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.
Bronchos win, 72-0 See page 12
Charitable Red Day Run 24 returns on Sept. 28
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Mostly Sunny High 97° Low 71°
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Partly Cloudy High 95° Low 70°
Edmond’s largest charitable run, the RED Day Run, is back for its biggest year yet and needs your help! The tenth annual charitable 5K and 1 mile fun run will be held September 28th in Downtown Edmond.
Looking to beat the 2023 giving total of $210,000, the 2024 RED Day Run has a goal of distributing $225,000 and having 2,300 participants. Whether it be running, walking, volunteering, or sponsoring, the tenth annual RED Day Run wants you to get involved.
The nine named charities vying for the largest percentage of funding are: Wings Special Needs Community, Project 66 Food & Resource Center, Pepper’s Ranch, OKC Dream Center, NorthCare, Halo Project, Edmond Public Schools Foundation, Edmond Mobile Meals, and new this year: Edmond Fine Arts Institute.
“The RED Day Run is unlike any other charity run in the metro,” said RED Day Run Sponsorship Chair, Brad Reeser. “In 9 years this run has given $1,331,500 to charities helping those in need in our backyard. If you’ve been involved before, you can easily see the impact your money has made for the schools, for the kids, for the homebound - it’s really something special.”
Sponsors and Run registrants get the choice to participate in the 5K or the 1-mile fun run, to run as a
charity’s team member, and most importantly, to vote for their favorite charity! The organizations will receive the funds raised from registrations and sponsorships on a pro-rata basis determined by the number of votes each charity receives. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and registration can be completed on the race website, RUNSIGNUP.COM/reddayrun.
In addition to the nine named charities, the RED Day Run also tithes to a number of other local non profits. They are: All Things Baby, Anna’s House Foundation, Arise Single Moms, Autism Oklahoma, Citizens Caring for Children, Folds of Honor Oklahoma, Filling Tummies, Grill Guard, K Club for Kindness, and OnCall Project Foundation.
Registration is open and is only $40 per runner! ( $20 for 12 and younger). Each sponsor and registrant has the opportunity to vote for their favorite of the nine local non profits and choose to participate in the 5k or the 1 mile fun run. If you or your business is interested in giving back with us, sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact us at reddayrun@gmail.com.
Visit our website at www.runsignup.com/ reddayrun to learn more and register! We’ll see you in Downtown Edmond September 28th!
From the Publisher
Fall in Edmond is no different than other parts of America in that the largest controversy this time of year is whether you are a pumpkin spice flavor type or not. Arguments can break out over the subject. I encourage you to go local when ordering these items when eating out because remember the national brands are made with chemicals. These scientists need to be able to taste anything, break it down into its component flavors, and then identify the chemicals responsible for those tastes. I can promise you that our friends at Twisted Tree Bakery do not use chemicals in anything prepared with pumpkin spice flavor
It is just the smell of manufactured nostalgia. And since “pumpkin spice latte” is not a flavor found in nature anyway, maybe this is a sign to step away from processed drinks and reform. The fact is that pumpkin is squash and doesn’t really taste like cinnamon and syrup on its own, right?
The Washington Post has put a dark twist on the now famous pumpkin spice issue. They have described the violent history of America’s seasonal tradition of the famous spice. Clove in the spice blend was a highly traded and expensive spice years ago. The report titled "Fall’s favorite spice blend has a violent history" set the scene of the Dutch's 1621 invasion of the Banda Islands (located in modern day Indonesia), detailing that "Thousands were killed, others enslaved, and many who fled to the mountains were starved out."
University of Texas at Austin historian Adam Clulow told The Post, "The Dutch company was later accused of carrying out what some describe as the first instance of corporate genocide. And it was all for nutmeg." The report notes that nutmeg is "one of three key spices in the blend known as pumpkin spice."
If you can look past some of the dark issues, here are some pumpkin spiced foods I can live with and not sell out my blood stream to the highly commercial chemical factories.
Homemade pumpkin spice blend
If what gets you going every fall is the taste of pumpkin spice, it is not the actual pumpkin you are craving. It is a spice blend (amped up with sugar) that flavors lattes, cereal, Twinkies and more. We even found pumpkin spice flavored Frosted Flakes. Trader Joe’s has shelves full of this crackers, cookies and more so if you are a fan go and knock yourself out.
Why not stir together a simple homemade pumpkin spice blend so you can pumpkin spice anything your heart desires at home? Pumpkin spice blend is a
simple combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Try this recipe and adjust the proportions as desired to make a custom blend that is perfectly suited to your taste. You can add it to your favorite dishes with no added chemicals.
Pumpkin butter
For a mostly hands-off project that pays dividends, pumpkin butter is the way to go. It can be made in a slow cooker, on the stove or in the oven. And once everything is in the pot, the mixture cooks down while you get everything else done.
Use 1 cup granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons pumpkin spice blend for every 3 pounds cubed pumpkin. Stir together in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker. Simmer over medium-low heat or cook in a 350-degree oven for 1-2 hours or set the slow cooker to low for 10 hours. It is even Vegan friendly for those of you that lean that way.
Once the pumpkin is soft, puree it with a stick blender or mash by hand for a more rustic texture.
Pumpkin fries
If you like sweet potato fries, give pumpkin fries a try. Just like their root vegetable cousins, pumpkin fries can be baked in the oven or crisped up in the air fryer and can skew savory or sweet depending on your cravings. This method also works with other squash varieties, like delicata or kabocha.
Peel and slice pumpkin into matchsticks and toss with olive oil and your preferred spice blend, then bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or cook in an air fryer, stirring halfway through, for 15 minutes until browned. Want them even crispier? Bread them in panko, just like you would a chicken cutlet, and add spices like cinnamon and sugar for churro-style pumpkin fries or Parmesan and garlic for Italian fries.
Pumpkin fondue
Dinner parties will be on the calendar for fall, but even family dinner nights can get a little thrill when you serve fondue out of a real pumpkin. You can either fill a pumpkin with layers of bread, cheese and cream, then roast the whole thing, or pour stovetop-made fondue into a pumpkin. Either way, it is cheesy. The second option also allows you to serve a white chocolate fondue for dessert.
And because the pumpkin itself does not have to be eaten — just the gooey fondue inside — you can make mini fondues for everyone in the family with smaller pumpkins. Kids will love it.
Roasted pumpkin
Is an oven-roasted pumpkin not ambitious enough for you? How about roasting a whole pumpkin in your backyard fire pit or in a campfire? The method is almost too simple: Nestle a hollowed-
Check out what’s inside!
---- Smag looks at the importance of food storage..........................Page 4.
--- Weekend calendar......................................................................Page 6.
--- Police booking report..................................................................Page 6.
---- Armstrong Auditorium’s very special exhibit..............................Page 9.
-— Columnist: Money powers college football ............................Page 10.
--- UCO invites high school students to attend event..................Page 11.
---- Bronchos go on football rampage, 72-0....................................Page 12
---- George Gust’s movie review on sequel to 1988 film................
“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.
out pumpkin directly in the coals of a fire and let it cook until a knife inserted into the pumpkin goes through easily, keeping the hot coals and fire going around it.
Once your pumpkin is roasted, it will be deeply charred on the outside. Not to worry because you are not here for the skin. Move it out of the coals until it is cool enough to handle, then scoop out the soft flesh inside and blend until smooth. Use this homemade puree for any pumpkin treat that strikes your fancy, like a pumpkin pie milkshake.
You can also roast a pumpkin on the grill, but it is not quite as dramatic.
Fall in Downtown Edmond
The folks in downtown Edmond are hard at work for activities this fall leading into the holiday season. Here are some you will want to get on your calendar before you start to fill it up with other stuff.
September 30th- It will be time for scarecrows to be out in force downtown as the annual competition will kick off. Dozens of businesses take a basic combi-
nation of two sticks and turn them into a masterpiece of a scarecrow. It is a magnificent event to bring the kids too, enjoy walking around to look at them and have something good to eat at one of the many restaurants or coffee houses downtown.
November 12th- Deck the Downtown and Official Christmas kick off for all of Edmond takes place with a Holiday lighting of our giant tree. The activities start at 5:30 and there are food booths, carriage rides and more. It was a giant success last year and it will be a big event again this year.
November 30th- Small Business Saturday when shoppers are encouraged to shop at local, small businesses. It occurs after the big black Friday events after Thanksgiving. Downtown is full of locally owned shops and businesses December 7th, 14th and 21st- Christmas in Downtown happens on these Saturdays with loads of activities. Keep reading our newspaper and we will keep you up to date.
(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
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.
Production Deanne York Advertising Director
Editor Alexx Reger alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Ray Hibbard
The Downtown Edmond scarecrow contest kicks off again this month. Above is the apple throwing tree from ‘The Wizard of Oz.’
Annual plant sale nears
The Edmond Iris and Garden Society will host our annual Iris Rhizome and Plant Sale on Saturday, September 28th from 9 AM to 12PM at the Rodkey House located at 410 S. Littler in Edmond.
Our sale will feature a rainbow of tall bearded, dwarf, median, historic and Louisiana iris that flourish in our area. Interesting and unique plants from the member's private gardens will also be
available for purchase. Members of the Edmond Iris and Garden Society will be on hand to answer questions about growing iris in Oklahoma. Come early for the best selection! The Edmond Iris and Garden Society, Inc is a nonprofit 501 c.3 organization. Proceeds from our sale will benefit Society educational programs, Centennial projects and OSU Horticulture Scholarships.
Resident against bond issue
EDITOR:
We have lived in Edmond for eight years now. We are a retired educator and a safety salesman.
We moved here strictly for our grandkids upon retiring. It wasn’t an easy decision because we had lived in a less expensive area of Oklahoma all of our lives.
While we really do enjoy the amenities Edmond offers and FULLY support our public schools, this proposed 14% increase for an extended ten-year-period for a 72 and 75-yearold couple living on pensions and social security income is daunting and will become over the next ten years
more and more of a burden looking down the road. That is why we will be voting NO on this ballot question (Nov. 5) and are really disappointed that the Edmond powers-that-be did not take Edmond’s senior citizens into consideration with this 14% hike for not one year, but ten years! I love my home, and I don’t really want to move, but we are considering now at our age, yet another move OUTSIDE of Edmond in order to reduce our property taxes.
Sincerely,
SHERYL FRAILEY
GOP Women’s Club to meet
The next meeting of Edmond Republican Women will be held Monday, September 16th, at our regular meeting location at Oklahoma Christian University. Our speakers this month will be members of Oklahoma Young Republicans who will form a panel and answer questions from our 1st VP of Programs, Amy Kjose.
Several of them attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in July. If you would like to join us in supporting these passionate, committed, young Republicans, we would love to have you. Just contact us at ERWC1787@gmail.com and we will get you signed up.
Republican Womens Clubs all over the United States are working feverishly to make certain that President Donald J. Trump is elected the 47th President on November 5th. If you would like to know how you can help, please plan to attend the meeting or contact us at the above email.
We were recently informed the the guest speaker for the annual Lincoln/Reagan Dinner which will be held on October 15th, 2024, will be
U. S. Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida. We will provide more information on that as soon as we receive it. Our club recently delivered 96 gift bags to the nursery of Integris Hospital I-35, which contained the book, "On the Night You Were Born", commemorating National Education Month. This project is just one of our community outreach projects. This year we have also chosen "Supporting our Legislators" as an outreach and have delivered gift bags to our local Legislators at the State Capitol. The Edmond club meets at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E Memorial Rd., in the Meinders/Gaylord Convention Center where we also have the option to take part in a delicious meal catered by Relish Catering at a cost of $20. If you would like to attend the meeting only, the cost is just $5. We start gathering at 11:15 to 11:30 am, and if you would like more information or would be interested in joining us, please contact us at ERWC1787@gmail.com and we will get right back with you. Again, that is September 16th, 2024.
Meeting set for Sept. 16
On Sept. 28 there will be the annual Iris Rhizome and Plant Sale. It will be at 410 S. Littler.
There is no tomorrow when it comes to food storage
By Carol Smaglinski
Here’s some No-No-News: Ever had food poisoning? It’s the pits.
Hugging a commode is not fun, but there are some ways to avoid it all together.
We are all tempted to buy something that is on sale, but it gets tossed into the refrigerator, and instead of cooking it immediately, you just happen to go out to eat. Or, something else looks more tasty and that bargain gets left behind. Then you check it out, something just doesn’t look or smell right.
Your best bet? Throw it out and go on with life. Do not risk it to save a few bucks. With all of the recalls announced on TV concerning national food products available at the grocery store, buying topnotch food has become somewhat of a crapshoot. Check out www.fda.gov/safety/recalls.
Buying huge amounts from the big box stores can be tempting, but will you really use it up before the rest of it begins to rot? Yet, I agree that we should have some emergency food in storage. With the world we live in now, who knows? Life is becoming increasingly complex as we dabble in the stock market, pay off college debts, or just hope to stretch that paycheck. Suddenly we have a weakness for a delivery pizza or an after work burger-to-go, and watching the evening news that should really be renamed “When We Come Back.”
Common sense says we should all try our best to stay away from the nonsense of processed foods and take advantage of our marvelous Edmond outdoor markets featuring homegrown items, or even try our luck at growing our own. However, with the weather going up and down like a roller coaster, it is a challenge.
My once attractive garden is constantly being
raided by deer who seem to think I am offering free salad. I watched one jump over the high fence like a beautiful ballerina after I spotted the animal chomping on the whole begonia plant and sweet potato vines. As new growth appeared, she returned and gobbled those up, too.
A good friend says he always feeds his deer that come into his yard, so in case of an economic catastrophe, he at least will have meat for his family.
The best way to deal with food products is just to be practical and put dates on the food, espe-
cially those stored in the freezer, rotate and plan to use in family meals. Get down to brass tacks and perhaps shop more often.
Simple but satisfying made from scratch Buttermilk Pancakes with the following recipe is very good, but requires separating egg yolks from egg whites. Remember, that just one speck of yolk in the white part could prevent them from whipping up to their maximum volume.
Start by gently tapping the whole egg over a bowl. Separate easily by holding the whole cracked egg in your hand and let the whites drip through. Or, after cracking, pull the egg apart, holding one half like a cup that is like a cradle and let the white part drip out. Allow the whites to sit for a moment, as warm egg whites whip up better than cold.
If you need training in how to do this, practice and use the messed up eggs for cakes, scrambled eggs, or an omelet. If you find a blood spot in the egg, it is harmless, so just pick it out.
Buttermilk Pancakes
In a bowl, mix:
2 egg yolks (place egg whites in a separate bowl)
1 cup buttermilk
Add in:
½ cup flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. yellow corn meal
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Beat egg whites until very stiff and then fold gently into the batter.
Makes about 10 pancakes.
AAA examines post pandemic driving trends
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released its 2023 American Driving Survey, providing insights into U.S. daily driving trends after the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey reveals that overall driving patterns have rebounded from the depths of the pandemic.
Stable Driving Patterns
The percentage of Americans who drove at least occasionally remained steady at 95.3% compared to 2022. Driving trips averaged slightly less than 2.5 per day, with a duration of just over an hour and nearly 30 miles. These figures continue the trends observed in the past two years. Most driving trips in 2023 were undertaken to run errands (31.1%) while commuting to and from work comprised 22.5% of driving trips. Most trips began between either 11 am–2:59 pm (26.1%) or 3–6:59 pm (27.6%). Very few driving trips began between 3–6:59 am (6.7%) and 11 pm–2:59 am (4.5%).
Variations by Demographics
The survey highlights some demographic differences. People living in metropolitan areas and
those with higher education levels tend to drive newer vehicles. Conversely, teenagers and those with lower education are more likely to drive older vehicles.
Several emerging driving patterns that appeared after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 continued in 2023. Drivers with a high school education or GED drove more miles than those with a bachelor’s degree. Hispanic/Latino drivers had the highest driving durations and miles compared to all other ethnic groups in 2023. Like pre-pandemic data, men spent substantially more time driving daily than women did in 2023.
Safety Concerns with Older Vehicles
The increased use of newer vehicles for longer trips is positive as they typically come equipped with advanced safety features. However, the survey raises concerns as nearly 40% of trips involve vehicles older than ten years. These vehicles often lack modern safety features and may be in poorer mechanical condition, potentially contributing to a higher risk of crashes. Those living in the Midwest, West, and South were likelier to
drive older vehicles than those in the Northeast. Additionally, respondents who were divorced or separated and those who were never married were more likely to drive older vehicles than those who were married.
According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads in 2024 is 12.6 years, up by two months over 2023. Breaking out passenger cars from the total, the average age jumps up to 14 years. That’s 53% higher than back in 2000 when the average age of passenger vehicles was 9.1 years.
"No matter how old your car is, it's important to stay on top of recalls that could affect the safety and drivability of the vehicle," said Rylie Fletcher, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Oklahoma. "Owners who've purchased the vehicle on the used market may not be getting notifications on it like an original owner would have when they purchased it from a dealer."
Vehicle owners can easily search for recalls on their vehicle by searching their make and model or by inputting their VIN number on the NHTSA recall website.
Proper food storage can help you stretch your food dollar. It can also keep you from becoming ill.
(Editor’s Note: The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.
Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)
Aug. 26
Christopher Wayne Easley, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Joi-lee Kim Eachler, 40 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer and assault and battery/battery (felony) on a police officer or correctional staff. Richard Brown, 53 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.
Shiloh Wayne Haddox, 27 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
Anthony Troy Mishion, Jr., 43 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.
Correy Allen Collins, 35 homeless. Public intoxication.
Hailie Michelle Kershner, 25 of Oklahoma City. A felony warrant, a misdemeanor warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS.
Renson Anton, 45 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle without current license plate, failure to maintain compulsory insurance, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
Quinton Devoe Webb, 53 of Fort Worth, Texas. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle while intoxicating.
Aug. 27
Djahra Chaitre Djahra, 24 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, speeding (16-20 mph over limit) and two counts of failure to appear.
Michael Decorty Spencer, 41 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear.
William Ray Schuster, 43 of Edmond. (Felony) Publication, distribution or participation of obscene material – or child pornography — unsolicited mailings and purchase, procure or possession of obscene material.
Natasha Renee Ballard, 36 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Lacy Renee Battles, 40 homeless. Four counts of failure to appear.
Octavia LaShawn Ford, 31 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.
Cameron Blake Wilson, 32 homeless. Two misdemeanor warrants and two counts of failure to appear.
Aug. 28
Taylor Kristine Wiewel, 26 of Tuscon, Ariz. Transporting open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more,
Julio Caesar Santos, 39 of Spencer. (Possession of a stolen vehicle) Unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry and a misdemeanor warrant.
Fabiola Ortiz Guererro, 35 of Spencer. Five misdemeanor warrants.
Say’on Amar Reeves, 22 of Edmond. Improper tag display – not clearly visible – not secured to back of vehicle or covered by any type of material and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Aug. 29
Hannah Marie Dabney, 22 of Newalla. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
David Andrew Horlacher, 38 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Maggie Kay Lance, 18 of Edmond. Shoplifting. Savannah Faith Parks, 20 of Edmond. Vandalism, possession of marijuana and shoplifting.
Aug. 30
Martin Duane Spillers, 61 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, public intoxication, (misdemeanor 1st and 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from a retailer, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and obstruction of a police officer., Eric Leonard Gadson, 48 of Edmond. Shoplifting.
Aug. 31
Frank Diamond Guerrero, 24 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Albert Lee Warrior Jr., 53 of Oklahoma City.
Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Page Ashley Hernandez, 31 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.
David Scott Hinman, 48 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Emily Kay Sims, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Jonpaul Gerad Pelletier, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Bryant Oneal Warner, 52 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Brian Frank Guz, (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
Rakim Lashaun Berry, 30 of Oklahoma City. Indecent exposure.
Sept. 1
Michael Jerome Adams, 49 of Oklahoma City. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance,
John Ross Nelson, 22 of Purcell. Public intoxication.
Chrisrtopher Allan Kelley, 21 of League City, Texas. Throwing human waste at government employee and felony DUI/APC.
John Wesley Prince III, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Antwone Lamont Booth, 42 of Edmond. Interruption,disruption, interference of emergency phone call and domestic abuse assault (strangulation).
David Bryan Bruner, 32 of Oklahoma City, Felony warrant.
Justin Todd Merrell, 42 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Sept. 2
Christina Diane Wilson, 42 homeless. Shoplifting.
David Marshall Knott, 46 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Weekend Calendar of Events Sept. 12-15
Weekend Calendar of Events Sept. 12-15
---- In the Gallery
---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
---- Albert Cano Smit in Concert
---- Renee Fleming
---- UCO Jazz Lab
---- National Cowboy Museum Events
---- Civic Center Hall presents: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
---- Swiftwater Conference & Championship Games
---- Disney on Ice presents: Magic in the Stars
---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Hamlet
---- Oklahoma State Fair
---- Carpenter Square Theatre presents: Making Sweet Tea and Other Secrets
---- Guided Gardens Tour
---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Ballet Under the Stars
---- Ladies in Leather Motorcycle Parade & Rally
---- Oklahoma Giant Pumpkin Growers Weighoff
---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: Storybook Singalong
---- Fright Fest
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Featuring Reian Williams; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com
Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
Location: Armstrong Auditorium
Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 17 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org
Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market
Extra Info: Sat, Apr 20 – Sat, Nov 2; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com
Albert Cano Smit in Concert
Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---Radke Fine Arts Theatre
Extra Info: Thu, Sep 12; 7:30 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu
Renee Fleming
Location: Armstrong Auditiorium
Extra Info: Thu, Sep 12; 7:30 p.m.; armstrongauditorium.org
UCO Jazz Lab
Location: UCO – Jazz Lab
Extra Info: Fri, Sep 13 – Sat, Sep 14: Musical Theatre: The New Broncho Showcase; 8 p.m.; Sun, Sep 15: The Dancing Bass (Michael Geib); $10; 5 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu
National Cowboy Museum Events
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Fri, Sep 13: Goin’ West Music Fest; 6 – 10 p.m.; General: $25; All-inclusive: $75; Sat, Sep 14: Let’s Talk About It: Firekeeper’s Daughter Book Discussion; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
Civic Center Hall Presents: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Tue, Sep 3 – Sun, Sep 15; okcbroadway.com
Swiftwater Conference & Championship Games
Location: Riversport Rapids
Extra Info: Tue, Sep 10 – Fri, Sep 13; facebook.com
Disney on Ice presents: Magic in the Stars
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Thu, Sep 12 – Mon, Sep 16; Thu: 7 p.m., Fri: 3 p.m. & 7p.m., Sat: 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sun: 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.; Mon: 7 p.m.; $20 ---$70; okstatefair.com
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Hamlet
Location: Oklahoma Shakespeare
Extra Info: Thu, Sep 12 – Sun, Sep 29; Thu –Sun: 8 p.m.; okshakes.org
Oklahoma State Fair
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Thu, Sep 12 – Sun, Sep 22; okstatefair.com
Carpenter Square Theatre presents: Making Sweet Tea and Other Secrets
Location: Carpenter Square Theatre
Extra Info: Fri, Sep 13 – Sun, Sep 29; Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 2 p.m.; carpentersquare.com
Guided Gardens Tour
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Fri, Sep 13; Free; 1 p.m.
Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Ballet Under the Stars
Location: Scissortail Park
Extra Info: Fri, Sep 13; 7 p.m.; okcballet.org
Ladies in Leather Motorcycle Parade & Rally
Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center
Extra Info: Fri, Sep 13 – Sat, Sep 14; 10 a.m. –10 p.m.; ladiesinleatherparade.com
Oklahoma Giant Pumpkin Growers Weighoff
Location: OKC Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 14; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; gpc1.org
Civic Center Music Hall
presents: Storybook Singalong
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 14; showtimes: 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.; okcciviccenter.evenue.net
Fright Fest Location: Frontier City
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 14 – Sun, Oct 27, open select days; sixflags.com
Send weekend calendar items to infante318@cox.net
Real Deals is a locally owned and operated Home Decor and Boutique in Edmond. To find out more about the business, please call 405-285-8089.
Real Deals marks its first year serving Edmond
Real Deals recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their anniversary at 610 S Kelly Ave Suite P. Real Deals is a locally owned and operated Home Decor and Boutique in Edmond. They offer Home Decor such as clocks, mirrors, lamps, fine art, candles, kitchen items, furniture, seasonal decor & much more! On their Boutique side you can find the latest styles in tops, jeans, sweaters, dresses, jewelry, shoes & more! They carry all sizes S – 3XL and promise
you’ll find something that’s perfect for you!
Aspen and Patrick opened Real Deals in August 2023 after relocating to Edmond and wanting to serve their community by offering great products at irresistible prices. Aspen's passion for fashion and home decorating has been a hobby of hers for years, now she gets to share her passion with locals in Oklahoma.
To learn more about Real Deals visit their website at https://realdeals.net/edmond/ or give them a call at 405.285.8089.
Stitt, state launch task force to unlock potential of students
Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order forming the Human Potential for Future Industries Task Force. Designed to unite statewide workforce and education efforts, the task force aims to drive major innovation in education that empowers Oklahoma students to discover their unique talents, develop essential skills, and deploy them effectively in a rapidly evolving, technologically driven world.
“We’re building the best workforce in the nation, and that means reimagining education to focus more on real-world experience and individual strengths of students in preparation for tomorrow's industry needs,” said Governor Stitt. “Investing in Oklahomans always pays off, because it’s Oklahomans who make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I grateful for Secretary Sanders’ incredible vision and dedication to education and to the future of the Oklahoma workforce.”
The Task Force is charged with:Identifying tools to develop student talents early and align them with workforce opportunities.
Researching and recommending ways to individualize and tailor curricula to the strength of the student while utilizing holistic teaching methodologies.
Collaborating with industries, community organizations, and educational institutions for students to gain practical experiences, and define essential soft skills students need for future success.
Expanding learning models by leaning into apprenticeships, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Evaluating teacher preparation by identifying upskilling needs within the teacher pipeline from K-12 through higher education.
“The current educational model isn’t built for the future, it’s barely built for the present,” said Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders, who will chair the task force. “Our system isn’t tapping into the potential of every student, that’s what we’re setting out to change. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies can offer Oklahoma students a learning advantage. We’re going to explore ways to personalize curricula to interest, expand apprenticeship programs, and define universal soft skills so our students are ready to lead us into the future. Thanks to Governor Stitt’s leadership, we will discover, develop, and deploy human ingenuity across Oklahoma.”
The task force will provide recommendations to the Governor, legislators, schools, and educational agencies that promote individualized learning and growth within academics. The task force will update the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate on a quarterly basis detailing their progress and policy recommendations.
The task force will focus on three core pillars:
Discovery of Individual Potential: Launch initiatives to identify and cultivate the distinctive strengths and passions of every student statewide.
Development of Essential Skills: Arm students with critical abilities such as creativity, critical thinking, resilience, and technological literacy, vital for success in future industries.
Deployment of Talent: Forge pathways for students to apply their skills through immersive learning experiences, apprenticeships, and careerfocused, strategic industry partnerships.
Program locks in pricing for ONG use
Now through Oct. 15, Oklahomans can enroll in a program that locks the cost of natural gas on their monthly bills for the next 12 months.
Oklahoma Natural Gas offers the Voluntary Fixed-Price Program for customers who want consistent per-unit natural gas costs. This year’s price will be $4.175 per dekatherm and will run for the 12 billing months of November 2024 through October 2025 for participants.
Program enrollment is limited and is on a firstcome, first-served basis.
“Customers who choose this optional program can plan their budget by locking in the cost of natural gas month over month,” said Samette Britt, vice president of customer service. “Natural gas costs are the most unpredictable part of the bill, and this program effectively eliminates that unpredictability.”
The monthly amount of natural gas customers use will be multiplied by $4.175. Bills will still include the cost of Oklahoma Natural Gas services, fees and taxes. The program doesn’t guarantee savings because the cost of natural gas that unenrolled customers pay could be lower.
Customers must enroll for the entire 12-month period. Residential and small commercial and industrial customers, schools and hospitals can participate. Small commercial customers (businesses using 150 dekatherms or less annually) must also enroll in the Automatic Bank Draft Plan to be eligible.
About Oklahoma Natural Gas
Oklahoma Natural Gas provides safe, clean and reliable natural gas to serve more than 918,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oklahoma. We are the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. We are a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a stand-alone, 100 percent regulated, publicly traded natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information, visit the websites at oklahomanaturalgas.com or onegas.com. For the latest news about Oklahoma Natural Gas, follow us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Rare, and noted, artifact to be at Armstrong soon
The Armstrong International Cultural Foundation; the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology; The Israel Museum, Jerusalem; and the Israel Antiquities Authority announce that the world-famous Tel Dan Stele archaeological artifact will be displayed for public viewing from September 22 through November 25 at Armstrong Auditorium on the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong College in Edmond, Oklahoma.
This sensational 9th century BCE monument fragment is on loan from The Israel Museum and will be featured as part of the "Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered" exhibit. The exhibit is open through January 2025, and admission is free.
"This is a colossal honor for Oklahoma and the Armstrong Foundation," said exhibit curator Brad Macdonald. "This artifact provides an extraordinary snapshot into biblical history and is possibly Israel's most important archaeological discovery ever. This is only the second time the stele has been to America."
The Tel Dan Stele was the first archaeological confirmation of King David as a genuine historical figure. Discovered in 1993 by Avraham Biran while excavating Tel Dan in northern Israel, the basalt victory stele was erected by King Hazael of Syria after he defeated King Jehoram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. The inscription is engraved with a reference to a "king of the House of David," a direct reference to Israel's greatest monarch and his royal dynasty, and a match with the Bible's historical record.
"The discovery of the stele caused an earthquake in the archaeological community," Macdonald said. "It van-
‘This artifact ... is possibly Israel's most important archaeological discovery ever.’ — Brad Macdonald, curator
quished the common belief that King David was a fictional character and bolstered the credibility of the Bible as a valuable historical source. This is just one reason that it is one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever found."
The stele will complement the "Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered" exhibit, which includes more than 50 artifacts from the United Monarchy period of the Kingdom of Israel, and has included the world premiere of the extraordinary Ophel Pithos Inscription, which has been linked to the biblical Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, and the world premiere of the Ophel Electrum Basket Pendant, a Phoenician artifact that is likely the oldest piece of gold jewelry ever discovered in Jerusalem.
The exhibit is presented and funded by the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation in association with the Jerusalem-based Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology, The Israel Museum, the Israel Antiquities Authority and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
A look at college football Indian Nation Turnpike cashless
By Steve Gust
season
Football
is back and the sport has probably never been more popular.
I’m not sure why, but I think I like college football the best. But I urge everyone to support your local high school or grade school team.
Steve Gust
This year in college ball we have the two-minute timeout. It’s like the infamous two-minute warning in professional football. I have never been a fan of the two-minute warning. And I can safely say I don’t like the two-minute timeout much either. It’s just another excuse for the television folks to stop the action and sell ads.
And I’m not terribly sold on the transfer portal either. During OU’s game against Temple, the announcers were alleging that former OU star quarterback Dillon Gabriel left OU last year because the Sooners had QB Jackson Arnold on the roster and Gabriel thought he might take his job. So off to Oregon went Gabriel.
It’s somewhat amazing to see guys like Gabriel and Alan Bowman of OSU with six and seven years of eligibility, respectively. I know that COVID gave all of them an extra year.
But seven years? Then again with NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) Bowman may wish he had 10 or 15 years of eligibility. I had read once where Gabriel makes over $1 million a year. And Deion Sanders son, Shedeur Sanders, is paid $4.7 million with NIL.
And now we’re going to have 12 teams in the postseason playoff hunt. It makes me wonder if the minor bowl games, outside of the playoffs, will continue to exist. We’ll have lots of players opting out of bowl action.
They want their NFL future and don’t want to risk injury for a lackluster bowl. I’m not crazy about players opting out, but they are looking out for their future.
There is a common denominator with the two-minute timeout, transfer portal, playoffs and opting out. It’s all about the money, folks.
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com.)
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority initiated the first phase of cashless tolling last Wednesday on the SH375/Indian Nation Turnpike in southeastern Oklahoma. Motorists will experience travel through Eufaula and Antlers, including the SH-9 and US270 ramps, without the need for cash. The McAlester toll point is scheduled to convert by early November. Once fully implemented, drivers can travel entirely cashless via PIKEPASS and PlatePay from I-40 at Henryetta to the Oklahoma/Texas state line. The shift to PlatePay, which photographs license plates for billing, aims to improve safety by eliminating the need for drivers to stop at toll booths. Intermittent lane closures may occur during the equipment removal phase. This initiative marks the 11th Oklahoma toll road to adopt cashless tolling.
PIKEPASS remains the most cost-effective option for travelers. For more information, visit PlatePay.com.
OKC Airport Gains New Name
The City Council of Oklahoma City made it official last Tuesday in changing the name of the Will Rogers World
Airport to OKC Will Rogers International Airport. Afterward, the Airport Trust released a video about the new name, explaining the change was the result of research on nearly 100 airports, 14 peer airport site visits and community input. The effort showed there was support to add OKC to the name and continue with the legacy of Will Rogers as the namesake. Modified from Will Rogers World Airport, OKC Will Rogers International Airport retains the connection of Will Rogers’ aviation legacy, but also adds the international airport code by featuring the city’s most internationally prevalent moniker – OKC – and addresses an increasingly global audience with the addition of “International.” The new name will become visible across the airport in the coming months, in an identity rollout that complements destination and terminal enhancements. Multiple interviews with local community leadership and more than 5,500 respondents from a public survey supported adding an Oklahoma City identity, keeping the “Will Rogers” namesake and adding International to the airport’s name.
Reps. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Tom Gann, RInola, last week issued statements regarding Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, who has been accused of sexual molestation and public drunkenness. The two said they are considering filing a writ of prohibition against Hiett, asking the courts to intervene to protect the public interest.
"Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett’s admission of public drunkenness, alleged sexual assault, alleged harassment and his alleged drunk driving should be enough for any decent individual to disqualify himself from cases at the OCC involving the victims or witnesses to his alleged crimes," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "Multiple news articles report that these complaints include employees and representatives, including attorneys, of public utility companies the OCC regulates.
"Hiett should have removed himself from voting in the August 27 meeting, but instead he cast the deciding vote to approve a $31 million rate increase for Oklahoma Natural Gas customers," they continued. "The victim and witnesses to Hiett's June 9, 2024, sexual assault at a Minnesota conference are allegedly ONG employees. If that is not
enough, ONG is being represented by the law firm that hosted a reception in Oklahoma City, where Hiett is alleged to have sexually harassed two female OCC employees and to have driven home drunk. Hiett has not publicly denied any allegations made against him."
West questioned Hiett's impartiality.
"Oklahomans deserve better," West said. "Corporation commissioners are considered quasi-judicial in some of their cases, like utility fuel cases that require a state officer to rule, and legislative in others, like utility rate cases. Under Ethics Rule 4.7, an officer must disqualify him/herself in any case, legislative or judicial, in which 'a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts [would] question his or her impartiality.'"
Gann said, "I spent 15 years in internal auditing, and I can tell you this conflict goes beyond mere appearance — it's a clear conflict in fact as well. Hiett obviously used poor judgement by not disqualifying himself in ONG’s recent rate case as he should have."
There are four fuel cases worth over $1 billion for public utilities currently pending at OCC. They involve ONG (PUD2024-000047), Public Service
Letters to the Editor policy
Company of Oklahoma (PSO) (PUD2024000040), Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation (PUD2024-000046) and Summit Utilities of Oklahoma (PUD2024-000042). Fuel adjustment cases, also known as purchased gas adjustment cases, are judicial. The lawmakers assert that when cases are judicial, commissioners must behave like judges and follow the Code of Judicial Conduct.
"The OCC is supposed to examine the utility’s fuel purchases and determine whether they were fair, just, reasonable and prudent before allowing those costs to be passed on to customers," West said. "We need commissioners who can use sound judgement and are free from bias. How can Commissioner Hiett make such judgements when his actions allegedly involving people in these cases prove otherwise?"
Similar to State Ethics Rule 4.7, Title 5 O.S Section Rule 2.11 of the Code of Judicial Conduct requires Hiett to disqualify himself in judicial cases in which "the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned." Instead, Hiett voted on July 31 to approve three procedural orders in ONG’s judicial fuel case. On Aug. 27, Hiett voted to approve seven more orders in the judicial fuel cases for PSO, AOG and Summit.
"Like ONG, PSO is also represented in its $554 million fuel case by the same law firm that hosted the reception," the representatives said. "Both State Ethics Rules and the Code of Judicial Conduct are laws, and failure to follow them is a violation of state law."
OCC has hired outside counsel to perform a "confidential fact-finding" investigation into the commissioner's misconduct, but instead of handling "behavior of a criminal nature," like violations of state law, this firm instead promises to refer the latter to the state attorney general's office.
"This seems like a way to slow play the investigation, allowing Hiett to continue voting on these matters in which he cannot remain objective. How convenient," the representatives said.
learn more about college admissions, financial
UCO invites high school students to College Fair
The University of Central Oklahoma, along with more than three dozen colleges and universities from across Oklahoma and surrounding states, will host the Oklahoma County College Fair from 6-8 p.m., Sept. 19, in the Nigh University Center, located on Central’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The college fair, hosted by Central’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, will provide attendees the opportunity to meet with college and university representatives to learn more about college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, housing and degree programs. All students and adults inter-
ested in learning about options for their future are encouraged to register.
“Students thinking about their next steps should come to the Oklahoma County College Fair at UCO, where they can meet with a wide variety of colleges and universities from across the metro and region,” said Jancy Scott, senior director of recruitment and admissions at Central.
“At UCO, we are committed to helping students find the perfect fit, which we are confident will be Central. With 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate programs, we have something for everyone.”
The event is open to high school sophomores,
juniors, seniors and their families, as well as any member of the community with an interest in higher education. Those interested are required to preregister.
UCO is now accepting applications for admission for the 2025-26 academic year. Incoming freshmen and transfer students will automatically be awarded academic scholarships, pending eligibility, with the submission of a completed online application and all admissions-related documents by Feb. 1, 2025. To register for Oklahoma County College Fair, visit app.strivescan.com/students.
The University of Central Oklahoma, along with more than three dozen colleges and universities from across Oklahoma and surrounding states, will host the Oklahoma County College Fair from 6-8 p.m., Sept. 19, in the Nigh University Center, located on Central’s campus. The event is free and open to the public. The college fair will provide attendees the opportunity to meet with college and university representatives to
aid, scholarships, housing and degree programs. (UCO Photo Services)
UCO wins home opener, 72-0
Central Oklahoma took the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and kept with that pace throughout the game as the Bronchos rolled over Langston 72-0 Saturday night in the 2024 football season opener.
More than 9,000 fans piled into Chad Richison Stadium for the renewal of an old rivalry between schools separated by less than 30 miles. It didn't take long for the fans to see a show put on by the Bronchos.
"We're proud of the guys for sticking to the gameplan and executing at a high level," UCO head football coach Adam Dorrel said. "This game might have gotten out of hand, but the guys did a great job of doing their job. We got to play a lot of kids and that's always good. It was good to get the opener out of the way and we'll enjoy this tonight, but we have got to be ready for next week."
Central Oklahoma hosts No. 2 ranked Central Missouri this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Chad Richison Stadium.
Kobey Stephens, a true fourthyear senior from Wewoka, Oklahoma, took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. Later in the first half, the defensive back also returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown, tying the stadium record for longest return. It is likely that Stephens is the first player in school history with a kick return and a punt return for a touchdown in the same game.
Central Oklahoma scored early and often Saturday. Newcomer Jett Huff threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaylen Cottrell, then a 10-yard touchdown pass to fullback Andrew Carney. Carney scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 28-0. That's how the first quarter ended, an hour after it began.
Stephens' punt return in the second quarter made it 35-0. Huff connected with Terrill Davis for a 35-yard touchdown and Cottrell added a 1-yard run to make it 49-0 as the game shifted to halftime.
Jacob Delso caught a 24-yard touchdown pass from Huff in the third quarter, backup quarterback Dawson Herl ran a 45-yard touchdown, and Nicky Quevedo con-
nected on a 21-yard field goal all in the third quarter as the Bronchos took a 65-0 lead.
Quincy Thompson's 1-yard touchdown run put the final 72-0 score on the board. Thompson ran for four yards and 63 yards before Herl added two yards and Thompson punched in the score to cap off a 4play, 70-yard scoring drive.
Central Oklahoma put up 580 yards of total offense, with 361 yards rushing and 219 yards passing on the night.
Cottrell finished with 103 yards on six carries with one touchdown. Thompson had 103 yards on 11 carries with one score. William Mason added 67 yards, Herl finished with 42, Carney had 27, and Huff finished with 19 yards rushing.
Huff was 12-for-16 passing with 192 yards and four touchdowns. Herl went 4-for-7 for 27 yards.
Delso led the receivers with 64 yards on four receptions and the one score. Davis finished with 56 yards on three catches.
Defensively, Jack Puckett led the team with nine tackles. But more importantly, after a 2023 season that didn't see a lot of turnovers, the 2024 squad found a way on Saturday. Dylan Buchheit, Curtis Miller, and Kazeyn Bird each had interceptions, and Buchheit also recovered a fumble, helping UCO to a 4-1 advantage in the turnover game.
Several marks on Saturday night were the first in a long time for the Bronchos.
It's the first time since 2019 UCO had two players run for more than 100 yards. It's the first time since 2013 a punt was returned for a touchdown and the first time since 2012 a kickoff was returned for a touchdown. The 72 points was also the most since 2019 and the shutout was the first since 2019.
Central Oklahoma opened the season with a victory and improved its record against Langston to 33-51.
The Bronchos will now focus on its MIAA schedule that includes three ranked opponents and some others knocking on that door. UCO and Central Missouri have alternated wins in each of the past three seasons.
The Bronchos hope to continue that trend next Saturday night.
Kobey Stephens returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown Saturday against Langston. (UCO Photo Services)
Earlier this week, the University of Central
niversary of the 9/11 attacks, alongside UCO students, faculty and staff,
Lake on Central’s campus. (UCO Photo Services)
Dental provider hopes to keep youth educated on oral care
As Oklahoma teachers and students settle into the school year, Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation offers two key, free resources available to educators to engage students and bolster oral health: Captain Supertooth and MouthScience kits.
Captain Supertooth, Oklahoma’s defender of oral health, engages Oklahoma Pre-K through third grade students with a lively 25-minute performance, either in-person or virtually. Performances are interactive and allow students to better understand the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
MouthScience kits provide tools to visually demonstrate the levels of acid and sugar contained in common drinks, encouraging kids to make healthier choices to better protect their teeth. Each MouthScience kit contains all the supplies needed for third through sixth grade teachers to facilitate hands-on science experiments, aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards, in their own classrooms.
“Oklahoma educators work diligently to set our children up for future success, and the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, we want to support them in their efforts,” said Terrisa Singleton, director of the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Founda-
tion. “Our Foundation is proud to offer a free resources, like Captain Supertooth and MouthScience kits, to foster good oral hygiene practices, which will have a positive impact on their lives for years to come.”
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, dental diseases are among the most prevalent health problems in Oklahoma. Studies show children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children with proper dental hygiene. Cavities, one of the most common chronic childhood infectious diseases in the country, can result in an inability to eat or chew well, discolored and damaged teeth and significant pain. The good news is these side effects are easily avoidable with proper dental hygiene, and that starts at an early age.
All students who participate in either program receive a free toothbrush to further empower them to take control of their dental health.
To schedule a visit from Captain Supertooth, visit CaptainSupertooth.com. To request a MouthScience kit today, visit DDOKFoundation.org/MouthScience. To learn more about the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, visit DDOKfoundation.org.
Oklahoma invited members of the Edmond and Oklahoma City metro communities to commemorate the an-
with a flag planting and reflection walk. Tthe memorial was at Clock Tower at Broncho
Remembering the 2001 terrorist attack
Review of movie ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’
Film picks up 36 years after the original
By George Gust
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's (Winnona Ryder) life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is writer/director Tim Burton’s long gestating sequel to the 1988 hit horror comedy “Beetlejuice.” For the smash success of the original movie and Hollywood’s penchant for sequels, it’s hard to believe that this is the first time we’re returning to the macabre world of Beetlejuice. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” feels like the compilation of three sequel ideas that could have been made in the intervening 36 years between films, with disparate storylines that exist in their own movies rather than coalescing into a cohesive story.
However, for its jumbled storylines issues, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is still an immensely enjoyable ride for fans of Burton’s quirky macabre style as seen in his filmography and the original movie. Burton has been known for his gothic style that has largely been ironed out of his recent work (see the live action re-
make of “Dumbo”), but in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” the cartoonishly gory and unapologetic visual style is back and creates an effective environment to bring back one of the most recognizable characters in cinema and Halloween stores alike.
In terms of performance, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” sees the talented cast from the original joined with Ortega as a newcomer in fine form for a 30 plus year gap. While Ryder is the main viewpoint of the film, her performance was serviceable, but she wasn’t served the best script for her character. In contrast, Michael Keaton returning to play the ‘ghost
with the most’ was phenomenal and felt like he hadn’t missed a beat since the first film. And much like the first film Keaton’s Beetlejuice doesn’t have the most screentime, but his presence is felt throughout the proceedings and when he is on screen his electric performance brings this movie to life.
Overall, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has too many ideas and too many characters to serve in its 100 minute running time, but for visual entertainment value and a return to form for both Burton and Keaton, it is well worth a watch during this leadup to spooky season and Halloween. And for a film that is rated PG-13, there is a plethora of cartoonish gory visuals that delicately ride the line between too gory and sickly fun, which is exactly the kind of tone that you’d expect and want from a movie starring Beetlejuice.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is rated PG-13 for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material and brief drug use. 4 out of 5 stars.
(Contact George Gust for comment about this film, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
and Michael
long awaited sequel ‘Beetlejuice
The Oklahoma City Thunder has selected its roster for the 2024-25 Thunder Drummers and Storm Chasers entertainment teams. Amongst this year’s Storm Chasers is Harrison Higdon of Edmond. Thunder Drummers include Coda Brown and Stephen Frailey of Edmond.
In addition to energizing fans at games, entertainment team members serve as Thunder ambassadors at community events and activations across the state.
“Thunder home games are known across the NBA for their great energy and lively environment,” said Cristhian Guzman, performance teams manager. “Our entertainment groups are an integral part of that experience for our fans.”
Along with Higdon, Storm Chasers are: TJ Smith, Lai Johnson, Jaydn Jones, Audrey Walker, Estrella Saenz, Mason Newcomb, and Quaint’e Swain of Oklahoma City; McKenna Leewright of Guthrie; Nemo Raghavan of Mustang; Colton Tysdal of Lawton; Dion Hill, Patrick Wells, Kealyn
and and Derrick Bryce of Tulsa,
Wynona Ryder
Keaton return to the quickly afterlife from the mind of Tim Burton in the
Beetlejuice.’
Edmond trio part of entertainment teams
Health care provider marks grand Edmond opening
Optimum Care Partners recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening.
Optimum Care works with its patients to deliver quality medical care services. With professionals on board who have worked in world-class hospitals to gain maximum exposure in the medical industry, they highly value dedication and medical expertise to satisfy their patients with their services.
Their team comprises of highly trained, professional individuals who work to make the lives of their patients better with each passing day. Providing top-notch quality with state-of-the-art equipment, they envision becoming the best healthcare providers in the region.
Optimum Care Partners is a leading healthcare provider committed to delivering top-tier medical services through a network of dedicated professionals. Their mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of their patients by providing comprehensive care that spans the entire lifespan. For more visit their website at https://optimumcare.net/, or give them a call at 405-471-6511.
26 years of helping Edmond
Innovative Pharmacy Solutions recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their anniversary.
Innovative Pharmacy Solutions was founded in 1998 by pharmacists Dave Mason as a compounding-only practice. Over the years, they have expanded their services and product lines to include hormone replacement consultations, clinical nutrition, and veterinary specialty compounding. They offer a wide range of highquality, pharmaceutical grade nutri-
tional supplements and products to promote optimal health. Their approach to wellness is a holistic one, focusing on prevention and therapeutic lifestyle, and pharmacists Dave Mason and Kyle Panter have a broad range of knowledge in these areas. They are celebrating 26 years of service to the community.
To learn more about Innovative Pharmacy Solutions, check out their website, https://innovativepharmacy.com/, or give them a call at 405.330.3619.
Free weights or machines?
By Brian Attebery
There are so many ways to exercise. When you walk into a gym, you can see hundreds of machines, free weights, cables, dumbbells, and variations of all that can help you to get a great workout. Do we need to use different versions, or do we stick to what we know?
The body is very good at getting bored. So is your mind. It is very important to change your workouts. You also need to make sure that you are not just “lifting weights” and/or choosing “x” number of exercises. You need to make sure that you have a plan of action. Are you doing specific exercises for your upper back, lower back, chest, triceps and biceps? What about your calves? Did you know that you have 2 different calf muscles on each leg? You have a soleus muscle that lies deeper to the bone,and it is isolated by the seated calf raise machines that have your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. The other calf is the one most of us see and that is called the gastrocnemius. It is more recruited when you do calf raises with your knees straight but also, did you know it helps your knees bend when you do leg curls for your hamstrings IF you point your toes towards your chins? Yes, there are reasons we have different machines anyes, how you do the exercises make a huge difference on making the most of them.
I hear people say, “free weights are best. I only use freeweights.” I love free-weights for myself and clients, but I never limit myself or them to just free weights or any one type of resistance training. Free weights are awesome because they help strengthen stability factors for your
joints, let you know if you have one side stronger than the other and notice those imbalances, and allow more adaptations for range of motion than a fixed-plane machine. The disadvantages are that you may need more of a spotter on heavier weights, and your joints may not have the stability due to arthritis, injuries, or an artificial joint.
Machines that you simply placed a pin in to select the weights are generally classified as “selectorized” machines. You simply select how much weight you need and place the pin in it. They are in a fixed plane motion and are generally safer when you don’t have a spotter to watch you. You can also adjust the seat height to modify the angles you need for your taller or shorter body or to change the angle of where you push or pull. Those tricks can help you adjust for individual needs. There are also machines that you load plates on and are in fixed planes of motion, but each side moves independent of the other. These plate-loaded brands are a great compromise between machines and free-weights. The last most-common way to go about your weights is with cables and I absolutely love them. They are variations of angles, range of motion, and different attachments can make a huge difference on how you work various body parts.
You need to do resistance training to strengthen your body, support your joints, increase bone-density, improve your metabolism, and way of life. Make sure you challenge yourself with variations of how you strengthen your body. There are many tools to utilize. Good luck.
(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
Optimum Care Partners is committed to delivering top-tier medical services. They have marked their arrival in Edmond by a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.
Innovative Pharmacy Solutions came to Edmond in 1998.
Edmond Library marks a golden anniversary with chamber
Edmond Library recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate over 50 years of being a Chamber member.
The busiest library in the Metropolitan Library System, Edmond Library annually circulates more than one million books and other materials. They first opened in 1967 as a storefront location, then library moved to 10 S. Boulevard in 1973.
The largest renovation and expansion were completed in 2000, adding 10,000 square feet. The renovated library includes the Fred P. Snyder Quiet Reading Room, a beautiful round room for children's programs, and an expanded meeting room space. In later updates, a new automatic materials sorter was added along with additional parking.
Services they offer include public computer use, mobile and offsite printing, free Wi-Fi, color copy machine with free outbound faxing and scanning, and Wi-Fi hotspots. They have a self-serve holds shelf and self-check machines, catalog computers dedicated to searching the library's collection, library staff who can help locating information, using print and electronic sources, and provide readers' advisory. Additionally, they have meeting rooms for public use!
To learn more about the Edmond Library, check out their website, https://metrolibrary.org, or give them a call at 405.341.9282.
Grammy winner coming to OCCC
Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) welcomes two-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Peabo Bryson to the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.
Bryson has established a career as one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music of the last quarter century. With 20 albums to his credit and an unprecedented, acrossthe-board level of international success, Bryson has the distinction of being the first artist in music history to have separate records topping four different charts.
"Peabo Bryson’s voice is magical, and we couldn't be more excited to have him on stage at OCCC this October," said Mark Levine, director of the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center. "It's an honor to have his concert be part of my first season at OCCC. He is a true living legend!"
producer has survived and prospered despite the passage of time and changes in popular musical trends.
“I think the sensitivity in my songs stems from my early childhood," said Bryson. "I was raised by women — my grandmother, until she died, and my mother. My grandmother was a woman who lived and loved with incredible passion. My mother was a serious music lover. Whenever there was somebody great in town, she’d drag us along to catch their act. I have seen most of the greats of that period — Sam Cooke, Little Richard and even Billie Holiday. Sam Cooke was a great influence on me. His voice had a pure quality — straight from the heart.”
Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, this multi-talented singer, songwriter and
OCCC's 2024-25 Performing Arts Series is supported by signature sponsor Oklahoma Arts Council and presenting sponsor Echols & Associates. Purchase tickets online at tickets.occc.edu or by phone by calling the OCCC Box Office: (405) 682-7579.
All Star speaker lineup set for the metro area
The Oklahoma City Town Hall Lecture Series is excited to announce its roster of celebrity speakers for the 2024-25 season. The series kicks off on September 19 with comedian and CEO of the Babylon Bee, Seth Dillon. The Babylon Bee is now the most widely read satirical news outlet in the world with almost four-million followers on X. Dillon has been an international leader in the battle for free speech.
“Mockery has always been necessary because it humbles the powerful and holds them accountable; it’s also the most effective way to deal with foolishness so that it isn’t taken seriously,” Seth Dillon said. But mockery’s effectiveness is also the reason there’s so little tolerance for it. Since The Babylon Bee got its start 8 years ago, we’ve been repeatedly factchecked, smeared, and censored. I’m looking forward to telling our story
to the people of Oklahoma City..”
The full lineup for the season will be:
9/19/2024 – Seth Dillon, Babylon Bee CEO 10/17/2024 – Joe Theismann, Fmr. Redskins Quarterback & NFL Player of the Year
11/21/2024 – Chad Alexander, Political Analyst & Pollster
2/20/2025 – Stephen Moore, Fmr. Economic Advisor to President Trump 3/20/2025 – Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photographer 4/17/2025 – Kayleigh McEnany, Fox News Host & Fmr. White House Press Secretary
All six events will be held at Church of the Servant in Northwest Oklahoma City. Season passes to see all six speakers are $125 per person. To order tickets go to okctownhall.org.
The Edmond Library celebrates its 50th year of being an Edmond Chamber of Commerce member.
Peabo Bryson
Expo
The new Oklahoma Business Matchup segment invites the first 160 pre-registered companies to meet with their choice of state contacts in prescheduled 15-minute meetings.
Local small businesses are invited to an Oklahoma Small Business Contracting Opportunities breakout session, hosted by Oklahoma CareerTech’s APEX Accelerator program.
All companies are invited to a National Contract Opportunities breakout session, hosted by the National Association of State Procurement Officials, to learn how to do business with multiple states.
“This is a free event for you to bring your game face, visit several state agencies in the same room,
and promote yourself all in one day,” said 2023 attendee David Crawford, CEO of TruCleanz Distribution, a Native American and veteran-owned business that provides medical equipment out of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. “As a small business entrepreneur … I have a very small promotional budget, [and the State Suppliers Expo] gives me a chance to promote myself to many agencies at once without a large cost.”
Businesses of all sizes and industries are invited to attend at no charge, and pre-registration for the 2024 State Suppliers Expo is open through Sept. 13. Visit oklahoma.gov/stateyourbusiness for the latest updates and more information.
Hi and Lois
Shoe
Zits
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Blondie
Hägar the Horrible
Integris program taking applications for community grants
As the state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned health care system, INTEGRIS Health has long served its mission of partnering with people to live healthier lives through innovative and transformative community health programs.
In 2020, INTEGRIS Health launched a Community Giving Program to help support important health-related work of not-for-profit partners whose evidence-based programs aligned with its community health improvement goals to extend its work beyond hospital walls.
Through the program, grants are provided to projects that address INTEGRIS Health’s identified community health improvement priorities of improving access to health care (including mental health care), improving access to healthy food
Food bank notes Hunger Action Month
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma encourages all Oklahomans to take action against hunger this September during Hunger Action Month.
Throughout the month-long campaign, the Regional Food Bank joins Feeding America network members in raising awareness and inspiring action against hunger. Every action counts, whether it’s donating, advocating, volunteering or spreading the word online.
Learn more about Hunger Action Month by visiting rfbo.org/hunger-action-month. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry.
and promoting tobacco cessation.
These priorities were established through a comprehensive community health needs assessment.
Community organizations in and around Canadian County, Cleveland County, Delaware County, Garfield County, Kay County, Oklahoma County, Ottawa County and Woodward County are invited to apply for funding through the INTEGRIS Health Community Giving Fund as an opportunity to implement sustainable change in the community.
Grantees will be asked to track the results of funded projects on a quarterly basis.
In addition to the community grant program, INTEGRIS Health works to address the identified community health needs by providing charity
care to low-income patients, offering health services through the INTEGRIS Health Community Clinic and mobile clinics free of charge and by providing community health education programs across Oklahoma.
Through the implantation of the Community Giving Fund, INTEGRIS Health can maximize the impact of its community benefit dollars to improve health outcomes providing $129,292,730.29 in community benefits in the previous fiscal year.
All grant applications must be submitted before the deadline of Oct. 18. Please click here for the application form and grant guidelines.
For more information on the Integris grant program please, contact mike.chavez@integrishealth.org.
