Edmond Life and Leisure - September 5, 2024

In This Issue

FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 2.

Three generations of nurses. See page 8

The night Dennis Quaid paid Edmond a visit

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Mostly Sunny High 86° Low 64°

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Sunny High 86° Low 64°

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Sunny High 87° Low 64°

You don’t always associate Edmond with star actors and movie premieres, but that was the case for a brief moment last week.

ShowBiz Cinemas had the movie premiere of “Reagan” which opened nationwide Aug. 30. There was also a red carpet reception for the cast and crew of the film.

Gov. Stitt was among the many welcoming the entertainers, who filmed most of the movie in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma had drawn a lot of movie attention lately with the success of “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Twisters.”

“Reagan” is a look at the life and political rise of Ronald Reagan, a former actor and 40th president.

Portraying the iconic president is veteran Hollywood star Dennis Quaid.

The star, who has been in many movies such as “Parent Trap” and “Flight of the Phoenix” was also on hand

last week to discuss the motion picture.

And a few lucky people were fortunate enough to get a photograph with the famous actor. Among them was Lois Korbe — a longtime Edmond resident.

In a hallway, her husband Greg Korbe saw Quaid and asked for a picture on behalf of Lois. He quickly agreed and took her phone and snapped three selfies.

“It was a quick brush with him (Quaid),” Lois recalled. Afterwards she posted the photo on Facebook and received dozens of comments — including from family she hadn’t heard from in years.

She stayed for the movie premiere. “The movie is a must-see,” she said. “It’s historically relevant as well as moving love story.”

Quaid left Edmond in a helicopter and was in New York the next morning for an appearance on the “Today” program.

STEVE GUST

PHOTO BY DENNIS QUAID

Actor Dennis Quaid takes a selfie with the phone of Lois Korbe, also in photo. Quaid was in Edmond to promote his latest movie “Reagan.”

From the Publisher

AT&T turns on Boosts Speeds in Edmond

AT&T* continues to expand its 5G network in Edmond and across Oklahoma, giving residents, first responders, businesses, and visitors a big boost in their wireless connectivity.

In Edmond, a new site boosts coverage, capacity and speed near West Simmons Road, Portland Avenue and Bradford Farms Lane, while a second new site improves coverage near Danforth Road and North Coltrane Avenue.

“At AT&T, we are continuing to invest in our mobile broadband network in Edmond and across Oklahoma to make wireless connections easier for residents, visitors, businesses and first responders throughout our state. These new sites connect our customers to greater possibility,” said Jan Moran, area manager of External Affairs for AT&T in Oklahoma.

Other new sites across the state include:

• Calumet, Canadian County, east of Bridgeport just south of US Route 66.

• Granite, Greer County, near Bartlett Street and State Highway 9.

• Pettit, Cherokee County, near Petitt Bay Road, Big Hollow Road and Ranch Lane.

• Colcord, Delaware County, near Main Street and Harrington Road.

• Fletcher, Comanche County, near NE North Road, NE 180th Street and Interstate 44.

These new sites also include Band 14 spectrum, which is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the federal government specifically for FirstNet® - the only nationwide communications network created with and for public safety. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked exclusively for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.

AT&T 5G brings fast, reliable and secure connectivity to more than 295 million people in over 24,500 cities and towns nationwide. This helps Oklahomans get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play. From 2019 through 2023, AT&T invested nearly $1.5 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Oklahoma to connect more people to greater possibility. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for first responders, residents, businesses and visitors to the state.

Where can you find more information? Visit Oklahoma.att.com to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Oklahoma. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.

And for the latest news on AT&T 5G, visit about.att.com/pages/5G.

Straw poll at Around the Corner

The importance of a small, locally owned and hometown café to any community in Oklahoma is great. For decades, Around the Corner (ATC) has been fulfilling that role here in Edmond. Of course, at any of these places in towns all across America, local politics plays an important part of any discus-

sion among customers.

ATC is no different. Co-owner of ATC, Bob Wiess, stopped in the other day to let me know about the main topic of conversation these days at the restaurant. Turns out that the proposed GO bonds for Edmond are at the top of the list. He decided to do something about it to measure what his customer base is thinking. The Edmond city council voted to put the bonds on the November 5, 2024, ballot. The money will be used for traffic including street repair, a new fire station and park expansion. Of course, none of this is free in that if passed our ad valorem taxes will increase. If you missed our August 29, 2024, edition, you should go online and read the extensive information in that issue about the details of these bonds including specifics of what they are for and what kind of increase that the additional tax would amount to for property owners.

Wiess put up a score board on the wall in the restaurant. One side is for folks in favor of the bonds and the other is for folks against the issue. You paste a star on the side where you fall. The side against is overwhelming as demonstrated by the photograph I shot last week. I guess only the honor system keeps folks from voting twice, so it is not scientific in any way. It is also an older population with many on fixed incomes so you would expect that population to be less in favor of any adjustment upward in the taxes they pay on their home.

My concern is the missing information that is going around regarding the tax computation. I have had three people from the group that hangs out every week at ATC quote me what they think the dollar increase will be on the per $1000,000 value of property amount will be. In each case it was three times what the real rate would be.

Social media gets blamed for spreading incorrect information, but the old-fashioned method can be just as deadly for a project. Exaggeration, incorrect numbers and just outright wrong information is nothing new folks. It happens from café customers to neighborhoods even without social media.

Please read or re-read the piece that was in the paper last week. You can read it online to get the facts. Vote yes or no as you see fit but all I ask is that you base your decision on the facts and the

truth without information that spreads through the local coffee shop.

We will keep you informed of the straw poll at ATC. I know we like to think of Edmond as a “metropolitan” community but we are still a small town in so many ways and I love it!

UCO flags for football games

When you are in downtown Edmond, please take note of University of Central Oklahoma flags flying through out the streets. We get asked what the purpose is and thought I would pass along to our readers. When you see the UCO flags flying, it means that there is a home game that weekend. Our friend and Director of the Stampede Club, Al Jones, is the guy who takes care of this for UCO. He is probably the number one fan of Broncho sports. He even gives the business outside of where the flags are flown some free tickets to one of the games.

It is going to be a great season for the Bronchos for football. You might want to consider taking your entire family to some of the games. Here is their schedule this fall:

September 7 against Langston at 7 p.m.

September 14 against Central Missouri at 7 p.m.

September 28 against Fort Hays State at 7p.m.

October 12 against Northwest Missouri at 1p.m

October 26 against Pittsburg State at 2p.m.

November 16 against Emporia State at 2p.m.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

“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

strong supporter of the

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.

Ray Hibbard

Straw poll Around the Corrner

UCO honors faculty & staff at 2024 Fall Convocation

The University of Central Oklahoma recognized faculty and staff for their contributions to the Central community at its annual Faculty and Staff Convocation.

The event featured UCO President Todd G. Lamb, who kicked off the 2024-25 academic year with a motivating, positive address, thanking the university’s faculty and staff for their dedication and sharing his vision for the future of the university.

President Lamb and Charlotte K. Simmons, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, presented several awards to faculty and staff during the event.

Recipients of the Faculty Merit Credit Awards, presented in the categories of research, teaching and service are:

• Breana Downey, Ph.D., assistant professor of Department of Psychology, in the category of research

• Jerry Green, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Philosophy, in the category of service

• Kelly Temple, associate professor of art in the College of Fine Arts and Design, in the category of teaching

The Making a Difference Award is given to a randomly selected faculty or staff member who has donated to the university within the past calendar year. The recipient gets to choose a reserved parking spot anywhere on campus. The 2024 recipient is Catherine Coelis, legal assistant in the Office of General Counsel.

The Vanderford Faculty Award is given to a faculty member in support of undergraduate research, creative and scholarly activity. The award is funded by the estate of Central alumni Austin and Cleo Patra Vanderford. The 2024 recipient is Brittany Bannish, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The Vanderford Engagement Awards are given to faculty for demonstrating exceptional leadership. Recipients are chosen by the university president. The 2024 recipients are:

• Scott Singleton, Psy.D., professor in the Department of Psychology

• Susan Woods, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Human Environmental Sciences

The Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, funded by Central graduate J. Gail Neely, M.D., in honor of his parents, El Roy C. Neely and Lucile Hawker Neely, recognizes faculty for a hunger for knowledge and support of education. The 2024 Neely Award recipients are:

• Tara Dalinger, Ph.D., associate professor in the

The University of Central Oklahoma recognized faculty and staff for their contributions to the Central community at its annual Faculty and Staff Convocation. Pictured, left to right, Julio Mata, manager of media services, and UCO President Todd G. Lamb at the university's annual Faculty and Staff Convocation.

Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional and Special Services

• Ryan Meeks, instructor of music in the College of Fine Arts and Design

The Herbert S. Dordick Award for an Outstanding Mentor is given to a faculty or staff member for mentoring students in their freshman year. Established in 1998, the award honors Herbert S. Dordick, Ph.D., beloved mentor of Robert Epstein, Ph.D., UCO professor emeritus of management. The 2024 Dordick Award recipient is Sunshine Cowan, Ph.D., professor in the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies in the College of Education and Professional Studies.

The Morgan Stanley Modeling the Way Awards are given to three members of the UCO community who consistently lead by example and live the mission, values and goals of the university. The 2024 Modeling the Way recipients are:

•Marilyn Govich, D.M.A., professor of applied voice in the School of Music

• Melissa Powers, Ph.D., professor in the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies

• William Unsell, laboratories manager for the Department of Biology

The Vanderford President's Initiative Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional initiative in support of the values of character, civility and community – or the three "Cs" – along with leadership and creativity. This year's recipient is David Chapman, Ph.D., professor of finance in the College of Business.

The Citizens Bank of Edmond Leadership and

Civic Engagement Award is given to a faculty or staff member that leads by example and is involved in the community. This year's recipient is Holly Osburn, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Management Department in the College of Business.

The Exceptional Performance Awards are given to staff members that reflect the innovative, passionate and student-centered focus that Central embraces. This year's recipients are:

• Michael Henricks, project director for TRIO in Student Support Services

• Beth Hawkins, office manager for LX Studios

• Julio Mata, manager of media services in the Office of Information Technology

The Exceptional Group Performance Award is an award given to a group or unit that passionately reflects the innovative and student-centered focus of Central. This year's award winner is the UCO Bronchos Athletics Division led by Vice President for Athletics Stan Wagnon.

The Masonic Endowment for Transformative Learning Awards, presented by the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, is given to organizations that exemplify the university's commitment to provide transformative learning experiences to its students.

This year's first-place winner is the Be Broncho Fit program, led by Larissa Boyd, Ph.D., program director and associate professor of kinesiology and health studies. Tied for second place were Cold Case Central and the Student Academy of Forensic Sciences.

The MidFirst Bank Presidential Award in Applied Leadership is given to an individual or individuals with outstanding contributions to the goals, objectives and high standards of professionalism at UCO. The 2024 recipients are Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D.; Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Christopher Lynch; and, Vice President for Finance and Operations Kevin Freeman.

Also presented were the Vanderford Teaching Awards to faculty members during their academic college meetings. The 2024 recipients are:

• Barbara Carter, Ph.D., professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education and Professional Studies

• Evan Shough, Ph.D., professor of accounting in the College of Business

• Emily Hendryx Lyons, Ph.D., associate professor in the College of Mathematics and Science

• Mark Scott, associate professor of mass communication in the College of Liberal Arts

• Ryan Meeks, instructor in of music in the College of Fine Arts and Design.

Six ways to cut down on stress levels

Stress is a significant public health challenge. The Ipsos Global Advisor survey for World Mental Health Day 2022 found that most Americans feel the United States health care system places less importance on mental health than physical health, and the majority of adults reported experiencing high levels of stress over the last two years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mental health problems may occur as more adults deal with stress. In August 2022, more than 32 percent of adults in the U.S. reported having symptoms of anxiety or depression in the last two weeks.

The stress response gets a person through tough times, as the body rallies to evade a threat. Typically, when the danger subsides, the body can go back to business as usual. However, when stress is ongoing, it can cause harm like chronic inflammation. In addition, the constant activation of the immune system raises the risk for many adverse health effects, including heart disease and stroke.

Men and women experience stress differently. Debra Bangasser, Ph.D., and her colleagues at Temple University found that, in response to significant life stress, men are more likely than women to experience effects on the cognitive processes like memory. High job insecurity is a notable stress trigger for men.

It's key to keep stress at a minimum for personal well-being. These strategies can help.

1. Get active: Exercise will not make stress disappear, but it can relieve some of the emotional responses and clear thoughts to let you deal with problems more readily.

2. Use laughter: Harvard Health

says laughter reduces stress hormones and is a way to experience joy, optimism and hope.

3. Reduce loud noises: Sometimes loud noises can trigger a stress response . It can make it hard to think and take you away from being mindful. Avoiding loud scenarios or wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help.

4. Avoid unhealthy habits:

Some people turn to alcohol or smoking to deal with stress. Overall, these habits can exacerbate stress and lead to additional health problems.

5. Meditate: The Mayo Clinic says attention is focused to help calm the thoughts in the mind and give a sense of peace and calm. Meditation can include guided imagery, mindfulness and visualization exercises.

6. Connect with others: Mean-

ingful relationships can create feelings of belonging. Feeling cared for and supported can help people cope with stress and be more resilient. Building connections involves reaching out to community, family or friends. Sometimes just talking things out with others as a sounding board can alleviate stress, especially when others share that they have experienced similar situations.

Make your life easier with less stress.

State fighting against obesity

As September ushers in National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and Fruits & Veggies — More Matters Month, Shape Your Future reminds Oklahomans of the wealth of resources available to help families and communities encourage healthier eating habits and active lifestyles.

Shape Your Future is a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).

Parents looking for healthy recipes, teachers seeking healthy classroom activities or people wanting more physical activity can find tools and tips at ShapeYourFutureOK.com to make healthy choices easier for everyone. From meal planning guides to activity ideas, these resources are designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines.

“Many families face barriers, like busy schedules or a lack of financial resources, that can make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With Shape Your Future, our goal is to ease some of those burdens,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Our resources support Oklahomans

ready to make small but impactful changes toward a healthier, more balanced life.”

One in three Oklahoma children aged 10-17 are considered overweight or obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children experiencing weight challenges are more likely to be obese into adulthood. Excess weight is linked to a wide range of health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, poor mental health, joint issues, sleep disorders and certain types of cancers. Factors contributing to excess weight include limited access to nutritious foods and lack of physical activity.

Adults play an important role by modeling healthy behaviors for kids. Activities like family walks, making dinner at home instead of ordering fast food and swapping sugary drinks for water are easy ways to help kids stay healthy. Small habits can make a big difference in a child’s well-being. For more resources, tips and ideas on living healthy for all Oklahomans, visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com.

(Editor’s Note: The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

Aug. 19

Anabel Wilson, 47 of Madera, Calif. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Kristi Jean Meierhoff, 42 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Renson Anton, 45 of Edmond. Expired tag — over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Lacey Renee Battles, 40 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Tyshon Terrell Robinson, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

James Roscoe Swing, 32 of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Gary Denorris Agee, 62 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Cody Kendrall Young, 28 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Daniel Torres, 38 of Garland, Texas. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Aug. 20

Gregory Steede Ferguson, 44 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Lydia Opal Justin, 40 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Joshua Mark Rutter, 47 homeless. Failure to appear,

Megan Lynn Guinard, 36 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Ana Virginia Nava-Santiago, 39 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting.

Amanda Elaine Cotter, 40 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Aug. 21

Brady Joshua Street, 21 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance and transport open container of

intoxicating beverage or beer.

Frankie Malynn McNeal, 22 of Edmond. Assault —resisting officer and public intoxication.

Amarianna Kennedy Mitchell, 30 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting.

Daohong Wang, 46. Engage/solicit prostitution.

Thomas Alan Hruza, 43 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Angelica Trashea Clark, 29 of Guthrie. Misdemeanor warrant.

Aug. 22

Jorge Sanchez Jr., 28 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Mary Marie Minick, 38 of Luther. Trafficking in illegal drugs, use firearm while committing a felony, possess firearm after conviction of felony, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

John Henry Ramos II, 43 of Yukon. Possess CDS, possession drug paraphernalia and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Donnie Gene Higginbotham II, 33 of Oklahoma City. (Felony) Publication, distribution nor participation of obscene material or child pornography — unsolicited mailings and purchase, procure or possession of obscene material.

Eric Carnell Hall-Lawrence Jr., 32 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer and shoplifting.

Davion Dashuan Murray, 19 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Michelle Ranae Meyer, 48 of Guthrie. Possess CDS.

James Robert Tefft, 40 of Harrah. (Misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card, misdemeanor warrants possession of ID cards not issued to person, petit larceny and two misdemeanor warrants.

Adam Dandridge Seglar, 46 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Emmanuel Jay-Burnett Pippins, 36 homeless. Public intoxication.

Aug. 23

Calvin Maurice Owens, 44 of Edmond. Assault and/or battery with dangerous weapon.

Brandon James Davis, 26 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and a misdemeanor warrant.

Gary Allen Maldonado, 53 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Ronald Jack Matthew Snyder, 30 homeless. Public intoxication.

Aug. 24

Benjamin James Williams, 19 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and driving while impaired by consumption of alcohol. (DWI)

Adelyn Margaret Graham. 25 of Edmond. Assault and battery/batter (felony) on police officer or correctional staff, outraging public decent, obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

Dawson Parker Scott, 21 of Guthrie. Public intoxication.

Geno Raul Gonzalez, 26 of Houston, Disregard signal light, no proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Jennifer Jean Satterwhite, 60 homeless. Felony warrant.

John Collin Fuller, 35 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and a felony warrant.

Rashad Jerome Reece, 43 of Edmond. Shoplifting and a felony warrant.

Brianna Andino, 28 of Lawton. Felony warrant.

Aug. 25

Lance Michael Ingram, 42 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Roberto Cruz Ramirez, 39 of Edmond. Child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Hannah Nevins-Jansen, 23 of Edmond. Child endangerment, transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level not .08 or more.

Brandon Dalalawrence Stafford, 39 homeless. Failure to appear.

Joseph Robert Rose, 27 homeless. Failure to appear.

Jennifer Nichole Burkholtz, 36 of Oklahoma City. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia, false personation of another, (felony value) possess incomplete credit cards or tools to reproduce card, felony warrant, four misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear.;

Kylee Isabella Albers, 24 of Oklahoma City, Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Joseph Franklin Allen, 43 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Weekend Calendar of Events Sept. 5-8

Weekend Calendar of Events Sept. 5-8

---- In the Gallery

---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- VIBES

---- UCO Jazz Lab

---- Doggie Paddles

---- Board Game Night

---- Goo Goo Dolls

---- Civic Center Hall presents: Moulin Rouge! The Musical

---- Scissortail Park Night Market

---- First Friday Gallery Walk

---- Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Community Day

---- Norahua Through the Years – 30th Anniversary

---- Red Bricks Nights

---- Prevention & Recovery in the Park

---- Cake in Concert

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Gallery opening: Thu, Sep 5 @ 5 – 7

p.m. Featuring Reian Williams; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com

Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 17 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 20 – Sat, Nov 2; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com

VIBES

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Thu, Sep 5; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondvibes.org

UCO Jazz Lab

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 6: Django Walker w/the last Jerry Jeff Walker Band; $85; 8 p.m.; Sat, Sep 7: Shortt Dogg; $15; 8 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu

Doggie Paddles

Location: Pelican Bay Aquatic Center

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 7; $10 per dog; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; pelicanbayaquatics.com

Board Game Night

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; edmondok.civicrec.com

Goo Goo Dols

Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre

Extra Info: Thu, Sep 5; $85; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com

Civic Center Hall Presents: Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Tue, Sep 3 – Sun, Sep 15; okcbroadway.com

Scissortail Park Night Market

Location: Scissortail Park

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 6; 5:30 – 10 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

First Friday Gallery Walk

Location: Paseo Arts District

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 6; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org

Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Community Day

Location: Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 7; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; guthrieedmondregionalairport.com

Norahua Through the Years – 30th Anniversary

Location: OCCC Visual & Performing Arts Center Theater

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 7; 7 p.m.; occc.universitytickets.com

Red Brick Nights

Location: Oklahoma Ave & Wentz Ave, Guthrie

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 7; 5 – 11 p.m.; facebook.com

Prevention & Recovery in the Park

Location: Scissortail Park Great Lawn

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 7; 6 – 9 p.m.; dccca.org

Cake in Concert

Location: Zoo Amphitheatre

Extra Info: Sun, Sep 8; Doors open: 6:30 p.m.; Showtime 7:30 p.m.; okczooamp.com

OMRF caps statewide ‘77 for 77’ campaign

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation on Tuesday celebrated the completion of a yearlong campaign modeled after the statewide tour that helped birth the foundation shortly after World War II.

More than 300 Oklahomans attended a wrap-up event at the Oklahoma History Center for OMRF’s “77 for 77” campaign, in which President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., visited all 77 Oklahoma counties during OMRF’s 77th anniversary year.

“The result of all those miles is thousands more Oklahomans becoming familiar with the medical research that has belonged to them all along,” said former First Lady Cathy Keating, a statewide chair of the campaign along with former First Lady Kim Henry and former Oklahoma Govs. Brad Henry and Frank Keating.

Kim Henry, a former teacher, is executive director of the Sarkeys Foundation, which donated science kits to seventh-grade classrooms around the state as part of the campaign. “Most importantly through this effort, we made connections with Oklahoma students who may grow up to be Oklahoma’s next gen-

eration of scientific leaders,” she said.

On Aug. 28, 1946, the Oklahoma Secretary of State approved OMRF’s charter. Shortly thereafter, the Oklahoma City biomedical foundation launched its initial campaign. Organizers divided the state into 25 districts to raise awareness and funds. Oklahomans responded with 7,500 donations totaling more than $2 million, enough to begin building and staffing OMRF’s headquarters.

Over the past year, OMRF celebrated the anniversary of its founding by holding 25 public events, one in each of the original districts. Unlike the OMRF’s founding tour, though, these events were focused not on fundraising but, rather, on expressing gratitude to all who have supported the foundation.

“My greatest joy from recreating that campaign was meeting the people who’ve been touched by OMRF in countless ways,” Weyrich said. “We launched this tour with the idea of thanking all the Oklahomans, past and present, who have been instrumental to our growth. But along the way, we discovered people all over the state who wanted to thank us.”

The statewide tour included meetings at iconic spots from Pete’s Place near McAlester to the Marland Mansion in Ponca City to Woolaroc near Bartlesville.

Mascots for Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma showed up for 77 for 77 events in Stillwater and Norman, respectively.

During the closing event, Weyrich announced that the foundation successfully met a $77,000 challenge grant from Ann-Clore Duncan and OMRF Director Walt Duncan IV of Oklahoma City, whose gift required that OMRF receive a donation from all 77 counties.

At the event, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK05) noted that OMRF has received more than $500 million in National Institutes of Health grants over the past 20 years.

“OMRF scientists bring in more funding per capita than any other organization in the state,” Bice said. “These federal investments have yielded significant returns for Oklahomans and for all Americans.”

For information about OMRF’s 77 for 77 campaign, visit omrf.org/77.

During the wrap-up event for OMRF's 77 for 77 campaign, President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., tells stories from his yearlong, statewide journey to thank Oklahomans for their support. The event was held Aug. 27, 2024, at the Oklahoma History Center.

‘Ask

We have long known that mature adults are leaders at every age, pointing the way for younger generations. In a time when there is a severe nursing shortage and especially a shortage of hospital nurses, it is rare for mature, experienced nurses to be at the bedside.

In an upcoming “Ask a Nurse” workshop, attendees will meet an experienced nurse who has led and influenced two generations – a daughter and granddaughter – to choose a nursing career and accept a job in the most difficult setting: 12 hour shifts in the hospital at the bedside of critically ill patients.

“Ask a Nurse” panelist will be Sharon Brumbeloe, Oklahoma Heart Hospital, along with her daughter Lea Rhodes and granddaughter Lily Rhodes, both serving in the oncology department at Integris Southwest.

The workshop will be Sept. 16 from 1-2:30 pm at Our Lord's Lutheran Church, 2900 N Hefner Road. It is part of VillagesOKC's monthly Senior LifeSkills Learning workshops. The interactive workshop will address many of the questions patients have when they are hospitalized, whether for a routine procedure or a critical illness.

“Savvy adults want to age well and understand they must take responsibility for and control of their own healthcare,” said VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson. “Consumers have long understood that if you want to know the truth about healthcare, ask a nurse. So, we’re providing that opportunity with a bonus of three different perspectives.”

To register for this workshop, go to the VillagesOKC calendar at www.LoveYourAge.org or call (405) 990-6637.

Don’t miss

By Katie Golden, PR Coordinator

Edmond Family Counseling School has begun again, and Edmond Family Counseling is celebrating another successful summer of GirlStrong Day Camps!

This summer, EFC hosted 5 weeks packed with adventure in our junglethemed camp for incoming 3rd-6th grade Edmond girls. Each week we hosted 16 girls completely free of charge, and all groups had a roaring good time!

Every lesson was carefully designed

Adventures in GirlStrong

and led by EFC’s counselors. The girls learned about a variety of topics, including body image, self-esteem, and decision-making. They discussed ways to deal with negative thoughts, and how to calm themselves down when they become overwhelmed.

Crafts and art projects encouraged our girls to highlight their personal strengths and best qualities, and to look for those qualities in their friends.

The girls played games that tested their problem-solving skills every day. They were encouraged to use teamwork and healthy communication skills to succeed.

Our counselors would like to say thank you to the 80 girls who joined us this year. GirlStrong has always been such a fun way to introduce important life skills. We hope that all

our girls remember their lessons on gratitude and being kind to ourselves as they enter the new school year. Have a great year, and we hope to see you again soon!

Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional counselors. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @edmondfamilycounseling for additional information regarding mental health awareness and future programs.

Lily Rhodes, far left, joined her mother, Lea Rhodes, and grandmother, Sharon Brumbeloe, as a hospital nurse after graduating in May from Southern Nazarene University.

AG fighting back against Biden-Harris Administration

A major focus of mine since taking office as Attorney General has been to fight back against a pattern of federal overreach by the Biden-Harris Administration. A frequent target of that overreach is Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry.

As you know, this industry is profoundly critical to our economic wellbeing. A 2023 study by the Oklahoma City-based economic research firm RegionTrack found that oil and natural gas contributed $55.7 billion to Oklahoma’s gross domestic product. That figure represents 22 percent of all economic activity in the state. Moreover, the industry contributed nearly $3 billion in taxes last year.

Recently I had the opportunity to update members of the Oklahoma Gas Association at their annual conference about how my office is working to protect oil and gas from the federal policies that take aim at them and, by extension, Oklahoma.

Shortly after taking office, I filed a federal lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its excessive plan to reduce ozone emissions. Like all states, Oklahoma had been tasked with submitting such a plan to comply with the Clean Air Act. Yet the implementation plans of half of U.S. states, including Oklahoma, saw their implementation plans rejected by the EPA with no feedback or collaboration from our own boots-on-the-ground experts in the field.

Not surprisingly, the EPA’s solution was an unduly burdensome, one-sizefits-all strategy. A few months later, we successfully won a stay of the EPA rule that disapproved our ozone emissions plan.

I also sued the Biden-Harris Administration when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species. This onerous rule unnecessarily impedes the development of energy pipelines and oil drilling, and it places undue restrictions on Oklahoma ranchers needing to graze livestock. As you can imagine, this, too, would have a severely negative effect on our state.

More recently, I took the lead in organizing a coalition of state attorneys general challenging the EPA’s new rule to reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations. The rule is a textbook example of federal overreach, as the EPA is attempting to unlawfully take away states’ authority to regulate such emissions.

Finally, Oklahoma has joined another coalition of state attorneys general to file suit against the U.S. Department of Energy’s ban on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. This prohibition undoubtedly would have disrupted the development and production of natural gas. Moreover, the ban poses serious concerns about national security.

If our nation’s LNG market were to evaporate, consumers would be forced to turn to the next largest producers – namely Russia, Iran and China. Thankfully, our coalition was successful last month in blocking this dangerous ban.

Simply put, an attack on the oil and gas industry is an attack on Oklahoma. As Attorney General, I am committed to continuing the fight against the feds’ assault on an industry that indisputably is Oklahoma’s economic bedrock.

Helping the food bank

Join the fight against childhood hunger this fall by doubling the impact of your donations. Through Sept. 30, every donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids Programs is matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $315,000 thanks to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Chesapeake Energy, Mark and Beth Brewer, Marathon Oil, Dolese Bros. Corp., Energy Transfer, David Gorham and David and Lezlie Hudiburg.

"I'm proud to partner with the Regional Food Bank for this opportunity to help provide meals to the next generation of Oklahomans. The Food for Kids Match is an easy way to make a big impact in lives of Oklahoma children," said David Gorham, Food for Kids Match sponsor. "I encourage Oklahomans to take advantage of the opportunity to have double the impact of their donations."

Oklahoma consistently ranks as one of the worst states for child food insecurity in the nation. The Regional

Food Bank’s four Food for Kids Programs help children and their families in all 53 counties served by the Regional Food Bank in central and western Oklahoma.

"Community collaboration is key to the Regional Food Bank fighting childhood hunger in Oklahoma," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "We are so grateful for the generosity of our match sponsors, like David Gorham, who are making a huge impact on the work we do."

The School Pantry Program, one of the four Food for Kids Programs, provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over the weekends. Last school year, the program provided more than 330,000 meals to students at 164 schools. Melody, a School Pantry Program coordinator in the Putnam City Public School district, shared the following story of the program's impact at home and in the classroom.

Is long-term care insurance a good fit for you & your needs?

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Did you know that life expectancy in the United States for men and women increased by about 10 years between 1960 and 2015? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, individuals over 65 accounted for 16.8% of the country's total population in 2020. Americans are living longer, and often, older adults rely on longterm care during the later stages of life, which is where long-term care insurance can help. There are several factors to consider when considering long-term care insurance.

What is long-term care insurance?

Contrary to what many might think, long-term care encompasses more than care in a nursing home. This type of care usually includes home care, hospice care, or adult day health care. Long-term care insurance helps to cover the cost of this care. It includes policies providing nursing home care, home health care, community-based care, or any combination. This type of policy does not include coverage provided under comprehensive or major medical policies, Medicare Advantage, or accelerated heath benefit-type products. How much does long-term care cost?

Long-term care can be expensive. The Cost of Care Survey by Genworth, which breaks down costs for different kinds of care for each state, found that monthly costs in Oklahoma can range from about $1,800 for adult day health care to almost $7,000 for a private room in a nursing home facility. These are median costs for the state and can vary depending on location and level of care.

Does Medicare cover long-term

care?

Medicare generally does not cover long-term care. Medicare Part A does cover skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care (as long as custodial care isn't the only care you need), hospice care and limited home care. You may qualify for long-term care through Medicaid, but you can opt to purchase a long-term policy from a private insurance company. Do I need long-term care insurance?

When determining your need for long-term care insurance, consider several factors:

You should consider your personal health situation. If you need assistance with daily activities due to illness or disability, a long-term care policy might benefit you.

Your age should play a part in your decision, as your need for care increases as you age.

You should think about your financial situation. Long-term insurance might be a good option if you can afford premiums without financial difficulty.

Which resources are out there?

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a comprehensive shopping guide to long-term care insurance that can answer many questions about this type of insurance. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living has a Long-Term Care Pathfinder to help locate care and assess needs. As always, if you have any questions about this type of insurance, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is here to help at 800-522-0071 or oid.ok.gov.

By Steve Gust

Last week there was some truly good news. The state ended its sales tax on grocery items. It comes out to about 4.5 percent . Every little bit helps.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

A welcomed tax cut Oklahoma voting standards are high

Steve Gust

I applaud the Oklahoma Legislature for passing this earlier this year. I still wonder why we had to wait until August to end the tax. Generally the state doesn’t wait that long to implement a new tax. It usually goes into effect within a few hours. Well that may be a bit of hyperbole but they don’t wait months.

I like tax cuts. I hope they think of more tax cuts in the next session. It’s a lot better than a tax hike.

Speaking of tax hikes, I understand some Democrats, including Kamala Harris, want taxes on unrealized stock gains. So, if your stock goes up ten percent, some kind of levy is attached to that. NBC alleges that she only wants that tax for people who have a net worth of at least $100 million.

This is part of the Democrats’ strategy of having the rich “pay their fair share.” That is one of the most annoying phrases used by the left. Why do we want to punish success? I also get amused when they also want corporations to “pay their fair share.”

There’s a big problem with that. Businesses and corporations usually don’t pay any taxes. Don’t get me wrong. They have to file the paperwork and send in the funds, but that cost is always passed on to the consumers.

Always.

I hope you get to keep as much of your money as possible. And I’m not anti-government. Generally the municipal and state governments aren’t that bad. But the feds need serious help. They can’t leave $88 billion of military equipment in Afghanistan and then claim that they’re great stewards of our money and want more.

And don’t come forward and ask for more money.

I think the government nis empowered enough.

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

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, commented on the consistently high performance of the state of Oklahoma in election integrity.

"Oklahomans are very concerned with the issue of election integrity," Olsen said. "They want election results to be accurate, and not fraudulent. I am happy to report that for a number of years, Oklahoma has had an excellent system. I am especially happy to report that our performance is steadily improving.

"The Heritage Foundation rates every state in the country on their election integrity. Last year, Oklahoma had a very good rating of 13th in the country. This year we are rated as #5 in the country. So we are deliberately moving closer to perfection."

Olsen also remarked that the Oklahoma State Election Board has been very helpful to work with the Legislature in the goal of continuous improvement toward perfection in election integrity. The Oklahoma State Election Board released audit findings Monday confirming 100% accuracy of June's primary election results.

After the Aug. 27 vote, Erin Brewer, Democratic candidate for Oklahoma State Senate District 47, learned who her Republican opponent will be in the November general election. After a contentious runoff for the Republicans, Brewer's campaign is surging with momentum and bipartisan community support as she prepares to face a candidate whose extreme positions threaten Oklahoma's public schools and economy.

"We're entering this final phase with strong momentum and the backing of our community," said Erin Brewer. "While our opponent aligns with Ryan Walters' divisive agenda to undermine local control of public education, my focus remains on commonsense solutions that uplift families, strengthen schools, and support small businesses."

A Proven Advocate for Common-Sense Solutions

Erin Brewer is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and a long-time resident of her district with deep roots in the community and a track record of leadership in the nonprofit, education, and small business sectors. She is the only business owner, public school parent, and vocal critic of Ryan Walters in the

race. Her campaign has quickly gained traction, surpassing her Republican opponents in both fundraising and grassroots engagement. With over $200,000 raised from bipartisan donors and nearly 30,000 homes visited, Brewer’s campaign is primed to continue its momentum heading into the November election.

A Clear Choice for Voters

Brewer's campaign centers on key issues such as keeping qualified teachers in our classrooms, advocating for criminal justice reform, and implementing smart economic policies that support working families and local businesses. In contrast, Kelly Hines’s support for extreme measures—including eliminating the state income tax and protecting Ryan Walters—reveals a dangerous disregard for the needs of Oklahoma's communities.

"I’m proving my commitment to listening and bipartisanship everyday as I knock doors in the district," Brewer continued. "As a long-time advocate, I’ve witnessed the ways political division is harming our state. It’s time to work together to do what’s right for our neighbors.”

Letters to the Editor policy

Olsen said Oklahoma’s rise in the rankings can be attributed to recently enacted legislation that strengthened voter ID requirements, improved the accuracy of voter registration lists, prohibited the private funding of elections, and banned the use of ranked-choice voting.

——

Bye, bye state grocery tax

The elimination of the state portion of the grocery tax takes effect today. Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, an advocate of Senate Bill 1283, is celebrating the tax cut, which comes at a time as families across the state continue to grapple with inflation and rising living costs.

"The elimination of the grocery tax is a win for every Oklahoman, especially for those struggling to make ends meet in the face of inflation caused by the Biden-Harris administration's disastrous economic policies," Woods said. "This tax cut means more money in the pockets of hardworking families, helping them to afford basic necessities like food. I’m proud to have supported this legislation and to see it finally go into effect."

The elimination of the 4.5% state sales tax on groceries represents the largest tax cut in Oklahoma’s history. The average Oklahoma family is expected to save hundreds each year on grocery purchases.

——

Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, commented on the elimination of the state portion of the grocery tax which took effect last week,

The grocery tax cut was a key legislative priority this past session and something that will bring Oklahoma families financial relief immediately.

"With the grocery tax cut taking effect tomorrow, Oklahomans will see immediate savings at the checkout counter," Senator Paxton said. "This tax relief is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to reduce the financial burden on working families and ensure that basic necessities are more affordable for everyone. This tax cut is not just about saving money—it's about helping families put more food on the table and making Oklahoma a more affordable place to live. I'm proud of the work we've done to make this a reality, and I will continue to fight for policies that support our hardworking citizens."

Eyes on November Victory

With the Republican runoff now decided, Brewer is more committed than ever to healing political divides and bringing responsible, common-sense leadership to the State Senate.

"We have a critical choice in November," said Brewer. "We can continue the status quo of partisan politics or we can bring a new vision to the State Capitol: building solutions by seeking common ground and serving the people, rather than a political party.”

For more information about Erin Brewer’s campaign or to get involved, please visit erinbrewersenate.com or follow us on social media @erinbrewersenate.

About Erin Brewer

Erin Brewer

Erin Brewer is a dedicated advocate, small business owner, and community leader running for Oklahoma State Senate District 47. A fifth-generation Oklahoman, Erin is committed to bringing balanced, common-sense leadership to the State Capitol, focusing on education, economic development, and criminal justice reform.

She lives in Edmond with her husband, Shawn, and their two children, who attend local public schools.

Outré West at Oklahoma Contemporary

Unique architectural designs now on display

By Elaine Warner

In the world of architecture there are schools and styles –and then there’s the American School –which is neither. It began at the University of Oklahoma in the 1950s with architecture professor

Bruce Goff and his students. A new exhibition, Outré West at Oklahoma Contemporary, highlights the work of five of his disciples whose work in California exemplifies the out-of-the-box thinking and the importance of OU’s contribution to American architecture.

In early mid-20th-century architecture schools, the German Bauhausstyle was big with boxy, industrial-looking buildings. America had always followed European trends – traditional styles based on themes from classic Greek and Roman designs to the flamboyant Beaux Arts and Art Deco of the late 1800s into the 20th century.

Nothing was traditional about Bruce Goff. Born in Kansas in 1904, he apprenticed at a Tulsa architectural firm at age 12. Based on advice from Frank Lloyd Wright, he decided against formal academic training. He remained with the same firm until the late 1920s.

Before he became a professor at OU in 1947, he practiced and taught in Chicago and San Francisco. During World War II, he served with a Navy construction crew in Alaska.

While OU students were taught architectural history, Goff’s classes emphasized individuality and creativity. Basic principles for projects were context, experimentation and consideration of material resources.

One of his students, Herb Greene, continued Goff’s legacy as a professor at OU following Goff’s departure in 1955.

Visitors to the Oklahoma Contemporary exhibition enter through a replica of a Moon Gate to view a scene of waves splashing on rocks accompanied by the sounds of the sea. Get ready for a journey from the plains of Oklahoma to the coast of California and an introduction to the results of Goff’s philosophy.

At the press preview for the exhibition, we were fortunate to be guided by the three curators of Outré West: Dr. Angela Person, associate professor of architecture (OU); Dr. Stephanie Pilat, also an associate professor at OU; and Marco Piscitelli, lecturer in architecture and interior design at the university.

They gave us a lot of background, a lot of which you’ll find in the exhibition. Plan to spend enough time to see the models, photographs and to read the accompanying materials.

When you enter the exhibition, turn right to read the introduction and to examine architectural models of the Bavinger House, designed by Bruce Goff and the Prairie House, designed by Herb Greene.

The first of the Oklahoma-to-California architects featured is John Marsh Davis (1931-2009), the only Oklahoma-born architect in the show. Marsh graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1955 then served in the Navy for several years. During that time, he was able to tour Japan – a sojourn which added an interesting note to his architectural style.

He returned to Oklahoma and worked with an architectural firm in Oklahoma City before moving to Sausalito in 1961. One of his bestknown houses resulted from his own

house being featured on the cover of California Home magazine.

Nancy Barbour saw the magazine and asked Davis to design her home. Both his home and her much larger home owed much to the Japanese influence.

Also interested in landscape design, Davis integrated the interior of the house with the outside with sweeping, sliding glass doors which turned the living area into a covered porch.

In 1966, Davis built another home for himself – this one right on the beach in Stinson Beach north of San Francisco. You’ll see photos and details of this and other projects in the exhibition. FYI: Davis’ beach house is now a vacation rental property. Imagine a stay in this amazing, three-story beach house, which accommodates 10 guests. Most of us will have to just imagine – you know the old saying, “If you have to ask what it costs….”

The only woman in the exhibition is Peruvian-born Violeta Autumn (1930-2012). She was not only an interesting architect but a multi-talented artist and an active advocate for thoughtful planning and environmental issues. On display are photos of the hillside home she built for herself. One of my favorite displays is a cookbook she wrote and illustrated – “A Russian Jew cooks in Peru.”

Arthur Dyson (1940 ) apprenticed with Frank Lloyd Wright and later worked for Bruce Goff while studying philosophy at OU. He had previously studied psychology at the University of Wisconsin. Both of these disciplines came into play in his creative process. Clients were given extensive questionnaires to help him understand their values and interests. His projects ranged from a Buddhist temple, which incorporated traditional values melded

with community context, to a most unusual residence sometimes described as the Hobbit House or Football House. Also on display are models of his suggestions for tiny houses for homeless people.

Donald MacDonald (1935) was also concerned with affordable housing and homelessness. You’ll see a full-scale replica of a City Sleeper – a basic shelter for the homeless – and drawings of modular starter homes. Plans for a basic, small, complete home include modules which can be added onto as family size and income increases. He’s designed everything from furniture to the eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. MacDonald is also credited with labeling the Goff-Greene students as the American School

The final architect, G.K. Muennig (1935-2021) was a self-described hippie. The do-de-do-do theme from the Twilight Zone would be good background music for this section. The Chinese-style Moon Gate entrance to the exhibition is a replica of an element of his own home while the interior echoes ancient philosophies and motifs. He incorporated ecologically sound heating and cooling practices in many of his works.

A full-scale skeleton of his first studio home reflects his thinking. The most unusual article in the exhibition is a wand given to him by one of his clients.

I loved this exhibition. Not only did it introduce me to architects with whom I was unfamiliar, it gave me a new appreciation for the freedom and creativity the University of Oklahoma unleashed on the architectural world.

The exhibition runs through January 27, 2025 at Oklahoma Contemporary, 11

OKC. Admission to the museum, which is closed on Tuesdays, is free.

NW 11 in

John Marsh Davis’ beach home is situated right on the Pacific Ocean.

Today most recognized for his bridge designs, Donald MacDonald also designed small, waterproof shelters for homeless people

University of Oklahoma professors of architecture, Dr. Stephanie Pilat (left) and Dr. Angela Person (right) along with Marco Piscitelli guided our group of journalists through the Outré West exhibition at Oklahoma Contemporary.

Elaine

VillagesOKC schedules workshops at Edmond’s Mitch Park YMCA

With summer activities winding down, VillagesOKC has announced its fall schedule of workshops at the Mitch Park YMCA in Edmond. The lineup includes monthly Senior LifeSkills Learning sessions along with iPhone Tips & Tricks classes from September through October.

“We are so excited to bring our monthly events back to Edmond,” said VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson. “These are programs by local professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and caring.”

tional movement plays in daily life. His mission is to avoid a decline from independence through focusing on movement needs.

• October 23 – Think Your Way to Health with Susan Radcliffe, RN.

As a nurse and educator for over 50 years, Radcliffe is focused on how to help people learn how to live an authentic, energetic, healthy life in the midst of chaotic, often overwhelming, internal and external environments.

• November 13 – Understanding Back Pain & Natural Treatment Methods with Dan Prince, DC.

Here are the dates and topics for the Senior LifeSkills Learning workshops which are free and open to all:

• September 18 – Brain Balancing with Chris Coleman, a Senior Wellness Coach.

Coleman is Wellness Coordinator at Concordia Life Plan Community. His focus is on the role func-

Dr. Prince, Clinical Director at Prince Chiropractic Wellness Center, specializes in helping individuals achieve relief from persistent nerve, muscle, and joint discomfort, including chronic back, leg, and neck pain.

Here are the dates topics for the iPhone Tips & Tricks classes with Jeff Albright, an in-home Apple trainer and troubleshooter. He is an expert with over 17 years of experience. His goal: “Help you gain confidence with your Apple devices, keep your kids safe online, and overcome tech hurdles.”

The 90-minute iPhone classes are free for VillagesOKC members and cost $20 for non-members. Here are the dates and topics:

• September 25 – Music on iPhone.

• October 30 – Taking Notes on iPhone.

• November 20 – Connecting with Loved Ones on iPhone.

All workshops are from 1-2:30 pm at the Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Dr. in Edmond. Preregistration is required by going to the VillagesOKC calendar (www.LoveYourAge.org) or by calling (405) 990-6637

Docent training offered

The Oklahoma History Center Museum (OHCM) is currently accepting applications and inquiries from anyone interested in becoming a qualified OHCM Docent. The required coursework is both online and classroom-based. It will start on Wednesday, November 6, and take approximately six weeks to complete. There is no charge for this curriculum. Those interested may contact Steve Hawkins, volunteer coordinator, at 405-522-0754 or email steve.hawkins@history.ok.gov.

A qualified docent is not just a seasoned historian familiar with the minute details of various artifacts and the stories that accompany them. Such an expert is valuable, to say the least, to students, other professionals and the general public. However, an individual who can make their audience feel invested in the articles being displayed, as if they have played a part in the acquisition and preservation of the artifact, is a true qualified docent. The training offered at the OCHM instructs in the process of learning the history of the exhibits as well as the most productive way of crafting a presentation that will remain with a patron long after they have left the institution.

The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday.

Creating online memorials?

Losing a loved one is devastating and there is so much involved in the grieving process. Modern technology has presented a new way to help with that process by giving family the choice to create an online memorial. Online memorials bring people together to share memories of the departed, celebrate and honor them. Most memorial profiles include photos and a tribute to the person. They can also feature videos, music, funeral or interment information, event invitations, and much more.

There is a wide variety of memorial sites providing everything from obituaries, simple yet elegant guest books to full-service virtual events. Every online memorial site offers something different. But all online memorial sites have a common goal: to help you commemorate and celebrate a loved one. With so many options available, you might not know which site to choose.

September 18th, at 10:00 a.m., the Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy Group will host the workshop Creating Online Memorials for Your Loved Ones presented by group president Jan Beattie. This program will discuss several different sites, both free and fee-based, and allow you to choose the online memorial that best meets your needs based on cost, features, and the range of services it offers. Jan will also be briefly touching on the Traditional Victorian-era Irish Wake of the late 19th Century.

The OHCE Genealogy Group meets at the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City, the third Wednesday of the month and the program is open to the public. More information about OHCE Genealogy Group is available on their website: ohcegenealogy.com and Facebook: OHCE Genealogy Group.

Officials seeking election audit

Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, and Sen. Dusty Deevers, RElgin, today sent an urgent letter to Secretary Paul Ziriax formally requesting an investigative audit into the August 27 runoff election for Comanche County sheriff.

The legislators expressed serious concerns following reports that multiple ineligible voters received a ballot for the Republican runoff election for Comanche County sheriff. The legislators said this clear breach of electoral protocol occurred despite at least one voter contacting the Comanche County Election Board regarding the incorrect ballot, with the issue not realized until after the ballot had been cast.

According to an August 29 report by KSWO-TV 7News, the secretary of the Comanche County Election Board acknowledged the distribution of an incorrect ballot on election day. She also allegedly said that once a ballot enters the system, there’s nothing they can do about it.

In the letter, the legislators emphasized, "Given the importance of ensuring free and fair elections, we are deeply concerned that other ineligible voters may have received an incorrect ballot. A transparent investigation is crucial to maintaining public trust in our electoral process.

"We have been advised that State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax has dispatched members of the State Election Board staff to the county election board to assess the situation. We ask the secretary to step in and ensure that a thorough review and audit is made of the situation and that appropriate action is taken if these allegations prove to be true."

Citing Okla. Stat. tit. 26 § 1-104, the legislators reiterated that voters may only vote using the primary ballot under the party in which they are registered, stating, "no registered voter shall be permitted to vote in any Primary Election or Runoff Primary Election of any political party except the political party of which his registration form shows him to be a member…"

Integris to celebrate Hispanic culture

The INTEGRIS Health Hispanic Outreach, Lyn Institute, Imelda Creations, Clips and Hips, La Tremenda Radio and El Latino Newspaper invite the community to be part of a multicultural celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The multicultural celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria on Friday, Sept. 20, at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center.

The event will include traditional Hispanic dishes, music, singing and dancing.

‘Girls

INTEGRIS Health’s Community Benefit Hispanic Outreach began in 2003 to improve the quality of life in the Hispanic community through education, resources and health-related services and to understand cultural differences within the Hispanic communities. Hispanics have become the nation’s largest minority segment.

INTEGRIS Health Community Benefit Hispanic Outreach targets citizens interested in becoming healthy and productive leaders. For more information, please call 405-636-7549 or 405-636-7458.

in Aviation Day’ nears

Since the very first Women in Aviation International Girls in Aviation Day in 2015, the annual WAI event has grown every year since its first gathering of 32 events and 3,200 participants. The Women in Aviation International Greater Oklahoma City Metro Chapter expects to host over 600+ girls. In partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Atlantic Aviation (PWA), Oklahoma City Department of Airports, and the Oklahoma National Guard, we invite you to join us for the 2024 OKC GIAD! Lunch will also be provided to attendees. The event is free, but registration is required. Girls, ages 8-18, have historically been introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace through meeting role models, career panels, exploring air-

planes/ helicopters, a hands-on approach to pique interest in the STEM fields and create a network of experience and raise awareness of new possibilities. Fun and educational activities will also be featured. Participants will gain exposure to careers in airlines, air traffic control, military, airport planning, engineering, and more.

At our event, exhibitors will fill the newest hangar at Atlantic Aviation's campus on Wiley Post Airport at Hangar 5, where exhibitors and professionals who will share experiences and knowledge. Our education area will host opportunities to learn about Flight Simulator's, STEM Kits, Physics, Drones, Airspace, and Aircraft manufacturing to provide a hands-on, long lasting impression for the next generation of Oklahoma's workforce.

Review of the movie ‘Jackpot!’

‘Jackpot’ payout just isn’t that great

By George Gust

“Jackpot!” is the latest Amazon Prime original from director Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids” “The Heat”) In the near future, a 'Grand Lottery' has been newly established in California - the catch: kill the winner (Awkwafina) before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot.

Director Paul Feig has had a lot of success in the comedy genre, but after his massive success with “Bridesmaids” it feels like he’s been trying to chase the ghost of that lightning in a bottle success. His output has been a lot of high concept genre movies like “Spy” and “The Heat” that take an established genre like James Bond films or buddy cop movies and add his improvisational comedy style to mixed results. His most recent film “Jackpot!” is another entry in this comedy/niche genre movie by mixing comedy with futurist satirical dystopian films like “The Running Man” and “The Purge” with the same mixed results.

“Jackpot!” features a heightened premise that is interesting on its own, but the most successful element of the movie is the showcase of the two talented comedic actors John Cena and Awkwafina.

Answers on Page 19

While Awkawafina has made her career mostly off of her over-the-top voice performances in nearly every animated children’s movie in the past few years, she’s able to bring a surprising amount of empathy to the role, playing the ‘straight-man’ to Cena’s more one-liner focused comedic energy. And it would be hard to believe just a few years ago that the muscle-bound professional Wrestling star Cena would be one of the biggest talents in recent comedy, but here we are. His physicality and comedic timing are a standout in this otherwise mediocre genre exercise.

Ultimately, “Jackpot!” is the kind of comedy that doesn’t make it to theaters anymore, and while the premise and talent in front of and behind the camera is top line, there’s a feeling throughout the film that there’s a missing element that holds it back from being a memorable comedy movie. Feig has a talent for bringing together comedic actors and giving them the space to improv and showcase their comedy, but there are times when his ‘let them go’ approach goes too far and ends up feeling a little too improvisational taking you out of the ongoing narrative. The result is a movie that is entertaining and humorous, but lacks the focus and special ‘lightning in a bottle’ element that makes comedy movies stand the test of time.

“Jackpot!” is rated R for pervasive language, violence, and sexual references.

2.9 out of 5 stars.

3.4 out of 5 stars.

(Contact George Gust for comment about this film, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)

“Jackpot!” Is the latest comedy/action film from

pair of Awkafina and John Cena.

OSP

& Hamlet

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park announces the return of Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy Hamlet, in the Outdoor Shakespeare Gardens Amphitheatre, as part of their historic 40th Anniversary Season.

“We are excited to return to this monumental work in the canon of western literature. Our cast features 10 accomplished Shakespearean actors and a company of technicians excited to bring this story to life under the stars this fall!” – Tyler Woods, Production Directorr

Crossword Puzzle

Design features costumes by Anwen Wenger, Combat Choreography by Kris Kuss, Intimacy Design by Bell Reeves, Lighting Design by Kellen Sapp, and scenic décor/props by Henri Bailey, under the direction of Tyler Woods, with Asst. Director & Marketing Associate, Bell Reeves, and Stage Management by Scarlett Patiño and Alix Golden.

The show opens September 12th and continues through September 29th in the beautiful Shakespeare Gardens, located adjacent to the indoor facility in the historic Paseo Arts District at 2920 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103.

director Paul Feig, starring the unlikely, but winning

Helps seniors make decisions

Monthly seminar will help empower seniors

We all face several important decisions as we get older. Considering where we will live is one of them. Late-life transitions involve more than just our address, however.

Matters such as health care needs, finances, family support, and legacy planning are often included in the overall decision-making process.

A panel of experts will address many of these issues in an upcoming seminar from the Senior Living Truth Series. The seminar will be on Thursday, September 12th, from 10:00 am to 11:30 in the ATRIUM at Crossings Community Church.

“The journey of transition is one that all of us will face at some point in our lives,” said Truth Series founder Nikki Buckelew, PhD. “Transition is not simply about a physical move from one place to another. It’s about the deeper, more personal shifts in mindset, identity, and life choices we make each step of the way.”

Panelists will explore the implications of living a longer life and the necessary transitions individuals, couples, and families must face. This candid discussion is designed to equip

attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and confident decisions about home, finances, care needs, and legacy planning.

While discussion topics will include universal truths associated with housing and living arrangements, health and medical decisions, financial planning, legal considerations, and social and emotional well being, organizers note that it’s the added component of how we tend to think about such matters is what separates this seminar from others.

“Any strong real estate professional can explain how to hire a mover, sell a house, or conduct an estate sale, and plenty of professionals are skilled at answering legal and financial questions,” Buckelew said. “But helping people who aren’t particularly excited about the idea of making changes in their later years is an entirely different skill set and conversation.”

Seminar pre-registration is required and available by calling (405) 5637501 or going online at www.seniorlivingtruthseries.com

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.

Nikki Buckelew, PhD, address attendees at the Senior Living Truth Series seminar in August. The free seminars are held monthly.

OCASCR keeps state competitive for federal research funds

A force multiplier is something that dramatically increases the effectiveness of something else. And that, says Lorin Olson, Ph.D., is a perfect description of the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research, or OCASCR.

OCASCR was formed in 2010 to distribute grants to scientists whose research involves adult stem cells or regenerative medicine. Later, its mission expanded to tackle smoking- and obesity-related studies. OCASCR often funds preliminary research or equipment that enables a scientist to receive a much larger grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“In many cases, those larger grants wouldn’t have happened if not for OCASCR,” said Olson, who’s served as its scientific director since 2023.

He speaks from personal experience. Olson, whose lab at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation studies the intricacies of wound healing, said grants he received from OCASCR earlier in his career set him up to successfully apply for two major NIH grants.

OCASCR’s funding comes from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, which Oklahoma voters established to protect the state’s share of the settlement of a wide-ranging lawsuit against the cigarette industry. Since its creation in 2010, OCASCR has provided more than $37 million to scientists at OMRF, the University of Oklahoma, the OU Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma State University. That investment has paid dividends many times over, resulting in more than $400 million in federal grants from the NIH to scientists in Oklahoma.

“OCASCR has supported equipment purchases and early-stage research at OU and OUHSC that otherwise would have gone unfunded,” said OCASCR Steering Committee Member William E. Sonntag, Ph.D., director of the Center for

Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging at OUHSC. “In many cases, OCASCR made it possible to obtain the key data necessary to submit a competitive grant to the National Institutes of Health. Simply put, OCASCR funding meant the difference between an NIH application being approved or not.”

One example is a piece of equipment that OCASCR helped Oklahoma State University purchase. OSU received $42,500 from OCASCR to pair with $21,250 from OSU’s veterinary college to buy a “smoking machine” that models the effects of cigarette in experiments using mice.

OSU Professor Lin Liu, Ph.D., has used the machine to study the impact of smoking on respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, influenza and

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His current research tests how smoking contributes to chronic symptoms resulting from Covid-19 infection, commonly known as long Covid.

“OCASCR’s investment for this equipment has paid dividends many times over for various research projects, all of which brought in significant grants from various funding agencies,” said Liu. “More importantly, it has allowed us to better understand the effects of smoking on human lungs.”

OMRF’s Olson says OCASCR is playing a key role in catalyzing scientific advances across the state. “Science isn’t just for the big research institutions in New York and California,” he said.

“OCASCR has been critical in helping Oklahoma get its foot in the door.”

Take the necessary steps to protect your hearing

Hearing loss is often seen as an inevitable part of aging. However, data from the National Institutes of Health indicates one in two people over the age of 85 has hearing loss, which suggests half of all individuals in that age bracket have no such issue. That should be encouraging to individuals concerned by the prospect of losing their hearing in their golden years.

The American Academy of Audiology notes that age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis. Presbycusis can develop due to a combination of variables, including changes to blood flow and the structures of the inner ear as the body ages and shifts in how the brain processes speech and sounds. Certain medications and medical issues, including diabetes and poor circulation, also can exacerbate age-related hearing loss.

Though some hearing loss as individuals grow older may be related to age, Father Time cannot bear all the blame when individuals begin to lose their hearing. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, using data from the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, notes that roughly 5 percent of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 have disabling hearing loss. Such losses are unlikely to be a byproduct of aging, and more likely indicative that individual behaviors can affect the degree to which a person loses or maintains his or her hearing.

Preventive health care is vital to protecting the

body long-term, and such maintenance can include steps to safeguard hearing over the long haul. The Hearing Health Foundation notes the following are some simple ways individuals can protect their hearing in the years to come.

• Keep the volume down. The HHF advises indi-

viduals listen to personal audio devices at 50 to 60 percent of maximum audio level. Some smartphones are pre-programmed to alert users when they attempt to exceed these levels, and users are urged to heed these warnings when adjusting the volume on their devices.

• Lower the volume the longer you listen. Prolonged listening at high volumes can be especially harmful to hearing, even if users are listening at 50 to 60 percent of the maximum audio level. If you intend to listen for a long period of time, lower the volume even further.

• Take listening breaks. The HHF recommends routine listening breaks from personal audio devices. Individuals who listen to personal devices throughout a workday are urged to take breaks at least once every hour.

• Wear over-the-ear headphones. The HHF recommends individuals choose over-the-ear, noise-cancelling headphones over earbuds. Over-the-ear headphones are more effective at creating a seal that blocks out ambient sounds, which means users are less likely to turn up the volume on their headphones than they might be when using earbuds.

Routine hearing examinations are an effective way to monitor hearing, and individuals are urged to make them part of their preventive health care regimen. When measures are taken to protect long-term hearing, individuals may find it easier to manage age-related hearing loss if they experience it.

Integris opens new clinic in Guthrie

INTEGRIS Health is excited to announce the opening of our new clinic in Guthrie. INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Guthrie offers complete care for families, including primary care clinic services such as annual exams, immunizations and well-child checks.

David Hopkins, D.O., is the dedicated physician for this facility. He has been a board-certified family medicine physician since 2010. “Providing personal and comprehensive care to patients of all ages is my goal,” says Hopkins. “I focus on preventive medicine, using a holistic approach to diagnose and treat illnesses. Medicine is best accomplished using a team-based approach, so I educate patients to empower them to play an active role in their health care.”

Hopkins graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Os-

teopathic Medicine in Tulsa. He completed his family medicine residency at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, where he served as chief resident during his final year. After graduating high school, Dr. Hopkins served four years in the Marine Corps Infantry before attending undergraduate at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He also obtained his master’s in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa.

INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Guthrie is located at 1726 S. Division St., Suite C. Please call 405-2528500 for more information or to make an appointment.

We look forward to getting to know you and your family and are excited to help improve the health of our neighbors, friends and the Guthrie community.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Lorin Olson, Ph.D.

Make sure your volume isn’t too loud on your headphones.

Amazon to add another 200 jobs in metro

By Richard Mize Oklahoman.com

Amazon is planning another "last-mile" delivery station in northeast OKC, just a few miles from the one it closed nearly two years ago to deal with a slowdown in sales and a bloated supply of warehouse space.

The slowdown is over. Amazon is building again to boost e-commerce sales by pushing same-day delivery, according to commercial real estate data firm CoStar Group.

The 178,991-square-foot building, in the early planning stages, will be at 1803 E Britton Road, on the west side of N Eastern Avenue, Oklahoma City planning records show. It will be nearly three times as large as the 60,000-square-foot center that Amazon closed at 4401 E Hefner Road a mile

north and two miles east.

Amazon acknowledged the plan but declined to provide any details.

Depending on the size and location, delivery stations reportedly can employ up to around 200 employees at around $18 an hour, according to Bloomberg.

Amazon's employment numbers in Oklahoma have expanded exponentially in recent years. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce estimated Amazon employed between 2,000 and 2,500 people in the state in 2019. In 2023, that figure ballooned to between 14,000 and 15,000.

Amazon delivery stations receive packages from larger facilities and transfer them to delivery trucks for the last leg of the journey to customers. They're colloquially called "last-mile" stations, but

they're meant to distribute within a 45-mile radius.

“We’re exploring the possibility of opening an operations facility in Oklahoma City. Nothing is finalized and we’ll share more if additional progress is made," Amazon spokesman Allie Payne said.

The undeveloped land, owned by 1948 Cornerstone LLC, most recently was the planned site for OKC's Kimray Inc., an oil and natural gas valve and control equipment manufacturer, until that project was canceled.

Before that it was part of Arcadia Farms LLC, the late energy executive Aubrey McClendon's personal pasture empire of some 12,000 acres. Previously, it was owned by OPUBCO Inc. and The Oklahoma Publishing Co.

Amazon now has nearly 3.5 million square feet of warehouse space in Oklahoma.

Integris employee marks 60 years on the job

On Thursday, Aug. 29, INTEGRIS Health Ponca City Hospital held the 60th employment anniversary celebration for Edith Rath, who is a buyer in the materials department. It is the first time the hospital has ever had a caregiver reach this amazing milestone.

Chris Mendoza, the chief hospital executive of INTEGRIS Health Ponca City Hospital, appreciates Edith’s years of service and commitment. “Edith’s consistent dedication has contributed a lot to our hospital, and we are fortunate to have her as a member of our team.” Roughly 90 caregivers, community and family members attended the celebration, including Wendy Chandler, the chief human resources officer at INTEGRIS Health, board members T.L. Walker and Dr. Robert Howard and Ponca City Vice Mayor Kelsey Wagner who presented a proclamation from the City of Ponca City.

“Celebrating 60 years on the job is an extraordinary milestone, especially in a field as dynamic as

health care,” Chandler said as she greeted the crowd. “Edith Rath has been a steadfast pillar through decades of change, showing up for her patients, community and fellow caregivers. She has served the Ponca City community every day and we are thankful that she is now also an INTEGRIS Health caregiver. We are deeply grateful for Edith's enduring commitment and are honored to celebrate this remarkable achievement.”

Jeffrey Cartmell to lead DHS

Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Jeffrey Cartmell will serve as executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Katie DeMuth, the interim director of Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services, will join Cartmell at DHS as part of the executive team.

“Jeffrey goes above and beyond to help Oklahomans – that’s who he is,” said Governor Stitt. “The Office of Juvenile Affairs flourished under his leadership, and I’m confident he will bring the same level of excellence to Human Services. He is a passionate advocate for vulnerable Oklahomans, and I’m excited to see how he continues to work towards our goal of being Top Ten in everything we do.”

Governor Stitt appointed Cartmell as the executive director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs in 2023. Prior, he was counselor to Secretary of State Brian Bingman and served as deputy general counsel to the governor for two years. Between 2017 and 2019, Cartmell worked in the private sector as an associate attorney at Lytle, Soule & Curlee after serving two years as a division director within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Cartmell was a deputy general counsel to former Governor Mary Fallin from 2012 and 2014.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve the State of Oklahoma under Governor Stitt’s leadership,” said Jeffrey Cartmell. “The Department of Human Service serves hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans every day, many of them facing some of the most challenging and vulnerable circumstances. I’m eager to continue building on the momentum at DHS and investing in programs and resources that support the Governor’s top ten vision.”

Cartmell earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Cartmell became an adjunct professor of law at his alma mater in 2021, teaching a seminar course on government law.

Cartmell will begin at DHS on September 16, 2024.

Home prices slightly down in July

Homes for sale are pouring onto the market compared with the trickle of recent months, and the increase in supply was enough to move OKCarea July home prices down slightly year over year and somewhat more month to month, Realtors reported. Home loan rates have been hovering lower, at a level not seen in more than a year, according to Fannie Mae. It's spurring both buyers and sellers to act, some after months of staying on the sidelines.

"In 2023, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage nearly hit 8 percent, slamming the brakes on the housing market. Now, the 30-year fixed-rate hovers around 6.5 percent and will

likely trend down in the coming months as inflation continues to slow. Lower rates are good news for potential buyers and sellers alike," Fannie Mae said Thursday. Neither buyers nor sellers should expect much in the way of softer prices as the market continues to return to balance, said Jennifer Arsenault, managing broker at Flotilla Real Estate Partners in OKC.

"I don’t see a price downtrend, simply overpricing occurrences and reality hitting. We aren’t in the season of 16+% (interest rates) any longer, which is good," she said.

Richard Mize, Oklahoman

In the early 1960s, Edith’s hourly wage was .85 cents taking home $40 every two weeks. She has held many job titles over the years including dietary aide, cook, dietary supervisor and credentialed dietary manager. In 1968, a hospital administrator encouraged her to transfer to the purchasing (materials) department where she currently works as a buyer. When asked to share advice with other caregivers, Edith simply stated, “No matter what your job may be - always strive to own that job and give 100% to achieving all that the job may entail. Always accept responsibility for the good and bad in the job, one learns from mistakes so don't let them define you.”

Words of wisdom from a remarkable woman who has given the better part of her life to a job she loves and a community who has come to depend on her. Congratulations Edith on an extraordinary career!

Cartmell

Edith Rath

National group looks to end bullying problem

Communities and schools are becoming more serious about making schools safer for kids, including striving for ways to manage bullying better. Stand for the Silent is launching a new program this school year to help them with their mission. The Student Stand Out program will give teachers a way to recognize and reward students who display good behavior, including those who help address bullying.

"We are excited about this new program and believe it will go a long way toward helping to create a kinder and more accepting culture in schools," says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. "Everyone likes to be recognized for doing good, so we are helping teachers to do that for their students.”

The Student Stand Out program invites teachers to nominate students who stand out and display excellent behavior. Some of the behaviors they hope teachers will recognize and nominate their students for include addressing bullying, being a positive role model, being kind, having good leadership skills, being respectful, having integrity, and more. They also want to emphasize nominating those students who show initiative in helping to end bullying at their school.

Every week throughout the school year, Stand

for the Silent will choose one of the nominated students to receive a $50 Visa gift card. At the end of each semester, one student will be selected to win a $100 Visa gift card. There will be two nomination periods, August 1 to December 1 and then from January 1 to April 1. Teachers can nominate as many students as they feel have earned the recognition.

"We love having multiple ways to help address bullying in the schools, and this is one of them," added Smalley. “This should help create a kinder classroom to reduce school bullying."

For more information about the Student Stand out program, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/schools/standout

Stand for the Silent also rewards students each year with college scholarships. They give scholarships each year to students who actively help address bullying at their schools. Additionally, they travel the country to provide seminars and talks in schools and communities, helping to raise awareness about bullying and providing helpful solutions. To get more information on how to have the organization do a presentation or how to start a local chapter, scholarships, and anti-bullying tips, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/

Smalley and his wife, Laura, started the organization following their 11-year-old son, ending his own life due to bullying. They turned their pain and loss into a mission of helping others. He travels the country giving presentations about bullying to schools, providing bullying prevention, giving out scholarships, offering intervention strategies, and more. Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter of the group in their area, obtain a free K-2 bullying prevention curriculum or cyberbullying handbook for parents, host a presentation at their school, introduce the How All Started video, and donate to help support the cause. To get more information, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/

About Stand for the Silent Started in 2010, Stand for the Silent is an organization on a mission to help eliminate bullying nationwide. Kirk and Laura Smalley founded the group after their child took his own life due to bullying. They offer free resources for parents and educators and travel to schools to host presentations. They have been to over 6,025 schools and spoken with more than 4.15 million students.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

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Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Special offered for those wanting to kick tobacco habit

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is offering a limited-time bonus for Oklahomans ready to quit tobacco. Starting Sept. 1, individuals who sign up for Helpline services will receive at least eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy, like patches, gum or lozenges, rather than the normal two weeks. This special offer runs through Sept. 30.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).

“Quitting tobacco is one of the most impactful steps someone can make to improve their health,” Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director, said. “We know additional nicotine replacement therapy increases the chances of successfully quitting, and this offer is a compelling reason for people to sign up now.”

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline also provides free, personalized support to help registrants quit, including services like live group sessions, emails, text, phone and Coach support. By building a plan to quit with the Helpline and fighting cravings with nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, Okla-

homans can double their chances of successfully overcoming tobacco addiction.

To share news of this offer, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is debuting a new stop-motion campaign called “Inside the Box.” The different spots illustrate the journey of quitting by bringing to life the many resources included in the free Quit Kit. This kit embodies hope, offering a path to reclaim health and break free from addiction. This campaign will air statewide on TV and radio stations as well as print and digital ads.

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), text READY to 34191 or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Face-

book or following @OKhelpline on Instagram.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a free service for Oklahomans wanting to help themselves, loved ones, patients or employees live tobacco free. Funding is primarily provided by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has had more than half a million registrations since 2003 and has been ranked among the top quitlines for reaching tobacco users seeking treatment for the last 10 years by the North American Quitline Consorti um.