Edmond Life and Leisure - December 29, 2022

Looking back at 2022

Next week we’ll be taking a look back at some of the things, which made news in 2022.

To the right, BALTO, or Bring a Light to Others, was held at North High School. Each year the three Edmond high schools hold a benefit to help the community.

Larry Stevens ended many years of service as Edmond City Manager. He was honored at a farewell reception, with his wife, Kay.

BELOW. Riversport OKC was selected as the new site of an international boating competition. Originally it was suppose to be held in Russia. After the invasion of Ukraine in February, organizers decided to move the event.

This being the last week of the year has folks turning their thoughts to possible places to donate for year end. Part of the reason this annual quest takes place is from the good and kindness we are surrounded by during the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

The other reason is because folks are looking for a deduction on their 2022 tax returns. As an accountant, I totally understand. Either way, it is all good.

We have several excellent organizations in Edmond that deserve your consideration, including your church. I would like to ask you to consider an organization that is not based in Edmond, but it does a lot of good and serves as a partner to charities that are located in Edmond. It is the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

I fall in the crowd of folks that think 2023 could be a difficult one economically. The Regional Food Bank is there year-round and often gets thought of at the holidays, but they need help in January and February as well. Many times, we see stories about people in far away places and wish we knew how to help. These folks are local, helping our friends and neighbors and they make it easy to help. Instead of just being empathetic we can actually help with our time, talent and donations.

The Regional Food Bank is leading the fight against hunger in Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank distributes food through a network of more than 1,300 community-based partner agencies and schools in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma.

The Regional Food Bank not only distributes food, but it is also a leader in educating the public on hunger, advocating for those living with hunger and providing access to additional resources.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. The Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks.

Now through January 15th your donations can go even further due to a special matching program. Oklahoma continues to rank among the top 10 states in the nation for food insecurity among seniors. As a result, more and more seniors are turning to the Regional Food Bank for food assistance. Now is the perfect time to double the impact of your donation to help fight hunger in Oklahoma. Through Jan. 15, all donations to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Holiday Match are doubled, up to $350,000, thanks to presenting sponsor APMEX and the Cresap Family Foundation. KOCO 5 News, official television sponsor of the Holiday Match, will feature the impact of Holiday Match donations throughout the match.

The holiday season is typically a time of celebration and joy, but the holidays can also lead to stress, especially for Oklahomans living with hunger. On top of the supply chain issues and inflation, as the weather gets colder, some Oklahomans are forced to choose between purchasing food or paying their utility bills.

“Supporting the Regional Food Bank allows us to see the difference that one person, one program or one donation can make for positive change. The holiday season, especially, reminds us of all there is to be thankful for and we encourage everyone to participate and provide some hope for the holidays.” Said John Cresap, president of the Cresap Family Foundation.

The donations can act as a lifeline to Oklahomans living with hunger like Colleen. She has experienced homelessness on and off for the last several months after leaving a bad relationship. She now stays in an RV in Oklahoma City with no power or water. She uses SNAP benefits to purchase food, but also relies on Regional Food Bank partners when her food runs out each month.

“I’m not used to being in this position. It’s hard,” Colleen said. “Without the pantry, I wouldn’t be here. I’ve depended solely on that pantry for food when I didn’t have any.”

Make an impact this holiday season by making a tax-deductible donation at rfbo.org/give or by call 405-600-3161.

Donations may also be mailed to:

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Holiday Match

P.O. Box 270968

Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968

Since 1980, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has served with a single goal in mind – fighting hunger while feeding hope. Over the last four decades the Regional Food Bank has expanded from serving the Oklahoma City metro to a 53-county service area in central and western Oklahoma.

In 1979 a group of concerned Oklahoma City citi-

zens, led by Rodney Bivens, formed a task force to fight the ever-present reality of hunger in the community. Bivens leadership was key, and it was my great please to get to know him during that time period when I was working at OKC FRIDAY Newspaper.

As a result of the task force, the Regional Food Bank was founded on May 15, 1980, and becomes the 21st food bank in the nation. The first location was a 10,000-square-foot warehouse right in the middle of what is now Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. In that first year, the organization distributed 280,000 pounds of food.

Because of the generosity of so many, including major corporations, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has helped folks and grown in an effort to match the need. As great of a job as they have done, the need keeps growing and at a faster pace. This great organization continues to need our help and support folks.

When I see the abundance at my house especially during the holidays, I know there is no reason for people in Edmond or anywhere else in Oklahoma to go hungry. It just is something that God has left in our hands, and I am asking for your help in getting this done. Having such a great organization in place to efficiently handle our donation and be good stewards with the funds should make the decision easy.

Edmond has had a great year and the prospects of 2023 being even better are terrific. We are blessed with an excellent school system, good city government and leadership and citizens who care about each other as well as their community.

Edmond Life & Leisure looks forward to being around to cover it all for Edmond. The newspaper business is a tough one these days but thanks to our staff and partner, Chris Hoke, we will be around another year as Edmond’s only locally owned and operated newspaper. We begin our 23rd year of doing so in Edmond.

Happy and Safe New Year to all of you from your Edmond Life & Leisure Family!

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

A reminder not to drink & drive

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants to promote safe driving this holiday season.

Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month is observed every December to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, 210 lives were lost due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day in 2019.

“A person’s coordination and reaction time are slowed before they exhibit any signs of intoxication,” said Janice Hixson, MD, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Slowing or stopping drinking an hour or more before driving does not mean you are able to drive.”

If you plan to drink during the holidays, choose a designated driver or call a rideshare. If you are hosting a gathering where alcohol will be served, encourage your guests not to drive under the influence.

“Even prescribed medications or legally prescribed medical marijuana can impair your ability to drive,” Hixson said. “Be sure to read all the labels on your medications, and do not drive if you experience drowsiness, nausea, delayed reaction time or blurred vision.”

During the holidays, parents have an opportunity to talk to their kids about impaired driving. Let them know it’s never okay to drive while impaired, and it’s unsafe to ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Explain that it is okay to say no if a friend or family member under the influence of alcohol or drugs offers them a ride, and help them plan an exit strategy. Suggest calling a rideshare, a different friend or a relative for a ride home.

Impaired driving can lead to tragic outcomes, but it is preventable. Remember to be vigilant and plan ahead for your transportation as you celebrate the holidays this month.

(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.)

Dec. 5

Javier Concepction Sanchez, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Leathie Marie Coleman, 44 of Oklahoma City. Five misdemeanor counts.

Dec. 6

Chad Steven Simpson, 48 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.

Andre James Orr, 35 of Oklahoma City. Two felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant.

Scott Anthony Lehman, Jr. 37 of Edmond. Breaking and entering.

Daniel Elwynn Carpenter, 23 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Dec. 7

Curtis Blake Collins, 54 homeless, Public intoxication.

David Wayne Gillespie, 53 of Edmond. Transporting open container of an intoxicating beverage or beer and operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Colton Stone Jones, 19 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Adam James Thornton, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Michael William Bailey, 39 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Dec 8

Rajesh Garikapat, 23 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Syncere De’Charles Holloway, 23 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Joshua William Trotter Fields, 47 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, driving while license is canceled, suspended or revoked and two counts possess CDS.

Ashley Claudine Ford, 32 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Deanna Sue Alexander, 50 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Dec. 9

Juan Rodriguez-Soria, 29 of Edmond. Two counts of present false ID for purpose of committing a felony, misleading officer or avoiding prosecution, operating a motor vehicle with defective/improper equipment and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Dec. 10

Joseph Jay Casey, 31 of Guthrie, Public intoxication.

Cowwyn Alexander Beard, 19 of Edmond. Public intoxication, possess drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Lauren Elisa Brogan, 18 of Edmond. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Nathan Matthew Barnhill 39 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jie Chin, 35 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Chase William Baze Bowma, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Dec. 11

Ian Davis Farnham, 29 of Edmond. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Chandler Robert Henderson, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Morris Wayne Willis, 30 of Tulsa. Felony warrant and public intoxication.

Aldexter Darius Johnson, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Rhonda Lynette, Gray, 59 of Shawnee. Felony DUI/APC.

Molly Elizibeth Kaase, 28 of Edmond. Resisting arrest and two counts of possessing CDS.

Jason Daniel Simon, 40 of Oklahoma City. Possession CDS.

Dec. 12

Yan-Amont Billy Dariansen, 49 homeless. Possession of marijuana dnd public intoxication.

Dec. 13

Crystal Lee Yule, 38 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Gilberto Castro, 29 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag one to three months, disregard signal light, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Karen Lynn Hudspeth, 49 of Edmond. Possess CDS, felony DUI/APC and burglary in the first degree.

Dec. 14

Daniyel Evet Owens, 48 of Del City. Felony warrant.

John Luke Hooker, 20 of Norman. Public intoxication.

Braden John West, 20 of Choctaw. (Misdemeanor) Purchase, display, possess identification card – illegal acts.

Whitney Jo Roquemore, 24 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Dec. 15

Chelsea Renee Crawford, 30 of Moore. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence

of alcohol.

Clinton William Barber, 52 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Robin Lee Palma, 57 of Yukon. Public intoxication, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Michael Leroth Pruett, 38 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants, possess CDS, false personation of another, public intoxication and two counts of failure to appear.

Daniel Kent Thrower, 31 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Dec. 16

Joshua Randy James Johnson, 24 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ronald Keaton Pounds, 66 homeless. Failure to appear and public intoxication.

Juan Rojo Perez, 29 of Edmond. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license, Failure to yield from alley or private drive and leaving the scene of an accident.

Efrain Ruiz Puente, 40 of Oklahoma City. Use a firearm while committing a felony, proceeds derived from illegal drug activity and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Carl Deshane Cottrell, 30 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer.

Kendal Ann Christenson, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Dec. 17

Gregory Lee Dequasie, 54 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Abraham Zechariah Daniels, 45 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or .15 or more.

Deborah Jean Leistner, 69 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor 1st and second offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer and larceny from building.

Dec. 18

Danielle Elizabeth Dennis, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Daviaun Delando Bowler, 23 of Edmond. Possess CDS and felony DUI/APC.

Dennis Lee Walker, 39 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant and misdemeanor warrant.

Melvin Elias Chavez-Ordonez, 24 of Oklahoma City. Left of center and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Gary Don Blankenship, 52 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jennifer Joy Todd, 43 homeless. Public intoxication.

Vivian Lucille Williams, 22 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, expired tag over three months and two counts of failure to appear.

Weekend calendar, Dec. 29-Jan. 1

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

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

OKC Zoo Safari Lights

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

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

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 30: Kyle Reid Duo; Sat, Dec 31: Vintage Vinyl; $60; simpletix.com

December Live Music at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 30: John the Franklin @ 8 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

USTRC Superbowl Team Roping

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 30 – Sun, Jan 1; lazye.com

Snowflake Ornaments

Kyle

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 12 – Sun, Jan 1, 2023; okczoo.org

Red Earth Treefest

Location: BancFirst Tower

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

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Dec, 29; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Dec, 31; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Reindeer Glasses

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Dec, 30; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 31 – Sun, Jan 1; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

OKC Broadway presents: Cats

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 30 – Sun, Jan 1; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 – 8 p.m.; Sun: 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; okcbroadway.com

Oklahoma

Gun Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 31 – Sun, Jan 1;

Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. –4 p.m.; oklahomagunshow.com

Opening Night Location: Various Locations, downtown OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 31; 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.; artscouncilokc.com

New Years Eve with My So Called Band

Location: The Jones Assembly

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 31 – Sun, Jan 1; 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.; thejonesassembly.com

Cattlemen’s Congress

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 31 – Thu, Jan 12; cattlemenscongress.com

Guided Walking Tour

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 31; 10 – 11 a.m.; myriadgardens.org

Nativity display protections sought

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation last week to protect public and private Christmas Nativity displays.

“As we look forward to celebrating Christmas with our families in the coming days, we must protect time honored traditions in our state,” Dahm said. “One of these traditions is the display of nativity scenes representing the birth of Christ.”

Senate Bill 74 states that any county, municipality, city, town, school or any other political subdivi-

sion, or every person, individually or collectively as a group or organization, or every public or private business operating in the state, retain the authority to display, in its public or private buildings and on its grounds, a nativity scene.

“Bad actors have been attempting to demonize and eliminate our traditions and holidays for years,” Dahm said.

“This bill ensures that any person or entity that wishes to celebrate Christmas by displaying a nativity scene can do so without fear of repercussions.”

Pork Council helps Regional Food Bank

The Oklahoma Pork Council announced its annual donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Pork for Packs program in the amount of $10,000.

“We are so grateful to have the support of the Oklahoma Pork Council and the pork producers they represent in the fight against hunger,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “It takes all of us working together to help end hunger.”

Pork for Packs utilizes donated hogs from Oklahoma 4-H and FFA members to create protein sticks for the Food for Kids backpack program for elementary students. This innova-

tive program was started by the Regional Food Bank in 2003 when they recognized the need to help supplement children’s diets when the school lunch program was unavailable.

The program provides chronically hungry children with backpacks filled with non-perishable, kid-friendly food including the protein sticks to sustain them throughout weekends and school holidays.

Between the Regional Food Bank and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the program serves 596 schools in all 77 Oklahoma counties, providing backpacks to more than 35,000 chronically hungry children each week.

First Friday Walk at Paseo

It’s the start of a new year, and the Paseo Arts Association is presenting its first exhibitions for 2023.

These exhibitions will open during First Friday Gallery Walk, a monthly event where patrons come to enjoy an evening of special themed exhibits, guest artists, restaurants and live entertainment, all within walking distance. An opening reception will be held on Jan. 6 from 6-9pm inside the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center.

The first exhibition will showcase a selection of prints created by late Oklahoma artist, Dan Kiacz (19482004).

Kiacz was a long-time faculty member of the University of Oklahoma and the first visual arts instructor at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute.

Kiacz has created over 400 relief prints and a limited selection will be displayed and available for purchase. Each print is a signed original and are tributes to Quartz Mountain State Park in southwestern Oklahoma. Proceeds will benefit the Dan Kiacz Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will provide scholarships for high school students attending the

Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. The next exhibition is by Alex Turner a.k.a “JAT”. Turner is an 18year-old artist and filmmaker born and raised in Oklahoma City. Turner began collecting MAD magazines at a young age and became obsessed with their creative style. By implementing wild cartoonish and vintage styled characters and pop culture driven subjects, Turner’s artwork explores the events of past and how history is often overlooked through early graffiti styles, mixed media and collaged photos from outdated encyclopedias.

Gallery III is excited to display a curated collection of donated art work by Michi Susan (1925-2020) for the month of January. All artwork was donated by Michi Susan’s estate to the Paseo Arts Association and was originally displayed in June 2022 for the Celebrating Michi Susan Exhibit. Each piece will be on sale for the month of January in this final display of the collection. Visit us during First Friday Gallery Walk for an opportunity to collect a one-of-a-kind artwork by Susan, whose legacy in the Oklahoma art community will live on forever.

Part of Dan Kiacz’s work to be exhibited.

ESA and The Hugs Project

Earlier in the month, Gamma Zeta and volunteers were getting the final boxes ready to send to the troops overseas. Working were Liz King, Col.(ret) Jim Putnam, Dr. Billye Putnam, and Theresa Epperly and Lydia, her daughter.

The Hugs Project was started in June 2004 by Ray and Karen Stark in Edmond, Ok as a labor of love. They wanted to make sure every American service member knows he or she is loved and appreciated by those who remain at home enjoying the freedom the soldiers provide.

America still has over 10,000 de-

ployed troops in Iraq, as well as Honduras, the Ukraine, Jordan Poland, Romania, Kuwait, Cuba, Africa, etc. They are having trouble getting supplies because the stores are not being restocked. The US Military does not want to leave tons of supplies for whoever comes in next so even basic items are hard to come by.

Gamma Zeta is a chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha international philanthropic organization that works with nonprofit charities in Edmond. Gamma Zeta wants to support some of America’s finest young men and women.

A fall social draws more than 30 members

Epsilon Sigma Alpha's Gamma Zeta Edmond chapter and Zeta Gamma Shawnee chapter enjoyed the Chicken Shack’s delicious food at their combined fall social. Over 30 members enjoyed the festivities with good music, fellowship, food, and fun atmosphere.

Nationwide Epsilon Sigma Alpha raised over $277,800.00 this past year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as its international project. This amount did not include the St. Jude Dream Home. ESA is an international, non-profit philanthropic service organization where members

volunteer time and monies for local charitable organizations. St. Jude, their international project, was founded by Danny Thomas who asked ESA in 1972 to support his dream that “no child should die in the dawn of life.” Founded in 1929, ESA is one of the world’s most distinctive leadership service organizations. With its programs, information, and support, ESA helps its members make a positive difference in the world as shown through its dedication to St. Jude.

If you would like to join this effort, contact Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954.

Forensic expert speaks at ESA

Guest speaker Kayla Stillwell, Norman Police Department forensic expert and St. Jude survivor, spoke at the Epsilon Sigma Alpha conference recently.

Stillwell is a lab researcher and scientific analysis expert who works closely with the OSBI. She is on call 24-7 every other week and loves her job. Stillwell spoke about how to not be a victim of crime, explained fingerprinting and palm printing for cases, and how she

is a St. Jude survivor because at the age of 3, she had cancer. Her presentation was very moving and informative.

When she agreed to speak to the conference, she did not know Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international philanthropic organization, was one of the major contributors of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her story was very moving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the E.S.A. national project.

Soiree of sisters

Some past and present Gamma Zeta members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international philanthropic organization, gathered recently.

Gamma Zeta held a soiree of sisters with present and past members attending. Past members were invited to share in a fun evening of fellowship and remembrance. Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s mission statement reads: “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.”

Established in 1929 in Texas as a reading group, ESA is a network of an estimated 10,000 members in over 1,000 community-based chapters in the United States and abroad. All service by ESA members is unpaid. Nationwide ESA members donated approximately 650,000 hours of volunteer work in 2022.

For more information about this energetic group, please call Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954.

Liz King & Billye Putnam

Jim Putnam

Theresa Epperly & daughter Lydia

Left to right: Linda Voss, Patty Heer, Jacci Gantz, Jacque Cantrel, Peggy Campbell and Gwen Beasley.

Kayla

Grant will help continue study on All-Black towns

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) received a $75,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS) to continue its historic survey of All-Black towns in Oklahoma.

African Americans who settled in Oklahoma established more than 50 identifiable All-Black towns between the end of the Civil War and 1920. Thirteen of the towns remain today.

The $75,000 grant for the SHPO is part of $1.2 million in Underrepresented Community Grants for 21 projects across the nation. Grant recipients will survey sites and produce National Register of Historic Places nominations or amendments for diverse communities through its Underrepresented Community grant programs.

“Since 2014, the Underrepresented Community Grants program has provided $5.75 million to better tell the varied histories and stories of all Ameri-

cans so that they may one day no longer be called underrepresented,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams.

For more information, contact Lynda Ozan, deputy state historic preservation officer, at 405-5224484 or lynda.ozan@history.ok.gov.

The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

... We’re on YOUR Side

2023 is on its way

By Steve Gust

Can you believe it’s going to be 2023 soon?

Then we’ll have 2022 filed away.

What gets me is the challenging year of 2020 is starting to really be in the rear view mirror. What I’ll never forget about that year (besides the pandemic) is the October ice storm. That knocked tree limbs off everywhere. I went without power for about two weeks.

My generator used about ten gallons a day. Oh well. Enough of the good old days. The new year will bring us all a chance to do things right this time around. Will we stumble? Of course. But get up, dust yourself off, and try again.

My advice is work hard, but never neglect your family. Always try to learn something. Be kind to others and don’t be afraid to give. It amazes me how many people, and groups, need help out there. And if you can’t always give money, pray for them. Share some

goodness kindness with people.

Something that should be at the top of your list, is to follow Edmond Life & Leisure. Each week we will bring you stories with good advice. We’ll also highlight people who have earned honors and recognition.

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On the other end of the community honor roll, there are other people who find themselves in the police report.

This week I was surprised with the number of drunk driving arrests the Edmond Police made. There were many. What a shame some people decide to drink and drive. They put themselves and innocent people at risk.

I would urge people not to drive impaired. It’s just not worth it. And these days people can always call a ride sharing service if they think they’ve had too much to drink.

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Anyway, I hope it’s a great 2023 for you. Like always, if you have a story idea for us, please share. My e-mail is at the bottom of this column. Happy new year.’

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

Bills take aim at immigration problem

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed multiple bills aimed at preventing and disincentivizing illegal immigration.

“Just because this invasion of illegal aliens isn’t on the news anymore doesn’t mean it has been solved,” Dahm said. “Quite the contrary, it is as bad as it has ever been. These bills will not only provide support – both financially and physically – to border states, but also remove one of the biggest incentives for illegals invading.”

Senate Bill 53 would prevent babies born to illegal aliens from receiving automatic citizenship in Oklahoma. The bill would require each birth certificate for a child born in Oklahoma to include the citizenship of the parents. If neither of the parents are citizens of the United States, the child will not be granted U.S. or Oklahoma citizenship.

“On this day in 1823, the state of Georgia enacted the first birth registration law,” Dahm said. “Gradually, other states followed suit. In addition, the Constitution states that you are a citizen of the United States and the state wherein you reside. History and the constitution show us that this is clearly a state issue.”

“Rewarding people with the rights of citizenship when they’ve broken our laws is absurd,” Dahm said. “It’s a slap in the face to those attempting to enter our country and gain citizenship legally, and it provides a perverse incentive to those wishing to skirt the system.”

SB 47 would allow the governor to send the Oklahoma National Guard to help states along the southern border and to provide extra security.

“Several states have already sent their law enforcement personnel to help secure the border,” Dahm said.

“This will clarify existing law to ensure the governor has additional authority to send members of the National Guard to those border states that need the support.”

SB 50 would send federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds to border states to help build and strengthen the wall on the southern border.

“While the rogue regime in Washington is spending billions of dollars to help Ukraine or secure the borders of other countries, our border is wide open,” Dahm said. “The border states are willing to do the job, but they need additional resources.”

St.

Sen. Lankford looks back at year

I pray you and your family get some much-needed rest and togetherness this season, and I pray we would remember and work to bless our family members, friends, and neighbors who may be struggling during this time of year. In the hustle of the season, remember the joy of Christ’s birth that led to our redemption and salvation.

I offered a brief prayer for Oklahoma and our nation this year through our local newspapers, and I hope you will take a moment to read it and pray through it with me.

Congress’s Massive Spending Problem

Last week, the Senate finally got around to funding the government. Senator Chuck Schumer decided to push through what’s called an “omnibus” spending bill—this one was more than 4,000 pages and costs al-

most $2 trillion (with a T)—to fund the government through September 30, 2023. Half of the bill was spending, and half of the bill was new policies that were never debated or even considered on the Senate floor. Not a single Senator read the bill before it passed. I was a strong “No” on this bill for many reasons, starting with no ability to know what was in it, billions of dollars of additional deficit spending, billions of new earmark spending, and much more. While there are some areas of the bill that I would not oppose, this bill had too many problems.

I could not support its final passage. If we had extended the debate into next year, we could have more transparency and greater ability to limit spending. Oklahomans deserve to know how their hardearned tax dollars are spent before there is a vote to spend them.

Getting the National Defense Bill to the Finish Line in 2022

This year’s defense bill, officially known as the Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Au-

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thorization Act (or the NDAA), which I supported, passed Congress last week and included a number of important provisions to help Oklahoma's military installations, our service members, veterans, and their families. I worked on issues dealing with veteran housing, religious accommodation requests for our nation’s service members who did not want to be forced to get the COVID-19 vaccine, specific upgrades to our military installations, a military pay raise, and more.

I made sure our Tulsa VA medical center got the authorization and funding needed to keep going with construction even with Biden’s high inflation driving up construction costs. The new Tulsa VA will undoubtedly be a great place to take care of our veterans, but it needs to stay on schedule during construction to meet the needs of our veterans.

In the defense bill, I got the COVID-19 vaccine mandate ended for our service members, and now I’m working for reinstatement and back pay for those service members whose military careers were ended because of Biden’s vaccine mandate.

Illegal Immigration and Title 42

We’ve known for over a year that the Biden Administration would end the pandemic-related Title 42 authority and allow even more people to illegally cross our southern border. The big question was always: would the Administration even try to stop the flow of migrants into our country? The answer is now a clear "No."

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The Biden Administration is actually encouraging more illegal immigration by giving every person who comes across the border a work permit, sometimes the same day they cross. That tells people who are thinking about coming illegally that they can come to the US, cross our border, and be rewarded. The Administration has also used Border Patrol funding to create systems to help people enter the country faster, rather than deter people from entering the country. They are literally rewarding illegal activity.

To give a perspective of how bad the illegal activity

Lankford

Steve Gust

‘Just because this invasion of illegal aliens isn’t on the news anymore doesn’t mean it has been solved.’

Sen. Nathan Dahm

at the border has become, the peak year of illegal crossing under President Obama was just over 500,000 people in a year. Under President Biden, our nation has seen over 500,000 illegal crossings in just the past two months, with no plan to stop it or deter the massive increase of drugs coming into our country every day.

Last week, I asked the Senate to pass my solution, which I actually introduced in April, to keep the temporary Title 42 authority in place until a workable alternative is ready to go—not just something that processes people into the country faster. Unfortunately Democrats blocked my bill on the floor of the Senate.

Time will tell how many more people will get moved into the interior of our country faster because the Democrats control the border enforcement and refuse to stop illegal activity when they see it.

It is not compassionate to encourage families across the globe to pay the cartels to smuggle them through Mexico. We need border enforcement and a working legal immigration system.

Wrapping up 2022

Each year, my team and I work to bring you a wrap-up of some of what we accomplished for Oklahoma during the last year. Oklahomans tell me often that they hear a lot of noise coming out of Washington, DC, but don’t ever actually see anything good happening. Here are some of the things we accomplished for all Oklahomans in 2022.

My Work to Stand Up for Our Veterans and Service Members in 2022

My team and I worked to support hundreds of service members and veterans through our office’s casework process by resolving issues at the Department of Defense, with the individual service branches, and others for our Oklahoma veterans.

Our nation is better because of our Armed Forces and their families. That’s why I’m honored to tell you that my bill to help military spouses start and keep a career with a federal agency passed the Senate this year.

My bill gives military spouses the ability to work in fully remote positions for the federal government so they can keep their job, even if they get moved around because of their spouse’s mission in our military. This just makes sense for our military spouses, and now it’s going to be a reality.

Another area where we were successful this year

was actually something that Oklahomans brought directly to my office. Oklahoma service members, their families, and their rural pharmacists called and emailed me about losing access to their neighborhood and family-owned pharmacies because TRICARE and Express Scripts stopped their contracts with small pharmacies without notice. We immediately took action and directly worked with the Defense Health Agency and Express Scripts to try to get this changed. Now, local pharmacies will have an opportunity to fully consider TRICARE contracts so they can hopefully once again work with service members to fill their prescriptions.

I made sure we brought existing federal funds—

those available for upkeep of schools on our nation’s military bases—to Oklahoma.

I personally toured L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School, which serves the children of our US Air Force at Altus Air Force Base, and saw the immediate need to replace the aging facility for the students and workers at the school. I helped ensure the Base’s request was heard loud and clear in Washington, DC, and fought for the funding needed to rebuild this school for the kids on Altus Air Force Base.

This was yet another area where we saw a need, and we made sure that need was met for our service members and their families, without adding additional national debt.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Edmond, has worked to make sure military families, and veterans, given what they’ve earned.

A grand opening for Pristine Health

Pristine Health recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 1709 W. 33rd St.

Carley McLaughlin is the lead provider at Pristine Health and has been in the medical field since 2008. Carley began her career as an RN working in various hospital roles until 2017. Carley was accepted to the University of Oklahoma nurse practitioner program in 2017 and completed her degree in 2019.

Pristine offers a wide variety of services including Preventative care, diagnose and treat common medical diseases, educate patients on choosing healthy lifestyle options and make referrals to specialists, when needed. Medical and Weight loss Comprehensive metabolic program to assist with weight loss through use of medication and diet/exercise recommendations. Hormone Replacement, BioTe and other forms of hormone replacement. Aesthetics, IV Infusions, and Injections.

To learn more about Pristine Health, visit www.pristinehealthok.com.

Accreditation news at UCO

The University of Central Oklahoma has earned an eight-year accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) for its Master of Science in speech-language pathology (SLP). Central is one of four CAA-accredited programs in the state to offer a Master of Science in SLP.

“This accreditation is confirmation of the outstanding program we have at UCO and announces to the profession that we are providing quality education,” said Linda Sealey, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, professor of advanced professional and special services at Central.

“Our students, and the hiring community, are assured the UCO SLP program educates students in the core set of skills and knowledge required for independent practice."

Accredited programs undergo a self-study, site visit and peer review process, during which they demonstrate accreditation standards and continuous quality improvement.

The UCO Master of Science in SLP is a 50-credit hour program, including 400 clinical hours of practicum rotations in a balance of both medical and public-school settings, which is usually completed within two years of full-time study. To become a certified SLP, students must pass the Praxis examination, in which Central SLP students have a pass rate of 98.33% throughout the past three years.

The CAA serves the public by promoting excellence in the graduate education of audiologists and SLPs. Graduates from a CAA-accredited program are educated in a core set of skills and knowledge required for entry into independent professional practice.

For more information about UCO’s Master of Science in speech-language pathology, visit www.uco.edu/programs/jcgs/ceps/master-ofscience-in-speech-language-pathology.

By George Gust

Written and directed by Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”

“La La Land”), “Babylon” cashes in on Chazelle’s past critical success to create a no holds barred ode to the early days of Hollywood. Telling a tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters (Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva) during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.

For better or worse “Babylon” is an expression of a singular author in Chazelle and certainly unlike any of the other box office offerings this holiday season. From the opening scenes of this film there’s a palpable energy that grabs the audience by the collar and doesn’t let go for the majority of its over 3 hour running time.

Recreating the wild unhinged party and drug culture of 1920’s Hollywood “Babylon” pulls no punches delving deep into the depravity and depicting the full spectrum of lecherous and vulgar activities of the rich and famous. And this crazed over-the-top approach may prove to be too intense for those in the audience with a weak stomach during some of the true grossout scenes.

With the amped up tone of “Babylon” the main cast is tasked with matching the energy of the film,

and the trio of Pitt, Robbie and Calva all fall in line with that tone in differing ways. Robbie’s performance is unapologetic and matches the tone that Chazelle aims to produce.

Calva is the most relatable of the trio and brings in a romanticized view of the industry in a way that provides the only grounding to the hyper stylized tone. And Pitt is putting in some strong supporting character work in this film as the out of touch silent movie star who has coasted on his good looks to great success, which Pitt is able to bring some empathetic emotions to even as the gonzo Gatsby-esque parties rage on behind him.

Overall, “Babylon” is an experiential musical movie

whose wild tone and energetic pacing can feel downright exhausting at times. However, the filmmaking behind “Babylon” is undeniably top notch. “Babylon” offers some of the most engaging sequences in cinema this year by seamlessly blending a propulsive jazz soundtrack (a hallmark of Chazelles past films), beautifully staged set pieces with grand sweeping camera movements over the organized chaos of a cavalcade of extra performers. In a way “Babylon” is a love letter to filmmaking and the power of the movies, a point that become all too apparent by the final scenes, but unlike other films that celebrate the power of the movies “Babylon” opts to celebrate the excess of the roaring 20s in both its depiction of depravity and bloated 3 hour run time. It’s not a movie for everyone, but the technical aspects of the filmmaking behind “Babylon” are a treat to behold even if the overall experience can be exhausting to watch and keep up with.

“Babylon” is rated R for strong and crude sexual content, graphic nudity, bloody violence, drug use, and pervasive language.

3 out of 5 stars

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Road work scheduled this week

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Fourth Street closing this week for work on Stephenson Park improvement project

Work to add parking, streetscape improvements will keep portion closed into July 2023

Fourth Street between Littler Avenue and South Boulevard will be closed beginning this week while work is done as part of the Stephenson Park Improvement Project.

That section of Fourth Street is expected to be closed into July 2023 while work to add on-street parking, put down new paving and install streetscape upgrades are completed.

Drivers are asked to adjust their routes and travel schedule accordingly.

Work on the stormwater infrastructure, a part of the project that required a closure of Fifth Street, has been completed and Fifth Street is now reopened.

The project is part of the $6.5 million renovation projects at Stephenson Park, which also includes adding green space, upgrading stormwater infrastructure and water infrastructure.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Brad Pitt and Diego Calva star in the 3 hour epic about the wild early days of 1920s Hollywood.

OMRF scientist wins rare grant to study brain research

An Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist focused on healthy brain aging has secured a rare National Institutes of Health fellowship aimed at preparing young researchers to run their own labs.

Victor Ansere, a graduate student in the lab of OMRF scientist Bill Freeman, Ph.D., will study the restorative effects of donated blood plasma in research models of aging brains and obesity.

Ansere is the first in Oklahoma to land an NIH Pathway to Independence Award. Launched in 2014, it is the only NIH grant program open to scientists who are in the U.S. on a temporary visa.

A native of Kumasi, Ghana, Ansere arrived in Oklahoma in 2018 with a master’s degree in clinical pharmacology. He has worked in Freeman’s lab since 2019.

Ansere is pursuing his doctorate in physiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The NIH fellowship program provides a monthly stipend to complete a Ph.D. and then covers the scientist’s salary and expenses for up to three years of

postdoctoral training.

“This is a fantastic validation of the work Victor has put in,” Freeman said. “His area of research is extremely challenging and requires extensive amounts of time, which is why there are so few people working in it. But it has potential to make a big impact.”

Ansere’s research focuses on the brain’s primary immune cells, called microglia. “We believe that as you age, these microglia become more reactive, ready to fight, and that obesity can have the same effect,” Ansere said. “But being constantly on guard can lead to brain inflammation that can cause neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.”

He hopes to show through research models that plasma from a younger donor can keep the microglia in check in aging brains, preventing this inflammation. Ansere will also test whether a calorie-restricted diet can reverse damage to microglia.

Ansere’s grant, F99AG079813, is funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the NIH.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Victor Ansere.

Sweet Life on Broadway, recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 3601 S Broadway Avenue, Suite 500.

Sweet Life on Broadway is a new nutritional club on Broadway Avenue. They provide Health Shakes, Teas, Energy, Iced Coffee, Protein Waffles and a variety of baked goods. They strive to make healthy taste good and are here to help make healthy an easier option. Sweet Life on Broadway can also assist in your weight loss journey by developing a program that works for you. At Sweet Life, they embrace who you are and what you are trying to do every step of the way.

To learn more about Sweet Life on Broadway, visit their Instagram @sweetlifeonbroadway.

OKC Philharmonic in concert on Jan. 7

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic begins the new year with our fourth Inasmuch Classics Series concert, “Nordic Soundscapes,” Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall.

“When you think of ‘Nordic,’ what comes to mind?” asks Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate. “To me, it’s northern lights, Finnish lakes, Icelandic fire and ice, Norwegian fjords, Swedish lifestyle. Simply put, pristine and clear beauty.”

Mickelthwate and the OKCPHIL will take the audience on a musical journey with music from some of that region’s biggest stars. The first half centers around two Icelandic pop stars—singer Bjork, and Kjartan Sveinsson, pianist for the band Sigur Ros.

“Bjork is famous not only for her ‘swan dress’ at the Oscars, but for her unique songs, colorful instrumentations, renaissance voice and quirky lyrics,” Mickelthwate said. “Our singer bringing Bjork’s songs to life will be Grammy Award-winning soprano Hila Plitmann, with whom I had worked during my time at the LA Philharmonic.”

Mickelthwate traveled to the Ice-

landic capital of Reykjavik a few years ago. While there, he had coffee with Sveinsson, and toured his studio.

“Sveinsson’s band, Sigur Ros, is famous for its emotional and melancholic sound worlds,” Mickelthwate said. “Their studio is surrounded by nature, a huge mountain range, and water. His music seems to go back to the Renaissance time. There is nothing contemporary, it is pure beauty, as if he captured the essence of his surroundings through music.”

The second half of the concert features Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5.

“Composers are inspired by all sorts of things,” Mickelthwate said. “While working in his composition hut in the Finnish countryside, a group of swans flew right about Sibelius’ head. He was struck by sudden inspiration and composed the famous brass theme of the last movement in his Symphony No. 5. We are looking forward to playing that for our audience in Oklahoma City.”

Tickets for “Nordic Soundscapes” are on sale now at the OKCPHIL Box Office at okcphil.org or by phone at 405-TICKETS.

Blood donations needed

Our Blood Institute is encouraging all area residents to make blood donation a priority during the upcoming frigid weather conditions to ensure patients have the lifesaving blood products they need.

OBI is already experiencing blood donor appointment cancellations, and more are anticipated as winter weather moves into the area.

The loss of scheduled donations will impact the local blood supply. Those who donate to a donor center Thursday, Dec. 22 through Saturday, Dec. 24 will receive free hot chocolate and their choice of a win-

ter hat or gloves.

Successful donors will also receive a holiday-themed long-sleeved T-shirt, a Christmas ornament, and will be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card. Visit obi.org or call 877-340-8777 to make an appointment.

In the OKC metro, Our Blood Institute is located at:

Central OKC, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd.

North OKC, 5105 N. Portland Ave. Edmond, 3409 S. Broadway, Suite 300

Norman, 1004 24th Ave., N.W., Suite 101

Enjoy Optical celebrates grand opening in Edmond

Enjoy Optical recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 109 N. Broadway.

A family-owned optical shop has opened in Edmond. They offer independent eyewear in an easy, minimal way. They love the community and want to give back to those who live here, by making quality eyewear in a joyful en-

Arledge welcomes four new hires

Edmond accounting firm Arledge recently announced that Derek Alonzo, Jimmy Belobraydic, Phillip Chandler and Sergio Ribeiro have joined the firm in various roles.

“We are excited to welcome four outstanding professionals to our audit and tax management teams,” said LaDonna Sinning, partner. “We are confident their expertise will serve our clients well as part of the team they rely on for financial services management.”

Alonzo, a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) with degrees in accounting and marketing, will serve as an audit supervisor. He has worked in similar roles since 2018.

Belobraydic has joined the team as a senior tax manager. He graduated from UCO in 2016 with degrees in accounting and business administra-

tion. Belobraydic brings more than five years of experience to the position.

Chandler will work as an audit manager. He graduated from UCO in 2013 with a degree in accounting and has worked in the field for nearly a decade.

Ribeiro has been hired as an audit associate. He holds a master’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma City University and a bachelor of business administration with emphasis in accounting and ethics from Mid-America Christian University. Ribeiro has worked in accounting for more than five years.

Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax preparation and planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

The top chamber ambassador

Darla Hall has been active with the Edmond Chamber for the past three years and the Ambassadors Council.

She attends numerous Chamber events throughout the year.

She is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class XVII and Leadership Edmond Class 36.

During her Leadership Edmond year, she served as Intern Board Member for the Edmond Rotary Club as well as Peaceful Family Oklahoma.

She is a very active volunteer for Edmond Mobile Meals and Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma, and serves on the Women In Banking Committee for the Oklahoma Bankers Association.

Darla has worked in the banking industry for over 25 years and is cur-

rently Vice President/Director of Business Development for Regent Bank with a primary focus on the nonprofit and cannabis industries.

Celebrate the accomplishments of 2022 at the Annual Awards Banquet Feb. 2 PRESENTED BY: ARVEST BANK

Award recognitions including:

INTEGRIS Health Volunteer of the Year

Mercy Ambassador of the Year

RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Year

Tinker Federal Credit Union Non Profit of the Year

OU Health Edmond Young Professional of the Year

Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year

First United Bank Small Business of the Year

Citizens Bank Citizen of the Year

vironment.

You can expect honest and clear guidance, as you find your next perfect pair of glasses! They offer glasses with (and without) prescription lenses. Visit Enjoy Optical for all your eyewear needs!

To learn more about Enjoy Optical, visit www.enjoyoptical.co.

Darla Hall

Get & stay healthy next year

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) offers free resources to help Oklahomans achieve their New Year’s health resolutions through small daily steps. Whether you wish to eat more nutritiously, move more or start living tobacco free, TSET programs like the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and Shape Your Future can help you plan — and stay encouraged — to reach your goals.

“The New Year is a great time to tackle harmful habits like tobacco use and eating unhealthy foods,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET. “Taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can make a big difference. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and Shape Your Future are here to help you make those real and sustainable changes to live a healthier life.”

The number one thing you can do for your health is not to use tobacco products. Quitting tobacco is no small change, but the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is there for you every step of the way. The Helpline offers free resources, personalized services

and nonjudgmental support to make quitting tobacco a realistic goal. Call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore the free resources available to Oklahomans, including free patches, gum or lozenges.

Shape Your Future provides tips and tools all Oklahomans can use to live healthier lives. ShapeYourFutureOK.com offers quick and healthy recipe ideas, meal plans, fun ways to get moving and more. You can even take the seven-question Health Quiz to learn where you stand, and which small steps can help kick off your new health journey.

Here are a few healthy changes to consider making in 2023:

Drink more water and less soda

Get a few more minutes of physical activity in your day by going on a walk

Add fruits and veggies to snack time

Cook more healthy meals at home Get better sleep by turning off screens an hour before bedtime

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Family Circus

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Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Sunbeam offers $8,000 bonus for new teachers

Sunbeam Family Services has announced a new one-year $8,000 incentive for childcare teachers at their locations across the Oklahoma City metroarea. Eligible positions include full-time mentor lead teachers, lead teachers, assistant teachers and family educators hired by Feb 24, 2023.

“Sunbeam continues to open new locations to provide high-quality early care and education services for babies and toddlers – and wrap around support for their families,” said Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal. “When families can build a strong foundation for their children, we all have brighter futures. If you’re looking for a way to make a deep and personal impact in our community, you belong at Sunbeam.”

Sunbeam teachers experience low staff-to-child ratios and have no out-of-pocket costs for classroom supplies. They are also assisted by a team of experts to support children’s families and connect them with resources.

Sunbeam offers professional development and opportunities for promotion and advancement. Employees also receive a generous leave and benefits package that includes medical, dental, life and disability insurance.

“The heart of Sunbeam’s work is our people,” said Rahhal. “Beamers are supported to grow, be a part of the team, and foster hope. Your voice is important here. At Sunbeam, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all. “

Sunbeam has been a “Best Place to Work” since 2015 For more information, or to apply, visit SunbeamFamilyServices.org.

Bill filed to end ongoing clock routine

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation last week to end the unnecessary and potentially harmful practice of setting clocks forward and back every year.

“As we pass through the shortest day of the year, let’s not forget the feds steal an hour from us each year with their daylight saving Ponzi scheme only to give it back later,” Dahm said. “It’s time we end this archaic practice in our state.”

Senate Bill 69, if passed, would create Central Daylight Time (CDT) in Oklahoma, ending the practice of turning clocks back an hour in No-

vember and then setting them forward an hour in March, keeping the extra hour of daylight all year long.

“There is a plethora of research indicating these arbitrary time changes can have long-term negative effects on sleep quality,” Dahm said. “This in turn increases the risk of health problems such as heart attacks, depression, and fatigue.”

A number of states in the nation have passed measures to end the practice, but federal legislation allowing the change seems to have stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives.