Edmond Life and Leisure - March 17, 2022

March 17, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 44

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Gold Strike

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.

March Madness Bracket See page 18 &19

FRIDAY, March 18 Partly Cloudy High 62° Low 40°

SATURDAY, March 19 Sunny High 66° Low 47°

SUNDAY, March 20 Partly Cloudy/Windy High 74° Low 53°

North boys & girls win state!

PHOTO PROVIDED

After the North boys defeated Moore for the state basketball title, cheerleaders, pom members and the girls team posed with the victorious Huskies. The boys win came only hours after the girls knocked off Bixby 59-57 in overtime.

The Edmond North High School boys and girls basketball teams made history over the weekend, both winning prestigious state titles in thrilling games at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.

The Oklahoman newspaper said it marked the first time in state history it has ever happened in 6A, the highest classification.

It is also only the ninth time it’s been done among all the classes, which compete in basketball.

For the boys, it was a 56-50 victory against cross-metro rival Moore.

Dylan Warlick helped lead the Huskies with 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. He also hit clutch free throws down the stretch to nail the win for the deliriously happy Husky fans in attendance.

In the earlier girls championship game, it was a 59-57 overtime triumph over Bixby, which didn’t come easy. The girls had to come back from

a 37-29 deficit going into the fourth quarter. In overtime senior Toni Papahronis drove the lane and put up a shot which fell through the net after the buzzer had sounded. It sent the players and fans into a frenzy of joy.

The girls ended their dream season with a 28-1 mark.

The boys finished the season with a 24-5 mark.

Congratulations to Memorial and Santa Fe, who also sent teams to the big dance.

Page 2 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 3

Edmond Public Schools expand school resource officer program Mentorship and teaching come first for school resource officers at Edmond’s Middle and High Schools as the 11-member team looks to create connections with their students.

“All of our school administrators would agree that we rely on our school resource officers with the same level of trust and partnership that we hold for each of the others on our administrative teams,” said Debbie Bendick, associate superintendent of secondary education.

New in 2022 are four additional school resource officers who started in January. Their salaries are being partially funded by a federal grant from the Department of Justice, totaling $375,000 for three years. After the grant money is exhausted, the Edmond police department will absorb the cost of the officers.

“It is a great relationship we have with the schools,” said Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger. “At the end of the day, it is all about the children.”

Sgt. Page Hussey, new SRO at Boulevard Academy - the district’s alternative high school - said students have a lot to offer and that he learns from them every day.

“I hope to cultivate and maintain a culture of trust and mutual understanding with my students,” Hussey said. “The rest will take care of itself.”

Secondary schools within Edmond city limits are ones in which the officers are based, with each high school having two officers. The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office provides offi-

cers at schools within Oklahoma City city limits.

School resource officers follow protocols set by the National Association of School Resource Officers, which has created a triad concept for school-based policing. Officers are mentors first, teachers second and law enforcement officers third. The enforcement side is the smallest part of their jobs.

“Being in the schools and around the students all the time allows for the building of relationships. It creates an environment where open, two-way communication can exist,” Hussey said.

Adding more school resource officers has been a district and police department goal for many years. But becoming a school resource officer is not easy. Each officer must be on the police force for three years before they can apply to transition over.

There is no extra pay, it’s a competitive selection and often there is more work associated with the job, Younger said.

Additionally, officers in the school must adjust to a new environment.

Working in a school is different from patrolling the streets.

However, some officers have dedicated decades to mentoring children.

Two created a new leadership program for students called Edmond Leadership Initiative, which allows students an opportunity to learn how to get plugged in around the community.

“They saw a need and went above and beyond,” Younger said

Local news?

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

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

Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com

School board candidate forums School Board candidate forums will be held on March 21 and March 24 for patrons to learn more about the candidates running for open seats in Edmond's District 2 and District 5.

The election will be Tuesday, April 5.

District 2 features Cheryl Williams and Courtney Hobgood. In February, Williams led a crowded field and polled over 36 percent of the vote.

Hobgood was second with over 25 percent of the vote. Almost 4,000 people voted in the race.

The district 5 runoff is between Michael Grande and the incumbent Marcus Jones. Jones has held the seat since November. He was appointed to fill the seat of Meredith Exline, who resigned.

Grande polled 49.1 percent of the vote in February. Jones was close behind with 47.8

The forums will be hosted by the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee (OKPLAC), a public schools advocacy group in Oklahoma with chapters around the state. Ted Streuli, Executive Director of Oklahoma Watch, will be the moderator for both forums.

School Board Candidate Forums District 5 March 21 7-8 p.m.

John Ross Elementary School District 2 March 24 7-8 p.m.

West Field Elementary School The election is Tuesday, April 5.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters should vote at their regular precinct.

Page 4 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Spring is for festivals Springing forward means it is time for some of my favorite events. One doesn’t take place in Edmond but in our Edmond sister city, Guthrie. The event also has a good number of Edmond ties including one of my favorite businesses, John Vance Auto Group. The event is Midwest JeepFest and in true John Vance fashion, it will raise money for a Ray Hibbard good cause. Midwest JeepFest is the creation of the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie Tourism, Red Dirt Jeep Club, Guthrie News Leader, John Vance Auto Group, and City of Guthrie.

The 2022 Midwest JeepFest is scheduled for Saturday May 14th. The event is being held at John Vance Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM, located at 5302 S. Division Street in Guthrie - I-35 exit 153.

This is the fourth year Midwest JeepFest has been held in Guthrie. It is expected to bring thousands of Jeep owners, enthusiasts, and members of the public from Oklahoma and surrounding states.

Last year’s JeepFest raised thousands of dollars for Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-America Chapter. There is no cost for entry, but attendees who want to drive the off-road course will pay $5 per run or $25 for endless runs during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other venues at the event such as a kid’s inflatable carnival will require a small fee as well. All proceeds will go to Central Oklahoma Camp/Make Promises Happen.

Make Promises Happen (MPH), a program of Central Oklahoma Camp & Conference Center, has provided outdoor recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs since 1955. The program serves individuals, ages 6 and older, with any physical or intellectual disability. Through the support of volunteer counselors, campers leave limitations behind and enjoy fishing, boating, arts & crafts, swimming, archery, dances, talent shows and much more during MPH camp events. MPH events take place throughout the entire year with weekends and weeklong camps.

Campers also may be selected to participate in the Make Promises Happens adventure trips program. Trips include skiing at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado, surfing with the Texas Surf Riders Foundation in Port Aransas, Texas, and zip-lining through the rain forest while staying in a self-sustaining tree house community in Finca Bellavista, Costa Rica. Learn more by visiting: http://www.centralokcamp.org/mph/mphcamper Attendees of Midwest JeepFest can expect to see hundreds of Jeeps - all ages and models - including many that are modified for extreme off-road use.

Jeep accessories and aftermarket accessories will be shown by Vance Upfitters of Guthrie and other venders. Many sponsors and contributors will be present to showcase their products or services, and prizes will be given away. The off-road course has been enhanced to provide drivers more fun and excitement.

There will be plenty for families to enjoy too, like kid’s activities, foods of all kinds, musical entertainment, a live D.J., rock climbing provided by the Oklahoma National Guard, and an appearance of OU’s Sooner Schooner wagon, ponies, and person-

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

Before too long, Edmond will again host the Edmond Arts Festival. The event is among many festivals this year in central Oklahoma.

nel.

This is a great and fun event for the family. I drove a Jeep J-10 pickup for 10 years in the ‘80’s and loved that truck. I wish I hadn’t sold it. It was a beauty. Two tone, cream and brown. That thing would go anywhere. I wish they would bring it back.

I had an Indian blanket seat cover. All it took was a Saturday for me to throw my Daisy dog in the front seat and off we would go.

They are looking for more sponsor. If your company may be interested, you can go to www.midwestjeepfest.com Downtown Edmond Arts Festival is coming You will be reading more information about the upcoming Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, but this year offers a new twist that is going to make getting into downtown much better. The first thing you should know is that the event is back to the spring happening Friday, April 29, Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1st. It was moved to September last year due to COVID 19 restrictions but by popular demand, it will remain in the spring moving forward.

It is a tight turn around for the festival organizers, but they have enough love for this annual event that they don’t mind the hard work.

Are you looking forward to the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, but dread finding a close parking place? Now you can ride to and from the arts festival in air-conditioned comfort for free, thanks to a new shuttle service this year.

Visitors can park at one of two UCO parking lots on the west side of 1st and University, and board a 59-passenger touring bus. After a short three-minute ride they will be dropped off at Littler Lawn at 1st and Littler, just a half block away from the arts festival. You can park with ease and not have to struggle to find a place to park. Folks with kids will find it much easier as well.

The service will be free, thanks to sponsorship by Visit Edmond, the Edmond Chamber and the Edmond Economic Development Authority. The bus will run about every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30, and from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday, May 1.

“We often heard of visitors frustrated with the lack of close-up parking, especially from parents of

young children and those with mobility issues,” said Michelle Schaefer, Arts Festival co-chair. “We want to make it easy for anyone to be able to attend without worrying about walking several blocks in the heat and wind.”

In its 44th year, the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival is sponsored by the Downtown Edmond Business Association. Over 140 artists from 17 different states will be displaying their talents in Oil/Acrylic, Watercolor, Woodcraft, Jewelry, Photography, Pottery, Glass and Designer Crafts. There will also be 25 food trucks, and four stages of entertainment, including a concert on Friday April 29 with Edgar Cruz and the Brave Amigos, and Saturday April 30 with Shortt Dogg.

There will be activities for every age in the Festival Marketplace Plaza, including face painting, art projects, and princess and superhero characters.

Edmond Life & Leisure has once again been retained to produce the official, glossy program for the festival. It will appear in our issue dated April 21st as well as online to make it easy to use. Our staff is hard at work making sure important information is included in the program. If you would like to support the festival by advertising your business in the program, just call our office at 405.340.3311.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day In honor of St. Patrick’s Day when everyone becomes Irish, I offer one of my favorite Irish jokes.

Please use your best Irish accent when reading it.

Paddy and Murphy are working on a building site.

Paddy says to Murphy, “I’m gonna’ get the day off. I’m gonna’ pretend I’ve gone mad!”

So, Paddy climbs up the rafters, hangs upside down, and shouts “I’m a light bulb, I’m a light bulb!” while Murphy watches in amazement.

The foreman shouts, “Paddy, go home. You’ve gone mad.”

As Paddy leaves the site, Murphy starts packing his kit up to leave as well.

“Where do you think you’re going?” asks the foreman.

“Well, I can’t work in the stinkin’ dark!” said Murphy.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

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

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6.

---- Heard on Hurd returning ............................................................Page 8.

---- Senior News ..............................................................................Page 9.

---- Columnist looks at high schools helping others........................Page 10.

---- Elaine Warner’s take on the Oklahoma History Center ............Page 12.

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

---- George Gust looks at Pixar’s ‘Turning Red’ movie ....................Page 14.

---- March Madness ................................................................Pages 18-19.

---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 22.

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 Business Editor Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 5

Teacher job fair set Edmond Public Schools is hosting a teacher job fair from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, and Thursday, March 31 at the district’s administrative headquarters, 1001 W. Danforth.

The March 29 event is for individuals seeking a teaching job in middle school or high school. Individuals interested in opening positions in elementary schools should plan on attending the March 31 event.

Participants should bring several copies of their resumes and be prepared to meet with principals for brief interviews.

Recognized by The Oklahoman as

a Top Workplace for five consecutive years, Edmond offers teachers a starting salary of $41,845.

Health, life, and disability insurance, as well as district-paid retirement contributions, push a first-year teacher’s total compensation and benefits to $52,506. A teacher with 10 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree will make a base salary of $46,470 and $57,479 with compensation and benefits.

No registration is necessary to attend the event.

For more information, call 3402913.

Candidate filing packets ready Statewide candidate filing packets are available for download on the State Election Board website for candidates filing for federal, state, legislative, judicial, district attorney, or county office. Candidate filing is scheduled for April 13, 14, 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Candidates filing for federal, state, legislative, judicial or district attorney offices file with the Secretary of the State Election Board at the State Capitol. Candidates filing for county offices file with the appropriate County Election Board.

The Candidate Filing Packet contains important dates and deadlines, instructions for filing, candidate qualifications, filing fee and petition information, as well as the Declaration of Candidacy which must be completed and submitted to the appropriate Election Board during the designated filing dates and hours.

All candidates filing for office are required to submit the following: Declaration of Candidacy (two pages) – signed and notarized Filing Fee or Petition of Candidacy – filing fee must be in the form of a cashier’s check or certified check made payable to “Secretary of the State Election Board” or “Secretary of the County Election Board” as appropriate Criminal History Disclosure Supplemental Form – if applicable Candidates with questions regarding their qualifications for office should review the list of qualifications in the packet and/or consult with an attorney. Early, late or incomplete submissions cannot be accepted.

For more information, visit the 2022 Candidate Filing page on the State Election Board website or contact your County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391 or info@elections.ok.gov.

Page 6 • March 17, 2022 • 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.)

Feb. 28 Jermaine Tyrone Dean, 40 homeless. Failure to appear.

Isaiah Lamar Coulter, 30 homeless. Felony warrant.

Edward Dewayne Scott, 26 of Oklahoma City. Two felony warrants.

Leann Nixie, 37 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing after being warned.

March 1 Antonio Lamont Sprowl, 23 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Dallas Trent Skinner, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Sawyer Curtis Gatewood, 29 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Marilyn Marie Harjo, 35 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

March 2 Darnell Renay Adamson, 32 of Yukon. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Shana Lynn Powell, 54 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

March 3 Caleb Matthew Hatton, 31 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) Domestic abuse assault.

Michael Damen West, 29 homeless. Possess CDS. Raymond Ralph Ung, 29 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant and felony warrant.

Jake William Gideo, 20 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended denied or revoked.

Brian Dale Mays, 46 homeless.

Public intoxication.

Dimthy Danyell McMillan, 46 of Edmond. Expire tag over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Elizabeth Nadine Reed, 55 of Oklahoma City. Driving (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Jessie Michael Waugh, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication and mis-

demeanor warrant.

Staci Jan Hamstead, 46 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

March 4 Donovan Dashuan Mills, 22 of Midwest City. Two counts of transporting open container alcoholic beverage, improper lane use and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Samuel Kenneth White, 43 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Robbie Herbert Randell, 54 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Deandre Martez Franklin, 34 of Edmond. Felony warrant and two counts of failure to appear.

March 5 Othmane Kamar, 24 of Edmond.

Operate (DUI or AFC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Elhoussaine Kamar, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Joshua Rayfael McGee, 32 of Guthrie. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs, obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

Casey Nicholas Vance, 36 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is can-

celed, suspended, denied or revoked.

Adam Joseph Mardi, 40 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Dennis Traevon Murphy, 30 of Oklahoma City. Petty larceny.

Mary Lou Madison, 50 of Oklahoma City, Two misdemeanor warrants.

Lester Lee Scroggins Jr., 46 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

March 6 Josey Lind Cooper, 44 homeless.

Misdemeanor warrant and false personation of another.

Jaylon Sharod Jackson, 19 of Edmond. Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Matthew Ryan Colbert, 44 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Gregory Allen Carter, 38 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Erik Christopher Leigh Hayes, 35 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor warrant) receive stolen property and burglary in the second degree.

Weekend calendar of events, March 17-20 What’s Happening This Weekend Mar 17 – 20 --- In the Gallery: Stacy Haggard --- Exhibit: The Clue in the Museum-A Nancy Drew-Inspired Detective Adventure --- “I Remember That:” Edmond in the 1980s Exhibit --- UCO Student Spotlight Series: Curating for Equity --- Jeff Smith & 3 Point Productions Winter Classic --- Heard on Hurd --- Arbor Week 2022 --- Spring Break Drop-In Activities: Mini-Weavings --- Brown Bag Lunch Series: Southeastern Tattoo Traditions --- Read the West Book Club: Letters of a Woman Homesteader --- Signature Tour --- Spring Break Drop-In Activities: Journals --- Pollard Theatre Presents: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown --- Oklahoma Youth Expo --- Jurassic Quest --- Omelette Party: Eggs-hibition of Local Artists --- Journey in Concert --- Spring Break at the Orr Family Farm --- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show --- Kicklahoma

Extra Information

In the Gallery: Stacy Haggard Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Mar featuring the art of Stacy Haggard; edmondfinearts.com

Arbor Week 2022 Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sun, Mar 20 – Sat, Mar 26; edmondok.gov/arborweek

Exhibit: The Clue in the MuseumA Nancy Drew-inspired Detective Adventure Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Thu Mar 31; edmondhistory.org

Spring Break Drop-In Activities: Illustrated Letters Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Mar 17; 10 a.m. --- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

“I Remember That:” Edmond in the 1980s Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Tue, Feb 1 – Thu, Mar 31; Tue – Fri: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 1 – 4 p.m.; Free; edmondhistory.org UCO Student Spotlight Series: Curating for Equity Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Melton Gallery Extra Info: Thu, Mar 10 – Mon, Mar 28; 5-7:30 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu Jeff Smith & 3 Point Productions Winter Classic Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, Mar 18 – Sun, Mar 20;10 a.m.; lazye.com Heard on Hurd Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, Mar 19; 6 – 10 p.m.; mycitizens.bank

Brown Bag Lunch Series: Southeastern Tattoo Traditions Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Mar 17; 12 --- 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Read the West Book Club: Letters of a Woman Homesteader Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sun, Mar 20; 1 – 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Mar 19 & Sun, Mar 20; 1 --- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Spring Drop-In Activities: Journals Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Mar 18; 10 a.m. --- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Pollard Theatre Presents: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie, Extra Info: Fri, Mar 4 – Sat, Mar 26; thepollard.org Oklahoma Youth Expo Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Tue, Mar 8 – Fri, Mar 18; 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; okyouthexpo.com

Jurassic Quest Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park – Bennett Event Center Extra Info: Fri, Mar 11 – Sun, Mar 20; jurassicquest.com Omelette Party: Eggs-hibition of Local Artists Location: Oklahoma City Museum of Art Extra Info: Wed, Mar 16 – Sat, Mar 19; 12 – 5 p.m.; okcmoa.com Journey in Concert Location: Paycom Center Extra Info: Thu, Mar 17; 7:30 p.m.; paycomcenter.com Spring Break, Orr Family Farm Location: Orr Family Farm Extra Info: Thu, Mar 17 – Sat, Mar19; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; orrfamilyfarm.com sham-ROCK the Gardens; St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Thu, Mar 17; 11 a.m.--- 2 p.m.; myriadgardens.org Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, Mar 19 – Sun, Mar 20; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m.

– 4 p.m.; okcgunshow.com Farm-to-Table Festival Location: Okla. History Center Extra Info: Sat, Mar 19; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; okhistory.org Kicklahoma Location: OKC Farmers Market Building Extra Info: Sun, Mar 20; 1 – 6 p.m.; thekicklahoma.com Send items to infante318@cox.net

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com.

We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 7

Julie Dais with Oklahoma City Community Foundation and Liz King, Gamma Zeta member at the March Epsilon Sigma Alpha meeting.

ESA briefed on group’s charitable work Oklahoma City Community Foundation representative Julie Dais presented the March educational to Gamma Zeta, a chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international philanthropic organization.

OKC Community Foundation’s mission statement reads: The mission of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, a nonprofit public charity, is to serve the charitable purposes of its donors and the charitable needs of the OKC area through the development and administration of endowment and other charitable funds with

the goal of preserving capital and enhancing value.

Last year $2,800,000 was awarded to 821 area students through its scholarship program. $4,464,393.00 was given for program initiatives; $198,524.00 was granted in disaster relief; $10,400,000.00 was presented to charitable organization endowment programs; $31,800,000.00 was given in grants into and for the benefit of the community; and $27,244,671.00 was dispersed for donor-advised funds.

Submit local photos, copy to steve@edmondp[aper.com

Page 8 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Heard on Hurd street party back this Saturday WHAT: The Heard on Hurd street festival will return for its season opening event on Saturday, March 19, featuring more than 60 local vendors as well as live music from Swim Fan, Chelsea Days and Isaac McClung. The festival, which is returning to its full scope following the COVID-19 Pandemic, offers photo opportunities, live remotes and interviews.

WHERE AND WHEN: Downtown Edmond, at the corner of Broadway and Hurd Saturday, March 19, from 6 to 10 p.m.

WHY: According to Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, Heard on Hurd is designed to promote and celebrate all things local — local food, local music, and local shops and boutiques. It’s an opportunity for friends, family and neighbors in Edmond and throughout the Oklahoma City metro area to spend an evening together outside enjoying live music, great food and shopping.

FILE PHOTOS/MELINDA INFANTE

Sonoma Gutierrez, age 4, was among the many children last fall getting their face painted.

There are a lot of children’s activities at Heard on Hurd.

There’s also music, food and fun for everyone.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 9

Women’s History Month

Ellie Lottinville — broke barriers in life & excelled In honor of Women's History Month, Touchmark launched an initiative to identify and recognize exceptional female residents who defied the odds in their professional and personal lives to pursue opportunities that were historically off-limits for women. Please enjoy the story of Ellie Lottinville, a resident at Touchmark at Coffee Creek.

Please tell me about your personal and professional background I grew up in Norman, Okla., near the University of Oklahoma campus, where my father was the Director of the University of Oklahoma Press. At age 15, I went away to the Mary C. Wheeler School in Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated in 1955.

After, I received a bachelor's and master's degree from what is now the University of Central Oklahoma. I taught junior high school English during the court-ordered integration of the Oklahoma City Schools for six years and then taught English in high school for four years. I was also a single mother with three children who needed support, so I decided to change careers and completed another master's degree in guidance and counseling.

I spent four years doing counseling work with families and children. At the encouragement of my new husband, I went to the University of Oklahoma for my PhD in Psychology, and together we went into private practice.

We were both volunteers with the Red Cross and underwent extensive training in their programs. At that time, there was not a mental health component with the Red Cross. Along with another psychologist in our office, we put together a proposal for Red Cross Mental Health training. We covered floods, tornadoes, house fires, and other disasters in Oklahoma. Among those was the massacre at the Edmond, Oklahoma, Post Office. And in 1995, I was put in charge of the death notification teams after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. I had taken most of my disaster training with the Critical Incident Stress Foundation and learned coping skills for working disasters, which was a critical part of getting through these tragedies.

We all began to hear about the Oklahoma Standard after the bombing. This referred to the outpouring of support from people all over the state as well as the country. We had volunteers who brought food, blankets, steel-toed boots, and other necessities for the families and survivors. It was a life-changing experience for all of us. One of the ways that I dealt with the stress of this trauma later was to volunteer at The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, which opened about six years after the bombing. It was helpful to see all the visitors from so many states and countries wanting to pay their respect to the families and volunteers.

What obstacles did you face pursuing your education/career/opportunities?

Many of us who were born in the 1930s and 1940s faced the obstacles of that era: We were

See Ellie, Page 11

Page 10 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Students learn great lesson

By Steve Gust Although good news is rare these days, it’s still out there.

Look no futher than the Edmond schools.

Each year the three high schools Steve Gust have community benefits.

They find a non-profit, which could use a helping hand and they have fundraisers for them. A few weeks ago it was Santa Fe’s turn and they helped Positive Tomorrows, which helps children experiencing homeless. Jason Hayes, principal of Santa Fe, took time to comment on the cause.

“Our Santa Fe Community has worked together to make DWDW 2022 an amazing success,” he said.

“The amount of money raised was impressive, but beyond that, the process of making it happen is what really stands out. So much time, energy, and resources go into this week each school year. I greatly appreciate

our Student Council for coordinating this outstanding week. We could not have asked for two more deserving recipients than DWDW partner "Positive Tomorrows" and Common Thread partner "Limbs for Life. We are so happy to financially support these two non-profit organizations.”

I truly believe that one of the greatest things our young people can learn is to help others.

When you help others and groups, it’s a good feeling.

One of the problems we have in society is selfishness. It just isn’t right.

Thanks to Edmond schools, our youngsters are learning something else. Good job.

And North again did a great job with BALTO Week. And Memorial wraps up Swine week this Monday.

Also a special tip of the cap to North’s basketball teams. They won state titles for the boys and girls over the weekend. It was truly awesome and historic. Way to go!

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

House passes bill which targets possible voting fraud The Oklahoma House of Representatives last week at the State Capitol passed legislation to empower district attorneys to investigate potential election fraud.

House Bill 2974, authored by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, requires the State Election Board to perform an annual query to determine how many individuals are registered at the same residential address.

If more than ten registered voters share a single residential address, the State Election Board must provide a list to the secretary of the county election board who will notify the county's dis-

trict attorney to investigate any potential criminal violations.

"This is what Oklahomans all over the state are asking for— they're wanting more election integrity," Olsen said while debating in favor of the bill.

"And again, we could respond and recognize, 'well, we're doing great already.' And I would agree we're doing great already, but we want to do better yet. I'd like to be number one in the country for election integrity.

The query, which must be performed by June 1 each year, exempts voters registered at nursing homes, veterans centers, medical facilities and multiunit

housing, as well as uniformed or overseas voters.

HB2974 passed the House 66-23.

—— – Cynthia Roe, RLindsay,last week issued a statement after learning that the University of Oklahoma is able to accept 100% of their qualified applicants into their nursing program. The news was released at a press conference held at the State Capitol today.

"Lawmakers have been working to address the critical nursing shortage that exists in Oklahoma, as it does in many other states," said Roe, the chair of the House Public Health Committee and herself a Registered Nurse and a Nurse Practitioner.

"The news today shows our efforts are working. I'm grateful that Oklahomans will receive the care they need from people who will soon be employed in this rewarding profession."

The House and Senate Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding – Health and Human Services Working Group last month unanimously approved a number of projects to send to the full committee to substantially increase the number of nurses in the state.

Funding for the total projects requested equals roughly $60 million.

Gov. Stitt also called on lawmakers to help address the nursing shortage in his State of the State address held the first day of this year's legislative session.

Lankford, others push ultrasound measure Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and their colleagues introduced the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act , which among other provisions, would require abortion providers to perform an obstetric ultrasound and make audible the live heartbeat of an unborn Lankford baby before a woman gives informed consent to an abortion.

“Pregnant mothers should have access to as much information as we can give them about their unborn children, including an ultrasound,” said Lankford. “President Biden is obsessed with abortion.

Progressives in the Senate recently pushed a bill to increase abortion, to mandate that every state allow abortion on demand until birth, and make it illegal for a medical professional to share medical information on the baby, like an ultrasound, with pregnant mothers. That is tragic and wrong. The goal of proabortion lawmakers is to hide medical information

from moms to increase abortions. When a mother sees her baby — a person with a heartbeat, ten fingers, ten toes, and unique DNA from his or her mother — she will know more about her child before making a decision that will take the life of her child.”

“As an OBGYN who delivered thousands of babies, I never imagined I would be fighting harder in the Senate than I did in the ER and delivery room to protect mothers and babies,” said Marshall. “I’m proud to lead on legislation that strikes at the abortion industry’s efforts to keep the truth from women by requiring mothers to be informed of their baby’s development and hear their heartbeat before consenting to an abortion. As a healthcare provider, it’s the least you can do to protect the safety and wellbeing of women and their unborn children.”

Lankford and Marshall are joined in introducing this bill by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

Advocacy groups who have endorsed the Ultra-

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.

sound Informed Consent Act include the National Pro-Life Alliance, National Right to Life, March for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, Students for Life, Family Research Council, Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Catholic Medical Association.

“An ultrasound is one of the most powerful tools for humanizing the unborn. In fact, one study showed that up to 78% of abortion-minded mothers chose life after seeing an ultrasound of their child.

By guaranteeing that mothers see their unborn children and hear their little hearts beating, the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act has the potential to save thousands of innocent lives,” said Martin Fox, President of the National Pro-Life Alliance.

“Since Roe v. Wade was poorly decided in 1973, science has progressed tremendously, offering a window into the womb. An ultrasound is a crucial tool that allows a pregnant mother to see the development, movement, and even personality of her preborn son or daughter, proving the child is much more than a “clump of cells.” Too often, we hear stories of abortion facility employees denying women the opportunity to see their ultrasound, dismissing the preborn child as “nothing.” This prevents women from making fully informed decisions that affect their health and wellbeing, and even coerces women into choosing abortion based on deceptive or incomplete information. That is why we fully support Senator Marshall’s Ultrasound Informed Consent Act. If the pro-abortion movement really cared about women’s empowerment, they would advocate for women to be well-informed about the realities of abortion, and that includes allowing a mother to see her preborn baby before making a permanent life or death decision,” said Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life Action.

See Lankford, Page 11

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 11

Ellie From Page 9 supposed to stay home and raise our children. When that was not possible, we entered a workplace that often had different expectations for women. I learned early on that I would have to be assertive without offending. Whether it involved getting a credit card in my name or getting car insurance, the demands were different for women and men. I was told that I would be hired as an assistant principal as long as they had a male in the same position. When I asked for the reasoning, I was told they needed a strong male who could handle the boys. I explained that I had between 30-40 students in my English classes every hour, and since half of them were boys, I felt that I was capable of "handling" them.

What is one thing you wish you had known/realized before you pursued this path?

I wish I had had more confidence in my abilities. It took a long time to realize that I could take another step

in my career. As single parents know, it is very hard to balance parenting and careers. But it is possible, and a successful mother can be a powerful role model if there is a good balance.

What advice would you give to women pursuing barrier-breaking careers today?

You need a good sense of yourself and a belief that you can do the job.

During challenges or when you hear negativity from yourself or others, take a step back and let what you really want guide you. Finding a good therapist can help you integrate beliefs you might not even know you have. By understanding and rejecting old messages from the past, you are in a better position to move forward with your dreams and goals. Having a guide helps eliminate past fears and opens up many possibilities. Taking charge of our lives is not only empowering to us in our careers, but also in all of our relationships. We are better friends and partners when we feel confident in our abilities.

Lankford From Page10 “Every individual has the undeniable right to informed consent in order to understand the impact of any potential medical intervention. This critically important bill asserts this right for any woman at a time she needs it most. The right to know is the basic element of informed consent; the right to see and hear proof of the presence of a new and living person leads to the understanding that every woman deserves. The CMA strongly supports this bill and its recognition of the inherent rights of both the woman and her baby,” said Tim Millea, M.D., Chairman, Catholic Medical Association Health Care Policy Committee.

“Every woman deserves to know that her developing baby has a heartbeat, has fingers and toes, and can feel pain by 15 weeks if not earlier – all facts that the abortion industry would rather hide from her. Science and technology have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that unborn children are human beings, giving us an unprecedented window into life in the womb. As a doctor who has delivered thousands of babies, Sen. Marshall knows abortion is not health care and it destroys rather than heals. We thank him for leading the charge to protect both unborn children and their mothers and we urge all our pro-life Senate allies to support this legislation,” said Marilyn Musgrave, Vice

President of Government Affairs, Susan B. Anthony List.

“National Right to Life commends Sen. Roger Marshall for introducing this important legislation to protect women and their unborn children. As a physician, Sen. Marshall understands that mothers need as much information as possible before making the life and death decision of abortion for her unborn child. History shows that if women are given the opportunity to review all of the facts about abortion, especially when given a chance to see an ultrasound of their unborn child, they are less likely to have an abortion,” said Jennifer Popik, Director of Federal Legislation, National Right to Life.

“Ultrasounds provide a window to the womb where a mother has the opportunity to see the unborn child growing within her—to see her tiny fingers and toes and to hear her little heart beating. It is only after seeing the miracle of life in her womb that a mother can truly make an informed decision, which we pray is a decision to choose life. We are grateful to Sen. Marshall for being a voice for mothers and their children and for respecting the intelligence of women by ensuring they are provided with all the information necessary for informed consent.” said Mary Szoch, Director of the Center for Human Dignity, Family Research Council.

Page 12 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Many treasures at Oklahoma History Center

By Elaine Warner Whether you’re new to Oklahoma or born and bred here, there are lots of things you don’t know about our state. The easiest, and most pleasant way to discover the who, when, why, what, and hows of Oklahoma is with a visit to the Oklahoma History Warner Center.

I’ve been there a number of times – but not for a while. I was in the vicinity and thought I’d get a quick catch up. Boy, was I in for a surprise. There are four main galleries and a special exhibits space.

On the first floor, to the left of a spacious rotunda, is the Inasmuch Gallery. I started there. The theme of this gallery is Crossroads of Commerce: A History of Free Enterprise in Oklahoma.

The story begins in 1719 – although the Native Americans, especially the Spiro inhabitants, had been trading widely before this time – things got busier following a visit by French explorer Jean La Harpe. A graphic highlights the activities of Auguste and Pierre Chouteau who established relationships with Oklahoma tribes and ultimately built a trading post on the Red River in 1796.

Following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and the subsequent emigration of other Native American tribes (both voluntary and forced) into the area which is now Oklahoma, trade and commerce reached another level.

I found it fascinating that by the 1830s, Choctaw Robert M. Jones was being described as “the richest man west of Natchez.” He established a trading post in the community of Doaksville and brought the first cotton gin to Indian Territory. He ultimately owned 28 stores, two riverboats and six plantations.

Deputy Director Jeff Briley commented on the philosophy behind the graphics, “The galleries of the Oklahoma History Center all follow a couple of rather journalistic approaches to the presented material. All major text panels are set in three parts. The big text is for those visitors who just want the headline about the topic. The mediumsized text is for the crux of the story. The small text is for the museum visitor who really wants to know all they can about the presented topic and provides clues to learn more.”

Even with photographing many of the graphics for reading later - I still managed to spend almost two hours in this one gallery.

Included in the exhibits were sections on popular (now non-existent) Oklahoma businesses like TG&Y and C.R. Anthony. A large section concentrates on Oklahoma’s entertainment industry.

Graphics introduced me to Jim Halsey, Tulsa, an entertainment entrepreneur who has represented

ELAINE WARNER

Ed Birchall as Ho Ho the Clown and his puppet Pokey entertained Oklahoma children on KOCOTV for 39 years.

ELAINE WARNER

A replica of the Tulsa Golden Driller stands tall in the oil industry exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center.

dozens of America’s top country stars. A smaller display is devoted to Oklahoma’s early cowboy stars and businesses involved with cowboy culture.

Exhibits are arranged in multiple-decades chunks. All sorts of methods from simple flip panels to videos and QR codes are employed to engage visitors.

Guests of a certain age will enjoy displays of early local TV ads – the B.C. Clark ad is a perennial – and exhibits on early OKC celebrities like Ho-Ho the Clown and 3-D Danny.

Another area highlights current Made in Oklahoma products.

The final displays feature Oklahoma City progress and MAPS, the Thunder and the contributions of Oklahoma Native American Nations. One whole case touts the diversity of Chickasaw enterprises.

By the time I finished this gallery, my back ached, my feet were tired, and I was hungry. So I settled for a speed-seeing trip through the remaining galleries.

Here are some of my favorite enhibits.

ELAINE WARNER

The Skylab 4 Apollo Command Module holds the record for the longest flight by an Americanlaunched, crewed spacecraft.

In the ONEOK.Inc. Gallery the theme is We Are Who We Were: American Indians in Oklahoma.

The most visually impressive exhibit in this gallery is an overhead representation of a Pawnee star chart. The inspiration for this beautiful piece is a chart made on elk hide between 100 and 300 years ago.

The exhibition in the Gaylord Special Exhibit Gallery is Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space. Oklahoma’s many astronauts are saluted as well as the number of supporting players who made the space program work. The centerpiece display is a Skylab 4 Apollo Command Module like the ones used in the lunar missions. On loan from the Smithsonian, this module, piloted by Oklahoma astronaut William Pogue, was used on the last Apollo mission to the International Space Station..

Upstairs are two more galleries. The Sam Noble Gallery on the north is a miscellany of Oklahoma History. The Curator’s Corner here describes the work of a museum curator with displays of a random variety of item.

Another exhibit with a plethora of pieces comes from the Century Chest, a time capsule buried in 1913. The largest area of this gallery is devoted to the musical Oklahoma!

In the space between the two galleries and overlooking the rotunda with its hanging replica of the Winnie Mae, Wiley Post’s airplane, are pieces from the silver service of the 1914-launched battleship, USS Oklahoma. Designed with uniquely Oklahoman embellishments, the pieces were created by the Gorham Silver Company.

In 1941, the ship was being prepared for war and the silver service was removed and stored.

When the ship was bombed and sunk at Pearl Harbor, it was assumed that the silver pieces went down with the ship. As a result of investigation, the pieces were found and loaned to the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Historical Society by the U.S. Navy.

The final gallery is the Kerr-McGee Gallery. Pride of place goes to the Heroine, a steamboat which sank in the Red River in 1838. Some pieces of the actual wooden boat are on display with graphics describing the engineering of the vessel. Other placards provide information on Western River steamboats and life aboard the ships. A rough simulation of the configuration allows guest to climb stairs to the upper deck.

Other areas of the gallery have materials on African-American life in Oklahoma, military history and – no surprise – the oil industry.

My best advice for visiting the museum – buy a membership and go many times. If you try to take it in all at once, you’ll miss a myriad of learning opportunities.

FYI: www.okhistory.org/historycenter/

ELAINE WARNER

Named for Oklahoma founders Tomlinson, Gosselin, and Young, TG&Y ultimately had over 900 stores in 29 states.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 13

Trees hold a special place in Edmond. The city knows this and will have events later this month marking Arbor Week.

City gears up for annual Arbor Week celebration Edmond’s Arbor Week Celebration takes place the last full week in March with multiple opportunities for residents to participate.

“Trees in Our Town” is the theme for this year’s Edmond Arbor Day Art Contest, which was open to fifth graders at Edmond schools.

First through third place and honorable mention entries from each of 19 participating public and private schools will be showcased in the “Arbor Day Art Show” at the Edmond Historical Museum, 431 S. Boulevard, from March 12 through April 30. The Edmond Visual Arts Commission selected overall first, second and third place “Best of Show” from the 19 school winners, and those selections will be recognized at the City Council meeting on March 14.

In partnership with the Downtown Edmond Business Association, tree seedlings will be avail-

able for pick up from participating businesses during Arbor Week beginning March 19.

March 24 at 10 a.m., the City of Edmond Urban Forestry Department leads an interpretive Tree Walk at the Margaret Annis Boys Centennial Arboretum in Bickham-Rudkin Park, E. 33rd Street and Rankin Terrace.

March 26 at 10 a.m., volunteers will plant 27 trees around the Mitch Park Amphitheatre, 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr. If available, participants are encouraged to bring their own tools.

The Urban Forest Scavenger Hunt is a family friendly, educational activity Edmond residents can take part in, with prizes available. Beginning March 26, participants can visit up to 20 stations located near trees in public spaces around downtown Edmond and local parks. An entry may be submitted at each station visited until April 21 for

a chance to win prizes, offered weekly, and drawings for two grand prizes.

This year’s Arbor Week sponsors include the City of Edmond Urban Forestry Department, Edmond Historical Society and Museum, Edmond Public Schools, Edmond Electric and Citizens Bank of Edmond.

The Urban Forestry Department encourages Edmond residents to celebrate Oklahoma Arbor Week by planting trees at their homes for energy savings, beautification, erosion prevention, wildlife habitat and other benefits. March is a great time to plant trees, while roots are growing but tree buds are still dormant. For more information about planting trees or Arbor Week activities, visit edmondok.gov/arborweek, facebook.com/edmondurbanforestry or contact Leigh Martin at leigh.martin@edmondok.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 15

PHOTO PROVIDED

Dr. Al King (OCS headmaster), Dallas Caldwell (former OCS headmaster and current OCS history teacher), Linda Catania, and Lance Baker (former chairman of OCS board of directors) following the event where the new elementary school’s library was named for Catania.

Honors 40-year employee Linda Catania

OCS names elementary library

By Patty Miller Former Oklahoma Christian School Business Manager Linda Catania was recently honored for her 40 years of service to Oklahoma Christian School with the elementary school’s library being named after her.

The newly opened elementary school is an almost 72,000 square foot building costing $18 million which houses the 2,500 sq. ft. library said OCS headmaster Al King.

The elementary school opened its doors in August of 2021.

“The building is beautiful with natural lighting and one is able to look down from the second floor through glass walls,” King said. “It was created to engage the students in reading, and it is a wonderful place for students to enjoy the habit of reading.”

40 year career at OCS Catania said her family moved to Edmond in July of 1977 from Baton, Rouge, La. “We discovered the most amazing little town with the most amazing people when we moved to Edmond,” Catania said. “We immediately became involved in the community through church, tennis, schools and service organizations. Although the size and scope of the city of Edmond has changed, the warmth and hospitality of its' citizens still exists.”

In August of 1980, Catania was hired as the Business Manager of Oklahoma Christian School. At this time OCS was a small school of about 450 students.

“I was not looking for a career in education per se as,” Catania said.

She had been in the banking industry for 13 years prior.

“My passion was accounting and I was intrigued with the opportunity of how my financial experience in banking could merge together with managing the business affairs of OCS while helping parents, students and teachers in the process,” Catania said.

“God has been so faithful ... turns out I was the one who was 'helped' by the love, prayers and kindness of countless relationships while serving 40 years as Business Manager of Oklahoma Christian School.”

So it was that on July 1,2020, after 40 years, she decided it was time for me to retire.

The school had grown to more than 1,000 students, and it was about to move into the new 72,000 sq. ft. elementary facility, plans had been put in motion for a fabulous Performing Arts Center, and the school was financially sound.

“Little did I know that my life in a few short months would be changed forever... but God … On Feb. 2, 2021, my husband passed away suddenly,” Catania said.

Fast forward to Feb. 9, 2022.

Oklahoma Christian School’s new elementary library is named after the schools former Business Manager Linda Catania. A plaque with her photo is displayed on the entrance to the library.

“Headmaster Al King asked if I could attend an event at the school that afternoon. I walked into a crowd of so many … former OCS Board members, current Board of Director members, teachers and administrators over the years and friends.” Catania said.

“I did not have a clue what was about to happen. Everyone was seated and three gentlemen spoke very kind words and then a very large screen revealed a picture of the plaque that will hang in the Linda Catania Library. Words cannot describe how humbling this event was ...

“Surprised? YES! “Deserved? NO! I did my job as unto the Lord for all those years, but did nothing to have the OCS library with my name.”

Catania said she does love books and spent hours of her childhood in her school library.

“I believe books should be read, held, real pages turned, and I pray young minds will be developed, motivated and ignited for greatness as Head Librarian Mrs. Bass, helps them choose books from this library,” Catania said. “These amazing young people are our hope for the future.

“To everyone who had a part in this honor, I am so honored and I am so grateful.”

Reason for naming Lance Baker, former chairman of the OCS Board of Directors said the main focus of the elementary school is the centrally located library.

In naming the library Baker said, “We looked at the fact that Linda had retired after 40 years at OCS and the fact that she had been the financial steward and had guided the school through the many years of its growth.

“Linda was the common thread that had helped s have a nest egg and her stewardship helped us facilitate the building of the new elementary school,”

Baker said. “We just felt it was a tremendous fit to name the library after her.”

He added that Catania had helped hundreds and hundreds of families whom she had worshipped with and had not only helped with tuition and ministries but she had become friends with many over the years.

Behind the books Head Librarian Janet Bass is helped by Assistant Librarian Brandy Anderson and 80 rotating volunteers who help make the library function smoothly.

“We have more than 1,800 sq. ft. For books and teaching and learning space and 500 sq. ft. of circulation and administrative space’” Bass said. “We also have 480 linear ft. of built-in wooden shelving.”

All of the new furnishings include moveable shelving, browser bins, tables, chairs and contour seating.

Bass said the collection size is almost 15,000 which was made possible with a $9,000 purchase of books and materials providing more than 500 new books for the library opening.

“Students have access to iPads and Chromebooks in the library from individual and group learning activities,” Bass said.

“A new state of the art Clear Touch interactive display board for presentations and student learning centers was provided for the instructional and meeting space needs of the new facility.

The space is utilized on a daily basis with every class, Pre K through fifth grade visiting each week for circulation needs.

The dual purpose library is available for individual reading and research activities and the faculty sand staff utilize the facility for meetings and professional development.

Bass said there is seating for 40 people and a large circulation desk with three workspaces and contour seating for independent reading.

Page 16 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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One of the best college basketball coaches ever was the late-Eddie Sutton.

Now the Eddie Sutton Foundation has been formed to help those with cancer.

Sutton Foundation will help those ill with cancer The Oklahoma State University Coaches vs. Cancer organization recently announced the establishment of the Eddie Sutton Foundation to help raise funds for those battling cancer.

The foundation will focus on research, with a special emphasis on pediatric cancer, and will also seek to make a difference in the lives of those battling the disease. The foundation honors the life and legacy of former OSU men’s basketball coach Eddie Sutton, who entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.

“The Sutton family is honored and humbled by the creation of the Eddie Sutton Foundation, which will make it their mission to continue the fight against cancer,” said Kim Sutton, wife of Scott Sutton and daughter-in-law of the late Eddie Sutton. “Coach Sutton was instrumental in bringing Coaches versus Cancer to the OSU campus. He cherished the opportunity to help people and considered the people of Oklahoma State his family, so bringing the two entities together is the perfect way to honor him. He would be so proud to know that he is a part of such a wonderful cause.”

With the announcement of the foundation, Coaches vs. Cancer will now become Cowboys vs. Cancer to better reflect the mission and character of the organization at OSU. Coaches vs. Cancer is a national partnership between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society.

The newly named Cowboys vs.

Cancer program will operate under the foundation, encompass all sports at OSU and will align with a variety of reputable cancer research foundations in addition to the American Cancer Society.

“Starting during Eddie Sutton’s time as our basketball coach, OSU Cowboys vs. Cancer has grown into one of the very best things we do at OSU Athletics,” said OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg. “Our studentathletes have embraced their unique and special platform to support those fighting cancer, especially the kids.

While most programs across the country focus on only men’s basketball, we at OSU have expanded to include all sports. Coaches, staff and former players from all our sports are devoted to raising funds to support cancer research and families going through the fight. The creation of the Eddie Sutton Foundation makes that expansion official. We look forward to growing our support of local and OSU families in the fight against cancer.”

Current OSU men’s basketball

coach Mike Boynton echoed Weiberg’s excitement about the announcement, which was made on what would have been Sutton’s 86th birthday.

“I am thrilled about the announcement of the Eddie Sutton Foundation,” Boynton said. “Coach Sutton, along with his good friend Norm Stewart, are a few of the pioneers for the existence of the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. Coach Sutton’s early efforts have led directly to the involvement of many coaches across the country. That involvement has triggered several other initiatives where money for cancer research and treatment is being raised.

“Coach is also clearly the reason that we at OSU have worked to make a major impact. It is fitting that, on his birthday, we are making this announcement because ‘Coach’ deserves to be celebrated forever. I look forward to being heavily involved in the efforts to make this foundation one of the linchpins of the fight against the terrible disease.”

“The establishment of the Eddie Sutton Foundation ensures that coach Sutton’s legacy of helping those in need will continue for decades to come,” said Dave Hunziker, Cowboys vs. Cancer spokesman and radio voice for Cowboy football and basketball. “Coach Sutton was committed to the fight against cancer and that fight will continue at Oklahoma State University through this new foundation in his name.”

The Eddie Sutton Foundation’s mission is fueled by championing coach Sutton’s three principles of defense, dedication and discipline. Research is the best defense against cancer. The foundation embraces unwavering dedication to the cause and to the families that will be served. Discipline is a must for this new team to stay the course and implement a full-court press that will lead to a cure.

The Cowboys vs. Cancer Cowboy Classic will be the first major fundraiser for the new foundation.

Team spots and sponsorships are currently available for the event, which will be May 9 at Stillwater Country Club. The CvC Cowboy Classic features an elite list of celebrity golfers and will include a visit from a special group of cancer survivors. These celebrities will be auctioned off to join your team as you play the beautiful Stillwater Country Club course.

Whether you are a fan of the game, a fan of the university or playing in honor/memory of someone, the CvC Cowboy Classic is a great event with a great cause.

For more information about the foundation and how to donate, visit TheEddieSuttonFoundation.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 17

Edmond’s Reed due honor by OSU Accounting School H.J. Reed of Edmond, will be honored as a distinguished friend by Oklahoma State University’s School of Accounting during the 2022 Wilton T. Anderson Hall of Fame and Awards banquet April 24 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

Reed has been a longtime supporter of the OSU School of Accounting. He earned his bachelor’s degree at OSU in general administration, business administration and management in 1977. He served as manager, government affairs for Phillips 66 before his retirement in December 2021.

“When I started as head of the School of Accounting, H.J. was one of the first people to offer support and assistance,”

said Dr. Audrey Gramling. “I have truly enjoyed having H.J.’s support and guidance over the last several years. Not only has he been instrumental in helping us build the future of accounting at OSU, he has supported OSU in so many ways over the years. I am thrilled that we will be honoring H.J. with this award that affirms our appreciation for all that he has done.”

Reed was responsible for legislative, regulatory and political activities in 14 states in the Mid-Continent region of the United States for Phillips 66. He has served as a member of the Bartlesville Leadership Team, Board of Directors of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, the Board of Directors for Oklahoma 2030, Environmental

Federation of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Society of Professional Advocates Board of Directors of the OSU Alumni Association.

Also, as a trustee on the Edmond Economic Development Authority, chairman of the Refinery Group for the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and co-chairman of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee.

Reed is a graduate of Leadership Bartlesville Class I and Leadership Oklahoma Class XII. He is the 2022 chairman of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve on the Board of Governors for the OSU Foundation Committee.

Reed and his wife, Gail, have two daughters, Chelsea and Melissa.

Carter Dennis joins software company is also being utilized in the broadband Land Scout, a broadband softtechnology space to ensure infrastructure ware management company, rereaches underserved communities. Land cently added Carter Dennis to its Scout Broadband Management is used team as a geographic information by municipalities, states, and Tribes to science (GIS) developer. plan, design, and manage broadband in“Carter brings a diverse, adaptive frastructure for greater efficiency and acset of skills to the team and his excuracy. pertise will continue to provide beneAs a GIS developer, Dennis will design fits for not only Land Scout, but for and execute applications used to support our clients in various industries as Dennis data collected from the field and mainwell,” Land Scout CEO Monica Smith Griffin said. “I look forward to witnessing Carter tain various software platforms Land Scout runs. Within the Land Scout team, he will degrow as a professional and seeing what he convelop groundbreaking technology provide tinues to accomplish in his career.”

Land Scout recently formed a partnership to strategic insight to clients.

“His commitment to his work and growth integrate their agricultural software platforms as a professional has already led him to be recboth statewide and across the nation, where ognized for research work funded by NASA its features benefit ranchers and dairies. The thanks to his combination of GIS and pronew partnership provides deep value for each gramming skills,” Land Scout Vice President of company and provides customer tools to easily implement new agriculture technology into Environmental Compliance and Engineering Scott St. John said. everyday ranching. The Land Scout platform

Longtime OU Health EMC employee calls staff ‘family’ Tony” in return. He also “We’re a small facilhas the same intuition ity, but we’ve got big about his co-workers’ hearts.” Those are the state of mind that he words of OU Health does for patients. One Edmond Medical Cenday, he noticed that an ter employee Antonio employee who was a “Tony” Townsend, who regular in the hospital’s may have the biggest cafeteria was crying. heart of all.

Townsend discovered Townsend has that the man’s wife had worked at Edmond died.

Medical Center for 23 “I told him, ‘We’re years and is going family. You let me know strong as the hospital anytime you need help.’ celebrates its 75th anI called him at home niversary this year. He one day when I didn’t began his career in Tony Townsend see him because I housekeeping, has wanted to make sure he was OK. I worked as a unit clerk and now saw him again recently and he said, serves as a transporter in diagnostic imaging. Patients and co-workers call ‘Hey, you’ve really been helping me out.’ We’re family to him,” Townsend him “Uncle Tony” and gravitate tosaid. ward the smile and generosity he Since he began working at the hosbrings to work each day. pital, Townsend has witnessed the “This is a great place to work,” he transition from pagers to cell phones said. “I enjoy putting a smile on our for getting in touch with providers, patients’ faces and my co-workers’ and from pencil and paper for recordfaces. I enjoy my job every day and keeping to computers and electronic try to give 120% or more.” health records. But he is in the peoAs a transporter, Townsend takes ple business, and there is no shortage patients to their test or procedure, of people to benefit from his smile helping them out of wheelchairs or and kindness. onto stretchers as needed. He has a His supervisor, Deborah Gibbs, Diremarkable ability to notice when parector of Diagnostic Imaging at Edtients are anxious or in pain, and he mond Medical Center, said Townsend goes the extra mile to make them as is dependable and willing to lend a comfortable as possible. hand in any hospital department that “I treat everybody like a family member,” he said, “and I try to show needs help.

“He is extremely friendly and our younger employees how we do makes every patient feel special, like it. You can see when a patient is in they are his only patient of the day,” pain or nervous, or they don’t know she said. “He is also entertaining — what to expect, so I take them to an there’s never a dull moment when isolated room, get them warm blanhe’s around. Our department is like kets, and let them relax until the family, and we are so blessed that exam. Everybody is a VIP when they Tony is part of our family.” come to our area.”

A cornerstone of the Edmond comTownsend shows the same kindmunity for 75 years, OU Health Edness to his co-workers, along with a mond Medical Center is a full-service bit of mischievousness. He’s given nicknames to a number of staff mem- community hospital offering a direct connection to the knowledge and rebers, many of whom call him “Uncle

H. J. Reed

An economic impact Fairgrounds events fuel spending The Prairie Classic Quarter Horse Show took place at the OKC Fairgrounds Feb. 9-13 13. This equine event took place in the Performance Arena and the Super Barn.

Eighty-five percent of attendees traveled from out-of-town, while 15 percent were locals. Attendance for the event exceeded 21,000, generating more than $4.52 million in direct spending into the Oklahoma City economy.

The Oklahoma State High School Wrestling Championships took place at the OKC Fairgrounds February 24 through 26. Participants and spectators filled the Jim Norick Arena for the sporting event. Seventy percent of attendees traveled from out-of-town, while 30 percent were locals. Attendance for the event exceeded 13,000, generating more than $2.62 million in direct spending into the Oklahoma City economy.

The OKC Fairgrounds hosted a total of 20 events during the month of February. In addition to the above mentioned, other events included: the Sedgwick Street Rodders Winter Swap Meet, State Jr. High Wrestling Championship, Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market, Braum’s An Affair of the Heart, and 52nd Annual RV Show

Page 20 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

A big part of the Edmond community for decades is the OU Medical Center Edmond at Second and Bryant.

OU Medical Center Edmond

Hospital marks 75 years EDMOND -- Located at Second Street and Bryant Avenue, OU Health Edmond Medical Center began serving the Edmond community as Edmond Hospital in February of 1947. Last month, leaders and staff launched a year-long celebration of this impressive 75-year milestone with a variety of internal events and festivities.

Why should any person, especially someone facing

a medical emergency, travel beyond the Edmond area to access excellent healthcare, top-flight facilities and expertise that’s second to none? This is the underlying question, spoken or not, that drove civic leaders to establish an Edmond-based hospital to fill a healthcare void, and to grow and succeed in step with the local community.

With her own work history spanning 15 years at

Edmond Medical Center, Leslie Buford, chief operating officer, is considered the resident expert on the hospital’s community roots. According to Buford, the hospital’s mission is perpetually driven by another question: “How can we serve not only medical needs, but enrich community life at every level?”

The answer lies in what might be called a holistic approach to population health. “The attributes that make Edmond a great place to live, work and raise families include the community’s passion for education, arts and culture. The hospital’s unwavering support of what this community values is the key to mutual growth and ability to thrive.”

Spanning three-quarters of a century, the history of Edmond Medical Center clearly reflects its passion for community, demonstrated by deep engagement in myriad events that promote health and well-being across the lifespan. Scores of activities that promote healthy lifestyles continue to be initiated and/or sponsored by hospital leaders, and enthusiastically supported by employees and staff across work areas and responsibilities.

Edmond’s first hospital offered 22 beds, housed in a vacant space above the Bronco Theater in the Spearman Building at Broadway and Main. Prominent citizens became stockholders and founders of Edmond Hospital and managed its operations for nearly 25 years. Then, as now, the hospital inspired strong community support, as local citizens united to furnish the facility with donated essentials, such as bed and kitchen linens, cooking utensils and more, to launch the mission of locally provided healthcare.

In 1947, the road now known as Broadway Extension was the single strip of pavement connecting Edmond and its 5,000 residents to Oklahoma City. Interstate 35 did not exist, nor was there a turnpike for easy navigation across the miles. It was not uncommon for pregnant women in and around Edmond to give birth at home rather than make the long trek for a hospital delivery. In the midst of a February blizzard, a young pregnant woman began to experience labor pains, and Edmond Hospital opened three days earlier than planned, answering the call to care. Buford told the story shared by a current hospital volunteer, also with strong connections in Edmond and the hospital. “She gave birth to both of her children at the original Edmond Hospital, and one of her memories is the smell of movie popcorn during the delivery.”

Focused Vision In 1963 and 1964, Edmond’s city council approved an ordinance that created a five-member hospital management board. Members of that first board, John Stone, Chairman; Mike McGough, Vice Chairman; Bob Rudkin, Secretary; Clarance Fledger, member; Burk Thomas, member; were charged with crafting a proposal to acquire a more satisfactory hospital facility. City voters approved the sale of municipal bonds, which raised $400,000 to purchase land and construct a cityowned hospital. Matching federal funds were obtained, and construction began on a 12.5 acre site located at the corner of Second and Bryant.

Buford said people understood what the new hospital would mean to the community, not only for comprehensive care close to home, but for the economic growth and development that were sure to follow. “People had a real vision for Edmond’s future and were eager to sell their land to make way for a larger hospital that would drive all kinds of commercial interests. At the time, this intersection was a rural area surrounded by apple orchards. Today, it is Edmond’s second busiest corner, situated in the heart of the city.”

As the July 1967 opening day neared, the volunteer auxiliary held its first organizational meeting with 54 charter members. Today, Buford works with individuals who have been part of the volunteer auxiliary for 40 years. This dedicated group of volunteers offers day-to-day hospitality, kindness and consideration that has made them legendary.

In addition, volunteers unofficially functioned as the hospital’s devoted, if unofficial, historians.

“From day one, volunteers began keeping scrap-

See Hospital, Page 21

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 21

Hospital books that captured a multitude of hospital events and milestones, internal and external. The bookcase is full of these small pieces of important history spanning 40 years, except for the pandemic pause that began in early 2020.”

The new city-owned facility became Edmond Memorial Hospital, a two-story structure with 35 beds, 50 full- and part-time employees, and eight physicians as active staff.

Growing With Edmond, For Edmond In November 1971, citizens approved a $1.42 million revenue bond to fund the expansion of the building. A third floor would accommodate immediate needs, with an unfinished fourth floor ready to address future demand. With 13 physicians on active staff, the expansion allowed for 99 licensed beds, plus five intensive care/critical care beds.

By early 1975, active medical staff had increased to 20, and other employees and staff numbered 120. In July 1976, full-time emergency room coverage by physicians expanded from weekends-only to nights and weekends. A year later, the hospital’s board of directors contracted with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), an independent hospital management firm based in Nashville, Tenn. Edmond Memorial Hospital’s financial position continued to stabilize, showing marked gains for the third and fourth quarters of 1977. For the first time in the hospital’s history, the proposed budget for 1978-79 did not require a subsidy from the city.

In November 1981, the city obtained a Certificate of Need for Phase I expansion to convert the fourth- floor shell into 30 private patient rooms, bathing facilities, a classroom and a number of offices. The plan was approved by the Oklahoma Health Planning Commission in early 1982. The same year, the hospital not only invested nearly $100,000 to purchase new ultrasound equipment, EMH also became one of the first hospitals in the metro area to earn a three-year accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.

HCA managed the hospital for four years before purchasing Edmond Memorial Hospital from the city in 1981. As a result, the city of Edmond gained $7.2 million, which created a source of funds for municipal reinvestment projects. In a real sense, the hospital became new again, as millions were invested to renovate, expand, purchase sophisticated equipment and provide advanced technologies.

By September 1982, the board sought approval for complete renovation of patient rooms on second and third floors, plus renovation and expansion of all ancillary facilities. The $11 million renovation and expansion was complete in July 1984. The number of active staff members had grown to 90, with 81 on courtesy and consulting staffs.

The hospital continued to grow with the city, and in keeping with the spirit of the original founders, the range of services expanded to meet a wider range of healthcare needs. A local 10-member board of trustees assumed hospital governance. With a workforce of nearly 300, Edmond Memorial Hospital was providing an increasing variety of sophisticated hospital services, more comprehensively meeting the healthcare needs of the community. Specialty practices encompassed medical disciplines from family practice, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology, to ophthalmology, orthopedics, surgery, anesthesiology, cardiology, psychiatry, gastroenterology and more.

Edmond Medical Center has been associated with the OU Medical Center since 2010. The resulting infusion of capital funded an array of strategic improvements and the acquisition of equipment needed to meet the healthcare needs in an area experiencing rapid growth.

With its dire global impact, the COVID-19 pandemic presented opportunities for Edmond Medical Center to serve residents throughout the

From Page 20 area to minimize COVID-related hospitalizations. Mobilizing for a rapid and effective response to ensure care, the hospital established MAB infusion clinics where therapies were administered on an outpatient basis, avoiding hospitalization to the greatest extent possible. The infusion clinics allowed many patients to recover and regain health in their own homes, also easing the burden on hospital staff and keeping resources available for patients who required inpatient care.

“The challenges of the pandemic were also avenues to gain experience.

As the pandemic wanes, we’re wellpositioned to continue caring for this community with our sights set on growth to meet the needs of our patient population,” Buford said.

Edmond Medical Center also enriches the community through the services provided at Autumn Life Behavioral Health. The center is the only geriatric psychiatric unit in the OU Health system, and leads the metro area in behavioral health support for individuals age 55 and older.

Its programs have been expanded to include an intensive outpatient therapy program, and providers also are seeing outpatient psychiatric patients.

Highly rated by patients for outstanding care, Edmond Physical Therapy employs therapists with decades of experience. Whether patients are recovering from stroke-related impairments and paralysis, to the healing of serious physical injury, these professionals work with each individual to guide patients back to the best quality of life possible.

The hospital actively supports organizations that form the foundation and pillars of Edmond’s civic life. In addition to providing appropriate financial resources and volunteer initiatives, hospital leaders hold seats on numerous committees and boards that guide community investment and development, among them: · Edmond Public Schools Foundation · Edmond Mobile Meals · Edmond Chamber of Commerce · University of Central Oklahoma Today, with more than 90,000 residents, Edmond is a vibrant metropolitan neighbor to adjacent counties and communities, including Oklahoma City. Buford said it’s gratifying to see so many areas of growth with direct links to the hospital presence and influence. She ranks the hospital, along with the University of Central Oklahoma, among the most influential corporate citizens of the community. “We have a fantastic partnership with UCO, often co-sponsoring events and activities that promote community life and community health. It’s positive energy that creates its own momentum. Together, EMC and UCO are the pulse of Edmond, serving residents, meeting needs and keeping commerce alive and growing.”

Milestones at a glance: 2001: The hospital opened a 12-bed intensive care unit.

2010: Edmond Medical Center was brought into the OU Medical Center family, operating under the OU license.

2011: The hospital acquired the DaVinci surgical robot, still the only one in Edmond, and opened a new state-of-the-art pharmacy.

2012: After 18 months of demolition and renovation, the hospital opened a completely remodeled third floor.

2013-2014: Renovations throughout the remaining hospital facility were completed to mirror the third floor design, amenities and functionality. As part of this project, bariatric-safe rooms were added on the fourth floor.

2018: A catheter lab with leadingedge services and technologies opened to facilitate treatment and care for cardiac patients.

2019: Technology upgrades to the DaVinci system enabled attending physicians to train the next generation of exceptional providers in robotic surgical techniques.

Planned for this year, orthopedic robotics equipment will advance the care and recovery for patients who have a variety of orthopedic concerns .

Page 22 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

New hire at accounting firm titioners.

Mark O. Neumeister, CPA, In 2020, Neumeister CGMA, has joined Arledge as a was awarded the Rick Kells partner in the firm.

Outstanding Tax ProfesA leader in the field of taxasional Award by the Oklation, Neumeister will advise firm homa Society of CPAs. He clients on all aspects of tax strathas also received the orgaegy. He has more than thirty-five nization’s Silver Pen years of experience in tax planAward. Shortly after the ning, tax controversies and tax Neumeister Supreme Court’s decision compliance in both public and in McGirt v. Oklahoma, private industry, and has advised Neumeister spearheaded the formacompanies on tax matters in more tion of a working group of CPA’s, than 40 states. lawyers and tribal members, to study A frequent speaker on tax topics, and advise CPAs on the tax impacts Mark has presented on a variety of of the McGirt decision. tax matters to such groups as the “Mark is an outstanding and Oklahoma Society of CPAs. Oklahoma Tax Institute, Tax Executives In- knowledgeable leader in our field and an excellent addition to our executive stitute, Committee of Oklahoma Tax team,” said LaDonna Sinning, partAccountants, and other groups. ner. “Our clients will benefit from his Shortly after Oklahoma enacted the continued commitment to solving Oklahoma Pass-through Entity Tax complex financial matters through Equity Act of 2019, Neumeister was sound strategies and empirical best quickly recognized as a thought practices.” leader and frequent speaker on the Neumeister served as vice presiimplementation, including immediate dent of Texas-based grocery wholeelection options, and interpretation saler Fleming Companies before of the new statute. His seminars on joining D.R. Payne & Associates in the new law were attended by more than 800 CPAs, lawyers and tax prac- 2005 as director of tax services.

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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 17, 2022 • Page 23

Food bank hits milestone with senior meals program The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Senior Servings Program has distributed more than 100,000 healthy, frozen take-home meals. The program, which debuted in 2020, is available at 32 Regional Food Bank partner locations in central and western Oklahoma.

"The Senior Servings Program is so important to the older Oklahomans we serve, bringing much needed nutrition to some of our state’s most vulnerable residents and giving them the independence of cooking their own meals,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

The meals are available to adults over the age of 60 who have been identified by Regional Food Bank partners as having limitations in endurance, cognition and physical mobility. These limitations directly impact senior food insecurity and nutritional status by making things like acquiring, preparing, cooking and consuming meals more difficult. According to Feeding America’s “State of Senior Hunger” report, food insecure seniors are 32% more likely to suffer from at least one limitation compared to food secure seniors.

The program began in September 2020 thanks to a grant from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). Senior Servings meals are planned and created by the Regional Food Bank's production kitchen, Hope's Kitchen, in partnership with The Education and Employment Ministry and students studying dietetics at local universities.

“We are so appreciative of the support from TSET to make the Senior Servings Program a real-

ity,” Dykstra said. “Now with a partnership with TEEM and local collegiate dietetic students, the program has evolved to be a collaborative effort.”

The meals meet senior nutritional needs, are low sodium and contain a grain, protein and a vegetable or fruit and are packaged in easy-to-handle trays. In addition to receiving grocery assistance, seniors are allowed to take home up to 12 meals per month while visiting a participating Regional Food Bank partner.

Frances receives Senior Servings meals each

month when she visits the New Emergency Resource Agency Food & Resource Center in Ponca City.

"I appreciate these meals because I recently had shoulder replacement surgery and it is a lifesaver to be able to get these meals out of the freezer and easily prepare them," Frances said. "Plus, it is also a big help on my monthly grocery budget."

Visit rfbo.org/get-help to find a listing of Regional Food Bank partners screening for Senior Servings meals.

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Page 24 • March 17, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure