A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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A PUBLICATION OF EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
Get outdoors with Edmond Parks & Rec By Rose Drebes Residents of Edmond are again enjoying the great outdoors and taking part in a variety of classes in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Diane Self is the city’s recreation program manager. “People are back out on the golf course, enjoying the lake, playing tennis and giving their dogs some exercise at the dog park,” she said. “The public has continued to use
the green space and trails in the park throughout the entire time. “And we do have people registering for classes.” When the virus first hit Edmond, Self said her department hit the ground running – virtually. “We worked to have a virtual presence,” she said. “My coordinator would do ‘Live @11’ and update residents every Monday on what was going on -- what was open, what was closed, if there were any regulations, etc.” On other days, the Recreation Department would offer some type of class or informative live video on Facebook. “We did a lot of art, we had coffee making with Wilder Coffee, we had a photography video, etc.,” Self said. “We also would set up a kayak in different parks with a fabulous view and posted those on Instagram.
“We would have anywhere from 1-2k views of our videos.” The city hosted a movie night in June. “It was well-attended with 200 -250 in attendance,” she said. “We have had some good sized (meaning not too big) crowds, keeping distance, at our Concerts in the Park on Thursdays.” There has also been some distanced group exercise in the parks, Self said. People are enjoying the Farmers Market as it opened in early May. “We encourage social distancing and offer hand sanitizing stations,” Self said. Play has resumed at Kickingbird Golf Club. Masks are required in the clubhouse and one person per cart is allowed. The park playgrounds are back open, but pavilion reservations are accepted by taking group sizes into account, Self said. Dogs are running around the Dog Park again, while the pond there remains closed due to algae which is harmful to pets. Tennis is being played at the city’s Tennis Center and people are enjoying the sun and water this summer at the Pelican Bay Aquatic Center. Arcadia Lake has operated as normal all along, although people are asked to follow CDC guidelines.
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Edmond is now offering limited summer camps and classes. “We first spoke with instructors and checked to see who wanted to offer classes and who wanted to cancel,” Self said. “For the camps that wanted to go on, class numbers were limited to no more than six. We worked with instructors to offer classes in the safest environment possible.” Social distancing is being practiced as it is possible during classes. Only one group is allowed in a room and if capacity warrants, only every other room is used. “We take temperatures of everyone who enters the building and we encourage mask wearing,” she said. “We also offer hand sanitizer at the front desk and in the rooms. We do clean after a room is done for the day.” The Edmond Recreation Depart-
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PHOTOS BY SAJACKSON62 YouTube
Kayaking class with Edmond Parks and Rec and Steve’s Adventures.
ment plans to forge ahead. “We hope to continue on with plans, operating like we are currently until we start to see a decrease in cases,” Self said. “We are currently working on a Fall/Winter Activity
Guide that will only be available online. The print version will come back when cases warrant.” For more information, visit www. edmondok.com/337/Parks-Recreation.
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
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6 18 6 GET OUTDOORS
Contents
Enjoy the outdoors anytime with Edmond Parks and Rec.
9 HOW TO EFFECTIVELY FREEZE VEGETABLES Great tips for garden surplus and meal-planning
11 BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE YMCA Smaller classes and social distancing
12 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 15 SIMPLE PAIRING POINTERS FOR WINE NOVICES
16 HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHEN YOU CAN STOP MOWING
18 DESIGN SECRETS
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19 OVEN-FREE SUMMER DINNER IDEAS 20 STAYING FIT AND STAYING HOME 23 GET THE SPA TREATMENT AT HOME 24 WHEN TO USE SOAP AND WATER, AND WHEN TO USE HAND SANITIZER
25 TAKE-OUT TIPS WHEN DINING AT HOME 26 REMOTE LEARNING 28 WAYS TO BRIDGE THE GENERATION GAP 30 COOKING TOGETHER 31 ADVERTISER’S INDEX
How to effectively freeze vegetables A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
To say that COVID-19 transformed daily life would be an understatement. Few, if any, aspects of life were untouched once the virus hit. One aspect of daily life that changed considerably is the way people shop for food. As recommendations to remain home and out of crowded places spread, many people felt that shopping in bulk, or at the very least, meal-planning and buying necessities for a few weeks at a time, would reduce the number of trips they needed to make to supermarkets or small food stores. In addition, due to shortages on popular foods, many people have purchased items they did not necessarily
need in anticipation that such foods may not be available in the coming weeks or months. Large packages of meat and poultry can be broken down and frozen easily. But what about the fresh produce that many people rely on for important nutrients? Fresh vegetables only last so long, so people need to learn how to safely freeze fresh vegetables to avoid throwing them out. To freeze vegetables properly so they retain their flavor and texture, it is important to freeze them within a few hours of picking them from a garden or taking them home. Certain vegetables can be frozen in their raw state. The texture might change slightly upon thawing, but they
will remain flavorful. Other vegetables may require blanching before freezing. Blanching requires scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a brief time. Blanching helps stop the enzymes that cause vegetables to decay, a process that can occur even in frozen storage. Items that do well with blanching include spinach, kale, winter squash, and broccoli, according to HGTV.com. Another way to freeze produce is to remove the air that can compromise the food. You can do so by filling containers or bags and pushing out the extra air. Vacuum sealers can work to remove the air and help preserve items in the freezer longer; otherwise, use a tray
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pack method to freeze items. Place chilled and drained blanched vegetables in shallow trays or pans. Freeze them until the vegetables are firm and then quickly fill freezer bags or containers, says the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Remember to label and date containers so items can be used in the order in which they were packed. Most vegetables maintain high quality for eight to 12 months at 0 F or lower, according to the University of Georgia. Freezing fresh vegetables is an option when stocking up on essentials. Flavor and texture can be retained and items will not need to be discarded before they can be eaten.
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
Business as usual at the YMCA A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
By Rose Drebes With the exception of capacity, the YMCA of OKC’s programming is available pretty much as usual. “Since reopening on May 4, we’ve seen a steady growth in usage of our facilities and attendance in our programs,” Rachel Klein, the organization’s vice president of communications, said. “We integrated facility space and programs in phases so that we could monitor the safety of each.” As the pandemic started to affect the Oklahoma City area, Klein said the YMCA adjusted its cleaning and disinfecting protocols. After branches were temporarily closed, the organization stepped up its virtual presence. “When we were mandated to close our doors on March 17, we started offering ‘at-home’ activities that included virtual workouts led
by instructors, both for adults and kids; family activities and at-home workouts to do on your own,” she said. These days, it is pretty much business as usual at the YMCA, except in littler settings, Klein said. Summer Day campers are limited to smaller groups or neighborhoods to ensure safety and summer sports have been modified to help prevent any spread of the virus. Group exercise classes are limited and every other piece of equipment in the fitness centers is unavailable to allow for six feet of distance between participants. “We continue to monitor the situation in our community and the surrounding communities and will modify our programs and availability as needed to ensure the health and safety of participants,” she said.
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Fortunately, Klein said, the YMCA has been able to adjust its programs so they are still available this summer. “While each program looks a little different than in months or years past, they are still providing a space for kids and adults to be active, have fun and be involved in a community,” she said. Klein said she believes things will continue to be on the upswing at the YMCA. “As each week passes, we’ve been able to maintain a healthy and safe environment which provides our members peace of mind that the Y is a safe place to be,” she said. “We anticipate participation and usage of our facilities to continue to increase in the coming weeks.” For more information, visit www. ymcaokc.org.
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
Letter from the Publisher WELCOME TO SUMMER AT HOME IN EDMOND! PUBLISHER
Changing your philosophy
Reading my daily dose of comics a few days ago brought me to one of my favorite comic strips, Peanuts. Old Charlie Brown was having his usual troubles when he told Linus that his philosophy of life used to be “I’m taking life one day at a time.” He told Linus that he was changing it to now being, “I’m taking life a half day at a time.” After chuckling I decided my old friend Charlie Brown had just described what we are all going through with COVID-19 firmly in charge of our lives for the last several months. While our brave men and women in the hospitals and research labs are fighting the virus to take control and give us our lives back, we are stuck in a world of rapidly changing information and often times confusion, not to mention political grappling. Twenty-twenty has been filled with a variety of challenges but I cannot think of a better place to live or better neighbors to be going through difficulty with than in Edmond. It is a major advantage to be in this community and trying to learn a new normal, at least for the time being. I have no doubt that things will improve, and our community will be better off from the struggle. We will see tempers flare and arguments break out without a doubt but at the end of the day, Edmond folks will come together and help each other. We have seen it time and time again over the last century here in Edmond. I am 62 years old and do not feel like there has been a time in my years that we have really been challenged in the same way our parents and grandparents have been. I would call this COVID-19 challenge difficult for most of us but tragic to those that have lost their lives. We hope your family is keeping safe my friends. Life does go forward trying to achieve the balance until a better solution comes along. One of those challenges is keeping our small businesses alive and well to survive getting to the other side of this virus. Our At Home in Edmond Summer edition celebrates many of those small businesses. We ask you to please patronize the businesses that are advertising in these pages. Save our magazine so that if you cannot use their services now, you will have their number handy for when you do need what they offer. Please take time to care for one another. I have been blessed to have traveled the world and the one thing always comes through in any coffee shop in any town on this earth is that we all want the same things. We need to have decent jobs, a healthy family, and great communities. Edmond fulfills that last one and you and I can help take care of the other two. As much as I have traveled, Edmond is the only place I want to live.
Ray Hibbard Publisher Edmond Life & Leisure At Home in Edmond
Ray Hibbard
EDITOR
Deanne York
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rose Drebes
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Deanne York
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Simple pairing pointers for wine novices
Pairing a delicious meal with the perfect wine can be a match made in heaven. Wine novices may be intimidated by the challenge of making the perfect pairing, but they need not put themselves under such pressure. Just because a certain wine might make for a perfect pairing, that doesn’t mean others cannot step in and serve an equally flavorful function. People who appreciate a great meal accompanied by an equally great wine need not have an encyclopedic knowledge of food or wine to successfully pair the two together. In fact, some basic pairing knowledge might be all that’s truly necessary to make a meal more memorable. • White and light: White wine fans should know that such wines tend to pair best with light meat, such as chicken or fish. According to Backbar, a platform designed to help bars and restaurants manage their inventory more effectively, white wines pair well with fish because the acidity in these wines enhances the taste of the fish. Chicken dishes vary greatly, and the online wine resource Wine Folly (www.winefolly.com) notes that the sauce will greatly affect the flavor of the meat. That means a wine that pairs well with a certain chicken dish may not necessarily pair as well with a different one. Representatives at local liquor stores or wineries can help people choose which wine to pair with chicken dishes. • Reds and reds: Red meats tend to match up best with red wines. Though they can be found in white wines, tannins are predominantly found in red wines. According to Backbar, the tannins in red wines soften the proteins in the meat, thereby helping enhance the flavors of the fat. That makes for a more flavorful meal. • No need to spice things up: Spicy foods are beloved across the globe. Such foods can be among the more intimidating to pair with wine, as spicy foods have bold flavors that no one wants to detract from. In a 2016 interview with Eater.com, professional chef Sean Pharr advised against pairing high alcohol wines with spicy foods, noting that the alcohol can intensify the heat and
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spice of the food. That can prove disastrous for anyone trying to impress a date or show off their skills with spice. Many people prefer a Riesling with spicy food, as the sweetness of this white wine can help offset the spice, making for a satisfying, flavorful meal. Pairing wines may seem intimidating. But a few simple strategies can help novices find a wine that makes a homemade meal that much more delicious.
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How to recognize
when you can stop mowing
Each weekend in spring, summer and fall, millions of homeowners fire up their mowers and cut the grass in their yards. A few hours spent mowing the lawn can be a great time to get some sun and some exercise in the great outdoors. As fall gradually transitions to winter, homeowners may wonder when to stop mowing their lawns. Each lawn is different, and when to stop mowing may depend on a host of factors, including local climate and the type of turf. In addition to climate and turf, homeowners can keep an eye on these conditions to determine when the time is right to put their mowers away for the winter. • Frost: Warm-season grasses typically go dormant after a couple of significant frosts. Homeowners can jot down each frost during fall. Frosts are most noticeable in the early morning hours, so be sure to check lawn conditions each morning as the weather begins to grow cold. Frost may be noticeable without even going outside, but homeowners may need to go outside to check on chilly mornings or on days when the previous night was especially cold. If you must go outside, stay off the grass to protect it. Two or three frosts might be enough to make warm-season grasses go dormant for the winter. Cool-season grasses may keep growing and require moving even after a few frosts, so it’s imperative that homeowners determine which type of grass is in their yards. • Soil temperature: If it’s hard to determine if frosts have occurred, homeowners can try checking the temperature of their soil to decide if they need to keep mowing. The lawn care experts at Pennington recommend homeowners continue mowing warm-season grasses so long as they keep growing. Lawns may not grow as quickly in fall as they do in spring or summer, and growth may not be as visible to the naked eye during this time of year as it is in other times. Homeowners can routinely check soil temperature to determine if their grasses have stopped growing. Warm-season grasses tend to stop growing once the soil
temperature is consistently at 55 F or below, while cool-season grasses tend to stop when temperatures are 45 F or lower. Falling leaves have long been a barometer used by homeowners to determine if they need to keep mowing their lawns. That’s not necessarily a reliable metric, as grass can still keep growing even if leaves have been falling for weeks. In addition, using a mulching mower when leaves begin falling is a great way to provide the lawn with nutrients it can use throughout the winter. Some trees shed their leaves more quickly than others, but it’s a good rule of thumb that lawns will need to keep being mowed if trees are still retaining more than half their leaves.
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Design Secrets
Photo spreads in home design magazines can be awe-inspiring. Quite often homeowners wish they could lift the looks right off the pages of magazines and transform their own homes into picture-perfect retreats. It takes an eye for design to pull a room together — even with inspiration — and make it both functional and attractive. While hiring an interior designer is one way to go, homeowners can use some of the tricks and techniques the designers employ to do a remarkably good job of improving the interiors of their homes without such help. Embrace texture The colors used in a home can add impact, but designers often utilize various textures to create aesthetic appeal. A single color scheme can be enhanced by various fabrics. Consider a leather sofa made more cozy with chenille pillows next to a rustic side table. Figure out
ways to incorporate a few different textures to add depth to the room. Be careful with color Many high-end homes showcase neutral shades that are enhanced by pops of color. If you like a rich, royal purple, leave room for other colors as well. Add touches of purple in vases, throw pillows and other accessories. Also, many designers work in shades of three for room colors. There may be one main color for walls, another color for larger accents, such as couches and chairs, and then a third color that pops in accessories such as flowers, pillows and collectibles. These can be any colors, but the most muted tends to be the more abundant shade. Add a bit of bling Glittery items and metallics can add a touch of luxury feel to any space. A shiny table lamp, mirrors, a sparkling chandelier, and the like are easy ways to
produce a high-end feel. Reflective surfaces also will cast light around the room, giving the illusion of a larger space. Choose a big statement piece Many homeowners make the mistake of filling a room with several small pieces of furniture that only contribute to clutter. Instead, look for a statement piece, which can be a cabinet, armoire or chaise. Mix and match large and small elements for a sense of balance. Accessorize Finish the room with accessories and flowers. When placing and hanging knickknacks and wall art, odd-numbered groupings often look the most cohesive and interesting. Experiment with different scales and heights for even more dimension. When inspiration hits, take some cues from interior design pros to make spaces look like they belong on the pages of your favorite magazines.
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Oven-free summer dinner ideas Mid- to late-summer is appropriately known as “the dog days of summer” because it can be so doggone hot. The humid, sticky conditions of late summer can make people feel sluggish and looking for ways to cool down. The idea of warming up the house by turning on the oven to cook a meal may be especially unappealing. Recipes that require little to no cooking — and no stove — can be a home cook’s best friend as summer progresses. Here are a few ideas to get started. Grilled paninis Gather some favorite sandwich fixings, such as sliced meats, vegetables and cheeses, and head to the grill. Put ingredients between two slices of crusty bread and place on the grill over low or indirect heat. Weigh down the sandwiches with cast-iron pans to flatten out the sandwiches. Savory salads Cool salads can be refreshing and light on hot summer evenings. Salads can range from traditional lettuce- or greens-based salads to pasta salads and chicken or tuna salads. Mix ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Serve chilled with toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits and croutons to dress up the salads. Cold buffet Summer is a time to avoid hearty, belly-filling meals. Instead, produce a spread of finger foods, ranging from crackers and cheese to vegetables
and dips. Fresh fruit also can accompany buffet-style meals, as can slices of Italian bread and homemade tomato bruschetta. When the weather is hot, think cool, no-fuss meals that keep the stove off but bellies full.
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Staying fit and staying home How to stay fit when social distancing Many people consider their gyms much more than a place to exercise. A gym can be a great place to socialize while trying to stay healthy. Having friends or fellow fitness enthusiasts around also can provide the motivation many people need to stay the course and achieve their fitness goals. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association says more than 70 million consumers visited health clubs in 2017. That marked a record high since IHRSA began tracking data in 1987. Fitness memberships also are popular in Cana-
da. GoodLife, the largest fitness club in Canada, has 400 different locations and more than 1.5 million members. Fitness centers were among the many non-essential businesses forced to shutter as a result of COVID-19, forcing fitness enthusiasts to find new ways to stay mentally and physically fit. Many creative ideas have surfaced. • Online classes: An internet connection is all that’s necessary to find a number of workouts that can be streamed from the comfort of home. The streaming website YouTube can be a gold mine for free workouts. Some cable service providers also may
have On Demand fitness channels or rentals that can mirror some of the classes taken at the gym. • Social apps: Gym-goers can inquire whether their gyms are offering alternative programs. For example, Jersey Strong, a fitness chain in New Jersey, began live-streaming many of its popular group fitness classes via a special Facebook page. Class instructors guide classes from their own homes or from empty gyms. Other gyms may provide links to subscriber-based gym training workouts free of charge. • The great outdoors: Even though some parks, beaches and trails have been closed,
PHOTO PROVIDED
Running on a local trail or in your neighborhood is a great way to stay fit and stay socially distanced.
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workouts can take place in and around the neighborhood. Jogging or walking can be excellent cardiovascular exercises, as can taking a bicycle ride for a few miles down neighborhood streets. People who live in rural areas can run through forested land or even farmland. Pushups, sit-ups, planks, and other body weight exercises can be done right in the backyard. Before making a decision about whether or not to be active outside, be sure to check the latest guidance from your local health department and community or state leaders.
• Remote sports: Videos of city dwellers playing tennis across roof tops for much-needed air and exercise have emerged in recent weeks. Similar benefits can be achieved with a game of catch, volleyball or racquet sports over fences with neighbors, provided limits on participants are placed and social distancing is maintained. Staying fit during COVID-19 restrictions takes some ingenuity, but it’s certainly possible to maintain your overall health. In fact, some people have found they now have more time to exercise than they did before.
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PHOTO PROVIDED
Mental and physical health benefit from an exercise routine. Pushups, sit-ups, planks, and other body weight exercises can be done right in the backyard.
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Get the spa treatment at home Facials can bring about the best in your skin and help treat various conditions. Few things beat the pampering of a professional facial spa treatment — a luxury that many men and women afford themselves when possible. However, lately people have had to look elsewhere for popular beauty services. Data from the Simmons National Consumer Survey for the cosmetic and personal care industry revealed roughly three million Americans received facials four times or more in 2019. Many aestheticians recommend facials every month. Canadian Living reports that facial treatments across the country can range from $40 to more than $200. Though they’re wildly popular, facials have fallen victim to social distancing guidelines that shuttered many salons. While not a carbon copy of the in-depth treatments offered at spas, at-home facials can bridge
the gap until spas reopen. Understand the facial process Professional facials typically feature a series of steps. These include cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extraction, specialized spot treatment, toning, and moisturizing. Aestheticians use products they endorse or those required by the spa. But you can use any products on hand to achieve similar results, which means you can shop around for the price point that works for you. Know your skin Understanding your skin is the key to targeting and addressing issues. Just because a particular moisturizer worked on your sister who has dry skin doesn’t mean it would work the same way on your skin. Consider allergies as well. If you tend to break out when sipping orange juice, a citrus-based toner may not be your best bet. Gather your tools You likely have all you need at home to give yourself a good
facial. A steamy shower or a pot of boiling water satisfies the steam requirement. A nubby, cotton washcloth can help with the cleansing and exfoliation of skin. Chances are you already have a toner, cleanser and moisturizer in your bathroom cabinet that can be utilized. If you want to invest in any specialized tools, aestheticians like Kerry Benjamin from the Los Angeles-based StackedSkincare recommend micro-needling, which is achieved with a dermaroller. This device causes tiny injuries to the skin to increase collagen production and help thicken the skin. A dermaroller can help with issues like dark circles under the eyes and fill in lines. Spot-test all products and be gentle when handling skin. In addition, remember to follow up any facial treatment with good skincare at other times, which includes wearing sunscreen at all times to protect against UV rays.
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At Home in Edmond Summer 2020
When to use soap and water,
In the wake of the global COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, millions of people across the globe found themselves scrambling for hand sanitizer. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that cleaning hands at key times is one of the most important steps people can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs, there are differences between washing with soap and water and washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The CDC notes that preventing the spread of sickness through handwashing is most effective when people know which method to use when
and when to use hand sanitizer
cleaning their hands. When to use soap and water The following are common situations when the CDC advises using soap and water to clean hands. • Before, during and after preparing food • Before eating food • Before and after caring for someone who is sick • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After using the bathroom, changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing • After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal waste • After touching garbage • If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy When washing with soap and water, the CDC advises people to wet their hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and applying soap. Lather the hands by rubbing them together with the soap, making sure to scrub all
surfaces of the hands, including palms, backs, fingers, between fingers, and under the nails. Scrub for 20 seconds before rinsing hands clean under running water and drying your hands, be it with a clean towel or air drying. When to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer Hand sanitizer should not be applied to hands that are dirty or greasy. Hands that become dirty or greasy after activities such as gardening or fishing should be cleaned with soap and water. The CDC advises using alcohol-based hand sanitizer: • Before and after visiting a friend or a loved one in a hospital or nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridium difficile (if so, use soap and water to wash hands). • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can. Children should always be supervised when applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the CDC recommends covering all surfaces of the hands with the product before rubbing hands together until they feel dry, which should happen after roughly 20 seconds. Clean hands can prevent the spread of disease. Knowing which hand cleaner to use in certain situations can be an especially important preventative measure.
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Take-out tips when dining at home Although takeout has long been a convenience enjoyed by people around the world, in recent months takeout became a key way for many restaurants to stay afloat when the novel coronavirus COVID-19 forced many to close their facilities to customers. Restaurants have been allowed to remain open, though they have been forced to change their business models. In a matter of weeks, establishments that were not accustomed to offering takeout quickly reimagined their operations to offer curbside pickup or delivery options. In turn, many communities promoted movements to help keep restaurants afloat, with some encouraging residents to participate in Takeout Thursdays to patronize struggling bars, restaurants and delis. Takeout has always provided a respite from cooking meals at home, but it seems especially welcomed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Now more than ever, individuals and families could use a break from cooking three meals per day. When opting for takeout, consider these tasty tips. • Support small businesses. Independent restaurants could have a tougher time bouncing back from reduced sales and income than large restaurant chains. When seeking out food- and beverage-related businesses, lean heavily on mom-and-pop restaurants, many of which are pillars in their communities. These are the businesses whose owners may have children in your local schools or those who sponsor local sports leagues. • Investigate food safety. Inquire about the safety measures restaurants are taking to ensure food safety. Most restaurants and delivery services are enacting even more safety measures than are required by law. Keep in mind, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said, “There is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.” Simple handwashing after touching food packaging and your food or face may be sufficient. • Learn new protocol. Ask the business what their requirements are for ordering food. Some restaurants will bring the continued on Page 26 order directly to your car
PHOTO PROVIDED Now more than ever, individuals and families could use a break from cooking three meals per day.
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Remote learning An increased reliance on virtual home instruction has many students rethinking their organizational strategies and daily school schedules. Learning at home is different from being in a traditional classroom environment, but with some effective strategies, students can persevere without missing a beat. Stick to a schedule Many students are successful because they follow a schedule. The Center for Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning says that routines and schedules are important because
they influence a child’s emotional and cognitive development. Children feel secure with schedules, which may help them recognize what’s expected of them. When learning at home, students should strive to maintain as consistent a schedule as possible, including bedtimes, wake times, hours devoted to learning, and time to get outside or engage in downtime activities. Connect live if possible There are many free tools and resources available that enable teachers to provide live video lessons or to record them so stu-
dents can watch them later. Similarly, social networking apps and virtual meeting programs enable students to connect digitally. This can be helpful for collaborative learning assignments or just to see a familiar face. Stick to tools that work Once students find apps or systems that work, they should stick with them, offers Khan Academy, an educational tutoring resource. There are many factors outside of one’s control during virtual instruction, but maintaining consistency with tools and
• Pay by credit card. When placing an order for takeout or through curbside pickup. Others curbside pickup, pay by credit may enable you to enter the card online or over the phone establishment if you are wearing if that is an option. This limits a mask. Delivery only might be how much you and restaurant the policy at another establishemployees have to handle cards ment. Follow all rules, as they or cash. have been implemented to keep • Avoid direct handoffs. Ask you and the business employees the counter server or delivery safe.
person to put down your order and step away before you grab it. This is an extra step to combat the spread of the virus. Even as stay-at-home restrictions are being relaxed, takeout figures to remain popular. Certain tips can keep everyone well fed and safe and help bars and restaurants stay afloat.
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schedules is one way to feel more confident and secure. Check student accounts frequently Just like students, teachers may be learning as they go in regard to remote learning strategies. Students should be sure to check school email accounts or other places where teachers post assignments a few times per day so that they stay on top of all assignments and are aware of due dates. Reach out to instructors Allegheny College suggests students contact their teachers if they are unsure of how to participate in remote learning environments. Ask ques-
tions about assignments, get clarification on key topics and be sure to tune into any remote chats or virtual “office hours.� Stay in touch with guidance, if needed Remote learning is a new experience for many students, and there may be certain struggles or road blocks. It can be easy to grow frustrated with equipment failures or lack of in-person interaction. Schools employ qualified therapists and guidance counselors who are just a click, call or email away if issues need to be talked through. Students should utilize all resources made available to them.
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Ways to bridge the generation gap Grandparents and seniors can share wisdom and a lifetime of experience with the young people in their lives. Expressing gratitude for such lessons is a great way to show the seniors in your life, whether it’s a grandparent, mentor or family friend, how much they’re appreciated. Some seniors live alone, while others may be living with their adult children and grandchildren, offering care and support to help make the household function. Whether grandparents, aunts and uncles or older friends live close by or elsewhere, there are many ways for their loved ones to show them how much they’re appreciated. 1. Become pen pals. Seniors may have limited mobility or opportunities to get out of the
house. Receiving mail is one way to connect with the outside world. Regularly send letters to a grandparent or other senior, sharing tales of daily life and key moments that will bring them joy. Chances are they’ll return the favor with a letter of their own. 2. Explore technology together. Younger generations can introduce seniors to available technology that can bring them closer. This may include digital assistants that enable them to share videos, tablets to send email or access social media, mobile phones for calling and texting, and anything else families can customize to their needs. 3. Offer companionship. Spending time with younger generations can motivate seniors
to stay active and engaged. Have games and activities at the ready or simply provide a listening ear. 4. Shop and run errands. Help aging loved ones perform the tasks that they may not be able to tackle on their own. This can include picking up groceries or prescriptions or taking them to appointments. Simple work around the house, like doing laundry or light clean-up, also can be a big help. 5. Start a hobby together. Develop a hobby that seniors and young people can enjoy together. Watching classic movies, painting ceramics, going to sporting events, or gardening are just a few of the many hobbies that seniors can enjoy with their young loved ones.
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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Cooking together Families are spending more time at home than ever before. Stay-at-home guidelines have led many parents to expand their culinary horizons, and time in the kitchen can be made more enjoyable by getting the whole family involved. As stay-at-home measures continued throughout spring, boredom was a common complaint among people of all ages. Families sticking out social distancing together can confront that boredom by working together to prepare delicious,
homecooked meals. The following are some simple ways to get the whole family involved when the time comes to get dinner on the table. • Include young children. Younger children may not be able to cut, dice or chop, but that does not mean they can’t participate in nightly cooking sessions. Kids can stir, pour and, perhaps most importantly, shake. The Extension Nutrition Education Program at Purdue University notes that helping to prepare food can help children feel like they’re part of the family and even encourage them to make healthy choices. Each of those things can benefit children in the shortand long-term. Older kids can take on more responsibility when preparing meals, and teenagers can even tackle entire meals on their own if they so prefer. • Rotate the responsibility for choosing dishes. The family chef
may be accustomed to choosing meals. But with stay-at-home measures in place and restrictions only slowly lifting, sharing that responsibility can be a great way to make everyone more excited about mealtime. Parents can still choose the majority of meals, but let kids choose one or two meals per week. To prevent kids from always opting for less healthy fare like macaroni and cheese or pizza, establish certain rules. For example, note that each meal must include at least one fruit or vegetable, relaxing these rules as you see fit. This is a great way to teach kids about nutrition while also showing them how less nutritious fare like pizza can be made healthier by replacing toppings like pepperoni with freshly cut vegetables. • Expand your operation. In-person baking sessions with grandparents and large Sunday dinners with extended family members may not be possible in the era of social distancing. However, such traditions need not be abandoned entirely. Utilize video conferencing apps like Zoom to prepare foods together, with each family member whipping up their own meal or dessert. Items can then safely be dropped off at each other’s homes. Go the extra mile by keeping the video conference going as everyone sits down to indulge in a tasty meal.
Advertiser ‘s Index
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
Amini’s Galleria.................................................................3 Brent Gibson Classic Home Design...................................5 Broadway Antiques & Market..........................................15 Citizens Bank of Edmond................................................17 City of Edmond Water Conservation..............................13 Danny Marx - Keller Williams Realty...............................30 Don’s Floor Gallery.........................................................29 Edmond Electric..............................................................32 Edmond Family Counseling...............................................6 Edmond Optical Shop.....................................................25 Edmond Parks & Recreation..............................................7
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Fillmore/Chambers Design Group.....................................2 Garage Innovations.........................................................27 Gary Baccus - State Farm.................................................19 Integris Health Edmond.....................................................4 Ken Chambers Design/Build............................................10 Matthews Funeral Home.................................................24 Prime Bank......................................................................20 Reid Printing...................................................................15 Scott Coleman Homes....................................................21 Shop Edmond..................................................................14 Visit Edmond...................................................................22
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