Edmond Life and Leisure - November 4, 2021

November 4, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 25

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Inaugural Cycling Festival Sunday

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.

Armstrong Auditorium announces December concert See page 13

Cycle 66 expected to be annual event FRIDAY, November 5 Mostly Sunny High 58° Low 40°

SATURDAY, November 6 Mostly Sunny High 63° Low 45°

SUNDAY, November 7 Sunny High 67° Low 49°

Cycle 66, a bicycling tour and festival hosting its inaugural event on Sunday along iconic Route 66, today announced its list of sponsors.

“We are thrilled to have such overwhelming support from local businesses and the broader community,” said Cycle 66 founder and executive director Mike Osburn. “From title sponsor OU Health and 10-mile route sponsor City of Edmond, who both believed in our vision from the beginning, to all the many businesses who have jumped in to join the fun, we are very thankful.”

Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis said he believes the event will grow and begin to reap economic rewards for the city.

“Cycle 66 is going to be a fantastic day for the city of Edmond, and I am honored that our great community is hosting this special tribute to Route 66. Not only will Cycle 66 showcase Edmond, but it will also provide citizens from across Oklahoma and beyond an opportunity to learn more about the unique history of Route 66, stay fit and give back to important causes,” Davis said.

The event, an inaugural urban and rural bicycling tour along portions of Oklahoma’s Mother Road, will take place Sunday, November 7, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The tour will begin and end at Festival Market Place in downtown Edmond and will feature a free community festival, called

Celebration 66, from 8am to 3pm, with music, food trucks, face painting, a kids’ bouncy house, shopping and more.

“Celebration 66 is destined to become a hallmark community event that people look forward to attending year after year,” said Sherri Banister, of Hilton Garden Inn and Edmond Convention Center, one of four Celebration 66 sponsors.

Also sponsoring the Celebration 66 finish line festival are AT&T, Evans & Davis, and Mercedes Benz of Okc. More than 400 cyclists are expected to tackle three distinct routes of 10-, 33- and 66-miles, which will travel portions of Route 66. The 10mile route sponsors include the City of Edmond and Visit Edmond. United Health Care and Echo Investments are the 33-mile route sponsors. The 66-mile sponsors include HiTech Plumbing and Leak Detect, OnCue, Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST), and Walmart.

Jennifer Seaton, Cycle 66 board president and tourism director of Visit Edmond, said, “The support we have received from our sponsors is amazing and we can’t wait to welcome cyclists from across the state and region.”

Cyclist care and support wagons are being supplied by Bob continued on Page 3

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Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 3

Cover From Page 1 Moore Porsche of Oklahoma City, and seven rest stops along the route are sponsored by Cherokee Nation Businesses.

“Cycle 66 would simply not be possible without the tremendous commitment of our supporting sponsors,” said Osburn. “Oklahoma is fortunate to have so many businesses and organizations that support a variety of great causes and events across the state. Cycle 66 is honored to be one of those events.”

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, the state’s Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, said, “As an avid cyclist and daily promoter of Oklahoma, I could not be more excited about Cycle 66, not only because of the unique attention it brings to Route 66, but also the opportunity to promote Oklahoma tourism and healthy lifestyles. I am looking forward to participating in the ride and commend the Cycle 66 organization and its partners for an event that is going to be really special for years to come.”

Cycle 66 is governed by Cycle 66, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in partnership with the City of Edmond, the State of Oklahoma, Visit Edmond and OU Health. A portion of proceeds from each Cycle 66 event benefits the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, and Autumn Life Behavioral Health Center, a dedicated geriatric psychiatry inpatient program at OU Health Edmond Medical Center.

Cycle 66 offers three fully supported routes for amateur to competitive cyclists. Support will include relief wagons, signage, rest stops,

first aid stations and critical traffic control. The three routes are: 10-Mile Route: This leisurely ride is for families and recreational riders, and showcases downtown Edmond, notable public art, the University of Central Oklahoma campus, and the community’s best parks and bike paths.

33-Mile Intermediate Route: This moderate ride is for intermediate and recreational riders who like a challenge. From Edmond the ride dips south to the State Capitol where riders will enjoy the “Party at the Turn”, powered by OU Health, before cycling back to downtown Edmond.

66-Mile Advanced Route: This adventurous ride is for advanced and intermediate riders looking to push the distance. It travels through five communities including Edmond, Oklahoma City, Jones, Luther and Arcadia and features the nostalgia and thrill of the Mother Road up close and personal.

Sponsors include: Title Sponsor - OU Health 10-mile Route Sponsors - City of Edmond / Visit Edmond 33-mile Route Sponsors - Echo Investments / United Health Care 66-mile Route Sponsors - HiTech Plumbing and Leak Detect / OnCue / Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST) / Walmart Celebration 66 Sponsors - AT&T / Evans & Davis / Hilton Garden Inn Edmond / Mercedes Benz of Okc Rest Stop Sponsor - Cherokee Nation Businesses Cyclist Care + Support Sponsor – Porsche Oklahoma City

Page 4 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Castilla most powerful woman banker As chairman of the board for Citizens Bank of Edmond there are many things, I am proud of folks. None of them have to do with me but with the excellent leadership provided by our banking team and my fellow board of directors. Our fearless and mighty bank President and CEO has once again taken home an incredibly prestigious Ray Hibbard honor to the bank. American Banker magazine honored the chief executive officer of Citizen’s Bank of Edmond at their 19th annual gala in New York City last week.

New York-based banking trade publication American Banker named Castilla, chief executive officer one of the Most Powerful Women in Banking. American Banker has included Castilla in their annual list for seven consecutive years.

Castilla was one of twenty-five women in banking recognized and the only Oklahoma banker.

She was celebrated specifically for creating a culture “where innovation can come from employees at every level, from tellers to vice presidents and encourages innovative thinking when it comes to advancing women in the industry.” As business leaders know, creating the right culture can make or break of organization.

Castilla attended the gala alongside her husband, Marcus Castilla and Citizens Bank of Edmond coworkers, Youssi Farag, chief financial officer, Lindsey Ogan, chief growth officer, Natalie Bartholomew, chief impact officer, Lisa Trent, director of operations, Cynthia Hendershot, senior administrative officer, Jennifer Webster, director of retail and loan operations, Janice Morgan, executive banker, Rachel Fedor, credit administration officer, Marla Lance, deposit operations assistant manager, and Heather Jones, credit administration specialist.

“Attending this celebration was an excellent reminder that you can have an impact no matter how big or small your bank is or what role you play,” said Youssi Farag, Citizens Bank of Edmond chief financial officer. “It was inspiring to celebrate this group of women who are blazing a trail for many other generations behind them and to see Jill recognized for all she has done for our institution and the community banking industry.”

Lisa Trent, SVP, director of operations at Citizens Bank of Edmond echoed, “It was an honor to attend this event and have the opportunity to network and share ideas with influential women bankers from all over the country.”

My fellow board member, David Hornbeek, and I attended this even a few years ago. This is a big deal folks. The competition is from the biggest banks in the country with billions of dollars of assets. We were like a couple of country boys going to the big city at the opening reception for the awards. Make no mistake because we looked darn good in our tuxedos but quickly realized we were rubbing elbows with come of the most sophisticated minds in banking.

Annually, American Banker recognizes seventyfive women in banking and finance for their contribution and impact on their institution, community, and industry at large, including their leadership skills and advancement of innovation.

land as well but the only “pint” I saw them get excited about was beer and not milk.

It seems the flap is all about the rising price of wheat. Many boulangeries around France are putting up signs, warning customers that the long, crunchy staple could be going up in price by 4 to 6 cents from its average of about a dollar per baguette.

That may not seem like a lot of money, but the French have been promised in modern times that the cost of a baguette would not ever exceed one euro. This increase brings it must closer to doing so. The ceiling used to be half a euro but that is when the French government provided subsidies for wheat keeping the cost of the coveted baguette down. Over the last 20 years the cost has only gone up a total of twenty-three cents.

France’s 67 million people are voracious consumers of the baguette. The country’s “Bread Observatory,” a venerable institution that closely follows the fortunes of the famed 26-inch loaf, notes that the French munch through 320 baguettes every second. That is an average of half a baguette per person per day and ten billion every years. “Even 4 cents higher is dire when played out nationwide,” Anract said.

Jill & Marcus Castilla The three categories recognized are: Most Powerful Women in Finance, Women to Watch and Most Powerful Women in Banking.

The complete rankings can be viewed at American Banker’s website. Castilla and all honorees were celebrated at a dinner and awards ceremony on October 21, at the Glass House, in New York City, hosted by American Banker and parent company SourceMedia.

Citizens Bank of Edmond continues to operate on the same downtown Edmond intersection where it was founded in April 1901. The independent $360-million-asset institution is a true community banking and not just a branch of an Oklahoma City bank. They provide commercial and consumer financial services with a focus on building the community using innovative techniques like inventing Cash Mobs, powering Heard on Hurd, providing co-officing space and launching an unmanned bank.

Crises in France If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that France is one of my favorite countries to visit. I love the place. The French people, which is a different matter. In the south of France, they are nice to us Americans because they know most of their economy is based on tourism. Lisa and I took our honeymoon in the south of France and she fell in love with it as well.

You do not have to spend much time in the country to understand that the daily baguette is supreme to the French. Dominique Anract, president of the French Confederation of Bakeries and Pastry Shops (only France would have such an organization) said “The baguette is our emblem, our symbol, the thermometer of economy. It’s perhaps like Britain’s pint of milk.” Been to Eng-

Baguette faits amusants • The French have been making long thin bread since the mid-18th century and before that long and wide loves were made since the time of Louis XiV. • Baguette means stick (baton) and became the iconic symbol of French bread and a thread of French culture in the 20th century. A law was passed in 1920 banning bakers from starting work before 4am (and working no later than 10pm) effectively making it exceedingly difficult to have fresh bread in bakeries in the am so an innovative new loaf, the baguette, was developed to be a fast-baking solution.

• The shape allows a maximum amount of dough to be exposed directly to heat during the baking process, which produces the thick crust.

• In France, there are strict guidelines for baking baguettes like they must have a diameter of about 5-6 cm and its length being 55-65 cm. National law dictates that “French” bread only contain 4 ingredients – flower, yeast, salt and water.

• The average Frenchman consumes about half a baguette per day compared to a whole baguette in 1970 and more than three in 1900.

• France has the highest density of bakeries in the world with 32,000. That is less than 54,000 in 1950.

• Bread is such an important part of the French culture that laws up until 2014 prevented all bakers in Paris taking summer holidays at the same time (typically August).

Forget the French being outraged over the nuclear submarine deal between England, the United States and Australia being a crises. This baguette thing will really cause a riot. My only question is how do the thin people you see walking around the south of France eating a baguette stay so thin? I guess it is the walking thing.

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

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

---- Carpenter Square to reopen ..........................................................Page7.

---- UCO Open House Saturday ........................................................Page 8.

---- Senator at odds with vaccine mandate ......................................Page 10.

--- -ESA’s fall social dinners ..............................................................Page 11.

---- Elaine’s trip to Texas ..................................................................Page 13.

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

---- George Gust reviews film on time travel ....................................Page 14.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 5

Attorney General will be GOP Women’s Club guest University and a law The Edmond Repubdegree from the Unilican Women’s Club is versity of Tulsa College proud to announce of Law. He is an acthat the Attorney Gentive member in the eral of Oklahoma, Tulsa community who John M. O'Connor, prioritizes civic engagewill be the guest ment. John is pastspeaker at our noon President of the Rotary meeting on Monday, Club of Tulsa and Nov. 15. served two terms as John M. O'Connor President and Director was appointed as Okof Tulsa's Ronald Mclahoma's 19th attorney Donald House. He has general by Gov. Kevin served as a member of Stitt on July 23, 2021.

John O’Connor the Board of Directors John has practiced law of the Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma for over forty years, Alumni Association. Until recently, he most recently in private practice at also served on the Board of Trustees Hall Estill, a Tulsa-based law firm, for OSU-Tulsa. with offices in Oklahoma City, DenJohn and his wife, Lucia O'Connor, ver, and Northwest Arkansas. have been honored to chair fundraisThroughout his career, he has primaing efforts in Tulsa for the Salvation rily focused on civil litigation, includArmy, the Red Cross, Catholic Chariing complex commercial and ties of Eastern Oklahoma, the Tulsa insurance litigation. He has also Ronald McDonald House, OSU-Tulsa, served as outside general counsel for The OSU Center for Health Sciences numerous businesses of all sizes. For and other charitable programs and each year since 1995, his peers have given John an AV peer rating through ministries. A Tulsa native, O'Connor Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level has been married to his wife Lucia for 43 years. Lucia was born and raised of professional excellence and ethics in Buffalo, Oklahoma. She is a former at which an attorney can be ranked Miss Oklahoma. Her career has been by peers. He has been recognized as in marketing and public relations. an Oklahoma Super Lawyer, one of Lucia graduated from Oral Roberts Oklahoma's Top Rated Lawyers, and University in Tulsa. They have four a Best Lawyer in America. John was children and 10 grandchildren. also one of ten attorneys selected by The Edmond Republican Women’s the Editorial Board of Tulsa Business Club is now meeting in the Cherokee Journal to be recognized among room in the Nigh Center at UCO. Tulsa's 2012 Power Attorneys, OklaParking is in the visitor parking area homa U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe, adjacent to the Nigh Center. Just proJames Lankford, and the late Tom vide your car license plate number to Coburn, have all nominated John to the person who will be at the meter the Whitehouse for federal judgeto assist you in obtaining a ticket for ships. In 2018, President Donald Trump nominated O'Connor as a can- free parking. (Just jot it down, or put it in the notes app on your cell didate for United States District Judge for the Northern, Western, and phone) A delicious meal is served beginning at 11:15 to 11:30 at a cost of Eastern Districts of Oklahoma. O'Connor earned a Bachelor of Arts de- $20, or if you don't plan to have lunch, the cost to attend is just gree in political science/public $10. administration from Oklahoma State

Obituary notice Gregory Lee Boggs Gregory Lee Boggs was born on September 22, 1948 in Sentinel, Oklahoma to Charles Lee Boggs and Dorothy Jean (Crigger) Boggs and passed from this life on October 23, 2021 in Edmond. Greg graduated from Ponca City High School in 1966. He graduated from college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

While attending college he met and fell in love with Wilma (Wright) Boggs and they were married on May 2, 1970. After graduating from college Greg and Wilma moved to Burns Flat, Oklahoma where Greg was the band director at Burns Flat High School for one semester.

Greg was recruited to move to Okeene in 1971 where he and Wilma lived for over 50 years until moving to Edmond, Oklahoma in July 2021. Greg was the band director for Okeene High School for 20 years, installed the school’s first computer lab, and taught science for over a decade. Greg retired from teaching with 29 years of service to the Okeene Public Schools District.

For those who knew Greg, he was a man full of knowledge and skills, and used them to serve others and help the Okeene Community. Greg ran a successful summer A/C repair business for many years, serving farmers in NW Oklahoma by going on-site to them in the field during harvest. Greg was an EMT and enjoyed serving the Town of Okeene as the EMS Director until his health required him to retire.

Greg’s love of scouting began as a child and continued his entire life. He enjoyed working with Troop 169 in Okeene. He was proud that his children attained the highest ranks in Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts and often accompanied them on activities. He worked for over ten summers at The Williams Scout Reservation as both the Rifle Range Director and Camp Director. After retiring from teaching, Greg worked for the Great Salt Plains Council in Enid.

Greg was a member of the Oklahoma Fraternity of Masons. He was a 32nd degree Mason and served as the Okeene Masonic Lodge Secretary and Treasurer. He had the honor of being the Grand Bible Carrier for the Grand Assembly of Masons.

Greg and Wilma were married for 51 years and they attended the Okeene United Methodist Church for 50 years. Greg was a Methodist lay minister and served the church in numerous capacities. He loved attending Okeene Whippet events and traveling to watch Oklahoma State sports.

Greg is survived by his wife, Wilma Boggs of Edmond, Oklahoma; his son, James Boggs and his wife, Dayna Boggs of Edmond, Oklahoma; his daughter, Sherri Jones and her husband, Chris Jones of Norman, Oklahoma; three granddaughters, Lora Boggs (Stillwater), Ana Grace Boggs (Edmond), Adelyn Jones (Norman); his brother, Dale Boggs and his wife, Carol Boggs of St. Louis, Missouri and numerous extended family and friends.

His parents Charles and Dorothy Jean Boggs preceded Greg in death.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Greg’s honor to Okeene Mobile Meals, PO Box 306, Okeene, Oklahoma 73763.

Celebration of life service for Greg was held at First United Methodist Church of Okeene. It was Greg’s wish to be cremated. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Okeene. www.lanmanmemorials Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

RAY HIBBARD

NEW LOOK --- Workers install a new Downtown Edmond sign where The Edmond SUN marquee used to be. The newspaper ceased operation in May 2020.

Page 6 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

Oct. 18 Travis Don Horton, 27 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing.

Brandon Keith Guant, 18 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Laquan Deonte White, 31 of Edmond. Operate (APC or DUI) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Dirzeu Milian Mazareigos-de Leon, 40 of Oklahoma City. Driving without proper/valid driver's license.

Anne Lose Aritha Verne, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Oct. 19 Chase Ray Thurman, 23 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Teron Kire Cooks, 29 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and two counts of failure to appear.

Amber Nicole Baladez, 37 of Midwest City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Gilda Pariatto Line, expired tag over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Anthony Dorian Rainger, 20 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Vanessa Lynn Harrelson, 36 of Oklahoma City.

Five felony warrants, possess drug paraphernalia, possess with intent to distribute CDS, possess CDS and possess firearm after conviction of felony.

Oct. 20 Jesus Antonio Jaden Alvidrez, 28 of Edmond.

Non-assault resisting an officer, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Jonathan Coronado-Herrera, 20 of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license, unsafe lane use, use firearm while committing a felony and possess with intent to distribute CDS. Gordon Leonardo Lewis, 58 of Oklahoma City.

Possess drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor warrant and possess CDS. Amanda Marie West, 38 of Del City. Possess drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possess CDS. Jeffrey Miquel Davis, 50 homeless. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Deril Dean Carson, 56 of Haslet, Texas. Two felony warrants.

Oct. 21 Edward Wayne Glass, 60 of Edmond. Threaten to perform violent act.

Angela Michelle Howell, 35 of Guthrie. Speeding (11 to 14 mph over) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Brandy Patrick Rocky, 37 homeless. Public intoxication.

Nicole Philiips, 45 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Natalie Nicole Cone, 38 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Michael Brent Freeman, 37 of Cashion, Okla.

Felony warrant.

Oct. 22 Wil Jerad Ihle, 32 of Luther. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Domoinique Delajuwon Markel Natt, 33 of Edmond. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution, possess drug paraphernalia and obstruction of a police officer.

Eric Daniel Wolf, 34 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Aaron Joseph Sizemore, 27 of Oklahoma City.

Obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

Marcus Jarrell Wright, 34 of Edmond. Three misdemeanor warrants, obstruction of police officer and (misdemeanor) abuse assault.

Jeffrey Shawn Good, 54 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant, driving with license cancelled, suspended or revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ricco Isaiah Askew, 32 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Wesley Paul Scholes, 41 homeless. Unlawful use of license or identification cards and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license.

Jermaine Tyrone Dean, 39 homeless. Public intoxication.

Justin Wayne Turner, 30 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or

revoked, misdemeanor warrant, improper turn and non-assault resisting officer.

Jeffrey Miquel Davis, 50 homeless. Public intoxication.

Oct. 23 Kevin Dean Hallmark, 42 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Benjamin Neal Stenzel, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Adam Martin Labbe, 42 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Joseph Baker, 40 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

George Howard Threadgill III, 33 of Edmond.

Possess CDS and grand larceny.

Dareo D Shahrdar, 44 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or combination of schedule I chemical or controlled substance.

Joshua Mark Rutter, 44 of Spencer, Two counts of failure to appear.

Oct. 24 Jacob Matthew Turnham, 28 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Angel de Jesus Lopez-Sanchez, 24 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, expired tag over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Adam Anthony Smith, 34 of Oklahoma City.

Two counts of failure to appear.

Steven Ray Wallace, 38 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and a felony warrant.

Seth Thomas Owens, 19 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication (lake only).

Michael Angelo Smith, 33 homeless. Illegal entrance.

Antionne Ivon Croft, 38 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and two counts of possess CDS. Rachael Danielle Jordan, 29 of Edmond. Possess CDS. Logan Heath Moore, 25 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of possession of CDS. Nichole Ann Walters, 30 of Edmond. Possession CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or combination of schedule I chemical or controlled substance.

Maddison Nicole Martinez, 19 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

William Eugene Leistner, 35 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Weekend Calendar of Events Nov. 4-7 What’s Happening This Weekend Nov. 4-7 ---- In the Gallery: Behnaz Sohrabian ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- ‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’ ---- UCO NextGen Talks: Enacting Equity Illuminating Inclusion ---- Homecoming Musical: Willy Wonka ---- Oklahoma Bicycle Summit ---- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- University of Central Oklahoma International Festival ---- 1940s Radio Theater: A Special Broadcast of “War of the Worlds” ---- Cycle 66 Tour and festival ---- Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy – Land and Sky Art ---- Signature Tour ---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the park presents: Macbeth ---- American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show ---- Mistletoe Market ---- Tower Theatre presents: Nurse Blake ---- Scissortail Craft Fair ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Music of Billy Joel ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show ---- Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival ---- OKC Broadway presents: Alton Brown Live Extra Information In the Gallery: Behnaz Sohrabian Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; gallery opening Thu, Nov 4; 5 – 7 p.m.; featuring the art of Behnaz Sohrabian; edmondfinearts.com VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org

‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’ Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Melton Gallery Extra Info: Free; Display through Nov 18; calendar.uco.edu UCO NextGen Talks: Enacting Equity Illuminating Inclusion Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Thu, Nov 4; 1 – 4:30 p.m.; $15 ---- $25; uco.nextgentalksok.com

Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Nov 4 – Sun, Nov 7; 10 a.m. ---- 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Kids Take Over the Cowboy – Land and Sky Art Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Nov 6; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Homecoming Musical: Willy Wonka Location: Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: Thu, Nov 4 – Sat, Nov 6; 7:30 p.m.; $20; oc.edu/events/homecomingmusical

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Nov 6 & Sun, Nov 7; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma Bicycle Summit Location: First Christian Church Extra Info: Fri, Nov 5 – Sat, Nov 6; okbike.org

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

Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Nov 6; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondparks.com

Guthrie Haunts Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK Extra Info: through Nov 6; guthriescaregrounds.com

University of Central Oklahoma International Festival Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Free; uco.edu/intlfestival 1940s Radio Theater: A Special Broadcast of “War of the Worlds” Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, Nov 7; 4 p.m.; $15; edmondhistory.org Cycle 66 Tour and Festival Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sun, Nov 7; 8 a.m.; Adults: $35, Kids: $10; cycle66OK.com Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American

Okla. Shakespeare in the park presents: Macbeth Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage Extra Info: Thu, Oct 28 – Sun, Nov 14; okshakes.org American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Extra Info: Thu, Oct 28 – Sat, Nov 20; aqha.com UCO Edmond Jazz Festival Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Thu, Nov 4 – Sat, Nov 6; ucojazzlab.com Mistletoe Market Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center Extra Info: Thu, Nov 4 – Sun, Nov 7; jloc.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 7

The warehouse of Carpenter Square Theatre at Reno & Western. Performers are looking to put on productions at the end of this month.

Carpenter Square Theatre extends campaign deadline The storage warehouse fire back in March may have destroyed Carpenter Square Theatre’s inventory of props, costumes and set dressings acquired over three decades, but it didn’t slow the renovation of their new home at Reno and Western.

Construction is nearing completion on the 75-year old, 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse. The venerable community theater hopes to have it ready by Thanksgiving weekend to open their 38th season. They’ve awarded naming rights to various areas of the building as part of their capital campaign, and now they’re seeking individuals to donate.

The “Cast of Thousands” campaign deadline has been extended to November 30. “It’s very simple to join the Cast of Thousands. Donate $1000 to Carpenter Square Theatre by the end of this month, and we’ll put your name on a permanent plaque on the donor wall in our Lobby Gallery,” said Rick Allen Lippert, CST board chair. “So far, we’ve had fantastic response from our both our long-term patrons and many more new ones,” he said.

For those feeling more generous, a donation of $2500 gets a donor “Featured” billing, and a $5000 donation gets “Starring” billing. “We’ll gladly accept donations from couples or in memory of a loved one,” Lippert said.

The warehouse at 1009 W. Reno was used mainly for automotive purposes since it was built in 1946. Brakes and clutches were rebuilt there for years. Now it will be home to live theatrical performances. CST produces eight shows per season.

The first show will be the Steve Martin comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” directed by CST executive artistic director Rhonda Clark. “It was an audience favorite when we presented it 20 years ago. This production utilizes Martin’s updated script,” said Clark. The first visual artist to exhibit in the Leonard and Lisa Slater Lobby Gallery is Suzanne Mears.

Other areas of the theater that have been named include the Inasmuch Foundation Stage, the Lisa Reagan Love Dressing Room, the Ann Lacy Board Room, the Tom and Linda Cowley Tech Booth, and the Craig Callas Box Office. Major contributions have also come from Allied Arts, Oklahoma Arts Council, Arts Council of Oklahoma City, and the Kirkpatrick Family Fund.

Lippert added that there are three ways to donate. “We want to make it easy. Donors can call us, mail a check, or click on the Donate button at carpentersquare.com,” he said.

“And we have a few more areas that can still be named,” he added.

For additional information, call 405-232-6500.

Page 8 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

The University of Central Oklahoma will host Central Saturday for prospective students and their families from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 6, on Central’s campus. Central Saturday will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about UCO, as well as attend the final home game of the UCO Broncho football season.

UCO will host prospective students & families Nov. 6 The University of Central Oklahoma will host Central Saturday for prospective students and their families from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 6, on Central’s campus. Central Saturday will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about UCO, as well as attend the final home game of the UCO Broncho football season.

Styled in a build-your-own-adventure format, attendees can choose from various sessions and activities that will take place throughout the morning. Informational sessions will be held by representatives from academic colleges, campus services and student organizations, including a student panel about life on Central’s campus. Tours of UCO’s campus and residence hall options will be available, giving attendees a first-hand look at classrooms, resources and amenities the campus has to offer. A complimentary lunch in Ayers Kitchen, UCO’s newest dining hall, will be provided to all attendees.

During the afternoon, attendees are encouraged to explore UCO’s new esports facility, the CO-OP Esports and Gaming Arena, and hear from coaches about the academic and competition aspects of the esports community at UCO. Complimentary PC gameplay will be offered as part of Central Saturday, allowing attendees a chance to fully experience the arena.

Concluding the Central Saturday experience, all attendees will be provided free admission and concession tokens for the UCO Broncho football game against the Nebraska Kearney Lopers, kick off is at 2 p.m.

Registration for Central Saturday now is open.

Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Nigh University Center, located on the east side of campus. To register online, visit www.uco.edu/admissionsaid/visit-central. For more information, call 405-9742610 or email ucotouradmin@uco.edu.

New art exhibit Featuring nearly 100 paintings and 200 years of American history, “For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design” opens Nov. 6 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) and runs through Jan. 30, 2022. Organized by the American Federation of Arts and the National Academy of Design the exhibition is comprised of paintings by masters such as Winslow Homer, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, John Singer Sargent, Peter Saul, Charles White, Andrew Wyeth, and many more that tell a unique history of American art through the eyes of many of the best-known American artists.

“This exhibition offers a glimpse into the ways American artists have defined themselves and their painted worlds over the past two centuries,” said OKCMOA curator Catherine Shotick. “This is the first time these works have traveled together to tell this uniquely American story, and OKC will be the final stop on the national tour. These are incredible paintings that people will recognize from art history textbooks and I cannot wait for visitors to see them.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 9

Supply shortage strike OMRF researchers For biomedical researchers, pipette tips are a bit like No. 2 pencils are for high school students taking the ACT: cheap, voluminous and indispensable. So what do you do when suddenly none are available?

Demand for Covid-19 testing materials along with weather- and pandemic-related disruptions to manufacturing and distribution of lab equipment have forced scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to become resourceful — and patient.

“The difficulty in finding critical equipment is as bad as I’ve seen it in my 30 years here,” said Kiely Grundahl, a lab manager for OMRF’s Genes and Human Disease Research Program.

Disposable pipette tips are laboratory essentials. Scientists use the small, cone-shaped pieces of plastic to transfer tiny volumes of liquid in experiments. Several OMRF labs are having trouble finding the ones they need.

For cardiovascular biologist Audrey Cleuren, Ph.D., the problem is finding a particular plastic specimen tube. Her latest order is delayed by nearly three months.

“We could try to use a different type,” said Cleuren, who recently joined OMRF from the University of Michigan. “But it potentially jeopardizes the results of an experiment. I’d rather wait.”

Plastics aren’t the only essentials in short supply. In setting up her new lab, Cleuren had to borrow an older-model centrifuge from another OMRF scientist. Researchers use the high-speed rotating device to separate samples. Cleuren’s is on back-order. Expected arrival date: March 2022.

“That’s something we use daily. We have to have it,” said Cleuren, who studies the function of cells that line blood vessels. “There’s plenty to keep us busy. But there are some things that we have to wait for because there is no alternative.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration’s Device Shortage List, scarcity of testing supplies and equipment is expected to last for the “duration of the Covid-19 public health emergency.” The agency lists shortages in more than 80 categories of devices.

That scarcity has also led to price spikes. At OMRF, scientists go through roughly 9,000 disposable gloves per month, said Wendy Quinn, OMRF’s purchasing director. Since the onset of the pandemic, their cost has risen 80%.

In carefully managed grant budgets, said Cleuren, those small expenses add up. “We pay for that.”

These days, lab managers like Grundahl and Mike McDaniel spend hours hunting down supplies from alternate vendors. If that fails, they look to their OMRF neighbors.

“You send out a mass email,” said McDaniel, part of OMRF’s Cardiovascular Biology Research Program. “Like ‘Hey, does anybody have a this or a that they’re not using for the time being to tide us over?’”

McDaniel said the shortages have made scheduling the use of shared equipment critical. And to overcome the scarcities of singleuse plastics, some labs are even considering returning to glass.

It takes creativity, but cooperation makes all the difference in ensuring science marches on. “This supply shortage is unprecedented,” McDaniel said. “But it’s been inspiring to see the team-first attitude among all the labs.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation cardiovascular biologist Audrey Cleuren, Ph.D., displays two pipette tips. The tips are essential to biomedical research, but certain styles are scarce thanks to Covid-19-related disruptions to manufacturing and distribution channels.

Plastic lab supplies, normally found in abundance, have been tough to order since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Page 10 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Poor showing by AG

By Steve Gust U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland gave a poor accounting of his office before Congress the other day.

I know a lot of people around these parts may like GarSteve Gust land because of his work on the bombing.

But he didn’t impress me much last week.

He was answering for his office trying to get the FBI to look at folks protesting before school boards. Most of those people are simply parents wanting the best education possible for their children.

Garland said that his office wouldn’t tolerate threats made to school board members.

As I mentioned the other week, local law enforcement can handle it.

The Edmond School Board has an Edmond Police officer present. I’m confident that gentlemen wouldn’t tolerate

someone unruly who was making threats.

But instead the Attorney General wants the FBI involved.

The FBI has many other things they should be investigating. Maybe they need to take a look at some of the people crossing illegally into the United States through Biden’s open borders.

Some of them, reportedly, are drug smugglers and sex traffickers.

They’re probably more dangerous than school district patrons wanting a good education for their kids.

But, in the liberal and Merrick mind, if you protest at school board meetings, you’re a “domestic terrorist.” It’s a completely ridiculous allegation.

If you want some entertainment, goggle Sen. Ted Cruz grilling Garland.

Don’t forget President Obama wanted Garland to be on the Supreme Court.

He would have been a liberal partisan had he been approved.

Now we know he shouldn’t be Attorney General either.

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

State in denial over disability waiting list

By Skye Statum When my daughter Analise was diagnosed with microcephaly, a birth defect resulting in a small brain and intellectual disability, I was in denial about the kind of life she would lead. I know I am not alone. Many families of the 5,800 Oklahomans currently on the developmental disability services waiting list likely went through this same denial phase. That is why parents are often not in a rush to add their children to the 13 year wait list to receive Medicaid home and community based services that will help them to live a more independent life.

After a recent government report about the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) management of the waiting list, it is clear that families of those with developmental disabilities are not the only ones in denial. The report, requested by legislators, revealed that little progress has been made to serve those waiting even with the state’s $9 million investment over the last eight years to do just that.

That spells trouble for Analise and thousands more who are waiting for daily living supports that help them get out of bed, bathe, get dressed, eat meals and take med-

ications. My 13-year-old daughter is five years into the wait now. If the pace remains the same, she will be 21 by the time she receives services that she will need for the rest of her life.

The wait for support is a struggle for most families. Analise has required constant care since birth.

Without the support services when needed, our family, like many others, fills in the gap as best we can, but it comes at a cost. At times, I have worked two jobs in order to privately pay for Analise’s special needs and her afterschool care, which has caused me to go into debt.

I am a single working mother who understands the caregiver role and the burnout that sadly comes with it. As an Executive Director in healthcare and a nurse for the last 30 years, I have assisted many families with their elderly parents and adults with disabilities. But now it is my daughter’s turn to get some help and I am calling on our legislature to prioritize the developmental disabilities waiting list.

I know my daughter may never be able to financially contribute to society the way most Oklahomans can, but that should not mean that I have to stop contributing too. However, leaving the workforce and early retirement is the reality many parents face in order to care for their child, because developmental disability services are not readily available. I have often considered leaving my home in Oklahoma to relocate to another state

See List, Page 11

Religious exemption sought Sen. Lankford seeks choice for U.S. military Senator James Lankford (R-OK) slammed President Joe Biden and Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for not responding to a letter he sent in September calling on Austin to protect service members from being forced to choose between their sincerely held religious beliefs and serving in our nation’s military. Lankford’s response today comes as recent protests at major shipyards have said they will walk out to avoid the mandate, leaving gaps in our national security for skilled workers building destroyers and aircraft carriers and jeopardizing US military readiness.

“It has been 64 days since Secretary Austin ordered all military members to get vaccinated, and 37 days with no response from Secretary Austin about how our service members who have requested medical or religious exemptions will be honored. Day after day, my office keeps hearing from service members in Oklahoma and around the country either that their requests are being denied or that they are being told not to bother. To make matters worse, Biden is still threatening a dishonorable discharge for any service member who

refuses to get vaccinated. This is not how we honor the women and men who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our nation.”

Lankford has been a leader in protecting the right of religious freedom for all, including members of our military. He pushed to ensure that the DoD updated its guidance to align with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, worked to ensure that every branch of the military implemented training on religious liberty, and accommodation for service members and fought for the ability of chaplains to act according to the dictates of their faith.

Lankford introduced the COVID-19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act with Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) to prohibit the DoD from giving service members a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When a member of the military is dishonorably discharged they surrender several rights and benefits including ownership of any sort of firearm or ammunition; access to the GI Bill for further education; VA home loans & VA medical benefits.

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.

Letter to the Editor

Political cartoon was ‘offensive’ EDITOR I pick up the Edmond LIfe & Leisure routinely at the Rankin YMCA or at the Edmond Library when I can find it there. Although I find very little in Steve Gust's editorial columns to agree with, the paper does have community information in it that is sometimes helpful.

The cartoon on the editorial page on in the 10/28/2021 edition is extremely offensive, nothing funny about it. The website and facebook page of Flag and Cross, which you must know, is related to an extreme right wing organization that tries to tie Christianity to things that have no place in this or any other religion.

Their latest promotion of "Let's Go Brandon," a meme for a grossly obscene chant against the President of the United States, gives you an idea of how Christian they truly are.

Steve Gust may think it's smart to put things like this offensive cartoon on the editorial page, but as the publisher of the paper, I would think you would be a little more concerned about how this reflects on you. Or maybe your occasional writings on civil discourse are just disingenuous hyperbole.

Respectfully, PENNY BARBER,

‘The paper (Edmond Life & Leisure) does have community information in it that is sometimes helpful.’

Penny Barber reader

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 11

Seated is guest Rita Marsh and Gamma Zeta members: Linda Coniglio, Laura Howells and Sandi Robinson.

Standing are Liz King, Jacci Gantz, Billye Putnam, Shirley Moore, Kathy Roderick, Ada Blankenship, and Ruth Simpson.

ESA hosts fall social supper recently Ada Blankenship hosted the annual Epsilon Sigma Alpha salad supper recently.

Every imaginable salad was served along with delicious desserts. Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Edmond Gamma Zeta chapter was founded in 1972. ESA is good friends, good works, and good times. We create activities and support causes that let us

surround ourselves with welcoming, positive people who enjoy making a difference and having fun together. ESA volunteers with different charities, teaches leadership and how to become an effective leader and life skills, secures scholarship, performs community service, and has a strong network of meaningful friendships.

List From Page 10 in an effort to provide that offers a shorter the legislature with an timeline for support, estimate of what it because the cost to would take to fully serve privately pay for servthe waiting list. It is a ices over a lifetime is step in the right direcmore than most famtion, but given this reilies can afford. cent report, families Moving out of have good reason to state, ending careers question whether this is and emptying savings an attempt to shortaccounts may seem change Oklahomans with like a lot to give up Skye Statum and her daughter disabilities who have until you consider the alternative. Analise would be forced to been waiting years for services to help them live at home in the community. live in an institutional setting if I could As parents of children with disabilinot provide care for her while she waits ties, we have had to work through our for services. It is not the lifestyle anyown denial and now it is time for Oklaone wants for their loved one at any homa to do the same with the waiting age, but certainly not for a lifetime. It list. Whether our children stay with us seems that our state is in denial about what will happen to these Oklahomans in the family home or go to live in with developmental disabilities if we do group homes or independently in the community, parents will continue to be not find a way to properly fund the a part of their lives and we should be a waiting list. part of the process in solving the waitDHS has hired a third party to conduct an assessment of all those waiting ing list too.

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

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Mature adults can find purpose – and meet new friends Many older adults are asking, “Now that I am over 65 and in this season of life, what is my purpose?” A few have said, “Lord, make me a blessing. But how? Where? Who?” VillagesOKC exists to of fer oppor tunities to ser ve using the skills and time available. Here we meet new friends that open doors to unlimited oppor tunities.

Oppor tunities to tour NewView Oklahoma and hear Mark Ivy’s stor y of hope and purpose af ter being significant gnificantly vision impaired at age Oppor tunities to boar ar Amtrak with 27 new VillagesOKC friends, have lunch, see the Longhorn Stampede in Ft. Wor th, and spend the day together.

Oppor tunities to imagine, design and create Porch Pal gif ts

and deliver them to 60 homes along with a smile and conversation – and meet new friends.

Oppor tunities to make monthly Good Neighbor phone calls to get acquainted and show caring.

Oppor tunities to learn how to write “My Stor y” – and meet new friends.

Oppor tunities to Gather at Johnnie’s in Edmond or Whipped Baker y in Warr Acres for good food and good conversation – and meet new friends. oppor tunity awaits you What opp illag lagesOKC? urpose is not just about b bei being i busy with activity. Real purpose is being a blessing.

To learrn more about Village i esOKC or to enrroll o in the GIFT T, call or text 405.990.6637 or email inffo@villag o g-esokc.orrg. g

Gamma Zeta donates monies and volunteers with many Edmond charities as well as the state schools for the blind and for the deaf. Our national project is St. Jude Children Research Hospital.

If you would like to learn more about our chapter of ESA, call Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954.

Page 12 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTOS/ELAINE WARNER

The grounds of Shady Villa feature over 61 plant varieties including ancient live oaks and interesting plantings surrounding the heated poo.l

The rich historical heritage of Salado, Texas

By Elaine Warner Traveling south on I-35 is an adventure.

Sometimes the scenery slides by smoothly; sometimes all you see is the back of an 18wheeler; and someElaine times you have lots of time to look around as the highway has become a parking lot thanks to road construction. On a recent trip we found ourselves, at times, going slower than the two to five miles an hour that stagecoaches averaged on the route. And our first night’s stop was actually at a historic stagecoach inn in Salado, Texas.

Even before Salado became a town, stagecoaches were passing through here on the way from Austin to Waco.

But the roots of the town go back much further – to the 1820s – when Stephen Austin and Sterling C. Robertson contracted with Mexico for land grants in what is now Texas.

In 1836, the War of Texas Independence ended Mexican governance.

In the 1850s, a portion of Robertson’s grant was sold to his son, Elijah Sterling Clack Robertson, who had first viewed the grant at age 15, in 1835.

In 1854, E.S.C. Robertson began building a home in Salado. Recognizing the need for a stage stop, he established one. Passengers seeking accommodations, however, had to depend on the hospitality of the Robertson’s home.

By the late 1850s, Robertson, along with other citizens, planned the building of a college and officially established Salado as a town. Both things happened simultaneously. Robertson donated 10 hilltop acres for the school and 90 acres to sell to raise money for the school. One of the lots was sold to Thomas Jefferson Eubanks for the purposes of building a hotel.

Thus began the saga of the stagecoach inn, built in 1861 and known as the Salado Hotel. By 1870 the name had been changed to Salado House; subsequently going through several owners, by 1908 the property was called Shady Villa. The hotel survived the Civil War, the end of the cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail and would survive the Great Depression.

But the writing was on the wall. The town had dwindled to one store and a filling station.

In the early 1940s, Dion and Ruth Van Bibber, enamored by the history and location of the derelict Shady Villa, purchased it. Over the next 47 years, renaming it The Stagecoach Inn, the Van Bibbers brought the old hotel from ruin to a full-service accommodation, gaining national attention for the excellence of its restaurant. They survived a series of crises, from the construction of I-35, which supplanted the highway running through Salado, to structural issues and kitchen catastrophes. For the last few years, their

At Uniquely Salado, an artist cooperative, members like Bryan Fritch have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

nephew, Bill Bratton, had kept things running. Following the deaths of Ruth and Dion, he kept the inn for nine years before selling it.

The heyday of the hostelry was over. Attempts to revive it were minimal and abysmal. While there are enough of us who remember the Stagecoach Inn of the Van Bibber’s day, more contemporary visitors had a much less pleasant experience. This fall the hotel changed management who relaunched the property under the new-old name, Shady Villa Hotel.

Jack, my daughter, Zoe, and I recently spent several nights there. Our room overlooked a heated, crystalline, swimming pool set in a well-landscaped lawn. Spacious and comfortable, our room featured mid-century modern decor. As a fan of showers, I’m always critical of that feature in any hotel. Our shower here got an A+ -- perfect pressure and a nicely angled, rain shower showerhead. The grounds are a pleasure to wander – with shade from centuries-old trees.

Following an ample breakfast, we toured portions of the inn dating from 1861. Low ceilings with thick beams, original wood floors, enough authentic material supplemented with welldone reconstruction to give an idea of the old inn as experienced by stagecoach travelers. The hotel’s façade looks much like the original inn, though parts have been rebuilt for safety.

Myths mingle with facts in the retelling of the story. One undocumented, but oft told tale, is that Sam Houston spoke from the balcony of the inn, giving an impassioned speech against Texas secession. Other guests may have included General Custer, Shangai Pierce and Jesse James. Since the guest register has been missing for many years, positive proof is elusive.

One definite visitor in the 1950s was culinary author and national columnist Duncan Hines, whose name today graces cake mix boxes. His praise of the Stagecoach Inn fare made the Inn a destination for foodies.

Prellop Fine Art Gallery carries traditional and contemporary landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, Western art, and bronzes.

Having last stayed in the old hotel in 1973, a visit to the Shady Villa was a primary goal of my Texas trek. But there’s much more to the tiny town (population. 2,126, no stoplights) than the hotel.

First, Salado Creek, a beautiful stream, attracted not only Native Americans and cowboys on the Chisholm Trail, but, eventually artists and entrepreneurs. The college, once the town’s raison d’etre, is now a picturesque ruin, of interest to history buffs and photographers and those just looking for a nice walk or a spot for contemplation.

The small museum in the town’s Visitor Center provides good history and a gift shop with a lot of Scottish material. Founder Robertson was an ardent Scot and Salado celebrates the heritage with an annual Scottish Gathering and Highland Games, this year November 12 – 14.

Art galleries range from contemporary works at Griffith Gallery to western art and wildlife at Prellop Gallery and Wells Gallery. See live demonstra-

tions at Salado Glassworks and Uniquely Salado. After watching Bryan Fritch wrapping semi-precious stones with silver wire, I bought my own special malachite memory of unique Salado.

There were too many shops to see them all. Choices went from boutique clothing and home décor to one of our favorite stops, Shoppes on Main Street, where we giggled over x-rated socks and enjoyed crepes at the Marketplace Café so much that we ate there twice.

Breakfast at McCain’s Bakery and Café is a must. Beware, if you order the Guatemalan pancake, ask for the small one – the large one must be the size of a pizza!

For fun, food, and beer (60 on tap), check out Chupacabra.

Salado may be a small spot on the map, but it offers large rewards to those who take time to escape the interstate. Dip your feet in the clear creek, shop ‘til you drop, or just kick back and relax. Salado’s a good place to do it.

Marketplace Cafe in The Shoppes on Main serves both sweet and savory crepes -- this one, the Texas Cristo, has ham, turkey and Swiss cheese in a crepe drizzled with peach raspberry chipotle topping.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 13

Dover Quartet

PHOTO/ROY COX

December concert

More acclaimed talent coming to Armstrong Armstrong Auditorium's Performing Arts Series draws stellar talent to Oklahoma once again, with harpist Bridget Kibbey and the Dover String Quartet bringing a critically-acclaimed celebration of Bach's keyboard concerto to the stage on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m.

“Armstrong Auditorium continues to introduce our audiences to new, inspiring performers like Bridget Kibbey and the Dover String Quartet, who promise to deliver an enthralling tribute to one of the greatest composers the world has ever known,” Armstrong’s booking manager Ryan Malone said. “This magnificent array of talent invites our audiences to partake in an uplifting evening of beauty and captivating grace.”

Hailed as the “Yo-Yo Ma of the harp”

by Vogue Senior Editor Corey Seymour, Kibbey's unique interpretations of Bach's keyboard concerto and prodigious talent have earned international acclaim. Among her awards, she has received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and a Salon de Virtuosi SONY Recording Grant.

In addition, she has been honored as an artist with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and as a winner of Premiere Prix at the Journées de les Harpes Competition in Arles, France. Kibbey frequently appears as soloist and chamber musician at festivals and series across the globe, including Schloss Elmau, Pelotas Festival, Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart, Aspen, Bravo! Vail, Santa Fe, Spoleto, Big

Ears Knoxville, Chamber Music Northwest, Bridgehampton, Bay Chamber, Savannah Music Festival and Music@Menlo.

Beginning its meteoric rise following a stunning sweep of all prizes at the Banff Competition in 2013, the Dover String Quartet is "the young American string quartet of the moment" (New Yorker).

One of the most in-demand ensembles worldwide, the Dover String Quartet is known for its powerful performances of works composed by Mozart, Viktor Ullman, Dmitri Shostakovich, Simon Laks and more. Frequent collaborators with Kibbey and other prominent virtuosos, the Dover String Quartet holds residencies with the Kennedy Center, Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, Artosphere and the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. Among the group's honors are the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Chamber Music America's Cleveland Quartet Award and Lincoln Center's Hunt Family Award.

The Dover String Quartet has won grand prizes and first prizes at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and fourth at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition.

Tickets to Bridget Kibbey and the Dover String Quartet range from $30 to $55 for orchestra seating.

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

Bridget Kibbey

Page 14 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of movie ‘Last night in Soho’

Film’s interesting take on time travel

By George Gust “Last Night in Soho” follows an aspiring fashion designer, Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), who is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy). But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something darker.

Writer/Director Edgar Wright has carved out a space in Hollywood filmmaking as one of ‘those’ directors whose distinctive visual style and energetic editing/pacing has given him the ability to make original movies untethered from the tyranny of intellectual property currently plaguing the big screen. “Last Night in Soho” is an example of the kind of offbeat horror/mystery film that wouldn’t have been made by an unknown filmmaker that features impressive performances from a talented cast and a dynamic visual language.

“Last Night in Soho” has an interesting and thought-provoking take on nostalgia. So often in media and in life, we look to the past as a time when things were cleaner, kinder and more glamourous, when there were still the same unsightly

issues of today in the times we often tend to romanticize. When Eloise is mysteriously transported to 1960s London there’s a glossy presentation, but as the mystery is revealed throughout the visual cues Wright provides become less glamorous in a very theatrical and visually impressive way. And while the visual storytelling of the film is successful, the way the plot unravels, and the tone shifts more directly into horror the narrative doesn’t live up to the promise of the introduction to the world of this film.

“Last Night in Soho” features loads of talent in

front of the camera with a mixture of young talented actors as well as a couple of performance from two distinguished character actors in Terrance Stamp and the final performance for the late Diana Rigg. Wright was able to give Stamp and Rigg the space to turn in some deliciously devious performances that bring a fun and eerie energy to this stylish film.

Overall, “Last Night in Soho” is a strong and stylish psychological horror film that suffers slightly from a jarring tonal shift in its third act that could leave some in the audience behind.

However, “Last Night in Soho” should be applauded for being unapologetic for its uniqueness and its bold choices in both story and in visual presentation.

“Last Night in Soho” is rated R for bloody violence, sexual content, language, brief drug material and brief graphic nudity. Now available in theaters.

3.6 out of 5 stars.

You can reach George Gust to comment at gust.george@gmail.com,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Writer/Director Edgar Wright brings audiences back to the swinging 1960s London with a dark mystery under the glamorous facade in the horror/thriller ‘Last Night in Soho.’

City notes meeting on future travel Answers appearing on Page 19

The EdmondShift Mobility Fair – a chance for the community to provide feedback on the future of transportation in Edmond – is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at the Downtown Community Center, 28 E. Main Street.

This come-and-go event provides residents the opportunity to learn more about the planning process and give insight about the opportunities for efficient and accessible ways to get from place to place in Edmond. Booths at the event will focus on walking, biking and safety, as well as other activities related to transportation and mobility.

There will be giveaways throughout the day for multiple items such as backpacks, water bottles and other useful hiking and biking gadgets. As weather and lighting allow, there will be activities outside in the DCC parking lot as well.

At 5:30 p.m. a facilitated panel discussion featuring nationwide mobility experts of varying backgrounds will address lessons learned, key trends in modern mobility and answer questions from the audience.

COVID-19 protocols for distancing and wearing a face covering are encouraged.

For those interested in keeping up to date with the EdmondShift planning process and its implementation, follow @EdmondShift on Twitter or @edmondshiftCOE on Facebook.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Basketball ACROSS 1. Repeating word on South Pacific map 5. Bro's sibling 8. Dashboard abbr.

11. Fusses 12. *Basketball slam 13. Go "Boo!" 15. Boisterous play 16. Upper hand 17. Part of mortise joint 18. *Unopposed attempt to score (2 words) 20. "The Famous Five" children's writer Blyton 21. *Basketball player Bojan Bogdanovic or Drazen Petrovic 22. "Mares eat ____" or "does eat ____," sing.

23. One who covers in silver, e.g.

26. Figure 30. Be ill 31. Part of "panther" 34. Capital of Latvia 35. Like helium 37. Quilting party 38. Analyze 39. Dehydrated 40. Litter of piglets 42. Down Under bird 43. a.k.a. aardvark 45. Provincial governor in ancient Persia 47. Argo propeller 48. Subway in Paris 50. Conclusion starter 52. *Made basket (2 words) 56. Not a soul 57. Like animal near extinction 58. Greek sandwich 59. Bandages 60. Arabian bigwig 61. Answer to "Shall we?"

62. Bar offering 63. *It sends a basketball game to overtime 64. Highland tongue

DOWN 1. Vomit 2. Sensory input 3. It wasn't built in a day 4. Characteristic to consider 5. Traditional scarf/headdress 6. Brick of precious metal 7. Place at an angle 8. Indian princess 9. Circus trainer's poker 10. '80s band "____ At Work" 12. Remove antlers 13. Titanic propeller 14. *Shaquille O'Neal and Wilt Chamberlain, e.g.

19. Halloween option 22. Not their 23. 1/100th of a rupee 24. Wrinkle-prone natural fabric 25. Warning 26. ____-do-well 27. Part of a stair 28. Old World lizard 29. *Fast-break ____

32. Skier's aid 33. Part of H.M.S. 36. *Reward after missed shot 38. *Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy, e.g.

40. Away's partner 41. Stable worker 44. Relieves 46. On/off type of switch 48. *____ Hurricanes 49. Creepy 50. Work very hard 51. Use a whetstone 52. Worry without necessity 53. Deed hearing 54. A in A&E Network 55. *The Phoenix Suns did it in the 2021 NBA Finals 56. *Professional basketball league

Answers are found on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 15

Commission on Status of Women sees Governor give oath of office “Oklahoma women have led top posts in government, aerospace, medicine, military, and more for generations. Despite these accomplishments, there still aren’t enough women at the table. If you want to address Oklahoma’s problems successfully, you need involvement from Oklahoma women, which make up over half of the state’s population,” Jennifer Eckert, Advisory Council of the Oklahoma Commission for the Status of Women, says.

Fortunately, now the future for Oklahoma looks much brighter because a group of powerhouse women are gaining momentum in their mission. For the first time the Governor, Governor Kevin Stitt administered the oath of office during a recent ceremony at the Oklahoma Judicial Center. Receiving the oath were State Chair, Victoria Woods, Vice-Chair Molly Wehrenberg, Financial Officer, Shondra McCage, Secretary, Karen Sneary, and Advisory Council Chair, Dr. Nyla Khan.

Advisor to the Executive Board is Dr. Delores Runnels, Immediate Past Chair.

Victoria Woods was first appointed Commissioner in 2013, by former Governor Mary Fallin, and reappointed by Governor Kevin Stitt. She has served as Financial Officer for the Commission.

Woods is founder and CEO of ChappelWood Financial Services, a company creating customized strategies for millionaires and aspiring millionaires.

Next to Gov. Stitt is Victoria Woods, a financial consultant Known as The Financial Diva, Victoria is from Edmond. an author, and radio show host. She was named the National Association of Health’s diabetes program. She is a Certified Women Business Owners “Best of the Best,” one Health Education Specialist. of Oklahoma City's Journal Record's 50 Most InfluKaren Sneary was appointed Commissioner ential Women, Innovator of the Year, National in 2012 and reappointed in 2017 by Former GoverCommunity Inspiration Award, and Global Wealth nor Mary Fallin. She is the Director of Student Advisor in Athens Greece. “It is an honor , and I Services at Canadian Valley Technology Center for am super excited to lead Commissioners who bring the Cowan Campus in Yukon. She has served as such talent, skills, resources and relationships to Secretary and Chairperson of the Advisory Council. the Commission. We have huge goals, and it takes Dr. Nyla Ali Khan was appointed Commissioner us all, because We are, Better Together!”, said in 2018 by Senate President Pro Tempore, Greg Woods.

Treat. Prior to her appointment, she served on the Molly Wehrenberg was appointed Commissioner OCSW Advisory Council. She is a faculty member in 2019 by President Pro Tempo Greg Treat. Prior at Rose State College, a visiting professor at the to her appointment as Commissioner, she served University of Oklahoma, and former Associate proon the OCSW Advisory Council. A Transplanted fessor at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She is New Mexican, Molly first came to Oklahoma to the author of several books. pursue a nursing degree at St. Anthony’s School of Dr. Delores Runnels was appointed CommisNursing and Oklahoma City University. She besioner in 2018 by Senate President Pro Tempore, came the head nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital Eye Greg Treat. Prior to her appointment, she served Surgery Unit, and after retirement enjoyed Spanish on the OCSW Advisory Council. She is the translating for eye surgeons doing surgery on nonfounder of Career Daze, a nonprofit organization English-speaking patients. focused on connecting the classroom with the real Shondra McCage was appointed Commissioner world. in 2013 by the Speaker of the House T.W. ShanWith the direction the Commission on the Stanon and reappointed in 2018 by Speaker Charles tus of Women is taking, it will be incredible to see McCall. She is an enrolled Chickasaw citizen and Oklahoma women empowered and given their works for the Chickasaw Nation Department of voices..

2020 census due discussion Nov. 17 The 2020 census was, and still is, a subject of controversy and litigation.

The need to count the people and the desire for privacy seem to be in conflict. The pandemic only added to the problem. Were the questions asked this year so different from the census in years past? Why were certain questions asked every year and what do the answers tell us about our ancestors and our country?

On Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m., the Oklahoma Home and Education Genealogy group will host members Karen Flagg, vehoae-Shirl Yancey and group President Jan Beattie as they present “Making Sense of the Census.” The public is invited to join as we explore the census through the decades and find what secrets and clues each census can tell us about our families past and our nation’s development.

The program will be held at the Oklahoma County Extension building, 2500 SE 63rd St. Masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing will be maintained.

For more information, and to request a link to join us via ZOOM, please check our page on Facebook: ohcegenealogy or our website:www.ohcegenealogy.com.

Page 16 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mortgage Matters

Taking advantage of the equity in your home

By Kenneth Wohl RCB Bank The equity in your house is one of the most valuable tools you have as a homeowner. It can increase over time, and it can be used to access money in the form of a loan Wohl or a line of credit that can pay for big expenses like renovating your home or the consolidation of high-interest debt.

So just what is home equity? It is your home’s market value, minus the amount you owe on it. This is why it usually increases over time – as you pay off your mortgage, you’re subtracting less against the home’s market value. Also, if your home increases in value, your equity rises as well. However, the opposite is true as well – if your home decreases in value, your equity may drop if it decreases more than what you’re paying on the mortgage.

Differences Between a Loan and a HELOC A home equity loan gives you a

lump sum of money up front, and you make payments over the life of the loan at a fixed interest rate to pay it off.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is similar to a credit card – you establish a line of credit, with your home as collateral – and you use the credit when you need it. You pay interest only on the money you use, and you can also continue to use the funds as you repay them. These rates are typically adjustable.

Benefits of Using Home Equity The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 lets homeowners deduct the interest on home equity loans or lines of credit if the money is used to “buy, build, or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan.”

Also, because you’re borrowing against your home, it would be a secure loan or line of credit. Typically loans secured by homes have lower interest rates than other loan options.

How to Build Home Equity You can make additional payments to the principal of your mortgage to build equity faster.

Appreciation of your home also will increase the equity over time.

The increase in value of your home over time is not guaranteed, but has been typical over the most recent history of the real estate market in the United States.

Also, if you make home improvements, that may increase your home’s value, which in turn would increase your equity. Not all home improvements are the same, however, so be sure to research to find out which one would add the most value to your home.

Drawbacks of Using Home Equity Remember that your home secures the amount that you borrow through a home equity loan or line of credit.

If you don't pay your debt, the lender may be able to force you to sell your home to satisfy the debt. Also, some lenders may charge fees, so be sure to look to see if the fees are what you would consider excessive.

Also, if you sell your home using a real estate agent, there are fees associated with the sale transaction from the real estate agency, title company, and more. These costs can be as much as 10% of the value of the home. If you max out your equity and owe more than 90% or so on your home, you may not have

enough equity to sell your property after accounting for the fees.

If you’re interested, ask more questions to seek out answers Ask all the lenders you interview to explain the loan plans available to you. If you don’t understand any loan terms and conditions, ask questions.

They could mean higher costs. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Pay close attention to fees, including the application or loan processing fee, origination or underwriting fee, lender or funding fee, appraisal fee, document preparation and recording fees, and broker fees; these may be quoted as points, origination fees, or interest rate add-on. If points and other fees are added to your loan amount, you’ll pay more to finance them.

Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. With approved credit. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.

ESA members attend club leadership training in Norman Michelle McCalleigh, Liz King, and Jacci Gantz, Gamma Zeta members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, attended Western District Leadership in Norman recently, (pictured).

Guest speaker was Shirley Franklin with Neighborhood Services Organization, which provides temporary, supportive housing for homeless mothers and their children, foster boys who age out of the foster system, supportive housing for homeless adults with a diagnosed mental illness, and housing for homeless families. A silent auction was held during the meeting plus door prizes were presented. For the philanthropic proj-

ect, all who attended brought donations of socks for “Shoes That Fit." Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an international philanthropic organization. Edmond’s Gamma Zeta chapter works with local charities: U R Special, No Boundaries, Boys’ Ranch Town, Free to Live, Salvation Army, and Coffee Creek Riding Stables. State projects are Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma and Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The national project is St. Jude children’s Research Hospital. To volunteer with these energetic ladies and give back to the community, call Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 17

$2,000

City offers bonus to lure workers A $2,000 one-time incentive for applicants that are hired for specific positions The City of Edmond is offering a one-time, $2,000 signing bonus to applicants hired for specific full-time jobs.

The incentive is limited to specific open positions and available after applicants pass the City’s hiring and background check process. The bonus will be paid in a lump sum on the new employees’ first regularly scheduled paycheck. The positions eligible for the bonus are: Field service apprentice Solid waste truck driver Building inspector Engineering inspector Diversity and Inclusion officer.

Interested applicants can find detailed job descriptions and application forms online at this link.

Along with the signing bonus, fulltime employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including affordable healthcare and access to a free healthcare clinic, vision and dental coverage, 11 paid holidays and retirement plan options. An outline of the available benefits can be found at this link.

To learn more about available jobs, find online applications, and all the benefits offered to City of Edmond employees,

city web page www.edmondok.com

Training hospitality workers If the hospitality sector needs workers, they’re right here.

That was at least one of the messages sent by the students of Oklahoma’s HospitAbilities program during their Fall Certification Day this week. They all came to Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, where industry professionals evaluated them on a whole host of tasks they would perform in restaurants, hotels, kitchens, and many other establishments.

“This is always such a unique and exciting day, both for students and the professionals who participate,” Kari Bailey, Francis Tuttle Service Careers instructor, said. “Getting this certification and getting to interact with professionals in the field is so empowering for these students. This experience and the confidence they gain goes such a long way toward securing them a fulfilling and sustainable career.”

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association organized the event with Francis Tuttle. The trio combined efforts to create HospitAbilities in 2019, which is a competencybased certification for students with special needs who study at CareerTech centers across the state, including in the Service Careers program at Francis Tuttle.

More than 80 students participated in the Certification Day, in which they performed a series of hands-on tests and were evaluated based on a set of industry standards. They must pass seven tests to achieve their certification, demonstrating to potential employers that they are capable of and ready to work specific jobs.

It could not have come at a better time for the industry, said ORA Director of Education Roberta Helsley. Staff shortages continue to be an issue for Oklahoma’s hotels, restaurants, and related services, so even a handful of newly certified potential employees is encouraging news.

“There’s no better time than now,” Helsley said.

“We have to start thinking differently about how to staff up.”

Students performed tasks such as rolling silverware,

of the students benefiting from the instruction at See Tech, Page 18 Some Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech.

Veterans said to be a good fit for franchising As we approach the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, this is a perfect time to recognize those who have bravely served our country. It is also important to know that many have successfully transitioned to a career in business ownership in the next stage of their life.

After completing their time in the military, many veterans apply the skills they learned in the service to start their own business. There are 2.52 million businesses owned by veterans in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Two of them are in the metro.

Frank Earnest Frank Earnest operates Creative Colors International, a vinyl and leather mobile repair franchise the north Oklahoma City area. He served in the U.S. Army for 30 years (19812011), with the first half spent in infantry and the second in civil affairs and psychological operations. He spent several years based in Germany in the late ‘80’s prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and later in his career helped set up medical treatment services in several countries in Central America.

Following his three decades of service, Earnest was looking for a second career that did not require much travel. Creative Colors provided him with the training and supplies he needed to operate his own business.

For the past six years, he has repaired leather and vinyl surfaces in cars, restaurants and medical facilities.

Today he applies qualities such as leadership, self-discipline, organizational skills he learned in the Army to business ownership.

Roman Combs Roman Combs has owned the Milex/Mr. Transmission auto repair store at 3900 Williams Street for the past 10 years. He joined the U.S. Navy directly out of high school and traveled to 37 countries and 46

DEBA to recognize veterans on Nov. 11 The Downtown Edmond Business Association will also be paying homage to American veterans.

On Nov. 11, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. there will be a special salute at the Festival Market Place in downtown Edmond.

The theme of the event will be “Thank You Veterans for Being Our Heroes.”

There will be music, live art, kids activities and veteran-based vendors.

Paying a role in sponsoring this is the Junk Platoon, Baggerley Funeral Home, the Edmond Chamber and of course DEBA. states in his six years in the service.

He worked as a cryogenics technician, making liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen to be used about submarines for months at a time. Combs was also a search and rescue swimmer while in the Navy, which included several dangerous missions.

After leaving the military, Combs worked in the fast-food industry as a manager, district manager and trainer prior to opening his Milex/Mr. Transmission location in 2011. Every position he has held since joining of the military in being in a supervisory in some capacity.

“I learned long ago that I could either spend my life working for others or leading people. I learned that supervising pays better,” Combs said.

Why Franchising for Veterans?

Experience in the military has proven to be a great fit for franchise ownership. Members of the military exhibit strong leadership and motivational skills, something that is important for owning a business. Like the military, franchise ownership involves following proven systems and defined procedures.

Page 18 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Tech From Page 17 dishwashing, displaying an understanding of ideal temperatures for meats, folding towels and bedsheets, vacuuming, and inspecting a shipment of goods.

At each of the task stations, an evaluator scored the student based on HospitAbilities requirements. These evaluators were members of the industry: CEOs, managers, and selected employees who were able to interact and meet with students eager to get out into the real world.

“There were some powerful moments yesterday,” Helsley said. “What it does for a volunteer is it widens their view of how people can serve. I immediately noticed the intention and focus [students] have on doing something well. When we stop as an industry and watch how those little things are done well and understand that it took time for this student to learn that, and then to see the look of gratification on their face when they succeed, there’s really no words for that.”

Bobby Sloan experienced that firsthand this past week. This was his first time acting as an evaluator for Certification Day, and he was set up on the dishwashing station.

Sloan is an Account Executive and Center Plate Specialist for Hanks Brokerage, which

supplies restaurants, hotels, and several other clients with food products. “It’s been tough for everyone recently, but working this event was a breath of fresh air.”

“They try so hard,” Sloan said. “It makes you feel good to see that. We all go to work every day, do what we do, and in the food industry, you don’t always feel like you get the chance to affect people and help them. With this, I got a chance to do that.”

Sloan said he wasn’t aware of HospitAbilities before volunteering. But after learning about it and seeing students of the program in action, he sees it as an ideal way for the hospitality industry to relieve some of the stress it has been under thanks to the pandemic.

“I think if the majority knew there was a program like this and knew there were these kids who needed a chance and could do these jobs, they’d be all over it,” he said. “These are functions that are needed in the industry every day. If they saw these kids, they’d be blown away.”

Another Certification Day is planned for the spring. HospitAbilities students who didn’t make the cut this time get four opportunities to re-try the tests and obtain HospitAbilities students getting graded during Certification Day. their certification.

Family Circus

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Edmond Life & Leisure • November 4, 2021 • Page 19

Lawmaker looks at state ADA compliance Rep. Merleyn Bell, D-Norman, hosted an interim study last week to look at Oklahoma’s current ADA compliance procedures and ways that they can be improved.

The study focused specifically on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires State and local governments to provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from all of their programs, services, and activities (e.g. social services, transportation, courts, etc.).

The study began with a presentation by Jeff Hughes, Director of the Norman-based non-profit Progressive Independence, who provided an overview of how disability services are currently administered in Oklahoma.

“Each state agency with more than 50 employees is required to have an ADA coordinator on staff, but the ability of those employees to adequately accommodate the needs of Oklahomans with disabilities is varied due to a lack of sufficient training,” Hughes said.

Hughes suggested that one way to improve outcomes is by partnering with organizations like Progressive Independence and the Oklahoma Disability Law Center to provide training to all state agency ADA coordinators.

Hughes was followed by Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman who provided testimony to the committee about the variety of challenges he has seen visitors to the Cleveland County Court House face.

“I have seen and witnessed first-hand, unfortunately, when those with disabilities are not afforded the same opportunity to receive justice,” Balkman said. He noted that while some disabili-

ties are more visible, such as a physical impairment that might limit one’s access to his courtroom, there are also “hidden disabilities” experienced by those with diabetes or epilepsy, for instance, that must be considered and accommodated as well.

Two staff members from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) also appeared before the committee to talk about the ways in which their agency is working to take a more proactive approach to services. Jared Schwennesen, ODOT’s Multi-Modal Division Manager, outlined the agency’s network of ADA compliance

liaisons, all 34 of whom work within their divisions to ensure compliance and address citizen concerns when they arise.

Newly appointed Transportation Coordinator Olivia Hook discussed ODOT’s Mobility Management Program and her mission to expand transportation services across the state. Mobility management is a new approach to service in Oklahoma and one that only a handful of other states provide. Hook hopes to replicate the success of a similar program she ran in Ohio just before coming to Oklahoma.

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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 • November 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure