Edmond Life & Leisure - June 25, 2020

June 25, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 6

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

For more information, see page 4.

Don’t forget to vote June 30 See Page 4

FRIDAY, June 26 Partly Cloudy High 90° Low 71°

SATURDAY, June 27 Mostly Sunny High 91° Low 73°

SUNDAY, June 28 Mostly Sunny High 92° Low 73°

PHOTO PROVIDED

Dylan Hall won’t be back for his senior season with the University of Central Oklahoma. He will now be part of the New York Mets organization.

By Mike Kirk Central Oklahoma pitching standout Dylan Hall will forgo his senior season with the Bronchos after signing a free agent contract with the New York Mets.

A 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander from Stafford, Va., Hall wasn’t selected in the five-round Major League Baseball draft last week but was quickly contacted by several teams and opted to sign with the Mets.

Hall’s 2020 season was cut short in mid-March when the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the spring season. He was 4-1 with a 3.00 earned run average and 45 strikeouts in 30 innings – including a school-record 14 in a complete-game win over Metro State – when play was stopped.

“We’re very excited for Dylan and the opportunity he is going to have with the

Mets and professional baseball,” UCO head coach John Martin said. “He has been a big part of our success for the past two years and is one of the best pitchers UCO has ever had, but he’s an even better person.

“He has been a great teammate and we wish him all the luck at the next level.”

It marks the fourth straight year that a UCO pitcher has joined a MLB organization.

Holden Capps (2017) and Austin Lambright (2018) were both drafted by the Kansas City Royals, while Spencer Van Scoyoc was picked by the Philadelphia Phillies last year.

Hall could have returned for a second try at his senior season in 2021 after the NCAA granted players of spring sports another season of eligibility, but instead he decided to go ahead and pursue his professional dreams.

“It’s a good opportunity,” Hall said in an interview with his hometown newspaper, the Free Lance-Star. “I was really impressed with the support I received from their staff. It seems like a really good fit.

“They (the Mets) do a really good job of developing pitchers. They have a really good track record of their guys getting better, like Jacob deGrom, who has won two Cy Young awards.”

Hall started his collegiate career at Virginia Tech, spending two years there before transferring to UCO. He made 16 starts for the Bronchos as a junior in 2019, going 8-4 with a 3.22 ERA while striking out a school-record 123 batters in earning first-team All-MIAA and All-Central Region honors.

Hall also finished fifth on Central’s career strikeout list, fanning 168 batters in just 21 games.

Page 2 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 3

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Linda Thompson, Ph.D.

Those affected by Covid-19

OMRF will use grant to study Oklahomans The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has received a $1.75 million federal grant to study the impact of the coronavirus on Oklahomans.

Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the two-year project will seek to understand the immune system’s response to the virus and how that immune response varies in different ethnic groups. Additionally, the study aims to understand if the immune response is protective against future infections -- or if it might worsen them.

“OMRF has a strong history and wonderful partnerships throughout the state,” said Linda Thompson, Ph.D., who will help lead the project.

“That should enable us to quickly obtain blood samples from those who have been exposed to or infected by the coronavirus.”

The researchers will analyze blood donated by volunteers to understand individuals’ differing immune responses to the virus. The OMRF scientists will be looking for biological clues that might identify those individuals most likely to experience a severe response to coronavirus infection.

As a group, Oklahomans are at a somewhat higher risk for life-threatening complications from Covid-19, as they tend to have higher rates of other conditions associated with greater mortality from coronavirus infection: obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

OMRF is actively recruiting individuals for Covid-19 antibody testing, especially people with these high-risk conditions, those with Native American heritage, and those who know or suspect they have recovered from the virus. If you’re interested in participating, please call 405-271-7221 or email Jackie-Keyser@omrf.org.

OMRF researchers will also be

studying the roles and reactions of antibodies that form in the immune response to infection to the virus known technically as SARS-CoV-2.

“Specifically, we need to know if antibodies help fight the virus,” said Mark Coggeshall, Ph.D., who will also help lead the research. Work will focus on a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement, where instead of protecting people from future infections, antibodies could actually make future infections worse.

“We have to understand all aspects of the body’s immune response and which ones correlate to good health outcomes, and we also need to understand how these vary in different ethnicities,” said Thompson. “This knowledge gap needs to be filled quickly to inform vaccine trials, some of which are already underway.”

The new funding comes as a supplement to a grant awarded to OMRF to study the immune system’s response to anthrax bacteria as part of the NIAID’s Cooperative Centers for Human Immunology.

“Our existing research on anthrax has a developed infrastructure to study immune response to a serious viral infection,” Thompson said. “So, we are set up to start this project without having to develop new methodology. The work can, and will, begin immediately.”

Coggeshall, for one, is eager to start the new project. “Our anthrax work is promising and important, but all research efforts right now should be on SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19,” he said. “There is no more urgent issue to study in the world, and we will do everything we can to help.”

Funding for the research is provided by grant No. 2U19AI06262916 from the NIAID, a part of the National Institutes of Health.

Resurface work set for Fifth Street Work to resurface a small section of Fifth Street is slated to begin Monday, June 29th. The project is expected to take approximately one week with cooperative weather.

The area of Fifth Street to be resurfaced is from Broadway to Boulevard.

The roadway will remain open during this time, but traffic will be reduced to one lane with the use of flaggers to facilitate movement. Motorists

should expect delays and are encouraged to find an alternate route if possible. Access to side streets and businesses along the roadway will always be available during this work.

This resurfacing is part of the scheduled 2019-20 Mill & Overlay projects for the City of Edmond. T.J. Campbell Construction is the contractor for these projects with a total cost of $2,135,325.

Page 4 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Vote for Taylor, Neese & Inhofe Through all this crazy stuff going on in our world today, we are about to have an election. It is this coming Tuesday, June 30. I know elections can sometimes sneak up on us but this one Ray Hibbard really has folks. The people running for office have had the most difficult time campaigning. All the usual steps that a person would take that is running for office have been sidelined and new tactics have taken their place. This really is not good for a primary since that is where voters can get to know the candidates better.

There is usually lots of door knocking and personal appearances. None of that is possible this year.

While ballots will differ over our distribution area, most Edmond ballots will have a state question and primary candidates for U.S. 5th congressional district, Oklahoma County Sheriff and U.S. Senator. Many folks much smarter than me would just not do endorsements for a primary full of candidates, especially on the Republican ticket where all the action seems to be. They would just wait and let them fight it out and then make an endorsement for the run-off or the general. There are sure to be run-offs this year.

I just cannot do it folks. As my friend Saundra Naifeh tells me, “Sometimes, you just have to take a stand”. So, this is how we see the choices on the Republican races: For Oklahoma County Sheriff our pick is current sheriff, P.D. Taylor. It will be a different four years for Taylor this time around if re-elected since the jail will be managed by a trust created last year by Oklahoma County. Honestly, this must be a relief to Taylor and his staff. The jail is a problem, for many reasons beyond the control of any one in office currently. Those that came before and the ones who built the faulty jail are the ones that caused most the issues. Taylor and his office can now concentrate on police duties including patrolling the unincorporated areas of the county where they have no other police protection other than the sheriff’s office.

Taylor reached out to us early in the campaign. We would count him as a friend and supporter of community journalism. He is well respected in the law enforcement field. My guess is that as the newly formed trust grapples with the issues at our county jail, Taylor’s running of the jail will be regarded as doing a much better job than some have said.

“I am excited and honored to serve Oklahoma County’s citizens during this new day in our county where we can truly focus on the safety of all of our citizens – young and old,” Sheriff Taylor said. “As I seek a second term, I am proud of the many improvements that I have made at the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and am looking forward to solely focusing on law enforcement and public safety. Employees at the Sheriff’s Office deserve support, and a bright future. I intend to ensure that promises I have made to the citizens, and OCSO staff are promises that I keep,” he added.

Taylor has over 48 years in law enforcement. He took over the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017. Taylor has worked closely with the Criminal Justice Reform Committee, judges, and local law enforcement to reduce inmate population at the jail by over 30% saving taxpayer’s money.

Taylor reinstituted the OCSO Warrant Team to serve more than 30,000 active warrants. This is a big deal folks in getting harmful people off the streets. The team has captured many dangerous, and repeat offenders making our streets safe. Taylor joined the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1968. He is a graduate of Putnam City High School, the Class of 1964, and he obtained his associate degree in police science from Oklahoma City Southwestern College. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968, Taylor was

stationed in Vietnam, attaining the rank of sergeant.

We had the opportunity to visit with Tommie Johnson who is another of the candidates running against Taylor. We appreciate him taking the time to come talk to us and we were impressed with his attitude and dedication to law enforcement. This time around we just must go with experience that Taylor certainly has for the office.

The Republican list of candidates for our U.S. Fifth District Congressional seat is long. Many of the names will be familiar to you, but some will not be familiar. This is where the realities of the COVID-19 virus cause a disadvantage to those candidates with less name recognition. Out of that list we recommend Republicans choose Terry Neese.

We have been fortunate to know her since she ran for Lt. Governor for the state back in 1990. Neese has always been a serious candidate and businesswoman. Her career is impressive, but she also had an important background working in the national scene that gives her an edge of all the other candidates. She is also the only candidate for that office that took the time to walk through our door and discuss the issues.

While it is a great disappoint to me that two of the other candidates for this office that we know well did not take the time to come visit, it does show me how undedicated to Edmond

they are and how important Edmond is to Neese. She lived in Edmond for years and loves our community. We need a representative in Washington, D.C. that has Edmond at the front of their mind when they are working to improve not only Oklahoma but the rest of the country.

Neese was born in the same area of Oklahoma that my family comes from, Walters, OK. However, she was raised in Cookie Town which makes our family hometown of Mangum, OK seem like a thriving big city. Neese was raised a farm girl just like my mother and I can tell you they do not give up folks. She has two sisters. “I always wanted to start my own business”, she explained to us.

Neese went on to start Terry Neese Personnel Services with $600 in her pocket. She turned that $600 into a thriving business that has found jobs for over 37,000 Oklahomans. Known as a small business expert, Neese served as the national co-chair of President Trump’s small business advisory council and was recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the “Power 30”— the most influential small businesspersons in Washington, D.C. Neese is also the founder and President of the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW).

Neese is the former president of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Under her leadership, the organization led the successful passage of H.R. 5050, which President Ronald Reagan signed into law. This historic legislation made it possible for women business owners to obtain a small business loan or credit card without a male signature.

When it comes to the primary for U.S. Senate our pick is Oklahoma’s current senator, Jim Inhofe, hands down.

He has a long history of great work and holds key positions in the senate to help make a real difference for Oklahoma. I do wish he would stop flying that plane upside down in his television advertising.

You will also find State Question 802 dealing with the expansion of health care on the ballot. It is a hard one folks and there are lots of variables. We are still trying to make our call as of press time. If you can give it some study, then please do so. It is a constitutional change and those are hard to undo.

Good luck and see you at the poll or mailbox depending on how you are voting this time around.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by email at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Frenzy Brewing on tap..................................................................Page 7.

---- Gardening advice ........................................................................Page 8.

---- Intolerance abounds ..................................................................Page 10.

---- More on State Question 802 ....................................................Page 11.

---- God & pandemic? ......................................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews movie “Shirley” ........................................Page 15.

---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 15.

--- Sports ........................................................................................Page 16.

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

---- Fitness column ..........................................................................Page 19.

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 © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 5

Edmond Mayor attends Stitt announcement

State begins reimbursements for virus Gov. Kevin Stitt was joined last week by city and county leaders to announce the state has begun fulfilling reimbursement requests for CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, fulfilling 30 percent of city and county requests in the first seven days of receiving applications.

From June 1 to June 10, the State received a total of $7.5 million in reimbursement applications from more than 60 cities and counties for operation expenses related to the presence of COVID-19.

“Help is on the way to Oklahoma’s cities and counties whose services have been impacted by the presence of COVID-19,” said Gov. Stitt. “We are grateful for Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation who made these critical funds available. It has made government more agile for adapting its workforce and services, to include purchasing critical personal protective equipment and enhancing sanitation of public areas or communal facilities.

The State has built a robust platform to get these funds out the door efficiently and quickly while also providing thorough oversight, and we expect to see the number of reimbursement applications to at least double in July.”

Gov. Stitt was joined for the announcement by Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil, Lawton Mayor Stan Booker, McAlester Mayor John Browne, Woodward City Council Member Roscoe Hill, Pittsburg County Commissioner Charlie Rogers, Comanche County Commissioner Alvin Cargill and Payne County Commissioner Chris Reding.

“We greatly appreciate the State and Governor Stitt’s leadership for making this reimbursement process efficient and expedient as time is of the essence for Payne County,” said Payne County Commissioner Chris

Reding. “We have prioritized resources towards our county jail and for enhancing our disinfection efforts of public areas, and we expect to continue pursuing these critical funds to bolster our efforts in the coming months.”

“When COVID-19 entered the State, the City of McAlester quickly moved to a telework status and adjusted the delivering of public services. The Governor’s leadership on COVID-19 and the expediency in delivering these critical federal funds has been essential in our success to date,” said McAlester Mayor John Browne. “The city will continue to leverage reimbursement opportunities where necessary to enhance public health and safety in hopes we can keep this novel virus at bay from impacting our region.”

“The State has been a tremendous partner in addressing COVID-19 in Comanche County, from assisting us with PPE and testing in our prison to helping us minimizing community spread,” said Comanche County Commissioner Alvin Cargill. “The partnership has remained consistent and strong in the State’s efforts to now distribute federal funds to alleviate the financial strain from our county government adapting to a new normal with the presence of COVID-19.”

At the time of the announcement, 21 cities and counties will receive their requested reimbursement amount totaling $2.1 million. Expenses were reimbursed for personal protective equipment, public safety measures, disinfection of public areas, COVIDdedicated payroll expenses, telework capability improvements, maintain prisons and jails, and more.

The State’s will begin receiving re-

imbursement applications from cities and counties again from July 1 to July 10. More than 100 cities and counties have executed an agreement with the State in order to file for future reimbursement needs related to COVID-19.

If a city or county has not yet registered with the State to apply for these funds, a designated public employee or elected official can submit their contact information here to begin the process: governor.ok.gov/crfgrants.

Per federal law, CARES FORWARD will process COVID-19 related reimbursements from cities, counties and State agencies until the end of January 2021. Cities and counties will be able to submit reimbursement appli-

cations during the first 10 days of every month, with the remainder of the month reserved for the State to review and validate applications as well as process payments.

While reimbursements are administered by the State, the federal funds are available due to the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) passed

by Congress and signed by President Donald J. Trump in late March. This federal stimulus delivered $1.2 billion to the State of Oklahoma to support COVID-19 response, to include expansion of testing and tracing, purchasing of personal protective equipment (PPE), and improvement of infrastructure or operations for delivering public services impacted by the presence of the novel virus.

Page 6 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Round Barn museum & gift shop now open ARCADIA – The Arcadia Round Barn museum and gift shop have reopened and will be open for the time being on weekends only.

The Round Barn closed in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In late May, the loft was re-opened to visitors on weekends only, and live music was resumed in an outdoor setting.

“The downstairs had remained closed as the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society board worked on a plan to reopen under the safest conditions possible for volunteers and visitors,” said Linda Simonton, president of the board.

“After the loft re-opened, our visitors were understanding when they learned the museum was still closed. Many told us they agreed there was no reason to rush, especially since most of our volunteers are retirees,” Simonton said.

When the museum re-opens on Friday, volunteers who chose to resume their duties at the Round Barn will be wearing masks and will encourage visitors to wear masks or gloves and maintain social distancing. Restrooms and touchable surfaces will be sanitized several times during the day.

The loft and museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The loft will also be open on Mondays.

The Red Dirt Rangers will perform as part of the Elm Tree Concert Series from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21. All concerts are free but donations are accepted. Visitors should bring lawn chairs.

The Eats and Beats Food Truck will be serving a full menu at the Round Barn from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The museum will return to its sevenday-a-week schedule once all volunteers are ready to return, Simonton said.

The Round Barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66.

Group providing help, support for caregivers Sunbeam Family Services continues to offer video support groups for caregivers and grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

“Caregivers are sharing frustrations, encouraging stories, resources, and this is a place to know you’re not alone in your caregiving journey,” said Talena Ford, caregiver fundamentals program manager. “During this time, we had a male caregiver whose wife is currently in a long-term care facility. He was unable to go be with her and struggled with this greatly. He attended the support group for encouragement and ideas on how to cope.”

Caregiver Support Groups are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m., and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Groups are held Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Both support groups create an opportunity to learn from others who face similar challenges. They also offer a place to share experiences, resources, and have socialize.

“Caregivers are finding the online option helpful,” said Ford. “They are able to attend without having to find someone to sit with their loved ones. During the pandemic, caregivers are not allowing anyone in their homes to provide respite, and the support group allows them a safe place to share their frustrations.”

Through the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, Sunbeam supports grandparents who are raising grandchildren without the presence of parents in the home. Participants are empowered through support groups and resources. To participate in this program, grandparents must be above the age of 55 and live in Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian or Logan county.

According to Ford, the support groups are “truly a community.” For more information about Sunbeam’s multifaceted Senior Services, call (405) 609-8939, email tford@sunbeamfamilyservices.org or visit sunbeamfamilyservices.org.

Beware of mortgage scams during pandemic

By State Point News Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance.

The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.”

According to Freddie Mac, this scheme involves bad actors offering false promises of being able to save your home from foreclosure. Common elements of this fraud include the following: • Requiring you to sign over the title to your home.

• Asking you to sign unfamiliar documents and/or share your personal information.

• Charging you rent to stay in your home and/or potentially promising that you can purchase your home back when your financial situation im-

proves.

Another common fraud involves a third party guaranteeing you a loan modification with a reduced mortgage payment. Such scams may operate similarly as foreclosure rescue fraud, as fraudsters collect an upfront fee and promise to work with your loan servicer on your behalf.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

• Be suspicious. If someone has contacted you asking for personal or sensitive information, do your homework to verify the validity of the request before providing any information. Contact your servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) and confirm that they called you asking for information.

• Spot imposters. Scammers across the globe can make any name or number appear on your caller ID or email. Protect yourself from spoofing

by letting calls go to voicemail first. If a call is important, the caller will leave a message. If you do answer and it is a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Just hang up.

• Report fraud. Freddie Mac will never reach out to offer a refinancing opportunity or new loan over the phone. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to represent Freddie Mac, you can report it by visiting sf.freddiemac.com/working-withus/fraud-prevention/feedback.

While there are fraudsters out there offering false promises, know that there is real assistance on offer during this crisis, too. Contact your loan servicer to discuss your options.

If Freddie Mac owns your mortgage and you are a homeowner unable to make you mortgage payments due to a decline in income resulting from COVID-19, you can learn more about available mortgage relief options by visiting MyHome.FreddieMac.com.

Center sharing black history on website The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) has released a new landing page on its website that offers numerous opportunities to learn more about the Black experience in Oklahoma. Visit www.okhistory.org/blackhistory to start exploring.

“Drawing attention to the legacy of racism is not enough to make permanent change,” said Dr. Bob Blackburn, executive director of the OHS. “If we are to find a path forward, all of us must understand the complex story of the Black community in Oklahoma. This landing page on our website opens windows to encourage that conversation using collections we have developed over the past 40 years.”

Visitors to the website can explore historic Black newspapers, watch film footage, search online collections and listen to podcasts. Included are biographies of civil rights leaders Clara Luper, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, Melvin Porter and Roscoe Dunjee; authors Ralph Ellison, Clifton Taulbert, Joyce Carol Thomas and John Hope Franklin; and so many others who shaped Oklahoma’s history and culture.

Lesson plans, e-exhibits designed for students and guides correlating to Oklahoma history academic standards provide educational support for teachers and parents. Historic topics highlighted include the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Civil Rights Movement, early Oklahoma, and All-Black towns. These resources and more are available at www.okhistory.org/blackhistory.

Black history in Oklahoma is complex and unique. In the early 19th century members of the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes brought enslaved people with them on their forced removal to present-day Oklahoma.

After the Civil War, these freedmen received tribal allotments. Other formerly enslaved people saw Oklahoma as a possible “paradise,” and some hoped for an All-Black territory or state. After statehood, the first bill proposed by the Oklahoma Legislature was Senate Bill One, which initiated Oklahoma’s Jim Crow era and subjected Oklahomans to racial segregation and the Black community to oppression. In the mid-20th century, Oklahoma was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Clara Luper led the charge to integrate Oklahoma City’s eating establishments through peaceful sit-ins two years before the famous protests in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.

Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

Frenzy Brewing recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening in downtown Edmond. Located in the historic E.A. Bender Building, Frenzy Brewing is Edmond’s first brewery. After two weeks of serving beer and merchandise curbside, Frenzy officially opened their bright blue doors on Monday, June 15. With nearly a dozen beers on tap for the grand-opening week, guests can expect variety when they visit the brewery taproom. Co-owners Matt and Beth Conner and Jeremy and Emily Estle became partners in 2018 and are excited to be a part of the renaissance taking place in downtown Edmond. With two decades of brewing experience, Edmond is in for a treat with Frenzy in town. Their taproom is family-friendly for all ages to enjoy. For more information, visit frenzybrewing.com.

Now open for business in downtown

Frenzy Brewing Co. officially on tap

By Dave Cathey Oklahoman.com Frenzy Brewing Co. completes a long, winding road to opening its downtown tasking room in the historic E.A. Bender Building, 15 S Broadway in Edmond.

Plans to open the city’s first craft brewery were intended for March, but the coronavirus outbreak scuttled those plans. Co-owners Matt and Beth Conner and Jeremy Estle opened the doors for curbside and to-go sales in the brewery and tap room earlier this month.

Beth Conner said beer sales have been brisk, but merchandise has been even better.

“It’s been really great,” she said. “We ran out of some of the hats already. We had to order extra for the grand opening.”

Longtime Edmond residents, Estle and Mark Conner made the transition from ranked amateur home-brewers to pros when they launched Frenzy in March 2019 with Beth’s help.

“We built our brand presence while we were still doing home-brewing competitions,” Mark Conner

Learn more at www.frenzybrewing.com said. “A lot of people thought we already had a brewery when they saw our set-up.”

With an audience in tow, Frenzy collaborated with Oklahoma City’s Angry Scotsman Brewing Co. to get the brand to market in kegs and cans last year.

Estle left 15 years in telecommunications, and Mark Conner left a 20-year banking career late last year, to focus on the build-out of the Bender Building, which was built in 1918 and has been an automotive garage and an Italian restaurant in its long history.

Natural light and reclaimed wood combine with digital menus to balance past and present in the guest area, which surrounds the brewery. The spacious venue is a lock to attract private events and play host to public ones.

The new tasting room is outfitted with 24 taps, which include beers exclusive to the brewery.

The preponderance of taps also allow for rotation, which is the lifeblood of a good craft brewery. More than a dozen beers will be on tap for the grand-opening week. If you need to take some home, stroll to the on-site cooler and choose from Yeah, Yeah, Yeah (‘Cause I’m a Blonde) BelgianStyle Blonde Ale and its Unspeakable Things New England IPA. You’ll need your wallet to show identification to purchase Frenzy beers, but you won’t need it to pay if you use the Arryved app. “You can use the app to make order while you’re in the taproom,” Mark Conner said. “Everything can be done on the tablet.”

Kids are not only welcome but encouraged. The taproom has a gaming table stocked with family board games.

Frenzy will follow whatever guidelines the city of Edmond has in place concerning COVID-19.

For more information, go to www.frenzybrewing.com

Page 8 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Ask the determined gardener Editor’s Note: The OSU Extension Center in Oklahoma City released the following Q&A. What would be a good replacement shrub for Photinia?

The answer depends on the reason for replacing the shrub. Is this plant overgrown, suffering from leaf spot or environment changed? OSU Fact Sheet HLA-6439 gives a great variety of choices and special conditions that may make these choices desirable. For good hedge use (formal clipped) Abelia, Boxwood, or Holly. For natural hedges: the afore mentioned or Juniper, or privet.

Evergreens for background or screening: yews, Azaleas, forsythia, or waxmyrtle. You can obtain a copy of this Fact Sheet by mail, call your count extension office.

When is it too late to plant okra?

Vegetable Varieties for the Home Garden HLA6032, recommends April 10-30 or later. Since germination takes several weeks, Locate 4 or 6 packs of sets, usually Perkins Mammoth. You may have to call around the garden centers, but that is how I start my okra each year. This has been a highly variable crop the last few years; if you have space, plant a short row of seeds and see what happens.

About 60-70 days to harvest for seeds.

Why is my hydrangea not blooming?

Spent blooms on a hydrangea should be pruned shortly after end of bloom. This allows time for growth for next years bloom. A lack of iron can cause poor blooming also. Add a iron rich fertilizer to determine if this is lacking.

What do I need to do to keep my Tomatoes growing and producing?

Decide on determinate or indeterminate tomatoes. Determinate plants put all their crop on at one time, allowing for ripening and harvesting at the same time. Indeterminate plants produce an extended crop through spring, summer and fall, often producing an abundance of fruit in fall.

These will also need trellised since they will grow throughout the harvest season. At planting, nip off lower leaves and plant deeper or in a short trench, allowing more stem to develop roots. Provide consistent watering to avoid blossom end rot. Do not water overhead, use soakers, preferably in the morning. Fertilize with a recommended Tomato formula as these plants are heavy feeders. Loosely mulch around plants to avoid soil splash and rapid dry-out.

Take all safe distance precautions and wear your mask and glove when you are out in the public.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 9

Okla. senator among those seeking police reform Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week joined Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Ben Sasse (R-NE) to announce the introduction of the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere (JUSTICE) Act. The legislation provides long-term solutions focused on police reform, accountability, and transparency. The bill also promotes efforts to find solutions to systemic issues that affect people of color, such as education and health disparities.

“I am honored to join my colleagues today to introduce the JUSTICE Act, which offers solutions to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities by increasing training, transparency, and accountability,” said Lankford. “Hundreds of thousands of state, local, and federal law enforcement officers in Oklahoma and around the nation continue to do the right thing, the right way daily.

However, the service of great officers gets overshadowed by the actions of a few that abuse their positions. Transparency, accountability, and training will allow the thousands of good officers to shine and

will expose the motives of those who are not providing equal justice. Legislative action is required to end the use of chokeholds and to bring more consistency under the law. Justice should not be a partisan issue.

I look forward to partnering with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with the White House as we work toward racial reconciliation and improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

“Now is the time for reform,” Scott said. “The murder of George Floyd and its aftermath made clear from sea to shining sea that action must be taken to rebuild lost trust between communities of color and law enforcement. The JUSTICE Act takes smart, commonsense steps to address these issues, from ending the use of chokeholds and increasing the use of body worn cameras, to providing more resources for police departments to better train officers and make stronger hiring decisions. I want to thank Leader McConnell and the entire task force not just for their hard work on putting this bill together, but for their commitment to finding real solutions.”

“I really appreciate Senator Scott’s leadership put-

Lankford strongly disagrees with Supreme Court ruling Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week released the following statement after the Supreme Court released its ruling today in the case to determine whether the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the Obama Administration’s executive action on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was appropriate: “The Supreme Court has now ruled that every future president has to abide by any previous President’s executive actions, whether lawfully put in place or not, unless a court determines they may be changed. This is the definition of arbitrary and a new invented constitutional right for the Executive Branch to be able to

write laws if the courts like them.

This Court has attempted to avoid a politically difficult issue by driving our legal system into a minefield of future uncertainty. In February of 2018, the Senate was in the process of finding a permanent fix for DACA, when the Supreme Court decided to take the issue away from Congress. Now, the Court has returned to Congress an even bigger mess while creating a long-term problem for any President responding to any previous Executive action. Congress was addressing it and should address DACA in law, but now this decision—and the way it is written—leaves the long-term solutions for DACA recipients even more in limbo.”

Pertaining to DACA case

ting together a police reform proposal that will make a difference," said Graham. “This proposal reinforces the need for better community policing, best practices and creating more transparency when it comes to reporting encounters with law enforcement throughout the country. I hope our Democratic colleagues will take this proposal seriously, and that all of us work together to find common ground to bring reform to policing in America.”

“It is our job in Congress to listen to voices across our country and heed calls for justice. That does not mean defunding the police. The answer is to improve policing, not to defund or eliminate it. This is what the JUSTICE Act does: makes significant improvements to our nation’s law enforcement system. There is absolutely no conflict between being pro-civil rights and being pro-law enforcement. The JUSTICE Act supports our police officers while bringing about positive change that will help guarantee equal protection to all of our citizens. This police reform bill will make a real difference in advancing our constitutional ideals and in making our communities safer. I am proud to stand with Senator Tim Scott and my other colleagues in introducing this legislation.”

Page 10 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Ample intolerance It’s challenging for me to watch the national network news anymore.

A lot of it is frustrating.

I think what disturbs me the most is the total lack of tolerance shown by the Steve Gust left.

Some of the recent turmoil nationally comes because of a grave injustice done to a man by police.

Then again others are using it as an excuse to engage in non-peaceful protest.

It reminds me of a city’s team winning the World Series or a Super Bowl. And people celebrate with acts of violence.

Although history doesn’t seem to matter to many people anymore, there is a precedent for this.

Some people committed violence when celebrating the end of World War II. Speaking of history, it’s a bit alarm-

ing how many people are willing to break the law and tear down a statue they don’t like.

Sometimes protesters deface a statue without knowing anything about the person.

The guy may have been a great abolutionist, and his statue is still destroyed.

Then again, some of these folks won’t take two seconds to look up what “abolutionist” means.

And why cancel “The Cops,” television program? It aired for 32 years!

I guess that program puts police officers in a positive light. It shows the tremendous pressure the officers face and many people aren’t interested in seeing that.

They want to advance the narrative the police need to be defunded.

That’s truly a bad idea.

Like I said at the beginning, it’s really not very uplifting to watch national news these days.

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

Helping the hungry during these times

By Julie Bisbee Can you imagine running out of food before your next paycheck? Or pulling together a meal for your family from items sold at a convenience store?

For one out of six households in Oklahoma, this is an everyday reality.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, food insecurity was one of the most significant challenges facing our state’s families and individuals.

The COVID-19 crisis has only magnified the need to make nutritious food available to Oklahoma’s most food-insecure residents.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endow-

Bisbee ment Trust has quickly responded to this urgent need. At a recent meeting, the TSET Board of Directors approved up to $1 million to be awarded for short-term projects to address food insecurity. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that prevention is more important than ever

for public health. Increasing access to healthy food is key to giving Oklahomans the tools to make healthy choices.

Food insecurity is a health risk linked to costly and preventable chronic diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, cancer and stroke. TSET is one of the state’s largest funders of prevention and works to address long-term needs and encourage healthy choices. Health disparities such as lack of buying power or lack of access to healthy foods can limit the choices of some Oklahomans.

The recent economic downturn has made it even more difficult for families to have enough food to eat. Almost 41% of mothers with children ages 12 and younger reported household insecurity since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to early national survey data analyzed by the Brookings Institute.

Proper nutrition is vital to good health. Access and availability of nutritious food are key components in helping Oklahomans reduce risk factors for chronic disease, obesity, as well as building a foundation of healthy habits for future generations.

To help close the gaps, TSET is seeking to partner with nonprofit groups, sovereign political entities, and state and local government organizations to address food insecurity. Over the next few weeks, we will be releasing details about funding opportunities that will seek to enhance the availability of nutritious foods across regional or statewide service areas. More information will be available at tset.ok.gov.

Bisbee is TSET's executive director.

Spirit of Open Meetings law vital also

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Oklahoma City is following the letter of the law in withholding certain police video footage of recent downtown protests. It would do well, however, to follow the spirit of the law instead.

The Okahoman recently asked to review footage from pole-mounted cameras carried by police during the protests late last month, one at NW 23 and Classen Boulevard and two others near police headquarters. Police made several arrests, most on complaints of rioting and disorderly conduct, and now the department is investigating use-of-force incidents.

A police captain says the investigations have not been completed and thus the department won’t be releasing the videos. He said their release can be revisited when the review is finished, but also that the municipal counselor’s office advised that videos from the pole-mounted camera are not subject to the state’s Open Records Act.

The Open Records Act says this about the records that shall be made available for public inspection: “Audio and video recordings from recording equipment attached to law enforcement vehicles or associated with audio recordings from recording equipment on the person of a law enforcement officer.” (Emphasis added.)

The city’s argument is that unlike body cameras or dashboard cameras, pole-mounted cameras are not attached to a person or vehicle.

Mark Thomas, vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association, is among those who see it differently. Thomas counters that a pole-mounted camera is attached to a person and therefore the footage is subject to the open records law.

“If they take a body cam off their chest and attach it to a pole, and hold it two feet in the air, does that make it confidential?” he asks. It’s a good question.

Thomas adds this: “If law enforcement feels the

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

need to carry a camera in public and video the public, the public ought to have the right to look at it.”

Ultimately, this argument will probably need to be settled by the Legislature. When he was a state senator, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt helped to update the open records law, with a goal of enhancing transparency while also protecting citizens’ privacy.

“Did we think about a guy holding a pole? No, we did not,” Holt says. “There’s always something.

You think you thought of everything.”

Oklahoma State University journalism professor Joey Senat, an expert on open records, laments that for “every other public record in the state” it is presumed the record is open until the Legislature closes it. But with law enforcement, Senat said, the reverse applies.

In a tweet, he called Oklahoma City’s interpretation of the law “asinine.”

“If police want to be trusted,” he said, “try transparency.” It’s advice worth considering.

Quote of the week “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” ― Abraham Lincoln

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 11

Vote ‘No’ against SQ 802 Simple strategies to meet To The Editor I have lived in two socialist countries and have had the opportunity to view firsthand universal healthcare. I keep asking myself, why are Americans falling for this myth?

Healthcare is not free! I hear "All this money will come back to Oklahoma!" and "Oklahoma taxpayers are financing other states!" These arguments don’t make sense ... How do you know where the taxes go once they are sent to Washington DC? Many of the politicians who hold seats in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives don’t even study the budget closely before the vote. The late Senator Tom Coburn was a relentless advocate exposing the runaway spending that did not benefit the American taxpayer, the spending that has only added to the deficit.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, voters will have two choices: First is an opportunity to honor the Balanced Budget Amendment enshrined in the Oklahoma state constitution, and second, to authorize our elected legislators to cut the budgets of many state agencies to finance this new amendment to the state constitution.

Voting NO (SQ 802) ensures that our legislators will continue to balance our state budget each year as is mandated in the state constitution.

Whereas voting YES ensures it will force our legislators to scramble to find the funds to finance this expansion of Medicaid (which, by the way,

Letter to the Editor may very well be from funds allocated for our Dept. of Education!)

I have copies of three letters to The Oklahoman on my desk asking voters to vote YES. Two of these are from CEOs of healthcare organizations and one from a medical student at University of Oklahoma.

One of these CEO's leads a NotFor-Profit health organization which ocupies prime real estate in Oklahoma City and the entire metro.

With all the tax free benefits they enjoy, can they not afford to take care of needy people?

The second CEO seems to think there would be more money and more jobs. The American public have heard this line before. Remember, the Afforable Care Act: Ask anyone who saw their insurance premiums skyrocket.

The medical student wants us to recognize health care as a human right. I’m sorry, but it is not anyone’s right to ask the taxpayers to pay for their healthcare! Where does this stop? Shall those who get up everyday and work 40 or more hours per week, also pay for the housing, etc. for those who refuse to work to take care their needs and their families?

Our rights are clearly outlined in the U.S. Constitution: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

VOTE NO on Tuesday, June 30th.

JOY CROUCH EDMOND

Health professionals honor Mize State representative Garry Mize, of District 31, has been chosen to receive the 2020 Champion for Healthy Families Award by a coalition of healthcare professionals and community members.

District 31 encompasses most of Logan County as well as some areas of northern Oklahoma County.

Mize was first elected to his post in 2018.

“Representative Mize has long been a dedicated champion for families in Oklahoma and we are pleased to present him with this award,” said Jacqueline McDaniel executive director of the Oklahoma Alliance for Health Families.

“Representative Mize has a sincere heart for protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Dr. Chelsey Gilbertson, DO. “His willingness to stand for public policy that benefits our greater community is notable and honorable.”

The Champion for Healthy Families Award is given by the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing health care access to all Oklahomans through education, advocacy and coordinated partnerships.

Local briefs

School taking applications Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School (Cristo Rey OKC) is currently accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year, most notably for the incoming freshman class as well as a limited number of transfer applications for grades 10 and 11, until July 15. A college preparatory private school, Cristo Rey OKC focuses its efforts on offering a faithbased education, sliding scale tuition and an exclusive Corporate Work Study Program.

“Cristo Rey OKC offers a unique, educational opportunity for students who desire college preparatory classes, but could not otherwise afford one,” Cristo Rey OKC President Chip Carter said. “Our meticulous curriculum paired with our Corporate Work Study Program, where students have the opportunity to earn the majority of their own tuition, sets our students up to succeed today, in college and in their future careers.”

Interested students can apply online or by printing off an application at CristoReyOKC.org/admissions.

neighbors after moving A lot goes into building safe, strong communities. While no single factor can be highlighted as more important than another in regard to building strong communities, a willingness on the part of residents to connect with their neighbors can greatly benefit local neighborhoods and the people who call those communities home.

According to Mental Health America®, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health of all Americans, research has shown that social connections increase happiness and lead to improved overall health and even longer lives. Adults may find that establishing a connection with their communities, and maintaining that connection while juggling the responsibilities of work and a family, is not always so easy. That's especially so for adults who have recently relocated to new areas. Reaching out to neighbors can be a great way for adults to build new relationships that can benefit them as individuals and strengthen their communities. · Don't be shy. People often want to know who's living next door, so adults who have recently moved need not be shy about introducing themselves to their new neighbors.

Introduce yourself and share what inspired you to move to your new neighborhood. · Answer and ask questions.

Neighbors will no doubt ask questions when you introduce yourself, so be ready to answer these questions. Questions may focus on your

career and where you grew up. If you grew up in the area where you recently moved, some of your neighbors likely did as well. Sharing stories about your school days and/or local hotspots can be a great way to break the ice. Don't hesitate to ask some questions of your own as well.

Asking questions might reveal some common interests that can serve as strong foundations for budding relationships. · Host a backyard barbecue. Backyard barbecues are laid back affairs, and that pressure-free atmosphere is perfect for meeting new neighbors.

Once you have settled in, invite a handful of your neighbors over for the barbecue. If you have children, invite neighbors who also are parents, ideally ones whose children are the same age as your own. Kids have sparked many a conversation, and discussions about local schools, parks and programs for youngsters can be great ice breakers. · Volunteer. Volunteering with community-based organizations is another great way to meet new neighbors. Volunteering with an organization whose mission you identify with may be even better, as you're likely to find like-minded neighbors who share your passions when working with such groups.

Strong communities are built around people. When moving to a new community, adults can overcome the challenges such relocations present by taking various steps to connect with their new neighbors.

From Metro News Service

Page 12 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

What role has God played in the pandemic?

By Carla Hinton Oklahoman.com Is He a vengeful God seeking to destroy mankind because of sin?

Is COVID-19 one of the plagues mentioned in Scripture as part of biblical prophecy foretelling Christ’s imminent return?

The Rev. Mark Hitchcock, of Edmond, has fielded these questions for the last several months as his congregation and the community-at-large seek answers about the coronavirus outbreak.

The Faith Bible Church senior pastor and internationally recognized biblical prophecy expert typically has some answers, and this is no exception.

He discusses them in his new book released on Tuesday: “Coronacrisis: Plagues, Pandemics and the Coming Apocalypse.”

Hitchcock has written books about the connections between Bible

Rev. Mark Hitchcock prophecy and Middle East conflicts, the so-called “blood moon prophecy” and a Mayan prophecy that the world would end on Dec. 21, 2012.

He knew he wanted to write about the pandemic because of its global

impact and all the questions swirling around about it.

“I was in Israel when all of this started happening and it was like coming back to a different world,” Hitchcock said.

“I realized how many people were talking about this — it’s on everybody’s mind. It’s the greatest pandemic in the world in 100 years.”

Hitchcock said he addresses two questions in his book because they are what many people wonder about: How does this pandemic relate to the end times? Is the coronavirus the judgment of God? “There’s this nagging question: Does this relate somehow to the end?” he said.

“Jesus in Luke 21:11 talks about pestilence in various places as a sign of His coming, and Revelation 6:8 talks about a fourth of the Earth is going to die. Think about that. That’s 25 percent of the world are going to die from sword, famine, pestilence and the wild beasts of the Earth.”

He said pestilence is another term for plague, but he thinks the phrase “wild beasts of the Earth” refers to diseases that are transmitted from animals to people. Hitchcock said many diseases currently infecting humans come from animals.

The preacher said he thinks those prophecies are about a future time called the “Tribulation” period.

“So what we’re seeing today, though, is a foreshadowing or a foretaste of what’s coming and in that sense, what we’re seeing today is a sign of Christ coming,” he said.

“We’re not in the end times yet, but what we’re seeing points toward that.”

And Hitchcock said he doesn’t think the pandemic is God’s judgment.

However, God may be using it in a way.

“I don’t think that God sent this.

We don’t know. God hasn’t told us that. But certainly God is using it as a wake-up call,” he said.

“Anyone who claims to know that

this is from God and that this is the judgement of God is claiming to know more than God has told us.

When God is silent, we have to be silent. Nothing in the Bible tells us that this is coming from Him.” Increased interest in God, Bible Interest in God and the Bible has increased in recent months, according to several polls and surveys.

According to a poll commissioned

by The Joshua Fund, nearly half of Americans (44%) say they believe that the coronavirus and resulting economic meltdown is a “wake-up call” for people to turn back to faith in God” and/or “signs of coming judgment.”

The findings of the poll surprised Joel Rosenberg, The Joshua Fund’s founder and best-selling author who previously has written about pandemics and the end times.

“Everything about this surprised me. To me, what was surprising was how big the numbers are,” Rosenberg said in a phone interview. “We are living in a moment — a crisis — unlike any in our lifetimes.”

Rosenberg said the Bible speaks about such crises in three ways.

They are meant to “judge, shake and warn, and I think that’s what we’re seeing now. He wants to shake us so we’ll start paying attention to Him,” Rosenberg said.

Meanwhile, Hitchcock said he thinks God is showing people “how fleeting and fragile life is.”

He said many people appear to be in tune with this divine message and more inclined to open their hearts to the Lord.

“I think more people today are hearing the Gospel. I think on Easter Sunday, more people probably tuned in via live stream to hear the Gospel more than any other time in history,” Hitchcock said.

“In all of this, even all that we don’t understand, God is in control. I like the saying ‘Heaven has an occupied throne.’ God is there. He’s in control of everything that’s happening. We have to trust Him in

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 25, 2020 • Page 13

Rethinking screen time for youth

By StatePoint News Service As families try to establish a new normal, balancing screen time for kids has become not only especially challenging, but more important than ever.

“It’s only natural that children will be spending more time on digital devices than usual these days in order complete school work, attend remote classes and communicate with friends and loved ones,” says Michele Havner, director of marketing at Eturi Corp., a company with a mission to empower parents to guide their children through a balanced use of technology. “Restrictions about screen may need to be rethought in many cases, but they should not be completely eliminated.”

Here are a few insights and tips that can help parents create sensible, effective screen use guidelines for their children during the COVID-19 outbreak: • Rethink Leisure Time: According to ReelGood.com data, the month of March saw a whopping 70 percent jump in weekday streaming

of kids’ movies and television shows. While there may be more time on kids hands and fewer options of what to do with it, it’s important to emphasize alternative ways to relax and have fun so that kids are not spending all their waking hours looking at screens. Leisure time will ideally include a mix of physical activity, creative projects, board games, reading and more. All that extra down time around the house may also present some good opportunities to teach kids some practical life skills, like cooking, cleaning and budgeting.

• Prioritize Online Safety: Unfettered access to the internet and social media sites can put children at risk for a number of online threats. Parents should continue to ensure kids practice safe online habits, even as they begin to use their digital devices for more tasks throughout the day.

• Striking the Balance: Many parents are struggling to balance their own work with homeschooling and online safety. Luckily, there are tools that can offer assistance, such as OurPact, a screen time

monitoring and scheduling app for parents from Eturi Corp. Among the app’s many capabilities is the ability for parents to monitor and manage what kids are doing online, create daily screen time allowances, set filters on browsers and block certain applications at certain times of day.

To help parents navigate this rapidly-changing environment, the company is currently offering OurPact Premium, an upgrade to the service, for free for three months to new users. To learn more, OurPact.com.

• Check in: During your own free hours, spend some time checking in with your kids to see how they are coping with the current situation, how they are spending their free time and whether they are facing any struggles with remote learning.

Life has changed rapidly and significantly for families. And while this new normal includes a greater reliance on digital devices, parents can take steps to continue to ensure kids are striking a healthy balance.

Page 14 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Local students named to National Tech Honor Society More than 120 Edmond high school students have been named to the 2020 National Technical Honor Society.

The students attend Edmond Memorial, Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond North, Deer Creek, EPIC Charter or are home educated and also attend Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

These students attend their home districts while concurrently enrolled at Francis Tuttle for specific coursework.

Francis Tuttle instructors nominate students for the honor and the students must meet several criteria including a minimum course grade of 90 and exemplary citizenship attributes including attitude, relationship with fellow students and staff and participation in student organizations. Nominees must also meet specific enrollment and attendance standards.

The National Technical Honor Society recognizes the achievements of top students from across the nation.

In all, more than 200 Francis Tuttle

students representing 21 educational programs were accepted into this year’s honor society. Francis Tuttle’s chapter is the nation’s largest.

Edmond and Deer Creek student honorees and their fields of study are listed below.

Deer Creek High School Emmalyn Alexander, Cosmetology Craig Baker, Service Careers Jennifer Basse, Pre-Nursing Caitlyn Brown, Pre-Nursing Baylor Bryant, Broadcast and Video Kennedy Burnett, Cosmetology Allie Daigle, Pre-Nursing Aaron Daughtery, Computer Science Academy Noah Gibson, Computer Science Academy Ella Gwartney, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Jillian Hull, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Ryan Karow, Engineering Sean Knoke, Computer Science Academy Karson Lemons, Broadcast and Video Darren Li, Computer Science Academy Mahya Mawby, Pre-Nursing Jeremiah Miller, 2D Animation

Aubrey Morris, Nail Esthetician Anthony Pham, Computer Science Academy Mitchell Ratliff, Advanced Manufacturing Trevor Rauch, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Rose Sabu, Marketing Zainab Sajid, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Josiah Scott, Computer Science Academy Oviya Selvakumar, Computer Science Academy Ryklee Starns, Cosmetology James Sweger, Advanced Manufacturing Feven Tesfaselassie, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Kristine Thomas, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Jake Troutt, Advanced Manufacturing Lindsey Vongthavaravat, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Genevieve Walz, Biosciences and Medicine Academy McKenzie Wood, Graphic Communications Edmond Memorial Danielle Preuss, Pre-Nursing Hayden Adams, 3D Animation Kaitlyn Altizer, Culinary Shannyn Baker, Cosmetology Amya Bell, Childcare Hunter Brown, Program and Software Development Karina Carter, 2D Animation Journee Fulmer, Pre-Nursing Jessica Garcia, Cosmetology Imani Gautt, Program and Software Development Lauren Hjelmstad, Engineering L'Trell Hogan, Program and Software Development Damarion Ingram, Administrative and Legal Office Lena James, Engineering Caleb Knight, Engineering Casey McClendon, Pre-Nursing Ashley Nguyen, Pre-Nursing Thomas Orefice, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Dylan Saltos, Engineering Ellen Walker, Computer Science Academy Aurora White, Computer Science Academy Jilian White, Pre-Nursing Edmond North Issabel Agbogbo, Nail Esthetician Joshua Anthony, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Brooke Bishop, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Jacob Bowen, Program and Software Development Mallory Clark, Pre-Nursing Joel Crawford, 3D Animation Sean Ervin, Program and Software Development Tyler Gallion, Service Careers Brooke Gamble, Broadcast and Video Jillian Kumor, Pre-Nursing Haley Leveritt, 2D Animation Amaris Linville, Pre-Nursing Paden Little, Computer Science Academy Mary Lobaugh, Pre-Nursing Hailey Marler, Cosmetology

Allison Martindale, Pre-Nursing Lynna McGavock, Pre-Nursing Anna Melssen, Pre-Nursing Daven Mugisha, Engineering Andrea Najera, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Presley Nelson, Pre-Nursing Isaac Newberry, Computer Science Academy Hope Pappan , 3D Animation Shiv Patel, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Daniela Penaloza-Gomez, Pre-Nursing Kenneth Pollard, Computer Science Academy Olympia Quiros, Culinary Alysha Roberts, Pre-Nursing Gavin Schwettman, Automotive Services Caira Snyder, Administrative and Legal Office Olivia Underwoord, Cosmetology Olivia Vernon, 2D Animation Parker Wheeler, 2D Animation Joshua Wyckoff, Computer Science Academy Iram Ramirez, Engineering Edmond Santa Fe Samantha Brutsche, Childcare Mekhia Chandler, Pre-Nursing Jason Chen, 2D Animation Meagan Clark, Engineering Elam Cockrell, Broadcast and Video Nathan Cure, Culinary Kylie Daum, Engineering Kylee Day, Engineering Nicole Dean, Cosmetology James Graves, Program and Software Development Neha Guruswamy, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Ashley Halko, 2D Animation Noah Hand, Service Careers Joseph Mecoy, Computer Science Academy Jasleen Nagra, Biosciences and Medicine Academy Elijah Redden, Broadcast and Video Robert Reed, Program and Software Development Mykah Sellers, Pre-Nursing Zakarea Yoosuf, Computer Science Academy Cynthia Zokari, Pre-Nursing EPIC Charter School, Edmond Residents Haley McNitt, Pre-Nursing Emily Nolin, Nail Esthetician Scout Roberts, Automotive Services Home Educated Edmond Residents Kristen Brandon, Graphic Communications Shaylee Evans, Pre-Nursing Georgia Gates, Graphic Communications Tanner Kenworthy, Broadcast and Video William Kersh, Culinary Dillon Milner, Graphic Communications Sean Rice, Engineering Jacob Stolz, Welding Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region

Helps American Cancer Society

‘HOPE Starts at Home’ online benefit Friday The American Cancer Society of Oklahoma, as a result of the COVID19 pandemic, has changed many of its fundraising campaigns this year to online/virtual events. Although in-person events have not been possible this summer, cancer has not stopped during the pandemic, and neither has ACS. Funds are still needed for lifesaving research, as well as programs and services for those facing cancer.

“HOPE Starts at Home”, a statewide online event beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26th will be a joint effort between ACS staff and volunteers and an opportunity to support the organization from your own home.

“The Coronavirus has put a lot of things on hold this year,” said Regan Nabors, ACS Senior Manager of Community Development. “That includes many of our ‘Relay For Life’ events throughout Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, which is part of our region. But we are joining forces now to fuel our mission during these challenging times for those who need it most, and that is our patients, caregivers and their families.”

Relay For Life has been a staple of ACS fundraising events for many

years. Traditionally, participants walk together and experience the luminaria lighting ceremony in honor of those battling cancer and loved ones who are no longer here.

“This year will be different,” Nabors said. “While we cannot come together in person, we can participate in this online virtual event, coming together as a cancer-fighting community. One of our ACS research scientists said recently if funding for cancer research falls short this year because of COVID-19, it will set research back a decade. We cannot let that happen.”

HOPE Starts at Home combines Relay For Life events for eight areas, including South Central Oklahoma, Pontotoc County, Muskogee County, Comanche County, Grady-Caddo County, Tulsa Metro, and Greater Texoma and Panhandle Plains of Texas.

This event takes place on Facebook, and registration can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/73 8714493533361/ Additional questions can be directed to Regan Nabors at Regan.Nabors@Cancer.org or by phone at 940-781-4393.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 15

Film ‘Shirley’ creates dreamlike experience

By George Gust “Shirley” is the latest release from the independent studio Neon and now available to stream for $2.99 on Amazon Prime. Renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson (Elisabeth Moss) is on the precipice of writing her masterpiece when the arrival of newlyweds (Odessa Young and Logan Lerman) upends her meticulous routine and heightens tensions in her already tempestuous relationship with her philandering husband (Michael Stuhlbarg). The middle-aged couple, prone to ruthless barbs and copious afternoon cocktails, begins to toy mercilessly with the naïve young couple at their door.

“Shirley” is an atmospheric drama thriller from an always interesting and thought-provoking director (Josephine Decker). Unlike many other biographical studio films, general audiences have been accustomed to “Shirley” is off beat and challenging at times. Decker uses the gothic atmosphere and Jackson’s macabre persona, brought to life wonderfully by Moss, to create an uneasy feeling of tension throughout the film.

Decker taps into the mood of the horror novels Jackson was famous for to paint a stirring portrait of the eccentric writer. For some, this slow

burn tension building style won’t be very entertaining, but if you’re looking for a unique take on a biographical drama then “Shirley” fits the bill.

And while the filmmaking behind “Shirley is impressive and visually arresting, it’s the performances that make “Shirley” succeed. Moss is once again fantastic in the role of the eccentric writer, with an affectation that you cannot look away from.

In addition to Moss’s electric performance Stuhlbarg’s portrayal of the passive aggressive nasty husband character, playing off Moss’s energy, Stuhlbarg is another performance you can’t help but be drawn to in a ghastly way.

Overall, “Shirley” is a movie that isn’t afraid of making bold choices. Eschewing standard biographical drama tropes, Decker makes strong visual storytelling choices that may not be everyone’s idea of entertainment but creates a dreamlike movie experience that feels fresh and original.

There are times when the story of “Shirley” lags and feels directionless, but if you’re game for a visceral experiential movie built more upon the phenomenal performances and atmosphere than a movie centered on plot then “Shirley” is the movie for you.

“Shirley” is rated R for sexual content, nudity, language, and brief disturbing images. Now available to rent on digital streaming services.

3.5 out of 5 stars

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com

Read past movie reviews by George Gust by visiting our web site at www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Michael Stuhlbarg and Elisabeth Moss star in the biographical physiological thriller ‘Shirley’ following the life of eccentric horror writer Shirley Jackson best known for horror mystery books ‘The Lottery’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’

Summer camp is closed Falls Creek youth camp, a summer tradition for church youth groups across Oklahoma and beyond, has been canceled for 2020.

The Baptist Messenger, the official newspaper of Oklahoma Baptists, reported the cancellation recently.

Oklahoma Baptists, the state affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention, owns and operates what is now known as Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis.

The faith group has offered youth camp sessions each summer since 1917, with a few notable exceptions.

However, concerns related to the pandemic halted plans to host the youth camp sessions that have been around for more than a century.

The Rev. Blake Gideon, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Edmond and president of Oklahoma Baptists, said he wholeheartedly agreed with the executive committee’s decision in light of the fluidity of COVID-19.

“During this time of uncertainty, safety and caution are of supreme importance. It is better to choose wisdom over desire,” Gideon told the Baptist Messenger.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 4TH OF JULY ACROSS 1. Begone!

5. Blue 8. Instinctive motive 12. Barbershop supply 13. Cover with asphalt 14. Twist and distort 15. Dismounted 16. Tiny particle 17. Like smell of burning rubber 18. *King of Great Britain when America won independence 20. Same as pleaded 21. "Well-____ machine" 22. *Abigail Adams ____ Smith 23. *Preferred cooking device on the 4th 25. They play dead 29. Tiller's tiller 30. Santa's reindeer 33. Dwarf buffalo 34. Smart ones?

36. "____ the hills and far away" 37. Penicillin holder, e.g.

38. Part of both levorotary and levorotatory 39. *Like 4th of July 41. Choler 42. Egg dishes 44. Actress Close 46. *Jefferson was three and Washington was ___ 47. Medal of Honor word 49. Castle material 51. *Roman Candles and Fountains, e.g.

55. Manuscript sheet 56. Dirty money 57. Dire fate 58. Type of wrench 59. Charitable contribution 60. Genesis twin 61. Dad's lads 62. General Services Administration 63. Job for a body shop

DOWN 1. Without a date 2. *American Revolutionary War spy, Nathan 3. Miscellany 4. Type of local tax 5. French composer of "GymnopÈdies" fame 6. Steer clear 7. Prefix for half 8. *U. S. personified 9. Steak choice 10. Power system 11. Former times 13. Saffron-flavored rice dish 14. Stares 19. Decorates with gold leaf 22. Negative conjunction 23. Jewish folklore creature 24. "Superman" star 25. Machu Picchu country 26. Remove from Pinterest board 27. Grieve 28. *Many retailers hold one for the 4th of July 29. Sign of a saint

31. *____ of Liberty 32. Rooster's girlfriend 35. *13 of these at the start 37. Give a green light 39. *What contestants did at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 40. Ends of shoe laces 43. "____ ____ a high note" 45. What river did to bank 47. Viola da Gamba, pl.

48. Wafting pleasantness 49. Aria, e.g.

50. Comrade in arms 51. *It should never touch ground 52. Official flower of the Kentucky Derby 53. Riddle without solution 54. Obscenity 55. Like The Beatles

See Answers on Page 18

Answers appearing on Page 18

Page 16 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

Broncho player Josh Moore (2) is scheduled to return to action this year as UCO tries to improve on its 5-6 mark of a year ago.

Bronchos announce 2020 grid schedule The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced last week its revised 2020 football schedule and revealed the University of Central Oklahoma's 10-game slate for this fall.

The NCAA reduced the maximum number of competition dates from 11 games to 10 this year leaving MIAA schools with one less opponent. All schools will have what originally was Week 1 as a bye week and the season will officially kickoff Saturday, Sept. 12. There will also be no Thursday night games in 2020.

Central Oklahoma welcomes Central Missouri to Wantland Stadium for that season opener, then hits the road for the next two weeks. UCO will play at Missouri Western on

Sept. 19 and at Missouri Southern on Sept. 26.

In October, the Bronchos are back home to welcome Emporia State to Wantland Stadium on 10/3. After a trip to Jefferson City, Mo. to face Lincoln on Oct. 10, UCO is back home to host Northwest Missouri on 10/17.

Central visits Nebraska Kearney (10/24) and hosts Fort Hays State (10/31) to wrap up the five-game month of October.

In the final two weeks of the season, UCO visits Washburn on Nov. 7 and hosts Northeastern State on Nov. 14 in the annual battle for the President's Cup. All kickoff times will be announced soon.

OC adds Donovan Reagan to team Donovan Reagan, a standout for a successful junior-college men's basketball program in Texas, has signed to continue his collegiate career at Oklahoma Christian, OC coach Kendre Talley said Thursday.

Reagan, a 6-foot-6 forward from Laveen, Ariz., averaged 7.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field this past season as a sophomore at Western Texas, which posted a 23-11 record. He spent his freshman season at South Mountain (Ariz.), a juco where he averaged 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

As a senior at Fairfax High School in Laveen, he averaged 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

“I am super excited about Dono-

van," Talley said. "He's the perfect fit to wrap up this recruiting class. His athleticism and toughness will help us a ton inside. He continues to improve and has a high ceiling. He is a grinder and competitor and comes from a winning program. This addition makes us better."

Reagan is the eighth player to sign with OC for the 2020-21 season, joining forwards Nyk Madison of Midlothian, Texas, and Lamarcus Donahue of Houston and Jacksonville (Texas) College and guards Shem'mario Stephens of Seminole, Okla., and Murray State College, Elijah Elliott of Houston; Marco Foster of Lancaster, Texas; Rylan Schlup of Latta High School near Ada, Okla.; and Cade Allen of Hammon, Okla.

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 17

Edmond state’s fastest growing city Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a thorough count of the nation’s population. That 2020 census is not yet complete, but the bureau has completed its annual estimates of city populations.

Those estimates, which are as of July 1, 2019, were the numbers released recently and they contained some interesting revelations.

For example, they show Edmond has surpassed Lawton to become Oklahoma’s fifth largest city.

Edmond now has an estimated 94,054 residents, which is an increase of more than 15% over the 81,405 residents reported in the official April 2010 census.

That makes Edmond the fastest growing city in Oklahoma with a population of at least 50,000 and the 108th fastest growing city in the nation in that category.

“That’s great news,” said Sherry Jordan, president and CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of

since 2010 and is currently estimated to Commerce. “While that’s great news, be 93,025 it’s not necessarily surprising given our The Census Bureau now lists Tulsa’s reputation for great schools and a high population as 401,190, up more than 2% quality of life here in Edmond. from 2010, and Broken Arrow’s popula“We have shopping, dining — pretty tion at 110,198, which was an increase much everything you want to do, you of more than 11% during that same time can do here without leaving our city period. limits. We have a low cost of living and Meanwhile, the state’s population has a high quality of life here.” grown from 3,751,351 to 3,956,971, an Jordan said Edmond officials remain increase of nearly 5.5%. hopeful the city will pass the 100,000 Oklahoma City’s population has mark when the the 10-year census grown by more than 12% since that count is completed. time, enabling it to pass Louisville, MemOklahoma City, Norman and Jordan phis, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Portland and Moore have all grown more than 12% since 2010, the Census Bureau reported. It listed Las Vegas in the population rankings. Oklahoma City now has an estimated 655,057 people.

Norman’s updated population as 124,880 and Moore’s population as 62,055.

---- From www.Oklahoman.com Lawton’s population has dropped about 4%

Meat processors have cattle ranchers concerned An Oklahoma beef task force designed to analyze problems in marketing and processing beef has been organized by State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, and State Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.

The two legislators have invited independent ranchers, meat buyers, meat processors, livestock auction owners and meat inspectors to convene and identify financial obstacles and structured solutions that will provide a process for long-term financial gain for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.

“Four major meat packers, Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS (Brazilian owned) and National Beef are controlling about 87 percent of beef processing and sales,” Humphrey said. “They have considerable control over what ranchers are paid for cattle and what consumers pay for meat. The beef price is very low for ranchers and extremely high for consumers while meat packers are making millions of dollars. This is not acceptable.”

The Lawmakers said Oklahoma ranchers are feel-

ing the financial squeeze as production costs continue to climb along with farm debt. Chapter 12 bankruptcies are up 24% over last year. The beef supply chain has been challenged nationwide because of the closure of 75% of American feedlots and 48 packing plants. The pandemic has also had a negative impact. Times are tough for American agriculture in all sectors, they said.

Sen. Bullard stated, “We are extremely pleased that practitioners in Oklahoma agriculture have agreed to participate in the examination of problems in raising and selling cattle. We also are happy to learn that Senator Murdock (R-Felt) and Representative Ty Burns (R-Pawnee) have agreed to join the task force.”

Ranchers agreeing to serve on the task force are Evan Rowland, Durant; Pamela Livingston, Seiling; Jim Robinson, Boswell; Brad Hutchinson, Canton; and Tim Bryant, Ardmore. Meat processors are Bill Johnston, Clarita and Steve Swigert, Durant. They

Martin joins Crowe & Dunlevy Edmond attorney Maggie K. Martin has joined Crowe & Dunlevy as a director in the firm’s Oklahoma City office.

A former in-house legal counsel for Integris Health, Inc., Martin has extensive experience with a wide range of health law isMaggie sues. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and her undergraduate degree from DePauw University. Martin has also served as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, teaching Healthcare Law and Ethics.

Martin is a member of the firm’s Healthcare Practice Group.

About Crowe & Dunlevy For more than 100 years, Crowe & Dunlevy has been a regional leader in innovative and effective legal solutions for businesses and individMartin uals. Offering comprehensive transactional and litigation services from early mediation to alternative dispute resolution via our nearly 30 practice groups, we work with diverse clientele to meet even the most challenging legal objectives.

For more information, visit crowedunlevy.com.

Social Security unveils tweaks to its website The Social Security Administration announced the first of several steps the agency is taking to improve the public’s experience on its website.

The newly redesigned retirement benefits portal, at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement, will help millions of people prepare for and apply for retirement.

“We are working hard to continue improving our website to provide people with clear, helpful information and easy access to our online services,” said Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security. “Our new retirement portal is more user-friendly and easier to navigate, whether someone is ready to learn about, apply for, or manage their retirement benefits.”

The redesigned portal will make it easier for people to find and read

about Social Security retirement benefits, with fewer pages and condensed, rewritten, and clearer information. The portal also is optimized for mobile devices so people can learn and do what they want from wherever they want, and the portal now includes the ability to subscribe to receive retirement information and updates.

Click on www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement to find out how to Learn, Apply, and Manage retirement benefits, and learn how to create a personal my Social Security account online.

More improvements to Social Security’s website are planned for later in 2020 as the agency seeks to continuously improve the public experience at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Check out www.socialsecurity.gov

will represent the packing plant concerns. William Payne, Saint Louis, will explain the packing plant to consumer issues. Steve Combs, Chester, is a federal meat inspector and will outline slaughter regulations. Meat buyer Paul Cochran, Crowley, Texas, will provide information and data relating to the packaging and marketing process. Stockyards owners Jerry Nine, Woodward, and Jeff Hazaleus, Durant, will outline the spot-buying process, cattle futures and pricing cattle. Consultants to the task force are rancher Andy Chain Hutchinson, Canton; Lobbyist Rex Duncan, Pawnee; and rancher Gary Greene, Tishomingo.

Brad Hutchinson, president of the Oklahoma Independent Stock growers Association, stated, “The future of our children, grandchildren and our western lifestyle are at risk. We appreciate Oklahoma legislators stepping up to help solve major problems, which are impacting our economic wellbeing.”

Page 18 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Helping loved ones stay in touch

Home bound elderly & high-tech contact NEW LISTING!

g

6 CAR G GARAGE ARAGE

g

g

g

13TH F FAIRWAY AIR RWAY - OAK OAK TREE BEAUTY BEAUTY

OAK O A AK TREE

11TH GREEN OF OAK OA AK TREE NATIONAL! NATIO T NAL!

ACREAGE LAKE A CREAGE IN HIDDEN LAKE

GA GATED ATED T COMMUNITY! COMMUNITY

FAIRVIEW F AIR RV VIEW FARM FA ARM

OLDET OLDETOWNE! OWNE!

FALLBROOK F ALLBROOK A

OLDE EDMOND!

B BARELY AREL LY LIVED IN!

ARRO ARROWHEAD! WHEAD!

SPACIOUS & CHARMING!

HUNTERS RIDGE ESTATES!

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) will offer an Introduction to Scripting course with a focus on the Python programming language. Python is one of the more popular coding languages and is the back-end language that powers popular applications including Instagram, Google, Spotify, Netflix, Uber, Dropbox and Pinterest.

“Python is truly one of the most important and powerful tools a coder can learn,” said John Claybon, Dean of OCCC’s Business Information and Technology division. “We’re really excited to offer this opportunity to aspiring coders and developers in our community.”

Oklahoma City Community Col-

NEW LISTINGS ACCEPTED! CALL US AT

330-2626

CANYON PARK

OAK TREE ESTATES!

COMPLETE REMODEL!

ANTLER RIDGE!

3.79 ACRE LOT - WATERROCK

VINTAGE GARDENS

CENTENNIAL @ IRON HORSE RANCH

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

CASCATA FALLS!

nent of what we do and can even impact overall health. This is a tool that has really allowed us to remind our residents that they are not alone and that there are a lot of people thinking about them.”

In just over a month of use, Kindful Hospice has already recorded and sent over 100 videos to patients and families. In addition, the company has also been using the app to send messages of support to health care workers on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.

Kindful Hospice Community Liaison Leah Smith used the OneDay app to send her contacts and clients working in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and other health care settings a message of support thanking them for their service (watch Leah Smith’s video here).

“Our partners in health care are all heroes,” said Smith. “We want them to know that we value their work and they have our support and appreciation. This is another way for us to bring a little joy to them as they keep fighting on our behalf and working to beat the spread of this virus.”

Lyndale Edmond Senior Living Resident Service Director Kim Nightengale received Smith’s message, and said she appreciated knowing her work was valued.

“Even when the team at Kindful Hospice has had limited access to our residents and staff, they have still worked to support, not only to those residents in their care but all residents in our building,” said Nightingale.

“That has made a huge difference to our residents and staff.

About Kindful Hospice: Kindful Hospice, Palliative and Virtual Care was founded on the vision to "transform the care of the seriously ill.” Kindful Hospice does this by providing concierge level hospice, palliative and virtual care delivered by team members specifically hired and trained to deliver on our mission of service.

Teaching advanced computer coding

WONDERFULLY MAINTAINED!

SELL YOUR YOUR HOME WITH BRAD!

AVANT-GARDE DESIGN

As Oklahoma works to reopen large sections of its economy, many sick Oklahomans with serious or terminal illnesses are still isolated and unable to connect with loved ones.

Kindful Hospice, an Oklahoma-based company providing both hospice and palliative care, is turning to new technology and smart-phones to keep their patients in-touch with family and friends.

The company is using an app called “OneDay” to curate short, moving videos of their patients sharing thoughts and stories with loved ones. Their staff also meet with families to record videos that are played back to residents.

Viki Carson of Oklahoma City recently used the app to send her mother a video on Mother’s Day, telling her she was “the best mom in the world” and promising chocolate on her next visit. Her mother, 95 year old Flossye Thomas, is living at Lyndale Assisted Living in Edmond and suffers from dementia.

Viki has not been able to see Flossye in-person since March, when facilities restricted non-medically necessary visitation. She says sending the videos to her mother and receiving video responses have brought her some peace and happiness during a difficult time.

“I miss my mother very dearly, and I wish every day that I could hold her hand and be with her,” said Carson.

“Making these videos has been a way for me to keep feeling connected to her, and to let her know I care. Receiving her responses has been even more special. It is great to be able to see her and know she is doing as well as can be.”

Kindful Hospice President James Garner said that he views keeping patients feeling connected and loved as part of the company’s role.

“Obviously, a great deal of our focus is on keeping patients physically comfortable,” said Garner. “But we also believe that feeling emotionally fulfilled is an important compo-

lege’s fall classes begin Aug. 17, and due to COVID-19, the college will offer a mix of in-person, online-only and hybrid classes to help meet students on their terms and at their comfort levels. In 2019, OCCC switched from traditional 16-week semesters to dual eight-week terms, allowing students to focus on fewer classes at a time, and complete classes in a shorter time frame.

Interested students should visit www.thinkoccc.com for more information, and to apply and enroll.

Oklahoma City Community College enrolls over 17,000 students annually.

Thousands more are served in noncredit classes and programs.

Solutions to puzzles

FAIRWAY ESTATES!

TWIN BRIDGES!

WORKSHOP & POOL!

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

LO LOTS TS & ACREAGES ACREAGES

SOLD! SOLD!

Test your mental skill each week with our puzzles in Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • June 25, 2020 • Page 19

Balance social media with proper exercise

By Brian Attebery I think life is all about having balance.

I preach about healthy nutrition but I also fully support the idea of having “cheat meals� on occasion that don’t involve watching calories, carbs or fats.

Part of the reason I think that Attebery having cheat meals is that not only does it keep our physiology guessing in terms of amounts of foods and your metabolism but it is also good for your mind.

Food is social. Just about everything we do for fun involves food. We need social outlets. We need to let loose and enjoy life. What we need to remember with that is that part of your over all being “fit� is to find a balance with everything.

There are several areas we need to recognize finding balance in with our wellness.

The last few months has been one of the most stressful times in America in recent history. The Corona virus to civil unrest and politics are our constant worry. Social media fans the flames of so many things and we must recognize the risks of social media to our health.

I can go on and on and list several studies but it should be common sense that you must learn the value of unplugging from it for your mental health. When we were growing up, most of us had parents that limited our time in front of the T.V. What about now?

What about that little “T.V.� in our hands we are constantly looking at? Would we have been OK with watching an actual TV 30 years ago 4,5

‘I know that exercise is a vital part of not only physical health but mental health as well.’ --- Brian Attebery or 8 hours per day? Especially if they were scary, horror movies that stress us out.

That is what some people are doing with their phones, laptops and computers with social media and other digital media on their devices.

In addition to filling your head with potential stressful stories, posts and online debates, we are also exposed to unrealistic pictures on social media via “filters� that make us have better skin, complexion and less wrinkles than we truly have in person.

This also sets up potential issues with self-esteem, anxiety and depression as we watch and read stories of people and their seemingly perfect lives and looks on our phones. Enough is enough.

It is time to recognize the world can be crazy and we can’t control everything. What you can control is how you react to it and what you choose your role to be in it.

When the pandemic hit, it is no secret that my gym got shut down along with several other businesses. It was devastating to us. I made a conscious decision to remain positive. To project it on my social media.

To be play a role in being hope for people through fitness and my attitude. I know that exercise is a vital part of not only physical health but mental health as well. I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. My promotion of

physical fitness and a positive mental attitude is vital in my opinion. There is so much evidence to support the physical fitness too. Even going back to studies in 1985, (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Public Health Reports 100 (2) 195) “Evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise alleviate some symptoms associated with mild to moderate depression. The evidence also suggests that physical activity and exercise might provide a beneficial adjunct for alcoholism and substance abuse programs; improve self-image, socials skills, and cognitive functioning; reduce the symptoms of anxiety; and alter the aspects of coronary-prone (Type A) behavior and physiological response to stressors.�

Instead of diving into social media. Spend that time on your fitness. Be informed but know when to take a step back from the world, news and social media and take back your fitness. Removing some of the stresses you can choose to participate in and add in some stress-relievers like exercise are a vital process of the wellness spectrum.

Keep your head up. There is a lot of good left in this world. Do your part to see it.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer.

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

&KDQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ

8QLYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK

For the safety of our members and friends, all services and events at Channing UUC have been cancelled through April 12th, 2020 in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic. tÄž ĆľĆŒĹ?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹśĆ? ƚŽ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç ĆšĹšÄž Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞůĹ?ŜĞĆ?

Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĆľĆšĹšĹ˝ĆŒĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘

Please be safe. : WK 6WUHHWÂł(GPRQG 2.

See us on Facebook at: Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ä¨Ä‚Ä?ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÍ˜Ä?Žž͏ ŚĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ?hh ĹšĆľĆŒÄ?Ĺš

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

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • June 25, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure