Edmond Life and Leisure - October 13, 2022

New stage to honor Kyle Dillingham

Dedication is this Friday

From the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to Bangkok’s Patravadi Theatre, Oklahoma Ambassador of Good will, Kyle Dillingham, has energized audiences in over 40 countries and now he will be celebrating the grand opening of his own stage in downtown Edmond, Friday, October 14th. The festivities at the new Kyle Dilling ham Community Arts Stage, located at 15 W. Campbell (behind Silver Leaf Gems), will kick off with an official ribbon cutting at 7:00pm followed by a performance by the award-winning artist and other guest artists.

The focal point of the outdoor venue is the whimsical mural, created by the artists of Thunderdome Tattoos, which features a frog in a straw hat strumming a banjo amongst the lily pads with a tornado in the background.

“It’s an intimate space with almost no line between au dience and stage,” Dillingham said. “But I just love how you can still get lost in the space where the mural meets the surrounding nature.”

Craig Brudzinski, the brainchild of this new creative space, envisioned the vacant lot next to his workshop as a place for the community to come together.

“I was visualizing a place where people could gather and experience the vast talent here in Edmond,” said Brudzinski. “Kyle has connected people around the world, so it was a perfect fit to honor him with this stage to connect everyone in our community. This new venue will be available to artists and arts organizations free of charge.”

“The arts are such powerful tools that so naturally bring us all together,” Dillingham said. “I can’t wait to watch the magic unfold at the new Kyle Dillingham Community Arts Stage - a truly enchanting setting where all are welcome and where hopefully many can come for inspiration and encouragement. The arts can change everything, and it only takes a little!”

information, contact Stephanie Brudzinski, 405808-8804.

About Kyle Dillingham:

History was made in 2019 at the Grand Ole Opry with an unprecedented debut perfor mance by Kyle Dillingham on a Dolly Parton skateboard.

“Kyle Dilling ham has made Opry history. His debut tonight, and the first ever to enter and exit on a skateboard.

It is my thought that the fiddler blew the roof off the Grand Ole Opry house tonight!” -Bill Cody, Grand Ole Opry Announcer/Host

“Proud of you brother...you play violin/fiddle with more passion than anyone in history...and the skate board? Wow!!!” -The Oak Ridge Boys

“I’ve never seen anything like this before!” -Roy Clark.

“Ken Burns and I travel all over the United States. After hearing your performance, we turned to each other and

Kyle Dillingham

agreed that we had witnessed something amazing.” -Paula Kerger, President of PBS.

“Hell of a musician, that’s for sure.” -Charley Pride.

Dillingham, an Oklahoma native, picked up the violin when he was nine, and eight years later, he gave two featured performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Dillingham was awarded with the prestigious honor of Oklahoma Ambassador of Goodwill in 2020. Previously honored Ambassadors of Goodwill include Toby Keith, Kristin Chenoweth, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Jimmy Webb, and Hank Thompson, to name a few.

Dillingham is also the winner of the 2020 and 2011 International Acoustic Music Awards and the 2021 and 2022 Indie Music Channel Awards.

He and his band, Horseshoe Road, participated in the 2018-2019 American Music Abroad season, organized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and The Association of American Voices, with a tour through Kosovo and Kuwait.

That same year, they completed their third Silk Road and the Fiddle Tour through China representing Oklahoma and the United States with a musical celebration of cultural relations and performances.

In 2018, they were one of the featured performers at the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows Concert in Washington, DC, to honor their good friend and Fellow recipient, Manuel Cuevas. Cuevas has been attributed as being the man who put Johnny Cash in black.

“We were also selected for a coveted performance at the 2018 CMA Fest in Nashville, which was another highlight of our career”, Dillingham said. “After our performance, we had the chance to play for Charley Pride in his dressing room at the Grand Ole Opry and hang out with Blake Shelton and others backstage! What an incredible experience.”

Also that year, they opened for

Grammy Award-winner, Lee Greenwood, at the renowned Neewollah Festival in Independence, Kansas.

Their 2008 Thailand tour commemorated the 175th anniversary of relations between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand, and their 2013 tour of Korea celebrated the 60th anniversary of Partnership and Shared Prosperity between Korea and the U.S.

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road have also taken the stage with The Charlie Daniels Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Hank Thompson, Lisa Ling, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Toby Keith, Hanson, Leona Mitchell and Thailand’s Pop Superstar, Tik Shiro, and have performed with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, China’s Lanzhou Symphony Orchestra and the Amici Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Honored by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, Dillingham was selected as a recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Arts Award, acknowledging his life’s work as a violinist, vocalist, musical ambassador for the state of Oklahoma and for his gift to connect with people throughout the world.

Dillingham is now managed by legendary impresario, Jim Halsey, who has guided the careers of many great performers including Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Clint Black, James Brown and many others.

He has performed for the King of Malaysia, the Princess of Thailand, Beijing Central Conservatory (broadcast on Chinese national television) and Singapore’s National Day Celebration. Dillingham has also performed for many government leaders including the Japanese, Thai and Saudi Arabian Ambassadors as well as for many US Ambassadors while abroad.

Dillingham has also championed the commissions and performed the premieres of eight new works for solo violin and symphony orchestra - collaborating with many orchestras worldwide.

For more information about Kyle Dillingham, visit his website or follow him on social media.

Obituary notice

Vickie Lee Nichols

Vickie Lee Nichols joined Jesus and her beloved Pat in Heaven on October 7, 2022.

Born on January 8, 1949 in Salina, Kansas to parents L’Roy Johnson and Eulala Faye Johnson, Vickie grew up an Air Force brat and lived in Kansas, California, Washington, Texas, Japan, New Mexico, and North Carolina. She was lucky to get to spend all four years of high school and graduated from 71st High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1967.

After high school she moved to Enid, Oklahoma where her parents had retired. This is where she met the love of her life, Pat Nichols. They married on July 20, 1974 and spent the next 48 years loving each other and serving others. In 2016, Vickie and Pat were honored with Edmond’s Citizens of the Year for their dedication and contribution to Edmond.

Vickie’s love for working with people to plan travel started in 1966 while still in high school. She worked at a local travel agency in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After working at a few more agencies, she opened Nichols Travel in 1978. She loved her clients, many became lifelong friends. She continued to work until her last day.

Everything centered around her faith in God. He was the source her strength, her guiding light. Her love for the Lord was evident for many to see. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church on Rankin in Edmond where she served as a marriage mentor and Stephen Minister.

She loved spending time with her family and friends. Vickie and Pat were excellent Spades partners, they loved having friends over for round robin tournaments. She thrived at the board game Scrabble and was hard to beat. She loved tending to her plants and had a ‘home remedy’ spray that helped them grow and flourish.

Vickie is survived by her son Todd Nichols, daughter Lindsey Martin, daughter-in-love Dana Spomer, son-in-love Chris Martin, grandchildren Austin, Dillon, Addison and Shelby of Edmond. Trudy (sister) and Marty Fennewald of Colorado Springs, Danny (brother) and Gina Johnson of Purcell, Jack Johnson of Littleton, Colorado, Timothy (brother) and Jan Johnson of Stillwater and Wayne (brother) and Marilyn Johnson of Enid along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Pat.

Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, October 11at First Presbyterian Church of Edmond. Reverend Matt Jones officiated the ceremony.

Memorial contributions can be made to Jim Riley Outreach – Blake’s House https:// jimrileyoutreach.org/donate/ (designate to Blake’s House).

Checks can be made to JRO 11576 Clairmont Court Frisco, TX 75035

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St. Elijah’s Orthodox Christian church to host Mediterranean Food Festival

It is back my friends. St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church is hosting its annual Food Festival celebrating Mediterranean food, culture and church history on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. St. Elijah is located at 15000 North May Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Since I am a member of the “tribe” as my friend Leah Kessler used to tell me, I have a special very much self-serving interest in this festival. It is from my church (cradle to gave Orthodox Christian) and my culture. You do not have to hang with me long to understand how proud I am of my Lebanese heritage and gosh, who would not be. Everybody wants to be Lebanese, don’t they?

Our Mediterranean cousins at the Greek Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City, St. George, do a wonderful festival. They dance and everything. In typical Lebanese fashion, we just eat. Many years ago, we talked about putting on traditional Arabic dress and dancing but decided against it. It would probably have scared off all the customers.

Tours of the church are generally available, and you should come inside and see our beautiful icons folks. I love our faith and our church. I have never set foot inside of my St Elijah home during my adult years without some tears. You can feel the presence of God and it humbles me before Him. You can be a different faith and still feel the hand of God on your shoulder I promise you so allow some extra time to sit in the church.

St. Elijah will again offer its ever popular a la carte menu in both dine-in and carryout and will feature Middle Eastern selections such as Ruz and Yahknee (Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Green Bean and Sirloin topping), Cabbage Rolls, Kafta Sandwiches, Chicken Sandwiches, Talami (Homemade Lebanese Bread), Salata (Lebanese Salad), Hummus (Garbanzo Bean Dip), Tabouli, Baklawa and Ruz Bi Haleeb (Rice Pudding), a sweet you are certain to enjoy and so much more. Due to its popularity, they will again offer our Sampler Plate! It is a great way to try out our favorites! All are available in both dine-in or carryout.

“We look forward to opening our Church home and sharing a part of our rich history with our friends and neighbors in Oklahoma City,” said Malek Massad, Co-Chair of the event. “After a two-year absence, our Parishioners are looking forward to this event returning and have already started preparing with the anticipation of our faithful guests joining us

once again. We are blessed that people come from near and far to attend this event and we definitely will not disappoint!”

In addition to the hot and ready food guests can dine on while at the festival, St. Elijah also offers The Culinary Cupboard which features some of the finest pastries, breads, cookies, cakes, pies and ethnic foods from around the world, made by the parishioners of St. Elijah. Guests can also find fresh-made refrigerated and frozen items to savor for long after the festival ends.

Beyond the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, guests are also invited to the Cultural Committee’s Hospitality Room to learn about the diverse cultural history of St. Elijah and its parishioners representing such countries as Lebanon, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Armenia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Ethiopia, Greece, and Russia.

St. Elijah also proudly welcomes guests to learn about their ancient Faith, history, church architecture and beautiful icons during guided tours of the Church Sanctuary given throughout each day.

These recipes are handed down from our great grandmothers and their great grandmothers. Just like any ethnic foods, each house makes them a little different but since most of these recipes came from the same two villages in Lebanon, truly, the food is the best cooks of our church preparing them. The parishioners put in so many hours in preparation and please know you are welcome in our home folks. As my grandfather used to say “Ahlan wa sahlan” which means welcome to our home.

For more information about the St. Elijah Annual Food Festival, please visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StElijahAnnualFoodFestival/. For more information about St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, please visit www.stelijahokc.com

Vickie Lee Nichols joined Jesus and her beloved Pat in Heaven on October 7, 2022.

I was out of town last week and came home to some sad news. Edmond’s beloved friend, neighbor and travel agent, Vickie Nichols, fell asleep in the Lord. It broke my heart. I had just seen her the week before I left out in her yard helping with her flower beds. Vickie was gifted with a green thumb, so I was blessed to be able to visit with her for the last time in that setting. I am so glad that I was able to take some time and stop to talk with her.

Like me you know couples that you just feel that when one of them passes the other will not be far behind. Such was the case with Vickie and her dear husband Pat Nichols. They were so close and good

UCO retains President’s Cup

Central Oklahoma thrashed Northeastern State for the eighth straight time, continuing the punishing tradition

Bronchos have made the norm over the past 2,896 days.

Central Oklahoma 55, Northeastern State 6.

"The guys did a great job of coming out with a lot of energy and that start gave us a lot of momentum," UCO head football coach Adam Dorrel said. "It was a great start and that helped set the tone. It's also good to be able to play as many guys as we have the last couple of weeks."

UCO forced a three & out on the opening possession by NSU, and the 4th & 24 punt was returned by Diego Richards to the Northeastern 10-yard line, setting up a simple 2-play, 10-yard scoring drive to open the game.

The Bronchos led 7-0 two minutes and 34 seconds into the game after Stephon Brown trotted into the end

“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.

to each other I just feared that when Pat died Vickie would not be far behind if nothing else out of grief.

They married on July 20, 1974, and spent the next 48 years loving each other and serving others.

This couple has been so involved in our community over the years. In 2016, Vickie and Pat were honored as Edmond’s Citizens of the Year for their dedication and contribution to Edmond. We will never really know how many lives Pat and Vickie had a positive effect on over the years. They quietly helped so many with their travel agency, through the organizations they belonged to and just the friends they made. Never any judgements on people from them, just kindness.

Everything centered around her faith in God. He was the source of her strength, her guiding light. Her love for the Lord was evident for many to see. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church on Rankin in Edmond where she served as a marriage mentor and Stephen Minister.

Will Rogers airport needs attention to detail

It is great that our “International” airport in Oklahoma City is doing so much remodeling, but all the work is for our visitors and not for us taxpayers. I admit that most of my tax dollars stay in Edmond so I probably do not have the right to complain but folks in Oklahoma City should demand better from Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and the airport trust.

The grand construction is wonderful. Really a nice job for folks flying through but for those of us that board and disembark here at Will Rogers there is some work to do. While the tunnel from the parking garage to the terminal has been considered temporary for the last 30 years, it needs some work. The elevators are filthy. They are full of trash and look like someone has poured egg white in them with giant stains. Can they not be cleaned up a bit with some new carpet on the tunnel floor or at least rent a carpet cleaning machine for a day?

There is also no signage to direct you to the airline ticket counters. The temporary tunnel takes you to the baggage area, you take the escalator up and pop out on the ticket counter area. There is no signage to tell you what direction the American or United or Delta or Southwest counter is located. None. I can remember where Delta is but beyond that I must walk one way and then another looking for it.

Most important is that these thing do not cost much money. You do not need a bond issue Mayor Holt, just a little attention to detail, please.

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

zone.

Northeastern got one first down on the next drive but the suffocating UCO defense forced another punt after a 6play, 15-yard drive. Then, after the first three plays netted the Bronchos 19 yards, Brown darted around the defense for a 65-yard rushing touchdown to make it 14-0.

That UCO defense followed that with a score of its own. On 2nd & 10 from the NSU 25, Blake Barron forced a fumble that popped up in the air and into Jason Harris' hands.

Harris returned it 35 yards for another score. UCO led 21-0 after 9:14 of game time.

UCO added one more score in the first quarter, with Nicky Quevedo nailing a 41-yard field goal to give Central the 24-0 lead.

Central Oklahoma got the ball with 14:49 to play in the second quarter and the Bronchos kept their foot on the gas.

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission,

Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

is a member of the National

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as part of the

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Ray Hibbard

A breast cancer survivor story

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. All month long, INTEGRIS Health will share inspiring survivor stories.

We start with Kendi Wampler, who lives in Duke, Oklahoma, just outside of Altus. She is the proud owner of a dance studio in Weatherford, where she has taught for 32 years. “I’ve taught some of these kids ballet, tap and jazz since they were three years old,” Wampler beams. “I’ve literally watched them grow up.” But what Wampler didn’t plan on, was that she would end up teaching them far more than dance.

“I was considered high risk for breast cancer because the disease is on both sides of my family,” she shares. “So I was very diligent about getting my yearly mammograms. Still, it comes as a shock when it happens to you.”

In January of 2021, Wampler had a regular mammogram that came back clear. Being in the high-risk category, it was recommended that she have a breast MRI in six months. Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures of the inside of the breast. She had the MRI in August, which revealed a suspicious spot on both her right and left breast. After doing a biopsy on each, the spot on the right breast was benign but the spot on the left breast was cancerous.

“I was about to go teach a dance class when I got the news,” Wampler remembers. “I

Kendi Wampler

didn’t have time for it to sink in. I had a room full of kids counting on me.”

While the tumor itself was small, Wampler was diagnosed with triplepositive HER2-positive breast cancer, which is an aggressive cancer that can spread quickly. “If I had not done the extra screening and only had an annual mammogram the following year, the diagnosis would have been totally different. The Her2-positive is so aggressive, the cancer would have definitely spread within a year’s time.”

“It was fortunate that Kendi understood the importance of regular mammograms and heeded advice when further screenings were suggested,” says Lara Theobald, M.D., a medical oncologist at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute. “The cancer was discovered early in her case, which made a favorable outcome far more likely.”

Within two weeks of her diagnosis, consultations with the breast surgeon and oncologist were complete and treatment began in September. She began with twelve weeks of chemotherapy, before having a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy. “By getting her high-risk breast imaging with mammograms and breast MRI, Kendi was

able to diagnose her cancer at an early, more treatable stage. She had a great response to chemotherapy and became a wonderful candidate for lumpectomy,” says Nicole Sharp Cottrell, M.D., FACS, a surgical oncologist at INTEGRIS Health Breast Surgery in Oklahoma City.

A lumpectomy is a surgical operation in which a lump is removed from the breast, typically when cancer is present but has not spread. Patients who have a lumpectomy may choose to involve a plastic surgeon.

“An oncoplastics procedure applies breast reduction principles to the lumpectomy planning, to preserve (and improve) breast shape, which is often considered if the tumor is large relative to breast size, or if the patient has a large breast,” explains Nabil Habash, M.D., a plastic surgeon affiliated with the INTEGRIS Health network.

“During this procedure we typically lift or reduce the other breast to maintain symmetry.”

Surgery was followed with sixteen rounds of radiation, and a full year’s worth of Herceptin infusions. Her final infusion was Aug. 31 of this year. After finishing both the chemotherapy and the year of adjuvant Herceptin, Wampler has an excellent prognosis. She will have regular checkups and breast imaging, including both a mammogram and breast MRI for high-risk surveillance. She will take oral medication for at least five years.

“When I look back, I realize it has been a very long year,” Wampler re-

flects. “But going through it, you just do what needs to be done.” She adds, “I know I’m incredibly lucky and that many women don’t survive this awful disease. That’s why I tell my dance students, their families, and really anyone who will listen to me – to get your mammograms! Stay on schedule, get additional screenings if you need to because catching breast cancer early can make all the difference. I’m living proof of that.”

To schedule a mammogram, please call 1855-MY-MAMMO, that’s 1-855-696-2666.

(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.)

Sept. 26

Nathan Alan Noble, 42 of Landrum, SC. Public intoxication.

Mary Lindsay Flannery, 43 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Xiaoli Xiong, 59 of Edmond. Engage/solicit prostitution.

Deborah Jill Swyers, 56 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Edward Anthony Runnels, 39 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

Nathan Lee Griffin, 28 of Edmond. Failure to appear, possess CDS and misdemeanor warrant.

Sept. 27

Robert Henry Patrick Gallagher, 41 of Del City. Two felony warrants.

Paige Nicole McNeal, 37 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor warrant.

William Justin Vassar, 48 of Guthrie. Speeding in a school zone (11-14 MPH over), driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

Justin Michael Loucas, 34 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Jacqueline Marie Brown, 54 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.

Ernest Eugene Golson Jr., 58 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Austin Hunter McClendon, 27 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Randy Lee Johnson, Jr., 32 of Oklahoma City. A felony warrant.

Janina Esther Avila-Navarro, 43 of Choctaw. Malicious injury own destruction of property, possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Corey Ladae Leake, 18 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Sept. 28 Blake Russell Phagan, 57, of Edmond. Assault or assault and battery, and assault and battery on EMT.

Michael Browne Klein, 34 homeless. Public intoxication.

Sept. 29

Cody Austin Wolfe, 23, of Moore. Public intoxication.

Erick Raul Oajaca, 42 of Oklahoma City. Possession of altered ID card, felony warrant, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and a felony DUI/APC.

Sept. 30

Deborah Bonnie Marie McElroy, 43 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Melvin Matthew Cunningham, 38 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Oct. 1

Kelela Monica Layfield, 41 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Griffin Thomas Kearns, 42 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, throw human waste at government employee and resisting arrest.

Jermel Eric Smith, 37 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Oct. 2

Noah Austin Pascual, 25 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Chase Austin Wade, 29 of Shawnee. Felony DUI/APC.

Danna Joette Rasmussen, 58 of Argonia, Kan. Public intoxication.

Monashia Kne’Cole Anderson, 20 of Oklahoma City. Trespassing after being warned.

Travis Don Horton, 28 homeless. Failure to appear.

Kierra Allise Hagerman, 22 of Yukon. Conspiracy and obstruction of police officer.

Elyssa Mae Stevenson, 27 of Oklahoma City. Obstruction of police officer and conspiracy.

Jacob Timothy White, 42 of Oklahoma City. Malicious injury or destruction of property and obstruction of police officer.

Christian Xavier Foster, 27 of Moore. Public intoxication.

Weekend calendar of events, Oct. 13-16

What’s Happening This Weekend Oct 13-16

--- In the Gallery --- Farmer’s Market

--- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors --- Nerf Battles --- Frontier City Fright Fest --- Wings Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch --- Haunt the Zoo

--- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm --- Guthrie Haunts

--- Lyric Theatre Presents: “The Rocky Horror Show” --- OKC Ghost Tour --- Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch --- Wicked Forest of Terror --- Pumpkinville --- History & Haunts at the Overholser --- Oklahoma River Cruises’ Haunt the River

--- Simply Indie Film Fest: 2nd Friday Film Night & Costume Party

--- Color Run Festival --- Heard on Hurd --- Community Ofrenda --- Fall Break Activities: Landscape Triptychs --- Late Night at the Museum: Cowboy Clue --- Read the West Book Club: Divided Spirits Tequila, Mezcal, and the Politics of Production --- Signature Tour

--- Lyric Theatre’s Broadway Bash --- Oklahoma’s Richest Rodeo --- Scissortail Park Fall Market --- Guided Walking Tour --- Guthrie Wine Festival

--- Red Earth Parade & FallFest Powwow --- Stockyards Stampede

--- Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show

--- OKC Philharmonic presents: Mahler’s Vienna --- Oklahoma Folklife Festival

--- Outdoor October: Dogtober --- Spooky Pooch Parade

In the Gallery

Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Free;

Farmer’s Market

Mark & Jennifer

Location: Festival Market Place

Frontier City Fright Fest

Location: Frontier City

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 24 – Sun, Oct 30; Sat & Sun Only – hours vary; $34.99; sixflags.com

Wings Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Location: Wings Event Center

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 30 – Sun, Oct 23; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 1 – 6 p.m.; Free; wingsok.org

Haunt the Zoo

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 8 – Sun, Oct 30; Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okczoo.org

Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm

Location: Orr Family Farm

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 24 – Sat, Nov 12; orrfamilyfarm.com

Guthrie Haunts

Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 16 – Fri, Nov 5; guthriecaregrounds.com

Lyric Theatre presents: “The Rocky Horror Show”

Location: Plaza Theatre

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Sun, Oct 30; Wed – Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 5 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com

OKC Ghost Tour

Location: 101 E Sheridan Ave

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 16 – Fri, Oct 28; Tours begin at 7 p.m.; Eventbrite.com

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch

Location: 720 S Henney Rd, Arcadia, OK

Extra Info: Wed, Sep 21 – Sun, Nov 13; Wed – Fri: 1 p.m. – dark; Sat: 10 a.m. – dark; Sun: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; parkhurstranch.com

Wicked Forest of Terror

Location: 9420 W I-40 Service Rd, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 24 – Mon, Oct 31; 8 p.m. –close; Tiny Terror: arrive before sundown Oct 22 & 29 only; wickedforestofterror.com

Pumpkinville

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 7 – Sun, Oct 23; 10 a.m. 5 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 14; 6:30 p.m.; Free – ticket must be reserved; eventbrite.com

Color Run Festival

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 15; 9 a.m.; $15 --- $30; ewc.org

Heard on Hurd

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

Community Ofrenda

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1 – Wed, Nov 2; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Fall Break Activities: Landscape Triptychs

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Oct 13 – Fri, Oct 14; 10:00 a.m. --2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Late Night at the Museum: Cowboy Clue

Location: National Cowboy Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 14; 6 – 11 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Read the West Book Club: Divided Spirits Tequila, Mezcal, and the Politics of Production

Location: National Cowboy

& Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sun, Oct 16; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 15 & Sun, Oct 16; 1 --- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Lyric Theatre’s Broadway Bash

Location: Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Extra Info: Thu, Oct 13; 6 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com

Oklahoma’s Richest Rodeo

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 14 – Sun, Oct 16; 8 – 11 p.m.; risingstarsevents.org

Scissortail Park Fall Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m.

1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

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

Nerf Battles

Location: The Hive Basketball Complex

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

History & Haunts at the Overholser

Location: Overholser Mansion

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 8 – Sat, Oct 29; 6 p.m.; overholsermansion.org

Oklahoma River Cruises’ Haunt the River

Location: Oklahoma River Cruises

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 14 – Sat, Oct 29; 7:45 p.m.; okrivercruises.com

Location: 300 SW 7th St, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 14; 5:30 – 9 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Guided Walking Tour

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 14; 10 – 11 a.m.; myriadgardens.org

Guthrie Wine Festival

Location: 108 N Wentz St, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 15; 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; heirdevents.com

OKC Ballet back after COVID postponed 2021 performance

OKC Ballet is excited to open our 51st season with Lady of the Camellias at Civic Center Music Hall, October 21-23.

This performance was initially scheduled to premiere in Oklahoma City in February 2021, but rescheduled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

• Lady of the Camellias is based on the 1848 novel La dame aux Camélias

‘Tiny, but Mighty’ exhibit at museum

The Edmond History Museum presents “Tiny, But Mighty,” an exhibit of 72 small artifacts from the museum collection. From tiny toys to miniature household items, the fascination with small objects in Edmond has spanned more than a century. Each of these items was saved because of its monumental impact on its collector.

The wide variety of artifacts include a dog tag belonging to Ralph Trotter during World War I. The ring worn by Albert Leonard, who was married to Lennie Lillie Kunc in 1920, and a miniature tea set that was handmade by Irene Glaze for her daughter.

Exhibit Spotlights:

Van’s Bakery Pin: Van’s Bakery was a staple in Edmond from 1915 until 1965, and was one of Edmond’s first industries, growing to become Oklahoma’s oldest independent bakery.

Metal Bird: A toy belonging to a child named Oral Evan Wiser.

Token: A currency used during the Great Depression to help people pay sales tax on inexpensive items that cost less than a penny.

Come see why these artifacts are Tiny, But Mighty! The exhibit can be viewed from October 2022 until August 2023.

Museum Information: Edmond Historical Society & Museum is open 10 a.m. to -5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Please visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078. Admission is free.

Edmond attractions

Festival Market Place

Pelican Bay

Historic downtown includes a variety of shops and restaurants

Arcadian Inn is a historic register house

First Public School House built in Edmond Howard Home is a beautiful restored structure

Round Barn of Arcadia

The Old North Building located at University of Central Oklahoma is included in the National Register

Places

by Alexandre Dumas, which also inspired films Moulin Rouge! (2001) and Camille (1936), as well as the opera La traviata

• Feaåturing the dazzling music of Frédéric Chopin, performed by virtuoso pianist Sergio Monteiro, with live musical accompaniment by OKCPHIL and operatic enhancement in Acts II and III

• This ballet is filled with romance, violence, forbidden love, and tragedy.

North swimmer going to elite camp

Edmond North senior Ryan Healy will join 50 swimmers from across the country at the USA Swimming National Select Camp in Colorado Springs, Colo, on Oct 13-16.

Healy, who was named the Oklahoman’s OKC Metro High School Swimmer of the Year for 2022, was invited to the camp based on his performance in the 400-meter individual medley last summer.

Healy broke an Oklahoma state record in the boys 400-meter IM that had stood for more than 20 years and finished fourth at USA Swimming’s Junior National Championships in August.

His time of 4:22.35 is faster than the 2024 Olympic Trial qualifying standards, though the official qualifying periods begins in November.

“The National Select Camp is an opportunity to train with the country’s best up-and-coming swimmers and learn about elite-level training and performance,” said John Brown, who coaches Healy on King Marlin Swim Club.

At the camp, which is held at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training

Center, the athletes will learn from professionals and coaches along with U.S. National Team members.

Athletes receive invitations based on the three fastest athletes in each Olympic swimming event and the six highest-scoring IMX athletes from age 15-16 during the 2022 long-course season.

Healy is a U.S. Nationals, U.S. Open and Junior National qualifier from Edmond who swims with the King Marlin Swim Club and is a senior at Edmond North High School. Healy represents the Huskies on the boys’ swim team and has verbally committed to swim at the University of Michigan beginning next fall.

As an Edmond North junior, Healy became a two-time individual Oklahoma Class 6A state champion.

He set an Edmond North record in the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle and received AllAmerican honors in both events.

Healy excels in and out of the pool. He is a member of the National Honor Society and is also a 2021 and 2022 USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.

Ryan Healy’s swimming talent has drawn the attention of USA Swimming National Camp in Colorado Springs.

Ryan Healy is a senior at Edmond North.

National Merit Semi-finalists

The Edmond Public Schools are honored to have several students from the three high schools earn the academic honor of National Merit semi-finalist. Getting recognition from Edmond Santa Fe are, from left, Audrey Hill, Siven Panda, Gretchen Price and Aarav Jilka.

At Memorial, honored students include, back row, from left, Ian Doering, Benjamin Lin, William Morris, Everett Shinn, Eric Zhang and Ethan Pigg. On the front row, are, Kayla Crossen Zawila, Madeleine Confer, Mia Lashley, Lillian Wu, Dylan Younger and Andrew McNair.

Edmond North’s recipients, are, from left, Sarah Bird Christina Ge Tyler Dunkleberger, William Sweiger. Benjamin Walker Jack Wilton and Naomi Williams. Not pictures is Suyeon Seo,

on

Everyone can be a coach?

By Steve Gust

Over the weekend social media really lit up with thousands of would-be coaches.

The subject was the dissaray facing the OU football team.

Don’t the players and coaches know how much people over 30 live by how the team plays?

It’s true that it’s a game for guys ages 18 to 22. But that doesn’t make any difference.

Right off the bat, there are voices for people wanting the head coach, Brent Venables, fired.

I wonder how many millions of dollars it would cost to buy out his contact?

What’s happened is that the previous coach left OU in the middle of the night and now a rebuilding effort looms.

It amazes me now to look back a month ago and see that OU routed Nebraska. How did that happen?

And most folks don’t realize that

OU gave up almost the same number of points to Texas last year (48) as they did this year. (49) It does make a huge difference when your offense scores 55 points a year ago and none this year.

I don’t want to criticize any one or two players. Those guys work hard and want to win more than anyone.

Seems to me though that the Sooners may not have placed a great emphasis on a backup plan in case their starting quarterback went down (which he did).

I’m not sure what it will take to turn the tide, but there are thousands of people online who have the answers.

Being a football coach is one of those jobs most people believe they can do. Raising other people’s kids and teaching are two others.

And millions believe they could be a better senator or governor.

I’ll just leave the work to the professionals.

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

Side

Prison reform law goes into law Nov. 1

Rep. Brian Hill, RMustang, announced the Restorative Workforce Initiative at Wednesday's ceremonial signing of House Bill 4369 at the Kate Barnard Community Corrections Center.

HB4369, authored by Hill, allows people on parole to reduce their time through good behavior and maintained employment. Hill said since the bill offers a way to reduce time spent on parole, it eliminates the current option for inmates to remain in prison an additional six months past their sentence, saving taxpayer dollars.

“I’m grateful to our fellow members and to Governor Stitt for supporting this common-

sense criminal justice legislation,” said Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, who carried HB4369 in the Senate. “This is something the majority of states have already put into place. We know from those other states that this can help reduce recidivism, help these individuals towards the right path to become contributing members of society, and improve public safety.”

HB4369 and the Sarah Stitt Act, which provides people leaving incarceration with necessary documentation to find housing and employment, are part of Hill's new Restorative Workforce Initiative, which focuses on easing the transition into civilian

life while reducing the recidivism rate and spurring Oklahoma's economy.

"We know the number one way to reduce recidivism is a well-paying job," Hill said. "The Restorative Workforce Initiative is about connecting employers with an untapped and prepared workforce. It's one piece of the puzzle as we solve how to reduce recidivism and address the workforce gap facing every business, and I'm grateful for Governor Stitt's support of common-sense criminal justice reform."

Hill said the initiative was inspired by two companies in his district, 777 Roofing & Construction and Plaster & Wald Consulting Corporation, who were already actively seeking to employ people leaving incarceration, as well as Mustang residents Doug and Jennifer Eckert, who were influential in the discussion. He challenged companies who are struggling to hire to look at this potential supply of hardworking Oklahomans.

"Every company looking to fill positions, especially companies in the trade industry, could find actual solutions to their workforce gap by giving these dependable Oklahomans who've served their time the second chance they deserve," Hill said.

Hill said interested employers should reach out to restorativeworkforce@doc.ok.gov to set up interviews with people scheduled to be released soon.

End war on gas & oil, Lankford tells Biden

Senator James Lankford (R-OK), who serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) to lead a group of Republican senators in demanding the Biden Administration end its assault on domestic oil and gas production and continue to sell oil and gas leases on federal land and water. The push comes in response to the Department of Interior’s (DOI) draft proposal for the Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, in which the Department hinted that it might cancel future lease sales for the next five years. This bad news for domestic production comes on the heels of the OPEC announcement today that they plan to slash international oil production by 2 million barrels per day and as gas prices remain high in Oklahoma. Lankford addressed the issue on social media as well.

“American families are struggling to keep up with rising costs due to inflation, high energy prices, and persistent supply chain issues,” wrote the senators. “It is our obligation to do everything within our power to help ease these burdens and remove this uncertainty for both Americans and our allies.”

“One of the most effective ways we can do this is to increase future domestic oil and natural gas production through long-term leasing certainty,” continued the senators. “The Department can help domestic energy production and put American en-

ergy consumers first.”

Lankford and Cassidy were joined by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tom Cotton (RAR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

Lankford continues to stand strong for domestic oil and gas production. Lankford stood against the Democrats’ tax-and-spend bill, the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” which he warned could raise natural gas prices by as much as 17 percent. He offered an amendment to exempt traditional energy cost recovery allowances, including percentage depletion, intangible drilling costs, geological and geophysical expenditures, natural gas gathering lines, and others from the book minimum tax, but it failed in a vote of 50-50. Lankford continues to call out the Biden Administration for its anti-US energy policies that he says are doing nothing substantive to fight high inflation.

Dear Secretary Haaland:

We are writing regarding your July 1, 2022, release of the “Proposed Program” for the Interior De-

Letters to the Editor policy

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.

partment’s Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. While the release of a “Proposed Program,” after months of delay, is a step in the right direction, we are concerned by the Department’s suggestion that a no lease option is a possibility for the final program. Further, failure to conduct any lease sales which encourage bidding could, as the Department says, cause increased air emissions from substitute production, primarily from overseas imports. We are also closely monitoring efforts by the administration to halt lease sales or to make lease sales economically unattractive in order to discourage bidding.

American families are struggling to keep up with rising costs due to inflation, high energy prices, and persistent supply chain issues. In addition, local businesses that are part of the ecosystem of US energy production are being confronted with decisions that impact their employees and employees’ families due to uncertainty about future natural resource development. Also, our allies in Europe are facing an energy crisis forcing the closure of manufacturing businesses and impacting supply chains which also leads to inflationary pressures throughout their economy. It is our obligation to do everything within our power to help ease these burdens and remove this uncertainty for both Americans and our allies.

One of the most effective ways we can do this is to increase future domestic oil and natural gas production through long-term leasing certainty. That is why we are encouraging 10 lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and one lease sale in the Cook Inlet in the next five-year offshore leasing program.

The Department can help domestic energy production and put American energy consumers first. While the Department has awarded leases to the high bidders in Lease Sale 257, the Department should also 1) conduct the three congressionally mandated offshore lease sales with economically competitive terms and robust acreage that will attract significant industry interest; and 2) offer quarterly lease sales with desirable acreage across federal lands. Finalizing the five-year program with a commitment to semi-annual area-wide lease sales will also be a big step for American energy security and demonstrate to the

Steve Gust

Once again UCO tops ‘Best for Vets: Colleges’ list

An honor for seven years in a row

The University of Central Oklahoma claimed a spot on the 2022 Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges” list, making it the seventh consecutive year to be recognized for its dedication to veterans. Central ranked No. 160 and is one of only three institutions in the state on the list.

Central focuses on providing services and support for veterans and military-connected students through the Veterans Higher Education Resources Office (VetHERO) and federally funded programs.

“It’s a great accomplishment to be recognized for UCO’s continuous support of its TRIO veterans

grant programs and the Central veterans student organizations,” said Tom McShane, director of veteran support services at Central.

The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program serving pre-college veterans and the Serving America’s Leaders Using Transformative Education (SALUTE) program serving Central’s veterans who are first-generation college students, are federally funded via U.S. Department of Education grants. These resources aid military-connected students in their academic, financial, physical and social needs.

Central also received national recognition earlier

Engagement, Wedding notices

this year for its commitment to military-connected students.

Central was named a gold-level Military Friendly School in the category of public universities with more than 10,000 students by Viqtory Media’s 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list.

To view the complete 2022 Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings, visit colleges.militarytimes.com/2022/.

For more information about veteran support services at Central, visit uco.edu/student-resources/vss/.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma claims its spot on the 2022 Military Times ‘Best for Vets: Colleges’ list, making it the seventh consecutive year to be recognized for its dedication to veterans. Central ranked No. 160 and is one of only three institutions in the state on the list. Pictured, UCO ROTC students.

The in’s & outs of some really good shortcake

By Carol Smaglinski

When you get the urge to splurge for a dessert that looks fancy, strawberry shortcake is an AllAmerican yummy choice.

With only 55 calories in a sugarless cup, and loads of Vitamin C, berries are absolutely gorgeous paired with chocolate or superb with Grand Mariner. I’ve even seen people sprinkle a bit of black pepper on the fragrant berries.

Ever wonder how the strawberry (gemis fragaria) got its name? It might have come from the straw mulch between the plant rows, which would keep the berries clean. Or, it may be because the berries at one time came to market impaled on individual straws.

It’s important when purchasing strawberries that the bottom of the container is checked out for mold. Also, the smaller the berries, the more concentrated the flavor. Be safe, not sorry, by being sure to eat berries within two or three days for the best nutritional value. Note that strawberries do not ripen after being picked.

Sweetening the berries for strawberry shortcake might take a little time, but well worth it. After being rinsed and hulled, berries should be mixed with sugar and allowed to stand for about 30 minutes. Smart cooks know this as “sweating,” which means to create a rich juicy syrup.

Also, baking powder and baking soda do not last forever. Mark the date on the outside of the can and replace baking soda about once a year and baking soda once every two years until the product discolors or looks lumpy.

The test? Mix baking powder with a bit of warm water, or baking soda with a little vinegar. If the mixture bubbles up, they are still good to go.

About today’s dessert: Always bake biscuits immediately after mixing the ingredients. The dessert is assembled right before serving, otherwise it will be soggy. Instead of making your own shortcake, substitute split cream puffs or slices of pound cake or angel food cake.

Strawberry Shortcake

Makes about 6 servings

3 pints of strawberries

6 Tbsp. sugar

----------------

Shortcake: 2 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt ½ stick butter (4 Tbsp.) chilled and cut into slices

¼ cup shortening ½ cup milk

-------------------

Topping: ½ cup heavy cream 1 Tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Choose a large mixing bowl. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt with a pastry blender. With two knives, cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture is crumbly.

Drizzle half of the milk over the mixture, stir to moisten. Add the rest of the milk, stirring to blend evenly. Not too much, or the biscuits will be tough.

It should be moist enough to hold together.

Knead for about 5 seconds on a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a 7-inch square. Cut into circles with a 3-inch biscuit cutter dipped first in flour. Cut into 4 shortcakes. Gather the leftover dough and pat out and cut out two more. Place them evenly on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in the center of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Move to a rack.

To serve, split the shortcakes horizontally with a knife. Place a bottom portion of each in bowls, and cover with berries. Put the cover on and top with more berries and about 3 Tbsp. whipped cream on top.

Serve immediately.

In December 1890 the First Oklahoma Territorial Legislature created three colleges: the University of Oklahoma (OU) at Norman, the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University) at Stillwater, and Central State Normal School (now University of Central Oklahoma) at Edmond.

UCO was one of the first colleges in the state

Children’s film not a classic but will do

By George Gust

“Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” is the film adaptation of the children’s book of the same name. When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle - a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) living in their attic.

Whenever you’re judging a movie one of the key questions you have to ask is “What is this movie aiming for?” And so often in the case of children’s movies the goal isn’t to probe the emotional psyche of the characters or speak to some greater universal human truth. “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” is a children’s movie that knows its audience — first graders and plays directly to them in an endearing and charming way, but leaves little in the way of entertaining the parents in the audience in the intended way.

We’ve seen the magical and kind creature entering the lives of a typical family in films like “Paddington” but in “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile”

there’s an inherent dissonance with a large ferocious crocodile stomping around, and the odd animation of the Lyle only emphasizes this dissonance, especially when the film dips into the crude first grade elements like burping and swallowing cats. Also harming the experience was the way in which Mendes voice doesn’t quite line up with the body and mouth movements of Lyle. However, whenever Mendes does get the chance to belt out the family friendly pop hits he delivers exactly what you would want from

the pop vocal star. The rest of the cast is serviceable and delightful in the family feel-good kind of way, but no one really stands out, which is likely the filmmaker’s intent.

Overall, the lasting memory of “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” won’t likely be your children clamoring to watch it again and again, but for a family movie there is enough charm and warmth that will keep you entertained and happily munching on movie snacks for the hour, 46 minutes running time. The music in the film is indicative of the kind of movie it is- safe and comforting pop that kids can tap a toe to, and parents won’t be deterred by.

“Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” is PG for mild peril and thematic elements.

Now available in theaters.

out

5 stars.

Register for EEDA event

The Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) will host Market Forecast, sponsored by First Fidelity Bank, on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4pm to 5:30pm at the Edmond Conference Center, 2833 Conference Drive. The event will include networking, a featured speaker, hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Featured speaker Russell Evans, Ph.D., partner and chief economist with the Thorberg Collectorate, will present “State & Local Economic Outlook”, providing insight into U.S. economic conditions, challenges to U.S. economic activity and economic geography.å

“Our Market Forecast events are all about providing the Edmond business community with useful and relevant information,” said Janet Yowell, EEDA executive director. “We were so pleased to have Dr. Evans present a discussion on the local and national economy.”

The EEDA exists to offer resources that stimulate the growth of Edmond’s economy Cost to attend is $20 until Friday, Oct. 14. After this date, the price increases to $30. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are included.

Crossword Puzzle

PHOTO PROVIDED

Pop star Shawn Mendes lends his pop vocals to the beloved

charming family film ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.’

Oklahoma Baptist Relief group heads off to Florida to give aid

OKARCHE—Two dozen Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) volunteers left from the DR TEAM Center in Okarche early morning of Oct. 7, heading to Florida where they will help provide relief in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

Volunteer teams from across Oklahoma are serving as part of a multistate, multi-week Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) response, which includes efforts like feeding, damage assessment, chaplaincy, flood recovery and more.

Sam Porter, interim state director of Oklahoma Baptist DR, said, “Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief are sending these trained and dedicated teams of volunteers, along with equipment and more, to serve those in need. We greatly need financial and prayer support for these efforts.”

Porter said Oklahoma Baptists will

be stationed at a recovery site near Daytona, Fla., with a focus on flood recovery.

One volunteer named Rebecca, from Slaughterville, OK, noted this was her first disaster relief deployment. “I am glad to be going. I prayed that God would let me provide help and hope to these people in need,” she said.

Porter emphasized that disaster responses such as these take a significant amount of time, resources and volunteers.

“As you can imagine, this response will be a marathon-type response that will take many volunteers rotating long distance every week-to-10 days. We greatly appreciate people supporting us prayerfully and financially,” he said.

For updates or to make a financial donation to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, visit okdisasterhelp.org/donate/.

VillagesOKC recevies grant to help veterans program

VillagesOKC received a $5,000 grant from Force 50 Foundation to be used to implement a veterans initiative called One-On-One Honor.

“This grant will be used in our pilot program seeking to bring awareness of the importance of bringing honor and patriotism into everyday life,” said Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC Executive Director.

The program will honor veterans in assisted living and low-income senior housing. Identified veterans will be honored in a ceremony at their facility and receive a veteran cap, service pin, photo, and certificate. The presentation will be conducted by a fellow veteran.

“VillagesOKC is part of the annual Vietnam War Era Pinning Ceremony each March 29 at the Oklahoma History Center. But, this OneOn-One Honor program awards those who are in assisted living communities and cannot attend the annual pinning ceremony,” Olson said.

Gary W. Banz, Force 50 Foundation Execu-

tive Director, said the grant application was open to any of the foundation’s partner agencies. VillagesOKC was selected because its mission of connecting older adults to opportunities and services in the community is like Force 50 Foundation’s objectives.

“We value a ‘One Mission, One Force’ network as the best way to connect organizations serving veterans,” Banz said. “What we are all about is providing a platform for information sharing, connecting veterans to the various support opportunities.” He explained that while there are many organizations offering veterans services, vets don’t always know where to look.

VillagesOKC embraces a similar mission of connecting older adults to programs for learning, planning, and serving – providing a plan for aging that connects a community.

Gaylene Stiles, who submitted the grant for VillagesOKC, said the project also will engage Southern Nazarene University students from

the SNU Veteran Center, providing an opportunity for students of all ages to observe and participate.

About VillagesOKC

VillagesOKC is a nonprofit that connects adults ages 55+ in the greater Oklahoma City metro area to valuable resources that empower them to remain independent and age gracefully. VillagesOKC consists of virtual neighborhoods of volunteers who share vital connections, education, and programming with members to improve their quality of life.

Exercising with joint issues

By Brian Attebery

I heard a physician say to his patients, “You are just a bag of bones.” He was referring to the fact that if you don’t strengthen your body then your body can’t move properly. Your bones only move, and your body only stabilizes with muscles and proper nerve function. If we don’t keep those muscles strong and those nerves firing, then we can’t move our bodies efficiently.

One of the primary reasons that people tend to stop moving as much is when they have joint issues. Many of us have had injuries that come and go but when we start dealing with more chronic issues like osteo-arthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis, it can be overwhelming, and many people tend to want to stop exercising completely. This is not the answer. You must keep moving by changing the types of exercises and angles along with modifying the amount of weight and reputations to find the appropriate combination to keep strengthening and moving those bones.

Long time weightlifters tend to see aches and pains with certain movements they repeat over and over like bench presses and squats. They have a difficult time changing their routine because they have in their head that this is “the” way to workout. It is important to understand that the bench press is just one example of a many to work the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Switch up your exercises completely or vary how you perform them. One of the tips I give people with bench press is to make a point to vary the grip width on the bar. By moving your grip an inch in or out, it changes the pressure points on your shoulders, pec tendons, elbows and even wrists. It will vary the amount of load that is emphasized on your chest versus shoulders and triceps. This helps to limit wear and tear and repetitive use injuries that can occur when a person tends to do the same movements over and over without variations.

Motion is lotion. That is the phrase I like to use when explaining that you must move to keep your joints moving properly. Beyond varying your

weight training, you need to vary your cardio choices. If you always do the treadmill, switch over to the Elliptical or bike. If you never do an incline walk then try that at a 3% grade at a lower speed to allow a more deliberate, slow walk to work a different angle on your hips and knees. If impact is bothering you as a jogger then switch to the non-impact Elliptical or AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer) machines that give you great workouts without the joint stress.

Yoga and Pilates classes are awesome for helping your body move and loosen up. They are challenging and can be intimidating at first, but no one will judge you. Instructors are fully aware that there are different levels of fitness, and they can make adaptions for people. I have some powerlifters in my facility that have included some of the classes as part of their routines to help their own goals.

We can’t talk about arthritis without mentioning body weight. If you are overweight, then you are placing tremendous pressure on your joints 24/7. For every pound you lose, you take 3-5 pounds of pressure off your joints. This is especially true for the lower extremities like knees, hips, and lower back. In addition, if you have not been strengthening, you have a body that is less capable of holding that extra weight up. You need to be aggressive on your nutrition habits to allow for a healthy weight to occur along with supplements like Glucosamine, Turmeric, Collagen Powder, and Omega Fatty Acid supplements to provide natural anti-inflammatory benefits to your joints. I swear by these types of products and use them myself.

Whether you have been an avid exercise person all your life or have never done it at all, you will probably have aches and pains as you age. The benefits of exercise will be a body with better strength, metabolism, lower body weight, cardiovascular health and lower anxiety and depression benefits. Work around those joint challenges and find what works for you. Motion is lotion.

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

OG&E crews working hard to restore power in Florida

More than a week after a team of 95 OG&E linemen and support personnel deployed to Florida, crews have been working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible to areas affected by Hurricane Ian.

Since arriving, OG&E crews have been assist-

ing Florida Power & Light – the largest power utility in Florida – and were first stationed on the east coast in Melbourne. Following the crews’ efforts, all residents in Melbourne now have their power restored.

OG&E’s current assignment is in Punta Gorda, a southwest

Florida town in Charlotte County that was affected by Hurricane Ian. Since Monday, crews have been restoring power, removing dangerous obstacles and repairing electrical conductors and essential equipment. According to Florida Power and Light’s outage map, there were 125,000 Charlotte County customers initially left without power due to Hurricane Ian.

“Punta Gorda is closer to the eye of hurricane so there is more damage than the other areas. We’re seeing very large trees uprooted and the storm took down multiple poles. There is a lot of the work where we have to use specialized equipment to get to the area,” OG&E Manager of Distribution Construction and Storm Response Lead Chad Guthrie said.

As of last week the number of customers who remain without power has been reduced to 75,000 as a result of the crew’s restoration efforts.

Attebery

Tax revenues hit a new high

Gross Receipts to the Treasury for the past 12 months topped a landmark high of $17 billion, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced today.

Twelve-month gross receipts through September are $17.03 billion, up by $2.51 billion, or 17.3 percent, from the prior 12 months. That total is more than $4 billion, or 31 percent, higher than the trough of $13 billion measured in June 2020.

“Oklahoma’s economic expansion since the depths of the pandemic are nothing short of remarkable,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “Unemployment remains low, economic indicators are strong, and virtually every core sector of the economy as measured by gross receipts shows growth.”

Major revenue streams for the past 12 months have increased by rates ranging from 94 percent for oil and gas gross production collections to 2.6 percent for motor vehicle receipts. The largest components –taxes on income and consumption –show double-digit growth with income tax collections up 16.5 percent and combined sales and use taxes up 11.9 percent.

The economic picture for the month of September, alone, is equally strong. September collections of $1.59 billion are up by $210.2 million, or 15.2 percent, from September 2021. All major revenue streams reflect growth, led by an increase of 74.1 percent for oil and gas gross production receipts. Sales and use tax collections continue to outpace infla-

tion with growth of 9.7 percent compared to the same month of last year.

Other indicators

As measured by the Consumer Price Index, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the annual inflation rate at 8.3 percent in August. The energy component of the index is up 23.8 percent over the year. The food index rose by 11.4 percent.

The Oklahoma unemployment rate

in August was reported as 3.1 percent by the BLS. That is up from 2.9 percent in July. The U.S. jobless rate was listed as 3.7 percent in August, up by two-tenths of a percentage point from July.

The monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index shrank in September. The index for the month was set at 55.6, down from 60.7 in August. The outlook remains positive as numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion during the next three to six

months.

September collections September 2022 collections compared to gross receipts from September 2021 show:

Total monthly gross collections are $1.59 billion, up by $210.2 million, or 15.2 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $601.3 Revenues, Page 18,

Chamber officials, and other well wishers, mark the anniversary of Lindsey Medical Supply.

Lindsey Medical Supply’s anniversary

Lindsey Medical Supply recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their anniversary at 1110 E 2nd Street.

Lindsey Medical Supply carries the finest industry leading equipment, with a large selection of scooters, power chairs, lift chairs, walkers, and other necessities. They also partner with several insurance companies to better meet your medical and financial needs. Lindsey Medical Supply has the area’s largest retail showroom and in-house technicians who service

the products they sell.

Lindsey Medical Supply strives to provide superior customer service and the absolute best in product quality. That's why they have been one of the best sources for medical equipment and supplies in the Oklahoma City area for so many years! Their highly trained staff will help you make the best choice to fit your needs, while providing you with friendly service and expert advice.

For more information, visit lindseymedicalsupply.com

Revenues

million, up by $71.3 million, or 13.5 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $404.2 million, an increase of $30.9 million, or 8.3 percent.

Corporate collections are $197.1 million, up by $40.4 million, or 25.8 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $583.3 million – up by $51.5 million – or 9.7 percent.

Sales tax collections total $495.8 million, an increase of $39.9 million, or 8.7 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on outof-state purchases including internet sales, generated $87.5 million, an increase of $11.7 million, or 15.4 percent.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $184.7 million, an increase of $78.6 million, or 74.1 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $74 million, up by $3.4 million, or 4.8 percent.

Other collections composed of

some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $145.9 million – up by $5.3 million, or 3.8 percent.

The medical marijuana tax produced $4.2 million, down by $1.2 million, or 22.7 percent from September 2021.

Twelve-month collections

Combined gross receipts for the past 12 months compared to the prior period show:

Gross revenue totals $17.03 billion. That is $2.51 billion, or 17.3 percent, above collections from the previous 12 months.

Gross income taxes generated $5.92 billion, an increase of $839.1 million, or 16.5 percent.

Individual income tax collections total $4.9 billion, up by $622 million, or 14.6 percent.

Corporate collections are $1.03 billion, an increase of $217.1 million, or 26.9 percent.

Combined sales and use taxes generated $6.74 billion, an increase of $717.8 million, or 11.9 percent.

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Metro resident takes hunger story to the White House

Oklahoma City resident Tori Overton attended the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health Sept. 28 after being nominated by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Overton shared her past experiences of living with food insecurity during the conference, which was the first of its kind to be held in more than 50 years.

Overton and her daughter began receiving food assistance from the Bethel Foundation, a Regional Food Bank partner, after becoming homeless due to escaping an abusive relationship. Despite the hardships, Overton completed her associate's degree from Rose State in 2016 and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2020 and she now works in the social services industry. Her daughter attends the University of Oklahoma.

"My favorite quote is 'broken crayons still color'," Overton said. "I still have worth and value. I believe, I would have not gotten through my food insecurities if it wasn't for the Regional Food Bank and Bethel Foundation."

Overton was one of just 30 lived experience nominees selected by Feeding America from its network of 200 food banks across the country to attend the conference alongside Claire BabineauxFontenot, Feeding America CEO, and other Feeding America leaders.

"I was delighted to see there is so much more we have to take into consideration, like eating

healthy and having fresh quality affordable food to purchases for our families," Overton said. "Being at the conference brought real emotions for me as I heard from others sharing their stories regarding homelessness, job loss and mental illness."

The Biden-Harris administration announced its national strategy that identifies actions the government will take to catalyze the public and private sectors to reduce hunger in the United States during the conference.

"The Regional Food Bank was so proud to have Tori represent us at the White House conference.

Her voice is vital to the fight against hunger in Oklahoma," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "We can't end hunger without the insight from our neighbors who are currently in need of food assistance or who have lived with food insecurity in the past."

The national strategy on hunger includes goals to expand access to free meals in schools, expanding SNAP eligibility and extending summer meal benefits to children.

Learn more about the fight against hunger in Oklahoma by visiting rfbo.org.

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