Edmond Life and Leisure - June 27, 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 4.

Believe it or not, Olympics coming to OKC

See Page 13

LibertyFest Concert

To be held tonight

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Partly Cloudy High 104° Low 81°

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Isolated Thunderstorms

High 98° Low 77°

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Partly Cloudy High 95° Low 78°

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music’s Summer Band will perform its annual, free Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27. Under the direction of Brian Lamb, D.M.A., director of the UCO School of Music, the concert will be on the lawn between Mitchell Hall Theatre and the Lillard Administration building on Central’s campus.

The concert is a part of LibertyFest, Edmond’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

“This is the 73rd UCO Summer Band, one of the longest-running traditions on our campus, which brings together current and former UCO students, local amateur and professional musicians and high school band students. Multiple generations of families participate,” Lamb said.

“We’re excited to continue to offer this great tradition of bringing the Edmond community together to enjoy patriotic band music for 73 years on our campus, 52 years as part of Edmond’s LibertyFest.”

The hour-long concert is set to include a mix of marches, light classics and patriotic music. The audience will be treated to free ice cream following the concert. A small number of folding chairs will be available; however, attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.

For more information about the UCO School of Music, visit uco.edu/cfad/academics/music.

For more information about the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, visit uco.edu/cfad.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music’s Summer Band will perform its annual free Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27. Under the direction of Brian Lamb, D.M.A., director of the UCO School of Music, the concert will be on the lawn between Mitchell Hall Theatre and the Lillard Administration building on Central’s campus. The concert is a part of LibertyFest, Edmond’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Last week, Leslie Osborn the Oklahoma Labor Commissioner spoke at the Edmond Chamber membership luncheon held at the Edmond Conference Center. She did an excellent job of describing her position and telling the membership exactly what the Oklahoma Department of Labor does. I would guess most folks in Oklahoma do not understand this office and what its purpose is for us. It is an important post that does much to keep workers safe and protect our rights.

Ray Hibbard

Most Oklahoma companies are great but just like any other state, there can be some bad apples that need to be dealt with. From what Osborn had to tell the group, I think the most important work they do is educate and provide important information for employers. Training is a big part of their mission, and it is free to the businesses.

Here is some information about the commissioner provided by the Oklahoma Department of Labor web site about Osborn who was re-elected to the post in 2022 to a full 4-year term:

“Prior to being elected Labor Commissioner she served 10 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives representing District 47, which includes parts of Canadian and Grady counties. During her tenure she was appointed in 2013 by Speaker Shannon to chair the Judiciary committee, the first female in state history to do so. In the same year, she authored the landmark workers’ compensation reform bill which changed the judicial system to an updated administrative system. In 2017 she was instrumental in passing into law the first pay for success contract in Oklahoma, which was a public-private partnership with the Department of Corrections and the Kaiser Foundation to move women from incarceration to the Women in Recovery Program. From 2014 to 2015 she served as chair of the House appropriations and budget subcommittee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services. In 2016, then Representative Osborn was appointed by Speaker McCall to chair the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, again the first Republican female to do so.

She currently also serves as the chair of the Oklahoma Occupational Licensing Advisory Commission and the Department of Commerce’s Automotive Steering Committee, which is actively working on recruitment of diversified manufacturing businesses to the state of Oklahoma. In addition, she serves on the advisory board of Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers and the Oklahoma Academy. She also serves on the foundation board for the Canadian Valley Technology Center. She is a member of Oklahoma First Ladies and a lifetime member of the OSU Alumni association. She graduated from the Leadership Oklahoma Class 27 and served as the

From the Publisher

state director of the national group Women in Government.

Leslie Osborn was born in Salina, Kansas. In 1986, she graduated from Oklahoma State University receiving a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She owned and operated her own business for 22 years selling heavy duty truck parts, Osborn Pick-Up Accessories. She is the mother of two children.”

Just like most folks that run for public office, Osborn spilled over into politics during her talk at the chamber luncheon. She describers herself as a “McCain Republican” which I assume she means moderate. There are many Republicans, I believe, that might describer themselves the same way. They may not be Trump supporters, but they also are not supporters of President Biden. She did not discuss with us her choice for president, however.

She was motivating in her speech and showed good reason for all officer holders just getting the job done. I did not think she was a supporter of Governor Stitt either. When I asked her if she were planning on a run for governor in the future, she replied with an answer that she could not win because she was not a rich man and only, they could win now. I detected some ressentiment folks.

When reminded that Mary Fallin had been governor for two terms previously, her reply was, “That was a different time.” Heck, Fallin’s opponent, as reminded by my editor Steve Gust, the first race was against another woman. She could be correct about that, but I have to say as much as I enjoyed hearing her point of view on politics, I cannot agree with her assessment that only a rich male can win as Governor of Oklahoma. I

am not sure how many other people share her opinion, but it could also be that she is one of the few to be brave enough to voice that opinion.

Our designer, Deanne, pointed out that a sure way to see that only rich male’s hold any office is for others not to run. I just cannot believe that Oklahoma would not elect other non-males and not so rich candidates to office that they believe in. As my boss at the Oklahoma Press Association used to tell me, “Get off the good ship lollipop.” Call me naive but I just have to believe that we need a host of folks running for office with a variety of backgrounds to move our state and country forward. There is no doubt that party politics are killing us and our democratic system.

Having said that, I would not want to run for any office. It is a hard and painful journey for anyone choosing to run for any office. They have my respect. That goes for school boards to president. Expect an ugly and difficult battle. Elections cost a ton these days even for our city offices.

So, what say you Edmond Life & Leisure readers? Let me know what you think, and I will share in a later column. I will share thoughts you send in but not names. I just want to find out how many folks are on the ship with me. You can email me at ray@edmondpaper.com.

New, fun places at I-35 and 15th

Lisa and I enjoyed a trip this last Sunday to Sidecar Fox Lake. It is new to Edmond and located in the new Regent Bank shopping center. It is on the west side of I-35 on the service road between Second street and 15th street. The side road is two way so you can get to the location from either 15th or Second street.

General Manager, Vincent Giambaresi, had invited us out and offered to buy dinner which we appreciated but could not let him do so folks. My strict (mostly) journalism integrity would not allow it. What I can tell you is that after our cocktail and appetizers and paying our own way, it was great.

We had been to their located in downtown OKC a few years ago before a concert. It was fun then. Our Edmond experience with Sidecar was quieter but it was in the middle of a hot Sunday afternoon. I am sure when they have bands playing on the patio, it gets more action. For us, the quiet was great.

We had Fresh Spinach Artichoke dip and Bruschetta, and both were fantastic. We each tried a different cocktail, and both were great. Mine had a little bit of heat with a jalapeno in it and Lisa had one that was incredibly sweet, which is how she liked them. You can see the menu online. They are joined by Chicken Foot and the Hatch in the new center as well.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached for comment 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

Leslie Osborn

A patriotic VIBES coming next week

VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays is thrilled to announce a special July event in conjunction with Edmond's LibertyFest Parade. On Thursday, July 4th, from 8 to noon PM, VIBES LibertyFest Artist Market will be held on the NW block of Campbell and Broadway in Downtown Edmond before, during, and after the LibertyFest Parade for attendees to enjoy the arts and creativity as they celebrate the 4th of July.

The VIBES LibertyFest Artist Market will showcase the work of 30 talented visual artists, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and purchase a diverse array of art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. This special market is a perfect complement to the patriotic spirit of the LibertyFest Parade, providing attendees with a chance to support local artists and take home a piece of Edmond’s vibrant art scene.

Adding to the festivities, the Kyle Dillingham

Stage will host local favorite, The Jane Mays and the Minnie Funk Band. Their dynamic music will provide an energizing soundtrack to the morning, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Jane Mays, known for her soulful voice and engaging stage presence, along with the Minnie Funk Band's eclectic and funky beats, promise to deliver performances that will have everyone dancing and celebrating.

“We are excited to bring together the community for this special event that combines the best of Edmond’s art, music, and patriotic spirit,” said Savannah Whitehead, Edmond Fine Arts Program Director. “The VIBES LibertyFest Artist Market, alongside the iconic LibertyFest Parade, offers a unique and enriching way to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends.”

The VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays event series is known for highlighting local artists and musicians, fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Down-

town Edmond. This July event, in conjunction with LibertyFest, exemplifies the spirit of community and celebration that VIBES strives to promote. Don't miss this incredible celebration of art, music, and community pride. Join us on July 4th from 8 a.m. to noon at the NW block of Campbell and Broadway in Downtown Edmond for a memorable start to your Independence Day festivities.

VIBES, Edmond's First Thursdays, is a program of the Fine Arts Institute, Edmond's nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481. The 2024 VIBES Season is made possible through the generous support of Citizen’s Bank of Edmond, Edmond Electric, Matt Wilson Custom Homes, First Bank & Trust Co., SA. Studios, The Grant Group, The Mule, and other businesses committed to the enrichment and cultural vitality of Edmond.

Young artist painting at the April VIBES Event. Photo by Emily Helms.

Ways teens can fight the summer brain drain

Summer break! Time for relaxation, adventure, and maybe a little... brain drain? While summer is a welldeserved break from the school routine, it can also lead to a loss of learning momentum. But fear not, there are many engaging ideas high school students can try this summer (without feeling stuck in school mode) to keep the mind active and avoid the cognitive “summer slide”:

Curiosity. Nothing will better prepare you for long-term success–in high school, college, and beyond–than living a curious life. If you see a historical reference on social media, look up the 18th century figure being quoted, and do it right away because you won’t remember to look it up later (or won’t care anymore later). Importantly, curiosity compounds content ownership over time. Treat notknowing something like an itch and the scope of the world you understand snowballs. Each new concept is a bit easier–and a bit stickier–with the knowledge of the other concepts that circumscribe it. Remember that thing you were obsessed with but never had time for during the school year? Summer is your chance to explore! Whether it's dinosaurs, coding, or social justice issues, pick a topic that sparks your curiosity.

Create. Don't just consume information – create something with it. Write a blog post about your findings, design a video game around your historical hero, or build a model that explains a scientific concept, write in a journal, draw in a sketchpad, build a robot, replace your car headlamp. You have more time for that now than you did during the school year. Ask a parent to help you if you want company. If you prefer to follow one of the other four tips instead, at least make a concrete plan–and it’s not a plan unless you make time visible. Find a way to fill in your calendar with your plan and figure out how to hold yourself accountable.

** Brain Booster Tip: Become a Citizen Scientist! Science isn't confined to labs anymore. There are tons of citizen science projects online and in your community where you can contribute real data to important research. This summer, help track butterfly populations, monitor water quality in a local stream, or even classify galaxies from space telescope images. Citizen science projects often involve analyzing data and drawing conclusions. This is a great way to sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Exercise. Scientists have found no better way to sharpen your brain than physical exercise. But what about word puzzles? Listening to classical music? Sudoku? Nope... nothing comes close to physical exercise for brain acuity.

Math: Math isn't just about equations and formulas. It's all about patterns, logic, and creative problemsolving. Look for online tutorials or apps that gamify math concepts. This summer, try your hand at some fun math activities like these:

Cooking and Baking: Recipes are all about following ratios and measurements. Experiment with different quantities to see how they affect the final product.

Coding: Learning a basic coding language like Python is a great way to develop computational thinking skills and create interactive projects.

Board Games: Many classic board games involve strategic thinking and planning ahead – perfect for exercising your mathematical muscles.

Read: No better way to bolster reading comprehension has been found than reading. Indeed, researchers have found no very effective other way to reinforce comprehension. When you read, your brain is simultaneously turning letters into words and words into meaning and meaning into understanding and understanding into memory for recall later. For that reason, reading is like a muscle that needs to be worked out so that the brain can readily do all those things at once: The more you read, the easier (and more fun, and more efficient) it is to read. Some colleges (like Columbia, Wake Forest, UGA, and many others) currently ask you, in your application, to speak about books you've read and enjoyed outside of school.

If you are not a reader, how long will it take you to get better? It’s like going to the gym. You’ll see slight improvements after six weeks and noticeable improvements after six months. “That” you read is more important than “what” you read (provided what you read is at an adult level). So leave the phone charging in the kitchen at night and pick up a book. If you get sleepy while reading in bed, don’t fight it. Close your eyes. Reading isn’t medicine that you have to force yourself to stay awake to ingest–it’s a habit.

Summer is a prime time to get lost in a good book. But, why not challenge yourself with something a little different this year?

Graphic Novels: Explore history, science, or even classic literature through the engaging world of graphic novels.

In national competition

UCO health students place first

A team of three undergraduate students majoring in public health at the University of Central Oklahoma recently took first place in the 2024 National Case Study Competition in Health Education (NCSCHE). Twenty-two teams from across the nation competed in the event.

UCO team members included Araceli Saeed, a senior from Dallas; Kabran Sherfield, a senior from Oklahoma City; and, Jamie Sibert, a senior from Oklahoma City. The competition, completed during the team’s junior year, was part of the Society for Public Health Education Conference, hosted in in St. Louis, Missouri.

“The remarkable thing about this competition is that student teams are not allowed any outside

help,” said Sunshine Cowan, Ph.D., professor and co-coordinator of UCO’s Public Health Program.

“These future professionals tackle complex public health issues by providing creative solutions based on best practices and research. This is the fifth national win by students in our program since 2018. We are proud of their work and hopeful about the future of public health in Oklahoma.”

To prepare for the event, students received a case study three weeks before the competition. They were given a real-world public health issue and then worked to create a solution for it. This year’s case study focused on asthma rates in St. Louis. The students must assess and address the problem using research, a public health theory or

model and best practices.

The public health program at Central prepares professionals to identify and assess factors contributing to a population's health and to promote overall health in all communities. The program is undergoing self-study for accreditation with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

For more information about Central’s Public Health program, contact Cowan at 405-974-5238 or jcowan1@uco.edu or Kerry Morgan, Ph.D., cocoordinator at 405-974-5990 or kmorgan31@uco.edu.

For more information about Central’s Public Health program, visituco.edu/programs/ceps/kinesiology-health-sci/public-health

A team of three undergraduate students majoring in public health at the University of Central Oklahoma recently took first place in the 2024 National Case Study Competition in Health Education (NCSCHE). Pictured from left to right, Jamie Sibert, a senior from Oklahoma City, Araceli Saeed, a senior from Dallas, and Kabran Sherfield, a senior from Oklahoma City.

Jan Moran with AT&T, left, greets Leslie Osborn, Oklahoma Labor Commissioner, at the Edmond Chamber membership luncheon last week. AT&T was the presenting sponsor for the event and Osborn was the key note speaker for the luncheon held at the Edmond Conference Center.

(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.)

June 10

Sabino Montes Molina, 47 of Houston. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Desmond Brice Martinez, 23 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant and obstruction of a police officer.

Roberto Emonuel Lopez-Chiguaque, 19 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia , possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC ) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Elgio Jorgie-Avila, 21 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Lamatha Gaines, 54 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Bruce Gregory Brunswick, 56 homeless. Felony warrant.

Kimberly Dawn Crouch, 60 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Lindsay Tyler Speer, 42 of Choctaw. Misdemeanor warrant.

June 11

Desmond Isaiah Smith, 27 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Marshall Blake McArthur, 19 of Edmond. Public intoxication (lake only.)

June 12

Nathaniel Aaron Hooper, 26 of West Hollywood, Calif. Felony warrant.

Christopher William Hennessy, 57 of Edmond.

Felony DUI/APC.

June 13

Kristin May Hutchinson, 42 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) abuse assault and public intoxication.

Anthony Brian Moore, 32 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Quintlyn O’Shea Thomas, 62 homeless. Possession of ID cards not issued to person, (felony value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception and false personation of another.

June 14

David Michael Thayer Rumplik, 31 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS, (Misdemeanor ) larceny of lost property and aggravated assault & battery.

Kwentrell Jamarien Walker, 18 of Midwest City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Wen Qi Liang, 36 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

June 15

Matthew Gregory Hatcher, 30 of Edmond. False personation to an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Kelly Lynn Bennett, 50 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Dante Alexander Williams, 26 of Clarkston, Minn. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Ezekiel Brenyn Graham, 22 o0f Edmond. Felony warrant.

Billy Lee Welch, 50 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Calvin Maurice Owens, 44 of Edmond. Five misdemeanor warrants.

Michael Dewayne Jones, 35 of Oklahoma City. 35 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, sus-

pended, denied or revoked.

Samatha Jo Payne, 34 of Oklahoma City. Felony DUI/APC.

June 16

Cameran Terrell Adkins, 27 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

George Joshua Ainsworth, 21 of Davis. Public intoxication.

Bryce Cole Robinson, 23 of Guthrie. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Rashaad Dewayne Briggs, 37 of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer, littering public places and public intoxication.

Norberto Riojas, 29 of Eagle Pass, Texas. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license and speeding (16-20 mph over),

Andrew Keith Palmer, 40 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Joshua Daniel Tengram, 45 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

George Galdiano Navarro, 62 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear.

Fernnando Hernandez Reyes, 43 of Edmond. Transport open container oil intoxicating beverage or beer, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Thomas Reed Reutlinger, 24 homeless. Felony warrant.

Jeremy Dean Harbin, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jephono James Eddins, 27 of Midwest City. Possess drug paraphernalia, (misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer and possess CDS.

Diana Elizabeth Ramierez, 28 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Isaiah Israel Fields, 33 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Weekend Calendar of events, June 27-30

Weekend Calendar of Events June 27-30

Weekend Calendar of Events Jun 27 ---- 30

---- In the Gallery

---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Twilight Swim

---- Oklahoma Contemporary Dance Festival

---- LibertyFest Concert in the Park

---- Edmond LibertyFest Rodeo

---- LibertyFest Car Show & ParkFest

---- LibertyFest Sprint 5K

---- Uncovering Greatness

---- Frenzy in June

---- National Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals

---- Walker Hayes

---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

---- Pollard Theatre presents: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

---- Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Mary Poppins

---- Oklahoma Summer Classic

---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring Okie Colors; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com

Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 17 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. –4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 20 – Sat, Nov 2; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com

Twilight Swim Location: Pelican Bay Aquatic Center

Extra Info: Tue, May 28 – Thu, Aug 1; 7 – 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays twilight swim; pelicanbayaquatics.com

Oklahoma Contemporary Dance Festival

Location: University of Central Oklahoma

Extra Info: Fri, Jun 28 – Sat, Jun 29; Fri: 7 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m.; perpetualmotiondance.org

LivertyFest Concert in the Park

Location: UCO – Old North

Extra Info: Thu, Jun 27; 7:30 p.m.; libertyfest.org

Edmond LibertyFest Rodeo

Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena

Extra Info: Fri, Jun 28 – Sat, Jun 29; Adults: $10; 18 & younger: $5; 8 – 11 p.m.; edmondroundupclub.com

LibertyFest Car Show & ParkFest

Location: Hafer Park

Extra Info: Sat, Jun 29; Free; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; libertyfest.org LibertyFest Sprint 5K

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sun, Jun 30; $35; 8 a.m.; runsignup.com

Uncovering Greatness

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

Extra Info: Sun, Jun 30; 2 p.m.; armstrongauditorium.org

Frenzy in June

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, Jun 28: John the Franklin @ 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Jun 29: MBG Combo @ 7:30 p.m.; Free; frenzybrewing.com

National Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Sun, Jun 30 – Sat, Jul 6; lazye.com

Walker Hayes

Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre

Extra Info: Thu, Jun 27; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Jun 27 – Sun, Jun 30: Choose Your Adventure!; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Jun 29 – Sun, Jun 30: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Pollard Theatre presents: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Location: Pollard Theatre

Extra Info: Jun 22 – Jun 29; Thu – Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; Adult: $35; Senior: $30; Child: $10; Military & Teacher: $30; thepollard.org Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Mary Poppins

Location: Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Extra Info: Tue, Jun 25 – Sun, Jun 30; Tue – Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com

Oklahoma Summer Classic

Location: OKC Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Thu – Mon: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; oklahomasummerclassic.com

Sunday Twilight Concert Series

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sun, Jun 30; artscouncilokc.com

Pllease send items to infante318@cox.net

The LibertyFest Rodeo is this weekend.

Make Plans for July 4th Parade

Lineman nearly lost his life in power accident

Man values Father’s Day much differently

As a lineman with a local electric company, Dakota Gloria is used to rushing to the rescue of others. On top of regularly restoring power to Oklahomans, he has been to Florida and Michigan to help with hurricane and winter storm repairs. But on Nov. 16, 2022, he found himself in need of help.

The Accident

“I went to work like any other day,” he remembers. “There’s an inherent danger in this line of work, that I think a lot of people take for granted. We knowingly put ourselves at risk to turn the lights back on, but you pray it never happens to you.”

Dakota came in contact with a live wire and was nearly electrocuted. “It seems odd to say, but I was fortunate that I was struck with a high voltage.” He explains, “14.4 kVA (volts) blew me off the wire. Had it been a lower voltage, I would have been stuck to the wire and most likely wouldn’t be here today.”

The accident happened near Kingfisher, Okla. so Dakota was airlifted to the Paul Silverstein Burn Center at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. “I knew it was bad when I got the call and they said to go to the city,” recalls Dakota’s wife, Kody. She too works in the electric service industry. “I was able to talk to the doctor on my way in and he indicated Dakota’s condition was touch and go.”

The Recovery

The Recovery“Dakota presented to the INTEGRIS Health emergency room critically injured from an electrical conduction injury with massive left arm trauma and third-degree burns to his back and shoulders,” says William Nechtow, D.O., MS, a burn surgeon with INTEGRIS Health. “Recovery involved a combination of burn center ICU support, surgical management and ultimately intense therapy.”

William Doss, D.O., is an orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Orthopedics Central. “In Dakota’s case, we had to make the de-

cision of choosing life over limb. We performed the amputation emergently, helping him stabilize from his complex injury.”

Aaron Morgan, M.D., a plastic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health, performed a nerve transfer on Dakota to alleviate phantom arm pain, which consists of ongoing painful sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that is no longer there.

Dakota would spend an entire month in the burn unit and endure three skin grafts. “He doesn’t remember the pain,” says his wife. “But I do.” Dakota says that was the hardest part of the ordeal. “My wife and kids were my motivation. Seeing them hurting was more painful to me than any physical pain.”

Once his physical condition improved, Dakota received both physical and occupational therapy to help him learn to navigate life without his left limb.

The Future “I have some limitations,” he admits. “But we raise and breed show pigs so there’s no time to lay in bed and wallow in self-pity. I’m thankful to be alive so I don’t feel sorry for myself - and neither does my family.”

Dakota says such tough love has actually helped him come farther, faster. He is now able to tend to the livestock, hunt and fish without using his prosthetic limb. “I like to say the accident was the best worst thing that ever happened to me.” He continues, “While I miss my job and hope to get back there someday in some capacity, I have become a much more present husband and father. It truly has been a blessing to spend more time with Kody and my daughter, Jaylee, and Iceyn, my son.”

Dakota says they celebrate Father’s Day differently these days, with much more meaning and sincerity. He encourages us all to live with the same newfound gratitude that he now possesses.

Not many surprises from June 18 primary

The 2024 primary election was held June 18 with only one statewide seat on the ballot; the open seat on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission being vacated by term-limited Commissioner Bob Anthony. Former Sapulpa Mayor, State Representative, Senate President Pro Tempore and Secretary of State Brian Bingman won the three-way contest with 53% of the vote and will now face Democrat Harold Spradling in the November general election. Bingman unsuccessfully challenged Anthony in the 2018 primary.

One of the most watched races was the GOP primary in the Fourth Congressional District where longtime incumbent Rep. Tom Cole of Moore was challenged by four candidates, including Paul Bondar who spent millions of dollars on television and

other advertising. Cole won the primary with 64% of the vote and now advances to the November general election to face Democrat Mary Brannon and Independent James Stacy. Earlier this year Cole was named chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee; the second highest ranking Oklahoman to ever serve in the U.S House, trailing only the late Democrat Third District Rep. Carl Albert who served as the 46th Speaker of the House from 1971-1977. First District GOP Rep. Kevin Hern of Tulsa and Third District Republican Rep. Frank Lucas of Cheyenne easily won their primaries and since Lucas drew no general election opponent (s), he automatically retains the seat he has held since 1994. Oklahoma's other two Republican U.S. House members, Sec-

ond District Rep. Josh Brecheen and Fifth District Rep. Stephanie Bice drew no primary opponents but do face general election races. Republican Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin are not up for election this year.

In state legislative races, four incumbent Republican members lost their primaries including Senate President Pro Tempore-Designate Greg McCortney (SD 13), Senator Jessica Garvin (SD 43), Senator Cody Rogers (SD 37) and Rep. John Talley (HD 33). Four GOP senators won their primaries outright and face no general election opponents. They are Michael Bergstrom (SD 1), Shane Jett (SD 17), Casey Murdoch (SD 27) and Julie Daniels (SD 29).

See Primary, Page 9

Dakota Gloria was nearly killed Nov. 16, 2022.

Dakota is grateful to be here for his family.

Primary

Blake Stephens (SD 3) was forced into the August 27 primary runoff election. House Republican incumbents winning their primaries and facing no general election opponents are Jim Olsen (HD 2), Judd Strom (HD 10), Neil Hays (HD 13), Ronny Johns (HD 25), Danny Williams (HD 28), Cynthia Roe (HD 42), Tammy Townley (HD 49), Carl Newton (HD 58), Toni Hasenbeck (HD 65), Chris Kannady (HD 91), Preston Stinson (HD 96) and Robert Manger (HD 101). Democrat Ajay Pittman (HD 99) won her primary and faces no general election opponent. House Republican incumbents facing primary runoffs are Dean Davis (HD 98) and Kevin Wallace (HD 32). House GOP incumbents winning primaries outright but facing general election opponents are John Pfeiffer (HD 38), Denise Crosswhite-Hader (HD

41), Jay Steagall (HD 43), Max Wolfley (HD 95) and Marilyn Stark (HD 100).

Eleven non-incumbents won seats outright due to no general election opposition and will serve in the 60th Oklahoma Legislature as will one incumbent switching chambers, Democrat Rep. Regina Goodwin, who will move from HD 73 to SD 11. Democrat Nikki Nice is the new SD 48 senator where she will serve the final two years of Senator George Young's term. Young resigned recently. New Democrat House members are Michelle McCane (HD 72) and Ron Stewart (HD 73). New Republican senators to date are Jonathan Wingard (SD 13) and Spencer Kern (SD 31). New Republican House members are Tim Turner (HD 15), Ryan Eaves (HD 22), Derrick Hilderbrant (HD 23), Molly

Jenkins (HD 33), Rob Hall (HD 67) and Mike Lay (HD 68).

Thompson Resigns Senate Seat

Republican Senator Roger Thompson (SD 8) of Okemah has resigned his seat with two years remaining in his final term. Thompson was elected in 2014 and is the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was removed from that post toward the end of the just concluded legislative session by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat (SD 47) and replaced by Vice Chairman Chuck Hall (SD 20). Less than three weeks after announcing his Senate departure, Thompson announced he will become the CEO and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association effective July 1.

OCCC announces shows for 2024-25

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has announced the 2024-25 Performing Arts Series.

Five shows will be offered in the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. Ticket sales are open to the public, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

"The Oklahoma City Community College 2024-25 Performing Arts Series offers world-class performances, promising to broaden cultural horizons and bring new opportunities to our region," said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. "All are welcome to join us in our vibrant and innovative Visual and Performing Arts Center, a 1,049-seat theater space that embodies our collective passion for the arts, our dedication to educational excellence, and our commitment to serving the community."

On Sept. 20, chart-topping jazz/R&B sax player Boney James will perform in "An Evening with Boney James: Detour." During his 30-year career, James has earned four Grammy nominations, two NAACP Image Award nominations and a Soul Train Award, while a dozen of his albums have landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart.

"Peabo Bryson: Missing You" is scheduled for Oct. 5. Bryson has established a career as one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music of the last quartercentury. Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, this two-time Grammy Award winner has survived

and prospered despite the passage of time and changes in popular musical trends.

In 2025, "Dragons & Mythical Beasts: A Spell-Binding Adventure" will appear on stage Feb. 26. Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastic show for the family. From the creators of the international smash hit "Dinosaur World Live," who bring spectacular puppets to life, this award-winning show is back in the U.S. by popular demand, direct from London’s West End.

On March 7, the new side-splitting musical "Spamilton: An American Parody" comes to OCCC. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit "Forbidden Broadway," this singing, dancing comedy revolution is performed by a versatile cast of eight.

The season concludes on April 12 with "R.E.S.P.E.C.T.:

A Tribute Concert Like No Other," an electrifying celebration of the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time.

Tickets can be purchased online at occc.edu/pas or by calling the OCCC Box Office at 405-682-7579. For sponsorship information, contact The Foundation for Oklahoma City Community College at GiveToOCCC.org or 405-682-7591.

For more information, please call (405) 682-7591

Metro sailor reflects on serving

succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oklahoma City.

Navy’s 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety. Elliott graduated from Moore High School in 2019. The skills and values needed to

“My parents always instilled in me the importance of having a good work ethic,” said Elliott. “They would always tell me to outwork my coworkers and to work the hardest that I can. That lesson is important here because the Navy needs sailors working hard to succeed.”

Peabo Bryson, two-time Grammy winner, performs Oct. 5

Petty Officer 2nd Class Zane Elliott, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is one of the sailors serving aboard USS Nevada, continuing the U.S.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Zane Elliott

By Steve Gust

Tonight is debate night in America with Joe Biden and Donald Trump picking up where they left off four years ago.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Is it really a debate? Democrats continue criticism of Walters

in the People’s Republic of California. But, kudos to Newsom for participating. Let’s face it folks. If you don’t have the courage to stand up to Sean Hannity, how the heck are you going to take on the Putins of the world?

My predictions for tonight?

Steve Gust

Although I don’t think it’s going to be much of a debate. There won’t be much back and forth when you agree to cut off microphones. That whole concept of muting someone seems un-American to me.

And why do the liberal candidates always have to have liberal commentators around to ask questions? Can they not handle a tough question? Someone might actually ask Joe Biden if he truly believes his uncle was eaten by cannibals during World War II.

I do admire Gov. Gavin Newsom of California for going on Fox and having a debate with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. I still think DeSantis got the best of him – especially when DeSantis pointed out that Newsom’s father-in-law moved to Florida to get away from the mess

Trump will get tough questions and Biden won’t. The CNN moderators will be blatantly for Biden. And the expectations are so low for Joe, that if he manages to stand on the stage for 90 minutes, he’ll be declared the winner by CNN. And if he doesn’t stand on the stage for 90 minutes, he’ll still be declared the winner.

I don’t know what constitutes a win in the debate world anyway. And I’m not even sure why debates are needed.

It’s not that hard of a decision.

Trump did a good job in office and Biden hasn’t. Today we have runaway inflation and Biden not only doesn’t do anything about the southern border – but he threatens states like Oklahoma who want to enforce the law.

This election shouldn’t even be close.

But sadly, it is.

Democratic members of the Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) said reports presented on last week showed a lack of accountability by the State Department of Education and Superintendent Ryan Walters. The reports looked at the application for federal education funding grants and how standardized testing will be used for school rankings going forward.

“The big takeaway is that Walters is more focused on politics than in what’s really going to be best for Oklahoma children,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “The reports showed gaps in transparency at SDE and gave us more questions than answers about the authority for many of their actions in both grants and in how much weight we give to onesize-fits-all, high-stakes testing. Legislative Democrats continue to demand better.”

Democratic lawmakers said they were concerned that schools are not

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivered remarks on the Senate floor to call out the White House for welcoming in illegal immigration and sound the alarm on how the Biden Administration’s open border policies endanger national security. These remarks come on the heels of the Biden Administration’s announcement of another Executive Order to encourage more illegal immigration.

Lankford serves as lead Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management, and he pushed back on President Biden for his sudden attempt to change the narrative on the border just six months before an election.

Transcript

Mr. President, there's a difference between a refugee that is fully vetted that America has welcomed historically and should continue to and we will. We've worked for decades to be able to honor refugees and to be able to do our part in what's happening around the world. That same standard for refugees, where an individual is identified, their family is vetted, they goes through a process both through the UN and through the United States, to be

able to identify how to be able to help that family, that same definition for refugee is also used as a definition for asylee. It's the same definition, but there's a dramatic difference between the two. The refugee has been fully vetted. We know who they are. We know the situation. We know the crisis that their family has gone through and our nation, like multiple other nations around the world, engage us to see what we can do to be able to help that family and trauma. That's who we are as Americans, and it’s who we will continue to be. The challenge is when we have thousands of people across our southern border requesting asylum, who we don't know who they are…they are not vetted, that begin to take advantage of American generosity.

And it becomes a challenge for us to be able to filter who really qualifies as a refugee asylee, as they're crossing the border and who's just taking advantage of our system. That's a challenge. It's been a challenge for us for years, but it's dramatically accelerated in the last three years. This year, we'll have 2.5 million people that will cross our southern border.

The vast majority of those will ask for asylum, and they'll be released into the United States awaiting a hearing, sometimes eight to 10 years in advance, to be able to make their case that they qualify. In the meantime, we don't know who they are. They've not been vetted. We don't have background information for those individuals. Last week, the FBI picked up

getting what they need to serve students by the time the school year starts in August.

“The LOFT report reviewing the SDE practices showed major gaps in transparency and the effort to secure much-needed federal funding, which is troubling. Full transparency on federal funding for SDE has not been made public in over two years,” said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa. “Today, we found out money meant to make our schools a safer place went unspent to the tune of $1.4 million. When will we begin to hold the SDE accountable?”

The lawmakers said they were especially concerned that SDE had not closely examined the harm of proposed rules tying rankings to high stakes testing, and how that could impact children with disabilities and those living in poverty.

“These are students who already need greater resources and tools to succeed, yet the one-size-fits-all testing doesn’t take those serious challenges into consideration at all,” said Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa. “We were told we’d receive additional information at some point. We look forward to seeing that soon.”

——

Lasts week Governor Stitt withdrew the nomination of former OSU men's golf coach and athletic director Mike Holder to the Oklahoma A/M Board of Regents. Stitt had previously nominated Holder to succeed Rick Davis whose term expired in April and then called a special session of the Oklahoma Senate to fastrack his confirmation. The Senate briefly convened June 12 and afterwards Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat said Holder's nomination would go through the normal vetting process and that there were possible issues with his qualifications. Stitt's new appointee to the board is Jennifer Callahan, an attorney and board director for OKC-based McAfee and Taft law firm. Callahan is the widow of Jarold Callahan who served on the A/M board until his unexpected death last December. If confirmed by the Senate, Callahan would serve an eight-year term.

eight individuals with direct ties to ISIS that were in our country.

That in the last two years had crossed our southern border, had blended in with the rest of the folks who requested asylum, requested asylum, and then disappeared into our country. Thankfully, our FBI was able to pick up that these eight individuals were in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia preparing to be able to carry out acts of violence in our country. We're grateful for the work of the FBI to be able to do that. But why aren't we filtering these individuals at the border? We're not evaluating criminal history even in the country they're coming from. How do I know that? I know that because I work with DHS, and I'm fully aware of what their process is. We fingerprint individuals and we see if they are on the terror watch list—that is, we know them, we've been tracking them internationally—or if they're on the Interpol international criminal list. But if they're on a list in their own country, we don't know that.

Last week, Victor Antonio Martinez was picked up in my state of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sitting in a sports bar in Tulsa, where we he had left out from Maryland after murdering Rachel Morin, a mother of five. Now, he had fled to Maryland because he'd carried out acts of violence in Los Angeles, in a violent home invasion in Los Angeles. So he carried out an act of violence in Los Angeles, went to Maryland, murdered a mom there, then was headed to Tulsa. What do you think was about to happen in Tulsa? Oh, by the way, did I mention he fled from El Salvador because he murdered someone in El Salvador? So he fled El Salvador, came to our southern border, requested asylum, came into the United States, attacked a family in Los Angeles, murdered a mom in Maryland, and then was arrested in my state of Tulsa.

Please don't tell my folks in Tulsa there's nothing to worry about on legal immigration—[that] this is all going fine at the border. We don't believe it because a violent multi-person murderer was on a national crime spree and my state was next before he was picked up and arrested. Now extradited back to Maryland for the crime there.

Asparagus gets an A+ in the culinary world

By Carol Smaglinski

What are the best utensils to use for eating asparagus?

It’s your own fingers, unless the asparagus stems have already been drizzled with Hollandaise sauce, dripping in butter or extravirgin olive oil and lemon.

Asparagus is the perfect finger food, using them as you would eating artichokes, a type of thistle originating in Sicily, very crisp bacon or corn on the cob. Everyone understands that concept.

Asparagus comes in all sizes and colors as I once encountered in Europe while being served white asparagus. The white variety is grown underground by covering the shoots as they continue to grow by laying mounds of dirt over them to avoid chlorophyll from turning the vegetable green. The highly prized white asparagus is kept in the dark, because if exposed to light, the stems would turn gold or red.

Perhaps you have been fortunate enough to have eaten asparagus (asparagi) in Italy where it is presented with a fried crispy egg and diners simply dip the tip into the creamy yolk.

The best asparagus in our produce markets today and perhaps at our All Oklahoma Grown Edmond Farmer’s Market are ones as fat as a crayon and picked when they are about six inches tall. Asparagus can be a high-dollar item because it is picked by hand with a tool. Use it up cvwithin two or three days and count on about eight medium spears per person as a first course.

Yet it is so attractive to the eye and with its delicious “grassy” flavor, it is worth every penny.

In Greek, the word asparagus translates to “as long as one’s throat.”

Asparagus, often called “grass,” has been a culinary treasure for years and is a member of the lily family whose cousins happen to be tulips and gladioli and has been cultivated since the 1700s.

Peeling? That’s up to you, unless the spears are super-fresh. First, give those little guys a shake under running water (don’t ever soak) as asparagus is usually grown in sandy soil, and I have had success growing some right here in Edmond.

Above all, asparagus, like fish, is one of those “eat as soon as possible” items. And before cooking, just snap the ends off at the part where it bends easily and becomes tender.

The best way to store asparagus is in your refrigerator upright in a glass with water in the bottom or wrapped in wet paper towels in a plastic bag. Use as soon as possible for the best possible results.

For those set in their ways and have only cooked asparagus one way, adventurous cooks might like to try something different. Because delicate stalks of asparagus are one of our best nonprocessed foods and a good source of vitamins, this is a divine alternative for an easy breakfast or brunch.

Asparagus Toast

For one serving:

Cook five spears of asparagus in boiling water for about 4-5 minutes until tender. Hold for a few seconds under cold water to preserve its bright green color and stop the cooking.

Toast a slice of multigrain bread, butter it and lay it on a cookie sheet.

Top the toast with thinly sliced ham warmed in the microwave for 5 seconds.

Place the asparagus parallel to each other on the toast.

Sprinkle the top with a bit of Parmesan cheese.

Carefully leave the open-faced sandwich under the broiler until the cheese melts for a few minutes.

Want more than just a dusting of cheese? Then use a good cheddar over the ham but then cover the edges of the toast with a little foil as it will char around the exposed edges during the time it takes for the cheese to melt.

We must act to solve Oklahoma’s child care crisis

By Carrie Williams

Oklahoma, like many states across the country, is facing a child care crisis. There isn’t enough child care available to support the needs of families, and if a family is lucky enough to find care, they may not be able to afford it. The average cost of care for an infant in a licensed child care center is $12,351 per year, representing a nearly 6% increase from 2022 to 2023.

Earlier this month, Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), in collaboration with the RAND Corporation and Oklahoma Human Services, conducted a study of the true cost of child care compared to the rates families pay. The goal of the report is to guide subsidy rates set by the state to support low-income families and provide recommendations for policies to support child care.

This alarming new report highlighted a significant increase in the cost of child care expenses in Oklahoma compared to data collected in 2019.

Among surveyed child care programs, the average cost of providing care for infants was $16,500, with the cost to provide services for preschool-aged care averaging between $8,000$9,000 annually. The increased costs to provide care mean that for every infant enrolled, providers are operating in the red.

Child care providers are finding it harder to stay in business as the families they serve simply cannot afford to pay for the true costs of child care in the state.

Along with rising costs, child care operators are simultaneously dealing with critical staffing shortages due to the inability to offer their workers competitive pay and benefits. To incentivize the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) workforce during the pandemic, Oklahoma provided categorical eligibility to child care workers, making them eligible for subsidies to help offset the costs of child care for their own children. Without these subsidies, a child care worker in Oklahoma will spend more than half of their average annual

salary on child care.

This program benefit was funded with federal dollars which expire this month. As a result, many providers may be forced to leave the profession, further reducing the number of ECCE programs in our state.

At OPSR, we understand the crisis faced by child care professionals and work to support this vital system for Oklahoma’s economy. We’ve collaborated with Oklahoma Human Services to extend this benefit, identifying $4.5 million from the state’s Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) project to support the subsidies through September 2024.

We also understand these efforts are temporary, and with the loss of federal funds, Oklahoma is facing a fiscal cliff that will further jeopardize access to already-limited child care options for working parents.

A Long-Term Fix

Appropriating state dollars to subsidize child care for ECCE workers makes sense. Inadequate access to quality child care programs negatively impacts Oklahoma’s economy. It hampers parents’ and guardians’ ability to join the workforce and earn a living to support their families. Child care is a critical economic infrastructure and investing in it

Farmer’s Market

Expect the freshest produce and big crowds if you come to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. during summer and fall. It’s at the Festival Marketplace.

MELINDA INFANTE

creates broad, positive impacts on families, local businesses and state revenues.

Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to provide categorical eligibility to the child care industry through The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Some states followed our lead and have gone a step further - passing legislation to make this benefit permanent. Oklahoma should join the growing list of states securing ECCE professionals’ ability to continue to serve the broader working population by ensuring their own child care needs are met. Incentivizing early care and education professionals to work in child care nets big gains by creating positive impacts on families, local businesses and state revenues.

A 2021 study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that one in 10 Oklahomans quit a job, declined a job or changed jobs due to problems finding quality child care. If we are to effectively serve children and keep our neighbors working, we must take action now. Taking care of those who take care of our children not only makes sense; it’s the right thing to do.

Carrie Williams is the Executive Director of Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness.

Williams

Why Olympic softball news is HUGE

By Jenni Carlson

Big news came out last week that Oklahoma City will host part of the canoe competition in the 2028 Olympics, which are being hosted by Los Angeles. But in some surprising news, Oklahoma City is also going to be hosting the softball competition.

This is huge.

I can't overstate that enough: to have two Olympic competitions in Oklahoma City, it’s unbelievable news for the city, for the state. But obviously, the softball world here should be head over heels about the fact that Olympic competition in softball will be here in Oklahoma City at Devon Park in 2028.

Let's talk a little bit about how this all happened.

Ever since LA was awarded the 2028 Games, there was a belief that the canoe slalom event might come to Oklahoma City because Los Angeles, like most major cities, does not have a whitewater venue that can host something like canoe slalom. OKC does. So it was long believed that that event would come to RiverSport OKC, that the Oklahoma River facility would host that event.

That was made official Friday in a statement by LA28, which is the organizing committee for the Games in LA.

But in that announcement, we also found out that Los Angeles has decided to relocate the softball competition to Oklahoma City as well. Now, everybody in Oklahoma City knows nowhere has as good a softball facility as Oklahoma City. It has been that way for many years, and since the most recent expansion added an upper deck to Devon Park, added an improved press area for TV and all sorts of media, it’s just risen even higher beyond the rest of the competition.

But with the Games being in Southern California, that’s a hotbed for softball. People here in Oklahoma know well just how good softball is in the southern part of California. You can start with UCLA, but you can obviously look at the myriad high school and youth programs that have sent fantastic players into the sport of softball all over the country, including here in Oklahoma. Many of the best players who have been on the best teams that we've seen at OU and OSU have been California natives. California as a softball mecca? No doubt about that.

So, when I started to hear some talk from people that, “Well, maybe LA28 will send softball to Oklahoma City as well,” I thought it seemed like a bit of a pipe dream because there are softball facilities in Southern California. If it's softball specific, it may not be big enough, but there would surely be baseball facilities that could be converted.

That's what we saw in the Olympics in the 2020 that became 2021 because of the pandemic. In Tokyo, we saw a converted baseball facility used for softball. I figured that Southern California with their rich

softball roots would figure out a way to have the softball competition in LA or somewhere in the surrounding area.

But today in the announcement from LA28, they basically said, “Listen, we don't have a big enough softball facility; 2,000 seats is the max for a softball0specific facility in Southern California.”

No surprise there. That's pretty big in the world of softball. You don't see many jumbo-sized on-campus facilities like at Oklahoma. You can look at Alabama, Arkansas. There are a few places that start to get into the 4,000 and 5,000 seats, but they're rare. So 2,000 seats for a softball-specific facility in LA, not totally surprising.

But LA deciding that they just didn't have a facility that they felt like they could convert or wanted to convert to softball to allow for the kind of crowd that they expect. That was something that the announcement from LA28 mentioned is that they expect big crowds.

As we know, softball in the Olympics has not been consistent ever since it first went into the Games in 1996 in Atlanta. Softball had a run of four Olympics, and then it got removed from the sport roster and has been on and off since then. It will return in 2028; host cities can add special designations for sports that may not be on the full roster and softball was one that LA28 decided to add.

But then looking around Southern California, LA28 realized that they did not have anything close to what Oklahoma City offers.

Now this also speaks to a big-picture view of the Olympics. It's now allowed, the International Olympic Committee has allowed, host cities to go outside their city to find facilities in order to hold down the costs of venues, the cost of running the Olympics, which has continued to increase. If

you don't have a facility and you have to build it out of scratch, then is it able to be used?

In Southern California, if they decided to build a softball facility that was somewhere in the vicinity of what Oklahoma City has, 8,000, 10,000 seats, my guess is that they could use it for other things. I am very doubtful that it would be empty or just abandoned entirely. That would not happen to a softball facility in Southern California. I'm very certain of that.

But when you're talking about Southern California, you're also talking about very high property prices. Just all the variables that come into play when it comes to building massive sport facilities.

So LA28 decided that was not in the cards for them.

And now the Olympics are coming to Oklahoma City.

It's a little bit weird to me to say that, to think that, because you think about all the Olympic cities that are out there. Paris is about to host this summer's Olympic games. The cities where the Olympics go are the biggest of the big. They're international. They're places that people aspire to travel to in their lives.

So for Oklahoma City, one of the smaller markets that's ever hosted any Olympic event, to have one that we expected in canoe slalom and another that is a bit of a surprise?

I talked to a source in city hall just a little bit ago, exchanged some text messages, and this was a surprise. They did not expect that it would happen quite like this. I'm sure in recent days as they talked over it, it became more and more clear that it would happen. But because of the RiverSport facility that Oklahoma City has invested so heavily in, that canoe slalom would come was widely expected. But the softball move?Definitely not something that I think a lot of people would have thought was for sure

going to happen.

So for it to have happened, it’s unbelievable news for Oklahoma City.

This is a nod toward generations of Oklahoma City residents who agreed to build things, improve things, and maybe they didn't always quite know where it was going. When what was then Hall of Fame Stadium was built, it was largely by USA Softball and some civic money. But over the years, millions of dollars have been invested by, yes, USA Softball, but even more so by taxpayers in Oklahoma City agreeing again and again to do improvements.

At the time, those improvements were done in large part to keep the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, to make it an event that would put down roots here. And that's been what's happened. The NCAA and Oklahoma City have a contract for the Women's College World Series that runs through 2035. So that event is here for the long term, and I wouldn't be surprised if after 2035 that contract gets renewed. I don't know if it's another 15 years, another 20, or if it's something shorter in the 10, but it's going to continue to be renewed because nobody has a facility like Oklahoma City. So to the residents of Oklahoma City, the civic leaders in Oklahoma City who over the years said, “This is important, we need to do this,” thank you, thank you, thank you.

Voters for saying yes, a huge thank you to you because again, nobody knew what was going to happen, that the Olympics would be a possibility. But Oklahoma City had a chance to provide a world-class facility for Olympic softball, and lo and behold, the Olympics are coming to Oklahoma City in 2028.

(Award winning journalist Jenni Carlson is a freelance writer and has a web page https://jennicarlson.substack.com)

Review of ‘The Bikeriders’

A modern look at the motorcycle gang myth

By George Gust

“The Bikeriders” is the newest release from writer/director Jeff Nichols (“Mud” “Midnight Special”) based on a 1967 photo-book of the same name by Danny Lyon.

After a chance encounter, headstrong Kathy (Jodie Comer) is drawn to Benny (Austin Butler), a member of Midwestern motorcycle club the Vandals. As the club transforms into a dangerous underworld of violence, Benny must choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.

While on the surface, you might see “The Bikeriders” as a calculated career choice for budding movie star Butler; follow up the big bold biopic “Elvis” and an electrifying supporting performance in the big Sci-Fi blockbuster “Dune 2” with a brooding serious award-bait movie about cool bikers.

However, there’s more to “The Bikeriders” than what might be assumed on the at first blush. The visual style and tone of “The Bikriders” strikes an interesting blend, mixing the verisimilitude of the based on “real life” motorcycle gang in the 1960s and the famous motorcycle films of the 60s and 70s like “The Wild One” and later “Easy Rider.”

The marketing of the film would have you be-

Answers on Page 19

lieve that this is an exclusive ‘men on bikes’ film, but the way in which the story is framed through the point of view of Comer’s character adds an interesting perspective to the story. With a self-reflective approach “The Bikeriders” becomes a kind of commentary on the masculine mindset of the 60s and 70s through film and as a reflection of society at large. The plot to “The Bikeriders” is almost background as the film is more interested in the cavalcade of character actors and allowing them to play in this interesting period of American society.

In terms of ensemble, “The Bikeriders” is a phenomenal collection of the great faces and character

actors of current Hollywood. Highlighted by an interestingly suppressed performance by Tom Hardy who is normally known for leaning on a character twitch or face covering like Bane in Batman or a fighter pilot talking mostly through radio in “Dunkirk.”

And as the film plays out, you get treated to familiar faces that fit perfectly with the time and place, like Michael Shannon and Boyd Holbrook. And having these pitch perfect casting choices adds to the look-book atmosphere of the leather clad biker boys of midcentury America.

Overall, “The Bikeriders” is a visually appealing modern take on the long since passed romanticism of motorcycle gangs. There is a not-so-subtle homage to “Goodfellas” early on in this film that raises the bar of expectation too high for “The Bikeriders” to reach but is still an interesting exercise in movie-star focused filmmaking of the past.

“The Bikeriders” is rated R for language throughout, violence, some drug use and brief sexuality.

3,8 out of 5 stars.

Trans. Dept. sees budget approved

At the recent meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, commissioners approved the department’s Fiscal Year 2025 preliminary $2.5 billion Budget Work Program. A few highlights of the SFY 2025 budget include:

The ROADS Fund remained unchanged and was authorized at $590 million to continue infrastructure investments in Oklahoma’s future

A $4.8 million increase (2.2%) from last year’s appropriations to the State Transportation Fund base derived from motor fuel taxes

$30 million from the state’s General Revenue FundA 3.6% increase to the County Improvement for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) program to $101 million available for county projects

“I want to recognize that the legislative leadership worked through an arduous process that produced a budget which recognizes the continuing needs of the transportation system. We are very appreciative of the opportunity to deliver projects in accordance with that budgetary approval,” said ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz.

(Contact George Gust for comment at gust.george@gmail.com) STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Things with Wheels ACROSS 1. Unfledged hawk 5. The ____ Gala, haute couture fundraiser 8. Ballet step 11. Sasquatch's cousin 12. Prefix in levorotary 13. DVD player button

What Tylenol and xylenol have in common

Seaport in Yemen

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Musical finales

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Source of tapioca

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"Stand and Deliver" singer

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sister

Austin Butler leads a talented cast in the period drama “The Bikeriders” following a gang of Midwestern bikers in the 1960s.

The program starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

OETA film tonight will look at State Capitol

A film on the Oklahoma State Capitol will make its television debut on OETA, Oklahoma’s statewide PBS station, on Thursday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. The premiere will take place almost 107 years after the building’s construction was finished. “The People’s House: The Story of the Oklahoma State Capitol” was directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Inasmuch Foundation and the Oklahoma Historical Society.

“The People’s House” gives viewers a glimpse into the House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court, the Blue Room and more. The film shares the Capitol’s history, the building’s importance, the years-long restoration process and its resilience over the decades.

Interviewees include Trait Thompson, executive director of the OHS, former project manager for the Oklahoma Capitol Restoration project and author of “The Oklahoma State Capitol”; Dr. Bob Blackburn, former executive director of the OHS; former governors including George Nigh and Frank Keating; and Marilyn Luper Hildreth, daughter of civil rights leader Clara Luper. It is narrated by John Erling, a former Tulsa radio host inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame.

“I’m really proud of this film, and I believe all Oklahomans will have a new appreciation for our wonderful

capitol after viewing it,” said Trait Thompson. “The story of the capitol and its recent restoration is told in a creative and compelling manner that will capture the attention of young and old alike.”

A four-minute trailer for “The People’s House” is available on YouTube. The trailer shows the entirety of the iconic drone footage of the Capitol that was captured for the film. The film will eventually be shown in the Oklahoma State Capitol Museum, located on the ground floor of the Capitol.

The Oklahoma State Capitol was constructed from 1914 to 1917 at a cost of $1.5 million. The building was designed by the architecture firm of Layton and Smith and constructed by James Stewart and Company. Although designed for a dome, it would not be added until 2002. The capitol underwent a major restoration from 2014-2022.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

June again brings attention to prostate cancer

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month and prostate cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting men globally, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases diagnosed each year.

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is still unknown, several risk factors have been identified, including age, family history, ethnicity and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity levels.

Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Individuals should be aware of potential signs, including urinary problems (e.g., increased frequency, difficulty urinating), blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pelvic discomfort and bone pain. Any concerning symptoms should prompt a discussion with a health care provider.

The American Cancer Society recommends men make an informed decision with their health care provider regarding screening for prostate cancer at

the following ages.

Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least one more year.

Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).

Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

Men who want to be screened should get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The digital rectal exam (DRE) may also be done as a part of screenings for prostate cancer. All men should discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with their primary care provider.

For most patients, initial suspicion of prostate cancer is based on an abnormal digital rectal exam

(DRE) or an elevated PSA level. A biopsy must be performed by a urologist to establish a definitive diagnosis.

“Treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on factors such as the stage of the disease, overall health and personal preferences,” says Gabriel S. Vidal, M.D., FACP, a radiation oncologist and internal medicine physician with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute.

Options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments. “Patients should discuss and explore all available treatment options with their health care team including a urologist, radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist,” says Vidal.

For more information on prostate cancer or to schedule an appointment, contact the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute or call 877-811-4246

Adult day service provider gets grant

Daily Living Centers Inc, a nonprofit Adult Day Service Provider, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is the newest recipient of the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation gift. This gift, totaling $20,000, will be used to support vital adult day services.

Edward L. Gaylord and his wife Thelma established the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation in 1994 to support a wide range of charitable activities. The Foundation continues the Gaylord’s commitment to improving the lives of Oklahomans and preserving the heritage and natural resources of the state they loved.

“We are deeply grateful for this

generous gift, which will significantly enhance our adult day program and improve the daily lives of those we serve at our living centers. The support from the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation means the world to us and empowers us to continue our mission with greater resources and confidence. We are thankful for the kindness and commitment to our cause.” said Amanda Dirmeyer, Daily Living Centers CEO.

Since 1974, Daily Living Centers (DLC) has provided rest and hope for caregivers. They are Oklahoma’s first and leading non-profit adult day provider for senior adults and adults with disabilities ages 18 and older

Price Lang PR’s new hire

Traci Hayes has joined Price Lang Public Relations as a project manager/internship director for the firm’s growing client roster.

Hayes graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She is a graphic artist with more than 20 years of experience, most recently as a digital content creator for Edmond Public Schools.

“Serving our clients through team expertise is always our first priority,” said Price Lang Co-Founder Charlie

FEMA is now hiring Oklahomans

Price. “Traci’s background and marketing skills are a great fit for our team. Her creativity and attention to detail will help us continue to provide the outstanding service our clients have come to expect.”

Founded in 2011, Price Lang’s services include a range of communications and public relations functions, including community advocacy, copywriting, social media support, graphic design and strategic and crisis communications. For more information, visit www.pricelang.com.

Traci FEMA is hiring Oklahomans to help our neighbors recover from the spring tornadoes. These temporary, full-time jobs will last at least 120 days, and fill needed positions in media, administration, community outreach and more, with competitive salaries. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 or older, and have a high school diploma or GED. To apply, visit USAJobs.gov and search for “FEMA” and “Oklahoma.” That’s USAJobs.gov.

AAA predicts more than 70 million holiday travelers

luggage versus checked bags to save time and money.

AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period*. For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019.

More than 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this year’s number is shy of 2019’s figure of 4.79 million. Cruising continues its remarkable post-pandemic comeback. This time of year, Alaska cruises are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top domestic destinations. Cruise travelers are also finding deals this summer. With new ships coming onto the market – and going for a premium – some cruise lines have been offering targeted discounts to fill older inventory for remaining cabins.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

Best/Worst Times to Drive

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4th are between 2pm and 7pm. Drivers should hit the road in the morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8th should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon.

AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. This year’s number also surpasses 2019 when 55.3 million people traveled by car over July 4th week. Gas prices are lower than last year when the national average was $3.53. Pump prices will likely continue going down leading up to Independence Day. At that point, they will likely level off and remain relatively stable until after Labor Day, similar to last year. An important caveat is hurricane season – underway now – which could affect gas prices should a storm negatively impact Gulf Coast oil production and refining centers.

The number of air travelers is also expected to set a new record. AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019. AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on

App for Citylink riders

Citylink Edmond riders have a new tool to use, a tracking mobile app from Passio GO! passengers can download to their smartphones to view arrival times and shuttle locations in real time. The app is free to download from the Google Play or App Store.

With this technology upgrade, Citylink riders can access Information about individual routes, schedules, and stops. Riders can also set shuttle arrival alerts and tag favorites, saving time and reducing wait times at shut-

tle stops. Additional alerts for route changes or delays serve to keep all riders informed.

“This new partnership with Passio should enhance the rider experience significantly,” said City of Edmond Transit Program Manager Christy Batterson. “The Passio Go! App will deliver arrival and departure times more accurately and allow for more consistent service overall.”

With the launch of the new Passio Go! Service, the current TransLoc app will no longer be available.

OMRF hires new scientist

This month, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation added Jon Iker Etchegaray, Ph.D., to the faculty of its Aging and Metabolism Research Program.

Etchegaray studies how changes in metabolism affect the development of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and age-related vision loss.

Benjamin Miller, Ph.D. “He has studied metabolism in the eyes, which are windows to the brain, and he will apply these findings to the brain to benefit aging individuals and those with neurodegeneration.”

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”

Top Destinations

This July 4th week, travelers are cooling off in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska – and by the ocean! Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage are top destinations because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Beaches in South Florida, Honolulu, Punta Cana, and Barcelona are in high demand. Historical sites in European cities like London, Rome, Dublin, Paris, and Athens are also popular.

“Dr. Etchegaray helps strengthen our focus on the aging of our nervous system,” said OMRF Aging and Metabolism Research Program Chair

Etchegaray joins OMRF as an assistant professor. He received both his bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in neurobiology from Boston University. He comes to OMRF from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he completed his postdoctoral training.

Dr. Celii joins Integris staff

INTEGRIS Health Medical Group welcomes Amanda Celii, M.D., FACS, to their team. Celii is double board certified in general surgery and surgical critical care and is the trauma medical director at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. Her areas of interest include trauma surgery, general surgery and critical care.

Dr.

Celii

She understands that no one can foresee a traumatic injury occurring, so it is very important to provide her patients compassion and quality of

care during perhaps the worst days of their lives.

Celii received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed her general surgery residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She went on to complete a fellowship in Trauma/Critical Care at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. She offices at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group General Surgery Baptist, at 3366 N.W. Expressway, Bldg. D, Suite 800. For more information, call 405713-9935.

Etchegaray

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Ed Gochenour, owner of Chicken Shack, and Jennifer Thornton, Visit Edmond Tourism Director, kicked off the Midpoint Corridor Road Rally with one of the Route 66 drivers. Eleven cities from Edmond to Sapulpa welcomed Route 66 travelers during the First Annual Road Rally on Saturday, June 22.

Inaugural Midpoint Corridor Road Rally

Make the most of your summer road trip

Road trips can present a perfect escape any time of the year, but they’re especially popular during the summer when people have time off from school and work. According to a 2024 summer travel survey from The Vacationer, 82 percent of Americans were planning to travel this year, and driving is the most popular method of getting around. Seventy-five percent of those in the U.S. intend to take at least one road trip this summer. The 2024 Blue Cross Travel Study revealed that more Canadians are optimistic about travel and are planning more trips this year.

Perhaps road trips are so popular because they don’t require booking tickets, complicated transportation to and from airports and rigid itineraries. Many road trips can be spur of the moment, explore-as-you-go excursions. But it still pays to prepare a bit for an upcoming road trip. These guidelines can get you started.

• Create a generalized itinerary. While it may be tempting to fill up the gas tank and see where the ride takes you, an itinerary will ensure that you know distances between stops so that you will not get burnt out by driving. Use mapping apps to research the trip before departure and plot out points of interest and where you will rest, fuel up (both body and vehicle) and stay overnight.

• Slow is pro. A large part of the road trip is about the ride itself. Resist the temptation to speed and rush through various towns. Get out and stretch your legs as much as possible and take advantage of roadside attractions, tourist traps, rest stops, restaurants, and so much more.

• Find your inspiration to travel. Check out

travel blogs, online videos and magazines or get recommendations from friends and family regarding spots of interest. Maybe you’ve always dreamed about seeing the California Redwoods but you live on the East Coast? It may take several days, but an epic road trip adventure can get you to your destination no matter how far away it might be.

• Emphasize fuel efficiency. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses on a road trip. Before setting out on the trip, ensure that the vehicle is inspected and road-ready. This means that oil and fluids have been changed and the tires are in good shape (with a spare on hand). While driving, stick to the speed limit and do not over-pack the vehicle, as

more weight leads to greater fuel consumption.

• Research everything about your destination(s). Who can forget the deep disappointment when the Griswold family reaches Wally World, billed as “America’s Favorite Family Fun Park,” after a cross-country trip from Chicago only to discover it is closed for the next two weeks for repairs? Before such mishaps happen to you, make sure you know the hours of places you plan to visit, as well as any scheduling changes that may be happening while you’re traveling.

These are just a few tips for having a road trip to remember this summer.