March 29, 2018

March 29, 2018 Vol. 18, No. 44

In This Issue BELLY DANCER

Belly Dancer, in real life is located in front of On Cue at 33rd and Kelly but is hidden somewhere in our paper this week. Email contest@ edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information see page 4.

At Home in Edmond Spring 2018 Inserted this week

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Partly cloudy High 60° Low 40°

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Partly cloudy/Wind High 67° Low 53°

SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Partly cloudy High 57° Low 36°

Easter hats are among the fun offered for children this weekend when the Easter holiday will be observed.

Happy Easter this Sunday to all of our readers and families.

Many events will mark the holiday, including a free Easter egg hunt at Mitch Park. This is being sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Edmond. For additional information, please see Page 10.

This week we have a special section devoted to one of the

most special Christian holidays of the year, Easter. That section is on Pages 9-11. Read about the various symbols of Easter as well as what the various days of Holy Week mean. Area churches are also advertising various services to mark the resurrection of Christ.

Don’t forget also, we have a church directory on Page 23, which also lists different services offered.

In addition to the egg hunts and church services, Easter provides a great opportunity for families to get together and spend time with one other. Please take advantage of the good will and good fun associated with the weekend.

From our family at Edmond Life & Leisure to yours, we truly wish you a Happy Easter!

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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 3

Planning Commission not in favor of apartment project

By Eriech Tapia NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman The planning commission has voted against the rezoning of land, which could include nearly 600 apartment units, along with sign variations at Covell Road and Interstate 35.

“We are ignoring the 500-pound gorilla in the room,” said Ed Moore, head of the Edmond Neighborhood Alliance. “It looks like a work-over of all the people who have a lot of pride in this area.”

During a heated meeting last week, Todd McKinnis, attorney representing the developers, made a plea that the commission not postpone a decision.

“We are trying to evolve our project as the market dictates,” McKinnis said. The project has been going on for 12 years.

The final vote was 3-2 in opposition. The city council will consider the planning commission's recommendation at 5:30 p.m. on April 9.

Planning Commissioners Mark Hoose and Kenneth Wohl voted yes, stating that residential use would help increase sales tax revenues.

Many developers are watching the language on the project's documents in hopes of bringing the same style

of development to other areas in the city.

The planned unit development would allow for apartments to be located on top of retail outlets on no more than 47.7 acres inside of the 130-acre area, which includes the new Edmond Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn. A future ShowBiz Cinema is planned in the area and could open around Thanksgiving.

The density of the proposed apartments, records indicate, would be no more than 16 units per acre.

However, multiple commissioners said the plan is too ambiguous and needed clearer language that residential use will be built on top of the retail, with a more detailed map.

McKinnis said he was going to send a revision..

A master plan also would be created for signage with a variance being sought that would allow for 60-foot signs with 200 square feet on each sign face, which is 50 square feet larger than city code allows. In total, the development could have four 60-foot signs on its east side.

“We are trying to make our development nicer,” McKinnis said. “Retail likes to follow people and people don't tend to follow retail.”

Medieval Fair among upcoming metro events The 42nd Annual Medieval Fair is back at Reaves Park in Norman April 6- 8. Step back in time for a day of revels at the Medieval Fair. Enjoy mirth and merriment with kings, queens, knights and fools as the kingdom comes alive.

Browse through the medieval village of more than 200 art and craft booths offering unique and handcrafted wares. Offerings include pottery, woodcrafts, stained glass, armor, costumes, fairy wings, jewelry, leather crafts, hair garlands, and much more. For more information: medievalfair.org Frontier City celebrates its 60th Birthday this year beginning with the 2018 season opening day on April 7.

Be on the lookout for special events and discount admissions throughout the season. Plan your visit at FrontierCity.com A new decade, a new look and new headliners are taking the stages in downtown Norman, and the Nor-

man Music Alliance is ready to welcome Japanese Breakfast, Parquet Courts and Tune-Yards on April 26 28 for the free three-day Norman Music Festival.

The mission of the Norman Music Alliance is to help develop the arts community in Oklahoma through support of local original artists, support of music fans, support of art education and support of local businesses. What started as a oneday festival has now expanded to a three-day festival with more than 300 artists in downtown Norman and tens of thousands of people in attendance. For more information, visit normanmusicfestival.com Frontier Country is full of events and festivals throughout April. For more information on these events or to request literature on Central Oklahoma Frontier Country, get coupons and see a full calendar of events, visit oktourism.com or call (405) 2326552.

Page 4 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Moore believes in giving back As promised a few weeks ago in my column, I have finished a second in the series of young Edmond residents that are making great contributions back to their community and taking leadership roles. Those of us that are a little long in the tooth like to see young folks moving up into leadership roles.

Josh Moore who owns and op- Ray Hibbard erates Moore Quality Homes here in Edmond is one that started his giving while he was growing up in a small town in northwestern Oklahoma. He is well known in the Edmond community. The programing note is that his story is inside our Spring at Home in Edmond magazine that has been inserted into this week’s newspaper. You will find the story on page 28 of the magazine.

Moore’s energy and enthusiasm about our community is contagious. I hope you will take the time to read his story. You are sure to be inspired by his excitement about giving back to our Edmond.

“I promise to do better,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Zuckerberg’s response in the wake of the revelations that Cambridge Analytica misappropriated data collected by Dr. Aleksandr Kogan under the guise of academic research was way too little and way too late in my book. Honestly, I am getting tired of the little boy “gee, I am sorry” act from Zuckerberg. I am convinced that it is an act folks.

It reminds me of a 3-year-old saying, “I sorry.”

Dude, you are 33 years old. Time to man up my friend and be forthcoming with what the real purpose of Facebook is as a company.

Facebook has scrambled to blame rogue third parties for information abuse. Cambridge Analytica, a data mining and analytics company, gained access to data on as many as 50 million Facebook profiles thanks to generous data-sharing policies Facebook app developers enjoyed back in 2014.

This data, which was sold to Cambridge Analytica against Facebook’s terms of service, reportedly formed the firm’s election ad targeting toolset used by the campaign of President Donald Trump and others. The fallout has been severe, with numerous lawsuits, governmental inquiries, a #DeleteFacebook user boycott campaign, and a sharp drop in share price that’s erased nearly $50

billion of the company’s market cap as of press time for this column.

Facebook works hard at painting the reason for their existence to be all about connecting people and building a global community. That gives everyone a warm fuzzy feeling. I just don’t believe it.

Facebook is in business just like the rest of us in business, to make money. They can only do this by drinking up personal data, so they can micro target users with advertising. While I am not against any of that, they need to be honest about what they do and how they do it, so users can make an informed decision about how or if they use the mother of all social networking.

While the data changed hands in apparent violation of Kogan’s agreement with Facebook, the purpose and use of the data was all part of the regular mission of Facebook and the need for them to sell advertising. I get it folks. We sell advertising and we market our product and the products and services of our clients to a demographic profile.

The difference is that when you read Edmond Life & Leisure in print or online, we are not sucking your private data out of you. We also don’t sell ads to Russian government operatives.

Whether by design or just the way Facebook has unfolded, ‘privacy settings’ are not really about privacy. They are more about who sees your posts or who you are friends with on social media.

Jonathan Albright, research director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, says those issues should be called ‘publicity settings’ instead. “Likewise, control over passive sharing or the information people including third party apps can take from us should be called ‘privacy settings’,” he said. Albright suggests that Facebook gives us privacy busywork, so we think we have control but instead it makes it difficult to lock down our accounts so private information does not get out.

Normally, I’m against regulation as much as possible. Transparency in the way private data is collected, used and sold may require legislation.

Without it, social media will continue to be open to deception and lack transparency. Politicians in the United States and in the EU are calling for such regulation in the name of protecting consumers.

Facebook should be more worried about the growing cultural movement urging people to #DeleteFacebook. Celebrities and even major play-

ers like Apple CEO Tim Cook are jumping on the band wagon. My dad used to say, “Nothing is free in this world.” It is true with a lot of things and social media is one of them. We enjoy using these platforms and pay nothing, but the companies and their stockholders must make money, or they will not survive. It is an unescapable business fact.

The good news in all this is that social media has a chance to respond to its users in a way that will support their business model of mined data.

As a consumer you just must keep in mind that you are not really a customer of social media. You would have to pay something to be considered a customer. Instead, you have data that companies want to use to target their advertising to you. It is your call to let them have it or not. Just remember that the business interests of social media companies are not necessarily in your best interest. If users withhold that information or opt out altogether, social media will have to be more careful with the data and dropping numbers could cause them to re-examine their business models. Advertisers on social media are supports of the misused data and could be caught up in the bad publicity as well.

How did Facebook apologize for this latest scandal with use of private data they collected from users?

They took out full page ads in Sunday newspapers across the country and in Europe. They reached into their bag of technology and resources and pulled up what some would consider a dinosaur. They dusted it off and used it to help bail out their company from their newest public relations nightmare.

It sure makes an old newspaper guy like me happy to see that print media is still relative even for high technology communications companies. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when someone suggested they take out full page ads in newspapers. It was certainly a brave individual who made the suggestion.

What I do know is that if social media does not take steps to be transparent with how they collect data from their users and take greater steps to protect it, the numbers of folks that use it will drop causing their advertisers to return to traditional forms of media. Gosh, that would be terrible, not.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

Spring Art Classes

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute, a nonprofit group, is now offering spring art classes for both youth and adults.

For more information, please read article on Page 15.

Find the ‘Belly Dancer’ bear’ We are continuing the bear art for our regular weekly contest.

Belly Dancer, in real life is located in front of On Cue at 33rd and Kelly but is hidden somewhere in our paper this week.

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

Belly Dancer is by artist Joshua Tobey.

“We love that Edmond encourages business owners to purchase art. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the artwork, our bear is friendly and greets our customers with a wave and a smile. Our bear has personality and has been known to dress up from time to time (we think he may be a Thunder fan). We encourage customers to take selfies with our bear and tag @oncueexpress and use the hashtag #MyOnCue.”- Laura Griffith Aufleger, VP Corporate Communications for OnCue

n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6. n A look at gun control ..................................................................Page 8. n Easter section ........................................................................Pages 9-11. n Lizzie Borden story on stage ......................................................Page 13. n George Gust reviews ‘I Can Only Imagine’ film ..........................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Candidate seeks Assessor’s post ................................................Page 16. n Pioneer Woman coming to Edmond ..........................................Page 18. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Mortgage Matters column ........................................................Page 22. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Copyright © 2018 by Edmond Media Publishing

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax)

Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not

Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

the express written permission from

Photographer Melinda Infante

facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Cover Design April Burgess

be reproduced in any form without Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 5

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March 30th ---- In the Gallery ---- Mousetrap ---- Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company ---- Thunder vs Denver Nuggets ---- Eagle for a Day ---- Red Dirt Film Festival ---- Bison Bison Film Festival ---- OU Sooners Vs Baylor Bears ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Pink Martini March 31st ---- In the Gallery ---- Mousetrap ---- Spring Sampler Tour ---- The Tres Amigos Present: Django Walker ---- Annual OKC Zoo & Dr Pepper Vending Machine Art Contest Deadline ---- Red Dirt Film Festival ---- Bison Bison Film Festival ---- OU Sooners vs Baylor Bears ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Pink Martini ---- Easter Eggstravaganza ---- Oklahoma City Dodgers Fan Fest April 1st ---- Happy Easter ---- In the Gallery ---- 2018 UCO Spring POWWOW ---- Oklahoma Victory Dolls Roller Derby More information In the Gallery (March) Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by David Padgett http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ Mousetrap Location: Mitchell Hall Theatre, UCO Extra Info: 7:30pm & Sunday 2pm Purchase tickets online at Mitchellhalltheatre.com, or by calling 405974-3375 Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Doors 7pm -- Show 8pm, $10. Instrumental Jazz- -- First come first serve seating Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena Time: 7pm Eagle for a Day Location: Oklahoma Christian University, Garvey Center, McIntosh Conservatory Extra Info: 9am – 10:30am, Make campus connections at this half-day, small-group program. High school sophomores, juniors, seniors and parents are invited to attend. Eagle for a Day is pre-planned with a specific schedule of events to give students and parents a comprehensive look at OC. Find more information and register at oc.edu/eagleforaday.

OU Sooners vs Baylor Bears Location: L. Dale Mitchell Baseball Park, Norman Time: 6:30pm on Friday, 4pm on Saturday OKC Philharmonic Presents: Pink Martini Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: An international phenomenon mixing glamour and sophistication with a multilingual range of songs and a bit of the unexpected, this musical extravaganza includes the sounds of cabaret, samba, pop and jazz. For more information or purchase tickets go to okcphil.org.

The Tres Amigos Present: Django Walker Location: UCO Jazz Lab Time: Doors open at 7pm – show starts at 8pm Price: $25 For More Information: 405-974-2100 or ucojazzlab.com Red Dirt Film Festival Location: Stillwater Community Center If you like movies and want to watch films, learn more about filmmaking, network, attend parties, panels, workshops and mostly have fun this is the place to be. Go to reddirtfilm.com for more information and purchases tickets.

Bison Bison Film Festival Location: Ponca City Experience the only standalone student film festival in the U.S. held in Ponca City. Learn more at bisonbisonfilmfestival.org.

Oklahoma City Dodgers Fan Fest Location: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Extra Info: Fan Fest is your first chance to be at the ballpark before Opening Night and we want you to join us for a day of fun! Admission to the event is free and will feature activities for the entire family. Go behind-the-scenes in the Dodgers clubhouse and even take a few practice swings in the team's indoor batting cages, plus face painting, inflatable games, prize giveaways and more! To RSVP and register for the different activities visit www.okcdodgers.com/fanfest Spring Sampler Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Meets at Canyon Princess (cougar sculpture in West Hallway) Extra Info: 1 – 1:45 p.m. Museum docents offer 45-minute tours of the spring exhibitions. Discover works by Jerome Tiger, recognized as one of the greatest Native American artists, and Theodore Waddell, whose landscapes encourage us to see and interpret things differently. Round out the tour with a peek at the Museum’s more unique collections unearthed from the vault.In the Gallery (April) Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by James Coplin http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ 2018 UCO Spring Powwow Location: UCO Athletic Fields Extra Info: Spring Powwow, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and the Native American Student Association (NASA), will feature traditional Native American singing, dancing and drumming. The event will begin with the Gourd Dance, in which native dancers perform while wearing gourd anklets,

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 7 Ray Sanders (middle) of The Cedar Gates and his daughters (seen on either side of the group) accompany co-founder and Executive Director of Arise Ministries, Shelley Pulliam (left), along with cofounder and Development Director, Pam Kanaly (right), after the women received the 2018 OKC Passion award.

Arise Ministries honored

Arise Ministries was recently honored with a prestigious OKC Passion Award and grant sponsored by Hobby Lobby and the National Christian Foundation. The awards recognized a total of 12 faith-based ministries and organizations who have made an impact in the community.

“We are both humbled and blessed to have been chosen as a recipient,” said Shelley Pulliam, executive director and co-founder of Arise Ministries.

“There were so many wonderful organizations and we are honored to be one of the award-winners. We are thankful for the dedication of our board of directors, staff, volunteers and donors over the past 15 years and look forward to serving more single mothers and assist in building happy homes.”

Faith-based ministries and organizations were invited to apply for the awards program and after a 16-month process, 88 applicants were narrowed down to the final 12 who were honored with $10,000 grants.

Mart Green, chief strategy officer for Hobby Lobby, said he and the judges were particularly looking for ministries that take a holistic approach to serving their communities. He said these ministries help make Oklahoma City a healthier place to live by focus-

ing on residents' mind, body and spirit.

The OKC Passion Awards were held for the first time March 1 at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City with more than 1,000 people in attendance. The theme for the event was "The Time is Now," based on Esther 4:14. The award program was brought to Oklahoma City after Green attended one of the award events in another state. The National Christian Foundation first launched the Passion Awards in 2001 in Kansas City, Missouri, and more than $1.2 million in grants have been awarded to 138 ministries.

For more information about Arise Ministries, visit AriseMinistries.net.

Founded in 2002, Arise Ministries is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) women’s organization seeking to empower single moms to create healthy homes through emotional and spiritual wellbeing. In addition to hosting one of the largest single mother’s gatherings in America, “Thrive,” Arise Ministries offers outreach through seminars, speaking engagements, books, Bible studies, online resources and monthly devotionals.

For more information, please visit AriseMinistries.net or call (405) 8125137.

MELINDA INFANTE

At left, Kye, 3, and brother Kru Downing, 2, showing off their free toys at the Home and Garden Show held last weekend at the State Fairgrounds.

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.

Page 8 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Media’s double standard Colleges increasingly hostile to free speech on campus

I don’t remember his name but years ago on a late-night talk show, a news analyst made a point I’ve never forgotten.

He said that “nice guys,” aren’t elected president of Steve Gust the United States.

That axiom seems to be true of the current occupant.

Yet it should be obvious also to most people the double standard used by those in the national media.

It’s so blatant that if they try to deny it now, it’s just completely laughable.

The first point was former Vice President Joe Biden again reiterating that he wished he was in high school again and could take President Trump out by the gym and beat him up.

This was the second time Biden made the threat.

To his credit he has since apologized for saying it.

Seems to me he didn’t get much heat for making a threat against the president. Can you imagine what would have happened if Dan Quayle had made a similar threat against

President Obama. I’m sure it would have drawn widespread condemnation and Nancy Pelosi would be demanding an investigation and arrest by the Secret Service.

It should be noted Trump, who somewhat ignored the statement the first time it was made in 2016, didn’t have the patience this time to overlook it.

He promised Biden a spirited fight.

Then there are the investigations into Trump’s alleged affairs 10 years ago or so. If true I don’t give Trump any points for that.

Yet have these media folks forgotten Bill Clinton? The Media Research Center looked at the attention networks gave Clinton vs. Trump. They practically ignored the allegations against Clinton. Some of those claims against Clinton were not simple affairs, but sexual harassment as well as assault.

My advice for the mainstream media: Please be consistence and fair regardless of the political party involved.

(Steve Gust, editor of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached for comment by e-mailing news@edmondpaper.com)

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Amid a controversy this year over a Christian apologist's speaking engagement on campus — first it was on, then it was off, then it was on again — University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz issued a statement that sought to clarify UCO's policy.

The university “supports the democratic processes guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution by ensuring that all groups have the right to access a venue for free speech on our campus,” Betz said. “… our doors are open to any who wish to express their ideas so long as student and public safety is preserved.”

This is as it should be on college campuses across the country and we applaud Betz and UCO for how they han-

dled that situation. One reason parents send their children to college is so they will grow academically and otherwise. Part of that growth includes (or should include) exposure to new people and ideas.

Unfortunately, there are numerous examples in recent years of violent protests against speakers — most often conservative speakers — on college campuses. In some cases, the very threat of violence has led administrators to rescind invitations. They figure it's better to pull the plug than it is to deal with the potential fallout.

Free speech, of course, is the biggest loser in these instances.

And that hasn't gone unnoticed by the students, as a recently released Gallup/Knight

Foundation survey indicates.

The survey last year of 3,041 randomly sampled U.S. college students found that 61 percent believe the climate on their campus prevents people from expressing their views because others might be offended, up from 54 percent in 2016. These views are generally similar by gender, race and ideology.

Although a larger percentage agree their campus puts the clamps on free speech, the survey also found that fewer students (70 percent, compared with 78 percent in 2016) like the idea of a campus that allows all types of speech, even that which is offensive. Twenty-nine percent say they would rather campuses be “positive learning environments for all students” by nixing offensive or biased speech.

We'd be interested to know how that cohort of respondents would achieve their goal. Apparently, the notion of simply ignoring someone you find offensive isn't an option — he or she must be stifled.

These are students who prefer “free speech zones” on campus, areas designed to ensure no one is offended by what a person might say or do.

In the survey, 92 percent of students said political liberals can freely and openly express their views. Sixty-nine percent said the same was true for conservatives.

Put another way, U.S. college students increasingly view the First Amendment's protections as a suggestion, and freedom from hurt feelings or opposing views as a constitutional right, not the other way around. That's unsettling, or certainly should be.

Democrats could face quandary on gun control

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Following the Florida school shooting, gun control was supposed to become a winning issue for Democrats while opposition to gun control would be an electoral problem for Republicans. That didn't prove true in this month’s special congressional election in Pennsylvania.

Democratic candidate Conor Lamb won a surprise victory in Pennsylvania's 18th District, which has long been held by Republicans and which President Trump won by 20 percentage points. While there were several factors that contributed to Lamb's win, support for gun control was notably not among them — because he made a point of opposing gun control, just like his Republican opponent.

Lamb's first campaign touted his background as a Marine, and included a photo of him firing an AR-15 as the narrator bragged that Lamb “still loves to shoot.”

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Lamb echoed many conservatives who advocate for enforcement of existing gun laws rather than enactment of new laws, such as banning specific weapons.

“I believe we have a pretty good law on the books and it says on paper that there are a lot of people who should never get guns in their hands,” Lamb said at a campaign event. At that same event, he voiced opposition to banning high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Lamb's victory, while razor thin, is seen as an indicator that Democrats have a strong chance to win control of the House in November's elections.

Many districts now held by Republicans are more competitive than Pennsylvania's 18th District, at least on paper.

Yet the kind of Democratic candidate who can win many of those districts is more likely to resemble Lamb than Democratic House Leader Nancy

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.

Pelosi. This means even if Democrats win control of the House, they may have to largely jettison parts of their agenda that generate activist enthusiasm.

This hasn't escaped notice on the political left. A recent article at the liberal Vox noted, “As Democrats try to win back the House in 2018, they're going to need candidates like Lamb in the mix,” but added this would put “the party in a tricky position amid a fresh wave of anti-gun activism.”

The far-left Rolling Stone declared Lamb is “a Trump Democrat — a flashback to the ‘Republican Lite' candidacies the Democrats specialized in during the Clinton '90s and '00s.” The magazine did not intend that as a compliment, and the article worried that Democratic officials would promote more candidates like Lamb in order to win congressional control.

Rolling Stone declared Democrats “will still almost certainly take back the House in November.

The question is whether they'll win it back in a way that points the party forward. The America of the future looks absolutely nothing like the 18th District in Pennsylvania. And the future of the Democratic Party looks nothing like Conor Lamb.”

The vehemence of some on the left means Democrats will be pressured to run candidates who are much less competitive in swing districts than Lamb. And should party officials reasonably resist the demands of their most fervent base voters when it comes to the type of candidates it recruits, another possibility becomes more likely: After November, the House could have a Democratic majority but still not a pro-gun control majority.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 9

Cherished traditions and symbols of Easter may include anything from egg hunts to lilies to lambs. Understanding the importance behind these symbols can make sharing the miracle of Easter that much more special.

Symbols & traditions of the Easter holiday Tradition plays an important role in Easter celebrations for many families.

Cherished traditions and symbols of Easter may include anything from egg hunts to lilies to lambs. Understanding the importance behind these symbols can make sharing the miracle of Easter that much more special.

Eggs Eggs are one of the more recognizable symbols of Easter. For Easter egg hunts, eggs are hard-boiled and decorated in bright hues. It’s believed that the origins of Easter eggs are both secular and religious. From the secular (once pagan) perspective, the egg is an ancient symbol of new life, according to The History Channel, and has been associated with pagan festivals that celebrate spring.

Some Christians feel that Easter eggs represent Christ’s emergence from the tomb and his subsequent resurrection. Eggs were once a food not consumed during Lent, therefore painting and decorating them to mark the end of fasting and penance became a way to celebrate Easter.

Crucifix The crucifix is one of the central symbols of Easter and Christianity.

The cross is a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion and sacrifice.

The crucifix also highlights the ability of God to give new life to people after death.

In addition to wearing and displaying the cross during Easter, some people bake “hot cross buns” as another symbol of the season.

Rabbit The Easter bunny is very much a secular symbol of the holiday, but one that has become so ingrained with the season that many people ascribe to it a Christian meaning.

Pagan celebrations of spring often linked rabbits or hares with the season because of their fertility and ability to bring forth new life. According to the Christian living resource Crosswalk, believers associate the rabbit coming out of its underground home as a symbol of Christ emerging from the tomb.

Lilies Lilies are often exchanged during Easter celebrations or presented as hostess gifts for those sharing the holiday meal with others. The American Bible Society says lilies grow in the spring around the time when Easter is typically celebrated. Also, because they look like trumpets, they can be a symbol that heralds Christ’s resurrection.

Lamb The lamb is another symbol associated with Easter. Lambs were originally associated with the Jewish holiday of Passover, when lambs were sacrificed and their blood was used to mark which houses contained those faithful to God. As a result of his crucifixion, Christ became the symbolic lamb for all — the ultimate sacrifice. In fact, Christ is often referred to as “The Lamb of God.” Easter is replete with many recognized symbols. Unearthing their meanings can be a learning experience and a way to further immerse oneself in this holy holiday.

Page 10 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Metro Area Easter Fun On Saturday, March 31 there will be an afternoon of family fun at the Myriad Gardens in Okahoma City starting at 3 p.m. that includes face painting, music, food trucks and tulips for sale, 6 for $10. Each paid participant’s wristband will visit our festive booths that include an Easter activity as they collect a guaranteed 20 eggs per child and receive a printed photo with the Easter Bunny to take home. Guests can also participate in our Easter Hat Parade, Egg Roll and Bunny Hop along the Great Lawn. We will wind down the afternoon with a performance from the Sugar Free Allstars at 4:30 p.m. Among the sponsors are Tinker Federal Credit Union, Goldfish Swim School and A1 Pet Emporium. To know more please call (405) 445-7080.

At Mitch Park Saturday

First Baptist Church sponsors egg hunt Where can you go to see more than 35,000 Easter eggs, kids with painted faces, crafts, food, and more.

The 2018 Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt at Mitch Park. The festivities begin at 4 p.m.

There will be Easter egg hunts for all age groups.

Mitch Park is located in Edmond north of Covell in between Kelly and Santa Fe. Park near the ball fields or the new YMCA. When do activities begin?

Egg hunts will begin at the times listed below. Most activities will begin around 4 p.m. and include face painting, a tattoo area, steer roping, bubble and chalk area, our Roman Road Journey and Activity center, and more! There are also raffle prizes to give away, each exceeding $100 worth of prizes!!

Where are the activities located?

Everything is located at Mitch Park by the baseball fields.

Where will each age group hunt take place?

Once you arrive you will see signs giving out all hunt information regarding location and times. But the central area is the pavilions by the playground.

What time will each age group hunt begin?

There will be a raffle in between each hunt!

4 p.m. (toddlers) Field 2: one parent may help child

4:15 p.m. (3rd grade) Field 3: no parents allowed on hunt site 4:30 p.m. (3 years) Field 1: one parent may help child 4:45 p.m. (2nd grade) Field 4: no parents allowed on hunt site 5 p.m. (4 years and pre-k) Field 2: one parent may help child 5:15 p.m. (1st grade) Field 3: no parents allowed on hunt site 5:30 p.m. (kindergarten) Field 1: one parent may help child 5:45 p.m. (4th and 5th grade) Field 4: no parents allowed on hunt site Will the first egg hunt begin promptly at 4 p.m.

YES! The first hunt will be right at 4 PM and then they will go accordingly.

Where will the food trucks be located? When do they arrive?

They will be located on the south side of the park (off of Covell) and will begin service from 4 to 6 PM. Questions? More Information?

The Church Office is available Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon at 405-341-0253.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 11

A look at Holy Week & Easter Spring is eagerly anticipated, as many people look forward to enjoying the great outdoors once more. Spring is also a special time of year for practicing Christians.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays until the arrival of Easter Sunday, the Lenten season is a very important time of year for Christians. During Lent, Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, self-denial, and spiritual discipline.

While the Bible does not reference Lent, the practice of observing Lent has become a standard.

The following focuses on each of the special days of this church season as they pertain to Western Christianity (Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent somewhat differently).

Ash Wednesday The Day of Ashes commemorates the repentance of sin. On Ash Wednesday, Christians have ashes placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross in recognition of their need to repent. Many churches host Ash Wednesday services, and those who receive the ashes are not only reminded of their mortality and sinfulness, but also of the opportunity for absolution. Christians typically fast on Ash Wednesday, though some simply abstain from eating meat.

Palm Sunday On what is now called “Palm Sunday,” Jesus Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem while villagers welcomed him and waved palm branches. This is mentioned in each of the Biblical Gospels and occurs a week before His subsequent resurrection. Jesus possibly rode a donkey rather than a horse as a sign of peace, as a war-waging king might ride a horse. The “Passion of the Christ” is typically read during

Palm Sunday masses.

Holy Thursday Holy Thursday is sometimes referred to as “Covenant Thursday,” “Maundy Thursday” or “Thursday of Mysteries.” Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. According to Catholic News Agency, Holy Thursday might be one of the most important, complex and profound days of celebration in the Catholic Church. Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of the priesthood.

Good Friday Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jesus was condemned by his peers as King Herod and Pontius Pilate had found him not guilty of his crimes. But crowds were enraged, and Pilate reluctantly ordered his crucifixion rather than face a mass riot.

Holy Saturday Holy Saturday marks the final day of the Triduum, or the three days preceding Easter Sunday. Scripture states that Holy Saturday was when Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb.

Easter Sunday A festive and celebratory day for Christians, Easter Sunday is a time for sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. His body is discovered missing from the tomb, and Jesus appears to his followers again showing proof that He is alive. Typically, Easter Sunday is one of the most well-attended Sunday services for Christians. It also is a day to spend with family, and many families share large meals to mark the end of the Lenten season.

Page 12 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

Darci Lynne Farmer, last year’s winner of the network talent competition ‘America’s Got Talent,’ will be honored April 9 at the Civic Center.

Darci to be honored as a Young Creativity Ambassador Creative Oklahoma is pleased to announce that 12-year-old singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer from Oklahoma City, will attend the 2018 Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors Gala to be honored as the 2018 Young Creativity Ambassador at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City on Monday evening, April 9.

Farmer received the most votes ever for a finale show in “America’s Got Talent” history and won viewers over with her performance of the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help From My Friends” alongside her puppets, Oscar and Petunia.

“We are so excited that Darci Lynne is taking time out of her busy performing schedule to be honored and to celebrate with us. We invite the

public to join us as we recognize our state’s newest Creativity Ambassadors and enjoy performances by several Ambassadors,” said Susan McCalmont, President of Creative Oklahoma.

The annual gala honors the work and contributions of individuals who are among the state’s most creative leaders. Governor Mary Fallin will recognize honorees with the designation of Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador. The Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors Gala supports programs of Creative Oklahoma including the Oklahoma Creative Communities, the Districts of Creativity Network, and the new MIT-affiliated Oklahoma Entrepreneur Mentoring Program, to advance creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in Okla-

homa schools, workplaces, and communities.

Previously announced 2018 Ambassadors to be honored are Don Betz, Education; Enoch Kelly Haney, Arts & Politics; Lou Kerr, Philanthropy & Community Development; Steve Prescott, Medical Research; Wade Scaramucci, Architecture; R.L. Sias, Philanthropy & Arts; and B.J. Thomas, Music.

Ambassadors recognized in previous years include Blake Shelton, Sam Presti, Toby Keith, Leona Mitchell, Bart Conner, John Herrington and Hanson.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.stateofcreativity.com/2018-gala/ or by calling 405.232.5570x2.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 13

At Carpenter Sq. Theatre

Lizzie Borden legend takes to the stage

Carpenter Square Theatre presents the Oklahoma City premiere of “Blood Relations,” an award-winning mysterythriller by Sharon Pollock.

The play explores the legend of Lizzie Borden 10 years after her parents’ demise and plays March 30-April 21. All performances are at the theater, located at 800 W. Main in downtown Oklahoma City.

“Did you do it, Lizzie? Did you?” It is nine years after the trial at which Lizzie was acquitted, but rumors and questions still abound. The playwright introduces a girlfriend for Lizzie, an actress from New York, and in a series of scenes, we learn how Lizzie feels betrayed by her father when Mr. Borden leaves the farm to Lizzie’s stepmother instead of to her in his will. Moreover, Mr. Borden kills the birds that Lizzie has loved and taken care of for so long. These betrayals eventually lead to Lizzie’s ultimate betrayal. Or did they? Told in a fresh, unique way, Pollock bases her play on historical fact mixed with speculation.

Playwright Sharon Pollock is the most awarded female Canadian playwright. Her stage plays are produced throughout Canada and abroad. She writes for radio and television, has directorial credits at theatres across the country, and has led playwriting and theatre workshops within and outside Canada. Her awards, among others, include a Canada Australia Literary Award for her body of work, Nellie Award for National Radio Drama, Golden Sheaf Television Award, Japan Foundation Award, and she is an Officer of The Order of Canada. She is the recipient of two Governor General’s Literary Awards for Drama (one for “Blood Relations”) and is a three time winner of the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Drama Award. From 2006-15 she served as Dramaturg and artistic consultant with the Atlantic Ballet Company of Canada. Canada’s Stratford Festival Theatre has produced three of her works and “Blood Relations” played at the prestigious Shaw Festival. Her latest play, “Blow Wind High Water,” opened Theatre Calgary’s 50th Anniversary 2017-18 season.

Tom Cowley directs “Blood Relations” for Carpenter Square with Linda Cowley assisting as rehearsal stage manager Regular adult tickets are $25 with $20 tickets available for seniors aged 62 or more, military, and groups of ten or more. Educator tickets are $10 and students are only $5.

Two-for-one tickets may be purchased when presenting the Allied Arts City Card or when attending Thursday evening performances. Reservations are highly recommended for the intimate 90-seat theater.

PHOTO PROVIDED For tickets, call 405-232-6500 or email Brenna Betz (in the foreground) and Corrynn Englerth co-star in ‘Blood Relations,’ and at different times each portrays the infamous Lizzie Borden. Carpenter Square Theatre presents csttix@coxinet.net. Visit www.carpentersquare.com for Sharon Pollock’s mystery-thriller, which explores the legend surrounding the murders and more information. trial, March 30-April 21.

Page 14 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Bradford Village opens a food bank for the community Starting this week, Bradford Village Retirement Community is the newest home for a Pine Pantry, a free-standing food pantry that allows anyone to take what they need and leave what they can. The pantry officially opened on Monday, following a ribbon cutting. It is located on the Bradford Village property at the corner of Boulevard and Hadwiger.

“The Pine Pantry is an extraordinary resource, and we are excited to offer it to the community,” said Eric Lindsey, CEO for Villagio Senior Living. “Bradford Village has been serving the Edmond community for over 57 years, so there was no question about if we should offer it, just how quickly could we get it open.”

Residents and staff of Bradford Vil-

lage will assist in getting the pantry up and running, but the goal of the pantry is for it to be a communitywide effort. The Pine Pantry is open 24/7 for anyone to drop off donations or take items from the pantry – no questions asked. The pantry will help fill in the gaps left by other traditional resources by minimizing food insecurities in the area.

“It is vital for us to give back as an organization, but it’s also a great opportunity for our residents and staff

to experience meaningful and rewarding work,” said Will Griffin, COO for Grace Living Centers, operator of Bradford Village Health Center.

Bradford Village also has plans to open a Little Free Library next to the Pine Pantry. A similar concept – anyone can take a book or return a book to the Little Free Library. Bradford Village will start constructing the small wooden box for books and plans to open it on World Book Day on April 23.

Free to Live benefit The 10th annual and final The See Spot Run will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 in downtown Guthrie. The 5K, 10K and kid’s fun run event benefits Free to Live, an Edmond non-profit animal sanctuary (www.freetoliveok.com).

This is the final year for the annual running event, which was created in memory of Chris Cowden, a longtime Guthrie resident and animal rights advocate who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on May 17, 2008.

Over the past nine years, The See Spot Run has collectively welcomed more than 3,000 runners from all over Oklahoma and has raised $40,000 for the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary. In memory of Chris’s passion for the rescue and fair treatment of all animals, in addition to his zeal for running and athletics, the Cowden family and friends created The See Spot Run to honor Chris’s animal advocacy efforts and legacy. Through this annual sporting event, they have continued to promote in Chris’s memory an increased awareness of animal rights and the lasting support of non-profit animal organizations such as Free to Live.

“It has always been our goal to end this annual event at the ten-year mark” said Teri Cowden, run cofounder. “The participation and amount raised for Free to Live has exceeded our expectations, and we are extremely grateful and humbled by all of the ongoing support throughout the years.”

This year’s event is similar to last year’s and has a start time of 5:30 p.m. in an effort to enhance the celebratory aspect at the finish line. Festive food and drink will be available following the race at Hoboken Coffee Roasters right next to the finish line.

As always, The See Spot Run will offer participants the opportunity to compete in either the 5K or 10K event in addition to the kid’s fun run, which starts at 5 p.m.

Walkers and runners (both twolegged and four-legged) are welcome and can register directly at www.theseespotrun.com. Donations for this event can also be sent to “The See Spot Run” at P.O. Box 292, Guthrie, Oklahoma, 73044

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 15

The inspirational true tale of ‘I Can Only Imagine’

By George Gust As the sun peaks out from a cloudy sky and the Easter eggs patiently await to be found by pastel clad children, many will take this holiday to reflect on the spiritual and religious aspects of the Easter season.

And in the lead up to Sunday services, there will be plenty of opportunity to dust off the old copy of “The Ten Commandments” or “The Passion of the Christ,” but this year there is a new kind of inspirational movie hitting theaters, “I Can Only Imagine.”

“I Can Only Imagine” is the inspiring and unknown true story of how Bart Millard (J. Michael Finley), songwriter and lead vocalist for MercyMe, was inspired to write the beloved, chart topping song that brings hope to so many and serves as a gripping reminder of the power of true forgiveness.

Often times when inspirational movies such as “I Can Only Imagine” are made, the main point of criticism is the heavy handed and preachy approach to conveying their Christian message, however this is not the case in this movie. “I Can Only Imagine” balances its uplifting message with simple and straightforward storytelling that is as affective as it is moving. The decision to focus the narrative on the relationship between Bart and his father (Dennis Quaid) was proven to be the correct choice.

On paper, a movie about how a popular song came to be written sounds like a thin premise, but through a strong and heartfelt performance from Quaid and the surprising charm and depth of newcomer Finley, the filmmakers were able to inspire through a simple and relatable story. And although the central father-son relationship is the most successful part of the film some of the supporting elements of the film fall short. There’s a romantic subplot that fails to connect and some of the dialogue feels cliché’ where an everyday conversation needs to speak to some broader and life defining character traits.

Ultimately, “I Can Only Imagine” bucks the trend of Christian inspirational movies being broadly drawn and over the top in their messaging through its focus on the familial relationship and the inspiration that comes from pain and eventual forgiveness. This movie won’t dazzle you with cutting edge filmmaking techniques, but its effective

FAI’s spring art classes The cold, gloomy days of winter are over, and spring is a great time to let your creativity bloom at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, 27 E. Edwards, across from the downtown Edmond post office. A variety of art classes are available for adults and children that begin the week of April 16. For a complete list of classes and events visit EdmondFineArts.com. En roll online or by calling 340-4481.

The friendly, nurturing faculty at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute represents 24 degreed teachers whose education comes from the art departments of Oklahoma’s excellent universities and from other renowned schools across the country. Several teachers have been trained internationally.

“We are so proud of our talented faculty,” states Shannon Price, FAI Executive Director.

“In addition to their education in the arts, they all have the ability to motivate, encourage and interact in a helpful way with their students. They represent the best in art instruction. Whether a student is 3 years old or 83, the Edmond Fine Arts has a professional art instructor to teach visual and performing art classes.”

For 33 years the Fine Arts Institute has been Edmond’s non-profit community arts organization.

and straightforward narrative hits the target it was aiming for and is a great mood setter this Easter season.

Also, as an added bonus, “I Can Only Imagine” was mostly filmed in and around the Oklahoma City area, so if you’ve ever been to a show or concert at the Civic Center or visited the Farmer’s Market downtown you’ll have a fun local connection to some of the scenes in the film.

“I Can Only Imagine” is Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence.

3.9 out 5 stars

Answers Page 23

Dennis Quaid in ‘I Can Only Imagine’

This movie won’t dazzle you with cutting edge filmmaking techniques, but its effective and straightforward narrative hits the target it was aiming for and is a great mood setter this Easter season.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: PERSONAL FITNESS ACROSS 1. Inscribed pillar 6. Strike caller 9. MADD member, colloquially 13. Conestoga vehicle 14. Salt in cocina 15. Caldecott award 16. Lusitania destroyer 17. School org.

18. Idealized image 19. *Glutes, e.g.

21. *Burnable unit 23. Witch's work 24. What little piggy did 25. Overall part 28. "____ and shine!"

30. Chew the fat 35. *Lactic ____, cause of sore muscles 37. Editor's mark 39. Nary a soul 40. Be dependent 41. Sort of warm 43. Seed cover 44. Capital near Casablanca 46. Embarkation location 47. Oates' singing partner 48. Second book of Old Testament 50.

Aphrodite's son 52. Nod 53. Opposite of riches 55. Fleur-de____ 57. *Wearable device 61. Rhinitis or dermatitis 65. Top scout 66. Grade A item in grocery store 68. Actress Davis 69. Alley tom 70. Ciao in the U.S. 71. Finish 72. *Competitive group 73. Ambulance crew 74. *Time between sets, pl.

DOWN 1. *Swim, swam, ____ 2. Not to be mentioned 3. Prima donnas' problems 4. Catfish's cousin 5. Deciduous horn 6. UPS competitor 7. *Yoga turf 8. There's none like home?

9. Office communique 10. Month before Nisan 11. Balthasar and Gaspar 12. Plant-derived home remedy 15. "Paradise Lost" poet 20. Be 22. Mandela's org.

24. Sentimental books and movies 25. *Isometric strength training prop 26. Mountaineer's tool 27. Baggins of the Shire 29. *Type of aerobics 31. Genesis skipper 32. Maraud 33. Like a feeble old

woman 34. *Dumb____ and kettle____ 36. Two of a kind 38. Wedding cake layer 42. Funny 45. Ankara country 49. Greek letters on campus 51. *____Sneakers, senior workout programs 54. Freshwater diving bird 56. Rive Droite and Rive Gauche separator 57. T in SAT 58. *Resting heart ____ 59. Site of Taj Mahal 60. Chowder mollusc 61. Def Leppard's "Rock of ____" 62. Singer Stewart and actor Steiger 63. Overabundance 64. Puppy barks 67. *Fitness venue

See Answers Page 23

Page 16 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Background on Larry Stein Larry Stein is an Air Force Brat and grew up in Midwest City and graduated from Midwest City High School. He earned an associates degree from Rose State College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Oklahoma in journalism.

Stein earned The National Press Club Award for consumer journalism and two ADDY awards for his promotional photography and campaign and consulting work.

Stein worked as the State Capitol Bureau Chief for KTOK and the

statewide Oklahoma News Network and hosted a statewide OETA broadcast about the weekly events at the state capitol. Stein helped write the Open Records and Open Meeting Law for the state and is committed to public accountability, open meetings and open records. Stein worked for Tom Cole, Governor Henry Bellmon, Citizens for a Sound Economy (a national conservative group), Mary Fallin and others committed to conservative government principles, accountability, transparency and openness.

Stein announces Assessor campaign “I’m announcing my candidacy for the Republican Nomination for the job of Oklahoma County Assessor” declared Larry Stein, Chief Deputy for Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan.

“I’m proud to have been part of a successful team that is using cuttingedge technology to reduce staffing which saves Oklahoma County residents more than $4 million each year in reduced salaries and benefits. The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) estimated the Oklahoma County Assessor’s Office needed 52 more employees to set market values and maintain all the assessment records for approximately 330,000 parcels, in 720 square miles worth more than $60 Billion.

A cooperative multi-city agreement means new and better quality digital aerial images at a tremendous savings to taxpayers, from $327 a square mile in 2000 to around $20 a square mile, a savings of $237,000. A great office staff also negotiated an $81,422 saving on sending out more than 432,329 pieces of mail,” Stein said.

“Saving money every day and doing a great job! Oklahoma County earned a perfect score in 2017 from the OTC ---that’s the third year in a row---where all of the duties and responsibilities of the assessor are checked by the OTC. It takes a great team to achieve a perfect score and everyone in the office is proud to be part of the team that has made that goal a reality,” Stein said.

Stein was hired by former County Assessor Mike Means to assist in implementing the new technology that built the reputation of the office.

Means, along with Sullivan, has endorsed Stein. “I’m so happy to have earned the endorsement of hundreds of friends I’ve made and those county officers I’ve worked with including my wonderful bosses Mike Means and ‘Mr. Conservative Republican’ Assessor Leonard Sullivan, County Commissioners Brian Maughan and Willa Johnson, County Court Clerk Rick Warren and County Clerk David B. Hooten. These members of the Budget Board are attempting to bring greater accountability and better fiscal management to county government and working with them for greater transparency to protect taxpayers has been a wonderful experience,” Stein said.

“The Oklahoma County Assessor’s Office recently unveiled an updated mapping site and our office is having meetings around the county to help educate those interested in our webpage and service oriented office.

More than 13 million people visited the website last year from all around the world. The assessor’s office has earned international awards for our user-friendly website from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and soon will be getting,” Stein said.

“I’ve been a part of helping these services being offered from the assessor’s office free of charge and available on the World Wide Web 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any company involved with county property records saves money each year by having digital access to the records they need all day. Banks, mortgage companies, commercial and residential real estate professionals save money each day by having electronic access to these records instead of the cost associated with sending staff members to the county courthouse to research and copy documents. Saving money and keeping costs to taxpayers as low as possible has been my goal working with Leonard Sullivan and a great staff. I pledge to be as frugal with taxpayers’ money as I am with my own. We have some of the most knowledgeable, helpful and courteous staff as-

Larry Stein sembled anywhere to accomplish that goal,” Stein said.

In addition to helping operate and manage the assessor’s office, I’ve worked with other assessors around the state to eliminate property taxes for thousands of disabled military veterans, and reduce property taxes for retired seniors and low income home owners, Stein said.

“Assessor’s across Oklahoma worked to increase the income level allowing seniors have an assessment freeze, up from the previous $25,000 limit, achieving a TOTAL elimination of property taxes for 100 percent disabled military veteran and their surviving spouse and helping legislators understand the complicated words and process assessors across the state have in the important job of funding local schools and funding essential local government services,” Stein said. Right now in Oklahoma County 71¢ of every local property tax dollar goes to fund local teachers and local schools.

“By utilizing leading-edge computer technology, the number of assessor’s office employees has been reduced saving taxpayers millions in lower salaries and benefits costs. The Oklahoma Tax Commission estimated the Oklahoma County Assessor’s Office had 52 fewer employees to perform assessment duties. Technology and streamlining operations means a savings to taxpayers each year. In addition the assessor’s office has streamlined the staff by another 10 FTE’s and eliminated the county assessor-office-owned cars saving taxpayers more than $4 Million each year,” Stein said.

“As chief deputy, I get an opportunity to speak with lots of groups and individuals. My pledge to every group or individual I’ve spoken to here and at national events is to provide the friendliest staff with the knowledge to answer questions courteously, continue to update and provide the most information on the Oklahoma County Assessor’s internationally recognized and award-winning web site and to continue efforts to streamline the assessor’s operation to keep costs low and save taxpayers money,” Stein said.

“I’ve been part of the team to accomplish these goals and with your help, we can continue to make progress and be one of the best county offices in Oklahoma, the nation and the world. I’ve made some wonderful friends during my time working at all levels of government. I will work hard to earn the support from all my friends in both political parties to keep the Oklahoma County Assessor’s Office leading the way in being efficient, professional and courteous,” Stein said.

Stein is the only announced candidate accredited by the OTC passing all seven required courses to serve as assessor.

A resident of Edmond, Stein is currently president of his neighborhood association and a member of the Edmond Neighborhood Alliance. He has volunteered hundreds of hours to help Upward Transitions and donated his time and money to other charitable groups to help veterans, battered spouses and their families.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 17

Page 18 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Pioneer Woman to be at Best of Books test at the fair, they can't wait to enter.

Best of Books has announced an upBut Little Ree and Hyacinth don't want coming book signing for The Pioneer to bake just any pie, and they want to Woman, Ree Drummond. pick their own berries. Can the two Drummond will be signing copies of friends bake the best pie ever and take her new book, "Little Ree: Best Friends home the blue ribbon? Ree Drummond Forever!" from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on is the No. 1 New York Times best-sellSaturday, March 31 at Best of Books, 1313 E Danforth Road, Edmond. ing author of "The Pioneer Woman Line numbers will be issued for the Cooks," "The Pioneer Woman Cooks: event. In order to reserve a line numFood from My Frontier," and "The Piober, interested parties must purchase a neer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays."

Ree Drummond copy of "Little Ree: Best Friends ForRee's beloved website, The Pioneer ever!" or "The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get Woman, was founded in 2006 and showcases her It!" at the store, over the phone or online. Those incooking, photography, and anecdotes about country terested in the event may bring up to three of Drum- life. Her cooking show, "The Pioneer Woman," premond's books per line number. miered on Food Network in 2011. She lives on a In "Little Ree: Best Friends Forever," Little Ree and working cattle ranch in Oklahoma with her husband her best friend, Hyacinth, love learning to bake with and four children. their grandmothers, especially when pie is on the Please call 405-340-9202 if you would like to remenu. So when they find out about a pie-baking con- serve signed copies of books after the event.

Happy Spring!

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 19

Eat healthy & live healthy One-in-three adults and nearly onein-six children are overweight or obese.

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, a nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is celebrating National Nutrition Month by promoting the many benefits of eating a healthy and balanced diet.

Less than five percent of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Only one-in-three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week.

National Nutrition Month highlights the importance of nutritious food options to keep our community strong and healthy. Beginning in March, everyone is encouraged to act by trying new, healthy foods and recipes, and learn more about nutrition.

“Often, eating a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes can seem like

March is National Nutrition Month an overwhelming and daunting task,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, CEO of OKCIC. “Thankfully there are tools and strategies, such as the 5-2-1-0 program that people can use to incorporate nutrition and healthy eating in a seamless manner."

According to the Center for Disease Control, American Indian or Alaska Native adolescents are 30 percent more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be obese, but adults are 50 percent more likely to be obese. OKCIC teaches the 5210 program (five fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, 0 sugary drinks) to its patients through an adult and pediatric dietitian, who assist patients in carving a path to a healthier lifestyle. Wellness classes, programs and events are held for adults and children throughout the year, including the annual Walk for Wellness and 5k Run on May 19, which is open to patients and non-patients.

Eating healthy foods can help everyone lower the risk of many chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It is important to develop healthy food habits at a young age, so that you may have a better chance of staying healthy throughout your life.

Here are 10 tips to eat nutritiously: n Drink lots of water — aim for 8 or more glasses a day. n Skip the soda and sports drinks. n Don’t skip breakfast! Start your day with a protein packed breakfast to

keep you feeling full throughout your morning. n Pack a healthy lunch with fruits and vegetables. n Choose brown rice instead of white rice. n Snack on fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots. n If you eat out, split the meal with a friend or only eat half, and save the rest for another meal. n Be cautious with condiments,

which tend to be high in fat and cholesterol. Using non-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is a great substitute. n Use corn or whole wheat tortillas. Regular tortillas are usually made with white flour, which lacks many nutrients that can be found in the whole wheat varieties. n When it comes to protein, choose options that include lean poultry, beans and fresh seafood. Also, remember that a serving size of meat should be approximately 6 ounces – the size of a deck of cards.

Page 20 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

In event of teacher walkout, Edmond’s FAI offers option

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute (FAI) supports our educators, families, and communities. FAI is watching teacher negotiations closely and if there is a walkout on April 2 they will offer a daily art camp until school resumes.

Students in grades first to fifth will rotate between visual art classes including, drawing, painting, clay, mixed media and more. Four new projects each day will allow campers to work with FAI faculty in a creative and fun environment.

Art Camp time is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and $55 a day.

Please bring a sack lunch. Enrollment is daily, refunds will only be given if school resumes.

Located at 27 East Edwards across from the downtown Edmond post office. Sign up PHOTO PROVIDED at EdmondFineArts.com or For years, the Edmond Fine Arts Institute call 405-340-4481, space is has taught children art. limited.

Museum also has activities The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will host daily drop-in activities for children in the event of a teacher walkout. These activities will begin on April 2 and will continue throughout the duration of the walkout.

The activities occur at the Museum and are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and encourage hands-on participation and gallery exploration through the Museum’s new temporary exhibitions.

Activities are designed for children of all ages who are accompanied by an adult and are free with Museum admission while supplies last. Daily

drop-in activities include: n Craft Activities: Make a different project to take home each day. n Scavenger Hunts: Children will explore a variety of exhibitions and galleries throughout the Museum through hands-on, minds-on play. n Floor Puzzles: Kids delight over these colorful, oversized floor puzzles of major works from the Museum’s collection. Little ones will have big fun piece after piece assembling the finished work of art. These large puzzle pieces are ideal for tiny hands and fun for larger ones too!

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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 21

PR company adds Pereira-McDaniel

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Hilton Garden Inn Edmond / Oklahoma City North & Edmond Conference Center held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Chamber, earlier this month, to celebrate the grand opening of their Edmond / Oklahoma City North location. Among those welcoming the new center were Edmond Schools Superintendent Bret Towne and Edmond Mayor Charles Lamb.

Hotel & Conference Center officially welcomed by Chamber The 158-room Hilton Garden Inn is located at 2833 Conference Dr. (I-35 & Covell Rd), in Edmond.

The property is owned by Covell Partners in Development and managed by Partners in Hospitality.

The Hilton Garden in Edmond / Oklahoma City North & Edmond Conference Center offers amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour business center a state-of -the-art

fitness center, full cooked-to-order breakfast, cocktails and dinner, and 20,000 square feet of meeting space that cater to businesses, groups, associations, and event planners.

Each guestroom boasts the brand’s signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens and an in-room “hospitality center” with a mini fridge, microwave oven as well as a Keurig coffee maker.

Arledge & Associates announces personnel moves at financial firm Edmond-based accounting firm Arledge and Associates last week announced the promotion of Bailey Erickson to audit specialist and the hiring of Katelyn Erickson Mack as an audit intern.

Erickson is a graduate of University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. In her new role, Erickson will assist on diverse audit responsibilities and perform various audit and testing procedures to ensure consistency for clients.

Mack has been accepted to the Arledge’s and Associates 2018 intern program as an audit specialist. Mack

is a junior at UCO. “Bailey has been a great addition to our team and is certainly deserving of this promotion,” said Jim Denton, managing partner. “Her dedication to our team Mack and our clients is unquestioned. We are also excited to have Katelyn join our firm. Our team always enjoys working alongside our interns as they learn more about the industry firsthand.”

Arledge & Associates, PC is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

Think tank opposes tax plan

In response to proposed damaging income tax increases (capping itemized deductions and raising capital gains taxes), the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs Chairman Larry Parman and OCPA President Jonathan Small made the following statements: “We appreciate the efforts of various groups and dedicated Oklahomans to work for the improvement of our state. But, increasing penalties on work and investment in Oklahoma is not the way to build a state,” said Larry Parman, a former Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce who has extensive experience in business recruitment. “These proposed damaging tax increases would make our state less competitive with Texas, which has no capital gains tax because it has no income tax at all.

The last thing Oklahoma needs is policies that make it even more difficult to diversify our economy coming out of a severe recession as a result of the downturn in energy prices. The best way for legislators to give teachers a raise is to get serious about cutting spending on the bureaucracies that

feed off education dollars but do little for teachers or kids. But if legislators insist on raising taxes, at least they should focus on taxes that do the least damage to our state’s economic future.”

“Not all taxes are created equal,” Jonathan Small said. “Damaging income tax increases like these reduce the incentives to work and invest in Oklahoma. It is shortsighted to get money for education today by deterring investment, capital creation, and diversification while compromising students’ and families’ futures. Increasing the initial gross production tax rate from 2 percent to 5 percent on current and all future wells is a far less damaging tax increase proposal. OCPA earlier this year pointed the Legislature to other less damaging taxes in our ‘Plan That Can Pass.’ Implementing OCPA’s ‘Plan That Can Pass’ yields enough revenue ($505.4 million) to give every single classroom teacher in Oklahoma a $10,000 raise without increasing their and working Oklahoma families’ income taxes to pay for it.”

Jacqueline PereiraMcDaniel has joined Price Lang Consulting as senior project director, the Edmond-based communications firm announced.

Price Lang provides tailored communications and public relations services to businesses and nonprofit organizations of Pereira-McDaniel all sizes. Price Lang’s services include a wide range of communications functions, including copy writing, social media support, graphic design and strategic and crisis communications.

McDaniel earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma and her masters degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. She currently serves the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth as well as the Oklahoma City Homeless Youth Alliance and has previously served the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of OKC, Youth and Family Council, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Interagency Council for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. She has been involved with Americorps since 2001.

Founding Partner Emily Lang said McDaniel is joining the Price Lang team during a time of exciting new growth.

“Our goal is to help our clients grow through consistent, strategic communications,” Lang said.

“Jacqueline’s project management and coalition building skills will be beneficial to everyone on our client roster as we work to enhance our services and ensure an unparalleled service experience.”

Page 22 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Health insurance terms Health insurance is a critical element in any family’s financial security since it will help you cover costs for long-term needs or unexpected emergencies. It can also be extremely complicated, with consumers facing a wide range of choices and rules to get the coverage they need. The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants offers this overview of some of the basics on health care insurance.

What terms do you need to know?

Some important, commonly used terms in health care insurance include: n Deductible. The amount you will pay upfront before your health insurance kicks in. For example, say you have a $500 deductible and a $750 medical bill. You would pay $500 toward the bill and your insurance would cover the remaining $250. n Premium. The cost you pay for health care insurance, usually monthly. n Co-pay or co-insurance. The set amount you pay whenever you get health care.

What kinds of plans are available?

The type of plan you choose can have an impact on your choices of physician or hospital and your out-of-pocket costs as well as other considerations. Here

are a few common options: n Health maintenance organization (HMO). With this type of plan, you can choose among specific health care providers and hospitals within the HMO network. If you see a doctor or go to a hospital outside the network, your costs usually aren’t covered.

There may also be limits on what services are covered. If you want to see a specialist, you usually need a referral from your primary care physician. Premiums are generally lower than for other plans, though, and there are usually low or no deductibles. n Preferred provider organization (PPO). These plans also offer networks of doctors or hospitals, but you usually get some coverage when going outside the network and referrals to specialists generally aren’t required. n Exclusive provider organization (EPO). These are similar to HMOs but with more flexibility in choosing a health care provider, although out-ofnetwork doctors and hospitals aren’t covered. n Point-of-service plan (POS). You can choose out-of-network providers, but you will pay more for care and a re-

See Terms, Page 23

Home loans that do not require 20 percent down

By Kenneth Wohl, RCB Bank When applying for a mortgage, your loan-to-value, or LTV in mortgage speak, plays an important role in determining variouscosts that go into your loan, such as your interest rate and mortgage insurWohl ance premium.

LTV is the amount of money you are borrowing as a percentage of the home’s value. It is your loan amount divided by the appraised value of the home. In purchases, during your initial loan estimates from your lender, the LTV will be based on the contract price until the true value is determined by the appraisal.

Loan-to-value ratios of 80 percent and below are considered lower risk loans and borrowers may be able to obtain lower cost loans compared to those with LTVs above 80 percent.

Many homebuyers think their loan options are limited to a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan if they have not saved a 20 percent down payment. Although an FHA loan is the right fit for some borrowers, there are other options to consider. n Section 184 Loan, which is an FHA loan specifically for Native American citizens. This loan has

Mortgage Matters lower cost mortgage insurance premiums than a regular FHA and allows LTVs up to 97.75 percent. n VA Loan, which is specifically for veterans, active duty, reservist (limitations apply) and surviving spouse of a veteran (limitations apply). n Rural Development Loan, which is specifically for individuals purchasing a home in a defined rural area who also meets certain income requirements. n Conventional Loans, which now offer some loan options up to 97 percent LTV. It’s in your best interest to save as much as you can to put toward a down payment, but you don’t have to forgo your dream of homeownership if haven’t saved 20 percent.

Loan restrictions apply, so talk to a knowledgeable lender to learn your options and opportunities for your individual financial situation.

The more knowledge you have about the mortgage process, available loan options and your individual qualifications, the more satisfying your home buying experience will be.

I am here to help, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Feel free to call me, Kenneth Wohl, at 405-608-5291 or email kwohl@bankrcb.net.

Lauer’s home in the Hamptons

Ex-Today Show host slashes asking price Former 'Today Show' host Matt Lauer has reduced the asking price on one of his Hamptons homes for the third time – now at $12.75 million.

Matt and his estranged wife, Annette Roque, bought the 8,000-square-foot home with eight bedrooms on 25 acres in 2004. Lauer first put the Sag Harbor home on the market at $18 million in 2016 after purchasing Richard Gere's former Hamptons home, Strongheart Manor, in North Haven for $36.5 million.

“Housing Prices Surge Over 8 percent In February” Median U.S. home prices increased 8.8 percent between March 2017 and February 2018 to a median price of $285,700. The data was compiled by the real estate website service Redfin for markets that they service. The leading gainer was San Jose, California with median prices up 34.1 percent to a $1,100,000 and Detroit next with an increase of 19.8 percent. The supply of housing dipped in the past year by 11.4 percent - making 29 consecutive months of inventory reductions.

“Miami Luxury Condos Going To Wrecking Ball” Despite an over supply of expensive condos in Miami, a Russian developer has spent $48 million to buy out the owners of 25 Bay Tower, a 1970's Miami condo building and will soon start construction of a brand new project. The developer spent a year negotiating buyouts of the 61 owners in the building with Biscayne Bay views paying about double the value of the units. OKO Group will soon demolish 25 Bay Tower and replace it with a 47-

story highrise. Prices are expected to range from about $1 million to over $5 million.

“Gwen Stefani Asks $35 Million” Having ended her 13-year marriage to hard-rock musician Gavin Rossdale in 2016, Gwen Stefani is selling her ultracontemporary Beverly Hills compound with art-filled and faux-painted walls, guest house with large gym, roomsized closet, tennis court, pool and spa and comfy media room. Fenced, gated and very private with stunning views, the property is accessed via a long driveway. Overall accommodations include seven bedrooms and eleven baths. She paid $13.25 million for the home in 2006.

“Frank Lloyd Wright's New York Usonian” After World War II, Frank Lloyd Wright knew returning soldiers would need affordable homes, so he developed a new concept that people could build mostly by themselves with a minimum of help and expense. He named them Usonian and started a development north of New York City in the hope of meeting the demand for homes for the returning GIs. He called the community Usonia - an acronym for United States of North America.

One of Wright's Usonian homes is now for sale at $1.5 million.

“Florida Dominates Top 10 Beach List” A Florida town on the Gulf of Mexico has won TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travelers’ Choice Award for having the most beautiful white sand beach in the United States. This year’s winner is, Clearwater Beach.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 29, 2018 • Page 23

Arvest Bank partners with Regional Food Bank Arvest Bank locations in the Oklahoma City area will once again partner with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma for the 1 Million Meals initiative, a two-month, bank-wide effort to provide at least one million meals for Americans in need of food assistance.

Arvest is conducting its annual initiative in the spring for the third consecutive year due to the fact that food banks report an increase in the need for food assistance during the summer, when many children do not receive free or reduced-price meals at school. Donations also tend to be lower in the spring and summer than at other times of the year.

The Regional Food Bank will receive nonperishable food and monetary donations made at Arvest branches in the Central Oklahoma area from April

2 through June 2. Oklahomans also can support the Regional Food Bank by purchasing a 1 Million Meals paper fork for $1 at any Arvest branch or by calling (866) 952-9523 to contribute. Every dollar raised for the Regional Food Bank through 1 Million Meals provides the equivalent of four meals for Oklahomans with inconsistent access to healthy food.

“We’re so thankful to once again be selected as a beneficiary of Arvest Bank’s efforts to fight hunger,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “One in six Oklahomans live with hunger. The donations raised during 1 Million Meals will help chronically hungry children, seniors on fixed incomes and hardworking families in Oklahoma this summer.”

In its eighth year, Arvest’s 1 Million Meals campaign challenges bank associates, customers and community members to participate in fundraising efforts and make donations to fight hunger in the 120 communities the bank serves. Last year, Arvest associates and customers raised more than 1.8 million meals. This year’s effort benefits more than 75 organizations in the four states where Arvest serves – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

In 2016, more than 12 percent of American households surveyed were food-insecure, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle for all household members. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma is the sixth hungriest state in the nation.

Terms From Page 22 ferral is needed.

When making your choices, remember that generally the plans with the least flexibility in going outside the network — like HMOs — offer the lowest premiums and deductibles, and consider whether cost or flexibility is more important to you.

Which deductible is best? The size of the deductible will generally have a direct impact on your monthly premiums, with higher deductibles translating into lower monthly bills. How do you choose? A plan with a lower deductible plan may be best if you make frequent doctor or emergency room visits – which is often the case in a family with small children – or if you are taking costly medications.

Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Holy Week and Easter Schedule March 29 Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00 PM March 30 3pm "Stations of the Cross" March 30 Good Friday Haydn's "Last Words of Christ from the Cross" UCO Stringed Quartet 7:00 PM April 1 Easter Communion 8:00 and 10:00 AM Animal Friendly Parish www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24

“Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.”

Proverbs 27:8

Page 24 • March 29, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure