October 15, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 22
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.
A lifesaving milestone Integris logs 2020 kidney transplants
Edmond Schools superintendent to step down See Page 4
Dr. E.N. Scott Samara, Megan VinZant, PA, Bruce Jackson and Dr. Shea Samara
FRIDAY, October 16 Mostly Sunny High 66° Low 49°
SATURDAY, October 17 Sunny High 74° Low 55°
SUNDAY, October 18 Sunny High 73° Low 50°
The Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is celebrating a major milestone. Surgeons with the institute recently completed the 2,020th kidney transplant performed at the hospital. “Originally, we were going to recognize the 2000th transplant,” says E.N. Scott Samara, M.D., the surgical director of the kidney transplant program at INTEGRIS. “But then we got to thinking – why don’t we wait and celebrate number 2,020 in the year 2020?” Samara has been with the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute for 34 years. He performed the very first kidney transplant at Baptist Medical Center in 1987. Dr. Samara and Dr. Shea Samara performed the 2020th transplant on Sept. 16. Bruce Jackson of Bethany was the lucky recipient. “It’s mind blowing to think they have done that many kidney transplants. That’s a lot of people with changed lives.” Jackson suffered from adult onset polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and lose function over time. His problems began in his early 40s when cysts started growing on both of his kidneys. At their worst, they reached the size of a watermelon! He had to endure daily dialysis
PHOTO PROVIDED
treatments for nine hours each day. Two years after being placed on the kidney transplant list, he received the life-saving organ. “It’s only been three weeks out from the surgery and I’m living in a whole new world. On dialysis you are tied to a strict schedule. You have to plan ahead for everything. There is no deviating from the plan,” admits Jackson. “Now, I have a newfound sense of freedom and spontaneity.” “Bruce is a living example of the many benefits of transplantation,” says Samara. “The more people who donate their organs, the more stories like this we can tell.” Approximately 109,000 Americans are waiting on the kidney transplant list. Sadly, because of a shortage of donated organs, approximately 17 of these people will die every day without receiving a transplant. It’s a grim reality affecting families in Oklahoma and across the nation. With all the negativity associated with the year 2020, let’s take a moment to reflect on the 2,020 lives saved or extended due to kidney transplantation at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center – and may there be many more. For more health information see Healthier Edmond on pages 15 - 18.
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From the Publisher
Towne & Holzberlein to retire One thing this country can agree on is that the year 2020 continues to get more challenging and not in a good way for the most part. We are dealing with COVID-19, poor race relations, Ray Hibbard riots, killer hornets and now two of my favorite people in public service have announced their retirement. It is a loss for the education community including the Edmond Public Schools and the University of Central Oklahoma. While the retirements are unrelated, they will both leave a gap in our community. However, I love both individuals and wish them the absolute best in retirement. Job well done to both of you and much happiness and more time with you families. In an email to his Edmond Public School family, Superintendent Bret Towne announced that he would be retiring at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. He had hoped to end his career with a full 40 years of service but due to his declining vision and overall eye health he has decided to have this year be his final year of service. In the letter he said, “While I am optimistic about my retirement and the next phase of my life, I am saddened to leave the career, colleagues, friends, and students that have been so much of my life over the past 22 years here in Edmond. The same reasons that my family moved to Edmond - the schools, the city, the people - are the same reasons my wife and I will still be living in Edmond upon retirement. Edmond is home; it is such a special place.” Towne will be completing 39 years of service the five members of the Edmond Board of Education said in a joint statement to the Oklahoman that Towne will be "greatly missed." They added, “Superintendent Towne has served this district tirelessly for 22 years, most notably the last six years as our Superintendent in which he has successfully faced great challenges including a teacher walkout, redistricting and currently a devastating pandemic," the board members said. Edmond is the finest school system in Oklahoma. That did not come by accident and it might not have come without Towne. While he would be the first to say it was a
joked with him that the Edmond FFA instructors would be expecting a new barn from one of their own in charge. He laughed and said, “Can’t we just get them a new truck or something”. Edmond wishes you the best my friend. The number of lives you have impacted during your career is incredible. Some will realize the difference you have made in their lives and others will not have a clue. I know recognition is not important for you but please know we owe you a debt of gratitude for your years of service. It is a true calling because we sure know you did not do it for the money.
Bret Towne team effort, the ability of the school system to keep pace with our growing enrollment year after year took strong leadership. It was leadership with vision. Towne oversaw the construction of at least 1.2 million square feet of new facilities and 1.1 million square feet of renovations. This includes eight new schools, three new freshman academies, 422 classrooms and other large additions. Edmond completed a digital conversion under his tenure, which provided a device for each of the district's 25,200 students. Towne assured the district would have a "successful and seamless transition" once the Edmond school board selects his successor. The board will contract with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association for superintendent search services. His talent was noticed by others in his profession as well. The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators named him the Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2015, Region No. 7 finalist for Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2014 and Region No. 7 Superintendent of the Year for 2018. He is a leader in the field of public education. Other districts in the state when faced with challenges would look to see how Edmond was going to handle the same challenge. They looked to Towne to lead the way. The best of his leadership for me was his down to earth attitude. As a former FFA instructor, Towne just has a way of communicating that lets you know he is interested in what you have to say. When he became superintendent in 2015, I
VP Anne Holzberlein Announces Retirement We were equally disappointed when we got word that UCO Vice President for Advancement and President of the UCO Foundation, Anne Holzberlein has announced her intent to retire from the university. It will become effective June 30, 2020. It was my pleasure to serve with her for over six years on the UCO Foundation Board of Directors and two years as the chair of her board. UCO President Patti NeuholdRavikumar made the announcement last week and her letter to the UCO family included these remarks: “Anne’s impact on Central is nothing short of tremendous. After serving as a member of the UCO Foundation’s Board of Trustees, she joined Central as the executive director of the Foundation in 2004. Since then, she has led efforts to modernize the university’s fundraising infrastructure; implemented the university’s most ambitious comprehensive campaign to date, Always Central, raising more than $40 million to support students, teaching, facilities, programs and future needs of the university; increased the foundation’s assets to $42 million; and, boosted donor and alumni engagement through growth of the UCO Alumni Association and new, innovative events, among other achievements. Most recently, she led her team in fundraising efforts for the UCO COVID-19 Relief Fund, raising more than $100,000 to provide additional support to our students during the pandemic. Central is a better place because of our friend Anne Holzberlein.” She added, “Anne has been, and no doubt will continue to be, an engaged member of the community, contributing her time and talent to
Anne Holzberlein numerous philanthropic efforts in the Oklahoma City metro. She is never met a stranger, and we certainly hope she will not be a stranger here during her well-earned retirement. We will miss the daily benefits of her leadership and warmth on campus. Please join me in congratulating her on an extraordinary career and wishing her a happy retirement.” President Neuhold-Ravikumar did a great job of summing up Holzberlein’s contributions well for the university. She has made an even bigger contribution in the many times she has inspired others to do their best and be of service to their community. This would include encouraging those that have benefited from UCO over the years to return and contribute back to the institution that provided for them in their life. You also cannot list Holzberlein’s many attributes without pointing out her terrific sense of humor. She came to every board meeting armed with the facts, figures, and information. Holzberlein always takes her responsibilities with passion. Her board would enjoy some good-natured teasing of each other at which point our peerless leader could not help but start laughing. Some days she would just give up on us and join the fun. Holzberlein joined the UCO Foundation at a critical time from my understanding. Before her incredible management and fundraising efforts, the foundation struggled a bit. She brought a professionalism and grace to the organization that will be missed. The good news is that she has set the culture and trained many folks at the foundation so well, its success will continue as her legacy. We love you and will miss you Anne but wish you the best in your retirement! (Ray Hibbard, publisher, may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 6. ---- Business news ..............................................................................Page 7. ---- Senior news ..........................................................................Page 8 & 9. ---- Columnist has advice for all who drive ......................................Page 11. ---- George Gust looks at crime documentary film ..........................Page 14. ---- Elaine Waner’s travel column ....................................................Page 13. ---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. ---- Healthier Edmond section....................................................Pages 15-18. This and so 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 © 2020 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 • October 15, 2020 • Page 5
Free virus testing expanded In partnership with IMMY Labs and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, University of Central Oklahoma students, employees and community members now can schedule a free COVID-19 test on campus from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Wednesday, in addition to 10 a.m.3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday. IMMY Labs will offer the additional day of PCR COVID-19 testing at its UCO drive-thru testing site, located in the parking lot at the corner of University and First Street (325 E. First St.). The partnership with IMMY Labs will allow members of the UCO community to get a test with minimal wait time and test results back within two business days. The site will also allow members of the com-
munity to schedule an appointment and get tested. IMMY Labs offers PCR COVID-19 testing which indicates whether an individual has an active infection. The testing site is setup for drivethru testing, but students and employees can walk up to the testing site if they have an appointment. Cars should enter the testing site off Main Street to the north of the facility. Individuals must bring their confirmation code. Test results will be delivered via email within two business days. To get more information and schedule a testing appointment, visit immylabs.com. To learn more about Central’s COVID-19 response and protocols, visit uco.edu/coronavirus.
CHARMING ING IN EDGEW EDGEWATER! WAT TER!
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Edmond Police arrest report (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.) Sept. 29 Daniel Godwin Zungura, 20, Edmond. Charged with a felony assault and battery on a police officer or correctional staff. In addition charged with obstruction of police officer,
throwing human waste at a government employee, obstruction of police officer and operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or combination of chemical or controlled substance. Seth Joseph Sturges, 21, Phoenix, Ariz. Public intoxication. Tara Le Coombs, 39, Ruidosa, N.M. Expired tag, over three months and public intoxication. Sept. 30 Kaden Lake Bowers, 20, Edmond.
Possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without proper driver’s license and possession of marijuana. Antonio Villeda Cisneros, 41, Edmond. Improper right turn on red and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Mark Kevin Knutson, 62, Edmond. Public intoxication. Urlich Baho Mpore, 24, Edmond. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license and disregard of signal light. Nickolus Alan Bemiller, 38, Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Failure to appear. Brett Anthony Waller, 45, Edmond. Public intoxication. Oct. 1 Deangelo Saleem Ahmad, 21, Edmond. Failure to appear. Timmy Ray Williams, Jr. 29, Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .15 or more. Anthony Blake Tuttle, 38, Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Jeffrey Lynn Davis, 64, Edmond. Failure to appear. Jacob Allen Falter, 34, Edmond. Failure to appear. Gary Duane Scruggs, 39, Oklahoma City. Obstruction of a police officer, possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Daveon Malik Smith, 21, Oklahoma City. Failure to carry security verification, operating a MV without a valid driver’s license, possession CDS and (Anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a MV under the influence of anything other than alcohol. Deyone Donyell Miller, 23, Edmond. Failure to appear. Oct. 2 Zataviauna Zatya Broom, 23, Midwest City. Three counts of possession of contraband in a penal institution and operating (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Teresa Lou Seward, 52, Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and petty larceny. Sara Marie Carrington, 38, Edmond. Two counts possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rosemary Berry, 56, Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor larceny of merchandise from a retailer. Devon Rudy Allen, 21, Edmond.
Public intoxication. Chaz Aaron Detamore, 23, Bethany. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Oct. 3 Isaiah Israel Fields, 30, Oklahoma City. Possession of contraband in a penal institution, speeding, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and failure to carry current security verification form in vehicle. Anthony Larry Mercier, 50, Oklahoma City. Two felony warrants and a false personation of another. Melvin Buncalan Loveless, 42, Del City. Two counts of possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of another’s debit card. Mark Anthony Young, 52, Edmond. Public intoxication. Andrew Joseph Struble, 21, homeless. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer. Possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended or revoked and operating (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Oct. 4 Trevor Lebert Cobb, 31, Oklahoma City. Operating (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Jean Ellen Hendryx, 54, Edmond. Public intoxication, aggravated assault and battery, obstruction of a police officer and interruption, disruption, interference with emergency call. Kiara Louise Booth, 25, Hominy, Okla. Misdemeanor warrant, assault and battery (felony) on a police officer or correctional staff and public intoxication. Jennifer Grace Hardin, 42, Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Raul Nmn Santos, 27, Edmond. Attentive driving required, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. Justin Reed Schrimsher, 41, Edmond. Interruption, disruption, interference with emergency phone call, obstruction of a police officer, felony DUI/APC and a felony assault and battery on a police officer or correctional staff. Cailee Marie Street, 19, Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 7
Francis Tuttle instructor
Official: State handling Outstanding Educator award downturn ‘relatively well’
Francis Tuttle Technology Center engineering instructor, Charles Koutahi received the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago. Koutahi was nominated by a former Francis Tuttle student who now attends the university. The Outstanding Educator Award gives incoming University of Chicago students the opportunity to honor educators who have risen above their call of duty to significantly impact the education and life of their students. “We are proud of the impact Charles’ instruction and influence has on his students,” said Michelle Keylon, Francis Tuttle superintendent/CEO. “His award epitomizes our mission to equip students for a successful life and career, whatever their next steps may be.” Koutahi will receive a commemorative award from the University of Chicago and a letter from the student who nominated him. Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training, in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region. Francis Tuttle also offers complete business and industry train-
Charles Koutahi ing and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment. With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace. More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.
ConocoPhillips makes a major donation to O-State OSU’s Accounting Collaborative for Excellence (ACE) Lab has a new lead sponsor in ConocoPhillips, which has pledged a $200,000 donation. The ACE Lab provides mentoring, tutoring and advising on a walk-in basis (and now virtual) to students in the School of Accounting, a part of the Spears School of Business. Each year, ACE averages more than 4,000 support hours, which wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions of corporate partners such as ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips’ donation will allow the ACE Lab to continue supporting students and helping ACE Scholars develop leadership skills. “ConocoPhillips is proud to be the lead sponsor of the ACE Lab,” said Chris Delk, vice president and general tax counsel at ConocoPhillips. “Oklahoma State University is a key recruiting partner for ConocoPhillips, providing a strong pipeline of talent. Providing mentors and advice to students is a critical component of the learning
process, and we are dedicated to supporting the university and the next generation of finance and accounting leaders.” In the ACE Lab, undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants give students the opportunity for one-on-one interactions and additional instruction on concepts from the classroom. These interactions go far beyond just understanding content — many students find mentors, forming lifelong relationships. “This gift benefits our students in many ways as it allows us to employ more senior accounting students as ACE Associates and allows us to provide tutoring, advising and mentorship to all undergraduates taking an accounting course,” said Dr. Audrey Gramling, head of the School of Accounting. “ACE is not only an essential resource for students in need of assistance, it also helps ACE Associates develop leadership skills and stay current on their technical accounting knowledge.”
Company has 50 positions to fill Petra Industries is adding new members to their warehouse team! The company currently has more than 50 full-time opportunities and will be holding a job fair at their state-of-the-art Distribution Center— located at 3400 S. Kelly Ave. in Edmond. Attendees can park on the west side of the building and enter through the B2B store. Taking place Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the hiring event will allow candidates to go through the entire interview process in quick sessions. Qualified candidates will be presented with job offers on the spot. Those that accept will immediately begin the onboarding process. “For those in need of a job or
searching for an opportunity to move into a career in distribution, this will be a prime moment,” said Ashley Fulk, Petra Director of Human Resources. “We are a dynamic company, and we deal with hundreds of name brands and thousands of products. Our employees gain a valuable, in-depth knowledge of distribution with their involvement in these behind-the-scenes processes. They’ll also receive competitive wage rates and benefits as well as discounts on the products we carry.” If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, visit Petra’s Warehouse on Oct. 16 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. See why, at Petra, Overachievers Is An Understatement.
Three of the state’s four major revenue streams show contraction in September’s Gross Receipts to the Treasury report, similar to the picture seen in total collecMcDaniel tions during the past 12 months, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week. September receipts from all sources total $1.15 billion, down by almost $8 million, or just less than one percent, from September of last year. Over the past year, gross receipts total $13.26 billion, down by some $468 million, or 3.4 percent, compared to the previous 12-months. “Considering the major challenges the state faces, Oklahoma’s economy has been weathering the pandemicdriven downturn relatively well,” said Treasurer McDaniel. “We still have reasons for concern in the months ahead, but the perseverance reflected in the September report is encouraging.” Gross receipts from combined sales and use tax, oil and gas production, and motor vehicle taxes are down by a total of $40.2 million. The extraction tax on oil and gas accounts for the lion’s share with a $27.4 million reduction. The gross production tax, the
state’s severance tax on oil and natural gas, is well below collections from the prior year for a thirteenth consecutive month. Oil and gas prices remain depressed, while drilling activity and oil field employment levels are at historic lows. Combined individual and corporate income tax receipts are the lone bright spot, up by $21.9 million, or 5.1 percent, for the month. However, the influx of withholding taxes from unemployment payments appears to be having a noteworthy impact on the bottom line. Other economic indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in September remained above growth neutral for a fourth month, following three months of numbers indicating economic contraction. The September index was set at 58.6, down from 61.8 in August. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 5.7 percent in August, down from 7.1 percent in July. The seasonally adjusted number of Oklahomans listed as jobless was reported as 104,800, according to figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. unemployment rate was listed at 8.4 percent
See Report, Page 19
Page 8 • October 15, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Disease fact sheet Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but recent estimates indicate that the disorder may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer, as a cause of death for older people. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning— thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on
others for basic activities of daily living. The causes of dementia can vary, depending on the types of brain changes that may be taking place. Other dementias include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia. It is common for people to have mixed dementia—a combination of two or more types of dementia. For example, some people have both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss and language problems.
Understanding is key for Alzheimer’s patient By Rose Drebes Education is the key for caring for an Alzheimer’s patient. That’s according to Joe Parsons, director of business development for Right at Home senior care in Edmond. World Alzheimer’s Day is marked each year during fall. It is a time to help educate people about the debilitating disease, he said. With Alzheimers, Parsons said, there obviously is a fear of what’s to come. Right at Home’s mission is to be proactive and educate the patient and the family about what to expect as the disease progresses. There are many early signs of Alzheimers, such as disruptive memory loss. “There are things they used to remember very well, but no longer can,” he said. For instance, people with Alzheimer’s often can’t remember names or important dates. “As the disease worsens, even the names of family members may be forgotten,” Parsons said. They have may have difficulty planning and lose the ability to follow processes such as bill-paying and balancing a checkbook. Bad decision making is another sign. Those struggling with Alzheimer’s may make large donations to charities they didn’t support in the past, Parsons said. Scammers will prey on these seniors, asking them to disclose banking information. The best way for families to help their loved one is to treat them like any other person. “We will work with our care givers to set up patients to succeed,” Parsons said.
It’s important to keep it very simple from a task standpoint. This is part of the education Right at Home offers families. Families members are taught to “keep it simple” when visiting their loved one. Rather than overwhelming them with, “Hi mom, let’s get you a bath, fix dinner, etc.,” Parsons suggested taking it one task at a time. “Hey mom, let’s get a bath.” Asking questions about things they remember can also make for a positive experience, he said. COVID-19 has presented its “own set of challenges,” he said. Some families were opting to discontinue care until they saw how the quarantine played out. This could result in isolation for those dealing with Alzheimer’s. They could miss vital engagement, Parsons said. “We were talking to families who just didn’t know what to do,” Parsons said. “We are taking the proper precautions and putting everything in place to make sure they are safe.” People are beginning to feel better about having caregivers come back into their loved ones’ homes, he said. The bottom line, Parsons said, is that with education, especially in these tumultuous times, people feel so much more comfortable with the care-giving process. “Education is so important,” he said. “It puts people at ease.” For more information, www.rightathome.net/edmond.
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 9
Elderly at high risk
AbuseIsNotOK campaign is launched by the state October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) wants to remind Oklahomans that AbuseIsNotOK. Earlier this year, the agency launched a new online portal, AbuseIsNotOK.org, for the general public, community partners and law enforcement to report allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults to Adult Protective Services (APS). In addition to the new portal, calls will continue to be answered at the statewide abuse hotline at 1-800-522-3511. OKDHS, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s (OAG) office, has also developed an educational website with important information about preventing elder abuse, warning signs and community resources. A partner toolkit has also been developed to help partners and the general public spread the word about protecting older Oklahomans. “Each year, thousands of older Oklahomans suffer abuse, neglect and
exploitation by family members and other caregivers,” said OKDHS Aging Services Director Jeromy Buchanan. “Many of these victims are frail and vulnerable and it is our collective responsibility to help keep them safe. The new portal allows Oklahomans to make reports in support of our elders to offer them help and hope when they need us most.” In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019, nearly 19,000 allegations of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect and exploitation were reported to OKDHS APS. Numerous community partners work with APS to provide vulnerable adults and their caretakers with access to services to help individuals who cannot protect themselves because of age or disability. “Senior citizens are among our most vulnerable,” said Attorney General Mike Hunter. “Their well-being should be a top priority for public officials as it is for their loved ones. Sadly, because of diminished mental capacity or other age-related ill-
nesses, seniors are sometimes unable to effectively communicate the abuse they are suffering. These resources aim to help Oklahomans properly identify the signs of elder abuse and neglect and what to do if they suspect an issue. I appreciate leadership from OKDHS and cooperation from our other partner agencies on this profoundly meaningful campaign.” The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office uses a team-based approach to identify, investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud, abuse, neglect and exploitation of patients committed by health care providers, health care facilities and other Medi-
caid providers. Members of the MFCU also offer continuing education opportunities to law enforcement, nursing home staff and candidates for a long-term care administrator’s license. In the last five years, the MFCU has recovered over $91 million for the Medicaid program and acquired over 126 criminal convictions in fraud and abuse cases. “No one likes to think of Cherokee citizens abusing their elders,” said Lisa James, Manager of Family/Elder Services for the Cherokee Nation. “ If you suspect a vulnerable adult is the victim of abuse, neglect or exploitation, report it immediately to AbuseIsNotOK.org or call 1-800-522-3511.
Page 10 • October 15, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Don’t drink & drive By Steve Gust Editor Edmond Life & Leisure I wanted to write mostly about politics today, but I do feel somewhat compelled to mention something else. Since we’ve been running the police reports I’ve noticed many arrests for DUI as well as public intoxication and drug possession. I’m at a loss why people want to numb their brains so much. But if you do, please don’t drink and drive. It’s just a terrible thing to do. I saw where recently a beautiful young woman was killed by a drunk driver. What a horrific tragedy. It’s sad when anyone is even hurt. This lady had her whole life in front of her and it’s been snuffed out by someone doing something completely stupid. If you drink, do what so many other people do: get a designated driver or call a ride share service. It’s a lot cheaper than a DUI and it can spare you from a lifetime of guilt from hurting or killing someone. ----Now back to politics. It’s really a painful time of year. We have to go weeks without seeing Joe Biden or Kamala Harris asked any serious questions.
In addition, liberal debate moderators, and the national press, won’t ever press them on any issue. It’s a disgrace. What’s amazing also are the people who believe the lies about Charlotteville and Russian collusion. There are those who seriously believe Trump worked with Russia to win in 2016. And they think Trump praised white power groups in Charlottesville. If the press were honest, they’d play the second part of Trump’s quote where he said he wasn’t talking about the white supremacists and then condemned them. The coverage is so slanted. Also, I'm still not a big fan of the mailed-in ballots. They aren't in Oklahoma, but in other parts of the nation millions of ballots have been, and will be, sent out to people who never asked for them. And some of these states will give third parties days to bring in these votes. It's called ballot harvesting and it should be illegal. This would be a good time for the GOP to have people infiltrate the other side as they ballot harvest. You might get video evidence of liberals raiding mail boxes or operatives filling out ballots for senior citizens. What's to stop them from forging a postmark on an envelope? It could happen.
Election court fights are well under way By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Both major political parties are bracing for the potential of a legal fight following the 2020 presidential election. Yet attorneys are already busy with efforts that increase the likelihood that America will have to wait for a winner to be determined. We wrote recently about judges approving changes to election rules in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, three swing states. Republicans in Pennsylvania want the U.S. Supreme Court to stop a ruling that says mailed ballots must be counted if they arrive by Nov. 6 — three days after the election — even if postmarks are missing or il-
legible. A federal judge in Wisconsin said ballots must be counted until Nov. 9 if they are postmarked by Nov. 3. The Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request by legislators and the state Republican Party to issue a stay, and the challengers are now seeking a hearing before the full court. A state judge in Michigan ordered that ballots arriving up to two weeks later than Nov. 3 should be counted, provided they are postmarked by Nov. 2. The Republican Party is challenging that ruling with a lawsuit. The Wall Street Journal recently chronicled other legal fights: A lawsuit in Min-
nesota takes aim at a consent decree agreed to by the Democratic secretary of state that says mailed votes, postmarked or not, are valid through Nov. 10. A GOP lawsuit notes that as a result, “persons in Minnesota may vote for days after Election Day” and argue the change will create “substantial uncertainty and delay” in certifying results. In North Carolina, the state election board entered into a legal settlement that would count postmarked ballots through Nov. 12. A federal lawsuit filed by Republican lawmakers hopes to nix that deal. State officials in Arizona won (for now) their fight against a federal judge’s order that voters be given five extra business days after Nov. 3 to fix mailed ballots that have signatures missing. An appeals court said the state law, which requires those who don't sign a ballot to do so by Election Day, was "at most, a 'minimal burden.'" In Georgia, where a federal judge said ballots should be counted until Nov. 6, state officials won a stay with a threemember panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judges said the lower court had “abused its discretion” and “manufactured its own ballot deadline.” In an editorial, the Journal argues that, “The way to protect democratic confidence is to run elections by the book, not to let judges rewrite state laws willynilly in the weeks before Election Day.” Yet that is what is happening, and may well happen another time or two between now and Nov. 3. What a potential mess. FromOklahoman.com
Pass liability protections for small businesses By Sherry Jordan Running a small business is not for the faint of heart. Businesses throughout Edmond are working hard to operate safely and to keep their employees and their customers healthy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, a lot has Jordan changed since the pandemic hit. Instead of continuing to focus on the success and growth of their business , they now spend a lot of their time worrying about another
shutdown, employees getting sick, and the constant reassurance that their places of business are safe for everyone. They worry, however, that everything could change immediately if someone sues them over COVID-19. These businesses are following health and safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oklahoma Department of Health, as necessary. But things that fall outside of business owner’s control pose an imminent vulnerability to lawsuits. They can’t quiz their employees about their whereabouts outside of work, who they came into contact with, or demand to see their health records. Also, even if they took the temperature of every customer and employee, they would not catch the asymptomatic carriers.
Letters to the Editor policy 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.
The Edmond Chamber continues to see the issue of liability protections being raised among businesses. To be clear – the business community is asking for temporary ‘safe harbor’ protections to give employers some degree of assurance that if they follow public health guidelines, they won’t face further financial hardships through unwarranted lawsuits. Bad actors and companies that engage in gross negligence or willful misconduct should be held accountable. We need timely, temporary and targeted liability protections so people can get back to work, back to school and on with their lives.
(Sherry Jordan is the president & CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.)
The enduring wisdom of President Lincoln “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” ----“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” ----“I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.”
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 11
Dr. Clyde Cain ThD, DMin Dr. Clyde Cain, ThD, DMin, was born at home in Canadian, TX to J.C. and Jennie Lee Cain in 1935 and went to his home in Heaven this past week on his 85th birthday. Clyde spent his first 18 years in Canadian and always had a special love for his home town. He always enjoyed sharing stories of his school days, grocery store job, and of course, the Canadian Wildcats’ sports teams! He gave his heart to Jesus as a 9 year old in the First Baptist Church of Canadian and later answered God’s call to the ministry at the age of 16 in 1952. Clyde was ordained into the ministry in 1955. After graduating from Canadian High School, Clyde began his B.A. in English and Bible at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX. There he met and fell in love with the “apple of his eye”, Kay. After an awkward initial conversation in which Kay said that she “could never be a preacher’s wife,” Clyde eventually won her heart. They married in 1957 and have served God together for over 63 years. Clyde and Kay have two children, Craig (Alicia) and Kari (Eric). They are proud of their five grandchildren: Bailee (Christian), Sydney, Ashlyn (Gage), Colton, and Shelby. Clyde is also survived by his sister Madelyn. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother, Dale, a niece and a nephew. In addition to being the proud uncle of 4 nieces and 4 nephews, he was also blessed with several loving cousins. Clyde always believed a pastor should continually study to advance their knowledge of God’s Word. After graduating from Wayland Baptist University (which presented him with a Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award in 2012) in 1958, Clyde earned a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, in 1961. Around 1970, he completed a Doctorate of Theology at Luther Rice Seminary in Florida. He followed this degree with a Doctorate of Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with honors, in 1989. Clyde’s 68th anniversary of his call into the ministry was this past July, a milestone representing his service of nearly seven decades to the advancement of the Lord’s kingdom by pastoring several churches and leading countless people to a personal relationship with Jesus. Churches he pastored were a mission church of First Baptist Canadian, Pecan Grove Baptist Church, First Baptist Churches of Vega and Silverton, Avondale Baptist Church of Amarillo (all in Texas), and First Baptist Guymon, OK. Clyde began serving all Southern Baptists in Oklahoma in late 1974 by becoming the Associate Director of Evangelism for The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Clyde wore many hats during his service with Oklahoma Baptists and finally retired in the early 2000’s after serving as the Director of Ministerial Services, counseling churches in conflict, and representing the Annuity Board in Oklahoma. An additional area of service that was a pure joy for Clyde was directing and teaching in the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Extension Program at Oklahoma Baptist University, a program he helped establish and nurture for over 30 years. Many of Clyde’s former students remained in contact with him, and he always enjoyed their calls and visits. Additional sources of enjoyment were memories of mission service in India, Hong Kong, and Africa. After “retirement,” Clyde continued to follow God’s leading by serving churches across Oklahoma as an interim pastor. His wife Kay frequently traveled with him as they loved and served congregations and prepared them for a permanent pastor. Clyde Cain was a “pastor’s pastor.” He honored God, was faithful to his loving wife, loved and provided for his family, and mentored pastors and students. He always pointed to the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As he battled two cancers and the side effects of chemotherapy over the past five years, he was continually upbeat and rarely complained. He continued to serve his much-loved Edmond’s First Baptist Church as an adult group teacher and also continually shared Christ with others he encountered daily. We know that Jesus welcomed you home with, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We will always love you Dad and Papa! A celebration service was held at Edmond’s First Baptist Church. It was live streamed at www.fbcedmond.org/livestream as well. Additional information can be read at www.crawfordfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider a donation to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (www.obhc.org), Friendship International Wives Program (www.edmondfriendship.org), or the Building Fund at Edmond’s First Baptist Church (https://www.fbcedmond.org).
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.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 13
: The Garden Cascade is a prominent feature of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces
A lot of autumn activities in Tulsa area By Elaine Warner It was a perfect day – bright, blue skies and lots of sunshine. The Osage Hills were beginning to show signs that fall was trying to muscle summer out of the way. The sumacs were turning russet and scarlet but the temperature still held a bit of summer heat. Elaine And Jack and I were on our way to our first road trip since March. Our destination – the Tulsa Botanic Garden. The trip took us up the Turner Turnpike and skirting the west side of downtown Tulsa on I-244, exiting onto the Tisdale Parkway to W. 36th Street N. We used our GPS, but from there, signage to the Garden is help enough. We turned left past the Osage Casino and immediately left the city and the traffic behind as we drove into the rolling hills. After about four miles of feeling in the middle of nowhere, we saw the entry to the Garden. Walking up to the small visitor center, we passed a large bed packed with Sunpatiens alternating with deep burgundy foliage. If we’d had a bird’s eye view, we would have seen that the bed was heart-shaped. We checked in at the admission desk. Currently tickets must be ordered in advance. The staff has made every effort to make your visit safe. Timed ticketing assures a lack of crowding. Paper towels, rather than blow dryers, are used in the bathrooms and hand sanitizer is available throughout the property. Although the idea of the Garden dates back to 1999, many things had to happen before the first plant was put into the ground. The current master plan calls for four major areas. The first two phases, the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces and the Children’s Discovery Garden were completed in 2015 and 2016. Construction on the third phase, the Lotus Pool Garden, will begin in the spring. No date has been set for the creation of the fourth area, the All-Season Garden. I predict the Garden will never be finished. There’s a lot of land available and other plans will follow. My very favorite area – the one I always start with – is the two-acre Children’s Discovery Garden. This time of year, the ornamental grasses are at their best. The pampas grass plumes shone silver in the sunshine and the muhly grass looked like a giant puff of pink smoke.
TA plethora of pumpkins makes a fun labyrinth
Metal banners created by Tulsa’s Garden Deva marked the entry to the area. We walked through the Sensory Garden, stopping to sniff and touch a variety of plants, up to the Stream Valley. Here, a rivulet, flanked by spitting animal fountains, leads to the Round Pond, where lotuses and water lilies grow. From here we got a great view of the garden’s most iconic feature. The Spring Giant is a fanciful, huge, concrete head – named not for the season but for the water that flows out of his mouth. The top of his head is covered with plants – kind of like a gargantuan chia pet. His features were hand-carved by artist Dan Jennison who added Arcimboldo-esque touches like a crawdad for a nose and fish for a mustache. In normal times, kids can get inside the head from the back. The ceiling is covered with stalactites – some with tiny carved bats peeking out. At the very top is an oculus with a multi-faceted acrylic window which breaks the sunlight into multiple rainbows. Right now kids – and grown-ups – will have to wait until it’s safe to be in the confined area. The same safety measures have also caused the closing of the Tree House section. We next explored a part of the garden devoted to meadow plants and flowers and bushes which attract hummingbirds, butterflies and all sorts of pollinators. Three large whirla-gigs, operated by wheels, give flight to bumblebees, dragonflies and butterflies. Back by the Round Pond is a coolly creepy set of large, shallow, bog bowls featuring carnivorous plants. The sun dews attract bugs with glistening
drops at the end of tiny hairs. The venus flytraps close up on their victims The pitcher plants lure bugs with open mouths and sweet-smelling nectar – the real life version of Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors. Visitors are asked not to touch the plants (except in the Sensory Garden) but we were with the Communication Director, Lori Hutson, and she let us look inside a pitcher plant where we identified items of its uneaten lunch. We looped out of the Children’s Garden and along the path by a large lawn used for special events. Right now – and until Oct 29 -- it’s filled with over 5,000 pumpkins, scarecrows and a hay bale maze. This area will also be the site of Botanic Brass, a sunset concert in honor of Tulsa’s Oktoberfest tradition. The Signature Brass Quintet will perform a variety of Bavarian, German, Austrian and polka music on Saturday, Oct. 24. Advance tickets are a must. For more information check the web site: tulsabotanic.org. The other major section of the Garden is the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces. This impressive area covers a hillside with water steps stretching from top to bottom. The design pays homage to classic French, Italian and Persian gardens with accents which reference Tulsa’s Art Deco heritage. Plantings here range from spring bulbs and summer roses to grasses, shrubs and trees. Visitors can walk up steps beside the cascade or take a winding path through the terraces. One of the neatest things we saw was a large garden area south of the visitor center. It was ready for planting when the Garden had to close briefly because of the pandemic. Not knowing how long it would be closed, the decision was made to fill the bed with sweet potato plants. When we were there last week, the crop was ready to harvest. It is estimated that there will be approximately 500 pounds of potatoes which will be donated to a food bank. In addition to the beautiful gardens, this is a great place to get some exercise. There’s a threequarter-mile path around the seven-acre lake and a mile-and-a-half nature trail. I got plenty of walking just in the gardens. A trip here is a pleasure any time of year – from 120,000 spring flowers through summer beauties, fall hues and winter’s holiday lights. Admission for 13 years and up is $8; ages 3-12, $4; 2 and under, free. For reservations, call 918-289-0330. The drive to the Gardens from downtown Edmond takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
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Tragic criminal case & now documentary By George Gust “American Murderer: The Family Next Door” is a True Crime documentary detailing the 2018 disappearance of 38-year-old Shannan Watts and her two young daughters in Colorado. With the heartbreaking details emerging, the family’s story made headlines around the world. With an abundance of content viewing options and the constant demand for streaming attention it seems that True Crime documentaries have a quicker turnaround time than in pre-Hulu/Netflix/Amazon era. For many, the news story of the Watts family will be somewhat fresh in their minds, garnering responses like “Oh yeah, I heard about that on the news when it happened, not sure how it turned out.” “American Murdered: The Family Next Door” attempts to fill in the tragic details of the gruesome nature of the Watt’s family story in a unique way that is oh so indicative of our current culture. With this film, director Jenny Popplewell turns away from the traditional interview talk-to-the-camera style of documentary and instead opted to tell this crime story with only the use of police archive video, social media videos/posts, text messages and news reels. The result is a chilling and voyeuristic experience that reflects the
‘American Murderer: Family Next door’ duality of our personal lives and the lives we portray on social media. As with any true crime documentary, “American Murderer: The Family Next Door” builds up the mystery by giving you the groundwork details of the case and then going back to build a clearer picture of the characters. However, this film’s use of jumping back and forth in time gets distracting and confusing, especially without the grounding of family/police interviews. And the lack of post-murder perspective by the
people surrounding the case leaves more questions than answers, causing you to feel like you are missing major parts of the story when the one hour 22 minute running time is up. Overall, “American Murderer: The Family Next Door” has a unique approach in telling a chilling and heartbreaking real-life story of murder and betrayal in the age of social media, but the results are uneven. It’s an achievement in immersive documentary storytelling that there are points you will forget that the only voices telling the story come from the people in the situations as they were playing out in real-time, however you may end up feeling you need to do more research to feel like you’ve gotten all sides of the story. But any way you look at it, “American Murderer: The Family Next Door” delivers an effectively gruesome crime story set in a modern suburban setting that maybe hits too close to home; feeling like it could have just as easily taken place in a quiet Edmond neighborhood. “American Murderer: The Family Next Door” is rated TV-MA, and contains graphic details that may be triggering. Available now on Netflix streaming. 3.6 out of 5 stars.
PHOTO PROVIDED
‘American Murderer: The Family Next Door’ is the latest True Crime Documentary from Netflix detailing the gruesome details of the 2018 Watt's family murders as it plays out solely on social media, police camera footage and news videos.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HALLOWEEN
Answers appearing on Page 19
ACROSS 1. Bobby Fischer's game 6. Reggae precursor 9. Octagonal sign 13. Haile Selassie's disciple 14. Goose egg 15. Water-filled gorge 16. Blue eyes, e.g. 17. Jean of Dadaism 18. Pariah, for medical reasons 19. *Pumpkin's Halloween precursor 21. *Famous magician who died on Halloween 23. *____ mortuaire, or body bag in Paris 24. Nordstrom's outlet 25. "____ Now or Never" 28. Good or bad and felt by others, sing. 30. Haiku, e.g. 35. Equal to distance divided by time 37. Post-it slip 39. Quickly fry 40. Type of mountain goat 41. *Graveyard denizen 43. Heart of the matter 44. Tender spots 46. Bailing twine, e.g. 47. Icelandic epic 48. Boss 50. Greek muse's strings 52. Up and down nod 53. "Beware the ____ of March" 55. One of seven, in eponymous 1995 film 57. *Dead one 61. *Jordan Peele's scary 2017 film 64. Dodge 65. Freud's concern 67. Pertaining to hours 69. *Funereal feeling 70. Swindle 71. Boredom 72. Adult elvers 73. Human digit 74. *What vampire does in a coffin
DOWN 1. TV tube in days of yore 2. Wagner or Powers in a TV classic 3. Isaac's firstborn 4. Mixes up 5. Geo-spacial positioning system, for short 6. Ginger cookie 7. CrËme de cassis plus wine 8. Top dog 9. Musher's ride 10. Language of Tupi people 11. *Black cat, possibly 12. ____wig or ____winkle 15. Oopsie daisy moments 20. Best part of cake? 22. *Halloween month 24. Alters to be more useful 25. Type of coffee with alcohol 26. Forbidden 27. Howard of radio fame 29. Physicist Niels ____
31. Preakness, e.g. 32. Like cottage cheese 33. Piano student's exercise 34. *Leatherface's state 36. Biz bigwig 38. ESPN award 42. To the point 45. *Scary story-related sensation 49. Lyric poem 51. Choice word 54. Upright 56. Nary a soul 57. Give up 58. Skin soothing gel 59. Boring 60. Fusses 61. Departed 62. *RIP pots 63. Like a bow string 66. Gunk 68. Fleur-de-____
Answers on Page 19
Dan Siebert
Singer to be at Arcadia Saturday Stillwater singer-songwriter Dan Siebert will provide Morning Music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Arcadia Round Barn. Siebert will perform original tunes as well as songs from the originators of Oklahoma’s Red Dirt music scene such as Bob Childers, Jimmy LaFave and Tom Skinner. The concert will be outdoors beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn. Admission is free but donations are appreciated for the maintenance of the barn, which is owned and operated by the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society. Masks are required. The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historic Route 66. It’s currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-833-1350.
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 15
The dangers of being dehydrated Hiking, fishing and swimming are among the more popular ways to experience the great outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts may find nothing better than a day on their favorite trail or an afternoon spent fishing or swimming in a nearby lake. Nature can inspire a sense awe and wonder, and in such situations it can be easy to overlook safety. That’s a potentially dangerous mistake but one that is easily avoided. Nature enthusiasts accustomed to spending long hours in the great outdoors are vulnerable to a host of potentially dangerous conditions, including dehydration. Avoiding dehydration involves learning to recognize its signs and symptoms and how to prevent it from occurring. What is dehydration? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it is taking in. When that happens, the body does not have enough fluids to function properly. What causes dehydration? Numerous things can cause someone to become dehydrated, including not drinking enough fluids. Diarrhea, vomiting, sweating too much, and urinating too much are some other factors that can cause someone to become dehydrated. Why are outdoors enthusiasts at risk of dehydration? Outdoor enthusiasts who spend
Keep plenty of fluids in your body, especially if you like the outdoors
ample time outdoors during hot weather are at risk of dehydration if they do not drink enough fluids while outside. The risk of dehydration on hot days is higher because people are more likely to sweat a lot when the temperature rises. If those fluids are not replenished, and replenished often, dehydration can occur. In addition, the USNLM notes that outdoor exercise during hot days increases the risk of dehydration. Outdoor activi-
ties that are physically challenging, such as hiking, rock climbing and kayaking, are a form of exercise that can make participants more vulnerable to dehydration. What are the symptoms of dehydration? The Mayo Clinic notes that thirst is not always a reliable indicator that the body needs water. Older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration than others because they naturally
have a lower volume of water in their bodies. Aging men and women also don’t typically feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. So it benefits people of all ages, and especially the elderly, to learn these symptoms of dehydration. • Extreme thirst • Less frequent urination • Dark-colored urine • Dry mouth • Less frequent sweating • Feeling tired • Dizziness • Dry skin Parents should know that infants and children may exhibit symptoms of dehydration that differ from those experienced by adults. Such symptoms may include: • Dry mouth and tongue • Crying without tears • No wet diaper for three hours or more • High fever • Being unusually sleepy or drowsy • Irritability • Eyes that appear sunken Can dehydration be prevented? Ensuring sufficient fluid intake can help people avoid dehydration. Drinking enough water each day and avoiding outdoor physical activity on hot days are some other ways to reduce dehydration risk. In addition, avoid sugary and/or caffeinated beverages to reduce risk for dehydration. A perfect day outdoors involves drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated.
Page 16 • October 15, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Heritage Hall’s Campbell, RN, named ‘Nurse of the Year’ food service provider on safe options Heritage Hall is pleased to announce for students with food allergies, or that School Nurse Jenny Campbell, RN, strategizing with software vendors to of Edmond has received the March of standardize the School’s medical forms, Dimes Nurse of the Year – Managed Jenny is approachable, kind, profesCare award. sional, and knowledgeable,” Ring obThe March of Dimes celebrated the served. nursing profession by recognizing exSince last March, Campbell has traordinary nurses throughout the complayed a key role in the School’s munity at its virtual Nurse of the Year COVID-19 response. As co-chair of the Gala on October 1. Heritage Hall Risk Mitigation Task Heritage Hall Vice-President Genifer Force and Contact Tracing Team, Ring noted Campbell’s willingness to Campbell helped to create a plan for a step in wherever and whenever needed safe return to campus in August to benefit the health and safety of the Campbell through effective COVID policies and entire Heritage Hall community. protocols. Jenny’s singular focus is caring for the “Jenny’s work ethic, passion for her field, and health and safety of all Chargers,” Ring stated. dedication to her family, friends, and colleagues – “Whether she is comforting a kindergartener with evident since the day she arrived on campus – a skinned knee, collaborating with school leaders have been amplified since the onset of the panon wellness programs, working with the School’s
demic. We are fortunate to have Jenny as part of our team,” stated Campbell’s supervisor, Jay Freeman, Director of Campus Operations and Security. Heritage Hall patron Lara Gaston nominated Campbell, writing, “Nurse Jenny plants seeds for research and study, and leads with compassion to empower students to help others. While every student who attends Heritage Hall may not become an amazing nurse, because of Nurse Jenny, every one of them will know that nurses are knowledgeable, dedicated people who care about and fight for their health. I’m so grateful that she chose to be a nurse and that she is present in the lives of my children.” Upon receiving the award, Campbell stated, “I am so honored to have been nominated and subsequently chosen for this award. I am part of a great team who inspires me every day, and a community that has always made me feel loved, supported, and appreciated. Thank you!"
Chronic stress threatens health Stress can affect people’s lives at any moment. Some say that a certain measure of stress can be a good thing that pushes individuals to try their best to overcome obstacles. However, chronic stress is potentially dangerous for the mind and body. 2020 has been a stressful year for many people. A global pandemic that emerged in late 2019 and continued into the new year brought with it many changes — some of which are unprecedented. Concerns about
the COVID-19 virus, unemployment, reduced wages, and uncertainty about the future has left many people feeling adrift. According to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America survey, the average reported stress level for adults in the United States related to the coronavirus pandemic is 5.9. When asked to rate their stress level in general, the average reported stress for American adults is 5.4. This is higher than the average stress level reported in 2019, which was 4.9, and marks the first significant increase in average reported stress since the survey began in 2007. Pandemic stress mixed with existing stress may require additional coping techniques. • Turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The occasional pep talk can help people manage their stress. Rather than saying “Everything is going wrong,” tell yourself “I can handle this, I have done it before.” Find the silver lining in situations and they may not feel so stressful. • Take things one step at a time. Getting ahead of yourself by looking too far into the future can compound stress. Focus on the here and now. Make to-do lists
Especially during 2020 and the virus, stress can be an issue.
and take situations as they come day by day or hour by hour. Situations are often fluid, so worrying about something that is weeks away is often fruitless. • Exercise regularly. Find opportunities to exercise. The Mayo Clinic says exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Physical activity can release your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. Exercise also can mimic the effects of stress, helping to condition the body to its effects and buffer the cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems from negative effects. • Seek out social support. Chances are someone you know also is experiencing increased stress loads. Find the time for conversation, video chats or safe, so-
cially distanced meet-ups with friends. Each person can share their unique frustrations and collectively you can work through the stress. • Don’t drown in perfectionism. Trying to be mistake-free can trigger anxiety and stress. Being perfect is impossible and everyone makes mistakes. According to Psych Central, mistake-making can lead to growth and experience, while perfectionism may staunch growth because a person is too afraid to take chances. Not every decision you make will be ideal, but each is a learning experience. Stress is something most people come up against in their daily lives, perhaps more so than ever this year. But stress can be wrangled and minimized. Metro News Service
Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 17
ROSE DREBES
A group of customers will have the opportunity to destroy this van during a Car Bash at the Rage Cage.
Release stress & pressure at Rage Cage By Rose Drebes It’s healthy to vent anger and frustration and the Rage Cage, now open in Edmond, is the place to do it. Rage Cage is owned by Mariah and Stefan Compton and is located at 514 S. Broadway. Mariah said similar operations are very popular in Texas and Missouri. The Comptons already owned four businesses, including an IT company, a car lot, a baby boutique and Arrow Nutrition, also in Edmond. They are also the parents of two children, ages 10 months and just over two years. Stefan’s mom contacted Mariah about the idea of a place where people could work out their anger and frustrations. She said that could be the couple’s next company. That was about two years ago. With the help of the manager of the car lot and her husband, the mechanic, and their immediate family, the Comptons have gotten this fifth business up and running. Those who want to throw a Hissy Fit or a Tantrum can do so at Rage Cage. Other packages are the Banger and the Car Bash. Customers are provided with hard hats, glasses, face shields, hard hats and coveralls. They wield sledge
hammers, golf clubs and baseball bats to destroy everything from bottles to TVs and appliances to furniture and even automobiles. Stefan said beating things at the Rage Cage offers all kinds of release from stress and tensions. “It has all kinds of health benefits,” he said. Some of their customers have included a woman who was going through a break-up. She was screaming her ex’s name as she was slinging a sledge hammer. On the other hand, Rage Cage is a fun place to celebrate a birthday or enjoy a date night. Customers are 13 and above and must sign a waiver. Mariah said one of their customers was a 13-year-old whose parents said spending it at Rage Cage was “all he has talked about.” The response to the business has been good. The various packages come with different times inside the rooms. The shortest time frame is 10 minutes up until one hour which is the group Car Bash. It is also a good workout.The Comptons said some people even emerge before their time has expired ROSE DREBES exhausted. Stefan and Mariah Compton are the owners of all-new Rage Cage in Edmond, For more information about the Rage Cage, visit the Facebook page a place to work out frustrations by destroying all kinds of items with baseball bats and sledgehammers. at www.facebook.com/ragecage405.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • October 15, 2020 • Page 19
Report From Page 7 Three of the state’s four major revenue streams show contraction in September’s Gross Receipts to the Treasury report, similar to the picture seen in total collections during the past 12 months, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week. September receipts from all sources total $1.15 billion, down by almost $8 million, or just less than one percent, from September of last year. Over the past year, gross receipts total $13.26 billion, down by some $468 million, or 3.4 percent, compared to the previous 12-months. “Considering the major challenges the state faces, Oklahoma’s economy has been weathering the pandemic-driven downturn relatively well,� said Treasurer McDaniel. “We still have reasons for concern in the months ahead, but the perseverance reflected in the September report is encouraging.� Gross receipts from combined sales and use tax, oil and gas production, and motor vehicle taxes are down by a total of $40.2 million. The extraction tax on oil and gas accounts for the lion’s share with a $27.4 million reduction. The gross production tax, the state’s severance tax on oil and natural gas, is well below collections from the prior year for a thirteenth consecutive month. Oil and gas prices remain depressed, while drilling activity and oil field employment levels are at historic lows. Combined individual and corporate income tax receipts are the lone bright spot, up by $21.9 million, or 5.1 percent, for the month. However, the influx of withholding taxes from unemployment payments appears to be having a noteworthy impact on the bottom line.
Other economic indicators The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in September remained above growth neutral for a fourth month, following three months of numbers indicating economic contraction. The September index was set at 58.6, down from 61.8 in August. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months. The unemployment rate in Oklahoma was reported as 5.7 percent in August, down from 7.1 percent in July. The seasonally adjusted number of Oklahomans listed as jobless was reported as 104,800, according to figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. unemployment rate was listed at 8.4 percent in August. September collections Compared to gross receipts from September
2019, collections in September 2020 showed: Total September 2020 gross collections are $1.15 billion, down $7.9 million, or 0.7 percent. Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $452.7 million, an increase of $21.9 million, or 5.1 percent. Individual income tax collections are $346.4 million, up by $8.9 million, or 2.6 percent. Corporate collections are $106.4 million, an increase of $13 million, or 13.9 percent. Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $457.8 million – a reduction of $8.4 million, or 1.8 percent. Sales tax collections total $393 million, a decrease of $15.1 million, or 3.7 percent.
&KDQQLQJ 8QLWDULDQ 8QLYHUVDOLVW &KXUFK For the safety of our members and friends, all services and events at Channing UUC have been cancelled through April 12th, 2020 in light of the COVID 19 Pandemic. tÄž ĆľĆŒĹ?Äž Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ÇŒÄžĹśĆ? ƚŽ Ä¨Ĺ˝ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç ĆšĹšÄž Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞůĹ?ŜĞĆ? Ĺ?Ĺ?ǀĞŜ Ä?LJ ƚŚĞ Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹŻĹ˝Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ä‚ĆľĆšĹšĹ˝ĆŒĹ?Ć&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ Please be safe. : WK 6WUHHWÂł(GPRQG 2. See us on Facebook at: Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ä¨Ä‚Ä?ÄžÄ?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÍ˜Ä?Žž͏ ŚĂŜŜĹ?ĹśĹ?hh ĹšĆľĆŒÄ?Ĺš
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 • October 15, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure