Edmond Life and Leisure - June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022 Vol. 23, No. 3

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

A heart transplant and a home run trot

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.

Elaine Warner visits Nashville

See page 12

Edmond man honored by Integris & Dodgers PHOTOS PROVIDED

Jack Chappell

FRIDAY, June 3

AM Shower High 75° Low 62°

SATURDAY, June 4 Partly Cloudy High 77° Low 66°

SUNDAY, June 5

Partly Cloudy High 78° Low 69°

The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue to showcase the “Home Run For Life” series for an 11th season. It started earlier this spring at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and featured the remarkable heart transplant story of Edmond’s own Jack Chappell.

He took his bows before the crowd during the Dodgers’ baseball game against Sugar Land.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the metro who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals.

To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

Chappell was diagnosed with heart failure in 2013 and was referred to cardiologists at INTEGRIS Health. He underwent placement of a HeartMate 2 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) twice there before it was recommended that Chappell pursue a heart transplant.

He was subsequently placed on the transplant list in 2020.

Just nine months ago, in July 2021, Chappell received his new heart at INTEGRIS Health and was also honored during National Donate Life Month.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

Chappell’s story is also amazing.

While waiting for a heart transplant, Chappell was hospitalized in March 2021 after complications from a bout with asymptomatic COVID-19 in late 2020 that left him with internal bleeding.

He said the doctors put it plainly: “The only way to fix it is to put a

new heart in you.”

Chappell, now 58, spent four months in the hospital waiting for his new heart, but he didn’t let that stop him from being productive.

He had a desk set up in his hospital room allowing him to work remotely. Chappell didn’t miss a single paycheck.

“Why not?” Chappell replied when asked about his desire to work from his room. “I’m not going to sit around here and dwell on being sick.”

Chappell became a regular at INTEGRIS Health, getting acquainted with many of the staff. He raves about the quality of care and company he received at INTEGRIS Health.

“They’d been through the journey with me this whole time,” he said.

“They’re great caregivers.”

In July 2021, everyone received the good news. Chappell was getting his new heart.

“I’m one of the fortunate ones,” he said.

Page 2 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 3

Memorial Orchestra director recognized The Oklahoma Alliance of Arts Education, in cooperation with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, annually recognizes local school administrators, school board members, and arts educators for outstanding support of arts in education.

This year, Edmond Memorial High School Orchestra Director David Koehn was one of three educators selected statewide to achieve this prestigious recognition.

“David is so deserving of this honor,” said Memorial Principal Tony Rose. “He is a passionate musician and director who works hard to ensure that his students have everything they need to be successful.”

Koehn has been with Edmond Schools since 2007. Most recently, he directed the pit orchestra for the school’s musical production of “Anastasia,” which has been nominated for four Kelli O’Hara Awards.

David Koehn.

A look at controversial school bathroom law Senate Bill 615 was signed into law last week, requiring restrooms or changing rooms in Oklahoma public schools to be designated exclusively based on biological sex. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, a strong proponent against school indoctrination of Oklahoma’s students, said his legislation will further protect their rights when it comes to having privacy in school bathrooms.

“I’m proud of the Legislature and governor for joining me in approving this common-sense legislation requiring all individuals to use the restrooms and changing rooms that line up with their biological sex,” Bullard said. “We must not allow the shrills of the far left to replace facts of biological science and irrefutable evidence. As John Adams said, ‘Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.’ The fact is there are only two sexes, male and female. Our kids deserve and demand privacy and protection; and in Oklahoma, they will now get it.”

SB 615 requires each public school and public charter school that serves students in pre-K through 12th grade to require every multiple occupancy restroom or changing room to be designated for the exclusive use of the male or female sex. It defines “sex” as the physical condition of being male or female based on genetics and physiology, as identified on an individual’s original birth certificate. It requires each school to provide a reasonable accommodation - a single-occupancy restroom or changing area - to anyone who does not wish to comply with the requirement.

“Each individual state oversees education as reserved by the 10th Amendment and our nation’s Constitution. We are responsible for protecting the freedom of all students, not just a few,” Bullard said. “How far have we slipped in our society when we are willing to fail our kids by coercing them into living in someone else’s fantasy. I am dedicated to removing all forms of indoctrination,

including this one.”

The new law requires school district boards of education and public charter school governing boards to adopt a policy to provide disciplinary action for districts that refuse to comply. Any school district or charter school found not in compliance with the new law by the State Board of Education will have their state funding reduced by five percent the following fiscal year. The bill also provides a cause of action for parents and legal guardians of students enrolled in and physically attending a school district or charter school. Exceptions are provided for individuals to enter a restroom or changing area designated for the opposite sex for custodial, maintenance, inspection purposes or to render emergency medical assistance.

Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, was the principal House author of the bill.

“Oklahomans across the state were concerned about the privacy of their children as a result of a lack of standard bathroom policies in each of our public schools," Williams said. "After numerous discussions, it became clear that legislative action was needed to clarify state statute. I appreciate everyone's work to pass Senate Bill 615 into law so we can protect each of our students."

Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, co-authored the measure and filed the friendly amendment clarifying the bathroom school policies.

“The goal of this legislation is to make sure that our students are properly protected from situations that could cause them harm," West said.

"I am concerned with protecting the safety, privacy and dignity of all children. My colleagues and I hear every day from parents who are concerned about school policies that affect their children. This gives teachers and administrators clear guidance on this issue and leaves the broader conversation of sexual or gender identity between a parent and their child, where it should be."

SB 615 became law upon being signed by the governor.

St. Jude Dream Home tickets sales start Tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Oklahoma City St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway during a live sellathon on FOX25. ONLY 10,000 tickets are available to raise $1,000,000 dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The house is being built by Shaw Homes in Fox Lair Estate and tickets to win the approximately 2,600 square foot house are available now.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway benefits the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center. For complete information about the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, visit dreamhome.org.

For $100, you have a chance to win this brand new home built valued at $580,000 and other great prizes.

All tickets reserved by June 2nd will be entered to win a $2,500 grocery shopping spree courtesy of Homeland.

Winners will be announced Thursday, August 25 on FOX25. We are expected to sell out!

Tickets can be reserved at dreamhome.org or by calling (800) 592-1596 Other prizes include a $10,000 VISA gift card courtesy of the Dream Day Foundation and a 2022 Kia Forte courtesy of Bob Moore Auto Group.

About St. Jude St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago.

Photo by Patrick Towne

Page 4 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

2022 MOJ Golf Scramble The 2022 Ministries of Jesus (MOJ) Benefit Golf Scramble will be held on Monday, August 22nd at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City. All proceeds raised will provide funds for MOJ to continue healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually through MOJ Charitable Clinics and Celebrate Recovery. The GOAL: $100,000.

Ray Hibbard It will be a scramble where registration begins at 7:30 with coffee and donuts to power you up for the morning ahead. The shot gun start will be at 8:00 a.m. and after golf there will be lunch, awards, a raffle drawing and a brief word about the organization. You can get full information at www.moj.com/golf. Not only is this a fun group of folks but you will be supporting a terrific cause.

MOJ is one of the best kept secrets in town and we want to change that. Their mission is to follow Jesus as they care for people by offering wellness through charitable medical and dental clinics, licensed counseling center, social services department and recovery ministry to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The vision of Ministries of Jesus is to follow Jesus by bringing hope, healing, and compassion to anyone who needs it.

Their main campus is located on the Henderson Hills campus at I-35 and 15th street here in Edmond.

They are terrific at forming partnerships with other health organizations to care for those in need. It shows what can be accomplished by organizations who work together for others. Here are the muchneeded services they offer: Medical and eye clinics The medical and eye clinics at MOJ serve patients who have no public or private third-party payer coverage and whose personal resources are insufficient to provide for their needed health care. Christian medical professionals from the community volunteer their time, talent, and resources to help others in need.

Those who come to MOJ for medical appointments include people with various religious beliefs, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

"MOJ has been a life saver for me. Without the care I receive from MOJ and their help keeping me above the wellness line in all areas of my life (physical, emotional, and spiritual), I do not know where I would be. Words cannot express what a difference MOJ has made,” one client said.

Patients are seen by appointment. Appointments are made from a list that matches patient need with physician / dentist availability. Treatment begins with an intake - a guided self-assessment of physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual health. Patients may receive medication samples and assistance with applications for free medications provided by pharmaceutical companies.

Referrals may be made to other medical / dental specialists or facilities. Vision patients are at times accepted directly into the eye clinic with-in certain guidelines. Physicians offer an acute care clinic most weeks to provide more immediate attention for sudden illnesses.

Dental Clinic The dental clinic at MOJ serves patients who have

t cause eternity!

Golf for a grea& impact

that I woke up and was thanking God for always caring for me. I found out I can be more honest with people. I do not have to hide myself so much anymore after finding out that I am valuable to God, regardless of what others think of me,” said one of the MOJ counseling clients.

Counseling topics include, but are not limited to: Spiritual needs Trauma Depression Divorce Abuse Grief Personality disorders Family of origin issues Pregnancy Substance abuse Life transition

BENEFIT

6th Annual Mon nday August 22, 2 2022 The G Greens Countrry Club moj.coom/golf no public or private third-party payer medical or dental coverage and whose personal resources are insufficient to provide for their needed oral care. Christian dental professionals from the community volunteer their time, talent, and resources to help others in need.

"A gentleman came in with very poor upper dentition. He was evaluated by the dentist, and it was decided his best option was to remove all of his upper teeth. He was immediately fitted with dentures and then handed a mirror so he could see his new teeth.

He did not say anything. He shook the doctor’s hand and with big tears in his eyes he said, 'thank you.' He did not have to say much. His face and eyes said it all - what gratitude he had for his new smile,” one of the providers said. Dental patients must first see a physician in the MOJ medical clinic before being referred to a volunteer dental professional.

Counseling Transformation Christian Counseling at MOJ provides counseling to clients in a caring and confidential setting by licensed professional counselors committed to bringing Christian principles from a Christ-centered worldview into the therapeutic experience. Counseling is available for anyone, regardless of ability to pay and clients of all faiths are welcome to receive counseling at MOJ. "I used to wake up dreading the day, but since I have been in counseling, I was surprised this week

Recovery Transformation Recovery is an outreach of Ministries of Jesus, dedicated to providing resources for those seeking freedom from hurts, habits or hang-ups.

Support settings are offered for substance abuse, sexual addiction, co-dependency, food issues, anger, alcoholism, gambling addiction, same sex attraction and more. Transformation Recovery provides a safe, professional atmosphere to become free from the pain of the past, chaos of the present, and fear of the future.

Social Services Many in our community need someone to come alongside them and help make connections with resources to assist with their immediate, tangible needs.

Social Services at MOJ does this by providing clients with referrals to community resources.

Here are some of their numbers from 2021 172 Volunteers donated 14,643 hours of services $115,500 in grant monies received turned in to $399,837 in services provided $1,927,334 in medications and services donated for patients and clients Over 10,000 patient/client touches across all areas of ministry 87% of budget goes to direct patient care, with 13% for administrative costs Prayer is offered to 100% of MOJ patients and clients The gospel is shared everyday Patient and Client responses to a survey indicated from their time under MOJ care: 93% experienced improvement in physical health 92% experienced emotional growth 88% experienced spiritual growth The strongest asset for MOJ is its people. Not the least of which is executive director Kim Swyden. You will not find a more compassionate leader anywhere.

He combines his experience as a pastor with his business know how to get things done for the service of others.

You can lean much more about MOJ and the staff by going to their web site, www.moj.com. If you are not a golfer, you can find other ways to help this great Edmond organization.

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 7.

---- State school candidate in Edmond..............................................Page 9.

---- Ready to spend your $75 check from the state? ....................Page 10.

---- Elaine Warner in Nashville ........................................................Page 12.

---- UCO softball player from Edmond North honored ..................Page 13.

---- George Gust looks at ‘Senior High’ comedy ............................Page 14.

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

---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17.

NOTE: The police report will return in next week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 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 • June 2, 2022 • Page 5

Former Governors supporting Kid Governor program

PHOTO PROVIDED

Five Oklahoma governors and their significant others came together to support Oklahoma’s entry into the national Kid Governor program. Hosted by Gov. David Walters and his First Lady Rhonda (second row left), the fundraising event was held May 10.

Joining the Walters were Gov. George & Donna Nigh (first row, seated), Gov. Frank & Cathy Keating (second row, center), Gov. Brad & Kim Henry (second row, right), and Gov. Mary Fallin and Wade Christensen (first row, standing). Current Oklahoma Kid Governor Charlotte Anderson (far left) and former Kid Governor Luke Peterson (far right) also attended the event. – Photo by Fran Kozakowski

Inflation taking its toll on public, poll reveals A report by the Brookings Institution found that, despite data showing that income levels are up, real estate and stock market prices have risen and credit card debt has decreased, Americans don’t feel better off. And as has now been widely reported, much of this sentiment is due to inflation. Currently the highest it’s been in over forty years since 1981, the inflation rate accelerated to 8.5% earlier this year. Monthly expenses, such as gas prices; groceries, and household products have increased in price, costing the average household an additional almost $300 per month.

CouponBirds.com, provider of consumer information to do with real-time deals and savings, surveyed 3,012 workers to determine exactly how many days after payday they spend their monthly budget. The indepth survey uncovered that the average Oklahoman said they blow through their budget just 15 days after payday, leaving them either financially strapped or having to dip into savings to get them through the rest of the month. This compares to a national average of 14 days.

When these figures were analyzed across states, those in New Mexico appeared to be the quickest spenders of their paychecks, with the average New Mexican having said that they begin running out of money just 8 days post-payday.

Comparatively, those in Maine and North Dakota seem to have nailed their saving habits, with the average respondent here having said that they run out of cash 28 days after payday.

Coupon Birds also analyzed their own data, investigating the changes in the number of online searches to do with coupons-related queries from 2021 until present. Coupons can offer great money-saving incentives when it comes to shopping for

everyday products.

This showed that the number of search queries to do with coupons has indeed increased in the first quarter of 2022, as compared to 2021. Overall, there was an 82% increase in search queries for ‘coupons’ queries across states, as well as a 76.47% increase for ‘promo code’ queries across the board.

They survey also asked respondents: hypothetically, if they lost their current job, how many months could they rely purely on savings.

On average, people said they could rely on their financial savings for only 2 months before these deplete.

It was also discovered that 1 in 3 (34%) respondents said they tend to run out of money before payday, resulting in having to rely on savings or credit.

It has been well established through a number of studies that there is a strong link between that financial worries and mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. In fact, more than half (62%) of people questioned in the survey said that aid inflation concerns negatively affect their mental health. Additionally, it was found that almost 1 in 4 admit they avoid checking their bank statement for fear of seeing it overdrawn.

Lastly, 45% of people said due to inflation, there are certain things they bought this last year, which they can no longer afford this year.

‘It’s no surprise Americans are looking for various ways to save money when it comes to everyday expenses, such as groceries and household products,’ says Tricia Smith at Coupon Birds. ‘Staying upto-date with real-time deals and savings can help people pocket extra dollars each month, which can contribute positively towards financial savings in general.’

Page 6 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

In her sewing room with Moreen Foster (right), Nancy Crum discusses the craftsmanship required to make a neonatal bereavement gown. Mugging the camera is Olivia,

NEONATAL BEREAVEMENT GOWN—Moreen Foster (left) and Nancy Crum display one of 17 bereavement gowns they recently donated to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Nancy is an Edmond seamstress and designer of littler girl dresses.

Baby bereavement gowns spun from wedding dresses

By Richard Noel “What do I do with my wedding dress after the wedding?”

It’s a question every bride eventually asks herself.

It’s a question Moreen Foster recently found the answer to 53 years after the day she first wore her dress. The answer pleased her almost as much as her wedding itself.

Moreen is a retired registered nurse and pastoral psychotherapist living in Edmond. For the past three years she has served as a volunteer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Twice a week, she spends a fourhour shift holding, rocking, and blessing preterm infants, those born before completing 37 weeks in their mother’s womb.

“Most of the babies are preterm weight, and some are very tiny,” Moreen says. “There are varying medical issues for many, along with their premature birth. We can’t hold them at that stage. They’re in an incubator, kept dark to simulate their mother’s womb.

“When the little ones have gained four pounds and are medically stable, they can usually be taken out of the incubator. That’s when we NICU volunteers can come in and hold them. I’ll cradle the baby in my arm or lay the infant on my chest so the dear one can feel my heartbeat.”

Kourney Zwierlein, NICU Nurse Manager, explains the important role the volunteers play. “Touch, love, and comfort are so important to a baby’s development,” she says. “We are so thankful to the volunteers for helping us love our patients and provide the best care to them.”

“It’s amazing,” Moreen says, “how the NICU doctors and nurses work miracles to keep the infants alive. Most preemies make it, but not all. I can never forget reporting for one shift and seeing the bereaved parents of one little one who had just died. I couldn’t imagine the anguish those parents were feeling. It made me want to do anything I could to support them.”

That’s when her wedding dress came to mind. Like many long-ago brides, Moreen still had it. The dress was too precious to get rid of, so she kept it stored away in her closet. There it stayed for all these years. Now, she thought, why couldn’t her beautiful wedding dress material be put to use for a charitable cause—a beautiful bereavement gown? It could be a gift that would take one less funeral item off the plate of grieving parents.

Moreen contacted Nancy Crum, an Edmond seamstress, theatrical costumer, and designer of dresses for little girls. Nancy had made two Easter dresses for Moreen’s granddaughters. Nancy took Moreen’s wedding dress and went to work. Meanwhile, word spread; more wedding dresses came Nancy’s way to be turned into NICU bereavement gowns.

In all, Nancy made 17 handcrafted gowns with lace and pearls.

Each gown was an original design, lined and seamless and accented with a matching cap.

“Nancy outdid herself,” Moreen says. “I’ve never seen more beautiful gowns anywhere, each one done with so much love.”

Recently, Moreen and Nancy donated the gowns to the INTEGRIS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“The gowns blew us away with beauty,” says Kourtney Zweirlein, NICU Nurse Manager “Nancy is pure gold. You can tell she poured her heart into each one.”

“Unfortunately,” Kourtney says, “in the NICU, we have babies that pass away. It’s an unimaginable time for the parents. The bereavement gowns bring something special to them. Many mothers dream of dressing their daughters in a gown. With the bereavement gowns provided, mothers will be able to pick a beautiful dress to put their baby in.”

Kourtney Zweirlein admires a bereavement gown made from her wedding dress. Kourtney manages the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 7

Weekend calendar of events, June 2-5 What’s Happening This Weekend June 2 to June 5

hisory.org

---- Rory Morgan Gallery Opening ---- Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations ---- Concert in the Park ---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience ---- Shortt Dog ---- Arcadia Lake Kids All-American Fishing Day ---- Edmond Electric Touch-a-Truck ---- Signature Tour ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Communication ---- Redbud Spectacular Horse Show ---- OCCC presents: Outdoor Twilight Concert ---- One-Eyed Jack in Concert ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Bricktown Comedy Club presents: Aries Spears ---- Children’s Garden Festival ---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show ---- Red Brick Nights ---- Guthrie Motorcycle Swap Meet ---- Wanderlust Pop-up Shops ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series

Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Tue, May 17 – Sat, June 18; Tue – Fri: 10a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; edmondhisory.org

Extra Information Rory Morgan Gallery Opening Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, June 2; 5 p.m.; Free; edmondfinearts.com; facebook.com Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Aug 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondok.civicrec.com Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmond-

Concert in the Park Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Thu, June 2; 6 – 9 p.m.; Free; facebook.com VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Thu, June 2; 5 – 9 p.m.; Free; edmondvibes.org Shortt Dog Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, June 3; 7 p.m.; $15; ucojazzlab.com Arcadia Lake Kids All-American Fishing Day Location: Spring Creek Trail Extra Info: Sat, June 4; 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov Edmond Electric Touch-a-Truck Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Sat, June 4; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; suggested $2 donation; edmondok.gov Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, June 4 & Sun, June 5; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Communication Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, June 4; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Redbud Spectacular Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: June 2 – June 12; June 2 & 4: 8 a.m.; June 3 d& 5: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; June 8-12: 7:30 a.m.

– 9 p.m.; okqha.org

OCCC presents: Outdoor Twilight Concert Location: Oklahoma City Community College Extra Info: Fri, June 3; 6 – 9 p.m.; occc.edu One-Eyed Jack in Concert Location: Rodeo Opry, OKC, OK Extra Info: Fri, June 3; 7 p.m.; ohfo.org First Friday Gallery Walk Location: Paseo Arts District Extra Info: Fri, June 3; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org Bricktown Comedy Club: Aries Spears Location: Bricktown Comedy Club Extra Info: Fri, June 3 – Sun, June 5; Fri & Sat: 1st show: 7:30 p.m.; 2nd show: 10:30 p.m.; Sun Show: 7:30 p.m.; bricktowncomedy.com Children’s Garden Festival Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory Extra Info: Fri, June 3 – Sun, June 12; 10 a.m. ---- 5 p.m. daily; myriadgardens.org Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, June 4 – Sun, June 5; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgunshow.com Red Brick Nights Location: Oklahoma & Wentz Ave, Guthrie Extra Info: Sat, June 4; 5 – 11 p.m.; facebook.com Guthrie Motorcycle Swap Meet Location: Logan County Fairgrounds Extra Info: Sat, June 4 – Sun, June 5; Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; guthrieswapmeet.com Wanderlust Pop-Up Shops Location: 1701 S Western Ave, OKC Extra Info: Sun, June 5; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; resolveproductions.com Sunday Twilight Concert Series Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sun, June 5; 7:30 – 9 p.m.; artscouncilokc.com

Page 8 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond native serving Navy in Pacific PHOTO PROVIDED/BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN KENNETH LAGADI

PACIFIC OCEAN Ensign Cameron Hancock, from Edmond, steers the Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63). Stethem is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting surface warfare advanced tactical training (SWATT). SWATT is the surface force’s premiere advanced tactical training exercise, increasing warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 9

State Schools Superintendent candidate has goals for students Opposes left ideology

By Patty Miller AMBUCS members welcomed Ryan Walters (R) running for Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Walters as Secretary of Education for the State of Oklahoma in 2020.

A former high school teacher Walters taught history for eight years at his alma mater McAlester High School.

With a passion for Oklahoma students he is an advocate for immediate as well as long-term success.

Welcoming the attendees Walters said Oklahoma rests at 47th place in the nation in academic performance (according to Intelligent.com 2022 report).

Walters said statistics show 1/3 of third graders and 1/4 of eighth graders are on reading level.

“Oklahoma ranks 48th in the nation in reading,” Walters said. “If a child can’t read his ability to thrive is greatly diminished.”

Walters said the state has a serious issue with expectations and the current superintendent Joy Hofmeister “has done an abysmal job”.

“When you set lower expectations that is where the students will rise,” Walters said. “Just as a coach expects his team to compete, work hard, and win, we must expect our students to win in reading, in math, and in science by working hard.”

“We have done what has been done for the past 30 years,” Walters said.

“We have pushed college and not trade schools,” Walters said. “Young people receiving degrees from trade schools can expect to make earnings of six figures in some fields. An underwater welder is making six figures once he graduates.

“Some of the hardest to fill jobs require specific skills. Students have been pushed down the same path and somewhere along the way the students become apathetic.”

Walters added the students have to get back to the basics.

As students learn not only their interests should be taken into consideration but also their skill set, Walters added.

Walters said Oklahoma can be a leader in education but some changes are critical.

A believer in school choice, Walters said parents know what is best for their child.

“We cannot allow the far left ideology in our schools,” Walters said. He added students need to know the principles of the founding history of America, set high expectations, be principled and grounded in a belief system.

“We need a credential system where students will be encouraged to unlock their potential earlier,” Walters said.

Changes Walters said he would make include allowing students to get math credits for on the job training such as in accounting.

“Skills the student has learned in school can be developed and the student can unlock his ability by starting work earlier,” Walters said.

He added students will be able to learn to problem solve, get along with and work well with others by going on the job earlier.

He also believes students need to read good books where they learn about periods in time and read books with literary value.

“I believe students need to read primary sources like the Federalist Papers and Washington’s Farewell Address. There is so much value in reading articles like this as well as reading The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence,” Walters said.

He added that students must learn to become problem solvers and in order to do that they must have what they need to succeed.

Good mental health is important for students to succeed and that isn’t being addressed as it should be in our schools, Walters said.

“We must put our students in an environment to help them enter the work force,” Walters said.

When a commercial contractor has a problem to fix he asks, “What should I do to fix what is broken?” Walters added.

“That is what parents and educators should be doing,” Walters said.

He doesn’t believe one size fits all. Whether it is going to a trade school instead of college, or homeschooling your child, Walters said he wants to give everyone the resources they need to be successful.

PATTY MILLER

Oklahoma’s Secretary of Public Education Ryan Walters shares his ideas for improving education for Oklahoma’s students with AMBUCS at their weekly meeting.

Page 10 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

When the state ‘helps’

By Steve Gust I agree with Gov. Stitt about the inflation-fighting checks the state wishes to send out.

The checks are $75 for an individual and $150 for couples. And they aren’t Steve Gust mailed until December.

This makes me wonder how much such a program would cost to administer? My guess is it would cost more than it’s worth. And, as Stitt pointed out, of the $75 check, $19 goes back to Biden and Washington D.C. It's a typical government idea. They want to “help,” but generally it doesn’t work out that way.

—— Our society always seems to be on the march. We come up with better cars, medicine and communications.

Yet we seem to regress when it comes to conducting elections. Voting should be open to all of those people who are eligible. But can’t ballots all be counted in a timely fash-

ion? There is nothing wrong with absentee voting. But can’t we insist the ballots come in by election day? Is that so radical?

Election reform appears to be needed in Pennsylvania.

In the Republican U.S. Senate primary two weeks ago, the two top vote getters are separated by less than 1,000 votes.

It goes to an automatic recount when the margin is that close. What was odd is that it took at least a week for all of the votes to arrive.

Some mail-in votes were allowed to come in a week after election day.

In the last general election, Oklahoma had counted well over a million votes before midnight.

Why can’t tthe rest of the nation do that?

In a way, Congress had it right last year. Voting needs to be uniform.

But the Democrats want ballot harvesting, felons voting, drop boxes and no voter ID. Each of those are horrible ideas. Elections need reform, but honest reform is best.

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

Two election reform bills are signed into law Two bills by Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, to make absentee ballot requests more secure and facilitate earlier identification of voters who have moved or died were signed into law recently.

"Both of these bills will help further secure our elections, which are already among the safest, most reliable elections in the country," Roberts said. "I'm glad the Legislature saw the need for these measures and they were swiftly signed into law by the Governor."

Effective July 1, 2022, House Bill 3364 requires online absentee ballot requests to include identification in addition to a voter's name and birth date. Identification may

include their driver's license number, state identification number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, a registered voter submitting an online absentee ballot request will be required to confirm their address prior to submitting the request form.

Under the bill, voters who registered prior to the requirement for additional identification information may submit a paper absentee ballot request or reregister to vote with the additional identification.

Sen. John Haste, RBroken Arrow, was the Senate primary author of HB3364 and House Bill 3365.

“Oklahoma has always

been dedicated to ensuring the integrity of our election system,” Haste said. “These measures will further that effort, modernizing and strengthening our statutes. It was a pleasure to work with Representative Roberts on these bills, and I thank our fellow members and the governor for their support.”

HB3365 would add identifying information to the certified list of resident deaths sent from the State Dept. of Health to the State Election Board. The bill adds the drivers license or state identification card number if the information was present on the death certificate.

HB3365 also requires voter registration cards be mailed to the physical registration address if the address is valid for mail delivery. If the physical address is not valid for mail delivery, then the designated mailing address will continue to be used. If voter registration cards are returned as undeliverable, then the voter will be required to complete an address confirmation before receiving a ballot in the next eligible election in which they vote.

Additionally, HB3365 requires the cancellation of the voter registration if the associated driver's license was surrendered to the Oklahoma Dept. of Public Safety upon the voter being issued a driver's license in another state.

Sections 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of HB3365 go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, and Section 2 of HB3365 goes into effect July 1, 2023.

‘Disinformation Board’ questions linger Senator James Lankford (R-OK) along with Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) led a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting the immediate release of all documents related to the agency’s recently-shelved Disinformation Governance Board. Additional HomeLankford land Security and Governmental Affairs Committee members Rick Scott (R-FL), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) also joined the letter.

Under federal law (5 U.S.C. § 2954), the Department is required provide information and documents to the Homeland Security Committee when five members request it.

“We write to request immediate access to all records and communications related to the Department of Homeland Security’s new Disinformation Governance Board. You promised under oath to

make these records available, but to date, our offices still have not received any further information,” the Senators wrote.

They continued, “we were pleased to read reports that you have decided to shut down the board in response to the concerns we raised. But it is important that this mistake is not repeated. We are therefore demanding transparency into the Department’s decision-making process so that we can learn why the Department ever thought creating a disinformation board would be a good idea.”

Lankford has pushed to ensure that no funding for the Board is included in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bill. Lankford also introduced stand-alone legislation to stop federal funds from being used to establish a DHS Disinformation Governance Board and grilled DHS Secretary Mayorkas at a Homeland Security hearing about the questionable scope and nature of the Board’s creation. Following the hearing, DHS announced the resignation of the Board’s executive director and has paused all actions until an internal review is complete.

You can read the full letter HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Mayorkas,

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.

We write to request immediate access to all records and communications related to the Department of Homeland Security’s new Disinformation Governance Board. You promised under oath to make these records available, but to date, our offices still have not received any further information. We were pleased to read reports that you have decided to shut down the board in response to the concerns we raised. But it is important that this mistake is not repeated. We are therefore demanding transparency into Department’s decision making process so that we can learn why the Department ever thought creating a disinformation board would be a good idea.

On May 4, 2022, you testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee about the creation of this new board and accepted sole responsibility for appointing Nina Jankowicz as its Executive Director. Surprisingly, you testified that you were not aware of her long history of partisan public statements.

You also testified under oath that you would produce to the Committee all records related to the Board, including its formation and appointment of personnel. You testified, “I owe openness and transparency with this Committee, and we will produce the documents that you have requested, unless there’s a legal prohibition from us doing so.”

Our offices still have not received any of these documents. We are therefore writing to demand immediate access to all records and communications related to the Government Disinformation Board.

Under 5 U.S.C. § 2954, “An Executive agency, on request of … the [Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee], or any five members thereof, shall submit any information requested of it relating to any matter within the jurisdiction of the committee.” Pursuant to this authority, and so that the Congress can consider remedial legislation,

See Lankford, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 11

Lankford From Page 10

PHOTO PROVIDED/UCO PHOTO SERVICES

The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation recently honored George Nigh, former UCO president and Oklahoma governor, and his wife Donna, with the newly established George and Donna Nigh Scholarship at the 29th annual Presidential Partners Luncheon. Pictured, from left to right, Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, UCO president; Zain Whitlock, a freshman political science major from Choctaw, Oklahoma; Donna Nigh; Marina Jones, a senior political science major from Newalla, Oklahoma; and, George Nigh.

Nigh Scholarship awarded at UCO The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation recently honored George Nigh, former UCO president and Oklahoma governor, and his wife Donna, with the newly established George and Donna Nigh Scholarship at the 29th annual Presidential Partners Luncheon.

The George and Donna Nigh Scholarship was established to recognize UCO students who choose to pursue a career in public service, as well as the long-standing legacy of the Nighs at Central.

Marina Jones, a senior political science major from Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Zain Whitlock, a freshman political science major from Newalla, Oklahoma, were the inaugural scholarship recipients.

“George and Donna Nigh are truly inspiring,”

said Art Cotton, vice president for the Office of Advancement at Central.

“Their collective impact is far-reaching at UCO and because of that, we created the George and Donna Nigh scholarship that mirrors the couple’s giving spirit and generosity.”

The Presidential Partners Luncheon serves as an opportunity to recognize donors who give $1,000 or more throughout the year to the UCO Foundation.

The Presidential Partners Program was created in 1993, as a vision of philanthropy by Nigh. The program now has more than 700 members who are critical to providing opportunities for the brightest Central scholars to maximize their experience.

please immediately produce the following records: 1. All records related to the Department’s Government Disinformation Board, including but not limited to: a. written or recorded communications concerning the formation of the Board; b. the agenda or minutes from any meeting at which the Board’s formation was discussed; c. any legal review to determine whether the activities of the Board would be authorized by the Constitution of the United States; d. any communications or records about the individuals who would be recruited to serve on the Board; e. any communications concerning the appointment of an executive director for the Board; and f. any communications with the White House about the formation of the Board or appointment of officials to serve on the Board.

2. For any documents that are responsive to this request but withheld from the Committee, please identify the name of each document, the date of its creation, the custodian, a summary of its contents, and the basis for withholding the record from the Committee.

Biden action condemned Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 33 last week condemning President Biden’s comment that he’d like to give the World Health Organization (WHO) more power to regulate the United States’ public health policy.

“Per the United States Constitution, the U.S. Senate must ratify all treaties, and the presidency has no authority to enter into an agreement or policy to circumvent this Constitutional requirement,” Dahm said. “The reports that this administration is contemplating giving up American and Oklahoman sovereignty to a foreign and international organization – especially an organization controlled by the Chinese communists – are very troubling, and I want our citizens to know that I vehemently oppose such a move.”

The resolution affirms that if this policy were in place and not properly ratified as a treaty by the U.S. Senate that it would be null and void in the state.

Page 12 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

ELAINE WARNER

The Schermerhorn Symphony Hall is home to the Nashville Symphony.

A look at Nashville

‘Music Center’ offers more than just country tunes

By Elaine Warner Nashville marketers were smart and got there first with the soubriquet “Music City.” Most people think of Country Music when they think of Nashville and they wouldn’t be wrong, Elaine but all types of music can be found in this mecca for musicians. Keep your ears open and you’ll hear lots of Nashville sounds.

The beginnings of Nashville’s prominence began in a small, Black college – now part of the group known as HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). These schools were all founded before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Many, like Fisk (1866), were founded right after the Civil War. By 1871 the school was struggling financially. George White, school treasurer and music professor, formed a nine-member, a capella ensemble, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and took them on tour to raise money for the school. Their repertoire consisted mostly of spirituals and work songs – a genre new to white audiences.

Their fame spread and a year later they were invited to sing at the White House. In 1873, they toured Europe, performing before Queen Victoria, who commissioned a floorto-ceiling portrait of the group which can still be seen today in Jubilee Hall on the Fisk campus. Queen Victoria was so impressed she told the group they must be from the Music City of the United States – and the city’s slogan was born.

The next musical event which added to Nashville’s reputation was a 1925, hour-long radio show, WSM Barn Dance, bringing country music to a number of states. By 1939, the show was picked up by NBC for

ELAINE WARNER

A music theme is embedded in the architecture of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

coast-to-coast coverage and the name Grand Ole Opry replaced Barn Dance.

The recording industry took root here around the end of World War II. This began a growing movement of artists, songwriters and technical people coming to support the burgeoning industry.

The perfect place to start a musical tour of Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame. There are several options offered: admission to the museum; admission to the museum and a tour of Hatch Show Print; and admission to the museum and a tour of RCA Studio B. My recommendation – museum and Studio B. You’ll get a lot of musical history in the museum, tons of memorabilia and a number of videos and recordings. Even the architecture tells a story. Tall windows look like piano keys. The building’s footprint is in the shape of the bass clef and the tail of the clef sweeps up like the fin on a ’59 Cadillac. Speaking of Cadillacs, you can’t miss Elvis Presley’s 1960 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood limo

The Schermerhorn Symphony Hall is home to the Nashville Symphony.

with 24-karat, gold-plated trim and crushed diamond paint.

Studio B, no longer used for recording, is one of those if-wallscould-talk places. Fortunately, the guides do a great job of telling its story. Over 1000 hit records were made here by artists by stars so famous you don’t even need their last names – Elvis, Willie, Dolly and many others. You’ll also hear a lot of music.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum pays tribute to musicians of all genres. Especially interesting is the inclusion of back-up musicians and technicians who make the headliners shine brighter.

The newest addition to the museum line-up is the National Museum of African-American Music, only opened last year. This is a real stunner. Our press group had an hour to visit. Normally, I’ll skim through a museum to get an overall idea of what visitors will experience. I couldn’t do that here. There is so much to see and do that I only got to a few areas. Visits begin with a 15-minute film, Roots, which begins with Western and Central African areas and slavery and the communal nature of music.

Galleries begin with early music of enslaved people, spirituals and gospel music. Graphics feature important figures and trends and videos highlight individuals and attitudes. Each area I visited had a large table with earphones and a video presentation related to that area of music. Like a modified family tree, you can call up individual musicians and see who influenced them, who their musical peers were and who was influenced by them. There were dozens of choices.

Special wristbands (the use of which obviously escaped me!) allow guests to save music and videos which can be downloaded for personal enjoyment. One of the interactives allowed guests to perform and

record themselves singing with the Nashville Super Choir and to use the wristband to take the performance home.

The museum suggests a minimum of 90 minutes for a visit. I think they’re short by at least two hours!

This is one of the most exciting museums I’ve ever visited.

To learn the stories of several country favorites, there are three small museums downtown. The Johnny Cash Museum, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Glen Campbell Museum offer personal stories about these stars. Unfortunately, the George Jones Museum has closed.

If you’re looking for live music, Nashville is the place. Flying in, you’ll hear live music in the airport. There are at least 180 venues – from tiny stages to massive auditoriums where musicians perform. There are even a couple of banks with stages for live music in their lobbies. Roam Honky Tonk Row (Broadway) where there is never a cover charge and, in some venues, like Legends, the music starts at 10 in the morning and goes until the wee hours. And, of course, there’s the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.

For bluegrass music, the Station Inn is iconic. Jazz lovers head to Rudy’s Rainbow Room or Skull’s Rainbow Room. Fans of classical music aren’t left out, either. The Nashville Symphony Orchestra, at home in fabulous Schermerhorn Symphony Hall, has won multiple Grammys. Their season runs through the summer, so check it out.

Here’s another of my favorite spots – the Bluebird Café. It only seats 99 people – reservations are a must.

You’ll see future stars, perhaps some big names dropping in, and songwriters singing their own music. Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift were discovered at the Bluebird. You might get to hear the next Taylor, but IMHO, there’ll never be another Garth!!!!!

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 13

Sports

Jacee Minter prepares to slide into home plate.

Former standout with Edmond North

UCO’s Jacee Minter racks up postseason honors Central Oklahoma softball sensation Jacee Minter nabbed a pair of All-America honors last week, earning first-team recognition from the Conference Commissioner’s Association and secondteam accolades from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

The CCA team is voted on by sports information directors from around the country, while the NFCA squad is determined by a committee of coaches from each of the eight NCAA Division II regions.

The sophomore star put together a remarkable

2022 season in helping lead the Bronchos to a 4813 record and the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II national tournament.

Minter batted .414 with a school-record 26 doubles, 12 home runs and 71 runs batted in. She finished with a .769 slugging percentage, a .486 on-base percentage and didn’t commit an error in 88 fielding chances from her left field spot.

A product of Edmond North High School, Minter currently leads Division II in doubles while ranking fourth in RBIs, eighth in total bases (145)

Volunteers return to Food Bank Beginning this week, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will welcome the public back to its Volunteer Center. The limited-capacity shifts will be the first available to the public since the Regional Food Bank closed volunteer opportunities on March 25, 2020 in an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Over the past 14 months we have felt the weight of the absence of our volunteers and we can't wait to welcome you all back soon," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "Our volunteers make a tremendous impact in the fight against hunger in Oklahoma."

Volunteer shifts will be available Monday through Friday. On Mondays, a morning shift will be offered while morning and afternoon shifts are

available Tuesday through Friday.

Shifts are limited to 30 people who must be 16 years of age or older.

To ensure the safety of all volunteers and Regional Food Bank staff, the organization is implementing the following steps: Because the Regional Food Bank is not requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination, all volunteers and staff are required to wear a mask while on-site.

Volunteers will be allowed in one by one and greeted by a volunteer coordinator.

The Volunteer Center staff will ask each volunteer several COVID-19 screening questions.

Volunteers will receive a temperature check. Volunteers with temperatures of more than 100.4 degrees will not be able to volunteer.

and 12th in hits (79).

“This is a great honor for Jacee and one that is obviously well-deserved,” head coach Cody White said. “Jacee is remarkably consistent at the plate and she came through with a bunch of big-time hits for us this season.”

Minter was indeed productive in the clutch for UCO. She batted .481 with runners in scoring position and had a .470 average with 37 RBIs when hitting with two outs. Minter becomes the 22nd player in program history to earn All-America

Page 14 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of the movie ‘Senior Year’

Prep comedy not bad, but no blockbuster

By George Gust “Senior Year” follows Stephanie (Rebel Wilson), the most popular girl in school … in 2002. But when a cheerleading stunt goes wrong Stephanie finds herself in a 20-year coma. Now she’s 37, newly awake and ready to live out her high school dream; becoming prom queen High school comedies had seemed to gone the way of the dodo. To find the most recent successful movies you have to go back to 2004’s “Mean Girls.” And much like with the romantic comedy genre, Netflix has found the market inefficiency and tried to fill the void with throwback style of comedy that blends the time traveling element of “Peggy Sue Got Married” and the school politics of “Mean Girls.”

It seems odd to be nostalgic for the early 2000s but “Senior Year” hits on a lot of the cultural touchstones of movies and pop culture from that time making it cat nip to millennials who are now far removed from their high school days.

As a star, Wilson popped on the scene with her brash, and wildly confident comedic persona in

hits like the “Pitch Perfect” series. In “Senior Year” Wilson has tamed down much of her comedic persona to fit into the “Clueless” mold of teenage prom queen material character. However, for “Senior Year” to elevate above being a nostalgic but forgettable Netflix comedy her character needed to show more growth than what we find in “Senior Year.” The result makes for an enjoyable trip down memory lane but ends up feeling like a shallower film than it could have been.

Overall, “Senior Year” is a better entry from Net-

flix than most of the light comedy fare they have offered up in the past, but a few odd choices in both character and plot hold it back from feeling like the kind of blockbuster star vehicle it wants to be.

There are a few plot elements that were set up early on that don’t end up paying off, which leaves the movie feeling unpolished.

There are enough of laughs and spot on references to the high school movies of the past to make “Senior Year” an enjoyable, albeit disposable, comedy that would find its place in the ‘others receiving votes’ section of a Best High School movies list.

“Senior Year” is rated R for sexual material, language and brief teen drinking/drug use. Now streaming on Netflix.

2.9 out of 5 stars You can reach George Gust to comment on this film, or any of his motion picture reviews at gust.george@gmail.com,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Netflix takes us on an early 2000s nostalgia trip in the Rebel Wilson comedy vehicle ‘Senior Year.’

Answers appearing on Page 19

Sunbeam seeking volunteers Sunbeam Family Services seeks 65 volunteers by June 15 to help build brighter futures with all children and families.

“We’re excited to welcome volunteers into early childhood classrooms to provide vital support to our wonderful teachers and children,” said Colleen Howe, engagement manager at Sunbeam.

“Volunteers have a unique opportunity to help support a positive, fun learning environment that benefits babies, toddlers and their families.”

Through Classroom Buddies, volunteers support an enriching early learning environment and make an impact that lasts a lifetime.

These hour-long opportunities may include reading to children from ages birth to three, enjoying lunch with the children, engaging in activities and helping with the nap-time transition.

Volunteers must be age 18 or older and vaccinated. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, visit SunbeamFamilyServices.org /volunteer or contact Colleen Howe at chowe@sunbeamfamilyservices.org or (405) 609-1755.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Fabrics ACROSS

1. Ingratiating behavior 6. Testing site 9. Mix together 13. Veranda on Moloka'i 14. Lennon's widow 15. Pilaff, to some 16. Neural transmitters 17. Stumblebum 18. Renter's paper 19. *Plaid weave 21. *Cozy pajama fabric 23. Thanksgiving side?

24. Sign up 25. ____ Francisco 28. 100 centavos 30. *Woven reversible patterned fabric 35. Tucked in at night 37. Unwelcome mail?

39. Italian alternative 40. Brazilian indigenous people 41. Give out 43. Eye part 44. Violinist Perlman or violinist Stern 46. Toy flyer 47. Clickable text 48. Lady Hamilton's lover 50. Become puddle from icicle 52. Hula dancer's necklace 53. Bloody 55. Cuban dance step 57. *Popular prom dress choice 61. *Namesake of a lemon cake 65. Approximately 70% of Earth 66. Daniel ____Lewis 68. City in Belgium 69. Not slouching 70. Khan's honorific 71. Viva voce exams 72. Expunge 73. Actor/director Howard 74. Boundary lines

DOWN 1. Smelting waste 2. Longer than midi 3. Any day now, formerly 4. Long-limbed 5. Unfortunate outcome 6. *Rumpelstiltskin's weaver 7. Saint Anne, or Santa ____ 8. Resoundingly successful 9. Demeanor 10. Slovenian ski maker 11. Cut with a beam 12. Matt Damon/Adam Driver movie "The Last ____" 15. 2-dimensional 20. Single-cell protozoan 22. Manhole cover 24. Joviality 25. *"Nights in White ____" 26. Bullying, e.g.

27. Katmandu country 29. *Eurasian trade route namesake 31. Stake driver

32. Blacksmith's block 33. Part of a play 34. *Chinos fabric 36. "Buenos ___" 38. Adverse 42. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: "____ Your Children" 45. Powerfully persuasive 49. 1990s negation 51. Formerly, formerly 54. "M*A*S*H" character 56. Flambe 57. Three-____ sloth 58. 0.405 hectare 59. Perceive by touch 60. *A wedding veil covers it 61. Blue hue 62. Notable achievement 63. Eye amorously 64. Scotland's famous lake 67. Gone by

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 15

Mortgage Matters

What to know before you buy a home

By Kenneth Wohl You don’t have to be an expert to buy a home. But it does help to be prepared, especially as the housing market continues to boom. If you don’t even know where to start, here are some tips to put you on the path to homeownership.

on and could sully the joy of buying your home.

Ask your mortgage lender about the costs that come during the mortgage process.

Wohl

Find Out How Much You Can Borrow It may be tempting to start looking at houses right away, even if you’re just browsing. But getting prequalified for a mortgage will let you know exactly how much you can afford to borrow. Finding the right mortgage lender can make the entire process that much easier. If you apply for prequalification and later decide you’re not ready to buy a house in your desired price range, it’s better to learn that before you start shopping for houses.

Keep “Hidden” Costs in Mind Sure, you’ll know how much the houses cost based on their listing price. But what about insurance, property taxes, closing costs, moving expenses and HOA fees (if applicable)? Knowing about these costs before you start looking at houses can prevent a surprise you weren’t counting

Have Your Financial Records Ready Your mortgage lender will thoroughly examine your finances to ensure you qualify for a loan.

You’ll need paystubs, tax records, bank account statements and child support/alimony documentation, if applicable. Before you buy, make sure you have those documents ready so you won’t have to track them down later.

How Long Does it Take?

In pretty much all instances, finding and buying a house isn’t something that can be done in one day. It took an average of 51 days to close a mortgage in 2021, according to ICE Mortgage Technology. That doesn’t mean all mortgages take that long to close. But this will give you an idea of how long the process can take. So while there is no setin-stone time of how long it takes to get a mortgage, the sooner you start the process, the better off you’ll be.

Down-Payment Options Conventional wisdom says to aim for a 20% down payment on your mortgage. But saving money for a down payment on your dream home

To study environmental issues

Santa Fe grad’s scholarship to help her help the world Obtaining a degree in engineering and moving into a career in environmental sustainability is a desire of Edmond Santa Fe Graduate Regan Van Stavern that will soon be realized thanks to the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program.

Van Stavern is one of this year’s 300 Gate scholarship recipients chosen from 37,000 who applied.

Launched in 2017 and funded by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the program is dedicated to furthering the success of exceptional high school seniors.

The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, opportunities to study abroad, travel expenses, and additional personal expenses for up to five years.

Students who receive this esteemed award have shown they meet qualifications such as having an outstanding academic record in high school, strong leadership ability, and exceptional personal success skills.

Upon learning of the award, Van Stavern said, “I was pretty shocked at first and almost didn’t believe it. I felt a great wave of relief knowing that my dreams are now more possible for me to achieve. After working so hard for this scholarship, the time and effort put into it paid off.”

Van Stavern wants to focus her fu-

Regan Van Stavern

ture studies on maintaining the earth’s natural resources for future generations.

“My personal dreams are to use what I learn in college to better the world. I want to help sustain the environment that we live in by creating more sustainable infrastructures and focusing on communities that lack access to those infrastructures,” she said.

According to her dad, Aaron Van Stavern, Regan has been working toward this scholarship since she was a young girl.

“Since she was in elementary, she had her mind made up that she would move away and go to a college. As a parent, you kind of don't take it seriously. She absolutely stuck to it, made a plan, and executed it for the next 10 years,” he said. “She has always been motivated and determined to meet her goals. One of her hardest to reach was the Gates Scholarship and she did it.”

Van Stavern is excited for the “world of opportunities” that will open up due to this scholarship.

“I am able to attend a very prestigious college and experience many things I wouldn’t have been able to without this scholarship. It has given me even more motivation to pursue a career and create change in the world through my studies,” Van Stavern said.

can be downright daunting and likely impossible on an average salary. The down payment is the upfront cash you pay toward the home purchase.

Lenders offer a variety of mortgages with different down payment requirements. You can even buy with no down payment in some instances. Explore your options with your mortgage lender to decide how much you'll need to save for a down payment.

There are a lot of things to know before buying a house. Remember, the more you educate yourself about the process, the more likely you’ll have the confidence to buy the house you want at a price you can afford.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.

Page 16 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Larry Spears

Concert on June 5 ARCADIA – Sand Springs singer-songwriter Larry Spears will present an Elm Tree Concert at 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 5, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Spears, a veteran of the Woody Guthrie Festival in Okemah, has been a songwriter for more than 50 years with more than 1,000 songs to his credit.

Elm Tree concerts are held most Sundays beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the Round Barn. The Round Barn Rendezvous open jam session is held on the second Sunday of every month from noon to 4 p.m., and the Round Barn Ramblers perform every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Admission to the Round Barn including all concerts is free, but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the nonprofit museum.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on historic Route 66 and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.

Actress has her home on market for $39M

Support Your Local Merchants

With her blonde hair and blue eyes, actress Sharon Stone is best known for playing femme fatales. One of the most popular sex symbols of the 1990s, she rose to international prominence with her role as an alluring psycho killer in Paul Verhoeven’s Basic Instinct, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Later, she would win a Golden Globe for her role as a trophy wife in Martin Scorcese’s Casino, as well as a Primetime Emmy and two MTV Movie Awards.

In 1998, during the height of her fame, Stone purchased a home in San Francisco’s tony Sea Cliff neighborhood with her then-husband, journalist Phil Bronstein. The couple paid $6 million for the 8,500square-foot, Italianate-Victorian mansion, then sold in 2005 for $13 million, following their contentious divorce. Now on the market again for $39 million, it is currently the Bay Area’s most expensive home listing.

Built in 1908 after the San Francisco Earthquake inspired the original owners to flee the city, it was the first home built in Sea Cliff. The historic mansion has been updated with all the latest modern amenities but retains its Old World charm. Classic and elegant, the home features tall ceilings and beautifully maintained dark wood parquet floors.

The main level features ultra-wide towering doors and custom-built fireplaces with massive surrounds.

Creamy walls contrast with dark wood doors and accents. Gorgeous picture windows provide jawdropping views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge from many different rooms. The dramatic formal living and dining rooms connect to more intimate spaces, including a cozy den with a fireplace and a reading room. The kitchen has been updated with Viking and Wolf appliances and connects to a family dining area with access to the large north-facing terrace and deck looking out on the Pacific Ocean.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 17

Most never meet Zoom colleagues Most of us are familiar with the distinct ‘ding dong’ sound of a colleague entering a Zoom meeting and seeing a friendly face pop up after having worked alone for a while; or the work group chat being abuzz with colleagues catching up after an exciting weekend. Creating and maintaining relationships with co-workers can be challenging when you’re not able to bump into one another during the office day, grab a coffee break or have lunch together.

However, developing these relationships in the first place is even more challenging if you’ve never met in person before! This is the predicament faced by hundreds of thousands of workers who have started new jobs since the start of the pandemic.

As we enter unchartered waters in a post-pandemic age, GreenBuildingElements.com wanted to find out how many employees, who have started new jobs since the start of the pandemic, have never met their colleagues in person. They commissioned a survey of 4,121 employees who have started a new job since the pandemic and are working predominantly from home, revealing some interesting results.

The survey found that, almost 3 in 4 (73%) WFH employees in Oklahoma have never met their colleagues in person!

The figure was highest in Nebraska, where 89% hadn’t met their workmates face to face. That’s a lot of people you can’t hang out with by the water cooler, talking about last night’s game. Er, we mean, talking about work. Happily for those in Kentucky

and Montana, only 17% haven’t met their colleagues properly, which means the majority are either going into the office regularly or are lucky enough to have met them at team building or bonding events. In fact, the survey also found that just 41% of employees said their company regularly organizes online social events which can also help bonding.

Interactive map showing virtual workers stats across America (click on 'embed' to host map on your site) When it comes to work environments, a happy team can contribute positively towards improved overall results. Office disagreements are never pleasant and can cause a shift in team dynamic. Things like leaving the lights on when leaving the office; or having the air conditioner or heater on unnecessarily.

This could be why 35% of employees said they think working in an eco-office creates a happier environment with better relationships between colleagues. A minority of employees surveyed said they’ve had a

See ZOOM, Page 18

Law mandates insurance coverage on more mammograms A new law requires insurance companies to cover diagnostic mammograms ordered by a physician.

House Bill 3504, authored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, RMidwest City, weaved through the legislative process over the last few months and was signed into law by the governor on Friday. It becomes law in November.

A diagnostic mammogram is still an x-ray, according to the American Cancer Society. However, pictures are taken so that any areas of concern are studied more carefully. It is typically ordered when the routine screening mammogram finds something of concern. HB3504 rode a tide of bipartisanship to the governor's desk, led by several women lawmakers.

“This new law is a direct result of more women getting elected to the Legislature,” Provenzano said. “Decisions about women’s health care are made in the Legislature, and we must increase this representation. I am proud of the work of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who cast political affiliation aside to support this life-saving initiative.”

Each year in the United States, about 255,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,300 in men. About 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer.

“Diagnostic mammograms are essential in determining whether an area of concern is actually cancerous, but if a woman cannot afford the out-of-pocket expense, she may ignore potential

It’s an interesting time for Realtors.

A look at Edmond home market

By Brian Preston In Edmond, April had 418 closed transactions — down 64 closings from last April for a decrease of 13.2%.

Year to date sales are down 15.6% with 251 fewer sales or 1,349 for 2022 and 1,600 in 2021. Average price is just about to reach $400,000 for the first time. Just $741 short.

Pending contracts are down 2.1%, just down 20 with 896 this year compared to 916 last year. Of those 417 of these are new homes, which is more than closed new homes for

the first four months (349).

Active listing for the second month has increased over the same period last year. for the first time in five years. There are currently 377active listings. up 30 from last March, and up 82 from last April for an increase of 27.8% from last April. Our increase from March is all new homes with an increase of 31 new home listings from March.

(Preston is an Edmond Realtor who studies the Edmond housing market and reports it in a monthly blog.)

A new exemption on some livestock The governor last week signed into a law a bill that exempts from personal property taxes livestock used to support a family, beginning in January 2023.

House Bill 1682, by Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Durant, exempts from ad valorem taxes horses, cattle, mules, asses, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, and any other livestock. Also included are animals owned by a general or limited partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an estate, a trust, or other lawfully recognized entity, as well as those owned wholly or in part by a resident or corporation of a state

other than Oklahoma.

"This bill will save Oklahoma ranchers and families that raise livestock quite a bit in taxes,” Roberts said. “It's part of a broader effort to make sure Oklahoma taxpayers get to keep more of their hard-earned income, which in turn boosts our overall economy.”

Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, authored the bill in the Senate.

“With cattle being the number one industry in Oklahoma, I am proud to be able to help our ranchers any way we can,” Bullard said. On final passage, this bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

cancer until it’s far more advanced,” Stanley said.

“The earlier cancer is detected, the less invasive the care and the better the outcomes. This new law will save lives and will actually help reduce the cost of caring for those who do have breast cancer by catching it sooner.”

Provenzano started on the legislation when a constituent brought the issue into focus. Oklahoma women with health insurance were having to pay out-of-pocket for a simple but life-saving exam.

“While Washington D.C. gets the headlines, lives are changed at the state and local levels of government,” Provenzano said. “Thousands of women in Oklahoma are going to benefit all because one woman stepped up and said ‘hey this isn’t right.’”

Page 18 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Zoom From Page 17 dispute with a work colleague in the past relating to eco-issues…

Unsurprisingly perhaps, over half of WFH employees (58%) said their relationships with their work colleagues are actually better since not working in an in-person office environment - maybe that’s because they don’t miss their annoying habits, such as talking loudly on the phone, starting boring conversations, or engaging in office politics. In fact, 66% said they’re more likely to keep in touch with colleagues socially outside working hours - proof that absence does make the heart grow fonder.

When it comes to the ways WFH colleagues communicate, the majority (41%) use Zoom, while 35% use Teams, 10% use Slack, 8% use WhatsApp and 6% use Skype. And this is useful for online socializing too; around half of home-workers said they mostly interact with their colleagues socially via messaging services and use features such as group chats so more people can get involved. 22% said they organize social video calls with their colleagues regularly.

Lastly, 17% of those who are cur-

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rently working from home (and who have the option of working from the office), said they’d be more likely to return if they made the workspace an eco-friendlier environment. This could include things like installing solar panels and energy-saving lightbulbs; or encouraging team members to bring their own mugs to work, rather than using single-use plastic or coffee cups.

‘Many companies are contemplating the idea of continuing the work-fromhome model since the pandemic, or juggling the concept of a hybrid model,’ says Sarah Jameson of GreenBuildingElements.com. “As some businesses face the dilemma of missing out on a strong, cohesive team dynamic with people working remotely instead of in-person, it may be a case of trying to boost the overall office dynamic to encourage team members to return to the office. This could include things like improved internet speed, as well as steps towards decreasing the workplace’s overall carbon footprint such as implementing the use of green technologies like solar panels or LED lighting; using recycled paper; or switching to biodegradable pens.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 2, 2022 • Page 19

Calm Waters to host Camp courage for youngsters Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, central Oklahoma’s grief center, is hosting its fourth annual Camp Courage, a 3-day, art-based camp July 19 – 21, 2022 at Calm Waters Center, located at 501 N. Walker, Suite 140, Oklahoma City, for children who have experienced a recent loss through death, divorce, incarceration, deportation, deployment, and foster/adoptive care issues.

Camp registration is $30 per child. The threeday camp is made possible thanks to sponsors Edmond Women’s Club and the OKC Midtown Rotary Foundation.

Camp Courage classes will be from nine a.m. until 12 p.m. each day. Children must be 6-14 years old and have experienced a significant loss due to death, divorce, deployment, deportation, incarceration or foster/adoptive care issues. Teens, aged 15- to 18-years-old are encouraged to volunteer as a junior camp counselor during the 3-day camp.

“Summer can often be a difficult time for a child who has recently lost a parent or someone close to them,” said Erin Engelke, Calm Waters Ex-

ecutive Director. “Camp Courage is a fun, healing way for kids to honor the memory of their loved one while making memories with other children who have experienced a similar loss.”

Each art class will be facilitated by Calm Waters in-house mental health clinicians and local artists who have donated their time and talent to teach children how to express their grief through art.

Camp activities include drawing, painting, mixed media, dance, yoga, crochet, gardening, and more. The last day of camp, July 21, will end with the children’s art show for their families and

peers.

Registration is limited to the first 50 children.

To learn more about the camp and/or to register

by July 12, visit calmwaters.org/programs/campcourage/ Those who wish to support the event can sponsor one child’s registration for $30, or an art activity for $250 or $500. Individuals and organizations who wish to support at a higher level can contribute $1,000, qualifying them as Gallery Sponsors. Opportunities to contribute can be found on the event website.

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Puzzles appear on Page 14

In light of CO COVID OVID 19 for the e time being, some s worship servi services ces may be su suspended uspended or on online. nline.

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Page 20 • June 2, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure