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.
One last look at City Bond issue
See page 6, 7 Also see commentary on Page 10
Cycle 66 is back Hundreds expected for Sunday event
By Jennifer Thornton
Tourism
Director
& Cycle 66 Board Member
Edmond, OK – Cycle 66 Presented by Mercy, slated for Sunday, November 3, today announced its urban/rural bicycling tour has added a fifth mid-distance route and covers more miles on historic Route 66 than ever before.
vendors and many of our downtown businesses offering extended hours and special offerings, the public can enjoy shopping, food and even free massages as they cheer-on cyclists crossing the finish line,” said Jennifer Thornton, Visit Edmond Tourism Director and Cycle 66 board member.
“More importantly, Cycle 66 gives 100 percent of its rider registration fees to charity.” Thornton said.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Partly Cloudy
High 70° Low 55°
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Rain
High 68° Low 59°
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Thunderstorms
High 71° Low 59°
“The routes are brand new this year, offering an amazing opportunity to explore more miles of iconic Route 66, along with some roads many cyclists may have never ridden before,” said Cycle 66 Ride Director Jason Duncan.
Duncan said all the route details and maps, including for the 10-, 18-, 33-, 66- and a 1-mile Kids’ Route, can be found at www.Cycle66ok.com.
“There is quite a gap between the 10-mile and the 33mile routes. This year, after reviewing the initial options, we realized that we could direct a lot of people to the Round Barn in Arcadia and back at a distance that would sit perfectly between the 10 and 33,” Duncan said.
“It just made too much sense to not do it! Now, we have a chance for riders wanting to keep their mileage lower to see the sites of Route 66 while not having to pedal the full 33-mile distance. Arcadia is the perfect turn, and I hope some of our 10-mile riders will challenge themselves with a few extra, or that those with limited time can still join at the 18-mile distance.”
In addition to the non-timed distance tours, Cycle 66 also offers fast-paced criterium races, called the Crit @ Cycle 66, in downtown Edmond, from 10am to 4pm.
“We’re thrilled to offer a USA Cycling-sanctioned Oklahoma Age-Based Criterium State Championship this year,” said Tony Steward, who owns BikeLab OKC and serves as the Cycle 66 Race Director. “Whether you’re a cyclist who wants to participate, or you’ve never ridden a bike, the
Crit @ Cycle 66 offers an exciting opportunity to see some of this region’s best cyclists pedal their way to victory. It’s fast, furious competition, and we invite the public to come cheer on the cyclists while they enjoy brunch or beer in our beautiful downtown.”
As cyclists cross the shared finish line for both the tour and the race, Cycle 66 will host 20+ vendors along Broadway Avenue, beginning at 2nd Street and flowing north.
“Cycle 66 has something for everyone. With so many
For 2024, Cycle 66 will donate registration proceeds to Oklahoma Route 66 Association and Bike Club OKC, an after-school club for boys and girls that teaches bike safety and maintenance, important life skills and that leads bike rides around local neighborhoods.
“Bike Club OKC is proud and grateful for the partnership with Cycle 66! We are eager for the opportunity to expand our life-changing program to Edmond Public Schools,” said Alyssa Lutz, Bike Club OKC executive director.
“The best part about Bike Club OKC is that it’s free for all participants, and every student who completes the program takes home a brand new bike, helmet, pump and the confidence to continue being a problem solver and a leader,” Lutz said.
General registration for Cycle 66 is $45 and includes a free T-shirt. The 1-mile kids’ ride and kids crit are free for kids ages 10 and under.
Last year Edmond welcomed 696 riders from 12 states. “If you haven’t registered yet, grab a friend or two, register today and join us for an unforgettable ride on November 3rd—no matter what distance you choose (10, 18, 33, or 66 miles)! And don’t forget to stick around for the Crit at Cycle 66 when we return to Downtown Edmond,” Duncan said.
Parking:
Cycle 66 participants and spectators can enjoy free public parking throughout downtown Edmond. A convenient parking map is available atwww.cycle66ok.com. Entry to downtown is encouraged from the west and north.
Street Closures:
Similar to last year’s event, several streets in and around Downtown Edmond will be closed from 6pm Saturday, November 2nd, to 6pm, Sunday, November 3rd. See www.cycle66ok.com for more details.
From the Publisher
Vote Bice for Congress
Election time is finally here folks and most of us will be glad when it is over. Here are some of our picks for this election but please remember that it is just “one man’s opinion” as my mentor in the newspaper business, Leland Gourley, used to say. I sure miss that old guy. He was a second dad to me.
First and foremost, we need to return Stephanie Bice to continue her work in the United States House of Representatives. Bice served us well in the state legislature and she has done an excellent job as our Congressional representative here in the 5th district.
Serving in Congress is no picnic and is full of daily frustration but Bice has handled it well folks. In a day when neither presidential candidates are well thought of, Bice is a breath of fresh air please vote for her to continue the work she does for this district. We need the help!
Return Erick Harris to the Oklahoma Legislature
Erick Harris is an excellent choice to return to State House District 39. He won and has done a fantastic job in filling this seat but will now be up for re-election for a full term. He is a former prosecutor so you know he will not be intimidated by any special interest group. Harris will fight for what he believes in and to represent the interests of his district as well as all Oklahomans.
Vote YES YES YES
The hot topic at Around the Corner Restaurant has been the GO Bond proposals for Edmond on the ballot. Folks at the popular hub around town located in downtown Edmond are heavily against the bonds but just to be honest, I am for it.
Edmond on the GO is a General Obligation (GO) Bond program that will fund the highest priority streets, parks and fire safety improvements Edmond residents expect. This will mark the first GO bond program for the City of Edmond since 1980, a historic and foundational investment if approved by voters.
The Nov. 5, 2024, ballot includes twenty-two projects in three categories - streets, parks, and fire safety. Funded by a proposed 10-year, fifteen mill levy, Edmond on the GO would generate a projected $231 million. If voters approve the bond, property taxes will increase by about $1.34 a day per household or by $40 a month per household, based on the median home value in Edmond. GO Bonds are a common funding method used by cities to address critical infrastructure needs. Edmond is the only city in the metro area that does not utilize the program.
First, a couple of suggestions from us. The discussions on social media and those against the proposals have been wrought with incorrect and bogus information. Some spread by the leadership that opposes bonds and others just from folks believing what they read on the internet which we all know is a mistake. A gentleman called me to ask if it were true that the increase in property tax would only be applied to small businesses. Hard to understand how anybody could believe such a claim. He had seen a post on social media. I looked it up and yes it was posted there. I got an-
other call that told me the city council was going to get rich off these bonds. Folks that is not only false but just dumb.
One of my favorite myths is “Seniors will have to sell their home.” This comes from the dishonest leadership against the bonds that want to paint a picture of old folks sitting around a stove with one lump of coal trying to stay warm as your typical Edmond resident. Look around where you live and let me know if that is the case. If it is, an increase in sales tax will be just as devastating. Heck, homeowners in Edmond have enjoyed great increases in value to their home over the years. One of the main reasons is because our city has done what is needed to improve infrastructure, safety and quality of life. That is what a yes vote will get us for our money folks. Would these folks prefer decreasing home values?
If someone has started a conversation with you about the bonds with these words, “I have heard” or “They say”, discount the rest of the conversation. Over the past month we have run pages of explanations about the bonds that are fact only. Yes, we have run the advertising too, but all the news coverage has been facts and just the facts folks. We have more this week that explains the use and purpose of the GO bonds. This address will give you more factual information edmondok.gov/onthego
Improving streets is the number one concern we hear from Edmond residents. Edmond on the GO addresses that concern with 65% of the program dedicated to street improvements. City Council received project and funding recommendations from an appointed, volunteer resident task force at its August 12 meeting and voted separately to approve three items for the general election in November. The GO Bond is a smart and resourceful way to fund the city’s highest-priority streets, parks and public safety improvements.
Make no mistake, it is a tax increase but those opposed do not seem to be against a tax increase. They want to use a slow way, sales tax, to raise the
money but when I put a pencil to it, the sales tax will take too long and not get these needed projects started right away. The cost of funds using a sales tax is also higher than with a property tax. It would take a sales tax high enough to move Edmond from the lowest sales tax in the area to the highest. With sales tax, the large box stores contribute nothing to the projects, they get a free ride. With property tax, either direct through property ownership or through increased rent, the out of state box stores contribute
It really is not about folks being against the projects. The need for the projects is supported. It is also not about tax increases. Even the nay sayers on the bonds know we will have to pay more to keep Edmond in good infrastructure, safety and quality of life. The real question is how we are taxed. Any businesses person will tell you that organizations are better off with diversified revenue sources.
I am voting yes because I like to move forward and not backward. True that if they are voted down the sun will still rise the next day but having been raised by a Marine, I was taught there is no such thing as neutral. Let’s move forward! The need for the projects is undisputed. A small amount of sales tax will not let us do the projects soon enough to keep up. Let us get them done and improve our Edmond. Over the decades the leadership in Edmond has had the political will to move us forward and that is why we all moved here. Falling behind is a deep dark hole you do not want to be in as a community. Vote YES YES YES to keep Edmond a great place to live my friends. Most of all, the people will decide which is the best case scenario. Once it is done, please, go back to being friends and good community participants. There is no reason to be angry no matter which way it goes. Or, as my dad would have said, “Over the top!”
(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 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.
Ray Hibbard
Chamber leader honored
Sherry Jordan, Edmond Chamber President and CEO was honored as one of the 55 over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans last earlier this month. Honorees of this award are Oklahomans who are investing in the future growth of Oklahoma, shaping the future of their business communities, providing a more innovative and inclusive financial future for the talented entrepreneur community, and nonprofit organizations that are serving thousands of Oklahomans.
YooJin Jang
Brightmusic features violinist YooJin Jang
Guest violinist YooJin Jang returns to OKC to perform with Brightmusic’s Amy I-Lin Cheng (piano) and Jonathan Ruck (cello) Tuesday, November 5th 7:30pm at First Baptist Church in midtown OKC. There will also be a short pre-concert showcase from Oklahoma Youth Orchestra’s “Simply Strings” quartet.
Jang last performed with Brightmusic in 2023 to great audience acclaim, and this concert will also highlight her virtuosity with works by two Spanish composers, Pablo de Sarasate and Enrique Granados, alongside a technically complex piece for violin and piano by Franz Schubert of Austria. The works by Sarasate come from his collection of Spanish dances, while Granados’ trio melds Romantic European musical forms with Spanish musical colors.
YooJin Jang is Assistant Professor of Violin at the Eastman School of Music. Winner multiple competitions including the Concert Artists Guild Competition and Sendai International Music Competition, she has been praised as “a performer without fear or technical limitation” with “fiery virtuosity.” Jang is has appeared with numerous prestigious orchestras and is also a passionate chamber musician. Jang is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and the Korean National University of Arts.
First Baptist Church is located at 1201 N Robinson Ave. Free parking is available north and southwest of the building. Handicap Access is available through the door under the awning on the south side of the building. The elevator is just inside around the corner to the left. Go up one level to the Sanctuar
The Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble is Oklahoma City’s foremost presenter of classical chamber music. For more information, visit us at www.brightmusic.org
Sherry Jordan
Weekend Calendar of Events Oct. 31-Nov. 3
Weekend Calendar Events Oct 31 – Nov 3
- In the Gallery
- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
- Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch
- Storybook Forest
- Miranda Halloween Show
- World Cup Finals
- Machinal
- Beauty and The Beast Musical
- Round Midnight Live Music
- UCO Jazz Lab
- Board Game Night
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events
- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm
- Guthrie Haunts
- Magnified: Macro Photography Exhibit
- Bricktown Haunted Warehouse
- OKC Ghost Tour
- American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- OKC Philharmonic presents: Arrival from Sweden – The Music of ABBA
- First Friday Gallery Walk
- Oklahoma City Train Show
- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show
- Festival de Vida y Muerte
- Cycle 66 Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Featuring Mark & Jennifer Hustis & William Mantor; 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
Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch
Location: 720 S Henney Rd, Arcadia, OK
Extra Info: Wed, Sep 18 – Sun, Nov 3; Wed –Fri: 1 p.m. to dark; Sat: 10 a.m. – dark; Sun: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; $13 for adults & $11 for children; pony rides: $6; Feed for animals: $1; Face painting: $12; parkhurstranch.com
Storybook Forest
Location: Arcadia Lake, 7200 E 15th
Extra Info: Wed, Oct 23 – Wed, Oct 30; Adult: $5; Children: $15; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; edmondok.com
Miranda Halloween Show
Location: 19544 Talavera Lane, Edmond
Extra Info: Thu, Oct 24 – Thu, Oct 31; Free; 7 –9 p.m.; visitedmondok.com
World Cup Finals
Location: Lazy E Arena
Extra Info: Sun, Oct 27 – Sun, Nov 3; Free; 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily; lazye.com
Machinal Location: University of Central Oklahoma –Mitchell Hall Theater
Extra Info: Thu, Oct 31 – Sun, Nov 3; Free; 7:30 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu
Beauty and The Beast Musical
Location: Oklahoma Christian University –Baugh Auditorium
Extra Info: Thu, Oct 31 – Sat, Nov 2; $25; 7:30 – 9 p.m.; oklahoma-christianuniversity.ticketleap.com
Round Midnight Live Music
Location: Round Midnight
Extra Info: Thu, Oct 31; featuring jazz quartets; visitedmondok.com
UCO Jazz Lab
Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Jazz Lab
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1; $15; 8 p.m.; Shortt Dogg; calendar.uco.edu
Board Game Night
Location: MAC in Mitch Park
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; edmondok.civicrec.com
National Cowboy & Western Heritage
Museum Events
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage
Museum
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1: Explore the Code: Sitting Bull; Sat, Nov 2: Santa Basket Workshop; 9 a.m. –5 p.m.; Sat, Nov 2: Let’s Talk About It: “The ReSee Calendar, Page 5
(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.)
Oct. 14
Mei Lin, 38 of Lynnwood, Wash. Driving while impaired by consumption of alcohol (DWI).
Derrick Dewayne Lewis II, 25 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana, no proof of insurance and driving while the privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Ryne Alexander Ainsworth, 38 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Davon Latrell Hubbard, 29 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, public intoxication, false representation to an officer and non-assault resisting officer.
Robert Earll Pugh Jr., 44 of Okla-
homa City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or a combination of schedule I chemical or controlled substance.
Oct. 15
Allan Rachi Kharbough, 50 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Roger James Burland, 52, homeless. Felony warrant and shoplifting.
Princess Jacklon Nicole Spencer, 23 homeless. Trespassing.
Carl Dee Collins, 63 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Oct. 16
Aiyana Ronay Williams, 21 of Edmond. Driving with improper equipment, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Shiloh Wayne Haddox, 27 homeless. Failure to appear.
Gary Don Blankenship, 54 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more and a misdemeanor warrant.
Dae‘quan Emmanuel Marquis Wright, 21 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and shoplifting.
Ronald Joseph Langston King, 28 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months and failure to appear.
Jonathan Nelson Clark, 50 of Geary. Engage/ solicit prostitution.
Drake Alexander Lee, 23 of Lafayette, La. Public intoxication.
Oct. 17
Jaden Glenn Wallace, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alchol content level of .08 or more.
Joshua Daniel Tengram, 46 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Haley D’Lane Turner, 39 of Edmond. Shoplifting.
Princess Jacklon Nicole Spencer, 23 homeless. Shoplifting and trespassing after having being warned.
Shane Joseph Kyle Elliott, 20 homeless. Failure to appear.
Oct. 18
Christopher Jahmar Williams, 33 of Edmond. Public intoxication, obstruction of an officer and domestic abuse assault (strangulation)
Sarah Diane Halom, 34 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Donna Jean Hinton, 51 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, larceny from building – petit larceny, trespassing after being forbidden and possess CDS.
Kallie Marie Ridley, 21 of Littleton, Colo. Felony warrant.
Eric Andrew Steiner, 51 of Guthrie. Shoplifting.
Andrea Marie Solis, 32 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.
Dahsauni Angelique Lyday, 22 of Edmond. Expired tag 1 to 3 months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Oct. 19
Kathryn Grace Huff, 24 of Edmond. Public intoxication and failure
to appear.
Princess Jacklon Nicole Spender, 23 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer.
Ethan James Pipkin, 26 of Edmond. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15.
Orphan Samuel Kosmes, 21 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Jerry Dwayne Orr, 58 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Dante Alexander Williams, 26 of Charleston Mi. Two felony warrants. Princess Jacklon Nicole Spencer, 23 homeless. Failure of pedestrian to yield and obstruction of police officer.
James Michael Levi, 22 of El Reno. Public intoxication.
Joseph Juan Duran, 52 of El Reno. Misdemeanor warrant.
Jack Alexander Caldwell, 21 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) porch piracy and public intoxication.
Guy John Cotton, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Kyle Curby Airington, 48 of Edmond. Improper turn and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Oct. 20
Ray Bowie Blackmon, 36 of Northglenn, Colo. Obstruction of police officer, public intoxication and failure of pedestrian to yield.
Symone Kyana Gourdin, 32 of Northglenn, Colo. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Andrew Harrison, 26 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Huy Tran, 43 of Edmond. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and public intoxication.
Donald Lee Bennett Jr., 42 of Luther. Public intoxication and obstruction of police officer.
George Galdiano Navarro, 62 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and three counts of failure to appear. Aymesha Michelle Harjo, 23 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
moved” Book Discussion; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org; Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale; Fri, Sep 27 – Sun, Nov 17; tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org;
Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm
Location: Orr Family Farm
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 21 – Sat, Nov 9; orrfamilyfarm.com
Guthrie Haunts
Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 28 – Sat, Nov 9; open Fridays, Saturdays & Halloween; 7 – 11 p.m.; guthriescaregrounds.com
Magnified: Macro Photography
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 21 – Tue, Nov 12; myriadgardens.org
Bricktown Haunted Warehouse
Location: 429 Kings of Leon Ln, OKC, OK
Extra Info: Fri, Oct 4 – Thu, Oct 31; Open every Friday, Saturday and the last four Thursdays in Oct, as well as Oct 28, 29 & 30; bricktownhaunt.com
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Location: The Boom!, OKC
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1 – Sat, Nov 2; ticketstorm.com
OKC Philharmonic presents: Arrival from Sweden – The Music of ABBA
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1 – Sat, Nov 2; 8 p.m.; okcphil.org
First Friday Gallery Walk
Location: Paseo Arts District, OKC
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org
Oklahoma City Train Show
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 2 – Sun, Nov 3; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okctrainshow.com
OKC Ghost Tour
Location: 101 E Sheridan Ave, OKC
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1; 7 p.m. –8:30 p.m.; eventbrite.com
American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show
Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 1 – Wed, Nov 20; aqha.com
Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show
Location: Oklahoma State Fair
Park
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 2 – Sun, Nov 3; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. –
4 p.m.; okcgun.show
Festival de Vida y Muerte
Location: Scissortail Park
Extra Info: Sun, Nov 3; 12 – 8 p.m.; scissortailpark.org
The Oklahoma County Election Board will provide an opportunity for in-person early voting at Mitch Park from Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Saturday, Nov. 2. The voting site will be open: Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 8 AM to 6 PM
Thursday, Oct. 31, from 8 AM to 6 PM
Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
Please note that those in line when the polling site is scheduled to close will be allowed to cast their vote. As
such, traffic impacts may last longer than the times listed above.
Voting will take place at the MultiActivity Center (MAC) in Mitch Park. Parking will be identified nearby, excluding lots reserved for both the Edmond Senior Center and Mitch Park YMCA.
Edmond residents are advised that there may be traffic impacts around Mitch Park, including on Santa Fe Avenue and Covell Road.
For any questions regarding the election or early voting, please contact the Oklahoma County Election Board at 405-713-1515.
How bond program would help parks & rec
SPOTLIGHT: Edmond on the GO bond program would invest in current parks and bring new facilities to residents and visitors Projects proposed include upgrades for 13 neighborhood parks, athletic field improvements, two new facilities and completion of a trail connection
From City Source Edmond
Darrell Davis has recognized the value of a strong parks system for a long time.
“The city was evolving when I joined (the Parks Board),” said Davis, Mayor of Edmond, who joined the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 1996, moved on to serve on City Council in November 2011, and has served as Mayor since May 2021. “When I joined, the Board was beginning the
City Source
process of the development of Mitch Park and the MAC (Multi-Activity Center). The first master plan for that wasn’t even developed yet. I stayed on the Board for a long time because I wanted to be a part of seeing those important projects get across the finish line.
“As a city and community, I believe we all understand the benefits a robust parks system provides. Our residents and visitors see them as a valuable investment, and they embrace the benefits of being outdoors, breathing fresh air, getting some sun and communing with nature and each other. And parks benefit everyone – there is no age limit for enjoying a park.”
Parks projects is the second-largest portion of
the proposed Edmond on the GO bond package. Edmond on the GO is a General Obligation (GO) Bond program that will fund the highest priority streets, parks and public safety improvements Edmond residents expect. If approved by voters, this will mark the first GO Bond program for the City of Edmond since 1980, a historic and foundational investment.
On the Nov. 5, 2024, election ballot are three separate bond proposals that would fund 22 projects in three categories – streets, parks, and fire safety. If all three are approved by voters, the Edmond on the GO proposals would combine for a 10-year, 15 mill levy that would generate a projected $231 million to fund these vital projects. If only one or two of the questions are approved, the
See Parks, Page 7
Westborough Park will see some needed improvements if voters approve a bond issue Nov. 5.
Parks
target mill rate of 15 does not change. The duration of the tax would be shorter depending upon the total dollar amount of projects authorized by voters.
If approved by voters, the Parks projects would get $70 million, or 30 percent of the funding generated by the bond program. Those projects are:
Mitch Park improvements
Plans for major upgrades include much-needed improved and new softball and baseball fields and amenities, new playground equipment, Miracle League field improvements and connectivity improvements such as pathways and sidewalks throughout the park. If completed, Mitch Park would have the capacity and parking to host larger youth sports tournaments. The park is an ideal location near multiple businesses to capture visitor spending and bring in local revenue. Cost for this plan is $25 million.
Service-Blake Soccer Complex
Proposed is the completion of a full renovation of the facility. Currently, a small portion of the Master Plan is nearing completion which replaces the concession and maintenance structures on the site. Future phases will replace irrigation, electrical, field conditions, lighting and parking. With additional parking, field lighting and improved sport surfaces, there would be more opportunities to host larger tournaments. Cost for this project is $10 million.
New park at Post Road and 2nd Street
As a companion to the Arcadia Lake Master Plan, the City-owned property on the southwest corner of Post Road and 2nd Street include plans for a roadside park with a bicycle pump track. The completion of the park would provide an east-of-I35 public park as well as a roadside stop for travelers along Route 66. This would complement the nearby mountain bike trails which are growing in popularity. Cost for this project is $8 million.
Veterans Memorial
The memorial planned for Bickham-Rudkin Park would include a new pavilion with restrooms, flag plaza, history walk honoring Edmond's veterans, fishing dock, K9 memorial, landscaping and expanded parking. The Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee believes the memorial would bring opportunities for a wide variety of veteran events, bringing in visitors from our community and beyond. These improvements would also make Bickham-Rudkin Park more accessible. Cost for this project is $8 million.
Neighborhood parks improvements
This project would allow for scheduled replacement of aging neighborhood playgrounds throughout the city and breathe new life into those community assets. The project would improve 13 parks with upgrades, in-
cluding new equipment, at Kelly, Centennial, Penick, Meadow Lakes, Whispering Heights, Westborough, Brookhaven, Gossett, Johnson, Clegern, Fink, Chitwood and Hafer parks. Cost of this project is $6 million.
Creek Bend Trail completion
The Creek Bend Trail connects the Spring Creek Trail where it crosses under I-35 and the West I-35 Frontage Road. The project would create a multi-use pathway along the Spring Creek to Coltrane. The connection would be an important link in the overall trail plan that aims to provide recreational opportunities as well as non-motorized transportation. Cost for this project is $4 million.
An interactive map with Parks project details can be found at www.edmondok.gov/1912/General-Obligatio n-Bond-Projects.
If voters approve part or all of the bond package, property taxes will increase until the funding goal for approved projects is met. As an example, based on the median home value of approximately $307,000 in Edmond, the increase would be about $1.34 a day per household or about $40 a month. GO Bonds are a common funding method used by cities to address critical infrastructure needs. Edmond is the only major city in the metro area that doesn’t utilize a GO Bond program.
“Over the years we’ve analyzed what options we have for revenue sources for the projects our residents have told us they value,” Davis said. “This option is one we have looked at extensively and has been demonstrated to be effective and efficient in other places throughout the region.” Learn more about GO Bonds, the proposed projects and more at www.EdmondOK.gov/OnTheGO.
If passed, Mitch Park would receive $25 million to add new baseball and softball fields and fund other improvements.
Gossett Park is one of 13 neighborhood parks, which would
some of the old playground equipment
Machines Exhibit: Hosted by Edmond’s visiting extra-terrestrial
Greetings Earthlings! I’ve come from Planet Heflin to learn about America’s machines. This building has marvelous inventions--but I can’t figure out what all of them do. Maybe you can help me?
Your Space Friend, Milty Milty accidently arrived at the Edmond History Museum instead of his planned destination in New York City—but this friendly Extra-Terrestrial is fascinated by the 20th-century machines currently on display in the museum. He is baffled by the railroad switcher, the car cooler, and even the early washing machine. He has printed out his best guesses, which museum visitors might find amusing. (No, Milty, that firefighter backpack is not a proton pack!)
The exhibit, Mysterious Machines: Hosted by Edmond’s Visiting Extra-Terrestrial, sponsored by Weathers TV & Appliance, will be on display through next summer. Some of the artifacts, dating from the early 1900s to the 1980s, might look familiar, while others will not. Museum visitors are invited to muse over Milty’s guesses before reading the true history of each machine in an answer binder.
“Museum staff thought the machine exhibit would be more fun and relatable if we added a scifi element, because some of the machines have a space-age look,” said Amy Stephens , museum director. “Our character, Milty, thinks these are modern machines, not realizing that a museum might show primitive forms of technology.”
“Before writing Milty’s labels, we invited children to look at the artifacts and guess what each machine might do--which was funny, because they didn’t recognize most of them at all,” said Michael Cavazos, exhibits coordinator. “We took their answers and incorporated some of them into Milty’s labels.” (No, Milty, that is a battery tester, not a hand-held weapon).
Milty from Planet Heflin was named to honor Milt Heflin, the graduate of Edmond High School and Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma) who worked at NASA from 19662013, including mission control, during the Apollo moon landing. His distinguished career earned him a place in the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame.
As an addition to the Mysterious Machines exhibit, Milty has a lab in the gallery where his spaceship landed. In Milty’s Lab, visitors can help the visiting Extra-Terrestrial learn about Edmond geography, landmarks, and machines through activities, appropriate for both adults and children. The Museum will also host a variety of programming to compliment the exhibit. Programs details will be added to the EdmondHistory.org website as they develop.
Milty was designed by local artist, Forrest McKinley.
Museum Information:
Edmond History Museum is open 10:00-5:00 Monday – Friday and 1-4:00 Saturday. Please visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078. Admission is free.
Could exercise be a fountain of youth?
Experts who study the aging process have long known exercise is fundamental in maintaining our overall health as long as possible. What’s not clear, however, is why some older people benefit from a workout more than others.
Two Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists hope to better understand this mystery. To do so, they’ll conduct a novel clinical trial as part of a new $7.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Benjamin Miller, Ph.D., and Sue Bodine, Ph.D., will collaborate with researchers from the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and the University of Florida over the grant’s five-year period.
Previous studies have examined the benefits of either cardiovascular exercise or strength training, Miller said. This one involves both types for all participants.
“By the end, we hope to create a predictive model around the factors that determine at a cellular level whether a person responds or doesn’t respond to exercise,” said Miller, who holds the G.T. Blankenship Chair in Aging Research at OMRF. “From there, we can modify exercise to the different types of people, so that, hopefully, everyone has a positive response.”
Their study will involve two phases and roughly 200 people. Participants will all be volunteers aged 60 and older who don’t currently exercise regularly. Following tests of each person’s muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness, subjects will undergo an initial 12 weeks of supervised strength and endurance training at OMRF. Then each person will be tested again.
“It’s a well-known phenomenon that if you give a group of people the same exercise regimen, many of them will make considerable, measurable improvements, but some don’t change much, if at all,” Miller said. “What separates this study from previous research is the second phase.”
During Phase 2, the study team will increase the intensity of training for subjects who showed little or no improvement during the first phase. For those who made gains in Phase 1, some will continue at the same pace for another 10 weeks, while others will be released from the supervised exercise program.
Another round of tests will be conducted on all participants following Phase 2.
“We hope to better understand how each person – particularly an older person – responds to a specific type and the intensity of training,” said Bodine, who leads a national consortium of scientists studying how exercise improves health at a molecular level. “If we can determine why someone isn’t responding to a particular exercise protocol, can it be tailored to meet their specific needs?”
Recruitment for the trial will begin early next year. Miller will not be surprised if the results confirm that regular workouts can protect against agerelated diseases.
“It’s well established that diseases accumulate in aging adults, but what if we could slow the aging process to reduce or prevent the onset of those diseases?” he said. “No pill has more potential to do that than exercise.”
This grant, No. 1R01AG089192-01, was awarded by the National Institute of Aging, part of the NIH.
The University of Central Oklahoma Department of Theatre Arts will present “Machinal,” by Sophie Treadwell, at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31- Nov. 2, and 2 p.m., Nov. 3, in Mitchell Hall Theatre on UCO’s campus.Pictured, left to right, Riley Samuel, a junior theatre performance major from Wylie, Texas; Erica Workman, a freshman theatre performance major from Morris, Oklahoma; and, Liberty Welch, a sophomore theatre/communication education major from Oklahoma City.
UCO Theatre Arts Presents ‘Machinal,’ Oct. 31-Nov.3
The University of Central Oklahoma Department of Theatre Arts will present “Machinal,” by Sophie Treadwell, at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31Nov. 2, and 2 p.m., Nov. 3, in Mitchell Hall Theatre on UCO’s campus.
Directed by Carly O’Brien, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre arts at UCO, “Machinal” tells the gripping story of Helen Jones, a young woman suffocated by societal expectations and trapped in an unfulfilling marriage. Desperate for escape, her quest for autonomy leads her down a dark and irreversible path. Inspired by the true-life case of Ruth Snyder, the play is a powerful critique of industrialized society and the weight of societal pressure.
“This play presents a society that rewards conformity and punishes difference, as you will see in the treatment of the play’s protagonist, Helen," O'Brien said.
"In this adaptation of the classic play, I wanted to find places to inject hope into the bleak story while honoring Sophie Treadwell’s critique of a nightmarish world that is willing to chew up and spit out anybody who does not follow the rules of the machine.”
Premiering in 1928, “Machinal” is a notable work of American expressionism. It uses rhythmic, poetic dialogue and environmental soundscapes to mirror the mechanized and impersonal world that engulfs its characters. The play’s episodic structure and avant-garde style offer modern audiences a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Tickets range from $10 to $25 and are free for UCO students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased online at go.uco.edu/CFAD-Tickets or by calling the Ticket Office at 405974-3375.
OMRF gets $1 million grant for liver disease research
People with diabetes are at risk of developing a progressive liver disease that at some point becomes irreversible, leaving organ transplant as the only option.
A new National Institutes of Health grant awarded to three Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists could someday lead to an earlier and far less invasive treatment.
The $997,408 grant extends the focus of OMRF’s Center for Cellular Metabolism Research in Oklahoma, which was created by Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., in 2021 through an NIH program that fosters collaboration and mentoring for junior researchers.
This new award combines the expertise of three OMRF scientists: Audrey Cleuren, Ph.D., Jacquelyn Gorman, Ph.D., and Michael Stout, Ph.D.
Together, they hope to understand cellular changes and interactions responsible for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition affects about 100 million Americans, according to the American Liver Foundation. In children, the condition has more than doubled during the last 20 years.
People with Type 2 diabetes are at greatest risk of developing NAFLD. The liver disease can be present for years before symptoms occur. It sometimes progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, where the liver begins to swell and harden.
Local news?
Do you have a local news item or a local photograph?
Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper.
Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com
There is no charge.
“Early on it often can be arrested or slowed through diet and exercise, but at some point, it becomes a self-perpetuating disease of inflammation and fibrosis,” Cleuren said. “We hope to better understand how the cells are interacting at various stages of the disease.”
Gorman noted that most experimental drugs aimed at reversing these conditions have failed during clinical trials.
“We and other scientists surmise this happened because those drugs targeted a single cell type rather than multiple cell types and their interactions,” she said.
During the one-year grant period, the scientists hope to attain sufficient data to warrant a longer, more indepth study.
The grant, 3P20GM139763-04S1, was awarded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a part of the NIH. This award is part of the NIH’s Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) program, which helps junior scientists establish independent research programs, funds equipment and resources, and supports essential research cores.
Funding from the Oklahoma Citybased Presbyterian Health Foundation and the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research provided equipment and/or preliminary research in support of the scientists’ NIH grant application.
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Time for the big vote
Another election cycle is about to wrap up. I’m sure a lot of folks are probably happy about that.
Can impact taxes assessed
Lawmakers study real value of cars
Steve Gust
Getting the most attention is the presidential race. I remember the first time I voted for president. I was a bit puzzled seeing a group of names listed under the main candidates. I discovered they were electors and we used something called the electoral college, to decide the president.
The big question today is who is going to win this race? To sum it up, I’m not sure.
I was a bit surprised to see some polls had Donald Trump leading, barely, in a national race. I’ve noticed in the past that a Republican candidate can be down two or three percent in the national race and it really doesn’t matter that much. The reason for that rests with New York, California and Illinois. The Democrats there run up the raw vote total by millions. But in the long run it doesn’t matter that much because we do use the Electoral College.
I’ve heard that a presidential race
isn’t one race, but actually 50. And the results in Oklahoma will have as much drama as an episode of television’s old “Love Boat” program. I’d be very surprised if Trump didn’t win here by 30 or 40 percent. That's what he did in both 2016 against Hillary Clinton and 2020 against Joe Biden. If you’re keeping score at home, a Democratic presidential nominee hasn’t won a county in Oklahoma since Al Gore picked off a handful in 2000. In five elections since Gore, the GOP has won 385 Oklahoma counties to zero for the Democrats. And if you’re looking for a time when the Democrats carried Oklahoma, you have to go back 60 years to 1964 and LBJ’s landslide.
On the plus side for Democrats, there has been some talk VP Harris might win right here in Oklahoma County. It might be possible, since I believe Trump only won Oklahoma County by four thousand votes in 2020. Then again a lot of folks back then liked Biden, He was seen by some as the moderate “Scranton Joe” – just a normal kind of guy. Although once in office, he certainly hasn’t governed as a moderate. And few people are ever going to confuse Kamala with being a moderate.
Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, last week led an interim study examining criteria used by the state of Oklahoma to determine the retail value of vehicles for tax purposes.
The study took place Oct. 23 before the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on General Government at the State Capitol.
"This issue was brought to my attention by one of my constituents and a neighbor of mine," Grego said. "He bought a truck, and there was fluctuation between what he paid and what the value of the vehicle was determined to be. So, my goal is to look at this issue and see if we can make some changes in the system to make this more fair for consumers who purchase vehicles."
Grego invited Joe Mack McAlester of Wilburton to explain his experience.
McAlester said he bought a used truck at an auction for a price that was well under the listed Blue Book value. He planned to use the vehicle
Editor
on his farm, so he wasn't concerned that it wasn't in perfect condition. When he went to get his tag and title, however, he said he was charged excise tax based on the full book value of the vehicle without consideration for the vehicle's condition. His argument was he should only have been charged based on what he paid, the same as how sales tax is calculated on other purchases, instead of the higher value. The difference in price would have saved him several hundred dollars.
McAlester said he's talked to other neighbors who've had similar experiences.
"I was very grateful for Joe's input on this topic as I know it's one that affects a lot of people in our state, particularly farmers and ranchers who tend to buy older vehicles to use for their work," Grego said.
Representatives from Service Oklahoma and Tinker Federal Credit Union also presented during the study, sharing their methodology for determining a vehicle's value and how the state assesses taxes. Tinker is the largest indirect dealer financing partner in the state.
Grego said the methodology used to calculate excise tax was largely inherited from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. But the lenders explained that loan risk factors based on credit history, collateral values and other things all play a role in determining a vehicle's value. They also rely on industry standards such as those set by the National Automobile Dealers Association.
Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, also participated in the study, giving insight as a former automobile dealership owner. He said he's willing to help Rep. Grego draft legislation that might help Oklahoma vehicle buyers pay less tax.
He said he was charged excise tax based on the full book value of the vehicle.
McKinnis outlines support for bond measure
I am supporting the GO Bond election on all three ballot items because the time is now for Edmond citizens to invest in our infrastructure and our public safety and our quality of life to keep Edmond as the best community in Oklahoma. We must invest in our public safety, traffic solutions and safety for our children. We are all beneficiaries of the investments in Edmond by those who came before us, and I believe, we need to continue to invest in Edmond for the benefit of our generation and the generations that follow us. The GO Bond Task Force, which was made-up of 25 volunteer Edmond citizens, unanimously recommended the projects and the method of funding on the ballot. These were identified as being priorities for public safety, infrastructure and quality of life. The area getting the most funding will be roads, which is annually the subject of the biggest complaints by citizens of Edmond. What do we do to manage our traffic? The GO Bond program addresses that issue in a positive and efficient way.
Throughout its history, Edmond has funded its infrastructure and its operations solely by sales tax, and we are the only city, anywhere near our size in the State of Oklahoma, that does not employ a general obligation bond program to fund infrastructure by accessing some percentage of property taxes. We have the lowest sales tax rates in the OKC metro, and we are 17th out of 18 tax districts in Oklahoma County when it comes to property tax rates. We cannot continue to fund our public safety and infrastructure at the lowest rates and expect to have the highest quality of life, best public safety and thoughtful and safe infrastructure. The average Edmond property has tripled in value since 2000, and we have been the beneficiaries of the total City of Edmond experience. We owe it to ourselves to invest some of that benefit to fund the public safety, infrastructure and quality of life going forward.
There are some people that oppose the GO Bond program based on the argument we should not use property taxes, but we should be using sales taxes to fund any future infrastructure or quality of life or public safety needs. This places an unnecessary burden on the lower income earners in our community and the idea that housing affordability will be better served by adding sales taxes is simply inaccurate, and a convenient excuse.
There are numerous other reasons why property taxes are the appropriate method to fund the items listed on the GO Bond program.
Using sales taxes to fund the project list gives many of the largest infrastructure users and out of town corporate landowners a free pass and places a greater burden on Edmond citizens.
Choosing to raise funds by sales taxes will allow many large corporate out-of-state property owners to avoid paying for infrastructure improvements and public safety services that are beneficial to their businesses. Companies like Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, Chick-Fil-A and many others are owned by out-of-state interest, and the only direct contribution they make to the City of Edmond is at the time of paying for a building permit or connection or capacity fees. While they have employees who work there, we know 75% of all employees in the City of Edmond commute from outside the Edmond city limits every day to work. Therefore, those income dollars are leaving our city, and yet the infrastructure and public safety services are put under significant distress by businesses that benefit from it. Why would we ask our citizens to pay more sales taxes just to make up for what these companies aren’t required to contribute?
Sales taxes are much more volatile and more expensive to use as a financing method.
In any given year, sales tax collections in the City of Edmond have varied widely. Sometimes we enjoy large growth in sales tax collections, but other years collection rates are flat or even down. Therefore, it's a difficult revenue model to use for bond financing because of the higher interest rate pricing required in order to sell the bonds in the marketplace.
Ad valorem tax revenue is much more stable and allows for more reliable revenue projections and better bond pricing, which reduces the overall cost to taxpayers compared to a sales tax program. The cheapest way to fund these projects is by using GO Bonds backed by property tax revenue.
Property tax funding creates diversity of income for the City of Edmond. For the most part, the sole source of revenue for the City of Edmond is sales tax collections. By adding an ad valorem tax revenue to the city's revenue stream, it provides a diversity of income for the City of Edmond. Whether it’s a family household, business or organization, diversity of income provides greater financial stability. Additionally, every city in the State of Oklahoma with 50,000 people or more agrees with that concept, as Edmond is the only city of its size that doesn't use GO Bond financing paid for by ad valorem taxes as a revenue source. Why would you want diversity of income for your household or your business but think it's a bad idea for the City of Edmond?
Using ad valorem taxes is much more appropriate because the projects have a direct positive impact on the value of real property. Every project on the GO Bond project list enhances the quality of life of Edmond or addresses significant issues (like public safety and infrastructure) that directly impact property owners causing appreciation of property values. It is appro-
priate for those landowners to pay for those improvements. It is inequitable to have sales taxes be the sole methodology of paying for improvements in the City of Edmond when the direct beneficiary is the landowner.
Using sales taxes as they come in would cause projects to take longer to start and complete and they would be much more expensive.
If projects were only funded as sales tax collections come in, the ability to start projects, as well as the certainty to get them funded, would be much less of a clear path from start to finish. Therefore, projects would likely be delayed. From the idea phase all the way through the construction phase, projects would be subject to greater inflation and rising costs in all areas. Further, the likelihood of projects being completed would be dependent upon future annual revenues related to sales tax collections.
If sales taxes were increased to the level necessary to fund the GO Bond project list (an additional 1 ¼ cent), Edmond would have the highest sales tax rate in the OKC MSA at 9.50%.
Edmond currently enjoys the lowest sales tax rates and some of the lowest ad valorem tax rates in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area. If sales taxes were increased by 1 ¼ cents, which is the amount required to fund the GO Bond project list, Edmond would immediately become the highest sales tax district in the Oklahoma MSA. In the event you raised the ad valorem rate by 15 mills, Edmond would then become the 13th highest tax district out of 17 districts in OKC MSA. Why would you want to have the highest sales tax rate moving forward? If ad valorem taxes were used for the program, Edmond would still have the lowest sales tax rate in the metropolitan area and the ad valorem rate would still be significantly lower than the average in the Oklahoma City area. Notably, the proposed sales tax rate increase is 15.15%, and the proposed ad valorem tax increase is 14.42%. You cannot talk about housing affordability without discussing the cost of living, and adding a regressive tax to lowest wage earners would negatively impact housing affordability in every conceivable manner.
I am not generally in favor of taxes, and I realize there is never a good time for any tax increase. However, these needs are not going away, and in order for Edmond to continue to be the community we expect, the time is now to move forward with the GO Bond program. Please join me in voting “YES” on all three proposals.
Sincerely,
Todd A. McKinnis Chairman of the GO Bond Task Force Edmond business and property owner
VillagesOKC holds ‘Be Amazing’ anniversary party
Each year, the members, board and sponsors of VillagesOKC meet to celebrate the past year with an Anniversary Party. This year, the celebration was held on a perfect Oklahoma evening at OKC’s Chicken N Pickle.
From Guthrie to South Oklahoma City, members who live in their own homes love connecting over great food. This evening, they enjoyed shuffleboard, corn hole andof course pickleball - watching, learning and playing. VillagesOKC members who are avid pickleball enthusiasts, Carma Branscum and Gayle Veasy, helped teach others who had never played before.
Pickleball is just one opportunity for mature adults to stay active and enjoy new friends. Sharing a meal, being there and sometimes helping each other with hard conversations, are all part of the new mindset for those who are embracing their age here in Oklahoma City and across the nation.
“This incredible organization’s goal is to empower adults to age with vitality and purpose,” said Alicia Jackson, Chicken N Pickle’s Community Impact Coordinator. “We LOVE their purpose which reminds all ages that pickleball is for everyone.”
VillagesOKC members lead the way with a can-do spirit.
Gayle Veasey, left, encouraged Rebecca Williams and Carma Branscum, right, coached pickleball at the Be Amazing event.
Joyce McMaster, Robin Gunn and Bobbie Gunn complete their get acquainted BINGO card.
Chicken N Pickle hosted the VillagesOKC member appreciation and anniversary party.
Hon. Lance Robertson visits with John and Kathy Larsen.
Gayle Veasey demonstrates pickleball to newcomer, Delilah JoinerMartin.
Pittsburg State snaps Broncho victory streak
No. 9 Central Oklahoma dropped its first football game of the season Saturday with a 35-21 loss to No. 6 Pittsburg State in a crucial MIAA showdown at Chad Richison Stadium.
UCO is now 7-1 on the season and 5-1 in the MIAA. Pitt State is 7-1 overall and 6-1 in league play.
"We let them run all over us and we need to work on correcting that before next week," UCO head football coach Adam Dorrel said. "We played a mostly clean game and didn't turn the ball over, but we couldn't get the stops we needed. Credit to Pitt, they deserved it today."
Central Oklahoma found itself down 14-0 in the first quarter before a late score put the Bronchos on the board.
To cap off a 19-play, 84-yard scoring drive, Jett Huff connected with Terrill Davis for a 13-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7.
But Pitt went right back at the Bronchos and took a 21-7 lead. The game appeared to be trending toward an offensive shootout.
Huff found Ashton Schumann for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 21-14 with 7:55 to play in the second quarter. But again, Pitt answered with a score to go up 28-14.
UCO had a chance to score before the half, but when the drive stalled, Nicky Quevedo's 31-yard field goal attempt went wide left and the game went to halftime 28-14.
Davis caught his second touchdown pass of the game in the third quarter. This time a 16-yard pass from Huff to cap off a 9-play, 75-yard scoring drive to open the half and put the Bronchos in striking distance.
Davis' second touchdown of the game put him at 11 on the season. That mark is tied for the second most
in school history for a single season, one shy of the record with three weeks remaining.
For the remainder of the third, and nearly all the fourth, the game became a defensive contest. The teams traded punts before a Kobey Stephens interception – the only turnover of the game – gave UCO life. However, nine consecutive possessions following that pick ended with punts.
The final touchdown ended that stretch as Pitt scored with 1:52 left in the game to go up 35-21. UCO turned it over on downs trying to get down the field for one more score and Pitt State knelt down the final play.
Huff finished the day 29-for-61 with 386 yards passing and three touchdowns. Davis and Schumann both had nine receptions, with Davis tallying 119 yards and two scores and Schumann 87 yards and one score. Madison Ridgeway also had six catches for a game-high 127 yards. UCO only managed 92 yards rushing on 28 carries. Jaylen Cottrell had 11 for 45 yards, including a 25-yard carry in the first quarter. William Mason chipped in 29 yards on eight carries.
Jack Puckett led the defense with 15 tackles and one pass breakup. Dylan Buchheit added 12 tackles. Noah West had two tackles and the team's only sack. Connor Johnson forced a fumble, and Stephens had the one interception.
Central Oklahoma will play on the road the next two weeks. UCO travels to St. Joseph, Missouri to take on Missouri Western next Saturday, then to Topeka, Kansas for a matchup with Washburn on Nov. 9. The Bronchos wrap up the regular season with No. 14 Emporia State (7-1, 5-1) on Nov. 16.
Eat healthy over Halloween?
As Oklahomans gear up for Halloween, Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is here to help families enjoy the holiday with fun snacks and healthy tips. Halloween often leads to a surplus of sugary treats, but making mindful choices in advance can help families enjoy a balanced and healthier celebration.
“While Halloween is a time of excitement and fun, we want to encourage Oklahomans to celebrate in ways that support long-term health,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Finding creative ways to enjoy the holiday without overloading on sugar can help families feel better and keep the energy going during a fun evening of trick-or-treating, games and other Halloween festivities.”
According to the American Heart Association, women should not consume more than six teaspoons of
added sugar a day while men should not consume more than nine. Based on the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should aim to keep their children just under six teaspoons of sugar each day. On average, children consume about three cups of sugar on Halloween. Taking steps to reduce excess added sugar consumption for the whole family is key to a healthier holiday.
Visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com for these ideas for a healthier Halloween: Veggie Monster Cups: Turn raw veggies into fun Halloween characters with this easy and fun craft.
Pumpkin Pie Hummus: Apple slices with pumpkin pie hummus make the perfect sweet snack for kids and adults to enjoy.
Halloween Snack Board: Use clementine oranges, carrots, pretzels and string cheese sticks for a healthy snack that's still festive.
The Bronchos’ unbeaten streak came to an end over the weekend with a loss to perrennial football power Pittsburg State.
Upcoming free seminar to look at caregiver challenges
The upcoming Senior Living Truth Series will explore the many challenges of being a caregiver. Whether caring for aging parents, a spouse or someone with special needs, this candid conversation is designed to shine light on the varied aspects of the journey many will face.
”The Truth about Caregiving: Vital Stages of Life” is intended to offer valuable perspectives that empower and support caregivers on this journey.
"We know that caregivers often aren't prepared for some of the challenges they will face,” said Truth Series founder Nikki Buckelew, PhD. “Our goal is to help people think about what they might need to know and what resources are available."
A diverse panel of experts and caregivers will delve into the realities of caring for individuals facing challenges such as dementia, physical or behavioral health issues, as well as normal aging processes.
Seminar participants will discover the shared experiences and challenges that weave through this universal stage of life, recognizing that caregiving often overlaps with other life stages, offering unique insights and the many opportunities for growth.
"Sometimes people are in denial about the possibility of needing others to help them as they get
The Truth about Caregiving: Vital Stages of Life
A diverse panel of experts and caregivers will delve into the realities of caring for individuals facing challenges such as dementia, physical or behavioral health issues, as well as normal aging processes.
WHAT: Senior Living Truth Series seminar, “The Truth about Caregiving: Vital Stages of Life”
WHO: Moderator Dr. Nikki Buckelew, PhD, Senior Downsizing Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Author, Advocate
WHEN: Thursday, November 14,, 2024
10 – 11:30 am
WHERE: ATRIUM at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland
older,” she said. “Some will need more help and others will need less, but the likelihood is that all of us will need at least temporary support from caregivers in our lifetimes."
Whether currently a caregiver or preparing for this stage of life, this seminar promises to be an enlightening exploration of the profound and shared experience of caregiving.
"Our seminars tend to get real,” Buckelew said. “We don't sugar coat things, and we don't hold back when it comes to tackling tough topics."
”The Truth about Caregiving: Vital Stages of Life” will be November 14 at 10 a.m. in the Atrium at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland. Registration is available at https://seniorliv-
Meeting information below
Many people, in the past, have sought advice on how to take care of a loved one needing help.
Movie review of ‘Venom: The Last Dance’
Latest Marvel production is messy
By George Gust
As we continue riding the downswing of the tidal wave of the comic book movie genre, the fledgling Marvel studios off shoot Venom trilogy comes to a close with "Venom: The Last Dance." Much like the blockbuster genre overall, the "Venom" series of films tracks with the diminishing returns of the comic book superhero genre. Six years ago, "Venom" was a surprisingly strong hit with audiences in spite of missing Venom's comic book counterpoint SpiderMan. Now with a disappointing sequel under its belt, the current incarnation of Venom has his swan song in yet another underwhelming comic book adventure.
“Venom: The Last Dance” finds Eddie and Venom (Tom Hardy), on the run, face pursuit from both worlds. As circumstances tighten, they're compelled to make a heart-wrenching choice that could mark the end of their symbiotic partnership.
The big problem with the "Venom" series of films is that they feel like a copy of a copy of a MCU movie. There's a half-baked element to these movies that is hard to ignore, and "Venom: The Last Dance" is no exception. There were a lot of ideas for what
Answers on Page 19
this movie could be, and it seems like the filmmakers couldn't choose which to run with and decided to include them all. The result is a film that tries to have a buddy road trip story plus a wrongly convicted onthe-run storyline plus a villain wants to destroy the world all with the underlying comic book worldbuilding cutesy details that are a must for this kind of movie and feels as convoluted as it sounds.
The action in "Venom: the Last Dance" is serviceable for this kind of adventure and there is some inventive visual use of the venom goo, always fun to see what the extraterrestrial material can do to a
horse, but nothing in the proceedings can be called groundbreaking. The most successful element of this Venom outing continues to be the dual performance of Hardy as Eddie Brock and Venom. The film hums the most when in road trip mode and Hardy is able to showcase the compelling and entertaining dynamic between the exhausted/put upon human and the wild nearly incoherent symbiote.
Overall, "Venom: the Last Dance" is a disappointing end to a surprisingly promising answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The jumbled storylines/odd pacing make this movie feel rushed and keep the stakes of the film from landing and give this would-be finale an unsatisfying ending. The performance of Hardy is fun, but not enough to make this messy movie a must see in theaters.
"Venom: the Last Dance" is rated PG-13 for science fiction themes, action violence, blood and gore, injury detail and coarse language.
2,4 out of 5 stars
(Contact George Gust for comment about this film, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
Museum will take a look at ‘tiny jails’
Crossword Puzzle
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Famous Buildings ACROSS 1. Performer's time to shine 5. Selfie, e.g. 8. One of five Ws 11. TrËs ____, or very stylish 12. Mandolin's cousin 13. Knitter's
On Thursday, November 7, from 6-7 p.m., the Oklahoma Territorial Museum will have a program with Michael Mayes, National Register of Historic Places coordinator and historic preservation specialist with the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The program is titled “Oklahoma Calabooses: The History and Stories of Oklahoma’s Early Jails.” Calabooses, or tiny jails, were developed in Oklahoma in several phases, beginning in the mid-1800s. This program is free to the public, but donations are appreciated.
Mayes holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s in museum studies from the University of Oklahoma. He is a lifelong citizen of Oklahoma.
Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
Tom Hardy and alter ego Venom hit the road in the underwhelming finale of the “Venom” trilogy; “Venom: The Last Dance”
UCO prof due major recognition
UCO Professor John F. Barthell to be Inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame
The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame has selected University of Central Oklahoma Professor of Biology John F. Barthell, Ph.D., as a part of its 2024 class of inductees. Barthell will be inducted during the 30th annual banquet and ceremony at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 4, at UCO's Nigh University Center. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m.
Barthell’s induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame celebrates his distinguished career in higher education, marked by nearly three decades of dedicated service at UCO and notable contributions to scholarship, teaching and leadership.
“Dr. John Barthell’s work has significantly impacted communities throughout the world. His unwavering commitment to students and undergraduate research embodies the Broncho spirit,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“His induction to the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame honors his lifelong leadership in education on a state and national level. We look forward to honoring him on this noteworthy achievement.”
Starting his journey at UCO in 1995 as an assistant professor in the College of Mathematics and Science, Barthell’s exceptional leadership abilities led to his selection to serve in several key administrative positions, including assistant dean of the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, interim associate dean and then dean of the College of Mathematics and Science.
His innovative vision and dedication to advancing undergraduate research, including at the national level, culminated in his appointment as UCO’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, a position he held for six and a half years.
In January 2020, Barthell embraced an exciting new role as a rotating Program Director at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Alexandria, Virginia, through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Program. This prestigious assignment closely aligned with his passion for advancing science and marked the first participation in the program by a faculty member from a regional institution in Oklahoma. Throughout his tenure at the NSF, Barthell remained actively involved with UCO, returning to campus regularly and engaging with the university community, reinforcing his commitment to advancing the university's mission.
Barthell’s ongoing commitment to undergraduate research is further demonstrated through an eightweek, NSF-funded summer Research for Undergraduates (REU) program he has led for 15 years focused on the foraging ecology of solitary and honeybees in their native regions. His research on bees investigates plant-pollinator interactions, pollinator learning and responses to climate change. This program fosters international collaboration and advances global research on pollinator decline. Barthell’s extensive and enduring contributions to advancing undergraduate research were recognized by the Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR) through his naming as a 2022 CUR Fellow.
The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame was established in 1994 by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, teaching and leadership. This year’s ceremony will feature a silent auction, live music and ample networking opportunities for leaders across the education field. For tickets, visit www.ohehs.org/hof.html.
Independent living care community & anniversary
Silver Elm Estates recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their anniversary.
Welcome to Silver Elm Estates in Edmond, a truly enchanting Independent Living community tailormade for individuals aged 55 and above. Their senior apartments redefine comfortable and carefree living, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips. A community where your comfort and wellbeing are their top priorities. Picture yourself in their inviting 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, where meticulous attention to detail ensures a cozy and welcoming space. What sets them apart? Their commitment to all-inclusive living; no need to worry about utilities or pesky activation fees. They celebrate diversity by offering three wheelchair-accessible apartments, each equipped with ADAcompliant features for your safety
and peace of mind. Convenience is at your fingertips with multiple entrance/exit doorways and complimentary light housekeeping visits. Live independently with included washers and dryers in every unit. The luxuries don’t stop there. Indulge in three daily meals at Joey’s Café, pamper yourself at our on-site beauty salon, and enjoy a packed social calendar with engaging events. Ready to embrace a fulfilling lifestyle? Join them at Silver Elm Estates, where your journey to relaxation and community begins today. Schedule a visit and discover the difference for yourself—you’re always welcome at Silver Elm Estates.
To learn more about Silver Elm Estates in Edmond, visit their website at https://npmainc.com/listing/silverelm-senior-apartments-edmond-oklahoma/or contact them at 405-341-4844
John F. Barthell
Silver Elm Estates is for those 55 and older.
Older adults had better lift weights
By Brian Attebery
Working out as you get older can and probably should change for many. Adults should be getting at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combo of both.
I read articles of working out over 40, 50, 60 etc. and many visions of people doing chair exercises at a senior citizens center get conjured up in our heads. The reality of it is, we are way more capable of doing amazing things throughout the years if we are smart and consistent about it.
I don’t care how old you are when you start, you need to start slow. Overdoing it is never the way to begin for your body or mind. People get overwhelmed when they do it wrong and do too much. This leads to being burned out and having a misguided interpretation of what you must do to stay fit and most just throw their hands in the air and give up. You need to continue to focus on strength, stamina, flexibility, and core regardless of your age.
Any Highschool weight room will have movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses and other basic compound movements. Those basic principles still apply for all of us. Compound movements involve multi-joint use and strengthen a lot more muscles at once. It is the most basic way to have better results in the time-management of fitness that everyone needs to have. Your workouts don’t have to take forever, but they need to be effective and safe. Prioritize your form and don’t go too heavy. I like to say, “train but don’t strain”. There are multiple examples of compound movements besides the ones mentioned in the Highschool weight room. You need to apply those principles but mix up what type of compound movements you do to keep your joints healthier.
Modification of movements may also be necessary if you have various joint issues to work around. I treat most of my personal training clients as if they have lower back, shoulder, and knee issues when I first start them. That is regardless if they actually checked that on their health questionnaire. The reason is that many people have underlying issues and if they haven’t worked out in a while, they may not even realize they have an issue until they test their bodies out some. My philosophy is that there are many exercises that work, let’s start off with ones that are lower risk for all the above joint issues. The same goes for cardiovascular exercises. Focus more of the elliptical or walking over trying to run for your aerobic exercises. There is no reason to stress the joints if there are other alternatives. Use it or lose it. We have all heard that. This applies to muscles for sure. You MUST do strength training to have a better quality of life as you age. Women, if you are still believing that you are going to look like Mr. Universe just because you lift 2-3 times per week, it is time to stop that thought process. All you are doing is hurting your health. We lose muscle as we age. You must try to build some to just maintain what you had. If you are the same weight at 30 and now 50 but you have done hardly any weight training, chances are you have gained fat and loss muscle slowly over time. Your bone density will get worse if you don’t do weightlifting too.
Over 40, 50, or 60? Time to become AMAZING and live your best life. Get in the gym and build that muscle tone, endurance, and flexibility so you can break the mold. Don’t let society tell you that you can’t when I know that you CAN do amazing things!
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)
Attebery
Chamber officials greet three new businesses.
Edmond Chamber welcomes trio
Chicken Foot, Hatch Early Mood Food, Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening.
Since its flagship store opening in 2020, Chicken Foot has become the metro’s go-to fried chicken restaurant. From whole fried chickens to hot sandwiches and homemade Cinny Buns, Chicken Foot’s menu combines homestyle goodness with unique twists that please the entire family.
Hatch Early Mood Food is one of Oklahoma City’s most popular brunch destina-
tions. This urban, from-scratch concept is open seven days a week, and specializes in providing guests with a modern and unique brunch experience.
Sidecar is an urban craft cocktail and wine bar that offers a unique experience to each guest. With signature cocktails, delicious small-plates, weekly live music, and a casual yet upscale atmosphere, Sidecar is the perfect local watering hole.
To learn more about Chicken Foot, Hatch Early Mood Food, Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar visit their websites at https://www.eatchickenfoot.com,
Craig now with Francis Tuttle
Kaycie Craig has joined Francis Tuttle Technology Center as a consultant in the Workforce and Economic Development department.
In this role, Craig collaborates with local businesses to identify their workforce needs and connects them with training opportunities, including leadership, safety and more.
Craig
Craig holds a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from the University of Central Oklahoma. She joins Francis Tuttle from the Oklahoma Blood Institute, where she worked as the director of donor recruitment for the past 10 years. Craig also spent the first six years of her career with the nonprofit. Craig stayed home with her two daughters between her stints at
OBI before earning her teaching certification and teaching pre-k for a decade.
Francis Tuttle’s Workforce and Economic Development Team is a group of professionals tasked with identifying workforce development needs and collaborating with employers to develop and deploy relevant initiatives to build a diverse and skilled workforce to grow Oklahoma’s economy.
With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace.
More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.
Feds penalize business
The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained a consent judgment and injunction to recover $120,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 177 Oklahoma restaurant workers whose employer deducted time for lunch breaks not taken and failed to pay employees for all hours worked.
The Sept. 18, 2024, judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma against Gregg Hansen - operator of Huddle House franchise locations in Ardmore, Edmond and Oklahoma Cityfollows an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division that found the employer’s pay practices from October 2019 to February 2023 violated federal minimum wage and overtime provisions.
“Gregg Hansen has deprived hundreds of low-wage workers at his Huddle House franchise locations of their full, hard-earned wages,” explained Wage and Hour Division District Director Michael Speer in Oklahoma City. “The Wage and Hour Division is determined to stop employers who repeatedly and willfully
disregard federal labor regulations and hold them accountable for such blatant violations.”
The division previously cited the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based employer for similar violations at the same Oklahoma locations from 2016 to 2021, and at its locations in Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. The willful and repeated nature of Hansen’s Fair Labor Standards Act violations prompted the department to pursue legal remedies.
At one point owning nearly 20 locations in nine states, Gregg Hansen has been known as one of the largest Huddle House franchise operators in the nation. The Huddle House brand is owned by Ascent Hospitality Management in Sandy Springs, Georgia, a multi-brand restaurant company with nearly 600 Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division.
CareerTech invests with scholarships
The Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation recently awarded more than $96,000 in scholarships to 225 postsecondary students in Oklahoma.
The foundation distributed $94,077 in Otha Grimes scholarships to students attending Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers. Scholarships ranged from $250 to $600 per student.
Two of the students, one from Canadian Valley Technology Center and one from Kiamichi Technology Centers, also each received a $1,000 Francis Tuttle Memorial Scholarship.
“Oklahoma CareerTech and the CareerTech Foundation are proud of the work these students have done to prepare for their careers in our technology centers around the state,” said Brent Haken, Oklahoma CareerTech state director. “They see value in pursuing meaningful education, and we are proud that we can support them in their efforts.”
The scholarships are used for school expenses and may be released to students after their balances have been paid for the semester. Otha Grimes scholarships are awarded twice a year, and the Francis Tuttle Memorial Scholarship is awarded each fall.
The scholarships are available to adult students who are Oklahoma residents enrolled in programs at Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers.
Otha Grimes owned Ogeechee Farms in Fairland and was considered a pioneer in the performance testing movement that has become the standard management practice for beef cattle producers.
He served on the Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation board of directors and was a staunch supporter of education, providing scholarships to many educational institutions, including the foundation. He was inducted into the CareerTech Hall of Fame in 1990.
Francis Tuttle served as director of Oklahoma CareerTech for almost two decades and pioneered the way for career and technology education nationwide. Before coming to CareerTech, he was an agricultural education teacher and superintendent in Gotebo, Muskogee and Holdenville.
‘Celebration of Life’ held
On Oct. 18, 2024, several survivors and their families gathered with caregivers and physicians from the INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute in a celebration of life.
Since 2014, nearly 1,200 patients have received ECMO, a lifesaving treatment for patients in critical condition. ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, works like a set of heart and lungs. It’s often a last-hope option when patients experience symptoms so severe that their heart and lungs no longer function on their own and don’t respond to medicine, a ventilator or other treatment.
During the reunion, survivors and family reiterated that the INTEGRIS Health ECMO team gave them a second chance at life.
“I am truly passionate about ECMO because it allows us to save the people that cannot be saved,” says Bob Schoaps, M.D., medical director for specialty critical care and
ECMO service at INTEGRIS Health.
“We’re talking about a population of patients that have already received exceptional medical care, but they’re on the maximum settings on the ventilator, they’re on multiple medications to support their heart function and blood pressure. They’re to the point where the other medical teams, despite delivering excellent care, have nothing else to offer the patient, but through ECMO we can still help them, we can still provide them an opportunity to stabilize and potentially recover from an otherwise completely fatal disorder.”
INTEGRIS Health was the first in Oklahoma to establish a specialized life support program solely devoted to adult patients facing imminent death.
The system has a 24-hour ECMO hotline: 844-436-ECMO (3266). ECMO physicians are available 24/7/365 for consultation with other hospitals and doctors throughout the state.
Hi and Lois
Shoe
Zits
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Blondie
Hägar the Horrible
Museum to have 19th annual Art Sale & Exhibition on Nov. 8
On November 8, 2024, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will host the 19th Small Works, Great Wonders art sale featuring smaller scale works from more than 130 of the nation’s finest contemporary Western artists, several of whom also show at the prestigious Prix de West art sale every June.
The annual sale – which showcases both traditional and contemporary art – allows guests the chance to purchase art from renowned artists at more affordable prices. Art will be on exhibit starting November 2, and unsold art will remain on exhibit and available for purchase through November 17.
“Small Works, Great Wonders is one of the most exciting events of the year,” said Susan Patterson, Curator of Special Exhibits. “Designed for both new
Fairytale Ball is next year
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre joyfully announces the 2025 Fairytale Ball, an enchanting evening of wonder and adventure. Join us on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Civic Center Music Hall’s Meinders Hall of Mirrors, where magic awaits around every corner.
Event Details:
● Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
● Venue: Meinders Hall of Mirrors, Civic Center Music Hall
● Time: 6:00 -10 p.m.
● Theme: Alice in Wonderland
● Dress Code: Formal attire or embrace the magic by dressing as your favorite character inspired by the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland!
and seasoned art collectors, the 2024 art sale will feature more than 240 works of art in a high-energy, festive atmosphere.”
Guests can mingle with some of the artists in attendance and enjoy an evening of live music and refreshments, along with a fast-paced, fixed-price draw for art. Purchasers will have the opportunity to leave with their art in hand at the end of the night.
Proxy service is available for those who are unable to attend, and arrangements can be made in advance by contacting a member of the development team at proxy@nationalcowboymuseum.org.
Reservations are required for the sale and remain open until November 1, 2024. Tickets are $75; $65 for Museum members.
To buy tickets or to see the available art, visit swgw.nationalcowboymuseum.org. Reservations can
also be made by contacting Hannah Forman at hforman@nationalcowboymuseum.org or 405-839-7094.
Major sponsors for this year’s Small Works, Great Wonders include American Fidelity Foundation, Darryl and Kathryn Smette, Lew and Jennifer McGinnis, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory M. Simon, NBC Oklahoma, and Rick and Debe Hauschild.
Supporting sponsors include Fowler Automotive, Hughes Cattle Company, Jim and Cathy Blevins and American Abstract Company of McClain County Inc., Leslie Rainbolt, M.D., and Visit Oklahoma City. Associate Sponsors include Gary and Debra Kinslow, Jeff and Jessica Timmerman – Sunset Land and Cattle LLC, James and Susan Goodman, Ken and Linda Howell & Howell Gallery, Linda and Lance Benham, Mike and Karen Goodman, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stieb and Peter and Ginny Carl.
