Edmond Life and Leisure - April 4, 2024

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.

March Madness Final Four

See Page 13

UCO hosting Kuleshov Piano Festival & Competition

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 Mostly

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Partly

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 Sunny

Central’s

The three-day festival and competition are split into high school and collegiate divisions and includes public performances from guest artists Nadejda Vlaeva, Valery Kuleshov, and Ilya Shmukler, who also act as jurors for the competition.

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music will host the Kuleshov International Piano Festival and Competition April 12-14, at the Radke Fine Arts Theatre in the Center for Transformative Learning building, located on Central’s campus.

The three-day festival and competition are split into high school and collegiate divisions and includes public performances from guest artists Valery Kuleshov, Nadejda Vlaeva and Ilya Shmukler, who also act as jurors for the competition.

“The caliber of the contestants this year is phenomenal,” said Sallie Pollack D.M.A., UCO School of Music professor and director of the competition.

“The excitement of hearing this level of young talent coupled with performances of top guest artists will make this weekend a highlight of the year for audiences.”

Award-winning pianist, composer and recording artist Nadejda Vlaeva will perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 12, in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre. Vlaeva has performed internationally, including at Carnegie Zankel Hall, the Rose Hall in Lincoln Center, the Oriental Arts Center in Shanghai and The Concertgebouw in the Netherlands. She currently divides her time between New York and Europe.

Ilya Shmukler, a laureate of numerous international piano competitions, will present a recital at 7:30 p.m.,

Saturday, April 13, in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre. Shmukler completed his master’s degree with honors at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory in 2021, and presently studies with Stanislav Ioudenitch at the International Center for Music at Park University in Parkville, Missouri.

Valery Kuleshov, the competition’s namesake and UCO School of Music’s artist-in-residence since 1992, will perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 14, in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre.

Kuleshov, an honored artist of the Russian Federation, boasts multiple awards and medals, having performed in prestigious concert halls worldwide.

All three concerts are free and open to the public thanks to the generous funding provided by the Harold and Juanita Swigeart Endowment and the Dr. Peter Springberg and Mrs. Lynnette Jung-Springberg Endowment.

The competition portion of the event will culminate with the final round of competition, award presentations and a closing reception at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 14, in the Radke Fine Arts Theatre.

For a complete schedule of events, go.uco.edu/Kuleshov.

For more information about UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events, visit cfad.uco.edu.

PHOTO BY ERIN SMITH

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music will host the Kuleshov International Piano Festival and Competition April 12-14, at the Radke Fine Arts Theatre on

campus.

Stay safe during eclipse

Oklahoma will have many great viewing spots for the solar eclipse as many cities are in the path of totality. AAA is warning drivers be alert because the fast moving phenomenon could impact traffic safety.

“As spectacular as this once-in-alifetime event will be, if you happen to catch a glimpse of it while behind the wheel, do not turn your eyes away from the road,” says Rylie Fletcher, public affairs manager, AAA Oklahoma. “Aside from damaging your eyes, looking at the eclipse while driving is distracted driving at its worst. While AAA recommends staying off the road during the eclipse, if you have to drive keep sun visors and cell phones down to protect your eyes, reduce temptation to look at the sun, and avoid distracted driving.”

According to the Great American Eclipse website, many towns in Southeastern Oklahoma will witness totality, including Idabel and Broken Bow. Traffic safety advocates are expecting an influx of people in the area.

AAA Warns: Expect Traffic Jams

Sky gazers could take to the roads at the last minute, looking for a good view of the eclipse.

April 8 will be spring break vacation time for some in the country –there may be increased travel (and subsequently traffic) up to and including April 8.

Pack your patience, whether traveling great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.

AAA Driver Safety Tips During the Solar Eclipse

Keep headlights on.

Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.

Do NOT wear eclipse glasses while driving.

Do NOT try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.

Do NOT pull over to the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.

Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.

Be mindful of pedestrians that many be walking around with their eyes on the sky.

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.

Bennet Bickle and Karson Evans, seniors at Edmond Memorial High School (EMHS), received the Shelby Hudson Football Memorial Scholarship on December 3, 2023, during their annual football banquet. The two $4,000 tuition-based scholarships will be paid to the college or post-secondary institution of the recipient’s choice.

This scholarship is near and dear to our hearts here at Edmond Life & Leisure. We think the world of this family and they have certainly gone all out to ensure that their son’s memory is eternal in addition to helping high school age kids in Edmond.

The scholarship was established on August 2, 2005, in honor of Davis and Lisa Hudson’s son Shelby, who graduated from EMHS in 2003. The scholarship is awarded annually to two players who display the qualities and characteristics that Shelby exemplified as an EMHS Bulldog football player. These include personal motivation and character, heart and desire to excel, drive and determination to accomplish goals, and perseverance in the face of all obstacles.

“We are extremely pleased and honored to award this scholarship to these two outstanding young men. Both Bennett and Karson have shown tremendous perseverance in their young lives. With their hard work and commitment to overcome their obstacles, they have proven that they will be successful in life,” said David Hudson.

After graduation, Bennet plans to pursue a degree in architecture. Karson intends to get a degree in physical therapy and eventually start his own business.

Shelby Hudson was a student at the University of Oklahoma when he passed away. He was participating in his annual training camp with the Oklahoma National Guard when he drowned in Lake Tenkiller on May 24, 2005, while working on a unit morale activity.

Since the inception of the Shelby Hudson scholarship, thirty-five recipients have been awarded a total of $115,000. Recipients have attended college in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York and Texas.

The Edmond Public Schools Foundation administers the Shelby Hud-

son Scholarship. Tax-deductible donations for the fund may be sent to P.O. Box 30837, Edmond, OK 73003, and earmarked for the Shelby Hudson Scholarship. For questions contact Deanna Boston, CEO of Edmond Public Schools Foundation at 405-340-2819.

About Edmond Public Schools Foundation:

Established in 1984, the Edmond Public Schools Foundation will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2024. The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence and advancing education in Edmond, focusing on long-term sustainability. The foundation collaborates with educators, donors, and the community to provide innovative opportunities and resources that enhance the learning experiences of students in Edmond Public Schools.

RIVERSPORT Whitewater

Center will host fundraiser

The sixth annual RIVERSPORT Team OKC Champagne & Oysters fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are priced at $60 per person.

The event will kick off the US Olympic Team Trials for Canoe/Kayak Slalom and Kayak Cross and guests will have a chance to meet the athletes competing during the two-day event April 26-27.

Attendees can enjoy champagne, fresh oysters, live entertainment, and an auction to support local athletes. Live auction items will include a number of bigger items. Proceeds will benefit the OKC National HighPerformance Center.

The OKC National High-Performance Center is a US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site for both rowing and canoe/kayak and attracts athletes from across the country training in hopes of making the Olympic games.

RIVERSPORT’s Team OKC donors

support the athletes' journey to the Olympic Podium. Donor levels start at $100, with full details available online. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit RIVERSPORT now.

The annual Champagne & Oysters fundraiser is a popular event for our rowing community members as well as friends and colleagues throughout the city. This year they celebrate our U.S. Olympic Hopefuls in the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The event will also kick off a weekend of U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the Whitewater Center for Canoe/Kayak Slalom.

There will be a silent auction in addition to the live auction. Sparkling wine tastings will be provided by southern Glazer’s, fresh oysters provided by Hama Hama in Washington State, hot and cold hors d’ oeuvres by Benvenuti’s and chocolates provided by Woody Candy. I cannot think of a better event folks.

Those of us who grew up in Oklahoma City have got to be incredibly impressed at what has transpired on the river front. The rowing center, a beautiful river and now the whitewater rafting operation took the place of a river that we used to have to mow. Remember those days? Not to mention that the area was not safe in the least.

Not only has it been beautified and made useful, but it is now a jewel in the crown of Oklahoma. It has gone on to become an Olympic training site with international athletes using it. Yet, it has stayed true to the goal of being a facility that citizens can use and enjoy. Congratulations to all those who made this possible and may we never take it for granted.

Citizens support first responders

The Edmond Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is hosting its 2nd annual car show on May 4th (please no Star Wars jokes!!). It will

be held at Edmond North High School. Last year’s event was great for the first stab at the event, but the weather was cold and windy. If you would like to see the 2023 show, use the below link from Kalidy Kia, one of the sponsors. Or you can search YouTube for “Ready To Serve Car Show.” It is just 10 minutes long, but you can see the quality of cars that were at the show.

https://youtu.be/UPIfFAx49as

This event has two purposes:

It will be an event for the community to enjoy and to meet with our great Edmond Police Department, who will have the Emergency Vehicle, the Bomb robot, etc. to display. This is the ECPAAA’s main mission; to bring the community and the Police together and talk about the Citizens Police Academy.

It will raise funds for the Officer Memorial project that is currently on-going.

This is a group that does so much for our community. It is lead by some outstanding folks and they have the well being of our police officers at heart. I believe in what they are doing because so many of my family are in law enforcement including one of my sons.

Being a police officer has always been risky but these days it is even more so. They roll up on a stopped car and have no idea what they will be facing. It could be someone that truly needs their help or a person waiting to gun them down. You also have a public that is looking over their shoulder to ensure they are not abusive. A few bad actors have made the patrol officer’s job even harder.

They would greatly appreciate your support in mentioning this event to help drive the Edmond Community to come out and enjoy the beautiful vehicles and our fantastic Police Department.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

“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

by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico

March 24, 2011. Kevin

For

please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Ray

A life without arthritis?

Imagine if a single injection could stop the progression of the most common form of arthritis –and perhaps even reverse some of its debilitating damage.

A new federal agency has targeted this as a “moonshot” project and has tabbed an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist to help make the dream come true.

OMRF rheumatologist Matlock Jeffries, M.D., will receive $2 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to test a single-injection treatment that promotes tissue regeneration and restores joints in osteoarthritis, the most widespread form of the joint disease.

“If this works, it would be one of the most dramatic accomplishments of modern biomedical science, and it could offer hope for treating one of the most common, debilitating, and costly conditions we face as a society,” Jeffries said.

Osteoarthritis, the leading cause of chronic disability in the U.S., limits the mobility of at least 32 million Americans. Most people with OA take prescription or over-the-counter drugs to lessen inflammation and pain, but no existing drug slows or reverses the disease itself.

"Right now, the only treatment option that offers patients a chance of significant improvement is joint replacement, and about 1.5 million U.S. adults undergo this procedure every year,” Jeffries said. “Joint replacement isn’t without risks, requires significant recovery and rehabilitation, and it costs the U.S. healthcare system almost $50 billion a year.”

ARPA-H, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was established in 2022 to support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research that would not be accomplished through traditional research channels. Its first target is osteoarthritis, and on March 26, it announced funding for the project involving Jeffries.

Washington University in St. Louis is leading the project, with funding of up to $31 million over five years. Jeffries’ role involves recruiting, treating and

evaluating patients with the novel injection therapy at OMRF’s newly created Osteoarthritis Center of Excellence, which Jeffries directs.

OA is twice as common in women and has the highest prevalence in Black and Hispanic populations. Jeffries was chosen in part due to OMRF’s access to American Indians with OA.

“Through this revolutionary program, we seek to change how we treat osteoarthritis for millions of Americans by regenerating joint tissues, a task once believed to be impossible,” said Ross Uhrich, ARPA-H Program Manager for Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis. “Today, we take the first step towards creating a future

Feds give challenge & $2 million to an OMRF researcher

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Matlock Jeffries, M.D.

(Editor’s Note: The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

March 18

Ty Bouldin Chapman, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Michael Angelo Smith, 35 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Donald William MaGee, 38 of Luther. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

William Coots, 38 of Guthrie. Trafficking in illegal drugs.

Dionte Cortez Keith, 35 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled suspended, denied or revoked.

Melody Marie Green, 51 of Oklahoma City. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Talea Lente Wibbey, 46 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

March 19

Adrian Deshon Fleming, 24 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Brandi Nichole Platz, 34 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

John Joseph Niewiecki II, 54 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Chad Wesley Schwerdtfeger, 51 homeless. Trespassing after being warned and public intoxication.

John Franklin Walker, 61 of Norman. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and assault and/or battery with dangerous weapon.

Mark Lewis Trimble, 64 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Christen Lee Bowen, 39 of Edmond. Misde-

meanor warrant.

Kile Eugene Martin, 37 of Edmond. Unlawful use of license or identification card, (felony value) receive stolen property, (felony value) possess incomplete credit cards or tools to reproduce card, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Heather Ann Perez, 51 of Yukon. Trafficking in illegal drugs and possess CDS.

Derek Andrew White, 57 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

March 20

Kenneth Wayne Payne, 38 of Edmond. Possess firearm after conviction of felony.

Ali Abdul Khalid, 52 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Ashi Nichole Kimbrell, 38 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more and elude police officer endanger others (felony.)

March 21

Nathaniel Ian Maxwell, 26 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Jacob Dale Cole, 34 homeless. Shoplifting.

Jefferey Keith Florence, 66 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Wayne Smith, 47 of El Reno. Misdemeanor warrant.

Sherri Renee Woodall, 63 of Edmond. Possessing a firearm with removed or defaced serial or identification number during commission of a felony, proceeds derived from illegal drug activity, possess CDS and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Heather Marie Martin, 45 of Broken Arrow. No proof of insurance, expired tag — over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

March 22

Daneshia Ammette Craven, 34 of Tulsa. (Felony) create/sell/ display identification card — illegal acts, misdemeanor warrant, three felony warrants and (misdemeanor 1st and 2nd offense)

larceny of merchandise from retailer.

Tanasha Lashawn Craven, 36 of Tulsa. Possess CDS and (misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer.

Terrell Demontre Frederick, 25 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Huy Tran, 42 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, expired tag — over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jason Daniel Sam, 34 of Oklahoma City. Burglary in the second degree.

Brian Lee Thomas Jr., 39 of Midwest City. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

March 23

Breauna Lee Lane, 34 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Justin Keith Smedley, 46 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

George Galdiano Navarro, 62 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and possess CDS.

March 24

Romay Christopher Abdullahi, 30 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Jack Preston Lowe, 28 of Mulhall. Felony DUI/APC.

Princess Jacklon Nichole Spencer, 22 homeless. False representation to an officer.

Patricia Joann Stokes, 49 of Arlington, Texas. Felony warrant.

Aaron Lee Wilburn, 29 of Edmond. Shoplifting and a felony warrant.

Shelbi Grace Lonkerd, 31 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Colton Stone Jones, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jimmy Lucio Ramos, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Adrian Leroy Reeves, 29 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Weekend Calendar of Events, April 4-7

Weekend Calendar of Events April 4-7

---- In the Gallery

---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered ---- Edmond Bike Night

---- Glenn Miller Orchestra

---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience ---- Edmond Jr. Rodeo

---- Board Game Night

---- Walk to END EPILEPSY

---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

---- Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: “King of Pangaea”

---- Oklahoma City Farm Show

---- The Pollard Theatre presents: Monty Python’s “Spamlot”

---- First Friday Gallery Walk

---- Junior Botball Challenge

---- Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides ---- April Pop-Up Shop

In the Gallery

Extra Information

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring James Coplin; free; Gallery opening Thu, Apr 4 @ 5 – 7 p.m.; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com

Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 17 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. –4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org

Edmond Bike Night

Location: Chicken Shack

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 4; 6 – 9 p.m.; Free; edmondbikenight.com

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 4; $55; 7:30 p.m.; armstrongauditorium.org

VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 4; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondvibes.org

Jr. Rodeo

Location: Edmond Round-Up Club

Extra Info: Fri, Apr 5 – Sat, Apr 6; 6:30 – 11 p.m.; $1 ---- $5; edmondroundupclub.com

Board Game Night

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondok.civicrec.com

Walk to END EPIlEPSY

Location: Hafer Park

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 6; 9 – 10:45 a.m.; Free; WalkToEndEpilepsy.org

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 6 – Sun, Apr 7; Choose Your Adventure!; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Apr 6 – Sun, Apr 7: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

presents: “King of Pangeaea”

Location: Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 20 – Sun, Apr 7; Wed & Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 & 8 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com

Oklahoma City Farm Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Thu, Apr 4 – Sat, Apr 6; Thu & Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; oklahomacityfarmshow.com

The Pollard Theatre presents: Monty Python’s “Spamalot”

Location: The Pollard Theatre

Extra Info: Fri, Apr 5 – Sat, Apr 27; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; Apr 14 & 21: 2 p.m.; Apr 18 & 25: 8 p.m.; thepollard.org

First Friday Gallery Walk

Location: Paseo Arts District

Extra Info: Fri, Apr 5; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org

Junior Botball Challenge

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 6; 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; kipr.org

Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides

Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 6; 11:15 a.m.; 1:15 p.m.; 3:15 p.m.; oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

April Pop-Up Shop

Location: ICE Event Center

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 6; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; facebook.com

Edmond

Edmond History Museum honored

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Edmond History Museum has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.

“This grant underscores the significance of initiatives to collect, preserve, and share Edmond and Oklahoma history,” said Sen. Adam Pugh, Edmond. “The Edmond Historical Society is incredibly deserving of this recognition and award as they work to digitally encapsulate decades worth of local history. I appreciate the dedication of the Legislature and the Oklahoma Historical Society to preserve our history and heritage for future generations to learn from.”

Edmond History Museum received $20,000 for a project that will facilitate the digitization of “The Edmond Sun” newspaper archives from 1964 to June 2000, making them accessible on The Gateway to Oklahoma History.

“‘The Edmond Sun’ was Oklahoma’s longest-running newspaper from 1889 to 2020. The entire Edmond community is pleased about the upcoming access to its missing news and photographs,” said Amy Stephens, executive director of the Edmond Historical Museum. “By placing these digital records on The Gateway to Oklahoma History, anyone can access Edmond’s history, which is valu-

able to both researchers, the city government, and Edmond citizens seeking to look back at their place in history.”

The OHS will distribute over $520,000 in grant funds, with projects ranging from collections care and strategic planning to exhibit development and educational programming.

“Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program, we’re not just funding projects; we’re investing in the preservation of Oklahoma’s rich and dynamic history,” said Nicole Harvey, director of strategic initiatives for the Oklahoma Historical Society. “These grants empower communities across the state to uphold their heritage for future generations, ensuring that the stories of Oklahoma continue to inspire and educate

for years to come.”

The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society to encourage the collection, preservation, and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state. Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma secretary of state, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits, and programming. Applications for this annual program open in the fall, and award announcements are made in January. For more information visit okhistory.org/grants.

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 okhistory.org.

Renew your health with spring activities

By Brian Attebery

Spring is a beautiful time of the year. The weather allows us to enjoy the outdoors more and for many, the change of seasons also requires outdoor work to maintain our properties. There are plenty of reasons to go outside and your health is part of it. What you have been doing for your fitness is also part of the reason you are able to do those activities. I recently had a conversation with a client that talked about how at 72, she has been able to lift pots, sod, and other outdoor chores with much more ease than before she started her weightlifting. That is amazing and makes it fun to see the practical realities of what taking care of yourself can allow you to do.

Nature is a great resource for your health improvement. I have always been a outdoors guy. I hunt religiously during the fall and winter, and I have been in many situations where I am very glad I am strong and fit as I am hiking a mountain and retrieving the game I have harvested. I also enjoy sitting and simply viewing the magnificent scenes while I breath the fresh air and take a break from my busy schedule. Nature can be a “breath of fresh air” literally and figuratively.

There are several studies that show the benefits of outdoor activities. How about just experiencing nature in general and stepping away from urban surroundings? A study showed many benefits from simply being active in “green spaces” in urban

areas and they found these experiences can help reduce illnesses, hypertension, and reduce stress. The study in Australia showed 30 minutes or more during the week could reduce prevalence of illness from 7% up to 9% depending on the amount of time spent. (www.nature.com

“Health Benefits

from Nature Experiences Depend on Dose” 6-2316) The study looked at depression and high blood pressure and found a positive correlation in exposure to nature and green spaces. I believe people that choose to be proactive with outdoor activities are also those that are choosing to be more active throughout the year. This mindset of choosing various forms of activity are important in the spectrum of wellness.

To enjoy anything in life, we must have a level of investment in it. You want a successful marriage? You had better invest time and energy in it. You want children that are healthy, productive, disciplined, and well-adjusted? You had better invest in them. You want to be able to go on hikes, walk up and down streets of those local vacation spots, or simply throw your golf bag in the back of your car? You had better invest in your health too.

Spring is here. Take time to invest in your health by making time to be physically active. Use those outdoor tasks as markers for activity and reminders of why we need to take care of ourselves to be able to do said activities. Go on walks, take a hike around the lake, ride your bike, or simply go stand outside on the grass in your bare feet and do some deep, relaxing breathing. Your body needs you to pay attention to it. Let spring be a reminder of a renewal of all things.

(Brian Attebery owns and operates Results Fitness & Nutrition Center in Edmond. JOIN his NEW online society and further your wellness journey. www.atteberywellnessacademy.com)

Attebery

Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble wrapping up its regular season

Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble ends its regular season concerts with three works in the Romantic style 7:30 pm Tuesday, April 30 at First Baptist Church in midtown Oklahoma City.

The 19th Century Romantic movement began as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution with renewed focus on nature and deep expression of emotions. The program includes French, Russian, and Czech composers whose national identities infuse their individual sensibilities. The first half of the program features cello and piano, with Gabriel Fauré’s poignant Élégie (Elegy) and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s mystical sonata reminiscent of Russian Church music. The concert end’s with a string quintet by Antonín Dvorák, who explores many melodies in the full string instrument range: violin to double bass.

Program: Gabriel Fauré, Élégie, Op. 24 for Cello and Piano

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sonata for Cello and Piano Antonín Dvorák, String Quintet

No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77

Tickets are $20 at the door and free for students and active-duty military with ID.

Musicians appearing: Katrin Stamatis (violin), Ashley Cooper (violin), Mark Neumann (viola), Jonathan Ruck (cello), Meredith Blecha-Wells (cello), Anthony Stoops (double bass), Amy I-Lin Cheng (piano)

First Baptist Church is located at 1201 N Robinson Ave. Free parking is available north and southwest of the building. Handicap Access is available through the door under the awning on the south side of the building. The elevator is just inside around the corner to the left. Go up one level to the Sanctuary.

Brightmusic will again host its fourconcert Summer Chamber Music Festival in June, which will include world premieres! Stay tuned for more information.

The Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble is Oklahoma City’s foremost presenter of classical chamber music. For more information, visit us at www.brightmusic.org

Senior Living Truth Series will discuss ‘Living Spaces’

The Senior Living Truth Series is offering “field trips” along with its free seminar in April,

“The Truth about Home: Navigating Living Spaces Based on Life Stages.” The seminar is April 11 in the ATRIUM at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland. The guided tours will be to five different senior communities in the northwest metro.

“In this seminar, we delve into the diverse options available for shaping our living arrangements to match our evolving needs and circumstances,” said series organizer Dr. Nikki Buckelew, PhD. “Whether you’re contemplating downsizing, moving to a retirement community, living with family, or crafting a custom home, the focus is on personalizing your living space based on your distinct life stage.”

Buckelew said the April 11 seminar promises to be a lively and candid discussion that challenges preconceptions, emphasizing that life stages, rather than chronological age, are the true indicators for choosing where to live and what to include in personal living spaces.

In addition to the seminar, OKC Mature Moves, an education partner associated with the Senior Living Truth Series, is providing optional guided discovery tours to local senior living communities for seminar attendees.

“Many people have outdated ideas and preconceived notions about what

life at a retirement community looks and feels like,” Buckelew said. “While we try to paint a more accurate picture at seminars, it’s simply not possible to fully understand what they are like unless you have been there.”

These “field trips” are designed to help people better understand services, pricing, and amenities. She stressed that these are not sales tours – just education. Guides will provide questions to ask and things to be looking for. In addition to the five senior community visits in April, there will be more tours in early summer.

“People tend to strategically plan ahead in young and middle adulthood as they consider the most suitable living arrangements for their respective life stages,” said Kelli Fischer, senior living advisor at Concordia Life Plan Community. “Once retired, however, planning seems to come to a halt. People seem to think their current home will be their ‘forever home,’ but that is often not the case.”

“With no plan in place, families find themselves making decisions amidst a crisis. Our goal is to motivate and encourage people to have a plan if their circumstances should change. Maybe they will never need to use the plan, but at least they will have one just in case.”

Seminar pre-registration and tour information are available by calling (405) 563-7501 or going online at www.seniorlivingtruthseries.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED/ MALCOLM ZACHARIAH

Amy I-Lin Cheng, Sean Wang, and Jonathan Ruck at First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City.

A look at minimum wage

By Steve Gust

Oklahoman

The

had a column Sunday from State Sen. Julia Kirt (D-OKC) about legal protections for renters as well as the overall plight low-income folks have.

Steve Gust

It was mentioned that the minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25. The lawmaker suggested it might be time to raise it. That may be true, but I’m not sure it would be that much of a game changer.

I’m not a fan of minimum wage laws. I guess liberals think if the free markets handled it then employers would pay folks 50 cents an hour. I don’t think that’s true. Businesses want good capable people to work and they know it costs money to do that.

Some states can’t wait. In California, their leader Gov. Gavin Newsom implemented a $20 an hour minimum wage. That’s gone into effect this week. Some people say that Newsom granted an exception to businesses that donated to him.

Regardless of that, the fallout from

the new California law is predictable. Businesses have laid off workers and menu prices have climbed. How does that help anyone? Why didn’t Newsom up it to $30 an hour or $50 an hour? Had he done that, even more restaurants would have closed.

In addition, I’m sure a lot more restaurants will be going to automated services – such as machines taking orders.

The $20 an hour minimum wage is another example of how a law can backfire.

Why do we want the government to solve problems like this anyway? Their solutions just don’t seem to work all that well. Remember the $84 billion of military equipment left in Afghanistan?

But the big-government disciples still want to mandate electric vehicles for everyone in five to 10 years. Who voted for that?

It’s frustrating to watch so many useless government solutions go into effect.

There is one axiom people should know: Government doesn’t have all the answers, folks.

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

In response to reports that the United States Department of Education is investigating the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma House Democrats are renewing their call from 2023 to create a special bipartisan House committee to investigate possible misuse and abuse of federal tax dollars.

In 2023, House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, and the House Democratic Caucus called on the Speaker of the House to investigate OSDE and the State Superintendent.

“House Democrats have pushed for a bipartisan investigation into the OSDE for the past year regarding the misappropriation of taxpayer dollars,” Leader Munson said. “The Speaker and Republican supermajority have refused to act, which has continued to embolden the State Superintendent. We have seen essential employees and cabinet-level officials resign due to lack of transparency from the department. Now, we get to see what happens when federal grant money is misspent.”

Many school districts are still wait-

ing for disbursement of federal dollars long overdue, and stipends have been delayed again for student teachers.

“Where is this money going?” said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa. “Last week we learned of private companies listing the OSDE as their business address and contracts awarded to out of state vendors over Oklahoma companies. Where does it end? Every taxpayer dollar should be used in accordance with the law. I say this not just as a former school administrator, but as a concerned Oklahoma resident. While we continue to file legislation mandating transparency from OSDE, action needs to be taken now to address this mounting list of issues.”

“The actions of the State Superintendent continue to concern Oklahomans,” said Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater. “As a legislature, we must work together to ensure proper oversight of the department.”

Speaker lauds new hospital

Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, last week issued a statement celebrating the groundbreaking of the Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital on the campus of Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City:

"Today, I join many people in celebrating the groundbreaking of a new behavioral health facility in our state. The groundbreaking of the Donahue Behavioral Health Hospital, an advanced mental health hospital located on the Oklahoma State UniversityOklahoma City campus, marks a critical moment for mental healthcare in Oklahoma. This facility is the result of a collaborative effort between federal, state and local governments, foundations, universities and private donors. It represents what can be achieved when striving together towards a common goal.

I am pleased that the Legislature worked together to fund a significant portion of this much needed project using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

This hospital represents our collective commitment to making meaningful progress in addressing mental health, something that affects many citizens and communities throughout our state. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this happen.”

Chinese expansionism concerns Senate

Senators James Lankford (ROK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the American Economic Independence Act, legislation that would require the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive threat analysis of the national security risks posed by economic integration with China in key economic sectors such as financial services, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and manufacturing. After delivering the threat analysis, the Executive Branch would be tasked with providing recommendations to Congress to mitigate the national security risks posed by China in each economic sector.

“When we depend on our adversaries, we jeopardize our economy and national security. The Chinese Communist Party’s mission is to undercut American industry. It is essential that the

United States take steps to fully evaluate the scope of China’s predatory economic involvement in critical minerals, technology, and manufacturing to secure America’s supply chain,” said Lankford.

Lankford has called for resilience against China’s economic coercion, seeking to address ongoing dependence on China for everything from farmland purchases to pharmaceuticals to critical minerals. Lankford has championed the SOIL Act, which targets international land purchases from countries that threaten national security. Lankford led the bipartisan Quad Critical Minerals Partnership Act and introduced legislation to reduce the US’ reliance on China for critical minerals. Lankford continues to call out the Biden Administration’s soft approach to China and encourages the Administration to directly address with China their human rights and religious freedom abuses.

Background:

Letters to the Editor policy

The American Economic Independence Act would analyze national security risks from current and predicted economic integration between the United States and China across the following economic sectors:

Financial services;

Critical minerals, including rare-earth elements;

Semiconductors and microelectronics;

Artificial intelligence;

Communications, including telecommunications, social media applications, satellites and other space-based systems, and undersea cables;

Quantum computing;

Cloud-based systems, including computing services and data storage;

Biotechnology;

Pharmaceuticals and medical technology, including medical devices; and

Manufacturing, including casting, machining, joining, and forming.

The American Economic Independence Act requires a comprehensive analysis that includes an assessment of:

Each sector’s reliance on Chinese entities, including state-owned enterprises, for foreign direct investment and other sources of financial capital;

Each sector’s reliance on supply chains that have a significant dependence on products or processes based in China;

Risks of intellectual property theft or economic espionage by individuals or entities linked to the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party;

An assessment of risks to the defense industrial base; and

An assessment of t he risks posed by the use of subsidies and the dumping of goods into the customs territory of the United States by entities in the People’s Republic of China, including

or

by

Lankford

Making the list is Edmond’s Around the Corner

Elaine’s favorite dining destinations

By Elaine Warner

Guy Fieri has a cool, if fattening, job. He specializes in diners, drive-ins and dives. In my job, I’m usually going to fancier spots – but on my own, I’m a devotee of the three Ds. Here are some of my favorites.

The Diner: Fieri was here – and so was I. If you’re a long-time subscriber, you may remember I wrote an entire column on this spot in 2021. In case you missed it, I’ll recap.

, The Diner on Norman’s Main Street looks like the average, old-time diner – which it is – no sleek signage or distinctive décor to entice customers. The building has housed a variety of eateries for over 100 years. It’s been owned by the Amspacher family since 1989, but there’s a longer legacy behind the diner.

The family started with a grocery store on Norman’s south side many years ago. I’m not sure when they started making chili, but by 1930, their take on the dish was attracting customers for the chili alone.

I was there early – that odd time between breakfast and lunch. No problem – The Diner had me covered. I ordered breakfast and Jack, my husband, ordered lunch.

The breakfast menu covers the basics – eggs, pancakes and the usual sides. But, ah, the breakfast entrees! I like a breakfast with an attitude –and the Tamale Breakfast called my name. And there was chili on my tamales – so I got to try the signature dish – almost.

Jack ordered the Championship Chili – dense and meaty and perfectly spiced. The only difference between his chili and mine – mine had beans.

The configuration of seating is basic – one aisle down the center of the café, stools at the counter and some booths. The clientele – it’s a magnet for locals and the staff is friendly and efficient.

The Diner’s open seven days a week – Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 2, weekends from 7 to 2.

Midway Deli: Here’s another Norman spot that shouldn’t be missed. The breakfast menu is limited –muffins, croissants, cinnamon rolls and several breakfasts-on-breads selections. Everything’s fresh – and I’m

willing to bet they’re all good. I went for lunch with a group of 15 friends and we ordered a variety of items from my Vulcan – Santa Fe turkey, cheddar, pepperoni, avocado, tomato and sweet chili mayo on grilled sourdough bread – to loaded potatoes. Everyone’s thumbs were up.

From a 1926 grocery store, Midway’s morphed into a neighborhood hang-out, student hot spot and delight for newcomers who wander in. Besides sarnies, don’t miss Bill’s Chili. Originated by Bill Ashley in 1955, it’s become a favorite. Bill worked here for years, but even after retiring, he still comes in to make the chili.

Bob Thompson has owned the deli for 39 years but he’s maintained the heritage. Early on, the neighborhood was mostly young families. They started keeping track of their kids’ growth with marks on the door. The marks are still there – now joined by a couple of generations of autographs covering the walls.

Open 9 to 6 seven days a week, give it a try. You might even run into Coach Switzer – one of the deli’s many fans.

Around the Corner: The original restaurant sat on the corner of 1st and Broadway and was called The Corner. With a location change to the present location the name changed – now it’s Around the Corner. The owner most long-time Edmond residents knew was Charlotte Worsham who owned the restaurant

for 24 years. She made it the spot where the town met for breakfast. When she knew she needed to retire, she sold the business to Bob Weiss (who also owns Othello’s).

Weiss, who’s now owned it for 12 years, has kept it the same – same décor (lots of chicken items) and same menu. Everything’s made from scratch. Best sellers are chicken fried steak and eggs for breakfast, chicken fried steak for lunch. They pound, bread and fry the steak right there –nothing arrives frozen.

The menu also has some entrees you don’t often find – they sell a lot of liver and onions. Pork chops, meatloaf and chicken livers offer oldfashioned comfort.

The restaurant is open seven days a week (closed some holidays – but not July 4) from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bob Weiss says, “Around the Corner screams small town America.” And it’s still the place where city movers and shakers meet to get things going.

Winstead’s: Founded in Springfield, Illinois in 1936, Winstead’s was one of the country’s first drive-ins. When they opened the store in Kansas City in 1940, they added an indoor component – the only part I’ve ever known.

The décor is distinctive – the exterior is classic Streamline Art Deco. So modern then, it’s now beautifully retro. The floor is covered with tiny black, white and gray tiles. Turquoise Naugahyde booths flank dusty rosecolored tables. Bobby Darin’s ’59 hit, “Mack the Knife” floats out of a colorful juke box. And I’m immediately decades younger.

The signature dish is the steakburger, each patty smashed so thin, it’s almost lacy. (Order a double – or triple!) The beef is top-quality with no additives, provided locally and ground fresh each day. The pared down presentation – meat, topped

with mustard, ketchup, pickle and onion, on a plain, toasted bun and served in a paper wrapper – is the purist’s preference.

I always have mine with a tall cherry soda. For groups – or gluttons, order a Skyscraper Soda or Shake. The menu says it serves two, three or four – but I’ve seen as many as six slurpers with straws crowded around one of these tasty treats.

Winstead’s also offers one of the best breakfast bargains in town. Choices are basic – meat and egg, biscuit-and-gravy style. The pancakes are made with Winstead’s own custom blended mix with lots of vanilla.. Winstead’s is just east of the Plaza. They’re open seven days a week from 6:30 in the morning until the wee-est hours of the next day.

Herby-K’s: I’ve eaten in very few dives. The worst was in Kentucky –and I’m pretty sure they served me ‘possum. I can, however, recommend Herby-K’s in Shreveport. It’s self-described as “a hole in the wall” and that’s an honest assessment. But if you want some good Cajun food, this is the place.

Gumbo, etouffée, po’boys – here’s where you want to go. For me, it was the Shrimp Buster – butterflied, fried shrimp on buttered, toasted French bread with fries, coleslaw and Shrimp Buster Sauce on the side.

There are other items on the menu

Around the Corner is crowded with chickens, tchotchkes, memorabilia and customers.

The Diner is a long-time fixture on Norman’s Main Street

Around the Corner’s Barnyard Breakfast combines a big biscuit, bell peppers, onions, cheddar cheese and eggs smothered with gravy.

here’s plenty to share with a Skyscraper from Winstead’s

Elaine

Giving back UCO students help out during Spring Break

University of Central Oklahoma students used their spring break to volunteer in communities across Oklahoma and the nation as part of UCO’s Alternative Breaks program. Groups volunteered in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Fort Myers, Florida; and, throughout the Oklahoma City metro throughout the week.

Central’s Alternative Breaks program provides students the opportunity to participate in community engagement experiences by focusing on social issues on a local and national scale. Volunteer opportunities are offered during breaks in the fall, spring and summer semesters, including various weekends. Additionally, students may apply to serve as Alternative Break leaders, giving them the option to plan and lead a trip and develop their leadership skills.

“Alternative Breaks focuses on four things—education, orientation, volunteering and training. Students are fully immersed in an issue that faces society—learning and working hands-on with other students who are passionate about the same problem,” said Audrey Allard, coordinator for Community Engagement at UCO.

“This all happens while students are building relationships with one another, which propels them to stay involved and connected to each other, the community and the university.”

In Albuquerque, UCO students worked with four local nonprofits that serve women, children and families facing housing insecurity.

“I was able to grow my leadership skills exponentially by planning and facilitating this trip,” said Jasmine Cooper, a senior majoring in funeral service and forensic science from Del City, Oklahoma, and the New Mexico trip leader.

“I not only grew my own leadership skills but was able to help develop young leader’s minds and help them grow their own skills. I was able to learn more about the effects of poverty on individuals and their community and some different ways to help combat poverty in our own communities.”

Nearly 2,000 miles from Albuquerque, Central students focused on Hurricane Ian disaster relief in Fort Myers, Florida. The group worked on flooring, mudding, painting, installation, drywalling and any other needs to help residents get back into their homes.

“The Fort Myers trip focused on housing restoration work. I have not worked in construction before and neither had any of the students on the trip. By the end of the trip, I felt confident because I knew I was serving a community that needed it to the best of my ability,” said Grace Wray, a graduate student majoring in adult and higher education from Edmond, Oklahoma, and the Fort Myers trip leader.

“We were able to lay flooring in three rooms, paint and place baseboards, hang drywall and mud drywall. These are all tasks I never dreamed I could accomplish. Through Alternative Breaks, I grew my servant leadership skills alongside my technical skills.”

Back home in Oklahoma, UCO students volunteered with SunHive Collective, a nonprofit in Norman, Oklahoma, focused on creating safe and inviting spaces for young adults with disabilities. Students served as camp counselors for SunHive Collective’s day camp and facilitated activities.

Students also worked with four other local nonprofits – Hope Center, Other Options, Inc., Urban Mission and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Volunteer work included sorting donations, organizing, spring cleaning and bagging donations.

For more information on Alternative Breaks, visit www.uco.edu/student-resources/ce/alternativebreaks/

Groups of University of Central Oklahoma students used their spring break to volunteer instead of taking a traditional break. Groups volunteered in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Fort Myers, Florida; Norman, Oklahoma; and, within the Oklahoma City metro. Pictured, UCO student volunteers painting in Fort Myers, Florida.

New mural class will unveil their creation

Edmond Fine Arts and Boulevard Academy are excited to announce the culmination of their collaborative "Mural Makers Class" with the unveiling of a vibrant and inspiring mural. This innovative partnership was financially supported by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Edmond Visual Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts, to enrich the art education experience of Drawing and Design students at Boulevard Academy while fostering community engagement and appreciation for the arts.

"The Mural Makers Class”, a joint effort between Edmond Fine Arts and Boulevard Academy's Drawing and Design students, ran from February to April, offering two classes per week over six weeks. During this time, students delved into mural history and education, received guidance from local artists, Carlos Barboza and Tiffany McKnight, and engaged in hands-on mural creation. Led by their creativity and guided by instructors Virginia Sitzes and Savannah Whitehead in partnership with Edmond Public Schools Art Teacher Dawn Cash, students brought their visions to life, exploring themes ranging from cultural heritage to com-

munity unity.

This unique initiative not only provided students with practical skills in mural-making but also allowed them to explore the economic impact of art within the community. By integrating art education with real-world applications, the program empowers students and demonstrates the transformative power of art in shaping communities.

The highlight of the program will be the unveiling of the students' collaborative mural during VIBES, Edmond's First Thursday event, on April 4th at 6:30pm. This public unveiling will celebrate the students' hard work and creativity while showcasing the diverse talents of Edmond's youth.

Attendees can expect an evening filled with art, music, and community spirit as they gather to admire the newly revealed masterpiece.

In addition to the mural unveiling event, VIBES will also feature the Edmond Public Schools District Art Show inside The Edmond Railyard from 6-9 pm. The entire evening will be an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate the arts, and support the next generation of creative leaders.

GOP Women’s meeting April 15

The next meeting of the Edmond Republican Womens Club will take place on Monday, April 15. Newly elected District 39 State Representative, Erick Harris, has invited our club to be his guest at the Oklahoma State Capitol on that day for our very own "ERWC Red Day at the Capitol ".

Erick Harris was elected to represent House District 39 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2024. He is an attorney and serves as Vice President for Legal Services for a trucking company in Oklahoma City. Prior to entering private practice, Harris worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Oklahoma Attorney General's office. He previously taught American Government at the University of Central Oklahoma for nearly 10 years as an adjunct professor. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tuskegee University and served as student body president. Erick later earned a law degree and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. While in law school, he served as editor-in-chief of a law review. Harris holds a license to practice law in all Oklahoma state and federal district courts, as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Additionally, he serves on Tuskegee Univer-

sity's board of trustees and is a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association. He is a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma. Rep. Harris is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma and resides in Edmond with his wife, Melissa, and their daughter, Olivia. They are members of Northeast Baptist Church.

Members and guests will plan to be in Room 100 on the first floor of the Capitol at 11:30 AM. Rep. Harris will arrange for guest speakers and lunch will be brought in for the meeting. At 1:30 PM, the plans are for the club to be introduced from the gallery of the House of Representatives.

This will be a very exciting day for our club and we welcome visitors to attend with us. Our members can sign up using the link in the Newsletter or sign up through our email address at ERWC1787@gmail.com and we will get you signed up. Please make sure to indicate whether or not you will be having lunch, which will be our usual cost of $20, or if not having lunch, $5 to attend the meeting.

Our next meeting on May 20th, will be back at our usual location at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E Memorial Rd., Edmond

Congratulations To our local MArch madness winners! ulations rch

Mural Makers Class Students Priming One of the Mural Walls.

Photo by: Savannah Whitehead

Film entertaining but not superb Movie review of ‘Ghostbusters:

By George Gust

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” see the Spengler family return to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is the sequel to the rebooted/legacy sequel “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” that features a cavalcade of “Ghostbusters” characters past and present and continues the middle of the road approach to fan service that was featured in “Afterlife.” The new cast of Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard are back as well as original stars Aykroyd and Murray are in the mix as supporting character more than trumped up cameos. This blend of new and old makes for a fun fan service passing of the torch, but “Frozen Empire” has a lot more story on its plate than it’s able to tell in a confident way.

Answers on Page 19

And while “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is more stuffed than the stay-puff marshmallow man trying to fit into an airplane bathroom, there is a lot of fun adventure to be had in this film. In terms of blockbuster action with a quippy comedy “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” will fit the bill with entertaining sequences and enough new comedic elements to entertain fans of the original and new fans alike. Especially with the inclusion of comedic performances of solid comedic actors like Kumail

Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt there’s a good deal more fun to be had than in 2021’s “Afterlife.”

Overall, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is an entertaining adventure in this new iteration of Ghostbusters, but there’s a little bit too much of a ‘by the numbers’ production behind this movie that holds it back from being an exciting franchise that you want to keep up with. There was a plucky quality to the original “Ghostbusters” movie that is missing from “Frozen Empire” and has now spiraled into an action-adventure movie series that wants to compete with Marvel and the nostalgia dipped “Jurassic World” series of films. With “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” you’ll definitely get an entertaining popcorn blockbuster adventure, but it ultimately feels like too much of a calculated safe bet of a movie to become your favorite entry in the series.

“Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire” is rated PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references.

3.2 out of 5 stars

New law for students of 4-H programs

Gov. Stitt last weeksigned House Bill 1006 into law, which will grant 4-H students an excused school absence when participating in an approved activity.

The bill's author, Rep. Rick West, RHeavener, said he's pushed the legislation for the past four years as a way to provide fairness for students that participate in 4-H.

"Students that participate in FFA and other school activities already get excused absences," West said. "Our 4-H students deserve the same consideration to not have their grades negatively affected when they participate in an activity that is recognized by the county 4-H facilitator."

This will allow students to make up any missed work, West said. He said the request for the measure was from a constituent, but it has gained statewide support.

The number of excused absences allowed is still subject to the attendance policy of the local school,

Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon return to the freshly re-rebooted Ghostbusters franchise in an

but overstuffed entry Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire.’

Edmond Chamber welcomed Northcare medical provider

Northcare Urgent Recovery Center recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 820 W 15th Street.

The newest Edmond Northcare facility will include a 24-hour mental health urgent care for adults and youth. This newest Northcare branch will also offer outpatient services, including assessments, case management, care management, primary care health monitoring with linkages to primary care services, individual and group therapy for mental health and addiction, linkages to medication-assisted therapy, a pharmacy, peer support services, and a psychiatric medication clinic.

NorthCare offers a variety of services for children, adults, and families, designed to help you, your child, and

your family recover from mental illness, substance use, trauma, or crisis to live a life in recovery. They are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. NorthCare is a leading provider of integrated behavioral health services for Oklahomans living with mental illness, trauma, and addiction.

Today, they provide more than 20 trauma-informed programs for Oklahomans of all ages throughout all of central Oklahoma and neighboring counties.

To learn more about Northcare Urgent Recovery Center, check out their website, https://www.northcare.com, or give them a call at (405) 858-1730.

Rep. Erick Harris helps Edmond FFA member Aubrie Bowe show her prize winning goat. Also helping was Harris’ nephew, Carter Harris, age 6.

Toasting the FFA & 4-H

By Rep. Erick Harris

It's been a fun and exciting week here at the Capitol. Last week, we started considering the Senate's 279 bills, beginning with hearing measures in our House committees before they advance to the floor. I serve on the A&B Education Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Judiciary—Civil Committee, and Transportation Committee.

We'll have until April 8 to advance bills from our Appropriations & Budget subcommittees, until April 12 to pass them in regular standing committees, and until April 19 to pass them in our full A&B Committee. April 25 is the third-reading deadline for bills from the opposite chamber.

Recently, we held a joint legislative session of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate to recognize Oklahoma's veterans at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This was a personal moment for me, as my grandfather was a veteran of the Korean War. He served his country with pride, just like so many others have. It is important to show appreciation and support for our veterans and thank them for their service.

The Legislative Showmanship was held at the Oklahoma Youth Expo two weeks ago. Legislators from every corner of the state joined Oklahoma's future farmers and ranchers for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world's largest junior livestock show. It was an excellent opportunity to

meet with the future agriculture industry leaders.

This annual event hosts over 7,000 FFA and 4-H members and more than 13,000 heads of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and ag mechanics. OYE awards nearly $2 million to exhibitors and more than $300,000 in academic scholarships. It has a $25 million economic impact on the Oklahoma City economy.

I want to thank Aubrie Bowe, a part of the Edmond FFA, for coaching me and allowing me to show her goat. We even had a helper, my sixyear-old nephew Carter Harris. Agriculture education programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America create opportunities for Oklahoma's youth to build life skills and grow students into dedicated, committed young adults who appreciate the value of hard work and determination.

Lastly, I hosted my first page last week, Garrison Farr, a Deer Creek High School senior. Garrison plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall and major in accounting. He was a pleasure to have at the Oklahoma Capitol this week; he was even a leader in the mock session, where he presented a bill.

I am thankful and honored that the constituents of House District 39 have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-5577342 or erick.harris@okhouse.gov.

Northcare Urgent Recovery Center is at 820 W. 15th Street.

Easter Weekend Balloon

If you were around 33rd and Broadway last Saturday around 3:30 p.m., you may have seen a hot air balloon sailing in the air. The balloon pilot and passengers didn’t have to worry about waiting for the infamous long signal light.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

STEVE GUST

Integris ‘Home Run for Life’ recipient due honor

Augustus (Gus) Harbert has an amazing story of survival that was 14 years in the making. He finally received his long-awaited heart transplant in November 2022.

As part of National Donate Life Month, Harbert will be honored during the first INTEGRIS Health

“Home Run For Life” of the 2024 OKC Baseball Club season on Friday, April 5 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.

From LVAD…

Harbert is no stranger to INTEGRIS Health or Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, as he was previously honored as a Home Run For Life recipient in 2018. Back then, he was honored to commemorate his 10th anniversary of receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Harbert was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, also known as cardiomyopathy, at the age of 29. In other words, his heart was unable to pump enough blood through his body. After receiving some care in his native Tulsa, Harbert was referred to INTEGRIS Health.

He became the first person at INTEGRIS Health to receive an LVAD. Connected to the left ventricle of the heart and attached to the aorta, the LVAD takes over the function of circulating blood that the heart can no longer perform.

…To Transplant

Fast forward to today, and Harbert has a new

heart of his own. “Now I have a heartbeat,” he said. After 14 years of waiting, Harbert received his new heart on Nov. 2, 2022, at INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City.

The journey wasn’t without its trials, as Harbert worked tirelessly to lose 130 pounds in order to become a heart transplant candidate. He even moved to Oklahoma City in 2021 to be closer to the INTEGRIS Health Advanced Cardiopulmonary Care program so he could arrive quicker if a suitable heart became available.

Through it all, Harbert has the support of his family and credits the doctors and nurses at INTEGRIS Health for his experience. “INTEGRIS Health opened their arms to me and treated me like family,” he said.

Harbert still has some work ahead of him as he navigates cardiac rehab appointments to ensure his heart is functioning properly. With a new heart, and a new lease on life, he plans to spend time with his family and live his life to the fullest, as he always has.

Full Spectrum of Care

INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital at Baptist Medical Center is the only center in Oklahoma to offer the full spectrum of advanced cardiac care support that Harbert needed to survive. Whether a patient needs advanced heart failure care, LVAD, ECMO, total artificial heart or transplantation, INTEGRIS Health Advanced Cardiopulmonary Care is the only program in the state that can offer Oklahomans all of these options.