Edmond Life and Leisure - August 11, 2022

August 11, 2022 Vol. 23, No. 13

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

School safety top of EPS concerns Relationship building important when safety counts

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

Back to School Middle school Edition

See pages 12-15

FRIDAY, August 12 Sunny High 97° Low 72°

SATURDAY, August 13 Sunny High 98° Low 75°

SUNDAY, August 14 Sunny High 101° Low 76°

By Patty Miller with internal locks, and Edmond Public Schools Grunewald said all extebegins a new year with rior doors remain locked safety at the forefront of during the school day. the administration’s minds.

Grunewald said regIn a press conference ular drills are practiced last week Superintenthroughout the year in the dent Angela Grunewald schools should an incident and Chief of Police J. D. occur so students and facYounger discussed safety ulty will be aware of what procedures in place as the to do. students begin the school Safety procedures don’t year. stop at door access to the According to former suschools. Storm shelters perintendent Bret Towne, PHOTO PROVIDED have been being built or Edmond began installing Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Angela added to existing buildsafety procedures in 1990 Grunewald and Chief of Police J.D. Younger hold ings. with the issuance of iden“Storm shelters were a press conference discussing school safety. tification badges at the included when building School starts today! schools.

Cross Timbers, Washgetting a badge to wear while in Identification badges ington Irving, and Angie the building. are still being used in the high Debo elementary schools,” Towne “Cameras have been used for schools. And that’s not the only said. “We have now retrofitted all 20 years throughout the district step officials are using for security. the schools with storm shelters and are constantly updated,” Secured entrances began being either in cafeterias, libraries or Supt.

Grunewald said.

“They are installed at the schools and now classroom pods.” shatterproof window film is being monitored by office personnel.”

MENTAL HEALTH ADDRESSED Towne added the hope is that used on key entrances throughout Recognizing the need to address someone will be kept busy while the district. the mental health of the students, office personnel call for help.

Parents entering the schools Grunewald said, “We have 22 Classroom doors throughout must go through a process of counselors in the district and two the district are being retrofitted showing their driver’s license and continued on Page 3

Page 2 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 3

Cover social workers, but we still need to work on more help.”

Training of staff and personnel is done with the use of partnerships, Grunewald added.

Partnerships have been formed with parents, teachers and students as well as a partnership with the Edmond Police Department.

Twenty five years ago Chief Younger formed a group of police officers who were to become Student Resource Officers. Today they are under the direction of Lt. Brent Clowers.

“The police officers who are chosen to be SROs have additional training over their police training,” Younger said.

Officers are taught intervention tactics as well as support tactics if an incident should arise.

“Partnerships make the schools so much safer,” Grunewald said.

STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICERS “Our SRO program is a national program,” Chief Younger said, “affiliated with the National Association of Certified Police Officers.”

There are 11 SROs in the middle and high schools from Edmond’s police department and one provided from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office.

“Our officers are trained to build relationships,” Younger added.

He added SROs are more than cops in schools. They are trained in how to handle a crisis, as well as intervention when necessary.

“We are constantly looking at how

From Page 1

There are 11 SROs in the middle and high schools from Edmond’s police department and one provided from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office.

to improve relationships,” Younger said. “We are continuous learners.”

With each national event in schools, Younger said they review what happened.

“We do not want to make the same mistakes,” Younger said.

Prevention is the number job of the SROs, Younger added.

“Our SRO’s are not involved in school discipline,” Grunewald said, but they are important in building relationships with parents, students and teachers.”

RELIANCE ON STUDENTS “Our students have grown up in this environment,” Grunewald said. “I want to thank them and say we take every report seriously.”

Grunewald stressed the importance of reaffirming relationships as well as building relationships.

“Our students are extremely helpful because they know when a friend needs help,” Grunewald said. “Many times they monitor social media and in turn help us know when a student may need additional help.”

Free medical screening scheduled The Edmond Lions Club, and the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, will sponsor a free medical screening on Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The medical screening unit will be

at the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union at 925 Covell Village, next to the Burger King on North Kelly Ave. For more information call Larry Phelps at 405-306-2684.

Page 4 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Conviction turns into commitment Returning from vacation and scanning the social media post I had missed from last week, a post from my friend (real friend and not just on FB) Reagan Hamlin. She is the executive director Ray Hibbard of Free To Live Animal Sanctuary. It truly touched my heart and folks, if this doesn’t renew your faith in human beings then I can’t help you.

Here is the post in her words: “I think it was a Saturday that Lefty came back. He was adopted as a puppy and now 14 years old he was back in our office being returned. We scrambled. He was the stuff of legends out here within two days.

The cries from his pen resonated across property and broke everyone’s heart that visited, and staff could hear it in their sleep at night.

What were we going to do with Lefty? Want to know where someone got their kindness? You never have to look farther than those around them. My aunt heard his story and immediately said: I will meet him.

She learned every detail of his routine down to where he preferred to eat his breakfast, what dogs he liked to play with in their park and what the ideal rest schedule looked like for him. He communicated and she adjusted. He was home.

It wasn’t a few months in that we discovered the tumor on his chest, the mass in his head wasn’t far behind that. He lasted a full year on his chemo and thrived with little side effects. When the chemo stopped working, she made him chicken and ground beef, moved his bed to the living room, slept on a pallet near him when he was too agitated to settle.

She was his champion and his friend. She was his home all the way to the end. She cried, I cried, our doctor cried. Those last breaths aren’t ever easy but knowing he wasn’t left behind is everything I want our world to be. Rest easy Lefty. You were loved beyond measure.”

This incredible woman obviously had convictions that included kindness. Hamlin is one of the kindest folks I’ve ever known so it is easy to see that with the actions of her aunt, that conviction and the commitment to be kind runs deep in

their family. God Bless their family and those that donate and volunteer at Free To Live.

The story reminded me of another that we ran many years ago.

It was written by my friend and former colleague at OKC FRIDAY, Sandy Case. She too has passed but her story needs to be repeated for pet owners who learn from their furry friends.

Lessons From A Dog In 30-something years of training my dogs and other people's dogs, I've learned a lot. Some from other trainers. Some from the people whose dogs I work with. But most of all from the dogs themselves.

In that time, I've also developed a bit of an instinct for what the dogs themselves may be saying.

Some people might call it Animal Communication. Others might call it imagination, or intuition. I don't worry too much about the exact nature of it, but I try to use it for what it tells me about the dogs -and sometimes what it tells me about larger considerations.

One thing I've learned about dogs, compared to humans is that they are much more "immediate" than we are. Many dogs can survive terrible conditions and never look back at them. In fact, it is more the humans who cling to their dog's past misfortunes and keep those issues in their dog's life. And I don't believe I've ever met a dog who worries much about what the future might bring. Most don't even look at consequences of their own behavior the way we do (which can cause some problems in training!).

Of the many memorable dogs who have been in my life, one of the most memorable was Phoebe, a little blue merle Australian Shepherd with intense blue eyes that seemed to look into your soul.

Phoebe was scary smart and often seemed to just know what she needed to do and do it.

For instance, once in a herding

trial, we were out of our depth on the course. It contained a freestanding chute which the sheep needed to go through. Phoebe brought them to the mouth of the chute, and then we spent several minutes with me directing her one direction - then the other, which she took as asked, but because of my poor abilities and timing, the sheep would slip just past the opening. Finally, the timekeeper called a three-minute warning, and I gave up and went to open the pen gate.

As soon as I turned my back, I heard applause from the grandstand. I glanced back to see Phoebe with the sheep lined up in the middle of the chute. She'd simply had to wait for me to quit giving her lousy directions so she could do her job! Phoebe became an obedience champion, and in her day was one of the top ranked dogs in her breed. That didn't mean that she wouldn't let me know when I was getting too uppity about my part in the partnership. She had a wicked sense of humor.

As dogs do, Phoebe aged, and retired from competitions to couch potato status. At 11 she seemed not to be feeling quite herself and we made a visit to the vet. A large mass was discovered in her abdomen, and we were referred to the board-certified surgeon. The diagnosis was a large, benign tumor that was inoperable because it was wrapped around the vena cava - a major artery, and surgery could

cause a fatal bleed. It didn't pose an immediate threat to her life, but it would continue to grow and pose problems later.

Not too long after Phoebe came home, I was lying in bed wondering how I was going to deal with her loss when the time came, and I heard a clear voice. "Live in the Now. Enjoy me while I am here, and I'll let you know when it is time for me to go." It may have been Phoebe, or it may have been a smarter part of myself, but it was very good advice. I made it a point not to worry about what might come, and really enjoy my time with this amazing little spirit who was a special gift to me. She was good to her word and lived a full and joyous life right up to the day she let me know it was time to release her, about two years later.

I came to realize what an important message had come in the form of this little dog. How much time I would have missed enjoying her if I had continued projecting my thoughts to a sadder time in the future? What would I have gained from that? Nothing.

Dogs provide us with a great example of living in the "Now". We can't change things which happened in the past and since we don't really know the future, it's futile to spend too much time worrying about it. Those of us who have had life-altering diagnoses may be more aware of the uncertainty of our time here, but it is true for everyone - all we really have is this moment. This Now. Being human and having a much different concept of time, it's hard for us to break our habits of regretting the past or worrying about the future.

But we need to be aware that every second we spend on the things we can't change or can't predict is a second, we miss in the all-important and ever present Now. (Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

‘I made it a point not to worry about what might come, and really enjoy my time with this amazing little spirit who was a special gift to me. She was good to her word and lived a full and joyous life right up to the day she let me know it was time to release her.’

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police report ..............................................................................Page 6.

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6.

---- George Gust reviews film, ‘Prey’ ................................................Page 8.

---- Crossword Puzzle........................................................................Page 8.

---- More insanity from Washington D.C. ........................................Page 8.

---- The latest on potato chips ......................................................Page 10.

---- Back to School ..................................................................Pages 12-15.

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

---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18.

This and so much more in this week’s edition

See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.

For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 5

Edmond Genealogical Society meeting Aug. 15

The importance of history

Route 66 author to sign books Aug. 21

Smith: Oklahoma’s Best Friend, The August 15, 2022, proThe Oklahoma State Fair: A gram of Edmond Genealogical History, and Encyclopedia of Society will be presented by Gini Oklahoma History and CulMoore Campbell, Vice President, ture. She is working on a chilOklahoma Hall of Fame. Join dren’s poetry book geared for with us as Ms. Campbell shares young Oklahoma students and the importance of history; both has edited more than 400 tiOklahoma state and our own tles on Oklahoma’s rich history personal yesteryears. She will and heritage. also talk about her role in pubCampbell earned her educalishing books about our great tion through Oklahoma City state.

Public Schools, the University A native of Oklahoma City, a of Central Oklahoma, and the fifth-generation Oklahoman, and University of Phoenix. With a member of the Choctaw Naher husband Chris she makes tion, Campbell has worked for her home northwest of Oklathe not-for-profit Oklahoma Hall Gini Moore Campbell homa City. She is the proud of Fame for more than three mother of Corbin, his wife decades. As vice president, she has played an integral role in the growth of the Kaleigh, and their son Harrison, and extended family of Dillon, his wife Kelsey, son Campbell, publishing and scholarship programs, is scriptwriter and executive producer of the Okla- and daughter Hayes.

Meetings are free and open to the public. homa Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and Programs start at 6:30 p.m. Edmond Genealogserves as the human resources officer. ical Society meetings are held the third Monday Campbell has volunteered for and served on of the month at the Church of Jesus Christ of governing bodies of many worthwhile OklaLatter-Day Saints located at 15700 N. Penn, homa causes and organizations. She is past Oklahoma City. Enter through the doors on president and continues to serve as an officer for the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the the east side of the building. The church offers plenty of parking and is fully handicap accessiBook under the Library of Congress. ble. For more information on EGS, go to: As author/co-author, Campbell has more www.edmondgensoc.org, or visit us on Facethan 300 published articles to her credit, apbook at Edmond Genealogical Society. If any pearing in Oklahoma Today, Reader’s Digest, and Working Mother Magazine, among others, changes are made to this event, we will post the information on our Facebook page and and several books, including Celebrating 80 website.

Years of Our State’s Highest Honor, Lee Allan

David Wickline, the author of several popular books about traveling along Route 66, will sign copies of his latest guide, the “Route 66 Handbook,” from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

The handbook, published July 31, is a planning tool for Route 66 trips as well as a daily guide along the 2,450-mile trail from Chicago to Santa Monica, Wickline said. It features information about more than 2,000 attractions, eateries, museums, motels, hotels and recreational vehicle parks, complete with GPS coordinates.

“I was a home builder in Ohio when I discovered Route 66 while on a trip with my daughter Chelsea to Tulsa,” Wickline said. “I began taking photos along the way and after a few years found that attractions and icons along the road were disappearing. That is when I self-published the ‘Images of 66’ books, Volumes 1 and 2. These photo essay books are now in their seventh printing.”

Wickline then authored three tour books before launching the “Route 66 Handbook” project.

“I noticed that many Route 66 travelers began their trips unprepared about what attractions to visit, where to eat, where to sleep, what museums to visit, what RV parks were recommended and what attractions would be of interest to their children,” Wickline said. “Thus the ‘Route 66 Handbook’ was born.”

The 224-page handbook sells for $20, and copies will be available during the book signing.

The Arcadia Round Barn, which carries Wickline’s Route 66 merchandise in its gift shop, is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. Parking is available on the north side of the barn.

Send news, photos to news@edmondpaper.com

Page 6 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department.

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

July 18 Christina Rene Duncan, 44 of Guthrie. Misdemeanor warrant.

Benjamin David Waltman, 34 homeless. Disorderly conduct and non-assault resisting officer.

Jordan Paul Krug, 31 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Rhianna Michelle Murphy, 28 of Oklahoma City.

Misdemeanor warrant.

July 19 Carol Lee Rose, 53 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Haley Skylar Stokes, 20 of Yukon. Public intoxication.

Daniel Ray Dodson, 42 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia, false representation to an officer and public intoxication.

July 20 Anna Marie Moyer, 33 of Mustang. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Angelo Smith, 33 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Thedford Black, 60 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting and failure to appear.

Justin Allan Lee Rockhill, 37 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

July 21 Sabriyah Hadiah Perkins, 23 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Reanna Lee McCurley, 35 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Cynthia Lee Baker, 74 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) Domestic abuse assault.

Donald Ray Vincent Jr., 58 of Edmond. Aggravated assault & Batter and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Robbie Herbert Randell, 58 of Oklahoma City.

Non-assault resisting officer, failure to appear and public intoxication.

July 22 Brandon Lee Richards, 23 homeless. Possess CDS and (misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Kirk David Peterson, 54 of Bartlesville. Public in-

toxication.

Addison Wynne Thompson, 21 homeless. Public intoxication.

July 23 Antonio Martin, 54 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Bradleigh McCall Wolff, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Ricky Lee Caldwell, Jr., 41 of Edmond. Obstruction of a police officer.

July 24 Cheng Xiong Ye, 36 of Littleton, Colo. Felony DUI/APC. Jeffrey Robert Ramos, 19 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Tisha Sada Harris, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jacob Allen Rodriquez, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication, trespassing after being forbidden and sexual battery.

Emilee Anne Miller, 36 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property and burglary in the second degree.

Payton Banning Adams, 24 of Oklahoma City.

Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

July 25 Steffan Malik Giggers, 24 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and obstruction of a police office.r July 26 Alfred Crockett Officer IV, 40 of Oklahoma City.

Misuse of forged, counterfeit or suspended driver license, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, obstruction or a police officer, three felony warrants, three misdemeanors warrants, failure to appear and (felony) larceny of merchandise from retailer.

Amanda M. Lounder, 33 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or been and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or combination of schedule one chemical or controlled substance.

Timothy Lee Funderburgh, 51 of Edmond.

Shoplifting.

Montaz Taiwan Jones III, 19 homeless. Possess CDS and burglary/theft from a motor vehicle.

Scott Anthony Lehman Jr., 37 homeless.

Shoplifting, and non-assault resisting an officer.

Nicole Danielle Leyout, 40 of Bethany. Public intoxication.

Nathaniel Thomas Harrison, 34 homeless. False representation to an officer.

July 28

Thomas David Horton, 60 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Dervol Jacob Zeno, 41 of Laplace, La. Public intoxication Corey Michael Spurgeon, 20 of Edmond. Present false ID for purpose of committing a felony, misleading officer avoid prosecution, possess CDS, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and under 21 operate (DUI/APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance.

Richard Arthur Guay, Jr., 39 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. July 29 Jerry Thomas Wilson, 51. Five felony warrants and five misdemeanor warrants.

Vince Franklin Nethery, 36 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Garry Allen Maldonado, 51 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Kaleb Stephen Bass, 19 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Timmy Adkisson, 28 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

July 30 Teron Kire Cooks, 30 of Edmond. Possess with intent to distribute, two misdemeanor warrants, possess drug paraphernalia, public intoxication and obstruction of a police officer.

Bryan Eddie Cragar, 54 homeless. Defrauding an innkeeper.

William Taron Milligan, 25 of Edmond. A felony warrant and three counts of failure to appear.

Toni Dale Mines, 45 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Nathan Jacob Rosenzweig, 29 of Oklahoma City. (Felony) larceny of merhcandise from a retailer.

William Ray Melton, 39 of Guthrie. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Amanda Jean Newby, 43 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

July 31 Cirilo Christopher Luna, 35 of Oklahoma City., Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Demetrion Desha Simpson, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Marcllis Owens III, 22 of Guthrie. Domestic abuse with prior patter of physical abuse, violation of protective order, obstruction of police officer, kidnapping and domestic abuse assault. (Strangulation) Keenan Dejuan Davis, 29 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Weekend calendar of events, Aug. 11-14 What’s Happening Weekend Aug.. 11-14 ---- In the Gallery ---- Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- LibertyFest Exhibit ---- Edmond Bike Night ---- Live Music at the Patriarch ---- Concert in the Park ---- Back to School Movie Night at Mitch Park ---- Oklahoma Red Dirt Quilt Festival ---- An Aug.ust Afternoon with Oklahoma Authors ---- Concert in the Park ---- Clue! at the Cowboy ---- Drop-In Drawing: First Abraham Lincoln ---- Signature Tour ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Venus in Fur ---- All Star Team Roping Finals ---- Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show ---- FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival ---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show ---- Summer Music Series ---- Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC ---- Local Natives in Concert ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series ---- Paycom Center presents: Kevin Hart ---- Round Barn Rendezvous Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, Aug. 4 – Wed, Aug. 31; The art of Heather Porter; Opening night, Thu, Aug. 4; 5 p.m.; Free; edmondfinearts.com Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhistory.org LibertyFest Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: From now through Sat, Sept. 3; edmondhistory.org Edmond Bike Night Location: Edmond Railyard Extra Info: Tue nights through Tue, Oct 18; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondbikenight.com Live Music at the Patriarch Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 12; Featuring Frank Berry; 8 p.m.; Free Concert in the Park Location: Hafer Park Extra Info: Thu, Aug. 11; 6 - 9 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com Back to School Movie Night at Mitch Park Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 12; 7 – 10:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com Oklahoma Red Dirt Quilt Festival Location: Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 12 – Sat, Aug. 13; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; $10; edmondquiltguild.us

boymuseum.org Drop-In Drawing: First Abraham Lincoln Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, Aug. 14; 2-3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 12 & Sun, Aug. 14; 1-2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Venus in Fur Location: Indoor Black Box, OKC Extra Info: Now through Sat, Aug. 13; Thu – Sun: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okshakes.org All Star Team Roping Finals Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Now through Sun, Aug. 14; allstarteamroping.com Okla. City Renovation & Landscaping Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 12 – Sun, Aug. 14; Fri: 2 – 7 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; homeshowcenter.com

An August Afternoon with Okla. Authors Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 13; 12-2 p.m.; Free

FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival Location: 1702 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 12 – Sat, Aug. 13; Fri: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat: 6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; firelakeballoonfest.com

Concert in the Park Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 13; 7n – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com

Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info; Sat, Aug. 13 – Sun, Aug. 14; Sat: 9 a.m.

– 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgunshow.com

Clue! at the Cowboy Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Aug. 12; 7 ---- 9 p.m.; nationalcow-

Summer Music Series Location: Riversport OKC Extra Info: Sat, Aug. 13; 7 – 10 p.m.; riversportokc.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 7

Past presidents of the Rotary Club of Edmond The Rotary Club of Edmond held its annual installation of officers and board of directors on recently.

During what has become an annual tradition, the club honored past presidents for their service to the Edmond community. Past presidents: from left, are front: Jay Smith, Jessica Lyle, Chris Koehler, Ruth Boss, Natalie Bonney, Amzi Gregory, James Boggs and Jane Sutter. On the back are Mike Roark, Dan Chavez, Jay Buxton, Jack Warner, G.K. Powers, Steve Murdock, Andy Lester and Kelly Kay.

Rotary Club of Edmond installs new board directors The new president of Rotary Club of Edmond cast her vision for strengthening club service and community relationships during the installation of new officers for the fiscal year. The event took place at the club’s regular meeting at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Edmond recently.

President Beth Case said the key to achieve meaningful work is through engagement then introduced the year’s theme, “Imagine. Strengthening us through a spirit of giving.”

The theme was introduced after incoming board members discussed a two-year plan during a recent retreat.

The theme is designed to strengthen existing community ties and build on growth that occurred during challenging years posed by the COVID 19 virus.

“This is your club,” Case said. “You have trusted us with a plan, and I

thank you.”

The new plan will build on projects the club is known for, such as its support for Ida Freeman Elementary School and volunteer events such as The Miracle League. Case urged attendees to strengthen retention by taking care of its own members while reaching out to others to build membership.

Outgoing president, James Boggs ceremoniously passed the gavel and the Buddy Morris presidential emblem to Case. District 5750 Governor, Dena K. Fisher then installed 16 officers and directors including President-elect Chris Berry with the YMCA, Secretary Andrew Conyers, assistant city manager with The City of Edmond, Treasurer Chris Koehler, Price Mortgage Group, who has also served as past president of the club; and Edmond Po-

See Board, Page 8

Page 8 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Predator franchise gets a fresh & good look

By George Gust “Prey” is the origin story of the Predator in the world of the Comanche Nation 300 years ago. Naru (Amber Midthunder), a skilled female warrior, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly evolved Predators to land on Earth.

If you surveyed a hundred movie-goers this year, you might be surprised that they’re growing weary of the weekly deluge of larger than life franchises that are vying to big bigger and more flashy than the previous installment. “Prey” is a prequel to the Predator franchise that eschews the temptation to build an interconnected franchise in favor of boiling down the essential elements that made the first film an instant action/sci-fi classic.

Taking place in the northern plains in the late 1700’s “Prey” follows a tribe of Comanche and features an all Native American cast. The picturesque landscapes, sweeping cinematography and mellow western score give “Prey” a visceral transcendental feeling that you get in the best kind of Westerns. Then when you drop in the most unfathomable of creatures you get the better version of the blockbuster flop “Cowboys and

Aliens.” The action scenes were thankfully clearly shot with long unbroken takes that made discerning where the characters were and telling a story through action instead of action for action’s sake.

The grounded and honest characterization of Naru and her expert hunter brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers) brings you even further into the world of the Comanche 300 years ago. And with that emotional connection to the characters and the near unstoppable Predator character you’ve got a tense and gripping game of cat and bigger cat in the beautiful untouched wilderness.

As the main protagonist, Midthunder commands

the screen in both loud action and more quiet scenes. Midthunder was able to bring a physicality to the role that required sparing amount of dialogue. She was especially expressive with her eyes, a hallmark of the Predator franchise, harkening back to the mud-soaked eyes of Schwarzenegger in the first film.

Overall, “Prey” is tense and satisfying action/thriller that builds the lore of the Predator franchise in a natural way. The inclusion of the majority Native American cast and use of the Comanche language added a layer of verisimilitude that felt immersive and gave the audience a real rooting interest when it came to the ‘mano a Predator’ fight scenes. “Prey” is a smart and thrilling entry into the Predator universe and is a clean entry point for action fans unfamiliar with the other movies.

“Prey” is rated R for strong bloody violence.

Now available exclusively to stream on Hulu.

4.2 out of 5 stars.

You can reach George Gust to comment on this film, or any of his motion picture reviews at gust.george@gmail.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Prey’ is the origin story of an early interaction between man and extraterrestrial Predator, this time with an tribe of Comanche in the North American plains of the 1700s.

Answers appearing on Page 19

Board From Page 6 lice Chief, J.D. Younger will remain as sergeantat-arms.

Other directors inducted include Codie Hardy, of Creative Financial Strategies, club service; Barry Bell, of Bell Brothers Racing, community service; Hunter Cottle of Edward Jones, vocational service; Robert Gibson of Luckinbill Inc., golf committee; Mark Jones, retired educator, international service; Natalie A. Bonney, CPA, The Rotary Foundation; Rhett Schuman, of Raymond James, membership; Scott Coppenbarger of The Genesis Project, public relations; and Christine Merideth, Oklahoma Christian University, scholarship committee.

The club honored Allison Calhoun who retired after serving 17 years as executive secretary. She is replaced by Amy Hollas.

A highlight of the installation was the introduction and recognition of 16 of the club’s past presidents.

The Rotary Club of Edmond currently meets at noon every Wednesday on St Lukes United Methodist, Edmond on I35 and Sooner Road and on Zoom. Guests are welcome. www.edmondrotary.org

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Back to School ACROSS 1. *Beginning of a computer class?

6. Mandela's org.

9. Horned birds 13. Silly and insignificant 14. U.S. counterpart to British M15 15. Inuit skin boat 16. Long oar 17. Acronym, abbr.

18. Movie "____ Day Care" 19. *End of a pencil, sometimes 21. *"Back to School" star 23. Asian restaurant frying pan 24. Anne ____ of gothic fiction fame 25. ____ Beesly of "The Office" 28. Cote d'Azur city 30. Opposite of comic 35. Major mountain chain in Russia 37. It launched Columbus, acr.

39. Walk through slush 40. Lindsey Vonn's prop 41. *Geography class prop 43. Bear in the sky 44. Idealized imaged of someone 46. Reflect deeply 47. Stake driver 48. Dismiss (2 words) 50. Not want 52. Albanian money 53. *Cafeteria ware 55. Rare find 57. *Paper holder 60. *Fictional high school in "Grease" 63. Pope's court 64. Barley brew 66. Run-of-the-mill 68. Boat contents 69. Little bit 70. Tale, in France 71. Small island 72. I, to Claudius 73. Terminated DOWN 1. Fleur-de-____ 2. Sometimes it's

enough 3. Wild ox of India 4. On spouse's side 5. Infamous Baby Face 6. A long way off 7. Network at 30 Rock 8. Wispy clouds 9. Yemen's neighbor 10. ____ receiver 11. The Tramp's spaghettislurping companion 12. Limit, to some 15. Bovine milk dispensers 20. Increasing 22. Month X 24. Reverberate 25. *Student 26. Scent, usually pleasant 27. Malaysia native 29. "Keep ____ and Carry On" 31. *One at high school reunion 32. Small Asian ungulate 33. September edition, e.g.

34. *Dry-erase marker predecessor

36. Toy construction set 38. Having the know-how 42. Lament for the dead 45. When one is not oneself (2 words) 49. Joker to Batman, e.g.

51. *Do this in Math class 54. *Do this in Speech class 56. Subatomic particle 57. Sable and beaver, e.g.

58. *Type of exam 59. Like SNL 60. *Grader's suggestion 61. City in Sweden 62. "A day ____ and a dollar short" 63. Some special effects, acr.

65. Fall behind 67. Type of Christmas lights

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 9

Ian Davis wins OGA state amateur

By Steve Steele It was a long and hot week of golf at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, which hosted the 2022 Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur Championship July 25-27. 168 of Steele the states best amateurs had teed it up at two qualifying sites, Lincoln Park West GC and Bailey Ranch GC in Owasso to claim one of the 64 match play bracket spots. Exempt from qualifying was defending champion Tres Hill of Elk City, who will be a sophomore at Oklahoma City University this fall. Claiming the second seed was former Deer Creek and OSU golfer Ian Davis, who fired a nifty 64 (8) to led all qualifiers at Lincoln Park.

Right behind him was former 6A State Champion from Edmond North and current OSU golfer Jordan Wilson, a sophomore to be with a 65 (-7). Wilson won the 2019 State Amateur at Oak Tree National.

In the quarterfinals, in the upper bracket, Kyle Hudelson, of Oklahoma City and a former Deer Creek HS golfer got past former Edmond North Husky Ben Klaus of Nichols Hills 4&3 to advance to the semifinals. In the lower bracket, former Edmond Memorial golfer Jacob Prentice defeated OKC's Brian Birchell to claim his spot against Hudelson. In bracket 2, Ian Davis squeaked out a victory in 20 holes against former SNU golfer Mike Hearne of Yukon. In that match Davis was two down playing number 17 and won both #17 and #18 to send the quarterfinal match into extra holes. In bracket 3, Austin Schmidt of Tulsa got past Jordan Wilson 3&2 in the round of 16 and defeated Broken Arrow High School golfer Alex Bloxham 3&1 to get the privilege to play Ian Davis in the other semifinal.

So, in a rare circumstance, the semifinalists ranged in age from 25 to 33 and now all work for a living. Hudelson, at 33, the oldest played Prentice, the youngest at 25. In 2007, Hudelson, a senior at Deer Creek, won a 5A State Team Championship with the freshman at the time and now 30 year old Ian Davis. In a footrace with the help of carts and caddies Prentice and Hudelson played the first nine holes in an hour and nine minutes.

Prentice prevailed on the 16th hole to win the match 3&2 while shooting 4 under par, bogey free golf in 2:08. He

Ian Davis just wore Hudelson out, "He played well" Hudelson said. "I've never seen a guy make that many 8 foot par saves.

He didn't miss any".

In the other semifinal, Ian Davis, a 2014 OSU graduate who was playing just his second tournament as a re-instated amateur (November '21) had to play strong golf to get past Austin Schmidt. Davis, who won his first professional event in 2014, a five shot victory in the Colorado Open, also played on the Korn Ferry Tour for a year, two years on the Latino American Tour and a year on the Canadian Tour, where he traveled across Canada with his caddie this week, former Oklahoma Sooner golfer Michael Gellerman, who is in the middle of taking time off for a rib injury to heal.

Davis has been working in the airplane title business doing marketing and business development.

Austin Schmidt, 32, has a unique background. The Tulsa Bishop Kelly grad tried out for the University of Tulsa golf team more than a decade ago and after tying for the low round on the teams play day was told they did not have any room on the roster for him. He put the clubs away for a decade and was a motocross racer and a professional Guitar Hero player. He had a leather goods import/export business that he sold in 2019 and

started flipping cars. "I buy and sell Mercedes, Porsches and BMW's" Schmidt said. "I joined Golf Club of Oklahoma in Broken Arrow and started playing golf again". A couple of weeks ago he shot 5 under par and lost in a playoff at the OGA Mid Amateur contested at Hillcrest CC in Bartlesville. In the Davis versus Schmidt semifinal Davis had six birdies and no bogies and defeated Schmidt 2&1.

Jacob Prentice won the 2015 6A State Championship at Karsten Creek while playing for Edmond Memorial.

He played college golf at Southern Nazarene, he never turned professional but did work at Golf Galaxy and two years for his good friend, Trey Howard, at Club Champion, a golf fitting store on Western and Memorial as a master club fitter. Recently his life has more responsibilities with marriage to wife Samantha and a seven month old son.

He has not played much golf as it has taken two years to recover from a knee he tore up in a 2020 motorcycle accident. This past year he has started a new career selling hips and knees for McBride Clinic.

The final match teed off at 12:30 p.m. It was back and forth on the front nine with Davis birdieing the second but Prentice answering with a birdie on the short third hole. The match was even thru six, on the short seventh Davis failed to get up and down. He did get up and in on eight from 30 yards for birdie to even the match and won the ninth with a conceded tap in after a 20 foot chip. "I struggled on number nine all week" said Prentice. He flew his second shot twenty yards past the flag, to his amazement, and failed to convert his fifteen foot par effort. Prentice lost the 11th to go 2 down after a three putt on the par three. Davis gave it right back on the short, tricky par 4 12th when his 4 iron off of the tee found the meandering creek. "I hit about 3 inches behind it and one

hopped it into the creek" he said.

Prentice had a birdie try on the par 5 13th inside ten feet he failed to convert after Davis had short sided himself and was fortunate to make par.

They tied 14 and 15 and with Prentice 1 down and needing to win a hole he stuffed his second shot on the 507 yard downwind par 5 16th to inside six feet for eagle. Davis had raced his second shot thru the green and had a difficult pitch from 30 paces that he nestled inside two feet. Prentice missed his short eagle putt and they headed to 17 where both were conceded their short par putts after 35 foot first putts.

On eighteen, Prentice played aggressive with driver off of the tee and pushed it right. The ball bounced off of the wrought iron swimming pool boundary fence at the club and back into play. Davis placed his 3 metal tee shot in the fairway and hit his approach shot to 20 feet. Prentice was unable to get his approach inside of Davis and had a 25 footer that did not find the cup. Prentice conceded Davis' tap in par putt and Ian Davis is your 2022 OGA State Amateur Champion with a 1up victory.

The newly redone OKC Golf & CC was in excellent condition! Hats off to Director of Golf Tim Fleming, the staff, maintenance crew and membership for an excellent venue. Congrats to Edmond's own Oklahoma Golf Association team of Executive Director Mark Felder, Scoring and Director GHIN Services Jay Doudican and Rules and Competitions Director Bob Phelps for a well run event. Felder will be retiring from the OGA in April of 2023. I look forward to doing a story on him and his career in golf management, his first assistant pro job was at Kickingbird back in the 70's before a long tenure at Twin Hills CC where he was head professional from 19892002. Felder has been with the OGA since 2002 and was elected to the PGA South Central Section Hall of Fame in 2020.

Page 10 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Bad ideas from D.C.

By Steve Gust My news feeds were calling the senate passage of a tax hike, misnamed the inflation reduction act, a “big win for President Biden.”

The people in the national press will lie and do anything to try to salvage this Steve Gust disaster of a presidency.

How can such a reckless piece of legislation be considered a win? It will lead to more misery for people.

Let’s just start with tax increases.

Until our federal government proves it can spend our money wisely, then they don’t deserve another red cent from anybody.

These people in Washington D.C. are the most terrible stewards of public funds ever.

I guess the public doesn’t remember this, but this is the same government that gave the Taliban and others some $85 billion worth of American military equipment.

Yet the Chuck Schumers, and the other big government fools, think higher taxes are a good idea. It’s obvious Schumer and his ilk have never had real jobs all of their lives.

I challenge these shallow thinkers to show me a nation which has EVER taxed itself to prosperity.

They can’t do that because it has never happened.

There is another basic question here.

I challenge the misinformed in Congress to answer this one as well.

Who can spend your money better?

Is it you or the fools who arm the Taliban with billions of dollars of American taxpayer money.

In the old days, such a boneheaded move in Afghanistan would have cost some generals, and even Biden, their jobs.

But the liberals have an advocacy partner with the national press.

And the liberals wants to hire thousands of IRS agents. That’s another dumb plan.

Big government is just a bad idea. It always has been and always will be.

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

Oklahoma audit confirms results of June 28 vote The first post-election audits authorized under a 2019 law, 26 O.S. § 3-130, have been completed and the results are now available, State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today. The post-election audits confirmed the accuracy of the June 28 primary elections.

A report on the post-election audits can be found on the State Election Board website.

Thirty-three (33) county election boards across the state conducted audits of randomly selected precincts and races from the June 28 Primary. The audits were

conducted Thursday, July 28 and included Election Day ballots, mail absentee ballots, and in-person absentee (“early voting”) ballots.

Thirty (30) counties audited a single race.

Three counties audited two races each. The public was invited to attend.

“Post-election audits add an additional layer of transparency and security to Oklahoma elections and election officials are thankful that the State Legislature enacted a law to allow them,” State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said.

According to Ziriax, “Oklahoma has one of the most accurate and secure voting systems

in the entire world.

These post-election audits and the three recounts that followed the June 28 Primary Elections are the latest in a long line of evidence of that.”

Post-election audits were authorized by the State Legislature in 2019 with the passing of SB 261. The law defines a post-election audit as “a manual or electronic examination of a limited number of ballots by a secretary of a county election board or other authorized election officials following an election.”

Post-elections audits were anticipated to begin in 2020, but were delayed due to the pandemic.

Post-election audits may be authorized by the Secretary of the State Election Board for the purpose of maintaining the security of the election system by ensuring that voting devices and software used in a particular election correctly tabulated the votes. By law, audit results cannot be used to change or alter certified election results.

State Runoff election set for August 23

Senate sets record straight on abortion The Office of Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last released the latest episode of The Breakdown with James Lankford. After months of legacy media and the pro-abortion lobby spreading false rumors about miscarriages, ectoptic pregnancies, and what this means for the future of women’s health, Lankford Lankford was joined by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Dr. Christina Francis to break down the facts about a post-Roe America. Daines is the founder and chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus and Francis is the CEO-elect and board member for the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OBGYNs).

Lankford is the leading pro-life and pro-family advocate in the United States Senate, ensuring that babies, mothers, and parents are supported. Lankford has fought to protect life at every stage, make adoption more affordable, expand the child tax credit and child support for the unborn, provide food assistance and healthcare to needy families, fund maternal and infant health programs, and incentivize giving so that local nonprofits can more easily assist those in need.

Lankford celebrated the biggest win for life in a generation when the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v.

Casey to allow decisions about abortions to return to elected representatives. In its decision in Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Court held that the Constitution does not provide a federal right to abortion and that the authority to protect life at all stages belongs to the American people.

You can subscribe to The Breakdown with James Lankford on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Excerpt: Lankford: Steve and I have both heard this a lot from people, immediately after the Supreme Court came out with the Dobbs decision at the end of June, there was an immediate push that this was going to cause women that have miscarriages to not be able to get treatment, it’s going to cause all kinds of other medical conditions, and suddenly the medical arguments started getting thrown out there…

What are you hearing first in this that you would say that’s a total misconception and, quite frankly, just a distortion of the truth?

Francis: Well, there’s a lot of misinformation out there right now, and I almost hate to use that phrase or that term because I feel like it’s thrown around so loosely nowadays, but, you know, there’s a lot of false information that’s being spread. And what re-

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ally breaks my heart first and foremost is that I think that there’s a lot of women out there that are really scared right now because they’re hearing this and they’re thinking ‘I have an ectopic pregnancy’ or ‘I experienced a miscarriage, is it true that I’m not going to be able to receive that care anymore?’

And I want to reassure women that are listening that nothing could be further from the truth. We have always been able to take care of these conditions, whether it be miscarriage where a woman has lost a baby, or whether it be life-threatening conditions like an ectopic pregnancy or an infection in the uterus.

You know, I’ve always practiced pro-life medicine.

I’ve never performed an abortion, I’ve never intentionally ended the life of my fetal patient, and yet, I’ve always been able to provide life-saving care to my patients. Even when I did my residency at a Catholic hospital that did not do elective abortions, we were always able to take care of ectopic pregnancies. And the reason for that is two-fold: One, because the intent of an abortion is to end the life of that fetal human being. And in fact, the Royal College of OBGYNs, so the main medical organization for OBGYNs in the UK, actually has a statement in one of their documents that says ‘the purpose of an abortion is to produce a dead fetus and the process of the abortion should accomplish that.’ So that’s the whole intent of an abortion is to end the life of that fetal human being.

That’s not our intent when we intervene to save a woman’s life in the case of an ectopic pregnancy or to clear her uterus when her baby has already passed, to help, you know, remove that baby from her uterus. So, I want to help women feel assured that they are still going to receive the life-affirming and life-saving treatments that they’ve always been able to receive. Those weren’t legal because Roe was in place, they were legal because that’s the appropriate thing to do medically.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 11

Potato chips: A little bit of dip will do ya

By Carol Smaglinski Ever wonder just where the potato chip got its start?

Those tantalizing snacks were first introduced more than 169 years ago and all due to a cranky customer at Cary Moon’s Lakehouse in Saratoga Springs, New York.

He complained that his potatoes were a bit soggy. So the talented African American chef, George Crum, got an idea. He sliced the potatoes into thin pieces and quickly deep-fried them.

His loyal customers fell in love with the crunch at that time called The Saratoga Chip. The potato chip was born in the mid-19th century, thanks to Chef Crum.

These days we can buy potato chips in several forms from flat or rippled, covered in seasonings with the most popular being barbecue, which was the first flavored potato chip in 1940. One of the most popular forms is a potato chip made from potato flakes, water and cornstarch. pressed out into potato slices and packaged in convenient cylindrical containers with a 12month shelf-life.

Special potatoes are grown just for the production of potato chips with a robust flavor. The leaves are above ground, while the potato itself grows underground. That process alone takes from 60 to 90 days stuck in the dark dirt. The “chipping” potato contains a higher solids content that absorbs less oil when cooked and has lower sugar levels to produce chips that look more attractive by being whiter.

But the process of developing a new variety of potatoes used especially for potato chips can take many years and sometimes up to a dozen.

Years ago, the thickness of an ordinary potato chip was 44/1,000 of an inch. But hold on, a rippled potato chip jumped up to four times as thick, or 210/1,000 of an inch. The difference today is still significant.

To avoid chips from becoming rancid, place them in an airtight container, and store in a cool, dry, place. At the grocery store, be sure to check the expiration date on the package. You might have to use a magnifying glass, but just do it.

A wonderful sauce to serve with chips is Tzatziki (dzah-Dzee-kee). It begins with a harmony of cucumbers, fresh herbs and seasonings and just a bit of cayenne. From the magnificent cuisine of the Greeks, it is just the ticket on a hot Oklahoma day, and we all know how long those can last.

Tzatziki is a sauce, but it can be used as a dip, usually served with pita chips, but does just fine with potato chips.

Tzatziki 2 medium peeled cucumbers, coarsely chopped 2 and ¼ cups of Greek yogurt, or substitute plain whole milk yogurt. strained 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped mint (or fresh dill, if preferred) 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley 2 garlic cloves, freshly chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste ½ tsp, cayenne powder Squeeze out the water from the cucumbers by placing it in a clean towel and gently squeeze.

In a food processor, or even a mixing bowl, combine the cukes, yogurt, olive oil, mint, parsley and garlic. Mix gently with quick pulses until the mixture is combined.

Season to taste with salt, pepper and add cayenne. Taste to correct.

Chill and serve with a garnish of fresh mint, and black olives for extra taste.

Page 12 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

OKLAHOMA EDUCATORS IMMERSED IN HISTORY AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG TEACHER INSTITUTE

PHOTOS PROVIDED Julie Tucker (center), an Edmond resident and teacher at Epic Charter Schools, was among 34 educators selected by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence who participated in the 2022 Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute this summer.

Thirty-four Oklahoma teachers will return to their classrooms this fall with a renewed passion for early American history and a variety of new interactive lessons plans after attending the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute of Colonial Williamsburg in the restored capital city of 18th-century Virginia.

While in Colonial Williamsburg – the world’s largest living history museum – Oklahoma teachers met character interpreters portraying 18th-century people and were immersed in early American history through hands-on activities and reenactments of historical events. This marks the 30th year that Oklahoma teachers have attended the institute through a fellowship program coordinated by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a statewide nonprofit that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in public schools.

Oklahoma ranks second in the nation, following California, in the number of teacher institute participants, with 1,111 Oklahoma graduates to date. Of that total, 922 were selected through the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence to receive donor-funded fellowships and stipends for classroom materials.

“I can’t wait to revamp my social studies plans for this year!” said Allison Resendiz, a fifth-grade teacher at Washington Elementary School in Clinton. “I feel like I’m better equipped to teach our history from all points of view, a much more ‘whole picture,’ including enslaved people, American Indians, women, and the lower classes’ perspective on the events. I’m excited about all the diverse lesson plans and resources I’m bringing back with me!”

Resendiz particularly enjoyed visiting the ongoing archaeological dig sites at Jamestown Settlement, reenacting the Virginia House of Burgesses’ debate for independence from Great Britain, and participating in a live canon firing demonstration at the Yorktown Battlefield site. “I have learned so much by experiencing colonial life at Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown,” she said.

This summer’s Oklahoma participants included 26 fifth-grade teachers and eight secondary social studies educators. Fifth-grade teacher participants, listed by school district, are Christa Salesberry, AZTEC CHARTER SCHOOLS; Traci Jones and Traci Morris, BIXBY; Allison Acee, BROKEN ARROW; Robin Muse, CACHE; Allison Resendiz, CLINTON; Jessica Nicholson, DEPEW; Michelle Green, CHICKASHA; Janie Eaton, CLAREMORE; Julie Tucker, EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS; Tammy Hawkins, GUYMON; Kay Lynn Osborn, JENKS; Julie Aich, MUSKOGEE; Jessica Pool, MUSTANG; Terri Curtis, Stacy Ford and Lindsay Sharp, NORMAN; Sara Black, OKLAHOMA CITY; Lisa Barricks, Rachel Ciancio and Allie Ross, OWASSO; Samantha Farmer, PUTNAM CITY; Shelly Schultz and Lynsia Sprouse, SHATTUCK; Patrice O’Dea, TULSA; and Marissa Flores, YUKON. Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute master teachers Vanna Owens of CLAREMORE and Teresa Potter of PUTNAM CITY Public Schools served as facilitators for the fifth-grade Oklahoma delegation. They met daily with teachers to discuss interactive teaching techniques and help develop creative lesson plans based on their experiences.

Eighth-grade teacher participants, listed by school district, are Thelesa Taylor, DICKSON; Mary Robertson, FARGO-GAGE; Derek Collins, LATTA; David Burton, MOORE; Kelly Berry, RIVERSIDE INDIAN SCHOOL; Sally

continues on pg 13

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 13

Back to school Middle school Edition TEACHER INSTITUTE continued from pg 12 Cannizzaro, TULSA; and Kyle Cook, YUKON. In addition, Angela Cotton of TUTTLE attended a Teacher Institute session focused on STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

The Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute provides participants with interactive teaching techniques and skills to become mentor teachers who can assist other educators to develop active learning classrooms and make history exciting and relevant for their students. Participants share strategies to improve instruction, raise literacy levels and enhance critical thinking skills.

“The Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute was more than I even imagined! I will be forever changed in more ways than I can ever express. If anyone has the ability to apply and attend, it would be an experience like never before!

The biggest takeaway was the diversity with interpreters points of views, inclusivity in museums and the respect that was given by all as they discuss or reenact parts of history that can be uncomfortable.”

“The opportunity to learn more about events and people that shaped our nation on the very ground where the events occurred made the history come alive for me,” said eighth-grade Fargo-Gage teacher Mary Jo Robertson. “Each day after we had participated in the events, met ‘people from the past’ and walked through historic buildings, we would discuss what we learned and how we could incorporate it into our classes. I now have new strategies, hands-on activities, and lessons in which my students can take active roles in learning history.”

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has coordinated Oklahoma’s participation in the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute since 1993. The program is made possible through the leadership and support of the late Oklahoma City businessman Edward C. Joullian III, who was a former board member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and a trustee of Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Joullian’s family, along with a group of loyal donors, continues to support the fellowship program, which has transformed the way many Oklahoma educators teach early American history.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Julie Tucker, a special education teacher at Epic Charter Schools, carries water buckets during her visit to the Yorktown Battlefield site in Virginia.

She was one of 34 Oklahoma teachers selected by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence to attend the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute this summer in Virginia.

Page 14 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Back to school Middle school Edition Immunize your children this back-to-school season to protect them Prevent illness in their grandparents and teachers

By Dr. Edd D. Rhoades, Jr. Students will soon be returning to class and back-to-school vaccinations are more important than ever.

Parents and other household decision makers should be aware of vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children headed to pre-k and kindergarten, sixth grade and senior year are in the age groups highlighted for vital vaccines and boosters.

Avoid longer wait times and protect your child by scheduling with your pediatrician, primary care provider, community health clinic or the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

Dr. Edd D. Rhoades, Jr. Although the COVID vaccine is not listed as a required immunization to attend school, it is available for school-age children. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns. Recent surges underscore the importance of the COVID vaccine, which helps protect not only the immunized child but also the adults with whom he or she comes into contact. The National Center for Education Statistics lists more than one third of teachers as age 50 or older, a population more vulnerable to the effects of COVID. Immunizing your student helps limit exposure.

Immunizing your child also protects the elderly, who are more vulnerable to complications from routine illnesses like COVID and the flu, as well as immunocompromised children and babies too young to be vaccinated. Fewer absences at school often mean less missed work for parents and provide learning continuity in the classroom.

As a former chief medical officer of the Oklahoma State Department of

Get a Healthy Back-to-School Start Shape Your Future offers free resources and tips for a healthy school year.

Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is encouraging Oklahoma parents and teachers to emphasize healthy behaviors as they prepare for a new school year. Establishing healthy habits can improve well-being and academic performance as children return to a classroom routine.

Transitioning from the freedom of the summer months back to the classroom can be challenging.

However, small changes to improve physical and mental health can make a big difference, said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director.

“Healthy routines for children can build lifelong habits,” said Bisbee. “Preparing children by giving them the right tools for a healthy new school year will help them learn, grow and reach their full potential. Numerous studies have shown healthier children tend to perform better in school and Shape Your Future has resources and tips to promote physical and emotional health of all Oklahoma children.”

Free back-to-school resources for parents and caregivers from Shape Your Future: Back-to-school physical activity tips will help get children moving before, during or after school.

A healthy diet is critical to a child’s ability to learn. Our backto-school nutrition tips will help make every meal a healthy choice.

A handy list of 10 back-toschool swaps can help make the entire family healthier without extreme changes.

Make the transition back to the weekly school routine easier with some handy back-to-school hacks.

Help children get the sleep they need to perform their best in school with a back-to-bedtime routine.

Packing school lunches can be challenging, but our 17 easy recipes and tips for school lunches can make it easier.

Free Shape Your Future resources for teachers to help build healthier environments for children: Help students get moving by adding our classroom activities to your lesson plan.

Inspire students with FREE motivational and informative posters for your classroom.

Help students learn about eating health, moving more and being tobacco free with FREE activities and worksheets.

Learn how you can help promote health in your school district with our quick teacher’s guide to applying for school grants.

For more tips and helpful ideas, sign up to join Shape Your Future’s teacher email list.

For these and other resources, tips and ideas on living healthy for all Oklahomans, visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com.

Health, I have seen the value of vaccines firsthand. Vaccination is one of the most important ways we can create a healthy school environment and community. Outbreaks of polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella were common occurrences in schools before routine immunizations were part of our pediatric standards. Because of successful vaccination campaigns, these once-common childhood diseases are rarely seen in community health.

Because contagious diseases spread among susceptible people, vaccination reduces the chance of infection and outbreaks in schools and communities by reducing the number of unprotected people. The risk of exposure for unvaccinated individuals or those traveling to regions where vaccination is less available remains.

An uptick in the incidence of disease has already been observed in areas with low immunization rates.

Getting your family vaccinated is one of the most important steps parents and other caregivers can take to help our society stay healthy.

Dr. Edd D. Rhoades, Jr., board certified pediatrician, is a former chief medical officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 15

Page 16 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure The Pollard's 35th Season runs September 2022 – July 2023, and features 4 mainstage productions and one Performance Series: [title of show] (September 2nd – 17th), A Territorial Christmas Carol (November 25th – December 23rd), Clue: On Stage (March 10th – April 1st), and Little Shop of Horrors (June 9th – July 1st), Pollard Performance Series (TBA), Season Tickets and Flex Passes are on sale now at www.thepollard.org.

The celebrated Pollard Theatre Company is nestled in the historic district of downtown Guthrie and located at 120 W. Harrison Avenue. Established in 1987, the Pollard Theatre is Oklahoma's premier professional theatre company and live performance venue offering year-round entertainment.

Pollard Theatre prepares for its 35th season After a successful return following the 2020 pandemic, the Pollard Theatre in Guthrie is producing its 35th Season. The company is ready to bring some fresh perspectives and a roster of exciting shows to lead the community into an age of new traditions - including two musicals and the return of a beloved Christmas classic!

“We're on to a new season!” shouts Artistic Director, Jared Blount. After a difficult year of lightning strikes, canceled productions, and faltering equipment, things finally appear to be leveling out for the historic theatre. Timothy Stewart rejoins the company as the organization's new Director of Development and seems optimistic, “For a brief moment it almost seemed impossible, but we're ready to move forward. Our board and company feel freshly invigorated.”

“We've had our fair share of catastrophes, but we're getting our footing, and we believe our Jade Anniversary is the perfect time to launch a new trajectory,” says Board President, Suzanne Hirzel. “We're looking towards a promising horizon with exciting ventures ahead.”

For one, the Pollard has five exciting productions in the works. Starting in September, the Tony Nominated Broadway musical comedy, [title of show] jumps onto the Pollard stage with a hilarious script and a stellar four-person cast, including Pollard favorites Seth Paden (Disaster! and Ghost: The Musical) and Erin Heatly (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Rent), as well as newcomers, Maddy Billings and Jordan Harris.

“It's an irreverent but charming tale about the authors of [title of show]...writing [title of show],” says Blount. “The show includes adult language and is sprinkled with quirky, offbeat humor that theatre patrons will love. It's a show for anyone on a journey of creative self-expression, and even more so, it’s a production for the young at heart.”

Two familiar comedies are slated for 2023: a show about murder, and a show about murder set to music! Based on the popular board game and 1985 film of the same name, Clue: On Stage slinks to the Pollard in March, followed by the highest grossing production in off-Broadway history, Little Shop of Horrors in June. “These are two titles I'm very excited about. Both are similar in tone and in function. They're funny AND spooky! It only makes sense to do them back-toback, and at a time of year when most venues are planning for Rogers & Hammerstein. I'm a Halloween-All-Year kind of guy, and I am confident our patrons will enjoy some, if not a lot of mystery in the Spring!” Blount also says landing a cast of Oklahoma all-stars and talented newcomers for both productions is key. “We are passionate about producing an exceptional theatrical experience for our audiences, and we understand that assembling the best artists for these unforgettable characters is essential.”

And then there's Christmas! This year, the Pollard is re-imagining an audience favorite which has been a staple of Oklahoma theatre for the last thirty years: A Territorial Christmas Carol.

“This season is going to be important for us, and hopefully, for a lot of people,” says Blount.

“We're not merely bringing back Christmas Carol, we are reintroducing it to our audience. And it's going to be big.” This Guthrie favorite, penned

by Oklahoma playwright Stephen P. Scott, premiered in 1987 and has run at the Pollard Theatre almost every year since. “Over 150,000 patrons have attended over 1,000 performances through the years. Bringing it back is no small task. It must be larger than life; it must be special.” According to Blount, this year will be particularly important because it will set a new precedent for the production as a new tradition for the theatre. “I believe once audiences return to that magical world and see the direction it's headed, they'll feel right at home. However, our patrons are in for some delightful surprises as well. And that is what it's all about: starting fresh while keeping intact the essential spirit of the production's legacy and history.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 17

Oil & gas revenues skyrocket State collections from oil and gas production again climbed to record levels in July, only a month after setting an all-time high, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week as he released the latest Gross Receipts to the Treasury report.

Total collections in July of McDaniel $1.38 billion are 13.3 percent higher than receipts in July of last year. Receipts from the gross production tax on oil and gas extraction set a one-month record of $187.2 million, up by $104.6 million, or 126.6 percent, from the prior year. This surpasses last month’s record by $16 million, or 9.4 percent.

“Gross production collections are coming in at historic highs, which are driving growth in overall revenues,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “Looking ahead, inflation continues to be a major concern, even though we’ve seen some minor relief at the pump.”

The AAA reports the average price of gasoline in Oklahoma is currently $3.76 per gallon, down from $4.54 a month ago. July gross production collections are based on May production when West Texas Intermediate crude oil was $109.55 per barrel and Henry Hub natural gas was $8.14 per million BTU. Collections on income and consumption also rose in July, but at single-digit instead of triple-digit growth rates. Combined individual and corporate collections of $372.1 million are up by 5.5 percent.

Total sales and use tax receipts of $590.1 million show an increase of 8.1 percent.

Monthly motor vehicle tax collections dropped for a second consecutive month. July receipts of $77.2 million are down by 5 percent from the same month of last year.

Gross receipts for the past 12 months of $16.62

billion are up by $2.52 billion, or 17.9 percent, over the prior 12-month period. All four major revenue streams show growth, ranging from 100.8 percent in gross production collections to 5.4 percent in motor vehicle tax receipts.

Index dropped in July. The index for the month was set at 63.2, down from 63.7 in June. The outlook remains positive as numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion during the next three to six months.

Other indicators As measured by the Consumer Price Index, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the annual inflation rate at 9.1 percent in June. The energy component of the index is up 41.6 percent over the year. The food index rose by 10.4 percent.

The Oklahoma unemployment rate in June was reported as 2.9 percent by the BLS. That is up from 2.8 percent in June. The U.S. jobless rate was listed as 3.6 percent in June, unchanged from May. The monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions

July collections July 2022 collections compared to gross receipts from July 2021 show: Total monthly gross collections are $1.38 billion, up by $161.3 million, or 13.3 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $372.1 million, up by $19.3 million, or 5.5 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $345.1 million, an increase of $20.9 million, or 6.5 percent.

Pay increase due for ODVA nurses Leaders of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) announced last week that nursing staff would soon see the largest pay increase in the history of the agency. The projected effective date for the unprecedented salary increases is August 28.

ODVA leadership has introduced several new initiatives over the past year in an effort to bridge the gap between the state and private sector compensation levels. Referral incentives, skill-based pay for advanced training or certifications, and student loan repayment programs have all seen considerable staff participation. “However, more is needed to attract and retain the best nurses in the business to care for our veterans in a highly competitive labor market.” Deputy Director Sarah Lane stated on Tuesday. “These raises are intended to convey to our current

team members, that we are grateful for your commitment to serving veterans, and to prospective team members, that ODVA cares for those that care for our veterans.”

ODVA leadership sought funding for nursing raises through a legislative funding request and through the ARPA grant process. Compensation increases will range from 10-23% and will provide LPNs, RNs, APRNs, and PAs with an average yearly increase of $12,385 per nurse. The raises are also being used to institute uniform pay rates across positions where variations presently exist. Executive Director Joel Kintsel stated, “ODVA is extremely grateful for the legislative support of Sen. Roger Thompson and Rep. Kevin Wallace, Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget, for appropriating $1.276M for nursing recruiting and retention.”

Water line project starts Work to replace the water lines in the alleyways along Broadway in downtown Edmond will result in sections of those areas during work on the project.

Part of the Downtown Edmond Infrastructure Improvements Project, started this week on the alleyways on the west side of Broadway from 3rd Street to Hurd Street. Once completed, work on the alleyways on the east side of Broadway from 3rd Street to Campbell Street will begin.

Work on each section is expected to take approximately six months, with cooperative weather.

During installation of the new water line, no through traffic will be available in the section of the alleyways under construction. The contractor on the project, All Road Paving, Inc., will work with businesses impacted by the project to accommodate deliveries necessary to conduct business in as a normal a way as possible.

Once installation of the new water lines in each section of the alleyways is completed, a temporary backfill cover will make the section of alleyway accessible to the public again.

When each side of the alleyway work is complete, permanent paving will be installed and additional concrete paving and street parking paving will be completed along First Street and Main Street to Fretz.

The Downtown Edmond Infrastructure Improvements Project includes a new sanitary sewer main and manholes from the regional detention pond north of Hurd and west of the railroad tracks. Work also has extended new storm sewer infrastructure from the regional detention pond south to half a block south of First Street on Santa Fe Drive. The City also is constructing a new waterline on Main Street from Santa Fe to the railroad tracks.

The total cost of this project is $4,626,643.19.

See State, Page 18

Page 18 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

State From Page 17 Corporate collections are $27 million, down by $1.7 million, or 5.8 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $590.1 million – up by $44.3 million – or 8.1 percent.

Sales tax collections total $503 million, an increase of $38.2 million, or 8.2 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on out-ofstate purchases including internet sales, generated $87.1 million, an increase of $6.1 million, or 7.6 percent.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $187.2 million, an increase of $104.6 million, or 126.6 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $77.2 million, down by $4.1 million, or 5 percent.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $151.4 million – down by $2.8 million, or 1.8 percent.

The medical marijuana tax pro-

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Hi and Lois

Blondie

Shoe

Hägar the Horrible

Zits

duced $4.2 million, down by $1.4 million, or 25 percent from July 2021.

Twelve-month collections Combined gross receipts for the past 12 months compared to the prior period show: Gross revenue totals $16.62 billion. That is $2.52 billion, or 17.9 percent, above collections from the previous 12 months.

Gross income taxes generated $5.8 billion, an increase of $825.2 million, or 16.6 percent.

Individual income tax collections total $4.81 billion, up by $599.5 million, or 14.2 percent.

Corporate collections are $985 million, an increase of $225.7 million, or 29.7 percent.

Combined sales and use taxes generated $6.64 billion, an increase of $761.3 million, or 13 percent.

Gross sales tax receipts total $5.64 billion, up by $640 million, or 12.8 percent.

Use tax collections generated $995 million, an increase of $121.3 million, or 13.9 percent.

Edmond Life & Leisure • August 11, 2022 • Page 19

Ways to help nonprofits Making a difference in one's community is a worthy goal. There are many paths a person can take to be a catalyst for change. One of the easiest ways to make positive change is to support nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit organizations make it their missions to serve specific causes - whether those causes are the environment, a certain demographic of people, animals, schools, or social issues. Supporting nonprofit groups furthers a worthy cause and even benefits those who lend their support.

According to Waterford.org, an equitable learning organization, supporting nonprofits can lead to a greater sense of happiness, improved mental health and a stronger sense of purpose and fosters a greater number of social connections.

There are many different ways to be involved with nonprofit groups. · Make financial donations. Nonprofit organizations require funding to meet their missions. Support from donors can cover operating costs and ensure missions are not stalled or canceled due to lack of funding. · Engage in peer-to-peer fundraising. Sharing information about an organization with others and asking them to support the nonprofit is known as peer-to-peer fundraising. This can happen by word-of-mouth advertising on social media, asking for fundraising for a cause in lieu of traditional birthday or special event gifts, or sharing fliers or other advertisements around town. This type of fundraising is especially valuable because it does not require nonprofit organizations to allocate their own resources in order to generate donations. · Provide PTO time to willing volunteers.

Business owners in a community can be sure their employees have adequate paid time off to volunteer with local nonprofits. A company may establish a set amount of hours or days per quarter or month that can be used for volunteerism in any aspect. · Sponsor an event. While private individuals can sponsor events, the collective resources of a business or other group, such as a school, may be better equipped to spearhead a charity event.

Metro News Service

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Page 20 • August 11, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure