March 19, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 43
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.
Use common sense, stay calm during virus pandemic
FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Mostly Sunny High 45 Low 28°
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Partly Cloudy High 48° Low 36°
PHOTO BY MELINDA INFANTE
SUNDAY, MARCH 22 AM Showers High 49 Low 41°
The 35th year of Swine Week at EMHS ends in triumphant fashion as students, staff, and parents learn the total raised for Halo Project and Cleats for Kids topped $600,000. The grand total of $608,000 was raised during the final Swine Week assembly held Friday at Memorial High School. This marked the 35th year of
serving our community through this philanthropic venture. The HALO Project is an organization dedicated to healing children from hard places in need. The HALO Project cares for abused and neglected children in Oklahoma through three levels of healing. First, they provide a unique counseling treatment. Second, they prevent the cycle of abuse by provid-
ing healing to parents. Third, they train child welfare professionals and teachers how to care for abused and neglected children. HALO has healed hundreds of Oklahoma families and impacts over 25,000 children each year. Swine Week concluded the three Edmond high schools’ community service projects for the year. More than $1.5 million was raised for non-profits. North High School, in its Bring a Light to Others, or BALTO cause, raised $568,082 for the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital. Two weeks later, Santa Fe’s Double Wolf Dare Week, produced $360,430 for Fight for the Forgotten. Among its many recipients are those youth who suffer from bullying. The common thread this year was Cleats for Kids, which helps needy kids with shorts, shoes, ball and equipment. Each of the three schools donated a small percentage to Cleats for Kids.
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Officials share vital virus facts County health departments, including OKC-County and Tulsa Health Departments, do not offer testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Any individual who develops symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or has recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 should contact their health care provider or the COVID-19 hotline at 877-215-8336 for recommendations. Before going to a doctor’s office, call ahead and discuss symptoms. If you are sick with a fever or cough and have a higher risk for complications from severe respiratory infections (age 60+, have a chronic medical condition or are pregnant), call your health care provider and ask if you need to be evaluated in person. Other people with mild illness who are concerned about their health can call their health care provider to discuss COVID-19 testing and other possible reasons for their illness. The health care provider, in consultation with public health officials will determine if the individual meets the proper case definition that warrants testing. The testing is coordinated by the health care provider. With Spring Break approaching, stay up to date with CDC’s travel health notices related to this outbreak. When returning from travel, to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) into the United States, CDC is working with state and local public health partners to implement after-travel health precautions. If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19 during travel, you should be prepared to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel. CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase your risk of ex-
posure to COVID-19, if there are other travelers with COVID-19. If you have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread and you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for recommendations. The public can help: Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. Stay home when you are sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Help young children do the same. Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or a weakened immune system. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands). Healthy individuals do not need masks; they are reserved for those who are ill to prevent the spread of germs and healthcare workers. Face masks should only be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The purpose of a face mask is to prevent droplets from sneezing and coughing from becoming airborne. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. For more information, view the CDC update on their web page.
Face masks should only be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19
Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submitted by noon Thursday.
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From the Publisher
Read us on Issuu There is no need for me to explain what a crazy world this last month has become but I have to try. It has been nuts folks. Nothing like any of us has ever seen. As we cling together in spirit but not physically, we wanted to let you know about possible changes at our office as we get through the COVID 19 crisis of Ray Hibbard 2020. Should we be forced to temporarily suspend home delivery of our newspaper due to health concerns, you can always keep up with your local news on our print replica version of Edmond Life & Leisure. Our newspaper has had all the tools for folks that prefer to read online, and they are heavily used. You can download the Issuu app at any time and search for Edmond Life & Leisure. Just go to your appropriate app store and get it free if you don’t already have it on your devices. Just add us to your favorites and you can return to Issuu at any time to read each issue, even catch up on back issues. You can also authorize Issuu notification to be alerted when a new edition is published. You can also read our calendar of events and our magazines all, of course, at no charge. You will see a complete replica of the printed version including all the wonderful ads that are in our paper. Some advertisers even have links to their web site for more information. If all that is too confusing, I can simplify it for you. Go to our web site, www.edmondlifeandleisure.com, look to the right of the screen and you will see the front page of the current issue. Just click on it and the magic box will take you to the replica version which will allow you to turn through the pages just as you would if the paper was printed and in front of you. Either way, you will be certain to see your only locally owned and operated weekly news source to keep up with all that goes on or doesn’t go on in town. It is hard to know what is going to take place and what might be cancelled but you can check with us to find out. We are an events newspaper and are used to letting our readers know what events are coming but we are here to serve our readers no matter the circumstances. Technology makes reading our paper easy online just as you would a printed version, but it also al-
lows us to work from home. We don’t get a lot of drop-in visitors but if you are thinking of coming by the office, call first. While I may be sending the troops home to work over the next two weeks or beyond, I will be here taking calls and answering questions. My staff feels like I am the most expendable one in the office, so they don’t mind leaving me here to face and be consumed by the virus. This process covers every emergency plan we have at Edmond Life & Leisure. The staff puts me up front to confront any danger while they slip out the back door. I’m regarded as the sacrificial lamb as it were. They all think it is a fool proof plan but I’m not so sure I like it as much as they do. Seems a bit one sided but no reason to change the master plan for now. If I need run out for food or to make a bank deposit, I will leave a sign on the front door letting you know when I will return. It shouldn’t be long. Phones and email will follow us thanks to our friends at Cox Business. If you would like to help me, feel free to drop by food or money to deposit. Please stay six feet,(or is it 10 feet?), away. Just open my door throw in the food or cash and run. All contributions will be appreciated. My overall concern about this whole thing is that I don’t have much fear. Lots of my friends are the same way. It could be that reality has just not hit us yet. We Oklahomans have been through a lot but nothing like this. Our reaction to a crisis is to load the guns and be ready for a fight. That just won’t work in this situation and it wasn’t the way we were raised. I was brought up by a 100 percent United States Marine. Threats were dealt with by taking the fight to the enemy. We didn’t wait for the attack. This situation is different. There is nothing to attack. Being passive is not in our DNA here in Oklahoma. If there is a problem, we take it head on. We also take care of our friends and neighbors by going to their aide. Staying home is just not what we do. Yet, it is exactly what we are being asked. This is what makes us uncomfortable folks. We are being asked to help our elderly and most vulnerable friends and neighbors in this town by doing nothing. Staying home protects them. It just isn’t natural. I totally get the need to “flatten the curve” that all the medical professionals keep describing. I understand the logic and will comply. While some of
us may have no fear of contracting the virus, there are so many that it could harm if we don’t slow down the spread. I read articles that disagree with all of it but I’m just not the one to make the call. I would hate to spread the virus to anyone in this community who is elderly, and I hope you feel the same way. There was a business owner that told me a lady came in her store last week that looked terrible. It was obvious that she was sick. The owner asked her what was wrong, and the lady said she had just been to the doctor and was running 104-degree temperature. The owner snapped at the shopper and asked what she was doing out and more importantly in her store. The shopper replied that she just wanted to get all her errands done before she went home to go to bed. The owner ordered her out of the store and had to disinfect the entire place. I’m glad the federal government is telling us they are here to help. Maybe I am a little skeptical, however. I have not heard of any details on delivery. Telling workers that they will get up to two weeks of pay and three months of emergency leave is great but where is the money coming from? How will it get into the accounts of those that need it? Does the employer pay it and then how do they get reimbursed? My guess is that it will follow the path of all other federal legislation that is long on promises but short on details. They pass a half-baked law and then hand it over to some agency to let the bureaucrats fill in the details. That is where the long line of red tape begins. Rules, exceptions and requirements are added so that only a fraction of the intended dollars gets distributed, but it sure looks good in front on the cameras when the elected officials are bragging about taking care of the common folks. Talk with anyone who has had to deal with FEMA or the SBA during a national disaster and they will confirm my fear. We will hope for the best in these programs as they say. I do believe that the new normal will come quickly and folks will adapt to the situation. Oklahoman’s are strong like that, but one thing is for sure, our lives have all been changed forever and will be different from this day forward. They don’t have to be worse, but they will be changed.
(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- UCO sports seasons end ..............................................................Page 6. ---- Area art gallery featured ..............................................................Page 8. ---- Basketball alternatives ................................................................Page 10. ---- Tennis Center previewed ............................................................Page 11. ---- Movie review by George Gust....................................................Page 13. ---- Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. ---- Senior news ....................................................................Pages 14 to 16. ---- Business News ............................................................................Page 17. ---- Worship directory ......................................................................Page 19.
Please read virus article Page 3
MELINDA INFANTE
Memorial High School students raised more than $600,000 during Swine Week last week. Most of the funds will go toward the HALO Project, which helps abused children. See article, Page 1
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke
Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York
Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com
Account Executive Bryan Hallman bryan@edmondpaper.com
Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083
All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com
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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 5
Visitation policy changed In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, OU Medicine has updated its visitation policies. Effective immediately, hospital and clinic patients are limited as to how many visitors may visit or join them at appointments. The new OU Medicine and OU Physicians visitor guidelines for adult care are: OU Medical Center and OU Medical Center Edmond are limiting visitors to only one visitor per patient. This visitor will be the only individual allowed in the patient’s room for the duration of a patient’s stay. OU Physicians clinics are limiting the number of individuals who may accompany a patient to an appointment to one visitor per patient. Stephenson Cancer Center is limiting the number of individuals who may accompany a patient to an appointment to one visitor per patient. Due to the special considerations for children’s care, The Children’s
Hospital, OU Children’s Physicians have adopted the following: The Children’s Hospital is limiting the number of visitors for all patients to only two visitors. These two visitors will be the only individuals allowed in the patient’s room for the duration of a patient’s stay. OU Children’s Physicians clinics are limiting the number of individuals who may accompany a patient to an appointment to two visitors per patient. In addition: All visitors to any and all OU Medicine entities must be over the age of 18. This includes siblings of patients. For patients that have confirmed COVID-19, no visitors will be allowed in the room unless the patient is a minor. For patients on palliative and hospice care, the physician will work with the family on a case-by-case basis regarding visitation.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sen. Stephanie Bice, left, R-Oklahoma City, meets with Mary Morris, of Edmond, who served as Nurse of the Day earlier this month.
State senate honors Edmond nurse Mary Morris MSN, APRN, NP-C, of Edmond, served as Nurse of the Day for the State Senate last week. Morris was sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City.
The duties of the Nurse of the Day include offering medical assistance, when necessary, to members of the Legislature as well as legislative staff and others at the State Capitol.
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UCO will take extra week of spring break Students at the University of Central Oklahoma will get an extra week of spring break this month as the school prepares preventative measures for the global pandemic COVID-19. Faculty, staff and student employees will use the extra week, March 23-27, to lay the groundwork for a possible suspension of all in-person classes, according to a UCO announcement Wednesday. Universities across the country, including the University of Tulsa, have moved all classes entirely online to prevent further spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. TU announced last week it would implement virtual instruction after a family member of a student was confirmed to have the disease. Oklahoma’s only two confirmed COVID-19 cases are in Tulsa County. UCO asked faculty, staff and students to complete a preparedness assessment to help the university plan for potential remote teaching or alternative study methods. Students were instructed to bring class materials with them when they leave for spring break at the end of this week in case classes are moved online. “The university will continue to monitor the situ-
Broncho sports seasons are over The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department is halting activity following a pair of unprecedented announcements from the NCAA and the MIAA regarding CoVID-19 and the potential spread of the virus. The NCAA announced Wednesday of last week that it was canceling both its winter and spring championships. The MIAA followed that shocking move by suspending indefinitely all athletic activities for its member institutions. Central Oklahoma's wrestling team had six student-athletes practicing for the NCAA Division II national championships, which were scheduled to ation and will make decisions about the reconvening of classes after the extension of spring break,” UCO said in a statement. UCO said all university sponsored travel is canceled. Campus events that involve 100 or more participantsmust postpone, cancel or adjust until April 30. The inauguration of UCO President Patti
begin Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D., pulled off the mats and instructed to return to Oklahoma. The UCO track & field team had one student-athlete in route to Birmingham, Ala. to compete in the NCAA Division II Indoor national championships when the announcement was made to return home. Seven spring sports at Central – men's and women's golf, rowing, softball, baseball, tennis, and track & field – all put an end to their respective seasons. All other sports also are stopping offseason workouts, including UCO's football team, which will not be allowed to compete in spring drills during this time. Neuhold-Ravikumar, which was planned for April 3, has been delayed until the fall. Students, faculty and staff were asked to self-report where they will travel for spring break before leaving. This will allow UCO to determine who should be recommended for self-quarantine, depending on developments in particular areas. From www.Oklahoman.com
Census survey reminder All current Edmond residents should complete their survey by the end of April. As of last week, the federal government is undertaking the decennial United States Census. Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will be delivered between now and March 20. Once you receive that invitation, you can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Your participation in this survey is vital for our community as it plays a key role in determining the following: n Federal Funding – It is estimated that each counted citizen equates to $1,675 per year for the next ten years. This funding is used locally for a variety of important things including road projects, public schools, healthcare and emergency services. n Fair Representation – The results of the Census guide a significant portion in how you are represented in
government on a federal, state and local level. At the federal level, the number of representatives each state receives is based upon its counted population. At all levels, government representation boundaries are set up based upon census data to ensure that each district (federal or state) and ward (local) has equal numbers of people per elected official. The process is safe and anonymous. By law, your information cannot be shared with anyone including the IRS, the FBI, the CIA, ICE or any other government agency. Please do your part and fill out your Census survey when the information arrives at your home. We also greatly appreciate your support in helping spread the word to others that may not understand the importance of the Census. For full information regarding the 2020 Census, please visit https://2020Census.gov.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 7
FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE
Children always have a lot of fun each year during Edmond’s annual Toucha-Truck event sponsored by Edmond Electric.
Touch-a-Truck event seeking 2020 entries Edmond Electric is accepting entries for their annual Touch-a-Truck event set for Saturday, June 6, 2020. Touch-A-Truck is a fundraising event that provides kids of all ages with the opportunity to experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firemen, construction workers and many more. “Families will have the opportunity for a hands-on exploration of many vehicles such as Edmond’s own fire trucks and police cars, an Edmond Electric bucket truck and even a solid waste truck.” Admission for the Touch-A-Truck event is a suggested $2 donation with all proceeds going to The HOPE Center of Edmond to benefit local residents in need. Last year, the event displayed over 50 different vehicles for kids to enjoy and raised $5,200 for The HOPE Center of Edmond. This event is free for companies/organizations who are willing to bring out their unique vehicles for display. Due to the interactive style of this event, entries will NOT be accepted that only have a booth type setup. Continuing in 2020, we will have a quiet hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate those sensitive to loud noises. During this time, no horns or loud music will be allowed. If your group or organization would like to participate in this kid friendly event, sign up information can be found at http://edmondelectric.com/touchatruck or you may call Jessica Lyle at 216-7729. Sign up forms are due by May 31.
Art Association has rescheduled meeting to Monday May 18 The Edmond Art Association meeting for March 23 has been cancelled. The group was to have heard from Marie Kash Weltzheimer. For now the meeting has been rescheduled for May 18. For additional information please e-mail Andrea Moon at andehealth@yahoo.com. In terms of other events, Edmond Life & Leisure is putting a hold on our regular Weekend Calendar of Events. Most of the events for this weekend have been cancelled or postponed.
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Official: Beware of fake voter applications State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax issued a warning to Oklahomans today to beware of “fake” voter registration applications. Counties around the state have received several invalid voter registration applications, which were generated from a website called Register2Vote.org. The website allows Oklahomans to complete a so-called “Federal Voter Registration Application” that is not valid in Oklahoma. Under Oklahoma state law, only the National Mail Application and
News briefs the Oklahoma Voter Registration Application are accepted in this state. “This is a prime example of an organization creating misinformation that could cause Oklahoma voters to become disenfranchised. The application used by Register2Vote appears to be a document created specifically for the organization and cobbles together language from both the National Mail Application and the Oklahoma Voter Registration Application. However, it is not a valid application under Oklahoma law and cannot be accepted in the State of Oklahoma,” Ziriax said. Oklahomans who submitted an application generated by Register2Vote.org to their County Election Board will be mailed a letter from the Secretary of the County Election Board explaining why the application was rejected, along with an official Oklahoma Voter Registration Application. Voters who believe they submitted an invalid form or need to register to vote can also download a valid application from the State Election Board website at elections.ok.gov. The deadline to register to vote for the statewide primary is June 5. Valid voter registration applications received after this date will be processed immediately following the June 30 election. Voters with questions, should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.
Seat Belt bill passes A bill that would strengthen seat belt laws for youth ages 8 to 17 today passed the House with a vote of 78-18. House Bill 2791, by State Rep. Ross Ford (R-Broken Arrow), would require every person under the age of 18 to wear a seat belt when riding in the back seat of a passenger vehicle in Oklahoma. “As a former police officer, there was absolutely nothing worse than working an accident scene where a child died because they were not wearing a seat belt,” Ford said. “This law will help us avoid such needless tragedies in the future.” Currently, state law requires only youth ages 8 or younger to wear a seatbelt while riding in the backseat of a moving vehicle. Other than that, only the driver and front-seat passenger are required to be belted. Ford worked with AAA Oklahoma, Safe Kids Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) to draft the legislation, which is supported by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association, chiefs of police organizations throughout the state and many others. In total, 36 state organizations joined together to express support for this change in statute. “The Department of Public Safety recognizes the importance of occupant protection, and we fully support measures to increase the safety of passengers, especially our vulnerable children,” said DPS Commissioner John Scully.
A look at its artist owners
The Studios at North Gallery You can find The Studios at North Gallery in the Shoppes at Northpark Mall. The first area when you enter the studios is where Alan and Cheryl Harder and Jim Barnett exhibit and sell artwork by various artists. Moving into The Studios at North Gallery gave them a steady home to exhibit their private collection instead of setting up at Pow Wows and festivals. “In our collection are primarily original pieces of art and we also Alan and Cheryl Harder are a part of The Studios of North and bring in artists durhave desirable prints such as the ing the year to feature their art work. Jerome Tiger print. The available art is dated from 1929 to present,” contemporary technique has made Alan Harder said. this Southern Plains Indian popular at The art studio was very strategimany tribal museums. Barnett and cally planned, by North Gallery & the Harder’s enjoy providing artists a Studio owners, Janetta Smith and Pa- studio to grow their community of tricia Triplett to provide diverse artfollowers, attract new ones and exwork that anyone can enjoy. As you hibit their work. continue through to the other areas Jim, Allan and Cheryl also particiyou will find artists with contempopate in a charity called, A Chance to rary, realism and pop art styles. Play. This charity collects donated inEach month Barnett and the struments and takes them to Larsen Harder’s show case different artists Music Company to be reconditioned providing them an opportunity to and then given to students or music demonstrate their talent and sell their departments at schools in need. If art. This month’s featured artist is you have any old musical instruments Jackie “Black Horse” Tointigh, a sculp- laying around you would like to retor and a painter who recently came home just drop them off at The Stuout of retirement. Black Horse has re- dios at North Gallery and enjoy the ceived many awards since he began art. You may just find something that painting professionally in 1974. His would be great in your home, busiart features use of acrylic, paint, waness or the perfect gift for your tercolor and stone. Combining tradifriends and family. tional subject matter with Article & Photos by Melinda Infante
Part of the art featured in the studio.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 9
OMRF lab dedicated to memory of Mark Grimes Former Flintco-Oklahoma City President Mark Grimes was honored last week with the dedication of a laboratory in his memory at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. A plaque designating the lab will hang in OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. Grimes worked with Flintco more than 26 years and retired in 2014. Under his leadership, Flintco built OMRF’s award-winning 8-story, 185,000 square foot research tower that was completed in 2011. He received a Build Oklahoma Award from the Building Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America for the project. In addition to OMRF’s tower, Grimes also worked on a number of Oklahoma landmark projects, such as the Capitol Dome, Devon Tower, Civic Center and the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Members of the Grimes family attended the dedication ceremony. Grimes passed away in September at the age of 68.
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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Basketball alternatives Helping with drug costs I must admit it's odd this spring to not have the NCAA basketball tournament One year I remember an announcer saying the first round of games were like Christmas Steve Gust for him. That's when they squeeze in 32 games in two days. And invariably a massive underdog will knock off one of the favorite teams. But we won't have that this year. Here are some of my alternatives. Try watching, either highlights or the whole game, when OU beats Texas in football. Does that ever get old? I don't think so. One of my favorites is the 2000 game when the Sooners jumped out to a 42-0 first half lead over the Longhorns. They eventually went on to hang more than 60 points on Texas. Now that's entertainment. I also like one the games, I think it was 2012, when OU scored three defensive touchdowns on the 'Horns. The best part is that happened during the politically incorrect period when OU players could actually give
the upside down Horns side. There are other good OU football clips also. This last year when OU came back from a 25-point deficit against Baylor is a good one also. Then again, I probably won't be watching the OU-LSU game from a few months ago. Or you could call up the clip when Billy Tubbs of OU asked the OU basketball fans not to throw things on the court “no matter how bad the officiating is.” If football or sports aren't your thing, then there are plenty of streaming services to keep you entertained. And of course, there is that other favorite of mine, reading. As it's said about reading, you can transport your mind to any time or place on earth. Of course all of this is because of the dreaded virus, that dominates the news. By now I think everyone has probably learned that there are things in this life we just can't control. Probably the best advice is to be careful and to use common sense. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea either to pray to God.
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
By Oliver Lackey Pharm.D. Diabetics shouldn’t have to ration their insulin, heart patients shouldn’t have to skip days of treatments to make their prescription last longer, and asthmatics shouldn’t have to decide whether to pay rent or get their inhaler. But as a pharmacist, I see patients making these impossible choices on a regular basis. The No. 1 topic of conversation we have each day is not about health — it is about health care costs. And, while I wish the conversation was about prices going down, unfortunately that rarely happens. Many of my patients can only afford high-deductible insurance plans, which makes many prescriptions at the counter so expensive, they often choose to go without. One way patients are receiving help is through
co-pay assistance programs offered by a number of groups, such as pharmaceutical manufacturers and foundations. They provide support to patients (often with chronic complex conditions), by giving them cards or coupons to cover the cost of care. Increasingly, I have seen the shock and devastation that comes when patients realize that their insurer is refusing to count co-pay assistance toward their deductible. Often by design, insurance jargon (deductibles, co-payments, maximum out-of-pocket costs, premiums, etc.) is hard to understand and explain to my patients. One thing that is not hard to explain is that a dollar spent is a dollar spent. It should not matter where that dollar comes from. The reason pharmacists become pharmacists is to help patients, so it should not
matter where a payment comes from. The patient should always be the one to see the benefit. This practice is called “co-pay accumulator adjustments,” and it is often buried in the fine print of patient plans and contracts. Many patients are unaware of these programs until they arrive at my pharmacy counter to find their medicine is unexpectedly being withheld until they pay thousands of out-ofpocket dollars. Meanwhile, insurance companies get the value of negotiated price discounts from manufacturers despite ignoring the value of co-pay assistance programs. For many patients, copay assistance programs are critical as the only way they can afford the care they need. But this practice by insurers is increasingly shifting costs to patients, and that puts patients at risk. Denying co-pay assistance can cause otherwise stable patients to ration or discontinue their treatment, leading to serious, even life-threatening, complications. But relief for Oklahomans could be on the way. House Bill 3737, introduced by Rep. TJ Marti, would require health insurance companies to count all payments made by patients directly or on their behalf toward their overall outof-pocket maximum payment or the patient’s deductible. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 93-0. It now goes on to the Senate. I urge the Legislature to continue doing its part to remove the barriers that stand in the way of pharmacists helping people and building a healthier Oklahoma.
Lackey is a pharmacist and pharmacy owner in Fairview.
OC online instruction explained in letter (Editor’s Note: The following is a letter by OC President John deSteiguer to the Oklahoma Christian University community informing them on the decision to go to online learning for a portion of the spring semester.) Dear Oklahoma Christian University Family, Out of an abundance of caution, with the safety and wellbeing of our students, employees and members of our broader community top of mind, OC will transition all in-person classes to online learning beginning Sunday, March 22 and continuing through at least Friday, April 3. Graduate classes will meet next week as scheduled. Our hope and intent is to return to in-person classes on Sunday, April 5. For clarity, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Oklahoma Christian University. The OC campus will remain open as scheduled
through Thursday, March 19 and again after Spring Break. Students, as you leave for Spring Break, remember to take all books and other supplies needed to continue your coursework. You’ll also want to take any medications and belongings necessary during this extended time away. deSteiguer You should plan to remain home after Spring Break. If you believe your situation warrants an exception, please make that appeal to Residence Life staff. If you are staying on-campus during Spring Break, Residence Life will contact you with more information. Employees, you’ll report to work as usual. If you are concerned that being on campus compromises your health or the health of a family member, please speak to your supervisor to discuss telecommute accommodations. Faculty, you’ll receive sepa-
Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste). Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.
rate instructions regarding online learning. Parents, thank you in advance for your patience as we work through this unprecedented event. You’ve trusted us with your most precious gift. In addition to their education and spiritual growth, we take your student’s health and safety very, very seriously. Please reach out to University staff with questions and concerns. Staff will provide a fuller update on the University’s website at http://oc.edu/covid19 this afternoon. Thank you for being a part of OC’s family. Please join me in prayer as we continue to navigate next steps. May God bless you and yours, John deSteiguer President Oklahoma Christian University
‘Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.’ President John F. Kennedy
New tennis center taking shape
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 11
When completed, the new tennis center near 15th and Kelly, will have 24 outdoor courts.
Officials with Edmond Public Schools and the city of Edmond recently invited the public out to see the progress made with the new tennis center. When completed this year the center will have 24 outdoor courts and six indoor courts and be available to citizens and student-athletes alike. The facility is being built on the north side of 15th street, just east of Kelly. The cost of the center is being split between the two entities and funds for the district’s portion of the facility come from the 2015 & 2017 bond issues which were passed by more than 80 percent of voters.
Tennis Center Facts: --- 24 outdoor courts including two center championship courts --- 6 indoor courts including a mezzanine for spectator viewing --- Main lobby with Pro Shop and a refreshment lounge --- Covered access to interior courts and a second-floor spectator mezzanine --- Girls’ and Boys’ locker rooms for each of the three high schools --- Locker rooms and offices for high school coaches --- Trainer’s room
Photos by Ray Hibbard
Project architect Tony Blatt with Hornbeek Blatt Architects explains the uses of the north area of the new Edmond Tennis Center Building during the tour.
‘Visit Edmond’ board members, staff and guests were given a construction tour of the new Edmond Tennis center.
Page 12 • March 19, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 13
Review of Disney’s ‘Stargirl’
Film world takes advantage of streaming platform By George Gust It is an interesting time for movies in America and the world. Social distancing wreaking havoc on the domestic and international box office, big blockbuster movie releases getting pushed back (you’ll have to wait another year for the next Fast & Furious flick!) and studios like Disney releasing two of their largest releases of 2019, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Frozen 2” to streaming platforms earlier than expected. There’s a lot of uncertainty these days, but in terms of the availability of in-home content, there has probably never been a better time to be stuck at home with your family. This past Friday Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, released the film adaptation of the 2000 best selling young adult novel “Stargirl.” The story follows Leo Borlock (Graham Verchere) an average high school student, who has always been content flying under the radar. But all that changes when he meets Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal), a confident and colorful new student, who stands out in a crowd. Her eccentricities charm Leo and the student body and she quickly goes from being ignored and ridiculed to accepted and praised, then back again, sending Leo on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
“Stargirl” exists squarely in the coming-of-age high school dramedy genre for better and for worse. The first act of the film is bogged down in trying to be too quirky and charming for its own good. With a on the nose narration from the film’s protagonist that feels like you’re reading along in the young adult novel. However, after a rocky start that portends another too cool for school hipster teen dramedy, “Stargirl” turns into the charming story of acceptance and uniqueness that it sets out to be. The performances of “Stargirl” are naturalistic and feel like they could be pulled from any high school across America. And while it feels like this story could happen in Anytown, USA VanderWaal’s performance as the beguiling and unique Stargirl. At one point in
the film Leo wonders if Stargirl is magic and VanderWaal’s screen presence and charm makes the audience wonder if she really has some kind teen movie magic. And while VanderWaal gets the opportunity to dawn glittery outfits, quirky hats and play the ukulele, Verchere’s, Leo is tasked with trying to conform to the pressures of fitting in after being ostracized in his young school career. VanderWaal and Verchere have excellent chemistry but end up tackling the stresses of high school life in their own way. Overall, “Stargirl” is a coming-of-age film that focuses more on the drama with some comedic moments and high levels of charm. Most of the relationships in the film aren’t deeply explored, but the film’s main message of acceptance and self-discovery comes to the forefront, nonetheless. “Stargirl” can be overly sentimental and to impressed with its own quirkiness at times, but the overall message and mood of the movie is successful and charming. So, if you’re stuck in the house scrolling through your numerous options of streaming content, “Stargirl” is an easy to access well-executed, and grounded teen drama. “Stargirl” is rated PG for mild thematic elements. Now streaming on Disney+ 3.5 out of 5 stars
PHOTO PROVIDED
Grace VanderWaal stars as ‘Stargirl’ a magically eccentric teen who changes the lives the people of small community in Disney+'s adaptation of the young adult novel of the same name.
Sunbeam assisting seniors Through April 15, Sunbeam Family Services is asking the community to help raise funds to receive a $20,000 matching gift from the Anderson Charitable Foundation. Donations will support Sunbeam’s Senior Services program, including the only shelter in Oklahoma designed to support the needs of seniors over the age of 60. In the Oklahoma City area, more than 1,200 residents are experiencing homelessness, including over 300 senior adults. Year-round, Sunbeam works to end senior homelessness through its Emergency Senior Shelter. “Our Emergency Senior Shelter is the only facility of its kind in Oklahoma,” said Sarah Rahhal, chief executive officer of Sunbeam. “We designed it to meet a need in our community. Concerns like decreased mobility, health issues and medication security make traditional homeless shelters a challenge for seniors.” Upon arrival, residents work with a case manager to identify the root causes of their housing crises. During their 30-day stay, residents at Sunbeam’s Shelter receive supportive services, individual rooms, warm beds, home-cooked meals, laundry facilities and medication assistance.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD
71. Brewer's kiln 72. Play part 73. Young salmon
THEME: DRIVER'S ED ACROSS 1. Happen again 6. Promotions 9. Field mouse 13. UV absorber 14. Seek a seat 15. Eagle's nest 16. Jury ____ 17. Mad King George's number 18. Bad-tempered one 19. *Two or more people on the road 21. *Fines can do that? 23. Scot's woolen cap 24. Give an impression 25. Last month 28. Willy Wonka mastermind 30. Lay down to rest again 35. Container weight 37. Damaging precipitation 39. One born to Japanese immigrants 40. Windows alternative 41. Clown act 43. London subway 44. What Motion Picture Association of America does 46. Lentil soup 47. Pulitzer winner Bellow 48. Little Women to Aunt March 50. Victorian and Elizabethan ones, e.g. 52. Dropped drug 53. Type of dam 55. Post Malone's genre 57. *Traffic separator 60. *Kind of lane 64. Tiger's and lioness' offspring 65. J. Edgar Hoover's org. 67. Capital of Vietnam 68. Between wash and dry 69. 1985 Kurosawa movie 70. Village V.I.P.
Down 1. Campus drilling grp. 2. Poet Pound 3. Coconut fiber 4. Not fitting 5. Add a new magazine 6. Seed cover 7. *Punishable driver offense, acr. 8. Like a hurtful remark 9. Action word 10. Like face-to-face exam 11. Don't cross it? 12. Comic cry 15. Keenness in a certain field 20. D-Day beach 22. Old-fashioned over 24. Move like a serpent 25. *Go back the way you came 26. Hawaiian veranda 27. Banal or commonplace 29. *"Raised ____, " or "Don't Walk" 31. Small fragments
32. Bar order, with the 33. Puzzle with pictures and letters 34. *Up-side-down triangle sign 36. Biz bigwig 38. Yarn spinner 42. "The Nutcracker" protagonist 45. Crafting with stitches 49. One of Sinbad's seven 51. Miss America's accessory, pl. 54. Prefix for below 56. Church song 57. Actress Sorvino 58. Shining armor 59. Negative contraction 60. Pub order 61. ____-China 62. Christmas season 63. Horizontal wall beam 64. *Keep your hands at ten and ____ 66. *Measurement of alcohol in body, acr.
See Answers Page 19
Answers Page 19
Page 14 • March 19, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Know when & how
Reporting elder abuse Federal and state laws have been enacted in recent decades to help protect older people. The Elder Justice Act of 2009 is widely regarded as the most comprehensive bill ever passed to combat elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Because of laws like this, elder abuse and mistreatment have been taken more seriously and so has the act of reporting it. In states with mandated reporting requirements, nurses are included among those professionals required by law to report any suspected instances of sexual abuse, financial exploitation or general neglect that they encounter on the job. According to research, nurses and other mandated reporters can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems if they know of possible elder abuse and intentionally fail to report it. Generally, any person who is in some way responsible for the care of an older adult should make a report if he or she has reason to believe that the elderly person has been abused or is subject to abuse. These could include professional at-home caregivers, caregivers hired through family members or other medical professionals who interact with the elderly person regularly. How To Report Elder Abuse According to the NCEA, an overwhelming number of cases of abuse, exploitation, and neglect go undetected and untreated each year. Despite the accessibility of Adult
Protective Services in all 50 states, as well as mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse in most states, elder abuse is still severely under reported. Caregivers and professionals, however, should know they have a plethora of ways to safely and efficiently report elder abuse. If you suspect abuse, you should be sure to document the signs. This could include the following: Taking note of his or her changes in behavior. Taking photographs of injuries Writing descriptions of the victim’s injuries Written statements from the victim Written statements from any witnesses All of these things could help to confirm or disprove your suspicions. If the evidence you collect leads you to believe abuse may have taken place, then it may get the case handled quickly by Adult Protective Services. If you are reporting abuse or neglect of an elderly person in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, contact your long-term care ombudsman. Each state has an ombudsman program, which resolves complaints and advocates on behalf of residents’ rights and quality of care in LTC facilities. These professionals can investigate the claim and make the appropriate changes. If the abuse is severe or you suspect the person is susceptible to more harm, you should call 911. There should be no shame or fear in making the call.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 15
Veraden’s Mary Ratzlaff Walker turning 100 Soon Mary Ratzlaff Walker will mark her 100th birthday. For Mary, it has been a very interesting life. She was born to Rose and E.C. Aldrich in Enid March 29, 1920. Her father made the Cherokee Strip Run in 1889 on a cow pony and homesteaded the farm. He also traded his horse for another farm, which is now across the road from it Mary graduated high school in Enid in 1937. At Phillips University she was in a production of the stage production of King Lear. Later Mary went on to graduate from Enid Business college (EBC) where she met Loyd, who also graduated from EBC. They were married in 1941 just before he was drafted into the Army Air Corps. Mary’s first job was as a bookkeeper and then personal secretary for Knox Refining Company owner Charles Knox. He was on the troop train when the sergeant walked down the aisle asking if any of the men could type. Only Loyd held up his hand and was taken off the train and sent to Sioux Falls, S.D. to the payroll office. Mary joined him in Sioux Falls later and spent the rest of World War II working in a grocery store there. After the war, they returned to Enid for a few years and then moved to Dacoma to take up wheat farming on her father’s farm. They had two daughters, Marilyn Ratzlaff and Susan Baker, who both graduated from Oklahoma
Mary Ratzlaff Walker State University. The family lived in Dacoma until 1962 when they moved back to Enid. Mary has many talents including writing hundreds of poems, oil painting and music. Among other things, she directed the EUB church choir and an 18-voice chorus in Dacoma, made numerous wedding cakes, and played the piano to accompany the high school chorus. Loyd passed away in 1987 in Enid. Two years later she moved to Edmond where she eventually met and married Ed Walker in 1994. She was one of the first residents to move into the Veradan in 2017. Although Mary is soon to be 100, she is still
Company under suspicion of fraud Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced that the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is actively investigating the unlicensed activity of Choice Home Warranty. So far, the OID has received numerous consumer complaints alleging that Choice Home Warranty did not pay their home warranty service claims. OID issued a cease and desist order to the unlicensed company in 2017. OID’s current investigation revealed that Choice Home Warranty issued policies without the required license and in vio-
lation of the cease and desist order. A New Jersey-based company, Choice Home Warranty has solicited customers nationwide from its website. OID is currently processing consumer complaints and sending letters to the company demanding refunds be issued to the contract holders. “This violation will not be tolerated in Oklahoma,” said Mulready. If you have questions contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.
PHOTO PROVIDED
During the 1950s, Mary is seen pushing the mower at her home near Enid. Seen in the background is her late-husband Loyd.
very active. She is a people-person, knows almost everyone in the independent living section of the Veridan, and regularly participates in activities and games. In a word - she is the belle of the ball, so to speak. She will officially mark the 100th
birthday later this month. Other facts about Mary: n Was a choir director at her church. n Decorated wedding cakes. n Always up for games at the Veraden.
Page 16 • March 19, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
PHOTO PROVIDED
Leaders from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma present OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D., (third from the left) with a check for $250,000.
Donation will help fund research assisting seniors Last week, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma awarded $250,000 to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. The funds are designated for research in OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program, where scientists are investigating a wide range of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s, age-related muscle loss, osteoarthritis, diabetes, vision loss and neurodegenerative disorders, among others. “The Masonic Charity Foundation has a long history of supporting the needs of all Oklahomans from all walks of life,” said Bob Peters, Grand Master for the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. “If you live, you also age, and OMRF is looking for ways to add more healthy years to all our lives. We are happy to provide this grant in support of OMRF’s mission, which serves our Oklahoma
families.” In 2017, OMRF dedicated its Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Aging and Alzheimer’s Research Laboratory, which houses Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., chair of OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. Van Remmen’s research focuses on diseases of aging, with an emphasis on loss of muscle as people grow older. The Masons have supported research at OMRF since 1999, with gifts totaling $1.2 million. “With a growing aging population, these issues are becoming more and more important,” said OMRF Vice President of Development Penny Voss. “The Masons deserve all of our thanks for their continued support of Oklahoma’s aging population and they’re an important partner in the hunt for solutions to diseases of aging.”
The Masons have supported research at OMRF since 1999, with gifts totaling $1.2 million.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 17
Jim Priest, the newly announced Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma CEO, serves the Goodwill staff at his welcome breakfast. Carlos Morales
Joins bank staff
PHOTO PROVIDED
Jim Priest to lead local Goodwill After conducting a nationwide search, the board of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (GICO) announced that Jim Priest has been appointed as its new chief executive officer (CEO). “Jim is the right person to lead Goodwill into the future given his wealth of experience, commitment to our people and our core values, and strong vision for creating an even greater impact in our community,” said Charlie Wright, Goodwill board chairman and Jack Henry and Associates’ Chief Risk Officer. Jim Priest is the former President and CEO of Sage Counsel, a local consulting firm. He also has more than 40 years of experience as an employment
lawyer and served as the CEO of Sunbeam Family Services for five years. The combination of Jim’s people development skills, employment law background, and non-profit leadership will be of great benefit to Goodwill’s multifaceted social enterprise efforts, which include 24 retail stores, janitorial and security contracts, approximately 800 employees throughout the central Oklahoma region, and a number of programs designed to help individuals overcome challenges to employment. “I am humbled to take on this new challenge and look forward to working with Goodwill’s board, executive team, and talented staff to create positive change in our community,” said Priest. “As a servant leader, it is my
PHOTO PROVIDED
Downtown Edmond Executive Director Stephanie Carel, right, presents a check to Reagan Hamlin and Eddgy with Free to Live Animal Sanctuary for $444.
Free to Live Animal Sanctuary
DEBA helps animal rescue group In the days leading up to Valentine's Day, Downtown Edmond Business Association members sold candy grams to benefit a local non-profit, Free to Live Animal Sanctuary. The group raised $444 for the organization. Established in 1984, Free to Live Animal Sanctuary is the largest nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary in Oklahoma. Whether they are strays, abused, mistreated, neglected or extreme medical cases – all of our dogs and cats will live out their lives with love, companionship and a sense of family from our dedicated staff and volunteers. With your help, we can
ensure every animal is free to live! "This was our third year to sell candy grams for Valentine's Day to benefit a local non-profit organization. We knew about Free to Live Animal Sanctuary through our board members and were all excited to help," Downtown Edmond Business Association Executive Director Stephanie Carel said. Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) is a membership organization formed by business owners in Downtown Edmond. DEBA holds many family-friendly events and community drives throughout the year.
Candygram effort raises $444
job to help develop people, both our clients and our own staff, many of whom experience challenges to employment when they are hired. I am eager to continue to build on Goodwill’s strong momentum through our retail, contracts and program operations by serving as a critical skills-development pipeline between job-seekers and employers.” Outside of his new role at Goodwill, Jim Priest serves on the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium and the board of The Butterfield Memorial Foundation. He is also an ordained pastor, and regularly writes columns and speaks about marriage, family, employment, and business ethics issues.
First Liberty Bank welcomes Carlos Morales as Vice President, Information Security Officer. “I’m looking forward to continuing to enhance and improve a very wellestablished information security program at First Liberty,” said Carlos. He earned his BBA in International Business in 2010 from West Texas A&M University and has degrees in Psychology and AS Nursing. “Our goal at First Liberty Bank is always to provide the most secure banking environment for our clients, and I know that Carlos is a perfect fit to continue our goal,” said Joey Root, Bank President. Carlos and his wife, Megan, have a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Maisy. They recently purchased a home and will reside in Edmond. Carlos serves as President of the Jack Henry Silverlake Southwest User Group and is a member of Graduate of Generations for non-profits.
Page 18 • March 19, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
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Stephen and Alice Butler knew they had to do something about their weight. They went to Integris.
Integris center helps couple lose hundreds of pounds
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PHOTO PROVIDED/BROOKE CAYOT
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Stephen Butler admits he was always kind of a heavy kid andsays the weight just seemed to add up over the years. His wife, Alicia Butler, says the same thing.“I was always bigger than everybody else,” she confesses. “After high school I got on birth control and just ballooned and was never able to get back to normal. I was almost 300 pounds when we went to the INTEGRIS Weight Loss Center to see what the options were.” She took her husband with her to the appointment. “Actually she's the one that brought up weight loss surgery. I originally went to support her,” says Stephen. “I told myself I was going to finally do something about my weight when I reached 300 pounds. I weighed 337 when I started the program.” The Butlers felt an instant connection with Hamilton Le, M.D., the medical director of the INTEGRIS Weight Loss Center. “We loved Dr. Le. as soon as we met him, we felt very comfortable with him,” remembers Alicia. “His whole staff talked to us like humans and made us feel like we weren't any different than anybody else. They were there to help us and we definitely appreciated that.” PHOTO PROVIDED/BROOKE CAYOT Today the couple have dropped a lot of “I remember they came together into the office,” says Le. weight and feel much better. “It was nice to watch them go ultimate goal is not far off and I through this process as a couple bethink it is a realistic goal that I will be cause I think they're great advocates able to maintain for a lifetime.” for each other.” Dr. Le says people like Stephen The Butlers say the INTEGRIS and Alicia are the reason the INTEWeight Loss program taught them a GRIS Weight Loss Center exists. “Renew way of looking at food. “We've ally my connect to purpose for them made changes about everything,” is to provide them a tool to help says Alicia. “Before we eat somethem lose weight, but it’s not just thing, we think about if it's worth it. about the weight, it is allowing them We learned all about carbs and proto be happier and healthier together. tein and just lifestyle changes to For me, to be able to play a small make this work for us.” part in that is really why I do what I And it definitely is working. do.” Stephen is down almost 100 lbs. “I The Butlers wholeheartedly believe feel great,” he exclaims. “I actually the INTEGRIS Weight Loss program moved a bag of concrete in my shop changed their lives. “If I hadn't met the other day that weighs 80 pounds, and it was a struggle for me Dr. Le, I don't know where I would be at this point,” Alicia declares. “We until I realized that I'd been carrying would probably still be 300 pounds around that much weight and then and trying what we could, but unsucsome for the last probably eight cessfully. We're just very thankful years. I'm probably the lowest I've that we get to have this new life tobeen weight wise since I was 25 gether. A life that a year ago, we didyears old.” n't even think was possible.” Alicia has seen great results too. For more information on the INTE“Since surgery I've lost over 50 GRIS Weight Loss Center, call 405pounds. And since starting the pro951-2131. gram I've lost about 75 pounds. My
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 19, 2020 • Page 19
Hall of Fame induction delayed Due to the developing coronavirus situation, the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary Gala has been postponed until 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Oklahoma History Center. The Hall of Fame’s executive committee decided to postpone the event based on four factors: 1. The event draws more than 100 participants, which the University of Central Oklahoma has deemed as a large gathering. 2. Many of our participants might be considered among the “high-risk”
Answers to this week’s puzzles
members of the community who would be most affected. 3. We do not want to take any chance of more people becoming ill after attending the Hall of Fame gala. 4. The gala falls within the MarchApril period, when the spread of the coronavirus may be most serious. Hall of Fame Director Joe Hight said Hall of Fame membership for the 2020 classes will begin on April 24, the original date of the gala. However, inductees will not receive plaques and other honors until Oct. 9.
Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am 10:00aam Animal Friendly Friendly Parish “If yyou ou ha have ave people who ex exclude clude an anyy of God’ God’ss cr creatures eatures fr from om the shelter of compassion and pity pity,, yyou ou will ha have ave those who deal lik likewise ewise with their fello fellow w human being. being.”” SSt. t. FFrancis rancis of Assisi (1 (1182-1226) 182-1226)
www.anglicancgsedmondok.com www w.ang . gllicancgsedmondok.com 11928 928 Book of Common Pr Prayer ayer • ang anglicancgesedmondok.com licancgesedmondok.com
SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON
Page 20 • March 19, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure