November 12, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 26
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
or adapts boo t c u r t k Ins b a out viru h c a e t o t s
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.
PHOTOS BY ERIECH TAPIKA
Rikki Waters, a fifth-grade teacher at Northern Hills, shows off the digital book she created titled ‘No Covid.”
Santa Fe heads into playoff with 7-game win streak See Page 12
FRIDAY, November 13 AM Showers High 67° Low 55°
SATURDAY, November 14 Isolated Thunderstorms High 71° Low 49°
SUNDAY, November 15 Sunny High 65° Low 40°
Changing times often come with different ways of teaching elementary students about safe health practices. For Northern Hills Elementary teacher Rikki Waters, she took up her drawing skills to achieve this. Waters adapted the popular children’s book “No David” and “David Goes to School,” by author David Shannon, and created “No Covid,” a Northern Hills Elementary Edition. “I tailored it to our school,” Waters said. “Making it personal helps the students understand it more.” Each drawing in the book was done by Waters on her iPad. She completed all the drawings and story within two days before the school year began. “I saw famous books that could be made into parodies and thought the ‘No David’ book would be a really fun one for the kids,” Waters said. Whether it is what to do when a child has a fever or tips on handwashing, Waters made sure the book was simple to understand. Waters spent hours researching proper procedures from the Center for Disease Control on COVID-19 and made sure the book covered all of the topics of staying safe. “This is such a creative way to communicate to our families about the healthchallenges we are facing this school year,” said Michele Milner, the principal of Northern Hills Elementary. This is the first time they have created a book parody at the school
and Milner hopes this is not the last time. “That was our first but hopefully it will not be our last,” Milner said. “Our kiddos have been doing great this year.” In total, the book is eight pages
Throughout Edmond Public Schools, other teachers and administrators have been coming up with creative ways to keep elementary students engaged even while they must remain socially distanced.
Breck Brady, a fifth grader at Northern Hills Elementary, reads ‘No Covid.’ and all digital. By having it digital, Waters said the students did not have to share copies of books and could easily access it on their iPads or Chromebooks, limiting any potential spread of the coronavirus. Breck Brady, a student of Waters, said he enjoyed reading the book and liked that it was based on a book he had read before.
“Keeping students in cohorts when playing on playgrounds allows students the ability to exercise while keeping the possibility of spreading COVID-19 down,” said Cara Jernigan, the executive director of elementary education. Jernigan said one challenge has been teaching young students about continued on Page 3
Page 2 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 3
Mural Festival On Saturday artists were painting in the beautiful weather, adding to Edmond’s public art. This mural was done by yo.bro.okc. There were 13 artists adding 4,700 feet of artwork to brighten Edmond’s downtown.
DEANNE YORK
Cover From Page 1 “personal space bubbles.” “Social distancing runs counter to how schools normally operate but our staff has been amazing at helping kids understand the necessity for it and have done so in fun and creative ways,” said Jernigan. Many schools are using colorful signage like circles on the ground to remind students to keep adequate space between themselves and their classmates. Now students enjoy “finding their circle.” When students walk down the halls, they extend their hands out in front of them. Some even sing catchy jingles while
they walk that were written by their teachers. “This simple technique reminds them not to get too close to their classmates,” said Jernigan. Simplicity and consistency are key for elementary students in 2020, she said. “Teachers and administrators have adapted beautifully to these challenging times and are coming up with their own methods and techniques that work for their particular students. Every change in procedure has been about one thing-keeping students and staff safe.”
Page 4 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
From the Publisher
Sadness at loss of Ken Moore It is with an incredible amount of sadness that we must report that our good friend and longtime public servant, Ken Moore, died last week after a short illness. I like to refer to him as one of the good guys. We certainly want to pass along our condolences to his sons and their families. Ken was a true chamber professional, a civic leader, a men- Ray Hibbard tor to so many, a friend to all but most important to Ken, a great grandfather. I think he enjoyed that role most of all in his life. I am just not sure if there is a chamber of commerce in heaven folks but if there is not, there soon will be. I have no doubt that Ken would be starting the Heavenly Chamber of Commerce. He was, with out a doubt, the leading expert on running and growing chambers in this country. He taught the folks that teach others about chamber work in this world. He served as the President and CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce from December of 2006 until September 2016. We were lucky to get Ken here in Edmond. I was the chairman of the board for the chamber when he was hired. It was a time that the chamber was facing many challenges and we needed a top-notch professional to lead us forward. It was a stroke of good fortune that Ken was looking to move back to Oklahoma where he wanted to eventually retire. He loved this state, but it was also strategically placed between one son who lived on the east coast and the other who lived in Colorado. Not surprisingly, he had seeing those grand kids in mind. Edmond may have been his last professional landing place before retirement, but his career was much deeper in the chamber world. I would guess it is unmatched by anyone. Ken was an avid and proud Sooner fan. He was also a big supporter of the OKC Thunder. He would often use one of his tickets to take a new person in Edmond to make them feel at home. He also was known to take a person that might need a boost to their spirits. Ken did leave behind his beloved dog Macy who was his constant companion. Ken was a certified chamber executive with more than 30 years of experience and had served chambers of commerce in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, California, and Virginia. He had served as president of the Norman (OK) Chamber of Commerce, executive vice president of the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, president of the Orange County (Calif.) Chamber of Commerce and executive vice president of the Orange County Business Council. Moore served as president of the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives and president of the Oklahoma Economic Development Council. He served two terms on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management’s Board of Trustees and served as chairman of management programs at the University of Oklahoma and Southern Methodist University. He served as a member of the executive faculty at UCLA, University of Oklahoma, University of Colorado, and Southern Methodist University for more than 15 years. Ken served as one of eight members on the
caring all at the same time. Here are a few comments from folks that were fortunate to work with our friend. “The chamber profession lost a hero today. Ken Moore served in the chamber profession for over 45 years in Missouri, Kansas, California, Virginia, and Oklahoma. He was adamant in his role of helping others. He won many awards in his time, but I think he was most proud of the role he played in developing other professionals and the awards that they earned. He was my mentor, my role model, my teacher and my friend and he will be missed.” Sherry Jordan, President and CEO of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce
Ken Moore American Chamber of Commerce Executives Fringe Benefit Board of Trustees, which oversees the organization’s multimillion dollar fringe benefit programs and was a member of the board of directors of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. He is a former member of the board of directors of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Western Association of Chamber Executives. Ken was appointed by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce to serve on the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. He served on the Board of Directors of the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, the Alexandria Police Foundation, and the Alexandria United Way and is Past President of First Night Alexandria. In 1999, Moore was recognized as the “Professional of the Year” by the Oklahoma Society of Associations Executives. He was named as “Executive of the Year” by the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce and was the second person selected for the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Hall of Fame. The Western Association of Chamber Executives presented him with its Pettit Award for “Excellence in Leadership” in 1996. This is what Ken had to say when announcing his retirement. “I’ve been involved in leading chambers of commerce in five different states for 47 years, so I’ve decided to take a break from the day to day activities I’m used to. While there is no ideal time to leave, our programs are solid, the chamber is in good financial shape and we achieved our goal of becoming a “5 Star Accredited Chamber.” I plan to remain in Edmond and stay actively involved in the community”. He did just that folks. More then anything else in his life Ken was mentor and friend. He was kind and gentle. He believed in communication and bringing people together. The man may have had a temper, but I sure never saw it. Ken made us better people and led by example. He was skilled and
“I have known Ken Moore for more than 41 years from when I first began my career with AT&T, then Southwestern Bell in Norman, Oklahoma. At that time Ken was the executive director of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. In addition to becoming a wonderful friend, Ken taught me all about “Chamber of Commerce” work and how to be a wonderful volunteer in it. I also worked with him when he worked for The State Chamber and yet again at the Edmond Chamber, serving as Chairwoman of the board of directors. I feel so fortunate to have had a friend and mentor like Ken for more than 41 years. I am heartbroken at the loss and will miss him dearly.” Jan Moran, Area ManagerExternal Affairs for AT&T “Ken had a distinguished reputation when I met him having worked in economic development throughout his career. I learned so much from him. One thing that stands out to me is how diplomatic he was – in the best possible way. He could get people with different views together in a room and have them find common ground. He always wanted the best for our business community and never cared about getting credit for his efforts. Ken’s dedication to Edmond has made it a better place for all of us. I feel fortunate to have had him as a friend.” Janet Yowell, Executive Director, Edmond Economic Development Authority “A tribute to Ken Moore . . . a man of character in EVERY aspect: servant leader, community evangelist, mentor, coach, encourager, compassionate, travel partner, humble, kind, relationship builder, a “go to” person. More than anything else, I will remember Ken as a cherished friend!! Throughout his incredible career, Ken not only made positive changes in the communities and organizations he proudly served but also in the people he cared about and loved. When I reflect on Ken’s legacy, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote was written with Ken in mind: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to leave the world a better place, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” We will miss you dearly, my friend!!” Peggy Geib, past Chairwoman of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
See Publisher, Page 6
Check out what’s inside! ---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 8. ---- A look back at the election ........................................................Page 10. ---- Happy Hippo’s new and improved look......................................Page 11. ---- SF football team wins again ......................................................Page 12. ---- George Gust reviews a ‘feel good’ holiday Netflix film ..............Page 14. ---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. ---- Reminder in limb pickups ..........................................................Page 16. ---- Business news ............................................................................Page 17. This and so much more in this week’s edition
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 5
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 7
Oklahoma House, Senate announce statewide redistricting meeting dates OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate announced dates for a series of redistricting town hall meetings to be held across the state in the coming weeks. At each meeting, presenters will give an overview of the legislative redistricting process and cover redistricting principles. At each meeting, the public will have the chance to comment on the redistricting of legislative districts and congressional districts. Additionally, the collaboration means the public at each meeting can share their input on House and Senate redistricting regardless of which chamber is officially hosting and leading the event. “Collaboration between the House and Senate on these meeting locations and dates ensures we can cover more ground. It also means that regardless of whether it’s a ‘House meeting’ or ‘Senate meeting,’ the public can offer comments about the redistricting of all legislative districts and congressional districts,” said Sen, Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle and chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting. “We are conducting an open and transparent redistricting process in the Senate and these public meetings are a part of the plan to ensure the public’s participation in that process.” “These meetings are the bread and butter of our public-driven redistricting process in the House. All Oklahomans can and should participate to take ownership of the process determining what their districts look like for the next decade,” said Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, chairman of the House Redistricting Committee. “The House and the Senate are prioritizing transparency and participation from all Oklahomans to produce the best districts for the people.” Redistricting town halls will be livestreamed as facility abilities allow, archived and posted online. Each town hall will follow the pandemic protection protocols of the facility hosting the meeting. Every 10 years, the Legislature is constitutionally required to redraw legislative and congressional district boundaries using the latest U.S. Census data. OKLAHOMA SENATE REDISTRICTING TOWN HALL MEETINGS Tuesday, Dec. 8: 6 p.m., Pontotoc Technology
‘We are conducting an open and transparent redistricting process in the Senate and these public meetings are a part of the plan to ensure the public’s participation in that process.’ State Sen. Lonnie Paxton R-Tuttle Center, Seminar Center, Ada Thursday, Dec. 10: 6 p.m., Grady County Fairgrounds, Community Building, Chickasha Thursday, Dec, 17: 6 p.m., Northeast Technology Center, Pryor campus Wednesday, Jan. 6: 1:30 p.m., Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 535, Oklahoma City Tuesday, Jan. 12: 6 p.m., Durant High School Auditorium, Durant Thursday, Jan. 14: 6 p.m., The Summit Conference Center, Ponca City Tuesday, Jan. 19: 6 p.m., Frisco Conference Center, Clinton Thursday, Jan. 21: 6 p.m., Autry Technology Center, Lectorium, Enid Thursday, Jan. 28: 6 p.m., Tulsa Technology Center, Sycamore Room, Owasso OKLAHOMA HOUSE REDISTRICTING TOWN HALL MEETINGS Wednesday, Dec. 9: 5:30 p.m., Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 206, Oklahoma City Thursday, Dec. 10: 7 p.m., Tulsa Technology Center-Riverside Campus Auditorium, Tulsa Wednesday, Dec. 16: 6:30 p.m., JI Stipes Center, McAlester Tuesday, Jan. 5: 6:30 p.m., Bill Coben Community Center, Lane Wednesday, Jan. 6: 5:30 p.m., Route 66 Interpretive Center, Chandler Thursday, Jan. 7: 7 p.m., Northeastern State University – Webb Auditorium, Tahlequah Monday, Jan. 11: 7 p.m., Comanche County Farm Bureau, Lawton Tuesday, Jan. 12: 6 p.m., Southern Technology Center, Ardmore Wednesday, Jan. 13: 6 p.m., High Plains Technology Center, Woodward
Ice storm damage
Lawmaker pushes for better communications State Rep. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, recently announced his intent to file legislation to modernize the state’s radio/telecommunications infrastructure in the upcoming 2021 session. “Recent ice storms that left hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans without power are just the latest example of why we must have an updated and reliable statewide telecommunications system for first responders,” Frix said. “Our heroes are battling these conditions with outdated, and oftentimes, unsupported systems, and that leaves Oklahomans unprotected. We must take the lead in modernizing our system.” Frix spent the interim visiting with stakeholders from across the state including sheriffs, police departments, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Department of Emergency Management. He said they all should be able rely on an interoperable system, giving them the best chance possible to address emergencies such as the recent ice storms, tornadoes, flooding or other catastrophic events. Frix said he intends to include all stakeholders in the conversation but also will work closely with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to develop and facilitate this statewide telecommunications network. Frix intends to file a bill early during the filing period but will continue working with interested parties throughout session to ensure the final legislation is something that will work for all first responders and that will best protect all Oklahomans.
Page 8 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond Police Arrest Report (The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) Oct. 26 Johnny Lee Vivian, 19 of Edmond. Charged with possession of marijuana or schedule III, IV or V drug and public intoxication. Alexis Cheyanne Powell, 18 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Oct. 27 Donnyll Antonio Dailey, 23, of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear. Oct. 28 Marjorie Lanette Shoma, 45 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Scott Richard Swartz, 38 of Adrian, Mich. (Misdemeanor) Domestic abuse assault.
Oct. 29 Dedric Lee Blowe, 28, homeless. Misdemeanor warrant, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. James Thomas Duncan, 41, of Edmond. Public intoxication. Lacie Ann Florer, 28 of Edmond. Felony receiving of stolen property with a value over $1,000, Kristal Lynn Shirley, 37, of Edmond. Public intoxication. Oct. 30 Manuel Robert Avila, 56 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Billy Kalin Johnson, 35 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and three counts of failure to appear. Elizabeth Ann Hedrick, 53, of Tuttle. Petty larceny. Hilario Adriel Trejo, 32 of Edmond. (Anything other than alcohol) Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other
than alcohol. Dravius Leshandon Moore, 21 of Edmond. Use of a firearm while committing a felony, trafficking in illegal drugs and discharging firearms (at building or dwelling.) Josue Misael Segovia Aguayo, 32 of Edmond. Leaving the scene of accident damaged fixtures, failure to carry current security verification form in vehicle, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked. Oct. 31 Hans Thompson Rudolph, 49 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Garrett James Perez, 26 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more. Delana Dashe Bell, 22 of Lawton. Public intoxication. Nichole Denise Means, 23, of Mangum, Okla. Public intoxication. Derico Marriell Johnson, 35 of Ed-
mond. Failure to appear. Nov. 1 Jason Everett Taylor, 40 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear. Drake Nicholas Holland, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Michael Frank Dragich II, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Amanda Lynn Mudgett, 26 of Edmond.Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Madison Gray Harkey, 23 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Nathaniel Allen Bookout, 32, of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied of revoked, a felony warrant, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and false representation to an officer. Robert Earle Mikkelson, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Breakthrough may help prevent some vision loss An Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation discovery could pave the way for therapies to reverse vision loss common in premature infants and adults. In a new study appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, OMRF scientists have identified a compound that could give birth to therapies for a host of eye diseases that include retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy. “Potentially, even patients with advanced disease progression could see their fortunes turned around,” said Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., the senior author of the study. Several eye disorders occur when blood vessels grow out of control in the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye. In these forms of retinopathy, a web of vessels blocks light from reaching the retina, which is how we see. The overgrowth causes vision issues that can advance to total blindness. Retinopathy in premature babies — linked to high oxygen levels in NICU incubators that interrupts normal vessel development in the eye — often resolves naturally over time. But not always. In those cases, and in adult diseases like diabetic
retinopathy, vision damage can be irreversible. Griffin and Chris Schafer, Ph.D., study the development of blood vessels. Schafer, a postdoctoral researcher, thought there might be clues to thinning this tangle of vessels if they analyzed a different set of vessels that naturally regress and disappear in mice soon after birth. When they studied newborn mice, the OMRF researchers found that levels of a specific class of cellular proteins crashed as the mice experienced normal blood vessel loss in the eye. “Dr. Schafer hypothesized that these cellular proteins might be an important ‘off switch’ to eliminate these vessels in a neonatal model,” said Griffin, who holds the Scott Zarrow Chair in Biomedical Research at OMRF. “This is a new way of approaching these diseases. The current methods — invasive surgeries or life-long injections into the eye — only prevent the disease from advancing and often have serious complications.” Schafer identified an experimental compound that disables the proteins. It allowed him to flip the
See Breakthrough, Page 9
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 9
Linda Morgan’s custodial work draws raves
A new career but same commitment to excellence How does a hairstylist from Ohio with four decades of experience in cutting, coloring, shampooing, blow-drying, and styling hair end up as a facilities manager for Edmond Public Schools? "Well, now that's interesting," says Linda Morgan. "When I moved to Oklahoma to take care of my mom in 2002 I needed a job. In my job as a hairdresser, my previous customers were teachers and administrators." Having had numerous interesting and engaging conversations with educators over the years, Linda thought working in a school might be fun and a good fit. Her new career began at Cheyenne Middle School 18 years ago. She worked there for a decade before moving to Cimarron Middle School eight years ago where she has distinguished herself as a person who always does more than is needed. "She goes above and beyond in everything she does...no job is too small for her," said Principal Gabe Schmidt. "Anytime that we have a possible disinfecting scenario, Linda and her crew are there in 30-seconds flat, ready to wipe down a room or do whatever is necessary to keep kids safe and healthy." Linda manages a staff of five Jani King contract employees at Cimarron and every conversation is peppered with accolades for her "team." "I have the best crew, they are just wonderful. There is no way I could do this by myself," said the 70-year-old. Linda tells her team that they should treat the school like their own homes and the students as their own children. "We want to make sure they stay safe and healthy." While EPS custodians have always cleaned for health, Linda said the Coronavirus has increased the team's daily workload by about 15 percent. On the day of this interview, she and her team were bustling about disinfecting a locker room, and a whole grade level of classrooms after a student-athlete tested positive for COVID-19. "The areas were already disinfected by the night crew using electrostatic sprayers, but I just wanted us to go over the areas a second time." Linda thinks of the students and staff members at Cimarron as family. "I love the teachers, office staff, and the principal. They are just wonderful. I thought about retiring, but I just wasn't ready." And Cimarron isn't ready to say goodbye. "Linda has a tremendous heart for the students and is a huge advocate for the school," said Schmidt. "She is an integral part of the success of Cimarron Middle School."
Breakthrough From Page 8 switch and test the idea. “We wanted to trick blood vessels in diseased mice into thinking they were supposed to be regressing and naturally dying off,” said Schafer. “This appears to be what happened.” Even more encouraging, Griffin said, the compound only impacted abnormal blood vessels with slow blood flow. The normal vessels needed in a healthy eye were spared. The findings open the door to tailored therapies to reverse vision loss. It may also have implications in shrinking tumors that contain abnormal blood vessels in other parts of the body. “We’ve shown that once these abnormal vessels have formed in the young eye, they’re susceptible to
being treated,” said Griffin. The research team will now study the compound in models of adult eye diseases. “More research is needed, but this could be a major advance in treatment for vision loss in patients of all ages,” Griffin said. Done in collaboration with scientists from the Dean McGee Eye Institute, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the University of South Florida, the work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants P30EY021725, P30GM114731 and R35HL144605, as well as funding from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and Research to Prevent Blindness.
Cimarron Middle School Facilities Manager Linda Morgan fills a bottle of disinfectant.
Page 10 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
A few voting thoughts By Steve Gust Editor Edmond Life & Leisure Another interesting election has come and gone. The first thing I noticed the day after the campaigns ended were how tame the television ads were. It was really driving me a bit nutty to hear the back-andforth on the ads concerning the Fifth Congressional District with Kendra Horn and Stephanie Bice. Millions of dollars were spent on Steve Gust that race. I'm wondering if the Democrats and Michael Bloomberg will again bankroll the Democrat nominee in 2022? What I found fascinating was how well Republican Bice did in Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. When I lived in Seminole during the 1980s it was heavily Democrat. In fact if you weren't a registered Democrat, you basically didn't have a voice in the local elections. Most of those races were over by the primary and the
runoff elections. But Bice put up huge numbers in both of those counties. The times they are a changing. And once again all 77 of Oklahoma counties went for the GOP presidential nominee, Mr. Trump. If you're keeping score at home, the last five elections have now seen the GOP win 385 counties. The Democrats have won ZERO. Joe Biden now joins Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Kerry in not winning an Oklahoma county. But to be fair, they are getting closer and closer every election cycle to taking Oklahoma County. I wish Oklahoma could be in charge of all of the nation's elections. We counted all ballots in five hours. I guess you can't expect that in other states. Then again, I have little to no confidence in those states to get their vote right, or even legal. Take for example Michigan. How do 138,000 ballots come in during the wee hours of the morning and each and every ballot is marked for Mister Biden? Seems fishy to me. (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Why the 5th flipped By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Oklahoma’s 5th District representative in Washington next year will once again be a Republican, the result of a solid campaign, considerable outside financial support and perhaps a little good luck. State Sen. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Kendra Horn by 4 percentage points last week, ending Horn’s tenure after one term. Horn had won the seat in 2018 by stunning two-term incumbent Rep. Steve Russell in a district that, although it changed shape through the years, had been held by Republicans since the mid-1970s. Horn compiled a strong team, raised plenty of money and outworked Russell. Her victory made her an im-
The cartoon has been previously published
mediate target of the national GOP and other Republican groups, which spent heavily on Bice’s behalf. The two candidates combined to spend the most ever for an Oklahoma House race. After winning the Republican nomination by trumpeting her support for President Trump, Bice shifted the focus of the campaign to her support of the oil and gas industry — noting Horn’s votes last year to ban drilling offshore and in a slice of Alaska — and on her opposition to deeply unpopular House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DCalif. Horn focused on issues such as education and health care, her desire to find bipartisan solutions to problems, and on her willingness to oppose party leadership, as she did in voting against
a federal $15 minimum wage and two Democratic coronavirus relief bills. The 5th District comprises all of Seminole and Pottawatomie counties, and much of Oklahoma County. Bice, as expected, won by wide margins in the two rural counties, with Horn winning in Oklahoma County by about 2,400 votes out of the 267,000 cast — less than 1 percentage point. In 2018, Horn had won Oklahoma County by nearly 5 points, with a margin of 9,900 votes out of 211,500 cast. As was the case two years ago, Horn had an advantage with those who voted by mail or early in person. The edge this year was about 26,000 votes, up from 4,600 in 2018. What carried Bice to the 12,000-vote victory was her advantage of roughly 38,500 votes among those who cast ballots in person Nov. 3, a day with heavy turnout in a district that is plurality Republican. The result led Republican pollster Pat McFerron to note that if the ice storm that struck Oklahoma early last week had arrived a week later, “Kendra Horn’s in Congress again." Bice’s victory means Oklahoma’s delegation in Washington — five House members and two senators — is allGOP once again. Bice will serve in the minority during her first term, as the House remains in Democratic control. Horn was gracious in defeat, telling supporters the seat belongs to the people, not one party. Bice would do well to note that and to follow her predecessor’s lead by staying connected — Horn has held 53 town halls in two years — and responsive to constituents of the purple 5th District. .From Oklahoman.com
Rural Oklahoma becoming more red By The Associated Press For nearly 100 years in Oklahoma, Democrats controlled the Legislature in large part with lawmakers from rural parts of the state. But like much of the nation, the number of rural Democrats in Oklahoma has been declining steadily over the past 20 years as a rural-urban political divide grew deeper and Republicans took a firmer grasp on middle America. Last week the party transition in Oklahoma became complete when the last Democrat from a rural district lost his reelection bid while the GOP picked up five more House seats to extend its advantage over Democrats to 82-19. “I got tied into the national politics, just like a lot
of my colleagues have had happen to them over the last several years," said Rep. Matt Meredith, a twoterm Democrat from Tahlequah, who lost to a Republican challenger by more than 10 percentage points. “There were mailers sent out with me and (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi and me and (Senate Minority Leader) Chuck Schumer. “I've never even met Nancy Pelosi or Chuck Schumer." With fellow Democratic state Reps. David Perryman of Chickasha and Ben Loring of Miami not seeking reelection this year, all of the 19 House Democrats and nine Senate Democrats now represent urban areas. The Democratic Party's increasing competitiveness
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.
in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas has provided some encouragement to party leaders, but its metropolitan gains so far have not kept up with rural losses. About three quarters of Oklahoma's 4 million residents live outside the state's two largest metropolitan areas. “Oklahomans want growth, freedom and conservative government, and their election of the biggest Republican majority in state House history will deliver it," Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, a Republican from Atoka, said in a statement. “It was encouraging to make gains statewide, from picking up all rural seats for the first time in state history to adding representation in the Oklahoma City area." While it was a bad night for Oklahoma Democrats, who also saw the lone Democrat in the state's congressional delegation lose a close race, progressives cheered the election of Democrat Mauree Turner, the first openly nonbinary and Muslim person elected to state office in Oklahoma. Turner, elected to a district in Oklahoma City where Democrats enjoy a 2-to-1 registration advantage, acknowledges concerns about the shrinking size of the Democratic caucus in the Oklahoma, but doesn't seem deterred. “I have continuously lived a life where folks doubt my voice or the power that I have, or I go into systems where the cards are stacked against me. That is just part of being Black, queer, Muslim and gender diverse in Oklahoma of all places," Turner said. “I wouldn’t have gotten far if I’d let something like that debilitate me." From Oklahoman.com
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 11
GOP Women’s Club meets on Nov. 16 The next meeting of the Edmond Republican Womens Club will be held Nov. 16. The location is Eddies Event Center at 2828 E. Second St., Edmond. Check-in begins at 11:15 am with a self serve buffet. Cost for the buffet will be around $15 per person, and then the meeting will begin at 11:45 am. Our featured speaker for this meeting will be Dave Bond with the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. Dave Bond serves as Vice President for Advocacy at OCPA. He was previously the CEO of OCPA Impact, OCPA's 501(c) (4) action partner. Since 2011, Dave has advocated at the Oklahoma Capitol on issues of free enterprise, individual initiative and limited government. He has been referred to in The Tulsa World as "a prominent Oklahoma anti-tax lobbyist". Prior to his advocacy efforts, Dave worked in Oklahoma elections, focused mostly on state legislative campaigns. He was the executive director of the Republican State House Committee, the campaign arm of the Republican caucus of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Dave also worked with the campaign consulting firm A.H. Strategies and with the inaugural campaign of former Corporation Commissioner, Jeff Cloud. In addition, he served in the media and communications divisions of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Dave has lived in Oklahoma most of his life and is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Marsha, have two sons and live in Yukon. In addition to Dave, there will be other speakers and special guests. Bring your friends and family and join the Edmond Women’s Republican Club for delicious food and a great meeting.
Happy Hippo restored Considered by some as ‘Edmond’s first public art piece’ Happy Hippo has been restored, according to Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil. Bud Fisher’s son Patrick, who owns the glass business on Broadyway did this for the city.! It will be Edmond’s Route 66 answer to Catoosa’s Blue Whale!
Page 12 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Playoffs next for high school teams
The regular season has ended for state high school football 2020. The Santa Fe Wolves, who started the year 0-2, reeled off seven straight victories, including a 42-31 win over Norman last Friday. Due to the unique situation of the virus, most teams will be in the playoffs. SF hosts crosstown rival Edmond North this Friday at 7 p.m. Memorial has the daunting task of taking on Owasso this week. Owasso is 10-0 and is favored by some to win the state 6A crown.
RB Micah Snoddy (28) cuts up field for a gain
OU commit WR Talyn Shettron (2) waits for the kickoff.
RB Ethane Hyche (7) runs the ball for a huge gain
QB Scott Pfieffer (16) looks downfield for an open receiver
Photographs by Melinda Infante
The Wolves again enjoyed good support from their fans and cheer squads.
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 13
A view of the new sleek patient tower at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center.
New OU Medical Center tower opens to patients The new patient tower at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center has opened its doors, providing patients with the most advanced treatments and technology in a space designed for healing and comfort. The eight-story North Tower, which provides 144 additional beds and 32 new operating rooms, is the largest hospital expansion project in Oklahoma history and one of the largest in the nation. The new facility reflects the ongoing transformation of Oklahoma’s flagship comprehensive academic health system and its mission to provide services that Oklahomans need to achieve health. “The opening of the North Tower is an exciting milestone for OU Health and for all of Oklahoma,” said Kris Gose, R.N., President of the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. “This new tower will optimize our ability to provide care at all levels, from trauma services to every type of surgical and medical expertise, in an environment that supports patients and their families.” The tower is connected to the existing hospital on its north side, on the southeast corner of 13th Street and Lincoln. Groundbreaking was in 2017,
and its opening is the culmination of a vision that began more than 10 years ago, said Chuck Spicer, FACHE, President and CEO of OU Medicine. Its completion also follows the announcement of OU Health as the new, unified brand identity to represent the combined efforts of OU Medicine and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. “Oklahomans can be proud of this facility because this is not just another hospital expansion, but an advancement in the way healthcare is delivered,” Spicer said. “Healthcare is a team effort that begins with our patients, surrounded by an interdisciplinary team of providers working together to deliver the best care.” The tower brings 450,000 additional square feet and a new medical Intensive Care Unit. Another floor is dedicated to hematology-oncology, bone marrow transplant and stem cell therapy, where OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center patients will receive treatments offered nowhere else in the state, including CAR-T, an immune therapy that harnesses the body’s own immune cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. As home to Oklahoma’s only Level 1 Trauma
Center, the University of Oklahoma Medical Center provides in-house expertise to treat the most traumatic and complex injuries. The North Tower increases the capacity and technology to care for those with the most severe injuries. “The advantage of building a new hospital facility is that it is designed for the modern practice of healthcare,” said orthopedic and trauma surgeon David Teague, M.D., OU Physicians Director of Adult Services, Perioperative Surgical Director at University of Oklahoma Medical Center and Department Chair of Orthopedics at the OU College of Medicine. “The operating rooms were created for today’s surgical teams and to accommodate the most advanced technology. We care for more patients with complex conditions than anyone else in the state, and this new facility will play a major role in attracting national leading specialists to practice at OU Health.” More noticeable to patients are the oversized rooms with extra space for families. All patient rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light, and because all rooms are on an outside
See OU, Page 15
Page 14 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Netflix challenging Hallmark & Lifetime market
‘Holidate’ latest holiday rom-com movie By George Gust With the holidays right around the corner all of you favorite romantic movie channels are putting on their tackiest sweaters and rolling out formulaic movie after formulaic movie. Hallmark and Lifetime have cornered the market for years on these cheesy movies, but lately Netflix has wanted to be on your holiday watchlist. “Holidate” is Netflix’s latest holiday rom-com, but this movie isn’t your Mom’s holiday movie. Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers (Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey) agree to be each other’s platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way. “Holidate” is a movie that has such a thin premise I image the screenwriters came up with the cutesy title and created a pitch only around that. The idea of two people only seeing each other on holidays throughout the year, and then returning to real life never quite feels even genuine enough for a cheesy romantic movie like “Holidate” wants to be. Certainly you have to suspend some
amount of disbelief, but this flimsy premise, not only doesn’t hold up to any scrutiny, but also become repetitive, with the couple getting closer, but denying their feelings over and over again. With any of these kinds of romantic holiday movies, the chemistry and performances of the stars are what makes or breaks the movie. In “Holidate” Roberts and Bracey are bringing a raunchy and vulgar millennial vibe that has no place on channels like Hallmark or Lifetime. They both
bring a devil may care attitude to love and personal life, that’s not exactly appealing in a friend, but fits well with the rated R tone the filmmakers were going for. The romantic chemistry between the two isn’t jumping off the screen, but by the climatic ‘bear your sole to a crowd of strangers’ speech you can buy in enough. Overall, “Holidate” is another in a long line of predictable romantic comedies you’ll see a lot of throughout the holiday season. However, with a little bit of self-aware humor, a raunchy edge, and good comedic chemistry between its stars, “Holidate” slightly rises above the crowd of generic holiday romances to be a funny guilty pleasure movie. “Holidate” is rated TV-MA and is available now to stream on Netflix. 2.9 out of 5 stars
To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.comt
PHOTO PROVIDED
Netflix is jumping on the Holiday movie train with a raunchy R-rated take on the predictable formula pairing up Emma Roberts and Luke Bacey as permanent holiday plus ones in ‘Holidate.’
Answers appearing on Page 19
PC Schools donate $50K to OMRF Putnam City Schools officials recently presented the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with a check for $50,000 to support cancer research. Now in its 45th year, Putnam City’s annual Cancer Drive has grown from grassroots efforts to include a 5K, carnivals and even the chance to dump slime on teachers in exchange for donations. But traditional events came to a halt in March due to Covid-19. “We are so grateful to Putnam City Schools for their long-standing support of cancer research at OMRF. Even with a shortened school year and disrupted fundraising plans, they made a substantial gift to our ongoing efforts,” said OMRF scientist Linda Thompson, Ph.D., who holds the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research. “It’s a testament to the strength of this partnership and a reminder that despite the world’s critical focus on Covid-19, medical research in other areas must continue.” Putnam City High School teacher Lois Thomas started the drive in 1976 to support numerous coworkers who were diagnosed with cancer in a short window of time. She and a small group went door-to-door collecting money to help fight the disease.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD
72. *What we do on Thanksgiving 73. ____ welcome!
THEME: THANKSGIVING ACROSS 1. Glamour's partner 6. Prime time monitor, acr. 9. Prelude to a duel 13. Video killed this type of star? 14. Orinoco or Grande 15. Temple Square performers, e.g. 16. Set straight 17. *Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday in this country 18. Filthy dough 19. *Opposite of Thanksgiving, traditionally 21. *The day's offering 23. Declare 24. Unacceptable in a juror 25. Fire fuel 28. ThÈ alternative 30. Jumped or leapt 35. Chipping choice 37. Plural of #25 Across 39. Coupon clipper, e.g. 40. A woodwind 41. Vernacular 43. The brightest star 44. One born to Japanese immigrants 46. a.k.a. leaf cabbage 47. Capital on the Dnieper 48. Rear of a ship, pl. 50. Boisterous play 52. Not sweet, as in wine 53. Has divine power 55. None intended, often 57. *Macy's offering 60. *34th Street offering 64. Relating to pond scum 65. Highest card in "War" 67. Blood of the gods, Greek mythology 68. Like unbagged tea 69. Female 70. Thousands, for short 71. Microsoft browser
DOWN 1. Steffi of tennis 2. Tibetan teacher 3. Beware of these, in spring 4. Window treatments 5. Bay Area serial killer never captured 6. French Bulldog plus Pug 7. Alliance of former Soviet republics, acr. 8. Raccoon's South American cousin 9. Give the cold shoulder 10. Locket content, traditionally 11. Snob puts these on 12. Prior to 15. Necklace fasteners 20. Spiral-horned African antelope 22. ____-been 24. Mendicity 25. *Thanksgiving Day football hosts 26. Galactic path
27. One in a gaggle 29. *Utensil absent at Pilgrim's table 31. Colonel or captain 32. Steer clear 33. "When pigs fly!" 34. *Condiment of the day 36. ____-do-well 38. Without help 42. Allegro and lento 45. Get some air 49. Seed alternative 51. Jonathan Franzen's 2015 novel 54. Rental agreement 56. Chip snack 57. Weary walk 58. Bug-eyed 59. Tear down 60. Track competition 61. Cabbage in France 62. Displeasure on one's face 63. Gaelic tongue 64. Draft choice 66. Repeated Cuban dance step
Answers on Page 19
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 15
The addition means an extra 144 beds for the medical facility.
OU From Page 13 wall, patients and families will have views of downtown Oklahoma City, the State Capitol and the OU Health Center campus. Nature was introduced in various ways, including natural elements in the design, a healing garden on the fourth floor and a courtyard garden on the first floor. The design of the North Tower, created by architecture firm Perkins & Will, is inspired by the Gloss Mountains northwest of Oklahoma City, a series of mesas and buttes where gypsum sparkles on the slopes. “Hospitalization is s significant life event for most patients, and their support network of family and friends is key to their healing,” Gose said. “The new tower offers spacious rooms and amenities that maximize comfort, communication and rest.
Because nature is a vital part of the human condition, the natural elements in the design, as well as the large windows, connect patients to the outdoors.” The large patient rooms are also key because today’s patient care is increasingly delivered by interdisciplinary teams. In addition to doctors and nurses, patients may see other healthcare providers from the specialties of pharmacy, physical therapy, nutritional sciences or social work. OU Health combines the resources and efforts of OU Health Sciences Center and OU Medicine to train the next generation of health professionals and researchers, in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The design of the North Tower incorporates the educa-
Reminder on limb pickup The City of Edmond’s Field Services division of Public Works will be collecting tree debris from the October ice storm in accordance with the City of Edmond’s Emergency Operation Plan’s Level Three Response. There will be two rounds of tree debris pick up and the first is under way this week. Crews will begin at the west city limits and work their way east. Once they have completed the entire city, they will begin the second round moving from west to east. Pick up is available to residential homes but does not include businesses/churches or apartment complexes. Tree debris must be cut into no more than six (6) foot sections and must be placed within ten (10) feet of the curb of the residence. Residents are asked to avoid piling debris on or near water meters, gas meters, mailboxes, fire hydrants or irrigation systems. With a large amount of tree debris in the city, these pickups will take place
over several weeks. WE ASK FOR EVERYONE’S PATIENCE DURING THIS LENGTHY PROCESS. For residents that would like to dispose of debris sooner, there is a free drop off opportunity at Hafer Park. Effective now the baseball field parking lot will become a temporary tree debris dump site for residents living in the city limits. This option is only available for residential customers who receive City of Edmond solid waste services. A copy of a current City of Edmond utility bill and a driver’s license will be required to prove Edmond residency. Due to space restrictions, no vehicles larger than one ton trucks with a trailer up to 16-feet long will be allowed. Tree debris must be cut into no longer than six foot sections. If you are unsure whether you live in the Edmond City Limits, you can determine eligibility by checking your home address at www.edmondok.com/doiliveinedmond.
tional mission of the health system, with additional meeting space for students and residents, as well as simulation rooms where trainees can practice procedures using advanced technology. “The new tower enables us not only to deliver exceptional care to more Oklahomans, but also to train the students and residents who will be the healthcare leaders of tomorrow,” said Jason Sanders, M.D., MBA, Senior Vice President and Provost of the OU Health Sciences Center. “The patient care at OU Health is distinguished by the research that takes place across our academic health system, and through the clinical trials that provide patients with the most advanced treatments and diagnostics in Oklahoma.”
Page 16 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
New officers for Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sylvia Och, State Epsilon Sigma Alpha Recording Secretary installed new Gamma Zeta officers in the Edmond chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Left to right: Sylvia Och, Guthrie’s Kappa Theta member, Kelly Wasso: President; Deb Kukuk: Vice president,; Winnie Redwine: Secretary; Billye Putnam: Treasurer; Veronica McCain: Parliamentarian; Linda Coniglio: Educationals; Kathy Roderick: Ways and Means; and Laura Howells: Philanthropic chairman. Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an international service organization that works with local charities like UR Special, Mobile Meals, Coffee Creek Riding Stable, Boys’ Ranch Town, and Free to Live. State projects are Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Ok and Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee, OK. The national project is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To volunteer with these energetic ladies and give back to the community, call Deb Kukuk at 405-226-4473.
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.
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 17
State Treasurer reports an income drop Oklahoma Gross Receipts to the Treasury continued their slide in October as individual income tax collections dropped by 7.5 percent, indicating the state’s economic downturn has yet to subside, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced on Thursday. McDaniel October receipts from all sources total $1.1 billion, down by more than $47 million, or 4.1 percent, from October of last year. Combined gross receipts for the past 12 months total $13.2 billion, off by more than $500 million compared to collections from the previous 12 months. “We are experiencing the spillover effect of the pandemic as it chills global demand for oil and gas,” said Treasurer McDaniel. “When the energy industry is down in Oklahoma, it reduces economic activity across the state, including earned income and consumer spending.”
The gross production tax on oil and natural gas has been down significantly every month for more than a year. Oil field employment is at its lowest level, 33,700, since prior to the Great Recession. Rig counts statewide are reported at 14 in October, compared to a peak of 213 six years ago. Individual income tax receipts for the month are down for the first time since June, partially due to fewer unemployment checks being sent to Oklahomans. Meanwhile, sales tax collections have been down every month except one since September of last year. Other economic indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in October remained above growth neutral for a fifth month. The October index was set at 61.1, up from 58.6 in September. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 5.3 percent in September, down from 5.7 percent in August. The seasonally adjusted
number of Oklahomans listed as jobless was reported as 99,800, according to figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. unemployment rate was listed at 7.9 percent in September. October collections Compared to gross receipts from October 2019, collections in October 2020 showed: Total October 2020 gross collections are $1.1 billion, down $47.4 million, or 4.1 percent. Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $376.7 million, a decrease of $19 million, or 4.8 percent. Individual income tax collections are $345.9 million, down by $28 million, or 7.5 percent. Corporate collections are $30.8 million, an increase of $9 million, or 41.1 percent. Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $460.1 million – up by $815,035.
Dr. Perdue new Arcadia Trails medical director
Dr. Perdue
Jedidiah Perdue, M.D., M.P.H., is the new medical director at Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Center for Addiction Recovery. He is dually board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry, and specializes in treating addictive illnesses, psychiatric illness that co-occurs with addiction, and psychiatric illness co-occurring with complex medical problems. Born in Ardmore, Perdue graduated from OU College of Medicine in
OCU will pay tribute to businesswoman Love The Societies of Oklahoma City University will honor Judy Love as the 2021 recipient of the Societies Lifetime Servant Leadership Award at the annual Awards of Excellence luncheon April 22. This award recognizes a past Societies honoree who is a current member and has shown continued exceptional involvement and service in the nonprofit community and the university. Love was selected after a unanimous selection committee vote due to her efforts in promoting the university’s and Oklahoma City area’s advancement. Her dedication to OCU is unique; with no personal ties to the university, she stepped into leadership roles simply because of her generous nature. Because of her commitment, Love received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities and Letters from OCU in 2015. “I have worked alongside Judy in several nonprofit efforts but none dearer to me than OCU,” said fellow OCU Societies member Jane Jayroe Gamble. “She believes in OCU as Oklahoma City’s University and in the students that attend. People don’t always see the work that Judy does, but I hope the results are well known.” Love has been an avid supporter of OCU for decades and will be honored at April’s luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. Upon learning of her nomination, she was “floored by the honor and so thankful to her dear friend Jane Jayroe Gamble for the nomination.” The event, co-chaired by Susan Edwards and Janie Axton, will also honor recipients of the Kirkpatrick–Petree Music and Performing Arts Society Award, Dulaney-Browne Library Society Award, Norick–Hulsey Gallery Society Award, and OCU Distinguished Philanthropist Award. Gayle Lucas Semtner will receive the Kirkpatrick–Petree Award for her support of agencies with a focus on the
Judy Love
arts, education, health and maturing adults’ issues. Matilda Clements, who has been an active community volunteer with Junior League of OKC and the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, will receive the Dulaney-Browne Award. Becky Roten, the Norick– Hulsey Award recipient, has been involved in her community for the last 30 years focusing on serving children to facilitate access to health care and quality educational opportunities. The final award, the OCU Distinguished Philanthropist Award, will honor Kami Huddleston and Ashley Murphy, the co-founders of Wedlink Media, a print and online wedding media brand. Huddleston and Murphy are proud graduates of OCU and are very active in volunteering with events and fundraising for the university. The purpose of OCU Societies is to promote higher education and civic leadership by honoring local community leaders and providing financial assistance to the university for academic achievement. For more information about OCU Societies or sponsoring and attending the 2021 Awards of Excellence Luncheon, please contact Judy Reyes-Henderson at jareyeshenderson@okcu.edu
2004, then completed his residency training in psychiatry at Duke University, where he also served as chief resident. Since returning to Oklahoma City in 2008, he has been active in clinical practice and has served in leadership roles for health systems and medical societies, as well as an instructor of medical students and residents. "When I treat patients, I work to understand their values and goals and find treatments that are in line with
those goals,” says Perdue. “Getting to be part of that journey is deeply rewarding, and I especially appreciate the opportunity to instill hope and provide encouragement." Dr. Perdue’s clinic, INTEGRIS Medical and Addiction Psychiatry, is located on the INTEGRIS Health Edmond campus at 4833 INTEGRIS Parkway, Ste 325, Edmond. He is accepting new patients. Call 405-657-3382 to learn more or to make an appointment.
Page 18 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Foster-A-Tree program opens its registration CHARMING ING IN EDGEWATER! EDGEW WAT TER!
IC ICONIC ONIC O OAK AK TREE N NATIONAL ATIO TI T NAL
Registration for the Edmond Urban Forestry department’s Foster-A-Tree program is now open. Any resident living within Edmond City limits on a publicly maintained street can sign up to have a tree planted in the street right-of-way adjacent to their property. Trees are limited to one per residence, but neighborhood associations may receive up to five. People who have received a tree through the program in the past must have completed their two-year Foster-A-Tree Agreement prior to signing up for another tree. Registration is currently open online at http://edmondok.com/foster, and will remain open for Edmond residents until all trees have been claimed. Each tree will be selected from a list of available species, and it will be planted by the Urban Forestry Department at no cost to the resi-
6 CAR G GARAGE ARAGE
OAK O AK A TREE
11TH GREEN OF O OAK A AK TREE N NATIONAL! ATIO T NAL!
ABBEY PL PLACE ACE
dent. Eligibility for the program depends on available planting space in the right-of-way and a commitment to watering for two years and protecting the tree from unnecessary harm. Participants will receive an irrigation bag for quick and effective watering, plus a Foster-A-Tree Maintenance Guide which outlines the basic maintenance guidelines expected of participants. Trees will be planted periodically in small groups throughout the dormant season. Trees contribute to increased property values, pollution removal, energy savings, reduced stormwater runoff, and improved human health. By participating in the Foster-A-Tree program, Edmond residents can support local tree canopy and enhance the tree benefits experienced near their own property and throughout the community.
Genealogical meeting Nov. 16
GRAND TIMBER
IN THE HEAR HEART RT OF EDMO EDMOND ND
13TH F FAIRWAY AIR RWAY - O OAK AK TREE BEA BEAUTY UTY
“LOCK-N-GO” “LOCK-N-GO”
SOLD! AMAZING REMODEL!
FABULOUS F AB A ULOUS O ON N THE 9TH F FAIRWAY AIR A RWAY
GRAND TIMBER
Oklahoma Christian UniverJust put aside the thought sity and a Masters in Library that museums are only about Instructional Media from “old stuff.” To be relevant, UCO. She is the author of museums must gather the stothree award-winning books ries from all time periods - inabout the zoo. Her favorite cluding the present. It is hobbies are to listen to 1940s imperative to proactively seek comedy radio shows, butterout modern history while it’s fly gardening, and taking her fresh. Stephens two grandsons and two What better time to save nephews to every museum the history of something like, say, a pandemic or a civic uprising or she possibly can! Edmond Genealogical Society a rocky political campaign than NOW? Learn how the staff at the Ed- meetings are free and open to the mond Historical Society & Museum is public. Programs start at 6:30 p.m. and are held the third Monday of the working to gather and preserve month at the Edmond Church of today’s history for the future when Amy Stephens, the Executive Director Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at at the museum, presents the program 1315 E. 33rd Street, Edmond. Enter through the doors at the rear (north at the Edmond Genealogical Society side) of the building. meeting Nov. 16. The church offers plenty of parking Ms. Stephens loves telling stories and is fully handicap accessible, with through creating museum exhibits, social distance seating at the meetteaching programs, and writing ing. books and magazine articles. Before Masks are required for all attenworking at the museum, Amy was an dees. For more information on EGS, educator and historian for the Oklago to: www.rootsweb.com/~okegs, homa City Zoo, during which time or visit us on Facebook at Edmond she developed the Oklahoma City Zoo Historical archive and ZooZeum. Genealogical Society. No meeting is scheduled for DeAmy holds a B.S. E. in Elementary Edcember 2020. ucation and a minor in history from
VALENCIA V A ALENCIA
SOLD!
OLDETOWNE!
THORNBROOKE
CUSTOM BUILD
SOLD!
CANYON PARK
IMMACULATELY KEPT!
COMPLETE REMODEL!
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!
SOLD! SOLD!
COFFEE CREEK!
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!
SOPHISTICATED IN ESPERANZA
BARRINGTON
FABULOUS IN REGENCY POINTE!
SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!
LO LOTS TS & ACREAGES ACREAGES
Send news items to news@edmondpaper.com
Edmond Life & Leisure • November 12, 2020 • Page 19
Reaching out to children worldwide
First Christian Church part of ‘Operation Christmas Child’ More than 4,000 locations will now offer a curbside drop-off option for Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child. Volunteers are preparing to collect shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23. Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts – filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys – to children worldwide for more than two decades. This is a project that everyone can still be a part of, even with COVID-19 restrictions. There’s still time for individuals, families and groups to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. “In the midst of the pandemic, the needs are greater than ever before�, said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope. A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ�.
FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow your Box� and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse www.samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF EDMOND 201 EAST SECOND STREET EDMOND, OK 73034 OPERATING HOURS: MONDAY, NOV. 16, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. TUESDAY, NOV. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOV.18, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
&K KDQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ DQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ KDQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ 8QLYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK QQLYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK LYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK W We e ar are e of ZZOOMING Oour OMI NG through thrand ough For the safety members friends, all services and events at th the em month onth of N November! ovChanning ember! UUC have been cancelled through 12th, You You o are are welcome welcome tto o join joiApril n us. us. 2020 in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic. Sundays 11:a m tÄž ĆľĆŒĹ?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹśĆ? ƚŽ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç ĆšĹšÄž Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞůĹ?ŜĞĆ? Sundays at 11:am Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĆľĆšĹšĹ˝ĆŒĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ ĹśĹ? / Í— Ď´ĎŽ ĎŽ Ď˛Ď˛Ď Ď´ ĎŽĎĎŹĎ DĞĞĆ&#x;ĹśĹ? / Í— Ď´ĎŽĎŽ ϲϲĎĎ´ ĎŽĎĎŹĎ D ĞĞĆ&#x; WÄ‚Ć?Ć?Ä?ŽĚĞ͗ ĎϾϳϲϳϯ WÄ‚Please Ć?Ć?Ä?ŽĚĞbe Í— Ďsafe. Ͼϳϲϳϯ : WK 6WUHHWÂł(GPRQG 2. : WK 6WUHHWÂł(GPRQG 2. :See us WKon 6WFacebook UHHWÂł(G at:PRQG 2.
Ch ChanningUUC.org anningUUC.org Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ä¨Ä‚Ä?ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÍ˜Ä?Žž͏ ŚĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ?hh ĹšĆľĆŒÄ?Ĺš
In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online. Please check with your house of worship for more information.
Page 20 • November 12, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure