Edmond Life and Leisure - October 21, 2021

October 21, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 23

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Historical Ghost tours this October 29 & 30

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.

Healthier Edmond See pages 17-20

Enjoy fall fun which includes wagon rides & S’mores Tour guides, dressed as characters from Edmond’s past, will thrill participants with spooky stories of Edmond’s past.

FRIDAY, October 22 AM Thunderstorms High 75° Low 54°

SATURDAY, October 23 Partly Cloudy High 77° Low 61°

SUNDAY, October 24 Partly Cloudy High 80° Low 62°

Edmond Historic Preservation Trust and Downtown Edmond Presents Historical Ghost Tours, Free Wagon Rides and S’mores The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust will be presenting the Annual Historical Ghost Tours with fun activities this year including free wagon rides and s’mores.

The walking tours will tell the stories of founding members of our community along with documented ghost stories of Edmond. Tour guides will lead you to different actors portraying these stories.

Each tour will last about 45 minutes and will leave every 15 minutes.

Visitors can also enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides courtesy of the Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) and sponsors. The Edmond Fire Department will also be there with a fire pit to make s’mores and the Edmond Police Department

PHOTOS PROVIDED

will be there assisting with the wagon rides.

The events will be held on Friday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Oct. 30. Wagon rides will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on the corner of Broadway and Hurd. Ghost tours and s’mores will begin at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the Historical Ghost Tours are $10 and children 10 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Silver Leaf Gems, 15 West Campbell Street in Downtown Edmond or the night of the event. CASH ONLY PLEASE. For more information email info@downtowntedmondok.com or call (405) 285-9700.

Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) is a membership organization formed by business owners in Downtown Edmond. DEBA holds many family-friendly events throughout the year.

For more information, contact Stephanie Carel at info@downtownedmondok.com or (405) 471-2348

Page 2 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 3

Edmond’s Jennifer Hardin appointed to major post ices in the Office of Melinda Fruendt, Juvenile System OverOklahoma Department sight. of Rehabilitation ServShe served as proices executive director, gram manager of recently appointed JenOCCY’s Child Abuse nifer Hardin, from EdMultidisciplinary Team mond, to serve as the Program assigned to agency’s legislative liaimonitor and evaluate son.

36 Child Abuse team Jennifer Hardin was members, coordinate employed from Septemwith district attorneys ber 2016 to September and other key commu2021 in a similar posinity members, arrange tion for the Oklahoma statutorily required Commission on Children Hardin trainings, provide techand Youth.

In that capacity, she worked closely nical assistance and identify gaps in services. with legislative and executive branch Hardin was appointed by the officials and provided input regarding OCCY director as a co-designee for legislative initiatives for OCCY and the Oklahoma Advisory Task Force other child-serving agencies. on Child Abuse and Neglect and the Hardin assisted in passing several Child Death Review Board. legislative initiatives that have posiShe is a member of the Leadership tively reformed the youth system in Board for the Drug Endangered ChilOklahoma. dren Alliance through the Oklahoma “Jennifer has been a pleasure to work with in my five years in the leg- Bureau of Narcotics, District Attorney’s Victims of Crime Act Board, islature,” Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Rep. Mark and the OSU-OKC Crime Victim/Survivor Services Advisory Board.

Lawson, (R- District 30), said. “She Hardin began her 20-year career brings an unmatched level of professionalism and credibility to the organ- working with children and families in the Oklahoma Department of ization. I look forward to working Human Services’ Intake Unit in 2001 with her and DRS to improve the and was promoted to supervisor of lives of Oklahomans with disabilithe Child Protective Services Unit in ties.”

In addition, Rep. Lawson is a mem- Payne County in 2006.

She earned a Bachelor of Science ber of House committees on Appropriations and Budget; Children, Youth in family relations and child developand Family Services; County and Mu- ment with an emphasis in individual, nicipal Government; Joint Committee family and community services from Oklahoma State University. on Appropriations and Budget, State “I couldn’t be more excited to join and Federal Redistricting; and the State and Federal Redistricting North the DRS team,” Hardin said. “Expanding opportunities for Oklahomans Central Oklahoma Subcommittee. with disabilities has been a passion of Senate Committee on General mine since I first entered the workGovernment and Transportation force. I look forward to working with Chair Senator John Haste (R-District our Executive Director Melinda Fru36) agreed. endt, those serving on the Oklahoma “Jennifer is well-established as a Commission for Rehabilitation Servseasoned advocate and will be a perices and members of the Oklahoma fect fit for the Oklahoma DepartLegislature in this advocacy role.” ment of Rehabilitation Services,” he In 2020, DRS served 76,132 Oklasaid. “Her professional career thus far has centered on serving Oklahomans homans with disabilities through cawho are most vulnerable. In this new reer planning, employment, education, independent living prorole, Jennifer will be well-positioned grams and the determination of medto help expand opportunities for emical eligibility for Social Security ployment, independent life and ecodisability benefits. nomic self-sufficiency for DRS’ employment programs, VoOklahomans with disabilities. I look cational Rehabilitation and Services forward to working with her as we for the Blind and Visually Impaired, continue to seek better policies and helped 11,532 Oklahomans with services in this area.” disabilities find employment Senator Haste is also a member of through career counseling, vocaSenate committees on Health and tional education and training, medHuman Services, Appropriations and ical services required to become Transportation. employed and assistive technology During her time at OCCY, Hardin was employed as an oversight special- geared to their specific needs and career goals. ist responsible for child welfare serv-

Sales tax easily passes During a special election Oct. 12, Edmond residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a temporary sales tax to fund the purchase of 22 acres of land adjacent to Hafer Park.

Unofficial polling results showed more than 80 percent of 10,067 voters cast ballots to approve a temporary 0.25 percent increase of the Edmond sales tax. The preliminary totals were 8,187 votes in favor of the temporary increase and 1,880 against the increase. All election results are unofficial until certified by the Oklahoma County Election Board.

The temporary sales tax increase is for one year, raising the Edmond effective rate from 8.25 percent to 8.5 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2022, and running through Dec. 31, 2022.

Based on tax collections from the

2020-2021 fiscal year, it is estimated the 0.25 percent increase will generate approximately $5 million, which the City of Edmond will use for the purchase of the acreage. The sales tax rate returns to 8.25 percent Jan. 1, 2023.

The tentative purchase price for the 22 acres is just short of $4 million, plus closing costs. Any tax dollars generated in excess of the purchase price, plus closing costs, may be used to pay towards the cost of improving the land or providing other capital improvements for the city.

Once purchased, the 22 acres of land will be added to the city’s parks system. However, there are no current plans or additional funding identified for the specific future use of the land.

Page 4 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

A real invasion of privacy It seems as if the most attention regarding violation of personal freedom and privacy is getting paid to the anti-vaccination movement. Regardless of how you fall on the vaccination issue, there is a much greater intrusion into your privacy before congress being pushed by President Biden and his fellow Democrats.

Ray Hibbard We need all you anti-vaxers to pull off that issue and turn your attention to this latest proposal. The fiscal 2022 budget proposal Congress is considering would require banks and other financial institutions to report to the IRS on the deposits and withdrawals of business and personal accounts. It goes far beyond any safeguard’s association with the Patriot Act requirements put in place after 911. Those were considered intrusive into people’s privacy, but they are child’s play compared to this proposal.

The Biden Administration's new proposal would have banks submit annual reports on any account with transactions or activity over $600 to the IRS. If implemented, the proposed change would require banks to file annual reports on accounts that include gross inflow and gross outflow amounts. Those amounts would need to be broken down into how much is coming into or out of an account in physical cash; to or from a foreign account; and to or from other accounts with the same owner.

Some Democrats are trying to use the old, tired method of blaming this all on rich folks who, “Don’t pay their fare share.” Anyone who believes that transactions totally $600 per year make you rich is smoking crack. It shows how out of touch some politicians are with regular folks and small businesses. We are talking about law-abiding citizens who have done nothing wrong so they should not have the IRS in their backyards and bank accounts.

The American Bankers Association, along with a slew of financial industry groups, report that small business owners and independent contractors would bear the brunt of the proposal, not the wealthy. "While the stated goal of this vast data collection is to uncover tax dodging by the wealthy, this proposal is not remotely targeted to that purpose or that population," the groups wrote last month.

Republicans and some Democrats are pushing back on the proposal. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called it a "massive new dragnet," while Nebraska's state treasurer has said he will not comply with the requirement if it becomes law. Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA) new polling conducted by Morning Consult was released as thousands of concerned consumers contact lawmakers to scrap the proposal Two-thirds of voters (67%) oppose the proposal that would allow the IRS to collect bank account deposit and withdrawal information from American consumers The results come as thousands of community bank customers and other consumers contact their members of Congress in opposition via banklocally.org/privacy.

“A bipartisan supermajority of Americans

Jill Castilla clearly opposes Washington’s plan for the IRS to monitor their bank account information, which Congress is now quickly advancing through a budget reconciliation package that requires only a simple majority to pass,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Through ICBA’s poll conducted by Morning Consult and thousands of messages delivered to Congress by consumers, Americans have made clear the government has no business monitoring their financial account transaction histories.”

The poll also found: Trust Issues: More than three in five voters (64%) do not trust the IRS much or at all to monitor their deposit and withdrawal information.

Including 50% of Democrats, 73% of Independents, and 75% of Republicans.

Security Concerns: More than half of voters (54%) do not trust the IRS to keep their financial data safe from data breaches. Distrust is highest among voters over the age of 45, those who make under $100,000 per year, and those in suburban and rural areas.

Systemic Disruptions: 55% of respondents said their banking habits would change a lot or some if they knew their deposits and withdrawals were being reported to the IRS—potentially driving some out of the banking sector and increasing the number of unbanked individuals. Those who would change their habits include 57% of Democrats and Republicans, 61% of voters in urban areas, and 58% of voters in rural areas.

The polling indicates that consumers’ top concerns with the proposal are: The government has no business monitoring financial account transaction histories.

The proposal will hurt small businesses, risk double-counting their income, and increase their tax burden and audits.

IRS data collection is an invasion of privacy, and the IRS already collects enough information to watch for tax evaders.

Rainey issued the following statement on the latest congressional efforts to allow the IRS to collect financial account information from American consumers.

“Adjusting the reporting threshold or making other tweaks to Washington’s widely opposed proposal to require financial institutions to report customer account information to the IRS will not salvage this misguided plan.”

Locally, Citizens Bank of Edmond President and CEO, Jill Castilla, has appeared on the Fox national network and on local broadcasts explaining what an incredible invasion of privacy monitoring these transactions are and the burden it will put on community banks. She says it puts your local, trusted banker into a position of being an arm of the IRS which is unacceptable in my book.

Taxpayers already live in fear of their identity being stolen from the IRS portal each tax season.

Now the proposal is to dump even more of your personal information into that same portal. I am not a conspiracy theorist at all, but this is a true “Big Brother” issue folks. The federal government cannot secure the information they have on us now. This move will have regular folks like us running to alternative banking systems that are not as secure as our banking systems now and could be predatory.

Privacy concerns are one of the key criticisms of the proposal, especially if they resulted from a data breach. It does not help the White House case that a recent leak exposed income-tax information. Details of their personal records were obtained and disclosed by ProPublica.

This proposal would create significant operational and reputational challenges for financial institutions, increase tax-preparation costs for individuals and small businesses, and create serious financial privacy concerns. It would create tremendous liability for all affected parties by requiring the collection of financial information for nearly every American without proper explanation of how the IRS will store, protect, and use this enormous trove of personal financial information.

Banks and credit unions contend they will need to hire extra staff to help customers and their tax professionals understand the reports and how the IRS might use them.

We need all you social media people with antigovernment and conspiracy fear tendencies to help get this proposal destroyed where it stands.

Democrats, Republicans, and Independents need to be against this incredibly stupid proposal. Not only do the banks not have the people power to manage this reporting but there is not a federal agency, including the IRS, that has enough folks on staff to monitor the flood of data. So, it will sit on servers waiting for a 14-year-old kid in Russia to break in, steel your data and sell it off to a criminal organization.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6.

---- Senior news ........................................................................Pages 8 & 9.

---- A look at how the government wasted $80 billion ....................Page 10.

---- Willow Ranch has an open house ..............................................Page 11.

---- Elaine Warner looks at a restaurant with a quaint charm ..........Page 12.

---- Scenes from Santa Fe football game ..........................................Page 13.

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

---- George Gust reviews Matt Damon film......................................Page 14.

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

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

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, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 5

Romeros Guitar Quartet

Guitar performance set for Nov. 11 Edmond’s Armstrong Auditorium hosts the famed Romeros Guitar Quartet on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Known as "The Royal Family of the Guitar," the Romeros are a veritable institution in the world of classical music, entertaining countless audiences and winning the raves of reviewers worldwide. The ensemble is celebrating its 60th-anniversary with a tour across North America and is returning to Edmond for their fourth appearance on the Armstrong performing arts series.

“We are excited to welcome the Romero family back to our series,” Armstrong’s booking manager Ryan Malone said. “Our audience will be scintillated by this uniquely special combination—four virtuoso family members playing a variety of quartets, trios, duos and solos. And Armstrong is the perfect acoustic space to experience the artistic mastery of

Los Romeros.”

The Nov. 11 program includes works by Federico Garcia Lorca, Lorenzo Palomo and Manuel de Falla, and will also premiere "La Cita" by Douglas Cuomo.

The Romeros Guitar Quartet was founded in 1960 by Celedonio Romero after emigrating to the United States in 1957 from Spain.

Romero’s musicality was passed to his sons, Angel, Celin and Pepe, who had each made their performance debuts by seven years of age.

Tickets for the Romeros Guitar Quartet performance on November 11 range from $35 to $75. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Armstrong Auditorium’s website or call the Box Office at (405) 285-1010.

The award-winning Armstrong Auditorium has established itself as a world-class center for the arts in Oklahoma since 2010.

City seeks public feedback on future of the east side The City of Edmond has a final opportunity for residents to provide feedback for the East Edmond 2050 Plan.

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.

Community engagement is a vital component of the plan for developing needs, priorities, goals and strategies that will guide the City’s vision for the future.

Residents interested in providing feedback can fill out a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EastEdmond2050Implementation, or visit the project website at https://eastedmond2050plan.com for additional project information or to sign up for email updates.

Additional information about the East Edmond 2050 Plan also is available by contacting Long Range Planner Ken Bryan at ken.bryan@edmondok.com.

North Boulevard Market to be held on Oct. 30 North Boulevard Market consists of various vendors either inside or outside of the Masonic Lodge located at 1026 B. Boulevard.

The market is held monthly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with different vendors participating every month. The next market will be Oct. 30.

In conjunction with the city of Edmond trick or treating, the group will be holding its own grownup trick or treating and shopping with vendors and treats for all.

In addition they will have a costume dress-up with prizes, customer door prizes, every hour (you must be present to win) and treats for the young ones as they come through the market.

For a fun time and holiday shopping and treats for the young and old, add North Boulevard Market to your trick or treat list. Also, the group will be accepting donations for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. For a $5 donation you will receive a breast cancer awareness pin.

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Page 6 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

Oct. 4 Ruiyi Ny Zeng, 37 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Selven Estuardo Chanax-Mejia, 25 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag (one to three months), and driving while license is suspended, canceled, denied or revoked.

Antionne Ivon Croft, 38 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Sean David Childs, 21 of Edmond.

Three misdemeanor warrants.

Micheal Edward Garret, 34 homeless. Public intoxication.

Shamika Diamond Gillett, 21 of Newcastle. Misdemeanor warrant and three counts of failure to appear.

Tyler Wayne Glass, 35 of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Joshua Alexander Hill, 32 of Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving while license is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Oct. 5 Aaron Isaac Wilson, 31 homeless.

Food stamp fraud and petit larceny.

Josh Ryan Lively, 37 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and petit larceny.

Chad Stephen Simpson, 47 homeless. Failure to appear.

Oct. 6 Dustin Scott Moore, 41, of Midwest City. Possess with intent to district CDS. Koltlyn Lane Morel, 25 of Edmond.

25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or above.

Donna Jean Hinton, 48 homeless.

Two misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear.

Makayla Diann Stephen, 21 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, expired tag -- over three months, no proof of insurance, following too closely and two counts of failure to appear.

Gregory Leo Pierce, 61 of Edmond.

Two counts of failure to appear.

Damieon Lamore Graves-Moody, 31 of Oklahoma City. failure to appear.

Oct. 7 Edward Lee Billey, Jr.45 of Edmond. Two felony warrants.

Andrew Dee Renshaw, 39 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Connor Thomas Jeffrey, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or above and possess CDS. Tyler Jon Wennersten, 18 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and two counts of possess CDS. Gerodney Kordell Busby, 30 of Oklahoma City. Robbery in the first degree.

Stephen Dale Taylor, 48 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Casey James Coplen, 41 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and possession of CDS. Oct. 8 Rachelle Marie Cashion, 30 of Oklahoma City. Possession or marijauna and possess drug paraphernalia.

Tiyler Jacovan Knight, 22 of Edmond. Use of a firearm while committing a felony and possess with intent to distribute CDS. Aijalon Shamon Knight, 27 of Hugo, Okla. Use of a firearm while committing a felony and possess with intent to distribute CDS.

Steven Michael Caldwell, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Oct. 9 Juan Rodriquez Soria, 28 of Edmond. Two counts possession of CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or above.

Irfan Rama, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Edilson de Leon, 30 of Oklahoma City. Stop sign violation and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Catoya Kay Johnson, 33 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Syeda Masooma Abedi, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Mark Ronald Robbins, 34 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Oct. 10 Carley Renae Stanglin, 22 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or above.

Kinsey Alyssa Holt, 28 of Edmond.

Public intoxication Marsalis Roshawn Reed, 33 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Matthew Li, 31 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or above.

Liang Hui Lin, 46 of Elmhurst, N.Y. Public intoxication.

Dengdeng Li, 31 of Flushing N.Y. Public intoxication.

Tonya J Lesseg, 48 of Edmond.

Possession of marijuana and failure to appear.

Edward Anthony Runnels, 38 homeless. Possess CDS and trespassing after being forbidden.

Gary Dean Land, 35 of Edmond.

Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and two counts of failure to appear.

Jeffrey Jay Rodgers, 32 homeless.

(Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property, burglary/theft from a

motor vehicle, assault and/or battery with a dangerous weapon, (possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of a vehicle or implement of husbandry, obstruction of a police officer and a felony warrant.

Amanda Lynn Schupp, 36 homeless. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property and obstruction of a police officer.

Manuel Fierro, 49 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Christopher Jovon Winston, 44 of Midwest City. Sx misdemeanor warrants and two felony warrants.

Oct. 11 Rennell Fred, 42 of Edmond. Public Intoxication.

Garmon Thomas Justis III, 36 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Leann Nixie, 36 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Joseph Robert Moulton, 19 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Billy Keith Johnson, 26 of Edmond.

Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, or a combination of schedule one chemical or controlled substance.

Oct. 12 Joseph Allen Brannum, 32 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Derrick Laron Williams, 51 of Oklahoma City. Petty larceny.

Dana Marie Williams, 52 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Travis Lane Prichard, 53 homeless.

Misdemeanor warrant.

Patricia Ann Cherry, 34 homeless.

Larceny of merchandise from retailer.

Zoey Jane Small, 19 of Edmond.

(Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Ian Paul Cummings, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Weekend Calendar of Events Oct. 21-24 What’s Happening This Weekend Oct. 21-24 ---- In the Gallery: Lezley Lynch ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- ‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’ ---- Pink Buckle Barrel Race ---- Peter Asher ---- Edmond Pride 2021 ---- Smilin’ Vic ---- Mountain Smoke ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Red Day Run ---- Storybook Forest ---- Fall Symphonic Band Concert ---- Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West ---- Homeschool Day ---- Signature Tour ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- Fright Fest ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Wicked Forest of Terror ---- Pumpkinville ---- Haunt the Zoo ---- Fall Steam Train ---- Oklahoma River Cruises’ Haunt The River ---- Oklahoma City Ballet Presents: Alice (In Wonderland) ---- ARTini ---- ARTonTAP ---- India Food & Arts Festival ---- Needtobreathe in Concert Extra Information In the Gallery: Lezley Lynch Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Lezley Lynch; edmondfinearts.com VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org ‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’ Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Melton Gallery Extra Info: Free; Display through Nov 18; calendar.uco.edu

Peter Asher Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, Oct. 22; 8 p.m.; $60; calendar.uco.edu

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 23 & Sun, Oct. 24; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Smilin’ Vic Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 23; 8 p.m.; $15; calendar.uco.edu

Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm Location: Orr Family Farm Extra Info: through Nov 13; orrfamilyfarm.com

Mountain Smoke Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Sun, Oct. 24; 7 p.m.; $20; calendar.uco.edu Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 23; 8 a.m. ---- 1 p.m.; edmondok.com Red Day Run Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 23; reddayrun.com Storybook Forest Location: Arcadia Lake Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 23 – Sat, Oct. 30; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; $12/child; storybookforestok.com Fall Symphonic Band Concert Location: Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: Sun, Oct. 24; 2 p.m.; Free; www.oc.edu/events/fall-symphonic-bandconcert?date=24-10-2021 Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Oct. 21 – Sun, Oct. 24; 10 a.m. ---5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Homeschool Day Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Oct. 22; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour

Fright Fest Location: Frontier City Extra Info: open select days through Sun, Oct. 31; sixflags.com Guthrie Haunts Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK Extra Info: through Nov 6; guthriescaregrounds.com Wicked Forest of Terror Location: 9420 W I-40 Service Rd, OKC Extra Info: through Oct. 31; wickedforestofterror.com Pumpkinville Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Fri, Oct. 8 – Sun, Oct. 24; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; calendar.oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com Haunt the Zoo Location: Oklahoma City Zoo Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 9 – Sun, Oct. 31 (weekends); 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okczoo.org Fall Steam Train Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: Sat, Oct. 16 – Sun, Oct. 24; for times check the website oklahomarailwaymuseum.org Oklahoma River Cruises’ Haunt The River Location: 1503 Exchange Ave, OKC Extra Info: Fri, Oct. 22 – Sat, Oct. 23; Boarding: 7:20 p.m.; Departure: 8 p.m.; okrivercruises.com Oklahoma City Ballet Presents: Alice (In Wonderland) Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Fri, Oct. 22 – Sun, Oct. 24; 7:30 p.m. & Sun, 2 p.m.; okcballet.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 7

Cox Business Survey Shows Minority-Owned Small Businesses See Bright Financial Future Ahead According to the Cox Small Business Snapshot, 90% of minority small business owners are hopeful about the growth of their business in the next year. Just over 60% havve returned to or exceeded their pre-pandemic financial levels.

“It’s been a tough year on companies worldwide, but par ticularr-ly among minority-owned businesses,” said Ashely Perkins, Vice President, Cox Business Oklahoma. “ While we’ve seen movements take root in shopping small, buying local and suppor ting minority-owned companies, it’s hear tening to hear many businesses are recovering and are optimistic about their financial futures.”

That’s not to saay that COVID-19 didn’t present hardships for this

Larger enterprises can help. Fif ty-five percent of business owners sur veyed would like to see improved supplier diversity, as well as increased minority-specific grants and funding oppor tunities from bigger enterprises. Just under half (45%) want to hav have more mentorship or advisor y programs with business executives.

“Creating oppor tunities for minority-owned businesses is somesome thing all companies can prioritize, whether at the individual level through mentorship or by financially investing in budding owners,” said Perkins. “Cox is making strides in this arena – for example through our Supplier Diversity Program – and aims to continue growing our suppor t of minority-owned businesses.”

About the 2021 Cox Small Business Snapshot Cox commissioned a sur vey focused on the challenges of minority-owned businesses. We aimed to catch a glimpse of the issues they face – and more impor tantly, how they rise above. Respondents to the online sur vey included a total of 742 4 business owners.

The margin of error for this sur vey is plus or minus 3 percent.

community. More than 75% of respondents claimed the pandemic heightened their business challenges. Roughly half applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, of which about two-thirds received full funding. Of the 72% of respondents who obtained personal stimulus money, most (81%) invested the funding back into their business.

What are they investing in? Tec e hnology. Fif ty-eight percent of sur veyed owners implemented new tech because of the pandemic – most frequently E-commerce platforms, touchless payments, and contactless deliver y ser vices like curbside, deliver y and/or buyonline-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS). More than half intend to continue using technology in the same areas over the next year. Other ways sur veyed owners plan to strengthen their businesses include: •Of fering additional products and/or ser vices (50%) •Updating their current location(s) (27%) •Hiring or re-hiring more employees (26%) •Expanding to a larger space (25%) •Adding more locations (24%) Beyond the pandemic, minority-owned business owners of ten face unique challenges launching and growing their businesses. To op challenges faced among respondents include growing a customer base, accessing funding/capital, and planning and structuring their business. Over two-thirds (65%) sayy these issues are unique to minority-owned businesses.

Page 8 • Octoberr 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Giving dental help State webinar series for state’s veterans and medicare info

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Oklahoma Dental Association and Henry Schein Dental will host the second annual Veteran’s Clinic to provide dental care at no cost to Oklahoma veterans.

Veterans interested in receiving dental care are asked to schedule a pre-screening appointment, by calling (405) 271-7744 by Oct. 28. The prescreening days are scheduled in the afternoons of Oct. 22 and Nov. 5.

After the pre-screening, the veterans will be given an appointment to return to the college to receive their dental treatment.

“I am very pleased to continue to host this annual clinic to provide a free dental care day for Oklahoma veterans,” said Dr. Paul M. Mullasseril, dean of the OU College of Dentistry and immediate past president of the ODA. “Our first event was a great success thanks to the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff, and the partnerships our college has with the Oklahoma Dental Association and Henry Schein. We remain committed to providing the quality care these veterans need and deserve.”

“The Oklahoma Dental Association is proud of our partnership with the OU College of Dentistry and are looking forward to providing this much needed free dental care for veterans,” said Dr. Chris Fagan, ODA President. “It’s an honor to serve these veterans who have dedicated

Honoring vets Join the Downtown Edmond Business Association for a Veterans Day Celebration at Festival Market on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 4:30-6 p.m.

Enjoy a fun late afternoon event that will celebrate our Veterans and their families with live music, vendors, guest speakers, live art, a kids activity, a thank you card station for the VA Hospital and so much more. their lives to the service of our country.”

With no dental benefits provided to veterans, getting the necessary oral health care can be difficult, and often veterans delay urgent needs.

Regular dental appointments are essential in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.

Learn more about the first Veteran’s Clinic: https://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/news/article/organizations-across-the-statepartnering-to-provide-veterans-with-fre e-dental-care OU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY The OU College of Dentistry is home to the state’s only doctor of dental surgery program and baccalaureate degree program in dental hygiene. More than 60% of the state of Oklahoma’s dentists are graduates of the OU College of Dentistry. The college provides general dental care and specialty care to Oklahomans.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is holding its annual Medicare Open Enrollment webinar series from now through November 17, 2021. The 7-week webinar series will educate Oklahomans on the different parts of Medicare, eligibility, enrollment options and how they can personalize their Medicare plan based on their needs. Participants can sign up for one or all seven webinars.

Each webinar is free, but registration is required.

Expert speakers from the Oklahoma Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will lead seven educational sessions. This year, OID is offering one of the sessions in Spanish to help the Spanish-speaking community learn more about their options.

“We are excited to host the ‘Welcome to Medicare’ session in Spanish,” MAP Director Ray Walker said.

“MAP offers one-on-one counseling and information available in both

English and Spanish. All services are free, unbiased and confidential."

In addition to the staff counselors within the department, MAP contracts with several agencies around the state to provide the same types of Medicare education and support.

You can find a list of these agencies at www.map.oid.ok.gov.

The remaining agenda of the 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment Webinar Series: • October 27 at 11 a.m. — Medicare Advantage Plans • Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. — Medicare Supplement Plans • November 10 at 11 a.m. — Welcome to Medicare in Spanish (New!) • November 17 at 11 a.m. — Social Security 101 To register or for more information, visit www.oid.ok.gov/MOEP. If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

UCO now offering free COVID testing The University of Central Oklahoma is hosting free COVID-19 testing on campus thanks to a partnership between the university and IMMY Labs.

The testing site, located in the parking lot at the corner of Main Street and Baumann Avenue (945 E Main St.), is open now. Testing will be available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday.

The partnership with IMMY Labs will allow members of the UCO and Edmond communities to get a test with minimal wait time and test results back within two business days.

Testing is available for those 12 months and older. Testing is free of charge; no insurance is required.

IMMY Labs offers PCR COVID-19

testing, which indicates whether an individual has an active infection. The testing site is setup for drive-thru testing. Cars should enter the testing site via the west entrance of the parking lot. Individuals must bring their confirmation code. Test results will be delivered via email and text message within two business days.

In the coming weeks, IMMY Labs intends to offer first- and seconddoes Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations to all eligible age groups, as well as boosters for eligible groups as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information and schedule a testing appointment, visit immylabs.com. To learn more about Central’s COVID-19 response and protocols, visit uco.edu/coronavirus.

Wedding, anniversary notices Do you have a wedding, anniversary or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 9

Why seniors should consider exercising There are many reasons to get in shape. Weight loss is a prime motivator, as is reversing a negative health effect, such as high cholesterol or increased diabetes risk. Routine exercise also can improve life expectancy.

WebMD says exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. That's why exercise should be an important component of daily life no matter one's age.

Research published in the journal Immune Aging found that how people age is 75 percent lifestyle and only 25 percent genetics, which underscores the importance of the lifestyle choices people make.

Cardiorespiratory fitness Many health experts say that cardiorespiratory fitness may be just as valuable a metric to determine overall health as blood pressure and lipid levels. People with a high aerobic capacity can deliver oxygen to tissues and cells efficiently to fuel exercise, according to data published in 2014 in the journal Aging & Disease. In a study involving 11,335 women, researchers compared V02 max, also known as aerobic capacity, in women with mortality data. Women who were fit from a cardiovascular perspective had a lower death rate from all causes, irrespective of the women's weight.

Manage stress and mood Exercise has direct stress-busting benefits that can promote longevity.

The Mayo Clinic says physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, which are the body's feel-good neurotransmitters. In addition, exercise can imitate the effects of stress, helping the body adjust its flight or

fight response accordingly, and help them cope with mildly stressful situations. While engaged in exercise, people may forget about their problems as they are focused on the activity at hand.

Improve bone health Strength training and physical activity can stave off the effects of frailty and osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that hip fractures are associated with diminished quality of life and survival among the elderly.

One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12 months of suffering a hip fracture, and older adults have a five- to eight-times greater risk of dying within three months following a hip fracture. Building muscle strength, balance and bone density through exercise can reduce falls and frailty, helping to prevent fracture-related health risks.

Addresses sarcopenia The health and wellness resource Healthline defines sarcopenia as the loss of muscle mass specifically related to aging. Doctors once considered this muscle loss inevitable, and it can affect stamina and lead to weakness. However, new indications suggest that exercise is the main treatment regimen for sarcopenia, particularly resistance training. This is designed to improve muscle strength and help balance hormone levels by turning protein into energy for older adults.

These are just some of the ways exercise can help older adults live longer, healthier lives From Metro News Service

Page 10 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

$80 billion fiasco

By Steve Gust There was an interesting article in The Oklahoman last week pertaining to a trip Gov. Kevin Stitt took to the southern border.

It apparently Steve Gust cost the taxpayers $12,199 to send the governor there.

The Governor joined other Republican governors, who criticized President Biden's mishandling of the southern border.

The article claims the governor's critics have called it a "political stunt." Although the article only produces one state Democrat lawmaker who said the trip was part of "election season." Pretty mild criticism if you ask me.

The article, in the last graph, says the Governor has sometimes seen private entities cover the cost of his

travel. It was also noted Stitt sold the former state plane previous governors used. That also was at the bottom of the article.

I think it's a good idea for our governor to go to the southern border and see what can be done there. Illegal immigration can't be good for Oklahoma. It's money well spent.

If The Oklahoman wants to look at improper spending then they need to focus on the $80 billion plus in military equipment, Biden left in Afghanistan for a rogue regime to have.

Eighty billion dollars is a lot more than $12,000.

I'll remind everyone again, that the people who wasted your $80 billion now want to tax you at a greater rate. Sure. Why not?

They did such a great job looking after the $80 billion we entrusted them to look after before.

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

State lawmakers worry about learning loss during pandemic Education officials offered differing explanations and solutions to recent student learning losses last week during a joint legislative interim study held amid state education funding increasing 35% in the past five years to a record $3.2 billion.

Rep. Rhonda Baker, RYukon, the chair of the House Common Education Committee, and Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, chair of the Senate Education Committee, held the joint study to examine student learning loss reported both before and during the pandemic.

"Despite record education funding, student performance even before the pandemic has been

flat or declining," Baker said after the study. "I appreciate all the legislators and education experts who helped study this situation. Our state's results are distressing, so we all must work together proactively, not defensively, to do more for Oklahoma's students."

Baker and Pugh held the joint study to focus on solutions to help students recover.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education recently released statewide scores showing only 22.1% of all Oklahoma students tested are proficient in math, and 24.8% in English language arts.

"While the pandemic resulted in similar chal-

lenges in other states, the study showed Oklahoma's are deeper," Pugh said. "More must be done to prepare students for further education, the workforce and the world. The study confirms it is time to redouble efforts for better outcomes for our students."

During the study, Bradley Ward with the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) and Cody Allen with the Southern Legislative Conference showed Oklahoma results in comparison to surrounding states. Ward showed that Oklahoma fared worse in performance than Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Colorado despite similar time lost to in-person instruction during the pandemic.

Allen said this will affect the job market in the future and the overall state economy.

Allen showed how several other states have addressed the learning loss. Most efforts focus on intensive tutoring, one-on-one or smallgroup instruction models and after-school or summer learning. One solution was to move struggling students to classrooms with a highly effective teacher. Lawmakers asked about solutions that can take place inside the classroom and questioned how some of these efforts could be undertaken given the current teacher shortage that exists nationwide.

Several presenters showed student performance on state exams improves with in-person learning vs. virtual. Presenters also reported that lack of reliable highspeed Internet or access to personal devices at the home level played a factor.

Biden ignores open southern border

By US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) Oklahomans know there is a crisis at our border, and they know who is responsible—Joe Biden.

Each month, President Biden has released thousands of illegal border crossers into the US. This has motivated a record number of migrants to illegally cross the border this year. The situation is so Lankford bad that we will exceed a 21-year high of illegal crossings at our southern border—all while President Biden pretends the crisis does not exist.

To build on top of an already growing crisis, last week Biden’s response to the massive wave of illegal migrants coming into the country was to cancel border contracts for “environmental reasons.” I found that the Biden Administration has wasted over $2 billion in taxpayer money not build the wall, and Biden’s failure to complete the border wall only makes it easier for illegal mi-

grants, drug traffickers, and human smugglers to cross our border. This Administration continues to make it clear they are not looking for policies that stop illegal immigration; they are looking for policies that promote it.

I’ve been to the border several times to see the situation first-hand. I’ve talked to our border patrol agents who tell me their hands are tied by President Biden’s failed leadership. DHS is refusing to fully enforce the law, as they are forced to release migrants into the country without a security screening or even a COVID-19 test. No matter how much the Biden Administration ignores the crisis, there is no denying our southern border is out of control.

When I went to the border in March of this year, the same facilities I visited in 2019 that were designed to hold 80 people are now holding more than 700 people. The gaping holes in the border wall can be seen from miles away and make it easier for drug cartels and human traffickers to illegally enter the country. When Biden finally sent Vice President Harris to the border, she visited a location that was nearly 800 miles from the actual crisis—and has yet to do anything since

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.

that time.

Meanwhile, Biden and his team say the border is under control. Biden’s failure to act at the border is failing America.

In August, Biden and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted to open an overflow facility in Hinton. I immediately stepped in and told DHS leadership we would not allow that to happen because Oklahomans do not want illegal migrants released into our state. Within 24 hours, Homeland Security announced they would not open the facility.

Since March, I’ve pushed DHS to end the failed catch-and-release polices that allow thousands of migrants into the US with a notice to show up to court two or three years later.

I’ve consistently touted the benefits of the border wall system and shared Border Patrol’s support for the wall, but Biden keeps telling the American people what a great job they’re doing at the border.

It’s time for Biden to stop pretending the border crisis he created doesn’t exist. Our border is out of control. The solution isn’t hard—finish the wall and enforce the US law.

Quote of the Week “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

President Ronald Reagan

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 11

Open House for Willow Ranch

Above, Ruth Watts was among those attending.

Willow Ranch is an equine assisted counseling center. Earlier this month they had an Open House to show their facilities and provide a chance to meet with staff. Willow Ranch promotes hope, healing and wellness using equine assisted counseling for children and adults. If you'd like more information, please e-mail Christa Malcolm at christamalcolm@yahoo.com.

Getting together were Christa Malcolm Marcy Cole and Wendy Williams.

The non-profit Willow Ranch counseling center uses horses to connect with children and adults.

Nothing beats an Oklahoma community working together

Taking in the evening were Shannon White, Joe Pello, Jim Mays and Christa Malcolm

Beginning three years ago in Oklahoma City, VillagesOKC is par t of a growing national movement to help aging adults remain in their homes of choice as long as possible and to provide oppor tunities for older adults to learn, plan and ser ve with spirit and dignity.

As we celebrate our third anniversar y in October, we’re really beginning to see our ef for ts flourish. We have added new members even during the coronavirus pandemic. W We moved much of our activi ct ties to online via Zoom, m including the Gathering Information for Transitions (GIFT) workshops. We are now back to more in-person activities and are excited about what lies ahead.

VillagesOKC is par t

of a movement begun 23 years ago by a group of older adults in Bos ton who met to think about and plan for their future.

Others saw and liked that plan.

Now, there are more than 350 “villages” across the U.S. Today, VillagesOKC is a vibrant organization continu continuing to attract positive thinking, wise, and kindhear ted Oklahomans who thrive by helping each other. This pas t year we’ve been featured on television s, had news, ha ar ticles in multinewspapers, received hree small grants and were named a Journal Record Beacon Awards honoree.

To learrn more about Villag i esOKC or to ollll in i the GIFT T, call or text 405.990.6637 or email inffo o@villagesokc.orrg. g

Page 12 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Ambiance & charm of Norman’s The Diner

By Elaine Warner As a travel writer, I’m always on the look-out for new sites and new tastes. Jack and I had an appointment in Norman at 11 o’clock.

Looking ahead, I began thinking about lunch and remembered a small article in the latest AAA magazine that highlighted The Diner in Elaine Norman. The article mentioned their chili. It was a bit chilly out and that sounded like it would hit the spot.

The exterior leaves one with no expectation of the treats inside. It looks old – it is. It looks like the kind of place you’d find on any small town Main Street – and pass by. A sign on the front of the diner proclaims “Air Conditioned.” Shades of when I was a kid and the movie theaters all had corrugated, cardboard banners picturing icicles and promising, “It’s cool inside” hanging from their marquees. The truth, which has nothing to do with air conditioning, is that The Diner, appearance notwithstanding, is cool.

The restaurant is tiny – a narrow center aisle with a counter and ten stools on one side and ten booths on the other. Action central is the grill behind the counter. Wall space beyond the grill is taken up with racks of condiments and bags of chips. Glowing pink neon tubing runs around the top of the walls and a neon-script “Grill” over the cooking surface leaves no doubt about its importance. The one-for-all bathroom is lined with faux pink tile reminiscent of my grandma’s house. This is obviously a place where the appetite surpasses the ambiance. I loved it!

The Diner is the latest in a century-plus legacy of eateries in this building. The first was a chili parlor opened in the 1890s. According to owner Bonnie Amspacher, there has always been a restaurant in this spot.

The Amspacher family has quite a history in Norman, originally owning a small grocery store and deli on the south side of town. Since the 1930s, the family chili recipe has been attracting customers to their businesses.

In 1989, Bonnie’s dad, Mark Amspacher, opened The Diner on Main Street. A 46-pound-11-ounce striped bass he caught at Pickwick Lake in 1999 still hangs on the wall, along with a picture of him holding the whopper. Other decorations include old photos – one of the diner taken in the early 1900s, another in the ‘40s. I almost missed my favorite pieces but spotted them as we headed out the door – glass bacon, a fried egg and pancakes, a decorative hint of the real things.

We weren’t at The Diner for the décor. We were there for the food. And we weren’t the first. The café was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” in 2009. Owner Bonnie Amspacher describes the visit. “You wouldn’t believe how much preparation was required. We had to make a list of every ingredient in our kitchen and supply recipes.”

Fieri chowed down on The Diner’s beef and bean burrito which features Diner chili, pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, cheese and ranchero sauce. I was all ready to order that but right above it on the menu was championship chili – and that still sounded good. I’d settled on the chili when our server, Melissa Wilson, mentioned the tamale breakfast on the other side of the menu. “It’s unusual,” she said. “Most places don’t serve tamales.”

I studied the entry – two grilled tamales, two eggs as you wish, chili con carne topped with ranchero sauce, with hash browns or home fries.” A blah breakfast is like a beige carpet – it does the basic job but there’s no pizzazz. I like to kick-start my day with a breakfast with attitude. It was noon. But this sounded like heaven. And I got to try the chili. My half-order was more than ample with enough to take home for dinner. And Bonnie Amspacher passed my critical, over-medium, egg test – perfectly cooked with no brown frizzled edges.

The only difference between the chili on my pork tamales and the championship chili was the beans.

Championship chili is dense with all meat – no beans (though you can request them) – and seasoned with a secret blend of spices. That’s what Jack ordered.

Again, the serving was so large, we took half home.

As for the beef, The Diner uses Black Angus Beef, never frozen, and their hamburgers are hand-patted.

The beans are not canned, they are home-cooked.

And the ranchero sauce is made from tomatillos, which gives it a nice tang.

As for the service, Melissa was kept hopping but always had time for a big smile and a chat with customers. Bonnie says, “There’s a real sense of community here. We have lots of customers from the courthouse and even from other restaurants.”

Many of the customers are regulars, but casual visitors like us receive the same warm welcome. The Diner is open for breakfast and lunch. Specials include Tex-Mex touches, but there are burgers and several other sandwiches offered. Vegetarians will find slim pickings – but for the rest of us, this is a great spot.

The history, the chili, the friendly service are all appealing to me. But Melissa gave the definitive reason The Diner is so good.

“When you cook with love, it makes all the difference.” And we loved it right back.

FYI: The Diner’s location is 213 East Main Street, Norman. They are open from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekends.

The old-fashioned façade sets the table for the old-fashioned goodness inside

Melissa Wilson serves her customers with enthusiasm and a smile.

LEFT -- The Diner’s small interior is space-efficient so get here early or get in line.

This is a halforder of the Tamale Breakfast – large enough for a hearty breakfast.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 13

SF squares off against powerhouse Jenks Wolves fall to No. 1 team, 35-14

QB Scott Pfieffer (16) hands off to Demarius Robinson (36) for a short gain.

WR Talyn Shettron (2) leaps in the air for a nice completion and a first down.

DL Jason Wilson (44) tackles the Jenks runner.

Santa Fe student section wears pink for breast cancer awareness.

Photos by Melinda Infante

Page 14 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of movie ‘The Last Duel’

Film’s look at a brutal time in human history

By George Gust “The Last Duel” is based on actual events in the Hundred Years War, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France's last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), two friends turned bitter rivals. When Carrouges' wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy.

Director Ridley Scott has been around Hollywood for quite some time and produced a litany of memorable and influential films throughout his career, from “Alien” to “Gladiator” and more recently “The Martian.” And at 83 years old “The Last Duel” is a fantastic achievement for such a highly decorated director to continue to challenge himself and audiences alike with a thought-provoking and tension filled period drama.

“The Last Duel” takes an interesting storytelling approach to this disputed historical occurrence, breaking the events of the story into three chap-

ters with three separate point of views. This structure to telling this story that features intense brutality and a system of harsh misogyny. Being able to spot the subtle differences in performance and less subtle differences in framing between the differing perspectives was an engaging and a compelling way to tell a story of ‘he said, she said’ that was set up so heavily in favor of the patriarchal system.

In terms of performances, “The Last Duel” features an incredibly talented cast of familiar actors

at the top turning in marvelous medieval turns, but they are out shown by a phenomenal performance

by Comer who’s character suffers the most as the lady in the middle of titular ‘Duel.’ Comer was able to subtly change her performance between the three perspectives and is the heartbreaking performance that will be remembered from this memorable film.

Overall, Ridley still has the knack to tell a compelling, even though at times shockingly upsetting, period drama that has brilliant acting performances as well as tension filled and satisfying action set pieces. “The Last Duel” is an adult period drama that isn’t concerned with broad appeal and will likely be awarded come awards season for its unflinching look at a brutal time in human history for women.

“The Last Duel” is rated R for strong violence including sexual assault, sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language. Now available only in Theaters.

4.2 out of 5 stars.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Matt Damon and Jodie Comer star in the brutal period drama ‘The Last Duel’ from legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott.

Outdoor market in Arcadia on Oct. 23 Answers appearing on Page 23

Vendors will bring the bounty of the harvest season to the Oct. 23 outdoor market at Arcadia Farmers Market at Division Street and historical Route 66.

Shop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fall produce, locally raised meat, farm-fresh eggs, local honey and homecanned relishes and jams.

Home-baked deserts, gourmet coffee and tea, handcrafted decorative items, gluten-free baking mixes and handmade soaps and candles will also be available.

Decorative and gift items for fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas will bring color to the market, said Lori Seagraves, market manager.

Most of the items to be offered at the outdoor market are also available at the Arcadia Farmers Market General Store at 212 Odor Street, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday.

For more information or to reserve booth space, call Seagraves at 405-226-0346.

Call 405-2260346 to know more

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: On an Old Map ACROSS 1. *Core of Persia today 5. *Belgian village where Roman soldiers enjoyed warm mineral springs 8. Pitch symbol 12. More luminous star 13. Abbott and Costello or Rocky and Bullwinkle 14. Eurasian goat-like antelope 15. Team's ranking 16. Make someone angry 17. Mix in 18. *Formerly Ceylon (2 words) 20. What tide does half the time 21. Reggae subgenre 22. Back then 23. ____ profundo 25. Depleted (2 words) 28. Wet firecracker 29. Catch in a net 32. Hip bones 34. Dormer without D 36. Schiller's poem 37. "It is silent" in sheet music 38. Discharge 39. Admirer 41. Earlier in time than, archaic 42. Not out (2 words) 44. Pinocchio and his kind 46. Evergreen creeper 47. "A League of Their Own" member, e.g.

49. Command to a fly 51. *Formerly Siam 54. Rain forest ruminant 55. Irish for Ireland 56. It's under a fig leaf?

58. Shockingly graphic 59. Impersonator 60. Manlike maneater of fairy tales 61. Crunchable information 62. Popular '60s drug 63. A ____ ____ move

DOWN 1. Opposite of outs 2. Fish eggs, pl.

3. Affirm solemnly 4. Lowest points 5. Seeking damages 6. Kenosha Kickers' music 7. On the sea 8. *Once named Kampuchea 9. Trunk appendage 10. Shining armor 11. Facsimile machine 13. Fire-starter in fairy tales 14. Trojan War military action 19. Red-dot pointer, e.g.

22. Cigar residue 23. *Myanmar, formerly 24. "____ One" on a ticket 25. Consumer 26. Stomach sore 27. Boat stops 28. John's and Jane's last name?

30. Pie a la ____ 31. *Tokyo, formerly 33. Absorbed, as in a cost 35. *Abyssinia, now 37. Jury duty event 39. Comedian Schumer 40. Has more elm trees 43. Roundish 45. Not digital 47. Ox prod, pl.

48. Propelled like Argo 49. Arctic jaeger 50. '80 TV series "____ to ____" (1 word) 51. Bluish green 52. Canceled 53. "American ____," Jeanine Cummins' bestseller 54. Like one of the Testaments 57. Modern, prefix

Answers are found on Page 23

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 15

Art group meets Oct. 25 The Edmond Arts Association (EAA) is pleased to announce the program for its October meeting will be a Charcoal Portrait demo by Marie Kash Weltzheimer, Professional Artist.

Marie will show how to create a large charcoal portrait from a photo to the members and guests of the EAA on Monday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Williams Fine Art Studio and Gallery at 316 West 33rd Street in Edmond.

Working in oil, pastels or drawing mediums, Marie’s subjects consist primarily of STILL LIFE, PORTRAITS and NATURE. In her work, she is challenged to enable the viewer to retreat from the pace of everyday life.

Marie was born in Akron, Ohio and moved with her family to Ardmore, Oklahoma as a small child.

Her mother, noticing Marie’s love for drawing, kept her supplied with the tools she needed to keep pursuing her talent and beginning in elementary school Marie started winning awards for her art. She earned her degree in commercial art in 1982 from The University of Central Oklahoma. After several years of working as a graphic artist, she gradually found her way to full-time painting and drawing.

Marie has been a signature member of the Pastel Society of America since 1989. She has exhibited in numerous local and national shows receiving several "Best of Show" awards for her work including the Oklahoma Art Workshops 11th Annual National Juried Exhibition. Other awards include the Steven Leitner Award during the Pastel Society of America's 19th Annual Exhibition in New York City, and First Award of Excellence during the Pastel Society of the Southwest's 11th Annual Exhibition in Dallas, Texas.

Marie’s work has been published in The Best of Pastel and The Best of Pastel 2, by Rockport Publishers, The

Marie Kash Weltzheimer

Pastel Journal, and a listing in Who’s Who in American Art and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.

Her work was featured on two CD covers by Edgar Cruz, Opening Night, and Opening Night 2.

Marie has taught as an adjunct professor, Drawing 1, at Southern Nazarene University, and has taught several adult pastel workshops. Having been represented by several galleries, she has placed her work in numerous collections, private, corporate and public.

On the web her work may be seen at: www.mariekash.com The EAA meeting is open to the public and guests are welcome.

The EAA meets on the fourth Monday evening of most months, with speakers on subjects of interest to artists of all media.

There is no meeting in December.

Membership is open to anyone interested in the arts. For more information please visit www.edmondart.org and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdmondArtAssociation

Page 16 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Agency says parents should help train teen drivers Millions of teens are learning to drive at an especially difficult time – amid a pandemic-fueled boom in risky and dangerous driving on U.S. roads.

To commemorate National Teen Driver Safety Week,this week, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and its partners continue to focus on keeping the youngest and most inexperienced drivers safe by re-

inforcing the important role of parents in the learning to drive process.

“Teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal crash due to inexperience and maturity,” said GHSA Senior Director of External Engagement Pam Shadel Fischer, a nationally recognized teen safe driving expert and co-author of Not So Fast: Parenting Your Teen

Through the Dangers of Driving. “Parents have spent the last 19 months focused on their children’s health and safety during the pandemic.

That attention to safety can easily extend to driving – and the best way to do that is for parents and teens to work together to ensure young drivers build the skills necessary to keep themselves and everyone else on the road safe.”

The past year and a half have been challenging for many families due to pandemic-induced social, economic and transportation upheavals. GHSA offers three key recommendations for parents of teen drivers that can positively impact their child’s safety: •Know and enforce your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law, which phases in driving privileges as teens gain more experience. Research confirms the effectiveness of GDL laws in reducing fatalities involving teen drivers. Additional information about state GDL and novice driver laws can be found on the GHSA website.

•Schedule regular driving practice with your teen, even after they’re licensed to drive without supervision.

Teens whose parents actively monitor their driving are less likely to be involved in a crash and to engage in risky behaviors such as speeding, driving impaired or distracted, and not buckling up.

• Collaborate with your teen to create and enforce a parent-teen driving

agreement (PTDA) that clearly states the rules and the consequences for violating them. Posting the PTDA in a location where everyone will see it, such as on the refrigerator or adjacent to the car keys, will help to reinforce its importance.

To help parents and teens understand the value of working together, GHSA and Ford Motor Company Fund provide free, hands-on training through the award-winning Driving Skills for Life program. After a 15month pause due to COVID-19, the in-person program resumed in August with stops in Anaheim, Sacramento and San Diego, Calif.; followed by Atlanta and Houston. Events are also scheduled for Nashville, Dallas and Phoenix through the remainder of this year. The Driving Skills for Life program is conducted outdoors and adheres to social distancing and other public health guidelines to ensure the safety of all participants.

At these hands-on sessions, new drivers are taught critical safe driving skills – hazard recognition, vehicle handing and speed and space management – and participate in activities that illustrate the dangers of distracted and impaired driving as well as sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists and scooter riders. The program also emphasizes the important role parents play in modeling safe driving behaviors when they are behind the wheel with their teen in the vehicle.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 17

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE

Luminary Dermatology comes to Edmond As Luminary Dermatology breaks new ground in the great state of Oklahoma, the Florida-established practice has assembled the dream team to take Edmond by storm.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tracy Kuykendall is an Edmond local who has embraced the quaint city as her personal playground.

Tracy Kuykendall, M.D. has over 12 years of post-graduate dermatological experience. She attended the University of Arkansas College of Medicine, graduating in 2003. During her residency at the University of Oklahoma Health, Dr. Kuykendall was titled Chief Resident from 2006 to 2007. Since then, her expertise and passion for dermatology has only continued to flourish.

For Dr. Tracy Kuykendall, healthy, thriving skin is the key to a happy life! At Luminary Dermatology, Dr. Kuykendall is able to focus on improving and maintaining the health of her patients’ skin. No matter how stubborn the issue, Dr. Kuykendall is committed to helping her patients find the regimen and treatments best for them. “Getting to know my patients personally and treating their concerns is easily one of my favorite aspects of practicing dermatology” says Dr. Kuykendall. “Helping them to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin is such a privilege” she adds.

Dr. Kuykendall accepts Medicare and most major insurances, with affordable self-pay rates for those who are uninsured. From infancy to adolescence, early adulthood to seniority, she is happy to treat patients of all ages and has immediate appointments available.

Call now or book online, Dr. Kuykendall and staff can’t wait to meet and treat you!

Page 18• October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Healthy habits that can become part of your daily routine A person’s habits can have a strong impact on his or her overall health. Unhealthy habits like smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle can increase a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases. On the flip side, healthy habits like eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep can bolster a person’s immune system and reduce his or her risk for various ailments.

Some healthy habits, like daily exercise, can be time-consuming.

Busy adults may not have time to exercise vigorously each day, though the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges men and women to find time for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. But not all healthy habits take up time. In fact, adults can incorporate various healthy practices into their daily routines without skipping a beat.

• Take the stairs. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can have a profound effect on overall health. According to Duke University, climbing just two flights of stairs combined per day can contribute to six pounds of weight loss over the course of a single year. In addition, a study from the North American Menopause Society found that stair climbing can help postmenopausal women reduce their risk for osteoporosis and help them lower their blood pressure.

• Drink more water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water helps the body maintain a normal temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and helps to rid the body of waste through urina-

tion, perspiration and bowel movements. Adults who are thirsty can choose water over soda or other sugary beverages. The CDC notes that sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks contain calories but little nutritional value, making water a healthier way for individuals to quench their thirst.

• Go for daily walks. Walking benefits the body in myriad ways.

For example, the Harvard School of Public Health notes that women who walk 30 minutes per day can reduce their risk of stroke by 20 percent and potentially by 40 percent if they walk briskly. In addition, researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked more than a quarter mile per day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as men who walked less. A 15-minute walk around the neighborhood each morning coupled with a 15-minute walk after dinner can help adults dramatically improve their overall health.

• Eat more greens. Eating more greens is another healthy habit that doesn’t require a major overhaul of an individual’s lifestyle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are rich in vitamins A,C, E, and K. The Mayo Clinic notes that vitamin E alone can help people maintain their vision and promote a healthy reproductive system while also improving the health of the blood, brain and skin. The USDA also notes that green vegetables contain very little carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol. Adults won’t have to reinvent the dietary wheel to incorporate more greens into their diets, and the results of doing so can have a significant, positive effect on their overall health.

The right habits can help people live healthier lives, and such habits need not require any major life changes.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 19

Functions of the thyroid A small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck may not seem like a significant part of the body, but it performs many critical functions. The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system and it’s responsible for controlling various hormones throughout the body, notably T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). The pituitary gland tells the thyroid how much of these hormones the body needs. Here’s a look at some functions of the thyroid, courtesy of University of Michigan Health.

• Metabolism: The thyroid is estimated to be responsible for up to 60 percent of one’s metabolism or basal metabolic rate. Basal metabolic rate relates to how many calories a person burns at baseline while performing normal functions to

survive.

• Hair: The thyroid affects hair texture and growth.

• Energy level: The thyroid can ensure that a person has enough energy to get through the day.

• Controls other hormones: Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol are regulated by the hormones of the thyroid.

• Ability to focus: People who have issues with their thyroids may experience difficulty focusing and may feel as though they have “brain fog.”

• Regulates heart rate: Thyroid hormones help to regulate heart rate by influencing how fast or slowly the heart pumps.

• Digestion: The thyroid influences the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract.

How physical activity can help in the fight against breast cancer Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of women across the globe each year. Though the American Cancer Society reports that only about 4 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States are under age 40, women of all ages can take steps to protect themselves against this deadly disease.

Exercise benefits women in myriad ways, and that includes lowering their risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes that researchers are increasingly linking exercise to a reduced risk for breast cancer. Though the reasons behind that link remain unclear, some theorize that the positive effects of exercise on body weight, inflammation, hormones, and energy balance could be why regular physical activity helps women reduce their risk for breast cancer.

Body weight and breast cancer The National Cancer Institute reports that being obese after menopause can significantly increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. In addition, the ACS attributes the rise in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers to an increased prevalence of excessive body weight. Routine exercise is a highly effective way to lose weight and keep weight off, which in turn could lower women’s risk for breast cancer.

Being sedentary and breast cancer Exercise is a not a sedentary activity, and that could be another

A benefit to your health

The game of golf

Golfers can rest assured that their time on the course is as healthy as it is fun. A recent experiment from Dr. Steve Otto, director of research and testing at The R&A, found that the average distance golfers walked during

a round of 18 holes at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland was 6.6 miles. That’s great news, as walking has been linked to a host of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness.

O C TO B E R I S

Breast Cancer Awareness MONTH

reason why women who are physically active have a lower risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes that more than one study has linked sitting time to a higher risk of various diseases, including breast cancer. Researchers with the ACS analyzed data from 77,462 women, who they followed for an average of 15.8 years. None of the participants had cancer when the study started, but researchers found that women who sat for six or more hours per day during their free time had a 10 percent greater risk for invasive breast cancer than women who sat for less than three hours per day during free time.

Does physical activity really reduce breast cancer risk?

The human body is complex, and a host of factors, including those like age that women have no control over, can affect cancer risk. However, engaging in routine physical activity seems to be an effective way for women to reduce their risk for breast cancer. In fact, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation estimates that one-third of all breast cancer cases could be prevented with positive lifestyle choices that help women maintain a healthy weight, including exercise.

Routine physical activity can be a significant weapon in women’s arsenal as they continue their efforts to prevent and overcome breast cancer.

Page 20• October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 21

State touts careers in energy field Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a proclamation recognizing this week as the second annual Oklahoma Careers in Energy Week. Oklahoma Energy Workforce Consortium is celebrating the week by promoting the benefits of pursuing careers in the industry. Energy is the highest-paying industry in the state, with an average salary of more than $109,000 annually, and employed more than 84,000 Oklahomans in 2021, according to the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development. Leading the industry, Oklahoma ranks fourth in the U.S. for wind energy employment, third for installed wind capacity, sixth for solar potential, is the third largest producer of natural gas, and is home to the world’s largest oil storage facility.

“Oklahoma’s all-of-the-above energy strategy makes us a national leader in oil, natural gas and wind production, which leads to a wide range of career opportunities for Oklahomans who are preparing to enter the job market,” Stitt said. “During

Careers in Energy Week we celebrate those who work behind the scenes in Oklahoma’s energy industry and recognize all they do to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, our cars running and our economy growing. I know our energy sector workers will continue to help this industry grow, innovate and provide needed services and products for our state and the world.”

OEWC first united in 2019 to help address upcoming nationwide shortages predicted for the energy industry by 2025. As part of this year’s celebration, the consortium is promoting the EnergyCareers 2021 Virtual Career Event being held October 20. The online-only event is hosted by the Center for Energy Workforce Development and aims to bring awareness to the diverse job opportunities in the energy sector as well as highlight and fill open positions in the industry.

“There are so many opportunities to work and serve our state through different energy services in-

cluding utilities, renewable energy, oil and gas and more. We want to always be able to introduce our students to these opportunities in our community, and this collaboration is a great way to spur these conversations,” said Marcie Mack, state director of CareerTech. “The partnership between the energy industry and CareerTech helps us provide meaningful and tailored energy education programs to more Oklahomans, increasing their chances of entering a career in energy and boosting their earning potential.”

In addition to industry leaders, the consortium includes leaders from Oklahoma CareerTech, K-12 education, higher education and government and is focused on creating a pipeline of talented, diverse individuals to meet future needs within the state’s energy sector.

“Our public colleges and universities offer numerous degree paths to prepare graduates for employment in the energy sector,” said higher education Chancellor Glen D. Johnson.

Chamber holds ribbon cutting Wilder Coffee Supply recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of their Edmond location at 610 South Boulevard Suite 100.

Wilder Coffee strives to create every drink as if it were the only task on their list for the day. In their opinion, it is never just a cup of coffee and with special attention, be the best coffee you have had. Owner, Dustin Green, loves chatting with people about how their coffee is sourced, roasted and their different brewing methods.

Learn more about their services or submit a request at https://www.wilder.coffee/ Chamber officials and well wishers were on hand to welcome Wilder Coffee Supply, 610 S. Boulevard Suite 100.

First Fidelity Bank staff news Lee R. Symcox, president and CEO of First Fidelity Bank, a full-service community bank, has announced the addition of Diana Rawdon as Edmond Market President in Edmond.

She will be responsible for growing the bank’s market share in Edmond and surrounding areas by acquiring new clients, deepening client relationships, and growing awareness of First Fidelity Bank. Rawdon brings more than 15 years of banking experience to First Fidelity Bank.

Rawdon received her BBA in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma.

She has served on the board for the YWCA, is an Oklahoma City Chamber Advisor, and is on the Advisory Board for the Edmond Chamber of Commerce.

Diana Rawdon

Reminder on request for vendors Edmond Electric’s Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll is an annual holiday walk-thru light display that takes place at Mitch Park each year from late November to early January.

This year, Luminance is accepting applications to host food trucks, allowing up to two trucks per night.

However, during this year’s annual kick-off event on November 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., several food trucks will be allowed to participate.

“We are excited to bring this feature to Luminance this year,” said Jes-

sica Lyle, Community Program Manager for Edmond Electric. “In doing so, we hope to bring more visitors to Mitch Park to experience Luminance as well as take advantage of our outdoor ice-skating rink.”

Luminance Food Trucks will be available Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dates available for booking are November 20 and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Interested vendors can apply by visiting edmondlights.com/events/.

Promotion at Edmond Chamber

Kristen King

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the promotion of Kristen King to Events and Programs Manager.

Kristen joined the Chamber team as an intern in January 2019 and stepped on as a full-time staff member in November 2020. She coordinates all of the Edmond Chamber's annual events and programs with excellence and attention to detail. Please join us in congratulating, Kristen!

Page 22 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Estes

Poe

Edmond accounting firm’s promotions Locally owned and operated accounting firm Arledge & Associates recently announced the promotion of two key employees in its accounting and audit divisions. Mikayla Estes, CPA and Rachel Poe, CPA have accepted new leadership roles.

Estes graduated from Oklahoma State University with a double major in accounting and economics.

She has been with Arledge & Associates since 2018 as a senior tax accountant. She has been promoted to manager of client accounting services.

Poe holds a master’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma Christian University. Her undergraduate degree is from Oklahoma State University. She celebrated her one-year anniversary with Arledge & Associates in June. Her title is senior associate of assurance services.

“We are committed to cultivating leadership opportunities for our growing team,” said LaDonna Sinning, partner. “Promoting from within underscores our commitment to both employees and clients. We look forward to years of continued service with these dedicated professionals.”

Arledge & 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.

Fire department’s rating may help some in Edmond save on insurance

Sends news to news@edmondpaper.com

Edmond residents may be able to save money on their property insurance after the Edmond Fire Department recently improved its fire protection rating.

The change is due to the diligent efforts of the Edmond Fire Department, Edmond Water Resources and Public Safety Communications.

After a lengthy weighted evaluation process, the Edmond Fire Department received a Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of Class 1 – the highest rating possible – from the Insurance Service Office (ISO). The ISO reviews and rates fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities of local fire departments on a scale of 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents the best fire protection.

The new rating begins Nov. 1, 2021 and is in effect for five years. Many insurance companies use these classifications to evaluate risk in insuring a property serviced by the rated fire department.

The PPC Class 1 rating covers areas within five road miles of a fire station and 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant. Areas within five road miles of a fire station but not within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant will have a PPC Class 2 rating. All other areas outside the parameters of Class 1 or Class 2 receive a PPC Class 10 rating.

Across the country, 45,521 fire districts are evaluated and fewer than 400 earn the Class 1 designation, meaning Edmond is among the fewer than 1 percent of cities nationwide to earn the Class 1 rating.

To find out how the new ratings might impact your insurance rates, please contact your provider.

Residents with insurance questions can also contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 405216-7300.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 21, 2021 • Page 23

Calm Waters offers grief therapy during holiday season Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, the only grief center in Oklahoma offering free grief support services to children and families, will host a free workshop on Thursday, Nov. 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at their Center located at 501 N. Walker Suite 140 in Oklahoma City.

Calm Waters’ winter grief workshop, “Coping with Grief through the Holidays,” is a free, in person, hands on event for families going through a grief journey because of a death, divorce, deployment, deportation, incarceration or foster/adoptive care challenges. Attendees will learn new ways to celebrate the winter holidays while also honoring past traditions and are encouraged to bring photos of their loved ones and participate in a hands on art activity. They will also take home their own celebration lantern.

“Families who have experienced a loss this past year may feel more distant and isolated, alone in their grief and uncertain of how to approach the holiday season,” said Heather Warfield, LMFT, Calm Waters’ Program Director. “For many, feelings of grief, stress, guilt, sadness and uncertainty amass into utter despair. Our grief workshop provides actionable items for navigating the holiday

season when coping with a death, divorce, or other significant loss.”

The Nov. 4th workshop, led by Jordan Park, LMFT and Hannah Showalter, LMSW, will facilitate grief classes for adults and children as young as 3 years old, to learn coping skills to navigate grief during winter holiday traditions that were once celebrated with loved ones who have died or who now live apart due to divorce, deployment, incarceration or deportation.

Register by Nov. 1, 5 p.m. at https://www.calmwaters.org/2021-winter-griefworkshop/

About Calm Waters Center for Children and Families Calm Waters Center for Children and Families provides FREE grief support services for children and families on their grief journey caused by death, divorce or other significant loss. Since beginning in 1992, Calm Waters has served more than 50,000 individuals across the Greater OKC Metro Area through their Center and School Support Groups. For more information about Calm Waters and their services, visit Calmwaters.org or call 405-841-4800.

To know more about Calm Waters Center and its services visit Calmwaters.org or call 405-841-4800.

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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 24 • October 21, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure