Edmond Life and Leisure - July 15, 2021

July 15, 2021

Vol. 22, No. 9

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

The real version of a lifesaver

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.

A special museum dedicated to Miss Scarlett & Rhett Butler See page 12

FRIDAY, July 16

Isolated Thunderstorms High 90° Low 74°

SATURDAY, July 17 Partly Cloudy High 92° Low 74°

SUNDAY, July 18 Partly Cloudy High 90° Low 73°

Edmond woman’s stem cell donation saves stranger

By Mallery Nagle Edmond neighbor Bailey Wetzel is a lifesaver. She even has a roll of the iconic candy to prove it.

In May of this year, Wetzel traveled to Dallas to make a potentially lifesaving donation of her stem cells to someone she has never met.

Wetzel works at the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at The University of Oklahoma Medical Center as a certified child life specialist and a facility dog handler. She explained it is her role to normalize the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families through play therapy and procedural preparation and support.

Litta the chocolate Labrador lives with Wetzel and is also a hospital employee. Together they work to make to the hospital experience the best it can be. “We make it predictable,” she said. “We take the guesswork out of it.”

She joined the registry some three years ago while working at her first job as a medical professional.

Joining the registry requires a cheek swab that can be done at home.

So when she received notification from DKMS, a bone marrow and stem cell donation organization, that she was a possible match for a pa-

tient, she did not think twice about going ahead with the process to confirm the match. “I come to work every day to make a difference,” she said. “This was an opportunity to make a massive difference.”

Olivia Haddox, donor recruitment specialist for the agency, explained the acronym DKMS comes from a German term which loosely translated means “donor center.”

About a week after the swabbing was repeated several times, she received the call from DKMS, informing her she was, indeed, a match. “At first, I froze and thought this is crazy,” she recalled. “This is an amazing opportunity.”

After a phone call to learn what the process would entail, Wetzel underwent further testing and had lab work performed to ensure she was healthy enough to undergo the donation.

The procedure to extract the stem cells from the donor is called apheresis, and hers was performed at a blood center in Dallas. She added that DKMS arranged for all travel and paid her expenses.

Leads were attached to both of her arms. One line removed fluid from her that was sent to a device that spun the stem cells out, and the

other line returned the remaining fluids to her body. She likened the procedure to a blood donation, only there were leads in both arms and it took somewhat longer. After the donation, she was awarded her roll of Lifesavers, because now she is one.

She called the whole process from the very beginning “seamless.” The donation was made on a Monday; she felt a bit tired the next day but reported feeling “great” by Wednesday. “It’s a remarkable day,” added Haddox. “But the procedure is unremarkable.”

Privacy regulations allow Wetzel only limited information about the recipient of her stem cells. She knows they went to a female patient with a blood cancer in the United Kingdom. She and the patient are able to communicate anonymously through DKMS for two years. After the two years are up, they may communicate directly or even meet in person if both wish to. Wetzel hopes for a meeting. “I like to think part of me is living in the UK,” she said.

Bone marrow and stem cells are used to treat blood cancers such continued on Page 3

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Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 3

Cover From Page 1 to receive,” she said. as leukemia and lym“What a cool opporphomas, blood distunity.” She added eases and autoimmune that even with disorders such as today’s advanced aplastic anemia and technology, finding sickle cell anemia, the perfect match is Haddox pointed out. rare. Haddox added The decision whether the perfect match to treat with a bone rate is about 1 permarrow or a stem cell cent. transplant rests with Wetzel called her the transplant team experience “coming based on the individfull circle,” pointing ual situation. “They to the challenges use what will give the that Covid-19 posed patient the best not only to those chance,” she said. who work in a hospiIn general, however, Bailey Wetzel tal setting, but to the bone marrow is used to whole world. “It’s the humanity of treat babies and small children, Hadit,” she said. “Just showing up for dox said, and most donations are of someone.” bone marrow.

For more information on DKMS or Now that she has had a few weeks to become a bone marrow or stem to reflect on the whole situation, cell donor, visit Wetzel said she feels as though she https://www.dkms.org. Haddox said and the recipient must have been having parallel experiences leading up anyone between the ages of 18 and 55 may register. The initial swabbing to the donation and to the subsemay be done in the privacy of one’s quent transfusion. own home, and the sample is re“There are people all over the world who are waiting for people just turned in a postage-paid envelope.

“We are grateful for donors like her,” like me to be a match. People here Haddox said of Wetzel. “It’s a selfless were hyping me up to donate, and thing to do.” that other person was getting hyped

DAR meeting scheduled Saturday Edmond's Cordelia Steen Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Oklahoma City Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), will be holding a joint "Find Your Patriot Day" workshop on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the American Legion Hall, 101 E. 5th Street in Edmond.

The workshop will begin with Cordelia Steen Chapter Registrar Jan Beattie sharing "Patriot Games: Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors", followed by break-out ses-

sions with DAR or SAR genealogists to find patriots of the American Revolution in the participants' family tree. Assistance with new member applications will also occur, along with help for established members on supplemental patriot applications.

Prospective new members for either organization are asked to bring a completed three-generation genealogy chart which includes the birth, death, and marriage dates and locations of the prospective new member, the parents and grandparents.

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

From the Publisher

Peter Asher coming to Jazz Lab Two-time Grammy Winner and half of Peter & Gordon, Peter Asher will kick off the new 20212022 season for Tres Amigos productions. The concert will be Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. at the Ray Hibbard UCO Jazz Lab. Tickets are now on sale for $60 each by calling (405) 340-8552. Tres Amigos is offering to season ticket holders and followers who have been our ardent and most loyal supporters the special seating offer below: The Tres Amigos are going to offer the ability to have the front row and/or second row tables to each show if you agree to purchase season tickets for all the shows this season and make an additional (above the cost of each ticket) $125/ticket or $750/table (seats 6) contribution directly to the UCO Jazz Scholarship fund through the UCO Foundation. If you agree to become a “Season Ticket Holder” and make the additional contribution, you will, in return, have the same table for all the shows in that season. Please note, there are only ten tables with 6 seats each (total of 72 tickets) available in this offer.

Folks do not have to buy a full table to participate, you can buy twoor four-season tickets. But, if you purchase less than a full table, you will be put with others who also do not purchase a full table as well to fill the seats. Also, the additional $125/ticket contribution or $750/table contribution shall be made payable to the “UCO Foundation – Tres Amigos Scholarship Fund,” and it will be a pure contribution to our endowed scholarship fund at the UCO Foundation. All seats/tables (on the Front Row &/or Second Row) will be allocated on a “first come paid / first served pick” basis.

Each Season Ticket will be honored for one calendar year.

It is hoped to raise an additional $5,000 this year, as the last several years, with this program and continue to grow the second scholarship.

Please call (405) 340-8552 at your earliest convenience if you desire to become a “Season Ticket Holder” and want to make the additional contribution. As always, any amount above direct cost for the concerts will be donated to the UCO Foundation toward the scholarship as well.

Forgive me if this is all confusing but we Amigos wanted a way to

Peter Asher speed up the growth of these scholarships. The Jazz Lab only holds 200 seats so the donation directly to the Foundation for these scholarships is a great way to do this. Each year, the Foundation hands out hundreds of dollars of scholarship money from these two scholarships. It is a muchneeded help to students. Tres Amigos is a not-for-profit company that has no paid staff, only volunteers. The advertising you see in Edmond Life & Leisure is a donation as well.

To add to the confusion just a bit this year, there are two shows from last season that will take place in November 2021, and they are both sold out. They were postponed due to COVID 19. Steve Tyrell will be Friday Nov. 5, and Karla Bonoff will be Friday, Nov. 19, at the UCO Jazz Lab. Never have Tres Amigos had to hold over two shows past the start of the new season but that is just the kind of year it was for 2020.

Asher will be performing a musical memoir of the 60’s and beyond.

After Ten TOP 40 Hits, Asher moved from his role as singer/guitarist with

Peter & Gordon to Music Executive with the Beatles’ Apple Records, to Producer and Manager, handling the careers and albums of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, JD Souther, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Neil Diamond, Olivia Newton John, Randy Newman, Diana Ross, and Ringo Starr.

The show will transport the audience through the earliest days of Asher’s journey all the way to the present day, and projects including his SiriusXM radio show on the Beatles Channel, "From Me to You." With a storyteller’s gift, Asher will disclose firsthand his tales from the eye of the cultural hurricane between poignant songs of the times, and his career, in this intimate evening.

Born in London on June 22, 1944, he was the older brother of Jane Asher, longtime girlfriend of the Beatles' Paul McCartney. While attending the Westminster School for Boys, he first met fellow student Gordon Waller, and together they began playing together as a duo. Asher's connection to the Fab Four was a crucial one, as he and Waller were often

given unrecorded Lennon-McCartney songs to perform, most notably their first and biggest hit, 1964's decidedly Beatlesque "World Without Love."

After Peter & Gordon disbanded in 1968, Asher was named the director of A&R at the Beatles' Apple Records label, where he signed a then-unknown James Taylor and agreed to produce the singer/songwriter's debut solo LP. The album was not a success, but Asher maintained that Taylor held great potential, and he resigned his post at Apple to move to the U.S. to serve as Taylor's manager, a partnership which endured over several decades.

Asher achieved his greatest success producing a long string of multi-platinum albums for James Taylor, including Sweet Baby James, JT and Flag, and for Linda Ronstadt, including Heart Like a Wheel, Simple Dreams, Living in the USA, What's New, Canciones De Mi Padre and Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind.

He also emerged among the principal architects of the mellow California rock sound prominent during the '70s, producing records for Linda Ronstadt, J.D. Souther, Andrew Gold, and Bonnie Raitt. In the decade to follow, Asher also helmed hit albums for artists ranging from Cher to 10,000 Maniacs. Souther has also appeared at the UCO Jazz Lab with Tres Amigos Productions. In 2019, Asher published a book The Beatles from A to Zed about his personal reminiscences about the band.

It is going to be a different kind of performance, but it will be a fun one.

You will not want to miss this show even if you do not end up with season tickets. The Jazz Lab is consistently rated as the best performance venue in reader polls but also by performers. They tell us all the time how much they enjoy performing there and how much they like Edmond. For the musicians and the audience, it is a one-of-a-kind intimate performance and at a great price. Plus, ticket buyers are helping fund student through the UCO Foundation scholarships.

Asher had been quoted as saying that actor Mike Myers has said he had patterned his Austin Powers character after Asher's appearance. I am very much looking forward to the performance and Asher’s sense of humor. Going out on tour again which he has done in recent years has got to be a full circle item for Asher. He sure does not need the money folks.

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

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

---- Senior news ........................................................................Pages 8 & 9.

---- Feds wrongly target Alaskan couple ..........................................Page 10.

---- Elaine Warner at ‘Gone with the Wind’ exhibit..........................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews film ..........................................................Page 14.

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

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

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

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 • July 15, 2021 • Page 5

For the trait of ‘availability’

Sondra Reid awarded Character Council honor Sondra Reid received recognition as Champion of Character for Availability at a drive-by-presentation recently.

Character Council President, Jim Hulsey presented the certificate to her at Silver Leaf Gems, a business Sondra co-owns with her sister, Stephanie Carel and mother, Diana Pate.

Stephanie nominated Sondra for the honor. She described Sondra’s commitment to her family, which includes a 24/7 commitment to care for her elderly mother-in-law, Jeanette Nelson, as well as helping out at Silver Leaf Gems.

Despite her busy lifestyle, Sondra helps with the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, the Edmond Preservation Trust, the Fine Arts Institute, clearing litter at schoolyards, cleaning and landscaping the Gower Cemetery, and placing Christmas and other holiday décor in Downtown Edmond. Due to the Oklahoma wind, Sondra may end up repairing them multiple times when they fall down.

Stephanie said, Sondra volunteers for community organizations whether she is associated or not. If she knows there’s a need she will jump in, even last minute.

Sondra said, “Helping others energizes me. It doesn’t have to be volunteering time, like with the Arts Festival. I can just be there for someone, checking out to make sure that they are OK.” Sondra’s attitude about serving may be surprising to some. When asked if there are times she should say, “No,” Sondra responded, “I should, but no, I make it work.” She welcomes the opportunity to assist others and doesn’t find it a burden. Sondra said, “I don’t care if it takes time. You do what you would want others to do for you.”

During Sondra’s formulative years, her whole family modeled availability to her and still do. Her mother worked hard, but made it a priority to spend time with Sondra when she needed it.

It was the same for Stephanie and their other sister, Jackie Allen, as well.

Sondra said, “You can have the worse day and my family just knows and they’re there for you. They’ve always been like that. It’s a great family.”

When she has the opportunity to help someone out, her husband, Michael, and twenty-year old daughter, Dharma, give their full support and enable her to free up the time.

Sondra described the thrill it gives her when her efforts make a difference

to the lives of others. As an example, Sondra said, “When Jeanette is having a hard day and I can make her smile, it fills my heart up.”

In preparation for teaching her pre-K class at the Fine Arts Institute, she may stay up until 2 or 3 a.m. The joy she sees on those little ones’ faces makes it all worth it. Sondra said, "The opportunity to create a child's dream artistically helps foster their imagination and boosts their self-esteem. If I can help in finding that inspiration, it is no problem to stay up that late."

Sondra, her mom and Stephanie all help with the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival. Sondra said “There is a lot to do and little sleep, but when it’s over, it’s like that was so much fun, can’t wait for next year.”

Stephanie said, “Sondra is very valuable to her family and friends and makes a big impact on our city with all of her volunteer projects.”

Sondra was born at Edmond Memorial Hospital and grew up in Edmond.

She moved to Colorado after graduation, where she met her husband, Michael Reid. They married and had their daughter Dharma, before moving back to Edmond in 2001. Michael works as a radiation specialist for the Department of Environmental Quality and Dharma is preparing to move out and embrace the next phase of her life.

On behalf of the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond, Sondra Reid was honored before the City Council as a Champion of Character for exemplifying the character trait of availability for her “willingness to change her schedule and priorities to meet a need.”

The Character Council is a grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a "Community of Character."

The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end, the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced. To nominate a citizen as a “Champion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, visit www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392.

Sondra Reid with her plaque noting her dedication to the character of ‘availability.’

PHOTO PROVIDED

Page 6 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

June 28 Garrard Lamonn Barber Jr., 21 of Midwest City.

Two counts of possession of CDS and driving with a license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Romona Marta Powe, 34 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Kaysea Rayann Son, 28 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

LucasAllen Sexton, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

June 29 Mark Ronald Robbins, 34 of Edmond. Disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, non-assault resisting officer and lamps/other equipment required/bicycle.

Brandon Scott Swanson, 43 of Edmond. (misdemeanor first offense) domestic assault in the presence of a minor child and domestic abuse assault (strangulation.)

Samuel Thomas Viol, 27 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Drew Neil McGowen, 56 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

June 30 Jonathan Martinez-Newman, 23 of Oklahoma City. Operating MV with improper equipment and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Siobhan Gabrielle Smith, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

July 1 Dewey Howard Whitaker, 29 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Casey Nicholas Jobe, 38 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Rayontae Latrell Nelson, 23 of Oklahoma City. (felony value) receive stolen property, breaking and entering and burglary in the second degree.

Boston Tahje Mims, 26 of Oklahoma City.

Breaking and entering, (felony value) receiving

stolen property and burglary in the second degree.

Shamarian Leray Kennybrew, 23 of Oklahoma City. (felony value) receiving stolen property, breaking and entering and burglary in the second degree.

Shamari John Rhodes, 26 of Oklahoma City.

Breaking and entering, (felony value) receiving stolen property and burglary in the second degree.

Misty Dawn Conley, 45 homeless. Public intoxication.

Cody Dale Altmiller, 25 homeless. (possession of a stolen vehicle), unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry, interruption/distuption interference w/emergency phone call, (felony) domestic assault and battery.

Terry Joe Strickland 40 of Mustang. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence pf drugs or CDS. Xavier Tyrone Richmond, 28 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Vince Franklin Nethery, 35 of Edmond. Felony warrant and misdemeanor warrant.

July 2 Krystina Michelle Tapley, 34 of Guthrie. (misdemeanor) possession of another’s credit card and misdemeanor warrant.

Jerri Louise Taylor, 48 of Bethany. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Austin Thomas Bradshaw, 28 of Edmond. Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, two counts of possession of CDS, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Jennifer Ray Palacios, 30 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication and two counts of possession of CDS. July 3 Shaquille Terelle Webster, 27 of Edmond. Operate (DUI orAPC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Kassi Blu Lane, 39 of Joplin, Mo., Petty larceny.

OscarArmando Garcia, 23 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Tyler Justin Hostetter, 27 of Edmond. Possess with intent to distribute CDS. Juliet Nicole Wolfe, 52 of Oklahoma City. Petty

larceny.

Jessica Ann Cisneros, 33 of Edmond. Malicious injury or destruction of property, assault and battery with a deadly weapon and domestic abuse assault (deadly weapon.)

Shiloh Wayne Haddox, 34 homeless. Public intoxication.

July 4 Peter Fredick Venette, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Brandon Wayne Smith, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Tyler Wayne Hensley, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Michael Paul Hensley, 43 of Mustang.

Public intoxication.

Myeshia Tyonna McDonald, 30 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (deadly weapon) Michael Patrick Stange, 33 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor first offense) abuse assault (in the presence of a child.)

Shirley Becky Wood, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jared Scott Ford, 34 homeless. Public intoxication.

Larry Grover Buchholz, 54 homeless. Public intoxication.

Joshua Jullian Walton, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Misty Dawn Conley, 45 homeless. Public intoxication.

July 5 Ashley Nicole Davis, 30 of Edmond. False personation of another, obstruction of police officer, (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception and elude police officer endanger others, a felony.

John David Huston, 38 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception.

Shawn Paul Tackitt, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Zack Alan Wunderlich, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Chance Michael Rich, 28 of Sapulpa. Public intoxication.

Lorri Michelle Bates, 54 of Edmond. Petty larceny.

Weekend Calendar of Events July 15-18 Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, July 17 & 18; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

What’s Happening This Weekend Julyy 15-18 ---- In the Gallery: Martha Turner ---- What’s Cooking, Edmond?

---- VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History ---- Concert in the Park: Ciara Brooke & John the Franklin ---- Upstage Theater Presents: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change ---- Summer Trainfest ---- Heard on Hurd ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Storytime Signing for Opal’s Greenwood Oasis ---- Read the West Book Club: Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World’s Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West ---- Signature Tour ---- Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show ---- Oklahoma City Summer Bead & Jewelry Show ---- Night Market ---- Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides ---- OKC Bird Bazaar ---- Live from the Lawn presents: Talk of the Town Orchestra ---- Summer Music Series ---- Oklahoma Summer Bridal Show ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series Extra Information In the Gallery: Martha Turner Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Martha Turner; edmondfinearts.com What’s Cooking, Edmond?

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Tue, Aug 31; Free; edmondhistory.org VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org Concert in the Park: Ciara Brooke & John the Franklin Location: Hafer Park & A.C. Caplinger Ball Fields Extra Info: Thu, July 15; Free; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; edmondok.com

Night Market Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Fri, July 16; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

A large crowd turned up last month after Heard on Hurd, returned following more than a year absence due to the virus. The event, in downtown Edmond, will be held this Saturday.

Upstage Theater Presents: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Location: Upstage Theatre Blackbox Edmond Extra Info: Thu, July 15 – Sat, July 17; general admission: $20, kids 4 & under: Free; upstagetheatreok.com

Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Thu, July 15 – Sat, July 24; arabianhorses.org Oklahoma City Summer Bead & Jewelry Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, July 16 – Sun, July 18; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; aksshow.com

Summer Trainfest Location: Katydids and Grasshoppers Extra Info: Fri, July 16 – Sat, July 17; stayhappening.com

Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: Sat, July 17; Train Times: 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m.; oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

Heard on Hurd Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, July 17; Free; 6 – 10 p.m.; facebook.com

OKC Bird Bazaar Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, July 17; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Facebook.com

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, July 17; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com

Live from the Lawn presents: Talk of the Town Orchestra Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Sat, July 17; 8 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Storytime Signing for Opal’s Greenwood Oasis Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Sat, July 17; 11 a.m.; bestofbooksok.com

Summer Music Series Location: Riversport OKC Extra Info: Sat, July 17; 4 – 8 p.m.; riversportokc.org

Read the West Book Club: Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World’s Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, July 18; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma Summer Bridal Show Location: 3001 General Pershing Blvd, OKC Extra Info: Sun, July 18; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okcbride.com Sunday Twilight Concert Series Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sun, July 18; 7:30 – 9 p.m.; artscoun

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 7

Page 8 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

The safest places for vulnerable seniors After a push to maximize vaccinations rates of nursing home residents as well as continued investments in safety protocols and staff training, data now suggests that nursing homes and long term care (LTC) settings are the safest environments in Oklahoma for vulnerable seniors.

Eighty percent of Oklahoma’s nursing home residents are now fully vaccinated, compared with 38 percent of all eligible Oklahomans, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Weekly Epidemiology Report.

Furthermore, new COVID-19 infections in long-term care (LTC) facilities licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health represent less than two percent of all new cases in Oklahoma. From June 12 -June 19 of 2021, there were just 5 new COVID cases among LTC residents, compared with 996 cases statewide, according to data reported by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).

“LTC facilities and nursing homes serve the most vulnerable populations when it comes to COVID-19, and we take the responsibility to protect our residents extremely seriously,” said Care Providers Oklahoma President and CEO Steven Buck. “For the last year, our facilities have invested enormous financial resources

into providing the safest possible environments for seniors and people with disabilities. Meanwhile, our staff members have worked overtime to ensure they were implementing best practices for the safety and comfort of our residents. Those efforts, combined with an extremely successful vaccination campaign collaboratively led by the state and our facilities, have paid off. It is clear that nursing homes are now the safest places in the state when it comes to the coronavirus.”

Julie Sanders, a Marlow resident and the granddaughter of 97-year-old Clema Wood, said she made the decision to help transition her grandmother into West Wind Assisted Living after her vision deteriorated.

Even during COVID, Ms. Sanders said she felt West Wind was the best place for Ms. Wood to enjoy the highest quality of life in the safest setting.

Today, West Wind has zero active COVID cases and a resident vaccination rate of 97 percent.

“I just want the best for Grandma,” said Sanders. “At West Wind, she has around-the-clock care and gets the attention she needs. She can also make friends and socialize with other residents knowing that the vast majority of them are vaccinated and she is in the safest environment possible.”

Eighty percent of Oklahoma’s nursing home residents are now fully vaccinated, compared with 38 percent of all eligible Oklahomans.

Julie Sanders and her grandmother, Clema Wood.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 9

Col. William Talley and Lt. Colonel Jim Null with a photo of Talley during his time in service and the plane he flew in Vietnam.

Vietnam memories reunite residents at Touchmark

By Rose Drebes Col. William Talley (Ret.), Lt. Col. Jim Null (Ret.), Poppy Hock and Ellie Lottinville are bound together by circumstances of nearly 50 years ago.

Now, they are connecting as they are all residents at Touchmark at Coffee Creek.

Col. Talley, 88, was a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Military historians say May 10, 1972 was the worst day of the conflict. It was the first day U.S. forces went that far north in four years.

Fighting meant heavy losses for the U.S., although forces were able to take out the span of the Dormer Bridge, a significant supply-line route.

The next day, May 11, 1972, Talley was back in the air flying a 105 Wild Weasel, the mission of which was called by Null the “most dangerous” in war. The jet went after SAMs, Surface-to-Air Missiles.

Null, 77, an Oklahoma City native, was also flying that day, an aircraft commander in an F-4. He had a fourship, thus eight guys were under his command.

Null heard a radio transmission from a pilot who said, “This is Iceberg 4: I’ve been hit and I’m going down.”

That was Talley who had to eject from his seat. He “punched out” and was captured a day later by the Vietnamese.

Talley became a prisoner of war at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” and was imprisoned for 11 months at the same time as the later Senator and presidential candidate John McCain.

Talley, a native of Sayre, was released on March 28, 1973. His wife had been at home with their two children in Kansas.

He reported to the Air Force base in San Antonio.

He went to the University of Oklahoma to earn his MBA and was based in California and Georgia before his last assignment was at Tinker in Midwest City.

After Tulley retired from the military, he and his wife traveled across the United States, eventually settling in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.

He said he and his wife decided to move back to midwest and ended up in Oklahoma City. She passed away before he moved to Touchmark.

They have two children, a son and a daughter and one granddaughter.

Null went on to serve the Air Force at bases in Germany, Alabama and finally retired from the Pentagon. His focus was training in weapon testing,

night flying and night bombing.

After his retirement from the military, he worked at Northrup Grumman in Rolling Hills, Ill. Upon his retirement from his second career, his family returned to Oklahoma.

He has three daughters and six grandchildren. Null moved to Touchmark last month.

Hock, 88, and Lottinville’s husband went to school together and the two women met at class reunions.

At the time Talley was imprisoned, Hock’s husband was the minister at St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Bethany. Talley’s parents were members there.

The congregation sold prayer bracelets with his name on it. She has three daughters, six grandsons, one granddaughter, six great grandsons and 1 great granddaughter.

Lottinville, 84, was a teacher in the Oklahoma City Public School system.

She went on to become a psychologist and was married to a psychiatrist. They worked in private practice together.

As he needed memory care, they moved to Touchmark in 2012 and he died in 2013.

Lottinville also was in charge of death notifications for the Red Cross.

Hock’s husband also worked there.

Along the way, she also acquired a prayer bracelet for Talley.

She has two children, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Talley gave a presentation at Touchmark about his experiences and Hock and Lottinville, already friends, discovered they had the same prayer bracelets.

Then Null moved in.

Both Null and Talley are members of the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. Null said he introduced himself at Talley’s induction ceremony and looked for him upon his own move to Touchmark.

“We weren’t fast buddies,” Nuff said, “but we knew of each other.”

Just after he moved in, Null said they sat down for dinner at Touchmark at 5:30 p.m. and didn’t leave until 7 p.m.

“It’s good to have someone who has had the same experience,” Nuff said. “We speak the same language.”

Talley said that after he was released, people sent him their prayer bracelets. For the ones which came with return addresses, he said he sent letters.

“It’s nice to meet the person you prayed for,” Hock said.

“Prayer works,” Nuff said.

(Photos by Rose Drebes)

Talley gave a presentation at Touchmark about his experiences and Hock and Lottinville, already friends, discovered they had the same prayer bracelets.

Poppy Hock and Ellie Lottinville with the prayer bracelet that they wore for Col. William Talley when he was a POW in Vietnam.

Page 10 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The land of the free?

By Steve Gust I saw something disturbing on the news recently.

A couple in Alaska recently had their home raided by the FBI. The feds believed they had the laptop of Nancy Pelosi, taken during the Jan. 6 protest at the Capitol.

There was one problem. The couple didn’t do it. Yes they attended the Trump rally that day and even went to the Capitol. They never entered. It was a case of mistaken identity. During the April raid the FBI made sure they seized a small pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution. Why that was vital evidence is beyond me.

But in addition to this, the government put these folks on a watch list. So recently they flew to a funeral in the San Francisco bay area. They missed some connecting flights because the feds did extensive searches of their luggage.

It’s really strange. Is this the kind of country we want to live in? At one time people on the left would have been outraged by Americans being treated like this by the government. But since the couple like Trump, the left is willing to overlook such official abuses.

---My national Knights of Columbus magazine had an interesting article about one of our guys who started a blanket ministry in Denver. He was inspired by a homeless man who asked him about his Knight emblem on his car.

The man wanted to know his council number. The Knight asked how he knew about the Knights. The homeless man said he had been a priest at one time.

And that was enough for this Knight to start handing out blankets to people freezing on the streets of Denver. It wasn’t only the priest. The Knight said a lot of street people are former professionals, including doctors, engineers and law enforcement. A few bad things happened to these folks and they wound up on the street.

I can see that. If someone gets too depressed over something, they can get swallowed up in alcohol or illegal narcotics. And that can lead to a loss of a job. My advice is if you have a job and a house, thank God for your blessings.

You might also consider praying for those on the street and a way to help.

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

State claims DHS is hitting foster care targets The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has received the latest coneutrals commentary for progress on the Pinnacle Plan, the state's foster care reform plan.

This report, covering the period of July 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2020, represents the first time since the inception of the Pinnacle Plan in 2012 that the co-neutrals have recognized the agency for achieving good faith efforts to achieve substantial and sustained progress in all 30 of the measured target outcomes.

The commentary states that many of the improvements reported are the result of years of investment from Okla-

homa and OKDHS’ efforts to create a safer and more effective child welfare system, and that the OKDHS senior management team is focused, transparent and deeply engaged in and committed to this work.

"I am pleased to see that independent experts are validating the transformational work being done by OKDHS employees to improve our state's foster care system,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “This is an important step in the process and I know Secretary Brown and his team will continue their efforts to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state."

Data through the end of the reporting period in Dec. 2020 showed

7,562 children and youth in state custody, down from the peak of 11,301 children in custody in 2007. This decline represents more children exiting than entering state care each year due in part to the agency’s efforts to ensure children and youth don’t linger in the foster care system but rather return home, are adopted or enter into a legal guardianship, as well as streamlining services focused on the needs of individual children.

This commentary recognized good faith efforts toward the target outcome of providing family-based placements for children with higher therapeutic care needs, noting the development and early implementation of an enhanced foster care (EFC) program, but also flags this as an area that the agency must continue to reform.

The EFC program, a service category within the Continuum of Care (CoC), was developed to respond to the complex behavioral, medical, developmental, and mental health needs of children in state custody, and provides individualized services and supports based on a child’s specific needs, along with coordination and collaboration of services between providers.

The commentary also noted strong effort in the area of achieving permanency within 12 months stating that OKDHS has established a new monthly tracking mechanism and accountability practice to help ensure the department identifies and addresses early common barriers present in a child’s case

Poll, Page 11

Biden’s open borders concerns Lankford Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senators Thom Tillis (RNC), Mike Braun (R-IN), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tom Cotton (R-AR) to send a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland seeking answers over actions taken by the Biden Administration Sen. Lankford and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to open our borders and encourage illegal immigration in the midst of an ongoing crisis at the southern border.

Lankford is the lead Republican on the Senate Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Government Operation and Border Management.

Lankford took a trip to the Arizona border in March, during which he visited the unfinished bor-

der wall system on the southern border that was halted by the Biden Administration. Lankford also traveled to Texas with a delegation of Senators to tour the Rio Grande Valley area of the southern border as part of his ongoing work to provide necessary oversight of the crisis.

“In recent years, our asylum laws have been abused and misused by illegal immigrants who are primarily economic migrants and are not otherwise eligible to immigrate to the United States,” the Senators wrote. “The cartels and human smugglers have learned how to manipulate our asylum laws, and to profit from abusing asylum by bringing illegal immigrants to the border. Instead of doing more to secure our border and discourage illegal immigration, the Biden Administration is now making it easier for economic migrants to make dubious and fraudulent asylum claims, to the delight of the cartels.”

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.

The Senators continued, “This misguided embrace of open borders comes from the very top. In his first month in office, President Biden issued an executive order which directed you to review our asylum laws and to issue regulations to allow more asylum claims, regardless of merit. In response, you vacated two immigration rulings, Matter of L-E-Aand Matter of A-B-, which prevented general economic migrants from abusing the asylum system and making fraudulent claims.”

Dear Attorney General Garland: We write today to express our serious concern over actions taken by the Biden Administration and your Department of Justice (DOJ) to open our borders and encourage illegal immigration in the midst of an ongoing crisis at the southern border.

Since January, US Border Patrol has encountered over 700,000 illegal immigrants, not including the massive number likely encountered in June. This record-breaking flood of illegal immigrants to our southern border has been prompted by the Biden Administration’s reversal of effective enforcement and deterrence policies, as well as the promise of mass amnesty for 12 million illegal immigrants already in the US. In recent years, our asylum laws have been abused and misused by illegal immigrants who are primarily economic migrants and are not otherwise eligible to immigrate to the United States. The cartels and human smugglers have learned how to manipulate our asylum laws, and to profit from abusing asylum by bringing illegal immigrants to the border. Instead of doing more to secure our border and discourage illegal immigration, the Biden Administration is now making it easier for

See Open Borders, Page 11

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

DHS From Page 10 that can delay timely permanency.

“I am incredibly proud of the work of our child welfare staff and partners across the state to improve our system and yield better outcomes, and we appreciate the recognition from the co-neutrals of our efforts,” said Dr. Deborah Shropshire, Director of OKDHS Child Welfare Services. “But, our work is never done. We are focused on a system that serves the individual needs of children and we are committed to sustained positive action for our families. We will continue to be nimble and resilient without ever wavering from our mission as we all recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We can’t do this work alone. We continue to need our partners and neighbors to help serve Oklahoma families, whether that be as a therapeutic or traditional foster family or to support families within their own communities before they ever come into crisis because we are steadfast in our belief that every child deserves a loving, permanent home.”

OKDHS continues to seek foster families in every

Open Borders From Page 8 economic migrants to make dubious and fraudulent asylum claims, to the delight of the cartels.

This misguided embrace of open borders comes from the very top. In his first month in office, President Biden issued an executive order which directed you to review our asylum laws and to issue regulations to allow more asylum claims, regardless of merit. In response, you vacated two immigration rulings, Matter of L-E-A- and Matter of A-B-, which prevented general economic migrants from abusing the asylum system and making fraudulent claims.

We are sympathetic to the plight of those seeking to come to the United States to better their lives, escape harsh conditions in their home countries, and flee general violence. Many are manipulated by the cartels, who profit from hopes and dreams, but in exchange for a dangerous and potentially deadly journey to the US. Our nation’s border and immigration laws should not be ignored simply due to difficult circumstances in foreign nations. By opening the door to more fraudulent asylum claims, the Biden Administration is enabling and energizing the cartels and inviting another wave of economic migrants to illegally immigrate to our southern border.

To better understand and respond to the Biden Administration’s misguided asylum policies, we ask that you respond to the following questions no later than Aug. 2, 2021: (1) Did DOJ or the Biden Administration conduct an analysis of the impact of vacating Matter of L-E-A- and Matter of A-B- on illegal economic migration before taking this course of action? If so, did this analysis consider the pull factor of drawing more illegal immigrants to the border and enabling the cartels who profit from asylum abuse?

(2) How many asylum seekers currently request asylum based on private criminal activity, and are being denied as a result? How many more asylum seekers would qualify due to the Biden Administration’s actions?

(3) In light of a historic immigration backlog, DOJ requested an additional 100 immigration judges in its FY2022 budget request. If the Biden Administration’s promotion of asylum fraud goes through, will DOJ request additional judges to help process the inevitable wave of claims based on private criminal activity?

(4) Has DOJ or the Biden Administration conducted a cost review to determine how much encouraging fraudulent asylum claims will cost the American taxpayer? What resources may be diverted from DOJ which could otherwise be directed towards protecting public safety and prosecuting dangerous criminals?

We are extremely skeptical of the changes proposed by the Biden Administration, and remain concerned that these changes will encourage more economic migrants to illegally immigrate when our border is already in crisis. We look forward to your timely and detailed response to our questions on this very serious issue.

Sincerely James Lankford U.S. Senator, Okla.

community across the state to serve children, and is working closely with therapeutic foster care agencies, as well as with partner agencies, including the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, to develop additional services and supports for foster families willing to care for children with greater behavioral health needs.

"Supporting families, protecting children and providing permanency for youth are at the heart of the True North goals for Child Welfare Services, and we are pleased to see the continued positive progress made in these areas recognized in the commentary," said Director Justin Brown. "While we are grateful to see the co-neutrals recognize the years of hard work that went into reaching this milestone, we are committed to further investing in innovative models and transformational best practices that address deficiencies and improve outcomes. The children and families that we serve, and the citizens of Oklahoma, deserve our agency’s unrelenting focus."

Page 12 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Costumers for the film covered over a decade of fashion history. This dress represents the changing fashion of hoops and ruffles to the more daring styles of the coming of the Gilded Age

Mannequins of Scarlett and Rhett feature a replica of Scarlett’s famous ‘drapery dress.’

‘Gone with the Wind’ museum in Texas

By Elaine Warner Jefferson, Texas, is a charming little town in the Piney Woods area in the northeastern part of the state. Trees arch over brick streets lined with Victorian cottages. Once an Elaine important steamboat terminus to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s Mark Twain meets Scarlett O’Hara. This is the ideal place for Bobbie Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum.

Margaret Mitchell’s best-selling book came out in 1936 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. The movie, produced by David O. Selznick, premiered in Mitchell’s home town, Atlanta, Georgia in 1939. The movie received 13 Oscar nominations, taking home eight of the gold statues.

Mitchell was born in 1900 – just 35 years after the end of the Civil War. She was raised on stories of the South. On summer Sunday afternoons when families gathered on porches to visit, she often sat on the knees of Confederate veterans who told stories of the war, or on laps of aunts who lived through the conflict and Reconstruction. She once said she didn’t realize the South lost the war until she was 10 years old.

These tales – and people she knew – influenced her writing. There’s a bit of Margaret in Scarlett – a Southern belle who had little patience with society’s strictures on young ladies.

Mitchell’s masterpiece is unabashedly a look at white, Southern attitudes – a belief in the myth of the grandeur, glory, and bravery of the South – written about an earlier time and created during a time when “woke” only referred to what happened in the morning.

Bobbie Hardy (like I) read the book and saw the movie in the ‘50s. The story is gripping; the descriptions vivid. The movie stays as close to Mitchell’s 1,000-page novel as possible. Hardy’s interest was really piqued in 1980 when she heard a lecture by Herb Bridges, author and owner of the world’s largest collection of Gone with the Wind (GWTW) memorabilia. It rekindled her earlier enjoyment of the book and interest in its author and she began collecting items related to the

Cammi King, who played Bonnie Blue Butler signed this photo for Bobby Hardy.

tome. Her collection grew as she also added items relating to the movie.

In 1995, Bobbie and her husband Randy, from Houston, decided to build a home in Jefferson. The large lot they purchased had, on one side, a building that had once been the high school agriculture building. Construction on their home began, but they couldn’t decide what to do with the ag building. Bobbie balked when Randy suggested renting it for boat storage. Several other ideas were vetoed until Bobbie suggested using it to house her burgeoning collection.

“Good!” Randy replied. “Then I won’t have to look at it in the house!”

The 1,700-square-foot museum opened in 1998. Since then, Bobbie has hosted visitors from every state and 42 countries.

One of the display cases has items related to Margaret Mitchell – a typewriter like the one the author used when typing her novel, a Christmas card that Mitchell had once sent to a friend, newspaper articles about Mitchell and more.

Shelves and cases hold copies of the book in foreign editions. Walls are covered with movie posters in a variety of languages, many with the iconic love scene between Rhett Butler and Scarlett, In the center of one area is a large replica of Twelve Oaks, home of the Wilkes family and featured in an early scene of the movie. (Okay, if you haven’t read it, or have forgotten: the engagement of Ashley Wilkes to his cousin Melanie was to be announced at a big barbecue.

Scarlett, used to being the center of attention, had decided she was in love with Ashley and she would get him to propose to her at the party before the engagement announcement,) This large doll house is meticulously furnished. Tiny dolls in elaborate, hooped gowns, parade down a grand staircase. Bobbie’s favorite room is the replica of the library. Attentive to detail, she combed shops until she finally found a small vase which she broke, placing the pieces before the fireplace recreating the aftermath of Scarlett’s tantrum when

her plans go awry.

Life-sized mannequins wear replicas of several of Scarlett’s gowns. And yes, one is the green velvet frock fashioned from the draperies. Rhett is resplendent in a black tuxedo and gold weskit. The couple’s daughter, Bonnie Blue Butler is outfitted in her royal blue riding habit.

More cases hold Franklin Mint Heirloom dolls of the main characters. A year-round Christmas tree is decorated with small Madame Alexander dolls representing Scarlett in a variety of outfits. A Bonnie Blue doll tops the tree. Displays are liberally sprinkled with a multitude of souvenir items – everything from paper dolls to book ends and boudoir accessories.

In 1989, at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the movie’s release, Hardy got to meet a number of the film’s stars: Olivia de Haviland, who played Melanie; Fred Crane, who played Brent Tarleton, one of Scarlett’s suitors; Evelyn Keyes and Ann Rutherford, portraying Scarlett’s sisters, Suellen and Careen; Rand Brooks, Melanie’s brother; and child stars Cammi King and Mickey Kuhn as Bonnie Blue Butler and Beau Wilkes. She is still in touch with Kuhn, now nearly 90, the only surviving cast member.

One area prominently features Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy in the movie. Her performance in this role earned her an Oscar for Supporting Actress. She was the first AfricanAmerican actor to receive this award.

After seeing this museum, I decided to re-read the novel. As a story, it is magnificent but it could not be written today. The focus is on the white South with little regard for the system that enriched the main characters. Ted Koppel, on CBS Sunday Morning recently said (of the movement to remove the names Washington and Jefferson from schools), “You are using 21st century standards to judge 18th century people.”

We cannot change the past but we can learn from it.

For a dose of reality, read Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself by Harriet Jacobs, published in 1861. GWTW is a good read; the film is classic; I enjoyed Bobby Hardy and the museum. Controversial, maybe, but make up your own mind.

Jefferson’s an attractive and interesting destination.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 13

Military academy trio intern at OMRF Three students from United States service academies have completed biomedical research summer internships at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

OMRF welcomed two students from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and one from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to its 11th class for the John H. Saxon Service Academy Summer Research Program.

John Saxon III, M.D., a Muskogee physician and OMRF board member since 2000, established the program to honor his father, a West Point graduate who taught for five years at the U.S. Air Force Academy and was a career Air Force pilot before passing away in 1996.

The Saxon program provides service academy students with an opportunity to work side-by-side with OMRF senior scientists.

Chesapeake, Virginia, native Andrew Nixon is a midshipman second class in the 3rd company at the U.S. Naval Academy. Nixon worked in the lab with OMRF scientist Lorin Olson, Ph.D., on gene expression in the development of knee joints.

"What we're looking at can potentially help us devise ways to promote healing or reduce damage in joints by knowing what to target in a clinical setting," said Nixon.

Nixon, a chemistry major, said the Saxon program provided a unique experience to see how scientists conduct the research that may ultimately end up in a clinical setting.

"This has shown me the backbone of medical science. OMRF is where the research happens that benefits us all," he said. "It's been a privilege to be a part of it."

Stephen Scholl, from Annapolis, is a midshipman second class in the 9th company at the Naval Academy. Scholl worked with OMRF scientist Chris Sansam, Ph.D., studying a specific gene called "TICRR," which plays a role in cancer.

"In just a short time, I've been exposed to many new ways of thinking and I've learned a lot from my incredible mentors," said Scholl, an operations research major. "I plan to go to medical school and eventually join the Navy medical corps. This experience in the research side of medicine has been eyeopening and invaluable."

Air Force Academy squadron commander Erika Willis of Colorado Springs is pursuing a degree in biology. Willis studied under the guidance of Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., working to observe the expression of proteins in the lungs to better under-

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 2021 John H. Saxon Service Academy Summer Research Program. From left, U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Second Class Stephen Scholl, Air Force Academy squadron commander Erika Willis, and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Second Class Andrew Nixon.

stand the lungs' susceptibility to inflammatory infections.

"Everything about this experience was great," said Willis. "It's not just that it's an incredible learning experience, but also that everyone here is so willing to help. I've dreamed of being a doctor since elementary school, and this one-of-a-kind experience has shown me the foundation of medicine and what I want to do with my life."

OMRF Vice President of Human Resources Courtney Greenwood said this exposure to realworld medical research is invaluable to the students and adds fresh perspectives to OMRF's labs.

"While the experience is short, it has long-lasting effects on the students and OMRF," said Greenwood. "We're grateful to Dr. Saxon for supporting this unique program."

Page 14 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘The Tomorrow War’

Amazon movie is good popcorn fun

By George Gust In “The Tomorrow War”, the world is stunned when a group of time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: Thirty years in the future mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. Among those recruited is high school teacher and family man Dan Forester (Chris Pratt).

“The Tomorrow War” is a time travel movie that feels out of its own time. It is the kind of movie that probably should have been made in the 90s when the Internet was in its infancy and drones didn’t patrol the skies. Back then it might have made more sense to send thousands upon thousands of people from our current time to the future to fight a ferocious and seemingly unstoppable alien force (similar outline worked for a movie like “Independence Day”). However now in 2021 we have become more jaded to the ‘nations of the world banding together arm and arm to save the world’ and the technologies we enjoy on a day-to-day basis make the massive leaps in story logic harder to swallow.

For all the mental gymnastics you are asked to do in order to follow the political and logistical

machinations of how the world reacts to an impending extinction level event in 30 years, “The Tomorrow War” still manages to be loud and pure popcorn action fun. Once you get past the lamentation of a world with a grim future, you are dropped into fast-paced sci-fi action with compelling/terrifying alien design and engaging sequences of gun toting action. This is where we leave the gloomy mood of a world where people are sent to certain death to a fun action movie with Pratt as the steady hand lead character with a touch of his comedic charm.

Overall, “The Tomorrow War” is a movie that

sci-fi action aficionados will certainly enjoy for the popcorn action it is, but for other viewers the nagging leaps in logic might be too much to overcome. “The Tomorrow War” plays it straight forward performance wise; lead by a steady performance from Pratt and a strong supporting role from Yvonne Strahovski as the no-nonsense future colonel, but a couple of memorable small comedic performances from Sam Richardson and J. K. Simmons add just enough colorful character to this allto-familiar end of the world storyline.

“The Tomorrow War” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language and some suggestive references. Now available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription. .

3 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

Chris Pratt jumps ahead in time to fight an unstoppable force in Amazon Prime's popcorn action film ‘The Tomorrow War.’

Answers appearing on Page 19

Celebration set for Cristo Rey

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Kids Classics

Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School (Cristo Rey OKC) will commemorate the success of its students while enjoying An Evening of Royals.

The second annual event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club to celebrate students, community supporters and Corporate Work Study Partners.

“After the last year of obstacles and challenges our students have had to overcome, we look forward to finally being able to celebrate our students’ hard work, an honor they have earned and deserve now more than ever,” Cristo Rey OKC President Chip Carter said. “Additionally, we will be recognizing special individuals.”

An Evening of Royals will begin at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m. Co-chaired by Bob and Heather Ross, this event will also honor Judy Love as the recipient of the Cristo Rey OKC Legacy Award and The Boldt Company as the school’s Corporate Work Study Partner of the Year. The Cristo Rey OKC Legacy Award recognizes an individual whose ideals, influence and accomplishments on behalf of distinguished record of community service throughout his/her life have left a lasting, positive impression with the Cristo Rey community.

ACROSS 1. E-wallet content 6. Pen ____ 9. *Rubik's ____ 13. Bryan Stevenson's "Just ____" 14. *____-Wan Kenobi 15. Egyptian falcon-headed deity 16. Top of a steeple 17. *"____-I-Am" 18. Vernacular 19. *"Walking" spring toy 21. *Purple dinosaur 23. Foot the bill 24. Smidgen 25. *KIDZ ____ 28. Like a mattress?

30. Stay clear of 35. *Dumbo's were huge 37. *Arnold Lobel's "Frog and ____" 39. Emotional punishment 40. At the summit of 41. Young hooter 43. Shakespeare's hometown river 44. Increase rpms (2 words) 46. *Pinocchio or Baron Munchausen, e.g.

47. Retired, shortened 48. Soft palate vibrations 50. Bob of the boxing world 52. Bovine hangout 53. Give the cold shoulder 55. Unagi on sushi menu 57. *Place called Sesame 60. *Place for Pong and PacMan 63. Semolina source 64. It would 66. Mourning fabric 68. Arterial blood vessel 69. Atlantic catch 70. Partner of pains 71. Emeralds and rubies 72. *One of "Little Women" 73. Haul something heavy

Crossword Puzzle DOWN 1. German river 2. Large edible mushroom, pl.

3. Seed covering 4. Substitute for tender 5. *Shenzi, Banzai and Ed in "Lion King" 6. *One in a pocketful 7. Lawyers' league 8. Horizontal bar dance 9. It's knee high by the Fourth of July?

10. Strong desire 11. Channel marker 12. Eastern Standard Time 15. What bullies do 20. City in Japan 22. Past tense of eat 24. Popular salad dressing 25. *Winnie and Paddington 26. Derived from oats 27. Utah city 29. Thanksgiving turkey, e.g.

31. Burn to a crisp 32. V·clav of Czechoslovakia

33. Be theatrical 34. *One of the Darling children 36. Horse prod 38. Letter opener 42. More true 45. Bygone Spanish money 49. "He said, ___ said" 51. Place that attracts visitors, pl.

54. Ancient city in Africa 56. Cooler clime conifer 57. *"One, two, buckle my ____" 58. Four years in the White House, e.g.

59. *"____ of NIMH" 60. *____ Walker, American Girl 61. *"Matilda" and "The Gremlins" author 62. *"The Three Musketeers" sword 63. Tail action 65. *Huck's friend 67. Sixth sensen

Answers are found on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 15

One last look at LibertyFest parade After missing last year’s LibertyFest parade, people were ready for a red, white and blue good time in downtown Edmond July 3. The parade was held on Saturday morning, since July 4 fell on a Sunday.

The sign told the story. After skipping 2020, the 2021 LibertyFest parade was back.

Memorial High School helped to wish a happy birthday to the USA.

Photographs by Melinda Infante

The proud banner of a great nation made its way through Downtown Edmond. The crowds gave the flag the honor it deserves.

Spectators lined the streets to greet the many floats and groups marching.

Greeting people, lining both sides of the street, was Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis and his family.

Flags and fun were the order of the day July 3.

Page 16 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Postseason honors for UCO rowing champs EVERETT, Wash. – The University of Central Oklahoma rowing team had three student-athletes named College Rowing Coaches Association All-American Thursday.

Megan Dwarshuis and Kateryna Klymenko were both named First Team All-Americans while Siobhan

Quirke was named Second Team AllAmerican.

Dwarshuis becomes the first threetime All-American in school history.

She earned the honor as a sophomore in 2018 and a junior in 2019.

She was also listed as an All-American nominee in 2020 after the sea-

son was canceled.

The Grand Island, Michigan native also became the first four-time national champion in school history this season, having been a key member of the Varsity 8+ boat that won titles in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. She helped Central win team national titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Klymenko joined the UCO rowing program before the 2020 season but didn’t have the opportunity to row last year. Also a V8+ boat member, Klymenko stroked the national title boat this season in helping the Bronchos to a fourth-straight title in the eights and a third-straight team title.

Quirke is also an All-American for

the first time. The Long Beach, California native is a three-time national champion though.

She helped the team win titles in 2018, 2019, and 2021 and was a key figure in the V8+ boat in each of those seasons.

Following this year’s All-American announcement, Central Oklahoma has now had 19 student-athletes earn the honor a combined 25 times in just 13 years since the program’s inception. Central has won each of the last four Varsity 8+ national titles, each of the last two Varsity 4+ national titles, and is the back-to-backto-back defending national team champion in NCAA Division II.

Byron Berline

Fans & friends alike mourn loss of fiddler Byron Berline

By Josh Dulaney Oklahoman.com Byron Berline, the legendary fiddler player, owner of Guthrie’s Double Stop Fiddle Shop and beloved member of the bluegrass community whose life in music once led him to a recording session with The Rolling Stones, died over the weekend. He was 77.

Family members posted Sunday on Berline's Facebook page that he had been recovering from a stroke, but began having breathing problems that proved fatal on Saturday. He died, the post said, "as his band was going on stage at the Music Hall."

“On behalf of the American Banjo Museum, along with many musicians, fans and family, we lost a great friend with the passing of Byron Berline,” Johnny Baier, executive director of the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City, said in a statement. “Casting pride on Oklahoma anywhere and anytime he performed, Byron’s storied career is legendary. Yet he was as accessible and kind as a person could be. Already missed, Byron left this world a better place than he entered.”

A three-time National Fiddle Champion, Berline is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.

He was born July 6, 1944, in Caldwell, Kansas, one of five children in a musical family. His family owned a farm with land in both Oklahoma and Kansas, but they resided in Grant County, Oklahoma, according to the

Oklahoma Historical Society.

Berline’s father played the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano and guitar. His mother played piano, and his five older siblings played various instruments.

Berline started playing the fiddle at age 5.

He earned a teaching degree in physical education from the University of Oklahoma, where he also ran track.

At age 19, he met The Dillards, a group that performed on “The Andy Griffith Show” as the fictional bluegrass band The Darlings.

“I met them the same day President Kennedy was killed,” Berline told The Oklahoman. “It was November 22, 1963. It was a Friday.”

Berline said The Dillards were playing a gig in Oklahoma City and he got to perform with them. Two years later he recorded “Pickin’ and Fiddlin’” with the group.

In 1965, he met Bill Monroe at the Newport Folk Festival. After Berline graduated from OU in May 1967, he joined Monroe and his band, the Bluegrass Boys.

Berline was drafted into the U.S. Army a few months later.

After his discharge in 1969, Berline moved to California and played with several bands, including his own — Byron Berline and Sundance, and Country Gazette. He played music all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, North Africa and the South

See Berline, Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 17

Official: Numbers show expanding economy Oklahoma’s expanding economy pushed Gross Receipts to the Treasury into record high territory for both 12-month revenue and June collections, State TreasMcDaniel urer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

Receipts of $14.32 billion during fiscal year 2021, which ended June 30, are the highest on record during

any 12-month period in Oklahoma history. Collections of $1.54 billion from the past month are the highest for any June.

“Positive economic news of this magnitude is reassuring,” State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said. “The economic picture in Oklahoma is still developing, but it’s clearly much improved from where we were a year ago during the depths of the pandemic.”

The substantial increase in gross receipts can be attributed to growth in economic activity along with some

non-economic factors, including more than $10 billion in direct federal payments to Oklahomans in response to the pandemic and the timing of income tax payment deadlines.

Last year’s income tax deadline was delayed from April to July, so it’s included in the current 12-month report along with payments due this year. In addition, June receipts are boosted by the change in this year’s income tax payment deadline from April to June. Total income tax collections are up by more than 21 percent for the fiscal year and 73 percent for

the month.

McDaniel said oil and gas gross production tax collections show the biggest percentage increase of all major revenue sources for the month.

Gross production receipts of $79.7 million are up by more than 300 percent from June of last year when payments were at a record low due to depressed oil prices.

Other indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index expanded its growth in June.

The monthly index was set at 73.6,

See Numbers, Page 18

BeSpoke Vision marks rebranding & new location BeSpoke Vision recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their rebranding and the grand opening of their new location at 200 W Covell Rd. Formerly Precision Vision Edmond, Dr. Selina McGee rebranded the practice. She saw an opportunity to change the name and logo to better embody their culture and the quality they strive for.

They are now officially BeSpoke Vision. The practice was originally founded on the premise “Vision is Everything,” and that still holds true. BeSpoke Vision also speaks to the quality and custom experience they have always offered and will continue to build upon in their new location.

In the words of Dr. McGee, "Originally, 'bespoke' was a verb meaning ‘to speak for something’ and has evolved to describe made for a particular person or something that is custom made for an individual." Her interpretation is a blend: unique customization that speaks.

The cornerstone of their practice is you, the patient.

At BeSpoke Vision, they want to create an experience that not only elevates vision but elevates lives. They hope to help every person see and be seen for the amazing unique and custom made human they are.

PHOTO PROVIDED Learn more about their services or book online at BeSpoke Vision, formerly Precision Vision, is at 200 W. Covell Rd. They celebrated recently with www.bespokevision.org. their friends from the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

Advice for entrepreneurs Not every would-be entrepreneur was discouraged when the COVID-19 pandemic began to cause headaches for businesses across the country.

The number of startups surged at a time when opening a new business looked like a questionable move.

Now, with things looking up in the economy and in the battle against the virus, even more people may take the plunge and launch their own businesses.

But as they do, they face a crucial question every entrepreneur must address, pandemic or no pandemic: How do you gather the capital to pay for such an endeavor?

“When you are trying to get started, every nickel and dime counts,” says Rob Cordasco (www.cordasco.cpa), author of A

Framework for Growth: Smart Financial and Tax Planning Strategies Throughout the Entrepreneurial Life Cycle.

“Many entrepreneurs have a great idea for a business and an eagerness to move forward, but they have few funds, so that’s the first obstacle to overcome. You’ll want to plan carefully because, while there are several options available for funding a new business, each comes with its own pros and cons.”

Cordasco, founder of Cordasco & Company, P.C., a boutique Certified Public Accounting firm, says some options to consider include: • Personal savings. This is the cheapest option for funding, but comes with obvious drawbacks, Cor-

See Advice, Page 17

Heritage Hall’s new leader time, Board President HiThe Heritage Hall comlary Allen observed munity officially welFetrow to be a “visionary comed Aaron Fetrow on and gifted leader who July 6 as the School’s will build upon President new president. Fetrow Bramble’s exemplary succeeds Guy Bramble, legacy.” who retired on June 30 In his new role, Fetrow after 33 years at the said, “I am committed to helm. fostering community, culFetrow comes to Hertivating excellence inside itage Hall from Roanoke Aaron Fetrow and outside the classCollege (Salem, VA) where he served as Vice President for room, promoting diversity, and instilling integrity in future generations.

Resource Development, Vice-president for Student Affairs, and Dean of Over the past few months, I have met many within the Heritage Hall Students. community. Now that my family and He holds a Doctorate of JurispruI are in Oklahoma full time, I look dence from the University of Tenforward to meeting others, to buildnessee College of Law (Knoxville, TN), a Master of Arts in history from ing relationships, and to leading Heritage Hall in the years ahead,” Fetrow Truman State University (Kirksville, concluded.

MO), and a Bachelor of Science in Joining Fetrow in his transition to history from Manchester University Oklahoma City and Heritage Hall are (North Manchester, IN). his wife Jodi and two sons, Jadon Since his appointment in Novemand Zach. Jadon attends the Univerber 2020, Fetrow has visited the campus several times and has been in sity of the South (Sewanee, TN).

Zach will begin his junior year at Herregular communication with key aditage Hall in August. ministrators and staff. During this

Page 18 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Advice From Page 17 dasco says. “The upside is you won’t have to make payments to a bank every month, regardless of your sales level,” he says. “The downside is that if you dip too far into your personal funds, you could put yourself – and your family – at risk.” If you choose to self-fund the business, map out a plan before transferring or withdrawing any funds, he says. That gives you time to think through what you want to do and evaluate how to make the most of each dollar.

• Debt. If you choose to borrow money to launch the business, you can seek a loan from a bank, an online lender, a family member or even a friend. When you’re low on funds – or reluctant to dip too far into your savings – this is a viable option. But debt has its downsides as well. “As soon as you take the money, you’ll be held accountable for paying it back,” Cordasco says. “In the startup phase, your personal assets will likely be used to guarantee the loan. This means if the product doesn’t sell, your savings, house, or car could potentially be lost, as they may have been used as collateral when the loan was first established. On top of that, your startup will feel the pressure of having to sell enough to cover the debt and the interest owed.”

• Equity. This is by far the most expensive option. “Essentially, through equity, you sell part of the company to an outsider,” Cordasco says. “This outsider will gain some ownership in the company in return.

They’ll also take some of the profits.”

He says you could think of this situa-

Before starting a business and making any decisions about funding, Cordasco recommends sitting down with a CPA so you can make sure your financial footing is solid. tion as “forced sharing.” “Through equity, you’ll receive funds to help start the company, but you’ll also have other owners involved and will have to think about earnings, profits, and distributions right from the beginning,” Cordasco says. “During the early stages of your business, its value is low, and you will give up more ownership than if you wait until later in your business life cycle to take on partners.”

Before starting a business and making any decisions about funding, Cordasco recommends sitting down with a CPA so you can make sure your financial footing is solid.

“The two of you should evaluate the funding options together,” he says. “Look at your personal finances as well. You’ll be able to see risks to be aware of, such as payments that must be made every month and the particular income needs that you have.

“Starting a business can be an exciting time, but if you aren’t careful and intentional with your planning, your dream of successful entrepreneurship can turn into an overwhelming financial ordeal.”

Numbers From Page 17 up from 68.9 in May. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months.

The May unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 4.0 percent by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s jobless rate was down from 4.1 percent in April and from 9.5 percent in May 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was set at 5.8 percent in May. June collections Compared to gross receipts from June 2020, collections in June 2021 show: Total monthly gross collections are $1.54 billion, up $440.2 million, or 40.2 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $704.9 million, up by $297.6 million, or 73.1 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $519.5 million, an increase of $193.3 million, or 59.3 percent.

Corporate collections are $185.4 million, up by $104.3 million, or 128.6 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $523.9 million – up by $53.1 million, or 11.3 percent.

Sales tax collections total $453.3 million, an increase of $48.4 million, or 12 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on outof-state purchases including internet sales, generated $70.6 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 7.1 percent.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $79.7 million, an increase of $60.1 million, or 305.8 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $85.9 million, up by $10.3 million, or 13.6 percent.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $140.7 million – up by $19.1 million, or 15.7 percent.

The medical marijuana tax produced $6 million, up by $475,893, or 8.6 percent from June 2020.

Twelve-month collections Combined gross receipts for past 12 months compared to the trailing 12 months show: Gross revenue totals $14.32 billion.

That is $1.3 billion, or 10 percent, above collections from the previous period.

Gross income taxes generated $5.32 billion, an increase of $945.1 million, or 21.6 percent.

Individual income tax collections total $4.44 billion, up by $577 million, or 14.9 percent.

Corporate collections are $879.1 million, an increase of $368.1 million, or 72 percent.

Combined sales and use taxes generated $5.82 billion, an increase of $347.2 million, or 6.3 percent.

Gross sales tax receipts total $4.96 billion, up by $231.3 million, or 4.9 percent.

Use tax collections generated $858.7 million, an increase of $115.9 million, or 15.6 percent.

Oil and gas gross production tax collections generated $754.3 million, down by $74.9 million, or 9 percent.

Motor vehicle collections total $822.3 million, an increase of $38 million, or 4.9 percent.

Other sources generated $1.6 billion, up by $49.2 million, or 3.2 percent.

Medical marijuana taxes generated $66.1 million, up by $23.7 million, or 55.9 percent.

About Gross Receipts to the Treasury The monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report, developed by the state treasurer’s office, provides a timely and broad view of the state’s economy.

It is released in conjunction with the General Revenue Fund report from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which provides information to state agencies for budgetary planning purposes.

The General Revenue Fund, the state’s main operating account, receives less than half of the state’s gross receipts with the remainder paid in rebates and refunds, remitted to cities and counties, and apportioned to other state funds.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 15, 2021 • Page 19

Berline

Senior drive program seeks volunteers From Page 16

Pacific.

Berline recorded with numerous musical acts, including Bob Dylan, Elton John, The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Rolling Stones.

The Rolling Stones flew him to California to record “Country Honk,” a country version of “Honky Tonk Women,” for the album called “Let It Bleed.”

According to Berline, the English rockers asked him to record on the sidewalk off Sunset Boulevard. Berline said it was getting dark and damp, and at one point, his bow slipped and made a sound he wasn't happy with at the time.

Everyone liked the take and Berline always picked out the bow slip whenever he heard the song.

Berline also contributed work to several movies, including “Back to the Future III” and “Basic Instinct.”

He and his wife, Bette,

lived in Los Angeles until April 1995 when they returned to Oklahoma after the death of his father-in-law.

In 1996, he opened the Double Stop Fiddle Shop and Music Hall in Guthrie. Berline's father had been a fiddle collector for many years.

Berline started collecting in 1987.

Tragedy struck in 2019, when a large fire destroyed the original music store.

“That was one of my worst days,” Berline told The Oklahoman. “All those really old 17th-century and 18th-century violins, they can’t be handed down now.”

Benefit shows on Berline's behalf were organized at the Tower Theatre, OKC Jazz Festival and Guthrie's historic Scottish Rite Masonic Temple.

A few days after the blaze, a family from Michigan contacted him about their father’s col-

lection of about 30 fiddles and almost 50 bows; not only were they willing to make a deal but also to drive 500 miles to meet him with the merchandise. Recently, the son of his late friend Terry Carroll showed up in Guthrie unannounced to pass along about 40 fiddles he inherited from his father.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Central Oklahoma is looking for volunteer drivers, 55 and older, who would enjoy helping non-driving seniors get to their medical appointments.

Each year, more than 300 seniors rely on Provide-A-Ride (PAR) for free transportation to their medical appointments.

Since the pandemic, volunteer driver numbers have dropped while transportation needs for seniors continue to climb, said April Lucas, Provide-A-Ride coordinator.

“Currently, we have more requests

for rides than we can cover. Our big need is for compassionate drivers who provide such a necessary service while helping seniors to stay independent, which is something we all value,” Lucas said.

RSVP is looking for volunteers, 55+, who can provide at least two rides per month. All drivers are provided with personal protective equipment and mileage compensation. If you would be interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer driver, contact April Lucas at 405605-3106 or email at april.lucas@rsvpokc.org.

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Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • July 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure