October 11, 2018

October 11, 2018 Vol. 19, No. 20

In This Issue ROUGH CUT SWISS

Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information see page 4.

‘Ignite Hope’ event held in downtown See Page 10

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 Showers High 64° Low 51°

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 Showers High 63° Low 48°

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 Partly cloudy High 53° Low 40°

Arcadia Lake’s Storybook Forest is back for 2018 and runs from Tuesday, Oct. 23 through Tuesday, Oct. 30.

This fun, family-oriented event lets children meet Storybook characters in scenes from their favorite fables each night from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

Storybook Forest is geared for children 10 and under who are encouraged to wear costumes or dress in warm, casual clothing.

Additional activities include a hayride, game area, and a campfire setting for roasting marshmallows or warming up with hot chocolate.

Entry for each child is $8 for Monday – Thursday admission and $10 for Friday – Sunday admission. However, attendees

can receive a $2 discount for tickets purchased in advance before October 23rd. Parents are free when accompanying a child, but any vehicle not purchasing a child’s ticket will be charged an entry fee.

To purchase tickets, visit the Arcadia Lake park office located at 9000 E. Second Street from Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tickets will also available for cash-only purchase at the event.

Storybook Forest takes place in Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park located 2.5 miles east of I-35 on 15th Street in Edmond.

Storybook Forest is presented by Arcadia Lake and Edmond Electric, Edmond’s community-owned power utility.

Don’t forget tonight also marks the Open House for Edmond Electric and the Edmond Water Resources at the Cross Timbers Public Service Center. The event is from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cross Timbers Public Service Center located east of Interstate 35 on Covell Road.

Free giveaways along with t-shirts and refreshments including hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) will be available while they last. Various booths will provide information about city programs and services.

For more information about Storybook Forest or other events at Arcadia Lake, contact the park office at 216-7470 or visit arcadialakeok.com.

Page 2 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 3

Committee studies issue extensively

Edmond district placing priority on new campus security policy

By Steve Gust The protection of more than 25,000 Edmond students is being revamped and will be getting serious attention during the next few years.

That commitment will include an investment of millions of dollars and some changes in how the public accesses campuses.

A detailed committee report, led by district chief human resources officer Randy Decker, was presented before the Edmond School Board during its regular meeting last week.

A committee was assembled last spring in the aftermath of two fatal high school shootings earlier this year in Florida and Texas.

Edmond’s committee had more than 30 people representing the media, school administrators, police, fire, students, parents and even a representative from the U.S. Secret Service.

Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger also was a part of the panel, Decker said.

Under questioning from board member Kathleen Duncan, Decker conceded metal detectors were not part of a possible protection plan.

“Yes, we could be like the airport and have security like that, but we’re looking at freedom vs. security,” Decker told the board.

Decker said the real strength to security will be the number of people involved.

“We have 28,000 on our campuses every day, and they can make a difference,” he said, noting students and school personnel know who should be in a building and what might not look right to them.

Edmond’s committee had more than 30 people representing the media, school administrators, police, fire, students, parents and even a representative from the U.S. Secret Service.

“If you see something, say something,” Decker said.

Decker cited as an example a case where students and a teacher heard a thud in a nearby classroom at Edmond North High School. The group could have ignored it but decided to investigate.

Another teacher had fallen after suffering a heart attack.

Because the class didn’t ignore the sound, they were able to summon emergency help, Decker recalled.

Although rejecting metal detectors, Decker said there should be some technology updates and other new measures. Decker put a price tag of $4.1 million for the upgrades. Part of the cost would come from an upcoming bond issue.

Earlier in the meeting, Superintendent Bret Towne outlined district needs in a possible $91.9 million bond issue. In December, the school board will make a decision to put that bond issue on the ballot in February.

Among the improvements the committee would like to see are more video equipment showing people who approach the front of a building. Monitoring that would give school officials a chance to detect a threat early.

A member of the public would have to be buzzed in, as well.

At the elementary level, spe-

cial fences would be built around campuses. There also are plans to hire an extra school resource law enforcement officer.

The entire solution to school security wouldn’t rest in technology according to the plan. Some students would need to be referred for mental health evaluations. The idea of photo student and staff ID cards also was discussed by the panel.

Board members Jamie Underwood and Cynthia Benson said a student’s cellphone could be used for identification.

“A student can lose or forget a photo ID card, but they’re not going to forget their phones,” Underwood said.

Communications is another area getting attention. Decker wants one message from the district in the event of a crisis. He said that message needs to be delivered on one social media platform only.

The many security changes probably would be put into effect gradually, Chief Operations Officer Justin Coffelt said.

“This (new security) will be a big paradigm shift for parents,” Coffelt said. “It will be implemented slowly.”

Member Lee Ann Kuhlman thanked the panel for its extensive work.

“This is going to become a reality,” she said.

Package would total $91.9 million

Edmond Schools studying a February 2019 bond vote

By Steve Gust Edmond Schools superintendent Bret Towne would like to see a $91.9 million bond issue package placed before voters early next year.

Towne laid out the needs of the growing school district last week during the regular meeting of the Edmond Board of Education. The board tries to schedule a bond vote once every two years -- usually the second Tuesday in February. The district has successfully passed 58 consecutive bond issues dating back to the 1950s. A $111 million package in 2017, was OK'd with almost 85 percent of the vote.

Last week Towne outlined some of what he'd like to see funded and noted the district has a long term plan for its financial needs.

"We have to look at our needs three to four years out," Towne noted.

An estimated 25,249 students attend Edmond Schools and it is growing by more than 300 students each year.

If passed, the funds would help purchase new transportation buses, worth more than $2 million, and for roof work to be done at Cimarron Middle School, 3701 S. Bryant and Washington Irving Elementary,18101 N. Western.

The district also wants to budget more than $4 million for security up-

grades, including fencing around elementary schools as well as enhanced video and audio systems at entrances. There would also be a new storm shelter at Cross Timbers Elementary, 4800 N. Kelly. Towne noted there is storm protection at the school now, but this upgrade would allow the building to withstand a hit from an EF-4 tornado. Similar storm shelter work would be done at Will Rogers Elementary, 1215 E. Ninth.

Towne would like to see a storm shelter at Summit Middle School, 1703 N.W. 150th. A multipurpose room there could lead to the end of portable classrooms currently being used at that campus. A second gym would also be built at Cheyenne Middle School, 1271 W. Covell Rd. Edmond would also seek to purchase land in the southwest part of the district for construction of a new elementary. One item, not to be funded this round, is a potential fourth high school. It had been thought monies from this issue might be earmarked for construction of the school near Air Depot and Covell, east of Interstate 35. Edmond has 80 acres of land there. For now, the project is on hold.

The bond plans will be reviewed and, at its December meeting, the five member school board will vote on whether to send it to a vote on Feb. 12.

Tree giveaway noted The Edmond Urban Forestry department has more than 80 trees available this fall through the Foster-ATree program. Any resident living within Edmond City limits on a publicly maintained street can sign up to have a tree planted in the street right-of-way adjacent to their property.

Trees are limited to one per residence, but neighborhood associations may receive up to five. People who have received a tree through the program in the past must have completed their two-year Foster-ATree Agreement prior to signing up for another tree.

Registration is currently open online at http://edmondok.com/foster, and will remain open for Edmond residents until all trees have been claimed.

Each tree will be selected from a list of available species, and it will be planted by the Urban Forestry Department at no cost to the resident.

Eligibility for the program depends on available planting space in the right-of-way and a commitment to watering for two years and protecting the tree from unnecessary harm. Participants will receive an irrigation bag for quick and effective watering, plus a Foster-A-Tree Maintenance Guide which outlines the basic maintenance guidelines expected of participants. Trees will be planted periodically in small groups throughout the dormant season.

Trees contribute to increased property values, pollution removal, energy savings, reduced stormwater runoff, and improved human health. By participating in the Foster-A-Tree program, Edmond residents can support local tree canopy and enhance the tree benefits experienced near their own property and throughout the community.

Page 4 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Medical Fitness programs at Mercy Fitness Center It is with a great amount of pleasure that Edmond Life & Leisure announces a new partnership with Mercy Fitness Center on I-35.

Our town has some great medical and exercise facilities and the number is growing all the time, but the Mercy Fitness Center is the premiere facility that coordinates their programs Ray Hibbard with medical professionals. A medical fitness program is dedicated to the success and delivery of medically supervised, integrated, outcomes and accountability-based fitness and exercise platforms. It is the seamless integration of healthcare services, wellness, and fitness programs to provide preventative and rehabilitative care to members, patients, and the surrounding community. To learn more, visit MercyFitness.net/EdmondLife or call 405.996.1548.

I was honored to have served on the advisory board for this facility before it was even fully designed. There were several Edmond citizens who served and were able to give input as to what was needed in our community. The Mercy Fitness Center was first class right from the start and they have continued to further their mission in the community. It is because of their focus on the medical side of fitness programs that we wanted to work with them making sure our readers had access and knew more about what they offer.

After a visit with General Manager, Wes King, I was impressed with how the programs work currently and I discovered that you do not have to be a member of the facility to enroll in some of their medically based fitness programs. King has created some ground-breaking aquatic programs that we visited about in his career. My kids were all involved in being lifeguards, so his experiences were of special interest to me.

Mercy Fitness Center I-35 now has its Medical Fitness Programs for land and water being offered monthly to members and the Edmond community.

King said the move is meant to make the fitness center’s unique offerings available to more people who could benefit from the Mercy Fitness difference. “Our mission at Mercy Fitness Center is to upgrade lives,” King explained. “The more lives we touch, the healthier our community will become.

We’re all about building new pathways for people to get healthy.”

Membership at Mercy Fitness Center has always been open to members of the public, even though the center is housed within Mercy I-35. It’s that very location, however, and a working relationship with Mercy physicians that has enabled Mercy Fitness Center to build classes and programs that are unique in the state of Oklahoma. It’s the only fitness center with the Medical Fitness Association seal of approval. The four-week classes King and his staff have crafted are meant for everyone but are also designed to support Mercy clinical integration.

Pilates training “The Medical Fitness Programs really are for anyone, but the great thing about their structure is that our fitness specialists can work with participants and their doctors and therapists to provide a continuum of care that’s only available here at Mercy Fitness Center,” King said. “You can come into our fitness center and choose one of almost two dozen medically based programs that interests you, and we’ll be happy to work with your physician to make sure it’s the right class for you.”

Located inside Mercy I-35, Mercy Fitness Center offers memberships to anyone in the community.

Medical Fitness Program enrollment opens the 15th of each month, and pricing is available for both members and non-members. Classes are kept small and include a variety of styles to offer something for everyone. Aquatics classes and swim lessons are held in the fitness center’s indoor, heated salt water pools, year-round.

King explained to me that they focus on the 4 EXOS Pillars that provide a foundation for healthy living which includes mindset, nutrition, movement and recovery. Each month they provide resources, classes and tips to enhance member experience and highlight the difference that a medical fitness center can make in a person’s life.

It is important to offer Medically Based Specialty Programs monthly to make them consistent, cost effective and convenient. A support system is essential for a healthy mindset, so King encourages you to build yours by inviting friends and family to come experience Mercy Fitness Center. Folks interested can stop by and visit with staff and experience Mercy Fitness Center as a prospective member. Ask about a Free Day Pass to try their group exercise classes, and don’t forget to visit the pools and spa.

Understanding what a medical fitness program

really looks like can be difficult for those of us not familiar with them. Here are some class descriptions to give you a better idea: Tai Chi is great low-impact exercise. Tai Chi has been called "meditation in movement," and participants learn to meditate and relax into the postures.

Women on Weights a perfect program to build the confidence and knowledge of any woman who is unsure or uncomfortable with resistance training. Gain a better understanding of how to strengthen your body and feel more confident while doing it.

Drop the Numbers is a program designed to reduce individual health risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat percentage. Drop the Numbers instructors teach participants to understand, evaluate and change their daily exercise routines to manage each of these measurable health factors and see improvement over time.

Aqua Pilates is designed to condition the entire body, which helps increase flexibility, core strength, balance and stability. The gentle exercises maximize the benefits of movement and assist in maintaining correct body alignment and posture.

Ai Chi is a water exercise and relaxation program that uses a combination of deep breathing and slow, flowing, continual patterns of broad movements of the arms, legs and torso. Ai Chi helps address chronic pain, spine health, core strength, muscle function in the lower body, Parkinson's disease and balance issues.

Taekwondo exercises improve core strength and balance, tone muscles and improve flexibility and coordination. These classes require no contact with other participants, reducing the risk of injury. Exercise your mind and body while learning a new skill and having fun.

Lift the Pelvic Floor Pilates Reformer focuses on lifting and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

The exercises will help improve and control bladder function, aid recovery from childbirth and prostate surgery and increase social confidence and quality of life.

Restorative Pilates Reformer improves strength, coordination, flexibility, balance and stability. The Pilates Reformer platform employs a series of springs and ropes in combination with the user’s body weight to provide resistance.

We will continue to work with Mercy Fitness Center on what they have to offer our community.

From experience, I know that as you get older exercise can become more complicated. Sound medical programs for exercise can benefit us over 50 crowd by being targeted to our needs and most importantly be planned to assure we are not making any medical condition worse. King and his staff have the knowledge to make sure it happens, and they have a facility to make it pleasurable all at the same time.

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

Check out what’s inside! n n n n n n n n n

Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 7.

Historical look at impeachments ..................................................Page 8.

Some alarming driving statistics ................................................Page 11.

Bronchos win homecoming game ..............................................Page 13.

George Gust reviews ‘A Star is Born’ ..........................................Page 15.

Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15.

Deer collisions are up ................................................................Page 18.

Business news ............................................................................Page 21.

Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

Find the ‘Rough Cut Swiss’ Rough Cut Swiss, in real life, is located in front of Othello’s Restaurant at the southwest corner of Main and Broadway, but this week it is hidden somewhere in our paper. E-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Rough Cut Swiss is by artist David Phelps. Phelps is an Oklahoma based sculptor whose work has been featured throughout the state. He is inspired by expansive spaces and hopes his works will inspire meaningful meditation.

Said Phelps, “I grew up on a farm in the central valley of California where the fields became an extension of oneself. I continue to live in the wide open spaces of Oklahoma where my sculptural images expand to include their environments as part of the aesthetic experience.”

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com

Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC

Partner Christopher T. Hoke

Copyright © 2018 by Edmond Media Publishing

Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com

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

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

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

Material contained herein may not

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

the express written permission from

Photographer Melinda Infante

facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Cover Design April Burgess

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 5

It rained on this parade

Homecoming parade organizers were forced to cancel the 2018 University of Central Oklahoma football homecoming parade Saturday. Great amounts of rains forced the decision.

The day didn’t end on a dreary note as the Bronchos were able to defeat Central Missouri 33-26. The Bronchos are now 3-3 on the season.

Please see article, Page 13

Umbrellas were all the rage Saturday as organizers hoped rains might hold off long enough to hold the annual parade. A steady downpour forced officials to call it off.

Photos by Melinda Infante

Page 6 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Oct. 31 designated for Halloween Wednesday, Oct. 31 is designated for Halloween activities in the City of Edmond. Both children and adults are encouraged to cooperate in limiting the time of activities to the late afternoon and early evening hours for pedestrian safety. However, the city does not set an official start and finish time frame.

Households need indicate their willingness to welcome their neighbors by turning on their porch and

exterior lights, and that youngsters only call on homes so lighted.

It is important to our community that children be allowed to enjoy these traditional activities, but that measures be taken to insure the safety of the children and protect the rights of homeowners.

The cooperation of all citizens, young and old, is requested to make this a happy and safe occasion for all.

New York magazine recognizes banker New York-based banking trade publication American Banker has named Jill Castilla one of the Most Powerful Women in Banking’s Top 25 Women to Watch for the fifth consecutive year.

Each year, the program recognizes the professional achievements and influence of top-performing female executives in banking and financial services for their contribution and impact on their institution, community and industry at large. The three categories recognized are: Most Powerful Women in Finance, Women to Watch and Most Powerful Women in Banking.

A minority as a community banker on the list, Castilla is often recognized for her leadership in innovation as well as being an international voice for community banking. This year, she is specifically recognized for her role in developing entrepreneurs and startups by launching Vault 405, a co-working space and resource hub for entrepreneurs to develop and further expand their businesses.

Castilla attended the gala alongside her sister, Jina Tolle as well as her husband, Marcus Castilla and eldest son, Ryan Castilla.

“Jill is an amazing leader who inspires everyone that meets her,” said Nick Solis, mortgage loan officer for Citizens Bank of Edmond as well as entrepreneur. “The community has embraced the amazing things she has

Jill Castilla

done with Citizens Bank of Edmond.

Not just the Edmond community, but Oklahoma City and other neighbor- ing communities as well.”

Bonnie McGreer, Executive Editor, American Banker, recognizes Castilla as a “strategic leader in an era of dis- ruption. Like all of the honorees, she stands out not only for her perform- ance, but for her commitment to helping other women ascend to the senior ranks”.

The complete rankings can be viewed at American Banker’s website. Castilla and all honorees were cele- brated at a dinner and awards cere- mony on Oct. 4 at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, hosted by American Banker and parent company SourceMedia.

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Season finale Oct. 20 for ‘Heard on Hurd’ Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd will have it’s final event of the 2018 Season on Saturday, October 20 from 6pm – 10pm. The season finale event will feature a “Fall Festival” theme.

Citizens Bank of Edmond will be going all out for the end of the season bash. The festival is expanding one block south on Broadway to 2nd Street and will include a cornhole tournament hosted by Café Evoke.

Project Princess will be at the event along with the Oklahoma City Zoo for a meet and greet with some furry creatures. The Edmond Fire Department will also be onsite with activities from the Kid’s Safety Village.

There will also be various street performers at the intersection of Broadway and Main.

Over 30 of the top food trucks in the Metro will serving up their best dishes including Big O’s BBQ, Filipino Fusion, Mighty Corndog, Mission: InPasta-Bowl, Chef Rays Street Eats, Blue J’s Rollin Grill, Saucee Sicilian, Snow S’more, The Brown’s Kitchen, Let’s Do Greek, and many more.

Don’t miss the opportunity to shop at some of the favorite local boutique pop ups including Nixxen Rayne Boutique, Dallas’s Designs: 405 Mobile boutique, ModernGlitz Jewelry, Wooden Lace, Oklahoma Shirt Company, Metro Pins, Cargo Room and others.

“As the 2018 season of Heard on Hurd comes to an end, we can’t express enough gratitude to all of our vendors, volunteers, musicians, and festival attendee’s that make this celebration of all things local possible.

The support of the Edmond community is absolutely overwhelming” says President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, Jill Castilla. “We are also so grateful to the City of Edmond for accommodating construction around Heard on Hurd so we could finish the season strong. We look forward to continuing to serve the community in

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2019!”

The featured nonprofit for the October event will be Edmond Family Counseling. Their mission is to help their clients thrive throughout each stage of their life development. As a community partner, they work closely with area agencies, schools, public and private, as well as with employers to meet the needs of the growing, changing population in Edmond.

For more information, please visit their website at Edmond Family Counseling.

The first performance of the evening will be Tyler Sexton, an R&B Pop Artist from Oklahoma City. He is influenced by all aspects of music from the likes of Singer/Songwriters like John Mayer to Hip Hop artists such as A Tribe Called Quest. He hopes to capture the perfect moments and moods into melody, words, and rhythm.

Second to take the stage will be The Lunar Laugh. They are a PowerPop Folk Rock band based in Oklahoma City. At the group's core is the singer/songwriter trio of Connor Anderson, Jared Lekites, and Campbell Young. Drawing inspiration from the classic pop masterworks of the 60s and 70s, The Lunar Laugh released their debut album 2015's Apollo following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The follow-up, Mama's Boy, arrived on vinyl in 2017. The Lunar Laugh is currently hard at work on their third album, slotted for release in 2019.

The headlining act of the night will be Adam & Kizzie, a native Oklahoman couple without a genre-specific box to pin their music to. Because of this, they are now affectionately known as The Originators of EEDO, their own non-genre genre. They describe the genre EEDO as the essence of freedom. They are the 3rd place winners of Usher's 2017 MEGASTAR Talent Competition out of over 7, 000 contestants worldwide!

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 7

Thursday Oct. 11 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- FrightFest ---- Jazz Combos Concert

Friday Oct. 12 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- Asian Moon Festival ---- Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company ---- Craft Days at the Rodkey House ---- Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus ---- UCO Criminal Justice Day ---- Vintage ContrE Market 2 ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- FrightFest ---- EdFest ---- Ashley Windham at The Patriarch

Saturday Oct. 13 ---- In the Gallery ---- Exhibit: Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered ---- Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Vintage ContrE Market 2 ---- Faith, Family, Friends 5K ---- Fight of the Elephant, Musical Performance ---- Jay C. Upchurch Book Signing ---- Mummy Son Costume Party ---- Nick Massey Live Performance ---- Parent/Child Class: Baking ToTs ---- Cameo ---- The 411 Band ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Guthrie Haunts ---- FrightFest ---- 2018 Couples Championship ---- OKC Gun Show

Sunday Oct .14 ---- In the Gallery ---- All About Sake ---- Fall Signature Tour ---- In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student ---- American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters ---- Cider: It’s Not What You Think!

---- Guthrie Haunts ---- FrightFest Extra Information on Weekend Happenings

In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works

by Tracy Wente For information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com/

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

Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place & Plaza Extra Info: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Family friendly environment where you can purchase regionally grown produce and Made in Oklahoma items. For more information visit edmondparks.com

UCO Criminal Justice Day Location: UCO Extra Info: for more information visit http://sites.uco.edu/la/criminal-jus-

tice/cjday.asp Vintage Market 2 Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: $5, Friday: 12 8 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., for more information visit countremarket.com Fight of the Elephant, Musical Performance Location: UCO – Mitchell Hall Theater Extra Info: 7 – 8:30 p.m.; for more information visit https://www.uco.edu/cfad/mitchellhall/ Jay C. Upchurch Book Signing Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 12 – 1:30 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook.

Mummy Son Costume Party Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: $30 per couple, $10 for each additional boy, 5 – 8 p.m.; for more information visit edmondparks.com Nick Massey Live Performance Location: Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge Extra Info: 7 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook EdFest Location: Festival Market Place & Plaza Extra Info: Free, 6 – 10 p.m.; for more information visit edfestokc.com Jazz Combos Concert Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 7 p.m., $15; for more information visit ucojazzlab.com/events/ or call 405 974-2100.

Ashley Windham at The Patriarch Location: Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra Info: 7 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook.

Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: $10, 8 p.m.; for more information visit ucojazzlab.com/events/ Faith, Family, Friends 5K Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: $50, 9 – 11 a.m.; for more information visit edmondok.com Parent/Child Class: Baking ToTs Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: $30, 10 a.m., for more information visit them on Facebook 2018 Couples Championship Location: Kickingbird Golf Club Extra Info: $100 per team, shotgun start at 1 p.m., for more information visit kickingbirdgolf.com Cider: It’s Not What You Think!

Location: The Barrel Room Extra Info: $45, 4 – 5:30 p.m.; for more information visit winebarrelokc.com Asian Moon Festival Location: Plunkett Park, University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Free Admission, 6 – 8 p.m.; entertainment, activities, food and fun.

Craft Days at the Rodkey House Location: Rodkey House Event and Education Annex Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; for more information visit edmondhistory.org.

Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Free admission, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.; for more information visit https://edmondok.com/337/ParksRecreation.

All About Sake Location: The Barrel Room Extra Info: 4 – 5:30 p.m., $50; www.winebarrelokc.com.

Page 8 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Some odds & ends Last week’s Supreme Court appointment probably falls under the heading of a “bruising confirmation” process.

I’ll opt to give politics something of a break today. I would hope in the fu- Steve Gust ture, though, we can get away from yelling at people in restaurants and chasing them to their cars and homes.

I don’t think that’s very productive.

---Here’s some advice though. For you folks who like to use the weed trimmer on the weekend, please think safety.

You should always wear safety glasses or goggles. Those trimmers have a way of throwing up little pebbles or pieces of dirt that you don’t want injuring your eyes.

I was using mine a few weeks ago, and something slammed into my goggles pretty hard. I’m glad I had them on.

----If you work in Oklahoma City and go down Broadway to get there, be warned. The police are almost al-

ways there. If you’re not going the speed limit you’ll most likely get a ticket.

Of course it’s a good idea to go the proper speed whether a police officer is there or not.

---Are you paying too much for insurance?

There’s no law that says you can’t look around for a better rate.

I’ve done that before. Here recently I estimated I saved myself $700 annually going with a different company.

I must admit it does get on my nerves when some of these companies send a notice to your home offering a real bargain on homeowner’s insurance.

Then you call them and the price goes way up. That’s not right.

---OU didn’t waste much time getting rid of defensive coordinator Mike Stoops following OU’s loss the Texas. How happy can Texas be with their defensive coordinator giving up 45 points?

I guess if you win all is forgiven.

And if you don’t win, update that resume.

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

Free speech now under attack at the University of Oklahoma

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board When college campuses make news for anti-free speech zealotry, the refrain from Oklahoma officials is generally that such nonsense doesn't occur here. That defense is less credible now that a University of Oklahoma professor has been pressured into resigning an administrative job because he espoused conservative Catholic views as a private citizen.

Brian McCall resigned as associate dean for academic affairs at the OU College of Law, although he remains a professor. McCall's "sins" against political correctness include serving as editorin-chief of Catholic Family News, which was declared a hate

group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

But the SPLC is notorious for falsely labeling mainstream organizations in that way.

In 2017, William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell, bluntly told Politico the SPLC's “hate group” label is used to “silence speech and speakers.” The SPLC declared Somaliborn Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who opposes female genital mutilation, an “anti-Muslin extremist.”

The organization included Islamic reformer Maajid Nawaz in its “Field Guide to AntiMuslim Extremists” — then had to backtrack and paid Nawaz $3.375 million when he threatened to sue.

Put simply, the SPLC's work leaves much to be desired.

The other knock on McCall is that he wrote

a book that, among things, advised women to “veil their form to obscure” their contours “out of charity toward men.” That view may be far more restrictive than what even many conservative Christians espouse, but should those personal views cost someone a job?

There's zero evidence McCall imposed his beliefs on others.

Indeed, an Oklahoma City paralegal and selfdescribed feminist Democrat who studied under McCall at OU says he “was never anything but kind, fair and extraordinarily helpful” and that she “never felt discriminated in any way, for any reason in his classes, or in my encounters with him as an administrator.”

Across the country, academics are notorious for extreme comments or obsessions.

This month, three academics revealed they submitted 20 deliberately ridiculous papers to academic journals.

Seven were embraced, including one that rewrote part of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" by substituting the jargon of Intersectionality theory throughout. It was accepted for publication in a gender studies journal.

While not a deliberate parody, a published academic article by an OU professor examined how literature by Chicana lesbians “not only invites scholars to question heteronormative assumptions about food, gender, and identity, but also demonstrates the potential of queer studies to enrich a variety of topics in food scholarship.”

This month, Georgetown University profes-

Speech Page 9

A historical look at U.S. impeachments

By James Finck With all the talk of impeachment, it is time once again to explain exactly what impeachment is and also to look at it historically.

The important things to remember are that, one, impeachment does not mean removing a sitting president; two, we have never reFinck moved a president before; and three, impeachment is very difficult because it is political. Both impeached presidents actually did what they were accused of, but neither were removed.

First things first, Article II, Section 4, of the Constitution reads, “The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” The tricky part of the clause is impeached for and CONVICTION of. It is a twopart process; you are first impeached and, second, put on trial. The House of Representatives impeaches a president and then the Senate, with the Chief Justice presiding, conducts the trial.

Two presidents have been impeached, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, but neither were removed for office. I can already hear the question, so I will answer it. Richard Nixon was not impeached; he resigned. He probably would have been impeached and probably would have been convicted. However, I use the word probably because in politics we never really know. Again, I believe both Johnson and Clinton did what they were accused of, yet neither was removed.

First, let us look at the example most are unfamiliar with, Andrew Johnson. Johnson became

president after the death of Abraham Lincoln.

Johnson was in a difficult circumstance; he was not Lincoln’s V.P. for his first term and was brought in to help Lincoln secure votes for reelection. What made Johnson interesting was that he was a slave-holding Democrat from Tennessee, who believed secession was illegal. The Democrats were arguing for peace, so Lincoln hoped that Johnson would secure possible northern Democratic voters who wanted to continue prosecution the Civil War. Johnson was never supposed to reach the highest office but when he did the Republicans, who controlled the Congress, feared Johnson’s lenience on the South after the war, as well as replacing Lincoln’s Republican cabinet with Democrats. To prevent the first, Congress made sure he could not do the latter. In 1867 Congress passed, over Johnson’s veto, the Tenure of Office Act that stated the president could not remove any member of his cabinet without Senate approval. When the president fought with Secretary of War Edwin Stanton over the army’s role in Reconstruction, Johnson replaced him. Johnson was hoping this would challenge the Act and take it to the Supreme Court.

Instead, the Congress acted first and brought up articles of impeachment.

Long story short, Johnson broke the law, one later repealed, but he still broke the law as it currently stood. When the Senate voted, they fell one vote short of the required vote for conviction. All the Democrats and enough Republicans felt the trial was a sham.

It took 102 years for the next impeachment hearings. In 1998, the House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton. The charges were lying under

oath to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice. Kenneth Starr, a special prosecutor investigating Clinton for the Paula Jones and Whitewater scandals, learned of Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky. Lewinsky, allegedly instructed by the president, filed an affidavit in which she denied ever having had a sexual relationship with him.

Clinton then denied the affair to a grand jury.

When Lewinsky later changed her testimony, Clinton was forced to admit the affair and the House started to debate impeachment.

After a five-week trial, the Senate acquitted Clinton on both charges. Officially, the acquittal came because of legal wrangling over the definition of sex. Unofficially, it is because the American people saw this trial more about the morality of an affair than the legality of lying. Immorality was superseded by a strong economy and politics.

If Watergate happened after the Clinton trial, maybe Nixon would have remained in office and fought his removal. With only the Johnson precedent, Nixon probably felt his presidency was doomed. Yet what we see is that politics are fickle.

Like it or not, in my opinion both previous presidents broke the law. In both cases, the party that brought the charges had the majority in the Senate, yet they were unable to get a conviction.

Therefore, what history tells us is that even if Democrats win the House and the Senate in the midterm elections, it is not a foregone conclusion that Trump will be impeached. And if he is, there is no guarantee of conviction.

S

Dr. James Finck is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. To follow Historically Speaking on Facebook search for @jamesWfinck

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 9

Boys Ranch Town Rodeo Several members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Gamma Zeta chapter attended Boys’ Ranch Town Rodeo recently. The festive event was a fun day filled with lots of excitement. Brent Thackerson, BRT administrator explained, ‘Our boys and staff look forward to seeing everyone at the rodeo.

We’ve added calf roping as a new event this year.’

Boys of all ages who live on campus and staff children participate in the rodeo each year. From the youngest to the oldest, these young cowboys entertained the entire family as they competed in different categories. Additional outdoor games and activities were also on the campus. Approximately 250 people attended the rodeo and cookout.

Pictured first row: Catherine Maguire, Bonniedaye’s daughter visiting from California, and Bonniedaye. Second row: Liz King, Billye Peterson, and Jim Putnam.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Edmond Genealogical Society to hold a meeting on Oct. 15 The Edmond Genealogical Society will meet Monday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edmond Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints, 1351 East 33rd St. in Edmond Free Genealogy assistance is available at 5:30 prior to all meetings.

Our October program, Using Google in Your Genealogy Research will be presented by EGS Board of Directors member, Sara Memmott. Sara will tell about tricks and tips in using Google to improve your online search results when seeking information and records for your ancestors.

Sara Memmott has a BA in History from Oklahoma State University and an MS in Library Science from Simmons College, Boston. She began her Library career at the University of Kansas Law Library. Most of library career was in Special Libraries.

Mrs. Memmott represented St Luke’s as Medical and Special Librarian at the Missouri State Conference on Libraries and Information Services, 1978. She also represented Missouri as an alternate to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services in November 1979

She was Chairman of the Biological Sciences Division, 1980-1981 and is retired from the Library at the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

She has several previous genealogical/historical volunteer activities include: Wornall House docent, Kansas City, Missouri, Alexander Majors House docent, Kansas City Missouri, National Archives, Kansas City branch and Western Reserve Historical Museum Library, Cleveland Ohio.

Sara is Honorary Regent (Past President) of Edmond's Samuel King Chapter of Oklahoma DAR. She is currently a member of the Museum, Arts, and Humanities division of SLA. She also actively volunteers at the Edmond Historical Museum Library and is Past President of the Edmond Genealogical Society.

For further information about Edmond Genealogical Society, visit our website: ohttp://sites.rootsweb.com/~okegs/ or find us on Facebook: Edmond Genealogical Society.

Speech sor Christine Fair wrote that Senate Republicans “deserve miserable deaths while feminists laugh as they take their last gasps.” It elicited nary a peep.

There's no shortage of bizarre and laughable views in academia.

McCall's comments pale when compared with many of his peers. Demands that he resign his

From Page 8 administrative job, therefore, had nothing to do with “extreme” views.

Instead, McCall was targeted for being conservative and religiously devout.

In choosing to step aside, McCall showed the sort of respect and tolerance for others that was so notably absent from his attackers.

From NewsOK.com/The Okla.

Page 10 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

‘Ignite Hope’ Event helps promote awareness for mental illness

Renowned musician Kyle Dillingham, who regularly performs internationally, was the lead entertainer at ‘Ignite Hope’ a free event held last week at the Festival Market Place in downtown Edmond. It was part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Edmond and north Oklahoma City. The evening also had food trucks.

The Edmond Police were present at the annual event.

Kyle Dillingham is an accomplished musician.

Photographs by Melinda Infante President of NAMI, Eileen Morefield and Kyle Dillingham.

NAMI President, Eileen Morefield, Representative Mike Osburn, and Advocacy Coordinator, Lynn Kimble at Ignite Hope.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 11

Group releases alarming distracting driving stats DriversEd.com, a leading online driving school, recently released its 2018 Distracted Driving in America Report.

An inaugural initiative, the report examines drivers’ behind-the-wheel behaviors, habits and decisions—providing insight into how Americans, while driving, engage in a number of activities, from texting to drinking to YouTube to Snapchat to marijuana and more.

Survey data found that 73 percent of drivers admit to reading text messages while behind the wheel, and 54 percent admit to typing texting messages while behind the wheel. Meanwhile, only 39 percent of drivers say that while driving they check and use their phone more often than they probably should.

“There’s an argument to be made that, in 2018, distracted driving is actually a worse problem in America than drunk driving,” said Laura Adams, safety and education analyst at DriversEd.com. “The fact that so many people are texting and driving is alarming, but not surprising.

However, what is shocking is the millions of people who are watching Netflix and YouTube videos while driving. These drivers may as well be playing behind-the-wheel Russian Roulette.”

Among the study’s findings:

n TEXTING: 59 percent of drivers admit that they read texts while at a red light, while 41 percent admit to doing so while stuck in traffic, 30 percent at a stop sign and 11 percent moving on the road. In addition, 43 percent of drivers admit that they type texts while at a red light, while 31 percent admit to doing so while stuck in traffic, 24 percent while at a stop sign and 8 percent while moving on the road. n SOCIAL MEDIA: 18 percent of drivers report that they check social media while behind the wheel, with 16 percent saying that they have checked Facebook, 11 percent Instagram, 9 percent Instagram and 6 percent Twitter. n VIDEO WATCHING: 8 percent of drivers admit that they have watched YouTube videos while behind the wheel, with 6 percent saying that they have watched Facebook videos, 5 percent Instagram, 5 percent Snapchat and 4 percent Netflix. n MARIJUANA: 84 percent of Americans say driving after drinking alcohol is more dangerous than driving after smoking marijuana. Meanwhile, 10 percent of drivers report that in the past 12 months they have driven after smoking or ingesting marijuana. n TALKING: 60 percent of drivers say that they talk on the phone while behind the wheel

See Stats, Page 13

Page 12 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

S

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 13

Sports

Sophomore quarterback Will Collins

UCO wins homecoming, 33-26 The University of Central Oklahoma football team earned a come-from-behind 33-26 win over Central Missouri Saturday afternoon in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play at Wantland Stadium.

It didn’t appear UCO would need to come from behind to beat Central Missouri for the second season in a row. The Bronchos got the ball after Central Missouri missed a 49-yard field goal on the game’s opening possession.

Will Collins got the start at quarterback, his first as a Bronchos, and the sophomore was quick to put up a highlight. Collins connected with Mekail Hall on a 9-yard pass, then Dustin Basks for an 11yard pass. On the third play of the drive, Collins dropped back to pass, but quickly executed the QB draw up the middle, where he sprinted through open field on his way to a 48-yard touchdown run.

After forcing a Central Missouri punt on the next possession, Collins was at it again. He connected with Clay McKenzie for a 23-yard gain and then found Ronald Monroe for a 59-yard touchdown that made it 14-0 Bronchos. Collins was 4for-4 with 102 yards and two touchdowns and he had completions to four different receivers.

All in 4:17.

“We’ve got a really talented quarterback room,”

Stats From Page11 on speaker, while 20 percent say they do so with the phone in their hand and 20 percent say they use headphones. In addition, 52 percent say that while behind the wheel, they use voice commands on their phone. n DRINKING: 32 percent of drivers report that in the last year they have driven after having one or more drinks. Meanwhile, 34 percent say they are comfortable driving after one drink, with 19 percent comfortable after two drinks, 7 percent after three drinks, 2 percent after four drinks and 1 percent after five or more drinks.

When asked, “If you get into an Uber, and you notice the driver checking and using their phone, what do you do?”, 49 percent said they would say something to the driver, then report them to Uber after the ride; 30 percent said they would not say anything to the driver, but then report them to Uber after the ride; and 21 percent said they would do nothing.

“Ultimately, the solution to distracted driving is a combination of awareness, education and individual initiative,” said Adams. “Parents, who are effectively largely responsible for the next generation of drivers, can play an important role by taking steps such as putting their own phones away while behind the wheel, avoiding texting or calling their teens when they know they are driving, and even using some apps, which will disable a driver’s phone while they are driving.”

seventh-year head football coach Nick Bobeck said.

“And Will stepped up today. Will stepped up today when he was needed. It speaks to his character and what type of kid he is.”

The Bronchos punted the next time they got the ball, but the defense again made a stop. UCO punted on its fifth possession of the game again, and this time, Central Missouri’s return-man muffed the punt. Josh Autaubo recovered the fumble on the UCM 12-yard line and two plays later, McKenzie punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 21-0 UCO. Central then kept it going, forcing a safety on the next play to go up 23-0.

So the comeback?

Central Missouri would score 26 unanswered points, 20 in the second quarter, and six more in the third, to take a 26-23 lead over the Bronchos.

UCO’s defense gave a little, but never broke.

The Bronchos forced Central Missouri to a 4th & 6 with just under four minutes to play in the third quarter, and made a stop to take over on downs.

Collins then orchestrated an 8-play, 77-yard drive that included a huge 3rd & 8 conversion that was a 51-yard pass from Collins to Hall. Collins threw his second touchdown of the game, a 2-yard

toss to Justin Curry in the front corner of the end zone, and the Bronchos went back in the lead 3026 with 12:03 to play in the game.

Central Oklahoma added an 18-yard field goal on a bruising 12-play, 85-yard drive that took 6:03 off the fourth quarter clock.

On the drive, McKenzie busted threw every defender in his way. He had runs of 8, 10, 4, 4, 29, 1, and 2. McKenzie’s shortest run of the game came on 3rd & goal from the 1-yard line, where he was stopped for no gain.

Alex Quevedo added the field goal on the next play to make it 33-26 with 3:32 to play and put the game in the hands of the defense.

Central Missouri looked to tie the game. The Mules drove from their own 25-yard line all the way down to the UCO 11 with 36 seconds to play.

But after a rush for zero yards and an incomplete pass, the Central Oklahoma defense turned it up a notch.

UCM QB Jeremy Hunt dropped back to pass but was sacked by Eli Hooks for a loss of 15 yards on the play. 4th & 25 from the UCO 26-yard line, Hunt dropped back again and again, Hooks came through with the sack. Turnover on downs.

The Bronchos knelt the ball on the next play and celebrated in victory.

Page 14 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond resident’s take on gruelling 140.6 mile event

My world of Ironman races (Editor’s Note: This is the first part of Melissa Brevetti’s account of what it’s like to compete in a challenging Ironman contest.)

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear — not absence of fear.”

-Mark Twain

By Melissa Brevetti, Ph.D. These words continually floated through my mind as I endeavored to complete the Ironman test: a 2.4-mile open water swim followed by a 112-mile bicycle trek and then a 26.2-mile marathon run. It is, in fact, not simply the 140.6mile race that a person conquers—but oneself.

Running across the finish line, after almost 16 hours of racing, I allowed myself to look around, finally. Lake Hefner sparkled with the reflection of city lights upon the water while the constellation of stars twinkled above, winking as if to say that getting lost can happen on the journey of self-discovery. Somehow, I had found my way back and fulfilled my dream of swimming, cycling, and running 140.6 miles before midnight. (146 miles by my GPS). The night had grown dark and cool, which was welcomed by me. I had not slept well for several weeks and trained late most nights, being awake, right now in the middle of the night, just felt right. It was fitting that the night was quiet, yet comforting, as I completed the race, and it was also fitting that every minute had mattered to get me there.

Let’s go back to the early roots of this adventure story.

Stemming from a hot debate among Navy SEALs in 1977, the Ironman distance was created from the argument over which athletes were most fit, as the legend goes. Swimmers, cyclists, or runners…

Therefore, three well-known endurance races were combined, which were the Waikiki Rough Water Swim (2.4 miles), Around-Oahu Bike Race (115 miles over two days), and the Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles) in order to settle this lengthy debate.

On Feb. 18, 1978, at Waikiki Beach, Oahu, 15 men showed up to compete in this inaugural race that included the mandate that athletes have their own support crew and hydration/nutrition. The now registered tagline was first coined on a handwritten note, stating, “Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!” The entry fee was $3, whether or not the participant finished, although twelve managed to complete the distance. A U.S. Navy Communications Specialist, Gordon Haller won the race, beating John Dunbar, a U.S. Navy SEAL, who had been dueling him for the win. Dunbar had run out of water, and his desperate support crew was giving him beer. Haller went on to win the title in under 12 hours.

The following year, January 14, 1979, 30 people showed up to race the Ironman, including two women. Unfortunately, bad weather caused many athletes to drop out, especially since stormy seas and hard rain kept coming. The entry fee had risen to $8. Once again, twelve athletes were able to finish the endurance race. Lyn Lemaire finished the race in 12 hours and 55 minutes, becoming the first Ironwoman. By 1980 ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” covered the spectacular endurance race for people to watch and to follow along on television, as well as the World Triathlon Corporation was established. That year Dave Scott (first person ever inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame) won his first of six titles, beating out 106 men and two women. With the growing fascination of this race, 1981 held a significant change for the Ironman, as it moved from Waikiki to Kona. In the summer of 1982, I was born, which brings us to my own personal Ironman dream.

It is the year 2018 when I decided it was time to learn how to swim, humbling as it may be. Every year I watched the Kona Ironman race on television and felt drawn to the stories of courage and faith; moving testimonies of people transformed through the rigorous, unseen sacrifices, the intensive training daily to make this dream become a reality. But one part especially intrigues me: swimming. I’m an endurance runner who is afraid of dark water. Even though the swim portion is not the largest piece of the triathlon puzzle, it is enough, because one swims a couple miles in vulnerable conditions, in addition to mastering the cycle and run.

Following dreams takes much work. At first, I pretended that I could wait as long as needed to 100 percent master the swim—that I was learning to freestyle with far-off future triathlons in mind.

This was not true, of course. After nine arduous, tough, and stressful months of mental and physical training, September 22, 2018, would be the date of my 140.6 miles.

The weather on race day was a gift for all since the dry and cool weather conditions were not expected. I was awake by 3:00 a.m. to double-check weather reports since it had rained incessantly the

PHOTO PROVIDED

Melissa Brevetti gets ready for a 2.4 mile swim at Lake Hefner as part of her Ironman race

previous day. And now I reasoned that I’d been awake most of the night, planning in my mind how I would fuel each hour, so mental plans were as good as possible. I decided to get moving ahead of schedule and arrived early to Lake Hefner to double-check my transition equipment. Like an exclusive holiday party, the security was second to none. Athletes showed their bib number tattoos (temporary) and were ushered into the roped-off transition area where our bicycles had been set up the previous night. Excitement became contagious as more athletes arrived and wished each other a great race, as well as the volunteers were incredible with assistance (i.e. pumping up bicycle tires, zipping wetsuits, and much more) at this early morning hour.

It was 7:30 a.m., the time listed as the official start of the race, having the 2.4-mile swim as the first leg. I’d been shaking and uncomfortably cold with the crisp morning. The crowded shores did not make me feel calm, even though I had signed up for the Safety Wave. I looked out at the water and rationalized in my mind that I had practiced in choppy water for this day. The temperature was calculated at approximately 74 degrees in the water (wetsuit legal is under 78 degrees), which would feel warm and cozy since the air temperature was in the high 50s.

And thus, the race was finally happening. Adrenaline pumped through my body. A gentleman played bagpipes, which seemed to fade into the background of my mind. For some reason, I don’t remember a start gun or countdown, athletes seemed to jump into the water and start going. I plunged myself into the unknown. Finding my swim rhythm, I was surprised at how much I was enjoying this rectangle swim in the lake. Then something hit me and grabbed me, pushing me under in the dark water! At first, I was not sure what was happening. A panicked swimmer was grabbing onto me to push himself upward. Screaming, I propelled myself forward and knocked the swimmer off me. The dark waters allowed little visibility, and now I felt frantic. Where was this swimmer? Would this happen again? I tried to keep swimming, although I was desperately afraid of being pushed under again… The good news was that the first loop passed fairly quickly with no more incidents, despite my rhythm being off and trying to regain composure. After the initial lap, someone tried to direct me towards the shoreline.

“No, I need two laps,” I tried to explain. The volun-

teer looked at me like I had inaccurate information. Water hit my face and flew into my mouth.

“I’m doing the full-Ironman distance,” I coughed with water in my mouth. The water had grown choppier and choppier. The cutoff time was 2 hours and 30 minutes—I would be cutting it close.

The waves kept hitting me, and my vision went to hell. Bacteria in lakes can cause blindness, and I slowly tried to see and spot in the water. My left eye had become a blurry mess. More water, more coughing. I kept thinking, “Just one more buoy,” so that I could get focused. My waist-length hair was stuffed into a little blue swimming cap, which represented “new swimmers” who needed extra eyes on them. Alas, the blue cap was coming off, as my long hair never seemed to fit under normal caps.

Literally and figuratively, I was trying to stay intact that, fortunately, it compelled me to renew my technical efforts, endeavoring to glide, catch, and pull in the water. My analytical brain tried to process how I could gain speed. Keeping my upper torso low and hydrodynamic, I pushed hard the final half mile. 2 hours and 20 minutes on the swim. Just barely in time.

Instead of going straight to transition as I should, I stopped to thank some sweet friends, including Suzie Bostick who runs with me often, and my parents. One fulfills dreams through the encouragement, good humor, and succor of many friends and family. Besides, the day and night would have more surprises to come. Seeing friends and family helped to re-focus me on the rest of the race since it was now time to cycle 112 miles by myself. A dear friend, who was volunteering at the transition area, Susan Forester, walked with me to get my T-1 (swim-to-bike) equipment. It felt unreal to have swam that distance in open water, but I threw on my turquoise helmet, put on my gloves with two fingers in one hole, and fastened on my comfortable Giro cycling shoes.

Disoriented, I jumped on my bicycle and took off. My left eye was still blind. At this point, I figured it was my prescription contact lens and had to keep moving. After cycling for about 10 minutes, I panicked that I was coming off the lake dam in the wrong place. I turned around. As I made it back, the volunteers rushed over and tried to show me the same route would lead to the path on the roads. I was doing my best to see with one eye, which was, unfortunately, my left eye for seeing traffic since we ride on the left with cars.

(Part two is next week)

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 15

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga star in the reimagining of ‘A Star is Born.’

PHOTO PROVIDED

The superb ‘A Star is Born’

By George Gust “A Star is Born” is the directorial debut of leading man Bradley Cooper and first theatrical foray into acting for pop diva Lady Gaga.

In this new take on the tragic love story, Cooper plays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and promptly falls for aspiring artist Ally (Gaga). But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

The story to “A Star is Born” is an all too familiar one as we’ve often seen the most talented of us also struggle with a myriad of personal issues outside of their art. The title would suggest that the “Star” being born is the ascension of Gaga’s character Ally from singing covers between wait shifts to being the musical guest on Saturday Night Live.

However, the performance of Cooper, both in front of and behind the camera, is the Star of this film.

Much like the transformation of Joaquin Phoenix into Johnny Cash for “Walk the Line,” Cooper disappears into this fictional folk/country rock star Jackson Maine. With a gravel in his voice and a pain behind his eyes you’d think he was channeling a version of Sam Elliot from “The Big Labowski” and lo and behold Elliot shows up playing his (much) older brother.

While the watching Cooper’s heartbreaking struggle with addiction and a fractured family life, the music in “A Star is Born” is also superb, spear-

OCU film series set Oklahoma City University’s Film Institute will continue its 37th annual international film series at 2 p.m.

Oct. 21 with a screening for the Halloween season, Guillermo del Toro’s “El espinazo del diablo” (“The Devil’s Backbone”).

The screening is free to the public in the Kerr McGee Auditorium of the Meinders School of Business at N.W. 27th Street and McKinley Avenue.

“El espinazo del diablo” is an earlier feature-length film by the Oscar-winning director of “The Shape of Water” and “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Unaware that his father has been killed in the Spanish Civil War, main character Carlos is dropped at an isolated orphanage to wait out the last days of 1930s conflict. Facing bullying and austere conditions, he soon finds himself pulled into a mystery that unravels the place’s secrets of greed and shame through a classic ghoststory format.

Imbued with nostalgia, fairy tale elements and the pull of collective memory, some critics consider this the director’s most personal film. It will be screened in Spanish with English subtitles.

“The Power of Place” serves as the theme of this year’s series. More than just setting, place can be nostalgic or haunting.

headed by the angelic voice of Gaga. The scenes of Cooper and Gaga going back and forth collaborating in the musical creation process is mesmerizing and at time quite moving. And while his musical chops aren’t on the level of Gaga’s, Cooper created a folksy country style that could easily pass on today’s top 40.

Overall, there’s not much to dislike in “A Star is Born.” The leads have a fun albeit tenuous chemistry that pulls the audience into their love story from the beginning. The film has a subtle but engaging visual style, which could have been easily overlooked in a musical drama like this movie. The only drawback to the film was that it felt like it dragged a bit in the third act, but the ultimate experience of the film was an all and all success.

“A Star is Born” is rated R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Crossword Puzzle THEME: WORLD SERIES ACROSS 1. Got some shuteye 6. Pop-ups, e.g.

9. Mound 13. String quartet instrument 14. Wisecrack 15. Batu Khan's posse 16. Famous fabulist 17. *Number of World Series won by the Senators 18. Blue-Green scum 19. *One of two baseball teams to play for both leagues 21. *Home of team with most World Series titles 23. Reggae precursor 24. "The Man Who Mis____ His Wife for a Hat" 25. Have a bawl 28. Wing-shaped 30. Handrail's main supports 35. It often runs deep 37. It cuts a furrow 39. Double, in French 40. Shakespeare's tragic monarch 41. Sunny prefix 43. Notary Public's mark 44. Run on a bank, e.g.

46. Building extensions 47. 18wheeler 48. *One of two teams to win in its only appearance 50. Dutch cheese 52. Actors' group 53. OK 55. *"____house Gang" nickname for 1934 World Series victors 57. *Fall ____ 61. *Baseball league award 65. Bald symbol 66. Bauxite, e.g.

68. Andrea Bocelli, e.g.

69. Walk like a peacock 70. *R in RBI 71. Old but in 72. Clothes line 73. Tennis divider

74. Are not DOWN 1. Union foe 2. Sinister look 3. "What ____ can I say?"

4. Works the soil 5. Brown v. Board of Education city 6. ____ 'n' Andy 7. *He pitched the only World Series perfect game 8. Shorthand 9. Sacred 10. "Cogito, ____ sum" 11. Month of Purim 12. Sneak a look 15. Sold 20. Actor Fiennes 22. Long time 24. Streetcar named Desire, e.g.

25. Planktonic tunicate 26. 2018 movie "____'s 8" 27. Edible cannabis substance 29. Away from wind 31. Weak one 32. The Three Musketeers' swords

33. Camel's cousin 34. *Commissioner Emeritus of Baseball 36. Great Lake 38. *____ card 42. Missouri River tributary 45. Skeleton's hiding place 49. Hit the slopes 51. "I think I can, I think I can...", e.g.

54. Oak fruit 56. Expression of contempt 57. ____pool or ____pit 58. Like the White Rabbit 59. Taj Mahal city 60. Shantytown 61. Closely confined 62. A chip, maybe 63. Fate of Norse mythology 64. Turkey dance 67. Poe's Morgue

See Answers Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

PHOTO PROVIDED

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Asian Moon Festival returns to campus at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in UCO’s Plunkett Park. The free, family-friendly event is a traditional celebration for the fall and harvest season and features performances, a traditional lion dance, face painting, crafts and authentic cuisines. Pictured here, students perform on drums during the 2017 Asian Moon Festival.

UCO to host Annual Asian Moon Festival, Oct. 12 The University of Central Oklahoma invites the community to celebrate the culture of the Far East during the 17th annual Asian Moon Festival at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in UCO’s Plunkett Park, located on the west side of campus.

Inspired by the Chinese Moon Festival, the event is a traditional celebration of the fall and har-

vest season.

The free, family-friendly festival features Asia’s rich cultures and performances, including a traditional lion dance, face painting, crafts, game booths, authentic cuisines and a great deal of fun.

Students in the Asian-American Student Associa-

tion (AASA) play a key role planning and co-sponsoring the event with Central’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI).

The event is open to the public, as well as all UCO students, staff and community members.

For more information, contact ODI at 405-9743588 or odi@uco.edu.

Project consumes mom of five In the past few years, Jennifer Sharpe has been through a strong religious experience. She channeled her enthusiasm for Catholicism into the creation of Mass books for children.

STEVE GUST

Catholic convert creates church books for youth

By Steve Gust Jennifer Sharpe’s faith journey has been nothing short of remarkable, including the publication of three illustrated books meant to teach young children the symbols and significance of their Catholic faith.

After coming into the Catholic Church at Saint John in Edmond at Easter 2017, she felt a calling.

The mother of five – who homeschools her children (ages 3 to 13) – had a new mission to produce Mass and prayer guides for children.

“I just was compelled to write.

I couldn’t sleep,” she said. “Sometimes we assume our children learn about faith through osmosis and coming with us to Mass.”

Her latest book entitled, “The Mass Book for Catholic Children,” is for children ages 7 to 12. The guide is informational for youngsters and interactive. Among its features, is a checklist for getting ready for Mass, and a space to draw what they hear during the Gospel. The guide is good for 62 Masses.

Her companion book, “My First Interactive Mass Book for Catholic Kids,” is for kids ages 3 to 7. It also takes little ones through the various stages of a Mass, including “Profession of Faith,” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”

“Instead of sitting restless or playing with a toy car, they can follow along with the book,” she explained.

A third book, “Come, Let Us Adore,” is for ages 8 to 13. During adoration, children can write what they’re thankful for, what they’re repentant for and what they worry about that they can give to God. Sharpe and her husband, Raymond, were devout Protestants living in Jones and regularly attending services. Married for 16 years, Sharpe became curious about the Eucharist.

“We sat in the back of Saint John’s

once observing,” she recalled. As soon as she saw the congregation going to receive Holy Communion, her heart was touched, and she realized there was only one solution.

“I knew then I would become Catholic,” she said. “I fell in love with Jesus and the Eucharist. The first time in adoration I was kneeling and crying.”

Saint John’s Deacon George Butterfield marvels at what she’s done since coming into the Church.

“She and Raymond are authentic disciples of Christ,” he said. “She is one of the most creative people I have ever seen.”

In addition to her children’s faith books, the couple helps with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and baptism seminars.

Sharpe continues to embrace her decision to become Catholic although there was a cost involved.

“After awhile we didn’t hear any longer from our former church friends,” she said.

They went about making new friends at Saint John.

She said her hope is the books will bring children closer to their faith.

Some of the information in the pages will also help to re-educate their parents.

“The kids need to know about the faith.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 17

Lyme disease: A ‘ticking’ time bomb?

By Ryan Stewart When Gary Gorbsky’s knee suddenly ballooned and became painful to move, he was puzzled. And worried.

The long-time runner and scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation had not done anything that he thought would trigger that sort of reaction. But when he went to the doctor, he soon discovered the cause.

“He ran a test for Lyme disease,” said Gorbsky, who leads OMRF’s Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology Research Program. “My results came back spectacularly positive.”

Caused by a form of bacteria, Lyme is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Early symptoms can include a bullseye skin rash, fever, aches, pains and other flu-like symptoms, but these warning signs are not guaranteed to be present.

Even when they are, they are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases.

Gorbsky said he did not remember having been bitten by a tick and did not recall having any of the early symptoms. If the disease is not recognized and treated, it can manifest in more severe ways, including joint problems like Gorbsky’s, facial paralysis, cognitive impairment and heart issues.

Some patients experience recurrent symptoms even after treatment with antibiotics. The infection can go into

Gary Gorbsky, Ph.D.

Hal Scofield, M.D.

hiding in the body, even after the antibiotics, and reemerge later. This happened to Gorbsky. Fortunately, he has since managed a full recovery from his knee problems, although it required two courses of antibiotics.

Historically, the disease has been mainly found in Northeastern and upper Midwestern states, along with Northern California. However, a recent report found that it’s spread to

all 50 states.

“The most important thing for Oklahomans to know about Lyme disease is that it’s here now,” said Gorbsky.

Fortunately, precautions for Lyme disease are the same as for any other tick-borne illnesses, said OMRF physician-researcher Hal Scofield, M.D. “Your best defense is to keep ticks off your skin. When you’re in

DAR Helps Elementary School

wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves and pants, use an insect repellent with DEET, or do both.”

Scofield also recommends checking yourself thoroughly and taking a shower once you return home. “If you see a tick, pluck it out with tweezers,” he said.

With the number of Lyme-infected ticks growing, disease numbers have tripled over the past two decades.

The Centers for Disease Control states that approximately 30,000 cases are now reported in the U.S. each year.

Still, experts estimate that the actual number of U.S. cases each year— not just those reported—has swelled to 300,000.

A vaccine that showed 76 percent effectiveness was pulled from the market in 2002 due to limited consumer demand and fears over side effects. A new vaccine is currently in the works, but it’s still in the experimental stage; even if ultimately proven effective and safe, would take years to reach the market.

In the meantime, if you experience any of the early symptoms, ask your physician to test you for Lyme. Caution is the surest defense, said Scofield.

“Lyme can be treated effectively with antibiotics if it’s caught early, and again if symptoms return,” Scofield said, “But the best solution is to be aware and avoid getting bitten by ticks.”

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.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The members of the Edmond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Samuel King) collected and donated school supplies to Northern Hills Elementary School. This act of giving was part of the chapter’s fall volunteer efforts.

Page 18 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Collisions with deers said to be on the rise Oklahoma drivers need to take off their deer blinders and keep a wary eye out this fall. Over the last year (July 2017- June 2018) Oklahomans were 17 percent more likely to hit a deer than the previous year, the biggest increase in the U.S. This new auto claims data compiled by State Farm also shows that drivers had a 1 in 165 chance of meeting a deer on the road, with more than 15,000 deer/car accidents recorded on Oklahoma roads.

We’re entering prime deer season now (October-December) and additional data from State Farm shows that November is the most dangerous month for Oklahoma deer-related crashes.

The 16th annual State Farm deer claim study uses claims data and state licensed driver counts to project the most at-risk states.

Part of the study also tracks claim expenses which have also increased.

The average amount motorists spend to fix a car involved in a deer strike has increased by $200 to $4,341.

Top 5 Risk States: 1. West Virginia 2. Montana 3. Pennsylvania 4. Wisconsin

How to avoid them 5. Iowa (28. Oklahoma) What you can do: n Use extra caution and slowdown in known deer zones n Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate n Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see a deer n Always wear your seatbelt n Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer After-crash tips: n Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. n Call police: If a deer is blocking traffic, it could be creating a threat for other drivers. n Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage. n Avoid the animal: A frightened, wounded deer could be dangerous n Contact your insurance company n Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazards.

A milestone for an Integris clinic The Integris Valve Clinic recently performed its 300th successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement implant since the inception of the program in 2012. This is a significant milestone for the clinic and more importantly – for its patients.

TAVR is a non-surgical method of replacing an aortic valve that has become severely narrowed, a condition known as “Aortic Stenosis”. What makes TAVR so appealing is that the aortic valve can be replaced without undergoing open heart surgery, which up until late 2011 was the only means of aortic valve replacement.

This less invasive procedure is ideal for patients considered to be either moderate or high risk for open heart surgery.

Prior to TAVR, if surgery was thought to be too risky for a patient, they would be referred to hospice as the disease would continue to progress, and ultimately the patient would suffer heart failure and/or sudden death due to the disease. But now, thanks to TAVR, severe aortic stenosis is no longer a death sentence.

“More and more physicians are referring patients to our clinic as they see the success our patients have ex-

perienced with TAVR,” says Ty Beagles, the Valve Clinic Coordinator at Integris. “The procedure not only gives the patient more years to their life, but it improves the patient’s quality of life as well.”

As advances in valvular heart disease therapy continue to move forward, and as the medical community witnesses additional TAVR success in patients whom otherwise would not have had any other options, the procedure will increasingly be part of the leading edge therapies available to patients with severe aortic stenosis.

“In fact, many manufacturers are currently performing clinical trials with patients who are considered low risk for open heart surgery to see how they fare with TAVR compared to patients who undergo open heart surgery,” adds Beagles. “Integris is participating in this trial and thus far, the preliminary results are promising, meaning TAVR could potentially be an option for anyone with severe aortic stenosis in the future.”

Integris is also part of an ongoing, nationwide clinical database that is following TAVR implants to continue monitoring and assessing their success.

Do you have a Mensa intellect?

Have you ever wondered how smart you really are?

Many people are underachievers or unaware of their potential. Some might just be curious. Jon Lundeen, president of Central Oklahoma Mensa, the high I.Q. society, says intelligence is like horsepower. “I might be driving a Maserati and my opponent in a race is driving a mid-level Mustang. I’m not a race driver. He is.

He’ll win. Intelligence is simply an indicator of potential, just like horsepower.”

Over the years, there have been some amazing stories of potential realized. One child who was put in a special education class in grade school was discovered to be highly intelligent, went on to earn higher education degrees and became a top designer for a manufacturer of private jet aircraft. A woman, who for years had been called stupid by her husband got divorced, took the Mensa test, passed and joined, and went to college in her 40s.

If you’re curious, October is a great time to find out. Mensa is offering intelligence testing at half price – only

$30 – for people over 14 years of age. And, if you score in the top twopercent, the first 20 people who choose to join Mensa can do so for half price. Test results are completely confidential, between the test taker and the national scoring organization.

Whether you, a child, grandchild or friend would like to take the Mensa test, contact TJ Lundeen (tjlundeen@aol.com – mention “Mensa Test” on the subject line) and arrange a test reservation. In October there will be a test at Mathnasium Edmond and a library in Norman.

Mensa is an international organization with many activities nationally and locally. One of the primary benefits is socialization with other bright people from diverse backgrounds.

Military, edcucators, plumbers, professionals, oil patch workers, lefties and righties … you’ll find them all in Mensa. Plus, the national organization offers a whole host of things to do for its youthful members.

Are you smarter than you think you are? Take the Mensa test in October and find out.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 19

Scheduled Nov. 1

Library to feature one-woman show of Pippa White The Friends of the Chambers Library (FOL), a support organization for the University of Central Oklahoma’s library, will welcome One’s Company, featuring Pippa White, for their fall fundraiser 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. 5th St. in Edmond.

One’s Company will perform “Far as the Eye Can See,” a dramatization of the experiences of the people of the prairie – pioneers, Native Americans, homesteaders and others who ensured the Dust Bowl.

One’s Company is a collection of one-woman shows featuring White. She grew up in San Francisco, appeared regularly on television as a child, trained at the American Conservatory Theatre Academy and for five years was seen as hostess of a daily morning show on San Francisco’s ABC affiliate. Moving to the Midwest compelled her to create her one-woman shows, drawing on many different sources for a collection of unusual and entertaining solo productions. White has a love of dialects and accents which she tries to incorporate into her shows.

Some of her dialects come naturally, thanks to a British father.

“Other children came home to milk and cookies after school,” she says. “I came home to afternoon tea!”

Tickets are $40 each with discounts for groups of four or more and available at library.uco.edu/events. Proceeds benefit FOL, which supports UCO’s Max Chambers Library through development and fundraising initiatives including book donations and maintaining an extensive archives department. Most recently, FOL assisted with the implementation of a makerspace, a studio set up for students with 3-D printing, engage virtual reality and a green screen room. As state funding to higher education PHOTO PROVIDED continues to decrease, FOL plays a vital role in providing Pippa White from One’s Company will perform ‘Far as the Eye Can See’ as a part of the Friends necessary funds to maintain and grow the successful of the Chambers Library Fall Fundraiser 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the UCO Jazz Lab. Proceeds support function of the UCO library.

UCO’s Max Chambers Library.

Melissa Hembree

Concert will be part of upcoming Arcadia Round Barn Rendezvous Country and Red Dirt singer-songwriter Melissa Hembree and her band Whiskey Union will be the special musical guests for the Oct. 14 Round Barn Rendezvous at the Arcadia Round Barn.

The Okemah musicians will play from 2 to 4 p.m., following the monthly jam session by local musicians which starts at noon.

The Rendezvous will be accompanied by the Round Barn’s annual Down Home Oklahoma festival, which will feature such attractions as an antique truck and tractor show, the Nick’s Tamale food truck, “toucha-truck” with emergency response vehicles, a trolley-style popcorn truck and an exhibit about the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad that built

tracks near what is now Arcadia and led to the creation of the town.

Down Home Oklahoma will be from noon to 5 p.m. on the grounds and in the lower level of the Round Barn.

Musicians will play in the loft.

The Round Barn museum and gift shop will open at 10 a.m. Oct. 14.

Admission is free but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which was built in 1898.

For information about providing a demonstration about rural living for Down Home Oklahoma, call Jim Blue at 405-401-8694.

The Arcadia Round Barn is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historical Route 66.

Page 20 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

The pros of direct deposit refunds

By Valerie Ard In today’s technology, handling of deposits and even expenses via direct deposit or direct withdrawal is commonplace. But, there are quite a few taxpayers who still prefer the good old-fashioned refund checks from the IRS and state.

Q: Is using direct deposit faster Ard than receiving a check by mail?

A: The quickest way for a taxpayer to get their refund is to electronically file their return and use direct deposit. During the normal tax filing season this refund can hit your bank account within 2 to 3 weeks, where waiting for your check to arrive by mail could take four to six weeks.

Q: Can a taxpayer direct deposit their refund into more than one account?

A: Yes, you can most definitely split up a refund.

These include checking, savings, health, educational and even certain retirement accounts. You are limited to allocate refunds to three accounts.

You should avoid making deposits into accounts owned by others and keep deposits in your own name, spouse’s name or both.

Q: Can I deposit my state refund as well?

A: You can, and in fact, the Oklahoma Tax Commission prefers that you do so. If you do not choose this method you will be issued a debit card with your refund amount loaded into it. The Tax Commission does not send out paper refunds anymore.

Q: By using direct deposit is my information safe and secure?

A: Since refunds go right into a bank account, there’s no risk of having a paper check stolen or lost. This is the same electronic transfer system that deposits nearly 98 percent of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts.

Valerie Ard is tax supervisor at Arledge and Associates, PC, an Edmond-based accounting firm.

Arledge and 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.

Q: Just how does a person go about setting up direct deposit?

A: Choosing direct deposit is easy! When electronic filing your return, it is a matter of entering your bank information into the tax software. The software will need both routing number and account number. If you choose to paper file your return it can be entered on page two of the 1040 right below where your refund amount is listed.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor.

This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

OU Physicians adds services of Dr. Besen Beteck Besem Beteck, M.D., has established his surgical practice with OU Physicians. He has also been named an assistant professor of surgery for the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

Beteck is board eligible in vascular surgery. He specializes in limb salvage surgery for peripheral arteDr. Beteck rial disease and in treating patients for carotid disease, thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, dialysis access and chronic venous disease including deep vein thrombosis.

Beteck completed a vascular surgery fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, and completed a general surgery residency at St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore. He earned his medical degree and a master of science degree in medical sciences from the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Beteck is a member of the American College of Surgeons.

With more than 1,050 doctors and advanced practice providers, OU Physicians is the state’s largest physician group. The practice encompasses almost every adult and child specialty. Many OU Physicians have expertise in the management of complex conditions that is unavailable anywhere else in the state, region or sometimes even the nation. Some have pioneered surgical procedures or innovations in patient care that are world firsts.

Medicare for all is the wrong prescription

By Richard D. Kocur In the fall of 2017, when Senator Bernie Sanders unveiled his vision for the future of the U.S. healthcare system (Medicare for All), I wrote a piece for the Center for Vision and Values titled, “Medicare for All is Good for None.” In the piece, I argued that using the Medicare template as a model capable of absorbing quadruple the number of current enrollees was flawed from the start. Obviously, Senator Sanders did not read my piece.

Now, in the fall of 2018, Medicare for All has become the litmus test for the early field of potential Democratic presidential nominees and a key policy platform among progressives. In addition, a recent Reuters poll showed a majority of Americans, 70% in fact, in favor of Medicare for All. Receiving “free” healthcare from the government sounds promising until one digs into the details related to the impact the plan would have from a dollars-andsense perspective.

Over the past year, the cost of Sanders’ proposed socialization of the American healthcare system, representing nearly 18% of the total U.S. economy, has been extensively studied.

Both left-leaning and right-leaning estimates price the plan at approximately $30 trillion. A recent study by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University estimates Medicare for All will cost the federal government at least $32 trillion over 10 years. For some sobering perspective, the total of all individual and corporate taxes collected by the federal government over the next 10 years is projected to be approximately $30 trillion. The federal government would have to more than double its tax revenue in the next 10 years to pay for Medicare for All. In order to cover just a portion of Medicare for All, Senator Sanders’ plan would mean an increase in the top marginal tax rate to 52% and a dramatic increase in the tax on capital gains and dividends. Even if that’s the case, a significant gap in funding still exists. Where does the rest of the nearly $32 trillion come from?

Supporters of a socialized healthcare system like Medicare for All point to the administrative cost savings a singlepayer system would generate as a means to help cover the approximate $32 trillion dollar price tag. Unfortunately, on a per-patient basis, Medicare administrative costs are no better than those of private insurance. This despite a greater number of private insurance providers, variability in their administrative efficiency, and higher marketing

Commentary and promotion costs. Is it even feasible that the bureaucratic machinery in Washington could come close to being able to drive down costs via administrative efficiency?

Another means of paying for Medicare for All according to its backers is to reduce provider fees. Currently, Medicare pays providers significantly less than they receive from private insurance. According to estimates in the Mercatus study, Sanders’ plan would reduce provider reimbursements by nearly 40%. Payments below the cost of doing business would likely result in fewer providers and limits on access to care as physicians and hospitals are forced out of business. It would also mean fewer new providers entering the market. Providers that remain would essentially become government employees with little say in their business.

From a patient perspective this also would mean longer wait times and less control over healthcare decisions.

Related to the dramatic reduction of provider fees, Medicare for All would also seek to negotiate a significant reduction in the prices of prescription drugs, essentially amounting to price controls across the pharmaceutical industry. While drug pricing is a key costdriver of the U.S. healthcare system, and should be addressed in a responsible way, implementing price controls across the entire sector would stifle innovation and new drug discovery.

The above rationale for why Medicare for All is unrealistic and impracticable from a dollars-and-sense perspective doesn’t even take into account the actual experiences of patients in socialized healthcare systems around the world. In many countries, an increasingly strained national healthcare budget has to be addressed by increasing revenues via higher taxation or decreasing costs via the rationing of care. The methods by which Medicare for All proposes to pay its bills all have unintended consequences or downstream effects that would do more harm than good to the U.S. economy, the individual taxpayer, and the patients within the system. Americans want, and deserve, a cure for a sick U.S. healthcare system but Medicare for All is the wrong prescription.

Richard D. Kocur is an assistant professor of business at Grove City College. He specializes in marketing and business strategy and has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 21

Starting all over again PR professionals start Chisel Creative after downsizing

State’s oil & gas industry strong

By Rose Drebes With 60 collective years of experience among its owners in the advertising and public relations arena, Chisel Creative is blazing a new trail for marketing and advertising agencies.

Dan Martel, Amy Blackburn and Tony Ortega joined forces after another agency they worked for “went through some reductions and had to eliminate positions for various reasons.”

They used that as a learning experience in forming their own company.

“We think we have a unique working model in the marketplace because we keep PHOTO PROVIDED our hourly rates low, do not charge clients Dan Martel, Amy Blackburn and Tony Ortega are blazing any extra service fees and we are able to a new trail for advertising agencies with their boutiquepass the savings on to the client,” Martel style company, Chisel Creative. said.

The trio started Chisel Creative in July. transparency,” Martel said.

Martel said the company has adopted the innovaIn choosing a name for the agency, Blackburn tive concept of a “boutique-style” agency. said they looked up chisel up in the dictionary and “Our thought was simple -- why not create the discovered the word’s meaning was “shaping tool.” agency that we've always wanted in the market“We envision ourselves as shaping tools,” she place, one that is not simply a traditional ad said. agency or a traditional PR firm,” he said. “We Chisel Creative offers branding, media planning wanted to concentrate on what's important to and placement, video production, design, web declients -- that is selling their brand through comsign, audio production, social media services, pelling storytelling and using the right communica- media relations, crisis communications and collattion tools to tell that story.” eral, packaging and promotional product design.

Blackburn said Chisel contracts with freelance Chisel’s partners bring experience in the retail, fipartners to “pick and choose the right partners for nancial services, healthcare, energy and businessthe job.” to-business sectors to their clients.

That, she said, saves on overhead rather than Blackburn said she, Martel and Ortego have employing full time employees whom might not be been excited and encouraged about the interest in engaged completely throughout the traditional 40- their new company. hour work week.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” she said.

“Our model is to keep the agency small and to For more information, visit work with our vetted partners that can bring their www.chiselcreative.com or call 924-8428. Chisel’s skill sets to the table on an as needed basis -- full office is located at 3839 S. Boulevard, Suite 250.

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry continues its march into “mini-boom” territory, the economist who compiles the Oklahoma Energy Index said this month.

Dr. Russell Evans, executive director of the Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute, said a bullish outlook for crude oil prices supports expectations of continued industry strength during the recovery of the state’s defining industry.

“Activity seemed poised to turn to ‘slow and steady’ by early 2018, but stronger than expected global growth and geopolitical disruptions to supply have sent prices and production higher,” Evans said. “Instead of slow and steady, the industry is better described as entering a mini boom. It remains to be seen if the years ahead see the state race headlong into a full-blown boom period again or if general economic weakness constrains economic activity, prices and production.”

The most recent Energy Index saw an increase of 1.5 percent. The Index has grown by 15 percent from one year ago, and today stands at 228.1 using data collected in August.

This month’s index was led by gains in crude oil prices and energy production employment and a minor increase in natural gas prices. In the past month, the oil and natural gas industry has added 2,000 new workers in production and production support employment and more than 10,000 new workers in the past year. The state’s rig count stayed flat for the month at 139, but crude oil prices and the stock value of Oklahoma oil and natural gas companies in the index’s Oklahoma energy portfolio both declined.

The OEI is a comprehensive measure of the state’s oil and natural gas production economy established to track industry growth rates and cycles in one of the country's most active and vibrant energy-producing states.

Flinton leading investment group Andrew Flinton named President of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. Also, Randy Thurman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Founder Joe Bowie, Flinton moves to a Senior Advisor role. These leadership appointments are effective immediately.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Andrew’s experience and vison to continue our legacy,” said CEO Randy Thurman. “Andrew’s unique combination of integrity, intellect, and charisma make him the perfect person to lead us as we embark on our next chapter.”

Flinton said, “I’ve been blessed with great mentors and a talented group of professionals. We are excited to continue to work together to make Retirement Investment Advisors the top fee-only firm in Oklahoma.”

Flinton is a certified financial planner professional and has worked as a

comprehensive financial planner since 2008. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Oklahoma.

He serves as a member of the Investment Policy Committee for Retirement Investment Advisors and is directly involved in the investment selection and allocation guidelines for the firm. Andrew is a volunteer and Board member for Tenaciously Teal, a non-profit that supports those during their fight with cancer.

He has also been involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, and has served as a volunteer at OU Children’s Hospital. Andrew lives in Edmond with his wife Courtney and their two daughters.

Based in Oklahoma City, with offices in Edmond and Frisco, Texas, Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. is set apart because all of their advisors are Certified Planning professionals, which requires additional training and certification. They have been cited by more than 35* national publications as one of the nation’s top financial planning companies.

State Fair said to have had 850,000 attendees The 2018 Oklahoma State Fair ran Sept. 13 thru 23 and provided patrons with Old Fashioned Fun at a New Fashioned Fair.”

Fairgoers enjoyed new shows, competitions, demonstrations and more.

The State Fair opened with five days of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream performances in the Jim Norick Arena, offering a total of ten performances. Two exciting nights of bull riding action featuring performances by Big & Rich and Aaron Watson wrapped up events in the Jim Norick Arena on Sept. 21 and 22.

For the most part, weather during the run of the Fair was nice and warm with one significant exception.

The second Friday of the event was

hindered by 12 hours of constant precipitation, including periods of heavier than usual rain. Due to the rain, the carnival lot did not open for business at all on Sept. 21. This was the first time in recent history that this has happened. Despite the inclement weather challenges, over 850,000 attendees enjoyed the 2018 Oklahoma State Fair, producing an economic impact of more than $98.2 million in direct spending into the Oklahoma City economy.

For more information regarding the September events, or any upcoming months, please contact the State Fair Park Office at 405-948-6700. To stay up-to-date on all State Fair Park has to offer, visit www.okstatefair.com.

Page 22 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Petra Industries Don’t let emotions crowd out reasoning & annual benefit By Deborah Lyne going to be able to pay my bills, and the feeling would be fear.

Edmond Family Counseling Emotions tell you when you are golf tournament Yesterday I came home after a happy, sad, or fearful. They are a Petra Industries, the leading authority in the consumer technology industry, is excited to announce the 20th annual Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Petra Industries’ Founder and CEO Bill Stewart, along with his wife Cindy, hosted the first Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament in 1999. 50 golfers from 20 different companies converged in Edmond, Oklahoma for that inaugural event. And over the last 20 years, Bill and Cindy have watched the tournament grow—with more participants taking part in the activities, and more lives being changed thanks to the proceeds raised.

“It is amazing to see the resonance of Hope In One,” said Petra President Tate Morgan. “The passion that Bill and Cindy have for helping others and extending a hand into the community is infectious. It’s always inspiring to see so many people coming together in an effort to give back.”

Each year, Bill and Cindy select deserving charities to support. This year, proceeds from the Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament will go to benefit Whiz Kids of Oklahoma and Mercy Multiplied. Each of these charities work with children and young adults to offer them tools and resources to change their situation and their life.

Hope In One has raised over $800,000 since the first tournament took place.

“My wife and I have been humbled by the support of our Petra team members and our vendor partners over the last twenty years,” says Bill Stewart. “Hope In One is very near and dear to our hearts. As are Mercy Multiplied and Whiz Kids of Oklahoma. And, to know that each year we can give a little more and reach a little farther to those in need thanks to the support of our considerate, giving partners is very touching and appreciated.”

Petra Industries Hope In One Charity Golf Tournament takes place on Oct. 11 at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, OK.

long day at my internship as a counselor and part time case manager job.

Several things had to happen before I could sit down to study for the next day’s test. I had been cooking a lot and soup sounded good, so that is what I was concentrating on putting together.

For the last three weeks I have been grappling with the financial aid department at UCO. I was beginning to lose faith and my tired mind started to run down the treacherous paths in the “if” forest. “If I do not get paid, then I will not have money to put gas in my car to go and see my clients. How am I going to pay my bills?” Where my brain ended up was at the point where I felt like I had two choices in front of me: quit my program and go get a full time job, or raid my IRA. It was at this point I knew I had to stop myself from going any further.

Once you get to this level of dis-

tress how do you walk yourself out of this forest of doubts about the future? This line of thinking is called catastrophizing; where the brain becomes convinced the worst possible outcome is the outcome which is going to happen. Catastrophizing produces strong feelings and the first thing you have to do is to STOP and re-assess the concreate reality of the situation. In my case, when I realized what I was doing I physically stopped in the middle of opening a can of beans for the soup. The emotional component of this distress is sometimes the hardest to deal with. Ask yourself: What am I feeling? It can be very hard to tease a feeling and a thought apart and many people confuse feeling with thinking. A thought and a feeling are two separate things: A thought would be I am not

state of being and tell you where to look in your life. What is going right?

What is going wrong?

Emotions in and of themselves are a transient and ephemeral they are part of the human condition. Many people experience their emotions as reality, emotions are a sign pointing at a place to look and pay attention.

When I accepted my fear as a place to look I started thinking about my thought process and what I really feared. I am in a position which I cannot just go make more money.

I have to find new ways of interacting with the world and learn new skills. Preparing yourself for the worst case scenario and examining your options in a given situation is adaptive just make sure you check if you are seeing the trees in the forest.

(Deborah Lyne is completing her degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma.)

PHOTO PROVIDED

IRISH STATE CHAMPS -- The Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School State Cheer Team made history last weekend at the OSSAA State Cheerleading Competition held at the Mabee Center in Tulsa earlier this month. The team won regionals the week before and after a flawless performance at state, the team was once again crowned OSSAA Class 5A State Champions! Doing an outstanding job as coaches for the team are the Regional 8 Coach of the year, Mandy Thomson Gerszewski and Amber Freeman. Senior team members are Hailey Harris, Lexi Joyce, Ainsleigh Rapp and Victoria Sullivan. Other team members include Ali Anderson, Julianne Bentley, Kalli Burke, Cate Carter, Alysse Clark, Elyse Cronic, Holly Danner, Hadley Ferguson, Sunni Foster, Meg German, Sarah Jantzen, Molly Kelley, Olivia Koenig, Peyton McCuan, Jenson McPherson, Liv Messina, Mary Frances Redhead, Aubrey Ruffin, Isabella Scherm, Ashley Schwarz, Grace Thielke, and Cate Tollison.

Would you cut cable TV & pets to save money?

A recent Pew study found that 46 percent of Americans spend more money than they make every month.

Although many consider ways to save in their monthly budget, cutting spending on certain items is often another story because sacrifice can be painful.

How far are you willing to go to get ahead financially? Has something you deemed a necessity actually been a money-draining luxury – like cable TV or a smartphone? Hard as it may seem to live without some monthly comforts, Daniel Ameduri says that kind of rigid discipline can prove rewarding long-term – especially to millennials and younger generations planning toward their financial future.

“Let’s face it, the economy has changed, and the pension system and conventional retirement are in the past,” says Ameduri (www.futuremoneytrends.com), co-founder of the Future Money Trends newsletter. “If you really want to get ahead or make the choice to become wealthy, it will require you to do things that are not normal.

“It starts with sacrifice in your personal finance

life, and ideas that might seem drastic are ways to save real money. Some common-sense ideas you see everywhere don’t go far enough to helping you really get ahead.”

Ameduri lists five admittedly extreme yet effective ways to save money every month: Get rid of your smartphone. “I know, that’s like asking people to get rid of a body part,” Ameduri says, “but ditching your phone can be a big costsaver if you really want to save money. There’s the high cost of the phones plus a basic cell phone plan; the latter would rid you of $500 or more a year.”

Sell your TV and cancel the cable bill. “Who doesn’t pay too much for cable, or cable and internet in the same package?” says Ameduri. “Most basic set-ups are $80 a month – that’s nearly $1,000 a year, minimum, to save. Replace the cable bill with Netflix and Hulu, or search around for what you want to watch on YouTube.”

Drive an inexpensive car with great gas mileage.

Ameduri says one of the worst mistakes people make is having a car payment, which is usually, next to mortgage or rent, the highest monthly ex-

pense. “Your life is too short to be making payments for something that depreciates daily and costs so much per month,” Ameduri says. “Pride in the coolness of a car shouldn’t be a factor, but gas mileage should be the top priority.”

Get rid of your pet. Ameduri looks at our furry friends as a huge and unnecessary expense. “I saw a recent study that showed the average dog costing anywhere from $100 to $200 a month!” he says. “That’s $1,200 a year on the low end. I know pets can add value to your life, but if you are looking to get ahead early in life, get rid of your dog, cat, aquarium, etc.”

Stop eating meat. Meat can eat up much of a food budget and Ameduri says there are smarter alternatives for main courses. “It’s overpriced and it really isn’t that healthy for you anyway,” Ameduri says. “Instead, eat beans and raw nuts for your protein. Think of all the money you will save by grilling vegetables and eating salads.”

“Some sacrifices may seem difficult early on,” Ameduri says, “but when you don’t feel the monthly pinch of financial pain anymore, they’re definitely worth it.

Edmond Life & Leisure • October 11, 2018 • Page 23

LifeShare sets new record; Many helped A historic number of tissue donations in the state of Oklahoma has already led to more enhanced lives than any other year in its history.

LifeShare of Oklahoma facilitated the recovery of 790 heroic and selfless tissue donors as of Sept.

21.

LifeShare is the federally designated organ procurement organization in the state of Oklahoma and is responsible for organ and tissue donation statewide.

In 2017, LifeShare recovered 789 tissue donors, passing the organization’s all-time high record of 725 donors set in 2016.

“These donors and their families are inspiring with their gracious and honorable act of helping others, especially in a time of unimaginable grief. I am humbled by those who have improved life for others,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer for LifeShare.

This historic number of tissue donations could impact more than 59,000 people in need of life enhancing transplants. These donations of bone, skin, corneas and heart valves could help improve mobility, restore sight, heal burn patients and repair life-threatening heart defects.

Even though LifeShare has passed its previous record for tissue recoveries in one year, the organization plans to continue its hard work saving lives while they offer hope to families by honoring the precious gift of donation.

“We are proud of these accomplishments and hope to continue to have an impact on those currently waiting on a life enhancing transplant,” said Orlowski. “We encourage all Oklahomans to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors.”

OCU assists Hurricane Florence relief Oklahoma City University has found a way to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. The campus community has set up various relief baskets around the campus and is taking donations to be sent to the Carolinas.

However, this isn’t the first time the United Methodist-affiliated university has held this program. It started last year with Hurricane Harvey.

Working with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), several full bins were sent out, then returned and filled again.

“OCU has a large number of students from Texas whose family and friends were directly affected by the damaging storms and flooding,” said Rev. Charles Neff, vice president for UniversityChurch Relations at Oklahoma City University.

“We decided to extend the collection period when shortly thereafter Hurricane Irma struck Florida and Maria struck Puerto Rico. The outflowing of

support from faculty, staff and students was tremendous.

“As it quickly became apparent that Hurricane Florence was going to equal the storms of last year, we decided to mobilize our collection bins again. Faculty and staff from across campus answered the call to monitor collections in their buildings and return full bins to be sent on to UMCOR. Response has been good and supplies are already coming in.”

The university currently plans to have the baskets in place through mid-October. Most of what is being asked for are “clean-up buckets” — self-contained kits to assist homeowners in cleaning up after the flood waters recede.

UMCOR keeps thousands of buckets on hand for immediate distribution, and the donations that come from OCU will help to replenish the supply.

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

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

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

SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON

Page 24 • October 11, 2018 • Edmond Life & Leisure