Edmond Life and Leisure - February 18, 2021

February 18, 2021 Vol. 21, No. 40

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

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

For more information, see page 4.

Superintendent named ‘Citizen of the Year’ Edmond Public Schools Bret Towne receives annual chamber honor

OND

EDM

FAVORITES 2021 Vote for your Edmond Favorites See page 15

FRIDAY, February 19 Sunny High 40° Low 28°

SATURDAY, February 20 Sunny High 44° Low 34°

SUNDAY, February 21 Partly Cloudy High 49° Low 33°

Bret Towne EPS superintendent

IMAGE PROVIDED

See Page 4 for “Publisher’s Column” as Ray Hibbard looks at career and contributions of Mr. Towne

Page 2 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 3

Christine Merideth is now the Senior Gifts Officer at Oklahoma Christian University. It makes her the first female major gifts fundraiser in OC's history.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Christine Merideth makes history with her new appointment at OC Oklahoma Christian Advancement expert and dedicated staff member Christine Merideth is now the Senior Gifts Officer, making her the first female major gifts fundraiser in OC's history!

Merideth has loyally served as Chief of Staff Kent Allen's right hand for a long time. She knows OC's Advancement operations, history and donors.

"Christine has been the backbone of the Advancement Department at OC for the last eight years," Allen said. "Her organizational skills, servant heart, friendliness and poise is really unparalleled on campus. Everyone in the OC community, the greater Oklahoma City community and our faithful alums love Christine. She's a natural at making people feel wanted and needed."

Christine Merideth named first female fundraiser.

She is already heavily involved in fundraising and individual donor strategy. In fact, she has already been on key fundraising efforts which have garnered well over $1,000,000. And, the level of respect many of our most significant and loyal friends have for her is enormous. Merideth will add a portfolio of donors and become more active

in cultivating and soliciting funds.

"We have never received as much positive feedback from our OC family and major donors as we did when we announced Christine becoming our new Senior Gifts Officer," Allen said. "Her transition is just the next step in what should be a long and outstanding career in Advancement."

Merideth graduated from OC in 1991 with a Mass Communication degree. After graduating, Merideth worked as the Resident Director for the Reba Davisson Residence hall (currently Honors dormitory) from 1992 to 1994. She returned to OC as the Oklahoma Christian Women's Association (OCWA) coordinator. In 2012, she became the Executive Assistant for the Vice President of Advancement (Kent Allen), then moved into Director of Advancement Operations and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff before taking on the role of Senior Gifts Officer.

Merideth met her husband, Bobby Merideth, in college, and all three of their children attended OC. "The sky's the limit for Christine, and OC is blessed to have her representing it in such a public way."

Honor for Edmond physician Tomás Owens, M.D., of Edmond, is adding a new title to his long list of accomplishments: Owens is now vice president of the Board of Trustees for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the AAFP, one of the world’s largest medical organizations, representing family doctors throughout the U.S. and the world.

“Trustees are the AAFP Foundation’s most important advocates, and we’re delighted that Tomás is willing to serve in this leadership position,” said Rebecca Jaffe, M.D., president of the AAFP Foundation. “Our trustees help ensure that the field of family medicine thrives, today and in the future. As a doctor and a teacher, Tomás brings essential strengths to our board.”

Currently, Owens is director and practicing full-scope family doctor at INTEGRIS Great Plains Family Medicine, an Oklahoma City-area residency program. He is also the chair of family medicine and vice president of the medical staff officers at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. Owens is the senior delegate for the Oklahoma chapter of the AAFP and served many years as OAFP president

Dr. Owens and delegate for the National Conference of Constituency Leaders. He is very active in teaching medical students and the public, and volunteers for several boards, his state medical association, and patient service projects in Edmond.

As a member of the AAFP Foundation Board of Trustees, his responsibilities include fundraising, identifying short-term and long-term priorities and goals, establishing policies to guide the Foundation, and actively participating on at least three committees.

Page 4 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Towne named Citizen of the Year It is with a great amount of excitement that we inform our readers who has been named the 2020 Citizens Bank Citizen of the Year by the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. Our friend and Edmond Public Schools Superintendent, Bret Towne is this year’s recipient, and we could not think of a better choice by the Edmond Ray Hibbard Chamber.

Bret has served the Edmond Public Schools district since 1999 and was named as Superintendent in June 2015. During his tenure, the district has constructed eight new schools, developed partnerships with the City of Edmond and YMCA, and put a smart device in every student’s hands during a global pandemic. The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators named him the Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2015 and Region No. 7 Superintendent of the Year in 2018.

Bret currently serves on the Edmond Chamber Government Relations Council and was a member of the Edmond Chamber Board of Directors for eight years. The Edmond Chamber and members of the Edmond community are thankful for Towne’s continued investment and dedication. The Edmond Chamber is Towne looking forward to celebrating him at the Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 25, 2021. You can contact the Edmond Chamber at (405) 340-2801 for ticket information.

Jill Castilla, CEO and President of Citizens Bank of Edmond had this to say about this year’s recipient. “All three of my children have benefited from the bold leadership of Superintendent Bret Towne at Edmond Public Schools. His pursuit of excellence and expanding course opportunities for students allowed my children to be participate in nationally competitive programs and attend U.S. military academies. Many of our team members at Citizens Bank of Edmond have been loyal members of the community because of the quality of education he is delivering their families and is a driving force for Citizens’ faithful sponsorship of Edmond Public School programs and teachers. This past year was the most disruptive time in history for education. Bret’s passion for students and steady, thoughtful direction allowed our school district and the Edmond community to weather the hardship better than all others. Citizens Bank of Edmond sponsors the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award to recognize passionate change agents in our community, and there is no one more deserving of this year’s award than Bret.”

Before Towne began serving as Superintendent of Edmond Public Schools in June 2015, he served as the Associate Superintendent of General Administration/Operations for the district since 1999. The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators named him the Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2015, Region No. 7 finalist for Assistant Superintendent of the Year

He worked tirelessly to keep pace with the district's growing enrollment, which increased by 4,450 students in the past 10 years alone. Construction of eight new schools, three new freshman academies, 422 classrooms and other large additions all happened under his watch. in 2014 and Region No. 7 Superintendent of the Year for 2018.

During his career, Towne has directed the design and construction of 1.2 million square feet of new construction and 1.1 million square feet of renovations, consisting of six new schools, three new freshman academies and major additions including gyms, offices, media centers, cafeterias, computer labs and 422 classrooms.

He and his wife Nancy, a retired second-grade teacher, have two sons who graduated from Edmond schools. He is an active member of Crossings Community Church. He enjoys reading, theater, Edmond Public Schools activities, athletics, and fine arts.

This is especially appropriate since Towne announced that he will be retiring from 39 years in education. This school year, 2020-21, will be his last. His retirement will be official at the end of this year and what a challenging school year it has been. Not that he would have, but there was certainly no coasting through his last year on the job for Towne.

He told The Oklahoman in an interview and in a letter to the district that, "While I had hoped to mark the end of my career with a full 40 years of service, my declining vision and overall eye health have made it clear that this should wisely be my final year to serve." Folks, this guy is a class act.

He worked tirelessly to keep pace with the district's growing enrollment, which increased by 4,450 students in the past 10 years alone. Construction of eight new schools, three new freshman academies, 422 classrooms and other large additions all happened under his watch for Edmond Public Schools. Edmond completed a digital conversion under his tenure, which provided a device for each of the district's 25,200 students.

This made an enormous difference for Edmond when the pandemic hit last year, and most learning was forced to be conducted virtually.

Towne comes from humble roots. He began his career in education as an agriculture instructor through FFA and continued his support of the program as the Edmond Superintendent. As an FFA parent in the Edmond School district, I have always admired that about him. When he became the Edmond Superintendent, I would joke with him about how our FFA program needed a new barn. “Oh gosh, can’t we just get them a new truck,” he would joke back. The program got the new barn, and it was money well spent.

Having worked with FFA students, Towne knew firsthand what a difference it can make in our

kids’ life especially for students that might be at risk of dropping out.

Towne had one of the rarest combination of skills and talents. He was an intellectual capable of providing leadership for complicated issues.

Yet, he also has the people skills to encourage and motivate others with his passion for helping our school age children. As difficult and challenging as situations could be, I never saw the man raise his voice. He is always soft spoken but firm, good natured and compassionate to others. He defines the meaning of being a gentleman.

Our editor, Steve Gust, likes to remind us that a person in Towne’s position must do the job for the love of education because as a CEO over a business the same size as Edmond Public School District he would have made 10-fold the salary.

This is true of so many public officials. They love what they do because they have a skill set that if put up on the free market would command much more pay then what public service can offer.

Congratulations to you Bret Towne on being named the 2020 Citizens Bank Citizen of the Year and thank you Edmond Chamber of Commerce for selecting this great Oklahoma educator.

(Related article, Page 10) Results of last week’s election The primary city elections are now concluded paving the way for the general election to decide office holders on the April 6, 2021 polling date.

The deadline for voter registration for that election will be March 12, 2021. This is when the election for city council seats will turn from the individual wards to become city wide so that all Edmond voters will have a say as to who represents them for the next four years.

The two top vote getters to come out of City of Edmond Ward 3 were Christin Mugg and Sheryl Janis. The top two coming out of City of Edmond Ward 4 going to the general election in April are David Miller and Stacie Peterson. Since these now become citywide for a vote, you will start seeing much more information and advertising from these candidates. Get ready for all those political signs.

Since there were only two candidates for the open Mayor’s seat, the two automatically moved to the general in April. Current Edmond City Council member Darrell Davis will face Edmond developer Nathan Walters for the mayor’s spot on our City Council. We hope to hear more from these candidates now that their race will be getting underway. Of course, it is a city-wide race as well.

Edmond Public School Board had an open position for the Office 1 seat. Out of a field of candidates for that seat two are going to the general.

They are incumbent Lee Ann Kuhlman and challenger Margaret Best. Only residents of Office 1 will be able to vote in this election on April 6th.

As most municipal elections go, the turnout was extremely low. It was a terrible weather day but we hope for better weather and turn out on April 6th.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Obituary notice............................................................................Page 5.

---- Heat safety ..................................................................................Page 6.

---- Senior news ..................................................................................Page 7.

---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 8.

---- Business news ..............................................................................Page 9.

---- Columnist looks at people who give back..................................Page 10.

---- George Gust reviews ‘“Malcolm & Marie” movie ......................Page 14.

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

This and so much more in this week’s edition

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 5

Sure signs of snow storm With a blizzard in the forecast, residents made a trek to the grocery store to stock up on supplies. At Crest, in Edmond, the bread shelf looked a bit bare with customers nearly cleaning out the supply.

DEANNE YORK

Obituary notice Dean McElvany Doyle Dean McElvany (Baba) was welcomed into heaven on February 9th, 2021 following a long battle with chronic lung disease.

He was born September 7th, 1945 in Oklahoma City to Doyle Dean Gruver and Jeanette (Swain). His father died when Dean was five. Jeanette married Paul McElvany who adopted and raised Dean and his sister Vicki alongside his brothers Rocky and Matt.

Dean excelled in baseball, football, and swimming as a youth. He attended Heronville Elementary, Capitol Hill Junior high, and Capitol Hill High School where he began dating his sweetheart Linda. He graduated high school with perfect grades. From there, they went to Stillwater where Dean studied Chemistry, worked in the Chemistry lab, and enjoyed college life with Linda and the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University, they moved to Kansas City where Dean completed his doctorate in Dentistry. He recalls Kansas being so cold that each night he had to park his car at the top of the hill so that the following morning it could roll downhill to jumpstart the ignition.

They returned home to Edmond in 1971 to begin their family and where Dean established his dental practice. Dean was well-respected as a dentist, receiving recognition as the Best Dentist in Edmond by voters at the Edmond Sun newspaper. But more importantly, he served his patients faithfully for 42 years as a caring and humble dentist while staying mindful of an appropriate work-life balance. From the very early stages of his career, he volunteered his services to children of the Boys Ranch of Edmond, a group that recognized him directly for these efforts later in his career. Dean was an active member of the First Christian Church of Edmond where he led Bible study classes. One thing that stood out about Dean was that his office never displayed the merits of his successful academic studies. Rather, he was much prouder of his family, of volunteerism, and of his studies of the Bible.

Although an OSU graduate, he was a Sooner when it came to Bedlam, and he absolutely loved watching sports. Some of his fondest memories include traveling with the entire extended family to cram into a small trailer nearby Lake Murray for long summer days of relaxing, skiing, fishing, and cooking out. He was a perfectionist - loved studying fitness and exercise physiology with Julie, taking video analysis to an extreme at times.

He always volunteered to ride the extreme rides at amusement parks. He enjoyed coaching Mac in baseball while studying Gary Ward’s hitting techniques in detail, built a batting cage in the backyard with his brothers, and loved seeing the Braves make it to the World Series.

As his disease progressed over 22 years, it slowly robbed him of his physical fitness and ability to be active. Nonetheless, he continued working through 2013 and always found additional things to satisfy his natural curiosity. He was a man of varied interests, diving deep at times into random and unconnected subjects of bass fishing, handicapping horse races at Remington Park, DIY chemistry experimentation at home, and gourmet cooking which also brought out his meticulous personality. He couldn’t get enough gaming (preferably game night with family around the table, but also on the computer), and later enjoyed precision pellet-gun marksmanship.

Until he was physically bound locally, he traveled often to see his children and grandchildren exploring the country and enjoying the natural landscape. During these times, he also grew fond of a saying (which he stole from a TV show) in which one would use the term “MORE” rather than “goodbye” or “I love you” when time with loved ones was coming to an end. This demonstrated his desire to simply say he wanted more time with us.

Dean consistently demonstrated values of compassion, curiosity, humility, and service to others. He was also a believer: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(John 3:16) He was preceded in death by his mother Jeanette.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Lee) McElvany of 53 years, daughter Julie and Ronnie Witherspoon of Houston, TX, son Matthew and Juliette McElvany of Santa Rosa, CA, his sister Vicki (Puckett), brother Rocky and Carol McElvany of Edmond, brother Matt and Shelly McElvany of Edmond, OK, his father Paul McElvany of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Robin Puckett (Turnbull) of Frisco, Johnny Puckett, Jessica McElvany (Hendrix), Alyssa McElvany, Logan McElvany, and Lauren McElvany, all of the Edmond/OKC area.

Baba will be especially missed by his seven grandchildren Ella, Ava, Drew, and Hadley Witherspoon of Houston, TX and Charles, Isla, and Colette McElvany of Santa Rosa, CA. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests that interested parties visit www.obhc. org and consider a donation dedicated to the Boy Ranch Town of Edmond. Alternatively, donations may be sent to Boys Ranch Town, 5100 East 33rd St, Edmond, OK 73013.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.

Page 6 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Tips on providing heat safety to your home The staff at the INTEGRIS Paul Silverstein Burn Center would like to pass along some safety tips in relation to heating your home during these cold temperatures.

Generators Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open.

Smoke Detectors First, the most important aspect of home fire safety is making sure every home has a working smoke detector, and that these detectors are checked monthly with batteries being changed every six months or at daylight savings time in spring and fall.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms are easy to install and can save lives.

They do not take the place of smoke alarms; however, having one is the next step to a safe environment in the home. Any open flame heater creates carbon monoxide gas and if

your home’s heating devices are not functioning properly, this gas can be deadly.

The alarms are becoming more affordable, more effective and if you have a flame operated heating device in your home, indispensable.

Space Heaters Dust and lint may have accumulated in the space heater. Be sure to clean them thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.

Gas space heaters need to have the flame adjusted to blue in order to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build up.

Caution children not to stand too close to a space heater to warm up, as their clothing could catch fire.

Give space heaters their space! Be sure that all combustible material is away from the heater, at least three inches in all directions.

Floor Furnaces Floor furnaces are safest when they are equipped with a thermostat and automatic shut off device.

Clean the floor furnace by removing the grate and using a vacuum to remove dust and lint from inside the unit.

During the summer months, people often place throw rugs on the floor furnace. As the weather cools, they may remove these rugs and turn the furnace on. During the warm days following a cold snap, people often throw the rug back onto the furnace without turning the unit off. Then, when it becomes cold again, the floor furnace automatically comes back on igniting the throw rug. Be sure to remove rugs whenever the unit is switched on.

Central Heaters Clean or replace the furnace filter.

Clean the entire furnace area using a vacuum to remove dust and lint.

Be sure to remove any brooms, boxes, magazines, newspapers or any other combustible material stored in the heater closet.

Fireplaces Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Look for cracks in the firebox, flue and chimney.

Also check for build-up of soot and creosote inside the flue.

Open the damper enough to allow the smoke and gases to escape up the chimney.

Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid.

Always keep a good-quality metal fireplace screen in front of the fireplace whenever it is being used to prevent burning logs from rolling out or embers from flying out.

Keep a three-foot area in front of and to the sides of the fireplace clear of any combustibles including, logs, kindling wood, paper, rugs,

clothing or furniture.

Never leave a fire unattended.

Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed.

Never burn charcoal in a fireplace.

Charcoal gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas that can fill a room and overcome the occupants.

Never cook in a fireplace. Grease from the food can build up inside the flue and catch fire.

Never burn more than two or three natural logs at one time.

Artificial logs made of compressed sawdust and wax should be handled differently from natural logs because they generate more heat. Burn only one artificial log at a time and do not burn an artificial log with natural logs.

Always make sure fireplace ashes are placed in a metal container.

Never place hot embers in a combustible container such as a trashcan. Allow ashes to cool thoroughly before disposing of them.

Kitchen Kitchen pan handle safety - keep handles turned away so a kiddo can’t reach up and grab it or cook on back burners instead.

Microwave safety - use caution when removing hot liquids, especially for pediatrics when microwaves are mounted high or above stovetops.

Hot water safety – do not set your hot water heater higher than 120 degrees or just below the medium setting.

Never use a gas oven for heating your home.

There are many potential problems when heating our homes in weather events like these, but with a little caution we can all weather the storm.

Virtual events helps Round Barn ARCADIA – Oklahoma City singersongwriter Buffalo Rogers will warm up the winter night on Thursday, Feb. 18, with a virtual concert to benefit the Arcadia Round Barn.

The concert is from 8 to 9 p.m. and can be heard on the Arcadia Round Barn Facebook page. It’s part of the Virtual Barn series of livestreamed concerts, which continue every Thursday through April 22.

Rogers has been playing his rocking country/Americana/folk music regionally for the past 13 years. His songs have been recorded by many artists, including the Damn Quails.

Rogers is a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for showmanship and clever

lyrics.

In conjunction with the virtual concerts, an interview series with the musicians entitled “Behind the Barn,” hosted by Haley Jane Pierce, can be found on the Instagram page, @thearcadiaroundbarn.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on historic Route 66.

Donations for the upkeep of the barn, which is owned and managed by the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society, can be made on the Arcadia Round Barn website and during the virtual concerts. Live music is scheduled to resume in May. For more information about music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405833-1350.

Special health enrollment period starts this week A 2021 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is in effect this week.

Oklahomans who do not have health insurance may be eligible to purchase coverage through the health insurance marketplace. The SEP was created following the Executive Order issued by President Biden last month.

Beginning now through May 15, 2021, this SEP will be open to all exchange-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application.

“We all understand how important it is to have health insurance and access to affordable health care during this unprecedented time,” said Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready.

"In light of the pandemic, Oklahomans have become very aware of the value of health insurance. This is an opportunity to assess your family’s needs during this Special Enrollment Period."

There are six insurers that offer individual health plans on the 2021 health insurance Marketplace in Oklahoma: Blue Cross Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), Bright Health,

Medica Insurance Company, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthCare (UHC) and CommunityCare Oklahoma (CCOK).

BCBSOK and Medica offer statewide plans while Bright Health, CCOK, Oscar and UHC serve limited areas of the state.

The SEP will allow individuals and families to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage through HealthCare.gov or by contacting the HealthCare.gov Marketplace call center. Visit HealthCare.gov to verify eligibility, view plan options and estimate monthly premiums. Coverage will be prospective on the first day of the month following the application date. No health questions will be asked and no pre-existing condition waiting periods apply. You can also determine if you qualify for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 7

Senior Engagement volunteers sought

When seniors should think about not driving any longer A license to drive has long been symbolic of independence. Teenage drivers long for the day they earn their licenses and can take to the road without mom or dad riding shotgun, while aging drivers want to keep driving as long as possible so they can come and go as they please in their golden years.

There’s no formula drivers and their families can employ to determine when it’s time to take the car keys away from senior citizens.

Thankfully, fatal collisions involving older drivers have declined considerably in recent decades. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, collision-related fatalities among drivers ages 70 and older declined by 15 percent between 1997 and 2018. A host of factors have no doubt contributed to that decline, including lane-assist technology and forward collision warning systems that have become standard offerings on many modern vehicles.

As much as technology has helped make driving safer for everyone, aging drivers should still keep an eye out for certain signs that may indicate their skills behind the wheel are diminishing and potentially compromising their ability to drive safely. According to AARP, the following are warning signs of unsafe driving.

• Delayed response to unexpected situations: Frequent close calls and narrowly avoiding collisions when

other drivers stop suddenly indicate reduced response time that can put aging drivers at an elevated risk of being involved in an accident.

• Becoming easily distracted while driving: Distracted driving has become a significant concern in recent decades, but it’s often associated with young drivers. However, aging drivers who are easily distracted also pose a safety risk to themselves and other motorists.

• Decrease in confidence while driving: Only drivers will know if they feel confident enough to drive safely, and it’s vital that aging drivers be honest with themselves when assessing how they feel when driving.

• Having difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane of traffic: Lane-assist technology can help drivers recognize how often they’re staying in the correct lane of traffic.

When the warning bell goes off frequently, it might be time for older drivers to reconsider if it’s safe for them to be behind the wheel.

• Hitting curbs when making right turns or backing up: Hitting curbs when turning or backing up indicates drivers may be having difficulty controlling their vehicles and/or seeing the road, both of which indicate it’s no longer safe for drivers to get behind the wheel.

• Getting scrapes or dents on car, garage or mailbox: These signs also indicate drivers are having trouble controlling their vehicles.

Oklahomans 16 and older can help support seniors in the community by becoming a Senior Engagement Volunteer. Sunbeam Family Services is looking for 100 volunteers to donate their time and talents to join the nonprofit’s Senior Engagement Program.

The Senior Volunteer Engagement Program encourages independence and self-sufficiency by helping Oklahoma seniors stay active in their lives, connects them to their communities and supports aging in place.

“If you are looking for a way to volunteer and give back to our community during the pandemic, and help seniors, this opportunity is for you!” said Melva Franklin, senior volunteer engagement coordinator with Sunbeam.

As part of this program volunteers donate at least 1.5 hours per week and are partnered with a senior, who is vulnerable due to illness or age. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity visit SunbeamFamilyServices.org/volunteer or call (405) 609-8930.

Page 8 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Police booking report (The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

Feb. 1 Devon Donyell Miller,, 23 of Edmond. Charged with operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or above.

Rylee McKenzie Benson, 18 of Yukon. Public intoxication.

Seth Robert Hladik, 20 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Cristian Aurelio Urrutia, 35 of Amarillo, Texas.

Misdemeanor warrant and four counts of possession of ID card not issued to person.

Jose Francisco Reyes, Jr., 34 of Oklahoma City.

Felony DUI/APC Alfredo Morales Soto, 21 of Oklahoma City.

Public intoxication.

Feb. 2 Jadon Case Cardenas, 19 of Lone Grove, Okla.

Under 21 driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance.

Lawrence Robert Dennis, 38 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation) Blakelee Hope Sands, 18 of Oklahoma City.

Present false ID for purpose of committing felony, misleading office and avoiding prosecution.

Feb. 3 William Corey Robb, 38 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 of more.

Khallida Shani Marshall, 37 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, no proof of insurance, expired tag of three months or more, two counts of failure to appear.

Christopher Gerald David Watson, 42 of Edmond. Possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS with intent to

distribute.

Nichole Lashelle Payne, 32 of Edmond. Possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS with intent to distribute.

Michael Dale Filson, 51 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, expired tag of three months or more, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and four counts of failure to appear.

Roy Austin Whittington, 25, of Edmond. Public intoxication, obstruction of officer and burglary in the first degree.

Feb. 4 Jason Montgomery Mann, 48 of Guthrie. Possession of CDS with intent to distribute, proceeds derived from illegal drug activity, three counts of possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dejuante Maurice Gilstrap, 32, of Edmond.

Petty larceny.

Feb. 5 Zachary Matthew McComas, 21 of Oklahoma City.(drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution, (anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Danquan Cornell Howard, 23 of Midwest City.

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

Patrick Ryan Tucker, 37 of Edmond, Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Lana Jean Blasingame, 41 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Lori Dawn Ford, 55 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Aaron Robert Morehead, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Laterika Shavonna Johnson, 40 of Oklahoma City (Misdemeanor first offense) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a minor child.)

Feb. 6 Brenton Levi Swanson, 36 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of CDS or chemical substance.

Kristen Nicole Rice, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Ryan Hale, 37 of Moore. Transporting open contain of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Michael William Tigert, 23 of Wichita Falls, Texas. Unsafe lane change, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Jeremy Wesley Wells, 43 of Edmond. Public intoxication, (misdemeanor first offense) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a minor child) and domestic abuse assault (dangerous weapon.)

Tammara Annette Stapler, 55 of Guthrie. Possession of drug paraphernalia and petty larceny.

Anthony Dewayne Knowles, 33 of Oklahoma City. Petty larceny.

Heather Nicole Hulan, 32 of Oklahoma City.

Petty larceny.

Michael Angelo Smith, 32 homeless. Carrying a harmful weapon and failure to appear.

Feb. 7 Chad Douglas Shepherd, 37 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ansley Tatiiana Welch, 22 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Benjamin Del Wayne Amato, 36 of Edmond.

Petty larceny.

Tyler John Wennersten, 18 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Jesse Stuman Jr., 22 of Edmond. Possession of CDS and (anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Edmond North page House Page Jake Strother with State Rep. Ryan Martinez on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Jake Strother, a senior at Edmond North High School, paged for State Rep. Ryan Martinez from Feb. 1-4, at the state Capitol, the first week of the legislative session.

Jake is the son of Jill and Steve Strother. After high school, he plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma to earn degrees in public administration and urban management. Community service projects include volunteering to help his fellow Boy Scouts with their Eagle Scout projects, Jake enjoys spending time with friends and welding. Extra-curricular activities include membership in the Technology Student Association, FFA and holding a class office.

Page 10 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

People giving back Bret Towne is the chamber's Citizen of the Year. He's a good choice.

The guy has worked hard as Edmond Public Schools Superintendent. And that's not an easy job. People can talk about the six-digit salary, but that's not the whole story.

Someone in the private sector Steve would be making a lot more than that for the same kind of work.

Years ago I was amazed at Bret's knowledge with the building progress of the seemingly never ending schools, which the district needed. I always joked that Bret knew every nut and bolt and cement block needed for each project. It wouldn't surprise me if he did in real life.

He retires at the end of this school year. And he certainly had a challenging end with the virus popping up last year. There really wasn't a playbook written for that.

I salute Mr. Towne and wish him the best.

Edmond is fortunate to have others like him who care about the community and don't mind giving back.

We recently had an election for a school board seat and two Edmond council posts. Candidates will go on

to the general election in April. I urge people to learn about these candidates and make the right choice. But I salute the folks who run and don't win. They are the ones who make our democracy work. They also take the bold step of running for an office and helping out. They could Gust snipe away on social media but they opted to actually put it all on the line. That's important. My thanks to all.

And if you still don't know what I'm talking about, go to an Edmond City Council meeting some night, especially when a hot issue dominates.

About thirty people will sign up to speak. The mayor will ask them not to repeat points made by previous speakers. Invariably the speakers do exactly that. It gets to be about 10 p.m., and the council still has business to do.

That's not my idea of fun. And if you don't vote the way someone is demanding, then they'll accuse you of "being on the take," which is ridiculous.

The council people who put up with this kind of behavior deserve our thanks.

Vaccine progress noted

Stitt still thinks Okla. can be a ‘top 10 state’

By Gov. Kevin Stitt Last week, we hit a milestone in our COVID fight: over half a million vaccines have been administered, meaning more Oklahomans have received the vaccine than have tested positive for the virus.

On top of that, hospitalizations have been cut in half while case numbers continue to trend downward.

We can’t let up now.

Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Oklahoma’s harvest is on its way.

My team has worked closely with Speaker McCall and President Pro Tempore Treat to craft an agenda for this legislative session: the People’s Agenda.

The People’s Agenda has three main pillars.

The first is making Oklahoma a Top 10 state for business.

We are well on our way to Top 10 because we found the right balance between protecting public health and protecting Oklahomans’ right to provide for their families during this COVID crisis. Today, we are months ahead of other states.

Thanks to Oklahoma’s pro-business policies, we can aggres-

sively recruit from other states that have failed to keep their economies afloat, while the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund remains key in attracting companies.

A strong economy is built on a skilled workforce. That starts in the classroom.

Simply put: Funding should follow the students, not schools. Our kids deserve to go to a school that helps them achieve their full potential, because their potential is our state’s future.

The second pillar is delivering taxpayers more for their money.

We must modernize our civil service system so state employees are in charge of their careers.

Just like private companies, government should be able to hire the best people to provide the best service to its customers — in this case, Oklahoma’s citizens and taxpayers.

The third pillar is investing in our fellow Oklahomans.

By doing this we can transform health care delivery, improve the health and mental health of our state and provide a better future for the next generation.

Oklahomans hired me to bring a fresh set of eyes to all levels of state government, and I’ll continue to deliver the turnaround they demanded and deserve.

Together with my colleagues in the House and Senate, I look forward to delivering on the People’s Agenda and leading Oklahoma to become a Top 10 state.

From Oklahoman.com

Group takes credit for school board election success Candidates affiliated with the group Parent Voice Oklahoma (PVO) found success in last week’s local school board elections, with two PVOendorsed candidates finishing in first place and another automatically going on to an April run-off.

PVO was launched in November of 2020, when it held a rally at the Oklahoma State Capitol calling for schools to reopen for in-person instruction.

Since then, the organization has worked to field candidates that are committed to empowering parents and ensuring their voices are heard.

In the Feb. 9 school board elections, Margaret Best of Edmond and Marshall Baker of Stillwater, both supported by PVO, finished first in their respective elections and will now be in April run-off elections.

In Deer Creek, Derek Lariviere, who helped organize the November PVO rally at the Oklahoma State Capitol, will automatically be placed in an April run-off.

In districts where PVO worked to field candidates, turnout also increased dramatically. In Edmond, the last competitive election for school board had 1098 votes cast. In 2021, that number rose to 2248.

Even in school districts like Owasso, where PVObacked candidate Kristin Vivar missed a runoff by 15 votes, grassroots organization helped increase turnout from 1223 votes cast in the last election cycle to 1868 this year.

Parent Voice Oklahoma has also worked with state lawmakers to support significant education reform legislation. That includes SB 210, which allows a member of a school district board of education to be removed from office by a recall petition; HB 2241, which would fund schools based on an accurate and real-time student count; and SB 783, which allows for a more open transfer policy between school districts.

Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

Robert Ruiz is the executive director of ChoiceMatters, an Oklahoma City based non-profit that has helped to support PVO. He says parents in Oklahoma are realizing that organization, electoral success and sustained activism are the ways to create meaningful change in schools.

“Parents are generally not invited to the table when it comes to major decisions about public education,” said Ruiz. “Our educational bureaucracy is entrenched and uninterested in sharing power unless it has to. As I tell our parents, ‘power respects power.’ What we saw last night is parents organizing, entering the political fray, and refusing to be denied power over their children’s education.

Parent Voice Oklahoma deserves a lot of credit for igniting that spark and potentially helping Oklahoma change course when it comes to big decisions about public education.”

For more information on Parent Voice Oklahoma, go to parentvoiceok.org.f.

The enduring wisdom of President Lincoln “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” ... ― Abraham Lincoln “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 11

Jacci Gantz

Club’s ‘Prominent Women’ series looks at the life of Angie Debo Jacci Gantz presents Angie Debo educational to Gamma Zeta, a chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International service organization, as part of the group’s Prominent Women series.

Angie Debo made a significant contribution to Oklahoma. She was an American historian who wrote 13 books and hundreds of articles about Native American and Oklahoma history. After a long career marked by difficulties ascribed both to her gender and to the controversial content of some of her books, she was acclaimed as Oklahoma’s “greatest historian” and acknowledged as an authority on Native American history, a visionary, and an historical heroine in her own right. At the time, most Oklahoma college history departments would not consider hiring a woman to teach history. Even though Debo had a doctoral degree, she never found a permanent position in an academic history department.

In 1936 Debo’s most controversial book And Still the Waters Run was about the Five Civilized Tribes forced removal from southeastern U.S. and how the tribes were systematically deprived in Indian Territory of their lands and resources granted to them by federal treaties and how the system was manipulated by whites to swindle the Indians of their property.

Some publishers refused to print her book.

Currently Hollywood is filming the novel Killers of the Moon Flower: The Osage Murders and Birth of the FBI in Oklahoma which could be a companion book to Debo’s And Still the Waters Run. In 1994 Edmond built Angie Debo Elementary School. In 2010 Stillwater Public Library dedicated a bronze statue of Angie Debo because she chose the life of a scholar rather than what was expected of a woman of her time. She truly exemplifies the Oklahoma Spirit.

Engagement and 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.

PET

of

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week

PET PICS & BIOS PROVIDED BY

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TThis beauty had been on her own so long that she’d lostt trustt in people people, trus tr eople, and couldn’t couuldn’t be caught ht with traditional traditionall methods. me etho thods. After Aft fter our live livve trap trapp was was a success, suuccess, shee was was a bbrought br ought ught in i to to the he shelter sheelter where where she could could finally fina nally decompress dec ecompress and learn to to love love again...mostly again...mostly because bec ecause wee smothered w s thered her with love smo lo l ve She warmed warmed up quick quic ick and soon on enough sstarted tarrted e showing showing ing her funny funn f y and affectionaffectionaate te personality! personality! ality! Mirage Mirage a is crate-trained, crate-trainedd, maybe maybe housebroken, hous usebroken, gets gets along alonng with other other her friendly dogs, dogs, s and mostt gentle and ssweet has mos wee e t temperament! temper em erament! ment! She might be sensitivee for children. ttoo ooo sensit sensitiv forr rowdy rowdy dogs d gs or ttoddler dog oddler ddler childr enn.

Page 12 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

The Holy Door is only open during years when the Festival of St. James, patron Saint of Spain, falls on a Sunday.

Spanish cathedral rich in heritage & tradition

By Elaine Warner The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela looms over a large square, looking like a sooty wedding cake. Dark lichens cling to scrolled stone echoing the Elaine curves of the elaborate ironwork fence.

The Hostal de los Reyes Catholicos, quite possibly the world’s oldest hotel, stretches along the north side of the square, the Plaza de Obridoiro. These two structures are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the destination of thousands of tourists. The Cathedral, housing the sepulcher of Saint James, has been the destination for faithful pilgrims for more than a thousand years.

According to tradition, the Apostle James traveled to Spain to evangelize. Later martyred in Judea, his body was returned to Spain for burial. A popular Spanish legend tells of the discovery of his tomb in the early 800s by a peasant named Pelayo.

The story is, of course, more involved than this – including heavenly phenomena leading to one of the explanations of the city’s name as Sant Iago (Saint James) de (of) Campus Stellae (Field of Stars). The local bishop confirmed the discovery and the King of Asturias (a region in northern Spain), Alfonso II, had a simple church built there.

The story then spread through Spain, Portugal, France and beyond.

The present cathedral was begun in 1075. In the Middle Ages Santiago de Compostela became a major pilgrimage destination, along with Rome and Jerusalem, one of the three holiest sites in Christendom.

Today, pilgrims still come to the sepulcher of Saint James with the numbers peaking in Holy Years – any year in which the Festival of Saint James, July 25, falls on a Sunday.

This year is a Holy Year – a year of

celebrations and the opening of the Holy Door, a special door to the cathedral. This door is sealed at the end of the Holy Year, not to be unsealed again until January 1 of the next Holy Year. Plenary indulgences are granted during Holy Years upon completion of several requirements including visiting the Cathedral and the tomb of the Apostle, making confession, attending mass, and praying certain prayers.

Those with more stamina or desiring a meditative experience may choose to follow in the paths of centuries of pilgrims and arrive by the El Camino de Santiago of Way of Saint James, a network of routes which converge on the cathedral.

While traditional pilgrims, and some modern “perigrinos,” walked hundreds of miles, most of today’s travelers trek only the last 100 kilometers (60 miles) by foot or horseback or 200 kilometers by bicycles – the minimum requirement for the “compostela” or certification of pilgrimage. Some carry their belongings on their backs and stay in group hostels along the way. Others arrange to have their luggage transported from one stop to the next, walking unencumbered, and staying in guest houses or hotels along the route.

A Pilgrims’ Mass is held daily at noon and the names of pilgrims holding a compostela are read. A stunning moment in the Mass comes when a large silver censer is raised high above the congregation. Swinging from one transept to the other, trailing smoke and sparks, this threefoot-tall Botafumiero (smoke-thrower) weighs approximately 137 pounds and reaches a speed of 42 miles an hour.

In addition to being a significant spiritual experience, a visit to the city of Santiago de Compostela is a traveler’s treat. Narrow, stone-paved streets lead past interesting shops

See Spain, Page 12

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 13

Spain From Page 12 and tempting eateries. Santiago is the capital of the autonomous region of Galicia, an area wedded to the sea and steeped in Celtic tradition. Fish and seafood make up a large component of the Galician diet. And you are as likely to hear bagpipes as guitars.

A tour of the Bishop’s Palace and the cathedral are “musts,’ especially if you’re interested in architecture. The buildings span a wide range of ages and styles from Romanesque through Gothic to Baroque.

The Hostal de los Catolicos, a hostelry with a long and illustrious history is the ideal headquarters for exploring the area. In 1499 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella commissioned the building of a structure to serve as an inn and hospital for pilgrims coming to the cathedral.

Today the Hostal is one of Spain’s 96 government-owned paradors – buildings having historic significance or being located in an area of particular beauty and which have been converted to luxury accommodations. These properties offer first-class amenities at a portion of the price of a conventional hotel.

Any year is a great time to visit Santiago de Compostela but a Holy Year is truly special for the spiritual traveler. Because of COVID-19, the 2021 Holy Year will extend through 2022 – so you have more time to plan. I recommend watching the movie, The Way, with Martin Sheen – a story of a pilgrimage –and googling “Rick Steves Northern Spain and Santiago de Compostela for a 25-minute video tour. Helpful, yes, but as I can Building on the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela began in 1075 but most of the work was carried out around 1122. attest, nothing beats being In the 18th century, baroque embellishments began to replace the original Romanesque structure. there.

Page 14 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of Netflix’s ‘Malcolm & Marie’

Good acting but story is exhausting

By George Gust ““Malcolm & Marie” is a character drama that follows a filmmaker (John David Washington) as he returns home with his girlfriend (Zendaya) following a celebratory movie premiere.

As he awaits what is sure to be imminent critical and financial success, the evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love “Malcolm & Marie” is Netflix’s latest crack at capital “C” cinema from writer/director Sam Levinson. Shot in black and white, full of strong visual style and a showcase for a couple of young exciting actors. It is a testament to Levinson’s cinematic language that he could make almost two hours of a young couple arguing visually compelling and not simply a film production of a 2person stage play.

However, throughout the course of the film there is a creeping claustrophobia as the characters stomp around their beautiful mid century modern California home and retread argument after argument.

Where “Malcolm & Marie” shines is the performances and chemistry of the film’s two sole ac-

tors. And while the back-and-forth monologues between the two are wildly verbose and overwritten, Washington and Zendaya do their best to bring emotion and vigor to the mostly pretentious dialogue.

As they go back and forth between heated argument and wild passion for each other Washington and Zendaya show they have electric chemistry on both ends of the spectrum. Washington imbues an energy and passion for film with an inflated ego to match providing for plenty of moments of comedic hubris as well as cutting cruelty to his girlfriend. And Zendaya stands toe to toe with Washington every step of the way, biting back at him and showing the depths of her emo-

tional range.

Overall, the viewing experience of “Malcolm & Marie” is an effort in exhaustion. It may have been Levinson’s intent to mimic the feeling of an all night drag out fight between two creative and complex people, but he may have captured that feeling too closely as the constant profanity laced arguing becomes excruciatingly tiring after about an hour. And like the worst relational argument you’ve had in your life; the dialogue and talking points go around in circles end in a feeling that nothing was really accomplished, but in “Malcolm & Marie” at least you get to see two sensational young actors perform in a beautifully filmed setting.

“Malcolm & Marie” is rated R for pervasive language and sexual content. Now available to stream on Netflix.

2.6 out of 5 stars.

To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com Check out George’s previous reviews on www.edmondlifeandleisure.com

‘PHOTO PROVIDED

John David Washington and Zendaya argue through the night about cinema, love, and addiction in Netflix's character drama ‘Malcolm & Marie.’

Paseo event set in March Answers appearing on Page 19

Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. All of the Paseo galleries have reopened, some with abbreviated hours, and most will be open late for First Friday.

Restaurants will be open for dining, patio seating and takeout. All guests are required to wear a mask, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer when shopping. This month’s First Friday is March 5, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) is pleased to feature two exhibits in March - in Gallery One, a group exhibit by Studio Gallery OKC, and in Gallery Two, the Paseo Arts Association’s inaugural March Show. An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 5, 5 to 8 p.m. The PACC will limit capacity and require masks and social distancing. Both exhibits will be on display March 5- 27 in the PACC at 3024 Paseo.

The Studio Gallery was founded over 30 years ago by a group of local artists cooperatively sharing the expense and work of operating their gallery on Britton Road. Ten of their artists will exhibit in the PACC in March – Ike Bennett, Christy Everest, Curt Gruel, Becky Haugen, Scott Henderson, Dodge Hill, Phebe Kallstrom, John Moad, Whitney Watkins and Jane White.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Math 101 ACROSS 1. ¿ la mode 5. Westminster broadcaster 8. Lamb's momma 11. Depression drifter 12. Alternative to truth 13. Like a Druid, e.g.

15. Verify 16. Flair 17. Avoid paying taxes 18. *Same as power in math 20. Surrender territory 21. Mini, midi or maxi 22. Longnosed fish 23. *Round #23 Down 26. Adverb derived from zone 30. Miner's bounty 31. Curved like a foot 34. Mother Earth to Ancient Greeks 35. Truck amounts 37. "____ the land of the free..."

38. Hitler's Third 39. Capri, e.g.

40. Walked 42. Grande, e.g.

43. Remove scales 45. Accustomed, two words 47. Like arctic air 48. More capable 50. Tibetan priest 52. *Part of a whole number 55. Grinding tooth 56. Stare amorously 57. Hoofbeat sound 59. Garlic mayo 60. Kick out 61. Gossamer 62. *Pi's second digit 63. High ____ 64. "Brave New World" drug DOWN 1. Half a particular dance 2. Past tense of heave 3. Type of mountain goat 4. Body six feet under 5. Harvest helper 6. Small goose 7. Abe's coin 8. Exclamation of surprise, archaic

9. Do like fly fisherman 10. Between northeast and east 12. One who denies 13. Popular pie nut 14. *Sum divided by count 19. Southern cuisine pods 22. Apollo to ancient Greeks 23. *Three-dimensional object 24. Not poetry 25. Mends 26. *Whole number between -1 and 1 27. Scottish landowner 28. In accordance with law 29. Search engine pioneer 32. Pigeon's home 33. H in British HMS 36. *Kind of point 38. Set to zero 40. Cunning

41. Pleasing to the ear 44. Ticks and mites, taxonomically speaking 46. Short for Fredericas 48. Lock horns 49. Popular craft wood 50. Under a fig leaf?

51. Gel producing plant 52. *0.3048 meters 53. Pasta with ____ and alio 54. "Cheers" regular 55. Cultural Revolution leader 58. Money in Myanmar

See Answers on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 15

D N O DM

E

S E T I R O V FA 2021 VOTE ONLINE! EDMONDLIFEANDLEISURE.COM Simply answer each question below. Feel free to elaborate on a separate piece of paper! We will announce your Edmond Favorites in our March 4 issue.

Ballots can be mailed to:

EDMOND FAVORITES, 107 S. BROADWAY, EDMOND, OK 73034

You are welcome to drop your ballot at our office (same address as mailing address above).

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 26

AT LEAST 50% OF BALLOT MUST BE COMPLETED FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT! PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY AND COMPLETELY.

FAVORITE FOOD / RESTAURANT: Asian Food

Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt

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Bakery

Italian Food

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Barbecue

Lunch Spot

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Breakfast / Brunch

Mexican Food

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Brewery

New Restaurant

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Burger

Night Spot

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Caterer

Pizza

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Chicken

Sandwiches / Subs

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Coffee House

Seafood

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Desserts

Special Occasion Restaurant

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Ethnic Food

Steak

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Food Truck

Sushi

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Page 16 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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S E T I R O FAV 2021 FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY: Antiques

Home Decor

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Appliances

Jewelry

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Athletic Shoes / Apparel

Mattresses

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Books

Men’s Clothing

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Children’s Clothing / Accessories

Plants / Landscaping

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Consignment / Resale

Shoes

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Flooring

Sporting Goods / Outdoor Gear

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Furniture

Tires

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Gifts

Wine & Spirits

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Groceries

Women’s Clothing / Accessories

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Hobby Supplies __________________________

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 17

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 26 VOTE ONLINE! EDMONDLIFEANDLEISURE.COM Simply answer each question below. Feel free to elaborate on a separate piece of paper!

We will announce your Edmond Favorites in our March 4 issue.

Ballots can be mailed to:

EDMOND FAVORITES, 107 S. BROADWAY, EDMOND, OK 73034 You are welcome to drop your ballot at our office (same address as mailing address above).

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY AND COMPLETELY.

FAVORITE BUSINESSES/SERVICES: Automobile Repair

Fitness / Health Club

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Barber

Florist

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Birthday Parties

Golf Course

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Car Wash

Hair Salon

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Chiropractor

Home Maintenance

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Custom Framing

Insurance Agent

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Dance Studio

Lawn Care

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Dentist

Live Music Venue / Live Music Spot

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Dry Cleaning

Massage

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Esthetician

Nail Salon

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Eye Care

Oil Change

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Financial Planner

Park

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Page 18 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

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S E T I R O FAV 2021 VOTE ONLINE! EDMONDLIFEANDLEISURE.COM FAVORITE BUSINESSES/SERVICES (CONT): Pet Grooming

Senior Living Community

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Pharmacy

Travel Agency

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Physician

Veterinarian

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Romantic Place To Stay The Night

___________________________ OTHER: Best Customer Service

Locally Owned Business

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Most Attractive Building

Long Term Business

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Civic Organization

Public Art Piece

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Edmond Event Or Festival

Special Event Venue

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Edmond Life & Leisure • February 18, 2021 • Page 19

Food bank’s ‘Holiday Match’ program a success Thanks to the generosity of many, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Holiday Match campaign will help provide more than 13 million meals to our neighbors facing hunger. The match was made possible thanks to match sponsor APMEX with special support from the Cresap Family Foundation. Funds raised through the match will help the Regional Food Bank meet the increased demand for food assistance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This year, the Holiday Match donations come at a very crucial time for the Regional Food Bank. We and our partners are serving more Oklahomans because too many of our neighbors have been impacted by the pandemic,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "We are blessed to have partners like our match sponsor APMEX and the Cresap Family Foundation. Their leadership helped to inspire others to support our mission."

Generous gifts from match sponsor APMEX and additional support from the Cresap Family Foundation helped meet every donation made, up to $700,000, between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15.

Overall, $3.3 million was raised through the match.

"APMEX and our employees are overjoyed so many Oklahomans made generous donations to provide millions of meals to our neighbors in need," said Scott Thomas, APMEX founder and president. "We were honored to join the Regional Food Bank during its Holiday Match again and for the opportunity to give back to our community this challenging season.”

The Regional Food Bank and its partners continue to see up to a 30% increase in Oklahomans

seeking food assistance for the first time. This increased need for food assistance is expected to continue long after the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.

KOCO 5 News joined the Regional Food Bank as the official broadcast partner of the Holiday Match, promoting the match with special programming dedicated to the fight against hunger in the state.

“We are so grateful to KOCO for using their platforms to bring awareness to the Holiday Match,” Dykstra said. “Their support brought much needed attention to food insecurity in Oklahoma and I know helped to put food on the table for Oklahomans in need of food assistance.”

The impact of the Holiday Match can be felt

across the Regional Food Bank's network of partners in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma. Each month, millions of pounds of food are distributed to these partners. Partners like New Emergency Resource Agency Food & Resource Center in Ponca City. The organization reports they recently provided food assistance to a senior couple who is raising their grandchild amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The woman was in our shopping area and began crying because she could not believe her family would get this many groceries. The next month they told us how much of a difference this has made in their lives and how they could not have made it without our help."

Learn more about the fight against hunger in Oklahoma by visiting rfbo.org.

In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • February 18, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure