Edmond Life and Leisure - March 2, 2023

Need for Mobile Meals In Edmond never greater And how you can help

Edmond Mobile Meals will participate in the 21st annual March for Meals – a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meal on Wheels and our senior neighbors who rely on this essential service to remain healthy and independent at home, now even more so amid a lingering pandemic and high inflation.

“In the last year, we have experienced a dramatic increase in the demand for our services in Edmond, said Cristi Twenter, Executive Director of Edmond Mobile Meals “We have been in awe of the outpouring of support from for the essential service we provide to Edmond’s seniors, and there’s still much we can do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline can benefit from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”

In January, Edmond Mobile Meals served an average of 273 meals each weekday to Edmond’s most vulnerable, homebound residents; a 30% increase over the number of meals delivered in January of last year. In 2022, the program delivered a record of over 64,000 meals to 552 seniors. With demand rising due to the aging of the Baby Boomer Generation, Edmond Mobile Meals is committed to

serve Edmond’s homebound seniors in need of a nourishing meal and daily wellness check. Twenter emphasized the importance of the service in Edmond, “Our local partnerships and support from the community allows us to continue to make sure no senior in Edmond ever goes hungry. Our clients raised families and built Edmond to be the wonderful place it is today, and we owe them our gratitude and care. By simply providing a healthy meal and a friendly visit, we help them remain healthy and living independently. Research shows that home-delivered meal programs like ours help keep at-risk seniors out of Emergency Rooms and Nursing Homes. We’re thrilled to have our City Council and Mayor join us in meal delivery during the upcoming Community Champions week (March 20-24) to see firsthand the impact their assistance has on Edmond’s homebound residents. We couldn’t do this important work without their ongoing support.”

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors

60 years and older. This critical support and federal funding has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network for more than 50 years.

During the month, community-based Meals on Wheels programs from across the country will join forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the resources needed to reach every senior in need of a nutritious meal, friendly visit, and safety check.

“March is an important time for us to come together to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President, and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “The demand for services is already great and approximately 12,000 Americans are turning 60 every day. We must maintain and expand the programs that have helped so many get through this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone. It takes all of us to keep the nationwide Meals on Wheels movement going.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for vulnerable seniors in Edmond this March, visit www. edmondmobilemeals.org.

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

to be entered in the weekly drawing. For

Citizens Bank of Edmond adds two new directors

Citizens Bank of Edmond is pleased to announce the addition of Ross Hill and Amanda Rodriguez to the bank’s board of directors. Both Hill and Rodriguez bring strong leadership, extensive knowledge and a commitment to the Bank and Edmond community.

“Citizens Bank of Edmond embodies what a community bank should be in how it prioritizes its service to its customers and community,” said Ross Hill. “The bank is poised for great growth and success, and I look forward to serving on the board of directors and working alongside the incredible team at Citizens.”

Hill has more than 40 years of community bank experience, with extensive knowledge in finance, accounting, operations and loans. He founded Bank2 in 2001 and served as the President and CEO for nearly 17 years. Prior to his tenure at Bank2, Hill served as the President and CEO of Canadian State Bank. He is also an executive coach, working with C-level executives. Hill studied at Cincinnati Bible Seminary.

“I am very happy to be joining the Citizens Bank of Edmond board,” said Amanda Rodriguez. “This bank serves the Edmond and Oklahoma City area with such heart, passion and eagerness to better our neighbors and local businesses. The incredible stew-

ardship of Citizens Bank has propelled it into the national spotlight and I’m excited to witness its continued success.”

Rodriguez has an extensive background in finance and accounting. She has previously served as the State of Oklahoma’s Chief Financial Officer and managed the internal audit and accounting departments at Chesapeake Energy. In her current role at Accenture, she provides thought leadership and expertise to solve critical business issues for the oil and gas industry. Rodriguez received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma and her MBA from Oklahoma City University.

“Both Ross and Amanda are welcomed additions to the Citizens Bank of Edmond board of directors,” said Jill Castilla, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. “Their unique experiences, insights and knowledge in their respective fields will help us continue our momentum of leadership and relevancy while maintaining stability and safety for our customers, community and shareholders.”

Hill and Rodriguez join the board of directors alongside six current directors including: Ray Hibbard, Mike Thompson, David Hornbeek, Avilla Williams, Roger Webb and Jill Castilla.

Recycling survey & results

Results from a survey of Edmond residents showed that nearly 98 percent of the City’s Solid Waste customers who responded utilize its curbside recycling service.

The seven-question survey, which concluded Feb. 22, was designed to gauge customer participation and engagement as Solid Waste works toward a new recycling program contract, which is due to be completed later in 2023.

More than 3,500 customers responded to the survey, and of those 3,461 said they participate in the curbside recycling pickup program. Among the results, respondents showed an interest in seeing the service expand to include materials currently not accepted in the program. More than 61 percent of customers responding said they would be willing to pay at least $3 and $5 additional per month for that expanded service, but nearly 39 percent said they were not interested in paying an additional fee to cover the cost.

“We are excited to see how many customers are participating in the City’s recycling program,” said Bob Masterson, the Assistant Director of Public Works who oversees the Solid Waste program. “It tells us the residents of Edmond find the program worthwhile. And we are pleased with the response to the survey and the suggestions provided. That will help us as we work with potential vendors on forming the agreement on our next contract.”

The results of the survey also showed:

More than 95 percent of customers responding were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the curbside recycling program.

More than 86 percent of Solid Waste customers responding currently place their blue recycling bins out every other week on the regular

pickup schedule.

Nearly 75 percent of those customers responding rely solely on the curbside pickup service, rather than utilizing the drop off facilities available at the transfer station on Progressive Drive.

A little more than 21 percent would be willing to pay a higher monthly fee to cover the cost of having a second blue cart at their home.

When asked “What enhancements/changes would you like to see with the City of Edmond recycling program?” adding glass and all plastics, compost and yard clipping options, and weekly collection schedules were among the most popular suggestions.

The current $1.4 million agreement expires at the end of June 2023 and bids for a new agreement – including information on desired changes and enhancements to that current agreement from survey results – are being reviewed.

“We appreciate the input and will use what we’ve learned as we move forward,” Masterson said. “Our goal is to meet the needs of our residents in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. The input from the survey will be a valuable tool in that process.”

See the survey results at https://www.edmondok.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8709/RecyclingPublic-Outreach-Survey-2023---Data_

All and learn more about the City of Edmond recycling program at edmondok.gov/EdmondRecycles.

Ross Hill Amanda Rodriguez

Vote ‘No’ on SQ 820

The results of the voting on this question will show us how smart we are, or are not, as the voting public this coming Tuesday. We bought into the idea of medical marijuana in 2018. Reasons included feeling like it could have some medical benefits for thousands of Oklahomans, lots of states are doing it to nostalgic feelings from our youth that it wasn’t all that bad and kind of fun when we would go behind the smoke house and blow a little weed as kids.

As it turned out, it was a disaster. I do hope folks are at least getting some medical benefit out of it and are not in as much pain. Mission accomplished if they are folks. What followed was total confusion, increased poising of our children and international crime and land grabbing that has absolutely got our rural friends scared to death and messed up many of their quiet ways.

Are the authorities getting a handle on these problems? They are beginning to but this is not the time to open the wild west yet again in Oklahoma with unclear language in the state question and law enforcement just not starting to figure out how to handle the crime that has sprung from the legalization of medical marijuana.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said the law enforcement community is just starting to get a handle on all the activity around medical marijuana. “To go in and pass new laws that further tie the hands of law enforcement could be devastating,” he said in a statement. “For example, passage of this state question essentially prohibits us from even trying to keep marijuana out of our middle schools and high schools because it sets the punishment for underage use at four hours of counseling, regardless of how many times it is on school grounds.”

Former Gov. Frank Keating is the chairman of the organization, Protect Our Kids No 820. “We simply must protect our children,” Keating said. “This state question goes well beyond the ballot summary voters will see. Just one example is that hidden inside this question is a clause that expressly lowers the legal threshold for child endangerment. It includes a prohibition on our court system from considering marijuana usage in child custody and visitation cases. These are just a few of the problems.”

Out-of-control illegal marijuana-growing operations are straining our state’s utility providers and have brought organized crime and violence to rural areas, said Rodd Moesel, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president.

The vote comes just months after four people at a marijuana farm near Hennessey were fatally shot. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation described the victims in a news release as Chinese nationals. The farm operated illegally, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control. A suspect in the Nov. 20 shooting, a former worker, also has been described as a Chinese national.

Wu Chen, 45, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. He had demanded

$300,000 be returned to him for his "investment" in the illegal enterprise, a prosecutor alleged.

The poorly worded state question on medical marijuana that passed caused the raping of the land of our folks in small communities all over Oklahoma. What is a local farmer raising a family supposed to do when a group of foreign nationals purchase land next door and start raising either legally or illegally weed? How do they protect their family from the violence that is sure to spill over onto their property? Finding a way around the law and not having enforcement has led to hundreds of illegal marijuana farms in our state and no way to get control of them.

Chip Paul, who worked to get State Question 788, which legalized medical marijuana, on the ballot and passed in 2018, said he doesn’t think SQ 820 has the support that some think it has. The measure is poorly written, and he will be opposing it, he said.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he opposes expanding marijuana use in Oklahoma, warning it would be wrong to give criminals already in the state more customers. “I’m personally voting ‘no’ on the legalization of recreational marijuana," he told The Oklahoman. "One of the biggest current threats to public safety is the presence of Chinese nationals and other elements of organized crime in our medical marijuana industry. I believe it would be a grave mistake to give these criminals a larger market to serve.”

While exposure to second-hand marijuana smoke is a concern for all of us, our responsibility should be protecting the next generations who are unable to control their own destinies. But the language in SQ 820 gives users of the federally banned schedule one narcotic more rights than it does our children.

On page 5, hidden in the details, is this gem: “A person shall not be denied custody of or visitation or parenting time with a minor child” for using marijuana around a child. This means that a single mom cannot be supported by the courts when asking a noncustodial parent to abstain from pot during a visitation weekend.

While this state question purports to be solely about those over 21, it does address usage by younger Oklahomans, essentially telling them there are minimal consequences to using. Regardless of the number of times a 12-year-old or a 17-year-old is found in possession of marijuana, the maximum penalty will be their choice between paying $100 or participating in a few hours of counseling. These minimal penalties will fail to deter youth usage.

Before medical marijuana, less than 10 calls per day to the poison control line about infants and toddlers overdosing on marijuana. Last year, they received over 250 call for the same issue. Think about it, folks. This drug is in the form of gummies and candy. Of course a child is going to pick up what looks like a treat to pop in their mouth. If mom or dad are stoned, how careful are they going to be when they put up the pot in the form of candy?

Oklahoma already averages reporting one marijuana overdose a day for children under five years old. Other states have seen these numbers triple when adding recreational. SQ 820 does not limit THC content. This puts our kids at even more risk, even for coma or seizure, according to medical doctors, when they ingest high THC edibles that look like candy, cookies or chips.

We have already had execution style killings in Oklahoma related to marijuana illegal market. Law enforcement agrees passage of SQ 820 will provide more cover for illegal activity. I also do not buy the argument that marijuana is just like beer or liquor. When was the last time you hear about an organized crime death of Coors Light?

Please do not follow the argument that it is harmless folks. We learned from the change in law in 2018 that it certainly can be harmful to folks that do not participate. There may come a time when passings recreational use for marijuana may be in order but this is not the time.

Vote No on SQ 820!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ray Hibbard

(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.)

Feb. 13

Danielle Dawn Davis, 45 of Stillwater. Misdemeanor warrant.

Bryon J. Dibble, 41 of Ada. Public intoxication.

Julius Ward Anthony, 33 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Orphan Samuel Kosmes, 20 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.

Feb. 14

Cory Alan Chappelear, 34 of Spencer. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jose Gasper Chay Quiej, 27 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) personal injury accident while under the influence.

Hezekiah Ze’Aire Richardson, 20 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant and non-assault resisting officer.

Matthew Alexander Bear, 31 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment and driving while privilege is canceled suspended, denied or revoked.

Feb. 15

Edgar Guzman-Lopez, 37 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jennifer Joy Todd, 44 homeless. Failure to appear.

Russell Dale Baumann, 37 of Harrah. Felony warrant.

Brenda Kay Bensinger, 64 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Lane Van Nixon, 38 of Freedom, Okla. Driving

with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Shyra Bernice Estell, 28 of Oklahoma City. Three misdemeanor warrants.

Feb. 16

Mario Deandre Hawkins, 36 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a child.)

Brian Dillian McArthur, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

William Joseph Davis, 40 of Guthrie. Felony DUI/APC

Colt Mitchell Beat, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .15 or more.

Sheila Babette Bixler, 58 of Guthrie. Public intoxication.

Feb. 17 Michael Glenn Kiesel, 29 of Midwest City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Patrick Craig Collateta, 37 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Kelly Ann O’Hara, 60 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Feb. 18

Alan Carl Smith III, 38 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jillian Ann Overstreet, 21 of Bethany. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 percent or more.

George Elden Maze III, 44 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Geoff Allen Osborn, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Lee Anthony Thompson, 63. Obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

Jennifer Anne Miskel, 43 of Edmond. Two

counts of possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, conspiracy and (Felony) larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

Lonnie Ladale Longan, 56 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Tyler James Hutchens, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Feb. 19

Kyle David Stamps, 57 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Reanna Lee McCurley, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication, obstruction of police officer and misdemeanor warrant.

Ramona Lorraine Patton, 58 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Dolph Henri Grolock, 64 of Luther. Trespassing.

Eric James Roesler, of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer, two misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear.

Ginger Suzanne Kennell, 49 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment and failure to appear

Gary Allen Maldonado, 51 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Feb. 20

Jessie Lee White, 41 of Edmond. Two counts possession of CDS and possess drug paraphernalia.

Nehemiah Jahaim Turner, 22 of Edmond. Possess CDS, (felony value) receive stolen property and conspiracy.

Khauri Juan McGrew, 22 of Oklahoma City. (Felony value) receive stolen property and conspiracy.

Jajuan Treaque Johnson 22 of Midwest City. (Felony value) receive stolen property and conspiracy.

Rae’mon Cierre Hawkins, 19 of Oklahoma City. (Felony value) receive stolen property and conspiracy.

Weekend calendar, March 2-5

What’s Happening This Weekend March 2-5

---- In the Gallery ---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit ---- Indoor Winter Market ---- Cinch Timed Event Championship ---- Simply Indie Film Fest ---- Yoga + Beer ---- March at the UCO Jazz Lab ---- Live Music at Round Midnight ---- Brown Bag: Toys R Western: The Lasting Pop Culture Influence of Western-Themed Play ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Cereal, Cartoons and Crafts! Oh My! ---- Signature Tour ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry Finn’s Big River ---- OKC Repertory Theater presents: Superstitions ---- Oklahoma City International Auto Show

---- Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 2; Gallery Opening; 5 – 7 p.m.; Free; Featuring the art of Marie Kash Weltzheimer; edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

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

Indoor Winter Market

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 18; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

Cinch Timed Event Championship

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 1 – Sat, Mar 4; $25 ---- $40; lazye.com

Simply Indie Film Fest

Locations: Edmond Fine Arts Institute, ShowBiz

Cinemas

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 2 – Sat, Mar 4; $10 ---- $50; simplyindie.org or visitedmondok.com

Yoga + Beer

Location: America Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 4; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; americansolera.com

March at the UCO Jazz Lab

Location: UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 3: Shortt Dogg; 8 p.m.; $15; Sat, Mar 4: Diamond on the Rocks; 7 p.m.; Tickets available on line;ucojazzlab.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 2: Vintage Vinyl; 7 – 10 p.m.; facebook.com

Brown Bag: Toys R Western: The Lasting Pop Culture Influence of Western-Themed Play

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 2; 12 ---- 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Cereal, Cartoons and Crafts! Oh My!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 4; 10 a.m. ---- 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 4 – Sun, Mar 5; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry Finn’s Big River

Location: Lyric at the Plaza

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16 – Sat, Mar 11; lyrictheatreokc.com

OKC Repertory Theater: Superstitions

Location: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 2 – Sun, Mar 5; oklahomacontemporary.org

Oklahoma City International Auto Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 3 – Sun, Mar 5; Fri & Sat: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcautoshow.org

Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 3 – Sun, Mar 5; Fri: 11 a.m. –7 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; backwoodsshow.com

Edgar Cruz, Antsy McClain to kick off Elm Tree Concert Series

ARCADIA – Acclaimed

Oklahoma City guitarist Edgar Cruz and Nashville musician Antsy McClain will kick off the 2023 Elm Tree Concert Series at the Arcadia Round Barn with a March 19 concert.

The concert is from 2 to 4 p.m. at 107 E. Highway 66 in Arcadia and is a fundraiser for the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society, which owns and operates the Round Barn. “Admission is always free but donations are welcome,” said Joe Baxter, who coordinates the music at the Round Barn. “The historical society currently has

a project underway to repair some recent damage to the Round Barn, so for this concert we are suggesting a $10 donation.”

Cruz is a classical and fingerstyle guitarist who has recorded 19 CDs in styles ranging from classical to flamenco to pop to jazz. He is a headliner every year at the prestigious Chet Atkins Festival in Nashville and has performed throughout the United States, Europe and South America.

McClain, who says his nickname derives from the unfortunate fact that his parents could not afford Ritalin, has developed a stage show that blends his love of American Roots music with his trademark

“humor with heart.” Many of his compositions have been included in projects for the Blue Collar Comedy Tour guys – Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall.

Elm Tree concerts are presented three Sunday afternoons a month from May through October beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the Round Barn. Live music at the barn also includes the Round Barn Ramblers concerts from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday, and the Round Barn Rendezvous jam session from noon to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday afternoon of the month.

The Elm Tree lineup for 2023 will be announced soon. For more information about music at the Round Barn, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.

Edgar Cruz

Antsy McClain

Edmond History Museum and Bridal Fashion exhibit

The Edmond History Museum presents the exhibit Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875-2020. The exhibit is open now and runs until the end of the year.

The exhibit, featuring sixteen wedding dresses and accessories of Edmond women, showcasing nearly 150 years of fashion. As American weddings change over the decades, Edmond traditions also follow suite. Dress styles change dramatically, wedding venues expand, and even cake choices vary widely.  During peace, war or pandemic, couples continue to express their love through the wedding tradition. Just as the dresses in this exhibit vary, so do the personal stories of each bride. Here are their stories…unveiled.

Highlights:

— Brown taffeta gown worn by Emma Larimer on November 9th, 1881 in Fonda, Iowa. The dress was made by her sister, Iretta Duncan, and made its way to Edmond, Oklahoma in 1900.

— Satin dress worn by Eloise Rodkey on October 1, 1940. The dress

was worn again by Eloise’s daughter in the 1970s and her niece in the 1980s. The Rodkey family owned the Rodkey Flour Mill in Edmond from 1911 to 1972.

— White silk and lace dress worn by Kathy Patterson on her wedding day to Bob Thomas on November 28, 1959.

— A colorful embroidered dress worn by Allison Pittman on May 4, 2020. Because of Covid restrictions, Allison held a small family ceremony in the historic Rodkey House at Stephenson Park.

In addition to the Unveiled exhibit, the Museum will host a variety of programming from flower decorating to wedding dress preservation. Programs will be added to the EdmondHistory.org website as they develop.

Museum Information:

Edmond History Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. on. Please visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078. Admission is free.

Officials break ground on the new Fairgrounds Coliseum.

It’s official: Construction starts on new Coliseum

City leaders broke ground todlast week on the MAPS 3 and 4 OKC Fairgrounds Coliseum.

The 216,164-square-foot coliseum will be operated by Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. at the OKC Fairgrounds. Construction is scheduled to be complete in 2025. The Jim Norick Arena will continue to host events, just as it has since 1965, until the new coliseum opens.

“The Fairgrounds are a catalyst for Oklahoma City’s tourism industry,”

MAPS 4 Program Manager David Todd said. “The 58-year-old Jim Norick Arena is home to numerous national and international horse shows along with the Cattlemen’s Congress which collectively generate in excess of $150 million annually. The new coliseum will allow Oklahoma City to remain dominant in the horse show world and continue to be an economic driver for tourism for the state of Oklahoma for the next 50 years.”

The MAPS 3 and 4 Fairgrounds Coliseum will feature seating for more than 7,000 people, a lounge, suites, a full-service restaurant and several upscale concession areas, an A/V suite and a sophisticated catwalk system. The new coliseum will be built to the south of the Jim Norick Arena and come all the way up to the footprint of the current arena.

“The new OKC Fairgrounds Coliseum will be a very special venue and will put Oklahoma City in an advantageous position in the marketplace,” Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. President & CEO Kirk Slaughter said. “The Coliseum is designed to host the top equestrian and ag-related

events in the world. The venue will be great for many sporting and entertainment events, including the productions held during the legendary Oklahoma State Fair. The Coliseum will be a game changer for Oklahoma City.”

The $126-million project is funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue and other funding sources.

History of Jim Norick Arena State Fair Arena, as it was originally called, debuted in September 1965. Costing $2.4 million to build, the arena was financed in part by an OKC city bond with the remaining funds coming from the Oklahoma State Fair.

The arena was rechristened the Jim Norick Arena in 1971 to honor Oklahoma City’s elected mayor, who served from 1959-1963 and again from 1967-1971.

In 1974, legendary rodeo announcer Clem McSpadden arranged for an unknown singer named Reba McEntire from Chockie, Oklahoma, to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Little did they know her Oklahoma City performance would change Reba’s life forever and set her rise to superstardom in motion.

Over the years, in addition to the NFR, the Jim Norick Arena hosted a wide variety of sporting events, horse shows, circus performances and iconic concerts including Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, .38 Special and Chris LeDoux.

Learn more about the MAPS 3 and 4 Fairgrounds coliseum at okc.gov/government/maps-4/fairgrounds-coliseum.

Support your local businesses

Democrat caucus remains adamantly opposed to funding for private schools

Last week House Democrats voted no on a plan to divert more than $300 million in public funds to pay for private schools.

“Public dollars should be used to fund public schools. HB 1935 is simply a voucher for a private school education at the expense of more than 700,000 public school students,” House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City said.

House Democrats said equity and inclusion have been major concerns with education funding.

“Private schools do not have to accept children with disabilities or special needs. Private schools can discriminate on the basis of religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. So, why should public tax dollars fund these private schools that get to pick and choose their favorite students,” Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City said.

Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa said that the bill provides little to no accountability.

“There is very little protection from fraud and abuse. We don’t want another Epic. We don’t want another Class Wallet,” Rep. Provenzano said.

House Democrats said equity and inclusion have been major concerns with education funding.

"There is no accountability system in place for this voucher plan that puts the right guardrails in place to prevent fraud,” she added.

Oklahoma still ranks at the bottom of the region in per-pupil funding and Oklahoma teachers are some of the lowest paid teachers in the nation, Rep. Munson said.

“$300 million could be used to attract teachers into the profession during a statewide teacher shortage. It could be used to pay support professionals that are in the classroom assisting students every day,” Rep. Munson said. “It can even be used to bring our teacher pay and per-pupil funding to the average of states around us.” Munson said.

HB 1935 passed the House floor and is headed to a vote in the Senate.

Three lawmakers rebuke comments from Ryan Walters

State Reps. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, last week issued the following statement after State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters made comments in a State Board of Education meeting that were disparaging toward the state's higher education system.

The lawmakers, who watched the meeting, reported Walters said he would continue to monitor higher education and is concerned about young people entering higher education.

"It is clear the State Board of Education has no purview over Oklahoma's system of universities and colleges, which are maintained by The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, a constitutional board. Even in his capacity as the governor's appointed secretary of education, Walters has no true authority over the state's system of higher learning.

"Data shows a college degree or Career Tech certification leads to better job opportunities and better salaries for young people. At a time when building our workforce is more critical than ever in our state, the superintendent should refrain from discouraging any student from pursuing higher learning."

"We implore the state superintendent to focus on the job he was elected to do, which includes supporting increased outcomes for the children and the educators in our preK-12 classrooms."

Baker serves as chair of the House Common Education Committee, McBride chairs the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee for Education, and Moore chairs the House Higher Education and Career Tech Committee.

State senate does not want noncitizens casting ballots

The Senate approved legislation last week to help county election boards remove noncitizens from the state’s voter registration rolls. Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, authored Senate Bill 377 at the request of the Secretary of the State Election Board.

“Voting is our greatest freedom as U.S. citizens, and we must ensure that our elections are not disrupted by illegal voting,” Howard said. “This is an easy way to help county election boards identify noncitizens who may be registered to vote and remove them from the rolls. County court clerks are already required to submit monthly notifications of felony convictions to the county election board secretaries, so this will be a similar process.”

SB 377 would require the cancellation of the voter registration of anyone who has been excused from jury duty for not being a U.S. citizen. It would require county court clerks to prepare a list each month of everyone who falls into this category and provide that information to their county election board secretary. The secretary would then be required to cancel the registrations of those individuals and report them to the district attorney and the U.S. attorney for that county.

The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.

Science academies opened doors to careers (and romance as well)

What do sauerkraut and kombucha have to do with CareerTech? Both the holistic tea and the German cabbage dish involve fermentation, a process Ashley Powers said she learned about in the biomedical sciences program at Red River Technology Center in Duncan, Oklahoma 10 years ago.

AshleyTyler

Ashley enrolled at the technology center in high school. She wanted to become a doctor, but she was homeschooled and didn’t have access to the hands-on educational experiences that would be available at Red River.

At the tech center, she learned to make sauerkraut and kombucha, which she occasionally makes at home. But that science-based cooking lesson was just one of many life-changing benefits of the biomed program.

Flash forward nearly a decade, and Ashley Powers is now Dr. Ashley Watson. She is a resident physician at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 2024, she hopes to complete her residency and receive her board certification.

She credits Red River for helping her reach her career goals, but she gives additional credit to HOSA, for introducing her to her future husband and medical colleague.

HOSA is a co-curricular organization for students interested in health careers. Ashley’s involvement in that CareerTech student organization at Red River led her to Tyler Watson, then HOSA state president. Their paths hadn’t crossed at school, because Tyler attended Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Ashley was president of her local HOSA chapter, however, and one day she reached out to Tyler for advice.

“She was looking at colleges and wanted to know more about the biology/pre-med program at the University of Oklahoma,” Tyler said. “We started talking, and the rest is history.”

(Well, the rest is science, actually.)

Today, Tyler is completing his medical residency in Missouri, alongside his wife. Like Ashley, he credits Oklahoma CareerTech for laying the groundwork for his medical career.

In 2013, Tyler was a Putnam City High School student. He said he enrolled in Francis Tuttle’s biosciences and medicine academy because he wanted a challenge. The academy offered that challenge, as well as insight into potential career paths.

“I loved science and I knew I wanted to pursue more rigorous training than what my high school alone could offer,” Tyler said, “but I wasn’t yet committed to a specific career path.”

In their respective programs at separate tech centers, the two received invaluable technical skills

as well as life skills. Ashley said Red River prepared her for the rigorous medical training that followed. Her new acquired skill set included public speaking, study skills, and an understanding of experimental design.

“These skills have made my life richer and have made transitions through seasons in my career go more smoothly,” she said.

Tyler also credits CareerTech for his public speaking skills.

“I’m fairly shy by nature,” he said. “I still struggle with public speaking but learning those foundational skills as a high schooler allowed me to compensate for and improve my social interactions over time, giving me confidence to approach intimidating situations.”

Francis Tuttle also helped Tyler become more adaptable, he said. An important life skill for a student and a doctor.

“Learning to adapt early to academic challenges and new situations has made life run more smoothly,” he said.

After graduating from their respective technology centers, the Watsons followed nearly identical higher education paths, eventually receiving their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees from Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

For Tyler and Ashley, CareerTech was a collegeprep experience. But Tyler said for some of their fellow HOSA members, CareerTech was their primary vocational training.

“CareerTech directly and successfully prepared them for a career,” Tyler said. “For all of us, choosing CareerTech showed a dedication to improving skills necessary for a career.”

Ashley’s CareerTech experience offered her the applied learning experience she had wanted as a high schooler.

“CareerTech grads offer employers a spectrum of highly-qualified individuals who have experienced hands-on training beyond what an academic-only setting can provide,” she said. “They are an essential part of today’s workforce.”

They’ve studied together, worked together and lived together. But even though their education and career paths have been similar, their approaches to medicine are different, according to Tyler. As a result, the two have learned to divide up tasks according to each person’s strengths.

“I’m more mechanically minded and better at administration,” Tyler said, “and Ashley tends to be more holistically minded and better at public relations.”

After the Watsons receive their board certifications, they plan to return to Oklahoma to practice medicine.

Group criticizes efforts to legalize marijuana

A large group of Oklahomans in the law enforcement community came together last week to criticize the recent mailings and television advertising of Yes on 820.

“To imply that expanding access to marijuana will make our communities safer would be laughable if it were not so destructive,” said former Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, State Senator Darrell Weaver. “Every day, our law enforcement community is dealing with families struggling with marijuana addiction and the subsequent crime that occurs to feed that habit,” Weaver continued.

The Yes on 820 campaign commercials claim passage will “make our communities safer”.

“SQ 820 throws a match into the middle of what already is a powder keg in rural Oklahoma,” said Sheriff Damon Devereaux of Logan County who also serves as President of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association. “Illegal grows, black market operations, organized crime, even execution style killings were all spawned by the poorly drafted initiative petition known as 788, and 820 builds on that flawed process,” Devereaux continued.

“The poorly written nature of this state question will actually make it worse on police officers on a day-today basis. By having a $25 fine for smoking pot in public, we will expect complaints to increase. However, the state question prohibits the detention

of such an offender meaning we are really helpless to stop it,” said District Attorney Greg Mashburn.

“Make no mistake, Yes on 820 is Big Cannabis hiding behind criminal justice reform,” said District Attorney Greg Mashburn. “Their mailers claim that voting yes would stop harsh penalties for petty marijuana offenses, yet they know that since at least the passage of SQ 780 almost 7 years ago, there is not prison time for such crimes. The images they show of a person behind bars is deceitful at best. It makes you wonder what else they are lying about,” Mashburn continued.

“Oklahoma will be hurt by increased access to marijuana,” stated Wade Gourley, Oklahoma City Police Chief. “Our mental health professionals confirm that the use of today’s high THC product leads to psychoses and schizophrenia, two diagnoses that are directly tied to homelessness. The fact is, SQ 820 will not make us safer,” Gourley concluded.

“The Wall Street Journal has recognized Oklahoma as the black-market marijuana capitol. The organized crime syndicates that came with medial marijuana would rejoice if SQ 820 were to pass,” stated Brett Wellden, President of the Association of Narcotic Enforcers. “We are just now recovering from the initial implementation of SQ 788. To go back and start over would be disastrous and lead to even more illegal activity.”

By Steve Gust

There are things that baffle me.

For instance:

Why was it such a big deal to get the tax records of former President Trump?

Awhile back, a court ordered that the tax returns must be released.

They were and that’s about the last we’ve heard about the issue. There must not have been the surprises so many folks thought there would be.

It was a huge issue at one time. I guess not so much anymore.

——

I commend television people for the work they do on reporting bad weather.

Something I’ve never quite understood are how school closings are reported. It’s a good service to let parents know about disruption in education.

But it seems odd to me when 2 p.m. rolls around and they’re still scrolling that Edmond Public Schools

are closed for the day.

Do they think someone is going to come to school at 2:30 or 3 p.m.?

And before I get any e-mails I realize that some schools do that so everyone knows the after school games, etc. are cancelled also.

—-

Speaking of weather, why do people drive in blinding rainstorms and 70 mph winds?

Folks, please stay home unless it’s an emergency.

—

In terms of foreign policy, why can’t we do a better job of encouraging peace between Russia and Ukraine?

We seem to do a good job opening the checkbook and giving the Ukrainians money for weapons. I imagine some of the funds probably go toward that.

But why can’t we work behind the scenes and encourage Russian to declare victory and leave?

It seems like the best approach.

(Steve Gust, Life & Leisure editor, may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com.

Bill would block trangender surgeries

Representative lists reasons to back ban

By: Rep. Collin Duel

The House has a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety of Oklahoman children, which is why I support House Bill 2177, authored by Rep. Kevin West and Rep. Jim Olsen.

House Bill 2177 would make it illegal to perform sex-assignment surgeries on youth or provide cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for children.

There are multiple activities that children are prohibited from participating in until they have reached an age defined by statute, even with parental consent. For example, gambling and purchasing alcohol or cigarettes are all prohibited for kids, regardless of parental permission.

Children cannot fully grasp the impact of their choices, so why are we allowing them to make these life-altering decisions? These life-changing de-

cisions need to be left to those who are at or above 18 years old and have mentally, emotionally and physically matured enough to know the lasting consequences of their actions.

Exceptions are provided under the bill to allow treatment for medical disorders.

Now, I want to talk about two of my bills that passed in committee this week.

House Bill 2740 passed out of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Controlled Substance Committee. The bill requires that reports on property and intoxicating liquors seized from raids on violators of the state's prohibitory liquor or gambling laws be delivered to the Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. The report was previously delivered to the county's sheriff. The measure also directs ABLE to store the seized alcoholic beverages.

House Bill 2741 passed out of the Judiciary Civil Committee. The Oklahoma Elder, Exploitation and Abuse Act establishes a civil action for incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults against those who neglect, exploit, or abuse them.

I am thankful and honored that the constituents of House District 31 have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov.

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

——

Legislation was approved last week to prohibit municipalities from allowing or permitting public events that minors can attend like parades, shows or concerts that feature lewd acts or obscene material. The Senate General Government Committee passed Sen. David Bullard’s Senate Bill 503, which would make such displays a felony, subject to civil action by the witnesses.

“While there are many mentions of lewd acts in state statute, there is nothing specifically preventing such behavior in public places open to the general public where minors are attending,” said Bullard, R-Durant.

Lankford: Biden hurting truckers

By Sen. James Lankford

Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), and 32 Senate colleagues introduced legislation to overturn an excessive Biden Administration regulation on heavy-duty vehicle emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest rule would be challenging to implement and make new, compliant trucks cost prohibitive for small business owners.

"Biden is at war against truck drivers so he can please his Green New Deal supporters. The EPA's new demands will result in higher costs for drivers, higher prices for goods, and will crush smaller trucking companies by forcing them to again buy all-new equipment. The past few years demonstrated just how important truckers are to the supply chain. It's now more important than ever to keep our economy moving. Supporting truckers and our supply chain is how we get back to made in America," said Lankford.

“The Biden Administration is saddling the trucking industry with an onerous regulation that would jack up vehicle costs and hurt good paying jobs. This aggressive EPA rule—which will hit mom and pop truck

emitting trucks for longer. During a period of high inflation and supply chain disruptions, the last thing this country needs is more expensive freight costs and fewer truckers. I am proud to be leading a large coalition of my colleagues to push back against the Biden Administration’s obsession with excessive climate regulations,” said Fischer.

“Here we go again. The new EPA heavy-duty vehicle emissions rule again demonstrates the Biden administration’s complete willingness to bring the heavy hand of government down on industry, in this case on the trucking industry that keeps our economy moving. What’s even scarier than imposing new rules on everything from heavy-duty pickups to semis is the fact the EPA is already working on more restrictive rules. I fully support Senator Fischer’s fight to stop this gross government overreach,” said HydeSmith.

“It is time to get government out of the way of hardworking Americans and job creators. The EPA’s woke new rule will only hurt the folks who run small businesses when they are forced into buying the newest and highly expensive ‘green’ trucks. This is a classic example of gross government overreach, and

Letters to the Editor policy

“In Kansas, the trucking industry is made up of small businesses, and 98 percent of all trucking companies operate 25 or fewer trucks. Under this new rule, these small businesses will take the hardest hit from this rule that requires them to spend as much as $8,304 increase per vehicle to be in compliance. This is yet another inflationary policy from the Biden administration that our economy does not need,” said Marshall.

“When you increase the cost of a new heavy-duty truck, you end up increasing the prices that people in Wyoming pay for essential goods. This overly burdensome rule from the EPA would cause incredible harm to not only the trucking industry, but our supply chain. Amidst record inflation, the Biden administration should be focused on implementing policies that help reduce costs for the American people instead of pushing Green New Deal priorities,” said Lummis.

“Over 24,000 Oklahomans are heavy and tractortrailer truck drivers. This new rule will burden their livelihoods, increasing costs for the trucking industry and, in turn, increasing costs for consumers in communities who rely exclusively on trucking to deliver their freight. I stand with my colleagues in opposing this rule and pushing back against the heavy hand of the EPA,” said Mullin.

“The EPA’s new overreaching emissions rule will further strain the supply chain and put critical trucking jobs throughout Montana in jeopardy. I’m joining my colleagues in pushing back on President Biden’s woke, green army of unelected Washington bureaucrats taking aim at our Montana way of life with more ridiculous regulatory nonsense,” said Daines.

“The Biden administration’s newest target in their green energy crusade is America’s heavy duty trucks, which transport everything from manufacturing components to groceries.

Steve Gust

Duel

Feast your eyes on local art exhibit

By Elaine Warner

If you’d like to enjoy a banquet without worrying about the calories, I have a rich experience for you. Oklahoma Contemporary’s newest exhibit, The Art of Food, provides a sensory smorgasbord that won’t add an ounce.

First a note for those who say, “I don’t like contemporary art.”

Oklahoma Contemporary’s Director of Communications, Lori Brooks, says, “Our definition of contemporary art is simply art by living artists.” That said, you’ll find abstract art, of course, but also representational works and a wide variety of genres and media.

This newest exhibition, which runs through May 22, features luscious still lifes, cheeky ceramics done in a classic style, and thought provoking works addressing consumerism and social justice. In the more than 100 works by 36 artists, everyone will find something to love.

The Art of Food was curated by Olivia Miller, interim director and curator of collections at the University of Arizona Museum of Art in Tucson. Pieces on display are from the collections of Oregon realestate mogul and philanthropist, Jordan Schnitzer and the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. Because this exhibition was not curated by Oklahoma Contemporary, you will find works by non-living artists including Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, and Roy Lichtenstein.

The first grouping of works is labeled “Eye Candy.” Your attention will immediately be drawn to the rich colors and realistic fruits and flowers of Katherine Ace’s “Crop Circles 2” Closer examination reveals a combination of techniques and the realistic style of classic still lifes combined with contemporary references,

A series of five still lifes by artist Sherrie Wolf is

displayed on another wall. Four of the paintings include references to the work and situation of 17th century, Italian, female artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, overlaying the artist’s works with a variety of fruits. The fifth painting incorporates Ruben’s “Three Graces.” Like a number of works in this exhibition, these can be taken simply as interesting images or metaphors for social issues.

Across the room is another Wolf work, a large, oil painting, “Fruit with Rainbow.” A Constable-like landscape serves as background for a foreground still life.

This room also holds two Meissen ceramic creations. Created by artist Chris Antemann, his “Fruit Pyramid” and “Covet” mimic early creations of the famous porcelain factory – with racy references.

The next section, “Dissociation,” calls attention to the disconnect between consumerism and the reality of food production. At first glance, a couple of the pieces look like framed plastic grocery bags. On closer inspection, you can tell they are reliefs created with handmade paper. Oklahoma Contemporary’s Director Jeremiah Matthew Davis’s comment: “Nothing says American like a plastic bag with an American flag on it.”

This is also where you’ll find two of Andy Warhol’s contributions, “Hamburger” and “Cow 1966.” The latter features multiple images of a cow named Barclay’s Betty.

In another section, which features liquid refreshment, there are two very early works by the artist. What a treat to see these small, watercolor and ink pieces, so different from the later works with which we’re more familiar.

In a case close to “Cow” you’ll find a small, white, cast plaster sculpture of a piece of cake. Done by Claes Oldenburg, the master of large sculptures like the two-and-a-half ton badminton birds on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, the slice of cake is one of many

from a plaster wedding cake made for a friend’s wedding. Guests were given slices as souvenirs of the occasion.

Among the most dramatic examples of social commentary is a black-and-white, photographic diptych by Lorna Simpson. On one half is a platter with the inscription “NOT GOOD ENOUGH” accompanied by a partial portrait of a Black girl with the label “BUT GOOD ENOUGH TO SERVE”

Adding whimsy to the collection is a multi-dimensional work, “Deli,” by Red Grooms. This is a veritable “Where’s Waldo” kind of work with myriad details. Like the majority of pieces in the exhibition, the narrative beside the piece gives the viewer something to think about.

A centerpiece in the exhibition is a large, colorful, free-standing screen by artist David Hockney. Entitled “Caribbean Tea Time,” this four-fold construction offers a table set for guests ready to enjoy the warmth and waves of a tropic afternoon.

Hopefully, my descriptions have given you a taste of the treats in store in this exhibition. In addition to the visual stimulation of the pieces, explanatory graphics add more food for thought.

For visitors with children, a special gallery, themed to coordinate with “The Art of Food,” gives younger guests opportunities to react to what they have seen and to create art of their own.

More than just an art gallery, Oklahoma Contemporary hosts performances and educational programs, and a variety of classes for all ages.

The museum, at NW 11 and Broadway in Oklahoma City, is easily accessible and has its own parking lot on the east side of the building. Admission is free making it one of the biggest bargains in OKC. The museum is open six days a week –closed on Tuesdays and major holidays. For more information: www.oklahomacontemporary.org.

The Oklahoma Contemporary building, designed by Rand Elliot Architects, provides a home for art and art activities

Elaine

Lorna Simpson’s ‘C-Ration’ recalls the inequality of slavery when Black women prepared elaborate dishes for banquets which they were not deemed fit to attend.

Oregon artist Katherine Ace used a variety of techniques and materials to create this colorful work, ‘Crop Circles 2.’

Book may explain some odd modern behavior

By John Goetz Edmond Family

Counseling

Dopamine Nation, a book by Dr. Anna Lembke, is a recommended reading for anyone who has ever asked the question,” What the heck is going on with people today?” Dr. Lembke is a professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. She is interested in how moderate and compulsive overconsumption in a dopamine overload world impacts the human brain. I will attempt to walk you through some of her big ideas, though I encourage you to check out one of her Podcast, YouTube videos, or books (audio or in print).

The first big idea in the last decade neuro researchers have established is pain and pleasure exist on the same binary switch in our brains. When we engage in something that gives us pleasure or enjoyment, we tilt our switch towards pleasure and conversely when we experience something unpleasant, frustrating, or difficult we tilt our switch towards pain. A metaphor might be a tetter totter on the local playground. One side of the tetter totter represents pleasure, say a kiss, this tilts the totter to that side. The other side represents pain, say a slap, and this tilts the totter to the other side. Now when you play on a tetter totter you might try to balance it in the middle. This is the natural position your brain prefers. Your brain always tries to restore balance to this switch or tetter totter, a state or process referred to as homeostasis. When we engage in something pleasurable like watching our favorite series streaming on Net-

flix, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released into the brain’s reward pathway. The switch or teeter totter tips to the side of pleasure but as soon as this happens the brain makes neurological adaptation to weight the tetter totter towards pain. Dr Lembke describes these adaptations to be like little gremlins hopping onto the pain side of the tetter totter. Moving towards pain in an equal amount as it was moved towards pleasure. You will experience a slight letdown or hangover, if you will, when your episode ends. If you get up and move on with your day, your balance is restored. If you were to binge another episode or three, the neurological adaptations or gremlins will begin to set up camp on the pain side of the switch. If you follow your miniseries binge with a series of YouTube videos and social media posting day in and day out one can effectively change your hedonic set point. Then, when you stop watching, you experience some of the universal symptoms of withdrawal, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, dysphoria, and mental preoccupation; otherwise known as cravings. These are the hallmarks of the addictive brain.

The second big idea is dopamine overload. Dr Lembke states that our brain’s finely tuned balance that evolved over millions of years has helped us to approach pleasure and avoid pain. This has helped keep us alive in a world of scarcity and everpresent danger. The problem is we no longer live in that world. We now live in a world of overwhelming abundance. We have unprecedent ac-

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has become aware of inaccurate and misleading communications affecting Oklahoma consumers. Several large employers have sent letters to their employees with erroneous information regarding changes to their CVS/Caremark prescription program.

One of the most troubling inaccuracies is the claim that the law in Oklahoma no longer allows for 90-day prescriptions. The law (HB2632, creating the Patient’s Right to Pharmacy Choice Act) in Oklahoma does allow for the fill-

cess to highly addictive substances and behaviors, some of which have never existed before. We have video games and social media programs written with algorithms designed to keep us clicking. We have refined sugar, online shopping, vaping, gambling, voyeuring, and of course alcohol and other drugs to mention a few. We have become compulsive over consumers. One might think this overabundance would lead to greater levels of happiness, but instead we see increases in reported rates of anxiety, depression, physical pain, and suicide. Dr Lembke draws a direct connection between this overabundance, overconsumption and increased reports of unhappiness. As we compulsively overconsume electronic entertainment, social media likes, sugar, porn, alcohol,other drugs, gambling and shopping to name a few, those neurological gremlins are climbing onboard our pleasure pain switches and weighing them towards pain to compensate for our continual search for pleasure. Our hedonic set point has moved, and our base state is one of pain or discomfort. As a result, we over consume to feel normal or average.

This leads us to big ideas number three and four, a dopamine detox, followed by boundaries or limits. To reset or balance your teeter totter one needs to go on a dopamine fast. This is exactly what it sounds like. The dopamine fast is the elimination of our modern drugs, screens, refined sugar, online shopping, vaping, gambling, voyeuring and of course alcohol and other drugs to mention a few. What is your overindulgence? Netflix, YouTube, vaping, electronic gaming, whatever it is you abstain from all. After a fast, think Lent, Ramadan, Sober October, you can then resume one of your pleasure-seeking behaviors with new limits you place on them. Perhaps your cell phone is a

ing of 90-day supply prescriptions. However, it is against the law to incentivize patients to fill prescriptions through mail order rather than their pharmacy of choice. Furthermore, some letters claimed that the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner would begin enforcing HB2632 on February 23, 2023. The Oklahoma Insurance Department has been enforcing this law since September 2020.

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready stated, “It is concerning that these misrepresentations are being spread to employees in Oklahoma. The

likely suspect. For one week or one month you use it only as a telephone, then when you resume using it you set limits like turning it off during meals and time with family members. Many families already are instinctively on these ideas when they limit electronics and screen times in their households and encourage replacement with reading, playing games together and engaging in conversation.

The fifth big idea is to engage in hard things. If the pursuit of easy pleasure hits in the form of dopamine, provided by our modern world of abundance, and leads to the creation of a new hedonic set point in a negative direction; will the pursuit of a difficult task like tolerating frustration, boredom, or practicing patience reset the same system in a positive direction? Dr. Lembke believes the answer is yes. We have all heard that physical exercise boosts our endorphins and our mood about 30 minutes after we finish. You might have experienced a feeling of accomplishment after finishing a particularly hard task. With Intermittent exposure to pain, our natural hedonic set point gets weighted to the side of pleasure, so we become less vulnerable to pain and more able to feel pleasure. Over time, just like pain is the price we pay for pleasure, so pleasure is also the reward for pain. Fasting, exercise, breathing techniques, yoga, martial arts, or any effortful activity will do. If this topic is of interest to you, please check out Dr Anna Lembke’s book, Ted Talk, YouTube Videos or appearances on podcast.

Maybe the old saying chop your own wood, it will warm you twice, is more profound than first glance.

(John Goetz M. Ed LPC-S, is the Clinical Director of Edmond Family Counseling and Staff Therapist).

facts are that as part of a legal settlement with CVS/Caremark, letters were supposed to be sent out to consumers explaining their options for prescriptions and instead of clarifying, the letters that were sent have only spread more misinformation to the citizens of this great state.”

The Oklahoma Insurance Department has issued $3.5 million in fines to pharmacy benefit managers and overseen $700,000 in reimbursements to local pharmacies since enforcement of this law began on September 1, 2020.

Goetz

State official corrects record on prescription program

Redbud Classic race draws closer

The Redbud Classic, an Oklahoma City tradition celebrating its 40th year, is rerouting its Sunday race courses for the 2023 event. The Sunday races, including the 5K and 10K, will now start and finish at the Nichols Hills Plaza – right next to the Redbud BASH.

The reroute is symbolic of the Redbud Classic’s theme for 2023. Not only will the race courses be rerouted, but the Redbud Classic is also rerouting the way participants, volunteers and eventgoers give back to their communities. Whether you’re trying to discover ways to get back out in the community to celebrate life in good company, stay committed to your health and wellness goals or lend a hand to your neighbors, you can reroute 2023 with the Redbud Classic through fun, fitness and philanthropy.

“We sat with you through COVID trying to find ways to come together to celebrate the good things happening in and around our state, but

now, as we bring back our community, we want to focus on how we can do so with the right mindset,” Redbud Classic Race Director Kristin Hersom said. “Our community thrives off good deeds and the Redbud Classic wants to provide a way to continue doing so while having fun and connecting with Oklahoma City.”

In keeping with the goal of philanthropy, each year the Redbud Foundation Board of Directors selects an Oklahoma City nonprofit organization to partner with and serve as the beneficiary of event proceeds. Wings Special Needs Community (Wings), a nonprofit organization designed to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs, was selected for 2023.

The Redbud Classic features events for the whole family. The fun begins on Saturday, April 15, with 10and 30-Mile Bike Tours, a 50-Mile Fondo, a 1-Mile

Kids’ Fun Run and a 1-Mile Woof Walk for the tailwagging family members. More fitness challenges continue on Sunday, April 16, with the rerouted 5K and 10K timed runs which start and finish at Nichols Hills Plaza. A 5K Wheelchair and Pushchair Event, 2Mile Walk and 2-Mile Baby Stroller Derby round out the selection of Sunday events.

Continuing past the finish line, the Redbud BASH will be held Sunday, April 16, at 1 p.m. in the finish area at Nichols Hills Plaza. Participants will come together to celebrate with a variety of food from some of Oklahoma’s premier food trucks, beverages from COOP Ale Works and other sponsors. Family-friendly games, activities and music will keep everyone entertained.

Interested participants can register online.

For complete event details including start times, course maps and registration information, visit https://redbud.org/.

The fun, and popular, Redbud Classic takes palce April 15.

A movie not meant for the Oscars

By George Gust

As the Oscars rapidly approach, it’s a time to reflect on the power of cinema; the way stories on film can evoke deep emotional reactions, give dramatic insight to new ideas, or provide a mindless escape from your day-to-day life. It is fairly safe to assume that “Cocaine Bear” will not be among those honored in the 2024 Oscar race, however to be fair, the target “Cocaine Bear” is aiming at is much more blatantly lowbrow.

“Cocaine Bear” follows an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.

The heightened comedic tone of “Cocaine Bear” exists just a few degrees north of the straight to the Sci-Fi Channel or some various free on demand streaming app offerings like “Sharknado.”

However while “Cocaine Bear” shares the gonzo tone and tongue in cheek comedy with those kinds of silly films, the talent in front of and behind the camera elevates this film to the-

ater relevancy. The execution of the bear special effects and horror/comedy set pieces hit their mark more often than they miss.

The cast of “Cocaine Bear” features a fun eclectic mix of character actors and familiar yet not overly famous faces that has a fresh energy. In what was ultimately his final film performance Ray Liotta brings a dynamic performance to his role that drafts heavily off the cocaine fueled turn in “Goodfellas” and is a poetically comedic send off to a fine actor. And throughout the film the non-bear performances are

pitched to the rafters, none more so than Margot Martindale who stands out in the most unexpected ways.

Ultimately, “Cocaine Bear” is a movie that feels like a classic B movie yet executed at Hollywood A list levels. This movie aims to shock and disgust and hits on both of those endeavors in extreme ways. There’s a novelty to this movie that echoes the “Snakes on a Plane” absurdity, as it wants the premise to speak for itself, but by the third act, the novelty begins to wane, and it feels like the filmmakers couldn’t quite decide how to land the cocaine fueled plane. This is a movie that is unapologetic in its absurdity and delivers a silly horror/crime/comedy, but the crass and over-the-top gore is a limited factor for the general movie going audience.

“Cocaine Bear” is rated R for bloody violence, gore, drug content and language throughout.

2.8 out of 5 stars

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

Answers on Page 19

‘Cocaine Bear’ answers the age old question: what would happen if a Black Bear stumbled upon and ingested copious amounts of cocaine?

Bob Wills Day next Monday

One of the state’s most significant figures in music history will be celebrated at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Monday, March 6. The Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Historical Society have announced the return of Bob Wills Day, a celebration returning to the Capitol after a hiatus of nearly a decade. The event commemorates the life and legacy of the “King of Western Swing” who helped popularize the music genre during the 1930s and 40s. Wills’ band, the Texas Playboys, had a daily program on the Tulsa radio outlet KVOO and were regular performers at the venerable Cain’s Ballroom.

Bob Wills Day will feature a special recognition of Wills—who passed away in 1975—in the Oklahoma State Senate and Oklahoma House of Representatives. Wills’ daughter, Carolyn Wills, will be in attendance. A slate of performances by Western swing musicians will fill the Capitol rotunda throughout the afternoon, and Bob Wills memorabilia will be on display. The Oklahoma Historical Society will host a live evening recording of “A Very OK Podcast: The Bob Wills Story” about the iconic musician at Ponyboy, located near the Capitol.

Crossword Puzzle

Answers on Page 19

Vance Auto Group marks its 40th anniversary

GUTHRIE — John Vance Auto Group headquartered in Guthrie, Oklahoma invites everyone to their 40th anniversary celebration on Friday March 3rd. The event is being held at 5322 S. Division Street, Guthrie.

The celebration will include Biggsy’s BBQ and Big Daddy’s Burgers’ food trucks, 80s music with DJ, a horn hole competition, kids’ inflatables, and other 40th anniversary activities.

The fun will begin at 11 a.m. Vance Auto Group is a family-owned company that began in 1983. Today, Vance Auto Group owns and operates 3 new car dealerships in Guthrie, 3 dealerships in Miami, and 2 in Woodward, Oklahoma. Vance also is the home of Newby-Vance Mobility with locations in Guthrie and southwest Oklahoma City.

“We have been in and have enjoyed the new and preowned vehicle retail business since my father, John Vance, opened the doors in 1983,” said Megan Vance, Vice President.

“We have made so many friends and loyal customers since our beginning. We hope everyone will come and celebrate with us as we begin our fifth decade of serving the vehicle needs of Oklahomans, and others who reside in just about every state in America.” Other Vance Auto Group 40th anniversary celebration events are being held on March 3rd at our Woodward and Miami, Oklahoma dealerships.”

“My family and I have lived in

The celebration (this Friday) will include Biggsy’s BBQ and Big Daddy’s Burgers’ food trucks, 80s music with DJ, a horn hole competition, kids’ inflatables, and other 40th anniversary activities.

Guthrie for 18 years now, and it's been a significant experience for me to see the fingerprints of the John Vance Auto Group all over the life of this community. Sure, we've had great experiences with being Vance customers, but over and above that, the quality of life that my family has enjoyed in Guthrie has been due in no small part to the investment John Vance and family have made in the events, causes, and organizations that bind this place together. Congrats on 40 years!”

“My company has been working with John Vance Auto Group for the last 15 years. I have never worked with a company that is so focused on customer service and the relationship they have with each person who buys a product or service from them. Their eagerness to support just about everything that has to do with Guthrie and Edmond is admirable to say the least. Happy 40th anniversary Vance family and staff.” Art Hyde, President - Art Hyde and Co., Inc. Edmond.

Museum hosts annual corp. sponsors breakfast

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) recently held its annual Corporate Partners Breakfast, inviting local business leaders to learn more about its Corporate Partners program.

Attendees enjoyed coffee, food, an art-making activity, networking and the opportunity to view the Chihuly Then and Now: Collection at Twenty and Kiarostami: Beyond the Frame exhibitions.

“With an accessible price point to participate, this program is a great way for the Museum to broaden and diversify our base of corporate support,” said OKCMOA CEO and President Michael Anderson, Ph.D. “Our Corporate Partnership offers companies, their clients and employees access to one of the oldest and most respected visual arts institutions in the region. Corporate partnerships also play a vital role in supporting the Museum’s overarching mission –to enrich the community with visual arts.”

OKCMOA’s Corporate Partner program gives organizations an opportunity to support the Museum while receiving company recognition. Each Corporate Partner is recognized on the Museum’s Donor Wall, the Museum’s website and in the Annual Report and receives a plaque for display in place of business, complimentary

tickets, a transferrable Museum membership pass and invitations to Member-exclusive events.

“Lopez-Dorada has been in the corporate partnership program with the Art Museum for several years,” said Jim English, vice chairman of LopezDorada Foods and OKCMOA board member. “For us, it is a great combination of supporting a wonderful institution, while being able to share some of the benefits with our employees.”

English also expressed to the breakfast attendees, "While it did not surprise me that our corporate staff enjoyed going to Museum events, I was pleased to learn a number of our plant workers have also taken advantage of the program benefits by viewing the exhibitions or attending film screenings. Several have thanked me for making the Museum passes available to them because it’s like a vacation to visit OKCMOA.”

OKCMOA has a number of sponsorship opportunities available to local businesses in addition to being a Corporate Partner. These include exhibitions and programs as well as unique events throughout the year.

For more information about sponsorship information or to become a Museum Corporate Partner, please contact Development Officer CC Phenix at cphenix@okcmoa.com.

Meg Salyer, OKCMOA Board Chair, and Dr Michael Siatkowski from Dean McGee Eye Institute working on their art projects during the event.

By Brian Attebery

Going to the gym is popular for many people. What if you don’t have time to go to the gym? What if you just would prefer to workout at home?

The ACSM’s 17th annual Health & Fitness Journal, worldwide survey to determine trends by health and fitness professionals, recently showed data on home gyms as part of their study. Wearable technology tops the list for both 2022 and 2023. Home gyms were the #2 trend in 2022 coming out of the covid times and has dropped to #13 in 2023. Should you have a home gym? What are the pros and cons?

I own a fitness center with a world class weight room, cardio machines and multiple classes. For a $1 or less per day, you can have all of that at your disposal. We have a variety of equipment and classes. We get bored. Our bodies get bored. Our bodies need different things to challenge it or maybe you have an injury that requires a change of cardio or weight machine. Don’t forget about the social aspects of workout partners, class participants and your instructors. That being said, even I don’t think it is a bad idea to have some equipment at home. Even I have some equipment at home.

Most of my personal training clients train with me twice per week. That does not mean that I just want them to exercise only twice per week? No. I recommend getting another 1-2 days of resistance training plus another 1-2 days or cardio and/or group classes to round off their workout variety and consistency. You need to examine your primary goals and determine what needs you may have.

Weight loss is the primary goal for most people. While it is “trendy” to say you don’t need cardio to lose weight, I am going to tell you that is a bad mindset to have. You need cardio for your heart and lungs regardless of weight loss. Investing in a cardio machine like a treadmill, bike or elliptical would be a wise idea for a home gym. You should be doing cardio most days per week for general health and fat loss in my professional opinion. If you only had to

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drive to the gym 2-3 days per week but could get 5-6 days of cardio in at home, you would make remarkable progress while saving time. Being consistent is the key to fitness. Having tools to help you with your schedule will help you to be consistent.

If you are trying to gain some muscle tone, having some resistance training equipment at home is a good idea as well. An adjustable bench, dumbbells and maybe some resistance tubes can be a good way to start. The limiting factor is that if you only have that minimal equipment, you are limited on variety and the ability to achieve the same success as you could with a gym with a multitude of options. In addition, you need to put pen to paper and start looking up how much you may spend. A nice adjustable bench may run you $200-300 and then add in multiple dumbbells, the rack for them and possibly plates and a bar, you may spend another $200-600. In addition, do you have a dedicated space to do your exercises and if so, are you going to be able to focus on it or are your home responsibilities going to distract you? You just have to factor it all in and be realistic. Otherwise, you end up with expensive “furniture” or a “clothes hanger” that takes up a lot of space.

Regardless of which route you take, how you use the equipment is the most important consideration. There are endless ways to take basic equipment and change your workouts around to have great workouts. There are also endless ways to injury yourself if you don’t approach it the correct way. The correct way would be to seek out a professional to design you a program. Your health is the most important investment you will ever make. Don’t skip out on it by not learning the proper way to take care of it. Home gyms also don’t have anyone to spot you when lifting weights or to help you if you have a medical emergency. Those are all realistic scenarios that should not be ignored. I think home gyms can be part of a many “tools” in your “toolbox” of fitness options but you need to put pen to paper and see if it is the best option for you.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

On March 8 Edmond will get a second Andy’s Frozen Custard

Edmond residents are getting extra lucky this March! Andy’s Frozen Custard, the award-winning frozen custard and treat shop known for its Made Fresh Hourly frozen custard and Baked Fresh Daily toppings, will open its second Edmond location on March 8 at 1200 E. 15th Street.

“After serving Andy’s™ to Oklahoma City residents for the past several years, we are thrilled to expand into Edmond and connect with even more folks as we become the treat of choice in the Sooner State,” said Eric Reed, co-owner, Ranchers Custard, the franchisee of Andy’s Frozen Custard Edmond. “Edmond is the perfect location to add to the Andy’s family as the “Crown Jewel” of Oklahoma, and a place that not only takes pride in its history but takes care to creates amazing outdoor spaces in which to recreate and enjoy life. Andy’s is committed to providing a delicious accompaniment to all of life’s daily activities and special occasions.”

Like Edmond, with its rich heritage and hometown values, Andy’s incor-

porates 37 years of its own traditions to create memories one scoop of frozen custard at a time. Andy’s focus on heritage and the local community stems from its long history as a family-owned business with a desire to bring a slice of hometown America to each and every location. With a primary focus on product quality, Andy’s uses only the finest ingredients to ensure that the frozen custard is always fresh. The ingredients are simple, with dairy sourced from a family-owned dairy farm in the upper Midwest. Secret family recipes, such as Grandma Elaine’s rich, buttery shortcake and fudgy brownies, are baked fresh in-store and added as mix ins or toppings for an unmatched flavor experience.

Andy’s Frozen Custard will be open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. –11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The friendly and welcoming staff –putting grins above chins with every order – are always focused on quickly serving the highest quality treats.

Owning a home gym can be truly helpfu

Attebery

EEDA Abstract lists Edmond trends

By Richard Mize Oklahoman.com

It's almost like getting a new telephone book back in the day, or the latest Sears Catalog, when the new Edmond Economic Abstract comes out, and it's out with all kinds of tidbits, like where the traffic is the worst.

That's the first thing I check out, because the traffic is terrible sometimes.

So before somebody honks at me to get a move on, without further ado, here are some of the freshest traffic stats, and then some other highlights, from the 2023 Edmond Economic Abstract, courtesy of the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

Where the heaviest traffic is in Edmond, Oklahoma, the top 10 intersections

The 24-hour average traffic count at Edmond's busiest intersections:

33rd and Broadway: 66,037.

15th and Broadway: 59,466.

Broadway and Comfort Drive: 49,852 (this is the first light you hit coming from the south on Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City where it becomes S Broadway Avenue in Edmond).

Second and Broadway: 48,801.

33rd and Santa Fe Avenue: 48,338.

Danforth Road and Kelly Avenue: 48,087.

Second and Boulevard: 47,892.

Edmond Road and Kelly: 47,755.

33rd and Kelly: 47,696.

Edmond Road and Santa Fe: 46,834.

How old people are in Edmond, OK, and how much they make

Here are some demographic fast facts for Edmond:

Median age: 37.4.

Total households: 37,123.

Average household size: 2.56.

Per capita income: $52,392.

Median household income: $84,846.

Growth in home sales prices in Edmond, Oklahoma, 2019-2002

COVID-19 slowed price growth for existing single-family homes in 2020, but not much.

Average sales price in 2019: $301,567.

In 2020: $316,243, up 4.9%.

In 2021: $369,828, up 16.9%.

In 2022: $408,367, up 10.4%.

New commercial construction permits by type in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 2022

Finally, here's the meat and potatoes of economic growth: what kinds of commercial buildings

Tourist agency giving tiny cabins a try at Broken Bow

The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced today that 12 new tiny cabins in Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow are now open to the public.

Alongside the Mountain Fork River, the new Riverside Retreat cabins are great for year-round use and add to the existing lodging opportunities in parks statewide.

The riverside cabins are equipped with a full kitchen, sleep up to six guests and offer a comfortable and relaxing chance to escape and unwind.

"Beavers Bend State Park is one of Oklahoma’s top tourist destinations, attracting both residents and visitors from surrounding states,” said OTRD Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt. “The new tiny cabins are just one example of the department’s commitment to drive tourism to Oklahoma and to continue offering unique, exceptional

experiences across the state.”

The addition of these cabins helps meet the high demand for lodging in the park, which saw over 845,000 visitor days in 2021, generating more than $5 million in state and local taxes.

Reservations are open for individuals and groups, and the nearby Riverside Community Building offers an event space and full kitchen. Outdoor amenities include a common area with a fire pit, picnic tables and grills closer to the river.

Beavers Bend State Park is located along the Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma. The state park is a prime vacation destination with a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, river float trips and horseback riding.

For more information or to reserve a cabin at Beaver Bend State Park, visit TravelOK.com/BeaversBend.

got started in 2022 and how much they're worth.

Multifamily: 512,940 square feet, valued at $110,520,000.

Miscellaneous commercial: 242,371 square feet, valued at $63,353,000.

Retail: 192,596 square feet, valued at $40,294,537.

Office: 27,494 square feet, valued at $5,170,000.

Industrial: 41,457 square feet, valued at $2,800,000.

Medical: 8,121 square feet, valued at $1,210,000.

Total: 1,024,979 square feet, valued at $223,347,537.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Twelve new tiny cabins overlooking the Mountain Fork River are available to book at Beavers Bend State Park. Photo by Lori Duckworth, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.

According to the Edmond Ecnomic Development Authority, the value of a single family home in Edmond went up 10 percent from 2021 to 2022.

Welcome Clean Juice Edmond

Clean Juice Edmond recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 1476 S Bryant Ave . Clean Juice is a faith based American restaurant franchise that primarily serves Organic smoothies, juices, acai bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Landon and Kat Eckles started Clean Juice® in 2016 as the first USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, claiming to be the only franchise of its kind in 2016. There are now over 170 locations either in development or in operation in 30 states in the United States.

To learn more about Clean Juice Edmond, visit www.cleanjuice.com.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Clinic brings attention to eating disorders

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic a nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, aims to provide resources and hope for those struggling with eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week will be observed February 27 - March 5, 2023 to provide education and offer hope and resources to those in need. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 28.8 million Americans experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

Some common signs of eating disorders include, but are not limited to:

a preoccupation with weight and/or food

obsessive food and calorie counting extreme concern about body size and weight noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down frequent dieting, including fad diets and cutting out entire food groups making comments about feeling fat and secret recurring episodes of binge eating

These are only a few examples of behaviors that could indicate an eating disorder. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, call the NEDA hotline at (800) 931-2237. A screening is also available at nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool. Although eating disorders are a response to stress and/or trauma, they can affect every organ system in the body,” said Kim Farris, OKCIC’s Director of Behavioral Health. “It’s crucial to seek help for eating disorders because they can be fatal. Remember, the chance for recovery increases the earlier an eating disorder is detected.”

An active support system can make a huge difference in maintaining recovery. Close friends and family can encourage you to eat regular meals, stay in therapy and use coping skills. It is also helpful to focus on what life will be like without your eating disorder, and to think about what your goals for recovery are. During recovery, you can set small mini-goals, such as eating a meal without anxiety or guilt.

“Many factors can contribute to developing an eating disorder,” Farris said. “Weight stigma, bullying and even family dynamics can play a role. It’s important to remember that your healthiest weight is the weight that allows you to feel strong, and live a full and normal life.”

Behavioral health treatment is available. OKCIC patients can reach Behavioral Health at (405) 948-4900 ext. 610. For free and confidential support, reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for nearly 23,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900