Edmond Life and Leisure - December 1, 2022

It’s an Old-Fashioned Holiday Hop in Edmond this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Hop” to three nearby historical places in Edmond for FREE for holiday crafts, cocoa, Santa photos, and the opportunity to see a live model trains by the Toy Train Operating Society and Oklahoma N-rail.

Locations and activities include:

Edmond History Museum (431 S. Boulevard): Toy train demonstration and children’s activities. Plus, view the traveling exhibit, “Smoke Over Oklahoma: The Rail road Photographs of Preston George.”

1889 Territorial Schoolhouse (124 E. 2nd St): Histori cal games and crafts

Rodkey Victorian House (410 S. Littler): Hot cocoa, Santa photos

Also,

Holiday Hop is hosted by the Edmond Historical Pres ervation Trust and the Edmond History Museum.

Further Information:

Edmond History Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. most Saturdays. Admission is free. More information can be found on the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling 405-340-0078. Located at 431 S. Boulevard, Ed mond. The 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse is open yearly on most Saturdays from 1-4:00, depending on staffing. More information about the Schoolhouse can be found

old-fashioned and homemade presents are avail able in the museum gift shop for purchase. Attendees are invited to save 10 percent on all gift shop purchases, including holiday and handmade gifts.

Sports & economic impact

Sports Destination Management, the leading national publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2022 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more than welcome boost of over $2.42 billion to the national economy over the past year.

Nineteen small market winners include National Little Britches Association Rodeo Finals and OSSAA Class 5A/6A State Swimming Championships. “Visit Edmond is proud to support local events that bring new visitors to Edmond. Participants and their families get to dine, shop and stay in Edmond during their championship events,” said Jennifer Seaton, Edmond Tourism Director.

The OSSAA 5A/6A State Swimming Championship is the largest high school swim meet in the state of Oklahoma. On Feb. 17-18, 2022, Edmond hosted over 900 Class 5A and Class 6A athletes. Support from Edmond Public Schools, Visit Edmond, and local hotels and restaurants

made this event possible. The Edmond Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park, a stateof-the-art recreation center and competitive swimming pool, was at capacity for each session of the meet.

“Hosting the state swim meet at a central location such as Edmond made the event accessible to teams and families across the state,” said Amy Cassell, Assistant Director of Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association (OSSAA). Local economic impact is estimated at $1.4 million.

The National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA) is one of the fastest growing youth rodeos in the nation. The goal is to help grow future legends of rodeo and provide scholarships (over $380,000 to-date).

NLBRA promotes the sport of rodeo which includes sportsmanship, preserving Western Heritage, encouraging family bonding, continuing education as well as maintaining the highest regard for livestock.

Cory Ferguson, Marketing & Sponsorship Director for NLBRA, said, “We partnered with the Lazy E Arena, Visit Guthrie, and Visit Edmond, and hosted 1,430 contestants from

all over the country for 7 days of competition in July 2022.” Local economic impact is estimated at $19.3.

Mayor Darrell Davis will recognize Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association and National Little Britches Rodeo Association at the Annual Tourism Holiday Party at 1884 inside Edmond Railyard (23 West 1st Street) at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.

All winners have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2022 issue of Sports Destination Management.

A fast growing event is the Natioanl Little Britches Rodeo.

This is your chance folks. There are a couple of opportunities to run for an office that make a difference in how local decisions are made. From what we hear, the competition may be thin, and this is your chance to throw your hat in the ring, locally.

Individuals interested in running as a candidate for Seat No 3 on the Edmond Public Schools Board of education my file December 7 – 9, 2022 at the Oklahoma County Election Board located at 4201 N Lincoln boulevard. The primary election, if more than two people file for the seat, will be held on February 7, 2023. If no more than two people file for the election, the general election will be held on April 4, 2023.

To be eligible to be a member of the Board of Education here in Edmond a candidate must live in the district, be a registered voter in the district, have a high school diploma or equivalence and not have any felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving embezzlement. You also cannot be employed by the district or have immediate family members employed by the district.

The filing period for candidates running for open City Council seats is December 5-7, 2022. Up for election are Mayor, Ward 1, and Ward 2.

Filing is done in person at the Oklahoma County Election Board offices, 4201 North Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and questions regarding the process can be directed to 405-713-1515.

I have had a few calls from folks asking me what the eligibility requirements are to run for off in the City of Edmond. To be eligible for office in Edmond, the City Charter requires the following criteria be met:

Legal citizen of the United States.

A minimum of 25 years of age.

A freeholder (landowner) and resident of at least one year prior to selection to serve.

A qualified voter of the City of Edmond and of the Ward in which the candidate is running, except for the

Mayor seat, which is an at-large position representing the entire city.

Elections for Edmond City Council are non-partisan. For seats in which more than two candidates file, a primary election will take place Tuesday, Feb. 14. The general election will be held Tuesday, April 4. The City Council is a five-member body, including the mayor, representing the four Wards that make up the City of Edmond. Ward representative council terms are four years, and the mayor serves a two-year term.

Edmond does have a little different system than some other cities in Oklahoma. If more than two people file for a Ward, there is a primary election. Only the registered voters in that Ward can vote in the primary for its Ward. The top two vote getters proceed to the general election where all registered voters in the City of Edmond can vote. If only two file for a Ward, they automatically advance to the general election for a city-wide vote.

Why? My friend Ed Livermore explained to me many years ago that it was set up this way so that because you must advance out of your Ward, the

candidate is responsible for their Ward. But, they have to win with all city voters so that they are not just beholding to their Wards. It keeps turf battle down to a minimum or not at all.

Attorney General O’Connor Offers Tips for Oklahomans to Avoid Holiday Shopping Scams

The office of Attorney General John O’Connor is urging Oklahomans to use caution when making purchases and donations this holiday season to avoid scams and fraud. These are good tips especially for older folks and we are happy to share with our readers. The best way to avoid holiday shopping scams is to deal with local small businesses and stay away from the internet all together. I get a better feel when making a purchase when I can look the owner in the eye my friends and I think you will too.

“As we enter another exciting holiday season, I want to make sure Oklahomans are prepared with the latest consumer protection tips to help ensure safe, joyful festivities and shopping,” said O’Connor. “Scam artists view the holiday season as an opportune time to take advantage of consumers, which is why it is more important than ever to take precautions to protect yourself and your money. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it is.”

The FBI’s 2021 Internet Crime Report found losses due to cybercrime exceeded $6.9 billion in the United States last year. The report noted 4,156 Oklahomans made complaints to the FBI and lost more than $50 million. According to AARP, 78% of Oklahomans have been targeted by or experienced at least one form of fraud in the past.

Attorney General O’Connor’s Consumer Protection Unit is offering the following tips to protect Oklahomans and their families this holiday season:

• Buy gift cards for gifts, not for payments. If someone contacts you and demands that you pay them with a gift card, it is likely a scam. Report gift card scams directly with the card issuer and then report it to the FTC.

• Research charities before you donate. Make sure

your donation goes where you want it to go, not into the hands of a scammer. If someone asks you to give to a charity, don’t let them rush you into donating. Instead, research the charity to make sure your donation counts. Tell the solicitor you will do your research and call them back. If they try to pressure you or will not give you a call back number, it is probably a scam.

• Don’t click any suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or on social media. “Phishing” scams and similar crimes get you to click on links and give up personal information like your name, password, and bank account number. In some cases, you may unknowingly download malware to your device. I think this one suggestion alone will help keep you safe on your computer.

• Check each website’s URL to make sure it’s legitimate and secure. A site you’re buying from should have “https” in the web address. If it doesn’t, don’t enter your information on that site.

• Be careful how you pay. If possible, pay with a credit card. Credit cards give extra protection for most online purchases and many cards offer benefits like protection for returns and purchases. If unauthorized charges pop up on your statement, call your credit card company and dispute those charges. If you are not familiar with the individual or business, do not use P2P apps like Cash App, Zelle, and Venmo to make purchases.P2P apps do not have the same consumer protections as a credit card.

• Monitor the shipping process. Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online, so you can make sure they have been shipped and can follow the delivery process. Packages that are stacked up outside your door can make you a target for porch poachers. If you plan to be out of town but expect deliveries, consider having your mail held at the post office until you get back or ask a neighbor to collect them for you. Be cautious if you receive an unsolicited text message with a strange web link that indicates a package can’t be delivered. If you have never signed up for a tracking request for a specific package, don’t click the link! This is likely a scam.

• Spot and avoid government impersonators. This type of scam often starts with a call, email, or text from someone who says they’re with the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare – but sometimes they give a fake agency name, like the non-existent National Sweepstakes Bureau. They will also give you some reasons why you need to send money or give them your personal information immediately. If you get a call like this, hang up the phone. Government agencies won’t call, email, or text you and ask for money or personal information. Only a scammer will do that. If you think a call or message could be real, call the government agency directly at a number you know is correct.

• Learn how to recognize mail scams and mail fraud texts. These can come in the form of prize offers, threatened punishments, or even a text message. Often, the scam letter has your name and looks like it’s written just for you. The letter says you must pay a fee or buy something to guarantee your good luck. It tells you to fill out a form and mail in a payment. The letter is a form letter, not a personal message, and it’s a trick. Don’t send money or information to someone who promises big rewards. If you really win something, you will get it without paying.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

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.

Ray Hibbard

Weekend calendar of events, Dec. 1-4

What’s Happening This Weekend Dec. 1-4

---- In the Gallery

---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors

---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

---- Nerf Battles

---- Edmond Ice Rink

---- Indoor Winter Market

---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll

---- Downtown in December

---- Devon Ice Rink

---- The Polar Express

---- OKC Zoo Safari Lights

---- PAMBE GHANA’s Global Market

---- NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship

---- Lyric Theatre presents: “A Christmas Carol”

---- Red Earth Treefest

---- Holiday Pop-Up Shops

---- Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol

---- Union Station Illumination

---- Winter Glow

---- A Territorial Christmas Celebration

---- Holiday Gift Card Rebate

---- Live Music at Round Midnight

---- Holiday VIBES

---- Wanderlust

---- December Live Music at Frenzy

---- Miranda Family Lights

---- UCO WinterGlow

---- Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant

---- Board Game Night

---- Holiday Hop

---- Jingle Clays Night Shoot

---- UCO Choirs Concert

---- Percussion Consort Fall Concert

---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Holidays at the Museum

---- Signature Tour

---- Holiday Light Ride

---- Armstrong Auditorium presents: Delirium Musicum

---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Coming Home for Christmas

---- RACE Dance Company presents: Hip Hop Nutcracker

---- The Santa Market

---- First Friday Gallery Walk

---- ‘Tis the Season Market

---- Holiday River Parade

---- Junior Botball Challenge

---- Victorian Homes Tour

---- Victorian Walk

---- Opera Faire

---- Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC

---- Canterbury Voices presents: Canterbury Christmas

---- Sleigh Bells Market

---- Candy Cane Christmas Extra Information

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring Behnaz Sohrabian; Free; edmondfinearts.com

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhistory.org

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

Nerf Battles

Location: The Hive Basketball Complex

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 2---- Sat, Dec 17; 6 – 8 p.m.; $13/hr or $20/2 hr; arena51fun.com

Edmond Ice Rink

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 5 – Sun, Jan 15, 2023; hours vary; edmondicerink.com

Indoor Winter Market

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 18, 2023; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 18 – Sun, Jan 1, 2023; 5 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondlights.com

Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: Thu, Nov 3 – Jan 27, 2023; downtownindecember.com

Devon Ice Rink

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Fri, Nov 11 – Sun, Jan 29, 2023; downtownindecember.com

The Polar Express

Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: Sat, Nov 12 – Tue, Dec 27; okcthepolarexpressride.com

OKC Zoo Safari Lights

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden Extra Info: Sat, Nov 12 – Sun, Jan 1, 2023; okczoo.org

PAMBE GHANA’S Global Market Location: Northpark Mall Extra Info: through Sat, Dec 24; 10 a.m. -6 p.m. daily; pambeghana.org

NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Extra Info: Thu, Nov 24 – Sat, Dec 3; nrhafuturity.com

Lyric Theatre presents: “A Christmas Carol”

Location: Harn Homestead

Extra Info: Wed, Nov 16 – Fri, Dec 23; lyrictheatreokc.com

Red Earth Treefest

Location: BancFirst Tower

Extra Info: Mon, Nov 21 – Fri, Dec 30; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; redearth.org

Holiday Pop-Up Shops

Location: 399 NW 10th St, OKC, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Sun, Dec 18; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okcpopups.com

Pollard Theatre presents:

A Territorial Christmas Carol

Location: 120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Fri, Dec 23; thepollard.org

Union Station Illumination

Location: Scissortail Park

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Sun, Jan 1,2023; 6 – 10 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Winter Glow Location: Riversport OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Fri, Dec 30; riversportokc.org

A Territorial Christmas Celebration

Location: Historic District Downtown, Guthrie Extra Info: Sat, Nov 26 – Sat, Dec 10; guthriesterritorialchristmas.com

Holiday Gift Card Rebate

Location: Edmond Restaurants & Retail

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Sun, Dec 4; $50 minimum; edmondchamber.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 1: Vintage Vinyl; Fri, Dec 2: KC2 Due; Sat, Dec 3: Vintage Vinyl; $60; simpletix.com

Holiday VIBES

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 1; Free; 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; edmondvibes.org

Wanderlust

Location: University of Central Oklahoma –Mitchell Hall Theater

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 1; 7:30 p.m.; uco.edu

December Live Music at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 1: The Arkadian @ 5:30 p.m.; Sat, Dec 3: Ravens Three @ 7:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

Miranda Family Lights

Location: Miranda Family Lights

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 1 – Sat, Dec 31; 6 ---- 8 p.m.; facebook.com

The opening of the city’s Luminance was last week at Mitch Park, on Covell just west of Kelly. The event featured many lit holiday displays as well as ice skating and drones, adding to the festivities.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was a hot air balloon, above and nighttime ice skating, below.

Photos by Melinda Infante

Calm Waters Center opens clinic to help those grieving

Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, the only grief center in Oklahoma City offering free grief support services to the entire family, has officially opened the new HJ and Anne Meyer Counseling Clinic. The space, located at the Calm Waters Center at 501 N. Walker, Suite 140 in Oklahoma City, will provide grief-focused counseling to children and adults.

Calm Waters first began accepting clients for grief counseling in 2018. By June 2023, the agency predicts to serve 550 counseling clients over one twelve-month period.

For adults, there is a great need for grief-focused mental health services to address traumatic loss before it creates lifelong chronic physical or mental health issues. Furthermore, 1 in 11 Oklahoman children will experience

the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, and require mental-health support to learn coping skills that will help as they grow up through their grief.

Calm Waters is the metro’s only grief-specific mental health agency. The clinical team serves children, adults, couples and families. Within the clinic, there are rooms dedicated to child therapy and adult or couple therapy.

The HJ and Anne Meyer Counseling Clinic was made possible through funding by the Love Meyer Family Foundation. John Meyer, of the Love Meyer Family Foundation, asked that the clinic be named for his parents. HJ and Anne Meyer were advocates for serving the Oklahoma City community, and Calm Waters was honored to recognize the late couple.

Business leaders, and well wishers, were on hand for dedication of their new counseling clinic.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

In the spirit of the holiday

By Steve Gust

I read something earlier in the week that makes for a perfect subject this holiday season.

It seems as if a lot of siblings do not get along all that well when they become adults.

For many of them, they no longer will even speak to one another.

That’s sad. Life is too short.

Many times it may be over something really minor. The incident gets blown out of proportion and before you know it, nobody is talking to one another.

And what’s even more amazing is that sometimes it may even stem from childhood and hurt feelings from back then.

Not all relationships can be fixed. And, to be honest, some of those relationships may be better off not being repaired.

If you have a sibling who is doing something illegal or trying to corrupt you, then you’re probably better off not renewing the bond. It’s tragic, but some people are just so negative that it’s for the best if you keep your distance.

But that’s the minority of cases. A lot of times, it’s over something that is minor. Who knows what that can be? It may be a couple of siblings arguing

over the themostat setting.

What this article I read said, was that many siblings were agreeable to mending fences if someone apologized first. There’s a classic human trait. “Well, okay I’ll forgive him, but gosh darn it he’s gotta apologize first.”

There is an inner child that lives within all of us.

People really know how to carry grudges. Sometimes those grudges go on and on and on.

It reminds me of something I heard once. Some folks just live rent free in other people’s minds nearly all the time. You see that in the political world with how liberals react to Trump.

Grudges are like someone taking poison and hoping that hurts the person they are obsessed with.

Here’s an idea, pick up the telephone or write your brother or sister and tell them you’re sorry for the past and you want to start over.

If they say “no” well then at least you tried. And don’t give up. Try again in the future.

——-

One more political note. I still don’t understand the system of voting in Alaska where people mark a ballot with second and third place preferences.

It’s ridiculous. To me it’s has to be a violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

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

Support small businesses

The Chamber encourages Edmondites to shop small every day to support small businesses and fuel the economy during the holiday season.

Why it matters: Small businesses face many challenges, including soaring inflation, worker shortages, and supply chain disruptions.

Be smart: Here are five reasons you should make shopping small a priority:

When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood.

America’s 33.2 million small businesses account for more than 99% of all U.S. companies and employ almost half of private sector employees.

Small businesses give back to their communities – including hosting or sponsoring community events, donating to local charities, and forming partnerships with other local businesses.

Many small businesses have built up their online presence, making it easier than ever to support them.

Small businesses often offer one-of-a-kind items as well as hands-on service and other personal touches.

Take action: Join the Chamber, the Edmond Economic Development Authority and Holiday Vibes (powered by the Fine Arts Institute) by participating in our Holiday Rebate Program. To learn more, click here: https://www.edmondchamber.com/retail-restaurant-rebate/

Filing is scheduled for Tech Center seat

The Board of Education of Francis Tuttle Technology Center School District No. 21 hereby announces that statutorily qualified individuals interested in running as a candidate for the zone three (3) seat on the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Board of Education may file to run as a candidate for this seat at the Oklahoma County Election Board between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Dec. 7 through Dec. 9, 2022.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region. Francis Tuttle also offers complete workforce and economic development training and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment. With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace.

Some legislative deadlines to know

With the elections in the history books, we now know who will be serving in the various political offices in Oklahoma. Congratulations to those who won their races and thank you to those who put their names on the ballot.

State senators and representatives were sworn in November 16. Then, those newly-elected members may begin the process of submitting ideas for consideration in the 2023 Oklahoma Legislature. Should any issue arise requiring a special session to occur, these new lawmakers will be the ones to tackle the issues raised. They will also soon submit their requests for committee placements, select their offices and seats based upon seniority in service, and hire the person who will work directly with them in their offices.

For the newly-elected and returning members of Oklahoma’s Executive Branch, their oath of office will be held on the second Monday in January, which falls on Jan. 9 in 2023. Their work begins officially on that day, with a transition period occurring from now until then, which includes the hiring of staff and preparation of a budget for the Legislature to consider.

The bill request deadline for lawmakers to submit ideas will be on Friday, Dec. 9.  Each lawmaker can submit as many ideas as they would like for the legislative staff to research, but House members can only file eight bills which will be allowed to proceed through the process unless they have special dispensation from the Speaker to submit more.  State senators can file an unlimited number of bills for consideration, but they usually limit themselves as it takes quite a bit of time and effort to move even a few bills through the process.

The legislative leadership will officially be elected to their roles in the House and Senate on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. T

his is called Organizational Day, and they will also vote on establishing the rules of order for the upcoming two years. These parliamentary guidelines will help them maintain deadlines, decorum, and the process which is followed for the day-today activities of the session.

The bill requests are kept confidential until Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at 4 p.m. This is the deadline for filing the bills publicly with the legislative staff. Members do not need to wait until this

Letters to the Editor policy

We

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.

date, but many of the ideas submitted take time for the staff to research and write into the proper format to comply with the Oklahoma Constitution and the state statutes which might overlap with the idea. Special thanks go out to these men and women who work for the Legislature for their dedication to seeing the process go smoothly.

The First Regular Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature will convene Monday, Feb, 6 at noon. Lawmakers will see their bills receive a “first reading,” at which the bill is officially assigned a bill number. Gov. Stitt will also deliver his annual State of the State address to lawmakers with his suggestions for policies.

On the second day, bills will be considered “second read” and be referred to the various committees, which will truly begin the work of the Legislature.

We at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy look forward to working with these officials. We will soon release our “Children’s Legislative Agenda” for lawmakers to consider taking on some of these ideas. We will keep you posted in future columns about this progress.

Quotes from President Reagan

I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting.

Before I refuse to take your questions, I have an opening statement.

How can a president not be an actor?

(Response by Ronald Reagan when asked by a reporter "How can an actor run for President?" during the presidential campaign in 1980)

Steve Gust

Making many fun memories in Missouri

By Elaine Warner

The air was damp and chill; the sky, gray. But Christmas in Kansas City never required sunny weather – or even snow. Garlands of colorful glitter swooped over the downtown streets, centered by giant bells which swayed in the wind.

I was thirteen and on my own for the first time. My mom had driven my girlfriend Evelyn and me to the streetcar line in Brookside – a line that would take us into the heart of the city. We’d saved our babysitting money – 35 cents an hour – for a day of shopping.

Major department stores, like Jones and Emery, Bird, Thayer, had windows filled with magical displays. Inside, the stores smelled like wet wool. Muzak wasn’t ubiquitous in those days, but the zinging of containers zipping on wires overhead added musical accompaniment as cashiers made sales.

We topped off the day at the Paramount Theater, reveling in the music and beauty of recently-released White Christmas, the now-classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney.

Thank goodness for memories. All those original buildings are gone, but the day is still vivid in my mind. To me, Kansas City is Christmas.

There is one Christmas constant in the city. This year, on Thanksgiving Day, marks the 93rd year of the lighting of the Christmas lights on the Country Club Plaza. The area, the first suburban shopping area designed for automobile traffic, was the creation of J.C. Nichols, a major developer in Kansas City. Inspired by a love of Spain, buildings reflect a distinctly European architectural scene. At Christmas, all the buildings, including the

bell towers, domes, and balconies, are outlined with colored bulbs. In addition, the colorful imported tiles, statues and fountains make this a must for any visitor.

My favorite stay in the area is the Raphael Hotel, a boutique property, once an upscale apartment building, just south of the Plaza. Remnants of the earlier incarnation can be seen in the beautiful Spanish marble floor, coffered wood ceiling and trim which have been lovingly restored.

The hotel is also pleasingly close to three of my go-to restaurants. The only true classic, another blast from my past, is Winstead’s. I still order the same thing I ordered as a kid – a double steakburger, onion rings and a cherry soda. Don’t expect a big, juicy burger; these are so flat you could use them as coasters. They’re made of the highest-quality local beef, fresh-ground each day. I love the neon and Art Deco décor with its turquoise Naugahyde booths and the rainbow–lighted juke box in the corner. Secret info: Winstead’s serves the best breakfast

value in town. The menu isn’t extensive; they serve the basics -- no Benedicts -- just good eggs, sausage, gravy, biscuits and pancakes made with their own blend of pancake mix which includes plenty of vanilla!

Two other spots close to the hotel deserve your consideration. For a lovely Italian meal with a great wine selection (2022 Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator), try the intimate and charming Osteria il Centro, south of the Plaza on Main Street. And I love the sense of humor in their statement, “Garlic is the catsup of intellectuals.” This is your clue that la dolce vita is on the menu.

You can’t go to K.C. without having barbecue – and there are dozens of good choices. Jack Stack’s on the Plaza is a good bet with great barbecue and hickory pit beans that are the best I’ve tasted.

Kansas City, the city only surpassed by Rome in the number of fountains, also competes with many larger cities in the variety of museums. From the Arabia Steamboat Museum to the Na-

tional Toy and Miniature Museum, there’s something to please everyone.

Nostalgia is always on the itinerary when I visit Kansas City, so I usually head first to the magnificent Neo-Classic, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The “new” entrance isn’t nearly as impressive as the original of my childhood. Back then you entered into Kirkwood Hall with its twelve massive black and white marble columns reaching to the 40-foot high ceiling. I fantasized about living there when I grew up.

The museum’s collections are impressive and extensive. Take a day for this one – and plan to have lunch in the Rozelle Court, a 15th-century-style interior courtyard surrounded by a two-story arcade. Their savory chicken salad is a real winner.

Kansas City has a plethora of outstanding architectural wonders, another of which now houses the Kansas City Museum. As much to see the Beaux-Art mansion, built in 1910 by lumber magnate R. A. Long, the museum is a worthwhile stop for those interested in the city’s history. The area, situated in northeast Kansas City, stands on high bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. In the early 1900s, what had been a rural cow path was turned into an elegant avenue with mansions which made it a center for Kansas City social life for the next two decades. My mom’s aunt lived in a less-affluent neighborhood nearby and Mom and her cousin would sneak out in the night and roller skate up and down the grand boulevard until my great-aunt caught them.

Another classic structure, the Union Station, was the third largest railway station in the country – only New York’s Grand Central Station and Pennsylvania Station were larger. Built in 1914 in Beaux Arts-style, the building was a major transportation hub. Its peak usage was during World War I when almost 300 trains came through

Elaine

ELAINE WARNER

The Rozelle Court restaurant is the perfect setting for lunch at the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. See Elaine, Page

Jones to lead Okla. Christian

Ken Jones, the school's current chancellor, will become the new president of Oklahoma Christian University, effective May 2023, Mark Brewer, chairman of the school's board of trustees, said Wednesday in a letter on behalf of the board.

Jones will succeed current President John deSteiguer, who will become the university's chancellor. Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E Memorial Road, is affiliated with Churches of Christ, an association of independent Christian congregations.

"OC is blessed by the leadership of these two exceptional leaders who have devoted their careers to furthering Christian education," Brewer said in the board's statement.

Jones, a native Oklahoman, was appointed as the university's chancellor in 2021. He formerly served as president of Lubbock Christian University for 19 years and the Texas school's chancellor for five years.

"Dr. Jones has dedicated much of his career to ministry and leadership coaching and is highly regarded in the business world and in churches, nonprofits,

and Christian institutions across the country," Brewer said in the board's letter. "We are grateful for his willingness to serve as OC President and know that he and his wife Suzie will be a blessing to our entire campus community."

Jones, Brewer said, is a farmer and rancher with a doctoral degree in agricultural engineering from Oklahoma State University and a gifted preacher who has served as a pulpit minister in Oklahoma and Texas.

In 2012, John deSteiguer was appointed Oklahoma Christian University's president.

"The Trustees express their sincere gratitude to President deSteiguer and Darla for their dedicated, exemplary service to the University over the last decade plus," Brewer said the board's letter.

"President deSteiguer championed groundbreaking speakers and events that have challenged and inspired our OC community," the letter said. "During his time, he oversaw transformational capital improvements on campus while simultaneously leading efforts to reduce debt."

Hi and Lois Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Jones

daily.

All five of the World War I Allied Commanders met here in 1921 for the ground-breaking of the World War I Memorial south of the station. (That memorial, with tower and sphinxes atop a hill, was so impressive that later, land was dug out from underneath to accommodate the National World War I Museum.)

A dramatic moment in the station’s history, the Kansas City Massacre, occurred in 1933, when federal agents and a prisoner were leaving the station in route to the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth. Gang members, attempting to help the prisoner escape, opened fire. In the ensuing battle, four agents and the prisoner were killed. You can still see bullet holes in the façade of the building.

That was before my time, so my memories involved seeing my dad

From

leave for and return from business trips. The capacious hall with its enormous chandeliers was a glamorous salute to the great days of rail travel.

As rail traffic declined, the Union Station closed – abandoned – until it was restored in 1999. It now houses restaurants, theaters, shops, exhibitions and Science City. The main hall once more resonates with activity –and its vast spaces leave clues to its illustrious past.

Kansas City is a year-round destination for lovers of history, art, sports, food, wine, and romance. For me, it’s the city of my childhood, home to myriad memories. I go back frequently. And although it’s hard to tear myself away from my old favorites, I always find something new and wonderful.

If you haven’t visited, perhaps it’s time for you to make some Missouri memories.

Beautiful, Beaux Arts

Corinthian Hall, originally the home of R.A. Long, lumber magnate, is now home to the Kansas City Museum.

ELAINE WARNER

Hard to beat a double steakburger and cherry soda –local ice cream and real whipped cream – at Winstead’s on the Plaza.

ELAINE WARNER

For over 80 years, Winstead’s has been a mecca for lovers of their Art Deco vibe and great steakburgers

By George Gust

“Spirited” is a star-studded musical version of Charles Dickens's ‘A Christmas Carol’ of a miserly misanthrope (Ryan Reynolds) who is taken on a magical journey.

Finally its Christmas time. We break out the old ornaments, surround ourselves with our favorite holiday tchotchkes and play the same old playlist of holiday favorites. But the other side of the magic of Christmas is the chance to create new holiday traditions, hear new holiday tunes and in this case see new holiday movies.

Sometimes these movies reek of cynical corporate mandate and end up falling flat upon arrival. “Spirited” is a movie that on its face looks like another mad dash for holiday cash, but with a self-aware tenor and hyper loaded star power, it somehow manages to be an entertaining and charming take on the wellworn ground of A Christmas Carol.

Going into “Spirited” you may have some reservations about its two main stars of Reynolds and Will Ferrell. Reynolds, for one, being the kind of performer who has been on the front of everyone’s screens for the past couple of years in star vehicle after star vehi-

cle that find him playing the same cocky self-assured coolest guy in the room type, which “Spirited” uses as a jumping off point to create a new kind of miserly scrooge character.

Reynolds is the driving force of the proceedings and is charming and engaging in musical numbers that you wouldn’t think are in his wheelhouse. Ferrell, on the other hand, has Christmas baggage of his own that people will bring to the movie in his turn in the classic Christmas film “Elf” (which does get a fun reference that is one of the biggest laughs in the

movie). However, for all the baggage he brings in, Ferrell is still able to bring in the fun silliness that is required for the tone of this goofy modern take on the classic tale.

Overall, “Spirited” is a cheeky take on a big Broadway musical version of Christmas Carol, that on paper sounds like it should be a big mess, but in practice it is a surprisingly silly fun entertaining Christmas film. The whacky tone, at times cheaply looking sets, and bloated runtime might not be for everyone, but the overall experience of “Spirited” is fun enough to justify a place in the holiday rotation.

However, the exclusivity of its streaming on Apple+ may preclude it from becoming the tried-and-true holiday classic.

“Spirited” is rated PG-13 for language, thematic elements, some suggestive material. Now streaming with an Apple+ subscription.

3.6 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please send an e-mail to him at this address gust.george@gmail.com

Reminder on upcoming VIBES

VIBES Edmond's First Thursday, premiers its first-ever Holiday VIBES on Thursday, December 1st, in Downtown Edmond from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Holiday VIBES is a joy-filled event that encourages the community to shop local and artist made to make this holiday season a creative, memorable experience for everyone.

Join friends and family in downtown Edmond for an evening of community and jolly “Holiday VIBES”! This unique event highlights seasonal goodies and gifts at businesses along the Broadway corridor from 2nd Street to Main Street in downtown Edmond. Plus, over 40 visual artists will set up on sidewalks and inside shops with artwork and the perfect gifts items for sale.

Holiday VIBES features several outdoor public performing groups, including the seasonal stylings of Five Year Gap, Sentimental Social Club, and Vearl T. The merriment continues with caroling by Edmond Youth Chorus, photo ops with a balloon installation by OKC Balloon Bar, special sales, seasonal promotions, and holiday treats provided by participating downtown Edmond businesses.

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell team up for

Advice on keeping safe during the winter

In anticipation of another cold front headed our way, the staff at the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center would like to pass along some safety tips for heating your home during extremely cold temperatures.

Generators

•Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open.

Smoke Detectors

First, the most important aspect of home fire safety is making sure every home has a working smoke detector, and that these detectors are checked monthly with batteries being changed every six months or at daylight savings time in spring and fall.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms are easy to install and can save lives. They do not take the place of smoke alarms; however, having one is the next step to a safe environment in the home. Any open flame heater creates carbon monoxide gas and if your home’s heating devices are not functioning properly, this gas can be deadly. The alarms are becoming more affordable, more effective and if you have a flame operated heating device in your home, indispensable.

Space Heaters

• Dust and lint may have accumulated in the space heater. Be sure to clean them thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.

• Gas space heaters need to have the flame adjusted to blue in order to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build up.

• Caution children not to stand too close to a space heater to warm up, as their clothing could catch fire.

• Give space heaters their space! Be sure that all combustible material is away from the heater, at least three inches in all directions.

Floor Furnaces

• Floor furnaces are safest when they are equipped with a thermostat and automatic shut off device.

• Clean the floor furnace by removing the grate and using a vacuum to remove dust and lint from inside the unit.

• During the summer months, people often place throw rugs on the floor furnace. As the weather cools, they may remove these rugs and turn

the furnace on. During the warm days following a cold snap, people often throw the rug back onto the furnace without turning the unit off. Then, when it becomes cold again, the floor furnace automatically comes back on igniting the throw rug. Be sure to remove rugs whenever the unit is switched on.

Central Heaters

• Clean or replace the furnace filter.

• Clean the entire furnace area using a vacuum to remove dust and lint.

• Be sure to remove any brooms, boxes, magazines, newspapers or any other combustible material stored in the heater closet.

Fireplaces

• Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Look for cracks in the firebox, flue and chimney. Also check for build-up of soot and creosote inside the flue.

• Open the damper enough to allow the smoke and gases to escape up the chimney.

• Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid.

• Always keep a good-quality metal fireplace screen in front of the fireplace whenever it is being used to prevent burning logs from rolling out or embers from flying out.

• Keep a three-foot area in front of and to the sides of the fireplace clear of any combustibles including, logs, kindling wood, paper, rugs, clothing or furniture.

• Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed.

• Never burn charcoal in a fireplace. Charcoal gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas that can fill a room and overcome the occupants.

• Never cook in a fireplace. Grease from the food can build up inside the flue and catch fire.

• Never burn more than two or three natural logs at one time.

• Artificial logs made of compressed sawdust and wax should be handled differently from natural logs because they generate more heat. Burn only one artificial log at a time and do not burn an artificial log with natural logs.

• Always make sure fireplace ashes are placed in a metal container. Never place hot embers in a combustible container such as a trashcan. Allow ashes to cool thoroughly before disposing of them.

Kitchen

• Kitchen pan handle safety - keep handles turned away so a kiddo can’t reach up and grab it or cook on back burners instead.

• Microwave safety - use caution when removing hot liquids, especially for pediatrics when microwaves are mounted high or above stovetops.

• Hot water safety – do not set your hot water heater higher than 120 degrees or just below the medium setting.

• Never use a gas oven for heating your home.

There are many potential problems when heating our homes in winter weather, but with a little caution we can all weather the storm.

Many Christmas scenes can be beautiful but pay attention to the fireplace for safety.

Health officials issue warning on uptick of seasonal virus

A seasonal virus that takes a toll on young children and older adults has returned this fall with a vengeance.

Surges in respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, typically parallels flu season, running from late fall into the spring, but this year’s outbreak started earlier than normal. This month, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported rising case numbers and hospitalizations for RSV in many parts of the state. The figures mirror national trends.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D., said the current deluge in cases could be traced to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We saw a dramatic reduction in RSV during the pandemic due to the precautions we took to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” said Scofield, an immunologist. “Infants and young children whose immune systems had never been exposed to the virus were in a protective bubble. Now that bubble has burst.”

RSV typically causes a mild cold. But among children younger than 5, RSV is responsible annually for 100-300 deaths and up to 80,000 hospitalizations in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus is even deadlier among older adults. A 2022 National Institutes of Health study estimated more than 6,000 people 65 years and older die each year from RSV complications.

OMRF scientist Susan Kovats, Ph.D., studies RSV. She noted that before the pandemic, almost all children contracted the virus by age 2. Kovats said that

because so many children avoided exposure to it in 2020 and 2021, the virus appears to be “playing catch-up” in pediatric populations.

Kovats is working to understand why RSV impacts children more frequently than adults and why it hits some infants so hard. The work is setting the stage for better treatments and will aid in vaccine design for the condition.

“Our early indications are that neonatal cells are less likely to make the proteins that stop a virus from replicating in the body,” Kovats said. “In essence, it appears to confirm previous evidence that babies’ immune systems are not quite developed enough to fight off RSV.”

Research teams worldwide are working on RSV vaccines. Pfizer plans to submit its vaccine, which protects infants from RSV by inoculating pregnant women, for Food and Drug Administration approval by year’s end. The results of the FDA review of British drugmaker GSK’s vaccine for older adults are expected in spring 2023.

Until a vaccine is available, Scofield said the best ways to avoid — and avoid spreading — RSV mirror those for the flu and Covid-19. “Wash your hands, wear a mask in crowded places and stay home if you’re sick,” he said. And if, despite your best efforts, you or a loved one has a run-in with a respiratory virus this holiday season, monitor symptoms closely.

“RSV can usually be managed at home. But when someone is having difficulty breathing or is exhibiting symptoms of dehydration, it’s important to get an evaluation from a health care professional.”

FAI announces art show will open up tonight

Join us at the FAI Gallery on Thursday, December 1st for Natalie Biggs & Eric Lyons Gallery Opening of "A Collaborative Art Show" from 5pm to 8pm.

This show is a mashup from artists Eric Lyons and Natalie Biggs. Each piece in this collaborative series has been worked on by each artist.

As professional colleagues and friends, their show focuses on trust and experimentation. The theme of trust comes from both artists as they bring their respective styles of art-making techniques. Their art represents time is visual storytelling through photographs and mark-making. Both Biggs and Lyons have creative preferences which overlap in their individual pieces, but collaboratively approach their partnership with a willingness to keep and open-mind. These pieces have been an opportunity for both artists to explore and expand on their collaborative artistic ideas and plan to work together on more projects in the future. Both artists hold Masters in Art Education and teach at Metro Oklahoma City Schools.

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute Gallery is open daily for public viewing Monday – Thursday or by appointment. Monthly gallery exhibits are a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, with support from presenting sponsor, Price Mortgage Group, LLC.  FAI is Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing year-round visual and performing art classes for children and adults

CYL Infrared Studio Edmond Celebrates Grand Opening

Sweating is your body’s natural way to heal and stay healthy. Their saunas are designed for the deepest most detoxifying sweat possible using infrared energy (heat).

To learn more about CYL Infrared Studio Edmond, visit www.cylsaunastudio.com<http://www.cylsaunastudio.com>

CYL Infrared Studio Edmond recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 1289 E 15th Street, Ste 108.

CYL Sauna Studio is a luxury infrared sauna studio. Their clients can enjoy sweating in their own personal infrared sauna pod within the serenity of a private sauna suite. A standard sweat session is 30 minutes long at CYL Sauna Studio.

A

SUPPLEMENT TO EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE

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Some holiday events in the Metro

Downtown in December presented by Devon is back to help everyone celebrate the holiday season in downtown OKC. This collection of more than 30 events and attractions offers a festive lineup of activities, many of which are free or low cost. Residents and visitors to downtown Oklahoma City can enjoy this series thanks to Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, Devon Energy and generous support from local businesses, organizations, and community partners.

The annual Saints Santa Run is a family-friendly holiday run that brings young and old, and even pets, to downtown Oklahoma City for a festive 5K. The Santa Run returns to it location at SSM Health – St. Anthony (1000 N. Lee Ave.) in Midtown on Saturday, Dec 3. The event includes a 5K run/walk, 1-mile fun run, and a free 50-yard kids’ dash and is a great way to stay active and spread holiday cheer this season. Participants in the 5K run/walk or 1-mile fun run will receive a commemorative Saints Santa Run t-shirt and finisher medal. Runners are encouraged to dress up like Santa or in a holiday costume for a chance to win cash prizes. For details and to register, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and enjoy the dazzling light displays at the Lights On Broadway Annual Event on two Saturdays this season, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Retail shops and restaurants on Broadway Avenue and side streets will feature holiday window displays, activities for all ages, special promotions, and giveaways. Santa will be on-site both evenings for

attendees to take a photo with Santa with their camera. There will be complimentary carriage rides that must be booked in advance, a Magic Elf, free caricatures, Katiebug’s Winter Wonderland, and more. More than 600,000 colorful LED lights will curtain the buildings along ten blocks of North Broadway and side streets making for a magical holiday destination now through Jan. 8.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens will once again transform its seasonal plaza into Downtown in December’s premier attraction, Devon Ice Rink. It is returning for its 11th season this winter and will be open seven days a week at the corner of Robinson Avenue and Sheridan Avenue. The Devon Ice Rink will host daily public skating, private parties, and special events all winter. Admission is $14 per person with skate rental and $9 per person with personal skates. The Devon Ice Rink is now open and will run through Jan. 29. For more information, including hours, and details about private events, visit DowntowninDecember.com.

One of Oklahoma’s favorite holiday traditions, Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” presented by Devon Energy will return for its 12th year this season with its all-outdoor immersive production, taking the audience to a holiday village nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City, now through Dec. 23.

The historic Harn Homestead (1721 N. Lincoln Blvd.) has once again been transformed into a Victorian Era setting for Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, magical spirits, and a host of unforgettable characters. Patrons will follow Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation and redemption, as they are guided from scene to scene at the home-

stead. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

Oklahoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by Devon Energy returns to the Civic Center Music Hall Dec. 10 through Dec. 18 and will feature all new choreography by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. Tchaikovsky’s spirited and familiar score evokes warm childlike memories in the most glorious way as this colorful and extravagant ballet takes the stage once again this holiday season. For more information, including performance schedules, visit OKCBallet.com.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are returning to the Midtown district in downtown Oklahoma City for their 11th year bringing back the iconic geodesic domes along with the market tents. Discover dozens of local shops each weekend, enjoy Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets and the Big Friendly Brewery, visit the Bishop John Carroll tree lot, and take a photo in front of the Midtown Christmas tree. The holiday shopping village is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 18. For details, including hours and list of shops, visit OKCPopUps.com.

The LifeShare WinterFest and Snow Tubing will open at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the snow tubing slopes are a perfect attraction for friends and family. LifeShare WinterFest and snow tubing will be open Dec. 10-11 before operating daily Dec. 17-Jan. 1, except for Christmas Day.  Each day features multiple, 90-minute sessions. All single-session tickets are $18. A full schedule of session times are available at OKCDodgers.com/WinterFest.

The annual Santa Run this weekend.

OMRF official is honored for service

The American College of Rheumatology has presented its annual Distinguished Basic/Translational Investigator Award to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Vice President of Clinical Affairs Judith James, M.D., Ph.D.

A board-certified rheumatologist and member of the National Academy of Medicine, James received the ACR Award of Distinction for her outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology, including understanding systemic autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

ACR is a nonprofit association of physicians, health professionals and scientists working to advance the specialty of rheumatology worldwide. Members may nominate colleagues and mentors for its Awards of Distinction.

OMRF scientist Darise Farris, Ph.D., was among those who nominated James. Farris cited her colleague of more than 20 years’ seminal contributions to lupus research, which paved the way for the first clinical trial to prevent the disease.

“Dr. James has performed pioneering work to unravel the molecular basis of the association between the Epstein-Barr virus and lupus, and she works tirelessly to improve the health of Native Americans in Oklahoma,” Farris said.

James first came to OMRF as a Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar in 1988. In addition to her role as chief clinical officer, she leads the foundation’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program and holds the Lou C. Kerr Endowed Chair in Biomedical Research. She is known internationally for her watershed work in understanding the early events of autoimmune diseases like lupus.

“I have followed Dr. James’ studies since the beginning of her career, as it has illuminated my own work,” said Joseph Craft, M.D., a professor of medicine and immunobiology at the Yale School of Medicine, in support of James’ honor.

“This is a true testament of one’s scientific impact and leadership in a chosen field,” he added. “We learn from their findings, using them to advance our own investigation.”

A native of Pond Creek, Oklahoma, James earned her B.S. from Oklahoma Baptist University and her M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Judith James

Engineering student from UCO recognized

University of Central Oklahoma biomedical engineering student Kayley McBride placed first in the 28th annual Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OK-LSAMP) research symposium earlier this fall.

McBride, from Edmond received a first-place award for her winning poster presentation, “ParaView-ing Data at NERSC Remotely Using Jupyter Notebooks.” Her project supports data analysis and visualization applications on a supercomputer, a high-performance computer system, and improving the user experience in large data visualization through another computing platform. This research will benefit a wide range of computational projects and research.

“Kayley’s strong interest in engineering, math and programming sparked her interest and passion in this research. Her project started by working on the supercomputer at the Berkley National Lab,” said Gang Xu, professor for the School of Engineering at Central.

“She is now an intern for the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center at the Berkley National Lab, and I’m very proud of what she has achieved.”

The symposium included nearly 70 students from 10 universities and colleges across Oklahoma. McBride was one of 10 students in the nonlife science poster category, a study not directly in the field of life science, such as biology.

Bank program helps those leaving prisons

Project BUILD helps guide justice-involved individuals to a better life by offering construction skills training, and its mission has been helped thanks to a grant from Bank of America.

The money was used to expand the presence and publicity of the program, which is run by a partnership between Francis Tuttle Technology Center and the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech. Students gain construction skills as well as life skills to help them earn a job in a growing, thriving Oklahoma industry.

“Advancing racial equality and economic opportunity is fundamental to how we run our com-

pany, support our teammates and deliver for our clients,” said Tony Shinn, President of Bank of America Oklahoma City. “Project BUILD breaks down employment barriers for participants transitioning out of incarceration into the workforce through training, certification, wrap around services and a pipeline to jobs upon release. This program can be life-changing for the participants and Bank of America is really proud of the partnership we have with Project Build. Beyond funding, we teach financial literacy to participants to help ensure they are on solid ground when they start earning a paycheck.”

Puzzles appear on Page 14

Kayley