Edmond Life and Leisure November 26, 2020

November 26, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 28

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.

Holiday Happenings See Page 18 & 19

FRIDAY, November 27 Partly Cloudy High 52° Low 32°

SATURDAY, November 28 Mostly Sunny High 53° Low 36°

SUNDAY, November 29 Mostly Sunny High 55° Low 39°

At first, it may seem odd to be thankful for a year like this one.

Then again, many people remain fortunate to still be enjoying several blessings.

The pandemic year has taught many folks to be grateful for family and for our health, which many of us take for granted.

So as Thanksgiving 2020 arrives, take a moment to reflect on what you may have learned about yourself, your family, community and nation this year.

Our friends at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have stepped up and given us some tips on how to make this special Thanksgiving Holiday one of safety.

Also, please read “From the Publisher,” on Page 4 as Life & Leisure publisher Ray Hibbard wishes all of our readers a blessed holiday.

And don’t forget the advice of the OMRF experts.

1. Mask up “It’s no different than the grocery store or your office. If you’ll be around people you don’t live with, wear a mask,” said OMRF

President Stephen Prescott, M.D., adding that testing beforehand isn’t a get-out-masking-free card.

“Tests can only tell us about a point in time. They aren’t a guarantee of a Covid-free event.”

2. Less is more Every additional person represents an additional risk of infection, so keep the headcount as low as possible. “Think of this holiday season as a sacrifice and an investment in spending future holidays with the folks you love,” said OMRF physician-scientist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D. 3. Go alfresco Studies show significantly lower Covid-19 transmission rates when people are outside. “Eat on the back patio or open the windows to increase ventilation. Even a light wind makes a big difference in dispersing viral particles,” said Chakravarty, noting that it’s also an opportunity to get active.

“Rather than cramming onto the couch to watch the game, try throwing the football around outside or taking a long family walk,” she said. “Those are healthy activities that also carry an extremely

low chance of transmission.”

4. Please (don’t) pass the turkey Building your Thanksgiving plate — or plates — is always fun, but instead of family-style dining or a buffet, Prescott recommends bringing your own food or designating one family member to plate everyone’s meal.

“This avoids cramming together around the serving table and everyone touching the same utensils,” he said. “And by the same token, opt for single-use items wherever possible. You’ll avoid lots of folks touching dirty dishes and a crowd in the kitchen when it’s time to clean up.”

5. Choose the nuclear option When you do sit down for your meal, experts suggest setting up several small tables and sitting with only your nuclear family when the masks come off.

“Yes, they’re the same faces you’ve seen day-in, day-out since March,” said Chakravarty. “But rest assured this is not the new normal; vaccines are on the way.

And that’s something we can all be thankful for.”

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Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 3

Beware of porch pirates this holiday season

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready The holidays are almost here. Like nearly everything else in 2020, holiday shopping this year will be quite different. The unofficial start of holiday shopping is usually Black Friday, but this year, more people are expected to shop earlier and spend more online. With thousands of packages scheduled to arrive on doorsteps throughout this season, many are left unattended and vulnerable. Package theft is at an alltime high, with 1.7 million packages stolen or lost every day in the U.S., according to researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

In response, Oklahoma implemented a new measure to combat package thieves. The Porch Piracy Act, which

went into effect November 1, enforces stricter penalties against porch pirates with punishments of up to two years in prison or up to a $5,000 fine. Despite the new law, it still largely falls on homeowners to protect their packages from thieves. Yet, taking the proper precautions can prevent theft from occurring. Here are four tips to keep your holiday deliveries safe: 1. Consider Shipping Insurance — Shipping insurance is sold by postal services, courier companies and shipping-insurance companies. Not all insurers will insure all goods. However, if you’re ordering high-value items online, you may purchase shipping insurance to ensure delivery.

2. Give Specific Instructions — Instead of having deliveries left unsecured at your front door, you

Selection process is under way to find a new EPS superintendent The Oklahoma State Schools Boards Association (OSSBA) and Edmond Public Schools invite district and community stakeholders to participate in an anonymous online survey regarding the qualities and characteristics important in the district’s next superintendent.

Stakeholders can access the survey by visiting the district website and selecting the quick link on the home page. The survey will be live from now through Dec. 11. All district parents will also be emailed a link to the survey.

Earlier this fall, the Edmond Board of Education hired the OSSBA to facilitate the superintendent search following the announcement from current superintendent Bret Towne that he will be retiring at the end of the 20-21 academic school year. He

has been superintendent for six years.

"One of the most important duties of the Board of Education is to hire a superintendent who has the characteristics, qualifications and experience that will help our district continue to be one of the most successful in the country,” said Board President Kathleen Duncan. “The process includes receiving input from our stakeholders in order to ensure we select a leader who represents and reflects our EPS community."

The application for the position, available at www.ossba.org is also open now. There will be two rounds of interviews and the Board of Education is expected to announce their selection in early spring. For more information, contact the OSSBA at (405) 528-3571 or www.ossba.org.

can instruct drivers to leave a package at a back door, with a building superintendent, in a coded lockbox or with neighbors. You can also have deliveries placed on hold and request a specific delivery time. Most, but not all, of these services are free.

3. Install Security Camera or Doorbell Camera — Security cameras or video doorbells can also come in handy. The mere presence of these cameras or smart doorbells may be enough to ward off the potential package thieves. Even if it doesn't, you'll at least have evidence for a police report. Bonus: installing these cameras may qualify you for a homeowners insurance discount.

4. Sign Up for Tracking Notifications — Most carriers offer package tracking services and text or email alerts to know when a delivery will

be made so that you can adjust your schedule accordingly. Sign up for text or email notifications to check your delivery status.

Finally, if your package is stolen, here’s what you can do.

• Contact the Seller — File a claim with the seller and ask for a replacement.

• Contact the Shipping Company — File a claim with the postal service that shipped your package.

FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL and Amazon have a claim-filing system to help you track down your package.

• Check Your Credit Card — Many credit cards have purchase protection that covers lost or stolen items. Make sure you used a credit card to purchase the item.

• File an Insurance Claim — Your homeowners or

Page 4 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Blessings on this Thanksgiving Day To be honest, I was struggling with this year’s Thanksgiving Day column. It is not that we do not have much to be thankful for this year because we really do. I think it was because there was so much going wrong in this world.

The struggles for so many all over the world are more for Ray Hibbard 2020 then I can remember in any of my 62 years. I needed help.

Turning to our friend, Fr. J. Michael Robertson with Church of the Good Shepherd here in Edmond, I called in the cavalry. Fr. Mike as we call him is pretty much our corporate chaplain here at Edmond Life & Leisure. He bounces in the front door, proceeding right by my desk, and sits himself down at each of the staff desks. “So, how are you and can I help with anything,” he normally says to them. He is funny, bright, cheerful, caring, and full of the Spirit of the Lord. Fr. Mike relates to people well.

Here is something that put a shiver down my spine folks. The very day I was thinking of calling him, my cell phone rings. You guessed it. It was Fr. Mike calling to check on us and to see if we needed anything. I honestly believe God saw I was in need and sent Fr. Mike to help. I explained my problem He told me he understood and not to worry. Here is some of his message I want to share with you this Thanksgiving Day. It served as a reminder to me and I hope it does to you and your family as well.

THANKSGIVING 2020 EDMOND LIFE AND LEISURE Many are asking this Thanksgiving, "What do I have to be thankful for?" A fair question with all that is going on and not going on. I will not address that! Rather, "Let's count our blessings". First, let us go back in time to the first Thanksgiving, 1621.

You know the story, so I will not re-tell it. What is known is that the pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving feast to celebrate the successful fall harvest.

Celebrating a fall harvest was an English tradition at the time and the pilgrims had much to celebrate. The 53 pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving were the only colonists to survive the long journey on the Mayflower and the first winter in the New World. Disease and starvation struck down half of the original 102 colonists.

Would you like to trade places with the pilgrims at that first Thanksgiving or are you happy to celebrate with family and friends in the warmth of your home or even with all the restrictions? This Thanksgiving 2020 let us celebrate AND count our blessings!

Excerpts from: Thanksgiving Proclamation by President George Washington: “Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Com-

wisely your power of choice and one more, to fulfill the other four. Do all things with, love, love for yourself, love for others and love for me (GOD) Because: You are my greatest Miracle in the world”.

PSALM: 95 (KJV) "O come lets us sing unto the Lord, let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with Thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him."

COUNT YOUR BLESSING" EVERY DAY! GIVE THANKS TO GOD ON THANKSGIVING DAY AND EVERY DAY! J. Michael Robertson, Church of the Good Shepherd, Edmond Oklahoma

mittee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be — That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks— for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed.

There is a book "The Greatest Miracle in the World" by my friend and mentor, Og Mandino. At the end is “The God Memorandum", written with you in mind It begins: "TO YOU"! " FROM GOD" ........"Take Counsel, I hear your cry. Take an inventory!" Count your blessings! You have the power to think, to love, to will, to laugh, to imagine, to create, to plan, to speak and to pray. Count your blessings!

Choose to love, to laugh, to create, to persevere, to praise, to heal, to give, to act, to grow, to pray, to live, to be grateful, to celebrate, to give thanksgiving! Proclaim your rarity, go another mile, use

Shop and save small business this year I know we say this every year but for 2020, it is a matter of survival for so many small businesses.

Please, include them in your holiday shopping plans. This Saturday, November 28th, is small business Saturday and we hope you will patronize them. Of course, please be safe in all your shopping.

The ‘backbone’ of America’s economy is how small businesses are often referred to. They were key to our recovery from the 2008 recession. By the middle of 2013, over 60% of jobs created were from small businesses. They are in trouble folks and need our help. Skip the big box stores.

They are going to be fine but locally owned and operated small businesses need our support. They have a long history of supporting the Edmond community.

Gift cards are a great way to support these small businesses. The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Edmond Economic Development Authority have a way to make it even better for you to support local businesses with their annual program. They are partnering to provide a gift card rebate program for shoppers supporting Edmond businesses for 2020 Small Business Saturday. Save your receipts from local restaurants and retailers!

For every $100 you spent (rounded down), you will earn a $10 gift card to the business/businesses you supported. Spend $1,000 at a business, we give you a $100 gift card to that business. Spend $125, get a $10 gift card, etc. Receipts from Edmond Chamber of Commerce members will be preferred, but all qualifying purchases from local businesses within Edmond city limits will be eligible for consideration.

Once funds are depleted, there is no guarantee of a gift card rebate, so submit your receipts as soon as you can! All gift cards should be received

by Wednesday, December 9. For questions, please contact Brittany Willison at bwillison@edmondchamber.com or call (405) 216-2025. Please note our staff will not be in the office during Small Business Saturday on November 28, but we will be reachable by email for your questions.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE!

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- State Sen. Adam Pugh takes the oath of office............................Page 9.

---- Columnist looks at annoying broadcast ad ................................Page 10.

---- A girl becomes an Eagle Scout ..................................................Page 12.

---- George enjoys suspenseful Hulu movie ......................................Page 14.

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

---- Obituary notice..........................................................................Page 16.

---- Santa Fe playoff football ............................................................Page 20.

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 • November 26, 2020 • Page 5

Page 6 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Linda Sealey honored

Do you have a local news item or a local photograph?

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

Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com

Linda Sealey, Ph.D., associate professor in the Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional and Special Services at the University of Central Oklahoma, was reSealey cently presented the 2020 Honors of the Association Award by the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The annual award is presented to an individual that demonstrates noteworthy professional service and exceptional accomplishment in the field of communication disorders.

“Dr. Sealey works tirelessly to elevate the success of her students and the speech-language pathology program here at UCO. This award is evidence of her accomplishments and respect in her field," said Donna Cobb, Ed.D., dean of the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies.

“We are fortunate to have faculty members, like her, who are so well respected and experienced in their fields as mentors for our students.

The honors and awards our faculty receive are a testament to strong pro-

grams like speech-language pathology.”

Sealey joined Central in fall 2012; two years later, she became the program coordinator of the undergraduate and graduate speech-language pathology programs. She is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of clinical experience in providing speech-language therapy in outpatient rehabilitation, public school, hospital, skilled nursing facilities and home health settings.

Sealey received her master's degree in speech-language pathology from Central and a doctorate in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Past recipients of the Honors of the Association Award include Roy C. Rowland, Ph.D., and Scott McLaughlin, Ph.D., both former UCO speechlanguage pathology faculty members, and current UCO speech-language pathology associate professor, Susan Benson, Ph.D. For more information about the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies and the speech-language pathology program, visit www.uco.edu/ceps.

More mask use encouraged OU Health, Mercy and SSM Health St. Anthony are teaming up with 100 of the nation’s top hospitals and healthcare systems to deliver an urgent plea for all Americans: Mask up, because wearing a facemask is the best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 11 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional 1 million in just the past week – leading to 245,000 deaths. In Oklahoma, nearly 160,000 people have been infected by the virus and more than 1,500 people have died.

Last week, Oklahoma saw a 74.8% increase in cases over the week before, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“We're seeing more COVID-19 patients than ever coming into our emergency departments in desperate need of care but we are running out of room," said Jim Gebhart, Community President of Mercy Oklahoma Communities. "We have to reduce the exponential increase of community spread before it’s too late."

“The nation’s top hospitals and healthcare systems are partnering at this crucial time to deliver a unified

message: Wear a mask to slow the surge of COVID-19,” said Chuck Spicer, President and CEO of OU Medicine, which is part of OU Health. “We urge people across Oklahoma and the nation to do their part to decrease the spread of COVID-19. This is a time when we must all join together to defeat a virus that is taking far too many lives.”

“As caregivers, our mission is to care for all patients with all conditions at all levels of care, but our hospitals are at maximum capacity,” stated Joe Hodges, Regional President, SSM Health Oklahoma. “We coordinate daily to create capacity where we can, but we are running out of ways to do that. We need the community’s help to support our valued physicians and nurses on the frontlines by wearing a mask to stay safe and reduce the infection rates.”

In this joint campaign, OU Health, Mercy and SSM Health and the nation’s top healthcare systems emphasize that current trends in the pandemic are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 7

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Edmond Police Arrest Report (Editor’s Note: 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.

Nov. 9 Sara Shaff, 32, of Edmond.

Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, fraud of a driver’s license, possession of CDS and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Darrel Angel Garza, 37 of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Nov. 10 Clay Glen Baird, 45, of Edmond.

Misdemeanor larceny from a retailer.

Nov. 11 Aaron Robert Morehead, 37 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Lana Jean Blasingame, 41, of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Nov. 12 Jeremy Lee Dotson, 39 of Mannford, Okla. Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession CDS. Brandan William Gonzales, 27.

Listed as “uncooperative” with police.

Charged with burglary in the second degree, (lawful access but misappropriated) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry. Also eluding a police officer and endangerings others and obstruction of a police officer.

Tyler Wayne Glass, 34, of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

John William Matheny, 59, of Edmond. Failure to devote full-time attention to driving and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Brayden Michael Bafaro, 22 of Hillsboro, Ore. Failure to appear.

Nov. 13 Cory Ryan Attardi, 36 of Edmond.

Reckless driving and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Teresa L. Seward, 52 of Edmond.

Charged with failure to appear.

Canne Sabrie Hunter, 21 of Tulsa.

Conspiracy.

Peyton Shea Marshall, Los Angeles.

Unlawful use of license or ID card, misdemeanor identity theft and conspiracy.

Kyla Nicole Michaels, 24 of Edmond. Possession of firearm with removed or defaced serial or ID number during commission of a felony. Possession with intent to distribute CDS, trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS and misdemeanor larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

Tyvette Nikko Gunnels, 29 of Tulsa. Unlawful use of license or ID card, misdemeanor identity theft and conspiracy.

Lavenrina Ayla Collier, 23 of Edmond. Felony domestic abuse assault and battery and interruption, disruption, and interference with emergency phone call.

Blake Hamilton Riggs, 30 of

Moore. Felony warrant, misdemeanor warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor larceny of merchandise from retailer.

Yan Amont Billy Darianssen, 47 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Shiloh Wayne Haddox, 23, homeless of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Nov. 14 Jeff Michael Brandewie, 41, homeless. Public intoxication and malicious injury or destruction of property.

Anthony Allen Adams, 48 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Erica Ann Mancillas, 40 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jeremiah Blue Cook, 37 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication, carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol and possession of CDS.

non-assault resisting officer.

Cebric Lamar Cannon, 27 of Edmond. Misdemeanor domestic abuse assault.

Casey Terrell Dodge, 39 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Mason Turner Howell, 26, of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Bradley Joe Coleman, 29 of Oklahoma City. Obstruction of a police officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS. Brian DeWayne Boon, 36 of Oklahoma City. False personation of another, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of a police officer and (no lawful access) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry.

Rena Marie Edge, 32 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS or marijuana.

Shelby Craig Baker, 26 of Edmond.

Five counts of failure to appear.

Nov. 15 Michael Anthony Nix, 47 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Robert Andrew Walton, 35 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of CDS. Jeremy James Bowen, 39 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.

Brenda Louise Narcomey, 30 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Deyone Donyell Miller, 23, Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and

Nov. 16 Jeremy James Bowen, 39 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, and possession of CDS. Jordan Seth Balikes, 26 of Edmond.

Domestic abuse assault (strangulation).

Christine Catherine Passmore, 49, of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Edgar Dean Prock, 47 and homeless. Misdemeanor warrant, trespassing and two counts of failure to appear.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 9

St. Sen. Pugh Takes Oath Again

Pugh sworn in for second term Sen. Adam Pugh began his second term in the Oklahoma State Senate after taking the Oath of Office in the Senate Chamber last week. The Edmond Republican was sworn in with other returning Senators and newly elected members by Chief Justice Noma Gurich.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my service to the State of Oklahoma and the people of Senate District 41,” Pugh said.

“We’ve made tremendous improvements to our schools, state government and economy the last four years but now the state has taken a great financial hit from this historic pandemic. It’s going to take years for our economy to recover but we will do all we can to help Oklahoma workers, business owners and families.”

State Sen. Adam Pugh & family

Page 10 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Ad airs a million times This week I’d like to address a topic that I’m sure many of you have pondered as well.

Why do some broadcast advertisers simply beat people over the head with the same ad over and over again?

While watching the OU-OSU game the other night they must have shown that same GMC ad at least four times.

It’s a semi-Christmas ad, which they also played over and over last year and probably the year before that as well.

Now I have nothing against GMC. I Steve Gust had one of their vehicles at one time. It was a good ride.

But this ad borders on being Chinese water torture.

You know the ad I’m talking about.

The young couple are in the kitchen, where the lady announces she’s already done some shopping and produces two toy cars. One of them is for her and the other for her significant other.

Isn’t that you value in a partner?

Every man wants a lady who will buy you a toy car. Not only does she get

him one, but she buys one for herself as well.

After this heartwarming scene, the man announces he’s done some shopping as well. I wonder if these people are actually suppose to be married?

The reason I ask is I don’t know of too many women who would just let their husbands go out and spend between $50,000 and $75,000 on two mega SUV’s.

But the lady in the ad doesn’t flinch.

She runs to the vehicle, which the guy claims is his. To his credit, he backs off and lets her have it.

Maybe they are married. The guy knows how to keep peace in the family. That’s a wise thing to do in a marriage. But what in heaven’s name do these people do for a living? They have a monster house and now two brand new SUVs. And they’re young!

It sure wasn’t like that for me when I was their age. Then again I also had two sons. These people didn’t seem to have kids. For them money doesn’t seem to be much of an obstacle.

It’s all something to think about as they show this ad again and again and again and again.

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

Redistricting battles await public in 2021

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board The Legislature’s work of drawing boundaries for Oklahoma’s legislative and congressional districts will occur next year, as it does every decade following the Census. Before the work begins, however, Oklahomans will get the chance to have their say.

They should take advantage.

The state Senate and House recently announced the scheduled dates for town hall meetings across Oklahoma.

The intent is to allow greater collaboration for a process that critics say has been secretive and too political.

The 2021 exercise follows an unsuccessful attempt this year by the group People Not Politicians to assign redistrict-

ing to a nine-person panel of nonelected officials. The group’s initiative petition effort got derailed by COVID-19 and legal challenges, and the group subsequently withdrew the petition while vowing to track the process closely.

Among other things, People Not Politicians is submitting its own suggestions for new maps and is recruiting people from each House and Senate district to serve as “fair maps monitors.”

The group’s concern is gerrymandering, although it’s notable that Republicans gained control of the House and Senate while running in districts drawn by the former Democratic-controlled Legislature. Oklahoma has grown more red in the roughly 15 years since then; today,

not one person in the 19-member Democratic House caucus represents a rural district.

Republicans’ first crack at redistricting, following the 2010 Census, produced some squabbling from Democrats and an unsuccessful lawsuit by a Democratic senator. Last year in leaving it to states to draw their congressional districts, the U.S. Supreme Court said politics is naturally part of the process.

The Oklahoma town halls are meant to guide the politicians’ work to some extent. The House and Senate each plan to hold nine meetings, beginning the second week of December and running through January.

Attendees will be able to give input on House or Senate redistricting, regardless of which chamber is serving as host.

The town halls will be livestreamed as the facilities’ abilities allow, and they will be archived and posted online. Each meeting will include an overview of the process and cover redistricting principles.

Sen. Lonnie Paxton, RTuttle, chairman of the Senate’s redistricting committee, said the town halls are part of the goal of conducting “an open and transparent redistricting process.”

Paxton’s cohort in the House, Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, called the meetings “the bread and butter of our publicdriven redistricting process in the House.”

“All Oklahomans,” Martinez said, “can and should participate to take ownership of the process determining what their districts look like for the next decade.”

He’s right. The schedule of meetings is available at www.oksenate.gov and www.okhouse.gov, or by calling 405-9627808.

From www.Oklahoman.com

Virus advice from Edmond medical chamber members (Editor’s Note: Four of the leaders with Edmond hospitals, each members of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, gave their thoughts on how the public can react to increasing cases of COVID-19.)

All four hospital systems within the Edmond Chamber have joined together to serve our community and share the following thoughts regarding COVID-19: "We are writing this letter to you to share our concern and offer a suggestion. We all consider it an absolute joy to serve our community and people who live in our great state. That service has given us a unique perspective during this pandemic. We are responsible for the provision of health care, but we are large businesses and em-

ployers invested in the overall health of our community as well.

We are very concerned about the exponential increase of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma. Continued widespread community transmission is a real threat to our families, friends, neighbors and business owners. We believe we each of us has a responsibility to our community and would like to suggest that every business member of the Edmond Chamber clearly post a notice requiring masks to be worn in their place of business. Leaders also must be vigilant about compliance, requiring all employees and patrons to wear a mask.

We simply must change the norm in Oklahoma.

The risk is far too great to sit by and not challenge our business community. Much is at stake for

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.

every Oklahoman, especially our local businesses.

Without a vaccine or proven treatment protocol, we know that following the universal precautions of wearing a mask, staying socially distant and washing our hands is currently our only defense against a virus that has taken the lives of more than 1,500 Oklahomans. We all have a responsibility to do our part and look after each other so we can control the spread and one day return to some sense of normalcy."

Tim Pehrson - President and CEO, INTEGRIS Jim Gebhart - Community President, Mercy Oklahoma Chuck Spicer - President and CEO, OU Medicine Joe Hodges - Regional President, SSM Health of Oklahoma

Seat open on Francis Tuttle Technology School board The Board of Education of Francis Tuttle Technology Center School District No. 21 hereby announces that statutorily qualified individuals interested in running as a candidate for the zone one (1) seat on the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Board of Education may file to run as a candidate for this seat at the Oklahoma County Election Board between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Dec. 7 through Dec. 9.

The Edmond School Board also has its seat No. 1 open. The filing is the same time as the Francis Tuttle openings. If more than two people file for the seat, the election will be Feb. 9. The general election for the seat will be April 6.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 11

TSET health initiatives are paying off The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is achieving milestones in health through its tobacco prevention and wellness initiatives.

A recent report showed that its five-year Healthy Living Program initiative invested in 47 community groups partnering with more than 2,000 local organizations, schools, businesses and municipal governments throughout Oklahoma.

TSET Healthy Living Grants worked in 62 counties while creating a lasting legacy of health for more than 2.4 million Oklahomans. Overall, funded community grants achieved the adoption of 1,238 tobacco-free policies affecting more than 1.5 million Oklahomans, and 1,047 wellness policies impacting more than 1 million adults and youth combined.

“Local health advocates working in local communities can drive change toward health,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET. “Community initiatives build support for improved health and we’re seeing major building blocks of health come together across Oklahoma. Reducing chronic conditions, reducing preventable death and improving quality of life benefits all Oklahomans and our state’s overall economy.”

Policies help shape the environment. Tobaccofree policies protect the public from toxic secondhand smoke and encourage tobacco users to quit. Thanks to the work of TSET grantees at the

Thanks to the work of TSET grantees at the local level more than 80% of school districts had adopted a tobacco-free policy before state law was enacted to protect all Oklahoma children from tobacco and electronic cigarette use. local level more than 80% of school districts had adopted a tobacco-free policy before state law was enacted to protect all Oklahoma children from tobacco and electronic cigarette use.

Arianna Derr, executive director of the Mayes County HOPE Coalition, said TSET’s support for programs and initiatives in Mayes County have far-reaching impacts.

“Not only has TSET granted our communities funds, but as importantly, they have provided our staff and citizens with training on how to create partners and educate our residents in areas of healthy living. TSET’s investment of time and money has greatly impacted our communities and citizens,” Derr said.

In addition to helping organizations adopt health promoting policies, the TSET Healthy Living Program grants also worked with municipal city governments to change the built environ-

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ment, including 54 Safe Routes to School resolutions, 42 Wayfinding projects, 113 Open Streets projects, 48 Complete Streets resolutions, 82 Safe Street improvements, 41 Safe Street simulations and three Shared Use policies.

TSET Healthy Living grants also worked with retailers to increase access to healthy foods including 40 Healthy Retail resolutions, 169 Community Gardens implemented or improved, 46 Farmers Markets, and 256 retailers improving the quality of their food and beverage choices for their customers.

In many cases, the work of TSET Healthy Living Grants brought other financial and in-kind partners to the table resulting in funds matching the local TSET investment in amounts of a 3-1 ratio or 4-1 ratio or more.

TSET’s most recent Healthy Living Program community initiative spanned 2015-2020, yet builds off the foundations created from TSET’s original Communities of Excellence program – an effort supporting community-driven change across Oklahoma since 2004. TSET’s work continues with a new set of TSET Healthy Living Program grants that began in July 2020 and will continue for the next five years.

More information about the successes of the TSET Healthy Living Program, how you can get involved locally or other TSET investments in the health of Oklahomans can be found at http://tset.ok.gov.

Page 12 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Female Eagle Scout recognized Earlsboro teen Larissa Fortunato, 16, made history on Saturday Nov. 21 when she became one of the nation’s first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement Larissa attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures. Larissa is among hundreds of young women who will make up the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts.

“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize Larissa for this significant accomplishment,” said Jeff Woolsey, Scout Executive/CEO. “Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demonstrate leadership among their peers and in their communities.

These benefits are invaluable for everyone, and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth.”

Young women have been part of

Scouting for decades in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including Sea Scouts, Venturing, Exploring and STEM Scouts.

The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts and then into Scouts BSA last February. Scouts BSA is the program for youth ages 11 to 17 previously known as Boy Scouts.

Since then, tens of thousands of young women throughout Oklahoma and across the country have joined the organization’s most iconic program with many, including Larissa, working their way toward the rank of Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve on average. To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and they must research, organize and complete a large community service project.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 13

Armstrong College to present original musical on life of the Apostle Paul Herbert W. Armstrong College announces a winter musical production, PAUL—Ambassador in Bonds. Three performances are planned at Armstrong Auditorium. Two at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Monday, Dec. 21. A matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m.

Composed by Armstrong College Music Director Ryan Malone, the musical portrays the final imprisonment of the Apostle Paul in a perilous first-century Rome. It is his latest in a series of six biblically-themed productions featuring the prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah, King David, Ruth and an oratorio based on the life of Abraham.

“This musical depicts the timeless themes of overcoming obstacles, as well as adapting and advancing through adversity,” Malone said.

As is customary for the Armstrong Fine Arts Department, the musical features brilliant costumes, innovative sets and a combination of a singing cast with step-dancing choreography from the campus’s acclaimed Irish dance school. The cast of 85 will be comprised of staff and students from Herbert W. Armstrong College, Imperial Academy and Armstrong Dance.

Tickets to Paul are now on sale and cost $20-25 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under (children under three are not permitted in the auditorium theater). Socially-distanced seating pods are available upon request by contacting the box office. For more information regarding ticket options, subscriptions or group rates please visit www.ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call 405-285-1010.

Page 14 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of thriller ‘Run’

A gripping suspense film from Hulu

By George Gust During these trying times amid school closures and restaurants closing sooner we’ve all probably had the isolating feeling being closer to our close family more than ever. Hulu’s latest original thriller movie “Run” plays off this isolating feeling and injects suspense and terror. “Run” follows a homeschooled teenager (Kiera Allen) who begins to suspect her mother (Sarah Paulson) is keeping a dark secret from her.

“Run” is a claustrophobic thriller in the style of great psychological thrillers of the past like “Misery.” Never quite steering into the Horror category, “Run” is a true thriller through and through as it is constantly building tension throughout the tightly paced 90-minute run time. There is no frame out of place in this film, as director and cowriter Aneesh Chaganty utilizes such an efficient thoughtful filmmaking style. With no time for lengthy character setup, you’re only given (and need) one day’s routine to extract so much relational information which is quickly dismantled throughout the rest of the film. And as the secrets and sinister motherly measures are revealed you can’t help but talk to your screen as you root for

the characters to escape the tense situation.

With the small cast of characters and limited locations, “Run” relies heavily on the performances of Allen and Paulson who both bring remarkable and intense performances. Throughout her career Paulson has developed a penchant for playing intensely intelligent characters with an undercurrent of creepiness (“Ratched” and season upon season of “American Horror Story”), which plays perfectly in “Run” as she can be both convincing as a caring homeschooling mother and as an irrational person delivering dread inducing outbursts. And Allen brings a layered natural performance that starts

out as naively, but quickly turns from suspicious to survival, all the while being a great audience surrogate for the fear in the situation.

Overall, “Run” achieves exactly what it sets out to achieve; a stripped-down effective thriller that doesn’t let go of your attention from the first scene. Taking the best parts of (good) Shyamalan movies and leaving behind the infuriating choices horror movie characters make It’s clear there was a lot of thought and love put into this film as the detail and cleverness of the plot lift “Run” above being another run of the mill thriller. If you’re familiar with the genre “Run” isn’t going to surprise you with it’s twisting plot, but the intense performances and suspenseful mood make this Hulu original film a highly effective thriller for people who don’t necessarily want to jump right into horror.

“Run” is rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content, some violence/terror and language.

4.3 out of 5 stars.

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.comt

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sara Paulson brings intense thrills to the Hulu thriller "Run" as a mother who will do anything for her daughter, even if it kills her.

Answers appearing on Page 23

Scouts collect food for the needy Over 65,000 pounds of food collected by Boy Scouts across Central and Southwestern Oklahoma To help alleviate hunger in our community, Scouting for Food collected more than 65,000 pounds of food between Nov. 7-20.

Scouting for Food is an annual collection of nonperishable food items, coordinated across the 24 counties served by the Last Frontier Council.

Various food pantries across the community will receive the food collected, and in turn, give the food to hundreds of individuals or families in need. “I am very passionate about making sure no one goes hungry.

Scouting for Food helps meet a need for our communities. This is about service. Service for our Scouts and being able to feed our cities and our citizens.”, said Nikki Nice, Scouting for Food Chair. “I am very happy we were able to exceed our goal for food collected heling all our neighbors across the city and this great state.” The Scouting for Food campaign involved door-todoor food collection efforts by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. On the first of two successive Saturdays, Scouts distributed informational door hangers throughout their designated area.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FAMOUS LANDMARKS ACROSS 1. Octagonal sign 5. "Don't have a ____!"

8. Can of worms 12. Pathetic 13. Spanish sparkling wine 14. Pico de gallo 15. WWII side 16. Like word of mouth 17. Church song 18. *Victoria in Zimbabwe or Horseshoe in Canada 20. *Home to Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle 21. Massachusetts university 22. "____ Be Home For Christmas" 23. Olympic torch, e.g.

25. On the move 28. Menu words 29. *Golden Gate or Mackinac 32. Goodbye, to bambino 34. Ruling in Islamic law 36. Variable, abbr.

37. Can, with thou 38. South American monkey 39. *Versailles or Buckingham 41. Thus far 42. Yoko's John 44. Collectively 46. Party bowlful 47. Memory failure 49. Goals 51. *St. Basil's or Canterbury 55. Independent, slang 56. Initial stake 57. Field of Dreams state 58. More than one stylus 59. Barnes and Noble or Barnum and Bailey 60. Jaunty rhythm in music 61. Don Quixote's enemy 62. Urge Spot to attack 63. Besides

DOWN 1. BBQ side 2. Taxon, pl.

3. Fail to mention 4. Bygone Spanish money 5. Jeweler's unit 6. Egg-like curves 7. *The Western one in Israel or the Great one in China 8. *La Sagrada Familia or St. Peter's 9. Having wings 10. ____ of Man 11. Scottish cap 13. Ceiling panel in the Pantheon 14. Type of wheat 19. Cuban dance 22. Glacier matter 23. Medieval knight's spiky weapon 24. Coffee shop order 25. *Home to Taj Mahal 26. Phonograph record 27. Artist's support 28. Back, at sea 30. Director Reitman 31. Indian restaurant staple

33. Giant Hall-of-Famer 35. *Moulin Rouge or Netherland's landmark 37. Incense without prefix 39. Weasel-related onomatopoeia 40. Enigma machine's output 43. One born to Japanese immigrants 45. Roman magistrate 47. Hawaiian veranda 48. V.C. Andrews' "Flowers in the ____" 49. Naysayer's favorite prefix 50. Bucolic poem 51. Type in all ____ 52. Agitate 53. Hole punchers 54. Like the White Rabbit 55. Any doctrine

See Answers Page 23

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 15

Page 16 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Caleb McCaleb inducted into EPS Hall of Fame

Group honors well known homebuilder When Chickasaw citizen Caleb McCaleb received notice in early 2020 he was nominated for induction into the Edmond Public Schools Hall of Fame, the year looked promising.

"I was very honored to be nominated and was one of three selected for the honor,” Caleb said.

The ceremony was planned in April to honor 1980 graduates.

However, a viral pandemic was sweeping the northeast and organizers believed it too dangerous to host a large gathering of people.

By June, the pandemic was plowing through southern states and a “virtual” honors evening went forward with Oklahoma City’s television channel Fox 25 airing it live.

On hand to honor Caleb was his father, Neal, who serves the Chickasaw Nation as U.S. Ambassador at Large to the United States. He also worked as Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs during President George W. Bush’s administration and has been a state political leader and state transportation leader for decades.

“Caleb was always a self-starter. He had visions about where he wanted to go, and he had the determination to see it through,” Neal said of his son.

Despite being a celebrated homebuilder, businessman and former advisory council board member for the Kansas City Federal Reserve, Caleb is a servant leader and leading philanthropist on dozens of causes close to his heart and that of his wife, Terri.

She and Caleb are high school sweethearts who married more than 30 years ago and have three children, Carter, Braden and Kylie. Each child graduated from Edmond public schools and all are involved in the family business, McCaleb Homes.

Caleb is a lifelong resident of Edmond. In his business, he is responsible for land acquisitions, finance and design of the company’s master plan communities. He is a 35-year veteran of the home building business and works with many local, state and national community leaders to promote the success of the new home building industry.

He has served on the National Association of Home Builders Board of Directors and Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association Board of Directors. He has been recognized as OKC Builder of the Year, Central Oklahoma Builder of the Year, two-time winner of Edmond Builder of the Year and four-time winner of the Green Builder of the Year.

Caleb’s passion for building and his love for kids has led to a lifelong commitment of philanthropic projects. Caleb and his team have organized multiple Dream Home Tours, charity home builds and Street of Dreams events, raising record sums for Children’s Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Hearts and Hands International.

His team is currently building a “Tiny Home” project with Turning Point Ministries in Edmond to benefit Turning Point’s building mission. Caleb’s hands-on approach to mission work has led to his teams with Henderson Hills Baptist Church constructing more than a dozen churches in Nicaragua, Brazil, Ecuador, Wales and Mexico.

Caleb said the honor was particularly important for him because he attended Edmond Public Schools through all grades. He was nominated anonymously. He and his wife have dedicated themselves to helping schools provide “children

Caleb McCaleb with an extraordinary education,” he said. “We must prepare the future generation to lead.”

Caleb involved himself in most everything he could at Edmond Memorial High School but also worked 30 hours per week at a lumber company for five years, beginning as a sophomore.

“Back in those days, you worked. You didn’t have video games or smartphones to entertain you. You worked,” Caleb said with a laugh concerning the low-tech life of an average teenager in the late 1970s.

Between that job and his father’s involvement in home building and community service, it was only natural Caleb embrace the work that would define his life.

“We have not had a homebuilding year as good

Obitary notice Oneta May (Benne) McDaniel Oneta May (Benne) McDaniel went to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 20, 2020 at The Timbers Skilled Nursing & Therapy home in Edmond, OK. She was welcomed by her parents and brothers and sisters that have gone before her. Oneta was the youngest of twelve children born to William Henry Benne and Katie May Bowers. Including Oneta, there were five boys and seven girls. She loved growing up in a large family and loved everyone dearly. Oneta grew up in the Edmond area and attended Edmond schools. She was united in marriage to Everett Eugene “Gene” McDaniel on December 26, 1960 and they were blessed with two very special children, Gary Eugene McDaniel and Sherri Deon McDaniel.

After they divorced when the children were young, Oneta had a great responsibility of raising Gary and Sherri, which required a lot of devoted attention because each have special needs. Oneta loved them dearly and did an outstanding job of raising her children and teaching them life skills. As years went by, their dad had a greater part in Gary and Sherri’s life and has assisted them in many loving ways. Oneta was employed at a number of jobs through her working years and often working two jobs at a time. She drove a school bus for several years; this was a special job for her and was dedicated to those children on the bus always. She also managed rental property for many years and continued to do so until she became very ill with lung cancer earlier this year and had to retire. Oneta had a very giving heart and loved to help her family and friends. She kept on giving and giving until she was unable to do so due to her illness. She was very courageous as she battled cancer and until the minute she went to meet her Lord and Savior.

Oneta had a big family reunion with those she loved that had gone on before her.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and ten siblings, Helen Bradshaw, Earl Benne, William Henry Benne, Jr., Ruth Paine, Lewis Benne, Shirley Spencer, Frances Dillard, Carl Benne, Dilbert Benne and Betty Provence.

Oneta is survived by her son Gary Eugene McDaniel and daughter Sherri Deon McDaniel and a niece that she thought of as a daughter Kimberly Gray, husband Fred and their daughter Kayla who she enjoyed as a granddaughter, all of Edmond, OK. One sister Mary Ann Lane of Midwest City, OK. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. The family would like to express a thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff and The Timbers Skilled Nursing & Therapy home for their kindness and care to Oneta during her illness.

Services were held at Matthews Funeral Home.

as 2020 in our history,” Caleb said.

For Caleb, the most memorable experience of his formative school years was a teacher, Babe Hamilton.

“She was an older teacher and had been with Edmond a long time. She loved every single child in that class. Every morning, she would line us up and have us touch each other’s shoulder blades.

She would say, ‘See, those are your wings about ready to sprout.’ She would literally go around the room every morning and hug each of us. For me, that is where my love for school began,” he added.

Caleb joins a unique group of leaders inducted into the hall of fame, including Bill Self, Kansas University basketball coach, and Oklahoma broadcast news anchors, Kent, Kevin and Kelly Ogle.

Events set at Historical Museum The Edmond Historical Society and Museum virtually presents Radio Comedy Theater: Holiday Cooking Disasters, for free on Sunday, Nov 29, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Join a cavalcade of great comedy acts from seven popular radio shows that actually aired in the 1940s and 1950s. Each skit features holiday food or cooking, and of course, none go quite smoothly. Watch actors read the roles of Fibber McGee, Betty Crocker, Mel Blanc, Henry Aldrich and more as they share revolting recipes and indelicate delicacies!

Re-enacting these radio shows is an entertaining way to experience history.

Not only will you hear how people celebrated the holidays back then, you will hear about how they managed through moments in history, like World War II. Despite the changes over time, one thing that all generations can relate to is the universal theme of food.

So, gather the family around the radio, or your modern equivalent, and prepare to laugh your way through “Holiday Cooking Disasters!”

It’s all part of a historical celebration of the museum’s Back to the 1950s exhibit which runs until Mar 2021 and What’s Cooking, Edmond? exhibit which runs until Aug 2021.

The radio show is directed by Barrett Huddleston, who has directed more than 50 professional and academic productions, including five previous 1940s

Radio Comedy Theater productions for the museum.

Make your reservation at https://www.edmondhistory.org/product/historic-radio-comedy-holiday-cooking-disasters/ to receive a Zoom invitation and password. This show is free, but donations are appreciated.

Exhibit Information: Back to the 1950s is an exhibit about the era of the be-bop, the sockhop and bibbity-bobbity-boo! New technological advancements were sweeping the country as men were returning from the war to their wives to start families. With the economic boom that followed the war, money was being spent on cars, homes, and everything in-between. Families moved to the suburbs and began living the American dream. Under the perfect façade, unrest was beginning, the Civil Rights movement was gaining traction, the Cold war was on everyone’s minds, and the polio epidemic was reaching its peak. The 1950s were a groundbreaking time for many reasons. Museum Information: Edmond Historical Society & Museum hours are 10:00-12:00 and 1:30-4:30 Tuesday – Friday, and occasional Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit the museum website at www.edmondhistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078 to learn more about how the museum operates during Covid-19.

Admission is free.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 17

AAA: Virus keeping most home A new survey by AAA Oklahoma indicates that a large majority of Oklahoma residents will not be traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, and 34% of those staying home say it is because of COVID-19 concerns.

“Given the recent surge in COVID-19 and the strong urging of public health officials for everyone to stay home for the holiday, the Thanksgiving travel landscape continues to change,” says Mark Madeja, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson. “With that in mind, AAA conducted a new poll asking Oklahoma residents who have decided against traveling for the holiday whether COVID-19, specifically, was the reason - and more than one-third said yes.”

The new AAA survey provides this snapshot: •81% of Oklahomans surveyed will be staying home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

•34% say they are not traveling because of COVID-19 • 66% say they were not planning to travel anyway • 84% of Oklahomans surveyed said they perceive traveling at this time to pose a risk; 29% calling that risk ‘significant’ Of the survey respondents still planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday:

• 92% plan to drive • 5% plan to fly • 3% plan to travel by some ‘other’ mode of transportation (bus, train) The AAA Oklahoma survey of 855 Oklahoma residents was conducted Nov. 12 and 13 by Public Policy Polling. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.4%.

What to Expect on the Roads Of those who do still plan to travel, most will be driving to their holiday destinations so motorists should expect they’ll have company on the roads.

“Although Thanksgiving is typically a driving holiday, it should be noted that, since the beginning of COVID, those who have decided to travel this year have predominantly done so by car where they can have greater control over their environment and the ability to modify plans at the last minute,” Madeja adds.

AAA reminds those hitting the road to plan their route ahead. To minimize the number of stops along the way, pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit – including extra masks and wipes.

Citizens Bank picks businesses for its RISE retail program Citizens Bank of Edmond and the Independent Shopkeepers Association (ISA) announced last week the Cargo Room and Doggie D’s will be the first two shopkeepers participating in its RISE program.

The Cargo Room and Doggie D’s are open for business aat 18 S. Broadway as part of Citizens Bank of Edmond’s building in Downtown Edmond. The shopkeepers will maintain the retail hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Saturday until Jan. 16.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Cargo Room and Doggie D’s to Downtown Edmond,” said Jill Castilla, CEO and President of Citizens Bank of Edmond. “Throughout the pandemic, downtown Edmond has continued to thrive thanks to the commitment of the community to shop local and support our small businesses. We are hopeful RISE

will give our new shopkeepers the opportunity to explore their own growth potential and try new retail concepts through our low-risk retail incubator program.

"The number of quality applications we received for RISE is a true testament to the demand for retail incubators in Oklahoma, and we're so grateful to Citizens Bank of Edmond for paving the way,” said Cleo Rajan, Executive Director of ISA. “Despite the many challenges shopkeepers have faced this year, they are more committed than ever to being a part of our business community and Citizens RISE is giving them the perfect opportunity to do so. Cargo Room and D's Doggie Desserts will be the perfect pair for this first round of the program and we look forward to seeing the bond they create with Edmond cus-

Virus forces new business to suspend its operations Flix Brewhouse, America’s Cinema Brewery, last week announced that in view of the ongoing third and so far worst wave of the COVID-19 crisis sweeping the country it has temporarily suspended its remaining operations effective immediately until the national public health emergency is substantially abated.

“We’ve done everything in our power to create the safest out-ofhome entertainment experience in the movie theater industry, and guest acceptance of our enhanced in-theater protocols is extremely positive.

Unfortunately, the negative impacts of this third major surge on moviegoing frequency and the global availability of first-run film coupled with the lack of federal coronavirus relief for hard-hit businesses like independent cinemas are presently insurmountable obstacles,” said Flix CEO Allan Reagan.

“Our incredible store operations teams worked long and hard to restart the business after the lengthy spring and summer shutdown, but since then national case counts have spiked by a factor of six times. Having to close the doors again is absolutely heartbreaking. But effective and safe vaccine candidates, improved therapies for the ill, and renewed government focus on fighting the pandemic are hopeful indicators that America has the capability to permanently get this virus under much better control. And when that time comes, there will be an immense logjam of incredible motion

pictures ready to be released,” Reagan added.

Flix applauds the governors of Wisconsin and Iowa who have earmarked a portion of their CARES Act funds to help theaters in their states and encourages other states to take similar actions. Based on numerous conversations over many months with elected officials and their staff, Flix also believes the need for additional federal assistance for severely COVID-distressed sectors and their employees is clearly understood by both parties in the Senate and the House. However, despite months of talk, the will to compromise and actually pass desperately needed recovery legislation has been sorely lacking. Flix continues to urge Congress to enact meaningful bipartisan coronavirus relief so independent cinema circuits, live entertainment venues, restaurants and other institutions that are a vital part of American culture can survive through the pandemic. Without further help soon, that survival is in doubt. Stakeholders are encouraged to add their voice to the legislative effort, easily done at www.saveyourcinema.com.

Flix, located on north Broadway in the metro, is profoundly grateful to its loyal guests who returned after the spring and summer shutdown.

“We look forward to seeing and serving them again when conditions allow. In the meantime, mask up, physically distance and wash those hands,” an official with the company said.

Flix continues to urge Congress to enact meaningful bipartisan coronavirus relief so independent cinema circuits, live entertainment venues, restaurants and other institutions that are a vital part of American culture can survive through the pandemic.

tomers."

The Cargo Room is owned by Heather Powell of Oklahoma City. In her downtown Edmond pop-up location, the Cargo Room will specialize in women’s apparel, accessories, and holiday gifts. Powell first launched the Cargo Room in 2014 in a trailer that faithfully appeared at Heard on Hurd, Citizens Bank of Edmond’s downtown festival. In 2019, she opened her brick-and-mortar location, which utilizes a pinkcolored cargo shipping container as the storefront and is loved in Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley.

Powell graduated with a degree in fashion from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from Oklahoma State Uni-

See RISE, Page 22

Page 20 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

SF continues playoff run Semifinals next following drubbing of Westmoore, 56-22

Westmoore QB Dayton Wolfe (6) and ESF LB Collin Oliver (18) watch the coin in mid-air. ESF won the toss and the game. Up next is a Saturday playoff game at Owasso against Tulsa Union. SF is the only western side of the state team left alive in the Class 6A-1 playoffs. The game is set to start at 7 p.m.

QB Scott Pfieffer (16) looks for a receiver while escaping from the Westmoore defense.

Helping to direct the SF onslaught was QB Scott Pfieffer (16). The Wolves have reeled off nine consecutive victories .

ESF LB Dylan Rodgers (19) brings down Westmoore WR Ja Quan Richardson (11)

ESF WR Angelo Rankin (23) breaks outside for a 60 yard touchdown run.

It’s been an outstanding season for the SF Wolves and their fans.

Photos by Melinda Infante

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 21

Oklahoma Christian University wraps up a successful, in-person fall semester after diligently following healthy guidelines. It’s now finals week with in-person classes resuming January 24. Students are encouraged to test for COVID-19 before returning home.

In class learning resumes Jan. 24

OC students have finals & virus tests At Oklahoma Christian University (OC), students last week were testing for final exams and for COVID-19. Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jeff McCormack worked with the Oklahoma State Health Department to secure rapid tests that allow every student to do a quick, simple nasal swab before gathering with family over the Thanksgiving holiday.

McCormack’s message for students to test to stop the spread was supported by Gov. Kevin Stitt at last week’s press conference. McCormack is a highly skilled infectious disease specialist who heads up OC’s COVID-19 task force.

“Dr. Mc.Cormack’s experience and specialized training have been a tremendous resource for our campus during the pandemic. God knew that we would need a leader with Dr. McCormack’s abilities,” said President John deSteiguer. “His innovation and implementation of healthy practices have allowed our university to successfully offer in-per-

son classes this semester.”

A simple nasal swab, rapid test is available to each student and employee this week, plus another test when everyone returns after a two month winter break. Testing appointments filled quickly after the announcement went out, and capacity was increased to meet the demand.

Test results are received within 30 minutes. Those who test positive will have instructions for isolating at home. Any students who cannot go home after a positive test will be cared for on campus.

The nasal swab test is less invasive than ongoing tests offered on campus. OC is a testing partner with Immy Labs and hosts free, drive thru Nasopharyngeal tests three days a week to anyone who signs up at ImmyLabs.com. Students have unlimited access to Immy tests as well.

The success of a healthy campus community followed best practices of hand washing, distancing and mask wearing set forth under a Love Your

Neighbor mantra. Showing the same love and concern for friends and family upon leaving campus is highly valued as well.

McCormack took the projection of a fall covid spike very seriously and proactively implemented a school calendar that ends the fall semester the week before Thanksgiving. OC students are now taking finals before a two-month winter break.

The university is offering a robust schedule of short-term, online classes for students who want to fill some of their time between the two full terms that take place on campus.

Oklahoma Christian University is a higher learning community transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship and service with a 14-to-1 student teacher ratio. The 200 acre campus houses a student body of 2,250, of whom 186 tested positive for COVID-19 sometime during the fall semester. Located at 2501 East Memorial Road, OC is home to ambitious progress.

Build a better burger, the food for every mood

By Carol Smaglinski Build a better burger, the food for every mood The odds are as sure as death, taxes and unwanted advice from your mother-in-law that you will be diving into a juicy hamburger this week.

And why not? Ground beef has so much going for it and its appeal is not only for grownups.

When ground beef is turned into a delicious hamburger, it is quick and easy and can reach its own gourmet status In 1904, at the St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the hamburger made its first appearance.

Its name comes from the seaport town of Hamburg, Germany. It is believed - and who really knows - that 19th century sailors brought back the idea of shredded beef after trading with the Baltic provinces of Russia. A clever German chef decided to cook the ground beef and the hamburger was born.

Having had a husband with a seasoned palate who dined with me over 13 years as a restaurant reviewer, Paul had a real passion for homemade burgers sandwiched between a bun or my toasted homemade bread and loaded with condiments.

Along the way, I discovered that prime and fresh ground beef is the best. I always searched for hormone-free ground beef - an 80% to 20% lean to fat ratio.

But I recently discovered I might have been wrong with the reasoning of that 80/20 ratio. According to the book Oops! (Cooking Light), the authors report that the 80/20 ratio refers to the proportion of fat and protein in the grind, not the proportion of calories.

Because fat has more than twice the calories of protein (9 calories per gram versus 4), it is best to buy a significant leaner grind, such as 90/10. In a butcher shop, just ask for a lean whole cut piece of meat such as sirloin or brisket and get it custom ground.

Be gentle when forming the patties. What is desired above all is a tender hamburger not tough,

and that happens when the patty gets handled in a rough way and can end up tasting dry. Also, says Oops!, make an indentation with your thumb in the center of the patty.

Burgers swell in the middle as they heat up, so this will aid in the cooking and help hold its shape.

The Best Pan-fried Burger Here’s how. When cooking inside your kitchen, heat up a pan, and add a small amount of butter or margarine over medium heat. Sprinkle a little

salt in the pan to stop the fat from jumping all over the stove. Cook the burger patties until nicely browned and the complex flavors are developed.

Another sprinkle could be a bit of paprika, which will turn the meat a nice golden brown..

Choose the right pan. If the skillet is too big, the fat from the beef will begin to smoke before the burger is cooked. And, keep them apart from each other. Avoid having the burgers hugging up against each other as that juicy burger will end up steaming and taste dry.

Page 22 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

Individual tax planning in these uncertain times Editor’s Note: Tony A. Scott is a CPA with Arledge & Associates in Edmond. Today, he answers questions on tax planning.

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Income taxes are complicated. Currently there are seven tax brackets that range from a low of 10% to 37% on the high end.

Those rates are technically in place up to Scott and through December 31, 2025, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or “TCJA,” is set to expire. The Biden tax plan proposes changes, so we may see the top tax bracket increase to 39.6%, and taxpayers making more than $400,000 annually would see increases in income taxes they pay.

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Taxes are very complicated, and I can never figure out in advance what taxes I’m going to owe on the income I earn. Now that the 2020 Presidential election is over will it get better or worse going forward?

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I’ve done pretty well with investments. What is the outlook for taxing future capital gains in the Biden administration?

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Currently the top capital gains tax rate is 20%. The “net investment income tax” adds an additional 3.8% rate for joint filers with more than $250,000 in income, and more than $200,000 for other taxpayers. The Biden tax plan would tax capital gains at the highest anticipated “ordinary income” rate of 39.6% for taxpayers with incomes in excess of $1million. It would also reform “Opportunity Zone” investments by providing additional Treasury Department oversight with additional reporting requirements to ensure that related tax benefits are benefiting local communities, and local residents, through low-income job creation, affordable housing and the like.

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Going forward, will I be able to use itemized deductions and certain other tax credits?

Income tax liability can be reduced by eligible deductions and credits.

The Biden tax plan will cap itemized

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Tax compliance in the United States runs on a voluntary system that requires taxpayers to file yearly returns. Voluntary compliance leads to a difference between estimated income taxes owed and what the IRS actually collects. That difference is called the “tax gap.” Currently the tax gap in the United States is approximately $440 billion per year.

The Biden camp has announced no plan relating to tax compliance and related filings but Arledge & Associates will stay abreast of tax law changes so we can provide up-to-date guidance for our clients.

Tony A. Scott, CPA, JD, is Director of Business Development at Arledge & Associates, P.C., an Edmond-based CPA firm. At Arledge & Associates we take our work very seriously and strive to provide to our clients the best tax planning, tax consulting and income tax return preparation services. We would be honored to meet with you to discuss your needs for services in the areas of tax, audit and assurance, consulting, client accounting and advisory services, and wealth management.

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

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We’ve always filed our income tax returns and paid what we owe. But income tax compliance is getting more and more difficult, and the possibility of making a mistake scares us because the IRS is so powerful. What will Biden do to help with tax return filings and related law enforcement?

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deductions at 28%, restore “PEASE” phase-outs for incomes in excess of $400,000, and end the current $10,000 cap on state and local tax, or “SALT,” deductions. The Biden tax plan will also include the tax-free cancellation of student loan debt after borrowers have been enrolled in an income-based repayments plan for 20 years.

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versity. Cargo Room’s website is: https://shopcargoroom.com/, as well as Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopCargoRoom/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcargoroom/.

"It is such an honor to participate in this program with Citizens RISE and ISA,” said Powell. “This program is a great chance for small businesses like ours to explore growth opportunities, but with minimized risks. We have considered adding a second location for our business for some time but have held back due to all the uncertainties involved with expanding. This program will grant us the opportunity and support we need in order to properly assess if these next steps are a possibility for our business."

Doggie D’s is owned by Danara Adkins of Edmond. In her downtown Edmond location, Doggie D’s will feature bone & paw biscuits, pupcakes, cookies, and muffin treats for dogs. Adkin’s first launched Doggie D’s in 2016 after 15 years in the veterinary world and a desire to start her own pet business.

She combined her love for baking and love for animals to create a mission to bake the best desserts for dogs with allnatural ingredients. Doggie D’s is currently an online retailer, with a dream to open a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Doggie D’s website is: https://www.dsdoggiedesserts.com/, as well as Face-

book: https://www.facebook.com/DsDoggieDesserts and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsdoggiedesserts/.

“I'm so excited and thankful for this opportunity and want to thank RISE and Citizens Bank for the chance to bring my small business to life!” said Adkins. “Being an online-only business during COVID has bought with it many challenges. I hope to expand my business from this opportunity and gain new customers by delivering a healthier alternative to pets treats without all the additives.”

Citizens RISE, a Retail Incubator for the Shopkeeper Experience, is a new program in partnership with ISA that allows for Oklahoma entrepreneurs and shopkeepers to explore their brickand-mortar retail potential in downtown Edmond for the low program fee of $50 a month. Following the launch of RISE, 39 shopkeepers in Oklahoma submitted applications to participate in program.

The two selected applicants, Cargo Room and Doggie D’s, will maintain their pop-up shop for 60 days in Downtown Edmond during the holidays.

They will also receive a dedicated desk at Vault 405 during this period, the first co-working space in Edmond. They also were awarded a one-year ISA membership, whose association is comprised of more than 70 other shopkeepers from across Oklahoma.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 26, 2020 • Page 23

Food bank’s work critical during the holidays The holiday season is typically one of the busiest times for volunteers at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. While the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Volunteer Center remains closed to the public due to COVID-19 safety precautions, there are other ways the public can help fight hunger.

"As we enter the holiday season, it is important that we remember our neighbors fighting hunger across central and western Oklahoma," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "Last year, nearly 10,000 volunteers generously donated their time to the Regional Food Bank during the months of November and December. We urge all of our loyal volunteers to find a way to continue their holiday tradition of fighting hunger."

• Start a Food and Fund Drive - Start a food drive at work, your place of worship, as a family or engage the entire neighborhood. Help kickstart your food and fund drive with the Regional Food Bank's planning guide and list of most needed items.

• Become a Virtual Volunteer - Virtual Volunteers receive exclusive emails detailing events, fundraising campaigns and hunger facts to post to your personal social media channels.

• Start an Online Fundraiser - Online fundraisers are a convenient way to get your friends and family involved in the fight against hunger. You can set your own goal, customize your page and share it to your social media.

• Take a Virtual Tour - Learn more about hunger in Oklahoma and how the Regional Food Bank and its network of partners work to provide food assistance, all from the comfort of your own home.

• Donate to the Holiday Match - Through Jan. 15, all donations to the Regional Food Bank are matched, dollar for dollar, up to $750,000 thanks

to presenting sponsor APMEX.com and additional support from the Cresap Family Foundation.

"With the help of our volunteers, we can bring hope to our neighbors this holiday season," Dykstra said.

Learn more about the fight against hunger in Oklahoma by visiting rfbo.org.

About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where everyone, regardless of circumstance, has access to nutritious food. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state's largest hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community-based partner agencies and schools.

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 • November 26, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure