August 6, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 12
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.
Back to School section See Page 15
FRIDAY, August 7 Partly Cloudy High 93° Low 77°
SATURDAY, August 8 Mostly Sunny High 97° Low 74°
SUNDAY, August 9 Sunny High 96 Low 75°
By Nuria Martinez-Keel Oklahoman.com Edmond Public Schools opted last week for a blended learning model instead of reopening traditionally. The Edmond Board of Education voted 4-1 to approve the measure during a virtual meeting. The board also agreed to delay the first day of school to Aug. 20 to give time to prepare for the new schedule. The district’s 25,000 students will alternate between at-home learning and attending in the classroom. This would reduce the number of students in a school building by half to limit wider exposure of COVID-19. Originally the school district had planned to open Aug. 13 with most students in a traditional classroom setting. Now the district will group all students into either an A schedule or a B schedule. Students on the A schedule will attend face-
to-face classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Those in the B group will come to school on Thursdays and Fridays. All Edmond students will learn from home on Wednesdays while schools are deep cleaned. Superintendent Bret Towne said it would have been nearly impossible for students to socially distance otherwise. “We’re very reluctant to think that we can open school face-toface with our buildings full right now,” Towne told The Oklahoman on Monday. “That’s just something that’s going to be difficult to do, so after that we have to look at our other options.” Children from the same family will be assigned the same A or B schedule, the superintendent said. Families will learn which schedule their children are assigned by Aug. 11. Teachers will grade assignments and take attendance even on remote learning days, a departure
from distance learning policies in the spring. The district announced in its previous back-toschool plan that it would ensure every student has a device and internet at home to access online learning. Another 2,500 students have chosen the district’s full-time online curriculum, called Virtual Edmond, Towne said. This would further reduce the number of children attending school in person. Lee Ann Kuhlman was the only board member to vote against blended learning. She said the risk of COVID-19 is too great to bring teachers, students and support staff back at all. “We’ve seen the numbers increase, and we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kuhlman said. “I just feel very strongly that we are putting people at risk.” Parents, and patrons of the district, wishing to know more should consult the district’s web site at www.edmondschools.net
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Edmond Life & Leisure • August 6, 2020 • Page 3
City still fine tuning its mask ordinance (Editor’s note: The following account is a recap of action the Edmond City Council took on the mask ordinance at its meeting the last Monday in July. At press time the council was scheduled to once again consider the mask ordinance, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Check our web page or the City of Edmond web page for the latest on what is and is not required with wearing a mask.)
The Edmond City Council has adopted an ordinance requiring face coverings while inside any indoor place open to the public. However, the ordinance will go into effect in 30 days on Aug. 26, as determined by the Edmond city charter. The charter allows for immediate implementation of an emergency ordinance with four affirmative council votes, but the ordinance received three affirmative votes, a City of Edmond news release stated. The ordinance is scheduled to expire at midnight on Sept. 8. Under the ordinance, the public is encouraged to wear disposable or nondisposable face coverings that fit snugly but comfortably against the
side of the face, are secured and allow for breathing without restrictions. Exceptions to the requirement include people who are: • Younger than 11 years of age, unless required by a school or day care to wear a face covering. • Working in a professional office who do not have any face-to-face interactions with the public. • Restaurant patrons while eating or drinking. • In a setting where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, such as when receiving dental services, medical treatments, or while swimming or at a splash park. • Engaged in competitive sporting activities, whether professional or amateur, or for recreational purposes. • Engaged in performing cardio exercise, but they should make a reasonable effort to practice social distancing from other individuals not from their household. • Inside any federal, state or county government building or other facility. • Inside any public or private school building or other facility, unless required by the school to wear a face covering. ---- From Oklahoman.com
Local news? Do you have a local news item or a local photograph? Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.
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From the Publisher
Leadership in short supply Leadership in our society has been lacking for a long time. Being in short supply is not new but the COVID-19 crisis has pointed out the lack of leadership in government and business in this country. Ray Hibbard I will be the first to admit that the recent challenges are exceptional and nothing that my generation has ever dealt with before. We thought surviving the eight-year oil bust in the 1980’s was the biggest economic challenge we would ever conquer. We were wrong. Our city council made as best can be described an odd decision last week then they did pass a mask ordinance that does not go into effect until Aug. 26 and then sunsets on Sept. 8. After the motion and vote you could hear a collective, “Huh?” in our community. Most folks just did not understand it and still do not. As of this moment there is a chance the council could revisit the issue. Last week, I got a call from the mayor after the vote and he asked if I was going to criticize the council in my column. I told him that there was nothing that I could say that folks had not already said or thought. We knew that a vote on a mask ordinance was going to make at least 50 percent of folks mad in town either way it went. Our council managed to make pretty close to 100 percent of the folks mad or at least confused. Edmond City Councilman Darrell Davis said at the meeting, “What we have done is add confusion to the situation.” That may turn out to be the understatement of the year. You cannot be hard on our city council. It is a difficult job in normal times. They take abuse from citizens over the simplest things and with the virus challenge it has been even worse. It was good to see so many people that spoke at the meeting took time to thank council members for their service. It really is a sacrifice and we should appreciate that these folks are willing to spend their time, reduce their incomes and make tough decisions on our behalf. This was one that kind of got away from them and should not define them as a council. I think the Edmond School Board did a good job along with school administration and teachers. The number of moving parts and uncertainties in trying to decide about school opening or not is tremendous. My sister’s speculation was that the
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The question of wearing masks was addressed last week by the Edmond City Council. The group’s vote on the measure left many people puzzled.
Edmond School Board did so well because it is made up of all women. Leadership is a difficult job. Our Oklahoma governor has struggled with it this year. Do not even get me started with our federal government elected officials. Both parties must think the road to leadership is fighting while good people suffer. The entire debate of unemployment extension should have been decided in hours instead of still being argued. The still unemployed are the folks in our country that are hurting the most and our federal government is frozen. Any crisis, and this is the worst most of us has seen and hopefully will see, brings out the need for leaders. It made me think of the folks I have recognized as great leaders. The first one I knew since birth. My father was a true leader in everyway like a lot of folks from that generation. There are several traits that make good leaders, but dad had the main one nailed. He did not hesitate in making decisions. I never saw the man pause for a second. When presented with a challenge he set a course for whatever team he oversaw, and folks followed. I cannot tell you if he was a natural born leader or if the United States Marine Corps made him that way. His brothers were all just like him. Once he joined the Marines, they all signed up right after him. It could be at home, school, church, Scouts, or a group of
strangers together but when the stuff hit the fan, everyone would turn to my dad for the plan. He was a man of action to say the least. I never figured out if Pop just anticipated things that might go wrong in any given situation or if he just fired off his best shot and charged forward. His path always seemed to be the right one. Here are a few of the things he would say to keep us on track. My disclaimer is that I have cleaned up the phrases for our family owned newspaper. Dad was a great guy. He was not rich by any means and spent most of his working life in construction so the language could get a little salty. Mom tried to correct him, but it was like a sparrow trying to fly in the wind. “There is no such thing as neutral. You are either going forward or backward.” You can put this in the same category as folks that say making no decision is deciding. This saying told us as kids we better be moving forward because the last thing you wanted to tell a Marine is that you were planning on backing up. My dad was part of the 1st Marine Division in the Korean War and served under Gen. Oliver Prince Smith who was famous for what he said during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir when the Chinese regulars poured across the border, "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction." Pop quoted this to us many times.
“Lead, follow or get the heck out of the way.” Pop was a big believer in what folks say about being part of the solution, not the problem. He had a low threshold of tolerance for anyone that just offered opinions and did not engage in solving the problem. If you did not want to lead that was fine with dad. Dad was good with following as well. We saw him do it many times and was supportive of the leader. Standing and just flapping your lips was not an option for anyone in his book. “Sometimes you just have to stop talking and load the dang truck.” This is an important one for folks to realize. My Heritage Hall classmate, Aubrey McClendon, sent me an email when times were tough for him saying he was worried about getting his staff to pay concentrate on work and not pay attention to all the news. I shared my dad’s phrase with him. His response was that he was planning on making it the new company slogan. This phrase was about doing what needs to be done. Dad believed that any good plan was going to involve some hard work and the quicker you got to it the better. He also believed that a leader needs to make the hard decisions and I think this is what catches most folks in charge of things off guard. They find themselves in a position where they did not expect the challenges to be so difficult. In challenging times leaders must make the hard choices and they must make the self-sacrifice to get things done. It may mean they get recalled or do not get elected to another term but that becomes their sacrifice to do what is for the good of the community, state, or country. Before anyone in a leadership role takes the time to blame someone else or check the direction the wind is blowing on issues, they need to first think about all the folks that are counting on help in a challenge. It is a little like raising children. If you put your kids first, you cannot go wrong. The few times that I can remember my dad being wrong I can also remember that he was quick to admit his mistake. He did not try and buffalo his way through. It gained him respect from others and is a key trait for a leader as well. They need the respect of those that they serve. As a community, we might try some of that respect thing. Let us give our council members the respect they deserve and a chance to get the next big decision right. (Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- Elaine Warner visits Shreveport ....................................................Page 7. ---- Obituary notice............................................................................Page 8. ---- Business news ............................................................................Page 9. ---- The problems of voting by mail ................................................Page 10. ---- Junior rodeo still competing in Edmond ....................................Page 13. ---- Film ‘First Cow’ reviewed by George Gust..................................Page 14. ---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. ---- Back to School section ........................................................Pages 15-18. ---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19. 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 • August 6, 2020 • Page 5
What to know about companies that do genealogical DNA tests bachelor’s and Master’s in DNA testing is becoming Human Relations from OU in more advanced and more 2004. (You are never to old to people are having their DNA obtain degrees). She then retested to find out about their ceived a promotion and ethnicity, do genealogy removed to VA where she search or find lost relatives. worked for the Air Force FiThere are many companies nancial Office at the Pentadoing this testing and congon. She then moved back to sumers have a lot to conDay Banse OK to be near her daughter sider before picking one and grandkids. I company. She served 36 years in the Air Deciding what you want to know Force Active, Reserve and retired is the first step in determining what with Air National Guard. She traveled company to use. There is also the to the Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Gercost, privacy issues, ease of access many, Hawaii, and Okinawa and variand many other things to consider. ous states for duty. The Oklahoma Home and CommuFor Hobbies she crochets and of nity Education Genealogy group is course genealogy. She is a member meeting Aug. 19, at 10 a.m., at the of DAR and was elected as her chapOklahoma County OSU Extension ter’s Regent. She donates times at Center, 2500 NE 63rd, Oklahoma several Genealogy Societies in OK City where Jo Ann Day Banse will and TN where she was born. present “Genesis GEDmatch” to give The Oklahoma Home and Commuyou some insight into what this comnity Education Genealogy group pany offers consumers as they exmeets on the third Wednesday of the plore their DNA. Jo Ann worked for the Air Force as month and are currently meeting at the Extension Center. For additional federal employee for 40 years. She information, visit our website: ohcestarted out in San Antonio, Texas genealogy.com or find us on Facethen received promotion and moved book: ohcegenealogy. The group’s to Bay Area, California, from there program is open to the public but she was promoted and moved to wearing a facemask are required for Oklahoma for a financial job for the this meeting. B-1 program office. She received her
Interim math, science dean named The University of Central Oklahoma has named Robert Brennan Jr., Ph.D., as the College of Mathematics and Science’s interim associate dean, effective earlier this month. Brennan Co-Interim Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., and Gary Steward, Ph.D., jointly stated, “Dr. Brennan has served as chairperson of the department of biology for the past five years and brings a mix of both academic and corporate experience to the position of interim associate dean. He has emerged as a leader in the college in conducting and supporting student-centered scholarship and grantsmanship and recently assumed the role of director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Education and Research (CIBER).” Since joining Central’s department of biology in 2009, Brennan has published numerous papers, many with stu-
dent co-authors, in the area of microbial pathogenesis. His excellence in teaching was recognized by the UCO Vanderford Distinguished Teacher Award in 2014. Brennan leads one of the largest departments on campus and is committed to promoting student-centered scholarship. He is known for his dedication to faculty and students and for his thoughtful and collaborative approach to decision-making. Brennan holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of South Dakota, a master’s degree in veterinary medical sciences (microbiology) from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in medical sciences (microbiology) from Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center. “Dr. Brennan’s expertise, experience and calm and reflective demeanor will be invaluable to the college and university during this transition. We are most pleased he has accepted this role,” Simmons and Steward added. For more information about the UCO College of Mathematics and Science, visit www.uco.edu/cms.
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Shreveport, a fun place with lots to offer (Editor’s Note: Due to the virus, check ahead on any possible destination for possible closures or restrictions.) By Elaine Warner In a time when only the birds seem unconcerned about flying, it’s good to remember that there are a number of easy drive options from our area. One of my favorite destinations Warner is Shreveport, La. Louisiana is synonymous with good times and good food and Shreveport is no exception. You’ll find a great mix of arts, entertainment, education, and some excellent eateries. I’m a museum junkie and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is a good place to get started. Built as part of a New Deal program, the building is classic W.P.A. Art Deco. You can’t miss the majestic frescos celebrating agriculture and industry in Louisiana. Inside, a series of 23 miniature dioramas, rich in detail, depict scenes from aspects of the state’s economic and natural history. In the museum’s Gallery of the Caddo Nation, artifacts reflect the Native American legacy in the region. The prize exhibit is a 1000-year-old Caddo cyprus dugout.
Shreveport has a wonderful collection of magnificent murals. “Once in a Millennium Moon” by Meg Saligman is one of the largest murals in the U.S. Covering two sides (30,000 square feet) of a multi-story building, it looks at the past, present and future of the city. One side features a montage incorporating images of actual residents surrounded by dozens of personal and symbolic items portraying the history of the city and stages of life. The whole thing is so stunning and so filled with interest, it’s worth a long stop to study, read the artist’s statement and look at the key which identifies each of the elements. For more traditional artistic expressions, visit the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. Built by the family to honor oilman R.W. Norton and to house the family’s art collection, this little gem is the repository of art from van Ruisdael and Rodin to Russell and Remington. The gardens here are lovely, too. Something else lovely – my favorite shop in all of Shreveport is The Enchanted Garden. This boutique is chock-full of colorful and creative items. Clever owner Deb Cockrell hits ELAINE WARNER the markets in Dallas, Atlanta and Elvis made his first public appearance on Louisiana Hayride, broadcast New York City several times a year from the Municipal Auditorium and always comes up with things The Robinson Film Center is popuare masks created by Deb’s brother, you’ll see no where else. Christmas Dennis Beckman. You’ll find items for lar for its great little theater which and Mardi Gras, all the stops are pulled out. Among the coolest things everyone from little kids to your pick- shows classic, indie and other niche films. It also hosts a number of speiest relative. cial events, discussions, etc. Date If you’re traveling with children, nights and Heels and Reels combine two absolute musts are Sci-Port Disfood and film – and a segue into my covery Center and the Shreveport next Shreveport delight – dining. Aquarium. The Sci-Port Discovery Abby Singer’s Bistro in the RobinCenter has a plethora of displays for son Center is a great spot for lunch kids of all ages. Visitors are encouror dinner before a movie. Their balaged to follow clues and solve mysteries as they work their way through cony dining area gives diners a panoramic view of Texas Street. From the museum. traditional Louisiana dishes to vegeFor the wet and watery, visit the tarian entrees, the menu is eclectic Aquarium. I love all the exhibits but my fave – feeding the stingrays in the enough to suit all tastes. For more Louisiana lagniappe, Martouch pool. Ray’s mouths are on their ilyn’s Place is the place to go. Jambaunderside so you just flatten your laya, gumbo, etoufée – this spot hits hand with a bit of fish or shrimp bethe spot. They serve beignets all day tween and sticking up from your – here’s a hidden menu suggestion – close-together fingers. The rays swim over the top of your hand and, voila! ask if they have cookie butter stuffed beignets. the food is gone. A local go-to since 1936, Herby-K’s You won’t have trouble finding entertainment but two spots stand out. self-describes as a “hole in the wall.” I couldn’t describe it better. That said, If you’re a country music fan, the I’d crawl on my knees for their Shrimp small, historic collection in the MuBuster – butterflied, fried shrimp on nicipal Auditorium is worth your buttered, toasted French bread with time. Take the tour and you can see the dressing room where Elvis was See Shreveport, Page 7 before he left the building!
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RED Day Run a success Edmond’s largest charitable run, the RED Day Run, handed out $200,000 to eight Edmond-area nonprofits at the Thank You Finish Line Breakfast last week, again breaking the record for the largest contribution made in RED Day history. Saturday’s virtual 5K and 1-mile Fun Run had 1,178 registered runners, walkers, and volunteers. ‘Today, the RED Day Run gave away $200,000, and it raised it in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of a depression, in the middle of chaos and confusion in our country,’ said Mo Anderson, Vice Chairman of the Board of Keller Williams RealtThe eight nonprofits that benefited from the Run were Wings Special Needs Community, Project 66 Food & Resource Center, Pepper’s Ranch Foster Care Community, MakeA-Wish Oklahoma, Folds of Honor Oklahoma, Edmond Public Schools Foundation, and Caleb’s Cause Foundation. Playing a big role in the event is Brad Reeser and his successful real estate office.
Downtown OKC postpones Dean A. McGee awards Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership announced today the decision to postpone the 2020 Dean A. McGee Awards to Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Skirvin Hilton. “The Dean A. McGee Awards honor exceptional leaders who have contributed to the downtown Oklahoma City community,” said Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership President and CEO Jane Jenkins. “Holding the ceremony in August would not align with the spirit of the awards. We are looking forward to honoring our award recipients at next year’s event.” The event’s 2021 iteration will honor the same three individuals selected to receive awards at the 2020 event. Cathy O’Connor will receive the Dean A. McGee Award for her lifetime contributions to downtown; the Stanley Draper Award will be presented to Nancy Anthony for her efforts in community excellence; and Donald Beck will receive the Neal Horton Award for revitalization of downtown. Presented by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, the Dean A. McGee Awards benefit Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership’s 501(c)(3) organization, Downtown Oklahoma City Initiatives, which funds public art and other downtown improvement projects. For additional information about Downtown Oklahoma City and the Dean A. McGee
News briefs Awards, visit www.DowntownOKC.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Help for daycares Gov. Kevin Stitt and Human Services Secretary Justin Brown announced last week that approximately $9.6 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) will be awarded to more than 2,200 childcare centers across Oklahoma to support the industry’s efforts to deliver safe, essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Childcare workers have been on the front lines of delivering stable care for Oklahoma’s children throughout this pandemic, and their ability to safely provide services will be a critical component in reviving Oklahoma’s economy,” said Governor Stitt. “This supplemental funding will help stabilize the childcare industry as it continues to provide a critical resource for our state in the days and months ahead.” The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) will deliver the one-time funds as Child Care Quality and Sustainability Payments to childcare providers who have maintained active status since March 15, 2020.
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Monumental murals at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum memorialize the state’s industries and agriculture.
Shreveport From Page 6 cole slaw, fries and Herby-K’s special Shrimp Buster sauce. Take a friend with you when you go to Fertita’s. This business, with a near-100-year history, started as a neighborhood grocery. Now, several generations later, Fertita’s Delicatessen is famous for the incredible Muffy – a ‘40’s interpretation of the New Orleans muffaletta. When the word was too long for the store sign, Sam Fertita shortened his sandwich name to Muffy and the crowds haven’t stopped coming for the monster-sized sandwich. Before you leave, be sure to pick up a jar of their origi-
nal-recipe olive spread. One last note – Louisiana is noted for its drive-by daiquiris – but not limited to those concoctions. Alky Therapy has drinks, Jello shots and boozy popsicles. Tip: get a teetotaling buddy to drive – you won’t want to operate heavy machinery after a stop here. There’s even more to see and do in Shreveport – including a handful of casinos. The six and a half hour drive may be double the distance to Dallas – but you’ll have half the traffic. And just as much fun. And you can bet on that!
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Obituary notice Norma M. Till Miller
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Norma M. Till Miller, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2020. Norma was born to Arthur C. and Mae Schneider (Travis) on October 9, 1926 in Dubuque, Iowa. At age 3 the family moved from Galena, Illinois to Bellevue, Iowa. Norma graduated from Bellevue High School in 1944 and attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a B.S. in Political Science in 1948. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald F. Till, on May 14, 1948 in Iowa City. Norma worked in the Acquisitions Department of the University of Iowa Library until 1954, when Don’s career with JCPenney began with several relocations for the family, the last being to Montevideo, Minnesota in 1968. While raising two daughters, Norma and Don were active in the community, especially in support of Montevideo’s Fiesta Days. Following Don’s death in 1978, Norma worked at Arneson Drug and later married George L. Miller in 1984. A breast cancer survivor at age 36, Norma became an active volunteer with Reach for Recovery. She also enjoyed singing in the church choir, was an avid golfer and loved to travel, enjoying many European trips with family. In 1999 Norma and George moved to Edmond so Norma could be closer to her family. George passed away in 2001 and in 2013 Norma moved into Touchmark, an independent living community, where she enjoyed playing bingo, bridge, watching golf and becoming a big OSU fan as well as cheering for the Thunder. Norma also enjoyed playing chimes and was a long-time member of the Golden Harmonizers. Norma was recently honored as a 75-year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and was an active member of Chapter CT, Oklahoma City. She is survived by her two daughters, Barb (Steve) Ruel, Southlake, TX; Doe (Clint) Till-Schwab, Edmond, OK; step-daughters, Jude (Stan) Ragnes, Plymouth, MN; Carol (Carl) Christensen, Hayward, WI; and step-son, Jim (Ruth) Miller, Champlin, MN. She is also survived by one brother, George Schneider, eleven grandchildren and step-grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will be in the First Presbyterian Cemetery, Bellevue, Iowa at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or to the P.E.O. Foundation at peointernational.org.
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Tickets still on sale for St. Jude Home Reserve a $100 ticket by today (Aug. 6) for a chance to win the Oklahoma City St. Jude Dream Home to also be entered into a bonus prize drawing for a $5,000 Visa gift card courtesy of Friends of St. Jude. Reserve a ticket online at www.dreamhome.org or by calling 800-592- Dining room view looking toward the kitchen and main living area at the home, at 8616 Maple Creek 1596. Drive, Edmond. Broken Arrow-based Shaw Homes built the 2,500-square-foot, tween Cemetery and Frisco roads. three-bedroom, three-bath home, valOther local sponsors of the St. Jude ued at $365,000, at 8616 Maple Dream Home are The Oklahoman, Creek Road in Edmond's Woodland Fox 25, 101.9 The Twister, 405 MagaPark addition east of Douglas Boulezine, Edmond Life & Leisure, Perry vard and north of Covell Road. The Publishing & Broadcasting, Homeland, home will be raffled off at 9 a.m. Epsilon Sigma Alpha and El Latino Aug. 27 on Fox 25. American. National sponsors are Shaw Homes also builds in these Brizo, Shaw Floors, Trane and Bosch. Oklahoma City-atea additions: Fox Every ticket helps St. Jude kids and Lair Estates, northwest of Waterloo the mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Road and N Pennsylvania Avenue; Saving children. And because of supRidge Creek, west of Douglas Bouleport from the public, families never revard and north of Coffee Creek Road; ceive a bill from St. Jude for Rush Brook, southeast of NW 192 treatment, travel, housing or food — and Western Avenue; Pinnacle, south because all a family should worry of SW 29 between Sara and Mustang about is helping their child live. roads; Twin Silos, northwest of NW 150 and Council Road; and Timber From www.Oklahoman.com Ridge, north of Memorial Road be-
Winkler
Johnson
Garver
Arledge & Associates adds trio to its leadership team Edmond accounting firm Arledge and Associates announces the hire of Certified Public Accountants Jake Winkler, Jeremy Johnson and Ricky Garver. Winkler, a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, will serve as a senior manager. His more than 15 years of experience include positions with Hertz Corporation, Mercy Health Systems and RSM US. Johnson has joined the team as a manager. He graduated from Oklahoma City University in 2012. Previous roles include accounting and analyst roles at Love’s Travel Stops, Chesapeake Energy and SandRidge Energy. Garver joined the team as an audit supervisor and transitioned into a managerial role. He is a graduate of
Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Six years of field experience at Hertz Corporation, RSM US and HoganTaylor contributed to his candidacy. “We welcome these managers to our leadership team,” said Jim Denton, partner. “Their expertise is outstanding and we are confident they will be excellent supervisors as well as diligent industry professionals.” 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.
Page 10 • August 6, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
The perils of voting by mail I think Donald Trump is very aware that changing the date of the upcoming general election is virtually impossible. It’s going to be Nov. 3. Yet I think he floated that idea last week because he wanted to bring attention to the problem of mail-in balloting. Please note, that is a different ani- Steve Gust mal from absentee balloting. I vote absentee and gladly show my identification to a notary so I can submit a legal ballot. From my understanding, mail-in balloting doesn’t have that requirement. What irks me the most about mail-in voting is that some states apparently don’t require the ballots to be in the election office by the day of voting. How crazy is that? What you end up with is a situation like last election in 2018 where Broward County, Florida “discovers” tens of thousands of ballots after the election. I’d love to know how that happened. Here in Oklahoma for the primary, we did have about 3,000 ballots, which were not counted because they didn’t arrive by election day. Why can’t that be the law across the country? I know military ballots in Florida get counted a few days later because it takes a heck of a long time for some of those votes to get here from all across the world. That isn’t the problem with most ballots. The trou-
ble is when residents are dropping off ballots days after an election. That is also called ballot harvesting. The huge problem in Florida was at one county and one county election board. When it seemed the GOP governor and GOP senate candidates won, then the county came up with “new” votes. Thankfully the margins were so great that the extra new votes didn’t change the outcome. But still, who wants to see that kind of a mess on election day? And who knows for certain if some party operative isn’t just firing up a copy machine somewhere and marking every nine of 10 ballots for the Democrat? -----What gets me also about the mail-in balloting is hearing former President Obama discuss it at John Lewis’ funeral last week. He told the mourners that it was dangerous to be in a room full of people and that meant mail-in balloting was necessary. Yet he told it to a room full of people? And those folks were there for a funeral. Obama turned it into a political rally. Then again if Trump holds a political rally he’s endangering the lives of many people. There seem to be a lot of exceptions to when crowds may or may not gather during these pandemic days. Pack a jet but not a church? I guess protests are OK but holding religious services or GOP event is another matter entirely. (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Wanted: Charter schools By Chris Brewster Public charter schools have served Oklahoma students well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When buildings had to be closed to protect students and teachers, charter schools acted quickly to move instruction online and ensure students and families had access to technology. We have spent the summer preparing for a school year that is likely to be bumpy. As with all charter schools, we’re ready to do whatever it takes to keep students learning. Nearly 40,000 students in Oklahoma now attend charter schools. They have become an important part of the fabric of public education in Oklahoma, and in 43 other states across America. Charter schools’ growth over the past
two decades has been made possible by support from state and local leaders and federal funding. The Charter Schools Program (CSP) is the only federal funding to help open new charters and expand quality ones to serve more students. It’s a modest investment — less than 1% of all federal K-12 education spending — that yields big returns for students. As more parents look for public schools that work for their child and seek something more than the one-size-fits-all district options, it makes sense to continue seed funding for new, highquality, innovative public schools. Yet recently when the U.S. House of Representatives passed an education spending bill for the next fiscal year, it slashed $40 million — nearly 10% — from the CSP. Rep. Tom Cole, RMoore, the ranking member of the subcommittee that handles education funding, offered an amendment to restore the $40 million and keep the CSP at its current funding level. Cole noted that charter schools have received bipartisan support since their inception and often serve students who have been overlooked and underfunded for years. Unfortunately, his amendment wasn’t enough to stave off a cut in the House appropriations budget. Those of us who support charters and want parents to have more and better public school choices are hopeful the funding will be restored when the Senate and House negotiate a final spending bill. We’re also grateful that the House maintained dedicated funding for the CSP, even after the administration’s budget recom-
Schools, Page 11
DA Prater used to making tough calls By The Oklahoman Editorial Board This summer has opened Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater to criticism for some of his decisions. Prater has not wavered and, if history is any indication, he likely will not. Earlier in the summer, Prater filed felony charges, including terrorism, against those he alleges helped turn peaceful protests violent in Oklahoma City in late May, including by burning a law enforcement vehicle. Critics said the charges constitute an abuse of power. Also in June, he filed incitement-to-riot counts against five people accused of blocking a police sergeant’s route to headquarters while they painted a street mural. Last week, a protest over the terrorism charges and Prater’s clearing of Edmond police officers in
the fatal shooting of a naked Black teenager in 2019 included calls for Prater to resign. Yet Prater, a Democrat, is accustomed to making difficult and unpopular decisions after 13-plus years in office. His approach to the job, he says, is simply to weigh the facts and follow the law, and keep politics out of it. If the latter were not the case, then during his first term in office, Prater likely would have opted for something other than a first-degree murder charge against Jerome Ersland, a white pharmacist who shot and killed a Black teenager who had tried to rob the pharmacy. Prater’s decision drew heavy criticism among the public. Prater argued, however, that Ersland’s actions went well beyond self-defense; a jury agreed and sentenced Ersland to life in prison.
Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste). Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.
Prater has also been willing to hold law enforcement accountable. In 2015, his office successfully prosecuted a police officer accused of sexually assaulting several Black women in northeast Oklahoma City. The conviction resulted in a sentence of 263 years in prison. Three years ago, Prater charged an Oklahoma City police officer with second-degree murder for shooting a man who had called 911 threatening suicide. The man was “not a threat to the officers,” Prater determined. He brought a manslaughter case against a Del City police captain who shot and killed an 18-yearold who had led police on a chase, scuffled with police and then fled on foot. The young man was struck from behind. Since last year, Prater has been in a dispute with Oklahoma County District Judge Kendra Coleman, whom he said could not be impartial. He asked that Coleman step down from all criminal cases prosecuted by him and his assistants. Coleman’s attorney called Prater’s actions “nonsense.” The state Supreme Court, however, later placed her on probation after the Council on Judicial Complaints sought to have her removed for, among other things, lacking judicial temperament and failing to follow the law. Prater was first elected in 2006. He has not drawn an opponent in the three elections since then. The events of this summer might change that in 2022, in which case voters would have the ultimate say about Prater’s work as the county’s top prosecutor. From www.Oklahoman.com
Edmond Life & Leisure • August 6, 2020 • Page 11
The minimum down payment Schools By Kenneth Wohl RCB Bank Do I need 20% down to buy a home? This is a common question I hear when people are deciding if they want to buy a home. While it is ideal to put a 20% down payment on a Wohl home when you buy, several loan types offer lower down payment options. Why 20% Down is Ideal If you are able to put 20% down, you will not only pay less over the life of the loan, you will also avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). Lowering these two costs may can save you thousands over the life of the loan. In addition, you will likely have a lower monthly payment since the overall loan will be for less money. Conventional Loans Although putting 20% down is ideal, there are other down payment options. Traditional conventional loans allow a minimum down payment of 5% with mortgage insurance as a requirement. The cost is dependent upon individual factors, but the higher your credit score and the lower the loan to value, the less you are likely pay for mortgage insurance. There are even 3% down conventional loans available for borrowers who make under certain income levels, as well as for buyers who are classified as first-time homebuyers. VA Loans If you served in the military, you may qualify for a Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. These loans often require no money down and are insured by the Department of Veteran Affairs on your behalf. You must meet other VA loan qualifications.
From Page 10 Mortgage Matters Column VA loans are also available for Native American veterans and surviving spouses of veterans. Cash-out refinancing and interest rate reduction refinancing are also options with VA financing. USDA Rural Development Loans If you live in a designated rural area, you may qualify for a USDA Rural Development Loan. This program helps rural individuals, families, communities and businesses obtain the financial support they need to improve their quality of life and economies. These loans can be for 100% of the purchase price, therefore you need no money out of pocket. Income limits and restrictions vary by state and county, so talk to your banker before applying for this type of loan. FHA Loans The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) only requires a 3.5% down payment. You are required to pay mortgage insurance to protect the lender from loss if you default on the loan. You must meet FHA loan requirements to qualify. All of these programs offer alternative ways to buy a home if you do not have the recommended 20% to put down on a property. Even if you are not a customer of RCB Bank, I am here to help if you have any questions about finding a qualifying program. Feel free to call me at 405.608.5291 or email me at kwohl@bankrcb.net. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.
mended folding the program into a block grant that wouldn’t have guaranteed any charter school funding. We are grateful for Rep. Cole and his commitment to fight for funding to expand charters, which we know are working. Charter schools have shown tremendous results in helping students close achievement gaps. Some of our state’s and nation’s most vulnerable students, including Black, Hispanic, Native American and those from lowincome families, have benefited most from charter schools. Charters bring new opportunities to students in neighborhoods and communities where little opportunity existed before. At Santa Fe South Schools, for example, more than 90% of our students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. This means they
typically face tough odds for academic success — but virtually every student we graduate has been accepted to a two- or four-year academic institution. Sudents thrive in many learning environments, and America needs more public charter schools so families can find the right educational fit for their children. It’s unfortunate that some political leaders want to roll back investments that work for kids. But the charter school community is thankful to Rep. Cole and others who continue to stand up for our students and families.
Brewster is superintendent of Santa Fe South Public Charter Schools in Oklahoma City and president of the Oklahoma Public Charter School Association.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • August 6, 2020 • Page 13
Junior Rodeo alive & well in Edmond
A young cowboy on the fence as the sun sets. Alexia Amend, Queen of the Rodeo for Edmond Round Up Club.
Western competition ongoing at Edmond arena The summer sunlight was a little brighter, and evening breeze felt a little cooler as the eager young contestants mounted their horses ready to compete in the first Edmond Jr. Rodeo of 2020 season. Under the Oklahoma evening sky at The Edmond Round Up Club arena we all bowed our heads in prayer showing gratitude. The patriotic colors of the American flag proudly carried by the new Rodeo Queen aboard a beautiful paint draft cross while the Sweetheart rode a matching paint pony carrying the Oklahoma flag. The National Anthem bellowed over the speaker while everyone stood proudly admiring
the American flag, hand over heart, grateful for our freedom. Normally, starting in early spring, the season would have been almost over with a few rodeos left before the fall school schedule started. This was not the case for the 2020 season. Many volunteers worked hard to make good decisions for the safety of the children and finally arranged to put on this late summer Jr. Rodeo series. The opportunity for the kids to rodeo at the arena named after lifetime member, the late Carl Benne who passed away earlier this spring. Carl’s dream was to continue the tradition of having a Jr. Rodeo to introduce children to the sport and learn the tradi-
tions. It felt as if his spirt ran through the crowd of parents eager to see their children compete, through the smiles of the children who had the opportunity to try a new skill or practice an old one. The announcer’s jokes made some of us reminisce about past volunteers and how much fun they were. The newbie competitors where encouraged by the more seasoned kids. Parent’s marveled at the fact that the kids have grown, matured and accomplished many goals that not only apply to rodeo but to life. The Jr. Rodeo at Edmond Round Up Club, is possible because of the dedication of the families who volunteer, and to
the animals who help make us to become better people. The traditions of American Rodeo lives on at Edmond Jr. Rodeo in 2020. If you would like more information for the upcoming season please check out http://edmondroundupclub.com/ Photos and article by Jennifer Cocoma Hustis
EDMOND JR. RODEO DATES July 24 & 25 July 31 & August 1 August 7 & 8 August 21 & 22 September 18 & 19 Finals Round Up Club north of Second Street and Kelly
Page 14 • August 6, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Review of movie ‘First Cow’
Beautifully filmed but a slow paced story By George Gust “First Cow” is the film adaptation of the novel “Half-Life” by Jonathan Raymond. A skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune. Soon the two collaborate on a successful business. Right away, “First Cow” is a beautifully produced and filmed movie. Set in the Pacific Northwest in the 1820’s Director Kelly Reichardt wonderfully captures the pioneering spirit of the untouched American wilderness of the time. “First Cow” doesn’t feature the grand camera sweeping action sequences of a film like “The Revenant” but the harshness and beauty of the forest is captured in a similar immersive way. Everything in “First Cow” feels like a new age art-house western with a strong focus on realism, but with a humanistic perspective. Focused on a the burgeoning friendship and business partnership of Magaro and Lee, Reichardt tells a simple story of friendship, but the performances of Magaro and Lee make watching even the most mun-
dane pioneer tasks compelling. And adding to the proceedings is a calvacade of top-notch character actors turning in solid dirty pioneer man beard performances to round out the mood and tenor of the film. And with the art house nature of “First Cow” don’t expect much in the way of excitement and incident. The deliberately unhurried pacing and focus on mood in lieu of plot makes this film an atmospheric delight, but for some people the lack of plot will leave them wanting more (and not in a good way). If you’re not on board with two
hours of entrepreneurs trying to make a new life for themselves set amidst the beautiful natural Pacific Northwest then “First Cow” might not be the movie for you. Overall, the filmmaking that went into “First Cow” is astounding and deserves recognition from the beautiful cinematography to the wonderful guitar score, but the plodding pace and lack of excitement will keep many of the audience out of the experience. There is a beautiful film to be seen in “First Cow” but not everyone will have the patience to make it the distance. “First Cow” is rated PG-13 for brief strong language. The film has recently been released on Video on Demand platforms. 2.9 out of 5 stars
To contact George to comment, or for a question, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com Read past movie reviews by George Gust by visiting our web site at www.edmondlifeandleisure.com
‘PHOTO PROVIDED
‘First Cow’ takes viewers on a scenic tour of the turn of the century american wilderness while telling a humble story of friendship.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL
Answers appearing on Page 19
ACROSS 1. *Egg-like curve in math class 5. a.k.a. stand-up paddleboard 8. Not in good health 11. Flick part 12. *Roll ____ 13. Aerosol can emanation 15. On the mountain peak, e.g. 16. Arm bone 17. Grind down 18. *Proud jacket owner 20. Trident part 21. "Walking ____ ____" 22. Blazer or Explorer 23. Unit of money in Norway, pl. 26. Semiconductor additives 30. Farm layer 31. Agave alcoholic drink 34. Amos or Spelling 35. Analyze 37. Geisha's sash 38. South Korean metropolis 39. Capital of Ukraine 40. T.S. Eliot's "Old ____'s Book of Practical Cats" 42. Get firm 43. Temporary 45. Table linens 47. Where bugs are snug? 48. Nostradamus and such 50. Type of rich soil 52. *Where one graduated 56. Boatload 57. *Chemistry classrooms 58. Lake in Scotland 59. Arabian chieftain 60. Corset rod 61. Encore! 62. Former Chinese leader 63. "____ the ramparts..." 64. Arctic jaeger
DOWN 1. *Type of spoken test 2. *Class president candidate wants it 3. Loads, two words 4. Greek money 5. Game ragout 6. Of #16 Across 7. Architect's drawing 8. Used to eliminate wrinkles 9. Serve soup, e.g. 10. Sodium solution 12. Arrow poison 13. Establish, two words 14. *As opposed to public 19. Hostile force 22. "La" precursor 23. Shade of Dockers 24. Pine juice 25. Beginning of illness 26. *Valedictorian's spot 27. Gallows' rope 28. Comparative form of "true" 29. Muddy or sandy
32. *2020 classroom venue? 33. NCIS network 36. *GPA, technically 38. Ingratiating behavior 40. George Orwell's Napoleon 41. On pins and needles 44. Grapevine news 46. Part of Old Testament 48. *Olden day notebook 49. Imprison 50. Dharma teacher 51. Three-layer cookie 52. "The Sun ____ Rises" 53. Pippin's last name, "The Hobbit" 54. Boring hue? 55. Actress Perlman 56. Eric Stonestreet on "Modern Family"
Answers on Page 19
Masks are required in Arcadia Masks are required in Arcadia effective this week. This comes after the Arcadia Farmers Market will adopted the practice last weekend. “Wearing a mask is a small inconvenience and is not only courteous, but will allow the market to continue to provide fresh food directly from our local farms,” said Linda Simonton, one of the partners in the farmers market. “It’s something we are trying to do to combat the Covid-19,” said Vice Mayor Marcus Woodard. “We have had 14 positive cases in Arcadia as of July 20.” None of the cases have been fatal, Woodard said. About 270 people live in Arcadia. Mayor James Woodard’s office issued a newsletter this week asking that residents and visitors wear masks in public, and also announcing that the annual Labor Day weekend festival and rodeo will be canceled due to the pandemic. Mayor Woodard said the mask order will be adjusted as necessary based on Centers for Disease Control guidelines and recommendations. “The farmers market will require customers and vendors to wear masks when not eating,” Simonton said. “There are a number of picnic tables away from the market area where people can eat and use proper social distancing guidelines.”
Edmond Life & Leisure • August 6, 2020 • Page 15
In light of COVID 19 school plans are subject to change. Please check your school’s website for updates.
Providing the best education possible in challenging times
PHOTO PROVIDED
Back to school means masks and temperature checks this year. Kristin Holland The start of the school year is here, and students and teachers are going back amid a global pandemic. While some families are preparing for virtual school, others are adding masks to their school supply shopping lists. In a year characterized by so much uncertainty, one thing remains beyond doubt: the return to classrooms this fall will look and feel unlike any back-to-school season in history. Last month, Edmond Public Schools released its back-to-school plan, including new health and safety measures such as mask requirements, enhanced social distancing plans and limitations on parent and visitor access to school buildings. Susan Parks-Schlepp, Public Information Officer with Edmond Public Schools, indicated that every department in the district collaborated to create these recommendations, emphasizing, “Nothing is more important as we begin this school year than the physical and emotional health of all 3,500 members of the Edmond Public Schools family and the 25,000 students and their families.” Even with the district’s increased health and safety protocols, many parents and teachers alike continue to feel concern. Erin Engelke is a parent of three Edmond Public Schools students, and her children want to return to their classrooms in person. When asked about the district’s back to school plan, Engelke shared that limited parent access to school buildings will be particularly hard for her youngest daughter, who is still in elementary school: “She still wants her mom to be there for her first day. She wants me to hold her hand and walk her into school. We’re not going to be able to bring our kids lunches or attend their class parties, and that is going to be hard.” Regan Killackey, a teacher at Edmond Memorial High School, shares different concerns. Killackey supports the district’s decision to require masks for high school students but does not agree with opening schools at full capacity. A lifelong teacher, Killackey is worried about his students’ health and safety, saying, “I’m concerned about the growth and development of students, but I’m more worried about their lives. We can play catch up when it comes to academic growth. We can do our best to instruct students online. I just worry that going back in person right now is a mistake.” For his own children, the decision regarding in-person school versus virtual learning remains pending. Edmond Public Schools stressed the important role parents will play in keeping students safe and healthy this year by conducting daily temperature checks and keeping students home when they are ill. As one of those parents, Engelke agreed, saying, “We have to do everything we can to keep our children safe while not hindering their ability to learn.” As a working parent, this is especially crucial for Engelke, and she acknowledges that school attendance is even more important for single-parent households and those who do not have the flexibility to work from home. This year, parents and teachers may feel just as nervous about the first day of
school as students themselves, but it will be more important than ever to offer students reassurance and a sense of stability, regardless of whether they are returning to the classroom in person or getting ready to begin distance learning from home. When asked how she is navigating her personal anxiety over the approaching school year, Engelke shared this advice, “We must remember that we are all trying to do the best we can with the information we have, and we need to offer sensitivity and grace to ourselves, other parents and the schools. As parents, we should continue focusing on what’s in our control, and right now, that includes keeping our children healthy and making sure they get the best education possible.”
Page 16 • August 6, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
We’re wild about books!
bestofbooksok.com
For over 30 years, Best of Books has been Edmond’s go-to, family operated book store. From current best sellers to thrillers and romance, Best of Books carries it all. They are also known for their section of children’s books, which they have in abundance. Here are some picks from the staff at Best of Books that are great reads for elementary aged children. Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantes Can Lety find her voice before it’s too late? Lety Muñoz’s first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the animal shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care if she can’t always find the right words. When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles-so he devises a competition to determine the official shelter scribe. Whoever gets their animals adopted the fastest wins. Lety agrees, but she’s worried that if the shelter finds out about the contest, they’ll kick her out of the volunteer program. Then she’ll never be able to adopt Spike, her favorite dog at the shelter! A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2019 A New York Public Library Best Book of 2019 A 2020 Pura Belpré Honor Award Book. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart An Edgar Award Finalist An Agatha Award Finalist A 2019 Parents’ Choice Award Gold Medal Winner Five years. That’s how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus, criss-crossing the nation. It’s also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash. Coyote hasn’t been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished―the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box―she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state in four days... without him realizing it. Along the way, they’ll pick up a strange crew of misfit travelers. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. And then there’s Gladys... Over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all...but that with friends by her side, she just might be able to turn her “once upon a time” into a “happily ever after.” Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the Schneider Family Book Award-winning story of a deaf girl’s connection to a whale whose song can’t be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him. From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she’s the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she’s not very smart. If you’ve ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be. When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to “sing” to him! But he’s three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him? Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves. “Fascinating, brave, and tender...a triumph.” --Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly In the spirit of modern-day clasContinues on page 17
Edmond Life & Leisure • August 6, 2020 • Page 17
ART FOR ALL BEGINS THIS FALL Edmond Fine Arts Institute Art in Schools Program For the first time, ALL Edmond 3rd and 4th grade students will receive formal art education classes in school! The Art in Schools Program is an innovative collaboration between the Edmond Fine Arts Institute and Edmond Public Schools to meet a need in the community. In 2002 this creative program was formed to supplement diminished funding for the arts and Edmond’s need for art education in elementary schools. With the program’s success, growth and financial support, what started in three elementary schools will include all seventeen elementary schools in 2020-21. A goal the Edmond Fine Arts Institute and Edmond Public Schools has worked towards for eighteen years. Before implementation of the Art in Schools Program, students in Edmond did not receive formal art education classes until 5th grade. The Art in Schools program provides students with 45-minute art classes each week taught by eleven Edmond Fine Arts Institute instructors. Classes begin in September and run through May. The curriculum is based on the Oklahoma State Department of Education Visual Art Standards and incorporates hands on activities using a wide variety of mediums including painting, drawing, mixed media, clay, etc. Art vocabulary and art history are incorporated into each lesson and often coincide with the academic subjects being taught in other classes. Over the course of the school year, students receive 28 visual art lessons. Approximately 3,500 students and 160 classes are impacted weekly by this
ments to a well-rounded education. The Art in Schools Program improves individual skills and knowledge and adds to the quality of life and cultural opportunities vital to the Edmond community. The cost of the program is $50 per student per year. The Edmond School District provides 35% of
Edmond Public Schools Start August 20th! Deer Creek Public Schools Start August 19th!
PHOTO PROVIDED
Art plays an important roll for children
the funding and additional funding is acquired through grants, fundraisers, corporations and individual donors who understand the value of art programming. To donate to the Art in Schools Program visit www.edmondartinschools.org. -About the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond The Fine Arts Institute is Edmond’s non-profit arts organization offering educational enrichment for adults and children in the visual and performing arts. Classes are taught year-round
“It’s exciting to see our goal of providing art at every elementary school come to fruition. We are thankful that Edmond Public Schools values this program enough to make it a priority, even as they navigate adjustments due to the pandemic. Like everyone, we have to be flexible in our processes. This year we will incorporate changes to the program to accommodate virtual or traditional art classes based on each school’s needs. Children desire creative outlets more than ever, and we are equipped to adapt to the everchanging educational landscape so creativity will continue.” - Shannon Price
unique, creative partnership. Art education is a vital part of children’s success, stimulating creativity, self-discovery, communication, and problem-solving skills…all key eleContinued from page 16
Back to School
for all ages at 27 East Edwards in Edmond. For more information on additional FAI classes and programming visit www.edmondfinearts.com or call 340-4481.
Wild about books Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen Side characters can be heroes too in this charming and fast-paced adventure that is The Land of Stories meets The Phantom Tollbooth! Indira has been a character-in-waiting her entire life. So she can’t believe her luck when she’s finally chosen to travel to Fable and study at the renowned Protagonist Preparatory, a school known for producing the best heroes. But Indira’s dreams of achieving hero status don’t exactly go as planned. A failed audition lands her in the school’s side-character track, and her best efforts to prove advisors--famous characters like Alice from Wonderland and Professor Darcy--wrong are constantly sabotaged.
Indira is starting to feel like an evil antagonist might be to blame. As the danger spreads, Indira discovers all of Fable is under siege. With her friends Maxi and Phoenix by her side, she pieces together clues that will reveal who is behind the dark magic threatening them all. But the more Indira uncovers, the more doubt she feels about her place in this world of stories. After all, can a side character really save the day?
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Edmond Life & Leisure • August 6, 2020 • Page 19
USAO releases fall reopening schedule With its students’ health, safety and success always at the forefront, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has implemented actions for the upcoming fall semester intended to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on campus. “Given the unique situation we find ourselves in as a society, it behooves us to look at every option to keep the USAO community safe,� said President John Feaver. “By adjusting our academic calendar, adapting classes, emphasizing social distancing, and adopting a mandatory mask policy our hope is to have minimal interruptions to student learning.� Courses will begin for all students Aug. 17 and continue until Nov. 13 without a Fall Break. Final exams will take place Nov. 17-20 with commencement following on Nov. 21. Labor Day will still be observed on Sept. 7. USAO is providing a variety
of opportunities for students to take their courses through a combination of offering hybrid, full in person with social distancing, and online courses. All USAO students, faculty, staff and campus visitors are required to wear masks inside all university buildings and outdoors on campus when social distancing cannot be maintained. Campus buildings will remain closed to the public through the fall semester. For the fall, use of space is dedicated to core mission activities – teaching, learning, research, student groups and activities – and restricted to the campus community. In June, USAO announced a tuition freeze for the 2020-21 academic year. This decision was approved by the USAO Board of Regents and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
“Not increasing our tuition and fees flat is one of the most critical ways we can lessen some of our students’ anxieties,� said Feaver. The university is continually monitoring the situation and will continue to prepare for multiple scenarios and be ready to make any necessary adjustments should the need arise. To learn more about the fall reopening plan visit usao.edu/coronavirus. About The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is the state's only public liberal arts college. Its mission is to provide the public with a distinctive and accessible liberal arts and sciences education
Edmond road work set Continued work on quiet zone improvements will impact the railroad crossing at 15th Street. This work is part of an ongoing project to upgrade all eleven railroad crossings for implementation of the quiet zone in Edmond. The 15th Street project will begin on Monday, Aug. 10th with a partial closure of the railroad crossing. This work is expected to last approximately four weeks with cooperative weather. During this work, the roadway will be narrowed to one lane of traffic in each direction. Traffic will be able to pass through the area, but motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route if possible. Rudy Construction is the contractor for the roadway portions of the quiet zone project at a total cost of $1,145,452.80.
&KDQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ 8QLYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK For the safety of our members and friends, all services and events at Channing UUC have been cancelled through April 12th, 2020 in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic. tÄž ĆľĆŒĹ?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹśĆ? ƚŽ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç ĆšĹšÄž Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞůĹ?ŜĞĆ? Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĆľĆšĹšĹ˝ĆŒĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ Please be safe. : WK 6WUHHWÂł(GPRQG 2. See us on Facebook at: Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ä¨Ä‚Ä?ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÍ˜Ä?Žž͏ ŚĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ?hh ĹšĆľĆŒÄ?Ĺš
In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended. Please check with your house of worship for more information.
Page 20 • August 6, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure