Edmond Life and Leisure - April 15, 2021

April 15, 2021

Vol. 21, No. 48

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Memorial making noise in the new eSports world

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.

A special farm camp for kidsSee page 13

A l s o b o a s t s C o a c h o f t h e Ye a r PHOTOS BY ERIECH TAPIA

FRIDAY, April 16 Showers High 54° Low 42°

SATURDAY, April 17 Mostly Cloudy High 57° Low 38°

SUNDAY, April 18 Mostly Sunny High 64° Low 41°

The League of Legends team celebrates after winning the Oklahoma State eSport competition with headcoach Kate Swearingen High School eSports team won multiple competitions at the first Oklahoma eSports State Competition, along with Coach Kate Swearingen being named Coach of the Year.

Three teams played earlier this month at Union High School including the League of Legends team which beat out the favored Union team to take first.

Super Smash Brothers also took first and Rocket League took third. Additionally, Devin Roberts won first-place at Super Smash Brothers and was offered a $10,000 scholarship from a local university.

“I knew what esports was, but I did not expect to get this far,” Roberts said.

“This was a great experience and I feel great.”

Teamwork, endurance and communication skills are just some of the traits needed when competing at an esports event. Hundreds of students from across Oklahoma competed at this year’s event.

“What sets us apart is our ability to

listen and know what each other is doing while competing,” said senior Teddy

Swearingen Shinn. “We know how to play to each other’s strengths.”

Swearingen said the students make coaching easy for her. “These kids have such a great time and they feel like they belong and they want to come back.”

The Edmond Memorial eSport team consists of students from varying backgrounds with some working full-time jobs to others being former athletes.

“I am so lucky to have the best kids in the state,” Swearingen said. “It is

really only growing at this point.”

Some students have become A students after joining the club, Swearingen said.

“It’s not just video games in school,” Swearingen said. “We want to show our value to those on the outside.”

The team was officially started during the 2019-2020 school year when Swearingen and student Josh Swisher decided to begin recruiting students.

The seventh-hour class has 31 students and the club has grown to more than 60. Swearingen is hoping to one day have an assistant coach.

In May, the team competes in the PlayVS, the central midwest esport competition, where they compete against nearly 300 teams.

Several Oklahoma colleges sponsored the inaugural Oklahoma eSport State Competition. The success and popularity of esports have led some universities to offer degree options and scholarships for those looking to make a career in competitive gaming.

Page 2 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 3

State lawmakers say Biden actions unconstitutional House Concurrent Resolution 1004 sponsored by Rep. Jay Steagall, RYukon, in the House and Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, in the Senate was filed today. The resolution declares the Biden administration’s recent executive actions addressing gun violence as unconstitutional.

“For the current administration to make the statement that POTUS ‘will not wait for Congress to act...’ is an insult to all Americans,” said Steagall.

“It underscores how little regard the administration has for the United States Constitution, in particular ignoring constitutionally-defined separation of powers, and how they have taken no notice of the innumerable rights secured by the Constitution. I filed this resolution, along with Sen. Dahm and other legislators, to signal that the Oklahoma Legislature will take actions to maintain the proper balance of delegated authority between the state and their agent. We legislators must recognize these types

of overreaching, unconstitutional edicts for what they are – unauthoritative, void and of no force.”

HCR 1004 states that President Biden's executive action, issued April 7, 2021, titled "FACT SHEET: BidenHarris Administration Announces Initial Actions to Address the Gun Violence Public Health Epidemic", prescribes measures that are in direct violation of the provisions of the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, and Tenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as well as Article I, Section 1 and Article II, Section 3, and is thus declared unconstitutional.

“As the authors of the nation’s first ever Anti-Red Flag Act, I’m honored to join Rep. Steagall in our continued fight to protect the people’s rights,” said Dahm. “This is especially important as we see the Biden administration pushing for measures like red flag laws that violate numerous provisions of the Bill of Rights.’

GOP Women’s Club to meet April 19; State official to speak The Edmond Republican Women’s Club will meet on Monday, April 19 for their annual monthly meeting at Eddies on 2nd Street and Coltrane. This month the group will host State Inspector and Auditor Cindy Byrd, CPA. Byrd is the first woman elected to this statewide elected office and the only candidate to top the 800,000-vote milestone in an election for state office in Oklahoma history. She has served as Deputy State Auditor & Inspector as well as the Director of the County Audit Division.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from East Central University in Ada. She is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 20 years of governmental auditing experience.

Her public service includes planning and conducting county audits, district attorney audits, emergency medical services district audits, and investigative audits.

The State Auditor & Inspector’s primary function is to safeguard public assets. Cindy is at the forefront of this mission by striving to identify wasteful spending, assisting elected officials to fully understand their fiduciary responsibility to preserve the

Cindy Byrd

public trust, effectively administer government auditing standards to be utilized as tolls to create more responsive government at every level and to improve the efficient delivery of government services.

Edmond Republican Women’s Club meets regularly at Eddies every third Monday of the month. A buffet is available for $15 (cash or check) to those who would like to dine and attend. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the buffet is available. Club meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. For more information on how to become involved with the organization contact the VP of Membership at jen@nextlevelgo.com.

Congratulations To our local MArch madness winners!

UCLA UCLA

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Page 4 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Council set for the next two years Voters have selected their slate for the Edmond Mayor and city council positions for at least the next two years which is the term council veteran Darrell Davis was elected to as our new mayor.

Ray Hibbard The other two positions on the council will serve for four years. Christin Mugg and Stacie Peterson will represent Wards 3 and 4, respectively. All election results are unofficial until certified by the Oklahoma County Election Board. There has been a challenge to the count for Ward 3 since the difference in votes was 65 votes. The recount, according to the Oklahoma County Election Board, will be April 20 at 10 a.m. It was requested

by Ward 3 candidate Sheryl Janis. A total of 10,839 votes were cast in the election which is a good turnout for local election. Once certified, a formal swearing-in ceremony for the candidates will take place in the Edmond City Council Chambers on Monday, May 3.

Edmond Public School Board Office 1 will see member Lee Ann Kuhlman return. She has served in the post for 10 years and will continue to be part of the team leading our excellent school system through the post COVID-19 challenges. Next year also sees a school year with a new superintendent due to the retirement of long time Edmond Public School Superintendent Bret Towne. Voters made a good choice in keeping Kuhlman in place for a difficult time of transition.

I have often thought that we should change the term for mayor to four years. Two years is difficult and not enough time for a mayor to serve.

Council members get four years to do the job and the mayor should have the same time before having to spend valuable time running for re-election. My advertising director will not like me saying so, however. She thinks that if each council member and mayor had to run every year it would boost our advertising revenue.

We appreciate all that ran for the office This time around. It is a difficult job and certainly does not pay well. They serve part-time at the head of the City’s Council-Manager form of government.

The Mayor’s annual salary is $6,000, and each Council member’s annual salary is $4,200. The next City Council election will take place in 2023 for Mayor, Ward 1, and Ward 2.

Sales tax increase to be proposed I am told by our current mayor, Dan

zations and 300 teachers through these employee-funded grants totaling more than $5,000,000. In 2021, Cox employees in Oklahoma City have pledged to donate nearly $375,000 to continue fulfilling its mission of strengthening Cox communities through the support of programs that positively impact Oklahoma.

We encourage organizations here in Edmond to apply. For Cox Charities Community Investment Grant applications and more information, visit www.coxcharitiescentral.org.

Edmond Mayor-elect Darrell Davis O’Neil, that there is a move a foot for the city to purchase a piece of private land next to Hafer Park here in Edmond. A developer currently owns the land and has plans to build luxury multiunit housing on the property. A number of homeowners in the area are against the project.

This is one of those projects that has a swirl of misunderstanding around it.

Rumors are flying that the development would take land away from Hafer Park or even eliminate it all together. The development is on private land and not owned by the City of Edmond in any form. This project has every right to go forward, and the developer is bending over backward to make it a quality project that would enhance the area and increase current homeowner’s property values.

The city does not have the money to purchase the property but that is not stopping some folks from wanting that to happen. It would require a tax increase on the rest of us of about a half cent over the next five years to make it happen. The city getting into the business of purchasing land and taxing us to do so just because some in the area do not like a proposed project is a path that is not sustainable. This is not a good time to increase taxes and if we do so in the future it should be reserved for a purpose that helps the city across the board and not just a particular neighborhood group. I would suggest those who do not like the project pass the hat amongst themselves and buy the land. They can then donate the land to our park system.

Agencies and schools can apply for grants up to $10,000 Once again, Cox Communications employees will award more than

$375,000 to Oklahoma City nonprofits and educators in 2021 through its employee-funded giving program, Cox Charities. This will include Cox Charities Education Grants for teachers and Community Investment Grants for nonprofits. Applications are being accepted now at Cox Charities website through Saturday, May 1, for nonprofits and through Thursday, July 1, for educators.

I love this effort because it is the fund created and contributed to by Cox employees. These folks truly give big time and love what they do for our community. Typically, Edmond organizations and projects fair very well which says much about the quality of what goes on here in Edmond.

Cox Charities Community Investment grants will be given to nonprofit organizations with outstanding programs that benefit the Oklahoma Cox Communications service areas. Funds are targeted toward nonprofit programs that focus on education, technology, social issues, and the arts. The Cox Charities Education Grant program provides funding to K-12th grade teachers that support technology, programs and curriculum that promotes students' academic success and enhance the educational experience.

“Through Cox Charities, our employees are excited to be able to give back to the communities where we live, work and serve. It has never been more important to support as we continue to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Kristin Peck, vice president of public affairs. “Our employee-funded program allows us to support the teachers and nonprofits that positively impact Oklahoma, and for that, we couldn’t be prouder.”

Since 2008, Cox Charities has supported more than 500 nonprofit organi-

“I Remember That:” Edmond in the 1980s, Museum Exhibit Our friend Amy Stephens, the executive director at The Edmond Historical Society and Museum, has made me feel old. The museum is presenting I Remember That: Edmond in the 1980s, which runs from now until March 2022. Honest folks, the 1980’s was not that long ago, was it? I remember it most for the oil boom and bust. Going from drinking beer out of girls boots at Cowboys in OKC to a drop in the economy that lasted eight long years.

The 1980s were a time of big hair, spandex, and major political upheaval.

The decade saw the Reagan-era presidency, the beginning of MTV, and a royal wedding. Shoulder pads aside, the 1980s is also remembered for its corruption, consumption, and volatility. Edmond residents, not immune to such trials, experienced the oil bust, increased crime, an F3 tornado and the 1986 Post Office Massacre.

It was not all bad news though--Edmond’s population and business development increased. The long-awaited Lake Arcadia project was completed, Edmond hosted the 1988 PGA golf tournament, and the decade was rounded off with a huge 100th birthday party.

Artifacts and photographs showcase an era rich in pop culture and largescale celebrations, but also evidence of how the city responded in the face of tragedy. Artifacts include PGA items, an Atari game system with Pac-man game, an aerobic workout record, Liberty-Fest memorabilia, the Postmaster General’s speech following the massacre, Berlin Wall fragments, a Rubik’s cube, an Edmond Memorial senior sweatshirt, and more. New artifacts will be on display in September.

If you lived through the 1980s, you know it was a vibrant and exciting time. If you did not, come see what you missed. And no, I will not be on exhibit!

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

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 6.

---- Senior news sections............................................................Pages 8 & 9.

---- Columnist looks back at election ..............................................Page 10.

---- Historical museum and latest exhibit..........................................Page 11.

---- Elaine Warner looks at a special amusement park......................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews ‘’Thunder Force’ ......................................Page 14.

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

---- Business news ............................................................................Page 17.

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

This, and much more, in this week’s edition!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photographer Melinda Infante

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

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 5

Anonymous $1 million gift to fund prostate awareness Anonymous supporters have provided $1 million to support OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center prostate cancer awareness efforts. The gift, made to the University of Oklahoma Foundation, will help fund the center’s planned Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative, a critical addition to previous prostate cancer awareness campaigns that will further bolster Stephenson Cancer Center’s position as a nationwide leader in detecting and treating prostate cancer as well as increasing public awareness about the disease.

“The importance of this generous gift to raise awareness of prostate cancer, assist in community outreach to our most vulnerable men and provide funding for the ability to measure the impact of these screenings on men in Oklahoma cannot be understated,” said Michael Cookson, M.D., professor and chairman of urology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and chief of urology at Stephenson Cancer Center. “This campaign will save lives.”

The gift provides a kick-start for Stephenson Cancer Center’s three-part campaign strategy that consists of a year-long marketing campaign around public education and awareness; community-driven events — including free screenings — directed toward Oklahomans who are uninsured, underinsured and socioeconomically disadvantaged; and clinical research measuring the impact of prostate cancer awareness and education on screening, detection and outcomes.

Cookson noted that prostate cancer is the “No. 1 solid tumor in men.” While this type of cancer typically grows slowly, it can be deadly. The American Cancer Society estimates that 248,530 new cases will be diagnosed in 2021, resulting in over 34,000 deaths. Physicians at Stephenson Cancer Center say that men should begin annual prostate cancer screening at age 50 and should begin earlier if family history suggests greater risk.

“While we have made significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, early detection remains very important for successful treatment, “said Dr. Robert Mannel, M.D., director of Stephenson Cancer Center. “Prevention of cancer is a major component of our mission, and we are grateful for this remarkable donation because it will extend our reach to even more men across Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that one in eight men in the state will be diagnosed

Stephenson Cancer Center plans to organize free blood test screenings to target uninsured and underserved populations. with prostate cancer. Many of these men have a limited understanding about prostate cancer screening and little access to testing. With this awareness campaign, Stephenson Cancer Center will build upon its previous public education efforts, continuing to generate awareness and information on prostate cancer in Oklahoma.

Stephenson Cancer Center’s Prostate Cancer Awareness supports the OU Health clinical strategic plan, which aims to serve more Oklahomans in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

Stephenson Cancer Center treats one in six Oklahomans seeking cancer treatment and the plan is focused on ensuring few Oklahomans travel out of state to receive cancer treatment.

“Across our academic health care enterprise, we have been leaders in care delivery innovation,” said Jason Sanders, M.D., MBA, senior vice president and provost of the OU Health Sciences Center and acting chair of the Board of OU Medicine. “Increasing preventive services is a key part of those efforts. Today and into the future, we are committed to making our health services accessible to every Oklahoman who needs our care.”

The Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative will leverage traditional and digital media outlets to educate Oklahomans about prostate cancer detection and engage the community in a dialogue about the disease.

Stephenson Cancer Center has a goal of expanding community-based education among Oklahoma’s African American population in particular, for whom prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer.

Stephenson Cancer Center plans to organize free blood test screenings to target uninsured and underserved populations, with the Department of Urology at the OU College of Medicine serving as a point of contact for education and follow-up for individuals whose tests indicate that further assessment is needed. The data collected during the campaign will inform the effectiveness of the awareness measures and provide a diagnostic pathway for men who are identified as having a marker for prostate cancer.

Page 6 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(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 29 Nicole Lachelle Payne, 32 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute CDS and possession of CDS. Timothy Blake Weaver, 38 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS and three counts of failure to appear.

Bobby Fitzgerald Johnson, Jr., 21 of Edmond.

Misdemeanor warrant, Interruption, disruption, interference with an emergency phone call, kidnapping and domestic abuse assault (dangerous weapon.)

Matthew Isaiah Noland, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

March 30 Christopher Alan Knight, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication and false representation to an officer.

Duncan Lee Lunceford, 36 of Yukon. Child abuse neglect and felony warrant.

Eric Daniel Wolf, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Catina Renee Rankin, 48 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Daniel Paul Rhodes, 31 of Edmond. Failure to yield from alley or private drive, Expired tag, over three months, no proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Michael Richard Dees, Jr., 35, of Oklahoma City.

(Misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

Betty Ann Howard, 55 of Edmond. Public intoxi-

cation.

March 31 Kelechi Subzero Ekeocha, 26, of Edmond. Failure to devote full time attention to driving and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Tina Lynn Hiel, 56 of Edmond. Petty larceny.

Dorothy Rechelle Thomas, 53 of Oklahoma City.

(Misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

April 1 Destiny Anne Turner, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .8 or more.

Michael Lamont Johnson, 43 of Spencer. Tinted windshields and windows prohibited, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Ashton Elizabeth Matheson, 20 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Christen Lee Bowen, 36, of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Derek Andrew Wright, 54 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Luis Ruiz-Villegas, 18 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

April 2 Julia Marie King, 21 of Bethany. Operate (DUI or APC) motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Gina Suzanne Rivas, 36 of Shawnee. Public intoxication.

John Allen Faughn, 26 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

John William Fuston, 57 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Tyanna Gabrielle Jackson, 25 of Edmond. Oper-

ate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Jose Manuel Balderas Carranza, 45 of Oklahoma City Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Grant Mitchell Young, 26 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

April 3 Travis Don Horton, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Chad Edward Kopensky, 30 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

McKayla Jean Sullivan, 30 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC. Tiffany Nicole Reeves, 30 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

April 4 Austin James Arias, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication Trinton Octavius Smith, 28 of Oklahoma City.

Carry a weapon under the influence of alcohol, possession of CDS and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Adam James Tack, 20 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Oscar Antonio Aguilar Rodriguez, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Colton Christopher Cox, 19 of Oklahoma City.

Public intoxication and possession of CDS. Johnny Lee Vivian, 19 homeless. Unlawful carrying of a weapon, public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS and carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol.

Kyler Brentrell Edwards, 28 of Guthrie. (Anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

TSET opens up grant process

Local News?

Please send to news@edmondpaper.com

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust is now accepting applications from communities and schools for TSET’s Healthy Incentive Program.

The application period closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 23.

The TSET Healthy Incentive Program offers grants to municipalities, school districts and schools that adopt policies supporting tobaccofree environments, improved nutrition, increased physical activity and employee wellness.

“Our schools and communities play a crucial role in creating a healthy Oklahoma by teaching and encouraging healthy habits and creating an environment where those choices are possible,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Incentive grants recognize cities and towns, school districts and schools that are supporting improved health.”

Since the program's inception in 2012,134 communities,187 school districts and 53 schools have received incentive grants.

To be eligible for incentives, schools and communities must pass approved policies that promote health and wellness. Grant funds can be used for projects such as playground improvements, walking tracks, active learning equipment and other projects that support access to healthy choices.

Funding is limited and applications are considered on a first-come, firstserve basis. The TSET Board of Directors will consider awards at the May board meeting.

For more information about the TSET Healthy Incentive Grants for Communities, visit the tset.ok.gov/content/incentivegrants or contact Connie Befort, program manager, at connieb@tset.ok.gov.

For more information about the TSET Healthy Incentive Grants for Schools, visit the tset.ok.gov/content/incentive-grants or contact Laura Matlock, program manager, at lauram@tset.ok.gov.

Make Ready Market set for weekend at metro location The third Make Ready Market is set to take place on April 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Make Ready collective, located at 220 NW 13th St in Midtown. Make Ready Market is a monthly, outdoor shopping event promoting and supporting local business owners, artists and entrepreneurs, and will feature locally-made or locally-grown products like clothing, flowers, skincare products, jewelry, art, pottery and food. There’s no cost to enter and shop, but because of the ongoing pandemic, masks are required while in the area.

“COVID-19 really hit our local businesses hard,” said Carly Sowecke, owner of Field Study Clothing, who organized the Make Ready Market along with the other tenants of the Make Ready collective. “This is our

little way of bringing shopping back to midtown, back to local businesses, and safely bringing people back together for a great experience.”

The first two Make Ready Market events saw hundreds of shoppers in just a short window of time, and was a hit for local vendors. This month’s Make Ready Market features the Holey Rollers Food Truck and live music from Christian Pearson.

“We’re expecting great weather, and with vaccination numbers looking good in the metro, we’re hopeful folks will be excited to get out, try or buy some fun things, and support local shops,” said Sowecke.

At Field Study, we believe certain things are worth slowing down and enjoying. That’s why we deal in slow fashion: Beautiful, memorable, limited-time-only styles, all made by hand, using sustainable sources and materials. We’re proud to be a woman-owned, OKC small business, with great neighboring vendors in the Make Ready collective.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 7

Student first at Oklahoma Research Day at Capitol

University of Central Oklahoma biomedical engineering student Kayley McBride placed first in the Regional, Community and Tribal College category at the 26th annual Oklahoma Research Day at the Capitol in March.

McBride, from Edmond, worked on the research project with fellow student Mahnoor Ahsan, a biology-biomedical science major from Pakistan, and mentored by Christina Hendrickson, Ph.D., human physiology laboratory coordinator at Central and Mel Vaughan, Ph.D., interim chairperson and professor of biology at Central.

The project, which explores using dandelion extract to treat cervical cancer, began in 2019 when Vaughan and Hendrickson began researching the human dermal fibroblast cells as normal cells and HeLa cells, known as cervical cancer cells.

"I will never forget the day we observed the anti-proliferative effect of dandelion extract on HeLa cells," Hendrickson said.

"It was exciting to see that dandelion stopped cancer cells proliferation and promoted programmed cell death but didn't have such effects on normal cell lines."

McBride joined the research team in fall 2020.

"I love this research. It is amazing that a weed that people pay to have killed has been shown to have anti-cancer effects," she said.

The research team has expanded their research through the funding of an Oklahoma IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) grant, Research, Creative, and Scholarly Activities and Student Transformative Learning Record (STLR) grants through Central and private donations.

Research Day at the Capitol was established to showcase the outstanding undergraduate research conducted at Oklahoma's colleges and universities in the areas of science (including social science), technology, engineering and mathematics. Oklahoma colleges and universities nominate their top undergraduate student researchers to participate in the prestigious event each year.

The event is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for University of Central Oklahoma biomedical engineering student Kayley McBride placed Higher Education, Oklahoma Established Program to Stimulate first in the Regional, Community and Tribal College category at the 26th annual OklaCompetitive Research (OK EPSCoR) and the National Science Founhoma Research Day at the Capitol in March. McBride, who is from Edmond, Okladation. homa, worked on the research project with fellow student Mahnoor Ahsan, a For more information about Oklahoma Research Day at the Capibiology-biomedical science major from Pakistan. Pictured, left to right, McBride and tol, visit www.okepscor.org.

Ahsan work on the project, which explores using dandelion extract to treat cervical For more information about Central, visit www.uco.edu. cancer.

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.

Page 8 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Speech center helps stroke victim James Daniel, 48, survivor of a hemorrhagic stroke, and his wife Tammie Brewer of Yukon, are very thankful for the excellent resources and level of skilled professionalism they found at the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center when help was desperately needed.

Speech therapy is often primarily associated with developmental needs of children and its value cannot be underestimated. Services are in demand, but clients who benefit span all age groups.

In addition to therapies tailored for children, the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center, located in the University of Oklahoma College of Allied Health on the OU Health Sciences Center campus, offers comprehensive treatment for adults, often seen in connection with brain injuries or neurological disorders.

The day in September 2016 that changed James Daniel’s life began like most others. An avid mountain biker and road cyclist, Daniel made his usual loop around Lake Hefner; completed a regular workout routine; put in a full day of work at his job with a commercial fire and safety firm; and returned home to enjoy dinner with his wife.

Without warning, as the couple watched TV that evening, Daniel began to experience the “worst headache of his life.” Daniel resisted the idea of going to the hospital, but Brewer, a registered nurse, knew that immediate action was necessary. Later, they would learn that Daniel had experienced a massive stroke, the result of not one, but two brain aneurysms that ruptured.

James Daniel and wife, Tammie Brewer They now know the condition is hereditary, and that two other family members also have identified brain aneurysms and are monitoring them.

“Even now, it’s frightening to think how it was just there, waiting to explode,” Brewer said.

An aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel that can leak, or as in Daniel’s case, rupture, releasing a rush of blood into the brain. This type of stroke occurs when blood fills space between the brain and thin, protective tissues covering the brain. Most aneurysms never rupture or create health problems, and are often detected as patients are screened for other conditions. However, if an aneurysm ruptures, it becomes a life-threatening event requiring immediate medical attention.

The aneurysm was located under the spinal artery at the back of Daniel’s head. The force of surging blood

caused his brain to shift incrementally to the right of the skull. In one of many procedures that followed, Daniel’s carotid artery, dissected during the stroke, had to be surgically reopened.

He remained in a coma for the first three to four weeks of what became a four-month hospitalization. Daniel underwent multiple surgeries during this time, including a brain flap to remove the large clot on the left side of the brain; placement of complex brain stents, a feeding tube and tracheostomy, followed by weeks of inpatient rehabilitation.

Pressure on the optic nerve resulted in visual deficiencies, mostly affecting peripheral vision. Daniel’s condition is monitored annually by Anil Patel, M.D., FRCSC, FACS, neuro-ophthalmology specialist at Dean McGee Eye Institute.

While impaired peripheral vision is a concern, Patel believes Daniel is fortunate to be alive, with any remaining vision.

Among other long-term effects of the stroke, Daniel has aphasia, a language impairment that occurs when language areas of the brain are damaged. Because multiple areas of the brain are involved in language function, some regions may remain healthy and unaffected. Fifteen percent of people under age 65 who experience a stroke develop some form of aphasia. Types of aphasia vary according to the area of the brain that sustained injury.

Daniel has Broca’s aphasia, one of three common forms of aphasia, which prevents a person from forming intelligible words and sentences. Broca’s usually doesn’t impair the ability to understand others when they speak, but patients often have extreme difficulty retrieving learned language and formulating appropriate responses.

Broca’s also may cause alexia (loss of ability to understand written or printed language) and agraphia (impaired ability to write or process written language). The affected area of the brain, the dominant frontal lobe, also houses vessels that deliver blood to movement

centers. Paralysis, usually affecting the right side of the body, is another manifestation of Daniel’s stroke that presents challenges daily. He has limited use of his right hand.

Daniel has been in speech therapy for four years now. After discharge from the hospital, Brewer and Daniel explored and experienced a number of speech therapy options. One of these, a summer camp for people with aphasia, was led by Karen Copeland, M.S., CCCSLP, who suggested the focused, adultspecific services provided at the John W. Keyes Hearing and Speech Center. It was their first awareness that such services were available.

As the first order of business before meeting with a speech pathologist at the Keys Center, Daniel took the Western Aphasia Battery, a diagnostic tool used to assess linguistic and certain nonlinguistic skills of adults with aphasia. The WAB provides information that can diagnose the specific type of aphasia by identifying the affected area of the brain causing aphasia. They were astounded by the thoroughness of this comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Brewer remembers her husband repeatedly saying, “Wow!” She said their experience at the Keys Center has been nothing but positive.

“We were just trying to find our way through this maze, and realized this protocol is what we should have seen all along. James had never before been asked questions like this - being asked to ‘think outside the box.’ Just as important, he was treated like an adult. Approaches and therapies used elsewhere seemed more appropriate for children, and so there was a tendency to interact with James on that level.” Brewer said it was at the Keys Center where she was instructed, for the first time, not to help Daniel with answers or assist him in any way. “No one had explained to me that he needed to do it on his own for the best outcomes.”

Daniel has been in therapy at the Keys Center for two years now. They were excited about working with Jennifer Tetnowski, Ph.D., whose area of special expertise is treatment for adults with aphasia. Here too, Brewer and Daniel were introduced to a wealth of previously unknown resources, including smart phone apps with the technology to gauge brain activity, and even gaming programs that facilitate rehabilitation of Daniel’s hand. These robotic games are strategically designed to not only restore muscular ability, but in activating those muscles, new brain pathways are activated.

Additionally, they found aphasia support groups for adults, done quite effec-

See Stroke, Page 9

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 9

Stroke From Page 8 tively using the Zoom platform. Brewer said these are especially vital through the COVID-19 pandemic to keep isolation and feelings of hopelessness at bay.

The pandemic made virtual interaction necessary, and Brewer values the ease and convenience of scheduling. While they are both grateful for the technology that makes it possible to continue therapy with little disruption, in-person therapy has undisputed benefits and Daniel yearns for the return to face-to-

Reaching out to those in need.

Grant will help elderly outreach VillagesOKC received a $5,000 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Services for the Elderly iFund grant program.

The grant will be used to assist in funding Porch Pals, a VillagesOKC program designed to mitigate isolation and promote mental health amid the pandemic. The $5,000 grant will allow VillagesOKC to increase its level of service to the population it serves.

“VillagesOKC launched the Porch Pals program in 2020 to help anyone expressing feelings of isolation, loneliness and loss of community during the pandemic to experience joy and socialization from a safe distance,” said Gaylene Stiles, VillagesOKC member and Porch Pals coordinator.

“We appreciate the support of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. This grant will allow continue our Porch Pals program throughout 2021.”

Porch Pals is run by VillagesOKC members who deliver a small gift along with a socially distant conversation to any individuals who may appreciate it. Examples of small gift items include a plant, snack or recipe mix, and conversations are typically held in the driveway or on the porch from a safe distance. The program blesses the giver and the receiver

alike.

“VillagesOKC is a plan, not a place. It is a group of like-minded people who come together to enable mature adults to come together to learn, plan and serve with spirit and dignity,” said Marilyn Olson, executive director of VillagesOKC. “The Porch Pals program is the perfect example of how VillagesOKC makes a difference in the community. We are so pleased to provide a network of support and friendship for those that may feel isolated. I am so grateful for this grant and this program that will continue to have an impact on the community.”

VillagesOKC is a member-driven nonprofit organization that encourages older adults to connect to develop the resources needed to age comfortably in the home of their choosing. VillagesOKC offers social and educational events, access to a preferred vendor list, and member services in the home. Older adults ages 55+ are encouraged to join VillagesOKC to receive trusted education, help with life planning and a sense of community. To learn more about VillagesOKC and to join the organization empowering older adults to live vibrant lives, please visit villagesokc.org.

About VillagesOKC

face sessions.

“People wonder how you can participate in a support group if you can’t speak, but Dr. Tetnowski has helped James find other ways to ‘talk.’ The tools are helpful and remarkably effective.” Daniel has therapy with Tetnowski twice each week. Sessions may include graduate students specializing in speech pathology, who gain valuable experience in their chosen field of practice.

Page 10 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Looking at vote totals

By Steve Gust Editor Lots of election results last week during races for city councils and school boards across the state.

Some of my observations: Canadian County seems to be getting more red every election cycle.

Jake Merrick, a Republican, easily won the State Sen. District 22 race over Democrat Molly Ooten.

Canadian County voted for him more than two to one. That county also carried Barbara Young in her OKC City Council election against Jessica Martinez-Brooks.

A bit closer to home, almost 11,000 voted in the Edmond City Council elections.

That’s not bad although it could be a lot better.

Congratulations to Darrell Davis, Christin Mugg and Stacie Peterson.

Davis will be mayor and Mugg and Peterson will serve Wards 3 and 4, respectively. A special pat of the back also to the people who didn’t win. They put it on the line and tried their best. Those folks make

democracy work and I’m grateful to each of them.

I also salute Lee Ann Kuhlman for winning re-election again to her Edmond School Board seat.

That’s a tough job.

If you get some time you might look through election results on the Oklahoma Election Board website.

Really interesting to see a few votes here or there can make a difference.

For instance, the town of Luther had a proposition, which had two precincts voting. When the smoke cleared it was a 40 to 40 result.

Who says one vote can’t make a difference?

What I liked the most about the voting was that it was all just about tallied by 10 p.m. We didn’t have ballot harvesting or elections that dragged on days after election day.

And for the record, asking for photo identification is not a burden on voters. It may be for the cheaters, but not the voters.

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

Interesting polling revealed The Oklahoma-based public affairs firm Amber Integrated has released a survey measuring voter attitudes about elected leaders, COVID vaccines and a variety of other issues.

The full survey results are available here. This survey was conducted from March 26-28, 2021, and included a pool of 500 registered voters in Oklahoma.

This survey has a margin of error of 4.38% at a 95% confidence interval.

Key findings include: Governor Kevin Stitt remains popular.

Gov. Stitt has an approval rating of 53%, unchanged from a survey taken in Dec. 2020.

His approval rating is 70% among Republi-

cans, 27% among Democrats and 60% among independents.

A slim majority of Oklahoma voters do NOT hold former President Donald Trump accountable for the Capitol riots.

Fifty-one percent of voters say Donald Trump is not accountable for the Capitol riots, but that breaks down sharply along party lines. While only 22% of Republicans say Trump is responsible, 54% of independents do and 82% of Democrats do.

A slim majority of voters support the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package passed by Congress.

Fifty-two percent of Oklahoma voters support the relief package,

with support breaking down along party lines.

Eighty-nine percent of Democrats support the policy compared to 47% of independents and 30% of Republicans.

Voters now rank the economy, not COVID, as their top priority.

Thirty-one percent of voters say they want the Legislature to make the economy their top priority, compared to 19% who say COVID and 16% who say education. In December 2020, COVID was listed as voter’s top priority, with 29% saying it was the most important issue.

Voters support measures to make elections more secure.

A majority of Democrats (52%), independents (76%) and Republicans (77%) believe steps should be taken to make sure Oklahoma’s elections are more protected.

Voters want schools to reopen.

Fifty-six percent of all voters want schools to reopen fully to in-person education immediately.

That includes 75% of Republicans, 46% of independents and 28% of Democrats.

Voters want better relationships with tribal governments.

Eighty percent of all voters believe the state of Oklahoma should work towards building stronger relationships with the tribes, with support strong across both parties and independent voters.

Voters support rehabilitation over getting tougher on crime.

Fifty-five percent of voters say the state should place a greater emphasis on the rehabilitation of people convicted of crimes versus an emphasis on being tougher on crime.

The times that Foster care can change the world

By Amanda Martindale During my music therapy internship at a state facility for teens and adults with mental illnesses, I learned that many of the adults we served within the facility, who were there largely because they had been charged with crimes, shared the foster care experience Amanda of my teens.

Most of my teens had been through about 14 different placements by the time they got to our facility and had developed negative coping mechanisms due to their life experiences.

No one had taught them how to process their emotions or trauma, which would come out in explosive tantrums.

Like my adult patients, they also had no one in their lives who was there just for them, but only staff who went home at the end of each shift. Can you imagine what being raised in an institution instead of a family and not having even one consistent parent could do to a person's psyche? It turns out, it gives you no way to learn about love and respect for others.

I decided I wanted to make a difference and break this cycle. I saw that trying to understand the “why” behind their coping mechanisms, connecting and showing unconditional love (especially after behaviors meant to drive you away) brought about significant changes, even healing. As soon as I learned about Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC), I knew I wanted to be involved.

TFC serves children in loving home settings instead of institutions, equipping foster parents to help children work through the trauma they’ve experienced. TFC homes receive more intensive services - weekly family and individual therapy for the child, an on-call team of therapists to help in times of crisis, monthly respite to give tired foster parents time to rejuvenate, and trauma-based trainings to help parents understand why children have developed these negative coping mechanisms and help reframe them in a more positive way.

As a TFC parent, I have seen my house walls torn apart because something I did unknowingly triggered memories of past abuse. As anger shifted to tears, I've had children melt into my arms and let me hug them as they deescalated from their meltdowns. I've seen them work hard to pay me

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

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

back for damages after I didn't kick them out like so many had done before, and start to develop personal responsibility and a mutual respect for others.

As a TFC parent, I've seen kids and teens learn to identify the feelings underlying all of their anger.

This has often been fear and sadness, which, when allowed to fester, become depression and anxiety.

I’ve gotten to know my kids for who they really were and found them to be sweet, incredibly loving children who were just hidden underneath the walls they'd built to protect themselves. I got to truly connect to them in a way no one else had, and watch them learn to trust others.

Being raised in a home instead of a hospital or group home taught them what being a part of a family is like. They learned how to care about others and how their actions can hurt someone. They learned self-worth because someone was willing to love them instead of just focusing on their behaviors. I saw them excel in school, work and activities and start to make healthy relationships. These are things that don't readily happen in institutions.

If we want to make our society a safer place, we need to teach kids how to love. As a TFC parent, you can teach by example and be a part of truly changing the world, one child at a time.

It takes all kinds of people to serve children and help them become healthy and whole again. Why not you?

Amanda Martindale is a Therapeutic Foster Parent with Choices for Life Counseling and Foster Care in Oklahoma. To learn more about Therapeutic Foster Care or apply to become a certified TFC foster family, visit beaneighbor.ok.gov, or call 1800-376-9729.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 11

Exhibit focuses on Edmond’s African American history The Edmond Historical Society and Museum presents a new online exhibit called Edmond’s African American History: Land Run to Integration. https://www.edmondhistory.org/edmondsafrican-american-history/ The topic of African Americans in Edmond is often questioned, mostly because of its absence.

From the 1920s until the 1970s, no African Americans lived in Edmond. The influence of the Jim Crow laws, the Ku Klux Klan, and even Oklahoma City Public Schools integration affected Edmond, which was promoted as “100% white” for many years.

Was Edmond a sundown town? It is likely, although no confirming photographs or ordinances have surfaced, other than memories. And yet, African Americans are part of Edmond’s founding story. Several important families homesteaded on land near Edmond because of the 1889 Land Run, and a separate school for minorities was operated from 1892 to 1905. Afterward, it was not until

1954 that African American students returned to Edmond, when six women enrolled at Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma). By the 1970s, African Americans slowly began to move into Edmond’s city limits.

Edmond’s African American History is a culmination of research used for a museum exhibit in 2017, now expanded and available to everyone.

Topics addressed in this exhibit include: Edmond’s Early African American Community, Separate Schools, Jim Crow Laws, Was Edmond a Sundown Town?, Promotion of Edmond as 100% White, The Ku Klux Klan in Edmond, School Integration, White Flight Fuels the Growth of Edmond, Integrating Edmond, and the End of An All-White Edmond.

Museum Information: Edmond Historical Society & Museum hours are 10 a.m. to -5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. Please visit the museum website at www.edmondhistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078 to learn more about how the museum is operating during Covid-19. Admission is free.

Page 12 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Wooden roller coaster Outlaw Run attracts ride junkies from all over the world Cr. Silver Dollar City.

A look at Silver Dollar City

America’s ‘best amusement park’ examined

By Elaine Warner Let me tell you a story. Good stories often transport us to another place and time. This story combines history, culture, and entertainment – not contained between Elaine book covers. You can read about it here but, much better, you can live it yourself at Silver Dollar City – named by USA Today last year “America’s Best Amusement Park” Why is it America’s best? Silver Dollar City contains all the features which make theme parks popular – rides, food, entertainment – but it’s also full of stories. Snuggled into the Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City celebrates a unique part of America and the people who settled in this area.

The story starts in the late ‘40s when the first members of the Herschend family came to the Ozarks on vacation. At that time there was no lake and little attraction other than beautiful scenery, a small park based on Harold Bell Wright’s 1907 book, Shepherd of the Hills, and Marble Cave, a rustic adventure involving rickety ladders which led into one of Missouri’s deepest caverns.

The Lynch sisters, the cave’s owners, and the Herschends became friends. As the women aged, they turned the cavern, renamed Marvel Cave, over to the Herschends. The family made great improvements to the attraction and by the late ‘50s, decided to replicate a small, 1800s Ozark village around it. Today a visit to the cave is included with your admission. The theme of the park is firmly rooted in the history and character of the area.

Over the years the tiny village morphed into a variety of shops, rides, entertainment, and Ozark crafts. The quality of the crafts is just one factor that makes Silver Dollar City unique. One hundred master craftspeople demonstrate pottery making, basket making, leather working, making soap and candles, knife knapping, blacksmithing, glass blowing and etching, woodworking, and more. Yes, there are small souvenirs available, but the products produced by the craft artists are wedding gift-worthy. Don’t miss the

The park entrance gives guests the first taste of the beautiful landscaping in the park Cr. Silver Dollar City.

wood shop with 1880s equipment and purchase fine furniture in the adjoining Heartland Home Furnishings shop.

The food here is also an attraction – 17 choices from small stands to sit-down restaurants. Ozark-style cuisine is highlighted – favorites include double-battered fried chicken and barbecue brisket. Their famous Ozark Mountain Succotash, a onedish meal packed with garden-fresh veggies, was a family favorite brought to Silver Dollar City by Shirley Toler who made it for park guests for nearly 40 years. Shirley re-

ELAINE WARNER

Master of Culinary Arts Debbie Uhrig Dance displays Silver Dollar City’s signature Ozark Mountain Succotash.

tired last year but visitors can still see it being made in giant skillets six-feet in diameter.

You’ll find plenty of ways to salve your sweet tooth in the park. The cinnamon rolls are legendary and a stop at Brown’s Candy Factory is a must. While there are many kinds of candies here, peanut brittle is one of the top sellers – they make over 30,000 pounds a year. The Queen of Candy is Candy Master June Ward, who has been making goodies here for over 50 years. Several episodes of the popular series, The Beverly Hillbillies, were filmed in the park and young June was asked to serve as a stand-in for Donna Douglas, who played Elly May. If you should happen to meet June, she has lots of stories to tell.

Silver Dollar City is the only theme park in America with cooking classes. The Culinary Craft School (temporarily closed due to COVID) offers 60-minute demonstrations on a variety of Ozark recipes and, best of all, guests get to eat the results.

In classes I attended, I learned that succotash is really good – not at all like the frozen bags you see at the grocery store – and sampled savory waffles with sausage chili topping.

Confession: I’m not a fan of rides.

The only one I’ve ridden at Silver Dollar City is the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train – a good respite from walking. Even the train has a story. To add some pizzazz to the experience, there’s a robbery during the ride.

Several of the rides hold world records. The newest is the Mystic River Raft Ride which features record-setting 45-foot slide into the wet adventure. It incorporates local lore about a river hidden in Marvel Cave with a fictional narrative. Word

to the wise – ride the raft before eating at the park’s newest restaurant, Rivertown Smokehouse.

Silver Dollar City roller coasters are also record-setters – and each comes with its own tale – from Time Traveler and an inventor inspired by the 19th century writer, Jules Verne, to Outlaw Run and its wild West narrative. Just taking photos of Time Traveler made my heart beat faster – it’s the fastest, steepest, spinning coaster in the world. Wildfire thrills with five inversions and Outlaw Run is the first and only wooden roller coaster with a double-barreled roll.

Riders find themselves upside down three times and experience a top speed of 68 miles per hour.

Outlaw Run and Time Traveler are so iconic, they even inspired their own ice cream flavors – available at Hannah’s Ice Cream Shop. Here’s an FYI: Hiland Dairy is the only company permitted to produce these two flavors – so, until you get to Branson, you can pick up a taste of it here in Oklahoma.

If you’re traveling with small children, don’t worry. There are lots of family friendly rides for youngsters – and chickens like me.

If I haven’t given you enough reasons to head up the highway – here’s another. Silver Dollar City’s festivals are fantastic. Next one up is the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, May 14 – 31. Music and entertainment are. staples of the park but during festivals, this gets kicked up more than a notch. Other festivals include Southern Gospel Picnic, Harvest Festival with a plethora of pumpkins and lots of visiting craftspeople, and an Old Time Christmas with over 6.5 million lights.

This year is special – a continuation of the park’s 60th anniversary.

New attractions have been added and slick revisions make the park a safe place for guests in spite of the pandemic. Temperature-taking is standard and masks are required.

More outdoor dining and expanded fresh air entertainment areas make visits safer. The easy driving distance from Oklahoma is also a plus.

The reverence for history, a savvy combination of attractions to tempt all ages, and the overall quality of the park make a trip to Silver Dollar City an excellent destination. Go and enjoy all the stories you’ll find here – you’ll come home with your own story of a grand get-away.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 13

PHOTO PROVIDED

Campers get to be upclose and personal to farm animals such as horses, above, and a gosling, right.

Farm Camp a joy for retired educator as well as campers ARCADIA – Retired educator Vicki Cook loves selling what she grows as a vendor at the Arcadia Farmers Market. But her real passion is Farm Camp.

“When it’s winter time and I’m hauling water to all our animals, I remind myself that the reason we have all these critters is for Farm Camp,” said Cook, who owns 4C Ag Service with her husband, Chris, who is retired from the U.S. Navy.

Farm Camp happens at their acreage near Jones. Week one, which starts this year on June 7, is for ages 4 and 5, who attend from 9 a.m. to noon. The next three weeks are for campers ages 6 through 12, with camp hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The kids show up in the morning and start doing farm chores,” Cook said. “They gather the eggs, and make sure the chickens have fresh food and water, and let them out for the day. They learn how to wash the eggs and pack them to get them ready for market.”

After the flock of 75 hens and roosters is tended to, the campers bottle-feed the calves and do garden work. They dig potatoes and cook them for lunch that day.

Cook takes the kids on nature walks to look for animal tracks and to talk about which plants might be edible. They go fishing, a first for some campers.

“That just makes my day, to teach them something new,” said Cook, who taught elementary science and social studies.

Campers also pet the goats, horses and donkeys, and learn about hoof care.

Cook says much of what happens is activity-based learning.

“They are feeling and touching and smelling, and they learn naturally. It builds up their self-esteem and their confidence.”

Cook grew up on a farm in Texas, but she was not always crazy about chickens.

“When I was little, I was afraid of chickens because I had a rooster attack me. When I got to be an adult, I decided to overcome that fear. Now I can pick them up and carry them around. They might scratch me, but I’m bigger than they are.”

The camps can accommodate about 25 students and cost $200 per week. Cook’s co-teacher is Lindsey Smith, whom she taught with in Jones. To register, go to 4cagservice.com.

The family also raises beef cattle, and they sell the meat at the farm and at the Arcadia Farmers Market.

The next spring market is set for April 24, and the season of weekly Saturday markets opens May 15. To reserve booth space, call 405-226-0346.

Page 14 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘Thunder Force’

Talent goes to waste in Netflix offering

By George Gust Netflix’s latest foray into the superhero genre brings us the buddy comedy “Thunder Force” from the filmmaker who brought us such films as “Tammy,” “The Boss,” and “Life of the Party.” In a world where supervillains are commonplace, two estranged childhood best friends (Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy) reunite as an unlikely crime-fighting superhero duo when one invents a formula that gives ordinary people superpowers.

Comedy is a subjective genre; what plays well for one person might not play well for another, but objectively “Thunder Force” is a miss for the ultra-talented cast. Since her breakout success in comedies like “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat” McCarthy has become something of a brand of comedy movies in the same vein as Adam Sandler in the past decade.

And much like with some of the Netflix Sandler movies, with “Thunder Force” you get what you expect from the average McCarthy comedy and nothing more. With not enough action to be exciting and run of the mill McCarthy comedy schtick that only produces a handful of chuckles at most.

In “Thunder Force” you have a cavalcade of talented actors, but the material they are given falls dramatically short of their abilities. Spencer is usually a compelling presence on any set she finds herself on, but in “Thunder Force” her character and performance feel flat and uninterested. Bobby Cannavale feels like an afterthought in this film as the main antagonist to our newfound heroes, bringing only a limited amount of panache to his ambitious sociopath character. The only breath of fresh air in the film comes about an hour in with the appearance Jason Bateman as a villain with crabs for hands. Bateman’s dry delivery and comedic pres-

ence felt like the faint heartbeat of an interesting comedy that could have been given this collection of talented performers.

For all its failings to be a memorable comedy or engaging superhero spoof, “Thunder Force” is at least an easy and breezy comedy that is mostly inoffensive in its mediocrity.

“Thunder Force” may find its place being a pallet cleansing kind of movie if you have been binging the macabre true crime mini-series of the week, as it is a brand of mindless broad comedy that you can check in and out of if you have low enough expectations going in.

“Thunder Force” is rated PG-13 for some action/violence, language and mild suggestive material. Now available to stream on Netflix.

1.8 out of 5 stars.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED

Unfortunately not an ode to our beloved local NBA franchise the latest Netflix original movie, "Thunder Force" features uninspired superhero comedy from its stars Octavia Spencer and Melissa Mc-

Summer Arts Institute scheduled

Answers appearing on Page 19

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has recently partnered with the Oklahoma Arts Institute to host the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, a two-week residential academy for Oklahoma’s most gifted high school students, to be held July 10-25, 2021.

The summer institute provides students with an intensive arts experience guided by worldclass professionals in the visual, literary and performing arts. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still a serious concern, OAI has had to look for innovative ways to still fulfill their mission while also ensuring the health and safety of all of their students, staff and faculty.

“We are thrilled to partner with USAO as we transition back to inperson learning this year,” said Julie Cohen, OAI President & CEO. “The University’s 75acre campus and spacious residential and classroom facilities will allow us to safely serve our students, and their commitment to excellence as Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts university connects with our own mission to change the lives of young people through multidisciplinary arts education. We are extremely grateful to President Feaver and USAO’s Board of Regents, faculty and staff for their gracious welcome,” Cohen added.

Crossword Puzzle

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Fictional Monsters ACROSS 1. "Turkey" dance 5. X minus III 8. Accounting acronym 11. Angel's glow 12. Like list of chores 13. Inside info 15. "National Velvet" author Bagnold 16. Heavy Metal band Quiet ____ 17. *Worn by monster hunters and dragonslayers 18. *Sea monster with atomic breath 20. Brooms and cauldrons to a witch, e.g.

21. Subject of biographies, pl.

22. ____ of Aquarius 23. Saudi's southern neighbor 26. Ceremonial flight 30. "I" problem 31. Sweet-talk 34. Marine eagle 35. The Revenge of the ____, 1984 37. ____ you sure?

38. Desires 39. Russia's Romanov, e.g.

40. Comfy pants 42. Preceding month 43. Google Maps predecessor, pl.

45. Blackbird-like birds 47. Crow sound 48. Group of professionals 50. Like a bow string 52. *Witch of Russian fairytales 55. ____ con carne 56. G in 1000 g., e.g.

57. Loose hood 59. Was rebroadcasted 60. Prospector's mother?

61. Bassoon cousin 62. Nod up and down 63. *He played Dracula and Count Dooku 64. *Like Sendak's Things

DOWN 1. England's favorite drink, in French 2. *Addams Family's Lurch: "You ____?"

3. A dish of stewed meat 4. Waddle 5. Bridal veil fabric 6. Objects of worship 7. Just a little 8. Michael Douglas' 1978 mystery thriller 9. Like the Weasleys of "Harry Potter" 10. Second qtr. calendar month 12. Alex Trebek's forte 13. Drooping 14. *Jeepers ____, sing.

19. Coats with Zn 22. Tap order 23. Yiddish busybody 24. Opposite of digest 25. Like high ground 26. Pestilence pest 27. Lock horns 28. Darlene or Jacob of Ozark

29. MCAT and LSAT 32. *Amity Island fish 33. Bonanza find 36. *Transylvanian bloodsucker 38. Shylock's practice 40. Use a Singer 41. Up until now, 2 words 44. Like luxurious sheets 46. Another name for manatee, 2 words 48. Not kayak 49. Follow rules 50. Shakespearean "you" 51. What snob puts on 52. *Minotaur is half man, half ____ 53. Mongolian desert 54. Deserter's acronym 55. ____, The Beloved Country 58. Zeppelin predecessor

See Answers Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 15

PHOTO PROVIDED

Kendra Barnes and her youngest son, Will Barnes, identify Will’s name on the Wall of Hope, located in the Calm Waters lobby at 501 N. Walker Ave, Suite 140, OKC, OK 73102.

Wall of Hope to help those deal with grief Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, the only grief center in Central Oklahoma offering free grief support services to children and families, has revealed the Wall of Hope, a highly visible naming opportunity for individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting others in their grief journey caused by death, divorce or other significant loss.

The Wall of Hope, located in the lobby, is the latest addition to Calm Waters Center for Children and Families new offices, located at 501 N. Walker, Suite 140, in Oklahoma City.

Calm Waters Board President, Kendra Barnes, and her two young sons, donated to the new Wall of Hope in memory of her late brother, Dillon,

who was only 1-year-old when he died, introducing Kendra to finality of life at the tender age of six.

Kendra’s grief journey taught her the importance of family and to never take anyone for granted, and the names of her children were the first added to the Wall of Hope.

“My sons are able to see their names and know they are helping others,” Kendra said.

Kendra’s oldest son, Jack, interprets his mother’s volunteer service and monthly donations to Calm Waters as a way to help fix broken hearts. The Barnes family’s Wall of Hope donation will specifically fund 36 individual grief support sessions.

The Wall of Hope has only 60 available naming opportunities and each space can be secured with

a $1,200 donation to Calm Waters. The Wall of Hope donation can also be funded with a 3-year commitment of $33.30 a month, or a 2-year commitment of $50 a month, or a 1-year donation of $100 a month.

“The Wall of Hope stemmed from the idea of it being not only a tool to help provide free grief support, but to enforce the idea that behind each name on the wall is a person who stands with other our clients and donors in solidarity; offering encouragement, empathy and most of all, hope,” said Erin Engelke, Calm Waters’ Executive Director.

Individuals interested in adding their names or the names of someone they love to Calm Waters’ Wall of Hope should visit calmwaters.org.

American Red Cross offering children’s preparedness courses As spring comes around, severe weather may also be on its way. Disasters can be frightening for adults – and even more so for children. That’s why the American Red Cross is teaching kids how to prevent and stay safe from the emergencies through our free youth preparedness programs.

Red Cross programs include Prepare with Pedro, for children in kindergarten to second grade, and the Pillowcase Project for children from third to fifth grade. Through Prepare with Pedro, students receive an introduction to the concept of emergency preparedness in a fun and educational way. Using storytelling and hands-on activities, students will learn to be prepared and take action in safe ways.

“It’s really important to teach children what they should do before and when severe weather hits,” said Brittney Rochell, Kansas and Oklahoma chief communications officer. “Knowing that everyone in the family is prepared to deal with emergency situations brings with it great peace of mind.”

Prepare with Pedro is presented by reading a storybook that follows Pedro the Penguin as he learns

how to “be prepared and take action” during an emergency. The storybook includes hazards such as home fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. The 30-to-45-minute presentation teaches students to: • Identify the best ways to stay safe during emergencies that can occur in their communities.

• Gain confidence in their abilities to be prepared for emergencies through hands-on activities.

• Use coping skills to help manage stress during emergencies and everyday situations.

• Use their knowledge to share what they have learned with members of their household and friends.

Through the Pillowcase Project, students learn, practice, and share safety information about disasters that may occur in their local community. This includes home fires and other emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, winter storms, and earthquakes. The Pillowcase Project teaches students about personal and household preparedness, local hazards, and coping skills. Trained Red Cross presen-

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ters will teach children about home fire safety, a local hazard common in their area (such tornadoes and severe winter storms common to Kansas and Oklahoma) and coping skills. Children are encouraged to share their skills at home by creating an emergency plan and kit with the adults in their household. The 40-to-60-minute presentation teaches students to: •Learn the science of disasters in their area – and how to prepare for them.

•Practice what to do if an emergency happens and how to cope with related fear and stress.

These courses are designed to help participants understand, prepare and respond appropriately to emergencies through engaging and age-appropriate curriculum.

To learn more about these programs, go to https://rdcrss.org/39cegjy. They also are perfect for schools and after-school programs. Interested parties can email KSOKPrep@redcross.org regarding registration and more information.

Page 16 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Survey: People ready to travel again A record high 69.3% of travelers, since the pandemic began, say they are “ready” to travel, a sign of increased travel optimism as COVID-19 vaccines roll out across the country, according to a nationwide Destination Analysts survey conducted April 2-4, 2021. The vast majority, or 77.7%, of those surveyed are also now actively dreaming about and planning travel, the highest number this year.

“Each week that goes by, AAA travel advisors are seeing more hope and excitement from their customers about traveling this summer or fall and in 2022,” said Leslie Gamble, Manager, Public and Government Affairs for AAA Oklahoma.

Fueling the excitement about traveling are the newly updated CDC travel guidelines, which indicate that fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk to themselves. AAA believes this is welcome news for anyone considering traveling in the coming months, especially as vaccines become more widely available. Many Americans are eager to travel, and this opens up that exciting prospect for travelers heading into the summer travel season.

The vaccine also appears to be the “ticket” that makes travelers feel safe confirming their trips.

“AAA is seeing people contacting their travel advisors on the very day they are fully vaccinated to book trips. Many are wanting to travel to sun and fun destinations and booking for trips leaving in the next 4-6 weeks, rather than the more normal 6-8 months in advance,” added Gamble.

The CDC says individuals are considered fully vaccinated: • Two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or •Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine While there are still COVID protocols to adhere to and while not all locations are at full capacity, many travelers are ready to go, and are willing to do what it takes to be safe, according to AAA Oklahoma.

Travel advisors are also enjoying a resurgence in popularity at AAA as travel bookings continue to increase. Vacationers are eager for knowledge of COVID protocols and to be prepared for what to expect. “AAA Travel advisors are feeling more appreciated than ever for their expertise not only on travel planning and destinations, but also for their knowledge of required COVID procedures and restrictions at their destinations,” Gamble added.

“Once travelers know what to expect, they feel much more comfortable deciding when they are ready to go and can do so without the fear of the unknown.”

Popular AAA Oklahoma bookings include road trips in the US, Florida, some Caribbean destinations and Mexico.

AAA advises travelers to keep in mind that some local and state travel restrictions may still remain in place. Travelers can refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest information to plan their trip.

Additionally, AAA provides the following tips for

travelers: • Plan ahead. Know COVID-19 protocols for your destination.

• Consider advance reservations. Availability in some popular places is limited this year and in 2022. For 2022, pent up demand is causing a surge of bookings. If you want to travel soon or this summer, remain flexible.

• Consider travel insurance. The pandemic and resulting cancellations and delays, made travelers realize the value of travel insurance.

• Plan transportation. Since many rental car companies sold cars that were sitting unrented during the pandemic, availability is tight and prices can be high. Consider alternate means of local travel at your destination.

• Know your flight options. Most airlines dropped change fees during the pandemic for most fares. The fees may or may not be re-instated on certain fares as air travel resumes.

Destination Analysts conducts weekly surveys of “American travelers about their thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviors surrounding travel in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.” This nationwide Destination Analysts survey of 1,206 respondents was conducted April 2-4, 2021.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 61 million members nationwide and nearly 425,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.

Achieve healing through creativity much, much more. One of Jamie Prisco-Rudolph the most important aspects Edmond Family Counseling of art therapy (and someArt therapy can be dething that I remind the stuscribed in many different dents of all the time) is that ways, but the most simplistic the finished project is not way to define it is using artiswhat matters most, but tic mediums as an outlet for rather the process and expresthe therapeutic process. The sion of feelings and emotions mediums could be anything Jamie while creating the art is key. that inspires artistic expresThis principle makes art thersion such as drawing, paintapy accessible to everyone! You don’t ing, sculpting, making collages, and

have to be a world class artist to gain the benefits from art therapy.

The accessibility of art therapy makes it a great tool to use for a variety of different mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and trauma as well as individuals that find themselves simply overwhelmed by the hectic pace of life.

The artistic process allows an individual to slow down and work through difficult feelings and emotions and let those feelings out onto the project they are working on. No artistic skill is needed as long as the inhas a willingness to explore how their feelings and emotions shift as they complete the project.

There are several mental health benefits to art therapy. The first benefit is a link between the art and self-discovery. The process of artistic expression can lead to self-discovery by working through difficult emotions that may get pushed to the side in hectic times. Being creative can also boost self-esteem and help the individual feel accomplished when they have completed the project. Art therapy is also a fantastic and healthy outlet for releasing complex emotions and difficult feelings. This can be particularly reward-

ing for individuals who find it difficult to process through their emotions verbally and are in search of an alternative outlet. Creating art can also be an excellent source of stress relief and can help the mind and body relax after a difficult day.

There is also scientific research to reinforce the mental health benefits of artistic expression. In a study published in Frontier of Human Neuroscience, Dahlia W. Zaidel, a professor at UCLA from the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, found a link between creative and artistic expression and the release of the dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that exists in the “reward pathway” of the brain and serves many functions related to rewards, motivation, memory, and attention. Higher levels of dopamine in the brain increase feelings of happiness, focus, and motivation. These increased feelings of happiness and motivation are essential for battling negative feelings related to stress and anxiety.

So, the next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the hectic pace of life, pick up a paintbrush and a canvas or a pencil and some paper and let your inner artist shine!

You might be surprised with what you come up with (and how much better you will feel)!

Jamie Prisco-Rudolph, M.A., is a staff therapist and LPC-Candidate at Edmond Family Counseling.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 17

Treasurer: State receipts up in March For only the second time in the past year, Gross Receipts to the Treasury in March climbed above collections from the same month of the prior year. Receipts were propelled upward by rising oil and gas revenue, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced today.

Collections from all sources in March total $1.1 billion, up by $35.1 million, or 3.2 percent, from March 2020. The last time monthly receipts exceeded prior year collections was in July, but that boost was due to a three-month delay in income tax filings.

“This positive economic report is encouraging news,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “Among the more favorable signs is the upward trend in oil and natural gas activity.”

Gross production taxes on oil and gas jumped to more than $90 million

for the month, up by more than 15 percent from March of last year. That marks the first positive month for gross production in a year-and-a-half.

McDaniel said gross production receipts are expected to continue to rise for at least the next few months.

March remittances are based on oil field production in January, when West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil averaged $52 per barrel. The price in February averaged above $58/bbl, and the average price in March topped $62/bbl.

Combined gross receipts from the past 12 months of $13.15 billion are below collections from the previous 12 months by $572.9 million, or 4.2 percent. All major revenue sources show reductions during the period, but the bottom-line contraction was

See Report, Page 18

Friday marks National Healthcare Decisions Day INTEGRIS Health, along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance health care decision-making, an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day. The awareness event is aimed at increasing the number of Americans who have completed an advance directive (“living will”), in which they name the person who will make medical decisions for them in the event they are seriously ill and can’t speak for themselves.

Experts say only about 20-30% of Americans have completed an advance directive even though all people age 18 and older should have one.

“At INTEGRIS Health, we know these conversa-

tions can feel daunting. We also know a crisis can strike anyone. We believe talking about your goals and wishes is an important part of everyday care, from wellness to illness. Giving your family the gift of your voice and decisions before

New program touted by Governor

Manufacturers may qualify for funding Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the upcoming launch of the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP), which will make $10 million in funding available to qualifying manufacturers across the state.

Based on the success of the Oklahoma Bounce Back Assistance Program in 2020, OIEP was developed to support high-impact new capital investment across a broad range of industries to help diversify the state’s economy, lead to new product development or increase capacity at Oklahoma’s existing companies. In addition to encouraging new capital investment, these awards will support existing jobs and the creation of new jobs. The program will be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority (ODFA).

“To become a Top Ten state, we need to support the continued growth and success of our existing businesses,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “The Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program will lead to more jobs, a more diverse economy and continue to show the nation that Oklahoma is open for business.”

The original Bounce Back Program was launched in April of last year as part of Commerce’s COVID-19 pandemic response efforts to stimulate

economic growth and combat the negative effects the pandemic had on the state’s economy. The program assisted 87 companies with $8.7 million in awards, and capital investment for approved projects exceeded $40 million. One example of the utilization of Bounce Back is Durant company Roll Offs USA, which produces waste management containers. The company used the funding from the Bounce Back Program to purchase equipment which allowed them to start making in-house some parts that were previously imported from China. With the launch of OIEP, the state is hoping to expand this type of opportunity to more manufacturers.

“These funds will make a real difference to Oklahoma manufacturers and the workers they employ,” said Dave Rowland, president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. “Supporting our existing businesses is vital as we look to adapt and grow industry during very challenging times.

Our new supply chain database tool— Connex Oklahoma—will work handin-hand with OIEP to help identify production gaps and increase business opportunities.”

The OIEP program makes monthly cash payment awards in the form of payroll tax rebates to help companies

See FUNDING, Page 18

Intersection undergoing improvements Beginning this week, contractors will reconstruct the concrete intersection located at 33rd Street and Kelly Avenue. The project will last approximately 120 days with cooperative weather.

During the work, traffic will be reduced to one lane in all directions and driveways will be closed period-

ically.

Motorists should expect significant delays when traveling through the intersection and are encouraged to find an alternate route if possible.

The contractor for the project is All Roads Paving. The total cost of the intersection reconstruction is $911,461.55.

a crisis means they can feel certain in carrying out your choices – should that crisis occur,” said Jessica Zan, manager of the Advance Care Planning Program at INTEGRIS Health.

She continues, “Advance Care Planning recenters you in your care. It’s an invitation for you to share your values, wishes and decisions, so your loved ones can know how to care for you if you can’t speak for yourself.”

If you are considering advance care planning, reach out to your primary care physician for opportunities. And take National Healthcare Decisions Day as a reminder to share with your family what is most important to you in life.

Please email Jessica Zan directly at Jessica.zan@integrisok.com for additional information.

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

Report From Page 17

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◦ The medical marijuana tax produced $5.9 million, up by $2.5 million, or 73.7 percent from March 2020.

Twelve-month collections Combined gross receipts for past 12 months compared to the trailing 12 months show: • Gross revenue totals $13.15 billion. That is $572.9 million, or 4.2 percent, below collections from the previous period.

• Gross income taxes generated $4.76 billion, a decrease of $36.8 million, or 0.8 percent. ◦ Individual income tax collections total $4.12 billion, down by $57.6 million, or 1.4 percent. ◦ Corporate collections are $634.7 million, an increase of $20.8 million, or 3.4 percent.

• Combined sales and use taxes generated $5.52 billion, a drop of $43.6 million, or 0.8 percent. ◦ Gross sales tax receipts total $4.7 billion, down by $132 million, or 2.7 percent. ◦ Use tax collections generated $815.6 million, an increase of $88.4 million, or 12.2 percent.

• Oil and gas gross production tax collections generated $572.2 million, down by $404.2 million, or 41.4 percent.

• Motor vehicle collections total $776.4 million, a decrease of $19.9 million, or 2.5 percent.

• Other sources generated $1.52 billion, down by $68.3 million, or 4.3 percent. ◦ Medical marijuana taxes generated $62.9 million, up by $30.4 million, or 93.5 percent.

About Gross Receipts to the Treasury The monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report, developed by the state treasurer’s office, provides a timely and broad view of the state’s economy.

It is released in conjunction with the General Revenue Fund report from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which provides information to state agencies for budgetary planning purposes.

The General Revenue Fund, the state’s main operating account, receives less than half of the state’s gross receipts with the remainder paid in rebates and refunds, remitted to cities and counties, and apportioned to other state funds.

Funding

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reduced by 0.2 percent compared to last month’s report.

Other economic indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in March remained above growth neutral for a fourth month.

The March index was set at 63, compared to 67.1 in February. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months.

The February unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 4.4 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s jobless rate was unchanged from January, but up from 3.1 percent in February 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was set at 6.2 percent in February.

March collections Compared to gross receipts from March 2020, collections in March 2021 show: • Total March 2021 gross collections are $1.13 billion, up $35.1 million, or 3.2 percent.

•Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $412 million, up by $29.3 million, or 7.7 percent. ◦ Individual income tax collections are $365.6 million, an increase of $37.2 million, or 11.3 percent. ◦ Corporate collections are $46.4 million, down by $7.8 million, or 14.5 percent.

•Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $423 million – up by $1 million, or 0.2 percent. ◦ Sales tax collections total $363.6 million, a decrease of $4.6 million, or 1.3 percent. ◦ Use tax receipts, collected on out-of-state purchases including internet sales, generated $59.4 million, an increase of $5.6 million, or 10.4 percent.

• Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $90.8 million, an increase of $11.9 million, or 15.1 percent.

• Motor vehicle taxes produced $79.7 million, up by $7.2 million, or 9.9 percent.

• Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $120.1 million – down by $14.3 million, or 10.6 percent.

grow and boost business expansion investments in Oklahoma. The new project must either be an innovative project, a project that shortens or strengthens the supply chain for the product being manufactured, or it must be a project designed to target new markets. In order to be eligible, a company must have a minimum annual payroll of $625,000 with a minimum capital investment of $50,000.

The award maximum for OIEP is $150,000, however manufacturers with projects that exceed that amount should contact Commerce as they may be eligible for other programs. When reviewing the applications, Commerce will take into consideration: amount of capital investment from the company; the ratio of private sector dollars leveraged from OIEP awards; number of existing jobs, number of projected new jobs, and the average wages paid to employees. Projects must provide a net positive benefit for the state.

“After the Bounce Back Program, we recognized the opportunity to provide assistance to companies outside of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Scott Mueller, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Workforce

Development. “Oklahoma’s manufacturing sector has seen impressive growth over the past few years. This program allows us to support that growth by helping businesses expand their operations and product lines, and the state and our fellow Oklahomans benefit by seeing increased investment and the creation of new jobs.”

The application period for OIEP begins Tuesday, April 27 and will close Monday, May 3 at 12:00 p.m. The full program details and requirements are posted on the Commerce website at okcommerce.gov/OIEP. After submitted applications are reviewed, Commerce staff will reach out to eligible companies.

OIEP utilizes funds set aside by the Oklahoma Economic Development Pooled Finance Act (62 OS 891.1 et seq) and therefore companies must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the statute. A complete list of the program rules and eligibility are available on the Commerce website. Participating businesses will be required to provide quarterly reports verifying employment levels and expenditures, as well as submit verification of purchase and installation of machinery and equipment.

Edmond Life & Leisure • April 15, 2021 • Page 19

Scholarships offered for nurse refresher course Almost half of the nurse refresher course scholarships funded by the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma are still available to nurses who want to return to the field or enter it for the first time.

Each $2,000 scholarship will pay for the course for a nurse who does not have an active license but who wants to return to work or who never took the board exams.

The statewide nurse refresher course is part of a partnership between the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

Ten Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers offer the course.

As of last week, 56 scholarships had been awarded and 44 were still available, said Lara Morris, Oklahoma CareerTech health careers education state program manager.

“Recipients of the scholarships included a woman who lost her job while caring for her husband, who had COVID-19,” Morris said. “She had planned to use stimulus money for the course, but because she received a scholarship, she was able to pay back rent and utilities.”

Oklahoma CareerTech and the OU College of Nursing worked together to streamline the course in response to the pandemic and the need for more nurses, both to work in hospitals and to replace nurses who moved to hospitals from clinics and other facilities, Morris said.

The program includes a self-paced, online nursing theoretical course, a nursing skills lab provided

by Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers and a clinical experience that will show students’ clinical competency. The clinical experience may be virtual

or in-person depending on the technology center.

The revisions have lowered the number of hours required for students who achieve baseline competency.

The fees have also been lowered, from $2,599 to $2,000.

The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma donated $200,000 to create 100 scholarships of $2,000 each. MCFO Executive Director John Logan said he proposed it to the foundation because he was afraid that even the reduced cost might prevent some nurses from taking the course and returning to work.

Technology centers offering the course are Autry Tech, Canadian Valley Tech, Green Country Tech, Kiamichi Tech, Meridian Tech, Metro

Tech, Moore Norman Tech, Pontotoc Tech, Southern Tech and Tulsa Tech. Scholarship applications are being taken at the participating technology centers.

More information about the nurse refresher course can be found on the Oklahoma CareerTech website. Information about reinstating an RN or LPN license can be found on the Oklahoma Board of Nursing website.

About Oklahoma CareerTech The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education.

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

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • April 15, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure