July 29, 2021
Vol. 22, No. 11
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Closer look at Olympics right here in Edmond
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.
Krazy Daze See page 15 -18
Museum’s special look at history of Olympics FRIDAY, July 30
Mostly Sunny High 98° Low 77°
SATURDAY, July 31 Sunny High 101° Low 79°
SUNDAY, August 1 Mostly Sunny High 100° Low 74°
The Edmond Historical Society and Museum presents From Athens to Atlanta: An Olympic Collection from 1896-1996, which runs from now until October 2021. In celebration of the 2021 Olympics—see artifacts from nearly every Olympics, from when the modern Games began in 1896 until the close of the 20th century. The artifacts range from posters and official merchandise, to clothing worn by the athletes. The items are on loan from a family in Edmond who wish to remain anonymous. They have generously shared some of the highlights of their profound, private collection, gathered over a period of 45 years. The collection began in earnest after attending the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, and then the family lived in Los Angeles and we involved in the planning
of the 1984 Games. “That’s what cemented my interest,” said the anonymous collector. “The artwork and culture is so wonderful, especially from the early era of the Olympics.” Highlights on display include medals from 1896, the 1924 USA hockey team warm-up jacket from Paris, items from the infamous 1936 Olympics in Amsterdam as WWII began to ramp up, plus flag, patches and memorabilia from nearly every modern Olympics between 1896 and 1996. The Edmond Historical Society & Museum is also displaying clothing items from Shannon Miller’s Olympic triumph in 1996. Olympic History: The modern Olympics were reinstated in 1896, but the event dates back to ancient times, when the Olympic
Games were a series of athletic competitions held in ancient Greece every four years. The Olympics were profoundly important to the Greeks for close to 12 centuries. The exact year they began remains a mystery, but the first written mention of the Games dates back to 776 BC. The Games occurred every 4 years, even during threat of war. During turbulent times, a sacred truce was called throughout the cities. Museum Information: Edmond Historical Society & Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m . Tuesday – Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. most Saturdays Admission is free. More information can be found on the museum website atwww. edmondhistory.org or by calling 405-340-0078. Museum located at 431 S. Boulevard in Edmond.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 3
PHOTO PROVIDED
New Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, fourth from left, came to Edmond last week and met with local government and business leaders. Among those were Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis, next to right of Bice. Next to the Mayor are Janet Yowell of the EEDA and Sherry Jordan of the Edmond Chamber. They all posed for a photograph at the new beautiful Welcome to Edmond mural in Downtown Edmond.
Congresswoman Bice visits Edmond & leaders The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice for meetings, tours and discussions in the Edmond community. Bice started the day speaking to Edmond Young Professionals about her time as a politician and encouraging young professionals to get involved civically, followed by a downtown Edmond tour including stops at Commonplace Books, Frenzy Brewing and Othello’s to meet with owners. Bice met with Edmond city officials including Mayor Darrell Davis, Director of Management Services Casey Moore, Assistant City Manager for
Administration Andy Conyers, City Councilman David Chapman and Edmond Economic Development Authority Executive Director Janet Yowell. She discussed economic development projects, barriers to municipal growth and upcoming legislation affecting the city. After a lunch with local leaders, Bice toured Pelco Products with President Paul Koenig and Production Manager Dirk Phippen. She also visited the nearly complete Francis Tuttle Danforth Campus with Superintendent Michelle Keylon. Bice ended the day with an education roundtable to discuss the current state and needs of the
local school systems. She met with State Senator Adam Pugh, State Representative Mike Osburn and representatives from Francis Tuttle, Edmond Public Schools, UCO, Deer Creek Public Schools. Bice has been serving Edmond residents since 2014 as a state senator. In 2020, she was elected to Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Oklahoma, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. For more details on the Edmond Chamber’s government relations and legislative priorities, visit www.edmondchamber.com/government-relations.
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From the Publisher
Balloon burglar busted It is seldom you hear about a break in at a local newspaper. Somewhere in the communication chain of people that do petty crime, word has gotten out that breaking into a newspaper office is high risk with incredibly low yield. Our computers are many upgrades behind, there is never any cash in the offices, office Ray Hibbard equipment is usually 15 years old or older and any food has been eaten or is totally spoiled. Our camera equipment is with us to cover “breaking” news and is never left in the office. Furniture is old and ratty as well. Case in point was when I was working at OKC FRIDAY Newspaper many years ago, we had a guy break into our offices over a weekend. There was no alarm system, and the offices were tucked away where there was virtually no drive by traffic on the weekends. We worked by covering events on the weekend, but we were on location and never in the office. I think the guy felt sorry for us. All he could find to take was some peanut butter and crackers back in the kitchen area. He couldn’t even get a soda since it was in a machine and there was no change in any of the desks. It appeared that he sat at the reception desk to enjoy his gourmet meal. The Village Police detective told us we were lucky in that they didn’t do a bunch of damage. My theory is that he felt sorry for the pathetic state of our equipment. Most of it fit the 15-year rule. It is the same here at the old Edmond Life & Leisure. We newspaper publishers are notoriously cheap and throw a fit when someone wants a new computer or software. Our building owner and partner, Chris Hoke, provides a state-of-the-art alarm system, however. I was surprised when I got a call from him early one morning last week that the alarm had gone off in our offices. I was on my way, and he told the company to reset it. They did and then about five minutes later, it went off again. The process happened the entire time I was driving to the office. For the aforementioned reasons above, I saw no reason to call the police. I kept wondering what the heck the would-be thief was doing by continuing to set the alarm off. Was he jumping in and out of the office in disbelief that our stuff was so old? Heck, even our phones are the originals installed in 2000 when we started the newspaper. Prepared to do battle with the scoundrel that dare break into our offices, I leaped in the front door. As soon as I did, the intruder revealed himself to me. Ah Ha! I cried. Turns out that my birthday was the day before. The nice folks at Citizens Bank of Edmond had given me some helium balloons that floated very nicely. I decided to keep them at the office and use them in crossing the street since the day before I had almost gotten run down, again, crossing Broadway. A grown man crossing the street with high floating balloons draws the attention of just about any driver. When I left the office the night before, I turned up the a/c and set the alarm. The night was cool, and I am guessing the a/c did not come on until
enforce, you won’t be bothered by the sound of the train blowing the horn. There are seven restaurants in one place. Types of food you will find include BBQ, ice cream, pie, vegan, tacos, wings, Korean BBQ and more at the Edmond Railyard. Lisa and I had lunch at Taqueria El Camino the other day and it was incredible. There is also a very cool cocktail bar that you can lounge in after hitting all the shops. At Edmond City Council there is a lot of talk about what is coming to downtown Edmond but folks, you don’t have to wait. There is so much more open and going now.
the next morning when the sun started heating up the day. The a/c clicked on, and the balloons were on the move and noticed by the motion detector. The a/c would click off and the balloons would stop. The a/c would click back on and, well, you get the picture. I took a picture of the balloons and texted to our partner to show him what the problem was caused by. I then popped all the balloons and sent him a picture of the balloon pieces on the floor announcing that the intruder had been killed. He didn’t think it was a funny as I did. Krazy Daze is here This weekend celebrates another year of Edmond Krazy Daze that was founded by the late Hoot Gibson, owner of McCall’s Clothing Store decades ago. It was designed to generate sales at a slow time for retailers, offer customers some great discounts and clear out back inventory. A lot has changed but our merchants still need the help in generating sales. We all have some pent-up shopping from last year but if you are like me, a bargain is always a good thing. It will be held this Friday and Saturday and it will be in full bloom here in downtown Edmond. I hope you will come down and support our local merchants and small business in general. If you haven’t been in downtown Edmond lately, you need to come. The selection of merchandise is greatly improved. Common Place books is open and a fantastic place to shop here in downtown. The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable as well. Don’t forget to head as far north as the post office here in downtown and find the little house that holds Silver Leaf Gems. You will be amazed by their creations. There are so many more that I don’t have room to print. You just need to come over Krazy Daze to see the discounts. Eating in downtown is more fun then ever. Of course, Around the Corner is still hosting Edmond’s movers and shakers until 2 p.m. everyday. Two coffee shops to pick from, Othello’s for evening and the ever popular The Mule. There are new places at the Edmond Railyard which is on First street just west of Broadway right by, of course, the train tracks. With the new quiet zone
Local Writer and Illustrator Pen New Children’s Book The newest release from Dragonfly Publishing, Inc., Swanson the Angry Rooster is an example of the editorial and art quality authors gain through Life & Leisure’s Edmond First Edition book publishing program. This initiative is the only in-depth program in the nation that guides writers away from the editorial pitfalls of self-publishing. Editor-in-Chief of Edmond First Edition is Richard M. Crum. A former National Geographic writer and editor, he is the author and editor of Swanson the Angry Rooster. The book’s lavish original watercolor illustrations were rendered by Patty Leach DeFriese. Both Richard and Patty are long-time Edmond residents. Their collaboration on Swanson produced a story with a much-needed moral theme: how to avoid being a bully. Edmond First Edition can help you craft your manuscript for publication from the first key stroke to the last. Contact Richard at okcrumo@gmail.com. And if you want to order Swanson the Angry Rooster for your children, grandchildren, or greatgrandchildren go to www.richardmcrum.com.
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 6. ---- Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6. ---- Business news ..............................................................................Page 7. ---- Camp photos ..............................................................................Page 9. ---- Columnist looks at wild world of sports ....................................Page 10. ---- Rotary Club news ......................................................................Page 11. ---- Elaine’s travel column ................................................................Page 13. ---- George Gust reviews film ..........................................................Page 14. ---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19. This, and much more, in this week’s edition!
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 5
PHOTO/LEAH GUNN
Janes Mays & the Minnie Funk Band Playing at the May VIBES Event.
Next week get ready for some August VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays, the monthly open-air art walk event, is back for the fifth event of the season, taking place on Thursday, Aug. 5 in Downtown Edmond along Broadway. August VIBES will include several live demonstrations, more performing artists and a special feature the VIBES Visa Challenge where participants will have a chance to win a prize package valued over $2,000. Attendees can pick up a VIBES Visa Task Card from participating Downtown Businesses and complete any number of tasks that they choose. Each completed task equals an entry into the drawing. Tasks include visiting visual artists and business, making a purchase at any VIBES business or artist and posting on social media using the hashtag #VIBESVISA. Prize package includes gift certificates to numerous downtown businesses and original art from more than 10 artists. The VIBES Visa Challenge helps attendees make the most of their experience at VIBES and is presented by Edmond Life & Leisure. Other exciting features to look for this month are a live mural painting done by the talented Shakurah Maynard at the corner of Broadway and Hurd and the ceramics demo happening just South of The Edmond Rail-
yard where artist Erin Harris and friends will be throwing clay for spectators to enjoy. Special performances include Kyle Dillingham (at the SW corner of Broadway and Hurd), Jane Mays & The Minnie Funk Band (at The Edmond Railyard Patio stage), A Perfect Body Band (SW Corner of Main and Broadway), and Alissa Aerial (NW Corner of Broadway and Campbell). This event will have more performing artists than any previous VIBES, so make sure to make plans to attend! More than 40 Visual Artists are confirmed to be set up throughout Downtown Edmond showing their craft and selling their work. Special welcome to first time VIBES participants David Billen, Angel Jaramillo, Dan Reyna and Jordan Tacker as well as returning crowd favorites Lori Black, Trayson Conner, David Padgett, Jim Renicek and more! VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays is a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program for Edmond Public School students. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-3404481.
Couple leaves OMRF $1.2 million Budd and Linda Parrish lived quietly on 80 acres outside of Harrah. The small, country home offered the privacy they craved following careers that took them around the world. Budd, a U.S. Navy veteran and engineer, and Linda, a math lover whose work included posts in database management and computer programming, had no history of donations to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. So when Budd followed Linda in death, foundation officials were surprised to learn of a gift to OMRF worth $1.2 million. “Mr. Parrish made just one call to us almost a decade ago,” said OMRF Senior Director of Development Sonny Wilkinson. “He shared their plans to name the foundation as a beneficiary of their estate but left few other details. We aren’t sure why the Parrishes selected OMRF, but we’re thankful they did.” Budd and Linda married in 1970 after meeting two years earlier while working at Tinker Air Force Base. Their careers in engineering and
technology launched a crisscross tour of the U.S. and the globe, taking them from New York and Maryland to California, abroad to Japan, and eventually home to Harrah where Linda was born and raised. During a three-year posting in Tokyo with AT&T, the Parrishes developed a love of international travel. All told, their passports tallied 32 countries over their lives. But it was Japan that captured their hearts. “Life in Japan was a wonderful experience for both of us, and every day was an adventure,” the Parrishes wrote for the Harrah Historical Society in 1998. “Although it was nice to return to Oklahoma, there was also a feeling of sadness at leaving Japan and the people and places we had grown to love.” In their retirement, the pair focused on becoming reacquainted with Oklahoma and small-town living. They had no children but were happy to finally have the time to invest in passions like historic preservation.
Square dance lessons offered Teacup Chains, Edmond’s Square Dance Club, is gearing up for an amazing set of fall activities. Celebrating their 30th Anniversary on Aug. 7 will be a dance at the Senior Center at Mitch Park. This will be the largest dance of the year. There should be 10 squares of dancers in their finest square-dancing attire. The public is invited to see square dancing in action. The dance will start at 7 p.m. Lessons begin on Sept 13 for the following 10 weeks. Mainstream (beginning) lessons will start at 7 p.m. and Plus (advanced) lesson will begin at 6.
Lessons will be on Monday and Thursday of each week and be completed by 9 p.m. To register for lessons at the MAC, Edmond Parks and Recreation call 405-359-4630. Other dances are held at the YMCA on Rankin the first and third Saturday’s of each month, beginning at 7 p.m. Square dancing is a great way to exercise both mind and body with a social benefit of belonging to a fun group as a bonus. One couple reported that at a recent square dancing weekend, they accumulated over 20,000 steps each day. Contact Vanette Buller at 405-205-7288 for more information.
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(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) July 13 Trevon Antwon Watts, 26 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Donna Jean Hinton, 48 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant and failure to appear. July 14 Kimberlie Kay Rogers, 53 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC William Lowe Wiley, 74 homeless. Failure to appear. Elvis Estuardo de Leon, 22, of Oklahoma City. Tinted windshields and window prohibited and driving while license is canceled, suspended,
denied or revoked. Kathy Lynn Upton. 61, Edmond. Felony warrant. Charles Derek Hodges, 31 homeless. Failure to appear. July 15 Abdullah Taher Alijuraysh. Disregarding restricted turn signs and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver's license. Elsy Dalila Bernal, 26 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Jose Manuel Tovar, 52 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Tony Jay Anderson, 32 of Konawa, Okla. Two felony warrants and two misdemeanor warrants. Gregory Scott Cobbs, 60 of Blanchard. Misdemeanor warrant and felony warrant. Clay Glen Baird, 46 of Edmond. Public intoxication and shoplifting.
July 16 Cody James Denewith, 24 of Edmond. Possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Daniel Aaron Barron, 34 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor) purchase/display/possession identification card, illegal acs; possession of CDS and (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception. July 17 Sara Marie Edwards, 36 of Tulsa. Operate (DUI or ACP) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance. Jacqueline Martinez, 21 of Edmond. Social host violation. Zephan Blaine Randle, 22 of Edmond. (Felony) domestic abuse assault and battery. Justin David Terpening, 38 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Charise Anderson, 35 homeless. Trespassing after having been
warned. Kylen Terrell Whitehorn, 27 of Guthrie. Improper tag display, driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked and possession of CDS. Melody Relyn Thornburg, 36 of Edmodn. Misdemeanor warrant, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two failure to appear charges. July 18 Jason Yousff Hijazi, 32 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (Dangerous weapon) Jennifer Joy Todd, 42 homeless. Trespassing. Antonio James Seward, 28 of Edmond. Charged with operating a motor vehicle without current license plate, (misdemeanor) possession of another's debit card; failure to carry security vehicle verification form in vehicle; possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of possession of CDS.
Weekend Calendar of Events July 29-August 1 What’s Happening This Weekend Julyy 29 August 1 ---- In the Gallery: Martha Turner ---- What’s Cooking, Edmond? ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- World Champion Junior Rodeo ---- Concert in the Park: Champaign Jam & Frontier Brass Band ---- Pint Night with Twisted Spike ---- Merchants ---- Taproom Tones featuring The Robert Allen Band ---- Miss Brown to You ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Taproom Tones featuring AJ Myers ---- Signature Tour ---- Oklahoma International Dance Festival ---- American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship ---- Summer Music Series ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series
tory.org
Extra Information In the Gallery: Martha Turner Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Jordan Tacker; edmondfinearts.com
Merchants Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, July 30; 8 – 10:30 p.m.; $20; facebook.com
What’s Cooking, Edmond? Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Tue, Aug 31; Free; edmondhis-
VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org
Miss Brown to You Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sat, July 31; 8 – 10 p.m.; $15; facebook.com
World Champion Junior Rodeo Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Through Sat, July 31; Free; wjrodeo.com
Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, July 31; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com
Concert in the Park: Champaign Jam & Frontier Brass Band Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Thu, July 29; Free; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; edmondok.com
Sliver Leaf Gems Krazy Daze Sale Location: Silver Leaf Gems Extra Info: Sat, July 31; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; facebook.com
Pint Night with Twisted Spike Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra Info: Thu, July 29; 5 p.m.; facebook.com
Taproom Tones featuring The Robert Allen Band Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Fri, July 30; 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.; facebook.com
Taproom Tones featuring AJ Myers Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Sat, July 31; 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.; facebook.com Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, July 31 & Sun, Aug, 1; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma International Dance Festival Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Through Sat, Aug 7; okdancefest.org
Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 7
State, OSU investing in engineering The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are committed to developing the next generation of engineers in the state. Engineering is vital to Oklahoma’s success, with more than 64,000 engineering and engineering management jobs in the state. It is a field that is producing billions of dollars a year. Because of its importance, the regents have decided to invest in the future of engineering in Oklahoma with a $12.6 million allocation of funding to be divided among the state’s colleges and universities for FY2022. Oklahoma State University spearheaded the 2020 Engineering Initiative proposal with the University of Oklahoma. In the proposal, Paul Tikalsky — dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology — stressed the importance of engineering to the state and how a significant investment could expand the state’s research capability, ability to recruit and retain students, and develop more engineers to meet Oklahoma’s growing demand for aerospace, computer, biomedical and energy engineers.
“OSU will work with the other state colleges to develop pre-engineering programs and K-12 STEM programs that introduce Oklahoma’s talented young people to challenging jobs that change the world. These are challenges of their lifetime, and it will take their diversity of thought and values to solve them,” Tikalsky said. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma will continue to generate a demand for more than 3,000 new engineers a year through 2028 as the industry continues to grow. Those jobs offer stability and high pay, which without the regents’ investment, could have gone to engineers from other states but now can stay in Oklahoma. The Engineering Initiative will help develop students through K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, putting them on a path to go to college and hone their talents at the state’s universities. Overall, OSU will receive $5 million in FY2022 from the regents with the University of Oklahoma also receiving $5 million. The remaining $2.6 million will support pre-engineering and engineering
programs at other Oklahoma colleges and universities. Energy companies in Oklahoma are applauding the regents’ decision, saying the investment will be a boon for their engineering departments for years to come. “I am excited to see the investments being made by Oklahoma in engineering degrees and research capacity,” said Jaime McAlpine, president of Chermac Energy Corp., a renewable energy developer and oil and gas engineering firm in Edmond. “This increased funding is a starting block for homegrown talent that can accelerate Oklahoma in research and product development in aerospace and sustainable energy. What future engineers from OSU and other schools in the state can achieve utilizing this additional funding should be substantial.” According to the proposal, the U.S. will need about 413,000 new engineers every year for the next decade. Energy companies will continue to hire engineers for a plethora of jobs in a rapidly growing field.
OU Health’s Cookson named to major role OU Health urologist Michael S. Cookson, M.D., has been named Chief Surgical Officer for Cancer Services for the OU Health enterprise and for OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. He continues to serve as Chair and Professor of the Department of Urology in the OU College of Medicine and Chief of Urology at Stephenson Cancer Center. Cookson brings years of service in academic medicine to his new roles and will guide OU Health as it advances its mission of providing highquality, innovative surgical care to patients with cancer. “We are excited to announce Dr. Cookson’s new leadership positions
for OU Health as a whole and for Stephenson Cancer Center,” said John Zubialde, M.D., Executive Dean of the OU College of Medicine. “His extensive experience in surgical innovations, and his commitment to research-driven patient care, will propel our enterprise as we expand the services we provide to patients across Oklahoma and beyond.” Cookson is a graduate of the OU College of Medicine, and he completed his residency training at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He completed a urological oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and he holds a master’s degree in Man-
Stephanie Bailey named as new Sunbeam CFO Sunbeam, Bailey served as Sunbeam Family Services vice president of finance for announces Stephanie Bailey, another multi-million-dollar CPA as its new chief financial nonprofit in Oklahoma. Bailey officer. Bailey has joined the also ran one of KPMG’s leadnonprofit and is committed to ing nonprofit tax practices helping children, families and and helped establish KPMG seniors thrive in Central OklaOKC’s Network of Women homa. Initiative, which focused on “We are excited to have Bailey developing, retaining and proStephanie Bailey join Sunmoting women within the orbeam as CFO,” said Todd ganization. She was also the recipient Sanders, Sunbeam Family Services board president. “Her experience will of KPMG’s Chairman’s Award of High Performance, which honors those make a significant impact on the orwho serve as role models in driving ganization and complement an outhigh performance, growth and a dedstanding administrative team led by ication to the firm’s values. Sarah Rahhal..” Bailey serves as treasurer on the Bailey is passionate about serving ReMerge board of directors. She has the Oklahoma community. served as a member of Rotary Club "One of the things I’m most excited about in joining Sunbeam is the 29, serves on the University of Oklahoma’s Accounting board of advisors beauty of the mission,” said Bailey. and is a member of the United Way’s “To be able to focus on early interEmerging Leaders and Women’s vention for the families served by Leadership Society. Sunbeam is such a gift and I’m so With community support, Sungrateful for the opportunity to be a beam serves nearly 8,000 Central part of that very important and Oklahoma children, families and senmeaningful work." iors. For more information about SunBailey is a graduate of the Univerbeam visit sfsok.org call (405) sity of Oklahoma and is a certified 528-7721. public accountant. Prior to joining
First Liberty Bank promotion Michael Levine in building the First Liberty Bank (FLB) division’s loan portfolio. promoted Jamie Vafadar to FLB’s Healthcare Division Vice President, Healthcare specializes in lending for physiBanking Relationship cian and dental practices in Banker. the Oklahoma City Metro. “ExVafadar joined First Libecutive Management encourerty as a Credit Analyst in ages and supports staff to 2016. She transitioned in advance within the bank, and 2020 to Commercial Loan Sitton I’m delighted to be working Portfolio Manager and Execwith Michael in helping local utive Assistant to First Libpractices grow and thrive.”, said erty Chief Lending Officer Scott Vafadar. Hughes. In her new position as Vafadar has worked in the financial Healthcare Banking Relationship services industry since 2004 and has Manager, Vafadar will work as a lender with Healthcare Division Man- a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. ager and Senior Vice President
agement of Health Care from Vanderbilt University. Cookson returned to Oklahoma in 2013, after serving for 15 years at Vanderbilt University, where he served as Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Urologic Surgery. In addition to his busy clinical practice at OU Health, Cookson is active as a researcher. He oversees several ongoing clinical trials, and is an international leader in research that has advanced care for urologic cancers. Among his many achievements is leading a trial that proved the effectiveness of an oral medication for metastatic prostate cancer, the first treatment advance for that disease in many years.
Dr. Michael Cookson
Page 8 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
EEDA business of the month The Arrow, a publication of the Edmond Ecnomic Development Authority, has recognized the privately owned Edmond Life & Leisure as the featured business of July. Edmond Life & Leisure, a Downtown Edmond business, is a high quality, weekly publication geared strictly toward Edmond residents. The newspaper combines the targeted distribution of carrier delivery, rack distribution, print replica and digital with the readership and shelf life of a well-read magazine. As Edmond’s only locally-owned and operated newspaper, Edmond Life & Leisure communicates quality lifestyle, social and neighborhood news, and events to more than 15,000 readers each week. The newspaper produces the official program for LibertyFest each year. The goal of establishing Edmond Life & Leisure 21 years ago was to become the local voice of Edmond and uplift the community. There were many media choices in Edmond at the time, but the owners and staff felt a newspaper that focused on the many positive aspects of Edmond was missing from the market. Edmond Life & Leisure has ex-
panded its traditional news coverage to include crime reports and more Edmond City Council news. Though the newspaper has never hesitated to report on the tough issues, Edmond Life & Leisure will not deviate from reporting the good news that made the newspaper successful. With 102 years’ combined experience as working journalists, the Edmond Life & Leisure staff members are full-fledged newspaper professionals who understand their craft. They enjoy the work environment and the opportunities for community participation that a family-owned weekly newspaper provides. The newspaper staff feels fortunate that Edmond Life & Leisure survived the pandemic,
thanks to help from the Edmond Economic Development Authority, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and the newspaper’s loyal advertising base. Edmond Life & Leisure is an event-driven newspaper and with no events in 2020, there were some tough times. The staff is happy that events are back and they can now look to the future. Future plans include adding a paid circulation option soon. Copies of Edmond Life & Leisure are available in print or digital format. The easiest way to keep up with the latest Edmond news is to pull up the newspaper’s digital print replica, available on Issuu or www.edmondlifeandleisure.com. For more information, visit www.edmondlifeandleisure.com.
Ticket sales start this Sunday
Long awaited First Americans Museum will open to the public this September The First Americans Museum (FAM) will officially open its doors to the public Sept. 18-19 for a Grand Opening Weekend celebration full of entertainment, cultural demonstrations and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets go on sale Sunday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. for $5 per person, per day and can be pur-
chased exclusively through the museum’s website. Admission for FAM members and children under 3 is free. Due to expected large crowds, all tickets must be purchased in advance of opening weekend. “We are thrilled to share with the public a premier venue dedicated to the history, art and cultural lifeways of First Americans in Oklahoma. We invite everyone to the long-awaited opening of FAM in September,” said James Pepper Henry, FAM director and CEO. “Those who attend the Grand Opening will be among the first to experience a national treasure that will be enjoyed for decades to come.” The museum will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, with a tribal procession of 39 distinct tribal nations taking place at 10:30
a.m., followed by remarks from tribal, city and museum leaders. To view a complete list of Grand Opening Weekend entertainment, activities, shopping and dining options, visit famok.org. During Grand Opening Weekend only, no onsite parking will be available, with the exception of parking provided for visitors with disability parking placard credentials. FAM is finalizing details for offsite paid parking and will provide updates on the museum’s website as more information becomes available. Free parking shuttle services will be available to transport visitors all weekend to and from designated parking sites, starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, and running throughout the weekend’s scheduled events. The use of rideshare
services is strongly encouraged. To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, FAM is following CDC COVID-19 guidelines for large group events. The museum's campus will operate with timed entry tickets to ensure visitors have ample space to observe social distancing. Due to observance of health and safety protocols regarding capacity in enclosed spaces, access to FAM exhibition galleries may be limited on opening weekend. FAM encourages visitors to return on a future date to explore the extensive exhibit galleries. FAM is committed to providing universal access to our museum’s campus and all events. Please contact FAM to request additional disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 9
Area student trio competes in national history contest Jemay Leow, Carter Robbins, and Jacob Rubin, eighth graders at Deer Creek Middle School recently competed in the National History Day Contest. They were awarded 3rd place nationally in the Junior Group Jemay Exhibit Division. Their exhibit, titled Navajo Code Talkers: Their Story of Communication was praised as "powerful" and "to the point." The 2021 contest theme was Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. The students' exhibit described the Navajo Code Talkers and how they used their native language during WWII to enable the Al-
Carter
Jacob
lies to communicate securely and efficiently. This was crucial to the Allies winning the war. Jemay Leow said about their project, "We worked very hard on it and are very grateful to our history teachers and our community for supporting us during this endeavor. We are so happy that we were able to spread awareness of the
Navajo Code Talkers, the hardships they faced, and their stunning tenacity. They serve as an example to us all and researching their amazing story will impact us forever." After completing their exhibit, the students competed in a series of contests beginning at the local level. They placed 2nd at the state level and were invited to compete in the National Contest. “To make it to the National Contest in a normal year is a remarkable achievement,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “Given the added challenges facing students because of the coronavirus and nationwide school closures, I am even more impressed by what they have done this year. They have shown an incredible
level of perseverance amid adversity, and I am confident we will continue to see great things from all of these students. That the judges chose their project to receive a prize testifies to their hard work, exemplary research, and outstanding creativity. The skills that they have gained will stay with you throughout their lives.” More than 300 historians and education professionals served as judges for the students’ work, and as with all other aspects of the contest this year, the judging was conducted remotely online. More than 100 students from across the country were awarded cash prizes between $500 and $2,000, each, for superior work in particular judging categories.
Edmond students attend SWOSU band camp Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s 66th annual band camp recently attracted nearly 500 students from three states to the Weatherford campus for Oklahoma’s oldest and longest-running band camp. Camp director Marc Mueller said the students auditioned for placement in concert bands and participated in rehearsals as well as a variety of recreational activities. The six-day camp ended with a final concert featuring all of the bands. Among the students attending the camp from Edmond were, front row, from left, Elizabeth Hines, Laurie Cromer and Alison Horowitz. On the back are Genesis Hancock, Calen Hanan, Michael Glenn and Charles Weinert. PHOTO PROVIDED
Page 10 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Watching the games? MLB strikes out in Cuba By Steve Gust So far I haven’t been motivated enough to watch the Olympics. I should be, but I’m not. What I don’t understand is how do some of these athletes play for the honor of the United States when they don’t particularly like the United States? And, I must add Steve Gust here that it isn’t all the athletes, it’s only some. I don’t think the protests are a good idea for the Olympics. I’m still not keen on the protests for our major leagues in basketball, football and baseball either. It’s a shame there are protests. The Olympics are the premiere sporting event of the world. I have a few favorite memories from the Games in the past. One of them has to be Billy Mills. It was in Tokyo also, but in 1964. He won a gold medal in the 10,000 meter run.
Nobody in the world, other than Mills, thought he would win. But he did. If you ever want to see an exciting sports clip on Youtube, check out the last few seconds of Mills’ incredible win. It also made for a pretty good movie. And I guess, like most people around here, we followed Shannon Miller when she excelled in gymnastics during the 1992 and 1996 games. I remember her getting a parade at after both games. At one of them, a couple of young women drove all the way here from Maine to help welcome Shannon home. ---Today the sports world baffles me. Money is playing a huge role in sports, especially at the college level now. Because of some new rules, some college players will become millionaires due to endorsements, etc. And we all know the lure of big money over Texas and OU as well. Welcome to a brave new world. (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
By Dr. Paul G. Kengor Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “MLB remained absent-mindedly and cowardly mute on the Cuban people’s freedom struggles, despite the game’s close ties with Cuban players.” So writes David, a Grove City College alum and a reader of my columns. David continues: “The league has no excuse now for dodging the political issues of the day as they arise. Aroldis Chapman represented the New York Yankees at the All-Star Game in Denver — and he certainly to his credit didn’t shy away from the hot-button issue of the week: the ongoing
protests and demonstrations against Communism in Cuba, about which social and sporting institutions have remained silent.” As David noted, Chapman was quite vocal in his solidarity with his people, writing “SOS Cuba” and “Patria Y Vida” on his game hat. His commendable gesture was joined by Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia. Both players are defectors from Cuba. Has Major League Baseball joined them in their protest of communist Cuba’s abuses? Not at all. And this isn’t the first time that MLB’s silence in the face of Cuban oppression has been pointed out. Back in April, before the current uprising in the Cuban
streets, Senator Marco Rubio called out the “hypocrisy” of MLB and commissioner Rob Manfred for relocating the AllStar Game from Atlanta to Denver in protest over Georgia’s new election laws while mum on abuses in nations like Cuba and China. “Will Major League Baseball now end its engagement with nations that do not hold elections at all like China and Cuba?” Rubio asked. restrictive than Georgia’s, and I thus asked if MLB would be boycotting Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies games. Once you open this door and go down this road of politics, you’re vulnerable to complaints of double standards. That’s why baseball should stick to baseball and get its big nose out of politics. In the case of Cuba, the hypocrisy is even worse. Not only does Cuba obviously have far more stringent voting restrictions than Georgia or anywhere in America or the entire Western Hemisphere—being a communist dictatorship—but baseball players in Cuba have no wage and labor rights. Of course, Cubans painfully realize their horrible situation. They flee the country when they can. Today, MLB is the home to a huge number of Cuban nationals who escaped this madness. And many of those freedom seekers no doubt wonder how Rob Manfred can punish the city of Atlanta for alleged injustices that come nowhere near the horrible injustices suffered by Cubans for over 60 years. MLB strikes out again. —Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science and chief academic fellow of the Institute for Faith and Freedom at Grove City College.
Lankford: Biden wasting billions of dollars Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), lead Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management, last week released a blistering report on $2 billion in wasted taxpayer dollars to pay Department of Defense (DOD) contractors not to build the Sen. Lankford border wall while more than 180,000 migrants attempted to cross our southern border in June alone. On Jan. 20, President Biden issued Presidential Proclamation 10142, which terminated the federally declared emergency at the southern border and halted the construction of the congressionally funded border wall, citing the need to “assess” the wall’s construction, an action Lankford immediately opposed. Lankford’s report identifies the “termination and cancellation” costs still being accrued daily on the contracts to build the border wall that are ongoing but not being fulfilled.
“It is absolutely absurd that Americans are paying contractors to guard metal gates that President Biden refuses to install because he wants to ‘study’ the wall,” said Lankford. “Stubbornly refusing to spend money approved for the wall is not ‘executing’ the law. It’s ignoring the law and ignoring the very real national security concerns posed by illegal entry across our very open southern border. For years I have called out federal waste, but the Biden Administration is literally ‘going for broke’ with this nonsense. Our border patrol agents are doing their best to secure our border, but they need additional barriers, roads, and technology to help keep us safe. Instead, President Biden is paying professional construction contractors to babysit metal to the tune of $2 billion and counting, while at the same time we’ve seen a 20-year high number of migrants crossing our open border.” In January 2021, DOD contractors in charge of overseeing wall construction along the southern border received $10 billion in taxpayer money, which
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.
had been obligated toward wall-related projects. By the end of June, the Biden Administration has wasted roughly 20 percent ($2 billion) of the $10 billion meant to build the wall to pay contractors to watch steel rust in the desert. For the time period immediately following Presidential Proclamation 10142, in which President Biden halted construction of the border wall to “study” it, Lankford’s office found that DOD contractors were reportedly being paid $6 million per day — to not construct the wall they were hired to build. Now taxpayers are paying contractors on just seven project sites $3 million per day, after numerous layoffs, to sit and watch the steel bake in the sun. To make matters worse, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided information to Congress about the status of border wall projects funded by congressional appropriations. On July 16, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released the latest staggering border crossing numbers for June, which included an astounding 20year high 188,829 total encounters. CBP seized 508 pounds of fentanyl, which was up 12 percent from May. Additionally, the June update revealed that 95,079 unaccompanied children were found at the border since September 2020. After visiting the southern border as part of his oversight responsibilities, Lankford called out the Biden Administration’s open border policies on the Senate floor and penned an op-ed in the Daily Caller about our now open borders. In May, Lankford condemned the Biden Administration’s efforts to secretly respond to the obvious ongoing emergency at the southern by recruiting a “volunteer force” of federal employees from NASA, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Agriculture to work at the border transferring migrants with very few training requirements.
Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 11
PHOTO PROVIDED
The new Rotary board: includes, back row, from left, Chris Koehler, Jordan Malwick, Rusty Hale, Keith May, Chris Berry, Sandy Chappell, Allison Calhoun and Andy Conyers. On the front row are JD Younger, Christine Merideth, Beth Case, James Boggs, Cindy Dimit and Jessica Lyle.
Rotary Club of Edmond installs new Board of Directors Local community leaders were recently installed to the 2021-2022 Rotary Club of Edmond Board of Directors. Rotary District 5750 Governor Matt Tipton was on hand to instate the new officers. Outgoing president, Cindy Dimit ceremoniously passed the gavel and the Buddy Morris presidential emblem to incoming president James Boggs in an emotional farewell address. Dimit sang the praises of each outgoing board member and their accomplishments. About her tenure during the pandemic, Dimit quoted Douglas Adams, “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” James Boggs was installed as President. Boggs is the president of the First Fidelity Bank of Edmond. Boggs chose the word “impactful” to guide the club for the next term. He challenged the club to be impactful in the Rotary mission and “in the way we serve to change lives.” Boggs shared 5 club goals for the upcoming year. He congratulated Dimit for her services during the pandemic and her ability to “meet regularly, have an internal focus on loving our members, grow with new members, but
more importantly the relationships within the club that grew from the formation of the Rotary Roadsters.” Boggs went on to praise Dimit's efforts with the Rotary Roadsters program in which club members would deliver lunch to one another so that the club could “eat together during the Zoom meetings.” President-Elect, Beth Case of Epworth Villa, Secretary, Chris Berry with the YMCA, and Treasurer, Rusty Hale were also installed. Hale a local C.P.A. has been a member of the Club for over 33 years with many of those serving as Treasurer. Andy Conyers, Assistant City Manager with the City of Edmond was slated for Club Service. Community Service will be led by Keith May, Keller Williams of Central Oklahoma. Past president Chris Koehler will stay on the board and head up International Service with Jordan Malwick of High Spring Land Company leading Vocational Service for a second term. Chief of the Edmond Police Department, JD Younger will serve another term as Sergeant at Arms. Rounding out the board is long-time club
member and C.P.A. Natalie Bonney who will serve as chair of the Rotary Foundation. Thirty-year member Sandy Chappel is returning as the Membership Chairperson. Continuing to serve but in a new role as Public Relations Chairperson is past president, Jessica Lyle. Returning to lead the scholarship committee is Christine Merideth and taking the lead for the golf tournament committee for another year is Robert Gibson. Allison Calhoun will return for her 16th year as the Club’s Executive Secretary. A highlight of the installation was the introduction and recognition of over 20 of the Club’s past presidents. Past president, Andy Lester made the presentation and recognized current member, Amzi Gregory for serving two terms as president. Members with perfect attendance and Paul Harris Fellows were also recognized. The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on St Lukes United Methodist, Edmond on I-35 and Sooner Road and on Zoom. Guests are welcome. To know more, log onto www.edmondrotary.org
PHOTO PROVIDED
Being honored for perfect attendance, are, from left Betty DeHart, James Boggs, Jessica Lyle, Carol Wright, Victoria Caldwell, Richard Blankenship, Sandy Chappell, Cindy Dimit, Natalie Bonney and Andy Lester.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The past presidents of the club, include, back row from left, Jack Warner, Natalie Bonney, Jay Smith, Dan Chavez, Chris Koehler, Jeanean Yanish Jones, Clark Jolley, Benji Wenchsler and Andy Lester. On the front are Kelley Kay, Sam Vinall, Mike Roark, Amzi Gregory, Roland Herwig, Gail Carr, Ruth Boss, Jessica Lyle and Bill Moyer.
Page 12 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Educators part of pilot learner project An online professional development platform for Teachers of English Learners created by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has completed its pilot phase and is now open for teachers statewide on the Oklahoma State Department of Education Oklahoma EDGE website at https://osdeconnect.ok.gov. As part of its Teacher Professional Development programs, the foundation created the Teachers of English Learners Pilot Project to address a critical need for Oklahoma classroom teachers and their
English Learners, said Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a statewide nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in public schools. “Nearly 60,000 students in Oklahoma’s public schools do not speak English as their first language, presenting a challenge for classroom teachers who often do not have the training or resources to effectively integrate English Learner students into their classroom activities,” Stratton said. The Teachers of English Learners project uses a collaborative online learning platform to provide professional development, networking and support for classroom teachers in schools with high enrollment of English Learner (EL) students. The project was developed by advisory and content committees made up of Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence trustees and English Learner specialists from school districts and colleges. In addition, six English-asa-Second-Language certified teachers served as virtual facilitators for the pilot project to answer questions and provide resources for participants. “Our ultimate goal was to provide an anytime, anyplace professional learning hub for classroom teachers committed to improving instruction for their English Learners,” said Project Manager Lisa Pryor. “This goal was accomplished through the curation of highquality content and the ability for teachers to share information and
network organically.” When the foundation launched the platform in February 2020, the program was available to educators in 17 schools with approximately 360 registered teachers. Today, more than 800 Oklahoma educators from 95 districts have utilized the online platform, thanks to the additions of an ESL Certification Prep Course, a webinar series and opportunities to network with other English Learner teachers. “The project has provided a platform to unite English Learner teachers who desire collaboration with others working in our subject area,” said Payne County EL teacher Anastasia Mendoza. “Many EL teachers are the only one in their school or district. The online project has given teachers from across the state a common place to collaborate, build relationships and learn from each other.” Last September, facilitators added the free ESL Certification Prep Course created by veteran ESL teachers Ellen Kraft and Marcie Levy of Norman. The course readings, videos, activities, and quizzes are tied to six state standards and keyed to 14 competencies addressed in the state certification exam. To date, 98 Oklahoma educators have completed the prep course and are working their way towards achieving state ESL certification. The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has awarded $80 exam fee vouchers to teachers who completed the course and will continue to award vouchers – on a first-
come basis – for those who complete the prep course by Sept. 15. Organizers are hopeful that the number of teachers will increase exponentially with the new statewide access to the program. “We are particularly pleased that the Oklahoma State Department of Education is taking on the operations of continuing and expanding these supports to Oklahoma educators,” Pryor said. “We expect that this will translate to improved instruction for English Learners in classrooms across the state.” The Teachers of English Learners project was managed by EDUTAS at the University of Oklahoma Outreach/College of Continuing Education. The online learning technology was developed by NextThought, an Oklahoma company that specializes in online professional development and community networking. Project sponsors are the Sarkeys Foundation, BancFirst, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Home Creations, Gene Rainbolt, Bar S Foods, Cherokee Strip Community Foundation, Dillingham Foundation, The Joullian Foundation, the Office of Education Quality and Accountability, ARVEST Bank of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Lopez Foods, Kirk and Sue Morris, Junior Welfare Leagues of Enid, Stephen and Sherrel Jones, Central Machine and Tool LLC, Dick Sias, Lisa Pryor, Oklahoma Bank & Trust Co., Cheryl & GW Lowry Jr., and Dick Ebrey.
Those attending from Edmond University of Central Oklahoma educators Dr. April Haulman and Dr. Regina Lopez served as content authors for the Teachers of English Learners Pilot Project. Deer Creek Public Schools teachers Brooke Gebb, art teacher; Marcy Boudreaux-Johnson, reading interventionalist; Katelyn Johnson, speech
language pathologist; and Abby Lloyd, special education teacher; have completed the ESL Certification Exam Prep Course. Edmond Public Schools teachers Terri Albert, Diana Hawley, Sandy Love and Karla Winslow have each completed the ESL Certification Exam Prep Course
Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29 2021 • Page 13
The Arabia Museum in Kansas City By Elaine Warner Writing about the Vasa a couple of weeks ago brought to mind another salvaged ship – this one a lot closer than Stockholm. The Arabia Museum in Kansas City is another fine museum and less than a day’s drive away. It was the evening of Sept. 5, Warner 1856. The steamboat Arabia had left St. Louis, headed up the Missouri River, fully loaded with supplies for America’s frontier. Many of the passengers were enjoying dinner in the pleasant dining room. The boat had passed Kansas City and was nearing Parkville when a sudden jolt signaled the end of the journey. The boat had hit a snag – a large remnant of a sunken walnut tree. Water flooded in and the boat quickly sank to the bottom of the Big Muddy. The water came up to the bottom of the upper deck. The passengers and crew were able to be rescued. The only fatality was a mule which had been tethered below decks. Lost, however, were 200 tons of freight. Over the years, several attempts were made to salvage the cargo and wreck – all failed. Eventually, time and the river moved on and the wreck was forgotten. More than 100 years later, two boys, David and Greg Hawley, fished and played on the bank of the river. Their family was close-knit and frequently took trips to pan for gold and look for treasure in the ColTorado mountains. Their dad had an air-conditioning and refrigeration business and, when the boys grew up, they went to work for him. The family still took their treasure-hunting trips, adding spouses and children to the crew. On a service call one day, David was chatting with a customer about their traditional treks. The customer’s response – why go to Colorado when there was treasure in their own back yard. Many steamboats had fallen victim to the navigational dangers of the Missouri. Intrigued, the family began to research the history of the river. Records indicated several wrecks that offered possibilities – each was dismissed until they came to the Arabia. Quite a bit of information as to its location was available. Further inquiries and forays indicated that the wreck was beneath a cornfield, half-a mile from the present course of the wandering river. One of the things I love most about the Arabia’s story is the determination and ingenuity of these men. Not university-trained archaeologists, they nonetheless proceeded with scientifically sound methods combined with a lot of creativity.
This illustration of the Arabia is from the collection of River Salvage, Inc. Independence, Missouri
The biggest hurdle – the boat was almost 40 feet underground but the water table was considerably higher. To solve the problem required numerous wells and a half-mile, plastic-lined channel to the river to be dug, plus 20 pumps and multiple generators,. Adding to the difficulty, the excavation had to be started and concluded during the fallow season of the cornfield – meaning a lot of work was done during the most unpleasant part of the Kansas City year. Visitors to the museum will see a film giving a good view of the whole story while photographic displays highlight the extreme conditions the men encountered. Unlike the Swedish warship Vasa, little of the wooden steamboat survived – part of the stern section, a bit of wood decking, the supports for the paddlewheel are on display as are three boilers, the anchor, the steam engine and even part of the tree that caused the disaster. Most outstanding are the thousands of items of cargo that were retrieved. The last piece of the boat was lifted out of the ground on February 9, 1989 – approximately four years from the conversation that started the search. When the Hawleys began the project, they anticipated selling what they found, hoping there would
The Arabia carried items from small keys and locks to 10 tons of lumber – whatever would be needed on frontier outposts.
be a number of things of value. As it turned out, the value was the collection itself – the largest assemblage of pre-Civil War artifacts ever discovered. The next part of the story is almost as replete with difficulty as the discovery and excavation. The family had spent thousands of dollars on their project. Museums expressed interest but none were willing to pay an amount equal to their expenses. The Hawleys decided they would build their own museum. They were discouraged by museum professionals, conservators, and academics, but, undaunted, set out to teach themselves what they needed to know. They consulted with European experts in marine archaeology and received help from the Mary Rose Trust in Portsmouth, England, which had salvaged and preserved the 1545 Mary Rose warship. Assistance in freshwater preservation came from Canada. Simply storing items before cleaning and preserving was a major task. Designing the museum and determining how to display a veritable 19th century Walmart’s worth of items was another challenge. The museum opened to the public on Nov. 13, 1991. Today’s guests can see approximately twothirds of the collection on display. Museum staff estimates another five to ten years of work to finish cleaning and cataloguing the rest of the items. Among the exhibits are beads, buckles, hardware, foodstuffs, prefabricated houses, fine china, perfume, jewelry, toys, tools, clothing, medicines, basically all of life’s necessities. My biggest surprise – rubber overshoes made in1849, five years after U.S. inventor Charles Goodyear patented vulcanized rubber. These are the only rubber shoes from the mid-1850s known to exist. This amazing museum is located in the City Market in Kansas City, close to the site of the town’s original steamboat landing. To visit is to look into history. To quote the late Greg Hawley, “Excavating the Arabia was like shaking hands with the pioneers….I had met my forefathers through the items most precious in their lives….I had come to know and understand my ancestors for the first time.” Akin to the time I stood overlooking the Cumberland Gap that my ancestors had traveled through, I recognize that feeling – of history becoming personal. Even if your ancestors weren’t pioneers on the plains, I hope you’ll enjoy the Arabia Museum as much as I do. It’s a chance to peek into the everyday lives of people who helped build this country.
Page 14 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
‘Space Jam’ film more of a HBO Max ad By George Gust Content. The buzzword of today’s media culture. Which company has the most? The best? Which services should you subscribe to? “Space Jam: A New Legacy” attempts to answer these questions with the answer -- WB’s HBO Max of course! “Space Jam: A New Legacy” follows in the footsteps of the 90’s kids’ cult classic Michael Jordan vehicle “Space Jam.” This time around a rogue artificial intelligence (Don Cheadle) kidnaps the son of famed basketball player LeBron James, who then must work with Bugs Bunny to win a basketball game. After the financial and enduring cultural success of “Space Jam” it seemed inevitable that the filmmakers would return to the Loony Toons/superstar athlete well. And for most of his playing career it seems as though James has been chasing the ghost of Jordan and now with James’ basketball career winding down and with an eye on becoming a multi-media mogul post NBA it seems as though James would be a slam dunk to join the classic cartoons on the big screen. However, in practice the result is a brick of a movie that feels overly cynical and stuffed to the brim with meta pop culture references. The original “Space Jam” found Jordan at a com-
pelling point of his career; retired from the NBA toiling away in an anonymous minor league baseball league. “Space Jam: A New Legacy” finds James on top of the world with wild success professionally and features a father-son story that feels like a basic storyline generated by a computer program. And in “A New Legacy” this computer program is brought to life by Cheadle in a performance that can only be described as madcap. Cheadle delivers a broad performance as the villainous algorithm orchestrating the events that trap James and son in the serververse, featuring all the WB properties you love! Harry Potter, The Matrix, Mad Max, and every kid’s
favorite “Casablanca”! And in all this whacky content placement for HBO Max, the script has very little space to give James any compelling character work, resulting in a performance that is flat at best. Overall, “Space Jam: A New Legacy” is an overly long Super-Bowl commercial for HBO Max, that puts the Loony Toons in the back seat. This is a film that does not even play by its own universe’s rules, to the point that when we get to the big game, an anonymous video game tableau, there are no stakes, as the rules of the game only obscurely reference the game of basketball. There are moments in the movie that are entertaining enough in a “Hey I recognize that reference!” kind of a way, but the overall experience of “Space Jam: A New Legacy” is an oddly cynical one that can easily be skipped and forgotten. “Space Jam: A New Legacy” is rated PG for some cartoon violence and some language. Now available to stream on HBO Max for a limited time and in Theaters. .1.8 out of 5 stars
To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
Answers on Page 19
Lebron James steps onto the court again, this time with Bugs Bunny and crew in the long awaited sequel ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy.’
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Happy Hour
ACROSS 1. Sail support 5. *Percentage of alcohol, acr. 8. Cheesy sandwich 12. Oil, in Italy 13. What refugees do 14. Noble one 15. *Moscow ____ 16. Wrinkly fruit 17. Cereal killer 18. *Non-alcoholic cocktail 20. Elementary particle 21. Old and feeble 22. American cuckoo 23. ____ tunnel 26. Create a misnomer 30. *Tap choice 31. Tooth cover 34. A wedge in golf, e.g. 35. Wesley Snipes' 1998 movie 37. Notable time 38. Fancy neckwear 39. Denim innovator 40. *Beer ____, or biergarten 42. Before, archaic 43. Particular marking on a butterfly 45. Neuter in language, e.g. 47. Red Cross bed 48. Île de la Cité river 50. Lump of stuff 52. *18th Amendment, a.k.a. ____ Act 55. Assemblage of members 56. D'Artagnan's weapon 57. Freight horse cart 59. "It's Always ____ in Philadelphia" 60. Wooden pegs 61. *Margarita garnish 62. Lend a hand 63. *Not sweet 64. Sun rising direction
DOWN 1. May honoree 2. Homecoming guest 3. Farmer's storage type 4. Steel on a work boot 5. Relating to aquarium scum 6. Misrepresent 7. Bride screen 8. *Often served dirty, pl. 9. Cogito ____ sum 10. Rumpelstiltskin's weaver 11. *Half whiskey, half absinthe cocktail 13. Pointless 14. Chili con carne legumes 19. Between 10 and Queen 22. Breathing matter 23. C in CNN 24. Stray cat's home 25. Plunder 26. *Fermented honey and water 27. Formed a curve 28. "Fahrenheit 9/11" documentary director 29. Go in 32. *Straight from the bot-
tle 33. Make a blunder 36. *One appeal of happy hour 38. About or concerning, archaic 40. "____ Milk?" 41. Knights' breastplates 44. Dorothy's sleeping aid 46. Conifer attribute 48. Deep sleep 49. Lament for the dead 50. ____hub food takeout service 51. Solitary 52. Hawk or peddle 53. Toreador Song from "Carmen," e.g. 54. River obstructions 55. Geological Society of America 58. Thus far
Answers are found on Page19
Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 15
Eve’s & Lulu D’s 610 S. Kelly Ave., Ste. D Select Capri Blue Candles Regular $24-32 Krazy Daze Special 50% off
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Silver Leaf Gems 15 W Campbell St. 20-50% off all jewelry Refreshments and Madeline’s Flowers Pop-Up Shop July 31
Frenzy Brewing 15 S. Broadway Bring in $25 worth of receipts from Downtown Edmond Businesses and receive one free drink on us! July 30 & 31
Page 16 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
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Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 17
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Page 18 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure
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Edmond Life & Leisure • July 29, 2021 • Page 19
A little common sense advice for parents With the recent celebration of National Parents Day, it is the perfect time for people to celebrate the positive parental roles models in their lives and acknowledge the special bond between parents and their children. Meredith Staggers, Founder and Owner of Cake & Confetti, shares some of her tried and true “life hacks” to de-stress any parent, while making sure the kids are still having fun. “Oftentimes parents might not have an extra pair of hands and they resort to easy ways to maintain some peace and silence; like allowing the kids to spend time on an iPad, but this can be unhealthy for children down the line,” says Meredith Staggers. “Understanding that time is of the essence, there are a variety of ways to optimize those tasks that just always seem to add up.” Meredith Staggers provides parents with practical tips to help parents make their day easier: • Keep The Kids Busy. Sometimes you need alone time, but you can’t leave your kids alone. Keep them entertained by allowing them to draw on a cardboard box or play with interactive toys such as Legos or Play-Dough. Another fun option is to coordinate a scavenger hunt around the house for an in-depth and brain stimulating adventure. • Make Snack Time Fun. Make snack time more enjoyable by arranging colorful foods and fruits on a plate to resemble your child’s favorite TV character. Drawing funny faces on the shells of hardboiled eggs is another fun and creative idea. Take advantage of the recent bento lunch boxes trend by cutting fruits into small pieces and adding cute toothpicks to show your love. Another great alternative is to give the kids vitamins in gummy form like L’il Critters D3 gummy vitamins – perfect for any picky eater!
• Set Aside Time to Tidy Up. Playtime is necessary for kids, but the messy aftermath can drive parents nuts! You will be sure to thank yourself later if you schedule out time to clean during the day, even if it is just a few minutes. Keep the playroom tidy by placing a clear shoe storage bag, installing a rod with buckets, or magnetic knife strips to hang up toys. • Wash Clothes Smarter, Not Harder. Where do all those socks disappear to? Make sure to never run into this problem again and wash small children’s socks together in a laundry bag. As you’re coming back from the park, pack an extra shirt for yourself in case your baby vomits on you in public, or your child gets dirt on you. It’s best to throw all of the dirty clothes straight into the laundry room
and use a laundry detergent that powers out these pesky stains and emits a fresh scent – I recommend these two laundry detergents from Arm & Hammer: Odor Blasters and Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear. • Let The Kids Help You. If you are cooking or cleaning, let your kids assist you with a simple role like setting the table or sorting the laundry. Involving them in your household chores helps children learn more about what they need to do to care for themselves and provides a sense of responsibility. It is a win, win situation – just make sure you’re giving them a role that they can handle! • Thinking of growing the family? Although kids can be a ton of work, they can bring so much joy and light to a parent’s life.
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Page 20 • July 29, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure