June 10, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 4
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Endeavor Games Return this Weekend
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.
Earl’s Rib Palace marks 25 years See page 17
FRIDAY, June 11 Mostly Sunny High 96° Low 72°
SATURDAY, June 12 Mostly Sunny High 91° Low 70°
SUNDAY, June 13 Partly Cloudy High 89° Low 68°
FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE
Daniel Velasquez competing in the Mixed 1500 Meter Run at a previous Endeavor Games The 22nd Annual University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games presented by The Hartford, an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in various sporting events on a competitive level, will be June 10-13, on Central’s campus and throughout the Edmond, Oklahoma, community. The UCO Endeavor Games presented by The Hartford is one the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability events. Part of The Hartford Competition Series sanctioned by Move United, the 2021 games include 10 sports – archery (indoor and outdoor), air rifle shooting, cycling, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair softball. The games will open Thursday, June 10, with a day of sports clinics and camps for aspiring athletes. Competition kicks off Friday, June 11, with cycling in the morning; powerlifting, shooting, outdoor archery, basketball and several field events, presented by MidFirst Bank, in the afternoon;
and, an evening of swimming at the Edmond Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Drive. Saturday’s events feature track and field, also presented by MidFirst Bank, at Edmond North High School, 215 W. Danforth Road, followed by sitting volleyball on Central’s campus. The games conclude Sunday, June 13, with wheelchair softball, indoor archery and table tennis at the UCO Wellness Center. On Saturday, The Hartford will be surprising two deserving youth athletes with their own custom-fit adaptive sports equipment. One athlete from Beggs, OK will receive a custom archery bow and the other athlete will receive a track racing chair. The equipment will be a game changer for both in their athletic competitions. “After hosting the Games in a virtual format in 2020, we’re excited to be back in person this year. Our event may look a little different due to COVID protocols, but it’s the same Endeavor Games our community has known and loved for 22 years!,” said Cassidhe Walker, coordinator
for adaptive sports and events at Central. Central is an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and is the host training site for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Volleyball teams. In addition, Central currently is a training site for USA Taekwondo. Presenting sponsor for the Endeavor Games is The Hartford. National Partners for the Endeavor Games include the University of Central Oklahoma, Turnstone Center, U.S. Paralympics, Move United and Hanger Clinic, as well as local sponsor MidFirst Bank. Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, including drivers, track and field, special events and more. Volunteers must register before June 4. For athlete and volunteer information, or to view a complete schedule of events for the 2021 UCO Endeavor Games, visit www.endeavorgames.com/ edmond. For more information about the UCO Endeavor Games presented by The Hartford, contact Cassidhe Walker at cwalker68@uco.edu or 405-974-3411
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PHOTO PROVIDED
From left are Matt Hangen, President & CEO of Water4; Kacy Lowe, Senior Director of Development, Water4; AJ Griffin, Director of Government and Community Affairs, Paycom; Pamela Crane-Hoover, Senior Director of Programs, Water4; Mandy Goksu, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Water4.
Paycom helps address world’s water woes Paycom Software, Inc., (NYSE:PAYC), a leading provider of comprehensive, cloud-based human capital management software, presented a $30,000 check to Water4, an Oklahoma Citybased international nonprofit dedicated to eradicating the world's water crisis through local, missional businesses. With this donation, Water4 will be able to provide sustainable water to more than 1,100 people and create over 500 jobs. “We value our partnership with Paycom and look forward to the good work we can accomplish together," said Matt Hangen, president and CEO of Water4. “We’re committed to local people solving local problems with local resources and working through the capacity, strength and greatness of ordinary people to do whatever it takes to see a world where every last per-
son has abundant access to safe water.” Water4, founded by Oklahoma business owners Dick & Terri Greenly, is dedicated to seeing every home, school and clinic in developing countries have access to sustainable, safe water. They’re not only delivering safe water to those without it, they’re building livelihoods and local resources through business-based, maintainable solutions. “This donation by our employees will help Water4 continue to provide water and resources to those in need,” said AJ Griffin, Paycom’s director of government and community affairs. “This is yet another aspect where Paycom is committed to ESG initiatives to better the environment and combat this global crisis.” Water4 partners with local entrepreneurs in 13 countries across
Africa who use donated capital to operate water service businesses by local people paying affordable rates for safe water. They believe the water crisis will not be solved with charity alone, but by locking arms with the people directly affected and empowering them to be part of the solution. Since 2008, Water4 has delivered safe water to over 1.6 million individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. The donation comes as part of Paycom’s ongoing giving campaign, where employees have given nearly $100,000 to support various local and national causes this year. Additional ways they give back include volunteer events and service initiatives that strengthen families and communities. To learn more about how you can support this cause, visit https://water4.org.
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From the Publisher
Santa Fe makes for great long, weekend Lisa and I have been like many of you in wanting to have a getaway. Travel with this horrible virus in our lives has been a nonstarter until now. With vaccinations going well we decided to take some time for a long weekend over Memorial Day. Where to go was the issue but we opted for a favorite location for us and many Edmond folks, Santa Fe, Ray Hibbard New Mexico. It is a short 8-hour drive which was part of the appeal. We do not feel comfortable flying just yet but that will come. New Mexico is one of the few states that has reached the “magic” 70% vaccination rates in the country. Santa Fe had many health directives during the last year that made us feel comfortable going for a few days. It is also a place where we spend much of our time outdoors which is a good thing. Most of the restrictions had been lifted by their governor three weeks before we arrived but you could tell folks were still getting used to the idea after a year of mask wearing. There were some businesses that still required a mask inside, but they were becoming fewer. Restaurants were telling us that business has been booming over the last two weeks. One restaurant apologized for their reduced wine list but said they just could not get the wine in fast enough to keep up. Santa Fe is home to a combination of deeply rooted culture, historic landmarks, modern hospitality businesses, breathtaking natural landscapes and bespoke eateries, Santa Fe is entering the post-pandemic world with enhanced lodging options and new boutique shops, eateries, breweries, and attractions that have collectively refreshed the destination’s offerings. Lisa and I are not much on shopping when we travel preferring to buy or order locally but if you are a shopper there are plenty of upscale options. Weather was great with only a short rain shower in the afternoon that is familiar to mountain travelers. The trees in and surrounding Santa Fe give off the most incredible smell. It is freshest right after one of the afternoon showers. It is an incredible walking city. We normally opt to stay in a VRBO property and have stayed in some nice ones. This time was going to be short, so we picked a bed and breakfast that I had wanted to stay up but never did in the past. It is called Inn of the Turquoise Bear and is in the residential district close to the historic Santa Fe Plaza. It is wooded, quiet and a short walk to the Plaza and our favorite restaurants. This was our first trip since my knee replacement and was glad to discover the knee could handle all the walking. This B&B could be a retreat all on its own. It was not a press free stay folks. We paid our way and found it was worth every penny to stay on such beautiful grounds. Nestled under towering pines with views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the inn is Iconic Santa Fe. The quintessential rambling adobe estate was once the home of Witter Bynner, American poet, writer and scholar. For almost 50 years, Witter helped to shape the richness of the Santa Fe arts culture with his close friends and frequent guests: O’Keeffe, Cather, Millay, Lawrence, Stravinsky, O
Nothing quite as delicious as La Choza Henry and many others. You experience a nine-bedroom estate with the smell of piñon burning in your kiva fireplace, the 40-inch mud adobe walls, meandering stone walkways, and colorful gardens, which inspired these literary and musical legends in their art. They start guests off with a gourmet breakfast that should have kept us full until dinner but with so many places we wanted to eat and so little time we managed to work in lunch every day. Because I had not made reservation before we got to town, we had to book our evening meal later in the evening, so it all worked out. There is a plan folks. Here are a few highlights from our dining experience but I can honestly say every place we went to was terrific. Of course, we always lean on the Edmond experts for all things in Santa Fe, Randel, and Dana Shadid for advice before we go. Andiamo! We were headed for a different Italian restaurant but our Inn Keeper, Alex, talked us into trying this place and it was a great choice. “I like the vibe at Andiamo better” he said. The restaurant started when owner Joan Gillcrist spent time working in her sister’s restaurant instead of going to medical school where she was headed after graduating from Stanford. A life changing detour ensued. “I realized that I felt totally comfortable there and loved it.” After apprenticing in the kitchens of several of Santa Fe’s best restaurants, Gillcrist opened Andiamo in 1995 with Chris Galvin. She credits Galvin, who trained in Italy and studied under David Tanis, now of Chez
Panisse, as the initial creative force behind Andiamo’s food. The restaurant is in a small house in a residential neighborhood. Despite some great meals while we were in Santa Fe, this was the best food we ate. I would very much put it on your list next time you are in Santa Fe but make reservations before you go. They understand the right idea behind Italian cooking. You use the best and freshest ingredients and do extraordinarily little to them. La Choza is still my favorite for traditional New Mexican cuisine. It is located about a mile from the Inn near the railroad tracks and farmer’s market. Santa Fe has one of the best farmers market I have been to in all my travels. La Choza is owned by the same family that owns the Shed on the plaza, but it has too many tourist for the locals, so they head to La Choza. The food is hot, but you just cannot stop eating as my mom used to say. The heat in New Mexican food comes from peppers and is not greasy which I love. If you are not as fond of spice like Lisa, do what she did and order from the kid’s menu. It has a lot less of the chili peppers. La Boca is one of our all-time favorites. It is Spanish and Mediterranean food in the form of tapas. They have live entertainment, and the wine selection is outstanding including several Spanish wines and sherries. Tapas restaurants used to confuse me until my sister taught me how to order. You pick the dishes you want to try, give that information to the waiter and then them decide the right order to bring
See SF, Page 5
Check out what’s inside! ---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 6. ---- Weekend Calendar of Events ......................................................Page 8. ---- Remembering the life of Dr. Stephen Prescott ..........................Page 10. ---- Making waffles ..........................................................................Page 12. ---- Rotarians honor health providers for pandemic work ................Page 13. ---- George Gusst reviews latest zombie movie ................................Page 14. ---- UCO dominates rowing world -- again ......................................Page 15. ---- Business news ............................................................................Page 17. ---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19. This, and much more, in this week’s edition!
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 5
SF From Page 4 each one. They know better how to serve the conglomeration of what you have ordered. La Boca is less than a mile from the Inn so we walked which meant I could drink more then a glass of wine. In fact, I had several. On the way walking back Lisa asked me if my knee was bothering me since I kept weaving. I assured her it was not my knee causing the weave. Let me remind you dear readers that Santa Fe is at over 7,000 feet in altitude so please do two things. Drink plenty of water in the dry air and watch your consumption of alcohol since it has more of an effect on us low landers. Santa Fe offers world-class dining, art galleries, shopping, performance arts, music, opera, hiking, and skiing. You can explore the Land of Enchantment including O’Keeffe Country, Taos, Native American Pueblos, wineries, and the endless charms of Northern New Mexico. Santa Fe makes a great home base for all of it. You can fly fish, rock climb, hike beautiful trails, bike and more. You can be as active as you like but Santa Fe also offers great moments of relaxation and a wonderful opportunity to re-center yourself and the best part is that it is so close to Edmond.
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
The inn where we stayed.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Front row: Billye Putnam, JoAnn Bullard Back row: Sandi Robinson, Deb Kukuk and Jacci Gantz plus several more Gamma Zeta members working the garage sale.
ESA has a garage sale Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Gamma Zeta chapter held its annual garage sale recently. Clothing, jewelry, furniture, household items, children’s toys, bedding, pictures, pots, garden decorations, computers and slide projector were a few of the items the group sold. OSU stadium seats and an OSU grill mat were big hits. Business was brisk all day because the sun was finally out. Many satisfied customers found exactly what they were looking for with the sales' proceeds going to local Edmond charities. Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an international philanthropic organization whose mission statement is ESA is good friends, good works, and good times. We create and support causes
that let us surround ourselves with welcoming, positive people who enjoy making a difference and having fun together. Local projects supported by the Edmond chapter are 1) UR Special 2) No Boundaries 3) Boys’ Ranch Town 4) Free to Love 5) Salvation Army and 6) Coffee Creek Riding Stables. The state projects are Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma and Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The national project is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Gamma Zeta is looking for community-conscious women to join their group. If interested, please call Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954.
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(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) May 24 Antonio Lamont Sprowl, 22 of Oklahoma City. Trespassing. Lozell Lee Soulis, 21 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary/theft from a motor vehicle. Joshua Daniel Dorsey, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Steven Kelley Doshier, 27 of Edmond. Felony warrant and public intoxication. Chris Raymond Lively, 45 homeless, Two felony warrants and false representation to an officer. May 25 Deon E. Williamson, 42 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and two counts of CDS possession. Jerry Jerald Russell Jr. 37 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear. Derek Joe Fuller, 52 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Jessica Marie Bruno, 20 of Ed-
mond. Public intoxication. Kelsey Marie Jourdan, 21 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication. William Arthur Simpson, 37 of Edmond. Felony warrant. Justin David Terpening, 38 of Edmond. Felony warrant. May 26 Terrance Ladale Jackson, 32 of Edmond. Possession of CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more. Michelle Rene Fowler, 33 of Oklahoma City. Trafficking in illegal drugs. Donald Clyde McDaniel, 74 of Payson, Ariz., shoplifting. Stephen Dale Taylor, 47 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property, unauthorized use of credit or debit card, threaten to perform violent act and (drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution. May 27 Ernesto Martines Rosas, Jr., 21 of Stillwater. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Readrey E'Charae Maxwell, 30 of Edmond. Child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Robert Bryan Waller, 59 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Constance Ann Morgan, 38 of Crescent, Okla. Felony warrant. Matthew Martin Shupert, 37 of Edmond. Burglary in the first degree and resisting arrest. Joshua Allen Hargrove, 27 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) and obstruction of a police officer. May 28 Joshua Lee Young, 38 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Ryann Nichole Trest, 36 of Drumright. Possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, two felony warrants and false personation of another. Shirley Mary Gore, 39 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. May 29 Jose Francisco Garcia, 46 of Bethany. Transporting open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 of more. Rebecca Danielle Gentry, 36 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants, possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Gage Marshall Langley, 25 homeless. Possession CDS and obstruction of a police officer. Natalie Ann Steffen, 36 of Enid. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication. Jayce Webster Dodd, 35 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Lucero Estrella Gutierrez-Garcia, 37 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer and petty larceny. Britney Shalaye Lambert, 32 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant. Brittany Nicole Schoelen, 38 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, failure to devote full-time attention to driving and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Tanice LaShay Nelson, 32 of Guthrie. Possession of drug parapher-
nalia, possess with intent to distribute CDS, possess CDS, unsafe lane use, felony warrant and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs of CDS. May 30 Montae Lavon Brooks, 21 of Edmond. (Felony) domestic assault and battery and obstruction of a police officer. Nikeita Nichole Webb, 31 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol. Kaivon Tramell Hardy, 31 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant. Aaiyah Lonshay Gaines, 26 of Edmond. Possession of CDS, misdemeanor warrant, obstruction of police officer, (drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and public intoxication. Joseph Robert Rose, 24 homeless. Failure to appear. Devin Lane Howe, 20 of Oklahoma City. Failure to wear seatbelt, expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance, minor in possession intoxicating beverage and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Latoya Monique Frederick-Ivy, 38 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant. Diamond A’xheria Finley, 21 homeless, Two counts of failure to appear. May 31 Kayden Wray Spehar, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or CDS. Corey Lamar Berryman, 31 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear. Lea Ruthann Flanagan, 36 of Oklahoma City. Possess of drug paraphernalia and (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception. Tara Michelle Everett, 32 of Edmond. Felony warrant. Sara Beth Cruz-Sears, 21 of Guthrie. No proof of insurance, driving without proper/valid driver's license, transporting open container of alcoholic beverage and no tag or improper tag. Junius Douglas Rucker, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Leadership scholarships The University of Central Oklahoma recently awarded the President’s Leadership and Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) scholarships to six Edmond area students in recognition of their demonstrated talent and distinguished achievement in leadership, citizenship, service and communication. The recipients of the President’s Leadership Scholarship are Edmond Santa Fe High School graduate Hana Abdelhadi and Edmond North High School graduates Emma Cunningham and Harrison Higdon. Abdelhadi, Cunningham and Higdon will receive a tuition waiver for 12 hours of classes each semester, a $2,250 yearly stipend for room and board, and a one-time $1,000 global and service stipend and will also serve on the President’s Leadership Council (PLC). The recipients of the LOT Scholarship are Deer Creek High School graduate Trish Le, Mercy School Institute graduate Mari Ourani and Edmond North High School graduate Ana Savva Garcia. Le, Ourani and Savva Garcia will receive a tuition waiver for nine hours of classes each semester, a $1,250 yearly stipend for room and board, and a onetime $1,000 global and service stipend. The global and service stipend can be used to offset the cost of studying abroad or participating in one of UCO’s global and service leadership tours. The stipend furthers UCO’s deep commitment to global and cultural competencies for students. “UCO’s leadership development programs include students from across the
state of Oklahoma who have committed themselves to service and leadership in their communities. Our recipients were chosen from over 1,400 applicants, and we are excited they will continue their leadership and personal journey at UCO,” said Jarrett Jobe, Ph.D., assistant vice president of student leadership at Central. “These students will have a tremendous impact on UCO in their academic colleges, numerous student organizations, and the metro community through innovative and intentional programs. This year’s class is dynamic and impactful.” Interviewed personally by Central faculty and staff leaders from the university’s leadership scholarship programs, 30 incoming freshmen were awarded the President’s Leadership Scholarship and 40were awarded the LOT Scholarship. PLC and LOT members must be enrolled as full-time students, complete volunteer service each semester through Central’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center and be a member of campus student organizations. Members also attend monthly council meetings to discuss individual projects, volunteer opportunities, and plan and organize campus activities. Freshmen PLC and LOT members also enroll in Central’s annual fall leadership class, “Lessons in Leadership,” where students hear from state and national leaders who share their unique experiences and offer insights about leadership and work in teams to complete service projects.
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Lifesaving skills of Integris ECMO team Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, more commonly known as ECMO, is a lifesaving therapy that provides support to patients whose heart and/or lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can no longer serve their function. Since COVID-19 primarily attacks the respiratory system, the INTEGRIS Health ECMO team played a significant role in the overall response to the pandemic. This group of specialists not only cared for patients at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, where the program is housed, but traveled to retrieve patients from other hospitals as well. Referring hospitals call the INTEGRIS Health ECMO hotline when all other treatment options available at that facility have been exhausted. These patients are on maximum ventilator support, maximum medication support and in desperate need of help quickly. The traveling team is on call 24/7 and is prepared to be en route to their destination within a 30-minute period. If it is determined the patient is an appropriate candidate for ECMO therapy, the core team of ECMO physicians, coordinators and specialists travel to the referring hospital via air or ground to place the patient on ECMO and transport them back to INTEGRIS Health for a higher level of care. The team that travels is made up of an ECMO physician, ECMO coordinator, ECMO specialist or perfusionist and a respiratory therapist. All team members are highly trained and skilled in critical care. They carry 150 lbs. of equipment with them including the necessary supplies to place the patient on ECMO support, IV pumps, the ECMO console, patient monitors, a portable ventilator, ECMO circuits, blood and medications. The ambulance or aircraft literally becomes a mobile ICU and care can be provided for the patient in the same exact way it is provided in a hospital setting.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The team has to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice to save lives. The transports can take anywhere from 6-12 hours depending on the distance traveled. Since the coronavirus reached Oklahoma in March of 2020, the INTEGRIS Health ECMO Team has received over 350 COVID referrals through the hotline numberwith 75 percent of those calls coming from outside the INTEGRIS Health System. Those calls have come from all over the region including The entire state of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. The traveling ECMO COVID Response Team has completed almost 50 COVID ECMO transports to date, including six that were out of state as far as 250 miles. The work that INTEGRIS Health has done to support COVID-19 patients with ECMO has produced
New golf coach hired The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department announced last week the hiring of Derrick Thompson to lead the men's golf program. "We are so excited to announce and welcome Derrick Thompson as the men's golf head coach at UCO," UCO athletic director Stan Wagnon said. "As we searched through a pool of highly qualified candidates, Derrick's attributes and demeanor, leadership approach and record of success fully matched what we were seeking. He's well respected among his peers and a proven leader in evaluating, recruiting and developing high-character, high-level players. And in meeting his wife Melissa and children Grady and Cami, it was easy to envision the values and family atmosphere he will bring to our program." Thompson comes to UCO from Iowa Western, where he spent the past seven years leading both the men's and women's programs. "I am extremely excited to be joining the UCO family," Thompson said. "The men's golf program has a rich history and tradition of being one of the strongest programs in the MIAA and in the country. I'm excited to get to work to continue that tradition. The greater OKC area is a hotbed for junior golf and has an incredible depth of talent. I'm excited for the recruiting possibilities that it brings. "I want to thank all of my players, fellow coaches, and the entire staff at
Iowa Western," Thompson continued. "My seven years there have been great and I've grown a lot as a coach during my time there. I appreciate all of the help, collaboration and support they gave me and my family." Thompson led the two programs to a combined 43 tournament wins over the past seven seasons, including five for each the men's and women's programs this past season. He coached his teams at IWCC to more than 20 national tournament appearances and has coached more than a dozen All-Americans. He's also coached individual NJCAA national champions in both men's and women's golf. Prior to Iowa Western, Thompson was the head men's and women's coach at North Idaho College. There he also qualified his teams for the national tournament and led multiple student-athletes to All-American honors. A member of the NJCAA Golf Coaches Association, Thompson served as secretary from 2017-18, vice president from 2018-20, and most recently president from 202021. Thompson graduated from Ferndale High School in Washington in 2000 before attending Western Washington University. He is married (Melissa) and has two children (Grady and Camryn). Thompson begins his time at UCO this summer ahead of the 2021-22 season beginning in September.
Thompson comes to UCO from Iowa Western, where he spent the past seven years leading both the men's and women's programs.
survival rates higher than the national average. “It has been an honor to take care of the many Oklahomans and others in the region who were stricken by the COVID-19 virus,” says Aly El Banayosy, M.D., the Executive Director of the ECMO Program at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. “Our elite team of ECMO physicians, ECMO specialists, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, advanced practice providers and bedside nurses are the best of the best and we will continue to take care of Oklahomans and beyond anywhere and anytime we are needed, whether there is a pandemic or not.” INTEGRIS Health has the largest comprehensive mobile ECMO program in the state and has treated over 700 patients with ECMO since the program started in 2014
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Weekend Calendar of Events June 10-13 ---- In the Gallery: Rae Stone ---- What’s Cooking, Edmond? ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- Concert in the Park: Boyd Street Bass & Jake Gill ---- UCO Endeavor Games ---- Movie at the Park: Frozen II ---- Silver Leaf Gems Zoomathon ---- Edmond Jr Rodeo ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Drop-In Drawing – In From the Night Herd, Frederick Remington ---- Signature Tour ---- Redbud Spectacular Horse Show ---- Central OK Heart Walk ---- deadCenter Film Festival ---- An Affair of the Heart ---- Night Market ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Music from Home ---- Children’s Garden Festival ---- Rugged Maniac Obstacle Race ---- Live from the Lawn presents: Oklahoma City Philharmonic – Home spun featuring Kylie Morgan Extra Information In the Gallery: Rae Stone Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Brad McNeill; edmondfinearts.com What’s Cooking, Edmond? Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Tue, Aug 31; Free; edmondhistory.org VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org Concert in the Park: Boyd Street Bass & Jake Gill Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Thu, Jun 10; Free; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; edmondok.com
UCO Endeavor Games Location: University of Central Oklahoma, various locations Extra Info: Thu, Jun 10 – Sun, Jun 13; endeavorgames.com Movie at the Park: Frozen II Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11; 8:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com Silver Leaf Gems Zoomathon Location: Silver Leaf Gems Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11; 7 – 8 p.m.; Free; facebook.com Edmond Jr Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11 – Sat, Jun 12; $5 for adults; $1 for 18 and younger; edmondroundupclub.com Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Jun 12; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com Drop-In Drawing – In From the Night Herd Frederick Remington Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, Jun 13; 2 – 3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Jun 12 & Sun, Jun 13; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Redbud Spectacular Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Thu, Jun 3 – Sun, Jun 13; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily; okqha.org Central OK Heart Walk Location: 500 Couch Dr, OKC Extra Info: Thu, Jun 10 – Sun, Jun 13; www2.heart.org deadCenter Film Festival Location: Virtual Event Extra Info: Thur, Jun 10 – Sun, Jun 20; deadcenterfilm.org An Affair of the Heart Location: State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11 – Sun, Jun 13; aaoth.com Night Market Location: Scissortail Park, OKC Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; scissortailpark.org OKC Philharmonic presents: Music from Home Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11 – Sat, Jun 12; begins 8 p.m. each night; okcphil.org Children’s Garden Festival Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory Extra Info: Fri, Jun 11 – Sun, Jun 20; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily; oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com Rugged Maniac Obstacle Race Location: Remington Park Extra Info: Sat, Jun 12; festival begins at 8:30 a.m., run begins at 5 p.m.; ruggedmaniac.com Live from the Lawns: Oklahoma City Philharmonic – Home Spun featuring Kylie Morgan Location: Scissortail Park, OKC Extra Info: Sun, Jun 13; 7:30 p.m.; scissortailpark.org
Edmond area students receive scholarships The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has selected 19 high school seniors graduating from Edmond-area schools to receive a $2,000 scholarship for the 20212022 academic year. The Edmondarea students are part of 150 central Oklahoma students receiving a total of $300,000 through the Community Foundation’s Community Foundation Scholars program. Crossings Christian School: Michael Haley Deer Creek High School: Kimberlyn Russell, Reed Eden, Shelby Johnson, Kyla Hofstee Edmond Memorial High School:
Austin Null, Rachel Weathers, Bryce Williams, Gavin Chenier Edmond North High School: Natalie Middlebrook, Guilherme Esteves, Bennett Ferrell, Jeffery Biswas Edmond Santa Fe High School: Meredith Austin, Daylen Gipson, Ricardo Gutierrez, Kara George Oklahoma Christian Academy: Olivia Rogers Oklahoma Christian School: Dylan Scott The Community Foundation Scholars program is one of more than 150 scholarship opportunities at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation that benefit around 800 students
with a total of $2 million every year. The program is available to graduating high school seniors who attend one of 53 high schools in central Oklahoma that participate in the Community Foundation’s Central Oklahoma Guidance Counselor Network. The award goes to good students who are active in their communities, but may not be eligible for the most competitive academic scholarships, as well as students who will be the first in their family to attend college. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 award for the 2021-2022 academic year. “When I was in seventh grade, I attended Sooner Flight Academy and sat at the controls of a single engine plane for the first time,” said Michael Haley, who plans to enter an aviation program at the University of Okla-
homa this fall. “That was the day I found what I want for my future career. I am so grateful for the assistance this scholarship will provide paying for my first flying classes and the impact it will have on my future!” Find a complete list of Community Foundation Scholars recipients for the 2021-22 academic year here. About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors throughout the state to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, including a list of available scholarships, visit www.occf.org.
Ancestry speaker set to address genealogy group this June 16 One of the most popular hobbies of today is hunting for your ancestors and the most well known ways is using Ancestry. If you are a beginner, it can be a little overwhelming and even those who have used it for years don’t always utilize all that is available. The Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy Group will host Pam Kirkland as she presents “Using Ancestry” on Wednesday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at the Oklahoma County Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd. “Using Ancestry” will touch on some of what is available on Ancestry and where it can be found. What helps are available, and the ability to connect with others. Ancestry gives access to documents, many with images, and has basic records like Census, birth, marriage and death records that can be searched. There are many other records including pictures. These records are constantly being updated. Ancestry allows a person to build family trees or search other researcher’s trees for help. We will just touch on Ancestry DNA and what they offer. Pam Kirkland has been teaching and researching Family History for 40 years. Born in California but living in
Pam Kirkland Oklahoma for the last 35 years. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and has a Certificate in Professional Genealogical Research through BYU; her specialty being United States and Nova Scotia. Pam has been the Director of the Family History Center in Moore Oklahoma, and has Directed Indexing for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints for many years. She is retired from the Mid-Del School Nutrition program, enjoys gardening, youth camps and helping others solve their own family history mysteries. This program is open to the public and more information can be found on our website: www.ohcegenealogy.com or search ohcegenealogy on Facebook
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 9
From left are Chris Koehler, Cindy Dimit and Cristi Twenter.
Rotary Club of Edmond Gifts Edmond Mobile Meals The Rotary Club of Edmond recently presented a check for $5,250 to Edmond Mobile Meals to assist with their efforts of providing meals to their homebound clients during the current pandemic. This gift was made possible through a Rotary District 5750 Disaster Response Grant with the assistance of local Rotary members. Edmond Rotary Club President Cindy Dimit and Past President Chris Koehler presented the check to Cristi Twenter, Executive Director of Edmond Mobile Meals. Twenter expressed her gratitude to The Rotary Club of Edmond's donation which will allow Edmond meal recipients to stay in their homes. It is always a great relief to stay home - a sense of security, but, more importantly during this pandemic crisis. The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on Zoom. Guests are welcome. www.edmondrotary.org
Page 10 • June 10, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side Family story inspirational Remembering Dr. There's a lot of discussion about racism these days. And it's sad that so many people will casually toss the term "racist," around. The woke crowd is known to do that a lot. Steve Gust The whole subject of race relations is very complex and I don't claim to have answers for it. But I will say not all the news is bad. The Oklahoman's Richard Mize had a good article Saturday about the founders and owners of Home Creations. That is an area home construction business founded in 1981. It was founded by brothers Mohammad and Jalal Farzaneh. They are from Iran. The early 1980s weren't the best of times in Iran. The brothers' parents told them to stay in Oklahoma. They had one problem. They didn't know what to do and couldn't find work. So eventually they went after the American dream and started their own business in home construction.
Today they've built more than 15,000 homes. Biden and the left want to paint America as a racist nation, which seeks to persecute minorities. But Mohammed was asked about prejudice and discrimination in the article. Here's his reply. "Compared to other parts of the world, it's unbelievable how less prejudice there is in this country." And here's what Jalal said about the opportunity offered in America. "America is the land of opportunity. So regardless of where our background was, we came here. In this case the American people accepted us as who we are -- not from where we came from -- but for who we are." These guys are great witnesses for free enterprise and America. Is our nation perfect? Of course not. But I refuse to believe we are the haters the liberals say we are. When they spout that nonsense, remember they just want the normal person to throw up their hands and let the liberals dictate life for all of us. But we're smarter than that. (news@edmondpaper.com)
By Adam Cohen Oklahoman.com Moments that change your life can sneak up on you. That was the case when I first met Dr. Steve Prescott. I’d been working at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for 3½ years or so when someone asked me to interview a candidate to be OMRF’s next president. That was pretty tall cotton for me. I felt, not surprisingly, quite nervous when I sat down with Dr. Prescott. “Steve,” he said. “Call me Steve.” I don’t recall what we actually discussed, other than a shared love of Diet Cokes. But, as you can guess from a conversation
whose most memorable aspect involved soft drinks, it put me at ease. And that was Steve. He was a big-deal medical researcher who led a big-deal cancer center in Utah. He could’ve behaved like a big deal. But here he was, just-folksing it with me. About three minutes into our conversation, I realized he would be my next boss. Figuring out a working relationship can be a tricky thing. Because, like each of us, bosses are human. They come with their own quirks and foibles. Some lead quietly, while others seek every opportunity to demonstrate they’re the smartest people in
Prescott the room. Tempers. Senses of humor. Egos. All have them, but in wildly different proportions. I scheduled regular meetings and arrived at the appointed times, armed with a Santa’s list of items to discuss. On even the most mundane issues, I awaited his yea or nay before moving forward. Steve tolerated it like a champ. No question proved too picayune to discuss. He displayed a willingness to step into the weeds with me. But over time, I figured something out. I could find my way through on my own. And Steve was perfectly happy to let me. Having worked for micromanagers in the past, this newfound freedom felt strange. When I made a misstep, I’d await the guillotine. But it never fell. It’s not that Steve tolerated mediocrity. It’s that he trusted his managers. He chose people carefully, then gave them room to run. That vote of confidence, the knowledge that my boss had my back, made me work harder than I ever had before. Steve was generous in giving praise and credit, his critiques gentle and to the point. Over time, I like to think I grew into the employee Steve had once imagined I could become. Steve, of course, wasn’t perfect. He didn’t suffer fools gladly, and his temper sometimes got the better of him. And because he was so quick on his feet, he rarely felt the need to prepare for a
Prescott, Page 11
Division within parties is nothing new By Dr. James Finck Just when you thought our political leaders could not divide us any further, they have now turned on themselves. Right now, both parties are dealing with internal conflicts. The Democrats are struggling between the so called “progressives” (I still believe they are not using that term correctly) and the "moderates." One recent difference is between how to respond to problems in Israel. As for the Republicans, they seem to have the bigger conflict right now, as seen by the removal of Liz Chaney from Republican leadership over her beliefs about Trump. Historically speaking, this is not new. During the Republicans' most dominant period in history, they twice splintered into competing factions and both times allowed the Democrats to crack their
control of the White House. There have been two great runs in political history, one by each party, but the Republicans had the larger of the two. Between Abraham Lincoln who won in 1860 and FDR who won in 1932 and ended the Republican's run, there were only two Democratic presidents. In other words, for a 72year span, Republicans controlled 64 years and Democrats only eight. Yet instead of being satisfied with their dominance, the Republicans split into factions. During the Gilded Age (1870s-early 1900s), three Republican factions emerged, two revolving around prominent figures. The first group were the Mugwumps. In a time of political corruption, mostly from the spoils system or rewarding political supporters, the Mugwumps were call-
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ing for reform. They wanted to see civil service exams so government jobs could be based on merit instead of patronage. The Mugwumps were the weakest of the divisions. Then there were the Stalwarts, led by the very powerful New York Senator Roscoe Conklin. These were the most traditionalist who wanted to keep the spoils system intact. It was this group that supported a third term for President Grant because they were profiting from the corruption in his administration. Finally, there were the Half-Breeds, led by the most powerful of them all, the Senator from Maine James Blaine. They took a page from the Mugwumps and called for reform, but in reality, they were no different than the Stalwarts, except they wanted Blaine as president. The Republican party was able to stay together in 1880 when it compromised with Garfield, a Half-Breed presidential nominee who was not Blaine and Chester Arthur, a Stalwart for V.P. The partnership did not last long as Garfield was assassinated by what many thought was a Stalwart plot. However, before Garfield died, he pushed for some civil service reforms. When Arthur took over, he went against his own faction and pushed through the Pendleton Civil Service Act. Pendleton was a good start but not enough for the Mugwumps.
In the 1884 election, one of the more interesting that I have discussed many times, the Half-Breeds were tired of messing around. They dumped Arthur and succeeded in running Blaine for president. The Democrats took advantage of Blaine’s ties to corruption and cover-ups by courting the Mugwump vote when they ran a true reformer in Grover Cleveland. The move gave the Democrats just enough votes for the rare victory. The next couple of elections danced around some as the Republicans took back the White House in 1888, only to lose again to Cleveland in 1892. Starting in 1896 the Republicans regained their control with McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, then Taft. However, even though the old threeway split in the party had dissolved some time earlier, a new division had grown by the 1912 election. Teddy Roosevelt left office after a term-anda-half, and he handpicked his successor to follow through with his progressive reforms. (These were the real progressives, who wanted reform but slow moderate changes.) By this point, both parties were divided between progressive and moderate wings. Complicating matters was that there were more internal conflicts than external between groups. The problem was TR's re-
See Divided, Page 11
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 11
Legislative funding secured to widen creek in the area A creek along Waterloo Road has continued to widen with every heavy rain due to a logjam of trees and brush, flooding homeowners’ property and threatening road quality, but the issue may soon be resolved thanks to state funding secured by Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie. The issue remained unresolved for several years due to questions of legality. The logjam is located in Logan County, but the bridge is in Oklahoma County. Waterloo Road borders the two counties. “Not only has this logjam caused some of my constituents to lose a portion of their property due to the expanding creek, but the flooding of the bridge with every rainfall raises serious concerns about the bridge’s long-term stability and safety,” Mize said. However, with the signing of House Bill 2900, state funding will be appropriated to resolve the issue. Mize, whose district includes Oklahoma and Logan counties, advocated Dr. Stephen Prescott for the funding after hearing about the issue from constituents. “I’m relieved we were able to secure funding to address this issue for From Page 10 my constituents and avoid any longterm damage to the bridge,” Mize and guidance in a time marked by presentation at the level I would said. “Serving the people of my commisinformation and fear. have liked. munity is the whole reason I pursued “I have never met Dr. Prescott, “Do we need to do a runpublic office, and I’m very glad to see through?” I’d ask nervously the day but I count him as part of my supfunding appropriated for this purpose before a big speech. He’d glance at port team during 2020,” said Lyla and look forward to seeing the logRousseau. “His words became a life- jam removed.” the text for a minute, maybe two, line, a trustworthy source of inforthen hand it back. “Nah. I’ve got "The massive Logan County Deer mation, and sometimes a it.” Creek logjam will now be fixed, lighthearted look at a very confusAnd he had. ing world.” He wouldn’t use the exact words Even as the disease spread to his I’d penned; he’d put his own spin spine and lungs, “through chemo on things. There might be a stumand cancer, Dr. P made sure Oklable or two along the way. But he’d homans knew the latest on the panalways deliver. And that genuinedemic,” remembered KOCO’s Roig. placement, who, though a good proness — that really was him speak“He never let his health get in the ing, not regurgitating some flack’s gressive, was willing to compromise way of his duty.” hackneyed prose — shined through. too much with the moderates for Truth is, he loved it. In fact, I “Dr. Prescott made a lasting imTR's liking. In 1912, Roosevelt dethink it helped distract him from his cided to retake his party and ran for pression on me from the moment plight. If he had his eye on the pan- the presidency. Yet when Taft was rehe walked in the door for an interview,” said Jenyann Roig, the execu- demic, he had no time to worry nominated instead, TR stole away the about himself. tive producer of morning news at progressive wing of his party and Indeed, as a physician, he was KOCO News 5 in Oklahoma City, formed a third party, the Progressive much happier worrying about othwhere he appeared often as an exParty, which became better known pert. “He was personable and hum- ers. He helped countless people un- by the best party name in history, derstand their diagnoses and ble. He became one of my favorite the Bull Moose Party. Of course, with navigate the care system when they the Republicans divided, the Democguests.” or a loved one confronted a health In 2017, six years after he’d unrats ran their own progressive, dergone treatment for prostate can- crisis. Woodrow Wilson, and won. “Steve was instrumental in helpcer, he developed an aggressive We will have to watch over the ing me through my own journey form of urothelial cancer. At that next few years to see if history will with cancer,” remembered one moment, he made a decision that friend. would define the final years of his “When my father was in the hoslife: He shared everything. pital after a triple bypass surgery, Not just with friends and family, Dr. Prescott called me personally but with OMRF staff, board memand gave me reassurance during an bers and donors, along with the extremely scary time,” recalled an general public. That openness canOMRF employee. not have been easy. After all, he I sat with Steve last week, a few was talking about intimate details hours before he passed away on of his life, his body and his health. And he acknowledged that the very May 28. He was struggling mightily, and it took all his energy to get act of bringing his plight into the out a few words. “How,” he said. open might make some people unHe took a few breaths and swalcomfortable. lowed. “Are.” Cough. “Things?” “You look at me, and you’re conI gave him a little update about fronting your own mortality,” he OMRF. He gestured toward his told me in 2018. “You think, ‘That water glass, which I held for him could be me.’” while he sipped through a straw. It He lived through cycles of treatments and recovery, days that alter- took him three or four swallows to get it down. Then he coughed a bit. nated between hope and dread. “You’ll … be … okay,” he said. Some of the most emotionally tryYes, we will, I told him. Thanks ing experiences, he explained to to you, Dr. Prescott. me, were the periodic scans he unWhen our visit came to an end, I derwent. It was, he said, “like having some- wanted to say goodbye, to tell him one lead you into a prison yard and all that he’d meant to me. But I couldn’t quite bring myself to. It hand you a cigarette.” Then, he felt too final. So, I just squeezed his said, “You’re blindfolded and lined hand, looked into his eyes, and told up against a wall. You stand there, him I’d see him soon. just waiting for a bullet.” But, instead, “a voice says, ‘Not today.’” Until one day, the voice said Adam Cohen is senior vice presisomething else. dent and general counsel of the That moment came deep into the Oklahoma Medical Research Founpandemic, where he’d emerged as dation. He can be reached at conone of our state’s leading medical tact@omrf.org. voices, offering clear-headed advice
Prescott
State Rep. Garry Mize thanks to Rep. Garry Mize, Rep. Nicole Miller, Sen. Chuck Hall, and Appropriations Chairmen Rep. Kevin Wallace and Sen. Roger Thompson," Calvey said. "This logjam would have the potential to erode bridges and damage property in both Logan County and Oklahoma County, so these funds are very timely. I am grateful to our legislators for providing the funds to make this logjam removal happen.” HB2900 appropriates $20 million to the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges Fund, a portion of which is expected to be used to remove the logjam on Deer Creek in Logan County. The bill goes into effect with the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Divided
From Page10 repeat itself. Will the divide between the progressives and moderates in the Democratic Party sink the party's chances for reelection? If Trump runs again, will he cause a third-party split from the Republican party led by Republicans like Chaney and Romney. Time will tell, but, historically speaking, this could be a bumpy couple of years ahead for both parties. Dr. James Finck is a Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Chair of the Oklahoma Civil War Symposium. To receive daily historical posts, follow Historically Speaking at Historicallyspeaking.blog or on Facebook.
Page 12 • June 10, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Feeling flat as a pancake? Then whip up waffles By Carol Smaglinski As any serious cook knows, a good breakfast might start with waffles, which are extremely popular. The griddle-cooked waffles could be classified as somewhat of a quick bread, with their honeycombed appearance. Smothered in whipped cream or maple syrup, they are pretty good eating. Plus, they are versatile and its flavor and texture can be changed by adding items to the batter before cooking. Slip in chopped nuts or chocolate chips, grated apple, blueberries, crushed pineapple or even cooked and crumbled bacon. Don’t fret, your family will soon let you know their favorites. The word waffle comes from the Dutch, “wafel.” When diplomat Thomas Jefferson (1743- July 4,1826) came back from France, he brought back a long-handled patterned griddle and what his family then used to produce waffles. Many of those griddles are now in museums. Not only did they top the waffles with syrup, but at times used thick molasses. It seems that each European country claims a waffle of its own. The Belgium Waffle, served with strawberries and whipped cream was initially introduced to Americans in 1963 at the World’s Fair in New York. If you do not want to make a mess of things, I cannot overemphasize that the waffle batter has to be the correct ratio. When the dry ingredients out-
weigh the liquid ingredients, then the waffle is too thick and it could be raw in the center. To turn out right, it has to be on the slightly thick side, but pourable and easy to spread on the waffle iron. Too thick? Just add a little more milk. The following recipe also depends on baking powder, a chemical leavening that contains baking soda and an acid in the form of salt crystals that dissolve in water, plus ground dry cornstarch. Discover if the baking powder in your cupboard is going to show up for work by simply putting a half-teaspoon of baking powder in a small bowl. Next, pour a quarter cup of hot tap water over the baking powder. If it is ready for action, the mixture should actively bubble up. No? Then get rid of the expired baking powder and start fresh. Waffles must be eaten as soon as they leave the sizzling hot iron. Don’t let them hang around or things could happen.One very clever youngster in my neighborhood already knew that. While discussing how street directions are used with a few boys and girls recently, Harrison Taber, one of my delightful young friends suddenly blurted out: “Never Eat Soggy Waffles.” But Harrison meant to describe North, East, South and West and had nothing to do with eating waffles. However, it still was worthy advice that brought a
good laugh. Waffles Preheat the waffle iron. Combine in a bowl: 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted 1-½ teaspoons baking powder 1 Tbsp. sugar A pinch of salt Then in another bowl mix: 2 eggs, lightly mixed 2 Tbsp. melted and cooled butter ½ cup of milk Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients in small increments until the batter is smooth. Pour batter into a pitcher and then pour onto the oiled waffle iron and cook until golden brown and steaming stops. Serve immediately.
Edmonde Vibes On the first Thursday of each month from April to October,, downtown Edmond is bustling with unique local artists sharing their talents, selling their art and performing for the community. Another good crowd showed up last Thurssday for the event, featuring art and music and overall fun. PHOTOS by ERIECH TAPIA
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 13
PHOTO PROVIDED
Above, Dr. Chad Smith represented Mercy. Left, other health care providers included, from left, Mandy Nelson, Leslie Buford, Deborah Johnson, Darrin Nobis -- all of OU Health.
Rotarians honor health groups for work during pandemic The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages. For the Edmond Club, the Four Way Test recognizes local business that meet the following test requirements: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Last year was challenging to many businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals. The Club felt strongly about honoring and showing their appreciation for the community’s healthcare workers. Because of their valiant efforts, the Club honored Mercy Hospital, Integris Health Edmond, and OU Health. Each organization was deemed worthy of the Four Way Test Award. Representing Mercy was Dr. Chad Smith. Leslie Buford, Associate VP of Operations accepted the award for OU Health. Also in attendance from
OU Health was Deborah Johnston, ER Manager, Darrin Nobis, Medical/Surgery Director and Mandy Nelson, Registered Nurse. Jon Rule, Chief Hospital Executive at Integris was unable to attend in person but sent his thanks to the Club via video message. The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on at St. Luke’s Edmond and on Zoom. Guests are always welcome. www.edmondrotary.org https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfEdmond
Page 14 • June 10, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Review of the film ‘Army of the Dead’
Not much depth with zombie movie By George Gust “Army of the Dead” takes place following a zombie outbreak that has left Las Vegas in ruins and walled off from the rest of the world. The film follows Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), a former zombie war hero who is approached with the ultimate proposition: Break into the zombie-infested quarantine zone to retrieve $200 million sitting in a vault beneath the strip before the city is nuked by the government in 32 hours. “Army of the Dead” is a Netflix original movie from Visionary Director Zack Snyder, and sees the director returning to his zombie roots as he burst onto the scene in 2004 with the critically acclaimed remake of “Dawn of the Dead.” Now with a career’s worth of big budget blockbuster hits, divisive as some may be, Snyder returns the zombie/horror genre with a big budget and signature visual style, but with empty results. Snyder and company try to bring the terror to our world with allusions to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, but with all the grace and tact of a surgeon performing surgery with a chainsaw. The first 20 minutes or so of this epically long two and half hour runtime deliver on the promise
of the zombified Las Vegas neon glitz and glamour, but the rest of the film devolves into a drab cliché-ridden horror action film whose logic doesn’t hold up to the slightest critical eye. The plot is overstuffed with one too many plotlines with goals that are constantly changing. And with the abundance of tired storylines and slow-motion visuals every third minute, there isn’t much room for the talented cast to shine. Bautista is always a presence on screen, but even his natural brutish charisma can’t save the film from being an ultimately empty movie experience. Overall, “Army of the Dead” is another in a long
line of divisive Snyder films. Fans of the Snyder hypermasculine, literal slow-motion style will enjoy this gory entry into the zombie genre, but this film doesn’t stand out from the pack of great zombie movies from the past decade. If you were hoping for a fun and engaging zombie romp that the neon pink advertising promised you’ll be disappointed, but if it’s only a gory horror/action film you’re in the mood for “Army of the Dead” has enough visual panache to keep your attention. “Army of the Dead” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore and language throughout, some sexual content and brief nudity/graphic nudity. Now available to stream on Netflix. . 2.6 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
Zack Snyder returns to the zombie genre with a Vegas centred heist film ‘Army of the Dead.’
Lottery center is now open Answers appearing on Page 19
Oklahoma Lottery prize winners have a new place to cash in their winning tickets, as the Lottery announces the grand opening of the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center. The Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City, is a fullservice Lottery center where winners can cash all Oklahoma Lottery tickets no matter the prize amount. Plus, players can buy Oklahoma Lottery Scratchers and draw tickets at either a self-serve kiosk or at the counter. The Center will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.. until 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but for expedited services, the Lottery recommends contacting the Winner Center and making an appointment. For complete information and step-by-step instructions on how and where to cash winning tickets, visit www.lottery.ok.gov/win ning. Winners are still encouraged to cash winning tickets up to $600 at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer, and winning tickets from $601 to $5,000 can be cashed at any of the eight Authorized Claim Centers located throughout the state. Please visit www.lottery.ok.gov/winning to find a retailer near you.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Superheroes
ACROSS 1. Golf club handle 5. Aviation safety agency 8. Although, for short 11. "Give me your tired, your ____...." 12. Homecoming guest 13. PhD in Great Britain 15. Legendary NFL quarterback Graham 16. Like Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard 17. Propelled like Argo 18. *Batman's romantic interest 20. Wildebeests 21. Use the other end of a pencil 22. Cherry middle 23. *Thor's weapon 26. Brays like a donkey 30. Another word for Tokyo 31. Makes a sum (2 words) 34. *Like The Joker 35. Without self-control 37. Black gold 38. Buddy 39. Site of Leaning Tower 40. Canvas ceiling fan 42. *____man, one of original XMen 43. Comes to the fore 45. *____ Woman, first female in the Justice Society of America 47. "Rub A Dub Dub" vessel 48. Paralysiscausing disease, for short 50. Smoothie berry 52. *a.k.a. the Caped Crusader 55. "Encore!" 56. Pupil's place 57. Like Arizona in summer 59. *Ben Grimm of "It's clobberin' time!" fame, with The 60. Eyeglasses glass 61. Buggy terrain 62. Gingerbread creation 63. *Superhero creator, Stan ____ 64. Eurasian
duck DOWN 1. Government Printing Office 2. Campus military acronym 3. Letter before kappa 4. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 5. Basic drumming pattern, pl. 6. Saints' crowns 7. End of grace 8. Through, for short 9. Hie, third person singular 10. Not new or borrowed or blue 12. "All ____!" 13. Motherless calf 14. *Wakanda's Black ____ 19. Make havoc 22. Coach's locker room speech 23. Oodles 24. ____ one, on a pass 25. *Mighty ____ 26. *Known to say: "You wouldn't like me when I'm
angry" 27. Steer clear 28. Grimace in pain 29. More cunning 32. Make pretty, two words 33. Break a commandment 36. *America's title 38. Vienna Boys' group 40. Public house, for short 41. Devoid of reverence 44. Seeking damages 46. Wondering ones 48. Put through a blender 49. Offer two cents 50. Turkish honorific 51. Jealous biblical brother 52. Perfect houseplant spot 53. Bob ____, famous boxing promoter 54. Cat o'how many tails? 55. Cash dispenser 58. Morning condensation
Answers are found on Page19
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 15
Sports
The Broncho rowers celebrate another title during competition in Florida.
Another title for UCO rowers! SARASOTA, Fla. – The University of Central Oklahoma rowing team won its third consecutive national championship recently at Nathan Benderson Park, with the Bronchos winning both the Varsity 4+ and the Varsity 8+ national championship races. UCO won the fours national title for the second season in a row, crossing the finish line in 7:42.65 ahead of Mercyhurst and Florida Tech. Central's eights won the national title for the fourth consecutive season, crossing the finish line in 6:39.73 ahead of Mercyhurst and Florida Tech. Central earned a maximum 20 team points with the two wins to claim its third consecutive national team championship. "All the hard work paid off," UCO head rowing coach Brian Ebke said. "All the practices, all the
training, everything. These girls have worked so hard, and some of them for the last two years just for this moment. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of the girls in the boats but for everyone in the program that played a part. It takes a team effort and I'm just so happy to see the reward." The fours, led by coxswain Yesenia Gil-Salazar, jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The boat included Sage Kroeker, Allison Staley, Danielle Dick and Kelsey Woellmer. UCO led by five seconds after the first 500 meters and just got better from there. It was an 11 second lead at the halfway point, a 17 second lead after 1,500 meters, and the Bronchos won by a blistering 24 seconds when they crossed the finish line. The eights, led by coxswain Madisyn Kitchell, started their race as the fours were finishing and
the outcome was similar. The boat included Kateryna Klymenko, Megan Dwarshuis, Shelby Wackerly, Cameron Blunk, Hope Brooks, Faith Brooks, Keyna Holleman and Siobhan Quirke. UCO also led by five seconds after the first 500 meters, then seven at the halfway point. It was all Central down the stretch. UCO led by 10 seconds after 1,500 meters and won by 14 seconds. Central Oklahoma won its first Varsity 8+ national title in 2017 as the Bronchos finished national runners-up in the team standings. UCO followed that with another V8+ win in 2018 as the Bronchos won their first team national championship. In 2019, the Bronchos swept both championships to claim title No. 2 as a team, just as they did Sunday in Florida for title No. 3.
West Texas A&M-Saint Leo combined Jason Skoch, who has enjoyed considerable success at schools including West Texas A&M, left, and Saint Leo, right, will be OC's new volleyball coach.
OC picks Skoch to coach volleyball team Jason Skoch, a veteran of NCAA Division II volleyball who has guided six of his teams into the Elite Eight, was named Thursday as the Oklahoma Christian's new coach, tasked with raising the national profile of the newly revived program, OC Athletic Director David Lynn said. In 15 seasons as a Division II coach at Truman State (Mo.), West Texas A&M and Saint Leo (Fla.), Skoch has posted a 437-121 record (a .783 winning percentage) and been named as a conference coach of the year five times. He's won 13 conference titles and made 12 NCAA tournament appearances. Nine of his teams have won more than 30 games in a season. "We are extremely excited to hire a coach of Jason's caliber to lead our volleyball program," Lynn said. "To say Jason's resume is impressive is an understatement. His on-the-court accomplishments are second to none in this region for volleyball. His formula for success has traveled well and he has extensive experience in the Lone Star Conference. "After meeting Jason, it was obvious his vision aligned with what we want for our program here at Oklahoma Christian. We are excited for the future of our program and look forward to Jason helping our student-athletes develop on the court and in the classroom." A native of nearby Yukon, Skoch graduated in 1998 from Oklahoma State, where he played club volleyball. He will take over an OC program that
posted a promising 6-12 record and qualified for the Lone Star Conference tournament this past spring in its first season of competition since fall 1983. "I am excited and intrigued by this opportunity," Skoch said. "It's not often you have the chance to take over a program that's still in its formative stages, like it is here. From what I've seen and learned, there is plenty of potential here and I'm ready to get to work. The season will be here before we know it." Skoch spent only one season at Saint Leo, but it was memorable, as he coached the Lions in 2019 to a 24-11 record and their first Division II South Region championship and Elite Eight berth. Saint Leo's 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before coaching in Florida, Skoch dominated the Lone Star Conference – of which OC now is a member – during his 10 seasons at West Texas A&M from 2009 to 2018. He guided the Buffaloes to five LSC championships, seven NCAA regional appearances and three South Central Region titles and Elite Eight berths. The four-time LSC coach of the year (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014) helped West Texas A&M set the Division II record for longest conference winning streak at 87 games – a run which began in 2006 and continued until Sept. 17, 2011. Under Skoch, the Buffaloes recorded perfect conference records in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014.
In 2009, West Texas A&M finished 39-4 and advanced to the Division II championship match and in 2013, the Buffaloes made the national semifinals in a season in which Skoch was honored as the American Volleyball Coaches Association's South Central Region coach of the year. In his first head-coaching job, at Truman State from 2005 to 2008, Skoch also enjoyed considerable success, posting a 137-22 record and making four trips to the NCAA tournament, including regional titles and Elite Eight appearances in 2005 and 2008. The Bulldogs made the national semifinals the latter season. The Bulldogs won Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association regular-season and tournament titles in 2006 (when Skoch was named as the MIAA's coach of the year) and 2007 and spent a portion of the 2005 season ranked No. 1 in Division II. Truman State never fell out of the top 25 in the AVCA poll during Skoch's tenure. He arrived at Truman State after one season as an assistant coach at Mississippi State in 2004 and a season as an assistant coach at Central Oklahoma in 2003. He also spent one season as the head coach with the Stillwater Volleyball Club and the Kaeppa Oklahoma Charge Volleyball Club in Oklahoma. He's a former club player not only at OSU but also at Memphis and Penn State. He earned his master's degree from the latter in 2001. Jason and his wife, Karen, have three sons, Jay, Kyle and Kade, and one daughter, Emmie.
Page 16 • June 10, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Randy McDaniel won’t seek re-election Oklahoma State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced that he will not seek re-election next year but plans to continue serving as treasurer until his current term ends on Jan. 9, 2023. “It has been an honor to serve Oklahoma as state treasurer and as a state representative,” McDaniel said. “I am thankful for each opportunity and make this announcement with great appreciation for those who made it possible, especially my loving wife, Julie, and our family. Our children, Grace and John, are now in middle school, and this decision allows me to give priority to family rather than a statewide campaign.” McDaniel said a significant lead time is typically needed for a statewide race, and the timing of this announcement should give candidates for this office enough time to organize and campaign. McDaniel was elected as the 19th
Randy McDaniel State Treasurer of Oklahoma in 2018, winning all 77 counties and receiving nearly 72 percent of the vote. He holds a certificate of Public Treasury Management from the National Insti-
tute of Public Finance and serves on the board of the National Association of State Treasurers. During his tenure, McDaniel has managed the consolidation of the state’s bond financing operations and has overseen major growth in the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan and OK STABLE, a savings and investment program for people with disabilities. He won legislative approval this year for a state income tax deduction for contributions to OK STABLE and increased flexibility for the allowable uses of college savings funds. In 2006, McDaniel was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representative, where he served for 12 years. He chaired the Banking, Financial Services and Pensions Committee. In 2015, the American Legislative Exchange Council selected him as the nation’s legislator of the year for his efforts to strengthen the state’s re-
tirement systems. After earning a master’s degree from Cambridge University, McDaniel began his career in banking. He worked for more than 20 years in the private sector as a successful financial advisor. McDaniel is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he was selected Outstanding Senior Man and a distinguished military graduate. He served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for 11 years, rising to the rank of captain. “My time as state treasurer has been fulfilling and I’ve worked hard to make a difference,” he said. “My predecessors have been supportive. The professional staff in the treasurer’s office has been outstanding, never more evident than during the pandemic. I am proud to serve with them and look toward the future with faith and confidence.”
Some safety advice before grilling this season As the summer season approaches, local fire and disaster remediation specialist Nicholas Hickmand of SERVPRO® of North Oklahoma City knows that the number of grill fires will increase, peaking in July. "Charcoal and gas grills, barbeques and the like are involved in an average of more than 5,000 structure fires each year and almost 5,000 additional outdoor fires," said Hickmand. Beyond that, Hickmand adds, grilling accidents result in 19,700 trips to the hospital annually. Thermal burns account for 9,500 of those visits, and children under the age of five account for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of those burns.1 Hickmand knows that families can take steps to protect their home from damage and their family from injuries and still enjoy home-grilled, summer meals. Before you grill:1 READY: Clean grill racks and grease trays. For gas grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks at the beginning of the season. SET: Choose a safe, firm, level spot for the grill away from coolers, running children and pets, and mingling guests. Grill outside, never in a garage or under the awning on a deck, the eaves of your home, or low-hanging branches. GO: Prepare the grill for cooking carefully. For charcoal grills, use a charcoal chimney with newspaper, a charcoal starter fluid, or an electric charcoal starter plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord. For gas grills, open the lid before turning the grill on. If you smell gas after the grill is lit, do not try to move the grill. Get away from the grill and call the fire department.
While you grill: 2 SAFE ZONE: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the hot grill, both while you are cooking and after you serve the food. Grill surfaces can remain hot for an hour or more. SAFE TOOLS: Use long-handled grill utensils in good condition; avoid loose, flowing clothing; and wear flame-retardant mitts to adjust vents to help prevent burns. SAFE COOKING: Keep the fire under control. Manage flareups by adjusting grill height, using grill controls, or spreading out the coal bed. Keep baking soda within reach to control grease fires. Watch for blowing embers and have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, or a bucket of sand handy
to extinguish spark-triggered fires. Never attempt to move a hot grill. "Home fires can be devasting, both financially and emotionally, because smoke and water damage often amplify the destruction to both the structure and its contents," says Hickmand. "While our SERVPRO-trained professionals are here to help you recover 'Like it never even happened' if you do experience a structure fire, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. Fires and burn injuries caused by grills are not strictly a summer phenomenon. Nearly half of home grillers use their grill year-round, so it's important to keep these safety guidelines in mind all year long."
OCU going back to in-person auditions for theatre programs Oklahoma City University’s music and theatre programs will return to in-person, oncampus auditions for prospective students looking to begin school in the fall semester. Some undergraduate programs in the Bass School of Music and the School of Theatre are reinstating live auditions and interviews as a result of the improving COVID-19 conditions on campus and in the surrounding community, along with updated facemask guidance for vaccinated individuals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prospective students still have the option of submitting recorded video auditions or to audition virtually via the Acceptd platform. “Along with the rest of the performing arts industry, we are excited to return to some of our more traditional practices, including live, in-person auditioning,” said Mark Parker, dean of OCU music and theatre. Music undergrad programs in instrumental performance will offer inperson audition options, while vocal programs still require auditions via Acceptd. Some theatre undergrad programs are accepting in-person interviews or auditions, depending on the program. The Bass School of Music stages more than 250 events throughout the academic year, ranging from solo recitals to full-scale choral and orchestral works, as well as six opera and
music theater productions. Alumni have been recognized with Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards and have performed world-wide with leading symphony orchestras and military bands. Alumni excellence in teaching has been celebrated with dozens of awards, including two recent Oklahoma state teacher of the year honorees. The School of Theatre, recently among the fastest-growing programs in the nation, features numerous performance opportunities each year for students, including a four-show mainstage season, several Stage II productions emphasizing acting and directing, and the Out of the Box experimental theatre company. The School of Theatre also partners with professional companies in the Oklahoma City area. For more information about Bass School of Music admissions and the audition process, go to okcu.edu/music/admissions. For the School of Theatre, go to okcu.edu/theatre/admissions.
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 17
Milestone for Edmond eatery For all of this month, Earl’s Rib Palace is celebrating its 25th birthday - all month long. The BBQ joint has been the definition of Oklahoma BBQ since 1996. Earl’s is owned and operated by lifelong friends, Matt Worsham, Scott Woods, Steve Mason and Richard Rea, who grew up in the metro area. Our passion is to create great food made by great people and to be a welcoming destination for anyone wanting real Oklahoma BBQ," said Scott Woods, owner/partner of Earl’s Rib Palace. People from all around the world have come to try Earl’s legendary hickory-smoked barbecue. It all centers around the idea of creating not only the best smoked meats around but creating a place for people to gather. “We subscribe to the philosophy that great BBQ is only as great as the people who make it and the people who eat it. Lucky for us, Oklahoma is all about great people,” Woods said. Yet, the smoked ribs, chicken, sausages paired with delicious crispy fries or okra are the stars of the show. And the team at Earl’s aims to keep the standard high. “BBQ lovers are passionate!” Woods said. “Ask ten different folks what makes good BBQ, and you’re likely to get ten different answers. Every corner of the country touts their BBQ as being the best. Hot or cold smoked, beef or pork, dryrubbed or drenched in tomato or vinegar sauce, everyone has their preference.” Earl’s food always starts with quality meat, seasoned lightly with a proprietary dry rub, and slowly smoked
PHOTO PROVIDED
One of the six Earl’s Rib Palace locations in the metro. This month, the famed BBQ restaurant marks its 25th year of business.
over a hickory kindling. Over the years, the Earl’s team has perfected their recipe for success that is mouthwatering good, quintessentially Oklahoman - and top secret. “We spend a crazy amount of time on our food because we believe Oklahoma BBQ is more than just barbecue sauce.” The Earl’s sauces are still made fresh daily from the same recipes perfected over the past 25 years ago when the restaurant first opened its doors on Western Avenue. "We would like to thank our cus-
The famed brisket sandwich BBQ lovers crave, along with a side of okra.
Free event June 18
Job Fair scheduled The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA), Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA), Oklahoma CareerTech, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau (OKC CVB), Visit Norman, HeartLine and United Way of Central Oklahoma will host the Central Oklahoma Hospitality Job Fair. The free job fair will take place on Friday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moore Norman Technology Center’s South Penn Campus located at 13301 South Pennsylvania Ave. A variety of hospitality jobs will be available including hotel guest services, waitstaff, culinary, banquets, housekeeping, attractions, maintenance, operations and management positions. The event is open to the public and free to attend with no registration required for job applicants. A bilingual OHLA/ORA employee will be present to translate for prospective Spanish-speaking employees. “The hospitality industry is ready to ramp up hiring and fill positions at all entry levels from front-line to management,” said Ida Fryhover, MNTC Workforce & Economic Development Coordinator. “We’re excited about this opportunity to meet with people who are ready to jump back into the hospitality and service industry.” Job applicants are encouraged to bring numerous resume copies, wear interview-ready attire and be prepared to interview onsite. Employers can secure a free recruitment table at the hospitality job fair, but limited booth space is available. For more information, employers should register here by June 16 or contact Lacey Pierson, ORA/OHLA at
tomers who have been with us for all these years,” Woods said. “Come on out and join us for our anniversary celebration!" There are currently six Earl’s Rib Palace locations in the Oklahoma City metro, including on Memorial, Reno, the original on Western, Edmond (2121 S. Broadway), Yukon, and Bricktown, employing more than 150 Oklahomans. And after a year like no other, Earl’s plans on remaining part of the Oklahoma food scene for many years to come.
lacey@okrestaurants.com or (405) 942-8181. "The entire hospitality industry is in need of service-minded employees, so whether you're interested in joining the team at a restaurant or a hotel, interested job seekers will want to attend this job fair to interview with businesses prepared to immediately hire,” said Jim Hopper, President and CEO of OHLA and ORA. There is pent-up travel demand that is creating a wide range of employment opportunities. “As summer travel increases, we’re eager to help our hospitality industry partners fill open part-time and fulltime positions and welcome travelers to Oklahoma City,” said Zac Craig, President of the OKC CVB. Several metro-area non-profit organizations will also be present at the event to help with any additional services job applicants may need. HeartLine will assist job applicants with available resources through the 2-1-1 program by sharing information and referrals for employment, food and shelter, health and mental health services, crisis intervention and suicide prevention. United Way of Central Oklahoma will also have staff onsite to provide information on resources such as food, shelter, clothing, improved well-being and job skills training. As the greater economy begins to recover, Oklahoma City's hospitality and service industry is hiring to meet the growing demand. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the hospitality industry had supported employment for 11 percent of the U.S. workforce and nearly 22,000 employees in central Oklahoma, serving as the state’s third-largest industry.
To know more: Lacey Pierson, ORA/OHLA at lacey@okrestaurants.com or (405) 942-8181.
EEDA releases 2021 abstract The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) recently released the 2021 Edmond Economic Abstract. The 10-page economic profile, published annually by the EEDA and sponsored by Francis Tuttle Technology Center, contains demographic information including population, income levels, cost of living, crime figures, traffic counts and more. The Abstract also features information on Edmond's residential and commercial real estate markets, tax collections and education information. "The Abstract is an essential tool for anyone promoting the Edmond area as well as for those considering a move to Edmond," said Janet Yowell, executive director of the EEDA. "The information provided in the Abstract plays a significant role in a company's decision to expand their business in Edmond." The information in the Abstract is carefully researched by the EEDA from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, ESRI, C2ER, the Oklahoma Tax Commission and more. The 2021 Abstract was redesigned by Edmond-based Back40 Design. The new layout presents the in-depth information in an easy-tounderstand and visually appealing.. Copies are available at the Edmond Economic Development Authority office, 825 E. Second St., Suite 200. The Abstract is also available on www.eeda.com. For more information, contact the EEDA at (405) 340-0116.
Page 18 • June 10, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
June dedicated to men’s health IC ICONIC ONIC O OAK AK TREE N NATIONAL ATIO TI T NAL
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Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, promotes a healthy lifestyle during Men’s Health Month. June is Men’s Health Month and is the perfect time to raise awareness of health issues disproportionately affecting men. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men are at a greater risk for death in every age group, and the most common causes are heart disease and malignant tumors. “The key to preventing illnesses like heart disease or tumors is to catch it early,” said Janice Hixson, MD, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Coming in for your annual checkup and screenings every year is one of the best prevention methods.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are 100% more likely than men to visit their provider for annual screenings and preventative services. The CDC also recommends adults aged 50-69 should talk with their doctors about prostate screenings during their annual checkups. Men
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“Mission Accomplished: Tom Cruise Ski Home Sold” Tom Cruise listed his 320-acre ski home in Telluride, Colorado for $39.5 million in March. It has already sold and at the full asking price. In 1994, Cruise helped design the 10,000-square-foot, stone-and-cedar home with four bedrooms, a gym, recreation room, library and a guest house with an additional three bedrooms. “Jeter Sells Brady Rental – Sets New Record” Derek Jeter has sold his Tampa Bay mansion that Tom Brady has been renting since joining the Tampa Bay Buccaners. Derek sold the 22,000square-foot mansion for about $22.5 million, which is a record price for Tampa-area real estate. “Joan Rivers' Penthouse For Sale – Ghost Long Gone” Joan Rivers’ lavish New York penthouse - the home she described as "What Marie Antoinette would have done, if she had money" and once hired a voodoo priestess to remove a ghost - is for sale. After Joan's death in 2014, the apartment was purchased by Middle Eastern royalty for $28 million. It is now back on the market at $38 million.
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over 70 should be screened every year. Some men may feel intimidated by a prostate screening, but they can rest assured that the CDC stopped recommending the digital rectal examination in 2018. Current prostate screenings involve a blood test to examine levels of prostate specific antigen. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, even though it only affects men. According to the CDC, risk factors include increased age, family history and African ancestry. Symptoms include difficulty starting urination, frequent or painful urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, and blood in the urine or semen. It’s important to talk to your provider about a prostate screening if any symptoms of prostate cancer are present. “Nobody knows your body better than you,” Hixson said. Monitoring your own health can save your life. Keep an eye out for unusual symptoms, and always talk to your provider if something changes.
“Rihanna Does It Twice In Beverly Hills” Rihanna recently bought side-byside homes in Beverly Hills. She purchased a contemporary home a few months ago for $13.8 million and more recently a traditional Tudor for $10 million. Between the two homes, she has more than 11,000 square feet of living space, two pools and an abundance of parking. “Historic Hilton Family Mansion Sold” After 60 years in the Hilton family, W. Barron Hilton's 15,000-squarefoot home in L.A.'s Bel Air neighborhood has sold for $61.5 million. The home was originally built in 1935 for Jay Paley whose family founded CBS. W. Barron, who died in 2019, was the son of Conrad Hilton and grand-
father of Paris Hilton. “Katy Perry House Is Sold” Katy Perry has sold one of her L. A. homes for almost $7.5 million. Located in Beverly Hills near her main living home, she used the four-bedroom home primarily for guests. “Phil Spector's Castle Home Sold” Phil Spector's infamous home has sold for $3.3 million. The home was built in the 1920s in L.A.'s Alhambra neighborhood to look like a French aristocratic castle-home with over 8,600 square feet and views of the San Gabriel Valley. In 2009, Spector was convicted of murdering actress Lana Clarkson in 2003 at his home. He died in a California prison in January, 2021. “Suzanne Somers Sells Sexy Compound” Suzanne Somers and husband, Alan Hamel, created the ultimate love nest in their wonderfully quirky and glamorous abode in Palm Springs, California. Back on the market after several tries and a long hiatus, the home was most recently listed at $8.5 million. The Suzanne Somers home has now sold – sale price not yet disclosed. “Bette Midler's New York Penthouse” Bette Midler got some wind under her wings when she finally sold her 14-room Upper East Side penthouse. She originally listed her longtime New York home in 2019 at $50 million. “The Dude's Home Now Belongs To Oprah” Jeff “Dude” Bridges and wife, Susan, recently sold their Tuscan-style family estate in Montecito, California to Oprah Winfrey for $6.85 million. Purchased in 1994 from rocker Kenny Loggins, who designed much of the home, the almost 20-acre hilltop property consists of the main house with a bit over 3,500 square feet, a caretaker’s cottage, a pool house and guest house. Oprah owns several homes in the Montecito area.
Local news? Do you have a local news item or a local photograph? Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.
Edmond Life & Leisure • June 10, 2021 • Page 19
Okla. Humanities offers relief funds to cultural institutions Oklahoma Humanities (OH) announced last week an initiative to rapidly distribute approximately $660,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding to cultural organizations and educational institutions impacted by the pandemic. OH will provide recovery funding for general operating expenses to museums, archives, historic sites, and other nonprofits with awards of up to $15,000 to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the pandemic. Operational expenses include but are not limited to: staff retention (salaries and benefits), rent or mortgage, utilities, and supplies. The online application opens June 1 and is available on the OH website (www.okhumanities.org). It will run through July 1 or until funds are expended. OH especially encourages applications from rural, underserved, and minority-serving insti-
tutions and organizations. Grant funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants. “The pandemic’s economic ramifications for our cultural institutions and their employees have been severe,” said OH Executive Director Caroline Lowery. “Museums, libraries, archives, and historic sites across Oklahoma have experienced layoffs, extended closures, and revenue losses. We will work quickly to distribute this much-needed American Rescue Plan relief funding efficiently and equitably across Oklahoma.” This new funding opportunity is supported by $135 million in supplemental funding allocated to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. OH is responsible for the distribution of federal funding allocated to the state of Oklahoma from
the NEH Federal and State Partnership Division. To help ensure the recovery funding is spent quickly and project activities are conducted in a timely manner, all grant funds will be awarded by Nov. 30. The ARP funding opportunity builds upon OH’s distribution of CARES Act funding in 2020, when NEH distributed awards to the state and jurisdictional humanities councils that serve the needs of states and local communities. OH CARES grants allowed cultural institutions to retain humanities jobs, continue operations, and shift programs and resources online at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. See a list of our CARES awards here. Questions about this grant program should be directed to Senior Program Officer Kelly Burns at kelly@okhumanities.org.
Food Bank has volunteers back Effective this month, 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 opportunities are currently available. Visit rfbo.org/volunteer to sign up.
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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 • June 3, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure