Edmond Life and Leisure - November 21, 2019

November 21, 2019 Vol. 20, No. 26

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

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

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

For more information, see page 4.

Kickoff for holiday display Saturday at Mitch Park

City’s

ready to delight

New Miss UCO crowned See Page 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AM Showers High 47° Low 31°

PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE

Above are a few scenes from the 2018 presentation of Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll. The walk-thru holiday light display returns beginning Saturday, Nov. 23 at Mitch Park.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Sunny High 54° Low 34°

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Mostly Sunny High 62° Low 39°

Edmond Electric’s Luminance kickoff, Merry Marketplace and the Park Lighting are set for Saturday, November 23 at Mitch Park. Luminance is a walk-thru holiday light display that will be open to the public at the park thru January 5, 2020, and this year will include 30+ displays.

This year’s kickoff event features a full slate of activities for the family.

The full schedule is as follows: n 2 pm – 8 pm: Merry Marketplace will include live music by The Fonts, photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, dog and owner ugly sweater contests and much more. Create holiday-themed crafts to take home, shop unique

goods by local vendors and sample an array of delicious eats from food trucks. n 5 pm – 8 pm: Family fun will be available including costume characters, free hot chocolate and candy canes. The Edmond Fire Department will be accepting new or gently used coat donations for Edmond elementary students. Beginning at 6 pm, there will be make and take crafts along with free photos with Santa with your provided camera. n 5:30 pm – 6 pm: The annual Mayor’s Essay Contest winners will be announced and the Fine Arts Institute youth choir will perform. Also the crowning of the Ice Prince and Princess and the Park Lighting by the

Edmond City Council will be held.

After the event, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to head across the parking lot to the annual Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink presented by Edmond Electric. The rink will stay open until 10:00 p.m. that evening. For more information about the rink, visit http://edmondoutdooricerink.com.

It all takes place on Saturday, November 23 and we hope everyone will join us for this holiday fun in Edmond that helps make our community a great place to grow!

An Enchanted Stroll will kick off the holiday season on November 23 and go through Jan. 5. The lights will be on Monday - Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Page 2 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 3

Honoring Graves of U.S. Veterans

PHOTO PROVIDED

Earlier this month, members of The Frank H. Collings American Legion Post 111 partnered with a new organizing chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Edmond to commemorate Veterans Day. Together the organizations placed over 100 Flags of the United States on the graves of veterans dating from the Civil War to the modern era, at the IOOF Cemetery in Arcadia, and Oakwood Cemetery in Edmond.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Art of Tom Shannon: Universe in the Mind | Mind in the Universe” will open at Science Museum Oklahoma on Nov. 24. Open through Oct. 25, 2020, and included with general admission, the exhibition features sculpture, sketches, large-scale installation, and never-before-seen works. A gallery opening with Shannon is set for 6-8 p.m. Nov. 23 in the smART Space galleries. The event is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance at www.sciencemuseumok.org/smart-space.

Unique museum exhibit For more than 50 years, artist and inventor Tom Shannon has been exploring the intersections of art, science and technology in unexpected, mindbending ways. Science Museum Oklahoma guests will have the chance to experience his science-inspired art in a new exhibition opening Nov. 24 in the museum’s smART Space galleries: “Tom Shannon: Universe in the Mind | Mind in the Universe.”

Shannon’s internationally-renowned work features sculpture that explores scientific themes and natural forces like magnetic fields, large-scale installations, paintings and numerous patented inventions like his synchronous world clock, a version of which is in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection. The smART Space exhibition is his first in Oklahoma.

“Tom Shannon’s contributions to the world of art and science are beyond significant — it’s been an honor to work with him on this exhibition. His work is a synthesis of art, scientific research and advanced insight. It’s both simple and complex, minimal but sophisticated, and he puts the impossibly small and the impossibly large — things like atoms, planets and stars — in a scale that you and I can understand. He truly makes science more accessible through visual art,” said Scott Henderson, director of the smART Space galleries.

The exhibition, open through Oct. 25, 2020, and included with general

admission, features the U.S. debut of “Atom Compass Array,” an installation of hundreds of magnetic spheres suspended from the glass roof of the museum’s lobby. Equidistantly spaced and magnetically interconnected, the white halves of the spheres always face north, while the black and white halves together show the phases of the moon as a guest walks around it.

Within smART Space, guests can experience a 6-foot edition of Shannon’s synchronous world clock created specifically for SMO, sculptures 50 feet in length and another that appears to levitate, dozens of pages of first drafts, sketches, observations and ideas that will give guests a look into Shannon’s creative mind, and more.

“The ensemble of works in this exhibition was selected to express some of the entwined characteristics of the world we live in: time, space, relativity, the invisible forces of electromagnetic and gravitational fields, atomic through astronomic proportions, the geometry of perspective, and weightless equilibrium — all in relation to human scale,” said Shannon, of the exhibition at SMO. “I got the idea early on that by employing the discoveries of science as subject matter in art would increase the artwork’s power to connect to the broadest spectrum of culture. The universe is in the mind and the mind is in the universe.”

Page 4 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30 Consumers and small businesses in communities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico are preparing to celebrate Small Business Saturday, taking place this year on Nov. 30.

Because an average two-thirds of every Ray Hibbard dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in the local community, consumers’ local impact during the important holiday shopping season is significant. Further, every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity as a result of employee spending and businesses purchasing local goods and services, according to the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express.

We owe a debt of gratitude to American Express. They created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to help small businesses get more customers and the celebration has since become an annual shopping tradition on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. We have always celebrated doing business with local retailers here in Edmond but having the nationwide support of a large corporation is a big help.

Edmond is a great place to easily find local businesses. Downtown Edmond is full of them. We also have plenty of art for kids to look at, holiday activities, new places to eat and drink and pedestrian friendly sidewalks for folks to enjoy. If you are like me, you miss shopping in open air malls from your childhood. Downtown Edmond has that same feel where you can be in touch with some of the elements as well.

Begin your day in Downtown Edmond with breakfast or coffee, then stroll the streets and shop in the many unique stores and services, stay for lunch and dinner. While you are here, enjoy free horse drawn wagon rides courtesy of the Downtown Edmond Business Association Sponsors and sign up for the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Raffle. Check with each store to find out what type of specials they will be having that day.

Kickingbird Square is another shopping area that is a sure bet to find locally owned shops in. The king pen of them is probably Best of Books, but there are others in Kickingbird Square as well. It houses our only locally owned and operated movie theater in Edmond.

If you still need suggestions, I

would encourage you to go to the Edmond Chamber of Commerce web site and click on the Edmond Locally Owned feature. Members are listed and each one is certified locally owned and operated. Many of our locally owned retailers have online shopping that you can do, and they are also able to get merchandise sent to the store if it isn’t in their inventory. Please, ask them questions.

What our local retailers offer is the best advice and help in selecting just the right gift. Take advantage of it.

“What began ten years ago as an effort to support local stores during the holiday shopping season has become the Shop Small movement, bringing together millions of shoppers, small businesses of all kinds, civic leaders and organizations in thousands of towns and cities across the country,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer at American Express. “Shopping small has a significant and positive effect on local communities, and we hope Small Business Saturday will help to amplify that effect during the crucial holiday shopping season. When we spend local, small businesses thrive. And when small businesses thrive, we all thrive.”

The Small Business Economic Impact Study, a county-level economic analysis on shopping small commissioned by American Express, provides a closer look at the economic benefits of shopping locally and the impact of small business on communities. The study found that if small businesses in the U.S., defined as businesses employing fewer than 100 employees, were a country, they

would have a GDP of $4.8 trillion, equivalent to the GDP of Japan, the third largest economy in the world.

The study also demonstrated the extent to which small businesses support jobs locally. In addition to small businesses directly employing members of the community, spending by those small businesses and their employees in the area also supports local jobs. In fact, for every ten jobs at a small business, another seven are supported in the local community.

Now in its ninth year, 97% of consumers who plan to Shop Small on the day said Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community, according to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, another study released today by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American Express, based on a separate survey of consumers.

The survey found that nine in 10 (91%) consumers believe it is more important than ever to support small businesses this holiday season, and 83% plan to do at least some portion of their holiday shopping at a small, independently owned retailer or restaurant - either in person or online. On par with previous years’ celebrations, nearly six in ten (58%) U.S. consumers reported being aware of Small Business Saturday, and among those, 80% plan to go out and Shop Small at independently owned retailers or restaurants on the day.

Additional results of the survey: Most consumers (94%) value the contributions small businesses make in their community;

As consumer shopping habits shift further online, nearly two-thirds (65%) are likely to seek out small, independently-owned retailers when shopping online, including 59% who plan to Shop Small online this Small Business Saturday; even 40% of consumers say they will shop with a small retailer online this Cyber Monday.

Among consumers who plan to shop on Small Business Saturday, nearly all (96%) said Small Business Saturday inspires them to go to small, independently owned retailers or restaurants that they have not been to before or would not have otherwise tried.

Shopping at small businesses provides access to local expertise about what products and services work best in your geographic area.

For example, a local garden shop can tell you which type of tomato grows best in your climate. You can also get more personalized service by establishing a relationship with the owner as well as quicker resolution to customer service issues.

Thriving local businesses often hire other small businesses to perform support tasks or provide raw materials and resources. This bolsters networks that can promote further growth, advocating for business-friendly policies, for example, or generating demand for more services, such as co-working spaces and local deliveries.

American Express has also enlisted the support of many companies that are serving as Corporate Supporters to help drive excitement for Small Business Saturday. Together these companies reach millions of small businesses and consumers. The 2018 Corporate Supporters include FedEx, Etsy, Intuit, Microsoft and Square.

I know some folks that get a rush out of the Black Friday experience, but it isn’t me. My one experience with that when the kids were very young was a disaster. By the time I got up at the crack of dawn to save my $10, purchased coffee to wake myself up and bought doughnuts for the kids to take home, I think it cost me another $10 over the original savings. If you must and it is in your blood, I understand.

Otherwise, I suggest you sleep in on the Friday after Thanksgiving and rest up to enjoy a relaxed day shopping on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30.

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

Check out what’s inside! n Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 8. n Commentary page......................................................................Page 10. n David Farris looks at FBI mistake ..............................................Page 11. n Kiwanians and Santa Claus ........................................................Page 12. n Movie review by George Gust ....................................................Page 15. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Senior News ....................................................................Pages 18 & 19. n Business of the week ..................................................................Page 21. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 23.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production April Burgess, Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Account Executive Bryan Hallman bryan@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design April Burgess Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2019 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 5

Lawmaker’s idea to crack cold cases State Rep. Ross Ford (R-Broken Arrow) this month proposed a fix that could help solve many of the state’s cold or missing persons’ cases.

Ford, a former police officer, held an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee, during which he demonstrated how training law enforcement to properly process abandoned vehicles for DNA and other evidence could lead to quicker resolutions in missing persons’ and cold cases.

“Most of these cases have something in common,” Ford said. “That is a recovered vehicle that was not processed for evidence. Once the vehicle leaves the custody of law enforcement, we can’t go back and secure that information, yet many times this information could have been used to solve these cases.”

Ford said in 1993, when he was a Tulsa Police officer, a young mother disappeared from the area and was never found. He said he later pieced together that he was at the scene the night her vehicle was found, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary and it was not searched for evidence of a crime.

“I had to wonder, if I had known more if I might have seen something that would have led to the recovery of evidence and maybe even to her discovery,” Ford said.

Ford said when he was first elected as a representative, one of the first people he met was Kristina Chastain Ritzhaupt, the daughter of the missing woman, Tracy Michelle Samuels.

He invited Ritzhaupt to speak to the committee about her mother and her experience.

Ritzhaupt told the committee her last memories of her mother calling to her from the door of their home saying she loved her and would pick her up after school. She was six years old. Her mother never showed up that day and has been missing since.

Ritzhaupt said her goal now is to help change the process and policy of vehicles found abandoned so law enforcement has better methods of searching for information that might help them more quickly locate missing persons. If this had happened with her mother, she said, law enforcement might have discovered more clues to her mother’s whereabouts.

She said if the legacy and tragedy of her mother’s life is to help prevent another person and their family from losing time, information, and justice, then her sacrifice mattered.

She also mentioned the case of Francine Frost, another Tulsa woman who was missing for more than three

decades before a grandson found records in the NamUs national database of unidentified bodies that matched his grandmother. House Bill 2640, signed into law this year, requires law enforcement to enter information into the database to better help families of missing persons search for their loved ones. Ritzhaupt said Frost’s car also was abandoned and if it was processed for criminal evidence her family might have had information on her case much sooner.

Dr. Maggie Zingman, a trauma psychologist whose daughter Brittany Phillips was murdered in 2004, asked lawmakers to consider expanding laws beyond just processing abandoned vehicles. She said legislation that now allows for DNA collection from people arrested on felony charges has helped in cases such as her daughter’s, but she said there are other changes that still need to be made.

LaRenda Morgan with the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribe also discussed her cousin’s missing person case and spoke of the need for more sensitivity and thoroughness from law enforcement when dealing with tribal members and others who endure the torment of a loved one missing.

Discussion during the study centered on training for law enforcement, coordination with wrecker services and then methods of matching information found with local and national databases for missing persons and cold cases. Law enforcement officers and other presenters spoke of challenges such as crossing jurisdictional boundaries or securing vehicles on private property as well as the cost involved in processing vehicles and the need for a proper environment to do this. They also spoke of the need for better collaboration between agencies, enhanced collection and reporting methods, and legislation that specifies a timeline and method for the maintenance of records.

Ford invited officials from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the Norman Police Department, the Tulsa Sheriff’s Department, the Oklahoma Wreckers Owners Association and a health service psychologist to speak at the study.

He said wreckers working together with Department of Public Safety employees can identify suspicious vehicles more quickly, leading to a higher rate of resolution in missing persons’ and cold cases.

Pearl Harbor Survivor at school

Clarence ‘Bud’ Gilbert, 97-year-old purple heart recipient, Korean War POW, and Pearl Harbor survivor was a special guest at the West Field Elementary School Veterans Day Ceremony. Gilbert received a lengthy standing ovation. The school recognized dozens of Veterans from all branches of the armed forces during the special event, which included songs and a recitation by 5th-graders of the Missing Man Table ceremony.

Veteran "Bud" Gilbert is shown with, from left, great-grandson Jaxon Clarence Mason, granddaughter, Ashley Crews, West Field Elementary School Principal Crystal Smith and West Field Elementary School Counselor Becky Shryock.

Page 6 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Dr. Robert Mannel, Peggy and Charles Stephenson and Joseph Harroz at the event announcing the Stephenson’s $20-million gift.

Cancer center gets $20 million donation Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine announces a transformative $20-million gift from the Stephenson Family Foundation and Peggy and Charles Stephenson, the center’s namesakes and longtime supporters of the University of Oklahoma. The gift to the OU Foundation will expand the research mission of Stephenson Cancer Center.

To extend the impact of the gift, Stephenson Cancer Center is committed to raising an additional $20 million, bringing a total of $40 million to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

“Cancer is a malicious foe,” said Robert Mannel, M.D., director of Stephenson Cancer Center. “One in three women and one in two men in Oklahoma will be diagnosed with cancer during their lives. We are committed to providing tomorrow’s cancer care today through clinical trials, laboratory research and translational research. This gift from the Stephenson family will transform our research efforts.”

The generosity of the Stephenson family will enhance research endeavors in a multitude of ways, including recruitment of new world-class scientists, the creation of five new endowed chairs in cancer research and renovation of laboratory space with innovative features and technology.

The gift also will further Stephenson Cancer Center’s pursuit of Comprehensive Status from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 2018, Stephenson achieved its position as Oklahoma’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center, representing the top 2% of cancer centers in the United States. Comprehensive Status builds on that distinction with recognition for an added depth and breadth of research, as well as substantial collaboration between scientists across many types of cancers.

“Peggy and Charles Stephenson are longtime generous supporters of the University of Oklahoma, and their latest gift will literally save lives,” said Joseph Harroz, Jr., interim president of the University of Oklahoma.

“Their generosity will have an amplifying impact on the research mission of Stephenson Cancer Center, creating opportunities for the discovery of breakthroughs in leading-edge cancer therapies. It’s because of the Stephensons and their vision for cancer care in Oklahoma that our state has the resources it does to provide the highest quality care for those afflicted with cancer. We are immensely grateful for their leadership in funding the acceleration of cancer research that will have a profound impact on our state.”

Research plays a crucial role in the mission of Stephenson Cancer Cen-

ter: to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer for all Oklahomans. More than 130 Stephenson research members are engaged in more than 250 investigations at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and on OU’s Norman campus.

Standout areas of research include: cell signaling and the tumor microenvironment; cancer nanomedicine, bioengineering and imaging; cancer chemoprevention; tobacco research; and health disparities. The center is nationally recognized for diseasebased research in gynecologic, pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers like Stephenson are able to accelerate their pace of discovery, thereby increasing the number of cancer survivors and enhancing their quality of life.

A significant component of Stephenson Cancer Center’s research mission is its clinical trials program.

Stephenson is one of 30 Lead Academic Participating Sites in NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN).

For the past two years, the center has ranked No. 1 among all cancer centers in the nation for the number of patients participating in clinical trials sponsored through NCTN. Stephenson is also home to the Oklahoma TSET Early-Phase Clinical Research Program, which provides access to a large portfolio of novel and targeted experimental therapies.

New clinical trials are crucial because they can provide lifesaving treatment while paving the way toward newly approved drugs or new uses for existing drugs.

The Stephenson family has been deeply affected by cancer during their lives. They have transformed those personal experiences into an opportunity for each patient and family at Stephenson Cancer Center to receive the best care available, informed by the latest research discoveries.

“When we had the opportunity to give back in a way that would fight cancer, we knew that’s what we wanted to do,” the Stephensons said.

“Our entire family is committed to helping the cancer center continue the pursuit of excellence. Research is crucial in creating more effective treatments for all types of cancers.

Research excellence, combined with the care and compassion of everyone who works at the cancer center, is what makes it such a special place.

We are grateful to help make a difference.”

To donate and support Stephenson Cancer Center’s commitment to raising an additional $20 million in our fight against cancer, visit stephensoncancercenter.org/stephensongift.

For more information stephensoncancercenter.org

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 7

Kaleidoscope dancers schedule fall concert The University of Central Oklahoma’s Kaleidoscope Dance Company will present performances filled with diverse styles of dance as a part of its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-23 in Mitchell Hall Theatre on Central’s campus.

In addition to faculty choreographers, the dancers had the opportunity to learn from celebrated guest artists. New York-based choreographer Larry Keigwin created a new work for the full company during his twoweek residency with Kaleidoscope.

“Larry is a native New Yorker and choreographer who has danced his way from the Metropolitan Opera to downtown clubs to Broadway and back,” said Tina Kambour, artistic director of the Kaleidoscope Dance Company.

Keigwin founded KEIGWIN + COMPANY in 2003, and, as artistic director, he has led the company as it has performed at theaters and dance festivals throughout New York City and around the world.

Additionally, two works were reset by summer workshop guest artist Bill Evans.

The Bill Evans Dance Company has appeared in all 50 states, throughout Mexico and Canada and 24 other countries. His work, “Shulie A Bop” is an upbeat dance set to the music of Sarah Vaughn and “Naturescape Unfolding” is a meditation on the desert landscape.

“The fall concert also includes two aerial pieces along with modern dance, jazz and contemporary ballet. Each piece will be very distinct in its approach and relationship to the music,” Kambour said.

The Kaleidoscope Dance Company is comprised of 21 dance majors who have undergone a rigorous audition process to earn their place in the company. The 13 dancers in UCO’s junior company, KD2, will also perform one piece in the concert.

Tickets are $20. Tickets for seniors and nonUCO students are $15. Central students receive one free ticket with a valid UCO student ID. To purchase tickets, visit www.mitchellhalltheatre.com or call 405-974-3375.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Abby Welch, a dance performance spring 2019 graduate, is seen here using aerial silks in last year’s KaleiFine Arts and Design events and performdoscope Dance concert. Kaleidoscope Dancers will perform this year at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-23 in Mitchell ances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

Hall Theatre on Central’s campus.

Fewer uninsured drivers on road Last Friday, the Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion (UVED) Program, a division of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, achieved the milestone of enrolling 10,000 citizens in its one-of-a-kind program.

"Since last November, we have been working to address the problem of uninsured driving in Oklahoma," said Amanda Arnall Couch, UVED Program Director. "Having 10,000 fewer uninsured vehicles on our roadways benefits us all."

Citizens across the state receive notices from the UVED Program, informing them that Oklahoma Insurance Department records indicate their vehicles are uninsured. Cit-

izens with active coverage may contact the UVED Program by mail, email, or phone to resolve the matter quickly. Citizens without active coverage are invited to participate in the Program by acquiring insurance and paying a fee, in exchange for the matter's remaining outside the Court system - i.e., no criminal charges are filed.

"In less than a year, the UVED Program has significantly reduced the number of uninsured vehicles on Oklahoma roadways," said Jason Hicks, President of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association, "and all Oklahomans should feel safer for it."

Page 8 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

What’s Happening This Weekend Nov 21 ---- 24 Thursday, Nov 21 ---- In the Gallery ---- Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Hunter Howe Cates Book Signing ---- Kaleidoscope Dance Company Fall Concert ---- My Big Operatic Wedding ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: A Doll’s House, Part 2 ---- Downtown in December Friday, Nov 22 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Kaleidoscope Dance Company Fall Concert ---- My Big Operatic Wedding ---- Holiday Extravaganza Preview ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: A Doll’s House, Part 2 ---- Downtown in December ---- The Polar Express Saturday, Nov 23 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Kaleidoscope Dance Company Fall Concert ---- My Big Operatic Wedding ---- Holiday Extravaganza ---- Luminance – Merry Marketplace ---- Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll ---- Wight Lighters ---- The Polar Express ---- Oklahoma Gun Show ---- AQHA World Championship Show ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: A Doll’s House, Part 2 ---- Downtown in December ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: A Powerful Utterance Sunday, Nov 24 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: A Doll’s House, Part 2 ---- Downtown in December ---- The Polar Express ---- Oklahoma Gun Show Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring works by Sandy Springer; beginning Nov 1, featuring works by Behnaz Sohrabian; for information go to: http://www.edmondfinearts.com Scorpions and Petticoats: A Living History Program Location: 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse Extra Info: Free; 6 – 7 p.m.; for more information find them on Facebook Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink

Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 3 – 10 p.m.; for more information find them on Facebook Hunter Howe Cates Book Signing Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 6-7:30 p.m.; for more information find them on Facebook Kaleidoscope Dance Company Fall Concert Location: UCO – Mitchell Hall Theater Extra Info: $10-$20; 7:30 p.m.; for more information visit them on Facebook My Big Operatic Wedding Location: UCO – Jazz Lab Extra Info: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.; for more information find them on Facebook Holiday Extravaganza Preview Location: Madelines’s Flowers Extra Info: $20; 6-8 p.m.; For more information visit them on Facebook Luminance – Merry Marketplace Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 2 – 8 p.m.; for more information visit edmondok.com Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Free; 5 – 10 p.m.

Wight Lighters Location: River Lounge, Riverwind Casino Extra Info: 9 p.m.; for more information go to riverwind.com AQHA World Championship Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for more information go to aqha.com Devon Ice Rink Location: 113 S Robinson Ave, OKC Extra Info: for more information visit downtowndecember.com Civic Center Music Hall presents: A Doll’s House, Part 2 Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: for more information visit okcciviccenter.com OKC Philharmonic presents: A Powerful Utterance Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: for more information visit okcphil.org Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: for more information visit downtownindecember.com The Polar Express Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: for more information find then on Facebook or visit okcthepolarexpressride.com Oklahoma Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: for more information go to oklahomagunshows.com

Guthrie offering history tour Dec. 7 The Carnegie Library will be part of Guthrie’s Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guthrie’s finest homes, churches and the Carnegie Library will be dressed for the season. Visitors will enjoy tales of the early days of Oklahoma’s first capital. The Carnegie Library will be serving wassail to warm the hearts and hands of tour participants.

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is located at 406 E. Oklahoma Ave. in Guthrie. For more information, please call 405-282-1889.

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum

is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state.

Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 9

Piano duo brings captivating precision to Armstrong A gifted husband-wife piano duo will take the stage with a program titled Variations on 176 Keys as part of Armstrong Auditorium’s 2019-20 Performing Arts Series on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The duo consists of Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers and will showcase Armstrong’s two Hamburg Steinways.

“Both Marina and Joe are fantastic and the two of them performing together is just incredible,” Armstrong Auditorium Concert Manager Ryan Malone said. “Their concerts push the boundaries of what seems possible from the piano, and our audience will be truly enamored by their passionate performance.”

The two-piano program will feature Brahms’s majestic “Variations on a Theme by Haydn” and Lutoslawski’s vigorous "Paganini Variations.” The couple will also share one piano for a sprightly Mozart sonata, as well as Stravinsky’s jubilant “Three Movements from Petrushka.” The concert will also feature other special guests and surprises.

Garnering wide recognition as the Second Prize Winners of the Sixth Biennial Ellis Duo Piano Competition, the Lomazov/Rackers pair have performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, appearing at the Kiev International Music Festival, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Festival and the Indiana University Piano Festival among many other prestigious music venues and locations.

Tickets to Lomazov/Rackers Piano Duo: Variations on 176 Keys range

The piano playing duo of Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers from $23 for balcony seating to $48 for orchestra seating.

For more information about ticket options, subscriptions, group rates or current exhibits, please visit Armstrong Auditorium’s website or call 405-285-1010.

The award-winning Armstrong Auditorium has established itself as a

world-class center for the arts in Oklahoma since 2010. The theater has hosted acclaimed local and international performances from a vast array of genres, including classical, jazz and folk music, theater, classical ballet, folk dance and more. Designed to provide an exceptional acoustic experience, only 75 feet sep-

arate the stage from the back wall, allowing the 823-seat theater to boast a nine-millisecond initial time delay gap — a measure of remarkable acoustic intimacy. Armstrong Auditorium’s exquisite beauty and warm atmosphere continue to make it an extraordinary venue worthy of its numerous accolades.

Page 10 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Reasons to give thanks Thanksgiving is next week and it's probably not a bad time to make a list of things that make you grateful.

The mainstream press, being what it is, doesn't always play up the positive Steve Gust news. But it's there.

Look on Page 7 of this issue. We have an article on the state adding 10,000 more insured drivers to those using our roads. That's positive.

It's also great news that the Stephenson Cancer Center at OU got a $20 million donation. In fact we've published several stories in recent months, which have featured several new breakthroughs in medicine.

Makes you wonder what medical marvels are waiting for us in the next 10 to 20 years.

On a personal level, if you're working and your health is good, then you have a lot to be thankful for. If you need a job or have a medical problem, the good news is there are probably a lot of people who care about you.

Seems to me, the human condition is never content with what we have.

If we make $60,000 a year then we

lament not making $70,000 a year.

We'll tell ourselves if we only could make $100,000 then all of our problems would be solved. Generally that's not true.

The lesson is to be glad for what you have; I like Thanksgiving. It's a great idea to have it on a Thursday. I just hope the politically correct crowd doesn't destroy this holiday also and accuse everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving of being an oppressor or something.

---Another reason to be thankful is because OU had an incredible comeback last weekend against Baylor.

It's something to follow the football game on television and then watch the toxic comments roll in on Facebook. There were a bunch of people who totally wrote off OU in the second quarter. They were ready to bench Jalen Hurts, the quarterback. Then it turned around.

The Sooners defense finally played great ball in the second half. It is a bit alarming that OU has fallen behind by 25 points in two of their past three games. Hope they can figure that out soon.

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

Impasse over state’s gaming compact widens

By The Oklahoman Editorial Board If the latest rhetoric is any indication, then it’s clear the dispute between the governor and Oklahoma’s Indian tribes over gaming compacts is a long way from being settled.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is seeking to renegotiate the state’s compacts with the tribes, last week proposed gaming fees as high as 25%. Under the current compacts, the top rate that tribes pay is 10%.

“This affects education. This affects mental health. This affects roads and bridges,” Stitt said Thursday in arguing for a significant rate increase.

Referencing a state that pays some revenue-sharing fees as high as 25%, he added, “I don’t think there’s any difference when we pull a slot ma-

chine in Oklahoma or you pull a slot machine in Connecticut that we should be that different in our exclusivity fees.”

This tussle began during the summer when Stitt announced he wanted to renegotiate the compacts, which dictate the types of games tribes can offer and the state’s share of the revenue. Stitt also contends the compacts, which date to 2004, expire at year’s end.

The tribes say the compacts renew automatically on Jan. 1 if new terms are not agreed upon, and have said the present arrangements are fair to all parties.

The day before Stitt’s news conference, Stephen Greetham, senior legal counsel for the Chickasaw Nation, told The Oklahoman’s Randy Ellis that tribes were will-

ing to talk about rates but that they felt it was better to explore options being employed by other states, such as sports wagering, as a way to “grow the base.”

However, after Stitt’s news conference, Greetham noted that of the 306 compacts that U.S. states have with tribes, 14 involved exclusivity fee rates between 20% and 25%. Oklahoma’s maximum rate of 10% “puts us among the company of the 92% of the other compacts that have a rate around that or less,” he said. Translation: 25% is not happening here.

Greetham points out that in 2004, it was estimated tribal gaming might produce $55 million per year for the state. Adjusted for inflation, that projection would mean roughly $850 million to the state over 15 years, he said. In fact, tribes have paid nearly $1.6 billion to the state in revenue sharing payments, including $148 million in fiscal year 2019.

In late October, tribal leaders met with Attorney General Mike Hunter, whom the governor designated to lead negotiations. Stitt said last week that the state “was kicked out of that meeting before we could present our plan” and that the tribes, who rejected the state's offer to use a mediator, “have refused to communicate with me.”

Greetham said the tribes plan to operate as normal if a new agreement isn’t reached by Jan. 1. The governor contends having no new compact in place would cause “extreme uncertainty.” The state and federal governments have options available if gaming is conducted without a compact, Stitt said, “but that’s not my wish.”

Oklahoman.com

Ex-State House Speaker welcomes justice reform

By Kris Steele I’m overjoyed at the successes of criminal justice reform we’ve seen in Oklahoma over the past few years.

Oklahomans passed SQ 780 in 2016 to reclassify low-level drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. In November, HB 1269, which made SQ 780 retroacSteele tive, went into effect.

While these triumphs are no small feat, there’s still much to be done. The best respect we can pay to the hard work of our communities, Governor, legislators, voters and local advocacy groups and the suffering of those still incarcerated is to keep moving forward.

Oklahoma has an incarceration crisis. We still have the second highest imprisonment rate in the country. We still spend nearly half a billion dollars

in taxpayer money each year to impose excessively long, harsh sentences on Oklahomans, taking them away from their families and communities.

At the root of this crisis is our state’s use of sentence enhancements and extreme sentencing. Oklahomans spend 70% longer in prison for property crimes and 79% longer for drug crimes than in other states.

The results of excessive sentences are poignant and far-reaching. Lengthy sentences for low-level crimes keep people away from their families, causing long-lasting damage to the lives of their children. They take breadwinners away from their homes, damaging our state’s economy. And for what? Research shows that long sentences don’t make communities safer.

For years, legislators have proposed legislation to address sentence enhancements and extreme sentencing, with limited success. Oklahoma needs

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concrete, measured steps toward a more effective criminal justice system. The next step is to get sentencing reform on the ballot, directly in front of Oklahomans, who have proven they can help drive this issue forward.

This past week, a new constitutional ballot initiative was proposed by a diverse, bipartisan coalition that would end the use of harsh sentence enhancements. The initiative would allow people who have already received an excessive sentence to petition the court for relief.

This initiative would be a game-changer for thousands of Oklahoma families who are suffering the effects of having a family member in prison.

There is strong support for this common-sense reform — after all, Oklahomans don’t want to lead the country in incarceration. Polling shows that across party lines, two-thirds of Oklahomans would support this measure if it was on the ballot today.

I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan movement toward a more just future for Oklahoma and humbled by the hard work Oklahomans have put toward this cause. We owe it to our neighbors and our communities to keep making progress on criminal justice reform. Let’s get this important initiative on the ballot so we can tackle the root cause of one of our state’s most devastating crises.

Kris Steele is executive director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR), a bipartisan coalition of criminal justice reform advocates. A Republican, he served in the Oklahoma Legislature for 12 years and served as Speaker of the House for two years. He is the executive director of The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM).

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 11

The odd circumstances surrounding ‘Ma’ Underhill

By David Farris Wilbur Underhill, better known as the “Tri-State Terror,” was responsible for a crime wave throughout Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas that Farris began during the 1920s. In the exciting, yet historically inaccurate, movie Dillinger (1973), Underhill is personally shot dead in a one-on-one gunfight by the FBI's super agent, Melvin Purvis. The only truth in the whole scene is that he was the first federal fugitive killed by the Bureau after their authority had been greatly expanded under John Edgar Hoover's salacious “war on crime.”

Underhill was not a criminal mastermind and lacked the style and appeal of other prohibition/depression era gangsters like Dillinger or Pretty Boy Floyd. He, like his three brothers, was a mean, vicious sociopath whose multitude of robberies over the years resulted in very little money. It is hard to feel sorry for such hardened, petty criminals, without understanding the horrific events of their childhood. In this regard, the Underhill Brothers bore a similarity to four other, more infamous, criminal siblings.

History does not make reference to a “Ma” Barker, until after 15 FBI agents fired hundreds of rounds into a two-story cottage along Lake Weir, in Oklawaha, Fla., on the morning of Jan. 15, 1935. The woman who would wear that moniker was found dead alongside her psychotic, youngest son, Fred, who hours earlier had engaged the lawmen in a gunfight. He was shot several times and bled to death, while his “Ma,” or Kate as she was actually known, had died from a single bullet wound to her forehead.

It could be argued that any means used to take down a violent fugitive like Fred Barker was justified. Also, in all fairness to the agents, the nature of Kate's wound could have implied suicide. Regardless of the truth, agents from John Edgar Hoover's FBI had recklessly blasted a ridiculous number of rounds into a house where the fugitive's mother was found shot to death. In order to prevent a public relations nightmare, agents claimed that the poor, old, hillbilly woman killed on that morning was in fact the notorious “Ma Barker,” who was the actual brains behind her sons' numerous robberies and kidnappings. When the old-time bank robber and “yeggman” Harvey Bailey heard the Bureau's nonsense he responded with his now famous quote, “The old woman couldn't plan breakfast.”

Kate Barker was further slandered

for the fact that her four sons, Herman, Lloyd, Doc, and Fred, had once all been incarcerated at the same time. Yet, another lesser known, hard-luck woman from the hills of Missouri, Almira Underhill, shared that same milestone regarding her four sons, Earl, Ernest, Wilbur, and George. Had she been killed along with one of her boys during a shootout with FBI agents, history might include a “Ma Underhill.”

There are many other similarities between Kate and Almira, because there was nothing unusual about their stories. Both women hailed from the Missouri Hills, where they grew up poor and were married, young, to men who would struggle to provide for their families. By the late 1800s, each woman gave birth to a succession of children which, for Almira, also included three daughters, Grace, Anna Lea, and Dorothy. They lived like thousands of other rural, mid-western residents who depended on agriculture to make a living during the early 20th century in America.

Families were forced to relocate in search of sporadic job opportunities and often ended up living in cheap, rundown slums, or maybe a drafty shack in a temporary boom town. In such places, education was a luxury, and few children got to see the inside of a schoolhouse. These were rough, vice-ridden environments that made no allowances for expectant mothers, whose children were born into a world of unimaginable poverty and ignorance. They would grow up without opportunities, except to steal and form juvenile gangs. That was the reality for both the Barkers and the Underhills. It's easy to blame the parents for a child's misbehavior, but difficult to teach morality in the face of such extreme destitution.

There exists a lesser known, yet major, similarity between the Barker and Underhill Brothers. Both families lived for a while in lead mine boom towns while the children were in their early stages of cognitive development. In such an environment, toxic lead contamination could be found in the air, water and soil. That could account for the boys' apparent lack of impulse control, which is a common trait among career criminals. Lead poisoning may have been especially true for Doc Barker, who was described as a “borderline moron.”

The similarities between Kate and Almira continued, to include that both mothers found themselves alone to raise four high-strung boys who had already drifted into criminal behavior. It then became the responsibility for both mothers to defended their boys in the face of police officers and judges.

There was one major difference be-

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tween the Barker and Underhill Brothers; Kate's boys excelled at organized crime and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars during their criminal careers. Although Mrs. Underhill's boys were mainly nickle-anddime burglars and stick up men, her son Wilbur managed to achieve criminal infamy for his habitual behavior.

And also, like Fred and Doc, the magnitude of Wilbur's crimes ultimately received the FBI's attention.

Before Wilbur Underhill became the dreaded Tri-State Terror, he was just another teenage hoodlum from the slums of West Joplin, Missouri, following in the steps of his older brother, Ernest. Both brothers were involved in petty crimes, until 1913, when Ernest graduated to murderer.

Not even his mother's pleas could sway the judge or jury, and he was sentenced to life at the prison in Jefferson City.

Almira cleaned house and 12-year-

Wilbur Underhill ... the Tri-State Terror old Wilbur would return later to burglarize the properties. He grew up a lanky, thuggish brute with a bleak future. From such adverse circumstances, the Tri-State Terror began his vicious, violent ascent into gangster history.

Page 12 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Jolly old Saint Nick will be visiting select Edmond neighborhoods Dec. 7. It’s all part of the Kiwanis Club’s ‘Santa on a Fire Truck.’

‘Santa on a Fire Truck’ arrives Dec. 7 On Saturday, Dec. 7, “Santa on a Fire Truck” will arrive in Edmond to bring cheer and glad tidings to good little boys and girls.

With the generous support of the Edmond Fire Department, Santa Claus (former Edmond Kiwanis Club Member Boyd Mize) is taken around in a fire truck to visit local Edmond neighborhoods. Mrs. Claus (Edmond Kiwanis Club Member Kathy Ackerman) joins her husband - the jolly old elf.

This annual event, hosted by the Edmond Kiwanis Club, collects unwrapped toys for foster children nine years of age and younger.

The club partners with Angels Foster Network OKC to collect the toys for foster children and this organization will distribute the toys to the children.

In addition to toys, donations of gift cards for teenagers from clothing stores, diapers (especially two months and four months up to five months) and clothes for premature babies to three months

Annual outreach by Edmond Kiwanis Club old, as well as 2T to 5T, also will be accepted.

Besides meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus, there will be holiday refreshments and arts and crafts for children while they are waiting to see Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making five stops this day to local Edmond neighborhoods: First, at 9 a.m. - Santa Fe Presbyterian Church (Danforth and Santa Fe) Next, at 10:30 a.m. - Acts 2 United Methodist Church (Pennsylvania and Covell) Then, at 12:30 p.m. - Town Square (Danforth east of Bryant, between Sooner and Coltrane, at

the clubhouse) Continues, at 2:30 p.m. - (Chimney Hill (15th and Coltrane, at the pool cabana) Finally, at 3:30 p.m. - Arrowhead Valley (east of 15th near I-35, location to be determined) Make sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 7 for this free family fun event that will get you into the Christmas spirit! For more information on "Santa on a Fire Truck,” contact Bob Edwards, 405/255-4028.

The Kiwanis Club of Edmond was founded Oct. 14, 1926. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the children of the world.

The club meets at noon each Wednesday in the Citizens Bank of Edmond, 1 East First Street, in the second floor conference room. There is a program with a speaker and lunch is provided. The public is always invited to attend the meetings.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 13

Pictured from left are Miss UCO 2020 fourth runner-up and Outstanding Talent Awared winner Emily Yannatone, a senior psychology major from Del City, Oklahoma; second runner-up Tobie Mitchell, a senior elementary education major from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Miss UCO 2020 Alana Hughes, a senior commercial music major for Edmond, Oklahoma; first runner-up and On-Stage Interview Award winner Morgan Money, a sophomore marketing major from Edmond, Oklahoma; and, third runner-up and Audience Choice Award winner Marylin Segura-Morales, a senior forensic sciene and interpersonal communications major from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Alana Hughes named new Miss UCO LEFT Alana Hughes, a senior commercial music major for Edmond, Oklahoma, won the Miss UCO 2020 title Nov. 9. She will compete for the Miss Oklahoma title in June 2020.

Page 14 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Board Chair Thanked for Her Service

Saxum adds King to its metro office Saxum, an integrated communications consulting firm, recently hired Briana King of Edmond as digital coordinator in its Oklahoma City office. In this position, she is responsible for supporting a variety of clients helping to craft content, manage social channels and gather insights across digital King platforms.

King began at Saxum as a digital intern and graduate fellow before joining full time. Previously, she worked as a marketing specialist at the University of Oklahoma IT Learning Spaces creating digital marketing campaigns to grow engagement on campus education technological innovations, as a marketing intern at Cytovance Biologics and communications coordinator at One University Store at OU. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in public relations and a minor in English.

About Saxum Launched in 2003, Saxum is an integrated marketing communications agency offering public relations, advertising and digital services to help clients elevate their brand and reputation.

Grant will help homeless seniors

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Board of Trustees of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. recently convened for a regularly scheduled meeting. Above New SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Chair George Cohlmia of Edmond thanks outgoing Chair Dianne Hunter, also of Edmond, for her service. In other business first Vice Chair/Chair designate named was Bryan Evans of Edmond, SWOSU Class of 1998, also named chair of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee. Also named the chair of the Finance Committee was James Keehn of Edmond, SWOSU Class of 1996.

Sunbeam Family Services was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing to support homeless seniors. Yearround, Sunbeam works to end senior homelessness, give hope and restore dignity through its Emergency Senior Shelter, the state’s only shelter equipped to assist homeless seniors.

“We are honored to receive this generous grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing,” said Patrick O’Kane, director of Senior Services at Sunbeam. “The Emergency Senior Shelter provides compassionate wrap-around services and resources to seniors who otherwise may be living on the street.”

Last fiscal year, 99 homeless seniors aged 60 and older sought safety in the Emergency Senior Shelter, many of whom were without a family support system and had a limited monthly income averaging less than $1,000 per month. Sunbeam's Emergency Senior Shelter also serves a high number of veterans, representing 35 percent of residents served. The shelter is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is supported by mental health professionals from Sunbeam's Counseling program.

During their stay, residents receive home-cooked meals, a warm bed and weekly laundry services along with comprehensive case management, including an individualized plan developed to support them in their path toward permanency.

Residents are provided case management for up to 6 months to ensure they are successful in their new, permanent home.

The efforts of the Emergency Senior Shelter have resulted in a 94 percent success rate in homeless seniors finding a permanent place to call home. Seniors like Keith.

“If you must call it a shelter, it is the VIP of shelters,” he said. “You have to remember we as residents are 60 years or older. In most cases, this could be our last chance.”

Established in 1907, Sunbeam is Oklahoma’s longest-serving social service agency. For more information visit SunbeamFamilyServices.org /emergency-senior-shelter or call 405-528-7721.

Cox ups Net speed Cox has announced it has increased speeds for the company’s low-cost internet product, Connect2Compete, which is available to families with school-aged children who are enrolled in low-income assistance programs. Download speeds are now up to 25 megabytes per second for all Connect2Compete customers. Upload speeds have also increased from 1 to 3 megabytes per second.

The speed increase is automatic, no action is required by the customer to benefit from faster internet speeds.

“We at Cox are passionate about empowering kids with tools and technology to ensure bright futures,” said Pat Esser, president of Cox. “By increasing the speed of Connect2Compete, we help the kids who need it most be more productive and competitive in the classroom and beyond.”

Cox has connected 500,00 people to the internet through Connect2Compete, and over 60 percent were connected to the internet for the first time. Installation is free for Connect2Compete customers and Cox provides a WiFi modem at no additional charge. No deposit is required, regardless of credit score.

In 2017, Cox expanded the program to include free online tools designed to increase digital literacy through the Cox Digital Academy. While internet access is an important first step, digital literacy helps children and families to make the most of their connection.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 15

Review of ‘Ford v Ferrari’

Race adventure a good ‘Dad’ movie

By George Gust With the holiday season upon us, it's a special time we get every year to spend with family we don't see every day.

This week's new release "Ford v Ferrari" is a shining example of the 'dad movie,' bringing together fathers and sons the nation over. A 'dad' movie is a movie depicting confident men overcoming the odds, featuring cool vehicles/sports and bonus points for highlighting a historical event. "Ford v Ferrari" nails every category of the 'dad movie' with fantastic performances and engaging filmmaking from beautiful cinematography, sound design and clear director James Mangold. high-speed racing action to create gripping moments "Ford v Ferrari" tells the remarkably true story of that will have you rooting your hardest for characters American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) you care about. Even if you don't know much about and British-born driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as cars, Mangold has crafted a cinematic experience they battle corporate interference, the laws of that gives you the feeling you're in the driver's seat physics and their own personal demons to build a with all the requisite knowledge of a seasoned racerevolutionary race car for the Ford Motor Company car driver. and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in "Ford v Ferrari" is an endlessly engaging movie 1966. that centers on competent professionals who came Coming into "Ford v Ferrari" you know you're gettogether to work towards a common outrageous ting the Oscar winning talents of Damon and Bale, goal, with a soupçon of American exceptionalism who are both fantastic, especially the frenetic mad that can make you swell with pride. When it's firing genius energy of Bale, but surprisingly it’s the supporting cast that elevates this film from a fun charac- on all cylinders, "Ford v Ferrari" makes the two- and half-hour runtime fly by as fast as the cars on screen. ter study to a well-rounded emotional sports movie “Ford v Ferrari” is rated PG-13 for some language some subtle anti-corporation overtones. Jon Bernthal and peril. is winning and charming as Lee Iacocca, the famous 4.6 out of 5 stars executive who pushed the idea of Ford creating world class race cars, with a desperation to keep his job, you find yourself identifying with him through the first act of the film.

And while his character only has a few scenes, Tracy Letts as Henry Ford II, is the performance that most surprisingly sticks with you long after the credits rolled. Letts is not the most recognizable actor in the film (mainly playing 'that guy" in movies like "Ladybird" and "The Post"), but his portrayal of a larger than life figure gives us a glimpse into the life of the ultra-powerful that is equal parts bravado and emotion.

While the performances across the board are wonderful and engaging, where "Ford v Ferrari" is most successful is its ability to build and maintain Matt Damon and Christian Bale turn in top notch performances tension in its racing sequences. Manin the remarkable true story of the underdog Ford Motor Comgold did a phenomenal job blending pany in 1966's La Mans 24 hour race.

Art group sets meeting The Edmond Arts Association (EAA) is pleased to announce the program for its November meeting will be a demo by Watercolor artist – Jim Pourtorkan.

The meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Edmond Fine Art Institute, 27 E. Edwards Street in Edmond.

Jim Pourtorkan is a self-taught watercolor artist. He has been painting professionally since the early 90’s.

Recognition for his work has been received through numerous juried art competitions and shows including the National Watercolor Oklahoma Exhibition.

Jim’s love for this medium has been strongly influenced by the behavior of the watercolor pigment, the accidental nature of watercolor and the unknown outcome.

His ability shines as he demonstrates techniques he has perfected through the years.

Spontaneous serendipity lends his work with a fanciful flare that surprises the viewer.

He teaches both private and group watercolor classes and travels throughout the state doing demonstrations and holding workshops.

For information on classes and workshops – visit www.justwatercolors.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/jim pourtorkan.

The EAA meeting is open to the public for a $5 charge.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: STATE CAPITALS ACROSS 1. Ten Commandments word 6. Problem with concentrating, acr.

9. Black sheep's gift 13. "The game of unspeakable fun!"

14. "Fancy that!"

15. One Direction's "Truly, ____, Deeply" 16. Consumed, two words 17. Finish, with "up" 18. Extra software 19. The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You ____ in Magic" 21. *Badger State capital 23. Snow runner 24. Boris Godunov, for one 25. Every American's uncle?

28. Aquarium organism 30. Hound or plague 35. He sacrificed a rib?

37. Nordic native 39. Singular of salpae 40. Sites 41. Joker or Batman, e.g.

43. Olympic one is 50 meters long 44. Terminate mission 46. Boor 47. If it fits...

48. *Centennial State's capital 50. Form of approval 52. As much as this and a leg 53. Saintly glow 55. Rub the wrong way 57. *Pine Tree State capital 61. *Garden State capital 65. Idle talk 66. Morning condensation 68. Œle de la CitÈ river 69. Painter Degas 70. U.N. workers' grp.

71. Samurai dagger 72. Fraternity recruitment sea-

son 73. Dog tags 74. Ancient Greek building for entertainment DOWN 1. Bayonet wound 2. Angie Thomas' "The ____ U Give" 3. Killed by Cain 4. Jazz musician Armstrong.

5. *Sunflower State capital 6. Fit of shivering 7. *____ Moines 8. Regards 9. Dry riverbed 10. Bookie's quote 11. Mishmash 12. Country singer Loretta 15. Hot curry dish 20. Mexican revolutionary 22. "I see!"

24. Food thickener 25. Type of bar 26. Acrobat maker 27. Wine from M‚connais 29. Chutzpah 31. What Kanye does

32. *Greeting in Honolulu 33. Animal trail 34. *Beaver State capital 36. Type of missile 38. *St. ____ 42. It can lead up or down 45. Movie preview 49. Hard to escape routine 51. Faster than allegro 54. Forearm bones 56. Work the dough 57. Copycat 58. Pakistani language 59. Silences 60. *Salt Lake City State 61. A child's "terrible ____" 62. Pitchfork part 63. Aware of 64. Ne 67. Old age, archaic

See Answers on Page 23

Answers Page 23

Page 16 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Pictured with Skyline Volunteers Johnny and David are Clothing Drive Coordinators, Delphine Jewell and Iris Weirick.

Preparing for winter’s chill With winter around the corner, the Residents of Epworth Villa held their annual fall clothing drive.

This bi-annual event allows Residents to clean out their closets and give their items to Skyline Urban Ministries located in Oklahoma City.

Jan Neel, Epworth Resident said, “I had a closet of good coats and I only need one. I can help keep others warm this winter with the coats that I am not wearing.”

Each year in the fall and spring there is a clothing drive at Epworth Villa.

Skyline workers said they love receiving donations from Epworth Villa because of the quality and care that goes into providing items. Johnny, a Skyline Volunteers said, “We also like the clothes Epworth Villa donates for our “Dress for Success” patrons.”

This fall the Residents gathered 845 pounds of warm clothing and coats for Skyline.

Epworth Villa is a non-profit, Life Plan Retirement Community located in north Oklahoma City. https://www.facebook.com/EpworthVilla/

What’s involved with PAD

By Dr. C.V Ramana Peripheral artery disease is the narrowing or hardening of the arteries that carry blood to your limbs. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen rich blood to all the tissues in the body. Arteries can develop plaque buildup on their walls as we all get older. The plaques are generally a combination of cholesterol, fat, scar tissue and blood clots. Calcium deposits may also develop. This plaque progressively blocks blood flow to the limbs. In the legs, this reduced blood flow can cause cramping and pain.

Men and women over the age of 50 are most prone to peripheral arterial disease. Incidence becomes increasingly common with each year of life – men are affected earlier, but women catch up quickly. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, smokers, people with high cholesterol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition are at increased risk for developing this disease.

Diagnosis is determined with careful history and physical exam of an individual. Simple screening methods can include blood pressure measurement of the wrist and ankle or an ultrasound exam. In some instances, a CT, MRI or arteriogram exam may be required.

Symptoms or consequences of the disease include pain, cramping in the legs with exercise or movement. Difficulty walking long distances, restless legs, burning pain, numbness, tingling in the feet, and wounds or infections that are slow to heal or do not heal may also be present. Pale, blue, or cold feet may also be a sign of PAD. If peripheral artery disease is left untreated or treated too late, it can lead to amputation of the toes, feet or legs.

PAD is preventable!

• Smoking – never start or QUIT! • Diabetes – Work with a primary healthcare professional to control diabetes with a combination of medication, healthy diet, lifestyle modification and weight loss.

• Cholesterol – manage with med-

ication, healthy diet, and exercise • Overweight – manage with diet modification, weight loss, regular exercise This disease can be treated surgically or with a minimally invasive procedure through an IV placed into the artery of the wrist, arm, foot, or groin. Treatment can include angioplasty or atherectomy.

Angioplasty is the use of special balloons of various sizes that are used to expand an artery to its normal size. The balloon is removed after treatment is complete. Atherectomy removes plaque from the artery wall similar to a “rotorooter” removing buildup from pipes.

This can be achieved with different devices which incorporate cutting blades or lasers. Another method of treatment includes placement of stents which are used in select situations to expand an artery to its normal size and hold it open with a “scaffold”. Stents are permanent implants.

This can be treated by select cardiologists, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. If you feel that you may be at risk for PAD, or have some of the symptoms, you should consult your primary healthcare professional to screen for it, and to discuss treatment options.

You are also welcome to call our Vascular Center to schedule a prompt and free consultation. You can contact us at 405-608-8884. We are a specialized center staffed with highly experienced professionals, including a Vascular/Interventional physician, dedicated to treating PAD on an outpatient basis using the latest proven technology to combat this epidemic.

Dr. C.V Ramana is a vascular and interventional radiologist with more than 20 years of practice experience. He has expertise in all areas of vascular and interventional radiology. Dr. Ramana has a Ph.D from Yale University and MD from CWRU in Cleveland, Ohio where he subsequently completed his fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at the Cleveland Clinic.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 17

Caregivers work to stave off holiday blues Holidays are always a busy time on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where users’ feeds tend to come alive with photos and videos depicting how much fun everyone is having with their family and friends.

But for caregivers who provide assisted personal care to a sick or disabled spouse, child, parent, or other family member, the holidays can sometimes feel more frustrating or depressing than joyous.

According to the Embracing Carers Survey conducted in the United States in 2017 by Censuswide on behalf of EMD Serono which questioned 504 unpaid/unprofessional caregivers aged 1875 years in the US, 49% of unpaid caregivers surveyed in the US have feelings of depression.

Depression may be amplified during the holidays, whether due to isolation (when a caregiver feels unable to fully participate in the holidays due to their caregiving responsibilities) or to the complex emotions of caregiving for a loved one who may be in a state of terminal illness or continual decline. In these cases, it may help to limit time spent on social media.

“The comparison factor of social media, where people tend to present idealized images of their lives, can make some caregivers feel particularly selfconscious, especially during the emotionally-charged holiday season,” says Scott Williams, VP & Head of Global Patient Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships at EMD Serono. For the past 15 years, Williams has also served as a distance caregiver for his mother, who suffers from a variety of chronic health

issues. “Scrolling through your feed and seeing that everyone you know is spending time with their family and friends while you’re dealing with the complicated reality of providing assisted care for someone you love can be very hard, especially for caregivers who may already be prone to feelings of depression.”

To help avoid the amplified social media stress of caregiving during the holidays, the Embracing Carers initiative offers the following suggestions: n Limit your holiday intake of social media. If seeing updates and images from other people’s holiday festivities makes you feel bad about yourself or your caregiving situation, try to limit the time you spend on social media, or even take a holiday break from it altogether.

Sometimes self-care means knowing what not to do. n Turn off your notifications. Disable any alerts from Instagram, Facebook, or other apps whose content may cause you more aggravation than joy during the holidays. n Avoid photos, videos, or music that conjures negative emotions. Many families have holiday traditions that lead to beloved memories, but if your loved one is in poor health, seeing photos or videos that remind you of their healthier days may be difficult to enjoy.

If that’s the case, consider ways that you can make new memories with them this holiday season, to help separate your current experience from those memories that may be best returned to at another time. n Share the ups and the downs of your caregiving experience. If you feel

obliged to “put on a happy face” during the holidays — or all the time, as some social media users do — that could feel like a big disconnect from how your caregiving experience actually makes you feel.

But life (and social media) is about more than just the highlights. By sharing the “less-than-glamorous,” challenging, or even frustrating aspects of your caregiving journey with your friends and family on social media, you create the opportunity to have conversations about the full spectrum of your caregiv-

ing experience and emotions. Plus, your fellow caregivers who may also be struggling with some of the same challenges you’re facing will be happy to know they’re not alone. n Find other ways to occupy yourself during your downtime from caregiving.

Rather than scrolling through Instagram whenever you have a spare five minutes, try playing a game, listening to a podcast, reading a book, meditating, journaling, or doodling. Give yourself permission to invest your time in something other than social media.

Page 18 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Officials seeking to reduce obesity Oklahoma has been one of many states to see a steady rise in obesity rates over the last two decades.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) began a year-long process to convene partners from across the state to develop a State Obesity Plan. With more than 30 partners from a variety of agencies contributing, a plan is being created to address the rise in obesity across the lifespan.

The increased obesity rate is alarming for Oklahomans as individuals and as a state for a number of reasons.

Obesity can increase the likelihood of other chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke and some types of cancer.

At the state level, a higher prevalence of obesity and other related conditions lead to an increase in medical spending exceeding $1 billion a year.

At the state level, a higher prevalence of obesity and other related conditions lead to an increase in medical spending exceeding $1 billion a year. The increase in adolescent obesity is a concerning factor for future obesity rates.

During the process of creating a state plan, input was gathered from Oklahomans across the state, representing all segments of the population.

The plan focuses on strategies for each age group which can make a direct impact on the environment contributing to chronic health conditions, with a particular focus on obesity. The plan was coordinated by OSDH, but it will take all partners working together to accomplish the goals and objectives set forth to achieve Governor Kevin Stitt’s goal of being a top 10 state.

“We look forward to working with our numerous partners across the state in addressing the social determinants of health to more effectively work in preventing and reducing obesity in our state,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. “It will take a coordinated and targeted community health approach that will improve the health and quality of life for Oklahomans.”

The objectives outlined in the plan aim to take a comprehensive approach to combatting obesity as it calls for coordination with the health care system to increase resources and education for providers to better work with patients on managing weight status.

It focuses on providing adequate access to all Oklahomans across the state and also highlights

improvements to the environments in which most Oklahomans spend most of their time. This includes early care and education locations, schools, worksites, and the communities in which people live and play.

While personal responsibility will always be a component of weight management, the plan aims to identify environmental changes which will make it easier for all Oklahomans to choose to be healthier, and to encourage healthy habits and behaviors.

This plan also wants to put resources and education in the hands of Oklahomans so the decisions they make can be well informed, but also supported by the environment in which they live.

The goals identified in the plan are listed below: n Increase access to health care for all Oklahomans. n Improve the care environment supports for appropriate physical activity and nutrition in early childhood settings. n Improve the physical activity and nutritional environment in Oklahoma schools. n Increase the health-promoting environment of employers in Oklahoma. n Increase resources available to older adults to enhance well-being. n Increase the utilization of available data to allow for more efficient use of limited resources. n Increase built environment infrastructure which promotes safe biking and walking. n Improve the nutrition environment in communities across the state by ensuring each county is utilizing available funds for a summer feeding program.

The OSDH will release the final version of the plan in the coming weeks.

For more information about obesity, visit www.health.ok.gov.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Molly Wehrenberg receives William O. Perry Award for Volunteerism from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge presented by President and CEO David Harmer.

Freedoms Foundation names Wehrenberg its top volunteer Molly Wehrenberg of Edmond has been named the William O. Perry Volunteer of the Year by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Molly and her husband Paul are active members of the Foundation’s Oklahoma City Chapter. The Wehrenbergs traveled to the Foundation’s campus Oct. 17-20 to receive Molly’s award and to participate in the 51st Annual Chapters and Partners Conference.

“Molly has done it all this year,” said Carolyn Santangelo, Freedoms Foundation’s Senior Director of Chapter Relations. “From nominating National Award recipients, to organizing a major fundraiser for the chapter, to spearheading the efforts to bring students from Oklahoma City back to the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference for the first time in over five years, Molly has led the way. This doesn’t even include all the work she did to install a new obelisk in the Oklahoma Area of the Medal of Honor Grove on Freedoms Foundation’s campus.

“Molly and her husband attended last year’s Chapters and Partners Conference and chaperoned the students to Spirit of America all at their own expense. For these reasons, we believe Molly is a very deserving recipient of the William O. Perry Award.”

William O. Perry is president and CEO of Perry Homes in Murray, Utah.

He has been an active and generous supporter of Freedoms Foundation for decades and is a former chairman and longtime member of the Foundation’s

Board of Directors.

Since 1949, Freedoms Foundation has inspired in adults and instilled in students the need to understand their rights as Americans, embrace their responsibilities as citizens and promote the spirit and philosophy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. More than 1,500 students and 400 teachers a year attend programs on history, government and civics through the Foundation. The organization has more than 20 chapters across the country.

Molly Wehrenberg served as head nurse of St. Anthony’s Hospital Eye Surgery Unit until her retirement, when she began translating Spanish for doctors and non-English speaking patients. In addition to Freedoms Foundation, she has active in several organizations, including Visionary Oklahoma Women, Mobile Wheels, Edmond Republican Women’s Club, and the High Noon Club. She also served on the Advisory Board of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and was a trustee for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. In addition, she was the recipient of the George and Martha Washington Award and the 2016 Good Samaritan Award for BOTT Radio.

For more information on Freedoms Foundation, its chapters or awards, contact Carolyn Santangelo, Senior Director of Chapter Relations, at csantangelo@ffvf.org or 610-933-8825, ext. 234.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 19

Sequoyah Play This Week

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Disney musical ‘Freaky Friday,’ will be performed this week at Sequoyah Middle School on Danforth, near Bryant. All tickets are $5. This Thursday and Friday it will begin at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday it is 2:30 p.m. All performances are in the Sequoyah Middle School cafeteria.

Among the cast, above, are, from left, Dawson Hill, Samantha Thomas and Lynnley Grindstaff, playing the respective roles of ‘Karl,’ ‘Ellie,’ and ‘Monica.’

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.

Evelyn Kelley and Samantha Thomas have the roles of ‘Katherine’ & ‘Ellie.’ The director and choreographer is Miriam Conrady and the music director is Amy Knous.

Two more members of the Sequoyah Drama Department are Samantha Thomas & Josh Klontz. They are portraying ‘Ellie’ and ‘Adam.’

Page 20 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

City giving away 2020 calendars The 2020 City of Edmond calendars are now available for Edmond residents. The calendars are free and can be picked up at most city offices including Utility Customer Service, the City First building, Public Works, the Downtown Community Center as well as the Municipal Court building.

Residents can also find them at the Edmond Public Library and many businesses across Edmond.

As always, the calendars have many user-friendly features for our residents such as trash collection dates, holiday office hours, council and planning commission meeting dates, city budget information, a community directory and much more.

For additional information about the 2020 City of Edmond calendar, please contact the Marketing & Public Relations office at 359-4531.

Miss Oklahoma at Tealridge

MELINDA INFANTE

Addison Price, Miss Oklahoma, was a special guest at the Tealridge Retirement Community center 2100 N.E. 140th Street in Edmond.

She addressed the large crowd on her social impact initiative as well as the upcoming Miss America contest.

Addison will be a contestant in that event, representing Oklahoma.

ESA Basket Winner Bonnie Daye wins the November traveling basket at the Epsilon Sigma Alpha meeting. Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an international service organization that volunteers their service and monies to several Edmond, state and national charities. Edmond charities include UR Special, Coffee Creek Riding Stables, Boys Ranch Town, Free to Live, All Things Baby, No Boundaries.

The state projects are Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma and Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The national project is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The basket, which is raffled each month, is restocked with goodies every month ready for the next lucky Gamma Zeta member.

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 21

Edmond attorneys receive recognition Ten Crowe & Dunlevy attorneys from Edmond are recognized on the 2019 Super Lawyers publication’s list of Oklahoma Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process, combining peer nominations and evaluations with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, stateby-state basis.* Five Crowe & Dunlevy lawyers from Edmond were selected for inclusion in the 2019 Oklahoma Super Lawyers publication: 1. Harvey D. Ellis, Jr. - Appellate 2. Richard C. Ford - Appellate 3. Donald K. Shandy - Environmental 4. John M. Thompson - Business Litigation 5. L. Mark Walker - Energy & Resources

Five Crowe & Dunlevy attorneys from Edmond were selected for inclusion in the Oklahoma Rising Stars 2019 publication: 1. Tim J. Gallegly - Business Litigation 2. Andrew E. Henry - Business Litigation 3. Allen L. Hutson - Employment Litigation: Defense 4. Paige Masters - General Litigation 5. Tynia A. Watson - Intellectual Property

*Crowe & Dunlevy has no input in the rating methodologies used by Super Lawyers.

About Crowe & Dunlevy For more than a century, Crowe & Dunlevy has provided innovative and effective legal services to clients in numerous industries. The firm and its attorneys regularly receive high rankings among legal professionals by nationally recognized peer-review organizations.

For more information, visit crowedunlevy.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond high school students, who participated in the annual Career Shadow Day for the Edmond Rotary Club.

Rotary hosts Career Shadow Day Career Shadow Day provides young people the opportunity to shadow Rotarians performing their daily work in their professional environment. Students are chosen from Edmond Memorial, Edmond North and Edmond Santa Fe. The Edmond Rotary Club invited approximately 30 students to observe them in their workplace allowing them the opportunity to explore specific careers and get a realistic picture of the tasks performed for that job.

Professions included City Government, Optometry, Dentistry, Real Estate Development, Manufacturing,

the City of Edmond Police and Fire Departments, Mortgage and Banking, Photography, School Administration, Oklahoma State Government and the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

Special medical partners were Mercy on I-35. Board Members, Keith May and Andy Melvin as well as Club Member Tim Richardson coordinated the event.

The Rotary club of Edmond meets at noon every Wednesday at the Edmond Mercy Hospital on I-35.

Guests are welcome. www.edmondrotary.org

A second location for Ellis Island Coffee & Wine Lounge Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of their second location, located at 33rd and Bryant. Murod Mamatov first opened Ellis Island in downtown Edmond in 2017. Much like its original location, Ellis Island at 33rd and Bryant is a stylish retreat to study, socialize and relax. The shop offers La Baguette pastries, Villa Dolce gelato, craft coffee, fine wine and local beer. For more information, visit www.ellisislandedmond.com.

Alicia Collins new marketing assistant Alicia Collins has joined Retirement Investment Advisors as a Marketing Assistant. Alicia attended Oklahoma State University and received her Bachelor’s degree. She joined the firm after working in marketing for several years.

Alicia lives in Edmond with her husband, Matt, and their two children. Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. is a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm with offices in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Oklahoma, and Frisco, Texas that manages more than $778 million in assets.

Alicia Collins

Page 22 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Arledge & Associates Q&A

Growth vs. profit (The following are questions addressed by LaDonna Sinning, a CPA with Arledge & Associates of Edmond, an accounting firm.)

I have successfully increased the size of my business by fifty percent, but I’m not making any more money.

What am I doing wrong?

This is a common problem when growing a business and one that I have experienced myself.

Often, we are so focused on revenue or overall sales that we lose sight of the key metric for measuring Sinning the value of a business – profits. Step back and ask yourself whether you care the most about your total sales or whether you care most about your net income. I think that once you get past the ego boost that can come from owning a larger business, you will realize that the bottom line is what actually helps you meet your goals for yourself, your employees, and your family.

How do I focus on profits? Aren’t my profits really driven by the size of my business?

While the size of your business will ultimately drive your profits, the first thing you need to do is make sure that your profit percentages are in line for your industry. For example, if average profit margins for your industry are 20 percent and your margin is less than that, you will need to correct your profit margin first before trying to grow the business. Then, once the profits are corrected, you will need to monitor the profits as you grow. It is very easy to let the cash flow from increased sales fool you into believing that you are making more money when, in fact, you may be making less money as the business grows.

That sounds good, but how do I make that happen?

It all starts with knowing what your profit margin should be. Research the industry averages for your business and then set a goal that sets

you up to be, at a minimum, average.

Once you have that goal in mind, build a budget that hits that level of profit. There are a couple of ways to do that. You can set the amount you want to have as net income and then using the profit percentage that you set as your goal, back into what revenue needs to be. You now have a target for revenue. Revenue minus profit gives you the limit that you can spend on business expenses. If that limit for business expenses looks low, keep in mind that you based it on something near the industry average.

Ask yourself how the average business owner in your industry is managing to spend less than you do.

Another way to use your profit goal to manage your business is to take your current annual revenue and multiply it by your expected profit percentage. That should be your current net income. If you are below that, it is not a revenue problem.

Your expenses are out of control.

Correct the expense problem before growing your revenue. And then, like I said, monitor that profit margin as you grow the top line, and fine tune as the industry averages adjust. You are then on your way to operating a profitable business that can be grown for generations.

LaDonna Sinning, CPA, CFE, is a partner 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. Through its Gateway Executive Solutions division, the firm offers outsourced CFO, controller and cloud-based accounting solutions.

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.

November brings attention to disease

What to know about diabetes According to the Diabetes Research Institute, more than 30 million people, or 9.4% of the U.S. population, have diabetes and 7.2 million cases go undiagnosed each year.

November is National Diabetes Month and GlobalHealth, an Oklahoma-based health insurance provider, is providing information to educate Oklahomans on diabetes care and encourage them to talk to their primary care physicians (PCP) about healthy eating and exercise habits.

“Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States but, if you are diabetic, taking care of yourself does not have to be daunting or scary,” said Dr. Wesley Williams, medical director at GlobalHealth.

“Managing diabetes can be simple with the help of your PCP. There are many factors that go into diabetes care, and you can keep yourself healthy by staying proactive when it comes to the disease.”

GlobalHealth is providing information to help raise awareness of diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2, and both consist of a symptom called hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.

Type 1 Diabetes. While people of all ages can develop Type 1 diabetes, it usually develops in children and teenagers, and is the most severe form of the disease.

In this type of diabetes, insulinproducing cells in the pancreas are attacked by the body’s immune system and the person can no longer produce their own insulin. Because of this, Type 1 diabetics are insulin-dependent and must work with their PCP to manage their blood sugar closely. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can damage one’s eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and may lead to coma or death.

Type 2 Diabetes. Also called noninsulin dependent diabetes, Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and typically develops after age 35.

Though their bodies can still produce insulin, those with Type 2 do not use it properly or do not make enough, and their pancreas cannot keep up with sugar intake over time. This type

of diabetes is often tied to people who are overweight, and a growing number of younger people are now developing Type 2 diabetes.

Regular Testing. Whether you have Type 1 of Type 2 diabetes, it is important to talk to your PCP to ensure you are properly managing the disease. Have your A1C levels checked at least twice a year and more often if your PCP recommends it. You should also have a urine test at least once a year to check for protein or microalbumin. Diabetes can lead to kidney problems, so a urine test is an effective way to check your kidney health. Getting a diabetic eye exam at least once a year can help you catch retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma early, because, if left untreated, they can cause blindness.

Living with Diabetes. By living a healthy lifestyle, exercising and eating right, you can have a good quality of life with diabetes.

Check your blood sugar often and work on keeping it and your blood pressure in a healthy range. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends keeping your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. Plan ahead when traveling to avoid a diabetic emergency and always take any prescribed medicine as directed.

If you’re a diabetic over the age of 40, discuss statins with your PCP, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure and heart attack risk.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, ask your PCP about Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES). DSMES is a service to help people navigate a diabetes diagnosis. You can also talk to your PCP about joining a support group to help manage the feelings that might accompany living with diabetes.

About GlobalHealth GlobalHealth is changing health insurance in Oklahoma. As an industry leader, GlobalHealth is an Oklahomabased health maintenance organization covering individuals in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

Builder has a ribbon cutting

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond Chamber officials, and well wishers, celebrate with Homes by Taber officials.

Homes By Taber recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of their new neighborhood community, Highgarden.

Located in east Edmond, Highgarden is a gorgeous, tree-filled community that features quarter acre homesites and a large pond. The developer of this neighborhood will also be installing a pool and playground for residents to enjoy within walking distance of their homes.

This tranquil community is just minutes from Edmond and even closer to entertainment, food and fun on Covell Road. The schools are part of the Edmond Public School district, which is well known for providing a top-tier education. Edmond recently earned an A+ rating on niche.com for best places to live in the United States.

Homes By Taber builds homes that are “proudly overbuilt” with features that many other builders consider to be upgrades. The newly introduced TaberTech and Healthy Home Technology works to keep families safe and healthy, a top priority at Homes By Taber.

Each home also includes a storm shelter in the garage for additional protection in Oklahoma.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • November 21, 2019 • Page 23

Crossings Church singles group schedules Thanksgiving event All single adults are invited to the Crossings Community Church Singles Ministry Thanksgiving Event on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Crossings OKC Atrium.

The event will feature fantastic fellowship time centered around a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, prize chances, photo booth games and more.

This year’s theme is “Timespans, Traditions, and Testimonies!”

In keeping with theme, we’d love for people to dress according to their favorite fashion decade. This year’s photo booth is the Magic Mirror Booth from SmileTime, which includes a full-length mirror, touch screen, themed animations, social sharing, games, and the opportunity for everyone to take home a copy of their favorite

photo. We’ll also hear from featured speaker and Crossings High School Pastor, Melissa Hiett!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. While families are important to us, childcare is not available for this event.

ABOUT MELISSA Mel Hiett is the High School Pastor at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. She lives to equip students to become independently dependent on Christ while also walking alongside and equipping parents to find Jesus in the middle of parenting. As a former single mom, she is thankful for how God shaped her during that season. Melissa and her husband live in Edmond with their five children, their dog, Fletcher, and a cur-

rently missing guinea pig.

PURCHASE TICKETS You may purchase tickets for $12 online prior to the event and print your email confirmation (or be ready to show it electronically at the door), or purchase tickets at the door for $15 per person.

Online tickets are available at https://crossings.churc h/event/singles-thanksgiving/

Food bank’s matching gift program 'Tis the season to help our neighbors facing hunger. Through Dec. 31, all donations to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma are matched, up to $600,000, thanks to a gift from APMEX.com, Cresap Family Foundation and Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

During the Holiday Match campaign, every $1 donated helps the Regional Food Bank to provide eight meals to those living with food insecurity in central and western Oklahoma. Once the match is met, every $1 still helps to provide four meals.

“The Holiday Match Campaign is a great opportunity for Oklahomans to come together because your dollar will go further during this campaign and will help provide meals for fami-

lies all across the state,” said Scott Thomas, president and founder of leading online Precious Metals Retailer APMEX.com. ” Oklahoma is the fifth hungriest state in the nation with one in six residents living with food insecurity. In the last year, the Regional Food Bank distributed more than 42.5 million meals through its community-based partner agencies.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit rfbo.org/give or call 405600-3161. Donations may also be mailed to: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Holiday Match P.O. Box 270968 Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968

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 • November 21, 2019 • Edmond Life & Leisure