January 14, 2021 Vol. 21, No. 35
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.
TV star coming to Lazy E See Page 9
FRIDAY, January 15 Mostly Sunny/Wind High 47° Low 28°
SATURDAY, January 16 Mostly Sunny High 48° Low 32°
SUNDAY, January 17 Partly Cloudy High 51° Low 35°
By Jared Peterson Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans live within a few miles of Route 66, driving on it every day, just like all the other streets and highways in their communities, including here in Edmond. Part of the fabric of their lives, most people don’t give the highway a second thought. For them, it’s the quickest way to the grocery store, the shopping mall or to pick up their kids. But the fact is, Route 66 is a living time capsule with nearly 100 years of history sealed into every mile. That is why hundreds of thousands of people from across the country and around the world consider the highway a destination point, and a passage through the soul of America. So, AAA Oklahoma has joined with stakeholders in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and communities along Oklahoma’s 420-mile stretch of the highway to celebrate its approaching centennial year in 2026. The AAA Route 66 Road Fest is a nineday event cautiously planned for June 2021, starting at Tulsa’s
Jared Peterson River Spirit Expo at Expo Square on June 18th and ending at the Bennett Event Center on the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, June 26th. The event will give visitors a chance to remember where we’ve been and explore what’s coming next. Imagine driving through a forest of derricks comprising the gigantic Oklahoma City Oil Field in 1928, stopping at a classic ’50’s diner, passing a ’60’s era drive-in theater or spending the night at an RV park and rest area with vintage campers all around. Will electric, automated vehicles rule the Mother Road someday? The
Road Fest will tell that story too. While history will abound in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, the highway’s centennial story will come to life in towns like Catoosa, Arcadia and Stroud, where Road Fest visitors can venture out to see the Blue Whale in Catoosa, the Round Barn in Arcadia and the Skyliner Motel in Stroud. AAA and the Mother Road have much in common. Both growing up in the golden age of the automobile, when cars and road trips were at the core of American culture. Oklahoma was not even 20 years old when Tulsa’s Cyrus Avery laid the groundwork for the historic highway’s cross-country development. That’s why there is no better place to kick off the national celebration than Oklahoma, which claims more miles of Route 66 than any other state, and did you know the route passes the state’s capitol building? No other state can say that. But this is not an Oklahoma celebration. Everyone can be involved in the party, and after the 2021 Road Fest is over, we will encourage continued on Page 3
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Route 66 draws many international visitors. Perhaps one of the most famous to visit Route 66 in the Edmond area was Paul McCartney in 2008. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell told an Edmond business group last year that Germans are also very interested in the famed road.
Cover From Page 1 other states to join the fun as we continue our centennial journey all the way to 2026. As excited as we are about the Road Fest, we are moving forward cautiously amid the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, but 2021 brings reason for optimism with new vaccines against COVID-19. Safety is our highest priority, so we will adhere to recommendations from the CDC and state health officials, ready to ad-
just and accommodate when necessary. Keep in mind that this is only the beginning of a five-year road trip through the past, present, and future of a 2,400-mile highway from Chicago to Santa Monica. We hope you will join us in celebrating our iconic Route 66. Jared Peterson is president of the AAA Club Alliance Great Plains Region, and he resides in Tulsa.
The latest from Edmond’s FAI The Fine Arts Institute is accepting applications from artists and performers for a new event coming to Downtown Edmond in April 2021. VIBES is a monthly art walk that will host local artists and promote downtown businesses from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., April through October, during this free community event. The first Thursday of each month, VIBES highlights a variety of creative talent hosted in participating businesses. Visual and performing artists interested in participating must apply at www.edmondvibes.org by February 1st. During the event, community members are invited to stroll, sip, see and be a part of something new and creative in downtown Edmond. This
creative collaboration is facilitated by the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, a 501c3 arts nonprofit, located in the heart of downtown at 27 East Edwards. VIBES is made possible with support from the City of Edmond, Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA), and dedicated community sponsors, including headline sponsor- Mercy Hospital, Chickasaw Community Bank, Citizens Bank, The Grant Group, and United Production Co. For VIBES updates, performance schedules, artists, maps, and news, follow @edmond_vibes on Instagram, and VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays on Facebook. Additional details and information can be found at www.edmondvibes.org.
GOP Women’s Club to meet The next meeting of the Edmond Republican Womens Club will be Monday, Jan. 18, at Eddies (2828 E. 2nd Street - Coltrane and 2nd Street in Edmond). A meet and greet opportunity will begin at 11:30 a.m. with an optional lunch buffet at a cost of approximately $15. The meeting will begin at 11:45 am. This month we are featuring the candidates for upcoming vacant City offices. Mayoral candidates, Darrell A. Davis and Nathan Walters. Ward 3 candidates, Cody Boyd, Sheryl Janis, and Christin Mugg. Ward 4 candidates Ryan Dahle, Michael Buoy, David Miller, and Stacie Peterson. Each candidate
will introduce themselves and have been given questions that are appropriate for the office they are seeking. You will also have time to meet with them after the meeting. We are also pleased to have joining us, the two candidates for the Senate seat vacated by Stephanie Bice, who is now a U.S. Congresswoman representing the 5th District of Oklahoma, Keri Shipley and Jake Merrick. Each one will have approximately two minutes for introduction and will also be available for questions. Remember, masks are still required in Edmond. Please join us, and bring a friend.
Local news? Do you have a local news item or a local photograph? 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.
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From the Publisher
One word for attack: Cowards The disturbing events of last week with the attack of our U.S. Capitol Building prompted several emails asking me my position on the attack. You can pretty much tell from the way folks Ray Hibbard are asking the question where they are coming from. It did not matter to me because the answer was the same to each query. Cowards. Any group of people that attack other human beings and destroy property, especially in mob style, are cowards. There are no excuses or justifications. They are not patriots, freedom fighters, conservative or anything other than cowards. I do not care what side you are on, if you are liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat. It is cowardly to hide behind a mob, damage property and harm other human beings. I felt that way during the mob violence this last summer and I feel the same way with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Period. In the interest of full disclosure, I have a son in federal law enforcement, but I cannot reveal which branch. He was not in Washington D.C. last week. He cannot tell me where he is being sent when he leaves but I can guess he will be in Washington D.C soon. Protection of our capital will be an all-hands-on deck situation during the inauguration. My heart sank with the death at the hands of the mob of the Capitol Police officer last week. My prayers for his family. He fought with valor and is a hero in my eyes. He was killed by cowards who deserve the full extent of punishment along with their cowardly leadership. Earth at Night in Color If you are like me and would welcome a diversion from all the chaos in the world and a break from the news stations, I have just the ticket. Being homebound for four weeks with my knee replacement sent me looking for something different on the streaming channels. I did find a travel show called “Travel by Narrow Boat” which was just a guy with a boat who traversed the cannels of England. He shot the entire series with his phone, so the views were limited. My family got worried about me. The good news is that I found
become a total nerd but please give the series a try. My guess is that the entire family will be glued to each episode in the series.
The Spectral Tarsier is featured in an episode of the Earth at Night in Color series on Apple TV+
something much better that you and the entire family will enjoy watching together. It is on Apple TV+ and will provide a great escape for your household as well as a change of pace television. The series is called “Earth at Night in Color”. The series, which is narrated by Tom Hiddleston, features six episodes that are all streaming now. It is not your run of the mill nature documentary. Cutting edge technology with filming has allowed Producer Sam Hodgson and Executive Producer Alex Williamson to enter the world of nighttime when 50% of animals can only be seen moving about. The nighttime video is stunning and takes what used to be hard to view footage and turns it into clear as day, color video. You honestly think they are filming in the daytime until they insert what the footage would look liked filmed in traditional low light black and white film. The crew travels across six continents filming never seen before behaviors of nocturnal wildlife. Using various combinations of astronomy-grade glass and low-light cameras, “Earth at Night” crews shot the full spectrum of light from (visible) white light to (invisible) infrared light. They then teamed up with a company that specializes in film restoration, NULIGHT Studios, and stripped out the pink and the red. If none of that makes sense to you it does not to me either. But the result is incredibly cool. “Earth at Night in Color” was filmed with 72 shoots over an 18-
month period. However, the crew only filmed six days per month to take advantage of the full-moon light. That meant there would be six to eight simultaneous shoots taking place across the globe. Think that is crazy? To capture bears and the northern lights with little light pollution, a cameraperson had to drive out to the wilderness and cross-country ski more than 20 kilometers in the freezing cold. And you think your work commute sucks? Narrator Hiddleston does an excellent job along with the documentary editors of presenting the materials. One episode focuses on the spectral tarsier in the Tarsier forest in southeast Asia. It is a quirky little creature about the size of a baseball. Apparently, one of their eyes is bigger than their entire brain which should tell you a lot about their IQ. Driven by instinct and the ability to jump from branch to branch in the forest, they perform a routine before they set out to hunt insects of pulling their radar like ears. The ears can move in different directions at the same time. I can promise it will have your entire family in laughter. Do not tell your kids but they might accidently learn something as well. Among its boasts, “Earth at Night in Color” is the first production to film Peregrine Falcons at night. It also delivered some rare sightings, like hungry hippos trekking through the grasslands eating and two cheetah brothers playing and hunting together. You may think I have
EPS Foundation announces new funding program for classrooms. The Edmond Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce their first Classroom Support Kickstarter campaign, investing $100,000 in classrooms. This Classroom Support Kickstarter grant is part of their long-standing commitment to education, which includes over $500,000 of support to Edmond Public Schools so far this school year. This grant will support classroom needs during this difficult time for public education by giving Edmond educators an opportunity to receive a share of $100,000 in grants to support the creative work they are doing in the classroom. Edmond Public Schools certified educators who work directly with students are encouraged to apply for their classroom or school program-related project. You can now support Edmond Public Schools educator projects on their Donors Choose Giving Page. There have been 15 projects have already been fully funded, with some needing as little as $49 to be fully funded. You can see the 15 projects still needing funding on the Giving Page. More teachers are adding projects daily, so keep checking back. They hope to get hundreds of teachers much needed funding for their classrooms. Here is how you can support a classroom project: 1. Visit the Edmond Public Schools Foundation giving page https://tinyurl.com/epsfdonorschoose to help your teacher get their grant funded. 2. Scroll through or search at the top of the page “Find a classroom to support” 3. Enter a teacher or school name and Edmond to see specific projects 4. Select a project 5. Donate to that project! 6. Make sure “In support of Edmond Public Schools Foundation's Giving Page” is checked 7. Check out! Use code "LIFTOFF" if your teacher is creating a first-time project and you donate the first week it is created. In addition to the $100 kickstart grant from EPSF, Donors Choose will match up to $50 of your gift. (Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- Fighting food cravings ..................................................................Page 7. ---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 8. ---- TV star coming to area this weekend ..........................................Page 9. ---- Sen. Lankford reflects on riot at Capitol ....................................Page 10. ---- A group saves lives ....................................................................Page 13. ---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. ---- George Gust reviews Tom Hanks western ..................................Page 14. ---- Schedule on debris pickup..........................................................Page 18. This and so much more in this week’s edition
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “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 Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 14, 2021 • Page 5
Edmond area lawmaker re-elected to leadership post for state senate The Oklahoma Senate last week unanimously re-elected Senator Greg Treat as president pro tempore and adopted rules for the coming 58th Legislature. This will be the third session for Treat to serve as pro tem, the Senate’s top leadership position. The Oklahoma City Republican’s nomination was made by Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, and was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City. Treat was re-elected in November to his final four-year term in the Senate. He and his wife Maressa have three children: Mason, Cooper and Olivia. He represents District 47 in the Senate, which includes northwest Oklahoma City and portions of Edmond, Deer Creek, and Bethany. The Senate met Tuesday for Organizational Day, a constitutional requirement of the Legislature to meet before the start of each two-year session. The Senate also approved rules for the 58th Legislature and committee memberships. “I am honored that once again my Democratic and Republican colleagues in the Senate have put their faith in me as their leader. I also am very thankful for the love and support of my wife Maressa and our children: Mason, Cooper and Olivia. Without them, I would not be able to serve,” Treat said. “As pro tem, I pledge to lead the entire Senate with honesty, humility and courage. By working together, we can achieve more positive outcomes for our state. Our state faces a difficult situation as we look to recover and rebound from the health and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Oklahoma Senate and its members and staff are ready to rise to the challenge and I look forward to leading the chamber as we work together to make Oklahoma an even better place for our families, friends and neighbors,” Treat said. Treat also announced the leadership team for Senate Republicans, the chamber’s Majority
To send news/photos please e-mail news@edmondpaper.com
State Senator Greg Treat Party. They include: •Senator Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, president pro tempore •Senator Kim David, R-Porter, majority floor leader •Senator Roger Thompson, ROkemah, Appropriations Committee chair •Senator Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, Majority Caucus chair •Senator Greg McCortney, RAda, Majority Caucus vice chair •Senator Frank Simpson, RSpringer, assistant majority floor leader •Senator James Leewright, RBristow, assistant majority floor leader •Senator Rob Standridge, RNorman, majority whip •Senator Marty Quinn, R-
Claremore, assistant majority whip •Senator Julie Daniels, RBartlesville, assistant majority whip •Senator Casey Murdock, RFelt, assistant majority whip •Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Rural Caucus chair Treat previously announced his appointments of Senate committee chairs and vice chairs as well as Republican committee assignments. Those appointments were formalized Tuesday. Click here for a complete list of committee chairs and Republican committee assignments. The First Session of the 58th Legislature convenes Monday, Feb. 1. The deadline for bills to be filed is Jan. 21.
House Democrats concerned with virus spread at Capitol Oklahoma House Democrats filed multiple amendments to the House rules proposed by Republicans for the 58th Legislative Session. Many of the amendments were designed to help control the spread of COVID-19 and to lead the state by example in how an organization can continue to operate while also valuing the safety and wellbeing of its members and staff. All of the amendments were tabled by House Republicans. “For the past year, Legislative Republicans have offered very little in the fight against this pandemic,” said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin. “By their votes today, they are showing that they are going to continue to absolve themselves from leadership responsibilities during this ongoing crisis.” One amendment, to require members to wear masks, falls in line with the governor’s own mandate that state employees and Capitol visitors wear masks. Despite the governor’s executive order, many House members are still seen in committees without masks. “It would seem that there is a belief among some of my colleagues that the governor’s executive order only applies to others,” Virgin said. “By putting it in the House rulebook, we can send a clear sign that they too need to protect those around them and wear a mask.” Other amendments ranged from al-
lowing for members to attend committees virtually but from their offices to removing gender pronouns to form the rulebook. “The rulebook should be a guide for how members operate while doing the business of the people,” said Rep. Andy Fugate, the House Minority Floor Leader. “Our amendments would increase safety, transparency, public participation and inclusiveness. The majority party rejected these values today.” House Republicans also blocked an amendment that sought to encourage public involvement in government by allowing virtual public comments to committees. “Codifying in the rulebook the ability for the public to comment virtually during committees would encourage our citizens to get involved and would allow members to hear from more citizens being affected by the laws we pass,” said State Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-OKC. “This amendment was about increasing transparency, which is becoming more and more scarce throughout our state government.”
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Danielle Jamison of Islandton, South Carolina, has sickle cell disease. She gets a monthly infusion of Adakveo, a drug based on the discoveries of OMRF's Dr. Rodger McEver that reduces the severity of the debilitating pain crises she experiences with her condition.
OMRF discovery makes a big difference in her life
Grateful for research For Danielle Jamison, winter brings pain. The cooling temperatures wreak havoc on the 36-year-old South Carolina mother who was born with sickle cell disease, a life-threatening genetic disorder. But for Jamison, winter now also signifies a turning of the tide: This month, she’ll mark three years since a drug born at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation first offered her relief from her condition’s debilitating pain. Adakveo, a drug based on the discoveries of OMRF Vice President of Research Rodger McEver, M.D., is relieving that pain for Jamison and others with sickle cell around the world. Since starting monthly IV infusions of the drug as a clinical trial participant in 2018, Jamison has had no hospitalizations for her pain. Jamison was born with sickle cell disease, where red blood cells change from their normally pliable and round shapes to become rigid and sticky in the form of a crescent or “sickle,” causing ongoing damage to blood vessels and organs that can prove fatal. The disease primarily affects people of African descent. In sickle cell, the cells clump together, resulting in inflammation and excruciating pain. Known as a crisis, the pain can start anywhere in the body and last for weeks. For many years, those crises routinely sent Jamison to the hospital, where the agony could stretch for weeks despite doctors’ best efforts. “It feels like you’re getting hit, over and over and over,” said Jamison, who is one of an estimated 100,000 Americans living with the disease. “And it never stops.” As a physician, OMRF’s McEver knows firsthand the toll sickle cell ex-
acts on the body. “I’ve treated patients with the disease, and their suffering is extreme,” he said. In his lab at OMRF, McEver developed an antibody that blocked the effects of a protein he believed played a key role in sickle cell pain crises. Selexys, a company he helped form, then created an experimental drug based on that discovery. The medication showed success in clinical trials, and pharmaceutical giant Novartis acquired the company and the drug, now known as Adakveo. In 2019, Adakveo became the first new treatment for sickle cell disease approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 25 years. For Jamison, the drug has been life-changing. “I’m not in and out of the hospital, going through the ups and downs of sickle cell so much,” she said. She continues to receive the drug as part of a long-term trial that monitors the ongoing effectiveness of the drug. “I’m able to be much more active and have less pain. It’s such a blessing,” she said. That kind of outcome is one that every medical researcher hopes for while toiling in the lab. “It’s such a long process,” said McEver. “So, it’s enormously satisfying to know you’ve developed a drug that helps patients.” While Jamison has never met McEver, she’s grateful for the work he and others did to make Adakveo a reality. “Life is so much better now,” she said. No longer blinded by pain, she can now focus on the thing that matters most to her. “I want to see my baby grow up,” Jamison said. “She’s my little angel. She’s my reason to fight, my will to live.”
For Jamison, the drug has been life-changing. ‘I’m not in and out of the hospital, going through the ups and downs of sickle cell so much.’
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Fighting those food cravings By Glenn Mandel We’ve all felt hunger. It’s the sensation we get when we want to eat food. It’s a physiological mechanism designed to tell us when we need to have sustenance. However, in the Western world, food is in plentiful supply all around us and our interpretation of hunger has become confused. Broadly speaking, hunger can be viewed in two ways. Firstly, physiological, also known as stomach or true hunger, is where you are genuinely hungry because you feel low in energy and haven’t eaten for a long time. In other words, your body needs food. Secondly, psychological, or mouth hunger, is where you fancy something to eat. This is when you have a craving. What are cravings? Cravings can lead to a preoccupation with food. We want food, especially ‘bad’ foods, more than we did before. When we restrict ourselves from eating the foods we desire, it can have a bad effect on our mood. This increases temptation and when you then eat something you’re craving, you enjoy it even more. This can cause a negative cycle of mood changes that leads you to want to snack more, and then you recognize the intense pleasure next time you have a craving. Cravings become harder to curb. Food triggers The trap continues. Just thinking about food triggers the behavior you want to avoid, i.e. eating. It’s especially hard as food is constantly around us, especially as we are spending more time than ever at home. It’s such an important part of our social lives, we see advertisements for tasty foods everywhere, and it’s frequently the topic of conversation. None of this is helped when your always around family and they may be snacking around you when you’re trying not to think about food. Harder still, we often use food as a reward. We treat ourselves, and junk food is a frequent reward of choice! How to curb cravings There is a list of a few practical tips to help you curb your cravings. As you take control of your cravings, over time you’ll realize that you don’t actually need the food that you’re craving, it’s just a mindset. The frequency, duration and intensity of the cravings will soon diminish. --- Eat regular meals and stick to a schedule – get into the habit of not
skipping meals even if you are trying to be ‘good’ or because you feel guilty about what you ate earlier --- Listen to your body – eat regularly and only when you are genuinely hungry. Learn the difference between physiological and psychological hunger --- Identify what’s causing your cravings – keep a food and feelings diary by jotting down what you eat and when, and how you feel before and afterwards. This may help you identify triggers and problem times of the day, and to recognize if you're snacking for comfort, boredom or loneliness --- Find a hobby or interest – if you are snacking for comfort, eating will not make the problem go away. Do something to occupy yourself to avoid nibbling. Try chatting with a friend, exercising, watching a movie, or having a relaxing bath --- Make eating a separate activity many people snack while doing certain things, and consequently, the activity then becomes a signal for a craving. For example, watching TV and snacking, eating popcorn at the movies. To curb this, only eat at mealtimes, get out of the habit of eating while watching TV and when at home, confine eating to the kitchen or dining room --- Have regular drinks – this will help to keep you feeling full. Hot drinks are particularly useful as hot liquids empty from the stomach slower than cooler ones, and occasional sugar-free sodas can help to satisfy your taste buds --- If you get the urge to eat, look at the time and wait half an hour before having something --- Brush your teeth or use minty mouthwash after meals. The minty taste will help curb cravings. This is especially useful after your evening meal, as we often associate cleaning our teeth with the last thing we do with our mouth for the day Adopt an eating strategy to help with discipline and to maintain a routine. For example, some people find intermittent fasting useful as it minimizes the window for permitted eating --- Snack sensibly – fruit and berries are a great choice and will help curb sweet cravings. Sugar-free jello is also a great snack --- Don’t let a slip-up lead to more – if you do succumb to a craving, avoid the mindset “now that I’ve eaten that, I may as well make the most of it”
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Edmond Police report (The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) Dec. 28 Cory David Cockrell, 51 of Edmond. Charged with discharging a firearm. Bryce Michael Hicks, 23 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Christian Tyler Hutton, 29 of Edmond. (No lawful access) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license, (anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol, obstruction of a police officer, elude police officer (endanger others, a felony) Latisha Rene Henderson, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Dec. 29 Wade Matthew Iven, 35 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, obstruction of police officer, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Stephon Marcellus Peters, 30 of Edmond. Burglary in the second de-
gree. Clinton Robert, 27, of Edmond. No proof of insurance, expired tag over three months, driving without a proper/valid driver's license, speeding (16-20 mph over), and two counts of fall ire to appear. Dec. 30 Ahmad Galal Baysea, 51 of Edmond, petty larceny. Matthew Lee Wood, 35 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) and (misdemeanor first offense) domestic abuse assault. (in the presence of a minor child) Dec. 31 Tywan Debra Goosby, 34 of Edmond, Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or combination of chemical or controlled substance. Balmore Nectale Lizano Hernandez, 21 of Moore. Following too closely, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear. Jan. 1 Benjamin Andrew Krist, 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Shaquille Terelle Webster, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Kristal Lynn Shirley, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Jan. 2 Richard Geoffrey Wick, 39 of Ed-
mond. Obstructed intersection (stop required) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. James Patrick Harding, 30 of Edmond. Petty larceny. April Tonya Costello, 31 of Edmond. Petty larceny and trespassing. Prisina Ashley Ung, 21 of Oklahoma City. (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception and failure to appear. Ian Thomas Sowash, 23 of Edmond. (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretenses, trick or deception. Steven Thomas McKenzie, 36 of Edmond. Child endangerment and operation (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or combination of chemical and CDS substance. Josiah James Hill, 19 of Edmond. Assault resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of failure to appear. Dana Marie Ashworth, 37, of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle with defective/improper equipment, misdemeanor warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession CDS and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked. Jan. 3 Brandon Clint Blakenship, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Sophia Claire Roberts, 24 of Ed-
mond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle34 under the influence of alcohol. Colton Tanner Mendinghall, 26 of Bennington, Okla. Public intoxication. Parker Don Cobbs, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication Amanda Michele Stafford, 41 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Joshua Baylor Smith, 42 of Edmond. Kidnapping and domestic abuse assault (strangulation). Dejore Mikhail Baldwin, 26 of Edmond. Malicious injury or destruction of property, obstruction of a police officer and (misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
Editor’s Note: There has been some discussion on term “husbandry.” The following is the statue on the crime, which basically translates into using a vehicle without the proper permission. 2014 Oklahoma Statutes Title 47. Motor Vehicles §47-4-102. Unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry. A person not entitled to possession of a vehicle or implement of husbandry who, without the consent of the owner and with intent to deprive the owner, temporarily or otherwise, of the vehicle or implement of husbandry or its possession, takes, uses or drives the vehicle or implement of husbandry shall be guilty of a felony.
Suggestions for some good sleep habits By Collin Turpin You’re lying in bed and awake. Even though your eyes are heavy, you are finding it impossible to fall asleep. Looking at your phone’s clock, Turpin fears are confirmed: 2:38 AM. "Great," you think, "if I went to sleep right now I'd only get three and a half hours before I need to wake up." You try again, but it seems impossible to shut your brain down for the night. You’re frustrated with yourself. Why can’t you just go to sleep like everyone else? You give up and get out of bed for a midnight snack. You're sure that you will need another nap tomorrow afternoon just to make it through the day. As you lay back down to continue your staring contest with the ceiling, your body still just doesn’t seem to want to listen to you. When you don’t get a full night of sleep, your body will feel it for the rest of the day. Sleep disruptions are common among children, teens, and adults. While many of us experience these problems, few understand their cause or what to do to help improve our nightly sleep health. Several factors that contribute to a full night’s sleep includes bedroom environment, pre-bed routines, and how you be-
have during the night. While it might seem like you have tried everything to help your sleep, a critical look at your bedtime routine might show some room for improvement. The following are 10 simple behavioral changes that evidence-based research has shown to be effective for most people: A good place to start is by keeping your bedroom at a moderate temperature, quiet, and dark. Extremes in temperature can lead to waking or lower quality sleep. Black-out shades or sleep masks can reduce unwanted light sources, and white noise or earplugs will help mask ambient noises. 1. Another helpful strategy is to hide your clocks during the night. Moving them out of your line of sight will limit the amount of worrying or mental math that can keep your brain awake. If you have an alarm set for the morning, what does it matter what time it is? It’s time to be asleep! 2. Limiting your screen time 1 hour before bed will help your body understand that it is time to sleep. If you
need to use electronics during this time, lowering the lighting or applying a blue-light filter will help minimize the sleep disruption. 3. Many with sleep disruptions use caffeine to help awake and function during the day. Be careful, as caffeine ingested 6-8 hours before bed can disrupt the following night of sleep. 4. A sedentary life has been shown to increase the likelihood of sleep problems. It should come as no surprise that regular exercise can increase quality of sleep so long as it is not done immediately before going to bed. 5. Another proactive routine that might help is taking a 20-minute hot bath about an hour or two before bedtime. The cooling of your body temperature will help tell your body that it’s time to shut down for the evening. 6. Another way to improve the quality of sleep is to avoid being too hungry or too full before you go to bed. Heavy or spicy meals right before bed have been shown to disrupt the quality of sleep. Additionally, one of the most disruptive things you can do is eat in the middle of the night as this tells our body to wake up. 7. Naps are your enemy. While it might feel nice in the moment to catch up on lost sleep, the sleep you get during the day will likely cause lighter, more restless sleep during the evening. If you must nap, set an alarm and keep it less than 15 min-
utes. 8. Ideally, you should only be in your bed when you are sleeping or connecting you’re your partner. Limiting your time in bed will help your body associate the bed with being asleep. Only go to bed when you feel sleepy (drooping eyelids, split vision, drowsiness) opposed to when you feel tired (fatigued, exhausted). Avoid eating, working, or relaxing on your bed to help this association further. 9. One of the more intensive changes you can make is keeping a regular sleep schedule. This means you wake up and go to sleep at a consistent time every day of the week (yes, even weekends). If you have to wake up at 5:00am for work, you will now wake up at 5:00am every single day. This will help train your circadian rhythm to sleep at the desired time. While these changes are a good start to improving your sleep health, this is by no means an exhaustive list. If your sleep is being disrupted by medical problems or mental health needs, then a trip to your local doctor or counselor could be what you need instead. No matter where you decide to start, always remember that gradual and consistent changes are more likely to stick in the longterm! Happy sleeping! (Collin Turpin is an Intern at Edmond Family Counseling and a graduate student).
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Rodeo this weekend at Lazy E Arena Saddle up for the 51ST International Finals Rodeo! The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls from across the US, Canada and Australia are competing for world championship titles in eight action-packed events including: bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping and cowgirls barrel racing and breakaway roping. Country music singer, TV icon and movie star, John Schneider, will sing the National Anthem to kick off IFR 51 Friday night! Schneider is well known for playing Bo Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard as well as his starring role as Jonathan Kent in Smallville and currently on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and Have Nots on the Oprah Winfrey Network. FOUR IFR PERFORMANCES Friday, January 15 7:30pm Saturday, January 16 1:00pm & 7:30pm Sunday, January 19 1:00pm *Kids Day 11:00am12:30pm In addition to the wild rodeo action, the week of festivities includes the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant, the Gold Buckle Gala, contract acts showcase, Bucking Stock Sale and the International Miniature Rodeo Association (IMRA) World Finals which is made up of competitors from 6 to 17 years old. TICKETS: www.ifrodeo.com / Ticketmaster or Lazy E Arena at (405) 282-RIDE.
John Schneider of the ‘Dukes of Hazard’ television fame coming to the Edmond area this weekend.
Letter writer’s tone was off base EDITOR, I was very disappointed to read Mr. Randel Shadid’s letter (“Columnist Misses Mark on the Law Dec. 31) of complaint regarding Steve Gust’s Dec. 17 column. The tenor and tone of that letter of complaint is exactly what is not needed in America today. The demeaning and personal attack he made does nothing toward healing the divide that exists between the two sides of the political spectrum and I am very surprised Mr. Shadid
Letter to the Editor would be so petty and combative. Apparently Mr. Shadid does not realize that there are others in this community who do not think as highly of him as he does. LLOYD BIGGERS
Editor’s Note: Please see Pages 10, 11 and 12 for additional commentary and a Letter to the Editor concerning last week’s violent protest in Washington D.C.
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.
Page 10 • January 14, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Speech curbs alarming Someone posted elsewhere For about as long as I rewondering how big tech can take member, I've always been down Parler and not a pornograinterested in the First phy site? Amendment. Exactly who will be making I believe the banning of the decisions on which Internet Trump and others on social pages get taken down? And media is a free speech inwhat will be the reasons? fringement. Perhaps a Christian page ofI may be wrong but technically this isn’t censorship, Steve Gust fends a Silicon Valley executive. Bye bye Christian pages. since it isn’t the government One thing is true. Speech does have imposing its will on people. Although as cozy as big tech is with its limit. The old axiom is always true. government, it is really walking on thin You can't scream "fire" in a crowded theater, if our theaters ever open ice. again. I remember going through this deStill I have to believe we want to be bate years ago about country music real careful before banning speech. It stations yanking Dixie Chicks records from the air. The performers came out reminds me of the visiting priest I mentioned in this column a few years ago. against President Bush and the Iraq At one time the guy led a parish in war and that upset some country music fans. They wanted radio stations Cuba. He had to submit a copy of his sermon to the government prior to to boycott the Dixie Chicks. Censorpreaching it on Sunday. I wonder what ship was alleged. Then again private the penalty would be for not submitradio stations can play what they deem, although the FCC obviously has ting a sermon for approval. I wouldn’t want to see something some stations. like that happen in America. Also, at the beginning of this week, I noticed Parler, an alternative to Twitter, was taken down. (Steve Gust may be reached at That’s interesting also. news@edmondpaper.com)
Sen. Lankford reflects back on Jan. 6 event I am aware this is a long letter, but it is a serious issue that requires a serious response. Jan. 6, 2021, was a terrible day for our country and for our democracy. Americans do not all agree, but we settle issues through elections, legislation, and conversation. Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Obviously that did not happen January 6. At 1 p.m. eastern, the Joint Session of Congress started normally. Within a few minutes, a small group of Senators and House members, including
me, challenged the election of Arizona to start a two-hour debate in each chamber on election integrity. About 30 minutes into the debate in the Senate, I stepped up to speak. I gave some background on how an election challenge has happened to the last three Republican presidents and how previous Democratic Senators have challenged electors in 1969 and 2005. I stated my desire to get all the facts out about any election problems in the country for the sake of transparency and building trust for people who do not believe this year’s election was fair. As I started to transition
my speech into specific election irregularities and my call for a 10day commission to audit the election results, Secret Service ran into the chamber and removed the Vice President from the presiding desk, then the presiding officer gaveled the Senate into a recess and a floor staff member came to me and told me that protesters were in the building. None of us had any idea what was going on outside the Senate chamber. But within a few minutes, the protests had turned very violent around the Senate, and security was forced to move all Senators and staff out of the Capitol for our safety. For the next five hours, they kept all of us secure in a separate building while Capitol police worked to clear the Capitol building after rioters trashed multiple offices, broke windows, and occupied the Capitol. Those painful images will forever be burned into my mind. I am very grateful for the Capitol police, Secret Service, area law enforcement, and National Guard who all played a part in securing the Capitol during such a tumultuous time. They were professional but clearly overwhelmed at the size and determination of those coming to occupy the Capitol. Violence and terror are not acceptable ways of handling disagreements. In fact, they completely undermine any peaceful conversation to get answers and enact reforms. Doing the right thing is important, but it must be done in the right way. When we were fi-
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Why you should get the COVID-19 vaccination Dr. Raghuveer Vedala For yourself and for your community: Why you should get vaccinated against COVID-19 when you can Protecting our friends and neighbors is every person’s responsibility. Never has that duty been more vital than during the Dr. Vedala COVID-19 pandemic. Our state currently ranks third in the nation for virus-related hospitalizations, according to a White House Coronavirus Task Force report issued in December. Although several vaccines have been approved for distribution to the general public in 2021, disinformation has made the choice to get vaccinated unusually convoluted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms we will need a vaccination rate of at least 70% to avoid future community spread. Falsities circulating on social media about the vaccine hamper our society’s ability to resume normal life. We can all agree that COVID-19 has changed our lives, from the ways we work and study to the activities that make us who we are, like church and sports attendance. For others, it has permanently altered families, with death, grief and devastating medical debt. Through the same approval protocol used to vaccinate against many diseases, the vaccine offered to the public will be safe, effective and the main component in being able to move forward. As a family medicine doctor, I chose to return to
Oklahoma after completing my residency in Kansas to serve the community that raised me. I want to see my family members and friends living healthy lives in the town we share, instead of seeing them among the patients that come into health system clinics. Individuals getting vaccinated will decrease the burden of COVID-related admissions and emergency room visits on medical facilities and improve access to care for people experiencing other health emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes and life-threatening medical events that require personnel and supplies for treatment. Guidelines for COVID treatment and vaccinations are rapidly changing. Currently, the only absolute contraindication to getting the vaccine are allergic reactions to the mRNA vaccine itself or its components. The general recommendations at this time for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, are immunocompromised due to a health condition or medication, or have an autoimmune condition, is to consider receiving the vaccine after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. By getting the vaccine, we contribute to Herd Immunity. When enough of a population become immune to a disease, it decreases the spread of the disease, providing protection for the entire community. I had the opportunity to be vaccinated Dec. 17 during the first wave of immunizations available for healthcare workers. The process was simple and I was provided with explanatory handouts about the vaccine that included an overview, possi-
ble side effects and a list of its ingredients. These handouts are available now at the Oklahoma State Department of Health Website. We stayed at the facility for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine so the personnel could monitor us for any immediate allergic reactions. I also received a QR code with information about VAERs (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) with a direct link to the website to report any symptoms to researchers tasked with continually monitoring the vaccine. While I noticed some pain at the injection site for a few days, it was very minor. I also experienced some mild fatigue that evening followed by morning headaches for a couple of days that went away with some coffee and ibuprofen. If you’re like me and experience some mild side effects, that is still much better than getting COVID or passing it along to someone who cannot recover as well as you do. I have heard that the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine has more side effects than the first but remain confident that it is still preferable to experiencing the virus and possibly spreading it to others. After getting vaccinated, I updated my status on my own Social Media platforms and noticed that my followers began asking a series of similar questions, like “What’s actually in the shot?” and “Can I get sick with COVID-19 from having the vaccine?” The public should know that these immunizations do not contain preservatives and actually have pharmaceutical ingredients that are various forms of fats, sugars and salts, along with the
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Club says Lankford has partial fault for Jan. 6 EDITOR, After the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol, as the leaders of the 557 members of the Edmond Democratic Women (EDW) group, we wanted to voice our concern about the seditious actions of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C. A letter that one of our members sent to Senator James Lankford best represents our members’ concerns. Jana Harkins, an EDW member and President of the Oklahoma Federation of Democratic Women submitted the following via email Friday to the office of Senator James Lankford: Sir: After reading the lengthy 1/7/2021 Special Edition of the Lankford Letter, I am reaching out to share my thoughts. Despite your ramblings and outright misstatements, Senator, you have blood on your hands. No amount of exhortation and propaganda will absolve you of liability. You and your self-serving colleagues have without due regard to our laws and regulations propped up the vicious lies and illegal acts of the Trump Administration. Collectively and individually, you fueled the treasonous acts of the mob that ran amok through our U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. The 2021 Insurrection was televised, and we watched in horror. What we saw was domestic terrorism and you now can add this to your resume. The 74.2 million Americans who voted for the reelection of Trump are obviously not happy. They were outvoted by the 81.3 million Americans that cast their votes for Presidentelect Biden. That is how democracy works. You win some; you lose some; and you regroup and move forward. Unfortunately, many of those who voted for Trump have been led to believe that the election was stolen from them. They have now descended into anarchy; a rebellion to “Stop the Steal.” Watching the insurrection unfold on live TV was more unnerving than viewing an episode of the Twilight Zone or reading a Stephen King novel. African Americans and other people of color have historically faced unprecedented challenges with registering to vote and significant barriers to casting their votes during elections throughout the history of our country. Their attempts to peacefully protest were historically met with mob violence—much of which was led by law enforcement and politicians. However, the truly disenfranchised have pursued change through legislation, the courts, political action, and the election process. A great example is how following the 2018 gubernatorial race many of the citizens of Georgia used their collective power for voter education, voter registration, and voter mobilization and created change in their state that will have significant impact for our entire country over the next few years. In your latest newsletter, you mention Stacey Abrams’ run for governor in 2018. What you failed to mention
Vaccine mRNA protein component. The vaccine does not use a live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. The symptoms you feel after are not COVID itself but your body’s reaction to the protein in order to build immunity. The vaccine is not thought to increase risk of infertility, based on mechanism of action of the vaccine and its safety profile. While efficacy and side effects are similar between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, Pfizer’s vaccine is given in two doses about a month apart and the Moderna version is a single dose. If you have questions about the vaccine, please talk with your doctor. She or he can point you in the direction of reputable data
Lankford
nally able to regather in the Senate chamber six hours later, we were determined to finish the debate and Letter to the Editor count the electoral votes. I had worked for a week to build a coaliwas that Ms. Abrams lost the Geortion around a simple idea to pause gia governorship by approximately 55,000 votes. Her opponent success- the electoral count for 10 days to give time for additional review of fully purged 1.4 million voters from the election. This was designed to the rolls and reduced the number of honor the constitutional requirepolling places and voting machines ment that states select their elecserving Black and poor communities. tors, not Congress; but also give As a result, many Black Georgians states more time to resolve any rewho could still legally vote waited in maining questions. People have long lines for many, many hours to questions, and they legitimately devote or gave up and went home. serve answers. Instead of focusing on her right to By the time we started floor debe governor, Ms. Abrams and Fair bate, we were certain our idea was Fight Action concentrated on the not going to be successful. After the right to vote for Georgians histoririot in the Capitol, not only did I cally disenfranchised. One million know the commission would not new voters have been registered to pass, I also knew delaying the vote vote in Georgia since 2016. The mowould only add more uncertainty bilization of the disenfranchised is and opportunities for risk in our nawhat drives the mob that invaded tion. Rioters interrupted and deour Capitol to insurrection. The treastroyed an opportunity to have a sonous mob glamourizes “the good old days” and feels that their violence serious dialogue on election issues in the days ahead. Any hope of getwill result in a return to the status ting resolution in the next few days quo. They will never understand or was gone. So, after making the moaccept that a new day has come if tion to challenge the electors in the those in power—like you, Senator Lankford—fill their heads with dreams House, I voted to accept the electors in the Senate debate. I was also that the Confederacy will rise again. able to finish speaking in the Senate You, your colleagues, and the chamber about the violence that inTrump Mob can try to cloak your terrupted our debate and the conracism and privilege beneath the tinued importance of election 2020 presidential election; but what transparency. you cannot do is cover the blood on I believe this was the right choice your hands that was spilled at our for Oklahoma and the nation. We U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January absolutely had voting issues in No6, 2021. Your reckoning is forthcomvember that need to be addressed, ing. Your self-serving ambitions have tainted your constitutional obligation but the only way to resolve those isto protect our Republic. You have de- sues consistent with the Constituceived the American public. You have tion was to create a commission because the Constitution does not mispresented the facts. You say that allow Congress or the Vice Presiyour actions were never intended to dent to just decide to reject certioverturn an election. Yet your carefied state electors. Vice President fully crafted words fueled the flame Pence addressed the issue of his role of discontent and anarchy. You proin the elector certification process moted false hope to a mob of insuras President of the Senate in a letter rectionists. to Congress. If you want to read his Like many, I have no doubt that letter, please CLICK HERE. Jan. 6, 2021 will live in infamy. I Free and fair elections are at the thank God that our democracy surheart of our democracy, and regardvived this unprecedented assault. Like many, I also believe that we will con- less of our political affiliation or who we voted for, it is absolutely tinue to experience these riotous beessential that our elections are safe haviors. You and your colleagues could come clean and stop hiding the and secure and that we can be confident in the results — no matter truth and your sensibility between who the winner is. The integrity of rhetoric and innuendo. In plain Engour system depends on it — now lish and few words, you should deand in the future. nounce Trump and the attempts to This was about every election in smear the 2020 election process. the future of our country. DemandYour imaginings and speculations are ing elections to be fair and transpartreasonous and unjustly calls into ent is not an obscure issue; it is an question the integrity of the 81.3 milAmerican issue. In normal days it is lion voters who stood up for our also a bipartisan issue. Two years democracy and voted against the ago, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Trump Administration on Tuesday, Warren, Ron Wyden, and Amy Nov. 3, 2020. Klobuchar sent a letter about their You owe us an apology or a resigconcerns for electronic voting manation. Only then can absolution by the voters began for the blood spilled chines, including Dominion voting. They wrote: on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. We are particularly concerned that secretive and ‘trouble-plagued compaSincerely, nies,’ owned by private equity firms Gwen E. Shaw and responsible for manufacturing President of Edmond Democratic and maintaining voting machines and Women other election administration equipment, ‘have long skimped on security Krista M. Jones, DDS in favor of convenience,’ leaving votPresident-elect of Edmond Demoing systems across the country ‘prone cratic Women to security problems.’ Four years ago, after allegations of foreign interference and questions that arose after the 2016 elecFrom Page 10 tion, I worked earnestly to ensure our elections are safe. I was one of the first authors of major election from experts. security legislation and worked with Please, have a little faith in us as the Trump Administration to enact doctors and trust the science that several major reforms to our voting prevents you from ever getting sick systems including ensuring that enough to need us. Medical professionals are getting vaccinated and we states could conduct paper ballot are here to help — but I hope you will audits and that state election secuchoose to protect yourself and others rity officials could access classified information in regards to threats as well. The vaccine is the best way against their systems. We have currently that we know how. made progress, but any accusation -----of fraud and irregularities is too Dr. Raghuveer Vedala is a family many, and we have much work to medicine specialist with the OU do in the days ahead. Health Services Family Medicine at Rumor Clarification OU Health Science Center and memLet me take a minute to clarify ber of the Oklahoma Alliance for some rumors and ideas: I have Healthy Families whose mission is to talked to friends who have told me provide science-based information this is such a critical and urgent moabout vaccines.
From Page 10 ment that we should ignore the Constitution and the law to save the election and keep President Trump in office. I have even had people tell me that, “They cheated first, so we don’t have to follow the law anymore.” I have also had people tell me that Congress is the last line of defense from our nation becoming a socialist nation so you need to do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening, including overturning the state’s electors. I wholeheartedly disagree. I will not violate the Constitution to save the Constitution. I took an oath to defend the Constitution, and I have a responsibility to not ignore the questions and the problems. I will also not sit idly by if individuals or groups have committed voter fraud. In Oklahoma we typically have about 50 people a year that commit voter fraud, like voting twice in an election. Those individuals are turned over to local district attorneys for investigation and prosecution, which is entirely appropriate. I have spent weeks going through the statements of fact, accusations of fraud, court cases, the law on elections, and talking with election officials. I have spoken with numerous legal scholars about this question. This issue is not as simple as some pundits on television make it sound, on either side of the issue. Even after the lawsuits and the state determinations, there are legitimate questions that still exist. This was the heart of my I announcement on Jan. 1, 2021, that I would support an election commission to conduct a 10-day review of state results and determine the actual facts to be presented back to the states to make a final determination on their electors. The idea of the commission was based on the election commission of 1877 after the disputed election of 1876. In that election, four states (Oregon, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina) had questions of election fraud that Congress had to resolve. It was a complicated mess. Congress created a 15-member commission (five Senators, five House Members, and five Supreme Court Justices) to make recommendations on how to resolve the dispute. They completed their work before the constitutionally mandated inauguration day. Several of my Senate colleagues and I asked for the same format, a 15-person commission, limited to 10 days of work to complete an investigation before the Jan. 20 inauguration. The commission cannot select the next president; it can only do fact or fiction research and work to put rumors and allegations to rest so states can make their determination on what to do with that information according to the Constitution. That is the way to really solve this challenge. Fighting doesn’t help our nation; solving the problem helps our nation and brings truth to light. My goal was never to put our constitutional system at risk, nor was it ever to overturn an election; it was to get the facts into the open and allow the truth to direct our steps. I am well aware that some in our state have said — along with the national media — that more than 50 court cases have already settled this election. The problem with that argument is that clearly they haven’t. Thousands of people still have questions. Congress did not agree to hold a 10-day election commission regarding voting irregularities this year, and the Senate and House have completed deliberation and certified the states’ electors. On Jan. 20, President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Let me also provide some historical election context that the media has not provided on challenging electors. On Jan. 6, 1969, 33 Senators challenged a “faithless elector” from
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The opulent grounds of the late-Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch
Jackson’s ‘Neverland’ sells for $22 million No longer the wicked real estate stepmother that has been on the market since 2015, Michael Jackson’s storied 2,700-acre Neverland Ranch has, at long last, sold for $22 million - a $78 million reduction from the original ask. Michael designed Neverland as the childhood amusement park he wished he could have had growing up in Gary, Indiana. One of ten children born to a steel-worker father who was also a parttime-musician, and a stay-at-home mother who had country singing aspirations, Neverland had everything to fascinate a child: carnival rides, an electric train ride and a plethora of zoo animals. After his death in 2009, the ranch was stripped of every reminder of Jackson’s tenure there and renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch, its former name. It was put on the market in 2015 at an initial price of $100 million.
Located on the edge of a national forest, Jackson first saw the ranch in 1983 when he visited Paul McCartney who was staying there while filming a video. In 1988, Jackson purchased the ranch from land-developer William Bone. Bone had bought Sycamore Valley Ranch in 1981, moved in with his family and worked with architect Robert Altevers to design all of the buildings from ideas Bone was unable to use in his real estate business. Today, the buildings consist of the 12,000square-foot main house, a four-bedroom guest house, a two-bedroom guest house, several barns, animal shelter facilities and a maintenance shop. The main house, designed in French Normandy style, has large rooms including formal living and dining, multiple fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen which can also be used for large functions. There
Lankford From Page 10 North Carolina, an elector that was pledged for Nixon, but actually voted for Wallace. It was the first time in history that a Representative and a Senator had challenged an elector under the 1887 Electoral Count Act. That national conversation led to changes in state laws around the country that banned electors from changing their votes after the election. In fact, Oklahoma banned “faithless electors” in 2013. That electoral challenge of more than 30 Senators in 1969 did not destroy our Republic, it strengthened it. On Jan. 6, 2005, California Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer challenged the electors in Ohio because she believed that urban minority neighborhoods had too few polling locations compared to non-minority neighborhoods. She was not wrong. Her electoral count protest pushed many states to provide more urban locations for voting. That electoral contest did not destroy our democracy or throw out an election; it improved our democracy. In 2018, Stacey Abrams ran for governor of Georgia. After the election, she complained bitterly about Georgia election systems and election law. Two years later, she still has not conceded the race. Last year, the Democratic caucus in Iowa was an electoral disaster. It took almost a month to get the results after Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders called for multiple recounts. It was never fully resolved to the satisfaction of either. To say there are no issues is turning a blind eye to an imperfect system. We must all work together to ensure that regardless of your political affiliation that your vote matters. Most Oklahomans know me well enough to know that I do not run to the microphone first and then
think second. I have a responsibility to get the facts straight and a constitutional obligation to protect our Republic. My decision to ask for an electoral commission to review the facts of this election before it was finalized was not done flippantly, nor was it intended to overturn an election. It was an opportunity to put the facts on the table in front of the American people and allow our nation to settle an election. The turmoil of the 2020 election should not be allowed to happen again. Americans do not demand perfection, but we do demand we learn from our mistakes. States could immediately convene hearings and/or put legislation forward to address the vulnerabilities that this election exposed, and Congress needs to incentivize the states that actually step up to fix the problems. I’m already working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to make these changes. If you have read this letter to the end, I am grateful. We may not all agree on every aspect of this issue, but you deserve to know my perspective and my reasons for challenging the election results this year. I am passionate about our Republic, as obviously you are. As a nation, we have lost trust in some of our institutions of government, and I am convinced that it does not get better until we have the maximum amount of transparency and the all aspects of government working with the highest amount of integrity. We may not always agree, but I can assure you that I am always working to help us make a more perfect union. I pray we never have another day at the US Capitol like January 6, 2021. Please feel free to contact me or my office at any time if I can serve you and our state in the days ahead.
are six bedrooms, one of which is a two-story master suite with a fireplace in the sitting room, two large baths and cedar walk-in closets. One of the closets contains a hidden safe room. Grounds contain a free-form swimming pool, large covered barbecue area, basketball court, tennis court and a 50-seat movie theater with a private balcony and stage. The four-acre lake also has a fountain. The ranch was purchased by billionaire-businessman Ron Burkle who was a former associate of Jackson. Burkle built his fortune by buying and selling grocery store chains and is invested in U.K. and U.S. talent agencies. He has purchased several other unique homes including Bob Hope’s spaceship-looking home in Palm Springs and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Mayan-Revival Ennis House in Los Angeles. Burkle is also part owner of the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 14, 2021 • Page 13
For LifeShare, a record year of saving lives LifeShare of Oklahoma announced last week that 2020 was a recordbreaking year for saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the healthcare system. LifeShare is the organization in Oklahoma that facilities organ, eye and tissue donation, and helped 508 individuals to receive lifesaving organ transplants in 2020 – an increase of 5% over 2019. In total, 532 organs were transplanted as some patients receive multiple organs in one operation. This was all made possible by the generosity of 215 organ donors, 9% more donors than the previous year. Also, a more than 20% increase in the number of tissue and cornea donors means healing and restored sight to more than 82,000 people worldwide. LifeShare partnered with Oklahoma’s hospitals and transplant centers as well
as transplant centers across the nation to achieve this unprecedented number of donations and transplants. In 2020, LifeShare was again among the nation’s top performing organ procurement organizations. “This record-breaking year is in large part in thanks to the commitment and the energy shown by our hospital partners, board, volunteers, staff and friends,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “Our work is only made possible by the selfless donors and their generous families who make a powerful decision to save and heal lives. Our success is a celebration of our donors and their families, and an acknowledgement of their life saving and healing gifts.” Throughout 2020, LifeShare also worked to increase the awareness about organ donation. As a result of these efforts, more than 64% of Oklahomans are currently registered to
be organ donors, which is higher than the national average. With the number of people waiting for a transplant far exceeding the organs, eye and tissue that are available – the need is great. Nationally, more than 108,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant. At least 20 will die each day without receiving a lifesaving gift. For every person who becomes an organ and tissue donor, 75
lives can be saved or dramatically improved. “Although 2020 was an exceptional year for organ and tissue donation in Oklahoma, LifeShare also recognizes that more than 600 people in the state are currently waiting on life saving transplants,” Orlowski said. “In 2021, LifeShare will continue to do what we do best: Save Lives through Donation.”
Page 14 • January 14, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
An entertaining & emotional western By George Gust “News of the World” is a new Western film that finds director Paul Greengrass (“United 93” “The Bourne Ultimatum”) and star Tom Hanks. Five years after the end of the Civil War, Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks) crosses paths with a 10year-old girl (Helena Zengel) taken by the Kiowa people. Forced to return to her aunt and uncle, Kidd agrees to escort the child across the harsh and unforgiving plains of Texas. However, the long journey soon turns into a fight for survival as the traveling companions encounter danger at every turn -- both human and natural. “News of the World” is a traditional western road trip movie that harkens back to a time that traveling across a state would take weeks and you heard the news maybe once a month. If you’re a sucker for the horses, wild western vistas, and the occasional tense gunfight, “News of the World” delivers for you. The story isn’t groundbreaking, but for how little Hollywood makes western movies nowadays its always nice to simply return to the grizzled western movie formula. Sure, you’ve seen the kind of episodic western, but as Hanks and Zengel traverse the harsh Texas landscape and encounter different kinds of challenges,
you get the feeling that Greengrass and Hanks put in genuine passion into making this film. Hanks is at an interesting point in his illustrious career; nothing to prove and still challenging himself to work with many different collaborators and taking different kind of roles. “News of the World” features Hanks in his most paternal role of his career with the familiar trappings of the classic American western. And throughout the film, Hanks and Zengel create a natural chemistry as their characters are bonded by loss in their past and are forced to work together as they encounter a range of difficulties from speaking different languages to dealing with nefarious characters who
wish to do them harm on the long Texas road. And Zengel has the arduous task of walking the fine line of portraying a young girl who’s seen more trauma in her young life than most of us will see in a lifetime, that could have come off as overthe-top, but in this performance feels more complex. Overall, “News of the World” is an entertaining and emotional western that successfully hits on all the tropes of the western genre. “News of the World” might not be someone looking for a breezy piece of moviemaking, as this film is never afraid of taking its time with a slower pace and explores the grim realities of the harsh wilderness in post Civil War Texas, however fans of the genre will find much to enjoy. “News of the World” is rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, thematic material and some language. 4 out of 5 stars.
To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Check out George’s previous reviews on www.edmondlifeandleisure.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Tom Hanks and the Helena Zengel traverse the harsh landscape of post Civil War Texas in a familiar yet effectively emotional Western ‘News of the World.’
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD Theme: The Grammy Awards
Answers appearing on Page 19
ESA winner Ada Blankenship, a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s International Service Organization, won the traveling basket this month at the Gamma Zeta meeting. The cozy winter basket was loaded with a warm, fuzzy throw, hot cocoa, a decorated mug, and a box of hot cocoa. The traveling basket is used by the club each month as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. Raffle tickets are sold and the winner is announced at the end of each meeting. The winner is responsible to restock the next month’s basket with goodies for the next lucky Gamma Zeta member. ESA Edmond charities include UR Special, Coffee Creek Riding Stables, Boys' Ranch Town, Free to Live, Salvation Army, and No Boundaries. The state projects are Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma and Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee, Ok. St. Jude Children Research Hospital is the national project. The traveling basket is just one of the fun ways our members help one another and the community. If you are interested in joining this energetic group, please call Deb Kukuk at 405-226-4473.
ACROSS 1. Nothing-but-net in basketball 6. "Zip it!" 9. The ____ in Switzerland 13. Ann Patchett's novel "Bel ____" 14. "Mele Kalikimaka" wreath 15. Ten million, in India 16. Fire in one's soul 17. Crematorium jar 18. Trail follower 19. *Artist with most 2021 Grammy nominations 21. *Powerhouse Award 2020 winner with six 2021 nominations 23. *____ Sayer's "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" 24. Pettifoggery 25. Lending letters 28. "Through" in text 30. Butcher's discards 35. Fortune-telling coffee remnant 37. Crew equipment 39. Asian goat antelope 40. "Polar Express" roof rider 41. Toughness 43. *Two-time Grammy winner Kelly 44. Watch word? 46. *Best New Artist nominee Cyrus 47. "Clueless" catch phrase 48. *Black Pumas' nominated record 50. Hand-medown 52. NYC time zone 53. *____ Loaf, winner of one Grammy 55. Nirvana's "Come as You ____" 57. *Post Malone's twice-nominated work 61. *Venue of 2021 Grammy Awards 65. Dig, so to speak 66. Reunion bunch 68. Silk-patterned fabric 69. On Elsa of Arendelle's head 70. Historical period 71. Join the cast
of, two words 72. Balkan native 73. Dog's greeting 74. Bed cover DOWN 1. Union foe 2. Stuff for sale, sing. 3. Capital of Indiana, for short 4. Counter seat 5. "The Green ______" 6. Swerve 7. *"I Can't Breathe" artist 8. Delhi language 9. Seed coat 10. Trickster in Norse mythology 11. Like "Dead Poets Society" school 12. Blood fluids 15. Winnowing remains, pl. 20. Salmon variety, pl. 22. Flying saucer acronym 24. Event attendance 25. Kind of committee, two words 26. Movie trailer, e.g. 27. He had no cause? 29. *"____ on Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
31. Cheese on Peloponnese 32. "...when out on the lawn there ____ such a clatter..." 33. Large-eyed lemur 34. *"Folklore" nominee and recipient of 10 Grammys 36. Nancy Sinatra's boots 38. Sinbad's seven 42. Semolina source 45. Cloth armband 49. Get the picture 51. Movie genre, pl. 54. Off kilter 56. Longer than #70 Across 57. A and B, e.g. 58. Doing nothing 59. *Katy Perry's 2013 Grammy-nominated song 60. Stewie Griffin's bed 61. Unforeseen obstacle 62. Low-cal 63. One of Great Lakes 64. Email folder 67. Composer Gershwin
See Answers Page19
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 14, 2021 • Page 15
Supergrain Quinoa
Supergrain quinoa is anything but blah By Carol Smaglinski Looking for protein, but in something other than in meat or eggs? Then turn to quinoa (pronounced keen waugh), a “supergrain,” which might be a little unfamiliar to those who are stuck on rice. One-pound bags of white quinoa are easy to find in the organic section and you don’t have to go prowling around in a specialty food store anymore. But pack your bags, because you are going on a trip; well, in time anyway. More than 5,000 years ago, in the northern part of South America, the tiny sand-colored grain was so highly valued by the people, they named it the Mother Grain. Well deserved! Quinoa, a nutritional powerhouse, is known to be higher in protein, calcium and iron than other grain. Plus, it is relatively high in three amino acids - lysine, cysteine and methionine. Best of all, it is gluten free and is a member of the spinach family. In addition, it is not difficult to cook up in a matter of minutes as it really plumps up, but there
are a few procedures that you should pay attention to before you begin. Even the bag has a caution warning on the back telling us that the quinoa must be rinsed completely a few times to remove all foreign materials and bitter-tasting saponins. Each grain is covered with a resin-like soapy substance called saponin, which serves as a natural protection from birds, rodents, insects and radiation from high altitude sun. Be assured that most of this has been removed by the producer before it comes to market, however, your best bet is to place the grain in a strainer and rinse under cold running water until it runs clear. r. Just before cooking the quinoa, dry it in paper toweling and then saute it in a dry skillet for added flavor. Give it your full attention, or you’ll risk burning it. In a fowl mood? Serve it as a side with poultry, beef or pork and it is delicious in curries or as a salad ingredient. Soon enough, you’ll be keen on quinoa. By the way, pilaf (also pronounced pilaw) is a classic recipe from the Middle East. Typically it be-
Heritage Hall names Carolan next head of middle school Heritage Hall is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Carolan as its next Head of Middle School, effective July 1. Carolan succeeds Ron Allie, who will retire June 30, after leading the Heritage Hall Middle School for more than four decades. Carolan comes to Heritage Hall from The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City, Mo where he has served as a faculty member since 2000 and as an administrator since 2005 – most recently as the English department chair and Assistant Head of Middle School. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in fiction and literature from Bennington College (Bennington, VT), and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature with a minor in Russian from the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS). Carolan’s selection follows a national search led by Head of School Nick Carter. A strong candidate throughout the search process, Carolan garnered the enthusiastic recommendation of Carter and the search committee. “True educators lead by revealing who they are; they motivate others to learn, they believe in each child’s worth, and they understand that educating the mind without character education falls short of the mission. Heritage Hall is excited to have a true educator in Matthew to inspire our best and noblest efforts, and to value each student, parent, supporter, and employee,” Carter observed. In accepting the appointment, Carolan said, “I have always believed a truly great education begins with a caring, close-knit community in which everybody is known, valued, and
Carolan’s selection follows a national search led by Head of School Nick Carter. A strong candidate throughout the search process, Carolan garnered the enthusiastic recommendation of Carter and the search committee. honored. As the interview process unfolded, I felt myself becoming part of a team and community I wanted to join. The faculty are kind, inquisitive, and passionate about their craft. I found the academic, artistic, and athletic elements woven into the very soul of the School. These elements are also wonderfully expressed by the School’s all-encompassing Charger Code, urging all to learn with honor, to lead with courage, and to serve with compassion,” Carolan concluded. Heritage Hall President Guy Bramble commented, “Matthew Carolan is a quintessential school man – a master of his subject, and utterly devoted to his students. For 43 years – a tenure unheard of in the independent school world – Ron Allie led the Middle School with grace and dedication. Filling those shoes will be an enormous challenge, but Matthew is up to the task.” Joining Carolan in his transition to Oklahoma City and Heritage Hall will be his wife, Beth, and two sons, Alexander and William, who are both in college.
gins with the rice or quinoa being browned in butter or oil before covering it with stock. Quinoa Pilaf with Veggies 1-¾ cup water or chicken stock for more flavor 1 cup quinoa, rinsed but uncooked 1 or 2 Tbsp. butter, your call ½ cup each diced red and green pepper ½ cup each, chopped carrots and celery 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan, or any hard cheese you can grate Salt and freshly ground pepper In a medium saucepan, mix water and quinoa over medium heat. Let boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes. Take off heat. Meanwhile,find a heavier skillet, add butter and vegetables and cook for a few minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 60 seconds. Mix in quinoa, add cheese and seasonings, Serve piping hot.
Matthew Carolan
next head of middle school at Heritage Hall
Page 16 • January 14, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Concerning COVID-19 relief On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CCA). Within the 5,000 pages of this robust legislation, Lindstorm the COVID-related Tax Relief (CTRA) Act of 2020 contains many provisions designed to help individuals navigate the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Is a second stimulus check being issued and, if so, who is eligible? Yes. A second economic impact payment (EIP) of $600 ($1,200 for a married couple filing a joint return) and $600 for each dependent child was authorized. Direct deposits and mailing of paper checks began on Dec. 30, 2020. This money is a nontaxable advance payment of the Recovery Rebate Credit that will be calculated on the 2020 Form 1040. Not everyone will see the full payment because this credit is subject to income limitations. If the adjusted gross income (AGI) is greater than $75,000 for single individuals, $150,000 for married filing joint, and $112,500 for head of household there is a phase out range which will reduce the amount of the credit and thus, the stimulus check received. If a taxpayer did not receive the payments, or received less than the maximum amount, the credit will be calculated on the 2020 return and the additional money, if applicable, will be refunded. This includes both the first payment authorized in March 2020 and the second payment authorized in December 2020. What has changed with charitable deductions? In March 2020 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act increased the limit of charitable giving, for those that itemize, from 60% of AGI to 100% of AGI. For those that do not itemize, the CARES Act allowed for an “above-the-line” adjustment to income of $300 for charitable gifts made, in cash, to a qualified charity. The CTRA has since extended this adjustment to tax years beginning after December 30, 2020 and increased the amount to $600 for a joint return. Be careful, the penalty for misreporting this deduction has also increased so keep your receipts. What are some other changes affecting individuals?
Arledge Q&A Typically, any unused funds in a health or dependent care flex spending account (FSA) are subject to tight rollover limitations and grace period rules. For plan years ending in 2020 and 2021, the CTRA removed the carryover cap of $550 as well as extended the grace period from 2.5 months to 12 months. These options give employees a full additional year to utilize unused amounts in their FSA accounts. For those eligible for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), the CTRA has included a “look-back” provision which allows the taxpayer to use their 2019 income to calculate the amount of credit. This option may result in a higher credit. For educators, the $250 (max) adjustment to income for “qualified educator expenses” now includes personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of COVID-10. How about student loan forgiveness? The CARES Act temporarily suspended federal student loan payments, stopped collections on defaulted loans, and temporarily set interest rates to 0%. Amidst these changes, many were hoping the new legislation would bring further changes and a provision for student loan forgiveness. Unfortunately, this did not happen and there is no new legislation regarding forgiveness of federal student loan debt. Jen Lindstrom, CPA, is a tax supervisor at Arledge and Associates, PC, an Edmond-based accounting firm. Arledge and Associates, PC 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. Through its Gateway Executive Solutions division, the firm offers outsourced CFO, controller and cloud-based accounting solutions. 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.
Beware of virus scams As you make every effort to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, it is also important to be aware of those who are taking advantage of the pandemic through fraud and scams. Much like the other efforts you are taking to stay safe right now, there are simple ways to avoid fraud and scams. This starts with being informed and ensuring those who are most vulnerable — like elderly family members or neighbors — know when a phone call, text message, email or visit to the home may be suspicious. Here are some tips, from Integis Health, to protect you and your loved ones against scams: Never share your personal, medical, or financial information, including Social Security, credit or bank card numbers, by email, text message, or over the phone with someone that you do not know. Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers or numbers that appear suspicious. Scammers will often try to get important information or immediate payment over the phone. Only share personal or payment information with people or companies you know. Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money—this includes the IRS
or departments of health. Be wary of phone calls from people claiming to be from your health care provider or other agency. You can call your provider’s office to verify their identity. Be wary of links in text messages or emails. If a friend sends you a text or email with a suspicious link that seems out of character, make a call to ensure they sent you the email and weren’t hacked. Always check a charity’s website or even call before donating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), departments of health, and other government agencies will never send someone to your home without making an appointment. Always check your Health Plan Payment Summary (explanation of benefits) to see if there are any services that you do not recognize. Cyber and consumer fraud is a crime, so legal authorities should be alerted to investigate and prevent incidents. Report potential consumer frauds and concerns about identity theft to the Oklahoma Attorney General at: Consumer Protection Unit consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov 405-521-2029
COVID survivor taking fitness resolutions slower When Jeff Greenlee picked up a Boston Marathon souvenir shirt for his 2014 race, he never imagined the most significant steps he would take in it would be in a hospital. The 58-year-old marathoner from Altus, Okla., was hospitalized for a week with Covid-19 in November. Covid-related pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome wreaked havoc on his body, so when it came time for his first walk through the halls of Jackson County Memorial Hospital, Greenlee says, “I had to put on something to motivate me better than the hospital gown.” More than 300,000 Oklahomans like Greenlee have now tested positive for Covid-19. While many will contemplate returns to exercise routines in the new year, experts at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and Greenlee agree: Don’t rush it. “A short, slow walk down the street with my wife was the goal,” said Greenlee of the days after his discharge. His wife Lisa, also a runner, had a less severe bout of the virus. The pair found those early excursions frustratingly tiring; Greenlee often needed to supplement his oxygen after the brief outings. Two weeks after returning home, Greenlee, who has more than a dozen marathons under his belt and a personal record of 3 hours and 24 minutes (a pace of about 7 minutes and 49 seconds per mile), recorded his first post-Covid mile on the treadmill. The time was 15 minutes, 30 seconds. “And I actually was okay with that,” he said. OMRF President Stephen M. Prescott, M.D., noted that while post-viral fatigue is not unusual, the full footprint Covid-19 may leave appears large, even if it is not yet fully understood. “Heart and lung damage are documented even in people with mild cases of the virus,” said Prescott. “That’s good reason for caution when jumping back into exercise.” In an Austrian study of 86 Covid19 patients, researchers found that six weeks after being discharged, damage from inflammation and fluid in the lungs was present in 88% of patients. After 12 weeks, that number dropped to 56%, an indication that the lungs have a mechanism to repair themselves. At the six-week mark, nearly 60% of patients in the same study showed signs of diastolic heart dysfunction that also appeared to improve with time. OMRF physician-scientist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D., said that coronavirus survivors of all fitness levels should listen to their bodies and their
Jeff Greenlee of Altus, during the 2014 Boston Marathon. He was hospitalized with Covid-19 for a week in November 2020.
doctors as they return to exercise routines. “‘Mind over matter’ doesn’t work when it comes to inflammation,” said Chakravarty. “If you feel sick, wait. Start slowly; do only 50% of your original routine. If you experience abnormal chest pain or shortness of breath, stop and contact your doctor.” Greenlee has worked up to taking two brisk walks a day near his office in downtown Altus, where he’s market president of NBC Oklahoma bank. He says he’s not ruling out another 26.2-mile finish in Boston if the race goes forward in late 2021, even if it’s slow by his standards. “If I can have that carrot dangling out there and get in a five-hour marathon, I’d do it,” he said. And for those who have avoided the virus but have fitness resolutions for the new year, Chakravarty says there’s no time like the present to start a simple exercise routine from the safety of your own home. A recent American Heart Association study added to the mounting evidence that people with obesity are more likely to be hospitalized and have poor outcomes with the virus. “Start small. Commit to taking a daily walk, or pick a short exercise video on YouTube and stick with it,” she said. “In the era of Covid-19, those changes may pay off in more ways than one.”
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 14, 2021 • Page 17
Gross receipts show 2020 slowdown As the state endured a pandemic, high unemployment and an oil downturn, Gross Receipts to the Treasury show the Oklahoma economy pulled back by almost four percent during calendar year McDaniels 2020, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week. Collections from all sources in calendar year 2020 reached $13.19 billion, down by $520.9 million, or 3.8 percent, from calendar year 2019. Gross receipts from December total $1.16 billion, below December receipts from a year ago by 4.8 million, or 0.4 percent. “The state’s economy declined in
2020, but was bolstered by the resourcefulness of Oklahomans,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “The state has exceeded expectations during a year most of us would like to forget. Hopefully, we will see improvement in the months ahead as the vaccine becomes widely available.” During the past year, the gross production tax on oil and gas took the biggest hit – down by almost $400 million and close to 40 percent. The remaining major revenue streams, including income, sales and use, and motor vehicle taxes, remained mostly flat. Individual income tax was down less than two percent for the year, while sale tax shrank by almost four percent. Motor vehicle taxes also were down for the year by more than two percent. On the positive side, corporate in-
come tax and use tax on out-of-state purchases were up by some 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively. During December, combined income tax, gross production, and motor vehicle collections were down compared to December 2019 by rates ranging from 18.6 percent for gross production to 0.8 percent for combined income tax. Combined sales and use tax collections grew by 3.6 percent, due primarily to almost 30 percent growth in use tax receipts. Other economic indicators The unemployment rate in Oklahoma was set at 5.9 percent in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s jobless rate is down from 6.1 percent in October, but up from 3.4 percent in November 2019. The seasonally adjusted number of Oklahomans listed as job-
less was reported as 109,364. The U.S. unemployment rate was set at 6.7 percent in November. The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in December rose above growth neutral after dipping in November. The December index was set at 55.9, compared to 49.4 in November. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months. December collections Compared to gross receipts from December 2019, collections in December 2020 showed: •Total December 2020 gross collections are $1.16 billion, down $4.8 million, or 0.4 percent. •Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $424.8 million, down by $3.2 million.
Stores, including Uptown, ending beer, wine sales By Steve Lackmeyer Oklahoman.com The changes are coming to two Uptown Grocery stores and the Buy For Less at 3501 NW Expressway that have joined the Pruett’s Foods chain. The stores are part of a sell-off by longtime owners Hank and Susan Binkowski who are leaving the grocery business. Some Uptown Grocery customers began to notice a dwindling supply of wine leading up to New Year's Eve. “Holy cow, what is this?” asked Mary Ann Sonntag. “We’ve lived in Oklahoma for 14 years, we live on Covell (in Edmond) so it’s a straight shot to our grocery store.” Sonntag said she chose to shop at Uptown be-
cause she wanted the option of an upscale grocery similar to those she frequented while living in other states. “We were looking for a more upscale place,” Sonntag said. “We love the store.” Uptown Grocery was among dozens of stores that added high-point beer and wine to their shelves when liquor laws changed in 2018. The store on Covell Road turned an area once dedicated to vitamins and health supplements into a display of wine and beer. Refrigerator cases also were cleared to make way for cold beer. “It’s such a stark reality,” Sonntag said. “They changed everything around the beer and wine. And now it’s gone.” Sonntag asked whether the clearance of wine
Virtual classes offered employers Francis Tuttle Technology Center is launching a monthly short-course series of virtual classes to address topical issues important to employers. The one-hour classes are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month, beginning Jan. 12. The cost for each online course is $10 per participant. “Francis Tuttle Sprints are dynamic, leadership-focused sessions designed to help businesses navigate the realworld issues they face on a daily basis,” said Krista Scammahorn, Francis Tuttle workforce development consultant. “These affordable, shortterm courses are tailor made for today’s evolving workplace.” The first course, Building Resilience, is led by Dr. Tom Massey
and will explore the meaning of resilience and offer practical ways any business can build a culture of resilience in the workplace. Additional courses include: · Feb. 9 - Leading Through Crisis led by Allyson McElroy. · Mar. 9 - Developing Your Brand led by Sean Conrad. · April 13 - Stress-free Productivity led by Krista Scammahorn. · May 11 - Feedback led by Linda Clark. · June 8 - Customer Service Master Class led by Allyson McElroy. For more information or to enroll, visit francistuttle.edu/workforce-economic-development/ft-247.
State agency hires Bailey as its next General Counsel Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready has named Kim Bailey as General Counsel for the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). Bailey currently serves as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. “I have known Kim for several years and consider her to be one of the best attorneys in state government,” Mulready said. “Kim has been a leader on Oklahoma’s COVID-19 response while working at OSDH and was instrumental in the development and success of the Worker’s Comp Commission while serving as their General Counsel and Executive Director. Her experience across state government, dedication to the law, and passion for Oklahoma make her a great asset to our team.” While at the Worker’s Comp Commission, Bailey reviewed self-insured and third-party administrator applications, implemented their electronic filing system for all workers’ compensation carriers, managed appeals to the Commission and developed final orders. Kim currently handles employment
law issues, ensures compliance with laws related to over 70 federal grants, and advises staff on a wide array of regulatory and compliance issues at the State Department of Health. This includes managing administrative hearings and litigation matters. Over the past several months, she has navigated a wide array of unprecedented legal questions arising from Oklahoma’s COVID-19 response, many of which are related to HIPAA compliance and protecting personally identifiable information (PII) under state law. Kim worked with the Governor’s team and Secretary of State’s counsel to draft emergency Executive Orders and oversaw finance’s administration of over $200M in CARES Act funds received by the state, ensuring judicious use of resources while maintaining financial transparency. “I am excited about this new challenge and look forward to working with Commissioner Mulready and the team at OID in this new role,” Bailey said. “I believe my previous roles will benefit the agency. I have always been an advocate for Oklahoma consumers and the mission is vital.”
and beer was prompted by either religion or a moral stance by the new owners. Ray Pruett responded that the elimination of wine and beer sales is a business decision and not prompted by religious or moral values. Small-town roots and values also weigh on the company choices. Pruett’s Foods dates back to 1946 when the first store was opened by Raymond and Jewel Pruett. The company is now run by their grandson, Ray Pruett, with a fourth generation joining him in growing the 10-store chain in southeast Oklahoma. “It’s something we do at our other stores,”
See Uptown, Page 19
Page 18 • January 14, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
A new year & time for new healthy habits By Brian Attebery Welcome to 2021. In the fitness industry, a New Year marks a new start for many with their fitness and health goals. This year is no exception. If anything, this year may bring a larger number of people needing to get back on track as many have stayed away from normal activities they usually partake Attebery in. Alcohol consumption is up almost 20% and mental health, suicide ideations, anxiety, depression and substance have all seen numbers increase from last year between 10-40% approximately in various categories according to the CDC. Your New Year’s Resolution should not be focused purely on the cosmetic, aesthetic elements of exercise and proper diet but the need for a comprehensive wellness improvement. We need it now more than ever. Exercise provides many benefits for our bodies. Increased metabolic rate, calorie burning, cardiovascular health, muscle tone and strength, joint stability, balance, coordination and improved posture to name a few. We also must realize the physiological adaptations that occur with stress and anxiety when we exercise. While many people think of exercise as a “stress” to have to do, it is the most important step you can make to relieve stress naturally. Imagine that stress accumulates in your body like a sponge takes on water. You can let the sponge sit out and wait for it to evaporate but it will take much longer for the water to leave if you wait versus ringing the water out by applying pressure to it. In addition, while you wait more and more water is being poured on the sponge and you make no progress by simply waiting on it to dry up on its own. When you exercise, it is like wringing the stress out of your body with force. The physiological adaptations that occur with exercise are the same processes your body needs to go through to reduce the build-up of stress in the body. Yes, you will still have stresses in your life but at least you’re relieving some of the build up that is causing damage to your mind and body. Obesity is associated with 33 major illnesses. Diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, hypertension and even blindness (retinopathy) can trace their roots to obesity. You want to protect yourself from other illnesses and viruses? Fight obesity. It is considered a “preventable” disease. There are three major elements of fitness you need to incorporate to get the most out of your physical fitness plan. The first element is developing muscle tone and strength. You need to perform strength training exercises at least 2three days per week and make sure you perform at least three sets per body part for 8-12 repetitions each. Building muscle raises your metabolism at rest, potentially improves your posture and joint stability and helps you to be able to function better in life. How many people had to cut and drag limbs this year due to the ice storm? It helps to be strong. The second element is to develop your cardiovascular health and endurance. Your cardio could be as simple as walking or riding a stationary bike. It can be boring for some and that is why you must focus on your “why” and not just the process. Many people enjoy group exercise classes for the accountability and instruction it provides but also the socialization it brings as it is more fun to exercise with friends. We have over 30 classes at Results Fitness and are launching a new kick boxing 30-minute circuit program with another 24 classes this month as well. We recognize the variety of classes people need to stay motivated and to find the right classes to fit their needs and desires. The last element of physical fitness is to recognize the importance of flexibility. The better your body moves, the less joint problems you may encounter. There is a huge correlation with lower back issues and the lack of flexibility that many people have in their hamstrings and hip-flexors. Simple daily stretching can change your life and while yoga and Pilates are even more amazing at helping those elements, simple 15-20 second hamstring and hip-flexor stretches performed throughout the day can make a world of difference. I think we can all agree that 2020 was a terrible year. We also have learned that we can’t control everything in our lives. You can control how you take care of yourself though. It is a choice that needs to be made and not put off. Our health needs to be our #1 focus in our lives in to better handle all of what life throws at us. God Bless and 2021!
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 14, 2021 • Page 19
Uptown From Page17 Pruett said. “I’m 50, I’m a third-generation grocery guy and we come from a small town. When you’re in that small town there aren’t that many retailers out there. When we started there was us in the grocery business and friends in the convenience store business, and for those guys, beer is a big part of their business.” The decision early on was simple for the Pruetts: “You don’t want to compete with your friends.” That long ago decision stuck. Pruett's Foods never sold beer and never made space for higher point beer or wine when the law changed. “It’s a difficult business,” Pruett said. “The margins are thin. The government regulations are extensive. It’s easier not to sell.” Pruett said he enjoys an occasional drink and did so during a date with his wife on New Year's Eve weekend during a visit to Oklahoma City. Pruett takes comfort in not presenting temptations to customers who are battling alcoholism. “I partake and try to stay hydrated when I’m out and about,” Pruett said. “But we all have stories about friends and families who have struggled with
alcohol. We’ve all heard stories of drunk driving incidents. So because of that, I don’t want to be in the industry.” Pruett said he is always looking at changes in customer trends. He is also looking at ending Western Union services and also has no interest in selling cigarettes. Pruett admits market reaction to not selling wine and beer, even in small towns, has evolved. “I bought a single store several years ago in a very rural conservative community, Atoka, and we took it out,” Pruett said. “In that community I thought we would have a couple of little old ladies coming up and saying thank you. But nobody thanks you for taking out beer anymore.”
Customers like Sonntag are not thankful. “If Crest ever builds a store at I-35 and Covell exit, they have talked about it, and they’re supposed to be an upscale competitor to Uptown,” Sonntag said. “So when they open there, we will show up there.” Pruett agrees his new Oklahoma City stores might lose some customers. But he believes the expansion of fresh food offerings and other changes will ultimately boost sales. “We bought a group of stores out four years ago, four stores in Oklahoma, and we took the beer out,” Pruett said. “And your friends and peers worry about the business decision you’re making. Those stores to date are up 57%.”
In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online. Please check with your house of worship for more information.
Page 20 • January 14, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure