Edmond Life & Leisure - July 2, 2020

July 2, 2020

Vol. 21, No. 7

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.

DAR in the holiday spirit See Page 11

FRIDAY, July 3

Partly Cloudy High 97° Low 72°

SATURDAY, July 4 Partly Cloudy High 95° Low 71°

SUNDAY, July 5

Partly Cloudy High 93° Low 71°

By Steve Gust It’s going to be a unique July Fourth this weekend as world events have been felt all around, including Edmond.

Weeks ago, the city’s LibertyFest committee, put the brakes on any and all celebratory events this summer. It was due to COVID-19 and trying to contain the virus.

So please don’t come downtown bright and early Saturday expecting to see the massive July Fourth parade. The other events, ranging from a KiteFest to fireworks show, also will be put on hold until 2021.

Yet it doesn’t mean families can’t celebrate

the special day on their own -- being with love ones and relishing the freedoms given Americans since 1776.

And don’t let recent national unrest deter you from appreciating the beauty and sacrifice made so long ago for liberties Americans enjoy.

The nation continues to strive to be a more perfect union. The original colonists also had challenges, as we do today. Yet even in 1777, they marked the oneyear anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

At that time the nation was still locked in a Revolutionary War with Great Britain. Many

people also forget that those who signed the Declaration had committed open treason against the Crown and could have put to death.

Fortunately none of us have that hanging over our heads.

If you travel anywhere, including the lake, be use caution. Stay safe.

And make sure you remember that the use of fireworks in Edmond is against the law. You can be ticketed for it.

Although there are difficulties, know that Americans have answered the call before and will again.

Happy Fourth of July.

Also, see Publisher Ray Hibbard’s column on Page 12. There are also safety tips on Page 14.

Page 2 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 3

Scholarship named in honor of Maj. General Rita Aragon The University of Central Oklahoma College of Education and Professional Studies has established the Elementary Education Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon through the UCO Foundation.

The scholarship is named to honor the legacy and accomplishments of Aragon, a Central alumna. The scholarship will be awarded annually, providing financial assistance to UCO students pursuing a career in teaching. Applications for the first scholarship will be available beginning January 2021 through the UCO Scholarship Portal at scholarships.uco.edu.

"I am honored to be named in this opportunity because I feel like I am touching the future in a small way," Aragon said.

A lifelong education advocate, Aragon received both her bachelor's degree in elementary education and her master's degree in guidance and counseling from Central. She served as a teacher, principal and counselor in Oklahoma City Public Schools for nearly 25 years where she was the recipient of numerous awards including the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Excellent Educator of the Year in 1990.

In addition to a successful career in education, Aragon spent many years serving in the U.S. Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force before retiring in 2007. During her military career, she became the first female to hold the rank of brigadier general in the Oklahoma National Guard and the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. She

Rita Aragon

also became the first female to serve as the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs, appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2010.

Aragon has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Oklahoma Woman Veteran of the Year and an inductee of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2016. She also was named one of UCO’s Distinguished Alumni in 2004 and currently serves on UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar’s Council of Advisers.

For more information about the Elementary Education Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon or to contribute to the fund, www.centralconnection.org/aragon or contact the UCO Foundation at 405974-2770.

City reminder on water usage As a reminder, the City of Edmond participates in a mandatory year-round regional water conservation plan with other Oklahoma City water customers in the metro area.

Edmond is currently in Stage 1 of the plan, but water conservation stages can change at any time.

You can readily access and moni-

tor the current stage at http://edmondwater.com/cu. Additionally, you can find lots of free resources there to help you conserve water and save money. Edmond’s daily water use is typically 10 to 11 million gallons per day (MGD). During summer peak use, that amount can climb to more than 25 MGD.

Page 4 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Carel leads community project With most of you, I watch the civil unrest on the broadcast news feeling helpless in many ways. The subjects discussed by the talking heads are not short of words but the call to acRay Hibbard tions or solutions are few. Yet, there is a business owner in downtown Edmond that discovered the key to our frustrations.

She did not tear anything down, protest in the streets or get her face on the evening news. Instead, she did a positive action. It was teachable in showing the rest of us that good things can be done in our town. It was an act of restoration and respect. It educated us on our past and honored a widely forgotten piece of history in Edmond.

A few weeks ago, Silver Leaf Gems owner Stephanie Pate Carel, was taking a picture. On the advice of a friend, she was at the gate of the Gower Cemetery here in Edmond. It is located on Covell between Douglas and Post Road on the southside of the road. Gower Cemetery began as a black cemetery during the town of Edmond's early development, and the first burial was in 1896. John and Ophelia Gower relinquished part of their 160-acre homestead to establish the cemetery. About 102 years later it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was no easy task since they do not usually take a cemetery.

It is significant in our history as the cemetery is the last remaining physical evidence of the rural area where African Americans primarily settled especially prior to statehood and the land run.

After the Civil War, freemen moved

each other one person in your community at a time. Turning off the broadcast news will help.

PHOTO PROVIDED/JOSH MOORE

After hours of work by 53 community volunteers, the results of their beautification project are show above. The group has three more projects planned for the cemetery which maintains an important part of Edmond history.

west to avoid the discrimination left unrectified. There was the opportunity to own land in the west. The area where the cemetery is located is also where two townships were settled just before and after the land run. Every town needs a cemetery, but the Gower family opened a section of the cemetery to indigents so that they could have a proper place to be buried as well. It was over the objections of some of the residents of the township, which shows the character of the Gower family.

Here is where my friend Stephanie is going to get mad at me because the real story here is not about the cemetery. At least, today it is not. The story is about her and our community reacting to world events not only positively but productively. As she walked through the iron gates, she said she felt something that “truly grabbed my soul”. It called out to her folks. The cemetery was beautiful but needed lots of help she told friends in her social media post.

This incredible woman knew exactly what to do. The project was going to be too big for her, but she turned to

PHOTO PROVIDED/STEPHANIE CAREL

Volunteers begin showing up last Saturday to help beautiful the historic Edmond Gower Cemetery.

her friends and the Edmond community. They showed up at the cemetery volunteering to mow, weed, tree trim, cleaning of headstones, removing brush from the fence lines, placing flowers throughout, and placing a new flag on the flagpole. There were business folks, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Eagle Scouts, City of Edmond staff, at least two City of Edmond Council members, retirees and of course members of her family.

Businesses and individuals donated money to help and others provided the equipment needed. A total of about 53 people showed up to help.

Carel organized all of this in about a week. She has provided for the longterm care of Gower Cemetery. The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust is taking this project on long term. She has received many emails of people wanting to help. They have three more projects planned so if you would like to help, just email me and I will pass them along to Carel.

An Oklahoma congressman once told a group here in Edmond when asked about the terrible partisanship in Washington, D.C. that, “We are on our own folks. It is all about local. What you do and I do locally will make the difference”. He was correct and the group of folks that showed up in Gower Cemetery last Saturday understand it too.

Having been lucky enough to travel all over this world, one thing has been clear to me. Good people all want the same things in life. If you want to understand someone, sit down, and have a cup of coffee with them. You will find out that they want the same things out of life you do. We all want good health for our families, the ability to earn enough to take care of our families and freedom to live how we want. It really is simple and gets dragged down in the quagmire by politicians and organizations that have a different agenda then us regular folks. Do not let them take us down.

Take care of each other and respect

TIF resolution passed for downtown Edmond The most significant action taken by the Edmond City Council at its last meeting will move our downtown area forward by leaps and bounds folks.

The first step in making a tax increment financing district (TIF) for the core area of Edmond was taken and approved in a 5-0 vote at their regularly scheduled meeting June 22.

As the process continues, there will be a review committee that ads some details to the plan for the TIF. There will also be two public hearings for public comment. The hope is that a TIF ordinance will be available for a vote by the council by the end of September. The city has communicated with its many partners concerning the use of increased property tax and as of now, all are on board including the Edmond Public School System.

Why no vote of the people? It is because this is not a tax increase for the TIF. There can be confusion about that by some. In the designated area, which is basically downtown Edmond, Any tax paid on the increased valuation that will be primarily caused by private investment will go to the City of Edmond which will pay for improvements in the infrastructure which should cause even more first class development in downtown. It can be confusing. The important part to remember is that it is not city wide and that increased valuation of property is going to cause businesses in downtown to pay more with or without the TIF. It is more of an issue of allocation and the use of the TIF for economic development. The TIF will not cause property owners in Edmond to pay a single penny more in taxes. It also keeps the schools whole with the district continuing to get what they were before any increase in valuation and even includes a bonus program that could provide more money before the TIF expirers.

I have voiced my displeasure over sales tax rebates as economic incentives, but this is not such a beast. The money is not given back to the developers. Instead it is used for upgrading and improving infrastructure in downtown which makes every business do better and provides pride in downtown

by Edmond residents. It is truly a case of a rising tide raising all boats.

Happy 4th of July to you all and please have a safe holiday folks!

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Breakthrough in battling prostate cancer? ....................................Page 7.

---- Downtown insurance agent honored ..........................................Page 9.

---- The man who could have been president ..................................Page 10.

---- DAR helps worthy cause ............................................................Page 11.

---- George Gust reviews Will Farrell comedy ..................................Page 15.

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

--- A Sahara sunset in Oklahoma ....................................................Page 16.

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

---- Edmond man lands a whopper ..................................................Page 18.

This and so 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 © 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 • July 2, 2020 • Page 5

Located at Memorial High School

Enrollment center set up for families new to EPS New Edmond residents who want to enroll their children in Edmond Public Schools before the start of the 2020-21 school year can do so at the district’s centralized enrollment center during the weeks of July 6-9 and July 13-16. The center is located on the north side of Edmond Memorial High School, 1000 E. 15, inside the school’s Welcome Center. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday-Thursday.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to go to the district website www.edmondschools.net to upload and complete the necessary forms in advance. In the website menu, enrollment informa-

tion is listed under ‘Parents & Students.’ Documentation needed at the time of enrollment includes two verifiable proofs of residency, a legal birth certificate, immunization records and a photo ID of the parent or guardian.

Due to COVID-19, and the need to ensure social distancing, parents and guardians are asked to not bring children or family members at the time of enrollment.

If new residents are unable to visit the enrollment center during the weeks it is open, they can enroll their child at their home school. Elementary schools will reopen in August and middle schools will reopen July 13 to serve parents. High Schools

President tabs Greg Slavonic as Acting Under Secretary love, engaging with a WASHINGTON -- The broader scope of issues Honorable Gregory J. and personnel.”

Slavonic was selected by The majority of the President of the Slavonic’s professional United States as the Actlife has been in service ing Under Secretary of to the DoN, both in the Navy June 22. uniform and out. He Slavonic has been servenlisted as a Seaman ing as the 18th Assistant Recruit and retired Secretary of the Navy for after a distinguished Manpower and Reserve military career at the Affairs (ASN (M&RA)) rank of Rear Admiral in since June 2018.

Slavonic the Navy Reserve.

“I’ve had the opportuDuring his time as a service memnity to work with Greg Slavonic for a number of years and value his leader- ber, he held four command assignments, served in combat ship abilities, foresight and frienddeployments to Vietnam, Operations ship,” said Kenneth J. Braithwaite, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and OpSecretary of the Navy (SECNAV). “I eration Iraqi Freedom. look forward to the innovation and His final assignment was as the inspiration he will continue to bring Navy’s Sixth Special Assistant to the to the Chief of Information and Director of Department of the Navy (DoN) in the Navy Reserve Public Affairs Prohis new position.” gram.

As the Acting Under Secretary of The Secretary also served as the the Navy, Slavonic serves as the co-chair for the design and building deputy and principal assistant to the of the USS Oklahoma Memorial at SECNAV, as well as Chief Operating Pearl Harbor to remember the 429 Officer and Chief Management OffiSailors and Marines who served cer for the DoN. aboard the battleship and lost their Additionally, he oversees intellilives on Dec. 7, 1941. gence activities, intelligence-related Prior to serving as ASN (M&RA), activities, special access programs, Slavonic served as Chief of Staff for critical infrastructure, and sensitive U.S. Senator James For Release activities within the department.

Lankford (R-OK) and was Lankford’s “Over the past two years, I’ve last chief when he was a member of been very fortunate to work with a the U.S. House of Representatives. great team of Sailors, Marines For the past 40 years, Slavonic, and Civilians to make advances of Edmond has held various civilian and improvements in manpower and senior level positions in the commureserve component affairs for the nications industry and held posiDoN,” said Slavonic. “I am honored to have been selected to this new po- tions with broadcasting and print organizations. sition, being able to do a job that I

remain open during the summer from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday but are closed from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch.

The district is putting together multiple plans to ensure it can safely serve students when they return on Aug. 13. A traditional school year, with reasonable changes to minimize the spread of COVID-19, is being planned. The district is also planning for a blended model of instruction, utilizing both face-to-face teaching and distance learning, as well as a virtual learning model.

For more information about the centralized enrollment center, call 726-7900 or 726-7901.

Obituary notice Sue Moneyhun Carr Heaven became a more lively place on Wednesday, June, 24, 2020, as Donnie Sue Moneyhun Carr, 71, loving Wife, Mom and Mimi, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sue was born January 28, 1949, in Coleman, TX, to Bobby and Alta (Wright) Moneyhun. She grew up in Odessa, TX, where she met the love of her life, Don Carr, at the young age of 13. Don and Sue were married August 17, 1968 and together raised two daughters, Missy and Renee. She spent 30 years in the banking industry, blessed to work with wonderful people in numerous banks, as Don’s career moved them several times to places all over Texas, ultimately landing them in Edmond, OK, where they’ve made their home since 1995.

Sue is predeceased by her parents, Bobby and Alta Moneyhun, her sister, Bobbie Ann Wilson and her father-in-law, Cecil Carr.

Sue is survived by Don, her husband of 51 years, her daughter, Melissa (Missy) McGregor and son-in-law, Chris, her daughter Renee Williams, her grandchildren, Mackenzi Graham, Madison Graham and Truitt Williams, her mother-in-law, Dane Carr, all of Edmond, OK, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carl and Margaret Herber of Denton, TX and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don and Sue were always actively involved in the lives of their girls and have been just as involved with their grandchildren, who are blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to grow up near their grandparents. Mimi and Papa rarely missed a soccer game, a football game, a volleyball game, a church production, a school play or anything else their grandkids happened to be involved with. If they were absent from an event, it was typically because they were travelling. Sue loved to travel, especially cruising, and after she retired in 2008, she and Don travelled as much as they could, enjoying numerous adventures to many far-away lands. She loved her church Community Group, playing cards with friends, going to theater productions, and striking up conversations with anyone and everyone around her. Most of all, she loved Jesus and her family. She loved to spoil her girls, but she loved to spoil her grandkids even more, the 3 of whom got to do pretty much anything and everything they wanted to, simply because, as they would say, “My Mimi said I could.”

Sue was the best Mom and Mimi any kid could ever hope for. She was kind, caring, incredibly generous, an amazing example of what unconditional love is and the Godly wife and mom her girls aspire to be. To know her was to love her. She’s always been the bright light in the room and one couldn’t be in her presence and not at least smile.

A celebration of Sue’s life was held Monday, June 29, 2020, at 10:00 am at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, Edmond, OK. Attendees wore fun, bright colors, which were her favorites, as a way to represent her vibrant, spunky, fun-loving spirit.

Page 6 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Child advocacy group grades lawmakers on children’s issues The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) released its legislative scorecard for the 57th Oklahoma Legislature detailing lawmakers’ stands on children’s issues.

The scorecard is a comprehensive look at the 2019-2020 sessions of the Oklahoma Legislature, and a nonpartisan evaluation of

lawmakers’ votes on specific bills relating to the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.

“These ratings are important tools for voters to use as they make their decisions about who to support in this year’s primary and general elections,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “Each vote on the bills we examined has an impact on Oklahoma’s children. A core component of our mission is to ensure that lawmakers and their constituents are aware of what they did either for or to Oklahoma’s children.”

In all, only eight lawmakers out of the 149member Oklahoma Legislature had perfect pro-child scores, meaning they voted on every bill and voted the prochild position. Another 32 lawmakers “did no harm,” meaning they voted the pro-child position on all measures where they cast votes but missed votes on one or more of the child-related bills. Lawmakers are not penalized for “excused” votes.

The eight perfect score lawmakers are Rep. Ronny Johns, RAda; Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa; Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman; Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City; Sen. J.J. Dossett, DOwasso; Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater; Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City; and, Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee.

Dorman noted the service of both Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, and Rep. Ben Loring, D-Miami, who are retiring from the Legislature this year.

“Representative Sanders did amazing work helping children with dyslexia, while Representative Loring was a champion on criminal justice reform,” he said.

“Oklahoma is a better state because of their

service, and we wish them well in whatever they do in the future.”

Other lawmakers Dorman noted was Rep. Jason Dunnington, DOklahoma City, for his work to eliminate harmful counseling practices used against children, and Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, for his work supporting criminal justice reform and multiple issues supported by OICA. Previously, OICA named Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, as the organization’s “Legislators of the Year.”

On all the bills for the 2020 legislative scorecard, a “Yes” vote was a positive vote, except for HJR 1040 on which a “No” vote is the pro-child vote. Only seven measures were scored during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 session. The bills selected as part of the 2020 legislative scorecard were: HJR 1040 – This measure would have disapproved new rules established by the state Department of Health relating to parent information about vaccinations. (A “No” vote is pro-child.)

HB 1282 – The bill prohibits children under 12 years of age from being placed in a juvenile detention facility unless all other alternatives have been exhausted. The bill applied to children charged with an offense classified as a felony if committed by an adult.

The measure also allows children between the ages of 13 and 14 to be admitted to a juvenile detention facility if no alternatives exist, if the juvenile is charged with an offense that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult, and an assessment indicates the child requires detention.

HB 1276 – The meas-

ure ends the practice of revoking driving privileges for failure to pay child support. Keeps noncustodial parents paying child support as being able to work, which increases the likelihood the support payments could restart.

HB 2804 – The bill requires dyslexia screening in schools.

SB 1436 – The bill authorizes the State Board of Education to issue standard certificates, or one-year provisional teaching certificates, in the areas of mild-moderate disabilities and comprehensive special education to qualified individuals, but requires additional credentials and certifications be gotten within a standard period.

HB 3251 – The measure adds domestic abuse by strangulation, domestic assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon to the violent crimes list.

HB 2791 and SB 1303 – The two bills, which have the same effect relating to children’s seat belt use, both were considered by only one house of the Legislature.

These measures were added to child-related measures considered during the 2019 session of the Legislature for an average pro-child score on the measures for the two-year long 57th Oklahoma Legislature.

“It was a good two sessions for Oklahoma’s children as we saw lawmakers on both sides of the aisle stand strong on children’s issues, but it can always be better,” Dorman concluded.

“That is why we publish these scores, so lawmakers and their constituents understand the importance of policy measures relating to children and that we at OICA will always fight for Oklahoma’s kids.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 7

Medication & effectiveness against prostate cancer Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine took part in an international clinical trial that proved the effectiveness of an oral medication for metastatic prostate cancer, the first treatment advance for that disease in many years.

Results of the trial, which studied the drug relugolix, were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. One of the lead authors is Michael Cookson, M.D., Stephenson Cancer Center urologic oncologist and chair of the Department of Urology in the OU College of Medicine.

The mainstay of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy, also called hormonal therapy, in which a man’s testosterone level is lowered in order to put cancer cells into a state of remission. For many years, the therapy has been available only in the form of an injection, which sends a signal to the brain to shut down the production of testosterone. The new trial studying the oral drug relugolix showed the same ability to lower testosterone, perhaps even better, as well as a decrease in several side effects that occurred with the injection.

“Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men,” Cookson said. “This study is exciting because it is the first trial to

Dr. Michael Cookson demonstrate that men can take a pill instead of having to go to the doctor’s office for shots, and the cancer control is just as effective. But there were several additional findings that are also positive.”

One of the trial’s bonus findings centers around how a man’s testosterone is lowered, Cookson said. Injections work by stimulating the pituitary gland so that there is initially a slight overproduction of testosterone before it starts to lower.

That “flare” of testosterone after the injection delays the effectiveness of the therapy. However, the drug relugolix is able to tell the brain to stop producing testosterone immediately without a flare.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma has named Charleen Weidell, M.F.A., associate dean, as the College of Fine Arts and Design’s interim dean, effective this week.

College of Fine Arts & Design names Weidell interim dean The University of Central Oklahoma has named Charleen Weidell, M.F.A., associate dean, as the College of Fine Arts and Design’s interim dean, effective this week.

Co-Interim Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., and Gary Steward, Ph.D., jointly stated, “Charleen brings a wealth of administrative experience to the interim dean role, which will ensure a smooth transition for the college. Her familiarity with both institutional and departmental processes is a benefit for the College of Fine Arts and Design and the University of Central Oklahoma.

Charleen will blend creativity with institutional practices to areas like class schedules, recruitment, retention efforts and improvement of student learning.”

Weidell, a nationally renowned jewelry artist and metalsmith, brings 13 consecutive years of administrative service to the interim position, including chairperson, assistant dean and associate dean. She is also a faculty co-adviser for UCO’s student organization Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE). Weidell holds a

Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies and applied design and a Master of Fine Arts in jewelry and metalsmithing, all from San Diego State University.

Steven Hansen, M.F.A., current College of Fine Arts and Design dean, recently announced his planned departure from the university.

Hansen joined Central in 2017 following a rigorous national search and has left an indelible imprint on the college.

He is an internationally renowned sculpture and ceramics artist, with additional experience in theater and music.

“Although we all will miss Dean Hansen tremendously, we rest comfortably knowing that the College of Fine Arts and Design is in good hands,” Simmons and Steward added.

Hansen was recently named dean of the School of Art at MunsonWilliams-Proctor Arts Institute in Utica, New York.

For more information about the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, as well as a listing of events and performances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

“In addition, because the pills directly send the message to stop testosterone production, they lowered the testosterone level faster than injections do, and kept it lower over the duration of the study,” Cookson said. “And perhaps even more interesting is that once men stopped taking the pill, their testosterone level rebounded fairly quickly, whereas men who received injections can take up to a year to go back to their normal testosterone levels.”

Another important finding of the trial was a decrease in cardiovascular side effects in men who received the oral drug vs. the injection. While cardiovascular side effects were not eliminated in men who took the pill, they were significantly lowered, Cookson said.

Stephenson Cancer Center was one of many centers around the world that collectively enrolled more than 900 men to the trial. The patients were randomized to receive either the injection or the oral drug, then their health was monitored for 48 weeks. The next, and final, step is to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration to offer the drug relugolix to patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Because Stephenson is a National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center and one of the nation’s top

enrollers in NCI clinical trials, it treats many men with metastatic prostate cancer, Cookson said.

“This clinical trial is part of our portfolio for men with this disease,” he said. “Our prostate cancer program is unique because it is truly multidisciplinary, offering the most advanced medical, surgical and radiation therapy treatments with access to clinical trials, all at the same center.”

STEPHENSON CANCER CENTER Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine ranks in the Top 50 in the nation for cancer care in the 2019-2020 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

As Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, Stephenson Cancer Center is one of the nation’s elite centers, representing the top 2% of cancer centers in the country. It is the largest and most comprehensive oncology practice in the state, delivering patient-centered, multidisciplinary care for every type of cancer. As one of the nation’s leading research organizations, Stephenson Cancer Center uses the latest innovations to fight and eliminate cancer, and is currently ranked No. 1 among all cancer centers in the nation for the number of patients participating in clinical trials sponsored by the NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network. For more information, visit stephensoncancercenter.org.

Page 8 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Harps,’ a four-deck tall sculpture, conceives by Adam Tihany, reflects the emphasis on music aboard Holland-America’s Nieuw Statendam.

Cruise ship future unclear

By Elaine Warner If you planned on cruising this summer that ship has sailed – or more accurately – that ship hasn’t sailed. All sorts of plans have been upended by the pandemic. The travel and hospitality industries have been among the biggest victims. So what does the future Warner hold for those of us with watery wanderlust?

To me, cruising was the cauliflower of travel. I tried it once and didn’t like it. But that was 40 years ago. Last summer I stumbled into a deal I couldn’t turn down. Jack and I had never been to Scandinavia and we found a great cruise up the coast of Norway. We sailed from the port of Amsterdam on the Holland-America ship, Nieuw Statendam.

This experience was nothing like my first cruise!

At that time, I just considered the ship a means of getting from one port to the next. The Nieuw StaPHOTO PROVIDED tendam was so fantastic I wished for more days at The Nieuw Statendam has two pools. The Lido sea! All the mechanics – from getting on the ship, pool features hot tub and giant screen presentagetting off in ports and leaving at the end of the tions. trip were so well organized that we never felt crowded or confused. There were so many things that there would be big changes due to the panto do on board: concerts; cooking and wine tastdemic. The number of ships sailing will start small ing classes; pools; a variety of restaurants; enjoying and probably book only half to three-quarters of art generously distributed around the ship, or just their capacity. Buffets will be a thing of the past. sitting on our small balcony watching the sunset.

Masks will be encouraged, perhaps mandatory.

We were never bored.

One line is talking about taking temperatures The service was superb; the ship was spacious every time a guest enters a restaurant or public and beautiful and the ports well-chosen. I became space. Other adaptations may include limiting pool a believer. And I began planning our next cruise. capacities, closing spas and/or fitness centers, perThen the world turned upside down. haps creating one-way corridors and using as much So what is the future for cruising? A webinar touchless technology as possible. sponsored by SATW (the Society of American There will be more medical personnel on board Travel Writers) presented a panel of cruise experts and itineraries will be shorter. Future cruisers seem last week and here’s what they had to say. to be more worried about the two-week quaran“Uncertain” is a word I heard a lot. And I didn’t tine than the possibility of getting COVID-19. realize that the last passenger just got home a couVicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planple of weeks ago. Not so, the crews. There are still ners addressed the myth that cruise ships are between 30 and 40 thousand crew members stuck “floating Petri dishes.” She says, “Cruise ships get on ships. The reason they can’t get home is the the short end of the stick because they report illsame reason we can’t go cruising – port rules. nesses. You can get sick in a hotel and no one According to Gene Sloan, cruise writer for USA knows.” So your chances of illness on a ship are Today and The Points Guy, the cruising story is “a greatly exaggerated. It’s just that we hear about tale of two industries.” The CDC has a no-sail them. She highly recommends getting trip insurorder for American ports (and many international ance although whether or not it would cover a ports are following that instruction) until July 24. pandemic is questionable.

Sloan expects the deadline to be extended. (It has I spoke to Mendy Kooi, general manager at been extended to at least Sept. 15.)

Prime Time Travel. She says, “We are rebooking a Small ships, like river cruisers, are not governed majority of our clients. Only a couple of clients by this restriction so he predicts they will be back hesitated because of their ages.” Between re-bookon the water much sooner than the large cruise ings and new bookings, ships are filling up fast. ships. One small German ship is already operating.

River cruises are particularly popular – people The small ships still have to deal with individual feel more comfortable being close to on-shore port and city restrictions but they have an advanmedical facilities than out at sea. Kooi says of tage in that they are marketing to a regional demo- Viking, one of Prime Time’s premiere partners, “It’s graphic – people who can drive to the ships, rather getting harder to find space for 2021 and even than fly.

2022 is limited.”

The most optimistic large lines are hoping for Most of the experts believe the cruise industry fall sailings, but several of the experts felt these will not be back to pre-pandemic levels until 2023. were simply “place-holders” with rescheduling a But it will be coming back. A word to the wise – if distinct possibility. you see a cruise in your future, book now. It will This year is pretty much a wash for the industry. be something wonderful to look forward to.

Surprisingly, however, bookings are up dramatically for next year and beyond.

Few of the cruise lines are actually refunding money. The majority are giving cruise credit – some up to 125 per cent. This could mean a great room upgrade or other benefits like a wi-fi package, etc. They are holding the line on pricing; don’t hold your breath for a drop in fares.

PHOTO PROVIDED All the experts agreed The Nieuw Statendam combines luxury with high tech mechanics and ecofriendly adaptations.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 9

For the trait of discipline

Edmond Character Council honors Michelle Schaefer District 5750 in 2014.

Michelle Schaefer received In her nomination, recognition as Champion of Stephanie said, “This can only Character for Discipline at a be done by showing that you recent Edmond City Council can lead a group, that you are meeting, trustworthy and that you are Stephanie Carel, Executive organized and have good busiDirector of the Downtown ness sense.”

Edmond Business AssociaAdditionally, Michelle serves tion, nominated her for the Schaefer wherever needed at her church honor. and is a member of the EdMichelle’s character enmond Chamber of Commerce. abled her to move forward from Most days Michelle’s work requires homelessness to establishing her own her to do a lot of sitting. She saw the successful insurance agency.

She grew up on a farm in Okarche need to become more active. Her solution? Jazzercise at 5:30 a.m. Her with her parents, Michael and Mary Ann Schaefer. Their lifestyle modeled determination encourages others.

Stephanie said, “One thing that I self-discipline. Michelle’s dad worked really admire about Michelle is her the farm. Her mom was a farmwife dedication to herself and her welland a school teacher. being. This woman inspires me to be Michelle remembers helping her a better me and to be a champion dad feed the animals. Michelle said, for my own health,” “The animals were taken care of no The discipline she learned from her matter what the weather, no matter parents’ example, her early years on what was going on in your personal the farm, and in her church, led to life, no matter what your schedule Michelle’s success. It also helps her to was. That had to happen.”

With a twinkle in her eye, Michelle motivate others to do what they need to do to obtain their goals. said, “In Okarche, you’re kind of geMichelle has been an Edmond resinetically a Catholic.” She practiced dent for almost 30 years. She is marher faith in Catholic tradition, includried to Blaine Trimmell, who is a ing attending Mass and giving up computer programmer at MTM meat on Friday during Lent. It was a Recognition. Her son, Kelly Edwards, personal choice. is the pastor of Catholic churches in Michelle said, “That’s what I think discipline is, not doing something be- Weatherford, Hinton and Thomas.

On behalf of the City of Edmond cause somebody told you. You do it and the Character Council of Edbecause you want to.” mond, Michelle Schaefer was honDiscipline was her friend during a ored before the City Council as a time in her life when she and her Champion of Character for exemplifyyoung son, Kelly, didn’t have a place to live. During that time, she slept on ing the character trait of discipline, her sister’s couch and pursued her ca- “Choosing behaviors to help me reach my goals.” reer.

The Character Council is a grassFrom the inception of her business, Michelle wanted to be free to roots, nonprofit organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to participate in Kelly’s school activibuild Edmond into a "Community of ties. Her ability to set her own Character." schedule allowed her to be present The group believes that the characfor Kelly’s field trips. It also made it possible to be active in the Edmond ter of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one Community. community at a time. Toward that Michelle admits that sometimes end, the Character Council of Edshe needs a little break from work mond seeks to recognize residents and enjoys giving time to serve others. Although COVID-19 put a halt to who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been afthis year’s Downtown Arts Festival, she acts as their treasurer and plays a fected and influenced.

To nominate a citizen as a “Chamsignificant role as an organizer for the Downtown Edmond Business Associa- pion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, visit tion.

Michelle also volunteers for the Ro- www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box tary and worked her way up to be392, Edmond OK 73083-0392. coming District Governor for Rotary

PHOTO PROVIDED

Character Council member, Emoly Walters, presents Champ certificate to Michelle Schaefer.

Page 10 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Study, don’t destroy, our heritage It still amazes me that President Grant's statue was torn down by criminals on the Left Coast.

Then again,that part of the country isn't exactly known for its tolerance,.

Hulu has a good documentary on Grant. As president, back in 1871, Steve Gust Grant thwarted the initial surge of the terrorist Klan in the south. It's likely that prevented many acts of terrorism against minorities. In addition, Grant was the one who fought and ended the Confederacy. I guess none of of these facts matter much to the mob. Instead of denying, and trying to erase history, people should be on a quest to learn more about it.

Have you ever heard of Thomas Marshall? He was the vice president from 1913 to 1921. And by all rights, he should have been president.

To recap, late in his second term, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a few strokes. The second stroke basically kept him out of the public eye and severly hampered him physically. Yet his wife, and inner

circle, didn't want to turn the presidency over to Marshall. They weren't big fans of Marshall. It is interesting so many presidents didn't get along with their vice presidents. Yet it's happened quite a bit in the nation.

During campaigns, a candidate might think such-and-such candidate can tip the scale and bring a swing state into the fold.

It's no secret the Kennedy administration weren't big fans of vice president Lyndon Johnson. But they wanted to carry Texas in 1960.

That was the strategy in 1912 with Marshall and his home state of Indiana. Yet Wilson wouldn't turn over the presidency to him.

He probably should have.

Even Wilson's Secretary of State urged Marshall to assume control. Marshall's position was that he was ready for the job but didn't want it unless Wilson willingly wanted him to have it.

During the time, around 1919, a very unusual thing happened. Marshall and his wife were attending church one Sunday when a courier came into the service and gave the vice president some big news.

President Wilson had died. At that point Marshall made the announcement to the congregation. The people were stunned and some wept for the fallen president.

Can you imagine what Thomas Marshall was thinking? He wasn't president elect or interim president. He was now president.

Oh sure, he had to take the oath of office, but for practical purposes he was the top office holder in all the land.

Yet, we know now it wasn't true.

After church, Marshall called the White House and discovered it was a hoax.

Some theorize the hoax had been staged by officials wanting Marshall to take charge and actually claim the presidency.

It was a pretty cruel hoax though. Yet it marked an interesting chapter in American politics.

As I said at the beginning, we should be studying history and not destroying it. We live in a nation, which is forever trying to become a more perfect union Let's not forget that as we celebrate our Independence Day on Saturday.

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

Public input Learn from past It is time that we stop trying to hide history by removing anything that shows the bad side of our country’s history. If we continue this line of action, how are children going to learn from our mistakes? We cannot change what was done in our past, good or bad. We can only learn from it. Attempting to hide it will not change a thing. Politically correct action only attempts to hide our mistake and does not correct history.

Carl Guild, Moore

Germans should pay I applaud President Trump's decision to remove 9,300 troops from Germany. My question to the media and people “concerned" about this issue is, at what point will Germany and Europe begin paying and defending their nations? For 75 years, U.S taxpayers (soon to be in debt $26 trillion) have been picking up most of the tab for those countries’ defense, which has amounted to billions and billions. If Germany and the rest of Europe do not believe that their nations are worth using their troops and money, then why should U.S taxpayers? If Germany is so worried about its security, then I would advise them to start training 9,300 troops to replace the U.S troops soon to be leaving.

Ben Humphries, Edmond If you wish to write a Letter to the Editor, please see the guidelines on this page on the lower left side.

Police reform ideas worth consideration

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board President Trump signed an executive order last month intended to produce better policing practices. The Republican-led U.S. Senate proposed a bill Wednesday addressing the same issue; the Democratic-led House plans a vote soon on its police reform plan.

This flurry of activity follows the death last month of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which produced a groundswell of demands for changes in the way police do their jobs. Lawmakers in Washington are listing.

Trump’s order would create a database to track police officers who have excessive use of force complaints in their records. It also would encourage best practices by tying credentialing to federal grants, and would encourage programs in which social workers join police in responding to nonviolent calls involving the homeless or those facing mental health and substance abuse issues.

These are worthwhile, as are different parts of

Trump’s order would create a database to track police officers who have excessive use of force complaints in their records. the Democratic and Republican bills. The result will be worth watching.

Meantime, a conservative author is encouraging federal lawmakers to align reform proposals with five broad principles: recruit, train, reveal, restrain and document. Rafael Mangual, a fellow and deputy director for legal policy at the Manhattan Institute, says reform can be accomplished without compromising officers or public safety.

In the area of recruiting, “the need to fill police ranks with high-caliber officers is paramount,” Mangual writes. He notes that the U.S. military allows recruits with four-year degrees to join as commissioned officers, which can lead to a

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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.

quicker promotional track.

“Police agencies should explore a similar pilot program, which, by offering a quicker and more reliable track to investigative and/or managerial roles to college and advanced degree-holders, can attract high-caliber recruits,” he says.

Training should have an emphasis on legal knowledge, Mangual says. Many of the decisions police make in the field, he notes, require applying legal doctrines. “Minimizing — through more extensive and continuous, legal training — instances in which police err in making these decisions will benefit police and citizens alike,” he writes.

Broader adoption of body cameras, an idea popular with the public and lawmakers, is at the heart of Mangual’s third principle. As of 2016, he says, just under half of U.S. police agencies have acquired these tools. (Oklahoma City police have used them widely since 2018).

In discussing constraint, Mangual proposes express authorization for no-knock raids, in which police enter a dwelling without knocking or announcing themselves. They are often dangerous and sometimes deadly. Mangual suggests requiring commanding officers to submit written declarations that such raids are the most prudent option.

Finally, he says improved documentation — better and more consistent data collection — is needed to help policymakers and analysts answer important questions. “Among those questions: the extent to which violent crimes are committed by offenders out on bail, and how resource deployment decisions affect crime in hot spots.”

They’re among the many ideas worth considering in the pursuit of improved police work.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 11

Chapter members, family and friends raise a flag (or cheer) for the 4th of July!

PHOTOS BY CREEL MCFARLAND

Christopher Lynch

UCO tabs Lynch for enrollment position University of Central Oklahoma President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar recently named Christopher Lynch as the university’s vice president for Enrollment and Student Success, effective Aug. 3.

“We are excited to welcome Christopher to the Broncho family. His energy and passion for students is evident. Our students will be the beneficiaries of his drive and commitment to their success at UCO,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said.

“Our campus community is dedicated to creating an opportunity-rich environment for students to be transformed by their education and Christopher’s experience will elevate our focus and impact in those efforts.”

Lynch brings 29 years of successful enrollment management experience from four large public universities and colleges to this new role. Most recently, he served as associate vice president for Enrollment Services and assistant to the provost/senior vice president at the University of South Alabama.

He has a deep knowledge of higher education and demonstrated success in leading enrollment management, admissions and recruitment (domestic and international), new student orientation, international student services, financial aid, scholarship services, career services, communication/call centers, student employment and university articulation.

Lynch was responsible for developing and implementing strategic enrollment management plans which produced record enrollments at the University of South Alabama, Northern Arizona University and the University of Central Florida. He led record growth in minority student enrollment and new student academic profiles at each of these universities.

Lynch earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from the University of Central Florida.

For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit www.uco.edu.

Jay Bridwell, Director of Support Services of The Homeless Alliance accepts the check from Cordelia Steen Chapter Regent Andrea Wallis Aven for homeless women veterans.

DAR benefit assists homeless female vets Daughters of the American Revolution Cordelia Steen Chapter in Edmond coordinated a virtual FunRunWalk in celebration of Independence Day. The chapter also held a T-shirt sale, with the shirts sporting the phrase, “4th of July, Land that I Love.” The T-shirt sale garnered proceeds of $611.78 which was donated to homeless women veterans at The Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City.

The check presentation was held on Saturday, at Bickham-Rudkin Park.

Goodwill helps vets Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (Goodwill) recently received an $830,000 supplemental grant as part of the COVID-19 CARES Funding to assist veterans experiencing homelessness and their families in central Oklahoma.

“With the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen a significant increase in the percentage of unemployed veterans spiking from 4.1 percent to 13.3 percent with single veteran mothers impacted greatly,” Goodwill President and CEO Jim Priest said. “With this generous grant, our goal is to house 100 veterans in 30 days.”

Chapter Regent Andrea Aven, member Meagan Bobo, and friend Kaylee Adams lead the socialdistancing line of supporters for the 4th of July.

Page 12 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Lupus disproportionately affects African Americans

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation lupus patient Renita Lewis, left, with her daughter Taraya, 19.

For most people, sunshine and warming temperatures serve as welcome heralds of summer. But for Renita Lewis, they can trigger life-threatening disease flares.

“People say, ‘You look too good to be sick,’” said Lewis, 51, of Midwest City. But Lewis, a nurse, suffers from lupus, an autoimmune illness that strikes African Americans like her at disproportionate rates.

Lupus occurs when the immune system becomes unbalanced, leading to the development of antibodies and chronic inflammation that damage the body’s organs and tissues. Sufferers experience periodic disease flares, affecting organs that can include the kidneys, lungs, skin and joints, as well as the cardiovascular system.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from the disease. Studies have found that it strikes African Americans at roughly five times the rate it affects European Americans.

“We still have a great deal to learn about why African-American women are at greater risk of lupus and at greater risk for major organ damage and early death from lupus than other races,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Vice President of Research Judith James, M.D., Ph.D. “We have investigators who are working on genetic and genomic factors, as well as our work which has focused on differences in the body's major defense system—the immune system. In all likelihood, it’s probably a complicated combination of these factors, and we will keep working until we figure this out.”

Lewis’ first symptoms appeared when she was in her 20s: aching muscles, swollen fingers, skin rashes. But she wasn’t diagnosed until a decade later, by which time she also suffered from shortness of breath, fatigue, asthma, stomach issues and inflammation around her heart. “I don’t have kidney problems, but pretty much every other one of my organs is affected,” she said.

She began daily doses of prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications to control her symptom. Still, over time, lupus has exacted an increasing toll on her body. In March, after a bout of pericarditis—swelling of the membrane surrounding her heart—hospitalized her, she was forced to take short-term disability until she’s well enough to return to work.

For more than a decade, physicians and clinical staff at OMRF, which has been named 1 of only 10 of the nation’s Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health, have helped Lewis manage her condition. “They’re on the cutting edge of research, especially on autoimmune disease, and they really care about me and want me to have as normal a life as possible,” Lewis said.

As a lupus patient and a healthcare professional, Lewis is happy to participate in research studies on the disease at OMRF. “By donating blood and taking part in studies, I hope I can help researchers develop new treatments,” she said. If scientists are able to understand why it exacts such a heavy toll on African Americans, she said, “That would be a total game-changer.”

In a study published in May in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, an OMRF research team led by James moved closer to answering this question.

The scientists found that African Americans with certain risk factors for lupus had elevated activation levels in T cells, which are known to be important in lupus. Meanwhile, European Americans with similar risk factors did not.

That may be a reason at-risk African Americans are more likely to develop the disease, said OMRF’s Samantha Slight-Webb, Ph.D., lead author on the study. And the findings could prove key to helping allay the suffering of patients like Lewis.

“Identifying this protective T-cell response could be pivotal in identifying therapeutic targets and potential drugs that may prevent people from transitioning into the disease,” said Slight-Webb. “It would also help us look at drugs — and dosages — differently based on ethnicity to improve outcomes for African-American patients, who are at highest risk for severe disease.”

Lewis would welcome any findings that could help improve her quality of life. Still, she’s more interested in developments that could benefit her daughter, Taraya, 19.

Lewis’ only child, Taraya previously tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, or ANA, an indicator of lupus activity. Taraya also has several relatives on her father’s side with the disease. “So, when she says she doesn’t feel good, I worry,” said Lewis.

Like all mothers, Lewis wants more than anything to protect her child. “If researchers could find a way to prevent lupus from starting, that would be a dream,” she said. “I never want my daughter to go through this.”

For information on treatment or participating in one of OMRF’s studies or trials, please call (405) 271-7745 or email clinic@omrf.org.

(Article and photograph, provided by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.)

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left to right are Corey Johnson from DLC Jeltz Center, Jessica Clayton, Bailey McMahan with NewView Oklahoma and Zachary Kampf with United Way of Central Oklahoma.

Nonprofits unite to help protect senior citizens A trio of Oklahoma nonprofits has joined together to protect senior members of our community during the COVID crisis.

Daily Living Centers of Oklahoma (DLC) has received a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) from NewView Oklahoma and United Way of Central Oklahoma.

“These supplies are critical to protect and care for the population we serve at Daily Living Centers,” said DLC President and CEO Jessica Clayton.

“Our team is dedicated to upholding the highest hygiene standards, as defined by the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. PPE is an essential part of upholding those measures.”

The materials donated to DLC from NewView and United Way of Central Oklahoma include gloves, hand sanitizer and facemasks.

“Because of this community partnership, we can continue offering the life-enriching services families count on for social engagement, wellness and respite,” said Clayton. “As caregivers struggle to balance the need to work and earn a paycheck while keeping the vulnerable adults in their care safe, the support from NewView and United Way

of Central Oklahoma has made it possible for us to provide a safe space for vulnerable and high risk adults. We appreciate their partnership.”

Daily Living Centers of Oklahoma is a non-profit organization offering affordable, non-residential facilities that support the health, nutritional and social needs of disabled or elderly adults in a professionally staffed group setting. With four locations, Daily Living Centers provides an alternative to nursing homes and other long term care options. For more information, please visit www.dailylivingcenters.org.

Page 14 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Artist in residence named First Friday Gallery Walk returns to Paseo District

The Paseo Arts Association (PAA) is pleased to announce Sam Charboneau as its first artist in residence in the organization’s new Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC). Charboneau, a photographer, will create a new body of work in her PACC studio for one year, which begins July 1, 2020.

Sam Charboneau first picked up a camera as a way to release tension.

She quickly fell in love with and pulled inspiration from the work of surreal painters and stop motion animators. As a self-taught artist, Charboneau is familiar with the process of trial and error. She uses found objects to build the handmade creatures she includes in her whimsical and surreal composites.

For several years, Charboneau has been an active participant in the PAA’s annual juried shows and was one of six female artists featured in the PAA’s March exhibit “Luminosity.”

Program Manager Paige Powell says that Charboneau was a natural fit for their inaugural residency. “Sam’s finished work has always intrigued gallery visitors, and now that she will be creating her work here and utilizing the resources in our new space so fully, we are excited for guests to be able to experience more of her creative process.”

The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center will be open during the July 3 Paseo First Friday Gallery Walk until

Sam Charboneau 9pm and visitors will be invited for the first time to view the July exhibits, tour the new facility and meet with Charboneau and the other studio artists. More information and updates about the PACC can be found at thepaseo.org/PACC. Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson. A wide range of galleries, 10 restaurants and a handful of shops round out the Paseo’s distinctive atmosphere. For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 525-2688 or email at amanda@thepaseo.org. Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.

As Oklahoma’s first arts district, the Paseo Arts District continues to grow with restaurants, galleries and retail.

After cancellations due to the pandemic, the district is excited to welcome the community back for the July First Friday Gallery Walk. Galleries and shops stay open late, and the evening marks the opening of new exhibitions each month. All guests are asked to wear masks, follow directional signage, practice social distancing and use the provided hand sanitizer. This month’s walk is Friday, July 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Though most Paseo businesses have reopened in some way, some will not be open for First Friday. You can find more information about how to support your favorite shops and restaurants during their new hours at thepaseo.org/support-paseo.

The Paseo Arts Association is proud to present the first exhibits in their new Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) at 3024 Paseo – the 6th Annual Print on Paseo and a showing of photos and video from the Black Lives Matter protests in Oklahoma City will open with a reception during First Friday. Both exhibits will be on display in the PACC and online at thepaseo.org July 3Aug. 1.

Through their juried Print on Paseo exhibition, the PAA strives to represent and spotlight the depth and diversity of Oklahoma printmakers, while offering the public an opportu-

nity to learn about the different methods of printmaking. The works of 29 printmakers were curated by juror Emma Difani, who will present artist awards at 7 p.m.

View powerful images by Ryan Magnani, Michael Steinman and Eric Waltman and video by Kiley Josey taken during the May and June Black Lives Matter protests and vigils.

Enjoy a live music performance by Casey & Minna, a local fiddle and guitar duo who perform folk, contemporary pop, oldies and original music, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the red “Flamenco” sculpture at the center of the district. Casey & Minna began their musical journey together as a raucous big string band and whittled it down to just the family, often playing unplugged and strolling to meet the needs of venues, audiences and themselves.

Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson. Each First Friday, Paseo galleries offer special themed exhibits, refreshments, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment - all within walking distance.

Ten restaurants and a handful of shops round out the Paseo’s distinctive atmosphere.

For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 5252688 or email at amanda@thepaseo.org. Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.

Keep your holiday safe Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, a nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, brings awareness towards firework safety and display alternatives.

According to the National Safety Council, it is recommended to leave the firework display to professionals.

In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after firework-related incidents.

“From eye injuries to severe burns, each year thousands of people experience injuries from fireworks,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “Fireworks should be left to the professionals. If you decide to celebrate at home, please ensure you do it safely.

Children should be carefully supervised, given thorough safety instructions prior to use, and should always wear protective clothing and eyewear.”

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees and can quickly ignite clothing.

Children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.

Sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits

for fireworks injuries.

Instead of setting off fireworks or going to a crowded firework display, here are some fun ways to celebrate the holiday: Watch from a distance: Protect yourself from firework shrapnel and COVID-19 by watching any firework display from a safe distance.

Glow sticks: This safe alternative to sparklers can be used by all ages.

They glow in the dark and can be chosen in a variety of colors.

Family crafts: Create patriotic masterpieces that can be displayed throughout the month.

Bubbles: Getting a package of glow in the dark bubbles brings bursting in the air fun.

Patriotic themed food: Creating foods to celebrate the holiday is a fun safe way for the family. Grab some strawberries, blueberries and marshmallows to create fun patriotic desserts.

“Watching fireworks is a great way to enjoy summer celebrations, but keep you and your loved ones safe by being creative this Independence Day,” Sunday-Allen said.

For 90 days

Rabbit exhibitions banned Oklahoma State Veterinarian, Dr. Rod Hall, has banned all rabbit exhibitions in the state until Sept. 24, to allow time to assess the scope and range of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) in the region surrounding Oklahoma.

“It is essential to stop commingling of rabbits until we have a better understanding of the disease prevalence and better tools to prevent disease transmission,” said Dr. Hall in the ban released this morning. “I encourage all owners and breeders of pet, show, and meat production rabbits to immediately institute strict biosecurity to protect your rabbits.”

Detections of RHD have occurred in the United States, notably in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. RHD is a highly contagious and lethal virus found among both domestic and wild rabbits. RHD appears only to affect rabbit species (lagomorphs). It is not known to affect humans, livestock or pets other than rabbits. However, pets should not be allowed to consume dead animal carcasses.

Often the only clinical sign is sudden death. In less acute cases, clinical

signs may include the following: dullness/apathy, not eating, ocular and/or nasal hemorrhage and congestion of the conjunctiva. Some may develop neurological signs such as incoordination, excitement or seizure like episodes. Infections in younger rabbits can be less severe and deaths are not as likely.

This is a highly contagious disease that spreads between rabbits through contact with infected rabbits or carcasses, their meat or their fur, contaminated food or water, or materials coming in contact with them. This virus can also be transmitted by insects such as fleas, flies and mosquitos. RHD can persist in the environment for a very long time.

These factors make disease control efforts extremely challenging once it is in the wild rabbit populations.

Guidelines for Wild Cottontails, Hares, and Pika Please report any sick/dead wild rabbits, hares or pika to the Dept. of Wildlife Conservation Do not handle rabbits or rodents that have been found dead.

Do not allow pets or scavengers to feed on found carcasses.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 15

Will Ferrell comedy with heart & a message

By George Gust “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” is Netflix’s latest star-studded comedy now streaming. When aspiring musicians Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) are given the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their country, Iceland, at the world's biggest song competition, they finally have a chance to prove that any dream is a dream worth fighting for.

“Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” (Henceforth referenced as “Eurovision”) is the two-hour brain child of Will Ferrell for better and worse. The tone of “Eurovision” is unabashedly silly with Ferrell and McAdams putting on outlandish Icelandic accents while performing over-the-top on-stage theatrics. And while the movie isn’t ashamed of its slapstick style, there is an underlying message of never giving up on your dreams that the movie wants to get across to its audience. However, this heartfelt storyline never takes off in any meaningful way, which ultimately pads the movie’s run time and takes away from the comedic elements of the proceedings.

“Eurovision” shines with its surprisingly catchy musical cues that all have a satirical edge, poking fun at the singing competitions in Europe and

America alike. Much like a movie like “Pitch Perfect” there’s a few scenes of characters breaking out into song, mostly in an autotuned voice, for no particular reason, but the bizarre mashup of colorful European voices somehow creates a fun comedic vibe that should have been more of the focus of the movie. Instead, we are treated to an overlong comedy that has more (would be) emotional ups and downs than a movie like this should have.

While “Eurovision” might have bitten off more than it can chew in terms of tonal shifts the performances are all likable for the most part. Unlike her eternally man-child co-star, McAdams hasn’t been known to be a comedic presence in her past roles, but in “Eurovision” she brings

back the comedic energy from her breakout role in “Mean Girls” to create a character that can both bring in emotional elements while still being comedic in her own right. And at this point in his career, audiences have most likely made up their mind on Ferrell and the brand of comedy that he’s been known for, and in “Eurovision” his performance is somewhat tamed, but still has elements of the absurdist style that made him a standout comedic performer on “Saturday Night Live.”

Overall, “Eurovision” is a comedy that has a surprising amount of heart and message, but ultimately feels like it could have been made better by a trimmer running time. The music throughout “Eurovision” is a mix of accessible dance pop and a satirical take on television singing competitions that is surprisingly catchy and satisfying.

There is a lot to like in “Eurovision” but the long running time and large gaps in comedic setups make the movie an uneven viewing experience.

“Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” is rated PG-13 for crude sexual material including full nude sculptures, some comic violent images, and language 3.2 out of 5 stars

PHOTO PROVIDED

Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrel team up as the Icelandic singing duo Fire Saga competing for Eurov’sion glory in Nerflix's newest comedy feature "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.’

Exhibit at Edmond museum Although taken for granted by many social and art historians, the apron is the subject of a fascinating reevaluation in this exhibition.

“Apron Strings: Ties to the Past,” open now at Edmond Historical Society & Museum, features 51 vintage and contemporary examples that review the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today.

Using aprons dating from the late 1930s through the present, the exhibition chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. It also surveys the wide range of design and craft techniques apron-makers have used to express themselves, while still working within creative venues traditionally available to women.

Today, artists continue using aprons to explore cultural myths and realities as well as their individual experiences with American domesticity.

Apron Strings is organized into several thematic groups addressing design, historical context, use, and cultural message. The exhibition serves as an excellent tool to bring together diverse parts of the community through shared experiences with, and memories of, a common, everyday textile.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HUMAN BODY ACROSS 1. It's often breaking 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca 8. Bog deposit 12. Mine entrance 13. *Blood fluids 14. Sinbad the Sailor's home 15. Delhi dress 16. Ball of yarn 17. On the radio 18. *Brain's "fear factory" 20. Gulf War missile 21. Monkeys, in Spain 22. "____ Elise" 23. Capital of Tasmania 26. Unlike Pinocchio 29. Be mistaken 30. Meteorologist's line 33. Radiant light 35. Popular horse breed, pl.

37. VIII predecessor 38. Lit test format 39. Prima donna 40. Like meters and kilograms 42. Step on it 43. a.k.a. association football 45. ____ Hood and Christopher ____ 47. *Result of UV exposure 48. Southern chicken stew 50. Staff leader 52. *The smallest bones 56. Social media button 57. Mange carrier 58. Plumber's sealant 59. Fuzzy fruit, pl.

60. a.k.a. The Islamic State 61. Antioxidants-rich berry 62. Tolstoy's Karenina 63. Grazing spot 64. Country singer-songwriter Loretta DOWN 1. "For the Benefit of All" org.

2. Cheese in red casing 3. Lean like an athlete 4. Bad rep 5. Address to

Kitty 6. A in A=ab, pl.

7. *Location of strongest muscle 8. *Part of both digestive and endocrine systems 9. Genesis twin 10. Like a desert 11. Used to fix a leaky roof 13. Limit in quality 14. Same as boatswain 19. "Pillow Talk" (1960) star 22. Same as #22 Across, in English 23. *It loses 80% of body heat 24. Root of iris 25. Music to a performer's ears 26. *Fastest growing tissue 27. Popular Japanese dish 28. Orient Express, e.g.

31. Walkie-talkie word 32. *The teeth did it 34. "The ____ have it" 36. *Gut dwellers 38. *One of #36 Down

40. Males 41. Van Gogh's famous flower painting 44. Coffee shops 46. *____ cavity, a.k.a. mouth 48. Aplomb 49. Harbor city of Ancient Rome 50. *Humans are the only animals that have it 51. Field of grass 53. Having lace 54. Zeal 55. *The largest organ 56. Reggae precursor 57. mL

See Answers on Page 19

Answers appearing on Page 19

Page 16 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

Taking a look at PPP loan forgiveness (Editor’s Note: The following is a Q&A with LaDonna Sinning of Arledge & Associates, an Edmond accounting firm.)

deal more of the loans being forgiven and permit businesses who have not yet applied for a PPP loan to do so if funds are available.

Like many of my peers, I received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for my business. It seems that the guidance for these loans continues to change. Would you provide an update on what has changed in June?

Understanding the provisions of the PPP loans has been a moving target and, I expect, additional guidance is yet to come.

However, the most significant news in June has been the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020. Some of the key aspects of this law are a) the covSinning ered period has been extended from eight weeks to the earlier of 24 weeks or December 31, 2020, b) the previous requirement that 75% of the loan proceeds be spent on payroll has been reduced to 60%, c) the term of the program was extended from June 30, 2020, to Dec. 31. These changes result in a great

Do I still need to apply for forgiveness at eight weeks?

You can elect to retain the original eight-week covered period, in which case you must request forgiveness within 10 months of the last day of that period. You do need to make that request for forgiveness with your lending bank and, regardless of whether you are electing to retain the original eight-week period or opting to use the newly available 24-week period, it’s a good idea to communicate your decision to your bank in writing.

Have the payment terms changed if the full loan is not forgiven?

With regards to repayment, should some portion of your loan not be forgiven the term of the loan can be modified to five years rather than repaying in the originally required two-year period.

What do you think will happen next?

We expect more guidance in the coming weeks,

Students at Francis Tuttle

Duo receive scholarship Two Francis Tuttle Technology Center students have been named as recipients of the 2020 National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Jon H. Poteat Scholarship.

Charlize Connor, a graduate of Edmond Santa Fe High School, and Damarion Ingram, a graduate of EdConnor Ingram mond Memorial High School, were selected as two of only 250 winners nationwide.

Connor and Ingram were selected because of outstanding performances in the Pre-Engineering Academy and the Administrative and Legal Office program, respectively.

“We are tremendously proud of both Charlize and Damarion for excelling on a national level,” said Jessica Bullock, NTHS coordinator. “This prestigious award is a testament not only to their hard work, but also their exemplary character.”

The Jon H. Poteat Scholarship, named to honor the NHTS co-founder, is awarded to active NHTS members who demonstrate the seven-character attributes of NTHS: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with careerspecific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region. Francis Tuttle also offers complete business and industry training and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment. With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace.

More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.

but thus far each piece of additional information has been good news for small businesses. Stay in contact with your bank and reach out to your financial advisors for assistance with the needed calculations.

LaDonna Sinning, CPA, CFE, is a partner at Arledge and Associates, PC, an Edmond-based accounting firm. Arledge and Associates, PC is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting. Through its Gateway Executive Solutions division, the firm offers outsourced CFO, controller and cloud-based accounting solutions.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services.

Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Oklahoma’s Sahara Sunset

MELINDA INFANTE

A massive Sahara sand storm blew its way from Africa all the way to the skies of Oklahoma over the weekend. Officials urged people not to linger too long outside. It also made for a lovely sunset -- this one seen near Lake Hefner.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 17

According to Oklahoma Economist report

State recovering faster than nation The Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve of Kansas City has released its latest issue of the quarterly publication the Oklahoma Economist.

Oklahoma’s economic downturn caused by the response of businesses, consumers and governments to the onset of COVID-19 pushed unemployment rates well into double digits in both the state and nation, while the plunge in oil prices has presented an additional challenge for Oklahoma’s economy, according to Chad Wilkerson, branch executive, vice president and economist at the Oklahoma City Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“As businesses closed and consumer demand dropped in April and May, unemployment in the state had risen to over 12%,” he said. “By May, all industries in the state except for the federal government had shed jobs from a year ago. But the sector with the biggest year-over-year job losses in April and May — over 25% — was mining, which in Oklahoma consists almost completely of oil and gas.”

Wilkerson said every state in the country had sizeable economic disruptions as a result of COVID-19 and Oklahoma had the additional challenge of a collapse in oil prices.

“Oil already was on a steady price decline in early 2020, from over $60 a barrel at the beginning of the year to under $50 by early March,” he said. “Then as COVID-related travel concerns and restrictions severely curtailed gasoline and jet fuel demand, oil prices collapsed to under $20 by late April. By midJune, Oklahoma’s rig count dropped to more than 90% below previous-year levels, and employment in the state’s mining sector dropped from 50,400 jobs in May 2019 to just 36,100 in May 2020.”

Wilkerson said with the re-opening of many businesses and the cautious return of consumers in May and June, Oklahoma’s economy has begun to show signs of recovery, at a faster pace than in the nation.

“Foot traffic at retail establishments in Oklahoma in the first half of June returned to pre-COVID levels,”

he said. “However, the number of jobless Oklahomans remains high, and it seems unlikely that Oklahoma would be one of the early places to see a pickup in energy activity. As such, while economic conditions in the state have improved considerably from the depths of the crisis, there still is a long way to go and risks remain.”

The complete issue is available at https://www.kansascityfed.org/publications/research/oke.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City serves the Tenth Federal Reserve District, encompassing the western third of Missouri; all of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming; and the northern half of New Mexico. As part of the nation’s central bank, the Bank participates in setting national monetary policy, supervising and regulating numerous commercial banks and bank holding companies, and providing financial services to depository institutions.

Metro college steps up to help small business

By Kacee Van Horn Oklahoma’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) at Rose State College is helping them recover.

The organization has expanded its business consulting services to offer consultations with specialized advisors in areas that have a direct impact on central Oklahoma, including aerospace, cyber security, government contracts and business disruption.

Rose State’s OKSBDC has been helping small businesses at no cost for decades, guiding small businesses to formalize their businesses and qualifying them for funding to start or expand.

Advisors walk them through the steps and refer them to potential lenders. In 2019, OKSBDC contributed to over 100 job creations and over $5 million in capital formation.

OKSBDC has been on the frontline of supporting small business impacted

by COVID-19. “Oklahoma sits in what we call 'tornado alley’ and has a history of natural disasters so business disruption is clearly something our small businesses have been dealing with for some time,” said Rose State College President Dr. Jeanne Webb. “Our business disruption/resiliency expert can focus in on providing assessments on continuity plans, protection plans and overall sustainment capabilities based on the resources for small businesses.”

Requests for assistance have included counseling clients on options of diversifying, how to continue to provide service to their customers as well as opportunities to add technology to support the changes.

Many small businesses are transitioning all or part of their business to e-

commerce, but Dr. Webb noted they often saw deficiencies in client websites even before the pandemic. Dr. Webb pointed out, “OKSBDC has tools to assess client websites Dr. Webb and to make recommendations for improvements. We also assist in suggesting the best e-commerce platforms based on the type of business.”

“Small businesses are more than ever needing to manage operating expenses as well,” continued Webb. “Small businesses must manage the balance of payroll to sales productivity ratio, managing inventory (if applicable) and reducing wasteful activities in operating the business.”

Emergency federal funding has kept many small businesses afloat, but the process for them to apply for COVID19 relief loans can be daunting. “OKSBDC has excellent tools to assist small businesses in preparing and analyzing a quality loan package for small business loan submissions,” shared Dr. Webb.

According to Dr. Webb, most businesses are making every effort to follow CDC guidelines and protect their staff and customers. “OKSBDC continues to share webinars and resources regarding the safety to re-open and sustain a safe business including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and plexi-glass barriers to name a few suggestions.”

Dr. Webb relates, “For some business owners, this crisis has allowed them the time to step back and look at the business to either diversify and/or be a lot more flexible to serve their customers. During COVID-19, the pandemic has demanded for businesses to do business differently and I believe we

Turnpike Authority’s new board The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) recently announced its 2020 Board of Directors. The term for the officers listed below begins July 1, 2020 and ends on June 30, 2021.

The board meets once a month to discuss the status of OTA including current and future events and how to move the state transportation industry forward. The announcement was made at an OTA Authority meeting on June 23.

“We have an excellent group of individuals serving on this board and we’re excited to progress forward,” Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said. “They each have extensive experience working in Oklahoma’s transportation industry, some serving on the board for numerous terms already.”

The members of the 2020 OTA Board of Directors are: Gene Love, Chairman, Lawton

John D. Jones, Vice-Chairman, Oklahoma City Dana Weber, Secretary/Treasurer, Tulsa Guy L. Berry, Member Todd A. Cone, Member John A. Titsworth, Member In addition to being named as Vice-Chairman of the board, Mr. John D. Jones will now oversee the Engineering and Construction Committee and, coming off a three-year term Chairwoman, Ms. Dana Weber will now oversee the Finance Committee alongside being Secretary/Treasurer of the board.

Love has served on the OTA Authority Board since May 25, 2011 and is from Lawton, which is in District 5. Love has been Vice-Chairman of the Authority for the past year and oversaw engineering and construction for the Authority. Love was instrumental in overseeing the

will see that most small businesses that survive these times will do business differently than pre-COVID-19.”

“The benefit of adding specialized OKSBDC advisor positions at Rose State College is these specialists not only serve the area around Rose State but the entire state. So these specialists are resources for everyone,” said Dr. Webb.

One of OKSBDC’s advisors, Larry Siebert, has been is located in the Edmond Chamber of Commerce on the UCO campus. Siebert has been with the organization for over 10 years and services the entire Edmond area.

“Many people and businesses have

suffered from the impact of COVID-19, but Oklahomans know how to bounce back from a crisis. Rose State’s Small Business Development Center is here to help our local small business and entrepreneurs facilitate our state’s recovery,” shared Dr. Web. We are very thankful to have the opportunity to house all of these specialized services under one roof at Rose State College. We view this as a privilege to help make a difference in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Webb.

The Rose State Small Business Development Center is located on campus at the Professional Training Center. For more information call (405) 733-7483 or visit us at oksbdc.org.

Page 18 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Application period under way for state business grant Developed to help local businesses across the state overcome the economic challenges of COVID-19, the Oklahoma Business Relief Program (OBRP) offers vital funding for qualifying businesses that have suffered revenue loss due to the pandemic. Governor Kevin Stitt has designated $50 million in Federal CARES Act funds for the program.

Starting this week, Oklahoma businesses can request to apply for OBRP through participating financial institutions. The financial institutions will evaluate applications based on the program rules and make a preliminary determination of business eligibility.

Applications and supporting documents will be submitted by the financial institution to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for a final determination of eligibility. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds will be provided to the business through the financial institution; however, at least 20 percent of the program funds will be designated for minority owned businesses.

Grant Details Maximum of $25,000 per grant Grant amount equal to two months of average

total payroll based on either: Average of 2019 total payroll Average of January - February 2020 payroll This is a grant program and not a business loan Program Timeline June 29 - July 10, 2020: Business Application Period July 17, 2020: Fund Distribution Begins For further information on eligibility and usage requirements, visit the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's Oklahoma Business Relief Program page.

Integris officials urge public to remain vigilant Integris Health acknowledges there has been a significant increase of new COVID-19 patients and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 over the last couple of weeks. INTEGRIS Health hospitals currently have nearly 60 inpatients with the virus. For comparison sake, INTEGRIS officials say their highest hospitalization rate during the initial surge in March and April was 37. Hospitals across the metro are experiencing similar upticks and our neighbors to the south, just in Houston alone, are seeing 5000+ new coronavirus cases per day.

“While we aren’t seeing the alarming numbers like our cohorts in Texas, Arizona and Florida,” says David Chansolme, M.D., the medical director of infection prevention at INTEGRIS Health. “We are moving in the wrong direction.”

He urges Oklahomans to not let their guard down or take the outbreak lightly.

“The uptick was anticipated.

We knew we would see somewhat of a rise in cases when the state started to reopen, but that

doesn’t mean we should throw all caution to the wind.”

Chansolme continues, “We need to continue to practice all the safety precautions we have been preaching since early March. Those include social distancing, staying home if you can, avoiding large crowds and gatherings, wearing a mask when you’re in public and washing your hands frequently.”

He says it’s part of the social contract we all must adhere to in order to keep everyone in our community safe. “We need to take personal responsibility for our own actions to protect the masses,” he concludes.

The same sentiment is being echoed by Anthony Fauci, M.D, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. He says the virus is not under control and we are witnessing a disturbing trend across the country. He says the time to act is now. We hold the key to our own success or failure. The action, or in-action, we take today - will influence the situation we find ourselves in tomorrow.

Children’s Hospital & visitation policy OU Medicine has announced changes to The Children’s Hospital visitor policy effective last week.

Hospitalized patients at The Children’s Hospital are still allowed two designated caregivers over age 18 to visit for the duration of their stay, however, starting today, only one caregiver may visit at a time.

Pediatric patients undergoing same-day surgery/procedures, those visiting the Emergency Department and those who have an appointment in an outpatient/clinic setting may have one person over the age of 18 stay with them throughout their visit.

The Children’s Hospital previously allowed two caregivers at a time per hospitalized patient as the number of COVID-19 cases in our state had shown a steady decrease.

However, with the recent spike in cases, as a safety protocol the tighter visitation policy has been deemed necessary to mitigate potential exposure to and infection by the virus.

Other elements of the visitation policy at The Children’s Hospital will continue with no changes, including: n Entry into The Children’s Hospital will be limited to three main entrance points. n No one under age 18 may visit The Children’s Hospital except under special cir-

cumstances. n Everyone is required to wear a mask (brought from home or provided by the hospital) at all times. n Any visitor who screens positive for COVID-19 will not be able to visit while having symptoms. n Everyone must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often during their visit. n Public lobbies and dining hall seating will remain closed to promote social distancing.

“We regret having to once again restrict the number of visitors at The Children’s Hospital and we understand how stressful this is for our patients and their loved ones,” said Cameron Mantor, M.D., acting chief medical officer for OU Medicine Hospitals.

“However, the current spike in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has required us to change our policies to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect our patients, staff and visitors. We monitor the number and trend of COVID cases around-the-clock in order to be able to adapt to our policies as the situation dictates.”

“We believe these extensive safety protocols are key to the welfare of our patients and staff,” said Lynn Mitchell, M.D., chief medical officer for OU Physicians.

Edmond man catches a whopper

By Ed Godfrey Oklahoman.com James Lukehart of Edmond and his wife, Caitlin, were looking to just catch some fish for dinner Sunday when they booked a guided paddlefishing trip on Keystone Lake.

He not only came home from his first spoonbill trip with a paddlefish for the smoker, but a world record to boot. Lukehart snagged a paddlefish weighing 146 pounds, 11 ounces, beating the world record by more than two pounds and the state record by 3 pounds, 11 ounces.

"We got out there in the morning and kind of joked around about catching a state record," Lukehart said. "I had no idea that there was even a world record fish out there. And let alone did I know I was fishing with the guy who had the state record. Until I caught it, I had no idea."

The Lukeharts were fishing with Reel Time Guide Service owner Jeremiah Mefford, of Kiefer, who was the previous record-holder. Mefford snagged a 143-pound paddlefish on Keystone Lake on May 23, breaking the previous state record of 132 pounds, 8 ounces, which was caught in April 2018 in the Arkansas River upstream from Keystone Lake.

The previous world record paddlefish, often called spoonbills, was a 144-pounder caught in Kansas, state wildlife officials said.

James Lukehart, an avid hunter, said his wife is the "real fisherwoman" of the family. She snagged the first spoonbill on Sunday morning, an 82pounder.

James Lukehart of Edmond holds what is believed to be a world record paddlefish that he snagged at Keystone Lake on Sunday.

"We thought that was monstrous," he said. "She was wore out."

Then the real monster surfaced. Lukehart snagged a paddlefish that measured 70.5 inches in length with a 45-inch girth.

A fish that size, I never had any intention of keeping it," he said.

They motored to a cove and was able to keep the fish alive in the water with a rope tied to its fin. State wildlife officials arrived 45 minutes later and officially weighed and measured the fish, then successfully released it into the lake.

Once the Wildlife Department posted news of the record catch on Facebook, Lukehart became an

instant celebrity.

"It's been hours of Facebook tags and emails," Lukehart said Sunday evening. "I've had requests from the Outdoor Channel to do interviews. It's been wild. It's been a hell of a experience."

Even though Lukehart's fish is officially the state and world record, there is evidence of at least one bigger paddlefish in Keystone Lake.

In February, Mefford helped a client snag a 157-pound spoonbill, but it could not be counted as a state or world record because it was snagged on a designated catch-and-release day only. Therefore, the fish could not be kept and officially weighed.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 2, 2020 • Page 19

Group home officials note successful June benefit The Center of Family Love (CFL), a residential and vocational nonprofit for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, raised over $500,000 on Saturday evening, June 20, with their brand-new Live Stream Telethon event. The event replaced the organization’s 7th Annual Gift of Love Gala, which has raised over $1 million each of the past two years.

CFL resident, Patti C., made history as the first intellectually disabled individual to co-host an event of such magnitude for the organization. Patti C. has expressed her excitement at having had the opportunity to represent her friends at the center and share her gifts with the world as she worked alongside Malcom Tubbs, OKC Thunder Emcee, Fox 25 News Feature Reporter and OU Football On-Field Host. “I feel pretty proud to have hosted,� said Patti C. “I know God put me at the center because he wants me to help others. Some of my friends can’t speak, and I get to speak for them. As a host, I got to tell everyone that my friends just want to be treated like somebody. This is a good place to live because they treat everyone with respect.�

Patti C. and Tubbs worked together to introduce special guest appearances, Frank Sinatra inspired entertainment by the Wade Tower Band, a variety of silent auction, chance and pull items, and a cover of a popular TikTok video by her friends at the center.

13 join Wings Young Professionals Board Wings, a non-profit special needs community providing programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is excited to announce the appointment of 13 new members to its Young Professionals Board. The Wings Young Professionals Board is comprised of 29 philanthropic young adults with a variety of skills, talents and professions with the common goal of furthering the mission of Wings through fundraising, networking and volunteering.

The new Wings YP Board Members are Torrey Attyah, Lauren Carter, Emily Crain, Ashley Elkins, Travis Harrison, Jami Johnson, Tyler Jones, Stephanie Little, Robert Rielly, Lauren Riepl, Erin Stanfill, Anna Wood, and Lauren Yeager. “These career-minded individuals will use their experience and diverse backgrounds to help move us forward with a different generation of professionals�, said Cheri Weaver, Wings Executive Direc-

tor. “To create sustainability and long term growth, it is important that we create a bridge between our YP board and Board of Directors.�

The Wings Young Professionals Board is responsible for one of the largest annual Wings fundraisers of the year with their “Wingin It� Gala.

The 2019 Gala was attended by over 365 guests and raised over $234,000 for the Wings organization.

ABOUT WINGS Founded in 2004, Wings is a 501(c)(3) special needs community whose mission is to enhance the lives of adults with development disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs guided by principles of the Bible. Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, information about Wings is available at wingsok.org or by calling (405) 2424646.

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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 • July 2, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure