January 31, 2019

January 31, 2019 Vol. 19, No. 36

In This Issue DIRECTIONS

Directions, by Joe Slack, in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E. 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email c o n te s t @ e d m o n d p a p e r. c o m with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

For more information, see page 4.

COMING THIS FEB. 16

Edmond Women’s Club benefit to help many needy recipients

Player’s talent draws national recognition See Page 16

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Cloudy High 32° Low 22°

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Partly Cloudy High 39° Low 28°

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Mostly Cloudy High 51° Low 40°

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Getting ready for the gala are EWC members Amelia Lyle, Allison Chamount, Megan Heine and Kari Harper.

By Mallery Nagle If you’ve always wanted to go the Academy Awards, but your invitation never seems to arrive, wait no longer.

Heather Langhofer, vice president of communications for the Edmond Women’s Club, invites the entire Edmond community to join her at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Edmond Hilton Garden Inn, 2833 Conference Dr., for the annual EWC gala. This year’s theme is Hollywood Nights, just in time for the Oscars.

Tickets for this star-studded event are $125 per person and include dinner, dancing, casino tables (for those lucky stars) and admission to the live and silent auctions. Valet parking is included. Tickets may be purchased online at ewc.org.

And what Hollywood event would be complete without a red carpet?

Langhofer explained that all guests

will walk that red carpet, complete with paparazzi. Elegant touches of black and gold will punctuate the décor. Langhofer suggests “glam” cocktail attire. Tuxedos are not required for men.

A-list auction items include a couple of Caribbean trips, Thunder tickets and a pedigree chocolate Yorkie puppy. Langhofer noted a puppy will put in a “cameo appearance” at the event. The winner of the puppy will have the pick of a litter to be born this summer.

“There will be something for everyone,” Langhofer said. A number of prize packages will include outings to local venues and jewelry from stores such as B.C. Clark and Kendra Scott.

In addition, local painter Zonly Looman, owner of Studio Z in downtown Edmond, will create a “performance painting” during the event.

The artwork will be an auction item at the end of the evening. You may be familiar with the Deer Creek High School graduate’s work. He is the artist behind Buffalo off Broadway on Hurd Street between Broadway and Boulevard.

Of course, an Oscar awards ceremony cap off the festivities.

Everyone will want to know who the very deserving winner is. May I have the envelope please…

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the evening, Langhofer pointed out that all proceeds from the evening will be used to help the needy in the Edmond community. “This is our only major fund raiser,” she said. “We try to donate $75,000$100,000 each year.”

Local non-profits that have benefited from EWC fund-raising efforts include UR Special Ministries, an continued on Page 3

Page 2 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 3

Cover From Page 1 organization that outfits needy children with new back-to-school clothing, Edmond Mobil Meals, The HOPE Center of Edmond and WINGS, a day center for adults with special needs and Boys Ranch.

Although the 2018-19 EWC grant portal is closed, Langhofer encourages Edmond non-profits to watch the EWC website (ewc.org) for the next round of applications.

“We help with the basic needs of life,” she explained. “Food, clothing and shelter.”

In the planning stages for the last six months, the event is still accepting sponsorships and auction items though

Feb. 10. “We love to see local businesses involved,” Langhofer said.

This year’s Golden Globes-level sponsors are Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City and Lisa Owens. Other sponsorship opportunities begin at $500.

Anyone interested in donating to or sponsoring the event may visit ewc.org. In addition, they may contact sponsorship chairman Jill Merritt, (405) 517-4341 or jill_farrand@yahoo.com, and those interested in making an auction item donation may contact acquisition chairman Penny Cross at (405) 9240313 or pcross@cox.net.

Chamber Banquet Scenes

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Members of the Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) attended this year’s Edmond Chamber of Commerce Banquet. One of their own was honored as Woman of the Year. Stephanie Pate Carel took this year’s honor is pictured third from the left on the back row. Carel is president of DEBA and serves as chair of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust

Jan and Win Moran enjoyed this year’s annual Edmond Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Jan will be serving as the 2019 Chairman of the Board. It will be her second time to serve in that position.

The first time was 10 years ago in 2009.

Related article, photograph on Page 4.

Former University of Central Oklahoma President Dr. Roger Webb and current Rose State College President Dr. Jeanie Webb attended this year’s Edmond Chamber Banquet. They came to congratulate current UCO President Dr. Don Betz on being awarded 2018 Citizen of the Year and all the other honorees.

Photographs by RAY HIBBARD

Page 4 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Honors at Edmond Chamber Banquet It is not unusual for our great town of Edmond, America to receive honors from a variety of national publications. Just last month, Edmond was once again named to Money Ray Hibbard Magazine’s Top Places to Live in Every State for 2018. We made the list for the first time in 2016. Here is what Money Magazine had to say about this great community: “The home town of athlete Shannon Miller — America’s most medalwinning Olympic gymnast — Edmond is nestled in the Sandstone Hills region of Central Oklahoma, along historic Route 66. The Oklahoma City suburb is home to nearly 100,000 residents, as well as the University of Central Oklahoma — one of three universities in the area, and a major employer.

With an abundance of clear weather, residents can enjoy Edmond's nearly two dozen public parks, including Arcadia Lake, where locals fish for bluegill, catfish, and bass. (The city even maintains a heated, covered dock there for yearround activity.)

Edmond has also made a concerted effort to promote public art around town. The Downtown Edmond Arts Festival has been an annual tradition for about four decades, showcasing works by over 100 artists from across the U.S.” In 2018 alone Edmond was also listed as Most Artistic Towns in America by Expedia, Best Big Cities for New Grads by The Degree360, 50 Most Popular Mid-Size Cities to Relocate by movebudda, Best Small Cities to Start A Business by WalletHub, Most Educated City in Oklahoma by Insurify, Most Successful City in Oklahoma by Zippia and Best Place to Live in Every U.S. State by msn Insider.

In 2017 Edmond was named among the Best Cities to Build a Forever Home by GoodCall, 30 safest college towns in America by SafeWise, Best Cities for a Worktirement

by SmartAsset, 10 places in the U.S. where young people are happy, rents are affordable, and jobs are plentiful

by Business Insider and America’s 50 Best Cities to Live by 24/7 Wall Street.

Edmond is so blessed with these kinds of titles that we can sometimes take them for granted but we shouldn’t. There are so many great organi-

The Citizen of the Year is UCO president Don Betz and wife, Susanne.

zations in town that lead to Edmond being named to such lists including our city government, our education system, several civic groups in town and the businesses that support all of the above help make it all happen.

The individuals that make up these organizations in our community is what really makes the difference. A great example is our Edmond Chamber of Commerce. Most towns have a Chamber of Commerce but not many have a nationally certified fivestar accredited chamber. Many other chambers don’t have as outstanding a membership as our Edmond Chamber who are willing to contribute what it takes to improve our community. Led by chamber President and CEO Sherry Jordan, the Edmond Chamber does not stop to take the credit. Instead, they pause once each year to recognize the organizations and individuals who are the reason our town ends up on so many top ten lists by national publications.

The annual Edmond Chamber of Commerce awards banquet was held last Friday night at our shiny new Edmond Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn. It is a great opportunity to recognize and thank so many that volunteer their talents and time to making Edmond such a great town.

They are not looking for recognition,

but Jordan and her staff make sure these folks receive it.

The Citizen of the Year award is the highlight of the evening for most.

It is given at the end of the banquet and this year it was presented to University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz, Ph.D. Betz is retiring at the end of June and has served UCO and our community with distinction. He has brought statewide and national recognition to Edmond with the success in his career. Great leaders like Betz know the value of making sure their local community gets recognized at the same time they or their workplace does. None of us live in a vacuum.

Betz has established an impressive career in higher education that spans more than 49 years. He currently serves as UCO’s 20th president, a position he has held since August 2011.

“I am completely surprised and honored to be selected for this significant award. I’m proud to be a citizen of Edmond and of the relationship the university has with the community,” Betz said. In June 2019, Betz will retire after eight successful years of leading the institution. He is often credited with transforming UCO into a leading metropolitan university and has made great strides in promoting cross-cultural understanding within

the university and Edmond.

Outside of the university, Betz has an extensive list of community involvement. He sits on the Edmond Chamber’s Board of Advisors and has taken an active role in the chamber’s legislative agenda and international affairs. He is also a board member for the Edmond Economic Development Authority. In addition to being named the Edmond Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, Betz has received the Oklahoma Political Science Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the World Experiences Foundation Global Citizen Lifetime Achievement Award and was named an Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador, among many other recognitions.

Here is a guy that could have served in any corner of this earth, yet he and his wife Susanne selected Edmond, Okla., as their place to expand careers and make their mark on higher education. While the Betzes would probably say they are the lucky ones to have been given great opportunities in Edmond, the truth is that we are blessed to have had them in our community. They have paid Edmond one of the greatest compliments by planning on staying here in Edmond after retirement. We can count on their service in the future and that is a wonderful thing.

A tip of our Edmond Life & Leisure fedora to the Edmond Chamber of Commerce leadership and staff for an incredible banquet. The good folks at the Edmond Hilton Garden Inn deserve a great amount of credit as well. The food was about as good as you can get at a banquet for that many people. The program was smooth and did not drag.

Jordan made many changes when she took over the leadership of the organization. She went to prerecorded introductions for award winners. This made a huge difference because while we would like to think we are all snappy speakers, we are not. Now the introductions are done in a lively way and they do a much better job of letting the audience know not only about an honoree but also something about their personality.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for 2018. A special thank you to the Edmond Chamber of Commerce for taking the time and effort to make sure some great contributors to Edmond get recognized.

The sponsors for the event deserve a giant thank you as well for providing the funding to make it all happen.

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

Check out what’s inside! n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6. n Columnist questions feds use of muscle on raid ..........................Page 8. n Kevin Calvey explains commissioner job ......................................Page 9. n UCO pom team the best again ..................................................Page 12. n George Gust reviews film ‘Serenity’ ............................................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Sports ........................................................................................Page 16. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

See if you can find ‘Directions’ “Directions,” in real life is located in front of OnCue, at 15th and I-35, 4100 E 15th Street, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Local artist Joe Slack created the sculpture to draw the public in. “I just want to engage,” said Slack, “And for it to be part of the landscape.” At it’s tallest point of 17 feet ‘Directions' is the largest sculpture Slack has ever attempted. It features three huge faces with a rust patina. Located along I-35 it is certain to draw travelers in to engage with just one of the pieces of public art Edmond is known for.

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production April Burgess, Deanne York

Cover Design April Burgess Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2019 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax)

Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com

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

Advertising Account Executive Chris Thomas chris@edmondpaper.com

All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing.

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 5

Students and officials at the Contributor Children's Business Fair kick-off event, from left, are Mary Ann Kelsey, Clete Ross, Shawn Kamal, Evan Ashworth, Isaiah Wick, Dillion Rainwater and Dr. Brandon Tatum.

OCA announces kickoff of Children’s Business Fair What if you had the ability to provide for a need, what would be your response?

That was the question being posed to Oklahoma Christian Academy students last week, at the kickoff of the school’s first Children’s Business Fair. This Fair will be open to second through sixth graders to give students an opportunity to answer a global need with a business proposition.

“At OCA, we have set an important goal of raising and leading our students to become contributors, not just consumers,” said Brandon Tatum, president of OCA. “We are attempting to create a

culture that thinks outwardly to engage our students, and promote service-oriented learning opportunities. This is a chance for some of our younger students to think globally and contribute.”

The Business Fair will be held April 26th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1101 E. 9th Street on the upper parking lot. Budding entrepreneurs will be required to apply by Feb. 15 for a spot at the fair. These applications will be judged by local entrepreneurs as to viability of idea, product and potential revenue.

The OCA Children’s Business Fair is modeled after the Acton Children’s Business Fair except with

the added aspect of addressing and meeting one of the school’s global goals of no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well being, quality education, clean water and life below water.

“The OCA Children’s Business Fair is a wonderful opportunity for our younger students to be creative in developing a product and becoming a contributor to a need,” Tatum said.

More information was announced at the kickoff announcement as well as a Question and Answer session for those interested in applying at the school’s media center in the secondary building.

Page 6 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Heating the home without going broke Ready to break out your flannel pajamas?

The past few days in Oklahoma have seen windy and cold weather.

That’s no surprise as, on average, January is the coldest month in the Sooner State. With energy costs climbing and budgets getting tighter, it makes sense to take advantage of savings opportunities. The good news is you don’t have to spend thousands in home improvements. The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA) offers 10 simple steps that can help you save. n Use your curtains. During the day, get the curtains open and let the sun shine in, taking advantage of the natural warmth. When the afternoon light starts to fade, close the curtains to trap the heat. n Replace weather stripping. Look at your exterior doors. If you see any daylight between the doorframe and the door, that’s the perfect escape route for your heat and your money.

Install new weather stripping to close that gap. Consider installing a storm door as well. Creating a layer of air between the inside and the outside will help keep drafts at bay. n Install a programmable thermostat. According to the EPA, the average American family spends more than $2,200 a year on home energy bills, with about 50 percent of that for heating and cooling. Consider setting your thermostat at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. If you’re chilly, grab a sweater. Research shows that for each additional degree you lower the temperature (in the 60- to 70-degree Fahrenheit range) you continue to save cash — up to 5 percent on your heating bill. You can program the thermostat to adjust the temperature while you're away or while you sleep. n Heat only the rooms you use.

Don’t pay to heat rooms you don’t use. Close off spare bedrooms, extra bathrooms, the attic, the basement, etc. If you’re heading out of town for awhile, lower the heat and your hot water heater. Don’t go so low you risk frozen pipes but do consider dialing it back for savings when you’re not going to be home. n Maintain your furnace. It’s easy to forget about that hulk of metal but making sure your furnace is run-

ning in tip top shape could save you money in the long run. Have a licensed service company check your furnace each year. Don’t forget to replace the filter. Many experts recommend changing your filter every six months— the same time you change the batteries in your smoke detectors. n Close the fireplace damper. This step may make it tough for Santa on Christmas Eve, but you’d be amazed at how much heat can escape up your chimney. Close the damper and stop the drafts. Putting a glass front on your fireplace will also help. n Adjust your hot water heater.

Most hot water heaters are sent from the manufacturer preprogrammed to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A setting at 120 degrees Fahrenheit is likely adequate. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your water temperature 10 degrees will lower your energy costs by 3 to 5 percent. n Buy a blanket for your hot water heater. It may sound like you’re babying your hot water heater, but that’s a good thing. Even when you’re not showering or doing dishes, your hot water heater is drawing energy. A special insulated blanket, which you can pick up for about $20 to $30, can help reduce the amount of energy your hot water heater uses. n Use ceiling fans correctly. Most ceiling fans have two settings — summer and winter. When the weather cools, flip the toggle switch on the fan so that the blades rotate clockwise, moving warm air downward. n Rearrange the furniture. Moving furniture away from cold exterior walls and making sure it’s not on top of cold air intake or heating vents will help keep air circulating and make your space feel warmer.

Consult your local CPA. Are you seeking ways to minimize your expenses? No matter what your financial objectives, your local CPA can help. Turn to one for expert advice on all your financial concerns.

If you don’t have one, you can get a free referral and free 30-minute consultation at www.FindYourCPA.com.

For more financial advice on heating or other home financial matters please like Know What Counts on Facebook, follow Know What Counts on Twitter or visit KnowWhatCounts.org.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 7

Thursday Jan. 31 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Constance Squires Friday Feb. 1 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- April Henry ---- Shortt Dogg ---- Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Assoc. Swim Regionals ---- Jo Koy, Break the Mold Tour ---- Hearts for Art ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: The Hot Sardines ---- PBR Oklahoma City Invitational Saturday Feb. 2 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Assoc. Swim Regionals ---- 1920’s Tea at the Rodkey House ---- Bad Kitty Author Nick Bruel ---- Brushes & Bon Bons ---- Smilin’ Vic ---- Stars ---- Hearts for Art ---- Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend ---- Comic Book Art – Saturdays for Kids ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: The Hot Sardines ---- PBR Oklahoma City Invitational ---- Signature Tour Sunday Feb. 3 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Hearts for Art ---- Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend ---- Pool & Spa Show ---- Signature Tour Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works

by Cody L Rains For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/ Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium Extra Info: Free Admission; an archaeological exhibition that will enable visitors to discover the history of ancient Judah’s most famous kingprophet pairing—a story which illuminates how Jerusalem escaped annihilation at the hands of King Sennacherib’s Assyrian army at the end of the 8th century B.C. For more information visit armstrongauditorium.org.

Constance Squires Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 6 – 7:30 p.m., She will be signing copies of her new book, Hit Your Brights.

April Henry Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 6 – 7:30 p.m., She will be in conversation with Rachel Vincent and sign copies of her book, THE LONELY DEAD. In order to reserve a line number for the event, you must pre-order a copy of THE LONELY DEAD online (https://www.bestofbooksok.com/event/april-henry-booksigning-feb-1) or by phone at (405) 340-9202.

Bad Kitty Author Nick Bruel Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 1 – 2:30 p.m., He will be signing copies of his new book, BAD KITTY: KITTEN TROUBLE. In order to

reserve a line number for the event, you must pre-order a copy of BAD KITTY: KITTEN TROUBLE online (https://www.bestofbooksok.com/ev ent/bad-kitty-author-nick-bruel-bestbooks-feb-2) or by phone at (405) 340-9202.

Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Assoc. Swim Regionals Location: Mitch Park YMCA/Edmond Recreation and Aquatic Center Extra Info: 3 – 6 p.m., for more info find them on Facebook.

1920’s Tea at the Rodkey House Location: Rodkey House Event and Education Annex Extra Info: 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., $20, A great multi-generational event for ladies, ages 5 and up, to experience teatime in 1920 Oklahoma. Our traditional tea fare includes savories, scones, sweets and of course tea.

Purchase tickets edmondhistory.org Brushes & Bon Bons Location: Heart Studios Extra Info: 2:30 – 5:30, $25, 21 and up, Experience the artistic instruction of Erica Nkechi from Heart Studios as she guides you through a "Love Is" art piece. Great for beginners or experienced artists. Enjoy two delicious bons bons while creating art, jiving to music, and sipping wine.

Smilin’ Vic Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: $10, 8 p.m., purchase tickets online ucojazzlab.com or by calling 405 974-2100.

Jo Koy, Break the Mold Tour Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 8 p.m., get tickets online at riverwind.com Stars Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 9 p.m. – Feb 3 1 a.m.

Hearts for Art Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pick up a heart at Visitor Services, leave it by your selection, and share on social media using #MyWest Comic Book Art – Saturdays for Kids Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Discover more about this comic and create one of your own. Free for children and accompanying adults.

Available while supplies last.

Pool & Spa Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: visit pool & spa show on facebook and twitter.

OKC Philharmonic presents: The Hot Sardines Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: 8 p.m., classic jazz that feeds the heart and soul. For more info visit okcphil.org PBR Oklahoma City Invitational Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena Extra Info: Visit PBR Oklahoma City Invitational on Facebook.

Shortt Dogg Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 8 p.m., $10, Purchase Tickets Online ucojazzlab.com · or by calling (405) 974-2100 Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC Extra Info: 1 – 2 p.m.; see some of the finest Western art in the country during this docent-facilitated Museum tour. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org

Send calendar items to Melinda Infante @ infante318@cox.net

Page 8 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Feds raid a disgrace I’m not an expert on Roger Stone or the Robert Mueller investigation in the alleged 2016 collusion of the Trump presidential campaign with the Russians.

Stone, a confidant Steve Gust to the President, is being accused of witnesss tampering, obstruction and lying.

The guy may be guilty as sin of the felonies. I don’t know. What bothers me was the predawn raid on the guy’s house in south Florida last week.

The FBI brought 27 agents to arrest Stone. Those agents were in full tactical gear and heavily armed. Most of them had two weapons with one of them drawn.

What in the world was that all about? He was at home with his wife, pets and no weapons.

Stone isn’t being accused of a violent offense. He’s also not some kind of drug kingpin or organized crime boss.

At best Stone, 66, is illicitly involved in high level politics. I am not sure if that merits a raid on his house with more firepower than was brought on bin Laden?

Heck this may have been more firepower than we had at Omaha Beach during World War II. Stone said all the Mueller people had to do was to call his attorney and he would have surrendered the next day. That would have probably saved taxpayers $100,000 easily.

As far as I can see none of the arrests or the indictments made so far have a whole lot to do with Russian collusion.

What it looks like to me is the swamp has a way of making people miserable if they don’t like you.

Even if you’re more innocent than Mother Teresa you’re going to have to go broke defending yourself in the courts.

This will send a chilly message to people in the future who want to get involved in national political campaigns.

And if lying to Congress is a crime when do they charge Hillary Clinton?

We already have testimony from disgraced fired FBI director James Comey that Hillary did lie to Congress during her testimony.

Then again she’s in another political party. It’s a two-tier system of justice in America, which is also a disgrace.

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

A border solution possible

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board The debate over border security, which prompted the partial federal government shutdown, drags on with seemingly with no end in sight. At times, President Trump and congressional Democrats both appeared unwilling to budge. But recent developments suggest both sides are finally inching toward a negotiated compromise and longterm solution.

Trump made the first move. In exchange for Democrats supporting funding a wall along parts of the border, he announced he was willing to support a threeyear extension to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which grants legal status (but not citizenship) to people brought to the U.S. as children. Trump also announced he could sup-

port a three-year extension for Temporary Protected Status designations that benefit certain refugees.

This was a bigger concession than it might appear at first glance because it ensures DACA recipients have legal status until after the next presidential election, and a Democrat could win the 2020 race.

Yet Democrats initially dismissed the proposal.

This put them in an awkward position, appearing to be staunchly opposed to border security and opposed to addressing the plight of many people whose illegal-resident status was due to actions taken by others.

It soon became clear that Democrats realized this was politically untenable. Reports emerged that party members are now open to giving Trump the $5.7 billion he requested for a wall — on the condition that the

money instead go to other border security upgrades, such as drones, X-rays and sensors, and an increased number of border patrol agents.

Even many border security hardliners have long accepted that use of technology instead of barriers is a more cost-effective solution for many stretches of the border.

At the same time, some Democrats are backing away from the “no wall” mantra of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, DMd., recently conceded in an interview, “Look, I think physical barriers are a part of the solution.”

Democrats' prior refusal to support building new walls on any part of the border always defied common sense. This is especially true since many of those same members of Congress live in gated communities. Clearly, there are times when they view physical barriers as useful.

The makings of a compromise are evident.

Both sides agree to DACA extension, the use of technology to enhance security in some areas, and construction of new walling elsewhere. Neither side gets everything desired, but everyone can walk away with some bragging rights.

It's crucial that lawmakers reach an agreement on border security, because the issue is only one facet of the immigration debate. Once citizens are assured that illegal entry has been severely curtailed, lawmakers must then work to facilitate increased legal entry to this country. The demand for labor that draws most immigrants isn't going away because the border is secure, so lawmakers will have to make certain a functional immigration system exists to address those freemarket forces.

A shameful display by irate OU students

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board After getting jeered and cussed at during a “rally to stop racism” that turned into a call for his removal, University of Oklahoma President Jim Gallogly told those gathered that OU faced a defining moment. “Will we do this as one or will we be fractured?” he asked.

Based on last week’s event, the answer is the latter.

Gallogly spoke at the rally one day after announcing that two female students had dropped out over a Snapchat video in which one of them wore blackface and used the n-word.

Earlier, Gallogly condemned the video and said such behavior “is not welcome here.” He also announced three steps designed to improve the school's racial environment — bolster efforts to recruit more faculty, staff and students of color; review OU's code of conduct to make it as rigorous

as possible in addressing racism and inequality, and ensure OU has robust inclusion and training programs.

This apparently is nowhere near enough for some, who point to a 2015 video of members of an OU fraternity singing a racist song as evidence that bigotry has a stronghold on campus.

One of those people is Suzette Grillot, a tenured professor who recently was dismissed as dean of the College of International Studies. Grillot was already upset with Gallogly over proposed cuts in her department.

Gallogly, who has made several cost-saving moves since becoming president last year, told the Tulsa World that OU spends about half a million dollars per year on an international studies campus in Rio de Janeiro that serves about 100 students.

Thus, the office has been eyed for cuts.

Grillot, however, depicts that as an effort to re-

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duce diversity. Racism, she said, “has been baked into the layer cake of university administration for generations.”

“We're not going to let institutionalized racism, sexism or homophobia or any other exclusionary practice go unchallenged any longer,” Grillot said.

She added that she wasn't going to be as kind as those who spoke before her at the rally and ask for Gallogly's resignation in a year, “I'm gonna (bleeping) ask for it now.”

She handed Gallogly the microphone and a sign that said, “Resign Now,” drawing cheers and a standing ovation. Her performance and that of many in the crowd, estimated at 1,200, should be a concern to any OU patron.

Gallogly was taken aback, then explained that he accepted the job as president because of his feelings for the school, where he earned his law degree. However, “This is not the OU that I know.

This is not the OU that I love,” he said.

It's hard to see what more Gallogly could have done about this video — he immediately denounced it and ordered follow-up steps. It's also also worth noting that what prompted this outcry were the actions of two students. Could relations among students be better? Of course — but the same can be said for every university in America.

Gallogly said that some of what he heard from students left him feeling this was "a new beginning."

“We are better than this moment,” he said. Oklahomans certainly would like to think so.

From NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 9

Some hope in battle against brain cancer

By Ryan Stewart Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with no cure. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, patients typically live only 12-18 months after diagnosis.

But a new discovery from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Rheal Towner, Ph.D., offers new hope in fighting this deadly cancer, which claimed the lives of Sens.

John McCain and Ted Kennedy.

In pre-clinical experiments at OMRF, Towner discovered that a protein called ELTD1 is present in the most aggressive glioblastoma tumors.

Towner then tested how the tumors would react to an antibody known to counteract the effects of ELTD1.

He found that the compound slowed the process of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, which is key to tumors’ ability to spread and kill.

“This drug seems just as promising, if not better than, what is currently considered the standard of care,” said Towner. “Few therapies exist for treating glioblastoma, but this could provide a step in the right direction.”

If proven effective in further trials, said Towner, “This could provide

overall treatment with fewer side effects and better results than we see in current drugs.”

The new findings were published in the journal NeuroOncology.

Towner will continue to look for ways to use the new treatment in combination with other drugs to boost their effectiveness and better target tumors.

“One problem with drug treatments for tumors is that it’s hard to get the drug to the tumor site,” he said. “If we can regulate that process with targeting ELTD1, we might be able to use it to deliver other drugs directly to the tumor and, hopefully, eliminate it.”

If researchers succeed with this tumor-targeting method, Towner said they will begin testing it on other tumors associated with breast, pancreatic or other cancers.

Funding for this research was provided by National Institute of General Medical Sciences, grant number 5P20GM103636-02, and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the NIGMS, grant number 5P20GM103639.

The NIGMS is part of the National Institutes of Health.

The county courier

By Kevin Calvey District 3 Oklahoma County Commissioner What does a County Commissioner do? I am often asked that as your new Oklahoma County Commissioner for District 3 (NW OKC, Edmond, Deer Creek, Nichols Hills, The Village, and Arcadia).

Each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties is a political subdivision of the state, with its own legislative body called the Board of County Commissioners, and also with executive functions, primarily law enforcement and roads outside the city limits (e.g. Deer Creek). By far the most visible and costly function of Oklahoma County government is the county jail.

A goal of government should be to provide those services appropriate for the public sector in a manner as costefficient and transparent for the taxpayers as possible. In this spirit of transparency, this column will provide regular updates on Oklahoma County government; weekly if possible.

The best leaders lead by example.

To pursue servant leadership, I left the State Legislature in 2006 to serve our nation with the Army in Iraq.

And that same pursuit has now led

Kevin Calvey me to join my road crews at 4:30 a.m. to sand and plow during the recent winter storm, and to make several visits into the heart of the jail to explore costly physical problems.

(One recent day after our downtown Rotary Club 29 meeting, I quipped to my mother, Mary Jane Calvey, that I was “going to jail.” To which the ever-witty Leonard Sullivan suggested, “Better round up bail money now!”)

I am honored that you elected me to this office, and will roll up my sleeves as I work to resolve the challenges facing our community.

Gatz gets cabinet post nod Gov. Kevin Stitt has named Oklahoma Turnpike Authority executive director Tim Gatz as his cabinet Secretary of Transportation pending Senate confirmation. The governor made the announcement earlier this month.

Gatz became OTA director in early 2016 following the resignation of former director Tim Stewart. Gatz is a former longtime official with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation including a stint as deputy director. If confirmed, Gatz will succeed current Secretary Mike Patterson.

TRUST president Neal McCaleb and TRUST board member Gary Ridley, both who formerly held the Secretary of Transportation title, endorsed Gatz's nomination. McCaleb said in part, "I watched Tim rise through the ranks in the Department of Transportation because of his cool head and ability to execute plans well. I also observed him as he took over the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and launched one of the largest construction programs in

Oklahoma. He understands the transportation business and he will make an excellent secretary and advisor to the governor." Ridley commented in part, "I have known director Gatz for the better part of three decades. I would not hesitate to say that his reputation is beyond reproach as far as his ethics and loyalty to the people of Oklahoma. He is the one who has helped so much in the innovation of moving transportation forward both at ODOT and at the turnpike authority. He will make a great addition to the governor's cabinet and I know that he will make us all proud."

TRUST congratulates Secretary-designate Gatz on his appointment and looks forward to continuing to work with him for the betterment of Oklahoma's surface transportation infrastructure.

Stitt made it one of his first appointments following his inauguration ceremony which was held at the State Capitol Jan. 14.

Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form. The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Data reveals what officials fear: Distracted driving problem ongoing The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) thanks the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for conducting ongoing research to better understand the prevalence of distracted driving and its role in traffic crashes.

IIHS’ study validates what all drivers see every day: the pervasive use of wireless devices behind the wheel.

Further, additional national data supports the finding that rather than making voice calls, more drivers are now manipulating smartphones to text, use apps or access the Internet.

IIHS found that the though the nature of distracted driving has changed between 2014 and 2018, the overall incidence has remained the same, suggesting that the traffic safety community needs to do more to address this issue, including changing social norms, strengthening and en-

forcing distracted driving laws and improving data collection.

We should also harness technology as part of the solution to the problem it has provoked by promoting tools like smartphone apps and settings that block incoming wireless communications while driving.

GHSA is proud to partner with AT&T on the “It Can Wait” campaign, which, in addition to having amassed pledges from more than 35 million people committing to drive without distraction, is joining forces with state highway safety offices and hosting educational events nationwide to change the culture surrounding distracted driving. To learn more, visit ghsa.org/resources/partnerinitiatives/ICW. As we push toward zero roadway fatalities, today’s announcement is a reminder that there is much more work to be done.

Horn won’t rule out border wall Less than a day after a record-long partial government shutdown came to an end, U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn stood before 200 constituents in northwest Oklahoma City and told them she's a moderate working across the political aisle to secure the border and keep the government open.

“My standpoint about border security is that we need to have a smart, comprehensive slate of solutions.

What I mean by that is, we need to look at the technology and the right combination of things that's going to make us both safe and secure,” the Democrat from Oklahoma City said Saturday.

“In some places, that may include some form of a physical barrier. In many places, we need technology.

There are sensors, there are drones, there are things we can do that will help to notify our Border Patrol

agents on a more rapid basis,” she said.

About 200 people filled a room at the Cole Community Center along Northwest Expressway to ask Horn questions at her first town hall meeting since taking office Jan. 3. Most in attendance were supporters, though several critics also attended and asked pointed questions.

"Your frustration is warranted, and it is understandable," Horn said to a President Donald Trump supporter and federal contractor who asked that Horn demand House Speaker Nancy Pelosi work with Trump more often.

"I am working every day, and I am frustrated with you and for you.

Please know I am speaking up. I am working across the aisle and I will continue to do so,” Horn told the woman, who lives in Edmond.

From NewsOK.com

Page 10 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Massive booksale set next month Friends of the Library Booksale 2019 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23 and 24, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Booksale will be held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in the Oklahoma Expo Hall.

Admission is free.

Members Only Presale NEW HOURS!!!!

Friends of the Metropolitan System members can shop the presale Friday, Feb. 22, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Memberships can be purchased in the lobby the day of pre-sale starting at noon. Annual dues are $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Books, Music, DVDs and Audio Books galore!

Booksale will offer more than 800,000 books covering a wide range of subjects including fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, biographies, medical, westerns, romance, children’s, encyclopedias and reference books, plus a large selection of music, DVDs and audio books.

In the general area of the book

sale at the Fairgrounds, hardback books are one dollar, while paperbacks and magazines are 50 cents.

Items in the Better Books Room, formerly Collector’s Choice, vary in price, most under $5.

Proceeds Go Back into Libraries Proceeds from Booksale are used to purchase items and provide services not covered by the Metropolitan Library System’s budget such as additional computers, artwork, special programming and many other needs.

Over the years, Friends have given more than $4.6 million in grants to the Metropolitan Library System. At the end of the sale Sunday, nonprofit groups and teachers are invited to take their choice of books for free from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

We would love to have you Volunteer!

For more information or to volunteer at Booksale, visit www.mlsfriends.org.

For additional questions contact the Friends at 405 606-3763 or friends@metrolibrary.org.

Ballet

La Sylphide is making its return to Oklahoma after 25 years. This enchanting story of forbidden love will run Feb. 22-24th at the Civic Center Music Hall with live music from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

Principal dancer, Miki Kawamura, will be dancing her final performance on Saturday, February 23rd. Don't miss your chance to see this classic love story on the Civic Center stage.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 405848-TOES.

Dr. Hal Scofield

Is stomach ‘flu’ really the flu?

Stomach bugs are making the rounds in the Sooner State this winter, bringing with them nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and general misery.

Many refer to this type of illness as “stomach flu,” but is it really the flu?

“No,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation immunologist Hal Scofield, M.D. “Although some may call it stomach ‘flu,’ it actually has nothing to do with the influenza virus.”

More accurately called gastroenteritis, contagious stomach illness is most often caused by two viruses, rotavirus or norovirus. Diarrhea and vomiting, the most common symptoms, typically last for about 24 hours.

Influenza, on the other hand, affects the respiratory system. “Flu causes cough, sore throat and runny nose, as well as severe body aches and fever, often over 101 degrees,” said OMRF immunologist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D. “The stomach flu has none of those except maybe a fever, but it will be low-grade.”

Gastroenteritis is generally not as serious as influenza, which kills tens of thousands in the U.S. each year, said Scofield. “A stomach virus may make you feel worse at the begin-

ning, but it’s over fairly quickly and is considerably less lethal than the flu.”

Still, that doesn’t mean gastroenteritis isn’t dangerous, warned Scofield. The biggest risk is dehydration as a result of diarrhea and vomiting, coupled with the inability to keep down any fluids.

“Dehydration is dangerous and can set in very quickly, especially in infants and young children,” said Scofield. “Babies can’t tell you how thirsty they are, so parents need to be on alert, because dehydration can turn deadly in severe cases.”

Doctors suggest parents look for signs in infants like a sunken soft spot on the top of the head, crying with no tears, dry mouth, no wet diapers for six hours and unusual sleepiness or lack of responsiveness.

Scofield has spent considerable time studying medical history, but he’s not sure when or how gastroenteritis picked up the “flu” label.

“Maybe because it comes around the same time of year as the flu?”

Whatever you call them, stomach bugs are worth avoiding. “Wash your hands and stay away from those who are sick if you can,” Scofield said.

“Because if you come down with a stomach virus, the only cure is to ride it out.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 11

United Way celebrates raising over $17 million

PHOTO PROVIDED

Volunteers prepare meals at the BGCO Disaster Relief Center near Okarche.

The meals are being delivered to the Federal Transfer Center.

Disaster Relief volunteers prepared meals for some federal employees Before the end of the partial government shutdown last week, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers stepped up to help one group of federal employees.

The effort started last week with volunteers with Oklahoma Baptist DR preparing up to 900 meals a day for federal workers of the Federal Transfer Center, who have been economically impacted during the partial shutdown.

"There are 100 people working per shift and three eight-hour shifts, so we're feeding these workers and sending home meals in cambros, which will keep food warm for up to eight hours," said Don Williams, state director of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (DR).

Trained and equipped DR volunteers are preparing the meals, which

go to the federal workers and their families, at the DR TEaM center near Okarche. They then deliver the meals to the Transfer Center, located at Will Rogers World Airport.

"This is the definition of what Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is," Williams said. "We’re primarily known for responding to natural disasters, but we go, and we work with people who don’t have the means to help themselves through an event.

This is a perfect example of that."

“Oklahoma Baptists are willing and able to respond. These are Oklahomans impacted by this situation, and we want to serve our neighbors at this point of need,” Williams said.

To make a tax-deductible donation to Oklahoma Baptist DR and for the latest updates, visit, www.OKDisasterHelp.org.

United Way of Central Oklahoma celebrated the close of its 2018 fundraising campaign Friday night with its 17th annual Snowflake Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

United Way revealed a grand total of $17,002,191 was raised through more than 550 employee workplace campaigns, corporate gifts and individual donors. This year’s campaign had more than 30,000 generous donors.

United Way says it ran campaigns at 34 brand new companies, which helped reach this year’s aggressive $17 million goal.

“This year's campaign achieved what was most important — raising the money needed to fund health and social services programming that supports the well-being of our community,” said Debby Hampton, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Oklahoma. “Our 58

Partner Agencies are the best of the best, and funds raised during our campaign will provide much needed support to these organizations at a time when our community needs them more than ever.”

Several campaigns that contributed to the larger United Way of Central Oklahoma goal were recognized and their totals

were shared before the grand total was revealed: The Heart of the City campaign raised $612,664 The State Charitable Campaign totaled $419,363 Additionally, the United Way of Logan County and United Way of Canadian County raised $415,492 through their campaigns.

Page 12 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Pom squad first at national competition The University of Central Oklahoma’s pom team danced its way to a national championship at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, Jan. 18-20 in Orlando, Fla. The team placed first in the Open Game Day Division and sixth in the Open Jazz Division.

The UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship is the most prestigious college cheerleading championship in the country with teams from all 50 states competing.

“Words can't express how proud I am of every individual on this team,” said Lil Doescher, UCO pom team head coach.

“These women triumphed over such adversities, just in the last month, and came together to be the strongest version of this team. I couldn't have asked for more.”

Pom team members include: Sidney Bowmaker, a junior dental hygiene major; Madilynn Grimes, a sophomore psychology major; Brooklyn Henry, a sophomore early education major; Katie Hurley, a freshman forensic science and criminal justice major; Breanne Kassan, a senior forensic science and criminal justice major; Peyton Kuykendall, a freshman strategic communications major; Baylee Mays, a junior marketing major; Kara Mickle, a senior nutrition, dietetics and food management major; Emma Schnautz, a sophomore forensic science and psychology major; Bre Smith, a freshman speech pathology major; Kaitlyn Tinsley, a freshman elementary education major; Kayla Tinsley, a freshman management major; Nicole Traxler, a sophomore child development major; Jaidyn Walker, a freshman criminal justice major; and Landry Willis, a sophomore kinesiology major.

“We are proud to represent our school and receive a national champi-

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma’s pom team placed first in the Open Game Day Division and sixth in the Open Jazz Division. They traveled to the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, Jan. 18-20 in Orlando, Florida. Pictured top to bottom, left to right Emma Schnautz, Kaitlyn Tinsley, Peyton Kuykendall, Bre Sanders, Katie Hurley, Kara Mickle, Baylee Mays, Breanne Kassan, Sidney Bowmaker, Kayla Tinsley Madi Grimes, Brooklyn Henry, Nicole Traxler, Jaidyn Walker and Landry Willis.

onship in the Game Day Competition, a first for UCO Pom,” said Kassan.

“Everyone has worked so hard and this team has been through a lot.

Having such a great outcome reflects

how strong our team is and how hard we fought for this title. I love my team and I am extremely proud of us and how far we have come.”

In addition to the pom team’s suc-

cess, Central’s cheer team placed fifth in the Open Game Day Division.

For more information about Central’s cheer and pom teams, visit www.uco.edu/spirit.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 13

Tips on living a simple & happy life Take stock of what is really important

By April Kirkwood At one time life was so much simpler.

Families and communities co existed more peacefully and unspoken rules were understood and followed. Each home had one land phone, one bathroom, and the television stopped broadcasting by midnight.

Stores were closed on Sundays and family ‘fun’ consisted of taking rides in the country in hopes of getting lost. It sounds almost barbaric in terms of life today. Today, endless noise, nonstop information, fast food, faster divorces, and jet set travels are now the norm. Staying home for twenty-four hours seems more like a punishment then a reward and quietness is unbearable. The masses are functioning with a nonstop low level of anxiety accompanied by an underlying state of mild depression.

Society is in a state of frenzy. People are constantly hustling, bustling, and feeling no sense of satisfaction even in moments of great success and public approval. Shockingly, the most miserable are those very individuals who have achieved much but still feel lost, lonely, and empty.

Still, the human spirit has within them the courage and ability to transform and evolve.

It is possible stay in the present while adapting simple life style changes to live happily and longer. Here are some valuable practices that assist in the journey towards a simply splendid forever.

Re Define Success Research states that both the richest and poorest have more mental health issues than the middle class. The fatal flaw is our obsession with one dimensional images of celebrities. We continuously compare their lifestyle to ours reducing our worth by worshipping their facades of fame and power. These irrational comparisons leave us feeling like failures and losers no matter what we accomplish and our character. Striving for a Porsche, owning several homes, having a perfect body are temporary thrills without lasting substance. Describing “Stuff’ as success is an erroneous perception of wealth.

True success has nothing to do with toxic materialism and idol worship. The transfor-

See Happy, Page 14

Page 14 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Happy From Page 13 mation first occurs in that recognition. Then small moments of joy, laughter, and tenderness replace shallow ambitions. The practice of enjoying quiet moments gazing as the sun come up, watching a silly cartoon with kids, playing catch with your dog, or listening to your grandparents tell tales of when they were young and consciously understanding that this is truly a life well lived. Priorities change and enjoying quiet moments are treasured more than running after trends.

Effects include but are not limited to increased feelings Calm, Satisfaction, appreciation for life, gratefulness.

Re Define YOU The real ‘you’ isn’t just a body of random DNA aimlessly wandering around trying to find a job, a lover, or a passion. The recognition that there is more to life than what are perceived by the five senses produces profound changes in your perception about life. This planet is here to give souls a place to learn. Once that is realized on a deep level, the awareness of your magnificence and oneness with light and love transcends fear. Your presence here in physical form becomes clear. Everyone is here to learn more about love, nothing will change that.

The realization of this truth frees all guilt releasing a new to punish oursleves or others for grievances.

The only sin is separation from source. This awareness gives insight to heart break, and makes illness and death illusions. Focus on the ‘now’ gives a sense of bliss that amps up endorphins, promotes restful sleep, improves energy, and encourages more positive interactions with others. Any ties to pain, grief, and sorrow are broken.

Effects include but are not limited to sense of safety, purpose, connection with source, wisdom, unconditional love for self and others.

Re Define Time Often the harder we push and fight for something the more it controls us limiting our ability to enjoy our lives. Time can seem more like a curse prematurely closing doors to our hopes and dreams. Nonetheless, life is unpredictable and sometimes bad events pop up out of no where.

Understanding that time is only an earthly form of measurement gives

PHOTO PROVIDED

Christine Dwyer as Jenna in the production of ‘Waitress.’

Producers also seek young girls for role

Civic Center will host acclaimed ‘Waitress’ an entire new and bright perspective.

Understanding this concept takes away a sense of urgency giving space to exhale, regroup, and get back out there without anger or guilt whenever it feels right.

In reality, as an immortal soul, we have an endless amount of time giving more opportunities to become all we are meant to be.

Effects include but are not limited to rest, flexibility, humility, gratefulness.

These simple shifts in perceptions present a deeper understanding of life that makes each moment spectacular. This awakening brings to light true happiness in simple events with joyfulness and a deep reverence for this adventure called life.

April holds a Masters degrees in both school and community mental health counseling. After twenty-five years working as an educator, she is now a certified Licensed Professional Counselor working with those who have experienced emotional abuse, divorce, molestation, and addiction. April is the author of, Working My Way Back To Me,

“Waitress” the Tony nominated musical will be premiering at the Civic Center Music Hall on March 19 for a limited engagement through March 24 and is looking for two young girls to perform the role of “Lulu” for the duration of the engagement.

“Waitress” tells the story of “Jenna”, an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, “Lulu.”

The character of “Lulu” is a sweet and carefree 4 to 5-year-old who appears in the production’s finale scene.

Qualified young girls should be shorter than 4’2 and be no older than 5 years and 3 months. Individual applicants are welcome, as are sets of twins or siblings. Space is limited to the first 60 applicants to sign up. Audition spots can be reserved by visiting OKCBroadway.com/lulu The “Search for Lulu” will take place in Oklahoma City on Friday, February 1 beginning at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Civic Center Music Hall Joel Levine Rehearsal Hall. The audition will consist of the child reading two lines from the show. If possible, parents should bring a current head shot and resume for each child.

Headshot, resume and prior acting experience is not required.

The character of “Lulu” will be cast locally in each tour market and two girls are chosen to share the role.

Each girl chosen will perform in 4 performances each during the one week engagement.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved film “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna – a “waitress” and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow “waitress” es offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune. “Waitress” is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Tickets are now available for the March 19 to 24 engagement of “Waitress” at OKCBroadway.com, by calling (405) 594-8300 Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visiting the Civic Center Box Office. Groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (405) 594-8262.

North graduates can apply to possibly get scholarship This spring, the Shelter Insurance Foundation will award a $2000 scholarship to a graduate of Edmond North High School. Shelter Agent Stefanie Sanchez sponsors and partially funds this scholarship.

A committee of local high school officials and community leaders will select the local recipient.

The committee will consider each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants. The name of the recipient will be announced at the close of the school year.

The student may apply the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation and leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university.

The Foundation makes payment di-

rectly to the school the recipient selects.

Applications and additional information about the Shelter Foundation Scholarship will be available in January and should be completed and returned to the school official serving on the selection committee

by March 31st. For more information, interested seniors should contact their high school counselor or principal or Shelter Insurance Agent, Stefanie Sanchez.

Contact Sanchez at 405-340-0871 or e-mail her at ssanchez@shelterinsurance.com.

Or stop by the office: at 2300 S Broadway Suite 103 The Shelter Insurance Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies – offering auto, home, life, farm and business insurance services to customers in 20 states via a network of local insurance agents and headquartered in Columbia, Mo.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 15

Review of movie ‘Serenity’

Out of place bizarre film

By George Gust Years and years ago there were a popular series of books called Magic Eye, and in these books, there is an intelligible image that allow some people to see 3D images by focusing on 2D patterns.

You’d have to squint your eyes and focus on things that weren’t immediately apparent to maybe see the intended image. Watching “Serenity” is akin to staring at a page ripped from a Magic Eye book, on the surface it looks like one kind of movie but is ultimately not the movie we signed up for after watching the trailers. kind of wacky over-the-top schlock this movie is.

“Serenity” the mysterious past of a fishing boat Overall, “Serenity” is a bizarre film that feels out captain (Matthew McConaughey) comes back to of place and will leave you questioning how the haunt him, when his ex-wife (Anne Hathaway) filmmakers concluded that this was the film they tracks him down with a desperate plea for help, wanted to release. Knight’s efforts to be a noir ensnaring his life in a new reality that may not be thriller mystery meets “Black Mirror” are comall that it seems. mendable, but ultimately fall flat and feel com“Serenity” on the surface is a throwback noir pletely inexplicable to an audience expecting a thriller featuring two fantastic, Oscar-winning acstraight forward film. It’s heartening that such a tors, but writer/director Steven Knight (“Locke” bizarre off-the-wall film featuring big time movie “Eastern Promises”) doesn’t manage to balance the stars can still be made in 2019, but “Serenity” is a competing ideas the film wants to explore. This movie that is best watched on a streaming service film is commendable in its attempt to be daring purely as a curiosity. and challenging to its audience but the execution “Serenity” is rated R for language throughout, of the film’s disparate parts leaves much to be desexual content, and some bloody images. sired and makes for an overall unpleasant movie 2.1 out of 5 stars going experience.

The surrealist saturation of the cinematography coupled with the overwrought score that is constantly bumping throughout the film is distracting and takes away from the interesting performances of the film’s stars.

In terms of performances McConaughey and Hathaway demand your attention whenever onscreen, but the dialogue as it was written doesn’t do these talented actors any favors. Hathaway is impressive with her ability to channel the brassy class of the 1950’s noir genre, but her efforts are in service of a script that doesn’t know exactly what it wants to be. However, playing Hathaway’s current abusive husband, Jason Clarke, turns out to be the only per- Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway star in the steamy formance that knows exactly what mystery thriller ‘Serenity.’

Group offers singing Valentines The OK City Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, an Allied Arts member agency, will deliver Singing Valentines on Feb. 14. Funds raised will be used to support the four-part a cappella harmony group in its training, travel and costuming. The OK City Chorus made up of more than seventy women from cities throughout Oklahoma.

The group recently represented this six-state area at the international competition in St. Louis.

Live Valentines are $50. Quartets from the chorus will be performing in homes, schools, restaurants and businesses throughout the metro area as they deliver songs of love along with cookies from Brown’s Bakery, a personalized card and digital photo. Digital eValentines will also be available and may be sent anywhere in the world.

For more information and ordering, go to www.okcity.org or call 405-720-SING.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: CIVIL RIGHTS ACROSS 1. Forever and a day 5. Organ of balance 8. What Jack Sprat couldn't eat 11. Quinceanera or bat mitzvah 12. Wagon part 13. You can count on these 15. Heart of the matter 16. Perceive by touch 17. Fedora part, pl.

18. *Voter test, now illegal 20. Ireland's other name 21. Written corrections 22. One from Laos 23. Kind of acid 26. *Segregation laws 30. *Stop segregation, e.g.

31. 40 winks 34. Zeus' wife 35. Nadya Suleman's children, e.g.

37. Subject of "Philadelphia" movie 38. Kind of southern pie 39. Chico or Groucho 40. Cured sausage 42. Member of Shoshonean people 43. *Montgomery Bus ____ 45. Produced by inbreeding 47. Brown league 48. Kind of ray 50. Flying toy 52. *He challenged nonviolence 55. Juice alternative 56. Craving 57. Evening in Italy 59. Dead to the world 60. Harry Potter's mark 61. Wet nurse 62. Ottoman officer title 63. CafÈ alternative 64. Kind of bean

DOWN 1. *"The ____ of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice" 2. Lena Dunham or Allison Williams, 2012-2017 3. Red carpet purse 4. The Brady Bunch children, e.g.

5. Permission for absence from a college 6. Smart ____, pl 7. Be dependent 8. *____ Housing Act 9. Climber's destination 10. "____ the season ..."

12. *Mandela presided over its southernmost country 13. Perpendicular to the keel 14. French bun 19. Authoritative proclamation 22. Not to be given to those in authority 23. Manhattan Project invention 24. Chocolate tree 25. "Dear Diary..." note

26. Cup of joe 27. Happen again 28. Do like Demosthenes 29. What moon did 32. Not this 33. Bupkis 36. Oscillator, e.g.

38. '70s Ford model 40. Farm pen 41. Meat grinder, e.g.

44. For all to see 46. Model-builder's wood of choice, pl.

48. *____ on Washington 49. Blue-Green scum 50. *Nobel Peace Prize winner 51. Light bulb 52. Necessary thing 53. Office dispatch 54. Roentgen's machine 55. Langley, VA org.

58. "Eureka!"

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

Wheeler to coach revived OC V-Ball program Barry Wheeler, who helped build successful collegiate volleyball programs at two of Oklahoma Christian's sister institutions, will serve as the coach of OC's revived program, OC Athletic Director David Lynn said last week.

Wheeler has spent the last three seasons as the head coach at Barry Wheeler Crowley's Ridge (Ark.), an NAIA school that – like OC – is affiliated with churches of Christ. He also spent 12 seasons as the head coach at Rochester (Mich.), guiding that program to a pair of national titles in what now is known as the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

In between his two college jobs, the 56-year-old Wheeler was a successful prep coach for 14 seasons in Missouri and Arkansas, winning a Missouri Class 2 state title in 2007 at Stockton High School.

At OC, he'll be charged with laying the groundwork for the school's return to collegiate volleyball in the 2020 season. OC will compete in the sport as a full member of the Lone Star Conference.

"We are excited that Barry wants to come to OC to build our program," OC coach David Lynn said.

"Barry is extremely passionate about volleyball and about mentoring student-athletes. He is an excep-

tionally hard worker – that is very apparent.

"Something that was very important to myself and the committee was his 15 years of college recruiting experience. The plan is for him to begin recruiting players to come in and start participating in the program this fall, practicing and preparing for competition in 2020. I'm looking forward to see how that takes shape over the next 18 months and in serving the volleyball student-athletes who come to OC." Wheeler has a career collegiate coaching record of 271-273. At Rochester, he took a fledgling program and turned it into a winner. The Warriors made the NSCAA tournament eight times, reaching the Final Four each year from 1995 to 1999 and winning the title in 1998 and 1999.

Wheeler, who went 233-202 as a volleyball coach at Rochester, also coached that school's women's basketball and softball teams and last October, he was inducted into the Rochester College Sports Hall of Fame.

He guided the program at Crowley's Ridge as it transitioned into the NAIA. In 2018, the Pioneers earned their first NAIA postseason berth, competing in the Association of Independent Institutions Conference Championship tournament and finishing 18-25.

"Most of my career, I've just built programs," Wheeler said. "You go somewhere, build a program and get it going. This is the first time I can go to a program and you don't even have holes in the floor. You're literally building from ground zero, from the ground up. That's pretty exciting. You

know that every decision that we make is going to affect the future of this program, so we have to be sure we are smart in what we do."

At the high school level, Wheeler worked at Stockton, Mo., from 2002 to 2008; at Hollister, Mo., from 2008 to 2014; at Holden, Ark., from 2014 to 2015 and at Houston, Mo., from 2015 to 2016. Including his high school seasons, Wheeler has a career record of 497-414.

Originally from Flint, Mich., Wheeler earned his associate degree at Rochester (then known as Michigan Christian) in 1983 before receiving his bachelor's degree from Harding (Ark.) in 1986. He has two master's degrees, in sports medicine from the United States Sports Academy and in education from Southwest Baptist (Mo.).

He and his wife, Lynette, have been married since 1986 and have two sons, Logan and Brandtly, and one daughter, Lauren.

OC fielded a varsity volleyball program from 1976 to 1983, posting winning records in the first four seasons before falling upon hard times. OC dropped the program following the 1983 season after four straight losing campaigns.

Donors have provided funds for OC to renovate the current women's visitors' locker room in the Payne Athletic Center and it will serve as the volleyball locker room. Donors still are being sought to help replace the current playing surface in the Eagles' Nest, which Lynn hopes will happen before the program returns to action. The current playing surface is the original one installed when the building was constructed in 1970.

Broncho women win, 68-57 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The University of Central Oklahoma women's basketball team beat Lincoln 68-57 Saturday afternoon in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play at Jason Gym. The Bronchos improved to 13-7 overall on the season and are now 46 in league play.

"We didn't start the game very well, but we made some adjustments and got things figured out," UCO head women's basketball coach Guy Hardaker said. "We played really well for three quarters and fortunately for

us today that was enough. It's good to get a win and it's good to get a road win."

UCO's first quarter wasn't its best quarter, but it did start the game on a good note. Shatoya Bryson stole a ball from Lincoln and got a layup to make it 2-0 just a minute into the game.

Central Oklahoma now returns home for a pair of MIAA games. The Bronchos host Southwest Baptist on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. before hosting defending NCAA Division II national champion Central Missouri on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1:30 p.m.

OC senior Addy Clift (5) is the Division II national player of the week.

Prolific scorer for Eagles

Addy Clift racks up national player honor In what must be a proverbial cherryon-top moment, Oklahoma Christian guard Addy Clift was named last week as the women's NCAA Division II national player of the week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

The 5-foot-7 senior from Kiowa emerged from a group of nominees from Division II's 24 conferences to receive the award. It's the first time this season a player from the Heartland Conference has received the national award.

Clift is the only the fifth OC women's basketball player to win a national player-of-the-week award and the first at the Division II level. The others were Elizabeth Mullins (NAIA, January 2002), Katy O'Steen (NCCAA, January 2013 and March 2013), Sydney Hill (NCCAA, March 2013) and Roz Hamilton (NCCAA, March 2014).

"Addy is absolutely the hardest worker I have coached in my 30-plus years of coaching," OC coach Stephanie Findley said. "I am so happy the USBWA has chosen to recognize her this week. She deserves all the accolades that come her way, though she never expects, or worries about, any of that. She is perhaps the most humble player I have coached as well. She and our team had a great week this week I just hope we can continue to improve and ride the momentum."

Clift was named the Heartland Conference player of the week earlier Tuesday after two record-setting performances in which she averaged 35.5 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

She scored 26 points in 26 minutes in a recent 105-50 win over Texas A&M International, moving past Nia Torru of Incarnate Word (Texas) as the Heartland's all-time leading scorer. She

also dished out six assists and grabbed five rebounds while knocking down 7 of 13 field goals and all 11 free throw attempts.

Two days later, Clift poured in 45 points in a 104-53 victory over St. Mary's (Texas), breaking her month-old school and conference single-game scoring record. She went 13 of 23 from the field, including 7 of 10 from 3-point range, and was 12 of 13 at the freethrow line, while also contributing six assists, five rebounds and two steals.

On the week, Clift shot 55.6 percent from the field, including 61.5 percent (8 of 13) from three-point range and 95.8 percent (23 of 24) at the freethrow line. She finished the week with 1,838 career points, fifth among active Division II players.

Clift also moved into the season scoring lead in NCAA Division II at 27.8 points per game.

In good part due to Clift, the Lady Eagles posted consecutive 100-point games for only the fourth time in the program's 42-season history and for the first time since November 1995, when they opened the season by beating Paul Quinn (Texas) 102-60 and Southwestern Adventist (Texas) 12229. OC never before had posted consecutive 100-point games against conference opponents.

Since OC began competing at the Division II level with the 2012-13 academic year, only three other OC athletes besides Clift have received a Division II player-of-the week honor.

Men's basketball star John Moon took the USBWA honor once in January 2017, and softball standouts Kala Ratliff (hitter) and Shea Coats (pitcher) won National Fastpitch Coaches Association awards in March 2014 and February 2015, respectively.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 17

PHOTO PROVIDED

The high stepping of Celtic Nights comes to Armstrong Auditorium March 11.

Celtic Nights brings ‘Oceans of Hope’ to Armstrong Auditorium Playing to sold-out audiences across the globe, the tour-de-force Celtic Nights brings the epic production, “Oceans of Hope” to Armstrong Auditorium for the first time on Monday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m.

“Irish dancing always fills Armstrong Auditorium with huge energy,” Armstrong Auditorium Concert Manager Ryan Malone said. “To see it presented by this celebrated institution straight from Dublin will be an unparalleled treat for our audiences.”

From the creator of Gaelforce dance, “Oceans of Hope” weaves together the lilting melodies and plaintive lyrics of the rich Celtic heritage.

The performance tells the story of families moving across oceans to pursue their dreams of liberty, freedom and peace away from hunger, war, persecution and famine. Celtic Nights’ “Oceans of Hope” captures

the essence of the Irish cultural tradition in a two-hour showcase filled with songs, music and dance that takes the audience on an epic journey.

The Armstrong Cultural Foundation champions Oklahoma as a world-class center for the arts by bringing world-renowned cultural experiences to Armstrong Auditorium.

With only 75 feet from the stage to the back wall, the award-winning Armstrong Auditorium continues to receive praise as a crowning achievement. The 823-seat theater is crafted for the most exceptional projection of balance and sound and boasts a nine-millisecond initial time delay gap – providing an intimate listening experience.

Tickets to Celtic Nights’ Ocean of Hope performance begin at $45. For more information about ticket op-

PHOTO PROVIDED

For ticket information to Celtic Nights please call 405-285-1010.

tions, subscriptions, group rates or current exhibits, please visit www.ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call 405-285-1010.

The Armstrong International Cultural Foundation has extended the “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered” exhibit through March 31. The archaeological exhibition premieres two of the most significant artifacts discovered in Jerusalem, allowing visitors to explore the history of ancient Judah's most famous king-prophet pairing.

Items on display include 40 arti-

facts from the time of King Hezekiah, including the recently discovered royal seal impressions of King Hezekiah and Isaiah from the Ophel excavations, royal Judean clay vessels, and weapons used during the siege of Lachish. The exhibit also features important Assyrian history including replicas of such artifacts as the famous Annals of Sennacherib Prism, also known as the Taylor/Jerusalem/Oriental Prism, various other Assyrian inscriptions, and the famous Assyrian wall reliefs of Lachish from the British Museum.

Page 18 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Tips to prepare for tax season It’s almost time for the start of the 2019 tax season. Are you ready? Yes, April 15 is months away; however, the IRS will start accepting 2018 tax returns Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 (even if the government is still shut down).

If you haven’t already done so, right now is a great time to start preparing your taxes.

The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA) offers the following tips and information to help you get ready for tax season. n Make sure your information is updated. If you moved in 2018, you’ll want to make sure your current address is correct with everyone who will be sending you tax documents.

An old address could delay your receipt of the materials or cause them to land in the wrong hands. If you changed your name in 2018, you’ll want to make sure you notified the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The name on your tax return needs to match what the SSA has on file. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to e-file your return under your new name. n Prepare a tax file. You should soon, if you haven’t already, receive the bulk of the documents you need to start completing your return. This includes a W-2 from your employer showing what you earned in 2018.

You’ll also receive Forms 1099 that report any additional earnings and investment income you received and statements from your mortgage company, bank or other lenders.

You also may receive paperwork, documenting payments you made on medical bills and any charitable donations or financial investments. In ad-

Related article, Page 20 dition, you will need to gather receipts to back up what you plan to write off for expenses related to business, medical or childcare. CPAs recommend you place all of the materials you receive and have gathered together in a folder or envelope so that everything is in one place and easy to locate when you’re ready to work on your return or present it to your CPA. In addition, it’s a good idea to have your previous year’s tax return handy. It can serve as a guide or reference when completing this year’s return. By looking at the old return, you can make a list of what you need and can mark off each item as you go to make sure nothing is missing.

Keeping track of each item also will help you avoid a last minute scramble for documents. n Don’t forget major life events from 2018. There are several different milestones that can impact your tax filing status and/or the allowances or deductions you can claim: marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, retirement, changing jobs, starting a business, bankruptcy and home purchase. If you aren’t sure how your return may be affected, you can turn to your local CPA for help.

Consulting with a CPA offers peace of mind and reassurance that the job will be done correctly and in a timely manner. If you don’t have one, you can get a free referral and free 30minute consultation at www.FindYourCPA.com.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 19

PHOTO PROVIDED

Hospitals report better patient outcomes when attended by a nurse with a BSN degree.

OC expands nursing program In an effort to help more registered nurses earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Oklahoma Christian University is expanding its successful online R.N. to B.S.N. degree.

With the addition of competency-based education, online learning modules linked to specific courses, students can now demonstrate proficiencies developed on the job and complete their degree in 812 months. OC’s expanded program was developed to meet the needs of hospitals that are increasingly requiring nurses to have baccalaureate degrees.

According to OC’s Associate Dean of Nursing, Jennifer Gray, one particular strength of the program is that each student is assigned his or her own faculty mentor and progression coach.

“Faculty mentors will help students assess their existing knowledge and skills,” Gray said.

“This will allow the mentor and student to develop a targeted plan of relevant online modules to take, which are completed in fourmonth subscription periods.”

With a national shortage of nurses, OC’s program seeks to help bring more nurses to hospitals and clinics. In addition, nurses with a baccalaureate degree earn $8,300 more per year than those with an associate degree, according to PayScale.com.

OC’s CBE program includes nine key nursing competencies for filling in the gap between the

associate and baccalaureate levels of education: role expansion, communication, management, evidencebased practice, clinical practice, critical thinking, servant leadership, population health and professional roles.

To qualify for acceptance into the CBE program, an R.N. must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and at least two years of clinical experience in the nursing field. The program’s $4,000 tuition is split into payments over four months, during which the student may complete as many competencies as they desire.

Ten $1,000 scholarships will be offered to students that enroll before Jan. 6, 2019. The requirements for finishing the competencies include the choice out of 40 sub-competencies, which result in a baccalaureate degree with 28 hours of nursing courses and three hours of Bible. OC believes no other program combines CBE and GPA, a requirement for students interested in graduate school.

OC’s program, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, accepts the transfer of college credits and offers a unique Christian approach. Students have the opportunity to participate in healing missions through partnerships with Predisan in Honduras and clinics in Oklahoma City for the uninsured.

“Students in our program will complement relevant nursing skills

and knowledge with courses on servant learning and urban ministry,” Nursing Instructor and Program Director Rhea Ann Lee said. “So many hospitals come to us asking for skilled nurses with caring hearts. This program is yet another way we can meet the growing demand for servantminded nurses.”

OC’s new CBE program uses a system called OnRole, which applies adaptive algorithms to discern students’ competency levels and establish a baseline. Developed by a company called OnSomble, students use OnRole to test out of skills and knowledge already learned on the job. For skills and knowledge that they have not learned, they will study innovative courses designed by OC faculty.

“This learning platform facilitates customized curriculum according to individual gaps in education, which allows the student to complete a degree more quickly, saving time and money,” said Jeff McCormack, dean of OC’s College of Natural and Health Sciences.

For more information about OC’s department of nursing, visit www.oc.edu/nursing.

About Oklahoma Christian University OC is a private, Christian university known for deeply impacting communities for good world-wide, rigorous academics paired with caring faculty and a wide range of positive out-

Parents Helping Parents to meet The Edmond chapter of Parents Helping Parents will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at McLaren’s Pantry, 3414 S Boulevard. The restaurant is closed to the public during the meeting.

The group is for parents who have a child with addiction. The speaker at the February meeting will discuss how adverse experiences early in life can influence addiction. For more information, call 405-642-8198.

comes including: 1) Exclusive graduate programs widely accept OC students. 2) Industries and corporations aggressively pursue hiring OC graduates who are known for entering their careers with high levels of work ethic and integrity. 3) And individual success stories from students who are difference-makers, like nurses who serve in medical missions locally and abroad.

OC offers undergraduate programs in more than 80 fields of study.

Page 20 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

The No. 1 cause of personal bankruptcies

Book looks at crushing cost of medical debt Personal Bankruptcies resulting from unpaid medical bills will affect nearly 2 million people this year — making health care the No. 1 cause of such filings, and outpacing bankruptcies due to creditcard bills or unpaid mortgages, according to new data. And even having health insurance doesn't buffer consumers against financial hardship.

A new book by Jerry Ashton, Robert Goff and Craig Antico, founders of the newsmaking national charity, RIP Medical Debt. , RIP Medical Debt. RIP (rest in peace) first came to America’s attention in 2016 when HBO’s “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” used the charity to abolish $15 million in medical debt. By the end of 2018, RIP will have abolished a half billion dollars in medical debt for 250,000 people in communities nationwide.

In our fervent public debates about the broken U.S. healthcare system, we have overlooked the devastating impacts of America’s urgent medical debt crisis. Everybody knows somebody or themselves who struggles with medical debt. The time has come to bring medical debt into the center of our national conversation about healthcare.

“End Medical Debt,” written by debt and healthcare insiders, is the first book to bypass political posturing to look clearly and realistically at the actual causes and possible cures for more than $1 trillion in unpayable medical debt in America, accumulating over the past ten years and growing.

Medical debt causes hardships for individuals, families, communities, and the country.

The authors lay bare the inner workings of our healthcare system. They show how it produces

medical bills that people cannot ever pay, including insured middle-class people who think they are covered. They tell how the early hospitals focused on patient health evolved into healthcare conglomerates focused on patient revenue. They dissect the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) to show where theory and reality do not match. They expose how veterans get burdened with medical debt that effectively tells them, “No thank you for your service.”

A glimpse into the big picture: Medical debt destroys financial stability among large segments of America’s most vulnerable communities: The sick, the elderly, the poor, and veterans. People with medical debt are the "collateral damage" of a flawed healthcare, pharma and Insurance system. Medical debt mostly targets the middle class, driving into poverty too many families

Shutdown cost apartments $200,000 A northwest Oklahoma City apartment complex that offered free rent to furloughed Federal Aviation Administration students during the partial government shutdown says it lost $200,000 in profits and was forced to lay off at least 20 employees as a result.

“It's been extremely difficult,” said Kristy Koon, general manager at Isola Bella Apartments. “We've had to do that and cut hours because at the end of the day, we have bills also.

That was a very, very hard decision.”

When parts of the federal government shut down Dec. 22, the FAA

Academy in southwest Oklahoma City was among the casualties. Students from around the country, training to be air traffic controllers, were furloughed and told to go home without pay.

Isola Bella, which caters to FAA Academy students, offered to let them live rent-free during the shutdown. Koon assumed at the time, as many in Washington did, that the shutdown would not last long. Instead, it stretched on for more than a month.

From NewsOK.com

already barely getting along. One in three adult Americans struggle to pay their medical bills. They cannot afford an unplanned illness or injury. An unexpected $500 out-of-pocket medical bill can cause hardship. Higher insurance premiums and higher deductibles with shrinking coverage contribute to increasing medical debt, ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Medical debt is the number one cause of personal bankruptcy in the USA, and 75 percent of all individuals in medical bankruptcy had health insurance coverage.

Unpaid and uncollectible medical bills threaten the fiscal viability of community hospitals, which are consolidating in the name of reducing cost while increasing revenues. hardest hit by unpaid bills are the urban and rural community hospitals providing “free" charity care.

These institutions are subsidized by benefactors or taxpayers. Community hospitals with massive medical debt may be saved by community bailouts.The resulting higher local taxes may make the community less desirable to businesses and homebuyers. Less local affluence attracts fewer talented care givers, perhaps only those wiling to accept lower Medicaid rates. Medical debt then contributes to both urban and rural communities turning into “healthcare deserts” without affordable care.

Medical debt permeates American society.

We’ve ignored the growing problem for years.

Now it’s become a crisis, A real national emergency.

Arledge & Associates Q&A

A taxing time of year need to provide the buy/sell closing statements. If you have a business, you will need to discuss the entity Q: Will the federal governtype with your tax advisor ment shutdown delay my abiland provide a balance sheet ity to file my federal tax return and profit/loss statement. or claim and receive a refund?

Again, this is not a compreA: The IRS announced it will hensive list but should help begin accepting both paper Mullins you show up prepared for and electronically filed tax reyour first visit with your tax turns on Monday, Jan. 28, professional.

2019. The agency said it intends to Q: Any other quick points we issue tax refunds as well. should know about?

Q: What documents will I need to A: We had a significant new tax prepare my tax returns? law passed that applies to the 2018 A: You can expect to start seeing tax year. For those filing with a status W-2s from your employer, 1099s of Married Filing Joint, the standard from your bank, brokerage firms, deduction increased from $12,700 in mortgage company, the state of 2017 to $24,000 in 2018. For a Oklahoma if you received a refund number of people, this will mean no from last year’s taxes, county for longer choosing to itemize deducproperty taxes and even credit card summary statements for the year. All tions on your tax return. If you itemize deductions on your tax return, these things are helpful or necessary your deduction for combined state when preparing your tax return. This taxes and property taxes will be is not an all-inclusive list but should capped at $10,000. This is a signifihelp you keep an eye out for imporcant change for those of us who live tant documents. in states, like Oklahoma, with both Q: I receive a lot of my tax information in digital format now. Should income and property taxes. Also, the personal exemptions that were I print that out to take it to my take $4,050 per person in 2017 are no preparer? longer available in 2018.

A: Unless your tax preparers or CPA firm requests paper documents I suggest providing them with digital Josh Mullins, CPA, is a partner at documents. Don’t go to the trouble Arledge and Associates, PC, an Edand expense of printing everything mond-based accounting firm. Arledge out. and Associates, PC is a recognized Q: If I am going to have someone leader in the accounting industry ofdo my tax return for me this year, fering practical solutions in the areas what information will they need to of tax planning, auditing, consulting, prepare my return? accounting advisory services and A: Keep in mind that your CPA client accounting. firm or tax preparer doesn’t know This article contains general inforeverything about you the first time mation only and does not constitute you have them prepare your taxes. tax advice or any other professional You will need to provide your prior services. Before making any decisions year tax return, your family members’ or taking any action that might affect full names, dates of birth and social your income taxes, you should consecurity numbers, all the information sult a professional tax advisor. This you would use to prepare your tax re- article is not intended for and cannot turn and that we discussed in an ear- be used to avoid future penalties that lier question, and your address. If you may be imposed by the Internal Revbought and/or sold a home, you will enue Service.

By Josh Mullins CPA Arledge & Associates

Career & internship fair Feb. 6 The University of Central Oklahoma’s Career Development Center will host its 2019 Spring Career and Internship Fair from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 in the Nigh University Center ballrooms on Central’s campus.

The event provides an opportunity for students to connect with potential full-time employment and internship opportunities. Employers will represent a wide range of organizations and graduate programs recruiting all majors.

“This is a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers who are looking to hire students and alumni,” said Elizabeth Enck, M.Ed., director of the Career Development Center.

Students are encouraged to dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resume.

For more information about the career fair or Central’s Career Development Center, visit www.careers.uco.edu or call 405974-3346.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 21

Tinker project to bring 1,300 jobs to metro

By Dale Denwalt NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman The first KC-46 Pegasus has been delivered to the U.S. Air Force from its manufacturer Boeing just as the first of 14 maintenance hangars for the aircraft are nearing completion at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City.

The in-flight refueling aircraft will be stationed in Kansas, but flight crews will be trained in Oklahoma at Altus Air Force Base.

It will eventually fly into Oklahoma City's Tinker Air Force Base for maintenance.

On Friday, Col. Kenyon Bell, wing commander at Tinker, unveiled the first maintenance hangars for the Pegasus that are being built on base.

The hangars will support Tinker's long-term sustainment and depot maintenance of the new aircraft, eventually leading to the creation of an estimated 1,300 jobs on base, officials said.

Bell said 14 hangars will be constructed by 2028 at a cost of $500 million. The first hangar will open mid-year.

"Which sets the stage for us to be able to do this 50-year mission. We're pretty excited about it," Bell said.

Once sustainment activities begin, workers will perform corrosion control, painting, fueling, general maintenance and "turning wrenches." Maintenance involves everything from routine aircraft inspections in the field to bringing an aircraft to a maintenance center where it undergoes a thorough examination to look for potential issues before they become a problem.

The KC-46 Pegasus replaces the aging KC135, and will be able to both receive and provide fuel while airborne. According to the Air

The base (Tinker) now provides Oklahoma with an economic impact of more than $4 billion, and is the largest single-site employer in the state.

Force, the aircraft's 212,000 pounds of fuel can be pumped through the boom, drogue and wing aerial refueling pods.

It can also accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation and cargo. Depending on its fuel storage configuration, the KC-46 can carry up to 65,000 pounds of cargo.

"It is very exciting because now we have the opportunity to continue to support the warfighter," Bell said. "These hangars will be set up to help us sustain that air-to-air refueling mission."

Construction workers first broke ground on the new series of hangars in 2016. The base now provides Oklahoma with an economic impact of more than $4 billion, and is the largest single-site employer in the state.

"You think about adding 1,300 jobs to that, it is going to only increase the economic impact we have on our local community," said Bell.

The workers will be a combination of civilian and military, but most of the work will be carried out by contractors. About threefourths of the people working on base are civilian.

Boeing is scheduled eventually to deliver 179 of the aircraft to the Air Force. McConnell Air Force Base will receive the first four KC-46 aircraft, and another four soon will be sent to Altus Air Force Base for its training mission.

Griffin Communications names Bellamy to senior company post Previously, Bellamy served Griffin Communications, as manager of business analytan Oklahoma-owned multiics at OGE Energy Corp. media company providing where he designed, developed news, weather, sports and inand led production of highformation content across the value analytics products, and state, recently announced served as adjunct professor Clayton Bellamy has joined teaching graduate-level base the organization as director SAS programming and underof analytics.

Bellamy graduate-level corporate fiBellamy oversees all ananance at Oklahoma State lytics operations at Griffin Communications, ensuring alignment University, Spears School of Business.

Additionally, Bellamy was senior marof analytics insights with the organization’s vision and objectives, as well keting analyst at Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores using predictive as leading analytics strategy and demodeling and data mining techniques velopment enabling data-driven decito enhance sales and reduce costs of sion making. With three master’s the company’s customer loyalty prodegrees, programming experience gram. and more than 10 years of industry “Bellamy’s financial expertise and experience, he brings a wealth of anability to develop high-value analytics alytics knowledge to Griffin Commuproducts make him a valuable asset nications. for our team,” said Tony LoPresto, “I look forward to seeing Clayton CPA, Griffin Communications CFO. excel in his new role,” said David Bellamy holds an MBA and masGriffin, Griffin Communications CEO ter’s degree in quantitative financial and chairman. “Clayton’s humility, economics from Oklahoma State Unipassion for the industry and analytversity, as well as a master’s degree ics, and impressive qualifications in journalism from the University of make him a great fit for Griffin. The Missouri-Columbia. He received his more we utilize data, the more we’ll bachelor’s degree with distinction in be able to understand and provide sociology from the University of Misthe best experience for Oklahoma souri-St. Louis. viewers and advertisers.”

Gateway growth reported Gateway Mortgage Group, a fullservice mortgage company licensed in 40 states and the District of Columbia, announced the company experienced record growth in 2018, ending the year strong and entering 2019 with momentum.

This continued growth is a result of the company’s commitment to product development and key platforms that enhance the customer experience.

Last year, Gateway funded more than 29,000 loans for a total of $6.1 billion in mortgage loans which is up ten percent from $5.5 billion in 2017.

Additionally, Gateway’s servicing portfolio has grown to $18.6 billion and the company now services a total of 107,282 individual mortgage loans.

Gateway continues to strategically and aggressively expand its footprint across the nation, despite being at a time when much of the mortgage industry is experiencing slowed or declining growth. While many of the nation’s lenders are announcing layoffs, Gateway opened a total of 40 new branches in 22 states last year and added over 341 Team Members, bringing its total to 1,169.

Cliff Hudson

Hudson now with Crowe & Dunlevy Crowe & Dunlevy recently announced the addition of Clifford Hudson as of counsel in the firm’s Oklahoma City office where he serves as a member of the Corporate & Securities Practice Group.

Hudson’s nearly four decades of legal and business experience, most immediately serving as chairman of the board and CEO of Sonic Corp., provides firm clients with an array of business advisory counsel involving corporate governance, board consulting, business transactions and franchising operations, among other corporate matters.

Hudson also served as chairman of the board of directors of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. He is a former trustee of the Ford Foundation in New York and is a past chairman of the board of trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Hudson is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center where he served as an editor of the International Law Journal, a publication of the Association of Student International Law Societies, and was a member of the legal honor society Phi Delta Phi. He has been awarded with the Georgetown Alumni Association’s highest honor—the John Carroll Award. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and has been the recipient of many honors from the University, including the University’s Regents Award and an honorary doctoral degree in humane letters.

Page 22 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mortgage Matters

Magazine gives strong When should I lock ranking to metro college

my mortgage rate?

By Kenneth Wohl Rates fluctuate so deciding when to lock in a mortgage interest rate can be nerve-racking.

A mortgage rate lock is an agreement between you and Wohl your lender on an exact interest rate and discount points for a specified period, typically between 30 and 60 days.

Rate locking is a way of managing risk, like an insurance policy.

Once you lock in your rate, your loan must close within the agreed length of time. Otherwise you may have to pay an extension fee or even renegotiate the rate, which may now be higher than your expired lock rate.

Most common rate lock periods are 30-day, 45-day and 60-day.

Long-term rate locks are available for new construction loans. Homes can take six months to a year to build. Homebuyers may choose a six, nine or 12-month rate lock option to settle their nerves when they are uncertain what market conditions may be a year down the road.

The longer you lock your rate, the higher the risk in market fluctuations, which may or may not be to your advantage.

Ideally, you want to lock when the rate is low to protect you from rising rates. What if you lock and then interest rates decrease?

It really depends on the type of

rate lock agreement your lender uses.

Some lenders use a rate lock with a float-down option. Many do not. If your lender does use a rate lock agreement with a float-down option, you may be able to take advantage of a lower rate than the one you originally locked into.

Buyers usually work with their lender to watch rates and judge if they are trending up or down. Ultimately, you have to decide if the rate you lock is one you can live with regardless of future rates.

And remember, rate lock is only one factor of your total loan costs.

Compare loan estimates for overall savings.

Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful. Choose a lender who makes you feel comfortable and takes the time to answer all your questions.

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

I’m here to help, even if you’re not an RCB Bank customer. Feel free to call me, Kenneth Wohl, at 405-6085291 or email kwohl@bankrcb.net.

---Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANKRCB, RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NM

EEDA features Citizens Bank The Arrow, the online publication of the Edmond Economic Development Authority, has recognized Citizens Bank of Edmond as its “Featured Edmond Business.”

Citizens Bank of Edmond opened in 1901, when the city of Edmond was only 14 years old. The bank, now located at 1 East 1st Street, has continued to operate at the intersection of 1st Street and Broadway for more than 100 years.

As the first community bank in Edmond, the founders understood the potential of the community and wanted to be a part of the city's success and history. Citizens Bank of Edmond is now recognized as a top innovative community bank by American Banker and has been voted an Edmond Favorite by Edmond Life & Leisure for Best Customer Service and Favorite Locally.

In 2018, Citizens Bank of Edmond launched Vault 405, a co-working space in downtown Edmond. In addition, the bank launched its first #unbank, a fully-operating unmanned electronic banking facility in Oklahoma City's Midtown District.

Citizens Bank of Edmond aims to continue succeeding with Edmond as a community as well as the residents and businesses within the community. The bank plans to be at the same intersection in Edmond for another 118 years!

For more information, please visit www.citizensedmond.com.

The U.S. News & World Report announced Oklahoma City University is ranked 37th in the country for Best Online Business Programs (nonMBA), specifically recognizing the online master’s programs in Energy Management and Energy Legal Studies.

The Meinders School of Business retains its status as the number one business school in the state of Oklahoma for Best Online Business Programs (non-MBA) for the fourth consecutive year.

“We are excited that U.S. News & World Report recognized and highly ranked our energy master’s degrees for the fifth year in a row,” said Graduate Energy Program Director Meredith A. Wegener. “Being ranked number one in Oklahoma again is a significant accomplishment, and being ranked number 37 among all colleges and universities nationwide is a prestigious honor and a true differentiator for the Meinders School of Business.”

The Energy Legal Studies and Energy Management degrees provide rigorous, graduate-level education for professionals working in the energy industry. The energy-focused curriculum prepares graduates to succeed in leadership roles or begin their own company.

The Meinders School of Business began offering live-streaming, hybrid courses in 2012 to out-of-state students and on-campus students who relocated or traveled frequently for

work. The desire to complete the degree fully online has grown exponentially in recent years, and because of this, the two programs in energy will be offered fully online beginning in the 2019 fall semester.

“It is upon this success that we are building a fully online energy program for all students in fall 2019.

Our engagement with the energy industry will continue to expand beyond the region and make a positive impact on the energy industry throughout the country.”

The full list and methodology can be viewed on the U.S. News & World Report website.

U.S. News ranked the schools on five general categories: student engagement, a measure of how well students can interact with their instructors and fellow classmates; student excellence; expert opinion, a survey of high-ranking academic officials in business; faculty credentials and training; and student services technology. U.S. News selects factors, known as ranking indicators, to assess each program in those categories.

The Meinders School of Business ranks in the top 4.5 percent of business schools in the world and has earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

The MS in Energy Management and MS in Energy Legal Studies programs are also accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen.

‘Ansel Adams’ exhibit to open Through 46 richly detailed prints, “Ansel Adams and the Photographers of the West” tells the story of one of America’s most influential and wellknown photographers who spent his life capturing the beauty of the West.

His style and passion influenced both his contemporaries and the following generation of photographers, 12 of which – including Edward Weston, Brett Weston, Eliot Porter and Laura Gilpin – are featured in this exhibition, which opens Feb. 1 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Dr. in the metro..

“Presenting the wilderness of the West as a place to protect in all its beauty, Adams was the visual artist who pioneered what is now known as the modern environmental movement,” said Francesca Giani, curator of modern and contemporary art.

“Adams saw the American wilderness as a remedy to the chaos of urban life. He relied on photography to de-

pict well-frequented tourist areas as pristine wildernesses, to be protected for the benefit of humanity. He also played an important role in the growth of the Sierra Club and led numerous campaigns, lobbying tirelessly for the protection of the environment.”

The artists featured in this exhibition followed Adams’ example and developed personal bonds with America’s wild places. Each relied on photography to convey a distinct vision of the land. Their work showcases the natural beauty of our nation’s parks and nature captured throughout California, Washington, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.

The exhibition features seven gelatin silver prints by Adams, including favorites “Moon and Half Dome,” “Mount Williamson, Sierra Nevada, from Manzanar, California” and “El Capitan, Winter Sunrise, Yosemite National Park, California.”

Soil testing could improve your lawn & garden Whether you want to have the lush green lawn, vibrant flower and vegetable beds or happy productive fruit trees now, is the time to think about the soil they are growing in and maybe make a plan to increase your success this coming spring.

Soil testing can tell us so much about the most basic of needs to accomplish these goals and also protect the environment by preventing over-application.

The Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center can help you improve your lawn and garden through its soil sampling program. It is relatively easy to gather a sample if you follow a few simple steps. Soil sampling will give you accurate results of your pH as well

as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels. These are key components that need to be balanced to give your lawn and gardens a sound starting point.

Nitrogen is fuel for growth like healthy food in a human diet, the kind that comes from eating a wellbalanced meal of greens, whole grains, fresh fruit and protein. In the plant world we want our Nitrogen levels high enough to meet the growing needs of the lawn or garden. By testing for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and receiving results on what your own soil currently has available, you will be well armed to find fertilizers that fill in the gap of missing elements for fertile soil. Fertilizers come in all variations and there is not a good practice to add addi-

tional fertilizer so testing for what is balanced and not in your own soil will save you time and money.

The ideal pH level for most plants is 6.5 to 6.8.

Higher pH would be high alkaline soil with the low end indicating too much acid for optimal growth. In general, many plants cannot absorb nutrients well if soil pH is very far out of this range.

Bring your sample to the Oklahoma County Extension Office located at 2500 NE 63 in Oklahoma City.

The samples will be sent to OSU for soil testing and you should have results and recommendations for soil amendments within two weeks. The cost for each sample is $10. For more information contact the Oklahoma County Extension Service at 405-713-1125.

Edmond Life & Leisure • January 31, 2019 • Page 23

Annual pro-life ‘Rose Day’ event to be held Feb. 6 Thousands of Oklahomans carrying both long-stem roses and a pro-life message, each for the elected officials, are expected to show up to the Oklahoma State Capitol for the 28th annual Rose Day Pro-Life Rally on Feb 6.

The event consists of two major parts, distributing roses to elected officials and a rally. Citizens bring red roses, symbolizing their pro-life viewpoint, to deliver to their legislators, the Lieutenant Governor and Governor. Rose distribution begins at 9:30 a.m., and the indoor rally begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Oklahoma State House Chamber.

Jen Bricker, a pro-life advocate who is a nationally-known acrobat and aerialist, will offer the keynote speech.

Bricker is unique in the fact that she was born without legs. After her

biological parents left her at the hospital as a baby, Bricker was adopted into a family that looked past her disability and pointed her toward a life of faith.

She went on to become the first handicapped high school power tumbling champion in the state of Illinois, as well as landing performance roles on major celebrity tours. She has appeared on television programs including “20/20” and “Good Morning America.”

In addition to Bricker, other pro-life leaders will speak as part of the Rose Day program, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to address the gathering.

“People of faith are united each year for the Rose Day Rally, as citizens present roses as a symbol of their commitment to protecting unborn life,” said Brian Hobbs, Rose Day Com-

mittee chairman and communications director for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

Rose Day is sponsored by a faith-based Rose Day Planning Committee and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

Rose Day is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, visit www.roseday.life.

Shutdown kept food bank busy The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma distributed 30,200 pounds of food to 755 households impacted by the federal government shutdown. Held at State Fair Park on Monday, Jan. 21, the distribution served federal employees and contractors who are either working without being paid or are furloughed in what is the nation’s longest government shutdown. In all, the food distribution served more than 2,600 Oklahomans.

With the help of 250 volunteers, the Regional Food Bank distributed shelf-stable food including pasta, cereal, peanut butter, canned vegetables and meat, fresh produce and bread. Workers presented a valid federal ID or proof of employment to

participate.

"It's hard to see our neighbors in the federal government struggling during the shutdown," said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "We hope this event helped to ease their burden just a bit as they are forced to make tough decisions without knowing when their next paycheck will come.

“I want to thank all the nonprofits who participated and to State Fair Park who donated the space for the event,” Fitzgerald added. “Also, we are thankful to Jersey Mike’s for providing lunch for our hardworking volunteers and staff.”

Monetary donations can be made by visiting rfbo.org/shutdown or by calling 405-600-3136.

Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am Animal Friendly Parish “If you have people who exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have those who deal likewise with their fellow human being.”

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • January 31, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure