The #1 Pool Builder in America and in Edmond! Committed to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction EDMOND DESIGN CENTER / 200 NE 150TH STREET / 405.844.7500 / www.bluehavenokc.com
Looking for a career that sizzles! Join the exciting world of culinary arts
• Associate Of Science In Culinary Arts • Bachelor Of Science In Restaurant Management
NOW Enrolling
Visit our student run restaurant
DAY AND EVENING CLASSES!
OPEN Thursday & Fridays 11am-2pm & 5:30-9pm
Also Enrolling in
Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomy - Starts Soon! (evening classes available)
Call Today
749-2433
Licensed by O.B.P.V.S.
2727 W. Memorial Road OKC
MY EDMOND LIVING GUIDE
EDMOND
The user’s guide to fun and essential living in Edmond.
Edmond’s residents help make their city’s statistics impressive The numbers alone can’t tell the whole story. Figures from the Edmond Economic Development Authority show Edmond’s population was estimated at John A. 83,587 in Williams 2009. jwilliams@ Edmond opubco.com has more than 200 EDMOND restaurants, 30 parks and outdoor venues, 128 pieces of public art, 40 shopping centers and a cost of living that is 11 percent below the national average. The average price of an existing single family home is $224,410, while the average price of a new home is $284,276. Our school’s graduation rate is almost 95 percent, and in 2009, Edmond had the highest Academic Performance Index of all Oklahoma 6A school districts. The numbers are impressive but they can only reflect the people who live in Edmond. They work hard, and they play hard. They take advantage of the city’s parks and recreation programs. Sports played in Edmond range from golf, tennis, baseball and softball to lacrosse and soccer. Rugby is growing, too. Edmond’s churches bring families together to worship, while hardworking volunteers make it possible to enjoy annual events such as LibertyFest, A Taste of Edmond, Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, Dickens Weekend, Storybook Forest, Trick or Treat on the Street and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Numbers can indicate Edmond is a growing city but it’s the people who make Edmond a great friendly place for families. There is something for everyone.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
Director of Presentation and Custom Publishing: Yvette Walker 475-3234, ywalker@opubco.com Local Editor Rick M. Green 475-3360, rmgreen@opubco.com Edmond Editor Tricia Pemberton 475-3309 tpemberton@opubco.com Page Designers: Jennifer Wilcox, Felicia Murray and Renee Lawrence Graphic Designer: Chris Schoelen 475-3557, cschoelen@opubco.com Community Columnist: John A. Williams 475-3940, jwilliams@opubco.com City Reporter: Diana Baldwin 475-3675, dbaldwin@opubco.com Contributing Writers: Aaron Crespo, Jenefar De Leon, Tim Henley, Michael Kimball, Meredith Moriak, Jesse Olivarez, Brian Sargent, Darla Slipke.
The statue at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center is one of 128 pieces of public art. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Photographers: Jim Beckel, Nate Billings, John Clanton, Steve Gooch, Paul Hellstern, Doug Hoke, Chris Landsberger, David McDaniel, Sarah Phipps, Paul B. Southerland, Bryan Terry and Steve Sisney.
ADVERTISING
The Shoppes on Broadway at 33rd Street and Broadway is one of 40 shopping centers in Edmond. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Retail Sales/Project Development Manager: Don White 475-3501, dwhite@opubco.com Ivy Webb, 4, learns from arborist Zack Mitchell how to climb trees during Arbor Day festivities at the MultiActivity Center. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Left: A golfer lines up a shot during the Edmond Invitational Golf Tournament at KickingBird Golf Club. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Retail Account Executive: Gian Santoro 475-3504, gsantoro@opubco.com Classified Advertising Sales Manager: Venette Perry 475-4155, vperry@opubco.com Classified Account Executive: Luke Allard 475-3270, ltallard@opubco.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
1
Contents
See what’s happening at the Edmond Farmers Market, Page 80. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
MY EDMOND
1 5 11
Columnist John Williams takes a look at Edmond and what makes this community special. Mayor Patrice Douglas says Edmond has many attractive qualities, but its people make it great. A look at Edmond by the numbers.
MY SERVICES
12
2
Edmond Electric offers ways to contact the company to report outages.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
16 18 21
Edmond residents get a behind-the-scenes look at the Edmond Police Department. New underpasses help alleviate traffic congestion, and more improvements are in the works. A local Realtor says Edmond has fared better than many communities in the housing market.
23 28 29
The new recycling center is more accessible and offers extended hours. Who represents you at the state Capitol and in Washington? Who represents you in the state House?
MY SCHOOLS
45
Oklahoma Christian University offers 14 academic departments in three colleges and begins a forensics program in fall.
46
The University of Central Oklahoma offers a variety of programs to prepare students for future success.
HOW WE LIVE
58 60 71
The Edmond City Council has approved design work for new softball fields. Edmond boasts 26 city parks spread over 1,300 acres, along with a number of athletic complexes.
Community-spirited women enjoy fellowship in the Edmond Women’s Club, which raises money to assist people and organizations.
74
Downtown Edmond is a vital, cultural part of the community.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
3
4
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Great people make a great city EDMOND | FROM TOP-NOTCH EDUCATION TO LOW CRIME RATE, CITY HAS MUCH TO OFFER BY PATRICE DOUGLAS Edmond Mayor
What makes Edmond a great city? Its beauty is obvious as you stroll on our trails through our many parks or look at our signature public art. Maybe it’s the bustle of activity you find in our retail shops and businesses. Edmond Public Schools? Having nine blue-ribbon schools certainly brings national attention to our high standards and high-achieving students. Low crime rate? Also impressive, especially in a growing city like Edmond. All these things blend to make a wonderful city — but it takes more to be great. It takes people. Edmond’s people are what make it great. Amazingly, even in a time of national economic turmoil, our Edmond high school students raised almost $1 million
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
(Edmond’s) beauty is obvious as you stroll on our trails through our many parks or look at our signature public art. Maybe it’s the bustle of activity you find in our retail shops and businesses. for charity. They worked hard and showed a diligence in meeting their goals and a passion for giving back and making a difference. When our senior nutrition program lost its funding this year, our churches and businesses stepped up to lead an effort to bring food and funding so these seniors could have a daily hot meal. Oklahoma Christian University donated the proceeds from a weekend
full of basketball games. This leadership allowed us to reopen the doors to senior nutrition. Now, a dedicated group of residents has accepted the challenge to find a permanent funding source to ensure Edmond seniors don’t face this loss again. Great people make a great city. And Edmond is full of them. Welcome.
Patrice Douglas
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
5
Children can get ready to Play in the Park FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Edmond Parks and Recreation employees are ready for this summer’s Play in the Park program, which begins today. The program is for children 5 and older and will be at a different park each Wednesday through mid-August, with a break during the last two weeks of July, said Diane Self, Edmond’s recreation program manager. The program is free and informal, and no signup is required. Parks employees play supervised games with the kids such as hula hoops, soccer, craters and volcanoes, or horseshoes. Last year, the program averaged about 50 children a week, Self said. A schedule of times and parks is at edmondok.com, under the recreation, summer programs link.
Right: Fourth-grader Charlotte Dent plays craters and volcanoes during a Play in the Park program at Clegern Elementary School in Edmond. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
6
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Third- and fourth-graders play craters and volcanoes during a Play in the Park program at Clegern Elementary School in Edmond. The program will be held most Wednesdays throughout the summer at various city parks. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
7
Edmond has lineup with plenty to do, see ACTIVITIES | FROM SPORTS TO HISTORY TO CELEBRATING THE NATION’S BIRTH, CITY HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM STAFF REPORTS
There are myriad reasons to visit Edmond. There are dozens of shopping centers, including several antique stores and Edmond’s historic downtown area to shop. To beat the heat, Arcadia Lake offers places to boat, fish, ski, camp or cook out. There is bowling, golf, walking trails, a history museum and an 1889 schoolhouse to visit. Edmond has 128 pieces of public art on display along its streets. The University of Central Oklahoma’s Jazz Lab offers jazz and contemporary sounds played by some of the nation’s greatest musicians and singers. And whatever you have a hunger for, there are a variety of cuisines available from Edmond restaurants. Thousands of visitors are expected to come to Edmond during the summer for these events: Later this month and in July thousands of visitors will flock to Edmond for the LibertyFest activities leading up to the nationally recognized Fourth of July Parade. Also in July, the University of Central Oklahoma will host the 2010 World Sitting Volleyball Championship. More
than 640 athletes and coaches from 40 national teams from around the world will come to Edmond. The competition will serve as a qualifier for the Paralympic Games in London in 2012. In August, the Edmond Soccer Club will host the Beat The Heat Invitational. For two weekends, 70 soccer teams will come to Edmond for the girls’ and boys’ competitions. Coming in September is the Route 66 Classic Car Show and Craft Fair at E.C. Hafer Park. The antique car shows draws hundreds of car enthusiasts competing in several show categories. October brings Edmond’s Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake. Boys and girls will be treated to classic children’s’ stories told by the characters right out of the books. During the annual Trick or Treat on the Street, Edmond’s downtown merchants pass out goodies to Trick or Treaters in a safe and fun environment. In December, the Downtown Edmond Business Association hosts the annual Dickens Weekend that goes hand in hand with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting, UCO’s Winter Glow, and the Downtown Festival of Lights parade, which kicks off the Christmas season.
Motorcycle officers ride in the 2009 Edmond Electric Parade of Lights. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
The Shoppes on Broadway is one of Edmond’s newest shopping centers. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
8
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
A father and son pause their fishing to watch Canada geese swim by at Arcadia Lake in Edmond. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
People watch the 2009 LibertyFest Parade on Broadway in Edmond. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
9
Simmons
Edmond city limits
Waterloo Sorghum Mill Coffee Creek
35
Covell
Arcadia
Danforth
Arcadia Lake
Broadway
Edmond 15th 33rd
Choctaw
Henney
Hiwassee
Anderson
Post
Douglas
Midwest
Air Depot
Sooner
Coltrane
Bryant
Eastern/Boulevard
Santa Fe
Western
Pennsylvania
Kelly
Kilpatrick Turnpike
NW 122
Lake Hiwassee
44 Westminster
Memorial
Left: Brianna Lewis, 4, front, Amira Johnson, 3, and Christina Klein, 7, learn to use life vests as safety procedures are taught to them during last year’s “Itty Bitty Beach Party" at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center in Edmond. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
10
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
EDMOND BY THE NUMBERS
83,587 estimated population in 2009.
92,232 estimated population in 2014.
$94,998 estimated average annual household income in 2009.
51.4 percent of population with college degrees.
20,747 school enrollment in 2009.
$224,410
30
average price of an existing single family home.
number of parks and outdoor venues.
$42.1 MILLION
128
collected in city sales tax collections in 2009.
pieces of public art.
63,302
40
number of cars passing through Edmond’s busiest intersection, 33rd and Broadway, each day in 2009.
number of shopping centers.
62 percent of households with no children in the home.
200-PLUS number of restaurants in Edmond.
22 number of new commercial building permits in 2009.
2,558 number of employees at Edmond Public Schools, Edmond’s largest employer. SOURCE: EDMOND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
11
MY SERVICES Options for reporting outages FROM STAFF REPORTS
ONLINE
EDMOND — Power outages in Edmond
are tracked online via the Edmond Electric service outage map, which shows the number of customers without power and areas where power outages are reported. Customers experiencing an outage can report the disruption in one of three ways: They may call from a telephone number entered in the city’s Customer Information System, and the system will recognize the location. Customers may call from a different telephone and report an outage by entering the phone number associated with the utility account. Customers can enter a utility ac-
› › ›
12
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
SERVICE OUTAGE MAP The map can be seen at www. edmondok.com; click on Edmond Electric Outage Map in the top right corner. The service, operated by dataVoice in Allen, Texas, lists the number of customers in each substation area and how many are without service.
count number. The system helps alleviate the problems of phone lines getting overloaded when electrical outages happen.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
CodeRED lets you know about potential danger EMERGENCIES | RESIDENTS RECEIVE WORD OF MISSING PEOPLE FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — CodeRED is an emergency notification system used to alert Edmond residents and businesses about weather emergencies, homeland security issues, missing children or adults, evacuation orders, local criminal activity and other situations that require immediate dissemination of crucial information. The system can deliver a recorded message about warnings and events to 60,000 residents and businesses in an hour, and can target specific geographic areas, said Matt Stillwell, Edmond’s director of central communications and emergency management. The CodeRED system isn’t used very often and only in situations where public safety is an issue, Stillwell said.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
The CodeRED dialing system attempts each telephone number up to 3 times and will leave a message on an answering machine. The system is used frequently to notify residents near the police department’s firing range that officers will be firing weapons and testing explosives, Stillwell said.
To register Residents or business owners in Edmond can register for the city of Edmond’s CodeRED Emergency Notification System by going online to edmondok.com.
How to opt out For more information, or receive a form to opt out, call 359-4384.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
13
Engineer takes helm of Edmond Electric BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — Edmond Electric, the city’s municipally owned utility, gained a new director in the past year. Tim Berringer took the position vacated in July when Charlie Burgett retired after leading the utility for 17 years. Berringer began work at the end of September at an annual salary of $118,562. “Tim is the fit we wanted for this critical position. He certainly has the technical expertise and experience that is required,” said City Manager Larry Stevens. Berringer has 20 years professional experience, most recently with Union Pacific Railroad as the manager of electrical design. His experience includes working for a utility in the field, in distribution planning and at a power plant. He worked with rate structures, electrical
14
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
I enjoy all aspects of the electric utility business such as electrical engineering, managing personnel, and last but definitely not least, interacting with the public,” Berringer said. TIM BERRINGER, EDMOND ELECTRIC DIRECTOR
studies, economic analysis, field personnel and budgets. He has extensive experience in standards and operations concerning design, construction, maintenance and safety, Smith said. Before the position with Union Pacific, Berringer was the electrical distribution
engineer with MidAmerican Energy Corp. and planning engineer with Nebraska Public Power District. “I enjoy all aspects of the electric utility business such as electrical engineering, managing personnel and last, but definitely not least, interacting with the
public,” Berringer said. A licensed professional engineer in Iowa and Nebraska, Berringer has a bachelor of science in electric engineering from Iowa State University. Berringer and wife, Gayla, have three daughters and two sons. Berringer said his wife has a degree in education and is pleased with the Edmond school system. “It was comforting to know that the Edmond School District is second to none in the state,” Berringer said. Edmond Electric is governed by the Edmond City Council, and Jim Smith, assistant city manager of operations, oversees the utility. The utility in the past year won a reliability rating of 99.9910 percent, the 16th consecutive year at a rating of 99.97 or above. The utility also has a residential power rate that is lower than both the state average and the national average for power, according to the city of Edmond.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Daren Sparks, with J&B Graphics in Oklahoma City, installs a temporary sign changing the name of Edmond Medical Center to OU Medical Center Edmond at Second Street and Bryant. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTO BY PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND
Babies will be born in Edmond hospitals again BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — Hospital care in Edmond is rapidly changing. Integris Health Edmond is building a $94 million acute care hospital that is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011. In April, Edmond Medical Center and OU Medical Center merged to become OU Medical Center Edmond, located at Bryant Avenue and Second Street. Hospital officials have committed to spend $17 million for upgrades and enhancements at the Edmond hospital, including the return of obstetrics and women’s services. Plans are to renovate the now-vacant third floor for an obstetric and delivery unit. It could be August before the hospital has its first baby delivery. The practice stopped in 1995. Women haven’t been able to have a baby in an Edmond hospital setting since 2005, when Renaissance Women’s Center closed. The creation of a Comprehensive Women’s Center that will provide gynecological services, as well as oncology, breast surgery and diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, is planned for the future as well, hospital officials said. Hospital officials are in the process of
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
A drawing of Integris Health Edmond as it is expected to look like when it opens in fall 2011. DRAWING PROVIDED
spending $2.5 million on new equipment, including updated monitors. While just less than five miles to the south, Integris has started construction on its new 40-bed hospital along Interstate 35 just north of 15th Street. The 151,482-square-foot hospital is being constructed on 44 acres. A 45,000-square-foot medical office building is expected to open in conjunction with the hospital. The hospital will have 24 medical and surgical beds, six intensive care suites, 10 women’s center suites along with four operating suites, a full-service emergency department and a state-of-art imaging center. The women’s center will give mothers another opportunity to have their babies inside Edmond city limits.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
15
Officer Joe Rice demonstrates some of the abilities of his police dog, Ronny, during the Edmond Citizen Police Academy at the Edmond Police Training Center. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Academy goes behind scenes of police work COMMUNITY | CLASS LEARNS WHAT DEPARTMENT DOES DAILY BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — Each year, Edmond residents have the chance to get an inside look at Edmond Police Department during the 13-week Citizens Police Academy. The 27th academy started Feb. 9 and graduated May 4. Classes are free. “The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to provide residents with a better understanding about what an Edmond police officer does on a daily basis as well as to provide information about the Edmond Police Department,” said officer Randy Payne. Crime prevention, use of force, crime
16
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
scene investigations and high-risk traffic stops are among class topics. The highlight of the academy is a class where participants see demonstrations by the bomb squad, emergency response team and the K-9 unit. They also are given the opportunity to try their skills on the firing range. “If you’ve ever wondered what the budget for the police department is or why there may be several patrol cars on a traffic stop, this class is for you,” Payne said. Graduates have the opportunity to join the Edmond Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association. The group supports the police department with various activities, awards and events throughout the year, Payne said.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Academy graduation expands Edmond force BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — Edmond Police Department held its first basic police academy, graduating nine new officers in December. The 20-week academy was designed and conducted by Edmond officers. Police Chief Bob Ricks told the officers at graduation, “You are the future of the Edmond Police Department. You are the very first. We have very few firsts. It is like giving birth to a new baby.” They are part of a police force of 113 sworn officers and 30 civilian employees. Police headquarters is at 23 E First in downtown Edmond. Officers have been teaching a civilian motorcycle survival course since 2002. In March, the department received a stateof-the-art mobile classroom thanks to a $150,000 federal grant through the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. The new 32-foot trailer will allow the Edmond officers to take their motorcycle course across the state. One of the top draws for people to live in Edmond is the low crime rate, according to numbers released by the FBI. In 2009, there were 95 reports of violent crimes, which include homicides, rape, robbery and felonious assaults. The year before, 80 reports of these crimes were reported in this city of more than 80,000 people. Officers answered 30,176 calls of service in 2009 plus 5,499 officer initiated calls and 26,084 traffic stops.
Municipal Judge Alan Synar administers the oath to nine new police officers during the December graduation ceremony for the first Edmond Police Department Basic Police Academy. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
The Edmond Police Department includes criminal investigative, administrative and patrol divisions, with the patrol division being the largest and most visible. There are 84 officers assigned to the patrol division. Also, within the department are school resource officers working in all the high schools and middle schools, lake officers assigned to Arcadia Lake, motorcycle officers, a dive team, bomb squad, SWAT team and canine units. Edmond Police Department officers and motorcycle safety teachers Curtis Thompson, left, and Jeff Meadows ride as thier department displays their new stateof-the-art mobile classroom for statewide civilian motorcycle classes. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
17
Railroad underpasses help ease traffic congestion TRAFFIC | NEWEST UNDERPASS COST TAXPAYERS $1.37 MILLION BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — Edmond now has two underpasses where drivers can get past about 40 trains that run through the city each day. The newest underpass, near Covell Road and Boulevard, opened in April after being under construction since September 2008. The $6.1 million underpass cost Edmond taxpayers $1.37 million with the state Department of Transportation paying the remainder of the bill with federal money. The city’s oldest underpass is near Broadway and Edmond Road. For 2011, an estimated $5.8 million worth of road improvements are scheduled. The largest project is the widening of Kelly Avenue from Danforth Road to south of Covell Road. The estimated cost of the project to make the roadway a four-lane divided roadway is more than
$4.9 million. Edmond taxpayers will pay for 20 percent of the project. Federal funds will be used to complete the improvements. Work also is scheduled to evaluate where additional lanes need to be built and how the signal lights should be modified at 15th Street and Broadway. This estimated $498,269 project will cost the city 28 percent and feds 72 percent. The city’s part will come from a special sales tax passed in 2000 for capital improvement projects. A start date for either of these projects is not available. Pavement markings throughout the city, including in 13 school zones, also are planned in 2011. The estimated construction cost is $350,000 which will be paid for with 100 percent federal money. Each year, officials plan to spend an estimated $55,000 to install flashing lights in the pavement of school zones throughout the city. The work, paid for with city money, is completed during summer.
Each year, officials plan to spend an estimated $55,000 to install flashing lights in the pavement of school zones throughout the city. The work, paid for with city money, is completed during summer.
A truck drives under the newly constructed underpass at Covell Road and Boulevard. The $6.1 million road opened in April. Construction started in September 2008. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
18
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Plan develops to ask voters for public safety center BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — City council members want to let Edmond voters decide if they are in favor of a new public safety center to house police headquarters, a jail, public safety communications and emergency management operations. Voters turned down a $31.5 million public safety center proposal in November 2008. People didn’t like it partly because the new center wasn’t going to be built downtown and was going to raise property taxes. City officials are hoping to come up with a plan that will answer a lot of the problems the voters saw in the first proposal. Few people say they disagree that the city needs a new center because the present facilities are too small and out of date. Police say security in the jail is a
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
constant problem because the facility is so small and poorly laid out for officer safety. The majority of people polled said they want the new center built downtown. City officials in March purchased the building that houses Tammy’s Laundry, 28 E Hurd, and a vacant building at 15 N Littler Ave. for $425,000 plus closing costs. They are hoping the additional downtown land will help in deciding where to locate the new center. The original committee appointed to study the issue recommended tearing down the Downtown Community Center, 28 E Main, which is south of the property the council is buying. Two committees were appointed in April to study the current situation of the public safety center before taking the question to the voters. The committees are studying the scope and scale of the project and a way to fund it before making a second proposal to the voters.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
19
20
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Housing market improves, Realtor says REAL ESTATE | FIRST-TIME BUYER TAX CREDIT PROVIDED BOOST BY DARLA SLIPKE Staff Writer Dslipke@opubco.com
EDMOND — The housing market has
experienced an overall downturn during the past few years, but Edmond is doing much better than many other areas of the country that have seen drops in prices of 40 to 60 percent, a local Realtor said. The recession was a little slower to hit Oklahoma than many other states, said Brian Preston, a Realtor with RE/MAX Associates. The local market had a record year in 2007 when the rest of the nation started hurting, Preston said, but the decline caught up in 2008. Certain price ranges, especially higher priced homes, have been affected more significantly than others, Preston said. In most cases, the absorption rate for houses priced up to $500,000 has increased slightly during the past three years, but absorption rates for houses that cost more than $500,000 have
spiked since 2007. The absorption rate is the number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales, according to activerain.com, a Denver-based real estate blog. Overall, the number of houses that sold during the first few months of 2010 was lower than the number of houses that sold during those months the previous two years, which were down years, Preston said. But the number of houses under contract in March was the highest it has been in four years. A house that is under contract is in a transition period leading up to the closing. The first-time buyer tax credit provided a boost for some, Preston said. He said that incentive has affected the average sales price, which was $222,440 in the Edmond area during the first three months of 2010. Houses that cost less than $300,000 are selling more, Preston said. The most popular price range has been between $125,000 and $150,000.
AT A GLANCE Edmond’s average sales price for residential homes during 2010: January: $229,474. February: $233,124. March: $211,520.
› › ›
Inventory vs. homes sold based on price for March 2010: Less than $100,000: 58 active homes, 37 sold. $250,000 to $300,000: 195 active homes, 60 sold. More than $1 million: 60 active homes, six sold.
› › ›
SOURCE: BRIAN PRESTON, RE/MAX ASSOCIATES
Homes and lots are for sale in Edmond. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
21
Fine Arts Institute lines up programs PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
hearsals and fun performances. Students learn a variety of music from classical, spiritual, pop and seasonal selections under the direction of Leah McDonald. Auditions begin in September for the Fine Arts Institute Jr. Theatre Company’s production of “The Frog Prince,” directed by Susan Scott. Performances will be in November. Children in second through seventh grades can participate. For more information or to register, call 340-4481, go to edmondfinearts. com, or visit the center at 27 E Edwards in downtown Edmond.
Parking
Main
Broadway
EDMOND — The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond has programs for children and adults. In addition to traditional painting and drawing, summer classes include printmaking, Egyptian bead making, hula dancing, pottery and others. Camp registration also is under way for camps such as Create Escape, June 14-18; Little Artists, June 22-24, July 6-8 and Aug. 10-12; Theatre Escape, July 1923; Art Escape, July 26-30; and Drama Intensive, Aug. 2-7. Spots go very quickly, staff members say. The institute also produces the Edmond Youth Chorus. This year’s auditions will be in July and August. The honor chorus is for boys and girls who will be in fourth through seventh grades, giving them an opportunity to expand their musical ability with strong re-
Right: Jasmine Hurley, left, and Jordan Hurley paint during an art class at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. Signups for summer classes and camps are under way.
Littler
FROM STAFF REPORTS
1
2 3
1st
Edmond 6 municipal offices Edmond
Art teacher Leslie Lienau demonstrates techniques during an adult classical art class at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. The institute’s summer program guide is available online. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
22
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Parking
4 5 7
Parking
1. Downtown Community Center 2. Planning and Public Works Building 3. Police Department 4. City Council Chambers 5. Municipal Court Building 6. City First Building 7. Administration Building LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Edmond recycling center relocates, extends hours CITY SERVICES | NEW SITE IS MORE ACCESSIBLE, OFFICIAL SAYS BY AARON CRESPO Staff Writer acrespo@opubco.com
EDMOND — Residents of Edmond might have farther to go to drop off their recycling at the Customer Convenience Center, but it is open for more hours. “All of those folks don’t have to try to bunch up in there within a four-hour window on Saturday,” said Wesley Dedmon, superintendent of the city’s solid waste department. “A lot of them can come during the week when it’s more convenient, and that takes a lot of pressure off of that.” Recycling operations moved in midJanuary from the downtown location at 20 W Third St. near the Farmer’s Market, to the Customer Convenience Center, 3333 Progressive Drive, on the northwest corner of Interstate 35 and Covell Road. The city council approved $50,000 to
relocate the operation. The previous site had been in operation for 10 years, but only was open for a few hours on Saturdays, as that center was staffed solely by Edmond Beautiful volunteers. Recyclables now can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays in addition to 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. “If the center is left unattended, we usually have a problem with folks dropping off items that are not recyclable, and so it turns into an eyesore,” Dedmon said. The center now is monitored by Edmond Beautiful volunteers and Customer Convenience Center staff. Dedmon said he hasn’t measured the amount of recyclables collected to compare, but he believes more is being collected now. “It’s easily accessed by folks, and it’s a lot more attractive for people to use,” Dedmon said.
A truck moves a recycling container to Edmond’s Customer Convenience Center at Interstate 35 and Covell Road. Edmond relocated its recycling drop-off point to the center in January. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
RECYCLABLES
All items should be rinsed, and all cardboard and plastic should be flattened. Plastic containers Glass Newspapers, mixed paper such as office paper, magazines, brown paper bags and shredded paper Aluminum cans and foil Tin cans Cardboard
› › › › › ›
SOURCE: CITY OF EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
23
Regional airport plans expansion BY DARLA SLIPKE Staff Writer dslipke@opubco.com
New airport manager G. Lee Ivie hopes people will start taking more notice of the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport. Plans to acquire more land and build more hangars are in the works. Ivie, who took over as airport manager in April, said he hopes to attract more commercial businesses to lead to more jobs. “Usually communities are more receptive to the airport if they know that they’re providing jobs for the community,” Ivie said. “People working here also spend money at the local retailers and businesses in town. It’s just a win-win situation for the community.” Ivie said he would like the airport to become a place where the community can participate. He said a goal is to make the public more aware of the airport, and he plans to host events for the community. Safety and beautification also will be areas of focus, Ivie said. In recent years, the number of aircraft based at the airport has increased from 84
24
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
G. Lee Ivie, Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport manager. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, THE OKLAHOMAN
to about 100, which Ivie said is a clear indication of growth. The airport is trying to acquire 10.5 acres on the airport’s west side. Workers are in the process of surveying and appraising the land, said Dan Bierly, chairman of the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Board. Plans to construct T-hangars were put on hold in March because bids came back higher than expected. A committee has been working with economic development councils to explore other options. Another project that is expected to be under way soon is development of the taxiway delta area, Bierly said.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
EDMOND CITY COUNCIL
Council member Charles Lamb, Ward 3. Term expires May 2013. P.O. Box 1245 Edmond, OK 73083. Home: 348-7926. Fax: 330-3266. chukolamb@aol.com.
Council member Wayne Page, Ward 1. Term expires May 2011. P.O. Box 2970. Edmond, OK 73083. 340-5577. wpage8@cox.net.
MY EDMOND
Council member Elizabeth Waner, Ward 2. Term expires May 2011. P.O. Box 2970 Edmond, OK 73083. 359-4641. ebwaner@gmail.com. Council terms: Begin the first Monday in May. The mayor is elected every two years, council posts every four years. Meetings: Edmond City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of every month, unless the schedule is disrupted because of a holiday. Meeting dates: June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, Aug. 9, Aug. 23, Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 13, Dec. 27. For more information: edmondok.com or call the city clerk’s office at 3594555. Agendas for the meetings and the minutes are online. Council meetings are show on Cox Channel 20 and on the city’s website.
LIVING GUIDE
Council member David Miller, Ward 4. Term expires May 2013. P.O. Box 2970 Edmond, OK 73083. Office: 341-8147. Home: 330-4760. Fax: 330-3267. dcmiller@sbc global.net.
Mayor Patrice Douglas. Term expires May 2011. P.O. Box 2970 Edmond, OK 730832970. 359-4640. patrice.douglas@ edmondok.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
25
Simmons
Edmond fire departments
Waterloo Sorghum Mill Coffee Creek
35
Covell
Station No. 3 Station No. 2
Choctaw
Henney
Hiwassee
Post
Douglas
Midwest
Air Depot
Anderson
44
Kilpatrick Turnpike
Sooner
Santa Fe
Western
Pennsylvania
NW 122
Station No. 4
Coltrane
Memorial
Kelly
Bro ad
way
33rd
Eastern/Boulevard
15th
Arcadia Lake
Station No. 1
Bryant
Edmond
Westminster
Danfor th
Administration and Station No. 5
Edmond firefighters battle a four-story apartment fire at the Enclave luxury apartments near the intersection of Covell Road and Kelly Avenue on Oct. 19. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Apartment fire is largest in Edmond history BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — Firefighters worked the largest fire in Edmond history in October when 149 luxury apartments just weeks from being completed burned to the ground causing $10 million in damage. The fire at Enclave Apartments, at Kelly Avenue and Covell Road, lasted for several days. “It was the largest fire in the history of Edmond and the single largest loss,” Assistant Fire Chief Tim Wheeler said. The total value for the year’s losses was $12,983,510. There are 115 firefighters in Edmond and four civilian employees that make up the fire department that operates 24
26
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
hours a day, 7 days a week. The department’s budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year is $17,087,871. The department responded to 5,745 calls for service in 2009. These included structure fires, grass fires, medical aid, hazardous materials threats and 112 mutual aid calls. The average response time for emergency alarms was 5 minutes and 24 seconds. This fall, the department’s new Children’s Safety Village, an education center where children can learn about safety hands-on, will open. The nearly $700,000 project has been in the works for more than nine years. It is a miniature village where buildings, roads and sidewalks are five-eighths the size of adultsized structures. Elementary school-age children will learn about safety not only
from firefighters, but police officers, animal welfare officials, Edmond Electric personnel and others. When bids for the project came in over
$1 million, firefighters stepped up to the plate and did a lot of the work themselves and acted as their own general contractor, Wheeler said.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Fire department teaches residents the ropes BY MICHAEL KIMBALL Staff Writer mkimball@opubco.com
EDMOND — The Third annual Citizen Fire Academy was held this year in Edmond, sponsored by the Edmond Fire Department. A few dozen city residents spent 12 Tuesdays with firefighters learning the ropes — sometimes literally. Trainees in one class learned how to use a system of ropes and pulleys to lower people out of a multistory building. Another lesson focused on CPR. Participants also learned first aid, how to use hoses and how to use the Jaws of Life. “The exposure and knowing more about ... the fire department and meeting the people, that has been really great,” said Dianne Rose, 67, an Edmond resident who previously took a similar course with police. Fire Maj. Gary Dill said the academy gives people a better appreciation for the work done by firefighters, which includes far more than fighting fires.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
“That is only a small part of what we do,” said Dill, the program leader. “About three-fourths of what we do at least is medical in nature: car wrecks, falls with injury, heart attacks, those types of things.” Rose said her favorite part of training was using the hose. “You have more than one person doing it,” Rose said. “You have a fireman on each side helping you and a team member, because they’re heavy.” The academy took place on the sprawling campus of the fire department’s training grounds, and participants get to use the same equipment as the firefighters. “You can have fun and get a taste of it at any age level,” Dill said. Right: Lt. Chad Weaver, left, helps Larry Rose, of Edmond, during a CPR class at the Edmond Fire Department during this year’s Citizen Fire Academy. PHOTO BY JOHN CLANTON, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
27
Congressional delegates
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn
R-Tulsa In Washington 453 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 -3603 (202) 224-4721 In Oklahoma City 1900 NW Expressway Suite 1210 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 608-4381
R-Muskogee In Washington 172 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5754 In Oklahoma City 100 N Broadway, Suite 1820, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 231-4941
U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas
U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin
R-Cheyenne 3rd Congressional District In Washington 2311 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 225-5565 In Yukon 10952 Northwest Expressway, Suite B, Yukon, OK 73099 373-1958
R-Oklahoma City 5th Congressional District In Washington 1432 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2132 In Oklahoma City 120 N Robinson, Suite 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 234-9900
State Sen. Clark Jolley
R-Edmond District 47 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 418, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 521-5632 lamb@oksenate.gov
State Senate District
41
44 NE 122
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
County Line
66 77
NW 164
State Senate Distric t
35
28
State Sen. Todd Lamb
47
Memorial May
Western
R-Edmond District 41 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 425, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 521-5622 jolley@oksenate.gov
77
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
State Rep. Jason W. Murphey
105
74
35
Waterloo
Kilpatrick Turnpike
NW 122
NW 164
House District Danforth
83
74
Kilpat rick T urnp
Waterloo
240
Coltrane
Eastern
Pottawatomie
35
NW 63
Choctaw
Kilpatrick Turnpike
Kelley
40
96
Edmond
May
62
House District
81
NW 122
Lake Hefner
44
ike
House District
66
Hiwassee Henney
Bryant
77
35
Bryant
County Line County Road 75
33
39
NW 178 Rockwell
Guthrie
House District
Broadway Extension
R-Guthrie District 31 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 400-B, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 557-7350 jason.murphey@ okhouse.gov
77
Pottawatomie Road
31
State Rep. Marian Cooksey R-Edmond District 39 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 409, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 557-7342 mariancooksey@ okhouse.gov
House district
Post Road
74
Waterloo
35
51
B Ex road ten wa sio y n
State House
County Road 59
40
State Rep. Lewis H. Moore R-Arcadia District 96 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 329-A Oklahoma City, OK 73105 557-7400 lewis.moore@ okhouse.gov
State Rep. Randy McDaniel R-Edmond District 83 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 302-B, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 557-7409 randy.mcdaniel@ okhouse.gov
State Rep. Ken Miller R-Edmond District 81 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Room 432-D, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 557-7360 kenmiller@okhouse.gov
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
29
Library is an open book of new opportunities FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — The Edmond Library is a busy place — much more than just a venue where books are read or checked out. Whether it’s a hip-hop dance class for youngsters, Farsi language class for teens and adults or tax preparation help, the library offers many activities for all ages. And during the summer, the library provides a cool refuge for weekly programs geared towards children out of school. Regular programs include Comedy Commandos improv workshops for teens, an annual bookmark contest, story times and toddler playtimes, holiday theme programs, music play classes, grief support group meetings, English as a second language and citizenship classes, a teen advisory board, book clubs for teens and adults, annual summer reading program, Lucky Penny Player performances, parenting programs, manga and chess clubs. Still, it’s the circulation of 1.2 million items annually from the catalog of 122,000 books, magazines, newspapers, audio and videocassettes and CDs that makes the library the busiest in the Metropolitan Library System, according to library records. Originally built in 1972, the Edmond Library was renovated and expanded in 2000 to add 10,000 square feet. The ren-
Cameron Schmidt, left, and Saxton Lehew, both 3, dance as musicians Secret Agent 23 Skidoo teach children about hip-hop at Edmond Public Library.
Carrie Caporal, left, and her dog, Tatum, a golden doodle, listen as Aditi Gali, 5, reads to them during the Reading To Dogs program at Edmond Public Library.
PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
ovated library includes the Fred P. Snyder Quiet Reading Room, a special children’s area, expanded meeting room space, a round room for programs, a “teen corner” and new furnishings. The library also offers free wireless Internet, a copy machine and study carrels.
Susan Wood bounces stuffed monkeys on a parachute with Reagan Moss, 3, and Colton Cook, 3, during the Music with Susan class at the Edmond Library. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
30
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Shelter works to reunite pets, owners
Between 70 and 100 animals are typically housed at Edmond Animal Shelter. PHOTOS BY DAVID MCDANIEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
A statue of a boy hugging a dog greets visitors to Edmond Animal Shelter.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Edmond’s Animal Welfare Department works year-round to shelter lost pets and reunite them with their families or find new homes for them. Shelter supervisor Jim Fish said between 70 and 100 animals are sheltered by the city at any given time. During the holidays, Paws for Life and the city’s Animal Welfare Department collected dog and cat items to be used in baskets given to animals being adopted from the city’s animal shelter. Volunteers collected treats and canned and dry food, toys, grooming items, leashes, collars, bowls and gift certificates for grooming and training. The baskets were sent home with each of the cats and dogs adopted as part of the “A Home for the Holidays” promotion. Mary Robertson, president of Paws for Life, said the baskets of goodies help the new pets get settled into their new homes. The shelter also had its second annual adopt-a-thon in October and plans to have another this year. The goal of the event, Fish said, is to get as many animals adopted into homes as possible. The shelter adopted 16 animals during the adopt-a-thon last year.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
The visiting area at Edmond Animal Shelter gives visitors space to check out potential pets.
Chloe is one of the temporary residents at Edmond Animal Shelter.
“We’d like to top that this year,” he said. “If anyone is considering adopting out an animal this year, then we’d love for them to come by the Edmond Animal Shelter and check us out,” Fish said. The shelter is just east of Interstate 35 on Covell Road at 2424 Old Timbers Drive. During business hours, the shelter can be reached at 216-7615; for afterhours emergencies, call 359-4338. Shelter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Services include both adoptions and returning lost dogs and cats to their owners; however, there is no intake of dogs or cats Saturdays.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
31
Sports events, colleges keep hotels busy LODGING | OCCUPANCY RATES LOCALLY HAVE BEEN LARGER THAN NATIONAL FIGURES BY MICHAEL KIMBALL Staff Writer mkimball@opubco.com
EDMOND — Hotels in Edmond are feeling a slight pinch because of the recent economic slide, but hoteliers and bedand-breakfast operators say they are holding up well and looking for new ways to maximize revenue potential. The percentage of occupied rooms at Edmond’s hotels has been in the high 60s and low 70s this year, said Cathy Williams-White, director of the Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. The national occupancy rate in mid-April was about 60 percent, according to Smith Travel Research. Williams-White said sporting events and people visiting the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University provide the primary customers for Edmond’s hotel rooms. “Of course we could always use more business, but our hotels are healthy,” Williams-White said.
Above: A guest checks in at Fairfield Inn & Suites in Edmond. Hotel industry officials say the occupancy rate for Edmond hotels is higher than the national average. PHOTOS BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Left: A master suite at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Edmond has 11 hotels and two bed-and-breakfasts.
Special amenities add value Regional youth soccer events and competitions at the Lazy-E Arena are among the larger draws to Edmond hotels, she said. The Sitting Volleyball World Championships at UCO in July is expected to bring people from 30 countries to Edmond during its 10 days. “The soccer teams, children’s teams — those groups are what help keep us going,” said Ketan Patel, general manager of Fairfield Inn & Suites in Edmond and a board member of the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association. Martha Hall, operator of the Arcadian Inn and a board member of the Oklahoma Bed and Breakfast Association, said people in the business are offering packages of amenities in an effort to collect a larger share of a traveler’s expenditures. The Arcadian Inn has packages offering dinner and other extra benefits to maximize revenue. “We’ve made it easy for guests to have a special celebration, and they’re taking advantage of those packages,” Hall said.
32
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
BY THE NUMBERS EDMOND HOTELS
hotels › 116 have pools › 8 have indoor suites › 2 bed and breakfasts › 750 total rooms › 70 percent, approximate occu› pancy rate SOURCE: EDMOND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Boys Ranch Town exists to assist boys HUMANITARIAN | FACILITY PROVIDES A HOME LIFE, CARING ADULTS AND SAFETY
Caleb leads Forest the camel to a pasture at Boys Ranch Town in Edmond.
BY BRIAN SARGENT Staff Writer
EDMOND — Boys Ranch Town is similar to an actual ranch. The 145 acres in northeast Edmond, has cottages, a horse arena, gymnasium, pool, two fishing ponds, storage buildings and dozens of animals including horses and llamas. Boys, however, are obviously the difference. Open since 1953, Boys Ranch Town currently has 43 boys who need a caring adult who will give them a little direction. The ranch is part of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. “People think that they’re bad kids. These are not bad kids,” said Tony Kennedy, former ranch administrator and now president of Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children. “They’re just in bad circumstances. We have to prove to the kids that they’re capable. We have to prove to the kids that the talents they have are marketable. Once they get it, they do really well.” Some of the boys have parents or grandparents who for one reason or another say they can’t raise them, said ranch Administrator Brent Thackerson. Boys age 7 to 15 are accepted and may stay until they graduate from high school. “The kids that come here to live with us, we’re committed to them the rest of their lives,” Kennedy said. “As long as they desire to be a part of our family, we desire for them to be a part of that family.” The mission of the ranch has never changed, he said. “Through the years, the boys’ situations of needing homes, of needing an education, needing to know that somebody cares for them, needing safety, that’s remained constant,” he said. The ranch consists of cottages, each housing up to eight boys. A house mom and house dad live in each cottage. Boys attend Edmond Public Schools and are encouraged to participate in school activities including FFA, Junior
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN
AT A GLANCE BOYS RANCH TOWN
›
The northeast Edmond ranch typically takes in boys age 7 to 15 who might otherwise be homeless or troubled youths. It currently has 43 residents. It opened in 1953 and is part of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, an affiliate of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. The ranch is at 5100 SE 33. For more information, call 3413606 or go to www.obhc.org.
› › ›
ROTC, band and school-sponsored sports. When they’re in high school, the boys are encouraged to get a job and some even own cars, Thackerson said. Every year since 1971, Boys Ranch Town has presented an outdoor Christmas pageant. It’s a collection of 10 scenes that depict the life of Christ. “For our kids, people coming out to see them ... makes them feel special. It helps their self-esteem,” Thackerson said.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
33
Peppers Ranch helps keep siblings on site for services
AT A GLANCE PEPPERS RANCH
› › › ›
The ranch has 30 boys and girls from age 9 months to 13 years. It is at 3200 S Western, Guthrie. The first home opened in 2002. For more information, call 3488333 or go to peppersranch.com.
HEALTH | DIRECTOR SAYS FOSTER FAMILIES BENEFIT FROM SERVICES OFFERED BY COMMUNITY BY BRIAN SARGENT Staff Writer bsargent@opubco.com
GUTHRIE — Peppers Ranch easily could be mistaken for an upscale housing addition. It has several large houses measuring more than 4,000 square feet and has an agricultural center, basketball hoops, fish pond, horse barn, playground and soccer field on its property. The ranch west of Guthrie is more than it appears, however. Peppers Ranch, formerly a group home for older boys, is a full-fledged foster care community for girls and boys of all ages. Currently, 30 boys and girls from age 9 months to 13 years live among six families on the 240-acre ranch. Many of the children come from broken homes and are often victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, said Amber Given, Peppers Ranch program director. They often feel isolated and unaccepted in their homes and schools. “We want to break the cycle of neglect and abuse,” Given said. “We want these children to grow up to be healthy and happy. We want them to be wonderful moms and dads. We want them to be productive, independent. We want them to be people that care about their community and want to make positive contributions.” Given said it’s important to keep siblings together. “When they’re separated from them, they tend to lose focus on themselves and worry about what’s going on with everyone else. Here, they get to stay together,” she said. Services for foster families who live on the ranch include art therapy, tutoring, counseling and therapeutic riding. The ranch makes it easier for parents to focus on what the children need. “All of the services that we provide are intended to catch them up to their sameage peers and provide healing from that past trauma and abuse,” Given said.
34
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
A barn for lambs is being built at Peppers Ranch, a foster care community for girls and boys of all ages, west of Guthrie. PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
Amber Given, right, Peppers Ranch program director, talks to foster mother Anna Barlow at a home at the foster care ranch west of Guthrie. In addition to houses, the ranch has an agricultural center, basketball hoops, fish pond, horse barn, playground and soccer field. PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
35
SCHOOLS Edmond School Board
CHARLES WOODHAM
KATHLEEN DUNCAN
President District 1 920 Elmwood Edmond, OK 73013 Home: 340-2143 charles.woodham@cox.net
Vice President District 2 18616 Wolf Creek Drive Edmond, OK 73003 Home: 348-2514 kathleen38@cox.net
JAMIE UNDERWOOD
GEORGE COHLMIA
KEMP COLE
District 3 1412 Folkstone Edmond, OK 73034 Home: 341-4408 undmikjam@cox.net
District 4 14801 Carlingford Way Edmond, OK 73013 Home: 755-2822 cohlmia@cox.net
District 5 6525 Oak Heritage Edmond, OK 73003 Home: 359-0508 kempjcole@aol.com
AT A GLANCE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
6 p.m. the first Monday of each month, except holidays › When: Where: Edmond Public Schools Administration Building, 1001 W Danforth, › unless otherwise noted › More information: edmondschools.net
36
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Schools grow, change with community
Edmond students attend an assembly at Cheyenne Middle School, recognizing the school’s status as a National Blue Ribbon School. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN,
OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
EDUCATION | MEAL PROGRAM, SOME CAMPUSES WILL EXPAND BY JESSE OLIVAREZ Staff Writer jolivarez@opubco.com
EDMOND — The 2010-11 school year will bring several changes for students and teachers in Edmond Public Schools. Elementary students will get a taste of the changes on the first day of school. District officials plan to expand a pilot program started at Cross Timbers Elementary to all elementary schools this year. Last year, the Cross Timbers community was the site for a pilot food program that aims to serve healthier meals and increase the number of breakfast and lunch participants. The program was hailed as a success by school officials. Associate Superintendent Bret Towne said the number of adults eating at the school has risen by 256 percent. Student participation has increased by 15 percent. Towne credited the increased participation to the fresher food, which is prepared on site instead of being a reheated, prepackaged meal. District officials also plan to continue their efforts to keep up with the district’s growth. In the 2009-10 school year, the dis-
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
trict added 476 students, pushing total enrollment to 20,784. To stay ahead, school officials plan to expand eight schools. Among those are Centennial, Clegern, Cross Timbers, Ida Freeman, West Field and Will Rogers elementary schools. Randy Decker, the district’s director of personnel, said most of the growth is on the district’s west and north sides. The growth came in a year that projections had shown enrollment would begin to taper off. In 2007, the district hired a consulting firm to figure how much the district would grow during the next 10 years so the district could better prepare. The projections indicated the district would grow by about 350 students in the 2009-10 school year. As a result of the larger-than-expected increase, officials have had to step up plans to add new schools, Towne said. Now the district is looking at adding a new elementary school within the next three to four years and a middle school within the next five to six years. Both of those schools would be built on the district’s west side, Towne said. Should the rate of growth continue, Towne said the district would begin looking at adding a fourth high school, on the district’s east side, in about 10 years.
Above: Teacher Leann Taylor talks to fifth-graders at Edmond’s Cross Timbers Elementary School. PHOTO BY PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Left: Students line up to receive schedules and textbooks at Edmond Memorial High School at the start of the school year. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
37
N
Elementary school boundaries
N
Seward Forrest Hills Simpson
Waterloo/ NW 248 Sorghum Mill/ NW 234 Coffee Creek/ NW 220
West Field
15th/ NW 164
Angie Debo
33rd/ NW 150
Washington Ida Freeman Irving
Sunset
Will Rogers
Orvis Risner
Charles Haskell
Danforth/ NW 192 2nd/ Hwy 66
Northern Hills
15th/ NW 164 33rd/ NW 150
Chisholm
Memorial
1/2 mile
Westminister
Post
Douglas
M idwest
Air Depot
Sooner
Coltrane
Bryant
Eastern / Boulevard
Kelly
Santa Fe
Western
Pennsylvania
May
NW 122 Portland
Meridian
Anderson
Westminister
Post
Douglas
Midwest
Air Depot
Sooner
Coltrane
Bryant
Eastern / Boulevard
Kelly
Santa Fe
Western
May
Pennsylvania
NW 122 Portland
Meridian
1/2 mile
Covell/ NW 206
John Ross
Danforth/ NW 192 2nd/ Hwy 66
Memorial
Waterloo/ NW 248 Sorghum Mill/ NW 234 Coffee Creek/ NW 220
Centennial
Cross Timbers
Covell/ NW 206
Memorial High School
Simpson
Simmons
Simmons
Santa Fe High School
Forrest Hills
Charter Oak
Charter Oak
North High School
Seward
Anderson
High school boundaries
Oakdale School District K-8
Oakdale School District K-8 Seward
N
Middle school boundaries
Forrest Hills Simpson Charter Oak Simmons Waterloo/ NW 248 Sorghum Mill/ NW 234 Coffee Creek/ NW 220
Cheyenne Middle School
Covell/ NW 206
Sequoyah Middle School
Danforth/ NW 192 2nd/ Hwy 66
CentralMiddle School Summit Middle School
15th/ NW 164 33rd/ NW 150
Cimarron Middle School
Memorial
Anderson
Westminister
Post
Douglas
Midwest
Air Depot
Sooner
Coltrane
Bryant
Eastern / Boulevard
Kelly
Santa Fe
Western
Pennsylvania
May
NW 122 Portland
Meridian
1/2 mile
Oakdale School District K-8
38
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Bedtime stories? Students are dressed in their pajamas Dec. 18 at a reading challenge assembly at Deer Creek’s Grove Valley Elementary School. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Deer Creek School Board
JAMES L. BENSON
JOHN ROBERTSON
DAVID MILLER
President Seat 1 Term expires 2011 359-1884 sixftelf@aol.com
Vice President Seat 2 Term expires 2012 751-2257 jdrokc@cox.net
Clerk Seat 3 Term expires 2013 715-3335 millfarm@prodigy.net
AT A GLANCE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
›
6 p.m. the second Monday of each month, except holidays Deer Creek High School cafeteria, 6101 NW 206, unless otherwise noted. Website: www.deercreek schools.org
›
DANNY BARNES
KENNETH DENNIS
Deputy clerk Seat 4 Term expires 2014 341-4212 dbarnes31@cox.net
Seat 5 Term expires 2015 341-5272 kdennis@taparchitec ture.com
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
›
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
39
Deer Creek Schools hire superintendent BY JESSE OLIVAREZ
tween 10 and 11 percent each year. The once tiny school district now has more than 3,000 students. To keep up with the growth, district administrators brought a $142 million bond proposal before voters in November that aimed to increase the district’s student capacity. The bond measure included funds for a second middle school near Sorghum Mill Road and May Avenue. The $50 million school will have 30 classrooms, including two art rooms, computer labs and a band/choir room. The school also would get a gymnasium, media center and a cafeteria with a stage as well as athletic fields and facilities. Plans also call for the construction of a fifth elementary school near Rockwell and NW 150, a 50-classroom expansion at the high school and a $28 million performing arts and athletic center. Another $10 million would be used to
Staff Writer
Deer Creek Schools will start the 2010-11 school year with a new person at the helm. Sean McDaniel, a former superintendent of Coweta Schools, will lead the district into the next decade. He takes over for Superintendent Rebecca Wilkinson, who stepped down from the district’s top job after 12 years of service. McDaniel said he wants to build on the success the district has had and “take them to the next level.” He said he intends to keep the focus on the students and their well-being. “It’s not a matter of changing directions,” McDaniel said. “They’re heading in a great direction; it’s a matter of continuing to do the things they’ve done.” McDaniel will take over one of the fastest growing school districts in the state. Since 2002, the district has grown be-
buy new computers, classroom equipment and other digital devices. The middle school is the first of the projects scheduled to be built. School officials broke ground on the new school in April and hope to have the building complete by the fall of 2011. Jim Benson, who has served on the school board since 2001, predicted the
new schools and additions will spur a new boom of residential and commercial construction in the district. Benson said the new facilities likely will create more home construction, but he thinks it also will entice more businesses to move to the area. “I think this is a turning point for us,” he said.
Deer Creek Public Schools 2010-2011
NW 290 - Simpson NW 276 - Charter Oak NW 262 - Simmons
Deer Creek Middle School
Deer Creek High School
NW 248 - Waterloo
Deer Creek Middle School#2 Rose Union Board of Education
NW 234 - Sorghum Mill
Prairie Vale
NW 220 - Coffee Creek NW 206 - Covell
Grove Valley
NW 192 - Danforth NW 178 - Edmond NW 164 - W 15th
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Kelly
Santa Fe
Western
May
Portland
Meridian
MacArthur
R0ckwell
Council
unty Line
40
nsylvaina
Prairie Vale Rose Union Deer Creek Elementary Grove Valley
Deer Creek Elementary
NW 150 - W 33rd Memorial NW 122
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Schools find different ways to celebrate homecoming
Members of the freshman pom squad ride in a fire truck during the 2009 Edmond North High School homecoming parade. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
The Deer Creek Antlers mascot rides on the pom squad float during the 2009 Deer Creek High School homecoming parade. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Edmond Memorial High School students show their intention during their homecoming game against Del City High School. PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE Kristen Michael cheers her wolves during the 2009 Edmond Santa Fe High School homecoming parade. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
41
Baseball in Deer Creek takes a swing at fun
Carl Albert’s Jared Porter walks to the dugout after scoring a run against Deer Creek at Carl Albert during a high school baseball game. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Above: A player holds a baseball in a game between Deer Creek and Carl Albert high schools. Left: Deer Creek High School players watch the game from the dugout as the Antlers play Carl Albert during a spring game. PHOTOS BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
42
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
High school students raise nearly $1 million FROM STAFF REPORTS
They ran, sang, shaved their heads, stood on street corners and barked for money and took part in dozens of other crazy stunts to raise funds for good causes this year. Students at all three Edmond high schools learned this year that giving back means long hours and lots of labor, but they found joy in return. Edmond Memorial Edmond Memorial High School students smashed all fundraising records this year by raising more than $500,000 during the school’s annual Swine Week, benefiting The Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children. The students and faculty collected $527,704 through a variety of Swine Week events. Memorial student council adviser Bill Terry credited the students’ hard work. “We did not get a check for more than $2,500,” he said during this year’s final assembly. “That was the biggest check we got. The rest of it was nickels and dimes and dollars here and there.” Memorial student council President Hannah Van Meter said students were motivated after meeting some of the children fighting cancer who are treated at the center. “It really hits your heart because they are so amazing. For a child to have the disease that they have, you just want to do everything you can to save them,” said Van Meter. Dr. William Meyer, the director of the Everest center, said the half-million dollar donation is going to improve the lives of all the children treated at the center.
Edmond Memorial sophomore Will King, 16, stands at 15th Street and Bryant to raise money for Swine Week. Funds raised went to The Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Edmond Santa Fe Edmond Santa Fe High School students raised $160,035 during Double Wolf Dare Week to support the Make-AWish Foundation of Oklahoma. “We talk about scores, both test scores and game scores, and we talk about being better people, I promise you that the best thing you can do with your time for the rest of your lives is to do something for someone else,” school Principal Jason Brown said during this year’s closing
Ally Freeman buzzes the hair off of Tyler Segerstron during the final assembly of Double Wolf Dare Week at Edmond Santa Fe High School in March. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
SEE FUNDRAISERS, PAGE 44A
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
43
Fundraisers FROM PAGE 43A
ceremony. “This world will be a better place if it acted more like the students of Santa Fe High School this week.” The students set out to raise $115,000 for the organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. “They calculated with our totals last year that we could grant exactly 23 wishes and there are exactly 23 children in Edmond waiting to have their wish(es) granted,” Santa Fe senior class President Beth Juge said.
Edmond North Efforts to help the less fortunate left an indelible impression on students at Edmond North this school year. Students there raised almost $229,000 for Victory Junction Camp in North Carolina during their annual Bring A Light To Others campaign. The camp for special needs students was founded by race car driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, in memory of their son, Adam. The money North students raised will
44
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Edmond North’s Chris Lashley and his band perform during BALTO Week. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
be used to help special needs students from Oklahoma travel to and attend programs at the camp. Jillian Vaught, a junior and member of the school’s student council, said working on behalf of the charity changed her for the better. “If I hadn’t been a part of (BALTO) I don’t think I’d have the study skills I have now or the compassion to give back to others,” she said. “Obviously some of that is from my parents, but seeing the impact is so much more valuable. I know that I will forever look back on BALTO and see the difference it made and strive to make that difference again.”
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Oklahoma Christian boasts opportunities FROM STAFF REPORTS
Central Christian College opened its doors in 1950 to 97 students. Sixty years later, that small college has grown to become Oklahoma Christian University with more than 2,000 students on a 240-acre campus bordering south Edmond. Affiliated with the churches of Christ, Oklahoma Christian has 14 academic departments in three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Biblical Studies and the College of Professional Studies. Students can choose from more than 60 majors and 30 additional areas of study.
New forensic program This fall, Oklahoma Christian University will offer a bachelor of science major in forensic science, giving students the opportunity to work at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Science Center in Edmond.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
The university’s graduate degrees include the Master of Arts in Ministry, the Master of Divinity, the Master of Business Administration, and the Master of Science in Engineering.
Impressive numbers The achievements of Oklahoma Christian University’s students are exceptional. One hundred percent of history and political science students and language and literature students who apply to graduate school are accepted, according to school records. The school also boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for School of Education graduates. Oklahoma Christian University was named a “Best University–Master’s” in the West region in U.S. News and World Reports’ 2009 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” and designated as a Best Western College by the Princeton Review. For information about Oklahoma Christian University, go to www.oc.edu.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivers the commencement address at Oklahoma Christian University’s graduation ceremony in April. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
45
UCO looks to the future, respects the past FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — The University of Central Oklahoma is positioned for the future while still firmly rooted in the past. Founded in 1890, UCO is Oklahoma’s oldest institution of higher learning and is currently the state’s third largest university with nearly 16,000 students. UCO began as a teachers college but now offers an expanding list of courses designed to meet the changing employment opportunities. The Academy of Contemporary Music at UCO has teamed up with the Academy of Contemporary Music of London to offer a music education for those who want to be in the music business. The academy just celebrated its first graduating class and is seeking to expand its footprint in Bricktown. UCO also recently completed a worldclass institute dedicated to forensic science education across the street from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Science Center. The Forensic Science Institute is an inclusive training center teaching evidence collection, crime scene preservation, analysis and reporting. The UCO Jazz Lab has been noted as one of the best places in the Oklahoma City Metro Area for live jazz music and is home to the school’s Jazz Studies program. UCO is also an official training site for the U.S. Paralympics, with the men’s and women’s national sitting volleyball teams training on campus, along with Paralympic track and archery athletes. SportsEvents Magazine, a national
46
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
University of Central Oklahoma students walk to and from class. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Students walk past Old North during graduation ceremonies May 7 at the University of Central Oklahoma. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
publication, named UCO in “The Top 50 Places to Watch in 2010.” UCO’s athletic teams and cheer squad have won numerous national titles over the years while many of its graduates have won academic awards and become outstanding leaders in the community. For more information about UCO, go to www.uco.edu.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
UCO graduates are heading off to a whole new world
University of Central Oklahoma student Brad Sanders takes a picture of Old North during May graduation ceremonies. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
University of Central Oklahoma conferred degrees to 1,976 graduates, including 481 summer 2010 graduates, representing the university’s five colleges during commencement ceremonies in May. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
47
48
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
49
Festival showcases international flavors BY JENEFAR DE LEON Staff Writer
EDMOND — University of Central Oklahoma students celebrate culture and diversity with lively music and exotic food from all over the world each year at the annual International Food Festival. The International Student Council this year featured food from China, Europe, India, Iran, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The event also featured booths from UCO’s Asian American Student Association, French Club, International Christian Student Organization and United Nations Student Alliance Group. Proceeds went to help the various international organizations at UCO. “Food brings people together,” said Glenn Freeman, advisor for international students. “It gives our students the opSEE INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 51A
50
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Rayan Alharbi, of Saudi Arabia, takes part in the International Food Festival at the University of Central Oklahoma. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
International: UCO fest spotlights diverse cultures FROM PAGE 50A
portunity to share their culture with other students and talk to one another about their heritage.” Nineteen international organizations participated, making this the largest event of the year for the council, Freeman said. UCO this year had 1,028 international students from 96 countries, records show. Alexis Weddle, European Student Association adviser, said she loves to see UCO students of different cultures come together to celebrate great food and music not available in many restaurants. “It gives my students and me the chance to celebrate and become aware of the different cultures UCO has,” she said. “We have a great time sharing our dishes with others and learning about other cultures at the same time.” The UCO International Student Council is always looking to promote diversity on campus, Freeman said. The council also held the Mr. and Ms. UCO International Pageant in March. “This gives our organizations the opportunity to promote our mission once
Sophomore Ayumi Kugai serves a rice dessert at the International Food Festival at the University of Central Oklahoma. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
again,” Freeman said. “We want to continue to bring awareness that UCO is made up of different people from a variety of backgrounds and help promote the different cultures we have.”
OC gaming program is in top 50 BY TIM HENLEY Staff Writer
Oklahoma Christian University was named to the list of the top 50 gaming programs in the United States and Canada this year. The university is the only institution in the state to make the list compiled by The Princeton Review and GamePro magazine. Five hundred institutions that offer game-design programs were evaluated for the list. Criteria included the quality of the curriculum, faculty, facilities and infrastructure, according to The Princeton Review website. Scholarships, financial aid and career opportunities also were taken into consideration.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
OC offers a bachelor of arts degree in gaming and animation. As part of the program, students learn problemsolving skills related to visual communication, animation and graphic design. University staff designed the program after reviewing programs at institutions across the country, gaming program adviser Jeff Price said. “We have access to software that used to be available only at large gaming companies,” Price said. “Students don’t have to move to Florida or L.A. anymore.” Price said he views the university’s inclusion on the list as an accomplishment, but his goal is for OC to be ranked in the top eight. The top eight are considered “the best of the best,” according to the Princeton Review website. The remaining 42 are unranked in alphabetical order.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
51
52
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute is now the focal point of the campus from Second Street. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
UCO helps carve out forensic science niche BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — A new dome at the entrance of the University of Central Oklahoma greets visitors to the university’s Forensic Science Institute. More than 200 undergraduate students and about 40 graduate students started classes in January in the $12 million building. The institute has about 10 staff members who provide training and education in research and in all aspects of evidence collection, preservation, analysis, reporting and testimony. An official opening of the institute in March brought more than 100 people Director Dwight Adams called friends and associates. Law enforcement officials and criminal investigators from the federal to the state level joined area legislators and city officials at the gathering. “Our degree program here at UCO is both unique and innovative,” Adams told the group. “This program is not found anywhere else in the country. We owe a lot of thanks to those friends and associates.” This is the second link in building a hub for the forensic science community in Edmond. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center that opened in May 2008 is across the
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
street from the institute. There is now a push by Edmond officials to move the state medical examiner’s office from Oklahoma City to Edmond. Several mentions of the medical examiner coming to Edmond — a desired third link in the forensic science niche — brought cheers and clapping from those at the opening. Adams, the former director of the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Va., returned to the Edmond campus 3½ years ago with a mission to create an institute where students are educated and professionals continue their training. Adams is a UCO graduate. Roger Webb, UCO president, said, “To some, this was ambitious and not in keeping with reality. Why not Oklahoma? “What the students are learning here is to learn the truth so the scales of justice can be balanced. We have no idea where science and technology will take us in the future. “We do know that the criminals and terrorists will be here. That is why a program like this is important,” Webb said. Law enforcement officers from OSBI and Oklahoma City and Edmond police departments work in the AT&T lab that is fully operational now, Adams said. The officers are working actual cases from Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and other states.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
53
OC has bachelor’s degree in forensic science studies BY RON FROST NewsOK.com Contributor
Oklahoma Christian University this fall will offer a bachelor of science major in forensic science. Bill Luttrell, chairman of the school’s chemistry and physics department, said the field of forensic science has been growing in popularity with students. “The interest level among students has been rising since we began offering summer forensic science workshops several years ago,” Luttrell said. “This degree will prepare our students for entry-level positions in the forensic science profession or graduate school.” OC’s laboratories recently were renovated and additional lab renovations will be completed this fall, Luttrell said. The instructors will include Luttrell, a toxicologist who has written a toxicology textbook and regularly publishes toxicology technical papers; Howard Vogel,
54
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
who has a doctorate in analytical chemistry and experience in arson investigation; Len Feuerhelm, who has a doctorate of physics degree and a law degree and once worked for the CIA; and Amanda Nichols, who has a doctorate in chemistry and is an inorganic chemist with interests in forensic science. “We will use our existing chemistry core curriculum, three current forensic science courses, introduction to forensic science, forensic analysis and practicum in forensic science, along with two new courses — forensic science and the law, and forensic toxicology — to complete the major,” Luttrell said. The school has a working relationship with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center in Edmond, where three OC students are currently interning, he said. For more information, go to oc.edu. Ron Frost is a spokesman for OC.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
55
UCO to host 2010 Endeavor Games FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — The 2010 Endeavor Games for athletes with physical disabilities will be June 10-13 at the University of Central Oklahoma. The Endeavor Games are sponsored by the U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The event features various clinics for new athletes or competitors looking to hone their skills. Members of the military’s Paralympics program also participate. Athletes participate in multiple adaptive sports including track and field, wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor archery, outdoor archery, sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, table tennis and power lifting. Clinics will be available in ambulatory and wheelchair track and field, indoor
56
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
archery, cycling, rowing, sitting volleyball, shooting, strength and conditioning, and power lifting. The first adaptive rock-climbing clinic will be June 11 at Rocktown Climbing Gym in Oklahoma City. That same day, the opening celebration for the Endeavor Games will be at the Oklahoma City RedHawks game in conjunction with Limbs for Life. All participants will receive free admission to the game. More than 400 athletes and 300 volunteers are expected to participate in the games this year, said Leigha Joiner, event specialist for UCO’s Wellness Center. The annual games were held for the first time in 2000 at UCO, according to information from the university. Seven SEE ENDEAVOR, PAGE 57A
Cody McCasland, 7, of Colleyville, Texas, dives into the pool during the 10th annual Endeavor Games at the University of Central Oklahoma. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
A member of the Kinetic Kids Hawks puts up a shot over a Tulsa Reds player during the 2008 Endeavor Games at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Endeavor: More than 400 athletes ready to compete sports were featured with 119 athletes FROM PAGE 56A
from seven states and Australia participating. In 2009, 402 participants competed in 12 sports, traveling from 33 states, plus the District of Columbia, Spain, England and Puerto Rico. “This year we’re hoping for about the same number of athletes,” Joiner said. “We’ll have 75 military, coming with the
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
paralympic military program.” Partly because of the games, UCO received a Readers Choice Award from Sports Events Magazine as a “Place to Watch” in 2010. UCO was nominated for hosting events for athletes with physical disabilities including the Endeavor Games and the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships. For more information about this year’s games, go to ucoendeavorgames.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
57
HOW WE LIVE Softball field work will bring in games BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — A “ceremonial first pitch” was thrown during an Edmond City Council meeting in February after $624,754 was approved to spend for design work on eight softball fields. Councilman Wayne Page threw the autographed softball to Assistant City Manager Steve Commons, who has been
58
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
instrumental in getting work started on the new softball fields that will be in the city’s new community park. The fourth community park will be built on the northeast corner of Post Road and State Highway 66. The softball, bearing signatures of council members and some questionable autographs by some baseball greats, will be used for the first pitch that is thrown SEE SOFTBALL, PAGE 59A
AT A GLANCE ADULT SOFTBALL HAS VARIETY OF LEAGUES
Terry Smith pitches during an Edmond Adult Softball Association game at the Bickham Softball Complex.
Edmond Adult Softball promotes slow pitch softball as a recreation in the city of Edmond. The Association is governed by a volunteer board. There are leagues for men’s church, co-ed church, men’s open and co-ed open divisions. The summer league consists of 18 games and the fall league consists of a 14 game schedule. Games are played Monday through Friday nights. For more information, go to edmondadultsoftball.com.
OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTO
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Cameron Higginbothan tries to catch a fly ball during an Edmond Adult Softball Association game at Bickham Softball Complex in Edmond. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTO
Softball: Sales tax money is building the eight fields FROM PAGE 58A
in the first games on the new fields. Page said he collected signatures on the softball for more than a year. “I have been waiting a long time,” Page said. “I thought this day would never come.” Council members unanimously approved the $624,754 contract with Jacob Engineering Inc. for design work. Money for the contract will come out of the 2000 capital improvement sales tax. City officials are planning to spend $4 million of the special sales tax to build the fields. The new community park will be built in phases. A master plan for the entire park was completed last year at a cost of $45,920. The softball fields may be completed in 2011. Commons was hesitant to give a time frame for the project because a portion of the park will be in a floodplain and will require approval from the Feder-
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
Edmond Councilman Wayne Page collected signatures on a softball that will be used for the first pitch on one of eight new softball fields the city is building. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF EDMOND
al Emergency Management Agency. The new fields will replace four fields at Bickham Softball Complex, near Danforth Road and Midwest Boulevard. City officials are considering renovating the Bickham fields for other sports.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
59
Edmond parks
Western
Post
Douglas
Midwest
Coffee Creek
26 25 17
35
Covell
9
6 15
Broadway Extension
14 13 12 18 2 27 3
24
Danforth
11 5
8
28
Edmond
4
22 1 15th
16
19 20
10
21 33rd
7 Memorial
Sidney Baker, 6, prepares to hit the water at the bottom of the slide at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center in Edmond.
Air Depot
Sooner
Coltrane
Bryant
Boulevard
Santa Fe
Kelly
Sorghum Mill
23
1. E.C. Hafer & A.C. Caplinger Sports Complex 2. Chitwood Park 3. Stephenson Park 4. Fink Park 5. Shannon Miller Park 6. Kelly Park 7. Whispering Heights Park 8. Johnson Park 9. Brookhaven park 10. Ted Anderson Park 11. Gossett Park 12. Meadowlakes Park 13. Service Blake Soccer Field 14. Westborough Park 15. Centennial Park 16. Clegern Park 17. Mitch Park 18. Penick Park 19. Central State Park 20. Spring Creek Park 21. Scissortail Park 22. Edmond Park 23. Arcadia Lake Park Office 24. Bickham Softball Complex 25. Senior Center 26. MAC 27. Festival Market Place 28. Community park (yet to be named)
PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
For summer fun, park it right here FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Think of the word park and you might imagine a place with playground equipment for children. Think of an Edmond park and you can envision walking trails, a place for music under the stars and large pavilions for families to gather on a summer day. Edmond has 26 city parks, spread over 1,300 acres from neighborhood parks to Arcadia Lake, said the city’s Parks and Recreation Director Jim Bowlin. The city also boasts a number of athletic complexes, many of which are being updated this year. Bowlin said the city also is on the verge of updating the city’s Parks Master Plan to meet the needs of a growing population. Right now, parks are spots for yearround fun, from winter sledding to fall festivals, but summer is particularly
60
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
busy. Pelican Bay Aquatic Center opened Memorial Day weekend and features a new drop slide. Also new this year are recreational and inner-tube water polo, in addition to traditional swimming, lifeguard and other classes for all ages. And don’t miss movie nights, where family friendly flicks are shown under the stars for visitors floating or swimming nearby. Walking and biking trails lined by thousands of tulips, daffodils and jonquils are at Mitch, Fink, E.C. Hafer and Bickham-Rudkin parks. Bickham-Rudkin Park also is home to Edmond’s popular dog park and the Margaret Annis Boys Centennial Arboretum, otherwise known as the tree museum. For those who love to ride horses, SEE PARKS, PAGE 61A
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Parks: Events planned through summer FROM PAGE 60A
there are horse trails at Arcadia Lake. The lake also features hiking and offroad bicycle trails as well as fishing and swimming areas. Plans are under way for Carl Reherman Park at the lake, where a boat ramp, picnic pavilion, fishing dock and picnic spots are planned. Edmond Farmers Market at Festival Market Place is a popular spot to find fresh produce and garden items on Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer and into the fall.
The Kids All-American Fishing Derby takes place at Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park on June 5. Family Fun Nights are scheduled through September at KickingBird Golf Club, where families can play nine holes at greatly reduced rates. Summerstock Productions in partnership with University of Central Oklahoma will present “Oliver!” and “All Shook Up” at J.L. Mitch Park Amphitheater this summer.
The second annual Cardboard Boat Regatta will be in August at Arcadia Lake, and concerts in the park will be weekly throughout the summer and fall at E.C. Hafer Park. And don’t forget about classes at the Multi-Activity Center in J.L. Mitch Park — sewing, archery, arts and crafts for all ages. For more information about parks or to rent a park pavilion, call 359-4630 or go to edmondok.com/parks.
The shores of Arcadia Lake are lined with young fishermen during the 2009 Kids All-American Fishing Derby. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
61
KickingBird Golf Club focuses on family fun FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Municipally-owned KickingBird Golf Club, at 1600 E Danforth Road, was Edmond’s first golf course. The 6,700-yard course was redesigned by touring professional Mark Hayes and features wide, tree-lined fairways and gently contoured greens, twenty traps and two water hazards, according to the city’s website. The course offers several Family Fun Nights throughout the summer and fall, where families can play nine holes and pay only $6 green fees and $6 cart rentals. Special junior tees are set up and a free putting course is offered, as well as $2 range tokens and food and beverage discounts. Future fun nights are June 19, July 24, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. The 2010 E.C. Hafer Junior Golf Program also is taught during the summer. The program offers one week of instruction for one hour a day and is limited to eight students per instructor. Weeks will be June 14-18, June 28-July 2, July 12-16 and July 26-30.
A golfer lines up his shot.
62
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
From left, Aaron, Halle, Grae, Kelli and Gere Ginsberg are on the first tee during a Family Fun Night at KickingBird Golf Club in Edmond. PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Several championship tournaments — for juniors, boys, parents and children, and couples — will be played this summer. In addition to regular tee times during the day, the course also offers twilight golf rates after 4 p.m. from March to October and after 2 p.m. from November through February. For more information or tee times, call 341-5350.
PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
330 lacrosse players can’t be wrong BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
TO LEARN MORE
EDMOND — City council members this year turned over the operation of the community’s lacrosse program to the Edmond Lacrosse Club, a parent and booster volunteer group. The program, which has been run by the city’s parks and recreation department, started in 2006 with 100 players. Now in the fifth year, the program has more than 330 players. “In the last three years we have really come on strong,” said Johnny Beech, an Edmond Lacrosse Club board member. “It is the fastest growing sport on two feet.” Assistant City Manager Steve Commons said, “This activity has grown in its participation and the parents associated with the club want to expand the program.” Boys and girls, from the first grade up to high school seniors, play the
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
For more information, go to www.edmondlacrosse.com.
sport. High school boys play in a multi-city league.
League agreement Council members signed an agreement with the Edmond Lacrosse Club in March. City officials will spend $5,000 to maintain the fields at Kelly Avenue and Covell Road in J.L. Mitch Park and provide portable toilets. The agreement is for five years and can be renewed, Commons said. It is similar to those with the Edmond Soccer Association and the Rugby Club. “We appreciate the opportunity this gives and the way you work with us,” Mayor Patrice Douglas said.
Players scrimmage during an Edmond Lacrosse Club practice. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
63
64
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
For players, rugby more than a sport BY MEREDITH MORIAK Staff Writer
EDMOND — Skyler Godwin had always been interested in rugby — a game of organized chaos that involves 15 players — but until several years ago, he never had an outlet. “I played soccer for five years, and I was always getting yellow cards and stuff because I wanted more contact in it,” he said. The Edmond North High School student got the opportunity to play rugby in 2007 when Edmond resident Greg McFadden helped establish the Edmond Storm. “My main goal for starting it was to give kids that didn’t make a team or wanted to try something different, an opportunity,” said McFadden, a lifelong rugby player who played for New Zealand’s under-19 national team and Oklahoma City Rugby Club. McFadden wasn’t the first to bring rugby to Oklahoma high school students. It began in 1999 in Tulsa with the formation of the Oklahoma Green Country High School Rugby League, said President Gary Crews. Today, there are 10 teams in the state, including Edmond. “We have a lot of kids that aren’t physically developed enough to play on the high school football team, and rugby provides a good physical alternative,” Crews said. For Godwin, rugby is more than a sport; it’s his passion, and he plans to continue playing after high school. He has created strong friendships with his teammates and occasionally subs for other teams, such as University of Central Oklahoma. “It’s a great atmosphere,” the Edmond Rugby Club captain said. “You become like brothers, and that’s mainly what I love about the sport.” The relationship among rugby players is different from other sports and is “more about camaraderie than beating rival teams,” Godwin said. “After the game you get with the guy on their team that plays your position and ask, ‘How did I do?’ and get advice,” Crews said. “It’s a real way to learn and
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
A rugby match at Mitch Park. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
TO LEARN MORE For more information about the club, go to edmondrugbyclub.com.
promote the camaraderie and the gentleman part of the sport.” Since the team formed in 2007, it hasn’t seen the growth McFadden had hoped. The club this season had about 25 members. McFadden said low participation may be attributed to the violent stigma associated with the sport. However, Crews said there are very few injuries. “We teach them the right techniques for how to play, so you don’t get a lot of injuries,” McFadden said.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
65
Plans for rec center, pool move ahead BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — City officials are partnering with the Edmond YMCA to build a recreational center and swimming pool at the city’s MultiActivity Center, a wish voiced by Edmond taxpayers in 2000. The $12 million center will have a gymnasium, family aquatic swimming pool, walking track and fitness center. Final details on the partnership are being completed. Assistant City Manager Steve Commons said the YMCA and the city each will contribute $6 million to construct the center. The city’s portion is in the bank. It comes from a special sales tax passed in 2000 earmarked for capital improvements. The city will own the building, but the YMCA will lease it for 20 years. The YMCA will pay for all the operating expenses of the building and take care of its regular maintenance, Commons said. “The city will be responsible for the structural integrity of the building and the exterior care of the building and grounds,” Commons said. Mike Roark, YMCA executive director, told city council members in April the YMCA is in agreement with the city. Edmond Public Schools were a potential partner in the original project that called for a competition pool. The schools contributed $15,000 to a study of the feasibility and cost of a concept plan. But the schools are not in a financial position to proceed with the project at this time, officials said. Commons said plans for the building will include future expansion if the schools decide to come on board with a competition swimming pool. Mayor Patrice Douglas said the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University also were asked to be part of the project, but declined.
Swimmers take a water aerobics class at the Edmond YMCA. Officials are seeking to build a recreational center and pool at the Multi-Activity Center. PHOTOS BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
66
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Soccer club sets goal of hosting tournament BY JESSE OLIVAREZ Staff Writer
EDMOND — Members of the Edmond Soccer Club hope to host a state regional soccer tournament next year after three new soccer fields open later this summer. The fields are under construction at Service-Blake Soccer Complex, 1502 W Danforth Ave., and are expected to be completed by August. The complex is operated by the club. The city bought 11.35 acres for the expansion in 2008 at a cost of $1.5 million. “The city of Edmond has been terrific and supportive of Edmond soccer,” said Russell Lissuzzo, president of the Edmond Soccer Club. “Without their support we would not have the three new fields that will provide additional opportunities for Edmond soccer and its community.” An estimated 3,500 children play Katie Gilbert warms up during Edmond each year on the existing 13 soccer Soccer Club’s Girls’ Beat The Heat fields, said Steve Commons, Ed- Tournament. mond’s assistant city manager. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE With 16 fields, the city will be able to attract regional soccer tournaments, which will benefit players and their BACKGROUND families who now travel to other host cities, Lissuzzo said. EDMOND SOCCER CLUB Lissuzzo is talking with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce about Edmond Soccer Club is a nonprofit hosting a regional tournament in 2011. organization, formed in 1978 to proThe new fields will include parking, mote soccer to young people in the a new east entrance, bleachers, conEdmond and Oklahoma City metro cessions area and restrooms. Future area. The club is organized and operplans call for new lighting, Commons ated by parent volunteers. Activities said. include conducting fall and spring “There was a growing need for rectseasons of play each year, maintaining and upgrading the soccer comangle fields,” Commons said. “Beside plex, hosting summer camps and soccer, we have rugby players, for insponsoring tournaments. stance, that will also benefit from the fields.”
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
Above: Children practice ball control exercises during the Edmond Soccer Club’s camp for boys and girls. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Left: Dillon Noble, right, and Alex Jackson, both of Edmond, practice at the city’s soccer fields at Santa Fe and Danforth avenues. PHOTO BY JOHN CLANTON, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
ONLINE For more information and a list of summer camps and tournament, go to www.edmondsoccer.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
67
68
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Arts festival remains a May highlight FROM STAFF REPORTS
In Edmond, the first weekend of May and the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival are synonymous. Held annually, the festival had a record year in 2010, showcasing more than 120 artists. Organizers estimate more than 40,000 people came out during the three-day event this year. Complete with art sales, musical performances, food vendors, wine tasting and activities for children — face painting, inflatables, rock-climbing and pony rides — the festival is a great way to get the family outdoors and enjoy the arts. The 32nd annual festival will be May 6-8. The festival starts at Broadway and Second Street and continues north for three blocks. The festival is sponsored by the Downtown Edmond Business Association. For more information, go to www. downtownedmondok.com.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
Jamie Conerly looks over the blown glass art by Tom Retz, of Wichita, Kansas, during the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
69
Art can be a treat for children, too
Ethan Anaya, 5, plays among the yard art during the festival. PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
70
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Fayth Stingley, 5, eyes the glass cupcakes made by Blue Sage Studios while eating ice cream. PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Community keeps women’s club busy FROM STAFF REPORTS
Tana Frazier and Kristyn Grewell decorate the tree for the 2009 Edmond Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour, a fundraiser for the club’s scholarships and grants program.
EDMOND — The Edmond Women’s
Club is made up of community-spirited women who each year raise money for grants and scholarships that help individuals and organizations throughout Edmond. The club, in its 27th year, also gives the women an opportunity for fellowship. This year, the club gave grants to organizations including Edmond Mobile Meals, which provides hot, nutritious lunches to homebound residents. Members volunteered at UR Special, an Edmond nonprofit that provides new clothing several times a year for at-risk children. Members helped host a Valentine’s Day party for Employment and Residential Centers of Edmond, a nonprofit that provides a better quality of life and encourages greater independence to people with developmental disabilities. The Masked Mardi Gras Ball Reunion
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Jake McKiddie, Amanda Degand and Keri Gelvin load food for an Edmond Women’s Club fundraiser benefiting Edmond Mobile Meals. PHOTO PROVIDED
took place in February, a fundraiser for the club’s scholarships and grants distribution program. In November, the club held a Holiday Home Tour and Winter Market, another fundraiser.
The club in April co-sponsored “It’s a Girl Thing!,” a seminar for girls in the seventh and eighth grades and their mothers to help them deal with problems faced during preteen and teen years.
Also in April, the club accepted applications for new members and installed its board for the 2010-11 year. For more information about the club, go to ewc.org.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
71
Programs take children back in time BY JOHN A. WILLIAMS Staff Writer jwilliams@opubco.com
EDMOND — The Edmond Historical Society & Museum offers several summer programs for children. Christine Gibson, the museum’s special projects manager said the fourth annual “Night at the Museum: GONE WILD” will be from 6 to 11 p.m. June 25. The number of children age 6 to 12 who can attend is limited, so sign up early. The event will be a wild time featuring real exotic animals from Extreme Animals, a safari scavenger hunt, games, food and a showing of the movie “Night at the Museum.” Registration must be made by June 18, and the cost is $15 per child. Also, the 1889 Summer Camp at the 1889 Territorial School is back. There will be two camp sessions, June 810 and July 6-8. Children will learn what it was like to write in pen and ink and sit in an 1889 schoolroom led by a schoolmarm. The camp is for children age 6 to 12. The registration is $30 per child for one session, and again, spots are limited. Aside from the children’s programs, the museum features regular free exhibits. Through June 10, patrons can still catch “A Dose of History: The History of Edmond’s Medicine.” The permanent collection at the museum is arranged in chronological order from the early days when Edmond was a coal and water stop for the Santa Fe Railroad, through the Land Run of 1889, the building years in the early 1900s, up through the present, according to the museum’s website.
72
Grayson Boyer, 9, collects school books during a 1889 School Camp sponsored by the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTOS
IF YOU GO
HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM Edmond Historical Society & Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information about camps or programs, call Christine Gibson at 340-0078 or e-mail cgibson@coxinet.net. For more information about the museum, go to edmondhistory.org.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
July 4 celebration fills 2 weeks with fun in Edmond
Above: Chelan Pogue finishes her chalk art during the 2009 Chalk-ItUp festivities during LibertyFest. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Edmond residents have found a way to stretch the Fourth of July holiday into a two-week affair — with events including kite flying, chalk art contests, a car show, a sampling of Edmond’s best cuisine, and of course, a parade and fireworks show. This year is no exception. Edmond’s LibertyFest starts June 26 with the annual car show, KiteFest and rodeo. The event will be capped July 10 by a scholarship pageant. Edmond has been selected as one of the top 10 places to be in America on July 4 by CNN and USA Today. Event organizers estimate LibertyFest draws 125,000 attendees annually and is produced by more than 500 volunteers.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
AT A GLANCE OTHER EVENTS
›
The annual road rally, where teams compete in a moving scavenger hunt; A Taste of Edmond, where Edmond restaurants showcase their finest cuisine; Concert in the Park; Chalk-It-Up, a chalk art contest; Fourth of July Parade, which promises more than 100 entries; ParkFest at University of Central Oklahoma; Fireworks show, which organizers claim is the largest display in the Oklahoma City metro area.
› › › › › ›
ONLINE For a full list of LibertyFest events, go to libertyfest.org.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
73
Christmas lights adorn historic buildings in downtown Edmond.
PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Downtown Edmond keeps culture, beauty FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — While many cities see blight in their downtown areas as housing and shopping grow outward, Edmond’s downtown has stayed a vital, cultural part of the city. Visitors to downtown Edmond will find antiques, art collectibles, furniture, electronics and appliances, home accessories, unique gifts, attorneys, a travel agency, a full-service bank, clothing and jewelry stores, hair and nail salons, restaurants, a library, post office and more. And the area is home to a host of annual events. Later this month and in July, LibertyFest events will be held. In July, merchants will have their annual Krazy Daze sidewalk sale. In the fall, children can take part in Trick or Treat on the Street and the Fam-
74
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
ily Fall Festival at Festival Market Place. Downtown in December events also draw a large crowd each year. Each week from April through October, visitors can buy fresh produce and garden items at the Farmers Market at Festival Market Place. Each May, art lovers can browse the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival. Through these events and others, the Downtown Edmond Business Association has been able to keep visitors coming to downtown Edmond and leaving with a positive experience. The association has more than 50 member businesses, whose dues provide funds to promote and beautify downtown. The area is pedestrian friendly, with wide, tree-lined sidewalks and quaint brick streets. For more information on downtown, go to downtownedmondok.com.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Chamber works toward many goals FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — The Edmond Area Cham-
ber of Commerce celebrated its 103rd anniversary this year. The 1,100-member organization provides many networking opportunities for its members throughout the year, whether it’s at monthly business after hours, morning mingles, lunch and learns, Edmond Young Professionals’ events or at annual fundraisers such as the auction or the golf tournament. The chamber also represents business interests to government, creating an annual agenda of items it will present to area legislators and hosting several legislative functions each year, allowing members to hear progress on their initiatives. Members also work to enhance economic development opportunities in the community, board members say. In the 2010 business plan, board Chairman Tim Deimund listed his goals for the year as being to grow the number
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
TO LEARN MORE For more information about the chamber, call 341-2808 or go to www.edmondchamber.com.
of volunteers for the Total Resource Campaign, which raised almost $191,000 for the chamber last year; to continue to provide great networking events, the No. 1 request of chamber members; see the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan for members come to fruition; and increase the Chamber’s involvement in governmental relations. The chamber offers many councils in which its members can get involved, from its small business council, to its sustainable green business council to its women’s networking council, to name a few. The chamber’s offices are at 825 E Second St.
Rick Metheny, Intrust Bank, putts as team members Scott Overstreet, Mike Scheitzach and Billy Harris, from left, watch during the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Golf tournament at Coffee Creek Golf Course in May. PHOTO BY DAVID MCDANIEL, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
75
Hall of Fame honors Edmond’s finest
Rita Aragon Retired Oklahoma Air National Guard major general
Dr. Krista Jones Past president of the Oklahoma Dental Association
BY JOHN A. WILLIAMS Staff Writer jwilliams@opubco.com
EDMOND — The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding Edmond residents every five years by inducting them into the Edmond Hall of Fame. The chamber honored six individuals at the 2010 Edmond Hall of Fame banquet at Oak Tree Country Club. This year’s inductees are retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon, Dr. Krista Jones, City Councilman Charles Lamb, professional golfer Doug Tewell, Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn and the late superintendent of the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Bruce Gray. “Edmond has had a history of having leaders who have not only served our community but have left their mark on our state and our nation. This year’s honorees have given of themselves on an
Charles Lamb Edmond city councilman for four terms
international, national, state and local level,” said chamber President Ken Moore. Aragon became the first woman to hold the rank of brigadier general in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and was named the first female commander of the Air National Guard in 2003, according to the National Guard Bureau. Jones has practiced dentistry in Edmond for 28 years and was inaugurated as the 101st and only the second woman president of the Oklahoma Dental Association in 2007. Lamb has served four terms on the council and has won numerous awards and recognitions. He has been a board member and served as chairman of the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. Tewell started on the PGA tour in 1975 and has finished first on the Champions Tour eight times, according to pgatour. com. District 3 County Commissioner
Doug Tewell Professional golfer who started on the PGA tour in 1975
Ray Vaughn Oklahoma County District 3 commissioner
Vaughn is an attorney and served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Gray served as superintendent of Francis Tuttle Technology Center until
Bruce Gray Late superintendent of Francis Tuttle Technology Center
his death in 1997. Gray also served on the Edmond Economic Development Authority Board and Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
Edmond has had a history of having leaders who have not only served our community but have left their mark on our state and our nation.” KEN MOORE
EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT
76
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
77
Center gives hope to clients in need FROM STAFF REPORTERS
EDMOND — Edmond’s HOPE Center helps people with a variety of needs, from food, to clothing, to household items and financial assistance for rent and utilities. HOPE stands for Help Our People in Emergencies. The HOPE Center, 1251 N Broadway, in 2008 provided assistance to more than 18,000 people. Specifically, the center assisted more than 4,900 clients with utility and rent payments and 9,196 individuals with food. The center’s prenatal clinic saw 61 babies born and provided nutritional counseling and education to more than 3,800 women, infants and children. The center has regular food, clothing and diaper drives to assist its clients. Edmond’s HOPE Center each year also gives away basic school supplies — book bags, pencils and crayons, even new shoes — to children in kindergarten through 12th grade who’s families are in need. HOPE Center Executive Director
78
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Chris Sperry said the nonprofit helped 1,285 students receive supplies before the start of the 2008 school year. Each student last year also got a $15 voucher toward the purchase of a pair of shoes at either of the two Payless ShoeSource stores in Edmond. The HOPE Center also provides its clients access to free bus tickets. Clients use these bus tickets to assist in their efforts to find and/or maintain employment, seek medical care and other local transportation needs. Community Development Block Grant Funds are used for the center’s medical clinic to assist qualifying persons who are either uninsured or underinsured and have no means to pay for prescriptions or lab costs. The center also operates the HOPEfully Yours resale shop, at 908 N Broadway, which generates revenue to fund the prenatal clinic and to purchase the milk, fruit, meat and other perishable items that are included in food packages for clients.
TO LEARN MORE For more information about Edmond’s HOPE Center, go to www.hopecenterofedmond.com.
HOPE Center staff member Cheryl Woods, second from left, explains the food-sorting technique to volunteers Paige Sims, left, John Wall and Shane Sims during the Thanksgiving food drive. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
79
New growers to join farmers market BY JOHN A. WILLIAMS Staff Writer jwilliams@opubco.com
EDMOND — Fresh produce, greens, organic beef and lamb, as well as bedding plants, yard and garden items and handmade crafts are available at the Edmond Farmers Market, which is from April through October at Festival Market Place. This year’s market includes a few changes, said Summer Terrell, Festival Market Place coordinator. For one, new vendors have been added. “We have some new local produce growers who will be joining us once they’re ready for harvest,” she said. Also, a new volunteer program called “Friends of the Edmond Market” was rolled out. “For anyone who volunteers and gives us at least 12 hours throughout the season, they are eligible for special volunteer-only benefits such as free
items, samples, discounts from participating vendors at the market,” Terrell said. Anyone interested in the volunteer program can sign up at the Farmers Market or at the Edmond Parks and Recreation office in the Multi-Activity Center in J.L. Mitch Park at 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive. Another new program, “Community Corner,” offers one market space per week free of charge to local nonprofit organizations to offer materials or use as a fundraiser. A return feature this year is the junior market, which allows those younger than 17 the opportunity sell the wares in discounted vendor space on Wednesdays during the summer months. In years past, offerings have included homemade jewelry, baked goods and T-shirts. The Edmond Farmers Market began in 1988. In 2004, the market moved to Festival Market Place at the northwest corner of Second Street and Broadway.
Marguerite Holloway, left, and Pam Berryman look for herbs at the Edmond Farmers Market. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
IF YOU GO The Edmond Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays from June through September and will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October.
TO LEARN MORE For more information about the Edmond Farmers Market or to become a vendor, call 359-4630 or e-mail summer.terrell@edmondok.com.
80
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Auto enthusiasts check out cars during Route 66 Classics in the Park in September at E.C. Hafer Park. This annual event benefits Edmond Family Counseling. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
Counseling center plans fundraisers FROM STAFF REPORTS
BACKGROUND
EDMOND — Edmond Family Counsel-
ing is a nonprofit organization that provides individual, couples and family counseling to the Edmond community. The organization also serves as a professional referral source for Edmond schools, churches, juvenile court, area health clinics, hospitals, and other civic organizations. Each year, Edmond Family Counseling has two major fundraisers: Psycle for Families in April brings out hundreds of bicycling enthusiasts who ride up to 64 miles, and the Route 66 Classics in the Park Car Show & Craft Fair, which brings classic car enthusiasts from all across the nation. This year, the car show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at E.C. Hafer Park at Ninth and Bryant.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
FAMILY COUNSELING Edmond Family Counseling traces its roots back 30 years when it started as a haven for youth to gather after the murder of a 13year-old girl in Edmond. In 2005, it became Edmond Family Counseling. In 2007, the agency reported helping more than 1,600 people. The agency is at 1251 N Broadway, Suite C. For more information, call 213-0644 or go online to edmond familycounseling.org.
The agency relies on these fundraisers to help keep counseling costs low for its clients, administrators have said.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
81
Arcadia Lake offers events for all ages
Mike Shannon fishes at Arcadia Lake in Edmond. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Whether it’s eagle watch-
ers in January, boaters and campers in the summer, early morning fishers or deer hunters, Arcadia Lake always has visitors. Located on the Deep Fork River, about two miles east of Interstate 35 in east Edmond, the lake has 1,820 surface acres and 26 miles of shoreline. Facilities between the lake’s four parks include picnicking, camping, swimming, water skiing, boating, hiking, disc golf and an equestrian trail. A heated, covered dock is provided for year-round fishing for bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish and largemouth bass, according to the city of Edmond’s website. The lake also is home to many events throughout the year. Saturday, the lake will host the free Kids All-American Fishing Derby, from 7:30 a.m. to noon for children ages 5 to 15. At the lake Aug. 7, volunteers will help clean the shoreline of the lake during the annual Lake Sweep. Also in August, the deer harvest drawing for archery hunters will take place. Deer season begins Oct. 1 and runs into December. The lake is home to the annual Storybook Forest in October, a non-scary Halloween alternative that lets children age 10 and younger meet the characters in the scenes from much loved fables.
82
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
TO LEARN MORE For more information about Arcadia Lake, call 216-7471, or go to www.edmondok.com/parks/ arcadialake.
This year, the equestrian trails at the lake got a boost from the Friends of Arcadia Lake Equestrian Trails group, which hosted several work days cleaning the horse trails at the lake. The idea was to return the area to its natural beauty and make it safe for wildlife and horses, said Terri Folks, co-chairwoman and organizer of the work days. Visitors to the lake in January caught a glimpse of bald eagles during the lake’s annual eagle watch. Nicole Offutt, administrative assistant at Arcadia Lake, said as many as 10 eagles have been spotted at the lake at one time. Casey Lindo, a naturalist at Martin Park Nature Center in northwest Oklahoma City, said bald eagles prefer the shorelines and tall trees found at Arcadia Lake for nesting. “They like to nest near large expanses of water, and they have good nesting sites to choose from there for fishing and teaching their young to fish. Lake Arcadia is perfect because that’s where the groceries are,” she said.
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Nonprofit outfits kids for school
Volunteer Shannon Rowe helps Kennedy Wallace with a pair of shoes.
Volunteer Gary Goldman shows a selection of shirts to Julian Perry, as he and other members of the Edmond Young Professionals distribute clothes to children at U R Special Ministries during the agency’s back-to-school shopping in August. PHOTOS BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE FROM STAFF REPORTS
HOW TO HELP
EDMOND — U R Special Ministries Inc.
is a self-esteem program that furnishes new clothing for at-risk children age 3 to 11 on three occasions each year — backto-school, Christmas and Easter. The nonprofit is funded in part by city of Edmond Community Development Block Grant funds, as well as private donations. In August, the agency clothed a record 807 boys and girls from Edmond in allnew back-to-school outfits, including shoes, socks, underwear, shirts and pants or a dress, Director Darsi Graham said. “That’s up 106 from last year,” Graham said. Volunteers begin working as early as April each year to buy off-season clothing to get the best buy, Graham said
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
To donate to U R Special Ministries Inc. or to volunteer, call 340-2799 or go to www.urspecialedmond.org.
U R Special has a five-member board of directors, who also serve as unpaid volunteers at U R Special work sessions. In addition, they use a network of volunteers, including more than 200 seamstresses, to keep costs down, quality up and the clothing unique and special. The agency reports that a donation of $150 will clothe one child for a year. Donations to U R Special are taxdeductible. U R Special is at 25 W Third.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
83
Senior center schedule packed with activities FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Whether its joining the woodworking or quilting clubs or sitting in on a friendly game of dominoes or cards, the Edmond Senior Center provides recreation and meeting space for senior adults. The center is at 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive at the entrance to J.L. Mitch Park on Covell Road between Kelly and Santa Fe avenues. The center offers members a wide range of adult-education programs, fitness classes, day trip opportunities, special events and activities. Regular fitness classes include a free early morning exercise class three times a week, and tap and line dancing, yoga and pilates and Jazzercise classes that range in price from $1 per class to $25 per month. Activities such as dominos, pool, card games, shuffle board, puzzles, Scrabble and Mah Jongg are offered free from 8
84
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors also can take part in weekly Friday devotionals, the Golden Harmonizers choir and basic woodcarving on Thursdays or quilting on Tuesdays. The center also has special events scheduled on a regular basis that include parties; day trips to restaurants, museums or sporting events; and educational programs that range in topic from health to tornado preparedness. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays each week at the center, for a suggested donation of $2.50. Participants must be 55 or older. Reservations are required by 11 a.m. one day before eating, by calling 2167900 or 216-7600. Volunteers are always needed at the center to teach classes, help with the lunch program, fundraising, special events and more. For more information or a schedule of events, go to www.edmondok.com/ parks/seniorcenter or call 216-7600.
Nancy Talley makes a basket in the Edmond Senior Center. Instructor Rena Vickery holds coiled reeds that will be made into baskets. PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Edmond Thrift stores seeking donations BY JOHN A. WILLIAMS Staff Writer jwilliams@opubco.com
EDMOND — An icy winter and chaotic spring weather are blamed for a dip in donations at Edmond’s Employment and Residential Centers thrift stores. “Donations have been down for us in our thrift operations,” said Bonnie Wells, executive director of the association. “We realize the weather is a factor there. People tend to not get out to bring donations when the weather is bad.” The lack of donations cuts into the association’s capacity to provide services to its clients. Edmond’s Employment and Residential Centers for years has provided greater independence to individuals with developmental disabilities. The association operates three thrift stores, two daily living support homes
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
and provides staff supervision to several individuals who live in their own home. It also manages The Nova Center, an intermediate care facility for residents with severe disabilities. The Trails Sheltered Workshop gives the association’s clients the opportunity to develop work skills while receiving a paycheck. But the lack of donations is having a domino effect on all its endeavors. “We need donations in order to keep all of the jobs we created for the individuals we serve,” Wells said. “Employment and work is primary to everybody’s self esteem.” Donations of clothing, furniture and household items are needed, Wells said. “Anything you find in your closet that you haven’t worn in a year, those are the types of things we are looking for,” she said.
Shoppers look for bargains at an EARC Thrift store in Edmond. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
HOW TO HELP EARC DONATIONS For donations of furniture or large boxes of goods, call for pickup at 285-7658. Other donations can be taken to the EARC Thrift Store at 100 E Third St. The other Edmond location is at 92 E 15th St. and the Guthrie location is at 1408 E Oklahoma Ave. Monetary donations can be mailed to EARC Inc. P.O. Box 268, Edmond, OK 73083. EARC Inc. is a United Way Partner Agency. Donations are tax deductible.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
85
Multi-Activity Center living up to its name FROM STAFF REPORTS
EDMOND — Classes for children and adults are offered all summer at the Multi-Activity Center at J.L. Mitch Park, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive. Class offerings include arts and crafts, Tippi Toes Dance, Mad Science and archery, to name a few, said Diane Self, Edmond’s recreation program manager. The Knight for a Day classes will transport youngsters to medieval times. A youth wheel-throwing class will give them the opportunity to throw some clay. Self said people who take the basket weaving class emerge with some astounding creations. “I’m always amazed by the work they come out with,” she said. And the Zumba dance class is always a popular workout. New this summer are family cooking classes and also a manners class taught by a trained etiquette consultant. In addition to activities at the MultiActivity Center, the Edmond Parks and
86
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Recreation Department will have weekly concerts at E.C. Hafer Park, and will host Amateur Talent Nights the second Tuesday of each month. Participants will need to register their acts with the Parks Department. Camps for children are another wildly popular activity in Edmond. “We have so many camps, it seems like we’re putting some of them in closets,” Self said with a laugh. Camps this year include ones put on by Extreme Animals, Mad Science, and the Parks Department’s Summer Blast. “And really cool this year,” Self said, “is the intro to LEGO robotics.” That camp, and a STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) camp are sponsored by Girl Scouts-Western Oklahoma. You can find a list of classes, activities and camps, in the Summer Program Guide on the Parks and Recreation’s website, edmondok.com/parks/rec. To register for any class, go to edmondok. com, call 359-4630 or go to the front desk at the Multi-Activity Center.
Lauren Owens, left, Torie McEwing and Jaden Oldham, build a LEGO castle during a spring break camp at the Multi-Activity Center in Edmond. This summer, an intro to LEGO robotics will be taught at the center. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Local rodeo ropes in young cowboys
Above: Montana Simpson watches the start of the Edmond Junior Rodeo at Carl Benne Arena. The rodeo has events for participants younger than 4 to age 18.
Brothers Wyatt, 4, left, and Sutton Cargill, 2, wait for the start of the Edmond Junior Rodeo. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
Left: Brandin Mitchell, 8, gets ready for the rodeo. PHOTOS BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
87
Children’s safety village nearly ready BY DIANA BALDWIN Staff Writer dbaldwin@opubco.com
EDMOND — It was just an idea drawn on a piece of paper nine years ago. Today, the Edmond Fire Department’s Children’s Village, an educational center, is almost complete. Miniature buildings and tiny streets make this a setting where elementary children will learn a variety of ways to be safe. The village, with a city hall building, police station, fire department, schoolhouse and library, is on 1.6 acres east of the Cross Timbers fire station at 5300 E Covell Road, south of Covell Road and west of Air Depot Boulevard. The first programs are expected to begin this fall, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Wheeler said. “A lot of thought has gone into this,” Wheeler said. “Everything out here is a safety lesson. “This is by no means a day care or a park. It is a learning center.” Children will learn about water, electrical, construction, pet and traffic safety. A miniature electrical transformer is included in the village to aid in electrical safety lessons. In 2008, city officials budgeted $700,000 for the project, which was almost stopped when the bids came in over $1 million. Firefighters stepped up and offered to do a lot of the work. They moved dirt, dug ponds, planted trees and searched high and low for cheap cabinets and anything they could
88
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
Right: Miniature buildings and streets in the Edmond Fire Department’s Children’s Village will help teach children safety when the center opens this fall. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
find free, Wheeler said. The traffic lights, which are designed to be five-eighths the size of a real signal, were going to be thrown away as salvage by the city. Firefighters retrieved them and had them refurbished. “This is bigger than us,” Wheeler said. “There has been a village of people doing this.” Wheeler and Maj. Kelly Lewis, two of the key people behind the construction of the village, think the blisters and backaches and the money spent have been well worth it. “How much is a child’s life worth? I can’t think of a better way to spend the money,” Wheeler said. Each of the six streets is being named after a firefighter’s child who has died in an accident or by natural causes. The park also will be named after a firefighter’s deceased child. The families will get together to install the signs in a private ceremony, Wheeler said. Firefighters will maintain and operate the Children’s Village. A group of volunteers will be trained to help with the educational classes. “We are going to take care of it,” Wheeler said. “We will be scrubbing the toilets. That is love.”
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
89
Edmond’s largest employers
Edmond Medical Center, which now is named OU Medical Center Edmond, has 350 employees.
The University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond has 1,178 employees.
Top employers
Pelco Products Inc. employs 136 people.
Top industries The following knowledge-based industries are emphasized in Edmond: Software: Computer and data processing, pre-packaged software. Services: Investment, insurance, nondepository institutions. Light manufacturing: Communication equipment, electronics, electrical supplies, search and navigation equipment. Forensic sciences: Diagnostic substances, measuring and controlling devices.
› › › ›
› › › ›
Edmond Public Schools employs 2,558 people. University of Central Oklahoma employs 1,178 people. City of Edmond employs 667 people. Adfitech, a quality control company for the mortgage industry, employs 474 people. Edmond Medical Center (now OU Medical Center Edmond) employs 350 people. Petra Industries, an electronics manufacturing and distribution company, employs 250 people. Remy International Inc., an auto parts manufacturer, employs 200 people. Cox Communications employs 182 people. Pelco Products Inc., a traffic and utility hardware manufacturer, employs 136 people.
› › › › ›
SOURCE: EDMOND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY (FIGURES AS OF JANUARY)
90
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
MY CALENDAR
Swimmers wait for the start of the movie during movie night at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center in Edmond. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE June 4-5; July 9-10, 23-24; Aug. 27-28 | Edmond Junior Rodeo: 8 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday, $5 adults, $1 younger than 18, Carl Benne Arena, 300 N Kelly Road, 264-3685, www.edmondroundupclub. com. June 5-Oct. 30 | Edmond Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Sept. 29 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 30; junior market on Wednesdays during school summer break; Festival Market Place, 26 W First, 359-4630, www.edmondok. com/parks/fmp/events. June 10, 24; July 8, 22 | Movie Night at Pelican Bay: 8 to 10:30 p.m., $5, Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, 1034 S Bryant, 2167647, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec. June 17-19, 24-26; July 1-2 | “Oliver”: 8 p.m., adults, $12, students, $6, younger than 4, free, Mitch Park Amphitheater, 1501 W Covell Road, 974-3375, summerstockok.com. June 19; July 24; Aug. 21; Sept. 18 | Family Fun Night: 5 p.m., $6 green fees, $6 carts, KickingBird Golf Club, 1600 E Danforth Road, 341-5350 or www. kickingbird.com. June 29-Aug. 28 | “Bubbles & Beauty: The History of the Housewife Exhibit”: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays,
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, free, donations accepted, Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 431 S Boulevard, 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org. Sept.. 21-Nov. 13 | “ ‘E’ Is for Education” exhibit: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, free, donations accepted, Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 431 S Boulevard, 340-0078, www.edmondhistory. org.
June
2-10 | “A Dose of History: The History of Edmond’s Medicine”: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, free, donations accepted, Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 431 S Boulevard, 340-0078, www. edmondhistory.org. 3 | Summer Concert in the Park — Groove Merchants: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/cityparks. 5 | Kids All-American Fishing Derby: ages 5 to 15, 7:30 a.m. to noon, free, Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park, 2½ miles east of Interstate 35 on 15th Street, 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com. SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 93A
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
91
92
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
FROM PAGE 91A
7 | Water Polo Sign Up: Monday and Wednesday nights and possible Saturday morning matches, Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, 1034 S Bryant, 216-7647, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec. 7-10 | 2010 Oklahoma Golf Association Junior Boys Championship: Must enter online at okgolf.org, KickingBird Golf Club, 1600 E Danforth Road, 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com. 7-30 | UCO Summer Camps — Soar with the Arts: June 7-10 — Flute Camp (grades 6 to 8) $100. June 7-11 — Tech Boot Camp (high school) $150. June 8-10 — Guitar Workshop (all ages) $80, High School Drama Camp, “Annie” (ages 13 to 18), $125; Dance Workshop (ages 8 and up) $150. June 21-25 — Drama Day Camp, “Honk” (ages 7 to 12) $125, Dance & Down Syndrome Music Theatre Camp (ages 13 and up) $100. June 28-30 — PianOKC (all ages) $200 (college credit available). www.ocae.net. 9-12 | Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association Behlen Classic: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 10 | Summer Concert in the Park — Zero 2 Sixty: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/cityparks.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
10-13 | UCO Endeavor Games: Various times, various venues in Edmond, 9743160, ucoendeavorgames.com. 16 | 2010 South Central Section Bill Nicklas Junior Golf Tournament: 18 Hole (12 and older), 9 Holes (11 and younger). Must be a member of the South Central Junior Tour to participate. Tee times start at 8 a.m., KickingBird Golf Club, 1600 E Danforth Road, 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com. 24 | Summer Concert in the Park — Teasing Weasel: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/cityparks. 25 | Night at the Museum: GONE WILD: Ages 6 to 12, registration deadline is June 18, 6 to 11 p.m., $15 per child, Edmond Historical Society & Museum, 431 S Boulevard, 340-0078, cgibson@ coxinet.net. 26 | LibertyFest Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., charge per vehicle ($15 before June 25, $20 day of event), free for spectators, University of Central Oklahoma, Second and Baumann, north of fire station, 478-8100, 341-4336, www.liberty fest.org. 26-27 | LibertyFest Kite Fest: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and after sundown, SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 94A
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
93
FROM PAGE 93A
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, free, Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell Road, 341-5477, www.libertyfest.org. 26-27 | LibertyFest Rodeo: 8 p.m., adults $8, children $5, Carl Benne Arena, 300 N Kelly, 853-2369 or www.liberty fest.org. 27 | LibertyFest Taste of Edmond: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $10 advance, $15 day of event, free for children 10 and younger, Festival Market Place, 26 W First, 2499391, www.libertyfest.org. 27 | LibertyFest Road Rally: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10 per vehicle, City of Edmond Administration Building. parking lot, Boulevard and First, 340-2527 or www. libertyfest.org.
July
Mark Owens rides in the bareback event during 2008’s LibertyFest Rodeo. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
94
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
1 | Summer Concert in the Park — Sugar Free All Stars: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 3594630, www.edmondok.com/parks/city parks. 1-4 | USTRC Oklahoma Classic Team Roping: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 1 | LibertyFest Concert: 7:30 p.m., free, outdoors at the UCO Mitchell Hall Theatre, 974-5752, www.libertyfest.org.
2 | Chalk It Up for LibertyFest: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, Festival Market Place, 26 W First, 359-4630, www.libertyfest.org. 3 | LibertyFest Parade: 9 a.m., free, downtown Edmond, 340-2527, www. libertyfest.org. 4 | LibertyFest Parkfest at UCO: 5 to 9:30 p.m., free, UCO campus, 100 N University Drive, 340-2527, www.liberty fest.org. 4 | LibertyFest Fireworks: 10 p.m., free, UCO campus, 100 N University Drive, 240-2527, www.libertyfest.org. 5-30 | UCO Summer Camps — Soar with the Arts: July 5-9 — Strings Chamber Music Camp (ages 9 through high school), $200. July 12-16 — Drama Day Camp, “Willy Wonka” (ages 7 to 12), $125. July 12-20 — Interior Design Workshop (high school and first year college), $175; Graphic Design Workshop I (high school and first year college), $175. July 19-23 — Drama Day Camp, “Beauty and the Beast” (ages 7 to 12), $125. July 21-30 — Graphic Design Workshop II (high school and first year college), $175, www.ocae.net. 8 | Summer Concert in the Park — City Moon: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www. edmondok.com/parks/cityparks. 10 | Miss Edmond LibertyFest — UCO Scholarship Pageant: 7 p.m., $10, Mitchell
Hall, UCO, 340-2527, misslibertyfest@ aol.com, www.libertyfest.org. 10-18 | 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships: Various times, $10 for day pass, $5 for children 12 and younger, UCO Wantland Stadium and Hamilton Field House, 974-3160 or www.2010 Worlds.com. 15 | Summer Concert in the Park — Jump Seat: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/cityparks. 15-17, 22-24 | “All Shook Up”: 8 p.m., adult, $12; students, $6; younger than 4, free, Mitch Park Amphitheater, 1501 W Covell Road, 974-3375, summerstock ok.com. 17-18 | Eighth annual Kickingbird Classic: Must have an official USGA handicap. Registration required. 10 a.m. Tee times, $100, Kickingbird Golf Club, 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com. 20 | Drum Corp International: Advance tickets $15 to $25/group rates Available, Wantland Stadium at UCO, www.dci.org. 22 | Summer Concert in the Park — OK City Chorus of Sweet Adelines: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/ parks/cityparks. 29 | Summer Concert in the Park — SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 95A
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
September
FROM PAGE 94A
12 | Oklahoma Bicycle Society Streak: 7:30 a.m., Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell Road, 359-4630. 18 | Amanda Westermier Memorial Youth Rodeo & Auction: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 18 | Route 66 Car Show & Craft Fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Free, E. C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 341-3554, www.edmondfamily counseling.org. 24-26 | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Expo: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 522-6279, www.wildlife department.com.
Bonham Revue: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/cityparks. 31-Aug. 1 | Tully World Series Team Roping: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com.
August
5 | Summer Concert in the Park — 23rd St. Jazz Band: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., free, E.C. Hafer Park, 1034 S Bryant, 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/cityparks 7 | Arcadia Lake Sweep: Rain-out date is Aug. 14. Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park, 2½ miles east of Interstate 35 on 15th Street, 216-7471. 13-14, 20-21 | Beat the Heat Soccer: 348-2255. 14 | Endurocross USA: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 15 | Seventh annual Parent Child Championship: two-person parent-child teams, 1 p.m. shotgun start, $80 per team, Kickingbird Golf Club, 1600 E Danforth Road, 341-5350 or www.kicking bird.com. 18 | Arcadia Lake Deer Harvest Management: Drawing at 1 p.m. for archery hunters only, 216-7481, www.arcadialake ok.com.
MY EDMOND
LIVING GUIDE
October
Santa Claus rides in a bucket truck for the Edmond Electric Parade of Lights during last year’s Dickens Weekend. PHOTO BY STEVE GOOCH, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
21-22 | Lazy E Dressage Classic & Great Plains Championship: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 27-29 | Wrangler Heartland Barrel Racing: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 28 | Cardboard Boat Regatta: 8 a.m., Arcadia Lake, 359-4630, www.edmond ok.com/parks/rec.
10 | 2010 Kickingbird Couples Championship: 1 p.m., $80 per couple, Kickingbird Golf Club, 1600 E Danforth Road, 341-5350 or www.kickingbirdgolf.com. 21-29 | USTRC Shootouts: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye. com. 23-31 | Storybook Forest: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park, 2½ miles east of Interstate 35 on 15th Street, 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok. com. 30 | Trick or Treat on the Street: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, downtown Edmond, 249-9391, www.downtownedmond
ok.com.
November
5-6 | Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye.com. 8-21 | “The Sweet Smell of Success” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $14, Mitchell Hall Theater at UCO, 974-3375, www.camd.uco.edu.
December
2-5 | Dickens Weekend: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, downtown Edmond, 249-9391, www.downtownedmondok.com. 3-5 | Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Living Christmas Pageant: 7 to 9 p.m., free, donations appreciated, 5100 SE 33rd St., 341-3606, www.obhc.org. 9-11 | Jazz Lab Christmas Show: 8 p.m., UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E Fifth, 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com. 17-19 | Lazy E/Tri K Barrel Racing: Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, 282-7433, www.lazye. com.
March 2011
3-5 | Regeneration Concert Series: 8 p.m., UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E Fifth, 3597989, www.ucojazzlab.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
95
96
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2010
LIVING GUIDE
MY EDMOND
Looking for a career that sizzles! Join the exciting world of culinary arts
• Associate Of Science In Culinary Arts • Bachelor Of Science In Restaurant Management
NOW Enrolling
Visit our student run restaurant
DAY AND EVENING CLASSES!
OPEN Thursday & Fridays 11am-2pm & 5:30-9pm
Also Enrolling in
Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomy - Starts Soon! (evening classes available)
Call Today
749-2433
Licensed by O.B.P.V.S.
2727 W. Memorial Road OKC
The #1 Pool Builder in America and in Edmond! Committed to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction EDMOND DESIGN CENTER / 200 NE 150TH STREET / 405.844.7500 / www.bluehavenokc.com