Edmond Life and Leisure - December 12, 2024

In This Issue

FOUR SEASONS

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

Finding the perfect gift

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Partly Cloudy

If you’re like a lot of people, then you’re currently looking for the perfect gift or two this holiday season.

Why not let your friends at Edmond Life & Leisure help you out?

Last week, and this week, we are offering our annual holiday gift guide — which features gift ideas for all budgets. Not only that, but the Gift Guide will give you a chance to shop at one of many local Edmond businesses. You can find the right present to buy on Pages 17 to 20.

But finding the perfect gift isn’t the only thing offered in this week’s edition. We also have many events offered. You can find many of those listed on

Page 6 with the Weekend Calendar of Events.

For example there’s Luminance at Mitch Park — “An Enchanted Stroll. Come see some of the best lighting displays in all of Oklahoma.

On Page 10 this week, a writer looks at ways to put aside the holiday stress and truly live for the joyful moments of the next few weeks. Not only that but OG&E has safety advice. And if you’re looking for holiday radio music, the UCO stations can oblige you on Page 19.

And remember it’s also a season of giving. Please see 16 for the HOPE Center Samaritan drive to help our needy neighbors.

From the Publisher

Chamber awarded 5-star accreditation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community. This prestigious honor puts our chamber among the top 1% of chambers nationwide.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. To receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete. It is a way to know your membership dues are professionally managed.

“Receiving a 5-Star rating from the U.S. Chamber validates the progress we’ve made in the past five years and is a great display of the path we’re on,” said Sherry Jordan, President and CEO of the Edmond Chamber. “This is the third time we have received a 5-Star rating, and it is something we strive to maintain. The Accreditation process has been an excellent way to measure the work we are doing and continually strive to improve.”

Of the nearly 7,000 chambers of commerce in the United States, only 194 are accredited by the U.S. Chamber. The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is one of only 128 5-Star accredited chambers of commerce in the country and one of four in the state.

Accreditation is valid for a period of five years. In 2015, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce received a 5-Star rating for the first time. Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. It is a hundred-year-old, 900member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for its members and represents business interests to the government. For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.edmondchamber.com.

The first check I wrote when we started Edmond Life & Leisure was to the Edmond Chamber. I had been working with them for years at another newspaper and certainly understood that it was important for a new business to join the chamber. I was well involved with the chamber when our fearless leader at the time, Ken Moore, told the executive board that he wanted us to be a five-star accredited organization.

It is not an easy process and as I recall the documents for application were put into a book and it was about a foot thick. The staff put in many hours back then and I am sure it is just as laborious of a process now. Hopefully, modern technology has helped putting together the information

together. It is a big deal folks and we offer our congratulations to the entire staff and leadership of our Edmond Chamber.

If you are not a member of our Edmond Chamber, please join so your business can take advantage of all that they offer. There is networking, learning opportunities, sponsorships to promote your business and much more. Your business will be flying with eagles when they join the Edmond Chamber.

I cannot say enough about our leader Sherry Jordan as well. I was on the chamber executive board of directors when she was first hired to get our finances in order. The books were straight, but they needed her professionalism to bring them up to standards. She must have taken a liking to the place because she has risen through the ranks to become CEO of the place. I know she will retire someday but we are hoping it is a long way off!

Cox Employees give education awards

I love this time of year when Cox gives out grants up to $10,000 to local educators who are so incredibly deserving. The grants are funded by employees who donate a part of every hard-earned paycheck to help our local community. These same employees also determine how and where the money should be spent. It is an incredibly special program that they are very proud of and take immense pride in the fact that the foundation is 100% funded and guided by Cox employees.

As usual, Edmond has a grant winner!

Cox Communications announced its Oklahoma City employees will award $75,371 to 26 Oklahoma City area educators through its unique employee-funded Cox Charities Education Grant program. More than eighty-five applications were received through the Cox Charities website this year from School administrators, teachers, teaching assistants and media specialists (Pre-K through 12th grades) in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Piedmont, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Choctaw, Yukon and other central Oklahoma schools. The education grants support technology and programs that promote and enhance students' academic success and educational experience.

After careful deliberation by an advisory panel of local Cox employees, the following schools will receive grant dollars:

L.W. Westfall Elementary

Townsend Elementary

Piedmont Middle School

Southridge Junior High

Pleasant Hill Elementary

Dove Science Academy Middle School South

Piedmont High School

Madison Elementary School

John Rex Charter School

Deer Creek Middle School

Midwest City Middle School

Alcott Middle School

Cleveland Bailey Elementary School

Parkview Elementary

Mustang Creek Elementary

Dove Science Academy Middle School

Midwest City Middle School

Central Elementary

Piedmont High School

“Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.

For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Madison Elementary School

Piedmont High School

Centennial Elementary

Piedmont High School

Mount St Mary

Pleasant Hill Elementary

The other program that is terrific and a giant help is that Cox Communications further supports local schools, individuals, and families year-round through no-cost and low-cost programs aimed at ensuring access to the internet like Cox Communications’ own Connect2Compete for families with students, ConnectAssist, and StraightUp Internet.

“The employees of Cox Communications in Oklahoma City are proud to invest in our local schools and celebrate the hard-working teachers who are educating our city’s future workforce,” said Katy Boren, vice president and market leader for Cox in central Oklahoma. “It is our hope that these investments will, when combined with others, make a discernable impact benefiting students.”

The $75,371 in Cox Communications Education Grants to be awarded for the 2024-25 school year are in addition to $157,500 in Cox Charities Investment grants awarded to seventeen central Oklahoma nonprofits in August. Since 2006, Cox Charities has supported schools and nonprofits through employee-funded grants totaling more than $13 million. For more information about Cox Charities, visit www.coxcharities.org

Edmond is blessed to have so many great corporate citizens and Cox is one of them. If you pay much attention to the mainstream media or even television, corporations are made out to be horrible organizations that spread evil in the world. This is just not the case folks. There is so much in most communities that it would not get done without corporations.

I have promised myself to try and find a way to add all the savings to us as citizens because of corporate sponsorships. Heck, even the large retail chains get behind and support efforts to encourage shopping at small businesses.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory opens in Edmond OK, the best Christmas treat you can get is at Silver Leaf Gems. Stephanie and her family make these while chocolate covered cranberries that are to die for. However, they sell out so if you do not get any of those, your good news is that we now have a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory right here in Edmond located at 140 E 5th Street.

We visited one when we were in Branson over Thanksgiving weekend. Lisa has a real issue with finding great hot chocolate and we certainly found it there along with a ton of great stuff that we did not buy because we knew we could come back and get it locally.

You really need to make a visit if you have never been to one of these shops before. When I used to visit Durango, Colorado, I would make a point to stop in. Sure, I was there to see our daughter who was in school there but visiting the chocolate factory was the real highlight. Sorry Raegan!

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at

Ray Hibbard

Rose State president announces plans to step down from position

By Murray Evans Oklahoman.com

Rose State College President Jeanie Webb, the second-longest serving active president in Oklahoma higher education, has announced she will retire in July.

Webb, the first female president of Rose State, took office in July 2013. Among active Oklahoma college and university presidents, only Oral Roberts University President William Wilson, who started at ORU a month before Webb began at Rose State, has served longer.

During her tenure, Midwest Citybased Rose State built a new Student Union building, giving a school often thought of as a commuter college a hub for campus life. She oversaw the approval of a bachelor’s degree in applied technology in cybersecurity, making Rose State one of the few community colleges in Oklahoma to offer a four-year degree.

Earlier this year, Rose State became one of only three institutions in Oklahoma — and the only community college — to offer a degree program in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Rose State in Midwest City had an enrollment of about 6,800 students in fall 2023, making it the state’s thirdlargest community college, behind Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma City Community College.

Webb said in a statement that serving students during her 43-year career in higher education has been an honor.

“As I focus on completing key projects, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family,” she said. “I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of serving as president

of this remarkable college.”

During Webb’s tenure as president, Rose State secured $22 million in grants and fundraising for campus enhancements, including a $900,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant and a landmark $1.3 million donation to the college’s Tanenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center.

Her recent efforts also brought in $9.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which Rose State used to help bolster its nursing program.Greg Smith, the chairman of the Rose State Board of Regents, said Webb worked to grow educational access and quality for students.

“Her leadership has strengthened Rose State as a resilient, forwardthinking institution, and I am confident that the momentum of excellence and Rose State’s reputation of agility for serving workforce development needs will continue as part of her wonderful legacy,” Smith said in a statement.

Rose State said it plans to conduct a “comprehensive” search for Webb’s successor.Before arriving at Rose State, Jeanie Webb held various faculty and administrative roles at Northeastern State and eventually became the dean of the NSU-Muskogee campus and the dean of the former NSU University Center in Tulsa.

Webb began working at Rose State as the associate vice president of external affairs in 1998. By 2000, she was the college’s vice president for student affairs.

Webb’s husband, Roger Webb, also served as a college president, first at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and later at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, from which he retired in 2011 after 14 years at the helm

Jeanie Webb

What you should know about the flu & COVID

Is it COVID-19 or flu 2024? With both viruses posing health concerns and similar symptoms, we offer insights into how you and your family can navigate this winter season with informed choices.

Similarities in COVID vs. flu symptoms

Both COVID-19 and flu can cause varying degrees of symptoms. You may experience no symptoms (called asymptomatic cases) or you could develop severe symptoms.

Symptoms both illnesses commonly share include:

Fever or feeling feverish/chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue (tiredness)

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle pain or body aches

Headache

Vomiting and diarrhea (most common in children)

In addition, both COVID-19 and the flu can result in pneumonia, a secondary infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both of your lungs. COVID is like the flu and here to stay

“COVID is not over, I don’t know if it will ever be totally over. The pandemic is over, but it is probably an endemic virus now,” says David Chansolme, M.D., medical director of infection prevention at INTEGRIS Health. “It’s going to continue circulating from time to time just like influenza (flu).”

That’s in part due to variants and mutations. There are five vaccines that can provide immunity against COVID-19. The vaccines help the immune system recognize and fight the virus, reducing the likelihood of infection. As a result, they lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

A look at the 2024 flu season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts the respiratory season (flu, COVID and RSV) will be similar or slightly improved (in terms of hospitalizations) compared to 2023-24. During last year’s flu season, an estimated 44,900 died from flu complications.

Flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, primarily influenza A (H3N2), is consistent with previous seasons.

Health experts use this information – the Southern Hemisphere has its winter and the flu season during summer in America – to preview circulating

flu strains and their impact. Based on this information, vaccine manufacturers can tailor vaccines to provide the best possible protection against the most common and impactful strains.

For the 2024-25 flu season, the CDC announced recommendations that all U.S. flu vaccines be trivalent vaccines.

Trivalent vaccines include three strains to increase exposure to different types of flu viruses. This year, the vaccine includes influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B/Victoria-lineage. Previous years of the vaccine included four components (quadrivalent) to account for an additional type of influenza B.

Both COVID and the flu can be deadly, especially among immunocompromised individuals and people 65 years and up. Chansolme encourages everyone to get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID to help protect those more vulnerable to both illnesses. And if you get sick, he stresses the importance of ruling out COVID, as there may be additional treatment options available.

For more specific information on which COVID or flu vaccine is right for you, INTEGRIS Health encourages you to contact your primary care physician.

OMRF discovers new chemical link to Alzheimer's

Dopamine, the brain’s so-called “feel-good” chemical, appears to play a significant role in Alzheimer’s disease, an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist found in a groundbreaking new study.

The discovery by Mike Beckstead, Ph.D., could someday provide a new pathway for ways to treat and even prevent the devastating neurological disease.

“We established definitively that long before the onset of symptoms, the dopamine neurons in the brain were far too active,” said Beckstead, who holds the Hille Family Foundation Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease Research at OMRF. “We also discovered both the cause for this overactivity

and a potential solution.”

Beckstead’s new findings were published late last week in the online scientific journal Nature Communications.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans live with the deadly, memory-robbing disease. That figure is projected to grow to more than 12 million by 2050.

Dopamine has many responsibilities in the brain, including body movement and signaling rewards. Disruption of dopamine can produce wide-ranging consequences, from depression and addiction to a separate neurological disease, Parkinson’s.

The connection between Alzheimer’s disease

and dopamine was recently identified with new scientific techniques. Beckstead’s work is the first to identify a potential target to restore the dopamine system’s function.

Working with mice genetically engineered to develop a condition that mimics Alzheimer’s, Beckstead found that changes to dopamine neurons led to psychiatric changes.

“These findings support what clinicians have observed for a long time,” said Harris Blankenship, a Ph.D. student who contributed to the research. “People who eventually develop Alzheimer’s frequently experience mood and behavioral changes first, well before they exhibit problems with learning and memory.”

(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.)

Nov. 25

Cheyenne Lynn Cipponeri, 21 of Edmond. Failure to maintain compulsory insurance, possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Julio Cesar Dionisio-Jimenez, 44 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Leonard Charles Stewart, 52 of Edmond. Failure to signal and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Richard Randolph Hennessy, 38 of Guthrie. Shoplifting.

Nov. 26

Lamarr Eugene Black Jr. , 32 homeless. Trespassing.

Shelby Leewayne Obiarineze, 33 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Tyrone Spratt Jr., 27 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer, domestic abuse with prior pattern of physical abuse, interruption, disruption, interference w/emergency call and domestic abuse assault (strangulation).

Gary Lee Weaver III, 24 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Olivia Sharrelle Lynne McDaniel, 21 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Nov. 27

Isaiah Luis Chavez, 22 of Oklahoma City. Stop sign violation and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Mary Jane Kayla Henry, 28 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Shane Scott Faulk, 21 of Crescent. Illegal entrance.

Victor Enrique Cervantes-Deanda, 35 of Edmond. Speeding (11-14 mph over), driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and six counts of failure to appear.

Chad Wesley Schwerdtfeger, 52 homeless. Trespassing after being warned and public intoxication.

Ashton Quinn Thomas, 21 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Nov. 28

Brody Allen Spencer, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Cameron Perry Hedgpeth, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Debra Elaine Deckard, 62 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Jacob Noel Graham, 30 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Nov. 29

Claudia Maria Porro, 38 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Justin Wayne Welch, 36 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Trevor Joseph Ball, 45 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse assault (in

the presence of a minor child.)

Nov. 30

Asa Lamar Chandler, 37 of Guthrie. Failure to appear.

Dennis Deron Stone, 27 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.

Charles Derek Hodges, 34 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and trespassing after being warned.

Spencer Tomas Miller, 32 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Tyshawn Darell Dozier, 26 of Edmond. Improper tag display – not clearly visible – not secured to back of vehicle or covered by any type of material, failure to maintain compulsory insurance, expired tag, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, false personation of another and possess CDS.

Dec. 1

Derek Steven Lacefield, 44 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Chad Wesley Schwerdtfeger, 52 homeless. Public intoxication.

Armando Junior Mendez, Jr., 32 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Bryce Laray Smith, 19 of Oklahoma City. Disregard signal light, driving without proper/valid driver’s license, no proof of insurance, false representation to an officer, failure to wear seat belt, misdemeanor warrant and failure to appear.

Oluwatosin G. Adebowale, expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Weekend Calendar of events Dec. 12-15

Weekend Calendar of Events

---- In the Gallery

Dec. 12-15

----- 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

---- Winters Night at the Safety Village

---- Acoustic Nights

---- Santa at Citizens Bank of Edmond

---- Speakeasy

---- Caroling in Downtown

---- Cops & Claus

---- Old Time Christmas

---- Ugly Sweater Run

---- UCO Jazz Lab

---- The Polar Express

---- Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol

---- Oklahoma City Futurity

---- Myriad & Bright

---- VIP Limo Christmas Light Tours

---- Holiday Pop-Up Shops

---- A Territorial Christmas Celebration

---- Lights on Broadway

---- A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas

---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s “Christmas Cracker”

---- Spotlight Academy presents: Elf the Musical, Jr

---- Tis The Season Holiday Market & Concert

---- Guided Gardens Tour

---- Santa Fly-In

---- Elite Auto Affairs

---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show

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 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

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: Thu, Dec 12; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com

Winters Night at the Safety Village

Location: 5200 East Covell, Edmond

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 13; Free; activities are for children 10 and under; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Acoustic Nights

Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 13; 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 13 – Sat, Dec 14; Free; 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; mycitizens.bank

Speakeasy Location: Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 14; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; ellisislandcoffee.com

Caroling in Downtown Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14; 12 – 2 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com

Cops & Claus

Location: 100 East 1st Street, Matt Terry Hall, Edmond, OK

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14; Free; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Old Time Christmas

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 14; 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; arcdiaroundbarn.com

Ugly Sweater Run

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14; $25; 3 – 5 p.m.; edmondok.gov

UCO Jazz Lab

Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 13: Mountain Smoke – 6 p.m.; $25; calendar.uco.edu

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

Oklahoma City Futurity

Location: Oklahoma City

State Fair Park

Extra Info: Tue, Dec 10 – Sun, Dec 15; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; okcfuturity.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 Territorial Christmas

Celebration

Location: Historic District Downtown, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14; Victorian Walk Nights; Facebook.com

Lights on Broadway

Location: Automobile Alley, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14; 4 – 7 p.m.; downtownindecember.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

Spotlight Academy presents: Elf the Musical, Jr

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 6 – Sat, Dec 14; Dec 6: 7 p.m.; Dec 7: 2 p.m.; Dec 13: 7 p.m. & Dec 14: 7 p.m.;

okcciviccenter.com

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

Guided Gardens Tour

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 13; myriadgardens.org

Santa Fly-In

Location: Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14; 10 a.m. ---12 p.m.; Facebook

Elite Auto Affairs

Location: Oklahoma State Fair

Park

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14 – Sun, Dec 15; 1 – 9 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com

Oklahoma City 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

Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair

Park

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 14 – Sun, Dec 15; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgun.show

Lighten up the calories with wine-dunkers called biscotti

By Carol Smaglinski

Is your nickname the King or Queen of Crunch?

Then biscotti is the perfect cookie for you. The twice-baked cookies are marvelous for that time when you like to linger around the dining room table with best friends and the little ones have gone off to watch videos or chase the family dog through the den.

There are so many variations for biscotti, pronounced bee-SKAWT-tow, or bee-SKAWT-tee, a generic word for cookies, but don’t wait for the holidays to make these.

The simple dough mixture is chilled, divided into loaves, baked once, cooled and then sliced on an angle and baked again to develop the toastiness, somewhat like a rusk. Nothing difficult and they won't go from your lips to your hips.

At the table, the intensely-crunchy cookies are then dunked by diners into their coffee, tea, or a

nice dessert wine. Biscotti pairs nicely with a Vin Santo, called “holy wine.” Some might favor brandy or cognac.

To get close to the interesting original recipe, which originated in the city of Prato in the Tuscany area in Italy, whole almonds are imperative. However, if given a classic recipe from an Italian relative, it will most likely be flavored with expensive licorice-scented anise seeds or a touch of cinnamon, grated lemon or orange rind, which marries well and will intensify the perfect union.

Some recipes might spark a change in it with the use of a hint of whiskey, Marsala, Amaretto, walnuts, hazelnuts or pistachios. The reason for the overnight chilling is to prevent the cookie dough from spreading in the oven. Its long chill also gives the eggs a chance to soak into the dry ingredients. The final product will then yield a richer flavor and be evenly browned.

You might like to add 1 and 1/2 tsp. grated citrus zest.

Twice-Baked Cookies

Makes about 25

1 cup almonds

2 cups sifted flour

2-½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened

⅔ cup sugar

1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place almonds on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes and monitor carefully so they don’t burn. Remove and reserve.

Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter until it is soft. Gently add sugar and mix until it is fluffy. Add almond and vanilla extract, then the eggs on the lowest speed if you are using a mixer and then add the flour. Hint: Turn the mixer up and mix harder to help develop gluten in the flour and give the cookies a structure that is more firm.

Next, add whole almonds.

Cover tightly and chill overnight.

When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface, and with a spatula, form the dough into two flat logs about 4 inches wide and the length of the cookie sheet.

Butter a cookie sheet, or use parchment or foil and gently place the logs on the baking sheet. Place the cookie sheet on the lowest oven rack and bake for 45 minutes. Remove and let them cool. They will harden as they cool.

When completely cool, set the oven to 300 degrees. With a serrated knife, cut each loaf into ½ inch slices on a 45 degree angle. Place each slice on the cookie sheet and bake on the lower rack for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning each one over gently to toast the other side until golden brown. Watch carefully!

Remove to a cake rack to cool thoroughly. For storage, use an airtight container. If the biscotti should lose its crispness, just repeat the toasting technique again.

New surgeon joins staff at Edmond Integris

Marques Peña, M.D.,is a general surgeon withINTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital.

Peña’s areas of interest include robotic surgery, gallbladder disease, colon cancer and thyroid disease, as well as treating hernias, appendicitis and complications due to trauma.

Dr. Peña

He earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. Peña then completed his general surgery residency at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. His passion for medicine centers on building long-lasting relationships with his patients and helping those in need.

Peña offices atINTEGRIS Health Medical Group General Surgery Edmondlocated at 4833 INTEGRIS Health Pkwy., Suite 350, in Edmond, Okla. He is accepting new patients. Call 405-657-3690 for more information.

Ogle family due career recognition

The late Jack Ogle and his sons Kevin, Kent and Kelly have been selected as the Lifetime Achievement honorees for the 55th anniversary of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

The Ogles will be honored during the induction ceremony on May 9, 2025, at the University of Central Oklahoma. A reception at 5 p.m. will kick off the ceremony followed by the induction dinner at 6 p.m. Both events will be in the Nigh University Center on the UCO campus.

The 2025 Class and the special 55th anniversary Posthumous Class will be announced early next year.

The Selection Committee unanimously selected the Ogles for the Lifetime Achievement honor this week. The honor is reserved for those who have either contributed to journalism excellence through their work or have a lifetime of supporting First Amendment or journalistic causes.

It will be the first time that a family has been honored this way.

Joe Hight, director of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, said he decided to announce the Lifetime Achievement honor early because of the prestige of the Ogle name to Oklahoma.

“It’s fitting that the Ogles join the hall of fame as members on the 55th anniversary of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than by having them join the other distinguished members who have received Oklahoma’s highest journalistic honor,” he said.

In his nomination, Vance Harrison, president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, wrote that the Ogle family has more than a combined 150 years of “Oklahoma journalism excellence to their credit.” He added that an Ogle has been in Oklahoma broadcast journalism for eight decades starting with Jack Ogle in the 1950s and continuing today with his three sons.

Jack Ogle died in 1999, but his sons have continued either in Oklahoma broadcast journalism or journalism education in the state. Kevin, Kent and Kelly also have at least three Emmy awards among them.

“The legacy of the Ogle family in Oklahoma Journalism and broadcasting is unparalleled,” wrote Harrison, a Lifetime Achievement honoree himself. “Journalism excellence started with Jack Ogle and his remarkable skills were passed on to his three sons who continue the Ogle tradition today.”

Here are individual nominations that Harrison submitted for the

Ogles:

Jack Ogle: Newscaster/Sportscaster: Jack Ogle started in Norman radio in the 1950's and joined WKYTV 4 in 1963 as a reporter and anchor. Simultaneously, he was the color commentator for University of Oklahoma football from 1961 to 1973 and Oklahoma State University football from 1974-1980 along with Bob Barry Sr. (an Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame member). Jack Ogle retired from day-to-day reporting in 1978 and for the next 12 years he produced commentaries, "A Real Oklahoman" for WKY- TV 4, KOCOTV 5 and KWTV-TV 9 in Oklahoma City. Jack dominated the TV ratings for years and retired to eastern Oklahoma in 1990. Jack died in October 1999.

Kevin Ogle: Oldest son of Jack Ogle: After college at Kansas State and OSU, Kevin worked the newsrooms at KSWO-TV 7 in Lawton, OK, KFSM-TV in Fort Smith, AK, and for the past 27 years has been the principal anchor at KFOR-TV 4 in Oklahoma City.

Kent Ogle: Middle son of Jack Ogle: Kent attended Central State University and then followed in the tradition of his father Jack and brother Kevin with early career stints in local radio and then OETA. Kent joined KFOR-TV 4 in 1994 where he has anchored the morning news program for 30 years.

Kelly Ogle: Youngest son of Jack Ogle: Kelly graduated from OSU in 1984 and then worked for three years at WKY Radio, a year at OETA, a year at KFOR-TV and from 1990 to 2022 was the principal anchor at KWTV-TV 9 in Oklahoma City. Kelly currently teaches broadcast journalism at Oklahoma State University. Besides the 55th anniversary reception and induction dinner, the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame will dedicate its new museum at 4 p.m. May 9 in the Liberal Arts building on the UCO campus.

Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

From left, are brothers Kevin, Kelly and Kent Ogle.

Okla. Journalism Hall of Fame

Jack Ogle

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Baseball’s odd rules

By Steve Gust

Have you heard about baseball’s Golden At-Bat rule?

Actually it hasn’t been adopted by Major League Baseball, but has been proposed by some.

The Golden At-Bat rule would allow a team to use any batter of their choice for one at bat during a game –despite what the batting lineup dictates.

Needless to say, baseball purists aren’t wild about the idea.

Baseball has adopted a lot of new rules in the past few years. I stopped following baseball closely a few years ago when the sport became so politically correct. I couldn’t understand why MLB was honoring some of the groups they did.

In the meantime, baseball put in some new rules. There was actually a clock installed – so there wasn’t as much time allowed between pitches. And then, during the regular season, baseball changed their extra innings rules to start off an inning with a runner on second base. And in the old days, a pitcher could hold a runner on first base with unlimited throws. Not so anymore. The bases were made a bit bigger to encourage stealing bases. What the baseball people sought to

do was to shorten the games and emphasize more action. But I don’t think they can ever tweak the rules enough to make it like football or basketball. And some people (me) ike baseball’s slower pace. Yet the experimentation continues with odd notions like the Golden At-Bat rule. Maybe they could tweak the Golden At-Bat rule. Think of it, The team batting may actually select a player from the other team for the Golden At-Bat. And that player would have to try his best to get a hit, or the team at bat would be awarded four runs.

Sound ridiculous? Of course it is. Then again a lot of people probably think that about some of the new rules implemented.

If they ever get rid of wooden bats, there will be even more wailing and gnashing of teeth.

—-

I’ve read about some people’s inappropriate special media comments about the killing of the UnitedHealth Care insurance CEO last week. It’s sad that people would be so rude. Everyone knows that health insurance, private or government, has a lot of problems. But for goodness sake, don’t take it out on a victim.

Nobody deserves that.

Emphasis on local oil & gas production

Lawmaker seeks energy 1st agenda

Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, issued the following statement regarding Oklahoma energy policy reaffirming his commitment to an Oklahoma First agenda of low energy costs and government efficiency.

“Oklahomans have been very clear on their desire for an Oklahoma First energy policy, which means: (1) Prioritizing Oklahomabased companies and local reinvestment, not foreign-controlled entities; (2) Focusing on proven energy sources under Oklahomans’ feet—oil and gas—rather than speculative technologies; (3) Rejecting climate alarmism which has been proven false on almost every prediction for 20 years; (4) Protecting Oklahoma’s natural beauty; (5) Protecting resources from ‘green’ energy scams that are resource-intensive and strain local utilities and water supplies; (6) Rejecting companies who embrace woke, globalist ESG/DEI ideologies; (7) Rejecting the waste of taxpayer

dollars and redistribution of wealth through subsidizing ‘green’ energy in any way.

“We do not need to decarbonize. What we need is to free up oil and gas production, which are the backbone of our economy—accounting for 22 percent of our total economic activity in addition to providing 15 percent of our total employment— rather than turning to speculative “green” energy projects which have often proven in recent decades to often be wastes of taxpayer dollars that Donald Trump and Elon Musk now have to try to clean up through the Department of Government Efficiency.

“While energy innovation is, ordinarily, a good thing, it becomes harmful when government subsidizes innovation based on unscientific and politically motivated climate hysteria. Tragically, that is largely what ‘green’ energy policy in the United States and Europe has been ever since Al Gore’s cacophony of doomsday prophecies in 2006–virtually none of which have come true, with many being disproven entirely. Rather than rising 20 feet ‘in the near future,’ as Gore claimed would happen, sea levels have risen a mere four inches in the last 30 years.

“I will be filing legislation aimed at the economic benefit of Oklahomans by reducing the gross production tax on oil and gas, as well as assessing the regulatory code for any unnecessary red tape on the production of energy. I encourage Oklahoma civil leaders to join me in Oklahoma First proposals like these, which are aimed squarely at the best interest of the people we serve.”

‘We do not need to decarbonize. What we need is to free up oil and gas production, which are the backbone of our economy.’

Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin,

Writer has advice on enjoying the holidays

By Jill Palmquist

With the winter holidays closing in, too many of us are checking all the obligatory boxes. Put up the tree or light the menorah? Check. Trudge off to the family dinner (and, like Clark Griswold’s dad, get through it with a little help from Jack Daniel’s?)? Check. Spend way too much money on presents? Check. Problem is, most of us power through these traditions on autopilot, only half-present, missing the magical moments of the season. We kind of know this (don’t we?), but we don’t know how to stop it.

. This time of year is brimming with joy and miracles and magic—and once we see that, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump to realizing that this is true of all of life.

“Once you start noticing awe-inducing moments, you see that they are everywhere,” says Palmquist, author of In This Lifetime (Wise Ink, September 2024, ISBN: 978-1-63489-689-4, $105.00). “This can be a life-altering revelation. Suddenly, instead of going through the motions, you are living in a new reality where it’s all miraculous—especially the fact that we get to be alive, witnessing it all in these incredible bodies, spending time with those we love.”

In This Lifetime is on the surface a coffee table book. But look deeper and it’s a distilled master class in waking up to the magic of simply being alive, with amazing bodies and curious minds that can do so many incredible things. The book is filled with breathtaking photographs, thought-provoking essays, proverbs, parables, conversation starters, and distilled snippets of life wisdom to help you be present for the holidays and beyond.

To get out of your head this holiday season; live in the moment; and make space for wonder, gratitude, and joy, try the following tips: Keep it simple and embrace the imperfect. We are perfectly imperfect creatures so of course our holidays won’t go entirely as planned, explains Palmquist. The key is to keep your to-do list short, give yourself grace, and laugh at the inevitable

mishaps that will pop up.

“Typically, what stresses us out is trying to do too much—too much food, too many gifts, too many obligatory events—and then being upset because we fell short,” she notes. “Or, we think things have to go off without a hitch…and when the kids fight, or the cookies burn, or the dog gets into the mashed potatoes, it can feel like the end of the world.

“Two mindset shifts can help here,” adds Palmquist. “One, realize it’s okay to keep your celebrations simple. Two, unclench and let go of the need for perfection. Learn to pause and notice the magic that’s happening before your eyes.”

Celebrate everything. It doesn’t matter that all the shopping isn’t done, or that bills loom, or that your gingerbread didn’t rise enough. As Palmquist writes in In This Lifetime: “Get out the good china. Light the candles. Blast holiday music. Something extraordinary has happened. We are here! Today! Together!”

Realize in one day there are one thousand opportunities to be kind. Find ways to be of service to others for one or two days of the season. Not only does this feel great, but it’s also a way to make a positive impact on your community and the world. Volunteer for your local hospice. Collect coats and care kits to pass out to unhoused people in your area. Buy a few gifts for a family struggling to put presents under the tree for their children.

Sidestep digital rabbit holes and firmly plant yourself in the real world. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by spending hours doomscrolling on social media. It can make you feel you’re missing out, or that your holiday plans aren’t as exciting as someone else’s, or that the world is a dark and terrible place (when in reality, there are some bright spots).

“Life is heartbreakingly short,” says Palmquist. “Rather than wasting your (limited) time online, connect with a friend; listen to holiday music; or bundle up and go outside for a long walk in the crisp, cool air. The real world is far richer and fuller and more rewarding than the virtual one.”

Get out of your head and into your body. Feel your heartbeat. (It beats 100,000 times a day.)

Breathe in every breath. Look at your strong, beautiful legs. Take in what the two million working parts of your eyes are showing you—the shimmering lights, the dance of the fireplace flames, the faces of your children. Let the smells of the holidays—pine boughs, sugar cookies, peppermint—transport you back to childhood. (Your nose remembers more than your eyes.)

Eat, drink, and be merry. Food is one of the great pleasures of life. Don’t mindlessly inhale those delectable holiday nibbles. To experience culinary joy, indulge your senses when you eat or drink. Slow down and taste every sip of your peppermint mocha. Close your eyes so you can enjoy every crumb of that homemade graham cracker pie crust. You’re less likely to go overboard when you take time to taste and enjoy your food and drinks.

Remember…movement and exercise save and preserve your body’s good condition. Lack of movement destroys it. In other words, don’t let cold winter temps or jam-packed holiday schedules tempt you to sink into sluggishness. Exercise helps us feel alive. You’ll feel better physically and help fight seasonal doldrums if you move your body throughout the holidays. Make a few fitness dates each week that you can look forward to and pencil them into your planner. (Or, try Life Time’s 20-day Holiday Hustle program if you’re feeling ambitious.)

About the Author: Jill Palmquist is Life Time vice president and chief storyteller and the author of In This Lifetime, a coffee table book that celebrates the beauty and reminds us of the brevity of the human experience. A graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism, she worked as an agency copywriter. With the birth of her daughter, she took a leap to go freelance, working on a variety of fun brands for a variety of fun companies, including luxury leisure and lifestyle company Life Time.

‘Money Wars’ holiday fundraiser at Francis Tuttle a success

Despite losing a day of fundraising, students at Francis Tuttle Technology Center raised even more money for families in need this holiday season.

Money Wars is an annual tradition for students in Trade & Industrial career training programs at Francis Tuttle. Students training in Cosmetology, Automotive Service, Carpentry,

Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, and Service Careers raise money by asking for spare bills and lose change. Students raised $3,198.21, which is $800 more than last year, despite having one less day to ask for donations. A bad weather day fell on the first Monday of Money Wars, meaning students had to work with three days instead of four.

Service Careers-Hospitality won Money Wars by raising $562.79. Each class is given a jug to collect money in, which they decorate for the holidays.

The money raised goes toward gifts such as clothing items and toys for Francis Tuttle students and their families who are in need this holiday season

PHOTO

Kari Bailey’s morning Service Careers-Hospitality class poses with this year’s Money Wars first place trophy after raising the most money for Francis Tuttle families in need this holiday season. Bailey’s class raised $562.79, one-sixth of the total amount raised by students

Student completes practicum with VillagesOKC

Carissa Burns, 22, will be a December graduate of Southern Nazarene University with a bachelor of science degree in psychology. As part of her study, she completed a three-month practicum with VillagesOKC, learning about active older adults and the many connection opportunities VillagesOKC provides.

Admittedly reluctant at first, Burns finished the practicum with an enlightened understanding of the realities of positive aging. She said initially she had hoped to work with middle-aged adults, but working with older adults has been rewarding.

“I’ve never worked with just older adults,” Burns said. “Never attended nonprofit events before. Never done any real volunteering. Working with Marilyn and the others has really changed my perception.”

She supported the VillagesOKC team at a Senior LifeSkills Learning workshop and the daylong Positive Aging: Inflammation workshop. In addition, she volunteered to help register and check-in participants at the Second Half Expo, which was attended by 1,675 people and more than 100 exhibitors.

“Our goal was to expose her to as much of the 50+ world as possible,” said Executive Director Marilyn Olson. In addition to supporting team member projects, she was given

books to read and videos to watch.

Books included Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer.

Burns’ goal is to become a clinical therapist after she earns her master’s degree. This was her second practicum. The first was at Bethany

High School working with students with learning disabilities.

She said her early reluctance was because she wasn’t sure the practicum at VillagesOKC would give her the experience she needed for her psychology degree. However, after talking with Olson and her

practicum advisor Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin, Program Director Family Studies & Gerontology, they came up with plans on how to get her the experience she needed.

“I have learned so much from my time with VillagesOKC. It’s knowledge that I’ll be able to use as I work toward my career goal,” Burns said.

During the practicum, Burns has continued a full course load at SNU, participated with the track team and worked two part-time jobs. She has worked at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for the past four years. She also works three days a week in the fitness center at Expand Energy, the former Chesapeake Energy.

She is a graduate of Bethany High School and ran track all four years, finishing first in 4A State in the 100 meter sprint and second in the 200 meters. From an athletic family, both her parents are personal trainers. Her dad, Dutch Burns, is a track coach at Southwestern Christian University. Her mother, Denise Penczak Burns, is a personal trainer and Pilates instructor. Olson said working with Burns has been rewarding and she hopes to continue the connection.

“We love being able to influence and encourage younger adults so they have role models for aging with vitality and purpose,” she said.

State senate member wants pay raise for first responders

Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, recently filed six pieces of legislation to provide a five percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for police officers, firefighters, and other public servants throughout the state. Weaver, the Senate’s Public Safety Committee Chair, emphasized the critical need for increased compensation for law enforcement and firefighters across the board, recognizing their tireless work and dedication to serving communities.

“As inflation continues to strain the budgets of hardworking families and retirees, it’s essential that we support those who put their lives on the line every day for our communities and our state,” Weaver said. “Providing this COLA will help ensure our public

servants are properly compensated for their contributions to maintaining public safety and protecting Oklahomans.”

Weaver’s bills include cost of living adjustments for those enrolled in six of the state’s retirement systems, including the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System.

“The consideration of each of the bills will include an actuarial process, ensuring that the proposed adjustments are fiscally responsible and sustainable,” Weaver added.

Senate Bills 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 will be eligible for consideration in the 2025 legislative session, which begins Feb. 3.

Seeking a 5 percent raise

PHOTO PROVIDED

Carissa Burns answers a computer question for VillagesOKC member Faye

The University of Central Oklahoma has named five students as Class Marshals of their respective colleges for the fall 2024 semester, recognizing them for their academic excellence. The fall 2024 Class Marshals, pictured left to right with UCO President Todd G. Lamb and First Lady Monica Lamb, are Logan Grulkey, an accounting major from Yukon, Oklahoma, representing the College of Business; Delaney Donnohue, a biology and biomedical sciences and forensic science-molecular biology major from Edmond, representing the College of Mathematics and Science; Katelynn Moore, a music education major from Edmond, representing the College of Fine Arts and Design; Natalie Waxenfelter, an English education major from Choctaw, Oklahoma, representing the College of Liberal Arts; and, Anna Joye Holmes, an elementary education major from Wagoner, Oklahoma, representing the College of Education and Professional Studies.

UCO honors students for academic success as Fall 2024 Class Marshals

The University of Central Oklahoma has named five students as Class Marshals of their respective colleges for the fall 2024 semester, recognizing them for their academic excellence.

Students earn the title of Class Marshal for achieving the highest academic records within their colleges during their time at Central.

"At the University of Central Oklahoma, we take great pride in celebrating our best and brightest by awarding them the distinction of Class Marshal. These exceptional students embody the spirit of what it means to be a Broncho by committing themselves to the highest standard of academic excellence. We look forward to their continued success as they use the knowledge, experience and confidence they gained at UCO to make a lasting impact in their communities," said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

Delaney Donnohue is a biology and biomedical sciences and forensic science-molecular biology major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Mathematics and Science. She is a native of Edmond, Oklahoma, and is a 2020 graduate of Deer Creek High School. Donnohue is a member of multiple student clubs, including the UCO Chemistry Club and the Student Academy of Forensic Sciences. Due to her academic success, she received the Dr. Ethel Derrick Endowed Scholarship for Biology and the best poster award at the UCO Tri-Center Symposium.

After graduation, Donnohue plans on attending graduate school to continue her education and obtain a Ph.D. in molecular biology or genetics. Her career goal is to work in the DNA Analysis Unit for the FBI.

“My favorite experiences from UCO have come from cultivating great relationships with my professors, discovering amazing opportunities for under-

graduate research, as well as academic research conferences, and meeting so many kind and intelligent people that have become great friends,” Donnohue said.

Logan Grulkey is an accounting major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Business. A native of Yukon, Oklahoma, and a 2021 graduate of Yukon High School. After graduation, Grulkey will begin his career as a tax associate for Forvis Mazars in Oklahoma City.

“I am so very thankful for the time I spent at UCO. The opportunities I had here will shape my future for the rest of my life. I would not be in the position I am in today without the guidance of the incredible professors at UCO, especially in the accounting department,” Grulkey said.

Anna Joye Holmes is an elementary education major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Education and Professional Studies. She is a native of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and is a 2021 graduate of Wagoner High School. Holmes received the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Inspired to Teach Scholarship and the Wilfred and Faye McCombs Endowed Scholarship. After graduation, she plans to teach middle school math and coach volleyball and/or soccer. Holmes plans to pursue her master’s degree to become a principal.

“UCO is where I turned my dream of becoming an educator into a reality. It deepened my love for education and inspired me to become the best teacher I can be to make a lasting impact in the lives of all my future students,” Holmes said.

Katelynn Moore is a music education major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Fine Arts and Design. She is a native of Edmond, Oklahoma, and a 2020 graduate of Edmond Santa Fe High School. She received the Incoming Scholarship Award and

Foundation Scholarship and was the School of Music Student of the Year in spring 2024, as well as in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band. After graduation, Moore plans on pursuing her master's degree in music therapy. She is passionate about working with children and young adults, specifically those with special needs or disabilities. She aspires to equip individuals with tools to further interact with music.

“My time at UCO has been joyful; my professors and peers supported and challenged me to grow and develop into the person I am today,” Moore said.

Natalie Waxenfelter is an English education major with a 4.0 GPA in the College of Liberal Arts. She is a native of Choctaw, Oklahoma, and a 2020 graduate of Choctaw High School. Waxenfelter received the Barbara Kay Gilmore Endowed Scholarship and the Inspire to Teach Scholarship. Waxenfelter has accepted a position at Nicoma Park Middle School, teaching eighth-grade English. She aspires to make every student who enters her classroom feel valued and capable.

“The English education program at UCO is phenomenal. The professors have challenged and prepared me for teaching in every aspect possible. I am forever grateful for the wealth of knowledge poured into me, which I know will help me in the classroom every day moving forward,” Waxenfelter said.

First presented in 1994, the Class Marshal title has become a proud Central tradition. During the commencement ceremonies, each honoree will wear a bronze graduation gown and a special stole, signifying the highest degree of academic excellence. For more information on UCO, visit www.uco.edu.

Review of movie ‘That Christmas’

Story chaos hinders holiday film

By George Gust

“That Christmas” is the latest animated feature from Netflix based on the series of children’s books written by Richard Curtis (Director of “Love Actually”). It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans, including Santa's.

In terms of canonical Christmas movies, 2003’s “Love Actually” has become something of a lightning rod. Some people will count it in their favorite Christmas movies to watch every year, while critics will say that the interconnected stories are dull and don’t come together cohesively. “That Christmas” is a family friendly version of “Love Actually” and carries with it many of the same criticisms that some have with that film.

“That Christmas” is a mixed Santa bag of a film with so many elements that are successful, but the film is ultimately hindered by the chaos generated by the interconnected storylines. Visually, “That Christmas” has everything you want from a family Christmas movie. The wintry seaside set-

ting is the exact kind of imagery you would expect when you think of Christmas-time. The character animation also takes on a pleasant style that is stylized in a way that stands out from the DreamWorks “Minions” style and the hyper realistic trend Pixar has been chasing in their most recent films.

Where “That Christmas” runs into most of its issues is the inconsistency in tone. The storylines of the film end up being too grown up for the children in the audience and too chaotic and me-

andering for the adults to really dig in and enjoy. There are certainly heart warming moments to enjoy, but if you’re looking for any kind of satisfying conclusion that fits an overall message of the movie you’ll be left wanting.

Overall, “That Christmas” is a pleasant enough watch to fire up and enjoy with the family with a cup of hot coco, but the messy tone and inconsistent storytelling might hold this back from being the kind of movie you want to return to year after year. Instead “That Christmas” is a prime candidate for a visually appealing movie you put on in the background while you and yours bake Christmas cookies or build gingerbread houses.

“That Christmas” is rated PG for thematic elements, some language and rude humor. Now streaming on Netflix.

3 out of 5 stars

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

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) would like to extend a reminder that the exhibition Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty will close on Jan. 5. Visitors have just one month left to see Chihuly works never before seen in Oklahoma.

Chihuly Then and Now, organized by OKCMOA, opened in the summer of 2022 to celebrate two decades of the collection. Earlier this year, the exhibition was extended into January 2025 due to popular demand. The exhibition features five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of iconic glass artist Dale Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. It also features loans of some of Chihuly's more recent works from his Merletto and Rotolo series, which will go off view once the exhibition closes.

“We are proud to have as a major part of our permanent collection one of the world’s largest public collections of Dale Chihuly glass," said OKCMOA President and CEO Michael Anderson, PhD.

Santa (voice of Brian Cox) comes to Netflix in the family animated movie ‘That Christmas.’

Welcoming holiday travelers along the famous Route 66

Eleven cities are partnering to attract visitors along the “Greatest 100 Miles” of Route 66 between Edmond and Sapulpa. Families enjoy charming small town main streets with holidaythemed activities. Route 66 Midpoint Corridor, a collaboration of 11 cities from Edmond to Sapulpa, created themes to welcome holiday travelers.

Plan a road trip to all eleven cities and enjoy ice skating, parades, sleigh rides, Santa visits, food trucks, caroling and much more! Ed Gochenour, owner of The Chicken Shack and founder of the Midpoint Corridor, said, “This is our second year of festive collaboration to promote the greatest 100 miles of Route 66.”

Travel to the following Midpoint Corridor Route 66 Cities to experience their holiday festivities:

Stops along the way

1. Edmond – Miracle on 2nd Street

2. Arcadia - Winter Wonderland

3. Luther – Welcome to Whoville

4. Wellston -Classics on 66

5. Chandler - North Pole

6. Davenport - Small Town Christ-

mas

7. Stroud - Illuminated Elf

8. Depew - Memories on the Mother Road

9. Bristow - Cowboy Christmas

10. Kellyville - Pony Express

11. Sapulpa Christmas Chute (featured on Today Show last year)

Learn more at https://www.midpointcorridor.com/event-list and follow Route 66 Midpoint Corridor @Route66MidpointCorridor.

Harris takes oath of office

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, was sworn into the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wed., Nov. 20, for his first full term.

He has represented Edmond's House District 39 since February 2024, when he was elected to fill a vacancy in the seat.

Harris took his oath of office, administered by Oklahoma Supreme Court Vice Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe, in the House chamber alongside 98 other representatives.

"It is an honor to again be entrusted to represent House District 39 in the Legislature," Harris said. "Representing my neighbors at the State Capitol is a responsibility I take very seriously. I look forward to hitting the ground running and finding reasonable solutions to the challenges facing our state."

During his first session, Harris sat on the Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Education, the Judiciary – Civil Committee, the Transportation Committee and the House Energy & Natural Resources Committee.

He attended Tuskegee University for his undergraduate degree, where he served as student body president. Harris later earned a law degree and a Master's in Public Administration

from the University of Oklahoma. While in law school, he served as editor-in-chief of a law review.

Harris holds a license to practice law in all Oklahoma state and federal district courts as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Additionally, he serves on Tuskegee University's board of trustees and is a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association.

He currently serves as vice president for Legal Services for a transportation company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Prior to entering private practice, Harris worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office. He previously taught American Government at the University of Central Oklahoma for nearly 10 years as an adjunct professor.

Harris, a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma and resides in Edmond with his wife, Melissa, and their two children. The family attends Northeast Baptist Church.

The full House will officially convene for an organizational day on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, and the First Session of the 60th Legislature reconvenes on Monday, Feb. 3.

Erick Harris with wife Melissa and two children.

Metro museum lauded

The Oklahoma History Center Museum has again received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), which is the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the museumgoing public. The Oklahoma History Center Museum has been accredited since 2014. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

The Alliance’s Accreditation Program brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, the accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.

a trusted resource for our community, operating at the highest professional standards and on par with some of the nation’s most respected museums.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Oklahoma History Center Museum is one of only 14 museums accredited in Oklahoma.

Accreditation is a rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM president and CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”

“I remember sitting in my car in your facility parking lot praying and contemplating whether or not I should even bother going in. tion has done f No reflection on what your organiza foor decades for the Edmond community, which is just great and generous deeds. The warmth, courtesy and kindness, I experienced the minute I walked into your business office and was greeted by your front desk clerk gave me an overwhelming positive reassurance that even if the outcomes of my visit did not produce the intended outcome, I will still be grateful for the empathy and Christ like love shown towards me, thank you.”

“The Oklahoma History Center Museum is proud to once again be recognized as an accredited institution by the American Alliance of Museums,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and leadership at the Oklahoma Historical Society. It affirms our commitment to excellence and underscores our mission to preserve and share Oklahoma’s history and culture.

Accreditation ensures that we remain

The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.

About the Oklahoma History Center

The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, pre-

The Oklahoma History Center Museum

Holiday Gift Guide

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE

We hope the gift suggestions in our Gift Guide help you with your joyous holiday shopping. The text and art was provided by each advertiser. In the event any of the copy should contain a typographical error or omission, store price and policy prevail.

Travel Gift Certificates - Help your loved ones check travel off their bucket list! Travel Gift Certificates available in any denomination and good for three years from purchase. Prime Time Travel, 101 E. Hurd, Ste. F 405-340-1120 www.primetimetrvl.com

Wine Gift Cards - Pick up yours today. These cards are sure to please!

a Lasting Impression - For your family, friends and clients with a custom gift basket or our large selection of gift items in an array of prices and sizes to fit any budget. Baskets begin at $45, and gift bags are also available. Local Delivery and Shipping Available. Gourmet Gallery 3325 S. Boulevard, Suite 107 405-715-3663 www.thegourmetgallery.com

Comedic Kitchenware - Our witty dish towels and oven mitts make a fantastic gift for that Dirty Santa Party with clever sayings like “Do One Thing a Day That Scares Your Family” or “Just Gonna Set That Dirty Dish in the Sink and Call it a Day, Huh?” Out on a Limb Boutique 4 S. Broadway 405-887-1333 www.outonalimbboutique.com

Bracelets - Beautiful glass stretch bracelets make a perfect stacking accent to your wrist comfortable to wear, all sizes. $16 Free Gift Wrapping! Silver Leaf Gems, 15 W Campbell St, (405) 285-9700 www.silverleafgems.com Gifts for Everyone on Your List - The perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, friends, babysitters or anyone you want to remember. Gourmet Gallery 3325 S. Boulevard, Suite 107 405-715-3663

Funfetti

Baggu Handbags - These purses are fun, functional and trendy! They fit all the essentials, making them fantastic gifts for under $50. Made from recycled, easy-to-clean, heavyweight nylon, these bags are playful and sturdy. We carry a variety of designs, including an adorable swan, a cornflower blue with ballet images and so many more! Out on a Limb Boutique 4 S. Broadway 405-887-1333 www.outonalimbboutique.com

Edmond Gifts - only available at the Edmond History Museum! Edmond Santa Fe Railway print by Steven Thomas, 18x24 $12, Milty T-shirt from the Mysterious Machines exhibit, child and adult sizes $30-38, Blue hippo plush $20, Edmond Mural Pillow by Yo Bro, $35. Edmond History Museum 431 S. Boulevard 405-340-0078 www.edmondhistory.org

Shop Local

Ideas

Various components come together to make the holiday season a festive time of year. There is a lot to get done in a short amount of time during the holiday season, and part of that includes shopping for all of the family members and friends on your shopping list. Shopping can be a complicated process that involves identifying which stores will be the best places to shop. Local retailers make the perfect place to shop for holiday items.

According to the American Express Business Economic Impact Study, more than two-thirds of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community. Indeed, shopping local benefits consumer and community alike.

The following are some of the many perks to shopping locally throughout the holiday season.

• Personalized attention: Small businesses are known for their personalized customer service and owners and staff are often lauded for taking the time to interact and learn about their customers, a dynamic that is impossible at larger retailers.

• Meet and interact with people: Shopping in-person at local stores, you’ll see faces from your community and become better known in the local area.

• Shorter lines: Local stores

are bound to have smaller crowds and thus shorter lines. That translates to less stress and hassle when it comes to getting in and out with holiday gifts.

• Smaller carbon footprint: Pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss, and resource depletion may not occur on the same levels when shopping locally compared to patronizing big box stores. That’s because local retailers tend to create or source their products locally, whereas many big box stores secure their goods overseas.

• Easier parking: This goes hand-in-hand with smaller crowds, as shopping locally does not typically require driving up and down endless aisles at malls or standalone retail stores in an effort to find a parking spot. Local retailers in town may have on-street parking or closed lots that are convenient to shoppers.

• Small batch shopping experience: Consumers can secure items in small businesses that are not carbon copies of those found across the country at major retail chains. When seeking a unique, thoughtful gift, shopping locally is the way to go.

Shopping locally this holiday season provides an array of benefits to consumers, and helps to solidify a strong Main Street in communities.

Rock and Roll It! Rainbow Piano - The perfect gift for the budding musician in your life! Check out this and more gifts for all ages at Best of Books! Best of Books

PHOTO

Latest numbers from State Treasurer’s office

State revenue shows decrease

Receipts for the last 12 months through September total $16.95B, a decrease of $115.6M, or 0.7%, when comparing revenue from the previous year. Total revenue for October 2024 equal $1.387B and decreased over October 2023 by $16.2M or 1.2%. and reflecting a modest change from grocery tax cut going forward.

Gross Production Tax or “GPT” totals equal $73.3M, down $12.1M or 14.2% over the previous month. Other tax sources for the same time period show individual income tax increased 16.3%, total sales and use tax decreased 7.7%, motor vehicle tax increased 1.7% and other sources increased 9.9%.

Receipts for the last 12 months through September total $16.95B, a decrease of $115.6M, or 0.7%, when comparing revenue from the previous year. Total revenue for October 2024 equal $1.387B and decreased over October 2023 by $16.2M or 1.2%. and reflecting a modest change from grocery tax cut going forward.

Gross Production Tax or “GPT” totals equal $73.3M, down $12.1M or 14.2% over the previous month. Other tax sources for the same time period show individual income tax increased 16.3%, total sales and use tax decreased 7.7%, motor vehicle tax increased 1.7% and other sources increased 9.9%.

Gross receipts total $16.87 billion, down $175.2 million or 1.0 percent.

• Combined individual income tax and corporate income tax $6.2 billion, up $203.6 million or 3.4 percent.

◦ Individual tax of $5.3 billion, up $229.4 million or 4.5 percent.

◦ Corporate tax of $913.2 million, down $25.8 million or 2.7 percent.

• Combined sales tax and use tax–including city and county remittances–of $7.05 billion, down $71 million or 1.0 percent.

◦ Sales tax of $5.84 billion, down $143.9 mil-

lion or 2.4 percent.

◦ Use tax, received on out-of-state and Internet purchases, of $1.2 billion, up $72.9 million or 6.4 percent.

Gross receipts total $16.87 billion, down $175.2 million or 1.0 percent.

• Combined individual income tax and corporate income tax $6.2 billion, up $203.6 million or 3.4 percent.

◦ Individual tax of $5.3 billion, up $229.4 million or 4.5 percent.

◦ Corporate tax of $913.2 million, down $25.8 million or 2.7 percent.

• Combined sales tax and use tax–including city and county remittances–of $7.05 billion, down $71 million or 1.0 percent.

◦ Sales tax of $5.84 billion, down $143.9 million or 2.4 percent.

◦ Use tax, received on out-of-state and Internet purchases, of $1.2 billion, up $72.9 million or 6.4 percent.

Governor fills opening on Pardon & Parole Board

This month, Governor Kevin Stitt announced his appointment of Susan Stava to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.

“Susan is a seasoned legal professional who has shown integrity, dedication, and a deep understanding of complex law throughout her career,” said Governor Stitt. “Her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize public safety and protect Oklahomans. I’m grateful for her willingness to serve.”

Stava began her career in Charleston, South

Carolina, where she focused on construction litigation, managing large-scale discovery processes. Upon moving to Tulsa, she transitioned into employment law, handling disputes, compliance, and investigations for various firms, including Hartman & Moore, where she practiced for over a decade.

Stava’s work has encompassed family law, criminal law, and litigation in state and federal courts.

“I am deeply honored to serve my state on

Feds name Cowley to post at metro branch location

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Schmid announced the appointment of Cortney Cowley as assistant vice president and Branch Executive of the Kansas City Fed’s Oklahoma City Branch office, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

In this role, Cowley will serve as the Bank’s lead officer and economist in the state of Oklahoma. She will work closely with the Branch’s board of directors and be responsible for briefing President Schmid on economic trends in the state. She will oversee the regional economic team in Oklahoma City and engage with business, civic and community groups across the state.

“Cortney’s background as an economist and her connections across Oklahoma and the Tenth District are valuable assets for the Kansas City Fed as we pursue our mission,” Schmid said. “The insights Cortney will provide from Oklahoma City will ensure that the state is well represented in the monetary policy deliberations I participate in at the Federal Open Market Committee.”

Cowley is a senior economist in the Regional Affairs Department in the Oklahoma City branch office,

where she has supported economic initiatives in the Tenth District, including surveys and policy briefings on regional and agricultural economic trends. She also served as a special advisor on the agricultural economy to Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman. Her current research focuses on agricultural finance, commodity markets, farm management, and natural resource economics and policy.

Cowley joined the Bank in 2015 as an economist after completing her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University. She was promoted to senior economist in 2021. She holds a B.S. degree in Biosystems Engineering from Oklahoma State and a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. She is a member of the Economic Club of Oklahoma City, Downtown Club of Oklahoma City, the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and serves as an economic advisor on the campaign cabinet of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.

Cowley succeeds Chad Wilkerson, who has served as the first Oklahoma City Branch Executive since 2006 and plans to retire in January 2025.

State hosts annual Insurance Day

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is proud to announce the success of its second annual Oklahoma Insurance Day conference, held on Dec. 4 at Embassy Suites Downtown Medical Center. The event brought together almost 200 industry professionals, regulators, and Oklahoma business leaders to engage in discussions on key issues affecting Oklahoma's insurance sector. Oklahoma Insurance Day showcased 21 expert speakers who led panel discussions covering a range of topics, including Oklahoma insurance business transfers. Insurance commis-

sioners representing Utah, Kentucky, and Arkansas shared their perspectives on market trends, innovations, and challenges in regulation. The conference concluded by addressing the use of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry, the new OK Ready: Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program, and key services OID offers to consumers. Commissioner Mulready also hosted a live special episode of the Mulready Minutes Podcast featuring Lance Walker, Executive Director of the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute at Oklahoma State University.

the Pardon and Parole Board,” said Stava. “I’m grateful for the Governor’s trust in me, as I know the role requires a careful balance of accountability, compassion, and respect for the rule of law. I’m committed to approaching each case with fairness and I will always prioritize the integrity of our justice system.”

Stava holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from East Carolina University. Stava’s appointment to the board is effective immediately.

Cowley

Staying safe this holiday

The holiday season is here, and OG&E is offering tips and tricks for customers to reduce energy consumption and celebrate safely during this joyous time of year.

“The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, and we want customers to be aware of the potential dangers that can come with holiday decorating,” said OG&E Manager of Corporate Communications Aaron Cooper. “We’re sharing several low-cost and no-cost actions consumers can take to save energy and remain safe during the winter season.”

For more ways to stay safe, visit oge.com/safetytips.

OG&E WINTER ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

Use LED lights in your home and for holiday decor. LEDs are brighter, last longer, use up to 80% less energy and stay cooler than traditional bulbs, reducing fire risks.

Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warm air. Turn fans off as soon as

they have done the job. Use caulk and weatherstripping to weatherize your home. Check windows, doors, expansion joints and wall cracks for air leaks and apply putty, caulk or weather stripping as needed.

Use your curtains and shades strategically. Open curtains and shades on the south-side windows of the home during the day to allow sunlight to enter and close them at night to reduce the chill that may be felt from cold windows.

OG&E HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Don't overload circuits, outlets or extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights per single extension cord.

Choose the right ladder. When stringing outdoor lights, use a dry wooden ladder and stay away from overhead power lines.

Check the safety of your holiday lights and cords. Use only indoor or outdoor lights that have the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety-approved label

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

UCO radio stations are in holiday swing

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Classical KUCO 90.1 and student-operated radio station KZUC 99.3 FM, known as UCentral Radio, will ring in the season with holiday music. UCentral Radio has begun playing holiday music, And KUCO 90.1 started Dec. 2, and will switch to nonstop Dec. 19.

Additionally, Classical KUCO will present Handel's "Messiah" in its entirety, uninterrupted, at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 19.

“At KUCO, we’re thrilled to share the joy of the holiday season through music that brings communities together,” said Jeff Hagy, KUCO general manager.

“Our holiday lineup is designed to celebrate timeless traditions and new interpretations alike, creating a rich, festive experience for our listeners.”

KUCO will also broadcast the live “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” from King’s College Chapel in the U.K. at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24. This honored program has been broadcast every Christmas Eve to millions worldwide by the BBC since 1928, showcasing the King's College Choir’s celebrated tradition and international acclaim.

Classical KUCO is Oklahoma's sole public, locally programmed and hosted classical music station. In addition to its flagship station, it extends its reach with repeater stations in McAlester, Oklahoma, on 91.9 FM and Woodward, Oklahoma, on 95.9 FM.

Listeners can also enjoy the delightful holiday melodies by livestreaming Classical KUCO online via their kucofm.com website, iHeart and TuneIn, or through Alexa devices.

Capitol page program offered prep students

The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program has opened applications for the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, announced Program Director Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang.

Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state participate in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government. Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative session, which runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. They arrive on Sunday afternoon and serve Monday through Thursday in the House Chamber during daily session. Pages also assist representatives and staff with tasks and participate in the

House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber.

"Working with our wonderful high school Pages and getting to know them serves as an important reminder of why we were sent to the Legislature—to improve our great state not for ourselves, but for their futures," said Hill, who has served as the program director since 2020. "Any student, regardless of what career path they may be interested in, leaves the House Page Program with a strong understanding and appreciation of the political process and the importance of civics engagement."

Hotel accommodations and chaperones are provided for all students. Pages are transported to and from the State Capitol daily and are closely supervised. Interested high school juniors and seniors may visit https://former.okhouse.gov/Pages/ to submit an application or contact their state representative.