance of Veterans Day.* Oklahoma Blood Institute has four donor center locations in

metro Oklahoma City, as well as centers in Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, and Tulsa. Locations and hours are available at obi.org/donor-centers. Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to providing life-saving blood necessary to treat our nation’s veterans and active service members. Oklahoma Blood Institute proudly supplies blood products to VA medical centers in Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Amarillo, Texas, and Little Rock, Ark. In just the last year, Oklahoma Blood Institute has also fulfilled orders for four branches of the U.S. military at the following installations: Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City; Langley AFB in Hampton, Va.; Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss.; ElemendorfRichardson AFB in Anchorage, Ak.; Lackland AFB and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Grace Shin

UCO mourns death of Grace Shin University of Central Oklahoma golfer Grace Shin died last week, ending a near two-year battle with leukemia. She was 22. “The UCO women’s golf program will remember Grace as a person with a bubbly personality who was always ready to tell you a hilarious story,” UCO head women’s golf coach Michael Bond said. “She will be greatly missed. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers as they say goodbye to their daughter. We would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.” Grace was a junior Kinesiology

Isabella Falini

major at Central. She came to UCO from Union High School in Tulsa, Okla., where she won three-straight state championships. At UCO, she played in 12 tournaments as a freshman in 2015-16 and earned All-MIAA honors. Grace helped the Bronchos to one tournament win that season. She played in five more tournaments in the fall of her sophomore season and helped UCO win another tournament title. UCO's Center for Counseling and Well-Being in the Nigh University Center is open during normal business hours and students are encouraged to reach out if anything is needed.

Brodey Day

Harper Nielson

Pumpkin decorating contest winners Heartland Middle School student Isabella Falini won the Grand Prize Award and the Most Creative/Artistic Award for her Alice in Wonderland themed pumpkin during the school's annual pumpkin decorating contest. She used numerous materials in her design including clay, acrylic paint, tin foil, and lights. Brodey Day's Garfield the Cat won Cutest Pumpkin in Heartland Middle School's pumpkin decorating contest.

Harper Nielson's Harry Potter was judged Funniest Pumpkin in the pumpkin decorating contest. The rules of the contest stated that all pumpkins must be book-related. Some students chose to depict a book cover or character while other students chose to feature one setting or element of a story. The students won prizes for their entries including gift cards to the school's book fair.

PHOTOS PROVIDED/SUSAN PARKS-SCHLEPP

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 15

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Rami Malek’ transforms into rock legend Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’

Movie follow music & legend of ‘Queen’

An enjoyable film experience By George Gust “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a love letter to the band Queen and a biographical look at its extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek). The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs, their near-implosion as Mercury's lifestyle spirals out of control, and their triumphant reunion on the eve of Live Aid, where Mercury, facing a life-threatening illness, leads the band in an unforgettable rock & roll performance. When you’re going to make a biopic of an iconic rock star like Freddie Mercury, you’d had better get the right guy. The good news for “Bohemian Rhapsody” is it appears they got their guy in Malek. The on-stage persona and out of spotlight struggles of Mercury could have come off all wrong in the hands of the wrong performer. Malek was able to bring a certain effortlessness to his performance as the larger than life lead singer of Queen, which toed the line between overly dramatic and flamboyant, like the real-life man. As a film experience “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a mixed bag. It’s clear that director Bryan Singer is a massive fan of Queen’s music, as the musical sections of the film, particularly the film’s climatic sequence, are fantastic and effecting. That should come as no surprise as the band’s discography features recognizable rock anthems that will cross generations. However, Singer’s fan boy approach to telling the rise and eventual struggles of the band was a little too focused on winking and smil-

Children’s play at OC Oklahoma Christian University students invite the local community to the family friendly play “Master Cat” Nov.15-17. Theater students at OC have been rehearsing for weeks on this fun, musical show that is based on the classic children’s story “Puss N’ Boots.” Written by Bret Carter, “Master Cat” is the story of a cat that wears boots and goes on swashbuckling adventures. Through his deceitfulness and clever tricks, he is trying to win over the hand of a princess for his master. The production is directed by OC theater alumna Anna Wilcox, who recently moved back to the area after years of running the Backstory Theater in Broomfield, Colorado. She now serves as OC’s assistant stage producer for theater. She is proud of her students’ hard work and believes attendees will enjoy the show. Performances are Nov. 16-17 at 7 p.m. in Judd Theater with one matinee at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17. Another 10 a.m. show on Nov. 16 is for school students only, including homeschool groups. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children; groups of 10 or more get in for $5 for each person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.oc.edu/mastercat, via phone at 405-4256310.

ing at the camera with its origin stories and references to Queen’s future iconic hits. Fortunately, the film has enough momentum to grab you with its phenomenal lead performance and the familiar catalog of Queen music and help you overlook some of the weaker storytelling techniques. Overall, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is an enjoyable film experience, but features a bit too much of the glossy version of the sex, drugs and rock and roll story instead of a realistic and gripping film. Yet the musical scenes and stunning performance by Malek make “Bohemian Rhapsody” worth the price of admission. See this one with a large crowd and you might find people clapping along with the iconic soundtrack. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content and language. 2.9 out of 5 stars

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THANKSGIVING ACROSS 1. Newton or Stern 6. Hot springs resort 9. Gene Simmons' band 13. Cuban dance 14. Anticipated outcome 15. Type of rug 16. Shiny suit 17. Red area between Saudi Arabia and Egypt? 18. Telephone company 19. *Which Thursday is Thanksgiving? 21. *Gathering 23. To boot 24. India location 25. Deli order 28. Walked on 30. Authoritative declaration 35. Milano moolah 37. Swear, not curse 39. Kappa Alpha ____ 40. Battery fluid 41. Long-necked wading bird 43. Biz bigwig 44. Chirp 46. Gauche or Droite, in Paris 47. On one's guard 48. Take for ransom 50. Gingrich of politics 52. Female sib 53. Hoodlum 55. Comic cry 57. *Early Thanksgiving celebrant 61. *It's on the final Thanksgiving Parade float 64. Convex molding 65. High or low 67. "Roots" author 69. *PostThanksgiving song 70. Yoga accessory 71. Accustom 72. "The Man Who ____ Too Much" 73. Possessive of it 74. Opposite

of digest DOWN 1. Roth ____ 2. Turf alternative 3. Shots, for short 4. Roughly 5. Root vegetable 6. "I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters, and threw up the ____" 7. *Not cake 8. Wet nurses 9. Capital of Ukraine 10. Capri, e.g. 11. Hollow baglike structures 12. Vegas bandit 15. Gibraltar or Bering 20. Synagogue read 22. Willie Nelson's "Farm ____" 24. Like fans 25. *Like Friday after Thanksgiving 26. Chinese fruit 27. "____-and-true" 29. *____-eating 31. "The ____" talk show

32. Astros' homeland 33. Wombs 34. *Parade organizer 36. Port in Yemen 38. Created a rug? 42. Handrail post 45. "Snow ____," band 49. Between Sigma and Epsilon 51. Tittering laugh sound 54. Savory taste sensation 56. Asian wild ass 57. From chicken pox 58. He was terrible 59. Elders' teachings 60. Neon effect 61. Exercise groups 62. Adhesive 63. Not his 66. *The oldest balloon animal 68. Hitherto

See Answers Page 23

Answers on Page 23

Page 16 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

State helping public during Medicare Open Enrollment OKLAHOMA CITY – Counselors with the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) can help beneficiaries review their plans for 2019. Medicare health and drug plans can be changed every year. There are 28 individual prescription drug plans and, depending on where you live, 30 different Medicare Advantage plans available in Oklahoma for 2019. People with Medicare can switch to plans that better meet their John Doak needs between now and Dec. 7. “Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s a good idea to review your options,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Not only do the plans change, but your

Any changes made during Medicare Open Enrollment will go into effect on Jan. 1. Consumers can call MAP at 800-763-2828 to ask questions. situation may have changed as well. Our trained MAP counselors can take the guesswork out of the process by providing information about all your options, including Medicare Supplemental insurance.” During the open enrollment period Medicare beneficiaries can: n Switch to an Advantage Plan (Part C) from original Medicare (Part A hospital coverage and Part B outpatient coverage) n Switch to original Medicare from an Advantage Plan n Move from one Advantage Plan to another n Move from one prescription drug plan (Part

D) to another or purchase one for the first time Any changes made during Medicare Open Enrollment will go into effect on Jan. 1. Consumers can call MAP at 800-763-2828 to ask questions or schedule an appointment to review their coverage. MAP partners with other agencies to offer this assistance throughout the state. A list of partner agencies is available at oid.ok.gov. Beginning in 2019, CMS will bring back the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which will run from Jan. 1 through March 31. During that time beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare and enroll in a prescription drug plan. About the Oklahoma Insurance Department The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the in-

Reminder on upcoming Native American events

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with a series of events on campus. The month of events kicked off with a keynote speaker Toni Tsatoke-Mule explaining about the diversity of Native culture. Other Native American Heritage Month events include: n Diabetes Awareness and Cooking Class, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, Will Rogers Room, NUC 421: Join the Native American Student Association for a discussion on the diabetes epidemic within the Native American community and learn cheap and easy ways to eat healthier through simple and affordable recipes. n Art Exhibition, 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, Chambers Library First Floor: Jonathan Byrn, Ph.D., will speak at the exhibition on “Indigenous Visual Sovereignty.” n National Rock Your Mocs Day, Thursday, Nov. 15: During this national event, participants wear moccasins to bring awareness about the Native American community. n Stomp Dance, 5:30-11 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17: This showcase, an important part of Native culture, aims to educated the UCO campus and Edmond community about this crucial

part of tribal traditions. n The True Meaning of Thanksgiving, 5:30-7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, UCO International House, 930 E. 2nd St.: This discussion centers around what Thanksgiving means to the Native American community and the importance of recognizing different facets of history. n Lessons in Leadership with Cornell Pewewardy, Ed.D., 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, Constitution Hall, NUC: Pewewardy, professor emeritus in Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University, teaches courses that include Insurgent Research (Decolonizing Methodologies), Nationhood, Tribal Critical Race Theory, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Red River, Culturally Responsive Teaching Indigenous Students, Power and Knowledge, and Self-Determination. n Native Fit Class, 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, UCO International House: Join the Native American Student Association for a circuit training lesson, provided by trainers from the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. The Native Fit Class focuses on teaching the basics of how to maintain fitness. All events are free and most are open to the public. For a complete schedule or more information about Native American Heritage Month at Central, visit www.uco.edu/nahm.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Some of the cast of the play ‘9 to 5 the Musical’ pose for a photograph. In front is Jacob Marino. In back, from left, are Clare Jordan, Marianne Eden, and Mallory Winfrey.

McGuinness play Nov. 15-17 Under the guidance of Drama Director, Brett Young, the Bishop McGuinness High School Drama department will bring to the stage “9 to 5: The Musical.” Music and lyrics are by Dolly Parton and the screenplay by Patricia Resnick and Colin Higgins. The comedy is based on the 1980 movie of the same name. Technical

Director is Matt Avra. The play will be performed Nov. 15 at 7 pm. There will be two shows on Saturday, Nov. 17, one at 2 p.m. and the finale at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Key members of the cast are Jacob Marino, Clare Jordan, Marianne Eden, and Mallory Winfrey.

Dedication of WWII era plane will usher in Vets Day weekend The Oklahoma History Center is proud to announce that they will partner with the City of Midwest City to dedicate C-47 transport aircraft #4292838 to kick off the 2018 Veterans Day weekend. The C-47 is the latest addition to the Veterans Memorial located in Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City at 8700 E. Reno Ave. Ceremonies for the event will take place on Friday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial site. Five panels detailing the iconic historic story of this national World War II treasure will be featured during the dedication ceremonies. Other events that weekend include a ribbon cutting at Midwest City High School on Sunday, Nov. 11, for a Vietnam Memorial and the annual Midwest City Veterans Day Parade on Monday, Nov. 12. This aircraft was one of more than 5,300 manufactured at the Douglas Aircraft manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City and saw service in World War II. Most notable was its D-Day mission on June 6, 1944, in which it carried 17 infantry paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division as a part of the Allied Forces invading northern France. After its World War II military service, the airplane was sold as war sur-

plus material in May of 1946. This C47 was then utilized as a corporate aircraft in the oil and gas industry by Phillips Petroleum and Kerr-McGee Corporation, during which time the plane logged two hours short of 18,000 hours of flight time. In September of 1976 Kerr-McGee donated the aircraft to the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds where it was a part of an elevated static display with other military planes. It became a fairground fixture for the next 30 years and then was transferred to the Metro Technology Centers Aviation Career Campus. After being contacted by family members of a paratrooper who jumped from the plane on D-Day, former Midwest City State Representative Gary Banz spearheaded an effort to have the aircraft donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society. With the cooperation of Metro Tech and the support of the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center, the exterior of the aircraft was restored to its D-Day look and moved to its current location on Dec. 3, 2017. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. It is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter.

Edmond Life & Leisure â&#x20AC;˘ November 8, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 17

Shelby Love earns title of Miss UCO 2019 RIGHT --- Shelby Love, a senior professional media major from Perry, Oklahoma, won the Miss UCO 2019 title on Oct. 27. She will compete for the Miss Oklahoma title in June 2019.

ABOVE -- Pictured from left are Miss UCO 2019 third runner-up Lexi Neahring, a junior business finance major from Enid; second runner-up and Swimsuit Fitness Award winner Morgan Money, a freshman marketing major from Edmond; Miss UCO 2019 Shelby Love, a senior professional media major from Perry; first runner-up and Swimsuit Fitness Award winner Lexie Herron, a junior fashion marketing major from Altus; and fourth runner-up and Audience Choice Award winner Marylin Segura-Morales, a senior forensic science and interpersonal communication major from Oklahoma City.

Photos Provided by UCO

Page 18 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Be safe putting up holiday decorations According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), do-it-yourself holiday decorating activities resulted in an average of about 240 injuries per day during the holiday season of November and December, 2017.* Statistics like these contribute to the growing popularity of professional holiday and decorating companies like Christmas Decor, the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America, which now takes over outdoor decorating chores for more than 50,000 homes and businesses annually. “The simple truth is that holiday decorating can be hazardous,” said Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor, Inc. “Beyond the risk of injuries during installation, there are risks associated with using the wrong type of lighting and hardware and choosing the wrong spots to anchor or string lights and other decorations.” Holiday decorating professionals from the Christmas Decor Franchise Network in the Edmond area strongly recommend that property owners consider using a professional decorating service this holiday season. But for property owners who plan to install their own holiday décor this season, Christmas Decor offers the following safety tips:

PHOTO PROVIDED

When putting up Christmas lights, or any kind of holiday decoration this season, please use extreme caution or hire a professional.

Ladder Safety More than 40 percent of holiday decorating injuries involved falls from ladders, roofs, furniture, and step stools. Here are tips from the American Ladder Institute to help avoid becoming part of that statistic:** n Wear sturdy shoes with slip resistant soles. Leather soles are not slip resistant. n Use a ladder rated to hold your weight combined with the weight of your tools and decorations and long enough to reach without having to stand on the top rung. n Set your ladder up on even ground or use leg levelers. n Follow the “three point-of-contact rule”: Always face the ladder and always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder steps, rungs and/or side rails. Never reach so far that the buckle on your belt is outside of the right or left rail of the ladder. n If your ladder is metal (including

aluminum) it will conduct electricity. If a live wire from holiday lights touches a metal ladder, it can cause electrocution. n Don’t drink and decorate and don’t decorate at night. Alcohol consumption when climbing ladders can lead to injury and death, and decorating at night is dangerous. Lighting Safety It’s important, but it’s not enough, to ensure that lights have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory and to check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. For a safer holiday lighting display, property owners should also keep these tips from the CPSC in mind: *** n Use only lights that have plugs containing fuses. n Check to see that outdoor lights been certified for outdoor use. n Make sure that extension cords are rated for the intended use. n Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes. n Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage. Use only insulated staples (not nails or tacks) to hold strings in place or run strings of lights through hooks. Never pull or tug on lights. n Plug lights into circuits protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock. Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can also be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician. “Holiday decorating doesn’t need to be a hazardous activity,” says Stephens. “Our decorating professionals help eliminate unnecessary accidents and produce a result that is often superior to what individual property owners can achieve with consumer-grade lighting and accessories. Our designers are trained to execute lighting displays on high roofs, ladders, and in tricky situations. Just as important, our installation crews use the utmost care when decorating each client’s home or business, avoiding damage to moldings, roofing, or architectural elements.” The Christmas Decor Franchise Network has been decorating homes and businesses nationwide since 1986.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 19

PHOTO PROVIDED

OCU President Martha Burger, left, and former President Robert Henry, right, present Life.Church Pastor Craig Groeschel with the Servant Leader Award.

Life Church Pastor recognized by OCU with its Service Leadership Award Oklahoma City University presented Life.Church Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel with its Servant Leadership Award during a celebration Monday. The award recognizes those who make positive influences on the community and successfully encourage others to do the same. OCU President Martha Burger said Groeschel is a shining example of what the award represents. “Pastor Craig Groeschel has selflessly worked for many years to build a church that has had a great impact on the community at large,” Burger said. “Through his leadership, Life.Church has been a wonderful influence not only for its own members, but also for those who give freely of their time to

help others.” Groeschel graduated from OCU in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business marketing. He helped establish Life.Church in 1996. He regularly speaks at conferences and has written several books, including his latest release “Hope in the Dark: Believing God is Good When Life is Not.” Life.Church has been recognized for its innovations in advancing Christianity including the development of apps, use of video and in worship service programing. The church also offers free resources to help other churches thrive.

Celebrating Red Ribbon Week Edmond students, from left, Dakelan Williams, McKenna Parker, Camdyn Talbott, Gavin McDonald and Jude Walker celebrate Red Ribbon Week at Sunset Elementary by wearing red clothing and pledging to remain drugfree. BELOW -- Charles Haskell students Brheay Scott and Kaylen Carter dress in crazy outfits during Red Ribbon Week. PHOTOS PROVIDED/SUSAN PARKS-SCHLEPP

Page 20 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Thanksgiving break camp at the FAI Looking for something creative for elementary age students to do during the week long Thanksgiving Break? The Edmond Fine Arts Institute is hosting a one or two day Thanksgiving Holiday Art Camp on Nov. 19 and 20 from 9:30-2 p.m. Children will rotate between four classes to create multiple holiday themed art projects. Come one day or both days and enjoy new projects each day taught by the Art in Schools teachers. For more information and to enroll visit edmondfinearts.com or call 405-3404481. For 33 years, the Fine Arts Institute has been Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization offering educational enrichment for adults and children in the visual and performing arts. Located at 27 East Edwards across for the downtown post office, the FAI is the place for all ages to discover, create and perform.

Jason Maltenfort

FAI offering 2018 ornament For the past 14 years, the Edmond Fine Arts Institute has commissioned Andy Boatman of Blue Sage Studios to design and create commemorative glass ornaments for holiday decorating and giving. This year the skilled artisan has designed a shimmering alabaster and sky-blue hand-blown, beautifully textured ornament for collectors to enjoy. His design adds a frosty elegance to any holiday décor. These limited-edition ornaments are packaged with coordinating customized

ribbons ready for holiday gift giving. “Andy’s ornaments are collector’s items and can be enjoyed yearround,” Shannon Price, Edmond Fine Arts executive director states. “We always look forward to his creative ideas and appreciate the partnership with Blue Sage Studios.” The ornaments may be preordered online at www.edmondfinearts.com and/or purchased at the Fine Arts Institute, 27 E. Edwards, Edmond, OK for $25.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 21

Cash Mobs coming

Citizens Bank to support city’s small businesses

PHOTO PROVIDED

Wings is one of two Edmond organizations to be a recipient of Cox’s $110,000 awarded to nonprofits in the metro. Wings, at 13700 N. Eastern, helps adults with developmental disabilities. The other Edmond benefitting is Lilyfield. Lilyfield at 501 E. 15th Street, helps place at risk children with stable and loving families.

Cox is awarding nonprofits grants with community investment program Cox Charities is awarding $110,000 to Oklahoma City nonprofits in 2018 through its Community Investment Grant program. Cox Charities, which is funded by local employees, is dedicated to positively impacting Oklahoma City in education, technology, social issues and the arts. The grants are designed to assist 501(c)(3) organizations with outstanding programs that benefit Cox Communications service areas. Funds are targeted toward nonprofit programs that focus on education, technology, social issues and the arts. “Cox Charities is completely funded and supported by Oklahoma City-area employees who decide how every dollar is invested back into the community,” said Kristin Peck, vice president of public affairs. “With more

than one thousand Cox employees who live and work here, we are passionate about supporting local programs that positively impact the areas where we do business.” The full list of grant recipients includes: Infant Crisis Services, The CARE Center, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Sunbeam Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Honoring America, Hope Chest of OKC, Limbs for Life, Lilyfield, YWCA OKC, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and Wings Special Needs Community. Cox Charities was created to strengthen communities through the support of programs that positively impact Oklahoma City in the areas of education, technology,

Bank’s mortgage division again hits $1 billion mark Arvest Bank announced last week its mortgage division has originated more than $1 billion in purchasemoney mortgage loans in 2018, the third time it has done so in its history. Arvest hit the $1 billion mark on Sept. 26, more than three months earlier than the previous two times it reached that milestone. Purchasemoney loans are used to buy a home, as opposed to refinances and other types of loans. “Home sales are driving the majority of our mortgage business this year,” said Steven Plaisance, president and chief executive officer of Arvest’s mortgage division. “Reaching the $1 billion milestone this year has been even more remarkable given the rising interest rates and the housing inventory issues in some of our markets.” Arvest regularly originates more than $1 billion in mortgage loans for purchases and for refinancing. The bank passed that point earlier in 2018, marking the 16th consecutive

year to reach the annual milestone. “Our team of mortgage professionals – from the start of your home loan process through servicing those loans long after you close it – are well-qualified to handle all the unique needs we see on a day-to-day basis,” Plaisance said. “Our mission statement of ‘People helping people find financial solutions for life’ is central to the mortgage services we offer and the team we build to execute those services.” As of Sept. 26, Arvest had closed a total of 5,519 purchase-money loans with total loan value of $1,002,521,772. As of the same date in 2017, Arvest had closed 4,938 purchase-money loans with total loan value of $857,159,409. This year’s numbers represent an 11.7 percent increase in number of loans and a 16.9 percent increase in volume. “We are privileged to work with so many Realtors, brokers, builders and other housing professionals in all of our markets,” Plaisance said.

Financial planner signing copies of book tonight at Best of Books financial professionals and conCertified Financial Planner sumers, she has learned that practitioner Peggy Doviak most people fear their money. will provide insight into In her book, Peggy addresses these topics and more dur52 financial planning topics to ing an interactive 6 p.m. to enable individuals to become 7:30 p.m. event at Best of comfortable with the vocabuBooks, 1313 E. Danforth in lary and issues of their financial Edmond, toinight, Thursday, lives. Nov. 8. Doviak The new personal finance reShe’ll answer attendees’ source, published by Oklaquestions during a Q & A homa’s award-winning RoadRunner session. Then the Norman resident will sign her new book, “52 Weeks to Press, has drawn high praise from Prosperity – Ask Peggy Doviak: What professionals in the field and everyYour Accountant, Banker, Broker & Fi- day folks who need answers when it comes to planning for their future nancial Adviser Might Not Tell You.” During Peggy’s 15 years as a finan- and staying out of trouble with the cial planner and a national speaker to IRS.

See Cox, Page 22

Citizens Bank of Edmond is taking Small Business Saturday to a whole new level during the month of November. Citizens’ employees will be hitting the streets and Cash Mobbing businesses throughout the entire month including Elemental Coffee, Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn, Empire Pizza, Commonplace Books, The Patriarch, Results Fitness, 3rd Street Yoga, and Elk Valley Brewery. The Cash Mobs successfully kicked off yesterday at Elemental Coffee, where Bankers from Citizens worked with Let’s Fix This and notarized absentee ballots. Cash Mobs started at Citizens Bank of Edmond several years ago to bring attention to local businesses. As a small business itself, Citizens Bank of Edmond realizes the impact of the community investing in other small businesses and wanted to have a role in that investment. During a Cash Mob, Citizens provides all of their employees, customers, and any nearby patrons a discount voucher to use towards their purchase at the selected local business, which is typically valid for one business day. Many are familiar with the popular event “Small Business Saturday” that traditionally occurs on the Saturday following Thanksgiving to draw attention

See Mobs, Page 22

Page 22 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

She’s spent a lifetime helping & living in rural Oklahoma

‘They (farmers) have big hearts’ By Betty Thompson WALTERS — Loessa (Susie) Thompson still lives on the same section of land that her family has farmed for four generations. And just like a farm that triumphs through hard times, Thompson has persevered despite her own difficult challenges. Thompson’s great-grandparents first came to Oklahoma in a covered wagon for the Land Run of 1893, also known as the Cherokee Strip Land Run. Though they originally settled in northern Oklahoma, Thompson’s great-grandparents later moved to Walters where their farming legacy continues to this day. Her mother Ruth named her Loessa for her two grandmothers, Loyse and Odessa, though her brother Jack wanted to name her “Sue,” after Sue Bees honey. They compromised on Loessa Sue, hence her nickname “Susie.” Her family has shaped much of who she is. “I had a wonderful life growing up on the farm,” Thompson said. “I have fond memories of riding on the back of the drill when dad or grandpa were sowing wheat. My brother and I would jump off to play with a rabbit or something and jump back on.” At the young age of five, Thompson was eager to be outside helping with cattle. Her family raised cattle, wheat and sometimes cotton on their small farm, and her mother worked at the bank in town. “We worked hard,” Thompson recalled. “I remember early mornings feeding calves before we got on the bus for school.” As many farmers know, working out in the field under the hot Oklahoma sun could sometimes be brutal. One of her favorite ways to cool off in the heat of a summer afternoon was swimming in the ponds. She recalled fond memories of her grandfather Fred taking her and Jack for a swim in their pond. “We even swam in the water troughs,” Thompson laughed. “I can’t imagine doing that today.” But one of the things she most loved as a little girl was when her father Jack would take her to Cookietown, just a few miles away. “Dad would take us to get a coke and candy bar from the store in Cookietown,” Thompson said. “That’s where all the farmers gathered, so it was a real treat. It has changed so much now, there isn’t a store anymore, just a little church.” In fact, Thompson’s career first began at age 15 at the Walters Coop elevator in Cookietown. “I was in the shop at first,” Thompson said. “When I first started, I never understood why the farmers would follow the truck to watch it weigh, and then I realized that was their money.” She moved around to different locations in the county working for Walters Coop. “I loved my job at the Coop,” Thompson said. After graduating from Walters High School, Thompson went on to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for a year before returning to marry Jerry Thompson, a farmer who grew up only 10 miles away from her in Temple. The two met through a mutual friend and have been married for 34 years. They have two daugh-

Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series of stories on Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture. The project is a collaborative program between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and Oklahoma State University to recognize and honor the impact of countless women across all 77 counties of the state, from all aspects and areas of the agricultural industry. The honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of industry professionals.

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Loessa (Susie) Thompson hand-in-hand with her husband Jerry and their oldest grandchild on their farm. Susie is being recognized as a Significant Woman in Oklahoma Agriculture.

ters, Charity and Chelsea, and two grandchildren Henry and Charlie. Thompson named their oldest daughter Charity, after the great-grandmother who helped settled the family in Oklahoma. Charity decided to work with cancer patients after their family tragically lost Ruth three days after being diagnosed with colon cancer. She is a radiation therapist in Altus. With her only two grandchildren also living in Altus, Thompson said she making a lot of road trips in her spare time. “My car is practically on auto-pilot to Altus,” Thompson laughed. “I go see my grandbabies as often as I can.” In May of 1982, she took a temporary position at Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, now known as the Farm Service Agency (FSA). After three years as a temporary employee, she became a program assistant, then a program technician. In November 2008, Thompson became the Executive Director for the Cotton County FSA. It is impressive enough that Thompson worked her way up to the director position after beginning as a temporary employee, but perhaps even more impressive is that she pushed on in her career, even after losing her speech. In 1987, Thompson suffered a stroke that caused her to lose her ability to communicate with words. “It was hard, but I made it,” Thompson said, “The Lord helped me. I had to write things to communicate with my co-workers, but we made it.” After intense speech therapy multiple times a week for an extended period of time, she was able to regain her ability to talk. In 2014, Thompson had a second stroke and again lost her speech. Her doctors later discovered a previously undiagnosed hole in her heart that they believed to have been the cause. With the hole now fixed, Thompson remains hopeful that she is in the clear. Thompson’s struggle inspired her youngest daughter Chelsea to study speech pathology in school.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Thompson’s love for her job and helping the farmers in her community pushed her to continue working at FSA, despite the challenge of having to learn to speak again. “I just love my farmers,” Thompson said. “They have big hearts and they work so hard.” As a fourth generation farmer, she’s no stranger to the uncertainties and difficulties that farmers often face with drought, natural disasters, fluctuating market prices, and much more. “I’m just glad we have this agency for the farmers,” Thompson said. “Last fall we had a drought, this year a flood. They can’t harvest and they can’t plant, so it’s nice to be able to help them some.” Reflecting on her 36-year career, she said she never dreamed she’d have the opportunity to one day serve as the director when she first began as a temporary employee. In addition to serving as director, Thompson is also an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Walters, a member of the Oklahoma Cattlmen’s Association, and has been a 4-H volunteer leader for the last 20 years. “I just help with anything I can,” Thompson said. “They are a small county and sometimes that means they need a lot of help because these kids have to go on.” Thompson pushed both of her daughters Charity and Chelsea to be very active in 4-H. “When they went off to college they thanked me because it had helped them in so many ways, more ways than they imagined it would,” Thompson said. She also helps her husband Jerry tend to their cattle, wheat, hay and cotton. “I have a sign in my office that says ‘Behind every successful farmer there is a wife that works in town,” Thompson laughed. She enjoys cooking from her garden and taking it out to the field. She also helps with module work, parts runs when needed, and on occasion, feeding calves that do not catch on to nursing. “I had to tube feed a calf one time that wouldn’t nurse,” Thompson recalled, “I was terrified I was going to kill it, but it lived! I cried when that calf moved.” Though their daughters have both chosen careers outside of the farm that she is extremely proud of Thompson is hopeful that Henry or Charlie will eventually carry on the family farm. “I still hope and dream that someone in the family will continue the farm,” Thompson said. “Maybe one my grandkids.”

Mobs

Cox

From Page 21

From Page 21 health and the arts. In addition to Community Investment Grants, Cox Charities offers Innovation in Education Grants to pre-K-12 teachers and classrooms, and a portion of the funds help Cox employees through the Cox Employee Relief Fund. Founded in 2006 through the annual contributions of more than 1,600 statewide employees, Cox Charities has pledged more than $6.7 million in Oklahoma. Each year, Cox employees continue to

fulfill their mission of strengthening Cox communities. For Cox Charities Community Investment Grant applications and more information, visit www.coxcharitiesoklahomacity.org. About Cox Communications Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network.

away from large companies, and back to small businesses in the community. But employees at Citizens Bank of Edmond believe that these local businesses deserve more than just one day to be in the spotlight, so they have dedicated an entire month of “Cash Mobs” to highlight the importance of shopping local. “Cash Mobs are a great way to bring awareness to local businesses and retailers that our employees and community may not know about”. Said Kindra Shantz, Citizens Bank of Edmond employee. “I love being able to visit a local

merchant, get to know them and their products, and help promote them on social media. We are a small business supporting other small businesses and it’s nice to share that bond with our participants.” The schedule of Cash Mobs will go as follows: first week of November- Elemental Coffee; second week of November- The Patriarch; third week of November- Commonplace Books & Empire Slice House four week of November- Oklahoma Gourmet Popcorn. Fifth week of November- 3rd Street Yoga.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 8, 2018 • Page 23

Sports

Bronchos crush NSU, 62-0 TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The University of Central Oklahoma retained the President's Cup for a fifth-straight year after burying Northeastern State 62-0 Saturday in Week 10 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association action at Doc Wadley Stadium. Will Collins connected on a 66-yard touchdown pass to Mekail Hall on the Bronchos' fourth offensive play of the game and that was a sign of things to come in the 103-year old rivalry game. Collins would throw three touchdown passes Saturday. He hit Hall on a 65-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter too. Hall had six catches for 200 yards to go with the two touchdown catches. Izaiah Jackson also had a touchdown catch, a five-yard score in the second quarter. Dustin Basks had four catches for 36 yards and Johnny Bizzell had a catch for 37 yards. The Broncho run game was also a huge factor in the big win Saturday. Justin Curry had a team-high 157 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 18 carries. He had touchdown runs of 3, 2, and 46 all in the second half to lead the way. Clay McKenzie added two touchdowns in the ground attack. The sixth-year senior from Callisburg, Texas had 86 yards on 22 carries with scores of 1 & 4, both in the first half. Central's defense was just as big Saturday, earning the Bronchos a third straight shutout for the first time since 1979 and just the second

UCO, now 7-3, retains President’s Cup time since 1942. The Broncho defense held Northeastern State to 159 yards of offense on 60 plays. NSU managed 40 yards passing and 119 yards on the ground. Kolby Underwood, O'Shay Harris and Colton Lindsey all had interceptions. Lindsey took his 19 yards back for a touchdown. Lindsey also recovered a kickoff that NSU let bounce around the 20-yard line. Langston Underwood had a teamhigh six tackles on the day. Chris Pogi and Kahewai Kaaiawaawa both had five stops.

UCO now owns a 49-27-2 advantage in the all-time series and has won 12 of 21 since the team's began playing for the President's Cup in 1998. Saturday also marks the second largest win in the series. The Bronchos beat NSU 83-0 in 1915, the first time the schools ever met on the gridiron. Central Oklahoma will wrap up the 2018 regular season next week in Edmond. The Bronchos take on Emporia State in Week 11 Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. from Wantland Stadium.

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 • November 8, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure