December 23, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 32
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 4.
Edmond schools revamps mask policy See page 3
FRIDAY, December 24 Mostly Sunny High 71° Low 42°
SATURDAY, December 25 Mostly Sunny High 66° Low 46°
SUNDAY, December 26 Mostly Cloudy High 73° Low 52°
Our family wishes you and your family a great holiday
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Edmond Life & Leisure • December 23, 2021 • Page 3
EPS to see board changes and revises the mask policy By Patty Miller The candidates for school board elections completed filing earlier this month at the Oklahoma County Election Board office. The positions at stake will be voted on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. Also being voted on by Edmond residents will be the Edmond I-12 School District resolution calling a special election for Feb. 8, 2022, to consider two propositions. Filing for Edmond Public Schools School Board positions ended Dec. 8. Five individuals filed for board member office No. 2 and three filed for board member office No. 5. Those filing for board position No. 2 include: Ashley Duffey, 37; Courtney Hobgood, 40; Bobby Kern, 44; Indrit Vucaj, 33; and Cheryl Williams, 66. Kathleen Duncan is stepping down this year after having served on the Edmond School Board for 20 years. “I have enjoyed serving on the board and representing my district as well as working with the board members, administration, faculty and staff members,” Duncan said. “I especially enjoyed representing the parents and students as well. “I think it is time for us to have new blood and it is important for us to have some fresh ideas. I would like to see some parents with children still in school come onto the board and share their knowledge and experience. “We have a great board and I hope it will continue if we elect the right people,” Duncan said. Office No. 5 is presently held by Marcus L. Jones who was appointed by board members two months ago when board member Meredith Exline resigned. Individuals filing for position No. 5 in addition to Marcus L. Jones, 38, include: Michael Grande, 45, and Deonna Maxfield, 36. Deer Creek Public Schools School Board Office No. 2 candidates filing include Jennifer Lyne Applebere, 43, and Stan Green, 39. Francis Tuttle Tech Center has two positions open and neither position has an opponent running. Office No. 4 Meredith Hines, 34, is the candidate for Office No. 2 and Anthony Garcia, 36, is the candidate for Office No. 4. BOND FUNDING SOUGHT The Edmond I-12 School District filed a resolution calling a special election for Feb. 8, 2022, to consider two propositions. Proposition No. 1 includes issuing bonds in the sum of $117,000,000 to be issued in series to provide funds for the purpose of improving or acquiring school sites, constructing, repairing, remodeling and equipping school buildings, and acquiring school furniture, fixtures and equipment; and levy and collect an annual tax, in addition to all other taxes, upon all the taxable property in such district sufficient to pay the interest on such bonds as it falls due and also to constitute a sinking fund for the payment of the principal thereof when due, said bonds to bear interest not to exceed the rate of 10 percent per annum, payable semi-annually and to become due serially within five years from their date. Proposition No. 2 includes issuing its bonds in the sum of $3,000,000
Board member Kathleen Duncan stepping down after 20 years of service.
to provide funds for the purpose of purchasing transportation equipment and levy and collect an annual tax, in addition to all other taxes, upon all the taxable property in such district sufficient to pay the interest on such bonds as it falls due and also to constitute a sinking fund for the payment of the principal thereof when due, said bonds to bear interest not to exceed the rate of 10 percent per annum, payable semi-annually and to become due serially within five years from their date. Edmond School Board members voted to accept Zack Robinson vice president of BOK Financial Securities to represent the district as Financial Advisory Services Provided to EPS. MASK POLICY ALTERED In other school news, Edmond Public Schools’ policy on COVID-19 mask wearing is being changed. District officials have said masks will be recommended instead of required once classes begin in January after Winter Break. Factors going into the decision included giving additional time for students to get vaccinated if a parent or guardian chooses to do so. All students, ages 5-18 may choose to be vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022. Other factors included the fact that positive COPVID rates are remaining consistently low and very few students are wearing masks in school. “I know this decision is a departure from the procedures we outlined last fall, which involved taking this action only if COVID positive rates remained below 1 percent for 10 consecutive Grunewald days,” Superintendent Angela Grunewald said. “However, a lot has changed since then.” Edmond Public Schools will continue to monitor the number of cases and will adjust the policy if needed in the future. Other COVID related news includes a ruling last week by an Oklahoma County judge stating the district’s quarantine policy violated constitutional rights. The school district issued a statement that said the following: “Edmond Public Schools respects the court and the thoughtfulness of Judge Andrews’ decision. However, we feel confident that our COVID safety procedures, developed in collaboration with trusted state health officials, were made in the best interest of students and staff.”
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From the Publisher
Merry Christmas from Edmond Life & Leisure Isn’t it odd how you can be on this earth for 63 years enjoying a Christmas tradition and still know nothing of the origin of it? Such is the case with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Just like you, I grew up singing the song each season. It is such a happy song, but it took until my adulthood to know it all started as a book. Previously, I though it started Ray Hibbard with Gene Autry the famous cowboy singer. What is now considered a happy holiday song had a not so happy start. Here is what I discovered: The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer began in 1939 with a Jewish Chicago copywriter named Robert May. May worked in the ad department of Montgomery Ward. Every year, the giant retailer purchased and gave away free Christmas coloring books, but they decided that year to create their own. They gave the task of writing it to May with the instructions to make it about an animal. A job as a copy writer was pretty low on the compensation chain and still is folks. As the holiday season of 1939 came to Chicago, May was not feeling much comfort or joy. He was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of a two-year battle with cancer. This left Bob to look after their four-year olddaughter, Barbara. One night, Barbara asked her father, “Why isn’t my mommy like everybody else’s mommy?” As he struggled to answer his daughter’s question, Bob remembered the pain of his own childhood. A small, sickly boy, he was constantly picked on and called names. But he wanted to give his daughter hope and show her that being different was nothing to be ashamed of. More than that, he wanted her to know that he loved her and would always take care of her. So, he began to spin a tale about a reindeer with a bright red nose who found a special place on Santa’s team. Barbara loved the story so much that she made her father tell it every night before bedtime. As he did, it grew more elaborate. Because he could not afford to buy his daughter a gift for Christmas, Bob decided to turn the story into a homemade picture book. In early December, Bob’s wife died. Though he was heartbroken, he kept working on the book for his daughter. A few days before Christmas, he reluctantly attended a company party at Montgomery Ward. His co-workers encouraged him to share the story he had written. After he read it, there was a standing ovation. Everyone wanted copies of their own. Montgomery Ward bought the rights to the book from their debt-ridden employee. When Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer came out at Christmas 1939, it was an instant hit. Montgomery Ward gave out 2.4 million copies, and only stopped issuing it afterwards because of wartime restrictions on paper. When they resumed in 1946, it was even more popular. Over the next six years, at Christmas, they gave away six million copies of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to shoppers. Every major publishing house in the country was making offers to obtain
the book. In an incredible display of good will, the head of the department store returned all rights to Bob May. Four years later, Rudolph had made him a pot of money. Now remarried with a growing family, May felt blessed by his good fortune. But there was more to come. May's Rudolph story would soon reach legendary status: A songwriter named Johnny Marks married Robert May's sister, Margaret, the same year. Marks was born on Nov. 10, 1909, in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., to a secular, Jewish family. He was a decorated World War II veteran who graduated from Colgate University and studied music at Columbia and in Paris. He began writing songs much earlier, however, at the age of thirteen. Marks had first become aware of the story of Rudolph when it was published in 1939 and had begun jotting notes in a notebook, he kept for working on songs. The year after his marriage into the May family, he began adding music and suddenly felt sure he had a hit. He asked Gene Autry to record it and although Autry did not like the song, his wife did and persuaded him to put it out as a “B” side. Autry played it for his wife, Ina. She was so touched by the line “They wouldn’t let poor
Rudolph play in any reindeer games” that she insisted her husband record the tune. The “B” side became the second-biggest selling Christmas song of all time, behind only White Christmas. As you know, Rudolph has come to life in TV specials, cartoons, movies, toys, games, coloring books, greeting cards and even a Ringling Bros. circus act. The little, red-nosed reindeer dreamed up by May and immortalized in song by Johnny Marks has come to symbolize Christmas as much as Santa Claus, evergreen trees and presents. As the last line of the song says, “He’ll go down in history.” May explained in the 1963 article that Rudolph was inspired by the tale of the ugly duckling, which he felt himself to be. May wrote in 1963 that he related to the duckling tale because he was small and shy throughout childhood and “knew what it was like to be the underdog.” Other sources tell me that May was, in fact, bullied during childhood and that his sisters often had to step in and protect him. “Rudolph” made May comfortable, but not wealthy. By 1958, he had to end his six-year hiatus from a day job and went back to work for Ward. He retired for good in 1971. Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, May put up a huge Rudolph statue on his suburban Chicago front lawn during the holiday season. It was donated to Dartmouth after his death. Marks did tell the New York Times that one day in 1948, while he was walking in Greenwich Village, he decided that he should exchange a low note on the word “nose” for a high note, and everything clicked into place. He felt sure the “Rudolph” song would be a hit and he spent $25,000 to create a music publishing company so that he would own, lock-stock-and-barrel, the rights to his song. Now you have your conversation piece for the holidays. This should keep you out of political and religious debates so that you can just enjoy and love your family. I did see on CBS Sunday Morning a great and yearly story about the “Secret Santa.” He is a millionaire and travels the country each Christmas handing out unexpected cash to those in need. The reporter for the story did an interesting thing this year. He pointed out that as they filmed Secret Santa handing out the money, the recipient did not get emotional when they were given the $100 bills. They were grateful and surprised of course. The individuals in such needed did not start crying and hugging Secret Santa until he would whisper to them how much he loved them, understood their struggle, and told them what a great person they were. At that point, the recipients would break down and so did Lisa and I. I have no doubt they needed the money, but they needed the affirmation even more. We all do not have $30,000 a year to give away but we all have a voice and can give out kindness folks. From our entire team here at Edmond Life & Leisure MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- Police report ..............................................................................Page 6. ---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6. ---- Smag’s party recipes ..................................................................Page 8. ---- Columnist baffled by recent events ..........................................Page 10. ---- OSU pet therapy program on the go’ ......................................Page 13. ---- Crossword puzzle ....................................................................Page 14. ---- George Gust movie review ......................................................Page 14. ---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17. ---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18. ---- Worship directory ....................................................................Page 19. This, and much more, in this week’s edition!
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
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(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.) Dec. 6 Max Dylan Driver, 19 of Edmond. Speeding (11 to 14 mph over), driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear. Dec. 7 Kevin Travel Johnson II, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Stacy Lee Anderson, 43 of Edmond. Five felony warrants, no proof of insurance, expired tag over three month, obstructed intersection/stop required and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Gary Dean Land, 36 of Edmond. Shoplifting. Lacey Rushell White, 35 of Midwest City, Five counts of failure to appear. Asya Gabrielle Whalen, 18 of Edmond. Expired tag — one to three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Frank Vincent Wood III, 52 of Warr Acres. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property and (Possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of a vehicle or implement of husbandry. Kuriel Cierra Treywick, 32 of Spencer. Possess firearm after conviction of a felony.
Jerrica Nichole Moore, 29 of Bethany. Two counts possession of CDS. Shaneeka Tylene Bowles, 29 homeless. Fraud/mislead/ false represent as one’s own driver’s license/ID card. Laquita May Byas, 31 of Bethany. Possess firearm after conviction of a felony. Noah James Wood, 31 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Edward Anthony Runnels, 38 homeless. Trespassing after being forbidden, (misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer, (drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and a misdemeanor warrant.
Dec. 8 John David Huston, 38 of Edmond. Driving with a license canceled, suspended or revoked and speeding (21 to 25 mph over). Anthony Neil Corrente, 50 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled suspended, denied or revoked and speeding (21-25 mph over) Ronald Wayne Pymm, 41 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Joshua Ibigoni Wariboko, 24 of Edmond. Assault and battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff, misdemeanor warrant and eluding police officer, (misdemeanor.) Donnyll Antonio Dailey, 24 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer and two counts of failure to appear.
Dec. 10 Nicholette Sharon Farlow, 29 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant. Max Daniel Garcia-Diaz, 19 of Midwest City. Possession of CDS and under 21 operate a motor vehicle under influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance. Ashlee Renee Woodring, 39 of Yukon. Shoplifting Brandon Thomas Dipaula, 26 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer. Elizabeth Ann Bennett, 47 of Edmond Three misdemeanor warrants. Joshua Randal Kelly 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Nalani Maria McCrary, 20 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled suspended, denied or revoked, failure to appear and (felony) unlawful use of personal identity of another to obtain credit.
Dec. 9 Brandon Michael Pultz II, 19 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault. Allie Jordan Guarnera, 25 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Joe Dean Long, 30 of Edmond. Felony warrant. Eric James Garner, 31 homeless. Resisting arrest and operate (DUI or
Dec 11 Tyler Alaris Sheppard, 30 of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication. Joseph Augustine Marchant, 35 of Dallas. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Shylen Michael Aufieri, 25 of
Yukon, Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Amber Nicole Ferguson, 36 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, false personation of another and failure to appear. Patricio Garcia Molina II, 43 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant. Jaymichael Brooks Patton, 37 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoke and (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution. Johnathan Dewayne Taylor 23 of Edmond. Reckless driving and failure to stop for red signal light. Dec. 12 Laquan Deonte White, 31 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended, or revoked and felony DUI/APC. Brian Edward Cline, 41 of Edmond. Two felony warrants. Hector Rivera Leiva, 31 of Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid driver’s license. Jermaine Tyrone Dean, 29 homeless, Trespassing after being warned. Corday Dubois Wallace, 34 of Spencer. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and a felony warrant. Sierra Alena Lucas, 23 homeless. Failure to appear. Baylee Ann Kettler, 26 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer. Joshua Randal Kelly, 40 of Wagoner, Okla. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Weekend Calendar of Events Dec. 23-26 What’s Happening This Weekend Dec. 23-26 ---- In the Gallery: Kyndall Rainey ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- Edmond Ice Rink ---- Safari Lights ---- Edmond Electric’s Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- The Polar Express ---- Lyric Theatre presents: “A Christmas Carol” ---- Downtown in December ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Holiday in the Park ---- Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West ---- Winter Break Activities – Fingerprint Christmas Trees ---- Winter Break Activities – Holiday Craft Grab Bag ---- Winter Break Activities – Scavenger Hunt & Crafted Candy Canes ---- Signature Tour
---- Limo Holiday Lights Tours ---- Union Station Illumination ---- Pollard Theatre presents: It’s a Wonderful Life ---- Winter Glow Extra Information In the Gallery: Kyndall Rainey Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: featuring the art of Behnaz Sohrabian; edmondfinearts.com VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org Edmond Ice Rink Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 12 – Mon, Jan 3; $10 - $14; edmondicerink.com Edmond Electric’s Luminance:
An Enchanted Stroll Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Nov 21 – Sun, Jan 2; Free; 5 – 10 p.m.; edmondlights.com Safari Lights Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden Extra Info: through Sun, Jan 9; 5:30 – 11 p.m.; okczoo.org The Polar Express Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; okcthepolarexpressride.com Lyric Theatre presents: “A Christmas Carol” Location: Harn Homestead Extra Info: Thu, Dec 23; times vary; lyrictheatreokc.com Downtown in December Location: Downtown, Oklahoma City Extra Info: Thu, Nov 18 – Sun, Jan 30; downtownindecembrer.com Devon Ice Rink Location: 113 S Robinson Ave, OKC Extra Info: Fri, Nov 19 – Sun, Jan 30; hours vary; downtownindecembrer.com Holiday in the Park Location: Frontier City Theme Park Extra Info: Sat, Nov 20 – Sun, Jan 2; times vary; sixflags.com Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Dec 23– Sun, Dec 26; 10 a.m. ---- 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Winter Break Activities – Fingerprint Christmas Trees Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Thu, Dec 23; 10 a.m. ---2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Winter Break Activities – Holiday Craft Grab Bag Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Dec 24; 10 a.m. ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Winter Break Activities – Scavenger Hunt & Crafted Candy Canes Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, Dec 26; 10 a.m. ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Dec 25 & Sun, Dec 26; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Limo Holiday Lights Tours Location: Citywide, OKC Extra Info: Thu, Dec 2 – Fri, Dec 30; Facebook.com Union Station Illumination Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 26 – Thu, Jan 6; 6 – 11 p.m.; scissortailpark.org Pollard Theatre presents: It’s a Wonderful Life Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie, Extra Info: Fri, Nov 26 – Thu, Dec 23; Thu – Sat: 8 – 10 p.m.; Sun: 2 – 4 p.m.; thepollard.org Winter Glow Location: Riversport OKC Extra Info: through Sun, Jan 9; riversportokc.org
Please send calendar items to infante318@cox.net
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Chips & dips
A New Year countdown By Carol Smaglinski The clock is ticking...and soon 2021 will be gone. Have you had enough of all that fancy stuff in your kitchen? Tired of all of the holiday chores? I once chuckled at a sign that declared, “This kitchen is closed due to illness - I am sick of cooking.” My recommendation for New Year’s Eve is to have an informal party like mom never gave. Just serve appetizers, those bite-sized gastronomic glories, presented with red wine, chilled white wine, beer or sparkling water. However, be sure that the appetizers are substantial enough so you won’t have to send out for pizza. Include some deviled eggs, but this time with a bit of curry and others topped with bacon bits. Try some roasted asparagus wrapped in thin slices of ham, or a bowl of Thailand’s Sweet Chili Sauce (bottled) with spring rolls, or a cheese tray with some unusual varieties your guest might not have tried. Lay a card with information next to each variety, which should stimulate the conversation with your keen-minded friends. When the finger food is placed on the serving dish, the appetizers should be independent and not touching each other. No crowding allowed. Allow some space on the table so that guests can set their dish or drink down while deciding what to choose. Let everyone serve themselves
while you cuddle up in a corner and relax. Happy Soon-To-Be New Year! Enjoy the joie de vivre - literally the joy of living. Here’s some easy chips: Tortilla chips Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut each tortilla (corn or flour varieties) into eight wedges. Spread the wedges out on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Pita chips: Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Split pita rounds, brush with olive oil or butter, and cut into 8 wedges. Place on a baking sheet and let bake for about 5 minutes. Sunflower Seeds with Curry 1 tsp. curry powder (or to taste) ½ tsp. seasoned salt ½ tsp. garlic salt 1 cup sunflower seeds Heat oven to 325 degrees. Meanwhile, mix curry, salt, garlic salt and seeds. Spread out evenly on an ungreased cookie sheet. Watch carefully and toast the seeds for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Makes one cup. Green Chilies and Cheese Roll-Ups 3 - 8-inch flour tortillas 6 oz. room temperature cream cheese (a pkg. Is 8 oz.), beaten until you can spread it. Add 3 Tbsp. chopped Green Chilies, and two Tbsp. tomato salsa and mix.
See New Year, Page 9
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Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.
New Year From Page 8 Divide mixture into thirds and spread evenly over tortillas and rollup tightly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, twist the ends and let chill for two hours. Trim edges and slice each tortilla into ½-inch slices. Makes about 36 rolls. When serving, present with a bowl of salsa and place rolls around the bowl. The next dip is super with sliced vegetables. “Vegetable” comes from the Latin ”vegeto.” which translates to live and grow, which is just what
vegetables help us dåo. Yogurt and Blue Cheese Dip 2 cups plain yogurt 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. chopped green onions Fresh ground pepper, to tasteMix ingredients and serve with a colorful selection of fresh veggiessuch as sliced carrots, radishes and celery, cucumber and strips ofred and yellow peppers for dipping. Get set to celebrate!
Edmond Schools warn of scam targeting local business owners Edmond Public Schools is warning about a company targeting local businesses under false pretenses. District Athletic Director Mike Nunley says sales representatives from Sports Promotion Network are soliciting area businesses, claiming that they are affiliated with the district. The company solicits advertising on behalf of Edmond athletic groups. Area businesses are duped into believing that their advertising dollars are supporting the athletic department.
District and site athletic directors have contacted the company but it has continued to prey on area business owners. “We value our relationship with area businesses and we are frustrated that they are being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous company,” Nunley stated. If you are suspicious about any fundraiser, please contact the Edmond Public Schools athletic office at 340-2842 to determine if the fundraising is legitimate.
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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Year’s baffling events Objections over illegals receiving $450K
them on steroids, and then By Steve Gust multiply them by 1,000, A few things puzzle me as then you get an idea of we get ready to close the what public transportation books on 2021. might look like if everyone The move by OU and Texas was forced to comply. to the SEC is something of a Of course a lot of the head scratcher. Its approval anti-automobile movement seemed to happen fairly is fueled by our climate quickly. It would have been interesting to know how many Steve Gust change people. And that leads me to one fans actually approve of the of my favorite questions. If our local move. weather folks (good people) can’t But the decision makers (and $$) predict with any certainty what the apparently had the final say. weather will be like next week, then —how do we know EXACTLY what the A few of the people the president entire earth’s temperature will be in has nominated for high posts seem 50 years? to favor public transportation over —-private vehicle ownership. I doubt Finally, why does the federal govthey’d personally comply but that’s ernment force COVID policies on its what would happen to the masses. employees and Armed Forces, yet Policies like this seem destined to has no screening of the immigrants it make even a lot of Democrats quesillegally lets in? And why do we put tion their party loyalty. up with the insanity of open borHasn’t anyone been looking at Youtube footage of passengers fight- ders? (Steve Gust may be e-mailed at ing on jets? news@edmondpaper.com) If you take those incidents, put
Senator James Lankford (R-OK), the lead Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management, recently joined Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Bill Hagerty (RTN), and Mike Braun (RIN) to introduce the Congressional Review of Agency Legal Settlements Act following reports that the Biden Administration is considering using taxpayer dollars to pay settlements of $450,000 per person to illegal aliens separated at the southern border after
being caught unlawfully entering the country. The bill empowers Congress to ensure agencies don’t skirt the formal rulemaking processes of the Administrative Procedures Act and misuse federal tax dollars for exorbitant financial awards in legal settlements. In November, Lankford introduced a bill to stop the ongoing settlements between the US government and illegal migrants who were separated from their families at the border. Lankford said, “If the Biden Administration is going to propose settlements as a way to pay people off, like the $450,000 settlements
for illegal border crossers, then the agreements should be subject to congressional disapproval and nullification just like other ill-advised executive actions like vaccine mandates. The American people demand accountability, and the Biden Administration isn’t getting away with quietly trying to give almost half a million dollars to migrants, which will be used by the cartels as a way to incentivize more people to illegally cross our border. Our bill makes sure they—or any other administration—can’t try to hide behind politically motivated legal settlements again in the future without giving people their day in court.” R. Scott said, “Biden’s plan to pay out $450,000 — nearly half a million dollars — to illegal immigrants who broke US laws is ridiculous and must be stopped. Not even the families of our fallen service members receive this amount of money. Instead of dishing out money to people who have no respect for our laws, Biden should be focused on fixing the problem and securing our border. Instead, he’s giving people an incentive to break our laws. It doesn’t make any sense. That’s why I’m introducing the Congressional Review of Agency Legal Settlements Act today to hold the Biden administration accountable and give Congress the oversight needed to ensure federal agencies can’t recklessly waste American tax dollars. I appreciate the support of many senatorsn, including James Lankford in this effort.”
Joined in effort by Senator Rubio
Lankford: Noncitizens shouldn’t vote Senator James Lankford, along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), introduced the Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act to prohibit federal funding to states and localities that allow non-citizens to vote. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (RNC), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL) joined Lankford and Rubio in introducing the legislation. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC) will introduce companion legislation in the US House of Representatives. “Democrats are not fooling anyone with their election schemes; the latest is to allow non-citizens to vote in New York City elections. This is ridiculous—only American citizens should vote in American elections,” Lankford said. “A government by the people for the people should be determined by its people. The Fifteenth Amendment guarantees the
right of every citizen to vote. Federal law and federal funding should uphold and honor the Constitution. Our nation’s elections at every level should be fair, secure, and decided by American citizens.” “It’s ridiculous that states are allowing foreign citizens to vote,” Rubio said. “However, if states and localities do let those who are not US citizens to vote in elections, they shouldn’t get US citizen taxpayer money.” “It’s simple—US citizens should be the only people voting in US elections,” Daines said. “Sadly, far-Left states and cities have moved to disenfranchise Americans by allowing non-citizens to participate in our elections. This must be stopped.” “The fundamental right of every American citizen to cast their vote is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Tillis said. “Allowing noncitizens’
votes to be counted sets a dangerous precedent, and I am proud to work with my colleagues to stop states and localities from undermining confidence in our nation’s election integrity by allowing this misguided practice.” “Allowing non-citizens to vote in our elections makes a mockery of US citizenship,” Kennedy said. “Some Americans were born here, and some immigrated here legally, but no citizen should have his or her vote nullified by a foreign citizen’s ballot. I’m proud to partner with Sen. Rubio to stop federal funds from flowing to states or localities that undermine Americans’ voting rights.” “Each and every elected official in the United States should be chosen by the American citizens they represent,” Scott said. “It’s absolutely insane that any state or lo-
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cality would give our precious right to vote to foreign citizens and truly sad that legislation like this is even needed, but I won’t stand by and let radical politicians open America’s voting booths to foreign interference. I hope every member of the Senate stands with us in supporting this commonsense bill.” “Voting in this country is a right that should solely be limited to American citizens. Allowing non-citizens or illegal immigrants to vote, even if only in state or local elections, gives foreign nationals influence on some of the most important decisions impacting our families, our rights, and our representation in government,” Duncan said. “Non-citizen voting has the potential to exacerbate the border crisis and cause a greater erosion of confidence in our electoral process. Voting is the hallmark of our democracy, and non-citizen voting completely undermines election integrity. Non-citizen voting is not some sort of farfetched idea— it is currently allowed in New York, San Francisco, and even in the suburbs of our nation’s capital. I will not stand for this sort of globalist extremism that attempts to undermine what it means to be an American citizen. I am honored to work with Senator Marco Rubio on this very important effort to safeguard the security of our elections.”
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 23, 2021 • Page 11
PHOTO PROVIDED
UCO American government students: Eposi Lambe, Sania Ansar, Tristen Taylor, Logan Hobart, & Phil Jones, ADA Coordinator.
UCO students meet with city to discuss issuers with ADA A group of American Government students from the University of Central Oklahoma recently met with the the City of Edmond ADA Coordinator, Phil Jones, to get an inside look into subjects such as funding, layout, and the City of Edmond Transformation Plan for the year of 2022. Phil explained to students what his department does to align with the National ADA requirements and how he works with City of Edmond engineer, Steven Manek and the City of Edmond Planning Commission to create a convenient and safe city for those
people with disabilities, to enjoy. Public places and businesses must have ADA approved entrances, sidewalks, restrooms, and parking spaces available and clearly marked for disabled persons. Students learned that the US Justice Department has authority over American Disability Act. UCO Students, Eposi Lambe, Sania Ansar, Tristen Taylor and Logan Hobart are part of UCO American Government class taught by Dr. Brett Sharp,who encourages his students to be civic minded citizens.
Page 12 • December 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 23, 2021 • Page 13
In this file photo, former OSU First Lady Ann Hargis is amazed of the impact the campus’s pet therapy program has on students and others.
OSU Center for Pet Therapy continues growth
Comfort of therapy dogs called ‘Magic’ Pete’s Pet Posse co-founders Ann Hargis and Kendria Cost are taking new roles to promote healthy minds across the Oklahoma State University system through the newly created OSU Center for Pet Therapy. The center, which opened this fall in the Student Union in Stillwater, traces its roots back to 2013, when Hargis and Cost first launched Pete’s Pet Posse with the goal of helping students cope with the challenges and stress of college. The program continued to grow in popularity and impact, becoming the largest university pet therapy program in the country, and now has a permanent home base in Stillwater — the OSU Center for Pet Therapy. As director of the Center for Pet Therapy, Kendria Cost is leading the multi-campus team from Stillwater. “We started pet therapy at OSU to bring smiles to the campus and quickly realized there is a much deeper emotional need uniformly across all university campuses that the dogs are uniquely capable of addressing,” Cost said. “We are not counselors,
but it’s amazing to watch how these dogs draw out both the joy and the pain of our students simply by being present in the moment and offering unconditional love.” Pete’s Pet Posse, named after the university’s iconic mascot, Pistol Pete, is under the umbrella of the Center for Pet Therapy along with the student auxiliary called Ruff Riders, an advisory board and research board. The center was created from donated funds in an endowment from the OSU Foundation and operates independently. Pete’s Pet Posse has nearly 60 dogs working on five OSU campuses: Oklahoma State University, the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, OSU Tulsa, the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah and at OSU-OKC. Former OSU First Cowgirl Ann Hargis continues the work she started with her therapy dog Scruff while serving as OSU’s First Lady. Ann and Scruff serve both the Stillwater and Oklahoma City campuses and are available as needed system wide. “When we started this program, we never dreamed of its impact on the students, faculty,
staff and even campus visitors. The dogs have a magic about them that is contagious,” said Hargis. “Parents and students tell us Pete’s Pet Posse is one of the reasons they chose OSU and the program is regularly ranked among the top university programs in student satisfaction surveys. This semester, we are easily seeing 100 students an hour at the Edmon Low Library visits– that is a lot of smiles.” ‘ “For the first time, we have a home!” continued Cost. “Our new hub is a very orange place for guests, students, parents and faculty to stop by and ask questions, talk to Ruff Riders about experiencing the pet therapy teams and to schedule visits. Most visits are scheduled in the places where the students congregate, the Union, campus events, student organizations, campus offices, Greek houses and residence halls and of course – the OSU Library.” For more information, visit pettherapy.okstate.edu and follow on social media — @petespetposse on Facebook and @pets4pete on Instagram.
Page 14 • December 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Review of the movie ‘Encanto’
A Disney film with entertaining depth By George Gust One of my favorite lines from Christmas music is “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again” and while the parents of our community anxiously await the coming semester, they might want to consider going to a family friendly movie like “Encanto.” Into the safe harbor of Disney’s steady hand at making these kinds of musical animated films, and with “Encanto” Disney has found a way to reinvigorate their tried-andtrue formula. “Encanto” is the latest magical ‘princess’ musical from Disney Animation. A young Colombian girl, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz) must face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers. In the past when Disney’s animation squad turned their attention to a particular culture to set their latest fairytale film, they would spend a week and a half in the location to get a flavor and then continue to make an Americanized version of that culture. This is not the case with “Encanto” where you can see the attention to detail and love that this film has for the magical realism that Columbia is known for. While you’re enter-
tained by a magical house that grants magical superpowers to the family Madrigal, there is also an honest depiction of the pain that follows a family after leaving a place of violence and fear and starting anew in an unfamiliar place. Where “Encanto” shines is the way it can entertain while telling a bevy of fleshed out emotional stories within this magical family. Much of this entertainment comes from the lyrical mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda who brings his energetic rhyming style to move the emotional plots of the family members as well as convey what could be dull exposition in another composer’s hands. And
while most of these Disney musicals will follow their protagonist on a journey into fantastical lands, the fantastical pieces of this film take place in the home and within the family, which strengthens the film’s message of the importance of family throughout the good times and especially in the bad. Overall, on the surface, “Encanto” looks like another run of the mill Disney travel log fairytale, but as the film unfolds there’s an unexpected depth to this film that both celebrates the Colombian culture as well as the bonds of a large family/community. Especially in a year plus where we found ourselves stuck at home with our families, “Encanto” enchants us with a story about a family and a home that will stick with you through thick and thin. So until we resume the daily routines of school/work, “Encanto” is the kind of film that can be shared with the whole family this Holiday season. “Encanto” is rated PG for some thematic elements and mild peril. 4 out of 5 stars. You can reach George Gust to comment at gust.george@gmail.com,
PHOTO PROVIDED
Disney Animation Studios enchants and entertains with the family friendly film of the Holidays ‘Encanto.’
Smoke, vape users are needed for a study Answers appearing on Page 19
Dr. Lurdes Queimado, a researcher at the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC), is looking for individuals age 21 to 35 who smoke or use electronic cigarettes (EC), to participate in a study. Participants eligible to take part in the study will be compensated for their time. Two hundred people are being selected for this research study. Each individual would need to plan for two visits to HPRC Tobacco Regulatory Science lab, located on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center campus. Visits will be scheduled approximately two weeks apart, with each taking no more than 2 ½ hours. Urine samples and exhaled breath will be taken for the screening process during both visits. Participants must be willing to provide informed consent and abstain from using all tobacco, EC and nicotine for at least eight hours prior to their visits. Individuals considering this study should not have used marijuana or illicit drugs during the past three months. Interested individuals may take a short survey to see if they qualify. The survey can be found at https://redcap.link/OUstudy100. Potential participants may also call (405) 271-8001 ext. 47917 or email breathefree@ouhsc.edu to learn more.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Movie quotes ACROSS 1. THESE 5. General Services Administration 8. Ex-Miami Heat player Dwyane 12. Pomegranate seed 13. Actor Chris O'____ 14. Pacific Crest Trail walker 15. Country dance formation 16. Wished undone 17. Popeye's sweetie 18. *"Sudden Impact": "Go ahead, ____ ____ ____" 20. Arm part 21. Gold unit 22. Parabola, e.g. 23. San Joaquin Valley city 26. Hangs out with 30. Unit of electrical resistance 31. *"Star Wars": "Stay in ____ formation" 34. Mr. Jinx's (of "Meet the Parents") cry 35. Clay and silt deposit 37. Camel debris 38. Japanese sword fighting 39. Was aware of 40. Come into sight 42. *"Independence Day": "I belong in the ____" 43. *"The Dark Knight": "Why so ____?" 45. Common allergen 47. Cup alternative 48. Bird-made fertilizer 50. Sketch 52. *"On the Waterfront": "I coulda been a ____" 56. El Dorado-related 57. Tabernacle Choir's home state 58. Contributed 59. Star Wars attacker 60. Unidentified aircraft 61. Prep for publication 62. Ladder step 63. Tropical American cuckoo 64. Part to play DOWN
1. Precedes storm? 2. Soprano's song, e.g. 3. *"Mean Girls": "On Wednesdays, we wear ____" 4. Makes smooth, as in hair 5. Dutch cheese 6. *"Darkest Hour": "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and ____" 7. ____ Walker, American Girl doll 8. *"Field of Dreams": "If you build it, he ____ _____" 9. Related 10. Deity, in Sanskrit 11. "... ____ he drove out of sight" 13. Fungus damage (2 words) 14. Meryl Streep's "The ____" 19. Supernatural life force, pl. 22. Query 23. *"Who Framed Roger Rabbit": "That's all, ____!" 24. CÙtes du ____, wine region 25. Mideast V.I.P. 26. Soreness 27. Kidney-related
28. *"Princess Bride": "You killed my father. Prepare ____ ____" 29. Bound by oath 32. "Lights out" tune 33. Nile reptile 36. *"Finding Nemo": "Just keep ____" 38. Danish money 40. Two before Oct 41. Lack of enthusiasm 44. 1/16th of a pound 46. Not two years but three, e.g. 48. Coped (2 words) 49. Freshwater eel, in Japan 50. Comics character Little ____ 51. Fe 52. Caribbean island country 53. Carpenter's joint 54. Like a fairytale stepmother? 55. Network of nerves 56. Acronym, abbr.
Answers on Page 19
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 23, 2021 • Page 15
UCO & City of Edmond commit to a future of sustainability UCO and City of Edmond Solidify Continued Commitment to Sustainability The University of Central Oklahoma and the City of Edmond collaborated to extend a memorandum of understanding toward a more sustainable future. The memorandum is an extension of the original established in 2014. The updated memorandum makes official a commitment of the university and the city to further collaborate on programs that will produce a more healthy, livable and sustainable local community. The areas of collaboration include energy efficiency, healthy ecosystems, alternative public transportation, solid waste and recycling, urban forestry, water and wastewater resources, electric vehicle charging stations, walkability and bicycle grants and educational opportunities. “I think it’s exciting that we can continue this voluntary collaboration between UCO and the City of Edmond. Edmond has always been incredible supporters of UCO,” said John Wood, Ph.D., UCO associate professor of public administration. Central designated Wood to meet quarterly with the City of Edmond to discuss best practices and cost-effective solutions to advance sustainability. Since the original memorandum of understanding, UCO and the city have been able to provide educational opportunities for students through classroom guest lectures by city staff, as well as grant opportuni-
ties, which provided two electric vehicle charging stations on campus and in the Edmond community. “Whether it’s speaking to my classes as guest lectures or collaborating on Earth Day activities, we have had a long-term synergistic relationship with Edmond that I feel certainly helps both organizations to make the metro a better place to work and live,” Wood said. For more information about Central, visit www.uco.edu.
Page 16 • December 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Trainers need to have the proper education SKYLAR’S COUR RT T
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By Brian Attebery reputable certification proThe end of the year is gram that students can “say” approaching. For many, the right thing but “show” your fitness ended something different. In other about 3-4 months at the words, they memorized the beginning of the year proper terms but do not and now you are thinkknow how to apply them. A ing about starting back comprehensive exam shows into the gym. You know those weaknesses in their Attebery you need to. It is overknowledge or lack of. whelming to think about. How do Kinesiology is the study of I start? Which gym? Do I get a human movement combining the trainer? When can I fit it in my skeletal-muscular system along schedule? Do I do weights, carwith physics and biomechanics. dio or classes or all of the above? Most University Programs offer What about my diet? It goes on this degree or an Exercise Sciand on. ence Degree which encompasses When your car is not working, it. These students have taken it is much more effective to get a courses in Human Anatomy with mechanic. An expert. Your body is cadavers, Physiology, Nutrition, more important than any car you Physics, Psychology and a host of own. Invest in it. At a minimum, other science and applied exercise consult a Personal Trainer with a courses followed up with a long College Education in Exercise Sciinternship. Yes, having a trainer ence/Kinesiology that can help with this type of education is you where you are and along the way more important than simply way as you go through this jourtraining with someone that looks ney. good or has been doing it a long You will hit obstacles. You are time. not the same as you were in HighTake education with experience school. You have aches and pains and you have an incredible combiand probably have gained weight nation that will help you be more like many. It is nice to have friends successful this coming year. that are super fit take you to the Exercise is a journey just like life gym but if you jump is. It will have ups and downs. You into their program, most likely it will get off course and frustrated will be inappropriate for your cur- many times. You will have setrent out of shape level while they backs but also accomplishments are in the more advanced stage. to go along with your consistency. Those types of situations are what Just know that anyone who is fit lead to frustration, injuries and and has stayed fit didn’t do it over burn out. night. The State of Oklahoma has no It took years of dedication but licensing requirements or certifica- you are not any different than tion requirements for “Trainers”. I them. You just need to decide to don’t know of any States that do. take the step and invest in yourIsn’t that interesting? There are self and your fit future. Take it dozens of Certifications out there slow and steady but enjoy the and some are very good. Some ride. Any exercise is better than are not. none. You can do more than you Most online do not involve any think. kind of practical exam. In other words, they do not require the (Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Cerstudents showing “how” to train tified Trainer. He owns and operates the client but the students only Results Fitness and Nutrition Cenanswer questions. It has been my ter, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsexperience after teaching for a fitnessusa.com)
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 23, 2021 • Page 17
How to go about stopping porch pirates By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready You know it’s that time of the year when packages of all shapes and sizes begin to litter your porch. This year, C + R Research reported that over 230 million US digital buyers would be shopping online, making it a busy time for package theft. With 43 percent of Americans citing themselves as victims of porch piracy, it’s safe to say that being aware is half the battle. The other half is doing something to prevent it. With 8 in 10 Americans shopping online in 2021, Oklahoma does have some protections with a three-strike system for criminals stealing packages from homes and businesses. In 2020, the Porch Piracy Act was signed into law, enforcing stricter penalties against porch
pirates with punishments of up to two years in prison or up to a $5,000 fine. Despite the law, it still largely falls on homeowners to protect their packages from thieves. Taking the proper precautions can prevent theft from occurring. Here are four tips to keep your holiday deliveries safe: Consider Shipping Insurance Shipping insurance is sold by postal services, courier companies and shipping insurance companies. Not all insurers will cover all goods. However, if you’re ordering high-value items online, you may purchase shipping insurance to ensure delivery. Give Specific Instructions Instead of having deliveries left unsecured at your front door, you can instruct drivers to leave a package at a back door, with a building superintendent, in a coded lockbox or with neighbors. You can
also have deliveries placed on hold and request a specific delivery time. Most, but not all, of these services are free. Install Security Camera or Doorbell Camera Security cameras or video doorbells can also come in handy. The mere presence of these cameras or smart doorbells may be enough to ward off the potential package thieves. Even if it doesn't, you'll at least have evidence for a police report. Bonus: installing these cameras may qualify you for a homeowners insurance discount. Sign Up for Tracking Notifications Most carriers offer package tracking services and text or email alerts to know when a delivery will be made so that you can adjust your schedule accordingly. Sign up for text or email notifications to check your delivery status.
Integris will add Urgent Care centers in metro Emergency rooms are designed for true emergencies, yet they are often filled to capacity by patients with non-emergent needs. Those suffering from the common cold, the flu or a minor injury. Many of these patients resort to the emergency room because they do not have a primary care physician, their physician does not have immediate appointments available, or their injury or illness occurred outside of normal business hours. It can be a frustrating situation for everyone involved. INTEGRIS Health is constantly looking for ways to make access to medical care more convenient for patients. That’s why we are happy to
announce that we will soon be opening three INTEGRIS Health Urgent Care centers in the metro, strategically located to offer the care you need closer to home. These new facilities will be operated solely by INTEGRIS Health, meaning they will provide the same exceptional care you would expect at any INTEGRIS Health location. INTEGRIS Health Urgent Care will provide care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Providers will have access to lab services and imaging equipment to quickly diagnose and treat patients. Each location will have two to three dedicated providers per site. Patients will see the same providers
Chamber officials welcome the Lab Bar & Grill to Edmond with a recent ribbon cutting.
The Lab Bar & Grill
New restaurant in Edmond The Lab Bar & Grill recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 133 N. Santa Fe. The Lab Bar & Grill is an authentic southern fusion restaurant that serves country fusion food inspired by spices
and regional ingredients. They also offer an extensive cocktail menu with over 28 beer taps and happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. They are locally owned, locally sourced and family operated. Learn more about The Lab Bar & Grill at thelabbarandgrill.com.
LifeShare a ‘Top Workplace’ For the third consecutive year, LifeShare was named a Top Workplace by The Oklahoman. Based on the surveys of 24,000 employees at more than 100 state businesses, LifeShare has earned one of the Top Workplaces in the category of mid-size employers, which range in size from 125 to 349 employees. The surveys were conducted by The Oklahoman in partnership with Energage, a Philadelphia-based research and consulting firm. Employees answered questions about a variety of factors related to their
jobs, including pay and benefits, job satisfaction, room for growth and management quality. “We are honored to be recognized as a Top Workplace for the third year in a row,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “This achievement is a direct reflection of our organizational commitment to the well-being of our team members. Our team’s dedication to saving lives and serving our community make LifeShare a top organization not only in Oklahoma, but also nationally within the donation field.”
rather than a rotation of providers. These providers will have access to all INTEGRIS Health integrated medical records and will have access to the patient’s primary care and specialty care providers. “These urgent care centers truly are an extension of our services. We’re reaching outside of the hospital and into the communities themselves,” says Timothy Pehrson, the president and chief executive officer of INTEGRIS Health. “Our goal is to meet people where they are and provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place. These urgent care facilities enhance our continuum of care.” The first INTEGRIS Health Urgent
Care center will be in Moore, located at 750 S.W. 19th Street, Suite A. This location will open to the public on Dec. 13. The two other facilities, one in north Oklahoma City at 2201 N.W. 150th Street, Suite 100 and the other in Norman at 1400 24th Ave. N.W., will open within the next six months. Each location will be equipped to offer x-rays and lab work and conduct minor procedures. Any patient requiring a higher level of care will be seamlessly transitioned to a more acute setting in the INTEGRIS Health system. The urgent care facilities will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.
Page 18 • December 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
House page program touted for local high school youth The Oklahoma House of Representatives is encouraging high school juniors and seniors to apply for the High School Page Program Every year, hundreds of students from across the state have the opportunity to take part in the House High School Page Program at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Students participating in the program have the chance to view the legislative process up close and gain experience working in state government. Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, serves as director of the High School Page Program for the 58th Legislature. "It's an honor to guide these students through their time at the State Capitol," Hill said. "It's always fun to watch their excitement and interest in state government grow as a result of their experience in the page program. This is truly a fantastic learning opportunity for students and a wonderful way to become civically engaged." Pages accepted to the program are assigned for one week, arriving on
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Hi and Lois
Blondie
Shoe
Hägar the Horrible
Zits
Sunday and working Monday through Thursday afternoon, during the legislative session, which runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. The students meet members of the House and other elected officials, work in the House Chamber during daily session, take part in the House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber and experience behind-the-scenes tours of areas of the Capitol and other agencies. Hotel accommodations and chaperones are provided for all students and pages are transported to and from the Capitol daily. They are closely supervised at all times and are not permitted to leave the hotel or the Capitol. Interested high school juniors and seniors may visit https://okhouse.gov/Pages/Index.asp x to learn more information and to submit an application. A tutorial on the application process may be viewed at https://youtu.be/y5ZfSpmq55U.
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 23, 2021 • Page 19
Epic Charter Schools will return $20 million to the state After a thorough review of the investigative audit of Epic Charter Schools conducted by the State Auditor’s office last year, and a ruling by the State Board of Education (SDE), Epic Charter Schools has agreed to repay $9.11 million to the state. “I want to commend SDE for its work to determine Epic’s administrative costs,” said State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd. “Because of our audit, Epic will return approximately $20 million in total to the State. “Epic Charter Schools is a public school district, funded 100% by taxpayers, and my office has a duty to make sure they are spending the money properly. We asked for records and its hired education management company (EMO) refused to
fully comply. Our audit findings verified the numbers based on the information the company did provide. Today’s agreement confirms that Epic’s EMO abused millions of taxpayer dollars by hiding its excessive administrative costs.” Under the operating agreement between Epic Charter Schools and its hired management company, owners Ben Harris and David Chaney were taking 10% of every dollar Epic received to provide administration and management to the school. Their 10% fee exceeds the 5% administrative cap in state law. “From the day we started the audit, I have continually asked what services Epic’s hired management company provided the school in exchange
for its 10% management fee,” Byrd said. “They used state employees and state resources to do their company’s administrative work for the school. Where did the money go?” Until 2019, David Chaney was both Superintendent and 50% owner of the EMO and had the authority to submit false information to SDE. When SAI reported about the company filing falsified invoices and personnel reports, the company claimed to hire an internal auditor to reassess its administrative costs. Harris and Chaney are now suing the school for more than $7 million dollars for more administrative costs without documentation of exactly what services they provided after their contract was terminated in May.
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Page 20 • December 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure