Edmond Life and Leisure - April 20, 2023

In This Issue

FOUR SEASONS

Upcoming Endeavor Games Is seeking volunteers

See page 3

FRIDAY, April 21 AM Showers High 69° Low 41°

SATURDAY, April 22

SUNDAY, April 23

PHOTO PROVIDED

Registration is open, and volunteers are needed for the 24th annual University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games, an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in various sporting events on a competitive level, June 8-11. To register as a volunteer or athlete or for a complete schedule of events, visit www.endeavorgames.org/edmond. Pictured, a previous UCO Endeavor Games athlete.

Registration is open for the 24th annual University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games, an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in various sporting events on a competitive level, June 8-11, on Central’s campus and throughout the Edmond, Oklahoma, community.

The UCO Endeavor Games is the nation’s largest multisport, multi-disability event. The 2023 games include 11 sports — air rifle, archery, cycling, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball and wheelchair tennis.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, including various sports clinics, packet pick up, goodie bag prepping, special events and more. Volunteers under the age of 14 need to have a parent or guardian volunteer with them. Volunteers are encouraged to register before Monday, May 15, to guarantee preferred T-shirt size.

“Volunteers play an integral role in the success of the UCO Endeavor Games each year,” said Leigha Pemberton, assistant director of partnerships and events at UCO.

“The time and effort they put in to help ensure our athletes and their families have an amazing weekend brings the community together.”

The games will open Thursday, June 8, with a day of sports clinics and camps for aspiring athletes. Competition kicks off Friday, June 9, with powerlifting and wheelchair basketball in the morning; air rifle shooting throughout the day; and, an evening of swimming at the Edmond Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Dr. Saturday’s events feature track and field at Edmond North High School, 215 W. Danforth Road, followed by a goalball tournament and sitting volleyball on Central’s campus. The games conclude Sunday, June 11, with wheelchair softball at the Hamilton Field House parking lot and indoor archery and table tennis at the UCO Wellness Center, both located on Central’s campus. Competitions will be held at seven sites across UCO and Edmond. All events are free and open to the public.

Central is an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and is the host training site for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Volleyball teams.

For more information about athlete and volunteer registration, or to view a complete schedule of events for the 2023 UCO Endeavor Games, visit http://www. endeavorgames.org/edmond.

For more information about UCO Endeavor Games, contact Pemberton at lpemberton@uco.edu or 405-9743160.

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.

Edmond enjoys its pickle ball

During April discover the sport of Pickleball

By Jennifer Seaton

April is National Pickleball Month! It is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year running. Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play and can be enjoyed by many age groups. Add to that it’s popular “open play format,” allowing players to mix and match with dozens of others in a session, and you’ve got a social and accessible sport that’s booming in popularity.

Try your hand at this emerging sport at the KickingBird Pickleball Center, 1500 Danforth Road. It is located where the tennis courts used to be…tennis is now headquartered at Edmond Center Court, 601 W 15th Street. KickingBird Pickleball

Center has 12 outdoor and 12 indoor courts. The indoor courts are lit with new LED sports lighting and have been resurfaced and painted for competitive play. The outdoor courts do not have lighting and parking is accessible in the lot off Bryant (across from Homeland).

The Greater Oklahoma City Pickleball Club (GOPB) leases the facility from the City of Edmond. They offer lessons, social events and leagues at KickingBird Pickleball Center. Membership is $40 per person and $80 for a family. An up-to-date schedule of events is listed at https://gopb.club/kbschedule. Kyle Jones, GOPB President, said, “We welcome the public to play

for free on the courts on a first-come, first-serve basis with their own paddles and balls. The courts may be busy with GOPB members, but we will always welcome players.”

KickingBird Pickleball Center Hours:

Sunday:  1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday:  7:30 am - 11:00 am

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday:  6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Find more information at www.visitedmondok.com/news and follow @visitedmond.

Pickleball fans using the courts new 15th and Kelly in Edmond.

Council decisions & vicious backlash

As you probably know by now, Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis was reelected to his second term over challenger Brian Shellem. Candidates for Ward 1 and 2 open city council seats, Tom Robins and Barry Moore each won over their opponents in closely contested races. Incumbent Edmond Public School Board member, Jamie Underwood, was re-elected to her fifth term.

Ray Hibbard

Davis survived a tough term as mayor of our community through the pandemic and the unpopular decisions that had to be made. All of our council members and city staff were in uncharted waters just like the rest of the country. We can all hope we will not face these challenges again, at least in the near future.

Government organizations and many businesses had pandemic emergency plans, but you can bet they have all been rewritten after the last three years. We learned much and unfortunately it helped divide many of our residents. Let us pray for healing and understanding. We believe the folks elected two weeks ago will all do well and have the best interests of Edmond at heart. We will not always agree with them, but we certainly do appreciate their service.

We would be remiss if we did not thank the two council members that decided not to run for their seats again. Both David Chapman and Josh Moore also were in office for so many of the tough decisions made about the pandemic. We find some of the treatment they received by citizens disgusting and totally unnecessary. Yet, these two gentlemen endured and continued to govern to the best of their ability. We thank them for the time they served and hope they enjoy some much-needed time with their families.

It would seem the vicious cycle of our elected officials making decisions on projects on the citizens behalf and then having a referendum petition filed to put the project up for a vote of the people is in full swing.

Recent mayoral candidate Brian Shellem filed three referendum petitions with the Edmond City Clerk’s office last week. If enough signatures are gained with the petition, it could create ballot questions regarding three projects here in Edmond. The supporters of the referendums have until May 12th to gather over 3,000 signatures from registered Edmond voters to get them on a ballot.

The partnership and project of joining with the YMCA and the Metropolitan Library system to build new facilities at I-35 and 15th is top on the referendum list. The city will pay the $37 million for the project up front but the YMCA will pay back $11.8 million over time for their part of the building. The land has already been purchased, $4.1 million, and design along with engineering, 3.1 million, is underway.

The other two referendums include projects slated for downtown Edmond. They are a new city hall and municipal court and a new parking garage to service those buildings including some room for free public parking. The group is asking that Edmond shift those monies to improvement of streets and traffic issues. Economic developers will

Check out what’s

tell you that traffic is a good thing in that it beats an economically depressed community with no traffic. There must be a middle ground somewhere there.

It is hard to argue against the people’s right to vote but I question how much this will affect development in our community. Will we get new shops and services if developers think every project is going to have to go to a vote of the people? After all, it is why we elect council members, to make decisions for the betterment of the city.

Affordable Internet Improves Lives

If you have not yet heard, the digital divide is real and all too prevalent in Oklahoma. It presents an even bigger challenge in our state due to the fact that about 90% of our school districts are partially or entirely rural, and that’s where broadband infrastructure can be inadequate.

But there’s hope. Good corporate citizens like Cox Communications are offering affordable internet programs and building new areas outside of its existing footprint to help bridge this divide.

ACP, Affordable Connectivity Program, is a U.S. government program offered by Cox that helps low-income households through discounted internet service and equipment. Specifically, it reduces internet bills by up to $30 per month, or $75 for households on tribal lands, and provides a onetime $100 discount off a connected device. The company has also launched an initiative to identify expansion opportunities and committed hundreds of millions of dollars to provide best-in-class broadband service to unserved and underserved areas beyond its current footprint, including in rural Oklahoma.

These efforts seem to be working. According to a recent report from Cox, conducted by a thirdparty research firm, customers enrolled in the ACP and/or who use Cox's Connect2Compete (C2C) service, are experiencing significant positive impacts to their careers, their children's education and to the continuing education of the adults in their household.

Key findings from the report, which surveyed more than 2,000 customers, found:

• 70 percent credit home internet for finding a new job or a better job

• Half said they got a promotion or an increase in pay

• 90 percent said they are now doing homework at home

• Half said they are now able to apply to college and apply for financial aid

• Half said they have gotten certified in a specific skill or trade

• One third reported they are a first-generation college graduate in their family because of home internet

• 90 percent of households say Cox internet access has had a positive impact on their children's education

“Internet access at home is a critically important service to earn a quality education and to meet one’s professional goals,” said Mark Greatex, president of Cox Communications. “This research shows how our customers’ lives are bettered by having an affordable internet connection at home. We are fully committed to our digital equity efforts and empowering more people to get connected and thrive in today’s world.”

Reducing the digital divide is crucial to America’s future. Malcolm Mitchell, author, child literacy and digital literacy advocate, former New England Patriots football player and founder of Share the Magic Foundation can attest to the importance internet connectivity has on learning.

“ACP expands the world to so many children in underserved, rural Oklahoma communities that lacked the broadband access needed to hear story time online or virtually use various apps alongside their classmates,” said Mitchell, who has partnered with Cox to spread awareness of Cox’s Connect2Compete program. “We need to close the digital divide by giving children and their families the same resources and opportunities, through affordable broadband access.”

Like so many other things, the pandemic shined a spotlight on this decade’s old issue – the gap between those with modern technology and those without. It is time to close the gap.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Engineering school marks grand opening of new Makerspace

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Engineering celebrated the official grand opening of its newly renovated makerspace on Central’s campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception, April 6.

The makerspace will enhance existing engineering courses, provide a launchpad for new curriculum development in advanced manufacturing and help engineering students gain relevant skills for the workforce. It also provides students with a well-designed space to accommodate research and design needs.

“We wanted a space where engineers, software developers, graphic designers, marketers and others could create innovative products using computational design and advanced manufacturing,” said Evan Lemley, Ph.D., director of the School of Engineering at Central.

“It is exciting and motivating to continue to do the work to make this space more than just a place for equipment, but a community of makers."

The makerspace received funding from the Oklahoma legislature and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) to address critical workforce needs.

"This is an amazing addition to the already outstanding UCO School of Engineering," said Connie Reilly, chairperson for the Board of Regents with the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).

"UCO was a good steward of this funding, and the state of Oklahoma is going to reap those benefits. This university is going to provide more well-trained graduates into the career of engineering."

Additional funding was received through a grant from Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, to support the new makerspace. The grant will fund the Boeing Reverse Engineering and Rapid Prototyping Lab.

"Today, we are celebrating the future of engineering innovation in the metropolitan area. A lab like this is crucial to the education and growth of our future engineers here in Oklahoma," said Bailey Perkins Wright, community investor at Boeing.

Central’s makerspace will provide a range of opportunities including hands-on experience, equitable access to students of diverse backgrounds and a tailored setting that offers students to train for specific workplace environments.

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Engineering celebrated the official grand opening of its newly renovated makerspace on Central’s campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception, April 6. Pictured, left to right, Jeff Napoliello, senior vice president and director at Guernsey; Bailey Perkins Wright, community investor at Boeing; Gloria Caddell, Ph.D., dean of the UCO College of Mathematics and Science; Evan Lemley, Ph.D., director of the UCO School of Engineering; Connie Reilly, chairperson for the Board of Regents with the Regional University System of Oklahoma; Andy Fugate, Oklahoma state representative; and, Chuck Hughes, Ph.D., former chairperson of the former UCO Department of Engineering and Physics.

(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.)

March 30

Delvin Devantae Tillman, 27 of Spencer, Okla. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Grant Kaelan McKee, 22 of Edmond. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Richard James Latner, 38 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property. And a misdemeanor warrant.

Taya Gwendolyn Pixley, 22 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Meagan Nicole Gray, 33 of Bethany, Okla. Possess CDS.

Levi Saxson Durgin, 43 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer and a felony warrant.

D’Ante Javay Goree, 32 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Royalynn Charlean Hockwalt, 27 of Edmond. Petty larceny and failure to appear.

Breeamma Skye Chalepah, 21 of Oklahoma City. (Possession of a stolen vehicle) Unauthorized use of a vehicle or implementation of husbandry. (Misdemeanor) personal injury accident while under the influence.

Brayden Shawn Davis, 20 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

March 31

Meredith Elaine Lewis, 41 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Letron Dante Deloch, 37 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant and (misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Tasin Sobhn, 25 of Edmond. False representation to an officer, littering public places and public intoxication.

Daisha Lashai James, 24 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Calvin Maurice Owens, 43 of Edmond. Seven counts of failure to appear.

Shianne Shay Queen, 27 of Norman. (Misdemeanor value) Obtaining by false pretenses, trick or deception, obstruction of a police officer, larceny from building, possess drug paraphernalia, two counts of possession of CDS, conspiracy and

unlawful use of radio capable of receiving police frequency.

Kevin Samon Belvin, 31 of Noman, Two counts of assault and/or battery with deadly weapon, elude police officer endanger others (felony), possess drug paraphernalia, two counts of possess CDS, conspiracy and unlawful use of radio capable of receiving police frequency.

Jennifer Joy Todd, 44 homeless Trespassing after being warned.

Brian Matthew Belsheim, 44 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant and two misdemeanor warrants.

April 1

Reagan Lynn Widener, 28 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana, changing lanes unsafely, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Frankie Jean Chambers 59 of Jones. Public intoxication.

Abigail Rae Bruner, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Christopher Michael Jones, 48 of Oklahoma City. Resisting arrest and a felony DUI/APC.

Alejandro Villa, 45 homeless. (Misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card, obstruction of a police officer and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Charles Derek Hodges, 32 homeless. Breaking and entering and resisting arrest.

Kennisha Lene Louise Johnson, 35 of Oklahoma City Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Jamie Ryan Hulbutta, 48 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or .15 or more and driving with a license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Patrick Du Pont Wood, 44 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Michael William Bailey, 40 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess firearm after conviction of a felony.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 48 homeless. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Landon Paul Jackson, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more,

April 2

Chelsea Renae McPheeters, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Brandon Tyler Gage, 36 homeless. Public intoxication.

Mirko Hilarion Guarderas-Seminario, 47 of Oklahoma City. Operating motor vehicle with defective/improper equipment, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

William Austin Holman, 32 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment, misdemeanor warrant, possess CDS and operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Delton Jarrod Rogers, 36 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

April Lanette Williams, 38 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS, and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or .08 or more.

Neil MacPhee Garvey III, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Roger Desmond Colden Steckel, 64 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

Michelle Suzanne Mahsetky, 41 of Oklahoma City. Possession of CDS and petty larceny.

April 3

Michael Jason Fuentes, 39 of Oklahoma City. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Yinghui Xu, 28 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Nancy Ellen Bachman, 46 of Edmond, Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

April 4

Sean Matthew Holmes, 35 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana, felony warrant and two counts of failure to appear.

Zoerina Raechel Swain, 19 of Edmond. Improper lane usage and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

April 5

Tester Test, 39 of Edmond. No tag or improper tag and driving while privilege is canceled, susSee Police, Page 7

Weekend calendar, April 20-23

What’s Happening This Weekend Apr 20 - 23

In the Gallery

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

UCO Design – The ADDY Winners Gallery

Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 ---2020

Live Music at Round Midnight

Frenzy in April

UCO Jazz Lab Events in April

Farmer’s Market

Pups on the Patio

Ready to Serve Car, Truck and Bike Show

Route 66 Arcadia Lake Mountain Bike Race

Signature Tour

Lyric Theatre presents: The Play That Goes Wrong

89er Days Celebration

Wanderlust Pop-Up Shops ---- Walker Hayes in Concert ---- Make Ready Market

Street Kings Car Show

Extra Information

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: James Coplin; Featuring the art of James Coplin; edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

UCO Design – The ADDY Winners Gallery Location: University of Central Oklahoma – UCO Nigh Center

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 30 – Fri, May 12; free; calendar.uco.edu

Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 –

2020 Location: Edmond History Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 1 – Fri, Dec 1; visitedmondok.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 20: Vintage Vinyl; Fri, Apr 21: Tyler Johnson Duo; Sat, Apr 22: Noah Engh Trio; 7 – 10 p.m.; facebook.com

Frenzy in April Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, Apr 21: Nick Massey; 8 p.m.; Sat, Apr 22: Rocky Kanaga; 7:30 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com

UCO Jazz Lab Events in April

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – UCO

Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 20: Student Recitals; 7 p.m.; $10; Fri, Apr 21: Edgar Cruz; 8 p.m.; $20; Sat, Apr 22: Student Recitals; 2 p.m.; free; Sat, Apr 22: Jessica Tate; 8 p.m.; $15; Sun, Apr 23; Student Recitals; 9 p.m.; free; ucojazzlab.com

Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 15 – Sat, Oct 28; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Pups on the Patio

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22; 1 – 2:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

Ready to Serve Car, Truck and Bike Show

Location: Edmond North High School

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Free; visitedmondok.com

Route 66 Arcadia Lake Mountain Bike Race

Location: Arcadia Lake

Extra Info: Sun, Apr 23; 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 12:30 p.m.; $20 ---- $30; bikereg.com

Signature Tour

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22 – Sun, Apr 23; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Lyric Theatre The Play That Goes Wrong

Location: Lyric at the Plaza

Extra Info: Wed, Apr 5 – Sat, Apr 29; Wed & Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 2 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com

89er Days Celebration

Location: Downtown Guthrie

Extra Info: Wed, Apr 19 – Sat, Apr 22; 89ersday.com

Wanderlust Pop-Up Shops

Location: Wheeler Ferris Wheel Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; revolveproductions.com

Walker Hayes in Concert Location: Paycom Center Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22; 6;30 p.m.; paycomcenter.com

Make Ready Market Location: 220 NW 13th St, OKC Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.;

Streets Kings Car Show

Location: Logan County Fairgrounds, Guthrie Extra Info: Sat, Apr 22; 9 a.m.; streetkingsokla.com

Please send item to Melinda Infante at infante318@cox.net

Police

pended, denied or revoked.

Tommy Lionel Acosta, 60 of Edmond, Failure to appear,

David Henry Wright, 34 of Edmond. Transport open container of an intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI ro APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Archie Ray Whibbey Jr., 56 of Oklahoma City, Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Tyler Michael Arnett, 25 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag, possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

April 6

Giancarlo Antonio Jimenez, 21 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Gene Harsen Whiteye, 60 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

James Phillip Patrick III, 27 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or .15 or more.

Jacob Dawson Denney, 30 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Emilee Kay Watkins, 24 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Derek Andrew White, 56 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear.

Stephen Anthony House, 57 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault and misdemeanor warrant.

Seyda Masooma Abedi, 42 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Joshua Mark Rutter, 46 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant and two counts of failure to appear.

April 7

Robert Manual Treaster, 61 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ann London Rothbaum, 39 of Edmond. Operate (DUi or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Darrell Ray Winley, 57 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

John Ivan Ginsterblum, 58 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 49 homeless. Two counts possession of CDS, possess drug paraphernalia and trespassing after being forbidden.

Matthew Gordon Oddie, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol

From Page 6

content level of .08 or more.

Kitson David, 25 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Saqueo Israel Ramos-Vasquez, 26 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, transporting open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Deepankar Malik 39 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer.

K Two Sam, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Dkobbi Deshawn Lockridge, 28 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants and a felony warrant.

April 8

Asher Josiah Hillhouse, 22 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or above.

Ethan Wyatt Smith, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Travis Don Horton, 28 homeless. Failure to appear.

Jake William Gideo, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Donna Jean Hinton, 50 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

Jacob Howard Martin, 34 of Edmond. Failure to maintain compulsory insurance, (misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant and possess CDS.

Lanedon Bryant Pennington, 33 of Tecumseh. Public intoxication.

Robert M. Angei, 47 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

April 9

Victor Manuel Soria-Rodriguez, 34 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Porriz Celstrin Ixcacon, 56 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Brooke Lynn Meyer, 44 of Edmond. Assault and/or battery with deadly weapon, child endangerment and operate (DUi or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Samar I’bn Howard, 34 of Edmond., Improper lane use, possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Tyleik Tyrone Bryan Mayberry, 21 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation.)

Isaac Moreno, 22 of Guymon. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dylan Thomas Ryburn, 24 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Festival of the Arts returns to the metro

Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Festival of the Arts, presented by Inasmuch Foundation and MidFirst Bank, returns to Bicentennial Park April 25 –30, 2023. Considered Oklahoma City's beloved rite of spring, Festival will feature six days of incredible art, delicious food, and entertainment from outstanding local performing artists.

“Since 1967, Festival of the Arts has been a tradition in downtown Oklahoma City, attracting more than 650,000 visitors from around the world each year and helping us achieve Arts Council Oklahoma City’s mission of bringing the arts and community together,” said Arts Council OKC Executive Director Angela Cozby. “Festival grows and changes each year, and we can’t wait for you to see the incredible event that staff and volunteers have spent countless hours planning for the community.”

Festival of the Arts will feature 144 talented visual artists from around the country, represented in 12 mediums, including watercolor, photography, jewelry, glass, oil, wood, fiber, ceramics, sculpture, drawing digital printmaking, 2D mixed-media, and 3D mixed-media. Artists were selected through a jury process from a pool of

over 400 applications.

“At its core, Festival of the Arts is a fine-arts Festival featuring the work of some of the most talented artists in America,” said Festival of the Arts CoChair Farooq Karim. “This year’s event features many returning Festival artists showcasing their latest works of art, as well as several artists ready to make a stunning first impression in their Festival debut.”

A popular Festival favorite is International Food Row, which will feature 22 food vendors lining the streets on the north and south sides of the Civic Center Music Hall, as well as 8 food carts located around Festival grounds. This year’s Festival features 9 food vendors making their Festival debut and has the most robust vegetarian selection in the event’s history, with 20 of the 30 vendors offering a vegetarian option.

“Festival of the Arts is an event for the community, and it’s important for our menu to match the diverse food preferences of our over 650,000 visitors,” said Festival of the Arts CoChair Susie White.” Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a sweet treat, an Oklahoma classic or a dish with an international flair, we’re certain Festival will have the perfect option for you.”

Spend golden years not worried about falls

Physical therapists recently released Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell from rehab after he tripped and fell this spring, causing a concussion and rib fracture. Falls like McConnell’s are not uncommon for older people.

Growing old gracefully can be a challenge. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 3 million adults 65 years and older, or 1 in 4 seniors, fall every year. These falls can be life-altering accidents.

CDC reports falls are the leading cause of injuryrelated deaths for seniors.

The CDC says 1 in 5 falls result in serious injuries such as head traumas, hip fractures, or other broken bones, like Sen. McConnell.

A 2022 study found not being able to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid-later life doubles the risk of death within 10 years.

BUT — falling isn’t an inevitable factor of aging. With five simple exercises, physical therapists at

Physical Therapy Central (PTC) are helping seniors age gracefully, reduce their risk of falling and maintain their independence.

“Our PTs offer easy, must-do exercises seniors can perform every day in their homes and neighborhoods to help lower their chances of taking a tumble,” says Janie Taylor, Regional CEO of PTC. “We see a lot of seniors in our clinics, and we not only help them recover from falls but also help them improve their balance and strength to stay strong and functional and prevent falls. If they can’t do some of these simple movements, we’re here to support them in improving their mobility, allowing them to age gracefully.”

Five Must-Do Exercises for Seniors!

(Attn. Gen Z and millennials: Share with your mother/grandmother and father/grandfather)

#1 – Everyday Deadlifts — It’s All in the Grip: Did you know grip strength is an indicator of overall health? Deadlifts are key to strengthening the back, leg, arms, and GRIP STRENGTH – and you

don’t need to pump iron to get the benefits. No fancy or heavy exercise equipment is necessary. Seniors can use typical household items like a milk jug, a case of water, a duffle bag, or a laundry bin to perform the exercise — just remember to bend at the knees to lift.

If you don’t use it, you lose it! Remaining strong means not missing out on the joy of picking up grandchildren to hug them and doing daily household chores. Most people don’t realize that decreased grip strength is also a predictor of other health issues, including cardiovascular disease.

#2 – Chair Squats: Seniors can strengthen their leg muscles by practicing standing up from a chair hands-free or doing squats daily. It also makes other daily life activities easier, such as getting off the toilet or walking up and down the stairs.

#3 – Standing on One Leg: 40% of a person’s

Edmond series offers

Life Span vs. Health Span

This month’s Edmond Senior Education Series will be a presentation by Paul Rothwell, MD, a family medicine specialist with more than 40 years of experience caring for Oklahoma families. He owns Wellness and Longevity in Yukon.

The free education series will be April 18 at 1 p.m. in the north end of the Edmond Parks and Recreation Building, 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr. It is co-sponsored by VillagesOKC and Brain Builder Pros of Edmond.

Specializing in adjunctive care of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and anti-aging, Wellness and Longevity offers IV therapies for patients needing support for stress reduction, replacements of vital nutrients due to poor nutrition or gut health issues, or those just wanting a physical wellness “tune-up.” Our IV therapies are designed to restore vitality, balance, and health.

Dr. Rothwell is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice

and board certified in functional medicine. He is also a published author and national lecturer on functional medicine, as well as an associate professor of family medicine at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. The learning session is free but registration is required. Go to https://www.villagesokc.org/events or call (405) 990-6637 to register.

Dr. Rothwell

The basics of personal finance

(Editor’s Note: Jack Winkler of Arledge & Associates, answers finance questions below.)

Q: What are some basic personal finance tips to keep in mind?

A: Some basic personal finance tips include creating a budget, setting financial goals, paying off high-interest debt, saving for emergencies and investing for the future.

Q: How can I create a budget?

Winkler

A: To create a budget, you should first track your income and expenses for a month. Then, categorize your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Set realistic goals for your spending and savings and track your progress regularly.

Q: Why is it important to set financial goals?

A: Setting financial goals helps you stay focused on your priorities and make informed decisions about your money. It also gives you a sense of direction and purpose, and helps you stay motivated to achieve your objectives.

Q: How can I pay off high-interest debt?

A: To pay off high-interest debt, you should first stop using credit cards and other forms of borrowing. Then, prioritize your debts by interest rate and pay off the highest-interest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest. Consider consolidating your debts or negotiating with creditors to reduce interest rates.

Q: How much should I save for emergencies?

A: Financial experts recommend saving at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in an

Fall

walking cycle is spent on one leg. If seniors can’t balance on a single leg, their strides are shorter and slower, creating a fall risk. Practicing singleleg balances for 10 seconds can help minimize that possibility. In addition, single-leg balances strengthen the leg from the hip down to the ankle. 22

Bonus: Heel Raises- This works on power which helps a senior to catch themselves when having a loss of balance moment.

#4 – Side-Lying Windmills: This exercise helps the low back, mid back, and neck to stay flexible. Spines are meant to move; when people stop rotating them, they become stiff, and range of motion shrinks. This exercise is vital for keeping the range of motion and the ability to look left and right while driving and walking, rolling over in bed, or catching oneself during a fall.

#5 – Daily Walking (hint: 10,000 steps not required): Gone are the times when professionals recommended 10,000 steps every day.

emergency fund. This can help you cover unexpected expenses, such as a job loss, medical bills or car repairs without going into debt.

Q: What are some good ways to invest for the future?

A: Some good ways to invest for the future include contributing to a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, investing in low-cost index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and diversifying your portfolio to minimize risk. Consider working with a financial advisor to help you make informed investment decisions.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make with their finances?

A: Common mistakes include overspending, not saving enough, investing too aggressively or too conservatively, failing to plan for the future and not seeking professional financial advice when needed.

Jake Winkler, CPA, is a partner at Arledge, the largest locally owned accounting firm in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Do you have a local news item or a local photograph?

From Page 8

Now, experts say you can reap all the benefits you need from walking 7,500 steps per day. That can be three to five 10-minute walks a day. The speed doesn’t matter, just the steps count. By meeting this goal, seniors can reduce their risk of mortality, improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, improve cognition, and prevent muscle loss in the legs.

Aging gracefully — and safely — is both trendy and timeless. These exercises are especially important now as the weather is warming up and people are going out and enjoying the outdoors.

About Physical Therapy Central (PTC)

Founded in 2004, Physical Therapy Central is a private physical therapy practice with 28 locations in Oklahoma City and throughout central Oklahoma. Nationally recognized for our commitment to clinical education and extraordinary patient care, our clinicians have a wide range of clinical expertise in orthopedics.

Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper.

Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com

There is no charge.

Averting quagmires

By Steve Gust

Recently, I forgot an axiom in journalism, “Make sure you make yourself clear.”

The letter writer on this page took issue with a column that I wrote a month or so ago. I said that Russia should declare victory and leave Ukraine. It’s actually a good way for a nation that is losing, to quit a war before it gets worse for them.

Steve Gust

For the record, I don’t like Putin and I think what Russia is doing to Ukraine is barbaric. My greatest interest in that conflict is to see it end. There has been more than enough blood spilled.

If Putin was smart, he’d announce to the world that he had obtained a promise from Ukraine not to join NATO. He could add that it was the only thing he sought all along and now that he had it, his army could go back home. The end result would be that the war would be over and nobody else would have to be hurt or killed.

I remember the first time I heard

the saying about one side declaring victory, whether it was actually true or not. I had an Oklahoma history teacher in college discuss the Seminole Nation Indian wars with the U.S. in Florida. The Seminole Tribe didn’t willingly participate in the American ordered Indian Removal Act. The Seminoles bitterly fought against the American Army in fierce guerilla fashion.

There were three major U.S and Seminole conflicts in Florida, which ran from 1816 to 1858. Eventually the Americans, at a very heavy cost, removed many Seminoles to Indian Territory. But the army never could get all of them.

I wonder if lessons from those conflicts were ever taught at West Point? If not, then it was a real pity. Over the 42 years of fighting in Florida, the much better equipped American Army, with many more men, could never quite completely impose their will on the Seminole Nation.

Had we learned lessons from that war, we might not have ventured into conflicts that turned into quagmires

Steve Gust, may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com.)

to boost school safety

Two pieces of legislation designed to help improve school safety have been approved by the their House committees and could be heard on the House floor in the coming weeks.

Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, presented Senate Bill 100 to the House Common Education Committee and Senate Bill 101 to the House Appropriations and Budget Committee this week. Both bills were approved unanimously.

Senate Bill 100 requires every school district to undergo a risk and vulnerability assessment from the Oklahoma School Security Institute or a nationally qualified risk assessor by July 1, 2026, and every five years after. The assessment must include recommendations for improving school security.

Under SB100, a district, university or CareerTech must undergo a risk assessment in order to be eligible for an Oklahoma School Security Grant.

If a school receives a School Security grant, it must spend grant money on items recommended by the risk assessor or provide de-escalation and be-

havioral threat assessment training to employees.

SB101 requires the State Dept. of Education (SDE) to establish the School Resource Officer Grant Program, which will provide rural and underserved schools with startup grants for school resource officer (SRO) programs. The measure requires any SRO participating in the grant program to complete the active shooter emergency response training provided by CLEET.

To qualify for a grant, a public school must:

Employ an SRO or enter into a contract or memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a local law enforcement agency; and

Provide 50 percent matching funds, which may be provided in partnership with a local law enforcement agency.

"Time is of the essence when it comes to school safety," Lowe said. "Senate Bill 100 would help identify areas of improvement for schools in the event of a threat, and Senate Bill 101 would provide grants to help schools hire school resource officers trained for active shooter emergencies. I'm encouraged by the support of these bills and look forward to presenting them both on the House floor soon."

Both bills were authored in the Senate by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee.

More

We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.

I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life.

Columnist wrong about Russia

EDITOR:

Letter to the Editor

Citizens of Edmond appreciate Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. We do get a little glimpse of what is happening in our community. I think I can safely say that many in Edmond would truly appreciate a regular paper once or twice a week.

I read Life & Leisure comments by Steve Gust. I realize Steve Gust is a commentator on the edge. I am not a military strategist and I am certain Mr. Gust is not either. Many times I am very concerned after I read the column.

His column several weeks ago made the suggestion that Russia declare victory and leave Ukraine. Really? It was unbelievable that you would leave Ukraine unprotected and award the war criminal, an aggressor, a victory. This could have been a time the patriots of Ukraine were elevated as they are trying to protect their country. They have lost so much.

Awarding Russia victory! Oh my! Amazing!

ANN T. CATHER Edmond

By Rep. Collin Duel

We are over halfway done with session!

Last week we passed over 300 Senate Bills out of House Committees.

Now, I have three Senate Bills eligible to be heard on the House floor: SB398, SB483 and SB34.

It's been exciting to watch these bills advance with such wide support, and I am eager for these bills' final steps before potentially becoming law! I look forward to next week as we will start hearing Senate Bills on the House floor.

Last week, the Oklahoma Legislature gathered in a joint session for Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day.

Major General Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, spoke to the crowd ahead of Gov. Kevin Stitt, who proclaimed April 11, 2023, as Oklahoma National

Letters to the Editor policy

the right to edit

clarity and taste (our taste).

Guard Appreciation Day in recognition for their courage and bravery while serving the state and nation in domestic missions and global conflicts.

I want to thank the 8,600 men and women who serve and everyone else who has defended our state and nation.

Over the past several weeks, the focus has been on education funding. In February, the House passed House Bills 2775 and 1935, which was our proposal to give tax credits to parents who want educational choices for their children, but that also built in teacher pay raises with additional funding so local public schools could increase support personnel if they so desired.

This plan did a great job investing in education for all Oklahoman children. However, the Senate disagreed with our proposals and made several significant amendments to the two bills.

House Republicans are interested in an education plan that provides opportunity and funding for all Oklahoma students, regardless of where they live in the state.

I am thankful and honored that the constituents of House District 31 have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-5577350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov.

Rep. Collin Duel, a Republican, serves District 31 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Logan and Oklahoma counties

or

or

quotes from President Ronald Reagan

Heard on Hurd is back

Photos by Melinda Infante

Stella Martinson (6) with her butterfly face art done at Heard on Hurd

LEFT — Chai Dawson opening performance at Heard on Hurd.

Looking for good food, fun, music and something for the kids? Look no further than Heard on Hurd, which will run through October. The street party, in downtown Edmond, is sponsored by Citizens Bank of Edmond. It is held the third Saturday of the month. Come enjoy food trucks and live music.

NSDAR honors Outdoor TV host

By: Tammy Ross

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation specialist, Todd Craighead was awarded the NSDAR (National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution) Conservation Medal Award at the April 13th Cordelia Steen Chapter meeting. The award was presented by Chapter Conservation Committee Chair Debbie Adams.

Mr. Craighead is the Host and Producer of OETA’s award-winning weekly television show “Outdoor Oklahoma” which is seen in more than 500,000 homes across Oklahoma and surrounding States. His contributions to the television show have helped to earn a reputation within the genre as one of the top shows in the country year after year. The NSDAR Conservation Medal recognizes adults, youth, and businesses with distinguished conservation records that go above and beyond the requirements of their jobs to exhibit sustained efforts to improve the environment or to educate the public

on conservation issues.

Mr. Craighead’s 27 years as a seasoned outdoorsman, his ongoing efforts to educate the public through his television show, along with his advocacy work to make the outdoors accessible for people with disabilities while overcoming numerous monumental physical obstacles of his own, has easily made him the most widely recognized outdoorsman in Oklahoma and a worthy recipient of the NSDAR Conservation Medal Award.

The Cordelia Steen Chapter applauds Mr. Todd Craighead for his outstanding achievements in sustaining Oklahoma wildlife conservation. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting Patriotism, Education, and Historic Preservation. For information on membership go to the Cordelia Steen Chapter Website at: https://cordeliasteennsdar.weebly.com/

Senator Markwayne Mullin visits Okla. Medical Research Foundation

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation on Thursday welcomed U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) for updates on work at the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit biomedical research institute.

Mullin met with OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., and scientists from two of the foundation’s research programs.

OMRF Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., briefed Mullin on the foundation’s tribal partnerships and the impact of federal funding at OMRF. A boardcertified rheumatologist and member of the National Academy of Medicine, James supports a range of research collaborations with tribal communities as program director of Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources (OSCTR).

OSCTR program members, which include the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations, the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, and others, are working to accelerate research and patient access to treatments for conditions that disproportionately affect tribal and rural populations.

Mullin met with Aging and Metabolism Research Program Chair Benjamin Miller, Ph.D., who is studying the biological process of aging with the goal of extending the number of

healthy years in a person’s life. Miller updated Mullin on OMRF’s research partnerships with the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

“Support for biomedical research is critical for the health of our country,” said Mullin. “Scientists at OMRF are doing important work in areas including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune conditions and opioid abuse. Advances made by Oklahomans here impact every American.”

In his meeting with Mullin, Weyrich shared a brief history of OMRF, which was founded in 1946 and opened its doors four years later thanks to donations from more than 7,500 Oklahomans. Today, the foundation has nearly 500 staff members and scientists across more than 50 labs. OMRF’s discoveries have yielded hundreds of patents and three life-saving drugs available in hospitals and clinics worldwide.

“It was an honor to welcome Sen. Mullin to OMRF and introduce him to Oklahoma’s medical research foundation,” said Weyrich. “Oklahoma’s U.S. senators have a longstanding commitment to biomedical research. Their support for OMRF’s scientists and our mission of making discoveries that make a difference has changed and saved lives.”

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, and OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D.

Todd Craighead and Debbie Adams.

Movie is fun but lacks depth

By George Gust

The Hollywood commodification of existing intellectual property has become more transparent over the past few decades. While it’s no new trend that people want to see characters and stories they recognize, the Marvel phenomenon being the most successful thing in movies for almost 20 years has turned up the volume on existing characters. And for nearly 40 years there may not be a more recognizable character than Nintendo’s Mario, whose been a fixture in the homes of America for generations. Now we have the merger of the makers of “Minions” and the makers of the Super Mario franchise resulting in a movie that is fun and endlessly recognizable but lacks the ambition to be elevate the material past the superficial.

“The Super Mario Brothers Movie” follows a Brooklyn plumber named Mario (voice of Chris Pratt) who travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach (voice of Anya Taylor Joy) and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad (voice of Keegan Michael Key) to find Mario’s brother, Luigi (voice of Charlie Day) and to save the world from a ruthless fire breathing Koopa named Bowser (voice of Jack Black).

“The Super Mario Brothers Movie” is a good-looking animated movie in the style of the “Despicable

Me” and “Sing” movies with the classic rendering of the classic Mario characters, a far departure from the mangled interpretation of the early 90’s live action adaptation. Fans of the characters and players of the many iterations of Mario games throughout the years will recognize countless Easter eggs during the 90-minute run time; from the various powerup items to the subtle nods the score makes to the impeccable video game soundtracks of the series. These visual, audible and story references are exactly what you would want and expect from a children’s interpretation of Mario, but in terms of film going experience there’s not much more beneath the surface. There are seedlings of character arcs in

this movie, but the adventure storyline and inclusion of all the familiar aspects of what people love about Mario push those seeds to the side to fit in more references and set up the next action sequence.

Overall, “The Super Mario Brothers Movie” is exactly as advertised, a fun and entertaining children’s movie about the beloved plumbing brothers. The voice performances were all spot on for what the movie asks; Pratt’s voice work is decent here when the original outrage was that he didn’t sound like the video game voice, but the movie is able to explain this change in a satisfying way and Black really stands out for his larger-than-life performance and surprisingly musical interpretation of the big bad Bowser. And ultimately “The Super Mario Brothers Movie” does lack depth when compared to the Pixar style of storytelling, but for what Illumination and Nintendo were going for in this kind of kids focused video game movie it perfectly fits the bill for an entertaining afternoon at the movies with your family.

“The Super Mario Brothers Movie” is rated PG for action and mild violence.

3.8 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com

Answers on Page 19

makers of “Minions” comes the family friendly adaptation

chioed plumber in ‘The Super Mario Brothers Movie.

Integris hires new doctor

Aaron Morgan, M.D., is a fellowship-trained hand surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

His areas of interest include adult hand surgery, particularly fingertip to forearm including trauma (broken hands/arms/work injuries), arthritis, nerve compression, nerve injuries, brachial plexus injuries, spinal cord upper extremity care, amputee care for prosthetic function, and pain control for both the upper and lower extremities (targeted muscle reinnervation).

He attended medical school and completed his plastic surgery residency at Oklahoma University Medical Center.

He then went on to specialize with a Hand and Peripheral Nerve Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He spent nearly five years at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, teaching residents and fellows before returning home to Oklahoma City.

He offices at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Hand Surgery located at 5401 N. Portland Ave., Suite 600. He is accepting new patients. Call 405604-8485 .

Crossword Puzzle

Answers on Page 19

Design a deer-resistant garden without a fence

By Melinda Myers

Deer are common visitors to landscapes even in urban and suburban areas. Fencing is the most effective way to protect your plants but is not always practical or desirable. Your community may have restrictions on fencing, your budget may not support this option, or you prefer not to hide your plantings behind a fence.

Growing a beautiful garden despite the deer is possible but takes planning, persistence, and flexibility. You must be willing to change strategies as needed to minimize deer damage.

Deer dining patterns can vary from one part of your neighborhood to another and from year to year. You have probably reviewed deer-resistant plant lists only to find a few of the plants frequently damaged in your yard included on the list.

No plant is immune from hungry deer, but

some are a bit less palatable than others.

Look for plants with these characteristics next time you go plant shopping.  Include plants with fuzzy or hairy leaves, those with prickly or thorny stems, thick and leathery leaves, and strong fragrances that deer tend to avoid.  Even though this is not one hundred percent, plant selection should be part of your

strategy for reducing the risk of damage. Make note of the plants selected and how the deer responded. It will help as you make future additions to the garden.

There are toxic plants that deer avoid, including daffodils, ferns, false blue indigo, poppies, euphorbias, and bleeding hearts to

Deer, Page 16

A hungry deer grazing in a garden.

Deer

name a few. Some of these are also toxic to people and pets so do your research before adding them to the landscape.

Some gardeners find combining the less favored plants with those the deer love helps discourage feeding. Planting strongly scented lavender next to roses or surrounding a garden of deer favorites with thyme can help discourage deer browsing. Diversifying plantings is also a good strategy for reducing the risk of insects and diseases infecting and destroying gardens filled with just one type of plant.

Look for pathways frequented or used to enter your landscape. Find ways to disrupt their regular routes to keep them moving along past your landscape. A trellis or a few posts covered with vines may be enough to limit access. Points of access are great places to apply repellents like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com). The deer take a whiff and move along before taking a bite out of any plants. The same holds true for those key plants favored by deer. It’s rain and snow resistant so you don’t need to apply it as often as other repellent products.

Plant a deer-deterring hedge. Some gardeners use deer favorites, allowing the deer to munch on these plants as they continue past your

From Page 15

yard. Other gardeners fill the hedge with prickly, smelly, and less desirable plants. Deer will take a bite and move along. Plant these close together to discourage deer from pushing through in search of better-tasting plants.

Design round or square beds with more space in the middle and less perimeter. Long narrow beds allow easy access to all the plants in the garden.

Keep in mind deer are focused on finding food while you have other priorities to consider. You need to be vigilant and persistent, adapting as the deer’s eating habits change to be successful. Your efforts will be rewarded as you grow an attractive garden without the help of a fence.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

Man credits screening for saving his life

Abel Viscaino, 62, of Oklahoma City went to the emergency room at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center in April 2022 at the urging of his wife Barbara.

He now credits her for helping to save his life.

“She noticed that I had been pale for several months and struggled to walk without becoming tired or winded,” he remembers. “I didn’t feel well, but I’m stubborn.”

In the emergency room, Abel was given IV fluids for dehydration. He had suffered significant blood loss through his stool and also needed two and a half pints of blood. “They ran a lot of tests and then everything happened quickly,” he recalls. “The doctor told me that I had a colon tumor and Stage III colon cancer.”

Abel and Barbara were both shocked, scared and devastated by the news. “That moment changed my life,” says Abel. “It felt like I had just been handed a death sentence.” He was admitted to the hospital, and a few days later, Samer Hassan, M.D., a board-certified oncologist at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at Southwest Medical Center performed surgery to remove a section of his colon with cancer.

For the following six months, Abel underwent chemotherapy to kill the cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and to shrink the tumor. Once it was small enough, Stephen T. Mahoney, M.D., a colorectal surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group operated to remove it. Then, he had to undergo three months of radiation.

“There were times it was really hard, and he wanted to give up,” says Barbara. “I encouraged him to keep going, to keep fighting.”

Abel is now cancer free. “I have energy. I quit smoking. God has given me another chance.” He will return to the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at Southwest Medical Center later this month for his final surgery to attach his bowels together.

“My entire care team at INTEGRIS Health has been excellent every step of the way,” says Viscaino. “They worked hard and made me work hard to get better.”

Prior to his visit to the ER, Abel

Abel Viscaino

never had a colonoscopy screening.

When colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is found at an early stage before it has spread, the 5-year survival rate is about 90-percent. When cancer has spread outside of the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.

“Screening colonoscopy will catch precancerous polyps or detect colon cancer at an earlier stage so that chemotherapy and radiation are not needed,” said Samer Hassan, M.D. “Early detection also impacts long term survival and decreases the financial burden of additional treatment for advanced stages.”

Abel hopes by sharing his story he can encourage others to get a colonoscopy.

The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

· A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days

·Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

· Cramping or gnawing stomach pain

· Decreased appetite

· Vomiting

· Weakness and fatigue

·Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Colon cancer can take many years to develop, so early detection is key. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently issued new guidelines that recommend colon cancer screening start at age 45 instead of age 50. To schedule a colonoscopy today, visit integrisok.com/colonoscopy.

Engagement, Wedding notices

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Dr. McGee

One Sweet New Business

Sweet Friends Bakery recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 309 S. Bryant Ave Suite 120. Enjoy a custom cake or fresh baked sweets at Sweet Friends Bakery. Enjoy a range of pastries and a cup of coffee when you visit!.

Named Optometric Physician of the Year

The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) has named Dr. Selina McGee of Edmond the 2023 Optometric Physician of the Year. The award is given to an optometric physician who is a leader in the profession, on the cutting edge of patient care and who serves as an advocate for vision care.

Dr. McGee is founder and owner of BeSpoke Vision, a private practice that offers patients a wide range of optometric care via its dry eye center, specialty contact lens clinic and aesthetics suite. She is a renowned national and international speaker, as well as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NSUOCO, at which she is an alumna, and a faculty member at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

She currently serves as President for the Intrepid Eye Society, a Trustee on the SECO Board, and on the Board of Examiners in Oklahoma. Dr. McGee is a Fellow of the American Academy of

Attorney Tim

Sowecke named

director & shareholder of firm

Crowe & Dunlevy recently announced that Edmond attorney Tim Sowecke has been named as a director and shareholder of the firm. As shareholder, Sowecke enjoys the benefits of being a fellow equity owner of the firm with full voting privileges.

Sowecke is a member of the Energy, Environment & Natural Resources and Real Estate Practice Groups.

Sowecke

His comprehensive environmental and energy practice includes state and federal regulatory compliance and litigation, and in recent years he has made significant contributions to law and pol-

icy discussions surrounding perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.”

A graduate of the University of Wyoming College of Law, Sowecke served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Kate Fox of the Wyoming Supreme Court. He received his undergraduate degree from The Evergreen State College and holds a Master of Energy Environment and Natural Resources from The University of Wyoming Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Sowecke serves in the firm’s Oklahoma City office.

State seems ready to fix childcare woes for workers

HB2451, authored by Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D, Tulsa and Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R, Lawton continued its journey to becoming law by passing through the Senate Finance Committee this week.

The bill aims to address workforce shortages by expanding access and affordability to childcare.

According to a study released by the Pew Research Center this February, half of all workers quit because they were unable to find childcare solutions that met their needs.

The bill not only offers tax credits to employers who offer financial support to employees for childcare costs, but employers can also receive a tax credit by building or retrofitting a childcare center for employees. Finally, the bills seeks to attract and retain much needed childcare staff by offering a tax credit for those on the professional development ladder. Rep. Schreiber said "Our employers

need a workforce that has their childcare needs met and this bill seeks to support them in being innovative about how they can help meet those needs. The bill also recognizes that one of the largest barriers in childcare availability is lack of staffing. Much like we do when wanting to stimulate the technology or aerospace or medical fields, this bill offers tax credits to stimulate the much need childcare industry."

The U.S. Chamber recently released a study noting that breakdowns in the childcare system cause states to lose an average of $1 billion in economic activity. Part of that lost revenue stems from the cost of parents missing work because quality childcare was not available or unaffordable.

The bill next heads to the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committee and then could be eligible for a full vote on the Senate floor.

Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.

She has dozens of publications to her credit that have appeared in Modern Optometry, Optometry Times, Review of Optometry, and Optometric Management.

As OAOP president in 2020, Dr. McGee led the association through the beginnings of COVID and helped to launch the first ever Giving Sight Day, the association’s largest charitable event.

“Dr. McGee is an Oklahoma Optometry treasure,” said OAOP Executive Director Joel Robison. “Her leadership has helped to elevate optometry across the state. She also never loses sight of what this profession is all about: helping patients by providing them with the very best possible vision care. We are proud to recognize her with the highest honor bestowed by our association.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Beware of stress dangers

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants to help you develop skills to manage everyday stressors. Stress Awareness Month is observed in April to spotlight the effects of stress and promote mental health resources. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, stress can lead to negative outcomes on your mental and physical health, including mood swings, headaches, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating and a weakened immune system. Stress can also make symptoms of existing mental health conditions worse.

“Generally, people are more susceptible to stress during big life changes, such as moving, losing a loved one or getting married,” said Kim Farris, OKCIC’s Director of Behavioral Health. “It’s important to recognize what triggers your stress so you can develop coping strategies.”

One strategy for stress management is to use a planner to help schedule tasks and avoid feeling over-

whelmed by deadlines. Practicing relaxation techniques can also be useful for keeping stress at bay. Deep breathing, meditation or taking a short break to refocus can be calming.

Our physical health plays an important role in helping us manage stress. In addition to improving overall health, daily exercise produces stressrelieving hormones in the body. Be sure to set aside a few minutes each day for an activity you enjoy, like walking, dancing or biking. Along with exercising, we can manage stress by getting enough sleep and eating well.

“A lot of research shows that eating a balanced diet and variety of nutrients, like our leafy greens, lean protein choices, healthy fats and color from our fruits keep us strong and ready to combat stress,” said Jessica Chisari, OKCIC’s Registered Dietitian.

Sometimes we need help talking through our stressors and learning which coping skills work for us. OKCIC patients can call (405) 9484900 ext. 610 to schedule an appointment

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Letter carriers again will try to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ May 13

On Saturday, May 13, letter carriers across central and western Oklahoma will collect nonperishable food donations from homes on their routes as part of the 31st National Association of Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Oklahoma residents will receive plastic donation bags in their mailbox the week of May 8. On May 13, residents are encouraged to fill the bag, or any plastic bag, with nonperishable food and leave it by their mailbox before their letter carrier arrives.

“The Stamp Out Food Hunger Drive is incredible in its ability to engage Oklahomans right at their mailbox,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. " The Regional Food Bank is excited to once again work with the NALC and the U.S. Postal Service to make the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive a success and provide thousands of meals to our neighbors in central and western Oklahoma."

All nonperishable items are welcomed. Recommended items include peanut butter, canned tuna and chicken, canned fruits, pasta and canned sauce, soup and stew. Healthy food options are also needed, such as whole grain and low-sodium. Financial donations are also accepted. Text "Food" to 501-501 to make a $10 donation. Every $1 donated helps to provide four meals to Oklahomans living with hunger.

Since 1992, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has raised more than 12 million pounds of food

and over $9.9 million dollars to fight hunger in Oklahoma.

The Stamp Out Hunger Food drive is sponsored by Marathon Oil, American Fidelity, Express Employment Professionals, Aldi, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, OGE Energy Corp., Lamar Outdoor, 405 Direct, AFL-CIO, CVS-Health, Jake FM, Kellogg’s, KMGL Magic 104.1 FM, KOMA 92.5, La Zeta 106.7, Malarkey Roofing, NALC, USPS, National Sponsors, NRLCA, The Journal Record, The Oklahoman, Tyler Media, Tyler Outdoor, UFCW, Valassis and Valpak.