Edmond Life and Leisure - March 11, 2021

March 11, 2021 Vol. 21, No. 43

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Easing back to normal

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

UCO basketball trio honored See page 16

FRIDAY, March 12 Thunderstorms High 73° Low 51°

SATURDAY, March 13 Thunderstorms High 57° Low 39°

SUNDAY, March 14 Showers High 53° Low 35°

EPS upping time in classroom Monday night, Board of Education members voted for Edmond students to return to four days a week in-person instruction later this month. This is a temporary plan only for the remainder of this school year.

The board accepted and approved the recommendations of the Return to Class and Covid Advisory Committees for elementary students to return to class on Thursday, March 11, and secondary students to return on Monday, March 22.

The time between the announcement of a return date and the actual return will be used to bring back school furniture that has been in storage and needs to be set up.

Additionally, our child nutrition department needs a 10- day lead-time to order adequate food supplies.

Elementary Return Date is Thursday, March 11.

Returning to more full-time in-person instruction on March 11 and March 12 gives our young scholars time to learn adjusted procedures

and a new world with double the number of students. This additional time also allows the district to try and hire more elementary teachers and staff as needed for some schools where the classes have higher than optimal numbers. Then, following Spring Break, it would be a natural flow to bring our elementary students back to a four-day week.

Secondary Return Date is Monday, March 22.

Returning to more full-time in-person instruction after Spring Break coincides with the beginning of the 4th nine weeks of instruction in our secondary schools and is thus a natural start date for middle and high school students.

Why Change the A/B Schedule Now? Why would the district consider changing the A/B schedule now?

Within the last week or so, three significant concerns have been addressed that support us transitioning back to in-person learning for our students. The CDC released up-

dated guidelines and protocols on how and when to safely return to in-person learning for our students, we began vaccinating thousands of staff members, and local Covid-19 transmission rates have shown a steady decline.

Why Not Return Five Days?

Although Covid transmission rates have dropped considerably in our community, with double the number of students back in the classroom, we fully anticipate that our quarantine numbers will increase.

Teachers will need to have Wednesdays to prepare online lessons for quarantined students. There are also many logistical and behind-thescenes reasons that revolve around before and aftercare, state testing, and remediation that make 4 days a week ideal compared to 5 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions Why Are Wednesdays a Virtual Day and not Fridays? continued on Page 3

Page 2 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 3

Cover From Page 1 Moving students from in-person two days a week to in-person 4 days a week is a significant change in routine. The break on Wednesdays will give students a day to work at home without a mask in between the 2 inperson days. Friday might possibly feel like a long weekend for students or allow students to put off their Friday work until Sunday night. Finally, every family in the district has childcare and arrangements made for Wednesday. If we moved the remote day to Fridays, families with B students would have to make new arrangements.

What will my child do on Wednesdays?

Wednesdays will be remote learning days. Students will have instruction and lessons on Canvas. Learning should take place on Wednesdays, just as it does on the other days of the week.

Why is elementary returning on March 11 and secondary on March 22?

There are three significant reasons for this. One, elementary classrooms need time to build community and reestablish procedures with both groups present. Also, by doing two days the week before spring break, elementary students are not immediately thrown into a 4 day week with their new friends. Finally, after teachers have the students together for 2 days, they will have the break to make any adjustments that are needed before students return again.

Plus, by staggering the return of the two groups of students, district staff will be able to concentrate on getting the elementary classrooms in order and carefully re-furnished before turning their attention to the hundreds of secondary classrooms.

Then, during spring break, when buildings are empty, EPS staff can move desks and equipment back into the secondary classrooms, which will significantly limit disruptions to students and staff.

Can my child switch from Virtual Edmond back to in-person learning?

When families committed to VE, it was clearly stated that it would be a semester commitment. Students may enroll for in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year.

Will you be able to socially distance in the classroom?

Elementary: While we will not be able to spread students out the 6 feet we have been doing in an A/B learning model, our schools have worked to establish procedures in class and throughout the building to keep small groups of students (“pods”) together in an effort to limit the number of students each person contacts within a day.

Secondary: As recommended in the Feb. 26, 2021, CDC document (“Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation”), secondary schools will provide physical distancing for students and staff

to the greatest extent possible. From class to class, this will vary, depending on the square footage of the classroom space. Some classes will be temporarily moved to larger spaces as needed. For instance, a large vocal music class could move to the auditorium. In many situations, seating arrangements in classrooms can be manipulated to create pods of students, similar to the plan for elementary students. By layering mitigation practices, specifically by maintaining strict adherence to face masks covering the nose and mouth, students and staff can play an important role in protecting themselves and others from the spread of Covid.

Will students still have to quarantine?

Quarantining procedures will still be in place and followed. While quarantine numbers may increase due to having more students in a classroom, we hope that with creating the student pods, we will not have to quarantine entire classes at a time.

Will my student still bring home their device every night?

Yes, students will bring home their devices every night, in the event they would need to quarantine due to an unforeseen exposure during the school day.

Will everything look like it did last year before the pandemic started?

No, at this time we are returning to class, but not returning to school procedures pre-pandemic. In order to continue implementing multiple levels of mitigation strategies, schools will still not hold large group assemblies and will limit guests in the building for the remainder of this school year.

Our plan is that we will be able to return to more normal school procedures for the 2021-22 school year.

What are you going to do if my child is behind academically?

Students K-8 participate in a reading and math screener three times a year to identify learning gaps. If your child is identified as behind academically, you will be notified by your child’s teacher. Summer school opportunities will be made available for students demonstrating the need for summer recovery. Additionally, summer learning activities will be sent home to elementary students on a weekly basis all summer long with the activities based on key fundamental skills.

Will students and staff still be required to wear a mask while on campus?

Yes. Wearing masks is another layer of mitigation against the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to enforce our district-wide mask-wearing policy, which includes covering one’s mouth and nose.

If patrons have a specific question that was not addressed above, or that cannot be answered by school site personnel, they can reach out to the district at Covid19@edmondschools.net.

Local news?

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

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

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

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

From the Publisher

Please slow down in downtown With lifting of some restrictions on the horizon and the vaccine giving hope for the retreat of COVID 19, more folks are out and about. When you throw in the warmer weather that has become more frequent, it can increase the traffic all over our town. Many new businesses have opened in downtown Edmond and that is Ray Hibbard bringing more folks into the area.

It increases the number of people on foot as well. They bring their kids, dogs, grandma and grandpa and the whole dang family. It is wonderful. They only problem can be that the vehicle traffic has not gotten the word that you have to slow down in our Edmond downtown. The Edmond Police Department is watching and we that live most of our lives in the area appreciate it.

I was loading some boxes from my car in front of our office around 5 p.m. one day last week. A giant SUV almost ran into me as it came swinging by at about 45 mph. The speed limit is 20 mph and apparently this person did not know or care. The air from the SUV passing literally pushed me back into my car. It would seem that driving 45 mph in a 20-mph zone was not enough of a violation. The SUV was going south on Broadway and when it got to the very red light at Second Street, it sped up and ran the red light.

This is when you wish there were a police officer around to see such a dangerous driver in action. This time, there was a motorcycle patrol officer parked at the curb. He saw it all and mounted that motorcycle in no time. The officer did light the SUV up as they say. After I finished loading, I headed in the same direction on Broadway only to find it took the officer more than halfway to 15th street to catch the SUV. He was still writing the ticket(s) when I passed by.

Merchants in downtown Edmond want you here. There are so many new places for you and your family to see and do. We have interactive art pieces, loads of walking room, good parking, fantastic new places to eat and the old favorites as well. We do want you to slow down and take care not to use Broadway as the Edmond version of the German Autobahn. Our speed limit is now 20 and several intersections have no turn on red.

It is angle parking which should also give cars reason to slow down.

We have at least four outdoor dining or “Streateries” set up closer to the street in what were parking places. There are giant barricades to warn cars off and I actually think these have made cars slow down. What bothers me the most is the speed that some vehicles travel. It is just too fast, and God forbid they hit a pedestrian.

If all that is not enough to give you pause and obey the traffic rules in downtown Edmond, the Edmond Police Depart is on patrol to make sure you follow the rules. They are determined to slow folks down and keep downtown Edmond safe. Please come see us in downtown Edmond but keep your speed at 20 mph.

Streatery Grant Program Speaking of the new use of Streateries in Edmond, there is now aid for businesses to encourage social distancing practices by installing this new outdoor seating format. It has proven popular in the downtown area. The City of Edmond has created the policy for restaurants and like businesses to operate the streateries which are defined as the use of on-street parking spaces adjacent to a business for outdoor seating and dining.

The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) has approved $30,000 to create a matching grant program for streatery design, construction, and equipment.

Key Program Components - Maximum grant amount of $5,000 per streatery.

- It’s a “matching” grant, which means that each party (the restaurant and EEDA) contributes 50% of the cost (noting that EEDA’s contribution maxes out at $5,000 (see above)).

- The funds are disbursed as a reimbursement.

This means that the restaurant must first incur the full cost to design, build, and equip their streatery. Once the streatery is finished (including passing any inspections that could be required), EEDA will grant 50% of the cost, up to a max of $5,000, back to the restaurant.

- It’s administratively approvable. This means EEDA staff can review your expenses and disburse the funds without the need to take each request to the EEDA Board of Trustees.

wanted done, they should have taken time to explain themselves.

This same item was on the ballot in other cities including Yukon and Moore, and was approved previously in Oklahoma City, Midwest City and Tulsa. I do believe in at least Yukon, there was no proposed increase and that the amount would stay at 2%. It makes me wonder whey they wanted Edmond residents to pay more.

The exclusive election date was chosen and paid for by the utility company. I can assume it was a desire for a low voter turnout. Did they think this would make it more likely to pass? If that was the thought process, then they were incorrect. Even more of a mystery is why ONG did not put out more information on the need or reason for the change. Some in our community thought the City of Edmond was behind the mysterious vote but that is not true. It was all brought into play by ONG. Confusing at best.

Does the failure of the measure make a difference to taxpayers? Not in the least folks. We are still paying for maintaining the Right of Ways for the utility company. The funds come from either the general fund of the city or the increase would have come from an addition 1% of the fee that would have been passed on to rate payers, the same people. We will be contacting the folks at ONG hoping they can shed more light on why they were asking for the increase.

Plans and specifications for businesses wishing to apply to put in a streatery can be submitted to Jan Fees in the Planning Department, 10 S. Littler, Edmond, Oklahoma, 73034 or jan.fees@edmondok.com. Questions can be sent to planning@edmondok.com or 405.359.4790.

Mysterious election held last week We receive calls last week after the March 2 Oklahoma Natural Gas Franchise election for Edmond. It was a quiet one and honestly, ONG kept it quiet from us as well. We received no information from them about this change that the company was seeking.

The election was to create a formal Franchise Agreement between Oklahoma Natural Gas and the City of Edmond. This agreement was requested by Oklahoma Natural Gas to replace the city's Gross Receipts Ordinance.

Since 1938, Edmond has had a Gross Receipts Ordinance for natural gas, which was last amended in 1954 and specifies that the City receives 2% of those revenues. If it had been approved the City of Edmond would have begun receiving 3% of such revenues, and that 1% increase was roughly estimated to be about an additional $300,000 in additional General Fund revenue. The money is used by the city to maintain the Right of Ways for the utility company.

You could not have figured any of that out from the wording on the ballot. It was the only item on the ballot and voter turnout was around 1,700 voters. The proposition failed most likely due to voters not understanding what was at issue and why. Since it was something ONG

Karla Bonoff Bonoff rescheduled, again.

Like so many things during the pandemic, another Tres Amigos concert has been rescheduled.

The Karla Bonoff concert that was previously rescheduled for Friday April 16th at the UCO Jazz Lab must be postponed. The new date for Bonoff to appear is Friday, November 19th, 2021. The performance is still at the UCO Jazz Lab. If this date does not work for any current ticket holders, the Tres Amigos will cheerfully refund your ticket price.

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Tough times for Doctor Seuss ....................................................Page 10.

---- State tackling child obesity problem ..........................................Page 11.

---- A great recipe for Sloppy Joes ....................................................Page 12.

---- High school student part of OMRF team ..................................Page 13.

---- George Gust looks at sequel ‘Coming 2 America’ ....................Page 14.

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

---- Sports ........................................................................................Page 16.

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

This, and much more, in this week’s edition!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 5

Page 6 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Police booking report (The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

Feb. 22 Desiree Nicole Gonzales, 29 of Bethany. A felony warrant and false representation to an office.

Charles Francis Callahan, 38 of Oklahoma City.

Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Justin Michael Bentley, 37 of Arcadia. Public intoxication.

Kevin Ray Anderson, 59 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Deyone Donyell Miller, 23 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Feb. 23 Keith Edward McClure, 57 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Craig Eric Washington, 45 of Oklahoma City. Child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Melissa Dian Jaco, 40 of El Reno. Petty larceny.

Nicole Lachelle Payne, 32 of Edmond. Petty larceny.

Chelsey Mac Peaster, 32 of Edmond. Two counts

possession of CDS. Timothy Scott Duvall, 35 of Edmond. Possession of CDS and purchase/procurement possess obscene material.

Feb. 24 Grant Mitchell Young, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Ricardo Alejandro Leturia, Jr., 21 homeless. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property.

Feb. 25 Karema Lashawn Cheatham, 23 of Oklahoma City.

Non-assault resisting an officer.

Charles Derek Hodges, 30 homeless. Shoplifting.

Feb. 26 Andrew Dewayne Ladarrius Devoe, 24 of Little Rock, Ark. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property, possession CDS, burglary/theft from a motor vehicle and obstruction of a police officer.

Randolph Spann, Jr., of Conway, Ark. Possession of CDS, (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property, burglary/theft from a motor vehicle and obstruction of a police officer and elude police officer endangering others -- a felony.

Sabrina Joyce Miranda, 33 of Da Queen, Ark. Public intoxication and obstruction of a police officer.

Elizabeth Lynne Hornsby, 21 of Lanett, Ark. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, possession of CDS and false personation of another.

Sarah Marie Gruber, 45 of Hot Springs, Ark., (Mis-

demeanor value) receive stolen property.

Feb. 26 Javier Lopez, Jr., 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Tanner Sage Ashley, 22 of Texarkana, Tx. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Scott Charles Oliver, 47 of Midwest City. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Feb. 27 Leandrew Tyson, Jr., 37 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication and four counts of failure to appear.

Grant Mitchell Young, 26 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Jessie Leroy Monts, 25 of Oklahoma City. Possession of CDS and (misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property.

Feb. 28 Erich Ramonn Johnson, 38 of Tulsa. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jordann Michael Davis, 28 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .15 or more.

Mario Torrest Carrasco, 18 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

March 1 Kimberlyn Kay Evans, homeless. Three counts of failure to appear and public intoxication.

Chase Alexander Jarvis, 30 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and breaking-and-entering.

GOP Women’s club meets Monday The Edmond Republican Women’s Club monthly meeting will be held on Monday, March 15th at Eddies Restaurant located at 2828 E Second Street in Edmond from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Last month’s meeting was canceled due to weather. The group rescheduled Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, VP of Advocacy, Dave Bond to speak at the meeting. Bond previously was CEO of OCPA Impact and an advocate at the Oklahoma State Capitol on issues of free enterprise, individual initiative and limited government.

The Tulsa World has referred to Bond as "a prominent Oklahoma antitax lobbyist.” Past work includes Ex-

ecutive Director of the Republican State House Committee and Oklahoma elections focused on state legislative campaigns. Also in the line up to speak are the candidates for Edmond School Board, Margaret Best and LeAnn Kuhlman. Edmond Republican Women’s Club meets regularly at Eddies every third Monday of the month.

A buffet is available for $15 (cash or check) to those who would like to dine and attend. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and the buffet available at 11:30 a.m. Club meeting begins promptly at noon. For more information on how to become involved with the organization contact the VP of Membership at jen@nextlevelgo.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 7

Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s full-time Computer Trainer Lisa Hood is a certified Microsoft Office expert and provides varying levels of training on a flexible schedule.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Francis Tuttle offers computer training to bridge skills gap The move toward a more digital, computer-based workplace has been rapidly advanced over the past year, and the speed of this transition means skills gaps are opening up in the workforce of several industries.

Microsoft Office training courses through Francis Tuttle Technology Center are a way to bridge this gap, and the district is responding to customer needs by enhancing opportunities to train up on an efficient and schedule-friendly timetable.

Trainer Lisa Hood was recently hired to full-time staff at Francis Tuttle, and that has changed the way Computer Training is offered. Instead of established times for clients to fit into their schedule, Francis Tuttle’s Microsoft training conforms to clients’ schedules and skill requirements.

“You will learn tips and tricks that you didn’t know about,” Hood said.

“I can teach so many time-saving golden nuggets to help you throughout your workday.”

Hood leads virtual classes that are kept to manageable sizes, which means an engaging and energy-filled session for all. Classes are scheduled and tailored based on the needs of individual clients, so this training is created to fit the needs of any business and any skill level.

Classes can last a day, an hour-aday for a few days, or any timeframe that matches a client’s needs.

“With Lisa on staff, we can really break the classes down into super flexible schedules that work for our clients,” said Leah Zachary, a Developer in Francis Tuttle Workforce and Economic Development who specializes in Computer Training.

And the improved offering could not have come at a better time. According to a survey conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute in May

2019, almost 90 percent of executives and managers said they anticipate having to deal with skills gaps in the next five years. Only one-third of them said they had the resources to deal with this issue.

There is an increasing use of data in everyday work across industries, and the Coronavirus pandemic has made the computer a much more vital resource. A t the same time, those employees are farther apart and have to rely more heavily on their own skills to get the job done.

Hood brings a wealth of knowledge to every Computer Training course, but Microsoft is one of her specialties. Hood holds both the Microsoft Office 2016 Master Specialist certification, and the equivalent certification in Microsoft Office 2019.

This unrivaled knowledge and experience made her a hit with major corporations, state agencies and training groups from a wide range of industries.

Hood said she knows for a fact that even the most knowledgeable Microsoft Office user can learn a thing or two. And those tips and tricks add up to help employees complete tasks faster and allow them to put more time and energy where it is most needed.

Training classes are designed to be fun and full of energy, with opportunities to interact, ask questions, and fully engage with material to understand how it applies in unique work settings.

“I love doing it,” Hood said. “It excites me to help you work smarter, not harder.”

Visit Francistuttle.edu/ComputerTraining to learn more and email Krista.Scammahorn@francistuttle.edu to schedule a customized training program.

Page 8 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Historic Preservation Trust awarded a minor grant The Oklahoma Historical Society is proud to announce that the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.

“This grant is great news for Edmond, which is already such a fantastic place to live, work and enjoy,” said Rep. Mike Osburn, Edmond.

“Helping the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust develop a strategic plan for future projects and activities will enhance our community. For that, I am grateful.”

The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust has been awarded $1,000 that will fund the development of a strategic plan with a focus on developing a strong mission statement, as well as on the scope of future projects and activities. One of the eligiblity requirements for the grant program is that the organization must have a strategic plan. If the organization does not have a strategic plan, the only grant for which an organization can apply is the development of a strategic plan.

"The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust is truly honored to receive this grant," said Chairperson Stephanie Carel. "As a small organization, this funding will allow us to dream big and do projects that may have been out of our reach. Thank you Oklahoma Historical Society!"

A total of just over $460,000 in grant funds will be distributed, with projects ranging from collections care and exhibit development to strategic planning and educational programming. "This is only the second year

for this grant program. As organizations wrap up their grant projects from last year and as we see the quality of the applications that came in for this grant cycle, it is clear that there is a strong need for this type of grant program," said Nicole Harvey, OHS grants administrator.

The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society with a goal of encouraging the collection, preservation and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state. Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma secretary of state, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits and programming.

Applications for this annual program open in the fall and award announcements are made in January.

For more information visit www.okhistory.org/grants.

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.

Tired of those spam phone calls?

Lawmaker wants them gone also Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, passed a bill to prohibit ‘spoofing,’ which is often used by telemarketers and scammers to disguise a phone call’s origin, got through the Oklahoma House of Representatives last week.

House Bill 1891 prohibits a commercial telephone seller or solicitor from causing misleading information to be transmitted to the call recipient’s caller identification service or to otherwise misrepresent the origin of a phone call.

“Spam calls are not only annoying but also incredibly predatory,” Williams said. “Telemarketers and scammers target elderly citizens

through many methods, including spoofing, to steal their identities and hard-earned money.”

Williams said spoofing is federally illegal, but the statute is not enforced.

Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, is a co-author of the bill and previously filed similar legislation in the 2020 legislative session. House Bill 3081 ultimately passed the House floor unanimously before it was stalled in the Senate due to the COVID-19 pandemic shortening session.

HB1891 passed the floor 95-0 and may now be heard by the Senate, where it is co-authored by Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole.

When can vaccinated seniors resume normal life?

Lankford seeks CDC’s clarification Senator James Lankford (R-OK) called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Senate floor to provide Oklahoma seniors, those with comorbidities, teachers, and others who’ve received the full COVID-19 vaccine regiment with up-to-date guidance on when and in what ways it is safe to move forward with their daily lives now that they are completely vaccinated.

On Feb. 12, Lankford sent a letter to the CDC Director requesting guidance for how people, particularly seniors, can reengage with their families and communities after they have received the vaccine. Lankford noted in his letter the specific isolation senior adults have endured over the last year since the start of the pandemic and how they need clear direction on how to balance preventative measures while getting back to normal life.

Transcript It's the end of February, almost exactly a year ago, America was getting its first cases of COVID-19 that were being reported in the media. We were learning about it but didn't know much at that point. We knew it had spread across China. We knew what was happening there. But in the weeks ahead and by the middle of March, just a few weeks from now, our country started going into lockdown. We experienced something we had never experienced as a country: a mandatory shutdown across the entire

country followed by instructions to senior adults and people with comorbidities to stay in their homes, not get out.

For millions of those senior adults, they asked the same question almost a year ago, ‘When can I get out of my home? When can I see people?’ And the answer consistently was, ‘Once there's a vaccine. When we get a vaccine in place, this will be better. We don't know how long that will take, but once we get a vaccine, we'll be able to turn this around.’ Seniors heard that over and over and over and over again for the last eleven and a half months. And now thankfully millions of seniors have been vaccinated.

We have 42 million Americans that have gone through the full regiment.

In my state almost 20 percent of the adults my state have already had their vaccine. We're one of the top states in the country by percentage getting vaccines out to individuals. Almost every person in every assisted-living, nursing home, critical-care facility, staff, and residents have been vaccinated. Almost every single senior adult in my state has been fully vaccinated, and we're into the second round now of teachers, those with comorbidities, and other folks that’s already begun.

But interestingly enough, seniors are still asking the same question, ‘I had my shot, I had my second shot. It's now been the 10 days past my second shot, but nothing has changed.’

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 9

Genealogy group will look at farm life from 1930s & 1940s

Cunningham

During the years after statehood thousands of people moved into the state and set up farms. The conditions of the state back then haven’t changed much from today. We still have the extremes of hail, wind, heat, wildfires, drought and tornadoes. Fortunately, we have added in air conditioning, tractors, irrigation, fire departments, phone and electric service, all of which have helped our citizens and especially our farmers.

Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma in the 30’s and 40’s was a lot different than farming today. Yet, it was also similar in many ways. Paul Cunningham, grew up on

an Oklahoma farm and decided to take some of those memories, good, bad, ugly and funny, and put them to paper. The result was the book, “Letters from a Farm Boy.” A collection of more than 65 letters about life on the farm in the 1930’s and 1940’s in the Hughes community southeast of Lindsay, Oklahoma. In his letters, Paul talks about various stores, driving a school bus, working in the broom corn fields and a variety of “incidents” growing up.

In addition to being the author of the book, Paul is a retired Investment Advisor and, with his wife of 63 years, lives in NW Oklahoma. He is currently the OHCE Okla-

Lawmaker seeks more daycare protections Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, secured passage of legislation that would prohibit a daycare center employee with a substantiated finding of shocking and heinous child abuse from being hired by another daycare center.

Miller said House Bill 1797 closes a loophole in current statute that was brought to her attention by a constituent whose child was attending a daycare facility when an incident occurred. The employee in question was previously involved in an incident at another facility and was still legally allowed to work at a daycare because the employee had not yet been added to the Restricted Registry maintained by the Dept. of Human Services.

“The incident surrounding this bill was tragic and is something no child or their family should have to go through,” Miller said. “As a mother myself, I’m thankful to the mother who brought forward the oversight in this statute and to my colleagues in the

House for their support of this bill, which I hope will help keep our children safe.”

The measure would also require the facility to notify parents or guardians within one day of the substantiated finding.

Miller said she worked closely with the Dept. Human Services on the legislation, whose guidance was instrumental.

Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, said the bill helps protect Oklahoma’s children.

“The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is grateful to Representative Miller for writing this bill,” Joe Dorman, the organization’s CEO said. “This will provide another layer of protection for our children by keeping potential child abusers out of childcare facilities. OICA appreciates the full House of Representatives for their overwhelming support for the measure, and we look forward to speedy Senate passage as we continue to support the bill.”

UCO performance Saoirse Ryhn, a freshman musical theatre major from Round Rock, Texas, starred last weekend as Charity Hope Valentine in the University of Central Oklahoma’s production of ‘Sweet Charity’ at Mitchell Hall Theatre located on Central’s campus. The theater department at UCO offered the production both livestream and in person.

homa County treasurer and a member of the Genealogy group.

The Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy group will meet on Friday, March 19, at 10 am at the Extension center, 2500 NE 63rd St., for a discussion and readings from “Letters from a Farm Boy” by Paul Cunningham. This meeting is open to the public with social distancing. Masks are required. Due to the constantly changing Covid situation, please check our facebook page: ohcegenealogy or website: www.ohcegenealogy.com the morning of the meeting to look for any changes.

Page 10 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The PC crowd goes after Dr. Seuss

By Steve Gust Editor Edmond Life & Leisure We live in odd times. It seems a lot of things offend a lot of people. Or, in some cases, only a few things offend a few people.

We've discovered recently that a brand of pancake syrup and Dr. Steve Gust Seuss books rub people the wrong way. The solution? Get rid of both.

What makes the situation even more challenging is that we live in a country where it's legal in most cases to offend people. I've mentioned this before, but back in the 1970s the ACLU defended a group of neo-Nazi's who wanted to march in Skokie, Ill., a Chicago suburb. Many Holocaust survivors lived there. It was a victory for free speech but I doubt the ACLU, or anyone else, would ever do something like that again.

Free speech today comes at a high cost.

In fact, it amazes me any celebrity is on social media these days. If they liked a post that congratulated Sen. Inhofe on winning re-election, they might get some major criticism. And then the boycotts would start.

My biggest problem with the cancel culture people is that they're very selective in what

they deem offensive. They claim Trump, or another conservative politician, is mean spirited.

Yet they have no problem with spewing the most vile, hateful things about Trump.

Also it seems to be perfectly acceptable for some people to disrespect the American flag and the national anthem. And those of us who don't like it, are attacked for not cheering on these dissenters.

And for the left some institutions and people are due no respect or protection. You can tear down statues of people you don't like and that's OK, even though t's a criminal act to destroy property that's not yours. You can protest Christianity and its ideals.

That's also all right. In fact, if you want to climb the career ladder in Hollywood, it's probably the right thing to do.

What gets me is we don't appear to be in a "live and let live," world anymore. We don't seem to want to agree to disagree. If someone doesn't agree with you, then you can make life difficult on that person. That's just not right. I know a lot of people I don't agree with on everything. But they're still nice enough to get along with. Besides it would be a boring world if we agreed with everyone on everything.

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

Democrats have wrong priorities

By Sen. Jim Inhofe In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted the largest relief package in history: $4 trillion over five laws passed with bipartisan support. The economy is bouncing back. The GDP is projected to return to its prepandemic level by the middle of 2021.

Under Trump, vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were developed and approved in under a year — a modern miracle. Just recently, the FDA approved Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine.

We’re not across the finish line yet, but Oklahoma families are clear in what they want to see: the nation’s economy reopened, children back in schools and

public health prioritized — making sure more and more people have access to the vaccine.

We’re leading the way in Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt has kept our state open for business, jobs are being created and new businesses are being recruited to move here. More than one million vaccines have been administered — making Oklahoma a top 10 state for vaccine administration.

There is bipartisan support for a targeted coronavirus bill that prioritizes relief for small businesses, reopening schools and public health, but unfortunately, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi have other ideas. Last week, Democrats, under the direction of the Biden administration, rammed a $1.9 trillion bill through Congress that spends hundreds of billions of dollars on untargeted "relief" and advances policies that have nothing to do with COVID recovery.

Instead of focusing on helping small businesses and responsibly reopening the economy, progressives have tried to push an across the board minimum wage hike. According to the CBO, a $15 minimum wage hike would kill 1.4 million American jobs — disproportionately affecting young, less educated people and small businesses. It’s right to want higher wages, but the progressive proposal would cost low-income Oklahomans their jobs — and we can’t afford that.

The Democrats’ legislation also throws money at big city schools, without pushing them to reopen. Dr. Anthony Fauci said it

See Inhofe, 11

Lankford fighting discrimination against banks Senator James Lankford (R-Edmond) last week joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to introduce the Fair Access to Banking Act, a bill to prevent discrimination by banks and financial service providers against constitutionally protected industries and law-abiding businesses. The bill builds on the Trump Administration’s Fair Access Rule, which Lankford supported.

“Trying to ‘cancel’ certain legal industries, like energy companies or gun manufactures, by pressuring lenders not to loan them money is boycott by cancelling,” said Lankford. “Banks should look at a company’s credit history and other financials when considering loaning them money, not whether they agree with them or use their services. Banks operate on well-established lending practices, not bias.

This bill makes sure we continue to protect a neutral playing field for everyone in our nation, not just businesses that push a progressive agenda.”

“Fairness matters,” said Cramer. “There is no place in our society for discrimination, and big

banks are no exception. Financial service providers do not have the right to circumvent the Constitution or the law to create de-facto bans on legallycompliant businesses like energy producers or firearms manufacturers when they believe it is politically convenient. Our legislation makes it illegal to do so and imposes serious consequences on those who choose to violate the law.”

As stated in the legislation, the purpose of the Fair Access to Banking Act is to protect fair access to financial services and to ensure banks operate in a safe and sound manner, basing their judgements and decisions on impartial, individualized riskbased analysis developed through empirical data and evaluated under quantifiable standards. If enacted, this bill would: n Penalize banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant person who meets the criteria described above;

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

n Prevent payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified and legally-compliant person because of political or reputational considerations; n Codify the core requirements found in the Trump Administration’s Fair Access Final Rule; n Require qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services; and n Punish providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying them from using discount window lending programs, terminating their status as an insured depository institution or insured credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.

Some of the largest United States banks are using their economic standing to discriminate against energy producers. Last year, five of the country’s largest banks announced they will not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge even though Congress explicitly authorized it. In the fall, JP Morgan Chase declared it would refuse financial services to coal producers, and Bank of America began a politically motivated effort to achieve netzero greenhouse gas emissions from its financing activities by 2050, an effort directly targeting producers of reliable American energy. Discrimination by financial service providers also extends to industries protected by the Second Amendment, with banks like Capital One including “ammunitions, firearms, or firearm parts” in its prohibited payments section, and payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal denying their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 11

State targets youth obesity problem Oklahoma has the eighth highest youth obesity rate in the country, with an estimated 150,000 children who are classified as overweight or obese.

To help reverse this trend, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is launching Swap Up, a media campaign focusing on youth obesity prevention across the state.

The TSET Board of Directors heard an update on the effort during a recent special board meeting, The Swap Up campaign, which is part of the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative, launched Feb. 11 and delivers nutrition messages to teens 13-18 years old by providing tangible tips to incorporate into their daily lives. Teens will receive information on how to eat healthier and drink more water, which helps teens feel better, improve their studies and enjoy leisure time.

“Obesity is linked to 13 different cancers and is a risk for factor for many of the leading causes of death in Oklahoma,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “Teens are influenced by their environment, their friends and social settings when it comes to the food they eat. As teens approach adulthood, they’re making more independent choices. Swap Up provides teens with realistic ways they can improve their health outcomes today and in the future.”

Swap Up developed messages based on a research survey conducted with more than 400 Oklahoma teens. The survey provided information about eating habits, meal and snack sources, and nutrition-based knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.

Oklahoma teenagers have a nearly 70% chance of being overweight or obese as adults, so the need for nutritional education was high. A follow up survey will be conducted in spring 2021 to assist in tracking impact of the campaign.

“Changing youth nutrition behaviors is a challenge. Many times teens receive messaging and information from multiple sources. Effective obesity prevention messaging must do more than just tell teens to live healthier, it must show them the what, how, where, and when of healthy living,” said Jeff Jordan, president and executive creative director of Rescue Agency. “We developed Swap Up for Oklahoma to not only provide teens with specific and attainable changes they can make, but to also illustrate how those choices can lead to a healthier, and sustainable lifestyle change.”

Beginning with the “Fuel for Football” messages, which launched the week of Feb. 8, Swap Up feature various examples about how fruits, vegetables and water can improve a teen’s mood, concentra-

Inhofe From Page 10 himself on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe": “It’s less likely for a child to get infected in the school setting than if they were just in the community. So for that reason … we need to try and get the children back to school.”

And yet — the Biden team keeps moving the metrics for school reopening based on national labor unions.

Kids’ presence in schools is not only an investment in our nation’s future, but it is also necessary so we can fully reopen the economy.

Worse, despite claiming “emergency” relief for immediate needs, much of the money designated to get schools open wouldn’t be spent for years. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Democrats’ legislation would distribute only $6.4 billion to K-12 schools this fiscal year — that’s on top of the $68 billion in emergency funds we already provided last year. The other $122 billion would go out between 2022 and 2028.

Clearly, Democrats’ “urgent relief” is not intended to help kids go back to school; instead, they are using the pandemic as an excuse to fund their liberal agenda in schools across the nation for the next seven years.

Officials would like to see children more active.

tion and physical performance on various social media channels and television. In particular, youth are given specific recommendations for changing eating habits in a manner they can control such as what sides they should eat at a restaurant, selecting healthy convenience store snacks or choosing water over sugary drinks. To learn more about Swap Up, visit www.SwapUpOK.com The Swap Up campaign will build on TSET’s Shape Your Future messaging that encourages parents, teachers and children to build healthier habits by taking one small step at a time. Teens, parents and educators can receive tips, hacks and helpful resources at shapeyourfutureok.com

Page 12 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Worcestershire sauce adds zest to food

By Carol Smaglinski Worcestershire Sauce (pronounced Woos tuhr shuhr) is such an essential spicy, tangy, bottled condiment that most people hold it high in their culinary collection of sauces.

Steak is steak, you say but, not without Worcestershire sauce.

Steak houses have been known to go through gallons of it in just a week’s time as no steak is complete without a dash of the sticky stuff. The piquant sauce is used to add some spice to soups, meats, gravies and vegetable dishes and is essential in a delicious Bloody Mary during Sunday morning brunch.

In private homes, the bottle of the dark brown liquid is often left on the dining room table right next to the salt and pepper. Kept refrigerated, it should last indefinitely.

Although the original formula is still a well-kept secret, its real ingredients seem endless. Fond of anchovies? Keen on tamarind, zingy chili peppers and molasses? That is only the basis for the recipe for Worcestershire.

Add to that some garlic, lime, vinegar, soy sauce, onions and shallots, cloves and paprika. Still with me?

The essential elixir is also made with other ingredients - some still held in strict confidence. The sauce had its beginnings way back in the early 1830s when Lord Marcu Sandys made his way into the Lea & Perrins chemist shop in Worcester, England. He asked the two British chemists there to come up with a sauce from a recipe that he brought from India.

It took years of experimentation and time for the sauce to age. But the scientists developed a formula that is sweet, salty and savory that brightened the flavor of soups, Caesar Salad and sp vital to beef.

The following version for Sloppy Joes uses Worcestershire and is a visit to yesteryear, and very classic American in schools. In my quest to find its origin, I discovered a mention of a Floyd Angell’s Cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, with a cook named Joe. He is said to have served a loose meat sandwich in the early 30’s and soon it began to be called Sloppy Joes and spread like wildfire.

As a kid, with my tummy rumbling, I was happy to hurry home for supper when the church bells on

the corner rang just to get my taste of Sloppy Joes.

Sloppy Joes 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped ½ cup finely chopped celery ½ large green pepper, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-½ lbs. ground beef ¼ cup Worcestershire Sauce 1 6 oz. can of tomato paste 3 tsp. mustard 1 tsp, hot pepper sauce Salt and pepper, to taste Heat a deep skillet. Add oil or butter, then add onions, celery and green pepper. Cook until veggies are soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan.

Add garlic and beef and cook until the meat turns brown.

Add the veggies back, add Worcestershire Sauce, tomato paste and hot pepper sauce and mix together. Cook for a few minutes, then, finish with salt and pepper and taste and correct seasonings.

Toast some buttered split hamburger buns and top with the hamburger mixture.

Serve these and everyone gets the flavors they love and they’ll ask for encores.

House wants transparency with health care prices A bill requiring health care providers, groups and facilities to make prices for their most commonly provided services available to consumers passed unanimously in the House last week with a vote of 92-0.

House Bill 1006, by Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa, creates the Transparency in Health Care Prices Act. “Oklahoma consumers understand the cost and affordability associated with virtually every available consumer product,” Bush said. “However, when considering the cost and affordability of health care, Oklahoma patients face serious challenges in shopping for and comparing the best and most affordable care available. This legislation will increase transparency into this system so people can better manage their treatment.”

Under the measure, health care prices means the cash price a provider, group or facility will charge a patient for a standard service. This pricing list shall be made available either on the provider’s website or other conspicuous posting. Health care facilities also would be required to make common diagnosis and outpatient CPT codes public. The price would, of course, not include any amount in the case of complications or exceptional treatment. The document must be updated at least annually. The bill would prohibit the review of healthcare prices by any agency and interference in contracts between private parties.

Bush said the measure compliments new federal regulations and is supported by the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

HB 1006 now moves to the state Senate where it is authored by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond.

Oklahoma patients face serious challenges in shopping for and comparing the best and most affordable care available.

---- Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics student Kevin Nguyen (left) is getting hands-on experience studying a gene linked to cancer and birth defects under the mentorship of Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Dean Dawson, Ph.D, right.

High school student joins OMRF research team Kevin Nguyen’s eyes light up when he talks about studying genes.

But for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics senior, it’s not just talk. Nguyen is getting hands-on experience studying a gene linked to cancer and birth defects under the mentorship of Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Dean Dawson, Ph.D. Nguyen’s interest in STEM launched with an early aptitude for math. The son of immigrants who own small businesses in Oklahoma City, Nguyen said it was his father who first encouraged his development in high-level mathematics. But science came into sharp focus as a student at the Classen School of Advanced Studies and led him to OSSM, a two-year public high school for 11th and 12th-grade students.

“My freshman year at Classen, I took three science classes,” said Nguyen. “After taking those courses, I felt like ‘Yes, this is what I want to do.’”

At OSSM, seniors traditionally complete a yearlong mentorship under an expert in their field of interest. Nguyen applied to join Dawson’s lab as a junior and received a head start.

At OMRF, Nguyen is studying MPS1, a gene discovered by Dawson to be a “master regulator” of cell division. When cells divide correctly — a process set in motion by MPS1 — each new cell gets an exact copy of chromosomes. When the wrong number of chromosomes are copied, problems such as cancer and birth defects can arise.

“We’ve identified a collection of genes we think are involved in this process. Each student is assigned a gene, and they study how that gene affects the movement of chromosomes in the cell,”

said Dawson. “This work will help us get in on the ground floor of understanding cancer cell formation at its earliest stage.”

Using the Nobel Prize-winning gene-editing tool CRISPR, Nguyen introduces mutations that deactivate his candidate gene and then uses imaging technologies to observe how the switching off the gene impacts the movement of chromosomes.

“I came in thinking, ‘I’m just a high school student,’” said Nguyen. “But the lab is really collaborative, and they’ve made me feel like a colleague.”

The research could pave the way for medications to target MPS1 in cancer treatment. That kind of lab experience, said Dawson, can also change the trajectory of a teen’s life.

“Students have contributed to building up our knowledge to this point for years and are included as authors on our publications,” said Dawson, who recently received a three-year, $735,000 National Science Foundation grant that supports the research project. “Many go on to their own careers in research science.”

A National Merit Finalist, Nguyen will attend Johns Hopkins University to study biomedical engineering in the fall. Medical school is in his sights, and someday, he said, perhaps a career as a physician-researcher in Oklahoma.

“My community, OSSM and OMRF have done a lot for me,” said Nguyen. “My path is to give back to my state as much as I can.”

Dawson’s grant, No. 2029286, is jointly funded by the Cellular Dynamics and Function cluster in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, both a part of the NSF.

Kevin Nguyen

Page 14 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘Coming 2 America’

Sequel doesn’t capture original magic

By George Gust Some 33 years after the release of the Eddie Murphy cult comedy classic “Coming to America” comes Amazon Prime’s latest original movie “Coming 2 America.”

Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly crowned King Akeem (Murphy) learns he has a long-lost son in the United States and must return to America with his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) to meet this unexpected heir and build a relationship with his son and his American family (Leslie Jones & Tracy Morgan).

“Coming 2 America” is a classic legacy sequel that has fallen prey to the all-too-common ‘sequel-it is’ that has plagued so many long in the works sequels and revivals (“Dumb and Dumber To” “Fuller House”).

The filmmakers behind “Coming 2 America” want to bank on the popularity of the original without fully realizing the story and chemistry elements of the original that begat the film’s popularity in the first place.

What we are treated to in “Coming 2 America” is a messy mish mash of tired storylines that feel half-baked in addition to being unoriginal. The original movie had an energy and an attitude that feels completely absent in this play-it-safe paint-

by-numbers sequel full of shameless call backs and some straight up replaying of scenes from the original.

While “Coming 2 America” lacks the new voice and tone that it aims to attain, the film is not offensively bad. The costume design of the movie is fantastic, featuring a multitude of different looks in the Zamunda scenes that is both well thought out and dynamic.

And if you are familiar with the original, the old men from the barbershop are back and deliver some of the film’s only big laughs.

There are some fun musical interludes that are welcome at first as a fun cavalcade of stars of yesterday but wear out their welcome quickly as there are too many musical moments taking up

space from the storyline.

Overall, “Coming 2 America” as the PG-13 follow up to the touchstone comedy “Coming to America” lacks the energy and attitude to stand on its own.

Murphy feels like he’s playing it safe as he plays mostly the straight man throughout this long-awaited sequel, which is a far cry from the peak Murphy saw in the original film which he successfully played both the emotional and comedic levels.

There’s enough nostalgia in “Coming 2 America” to appease fans of the first movie, but there’s not much new or exciting to this movie.

“Coming 2 America” is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, language and drug content.

Now available to stream on Amazon Prime.

2.8 out of 5 stars.

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Check out George’s Gust’s previous reviews on www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

‘PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Coming 2 America’ is Amazon Prime's long awaited sequel to the cult comedy classic ‘Coming to America’ that finds Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall reprising their royal roles in a nostalgic retread of the original movie.

Lynch virtual concert tonight Answers appearing on Page 19

Oklahoma City singersongwriter Rachel Lynch will present a virtual concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 11, to benefit the Round Barn.

Lynch has written songs about hangovers, life, love, loss and the realities of growing up. She describes herself as “a whimsical folk musician, known to burp into many a mic onstage.”

The concert can be found on the Arcadia Round Barn Facebook page and is part of the Virtual Barn series of livestreamed concerts that continues every Thursday night through April 22.

An interview series with the musicians entitled “Behind the Barn” with host Haley Jane Pierce can be found on the Instagram page, @thearcadiaroundbarn.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66.

The downstairs museum of the barn, which had been closed due to the pandemic, is now open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday through Monday as staffing allows.

For more information about music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405833-1350. To volunteer, call Kimberly Burk at 405-651-0240.

Rachel Lynch

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Baseball ACROSS 1. Turkey trot, e.g.

6. Dadaist Jean 9. *____ crew, Milwaukee Brewers fan base 13. Poppy seed derivative 14. Afghan monetary unit 15. Hotel room option 16. Category of artistic composition 17. Between northeast and east 18. Relating to pond scum 19. *Babe Ruth's first major league team 21. *____-and-____ sport 23. Dog command 24. Bald eagle's home 25. Witchy woman 28. Back wound?

30. Siskel or Ebert 35. Smoothing appliance 37. Distinctive flair 39. Stomata, sing.

40. Burlap fiber 41. Archeologist's find 43. Estimated arrivals 44. Discompose 46. Cobbler's concern 47. Merlin or Gandalf 48. *B in RBI 50. Close by 52. Spade for stony ground 53. Karl of politics 55. Between ready and go 57. *Left, center or right one 61. *Yankees' only #4 64. Blast from the past 65. Crew tool 67. Helped 69. ____ one's time, past tense 70. Schiller's poem 71. Express contempt 72. What Simon does 73. Cut grass 74. Intoxicating DOWN 1. *Eat a hot one at the game 2. Copycat 3. *Number of standard baseball positions

4. Miss Muffet's meal 5. Vomiting 6. Highest point 7. *Scoring unit 8. Annapolis frosh 9. Tulip's early stage 10. Capital of Latvia 11. Et alibi (2 words) 12. Water source 15. Bacchus' attendants 20. Weasel's aquatic cousin 22. *Baseball trajectory 24. Diver's edible reward 25. Muslim woman's headscarf 26. Caribbean island destination 27. Gained access to (2 words) 29. Hoppy beers 31. Individual unit 32. Bottom line 33. Idealized image 34. *Katie ____ or "____ at the Bat"

36. Empty when kids leave 38. World's longest river 42. Cut it out 45. Moved a flock of sheep 49. Certain John's or Jane's last name 51. Re-use old ideas 54. Car sound, to a toddler 56. Trinity 57. Small door-opening devices 58. One of the hipbones, pl.

59. Whirlpool 60. "Big Little ____" 61. What Jack's beanstalk did 62. It comes to mind 63. Turned to the right, like a horse 66. Commotion or fuss 68. Wine quality

See Answers Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 15

New O-State AD to make $750,000 annually Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis presented a leadership transition in the OSU athletic department at the OSU/A&M Board of Regents' meeting Friday. He will also recommend Mike Holder's appointment as athletic director emeritus to recognize his leadership and achievements over the past 16 years and the selection of Chad Weiberg as athletic director, both effective July 1.

Hargisl noted that a vital part of the transition is the continued involveChad Weiberg ment of Holder in the athletic department as a special advisor.

"We are in awe of the massive upgrade in athletic facilities under Mike's leadership. I am personally appreciative of his adherence to honest principles in the performance of his duties leading our athletic department," said President Hargis.

“Serving with Mike to elevate and advance our alma mater has been a great privilege for me. Mike loves OSU. He has dedicated his career to building a championship golf program and athletic department centered around helping athletes succeed in their sports, in the classroom and, most importantly, in life. As a result, I will recommend his appointment as athletic director emeritus."

"It is hard to describe the magnitude of the impact Mike Holder has had on Oklahoma State Athletics during his 16-year tenure," said Rick Davis, Chair of the OSU/A&M Regents. "He has elevated our athletic program to a level once unimaginable

in national prominence and prestige by developing and building athletic facilities on par with any in the nation. The athletic village envisioned by Mike and his dear friend and our beloved alum, Boone Pickens, faced a lot of doubters in the beginning who questioned if it was even possible or practical.

The inauguration of the $70 million O'Brate collegiate baseball stadium this past week marks another capstone achievement under the leadership of Mike Holder. We are grateful to Mike for his historic facility development, fundraising achievements and leadership in guiding the department which includes several conference and national championships.”

Holder will continue to support the athletic department as a special advisor, continue to raise funds and work on facility development.

“Today is about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics. Chad Weiberg is the new sheriff in town and he needs all of us to saddle up and ride for the brand. Get ready Cowboys and Cowgirls. If you do your part, then the best is yet to come,” said Mike Holder, OSU athletic director.

Hired in May 2017, Chad Weiberg returned to Oklahoma State University as the department's deputy director, where he has served as the chief operating officer. Weiberg's degrees from Oklahoma State University include a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration.

"We are pleased to announce Chad Weiberg will serve as the next leader of our athletic department at Oklahoma State University, effective July 1," Davis said. "Like Mike, Chad is an alumnus, and he is also loyal to OSU. Chad's appointment ensures our athletic department maintains its momentum and retains management continuity essential for

EPIC will use Bricktown Ballpark for graduations EPIC Charter Schools announced last week it will hold a series of inperson, outdoor, socially distanced graduation ceremonies in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City for its Class of 2021, which includes nearly 4,000 seniors. The planned dates and locations for this year’s ceremonies are: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr., Oklahoma City Friday, May 21, 12 p.m.

Friday May 21, 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 22, 12 p.m.

Saturday, May 22, 5 p.m.

ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Ave, Tulsa Thursday, May 27, 5 p.m.

Friday, May 28, 12 p.m.

Friday, May 28, 5 p.m.

EPIC Superintendent Bart Banfield said he was thrilled to be able to announce in-person graduation ceremonies for the EPIC Class of 2021.

“It’s been a year since the pandemic began, changing nearly every aspect of day-to-day life, including the way high school seniors graduate,” Banfield said, noting that EPIC held last year what was believed to be the largest virtual ceremony for a high school for the Class of 2020.

“Although our ceremonies this year will be smaller ceremonies, we are going to make them memorable events for our families, who will be able to sit together safely in pods and celebrate this all-important rite of passage.”

Some in Tulsa also In accordance with state, city and venue social distancing guidelines, a maximum of 450 graduates will participate in each ceremony and be limited to five guests each. Each ceremony will be live-streamed on EPIC’s Facebook page, recordings of which will be made available on EPIC’s social media, YouTube channel and website (epiccharterschools.org).

In the event the scheduled dates reach capacity, an additional ceremony will be added in Oklahoma City on May 20 at 6 p.m. and another in Tulsa on May 27 at 12 p.m.

In the event of rain for any of the ceremonies, EPIC has arranged for rain dates for the Oklahoma City ceremonies July 9-10 and July 15-16 for Tulsa.

“We look forward to welcoming EPIC Charter Schools graduates, staff, families and friends through the gates of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in May to celebrate this important milestone in students’ lives,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will serve as a unique backdrop for the graduation ceremonies and we are excited to share our beautiful facility to help enrich the celebration and hopefully make these special moments even more memorable for the EPIC Class of 2021.”

long-term success. In the past years, Chad has demonstrated that he is ready to take the leadership reins. He is a principled leader with a conviction to values and a commitment to developing young men and women academically and athletically."

"I am humbled by this opportunity. I want to thank the Regents, President Burns Hargis, and Mike Holder Mike Holder, and I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of building on their successes. I have loved Oklahoma State since my dad, Mick, coached on Paul Hansen’s basketball staff in the 1980s. It is a special place with special people and a storied athletic tradition. We have exceptional coaches, remarkable student-athletes and an incredible staff. Coach Holder has done more at OSU than anyone imagined possible since he became athletic director. He put us in position to be competitive on a national level, transformed our facilities and helped us raise the expectations we have of ourselves. I hope to honor his accomplishments by building on them,” said Weiberg.

Weiberg is signing a four-year contract at $750,000 annually.

"I am confident Chad will build on the excellence our athletic programs have enjoyed under Mike Holder. The future is bright for Oklahoma State's athletics, and I am excited and look forward to cheering our men and women's teams in the coming years," Hargis said.

Page 16 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

Kelsey Johnson

Brooke Rayner

Jaci Littell

Postseason honors for Broncho trio The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced Wednesday its postseason awards and three University of Central Oklahoma women's basketball players were recognized.

Kelsey Johnson was named First Team All-MIAA, Brooke Rayner was named to the All-MIAA Defensive Team, and Rayner and Jaci Littell were both named All-MIAA Honorable Mention.

"I'm proud of those three," UCO head coach Guy Hardaker said. "I think Kelsey was great this year and she deserves to be recognized. Brooke was really good on defense for us this year and that helps us so much. Her and Jaci were both really good this year for us. I'm just happy for all of them."

Johnson scored 18.4 points per game this season, the second most of any player in the league, and also averaged 9.8 rebounds per game, also the second most of any player in the league. Johnson was the only player in the MIAA that shot at least 50 percent. She hit 55.9 percent of her shots this season, going 151-for-270 in 22 games played.

Rayner averaged 9.4 points per game this season. She had a team high 30 steals to aid in Central's high-intensity defense. Her 1.4 steals per game ranked among the best in the MIAA. She also had a team-high 29 made 3-pointers this season and averaged three rebounds and just under three assists per game.

Littell averaged 8.6 points per game this season to go with 3.9 rebounds per game and 2.0 assists per game. Littell was second on the team with 28 made 3-pointers this season. She hit at least one 3pointer in 12 games this season and at least two 3pointers in eight games. Littell also made three 3-pointers five times and had a season-high four 3pointers in a win over Newman last month.

Central Oklahoma was scheduled to open the 2021 MIAA Basketball Championships, sponsored

by Citizens Bank & Trust, this week with a matchup against Emporia State. The Bronchos are the fifth seed in the eight-team tournament and ESU is the fourth seed.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 17

Total receipts down, sales tax up February Gross Receipts to the Treasury are down by less than one percent compared to collections from last year, but sales tax receipts are up by almost 8 percent, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

Collections from all sources in February total $950.8 million, down by $6 million, or 0.6 percent, from February 2020. Since March of last year, monthly gross receipts have been below prior year collections every month except one, and that was due to the delayed income tax filings in July.

February sales tax collections exceed those of the prior February by $28.2 million, or 7.9 percent.

It marks only the second time in the past year that sales tax receipts have exceeded those of the same month of the prior year. Both instances are likely due to expenditure of the two rounds of federal stimulus payments.

“The Oklahoma economy is performing better than many other states,” Treasurer McDaniel said.

“While gross receipts indicate the pandemic is constraining business and personal activity, the state is responding to the significant financial and social challenges relatively well.”

Combined income tax receipts for the month dropped slightly, with individual income tax collections up by 2.2 percent and corporate receipts down by 56.4 percent. Gross production collections are down by 45.9 percent and motor vehicle receipts are off by 9 percent.

The largest percentage of revenue growth for the month and past year is from the medical marijuana tax. The marijuana tax produced $5.5 million in February, a 64.7 percent increase over the year. For the past 12 months, the marijuana tax has produced $60.3 million, a jump of more than

CPAs & virtual lobby at Capitol The Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA) hosted its annual CPA Day at the Capitol virtually on March 3. More than 50 CPAs – representing more than 6,000 CPAs across the state – joined together to discuss legislative updates pertinent to the accounting profession, as well as those protecting public interest.

In its fifth year, the event saw record-breaking attendance and continues to grow in popularity and influence. The OSCPA aims to increase CPA Day at the Capitol's impact on the profession and encourage members to take action through advocacy.

This year's speakers included Carlos Johnson, CPA; Rep. Marcus McEntire; Blaine Peterson, CPA, JD; Rob Sellers, CPA; and Benny Vanatta.

OSCPA President and CEO Blaine Peterson, CPA, JD, said, “The OSCPA is very proud of this event as it continues to grow in popularity and demand each year. This year’s record-breaking attendance is proof that Oklahoma CPAs are the strongest activists for advocacy and key legislation affecting the accounting profession, and as a profession, we stand prepared to face the many challenges expected in 2021.”

OSCPA Immediate Past Chair Henry Bickerstaff, CPA, said, “In this polarizing political environment we must, as a profession, be vigilant for legislation.”

The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) will host a series of virtual Economic Preview events, sponsored by First Fidelity Bank. These events will feature insights from experts on the various real estate sectors.

The event series will kick off on Wednesday, April 7 at 9 a.m. with a discussion on the multifamily and residential markets. EEDA Executive Director Janet Yowell, CAPSTONE Managing Director William Forrest and RE/MAX at Home Realtor Brian Preston will be the featured speakers.

The next event will be held Wednesday, April 14 at 9 a.m. Jonathan Thompson, commercial sales and leasing with Turner & Company, will join Yowell for a discussion on the office market.

On Wednesday, April 21 at 9 a.m., Price Edwards & Company Senior Vice President Jim Parrack and Yowell will close out the series with a discussion on the retail market.

"Our Economic Preview events are all about

ings. so all price ranges are doing better than they ever have.

New home inventory is down 50% as well. There used to be about 400 active listings and even has the total inventory went down after 2014 new home inventory went up to around 600. New home active listing specs are at 226 now. Who knows how many custom homes have sold?

Some are never entered into the MLS because they are so busy they do not have the time to enter them.

Rates have gone up a bit in the last week. We will have to see how that affects us, if they keep going up.

It is hard to tell if the market will keep up these numbers with not as many houses to sell and buyers having trouble finding one. There were 15 new listings today but 19 new contracts. Move quick and make a good offer.

(Brian Preston is an Edmond Realtor and offers his insight into the market through his monthly Preston Report.)

State concerned about privacy Concerns over data privacy and data manipulation led to the Oklahoma House of Representatives passing one of the first opt-in data privacy bills in the country last week with a bipartisan vote of 85 to 11.

The Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act, House Bill 1602, requires internet technology companies to obtain explicit permission to collect and sell personal data. The legislation is authored by Rep. Josh West, RGrove, and Rep. Collin Walke, DOKC. More than forty representatives and senators signed onto the legislation. West and Walke filed The Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act to give citizens more control over their privacy.

“It’s time for Oklahomans to have

Other economic indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in February remained above growth neutral for a third month. The February index was set at 67.1, compared to 65.4 in January, 55.9 in December and 49.4 in November. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next

See Report, Page 18

EEDA offering economic preview events

Edmond home sales break records, inventory way down

By Brian Preston This January set a record for highest sales for that month. To keep up with the last seven months. We had 331 closed residential sales for Edmond, Deer Creek and Oakdale school systems. It will go on with 777 pending contracts waiting to close for the next couple months. We are closing in on twice as many contracts as active listings available to buy.

The big story still is the shortage of inventory. We had 435 active listings down 56% from last January.

On top of that last January was the lowest our inventory had been in 22 years. There are still only 16 listings under $200,000 and none of them are new construction. 98 from $200300,000. 183 between $300500,000 and 138 over $500,000.

The upper price ranges are still doing well too, compared to previous years.

With over $500,000 homes we have 108 pending contracts. and between $500K and a million there are more homes under contract than active list-

100 percent from the trailing period.

Combined gross receipts from the past 12 months of $13.11 billion are below collections from the previous 12 months by $601.6 million, or 4.4 percent.

All major revenue sources show contraction during the period ranging from gross production taxes at 43.6 percent to combined income taxes at 0.8 percent.

the ultimate say in how their personal data is used,” West said. “For too long we’ve allowed big tech to mine our information, sell it at their profit and then use it to manipulate our marketing choices and worse.

Today, we step closer to taking back our rights.”

The legislation has hit many roadblocks from stakeholders in the data collection industry.

“In spite of big tech’s opposition to this bill, including flat-out lies, the House has heard our constituents’ concerns, and we have acted,” Walke said. “This bill will stop the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and data brokerage companies from collecting or selling your information - including foreign governments - without your consent.”

providing the Edmond business community with useful and relevant information," said Janet Yowell, EEDA executive director. "We are so pleased to welcome these expert real estate professionals to share their valuable insights."

First Fidelity Bank has sponsored EEDA events for more than 10 years.

"Edmond's resilience and continued success during the pandemic is a testament to this city and First Fidelity Bank is proud to have supported the Edmond business community for many years," said James Boggs, Edmond Market President for First Fidelity Bank.

Cost is $10 per event or $25 for the series.

Must register to attend. A link will be sent prior to the scheduled event date and time. If you are unable to attend the event at the scheduled time, a recording of the event will be made available for a set amount of time.

To register, visit www.eeda.com or call (405) 340-0116.

Page 18 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Dealing with exercise injuries

By Brian Attebery If you have participated in sports or workout activities throughout your life, you will most likely have some level of injury. Many athletes and avid exercisers have aches and pains as a result of challenging their bodies throughAttebery out time. Many will point to that as their excuse for not exercising but I know from helping people for 24 years as a trainer that you are far better off to workout throughout your life and deal with some of those aches and pains than to be sedentary and get weak in your muscles, heart and lungs due to lack of activity. You will also have aches and pains without movement but no strength or endurance to go with them.

What is the middle ground? What do we do if we have an injury?

It is a well-known fact that 80% of Americans will suffer a debilitating back injury in the lives. Keeping your core strong along with flexibility are vital in you not becoming part of that statistic. You also need to understand that excess body weight puts a major burden on your lower back, hips and knees causing problems for the entire body. If you do suffer from a specific lower back issue that goes from acute (short term) to chronic then you need to evaluate how you exercise. The #1 rule for weightlifting with a lower back injury is to avoid “spine-bearing activities” such as barbell back squats and over head shoulder presses. In addition, you must look at the position of your pelvis in relationship to your lower back. There are many ways to perform exercises wrong even if they are normally fine. That is why having a Professional Trainer design and monitor your program is important if you believe in the investment of YOU! Google is great for looking up lots of items to purchase or “how to do…” but I would not Google stuff to fix your own orthopedic health. They have professionals for that and what you “think” you are doing may not be what others see your form actually looking like while you perform an exercise.

You will run into knee aches along with shoulder issues are common in the weight room. There is always the question of whether to do heat or ice to deal with these issues.

Here is an acronym everyone should know. It is called the P.R.I.C.E. Protocol. When dealing with injuries we want to Prevent-Rest-Ice-Compress-Elevate. Of course, preventing in the first place will help the most but even with the greatest program design in the world, injuries can occur. If you do “inflame” your joints and muscles, we need to cool them off and get the excess blood out of the injured area. Hence, ice is your first need for the 72 hours after an injury. Ice that knee and Elevate will Compressing the ice with a bandage to get the most benefit. You do these things for 20 mins at the most and then let it return back to your core temperature while you Rest the injury for the appropriate time frame. This may mean a total lack of activity or a modification of lighter weights or totally different movements after you have gotten the initial inflammation down.

If it turns into a chronic issues, contact your Doctor.

I am a big believer in natural supplements to help your joints. I take a Glucosamine Product with other ingredients in it along with Tumeric that is a natural anti-inflammatory. Daily use of these type products along with anti-oxidants, healthy fats, adequate protein and of course, sleep will increase your chances of healing properly and limiting joint issues. I also will take an anti-inflammatory medication if I need to but I would not do those without ceasing due to the potential gut issues they can create.

I think if it great to push yourself to go hard and get better with your fitness. I also think it is even better to listen to your body when it is telling you something is wrong. Pain is a signal that something is wrong. Don’t ignore it. If you do have an injury, deal with it. Your body will thank you.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

Report From Page 17 three to six months.

The latest unemployment data available is from December, when the rate in Oklahoma was set at 5.3 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s jobless rate was down from 6.1 percent in November, but up from 3.4 percent in December 2019. The U.S. unemployment rate was set at 6.7 percent in December.

February collections Compared to gross receipts from February 2020, collections in February 2021 showed: Total February 2021 gross collections are $950.8 million, down $6 million, or 0.6 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $292 million, down by $1.3 million, or 0.4 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $286.2 million, an increase of $6.2 million, or 2.2 percent.

Corporate collections are $5.8 million, down by $7.5 million, or 56.4 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $449.1 million – up by $39.8 million, or 7.9 percent.

Sales tax collections total $384.5 million, an increase of $28.2 million, or 7.9 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on out-of-state purchases including internet sales, generated $64.6 million, an increase of $11.7 million, or 22 percent.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $45.9 million, a decrease of $39 million, or 45.9 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $50.9 million, down by $5 million, or 9 percent.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $113 million – down by $493,273, or 0.4 percent.

The medical marijuana tax produced $5.5 million, up by $2.1 million, or 64.7 percent from February 2020.

Twelve-month collections Combined gross receipts for the past 12 months compared to the trailing 12 months: Gross revenue totals $13.11 billion. That is $601.6 million, or 4.4 percent, below collections from the previous period.

Gross income taxes generated $4.73 billion, a decrease of $38.3 million, or 0.8 percent.

How to promote independent play for kids

By Audrey Woods Edmond Family Counseling Whether your kiddo is a toddler or a teenager, we all need a few minutes to get stuff done throughout the day. Have you ever been trying to cook dinner while your toddler desperately grasps at your shins as though they are being Woods ripped away from you by a tiger?

I have. Suffice it to say this experience is less than pleasant. Playing independently is an imperative skill.

Some humans are born with a more innate ability to do their own thing while others enjoy the company of others as they explore. But make no mistake, while temperament may influence your child’s tendency to play independently, it is a skill that must be taught and facilitated by you, the parent. When I say ‘play independently,’ I mean occupy themselves with something in the same room or perhaps a different room for a length of time, maybe five minutes, maybe an hour, during which they do not try to engage you in any way. Sounds wonderful, right? Of course it does. There is zero guilt warranted in wanting your child to be able to manage themselves for stretches of time! This is a healthy, necessary ‘kill they must develop with your help. So how do you help them develop this skill?

Here’s the gist of it: back off. We parents are consistently told how ‘present’ we must be for our children. Set down your phone! Make eye contact!

Talk constantly to promote vocabulary! This pressure to be present with our children has unintentionally created some pretty intense helicopter

parenting. When you are constantly interacting with your babies, you set a baseline expectation for all experiences involving you. Children become accustomed to a constant presence, physically and emotionally, and never know what it feels like to have some awake alone time. So when all of the sudden (as it does feel sudden for our littles) we expect our toddler to just be able to play for a few minutes while we [insert endless task list here], it does not go well. If this trend continues, we have elementary & middle school kids who don’t know how to entertain themselves without a screen.

Many of us have had to face an internet-less world for periods of time or are spending an inordinately greater amount of time with our children lately. I feel for parents of children who don’t have any experience being bored or have the slightest clue as to how manage themselves independently. Here are some more specific tips for how to promote the skill of independent play: n Start early. Like really early. When I see infants surrounded by literal mounds of stuff, I cringe. Keep things simple by limiting the number of toys you offer a baby to say 1-2 at a time and then walk away (to a safe distance; caveat, of course tend to your baby when they need you).

Face-time with babies is imperative, but that does-

n’t mean 24/7. n For toddlers, consider sensory play! This involves play that offers toddlers very intense physical feedback like sand, water, paint, play dough, etc. This type of play has consistently shown to engage toddler attention for longer. It’s also truly impactful in terms of learning and development. The Parenting Junkie has lots of ideas about how to incorporate safe, minimally messy sensory play. n When you see a child get really into something, stop yourself from offering any feedback.

We’ve all seen children become enamored with a random object and we want to encourage their curiosity and say things like “oh look what you found,” “look at you holding that all by yourself.”

Stop it. Just watch and don’t say anything. Let your child explore that object in-de-pen-dent-ly! n Make sure your child is getting enough exercise. Don’t underestimate how much toddlers and children need to move! n Start with reasonable expectations. Maybe that’s 2-3 minutes at a time for some kids, eventually reaching higher amounts of time.

There are so many more ideas out there for promoting independent play. I can’t recommend The Parenting Junkie enough as her specialty is just that. These tips are geared toward the younger crowd, but you can always start to promote this skill at any age!

I love working with parents who are managing behavior issues or looking for ways to enhance their parenting experience.

Services at Edmond Family Counseling can be obtained by calling 405-341-3554 and learning more! Audrey Woods is a Staff Therapist, M.A., NCC, at Edmond Family Counseling.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 11, 2021 • Page 19

Lawmakers seeking more worship freedom The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation to protect religious freedom and the constitutional right to worship.

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, presented House Bill 2648, also known as the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, which dictates that anything closing places of worship would be considered a substantial burden on people’s freedom of religion.

“People came to this continent seeking religious freedom and to escape a tyrannical government, and our country’s founders had the wisdom to specifically outline the freedom to worship in one of our founding documents,” Hill said. “My faith, like many Oklahomans, is at the core of who I am, and this bill further protects our God-given right to worship.”

House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, is a co-author of the bill.

"This country was founded by individuals seeking freedom to worship in the manner they so choose without persecution," Echols said. "I can think of nothing more patriotic than protecting those rights for future generations."

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

HB2648 passed the House 80-18 and is now available to be considered by the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.

House wanting to help homeless youth A bill designed to help homeless youth gain access to housing, medical care, education and other services passed the House last week with a vote of 82-6.

House Bill 1739, by Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa, creates the Connecting Futures Act, which is designed for youth between the ages of 15 and 18.

The measure would direct the state Department of Human Services, working with social service providers, to design a pilot program addressing the needs of minors who are not supported by parents or guardians and who are not in state or tribal custody. The act would not deprive a parent or legal guardian of any parental or legal authority.

“Unfortunately we have a number of young people in our state whose needs are not being met,

and they need our help,” Dills said. “This program will help us identify barriers facing these youth so we can find solutions and resources to assist them.”

Dills said the program is aimed at youth who, for whatever reason, don’t fit into the state’s foster care system but who aren’t with their parents.

Many of these teens don’t even have access to necessary documents such as their birth certificates or social security numbers, which leaves them unable to secure a driver’s licenses or employment. Too many end up in poverty, in the state’s penal system or worse, she said.

The Connecting Futures Act could change this trajectory and help these young people become successful adults, Dills said.

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

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • March 11, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure