Edmond Life and Leisure - December 30, 2021

December 30, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 33

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

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.

Elaine Warner visits the remarkable light exhibit at the zoo.

See page 12

FRIDAY, December 31 Cloudy High 66° Low 45°

SATURDAY, January 1 Partly Cloudy High 49° Low 15°

SUNDAY, January 2 Sunny High 39° Low 24°

Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper wishes you and your family, the best in 2022.

May the new year bring you happiness. If you plan to celebrate the end of 2021, please do it safely and do not drink and drive.

Please also see Page 4 for Publisher Ray Hibbard’s look at predictions in the past, that did not pan out.

Happy New Year!

Page 2 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 3

State liver recipient to be honored in Rose Parade LifeShare of Oklahoma is honoring Karen Hoyt, of Tulsa, as a float rider in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1st.

LifeShare is the organ procurement organization in Oklahoma responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes.

Every year, LifeShare helps sponsor the Donate Life Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day to spread the message about organ, eye and tissue donation. As a sponsor, LifeShare is able to send one recipient to ride the float and one donor portrait to be honored on the float.

Karen lives her life in honor of the young hero who gifted her a second chance at life. Now, an active community volunteer, she encourages those in need of that same gift.

Karen shares her grateful spirit and the positive attitude to be an encouragement to others. She has always lived a healthy life despite being born with only one kidney.

Karen was active in her community as a full-time teacher, volunteer and Sunday school teacher at her church. In 2010, she learned that her liver was failing, and she was later diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus.

She was sent home thinking her days were numbered. Despite this news, she clung to her faith and began eating even healthier than she had before the diagnosis. Luckily, an antiviral medication came out and she was cured of Hepatitis C by 2011 but end-stage liver failure still loomed over Karen.

Karen went back to her career as a teacher and continued to live as healthy as possible. During one of her screenings, the doctor determined that her damaged liver was not removing toxins from her blood, which diminished her mental capabilities. She also became limited on what she could do as she frequently

had muscle fatigue, liver pain and joint pain.

After learning to manage her pain, Karen’s health began to worsen. When she was at her regular check-ups, the doctors found a cancerous tumor on her liver. Her doctors recommended a liver transplant, and amid the listing process, she began to make end-of-life plans with her daughter. To cheer their spirits, they began to look online at stories of hope from others who had received a transplant. Karen was encouraged and continued to eat healthy meals and walk when she could.

When Karen was fully listed on the transplant waiting list, she was grateful to think that at someone’s greatest crisis in life they would make a decision that would eventually grant her many more years to live. She was so humbled that she called her transplant coordinator and almost asked them to remove her from the list.

As she waited for a second chance at life, Karen underwent many procedures to shrink the tumor on her liver so that she could remain on the transplant waiting list. Twice, Karen was called in hopes that she would receive her liver, but neither offer was a good fit.

However, on April 13, 2015, Karen received her liver from a selfless donor and learned that her donor was the same age as many of the students she once taught in school.

Karen is a motivation to many.

She encourages others waiting to receive their life saving transplant, and she spends her time teaching nutrition classes. The classes help those struggling with kidney or liver disease learn to eat better to live a healthier life. In addition, she also serves on a variety of boards and committees to help people with health needs and those in the transplant community.

Karen Hoyt

Page 4 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Predictions that did not happen My mentor in the newspaper business, the late Leland Gourley, made a regular process of putting his predictions for the new year in his column at his newspaper, OKC FRIDAY. He held himself accountable by reporting what his batting average on predictions had been from the previous year. Some years were good, and some were just terri- Ray Hibbard ble.

Not wanting to put myself through the same scrutiny, I have resisted the temptation to do the same. I follow my dear friend’s lead on most newspaper decisions but decided a long time ago that I would not be a good predictor of what was to come.

Instead, I have assembled a list of past New Year predictions that did not work out so well: Religious leaders, scientists, and even a hen have been making predictions for the end of the world as long as the world has been around.

They have predicted the destruction of the world through floods, fires, comets and most recently the coronavirus but luckily for us, none of it has come to pass.

2012 Maya Apocalypse Dec. 21, 2012, marked the end of the first “Great Cycle” of the Maya Long Count calendar.

Many misinterpreted this to mean an absolute end to the calendar, which tracked time continuously from a date 5,125 years earlier, and doomsday predictions emerged. End-of-the-world scenarios included the Earth colliding with an imaginary planet called Nibiru, giant solar flares, a planetary alignment that would cause massive tidal catastrophes, and a realignment of Earth’s axis. Preparations for the end of the world as we know it included a modern-day Noah’s ark built by a man in China and extensive sales of survival kits.

Harold Camping Among the most prolific modern predictors of end times, Harold Camping has publicly predicted the end of the world as many as 12 times based his interpretations of biblical numerology.

In 1992, he published a book, ominously titled 1994? which predicted the end of the world sometime around that year. Perhaps his most high-profile predication was for May 21, 2011, a date that he calculated to be exactly 7,000 years after the Biblical flood. When that date passed without incident, he declared his math to be off and pushed back the end of the world to Oct. 21, 2011.

True Way This is one of my favorites since it involves so many sources. We working reporters like sources. Taiwanese religious leader Hon-Ming Chen established Chen Tao, or True Way, a religious movement that blended elements of Christianity, Buddhism, UFO conspiracy theories, and Taiwanese folk religion. Chen preached that God would appear on U.S. television channel 18 on

March 25, 1988, to announce that he would descend to Earth the following week in a physical form identical to Chen. The following year, he prophesized, millions of devil spirits, together with massive flooding, would result in a mass extinction of the human population. Followers could be spared by buying their way aboard spaceships, disguised as clouds, sent to rescue them.

Halley’s Comet Panic This one has an Oklahoma connection. Halley’s comet passes by the Earth approximately every 76 years, but the nearness of its approach in 1910 created fear that it would destroy the planet, either by a celestial collision or through the poisonous gasses it was rumored to contain.

A worldwide panic ensued, stoked by the media and such newspaper headlines as “Comet May Kill All Earth Life, Says Scientist.” A group in Oklahoma tried to sacrifice a virgin to ward off impending doom, and bottled air became a hot commodity. The Earth probably did pass through part of the comet’s tail, but with no apparent effect.

There are some famous technology predictions that have certainly come true. Here are a few that did not: 1876: “This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.” — William Orton, President of Western Union.

1889: “Fooling around with alternating current (AC) is just a waste of time. Nobody will use it, ever.” — Thomas Edison.

1903: “The horse is here to stay but the automobile is only a novelty — a fad.” — President of the Michigan Savings Bank advising Henry Ford’s lawyer, Horace Rackham, not to invest in the Ford Motor Company.

1926: “While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially it is an impossibility.” — Lee DeForest, “Father of Radio” and a pioneer in the development of sound-on-film recording used for motion pictures. He had over 180 patents.

Millerism Religious leader William Miller began preaching in 1831 that the end of the world as we know it would occur with the second coming of Jesus Christ in 1843. He attracted as many as 100,000 followers who believed that they would be carried off to heaven when the date arrived.

When the 1843 prediction failed to materialize, Miller recalculated and determined that the world would actually end in 1844. Follower Henry Emmons wrote, “I waited all Tuesday, and dear Jesus did not come … I lay prostrate for 2 days without any pain—sick with disappointment.”

1932: “There is not the slightest indication that nuclear energy will ever be obtainable. It would mean that the atom would have to be shattered at will.” — Albert Einstein.

Joanna Southcott Beginning when she was 42 years old, Joanna Southcott reported hearing voices that predicted future events, including the crop failures and famines of 1799 and 1800. She began publishing her own books and eventually developed a following of as many as 100,000 believers. In 1813, she announced that in the following year she would give birth to the second messiah, whose arrival would signal the last days of the Earth despite being 64 years old and, as she told her doctors, a virgin. She died before a baby could be born.

1981: “No one will need more than 637KB of memory for a personal computer. 640KB ought to be enough for anybody.” — Bill Gates.

Great Fire of London Because the Bible calls 666 the number of the Beast, many Christians in 17th-century Europe feared the end of the world in the year 1666.

The Great London Fire, which lasted from September 2 to September 5 of that year, destroyed much of the city, including eighty-seven parish churches and about 13,000 houses. Many saw it as a fulfillment of the end of the world prophecy. Given such a large amount of property damage, though, the death toll of the fire was remarkably low, reportedly only ten people--not the end of the world.

Predictions are a risky business. Even more so if they are about the immediate future. Once shown to be wrong, the words return to their origin like a boomerang, and the quotes go on to forever haunt the speaker.

We at Edmond Life & Leisure are excited about 2022. Our newspaper has survived two year of a pandemic thanks to our readers and the many advertisers who believe in us and Edmond. From our family to your,

1957: “I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won’t last out the year.” — Editor of Prentice Hall business books.

1959: “The world potential market for copying machines is 5,000 at most.” IBM told the eventual founders of Xerox.

2003: “The subscription model of buying music is bankrupt. I think you could make available the Second Coming in a subscription model, and it might not be successful.” — Steve Jobs, in Rolling Stone 2007: “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share.” — Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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

Check out what’s inside!

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

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

---- ROTC grads at UCO ..................................................................Page 7.

---- Hamm Foundation gives away $50 million ................................Page 8.

---- Generous Rotarians’....................................................................Page 9.

---- Time to take stock of your life..................................................Page 10.

---- Elaine Warner’s trip to the zoo ................................................Page 12.

---- DAR dedication at Gracelawn Cemetery ..................................Page 13.

---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18.

---- Worship directory ....................................................................Page 19.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director 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 © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 5

Francis Tuttle Technology Center Business Marketing and Management students Destiny Ngigi, Mia Oates, Sherry Arreaga-Lopez, and Makayla Worley with the van full of clothes donated through their clothing drive HUGS 4 Hearts. The group delivered hundreds of donated clothes to The Sharing Tree in Moore.

Francis Tuttle business students give back to community Thanks to four students who collected and donated hundreds of clothing items, families will be warmer this holiday season.

High school students from Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Business Marketing and Management program created HUGS 4 the Heart. They decided to do a clothing drive for a Project Management assignment and donate the clothes to The Sharing Tree in Moore.

“We felt this would be the best way to give back to the community, especially with the colder winter months coming up,” said Business Marketing student Mia Oates. “And this is something that I want to do in my professional career, so it was perfect.”

Oates (Edmond Memorial), Destiny Ngigi (Deer

Creek), Makayla Worley (Putnam City West), and Sherry Arreaga-Lopez (EPIC) developed a name, mission statement, and logo for their clothing drive. They then placed donation boxes with HUGS signs at their high schools and Francis Tuttle campuses.

HUGS stands for hats, underwear, gloves and socks. But the group received a lot more than that by the time the donation period ended. · More than 100 coats and jackets · Over 70 shirts · Over 70 pairs of jeans and pants · More than 200 pairs of socks They collected the items in early December. The following week, they traveled with instructor Natalie Jordan to deliver clothes to The Sharing Tree.

Worley said it was the perfect way to learn project management in a real-world setting while also lending a helping hand.

“It helped us to see how to manage better, how to lay everything out and organize it,” she said.

“And for next time, it helped us to see how we can do things even better.”

Business Marketing and Management program In Business Marketing and Management, students experience the world of business in an interactive, self-paced learning environment. Students go beyond classroom learning and apply their skills to real-world projects and opportunities that build first-hand knowledge. Social media, public relations, promotion tactics, and effective business strategies are all covered.

Page 6 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

Dec. 13 Syeda Masooma Abedi, 41 homeless. Failure to appear Sandra Sue Holt, 37 of Guthrie. Felony warrant.

Tristen Tessiona Wolf, 20 of Shawnee. Misdemeanor warrant and public intoxication.

Justin Tyler Hayes, 40 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Dominique Delajuwon Markel Natt, 34 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Riley Bryce Payne, 19 of Edmond. Two felony warrants.

Michael Gregory Boyer, 40 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Dec. 14 Ethan James Maestas, 32 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Joshua Jenard Eland, 22 of Oklahoma City.

Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Randy Felix, 30 of Edmond. Expired tag over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Kevin David Brewer, 57 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Clinton Lee Miller, 35 of Goldsby. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Joel Thomas Williams, 36 of Cushing. Possess with intent to distribute CDS and felony warrant.

Cody Lee McAlpin, 39 of Oklahoma City.

(Felony value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, unlawful use of license or identification card, obstruction of police officer and felony warrant.

Kristen Diane Mathes, 38 of Moore. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and a felony warrant.

Morganne Esperanza McGinty, 24 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Dec. 15 Oneal Olds III, 34 of Oklahoma City. Three counts of possess of CDS.

Santiago Lee Galvan, 18 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Austin Alonzo James Anderson, 29 of Edmond.

Trespassing after being warned.

Kevin Darrel Price, 33 of Edmond. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Justin D’Lynn White, 31 of Edmond. Possess CDS and misdemeanor warrant.

Shaelyn Elizabeth Hymer, 33 of Oklahoma City.

Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and misdemeanor warrant.

Eric Deron Thrower III, 31 of Oklahoma City.

Possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Dec. 16 Xuan Luan Nguyen, 49 of Edmond. Cultivation of CDS. Gary Dean Land, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication and false representation to an officer.

John Colin Fuller, 32 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and four counts of failure to appear.

Marcus Elliott Choate, 22 of Edmond. Obstruction of a police officer.

Gage Marshall Langley, 26 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and carrying harmful weapon.

Dec. 17 Tyler Braden Woods, 25 of Cashion. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jason Nelson Cordero, 43 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Bray Alexander Flient, 26 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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

Chase Michael Thomas Jackson, 28 of Edmond.

Possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jonathan Jared Terry, 38 of Newalla. Felony warrant.

Amanda Jean Donovan, 42 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, (felony) possession of another debit card. Possession drug paraphernalia and false personation of another.

Deasha Yvette Brown, 38 of Oklahoma City.

(Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property, unlawful use of license or identification card, (felony) obtain information or another living/dead with the intent to use, sell or allow others to use to obtain money/goods without permission, misdemeanor warrant and possess CDS.

Courtney Marie Howard, 28 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Devlin Keyon West, 25 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Dec. 18 Leonard Earl Jackson, 52 of Oklahoma City.

Misdemeanor warrant.

John Nguyen, 40 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol or .15 or more.

Landon Cole Thomas, 18 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Lisa Rena Boykins, 50 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and a felony warrant.

Asynnauz Jhaela Nikienta Griffith, 23 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

Kenneth Dwight Stuart II, 41 of Oklahoma City.

Possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing after being warned.

Travis Don Horton, 27 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Artis Alexander Reed, 29 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Sean David Childs, 21 homeless. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia and nonassault resisting officer.

Dec. 19 Johnathan Coy Gilbert, 24 of Choctaw. Public intoxication.

Mark Ronald Robbins, 34 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (dangerous weapon), violation of protective order, possess drug paraphernalia, two counts possession CDS and (felony second offense) domestic abuse assault (pregnant victim.)

Domonique Delajuwon Markel Natt, 34 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Julio-Cesar Dionisio-Jimenez, 41 of Edmond.

Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two counts of failure to appear.

Christopher George Mahler, 31 of Oklahoma City. Four counts of failure to appear.

Kiyah Rose McCarter, 24 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear,.

Richard Antoynne McKinney, 60 of Oklahoma City. Driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked and felony DUI/APC. Derrick Robert Jordan-Waddell, 29 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Weekend Calendar of Events Dec. 30-Jan. 2 What’s Happening This Weekend Dec 30 – Jan 2

---- In the Gallery: Kyndall Rainey ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- Edmond Ice Rink ---- Safari Lights ---- Edmond Electric’s Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- The Polar Express ---- Downtown in December ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Holiday in the Park ---- USTRC Superbowl Team Roping ---- Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West ---- Winter Break Activities – Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!

---- Winter Break Activities – Holiday Craft Grab Bag ---- Signature Tour ---- Limo Holiday Lights Tours ---- Union Station Illumination ---- Winter Glow ---- OKC Broadway presents: Mean Girls ---- Opening Night Finale 5K ---- Opening Night Extra Information On weekend calendar

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org Edmond Ice Rink Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 12 – Mon, Jan 3; $10 ---- $14; edmondicerink.com Edmond Electric’s Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Nov 21 – Sun, Jan 2; Free; 5 – 10 p.m.; edmondlights.com Safari Lights Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden Extra Info: through Sun, Jan 9; 5:30 – 11 p.m.; okczoo.org The Polar Express Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; okcthepolarexpressride.com Downtown in December Location: Downtown, Oklahoma City Extra Info: Thu, Nov 18 – Sun, Jan 30; downtownindecembrer.com

In the Gallery: Kyndall Rainey Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: featuring the art of Behnaz Sohrabian; edmondfinearts.com

Devon Ice Rink Location: 113 S Robinson Ave, OKC Extra Info: Fri, Nov 19 – Sun, Jan 30; hours vary; downtownindecembrer.com

VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History

Holiday in the Park Location: Frontier City Theme Park

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 20 – Sun, Jan 2; times vary; sixflags.com USTRC Superbowl Team Roping Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, Dec 31 – Sun, Jan 2; ustrc.com Still-Life Drawing in New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Dec 39– Sun, Jan 2; 10 a.m. ---- 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Winter Break Activities – Noon Year’s Eve Celebration!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, Dec 31; 10 a.m. ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Winter Break Activities – Holiday Craft Grab Bag Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Dec 30; 10 a.m. ---2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Jan 1 & Sun, Jan 2; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Limo Holiday Lights Tours Location: Citywide, OKC Extra Info: Thu, Dec 2 – Fri, Dec 30; Facebook.com

Union Station Illumination Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 26 – Thu, Jan 6; 6 – 11 p.m.; scissortailpark.org Winter Glow Location: Riversport OKC Extra Info: through Sun, Jan 9; riversportokc.org OKC Broadway presents: Mean Girls Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Tues, Dec 28 – Sun, Jan 2; okcbroadway.com Opening Night Finale 5K Location: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Extra Info: Fri, Dec 31; registration at 1 p.m.; race begins at 3 p.m.; artscouncilokc.com Opening Night Location: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Extra Info: Fri, Dec 31; 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.; artscouncilokc.com

Please send calendar items to infante318@cox.net Happy New year Be safe

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 7

Redbud officials announce beneficiary The Redbud Classic, Oklahoma City's local racing tradition of fun, fitness and philanthropy, recently announced CARE Center as its 2022 beneficiary, along with welcoming its new board members and recognizing the 2021-22 Board Officers.

"We are excited and honored to announce that we have partnered with CARE Center as the 2022 Redbud Classic beneficiary," Redbud Classic Race Director Kristin Hersom said.

"We look forward to providing race partici-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Two University of Central Oklahoma students received military commissions in connection with the completion of the UCO Army ROTC program and degrees during the university’s annual fall commissioning service held Dec. 17 at Central. Pictured from left to right, Cadets Soyoung Pilcher and Morgan

UCO Army ROTC students earn their commissions Two University of Central Oklahoma students received military commissions in connection with the completion of the UCO Army ROTC program and degrees during the university’s annual fall commissioning service held Dec. 17 at Central.

Army ROTC serves as the largest commissioning source for the Army, producing approximately 70% of all the officers for the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Cadets complete a rigorous curriculum of classroom and leadership lab instruction, physical training and various summer training opportunities, all while attending college as full-time students.

The newly commissioned UCO students are: Cadet Morgan Scott, from Ogden, Utah, earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She will serve on the Army Nurse Corps and provide responsive, innovative and evidence-based nurs-

ing care to enhance readiness, preserve life and promote health and wellness.

Cadet Soyoung Pilcher, from Daegu, South Korea, earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science.

She will serve as UCO ROTC’s first cyber warfare officer and conduct offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, electronic warfare and information dominance.

Central’s Army ROTC program is host to five active affiliated universities: Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Southern Nazarene University, Southwestern Christian University and Langston University, allowing non-UCO students to commission through the UCO Army ROTC program with the completion of a bachelor’s degree at their home university.

For more information about the UCO Army ROTC program, visit www.uco.edu/business/rotc.

pants with the opportunity to support CARE Center's vision of ending child abuse by providing child abuse prevention education training and resources to the community."

Proceeds raised from

Redbud Classic's 39th race weekend, scheduled for April 2-3, 2022, will further CARE Center's mission to provide opportunities for healing and hope for children in Oklahoma County.

Page 8 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

To create energy institute

Hamm Foundation gives OSU $50M The Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources announced today a combined $50 million gift creating the Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University.

The Hamm Institute’s mission is to educate the next generation of energy leaders — in Oklahoma, the United States and from around the world — cementing Oklahoma’s legacy as a global energy leader.

“The generous gifts from Harold Hamm and Continental Resources to establish the Hamm Institute for American Energy will have a transformative impact on OSU and the energy sector worldwide. With a state-of-the art lab featuring wells drilled below the building, an auditorium, and classrooms, this building is fit for purpose,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “Mr. Hamm’s and Continental’s generosity will bring together the brightest minds and future energy sector leaders from around the world, all with a goal of solving one of society’s most pressing concerns.

Together, we will change the trajectory of energy security in the United States.”

The initial funding for the institute and project will be a gift of $50 million dollars — $25 million from the Harold Hamm Foundation and $25 million from Continental Resources.

The Hamm Institute will be located in what was formerly known as OSU Discovery, 300 NE 9th St. in the Oklahoma City Innovation District, and will become the primary and permanent occupant of the building.

The Hamm Institute will become the center of all things American energy. It will host symposiums, authors, speakers, energy summits and global energy leadership conversations. The building will eventually house the Oklahoma Hall of Energy Legends Interactive Museum, a public exhibit highlighting the history and storied legacy of Oklahoma’s great energy leaders.

Hamm, a native Oklahoman and founder and chairman of Continental Resources, began his career in oil and gas over five decades ago, starting out with a single oil service truck and a dream. His incredible journey, entrepreneurial spirit and will to change

the world for the better have inspired countless others, and his latest philanthropic push aims to elevate the state to both new and familiar heights.

Hamm is recognized as a national leader and staunch advocate of America’s domestic oil and natural gas industry. He has spent over five and a half decades in the industry, from starting his own oil services business to founding one of America’s most dynamic and innovative exploration and production companies, Continental Resources. His efforts have contributed to the well-being of every American and are helping secure the nation’s energy and economic security. The Hamm Institute will ensure America leads the world when it comes to advancing innovation and technology while responsibly producing the energy we need for decades to come.

“It’s time, once again, for Oklahoma to become a global energy leader. It’s my hope the world will look to us for the best ideas when it comes to energy stewardship, research, and education. This gift is about investing in our shared future — the future of our country and the state and people I love,” Hamm said.

“I see the Institute as a game changer — a place where the best and the brightest will come together to responsibly solve the world’s energy challenges. A third of the world lives in energy poverty. We need to fix that. And we need to make sure Americans will always have an abundance of reliable, affordable energy for generations to come.”

“Oklahoma is an energy state and Harold is our energy icon. This collaboration between one of our great universities and one of our most innovative and successful energy companies and entrepreneurs will raise the bar for American energy innovation,” said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.

In acknowledgement of Continental’s contributions, the building’s concourse and auditorium will be named as the Continental Resources Concourse and Continental Resources Auditorium. The program fund supporting the institute also will be named in recognition of Continental.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 9

PHOTO PROVIDED/ERIECH TAPIA

Members of the Edmond Summit Rotary present a check to Cristi Twenter, executive director of Edmond Mobile Meals. [Photo by Eriech Tapia]

Edmond Summit Rotary gives $10,000 to two nonprofit groups Members of the Edmond Summit Rotary gave back $10,000 to two local organizations this month.

“We are so appreciative of the support and gift from the Edmond Summit Rotary Club,” said Cristi Twenter, Executive Director of Edmond Mobile Meals.

Edmond Mobile Meals and Free to Live both received donations as a way to help support their missions.

Mobile Meals received $9,000 and Free to Live $1,000.

This year Edmond Mobile Meals saw a record number of meals served to an expanding base of clients, Twenter said.

“Giving back to our community is one of our goals through the Edmond Summit Rotary,” said club president Bob Donaldson.

Twice a month members from the Edmond Summit volunteer with Mobile Meals.

Through a partnership with Kappa Pi Charities, the Edmond Summit Rotary was able to double its donations. This is the second year for the partnership.

The Edmond Summit Rotary meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Vault 405 in downtown Edmond with breakfast and a community speaker.

PHOTO PROVIDED/ERIECH TAPIA

Members of the Edmond Summit Rotary present a check to Reagan Hamlin, director of Free to Live.

Some good news finally about the southern border Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week announced, after months of holding the Biden Administration accountable for its failures to enforce the law and preserve national security at the southern border, that the Department of Homeland Security would finish several gaps in the border wall located in San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, Tucson, El Paso, and Del Rio. This announcement comes after Lankford released a report that exposed billions in waste to pay contractors to babysit the border wall materials at these sites while the Biden Administration “studied” it, even though Congress already allocated the money to build the wall.

Lankford traveled to the Arizona border earlier this year to see firsthand the unfinished southern border wall that was halted by the Biden Administration and that they’re now agreeing to address.

He was the first to expose the crisis at the border through Facebook so Oklahomans could see firsthand the crisis at the southern border in Texas.

“Today, the Biden Administration has finally acknowledged what I have been pushing for months, we should close the gaps in our border wall. Leaving dozens of gaps in the border wall only helps the cartels and those illegally crossing our border. I have demanded the gaps in

the wall be closed for months. Now the Biden Administration has relented.

“We have a crisis at our southern border that is a direct result of the Biden policy of failing to enforce our laws. This year, US Customs and Border Protection has encountered over 1.8 million migrants at the southwest border alone, the most ever recorded in our nation’s history, and is on track to encounter two million migrants this year. All while Biden and his team have told Americans that this is not a crisis. Biden’s team has wasted billions of taxpayers’ dollars to appease the far left open borders radicals, but the rest of the nation has suffered the consequences,” said Lankford.

Lankford grilled DHS Secretary Mayorkas on his ongoing delay to finish the wall and participated in a press conference in November to discuss the ongoing crisis at the southern border that Biden continues to ignore. Lankford successfully blocked President Biden’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office from opening a “surge overflow temporary facility” at the Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, Oklahoma, that would have been used to process migrants who crossed the border illegally and release them into Western Oklahoma.

Page 10 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Hope for the new year world.

By Steve Gust We should all make it our The new year is almost goal to be on the good side upon us.

One way to do that, is to Let’s hope we make some make sure we don’t drink significant progress against the and drive over New Year’s virus this time around.

Eve or any other time durI know everyone had that ing the year. Here awhile same hope last year at this back, we published an artitime as well. cle on the Central OklaAnd while we’re at it, it Steve Gust homa coed killed by a might be a good idea for everydrunk driver. one to take stock of their life and It was a heartbreaking story to see if there’s a way we can improve read. ourselves.

Let’s all hope people use good Sure, we’ll go through the same rejudgment and avoid drinking and view next year, but maybe we can driving. make progress in the next 12 But looking at the police report months. each week, we have too many folks It doesn’t have to be that drawho are not getting the message. matic, but maybe send out a few To me, life seems too wonderful more birthday cards this year and let people in your life know they mean a to waste it on numbing our brains with drugs or alcohol. lot to you.

I urge everyone to avoid that.

We are all works in progress.

There are many better things to do If nothing else, make sure you in life than get drunk. don’t regress this year.

(Steve Gust may be e-mailed at And although it’s an old-fashioned news@edmondpaper.com) notion, there is evil and good in this

Addressing worker shortage in the state

By Rep. Kyle Hilbert OKLAHOMA CITY – Evidence of a workforce shortage is everywhere.

Placing an online order to finish Christmas shopping last week, I was notified the company could no longer give an exact shipping date due to workforce and supply chain issues.

Unfortunately, this problem is bigger than possibly not getting a family member’s Christmas present delivered before Dec. 25.

This workforce shortage is affecting our health care, students in our classrooms and many other sectors of

society. We must get a handle on this if we want to thrive and make Oklahoma the Top-Ten state we all believe it can become.

The Legislature can start by looking at three critical areas where shortages existed prepandemic: nursing, teaching and engineering.

Nursing goes without saying. Every person in this country is aware of the shortage and the challenges it has caused. During multiple spikes in the pandemic, there were Oklahoma hospitals that had physical bed space yet were unable to take additional patients because

they lacked staff. The bright side is that based on public testimony at our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Health & Human Services hearings, we have enough students interested in nursing to address this shortage. We just don’t currently have the capacity at our postsecondary institutions to train them all.

Annually, Oklahoma is only graduating half as many students in our colleges of education as we have teachers retiring. This is according to a recent Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) report. Simultaneously, only half of these graduates are staying in the profession more than five years. With our colleges of education graduates only meeting 25% of the demand five years postgraduation, our K-12 education system cannot possibly function without alternative and emergency certified teachers. It is imperative that we support alternative and emergency certified teachers while also increasing the number of education graduates.

Within the last decade the aerospace sector surpassed all but oil and gas to become the second largest industry in Oklahoma.

This diversification of our state’s economy has been a goal of Oklahoma legislators for several generations now.

However, the energy and aerospace industries – as well as many others – are going to have a difficult time growing in our state if

Shortage, Pg 11

Majority back Governor’s taking Jones off death row

Polling gives Stitt edge in 2022 The Oklahoma-based public affairs firm Amber Integrated has released a survey measuring voter attitudes about elected leaders and other political issues and current events. This survey was conducted from December 15 - December 19, 2021, and included a pool of 500 registered voters in Oklahoma. This survey has a margin of error of 4.38% at a 95% confidence interval.

The full survey, including crosstabs, can be downloaded here.

Some key findings include: Republicans list economic concerns as their number one priority, while Democrats say COVID is.

In December, 13% of voters identified COVID-19 as their number one public policy concern that state lawmakers should address, topped by

education (15%). Concern over COVID sharply diverges among party lines. ◦ For Democrats, fighting COVID is the number one issue, with 22% identifying it as a priority, before “jobs and the economy” (18%) and education (16%). ◦ Just 6% of Republicans, however, identify COVID as their number one issue. Instead, Republicans say they are primarily concerned with “jobs and the economy” (36%), “law and order” (16%) and education (16%). ◦ Independents list their priorities as “jobs and the economy” (26%), COVID-19 (18%) and education (15%).

Gov. Kevin Stitt is beating Supt.

Joy Hofmeister in a head-to-head matchup.

• Gov. Kevin Stitt is currently

head matchup, with 47% of voters saying they would vote for Stitt or lean towards voting for Stitt and 32% saying they would vote for Hofmeister or lean towards Hofmeister. Twenty-one percent remain undecided. Those numbers remain almost unchanged from an October survey that showed 49% of voters reporting they would vote for Stitt or leaned towards Stitt and 33% saying the same of Hofmeister.

U.S. Sen. James Lankford has a large lead in his primary election; other Republican primaries are tossups.

• Fifty-six percent of Republican voters say they plan on voting for Lankford or lean towards Lankford in the upcoming primary election for U.S. Senate, compared to 9% for State Sen. Nathan Dahm and 8% for Jackson Lehmeyer. Twenty-four per-

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.

• In other Republican primary races, however, a majority of voters remain undecided, making these races wide-open. Fifty-six percent of Republican voters are undecided when it comes to who they will support in the race for attorney general, 57% are undecided on who they will support in the race for state superintendent of public instruction, and 52% are undecided on who they will support in the primary election for state treasurer.

Voters support Gov. Stitt’s decision to take Julius Jones off death row.

• Fifty-five percent of all voters say they support Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision “to stop Julius Jones’ execution and take him off death row.”

That includes a large majority of Democrats (67%), a majority of independents (52%) and a plurality of Republicans (47% who support the decision vs. 33% who disagree). Just 26% of all voters say Gov. Stitt should have gone forward with the execution.

About Amber Integrated: Amber Integrated is a fully integrated public affairs firm, offering services in lobbying and government relations, political campaign consulting, media relations and communications, digital marketing and advertising, and survey research.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 11

Dean McGee Eye Institute has new innovative surgery

Dr. Mahmoud A. Khaimi performs ABiC surgery.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and is characterized by an increase of pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve and lead to loss of vision. Traditional glaucoma treatments consists of topical medications followed by laser treatment or invasive surgery should the medication regimen prove ineffective.

In 2015, Dr. Mahmoud A. Khaimi, an ophthalmologist at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), pioneered a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) known as ab-interno canaloplasty as a treatment option between topical therapies and invasive surgery. This procedure uses Nova Eye Medical’s iTrack catheter to open up the natural outflow channels of the eye to restore normal aqueous flow and lower IOP, without damaging tissue or leaving behind a stent or shunt.

Now the results of a study recently published in Therapeutic Advances in Ophthalmology confirm the long-term effectiveness of the iTrack procedure in reducing dependence on topical antiglaucoma medications and maintaining acceptable IOP in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. In this study conducted at DMEI, participating patients who underwent the iTrack surgery saw a 61% decrease in the mean number of medications used 36 months after the surgery, with 56% of eyes being medication free, and an acceptable IOP for iTrack patients was maintained at the 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up visits.

Shortage

From Page 10 we do not have adequate numbers of engineering graduates from Oklahoma universities.

As a state we must to do a better job of not only increasing interest in STEM careers, but also of providing tutoring and others services so that all students with an interest and ability to be engineers have the tools necessary to get across the finish line.

There are certainly other shortage areas that could be addressed – IT jobs, plumbers, truck drivers, etc. – but tackling these first three is a good start. A quality healthcare workforce is essential to provide the quality of life necessary for our citizens. Without enough skilled K-12 educators to properly train the next

generation, it makes addressing all other shortage areas all but impossible. Without enough engineers, our state will not be able to become the Top-Ten state we strive to be. These problems are not unique to Oklahoma, but that doesn’t mean we cannot come up with unique solutions to address them.

In closing, I will share a quote from my good friend Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols: “No one is dying because we don’t have enough political science graduates. But they are due to a lack of nurses.”

—— Kyle Hilbert serves District 29 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Creek and Tulsa counties.

According to Dr. Khaimi, glaucoma medication use may seem innocuous in the short term but there are significant challenges associated with long-term, chronic use of medications, including an increased risk of ocular surface disease.

“When you consider the lifestyle and financial burdens of glaucoma medications and their negative impact on a patient’s quality of life, the ability to remove the number of medications required to control glaucoma, or in some cases eliminate the need for medications altogether, can make a huge difference to a patient,” commented Dr. Khaimi.

“Many patients are intolerant to, or noncompliant with medications. Decreasing the medication burden while maintaining low and controlled IOP is a glaucoma specialist’s dream come true and greatly contributes to improved patient quality of life.”

Dr. Khaimi continues, “This study validates that shifting the glaucoma treatment paradigm away from long-term use of topical medications towards a restoration of the eye’s natural outflow is a viable option and achieves comparable outcomes. This is a game changer for glaucoma patients.”

The chief executive officer of DMEI, R. Michael Siatkowski, MD, MBA stated, “All of us at DMEI are both impressed by and proud of the outstanding work Dr. Khaimi has conducted on ab-interno canaloplasty.

His efforts have literally changed the face of glaucoma treatment across the world.”

Page 12 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Chinese lantern sculptures bring the African savannah to life.

Don’t miss zoo’s ‘Safari Lights’ display

By Elaine Warner JUST WOW! The Oklahoma City Zoo SAFARI LIGHTS surpassed my expectations. I wasn’t particularly excited when I saw they were going to do a holiday light display. I’ve seen a lot of examples -- Orchard Road in Singapore, New Year in Hong Kong, various city displays across the Elaine country. I’m sure there are many others that are spectacular. But in Oklahoma, this one takes the Christmas cookie!

Yes, you’ll find a few of the more common, flat, outline figures, but the plethora of three-dimensional, animated displays at the zoo are truly works of art. More than 50 displays are scattered over the zoo property. The complete experience is a two-parter. The first segment is a drive-through trip that starts in the southern part of the zoo – near the elephants and big cats. It’s disconcerting driving through the zoo in the dark – you won’t see the real animals so it was hard to tell exactly where we were. But don’t worry, just follow the car ahead of you.

My first inkling that this was going to be something really different was driving through an entrance guarded by colorful dragons and past a wall of brilliant red lanterns. The drive, lined with pastel flowers, led into a forest of bamboo where tubby, baby pandas frolicked.

The figures, sculptured lanterns, are created from steel frames covered with translucent fabric and lighted from within with LED lights. Each individual lantern takes several days to make. Elaborate details are hand-painted and are amazingly intricate and beautiful. It took ten trucks to bring all the pieces to Oklahoma City and a crew of 30 artisans worked for more than a month to create the zoo’s display.

Photography was difficult on the drive-through; traffic has to keep going, albeit at a slow pace. A convertible, although chilly, would be an ideal vehicle. (Vehicles include SUVs but no RVs, limousines, or other extra large vehicles allowed.) Make sure your front windshield is clean. Shooting out of the front passenger window, I had harsh words for the side mirror!

The lighted displays feature a wide variety of subjects from fanciful or mythical animals and prehistoric creatures to representations of species found in the zoo. These are interspersed with fantastic flowers, butterflies and starbursts.

Placement is random with a family of grizzlies near grazing elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, while Tyrannosaurus rex and other fearsome beasts show their teeth close-by.

It’s hard to pick a favorite sight but the zoo bridge has to be high on my list. Giant flowers, frogs and dragonflies line the road; overhead, pink water lilies with large, green lily pads hang upside down.

Lanterns were created by Tianyu Arts and Culture, a Chinese company. In Chinese culture, the dragon represents power, strength and good luck.

The drive ends in the zoo main parking lot. The drive-through portion of Safari Lights takes about 30 minutes. It may seem pricey ($60 per vehicle for non-zoo-members, $50 for ZOOfriends members), but the tickets, which must be reserved in advance, include up to four wristbands for the walk-through portion. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your assigned time – there will probably be a line to the entrance. Enter from Remington Place/Grand Boulevard.

Once you exit the drive-through, park and walk through the main entrance. Walk-through-only and drive-through guests who need extra wristbands can buy those here. The highlight of the entry

A winged horse pulls a fairy-tale coach in the walk-through area

plaza is a ten-minute-plus light show featuring the Miranda Family Lights, which were showcased on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2019.

(This includes strobe effects, so if you are sensitive to intensive lighting, you’ll want to skip through this area quickly.)

It is possible to buy tickets for only the walkthrough portion at the zoo, but if you plan to go on a week-end night, check to see if the tickets are limited. Buying online is suggested. The tour takes you through the Children’s Zoo, past Stingray Bay and into the DINO SAFARI area.

Lanterns in this area include a Cinderella-style coach pulled by Pegasus, a primping peacock, sea turtles and a giant crab with a bubble machine providing an undersea accent. Especially popular interactives in this section are large, glowing, tiretype swings, musical stars to dance on and a slide.

Although Santa himself will be gone after December 25, a giant Santa lantern makes a good photo op.

Tickets for the walk-through are $10 per person for ZOOfriends members and $12 for non-members for ages three and up.

The Safari Lights experience is open every night, 5:30 to 11 with last entry no later than 10:30 p.m., through Jan. 9. For more details, go to the zoo web site: www.okczoo.org. (FYI: This winter, the zoo is closed to daytime visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.)

The Oklahoma City Zoo last had a holiday light display in 1992. Things have come a long way, baby. This is truly a do-not-miss opportunity.

(Note: Photographs by Elaine Warner.)

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Cordelia Steen Chapter members L to R: Meagan Bobo, Kathy Cooley, Historian Kimberly Lowery, Chaplain Mary Poulain, Gina Care, Vice Regent Tammy Ross, Regent Andrea Aven, Recording Secretary Debbie Adams, Ellen Lee, Claudia Mora, Capital District Director Connie Tate.

New marker at Gracelawn Veterans Memorial Edmond’s Cordelia Steen Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, dedicated a marker honoring veterans and commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, on Dec. 18.

The Never Forget Garden Marker, issued by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was placed by the DAR chapter in the white rose garden at the Veterans Memorial at Gracelawn Cemetery to recognize the chapter’s and the Edmond community’s steadfast commitment to remember and honor our veterans.

The chapter’s vice regent, Tammy Ross, conducted the ceremony with participation by Chaplain Mary Poulain, Historian Kimberly Lowery, Regent Andrea Aven, Commander David Heald of American Legion Frank H. Collings Post 111, Janice Schwager, Chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4938, and Nicholas Bierly from Oklahoma Christian School, who played Taps.

Placement of the marker in the Veterans Memorial white rose garden was the DAR chapter’s acknowledgment of the spray of white roses used by Sgt. Edward F. Younger, 2d Battalion, 50th Infantry, American Forces in Germany, at the ceremony on Oct. 23, 1921, to designate the very first Unknown American Soldier to die on foreign soil at the ceremony at Chalons-surMarne, France.

The wording of the marker placed by the chapter: "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Never Forget Garden This garden is a living tribute to all of America's veterans and their families. In silence and respect, this is a place to remember why millions of Americans have fought and died for our liberty and our freedom.

Here we renew our promise to fulfill America's sacred duty to never forget. Here we renew our mutual pledge to support them with "'our lives,

Recording Secretary Debbie Adams places a spray of white roses on the marker.

our fortunes, and our sacred honor.'"

On the plaque: "To Honor All Veterans and to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Placed by Cordelia Steen Chapter, NSDAR, December 2021."

The Cordelia Steen Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution organization is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children through service in the Edmond community.

Founded in 1890, DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide.

Any woman 18 years or older regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. For more information go to cordeliasteennsdar@weebly.com, or the National DAR website at: DAR.org.

Vice Regent Tammy Ross conducts the dedication with members of the chapter, VFW Post 4938, American Legion Post 111, and community members.

Page 14 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘The Matrix Resurrections’

Matrix movie magic may be waning a bit

By George Gust “The Matrix Resurrections” returns to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.

“The Matrix” was released in 1999, which feels like a lifetime ago in reality and in the movies.

The cultural and visual affect that this film had was a watershed moment in action film making and the impending internet connected world.

Now with “The Matrix Resurrections” there are a lot of ideas the first trilogy brought up that this legacy sequel looks to unpack, some successfully and some less successfully.

The first third of “The Matrix Resurrections” feels like a nostalgic commentary on “The Matrix” fandom that has grown in the 20 years since its release. Replaying scenes from the original both in spirit and literally showing scenes from the original movie to jog the memory of audiences who undoubtedly have seen the original numerous times. As the story unfolds past the meta commentary portion this film is still constantly trying to come up with reasons to justify its existence, an argument that this film doesn’t

quite win 100%.

With Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning to the franchise the gravitas and chemistry is back even in limited capacity. Reeves does well to bring the awe, skepticism and paranoia that worked so well in the original film. And Moss has a little reduced role in this film but delivers in the limited amount of story she’s given. However where “The Matrix Resurrections” feels the freshest is with the new additions to the cast with young faces like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick and Jonathan Groff. These fresh actors add a new energy to the Matrix mainstays, where a lot of these decades later sequels fail to incorporate new characters you care about.

Overall, “The Matrix Resurrections” is a thought-provoking follow-up to the widely influential turn of the century series. However, the visual effects in this film are not as groundbreaking as the original trilogy and the fight choreography is lacking from the stunning sequences that spawned memorable lines like “I know Kung Fu.” The overall look of the film is a big departure from the original with brighter colors but less attention to the larger world of the film. The stakes of the film are also unclear at times and lead to story beats that leave you wondering where this franchise is going to go in the future (and not in the best way).

There’s plenty of good concepts in “Matrix Resurrections” and the performances are interesting across the board, but the movie on whole isn’t as memorable as some of the other entries in the franchise.

“The Matrix Resurrections” is rated R for violence and some language. Now playing in theaters and at home with an HBO Max subscription for a limited time.

4 out of 5 stars.

You can reach George Gust to comment at gust.george@gmail.com,

PHOTO PROVIDED

Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss bring audiences back into the philosophical action world of The Matrix in ‘The Matrix Resurrections.’

Symphony this Jan. 8 at Metro’s Civic Center Answers appearing on Page 19

Join Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate and the musicians of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic on a Rachmaninoff Festival!

Thrilling piano virtuoso, Natasha Paremski, returns to Oklahoma City Jan. 8 to perform the Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 in Fsharp minor, Op. 1 with the OKCPHIL. The show is at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Natasha is a regular return guest of many major orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, NAC Orchestra in Ottawa, and Nashville Symphony.

Some of Paremski’s praise include: “The confiding quality of Paremski’s rendition channeled the intensity of a young man’s love, or perhaps of a composer in love with the idea of being in love. She played the opening movement with poetic delicacy, producing a rounded tone.” Los Angeles Times “We look forward to bringing back the highlyacclaimed pianist, Natasha Paremski, onto our stage” says OKCPHIL Executive Director Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev.

“For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-“TICKETS” (8425387), or visit www.okcphil.org

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Food & Drink ACROSS 1. *Lettuce variety 5. Drivel 8. *Cafe alternative 11. *Cantina cooker 12. *Waldorf salad ingredient 13. Animal trail 15. Radio knob 16. Hurry up, acr.

17. One who accepts the offer 18. *Anise-flavored spirit 20. "Happily ____ after" 21. Operatic solos 22. ____ Air in L.A. 23. Hairy vertebrate 26. Freed 30. In the past 31. Small type of drum 34. *Wine in Italy 35. Charleston, e.g.

37. Chow down 38. a.k.a. honey badger 39. Wet nurse 40. HervÈ Villechaize on "Fantasy Island" 42. Expression of doubt 43. Founding Father 45. City in Japan 47. Shock and ____ 48. Jawaharlal's last name 50. *Driest type of sherry 52. *a.k.a. black treacle 55. Softly-softly, loris' cousin 56. A Flock of Seagulls' 1982 hit (2 words) 57. *Cabbage amount 59. Alexandre Dumas' "The Black ____" 60. What seekers do 61. Consequently 62. Everything 63. Temporary craze 64. Swedish shag rugs DOWN 1. Physique, informally 2. Pelvic bones 3. Spill the beans 4. Certain fir

5. *Fusilli or ziti 6. Same as #39 Across, pl.

7. Supreme pontiff 8. Puff 9. Field worker 10. Be off base 12. Capital of Philippines 13. Be at the helm 14. *Ballerina-inspired dessert 19. All worked up 22. *Granola serving 23. Tea Leoni's "____ Secretary" 24. Old World lizard 25. Unicellular organism 26. Stroke on a green 27. Lithograph, for short 28. Japan to U.S. in WWII 29. *Stuffed grapevine leaf 32. *Flageolet or azuki 33. *Popular breakfast cereal

36. *Type of #34 Across 38. Lion sounds 40. One little piggy?

41. Easily available (2 words) 44. One clean one?

46. *Betty Crocker fruit snack 48. Waterwheel 49. Serengeti grazer 50. Unplayable baseball 51. It will, contraction 52. Irk 53. Like a ghost 54. Long novel 55. School support org.

58. Opposite of don'ts

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 15

More states making it illegal

Leaving car to idle can lead to big fines With news motorists could face fines of up to $5,000 for leaving their car idle in Washington D.C, experts are providing their top tips to beat the frost.

The car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com are offering advice for motorists hoping to avoid fines while defrosting their cars this winter.

Motorists leaving their car idle with a running engine could end up in hot water with the law and face large fines.

As it stands, over two dozen states, local counties and cities enforce laws which limit the amount of time a car can be left with the engine running.

States include Arizona, California, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolin and Texas. A complete guide to idling laws for each state can be found at the American Transportation Research Institute.

Engines being left to run unnecessarily not only affect the offender’s bank account but also have a negative impact on the environment, with claims as little as ten seconds of idle engine use wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “As the months are turning even colder, car owners are finding themselves having to wake up earlier than normal in order to factor in time to de-ice their cars.

“With the possibility drivers leaving their car engines idle could face fines, it is now even more important to remind motorists that there are other handy tips and tricks to get rid of the frost.”

Warm water and a scraper The key to this method is to ensure the water used is not boiling. If the water is too hot, it could cause a crack in the windscreen or cause further damage to any unnoticed small cracks already present. Once warm water is poured over the windscreen, the ice will have turned to slush which can be

scraped away.

No scraper? No problem Motorists who find themselves with a frozen windscreen and no scraper can use other household items such as a debit card, an old CD case, a ruler or even a spatula!

Adding alcohol For those extra frosty mornings when warm water alone doesn't seem to be doing the trick, motorists should add ⅔ rubbing alcohol to ⅓ water to a spray bottle and spritz over the windscreen.

This creates an ice-busting solution to cut through the build up.

Prevent the ice forming Savvy motorists looking to save themselves time and effort on frosty mornings should plan ahead. Placing a towel or piece of cardboard over a car windscreen before any moisture or ice has formed will prevent the morning windscreen frost.

https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/ en/usa

Omicron found in wastewater The Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 was discovered in sewage samples collected in Tulsa on Friday, Dec. 17.

The discovery of the Omicron variant was made through the efforts of a team comprised of scientists, epidemiologists and public health leaders from the University of Oklahoma, OU Health, the Tulsa Health Department and the City of Tulsa and supported by the Pandemic Prevention Institute at the Rockefeller Foundation. People infected with SARS-CoV-2 shed the virus in their waste before they develop symptoms of COVID-19, allowing scientists to provide an early warning of surges and, now, the presence of the new variant.

Since September 2020, the team has been monitoring wastewater drainages in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and, more recently, several smaller cities. Wastewater samples are collected by a team led by Jason Vogel, Ph.D., Grant Graves and Caitlin

Miller of the Oklahoma Water Survey at OU and are analyzed by a team of microbiologists led by Bradley Stevenson, Ph.D., Ralph Tanner, Ph.D. and Erin Jeffries of the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology at OU. “By collecting wastewater from communities across the state, we have a sampling network that represents more than 1.2 million Oklahomans,” Vogel said. “That has allowed us to sample more than 30 percent of the state’s population and detect the Omicron variant in wastewater as it starts to move into the state.”

“We have seen the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater increasing recently, to concentrations higher than we have ever observed. This increase has been driven by COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant. However, the recent detection of the Omicron variant in wastewater means that a significant number of Tulsans are now infected with it.

Serving from Air Force Pilot to fin nancial advisor Larrry Hillman is re retirre ed now, w, but he had two prrofe ofessions durriing his work working carre eerr..

His wiffe e, Na Nancyy,, is the one who got him interre ested in Vi Villagg-esOK KC. They talked about the variety of services being offere fered to help seniors with issues that come up as we agge e into the last thirrd d of our livve es. Therre e werre ea few things specifically that they thought they could take advvaantage of, like the GIFT (Gathering Inffor orm mation fo for Tr Transitions) wor ork kshop, brraain enhanc ment classes and social activities Plus, activities.

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In collegge, Larry was a member of the

Virg irginia Te Tech h Cadet Corrp ps and received and d Air Forrcce ROTC TC contrract to enter US SA AF pilot trraining upo on gra raduation.

He retirre ed after morre e than 20 years and im mmediately beggaan a carreer e in Fi Financial n Services workking with mid ddle class families, doing for the em what financial planners do fo or fo folks who all-ready have ve money. m y.

He encourrage ages fo folk kss to look at their finan ncial lives in a morre e long terrm m fashion and to do de etailed planning fo for ir futur f re e. To Too many peo ople get too conserr-vaativve too early. y.

To learrn n morre e about ViillagesOK KC C or to en nrroll in the GIFT T,, call orr text 405.990.6637 or o@villagg-o email inffo esokc.or rg. e

Page 16 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Top 10 celebrity home sales of 2021 The financial climate in 2021 witnessed a large surge into real estate by many celebrities. As the New Year approaches, it’s fun to look back at celebrity real estate that changed hands in 2021.

1) Camila Cabello Lists Hollywood Hills Home Not surprising that Camila Cabello’s charming home went under contract, just a few days after it was listed at its original price of $3.95 million.

Camila put her 3,579-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home on the market in early November, and she had a pending contract before the month was over.

2) Leonardo DiCaprio Buys 'Modern Family' Star's Stunning Home Leonardo DiCaprio is not only an excellent actor, he is also a great son. In 2021, he purchased the Los Feliz home of Modern Family star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, for his mother for $7.1 million.

3) Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner Sell in LA & Buy in Miami A-Listers Joe Jonas and wife, Sophie Turner, sold their California home in 2021 for $15.2 million.

Located in the Royal Oaks enclave of Encino in Los Angeles, the 15,000-square-foot home has nine bedrooms and eleven baths.

4) Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz: Stars In Music & Modern Homes Fifteen-time Grammy Award-winner, Alicia Keys, and producer-husband, Swizz Beatz, are big fans of modern architecture, proven when they purchased the Razor House in La Jolla, California in 2019 for $20.8 million - originally priced at $45 million. In addition to the Razor House, the couple also own a modern home in Phoenix that they put on the market in 2021 at $3.1 million.

5) Tom Cruise's 320-Acre, Colorado Mountain Ranch Aside from his box-office-busting films, Tom Cruise has added yet another feather in his cap.

He sold his 320-acre Colorado ranch for his asking price of $39.5 million. The Telluride home holds a lot of history for Cruise. It is where he enjoyed time with his children and much of his marriage to Katie Holmes.

6) Matthew Perry Sells An Entire Floor At Celebrity Hotspot It’s been a great year for Matthew Perry when it comes to real estate. In addition to acting, writing and producing, the Friends star has been buying, restyling and reselling some fabulous California homes for many years. He recently sold his stunning Century City condo in LA for $21.6 million the most expensive condo sale in Los Angeles since at least 2015.

7) Matt Damon Sells Quick After $3 Million Price Cut Bidding farewell to Los Angeles, Matt Damon listed his Zen-inspired Pacific Palisades mansion for

Actor Tom Cruise asked for, and received,almost $40 million for his 320acre home in Colorado.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

sale in early 2021 for $21 million. With no takers, Matt reduced the price to $17.9 million, and it sold in a couple of weeks.

8) Kelly Clarkson Sells Her Gorgeous Tennessee Lake Home It may have taken four years, but singer, songwriter, and talk-show host, Kelly Clarkson, sold her gorgeous lake house in Hendersonville, Tennessee for $6.3 million. The original listing price was $8.75 million in 2017 with the most recent reduction in early 2021 to $7.49 million. Not only is the house beautiful, but its setting is the star of the show on the banks of Old Hickory Lake near Nashville.

9) John Legend & Chrissy Teigen Had Too Many Beverly Hills Homes After settling in their new Beverly Hills home last summer, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen found themselves with two Beverly Hills homes so the one they bought from Rihanna in 2016 was

put up for sale. It is the contemporary-style home where they lived when their two children were born and was the home often seen on Chrissy’s social media posts. With one too many homes and one of Hollywood’s busiest schedules, the superstar couple reduced the price from $23.95 million to $17.95 million. It sold for $16.8 million.

10) Enchanting Oasis of TV's Black-ish Star Nicole Sullivan Nicole Sullivan is best known for her acting roles in the TV series Black-ish and The King of Queens, but her charming cottage-style home in LA's Laurel Canyon is a colorful example of her keen eye and romantic take on the type of environment that shows her true personality. She put it on the market in late 2021, priced at $1.45 million. Not surprisingly, it soon sold at over the asking price for $1.785 million.

Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for a tour of 2021's Top 10 Celebrity Homes.

Exhibits offered at OKC Museum of Art This holiday season, visitors to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) can be inspired by art from "For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design," socialize at a familyfriendly New Year's Eve party and see influential Hong Kong writer-director Wong Kar Wai’s films on the big screen.

"Our priority this year was to continue to bring the best of the visual arts as safely as possible to Oklahoma City," said Dr. Michael J. Anderson, President and CEO. "Not only are we the final stop in the national tour of the spectacular exhibition 'For America' but we are also one of the only cities outside L.A. and New York to offer a complete retrospective of visionary writer-director Wong Kar Wai. I am immensely proud of our staff and the work they have put into making this year a success. I encourage everyone to visit the Museum this holiday season and enjoy a chance to relax ‘For America Paintings from the National Academy and recharge in our galleries and theater."

In addition to "For America," visitors can enjoy o Design’ is organized by the American Federation of Arts and the National Academy of Design.

"Dale Chihuly: Magic & Light," "Perception and

Technique in Abstract Art," "Fritz Scholder: Beyond Stereotypes" and "From the Golden Age to the Moving Image." The last day to catch "Fritz Scholder" is Jan. 2, 2022. "'Beyond Stereotypes' has been so popular with visitors that we extended the exhibition past the original closing date," said exhibition curator Catherine Shotick. "By combining realism and spirituality with vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes, Scholder created radical new imagery of modern-day Indigenous life. The 10 prints from his 'Indians Forever' series are delicate and are not always on view. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience them prior to the exhibition closing on Jan. 2."

On New Year's Eve, the Museum will host a Noon Year's Eve party, sponsored by MetroFamily Magazine. This family-friendly event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 31. The event is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $5 for military and free for Museum members and kids 17 and under which includes admission to the Museum. Festive attire is encouraged.

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 17

The small business success story of Silver Leaf Gems

By Alexx Harms ‘Silver Leaf Gems is a beloved business here in Downtown Edmond located at 15 W. Campbell Street. Here is their story.

Three businesswomen, that just happen to be related, have joined forces to design jewelry couture.

Diana Pate, mother, and daughters, Sondra Reid and Stephanie Carel make up this creative trio. Their story began about 22 years ago in Fayetteville, Ark. when Diana was severely injured in an auto/pedestrian accident. She spent months in the hospital and was labeled a miracle by many. Diana began rigorous physical therapy and part of that therapy included using her arms and hands again.

A friend suggested that she try jewelry-making not only as physical therapy but as hobby. As time went by, she realized her talent as a jeweler and others began taking notice as well. The nurses and staff at Washington Regional Medical Center starting

buying the jewelry she was making as fast as she could make it. Sondra joined the business about two years later, when she left her position of seven years, as a general manager of a restaurant, and moved from Colorado to Fayetteville. Together, they sold to friends, family, co-workers, and countless arts festivals and markets. They then moved back to their home state of Oklahoma. It was then that the home business grew to a retail location. They opened The Bead Attic in Edmond in the spring of 2001. Diana and Sondra successfully sold beads and ready-made jewelry for three years until they sold the business in 2005 to pursue their dream of designing full-time.

Early in 2006, Stephanie left her human resources position of 20 years to make it a trio. The group moved to a private studio that spring and have quickly made a name for themselves as Silver Leaf Gems.

“We offer hand made jewelry designs using all kinds of gemstones and materials,” says

Stephanie. “We love doing custom work for people.”

“Being the owner of a small business is challenging but also so rewarding,” says Stephanie. “You are able to create a family when you are a small business. Each one of your customers become a family member and you are there for each other even beyond the business side of things. We have made some of the best of friends through Silver Leaf Gems.”

“We wouldn't be anywhere else but Downtown Edmond. We love that we live in this big city but have this core to our city that brings the small town feel,” says Stephanie. “Everyone knows everyone.

We stick together and work with each other, and we have some of the best events. There is so much fun to be had in Downtown Edmond!”

Visit Silver Leaf Gems in Downtown Edmond to discover beautiful jewelry that is one-of-a-kind while supporting a local Edmond business.

Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic & Spa now open Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of their new facility at 2020 N. Kelly.

Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa’s mission is to provide quality and professional pet healthcare by partnering with our clients to nurture and preserve the human-animal bond while utilizing the highest standard of care and compassion.

They are a one-stop-shop for veterinary services, grooming, bathing, daycare day stay and overnight lodging. Their lodging offers a variety of choices for your pet’s comfort including resort style suites.

For more information, visit www.pamperedpetsedmond.com

Chamber officials join with others to welcome Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic & Spa.

Endeavor Games recognized for the impact to the economy UCO Endeavor Games Honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism The University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games recently received the Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award from Sports Destination Management for its commitment to growing the sports tourism industry.

Sports Destination Management is a leading publication focusing on planning, implementing and managing sports events and tourism.

This year’s winners are responsible for contributing more than $400 million to the national economy during 2020 and 2021.

“The UCO Endeavor Games has been in the Edmond community for nearly 23 years,” said Leigha Pemberton, assistant director of partnerships and events for the UCO Wellness Center.

“We are excited to be recognized for the positive economic impact we make on the city. We hope that other cities will see this and be encouraged to bring adaptive sports opportunities to their communities.”

The UCO Endeavor Games has generated a total of $1.137 million in economic impact for Oklahoma County. It is the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability event made up of team challenges including esport gaming and individual sports challenges – 5K, archery, air rifle shooting, cycling, swimming, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, track and field, among others.

For more information about UCO Endeavor Games, visit www.endeavorgames.org/edmond.

To view the November/December 2021 issue of Sports Destination Management, visit www.sportsdestinations.com/issue-list.

The University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games recently received the Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award from Sports Destination Management for its commitment to growing the sports tourism industry. Pictured, an athlete competing at the UCO Endeavor Games.

Page 18 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Afghan refugees being welcomed Oklahoma State University and a growing coalition of more than two dozen U.S. colleges and universities joined Welcome.US today in announcing the creation of the Welcome Campus Network.

Colleges and universities in more than 30 states are actively working to provide scholarships, housing units, community sponsorship, and pathways to education for thousands of Afghan refugees and their families, as well as other support and welcoming activities. In just four months, nearly 200 institutions of higher education have pledged to help, and the new Welcome Campus Network aims to amplify their efforts to welcome newly arrived Afghan refugees.

Oklahoma State University has partnered with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma (CCEOK) to help with the relocation and settlement of up to 40 Afghan families who were evacuated by the United States government after the fall of the Afghan government. To highlight these efforts, Welcome.US, the National Association of System Heads, and leaders from several colleges and uni-

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versities joined a roundtable today hosted by Jack Markell, White House coordinator for operation allies welcome, and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

OSU Senior Vice President for Executive Affairs Kyle Wray said he was thankful for the opportunity to join the panel and explore ways to maximize the impact of OSU’s commitment to provide support for Afghan refugees in the form of oncampus housing, English as a second language training, transportation, adult and child programming, assistance with food and furniture drives and translation services — all at next to no cost to the university.

“As Cowboys, we’re called to serve, and we’re here to answer that call,” Wray said. “The outpouring of support we’ve already seen at OSU has been incredible, and I look forward to giving them a big Cowboy welcome. We’re proud to be a part of this higher education coalition and embrace the opportunity to do our part to make a difference in the lives of these courageous and resilient people.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • December 30, 2021 • Page 19

A new year & a new chance to quit tobacco The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to kick old habits and create new ones. For those thinking about quitting tobacco, programs like the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline can more than double the likelihood of success.

The Helpline is a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).

“The New Year is a time of new beginnings. Quitting tobacco is the most impactful thing people can do to see immediate improvements in their health in the new year,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Within 20 minutes of quitting, your body will start repairing itself from the harmful effects of tobacco. You’ll have more energy, greater lung capacity and extra money in your pocket.”

The CDC reports that programs like the Helpline increase a tobacco user's chances of successfully quitting by 60%. TSET has funded the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline since 2003, and more than 470,000 Oklahomans have registered for the free services – and free patches, gum or lozenges – during that time.

The Helpline's customizable services include three plans: All Access, Web Coach and Individual Services. In addition to phone coaching, web coaching, motivational texts and email support, the Helpline provides free patches, gum or lozenges. These customizable options give Oklahomans the flexibility to create a Quit Plan that fits their needs.

“With so many free resources available, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has support to offer all Oklahomans, no matter where they are in their own quit journey or the journey of a loved one,” said Jon Hart, Ph.D., Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline director. “This New Year, consider reaching out to the Helpline and making 2022 the start of a

healthier life.”

For those in the early stages of quitting, the Helpline offers information and resources to prepare for the next step. Tobacco users are encouraged to take the Helpline’s Readiness Quiz to help them decide which quitting services would be right for them.

For teens who may already be addicted to nicotine, TSET recently launched My Life, My Quit to provide quit services to Oklahomans ages 13-17.

My Life, My Quit is a text-based service to help youth quit tobacco, including vaping. To sign up for services, simply text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or visit MyLifeMyQuit.com.

Healthy lifestyles go beyond quitting tobacco.

The Helpline also encourages Oklahomans to build healthy habits through small changes in everyday routines. Small changes generate positive momentum and build over time to create long-term healthy lifestyles. Follow Shape Your Future’s 5 Step Guide to build an action plan and track healthy changes through the Healthy Habits Rewards Card.

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. You can also connect with the Helpline through Facebook or by following us @OKhelpline on Twitter .

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Page 20 • December 30, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure