Edmond Life and Leisure October 29, 2020

October 29, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 24

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

Ruby Clark, 5, poses with the spider in Storybook Forest

SF remains unbeaten in district play See Page 12

FRIDAY, October 30 Sunny High 58° Low 40°

SATURDAY, October 31 Sunny High 65° Low 45°

SUNDAY, November 1 Sunny High 63° Low 43°

PHOTO BY MELINDA INFANTE

Happy Halloween 2020 Despite the virus, Halloween 2020 still has activities for youngsters and adults alike.

One of the events is “Halloween,” after noon at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Reservations aren’t required and it’s free. There’ll be come-and-go crafts, games and candy. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are required. No RSVP required. Suitable for all ages.

Not ready for a public event?

The staff will also offer Halloween craft and game kits for free. Pick-up between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM on Friday October 30th. Register for a craft kit here https://www.edmondhistory.org/product/halloween-takehome-craft-kit/ The museum is also offering Scary Movie Club Friday at 7 p.m. through Zoom. Call or log onto the museum’s web page edmondhistory.org for additional information on the event.

The museum is located at 431 S. Boulevard.

The City’s Storybook Forest is wrapping up this week at Arcadia Lake. Storybook Forest, 9000 E. Second, is presented by the City of Edmond’s Arcadia Lake and Edmond Electric. It is a safe alternative to traditional trick or treating. There are

no ghouls or goblins here. Children walk down a well-lit path in the woods and visit life-size scenes from classic storybooks to collect candy.

Families can expect to see recreations inspired by well-loved tales like The Little Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe, The Three Little Pigs, and more!

At the concession area, there are campfires for families to roast hotdogs and s’mores as well as a reading tent where kids can hear stories.

Please note that due to COVID-19 safety precautions, officials will not have a hayride or carnival game area for the 2020 event.Storybook Forest is come-and-go anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 pm on each evening of the event. It is not required to arrive early or right at 5:30. No one will be allowed at the event site prior to 5:15 pm. It costs $12 and more information is on the city’s web page. Please note the Storybook Forest ends Friday.

If you want to enjoy the holiday and help a good cause, consider Goodwill. Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (Goodwill) offers affordable and sustainable

options Oklahomans need to Bring Halloween Home this year.

“While this Halloween will look different for us all, Goodwill looks forward to helping those in our community find ways to get creative with their plans while also saving money,” Goodwill CEO Jim Priest said. “Families are looking for ways to maintain a sense of normalcy during the pandemic and Goodwill offers a safe way to shop affordable and sustainable Halloween costumes, décor and any DIY items they may need to Bring Halloween Home.”

Goodwill stores are stocked with everything needed to Bring Halloween Home from DIY craft items and pumpkin décor to spooky and fun costumes for everyone in the family (including the family pet), Goodwill has a variety of items to celebrate, whether that’s with DIY crafts such as a scary wreath, trick-or-treating around the home, a Zoom costume party or a small family gathering.

Please stay safe this Halloween, but also enjoy the holiday.

Page 2 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 3

Oklahoma State University students rehearse a modern-day adaptation of War of the Worlds radio broadcast at the Vivia Locke Theatre on the Stillwater campus. The broadcast is available online.

O-State recreates famous ‘War of the Worlds’ broadcast We interrupt this story with breaking news of an alien invasion in Grovers Mill, New Jersey.

An unknown number of people are dead, and reports of deadly gas drifting through neighborhoods have created mass panic with residents fleeing from their homes.

This was how the War of the Worlds radio broadcast narrated by Orson Welles in 1938 — based on the 1898 novel by H.G. Wells — from New York’s Mercury Theatre kicked off.

The problem was the script of a Martian invasion of Earth was very believable, and many people listening across the country bought it.

Although America isn’t dealing with an alien invasion today, it is facing a national crisis as the novel coronavirus impacts daily lives.

Oklahoma State University’s De-

partment of Theatre has dealt well with transitioning from in-person to radio-like broadcast performances and is hard at work preparing a modern-day adaptation of War of the Worlds.

“The adapted show brings in contemporary themes leaping off today’s headlines,” said David Kersnar, professor and head of the theatre department. “Isolation, pandemic and ‘fake news’ all are touched on in the show as we bring this sci-fi classic to Payne County.”

The pre-recorded performances from the Vivia Locke Theatre on the OSU-Stillwater campus can be listened to online. To listen, download the O’Colly Media Group OMG app from the App Store or Google Play Store and scroll down to the bottom to find the OSU Department of Theatre channel.

Page 4 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Castilla named to prestigious list With all the craziness these days, it can be easy to miss folks that are universally recognized in their industry. When it comes to Citizens Bank of Edmond CEO, Jill Castilla, we wanted to make sure our readers knew just how high of an honor this Edmond resident and leader received this month. I am honored to serve as chairman of Ray Hibbard the board of directors for the bank and honored to serve with Castilla in that role.

She receives so many awards locally and nationally but this one is a big one folks. The American Banker magazine recognizes successful women in banking each fall and this year was no different even though the recognition had to be conducted online this year.

Normally the ceremony is held in New York City and is really a Castilla nice event. My fellow board member, David Hornbeek, and I have attended in the past when Castilla was named one of the American Banker Most Powerful Women to Watch.

This year Castilla was named by American Banker one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking. Think about that for a minute folks. One of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking in the nation. It is an incredible honor for Castilla, but she would be the first to tell you that it reflects the entire team at Citizens and of our community. Our customers at the bank and the staff that serves them provide a platform for Castilla and the board to accomplish our goals.

Having been to the event in the Big Apple I can tell you that it is no small event. These are some incredible size banks. To put this into context, the following are some of the other 24 banks and their assets in this very same category: - Bank of the West – President and CEO $100 Billion - CIT Group – Chairman and CEO - $50 Billion - City National Bank – CEO – $70 Billion - Bank of America – Vice Chairman - $2.16 Trillion - JPMorgan Chase – CEO, Chase Consumer Banking - $2.82 Trillion - Citizens Bank of Edmond – President and CEO - $317 Million Here is Castilla who is small in stature but mighty in ability recognized with these industry giants. If you are the CEO of a $2.82 trillion bank, that is trillion with a “T”, it is still an honor to be named in that group but not so hard to get noticed. When you come from a $317 million local bank in Edmond, Oklahoma, it is a huge honor to be noticed not to mention be named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking.

She is humbled about the award and likely will not mention it to anyone she encounters so if you see our fearless CEO at Citizens Bank of Edmond, please congratulate her on this fantastic recognition. She will quickly tell you that it was her team

that got her there and that it is an honor for the entire bank. I would tell her that “it ain’t bragging if you done it”.

Congratulations Jill Castilla!

Boy Scout Creates & Installs Route 66 Shield About a year ago, I got a call from my son, Clark. “Hey dad, you won’t believe the one question I got asked about my resume from the four interviews I went through today for my new job”.

My response was, “You are changing jobs”? He had been with the same company since he graduated as a mechanical engineer. I guess when you are in one of the STEM fields you have that flexibility.

“Yes, but guess what all four interviewers asked”, he repeated. Turns out that the one item on his resume they all commented on was that he had earned his Eagle Scout rank. I must admit that with all the items of accomplishment he has on the resume including his master’s in engineering I was a little surprised. He is no spring chicken at 29 years of age. I got it when the first job he interviewed for and accepted right out of college asked about it. I think the owner who hired him had a son in Scouts. It just shows how making Eagle rank in Scouts can pay big dividends in years to come. It also shows an ability to follow through and achieve a lofty goal.

Skye Brunken-Atkins with Boy Scout Troop 77 here in Edmond will benefit in that same way the rest of his life. He completed his Eagle Scout project recently by installing a Route 66 Shield on the Northwest corner of the pavilion at Festival Market Place, 30 West First Street on Oct. 17, 2020.

The wooden shield is constructed to last for years. It is a rendition of the historic Route 66 sign and stands six feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Route 66 runs through Edmond and is gaining wide-spread attention for road trips. Skye’s project gives tourists a reason to stop and enjoy downtown Edmond and snap a memorable photo with the classic shield.

The Eagle Scout rank represents a milestone of accomplishment through Scouts and is evaluated primarily on impact, the extent of benefit to the community, and on the leadership provided by the candidate. There must also be evidence of planning and development. Skye designed, built, and installed the shield to commemorate Edmond’s presence on Route 66 and to encourage visitors to stop and take selfies. Brunken-Atkins said, “I worked with the Edmond Parks and Recreation Department, Visit Edmond and The Edmond Historical Society & Museum to gain approval and direction for my Eagle Scout project.”

“By providing valuable Scouts BSA badges on the topics of citizenship, history and entrepreneurship, young men are gaining valuable skills that contribute to Edmond’s culture and success,” said Amy Stephens, Executive Director at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. “It always makes me proud when Eagle Scouts, like Skye take their projects so seriously, because they realize that they truly are making a valuable contribution to the community.”

This new Route 66 Shield is the first safe loca-

Boy Scout Skye Brunken-Atkins and his Eagle Scout Project promoting Route 66. tion to take a selfie with the iconic Route 66 logo during a road trip to Edmond. This location was also selected to coincide with the inaugural Cycle 66 bike ride on Nov. 7, 2021 and celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Increased visitor traffic created by Edmond Railyard restaurants and the new “Key to My Heart” art piece recently installed by Zonly Looman, an Edmond-based artist, will also help bring attention to this Route 66 photo opportunity. Local businesses including ACE Hardware and Home Depot donated mulch and flowers to accompany the Route 66 Shield. Special thanks to Council Stainless, Downtown Sign and Design and Lowe’s Home Improvement for donating sign materials.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout will continue to open doors throughout his life. I have no doubt that this young man will give back to his community in many ways throughout his life. It is often the only high school accomplishment that is listed on a resume regardless of age. When a Scout becomes an Eagle Scout, he enters a community of Eagle Scouts united by their commitment to the ideals of Scouting.

Congratulations Skye Brunken-Atkins on earning your rank of Eagle Scout!

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Obituary notices ..........................................................................Page 8.

---- Edmond Police arrest report ........................................................Page 8.

---- Columnist’s thoughts on ballot harvesting ................................Page 10.

---- A good season, so far, for SF High School football ....................Page 12.

---- An honor for UCO ....................................................................Page 13.

---- George Gust not impressed with director’s latest work ..............Page 14.

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

---- Business news............................................................................Pages 17.

This and so much more in this week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 5

Last week U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-Edmond) met with Judge Amy Coney Barrett. At presstime it was expected that the U.S. Senate would vote on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court.

A Magical World at Arcadia Lake MELINDA INFANTE

Rapunzel is locked up her tower. It’s all part of the Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake. The event ends Friday and tickets are $12. In addition, inclement weather earlier in the week canceled a few nights.

Page 6 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

Last year scenes like the one above were common as WinterFest set attendance records. This year officials are canceling due to concern over the ongoing virus situation in the Metro.

LifeShare WinterFest in metro canceled this year The 2020 edition of LifeShare WinterFest at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark has been canceled due to the continually shifting climate surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we are confident in our ability to host a safe and exciting event, there is significant cost involved with preparing the ballpark for LifeShare WinterFest. The uncertainty in the current climate forced us to reconsider holding the event at Chick-

asaw Bricktown Ballpark this year,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said.

“Upon speaking with partners, valued customers, and stakeholders in the event, we made the difficult decision to cancel 2020 LifeShare WinterFest.”

“We look forward to bringing back this popular community event in 2021,” Byrnes said.

The LifeShare WinterFest event had a popular and successful year in 2019, with the most atten-

dees per session on record. The event features different sized snow slides for all ages, and the ballpark is transformed into a winter wonderland with special holiday lighting and décor.

Although 2020 LifeShare WinterFest is canceled, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark remains open for events. For more information, please call the OKC Dodgers at (405) 218-1000 or visit okcdodgers.com.

TSET helps to hire 42 doctors for rural areas The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and the Oklahoma Physician Manpower Training Commission (PMTC) announced the successful placement of 42 doctors through the physician loan repayment program serving rural and underserved communities across the state.

Leveraging the investment of TSET’s public health endowment funds, PMTC worked with hospitals, clinics and other partners including tribal nations to form one of the most successful public/private partnerships in Oklahoma history.

“TSET’s board committed to funding this program with the goal of attracting and keeping physicians to help address Oklahoma's physician shortage and support increased access to primary care and preventive screenings,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET. “And it’s working. TSET’s mission-driven support of rural physician access is an investment in communities across the state and is vital to the long-term health of every Oklahoman.”

The program’s design strengthens local health care access by attracting

physicians to rural areas through medical loan repayment of up to $200,000. Physicians commit to spending four years in communities, opening up access to quality health care around the state for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans and enabling doctors, patients and communities to grow together.

Of the physician loan repayment, TSET provides 40% of the total funding for each TSET sponsored physician, making it one of the largest contributors to this public/private collaborative partnership. TSET public funds are matched by both public and private entities to ensure that physicians are placed in communities with the most need. Public and private partners providing matching funds include hospitals, cities, insurance providers, medical associations, and banks.

“The successful utilization of all 42 current TSET funded positions speaks both to the critical healthcare needs of rural Oklahoma and the importance of the physician loan repayment program,” said Janie Thompson, executive director of PMTC.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 7

OMRF scientist Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D.

Study of microorganisms & the gut

Gut research may affect treatments for digestion The human gut is home to microorganisms that outnumber our cells by a factor of 10 to 1. Now, discoveries by scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have redefined how the so-called gut microbiome operates and how our bodies coexist with some of the 100 trillion bacteria that make it up.

The new findings appear in the journal Science and could lead to new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and people who’ve had portions of their bowels removed due to conditions like colon cancer and ulcerative colitis. They also help explain why the use of antibiotics can create a multitude of problems in the digestive system.

Using research models, OMRF’s Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., led a team of scientists who found the microbiome controls the creation of a sticky layer of special forms of sugar-enriched mucus that encapsulates and travels with fecal matter. The mucus — which the researchers showed not to be static as previously thought — acts as a barrier between bacteria in feces and the thousands of immune cells in the colon. Without the mucus, the whole system gets thrown out of balance.

“The colon is not just a digestive organ, but an immune organ,” said Xia, who holds the Merrick Foundation Chair in Biomedical Research at OMRF. “Our microbiome begins to develop at the moment of birth and evolves throughout our lives. It’s essential for the growth and maturation of the acquired immune system in our body. When it’s not well developed or cared for, it doesn’t operate as it should, which can lead to diseases.”

The overall health of the gut microbiome is dependent on the presence of its mucus. And although mucus production can be interrupted, OMRF researchers showed that it can be restored.

In the study, the researchers found that the fecal matter of mice treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic had no trace of the mucus coating. And when mice without this protective barrier received a transplant of fecal matter with microbiome, their mucus production jump-started.

This may have significant treatment implications for patients whose microbiome is out of balance, Xia explained.

“Whether because of antibiotics interrupting mucus production or a total colon removal due to ulcerative

colitis, painful inflammation can result,” said Xia. “Now that we better understand the role and origin of this mucus, we will study how we can supplement it or restore its production.”

OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D., noted that the gut microbiome has taken on increasing importance in medical research as scientists have recognized the roles its microorganisms play in our overall health.

“Researchers have found these tiny organisms living in our digestive tracts may be key players in obesity, diabetes and a variety of autoimmune and digestive diseases. Dr. Xia’s work proves a strong connection between the protective coating driven by the microbiome and the development of a disease like colitis,” said Prescott.

The findings may open the door to alternatives to colonoscopies for monitoring conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. “Rather than repeated invasive procedures to track the progression of IBD, we may be able to measure the presence of the mucus in a fecal sample and assess a patient’s gut health,” Xia said.

The ramifications of this research are far-reaching and reinforce the importance of “basic” science, Prescott added.

“Our researchers had to understand the origin and function of this mucus and how it relates to the microbiome to learn how it connects with disease. We now understand that the long-term health implications when this pair gets out of balance can be devastating, and Dr. Xia’s work can guide us to answers,” Prescott said.

Kirk Bergstrom, Ph.D., made essential contributions to this project when he was a senior scientist in Xia’s lab.

He is now new faculty at the University of British Columbia. Xindi Shan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in Xia’s lab, also contributed significantly to this work. Other scientists from OMRF and institutions including Cedars Sinai Medical Center, University of British Columbia and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center also contributed to the project.

This research was funded by National Institutes of Health grant nos.

R01DK085691 and GM103441, as well as the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research, a program of TSET, and the Stephenson Cancer Center.

Page 8 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Obituary Notices Isaac Samuel Gantz Isaac was born on February 28, 1979 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and passed from this earth on October 12, 2020.

Isaac is survived by his parents Logan and Jacci Gantz; sisters, Sarah Cromwell and husband Todd and Rebecca Arguello and husband Rodo; as well as 1 niece Finley and 3 nephews, Malakai, Van, and Caleb.

As a boy, Isaac was active in soccer, basketball, and involved in Boy Scouts, as well as church activities.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorcycles and Nascar, and reading history. He loved boating and spending time fishing at the family lake house on Lake Texoma.

He traveled working paintless dent repair all across the United States for at least 10 years with Ken Coker. As side jobs, he worked in a towing company and lawn service.

He was in automotive repair with Les McKaughan for several years and together they moved into a new repair shop before he was hospitalized.

Isaac was an avid fisherman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation for their educational fishing programs for children: https://okwildlifefoundation.org/donate

Kyle Aaron Ward Kyle Aaron Ward was born May 7, 2000 in Dallas, TX to Jeni and Lance Ward. He passed away October 17, 2020 in Edmond.

Kyle graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School in 2018, where he was on the golf team all four years. He was currently a third-year UCO student and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, where he enjoyed friendships and two-time participation in Cheer and Dance Competition. Special thanks to PIKE for setting up a fund to help the Ward family with funeral expenses. We appreciate your kindness, and we have more than enough. Thanks also to everyone who contributed!

Kyle spent the summer of 2019 in Panama City Beach with Kaleo (Student Mobilization), growing in his faith in Christ and telling others about his faith, a habit he would continue with his friends, even in the midst of substance abuse struggles.

Friends describe Kyle as an inviting and steady friend with a sharp wit and constant smile. He will be missed by so many.

Kyle worked at UPS, where he loved his job and had worked his way up to a first-level supervisor in a short period of time. We are so proud of his diligence and work ethic, balancing work and school.

Kyle grew up in a house divided between OU and Alabama. He pulled for both teams and never let his Bama-mom, nor Sooner-dad know his preference, even when the teams faced each other.

He was preceded in death by grandmother, Judy Delcuze and great grandparents, John & Lilah Ward.

He is survived by his parents, siblings Landon Ward & Haley Royal (Luke). Also survived by grandparents, Monty Ward & Judy Cole, Louanne Ward Trueblood, and Terry Delcuze; Aunt Laura Pope (Matt), cousin Zoe Pope, and great aunt, Jill Ward.

Kyle’s life ended too soon from an accidental overdose. He would not have wanted anyone to experience this present sorrow.

In lieu of flowers, please give to one of the following recovery ministries: Hope is Alive (hopeisalive.net); Pellow Outreach (pellowoutreach. org); Ashes to Glory Foundation (ashestogloryfoundation.org).

A come-and-go viewing will be Thursday, October 22nd at Crawford Family Funeral Service from 10am-8pm with the family present from 5-7pm. A service celebrating Kyle’s life will be at 10:30am on Friday, October 23rd at Crossings Community Church (OKC) with a private family burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Edmond Police Arrest Report (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. 12 Chadrian Le'Sean Cyres, 18, of Oklahoma City. Charged with possession of CDS, public intoxication and obstruction of a police officer.

Joseph Dale Heltcel, 19 of Newcastle. Contributing to the deliquency of minors and possess with intent to distribute CDS. Oct. 13 Bennie Williams IV, 34, of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Heather Ryan Caldwell, 34, Oklahoma City. Possession of CDS or marijuana and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs of combination of CDS or chemical.

Gary James Myers, 34, Edmond.

Lewd or indecent proposals or acts to child under 16.

Frederick Ebot Ashu, 45, of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Oct. 14 Ashley Danielle Reed, 27 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (Dangerous weapon.)

Deyone Donyell Miller, 23, of Edmond. Public intoxication and domestic abuse (dangerous weapon.)

Kirk Benjamin Jones, 34, Edmond.

Leaving scene of accident damaged fixtures and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol contest of .15 or more.

Oct. 15 Jovonta Qumanie Cannon, 28, of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Cindy Zonelle Vandeventer, 54, homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

Shawn Michael Schneider, 37, of Edmond. (Felony) Obtain info of another living/dead with intent to use, sell or allow others to use to obtain money/goods without permission; (felony) create/sell/display identification card -- illegal acts; possess of drug paraphernalia; possession of CDS. Joshua Paul Ausmus, 37 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Riese Preston Lerdall, 36 of Edmond. Assault and/or battery with a deadly weapon.

Oct. 16 Quentin Marcel French, 33 of Oklahoma City. Petty larceny and three counts of failure to appear.

Shyann Nicole Lowery, 23 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance

and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or rescinded.

Lane Aaron Connell, 23 of Pray, Okla. Transport of open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Omar Rashad House, 34 of Oklahoma City. Three counts of failure to appear.

Fernando NMH Flores, 39, of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer and petty larceny.

Mary Frances Greenhoward, 35 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) and misdemeanor domestic abuse assault in the presence of a minor child Oct. 17 Robert Gregory Post, 49 of Oklahoma City. (Anything other than alcohol) Operate (DUI or APC) a MV under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Daniel Wayne Willis, 32 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jessica Taylor Duncan, 23 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Trevor Kole Lindenman, 18, Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Calvin Lawrence Warren 62, of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Christopher D'Marcus Duncan, 25 of Oklahoma City. Wrong way on one way, false representation to officer, possession of marijuana, no tag - improper tag, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Julia Rose Woods, 28, of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Christian Lee Woods, 37 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

Oct. 18 Orquidia Esmeralda Gramajo, 21 of Oklahoma City. Non assault resisting police officer, felony warrant, public intoxication and possession of marijuana.

Julian Angel Olvera, 18, of San Antonio. Leaving scene of an accident, unattended vehicle and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Clayton John Phillip Blair, 36 of Guthrie, Failure to appear.

Joe Luis Rendon Jr., 34 of Tulsa.

Petty larceny.

Joshua Ryan Costa, 27 of Edmond.

Petty larceny.

Terrance Lamar Hooks, 39, of Tulsa. Felony warrant, no proof of insurance, expired tag over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Adrian Leroy Reeves, 26 of Moore.

Possession of marijuana or CDS.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 9

Toy soldier march among the events at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.

Silver Dollar City preps for the holidays Silver Dollar City is celebrating An Old Time Christmas by bringing the streets to full color & sound with more shows than ever before, brilliant lights and many traditional favorites of the reigning, 4-time winner of ‘Best Theme Park Holiday Event*’ in America. Silver Dollar City, located in Branson, Missouri and internationally acclaimed for creativity and presentation, shines its’ brightest during this extravagant festival running Nov. 7 to Dec. 30.

Highlights include 30 shows each day & night on outdoor stages; an elaborate 8-story, animated Christmas tree; over 6.5 million lights; Christmas in Midtown; holiday foods; Rudolph’s Holly Jollyᵀᴹ Christmas Light Parade; The Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train plus award-winning rides coasting through the night skies.

Performers, Shows, Lights, Artisans, Festive Foods and Santa Along the walkways, famed performers known from the City’s production shows (historically found indoors, pre-2020 challenges) make

up the caroling troupes who raise their voices throughout the streets.

Multiple outdoor venues present other fan favorites such as The Living Nativity, the Saloon Frontier Fa-La-La Follies, a new Cool Yule show made up of performers and a live band, Gospel groups and more.

Bright lights line every inch of streets, buildings, walkways and trees, greeting guests with Joy on Town Square’s custom-designed, video-motion, towering tree. Just steps beyond, guests find Christmas in Midtown’s jaw-dropping display of light tunnels, wreath portals, flying angels, running reindeer, a moving train, stars, snowflakes and a giant turning globe, all created at Silver Dollar City.

Park revelers can watch demonstrating artisans creating heirloom works of art, often passed on from generation to generation. Guests can visit family-style restaurants serving holiday foods along with treats of the season created in on-site kitchens & bakeries. Foods include Holiday Din-

ner with smoked turkey, ham, prime rib and trimmings, specialty soups like potato leek, Silver Dollar City’s Miner’s Beef Stew plus a variety of desserts from apple dumplings with homemade ice cream to fried pies and holiday funnel cakes (note: Red Velvet alert, a flavor with great popularity in America).

Park revelers can watch demonstrating artisans creating heirloom works of art, often passed on from generation to generation. Guests can visit family-style restaurants serving holiday foods along with treats of the season created in on-site kitchens & bakeries. Foods include Holiday Dinner with smoked turkey, ham, prime rib and trimmings, specialty soups like potato leek, Silver Dollar City’s Miner’s Beef Stew plus a variety of desserts from apple dumplings with homemade ice cream to fried pies and holiday funnel cakes (note: Red Velvet alert, a flavor with great popularity in America).

The new for 2020 area of Rivertown adds to the feeling of celebra-

tion with thousands of LED lights outlining Clara Belle’s Cinnamon Bread bakery and the new Rivertown Smokehouse, featuring fresh-smoked meats and specialty desserts. The Rivertown Smokehouse offers covered decks with heaters, allowing for outdoor dining along the banks of the Mystic River.

And, not to be left out, the North Pole sends in Santa, who has his own new “Santa’s Cottage” – a picturesque setting where children can share wishes & dreams in an appropriately socially distanced way.

Silver Dollar City’s New Year’s Celebration runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 2, 2021.

The Stats of the Lights The two-month long holiday event boasts some impressive statistics such as over 6.5 million lights (that’s 680 miles of brilliance!), 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, 600 wreaths, and over 3 miles of garland and ribbon.

Christmas In Midtown bursts with the colors of 1.5 million LED lighted tunnels and displays up nine stories.

Page 10 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Campaigns winding down

By Steve Gust Editor Edmond Life & Leisure Next week there are going to be some elated and disappointed people over the election results.

It is somewhat amazing how divided the major political parties are.

These days it seems like people get their information from a few sources and that's their sense of reality.

Did you happen to catch the CBS News program "60 Minutes," the Steve Gust other night?

Correspondent Leslie Stahl interviewed President Trump. She was aghast that Trump would bring up any of the many questions being asked about Joe Biden and the alleged for-sale access to his former office, which was the vice presidency.

She was practically laughing at the thought that Biden was involved in a scandal. Finally she had to tell the president that her network couldn't pursue stories, which were not verifiable.

That's a good standard. It sure wasn't used when Trump was accused of the alleged Russian collusion.

Makes me wonder why CBS News doesn't look into the allegations. It seems they owe it to the public.

After all a sitting American president is accusing a former vice president, and presidential candidate, of being a felon. If I were in charge at a major network, I'd ask my news team to look into the allegation. If it's

not true, then the press can clear Uncle Joe. If it's true, then it's turned over to the FBI or Justice Department. Although I don't have a lot of faith in those agencies now. It seems like members of the Washington elite and swamp are proponents of a two-tier justice system.

----Back to my opening statement. Winning an election is only a start. The officials have to work just as hard once they win.

If liberals win, they need to know that millions and millions of people will still have traditional American values. That never changes. A great many of Americans don’t rely on government anyway.

I just hope we don't run into one of those 36-day Florida recount situations like we had in 2000.

---I did manage to vote last weekend. The state is kind enough to remind folks that voting twice and other kind of election fraud is a felony.

What got my attention is they pointed out that “ballot harvesting,” is also illegal. That’s when a third party handles someone else’s ballot for delivery.

So if it’s illegal in Oklahoma, then why is it allowed in other states?

If you’re casting ballots in a federal election the law should be uniform across the board.

The whole ballot harvest deal reeks of fraud and scandal.

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

Biden against oil industry From the debate last week between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden: Kristen Welker: Would you rule out about banning fracking?

Biden: I do rule out banning fracking because the answer we need, we need other industries to transition, to get to ultimately a complete zero emissions by 2025. What I will do with fracking over time is make sure that we can capture the emissions from the fracking, capture the emissions from gas. We can do that and we can do that by investing money in doing it, but it’s a transition to that.

Welker: I have one more question in this pile then—

Trump: Excuse me.

He was against fracking. He said it. I will show that to you tomorrow.

Biden: Good.

Trump: I am against fracking. Until he got the nomination, he went to Pennsylvania.

Then he said, “But you know what Pennsylvania?” He’ll be against it very soon because his party is totally against it.

Biden: Fracking on federal land. I said, no fracking and/or oil on federal land.

(Later) Trump: Would you close down the oil industry?

Biden: By the way, I have a transition from the old industry, yes.

Trump: Oh, that’s a big statement.

Biden: I will transition. It is a big statement.

Trump: That’s a big statement.

Joe Biden: Because I would stop— Welker: Why would you do that?

Biden: Because the oil industry pollutes, significantly.

Trump: Oh, I see.

Okay.

Biden: Here’s the deal— Trump: That’s a big statement.

Biden: Well if you let me finish the statement, because it has to be replaced by renewable energy over time, over time, and I’d stopped giving to the

See Biden, Page 14

What Lankford has done to help secure elections Sen. James Lankford (R-Edmond) has consistently worked since the 2016 election to ensure safe and secure future elections for Oklahomans and Americans. Most notably, following the 2016 presidential election, as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Lankford introduced bipartisan legislation entitled the Secure Elections Act, which included targeted funding for states to secure and update their own election systems.

“A week out from the 2020 election, Oklahomans and Americans should be confident in a secure US election, free of foreign interference,” said Lankford.

“I have worked over the last four years to ensure states have resources from the federal government to strengthen vulnerabilities in their systems. This includes additional funding for states to upgrade their voting systems. The Administration has also taken steps to facilitate information sharing among federal, state and local partners; strengthen cybersecurity; ensure foreign bad-actors aren’t sowing discord by spreading false information, and provide for the auditability of our elections in order to verify the votes cast and instill confidence in the results.

There have been significant and meaningful changes to our election system since 2016 to make it more reliable

and secure.”

Specifically, Lankford has pushed for four areas since 2016, which have all be implemented by President Trump and his administration to: 1. Encourage information sharing between the federal government and states and local election partners. Each state also has an additional layer of federal cyber protection over their critical election systems to monitor for possible interference.

2. Enhance security, $1.2 billion has been allocated for states to upgrade election their systems and enhance cybersecurity.

3. Identify and expose foreign actors that are sowing false election information on American social media platforms 4. Ensure states have the ability to conduct a post-election audit of election results with a paper record. Every state but one is now capable of postelection audits.

Actions by Lankford to address cybersecurity: • In September 2020, Lankford asked for an update from national security officials on election security threats.

• In September 2019, Lankford supported legislation for the FY 2020

Transportation-Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Financial Services and General Government funding bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee that would streamline cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence entities and state election agencies, expedite security clearances to state election officials, and ensure states can audit their elections.

• Lankford joined a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Voting System Cybersecurity Act of 2019, which would ensure that a cybersecurity expert from the Department of Homeland Security is involved in crafting the voluntary voting system guidelines established by the Election Assistance Commission voting system that manufacturers use when creating their products.

•Lankford participated in a Homeland Security Committee hearing to question top executives from Twitter and Facebook on practices for identifying suspended accounts and coordinating with law enforcement to ensure they are tracking unauthorized users, especially accounts connected with foreign users. During the hearing, Lankford pushed the executives on how they are working to prevent and track foreign bad actors from purchasing user’s data.

• In September 2018, President Trump’s administration issued an Executive Order in response to foreign interference in US elections, which Lankford supported.

•In March 2018, Lankford was joined by a bipartisan group of Senators with the support of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee to introduce the Secure Elections Act to strengthen election cybersecurity in America. The bill was originally proposed in December 2017. Lankford testified in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee in August 2018 on the US response to cybersecurity threats. Lankford submitted the legislation as an amendment to the annual defense bill in 2018.

•Lankford secured $380 million for states to make election security improvements, implement cybersecurity guidelines, and replace outdated electronic voting machines, which was originally proposed in his Secure Elections Act. •In December 2017, Lankford sent a letter to the Homeland Security Secretary to urge the Department to prioritize election cybersecurity.

•In June 2017 he participated in an open Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on Russian Interfer-

See ELECTIONS, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 11

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma State University licensed practical nurse Tiffany Miner takes a swab of a person’s mouth to test for COVID-19.

O-State ramps up COVID-19 testing Oklahoma State University’s health care professionals have been hard at work during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

University Health Services personnel took more than 6,000 COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction swab samples from on-campus residents during student move-in week on the Stillwater campus and have taken thousands more since in an effort to keep people informed and safe.

“We work every day to do the very best job possible and are constantly looking for ways to make the process more efficient,” said Dr. Wes Andrews, University Health Services chief of staff. “It is very important this is done quickly and correctly … to control COVID-19.”

Nearly everyone at University Health ServicesStillwater is involved with coronavirus care at some point during the day.Their tasks include retrieving and reviewing results, notifying patients of results, entering positive cases into the Oklahoma State Department of Health system for tracking, tracing, isolation and quarantine. They also report data to OSU for dashboard numbers and report to and work with the vice president of Student Affairs, University Housing and Greek Office to coordinate isolation and quarantine. OSU and University

Health Services also continue to work closely with the Payne County Health Department and the state epidemiologist.

Test results typically arrive in the early afternoon, and staff are often busy working through the grueling daily routine until 8 or 9 p.m.

“Testing alone is not enough,” Andrews said.

“COVID-19 may not kill you, but it may kill somebody you pass it to. Continue to wear a mask, avoid crowds and limit your contact with people.

The way you get infected is by breathing the virus in — there is no cure — the best bet is to not get exposed in the first place.”

Andrews had additional suggestions for OSU students and staff who are tested: n Make sure your contact info is up to date n Answer when we call n Return calls n Read your messages ASAP University Health Services typically collects between 150-200 samples for testing daily. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s animal diagnostic laboratory on the OSU-Stillwater campus processed more than 111,000 COVID-19 samples from throughout the state. That lab stopped processing human samples

over Labor Day weekend. COVID-19 testing is now done at Venture 1, an OSU research facility southwest of the main campus.

Licensed practical nurse Tiffany Miner has been dressing in full personal protective equipment, and swabbing patients at University Health Services’ drive-up/walk-up “swab pod” since June.

“My life as a nurse has changed pretty drastically,” she said. “I wear an N95 mask eight-plus hours a day. My nose is tender, under my eyes are swollen, and there are bruises on my face at times from the mask.

“I wash my hands even more. I clean more frequently. I sweat in PPE, especially in the high temperatures over the summer. I no longer see my family before changing my clothes and showering.

I never see the patients’ faces, and they don’t see mine. This might be the hardest part, not getting to put a real face with a name, but through all this I see light. We will get through this and be stronger and smarter than before.”

Although it’s not easy work, Miner is grateful for the experience.

“I want to help where I am needed and feel blessed to have a job and that I am able to help others.”

Elections From Page 10 ence in the 2016 US elections.

•Lankford participated in numerous phone calls and face-to-face meetings with administration officials and state and local election officials for the past four years to work on election security and information sharing.

Resources: •Lankford recorded an episode on The Breakdown with James Lankford podcast on election security and break-

ing down his legislation.

•In March 2018, Lanford joined the Senate Intelligence Committee to unveil recommendations to secure US election infrastructure.

•July 2018, Lankford gave a speech on the Senate floor on the importance of securing US elections.

•In September 2018, Lankford issued a statement to applaud the administration’s announcement of the National Cyber Strategy.

•In June 2019, Lankford gave an update on the Senate floor to discuss election security concerns in both the 2016 and 2018 US elections, work by state and federal government to identify and address vulnerabilities and continued concerns.

•During a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing, Lankford prioritized his question to DHS chief intel officer to focus on election security.

•In a floor speech to address national spending and to ensure we use the resources provided appropriately, Lankford discussed the $380 million sent to states to help with election security after Russians tried to interfere in the 2016 elections. When the speech was given, states had only spent a little over $100 million of the money allocated. Today, nearly $130 million of that $380 million has been used by state’s to secure their elections.

Page 12 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

SF remains undefeated in district Wolves defeat Broken Arrow, 35-28

RB Ethane Hyche (7) for Santa Fe runs through the line with a Heisman move. The win improved Santa Fe’s record to 5-2 and 4-0 in district play.

RB Micah Snoddy's (28) momentum takes him into the end zone for a touchdown for Edmond Santa Fe.

QB Scott Pfieffer (16) passes the ball to WR Shawn Allen (8) (not shown) for a gain.

Photos by Melinda Infante

The Wolves prepare to take the field.

DB Tyler Lewis (21) and LB Blake Montgomery (27) team up to tackle the Broken Arrow running back.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Career website Zippia has named the University of Central Oklahoma as the top public institution in Oklahoma for job-seeking graduates as part of its ‘Best Public Colleges in Each State for Getting a Job in 2020’ list. According to the ranking, Central has an 88% placement rate among recent graduates.

Pictured, a UCO student attends the Fall 2019 Career and Internship Fair.

UCO grads likely to find work, career officials say Career website Zippia has named the University of Central Oklahoma as the top public institution in Oklahoma for job-seeking graduates as part of its “Best Public Colleges in Each State for Getting a Job in 2020” list.

According to the ranking, Central has an 88% placement rate among recent graduates.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as the No. 1 public college in Oklahoma for graduate job placement,” said Crystal Davis-Cook, assistant director of the UCO Career Development Cen-

ter.

“At UCO, students are our priority, and our faculty and staff are invested in helping students reach their goals. I believe this ranking demonstrates the commitment we have made to our students to prepare them for the job market, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Universities were ranked using the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The scorecard data was reviewed for the public college in each state with the highest listed job place-

ment numbers 10 years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

Central’s Career Development Center provides students and alumni with guidance and support for majors and career exploration, graduate/professional school admission and job search preparation.

To view a complete list of rankings, visit https://www.zippia.com/advice/best-public-college-state-gettingjob-2020.

To learn more about Central, visit www.uco.edu.

Page 14 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘The Witches’ not director’s best work

By George Gust “The Witches” is director Robert Zemeckis’ (“Back to the Future” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”) adaptation of Roald Dahl 1983 classic book of the same name.

A young orphaned boy (Jahzir Bruno) goes to live with his loving grandma (Octavia Spencer) in rural Alabama. The boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches led by the oldest and nastiest witch of all the Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway), they become entangled with the witches’ nefarious plot to er-rat-icate the children of the world.

Just in time for Halloween “The Witches” comes streaming to HBO Max to bring a spooky story that pushes the PG rating with some intense and scary images. There was a massive amount of talent put into this movie, behind and in front of the camera, but the mishmash pacing, and irregular tone make this a misfire in a big way. Early in his career, Zemeckis was able to use cutting edge filmmaking technology and a mature storytelling style that was entertaining for adults and young adults alike (“Back to the Future” “Forrest Gump”). Somewhere along the way his movies seemed to focus more on the technology than the storytelling. “The Witches” is a prime example of this late period Zemeckis imbal-

ance most recently seen in the widely panned “Welcome to Marwen.”

“The Witches” aims to build the eccentric and darkly whimsical world of the Dahl book but mishandles mostly every aspect. The strangely timed and overly explanatory voice over of Chris Rock removes much of the tension that may be found throughout the film and does not match with the gothic tone of the story. At several points you’ll feel that the story is either moving too fast or not fast enough. Sometimes characters will inexplicably explain all the rules of the world in rat tit tat fashion, then the movie lingers on scenes devoid of story momentum, and by the climax it feels like there should have been more build up. The ulti-

mately experience is confounding, as the mature themes of Dahl’s work get pushed aside to make way for half baked visual effects heavy sequences.

However, if you’re only looking to get in the Halloween mood without dipping too far into the gore or ghouls then “The Witches” has some of the eerie elements and spirited performances that can strike the right spooky notes. Anne Hathaway is going all out in this film with an over the top vaguely Eastern European accent and whacky mannerisms. If nothing else, her performance is something that flies off the screen in a mostly drab film. And Octavia Spencer is a delightfully cheeky counterpoint to Hathaway’s larger than life performance in another example of her ineffable star power.

Overall, “The Witches” is a messy film from a once great director that utilizes a great deal of filmmaking craft, but in service of a screenplay that is uneven at best. There are a few standout sequences, and a zany performance by Hathaway, but there are certainly better options for harrowing Halloween movies targeted at tween-teen category.

“The Witches” is rated PG for scary images/moments, language, and thematic elements. Now streaming on HBO Max. 2.3 out of 5 stars

PHOTO PROVIDED

Anne Hathaway leads a group of villainous witches in director Robert Zemeckis' uneven adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book, ‘The Witches.’

Biden From Page 10

Answers appearing on Page 19

oil industry, I’d stop giving them federal subsidies. You won’t get federal subsidies to the gas, oh, excuse me to solar and wind.

Trump: Yeah.

Biden: Why are we giving it to oil industry?

Trump: We actually give it to solar and wind. That’s maybe the biggest statement. In terms of business, that’s the biggest statement.

Welker: Okay.

(Later) Biden: He takes everything out of context, but the point is, look, we have to move toward net zero emissions. The first place to do that by the year 2035 is in energy production, by 2050 totally.

Each week read L&L’s lively commentary page

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: PROVERBIALLY SPEAKING ACROSS 1. Bornean ape 6. Casino's pull 9. Elbow-wrist connection 13. Paralyzing disease 14. Pigeon sound 15. Teething drops 16. Mary's subjects (15421567) 17. Ostrich-like bird 18. September stone 19. *One responsible for someone else's welfare 21. *Both rodents and humans like to come up with these 23. Name fit for a king 24. Wedding cover 25. Like a dim star 28. Head vermin 30. *Like the schemes of a fool, biblically speaking 35. Thor's father 37. Cleopatra's necklace 39. Blood carrier 40. Ice on a window 41. Famous Teatro alla ____ 43. Took to court 44. Prevent 46. Burden of proof 47. Leprechaun's land 48. Fit 50. Cabinet div.

52. Steadfast Soldier's material 53. Letter before kappa 55. European Economic Community 57. *It increases love and friendship 61. *It will cause additional harm 64. Raccoon relative 65. Short for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC 67. Huey, Duey and Louie, e.g.

69. #41 Across location 70. Prior to, pref.

71. Organ swelling 72. Benevolent fellows

73. African tam-____ 74. English county DOWN 1. Roman goddess of plenty 2. *It's just as unpleasant as a hard place 3. Sunburn soother 4. Fertilizer ingredient 5. Luke's teaching, e.g.

6. Laptop manufacturer 7. Data storage acronym 8. *Cowards are sometimes compared to this 9. Encourage 10. Good earth 11. Sound on a scale 12. Saloon selections 15. Perennial garden flower 20. Signs for escape 22. Post-Soviet Union alliance, acr.

24. Covered porch 25. *Can't use these to break a skeleton 26. Farewell, to ami 27. Nimbus, pl.

29. Gabrielle Chanel's

nickname 31. *Keep it clean to stay out of trouble 32. *It's tastier if one is not allowed to have it 33. First cradles 34. Filled with cargo 36. Like whiskey right out of bottle 38. Classic board game 42. Colorado ski resort 45. Curb, two words 49. Disney dwarf 51. ACT taker, e.g.

54. Dangle a carrot 56. Miss Muffet's meal 57. "The Road Runner" corporation 58. Skin infection 59. #13 Across conqueror 60. J.F.K. postings 61. Bookkeeping entry 62. *Don't make inquiries if you don't want to hear this 63. Hefty volume 66. Chapter in history 68. Coltrane's woodwind

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 15

Battling breast cancer during COVID pandemic Janie Adams of Elk City credits an emergency gall bladder surgery for saving her life. It was a CT scan during an ER visit that detected the lump in her left breast. Although Adams was only 34 years old at the time, her cancer was initially classified as Stage 3. However, it was later discovered that it had metathesized into her chest wall, making it Janie Adams a Stage 4 cancer.

Still, Adams chooses to see the good in the situation. “If it weren’t for my gall bladder attack, I wouldn’t have discovered I had breast cancer, and if I hadn’t discovered the breast cancer I wouldn’t have known about the spot on my chest. So really, if it hadn’t happened the way it did – I may not be alive today.”

Samer Hassan, M.D., with the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute at Southwest Medical Center, is Adams’ oncologist. “I remember how heartbroken she was as well as her husband and daughter when they first got the diagnosis. I explained the gravity of the situation to them but also gave hope for a better outcome.”

Janie was determined to fight. She had a double mastectomy, underwent radiation and continues to receive chemotherapy treatments every three weeks – even during the pandemic. “I was nervous at first about receiving treatment during

COVID because I know I have a weaker immune system and I am at higher risk of complications if I contract it,” says Adams.

“But I have been really impressed with the way the hospital has protected people like me. Everyone is super vigilant, and everything is super clean.

There are absolutely no guests allowed in the cancer unit, which was upsetting at first because before COVID my husband was at every one of my treatments. But now I realize it is for my safety and for the safety of others, and I appreciate that.”

And it appears, Adams’ treatments are working.

Her last scans came back clear and Dr. Hassan says she is in remission. “The first six months I thought I was going to die,” Adams admits. “I felt so sick and I lost my hair. But now, I am amazed at how well my body is holding up. I thank my doctors, my family and my friends for the about face.”

But they say it was Janie herself who reversed her course. “She is a very brave and strong-willed woman,” declares Hassan. “I believe her upbeat attitude and positivity are part of the reason she is doing so well today.”

Adams will remain on maintenance therapy for the next two years. After that, hopefully she will be able to stop treatments altogether.

Her message to women this Breast Cancer Awareness Month is that you don’t have to be over 40 to get it. Like her, many of those who do get it have no family history of the disease. She says it is important for all women to stay educated, stay observant and stay strong. Adams encourages women to get their annual mammogram, and not delay screenings or care due to COVID.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Janie Adams and her family have been through a lot this year.

Doctor to give talk on Civil War & surgery On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10:30 a.m., Honey Springs Battlefield will host "Veteran Surgeon's View of the Civil War," a special presentation about Civil War surgery and medicine by Dr. David Harris.

Harris will be dressed in Civil War-period attire while discussing medical practices used during the war and the realities surgeons faced. His presentation will include medical artifacts and items from the era. Harris has hosted multiple programs at many Civil War sites, including Vicksburg National Military Park.

This program is free with regular admission. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs

to this outdoor program. Social-distancing of at least six to eight feet is required for those who attend the program. The Oklahoma Historical Society requires face masks in all public areas of its museums, sites and affiliates, including Honey Springs Battlefield.

For more information regarding the presentation and Honey Springs Battlefield, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or alynn@okhistory.org, or call 918-473-5572. Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Checotah. The Visitor Center is located on a hill in close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. Take the second left after

reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).

Honey Springs Battlefield is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma.

For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Page 16 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

It’s the eyes of the spuds that are the duds PHOTO PROVIDED/KIMBERLY BURK

Don Thomas, a repair technician at Larsen Music, restores a trumpet in the state-of-the-art workshop.

BancFirst, Larsen Music give young people ‘A Chance to Play’ BancFirst is continuing its partnership with the nonprofit A Chance to Play, which provides new and refurbished musical instruments to students who can’t afford them.

Used band and stringed instruments can be taken to the lobbies of any of the BancFirst locations in the Oklahoma City metro, said Jay Hannah, executive vice president of financial services.

“We believe every child deserves a chance to play,” said Hannah, who is also a musician. His Bovine Band performs benefit concerts for A Chance to Play.

The used instruments will be repaired or refurbished at Larsen Music in Oklahoma City and then donated to partner schools, said Walt Myrick, piano department manager for Larsen Music.

“The last thing we want, or any band director wants, is to have a student who wants to be in band and can’t financially swing it,” Myrick said.

“Playing any musical instrument makes you use both sides of your brain at the same time,” Myrick said.

“It’s fun. It creates teamwork and self-discipline. It’s a part of their life they will never forget.”

Larsen Music has three employees

who use state-of-the-art equipment to repair instruments, including some that have been in attics for decades, Myrick said. Repair technicians replace pads on clarinets, flutes and saxophones, restore frozen valves and tuning slides on trumpets and fix bent slides on trombones, he said.

“It’s amazing to see an instrument come in that’s not playable, and after they work their magic, it plays like it’s new,” he said.

People can also donate instruments by taking them directly to Larsens.

Myrick said Larsen Music started volunteering with A Chance to Play at the suggestion of Hal Clifford, a member of the contemporary bluegrass and country band Mountain Smoke, which raises money and collects instruments for the nonprofit during its concerts.

Jim Barnett, a graduate of Taft Middle School and Northwest Classen High School, helped launch A Chance to Play five years ago after Taft identified musical instruments as a critical need. The organization has given away dozens of refurbished instruments and provided money for rentals and repairs.

For a map of BancFirst locations, go to www.bankcfirst.bank or call 844-545-3059.

By Carol Smaglinski Right in tune with scary Halloween happenings, the deadly nightshade family makes its appearance - at least in this column.

Potatoes and tomatoes are members of the nightshade mafia. Let’s travel back to the European Old World mid-16th century where people thought all potatoes were poisonous or aphrodisiac or as some believed, both.

Fast forward to now and listen to what author Robert L. Wolke wrote in “What Einstein Told His Cook” about the “eyes” of potatoes being poisonous.

Wolke writes that eyes on potatoes contain atropine, an alkaloid that dilates the pupils of the eyes.

When a potato begins to age, it sprouts the toxic alkaloid solanine, normally present in small amounts. It builds up in the eyes of the potato when it sprouts and most certainly when the potato turns green.

“But even then, the solanine doesn’t lie very deep, and an ordinary gouge with the paring knife will take care of it,” writes the author.

Have you ever wrapped your potatoes in foil before baking? Don’t! It softens the shells and they will fall apart. Baking them unwrapped makes for the shells stronger for scooping out the flesh. .

Are you one who uses a hand mixer or food processor to mash your potatoes? Don’t.

The potatoes will be sticky and gummy. The main cause is that the mixer will over-work those poor potatoes, the point being that boiled potatoes develop swollen starch cells.

When the cells are ruptured during mashing, the cells will release more starch and the potatoes turn into

mush.

Instead, use a hand-held potato masher or a ricer or food mill, which are gentler and gets rid of any lumps.

And the third don’t? Keep those raw potatoes out of your refrigerator as the low temperature will cause some of the starch to turn into sugar.

Your best bet is to use high-starch russet potatoes for a remarkably light and creamy mashed potatoes..

Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Makes 6 servings 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice (Keep the peeled ones in cold water so they won’t turn grey) 6 whole cloves of garlic (to peel garlic quickly, put the cloves into a microwave for 18 seconds) -----3 to 4 Tbsp. butter (your call) 3 to 6 Tbsp. half and half Season with salt and freshly ground pepper Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan. Add garlic and cover with 2 to 3 inches of cold water. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until tender.

Drain potatoes and return to the pot off the heat. Add butter and 3 Tbsp. of half and half and mash with the potato masher.

Season. Add the rest of the half and half and more butter, tasting as you go along. Serve immediately or heat up in a microwave just before serving.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 17

Survey: Most trust dental safety measures Oklahomans remain confident in visiting their dentist knowing the proper precautions are being taken to keep everyone safe while making their oral health a priority.

A survey conducted by the American Dental Association reported earlier this month nearly 60% of Oklahoma dentists are at least at 76% or above what is typical patient volume despite national numbers. This increase has allowed many practices to retain staff and remain in business without forced consolidation.

“Oklahoma dentists have taken a proactive approach in educating the public on the protocols and standards they are following to help ease concerns and ensure everyone’s safety,” said Dr. Paul Mullasseril, ODA President. “Additionally, a recent study by the ADA Science & Research Institute (ADASRI) and Health Policy Institute found fewer

than 1% of dentists nationwide were estimated to have a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection. Visiting the dentist may look different, but that is no reason to miss your regular checkups. The dentist’s office is an extremely safe place to get the vital oral health treatment everyone needs.”

“My schedule is returning to preCOVID levels and I appreciate my patients understanding the steps we are taking to keep them safe,” said Dr. Dan Wilguess a private practice owner in Edmond. “My practice is busier now than ever and I appreciate Gov. Stitt recognizing dental care as essential healthcare by allowing our practices to open in the first phase in the state reopening plan.”

“I am happy to see my patients and meet their needs. I have noted how eager my patients have been to return to the office,” said Dr. Robert Herman, ODA Vice President and practicing orthodon-

tist, Tulsa, OK. “I am extremely confident in the safety precautions that protect our patients and our team.”

Dentists and dental team members have been and continue to follow the highest standards in sterilization and infectious disease prevention and mitigation set forth by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), and the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) has been working with these federal and state organizations on the safety guidelines around COVID-19.

Member dentists have procured the proper PPE to ensure the safety of their patients, staff, and anyone who enters the office while providing vital heath care to their patients. Information for the public on what to expect when they visit the dentist may be found on ADA’s consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

Expansion nears completion Installers found a break in the Oklahoma winds, Saturday and were able to attach permanent signs to the nearly complete University of Oklahoma Medical Center North Tower -the largest hospital expansion project in Oklahoma history. The building is scheduled to officially open in early November.

PHOTO PROVIDED

State unemployment numbers 5.3 percent New figures released by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor show Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 5.3% in September, ranking ninth lowest in the country.

The September rate is an improvement from August’s 5.7% mark and below the national unemployment rate, which declined to 7.9%.

“Oklahoma continues to be months ahead of other states in our recovery from COVID-19,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This data shows how important it is to continue to protect our most vulnerable while also minimizing the other harmful effects of the pandemic. We remain committed to strengthening our state's vibrant economy and job opportunities as Oklahomans continue to go back to work."

In September, statewide seasonally adjusted employment increased by 51,724 persons (+3.0%), while unemployment decreased by 4,909 persons (-4.7%) from the previous month.

“Governor Stitt’s priorities of protecting the health and lives of Oklahomans while mitigating the impact of COVID-19 to our economy continue to pay dividends,” said OESC Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt. “Our state has leveraged federal CARES Act funds to support our businesses in innovative ways and Oklahomans continue returning to work to support their families. OESC will continue to provide support and reemployment services to those who have lost their jobs and are looking for their next career.”

Oklahoma currently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in comparison to surrounding states, including Texas, Arkansas and Kansas.

Surrounding States Unemployment Rates for September 2020 (National Rank): Arkansas: 7.3% (T-30) Colorado: 6.4% (T-22) Kansas: 5.9% (13) Missouri: 4.9% (6) New Mexico: 9.4% (44) Texas: 8.3% (39)

Integris fills executive post most successful ACOs, with Integris Health names Aric more than 8,000 physicians, Sharp Chief Transformation 40 hospitals, and more than $1 Officer. As the CTO, he will billion of medical spend under help expand and develop virrisk. Sharp has expertise in tual capabilities and digital health care strategy and transfront door strategies and be formation, population health, responsible to grow Integris physician leadership and Health’s population health growth, mergers and acquisicapabilities. Sharp will be a Sharp tions, joint ventures, and public member of the health care policy. system’s Executive LeaderSharp earned his Master’s in Hospiship Team. tal and Health Administration from Sharp comes to Integris Health the University of Iowa and a Bachelor from UnityPoint Health where he of Business Administration in Finance served as the Vice President for Accountable Care. In this role, he devel- from Iowa State University. His first oped and led UnityPoint Accountable day at Integris Health will be Nov. 30.

Care, one of the nation’s largest and

Page 18 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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Make sure your vehicle can handle cold temps

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“October is Car Care Month for a reason,” Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson, said. “Freezing temperatures arriving soon make your vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system.”

Worry-free driving once cold weather and winter driving conditions approach may depend upon whether drivers follow simple steps to make sure it’s ready. Some can be performed by a car owner in less than an hour. Others should be performed by a certified technician.

Winter Car Prep: Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. Most batteries last 3 to 5 years, but give little warning prior to failure. AAA Car Care, Insurance and Travel Centers in Edmond, Norman, near Quail Springs Mall and at N.W. 61st & May in Oklahoma City offer free 12-point vehicle inspections by appointment. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops throughout the state also test and replace weak batteries.

Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping.

Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.

Engine: Have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking.

Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recom-

mended intervals.

Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.

Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly.

Wipers: Replace worn windshieldwiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice build-up.

Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.

Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.

Vehicle owners should read the maintenance requirements set by the car’s manufacturer in the owner’s manual. There is no longer a “standard” maintenance schedule for vehicle services – including brake fluid.

Each automaker has different requirements, making the owner’s manual the most accurate resource. In-vehicle maintenance reminders provide good guidance because they account for real-time problems and how you actually drive. However, many reminder systems do not specifically cover maintenance operations that need to be performed on a time or mileage basis – such as brake fluid and coolant flushes or timing-belt replacement.

Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair shops with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign.

These facilities must meet and maintain high professional standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness.

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Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper.

Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 29, 2020 • Page 19

The top ten retirement cities in Oklahoma In its sixth annual study, New York financial technology company SmartAsset determined the best cities to retire in Oklahoma by analyzing tax friendliness, availability of medical care and social opportunities for seniors.

For a look at the top 10 places in Oklahoma to retire, check out the graphic to the left. Edmond is ranked No. 5 on the list.

You can see the study results, methodology and interactive map at: https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator#Ok lahoma

Group honors Dolese Bros.

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) announced that Dolese Bros. Co. (Dolese), a long-standing construction materials business, is the 2020 recipient of the Excellence in Quality Award for the seventh consecutive year.

This award is presented to a mixed-concrete producer that consistently demonstrates quality within management, production and materials. “We are thrilled to be recognized for the hard work and dedication the Dolese team displays daily and it's humbling to see our reputation for quality work reach across the state� Dolese President and CEO Mark Helm said. “We are honored to be recognized by the industry for our effort.�

Dolese’s Tulsa Division is the award recipient in Category C for annual production of less than 250,000 cubic yards of concrete.

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

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

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • October 29, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure