August 9, 2018

August 9, 2018 Vol. 19, No. 11

In This Issue ROUGH CUT SWISS

Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it 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.

Our annual Back to School Middle School Edition is here!

See B Section for details!

PHOTO PROVIDED

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 Mostly sunny High 90° Low 69°

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 Partly cloudy High 90° Low 69°

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 Partly cloudy High 88° Low 68°

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) has opened ticket sales for the 2018-2019 performing arts season. This year will feature a diverse lineup of music, dance, theatre arts, opera and musical theatre performances, beginning on Aug. 26. Seen here is one of the performances from the 2017-2018 season.

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) has opened ticket sales for the 2018-19 performing arts season. This year will feature a diverse lineup of music, dance, theatre arts, opera and musical theatre performances, beginning on Aug. 26.

Special highlights for the season, all hosted in Central’s historic Mitchell Hall Theatre venue, include: • Musical Theatre productions of “Most Happy Fella” in the fall and “Hair” in the spring; • UCO School of Music’s prestigious “President’s Concert;” • Department of Dance’s Kaleidoscope Dance Company performances; • Department of Theatre Arts’

production of “Macbeth;” and, • A unique collaboration between the School of Music and Department of Design in the “Flight of the Elephant” exhibition.

“The arts give us an opportunity to celebrate the human spirit in all its creative complexity,” said Steven Hansen, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design.

“The performances and exhibitions our college will provide for the community this year should deliver inspiration, introspection and wonder; ideally, providing the impetus we need to become our best selves. Whether pondering the bloody truths imbedded in the 300-year-old Macbeth, experiencing the intuitive improvisation of David Sanborn’s jazz or witnessing the strength and beauty of the hu-

man body in motion, our season offers a 360-degree view of what the arts embody.”

The performing arts season also includes the Broadway Tonight series, which brings top performing artists in the industry to UCO to perform and work with music and dance students. This year, successful American saxophonist David Sanborn will open the Broadway Tonight season, Sept. 4, followed by the eclectic voices of Voctave, Jan. 19, 2019, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Feb. 16, 2019. For more information about Broadway Tonight performances, visit broadwaytonight.uco.edu.

Community members can enjoy a discount to Mitchell Hall and CFAD performances with the continued on Page 3

Page 2 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 3

Heard on Hurd set Aug. 18 Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd is returning to the streets of downtown Edmond, Aug. 18 from 6 to 10 pm, to celebrate back to school in style.

Citizens Bank of Edmond will be hosting the first Heard on Hurd Scavenger Hunt! Interested participants are advised to watch Citizen’s Bank of Edmond and Heard on Hurd social media channels for the release of further details and wonderful prizes.

“We always anticipate the August Heard on Hurd because the beginning of the school year reminds us how important it is to invest in our local schools,” said Citizens Bank of Edmond’s President and CEO and Heard on Hurd visionary, Jill Castilla.

“Supporting our community and education have been the driving factor behind the festival and we are able to highlight the importance of giving back to education by donating a percentage of all Heard on Hurd T-shirt and alcohol seasonal sales to benefit Edmond Public Schools.”

The Edmond Fire Department will be bringing the mobile Children’s Safety Village inside of the barricades

of Heard on Hurd. This exciting and interactive concept is designed for kids of all ages to learn that fires and injuries are understandable, predictable, and almost always preventable.

To learn more about upcoming classes and events, please visit Children's Safety Village.

The August event will welcome food vendors for all taste palates including The Brown’s Kitchen, Phill Me Up Cheesesteaks, Let’s Do Greek, C’est Si Bon, Klemm’s Smoke Haus, Wicked Hangry, Oh My Gogi, The Fried Taco, Saucee Sicilian, Mighty Corndog, Nicks Tamales, Yum Pig, The Meating Place, and many many more.

Visit Trading Post on Hurd to satisfy all your shopping needs from local vendors 31 Mugs, Lahoma Threads, 405 Mobile Boutique, Wooden Lace, Dust Bowl Tough TShirts, Cargo Room, FlowFox Designs and others.

The Heard on Hurd Stage will be alive with local talent from 6 pm to 10 pm. Ciara Brook will take the stage at 6 pm, followed by Johnny Manchild at 7:20 pm.

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

The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Above, from left, are Sheryl Janis with Autoworks, Suzi Lawrence with Teleflora, Barbara Bilke, Lacee Bilkee and Lenzee Bilke of Madeline's Flowers, Stephanie Carel DEBA President, David Carel, local veteran, Nancy Meoli with Around the Corner, Sherry Jordan with Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, Senator Adam Pugh, Retired Air Force Veteran and a local retired Air Force Colonel.

RIGHT -- Vets receiving appreciation.

DEBA, others honor local vets Members of the Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA), Madeline’s Flowers, Around the Corner Restaurant, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Teleflora gathered to show appreciation for local veterans recently, by presenting veterans attending with a voucher for a free breakfast at Around the Corner Restaurant and a plant in a yellow smiley mugs.

Each year, Teleflora donates the iconic yellow mugs to participating florists nationwide for their annual ”Make Someone Smile” program.

Madeline's Flower has participated in the event for years and this year partnered with DEBA, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Around the Corner Restaurant to provide the plants for the mugs and present them to local veterans.

Cover From Page 1 Central Arts Card. The card offers a discount of up to $5 per ticket for up to four tickets per performance at Mitchell Hall and other CFAD performing arts venues. Some exclusions apply.

The card is available for purchase for $20, with proceeds benefitting scholarships.

Select performances from the 2018-19 CFAD performing arts season at the University of Central Oklahoma are supported, in part, by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Purchase tickets for CFAD performances

and the Central Arts Card at www.mitchellhalltheatre.com or through the Mitchell Hall Box Office at 405-

974-3375.

For a complete listing of performances and events at the college, visit cfad.uco.edu.

Page 4 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Publication honors Boulevard Steakhouse Once again, our very own Boulevard Steakhouse has been honored by the prestigious wine magazine Wine Spectator. The popular and award-winning Edmond fine dining restaurant has received the Award of Excellence in the magazine’s 2018 Restaurant Awards. It is not the first time they have been named to such an honor in the publication. Ray Hibbard To qualify for the award, the restaurant must submit their wine list that presents complete, accurate information including vintages and appellations for all selections. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, and the overall presentation of the list is also considered. These wine lists, which typically offer at least 90 selections feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver enough choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.

There were five properties named for the award in Oklahoma, but Boulevard Steakhouse was the only one named in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

The other four were in Tulsa. The Holloway family owns Boulevard and I visited with Pete Holloway about the award.

“We are once again honored to have received the award from Wine Spectator. Each year it gets more challenging to keep a wine list that meets their high standards,” he told me. Much of the challenge comes from keeping some of the international wines on the list due to availability. Boulevard customers tastes lean toward big California wines. He told me it may get even more challenging once the liquor laws change on Oct. 1, because of availability issues.

Holloway stressed that the wine list they submit is a real working list. This means that they keep enough numbers of bottles on hand to serve and that the wines are not just placed on the list to make the Wine Spectator judges happy. “This is what we actually use,” he said.

Of course, we have all known how great Boulevard Steakhouse is and what a fantastic restaurant it is here in Edmond. It is nice when folks outside the state and certainly a publication such as Wine Spectator offer up recognition to them as well. The Holloway family is famous around these parts for quality and excellence in the restaurant business but also because they are local.

I do need to thank Mark Neighbors from Parkway Cleaners for letting me know about the award. I am not a regular reader of Wine Spectator, but Neighbors wanted to make sure we acknowledged Boulevard Steakhouse. Holloway pointed out to me that private clubs are not eligible to enter otherwise our friend Verej Jazinvar (VJ) and the Petroleum Club North would have surely been included on the list.

We certainly don’t want to leave you out VJ or as you like to say, “We love you, long time.”

Congratulations to the Holloway family and the entire staff at Boulevard Steakhouse on their most recent award from Wine Spectator.

MOJ golf scramble coming We had coffee the other day with our friend Kim Swyden. He is the executive director for one of our favorite organizations in town. He runs the

Sheree and Pete Holloway of Boulevard Steakhouse.

Ministries of Jesus program housed in their own building on the Henderson Hills Baptist Church campus at I-35 and 15th street in Edmond. MOJ began after church members at Henderson Hills were called to minister to spirit, soul and body after a series of study at the church. The MOJ medical clinic opened in 2001 and in 2005 the counseling component was added providing services for a need much greater than anticipated.

This wonderful healing organization is having its annual golf scramble to help raise money for funding. It will be Monday, Oct. 15, at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club. You can register at moj.com/golf. There are sponsorship opportunities as well as four-person teams. You can even sign up as an individual player if you like. The sponsor deadline is Sept. 21 and the individual/team deadline is Oct. 10 but do not delay. This event usually sells out quickly and you don’t want to miss the chance to play a great course but also help raise money for a great organization.

Swyden got me going on this organization about three years ago. They have a compelling story. The clinic and counseling components were going well but one night at a church evening service a young man wandered in off the street looking for a place of comfort. He stumbled in to a testimony night about addiction. Afterward, the man handed a pastor his needle and shared about his addiction and need for help. In 2009, the recovery ministry was added to their mission. That is when the MOJ mission became Healing Spirit, Soul & Body. MOJ has a partner ministry in south Oklahoma City and a sister clinic in Somotillo, Nicaragua.

The medical clinic that is offered serves patients who are uninsured and have little or no means to pay. Christian medical professionals from the community volunteer their time, talent and resources to help others in need. Those who come to MOJ for medical appointments include people with various religious beliefs, ethnicities and backgrounds.

They also have a dental clinic, but patients must first see a physician in the medical clinic before

being referred to a volunteer dental professional.

Vision patients are accepted directly into the eye clinic within certain guidelines.

Statistics for their medical clinic include over 5,700 patients having been served since the inception of MOJ and over $22 million in free medications and services donated. Swyden tells me that sometimes their organization can just do things faster and better than government organizations.

They can negotiate special rates on medications for serving the tremendous need that is part of our community. He also told me that many folks think that MOJ has one big funding source, but it is not true. They still need to reach out to raise funds to provide this kind of medical care to the community.

Many times, medical needs must come first for their patients. “It is hard to deal with other problems in your life if you are in pain because of a medical condition,” Swyden tells me. Once some of their medical needs are taken care of, patients often take advantage of the other services that MOJ offers. They offer Christian Counseling, Addiction Recovery, Social Services and Support Groups. It all starts with an intake session which is key to helping MOJ stay on mission. They generally take an hour in which a volunteer guides new patients and clients through a self-assessment of their physical, emotional, spiritual and relational health so all their needs may be addressed.

Like most great organizations of this nature, Volunteers are the heartbeat behind it. It just doesn’t work without the active volunteers in the program.

They have 175 volunteers with 340 hours per month donated in house on average. Last year ministry wide, there were over 15,000 volunteer hours given to the organization. MOJ has great leadership for this hard-working group of volunteers in Kim Swyden. He is certainly top shelf and will make sure to be good stewards of your donations.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside! n n n n n n n n n n

Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 7.

Prison reform has saved state money ..........................................Page 8.

How Pretty Boy Floyd got to be Public Enemy No. 1 ..................Page 9.

Upcoming productions at Pollard Theatre ..................................Page 10.

Scenes from Edmond Schools STEM conference ........................Page 13.

Movie review by George Gust ....................................................Page 15.

Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15.

Sports ........................................................................................Page 19.

Business news ............................................................................Page 22.

Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

Find the ‘Rough Cut Swiss’ Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Rough Cut Swiss is by artist David Phelps. Phelps is an Oklahoma based sculptor whose work has been featured throughout the state. He is inspired by expansive spaces and hopes his works will inspire meaningful meditation.

Said Phelps, “I grew up on a farm in the central valley of California where the fields became an extension of oneself. I continue to live in the wide open spaces of Oklahoma where my sculptural images expand to include their environments as part of the aesthetic experience.”

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Copyright © 2018 by Edmond Media Publishing

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax)

Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not

Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

the express written permission from

Photographer Melinda Infante

facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Cover Design April Burgess

be reproduced in any form without Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 5

Edmond Elks Lodge helps Senior Food Program The Edmond Elks Lodge donated $1,000 last week for the Senior Center food program. On the back row, from left, are Anita Strong, Leo Strong, DJ Boyce, Bill Milam, Joddy Morgan, Dave Soukup, Brianna Wietelman and Greg Ruch. On the front are Joanne Moorehead, Les Cummings (Grants Coordinator), Gail Deaton (Manager, Edmond Senior Center), Gerald Hulsey (Edmond Elks Exalted Ruler), Shari Scott, LeAnne Weldon and John Carl.

MELINDA INFANTE

Larry Tettleton

Wrestling Hall of Fame to induct Larry Tettleton Seven individuals, including Larry Tettleton of Edmond, who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of wrestling will be inducted into the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, it was announced Friday.

Dale Estep, Tony Macias, Greg Newell, Darren Peaster and Nick Williams were chosen for Lifetime Service to Wrestling, while John Henry Ward will receive the Outstanding American award and Larry Tettleton will be presented the Medal of Courage honor.

The Lifetime Service to Wrestling award is awarded annually to coaches, officials and contributors who have given a minimum of 20 years of service to wrestling.

The Outstanding American honor is given to former wrestlers who are highly successful and use the disciplines learned in wrestling in their profession and the Medal of Courage is presented to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable obstacles.

The seven new honorees will be inducted during a banquet set for Sunday, Oct. 14 at what was formerly the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame at 4040 North Lincoln in Oklahoma City. A reception begins at 3 p.m., with dinner at 4 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 5 p.m.

Reservations are $55 per person and can be purchased online at www.ok-nwhof.ticketleap.com You can also obtain information by contacting Howard Seay at c4dcowboys@aol.com or (918) 639-8868.

About Tettleton Larry Tettleton was born with limited physical abilities on his right side and saw very limited action on the mat, but his contributions to the sport are substantial. Larry’s disability hasn’t affected his positive attitude, his enthusiasm for teaching and coaching or his motivational skills in getting the best out of those he comes in contact with.

Tettleton got involved in wrestling as a junior high manager and continued in that role throughout high school and college, where he helped Central Oklahoma to the 1992 NCAA Division II national championship. Larry became an assistant coach at Edmond North High School in 1994 and in 12 years during three stints as an assistant coach there helped the Huskies to an 86-41-2 dual record and the 2013 state championship. He has also spent 11 years as head junior high coach in Edmond, having compiled an impressive 130-23 dual record with eight conference championships, two state titles and one Oklahoma Junior High Coach of the Year award.

Tettleton has coached 15 individual state champions, nine high school AllAmericans – including two champions – and two collegiate national champions. Larry decided to expand his involvement with wrestling in 2012 when he became an official.

He’s quickly became one of the best in working local, regional and national events and in 2016 was selected Oklahoma USA Official of the Year. Tettleton was named recipient of the “Champion of Character” award by the Edmond City Council in 2013.

Page 6 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

A chance to learn about ‘Depression’ glass Residents who are interested in learning more about the history of Depression glass, its distribution and basic identifying characteristics should plan on attending this free workshop.

Also, the OHCE Roadshow event will follow the educational lesson.

The Oklahoma County Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) group is sponsoring this event on Thursday, Aug. 16 at the OSU Extension Conference Center located at 2500 N.E. 63rd Street, OKC, OK 73111.

The educational workshop will begin at 9:30 am and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be appraisers

from the 23rd Street Antique Mall giving free appraisals on antiques, collectibles and heirlooms.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to bring antique items they want appraised and learn about the history of Depression glass”, stated Lisa Hamblin, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Educator and OHCE advisor. Hamblin will also be presenting the program that morning. For more information about the workshop or about the OHCE organization, contact Oklahoma County OSU Cooperative Extension Service at 7131125 or visit our website at http://oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma.

New school year should also include eye exams The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) is encouraging parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children as they prepare for the start of the school year, as one-in-four children has an undiagnosed vision problem.

Untreated vision problems often lead to seemingly mysterious conditions like frequent headaches and are linked to everything from behavioral problems to poor performance in class.

While many parents assume that a simple vision screening at school or in a pediatrician’s office can identify most vision problems, that is not the case.

Most vision screenings test for basic distance visual acuity (ie “does a child have 20/20 vision?”) without also testing the wide variety of vision conditions and problems that affect learning and school-work.

Approximately 40 percent of all children with learning disabilities have vison problems. Eye doctors are using the back-to-school season to remind parents that comprehensive vision exams are the best way to identify and correct these issues.

Dr. Megan Ford with the South Tulsa Vision Center specializes in vision therapy for children, and warned that untreated vision problems can have a wide-ranging impact.

“An untreated vision problem can lead to problems in school, difficulty reading and even physical issues like

severe headaches,” said Ford. “One of the most satisfying parts of my job is diagnosing and fixing a young student’s vision problems and getting him or her back on track in the classroom.”

Eye doctors also warn that schools today are increasingly using technology for learning that can strain vision. Smart phones, tablets and computers can cause a condition known as “Computer Vision Syndrome,” or CVS. Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burned or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain. Nationally, parents report that two-thirds of all children use devices for homework that can cause CVS. “Tablets and computers are great learning devices, but they can really put a strain on your eyes,” said Dr. Joe Phillips of Oklahoma City. “It’s especially important for students using these devices at school to take breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.”

Parents can find an optometrist near them by visiting: www.aoa.org/doctor-locator-search Approximately 40 percent of all children with learning disabilities have vison problems. Eye doctors are using the back-to-school season to remind parents that comprehensive vision exams are the best way to identify and correct these issues.

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Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 7

Civil Air Patrol squadron schedules an open house Thursday Aug 9 ---- In the Gallery ---- Work, Fight, Give: American Relief Posters of WWII ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Concerts in the Park: Zoltan and the Fortune Tellers – A Medieval Night’s Dream | Special Event!

---- Saloon Series ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- Shakespeare in the Park: Sense and Sensibility Friday Aug 10 ---- In the Gallery ---- Work, Fight, Give: American Relief Posters of WWII ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Movie in the Park ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Ron White at Riverwind Casino ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- Shakespeare in the Park: Sense and Sensibility ---- Firelake Fireflight Balloon Fest ---- Live on the Plaza ---- Friday Evening Glow Saturday Aug 11 ---- In the Gallery ---- Work, Fight, Give: American Relief Posters of WWII ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- 2018 Golf Family Fun Night ---- Beats and Bites ---- Neon Trees in Concert ---- Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- The QUANtet: Featuring Zac Lee and friends ---- Jackson Tillman Band at Riverwind Casino ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- Shakespeare in the Park: Sense and Sensibility ---- Firelake Fireflight Balloon Fest ---- Rush Springs Watermelon Festival Sunday Aug 12 ---- In the Gallery ---- Work, Fight, Give: American Relief Posters of WWII ---- WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- Shakespeare in the Park: Sense and Sensibility ---- Firelake Fireflight Balloon Fest Extra Information on Weekend Happenings

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Jennifer Jones For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/

Work, Fight, Give: American Relief Posters of WWII Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Traveling exhibit that offers a wide-ranging collection of original relief posters and memorabilia.

For more information go to: edmondhistory.org or call 405 340-0078.

WWII Edmond: Housewives on the Homefront Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Housewives living in Edmond, Oklahoma made sacrifices and conformed to the government’s requests in order to help soldiers overseas. This exhibits demonstrates their efforts. For more information go to: edmondhistory.org or call 405 340-0078.

Saloon Series

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; $25 at the door includes a whiskey flight, one full drink ticket, one food ticket, whiskey class, live music and museum admission or $5 without the drink ticket. https://nationalcowboymuseum.org Beats and Bites Location: Riverwind Casino Norman, Extra Info: Food truck and music festival featuring Mark Chestnutt with Jason Young Band as the opening act. For more information visit Riverwind.com Neon Trees in Concert Location: Frontier City Theme Park, Oklahoma City Extra Info: Concert under the stars included with admission to the park.

For more information visit FrontierCity.com.

The QUANtet: Featuring Zac Lee and friends Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Time: Doors open at 7 p.m., Show starts at 8 p.m., $10; for more information visit www.ucojazzlab.com or call the box office (405) 974-2100.

2018 Golf Family Fun Night Location: Kickingbird Golf Club, Edmond Extra Info: Play 9-holes with the Family, Special Junior Tees, a free putting course, $3 range tokens, and food and beverage discounts. $8 green fees, $8 carts. Time: 5 p.m. For more information, visit kickingbirdgolf.com Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place & Plaza Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondparks.com or 405 359-4630 Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Free, Exhibit will be available until Aug 19. armstrongauditorium.org Concerts in the Park: Zoltan and the Fortune Tellers – A Medieval Night’s Dream | Special Event!

Location: Hafer Park Time: 6:15 – 8:45 p.m.; Genre: Folk/Swing, for information visit http://www.edmondok.com/978/Co ncerts-in-the-Park Jackson Tillman Band at Riverwind Casino Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino, Norman Time: 9 p.m. 1 a.m.

For more information: www.riverwind.com In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; This is the second of two exhibitions that explore different aspects of Ryan’s history. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org Sunday Twilight Concert Series Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City Extra Info: 7:30 – 9 p.m., more information at artscouncilokc.com Movie in the Park Location: Mitch Park Amphitheater Extra Info: Starts at dusk. Paddington 2. Admission is free. Concessions are $1 each.

Shakespeare in the Park: Sense and Sensibility Location: Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City Extra Info: oklahomashakespeare.com Firelake Fireflight Balloon Fest Location: Firelake Arena Shawnee Extra Info: begins 11 a.m. Friday

The Black Knights Squadron, local unit of the Civil Air Patrol, is hosting an open house at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Edmond Readiness Center, 600 S Bryant.

The community is welcome to attend and learn more about Civil Air Patrol, Squadron Commander Paul Stansberry said.

Members of the squadron will greet visitors and explain Civil Air Patrol’s missions.

Civil Air Patrol was established Dec. 1, 1941, and the Edmond Squadron was chartered in May 1991. The open house is part of the anniversary observance designed to create a greater awareness of the group’s presence and contributions in the community.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxil-

iary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 57,000 members nationwide. It performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

For more information, go to www.edmondcap.orgwww.edmondcap.org or www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

From NewsOK.com

Page 8 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

‘Editor’s Total Recall’ I wrote a book a few years ago called “Editor’s Total Recall.”

In that book, I looked back on the many interesting things I’ve experienced as a writer and journalist.

Steve Gust Today I’m glad I choose this career because it’s gratifying work. Even today, I’m honored when someone comes by the office and picks up extra copies because we’ve published a photograph and/or article on one of their loved ones.

Over the years there have been some strange things happen.

For instance when I first started, I remember a gentleman complaining because his name had not been spelled right. What made that bizarre is it appeared in the police blotter and the guy had been arrested on a DUI. I wanted to say, “Sure pal, we’ll run that again. Here, let me get a photograph of you as well.”

In another incident, at another paper I worked at, we had a lady come in and complain about coverage we did for a junior golf tourna-

ment. We didn’t publish the tee times for the event and gosh was this lady fit to be tied. The upset woman went from office to office to voice her displeasure. She caused such a scene that we were finally forced to call the police.

I wonder why someone would get so mad about something like that?

It’s not exactly the battle I would pick to fight.

Here in Edmond we reported once on a lady who went shoplifting.

That, in and of itself, isn’t that uncommon. But what made this strange is she was arrested TWICE in the same day at the same store.

It was similar to what former Sheriff Whetsel told me about years ago.

A gentleman was arrested at a DUI checkpoint and bonded out. The next day he was arrested again for DUI. How scary is that?

Yet what I’ve enjoyed the best over the years is providing publicity and recognition for the positive achievers who truly deserve it.

I’ve also liked to see dialogues started on subjects which need discussion in the community.

This is a good career.

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

Why aren’t both campaigns under federal investigation?

By Marc A. Thiessen Washington Post Writers Group WASHINGTON — All of Washington is waiting with bated breath to find out whether the Mueller investigation will provide evidence proving that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. So far, "Exhibit A" against President Trump is the meeting Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort had with a group of Russians claiming to have dirt on Hillary Clinton. That meeting should never have happened. When you get an email offering to provide "very high level and sensitive information" from the "Crown prosecutor of Russia" that could "incriminate Hillary" Clinton and is part of "Russia and its government's support for Mr. Trump" you

don't reply by saying "I love it." You call the FBI. The president claims he did not know about the meeting. His former lawyer, Michael Cohen, says Trump did.

Whether he knew is beside the point. Senior officials of his campaign were willing to accept help from Vladimir Putin; they were saved only because the meeting was a bust. The Russians didn't end up providing any dirt.

But as bad as the Trump Tower meeting was, it took place at the request of the Russians. They were the ones who approached the Trump campaign, not the other way around.

By contrast, the Clinton campaign proactively sought dirt on Trump from Russian

government sources. It did it through cutouts.

In April 2016, Clinton campaign lawyer Marc Elias retained opposition research firm Fusion GPS to compile incriminating information on Trump. Fusion GPS in turn hired Christopher Steele, a former British MI6 operative with sources among Russian government officials. The result was the salacious dossier, whose sources included "a senior Russian Foreign Ministry figure" and "a former top level intelligence officer still active in the Kremlin." Steele's work was paid for by Clinton's presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee. That means a paid agent of the Clinton campaign approached Russian officials for damaging material on Trump.

Clinton claims she did not know about Steele's work. It doesn't matter. Imagine if Cohen, or another lawyer paid by the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee, had hired a former British spy with campaign money to collect dirt on Clinton from Russian intelligence and foreign ministry officials. Do you think that everyone in Washington would be saying: "There's no evidence Trump knew, so no big deal — nothing to see here?" Of course not.

Russia continues to pose a threat. Their goal, according to our intelligence community, was not just to help Trump but also to "undermine public faith in the US democratic process." They are playing a long game. If we are to counter the Russian threat, we need to understand its complexities — and that means we have to look beyond Trump.

Reform measures saving state big money

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Soon after voters approved two criminal justice reform initiatives in 2016, lawmakers filed several bills to undo some of the changes. One (now former) member of the Senate even said the brief ballot summary left people unaware of what they were voting for.

Figures produced by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services indicate the public knew exactly what it was doing.

State Question 780 reclassified most drug possession crimes and some property crimes under $1,000 as misdemeanors instead of felonies. A companion measure, State Question 781, is to take the money saved from having fewer men and women locked up, and use it to help operate programs that treat drug addicts and offenders

suffering from mental health issues.

SQ 781 also mandated that the state analyze the effects of the laws and provide a report each year. OMES submitted its first report this week, and said the savings have been considerable — estimated at $63.5 million during fiscal year 2018, according to analysts.

The agency estimates that over five years, ending prison terms for crimes covered under SQ 780 will produce savings of $137.8 million.

In coming up with their figures, OMES analysts calculated that in the past year, roughly one-third of inmates convicted of 780 crimes wouldn't have wound up in the Department of Corrections. That translates to 9,182 offenders.

By not going into the DOC system, those 9,182 offenders produced savings of $35.7 mil-

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lion for county jails that get backed up housing state inmates and $25.5 million for the DOC. Another $2.2. million in drug court costs were averted.

Over five years, OMES estimates, the savings for DOC will be $60.3 million, for drug courts it will be $12.4 million and for community supervision it will be $29.4 million.

Prosecutors who opposed these two state questions would likely argue that while savings have been realized, the OMES report doesn't calculate the associated expenses created elsewhere by the offenders now left free. Yet the savings are noteworthy nonetheless.

Kris Steele, who advocated for corrections reform as speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and continues to do so as chairman of a private reform group, said he was gratified by the OMES report but “there is still much more to do.” He's right.

Voter approval of 780 and 781 preceded approval during the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions of several reform bills. Yet those measures will only slow, and not reverse, the rate of growth in the inmate population over the next several years.

As of July 30, the inmate population totaled roughly 27,200, leaving Oklahoma's aging prisons well beyond capacity. The staffing ratio of correctional officers to inmates is about 1-to-85 on average.

Yes, more remains to be done in this important area. But it's encouraging to see the voter-approved initiatives of 2016 are paying dividends.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 9

Public Enemy No. 1

By David Farris On March 7, 1929, Charley “Pretty Boy” Floyd was released from the Missouri State Prison, after serving almost three-and-ahalf years for highway robbery.

Farris He drifted through Kansas City, before returning to his hometown of Akins, Okla., near the Cookson Hills in Sequoyah County. Floyd tried to find honest work in the growing oil industry, only to learn that no one wanted to hire an ex-con.

He went back to his old vocation, running whiskey into dry counties, but it just wasn't enough.

By 1931, Pretty Boy Floyd began his career as a bank robber and was soon wanted in five states.

While on the run, Floyd often returned to Sequoyah County, where he was surrounded by family and friends.

During the early 1930s, there were many gangs who robbed banks in rural communities throughout the American Midwest. Regardless, due to his infamous notoriety, anytime a bank was robbed Pretty Boy was the usual suspect. Floyd once told a reporter, “I guess I've been accused of everything that has happened except the kidnapping of the Lindbergh child.”

During February 1934, Floyd had been the focus of a manhunt throughout the Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma by a posse of more than 1,000 members of law enforcement and the National Guard.

The infamous bandit was nowhere to be found, but a few local hoods were arrested in what the Tulsa Tribune proclaimed to be “the single biggest manhunt in the nation's history.”

Although Floyd had been wanted for years, there were no federal charges against him. At that time, bank robbery was not a federal crime, meaning that he never fell under the jurisdiction of the FBI. That all changed on Aug. 11, 1934, when an official release from the FBI announced that Floyd and, his current partner in crime, Adam Richetti, were suspects in the Union Train Station Massacre at Kansas City, Mo., on June 17, 1933. On that morning, four lawmen and their prisoner had been murdered in an ambush by at least three machine gun wielding gangsters. One of the men killed in the line of duty was Agent Ray Caffrey from the Kansas City office.

In retribution for their fallen agent, Bureau Directer John Edgar Hoover assumed responsibility of the investigation and vowed to the American public that his men will pursue their suspects until they are brought to justice. However, no one made an issue of the fact that, at that time, the murder of an FBI agent was not a federal crime. The two Cookson Hill bandits were still not guilty of any crimes that fell under the Bureau's jurisdiction. Hoover and his men simply commandeered the case and no one said anything.

This was more than just a serious charge against Pretty Boy, it was outof-character for him. He was known as a dapper “gentleman bandit” and, despite the many banks he had robbed, rarely had a shot been fired.

Both lawmen and gangsters who knew Floyd doubted seriously his involvement in the massacre.

Since Floyd was being “accused of everything that has happened” he sent a preemptive note on a post card to the Kansas City Police three days after the massacre to protested his involvement. It read, “I – Charles Floyd want it made known that I did not participate in the massacre of officers at Kansas City. Charles Floyd” California State History Professor Kent Ladd Steckmesser shared his opinion in a 1970 article for The American West, “Floyd's known presence in Kansas City accounts for the theory that he was a participant in the infamous Union Station Mas-

sacre. The FBI charged Floyd with being one of the gunmen, but they never proved their case. It now appears unlikely that he was guilty of this particular crime. The job is too much at variance with the usual Floyd pattern. The actual machine gunners were killed by the mob for having botched their assignment.”

Steckmesser's assessment of the massacre seemed to reflect the direction that the case was heading in regard to the evidence. The only known shooter, Verne Miller, was found murdered in a ditch outside of Detroit, Mich. The massacre investigation had brought too much attention to organized crime members, so they resolved their situation “in house.”

With the actual killers covertly silenced, this meant that the Bureau had been robbed of their opportunity to claim credit for bringing to justice the fugitives responsible for murdering a brother agent. As Hoover had told Agent Joe Lackey, who was wounded in the shooting, “They must be exterminated and must be exterminated by us.”

James “Blackie” Audett was a Kansas City gangster who served as a bodyguard for the former crime boss John Lazia. He knew much about the massacre and even claimed to have witnessed the event from the safety of his car. In his book “Rap Sheet” (1954), he named brothers Homer and Maurice Denning as the two men with Miller on that morning, and also implicates William Weissman. In regard to Floyd and Richetti being named as shooters, Audett supports Steckmesser's conclusion, “The FBI had to solve the case fast because one of their own men got killed so they pinned it on two guys (Floyd and Richetti) who were already wanted and widely known.”

The Union Station Massacre was only one of many FBI investigations.

At that time, their Public Enemy Number One was another notorious bank robber, John Dillinger. On the evening of July 22, 1934, Hoover and his men finally got the public relations break they needed when Dillinger was shot dead by agents outside of the BioLady in ‘Red’ graph Theater in Chicago, Illinois. He had just watched the crime-drama “Manhattan Melodrama,” starring Clark Gable, in the company of two ladies: His prostitute girlfriend, Polly Hamilton, and her orange-clad madame, Anna Sage, whose dress, under the neon lights of the theater's marquis, appeared red.

Yes, it was a set-up.

Floyd was not surprised when he heard about Dillinger's demise. He was, however, startled to learn that, in the vacancy he left, Hoover had named him as the next Public Enemy Number One. Floyd was already on the run from lawmen, but this was different. These weren't local officers who had to network with authorities in other states. These were government lawmen who were not limited by jurisdiction or even warrants. His days of hiding in plain sight among family and friends were over. It was time to run, and far, from his sanctuary in Sequoyah County.

After this criminal, John Dillinger was killed by police in 1934, Pretty Boy Floyd became the new Public Enemy No. 1.

Page 10 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘A Territorial Christmas Carol’ not among shows

Pollard Theatre names upcoming productions

The Pollard Theatre Company has announced it's 32nd Season, complete with six productions; “An Act of God,” “Ghost: The Musical,” “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” “Almost Maine,” “Beehive” and “Disaster.”

Calling Pollard Theatre Company's new season both a departure from larger and flashier titles to a collection of intimate stories and highlighting a myriad of directors, designers and writers, Producing Artistic Director W. Jerome Stevenson says the Pollard's 2018-19 lineup is an opportunity to alter the theatre company's course for a while. "We have had a year full of success and setbacks and we felt that it was important to create a season that gave us some room to work on pieces that would offer collaboration with a tight group of remarkable artists and still engage our audiences with both familiar and new material," he says.

Following the company's eighth Annual Art & Soul Gala (which will be held Aug. 11), the first production of the six-show season will run August 24th through Sept. 8, with the Oklahoma premiere of “An Act of God.” A divinely clever and sinfully funny new play by 13 time Emmy winner David Javerbaum (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), in which God takes human form to set the record straight...and is not holding back! Noted Pollard director Timothy Stewart will direct, and celebrated performer Brenda Williams is slated to star in the show.

The season will continue Oct. 12-27 with the Oklahoma premiere of “Ghost: The Musical,” with Producing Artistic Director W. Jerome Stevenson and Director of Media Jared Blount (Evil Dead) co-directing the show. Based

on the 1990 Paramount motion picture starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, “Ghost: The Musical,” is a funny, suspenseful, and heart warming musical that is sure to strike a romantic chord with audiences.

For the first time since 1990, the Pollard will put aside its annual centerpiece, “A Territorial Christmas Carol” and will instead produce “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” running Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. With the sudden and tragic loss of their long time Scrooge, James N. Ong, and a desire to revitalize the perennial favorite, Stevenson explains that the company needed some time to re-work the Pollard classic. "The show is by no means going away forever but we certainly wanted to reevaluate the elements that have (and have not) worked with the show," he explained. In the meantime, Stevenson believes audiences are in for a treat with this classic American Christmas tale. "[It's a] Wonderful Life is the definition of Capra-esque and this story is America's Christmas Carol. I can't wait to share the experience with our audiences for the holidays."

The resident theatre company will return in 2019 with John Cariani's bonafide national romantic comedy hit, “Almost Maine,” playing at the Pollard Feb. 15 to March 2 . A series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love that the New York Daily News describes as "Sweet, poignant, and witty.

Nearly perfect.“Almost Maine’s,” charm is real. [It] packs wit, earns its laughs and, like love, surprises you."

“Beehive,” The 60's Musical is the ultimate celebration of 1960's female empowerment. Featuring such timeless classics as "My Boyfriend's Back", "Be My Baby", "Son of a Preacher Man", and "Me and Bobby McGee", Beehive nostalgically recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power.

Told from the perspective of six young women who came of age in this enigmatic decade, these young ladies look back on a host of issues ranging from their first Beehive Dance to the challenges we faced as a nation - all accomplished by a vast array of the most celebrated and memorable songs of the era. “Beehive,” will play at the Pollard Theatre April 12 to May 4.

The sixth and final production of the Pollard Theatre's 32nd Season is Seth Rudetsky's “Disaster!” Straight from Broadway, “Disaster!” features some of the most unforgettable songs of the '70s including "Knock on Wood," "Hooked on a Feeling," "Sky High," "I Am Woman", "Hot Stuff" and "I Will Survive" as what begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as a casino ship succumbs to earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive...or at least escape the killer rats.

“Disaster!.”! will come to the Pollard stage June 7th - 29th of 2019.

Purchase tickets by visiting Pollard's box office at 120 W. Harrison Ave, Guthrie or by calling (405) 282-2800 or visiting www.thepollard.org.

Carpenter Square seeking 10-minute play submissions Carpenter Square Theatre is accepting submissions of original ten-minute plays from Oklahoma writers for the theater’s 15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Contest.

Winning plays will be performed as staged readings at “Best in Ten,” a benefit event for the theater scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13. The deadline for play submissions is Tuesday, Sept. 18 by midnight.

Submission guidelines are as follows: n Scripts may not exceed 10 minutes in reading or performance.

More than one script may be submitted. n Playwright must be living in Oklahoma. Students from Oklahoma who are attending out-of-state colleges may submit. n A separate cover letter should include the title of the play, the playwright’s name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, and a bio of 100 words or less. The playwright’s name may not appear anywhere on the script itself. n Three copies of each script should be submitted if submitting by regular mail or drop off. n Scripts should be approximately 7-10 pages typed in 12 point font on 8 ½ ” x 11” paper in standard play script format, and must have a reading time of no more than 10 minutes. The pages may be secured with one staple in the upper lefthand corner, but should be unbound. n Scripts should include a brief synopsis, list of characters, brief character descriptions and given circumstances.

Winning plays will be performed as staged readings at ‘Best in Ten,’ a benefit event for the theater scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13. n Scripts should be a complete play, not an excerpt from a longer work. n Materials must be received no later than Sept. 18 by midnight. Materials may be hand-delivered, emailed or postmarked by the deadline date. n Selections will be made by Oct. 1 and writers will be notified within a couple of days if their script has been selected. Scripts will not be returned, although writers may pick up their scripts in the Carpenter Square Theatre office after Oct. 9. The winning writers will receive two complimentary tickets to the event where their work will be presented as a staged reading, as well as a gift from the theatre. n Drop off or mail submissions to: Rhonda Clark, Artistic Director Carpenter Square Theatre 806 W. Main Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Or e-mail submissions to rhondaclark@coxinet.net For more information, phone 405232-6500, visit www.carpentersquare.com, or e-mail rhondaclark@coxinet.net.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 11

OKC Sit-ins started in 1958

Oklahoma History Society to mark Civil Rights protest The Oklahoma Historical Society will host one of the many events planned to honor Clara Luper and the sit-ins of the Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma City.

This free event on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. will celebrate the NAACP Youth Council and the many people who later joined Luper to protest segregation in public accommodations beginning on Aug. 19, 1958, with a sit-in at Katz Drug Store in downtown Oklahoma City. The doors of the Oklahoma History Center will open at 6:30 p.m. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

The executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, Bob Blackburn, will welcome guests to the celebration, which will include a performance by the Ambassadors Concert Choir. There will be a viewing of a new documentary entitled “Remembering the Sit-In,” which contains several interviews of NAACP Youth Council participants. A screening

This free event on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. will celebrate the NAACP Youth Council and the many people who later joined Luper to protest segregation in public accommodations. of excerpts from the documentary “Through the Looking Glass Darkly” also will be a part of the celebration. When New York Times best-selling author and “Today” show television journalist Bob Dotson worked in Oklahoma City, he produced “Through the Looking Glass Darkly” about Oklahoma’s African American history. Afterward, Joyce Jackson will moderate a panel discussion with Dotson and two of the documentary’s other filmmak-

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left are Dave and Stacy Lopez with Lindsey and Brandon Hart, Red Shoe Gala Co-Chairs.

Red Shoe Gala nears Ronald McDonald House Charities Oklahoma City supporters and Red Shoe Gala Co-Chairs Dave and Stacy Lopez with Lindsey and Brandon Hart are asking you to put on your fancy red shoes and attend the Red Shoe Gala at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Oklahoma City (RMHC-OKC).

“If you ever need a good reason to dress up and have a good time with friends, this is it,” said Stacy Lopez, Red Shoe Gala Co-Chair.

“Not only will you have a memorable evening, but you are doing it with a purpose. You will leave with the incredible feeling you have positively impacted the health and well-being of countless children by providing a ‘home-away-from-home’ for their families and loved ones.”

The evening begins with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and the Red Shoe Award presentation. The evening will conclude with live music featuring Weekend All Stars and dancing.

“After attending the event the last four years, we realized what a profound and direct effect this Gala makes on raising money to house families in medical crisis, said Lindsey Hart, Red Shoe Gala Co-Chair. “You get to show off your red shoes, enjoy fine dining, dance to the fabulous live entertainment and bid on some exceptional auction items. All to support Oklahoma families.”

This year’s Red Shoe Award recipient will honor Jodi Sanchez, Commu-

nity Volunteer.

“Every year our organization thinks of all the people who have truly impacted our mission to help families in a medical crisis,” said Susan Adams, RMHC-OKC President and CEO. “We Sanchez look for someone who goes above and beyond and carries themselves with integrity, compassion and sense of community.

We feel that Jodi embodies these qualities and so much more.”

For the past 14 years, Jodi Sanchez has served on the charity’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board, has helped organize fundraising events and has volunteered as a Guest Chef to serve evening meals to guest families. All of this to help keep families together and near the medical resources needed for their hospitalized child.

Join us for an unforgettable night while supporting RMHC-OKC’s mission to keep families together during a medical crisis. To learn more about sponsorships and tickets, please call Susan Adams at 405-424-6873 ext.

104.

ers, Oliver Murray and George Wesley Sr. Special guest Bob Dotson has traveled more than four million miles, crisscrossing America almost nonstop for half a century while searching for people who are practically invisible — the ones who change our lives but do not take time to tweet and tell us about it. His long-running series, “The American Story” was a regular feature on the “Today” show until his retirement on the 40th anniversary of the day he joined NBC. He is the author of three books, including “American Story: A Lifetime Search for Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things.”

This is one of several events recognizing Oklahoma City sit-in participants, which will culminate with the Aug. 19, anniversary program at Fifth Street Baptist Church.

To obtain additional information about any of the programs contact Joyce Jackson at jacksonj@att.net.

Page 12 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Olivia Castilla, left, recipient of a prestigious stipend.

Artwork dedication for State Capitol Kenny McKenna with Gov. Fallin dedicating his painting that was added to the State Capitol collection.

Nice honor for Kenny and great addition to the state art collection. Also present is Kenny’s wife Janet McKenna.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond’s Olivia Castilla awarded scholarship involving trip to China Olivia Castilla, a high school student in Edmond, Oklahoma, has been awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship for 201819 by the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Olivia will study Chinese in China for the summer.

Olivia, competitively selected out of over 3,300 applications from across the United States, is one of approximately 670 students who will study Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Indonesian or Russian overseas this coming year. While in China, Olivia will receive formal language instruction, live with a host family and experience the local culture as part of an immersion environment.

The NSLI-Y program is part of a multi-agency U.S. Government initiative launched in 2006 to improve Americans' ability to communicate in select critical languages to advance international dialogue and increase American economic global competitiveness. The goals of the NSLI-Y program include: promoting critical language learning among American youth; enhancing cross-cultural understanding and deepening trust; sparking a lifetime of interest in foreign language and culture; and developing the skills to advance international dialogue.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 13

Edmond Schools host two-day STEM conference

Many vendors were on hand to demonstrate to teachers how their products can be used in the classroom to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) learning.

Teachers from Edmond and surrounding districts attended the STEM conference last week, which was made possible by a grant from the Oklahoma Energy Resource Board. It was held at the Hilton Garden Inn & Edmond Conference Center, near Covell and Interstate 35.

Jacob Stangl, left, demonstrates how he would explain to a class of kindergarteners what each piece of firefighting gear is and what it does as Brent Armer puts it on. Both men are from the Edmond Fire Department.

Adam Frederick teaches fourth grade at Frontier Elementary. He said the conference had ‘opened a lot of new resources’ to him that he would not have known existed otherwise.

RIGHT -- Brent Armer from the Edmond Fire Department puts on the entire fire suit and turns the air tanks on. The mask and the sound of the air resembles the ‘Star Wars’ villain Darth Vader, so it’s understandable that small children might be afraid of a firefighter.

The Friendly Firefighter program aims to expose kindergartens to the rescuers so that they will not run or hide in the event of an emergency. They also learn life-saving skills such as ‘stop, drop and roll.’

Photos by April Burgess From left, Jeremy Martin, Jacob Stangl, Brent Armer and Mike Fitzgerald were on hand to to demonstrate Edmond Fire Department’s STEM classes to teachers. Their programs include the Safety Village as a field trip opportunity, and the Friendly Firefighter, which brings them into the kindergarten classroom to teach life saving skills and teach the children what firefighters in their gear look like so they won’t be afraid of them in case of an emergency.

The Edmond Public Schools are constantly looking for ways to challenge and help students.

Page 14 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma hosted the 11th annual Dance and Down syndrome Music Theatre Camp for performers ages 13 and up, pictured, for a week of dance, acting and music.

UCO camp host the annual ‘Dance & Down Syndrome’ The University of Central Oklahoma’s Oklahoma Center for Arts Education (OCAE) and Department of Dance brought dance and music excerpts from Disney’s “The Descendants” to the stage during the annual, weeklong Dance and Down syndrome Music Theatre Camp.

In its 11th year, the camp offered attendees daily music classes and dance and acting rehearsals, within a fun and safe environment. Performers, ages 13 and older, experienced the joys of theater, with a unique mixture of song and dance. At the camp’s conclusion, campers put on a final show for the community on Central’s campus, followed by pizza and cake with family and camp staff.

UCO dance alumnae Brandi Kelley and Carrie Conwell served as the camp’s instructors.

“This group of dedicated performers always gives 1,000 percent effort and evokes a certain type of joy in the audience,” Kelley said. “Even though Carrie and I are doing the teaching, they actually have taught us a lot about the strengths they find in

their disability, and it’s a rewarding experience to be able to teach such a great group of performers.”

The camp began in 2007 as a passion project spearheaded by UCO Dance professor Robyn Pasternack, whose daughter was born with Down syndrome. Pasternack’s involvement with the community and passion for dance created a magical combination for Down syndrome performers who had the same passion for music and dance.

The theater camp is hosted by the Oklahoma Center for Arts Education, a division of the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design.

For more information, contact Ines Burnham at iburnham@uco.edu or 405-974-3784.

The event is supported by the Tom & Marye Kate Aldridge Foundation and, in part, by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

Service member completes training camp PHOTO PROVIDED

Sergeant Major Stephen Raney graduated training camp in El Paso Texas in last month. Raney is a long time veteran of the Edmond Fire Department.

He participated in Operation Desert Shield and in Operation Desert Storm and is a 30 year military veteran. He is a long time Oklahoma resident along with his wife Cara Raney and three sons Vaughn Raney, Vance Raney and Vincent Raney.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 15

Review of ‘Christopher Robin’

Enchanted child’s tale comes alive

By George Gust ”Christopher Robin” catches up with a now grown up Christopher (Ewan McGregor) who is now a working-class family man living in bustling London. During a stressful time of impending layoffs and fractured family life he encounters his childhood friend Winnie-the-Pooh (Jim Cummings), who helps him to rediscover the joys of life.

Winnie-the-Pooh and gang have been beloved and influential for generations of children since their first appearance in the 1920’s. However, my enough attention to his family life. relationship to the characters was at more of an Hayley Atwell has been a screen presence in the arms-length during my childhood, knowing only other work she has appeared in, but is relegated to the vague concept of the anthropomorphized the forgotten wife and mother in this film. Also teddy bear and friends who live and play in the taking a backseat in the film were Piglet, Owl, forest. Coming into the live action adaptation of Rabbit and Kanga, which feels odd when you’re the legendary characters, felt to me, at first, like walking out of the film, but the story involving the opening up someone else’s photo album from characters of Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore bring years past. However, the first 15-20 minutes of the enough of the Disney magic to leave you with a film provide a rush of emotion and nostalgia for smile on your face. both fans of these characters and newcomers alike Overall, “Christopher Robin” may have many fathat brilliantly sets the tone and feel of the film miliar elements of movies and stories where the throughout. capitalistic curmudgeon finally finds the impor“Christopher Robin” is on the whole a persisttance of the love of friends and family, but there is ently enjoyable and pleasant movie going experia certain special sauce (perhaps a touch of Pooh’s ence, save for the darker elements of Robin honey) that makes “Christopher Robin” a heartcoming home from war and dealing with the preswarming and delightful film that can be enjoyed sures of middle class life. However this post war by children and parents alike. melancholy is diffused by the endlessly charming “Christopher Robin” is rated PG for some acre-introduction of Pooh to Robin’s life. This movie tion. is at its best when Pooh and Robin are going back 4 out of 5 stars and forth with playful and quick banter, with Robin attempting to convince Pooh the importance of work and Pooh simply wanting to play with his old friend.

One could not say that “Christopher Robin” is a groundbreaking piece of cinema, and it’s not without its faults, but the cheery message and warm visual design cover up its shortcomings. McGregor is wonderful as the everyday working man who’s lost his sense of wonder in favor of work and has a fun time playing the childhood rediscovery as- Adult Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) returns to the forest and reunites with his old friend Winnie the Pooh (voice of Jim pect, but the film doesn’t give Cummings).

Lyric gets Disney grant Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma has been awarded a $120,000 grant from Disney to bring the Disney Musicals in Schools program to Oklahoma City Public Schools.

The program is a free initiative developed by Disney Theatrical Productions to create sustainable theater programs in under-resourced elementary schools. The grant funds two years of programming; Lyric Theatre will select five area public elementary schools to participate in 2018-19 and another five will be selected for next year.

The selected schools will participate in a 17week musical theater residency, led by a team of teaching artists trained

by Lyric Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions, at no cost. Each school will receive performance rights, education support materials and guidance from the teaching artists. The program features a professional development focus, through which participating school teachers partner with Lyric teaching artists to learn how to produce, direct, choreograph and music direct, culminating in their first 30-minute Disney KIDS musical at their school.

As a capstone to the experience, Lyric Theatre will host a Student Share Celebration in which each school performs one number from their show on the Civic Center Music Hall stage in downtown Oklahoma City for an audience of students, teachers, family, and community members.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL ACROSS 1. TÈa Leoni as ____ Secretary 6. Lending letters 9. Cat-headed Egyptian goddess 13. Round openings in architecture 14. Pilot's estimate 15. Short tale 16. Deprived of a limb, e.g.

17. Popular pickup 18. Revolving mechanism 19. *L in LMC 21. Peninsula with Portugal 23. Not a win nor a loss 24. Lou of The Velvet Underground 25. The ____ Four 28. Unpleasant road display 30. Authoritative declaration 35. The 15th of March 37. Rubik's puzzle 39. *Sorority letter 40. Pinocchio's lie detector 41. Do-re-dore-do-re-do-re, e.g.

43. Same as alighted 44. Perpendicular to the keel 46. Major in the sky 47. Condoleezza ____ 48. *Varsity award 50. *Multiple choice challenge 52. *Where Driver's Ed occurs 53. Richie ____ 55. *Standard aptitude assessment 57. *"Sideways Stories from ____ School" 61. *Hall order keeper 65. George Clooney's recurring character 66. Shakespearean "fuss" 68. Heating outlet cover 69. Muse of love poetry

70. Confession subject 71. All the words in a language 72. Withered 73. Id's partner 74. Same as #30 Across DOWN 1. Gangster's gal 2. Berry high in antioxidants 3. Avoid these mistakes 4. Red or orange announcement 5. Somewhere above ground 6. Bald eagle's nest 7. *Parents+teachers, acr.

8. China Grass 9. Uncouth one 10. Not in favor 11. Roofed colonnade 12. Seaside bird 15. *Extra of it can help students 20. Act against 22. Made in the morning?

24. Spring event 25. *Type of assessment 26. Acrobat maker 27. Continually annoy 29. Buddhist teacher 31. Burn to a crisp

32. Denoting the final end or purpose 33. Carthage's ancient rival 34. *Alma ____ 36. *Assigned spot 38. More 42. Rodeo rope 45. Breed of sheep prized for wool 49. Free 51. Hair knot 54. This and desist 56. ClichÈd 57. Things to lament 58. Homesteader's measure 59. *180 days, in most states 60. Fill to satisfaction 61. Kissing disease?

62. De Niro's ride, 1976 63. Like an ear infection 64. None of this for the weary 67. Like a lot

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Pictured left to right front row: Anita Tackett and Jane Walderbach. On the second row are Gayle Garrison, Rosemary Boeckman, Marsha Fisher, Sue Rath, Paula Spadaccini, Shirley Moore, and Debbie Blair.

Edmond Newcomers host annual summer salad luncheon Edmond Newcomers recently held its annual summer salad luncheon in the home of Debbie Blair. Newcomers welcomed four new members and two past members now relocating back to Edmond. Edmond Newcomers is a special organization comprised of women in the Edmond area that provides an opportunity for socializing and meeting other women through a variety of events and interest groups. Bridge, bunco, book club, garden club, mahjong,

crafts, discovering Oklahoma and luncheons are some of the activities available.

The club meets the first Wednesday of the month at the First Christian Church in Edmond at 10 am for coffee, light snacks and a meeting where special speakers present their programs. If interested, please contact Paula Spadaccini at 285-8075.

Exactly how safe is sleep aid medicine?

By Ryan Stewart Adequate sleep is a cornerstone of good health. Yet getting enough shuteye can be easier said than done for many Oklahomans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 35 percent of adult Oklahomans sleep less than seven hours per night. To try to get enough rest, many turn to sleep aids. But are they safe?

Research has found an increased risk of dementia among senior citizens who engaged in long-term use of sleep aids like Nytol or the antihistamine Benadryl, which block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Other studies have also associated the use of multiple anticholinergic drugs (like the anti-depression medication Paxil and pain medications such as Tylenol PM) with lower levels of cognitive function.

Still, according to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Stephen Prescott, M.D., the evidence linking these drugs to dementia, Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment remains weak.

“There’s no underlying explanation of what might be happening on a biological level,” said Prescott, a physician and medical researcher. “And

another, more rigorous study suggests that risk increases only when people use these drugs for three years or more.”

“As a result, I wouldn’t be overly concerned that the occasional, shortterm use of an over-the-counter sleep aid will cause Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” he said.

Nevertheless if you’re having trouble sleeping, said Prescott, there are other effective strategies that carry fewer potential side effects.

For example, he said, avoid all alcohol and caffeine before bed. Leave screens out of the bedroom, as the blue light emitted by devices like smartphones and TVs suppresses the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. Ensure your room is completely dark, as any light can disturb sleep patterns.

“Most importantly, don’t panic if you find yourself tossing and turning,” Prescott said. “Try to visualize something simple and mundane, like the step-by-step process involved in a workout or cooking a meal.”

Before you know it, he said, you’ll be slipping off to the land of nod.

“Boring tasks may not be ideal in waking life, but thinking about them can be a wonderful sleep aid.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 17

Edmond students & leadership scholarships

PHOTO PROVIDED

A docent explaining western art to youngsters.

Famed western museum seeks volunteer docents to teach public Community members seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities are invited to join the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s upcoming training beginning Aug. 23 and running every Tuesday and Thursday through Sept. 13.

Docents are an integral part of the Museum’s mission. They conduct Museum-based lessons and integrate tour themes with exhibition content to teach children great Western heritage. This particular group of docents will work closely with children and encourage them to explore and learn more about the American West throughout the Museum’s galleries.

“There is nothing more exciting than to share what you love about the American West with others,” said Michael Moore, Museum docent.

New recruits are required to attend all 10 days of orientation and training. Training times vary, but are generally between 8:30 a.m. to

4:30 p.m.

“Museum docents are vital to the Museum’s mission because they help to preserve and interpret the evolving history and cultures of the American West,” said Todd Bridgewater, Manager of Volunteer Engagement. “Volunteering is an excellent way to make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as your own life.”

To become a docent visit https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/ volunteer/ or call (405) 478-2250.

Nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located only six miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City in the Adventure District at the junction of Interstates 44 and 35, the state’s exciting Adventure Road corridor. The Museum offers annual memberships beginning at just $40. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

The University of Central Oklahoma recently awarded the President’s Leadership and Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) scholarships to 10 Edmond students in recognition of their demonstrated talent and distinguished achievement in leadership, citizenship, service and communication.

The recipients of the President’s Leadership Scholarship are Edmond Memorial High School graduate Rachel Hunt and Edmond North High School graduate Amelia Perez.

Hunt and Perez will receive a tuition waiver for 12 hours of classes each semester, a $2,250 yearly stipend for room and board, and a one-time $1,000 global and service stipend and will also serve on the President’s Leadership Council (PLC).

The recipients of the LOT Scholarship are Deer Creek High School graduate Phoebe Barnes; Edmond Santa Fe High School graduates Zachary Dillon, Makenzie Hill and Paige Warrior; Edmond North High School graduates

D’Lajiah Fields and Angelina Sibimon; Edmond Memorial High School graduate Nathanael Henry; and Mount Saint Mary’s High School graduate Kateri Krug.

Each LOT recipient will receive a tuition waiver for nine hours of classes each semester, a $1,250 yearly stipend for room and board, and a one-time $1,000 global and service stipend.

The global and service stipend can be used to offset the cost of studying abroad or participating in one of UCO’s global and service leadership tours. The stipend furthers UCO’s deep commitment to global and cultural competencies for its students.

“UCO’s leadership scholarship programs include top students from across the state of Oklahoma. Our recipients were chosen from over 1,000 applicants, and we are excited to support their continued leadership and professional development at UCO,” said Jarrett Jobe, Ph.D., executive director of Student Leadership Programs at Central.

Page 18 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Math & science scholarships

Insurance Commissioner lauds ruling from feds lowering health care costs Oklahomans will have more flexibility and choices in health insurance after the Trump administration delivered on a promise. The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury issued a final rule allowing the sale and renewal of short-term, limited-duration plans.

“President Trump is delivering on his promise to bring down the cost of health insurance for Americans,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “We believe building a strong insurance market requires giving people as many affordable options as possible, not just Washington-dictated plans. Short-term, limited-duration insurance is another step in the right direction.”

Short-term, limited-duration insurance could be 50 to 80 percent cheaper than Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, and the coverage is not con-

trolled by expensive ACA regulations. It can provide coverage for people transitioning between different insurance options, such as an individual who is between jobs, or a student taking time off from school, as well as for middle-class families without access to subsidized ACA plans. Insurers will be able to let consumers renew these plans for up to 36 months, and consumers can buy separate renewability protection to lock in low rates.

The short-term, limited duration plans can also be a good option for those who have been priced out of the ACA market, where rates have more than doubled since the law was implemented, or those who don’t have an offer of employer-sponsored coverage. Experts expect 2 million Americans or more may buy them, many of whom were previously uninsured.

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Mathematics and Science recently awarded scholarships to Edmond residents Erica Bajo Calderon, Bailee Bronson, Kyra Gallagher, Mohamad Keblawi, Kalli Knox, Matthew Magness, Robert Manley, Julia Messner, Gina NeeDels, Patricia Salas, Remington Steele, Megan Smith, Michael Thellmann and Stephanie Walker in recognition of their academic excellence and outstanding service to the university.

Bajo Calderon, a mathematics major, received the Mathematics and Statistics Department Chair’s Scholarship, worth $600.

Bronson, a nursing major, received the Martin Family Foundation Scholarship, worth $2,500.

Gallagher, a chemistry – ACS Certificate major, received the Engineering and Physics Scholarship, worth $660.

Keblawi, a biomedical engineering major, received the Beulah Rickard Fetterman Physics Scholarship and the College of Mathematics and Science Dean’s Scholarship, totaling $1,750.

Knox, a nursing major, received the Martin Family Foundation Scholarship, worth $5,000.

Magness, a nursing major, received the Martin Family Foundation Scholarship, worth $5,000.

Manley, a computer science major, received the John Taylor Beresford Endowed Scholarship for Computer Science, worth $2,000.

Messner, a mathematics education major, received the Josephine Plunket Math Scholarship and the Margaret Bennett McAlister Scholarship, totaling $5,000.

NeeDels, a computer science – applied major, received a Jan Douglas Endowed Scholarship for Computer Science, worth $500.

Salas, a mathematics – applied mathematics major, received the Samuel Henry Mitchell and Elizabeth P. Mitchell Scholarship for Mathematics, worth $300.

Steele, a computer science major, received the Jan Douglas Endowed Scholarship for Computer Science, worth $500.

Smith, a biology – biomedical sciences major, received Dr. Ethel Derrick Endowed Scholarship for Biology, worth $1,250.

Thellmann, a biology – biomedical sciences major, received the Dr. Beverley Cox Endowed Scholarship for Biology, worth $600.

Walker, a mathematics education major, received the Josephine Plunket Math Scholarship and the College of Mathematics and Science Dean’s Scholarship, totaling $2,250.

For more information about the UCO College of Mathematics and Science, visit www.uco.edu/cms.

Marketing expert details how individuals cope with change Change happens, every day. Sometimes it's positive. Sometimes it's negative. How you react to it affects your personal and professional growth on more levels than you might realize.

From marketing expert, business consultant and public relations strategist Ralph Masengill comes an easyto-read guide that acknowledges the emotions triggered by change and underscores the importance of managing change to bring about positive growth, entitled "Conquer Change and Win." From the get-go, Masengill shares his simple secret for success. It's a three-pronged approach that urges readers to: n Take calculated risks and endorse change on a regular basis. n Learn how change affects your emotions and the emotions of those around you. n And learn how to react to those emotions brought on by change.

Written primarily for business leaders, "Conquer Change and Win" is sprinkled with humorous anecdotes and easy-to-understand charts and graphs to illustrate his points. The book includes chapters on dealing with difficult people, building a winning change team, decision making during change, the anatomy of a great change agent and creating the best change-management plan possible.

Every one of us is constantly affected by change, so why not have a good understanding of change and make it work to our advantage?

Ralph Masengill has been a consultant, coach, advisor and public relations strategist for more than 40 years. His agency, Masengill Marketing Associates, has won more than 850 national and regional advertising and marketing awards.

"Conquer Change and Win" is also currently being used for the Master's Program at a regional university. It is required reading and students are asked to take two tests on the book; one test is a written exam, and the second consists of 100 multiple choice questions. The graduate students are required to pass both before receiving a grade in the class.

One of the original change agents in the United States, Masengill and his team have been observing change and showing business leaders that embracing and understanding positive change is the surest route to effective quality improvement and substantial profit enhancement. This extensive experience formed the basis for Conquer Change and Win. Masengill and his wife Dianne live near the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. They have four grown children, two dogs and a cat.

Masengill enjoys woodworking, oil painting, sailing and helping with his favorite charities in his spare time.

For more information, please visit www.masengill.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 19

Sports

PHOTO PROVIDED/ USA Volleyball and World ParaVolley

The U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, based at the University of Central Oklahoma, took silver at the World Championships late last month in Netherlands. From left, Katie Holloway, Lora Webster and Heather Erickson block against Russia.

PHOTO PROVIDED/ USA Volleyball and World ParaVolley

The U.S. Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team, based at the University of Central Oklahoma, placed eighth at World Championships, its best result ever. Eric Duda, right, sets for Roderick Green against China at the World Championships late last month in Netherlands.

UCO-based sitting V-Ball teams compete The U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team, based at the University of Central Oklahoma, took home a third-straight silver medal from the World Championships after falling to Russia in the final (18-25, 27-25, 26-24, 26-24), late last month in Netherlands.

The U.S. Women finished the tournament with a 5-1 record. Russia also finished 5-1, with their only loss coming from pool play against the United States. Both teams qualified for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo by virtue of finishing as the top two teams.

The U.S. Women won the Paralympic gold medal in 2016, but they have never won the World Championships. They finished second to China in 2010 and 2014. This year, China won the bronze medal after losing to Russia in the semifinals.

At the awards ceremony on July 22, Katie Hol-

At the World Championships in Netherlands loway was named Best Blocker, Bethany Zummo was named Best Libero and Kaleo Maclay was named Best Setter.

"This team is so strong and yet we have so much room to grow," Holloway said, in a Facebook post.

"We did not earn gold last night, a sign that when we fail, there will be good things to come with hard work. I know I wasn’t perfect but the support from everyone out there was."

The U.S. Women led in kills (54-44) while Russia led in blocks (22-17) and aces (10-5). U.S. opposite Heather Erickson led all players with 26 points, including a match-high 21 kills.

The U.S. Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team, also based at UCO, may not have gotten the result it

hoped for at the World Championships, but it showed the strides it has made in a relatively short time.

The U.S. Men (2-4) placed eighth at World Championships, its best result ever.

It finished the competition this year with losses to Russia in their first classification match (25-15, 25-16, 25-9) on July 21 and to China in the second (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) on July 22, also in Netherlands.

Eric Duda was named the tournament’s Best Receiver at the awards ceremony on July 22.

For more information about USA Volleyball or the U.S. Women’s and Men’s Sitting Volleyball teams, visit www.teamusa.org/USA-Volleyball.

UCO football Season starts Aug. 30 First home game is Thursday, Sept. 6

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

Head UCO football coach, Nick Bobeck, and his Bronchos are back in action this season on Aug. 30 with a road game at Pittsburg State.

UCO fifth in preseason poll KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association recently announced its preseason football coaches' poll as well as its preseason football media poll and the University of Central Oklahoma landed at fifth in the coaches' poll and sixth in the media poll.

UCO received a total of 67 points in the coaches' poll. Northwest Missouri is the preseason favorite according to the coaches. NWMSU, four first-place votes, totaled 103 points. Defending champion Fort Hays State had one more first-place vote than Northwest, but missed the top spot in the poll with 102 total points.

Central received 229 points in the media poll. The two polls are nearly identical, with the top-four teams the same. Emporia State, which is tied for fifth with UCO in the coaches' poll, is ahead of the Bronchos for that spot in the media poll.

Central Oklahoma opens the 2018 season Thursday, Aug. 30 at Pittsburg State. The Bronchos will play their first home game of the new campaign in Week 2 when Central hosts Nebraska-

Kearney on Thursday, Sept. 6.

UCO head coach Nick Bobeck brings a six-game winning streak into his seventh season in charge of the team he played for from 1999-2002. Bobeck led the Bronchos to wins in seven of their final eight games last season, including a win in the inaugural Corsicana Bowl.

"We don't get too wrapped up in preseason polls," Bobeck said at the press conference. "We are excited to get camp started next week and get to work and find out how good this team is going to be. We have a lot of good things going on at UCO right now and we're ready to get to work and start playing some football."

The Bronchos return five offensive starters from last year's squad. That list doesn't include Clay McKenzie, a sixthyear senior with over 2,600 yards rushing and 36 career rushing touchdowns.

He only played six quarters last season due to a knee injury.

Central also returns nine starters on defense. Alex Figueroa and Colton Lindsey, two linebackers that combined for 179 tackles last year are included in that bunch.

Page 20 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

A look at the new Memorial head football coach Luke Orvis Before he even graduated from Edmond Memorial High School 23 years ago, Luke Orvis knew he wanted to coach his alma mater.

“I just had so many influential Orvis coaches here that I wanted to come back and give back all that they had given to me and try to be that person to some athletes that I had coming up,” Orvis said.

But to get home, he first had to go elsewhere.

Orvis spent the past two years as the head coach at Arvada, Colo., following an 11-year stint as an assistant with Edmond Memorial. He left with the intention of returning

one day.

“I didn’t know that if I stayed here and just tried to keep working my way up that I would be able to have that chance,” Orvis said. “I didn’t know that. That was my feeling on the situation.”

This week, Orvis took the field as the Bulldogs’ coach, replacing Justin Merideth.

Orvis knows hard work is ahead after Edmond Memorial went 2-8 in 2017. But he took on a similar challenge at Arvada, working to turn around a struggling program.

“I took it as if I can go install a program in this school and get it going in the right direction, it would mean something,” Orvis said. “I didn’t really know anybody. I went on my own and thought I would test myself.”

Area hotel joins Edmond Chamber SpringHill Suites recently held a ribbon cutting recently to celebrate their new membership with the Edmond Chamber of Commerce.

The newly remodeled suites are located at 3201 W. Memorial Road in Oklahoma City which provides a prime location with amenities to fit the needs of both business and leisure travelers. The Suites are 35 percent larger than most hotel rooms and come furnished with a mini-fridge, coffee maker, microwave and a pull-out sleeper sofa. The hotel also offers a complimentary hot breakfast, an onsite aerobic fitness center, outdoor pool, free shuttle services and dry cleaning and laundry services. Meeting room space is also available.

For more information, visit their website at www.marriot.com/oksch

PHOTO PROVIDED

The EEDA presented Innovative Pharmacy Solutions with a commemorative arrow for being a recent ‘Featured Business’ in The Arrow newsletter.

Innovative Pharmacy Solution honored by EEDA & newsletter The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) recently featured Innovative Pharmacy Solutions in a recent issue of EEDA’s newsletter, The Arrow.

The Arrow is a monthly newsletter emailed to approximately 2,000 subscribers. Featured businesses also receive a commemorative arrow to recognize their participation.

“The featured business portion of The Arrow was created as an outlet for the EEDA to further support and promote the Edmond business community,” said Janet Yowell, EEDA executive director. “Innovative Pharmacy Solutions provides a unique service and we were pleased to feature them in The Arrow.”

Innovative Pharmacy Solutions, located at 1716 S. Kelly, is a compounding pharmacy specializing in targeted nutrition and natural products.

Over the last 20 years, Innovative Pharmacy has created thousands of

custom formulations and only carries commercially available medications that are hard-to-source, high-patientvalue or convenience items.

“My staff and I believe in our processes and always appreciate the opportunity to share our story,” said Dave Mason, Dph., owner of Innovative Pharmacy. “Resources like The Arrow are part of why Edmond is a great place to grow a business.”

To read the full Innovative Pharmacy feature in The Arrow, visit www.eeda.com/archives. To subscribe to The Arrow, visit www.eeda.com.

The EEDA exists to offer resources that stimulate the growth of Edmond’s economy by creating and maintaining an optimum environment for both new and existing businesses, offering services that facilitate the growth and expansion of those businesses and generating opportunities to increase the sales tax base of the city of Edmond.

Girl Meets Skating Legend

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond student Annika Sinning recently took part in #Sk8toElimin8Cancer sponsored by the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation. Annika, a student at Epic Charter School, is the daughter of LaDonna and Kelvin Sinning of Edmond. Hamilton’s foundation is dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient. Annika met the world famous skater at Springdale, Ark.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 21

New director at Francis Tuttle incubator Launch Pad FT, Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s business incubator, recently announced Jennifer McGrail as its new director.

McGrail joins Launch Pad FT after serving three years as the small business management coordinator at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton. McGrail earned a Master of Business Administration from Cameron University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Tulsa. McGrail has earned certification as a business incubation manager from the International Business Innovation Association.

“Jennifer’s background in the small business sector, as well as her long ties to CareerTech, will serve her well as director of Launch Pad FT,” said Dr.

Peggy Geib, Francis Tuttle assistant superintendent for business and industry services. “I am confident Jennifer is the right leader to guide our incubator and the new businesses we serve.”

McGrail comes from a small business family and has extensive experience with many issues that small and start-up businesses regularly face, including insurance, business development, and recruitment. CareerTech is also in McGrail’s family. Her mother worked for 31 years at Great Plains.

“Launch Pad FT has seen great success in its relatively short existence,” McGrail said. “Francis Tuttle has assembled an amazing team dedicated to helping new enterprises prosper and I am honored to be part of this important effort.”

Launch Pad FT offers services and expertise to enhance the skills of entrepreneurs and improve the viability of small businesses. For more information, visit launchpadft.francistuttle.edu or call (405) 717-7777. The Launch Pad is located 2824 Progressive Dr. in Edmond.

The incubator facility has eight furnished offices for client use and five flexible areas ranging from 400 to 1400 square feet that can be used for light manufacturing, warehousing and logistics or other laboratory applications. In addition, two conference rooms and a classroom, all equipped with audio visual capabilities are available for clients use. The incubator also has a kitchen/break room and a common area business center.

Jennifer McGrail

OU Medical Center Edmond remodel & addition OU Medical Center Edmond recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Chamber to celebrate the remodel and launch of their new outpatient psychiatric program.

The new outpatient behavioral health program focuses on patients age 55 and older who need regular therapy sessions.

The service helps those age 55 and older suffering from a behavioral health issue such as bipolar disorder or depression, that if left untreated could result in inpatient care.

For more information, contact Leslie Buford at leslie.buford@oumedicine.com or visit oumedicine.com/Edmond.

PHOTO PROVIDED

New state rule dictating flood insurance education Property insurance professionals in Oklahoma will soon be required to expand their knowledge on flood insurance. Gov. Mary Fallin signed a rule this week requiring one hour of flood insurance continuing education beginning January 2019.

“Many Oklahomans don’t know they can purchase flood insurance if they don’t live in a flood zone,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “But flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowner’s policy, and it can be a catastrophe that many property owners would not rebound from without coverage.”

With the new education requirement, insurance professionals will learn what is covered in flood policies. A flood insurance policy is separate from a homeowner’s policy which, in most cases, does not pay for flood claims. The National Flood Insurance Program is run by the Fed-

eral Emergency Management Agency.

It works with nearly 90 private insurance companies to offer flood insurance.

“Our goal is to make sure Oklahomans have the facts on flood insurance. It was apparent to us that the best way to communicate that message was directly through insurance professionals,” Doak said. “The knowledge gained from this flood insurance course will allow insurance professionals to provide the most accurate information on flood coverage.”

Resident producers, customer service representatives (CSRs) and adjusters with a property line of authority will have to complete one hour of continuing education per license period. The flood CE credit will be included in the 24 hours (13 hours for CSRs) as general credits. Flood courses will be available in September but are not required until January.

Pediatric urology specialist joins OU Children’s Physicians Medicine, St. Louis, Mo., Pediatric Urologist Adam where he also earned his medJ. Rensing, M.D., of Edmond, ical degree. has established his medical Rensing is a member of the practice with OU Children’s American Urology AssociaPhysicians. Urology is the surtion, American Association of gical specialty dealing with Clinical Urologists, Society of the diagnosis and treatment Pediatric Urology and Ameriof diseases and disorders of can Academy of Pediatrics. the urinary tract and reproDr. Rensing Rensing sees patients in in ductive organs.

Oklahoma City at OU ChilRensing is board eligible in urology. He sees children with all uro- dren’s Physicians Building, 1200 Chillogic conditions, and has a special in- dren’s Ave., and in Edmond at OU Physicians Edmond, 14101 N. Eastterest in minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery and reconstruc- ern. Appointments can be made by calling (405) 271-3800. tion for the neuropathic bladder.

OU Children’s Physicians practice Rensing completed a fellowship in as part of OU Physicians, Oklapediatric urology at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. homa’s largest physician group. The group encompasses nearly every child He completed his urology residency and adult medical specialty. at Washington University School of

Page 22 • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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LO LOTS TS & A ACREAGES CREAGES

What will it take to get you back on your feet financially if a disaster strikes?

Whether it’s a natural disaster, like a tornado or earthquake, or an accident like a fire or burst water pipe, an unexpected emergency can wreak havoc. And, while money concerns are secondary to well-being and safety, they are still concerning. The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants advises mitigating the financial impact by taking a few preliminary steps.

Insure against potential loss. Having the right insurance can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Homeowner’s insurance can cover damage to your home or personal property due to a variety of mishaps, and renter’s insurance can reimburse you for the loss of your own belongings when you don’t own the residence yourself. If you’re in a flood zone, find out if your policy covers floods or if you need additional coverage.

Don’t forget auto insurance, as well, to protect you from expenses related to road accidents and other types of damage, such as a tree falling on your parked car.

Save up for emergencies. Even with insurance, you may be hit with a range of related expenses if, for example, you have to stay in a hotel or eat out until damage to your home or neighborhood is addressed, or if your insurance policy doesn’t cover all your losses.

An emergency fund with several months’ worth of income can keep you on your feet after a disaster. It’s also reassuring to have in case you or your spouse loses a job or if you’re hit with any type of unexpected expenses. Be sure the money will be easily accessible if you have to relocate after a disaster.

Keep key documents safe. What kinds of paperwork will you need in an emergency? Depending on the situation, it may be important to have

information about your insurance policies, property records, financial accounts, medical records and contacts for family, doctors or other key people. Make a copy of critical documents you could need in an emergency and store them in a safe place outside your home. A safe deposit box at your local bank is one possibility but also consider sending them to a relative or close friend outside your immediate area in case it’s tough to get to your bank after disaster strikes your area. Also consider looking into cloud storage so copies can be easily accessed from anywhere.

Arrange to keep bills paid. If you have access to online banking, set up automatic payments for recurring bills, such as those for rent or mortgage and utilities, so you can focus on more important daily concerns during a crisis. If you’ve lost your source of income temporarily or are going to have difficulties keeping up with bill payments for other reasons related to the disaster, contact your creditors immediately and explain your situation. Many may be willing to reduce or suspend your payments until you’re back on your feet. Also contact your employer to find out whether the business has been affected and the company’s plans for staying or getting up and running. If you’ll be out of work because of the disaster, contact your state unemployment insurance office to see if you qualify for unemployment insurance. Learn about additional available government disaster relief assistance from sites like FEMA.gov or from the Small Business Administration Oklahoma office (https://www.sba.gov/local-resources/oklahoma), site if you’re a business owner.

If you need advice before or after a disaster, your local CPA can help. If you don’t have one, get a free referral and free 30-minute consultation at www.FindYourCPA.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 23

Non-profits seek tax protection U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-Edmond) last week introduced a bill to protect churches, charities, and other nonprofit organizations from a provision in the new tax law that would tax some employee benefits for the first time.

The Lessening Impediments from Taxes (LIFT) for Charities Act, would repeal a section in the tax code that would require some tax-exempt organizations to pay federal taxes on employee benefits, like parking, meals, or transportation benefits for the first time.

“Tax reform was designed to simplify tax filing, not make it more complicated or burdensome,” said Lankford.

“By definition, tax-exempt organizations do not typically file tax returns. But, a glitch in last year’s tax reform bill would become a huge burden to churches, charities, and non-profit organizations. Most churches and non-profits

in Oklahoma, especially in rural locations, are not equipped to handle major tax code changes.

Non-profit, tax-exempt entities are designed to better our communities and our nation. I look forward to joining my colleagues to find ways to address this unfortunate situation. I want to thank Congressman Mark Walker for his leadership in the House of Representatives. I am honored to join him in offering a companion, common-sense solution that protects the nonprofit backbone of our society, as they give back to our communities in ways that are invaluable to us as a nation.”

Currently, the law requires churches and other organizations to pay new taxes and subjects them to new compliance burdens and reporting requirements.

Many, if not most churches have never had to fill out IRS Form 990’s.

Lankford and Representative Mark Walker (R-NC) serve as cochairs of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

Walker introduced the LIFT for Charities Act in the House last week. In November 2017, Lankford and Warner also introduced the Universal Charitable Giving Act, in both the Senate and House, which creates a universal charitable deduction in addition to the standard deduction for individuals and married couples that do not itemize.

Bike benefit next month will help battle multiple sclerosis A total of 300 cyclists are setting out to raise $300,000 toward a world free of multiple sclerosis by riding up to 150 miles over two days.

Bike MS: Oklahoma Ride will depart from NCED Hotel & Conference Center in Norman on September 15th and conclude back in Norman on Sept. 16 after a two-day journey through central Oklahoma.

“Bike MS is an experience grounded in camaraderie that brings together cyclists of all levels for one reason – to create a world free of MS,” said Linda Bates, President, National MS Society, South Central.

“Funds raised from this event support

cutting-edge MS research as well as programs and services for people living with MS in this community.”

Bike MS: Oklahoma Ride is one of nearly 80 rides across the country hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This year, more than 80,000 people are expected to participate in Bike MS nationwide.

Primal and The Pickle Juice Company are Premier National Sponsors of Bike MS. Primal is also the official National Cycling Apparel Sponsor and sponsors “I Ride with MS,” a special program recognizing Bike MS cyclists living with the disease.

Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am Animal Friendly Parish “If you have people who exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have those who deal likewise with their fellow human being.”

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

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Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 1B

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE

Page 2B • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

NEW EDMOND DANCE STUDIO SEEKS TO MAKE DANCE FUN

GOING OVER THE BARRE

By April Burgess Not many people can say that dancing is truly their life, but Kaylee Overton can. The former competitive dancer and award-winning varsity pom squad member from McAlester, Oklahoma has just opened Edmond’s newest dance studio, Over the Kaylee Overton Barre Dance Academy, as a continuation of her love for the sport. She brings over 17 years of dancing in almost every genre imaginable to the table, along with Over the Barre’s other instructor, Rachael Overton. In fact, Over the Barre is truly a family

owned business, as Kaylee and her brother, Austin Harvanek, own the studio. Her sister-in-law is the other instructor.

Kaylee and her family see Over the Barre as being a little different from other dance studios. They want to maintain an intimate, closeknit environment, and even have a designated “hang out” room for that reason. Kaylee envisions her students dropping by just to chat, do their homework, or whatever else might come to mind. In keeping with this atmosphere, Over the Barre emphasizes a low-stress attitude toward their non-competitive classes.

“Dancing should be fun for everyone, whether you’re good at it or not,” Kaylee stresses. Her classes continued on Page 4B

PHOTO BY APRIL BURGESS

Over the Barre includes a comfortable “hang out” room for homework and more.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 3B

Back to School Books 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 the have in abundance. Here are some picks from the staff at Best of Books that are great reads for middle school aged children. bestofbooksok.com Refugee

By Alan Gratz JOSEF is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany.

With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world . . . ISABEL is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America . . .

MAHMOUD is a Syrian boy in 2015.

With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe . . . All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers -- from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home.

See You in the Cosmos

By Jack Cheng 11-year-old Alex Petroski loves space and rockets, his mom, his brother, and his dog Carl Sagan—named for his hero, the real-life astronomer. All he wants is to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan (the man, not the dog) launched his Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977.

From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to L.A., Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like.

But his destination keeps changing.

And the funny, lost, remarkable people he meets along the way can only partially prepare him for the secrets he’ll uncover—from the truth about his long-dead dad to the fact that, for a kid with a troubled mom and a mostly not-around brother, he has way more family than he ever knew.

Jack Cheng’s debut is full of joy, optimism, determination, and unbelievable heart. To read the first page is to fall in love with Alex and his view of our big, beautiful, complicated world. To read the last is to know he and his story will stay with you a long, long time.

Armstrong & Charlie

By Steven B. Frank Charlie isn’t looking forward to sixth grade.

If he starts sixth grade, chances are he’ll finish it.

And when he does, he’ll grow older than the brother he recently lost.

Armstrong isn’t looking forward to sixth grade, either. When his parents sign him up for Opportunity Busing to a white school in the Hollywood Hills, all he wants to know is “What time in the morning will my alarm clock have the opportunity to ring?”

When these two land at the same desk, it’s the Rules Boy next to the Rebel, a boy who lost a brother elbow-to-elbow with a boy who longs for one.

From September to June, arms will wrestle, fists will fly, and bottles will spin. There’ll be Ho Hos spiked with hot sauce, sleepovers, boy talk about girls, and a little guidance from the stars.

Set in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Armstrong and Charlie is the hilarious, heartwarming tale of two boys from opposite worlds, Different, yet the same.

Amina’s Voice

By Hena Khan A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family’s vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community in this “compassionate, timely novel” (Booklist, starred review) from the award-winning author of It’s Ramadan, Curious George and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns.

Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she’s in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the “cool” girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more “American.” Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized.

Amina’s Voice brings to life the joys and challenges of a young Pakistani-American and highlights the many ways in which one girl’s voice can help bring a diverse community together to love and support each other.

Page 4B • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Dance

from Page 2B

PHOTO BY APRIL BURGESS

“We are awesome” proclaims a sign near the entrance. range from beginner and just-forfun classes to serious, audition-only competitive pom and dance groups.

Currently, classes are available for ages 3-13, with special technique classes offered for college students.

They are also looking at adding adult classes on Fridays, due to popular request. Many moms may have danced when they were younger and would like a fun way to continue doing so, or maybe an adult beginner is looking for a fun, social way to get some exercise. Over the Barre hopes to be able to fill that niche soon.

The studio had its first day of classes on August 6, and is located in the Bryant Square Shopping Center next to the just-opened Bath and Body Works. Learn more at overthebarre danceacademy.com

PHOTO BY APRIL BURGESS

A large chalkboard wall keeps dance students and parents informed.

Strategies parents can use to motivate students Students may need some time to adjust at the beginning of a new school year. Summer vacations typically lack the structure of the school year, and it might be unfair to expect kids to seamlessly slip back into their more regimented lives as students.

While some early school year sluggishness might be normal, that should wear off pretty quickly. If not, and students appear to be struggling to get motivated for their schoolwork, parents can try various strategies that should help reignite youngsters’ passions for learning.

• Make your home more school-friendly. Summer is a relaxing time of year when parents have a tendency to relax rules around the house. But come the school year, parents must make sure their homes are as conducive to studying as possible. Resist the urge to turn the television on each night so students are not distracted from their studies.

Keep the home quiet so students are motivated to focus on their studies.

• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities. Various studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. A 2002 study published in the journal Sociology of Education found that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with improved grade point average, increased college attendance and reduced absenteeism. The link between participation in extracurricular activities and improved academic

performance is still in need of study, but such participation may help children acclimate to the structure of the school year more quickly than they might if they do not participate in such activities.

• Encourage curious youngsters.

Kids are curious, and fostering that curiosity can be a great way for parents to get their kids excited about learning. Whether it’s during the school year and part of their curriculum or on summer break, encourage kids to engage in subjects that interest them. As kids learn more about the topics and subjects that interest them, they may develop a passion for learning that they can then take with them to the classroom.

•Express an interest in the subjects children are studying.

Another way to motivate students at the dawn of a new school year is to express an interest in the subjects they’re studying. Ask questions about their studies and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions.

Engaging students about the subjects they’re studying can motivate them to explore those subjects more deeply than they otherwise might.

Motivating kids to be excited about their schoolwork at the dawn of a new school year can sometimes be difficult. But parents can employ various strategies that can help their children readjust to life in the classroom and motivate them to perform to the best of their abilities.

-MS

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 9, 2018 • Page 5B

District has committee to address bullying Mom of bullied twins on panel also

By Steve Gust The school bullying issue will be receiving even more attention from the Edmond School District, intent on identifying problem students before they act out.

District information director Susan Parks-Schlepp said a committee has been planned since March to “better meet the needs of our students.”

Serving on the panel will be district and site personnel as well as representatives of state agencies who specialize in mental health and substance abuse problems.

Another new member will be April Whelan.

She is the mother of twins, who have just completed fourth grade at Edmond’s Sunset Elementary. Whelan brought her concerns to the Edmond Board of Education at its May 7 regular meeting. She told the board at the time of the frustration she experienced dealing with a bully she called

“John Doe.” The fellow fourth grader targeted one of her sons with physical and verbal assaults, starting the second week of school last fall. The offender, she said, also had flipped a desk, cursed at school staff and thrown a trash can in the classroom.

Whelan told the board she took her concerns to Sunset administration who kept telling her multiple times “it was a process,” in dealing with the bully. The offender did receive more than one two-day suspension, but that didn’t deter him, Whelan said.

During the meeting she said that the district’s policies on bullying were “a joke.”

After the meeting, superintendent Bret Towne said he had not been aware of the Sunset incident until Whelan spoke to the board. He ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, Edmond continues to

remain vigilant against bullying, ParksSchlepp said.

“The district is troubled by reports of bullying and is committed to putting an end to student mistreatment by providing better training and resources to staff, implementing prevention programs and reviewing the bullying policy for possible revision.”

Price Brown, the district’s executive director of Elementary Education, eventually got in contact with Whelan concerning the issue.

Whelan said Brown invited her to be part of the committee to study the issue and come up with a program of identifying students who may be victims of what Parks-Schlepp called “adverse childhood experiences.”

“Studies show that students who have experienced childhood trauma bully others,” Parks-Schlepp said.

Editor’s note: This article originally ran in the May 31, 2018 edition of Edmond Life & Leisure.

Did You Know?

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the

United States Department of Education released the first federal uniform definition of bullying to help clarify instances of bullying from other occurrences. At the crux of the definition is unwanted aggressive behavior, observed or perceived power imbalance and repetition of behaviors or high likelihood of repetition. Bullying modes and types can vary. The two modes of bullying include direct (bullying that occurs in the presence of a targeted youth) and indirect (bullying not directly communicated to a targeted youth such as spreading rumors). In addition to these two modes, the four types of bullying are included in broad categories in the current definition: physical, verbal, relational (efforts to harm the reputation or relationships of the targeted youth), and damage to property. Bullying may constitute criminal behavior and be punishable by law. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 28 percent of American students in grades six to 12 have experienced bullying.

-MS

Page 6B • August 9, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure