Edmond Life and Leisure - April 8, 2021

April 8, 2021

Vol. 21, No. 47

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

April is Prevent Child abuse month

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.

Spring into Health & Fitness See page 16 -18

FRIDAY, April 9

Partly Cloudy High 78° Low 48°

SATURDAY, April 10 Sunny High 75° Low 51°

SUNDAY, April 11 Mostly Sunny High 81° Low 54°

Shocking case in Edmond, Page 3 April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and community partners invite Oklahoma citizens and organizations to join them in advocating for the prevention of child abuse.

Thousands of Oklahoma children suffer abuse and neglect each year. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services, there were 15,937 substantiated child abuse and neglect victims in Oklahoma (SFY 2020), an increase from last year. Oklahoma County alone had 2,802 confirmed cases.

“These statistics remind us that every possible effort, no matter how simple, should be made to prevent child abuse in Oklahoma,” said Sherie Trice, OSDH community child abuse prevention grant coordinator.

“We encourage every citizen to

‘do one thing’ to protect children and strengthen families. Even small gestures, like offering to help a struggling parent by providing an extra set of hands at the supermarket, can make a difference in reducing stress and make life a little easier for families and children.”

Oklahomans can participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month in a variety of ways. Visit www.oklahoma.gov/health/cap for more details about the following events and activities: Take the CAP Super Challenge: Complete five tasks to become a super advocate against child abuse Build a Blue Ribbon Tree for Kids: Decorate a tree or trees in your community with blue ribbons to bring awareness to child abuse prevention.

Happiest Day Coloring Challenge: Children are encouraged to draw/color their “happiest day.”

Children may work individually, in

a group, with family or as a class.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to share these pictures on social media using #PictureABrighterFuture Spread the word about parentPRO, a free parenting support program connecting families to trained professionals who teach parenting and child development skills, as well as ways to reduce stress and nurture children. Learn more at parentpro.org.

Plant a “Pinwheels for Prevention Garden”: Support Prevent Child Abuse Oklahoma with a pinwheel garden by calling Parent Promise at (405) 232-2500.

For additional information about child abuse prevention activities in April or how to get involved in your community throughout the year, contact a local county health department or OSDH Family Support and Prevention Services at (405) 271-4477.

Page 2 • April 8, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8 2021 • Page 3

Stitt signs major education bill Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the most transformative education reform legislation in Oklahoma history into law recently in a ceremony in the Blue Room at the Capitol.

House Bill 2078 and Senate Bill 783 allow for students to attend public schools that best meet their needs and modernize the funding formula to match enrollment counts more accurately.

“This is a monumental day for education reform in Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “Education is not one-size-fits-all, and these bills allow parents and students to have the freedom to attend the best public school for them regardless of their ZIP code.

Additionally, modernizing the funding formula ensures funding follows the student, not the school.

These reforms are vital to getting Oklahoma to be a Top Ten state in education and I am proud of this Republican legislature for its dedication to putting students first.”

“Today is a historic day for education in Oklahoma,” said Secretary of Education Ryan Walters.

“We have transformed funding for every single student in the state and empowered them to choose a school that best fits their needs. These two bills will work seamlessly together to have an immediate impact on the way we educate Oklahoma’s students and I commend our state leaders for getting this across the finish line.”

HB 2078, authored by Rep. Kyle Hilbert (RDepew) and Sen. Zack Taylor (R-Seminole), modernizes the education funding formula by basing

per-pupil funding on the most recent enrollment data. The previous system gave school districts multiple enrollment figures from which to base their funding, causing some districts to receive state funds for students who are no longer enrolled.

SB 783, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond), Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) and Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow), amends the Education Open Transfer Act to allow students the ability to transfer to another school district at any time, provided the district has space available.

“Republicans recognize and understand the importance of public education which is why we’ve made historic investments to raise teach pay and increase classroom funding. These measures are solid educational reforms that build upon our investments and work in concert as part of the goal to make sure Oklahoma students are afforded the chance at a quality education. I am proud of Senator Adam Pugh and Senator Zack Taylor for their diligent work to see both of these measures signed into law,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City).

“We delivered, as promised, the shared priority of smart education reform that benefits students in all areas of the state. Under these measures, the historic education investment of three years ago and further education investments to come will go further and benefit more students statewide,” said House Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka).

“Oklahoma now moves to the top of the list as

A shocking child abuse case reported in Edmond Edmond residents, 36-year-old Akemi Cox and her fiancé 61-year-old Valerio Garcia have been arrested in an extreme case of child neglect.

A DHS Child Welfare Specialist contacted Edmond Police in February 2021, reporting severe neglect of Cox’s 8-year-old son. At the time of the Case Worker’s visit to the home, the 8-year-old stood just over 3 feet tall, weighed 30 lbs., and wore size 3T clothing. According to the World Health Organization, this is the size of the average 2.5-year-old. The Case Worker observed that, “his stomach is distended, yet he is extremely skinny, and his skin is sagging.”

The worker took the child to Children’s Hospital where a Child Abuse Team Doctor stated that, “At a minimum this case is medical neglect, possibly shocking and heinous.”

When he was released from the hospital, the child was placed in DHS custody where he remains.

After an investigation by Edmond Police where it was uncovered that in 7 years the child had only gained 6 pounds, a Warrant was issued for their arrests. Police arrested the cou-

ple at their home off Sooner and Coffee Creek in Edmond on March 31st, and transported them directly to the Oklahoma County Jail. They each face 2 counts of Child Neglect.

As of March 19, DHS reported that the child is doing well, and had gained over 15 pounds in Foster Care.

Additional details: --- Akemi Cox has a history with DHS dating back to 2002.

--- Valerio Garcia has a history with DHS dating back to 2006.

--- Cox has a total of 6 children, and until February of this year, the 8year-old boy in this case was the only one she still had parental rights on.

--- This specific referral to DHS was made because the child had been seen sneaking out of his bedroom at night to find food in the dumpster.

--- While the child was in the hospital, the staff observed Cox being very restrictive over what food, and how much food they fed him.

From The Edmond PD

UCO to present ‘Rock of Ages’ The University of Central Oklahoma Musical Theatre division will present its production of “Rock of Ages” at 7:30 p.m. now through April 11 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond.

Tickets are available for in-person seating and livestream. “’Rock of Ages’ is a show that never fails to entertain. The show will take you back to the glam-metal rock era of MTV,” said Greg White, Ph.D., director of Central’s Musical Theatre division.

“While audiences of a certain age will love the show, I’m excited that a whole new generation will discover and love the music of the 1980s.”

“Ages” is a jukebox-styled musical — one which features mostly wellknown pop hits in place of original music — built around the hair-metal bands of the 1980s.

Written by Chris D’Arienzo with orchestration and arrangements by Ethan Popp, the story follows aspir-

ing rock star Drew Bowie. The original Broadway run performed more than 2,300 shows and was nominated for several awards, including the 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical.

“This show features songs from Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, Styx, Poison, Journey and Pat Benatar, to name a few. If you’re a product of the 80s, this will take you back,” said Ashley Wells, artistic director of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and director of “Rock of Ages.”

Tickets are $15 for livestream access and in-person performance tickets start at $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cfad.vbotickets.com/events.

For more information about the UCO Jazz Lab visit www.ucojazzlab.com For more information about the College of Fine Arts and Design, visit www.uco.edu/cfad.

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

friendliest state for military families, because with these open transfer reforms families stationed on military bases now have the opportunity to choose from any of our great public schools to best meet the needs of their students,” said Senator Adam Pugh (R-Edmond).

“The reforms simply ensure education dollars follow the student, while also providing schools flexibility in the use of reserve funds to provide budgeting stability. Maximizing state-aide funding in this way better serves students, parents and teachers,” said Senator Zack Taylor (R-Seminole).

“As a former school board member, I recognize the need to maintain local control, but as a parent, I also understand the desire to ensure children receive the education best suited for their needs. I believe Senate Bill 783 is a good balance of these two needs, and I am immensely grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support of this bill,” said Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow).

“The Legislature’s goal this session is to pass student-centered, pro-education policies. Due to double-counting, our current funding formula spends $200 million on 55,000 students who do not exist at the districts receiving funding for them. By giving more funding per student in the state aid formula and parents more freedom to choose the public school that best meets their family’s needs, we are moving things in a positive direction for Oklahoma education,” said Rep. Kyle Hilbert (RDepew).

Page 4 • April 8, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

What I learned during the pandemic Please do not take my headlines as a declaration that the war against COVID-19 is over.

As we have seen, it is a fluid situation that can turn on us. But, as we do start to return to a “new normal” it is time to pause and contemplate what we have learned from being isolated in our homes, restricted from our former activities and reactions of Ray Hibbard our fellow human beings.

Being fully vaccinated I met my friend, James Boggs, who is also fully vaccinated for lunch last week. It was the first time that I have eaten lunch out since this pandemic started over a year ago.

We went to Oak Tree for a great golf course hamburger. The waitress was so nice to bring us extra crispy and piping hot French fries. It was so good. I made such a pig of myself that there was no dinner for me that night. Lisa is now fully vaccinated, and I promised that I will take her up for the same treat later this week. She has been so great about making me a lunch every day during all this. The only problem has been that her lunch is so good and plentiful I get sleepy right after I eat. Being the only one in the office for most of the week means an extra cup of coffee in the afternoon to make sure I do not fall asleep on duty.

I have learned that the whole mask thing was weird. It just does not make sense to me how it became so political. Other countries did not have that issue. The message was simple. Wear a mask and you could be saving the life of your fellow human beings. How did that get to be conservative vs liberal or Republican vs Democrat? It even led to a new “party” running for public office here in Edmond. Why folks could not grasp that they were protecting others by wearing the mask and not a giant conspiracy is beyond me. Many people still deny that COVID-19 is a problem, or even real to begin with. Many refuse to change their daily routine, wear masks or keep their distance. Many more are skeptical of the new vaccines.

Many more folks befriended technology over the course of the past year. Your work, doctor appoint-

ments, church services and visiting with family likely took a giant swing upward since March 2020. Before the pandemic I was debating if I wanted technology in my life. The pandemic took that decision away from me. Yet, I cannot say it has been a bad thing. Zoom meetings will certainly have their role in the future but I did discover that I miss seeing my fellow board members where I serve. Turns out I like those folks. Go figure?

There is no job or profession that I will ever overlook. Our healthcare workers are heroes’ folks.

They saw so much more death that we need to be prepared to help these folks as the trauma really takes its toll on them. However, we should honor the delivery drivers, store clerks, mail carriers, first responders and any other profession that went to work everyday regardless of their person safety concerns. There was an army of folks that kept us all going as we were safe in our homes and I hope you appreciate them as well. I make sure these folks get an extra smile and greeting these days.

Lisa and I have always had a great love of nature, but it has grown even more during the pandemic. We have spent hours on the back patio enjoying the quiet and sounds of birds in our backyard. We did take one trip last summer. It was to an isolate cabin in the mountains of Colorado. We stayed at the cabin and avoided towns. Our time outdoors was fantastic, and we got in more fly fishing then we ever thought possible. We will be repeating the trip again this year. We do not like to shop on vacation, so towns do not hold much charm for us.

As an old Scout, being prepared is at the top of my concern list. However, this pandemic has taught me there needs to be some adjustments to the plan. We are planning for the next pandemic or difficult situation right now, so we will not be caught off guard when trouble hits the next time.

It is a good exercise for any family to go through.

Being better prepared should be a goal of our governmental units. Their next step should be to learn from the experience. Hospitals, states, and healthcare organizations, including EMS agencies, need to prioritize preparing and stockpiling protective equipment for the next big illness. The next

pandemic is not an if but a when, and we can use the COVID-19 pandemic as a learning experience to improve our response to the next one.

If you had asked me a year ago if we appreciated the simple things in life I would have responded with a giant, “of course.” Wow, I had no idea how short I was of appreciating the simple things in life. Toilet paper, paper towels, flour, hand soap and going to the store were all things I took for granted but will not anymore.

Saturdays were simple, I thought, for us. We did some grocery shopping and ate lunch out on Saturday afternoons before the pandemic. That changed to placing a grocery delivery order and having lunch at the kitchen table. We would then spend time using wipes to clean all the groceries before putting them away. The first time we ventured out to the grocery store was a treat. It felt like we were doing something wicked. We did not eat lunch out which as it turns out was the activity that used up most the afternoon. I think we were back to the house in about 30 minutes with just the trip to the store.

I learned that our daughter-in-law, Julie, is a highly trained hair stylist. She went to an upscale school in Dallas and cut hair for years, but she gave it up before I ever met her, but the good news is that she hung on to her scissors. She would come over and cut my hair outside with both of us wearing a mask to make it as safe as possible. Lisa told me that my hair was getting as long as I wore it in high school before I discovered the hidden talent of Julie.

I have always believed that we humans are inherently kind and resilient. On our way coming out of this pandemic I still believe that is true. In fact, the stories of courage, kindness, and resilience from people in this country and all over the world are inspiring. I sense more kindness and caring in our community and I hope it continues as we beat back the balance of this horrible virus.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 6.

---- Masons make massive donation ..................................................Page 7.

---- North student serves as a State Senate page ..............................Page 8.

---- A look at vaccine myths ..............................................................Page 9.

---- What you need to know about taxation ....................................Page 10.

---- A look at SPAM -- the kind that is served ..................................Page 11.

---- Easter joy at Boys Ranch ............................................................Page 12.

---- UCO will play football Saturday ................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews Godzilla vs. Kong movie ..........................Page 14.

---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14.

---- Business news ............................................................................Page 15.

---- Health & Fitness section ......................................................Pages 16-18.

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

A new president for Okla. State See Page 15

UCO can help adults achieve their dream of finally getting their college degree. See Page 8

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8 2021 • Page 5

First United Bank Small Business of the Year: Madeline’s Flowers.

Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year: Amy Stephens.

OU Health Edmond Young Professional of the Year: Matthew Boydstun.

RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Year: Christian Brothers Automotive.

Integris Health Edmond Volunteer of the Year: Jan Moran, right.

Mercy Ambassador of the Year: J.R. Clark, left

Chamber names 2020 award winners lieve when one person is given a hand-up, the entire community is blessed. Christian Brothers Automotive continually partners with local non-profits to meet the challenging car care needs of our community. For three consecutive years, the company has hosted an Annual Service Day for single moms and families in need.

They serve about 65 families each year and offer free oil changes, while also surprising recipients with repairs for other safety issues like tires, brakes and more.

Their goal with each repair is to make the difference for a family in need to help them establish a stronger financial position and to be safe on the road.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2020 Annual Awards Banquet to honor individuals and local businesses whose civic and professional contributions make an impact on the Edmond community. The formal awards were presented at the banquet on Thursday, March 25 at the Edmond Conference Center.

Nominations for each award were submitted in December, and the winners were determined by multiple committees of Chamber members and volunteers.

“Edmond is fortunate to have citizens who go above and beyond for the community,” said Edmond Chamber President and CEO Sherry Jordan.

“We are thrilled to recognize these individuals and businesses who have made a difference in our city, even in the midst of a global pandemic.”

To learn more about each winner, visit the Edmond Chamber YouTube page at Bit.ly/EdmondChamberYouTube.

Citizens Bank Citizen of the Year: Bret Towne Bret Towne has served the Edmond Public Schools district since 1999 and was named Superintendent in June 2015. During his tenure, the district has constructed eight new schools, developed partnerships with the City of Edmond and YMCA, and put a smart device in every student’s hands during the pandemic. The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators named him the Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2015 and Region No. 7 Superintendent of the Year in 2018. He has been an active member of the Edmond Chamber for many years, currently serving on the Government Relations Council and previously serving on the Board of Directors for eight years, including as Chairman of the Board in 2018.

First United Bank Small Business of the Year: Madeline’s Flowers Madeline’s Flowers was established in 1950. Over 70 years later, it is still in the same location, proudly run by Madeline’s daughter and granddaughters. Madeline’s sells flowers, plants, gift items, candy and more, but more than the products, they sell feelings and service. The flower shop has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 42 years and a mem-

Bret Towne, left with Brian Blundell of the chamber.

ber of the Florist Transworld Delivery and Teleflora for a half a century. The owners’ vision is to continue to grow and provide the best service and products possible for their customers.

Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year: Amy Stephens Amy Stephens is the executive director of the Edmond Historical Society and Museum, where she helps Oklahomans learn to share and save their own history. Two of her most notable exhibit curations include storytelling and memorabilia from America’s Got Talent star Darci Lynne and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” singer Gayla Peevey. She has lived in Edmond for nearly 30 years and has over 300 published articles, plus three awardwinning zoo books. In her previous role at the Oklahoma City Zoo, she began a historical archive and started the ZooZeum from scratch, saving over 100 years of history from being lost. Through her museum work and writing, Amy hopes to connect people to and through stories.

OU Health Edmond Young Professional of the Year: Matthew Boydstun Matthew Boydstun is the location manager and funeral director at Baggerley Funeral Home. He has been an active member of Edmond Young Professionals since 2014 and served on the EYP Advisory Board for multiple years, including as Chairman in 2019.

Matthew is involved in other areas of the Chamber, including the Board of Advisors and Government Relations Council.

He has also participated in the Total Resource Campaign for the last five years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017.

He is a graduate of Leadership Edmond Class XXXI and continues to be involved with the Leadership Edmond Alumni Council.

RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Yr: Christian Brothers Automotive Since purchasing Christian Brothers Automotive Edmond in 2018, owners Jesse and Shauna set their vision to be a light in the community and make an impact on Edmond. They be-

Integris Health Edmond Volunteer of the Year: Jan Moran Jan Moran is the area manager of external affairs for AT&T and has been an active supporter and volunteer of the Edmond Chamber for many years. She has served on the Board of Directors, including being the first person to serve as the Chair of the Board two times, first in 2009 and again in 2019. Jan has been a volunteer for the Edmond Chamber Total Resource Campaign since inception in 2008, and she has been the top salesperson every year. Jan has served on numerous committees and has volunteered her emcee skills for our Annual Awards Banquet and our Dancing with the Stars event. Jan is a joy to work with and always contributes above and beyond what is asked of her. The Edmond Chamber is thankful for Jan’s time and effort over the years and are thrilled to honor her hard work.

Mercy Ambassador of the Year: J.R. Clark J.R. Clark is the director of marketing for Hi-Tech Plumbing and Leak Detect and has served on our Ambassador Council since 2017. The honor of Ambassador of the Year is awarded to the ambassador who makes the highest number of goodwill calls, ribbon cuttings, and events. The award is decided on a points-based system with participants earning points through their involvement. J.R. Clark went above and beyond through 2020 to achieve this award.

Page 6 • April 8, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(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) March 22 Christopher James Jones, 35 of Oklahoma City. Driving while li-

cense is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Nathanael Webster Emerson, 32 of Edmond.

Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked. Felony DUI/APC. Charise Anderson, 34 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting an officer and trespassing after being warned.

March 23 Michael Menzal Dillard, 41 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ronald Lee Taylor, 33 of Edmond. Possession of CDS.

Garalee Ann Wade, 46 of Edmond. Felony value of failure to return rental equipment and possession of CDS. Brian Kendall Dochow, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jera Leann Hancock, 29 of Edmond. Petty larceny Yan Amont Billy Darrianssen, 47 of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

March 24 Chelsey Mae Peaster, 32 of Edmond. Possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Colin Brass Schwerdtfeger, 44 of Edmond.

Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS. Tina Kay Spargo, 57 of Edmond. Petty larceny.

March 25 Joshua Sebron Doyle, 41 of Edmond. Stop sign violation and Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Nereyda ComposMendoza, 22 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, false representation to an officer, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license,and speeding (21 to 25 mph) March 26 Cullen McClone Eldridge, 40 of Edmond.

Failure to appear.

John Dylan Holsey, 22

of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Keegan Kard Lewis, 29 of Yukon. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Benjamin Dakota Mills, 23 of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Jeffrey Duane Wilson, 56 of Edmond. Possession of CDS. March 27 Jase Reneau Morris, 21 of Edmond. (Anything other than alcohol) Operate (DUI or APC) a vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Nilton Roberto Silva Jr., 26 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .15 or above.

Julian Paxtor Perez, 38 of Oklahoma City.

Speeding (10 mph of less excess) Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Anthony Allen Adams, 48 of Oklahoma City.

Two counts of failure to appear.

Erica Ann Mancillas, 40 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Chance Landon Brackett, 30 of Midwest City.

Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possession of

drug paraphernalia, two counts possession of CDS and (anything other than alcohol) Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

March 28 Charise Anderson, 34 of Edmond. Trespassing charge.

Jahnniqua Jean Ward, 22 of Oklahoma City.

Possession of CDS and (Anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Diante Shay Coburn, 42 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Syeda Masooma Zalneb Abedi, 40 homeless, Public intoxication and trespassing after being warned.

Jonathan Edward Milner, 42 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear.

William Thomas Porter, 45 of Edmond.

Endangerment of a child and felony DUI/APC. Clintaze Deion Jackson, 34 of Oklahoma City. Possession of CDS and (anything other than alcohol) Operate (DUI/APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Oklahoma alcohol laws making progress at the State Capitol Over the last year, the Oklahoma Legislature has made steady progress to ensure businesses have the flexibility they need to adapt to the pandemic and offer shopping experiences that make consumers feel comfortable. During the 2021 Legislative session, legislators have been working diligently to continue to expand opportunities for businesses to meet consumer demand.

Two bills, Senate Bill 757 and House Bill 2868, being heard this session offer new and continued opportunities for curbside sales, alcohol beverage delivery and drive-thru window options for liquor stores beyond the immediate needs of the pandemic.

“During 2020, Oklahoma consumers embraced new laws that made it safer and more convenient to purchase the beer, wine and spirits that they wanted either through curbside or delivery opportunities, and they want to continue to purchase their preferred alcoholic beverages in new, innovative ways,” said Lisette Barnes, President of the Oklahoma Beer Alliance. “Businesses across the state are eager to embrace change and the laws being discussed could open a lot of doors to new ways of doing business in Oklahoma.”

Last year, Senate Bill 1928 offered new ways for businesses to sell alcoholic beverages through curbside and delivery options. Senate Bill 757 could extend these options for businesses that include: Allowing retail spirit licensees to sell curbside and deliver alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits in sealed original containers to consumers aged 21 and older.

Allowing small brewers and smallfarm wineries licensed by Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission to sell curbsideonly alcoholic beverages they produced in sealed original containers to consumers aged 21 and older.

Allowing restaurants, bars and clubs holding mixed beverage, beer and wine, or caterer/mixed beverage li-

censes issued by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission to sell curbside and deliver only closed packages of beer and wine to consumers aged 21 and older.

Allowing grocery and convenience stores holding a retail beer and/or wine license issued by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission to sell curbside and deliver original sealed containers of beer and/or wine to consumers ages 21 and older.

SB 757 could also authorize thirdparty vendors, such as DoorDash and UberEats, to make alcohol deliveries for small breweries, farm wineries and restaurants, bars or clubs. Payment for alcoholic beverage product delivery may be made by cash, check, transportable credit and debit card processors, and advance online payment methods.

SB 757 has won full House approval and is currently undergoing Senate review.

Additionally, HB 2868, which has been approved by the House and Senate, permits licensed spirit retailers to sell alcohol via drive-thru window.

Sealed beverages can be served to consumers aged 21 and older. Orders can be done in person, over the phone, or online and picked up at a drive-thru location.

Recently, HB 2868 received approval in the Senate.

“While the reopening process will be measured, these potential new additions and changes to Oklahoma law would allow businesses to continue to adapt and find ways to maintain sales, as well as allow more options for consumers to get the beverages they want,” said Barnes. “We look forward to continue working to support laws that allow businesses the flexibility they need, while also ensuring this is done in a responsible way.”

The Oklahoma Beer Alliance is dedicated to promoting common sense laws that enable Oklahomans to choose the highest quality products without compromise.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8, 2021 • Page 7

Masonic officials and leaders from the Dean McGee Eye Institute celebrate the major donation.

State Masons donate $260,000 to Dean McGee Eye Institute The Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) has received a grant of $260,000 from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma to endow DMEI’s Distinguished Lecture Series.

This series brings nationally and internationally prominent ophthalmologists to Oklahoma City for two days to make formal presentations to clinicians and researchers at DMEI. Students, physicians, and faculty from across campus are invited to attend the lectures, and physicians from around the state and across the country are able to join remotely.

The visiting lecturer also spends additional time with DMEI’s residents and fellows in the University of Oklahoma Department of Ophthalmology.

R. Michael Siatkowski, MD, MBA, chief executive officer of DMEI and Edward L. Gaylord professor and chair of the Department of

Ophthalmology states, “We are extraordinarily grateful to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma for this very generous donation. Proceeds from this endowment will enable DMEI to continue to offer the best in educational experiences for our residents and faculty for decades to come, while also providing an opportunity for others to learn from some of the leading experts in the field of ophthalmology.”

“The Masons are making this gift to support the continuing education process at this prestigious institution,” said Robert Davis, Grand Master. “We appreciate the contributions DMEI makes to the quality of life for all Oklahomans.”

The first distinguished lecture at DMEI sponsored by the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma is planned for August of 2021 depending on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health guidelines in place at that time.

DAR lauds prep student Senior Lilly Roberson recently became Heritage Hall's seventh consecutive recipient of the Good Citizens Program and Scholarship Contest award presented by the Col. John Starke, Sr. Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The award recognizes qualities of good citizenship, including dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. In addition to demonstrating strong character, candidates must complete an extensive application, as well as a timed essay on a topic provided at the actual time of writing.

This year's topic was “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It" with a focus on “How do the combined actions of so many DAR representative Carolyn Rawlings presents Heritage Hall good citizens keep our nation moving senior Lilly Roberson with the Good Citizens Program and forward?”

Scholarship Contest award.

Page 8 • April 8, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sen. Adam Pugh, REdmond, joins Edmond North High School junior, Esha Sibimon, who served as a page for the Senate during the ninth week legislative session from March 29April 1.

North student serves as State Senate page Edmond North High School junior Esha Sibimon has completed a week of service as a page for Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. Sibimon served during the ninth week of session from March 29-April 1.

Pages serve vital functions during the busy legislative session. They attend Senate committee meetings and daily sessions of the full Senate.

They also participate in a student mock legislative session called Pageville, where they get hands-on experience debating issues on the Senate floor.

The group of pages got to tour the State Capitol, the Oklahoma History Center and the UCO Forensic Science Department as well as meet with Gov-

ernor Stitt and President Pro Tempore Greg Treat.

Sibimon is the Student Council Publicist, a candidate for BALTO, her school’s philanthropy, and is the President of Distributive Education Clubs of America.

She plays tennis and her other hobbies include reading, traveling and running. Over the summer, Sibimon volunteered at the OU Medical Center Infant Crisis Center. She also volunteers with her church’s youth group. Sibimon will attend the University of Oklahoma to major in Economics and Marketing, with a minor in computer science.

Sibimon is the daughter of Edmond residents Shainy and Michael Sibimone.

Helping adults complete degree work The University of Central Oklahoma will host several information sessions for adults looking to complete their college degree as part of Reach Higher: Reconnect Week, April 1216.

Sessions include a program preview webinar, the opportunity to virtually meet with an academic adviser to discuss a personalized degree completion plan and a chance to win a $250 tuition stipend.

The Reach Higher

UCO can provide assistance program offers adult learners a flexible schedule, allowing them to maintain a normal work routine while completing their degree entirely online. Applicants to the program don’t pay an application fee and receive discounted tuition rates for certain Reach Higher courses.

Reach Higher Week will kick off with a reconnect webinar from 11:30 a.m.-12: 30 p.m.,

Tuesday, April 13. Program representatives will cover the application process, financial breakdown, course requirements and will answer questions about the process of returning to school. Registration is required.

"We understand that many adults may be nervous about returning to school. We have fears about time, money, schedules and

even if we will do well," said Trevor Cox, Ph.D., assistant professor and program coordinator for the organizational leadership major at Central.

"Reach Higher Week gives adults a chance to learn what the process of returning to school will look like and even allows time to meet with a program advisor for a one-on-one session for you to get enrolled and started on completing your goal of a college degree."

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership, designed to prepare students for success in corporate, industrial, government and nonprofit careers, meeting the needs of today’s businesses.

Admission requirements include an associate degree or a minimum of 72 credit hours, must be 21 years of age or older, have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in past college coursework, have completed general education requirements and satisfy all institutional requirements for completion of remedial coursework.

For additional contact information, please logo into www.uco.edu.

Sugar leads to obesity during life

By Brian Attbery Obesity follows many people from generation to generation.

We blame our genes and genetics often for the reason we may be overweight. There is no doubt that genetics do play a role in many factors from our health tendencies. In a recent study from 2019 (Adult obesity: Is Sugar inAttebery take in the 70’s to blame? Medical New Today), they look in depth at obesity rates and consumption of sugar and how they relate from the 1970-1980s to today. The results were very telling.

The study starts off by pointing out that around 15% of adults were obese in 1970 versus by 2016 that number had increase to 40%! We all know that sugar is not good for us and can lead to weight gain. The study showed that while sugar consumption dropped later in life, the obesity rate continued to stay up. I have many theories on this but we know historically, if you are obese as a child you are more likely to be obese as an adult.

The trend has started. I think that while actual “sugar” intake decreases in some, the level of carbs may not. We need to understand that ALL carbs turn to sugar except fiber. I have known many clients and particularly those that are watching their “Sugar” due to diabetes end up replacing table sugar with things like fruit for example. I do believe fruit is much healthier for you due to the addition of vitamins and minerals but it is still sugar and has calories. You can’t just eat all you want.

The study also points out how cheap fillers like high fructose corn syrup are used often as a cheap alternative to pure sugar. There are many studies that show the correlation to this filler and weight gain, especially in the middle. The famous late fitness icon, Jack LeLanne was famous for saying, “If it is made by man, don’t eat it.” Such wisdom and so true. Chemically altered foods are doing a lot of damage to our bodies and natural food is better. I personally think Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) are behind the massive increase of food allergies in the U.S. but that is another article to be written another day.

The issue with these fillers are that they provide and cheap way to create these sugary foods. Consequently, there is a link to poverty and obesity too. In addition, it is a well-known stat in the fitness industry that upper-end households are more likely to join a gym as well. Ever wonder why there are so many gyms in Edmond? Yep. We are the “ideal economic profile” for a gym to operate.

Developing a healthy lifestyle has to start at an early age. It must continue throughout life. If you have struggles with weight your entire life, don’t give up. We know more and more what leads to obesity increases. Yes, you may never be “skinny” but actively changing your life by cutting sugar out and exercising on a regular basis will absolutely lead to a healthier lifestyle for you and your entire family.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer.

He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

The study also points out how cheap fillers like high fructose corn syrup are used often as a cheap alternative to pure sugar

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8 2021 • Page 9

What to know about COVID vaccine Vaccine hesitancy is one of our last major hurdles in the fight against COVID-19, and we are racing against the emergence of several variants to avert a (more) prolonged pandemic.

Alarming social media stories portraying COVID vaccines in a negative light have added a dangerous roadblock for many. I hope dispelling these three myths will help others feel ready to safely build protective immunity through vaccination.

Myth 1: The approval process was rushed.

Before last year, vaccines typically took six to 12 years to develop and receive approval, so I see where this is coming from. How did we roll out the current vaccines so quickly without any shortcuts?

First, the trials were well-funded and run by companies that know what they are doing. Second, trial phases were overlapped and not run sequentially. Third, the number of participants were enrolled all at once instead of in phases. Scientists simplified the data collection to two primary questions: Are these vaccines safe? And do they prevent severe disease, hospitalization and death? The vaccines are incredibly safe and highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death, so they received emergency usage approval. Studies did not stop there, though.

Since their approval, we now also know that these vaccines are highly effective at preventing asymptomatic transmission as well. Severe adverse events continue to be rare. These vaccines continue to be effective against most variants. In fact, these vaccines are outperforming our highest hopes.

Myth 2: The vaccines will alter our DNA and create long-term problems.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are based on mRNA which teaches our cells how to make a protein found on the virus. Because mRNA is found in a different part of the cell

Dr. Jennifer Rudd than DNA, these vaccines do not affect our DNA. Johnson & Johnson is a viral vector vaccine, and it doesn’t reach our DNA, either.

So what about long-term effects?

The initial vaccine products are degraded very quickly by our own cells — within a few days to a week. In general, vaccines rarely create any long-term problems. But delayed effects of vaccination have occurred — for example, with the oral polio vaccine and the yellow fever vaccine.

That being said, these delayed reactions have all occurred within six to eight weeks of receiving a booster dose, and the reactions mimic natural infection.

Phase 3 trials for the COVID vaccine evaluated participants for the full eight weeks post-booster. No delayed events were noted. In contrast, the risk for long term and chronic, debili-

tating disease is significant with natural COVID-19.

Myth 3: COVID vaccines cause infertility.

Perhaps the most damaging vaccine myth to date arose when a doctor out of Germany and a former Pfizer employee raised concern about the similarity between part of the viral spike protein and a protein on the placenta — syncytin-1. The concern was that vaccination would train our immune system to respond to the virus and also unwittingly attack the placenta. There is no sound science to back this claim.

Our immune responses can differentiate viral proteins from placenta very easily and will not mix these up.

While these proteins share small areas of similar genetic code, they don’t match. And data supports this

as well. Within the vaccine trials, more women became pregnant in the vaccine groups than in the placebo group. We have seen no alterations in fertility rates in the U.S. during the pandemic. If this claim were true, then you would expect our immune systems to create antibodies from natural infection that would target the placenta and affect fertility as well.

On the other hand, pregnant women infected with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of hospitalization and having preterm birth complications and even death. The risk of COVID-19 infection while pregnant is exponentially higher than any vaccination risk.

Many reading this have already received a vaccine or plan to in the future. Thank you. But we all know someone we love who is hesitant to get the vaccine. Choosing whether or not to get a vaccine is too important to be taken lightly. How do we approach this with our loved ones?

With kindness, empathy and an open mind.

Ask nicely what is holding them back. More than likely, they either do not believe it to be effective or do not believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Ask them to clarify what is creating their hesitancy. Recognize that people are trying to do what is best for their families. And then, if you are unsure how to respond, educate yourself before having another discussion.

You have more influence than you realize, especially with people who know and love you. Lead by example.

Overcoming vaccine hesitancy will not be won by the president, Dr. Anthony Fauci or a celebrity, but by grassroots efforts in our local communities that simply show we care. This is a team effort.

Dr. Jennifer Rudd is an infectious disease specialist in Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Page 10 • April 8, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The fundamentals on taxation

By Steve Gust Editor Start raising the red flags when you hear one of the favorite lines of the left, "pay your fair share," of taxes.

What exactly does it mean?

And, more importantly, who decides what your "fair," share is?

There are people who simply want to punish wealthy people for having the audacity to actually succeed in life. How dare they! And once those wealthy Steve Gust people have succeeded, they decide to buy a few nice trinkets. You know what I'm talking about. They'll live in nice homes and maybe take vacations and send their kids to college. But somehow, for many on the left, this isn't right. For liberals, most rich people need to be punished.

I've never understood this. Let's say Donald Trump gets more income taken away from him. It hurts Trump. But how does that make life better?

Should we punish Trump for being wealthy or have Trump keep his money and hire more people? The guy has probably employed thousands of people. That produces a multitude of new taxpayers. Yet it's vital for Trump to "pay his fair share?"

The second liberal myth is "we need to make

businesses, especially corporations, pay more in taxes."

Here's a bulletin. They don't pay any taxes now. They are tax collectors. Taxes are a business expense. All expenses are passed on to the consumer. Guess what? That means you pay any extra taxes levied on a business.

Try to think of it the same as sales taxes.

Your local fast food place down the street is assessed sales tax. But you're the one who pays the tax assessment on your hamburger.

With this in mind, I am quite skeptical whenever I hear any politician say "those earning under $400,000 won't see their taxes go up."

These people know everyone will have a greater tax burden. And they don't care. If you have to make ends meet with less money, then so be it.

Try to give politicians a smaller budget and see how they react.

If liberal politicians really cared about people, do you think they'd come into office and immediately put 10,000 to 20,000 folks out of work?

And if you want to talk about "paying more," then consider how much more you'll pay at the gas pump. It will probably equate to $3,000 to $10,000 over the next four years. Plus businesses will pass their increased fuel costs along to us.

That's what liberal politics gives you.

(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

Detention facilities on the border

Biden wrong to deny press access

By Clarence Page From the Oklahoman Mainstream media are trying to make President Joe Biden look good, according to conservative critics who want to make him look bad. Nothing new about that in our polarized times in which it is easier to find news that agrees with your views than to challenge them.

But as a longtime critic of former President Donald Trump’s “kids in cages,” I’m disappointed, to say the least, that Team Biden turned so quickly, boldly and audaciously to playing the autocrat’s card of denying media access to the bad news building on the border.

Sure, the administration did let a pool reporter and camera into a neat and orderly facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, a day before Biden held his first formal solo news conference. Unlike way-overcrowded facilities elsewhere along the border, this one housed 766 boys aged 13 to 17 years old and, according to news reports, had never reached its capacity of 952.

But, citing concerns over privacy and the pandemic, the administration continued to block access to the larger horror show along the border, facilities that unlike the one in Carrizo have surpassed their capacities.

That blackout of media coverage opened up an opportunity to Texas’ two Republican senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, to put on their reporters’ hats and lead a delegation to a holding facility in Donna, Texas, where migrants were packed over capacity in a way that visually makes a can of sardines look spacious.

Appearing last week on — where else? — conservative Fox News, conservative Cruz showed video of a woman he identified as a Biden administration staffer as she tried to block him from recording conditions he labeled a border crisis of Biden’s own creation.

Yes, that’s an unfair, blatantly partisan position. But Biden’s been in politics long enough to know that his team’s media restrictions have given the Republicans an opportunity to shape the message conveyed by the video, and Cruz

See PRESS, 11

Biden has left southern border wide open

By Sen. James Lankford (R-Edmond) On day one, President Biden started his presidency by declaring the “emergency” on the southern border over, halting border fence construction and loosening deportation policies — even for dangerous criminals. Those reckless actions sent the message to the “coyote” human smugglers and cartel drug traffickers in Mexico that the US Lankford border is now open.

It is reasonable for any nation to know who is crossing their borders and when and where they’re crossing. Enforcing legal immigration and travel along our southern border doesn’t have to be complicated or partisan, but we should never encourage illegal immigration because of the safety risks to our nation and the individuals making the dangerous journey to the border. It is especially ironic since our northern border is closed to all traffic from

Canada because of COVID-19, but President Biden has proactively opened our southern border for illegal crossing.

In February of 2020 before COVID-19, we had just under 40,000 people detained at our southern border. One year later, in February of this year, we saw over 100,000 people detained. The only difference was the president and the policies of that president.

When I questioned Alejandro Mayorkas, now Secretary of DHS, I asked him what he would say to the new influx of migrants coming to our southern border since President Biden took office. He said he would tell them to wait and not come “yet.” But the cartels have already taken notice of the lax policies and are directing migrants this way again, including thousands of unaccompanied minors.

Recently, I visited the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley Sector to provide ongoing oversight of our federal law enforcement and other border operations there. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border

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.

Management, I have a duty to follow up on our border operations and facilities.

In July 2019, I took a trip to the southern border to see for myself the conditions and operations after we saw a surge in unaccompanied minors, families and single adult men at the border. We visited holding facilities and rode along with border patrol at night where I witnessed the apprehension of numerous people, adults with children and single adults, attempting to cross into the U.S. illegally. We saw the ongoing fence construction — in its early stages at that time — and heard from border patrol agents why its construction is vital to their work.

In the last month, I have visited the border in Arizona and saw the giant gaps in the border fence that ridiculously sits 95-percent complete, but still unfinished, after President Biden’s construction halt. The border wall system construction plan appropriated and directed by Congress is to build the fence first, then install gates and finish the road along the fence so border patrol can access it. After that’s done, the plan is to install technology, including ground-based sensors to detect footsteps, then turn on lights and cameras.

Democrats have told Americans that fences are medieval and don’t work. They say we need technology. The interesting thing is that in Arizona, the fence is almost complete, but President Biden halted work right before the gates were put in place and before the technology was even installed. He prevented installation of the effective deterrent supported by many in his party.

President Trump expelled anyone who attempted to enter the country illegally in the last year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. President Biden

See Lankford, Page 12

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8, 2021 • Page 11

Fried Nirvana? For some, it’s the ham in a can or SPAM

By Carol Smaglinski Ask any youngster today to define spam and they will say it’s email nobody wants.

Ask anyone of a certain age the same question and yep, they know.

It’s that ham in a can.

On the contest circuit at the Oklahoma State Fair for decades, I, along with Chef Jorge Zarate, Ikey Orick, Geni Thomas Woodward, Sue Zubik, Dave Cathey, Sandy Killian,and her mom, the late Melba Lovelace, served as judges.

I, with three other judges, was asked to judge the annual SPAM contest, one of the most popular competitions based on the canned seasoned pork product. But as a local TV channel zeroed in on us, I declined to have a microphone hooked up to me.

What if I said a discouraging word?

As judges, we understood that the photographers normally only took photos of us shoving the food into our mouths. But the show must go on, and it did. With smiles on our faces, we judged and sampled bites of the scores of SPAM dishes that were entered in the contest. After about an hour, we agreed on the best and presented a blue ribbon and cash prize to the winner with the most delicious recipe.

SPAM has been a winner for decades. SPAM is produced by the Hormel Company. It was the invention of Jay Hormel, the son of the Hormel owner. George Hormel, which was in Austin, Minn. He was stuck with an enormous amount of unprofitable pork shoulder and had to find a way to make it into something special.

Some say SPAM was created in 1926, while others say 1937, but still give the credit to the Second World War for its huge success. But Hormel also received hate letters from some GI’s who, because beef was in short supply and pigs were abundant, were forced to eat SPAM morning, noon and night. However, that didn’t stop returning veterans from opening more cans when they were back home after the war. Now the children

of these brave men and women can go to the store and discover regular SPAM, Lite SPAM and other versions. Look on the very top shelf.

To name its product, $100 was offered in a contest. That’s how the name SPAM came about. SPAM is actually a contraction of the words “spiced” combined with “ham.”

The following Frittata is an Italian word, pronounced frih TAH tuh, which is simply an omelette not folded over. I once shared lunch with TV Chef Emeril Lagasse and read recently that he said, “We’re not building a rocket ship here, we’re cooking plain and simple.”

Frittata with a Twist.

5 eggs Pepper, to taste 2 tsp. fresh parsley 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese 2 Tbsp. butter or oil 6 green onions, both white and green parts, chopped 1 small red or green pepper, diced 1 can of Spam, diced Preheat the broiler. In a bowl, beat the eggs and add salt and pepper, parsley, cilantro, and half of the cheese. Heat the oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet. Saute the onions and pepper for 2 to 3 minutes. Add SPAM and heat until warmed.

Pour eggs into the skillet, covering the veggies, reduce the heat and cook until the bottom is set with lightly browned edges. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Place under the broiler and quickly let it brown. Take out and let it sit for a few minutes and then cut into wedges. Serve with salsa. Four servings

LifeShare & YMCA join forces Last week, LifeShare of Oklahoma and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City announced a new partnership for the purpose of saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Through this month-long partnership, Oklahomans can register to save lives as a donor.

During the month of April, which is National Donate Life Month, members of the YMCA and the Oklahoma City community are invited to visit a participating YMCA location to register their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. When they fill out the form to register, they are also entering to win one of three year-long memberships to the YMCA. “LifeShare is proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Y to provide this unique opportunity to Greater Oklahoma City,” said Jeffrey

Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare of Oklahoma. “This powerful partnership allows us to encourage healthy living while encouraging the public to save lives through donation.

LifeShare is committed to raising awareness about organ donation and giving the Oklahoma community every opportunity to make that decision.”

“At the Y, we understand the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation,” states Kelly Kay, president and CEO with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “Our mutual work toward healthy friends and neighbors is what makes this a great partnership and education opportunity. We encourage our community stop by the Y to learn more and to register as a donor. Who knows, maybe you’ll win a free membership too.”

Press From Page 10 took it.

In his news conference, Biden made it quite clear that, while he cares about the border, he also has bigger fish to fry, such as the pandemic and the economy.

“And the other problems we’re talking about, from immigration to guns and the other things you mentioned are long-term problems,” he said to the reporter who asked about his political challenges. “They’ve been around a long time. And what we’re going to be able to do, God willing, is now begin, one at a time, to focus on those as well, and — whether it’s immigration or guns or a number of other problems that face the country.”

In short, let’s take on one crisis at a time. “Nothing has changed,” Biden said, noting that this “happens every single, solitary year” and playing down the current surge as no more daunting than those that occurred in 2014 under Barack Obama or 2019 under Donald Trump.

But unlike immigration from Mexico that happens “every single, solitary year,” the current surge is driven largely by violence, instability and corruption in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador at rates that exceed the administration’s ability to house them. Even Biden’s Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said recently that we need to brace ourselves for more ar-

rivals at the border “than we have in the last 20 years.”

Yet, as much as it excites some voters more than others, very little progress has been made in resolving differences between the two parties on immigration since the Immigration Reform and Control Act signed by Ronald Reagan in 1986.

That act granted amnesty to most undocumented immigrants who arrived here prior to 1982. But many more have arrived since then, and the politics around immigration have turned it into a third-rail issue (“touch it and you die”) for politicians in both parties, which opened fertile ground for Trump to make it his signature issue in 2016.

So, after signing his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, Biden might find consensus on, say, infrastructure repair or voting rights to be more appealing than immigration reform.

But the immigration issue isn’t going away. Biden avoids the word “crisis,” but he should remember an old saying inaccurately attributed to the Chinese alphabet: “Crisis” contains both “danger” and “opportunity.” Immigration poses political dangers but also opportunities to be more transparent, restore public trust and ultimately build national unity.

— E-mail Clarence Page at cpage@chicagotribune.com.

Page 12 • April 8 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Genealogical Society back to having in-person meetings

Boys Ranch Tpwn received gift baskets, courtesy of Edmond’s ESA club.’

Easter joy at Boys Ranch Town R.J., Carson, Nicholas, Corbin, Kendall, Craig, Dakoda, Zach, Camarion, Brody, Tim and Mario were on hand to help carry in the Easter baskets from Gamma Zeta chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Service Sorority. Baskets included games, stuffed rabbits, candy, balls, yo yos, puzzles, bats and balls, footballs, legos, rubber snakes, frisbees, and also individual gift cards.

Boys’ Ranch Town began in 1953, and since then, more than 1,000 residents have called Boys Ranch Town home. Located on a 145 acre ranch outside of Edmond, the program is a child-focused campus, where up to eight boys are placed in a cottage-style home, under the supervision of house par-

ents. Bible studies and daily devotions are taught within each cottage. Houseparents supervise meals, activities, chores, homework, and the residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of school, church and campus activities/programs. Activities include 4-H, animal programs, sports, crafts, trail rides, camp-outs, rodeos, auto mechanics and a welding program. These programs teach the boys responsibility, patience and compassion. The campus has a gymnasium, swimming pool, activity buildings plus other amenities.

Gamma Zeta members had fun putting the baskets together and enjoyed delivering them. Smiles were on everyone’s face.

Lankford From Page 10 changed that order and chose to only expel migrants who are 18 and older or family units.

Since that change started, we’ve seen a surge of thousands of unaccompanied minors attempting to cross our border after what I’m sure is a terrifying journey. Most of the minors coming are 15 to 17-year-old males.

President Biden is also encouraging illegal immigration by making it known that if you come here illegally, we probably won’t make you leave. I have already pushed back — and so have the courts — on President’s Biden’s proposed deportation freeze, which would prevent the removal of the vast majority of illegal immigrants from the US — including dangerous criminals — even after a court has said they must be removed. Despite the Biden administration’s ongoing legal challenges, the courts have told

them that they must follow through on the court-ordered deportations.

The peak time for migrants to come to our southern border is just getting started, which is bad news since we already have more people illegally entering the United States than we have seen in 20 years. President Biden doesn’t want to call it a border crisis, but he has sent the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with the growing humanitarian crisis, particularly the surge in children, coming in illegally. When you send in FEMA — it’s to respond to a crisis.

Border security is a national security issue. If fences were necessary to keep President Biden and Vice President Harris and their families safe at inauguration, why are similar fences along the border so controversial?

The Edmond Genealogical Society has returned to in-person meetings. Our April 19 program “Shakin’ Out the Smiths: Researching a Common Surname” will definitely be a benefit for those who have “hit a brick wall” in their research.

The speaker, Nancy Calhoun, is no exception with a mother named Ann Smith who was the daughter of James Smith, the granddaughter of a grandfather also named James Smith. He was the son of John and Ann Smith and the grandson of John and Jane Smith.

She will share some tips Nancy Calhoun and tricks for overcoming this obstacle, using examples from her over 40 years of Smith research across four states. Some include examples of what NOT to do. It ends with a surprise for everyone, including the speaker.

While in Teacher Corps and graduate school in Kansas, she enrolled in a semester long genealogy class and has been pursuing family, both her own and others’ since that time. She found it to be a perfect combination with her bachelor degrees (history, English, vocational home economics with a minor in photography) and a masters in curriculum and instruction. With a teaching background and 20 years in newspaper work and publishing, she often used her research skills in the classroom and in writing. Nancy was the Department Head of Genealogy and Local History at Muskogee Public Library in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was the recipient of the librarian scholarship to attend IGHR and the Richard S. Lackey Memorial Scholarship for the 2017 session of Genealogical Institute on Federal Records. Her writings have placed in the annual contests held by the International Association of Family History Writers and Editors.

Memberships include APG, NGS, DAR, United Daughters of the War of 1812, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Oklahoma’s First Families of the Twin Territories, First Families of Wythe County, Virginia, Mayflower Society, and several county and state genealogical organizations. She is a board member of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society and Gen-Fed Alumni. Speaking opportunities have taken her all over Oklahoma and into Arkansas and Texas.

Meetings are free and open to the public. Programs start at 6:30 p.m. Edmond Genealogical Society meetings are held the third Monday of the month at the Edmond Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1315 E. 33rd Street, Edmond, OK. Enter through the doors at the rear (north side) of the building. The church offers plenty of parking and is fully handicap accessible, with social distance seating at the meeting.

Masks are required for all attendees. For more information on EGS, go to: www.rootsweb.com/~okegs, or visit us on Facebook at Edmond Genealogical Society. The May 17, 2021 program will be “Cordelia and John Steen, Edmond’s First Family.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8, 2021 • Page 13

UCO Football Exhibition Game Saturday at Wantland

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

University of Central Oklahoma quarterback J. D. Geneva handed the ball off to RB Mbari Snoddy (35) recently in an exhibition win over Southern Nazarene. The Bronchos wrap up their spring exhibition season this Saturday with a game against Oklahoma Baptist. The football action gets under way at 2 p.m. at UCO’s Wantland Stadium. The game against Southern Nazarene marked the first time in 497 days the Bronchos had played football. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Page 14 • April 8 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’

A monster movie that truly delivers

By George Gust The blockbuster next chapter in the cinematic Monster-verse, “Godzilla vs. Kong” pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against one with humanity caught in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia (newcomer Kaylee Hottle), a young, orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe.

“Godzilla vs. Kong” is the kind of epic spectacle movie that we used to get constantly before the pandemic. The kind of movie you Had to see in the theater with a big tub of popcorn and a large soda surrounded by dozens of strangers ‘oooing and aweing’ at every blow by blow of these iconic movie monsters. After half a dozen Transformer movies and a couple of rock-em-soc-em “Pacific Rim” movies audiences had become jaded by the constant barrage of city destroying spectacle, but now after a year of small screen releases it feels like we are ready for a good old fashioned-turn off your brain and enjoy the gigantic sized monster action blockbuster.

Monster movies featuring the likes of Godzilla and

Kong hinge on a delicate balance between the relatable ground level human stories and the main attraction of the larger-than-life supersized monster throwdown. Many of these monster movies (including some previous entries in this new series) focus too much on the foibles of rote human storylines hoping that when the massive monster action arrives, we will overlook the uninspired plotlines. However, “Godzilla vs. Kong” succeeds in this balance by having the appropriate amount of build up to multiple mythic monstrous tussles a brisk pace for the human plotlines to get the audience from story ‘Point A’ to ‘Point B.’ Right around the time you start feeling like the paperthin human plot is wearing out its welcome you are

treated to some cinematic monster action with memorable fight moves and impressive visual effects.

Overall, “Godzilla vs. Kong” is a movie that knows what it is and knows what audiences want when they read the straightforward title. “Godzilla vs. Kong” does not reinvent the genre by any means but is a good encapsulation of the best of what these monster movies can deliver with today’s special effects.

Outside of the movie-going experience it may sound unimpressive to say that you’re entertained by a genetically modified lizard creature fight a hundred-foottall gorilla, but there is something so satisfying when Kong lands a punch just before Godzilla can spit out a devastating blue flame attack, that can only be attributed to the magic of the movies.

“Godzilla vs. Kong” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of creature violence/destruction and brief language.

4 out of 5 stars.

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Check out George’s Gust’s previous reviews on www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Two Titans of the monster movie cannon face off with humanity caught in between in the larger-thanlife crossover film ‘Godzilla vs. Kong.’

Rose State’s Kids College is planned Answers appearing on Page 19

Rose State College has opened registration for its popular Kids College summer courses that draw more than 1,500 students to campus every summer.

“We are excited to help Kids College students discover new passions and grow existing interests at Rose State this summer," Rose State President Dr. Jeanie Webb. “We’re even more excited to have students back on campus this year for a safe, in-person experience.”

Rose State invites students entering first through tenth grade in the upcoming fall semester to enroll in Kids College. The program running the month of July features a wide variety of activities scheduled for each of the week-long camps taking place Tuesday through Friday, ranging from STEM classes and video game design to sports, arts, and beyond. Students can enjoy courses like Aerospace Discovery, Archery, Candy Chemistry, 3D Printing, Drones and more. Additionally, limited spots are available for all-day Aerospace Discovery camps in which students will learn about all the math, science and technology that goes into the design of aircraft and rockets. t.Limited spots are available. For more information, contact the Kids College staff at (405) 733-7392 or visit rose.edu/kids.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: The Oscars ACROSS 1. Hedgehog of video games 6. And so forth, acronym 9. *Oscar-nominated black and white movie 13. Treeless plain 14. Grazing field 15. Moses' mountain 16. Sty sounds 17. Nelson Mandela's org.

18. Like beer at a kegger (2 words) 19. *Posthumous nominee 21. *Anthony of "The Father" 23. "What's up, ____?"

24. Huge pile 25. Protestant denom.

28. Feed storage cylinder 30. Load again 35. Relating to ear 37. Flighty one 39. Proclaimed true without proof 40. Musician David Lee ____ 41. Ascetic holy Hindu 43. Eastern European 44. Plural of #10 Down 46. 500 sheets 47. Looking for aliens org.

48. Kitchen whistler 50. Wails 52. Bad-mouth 53. Medieval torture device 55. Pied Piper follower 57. Politburo hat fur 61. *Daniel of "Judas and the Black Messiah" 65. Raspberry drupelets 66. Fuss, to Shakespeare 68. Void, as in marriage 69. Defective car 70. Given name of Jack Kerouac's Paradise 71. ____ of Honor 72. Adam and Eve's first residence 73. Money in Myanmar 74. Shoemaker without shoes, e.g.

DOWN 1. Undesirable roommate 2. Medley

3. Grannies, in UK 4. Tattooed 5. Universe 6. Panache 7. *Most 2021 Oscar nominations for one film, #9 Across 8. Secret storage 9. Stole fur 10. One opposed 11. Indian restaurant staple 12. U.S. customary unit of force, pl.

15. Soaked 20. DNA and RNA 22. Argonaut's propeller 24. Shared work surface at an office 25. *Sasha Baron Cohen's "Subsequent Moviefilm" role 26. Be sorry for one's wickedness 27. Pita, in UK 29. *Like Roberto Benigni's fictional son 31. Husband to a widow, e.g.

32. Checked out 33. Stradivari competitor

34. *"Fences" winner and "Ma Rainey" nominee 36. Poker ante 38. *"Nomadland" director 42. Shadow 45. *The Trial of the Chicago 7" screenwriter 49. Greek "t" 51. Sandwich sausage 54. Necklace lock 56. Radio receiver 57. Nutritious leafy green 58. Got A+ 59. Ice on a window 60. Happening soon, old fashioned 61. Caffeine-containing nut tree 62. Editing arrow 63. Chinese monetary unit 64. Friend in war 67. *Nominee for Billie Holiday role

See Answers Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8, 2021 • Page 15

City will have SFC once again run Pelican Bay After the 2020 season, the City of Edmond has reengaged the industry-leading recreation management firm, the Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) to operate Pelican Bay Aquatic Center. The family-favorite waterpark will reopen its doors to residents for a summer-long season beginning in May 2021 with improvements in operations, programming, events, and more. Following a national search, the firm has selected Marina Wells as General Manager for the property.

Wells joins the SFC team to lead daily operations for Pelican Bay with 13 years of experience in aquatics and programming.

She has worked for the YMCA and for Oklahoma City area Parks and Rec Departments as a City Special Event Coordinator.

She is a certified Aquatics Facility Operator and Lifeguard Instructor for the American Red Cross. About this new opportunity, Wells shared, “This May we will open with new events, programming, and membership benefits. I look forward to getting to know

the Edmond community through Pelican Bay and providing a great swim experience as well as a fun, safe atmosphere for all our guests.”

“Serving our community by providing safe and quality aquatics programs is of the utmost importance to us,” says Diane Self, Recreation Program Manager of City of Edmond Parks and Recreation. “The Sports Facilities Companies have proven their ability to serve local residents and guests, provide high-quality programming and events, and manage every aspect of the property with care and excellence.”

Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, located near the heart of Edmond, opened in 2002. The waterpark features two 150 ft. water slides, diving boards, a current channel, an aquatic climbing wall and a slide splash pool as well as a playground, concessions, and bathhouses. In addition to learn-to- swim opportunities and programmed events, the Aquatic Center is available for birthday parties and large, full-facility rentals.

Top marks for OU med school The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has been named one of the best medical colleges in the nation in several categories, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Graduate Schools rankings. They include primary care education; most graduates practicing in primary care fields; most graduates practicing in rural areas; and most graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas.

The OU College of Medicine is the largest college within the OU Health Sciences Center and is at the center of OU Health, the state’s comprehensive academic health system. The rankings, released March 30, cite the OU College of Medicine as 51st in the nation for excellence in primary care education, which includes the medical specialties of family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. The college ranks 60th in the nation for the number of graduates practicing in primary care fields; 44th in the nation for graduates practicing in rural areas; and 44th in the nation for graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas. In addition, the college ranks 74th for its research activity.

The rankings encompass 191 accredited allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the United States, which grant M.D. and D.O. degrees, respectively.

The OU College of Medicine’s rankings underscore its commitment to training the next generation of physicians who will care for patients across the spectrum of life, focusing both on the prevention and treatment of disease, as well as leveraging research to continually improve the standard of care, said John Zubialde, M.D., Executive Dean of the OU College of Medicine.

Kayse Shrum is named next OSU president

Shrum

The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents has selected Dr. Kayse Shrum as the 19th president of Oklahoma State University. The announcement follows an extensive national search involving an inclusive process composed of representatives from across the OSU system, including faculty, students, staff and alumni.

The current president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Shrum will be recommended for approval as the next president of OSU at the regularly scheduled Board of Regents meeting in Stillwater on April 23.

”The OSU/A&M Board of Regents recognized from the start of this process the importance of conducting a thorough search to make sure we selected the most qualified candidate to lead OSU and the system into the future following the successful Burns Hargis presidency," commented Rick Davis, chair of the Regents. "I appreciate the deliberative approach taken by our Regents, and we are grateful to Regent Joe Hall, who impressively led the process over the past five months.”

Davis continued, "Dr. Shrum is well known and respected by the Regents and

Feds looks at COVID effect on the Oklahoma economy The Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve of Kansas City released its latest issue of the quarterly publication the Oklahoma Economist.

At the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 affected Oklahomans’ consumer spending, mobility and employment. While consumer spending rebounded relatively quickly — boosted by government stimulus payments and online spending — the number of Oklahomans going to retail and recreation establishments steadily went down in the second half of 2020, according to Chad Wilkerson, branch executive, vice president and economist at the Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“While spending at restaurants and retail establishments plunged at the onset of the pandemic, many businesses quickly pivoted to online sales and to-go orders,” he said. “Overall accommodation and food service spending in Oklahoma consistently has outperformed the rest of the U.S. throughout the pandemic, and it has returned to pre-COVID levels in recent months.”

Wilkerson said in March 2020, some cities and governments instituted regulations to limit mobility and in -person gatherings to help contain the virus.

“Even though many statewide re-

strictions on business activities were lifted June 1, 2020, the number of people visiting retail and recreation establishments fell steadily from July through early 2021, as new COVID cases rose,” he said. “But the most recent data show that total in-person retail and recreation visits had rebounded to above pre-COVID levels by late March.”

According to Wilkerson, Oklahoma’s leisure, hospitality and retail jobs decreased less than the U.S. and have rebounded at a better rate, although jobs in the arts and entertainment subsector, in particular, remain well below year-ago levels.

“A full bounce back in employment for the leisure and hospitality sector likely will require increased mobility and foot traffic, which in turn will depend on the path of the virus and vaccinations,” he explained. “Since the vaccination roll-out of early 2021, new cases have dropped, and mobility and employment have trended upward again.

The share of Oklahomans receiving COVID vaccines so far has outpaced the nation, but fewer Oklahomans than in the nation say that they plan to get vaccinated heading forward.”

The complete issue is available at www.kansascityfed.org/oklahomacity/oklahoma-economist.

First Fidelity hires compliance officer Lee R. Symcox, president and CEO of First Fidelity Bank, a full-service community bank, has announced the addition of Patti Truesdell as Vice President, Compliance Officer at the bank’s corporate headquarters.

Truesdell will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the bank’s compliance program and working with department management to ensure effective controls and procedures are in place. She will also serve as liaison with external au-

ditors and examiners.

Truesdell received her BBA in accounting from the University of Oklahoma and attended the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI. She is a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager. Truesdell serves on the boards of Mary Abbott Children’s House as Treasurer and United Way of Norman as a Health Council Chair. She is also a member of the Program Committee for South Central CASA.

our university community. Her leadership has transformed our medical school in Tulsa, and her efforts have taken us to new heights we could only imagine a few years ago. The establishment of the National Center for Wellness and Recovery is one of several milestone achievements. The center, which has brought national acclaim to OSU, has become the national focal point for breakthrough research to address the opioid crisis. What is most impressive to me for all the notable achievements is her commitment to students and their success. Students matter to her.

Page 16 • April 8 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Understanding your health a bit better The recent April Fools’ Day brought its share of gags, but some health hoaxes best us year-round.

In honor of a day filled with practical jokes, scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation are taking the air out of five myths as common as the Whoopee Cushion.

We should be taking 10,000 steps a day

In 1956, a Japanese company launched a pedometer with a name that translates to “10,000 step meter.” A half-century later, the figure remains ingrained.

“Walking is wonderful for your health, but there’s nothing magic about 10,000 steps,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. Indeed, a 2019 study found that in older women, an increase from

Expert Medical Care Close to Home

2,700 to 4,500 steps a day correlated with a significantly reduced rate of premature death.

“The important lesson is that taking more steps is always better than fewer,” said Prescott.

Being in the cold can give you a cold For those whose parents insisted they bundle up or else get sick, OMRF immunologist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D., has news. “You will not catch a cold simply from being underdressed for chilly weather,” she said. “You have to be exposed to a virus.”

Although cold and flu cases peak in prevalence during the winter months, you’re more likely to get sick indoors, where germs can easily pass from person to person.

Drink eight glasses of water a day More than 75 years ago, the Food and Nutrition Board recommended people should shoot for consuming 2.5 liters, or about 85 oz., of water per day. But that blanket recommendation ignored one central piece of common sense: Different-sized people have different hydration needs.

Plus, said Prescott, “A lot of the water our bodies need is in vegetables, fruit, coffee and everything else we eat and drink.” He recommends using common sense and letting thirst be your guide. “Your body will tell you when it needs water.”

Hold the eggs The idea that eggs and other highcholesterol foods are dangerous is a long-held belief. But, said Prescott, “Unless you’re in the small group of people who are very sensitive to dietary cholesterol, there’s no evidence that eating high-cholesterol foods increases a person’s risk of heart disease.”

When it comes to controlling your blood cholesterol levels, it’s saturated fats that need to be kept in check. “A diet high in red meat, butter and cheeses is much more concerning than one that includes an egg a day,” said Prescott.

We only use 10% of our brains The myth that we use just a tenth of our brains has roots as old as Oklahoma’s statehood. In the more than one hundred years since, neuroscience has undergone dramatic advances.

“We know from brain imaging that no area of the brain is unused,” said Prescott. “And logically, brain injuries tell us that damage to any part of the brain can have long-lasting and devastating results.”

The falsehood is thought to have roots in encouraging people to dig into their own potential for self-improvement. The idea isn’t without merit, said Prescott. “Staying mentally engaged as you age is critical.

But there are no untapped brain cells to call on to do it.”

Being heathy is about being there for life’s precious moments.

Take care of yourself and the people you love.

Our primary care and specialty physicians give you the highest standard of care. Our experts are on the forefront of medicine, orthopedics, pulmonology, senior health, cardiology, gastroenterology, emergency services and rehabilitation.

The future of health is here.

To make an appointment or for more information, call (405) 341-6100 or visit OUHealth.com

OU Health Edmond Medical Center 1 S. Bryant Avenue Edmond OK 73034

OMRF Foundation president Dr. Stephen Prescott

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8, 2021 • Page 17

Edmond’s Arcadia Trails Integris Health, a center which helps people with mental health and overcoming addictions.

Arcadia Trails teams up with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health, a state-of-theart addiction, mental health and trauma treatment center that is part of Oklahoma’s largest health system, INTEGRIS Health, is joining forces with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation — the nation’s leading resource for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders — to address the growing need for behavioral health services.

The two organizations have entered into a three-year affiliation agreement under which Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health will leverage Hazelden Betty Ford’s expertise through an agreement to manage the Arcadia Trails 40-bed residential treatment center in Edmond. Under the new agreement, Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health becomes the second “affiliate”-level member of the Hazelden Betty Ford Patient Care Network, a collection of health care organizations working together to expand addiction treatment services and improve patient outcomes.

“We are excited about our collaboration with Hazelden Betty Ford,” said Timothy Pehrson, president and CEO at INTEGRIS Health. “This partnership will provide more resources for Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health and the Oklahomans we serve, and expand our comprehensive, individualized approach to care so that we’re engaging people longer to improve their ability to sustain recovery and better health.”

According to numerous surveys and studies, the COVID-19 pandemic and related social and economic stresses have worsened the nation’s addiction and mental health crises, elevating the need for quality, accessible care and a robust continuum of services.

“Together, our goal is to reach more people, improve recovery rates and save more lives throughout Oklahoma and the region,” said Bob Poznanovich, vice president of business development at Hazelden Betty Ford, the nation's largest nonprofit provider of addiction and mental health care, recovery resources and related education, prevention, research and advocacy. “The disease of addiction is a public health issue so big, so important and so heightened now due to the coronavirus pandemic that it requires long-term collaboration among all who are committed to confronting it, and that’s what brings Hazelden Betty Ford and Arcadia Trails together at this critical time.”

Javier Ley, a longtime clinical leader, was recently hired to serve as the new executive director of Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health. Ley’s employment through Hazelden Betty Ford will provide him with access to Hazelden Betty Ford’s enterprise-wide resources and support systems.

“We are excited to work more closely with Arcadia Trails and the INTEGRIS Health system, and to build upon our shared goals and commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care to treat addiction,” Poznanovich said.

Under the new agreement, Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health will have access to new resources that enable treatment to be individualized to meet the needs of specific patients and designed into a comprehensive treatment plan that may span multiple levels of care—from inpatient to partial inpatient to outpatient.

“Access to a continuum of high-quality services is critical to addressing the growing problem of addiction in Oklahoma, and Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Health is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to as many Oklahomans as possible,” Pehrson said.

‘Together, our goal is to reach more people, improve recovery rates and save more lives throughout Oklahoma.’

Bob Poznanovich VP Hazelden Betty Ford

Page 18 • April 8 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 8, , 2021 • Page 19

Partnership means jobs & homes for the needy A newly formed collaboration among Oklahoma CareerTech and several state and local organizations means help is on the way once again for some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable residents.

Low-income homeowners in Oklahoma have been disproportionately affected by extreme weather events over the past few years. Since 2000, severe weather that caused significant property damage has resulted in 37 presidential emergency declarations. Many of the affected homeowners cannot afford to make the repairs needed to make their homes habitable and safe.

A nonprofit organization called Recovering Oklahomans After Disaster Inc. provides free home repairs to disaster survivors who cannot recover on their own. ROAD provides project management to oversee volunteers who make needed repairs. With the COVID-19 pandemic, those volunteer groups are unavailable. In 2020, ROAD looked outside the box to develop a different kind of volunteer labor.

Under its new Vocational Training Apprenticeship Program, ROAD collaborated with Green Country Workforce, Oklahoma CareerTech and the Galt Foundation, a nonprofit employment company, to create an innovative pilot home repair program. This collaboration facilitates muchneeded home repairs for struggling homeowners and also provides training and job experience for individuals who have barriers to employment.

“We knew we couldn’t wait for the pandemic to end before we helped those who needed home repairs. This program brings a new kind of labor into disaster work, with great outcomes for all those involved,” said Chad Detwiler, president and CEO of ROAD. For the pilot program, Green Country Workforce

(formerly Workforce Tulsa) recruited six individuals from a pool of participants in its program. The Galt Foundation served as the employer of record for the paid apprenticeships, providing general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Matt Litterell, director of business and industry services at Tulsa Technology Center, one of Oklahoma CareerTech’s 29 tech center districts, said the school provided classroom space as well as competency certification in each of the construction disciplines included in ROAD’s apprenticeship training.

“We provided OSHA 10 and forklift training,” Litterell said. “ROAD provided additional classroom instruction, including basic tools use and safety.”

After two weeks of classroom training, partici-

pants began on-the-job training, repairing the homes of disaster survivors. They learned roofing, drywall, insulation, flooring, siding, trim, painting and fixture installation.

“This program is a win-win for all partners involved, while providing a skilled workforce for employers,” said Oklahoma CareerTech Director Marcie Mack.

Career Tech’s Skills Centers instructors spent several days outfitting one of ROAD’s new tool trailers with shelving to keep the tools secure and organized en route to the project sites. The CareerTech printing plant created a wrap for the trailer.

Wesley Mitchell of Green Country Workforce said the pilot has been a resounding success.

In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • April 8 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure