Edmond Life and Leisure - October 1, 2020

October 1, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 20

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

FFA not just farming

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.

Edmond teams meet on volleyball court See Page 12

FRIDAY, October 2 Mostly Sunny High 69° Low 54°

SATURDAY, October 3 Partly Cloudy High 77° Low 54°

SUNDAY, October 4 Sunny High 74° Low 49°

Edmond Schools program among best around PHOTOS BY ERIECH TAPIA

Peyton Kennedy, a senior, cuts a piece of pipe as shop teacher Kenny Leatherwood watches.

Despite being in the middle of town, Edmond Public Schools’ agriculture program is paving the way for city dwellers and farm children alike to earn a transformative education.

It’s also the best agricultural education program in the state and region!

“People just think you are going to be a farmer and that is not true,” said FFA Club Reporter Aiden Coffelt.

For Coffelt, she has become a state champion in multiple FFA speech competitions but also is a state champion golfer along with her other school activities.

“We go to these state conferences, and they always have great speakers and I want to be like that,” Coffelt said.

The nationally awarded agricultural program offers the traditional courses but has continued to invest in classes which include speech competitions, agribusiness and podcast segments.

“There is something for every person in our program,” said Mason Jones, one of the three agricultural education teachers.

In 2020 alone, the program received a national award for being Oklahoma’s outstanding middle and secondary agricultural education program from the National Association of Agricultural

Educators. The award also recognized the program for being the region’s best, which includes Oklahoma, Texas,

Traditional programs like horticulture, welding and raising animals are still a main part of the program, but

PHOTOS BY ERIECH TAPIA

McKenzie Taylor, left, inspect some chickens that are in Lauren Sellers, right, brooding program.

Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Emily Kennedy, a student of the program, received the FFA Degree, the organization’s highest award, given to less than 1 percent of FFA students nationally in 2019.

More than 200 students from all three high schools are part of the program, and AgEd continues to grow.

Jones emphasizes that students don’t have to take those routes.

“You do not have to own an animal or raise an animal to be in our program,” Jones said.

Students can even conduct scientific research projects that relate to present-day challenges agriculturalists are facing. continued on Page 3

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 3

Engagement, Wedding notices Kenny Leatherwood, ag-mechanic teacher, shows Eva Baxter how to use a gas welder.

Cover From Page 1 This year four students placed in the top 10 nationally in their research divisions. The students will learn their project’s final ranking at the 2020 Virtual National FFA Convention in October.

“It is rare to have a student come in with an agriculture background,” Jones said. “Even the small towns are seeing the change.”

With increases in technology, Jones and Leatherwood hope the program continues to attract new students and innovate to meet the needs of the market.

The program also has a nearly 50 percent female presence. Females have consistently held more leadership positions in recent years, Jones said. Often thought of as a male-only field, agricultural mechanics teacher Kenny Leatherwood said getting women into the shop to weld has led to several going into it as a career

and one becoming a welding instructor for Francis Tuttle.

“It is amazing to see people build their confidence here,” Leatherwood said.

The sight of a student using a 3,000-degree blowtorch for the first time still gives Leatherwood a smile.

“They get to create things out here and that is exciting,” he said.

This mentorship towards students continues towards teachers as well with Leatherwood receiving the 2020 Oklahoma Teacher Mentor of the Year award.

Over the last 24 years, Leatherwood has helped the program grow into what it is today with livestock barns, a greenhouse, a classroom building, gardens and a small portion of a golf course to teach students about lawn maintenance.

(Article and photographs by Eriech Tapia.)

Sophia Brentlinger, right, discuss with Bailey Karraker, left, junior, the upcoming promotional video shoot.

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 submitted by noon Thursday.

Page 4 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Snyder will be missed Last week Edmond lost a longtime civic leader and servant of the people. State Senator Mark Slatten Snyder fell asleep in the Lord Sept.

22 at the age of 74. If you frequent Ray Hibbard our downtown Around the Corner Restaurant, you are bound to recognize Snyder. He spent time their almost every day visiting with and helping folks solve problems. He was just that kind of guy. He had resources and knew just about everyone in the state in a leadership role.

Most importantly, he was always willing to help no matter your politics.

He served Edmond as the Oklahoma State Senate District 41 senator from 1988-2004 and as Senate minority leader from 1998 to 2000.

When term limits forced Snyder out, current Oklahoma Tax Commissioner Clark Jolley won the seat. Snyder served on the Edmond City Council, worked in his family business and was a Capitan in the United States Army earning numerous commendations for his service in Vietnam. Snyder was always a voice for conservatives and small businesses.

He came from a small business background growing up. His parents, Fred and Alice Snyder, founded Snyder Hardware here in Edmond which was open for many years. His father served with distinction during WWII and the Korean War. Former Edmond Sun Publisher had this to say about Snyder’s death and the legacy of his family, “The Snyder family gave a lot to Edmond. Dad Fred was our mayor in the 1970s and contributed greatly to achieve good city government for the community. Mark later served as our state senator. Fred led many of the local boys into World War II with the 45th Infantry Division. He went back with the 45th to Korea. The Snyder family ran a wonderful hardware store in Downtown Edmond. It was one of those places where no matter what you needed; you normally could find it at Snyder’s Hardware. They all are missed and good people.”

The many good processes and policies that Edmond enjoys today are from Mark and his family influence. I often wonder how our leadership from 20 or more years ago would handle some of our current city of Edmond issues. My guess is that with Mark or his dad Fred as the Edmond mayor, we would see a major differ-

mph and you will get a ticket if they catch you going faster. I have seen them for the past week stopping one right after the other. I am not sure what the cost of a speeding ticket is these days, but I can tell you the cost of hitting a pedestrian is priceless my friends. It would be a tragedy for the victim, their family, you, and your family. Is where you are going that important that it would be worth a life.

My goal is not to scare you off coming to downtown Edmond. It is beautiful and you should bring you entire family. The new Railyard has plenty of outdoor seating that is not on any street if it makes you feel safer. The locally owned businesses want and need you to come visit us.

It is uniquely beautiful especially this time of year. I just want our drivers to give our downtown pedestrian area the respect and care it deserves.

Not many people using the ‘streatery’ at Evoke in downtown Edmond Monday. The city is promoting ‘streateries,’ to help contain COVID-19.

ence in how decisions were made.

One thing you could count on with either one of those two is that you sure knew where you stood. There was no indecision and we could use a dose of that today.

Our condolences to the Snyder family. We know that family was the most important aspect of his life and thank you for sharing him with our community. May his memory be eternal!

Use caution in downtown Edmond If you have not been in downtown Edmond as of last week, you may not be aware that the new “Streateries” program is in full swing. This is a bold new step allowing these “Strateries” to exist outside in downtown Edmond restaurant locations. Like many, you may not know exactly what they are or have not seen them before. The City of Edmond defines them as the use of on-street parking spaces adjacent to the business for outdoor seating and dining.

It was first thought that these would be mainly in downtown Edmond, but we have seen them pop up in other locations which is perfectly fine with city officials. Café 501 is where we have seen them on Boulevard at 5th street. The idea is that this new policy is designed to aid businesses in encouraging social distancing practices recommended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also one of many recommendations made by one of the consults for the city in working toward a master

plan for the area.

Because the tables are put in the actual parking spaces in front of the restaurants rather then on a sidewalk, it has the potential to be more dangerous than using just sidewalk space to expand. The city has installed heavy water barriers to separate the tables from the lanes of traffic. It should help since they are giant and bright orange in some locations, but the traffic is still going too fast on Broadway for me to feel safe.

We courage folks to come downtown and try these new “Streateries” out but if you have small children, please hang on to them. If you are driving in downtown Edmond, please drive the new speed limit which is only 20 mph. There is also no right turn on red any longer in the downtown area. My editor and I are amazed at how fast people are going up and down Broadway. Many are doing at least 50 mph when they go through some of the intersection. I almost got clocked by a truck doing at least 50 mph and running a red light.

He hit his breaks and I did my best to jump back avoiding the lost of your favorite Edmond publisher. If he had hit a pedestrian at that speed, they would have been dead on impact.

If my encouragement is not enough to get you to slow down when driving up Broadway, know that the Edmond Police Department has stepped up patrol in the area.

They are not looking to bump up revenue but rather to make the public understand that the speed limit is 20

A ‘sexier’ tune during lockdown From a slow news day at USA Today: A new study found that sparrows in San Francisco altered their birdsong to sound more appealing to mates after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the city. The study, published in peer-reviewed journal Science, analyzed the birdsong of the white crowned sparrow, a bird common in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Amid the traffic and other noise in metropolitan areas, birds sing much more loudly to be heard by potential mates. This is a phenomenon known as the Lombard effect. Though male birds are not drowned out, their trill cannot reach a wide range, nor is it appealing to prospective partners.

When the pandemic hit – and vehicle traffic slowed down – researchers found that noise levels in San Francisco and other urban parts of the Bay Area reduced by nearly 50%. The shutdown, they wrote, effectively reversed “more than a half-century rise in noise pollution.”

The birds, as a result, began singing more quietly, hitting lower notes, and improving their vocal performance. Elizabeth Derryberry, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Tennessee, told Agence France-Presse that the birds “sounded better, they sounded sexier” to mates. Because of the reduced noise levels, the sparrow’s songs could be heard from a farther distance.

We always try and keep you up to date here at Edmond Life & Leisure.

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Honored UCO students................................................................Page 7.

---- Arrest report ................................................................................Page 8.

---- Bud Fisher Day in Edmond ..........................................................Page 9.

---- Catholic bigotry concerns columnist ........................................Page 10.

---- Volleyball scenes from Edmond North........................................Page 12.

---- Elaine Warner and a look at a Virginia town..............................Page 13.

---- George Gust reviews biography movie ......................................Page 14.

---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14.

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

This and so much more in this week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Obituary Notices

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 5

Senator Mark Slatten Snyder Senator Mark Slatten Snyder passed away peacefully in his home, alongside his loving family in Edmond, Oklahoma on September 22, 2020 at the age of 74. He was born on August 14, 1946, in Edmond, Oklahoma to Fred and Alice Snyder. Graduated from Edmond High School in 1964 and earned a degree from Oklahoma State University in Restaurant and Hotel Administration.

Mark married the love of his life, Dianne Garmany, in 1973 and was a loving father who delighted in his children and his grandchildren. His life was an example of service, serving as a Captain in the United State Army; earning numerous commendations for his service in Vietnam, an Edmond City Councilman, Oklahoma State Senator from 1988-2002 and Senate minority leader from 1998-2000.

After his career in the army, Mark took to various jobs until he took over the family hardware store in downtown Edmond, Snyder Hardware. A Saturday morning regular, to Edmond’s Around the Corner breakfast spot for over 20 years, you could find Mark with a gaggle of locals, politicians, entrepreneurs, and business men and women of all ages and political parties.

Mark’s friends and family can all agree that he was “ A number one family man”, an illustration of devotion and faithfulness not only to his family but to his country and to his community.

Mark is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dianne; daughter and son-in-law, Shele Snyder Cook and Gary Cook of Edmond; grandson and wife Chandler and Brenden Cook; granddaughter, Kendall Cook; daughter and son-in-law Leah Snyder Segress and Chad Segress of Edmond; granddaughters Paeton Jones and Adi Segress; brother and wife Fred Jr. and Sharon Snyder of Edmond; brother and wife Bill and Janet Snyder of Edmond; brother Geary and Karen Robinson of Edmond; brother and sister-in-law, John and Nancy Garmany, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Fred and Alice Hallum Snyder.

Mark was an active and dedicated member of Church of the Servant and was member of the Edmond Exchange Club, American Legion, Delta Upsilon Fraternity at OSU, and NRA. A visitation is scheduled for 6:00-8:00pm, Thursday, September 24 with family present, at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, with a graveside ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery, 1:00pm, Friday, September 25. All are welcome to attend. The family would like to thank Dr. Justin Sparks, Dr. Thomas Showalter, Suncrest Hospice.

Evelyn Louise Medders Evelyn Louise Medders of Edmond, Oklahoma, was born November 9, 1934 in Clinton, OK to Mary E and Ellis G. Smith. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1952 as Valedictorian of her class. During her time in Clinton she was involved in many activities, was president of her social club, winner of the Science Award, DAR award, and received a scholarship to Oklahoma State University. At OSU she was member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Alpha Pi Mu Medical Fraternity, and the President’s Honor Roll.

In 1954 she married the love of her life, La Rue Medders, her high school sweetheart. She changed her major from Pre-Med and they moved to Norman where she attended the University of Oklahoma. She graduated from OU with a degree in Medical Technology and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After a year’s internship at the out OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Evelyn worked in Clinical Chemistry at the Medical Center until she became a mother.

She then chose to work with La Rue for Lloyds, New York Insurance Company so she could focus on nurturing her family, especially her two children, David Ellis, and Diane Elizabeth.

She was active in her children’s schools, was president of the PTA, did math tutoring for adult education at Opportunities Industrialization Center for many years, taught Sunday School, and spoke to various civic groups with the Panel of American Women. She and her husband were part of Thirty Families, a group in the 60’s who were actively working for the improvement of communication and understanding between the races in Oklahoma City.

While their children were young, the family was able to take many trips across the United States and Canada and had many good times together. She and La Rue were also able to travel to Europe, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska.

After their children were grown, she and La Rue were the principal caretakers for her parents and her aunt and uncle, Billie and Harry Davis, until their deaths. Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, La Rue, her beloved family members, her wonderful friends, Crystil Jeck and Doctor Frances Felton, who were godmothers of her children; an aunt and uncle, Helen and Turner Morgan; cousin, Warren Morgan, and Bobby King of Clinton. Survivors include son, David and his wife, Paula of Frisco, Texas; daughter, Diane and her husband, Brion, of Norman, cousins Carol Rollo and her husband, Michael, of Pensacola, Florida; and Wilma Parr of Arapaho. Evelyn requested no public memorial service and asked that family and friends share memories and love with one another.

In lieu of flowers, she asked for donations to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy https://www.foundationforpn.org/ or Opportunities Industrialization Center of Oklahoma County, Inc., https:// oicokc.org/donate/ The family will have a private service to lay La Rue and Evelyn to rest in Arapaho, OK.

Col. (ret) Tommy G. Alsip Col. (ret) Tommy G. Alsip, 85, was called home to his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, Sept. 25, 2020. He died peacefully at home with his loving wife, Joyce, by his side.

He received his B.S. in Business from CSU in 1959. He was a member of the Okla. Army National Guard for 33 years, progressing through the ranks from Private to Adjutant General of Oklahoma.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; children, Kimberly Kay Alsip, Thomas Alsip; stepsons, Randall E. Hutchins, Chad Hutchins and wife Tracy, Sherry-Ann Alsip, widow of T. Mark Alsip; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Joan Alsip Birkes, David and wife Denise Alsip, Danny and wife Rinda Alsip; Memorial service will be held at the 1st Baptist Church, 1300 E. 33rd, Edmond 73013 Oct. 2nd at 2pm, where Tommy and Joyce have been active members for 30 years.

Donations may be made to 1st Baptist Church Edmond Building Fund, P.O. Box 88, Edmond, OK 73083, or Chandler Alumni Association Building Fund, P.O. Box 501, Chandler, OK 74834.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.

The Bondi Bowls food truck has been a blessing for the Wilson family.

From left: Melody (mom), Brent (dad), Logan (sister), Bailey, Summer (cousin) and Nate (cousin) Wilson.

From Australia to Oklahoma

Virus leads to business startup

By Rose Drebes Bailey Wilson was just out of college when she moved to Australia. She knew no one and didn’t have a place to live or a job.

An adventurous spirit, she landed on her feet and landed a job as coordinator's assistant. Bailey also worked as a wedding and event coordinator in Cairns by the Great Barrier Reef. Then last March, she received word that her father had a tumor in his bladder and she said “time froze.”

This was also during the early stage of COVID-19 and Australia had final calls for all international flights. Bailey had less than 24 hours to buy a ticket, pack, say goodbye and fly home. The moment she landed was the same time the doctors called to deliver the news that her father’s tumor was a non-invasive cancer. This form of cancer has a normal life expectancy.

Bailey said she knew that God had a reason for bringing her home and began to search for it. Jobs were obviously scarce during the quarantine. Her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and she came up with the idea of bringing the Australian beach to Oklahoma through the Bondi Bowls food truck.

“COVID has played a huge factor into opening Bondi Bowls,” Bailey said. “Moving home from Australia, I could not find work, and I wanted to create something that went to the community.”

In three weeks, she was up and run-

ning. She said the response has been overwhelming.

“Oklahoma has blessed Bondi Bowls immensely,” Bailey said. “Everyone has been so kind, encouraging and helpful.”

Bondi Bowls serves multiple types of immune boosting bowls – from Açaí to Pitaya, with numerous beneficial mix-ins, Bailey said. All Bondi Bowls dishes can be created Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Plant-Based or KETO friendly.

“I truly care about nutrition and use ingredients that are wholesome and healthy,” she said. “Our mix-ins include protein, pre and probiotics, fiber, stress relivers and biotin options. Many of the ingredients such as my homemade peanut and almond butter or my Gordon’s Bay granola are personal recipes I created on my own just for Bondi Bowls.”

Expansion is on the horizon as Bailey said she is working with several other possible trucks around the USA. She is also hoping to establish a storefront in Edmond or the Oklahoma City metro.

The food truck has been a blessing to her family, Bailey said, and they are hoping to spread that good will.

“Bondi Bowls seeks to find ways to bring blessings, joy and health-benefiting products during an extremely difficult time,” she said.

For more information, visit www.bondibowlsokc.com.

Page 6 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

A first at OU College of Dentistry

Women outnumber men at graduation

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Matlock Jeffries, M.D.

Especially affects knee joints

Digestive system may be linked to osteoarthritis An Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist is looking to the gut in the search for answers about osteoarthritis.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded OMRF physician-scientist Matlock Jeffries, M.D., a twoyear, $874,000 grant to launch an innovative study of the origin and progression of OA, the most common form of arthritis. Stemming from the loss of cartilage between bones and joints, OA is the leading cause of disability and joint replacements in adults in the U.S. “The only definitive treatment for OA of the knee is a joint replacement — and it’s the No. 1 expense for Medicare each year,” said Jeffries, a board-certified rheumatologist who joined OMRF in August. “We have no medications that can slow or stop OA progression, nor do we have ways to predict the way OA will develop or advance in a patient.”

To look for clues about how OA gets its foothold in the body, Jeffries is turning to the digestive system. He will build on a recent discovery that joints are not without traces of microbes, instead home to bacterial DNA that resides in cartilage. His lab will now try to determine if that bacteria originates in the gut microbiome.

The microbiome is composed of tiny organisms living in our digestive tracts. The organisms may be key players in obesity, diabetes, autism, asthma and a variety of autoimmune diseases. By identifying which microbes are responsible for influencing the development of or resistance to disease, it can offer clues to new

ways to diagnose or treat it.

“We want to figure out what the gut microbiome and cartilage microbial DNA have to do with OA,” said Jeffries. “A lot more people get OA now than they did in the past, so we want to know if that could be related to changes in the microbiome and if we could prevent it by changing the makeup of gut microbes.”

In one part of the study, germ-free research models will receive gut microbes from young, OA-susceptible research mice. Researchers will look at patterns that develop over time, test how variations in the microbial DNA of cartilage influence the severity of OA and whether those patterns can be changed.

The NIH program funding Jeffries’ work, Research Innovations for Scientific Knowledge, or RISK, supports innovative, disease-focused studies.

Researchers are encouraged to pursue unusual, imaginative hypotheses that deviate from the current prevailing theories or practice.

“Dr. Jeffries will be the first to evaluate whether gut microbiome transplantation may be used as a therapeutic agent to prevent osteoarthritis,” said OMRF Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., who leads the foundation's Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program. “This work may open a new avenue for OA research and offer a new treatment strategy for this common cause of pain and disability.”

The grant (1R61 AR078075-01) is funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a part of the NIH.

For the first time since its founding, the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry Class of 2020 saw more women than men graduate with doctorate degrees in dental surgery. The 62 graduates numbered 32 women and 30 men. Leaders see a possible trend, as the 2021 graduating class is on track to close the semester with the second highest number of females earning doctorate degrees in dental surgery.

Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry, noted this momentous first for the college and expressed great pride in the quality of the 2020 class in particular.

“The college prides itself on attracting the best and brightest students from around the country, and we have made great strides to become a more inclusive place to work and study,” he said. “Each year we look for individuals who not only meet the strict requirements for dental school, but will also represent the dental profession well. I am enormously proud of the Class of 2020, and am honored to now call them my colleagues.”

Studies conducted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics more than a decade ago revealed an alarming decline in overall numbers of students seeking careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As a result, initiatives were launched to spark interest in these critical areas, especially among females.

Kevin L. Haney, D.D.S., M.S., assistant dean of Academic and Student Affairs at the OU College of Dentistry, believes these efforts have been successful.

“There is no doubt that as the numbers of women entering STEM professions have increased, so too have the numbers of applications submitted by women to dental schools. The American Dental Education Association routinely provides updates regarding the diversity of the applicant pool. Recent numbers reflect the same growth, with more female than male applicants seeking professions in dentistry.”

The class was well represented in other areas, gaining national recognition for research conducted by 2020 graduate Amanda Akkari, D.D.S., now part of the OU College of Dentistry’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. Her study, “Opioid Prescribing Patterns among Oklahoma Dentists: A Survey” investigated not only prescribing patterns, but also explored practitioners’ knowledge of guidance when treating known addicts. Akkari’s work received an award at the 2019 Scientific Day and was consequently presented at the Hinman Student Research Symposium, a national meeting featuring student presentations of research conducted at dental schools across North America.

“I could have no better or more solid foundation for a successful dentistry practice than the comprehensive education I received at the OU Col-

lege of Dentistry,” Akkari said. “It was a time in which every educational advantage was provided, including unprecedented opportunities to conduct and present research of real substance and value. The recognition of my research is a reflection of the academic excellence that thrives at the college and why the institution is held in such high regard nationally.”

Another element that gives the Class of 2020 distinction is the founding of the student chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists at the OU College of Dentistry.

Ashley Long, D.D.S., now practicing in Kansas, became its first president, with Kaylee Speer, D.D.S., serving as the chapter’s vice president. Both leaders achieved their dental education at the OU College of Dentistry as part of the Class of 2020. Speer said her education at the OU College of Dentistry thoroughly prepared her for a lifelong career in dentistry, and because of her clinical and didactic education, she is confident of success.

“Connections with women in dentistry are important, both professionally and personally, so establishing an AAWD chapter was very special. It is an amazing experience to find support and mentorship from female dentists across the country.”

Speer, who also is involved with the AEGD residency program, has much experience as a dental patient, having spent many hours in the chair as a youngster.

“Thankfully, I had a wonderful experience with professionals who inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry. My lifelong dream of becoming a dentist is now a reality and I could not be happier with my decision,” said Speer. “I pursued a doctor of dental surgery degree because I knew I would not be fully satisfied doing anything else in the dental field.”

Mary Martin, D.D.S., a previous president of AAWD who was instrumental in establishing the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists, is the advisor for the new chapter at the college. Martin’s history with the college includes a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene, followed by a doctorate degree in dentistry earned a decade later.

She held numerous faculty positions throughout 25 years, including many prominent leadership roles. Martin received the Dental Alumnus of the Year award in 2017, and returned to teaching at the college after her retirement from a long and successful private practice.

According to Long, establishing an active AAWD chapter at OU College of Dentistry was important to facilitate communication with other chapters and gain greater perspectives from female dentistry students and professionals. “We are so lucky to have Dr. Mary Martin, who shared her vast knowledge. AAWD supports women dentists and allows us to have a platform in which we can be heard.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

University of Central Oklahoma students Alaa Baha, Jacob Friesen and Zoie Hing recently received UCO Scholastic Awards in recognition of their exceptional academic work during the 2019-20 academic year. Pictured here, from left to right, Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., co-interim vice president for Academic Affairs; Baha; Friesen; and, Gary Steward Jr., Ph.D., co-interim vice president for Academic Affairs.

UCO students are singled out for recognition University of Central Oklahoma students Alaa Baha, Jacob Friesen and Zoie Hing recently received UCO Scholastic Awards in recognition of their exceptional academic work during the 2019-20 academic year.

Central’s Scholastic Awards are given annually to three students who earn the highest GPA with the most credit hours during their combined

fall and spring semesters. The University Scholastic Award is given to the top junior or senior student. The Freshman Scholastic Awards are awarded to the top freshman male and female student.

Baha, from Oklahoma City, received a Freshman Scholastic Award and completed 36 credit hours, earning a 4.0 GPA.

Friesen, from Edmond also received a Freshman Scholastic Award, after completing 30 credit hours, with a 3.75 GPA. Hing, from Edmond received the University Scholastic Award, after completing 42 credit hours and earning a 4.0 GPA. For more information about academics at Central, visit www.uco.edu.

Volunteers being sought for sarcoidosis research The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking volunteers who have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis to provide blood sample donations. For the studies, OMRF also needs healthy volunteers to serve as controls.

Sarcoidosis is a painful condition where cells in the immune system that cause inflammation overreact and cluster together to form tiny lumps called granulomas. These tumor-like clumps can form in the eyes, liver, skin and brain and most often are found in the lungs. If too many form in a single organ, they can cause the organ to malfunction or even fail.

Although it can strike anyone, sarcoidosis disproportionately affects African Americans. According to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR), the lifetime risk of developing sarcoidosis may be as high as 2% among African Americans.

OMRF scientist Umesh Deshmukh, Ph.D., a part of OMRF’s Sarcoidosis Research Unit, recently received a grant from the FSR to support the development of new sarcoidosis research models. The work is designed to aid in understanding how the disease first develops and progresses.

“Research like Dr. Deshmukh’s moves forward thanks to generous people willing to donate samples to our studies,” said Courtney Montgomery,

Ph.D., who leads the research unit. “When we’re able to better characterize what exactly is going wrong in the body, we may be able to discover what triggers the disease and develop effective treatments.”

OMRF’s research unit has made significant gains in understanding the disease. Thanks to samples donated by previous research volunteers, Montgomery’s lab recently found that the hallmark inflammation in sarcoidosis is likely driven by a single cell type. Such breakthroughs get scientists closer to finding relief for patients, Montgomery said, and with more participants, she hopes for more progress.

For this research study, participants will undergo a screening process, complete questionnaires and donate blood to be used for research. No treatment is administered. Participants will be compensated $20 per visit, and strict Covid-19 protocols will be followed to ensure participant safety.

To participate or for more information, please contact OMRF’s Sarcoidosis Research Unit at 405271-2504, 800-605-7447 or sru@omrf.org.

Funding for the research unit is provided by a grant (R01 HL113326-06A1-05) from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health, and from the FSR.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Courtney Montgomery, Ph.D.

Page 8 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Physical Therapy Central Welcomed to Edmond

Physical Therapy Central recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 15101 Lleyton’s Court.

Physical Therapy Central (PT Central) is the largest private physical therapy practice in Oklahoma with more than 30 locations in the state.

PT Central boasts local connections, a highly educated staff, one-on-one support and complementary screenings. Patients will benefit with support from one single dedicated PT for their whole recovery. They take the time to create a plan and work with each patient’s unique pain, goals and lifestyle.

Arrest blotter (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.)

Sept. 20 Austin Christopher Folmar, 24, Edmond. Charged with expired license plate, failure to carry current security verification form in vehicle and (Anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Kimberly Jean Stealer, 46, Edmond.

Expired tag, one to three months, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and false representation to an officer.

Sept. 21 Sylvia Leigh Rodriguez, 19, Oklahoma City. Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Jesus Manuel Ortiz, 37, Oklahoma City. Five counts of failing to appear.

Jose Diego Jimenez-Medina, 55, Oklahoma City. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license and failure to appear.

Cooper Lee Lawson, 18, Edmond.

Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with BAC of .15 or more.

Sept. 22 Brittnie Cora Irene Vandusen, 30, Stillwater. Charged with assault and/or battery with a dangerous weapon, motor vehicle theft and obstruction of a police officer.

Floyd Gene Royce, 67, Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Terry Mack Brown Jr., 43, Edmond.

Non-assault resisting arrest.

Sept. 23 Jacob Lee Probst, 42, Noble. Failure to appear.

Austin Cole Yanez, 20, Park Hill, Okla. Charged with domestic abuse

assault. (strangulation) Kemper Lee Strain, 55, Wakomis, Okla. Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Tamra Lynn Anderson, 47, Enid.

Petty larceny.

Shiloh Wayne Haddox, 23, Edmond. Possession of marijuana and petty larceny.

Sept. 24 Kimberly Ray Evans, 59, Edmond.

Non-assault resisting officer. Public intoxication.

Emily Anne Thompson, 36, Edmond. Public intoxication.

Sept. 25 Andrew Joseph Cordray, 24, Houston, Texas. Public intoxication.

Jayme Rachelle Granec, 35, Edmond. Public intoxication, false representation to a police officer and indecent exposure.

Ping Alexander Harris, 21, Edmond. Charged with pedestrians walking along roadways and non-assault resisting officer.

Tina Michelle Allen, 42, homeless.

Felony warrant.

Jeffrey Scott Dorris, 50, Edmond.

Child endangerment, felony DUI/APC and obstruction of a police officer.

Gregorio Nmn Hernandez Lopes, 39, Oklahoma City. Improper turn and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Sept. 26 Stone Pridgen Lambert, 25, Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Trevor William McFarland, 23, Chandler. Public intoxication.

Patrica Ann Guinn, 57, Edmond.

False representation to an officer.

Patrickson Spencer Wilson, 23, Norman. Public intoxication.

Breanna Lynn Henderson, 27, Edmond. Petty larceny.

Devon Rose Legaard, 27, Oklahoma City. Felony DUI/APC. Heath George Nearon, 36, homeless. trespassing.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 9

Chairman of the Board of Appeals in Edmond, Bud Fisher, was honored for his 35 years of service on the board. Sept. 23 also marked his birthday. Bud and his family were honored near City Hall. Bud is also active in Catholic men’s organization, The Knights of Columbus. He was once the state leader of the organization and also served as Grand Knight of Council 6477 in Edmond. Mayor Dan O’Neil signed a proclamation honoring Fisher.

Bud Fisher Day in Edmond The Edmond Mayor and City Council made a special presentation to the Out-Going Chairman of the Edmond Board of Adjustment and Board of Appeals for his 35 years of Public Service as a member of this special board.

Fisher has served on this board from May 1985 to Sept 2020.

Fisher has served with distinction and honor under eight mayors and has served longer than any other citizen on a community board. Bud is a life-long Edmond resident, whose family made the Land Run of 1889.

Bud Fisher owned and operated a local business, supported his family, their school and church activities and kept the Blue Hippo on Broadway.

The Blue Hippo was recently selected as an Official Route 66 landmark.

The City Council was proud to declare - Sept. 23, 2020, as Bud Fisher Day in the City of Edmond.

“We picked this date to honor Mr. Fisher on his 83rd birthday and to commemorate Bud’s and his family’s generous life-time contributions to their hometown and the Edmond Community,” a city official said.

PHOTO PROVIDED

One of the ‘streateries’ in operation in Edmond is at Cafe 501 on South Boulevard. Experts say the outdoor seating allows for patrons to eat safely while practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Streatery’ policy now in place The City of Edmond has implemented a new policy allowing “streateries” in the community. A streatery utilizes safely barricaded onstreet public parking adjacent to a business for outdoor seating and dining.

The use of streateries helps restaurants and like businesses more safely institute social distancing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These streateries are mainly concen-

trated in the Downtown Edmond area where most on-street public parking exists.

There are currently four streateries that have been put into place by businesses, with more planned for the coming weeks. Each business must meet a list of qualifying conditions as part of their operating plan. For full details on how a business can implement a streatery, please visit http://edmondok.com/streatery.

Page 10 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Catholic bigotry looms I read and saw some of the coverage on the new Supreme Court justice nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.

She seems to be a bright legal mind -finishing first in her legal classes.

Steve Gust I was also impressed with her background. She’s the mother of seven. It was refreshing to hear anyone come to a microphone and tell the world they love the United States of America and the United States Constitution.

She’s a woman of faith and, in full disclosure it’s my faith also.

So yes I think she would be a great addition to the high court.

The attacks have already started.

The political left will wage war despite the fact most people would love to have this lady as a friend, colleague, sister, mother or daughter.

I hope the anti-Catholic attacks on her will be kept to a minimum. Then again I remember Sen. Kamala Harris barbecued a Trump nominee because he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic lay organization.

Someone should have told Sen. Harris that we don’t have religious test for appointment in the U.S. government.

They also should have told Harris that an icon of her party, John F. Kennedy was also a member of the Knights.

I thought the Catholic religious bigotry died 60 years ago when Kennedy was elected. Maybe not.

---I saw an Associated Press report on a Senate panel, which uncovered some questionable dealings in Russia by Joe Biden’s son Hunter. Of course the report made it sound like a partisan witch hunt. They also covered for Joe Biden in the lead paragraph, saying there was “no support for the President’s claim that the Democratic presidential nominee (Biden) had improperly pressed for the firing of the country’s (Ukraine) top prosecutor to protect his son.”

NO PROOF? Are you kidding me? There’s a darn video with Biden admitting he threatened to yank $1 billion in foreign aid unless Ukraine fired the guy. (They did) Who are you going to believe folks?

The Associated Press or your own lying eyes and ears?

Lawmakers must live up to redistricting promise

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Republican leaders in the Oklahoma House and Senate are promising an open and inclusive process in redrawing the state’s congressional and legislative districts next year. A group that wanted to take that power away from lawmakers plans to hold them to that promise.

Others should, too.

The group People Not Politicians decided last week to withdraw an initiative petition that sought to turn redistricting over to a nine-person independent panel made up of nonelected officials. An earlier initiative petition effort by the group to put the question to voters this year was derailed by legal challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest attempt would have asked voters in 2022 to approve the change, and, if that happened, the commission would have redrawn the districts with new maps taking effect in 2024.

However, in putting its plans on hold, People Not Politicians is giving GOP leaders the benefit of the doubt.

“If the Legislature actually follows through, this process will result in one of the most fair and open redistricting processes in recent memory,” said Andy Moore, the group’s executive director.

Districts are redrawn every 10 years following the U.S. Census. Next year will be the second time Republicans have done that job; the first time, in 2011, the outcome produced some

complaints and a lawsuit by a Democratic senator, but the state Supreme Court rejected the suit.

This time around, House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, say the work will include town hall meetings across the state, public submission of proposed maps of legislative and congressional districts, and the ability for the public to give their recommendations for new boundaries.

McCall on Monday announced the hiring of former Speaker T.W. Shannon to be the House’s public liaison on redistricting. Shannon will solicit public input and serve as the body’s spokesman. The Senate has hired Keith Beall, chief of staff to former Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, as its redistricting director.

Shannon, the state’s first Black speaker of the House, said House seats “belong to the people” and that he was honored to help bring the public’s views to the process. That's a good approach.

Moore’s organization plans to commission a study on the steps needed to produce maps that are not gerrymandered. It also will submit its own suggestions for new maps, and recruit people from each House and Senate district to serve as “fair maps monitors.”

Legislative leaders should welcome the scrutiny and the input, and follow through on their promises. Not just because People Not Politicians promises to refile its petition if the process isn’t transparent, but because making it open and accessible to the public is the right thing to do.

An idea to ease national election concerns

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board The presidential election is Nov. 3. However, a record number of mailed ballots combined with questionable election policies in many states means the winner may not be known that night — just what the country doesn’t need.

Judges are not helping matters. In Pennsylvania, where state law says absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, the state’s supreme court recently ruled that ballots must be counted if they arrive by Nov. 6. If the postmarks on the envelopes are missing or illegible, no problem — they will be “presumed to have been mailed by Election Day” unless there’s reason to believe otherwise, the court said.

In Michigan, where the law says absentee votes are due by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, a state judge

has ordered that ballots arriving up to 14 days late should be counted, provided they are postmarked by Nov. 2. A Wisconsin judge has ordered ballots counted until Nov. 9 if postmarked

by Nov. 3.

These swing states may not be alone in providing belated election results. This is because several states allow voters to request an absentee ballot just a few days before the election, and 10 allow voters to do so as late as the day before the election. How much sense does that make?

Although national polls show Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump, the gap could narrow. It’s possible this election will be close, and that the outcome could be days or weeks in coming. In that scenario, rhetoric from both can-

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

didates, who have already said the other side will try to steal the election, would go into overdrive.

Legal challenges would, too. Some of the unrest on display this summer could reignite.

Larry Sabato, the widely regarded director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, suggests the country faces “a real danger zone” between Nov. 3 and the inauguration. In an interview with columnist Peggy Noonan, Sabato offered an idea to cut off potential trouble at the pass — muster a group of prominent Americans from both sides of the aisle to preach unity, regardless of the result.

“It will seem Disneylandish,” Sabato said. “But distinguished Americans on both sides really need to teach the American lesson to the young and the old — how we have survived and been so successful and prosperous because had common sense, which so many ideologues have lost.”

Their mission, Sabato suggested (in an interview before Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing), would be to make the point ahead of Election Day that, “we have to do this in the American way, we have to accept outcomes whether we like them or not, otherwise we will dissolve.”

He also suggested this group could ask Americans to take a pledge of nonviolence.

“They should say sometimes demonstrations are useful, sometimes justified, but no violence under any conditions,” Sabato said.

He’s right, the idea almost certainly won’t happen, but that doesn’t make it any less valid.

From www.Oklahoman.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 11

Arledge & Associates Q&A

What is a PPP Loan?

Editor’s Note: Josh Mullins of the Arledge & Associates accouting firm answers questions this week on the PPP Loans.

The PPP Loan is the Paycheck Protection Program Loan implemented by the Small Business Association “designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.”

I have heard a PPP Loan can be forgiven. Does this create taxable income?

Normally, canceled debt must be included as income by a taxpayer. However, according to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), for federal purposes, the Mullins amount of PPP loan forgiven may be excluded from your taxable income.

If I received a PPP Loan, how long do I have to apply for forgiveness?

You have 10 months to apply for forgiveness from the end of your covered period. As long as you have submitted your loan forgiveness application within 10 months of your covered period you will not have to make any loan payments.

If my PPP loan qualifies for loan forgiveness what do I do with the expenses I used to qualify for the loan?

On April 30, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-32 which answered this question. Unfortunately, this notice issued by the IRS applied Internal Revenue Code Section 265. This code states “no deduction shall be allowed for any amount otherwise allowable as a deduction which is allocable to one or more classes of income other than interest (whether or not any amount of income of that class or classes is received or accrued) wholly exempt from the taxes imposed by this subtitle, or any amount otherwise allowable under section 212 (relating to expenses for production of income) which is allocable to interest (whether or not any

amount of such interest is received or accrued) wholly exempt from the taxes imposed by this subtitle.” So, in effect, any expenses used as qualifying expenses for PPP loan forgiveness will not be allowed as a deduction for tax purposes.

What does this all mean for my tax return?

In summary, if you received a PPP Loan and that loan was forgiven in part or in whole, the amount of the loan forgiven will not be considered taxable income but the expenses used to qualify for loan forgiveness will also be disallowed as taxable deductions. This may increase your expected tax liability for 2020 or 2021 depending on when you receive the loan forgiveness and when Congress, the IRS and the SBA provide guidance on when these are to be included on your tax return.

Is any of this going to change?

As of this writing we don’t know.

There has been legislation proposed that would make the expenses deductible for tax purposes. You should discuss this with your CPA or look for future writings here where we will update the tax consequences of the PPP Loan forgiveness if it changes.

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

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

Governor urges support for restaurant industry Gov. J. Kevin Stitt proclaims Oct. 1-3 as official “Oklahoma Restaurant Days”, to support and celebrate Oklahoma restaurants. In celebration, “Eat Drink LOKal” is a campaign developed by the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) to encourage the general public to dine inside, dine outside or enjoy carry-out meals from their favorite restaurants across the state during October 1-3. Supporting Oklahoma restaurants is critical to further boost our current economy.

The association continues to engage with state, local and federal officials to help address the coronavirus public health issue.

“Fall in love with your favorite restaurants again and increase your support of them through the campaign Oct. 1-3,” said Jim Hopper, President of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. “Since March, Okla-

homa restaurants have lost over half a billion dollars in revenue and have had to lay off or furlough 65,000 employees. We must continue supporting the industry, or many our favorite establishments are at risk of closing their doors for good.”

Gov. J. Kevin Stitt encourages the public to dine inside, outside, or enjoy carry-out to support restaurants during this time. The hospitality landscape has changed dramatically, and restaurants continue to operate safely by providing distanced dining and COVID-19-approved sanitation practices.

“In partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and local Health Departments, restaurants will continue to utilize proper enhanced sanitation and training of their staff, as they have for many years,” said Hopper.

Edmond Electric’s Community Powered Hero Contest ongoing Our community works together to help us all make Edmond a great place to grow. As your communityowned utility, Edmond Electric provides power to help our community members do amazing things. We want to know: Who are the heroes in our community? Everyone has their own ideas for what makes someone a hero, and we know that our community is filled with unsung heroes.

To highlight these individuals, we want to hear from young people about who inspires them, boosts their spirits, and helps them and their community become better! That is why we are inviting your students to participate in the American Public Power Association’s Community Heroes Poster Contest and show us their own #CommunityPoweredHero.

How to Enter the Contest Edmond students can start by creating a poster about a community hero — whether their hero is one of their teachers, their soccer coach, a Scout leader, or anyone else! Ask them to design a poster that creatively shows why their nominee is a #CommunityPoweredHero. The poster can be created on paper (e.g., with pen and paper) or online using software.

To be eligible for a #CommunityPoweredHero prize, students or their parents or caregiver can take a photo of the poster, then share it on a public Instagram or Twitter account using the contest hashtag (#EdmondCommunityPoweredHero) and tagging @CityofEdmond on Twitter or @cityofedmondok on Instagram. Please include a brief explanation that answers the question, “Why is this person your community hero?”

Please note that submissions should not include any identifiable information (e.g., names, pictures) about children under the age of 13.

All submissions posted on Insta-

gram and Twitter between now and Oct. 7, by 11:59 p.m. CDT, will be considered.

Judging and Prizes Edmond Electric will choose one winner from our community who will receive a $100 Visa gift card from Edmond Electric. The community winner will be notified via direct message through the platform which they posted. Even more exciting: Our community winner will compete for a national prize from the Association, too! Edmond Electric will post a photo of the winning entry on our Twitter or Instagram (along with the hashtag #CommunityPoweredHero) by 11:59 ET, October 9, 2020, to ensure the poster gets included in the national judging by the Association.

The Association will award $500 to one national winner.

The Association will announce the national winner on Oct. 16, 2020, on its social media platforms by sharing the winner’s social media handle, but no other publicity will be used.

Winners will be notified by the Association via direct message through the platform to which they posted.

The brands of each prize are not cosponsors of this contest, and this promotion is not endorsed by Instagram or Twitter. No purchase necessary. By submitting a photo or video, you are stating that you took the photo or video and own the rights to the photo or video. By entering, you also grant Edmond Electric and the Association permission to use your photo or video in perpetuity in any medium.

For questions, please contact Jessica Lyle with Edmond Electric at 405-2167729 or jessica.lyle@edmondok.com.

Thank you for your participation! We are #CommunityPowered! www.edmondelectric.com/communitypowered

Page 12 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Volleyball Edlam style

Edmond Memorial celebrates their score. Memorial and North got together last week at the Siberian Gymnasium. According to The Oklahoman, Memorial won match, three sets to one.

Alexis Powell (30) serves to the home team Edmond North. North was also having a ‘Pink Out’ where both teams brought attention to the cause of breast cancer.

Bree Entz (26) and Devon Scott (18) defend at the net while North’s Victoria Wright (5) spikes the ball.

Photographs by Melinda Infante

Annie Davis (7) hits the ball to home team defenders Aubrey Cramer (6) and Haley Konan (13) at the volleyball game at Edmond North.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 13

The Perch, on the roof of the Bolling Wilson Hotel, is the perfect spot for a view of Wytheville’s Main Street and the mountains beyond.

Heritage, history & beauty of Wytheville, Va.

By Elaine Warner Wytheville – pronounced With-ville – is a tiny town tucked in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwest Virginia. Located on the Old Wilderness Road, the town dates back to the late 1700s. You can pack a lot of history in two-and-a-half centuries. Once we get to traveling again, it’s a sweet spot to put in your travel plans.

The name you’ll notice a lot in town is Edith Bolling Wilson. Born here, she was the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson.

There’s a small museum on Min Elaine Street and you can tour the Bolling’s apartment upstairs.

Across the street is the Bolling Wilson Hotel --- a lovely place to stay. The restaurant, Graze on Main, was named because, during World War I, Edith had sheep grazing on the White House lawn – providing wool for the war effort.

I also stayed at Trinkle Mansion Bed and Break-

fast (closed during COVID), a 1912 Classical Revival beauty listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was in terrible shape when the current owners purchased it. They took it down to the studs but saved the columns, hardwood floors, wainscoting, balconies and the elegant staircase.

Owner Patti Pizinger, who oversaw all the restoration and decoration of the house, also cooks elaborate gourmet breakfasts.

The town has several museums. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum, named after an early town father – and godson of Thomas Jefferson – contains a lot of local history including a story which seems particularly apt for this time of pandemic.

In 1950 Wytheville, population 5,550 was the site of an epidemic within an epidemic. Polio had been around for many years, with an epidemic in 1916. It appeared fairly regularly after that but not of epidemic proportions. Beginning in the late ‘40s, polio cases began appearing with more frequency around the country. There was no cure – or preventative – for the disease.

Summers seemed to be the scariest time for the

Feeding the fallow deer is just part of the fun in a trip to the Fort Chiswell Animal Park.

whole country. My mom wouldn’t let us go swimming or to the movies. At the time people didn’t know what caused the disease or how it spread.

But it was a time of fear – especially as it seemed to hit children (but not exclusively) particularly hard.

The worst per capita outbreak in the U.S. occurred in the summer of 1950 in Wytheville with 189 cases. The death toll reached 10 percent.

The most relevant part of the story is in the heroism of the people of Wytheville and their response to the crisis. The town had a handful of doctors; only one was a pediatrician. The local hospital had fewer than 12 beds.

As the numbers of cases rose, the town council had the city’s water tested – it was fine. They closed the local swimming pool and movie theater, then other businesses. Signs warning of the outbreak were posted on roads coming into the county. The town’s two funeral directors were making multiple trips each day to take patients to the hospital in Roanoke 70 miles away. African-American victims were forced to travel 300 miles to Richmond for treatment.

Rescue workers dealt with critically ill people without the benefit of protective equipment. The county was sprayed with DDT although there was no proof the disease was carried by insects.The only drugs were anti-bacterial – ineffective – as it was later discovered that polio was viral.

The town suffered many of the economic woes that we are now facing. Everyone pulled together.

Children were kept inside – this was described as “A Summer without Children.” The epidemic finally abated by late fall but the disease was not conquered for several more years – with the development of the Salk and Sabin vaccines.

The information in the museum is disturbing but is also a story of survival. The panels tell a story of patience, persistence and pulling together – qualities that we can all use now.

I had no idea when I saw this exhibit a year ago that we would be experiencing a similar situation.

And it certainly wasn’t why I was in Wytheville. I was there to enjoy the accommodations and attractions. And they are many.

If in the future you visit, don’t miss the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater – fantastic talent and great shows. Visit the Fort Chiswell Animal

See Elaine, Page 15

Page 14 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Biography doesn’t connect emotionally

By George Gust “The Glorias” tells the life story of journalist and noted feminist activist Gloria Steinem (Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Lulu Wilson, Alicia Vikander and Julianne Moore) From her childhood in 1940s Ohio to her leading role in the women's liberation movement “The Glorias” details the life and times of Steinem and the colorful characters she meets along the way.

“The Glorias” is a biographical drama in the style of a musical biography like “Walk the Line” but instead of the lead character going on the road to perform the hits of the famous subject, “The Glorias” focuses on the successes and failures of the women’s movement in America through the visage of Steinem’s prominent role. The film jumps between four versions of Steinem at various ages and stages of her life that give the audience an all encompassing of her experiences. This fragmented and surreal storytelling approach takes some getting used to in the first act of the film, as the filmmakers use a heavy hand breaking from reality to accentuate a point in Steinem’s experience.

The use of fantastical transitions and over-the-top daydreams quickly take the audience out of the experience and detract from the emotions and ideas

the filmmakers were trying to get across. It appears there was nothing left out of “The Glorias” with the movie trying to cover everything from her humble beginnings all the way up to the present day. Characters come and go from Gloria’s life and the film does not have the space or time to develop them any further than the Wikipedia version of what they’re known for within the women’s movement.

And although the storytelling style leaves much to be desired, the performances of Moore and Vikander are engaging and stand out from the offbeat pacing and visual choices of the filmmakers.

Vikander starts out bringing an energy and hopefulness of a fresh out of college Steinem, and by the

end of her section of the film has the confidence and vigor of a woman who knows her direction in life. And dovetailing with Vikander’s performance, Moore is a steady hand throughout the film with a calmness and wisdom that comes from a life lived on the road battling uphill all the way. There are a few other entertaining performances spotted throughout the film, Timothy Hutton as Gloria’s charming yet unsuccessful nomadic father is fun but ends up making little emotional impact in the end, Janelle Monáe has a strong and confident presence in her scenes, but feels like she breezes in and out of the movie in a small timeframe.

Overall, “The Glorias” is a movie that tries to cover too much ground in a polarizing figure’s life.

At over two hours of runtime, the film tries to squeeze in every noteworthy point in Steinem’s life, but ends up deflating the gravitas of any individual story beat. At the end of the film you’ll feel like you’ve lived through Steinem’s experiences at breakneck speed, but not taken much away in terms of emotional engagement.

“The Glorias” is rated R for some language and brief lewd images. Now available on video on demand.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Julianne Moore (as Gloria Steinem) and Janelle Monáe (as Dorothy Pitman Hughes) bring to life historical moments in the life of feminist activist Gloria Steinem in "The Glorias."

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: IN THE KITCHEN

Answers appearing on Page 19

ACROSS 1. Capital of Ghana 6. Paris in Tour de France 9. Wild ox of India 13. Admiral's group 14. "Mele Kalikimaka" wreath 15. Julian Barnes' "The ____ of an Ending" 16. Telephone company 17. Acronym in a bottle 18. Birth-related 19. *Set briefly on fire 21. *Separate solids from fat in melted butter 23. *Crusty dessert 24. Uncouth person 25. Westminster broadcaster, acr.

28. Coffee break spot 30. *Scald quickly in boiling water 35. Like desert 37. Like Civil War reenactment battle 39. *Like old chips 40. Delhi dress 41. Subculture language 43. *Good or bad it emanates from stoves 44. "As the World ____" 46. Like Jekyll and Hyde's personality 47. This over matter?

48. Encryption device, a.k.a. ____ machine 50. Practice in the ring 52. Low-____ image 53. Competitive advantage 55. NBA coach "____" Rivers 57. *Dissolve browned food bits with liquids 61. *Thicken by simmering 64. Love, to Catherine Deneuve 65. Pigeon sound 67. Pianist's exercise 69. Resembling a fish 70. Hawaiian Mauna 71. Smart candy?

72. Tire swing

holder 73. Bruin legend Bobby 74. *Yummy reward DOWN 1. Back of the boat 2. Staff symbol 3. Text messenger 4. Short version 5. Like number 1 to hydrogen 6. Besides 7. Opposite of paleo8. '70s music genre 9. Wheel in grandfather clock 10. ____-perspirant 11. Defender of skies 12. Count on 15. Growls angrily 20. What lighthouse does 22. Williams sister's return 24. On account of 25. *Turkey action 26. Hitler's Eva 27. Wispy clouds 29. *Incorporate an ingredient 31. Niels Bohr's study ob-

ject 32. Rock bottom 33. Star Wars attacker 34. Shepherds' flocks 36. Sound at door 38. ____sack 42. Clearing in the woods 45. Viscous 49. Wood-shaping tool 51. Capybara, e.g.

54. GEICO's mascot 56. Like a button, but more so 57. Cuckoo 58. Dubai dignitary 59. Departed 60. Debussy's "Clair de ____" 61. Serengeti sound 62. *Preserve by adding salt 63. Old Norse texts 66. "____ the ramparts..."

68. D.C. time

Answers on Page 19

Snake museum expands exhibits The OKC Rattlesnake & Venom Museum has expanded its exhibit to include the eight biggest snakes in the world.

Carl Sandefer, museum curator, announced the Giant Snakes of the World exhibit features the following snakes: n 17 foot Reticulated Python n 15 foot, 150 pound Anaconda n 14 foot King Cobra (“Zeus,” possibly the largest King Cobra on display in the country) n 13 foot Australian Scrub/Amethystine Python n 13 foot African Rock Python n 12 foot Burmese Python n 9 foot Boa Constrictor n 7 foot Black Mamba (can grow to 14 feet) “We already had the two largest species of venomous snakes (King Cobra and Black Mamba) on exhibit as well as several of the other non-venomous giants,” Sandefer explained.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/snakemuseumokc/ or call (405) 850-5905.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 15

Elaine From Page 13 Park for a fun, up-close adventure. Hike in the Crystal Springs Recreation Area or on the New River Trail. Dine at the Log House 1776 Restaurant – yes, parts do date back to that year. Sample wine at West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery.

Check out the Beagle Ridge Lavender Farm. And look over the landscape at the Big Walker Lookout.

This trip is something to dream about for the future. In the meantime, enjoy a tasty treat from the Trinkle Mansion.

Trinkle Mansion Almond-Poppyseed Muffins ½ cup sugar 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg ½ tsp. almond extract ½ cup sour cream

¼ cup milk 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 2 tbs. poppy seeds ¼ cup sliced almonds Heat oven to 375‫ ﹾ‬F. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups. In a large bowl, stir together sugar, oil, egg and almond extract. Beat in sour cream and milk. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and poppy seeds until wellblended. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. Sprinkle batter with almonds and gently press into muffin tops. Bake 14-17 minutes. (You can make the batter the night before, cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Increase baking time by 2-3 minutes.

Upcoming weekend concerts at the Arcadia Round Barn Ben and Alycia Goeke will provide Morning Music on Saturday, Oct. 3, and The Regular Joes will present an Elm Tree Concert on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Morning Music is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the Elm Tree Concert will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

All concerts are outdoors beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn. Masks are required. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

The Goekes own and operate the Bottle Cap Barn, a music venue in Edmond. The are late bloomers to the Red Dirt music scene, having picked up instruments in their early 50s.

They have developed their own style with Alycia’s compositions and a form of Carter Family-style guitar picking, and Ben’s bass playing and his love of John Fulbright and classic

artists such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

The Regular Joes is one of the bands fronted by Joe Baxter, an Oklahoma City singer-songwriter who coordinates the live music at the barn.

Other members of the original rock and roll band are Randy Cottrell, Marco Tello and Roger Burke.

The Round Barn, built in 1898 and now operated as a museum by the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society, is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historical Route 66. It’s currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.

For more information about live music at the barn, call Baxter at 405833-1350. To volunteer at the barn, call Kimberly Burk at 405-651-0240.

Photo of Alycia and Ben Goeke

The Regular Joes will be at the Arcadia Roundbarn this Sunday.

Almond-poppyseed muffins are a special breakfast treat at the Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast.

Page 16 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

How dangerous is childhood obesity?

Baby fat is one thing. Obesity is another.

Childhood obesity is now a disturbing epidemic in the U.S. that affects more than 18 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. The number of children who suffer from childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980, and it is now becoming a top concern for health officials in the U.S. In 2016-17, the National Survey of Children’s Health reported that nationwide, 15.8% of children ages 10 to 17 had obesity. The 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found that 14.8% of high school students (grades 9 to 12) nationwide had obesity and 15.6% were overweight. The obesity rate has increased significantly, up from 10.6% in 1999. Because the rates of childhood obesity are rising, more and more children are being diagnosed with dangerous health conditions that are associated with obesity and morbid obesity.

What this means for the future health of children is dire. Diseases that were traditionally reserved for adults and the aging population are now showing up in children - diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.

The good news is that childhood obesity is reversible. Using different methods of diet therapy, physical exercise and even new medical procedures, you can mitigate the damage from childhood obesity to ensure that your child has a healthy future.

How do I know if my child is obese?

If a child is “affected by obesity,” that generally means that their body mass index-for-age percentile is higher than 95 percent; an “overweight” child has a BMI-for-age percentile of more than 85 percent or less than 95 percent.

In layman’s speak, BMI is used to screen for potential weight and health-related issues. Your pediatrician can use various tests like skinfold thickness measurements, diet evaluations, physical activity, family history and other health screenings to see if excess body fat is the problem. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of BMI to screen for overweight and obesity in children beginning at 2 years old.

A child is defined as “affected by

that children with childhood obesity face and doctors are seeing the disease appear in more and more children and at a younger age. “We used to call it ‘adult-onset diabetes.’ But now we see it in children too,” Dr. Shambayati says.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body metabolizes sugar, also known as glucose. Between 2011 and 2012, type 2 diabetes accounted for 23 percent of new diabetes diagnoses in children, according to the CDC. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children include excessive tiredness, the darkening of the folds of the skin in the armpits and neck, thirstiness, frequent urination and slow-healing sores.

Increased reflux is another condition obese children face. The excess fat in the abdominal area can put pressure on the stomach, causing acid to enter the esophagus. Called Barrett’s Esophagus, the condition changes the esophagus to the tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine and carries an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is a serious, potentially fatal cancer of the esophagus.

“Anything we can do to prevent the diseases that are caused by obesity and remove those future health risks is good,” says Dr. Shambayati.

obesity” if their body mass index-forage (or BMI-for-age) percentile is greater than 95 percent. A child is defined as “overweight” if their BMIfor-age percentile is greater than 85 percent and less than 95 percent.

To determine if your child falls into that category, use this handy BMI-forage Chart by the Centers for Disease Control. This calculator provides BMI and the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile based on the CDC growth charts for children and teens (ages 2 through 19 years).

Baby fat or something more dangerous?

Dr. Maryam Shambayati, a pediatric gastroenterologist with INTEGRIS Health, says the increase in childhood obesity rates in Oklahoma is concerning.

“We are seeing more patients at a younger age who have more systemic diseases associated with obesity, like fatty liver disease,” Dr. Shambayati says. “Fatty liver disease is the num-

ber one cause of liver transplants in America, replacing hepatitis C. We are seeing a rise in fatty liver disease in kids, primarily caused by diet, increased sugar and fat in the diet and sedentary lifestyles.”

Such stress on the liver causes something called NASH, or Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. It is the most severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is characterized by the presence of an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver, according to The NASH Education Program. As NASH evolves, over time it can result in excessive scarring in the liver, an irreversible condition that can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

“If we see just fat in the liver, then we can reverse that through good diet, exercise and weight loss,” says Dr. Shambayati. “That’s the only therapy for fatty liver. As of now, there are no FDA-approved drugs to treat fatty liver disease. Scarring, however, is something we cannot reverse.”

Type 2 diabetes is another threat

Why is childhood obesity on the rise?

Diet remains the top reason for childhood obesity, but eating a healthy diet isn’t as simple as it sounds.

“Part of the reason we see such high rates of childhood obesity in Oklahoma is that so many people live in food deserts,” says Dr. Shambayati. “It’s becoming more and more of a problem in our state. Because so many people do not have access to fresh, healthy food, they rely on packaged food, which is higher in calories and has poor nutritional content.”

According to a report by the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, out of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, 54 contain food deserts and 76 contain areas of low access to large grocery stores.

A sedentary lifestyle is another big factor in childhood obesity. “Kids are sitting and playing on screens instead of going outside to play,” Dr. Shambayati says. “Families keep their chil-

See Obesity, Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 17

The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated the official grand opening of the CO-OP Esports and Gaming Arena on Central’s campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 23. The arena plays host to the university’s competitive esports teams is open to the community. Pictured, left to right, Victor Santos e Silva, director of IT – Campus Enterprises; Nathan Wade, vice president of the UCO esports student organization and member of the UCO esports varsity Overwatch team; Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, UCO president; Kevin Freeman, vice president for Finance and Operations; and, Ben Hastings, assistant vice president for Operations.

UCO celebrates opening of CO-OP Esports & Gaming Arena The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated the official grand opening of the CO-OP Esports and Gaming Arena on Central’s campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sept. 23.

The arena, which plays host to the competitive esports teams representing the university locally and nationally, opened in August with the start of the fall semester. The project was a two-year effort, spearheaded by students and supported by a coalition of university divisions, to elevate esports at Central.

“I can confidently say that esports at UCO has given me a purpose that I not previously had,” said Nathan Wade, a junior sociology major from Oklahoma City, vice president of the UCO esports student organization and member of the UCO esports varsity Overwatch team.

Designed by Hornbeek Blatt Architects, the COOP was constructed over the span of a year by Lingo Construction and Central’s Architectural and Engineering Services at the cost of $1.2 million in the former Thompson’s Bookstore building. The

Part of Turner Turnpike will be widen to six lanes The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) recently approved a nearly $45 million dollar contract to continue to widen the Turner Turnpike to six lanes.

The contract, awarded at Tuesday’s OTA Authority meeting, will widen the Turner Turnpike from mile marker 218 to mile marker 222. The contract was awarded to Sherwood Construction of Tulsa at a cost of $44,417,329.52. The project is part of the Driving Oklahoma construction program announced in 2015.

“The Turner Turnpike is a vital corridor that connects Oklahoma’s two metro areas,” said OTA Executive Director and Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz. “Improving safety on this road is our number one priority.

We’ve already seen a difference in the number of accidents and injury accidents that have been prevented on the section of the Turner Turnpike that has been widened to six lanes.”

The project will widen the Turnpike to six lanes and will also include

The Turner Turnpike carries approximately 35,000 vehicles per day including commuters to Tulsa. wider shoulders and lighting throughout the corridor. Construction is expected to begin by January with completion expected in the summer of 2022.

Previous construction projects widened the Turner Turnpike to six lanes between Kellyville and Sapulpa as part of the first projects to enhance safety on the turnpike. The Turner Turnpike carries approximately 35,000 vehicles per day including commuters to Tulsa and cross country traffic between the East and West coast.

For more information about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, please visit www.PIKEPASS.com or www.drivingforwardok.com.

City seeks input for launch of East Edmond 2050 Plan East Edmond 2050 Plan will plan scenarios for future land use patterns from I-35 to the east.

A new planning process called “East Edmond 2050” is underway and city officials and staff are asking the public to share their thoughts.

The plan, which will assess potential development patterns in the eastern part of the City (including the I-35 Corridor), is an important action item in the city’s comprehensive land use plan, Edmond Plan 2018.

The primary goal of the study is to identify the associated costs, benefits, and impacts of future development and provide community leaders with data to make informed decisions as growth in Edmond continues. It is anticipated the study will

continue until Fall 2021.

An online survey is now available until October 30th for people to provide feedback on the future of East Edmond at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/eastedmond2050. Additional public input opportunities will be held in early 2021, including an in-person workshop in April to view the different potential development scenarios.

To receive email updates about the project, please sign up at https://www.edmondok.com/list.asp x?ListID=267. Additionally, you can visit the project website at https://eastedmond2050plan.com for information including meeting materials, study findings and more as the plan comes together.

project was funded by university capital and facility fee reserves. The result is a 5,703-square-foot gaming floor and stage with 48 custom-built, high-end PC gaming stations, two virtual reality booths, five Nintendo Switch consoles and a growing library of popular board and tabletop games.

“As the popularity of esports has grown, UCO has built an oasis for students to connect, learn and play,” said Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, UCO

See Gaming, Page 19

Page 18 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mortgage Matters

How to get a mortgage with student loan debt 13TH F FAIRWAY AIR RWAY - OAK OAK TREE BEAUTY BEAUTY

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PHOTO PROVIDED/GARY LARSON/OSU BRAND MANAGEMENT

Lt. Gen. Donald E. Kirkland, Commander Tinker Air Force Base, left, and Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis, participate in Thursday's signing ceremony on the OSU campus.

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Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855BANK-RCB. With approved credit.

Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151.

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help. One thing that can impact your credit score is your outstanding credit card balance in relation to your card limit – known as credit utilization.

When you pay down credit card debt, it helps improve your credit utilization amount. Other ways that may improve your credit score include paying your bills on time, asking for higher credit limits and disputing any inaccuracies in your credit reports.

Refinance Your Student Loans Another way to lower your DTI ratio is to refinance your student loans and get a lower monthly payment. If you have a strong credit score and meet the refinance qualifications, you may get a lower interest rate on your student loans, which usually means a lower monthly payment. However, you should talk to your mortgage lender before refinancing. Refinancing does appear as new debt on a credit report and may negatively impact your credit score in the short-term.

Even if it takes a little longer than you expected, you may still fulfill your dreams of owning a home. Talk with your lender to find out what you need to do to get started.

I am here to help, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Feel free to call me at 405.608.5291 or email me at kwohl@bankrcb.net.

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By Kenneth Wohl RCB Bank Even if you have student loan debt, there are viable paths to homeownership. The process is easier if you understand debt-to-inWohl come ratio, the importance of your credit score and the possibility of refinancing your student loans.

Understand your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) To determine your debt-to-income ratio your lender divides all your monthly debt payments by your monthly gross income. Debts may include student loans, auto loans, credit card debt, child support payments and your potential mortgage payment. For example, if you make $3,000 per month and owe $1,100 in debt per month, your debt-to-income ratio is roughly 37% ($1,100/$3,000 = 36.667). Depending on the lender, they will likely want to your debts to be less than 45% of your income.

If your student loans are in deferment, the mortgage lender often considers 1% of your total student loans as the monthly payment. However, if you have a document from the student loan lender that indicates you will be on an income-based repayment plan or will pay less than the 1% amount, your mortgage lender may adjust the monthly debt amount.

Increase your Credit Score Before you apply for a mortgage, you should check your credit score with Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Generally, if your credit score is below 640, building up your score before you apply for a mortgage can

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OSU partners with Air Force The United States Air Force and Oklahoma State University have agreed to a five-year partnership that will develop cutting-edge research projects and create new educational opportunities for students and service members.

The Air Force, by way of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OCALC) located at Tinker Air Force Base, and OSU, through several colleges including the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, will pursue joint research in areas such as radar and related sensing and communications systems, computer engineering, flight dynamics, aero propulsion and power and many more. The partnership will provide OSU faculty and students opportunities to work in conjunction with USAF members to conduct research and develop solutions to real-world problems.

The mutually beneficial partnership aims to guide engineering curriculum and enhance local engineering education, provide a formal information exchange vehicle between OC-ALC and OSU on key technological issues and enhance the development and transfer of dual-use technologies. Also,

both parties see this as an opportunity to encourage service members and veterans to pursue further education at OSU in hopes of advancing their careers within or outside of the military.

“This partnership means a wonderful opportunity for both [the Air Force and OSU] to work toward a mutual goal,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.

The partnership will allow for the use of and access to information that both parties wouldn’t have under normal circumstances, including the use of state-of-the art equipment and facilities, access to expert faculty in varying fields and unique perspectives and background knowledge from undergraduate- and graduatestudent program participants.

“This is a transformational partnership for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex and OSU to work together toward a common goal,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey King. “We hope it ignites a spark of companionship that will allow both entities to benefit from the intellectual and physical capital each other possesses.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 1, 2020 • Page 19

Obesity

Gaming From Page 17

dren indoors because they think it’s safer, but it’s doesn’t help with physical activity or their future health.�

Once a child is diagnosed as obese, doctors often also check for vitamin deficiencies. Because packaged food is poor in nutrition, many children lack necessary vitamins like Vitamin D or magnesium. Doctors may also check liver enzymes and cholesterol to see if the child shows signs of fatty liver disease.

How to revers e the trend “Our first line of defense is lifestyle modification,� says Dr. Shambayati. “One of the easiest first steps are to remove sugarladen drinks like sodas.

We also discuss good food choices. I think this can be hard for parents because oftentimes children who are obese have family members who are obese, and

they can get offended.�

Dr. Shambayati says that showing families that a diagnosis of obesity is not a judgment on them or their lifestyle is important to changing habits. She says families should know that doctors are not judging them on their looks or aesthetics but are focusing on how to create the healthiest future for their children. “It is important for people to be aware that obesity can be stigmatizing, but we are trying to prevent future disease,� she says.

New bariatric techniques are in the works that could be used for children who have weight problems, but lifestyle and diet changes are still the most effective treatments. “It’s easier now to address that. With online services, it’s easier than ever to have fresh veg-

etables and fruits delivered to your door without having to drive to the store,� Dr. Shambayati says. “Doing things as a family also helps. One easy way to incorporate exercise is to take a walk as a family after dinner, which gets the kids away from the screens for a while and sneaks in exercise too. You don’t have to be super active or running - any exercise is good.�

From Page 17 president. “We are proud to level the playing field and provide inclusive competition, where skill is the great equalizer.

Home to our very own competitive esports teams, this special place offers students the best in technology, entertainment and esports education.�

The CO-OP Esports and Gaming Arena is open to the public daily, 5 p.m. to midnight Monday – Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 am. Friday and 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Rates vary depending on duration of play. Those with a valid UCO

ID are eligible for discounted rates.

The arena is available to rent for private events such as birthday parties, team building and private tournaments. In accordance with university COVID-19 policies, face masks and physical distancing are required. Those who have tested positive, have been directly exposed to or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not come to the CO-OP until released from isolation/quarantine.

For more information about the CO-OP or private event packages, visit www.coopgamingarena.com.

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For the safety of our members and friends, all services and events at Channing UUC have been cancelled through April 12th, 2020 in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic. tÄž ĆľĆŒĹ?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹśĆ? ƚŽ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç ĆšĹšÄž Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞůĹ?ŜĞĆ?

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In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • October 1, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure