March 01, 2018

March 1, 2018

Vol. 18, No. 40

In This Issue BELLY DANCER

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

The results are in!

Edmond voters have spoken.

See Page 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 Sunny High 59° Low 40°

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Sunny High 63° Low 48°

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Mostly cloudy High 67° Low 49°

PHOTO BY MELINDA INFANTE

Freezing waters greeted divers at White Water Bay in the metro over the weekend. It was all for a good cause as thousands of dollars were raised to help Special Olympics.

By Josh Wallace NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman Batgirl, a teddy bear and a Minion were among the costumes worn by law enforcement who braved chilly and rainy weather Saturday morning to raise money for Special Olympics Oklahoma.

With temperatures hovering in the mid-30s, officers, students and other people across the metro showed up at White Water Bay to take the Polar Plunge.

“It was a little chilly, but it was for a great cause, so it was worth it,” said Trent Marsh, of Edmond, who jumped into the frigid water as part of Vallie Dunklin’s “froze before toes” team, which raised about $6,000 Saturday.

Frozen toes were exactly what team member and six-time plunger Ketha Welborn, 11, said she had as she sat shivering on a picnic table after coming out of the pool.

“It was freezing. My toes are dead. My toes are going to fall off, I feel it,” she said.

Dunklin, who has also participated at the Oklahoma City Polar Plunge for six years, said she couldn’t have accomplished the fundraising without some “loyal and crazy friends.”

The event was one of 16 planned plunges across the state, with the Oklahoma City plunge raising more than $35,000, said Special Olympics Oklahoma Development Director Jennifer

Lightle. Statewide, she said she expected more than $250,000 would be raised this year from the plunges.

All money raised is donated to the organization, helping to pay for more than 11,500 Oklahoma athletes to compete throughout the year.

Jim Fisher, director of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Torch Run, said law enforcement officers always play a big role in supporting the Special Olympics, adding that his organization is the largest grassroots fundraiser and that more than $400,000 was raised last year by agencies across the state. continued on Page 3

Page 2 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 3

MELINDA INFANTE

It takes a certain amount of courage to leap into icy water, less than two days after the metro was hit by an ice storm.

Cover Fisher, who said he has a special needs son, said the fundraising has been an important part of his life for nearly two decades.

“It means everything in the world to me. I’ve been doing this for 17 years, not the plunge, but Special Olympics, raising money for Special Olympics,” he said.

An 11-year plunger who has spent 18 years raising funds for Special Olympics, McClain County sheriff’s deputy Scott Gibbons and his team, the Plunging Po-Po’s, raised more than their goal of $6,500 for the event.

On Saturday, Gibbons, along with

From Page 1 five other McClain County deputies, donned polar bear hats and made the plunge. Another member of his team took things a bit further by wearing a pink tutu and pink mohawk, which Gibbons said netted the team a $1,000 donation.

Gibbons said the annual event has the greatest impact among all his fundraising throughout the year.

“This enables us to raise more money in this one event than we probably do all year collectively, as a department and individuals,” he said.

For more information about Special Olympics Oklahoma and how to donate, go online to www.sook.org.

MELINDA INFANTE

Freezing cold temps can cause the body to react --- immediately.

Page 4 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

We need more Eagle Scouts It thrills me when I get asked what happened to have my kids turn out so well. I raised five so it happens often, but it never fails to make me puff up. The first thing is that I had little to do with it. All five were driven from birth it seems and from a young age knew exactly what they wanted to do as adults. Honestly, there was not a shrinking violet among Ray Hibbard them. They are all outstanding and make me proud to have been part of it. My main job was to love them, get out of their way, encourage their choices and occasionally provide the assets needed to make it happen. It was all a joy.

I get asked about my son Clark often. This is partially because he looks just like me. I would walk into parent/teacher conferences at Sunset Elementary here in Edmond and the first thing the teacher would say to me was, “You must be Clark’s dad.” My reply was, “Yes I must, what has he done?” Clark could be a little difficult but in a positive way, most days. Watching the television show “Young Sheldon” reminds me of what it was like being his dad. They have a lot in common. He has fulfilled his dream of becoming and working as a mechanical engineer.

With Clark, I am quick to tell folks I never had to worry too much about him and his adventures around the world because after all, he is an Eagle Scout. The first time he went to live in France on his own and the car I had arranged to pick him up didn’t show at the airport I took great comfort in knowing that as an Eagle Scout, he would have no trouble making his way. He arrived at his hotel after about two hours trying to figure out the train system, but he was safe and sound. When your child is thousands of miles from home and you realize there is no way to get to him quickly if he runs into trouble or is hurt, it gives great comfort to know he is an Eagle Scout.

Scouting offers so much to our youth it surprises me that more parents don’t encourage it. Should they be one of the few that makes it all the way to Eagle Scout, they have set their path for life and will succeed beyond your wildest dreams. However, any time in Scouting is good for your child. It teaches self-reliance, survival, life skills and inspires confidence in your child that will serve them well no matter what career they choose. It also puts them on a path of service to others which is incredibly important.

What really surprises me is that raising money for many social ailments is much easier than raising money for preventative programs such as Scouting. Why is it that folks can’t see that money invested in our youth, no matter the program, at the most impressionable time in their life is far better than investing in programs that try to cure problems that have already developed and become a part of their lives?

Here is a look at the numbers: Exactly 55,494 young men became Eagle Scouts in 2017. That’s the most in a single year since 2013, and it’s the fourth-biggest Eagle Scout class in history (trailing 2012, 2010 and 2013). This is great news for our country and our world. It

the list. This is a poor showing for a state that has such well-run Scouting programs.

Do you need more convincing? Here is a list of famous Eagle Scouts: 1. Neil Armstrong - Armstrong led the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon in 1969. Of the 312 NASA astronauts, 39 are Eagle Scouts.

2. Gerald Ford - The first and so far, only Eagle Scout to be President of the United States of America, Ford led the country as the 38th president. He served from 1974 to 1977.

3. Robert Gates - This man was a director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011.

4. Mike Rowe - This Distinguished Eagle Scout is most famously known for being the host of “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe” on the Discovery Channel.

The first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was an Eagle Scout.

means the planet has another 55,494 people who are prepared to be outstanding friends and coworkers, leaders and innovators, husbands and fathers.

The total number of Eagle Scout service project hours recorded in 2017 was 8,461,760 including the scouts and their volunteers. Some might call that amount of service to communities “priceless.”

But, in fact, you can put a price on it.

At the current “value of volunteer time” rate of $24.14 per hour, that works out to $204.3 million worth of service to communities.

In all, 2,485,473 young men have become Eagle Scouts from 1912 to 2017. That includes every Eagle Scout since the very first one: Arthur Rose Eldred in 1912.

Utah’s state motto should be “Home of Eagle Scouts.” That’s because no state produced more Eagle Scouts in 2016 than Utah. Thanks in large part to the strong support Scouting receives from the LDS church there, 5,664 young men became Eagle Scouts in Utah in 2016. Utah is No. 1 on the list for at least the eighth year in a row.

Utah was followed in 2016 by: California 5,044 Texas 4,308 Pennsylvania 2,461 North Carolina 2,215 Virginia 2,112 New York 2,060 Ohio 1,876 Florida 1,741 Illinois 1,739 Oklahoma not only did not make the top 10 it didn’t even make the top 25. We produced 487 in which puts it in 33rd place for numbers of Eagle Scouts produced in 2016. It would be fair to say that the numbers are not comparable. Some would argue that the numbers should be adjusted for population. When they are adjusted, Utah still tops the list and Oklahoma drops to No. 43 on

5. Steven Spielberg - Filmmaker responsible for famous cultural phenomena of cinema like “E.T.,” “Jaws” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Spielberg started filmmaking early on as he filmed his scout troop for his photography merit badge.

6. Sam Walton - The founder of “Wal-Mart” was indeed an Eagle Scout. This now deceased businessman is also the founder of “Sam’s Club” 7. Willie Banks - This Olympic athlete used to be the world-record holder in the long jump and triple jump. At the age of 56 in 2012, he became the oldest American to clear a six-foot high jump.

8. Jon Heder - Yes, Napoleon Dynamite himself is an Eagle Scout. While he is famous for many absurdly comedic roles, he is now a scoutmaster and family man with three kids.

9. Wallace Stegner - Novelist and environmentalist, Stegner won the Pulitzer Prize for his book “Angel of Repose” about a man who loses touch with his family and writes about the adventures of his grandparents.

10. Michael Bloomberg - The former mayor of New York City and owner of Bloomberg L.P. is an Eagle Scout.

There is not a doubt in my mind that our world would be a much better place with not only more Eagle Scouts but more kids that have taken part in Scouting at some level. If you have children, grandchildren or just children you have some influence with, be sure and talk to them about scouting. Encourage them to visit a Cub Pack or Scout Troop to find out more information. If you have the time, volunteer as a leader. You could have a great influence over a young person in your community.

And, even if you have no connections with a child or time to volunteer, please consider donating to your local Scout organization. Social issues are the best place to practice an ounce of prevention.

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

Check out what’s inside! n Weekend calendar of events..........................................................Page 6 n A look back at Rev. Billy Graham ................................................Page 8. n Prep swimmers at state meet ....................................................Page 10. n OETA to start spring drive ..........................................................Page 13. n George Gust thinks this film may win an Oscar..........................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Edmond Favorites winners ..........................................................Page 17. n Business News ............................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

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

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

Belly Dancer is by artist Joshua Tobey.

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Copyright © 2018 by Edmond Media Publishing

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

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

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

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

Contributing

All rights reserved.

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

Material contained herein may not

Photographer Anne Schmidt anne@edmondpaper.com

be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeaneleisure

Cover Design April Burgess

instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 5

Nine new members due induction into Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame

Nine outstanding journalists and a journalism college dean emeritus will be honored during the 48th anniversary of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 3, at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

The hall of fame inductees are Jon Denton, a retired editor, reporter and columnist; investigative reporter Mary Hargrove; Barbara Hoberock, state Capitol bureau chief, Tulsa World; Douglas Hoke, director of photography, The Okahoman; Chris Lee, photojournalist for KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City; Ray Lokey, the late publisher of the Johnston County Capital-Democrat; Kim Poindexter, executive editor of the Tahlequah Daily Press; retired reporter/anchor George Tomek; and Berry Tramel, sports columnist, The Oklahoman.

The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame is also giving its first Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Joe Foote, dean emeritus of the Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma.

Doors will open at 11:15 a.m. for the induction ceremony on May 3, and the luncheon program will begin at 11:30 a.m. It will be on the third floor of the

Nigh University Center, across the hall from the Hall of Fame exhibit, said Joe Hight, Edith Kinney Gaylord Endowed Chair of Journalism Ethics and director of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

The master of ceremonies will be Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association.

"The 2018 class shows the richness and quality of journalism in Oklahoma. Each inductee has risen to levels deserving induction into this hall of fame.”

Hight said. “And, in my opinion, they are long overdue for this distinction, too. I am proud that they are joining the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.”

For the first time, video tributes will be played for hall of fame inductees. Besides receiving a plaque, hall of fame inductees will receive a lapel pin signifying their membership into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. All former hall of fame members attending this year will also receive the pin.

"The video tributes will allow us to begin creating an archive of hall of fame members that will go beyond their bios," Hight said.

"The lapel pins signify that they are not only members of the 48th class but that they have joined the most out-

standing journalists this state and country have produced."

The hall of fame is also awarding a Lifetime Achievement Award to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to the excellence of Oklahoma journalism.

"I am personally excited about this award.

Dr. Joe Foote embodies what the selection committee sought in bestowing this honor for the first time,” Hight said. “I think countless students and journalists have benefitted from Joe’s service to journalism education."

This year's selection committee was Jennifer Gilliland, Carla Hinton, Lindel Hutson, Billie Rodely, Ralph Schaefer, Terri Watkins, Joe Worley and Hight, all current members of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. Thomas, also a hall of fame member, served as an adviser to the committee.

The Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame was founded in 1971 by former UCO Journalism Chairman Dr. Ray Tassin. He was followed

by Dennie Hall as director. Hight is the fourth director and succeeded Dr. Terry Clark, who retired last year and now serves as a consultant.

This year’s inductees make for 418 total members, all of whom are featured on the hall

Doors will open at 11:15 a.m. for the induction ceremony on May 3, and the luncheon program will begin at 11:30 a.m. It will be on the third floor of the Nigh University Center, across the hall from the Hall of Fame exhibit.

of fame website (okjournalism.uco.edu).

Past honoree plaques are on display in the Hall of Fame in UCO’s Nigh University Center.

The UCO Department of Mass Communication is the hall’s host.

The hall is supported with funding from the University of Central of Oklahoma.

A sponsor of this year’s luncheon is the Ethics & Excellence in Journalism Foundation.

The lapel pins are being made possible because of donations from individual hall of fame members.

Page 6 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Annabella Koures makes academic list GRINNELL, Iowa -- Annabella Koures has been named to the Grinnell College Dean’s List for the fall semester of 2017.

Koures is one of 294 students honored for outstanding academic achievement by Grinnell College.

To make the Dean’s List, students must have obtained an academic grade point average of 3.75 or above.

Koures is the child of Dr. Vasilios Koures and Mrs. Kristi Koures of Edmond.

March 2 ---- Saints – Rhythm and Rhymes ---- Once Upon a Playground ---- In the Gallery ---- State High School Basketball Champions ---- Spring Sing ---- Platinum Comedy Tour ---- Cinch Timed Event Championship of the World ---- Jr. Ironman Championship ---- Kaleidoscope Dance Company Spring Concert ---- Phillips 66 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship ---- Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum ---- Do you See What I See? Painted Conversations by Theodore Waddell ---- A Few Good Men ---- Dorothy and Wizard of Oz, A participation play ---- Shortt Dogg ---- Timed Event Chuck Wagon Cookoff ---- Patti Labelle March 3 ---- Saints – Rhythm and Rhymes ---- Once Upon a Playground ---- In the Gallery ---- State High School Basketball Champions ---- Cinch Timed Event Championship of the World ---- Jr. Ironman Championship ---- Kaleidoscope Dance Company Spring Concert ---- Phillips 66 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship ---- OC vs StMU DH ---- Smilin’ Vic ---- OC vs St Mary’s (Texas)(DH) ---- OC vs Cameron ---- Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum ---- Do you See What I See? Painted Conversations by Theodore Waddell ---- A Few Good Men ---- Dorothy and Wizard of Oz, A participation play ---- Timed Event Chuck Wagon Cookoff ---- Saturdays for Kids: Parfleche Bags ---- Spring Sampler Tour ---- Bank of America Museums on Us ---- Easton Corbin ---- 2018 Oklahoma State BJJ Championships ---- Discover The Dinosaurs March 4 ---- Once Upon a Playground ---- In the Gallery ---- State High School Basketball Champions ---- Cinch Timed Event Championship of the World ---- Jr. Ironman Championship ---- Kaleidoscope Dance Company Spring Concert ---- Phillips 66 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship ---- Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum ---- Do you See What I See? Painted Conversations by Theodore Waddell ---- Dorothy and Wizard of Oz, A participation play ---- Timed Event Chuck Wagon Cookoff ---- Spring Sampler Tour ---- Bank of America Museums on Us ---- Discover The Dinosaurs

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by David Padgett State High School Basketball Championship Location: Jim Norick Arena, Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: March 1, 2 PM – 11 PM, 2nd, 9 AM – 11 PM, 3rd, 12 PM – 11 PM Spring Sing Location: Garvey Center, Hardeman Auditorium, Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: March 2, 8 PM – 10 PM, And 3, 2 PM – 4 PM & 8 PM – 10 PM Platinum Comedy Tour Location: Cox Convention Center Extra Info: Platinum Comedy Tour featuring Mike Epps, Deray Davis, Earthquake and special guest host Sommore Cinch Timed Event Championship of the World, The IRONMAN of Pro Rodeo Location: Lazy E Arena The Cinch Timed Event Championship is the Lazy E’s marquee event.

The event features the very best allaround timed-event hands in professional rodeo. 20 Cowboys compete in each of the five rodeo timed-event disciplines over 5 performances for a purse of $200,000.

Kaleidoscope Dance Company Spring Concert Location: Mitchell Hall Theatre, UCO Extra Info: 7:30pm & Sunday 2pm Phillips 66 Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena Extra Info: March 2, 6 PM, March 3, 6 PM, March 4, 2 PM & March 5, 8 PM OC vs Cameron Location: Dobson Baseball Field, Oklahoma Christian University Extra Info: 1pm, Men’s Baseball OC vs St Mary’s (Texas)(DH) Location: Lawson Softball Complex (Tom Heath Field) Extra Info: 12pm, Women’s Softball Smilin’ Vic Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Doors 7 PM ---- Show 8 PM, $10, Blues ---- First come first serve seating Unlocking the Vault: Mysteries and Marvels of the Museum Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10am – 5pm, Museums typically exhibit only a very small percentage of their collections. In the vast holdings of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, there are pieces that, for one reason or another, are rarely on view. This exhibition presents a variety of items that have seldom been “out of the vault,” and gives the visitor a unique look at why, what, and how museums collect.

More Information on Events Saints – Rhythm and Rhymes Location: Plaza District Extra Info: Live On The Plaza March 2nd, 10pm, March 3rd, 1am Original Flow & The Fervent Route are taking over Mondays at Saints.

Bringing forth a new music series…

Rhythm & Rhymes. #RandR Presenting different episodes that display the creativity of this experimental Hip Hop band.

Once Upon a Playground Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: This exhibit brings together more than 60 illustrations and photographs, contemporary and historic, of playgrounds creating a virtual tour through 50 years of classic playgrounds.

Do you See What I See? Painted Conversations by Theodore Waddell Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10am – 5pm, Much of what the Museum’s visitors have come to see and expect in experiencing art is largely influenced by the contemporary artists who paint and sculpt the American West.

A Few Good Men The Pollard Theater Company Extra Info: by Aaron Sorkin If you can handle the truth, get ready for the electrifying original Broadway play that became the legendary Oscar-nominated film. This Broadway hit about the trial of two Marines for complicity in the death of a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 7

PHOTO PROVIDED

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Stephen Prescott, M.D. gets in exercise during the day.

Sleep or exercise: Which is more important?

Jobs. Kids. Commutes. Spouses.

With wall-to-wall daily schedules, it’s tough to carve out time for healthy habits.

Too often, packed days claim two victims: adequate sleep and exercise.

But if you’re forced to choose between the two, should you hit the gym or the pillow?

“That’s like asking whether food or water is more important,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “Both are cornerstones of good health.”

Still, he said, “If we could get everyone exercising regularly, we would be better off as a society than if everyone was getting eight hours of sleep nightly.” Working out helps stave off the effects of aging, fights heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and controls obesity, which has reached epidemic levels.

That certainly doesn’t make sleep less important, though, said Prescott.

Adequate sleep helps maintain a healthy immune system and, like exercise, plays a role in maintaining healthy weight. “Most of all, it keeps us alert and allows us to concentrate, whether at our jobs or while driving,” he said.

Indeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates

that drowsy driving is responsible for 72,000 accidents in the U.S. each year. An analysis found that those who’d had 5 to 6 hours of sleep in the previous 24 hours were twice as likely to get in an accident as drivers who’d slept for 7 hours or more.

“Sleep needs vary by individual, but most of us fall somewhere between 7 and 9 hours a night to get all the health benefits needed,” said Prescott.

Hitting that 7-hour mark, he said, is crucial. But, perhaps, he suggested, once you reach that mark, if you have to choose between an extra hour of sleep and exercising, getting up to hit the gym could be worthwhile.

“If you can do this and not suffer any consequences from it—falling asleep during the day, disrupted metabolism, reduced energy—then I believe it’s a worthwhile pursuit,” said Prescott.

“Still, I don’t like the having to pick between the two,” he said. “And if we’re really honest with ourselves, most of us don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. We can find the time if we make it a priority.”

“I would encourage anyone with a 15-minute window to get up and do something,” said Prescott. “Even if you can’t make it to the gym, take a

Memorial coach cites family as reason for giving up post

By Jacob Unruh NewsOK.com/The Oklahoman Justin Merideth is ready to put his family first.

Merideth resigned earlier this month as Edmond Memorial’s football coach following a nine-year tenure in which he guided the Bulldogs to five playoff appearances.

“My family has made a lot of sacrifices for me over those nine years and I just felt like it was time that I make some sacrifices for them,” Merideth said. “That’s really what it boils down to.”

Merideth will remain a special education teacher at Edmond Memorial.

But some opportunities have come up for his family that would not work if he remained coach. That led to an “extremely” tough decision to walk away.

“I love coaching,” Merideth said. “I

love it a lot. It’s 100 percent still in my blood, but I just had to weigh some things, weigh the opportunities that my family has right now and decided for at least a few years sacrifice for them like they’ve done for me.”

Merideth was named head coach in 2009 after four years as an assistant with the Bulldogs. He was just 30 years old at the time. He made Edmond Memorial a consistent playoff contender, though with the Class 6A split that grew tougher the past four seasons with just one playoff berth.

Overall, Edmond Memorial was 44-51 under Merideth.

“I’ve learned a lot,” Merideth said.

“I’ve had some great mentors here.

Without question, we always gave everything we had, did the best we could and I’ve had some great people around me to help do that.”

quick walk. Go up and down the stairs. Do something that gets your heart rate up and makes you work.”

These quick bursts of exercise aren’t optimal, said Prescott, but they’re preferable to inactivity.

“Once you start any type of regular exercise, you’ll sleep better,” he said. “And better sleep means more energy. It’s a wonderful cycle of positive effects; you just have to commit to finding the time.”

Page 8 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Still too much rancor out there There are so many serious issues out there now. I only wish I had more time to explore some of the less important topics.

For instance where did the saying "all get out," come from?

You've heard it before.

Steve Gust "I saw the rock and it was bigger than all get out."

Odd, odd saying.

Yet there were a few issues last week, which caught my attention.

One was the death of Rev. Billy Graham. He was truly one of the finest men to ever live. I remember his shows coming on television every now and then. I first saw him when I was a kid and thought he was a bit brash. After awhile I listened to him and he made a great deal of sense. Plus he seemed to be a real nice guy.

I think I've probably read his newspaper column in The Oklahoman for the past 30 years. He gave hope to thousands of people and solid Christian advice for a myriad of problems. His ministry also helped the needy. This world is a lot better off because of Billy Graham. A lot better off. You could just look at his face and know he was close to God.

What was strange is I thought the world for once would be united in its praise for Rev. Graham after his passing.

I was wrong. I saw an article on the Drudge Report last week where some young liberal columnist lady had some thoughts on his death.

What she wrote was mean spirited and vile. It stunned me. I guess since Rev. Graham embraced traditional values, it upset this young woman.

But even if you disagreed with Rev. Graham's beliefs, why be so hateful?

Makes no sense.

If Rev. Graham had critics, then everyone does. But I suspect Rev. Graham would be one of the first to pray for this woman. Sadly she probably isn’t the only one to criticize and mock him.

He would also quote one of the scripture's beatitudes.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

I read Billy Graham came into national prominence after his Los Angeles tent crusades in 1949. It was estimated some 350,000 came to his revivals

then. I wish there was someone now who could follow up on what he did then, especially in California. I have a feeling the Evil One has a gained a lot of ground out there.

It's just sad that anyone who takes any kind of public position is almost always met with derision and outright hatred.

It's not just Billy Graham either.

Civility in America is on life support.

I couldn't believe the hate festival, aka CNN Gun Town Hall, last week. It was held in the aftermath of the Florida school shooting.

Gun control advocates were hateful toward Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as well as a lady from the NRA. OK, I get that people may disagree with both of them.

But why did they have to show such hatred? Is that really going to advance the debate any?

It's no wonder so many people of good will don't want anything to do with the political arena.

Everyone needs to relax a bit more.It wouldn't hurt to respect and love each other more.

It's my hope that Rev. Graham is asking God for a new revival to sweep America, and the world.

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

Lankford statement on Graham Senator James Lankford (R-Edmond) issued the following statement last week on the passing of the Rev. Billy Graham: “Billy Graham was one of the greatest spiritual and moral leaders in American history. His ministry of love, reconciliation, hope, and salvation was world-changing.

I thank God for his life and legacy. Graham’s clarity and love for people was contagious – he was, and will always be, a role model of integrity and grace. His work was also very impactful to me as I prepared for fulltime ministry; there is hardly anyone in ministry that was not impacted by Billy Graham.”

Tax cut approval

When Congress passed, and President Trump signed, the tax cut bill in December, Democrats crowed that the bill was widely unpopular and predicted Republicans would pay in 2018 elections.

GOP lawmakers, in response, argued much opposition was based on false information and that support would grow as people experienced the real-world benefits.

So far, it's the Republican predictions that are proving accurate. A recent poll conducted for The New York Times showed that the tax cut now enjoys majority support — 51 percent — up from just 37 percent in December. And the trend line for approval is likely to continue to increase. The independent Tax Policy Center estimates four in five Americans will see an increase in their after-tax earnings. To Democrats' dismay, most people see that as a good thing.

From NewsOK.com

NRA contributions have little effect in Oklahoma

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board In politics, activists often say campaign contributions “buy” politicians' votes and use that argument to explain why their favored policy proposals haven't advanced.

While there are instances where that argument has some validity, there also are many instances where it is demonstrably false. The debate over gun control is one of the most prominent examples of the latter.

Following the school shooting in Florida, many individuals promoting new gun control laws have taken to demonizing the National Rifle Association, insisting the NRA's campaign contributions have played a role in blocking many gun control measures those activists favor.

If there's any cause and effect, one would think it would be apparent in Oklahoma, which has consistently been rated one of the most gun-rightsfriendly states. Oklahoma allows the concealed and open carrying of firearms. It has a “stand your

ground” law that protects citizens from prosecution if they use a firearm in self-defense. Lawmakers have passed laws to discourage frivolous lawsuits against gun makers. And every year, numerous new measures are filed to expand gun rights. In 2017, Guns & Ammo ranked Oklahoma No. 4 on its list of “best states for gun owners.”

On the other hand, most gun control measures go nowhere in the Legislature.

If the “campaign contributions explain policy outcomes” theory is accurate, then Oklahoma campaigns should be flooded with NRA cash.

They're not.

When an Oklahoma Watch reporter reviewed state campaign finance reports, he found “relatively little spending by the National Rifle Association on Oklahoma politicians.”

In 2016, the NRA's Political Victory Fund contributed $4,500 total to candidates for legislative seats in Oklahoma. Only four candidates, all incumbent lawmakers, received contributions, and

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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.

none received more than $1,500. That year the NRA also gave $200 to the Republican State House Committee, which recruits GOP candidates.

In 2016, the NRA spent tens of millions on independent expenditures nationwide. None of it was spent to elect candidates for Oklahoma's Legislature.

There are 149 members of the Legislature. To believe NRA contributions have bought votes on gun legislation in Oklahoma, one must believe relatively minor contributions to fewer than 3 percent of lawmakers translated into strong majority support in the House and Senate for numerous progun bills in recent years. That doesn't pass the laugh test.

So how to explain the relative ease with which legislation expanding gun rights has advanced in Oklahoma, and the strong opposition to most gun control measures?

Because many Oklahoma voters and lawmakers are already predisposed to support gun rights. One reason the NRA doesn't donate much money to Oklahoma legislative candidates is because it's not necessary.

Campaign funding has its greatest impact on issues where public awareness is relatively low. But on issues where most citizens already hold strong views — pro or con — the majority of lawmakers will usually fall in line with the prevailing attitudes of their constituents.

The NRA's positions have not prevailed in Oklahoma because of campaign contributions.

They have prevailed because many Oklahoma voters already share the NRA's perspective on gun issues.

From NewsOK.com

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 9

Page 10 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond Memorial girls win runner-up title at the recent state swim championship. From left to right: Edmond Head Swim Coach Heather Devoe, Allie Schein, Kristen Nieves, Angelina Rossi, Krista Parker, Sydney Parker, Katie Callahan, Riley Bushey, Kellie Fischer, Elizabeth McAnally, and Edmond Memorial Site Coach Valerie Wingerson.

Individual finishes of Edmond swimmers posted The Edmond Memorial girls won the runner-up title at the 6A State Swim Meet at the Edmond Schools Aquatic Center last weekend, with Kellie Fischer earning two state champion titles.

Also coming home with gold was Memorial Bulldog Luke Davis, who led the boys to a fifth-place finish.

Additionally, both Memorial’s girls and boys teams were named 2018 Academic State Champions in their respective divisions for achieving the highest team grade point averages among the 18 6A swim teams. In the boys division, Edmond Santa Fe was named runner-up Academic State Champion.

“Each team member stepped up at the state meet and gave 100 percent toward achieving top finishes and personal bests, which translated into higher scores,” said Edmond’s Head Swim Coach Heather Devoe.

“Our swimmers are committed and driven both in the water and in the classroom, and I’m incredibly proud to lead such an outstanding group of student athletes,” said Devoe, who also received the Runner-up Coaches Achievement Award in recognition of the Memorial girls’ state success.

The Memorial girls earned 247.5 points for the silver finish, while Bartlesville won the girls championship with 465.5 points. North took bronze with 230 points, and Santa Fe finished eighth with 114 points.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by Fischer, who tied for first with Bartlesville’s June Harris in the 100yard freestyle (51.87) and outtouched her competitors in the

100-yard backstroke (56.56) to claim victory in those events for the third year in a row.

“Our team has come together the last couple of weeks,” Fischer said.

“We’ve pushed each other and gotten really close. I think that made a big difference at state this year.

“We have a lot of new swimmers on the team who have improved and made a huge difference in the outcome at state, and I am beyond proud of what the team has done,” Fischer said.

Lady Bulldog Katie Callahan also earned top finishes for Memorial, bringing home silver in the 200-yard freestyle (1:53.13) and the 500-yard freestyle (5:02.39).

Memorial also achieved two second-place finishes in relay action. Fischer and Callahan joined Riley Bushey and Sydney Parker to take silver in both the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:39.62) and the 400-yard freestyle relay (3:37.43).

The Edmond North girls won bronze in the 200-yard medley relay, with Ana Savva, Emma Reynolds, Hannah Brenning and Ryann James teaming up to touch the wall in 1:55.04.

Edmond Santa Fe’s Arrian Taton took silver in the girls 100-yard butterfly (58.42).

For the boys, Norman North outswam Jenks for the state title, winning 431 to 413. Edmond Memorial finished fifth with 135 points, North sixth with 127 points and Santa Fe 10th with 91 points.

Memorial’s Davis was the state champion in the 500-yard freestyle

with a time of 4:41.31. He also earned bronze in the 200-yard individual medley (1:56.13).

Davis also joined teammates Denton David, Samuel Hart and Max Myers to take third in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:41.22.

“Memorial’s swimmers worked very hard during the entire swim season, and their hard work paid off,” said Edmond Memorial Site Coach Valerie Wingerson. “It’s exciting that the girls earned the state runner-up title for the fourth year in a row and that the boys moved up to fifth place this year from ninth last year.

“I am so proud of my swimmers.

They all swam for their teammates and that showed in the overall scores,” Wingerson said.

6A State Meet GIRLS 200 medley relay – 3. Edmond North (Ana Savva, Emma Reynolds, Hannah Brenning, Ryann James) 1:55.04; 5. Edmond Memorial (Genna Callahan, Angelina Rossi, Krista Parker, Elizabeth McAnally) 1:58.00; 7. Edmond Santa Fe (Kierstyn Cleaves, Chloe Case, Arrian Taton, DeShayla Thompson) 1:59.15 200 freestyle – 2. Katie Callahan (EM) 1:53.13; 6. Case (ESF) 1:56.16; 8. Taton (ESF) 1:58.83; 14. K. Parker (EM) 2:08.40 200 individual medley – 9.

Reynolds (EN) 2:20.12; 10. Savva (EN) 2:22.04; 12. Riley Mills (EN) 2:24.20; 14. Rossi (EM) 2:27.58 50 freestyle – 5. Brynnan Duncan (EN) 25.91; 6. James (EN) 25.99; 7.

Riley Bushey (EM) 26.05; 8. Brenning (EN) 26.10; 14. Erin Sylvester (EN) 27.28 100 butterfly – 2. Taton (ESF) 58.42; 5. Sydney Parker (EM) 59.24; 16. Trysta Duerson (EN) 1:09.52 100 freestyle – 1. Fischer (EM) 51.87; 7 Reese Lugafet (EN) 57.53; 9. Duncan (EN) 57.42; 13. McAnally (EM) 59.50; 14. Sylvester (EN) 59.71 500 freestyle – 2. K. Callahan (EM) 5:02.39; 4. Case (ESF) 5:09.74; 5. James (EN) 5:27.67; 14. K. Parker (EM) 5:44.82; 16. Allie Schein (EM) 5:45.09 200 freestyle relay – 2. Edmond Memorial (Callahan, Bushey, S. Parker, Fischer) 1:39.62; 4. Edmond North (Brenning, Savva, Duncan, James) 1:44.55; 7. Edmond Santa Fe (Case, Cleaves, Thompson, Taton)

1:46.77 100 backstroke – 1. Fischer (EM) 56.56; 4. S. Parker (EM) 59.45; 7.

Savva (EN) 1:03.20; 8. Bushey (EM) 1:04.32; 11. Lugafet (EN) 1:05.21; 12. Brenning (EN) 1:06.57 100 breaststroke – 6. Rossi (EM) 1:08.76; 9. Reynolds (EN) 1:09.12; 13. Mills (EN) 1:14.69; Lindsey Fuchs (EN) 1:14.97; 15. Claire Burton (EN) 1:15.09 400 freestyle relay – 2. Edmond Memorial (Callahan, Bushey, S. Parker, Fischer) 3:37.43; 6. Edmond North (Duncan, Ivy Ott, Sylvester, Lugafet) 3:55.07; 12. Edmond Santa Fe (Audrey Estes, Sophie Wong, Katherine Valles, Jessica Vaughan) 4:24.76 BOYS 200 medley relay – 3. Edmond Memorial (Luke Davis, Denton David, Samuel Hart, Max Myers) 1:41.22; 5.

Edmond North (Brendan Healy, Chris Silva, Evan Drum, D.J. Scott) 1:43.81; 6. Edmond Santa Fe (Jacob Muller, Ethan Reed, Ryan Harris, Braden Nicholson) 1:44.22 200 individual medley – 3. Davis (EM) 1:56.13; 8. Silva (EN) 2:04.33; 11. Healy (EN) 2:05.06; 15. Harris (ESF) 2:09.61 50 freestyle – 8. Nicholson (ESF) 22.94; 9. Myers (EM) 22.55; 11.

Noah Froese (EN) 22.95; 12. Alex Reynolds (EN) 23.01 100 butterfly – 10. Harris (ESF) 55.64; 14. Drum (EN) 58.32 100 freestyle – 6. Myers (EM) 48.92; 10. Froese (EN) 49.91; 11.

Nicholson (ESF) 50.21; 15. Reynolds (EN) 51.08 500 freestyle – 1. Davis (EM) 4:41.31; 11. Matt Hutson (EN) 5:03.94 200 freestyle relay – 7. Edmond Memorial (Myers, Teddy Shinn, David, Davis) 1:33.65; 8. Edmond Santa Fe (Reed, Jacob Muller, Harris, Nicholson) 1:34.40 100 backstroke – 10. Healy (EN) 57.00; 15. Hutson (EN) 1:00.74 100 breaststroke – 5. Silva (EN) 1:00.68; 10. Reed (ESF) 1:03.01; 11.

David (EM) 1:03.76; 14. Hart (EM) 1:04.17 400 freestyle relay – 4. Edmond North (Froese, Hutson, Drum, Reynolds) 3:28.28; 11. Edmond Memorial (Keegan Leibrock, Tate Matthews, Shinn, Hart) 3:44.28; 12.

Edmond Santa Fe (Bryan Campbell, Jonathan Valles, Leo Mattveev Jr., Aaron Fioraza) 3:44.97

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 11

Empowering Families luncheon scheduled for March 29 at OKC Golf & Country Club Parent Promise/Prevent Child Abuse Oklahoma will present a fund-raising luncheon focusing on inhome parent education and support programs that help strengthen at-risk families and prevent child neglect and abuse.

The luncheon and program, Empowering Families – Inspiring Hope, will be held Thursday, March 29, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. David Prater, Oklahoma County District Attorney, will be the keynote speaker. Dan Duffy, president of Prevent Child Abuse America, will also give remarks about the success of home visitation programs in stopping generational cycles of hopelessness and neglect.

The luncheon will bring attention to the need for home visitation in breaking generational cycles of hopelessness and helplessness in many of our local families. The luncheon will raise awareness, support and engagement for supporting Oklahoma families with in-home parent education and support services proven to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“Parent Promise coordinates these valuable services with referring community hospitals and agencies who identify at-risk families in need of such services,” said Executive Director Sherry Fair. “Inhome parent education is proven to save Oklahoma money by diverting families away from later treatment or judicial costs.”

Sponsorships for the luncheon are still available by calling Cindy Allen, development director, at 405-232-2500, ext. 103 or by emailing cindy.allen@parentpromise.org. Attendance at the luncheon is free, but reservations are required by emailing cindy.allen@parentpromise.org or by registering at www.parentpromise.org.

Sponsors and community partners include MidFirst Bank, Connie Calvert, Edmond Exchange Club, McLaughlin Family Foundation, Arnall Family Foundation and Sarkeys Foundation.

Parent Promise, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, is the Oklahoma chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and is accredited by the National Exchange Club Foundation.

OC students help battle childhood cancer Oklahoma Christian University students want Oklahomans to come together to do more to fight childhood cancer. For the next month, students across campus are highlighting the need for more funding and research in childhood cancer treatments.

Partnering with the national nonprofit, With Purpose, OC students are promoting their campaign with the Public Relations Student Society Of America Bateman’s case study competition.

The OC campaign is directed by Eagle PR, a student-led public relations firm, and works with nonprofits such as the Toby Keith Foundation, Eagles Health Initiative and the Brave, Bald and Beautiful group.

With Purpose was founded by two parents whose son, Sam, passed away at the age of 2 due to childhood cancer and lack of sufficient treatments. Sam’s parents decided to start With Purpose as an effort to push for better treatment options for child-

hood cancer patients.

“We were shocked to learn that one in five children diagnosed with cancer will not survive,” said OC student Mandolin Skipworth, director of Eagle PR. “In addition, the National Cancer Institute only designates 4 percent of its research budget to childhood cancer. Many of us know a child that has cancer.

Our team wants to encourage Oklahomans to help children with cancer to have access to the treatment they need.”

OC students invite those around Oklahoma City to join in the campaign. Students have spent three days at two locations inviting people to write encouragement cards to children fighting cancer. The students visited Putnam City North High School, OC and Oklahoma Christian Academy. The cards will be delivered to patients at OU Children’s Hospital and Bethany Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital. A representative from the Toby Keith Foundation will speak to about 800 OC students

on March 13 to encourage them to support children fighting cancer.

OC students are also collaborating on events with Eagles Health Initiative, an organization dedicated to improving overall health in the community.

EHI President and biology major Whitney Hall believes the campaign will help more people realize that they can make a difference in fighting childhood cancer.

“Cancer is devastating. No one dreams that this unexpected nightmare would ever become a reality for their child or grandchild, but it is a reality in so many lives,” Hall said. “Every child deserves the opportunity to have the best treatment possible.”

OC students are also encouraging the community to support With Purpose by attending a livestream of a Help Build Hope event on March 10. The OC students will livestream With Purpose’s Lincoln Log build that seeks to

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lori Carter from The Catholic Foundation presents Bishop McGuinness a check representing their grant donation for the TelEspanol project. From left are, Rachel Dowel, World Language Department Chairman, Lori Carter from The Catholic Foundation, Richie Henderson, Admissions Coordinator and Principal David Morton.

Grant for Spanish instruction Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School received a $2,000 grant from The Catholic Foundation, Inc. The funds will be used to purchase a camera and editing equipment for a new program, TelEspanol.

TelEspanol is collaborative effort between McGuinness and elementary schools of the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Initially, the intended audience will be pre-K to 2nd grade classrooms. The program provides feeder school teachers engaging Spanish educational material that will provide their students with exposure to the Spanish language. These stu-

dents as well as the high school students will utilize 21st century skills to improve their technology literacy to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information to others.

Bishop McGuinness students enrolled in Spanish classes will research, produce, edit, publish and distribute short weekly videos featuring simple and useful Spanish content. To date, a pilot has been created and work is underway for the initial ten episodes.

Bishop McGuinness truly appreciates the continued support of The Catholic Foundation in making this project a reality.

break world records for the tallest and biggest Lincoln Log structures.

The OC event will feature activities for students and families. The group encourages individuals to sponsor a Lincoln Log at www.helpbuildhopewp.com/lincolnlogs. Donors are encouraged to use the hashtag #helpbuildhope when making a donation.

Page 12 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Sports Seven footer first from OC going to Hall of Fame

A big honor for a big ex-Eagle WACO, Texas – Former Oklahoma Christian basketball standout John Moon will become the university's first representative in the Heartland Conference Hall of Fame, the NCAA Division II league announced last week.

Moon, a record-setting 7-foot center for the Eagles from 2013 to 2017, was one of 10 people chosen for induction as part of the 2018 class for the Heartland Hall of Fame, with the nine others all coming from either St. Edward's (Texas) or St. Mary's (Texas).

Moon, from Crescent, will be formally inducted at halftime of one of the Heartland postseason basketball tournament championship games at Union High School in Tulsa on March 4. He will be the first former basketball player (from any school) to become a member of the Heartland Hall of Fame and the first former OC athlete ever to be inducted into any conference's Hall of Fame.

"John Moon placed his named with the all-time greats in Eagle basketball history," said former OC coach Dan Hays, who recruited Moon and coached him for three seasons. "He was the most game-planned-for player by opponents that I ever coached. He also distinguished himself as one of our most decorated student-athletes in OC history. That kid from Crescent, Oklahoma, certainly left a great mark in the history of OC athletics."

The honor for Moon comes after he recorded

Moon, dunking the ball.

John Moon one of the most impressive careers – both athletically and academically – in Heartland history. He became the first basketball player from the conference ever to be named to the prestigious Academic All-America first-team list by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), earning that honor twice.

He's one of only six Heartland players ever to make an All-America basketball team, having received honorable mention as a junior on lists produced by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and Division II Bulletin.

At the conference level, the former Eagle was a three-time All-Heartland selection, receiving firstteam honors as a junior and senior – seasons after which he was named the league's defensive player of the year.

On the Heartland's career statistical lists, the former Eagle finished No. 1 in blocked shots (237), No. 2 in rebounding (812) and No. 3 in

scoring (1,881 points).

Moon was named as the Heartland's Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the 2016-17 academic year – considered the highest honor bestowed by the conference. As a senior in 2017, he was named as Mr. Eagle, the highest honor in OC athletics.

"John is much deserving of this honor," said current OC coach Cory Cole, who coached Moon as a senior. "He was a special big man on and off the court for OC. He impacted the game on both ends of the floor and was extremely durable too. He could run like a guard but finish like a big! I'm proud and happy for him to get this deserved recognition and honor. He's one of the best ever to play in the Heartland, for sure."

In addition to the All-America honors, Moon was a first-team All-South Central Region selection by both the D2CCA and National Association of Basketball Coaches in 2016 and a second-team pick by both organizations in 2017.

He made the All-Oklahoma Division II first-team list produced by the website OklahomaSports.net after his sophomore, junior and senior seasons and was named as the state's Division II player of the year in 2016.

Moon was a six-time Heartland player-of-theweek honoree (twice in 2016-17) and was named as the NCAA Division II player of the week once as a senior. He was HERO Sports' Division II Hero of the Week three times during his career and received honorable mention as HERO Sports' Division II Hero of the Year.

Moon posted three of the top 10 scoring games in Heartland history, topped by a 50-point outing against Oklahoma Panhandle State as a junior, during which he tied two NCAA all-division records by going 20-of-20 from the field. The 50 points broke both the OC and Heartland single-game scoring records.

Moon graduated from OC in April 2017 with a 3.937 grade-point average in accounting. In addition to the Academic All-America honors, he was a three-time recipient of the D2CCA Academic Achievement Award and was recognized on the NABC's Honors Court three times. He made the Heartland's academic Honor Roll President's List every semester of his college career.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Part of upcoming OETA programming includes a series ‘Mosaic Oklahoma’ which looks in various aspects of Oklahoma culture.

OETA spring pledge drive starts OETA Foundation has announced programming for Festival, the station’s annual spring membership drive running March 1-18. The Festival lineup includes entertainment programming from multiple music genres and will feature more Oklahoma-related programming than in years past.

“About 2 million Oklahomans watch OETA each week and many thousands generously donate each year to help us produce and acquire the programs they value,” says Daphne Dowdy, President and CEO of OETA Foundation. “But nearly 6,000 of our biggest fans wait for Festival to call in during

the fun. It’s really gratifying for us to be able to chat with these good folks.”

Viewers may jive to The Bee Gees: One For All Tour on March 11 at 10:30 p.m. or explore the history of The Beatles in Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years on March 1 at 9 p.m. On March 3 at 8:30 p.m., Doo Wop Generations will celebrate the new generation of doo wop performers as original legends are on hand to pass the torch. Also, don’t miss a chance to pledge for tickets and meet-and-greet passes during Celtic Woman: Homecoming--Live from Ireland on

March 12 at 7 p.m.

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS Premiering during Festival on March 7 at 7 p.m., Mosaic Oklahoma is an ongoing series produced by the OETA Foundation which delves into the communities, people and landmarks that epitomize Oklahoma culture. The pilot episode takes us to Pawhuska to explore the history and heritage of the Osage Nation, the revitalization of downtown Pawhuska and the impact of “The Pioneer

See OETA, Page 14

Page 14 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

On March 11 OETA will feature a look at the famed popular music band, The Bee Gees.

OETA

From Page 13 Woman.” Interviews include Osage Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Osage elder Edward Red Eagle, the Tallgrass Prairie’s Harvey Payne and “The Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond.

OETA will feature an encore presentation of the Antiques Roadshow episode entitled “Vintage Tulsa” on March 5 at 7 p.m. During the live show, viewers may call in a pledge to secure tickets to the upcoming taping of Roadshow in Tulsa on April 21.

Art of a Cowboy: The Best of the Best airs March 8 at 7 p.m. Artist Steve Boaldin holds open the door to a fascinating world of ranchers and cowboys. Part-documentary and partreality series, Art of a Cowboy captures Boaldin’s vision of preserving the legacy of cowboys and ranchers on film and canvas.

Osiyo: The Untold Stories of the Cherokee People airs March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Osiyo explores the real lives of Cherokee people, their history, culture and language. Join host Jennifer Loren and learn how to cook traditional Cherokee foods, how the Cherokee language makes its way into people’s living rooms and how Cherokee Nation citizens weave their heritage into everyday life.

Boomtown: An American Journey focuses on the history of Tulsa, a city known for extremes, from its resilient

citizens and indomitable leaders to its troubled cultural past and economic roller coasters. Watch it on March 4 at 3 p.m.

For show previews, encore airings and other program times, please visit OETA.tv.

About OETA FOUNDATION OETA Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization which exists exclusively for the benefit of public television and in support of OETA’s mission to provide educational programming, free, to all Oklahomans.

OETA Foundation seeks and accepts contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to provide financial support for OETA’s statewide network.

The Foundation receives contributions from donors in all 77 counties and bordering states. With state funding for OETA declining each year, the fundraising work of the OETA Foundation and private support from Oklahomans who appreciate OETA is increasingly critical to the delivery of public television’s world-class educational, arts, news, public affairs, history and science programming to families across the state. State funding for OETA, a state agency, has been cut by more than $5 million since 2009.

Physician now part of team at McBride Orthopedic Hospital McBride Orthopedic Hospital Clinic is proud to welcome board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Austin L. Taylor, MD. Dr. Taylor sees patients at McBride's North OKC and Edmond locations.

Dr. Taylor was fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Shoulder at the University of Michigan Health System.

He was residency trained in Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dr. Taylor received a Masters of Public Health from the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health and completed his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma Christian University.

Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS); American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA). Dr. Taylor joins McBride from Integris.

Dr. Austin L. Taylor

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 15

Oscar may await ‘The Shape of Water’

By George Gust In many ways 2017 was a wildly diverse, exciting and marvelous year for film, and the nominees for Best Picture are a perfect reflection of 2017.

From a social commentary horror movie and a couple of war dramas to an emotional depiction of a mother-daughter relationship, there's no clear formula on what the academy considers a great film from this year. Enter "The Shape of Water" a heightened Cold War era fairy tale depicting a romance between a mute woman and the creature from the black lagoon.

From director Guillermo del Toro (“Pans Labyrinth”, “Hellboy”, “Pacific Rim”), “The Shape of Water” tells an unconventional love story set amidst the backdrop of Cold War America in the 1960s. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa's life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment.

"The Shape of Water" is an absolutely beautifully designed film with striking sets, elegant cinematography and a phenomenal magical score by Alexander Desplat. The editing is so smooth and seamless that the two hour run time flies by in a flash and provides a fantastic flow for this film's other worldly story to play out. This film had a reported budget of about $20 million, but you'd never know it by looking at it, the practical effects and attention to detail make it stand out from your more conventional high concept and fantastical movies, like the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

The lack of over-the-top CGI and emphasis on practical effects give the film a stronger emotional punch, as it gives the spotlight to the fantasy romance elements of the film.

"The Shape of Water" is a movie about outsiders trying to be understood and this message is most clearly conveyed through the enchanting performance of Hawkins as the lonely mute janitor. Her physicality and facial expressiveness were fantastic, drawing you into her character's longing to be truly understood by someone without saying a word.

The supporting cast around Hawkins is top notch, especially the comedic and tragic performance from the criminally underrated Richard Jenkins as Hawkins’ neighbor and best friend who also longs for understanding. And Michael Shannon as the antagonist is perfectly cast as a menacing and intense representation of conformity and a twisted

Melton Gallery exhibit The University of Central Oklahoma’s Melton Gallery will host an opening reception for the exhibit “CONTINUUM” at 5:30 p.m.

March 1 in the Melton Gallery on UCO’s campus.

“CONTINUUM” features 3-D sculptural work by UCO College of Fine Arts and Design Dean Steven Hansen; UCO ceramics faculty Barbara Weidell and Eric Hoefer; and retired faculty Gayle Singer. The art will range from pop art teapots to abstract totemic sculptures, all exploring the diversity of ceramic art.

“This show is about the continuous process of creating ceramics; the action of manipulating and preserving materials to create unique figures and vessels is apparent throughout these pieces,” said Kyle Cohlmia, Melton Gallery curator.

The exhibit will run through March 29. The gallery is located in the Art and Design Building, and is open to the public Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact Cohlmia at kcohlmia1@uco.edu or (405) 974-2432.

For a complete list of all UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events, visit cfad.uco.edu.

view of the American way.

Overall, "The Shape of Water" is an achievement in filmmaking and one of the best from a highly accomplished director, with a moving romance fairy tale to boot. While the technical aspects of the film are striking and different from anything else in theaters, the love story felt like it developed a little too quickly to be believable, the film may have been better served if the main relationship was a friendship rather than a rushed love story.

There are some intense elements to this film that may be too odd for general audiences, but if you're game for a challenging and offbeat film, "Shape of Water" is a memorable film that truly delivers. Don't be surprised if "The Shape of Water" is a big winner on Oscar night.

“The Shape of Water” is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and language 4.1 out of 5 stars

Answers Page 23

Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones in the movie ‘The Shape of Water.’

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MARCH MADNESS ACROSS 1. Birth-related 6. Post-U.S.S.R. acronym 9. Like white-headed eagle 13. ____ and desist 14. In the manner of, French 15. F, unit of electrical capacity 16. Blood line 17. Neighbor of Ger. 18. Upright 19. *San ____, 2018 Final Four spot 21. *NCAA's selection day 23. Color of Scare 24. Bring home the bacon 25. ____ cry 28. ____ ex machina 30. ____ ____ the hook 35. Big-ticket ____ 37. Play parts 39. Gulf of Naples resort 40. Flick part 41. Peruvian beast of burden 43. Nonfatty meat, e.g.

44. States of agitated irritation 46. Nucleus plus electrons 47. Montgomery of "Pretty Little Liars" 48. House music 50. Between ids and superegos 52. 100% 53. Beware of these in March 55. Shoshonean 57. *Winningest NCAA basketball coach 60. *Game tracker 64. Slight amount 65. One of a set of dice 67. Garlic unit 68. Curl one's lip 69. South American edible tuber 70. Curly-leaf and Plain-leaf ____ 71. Mannequin Challenge state

72. Kind of nurse 73. *Jump ball, e.g.

DOWN 1. *Non-profit org.

2. Eon, alternative spelling 3. Queen of Hearts' pastry 4. Brooke or John Jacob, of New York 5. Tilted 6. Head of family 7. U.N. workers' grp.

8. Chip dip 9. Shakespeare, e.g.

10. A in A=ab 11. Like a tatting product 12. Banned insecticide 15. Tiny fox with large ears 20. Like utopia 22. Web address 24. Subjects of wills 25. *____ Four 26. Make amends 27. Indiana Jones' find, e.g.

29. *Team with most titles 31. Samoan money 32. Phantom's favorite genre?

33. Physically weak

34. *____ Four 36. Illegal kind of lab 38. Urban haze 42. Affair in Paris 45. Dee of "Twisted Sister" 49. Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem 51. Book storage at a library 54. Furnish with a fund 56. "Bravo! Bravo!"

57. Lush 58. *Top seeds in each NCAA basketball region 59. Type of molding 60. *Advancing action 61. Caffeine tree 62. "Happily ____ after" 63. Multiple choice challenge 64. Recipe amt.

66. ____ Bucket Challenge

See Answers Page 23

Page 16 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sen. James Lankford makes an announcement last week at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City. Students statewide will be taught about the 1921 race riot in Tulsa, which killed hundreds -- mostly African Americans.

Sen. Lankford & State Sen. Kevin Matthews unveil Tulsa race riot education curriculum Sen. James Lankford (R-Edmond) last week joined State Senator Kevin Matthews (D-Tulsa) at Oklahoma City’s Douglass High School to announce the completion of education curriculum about the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot that will be taught statewide.

This online toolkit is part of the mission of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Centennial Commission, which was created a year ago to educate Oklahomans and Americans about the Race Riot and its impact on the state and nation; remember its victims and survivors; and create an environment conducive to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and heritage tourism within North Tulsa.

From May 31 until June 1, 1921, it is estimated that 300 individuals were killed during a race-related massacre in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. An economically and socially vibrant community, often called Black Wall Street, thrived prior to the riot. The curriculum unveiled today tells the story of Black Wall Street, the Race Riot, and its aftermath. The Oklahoma History Center helped the Commission create the curriculum, which can be

found and downloaded online at www.tulsa2021.org/resources. The Oklahoma Department of Education plans to begin including this curriculum in their training for teachers this summer.

“I am honored to be a part of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Centennial Commission and the effort to teach the story to Oklahomans,” said Lankford. “It is important to remember tragedies like this because there is something we can learn from the past as we look towards the future.”

“We specifically chose to have this curriculum unveiled during Black History Month,” said Matthews. “People need to know that the Greenwood area, which was once called the Black Wall Street of America, was developed right here in Tulsa, in our state, and about the tragedy that occurred here.”

During last week’s press conference, Matthews pointed out that the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC tells the history of the Race Riot, but that it is not taught in Oklahoma. He was pleased to learn that Lankford also shared about the Riot on the Senate Floor and he wants more people to know the history.

Kaleidoscope Dancers Performing this weekend The University of Central Oklahoma’s Kaleidoscope Dance Company and Kaleidoscope 2 will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 2-3 and at 2 p.m. March 4 in Mitchell Hall Theatre. The show will feature a highlight performance of the parkour-style dance work choreographed by Diavolo guest artist Kellie St. Pierre, which Kaleidoscope performed with Diavolo: Architecture in Motion during a January 2018 show.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 17

Page 18 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

She knows farming was God’s plan for her

Overcoming the hard times first Ag in the Classroom event, and I’ve been very involved with that ever since,” she said. “Even now, last week I went to a couple schools and read some books that Ag in the Classroom sponsors. I have learned so much.”

Living and working on the farm helped Wichert become a better agricultural educator. She said AITC is important because there are many children who don’t know much about where their food comes from.

“There’s not very many of us left that live on a farm,” she said. “Oh, they would be eager to tell me they live in the country, but they knew nothing about agriculture, and the kids today don’t. It’s just a foreign word.”

Wichert was recognized as the 2012 National AITC Ag Advocate for her efforts in creating agricultural curriculum and increasing agricultural literacy at FPS. She was awarded the 2017 Volunteer of the Year by the Fairview Chamber of Commerce and the 2012 Distinguished Service to OFB award winner. She was also recently recognized as Mentor of the Year through Mission Mentors at FPS for continuing to serve as a one-onone mentor to students.

By Kaylee Snow FAIRVIEW – When Clara Wichert fell in love with a farmer by the name of Lloyd Wichert, she did not realize what she was getting herself into.

“I was very naïve,” Wichert said. “I was barely 19, and we went over to his parents to talk about the wedding. I remember Lloyd’s father saying, ‘We cannot have the wedding until after the wheat is planted and it is up a couple of inches.’ I thought, ‘really?’”

The two married in 1959, and Wichert began farming with him immediately. The operation consisted of 600 acres of canola, alfalfa, wheat and cattle. Wichert had grown up on a farm, but her father thought women belonged inside the house.

Because of this, Wichert didn’t have much farm experience.

“He told me my job was in the house to iron and starch his shirts, to cook and to clean,” she said. “My job was to learn how to do things in the house.”

However, Lloyd didn’t think so.

Wichert laughs about it now, but she recalls how difficult the transition was for her.

“I always got yelled at, so that was very difficult for me,” Wichert said.

She described herself as a “tender soul” and often just “went in the house and cried.”

“One time, he needed me so bad when we were planting wheat that …

I had to drive the tractor home because we had four or five plots of land that were at a distance,” Wichert recalled. “I cried so hard all the way home that when I got out of the tractor, he said, ‘I didn’t know. I won’t ever make you drive the tractor again.’”

Wichert was “scared to death” and recalls rolling backwards at a stop sign while in front of another tractor.

“It was not a pleasant experience for me,” she said.

Dust Bowl Days Wichert was born in 1940 in Fairview, Okla., at the end of the Dust Bowl and in the middle of World War II. Her father grew wheat and had a few chickens and cattle.

“I was born on the farm in a bedroom, in the southwest bedroom,” Wichert laughed. “I was born in a home. I don’t know if they had a doctor or not.”

While the family did have water and electricity, they didn’t have all luxuries.

“We had an outdoor toilet, and I remember that very well, and it was a long way out there,” Wichert said.

While Wichert has sweet memories of playing on the farm, it was hard back then.

“I watched my father with tears in his eyes stand by the window,” she said, “and it was very imprinted on my mind that the wind was blowing and the sand hills were blowing too, and he had resowed his wheat at

PHOTO PROVIDED/OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU

Clara Wichert, pictured at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention, is being recognized as a Significant Woman in Oklahoma Agriculture for her contributions to the industry.

least three or four times. Farming is a lot different now.”

Tough Times, New Beginnings When Lloyd passed away in 1998, Wichert surprised everyone, including herself, and continued farming.

“I had to keep track of all the expenses, and I had to go and sell wheat,” she said. “I had never done that before. I had to learn to watch the wheat prices.”

Wichert sought help from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OFB) and Oklahoma State University on when to sell her wheat.

“I even asked the top wheat guy at OSU, and he told me you’ll never go wrong when you sell the wheat at three different times: at harvest, right after the first of the year, and then you might keep some a little bit later.

I thought, this is complicated,” she

laughed.

Wichert’s sons, Jeff and Rex, pushed her to continue farming.

“My son [Jeff] said, ‘You will learn how to do this,’” Wichert said.

She took classes to learn how to use a computer and type so she could keep better track of the expenses.

“I felt pretty good about myself that my son Jeff made me do it all,” Wichert said.

For the next 15 years, Wichert would farm alongside her sons and was fully responsible for the farm.

“The day I had to write a check for $15,000 for spray and fertilizer,” she said, “I could hardly make myself write that check.”

During this time after her husband’s death, Wichert found new beginnings with the OFB and Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom (AITC). She served on the OFB Women’s Committee for 15 years and chaired the committee for nine years.

“I never thought I would do that in my life,” she said.

Wichert gained immense knowledge about agriculture during her time as chair. Her involvement with AITC began at Fairview Public Schools (FPS) before there was an organization.

“I would come in every month and do a class about agriculture,” she said. “Some of those kids are in high school now, and they said, ‘Oh, we remember you Mrs. Clara. You always came to our classroom and did Ag in the Classroom.’ I always enjoyed that very much. That was very much a part of my life after my husband died.”

Wichert said she loves teaching agriculture because it’s fun for both her and the children, and it became her “heart.” The kids still know her as “Mrs. Agriculture” and the “Ag Lady.”

“I remember in 1981 going to the

Today Wichert continues to stay active with Major County Farm Bureau and keeps herself up-to-date on AITC events. She still mentors a little girl at Fairview Elementary School once a week.

She’s a breast cancer survivor since 1982 and “not because of the two years of chemo, but it’s through God.” She’s watched her husband lose his battle with colon cancer and her barn burn to the ground a couple years ago. Still, she keeps her faith.

When asked what keeps her going, she said, “Definitely my faith in God and realizing that he has a plan for my life. As I look at my life, I think, ‘Who would’ve dreamed I’d get a national award for Ag in the Classroom?’ I just have to believe that God had a plan.”

Now in her late ’70s, she gave the farm to her sons a couple years ago.

“That’s what Lloyd made me promise to do before he died,” she said.

Her sons still say she owns the land until she dies. Jeff lives on the farm and is a crop adjuster, and Rex works for Syngenta in Tennessee.

Wichert has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. When it comes time for harvest, everyone comes home to help. They think it’s fun, which makes Wichert smile as she recalls the hard times.

“I know my two sons, they wouldn’t sell an inch of their land that my husband and I farmed, oh no,” she said. “They are men of the soil, and I know that doesn’t happen very often today … [Agriculture] is very important. It keeps us alive. If you’re alive, you use agriculture from the minute you get up to the minute you go to sleep.”

When asked about Wichert’s transition from someone who nearly hated agriculture to someone who is heavily involved and an agricultural advocate, she simply said, “It happened gradually.”

“I often think my husband is laughing in heaven because I have turned out such a neat agricultural person,” she said, because agriculture became so important to her, particularly after he died.

-----Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series of stories on Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture.

The project is a collaborative program between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and Oklahoma State University to recognize and honor the impact of countless women across all 77 counties of the state, from all aspects and areas of the agricultural industry. The honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of industry professionals.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 19

Betz among those due major honor by Fallin

PHOTO PROVIDED

Shirley Harris receives her award from John Gladden, president/CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma.

Delta Dental honors Harris for her work with the needy Delta Dental’s Challenge Coin Award was recently presented to Ms. Shirley Harris. The award was presented by John Gladden, President/CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. Shirley Harris is the Executive Director of D-DENT (Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment).

In his presentation, Mr. Gladden said, “For the past 20 years you have served those with the greatest need and the least means. You have been their voice, their advocate, their champion!

Your energy and passion, year in and year out, is extraordinary.

Because of your vision and deeds, literally, thousands of needy Okla-

homans have received dental care that would have gone undelivered.

Without you, the amount of unmet need would be as immense as it is unmeasurable.”

Delta Dental’s Challenge coin is an honor given to those that champion dental charity throughout the state of Oklahoma.

The challenge coin has only been issued nine other times.

Shirley Harris said of the presentation, “I am honored for being recognized for all that D-DENT has been able to accomplish. I could not have done it without my staff, the board of directors, and all the amazing dental professionals that have volunteered throughout the years.”

Dodgers open season April 10 From superheroes to fireworks, bobbleheads to a concert and from special group nights to season-long offers, a wide variety of familyfriendly entertainment and promotions await fans at Oklahoma City Dodgers games throughout the 2018 baseball season at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The OKC Dodgers open their 2018 home schedule at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 against the Round Rock Express in Bricktown and the Dodgers’ schedule features 70 total home games during the Pacific Coast League season.

Fireworks Nights Fireworks will follow the Opening Night game April 10 as one of 15 scheduled fireworks nights at the ballpark. In addition to the home opener, fireworks are slated to follow every

Friday night home game and will also be part of the Dodgers’ Independence Day celebration July 4-6. $2 Thursdays All Thursday home games will once again feature $2 beer (16 ounces), soda (21 ounces) and bottled water (20 ounces) from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products.

Chaparral Energy Family Sundays Every Sunday home game will be filled with family-oriented activities everyone can enjoy, including pregame player autographs, inflatable games, face painters and a family activity station.

Team mascots Brooklyn and Brix, along with members of the Blue Crüe entertainment team, will be available for a pregame meet-and-greet outside of the ballpark on the Johnny Bench Plaza. Kids can run the bases following each Sunday game.

Gov. Mary Fallin will designate seven prominent Oklahomans as Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors on Monday evening, April 9th, at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City.

The 2018 Ambassador honorees who will be present to receive their awards from Governor Fallin will be Don Betz, Education; Enoch Kelly Haney, Arts & Politics; Lou Kerr, Philanthropy & Community Development; Steve Prescott, Medical Research; Wade Scaramucci, Architecture; Richard “Dick” Sias, Philanthropy & Arts; and B.J. Thomas, Music.

“Throughout our history, Oklahoma has grown and prospered because of creative and innovative people,” said Susan McCalmont, President of Creative Oklahoma. “This year’s recipients are truly contributors to our economy and quality of life because of their impact in the sectors of education, commerce and culture.”

Creative Oklahoma was founded in 2006 with the goal to develop, promote and celebrate Oklahoma’s creativity and innovation in education, commerce and culture. The Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors Gala promotes and celebrates that mission by honoring the work and contributions of those individuals who are among

the state’s most creative leaders. This event also supports programs of Creative Oklahoma including the Oklahoma Creative Communities, the Districts of Creativity Network, and the new MIT-affiliated Oklahoma Venture Mentoring Program, to advance creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in Oklahoma schools, workplaces, and communities.

The Oklahoma Creative Communities initiative provides research-based creative problem solving training and support for citizens in nine Oklahoma communities as they develop and implement their ideas to improve quality of life and the economy in their towns. The Oklahoma Venture Mentoring Program, an outreach program of MIT, fills a void in the Oklahoma entrepreneurial

ecosystem which will match up aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced, successful business leaders and teams.

Former Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador inductees encompass a wide-ranging list of the state’s creative talent including Blake Shelton, Sam Presti, Toby Keith, Leona Mitchell, Bart Conner, John Herrington and Hanson.

Honorees will receive the designation of Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors from Governor Mary Fallin. Tickets and sponsorship information can be found on the Creative Oklahoma website at stateofcreativity.com or by contacting Stéphanie Coderre Porras by phone 405.232.5570x7 or by email at stephanie@stateofcreativity.com. The media is invited to attend.

Page 20 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

To benefit rural Oklahomans

Integris pushing Community Paramedic Program For people living in rural areas, health care needs far outnumber health care options. These communities already include disproportionate numbers of elderly citizens, impoverished families and those in poor health. Residents must often travel great distances to receive basic care.

The Community Paramedic program closes the gap by expanding the role of licensed and experienced paramedics. The program connects underutilized resources to underserved populations, allowing EMTs to provide home visits to post-hospital patients.

Former Representative Douglas Cox, who is also an emergency room physician at Integris Grove Hospital, initiated the legislation after visiting a model site in Arkansas. He knew implementing the program here in Oklahoma would require legislation to expand the scope of services allowable by a paramedic.

Integris Director of Legislative Affairs Anne

Roberts recruited Senator Rob Standridge to be the Senator author. He is a pharmacist, and at the time, was the Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services committee.

“Community paramedicine is a proven methodology that helps improve coordination of care,” said Standridge. “This model involves training paramedics to play a more preventative role in the patients’ home post discharge from the hospital, long-term acute care or nursing facility. By focusing more on prevention, fewer patients are readmitted to the facility, coordination is improved between the patient and physician, patient health improves and health care costs are reduced for the patient as well as the health system.”

The legislation became part of the Integris legislative program in 2016, and was successfully passed and signed into law by the governor. But it wasn’t until recently that Integris received the grant to officially begin the project.

Family event at Okla. History Center The Oklahoma History Center will host Family Activity Saturday on March 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. The theme for March’s Family Activity Saturday is Women’s History. The Oklahoma History Center Education Department will provide activities to highlight the contributions women have made to the rich history of the state of Oklahoma. Activities are included with regular admission.

For more information about Family Activity Saturday, please contact the Oklahoma History Center Education

Department at 405-522-0793. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma.

The Community Paramedic program requires EMTs to complete an authorized training program, and work under the supervision of a medical director as part of a patient care plan developed by the patient’s primary care physician.

Similar initiatives in the United States have resulted in fewer hospital readmissions, as EMTs are able to check on patients recently released from a hospital to make sure they are taking their medications and following their physician’s after-care instructions.

In Oklahoma, as more and more rural hospitals are facing budget shortages and having to eliminate or limit services, the Community Paramedic program offers an opportunity to keep medical resources within reach of their residents.

Organizers hope to start offering paramedic home visits as early as this month. Integris Grove Hospital in Delaware County will be the first to implement the program with 17 EMTs equipped to serve as community paramedics.

Easy to grow Iris

By Ann Larson OSU Extension It’s late winter and my iris need feeding.

It’s one of the tips I received about growing these show-stopping beauties.

In my earliest gardening days, I never planted iris, mostly because my mother didn’t like them, but also because I wasn’t particularly fond of the ones I’d seen – those plain purple and dirty gold ones that could be seen cropping up on roadsides here and there.

But that was before I moved into a neighborhood where new neighbors just happened to be members of the local Iris Society.

When they took me into their backyard, I discovered an iris paradise. It was a jaw-dropping kaleidoscope of color. Tall Bearded (sometimes called German) iris of varying heights and every shade imaginable – blues, purples, pinks, pale yellows, whites, oranges, and everything in between filled the beds that bordered their fence.

They took me on a tour and introduced these statuesque beauties by name. When we got to “Beverly Sills,” I was hooked. All I could think when I saw and smelled this fragrant peachy pink flower with delicate frilly falls (the cascading petals) and its slightly orange beard (the fuzzy caterpillar like hairs growing from the upper base of the falls) was: Hello Gorgeous!

My new neighbors helped me build an iris bed (in full sun which the flowers prefer) and told me anyone could grow iris; that all they needed besides full sun is a good freeze in the winter so they can go dormant, no fussy mulch and a dose of fertilizer (one low in nitrogen) in February and again in August. It sounded like the perfect flower for a single, working mother.

The first rhizomes they brought me to plant were, of course, “Beverly Sills.” (Rhizomes are like a thick horizontal stem, similar to a bulb in that they store nutrients during the dormant season.) Soon my neighbors had added others from their eclectic collection. The Tall Bearded varieties were their favorites, but gradually, rhizome by rhizome, I was learning there were dwarf and mid-sized Bearded varieties, some that would even re-bloom, and also Beardless types like Siberian and Japanese and Louisiana iris.

Even my mother began to like iris.

How could she not?

My neighbors assured me they were all easy to grow, with only a few variations in their care: • Plant iris in full sun in late summer. Plant about 8-24 inches apart.

(The closer together, the more often

you will have to divide.) For an immediate clump effect, plant 3 rhizomes of the same variety with toes facing the center. Plant clumps 24 inches apart.

•Do not plant Bearded iris too deep. The rhizome should be near the surface of the soil with the roots below.

•Do not mulch Bearded iris; Beardless iris (except Siberian) don’t mind: they prefer moist soil.

•Feed iris in February and August with a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-10. Water granular fertilizer in well.

•Healthy green leaves should not be trimmed back from an established plant, but browned or diseased leaves should be removed.

•Cut back the flower stems near the base of the plant after every flower bud has opened and finished blooming.

•Divide irises every 3-4 years in late summer. Dig up the clump and discard the old bare center rhizome (which is actually dead). On the remaining rhizomes, cut back their foliage to about 4-5 inches and replant the best of the remaining rhizomes.

•Share rhizomes. If you can’t plant now, put in pots in the shade and plant later in the fall.

I must admit, I don’t always follow these tips exactly and some years, not even at all. There have been some years when gardening just gets away from me. But iris are dependable beauties regardless of my neglect.

And now it’s been 30 years since my introduction and “Beverly Sills” has found her way into my garden every time I’ve moved. She’s still gorgeous -- and proof that iris are easy to grow.

OSU Extension Center Ann Larson, Oklahoma County Extension Master Gardener 2500 NE 63rd Street OKC, OK 405-713-1125

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 21

Business dedicates 1 day for charity New director The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is joining forces with 12 Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants in the Oklahoma City area for the 8th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to fund local charities. During the month of March, customers can make a donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma at any area Jersey Mike’s restaurant.

The campaign will culminate in Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 28, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

On Day of Giving, local Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in to more than 170 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

In 2017, the Oklahoma City area Jersey Mike’s locations raised $71,929 for the Food Bank.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mike’s Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales – every penny – will help support neighborhood needs,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old.

For a list of participating restaurants in your area and for more information on our charity partners, please visit our charity listing by state. Everyone is invited to come in to a local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and enjoy a delicious sub meal.

Last year’s Month of Giving campaign raised more than $5.5 million for local charities nationwide. An astounding $4.6 million of that amount was raised on Day of Giving alone. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $28 million for worthy local charities.

New personnel at Arledge & Associates Jennifer Lindstrom and Sienna Phillips have joined Arledge and Associates, the Edmond accounting firm announced.

In her new role as a Tax Specialist, Lindstrom will help clients navigate the modern tax code to build a successful tax strategy. Lindstrom has nearly a decade of experience in individual tax accounting with diverse applications including worldwide income reporting, retirement income and military topics. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Lindstrom Maryland University College.

Phillips, a University of Central Oklahoma student, has been accepted to Arledge and Associates’ 2018 intern program. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in real estate and business administration from UCO.

She is an active member of the Accounting Club and serves as Delta Experience Coordinator for her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.

“We are excited to welcome Jennifer and Sienna to the team,” Managing Partner Jim Denton said. “Jennifer’s tax experience, paired with her desire to help her Phillips clients, will be a great benefit to our team and those we serve. We are happy for Sienna to have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in accounting and we welcome the chance to invest in the next generation of accounting leaders.”

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

Lutz hired by Quail Creek Bank

Grand Casino in Shawnee prior Quail Creek Bank, n.a., to joining BOK. Oklahoma City is pleased to Derek earned his B.A. in Powelcome Derek Lutz as a new litical Science with minors in addition to the treasury manBusiness Administration and agement services department.

Math from Oklahoma Baptist Lutz joins the bank as a University. He also earned the Vice President, as anCertified Treasury Professional nounced by Doug Fuller, designation in 2012.

President and CEO. Lutz “We are so pleased to have Prior to joining the bank, Derek join our banking team.

Lutz spent nine years with The vast experience he brings to us Bank of Oklahoma in various capaciensures the bank and its business custies including OKC Cash Operations tomers the quality of service they exManager, OKC Lockbox Operations pect and enjoy as a customer of Manager and Commercial Client Quail Creek Bank. He is a great Services Representative II in the asset,” stated Doug Fuller, Treasury Division. Lutz also worked President.and CEO. as vault manager for the Fire Lake

Bank announces record revenue Arvest Wealth Management (AWM) announced last week that it produced record revenue during 2017.

AWM, a division of Arvest Bank offering wealth management, trust services and insurance products, recorded revenue of $65.2 million in 2017. Additionally, AWM reported total assets under management of more than $11 billion as of Dec. 31, 2017.

“Our 2017 growth can be attrib-

uted to several things,” AWM President and CEO Jim King said.

“For many years, our investment and trust advisors have focused on building deeper relationships with our customers by using our financial planning resources to understand our customers’ hopes, dreams and goals, and then using top-quality investment money management products and services to implement a plan designed to meet those goals.

Joins OU Children’s Physicians phy with a focus on fetal echocarOklahoma native and diography at Oregon Health and resident of Edmond Science University, Portland.

Matthew D. Campbell, While in Portland, he also earned M.D., a pediatric cardioloa certificate in training in human gist who was born and investigations. raised in Muskogee, has Campbell completed a pediestablished his practice atric residency at the OU College with OU Children’s Physiof Medicine, where he also cians. He has also been Campbell earned his medical degree. He named an assistant proearned his undergraduate degree fessor with the University from Oklahoma State University in of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Stillwater.

Campbell is board certified in peOU Children’s Physicians cardiolodiatrics and board-eligible in pediatric cardiology. He specializes in pediatric gists and electrophysiologists see patients at the OU Children’s Physicians and fetal echocardiography. He comBuilding, 1200 Children’s Ave., in pleted a fellowship in pediatric cardiOklahoma City. For appointments, ology followed by an advanced call (405) 271-5530. imaging fellowship in echocardiogra-

for the OTA The Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA) has announced the appointment of Mark Nestlen as the new executive director of the organization.

The OTA executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the statewide organization that serves as Oklahoma’s voice of public Mark Nestlen transportation. Founded in 1983, OTA is comprised of urban, small urban, rural and tribal transit members all focused on one, overarching priority: To improve the mobility and access for all Oklahomans.

With more than 10.5 million rides furnished statewide every year, OTA members offer opportunity for thousands of Oklahomans daily.

“Mark brings more than three decades of association management, policy advocacy, and communication and marketing expertise to OTA,” said OTA President Steve Spradling, Director of the OSU/Stillwater Community Transit System. “Our membership is excited for this new chapter of the association and look forward to becoming a more powerful advocate for public transit in Oklahoma.”

Under the direction of Mr. Nestlen, OTA will continue to serve as the voice for public transit in Oklahoma at the local, state and federal level, telling the story and expressing the transit needs of Oklahoma citizens. OTA also provides continuing education for its members, ensuring the highest level of professionalism and service among transit providers.

“Public transit is vital to economic growth throughout the state,” Nestlen said. “Our goal is to ensure policymakers and citizens realize the impact of our member’s services on the day-to-day live of Oklahomans.”

Page 22 • March 1, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Would-be shooters pose Summit Rotary Club gives check to support YWCA challenges for society

By Quinton Ellis, LPC Edmond Family Counseling As a person, I can offer you no comfort about events like the recent school shooting in Florida, As a therapist, I may, in some respects, be able to offer even less.

I have a master’s Ellis degree in counseling psychology and years of experience in my field – but in many regards, your guess is as good as mine as to how these tragedies happen. Surely, some people and agencies were asleep at their desks, but I also imagine that a lot of people bent over backwards for that young man and now, despite all their efforts, they will have those attempts grinding away at their hearts and minds forever.

As I reflect, I do not think my involvement could have saved those innocent kids at Douglas High School in Parkland. How do you get those thoughts out of someone’s head?

Talking someone back from suicide is hard enough, and no sure thing, but homicide? Mass homicide?

That is indicative of a mind swimming way out there where the sharks are. We can certainly debate how he got that far out, but one thing is clear for mental health professionals, we’re going to need a much bigger boat.

All this is to say that there are unique limitations to mental health therapy that we cannot wish away.

Indeed, all helping professions operate under the premise that the person you are helping actually wants your help – that they want to get better, or healthier, or closer to normal. Evidently, this young man had several points of contact with mental health professionals prior to turning 18.

I feel relatively comfortable assuming that he was an … unmotivated client/patient. Another of mental healthcare’s limitations is the legal limitation of what can and cannot be done and the subsequent timing of those actions. Even law enforcement has its hands tied. As I imagine the 39 times 911 was summoned to the suspect’s home over the years, I am certain that several of the officials were frustrated, having looked him in the eye, and considering the circumstances, that they could not just build a prison around his home right at that moment.

It seems, 99 percent of the time, we Americans can be and are proud of our rights and freedoms – that youthful mistakes, bad/dark jokes or

threats are not reasons to deprive someone of their long- term liberties.

However, most everyone agrees that this person was truly dangerous, mainly because he told them repeatedly that he was dangerous.

We do not imprison people for bleating about crimes they have not yet committed. It’s a wager we gladly accept until such a time as this, when even 1 percent feels like an impossible high price to pay for such ideals.

I do actually have one suggestion – a plea really. If you do feel like a person is headed out to the shark infested waters, please document, in whatever way is available to you that person’s words and behaviors. Audio recording is ideal.

Audio recording is passive while video is confrontational and likely to provoke the person you are scared of, or for into breaking … at least your phone. Your phone has a voice recorder, and you should become familiar with using it. They can do an excellent job of picking up voices even from your pocket at a considerable distance.

Because sick and dangerous people are often not forthcoming about how sick and dangerous they are, these recordings (and other assorted documentation, eg. pictures of destruction, etc.) are essential to proving to therapists, doctors, and authorities, that this person poses a much greater threat to themselves or others than he or she is willing to amit. This can mean the difference between actual intervention and business as usual.

For many reasons, I darkly suspect that there will be more rather than fewer of these kinds of horrors in our future. If you are looking for hope, as I am, there were at least two stories in recent weeks about foiled plots similar to the one in Florida. One of those would-be killers was reported by his own grandmother after she read his murder diary. I do wish all of the therapists in his prison luck, if there is such a thing for prison therapists.

---Please know, that our agency is deeply committed to furthering issues of mental health in the community.

Edmond Family Counseling’s doors are always open to you and your family and your support is appreciated. To learn more, check out http://edmondfamily.org or our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/edmondfamilycounseling

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.

Summit Rotary President, Koorosh Zahrai presented YWCA OKC Director Karla Doctor a check for $1,000.00 from proceeds of the 2017 Shotgun/Sportsman Raffle and Skeet Shoot. (See pic) The Oklahoma City YWCA is the only Attorney General recognized shelter for rape victims, and abused, stalked and battered women in Oklahoma County.

The check will help fund supplies needed to aid victims of abuse. Visit www.edmondsummit.org for more information about Edmond Summit Rotary Club activities and events.

Join Edmond Summit Rotary for breakfast 7 a.m. Tuesdays at Mercy I35 Health Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room (Rm. F). See how you can help us make a difference in our community and the world.

YWCA Oklahoma City is part of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the nation.

Across the globe, we stand with more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.

YWCA Oklahoma City works to break the cycle, and empower new beginnings for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in our community. Through our comprehensive crisis services we provide an opportunity for renewed hope, and a brighter future.

People in Oklahoma come to us in

times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic violence. They come for job training and career counseling. They come for health. They come for hope. They come for a variety of reasons. But they come. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.

Summit Rotary chooses several local charitable organizations each year to assist by fundraising events and in-club activities. The local Edmond Boys Ranch Town is another organization the 2017 raffle and skeet shoot will benefit.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.'

Visit www.edmondsummit.org for more information about Edmond Summit Rotary Club activities and events.

Award nominations sought for those battling child abuse The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is accepting nominations for awards to recognize individuals and organizations for their demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to child abuse prevention in Oklahoma. Nominations are due by close of business on Friday, March 16.

Awards will be presented during a special ceremony on Tuesday, April 10, at 11 a.m. in the Blue Room at the State Capitol.

The six categories for nominations are: The 2018 Outstanding Home Visitor Award, which is given to recognize a professional working as a home visitor who has demonstrated a high commitment to quality service and tremendous dedication to those served.

The 2018 Outstanding Elected Official Award, which is given to recognize an elected official for distinguished service focused on the prevention of child maltreatment and/or support of vulnerable families.

The 2018 Marion Jacewitz Award, which is given to recognize an individual in Oklahoma who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and strength-

ening families on a statewide level.

The 2018 Mary Ellen Wilson Award, which is given to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and strengthening families at a community level.

The 2018 Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention and Strengthening Families Program Award, which is given to recognize an exceptional program that focuses on the prevention of child maltreatment and supports vulnerable families.

The 2018 Julie L. Bonner Nurse Home Visitor Award, which is given to recognize a nurse home visitor who empowers parents to care for themselves while creating safe, healthy, nurturing relationships and environments for children.

Nomination forms may be downloaded directly from the OSDH website at: https://go.usa.gov/xnMq8 Email completed nomination forms to sheriet@health.ok.gov, or mail a copy of the printed form to: Sherie Trice, Family Support and Prevention Service, OSDH, 1000 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299.

For more information, or to request printed forms, call the OSDH Family Support and Prevention Service at (405) 271-7611.

Edmond Life & Leisure • March 1, 2018 • Page 23

Kiwanis Club Pancake Day set for Saturday The Edmond Kiwanis Club’s Rise and Dine Annual Pancake Day, Family Celebration and Silent Auction will be held from 7 am to 11 a.m on Saturday, March 3rd in the Family Life Center at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 South Rankin.

The Centennial Kiwanis Club is co-sponsoring this community-wide family event that benefits the children and youth of Edmond. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any Kiwanis member or at the door. For children under 12, the cost is $3.

The all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast includes sausage and a beverage.

There will be a silent auction which will feature many quality items donated by local merchants, as well as a special raffle drawing. Come early to bid on your favorite items. In addition, the children’s creative center will feature coloring sheets, face painting and temporary tattoos. The clown conductor, Smiley

O’Riley, sponsored by the Dental Depot Inc., will be making balloon creations to entertain the children. As an outreach program for Dental Depot, O’Riley has performed in schools, day care centers and public events to promote dental hygiene.

The fundraising event benefits activities for children and youths, including Key Clubs and school reading programs. Kiwanis also supports the Children’s Miracle Network, the Edmond HOPE Center and Angels Foster Family Network.

The club partners with Edmond police to offer free stickers to place on child safety seats so officers can quickly find the child’s name and contact information in the event of an accident.

Join in this family celebration, while enjoying the pancakes and fellowship! And don’t forget to make a bid or two on an item you must have from the silent auction!

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.

Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Matthew 10:16 “Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.”

Proverbs 27:8

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

Proverbs 18:24

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