Edmond Life and Leisure - December 26, 2019

December 26, 2019 Vol. 20, No. 31

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Edmond’s Addison Price a third runner-up

An elite finisher in Miss America contest

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.

Teacher wins car See Page 7

Addison Price FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 Showers High 56° Low 51°

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Showers High 56° Low 38°

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 Partly Cloudy High 47° Low 31°

Edmond was a whisker or two from having a Miss America.

Addison Price, an Edmond North graduate and a junior marketing major at Oklahoma State University, was third runner-up at the prestigious competition held last week in Connecticut and broadcast nationally on NBC. Camille Schrier of Virginia was crowned Miss America 2020 Thursday night.

Schrier was awarded a $50,000 scholarship and “the job of Miss America,” succeeding 2019 Miss America Nia Franklin, a classically trained opera singer from New York.

She reacted positively to the news in a Facebook post.

“Third Runner-Up at Miss America!!!

So grateful and honored to represent Oklahoma. Wow. My heart is full and I’m humbled by your outpouring of love and support.

THANK YOU!! Now, I’m ready to get back to work serving the greatest state in the United States.”

Social media also lit up with sev-

eral congratulatory comments from friends and well-wishers alike. Among those are some of the following: “Addison...you were very graceful and well spoken, not to mention stunning on stage. We are proud of you.”

“You were amazing! Congratulations!”

“So much love for such a wonderful girl! I am blessed to know you, Addison!!”

“So incredibly proud of you!! You are amazing and so happy that the great state of Oklahoma gets you back.”

Addison is the daughter of Cris and Shannon Price of Edmond. She is the younger sister of Andrew Price. She won the Miss Oklahoma pageant last summer in Tulsa.

In 2016 she was honored to be given the title of Miss Oklahoma’s Outstanding Teen. During her year as Miss Oklahoma’s Outstanding Teen she spent her time developing

service-learning opportunities for teens and partnering with a variety of organizations including: Hope for Soap, YMCA, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Red Cross, Fine Arts Institute, Mobile Meals,and many more.

2019 Review This year will always be special for Addison Price, finishing near the top of the Miss America contest.

Next week we will look back at some of the pictures and stories which made 2019 such a special year for all of us. And this year, for New Year’s eve, please be safe.

Happy New Year!!!

Page 2 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 3

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ at Washington Irving Elementary

Once again special ed teachers and students performed a short version of the ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’ Special ed teacher Robin Mills started putting on the short productions years ago. Most of the students are challenged with speech and movement.

Mills laments that the life span of her students is usually short.

‘I did not realize the impact of these performances until I started attending the funerals of my students who had been cheered on while on the stage at Washington Irving.’ Below -- The entire student body cheered for the performers.

PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE

Page 4 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Thankful for our military Christmas is the time of year that I feel the most for our men and women in the military. It must be an incredibly lonely time of year for those deployed away from their families. I understand that those they serve with become family also, but it still must be a difficult time. It is yet another reason we owe a Ray Hibbard debt to those that currently serve and our veterans.

The families deserve our thanks as well. I know firsthand how hard this can be on the husbands and wives at home that are left to keep the home fires burning. My son has been gone during the holidays in service to his country and his brave wife is always left here at home to carry on with their two small children. Yet, she carries on with a smile and making the holiday’s fun for the kids. He would be the first to admit that she is the real hero of the family.

World War II certainly had its share of stories of war at Christmas time. The most famous of which must be the Battle of the Bulge. This is the 75th anniversary of that December 1944 battle. It was a battle that began on December 20th and lasted into the next year. The battle lines might have been clearer in that day then they are today but just as devastating for the soldiers.

American forces had been spread across a 75 mile stretch of the Ardennes Forest. The Ardennes was a minimal fighting area and therefore, the troops that had been placed in the area were either inexperienced or had been moved there to rest. However, early in the morning of December 16th, 1944, American troops were caught off guard by a surprise counteroffensive attack. What they didn’t know is that it was the last gasp of breath of a desperate German military. It proved to be a military with plenty of fire power.

The attack consisted of approximately 200,000 German troops and 1,000 tanks. Hitler had been planning the counteroffensive since September 1944. He had hoped to break through the American front lines, with the goal of splitting the Allied Armies in half. Hitler had also hoped to take control of the supply port in Antwerp, Belgium.

The Battle of the Bulge lasted six weeks, though it came to an apex during the Siege of Bastogne.

Bastogne was a key location for both the Allied and Axis armies.

The Germans knew that they had to capture the city of Bastogne for their counteroffensive attack to be successful. On the other side, the Allied Armies knew that to successfully stop the German Army and to regain the upper hand, they needed to hold on to Bastogne. Unfortunately for the Americans, the German Army had already encircled them. Recognizing the predicament of the American troops, the German Army hand-delivered the following note to General McAuliffe on December 22nd: To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne, the fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units.

More German armored units have crossed the river Ourthe near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and

reached St. Hubert by passing through HompreSibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands. There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note. If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne.

The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours’ term. All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

– The German Commander.

General McAuliffe replied the same day, writing: To the German Commander, NUTS! – The American Commander Delivering the message Colonel Joseph H. Harper was asked "What does that mean? … Is this affirmative or negative?" and he replied, "Definitely not affirmative." Harper explained: "It means the same thing as 'Go to hell.' " On December 26, General George S. Patton employs an audacious strategy to relieve the besieged Allied defenders of Bastogne, Belgium, during the brutal Battle of the Bulge.

The capture of Bastogne was the ultimate goal of the Battle of the Bulge, the German offensive through the Ardennes forest. Bastogne provided a road junction in rough terrain where few roads existed; it would open a valuable pathway further north for German expansion. The Belgian town was defended by the U.S. 101st Airborne Division, which had to be reinforced by troops who straggled in from other battlefields. Food, medical supplies, and other resources eroded as bad weather and relentless German assaults threatened the Americans’ ability to hold out.

Enter “Old Blood and Guts,” General Patton who when told of MacAuliffe’s reply to the German commander was quoted as saying, "Keep 'em moving, Colonel. A man that eloquent has to be saved!" Employing a complex and quick-witted

strategy wherein he literally wheeled his 3rd Army a sharp 90 degrees in a counterthrust movement, Patton broke through the German lines and entered Bastogne, relieving the valiant defenders and ultimately pushing the Germans east across the Rhine. And with that, the Battle carried on. For those entrenched in this war, there would be no Christmas truce like there had been during WWI. Many soldiers spent Christmas 1944 “celebrating” the best that they could. For American soldiers within Bastogne, Christmas services were held by the Army Chaplain. For the soldiers that were defending Bastogne outside of the city limits, their Christmas was spent on the battlefield. There have been many stories shared by veterans who described Belgian families taking them into their homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As one veteran recounts: “We were out in the outskirts of Bastogne, we found this farmhouse… Inside was a man and a woman, and a little boy and a little girl…the wife, she gave us some soup and some black bread. We stayed there all night in this farmhouse. The war was going on fiercely outside and for some reason the farmhouse never got hit. We were there Christmas Eve. We sang Christmas songs that night with this Belgian family. We sang Jingle Bells and Silent Night. The words were different but the music was the same….”

It was a difficult time just as it is for our men and women serving all over the world today. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the families they have at home. They are making the best of difficult situations and all the time knowing that their loved ones could be in harm’s way. We hope you will include them in your thoughts and prayers as well. Please thank them for their service when you see them in uniform at airports and on the road this Christmas.

Our Edmond Life & Leisure family wishes you and your family a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to serving our Edmond community in the new year. May God Bless you all!

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

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

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

A look back at 1968 Orange Bowl ............................................Page 10.

Sports ........................................................................................Page 14.

George Gust reviews film from a galaxy a long way, away ........Page 15.

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

Miss Asian UCO..........................................................................Page 17.

The DAR gives back to the community ......................................Page 18.

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

Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 5

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Faculty Artists Concert Series (FACS) will continue in the new year with ‘Magrill on a Monday’ at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond. Performers include from left: Sam Magrill, D.M.A; Tess Remy-Schumacher, D.M.A; Mira Magrill, D.M.A; Pamela Richman; and, Hong Zhu, D.M.A.

UCO School of Music sets four Faculty Artists series The University of Central Oklahoma’s Faculty Artists Concert Series (FACS) will start the new year with four performances at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 14, 21 and 28 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond.

Samuel Magrill, D.M.A., will kick off the series return Jan. 13 with “Magrill on a Monday.” Along with soprano Pamela Richman, cellist Tess Remy-Schumacher D.M.A., violinist Hong Zhu, D.M.A., and flautist Mira Magrill, D.M.A., his concert will feature music composed by him and other musicians.

Baritones Rob Glaubitz, D.M.A., and Mat Govich will hit the Jazz Lab stage Jan. 14 along with collaborator and pianist Mariann Searle for an evening of musical theatre solos and duets in a concert titled “Two Guys Singing More Songs,” a nod to their previous collaboration.

“In 2016, we performed the first version of ‘Two Guys Singing Songs.’

We had a great time doing it and we decided we should do it again with different songs,” said Glaubitz.

Percussionist David Hardman will continue the series Jan. 21 with the concert “Ladies Night,” a nod to his female collaborators.

The final FACS performance of the month with feature soprano Barbara DeMaio, D.M.A., and pianist Sallie Pollack, D.M.A., Jan. 28 with the concert titled “Zyklus 100: An Evening of Song Cycles by Wagner

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.

The (FACS) will continue in the new year as Barbara DeMaio, D.M.A., presents ‘Zyklus 100: An Evening of Song Cycles by Wagner and Barber’ at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.

and Barber.”

Proceeds from the series generate scholarship funds to support UCO School of Music students.

Tickets are free for students with a valid UCO ID and $10 for all others.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, online at ucojazzlab.com or by calling 405-974-5004.

To sponsor a FACS concert and support UCO School of Music student scholarships, contact Madalyn McHale at 405-974-3778 or mmchale@uco.edu.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

Rob Glaubitz, D.M.A., and Mat Govich will perform an evening of musical theatre solos and duets at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the UCO Jazz Lab.

The FACS) will continue in the new year as David Hardman presents ‘Ladies Night’ at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Page 6 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Student-led effort helps fund 111,000 meals Students across central and western Oklahoma raised 71,752 pounds of food and $12,949 during the 15th annual Students Against Hunger Food and Fund Drive, presented by APMEX.com.

The two-month drive, coordinated by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, will help provide 111,502 meals to those living with hunger in central and western Oklahoma.

Students from 92 schools encouraged their classmates to join the fight against hunger in Oklahoma by donating canned goods or funds. Food collected during the drive will stock

pantries in the schools or at one of the Regional Food Bank's partner agencies in their communities.

“This drive comes at such a crucial time of the year and ensures that schools and our partner-agencies will have stocked shelves for the holidays,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "It is so heartwarming to see students work together to provide food for their neighbors who live with hunger every day."

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City took home the award for top overall school after

helping to provide for 63,368 meals.

“It is truly great to see the next generation getting involved by collecting food, raising donations and volunteering,” said Scott Thomas, president and founder of leading online Precious Metals Retailer APMEX.com. “Congratulations to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School for continuing to set the bar high each year.”

The following schools also took home honors during the drive: Most Meals Raised Per Student High School: Putnam City North (Oklahoma City) - 13 meals per student Middle School: Temple B'Nai Israel (Oklahoma City) - 313 meals per student Elementary School: Earl Harris Elementary (Bethany) - 20 meals per student Most Money Raised High School: Casady School (Oklahoma City) - $1,112 Middle School: Temple B'Nai Israel (Oklahoma City) - $1,321 Elementary School: Earl Harris Elementary (Bethany) - $1,620 Most Pounds Raised

High School - Putnam City North (Oklahoma City) - 3,014 Middle School - Independence Charter (Oklahoma City) - 3,540 Elementary School - St. Eugene Catholic School (Oklahoma City) 3,981 Most Spirited High School: Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Oklahoma City) Middle School: Southeast Middle School (Oklahoma City) Elementary School: Earl Harris Elementary (Bethany) Students Against Hunger 2019 was also sponsored by Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

One in four Oklahoma children live with food insecurity. Last school year, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2.8 million meals to nearly 42,000 children through its Food for Kids Programs.

Learn more about the Food for Kids Programs by visiting rfbo.org/programs/food-for-kids. If you are interested in helping the hungry in the metro, please see Page 23 and the address to contribute to the Regional Food Bank. The food bank is also always looking for volunteers.

Proper hand washing may prevent flu & other illnesses With cold and flu season in full swing, Oklahoma seniors are more at risk of getting sick this winter due to their lowered immune response.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand-washing can prevent one in three diarrhea-related illnesses and one in five infections, including the flu. This is why it is important for seniors, and those who care for them, to be proactive about washing their hands.

Recently observed was National Handwashing Awareness Week, and GlobalHealth, an Oklahoma-based health insurance provider, is sharing information to educate Oklahomans on the importance of hand hygiene.

“Because our immune systems weaken with age, it’s important for seniors to wash their hands regularly to guard against germs that contribute to colds and other diseases,” said Dr. Wesley Williams, medical director at GlobalHealth. “In addition to washing your hands, remember to not cough or sneeze into them and do not put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth. While practicing good hand hygiene can help stop the spread of germs and sickness this winter, it’s also important to get a flu shot each year.”

GlobalHealth is providing this information to help raise awareness of the importance of washing your

hands regularly.

When to wash your hands. Four out of five germs and 80% of infectious diseases cause illness and are usually spread by touching something, such as handling food, emptying trash, using the toilet or handling pets and their waste. You should always wash your hands before eating, treating wounds or caring for a sick person, and inserting or removing contact lenses.

How to wash properly. You should always wash your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds to ensure they are properly cleaned. If you need a timer, you can hum “Happy Birthday” twice. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including between your fingers, under your fingernails and on the backs of your wrists. Be sure to rinse your hands under clean, running water, which removes the dirt and microbes you loosened when scrubbing.

Handwashing for seniors. Diseases, such as the flu and the common cold, can also cause seniors to develop infections like pneumonia or complicate existing conditions like asthma and heart disease. With more than 200 different viruses able to cause the common cold, the CDC says that hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs that contribute to dangerous diseases for seniors.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 7

With her new ride at Clegern.

Bethany Brown

Teacher wins car raffle!

Allen Samuels gave back to Edmond Public Schools teachers twice! In addition to donating a new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta to the Edmond Public Schools Foundation to be raffled, the winning ticket holder was an Edmond Public Schools Teacher!

Bethany Brown, first grade teacher at Clegern Elementary, received her winning ticket as a gift.

Bethany recently returned to work after taking some time off to spend with her daughter, Brighton, who was born a little over a year ago. Bethany’s husband, Chase, is currently attending culinary school.

“We couldn’t be more excited about winning this car!” Bethany said.

Bethany drove the new car to school the next day, where it sat outside with the big red bow on the hood. Her students saw it as they entered school, but had no idea that it was her car. When she told her first graders that she had won a new car, they squealed with excitement!

When asked about this oppor-

tunity, Deanna Boston, Executive Director said, “We are so grateful to Allen Samuels Volkswagen, Dentz Auto Hail Repair and News9 for the opportunity they provided to the Edmond Public Schools Foundation through the raffle. That would have been enough, but the fact that a teacher won the car because someone bought her a raffle ticket is a storybook ending!”

In an effort to help support the students and teachers of Edmond Public Schools, Allen Samuels Volkswagen generously donated a 2019 VW Jetta to be raffled by Edmond Public Schools Foundation. Anyone could enter to win by purchasing tickets for the drawing, or purchase a ticket on behalf of someone else. Allen Samuels believes education in our public schools is a fundamental foundation for every student in this country.

The total prize value of the car is $20,690. The prize included the title and tags, which were paid for by Dentz Auto Hail Repair.

For more information, visit

www.edmondpsf.org or contact the Edmond Public Schools Foundation at (405) 340-2819.

About the Foundation Edmond Public Schools Foundation connects the community and its resources with Edmond Public Schools teacher, student and school needs in pursuit of the highest level of academic excellence.

The Edmond Public Schools Foundation is a recognized 501(c) 3 non-profit organization focused on the development and management of resources in support of the Edmond Public School District.

Originally founded as the Edmond Educational Endowment, the organization was created in the early 1980′s as one of the first education foundations in the state of Oklahoma.

In 1999, the organization formally changed its name to the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.

Since inception, the Edmond Public Schools Foundation has provided over $2.5 million in direct support to the district.

Look for this entry in the annual parade Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif.

Tournament of Roses in Pasadena

Express Clydesdales to be in parade Yukon-based Express Ranches and Oklahoma City businessman Bob Funk will have not one, but two equestrian entries in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade, taking place on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif.

Express Ranches has been asked to provide its giant Percherons and a sleigh for the cast of the Broadway musical, “Frozen,” a featured attraction at the 2020 event. The recent request came in addition to the parade’s invitation to include the Express Coach and its eight-horse hitch of Express Clydesdales.

“Hundreds of equestrian groups apply every year to be included in the parade’s elite line up of equestrian units, but only and a handful are selected,” said Josh Minshull, general manager of Express horse operations in Yukon. “We couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to be invited to bring two entries for this year’s parade.”

He said the Percherons and their vintage sleigh will be on double duty on New Year’s Day. They will not only appear in the parade, but they’ll also be featured in the Rose Parade’s first-ever half-time show, when the cast of Frozen will perform a song

for a national audience.

“The Percherons and Clydesdales are beautiful, stately and enormous in size,” said Express Ranches Owner Bob Funk. “The horses appear in parades and competitions year-round, serving as ambassadors from the great state of Oklahoma.

The Tournament of Roses Parade is so grand and so special, we are enormously proud and grateful to be part of it.”

Minshull said Express Ranches will bring two Percherons to pull six cast members in the sleigh, which was built more than a century ago and recently restored. The sleigh has wheels fitted to its runners, so the featured attraction will have no problem moving down Pasadena’s Colorado Blvd.

Meanwhile, he said eight Express Clydesdales will be pulling their signature stagecoach, which is a replica of the Abbott Downing Company Hotel Coach, originally designed and built in 1880.

On New Year’s Day, Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek and his family will be aboard the coach as guests of Funk, who is co-founder and president of Oklahoma City-based Express Employment Professionals, one of the nation’s largest staffing companies.

Page 8 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

OC to begin offering Ike’s Full-Tuition Promise Amid the alarming statistics related to national student loan debt, there is some good news. Oklahoma Christian University will begin offering full tuition to qualifying students. Full-tuition offers have been limited to community colleges and state universities, making the benefits of a private, Christian education out of reach for lower income families. Oklahoma Christian is setting out to change that.

The new program is called Ike’s Full-Tuition Promise, named for OC’s mascot, Ike the Eagle.

The goal is to make an OC university experience achievable for everyone, and particularly for families who previously considered private, Christian education out of financial reach.

That’s why OC is launching Ike’s Full-Tuition Promise. Beginning with first-time students of Fall 2020, Ike’s Promise is a last-dollar scholarship program that guarantees that students from high need backgrounds can attend Oklahoma Christian Uni-

The goal is to make an OC university experience achievable for everyone, and particularly for families who previously considered private, Christian education out of financial reach. versity tuition-free. The cost to the student is housing and meals, which are about $4,000 per semester.

Ike’s Promise works alongside state and federal grants to make up the difference in tuition expenses for qualifying students. Students apply for federal and state grants and OC scholarships.

Whatever amount is not covered, OC will make up the difference in tuition.

Higher education is a cornerstone of the Ameri-

can dream and more than two-thirds of American high school students choose to go to college.

Many of those students perform better in smaller class sizes and benefit from individualized attention offered through opportunities to perform undergraduate research, join professional societies and compete with national academic teams.

This year more than 80,000 high school seniors nationwide will consider Oklahoma Christian among their college options, and many will come from high-need backgrounds. Ike’s Promise will go a long way in expanding education choices for families with limited income.

Eligibility requirements and details of Ike’s Promise can be found on the school’s web site at OC.edu.

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

What’s Happening This Weekend Dec. 26 to 29 Thursday, Dec. 26 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Christmas in Downtown Edmond ---- Christmas Light Displays ---- Miranda Family Lights ---- Northwest Lawn Lights on Kelly ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- The Polar Express ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Limo Holiday Lights Tours ---- Holiday in the Park Friday, Dec. 27 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Christmas in Downtown Edmond ---- Christmas Light Displays ---- Miranda Family Lights ---- Northwest Lawn Lights on Kelly ---- The Groove Merchants ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- The Polar Express ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Limo Holiday Lights Tours ---- Holiday in the Park Saturday, Dec. 28 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Christmas in Downtown Edmond ---- Christmas Light Displays ---- Miranda Family Lights ---- Northwest Lawn Lights on Kelly ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Empire State Band ---- Holiday in the Park ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Limo Holiday Lights Tours ---- OKC Gun Show ---- Oklahoma High Performance Racing Auction Trade Show & Swap Meet Sunday, Dec. 29 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Christmas in Downtown Edmond ---- Christmas Light Displays ---- Miranda Family Lights ---- Northwest Lawn Lights on Kelly ---- Kid’s Galaxy End of the Year Bash!

---- Downtown in December ---- The Polar Express ---- Illuminations: Starry Starry Night ---- Limo Holiday Lights Tours ---- Holiday in the Park ---- OKC Gun Show

Christmas Light Displays Location: Various locations around Edmond Extra Info: for more information visit edmondok.com Miranda Family Lights Location: 19544 Talavara Lane Extra Info: Free, donations accepted; for more information and map go to edmondok.com or find them on Facebook Northwest Lawn Lights on Kelly Location: NW Lawn Maintenance Extra Info: for information go to northwestlawnmaintenance.com Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Free; 5 – 10 p.m.; For more information go to edmondlights.com Empire State Band Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: $10; 8 p.m.; for more information go to calendar.uco.edu Kid’s Galaxy End of the Year Bash!

Location: Kid’s Galaxy Indoor Playground Extra Info: 5-8 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook The Groove Merchants Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: $20 cash or check; 8 p.m.; for more information go to calendar.uco.edu Devon Ice Rink Location: 113 S Robinson Ave, OKC Extra Info: for more information visit downtowndecember.com Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: for more information visit downtownindecember.com The Polar Express Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: for more information find then on Facebook or visit okcthepolarexpressride.com Illuminations: Starry Starry Night Location: Crystal Bridge Conservatory Extra Info: for information go to calendar.oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com Limo Holiday Lights Tours Location: Citywide, OKC Extra Info: for more information visit viplimo.net

Extra Information on Weekend Happenings

Holiday in the Park Location: Frontier City Theme Park Extra Info: for more information visit sixflags.com

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring artwork of students in the Art in Schools program; for information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com

OKC Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for information go to oklahomagunshows.com

Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 3 – 10 p.m.; for more information find them on Facebook

Oklahoma High Performance Racing Auction Trade Show & Swap Meet Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for information go to raceshow.net

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 9

Army ROTC students earn commissions Two University of Central Oklahoma students received military commissions in connection with the completion of the UCO Army ROTC program and degrees during the university’s annual fall commissioning service held Dec. 13 at Central.

Army ROTC serves as the largest commissioning source for the Army, producing approximately 70 percent of all the officers for the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Cadets complete a rigorous curriculum of classroom and leadership lab instruction, physical training, and various summer training opportunities, all while attending college as full-time students.

The newly commissioned UCO students are:

Two University of Central Oklahoma students received military commissions in connection with the completion of the UCO Army ROTC program and degrees during the university’s annual fall commissioning service held Dec. 13 at Central. Pictured from left to right, 2nd Lts. Joel J. Cortez and Zachary C. Taylor celebrate their commissioning.

n 2nd Lt. Joel J. Cortez, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies. He will initially branch detail as a field artillery officer.

He will serve as a military intelligence officer following his branch detail. n 2nd Lt. Zachary C. Taylor, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies. He will serve as an engineer corps officer with 3120 engineer company located in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Central’s Army ROTC program is host to five active affiliated universities: Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Southern Nazarene University, Southwestern Christian University and Langston University, allowing non-UCO students to commission through the UCO Army ROTC program with the completion of a bachelor’s degree at their home university.

For more information about the UCO Army ROTC program, visit www.uco.edu/business/rotc.

Page 10 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The Orange Bowl 1968 You have to be thankful for the wonders of YouTube.

The other day I happened to stumble across the Jan. 1, 1968, broadcast of the Orange Bowl college football game from Miami, Fla. Steve Gust It featured the Sooners taking on the favorite Tennessee Volunteers.

It's somewhat amazing how different the broadcasts are now. There was no computer generated yellow line, marking the first down. And there was no annoying scrawl at the bottom of the screen either.

Prior to the game, NBC introduced the star players for each team. I wish the bowl games still did that.

OU was coached by Chuck Fairbanks. He was in his first year as head coach, following the death of Jim McKenzie. And the guy was wearing a tie. When is the last time you saw a coach wear a tie on the sidelines?

It was also interesting to hear the announcer tout the splendor of the bowl game. He complimented those at home who were able to watch the games "in color." I remember that.

There were a few years in the 1960s

when people had a transition to television sets that picked up the color broadcasts.

Fairbanks reminded me a bit of Lincoln Riley. They both were about the same age. Also, OU went ahead in this game, 19-0. When you get to 190 you want to make sure you make it 26-0 and then 33-0 before you rest.

Riley needs to pour it on also.

But the Vols got back into the game. With two minutes left in the game, Fairbanks went for a fourth and six inches on his side of the field. And OU, with the talented running backs of Steve Owens and Ron Shotts, couldn't pick it up. Tennessee got in position for a field goal, but missed and OU won, 26-24.

Something else different was the broadcast of cigarette ads.

They had some young couple talking about how such-and-such cigarette had a "good taste," to it. Wow. The cigarette ads now seem so out of place. It wasn't until 1970 when they were banned from television. Of course the cigarette people worked out a deal where the ban wouldn't go into effect until Jan. 2. They wanted one more New Year's Day of advertising during the big bowl games.

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

Horn a profile in courage?

EDITOR Letter to the Editor This letter is in response to Mr. Hibbard's Dec. 12 column, "Lankford and More Federal Fumbles" (Publisher’s Column) in which he applauds the Senator for his courage in pointing out government waste in funding various research projects. Maybe its waste;maybe it's not, but since when does it take any courage for an Oklahoma Republican politician to criticize the Federal government.

(Lankford's predecessor, Sen. Coburn did the same thing and it proved to be popular.) If Mr. Hibbard is looking for an example of real courage by an Oklahoma politician he need look no further than our own Fifth District Democrat Congresswoman. Despite Trump's winning the Fifth District by 13%, Rep. Kendra Horn voted to impeach him. For her courage she has and will receive a torrent of negative GOP ads, letters, and social media condemnation as we head into a very nasty election campaign.

DICK HOWARD

‘Give something that means something’ With the holidays here the Oklahoma Region of the American Red Cross asks everyone to help provide relief and comfort by donating during our Giving Something That Means Something Holiday campaign.

“Every eight minutes, someone affected by a disaster in our country turns to the Red Cross for support,” Alice Townsend, the Regional Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma Red Cross said. “When people’s lives are upended by home fires, tornadoes, floods and other crises, your support through our Holiday Campaign can provide necessities like emergency shelter, hot meals and blankets.”

This year, Red Cross volunteers have been by

the sides of families affected by large events like wildfires in California, Hurricane Dorian on the East Coast, tropical storm flooding in Texas, and tornadoes and floods in the Midwest.

On average, the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster every 14 days in the U.S. — on top of responding each year to tens of thousands of smaller disasters like home fires, which account for most of the 62,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

This year across Oklahoma, our teams have responded to not only home fires, but tornadoes and floods among other disasters. In May and June, multiple areas across the state were affected by tornadoes and

flooding. From the tornado in Blue, Okla. to the tornado in El Reno and the flooding in northeast Oklahoma, our teams were on the ground immediately helping those impacted.

HOW TO HELP: Help disaster victims: A gift of $50 can deliver hot meals for five people or provide blankets for 10 people after a disaster, or a larger donation of $100 can provide a family of two with a full day’s worth of emergency shelter, including meals, snacks, blankets, cots and hygiene supplies.

Help military members and veterans: Meanwhile, a donation of $50 can help connect veterans and their families to critical community services, such as food, housing, mental health support and rehabilitation. A larger gift of $145 can provide hospital kits, filled with toiletries and other essentials, for 20 service members.

Help save lives internationally: People can also help save lives through our work with the Measles & Rubella Initiative, which provides vaccinations for children and educates families about the dangers of measles and rubella. A gift of $100 can help provide lifesaving vaccinations for 100 children facing an increased risk of measles and rubella around the world.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE The holidays are a difficult time to collect blood because of busy schedules and inclement weather. Still, the need for blood is constant to help accident victims, cancer patients and others who rely on lifesaving blood products every day. Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Holiday season driving, the right to be safe EDITOR Not during the holiday season, not EVER is impaired driving acceptable!

Whatever the impairment, be it alcohol, prescription drugs (including medicinal marijuana) or illegal drugs – LIVES are at risk. Not just the impaired person’s life but every human being who shares the road with them is in harm’s way. Nobody is immune or protected from being the victim of traffic injuries and deaths from crashes.

Across Oklahoma in 2018, one crash occurred about every seven minutes, and two people were killed in crashes, on average, each day, according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. Impaired crashes, like most, are completely preventable, making them even more heartbreaking.

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.

Excitement fills the air during the holiday season. It is a time to stop and enjoy family and friends in the warmth of our homes, decorated to celebrate the season. The problem: It is also a time when our minds are more overloaded than ever, distractions are abundant, celebrations are many, impaired drivers get behind the wheel and crashes occur. Remember - they are not “accidents”, but can be completely avoided. AAA pleads with all motorists to make smart and safe decisions every time you get behind the wheel or get into a vehicle with anyone else. We all deserve the right to a safe holiday season.

LESLIE GAMBLE, Manager, Public & Government Affairs, AAA

Quote of the week I've never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a 'fat cat' and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a 'public-spirited philanthropist'.

Ronald Reagan

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 11

HMO shares tips to help fight off the winter blues An estimated 10 million Americans impacted by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) While falls and hypothermia are two main concerns during the winter months, seniors are also at risk for a lesser-known health hazard — seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This disease is a form of depression that typically affects people during the winter months.

GlobalHealth, an Oklahoma-based health insurance provider, is supplying information to help raise awareness of SAD and educate Oklahomans on recognizing and managing SAD this winter.

“It is normal to feel a bit blue during the darker winter months or after the holidays have passed, but when your sadness lasts more than a week or two, it could be a red flag,” said Dr. Wesley Williams, medical director at GlobalHealth. “SAD is thought to affect roughly 6% of the U.S. population, and most depressive episodes appear in the fall or winter and go away in the spring.”

GlobalHealth is providing information to help raise awareness of SAD. What is seasonal affective disorder?

SAD, which is sometimes called the “winter blues,” is a type of depression that begins and ends at about the same time each year. Those diagnosed with SAD usually have experienced major depression for the past two years during that specific season, which may be related to changes in the amount of daylight that person receives. The decline in daylight during the winter can affect circadian rhythms and cause hormonal changes that may lead to symptoms of depression in people with SAD. What are the signs and symptoms?

Those with SAD may experience feeling depressed most of the day (almost every day), having low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, changes in appetite or losing interest in activities

they previously enjoyed. SAD is four times more common in women than in men and is more frequent in people who live farther north or south of the equator.

How can I fight off SAD? Remaining healthy and active this holiday season can help you prevent and manage seasonal depression. By exercising 30 to 60 minutes several days a week, you can boost serotonin and endorphins, as well as improve your sleep and boost your self-esteem. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, along with small, well-balanced meals can also help manage SAD. Opt for oatmeal, whole grain bread, brown rice and bananas over pasta and white bread. Some foods, such as flaxseeds, soybeans and walnuts can also help improve your mood.

What are the treatment options?

There are several types of treatment for SAD, including medication, light therapy and psychotherapy. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may be used to treat SAD, while light therapy can replace the diminished sunshine of the fall and winter months.

Traditional cognitive behavioral therapy can also be effective for SAD. This type of psychotherapy identifies negative thoughts and replaces them with positive ones through behavioral activation.

This helps SAD patients find engaging and pleasurable activities to improve coping with the winter months.

Those experiencing SAD symptoms should also talk to their primary care physician about the behavioral health services available to them. Some health plans, such as GlobalHealth, cover these services for their members, oftentimes with a $0 co-pay for therapy sessions to encourage members to seek help without a barrier.

Regular office therapy visits for both mental health or substance abuse are self-referral to in-network behavioral health practitioners for GlobalHealth members.

Page 12 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 13

Brain cancer treatment shows promise An experimental brain cancer compound developed at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is being used in a new study that could considerably extend the lives of glioblastoma patients.

In a study at the University of Oklahoma’s Stephenson Cancer Center, the OMRF compound OKN-007 is being combined with Temodar, the current standard-of-care medication for glioblastoma. Researchers hope to learn if it can enhance Temodar’s effectiveness for a longer period of time.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with no cure. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, patients typically live only 12-18 months after diagnosis. Only 1 in 20 glioblastoma patients will live five years.

Temodar has been proven to work, but in most cases, patients tend to become resistant to the drug after approximately three months.

In combination, OKN-007 PHOTO PROVIDED/OMRF allows Temodar to remain efDr. James Battiste, left, is leading the clinical trial for OKN-007, an experimental drug that Dr. Rheal Towner helped piofective for longer with less re- neer to treat brain cancer patients. sistance, thus extending tients are out of other options,” said Nair. “By comtreatment well beyond the three-month window, bining it with Temodar, it offers a longer, more efperhaps indefinitely, said OMRF Vice President of fective treatment regimen.”

Technology Ventures Manu Nair.

The new study is led by James Battiste, M.D., “Several additional months of treatment with Ph.D., medical director of the Comprehensive Brain Temodar can dramatically prolong the lives of patients and keep them from enduring other grueling Tumor Program at the Stephenson Cancer Center.

An estimated 12,000 Americans are diagnosed treatments that can compromise their immune syswith glioblastoma each year, according to the tems,” said Nair.

American Brain Tumor Foundation. The standard OKN-007 had been in trials to determine safety and efficacy since 2013. The compound was devel- treatment regimen involves surgery to remove as oped by OMRF scientists Rheal Towner, Ph.D., and much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Still, the tumor almost alRobert Floyd, Ph.D., as a novel therapeutic that ways grows back. dramatically decreased cell proliferation (spread) “By combining Temodar and OKN-007 following and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), initial surgery to have the brain tumor removed, and it turned on the process of removing damaged we see potential for these patients to added benecells so they can’t become cancerous.

PHOTO PROVIDED/OMRF Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Vice “OKN-007 has been promising, but until now, it fit from an existing drug already proven to work, President of Technology Ventures Manu Nair. but for a much longer period of time,” said Nair. was only used in very late-stage cancer where pa-

Page 14 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

OC softball team will take on USA Olympians Oklahoma Christian's softball team will play the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in suburban Dallas as part of the Olympic squad's "Stand Beside Her" tour to prepare for the Games, OC coach Shanon Hays and USA Softball announced Wednesday.

The Eagles will face the USA Softball Women's National Team at AirHogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas, at 6 p.m. on April 21, immediately before a second game between the U.S. squad and North Texas.

"What a great opportunity and honor for our program to play the best team in the world," Hays said.

"Our girls are super excited. I'm happy that our schedule allowed us to play them because it's an opportunity you don't want to miss out on. It's awesome getting to be a part of helping Team USA get ready to represent our country in the Olympics!"

USA Softball is based in Oklahoma City. The U.S. team has practiced before at OC's Tom Heath Field, Hays said, particularly when U.S. team members are in town for the Women's College World Series, played each year at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in OKC. OC graduate assistant coach Madison Nordyke works at USA Softball as well, Hays said.

OC is one of three Lone Star Conference teams scheduled to face the U.S. squad during its "Stand Beside Her" tour, which has 27 cities already included, with more expected to be added. Texas Woman's will play in Grand Prairie on April 22 while Lub-

bock Christian (Texas) will face the U.S. on April 25 in Midland, Texas.

The Eagles are coming off a 40-16 season, in which they won the Heartland Conference regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the championship round of a NCAA Division II regional. The Eagles will begin play in 2020 in the Lone Star, the deepest softball conference in NCAA Division II. Softball will be included as part of the Olympic program next summer in Tokyo for the first time since 2008. As always, the U.S. team will be a strong contender to win the gold medal in the sport.

"We are really excited that the 'Stand Beside Her' tour is bringing the Olympic team to Dallas," said 2020 national team member Michelle Moultrie. "The people in Texas are known for their amazing support of athletics at all levels, so we are looking forward to playing multiple games and getting out to meet the community."

USTickets for the OC game will go on sale Jan. 13, with reserved seats for $25 and general admission tickets for $10. Luxury suites will also be available for rent and requests for information can be sent to Ryan Breckenridge at ryan@brkpartners.com.

With the return of softball to the Olympic Games program, the "Stand Beside Her" tour provides muchneeded training and competition for the 2020 Women's National Team in its preparation for the Olympics, while also giving fans a chance to watch the Red, White and Blue in person.

UCO wins at buzzer WICHITA, Kan. – Dashon Bell knocked down a 15-foot jump shot from the wing in between a pair of defenders as time expired to lift the University of Central Oklahoma men's basketball team to a 68-66 victory over Newman in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play at Fugate Gymnasium.

Bell stole the ball on the previous possession as Newman tried to take the final shot. He called a timeout with 4.2 seconds left. Then after the timeout, he took an inbounds pass, drove the length of the court, cut back after nearly losing the ball, and pulled up for the jumper.

Officials checked the monitors to see if any time was left. There was not. Central Oklahoma got the win.

"I'm just so proud of the guys for fighting tonight," UCO head coach Bob Hoffman said after the game. "We had to respond and we did. We kept fighting and we found a way. That was a big win for these guys and I think it's going to go a long ways for them moving forward."

Bell finished with 10 points. He was just 2-for-10 from the floor, but the second make came as time expired.

Central Oklahoma is now 4-8 on the season and 1-2 in the MIAA. The Bronchos are off for two weeks before returning to the court in 2020.

Central Oklahoma found itself in an early hole.

Newman went up 5-0 before a Justin Nimmer layup put the Bronchos on the board. Newman followed that with an 11-0 run that made it 16-2.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 15

Review of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’

Despite faults, fans have much to like about plot

By George Gust There will always be something special (for me) hearing the blaring horns of John Williams score opening a "Star Wars" movie, connecting the nostalgic feelings and sparking the special connection each fan has with the iconic series.

The Star Wars saga has been a cultural touchstone for so long and for so many garnered a love for movies, that it has become unlike any other film series.

The talk, hype and speculation around the series has become so deafening that it’s hard for filmmakers to ignore. "Star Wars: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker" feels like a movie that wants to neatly tie up loose ends from the previous eight movies, quell the anger of a fanbase that was unhappy with "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" and (oh by the way) makes loads of money. But as the old saying goes, "When you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one" "Star Wars: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker" follows the surviving Resistance as they continue to fight against the First Order. While Rey (Daisy Ridley) goes on a journey with and against her longtime foe Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) to discover

her past and forge a new future.

"Rise of Skywalker" is a jam-packed film that has action, fantastical good vs. evil stakes, and new worlds full of colorful characters, but ultimately feels hollow once the experience is over. Director J.J. Abrams has a real talent for tactile and pulse pounding adventure action, and this film has plenty of sequences that are thrilling and feature a fun repartee with characters we've grown to love.

However, "Rise of Skywalker" looks like everything you love in Star Wars movie, high flying dogfighting with the iconic Millennium Falcon, interesting use of force powers we've never seen

before and of course the lightsabers, but the breakneck pacing of the film's bloated plot makes for tonally jarring ending to the massively popular saga.

Ultimately, "The Rise of Skywalker" crams two movies worth of plot and world building into the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, and you can see the story-by-committee coming through its seams.

For its faults, there is a lot to like about "The Rise of Skywalker." From the fantastic performances from Ridley and Driver to the fantastical settings and entertaining action sequences, but ultimately this film disappoints by feeling too concerned with what the fandom will think of it.

There will always be something special about the Star Wars movies, and even though "The Rise of Skywalker" can feel like a stilted video game story at times, there's an undeniable nostalgic fun factor that makes the film a fun movie-going experience for those who love the series.

3.7 out of 5 stars “Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker” is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action.

Daisy Ridley and company return to tie up the Skywalker Saga in the final film in the storied series.

Child car safety seat check set While most families secure children in car seats, the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 59 percent of car seats are not installed correctly.

To reduce chances of children being harmed due to incorrectly installed car seats, Safe Kids Oklahoma led by The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital is collaborating with AAA in Edmond to offer a free community car seat checkup event.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are urged to attend. The child using the seat and the car seat in use must be present. Inspection and instruction by nationally certified technicians typically takes about 30 minutes. Participants will learn how to properly install car seats and check those already installed.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 4 at AAA, 1701 S Broadway, in Edmond.

For more information about the event, go to Safe Kids Oklahoma's Facebook page or call 405-470-2304.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: ANCIENT HISTORY ACROSS 1. Imposing abode 6. ____ ____ mode 9. Musical finale 13. Declares to be true 14. Bud or chum 15. Petroleum tanker 16. Relating to a gene 17. "La" precursor 18. Big Dipper shape 19. *Between Stone Age and Bronze Age 21. Concentration equalizing process 23. *E in BCE 24. Youngster 25. *The Romans built one at Bath's hot springs 28. Make like a cat 30. Mountain cover 35. Instinctive motive 37. "General Hospital," e.g.

39. Fresh Prince: "____ ya later!"

40. Lose coat 41. Upside down frown 43. Original thought 44. Not odds 46. Distinctive elegance 47. Feeling great delight 48. Mr. Selfridge's sphere of expertise 50. Greeneyed monster 52. *Early christogram Chi ____ 53. In the back 55. Granola grain 57. *Italian city, Mount Vesuvius' victim 61. *Pharaoh's resting place 65. Tearjerker 66. *The ____ Peoples, attackers of ancient Egypt 68. *Infamous Athens' legislator 69. Continental money 70. Lincoln lumber 71. Itsy-bitsy bits 72. Pre-Soviet

Russian ruler 73. Opposite of WSW 74. *Per Aristotle, there are 3 categories of this DOWN 1. Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior 2. Affirm solemnly 3. Wag of a finger 4. Don't cast your pearls before it 5. Inner wall of a trench 6. Altar holder 7. *____ Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher 8. Metallic mixture 9. Bye in Palermo 10. Auto pioneer 11. Kosher eatery 12. *One of Greek mythology's twelve Olympians 15. *Mesoamerica's earliest known civilization 20. One maxwell per square centimeter 22. ____, snowshoe, tube 24. Movie teaser 25. *Mesopotamia's earliest civilization 26. Establish validity 27. End of a shoelace 29. *Romulus' domain

31. Ruler of emirate 32. Mothball substitute 33. 1st letter of Hebrew alphabet 34. *Founder of first Academy in Athens 36. *Virgil wrote of this volcano in the "Aeneid" 38. Blueprint or outline 42. Diplomat on a mission 45. "The Odyssey" temptresses 49. Hula accessory 51. Jamaican gang member 54. Bridal path 56. Divination card 57. *Virgil or Homer 58. Cross to bear 59. Actress Sorvino 60. Standard's partner 61. One side of a leaf 62. *Euclid's sphere of expertise, for short 63. International Civil Aviation Org. 64. Take a nap 67. Long, long time

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

The community is invited to the First Friday Gallery Walk every month, rain or shine. Galleries and shops stay open late, and the evening marks the opening of new exhibitions each month.

This month’s walk is Friday, Jan. 3, 6 to 9 p.m.

The Paseo Art Space will feature two Oklahoma artists in January – Brent Brander and David Padgett. Artist Brent Brander comes to us from Tulsa with his exhibit of abstract works, Opposites Attract. Combining acrylic and oil, he creates two large color shapes, using a palette knife to make deep marks. David Padgett’s exhibit of oil paintings, Expressive Realism, will present his observations and emotions about nature, animals and people.

Early experiences in the Rocky Mountains kindled his attraction to the landscape, the animals that lived there and the many moods it can relay to the

viewer. An opening reception will be held during First Friday, and the exhibits will be on display in the Paseo Art Space at 3022 Paseo through Feb. 1.

A new year brings exciting things for the Paseo Arts Association, and a lot of opportunities for artists to get involved with Oklahoma City’s arts hub. The annual juried PAA Members’ Show is open to entries of all visual mediums until the deadline on Monday, Jan. 13.

Join the PAA to support their unique programs, exhibitions and outreach and submit to their four juried at a discounted rate. Application and exhibition information can always be found online at thepaseo.org/applications.

Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson. Each First Friday, Paseo galleries offer special themed exhibits, refreshments, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment- all within walking distance.

Sen. Adam Pugh seeks to ease teacher shortage in Oklahoma individual from being required Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edto take any additional compemond, filed two bills last tency examinations prior to reweek to help address the ceiving a teaching certificate. state’s teacher shortage by Pugh noted his bill was a folrecognizing the skills and low up to his SB 670 that was service of out-of-state teachsigned into law this past sesers. sion providing reciprocal licens“Even with the historic ing for military personnel and pay raises and budget inPugh their spouses. Because it is creases, we’re still facing a under a different title of law, teacher shortage. We’ve got teacher licensing was not covered to figure out a way to increase the under SB 670 so Pugh hopes to adpotential pool of teacher applicants, and attracting out-of-state teachers is dress it with SB 1125.

SB 1126 would grant a teacher one way we can do that,” Pugh said. credit for all years of out-of-state or “However, we need to get rid of some of the roadblocks that are keep- out-of-country teaching experience as ing out-of-state teachers from contin- a certified teacher or its equivalent at primary and secondary schools operuing their careers in our classrooms.

Recognizing their teaching certificates ated by the U.S. Department of Defense or affiliated with the U.S. and years of service is a great first Department of State for the purpose step.” of state salary increments.

Pugh pointed to two major prob“We’re losing qualified teachers to lems keeping out-of-state teachers other states or industries simply befrom applying in Oklahoma schools. cause they have an out-of-state teachFirst, when teachers move to Oklaing certificate, and then we’re homa from another state they must ignoring their years of service. This is get re-certified, which involves possiespecially hard for teachers in military bly taking competency examinations families who are re-stationed to Oklaand meeting other requirements set homa,” Pugh said. “We’re in desperby the State Board of Education – all of which are costly and time consum- ate need, but these rules are not welcoming to these potential teaching. Second, regardless of an out-ofing applicants. Making these simple state teacher’s years of experience, changes is going to make a dramatic Oklahoma only gives credit for five, which can significantly lower their po- impact in our schools and the future of education in Oklahoma.” tential salary.

The bills will be up for consideraSB 1125 directs the State Board of tion when the legislative session beEducation to issue a teaching certificate to anyone who holds a valid out- gins in February.

For more information, contact Sen. of-state teaching certificate, with no Adam Pugh at (405) 521-5622 or other requirements except a criminal Adam.Pugh@oksenate.gov history record check. It prohibits the

EPIC’s education award winners EPIC Charter Schools announced its Teacher of the Year, "A" teacher award winners and other instructional award winners in ceremonies at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman.

The 2018-2019 instructional award winners are: Rachel Teasley of Edmond was named Teacher of the Year Teasley is in her third year of teaching with EPIC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University Teasley of Oklahoma in 2012. She is also certified in Early Childhood Education. EPIC’s Teacher of the Year is also its highest performing teacher -- out of more than 1,100 - based on such factors as student achievement, attendance and retention.

Adam Wilhelm of Edmond was named Principal of the Year - Wilhelm is in his ninth year with EPIC, serving as a teacher prior to assuming his role as Wilhelm principal in 2018. He earned his bachelor’s

degree in Mathematics from Northeastern University. EPIC Superintendent Bart Banfield said Wilhelm represents the gold standard in instructional and academic excellence.

All of the instructional awards are based on performance factors such as student achievement, attendance and retention. Also recognized was Nicole Ellison of Tulsa was named Administrator of the Year.

EPIC also announced its annual list of “A” teacher award winners, those teachers who meet the highest standards in terms of attendance, student achievement and retention. More than 160 recipients were honored for this achievement today at EPIC’s Annual Faculty and Staff awards ceremony at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman.

EPIC Superintendent Bart Banfield said the group of “A” teachers honored today represent the academic excellence and commitment to student service for which EPIC stands.

“This group of outstanding educators are the best of the best,” Banfield said. “Their level of dedication and hard work is the standard to which every teacher should hold themselves.

We are so incredibly proud of their success.” Awards were presented by EPIC Superintendent Bart Banfield, and EPIC Co-Founders Ben Harris and David Chaney.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 17

Kids events scheduled at museum

Miss Asian UCO

No reason for cabin fever this winter; mosey on down to National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for some good ol’ fashion family fun! Each month The Cowboy host Kids Take Over the Cowboy events designed to excite little cowpokes of all ages. Activities will take place from 10 am – Noon the first Saturday of each month.

Jan. 4, Horsin’ Around Kids Take Over The Cowboy of 2020 with all things horses! Horses have been a longtime symbol of the American West and fixture in the Western lifestyle. Come celebrate these majestic animals with horse-related crafts, including a horseshoe picture frame, storytelling and a showing of the movie “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”.

Feb. 1, Pinch Pots Pinch pots are both beautiful and useful. Children will be able to create their versions of pottery inspired by those seen in the Colors of Clay exhibition. They will learn how to construct

PHOTO PROVIDED

University of Central Oklahoma student Yana Son was crowned Miss Asian UCO 2019-20 during Central’s annual scholarship pageant celebrating Asian culture, held Dec. 7 on Central’s campus. Son, a junior business administration major from Ponca City, Okla., represented Kazakhstan.

fun pottery using the “pinching” technique to take a ball of clay and pinching it into a pot of their own. Award winning Caddo potter Chase Earles will also be on hand to discuss the process of preparing clay and demonstrate various pottery techniques. Other fun activities include: pottery puzzles, creating pottery designs, storytelling and a screening of the claymation film, “Chicken Run”.

March 7, Picturing the Past The exhibition Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing will inspire youngsters to feel like they have stepped back in time to experience the history and the world through the lens of one of America’s greatest photographers.

They will see the effects of many social events in her photographs and personal memorabilia including many Oklahomans, as they struggled through the Great Depression. Stories about Lange’s incredible life and vast body of work will be presented at 10:15 am and 11:15 am.

Page 18 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated its growing presence in downtown Oklahoma City with a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the university’s newest learning center, UCO at Santa Fe Plaza. The new center will provide classroom and lab space, increase access for students working or living nearby and serve the growing population in downtown OKC. Pictured from left to right at the ribbon-cutting ceremony event are Wiley “Butch” Williams, deputy municipal counselor for City of Oklahoma City; Kevin Freeman, UCO vice president of Finance and Operations; Charlie Johnson, UCO vice president of University Communications; Brad Ferguson, KUCO director; UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar; John Barthell, UCO provost; Karen Youngblood, chief learning officer for One Agents Alliance; Brent Bryant, finance director for City of Oklahoma City; Cory Hubert, parking manager for the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA); Heather Scott, vice president of Corporate and Administrative Initiatives for Continental Resources; and, Jason Ferbrache, director of Public Transportation and Parking for COTPA.

UCO celebrates grand opening of new learning center The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated its growing presence in downtown Oklahoma City with a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the university’s newest learning center, UCO at Santa Fe Plaza, Dec. 16.

Members of the UCO community, along with UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar and Provost John Barthell, were on hand for the celebration that included self-guided tours of the new learning center, which will provide classroom and lab space, increase access for students working or living nearby and serve the growing population in downtown OKC. Additionally, the learning center

will house Central’s small business incubator, The Catbird Seat; KUCO-FM, UCO’s classical radio station; and, meeting space for the university and area businesses.

“Due to its popularity, we could no longer sustain the growth of evening classes at the nearby Carnegie Centre, so we needed more space. UCO at Santa Fe Plaza will now allow for expansion of our downtown programs, including the expected growth of the MBA and Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate programs,” said Barthell.

UCO at Santa Fe Plaza will house the UCO MBA program beginning spring 2020 with antici-

pated future growth of other programs.

The City of Oklahoma City and the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) were responsible for the renovation of Santa Fe Plaza, as Central is the lessee of the space. The remodel process of Santa Fe Plaza began in June 2018 in coordination with Beck Design and Jenco Construction. Central contributed a $250,000 investment to complete the project, funded though Academic Service Fees acquired by UCO. For more information about Central, visit www.uco.edu.

DAR gives back On Dec. 20, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Organizing Chapter in Edmond delivered items from a donation drive for UR Special, an Edmond-based organization that assists underprivileged children of Edmond with clothing, shoes, coats, and more. The DAR chapter provided activity books, and yarn for UR special volunteers to knit winter hats for the children. Pictured from left are DAR member Tammy Ross; Donna Hodges, knitter with UR Special; Organizing Chapter Regent Andrea Aven; Cindy Somerville, Dress Program Manager with UR Special; DAR member Mary Poulain.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 19

Melissa Calvin, The Feathery Crow, which is open 10 to 6 Tuesday through Saturday

Arcadia Farmers Market to expand indoor venue The Arcadia Farmers Market has expanded its indoor venue, welcoming Melissa Calvin, owner of The Feathery Crow, with handmade and vintage merchandise.

Calvin, who lives in Luther, is well stocked for shoppers with handmade girls’ hair accessories, handmade jewelry, antiques, vintage Christmas decorations, dreamcatchers made from fabric and lace, fabric chandeliers, and furniture handcrafted by her husband, Broc.

Most of the items in her shop were made by Melissa Calvin, her mother, Cathy, her sister, Mandy, and sisterin-law Jasmine.

At the front of the store, which is located in the white stucco building just east of the Arcadia Round Barn, Arcadia Farmers Market vendors

offer handmade holiday merchandise including ornaments, decorative pillows and fabric snowmen. Items designed for gift-giving include potted succulents, handmade candles and soap, 18-inch doll clothing and bedding and woven scarves, placemats and throws.

The Farmers Market recently added a line of pottery, baskets and decorative items made by Cherokee and Navajo artists and artisans.

The Feathery Crow and the farmers market indoor venue are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information about becoming an Arcadia Farmers Market vendor, email Lori Seagraves at admin@arcadiafarmersmarket.com or call 405226-0346.

Page 20 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

Handling the year-end work bonus Editor’s Note; LaDonna Sinning, with Arledge & Associates, answers questions on finanical matters. This week it pertains to work bonuses.

to have six months of living expenses in an easy-to-access account.

Every year I receive a year-end bonus from my company. Every year that money seems to move in and out of my bank account without moving my family forward financially. Do you have any advice on what I should do with my bonus this year?

Anytime we receive a small windfall, it is very easy for that money to slip through our fingers, particularly if we didn’t have a plan in place for it. There are some things that should be done and several things that could be done. If you haven’t already, I would suggest you do the following: 1) make sure your emergency fund is adequate, 2) pay off any debt you have outside of a home mortgage, and 3) max out the allowable contributions to your retirement account.

If I’ve taken care of the first three things Sinning above, what else should I consider?

Your next step should be visiting with your financial advisor about how best to invest your money. A couple of things I would consider are a 529 college savings plan for your children or grandchildren or an index fund account if you are new to investing. On the other hand, if you find yourself using your bonus to get out of debt every year, then now is a good time to reconsider your budget. While I don’t recommend relying on a discretionary bonus to manage your regular budget, if your bonus is not discretionary, then it can be an option, particularly if a good part of your salary is tied into the annual bonus. In that case, set aside part of your bonus for next year’s monthly budget with a goal of no credit card use for the year. You will be very glad you did in December of 2020 when paying down credit is no longer a part of how you spend your bonus.

How do I know if my emergency fund is adequate?

With current low unemployment rates, the time it takes to find a job should you lose yours is lower than in the past. Many people are now able to find a job in under two months. However, the timeline will vary widely between industries and by job level. You should also consider what the wait time is for you to draw disability should that be the reason you are drawing on your emergency fund.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is

LaDonna Sinning, CPA, CFE, is a partner at Arledge and Associates, PC, an Edmond-based accounting firm. Arledge and Associates, PC 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.

Through its Gateway Executive Solutions division, the firm offers outsourced CFO, controller and cloud-based accounting solutions.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

State official lays out higher ed’s agenda Strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce pipeline through degree and certificate completion continues to be the state system of higher education’s top priority. That was the message delivered by Chancellor Glen D. Johnson as he presented the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s FY 2021 budget request and 2020 legislative agenda to an audience of lawmakers, community leaders and educators at the University of Central Oklahoma Dec. 16.

“As we continue working to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on the Future of Higher Education, increasing college degree attainment in our state remains our primary objective,” said Johnson.

“To reach our degree completion benchmarks, we must renew our efforts to increase faculty salaries, advance our commitment to STEM and workforce initiatives, restore base operational funding to support our academic mission and strategic innovations, and expand the concurrent enrollment program.”

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently voted to request $927.1 million for FY 2021, which reflects an increase of $125 million or 15.6% over the FY 2020 appropriation of $802.1 million.

The State Regents are requesting $50.2 million for state system STEM workforce development initiatives, including funds to help meet engineering and nursing workforce needs and double the number of physician residency slots in the state. In addition, the State Regents are requesting $50 million for operational cost increases, including restoration of the National Guard Waiver and Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program scholarship programs and a 3.5% increase in faculty salaries to continue efforts to preserve quality academic instruction. Requests to fund deferred maintenance for campus infrastructure, for full funding of the concurrent enrollment program for high school juniors and to provide endowed chair state matching funds bond authorization and debt service are also priorities.

The State Regents will also continue efforts to protect the dedicated funding source for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program, through which more than 90,000 students have earned college tuition scholarships since the program’s inception in 1992.

Another area of legislative focus for the state system of higher education will be to maintain the current law regarding weapons on campuses. Oklahoma higher education supports the second amendment and gun ownership. Under current law, campus presidents have the discretion to permit the carrying of weapons when an exception is warranted. The State Regents and the presidents of all 25 state system institutions strongly believe that the current law with regard to weapons on campus is working.

To learn more, visit the OSRHE website at www.okhighered.org.

Bank’s new loan officer First Liberty Bank recently welcomed Brooke Gagliardi as their newest Mortgage Loan Officer.

Brooke spent the first 10 years of her career working in the Oil & Gas Industry before transitioning to the Mortgage Industry as a Loan Officer Assistant.

In her role at First Liberty Bank, she will be able to use her experience to assist new and existing clients with their Brooke Gagliardi Mortgage Lending needs.

“Serving others is truly gratifying, and I am honored to be doing it as a part of the professionals at First Liberty,” said Brooke.

Brooke is involved with Tenaciously Teal, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer fighters and their families. She holds a NASM Certified Personal Trainer Certification and is passionate about helping others stay fit and healthy. She is also a member of the Greater OKC Chamber. If you are looking for someone to help with your next mortgage loan call Brooke at 405.608.4500.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 21

Nico Gomez named to executive post at Children’s Rehab hospital the hospital grow The Children’s local and national Center Rehabilitasupport to contion Hospital is tinue its legacy of pleased to welservice. come Nico “The Children’s Gomez, as the Center RehabilitaHospital’s new tion Hospital has chief strategy offisuch a special cer. place in my heart.

Gomez has 20 When I was years of experiblessed with the ence working in opportunity to be health care. For 16 at a place where years he served at Gomez miracles happen, I the Oklahoma could not say ‘yes’ fast Health Care Authority, includenough,” said Gomez. “I am ing three and a half years as excited to work with this great the agency’s chief executive ofteam of caring people and ficer. For the past three years, he has served as chief executive serve our patients in this role. I will do all I can to ensure they officer for Care Providers Oklahoma, leading the state’s largest have the resources to continue long-term care trade association to provide outstanding care serving nursing homes, assisted today and for the days to living facilities and intermediate come.”

To learn more about The care facilities for individuals Children’s Center Rehabilitawith intellectual disabilities. tion Hospital, please visit our “Nico is a proven servant website at www.miracleshapleader whose personal and penhere.org. professional experience The Children’s Center Rehademonstrates a genuine pasbilitation Hospital is an innovasion for the mission and core tive leader in offering medical values of The Children’s Censervices that can only be ter,” said Albert Gray, CEO, The Children’s Center Rehabili- found in the region while also providing a promising pathway tation Hospital. “He is an acfrom hospital to home. The complished health care expert Children’s Center Rehabilitaand a passionate advocate for children with special needs. He tion Hospital is more than a will help move us into our next place where children come to heal. They come to learn and chapter of service.”

Gomez is excited to join the grow in a supportive, caring environment.

Hospital, as he hopes to help

EEDA event is Feb. 6

Lt. Governor to speak at Economic Preview The Edmond Economic Development Authority will host the 2020 Economic Preview, sponsored by First Fidelity Bank, Thursday, Feb. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edmond Conference Center, 2833 Conference Drive, located at the Hilton Garden Inn on the northwest corner of Interstate 35 and Covell Road. The event will include networking, featured speakers and lunch.

EEDA Executive Director Janet Yowell will kick off the event with an Edmond update, including insight into the latest Edmond developments. Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell will then present a discussion on economic development and tourism.

"The Economic Preview provides quality information and insights that I am pleased to share with our attendees each year," said Yowell. "I look forward to Lieutenant Governor Pinnell providing his outlook on economic development and tourism."

The 2020 event marks more than a decade of First Fidelity Bank's sponsorship of EEDA events.

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

Attendees will get access to reports that discuss trends and projections in the retail, office, residential and multi-family real es-

EEDA official earns accreditation volunteers to turn Donna Young, office every visitor encounter manager for the Edinto a positive experimond Economic Develence." opment Authority, "Everyone at the recently completed the EEDA is incredibly Certified Tourism Amproud of the hard bassador program. work Donna put into Completion of the prothis program," said gram gives her the offiJanet Yowell, EEDA excial designation of CTA. ecutive director.

The CTA program is "Donna has always accredited through the provided excellent Tourism Ambassador service and informaInstitute(r) and adminDonna Young tion to residents, busiistered at the local ness owners and visitors alike. This level. According to ctanetwork.com, designation is well-deserved." the CTA program objective is "to inFor more information on the CTA crease regional tourism by inspiring program, visit ctanetwork.com. front-line hospitality employees and

Petra’s McNew to get award have built over the years Petra Industries, the so together we can find consumer technology aunew ways to grow busithority and wholesale ness and serve our cuselectronics distributor, is tomers.” pleased to announce that This is the 11th year of Laura McNew, Vice Presihonoring the women in dent of Merchandising, is consumer technology one of six recipients of who are not only role the 2020 Legacy Awards. models but also innovaThe annual awards, betors. Said Carol Campstowed by the Women in bell, founder of Women Consumer Technology orin Consumer Technology, ganization, recognize six Laura McNew “Every year our pool of exceptional women who nominations grows larger, and it beare transforming the consumer techcomes harder to select the final recipnology industry through their leaderients because each one of them ship in the retail, distribution, sales, embodies the spirit of what the marketing, merchandising, integraLegacy Awards represents. We’re so tion, publishing, and trade associaproud of all our nominees and wish tion segments. The award will be to congratulate this year’s stand-out presented Jan. 7, at the Annual Legacy Awards Networking Reception award recipients.”

“What Laura brings to the table held during CES 2020 in Las Vegas. here at Petra is incredible,” said Tate “I’m honored to be recognized among such a prestigious group of in- Morgan, Petra President. “Her industry knowledge runs very deep. She’s novative women,” said McNew. “I’m on top of the latest tech and helps us truly grateful for the opportunity navigate through the changing marPetra has given me to work with an amazing group of people who under- ketplace. And Laura doesn’t hesitate stand the concept that ‘change is our to reach out to potential new vendors while nurturing strong personal only constant.’ I appreciate our venrelationships with our current ones.” dor partners and the friendships we

Lt. Gov. Pinnell tate markets; an Edmond demographic overview; city of Edmond information; and profiles from Edmond Public Schools, University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian University and Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will start promptly at 12 p.m.

Cost is $30 until Friday, Jan. 31. After this date, registration will increase to $40.

Cancellations must be received by Friday, Jan. 31. To register, visit www.eeda.com or call (405) 340-0116.

Page 22 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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Homes by Taber has opened the Highgarden addition of single-family homes, and debuted a new model home.

Highgarden, south of Sorgum Mill Road on the east side of N Douglas Boulevard, is the homebuilder’s 22nd neighborhood in the Oklahoma City area and seventh in Edmond.

“The natural landscape in this area presents an ideal setting for the homes we’re planning,” said Taber

LeBlanc, who founded the company nearly 20 years ago.

“We were instantly inspired to create a unique lifestyle for families here where the abundance of mature trees set the scene.”

Homes in Highgarden will range from 2,000 to 3,350 square feet and start in the low $300,000s.

The developer also will be installing a pool and playground in a future phase.

Online enrollment is available for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federally funded program is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).

Eligible households already receiving public assistance through OKDHS are preauthorized and do not need to apply.

Preauthorized households have already been notified by U.S. mail.

Households not preauthorized have been notified of the open enrollment

by U.S. mail and should apply online at www.OKDHSLive.org.

If any household member is Native American, application should be made at www.OKDHSLive.org or with the member’s tribe.

Households cannot receive assistance from both OKDHS and a tribe during the same federal fiscal year.

Only one payment per year per household is allowed for LIHEAP winter heating assistance. Household is defined as individuals living under the same roof with one utility meter.

The size of households and allow-

Eligible households already receiving public assistance through OKDHS are preauthorized and do not need to apply.

Preauthorized households have already been notified by U.S. mail. able monthly gross incomes include: One person: $1,354 Two people: $1,832 Three people: $2,311 Four people: $2,790 Five people: $3,269 Six people: $3,748 Seven people: $4,227 Eight people: $4,705 Those applying need to have their most recent heating bill information from their utility provider, personal identification, Social Security number and verification of income.

SOLD! Group brightens holidays for needy

BRENTWOOD

HIGHLANDS OF OAK TREE!

Winterizing your car: n Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with allweather or snow tires. n To avoid ice in the car tank and fuel lines, keep the gas tank full. n Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.

Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and cars, for possible power outages, and any outdoor activity.

Heating aid is available

SOLD!

n Check your heating systems by getting them professionally serviced to insure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside. n Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. n Test your smoke detector batteries monthly and replace them twice a year. n Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless and colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.

Homes by Taber opens addition

6 CAR G GARAGE ARAGE

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Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, provides winter safety tips to stay safe and healthy this winter.

Winter weather brings with it snow, sleet, ice and cold temperatures. While it comes as no surprise, many of us do not prepare for its arrival.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

“Winterizing your home and car can prepare you for winter weather,” said Stephanie Harris, OKCIC Public Health Director. “Quick and simple things can help you be more prepared, such as checking the batteries for your carbon monoxide detector or using wintertime formula in your windshield washer.”

To prepare for winter weather, here are a few tips suggested by the CDC. Winterizing your home:

In partnership with the community, Sunbeam’s Season of Joy celebrated 105 families this holiday season by providing joy, toys and household items.

“This event was made possible thanks to our countless partners,” said Sarah Rahhal, LCSW. “They have truly made this holiday season brighter for infants, toddlers and their families served by Sunbeam. Thank you!”

Through this holiday program, parents provided Sunbeam with a wish list for their family. Donors across the community had opportunity to “sponsor” a family and shopped for the wish list items for the children were are paired with. Additional partners included: Cox Communications, McCain Restaurant Group, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Trace Management and Walmart.

"Without the kindness of others, our kids wouldn’t be having much of a Christmas this year,” shared one client. “My husband’s employer, instead of laying employees off, reduced hours and decreased pay.

While we are grateful to still have

money coming in, the decrease in both hours and pay has hurt. I have recently been diagnosed with COPD. While we have insurance, new doctors and new medications are still and unexpected and unplanned cost.

Between these new changes in life, we weren’t sure how we would swing much of anything for Christmas. " It’s not too late to support clients served by Sunbeam. This holiday season, Sunbeam is asking the community to join them in raising $97,000 to help build strong families that last a lifetime. Every donation has a huge impact in the lives of Oklahoma children and families served by Sunbeam. To make a donation visit sunbeamfamilyservices.org or call 405-528-7721.

Established in 1907, Sunbeam is Oklahoma’s longest-serving social service agency. Each year, Sunbeam helps nearly 15,000 Central Oklahomans with life-changing services through our robust Early Childhood Education program, long-standing Foster Care program, compassionate Counseling program, and multifaceted Senior Services program.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 26, 2019 • Page 23

Holiday Match helps food bank feed thousands Hunger never takes a holiday. Through the end of the year, all donations to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma are matched dollar for dollar, up to $600,000, thanks to gifts from APMEX.com, Cresap Family Foundation and Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

The Holiday Match helps ensure that the Regional Food Bank can distribute an average of 50 million pounds of food each year to a network of 1,310 community-based partner agencies. Donations to the Regional Food Bank receive the maximum charitable tax benefits available.

With every dollar donated to the Holiday Match, the Regional Food Bank can provide eight meals to those living with hunger. Once the match is met, each dollar still helps provide for four meals.

"Making a difference in our community and helping those in need is extremely important to our employees and part of our company culture,” said Doug Lawler, chief executive officer of Chesapeake Energy Corporation. “The Regional Food Bank is instrumental in providing food to the hungry in our state, and we are proud to join them in meeting the needs of Oklahomans this holiday season.”

One in four Oklahoma children go to bed each

night not knowing where their next meal is going to come from. Children like Nola, a student at a metro school who receives food before weekends and holidays thanks to the Regional Food Bank's Backpack Program.

"When you don't get dinner at night, you're still hungry and when you're hungry, your belly starts to rumble," she said. "I love the beef sticks in the backpack."

Last school year, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2.8 million meals to nearly 42,000 chronically hungry children through its Food for Kids Programs.

“With their generous gifts, our donors help us to provide hope to the thousands of Oklahomans who live with food insecurity,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “The holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to make a donation and join the fight

against hunger in Oklahoma.”

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season at the Chesapeake Energy Giving Tree. The festively decorated tree is located on the west side of the company's campus at 6100 N. Western Ave. Visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Regional Food Bank. Chesapeake Energy employees recently donated approximately 500 pounds of food during the lighting of the Giving Tree.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Holiday Match campaign, please visit rfbo.org/give or call 405-600-3161. Donations may also be mailed to: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Holiday Match P.O. Box 270968 Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968

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 • December 26, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure