Edmond Life and Leisure - June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 6

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

LibertyFest Back

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.

Scenes from the return of Heard on Hurd See page 13

FRIDAY, June 25

Isolated Thunderstorms High 96° Low 72°

See Publisher's Column Page 4 for a list of activities

SATURDAY, June 26

Scattered Thunderstorms High 86° Low 67°

SUNDAY, June 27 Partly Cloudy High 89° Low 65°

After a one-year virus hiatus the town’s leading patriotic party, Edmond’s LibertyFest’s party is back.

Besides being a top event in Edmond, LibertyFest has been ranked as one of the best patriotic celebrations in

the nation.

In addition to the 49th annual parade on July 3 and the fireworks on July 4, there are six other events. The events are designed for the enjoyment and festive atmosphere of the celebration.

It gets started tonight with the LibertyFest Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. The concert will be conducted by Dr. Brian Lamb, director of the UCO School of Music.

Page 2 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 3

Edmond’s Jude Flurry (center), age 19, leads the cast of Celtic Throne on an 11-show tour of the U.S. this summer.

Show at Armstrong Auditorium July 11

Edmond dancer part of touring ‘Celtic Throne’ production The life of an Irish dancer is often hidden from public view. Hours spent in the practice room are matched by hours on the road traveling to competitions, punctuated by brief moments of competitive dancing in front of a panel of judges.

A successful dancer will stand on the winners’ podium and take home a trophy. The very best progress from local competitions, known by the Gaelic name feis (pron. “fesh”), to regionals (oireachtas) and then to nationals. Elite dancers can qualify to compete at the World Irish Dancing Championships.

Irish dancer Jude Flurry, age 19, has been on this path since the age of six. He placed third at Worlds at the age of 14, and fifth at age 16.

And his peers aren’t far behind.

At his small dance school based at the Dwight Armstrong Performing Arts Conservatory on the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong College in north Edmond is a group of young Irish dancers with an impressive trophy case of national and world championship placements. But until recently, like so many others across the world, their only outlet for the dance form was in front of judges or small crowds of parents and friends at recitals.

In the last year their lives have changed dramatically. Jude and his school mates have stepped into the limelight with their own locally-produced Irish dance show called Celtic Throne (think Riverdance).

Their parents came up with the idea of telling the story of Irish Dance from its mysterious origins

3,000 years ago to the present day.

An enormous boon to the show came when they landed Irish-born composer and Golden Globe-nominee Brian Byrne to compose the phenomenal score.

His music is majestic, cinematic in scope, powerfully moving. Jude, his sister Vienna and their cousin Alexa Turgeon choreographed the dance numbers themselves. Moms worked out costume designs. Dads run the spotlights and help backstage. It’s a family production.

And it’s a hit.

Jude is currently leading his school’s Celtic Throne cast on an 11show tour across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama. A highlight of their tour was a stop at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville — former home of the Grand Ole Opry — where they performed June 21.

“We’re living the dream,” said Flurry. “Every Irish dancer I know would give their right arm to be part of a show like this and share their love of the art with audiences across the nation. It’s a blessing that we’re having this kind of success!”

Celtic Throne’s summer tour finishes at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond on Sunday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. It is expected to sell out.

Remaining tickets to Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance are $55 for adults and $25 for youth aged 6-17. For tickets or subscriptions visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call (405) 285-1010. Visit CelticThrone.com for more information about the show.

Page 4 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

LibertyFest has returned We hope you saw the official LibertyFest program inserted into Edmond Life & Leisure and other area publications last week. If you missed it, we have copies still being placed around town, at all Ray Hibbard the events and we have a link to the print replica on our web site, www.edmondlifeandleisure.com. I will give you and your family the total run down on what is taking place and when. I have a short version of the activities listed below.

LibertyFest entertains an attendance of over 125,000 annually and is organized and produced by a group of over 500 volunteers. There is not one single paid staff person on the LibertyFest committee or involved in putting this annual event on here in Edmond. It is a total volunteer effort folks which is why most events are free to attend.

Edmond hosts Oklahoma’s largest hometown 4th of July parade with over 100 entries.

The grand finale of LibertyFest will be the Fireworks and entertainment on the evening of July 4th. The Fireworks display is the largest in the Oklahoma City metro area. Please join us in thanking our wonderful volunteers, they have been working hard to provide the ‘best and safest familyfriendly, 4th of July events for Edmond citizens and our guests.

THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW about LibertyFest 2021: Because the 4th of July is on Sunday, our morning Parade will be on Saturday, July 3rd in Downtown Edmond. Every year on the day of the parade there is no parking on Broadway from Second Street to Ayers. The Cross streets are no parking back to the alleys for Broadway. Edmond Police will be doing security sweeps of the parade route before the parade.

Any vehicle parked in the above-mentioned area after 7:45 a.m. will be impounded. Thank you, Edmond Police Department The Fireworks will be at Hafer Park on Sunday the 4th of July and the “Fireworks Staging Area”, the areas around it in all directions will be closed to walking, driving, and parking at 4 pm.

Be kind to your pets, no animals permitted at the Parade, ParkFest, and Fireworks.

Drones are NOT permitted to fly at any LibertyFest event.

Concert in the Park Thursday, June 24 Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Location: UCO Campus adjacent to Old North. Watch for signs on campus.

Free Event.

Parking: Lots near University & Main, or Nigh University Center.

What to Bring: Lawn chairs and/or blankets.

Directed: Dr. Brian Lamb, Director of the UCO School of Music Due to COVID, this year’s band will be composed of UCO Faculty members and students. This will be the 70th year for one of UCO’s longestrunning musical traditions, and the 48th year as part of Edmond’s LibertyFest!

The concert this year features a mixture of light classics, marches, and patriotic music. The one-hour concert will include a range of traditional “concert in the park music” that will appeal to all. Following the concert, the audience will be treated to free watermelon and ice cream.

LibertyFest Car Show Saturday, June 26, 2021 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HAFER PARK Cost: The public is invited for Free.

Entry Fee for Vehicles: $20 prior to event and $25 day of the event Car Show Registration This is the 20th Annual LibertyFest Car Show. Each year cars are judged separately by class (either by decade, make, or specialty group). FREE T-Shirt & Dash Plaque are awarded to the first 200 entries. Trophies are awarded to first and runners-up in all classes, plus sponsor trophies and Best of Show.

The public is invited for free but there is a nominal charge per vehicle ($20 prior to $25 Day of the Event), to enter a vehicle for judging.

LibertyFest Rodeo Friday, June 25 @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 26 @ 8 p.m.

Location: 300 N. Kelly – Carl Benne Arena Starts: 8 p.m. both nights Slack: Friday after the performance 52nd Annual LibertyFest Rodeo is Sanctioned by IPRA Ticket Price: $10 Adults (12 & over) $5 Children (11 & under) LibertyFest Rodeo 7 Events are: Bareback Riding Barrel Racing Bull Riding

Calf Roping Saddle Bronc Riding Steer Wrestling Team Roping KiteFest Saturday, June 26 @ 9:30 a.m.. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 27 @ 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

West side of Mitch Park on N. Santa Fe and KiteFest Lane Admission: Free This year’s KiteFest will be located on the far west side of Mitch Park on KiteFest Lane. We will be flying between mile roads Covell and Coffee Creek on North Santa Fe. The Kite Festival will include many events for the experienced flyer as well as the novice.

We will paint the sky with hundreds of kites flown by anyone who wants to “go fly a kite.” So, bring, make, or buy a kite and fly it.

KiteFest1There will be team demonstrations by experienced kiters. The two-line kites are flown in synchronized figures and patterns by three or more kiters. There will also be kiters flying four-line kites in patterns never dreamed of by the kiters of yesteryear.

The Kite Festival will include making kites for even the youngest kiter and a place to fly their new kite. Candy drops from a large kite will occur several times Saturday for the kids.

Everyone is welcome to bring their own kite. Small sled kites will be given to every child so each child can fly a kite. Other kites of various sizes, colors, etc. will be sold by our vendor, “Wings of the Wind Kites and Toys.”

All are invited to come and fly a kite or just watch. Homemade kites are welcome. We will ask for donations to support KiteFest and the kite giveaway.

All kite flying events are weather & wind permitting.

LibertyFest Road Rally Sunday, June 27 Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle – CASH ONLY Location: All participants register/start/end at Earl’s Rib Palace, 2121 S. Broadway.

Day of Registration: Begins at 10 am – Release Forms, License, and Insurance Required at Registration Car Gate Time: First Car Out 11 a.m. – Last Car out 2 p.m.

Awards Ceremony: 5 p.m. at Earl’s Rib Palace.

LibertyFest Parade Saturday, July 3 9 a.m. Downtown Edmond LibertyFest Parade Spectators line

the 1.5-mile Parade route in downtown Edmond to watch the greatest 4th of July parade in Oklahoma.

Bands, floats, marching groups, antique cars, clowns, round-up clubs, Shriners and more provide color and excitement to our annual parade.

ParkFest Saturday, July 3 Mitch Park – North of the baseball fields 1501 W. Covell Rd. 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission: Free Come celebrate Independence Day with fun, festive activities including watermelon (while supply lasts), bounces, and family entertainment.

Food trucks are on-site.

For security precautions, we ask that you not bring ice chests to the event.

Enjoy delicious food from food trucks on-site.

Free watermelon will be served, while supplies last.

Children enjoy on-site bounces.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

LibertyFest Fireworks Sunday, July 4 Fireworks scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m..

E. C. Hafer Park – 1034 S. Bryant Parking Lot for the baseball fields – Hafer Park will be closed.

Watch the Fireworks and listen on KZUC 99.3 FM UCentral Radio – the fireworks are synchronized to the music on the radio!

You will love them LibertyFest Fireworks Grand Finale of our Festival! It is the largest fireworks display in the metro area (featured as being among the top ten in the nation.

Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular fireworks show provided by ARC Pyrotechnics. You will want to bring a blanket or lawn chair; sit back and enjoy the fireworks beginning around 9:30 p.m.

There is a quick summary folks. You can also get more information at www.libertyfest.org. My family looks forward to seeing you at all the incredible activities. We are thankful that we have LibertyFest back again this year.

Watch for activities next year when LibertyFest will be 50 years young!

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Upcoming Armstrong Auditorium season ....................................Page 7.

---- Local professor’s new academic book ..........................................Page 9.

---- Justice system must be accurate ................................................Page 10.

---- Food column ..............................................................................Page 12.

---- Scenes from Heard on Hurd event ............................................Page 13.

---- George Gust reviews heart warming film ‘Fatherhood’ ..............Page 14.

---- 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 24, 2021 • Page 5

Dr. Millie Weatherford

Francis Tuttle to honor long-serving campus administrator’s retirement Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s long-time employee, Dr. Millie Weatherford, is retiring after 40 years with the district.

Weatherford, who was the fourth person ever hired at Francis Tuttle, has been Campus Administrator since 1996, and prior to that she was Assistant Superintendent for Adult Education. Her first day at Francis Tuttle was Oct. 1, 1980, at a time when the district didn’t have classroom buildings and relied on facilities of partner schools, such as Putnam City North, to host academic programs.

“We started out with one building and a much smaller number of programs. And now, we’re four campuses,” Weatherford said. “The growth of the school and in the district has been phenomenal.

I’ve been privileged to experience it and to see that happen. It seemed like we’d finish one project and then there’d be some other need.”

Beyond her official duties on campus, Weatherford became a much-beloved member of the Francis Tuttle family. Her first-hand knowledge of the growth of Francis Tuttle and the statewide CareerTech system is unrivaled and she has served in

many roles as a constant resource for students, staff and district leadership.

“I can’t think of a better person that has set an example for leadership at Francis Tuttle and for our young leaders to come through and to learn from,” said Michelle Keylon, Superintendent/CEO of Francis Tuttle. “There are so many characteristics I can pick out that I have today because of my time working alongside her. I have felt very fortunate to have her as part of this leadership team and I wish her a very happy and healthy retirement.”

Weatherford, born and raised in Oklahoma, attended Capitol Hill High School, where she says her association with CareerTech began. She then graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Business Education and went on to teach for Oklahoma City Public Schools. She then worked for Moore Norman Technology Center, Metro Tech, and even the state CareerTech department before being hired by what was then a new Francis Tuttle district.

Overall, she has worked in Oklahoma education for 53 years.

Edmond family wins Newborn Sweepstakes and over $5,500 for daughter’s education One Edmond family has $5,529 toward their new baby’s future education expenses thanks to the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan’s 2020 Newborn Sweepstakes. Chenoa Barker-Charles and Jesse Charles along with their daughter Vera were randomly selected as the annual sweepstakes winner. Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City – where Vera was born – will also receive a donation of $1,529.

As existing Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account owners, Chenoa and Jesse already had established an OCSP account for their daughter before being named the winners of the Newborn Sweepstakes. The new parents said this award enhances their early college savings goals.

“We opened Vera’s existing account before she was born, knowing the importance and value of saving early for future education,” said BarkerCharles. “We are so thankful to have come across this opportunity in our info packet at the hospital.

We feel confident that this will help us be prepared financially no matter where her future takes her.”

OCSP’s Newborn Sweepstakes encourages saving for higher education early, as accounts are designed to perform better long term, creating an additional incentive for parents or grandparents to start saving for a child’s education the moment they are born.

“Having a newborn is an exciting milestone in life,” said State Treasurer Randy McDaniel. “The first few years for the child are pivotal as parents plan for their future. I encourage all Oklahoma families to open and contribute to an OCSP account to help children achieve their educational goals.”

The Edmond family is the 12th family to win the annual statewide Newborn Sweepstakes. OCSP has awarded more than $66,000 to Oklahoma families through the sweepstakes, and OCSP has donated more than $18,000 to Oklahoma hospitals with the promotion.

This sweepstakes is sponsored by OCSP. Funds for prizes comes from the OCSP marketing budget.

No state funds are used.

About the OCSP Introduced in April 2000, the Oklahoma 529 College Saving Plan (OCSP) is Oklahoma’s directsold 529 college savings plan. It is designed for families who want to open and manage their own 529 college savings accounts. The Plan is managed

The Charles family celebrates a windfall sweepstakes victory and more than $5,500 for their daughter Vera and her future education.

by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. As of March 31, 2021 assets in in the Plan exceeded $1.14 billion.

Any OCSP earnings are federal and Oklahoma income tax free when used for higher education expenses such as tuition, living expenses, books, supplies and fees. Funds may be used at most private or public universities, colleges or career technology centers, nationwide. In addition, up to $10,000 per year may be used for tuition at private elementary and secondary schools.

Oklahoma taxpayers may deduct, from their Oklahoma adjusted gross income, up to $10,000 in contributions to the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan for individual taxpayers and up to $20,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return with a five-year carry forward. Limitations apply.1

Page 6 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department.

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

June 7 Tajhae Davon Moses, 26 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Timothy Martin Saathoff, 59 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

June 8 Shiloh Wayne Haddox, 24 homeless. Public intoxication.

Lexus Nichole Buchanan 23 of Luther. Charged with left of center and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Samuel Joshua Harth, 18 of Guthrie. Possession of drug parapher-

nalia and public intoxication.

Hunter Blake Voyles, 20 homeless.

Public intoxication.

June 9 Christopher Jason Hagens, 39 of Guthrie. Operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment, false representation to an officer and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Travis Don Horton, 27 homeless.

Non-assault resisting officer and trespassing after being warned.

Isaiah Perez Linzy, 22 of Oklahoma City. Speeding 11 to 14 mph over, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Nicole Alice Francis, 22 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Archie James Zahler, 60 of Guthrie.

Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Allen Jamieson Jones, 38 of Okla-

homa City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

June 10 Emigdio Delgado Salamanca, 49 of Oklahoma City. Driving without proper/valid driver's license and speeding, (10 mph or less in excess.)

Tiffany Renea Arnold, 32 of Norman. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, failure to maintain compulsory insurance, obstruction of police officer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Carolyn Jean Walser, 69 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

June 11 Jeremy Benjamin Frantz, 32 of Edmond. Misdemeanor count of eluding police and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Mason Addler Gochenour, 25 of

Edmond. Careless driving and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Brandy Patrick Rocky, 36 homeless.

Public intoxication.

June 13 Efren Raul Espinosa, 45 of Oklahoma City. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or .15 of more.

Jordan Franklin Prince, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Courtney Brenell Taylor, 41 of Oklahoma City, Misdemeanor warrant.

Kristopher Wade Mackey, 45 of Edmond. Trespassing Humberto Salome Balderas, 31 of Oklahoma City. Unsafe lane use, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, speeding and misdemeanor count of eluding police officer.

Reinel Pineda-Pineda, 45 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Weekend Calendar of Events June 24-27 What’s Happening This Weekend June 24-27 ---- In the Gallery: Rae Stone ---- What’s Cooking, Edmond?

---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) World Show and Trade Show ---- Cinema Week at Showbiz Cinemas ---- Concert in the Park: Bonham Brothers & Sophia Massad ---- LibertyFest: Concert in the Park at the University of Central Oklahoma ---- Pint Night with Vanessa House -The Oddmire: Deepest, Darkest Virtual Event ---- VIRTUAL: Jewels & Sparkles ---- Upstage Theater Presents: Big Fish ---- LibertyFest 2021: Flying the Flag of Freedom ---- Aslan Running Joy Event ---- Garrett “Big G” Jacobson ---- Taproom Tones featuring Max Sise ---- Libertyfest: 52nd Annual LibertyFest Rodeo ---- Brent Blount and Friends ---- LibertyFest: 20th Annual LibertyFest Car Show ---- Oklahoma Authors Signing ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Taproom Tones featuring Whiskey & Wine ---- The Little Blue Bridge Storytime & Signing with Brenda Maier ---- LibertyFest: KiteFest ---- LibertyFest: 32nd Annual LibertyFest Road Rally ---- Prix de West

---- Prix de West Art Moments ---- Signature Tour ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Grease ---- NRHA Derby ---- Festival of the Arts ---- Cody Johnson & Friends in Concert ---- OKC Pride Alliance Festival & Parade ---- Fireworkz A’ Poppin Independence Day Celebration ---- Oklahoma Brewer’s Fest ---- Beats & Bites Festival ---- Summer Music Series ---- AutismOklahoma OKC 5K ---- Stars & Stripes River Festival ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series ---- Styx & Collective Soul in Concert 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

AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) World Show and Trade Show Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Tue, June 22 – Sun, June 27; Free; aqha.com

Carl Benne Arena Extra Info: Fri, June 25 – Sat, June 26; 8 p.m.; Adults (12 & over): $10, Children (11 & under): $5; libertyfest.org

Cinema Week at Showbiz Cinemas Location: Showbiz Cinemas Extra Info: Tue, June 22 – Sun, June 27; cinema-week.com

Brent Blount and Friends Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sat, June 26; 8 p.m.; $13; ucojazzlab.com

Concert in the Park: Bonham Brothers & Sophia Massad Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Thu, June 24; Free; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; edmondok.com

LibertyFest: 20th Annual LibertyFest Car Show Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Sat, June 26; Free: 8 a.m.

– 2 p.m.; libertyfest.org

LibertyFest: Concert in the Park at the University of Central Oklahoma Location: Univ. of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Thu, June 24; Free; 7:30 p.m.; libertyfest.org

Oklahoma Authors Signing Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Sat, June 26; 12 – 2 p.m.; bestofbooksok.com

Pint Night with Vanessa House Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra Info: Thu, June 24; 5 p.m.; facebook.com The Oddmire: Deepest, Darkest Virtual Event Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Thu, June 24; Free; 6 p.m.; bestofbooksok.com VIRTUAL: Jewels & Sparkles Location: Silver Leaf Gems Extra Info: Thu, June 24; 8 – 9 p.m.; Facebook.com Upstage Theater Presents: Big Fish Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Thu, June 24 – Sat, June 26; 8 p.m.; Adults: $18, Students & Seniors: $12, Kids 4 & under: Free; upstagetheatreok.com LibertyFest 2021: Flying the Flag of Freedom Location: multi-event celebration Extra Info: Thu, June 24 – Sat, June 26; libertyfest.org Aslan Running Joy Event Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Fri, June 25; 6 p.m.; bestofboooks.com Garrett “Big G” Jacobson Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, June 25; 8 p.m.; $13; ucojazzlab.com Taproom Tones featuring Max Sise Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Fri, June 25; Free; 7:30 p.m.; Facebook.com Libertyfest: 52nd Annual LibertyFest Rodeo Location: Edmond Round Up Club –

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, June 26; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com Taproom Tones featuring Whiskey & Wine Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Sat, June 26; 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com The Little Blue Bridge Storytime & Signing with Brenda Maier Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Sat, June 26; 11 a.m.; bestofbooksok.com LibertyFest: KiteFest Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, June 26 – Sun, June 27; Free; libertyfest.org LibertyFest: 32nd Annual LibertyFest Road Rally Location: Earl’s Rib Palace Extra Info: Sun, June 27; 11 a.m.; Free viewing, $15 per vehicle; libertyfest.org Prix de West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, June 25 – Sat, June 26; 10 a.m. ---- 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Prix de West Art Moments Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, June 25 @ 1p.m. – Sun, June 27 @ 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, June 26 & Sun, June 27; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 7

Russian Ballet dancers

Armstrong announces entertainment for next season The Armstrong International Cultural Foundation is set to raise the curtain at Armstrong Auditorium on Oct. 14 for its 23rd annual Performing Arts Series featuring live performances from global artists such as the Russian National Ballet, NEA Jazz Master Bradford Marsalis, the Brazilian All Stars, Metropolitan Opera star Isabel Leonard, harpist Bridget Kibbey and the Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic.

“It’s wonderful to have an international lineup back on stage and patrons back in the theater,” concert manager Ryan Malone said. “Our theme for this season is ‘Rediscover Joy!’ After a difficult year of lockdowns and isolation, we want to remind audiences of the incredible joy we all experience when attending live events.” Malone added that masks are no longer required and the auditorium is open to full capacity.

Armstrong Auditorium’s 2021-22 Performing Arts Series begins this fall with three-time National Fiddle Champion Byron Berline, an Oklahoma musical treasure. Berline will showcase his virtuosic skill, versatility and artistry on Oct. 14. Hailed as “one of the most inventive fiddlers ever,” Berline continues to be recognized by his peers, the press and audiences worldwide. The entire family can experience a thrilling evening of toe-tapping fun as Berline and his band light up the Armstrong stage with a program of traditional bluegrass and Western swing music.

Also in October, the Brazilian All Stars, direct from Rio de Janeiro, will present the exciting rhythms and beautiful melodies of Brazil’s most famous songs, sambas, bossa novas, ballads, choro, fado, virtuoso instrumental tracks and more. On Oct. 27, the distinct musical sounds of Brazil will fill the auditorium with a fusion of styles, from Portuguese and American jazz to Cuban and African rhythms. Take the musical journey as the world-renown Brazilian All Stars perform their catalog of memorable and spectacular songs.

Nov. 11 brings the Romeros Guitar Quartet, an ensemble that continues to be a veritable institution in the world of classical music, dazzling countless audiences and winning the raves of reviewers worldwide. Joining the ensemble in celebrating their 60th anniversary is the multiple Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano and Metropolitan Opera star, Isabel Leonard. Together, they travel across North America performing works by Federico Garcia Lorca, Lorenzo Palomo, and Manuel de Falla, and will also be premiering “La Cita” by Douglas Cuomo.

Bridget Kibbey, often described as the “Yo-Yo Ma of the harp,” will appear on Dec. 2 in her program Celebrating Bach, featuring adaptations of J. S. Bach’s keyboard concerti alongside the phenomenal Dover Quartet—fellow winners of the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant and recently named the first-ever quartet-in-residence for the Kennedy Center. According to Strings, their Bach interpretations contribute to their “practically meteoric” rise and, according to the New Yorker, confirm their status as “the young American string quartet of the moment”. The Chicago Tribune has said, “The Dover

Quartet players have it in them to become the next Guarneri String Quartet … they’re that good.”

January 2022 brings the Russian National Ballet’s North American tour of Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty. The ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score with choreography by Marius Petipa, is based on the tale of a young princess who falls asleep after pricking her finger, and only the kiss of a prince will break the spell. The dancers of the Russian National Ballet weave the story together with the trademark precision and exquisite grace of the great Russian ballet tradition. Embraced worldwide for its complex choreography, The Sleeping Beauty’s soaring leaps, high extensions, and daring lifts combine with lavish stage scenery to bring this beloved fairy tale to life on Jan. 26.

Renowned jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis returns to Armstrong for an encore performance on Feb. 10. The NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee has led the Branford Marsalis Quartet for more than three decades with minimal personnel changes. The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul — the quartet’s most emotionally wide-ranging and melody-driven collection to date — finds the celebrated ensemble at a new peak, addressing a kaleidoscope of moods with inspiration and group commitment.

Known for pitch-perfect a capella singing and charming British wit, The King’s Singers will present their program Finding Harmony on Feb. 20.

With music as the group’s common language, Finding Harmony is a deeply moving collection of the countless moments in history when songs united nations, cultures and causes. The program is a unique collection of pieces that span the globe, from the Reformation age to South African freedom songs, and from the Scottish Highlands to the American civil rights movement. Each song is the key to a powerful true story about who we are as people and how we got here.

Another international group appears March 2 as the Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic launches its North American tour. Founded in 1942 in the throes of World War II, the Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic gave the first symphony concert in post-war Poland and has since become the largest music institution in eastern Poland. The orchestra is joined by violinist Agata Szymczewska, the first-prize winner of the 13th Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition. Under the direction of principal conductor Wojciech Rodek, the Philharmonic is poised to dazzle audiences with the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto.

Appearing on March 31, German artist Tabea Debus explores the horizons of music for the recorder. Debus is described by The Times [London] as “a charismatic virtuoso,” and has performed widely across Europe, Asia, Colombia and the United States. Her critically acclaimed program, Ohrwurm (ear worms), is a delightful compilation of toe-tapping tunes — sure to embed themselves into the audience’s subconscious — from the 17th and 18th centuries and makes for an engagingly

virtuosic performance supported and partnered by Alon Sariel on lute.

The 2021-22 season finishes on April 26 with sea shanties from the immensely popular all-male chorus, Chanticleer. Chanticleer’s music features rhythms and melodies from either side of the Atlantic and the Portuguese and Spanish colonization in Asia. The program includes both folk and contemporary works from China, Japan, Korea, and Samoan culture, as well as works

by Chen Yi and Grammy-nominated composer Zhou Tian. Chanticleer brings the voyage to a close with a set of beautiful Hawaiian songs evocative of the limitless Pacific horizon.

“We’re thrilled that subscriber numbers continue to grow despite the challenges of the pandemic last year,” said Shane Granger, Armstrong Auditorium Marketing Director. “Our ability to extend world-class performances to our audiences, whether in-person or virtually, gives our patrons confidence that

they will experience the joy of performing arts regardless of external situations.”

Ticket packages for the 2021-22 Performing Arts Series are available for new season ticket holders beginning June 15, and individual event tickets go on sale July 5. A full-season subscription ensures excellent seats for each performance, and a host of additional benefits including 20 percent off ticket prices to all season performances, preferred seating in advance of the general public, free and easy ticket exchanges, access to exclusive subscriber pre-paid parking and more.

Subscribing to three- or five-performance Flex packages allows patrons to create their own personalized subscriptions while saving 10 and 15 percent off regular ticket prices, respectively.

To subscribe to the 23rd annual Armstrong Auditorium Performing Arts Series, call 405-340-7474 or visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org.

Page 8 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Joe Baxter, Amanda Cunningham to present Elm Tree concert

Joe Baxter

ARCADIA – Oklahoma City singer-songwriters Amanda Cunningham and Joe Baxter will present an Elm Tree concert on Sunday, June 27, at the Arcadia Round Barn. The concert will be from 1 to 3 p.m. beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn.

Cunningham began playing guitar, writing songs and performing while attending Oklahoma State University.

After graduation she made her first CD of original music and won the Oklahoma City Gazette’s Woody Award for best singer-songwriter. After a short stay in Tulsa, Cunningham was based in Austin and toured from California to Nashville. She is currently playing shows throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the Round Barn, writes and performs in the genres of country, bluegrass, Americana and original rock and roll. He has fronted several Oklahoma bands including The Regular Joes and currently leads the Round Barn Ramblers, the house band at the Arcadia Round Barn, which performs every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. His new album, “Arcadia,” is a tribute to the town of Arcadia and the Arcadia Round Barn.

All concerts are free, but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on historic Route 66. For more information about live music at the barn, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.

Amanda Cunningham

Savvy Senior

How to keep seniors safe & secure online Dear Savvy Senior, I spend a lot of time online and love the convenience of paying bills, shopping, and keeping up with my grandkids on Facebook and Instagram. But last month my computer was infected with malware, and I just found out some cybercriminal opened up a credit card using my identity and went on a shopping spree. Do you have some simple tips to help me stay safe while online?

Violated in OKC Dear Violated, Unfortunately, cybercrimes against seniors has become a huge problem in the U.S. According to FBI data, last year alone more than 1.8 billion was stolen from unsuspecting older Americans during the pandemic.

While anyone can be subject to cybercrimes, seniors are frequent targets because they tend to be more trusting and have more money than their younger counterparts. But there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from online fraud, hacking and scams. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Strengthen your passwords: A strong password should contain at least seven characters and include numbers and a special character, like an exclamation point or asterisk. Be sure to change up your password across different sites to ensure a hacker would not gain access to all accounts through one password. And keep a written list of all your passwords stored in a safe secure place.

On your smartphone or tablet, be sure to set up a four- or six-digit PIN to protect your device.

Opt out of pop-ups: To protect yourself from computer viruses and other forms of malware, make it a habit to avoid any pop-up style message when you’re on the web. Sometimes hackers disguise their malware as pop-up advertisements or “special offers” when you’re shopping or reading online. Clicking on these pop-ups can lead to viruses or data breaches.

If you encounter a suspicious popup message, don’t click on anything in the window. Simply leave the site or close out of your web browser.

When in doubt, throw it out: Sometimes online hackers will send you an email or text message and pretend to be someone they’re not in order to convince you to share valuable information with them, such as your Social Security Number, address or credit card information. This is called phishing.

If you receive a message from an unknown sender, do not respond or click on any links or attachments. Instead, either ignore the message or delete it.

Share with care: There is such a thing as oversharing, and it definitely applies to online profiles. On social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, online hackers can easily gather information about you from what you post – like where you live.

Ensure that your privacy settings are up to date so that only people who follow you or are your Facebook friend can see your posts.

Verify websites: Before you shop or access your bank online, double check the validity of the website you’re using. A good rule of thumb is to check the beginning of the web address and look for an ‘s’ at the end of https: at the start of the address.

The ‘s’ stands for secure, and if you don’t see it in the web address that you’re on, you should not trust that website with your passwords, payment or banking information.

Have some back-up: Practicing safe habits will protect you and your information, but you don’t have to rely on just yourself to stay safe. Anti-virus software works in the background to protect your computer from a variety of malware and helps to make it easier for you to avoid threats while surfing the web.

For more information on how to safeguard your personal technology devices, Cox Communications offers a variety of tips and solutions. Just visit Cox.com and search “security.”

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 9

A child with Dusty Gilpin during live mural painting at the April VIBES event.

To be held evening of July 1

Preparations under way for July open-air art walk called VIBES Edmond’s first Thursdays, the monthly open-air art walk event is back for the fourth event of the season, taking place on Thursday, July 1 in Downtown Edmond along Broadway.

Attendees are encouraged to come out and celebrate before the holiday weekend from 5-9 p.m. The free and family-friendly art event will feature new and returning performing artists such as: Jane Mays & The Minnie Funk Band (Broadway and Hurd), A Perfect Body Band (SW Corner of Main and Broadway), Alissa Aerial (NW Corner of Broadway and Campbell), and Derick Hunter (NW Corner of 1st and Broadway). 40 visual artists will have work up on display and for sale inside Downtown businesses as well as in front of the local retailers. See VIBES favorites such as Aimee Eishcen, Kelly Killough, and Connie Rish as well as first time VIBES participants Shelly Presley, Cindy Guthrie, Clay Moore and

David Billen.

VIBES special feature for July will be two live mural paintings done by the talented Brooke Rowlands and Shakurah Maynard. Attendees can watch them create their murals from 5 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and Hurd. Looking for more live art? Check out the ceramics demo happening just South of The Edmond Railyard where artist Erin Harris and friends will be throwing clay for spectators to enjoy.

Another event in this 2021 Season of VIBES that you do not want to miss! Make plans to be in Downtown Edmond on Thursday, July 1st.

VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays is a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute; Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program for Edmond Public School students.

New academic work addresses youth problems

Reception will let author explain book principles for challenges of youth in the A reception will be held U.S. as well.

July 1 for Dr. Nyla Ali Khan Her work explores the myras she explains her new acaiad ways to teach students demic book, "Educational who have experienced trauma Strategies for Youth Empowin their lives because of milierment in Comfort Zones. tary violence or social inIt took her more than two equities. years to pen the book.

Professor Steven Morrow of "I was driven to write a Dr. Khan OCCC has reviewed the book book on educational stratefor his prestigious book review gies for youth empowerjournal. and rendered this view. ment in regions that are torn apart "Professor Nyla Ali Khan’s newest by conflict," she said. "I was motivated to focus on what it would take book, Educational Strategies for for us to get our younger generations Youth Empowerment in Conflict Zones: Transforming, not Transmitto channelize their anger and take ting, Trauma (Palgrave Macmillan, the political process forward without 2021), is a call to action: action forplaying into the hands of vested inmulated in a deep consciousness of terests." understanding and caring,” he wrote.

The book, she said, is applicable He continues, “composed out of her own inborn care for the peoples of Jammu and Kashmir and their trauma of insurgency and counterinsurgency, Professor Khan asks of her readers to develop a deeper consciousness of the suffering and alienation of the young people there and beyond.

The book is sold on amazon.com Dr. Nyla Khan teaches at Oklahoma City Community College and has taught as a visiting professor at the University of Oklahoma. She has a Ph.D. in English Literature. Over the years she has received many academic and community awards.

For more information on the book or the upcoming seminar, please email Dr. Khan at nylakhan@aol.com.

Page 10 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side Legal system & high stakes Critical staffing Last week I took a look at the legal system.

Politically we're looking at a two-tier system where liberals answer for practically nothing.

I find the overall criminal system inter- Steve Gust esting also. One of the streaming services had a documentary on the Ryan Ferguson case.

This young man was convicted back in 2005 of killing a journalist in 2001.

The crime happened in Columbia, Mo. There was no direct evidence linking him to the murder. Instead two eyewitness accounts were enough to put him behind bars. I can see how a prosecutor might think this was their man.

Yet years later there was an appeal.

At that hearing the two eyewitnesses recanted their testimony. And still the court didn't think that was enough evidence.

It seems to me if a court actually convicts someone, it takes a heck of a

lot of evidence to move the needle back the other way. Fortunately in Ferguson's case, a higher court vacated his conviction in 2013.

Innocent people are sometimes wrongly convicted and I hope our legal system is working overtime to make sure it never happens.

---I recently started to attend Mass in person again. I urge people to support the church of their choice.

There is way too much evil in the world. We need to do something to stop it.

---It’s nice to see Edmond stage the big happenings once more.

It was something last year when events, such as LibertyFest and Heard on Hurd weren’t held.

I guess we get into the mindset that everything will always happen year after year.

And then something unexpectant comes along that changes all of that.

We take things for granted and perhaps we shouldn’t.

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

Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, is calling for a state of emergency to be declared to address the shortage of corrections officers at state prisons.

The current shortage of about between 300 to 400 correctional officers could result in fights or riots that can end in loss of life, a hostage situation or damage to the prison employees, inmates and state property, he said.

Humphrey said he’s worked with Oklahoma Correctional Professionals Director and former legislator Bobby Cleveland the past two years to determine the exact number the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) needs to fully staff all state prisons in order to keep staff, prisoners and the general public safe. He and

problem

Cleveland also have worked to secure raises for correctional staff to improve retention and recruitment to elevate staff numbers.

“It is well known among Oklahoma corrections’ officials and those in state government that Director Cleveland and I have been collectively laboring to bring real advancement for all staff and inmates in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections,” Humphrey said. “Those who have correctional experience understand and recognize a deficiency in correctional officers equates to increased contraband, increased inmate violence and an increase in inmate on staff violence. Tolerating and allowing this alarming negligence is an invitation to produce

a catastrophic disaster.”

Humphrey said he and Cleveland successfully obtained a $2 per hour raise for correctional staff working in direct contact with inmates in order to help with retention and recruitment of staff to address the shortage.

“Unfortunately, many employees with inmate contact were left out of this raise,” he said. “We have continued to push for raises for all staff but especially to increase correctional officers’ pay.

This focus is because we believe the Oklahoma Department of Corrections has an extremely dangerous, unsafe and hazardous work environment, and the officers are the most at risk. One of the largest contributing factors to this dangerous environment is a critical correctional officer shortage.”

He said the Legislature appropriated an additional $8 million this year to corrections this with the stated goal of improving the correctional officer to inmate ratio.

Humphrey said as the chair of the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee, he feels it is imperative for DOC to verify staffing numbers, something he’s sought for the past two years. He said he finds it ironic that correctional officers are required to precisely count approximately 21,000 inmates multiple times a day or face severe consequences.

“Yet, the correctional administration has failed to provide a confirmed officer count in a period of two years. The closest the administration has come to providing an officer count is somewhere between a 300 to 470 officer shortage.”

Humphrey said an officer shortage leaves prison staff and the inmates themselves unsafe. I

Senator welcomes adoption decision Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week spoke on the Senate floor to applaud the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision today in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia and to discuss the Equality Act and S.1, which Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced the Senate plans to take up. Earlier Lankford last week, Lankford participated in a press conference to discuss his concerns with and opposition to S.1. In March, Lankford testified during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing against the Equality Act because it removes protections of one group in an attempt to protect another, which goes against America’s basic constitutional principle.

For the Fulton case, the Supreme Court unanimously held that Philadelphia was wrong to require Catholic Social Services to shed their faith in order to serve children and families and reaffirmed that no one should be discriminated against or compelled by the government to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs. In 2019 Lankford signed on to a brief asking the Supreme Court to take the case. In March, Lankford introduced the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, which would protect faith-based child welfare providers, like Catholic Social Services, from being discriminated against for acting in accordance with their deeply held religious beliefs. Lankford also penned an oped earlier this year on how and why Americans can have their faith and live their faith. In December, Lankford joined his colleagues to introduce a resolution defending the First Amendment of the Constitution—the right to the free exercise of religion.

Lankford addressed the Conservative Political Action Committee conference earlier this year to dis-

cuss the importance of the First Amendment for who we are as Americans.

Transcript Next week (This week) looks like a busy week.

That's fine. We have a lot of things we need to be able to cover and to walk through as the senate.

Next week is particularly divisive, though, in some of the issues that are coming up.

Let me give you two examples that I hear are on the docket for next week. One of them deals with how we vote in America. Now, in Oklahoma, we know how we vote. Each state determines its own structure of how they vote. And in Oklahoma, you can do absentee mail-in voting with no excuses. If for any reason you want to be able to mail in a ballot, you can do that. You can do in-person voting early. In fact, this year our state legislature met, they added another day of in-person voting.

So, there are lots of days of in-person voting in Oklahoma. Or you can actually go to the polls the day of the election and be able to vote then. It's up to you. We have very straightforward voter ID laws. We have a system that sets up that if you do early voting or absentee voting, all the disputes on those are handled before election day itself. So that on election day, when the polls close at 7:00 PM, we then finish all the voting, or the counting, I should say, on early absentee, on early in-person, and then we're counting the day of. Usually by about 10:30 at night on election day, we're done voting and everyone is done watching all the final results in from the entire state.

It's a pretty straightforward, clean process that we have seen that is exceptionally reliable. In fact, it's so tough in 2016 when the Russians were probing different systems to try to get into it, our state was one of the states the Russians tried to get

into, couldn't get into our system, and they moved on to other states to try to get into those. We have a secure system, we have a reliable system.

But that's apparently not enough. Because Senate bill 1, that's coming to the floor next week would say, Oklahoma we're going to completely change your system. People in Washington, DC, don't like how you vote, don't like your clean reliability efficiency, regardless of complaints, we think we want to change it here in Washington, DC. Interestingly enough, we have a system that can also verify if someone voted twice. In fact in this past election, 57 people in Oklahoma voted twice. We could verify that after the fact based on all the records, and we could go back and be able to prosecute those individuals that chose to vote twice because that's not legal.

Here is what happens when S. 1 comes to the floor. The debate here on S. 1 will begin with no voter ID, take away your voter ID in Oklahoma.

Change the way that you do early voting. In fact, change the way the ballots are actually collected entirely. No longer in Oklahoma will we know the winner of our election at 10:30 on election night.

S. 1 clangs that and says ballots have to be allowed to trickle in for ten more days after the election is over. So we won't know at 10:30 at night on election night. We'll know two weeks later who actually won the elections.

And as far as a reliable system that we can all verify and check, oh, no, it changes that dramatically. It now opens up what's called ballot harvesting. Ballot harvesting would allow political operatives to go door to door to be able to engage with people that had mail-in ballots and to say to them have you mailed your ballot in? If they say, ‘no,’ they can say, ‘Well, let's just fill it out right here on the porch. Then you can hand it to me.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 11

Students help metro teachers with supplies University of Central Oklahoma College of Education and Professional Studies students surprised four metro teachers, all recent UCO education graduates, with classroom supplies as part of its Adopt-A-Teacher program.

The student organization, Central Association for Responsive Educators (CARE), is led by early childhood and elementary education majors at Central. Through the program, students raise funds through various events and select recipients from an application process that is open to all UCO education alumni.

"We believe it is so important for teachers to be rewarded for all their hard work," said Kenzie Holland, an elementary education major and CARE officer from Midwest City.

"All of the CARE officers and advisers were filled with so much joy being able to see the big smiles on the teachers' and students' faces when receiving all the supplies. We love supporting our own UCO alumni with tools that can help each child be more successful in the classroom."

As part of the program, teachers submit lists of needed supplies, including books, toys and other learning materials that are then purchased by CARE officers and delivered to the classrooms as a surprise to the applicant. One recipient, Kitty Stuber from Putnam City Public Schools, had specifically requested items to help promote a more diverse education setting in her elementary classroom.

"This was such a wonderful surprise, and I was gifted more than I ever could've hoped for," Stuber said.

"I teach in a diverse elementary school and am always looking for ways to celebrate this diversity.

The gifts of baby dolls of different ethnicities, skin color paints and markers, and several new [multi-

PHOTO PROVIDED

University of Central Oklahoma College of Education and Professional Studies students surprised four metro teachers, all recent UCO education graduates, with classroom supplies as part of its Adopt-ATeacher program. Pictured, left to right: Zoe Cardenas, an early childhood education major from Yukon, Kenzie Holland, an elementary education major from Midwest City, Kitty Stuber, a teacher at James L. Dennis Elementary School in Putnam City, and, Jill Davis, Ph.D., UCO associate professor of curriculum and instruction at Central and CARE faculty adviser, present Stuber with learning materials and toys for her classroom.

cultural] books will help me meet my goal of making sure every child feels special, loved and celebrated for who they are."

The recipients of the 2021 Adopt-A-Teacher program were Kristen Atchley, Stoneridge Elementary in Piedmont; Tamesha Rayes, Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City; Angela Stephenson, Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City;

PHOTO PROVIDED

Home Creations officials, helping buy a surplus of Girl Scout cookies, are, from left, Ali Farzaneh- Vice President of Sales and Director of Commercial; Mohammad Farzaneh- Founder; MJ Farzaneh- Chief Operations Officer; Jalal Farzaneh- Founder; and Hossein Farzaneh- Chief Legal Officer/Director of Investments.

Home Creations creates sweet partnership with the Girl Scouts Home sweet home just got a little sweeter, thanks to a new partnership between Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (GSWESTOK) and Home Creations. Fittingly, the partnership will benefit the Girl Scout Troop at Positive Tomorrows, a school for homeless children.

Home Creations, an Oklahoma City-based homebuilding company, is providing free Girl Scout Cookies to their new homeowners and at show homes across the Oklahoma City metro through the end of the summer.

The company purchased $5,000 in cookies to support the program, with proceeds from the sale going to the Troop at Positive Tomorrows.

“The Girl Scout Troop at Positive Tomorrows was just reactivated last year,” said Shannon Evers, GSWESTOK CEO. “The Home Creations team is making STEM and leadership programming available to some very special kids.”

Nationally, about 15 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies remain unsold this year, including about 20,000 boxes for the GSWESTOK Council, which is based in Oklahoma City.

“It’s no secret that cookie sales

were impacted by the pandemic,” Evers said. “Cookie sales fund leadership programming, so we’re grateful to Home Creations for finding a creative way to support our girls while also giving their customers a gift we know they’ll love. We hope other companies might follow the Home Creations lead and reach out to us to give their employees or their customers a sweet reward in the form of Girl Scout Cookies.”

Proceeds from cookie sales stay local, with funds benefiting girls in Oklahoma. Individual box sales are closed for the year, but bulk ordering is still available. For more information about purchasing cookies in bulk, please contact Judi Startzman at (405) 205-2311.

“We believe in supporting our community, and, in particular, programs that build confidence and character in kids,” said MJ Farzaneh, Chief Operations Officer, Home Creations. “Girl Scouts have been doing that for more than a century, and their cookies remind people of some of the sweetest times in their lives.

This is a great way for us to say ‘welcome home’ and also support kids in our own backyard.”

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Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper.

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and, Stuber, James L. Dennis Elementary in Putnam City, Oklahoma.

For more information about CARE and the Adopt-A-Teacher program, contact Rachel Baugh at 405-974-5408.

For more information about the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, visit www.uco.edu/ceps.

Page 12 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Hello sunshine & bring on the basil

By Carol Smaglinski Want to rid your patio of those pesky pests?

Plant some basil, a natural fly and mosquito repellant with its strong and pungent smell of mint, licorice and cloves. Those critters hate the herb and you’ll win the battle of the bugs just as they do in France and Italy where the people place abundant pots of basil on their windowsills.

To encourage growth in basil plants, pinch leaves from the very top.The herb can be grown inside in a window during winter with a lot of sunshine.

The herb is easy to grow and comes in many variations. It could reach as high as 2 ft. from seed, and is a delicious addition to recipes.

This excellent herb was once commonly known as the King.

In fact, the minty/anise flavored basil is one of the oldest in the family of herbs and gets its name from the Greek “basileus,” which translates to “king,” and was treated as royalty.

Basil is native to Iran and India, where it was held as sacred and Asian and African subtropics.

The herb is now grown widely in Southern states,

bringing our beautiful backyards to life here in Edmond.

Perfume makers have basil to thank for its essential golden/yellow oil, which is produced through steam distillation of the fresh herb.

That basil oil is used by manufacturers of some expensive perfumes all over the world. Basil is also an ingredient in toothpaste.

Let’s give credit to the Italians for using their warm, sweet and highly aromatic “basilico” in dishes such as pizza, mixed with pasta, adding flavor to dull soups and best of all, as an integral ingredient in pesto from Genoa. I always try to save a bit of the pesto on the side to spread on toasted French bread later, or inside an omelet.

Because it has a special relationship with tomatoes, this inexpensive summer herb with its zest and flavor is outstanding in Italian recipes.

Store fresh basil just like parsley in the refrigerator in a glass of water with stems down in the water and place a plastic bag over the top. Or, if you want to freeze basil, clean it, dry it and mix with a little olive oil. Freeze in snack size plastic bags and use to flavor black olive pizza, kneaded

into bread dough, added to sauces or as an addition to salad dressings.

The following recipe is a no-jar winner formula, which is easy and quick. Let the youngsters join in the fun for some at-home scratch cooking and they will learn some culinary tricks.

Tell them that only their creativity sets the limits!

Pronto Tomato Basil Sauce (Makes about 4 cups) ½ cup good quality olive oil 4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely 4 cups of roughly chopped plum tomatoes or 8 medium ripe tomatoes, drained 2 Tbsp. dried oregano, or 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ¼ cup or more, freshly chopped basil (Chop the basil by rolling up the leaves and cutting them with scissors.)

Heat a large saucepan. Add the oil. Then introduce the garlic and let cook for a minute.

Add tomatoes, oregano and seasoning and then taste. Simmer for at least 20 minutes.

Take off the stove and add the basil. Serve over hot pasta.

Study: Strawberries lower serious health risks As little as 130 calories per day could make a significant impact on your cardiovascular health.

That’s approximately how many calories are in about 2.5 cups of strawberries. And it’s the amount a new study led by Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D., found is needed to lessen our risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

“This is the ideal health finding,”

said Scofield, a physician and medical researcher in OMRF’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program. “Strawberries don’t require a prescription, and they’re available year-round.”

Previous work in Scofield’s lab showed that strawberries could have a positive impact on health. But in the new study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers were surprised to find that such a reasonable

amount of the berries could make a difference.

Scofield found that in people with obesity, the daily consumption of 32 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed with water (the equivalent of about 14 oz. of fresh strawberries) lowered participants’ blood glucose, improved good lipids and reduced LDL cholesterol, all factors for heart attack and stroke. Study participants also showed improved insulin resistance, an underlying cause of Type 2 diabetes.

But like the omega-3 fatty acids in fish, the researchers found the natural compounds in strawberries to be most beneficial when consumed as part of a whole.

“We know that eating fish has more health benefits than taking fish oil pills. This appears to be the same for strawberries,” said Scofield, noting that freeze-dried, powdered berries retain the nutrients of fresh berries. “We aren’t certain why, but it supports the idea that eating real,

whole foods is important.”

Scofield’s lab has previously shown that strawberries are an effective anti-inflammatory measure to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis, the leading cause of disability and joint replacements in adults in the U.S. “The idea that strawberries have anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy compounds is not new, but applying the benefits directly to specific diseases is,” said Scofield. “The bottom line is to eat well. We’re supposed to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. This is just one more indicator that the benefits of that are real.”

Scientists at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma State University and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas contributed to the work.

The research was supported by National Institutes of Health grant Nos. U54GM104938 and 5P20GM109025 and institutional funds from OUHSC and UNLV.

PHOTO PROVIDED

A study led by Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D., found that 2.5 servings of strawberries per day can lessen the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 13

After more than a year, the in-person party returned downtown last weekend for Heard on Hurd, the street gala sponsored by Citizens Bank of Edmond.

Edmond street party returns

LEFT -- Addie Shattuck, 4, had her face painted during the street party.

ABOVE -- From left, Andrea Velasco, Norma Lopez and Anatalia Lopez enjoy the Bondi Bowls one of the food items at Heard on Hurd RIGHT --- Fields Tigert, 4, making friends with a dinosaur during the festivities.

Photographs by Melinda Infante

Page 14 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of film ‘Fatherhood’

Movie emotional & not at all predictable

By George Gust Netflix original movie, “Fatherhood” follows the based in fact story of a father (Kevin Hart), who brings up his baby girl as a single dad after the unexpected death of his wife who died a day after their daughter's birth.

So often when you have a popular movie star, such as on the likes of Kevin Hart, the audience brings in expectations of what a “Kevin Hart” movie should be. We have all seen your various Hart comedy vehicles like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” “Ride Along” and “The Wedding Ringer” so when you hear that Hart is starring in a movie about a single dad navigating life and fatherhood you get a mental image of the slapstick comedy he has become known for; How does a bottle work, diapers are yucky, and strollers are hard to unfold. However, “Fatherhood” is much more sensitive to the loss and grief of losing a spouse and the deep uncertainty of the choices every parent makes while raising their children.

“Fatherhood” is a surprisingly emotional film and features an engaging dramatic turn from Hart in the lead role. And while this movie is endlessly

predictable for anyone who has seen this kind of romantic/dramedy (see “Life as we Know It”), it is the dramatic and emotional journey of Hart that helps this movie succeed. Early in the film there is a setup from Hart’s mother-in-law character where she says if he can’t prove to be a diligent father, he would need to move back to his hometown. In a more classic ‘Kevin Hart’ movie this is where the whacky struggles of a single dad figuring out caring for a baby would go up against an antagonistic mother-in-law character, but in “Fatherhood” this Hollywood conflict is quickly deflated with a lay-

ered portrayal from Hart.

Overall, “Fatherhood” succeeds at breaking free of the predictable plot with a dramatically potent performance from the usually broadly comedic Hart. By putting the relationship between the father and daughter at the forefront and giving the father character the appropriate amount of time and space to grieve the loss of his wife, Netflix’s “Fatherhood” feels like a mature examination of fatherhood with a spattering of heartwarming and comedic moments that are relatable for all kinds of families.

“Fatherhood” is rated PG-13 for some strong language, and suggestive material. Now available to stream on Netflix.

3.8 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

Kevin Hart shines in a dramatic turn as a tragically single dad as he attempts to navigate raising a baby on his own in Netflix original movie ‘Fatherhood.’

Humanities group offers grants Answers appearing on Page 19

Oklahoma Humanities (OH) is accepting applications from Oklahoma nonprofits wishing to apply for Major Grant awards of up to $10,000 or Challenge Grant awards of up to $20,000. Grant applications are reviewed by the OH Board of Trustees in late September and applicants are notified of funding decisions by October 1.

OH grants encourage cultural programming on the local level across the state. Eligible projects must support OH's mission to strengthen communities by helping Oklahomans learn about the human experience, understand new perspectives, and participate knowledgeably in civic life. OH grants can fund a variety of humanitiesbased projects, including exhibits, lectures, panel discussions, websites, film festivals, and more.

"We are proud to award around $200,000 each year to diverse projects from across the state," said Caroline Lowery, Executive Director. "Through engaging and informative content, they make the humanities more accessible and foster curiosity and conversation in their communities."

Draft applications must be submitted no later than Aug. 1 via OH's online grant system. about the grant application process may be directed to Senior Program Officer Kelly Burns at kelly@okhumanities.org

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Golden Age of Hollywood

ACROSS 1. *____ Code, or self-censorship guidelines for movies 5. Ship pronoun 8. ____ vera plant 12. Tiny piece of anything 13. Dateless one 14. Twist and distort 15. "Animal House" party garb 16. Cantatrice's offering 17. Frost-covered 18. *Mary ____, star of 52 films and recipient of 1976 Academy Honorary Award 20. Rounded protuberance 21. Breaks off 22. Crime scene acronym 23. One who insists on implementing #1 Across 26. Anxiety, pl.

30. U.N. working-conditions agency 31. A-one 34. Do like exhaust pipe 35. Students' dwellings 37. Between sol and ti 38. Parkinson's disease drug 39. Larger-thanlife 40. For the most part 42. ____ Aviv 43. Allow to rejoin 45. Between Paleocene and Oligocene 47. FEMA provisions, e.g.

48. *Instrument central to 1945's "A Song to Remember" 50. Manage without help 52. *Marx Brothers' 1933 classic 55. Florentine iris 56. Fourth largest Great lake 57. *Hitchcock's "The Man Who ____ Too Much" 59. Make children, biblical 60. Malicious look 61. Highest volcano in Europe 62. Object of

worship 63. Always, in verse 64. Like happy people's glasses DOWN 1. *Humphrey Bogart's Fedora, e.g.

2. At the summit 3. Hanna-Barbera anthropomorphic bear 4. Kellogg's Sugar ____ 5. Leather razor sharpener 6. Often used to pull #22 Across 7. Archaic expression of surprise 8. *Like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" 9. Mary's pet 10. Nabisco sandwich 11. Former times 13. *"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" type of adventure 14. Straining sound 19. Nautical measures 22. Party bowlful 23. Pressed beverage 24. Skip the big wedding 25. Waterwheel 26. *Drew Barrymore's grandfather

27. What actors do 28. Mature, as in fruit 29. Like an expired cracker 32. Surveyor's map 33. "Mai" follower 36. *Hattie ____, first African-American to win an Oscar 38. City in France 40. Prefix for central 41. Deep throat, e.g.

44. Middle 46. Slow ____ or pressure ____ 48. Baby food, e.g.

49. More unfriendly 50. *Ginger's dance and movie partner 51. Therefore or consequently 52. Mark for omission 53. Archaic "to" 54. Back-to-school purchase, pl.

55. ____-Wan Kenobi 58. *Bing Crosby's 1944 movie "Going My ____"

Answers are found on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 15

Luau rhythms enchant Touchmark residents

By Dana Tramba Did you hear Hawaiian music and smell the fragrance of pork cooking in Edmond on May 26?

The sounds and smells were coming from the 6th annual Paradise Island Luau. It was held at Touchmark at Coffee Creek, a retirement community.

There was plenty of reason for Touchmark residents to be celebrating. Because of Covid, an entire year had passed without a party. It is a tradition at Touchmark to throw a luau every year.

Now with the lifting of the Covid restriction, they could once again honor the tradition.

One hundred and fifty partygoers gathered for the feast. They arrived in Hawaiian print shirts, floral dresses, and grass hula skirts. As they entered Town Center, the reception room, they were greeted by staffers Susan Mattingly, Juli Dwyer, and Shannon Rich-Castillo. The staffers adorned the guests with colorful silk leis. The festive Hawaiian atmosphere included six-foot thatch umbrellas, jumbo inflatable palm trees, and tropical flower garlands. Adding to the fun, Mike Stockman, the CEO, and Chris Butrey from Transportation delighted in throwing colorful beach balls at unexpecting guests.

The evening before the Luau, residents were taught the hula by Betty Clymer, a professional Hawaiian Hula dancer. Memory care residents joined the lessons under the care of Touchmark staffers Sylvia Martinez and Angelica Marques.

Throwing a luau is a big job. It took all of Touchmark's eight departments to stage the event. Martin Chavarria, the Director of Resident Services, oversaw all the details.

Concierges Jenny Markmiller, Bertha Russell, and

PHOTO PROVIDED

Each guest of the event was greeted with the traditional Hawaiian lei.

Nancy Nelson spent weeks booking reservations.

Al Lewis and Tyler Hawley from maintenance prepared the Imu, a large pit for roasting. Touchmark has a permanent Imu. This year's cleaning was a challenge. Days of heavy rain had filled it with water.

Chef Amberly Collins and Sous chef Katelyn Spears began preparations a month in advance.

They ordered pineapple, banana leaves, Hawaiian seasoning, and the main dish: two pigs. The menu included bacon-wrapped chicken and Hawaiian Slaw, Hawaiian Fried Rice, Pineapple Baked Beans,

pasta salad. Jen Moore prepared coconut pudding and upside-down pineapple cake to finish the meal.

The Chef seasoned the pigs with Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke, then wrapped them in banana leaves. She had the two pigs lowered into the Imu on a wire stretcher covered with wet burlap. A lid covered the Imu. For twelve hours, the pigs roasted on the Lava rock and charcoal at 275 degrees. The pig sitters, Amberly and Katelyn, monitored the smoking pit’s temperature throughout the night.

The kalua pork was moist, tender, and falling off the bone when Chef Collins laid it out on the buffet table. All the tables sported grass skirts and artificial hibiscus flowers. Watermelon skewers in the shape of a fruit tree added to the motif. Tropical rum and pineapple cocktails served by Jeannie Endres and Ann Bihm colored the savory meal. A three-piece band with drums, guitar, and ukulele played and sang traditional Hawaiian songs, as well as the Hawaiian version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

After the meal, everyone moved to the front lawn and enjoyed a performance by Hawaiian hula dancers in the glow of tiki torches. Each dance told a story and emcee Bill Clymer explained the meaning of the swaying movements. The hand gestures of the Hukilau, for example, expressed ancient Hawaiians pulling in a fishing net.

Next year's Luau is scheduled for May 2022.

Touchmark welcomes family, friends, and Edmond's neighbors to join in the fun with the residents who call Touchmark home. For more information, please call (405) 340-1975.

Rowing coach honored University of Central Oklahoma head rowing coach Brian Ebke was named NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Thursday, the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association announced.

Ebke guided Central Oklahoma to its third consecutive national championship, with the Bronchos sweeping both the V8+ and V4+ titles at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla. last month.

UCO has won four straight titles in the eights and two in a row in the fours to go with three straight national team titles.

Ebke was hired by UCO in the fall of 2019, but his first season was unfortunately canceled in the spring of 2020.

His debut had to wait till this spring, but there were no signs of rust as the Bronchos cruised to victory in nearly every race.

The UCO rowers relish the national championship last month.

Literacy grants are awarded

PHOTO PROVIDED

Micah, 11, gives the camera a smile during Mixed Media class at Camp Courage, Calm Waters annual art camp for grieving children.

For children grieving a loss

Camp Courage is next month Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, central Oklahoma’s grief center, is hosting its fourth annual Camp Courage, a three-day, artbased camp July 20–21 at Calm Waters Center, located at 501 N. Walker, Suite 140, Oklahoma City, for children who have experienced a recent loss through death, divorce, incarceration, deportation, deployment, and foster/adoptive care issues. Camp registration is $30 per person and is sponsored by Champions of Health and the Edmond Women’s Club.

Camp Courage classes will be segmented into morning and afternoon sessions. Children must be 6-18 years old and have experienced a significant loss due to death, divorce, deployment, deportation, incarceration or foster/adoptive care issues.

Campers aged 6- to 9-years old will attend camp from 9 a.m. to Noon and campers aged 10- to 14-years old will attend camp from 1 to 4 p.m.

Teens, aged 15- to 18-years-old are encouraged to volunteer as a junior

camp counselor during the 3-day camp for morning, afternoon or for both camp sessions.

“Summer can often be a difficult time for a child who has recently lost a parent or someone close to them,” said Erin Engelke, Calm Waters Executive Director. “Camp Courage is a fun, healing way for kids to honor the memory of their loved one while making memories with other children who have experienced a similar loss.”

Each art class will be facilitated by Calm Waters in-house mental health clinicians and local artists who have donated their time and talent to teach children how to express their grief through art. Camp activities include drawing, painting, mixed media, dance, yoga, magic, gardening, and more. The last day of camp will end with the children’s art show for their families and peers.

Registration is limited to the first 50 children. To learn more about the camp and/or to register by July 16, visit https://www.calmwaters.org/programs/camp-courage/

Oklahoma Literacy Coalition, Inc. (OLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 OLC-TFCU Partnership Grant. In cooperation with Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU), 14 grants totaling $28,000 were given to organizations providing literacy assistance to adults. The grantees are: Arbuckle Literacy Leadership, Ardmore; Bartlesville Public Library Literacy Services, Bartlesville; Community Literacy Centers, Inc., Oklahoma City; Creek County Literacy Program, Sapulpa; Duncan Area Literacy Council, Duncan; Great Plains Literacy Council, Altus; Immigration Center at Western Oaks, Oklahoma City; OIC of OK County, Oklahoma City; Oklahoma City Community College Adult Literacy Center, Oklahoma City; Oklahoma Christian University: We Speak ESL, Edmond; Rogers County Literacy Council, Claremore; Stillwater Liter-

acy Council, Stillwater; The Friends of the Guthrie Public Library, Guthrie; and Thick Descriptions, Inc, Oklahoma City.

“The Oklahoma Literacy Coalition is extremely thankful for the Tinker Federal Credit Union partnership.

Their backing helps us in our mission to support literacy efforts statewide.

Through the OLC-TFCU Partnership grants, we are able to help numerous adults reach their goals of obtaining their high school equivalency credentials, citizenship, or supporting their eagerness to learn. Without these grants, many of our literacy sites would not be able to offer these programs,” said OLC Board President Taylor Meriwether. The 2021 grants include assistance in paying for staff, materials for students and teachers, a recognition program, and vouchers to take the High School Equivalency Test.

Page 16 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Going to college is a big commitment of time as well as money. Some parents wonder if buying a business franchise is a better option.

Some question if college is the best path forward College has become too expensive for some families, and even some who can afford it, don’t see a fouryear degree as a good investment. In a rapidly changing economy, jobs have dwindled in certain fields and many graduates can’t find work related to their degree.

As an alternative to put them on a solid career path, some parents find that buying a franchise is a way to set their kids up for success before eventually passing the business down to them, says Chris Buitron (www.mosquito-authority.com), CEO and president of Mosquito Authority®.

“Owning a franchise is a great way to get your kids quick, comprehen-

sive, hands-on business experience while giving them a big stake in the outcome,” Buitron says. “It creates a real sense of ownership and commitment that can lead to success, and it’s a proven way to leave a legacy to your family.”

Buitron offers the following points families should consider when deciding whether a franchise makes sense as a future business for their children: • Assess the market opportunity.

Buitron says a well-run franchise must be replicable and a proven concept that has shown consistent growth.

Some markets are slower to develop than others, and he says thoroughly researching the targeted area’s demo-

graphics is essential to determining long-term prospects. “You need to find there is a high demand for your service if it is marketed properly,” he says. “Just because a well-known brand franchise has performed well in different regions guarantees nothing in your new market neighborhood.

The sheer size of the territory isn’t always the most important factor.”

• Do a deep dive into the franchise. One of the benefits of buying a franchise is having a team guiding the franchisee through the entire process of running the business. But before committing, Buitron says, a potential buyer should take a deep dive into the franchise’s operational platforms and business relationships, a process best done by talking to numerous franchisees. “Talk with as many franchisees as you can to get a wide perspective on the franchisor through the franchisees’ experiences with the company,” Buitron says.

“You mainly want to find how supportive the franchisor is, see supporting documents on all finances, see how long it took various franchisees to achieve profitability, and hear how hard they have to work to achieve and maintain success.”

• Weigh the initial investment.

The cost of buying a franchise varies greatly, with the majority running in the $50,000 to $200,000 range, depending on the industry. Other franchise fees can run between $20,000

to $50,000, the lowest price being usually for home-based or mobile franchises. Along with the franchise fee there may be other start-up expenses, such as attorney and professional fees, inventory, signage, equipment, and other build-out costs for your location. “One of the advantages of choosing a franchise, rather than starting your own business, is you have a good feel going in as to what your initial costs are going to be,” Buitron says. “Your fellow franchisees have given you an accurate picture.”

• Weigh the vulnerability factor.

One lesson businesses learned from the pandemic was how vulnerable some were to a sudden and severe dip in the economy. “This is where essential businesses make a lot of sense,” Buitron says. “Or even in tough conditions, niche franchises can survive if they’ve developed a loyal following. The bottom line you need to consider before committing to buy is whether the franchise is dependent on specific market conditions.”

“Building up a franchise as a family-run operation can bring a family closer together and result in the kind of business success that’s hard to find,” Buitron says. “And with jobs hard to find for college graduates, helping run a franchise and learning all the ropes make the family investment well worth it in the long run.”

Pandemic took a real toll on longterm money goals

By Alan Becker Among the many devastating problems the COVID-19 pandemic caused was this: Plenty of Americans were left fretting about the state of their finances.

In a Pew Research Center survey, about half of non-retired adults said the pandemic’s economic impact will make it harder for them to achieve their long-term financial goals.

Among those experiencing a financial struggle, 44 percent estimated it would take them three years, maybe more, to get back to where they were before the pandemic. Another 10 percent are even more pessimistic, saying it’s possible they will never recover.

These are sobering results, though

perhaps not surprising. We all watched over the last year as portions of the economy shut down while our country did battle with the virus. Small businesses closed, some never to reopen again. Employees were told their services were no longer needed, and they went from drawing a regular paycheck to dealing with the frustrations of trying to draw unemployment.

For many people, savings plans took a hit. That Pew Research survey showed that 31 percent of savers had reduced the amount they save.

Among lower-income Americans, 47 percent cut back on their savings.

As a nation, we do see brightness ahead as Americans become vacci-

See Goals, Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 17

TSET Research investment brings $450 million n addition to funding innovative science that will save lives in Oklahoma and across the world, research investment by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has brought more than $450 million in additional research funding to the state over the last decade.

“Funding research to prevent and combat cancer and other tobacco-related diseases is a key part of TSET’s constitutional mandate,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “This vital work is saving lives in Oklahoma and elsewhere, as well as attracting top-tier researchers and outside grant dollars to our state.”

TSET funds research through grants that support the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program at Stephenson Cancer Center, the TSET Health Promotion Research Center, and the Oklahoma Center for Adult

Stem Cell Research.

With TSET support, Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC) has developed into one of the nation’s leading cancer clinical trials centers. Since 2012, more than 1,700 patients from Oklahoma and 17 other states have participated in early-phase clinical trials open through the TSET Phase I Center. Those clinical trials give Oklahomans access to cutting-edge treatments close to home.

Major pharmaceutical companies – including Amgen, Astrazeneca, Bayer Health, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, Roche and Pfizer – now choose Oklahoma and the SCC as a site for conducting their clinical trials. Since 2012, that work has brought more than $78 million pharmaceutical research dollars to Oklahoma.

In addition, with TSET support, the SCC has re-

cruited 64 new faculty researchers to Oklahoma since 2012. These 64 new investigators brought more than $34 million in out-of-state grant funding to Oklahoma. Since arriving, they have received additional grant funding of more than $110 million.

With all funding sources combined, TSET support has directly contributed to leveraging over $223 million in additional research grant and industry contract dollars between 2012 and 2020.

In addition, SCC is affiliated with the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC), which has a mission to reduce the burden of disease in Oklahoma by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and risky alcohol and other substance use through research and development of new intervention tools and techniques.

Youth sports exams offered

Winning an industry’s top awards was Mark Codner. Codner was honored at the Oklahoma Press Association’s annual convention June 11-12 at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel in Oklahoma City. He is pictured with ONF trustee John D. Montgomery.

Codner is a 2021 recipient of Newspaper Foundation award Edmond resident Mark Codner, former editor of The Edmond Sun, was recently honored by the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation and the Oklahoma Press Association as its 2021 recipient of the annual Beachy Musselman Award.

An award-winning journalist, known for professionalism, ethics and community building, Codner is now serving as publisher of The Newcastle Pacer. His journalism career spans more than 30 years.

The award, given annually by the ONF as one of the top two awards in Oklahoman newspaper journalism, recognizes a journalist for his or her contribution to the field of printed journalism including service to the community, initiative in reporting, photographing or interpreting the news. The Beachy Musselman Award is one of the two top awards given out during the annual Oklahoma Press Association convention.

Codner and his wife, Sherry, were publishers/owners of The Madill Record and The Texoman from 1994

to 2015. Before that, he worked in various editor positions at the Tulsa World, Yukon Review/Mustang News, Collinsville News, Skiatook Journal, Coweta American, and Purcell Register.

He is a 1988 graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in newspaper journalism.

In 2016, Codner was named news editor of The Edmond Sun where he served until the newspaper closed in 2020. At the Sun, Codner said he made sure the Sun’s reporting resources were used to follow the money of city and school. He also implemented several new projects such as highlighting the Teachers of the Year, and a series of articles reporting the efforts behind raising awareness and money for Alzheimer’s research.

Codner is the recipient of numerous journalism awards and has been a member of multiple community organizations including the Marshall County Economic Development Committee and Madill Lions Club, and he was a board member of the non-profit Four Square Hospice.

Portal matches students with possible scholarships The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation has launched an incoming freshman and incoming graduate student scholarship portal that will match applicants to potential scholarship offerings. To apply, students must be admitted to Central for the fall semester.

The UCO Foundation developed the scholarship portal after recognizing the need among incoming students.

“We are thrilled to offer incoming freshman and first-time graduate students the opportunity to be matched with scholarship dollars,” said Anne Holzberlein, UCO vice president for advancement.

“We are hopeful that by creating this portal, we will be able to alleviate financial hardships preventing our students from pursuing higher education at Central.”

The scholarship portal currently is open and will close July 16. To apply, incoming freshmen are encouraged to attend Forge, the university’s new student orientation, to discover more about the portal, as well as ways to stay engaged with campus. First-time graduate students can direct questions to foundation@uco.edu.

The scholarship portal will match students to offerings of which they may be qualified including the Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship, which is awarded to second-and third-generation UCO students.

Because this opportunity is only available to incoming freshman and incoming graduate students, continuing and transfer students are not eligible.

Applications are available at scholarships.uco.edu.

Ashley McAllister, M.D., Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health pediatric sports medicine specialist, is offering sports physical exams for children on two upcoming McAllister dates at Kids First Pediatric Urgent Care locations.

Athletic programs in schools across the metro area typically require annual physical exams before students are allowed to participate in any form of organized sports activity. To help support young athletes throughout the community, sports physicals are offered for $35 on the following dates and locations: July 8, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Oklahoma Children's Hospital - Kids First Pediatric Urgent Care – Ed-

mond, 2820 N. Kelly Ave., Suite 100 Aug. 3, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Oklahoma Children's Hospital - Kids First Pediatric Urgent Care – May Avenue, 12516 N. May Ave. The exam takes about 30 minutes and will include a review of the athlete’s medical history including any previous injuries, discussion of topics related to each athlete’s chosen sport and physical exam with vitals. A sports physical form is completed and signed by the healthcare provider, which the student may return to the school. Students may bring forms supplied by their schools to their appointments, but the clinic will have forms available as well.

McAllister also offers sports physical exams at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Sooner Pediatrics in downtown Oklahoma City. To make an appointment for any location, call (405) 271-6827.

Page 18 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Tips for exercise during the heat IC ICONIC ONIC O OAK AK TREE N NATIONAL ATIO TI T NAL

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By Brian Attebery It’s hot. Yep. Summer has arrived and so has the heat.

What do we do with our exercise right now? How do you adapt to this? What if you haven’t Attebery started back yet?

How does that look in the hotter temperature?

There is no doubt that working out in the heat brings on some challenges. They are especially more difficult if you exercise exclusively outside. If you do your workouts in the outside, you need to try to focus on getting it done early in the day before it gets too hot. You need to make sure you don’t just drink coffee when you arise but also adequately hydrate with good old fashion water.

Yes, water is best. Electrolyte drinks can provide some benefits when trying to bring your up from being behind on your hydration, experiencing some low-blood sugar and when you sweated more than normal. Water is best also because it doesn’t have sugar in it and many of the typical electrolyte drinks are full of sugar. If you are trying to lose an appreciable amount of body fat as your workout goal, you will want to avoid anything full of sugar. Make sure you stay hydrated during the workouts too and this applies to the inside workouts as well.

Rocky made the idea of a hoodie really cool to workout in but in reality, you need to keep your clothing light and breathable. Many of the materials used today are great at allowing your body to cool off better.

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

the fanciest workout clothing. Cotton t-shirts work fine.

Your workouts need to be strategic to your environment and days you are working out. If you are experiencing a very hotday, you may consider shortening your workout by increasing the intensity and decreasing the volume. Instead of doing 3-4 sets per exercise, try just doing a warm-up set then follow it up with a set that you push it to muscular failure. Do as many as you can in other words. If you normally walk for 45 mins, you may want to consider doing some 510 seconds sprints followed by 1-2 minutes of a brisk walks or jogs to cycle the intensity of your cardio training but only do a total of about 15-20 minutes per workout. These high-intensity, shorter-duration workouts are a great technique all year long for the busy person or when you feel like you just don’t have as much time that particular day regardless of the heat.

Adults and kids do not react the same with heat either. Kids are not “mini-adults.” It takes more for kids to cool off and all the tips we discussed should be paid attention to for them even more. If you do experience some heat exhaustion, make sure to seek a cool area or shade, drink more water and apply a cold press to your head. If this becomes more than a minor issues, seek medical attention. Heat is not joke but don’t let is keep you from continuing your fitness goals throughout the summer.

Mosquito season has arrived, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health is offering tips to help avoid ailments spread by the insects. West Nile Virus is the most common disease spread by mosquitoes in Oklahoma.

“As much rain as we are having, mosquitoes are going to be abundant this season,” Public Health Veterinarian LeMac’ Morris said. “Weather has a major influence on mosquito populations. May is the traditional start of mosquito season, but mosquitoes can appear as early as March and may persist even after the first fall frost.”

According to the CDC, there are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick.

About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms.

About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

Mosquitoes can bite day or night.

They hibernate in or near homes to survive cold temperatures, and lay their eggs anywhere with stagnant water. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in as little as a tablespoon of standing water.

Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes around your home are the best ways to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.

Prevent mosquito bites with ‘The Four D’s’: 1 DEET – Apply mosquito repellant containing DEET or another approved active ingredient 1. EPA-registered insect repellents

include: DEET, Picaridin, OLE and IR3535 2. Always follow label instructions when applying insect repellants 3. Do not apply insect repellent to your hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin 4. Reapply as directed on the product label 2. Dusk (and Dawn) – Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active 3. Drain – Drain any standing, stagnant water found in containers or areas around your home and workplace 4. Dress – Dress yourself in long sleeves and long pants to shield skin from mosquitoes Control mosquitoes around your home: • Keep windows and door screens in good repair • Prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water ◦ Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or discard items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, bird baths, flower pots or trash containers.

• Use larvicides to treat large bodies of water not used for drinking that can’t be covered or dumped out.

Larvicides prevent mosquito larvae from maturing into biting adults.

• Use an outdoor adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes in areas where they rest, such as dark, humid areas, under patio furniture or under the carport or garage.

• Mosquito control products are available at most home improvement and garden stores.

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 24, 2021 • Page 19

Goals From Page 17 nated and the economy begins to right itself.

What’s done is done, though, and those whose finances took a major blow must now figure out how to stabilize themselves and get back on course.

Here are a few tips for doing so: Make a plan. Figure out where your finances are right now. Look at your monthly expenses and your monthly income and see how they stack up.

Are there ways you can cut back on expenses. Of course, that may mean making sacrifices, a hard ask since you may have sacrificed so much already in the last year. Indeed, 42 percent of the Americans that Pew Research surveyed said they are spending less money than usual since the pandemic began. But you can feel more confident going forward if you write down a plan that outlines where your finances are, where you would like them to be, and what steps you need to take to get there.

Begin saving again as soon as you can. One of the most insidious aspects of financial struggles is that they beget other financial struggles. You can’t pay this month’s electric bill, so you charge it to a credit card, which means now you are paying that bill off with interest, which means it’s even harder to save for retirement or emergencies. But saving is important, and the sooner you can get back to doing it regularly, the better, even if it’s just a small amount to begin with. One of the best ways to save is if your employer offers a 401(k) plan where your contributions go directly into your account

without you ever touching the money. This is even better when the employer offers a company match, free money that boosts your savings even more.

Consider postponing retirement. If you were forced to reduce your contributions to your retirement savings – or worse, had to dip into those retirement funds to meet monthly expenses – it might be a good idea to take another look at your retirement timeline. Perhaps it would be wise to postpone retirement a few years, giving you more time to build back what was lost.

Review your Social Security options. When you close in on Social Security age, you have decisions to make. The pandemic may have changed what

you want or need to do. You can take your Social Security benefit early, at 62, but that means a reduced monthly check for the rest of your life. You can wait until your full eligibility age, which for most people is 66 or 67. Or you can put off claiming Social Security until age 70, and be rewarded with a bigger monthly check. Perhaps pre-pandemic you had your Social Security plan all figured out, and possibly that plan still works. But it also could be time to review where you stand. If you lost your job, taking Social Security early may now make sense just to bring in some income. If you decide to keep working beyond the date you originally planned to retire, maybe you will want to postpone Social Security as well.

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Page 20 • June 24, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure