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.
Edmond City Council’s Ward 1 has a new member sworn in. See page 5
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Sunny High 45° Low 28°
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Sunny High 52° Low 34°
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
Mostly Sunny High 57° Low 45°
Santa Claus took a break from his busy schedule at the North Pole to bring joy and a little holiday magic to INTEGRIS Health Children’s!
Santa’s visit served as a reminder of the season’s magic and the importance of joy, kindness and togetherness. From his cheerful greetings to festive photos, he brightened the day for everyone he encountered.
This annual tradition is just one of the ways INTEGRIS Health Children’s celebrates the holidays and supports the well-being of patients, their families and caregivers during this special time of year.And remember there is still time for some last minute gift buying. And there are many events around to put anyone in a holiday mood including the Edmond Ice Rink at Mitch Park and the always enchanting Pollard Theatre “Territorial Christmas Carol” at Guthrie. For more information on both, please see the Weekend Calendar of Events on Page 6. And please enjoy the joy of the season.
We get calls on a regular basis about the property on Second street and Coltrane. The site is going to be the home of a new park in Edmond. The dirt work and site pad preparation are going full steam ahead. We asked for an update on the future sculpture park and here it is folks. This is an incredibly exciting project for Edmond and Route 66.
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, Oklahoma’s first dedicated sculpture park, is officially underway. The 62-acre park will be home to more than forty major sculptures by renowned artists that will grow over time, play spaces, event centers and hiking trails for residents and guests.
Site prep is underway for the new sculpture park at the northwest corner of 2nd Street and Coltrane, along Historic Route 66. The expansive green space will feature a diverse range of amenities including captivating art and sculptures, playgrounds, a dog park, ponds, walking and hiking trails, and more. Earlier this year, project leaders unveiled the first of the park's statues, "Valley of the Horse". The park will also include a large event lawn and stage to host special events and covered space dedicated to picnics along with a large pavilion for bigger outdoor gatherings.
“The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park is full steam ahead,” said Melissa Pepper who was recently named the new executive director of The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park. “As we prepare for the opening in 2026, we’re building intentionally designed spaces within the park's natural environment that will connect people of all ages with the virtues of art, nature and play.”
Natural elements like Spring Creek which runs through the property and heavily wooded acres with planned art surprises tie in elements of nature, art and play. New bike trails in the park will be added as an extension to the Spring Creek Trail system. These trails will connect Arcadia Lake Trails to Mitch Park, expanding the region’s trail network and creating more connectivity for cyclists. The park will host multiple restaurant spaces on 2nd Street. Just north of the restaurant row sits three stocked ponds with docks for community fishing and a boardwalk.
The park is scheduled to open in 2026 – the same year Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary – and is poised to be a major attraction, bringing visitors from across the world and contributing to economic development in Edmond and across the region. Admission will be free and open to the public.
The sculpture park will also serve as the future home of the Edmond Fine Arts (EFA) new; 38,000 square-foot headquarter art and event center that will be a hub for creativity, combining visual and performing arts with the natural surroundings at the park.
“Partnering with the Edmond Fine Arts has further strengthened the future impact of the park and its benefits for the community,” said Pepper. “At Uncommon Ground, we’re joining art with the natural world to inspire play, a healthy community, and appreciation of our common ground – it’s only natural that Edmond Fine Arts be a central part of the community we’re building.”
Currently, EFA supports 8,000 students, 40% of which are adults, and the now increased capacity will offer opportunities for even more students to learn and create. Edmond Fine Arts will keep its current building in downtown Edmond to support its artists in the residency program.
“By moving our headquarters to The Uncommon Ground, we will quadruple our building space and enhance our ability to host more students, events and programs that vitalize the region’s art community,” said Shannon Price, Edmond Fine Arts Executive Director. “When we unlock curiosity and creativity through art, we unlock connection, purpose and a true shared space for the community. We are proud to be part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan region’s growing art impact.”
As a 501c3 organization, The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park is primarily funded by private donors and partner organizations. The project is supported by a public-private partnership with
the City of Edmond to fund park infrastructure and ongoing maintenance and programming. The forty-three sculptures purchased for the park are made possible by a partnership with the Edmond Visual Arts Commission (EVAC) and more than two dozen individual donors. EVAC allows funding support for approved pieces, which become the City of Edmond's property once purchased. Upon completion, The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park tract will be donated to the Park Conservancy Trust.
“The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park stands to be a landmark destination for individuals visiting Edmond and a place for families, friends and our growing community to gather. It is much more than a park. Being strategically located on historic Route 66, Uncommon Ground will also be an economic driver for local businesses and the City of Edmond. I appreciate all the work that has gone into this project so far and once completed, I look forward to bringing my family here for years to come,” said Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond.
Rep. Mike Osburn of Edmond echoed his enthusiasm for the new sculpture park.
“We are thrilled to have this venue in our backyard. This is important to Edmond and will be one of the crown jewels of our state. We owe it to ourselves as neighbors, residents and community leaders to work together to help this project come to fruition,” said Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond.
To get involved in shaping Oklahoma’s arts landscape and to learn more about The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, visit uncommonground.org.
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park is a nonprofit, 62-acre sculpture park in Edmond, Oklahoma. Our mission is to connect people of all ages to the virtues of art, nature and play. through spaces that bring art into our natural environments. We are creating more than one park. This is a playground for the mind, body and soul where art, nature, recreation and people intersect and connect.
Located along Historic Route 66, the expansive green space will feature a diverse range of amenities including playgrounds, a dog park, ponds, walking and hiking trails, a restaurant row, and captivating art and sculptures. Learn more about The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park at uncommonground.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization offers educational enrichment in visual and performing arts for adults and children. Edmond Fine Arts provides quality arts experiences that educate, raise cultural awareness, make art accessible and exciting, offers entertainment, cultivates stable resources, and advocates in the community so everyone can discover their talents and expand their appreciation of the arts. Learn more at edmondfinearts.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, 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
on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a
With the closing on Dec. 4 of the filing period for individuals interested in running for open positions on Edmond City Council, four candidates for Mayor will be on the ballot for the February 2025 election, while candidates for the positions representing Ward 3 and Ward 4 will run unopposed and officially be elected in uncontested races.
As reported by the Oklahoma County Election Board, the following people have filed and meet the requirements of the Edmond City Charter.
MAYOR
Tom Robins
Mark Nash
David Hornbeek
Leonard Scott
WARD 3
Preston Watterson
WARD 4
Phillip Fraim
Elections for Edmond City Council are non-partisan. To be eligible for office in Edmond, the City Charter requires the following criteria be met:
Legal citizen of the United States.
A minimum of 25 years of age.
A freeholder (landowner) and resident of at least one year prior to selection to serve.
A qualified voter of the City of Edmond and of the Ward in which the candidate is running, except for the Mayor seat, which is an at-large position representing the entire city.
Edmond resident Leonard Scott has announced and filed to run for Edmond Mayor. He said he was running to ensure citizens of Edmond constitutional rights are restored and city government is once again a non political entity that is of, by and for the people.
Since only the Mayor position has more than two candidates, that race will appear on a primary election ballot on Tuesday, Feb. 11. 2025. The top two vote-getters in that race will advance to the general election for City Council on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Because only one candidate filed for positions on City Council representing Ward 3 and Ward 4, Watterson and Fraim will be elected to the respective seats uncontested and sworn in in May 2025.
City Council is a five-member body, including the Mayor, representing the four Wards that make up the City of Edmond. Ward representative council terms are four years, and the mayor serves a two-year term.
An updated map of the City of Edmond Council Wards can be found here: https://www.edmondok.gov/DocumentCenter/View/77 31/2024-NEW-WARD-MAP?bidId=.
To make sure you are registered to vote, please visit: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/vote r-registration/register-to-vote.html.
House Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, released the following statement after the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority board voted unanimously to increase turnpike tolls by 15% starting in January 2025.
Part of the resolution by the Turnpike Authority board includes a 6% inflation-based raise that could be implemented every other year if the board votes to approve it .
“A turnpike toll increase is some-
thing all Oklahomans should get a say on,” Menz said. “The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority should be held accountable by the legislature in order to best reflect the needs of Oklahomans. I plan to file a bill that would require legislative approval for turnpike toll increases. It is past time for OTA to have oversight from a legislature designed to be a voice for its constituents.”
Maggie Murdock Nichols, a third-generation Edmond resident and local business owner, was the unanimous choice of City Council during the Dec. 9, 2024, regular meeting to fill the vacant seat for Ward 1.
Murdock Nichols was chosen to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Tom Robins. She will hold the position until the next election for City Council Ward 1 in Spring 2027. Murdock Nichols is one of four eligible candidates considered.
To be eligible for the appointment, Murdock Nichols met the criteria set forth in the City Charter:
Legal citizen of the United States.
A minimum of twenty-five (25) years of age.
A freeholder (landowner) and resident of at least one year prior to selection to serve.
A qualified voter of the City of Edmond and of Ward 1.
Murdock Nichols has been sworn in during a special session of City Council.
Named to the City’s Community Agency Review Commission (CARC) in January 2024 and a member of the Board of Directors for Edmond Mobile Meals since January 2022, Murdock Nichols is also an active member of Providence Baptist Church and involved in an Edmond Public Schools Parent Teacher Organization.
A graduate of Edmond Memorial High School and the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in Sociology and Nonprofit Organizational Studies, Murdock Nichols is self-employed, working as a local marketing professional and freelance content creator since December 2015.
Murdock Nichols previously served as the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Whole Foods in Oklahoma, the Director of Development for Rebuilding Together OKC, the Resource Development Account Executive & Director for United Way of Central Oklahoma and Director of First Impressions for the Homeless Alliance.
(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.)
Dec. 2
Jordan Anthony Reyes, 30 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, failure to wear seat belt and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Ashlee Leeann Zimmerman, 31 homeless. Possess drug paraphernalia and manufacture/possess material to manufacture CDS.
Ashley Nicolle Taylor, 32 homeless. Possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, trafficking in illegal drugs and manufacture/possess material to manufacture CDS.
Sabriyah Hadiah Perkins, 25 homeless. Possess marijuana, possess drug paraphernalia, trespassing after being warned and a misdemeanor warrant.
Javier Alejandro Rivera Duante, 26 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance, expired tagover three months and operating a motor without no valid driver’s license.
Colin Brass Schwerdtfeger, 48 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and trafficking in illegal drugs.
Dec. 3
Kathryn Grace Huff, 24 of Edmond. Expired tag, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and failure to maintain compulsory insurance.
James Michael DeSpain II, 44 of Purcell,
Shoplifting.
Jennifer Jean Satterwhite, 60 of Edmond. Two felony warrants and failure to appear.
Christopher Clyde McCall, 50 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, expired tag, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear.
Dec. 4
Chad Wesley Schwerdtfeger, 52 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
Dec. 5
Brance Jeremiah Graham, 44 of Guthrie, Two felony warrants and possess CDS.
Antonio Martinez Hidalgo,20 of Edmond. Expired tag – over three months and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Dec. 6
Daniel Hooman Ali Azimi, 29 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.
David Steven Egbert, 42 of Spencer. Misdemeanor warrant.
Samuel Matthew Whitaker, 25 homeless. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Walter T. Morren III, 48 of Granite Shoals, Texas. (Possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry.
Robert Cary Counts, 56 of Bethany. Felony DUI/APC.
Jose Orlando Contreras, 26 of Dallas. Shoplifting.
Chad Wesley Schwerdtfeger, 52 homeless. Public intoxication.
Dec. 7
Andrew Matthew Gray, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Pascual Ordonez-Pantui, 29 of Edmond. Expired tag – over three months and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Heather Rose Laymon, 45 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Auburn Dwayne Love, 35 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Dec. 8
Tesa Renee Potter, 27 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Kameron Devaughn Simmons, 26 of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, transport open container or intoxicating beverage or beer, failure to maintain compulsory insurance, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more, obstruction of police officer and eluding police officer (M)
Omar Shariff, 37 of Norman. Transporting open container alcoholic beverage, possess drug paraphernalia, possess marijuana, no proof of insurance and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Elvis Estuardo de Leon, 25 of Oklahoma City. Four felony warrants and four misdemeanor warrants.
Efrain Deloera Ramos Jr. 28 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant and possess CDS.
Riane Lorraine Richardson-McDonald, 35 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Michael Jay Sampson, 42 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.
Weekend Calendar of Events Dec. 19-22
---- In the Gallery
---- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
---- Board Game Night
---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
---- Edmond Ice Rink
---- Devon Ice Rink
---- Downtown in December
---- Red Earth Treefest
---- OKC Zoo Safari Lights
---- Edmond Electric’s Luminance – An Enchanted Stroll
---- Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
---- Holiday Home Light Displays
---- Karaoke Thursdays
---- Acoustic Nights
---- Santa at Citizens Bank of Edmond
---- Speakeasy
---- UCO Jazz Lab
---- Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K
---- Miracle on 34th Street Movie Night
---- Jon Pardi
---- The Polar Express
---- Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol
---- Classic Christmas
---- Myriad & Bright
---- VIP Limo Christmas Light Tours
---- Holiday Pop-Up Shops
---- A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas
---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s “Christmas Cracker”
---- Tis The Season Holiday Market & Concert
---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
---- Lights in the Flats
---- March of the Trees
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. –5 p.m.; Free; Featuring local artists Natalie Biggs and Eric Lyons; edmondfinearts.com
Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 9 – Sat, Mar 22; 9 a.m. –12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com
Board Game Night
Location: MAC in Mitch Park
Extra Info: recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday through Sat, Dec 6, 2025;
edmondokcivicrec.com
Kingdom of David & 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
Edmond Ice Rink
Location: Mitch Park
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 8 – Mon, Jan 20; edmondicerink.com
Devon Ice Rink
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 8 – Sun, Feb 2; Mon – Wed: 3 – 9 p.m.; Fri: 3 – 11 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun: 12 – 7 p.m.; myriadgardens.org
Downtown in December
Location: Downtown OKC
Extra Info: Thu, Nov 14 – Tue, Feb 4; downtownindecember.com
Red Earth Treefest
Location: BancFirst Tower, OKC
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 15 – Tue, Dec 31; 10 a.m. –5 p.m.; redearth.org
OKC Zoo Safari Lights
Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 9 – Wed, Jan 1; 5:30 – 11 p.m.; okczoo.org
Edmond Electric’s Luminance –An Enchanted Stroll
Location: Mitch Park
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 22 – Wed, Jan 1; edmondlights.com
Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
Location: Downtown Edmond
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30 – Sat, Dec 21; Recurring weekly on Saturday; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Free; visitedmondok.com
Holiday Home Light Displays
Location: Miranda Family Lights, 19544 Talavera Lane; Lights on Rockwood, 1300 Rockwood Drive
Extra Info: Sun, Dec 1 – Wed, Dec 25; Free; 6 –10 p.m.
Karaoke Thursdays
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free;
8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com
Acoustic Nights Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Friday; 8 p.m. –1 a.m.; Free; frostedmugedmond.com
Santa at Citizens Bank of Edmond
Location: Citizens Bank of Edmond, 102 S Broadway, Edmond, OK
Extra info: Fri, Dec 20 – Sat, Dec 21; Free; 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; mycitizens.bank
Speakeasy Location: Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge
Extra Info: Fri, Dec 20 – Sat, Dec 21; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; ellisislandcoffee.com
UCO Jazz Lab
Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---Jazz Lab
Extra Info: Fri, Dec 20: Shortt Dogg @ 8 p.m.; $15; Sat, Dec 21: A Very Champian Fulton Christmas @8 p.m.; $60; calendar.uco.edu
Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K
Location: Mitch Park
Extra Info: Sat, Dec 21; 9 a.m.; $40; runsignup.com
Miracle on 34th Street Movie Night
Location: Edmond History Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Dec 21; 5 – 7 p.m.; Adults: $12, Children: $6; edmondhistory.org
Jon Pardi
Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre
Extra Info: Fri, Dec 20; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com
The Polar Express
Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum
Extra Info: Thu, Nov 14 – Fri, Dec 27; Showtimes vary on select departure dates; oklahomarailwaymuseum.org
Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol
Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie, OK
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 22 – Sun, Dec 22; Thu – Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; thepollard,org
Classic Christmas
Location: Remington Park Racetrack & Casino
Extra Info: through Sun, Dec 29; remington-
See Calendar, Page 8
A spectacular new Irish dance production from Oklahomabased Irish composer Brian Byrne and Armstrong Dance will make its world premiere at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan. 19. Celtic Throne II—Psalter of Ireland presents an epic story from the mysterious Irish annals: The incredible history of Ollav Fola, an ancient sage and legislator who brought the legacy of King David from Jerusalem to the emerald isle.
“Celtic Throne II—Psalter of Ireland is guaranteed to be unlike any show you’ve ever seen!” said Brad Macdonald, one of the show’s co-directors. “This new show represents a substantial step up from the original Celtic Throne, with new choreography, advances in set design, costumes, lighting and special effects, and state-of-the-art visual technology.”
Like the original show, Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance, the new score was written by Oklahoma-based, Golden Globe-nominated, award-winning composer and producer Brian Byrne. Macdonald called the new score “a tour de force of cinematic sounds merged with the uplifting rhythms and melodies of classic Irish music.”
Jude Flurry, principal dancer
and lead choreographer, said cast members trained with a U.S. Olympic Taekwondo coach for some of the dramatic dance sequences. “We are pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish dance shows and blending rocksolid fundamentals with innovations that give a more theatrical flair and storytelling to match Brian Byrne’s score,” he said. Macdonald said these innovations are “revolutionary and guaranteed to give audiences an unforgettable experience.”
Celtic Throne II’s state-of-theart technical package includes a new 46-foot wide cinematic LED screen.
Armstrong Dance consists of more than 30 Irish dancers, ranging in age from 24 to just 5 years old. The troupe is comprised mostly of students from the Carey Academy, some of whom have placed highly in Worlds, All Irelands, Great Britain and North American Nationals, and other top Irish dance competitions.
The original Celtic Throne toured 22 U.S. cities with 67 shows between 2020 and 2024.
Tickets to Celtic Throne II— Psalter of Ireland are now on sale, from $35 and up for adults and $25 for youth ages 6-17. Discounted group rates are available. For more information, please visit CelticThrone.com or call (405) 285-1010.
EDITOR’
I wanted to thank you for your column on December 5 (“Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree the place to go,” From the Publisher) concerning the Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm in northeast Edmond. I have cut my trees there for many years and agree with you about the quality of their operation and the friendliness of their employees. In fact, I had the great pleasure of getting a personal tour of the farm with owner John Knight recently.
I had expressed some concern about the never-ending price increases and he invited me out. As with most small businesses, he has been subjected to rising prices on shipping, labor, materials, insurance (!), property taxes and most other aspects of this complex operation. Needless to say, I was duly impressed and will never comment about the prices again!
In addition, the relentless pressure from local developers to convert his beautiful tree farm into yet another housing addition is constant, but he is intent on resisting as long as he is able and his loyal customers continue to come. Mr. Knight is a great guy and his business is a local treasure worthy of our continued support. Again, I thank you for encouraging the good folks in Edmond to frequent his business and buy a real tree instead of caving to the plasticized junk from China.
KURT ATKINSON, EDMOND
park.com
Myriad & Bright
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Sun, Nov 24 – Tue, Dec 24; visitokc.com
VIP Limo Christmas Light Tours
Location: Citywide
Extra Info: Thu, Nov 28 – Mon, Dec 30; two and three hour tours are available; viplimo.net
Holiday Pop-Up Shops
Location: 399 NW 10th St
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29 – Sun, Dec 22; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcpopups.com
A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas
Location: Cottonwood Flats, Guthrie
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30 ---- Sat, Dec 28; 6 – 9 p.m.; averymerryguthriecchristmas.org
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s “Christmas Cracker”
Location: 2920 Paseo
Extra Info: Thu, Dec 5 – Sun, Dec 22; okshakes.org
Tis The Season Holiday Market & Concert
Location: The Promenade at Scissortail Park
Extra Info: Sat, Dec 7 – Sat, Dec 21; each Saturday 2 – 7 p.m.; scissortailpark.org
Lights in the Flats
Location: Cottonwood Flats, Guthrie, OK
Extra Info: Sat, Dec 21; 2 – 9 p. m.; Lighted Christmas Cruise: 6 p.m.; Fireworks: 8 p.m.; averymerryguthriechristmas.org
OKC Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14 – Mon, Dec 23; Dec 14: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec 15: 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; Dec 19: 7 p.m.; Dec 21: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec 22: 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; Dec 23: 2 p.m ; okcballet.org
March of the Trees
Location: Automobile Alley, OKC
Extra Info: Sat, Dec 21; 5:30 – 9 p.m.; factoryob-
Retirement provides a chance for adults who have worked throughout their lives to take a step back, relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors. Though the most indelible image associated with retirement might once have been a rocking chair, modern retirees like to get up and go, and holiday shoppers can take that joie de vivre into consideration as they look for the perfect gift for retirees who can't wait to fly the friendly skies or hit the open road.
· Maps: It might seem simple, but roadmaps can be an ideal gift for retirees. A recent poll from RBC Wealth Management found that 63 percent of Americans age 50 and older say travel is an important retirement goal. Roadmaps of their own country or a foreign country can help seniors plan their dream vacations. Seniors can study maps and create their own routes as they visit popular tourist attractions and find lesser known locales along the way.
· Vouchers/gift cards: Airline vouchers can inspire retirees to take to the skies and visit locales that have long taken up real estate on their bucket lists. If seniors prefer to take to the open road, hotel vouchers or Visa gift cards that can be spent anywhere that accepts credit cards can help pay for gas, meals or entry to popular parks and tourist attractions.
· Projector and portable screen: Retirees may want to get away from it all, but that doesn't
mean they have to leave everything behind. A projector and portable screen can let on-the-go seniors enjoy movie night under the stars or watch their favorite teams even when they're far from home. This can be an especially good gift for retirees who are anxious to gas up their RV and leave home behind for a few weeks.
· Lifetime pass to worldrenowned parks: All United States citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass, which provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites across the country. Those sites are managed by federal agencies like the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation, among others. A similar system is in place in Canada, where adults age 65 and up can gain unlimited admission for a full year to more than 80 Parks Canada locations across the country.
· Tablet: Of course, retirees may still want to enjoy some of the comforts of home while they're off in parts unknown. A new tablet can help traveling retirees read the latest bestsellers and stay in touch with family and friends via video conferencing apps like Zoom. Many campgrounds and hotels now provide free WiFi to guests, so a tablet can be just what on-the-go retirees need to stay connected to life back home. —-
NEWS
Calm Waters is pleased to announce it has received a $12,500 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) through its Services for Older Adults Community Grant program. This grant is one of 15 awarded, totaling $192,000 to provide services to older adults that enable them to continue living independently in their homes.
The grant will be used to provide free Grief Support Groups and Holiday Workshops to seniors at the Dale Roberston Center (DRC) in Yukon, OK. OCCF staff and trustees believe we make the greatest difference when we join together to address important issues. These grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations for projects that support independent living for older adults aged 65 or older through services and programming, as well as wellness, social and recreational activities. Calm Waters grief support groups
will offer a compassionate environment for sharing and healing, while holiday workshops foster social connection during difficult seasons. Effective grief support enhances mental well-being, physical health and overall ability to live independently.
Calm Waters is Central Oklahoma’s only grief agency. Since 1992, the organization has served children and families who have been impacted by significant loss. Calm Waters staff has written curriculum specific to the senior population for this new program serving older adults at DRC.
“We are so pleased to receive this grant,” said Bailey Maxey, Calm Waters Program Coordinator. “This program will provide a structured environment in which seniors can share their experiences and feelings, thus reducing the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies grief.
By Steve Gust
About a month from now Donald Trump starts his second term as president and it should be interesting.
Steve Gust
Trump already has Tom Homan in mind for border czar. Homan, with a long record of law enforcement on his resume, has made it clear he’s going to take a no nonsense approach to the task.
I would like to think that most of us can probably agree that it’s not a bad idea to deport people who are already under deportation orders or people who are criminals. I also have to wonder how our southern border became open in the first place?
Of course we were assured that the border was just fine. The reality is that millions of people came into the country illegally. Most of them are still here.
Somehow I believe Homan will take his responsibilities as border czar a bit more seriously than our previous border czar.
Homan has promised to launch an investigation into who allowed the
border to become so porous in the past four years. As far as I’m concerned, opening the border was criminal and the people who did it should be held accountable.
Although we’re told that nobody is above the law (other than 20 million illegal immigrants) I don’t see that happening. The bottom line is that we need a secure border. The people who come into the nation need to be vetted. I don’t think we want criminals roaming around everywhere.
And I am for legal immigration. The nation has a long history of offering freedom and hope for folks around the world. Let’s just do it the right way.
—-
I’m also a bit concerned about what happens in four years.
Trump can’t serve another term. What’s to stop a liberal, say a President AOC, from signing an executive order and opening the border again?
She would probably spend $100 billion or so to go fetch the millions we had deported and fly them back into the good ole USA.
(Steve Gust, editor of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com.)
The Oklahoma House of Representatives last week added to its transparency portal a government efficiency survey intended to root out duplication of services, waste and inefficiencies in state government.
This initiative piggybacks on the federal effort to eliminate government waste through the newly-created federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“We will work hand-in-hand with President-Elect Trump and our federal delegation on broader efforts to make government more efficient with DOGE," said House SpeakerElect Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We want to ensure our state government is working as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. As lawmakers, we want the assistance of Oklahomans who have first-hand experience with duplicative and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars."
Oklahomans can enter any examples they have experienced of state
governmental waste or duplication into the easy-to-use portal, which will be submitted to House budget leaders for review to be utilized during legislative budget hearings and the crafting of the FY26 state budget.
"We know Oklahomans get frustrated every day with the inefficiency of government, and we need their help to root out the most egregious examples so we can eliminate unnecessary expenditures," said Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, who will serve as House Appropriations Chairman for the 60th Legislature. "The more efficient we can become, the more we can invest in critical government services and pursue lowering the overall tax burden for all Oklahomans."
Constituents can file government waste complaints online by entering some demographic information, the issue area their example encompasses, and details of waste or inefficiencies.
"We are confident we will get examples of inefficiency that we likely would not have known about otherwise," said Rep. John Kane, RBartlesville, who will serve as Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee this upcoming session. "Every January we have an opportunity to walk through budget requests with state agencies, and we will have the ability to ask about these constituent submissions directly in an effort to make government as efficient and effective as possible."
The portal is live today, and Oklahomans can immediately start entering examples of waste they have already encountered or will see in the future.
"We hope to capitalize on the momentum we are seeing on the federal level with the efforts of President Trump at DOGE, and the national priority they have set to reduce waste," Hilbert said. "Oklahoma has the opportunity to align with these efforts and lead at the state and local level as we seek best practices and frameworks for auditing and reducing waste in government spending."
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) led his colleagues in sending a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to call on them to rein in pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices that hurt patients and pharmacies.
“The need to act is more severe now than ever before. In 2023 there were over 300 independent pharmacy net closures—almost one per day.
Unfortunately, that trend has only grown in 2024. Pharmacies across the country have been forced to close their doors because PBMs have continued to reimburse them significantly less than it costs the pharmacy to even purchase the drug. This is unsustainable, especially for small family businesses. The impacts of these closures only hurt already-struggling communities by decreasing the number of quality health care providers and likely increasing costs for seniors,” the Senators wrote in the letter.
Lankford has long been an advocate for PBM reforms that would increase transparency, ensure pharmacists are treated fairly, and ensure patients are able to benefit from low-cost prescription drugs. Lankford introduced the Protect Patient Access to Pharmacies Act last year to hold PBMs accountable for high prescription drug prices and their practices that harm locally-owned pharmacies. He also introduced two vitally important bills to tackle the biggest drivers of
the high cost of prescription drugs, particularly for senior adults on Medicare: the Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act and the Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act. Lankford was joined on the letter by many other senators. Read the letter below.
Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell,
We write to encourage you to include criticallyneeded Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reforms in any legislative vehicle that may be brought up for a vote at the end of the 118th Congress.
A number of committees in both the Senate and the House have passed meaningful legislation that would rein in certain PBM practices that harm patients and local pharmacies. In the Senate, the Senate Finance Committee nearly unanimously passed the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act and the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act, the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act, the Commerce Committee passed the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act, and the Judiciary Committee passed the Prescription Pricing for the People Act. These proposed policies would increase transparency,
realign incentives for PBMs and patients, ensure pharmacies are adequately reimbursed, and ensure that patients benefit from decreased drug costs.
To not advance these important policies before the end of this Congress would be a waste of substantial progress made and would deny patients and pharmacists across the country the relief they deserve.
In December of last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wrote to PBMs and plans: ‘We are hearing an increasing number of concerns about certain practices by some plans and [PBMs] that threaten the sustainability of many pharmacies, impede access to care, and put increased burden on health care providers.’ More recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released an interim report which noted that ‘PBMs can often exercise significant control over which drugs are available, at what price, and which pharmacies patients can use to access their prescribed medications,’ and filed a complaint alleging that ‘PBMs have abused their economic power by rigging pharmaceutical supply chain competition in their favor, forcing patients to pay more for life-saving medication.’
The need to act is more severe now than ever before. In 2023 there were over 300 independent pharmacy net closures—almost one per day.
Unfortunately, that trend has only grown in 2024. Pharmacies across the country have been forced to close their doors because PBMs have continued to reimburse them significantly less than it costs the pharmacy to even purchase the drug. This is unsustainable, especially for small family businesses. The impacts of these closures only hurt already-struggling communities by decreasing the number of quality health care providers and likely increasing costs for seniors.
Should any long-term policy priorities be attached to an end-of- year spending package, PBM reforms should be included in order to end the 118th Congress with success that will help protect pharmacies and decrease costs for patients across the country.
By Elaine Warner
‘Tis the season – for the Oklahoma City Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Have you seen the beautiful TV ads for the show? What a great setting for the photos– the magnificent Marland Mansion in Ponca City. So this article is about two Oklahoma gems – one time-limited and one timeless.
First, the ballet. The story’s familiar - a Christmas party where little Clara receives a special gift, a nutcracker. After midnight magic happens. The nutcracker comes to life and adventures ensue.
The music is the familiar Tchaikovsky score – but guests this year are treated to a number of surprises. New costumes designed by nationallyknown designers, fabulous sets and new choreography by artistic director Ryan JolicoeurNye give a fresh look to the old favorite.
The Nutcracker, at the Civic Center Music Hall, runs from now to the 23 with a special sensoryfriendly presentation on Dec. 18. Tickets range from $20 to $47. For more details, check www.okcballet.org.
—— To see the backdrop for the commercial photos, take a trip to Ponca City to see E.W. Marland’s “Palace on the Prairie.”
E.W. Marland lived a roller-coaster life. He graduated from law school in1892 at the age of 18. He practiced law and then became involved in oil speculation in West Virginia. He made a fortune, but lost it in the Panic of 1907, the first world-wide financial crash of the 20th century.
In 1908, he came to Oklahoma, and soon began raising money from bankers back east to start drilling for oil in Oklahoma. He made another fortune.
In 1916, he and his first wife, Virginia, built a large house with eight acres of formal gardens and Oklahoma’s first indoor swimming pool in Ponca City.
E.W. and Virginia had no children. Virginia’s sister and brother-in-law had a large family and struggled financially. Their two oldest children, George and Lydie, spent several summers in Oklahoma with their aunt and uncle. The Marlands agreed to adopt the teen-agers. And so George and Lydie moved from Pennsylvania to live with their relatives.
Marland’s fortune continued to grow and in 1921 he bundled several oil companies he had founded into one larger company, Marland Oil. Marland was a generous employer, noted for offering the best benefits in the state to his employees and was a generous benefactor to the city. He also introduced fox hunting and polo to the community.
The Marlands traveled extensively and, on a family trip to Europe in 1924, E.W. became fascinated with the Florentine Davanzati Palace. In 1925 construction began on his own palazzo on a square mile of land in Ponca City. Virginia died before the great mansion was finished.
During the final phases of construction, Marland’s personal life became the subject of gossip. His adopted daughter, Lydie, was 28, E.W. was 54. The two fell in love. With the blessing of Lydie’s mother, they annulled the adoption, married and went on an extended honeymoon. They returned to the completed mansion in 1928.
The 43,561 square-foot palace has 55 rooms including 10 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, seven fireplaces and three kitchens. It was the first house west of the Mississippi to have central heat and air conditioning. No expense was spared.
The wood paneling in the formal dining room came, with permission of King George V, from one of England’s royal forests. Sheffield silver sconces grace the walls and stained glass on the windows depicting hunting scenes were also imported from England.
The upstairs kitchen had no stove; it was used for non-cooked items, plating and serving. Silver was kept in a silver safe. Cabinets held everyday china to serve 275 to 300 guests.
Another kitchen, on a lower level of the house was used for cooking so no scent of hot foods wafted into the elegant dining room. These items were sent up on a dumb waiter.
A large living/entertaining area on the entry level is divided by a loggia into the north and south salons. The ceilings were painted by Italian artist Vincent Maragliotti, noted for his murals in the Pennsylvania State Capitol and complex buildings.
The architect of the home, Scottish-born John Duncan Forsyth, practiced in Tulsa. Prior to his work on the mansion, he and his family had visited China and he became intrigued with the mythology of dragons. Look carefully around the home; you’ll find many. There is said to be one in the hand-painted, Chinese Chippendale ceiling of the loggia, but I’ve never been able to find it.
The massive ballroom was the scene of elegant parties. Two impressive Waterford chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The ceiling itself is trimmed with 24 karat gold.
By 1930 E.W. Marland had depleted his forturne. He had borrowed a great deal of money from New York bankers. These wolves of Wall Street had taken over his company two years earlier. The Marlands moved out of the mansion into the guest house on the property.
Marland turned his interest to politics and in 1932 was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1935 he was inaugurated as Oklahoma’s 10th governor.
Having lived in Washington and Oklahoma City during his political career, the couple now moved back to Ponca City, living in the chauffeur’s quarters. The rest of the estate was sold to the Carmelite Fathers.
As to the end of the saga, E.W.’s death in 1941 and the next strange
46 years of Lydie’s life are another story. In 1975, the mansion was once again for sale and, by a vote of the citizens of Ponca City, the mansion was purchased by the city to preserve it for the public.
The Marland Mansion stands as a monument to a larger-than-life figure in Oklahoma history – and an outstanding attraction for visitors from all over to enjoy.
The mansion is open six days a week, closed on Sundays. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, but it’s worth timing your visit to catch a 1:30 guided tour. For hours and admission, check www.marlandmansion.com. The drive from Norman to Ponca City takes approximately an hour-and-a-half.
Brent Douglas and David Woods, president and chief executive officer respectively of Magellan Executive Partners, Oklahoma City’s premier executive leadership consultancy, announce the release of their first book collaboration, Old-Fashioned Leadership: Lessons from the Patio.
Signed, limited-edition hardback copies of this practical book, infused with decades of personal and collective experience leading and coaching teams and companies toward success, are available for pre-order at OldFashionedLeadership.com and shipped Dec. 1, just in time for holiday giving.
Douglas and Woods are both seasoned executives who left corporate America almost two decades ago with one goal: to use everything they’d learned to make life better for other leaders.
In Old Fashioned Leadership , together they’ve packed careers worth of wisdom into an approachable, functional, and actionable book dense with take-home truth that leaders and managers can put to work immediately. Its 51 short, digestible lessons explore everything from building a strong culture and what to do when things go wrong, to nurturing employees and learning how to lead yourself.
“As I think about the leadership lessons that have impacted me most over the years, they were always short, actionable ‘nuggets’ that stuck with me,” says Douglas. “That was our goal in writing this book – compact, sticky wisdom that simplifies a complex idea in a way that will change the way leaders think and act in a positive way.” Regarding the book’s title, David and Brent explain that they crafted it in homage to their favorite beverage.
“Over the years we’ve developed a small, celebratory ritual,” says Woods. “When the clock strikes five at the end of a particularly rewarding day, we’ve made a habit of mixing up our favorite cocktail, the Old-Fashioned, and heading out to the patio to reflect and celebrate the small victories.”
As they say in the introduction to the book, “The best work happens when the boardroom empties, the sleeves roll up, and the people get real together – on a patio, with a drink of any kind in their hand, and a napkin someone just drew on to make a point. It’s in that space that the meaningful story is told, the complex becomes simple… and what rises to the top is what matters most.”
Early reviews have been exceptional. “I love the heart and soul and familiar words of David and Brent and how they shine through in this work,” says Valerie Sherrer, owner and chief strategist at Lean On Me. “With each chapter it feels classy, confident, and clear.” Brian Gareau, former executive at Caterpillar, Inc., agrees.
“In a world where everyone is looking for the next ‘new’ thing, this new book is packed with terrific reflections on the actions we should already be taking.” For more information or to book an interview or speaking engagement, visit OldFashionedLeadership.com or contact Alexis Wade at 405-286-2816.
Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, last week filed legislation to phase out Oklahoma's personal and corporate income taxes over a decade, with the goal of eliminating the tax entirely by 2035.
House Bill 1009 would reduce the personal income tax rate by 0.00475% annually and the corporate income tax rate by 0.004% annually over 10 years. Steagall had filed a nearly identical bill, House Bill 3058, for consideration during the 2024 legislative session.
"Recent polls show that Oklahomans overwhelmingly support the elimination of the state income tax, an effort for which I have filed legislation in the past two years and filing once again for the 60th Legislature," Steagall said. "The state income tax is a clear violation of our own state constitution and I will continue to pursue righting this wrong in the upcoming session."
Steagall pointed to Article 2, Section 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which declares "all persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry." He said income taxes go against the foundation of the state constitution and encroach on Oklahomans' liberties.
The state income tax was created statutorily in 1915. Stegall noted that the gradual reduction over a decade would give the Legislature ample opportunity to act on tax reform, a move he said was "much-needed."
‘Recent polls show that Oklahomans overwhelmingly support the elimination of the state income tax.’
Alsco Uniforms recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate during Ribbon Rendezvous.
At Alsco Uniforms, they know a few things about being first. They were the first to offer linen and uniform rental services when their founder, George A. Steiner, transformed his towel delivery route into a thriving commercial linen business. George started the route when he was just 15 years old and spent early mornings before school picking up soiled towels and delivering fresh, clean towels, carrying them all by hand. As the route grew, he enlisted his younger brother to help, and together they put a lot of sweat and tears into making Alsco Uniforms what they are today.
Alsco Uniforms has been an industry pioneer since 1889. The company is responsible for creating and shaping many of the industry standards everyone follows. They blazed the trail for the laundering and delivery of ready-to-wear uniforms, starting with aprons and then moving on to every type of workwear application imaginable. They also invented the continuous roll towel dispenser and pioneered the use of on-site garment lockers.
Most importantly, you will know exactly what you are getting when you partner with them. Alsco Uniforms is an industry leader whose success has been built upon earning the trust and loyalty of their customers through fair business practices. They currently serve 355,000 customers by way of more than 180 locations worldwide, demonstrating that they are an industry leader, continuing to shape and guide the direction of the commercial linen industry.
By George Gust
It seems like Netflix has honed their streaming release schedule to optimize the holiday season. If the summer movie season belongs to blockbusters playing to theaters full of students on summer break, the colder winter months are becoming the territory of streaming on Netflix.
From your favorite guilty pleasure reality shows and cheesy holiday romcoms to true crime documentary series and big budget animated films, Netflix is aiming to have something for everyone while they enjoy more time at home.
“Carry-On” is the latest Netflix original thriller film and is aimed to entertain a generation of dads who grew up debating whether or not “Die Hard” is a ‘Christmas’ movie (it is). The film follows a young TSA agent (Taron Edgerton) who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) into letting a dangerous package slip through security and onto a Christmas Eve flight.
“Carry-On” is a thriller genre exercise with a little bit of Christmas tinsel attached. Taking successful elements from the first two Die Hard films and the early 2000s underrated thriller “Phone
Booth” this movie is the thinking Dad’s thriller. The film unfolds through a series of sequences that build upon the tension it’s created in the premise at a satisfyingly brisk pace.
Along the way there are some unmistakable plot holes that dads the nation over love to point out; “that would never happen that way” at the same time hooking you into the story to see what will happen next.
There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking in the story, but the execution of the familiar sequences is done at a high enough level to grip you throughout.
While the film’s hero is Egerton, it’s Bateman’s performance that stands out. Bateman’s voice is menacing in its matter-of-fact mundanity and complete lack of empathy for human life. On the other side of the coin, Egerton is serviceable as the regular joe thrust into such an extreme circumstance, but the writing of his character falls too much into the telling not showing style of writing. Unfortunately, “Carry-On” is not the star making vehicle for Egerton as the script continues to hold the audience’s hand to convey the pathos of his character arc.
Overall, “Carry-On” is a movie that has a few interesting ideas on telling a holiday action thriller but succeeds most on being a well-executed copy of the forbearers in the genre. Bateman is electric in the film and creates a memorable villain character and the familiar plot provides enough thrills to be engaging and enough plot holes to discuss after the fact.
4 out of 5 stars (Contact George Gust for comment about this film, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
Thinking about getting a flu shot but worried that you’ve waited too long? Don’t fret; your timing is perfect, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation experts say.
That goes for getting a Covid-19 booster, too.
“Normally by this point of flu season we’ve seen at least an initial surge,” said OMRF physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D. “And this year, right on track, we began seeing it last week, both in Oklahoma and nationally.”
Indeed, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Dec. 6 that flu cases were growing in 37 states, including Oklahoma.
That increase tracks immunologists’ expectations, given the recent flu season in other parts of the world.
Influenza typically hits the Southern Hemisphere several months before the first cases appear in America, so Australia offers the best indicator of an approaching flu season’s severity. This year, the country had its worst outbreak since 2019.
RCB Bank’s Edmond Market President Michael Largent has been appointed as the new OKC Metro Market President. Michael’s journey in the banking industry began in 2000 during his college years, where he started as a teller. His career progression saw him move through various roles, including new accounts, branch management and lending, before joining RCB Bank in 2009 as a lender.
Michael’s background includes a Business Management degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and the completion of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
This solid foundation, combined with his extensive experience in multiple types of loans over the past 15 years, has equipped him with the expertise needed for his new role.
Known for his commitment to customer service, Michael believes in going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. He stays updated on industry trends by regularly reading economic news and attending local economic events. His leadership style is characterized by leading by example and he approaches chal-
lenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
Michael’s professional goals include sharing his knowledge and experience with the younger generation of bankers, helping them excel and reach their own career objectives. He values hard work, honesty and treating others with respect, principles that guide both his personal and professional life.
Outside of work, Michael maintains a healthy work-life balance by engaging in activities such as golf, tennis and jogging. He also enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Molly and their three children. During soccer season his weekends are filled with watching the kid’s games. When there are no games to attend or kid events, he and Molly enjoy hanging out and cooking dinner.
Michael stays active in his community, by serving as a board member for the Edmond Family Counseling for the past 11 years. He is passionate about this non-profit organization because it provides mental health and preventative services to individuals, children and families in the Edmond area.
As Michael steps into his new role as the OKC Metro Market President covering OKC, Norman, Edmond and Yukon; he brings with him a wealth of experience, a
By Brian Attebery
The holiday season is here. Christmas is a busy time and we hyper-focus on parties, programs, downtime and shopping. The economy hasn’t exactly been stellar for most and we struggle with finding that special gift. We get so focused on those material things and forget that the most incredible gift you can have, give, or receive is the gift of health and quality of life.
What does it matter if you are not here to give your loved ones the gifts of your time, and your love? Many of us look past one of the most obvious “gifts” of you being your healthiest and best. We rationalize not exercising and eating right due to time and finances. I get it. It can be overwhelming but let’s go over a few things.
The average cost of a gym membership is about $58 per month in the U.S. according to most data. Factor in multiple family members being added and the cost per person will drop for most facilities. For example, $60 per month will get a family of FOUR membership at my facility, Results Fitness and Nutrition Center. Health insurance costs for obese clients are generally 25-50% HIGHER than normal weight people. A 2021 study showed that the average annual cost for obese and overweight clients was $12,588 versus $4,699 for normal weight (Source: KFF analysis of mirative Market Scan Commercial database 2011-2021. Health System Tracker). So your average cost of a gym membership at $58 per month will be $696 for the National average or you can be obese and potentially cost $7,889
MORE for insurance based on these data points. There is multiple studies showing the nationwide cost of obesity for business, individuals, and the nation but many people don’t connect their part in it. We all are part of the system.
Maybe you are not limited by financial means. I will take that. How about quality of life? Do you hesitate to go on certain vacations or participate in certain activities due to fear of being able to handle it?
Do you stay away from the beach or social events because you are worried about what people may think of you or that you may embarrass yourself or others? I get it.
I have heard it all. A 2022 study by the N.I.H. found a direct correlation with Exercise and it increases self-efficacy, self-esteem and body awareness. The study took 350 sedentary adults ages 20-40 (141 Females, 211 males) and found a positive effect on regularly exercising on personal and psychological parameters (Gulsum Tikac et. Al. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2022 Jan. PubMed.) Your self-esteem will improve as you see what you are capable of.
There is no magic bullet to fitness. You will have to make yourself go. I am a gym owner and even I make myself do it. That is the “magic”. I just do it and I am always glad I did. You can too. Your family will thank you. YOU will thank yourself. Give the best gift you can give for everyone.
A HEALTHY, HAPPY, CONFIDENT YOU!
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has again been recognized as one of the state’s top workplaces.
The 2024 Top Workplaces rankings resulted from an anonymous employee survey on factors such as job satisfaction, management quality, pay and benefits, and opportunities for growth. Each year since the surveys began in 2013, OMRF has ranked among the state’s top 10 large employers (350-plus employees). The nonprofit biomedical foundation has ranked in the top five for nine straight years.
OMRF placed third among large Oklahoma employers while receiving special recognition for its values, which were a special emphasis at OMRF this year.
The Oklahoman newspaper announced this year’s winners at an event in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, based on results compiled by Energage, a Philadelphia-based research and consulting firm. Earlier this year, the same firm recognized OMRF as one of the nation’s top 10 workplaces of its size.
In their survey responses, employees also cited OMRF’s family atmosphere, supportive and creative culture, workforce diversity and emphasis on work-life balance.
Of its 543 employees, 69 have been at OMRF for at least 20 years, and 19 have worked at the foundation for more than 30 years. That track record of longevity doesn’t happen in a vacuum, said Courtney Stevens Greenwood, OMRF’s vice president of human resources.
“I’m especially proud of the shared sense of purpose that permeates our entire organization,” she said. “There’s a collective sense at OMRF that what each of us does matters.”
Stevens Greenwood cited a foundation-wide ef-
fort this year to define OMRF’s values, with employees weighing in through listening sessions and voting. In October, at a breakfast hosted by OMRF President Dr. Andy Weyrich for all staff, the foundation unveiled the values employees had selected, with each receiving a coffee mug emblazoned with the value of their choice.
Mei Cheng, a 20-year employee who works in OMRF’s clinical immunology lab, opted for a mug that read “Compassionate,” explaining: “It’s at the root of everything we do, and it’s at the heart of OMRF’s mission: ‘…that more may live longer, healthier lives.’”
Beginning his 31st year at OMRF, Mike Austin
AAA projects 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period* from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. This year’s domestic travel projection narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”
Year-End Travelers by Mode
By Car: Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will be driving to their destinations, making it the most popular way to travel. 107 million people are expected to travel by car, and while that number is 2.5 million higher than last year, it’s shy of 2019’s record of 108 million. Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide.
This holiday season, gas prices are lower than last year, when the national average was around $3.12 in the last two weeks of 2023. Gas demand in December generally goes down as the weather gets colder, more people take off work or work remotely, and many holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online versus in person.
AAA car rental partner Hertz says Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa are the cities displaying the highest rental demand for the holidays. The busiest car pick-up days are expected to be Friday, December 20
and Saturday, December 21. The busiest time for rental returns is expected to be the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average length of rental is one week.
By Air: AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season with 7.85 million passengers. That number surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year.
AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season compared to last year. The average domestic ticket is $830.
International flights are 13% more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.
By Other Modes: The number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year. AAA expects 4.47 million people will travel by other modes. That number is the highest it’s been in 20 years. Domestic cruise bookings are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.
AAA’s Road Trip Safety Tips
With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads during this year-end holiday travel period, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety with the following tips: Follow Posted Speed Limits: While it’s tempting to speed to save time, the facts don’t support it. Even minor increases in speed can make crashes deadly.
Driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes, hardly worth the risk.
Speeding may feel faster but often leads to tragedy.
Drive Only When Alert and Refreshed: Driving on 4-5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication). Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles.
says his co-workers make the difference between a good environment and a great one. “I love providing support for our scientists,” said Austin, who oversees the technicians who service OMRF’s lab equipment.
For Stevens Greenwood, OMRF’s longtime run on the Top Workplaces list validates her team’s efforts at continual improvement.
“We want OMRF to be a place where people feel valued and believe their input matters,” she said. “That’s a continuous endeavor, but the feedback we receive through the Top Workplaces survey helps confirm that we’re on the right track.”
To view open positions at OMRF, visit jobs.omrf.org.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Gamma Zeta chapter celebrated the Christmas holiday with a pot-luck dinner in the home of Linda Coniglio. Good food, heartwarming stories, and a Christmas ornament exchange were enjoyed by all.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an international service organization that creates activities and supports causes that lets us surround ourselves with welcoming, positive people who enjoy making a difference in our community and having fun together. ESA provides leadership training, educational programs, and community service. Through a network of 1,200 chapters in the U.S. and abroad, an ESA member has the opportunity to form life-long friendships and share the power to make a difference. That difference is felt close to home and in far-reaching ways by participation in community service and major philanthropic projects.
Come join the fun and get involved. Contact Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954
Enrollment for Quit the Hit, a free Instagram-based cessation support program, is now open. The program, funded in Oklahoma by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is designed for teens and young adults aged 13-24 looking to quit vaping. The enrollment period ends February 12, 2025. Quit the Hit offers a tailored five-week experience that connects participants with professional quit coaches and peers through moderated group chats on Instagram. The program includes daily educational content, interactive group challenges and tools to build confidence and coping skills for long-term success.
“Programs like Quit the Hit meet teens and young adults where they are—on social media—while giving them the resources they need to quit vaping,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Quitting at a young age prevents the long-term consequences of nicotine addiction while setting the stage for a health-
ier future.”
Since its launch, Quit the Hit has empowered many Oklahoma youth to quit vaping. Participants praise the program’s relatable approach and supportive community.
“If I didn’t have Quit the Hit, I don’t think I would’ve ever quit,” said Cal P., an Oklahoma teen who used the program. “I probably would've gone back to the same ways, but because the Quit the Hit program was there, I think I was finally able to completely quit.”
More than 20% of Oklahoma high school students report using vaping products. Nicotine use by youth can disrupt areas of the brain responsible for attention, learning and impulse control, with effects lasting into adulthood. Youth e-cigarette use is also linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety and addiction to other substances.
Youth interested in quitting can enroll at QuitTheHitNow.com. Spots are limited, and a waitlist is available. In addition to Quit the Hit, teens aged 13–17 can access My Life, My Quit™, a free, confidential oneon-one quit program offering live text support, web chat and phone coaching. To enroll, visit MyLifeMyQuit.com or text “Start My Quit” to 36072. TSET also offers resources for parents, educators and caregivers. TalkAboutTobacco.com, a resource from Tobacco Stops With Me, a program of TSET, offers tools and tips to help parents and caregivers talk to kids about the dangers of vaping.
