December 18, 2025 Vol. 26, No. 31
In This Issue
New superintendent calls EPS ‘premier school district in the state’
City Source looks this week at a new Edmond alert system. See Page 8 Josh Delich Superintendent of Edmond Public Schools
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 Partly Cloudy High 58° Low 48°
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 Sunny High 70° Low 39°
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 Partly Cloudy High 62° Low 41°
By Kimberly Burk For Edmond Life and Leisure Josh Delich said he is still observing, still getting to know the community since becoming superintendent of Edmond Public Schools in April. But one thing stood out immediately.“It’s the remarkable community support, the partnerships, the collaboration and pride this community has,” Delich said. “It really is a testimony of why Edmond is the premier school district in the state. I picked up on that right away.”Campus visits are helping him get to know students and employees and better understand the district’s strategic plan, Delich said.“ I try to intentionally do visits every week, if not multiple ones every week,” Delich said. He said he walks through the buildings with campus principals and visits classrooms. And his instructional leadership team holds meetings on the various campuses. “EPS is a remarkable school district with outstanding, hardworking people from all levels and all positions,” he said. “It’s been super exciting to see where the future is going to go.” Transitions can be difficult, Delich said, “but my executive leadership team has been a huge support. Our school board has been really supportive with this transition, really insightful.” The school board and the administration are constantly looking toward the future, Delich said.“Education is just changing so much. We are going to continue with that forward thinking and planning. Any time you can help improve the culture and climate of where you are at, that’s something so beautiful and exciting.”
One priority is to work together to serve all students, Delich said, including those who need academic and behavioral intervention and support. “For me, education is a calling,” Delich said. “You have the ability every single day to make a change in somebody’s life and their future.” Delich said he still thinks of himself as a teacher. “In this role, every day, you have an opportunity to teach, and to learn from others.” Delich brings to Edmond 21 years of experience as an educator. He began his career as a middle school teacher and coach in Texas, then moved into administrative roles in Texas and his native Minnesota. He served as an associate superintendent in AnokaHennepin Public Schools, Minnesota’s largest public school district, and was an assistant superintendent at St. Paul Public Schools, Minnesota’s second-largest district. Delich holds degrees from Concordia University, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Desirae, are the parents of three daughters. “Family means the world to me, so I’m trying to spend as much time as I can with my kids’ activities,” he said. Delich said he also enjoys “reading, writing and researching, and figuring out how to improve in every capacity.” He also likes to travel, and “health, exercise and sleep, I’m big into those.” As for their move from Minnesota, “we all do not miss the snow blower and the cold,” he said with a laugh. “We of course miss the family that’s up there.”
Catch Me If You Can! Downtown Edmond Business Association’s Gingerbread men are hidden this week somewhere in our paper. Image in DEBA ads excluded. If you catch them Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.
Page 2 • December 18, 2025 • Edmond Life & Leisure
From the Publisher
Proud to get Hoot Gibson award Last week was special because I was awarded the 2025 Morris Hoot Gibson award by the Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA). If you did not know, DEBA is the organization that puts on all the great events in downtown Edmond including the Arts Festival and Hibbard Krazy Daze. Edmond Life & Leisure has enjoyed wonderful support from downtown Edmond, and we thank them for helping local journalism. I was so honored to receive this award, but you should know the real power behind downtown Edmond is its executive director Stephanie Carel from Silver Leaf Gems. She keeps people like me in line and brings us all together. I have a long history with DEBA. When we started the paper 25 years ago, I called the ladies that ran DEBA my aunts. They would call me or come by and tell me what I needed to do to help with making downtown Edmond great. That totally still happens but I call them my cousins now since they are all younger than I am. On occasion a person will be not so nice to Carel when she is just trying to make things better. I get the call and my job is to go fellowship with that person to “help” them understand the error of their ways. Carel does so much for our community that you just would not believe it folks. Lisa asked me after receiving the recognition if I was going to write about myself. I surprised her by saying yes but the best way to do that is not to write about me but instead to write about the person the award is named after. What follows is the history of Morris Hoot Gibson I adapted from a story about him written by Tim Farley in our paper in 2013 when Hoot turned ninety. Hoot went on to live many more years but sadly he passed away in May of 2021. Morris “Hoot” Gibson opened McCalls Men’s Wear March 6, 1953, with special prices that listed white shirts at $2.89, socks were 35-cents and pure silk ties were $2.50. At the same time, gasoline was less than 30cents a gallon and bread was about 15-cents a loaf. It is fair to say that the prices were a bit higher when I started shopping there in 1988. Hoot opened his clothing store in the sleepy, small town of Edmond, which at the time had about 7,000 residents. As McCall’s grew, so did
The Grinch congratulates Ray Hibbard on his award.
Edmond and vice versa. But that was part of Gibson’s plan. He knew if Edmond flourished, his business would too. That is why he invested so much in Edmond and specifically in downtown Edmond, which was the true center of this town in the ‘50’s. It is no surprise that Hoot served in the military as a U.S. Marine in World War II. The first time I told him that my dad was a Marine and fought in Korea, we had a special bond. I would call Hoot on the birthday of the Marine Corps, and he always got a kick out of it. As with my father, you could take the man out of the Marines, but you could not take the Marine out of the man. I served with him several years on the board of directors of Citizens Bank of Edmond and got to see his toughness in action. I will just say that when we had some challenges back in 2008, Hoot lead the team to make sure we were doing the right thing. He was a notable example of why you should never mistake kindness for weakness. After serving his country in World War II, Gibson went to work for McCalls Men’s Wear in Norman. A few years later, he got the urge to start his own men’s clothing outlet, but money was a problem. So impressed with Gibson’s work ethic, Lewis McCall financed the opening of McCalls Men’s Wear in Edmond. About 20 years later, Gibson became the store’s sole owner. “At the time we opened this, Ed-
mond was a small town, close to Oklahoma City and it had a college. I felt like Edmond was going to grow because of its proximity to Oklahoma City,” Gibson said in an interview with Farley from the Oklahoman in 2013 on his 90th birthday. “I think there were 800 students at the time and now there are 17,000.” As Hoot, then 30 years old, began looking for a spot to locate the men’s store, his friend and future movie star James Garner helped renovate the building where the store is today. “I was paying him $1 an hour to help me get this place in shape. After the first week, he came up to me and asked how much I owed him. I paid him $46 and he headed to California where he became an enormous success.,” Gibson recalled. As the newest merchant in town, Gibson knew he had to help the city grow if his business was to succeed. So, he went to work. He became involved in the chamber of commerce, served as chair of Edmond’s parks and recreation commission, helped form the Downtown Merchants Association, instigated a plan to plant trees along Broadway Extension and was the driving force behind “Krazy Daze.” Yet, Gibson’s top civic achievement, he says, was the opening of Kickingbird Golf Course in 1972. As chair of the parks and recreation commission at the time, Gibson said the new golf course attracted thou-
sands of people from outside the city. You can thank the late Hoot for the big event we call Krazy Daze now. Sometime back in the 1960’s he was returning from a vacation and passed through a town that was having a big sale in their downtown area. The streets were packed with shoppers, and he decided it might be a good idea for something like that to take place in downtown Edmond. At that point, Krazy Daze was born and spread throughout the city. “We had a lot of fun with that,” Gibson said. “We dressed up in costumes and had an old horse tank that served as a dunk tank in the middle of the street. If someone came to work and was not dressed in a costume, we’d take ‘em outside and dunk ‘em in the horse tank. It wasn’t just here we did that. It could have been someone in another store.” On one occasion, Gibson dressed as a woman during Krazy Daze and jokingly harassed several men at a local coffee shop. Playing along with his gag, local police officers came to “arrest” Gibson. Elected to the Edmond Hall of Fame in 1981, Gibson was quick to say he worked long hours in the beginning – both as a business owner and community activist. “I worked hard to help build this city,” he said. “Building this city was wonderful and it’s great to see how it turned out. This is the best city in the world to bring up a family and live.” As a business owner, Hoot’s work was almost non-stop. “During the first 10 years, it was 12 hours a day at least,” he said. “Back then, it was me, one college boy and a tailor. But over the years, we added employees and had as many as twenty-five people working for us at one time. If you are wondering how he went from being Morris Gibson to being called Hoot here it is folks. “There was an old cowboy movie star by the name of Hoot Gibson, and he was incredibly famous in the silent movies. They started calling me ‘Hoot’ and I have had it ever since and cannot shake it,” he said. Thank you Hoot for allowing Edmond to enjoy the fruits of your labor over the years but most of all for your friendship. Special thanks to DEBA for its recognition and allowing us to be your marketing partner over the last 25 years. (Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure , may be reached for comment at ray@edmondpaper.com)
It’s been 25 years since Edmond Life & Leisure premiered with local photographs and articles. We’re still publishing local feature and news articles. Please send local stories and photos to news@edmondpaper.com For Advertising contact Alexx Reger at alexx@edmondpaper.com
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com
Check out what’s inside! --- Senior news ................................................................................Page 4. --- Police booking report ..................................................................Page 6. --- Calendar of weekend events ..............................................Pages 6 & 7. --- City Source ................................................................................Page 8. --- A look back at President Garfield..............................................Page 10. --- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. --- George Gust reviews new film ..................................................Page 14. ---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17. --- Comics ......................................................................................Page 18. ---- Church directory ......................................................................Page 19. This, and so much more, in this week’s edition
Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Reger alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kimberly Burk, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2025 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 • December 18, 2025 • Page 3
Staying healthy during cold & flu season As winter settles into Oklahoma, INTEGRIS Health is reminding the community that cold and flu season is in full swing. Seasonal viruses can spread quickly during the colder months, leading to increased illness, school absences and strain on families. INTEGRIS Health clinicians encourage Oklahomans to take simple preventive steps to protect themselves and others. Recognizing Common Cold and Flu Symptoms Seasonal respiratory viruses often share similar symptoms, making it difficult to know what you’re dealing with. Common signs include: Stuffy or runny nose Cough or sore throat Body aches, fatigue or chills Fever (more common with flu) Headache and congestion Individuals who experience prolonged high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain or dehydration should seek medical care promptly. “With cold weather comes increased cold and flu symptoms,” says Danielle Kerns, MSN, FNP-C, with INTEGRIS Health Express Care in Miami. “Simple precautions like good hand hygiene and staying home if you are ill can help stop the spread of illness.” Preventing the Spread of Illness INTEGRIS Health emphasizes that basic health habits remain the most effective way to reduce the spread of cold and flu viruses: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home when sick to prevent infecting others. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, phones and countertops. Stay well-rested and hydrated to support a healthier immune system. Don’t Overlook the Flu Vaccine Flu activity typically increases through late winter. INTEGRIS Health strongly recommends the annual flu vaccine for anyone six months and older, as it remains the most reliable defense against severe illness and complications. INTEGRIS Health encourages Oklahomans to take proactive steps to protect themselves and those around them during the height of cold and flu season. For additional health and safety resources or to schedule a same-day appointment or flu shot visit integrishealth.org.
Page 4 • December 18, 2025 • Edmond Life & Leisure
A survival guide for senior snowbirds There are many reasons to welcome the arrival of winteeach year. The holiday season, recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding, and the undeniable beauty of snowcovered landscapes are just some of the reasons to look forward to winter. Winter certainly has its positive attributes, but some may shudder at the thought of colder temperatures and shorter hours of daylight. In fact, some people dislike the cold so much they take to the road each winter and make for locales noted for their mild temperatures. Snowbird is a term used to refer to individuals who depart their homes around the beginning of winter so they can spend the ensuing months in warm climates. Snowbirds often are retirees, but the flexibility of remote working has enabled more and more working professionals to become snowbirds, too. Those considering a pivot to the snowbird lifestyle can consider these
tips to make that transition successful. · Find the right locale. Those new to the snowbird lifestyle might assume anywhere that isn't cold will fit the bill, but warm weather isn't the only variable to consider when choosing where to spend your winters. Many snowbirds spend several months at their winter destinations, so you will want somewhere that can accommodate the lifestyle you've grown accustomed to. First identify your priorities and then consider variables like the accessibility of nightlife, the availability of recreational activities and opportunities to socialize. A warm but especially remote location might appeal to some, but those who like to get out might do best spending their winters in a more vibrant locale. · Get a firm idea of the cost. Though there's ways to save on the snowbird lifestyle, it can be costly. Whether you plan to rent a winter
home or purchase a second home, there's notable costs that come with each approach. The costs of renting might seem more straightforward, as renters may think a deposit and monthly rent is all the added expense. But snowbirds who plan to work during the winter will need to consider the tax implications if they will be living and working in a different state or province. Buying a second home also comes with its own tax implications, so it might be best for aspiring snowbirds to work with a certified financial professional who can help them navigate those costs. Certain locales may be tax-friendly for retirees, who also can work with a financial professional to identify locations where the financial implications of snowbirding might not be too significant. · Don't forget your pets. Pets merit consideration when pondering the feasibility of the snowbird lifestyle. If you plan to rent lodgings for the winter, you must find a petfriendly option, which can prove diffi-
cult depending on the type and size of your pet(s). Pets' comfort also merits consideration. If you have a dog, a winter residence with access to a yard or nearby dog park should be a priority. And some complexes that specialize in offering winter lodgings may restrict pets or charge hefty fees to allow them. · Don't forget your current home. Snowbirds also need to arrange for the homes they live in most of the year to be looked after. If you plan to rent your primary home over the winter, that might come with hefty tax implications. If not, someone will need to look after the home while you're gone. Snow removal and security are two notable components of winter home care that will need to be arranged before you head for warmer locales. The snowbird lifestyle is tailor-made for people who prefer year-round warm weather. But several variables merit consideration before adults can commit to the snowbird lifestyle. METRO NEWS
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 5
State audits Western Heights Public School District Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector [SA&I] Cindy Byrd last week released her forensic audit report for the Western Heights Public School District in Oklahoma County. Auditor Byrd launched the investigation after receiving a citizen petition from residents of the school district and a request from the State Board of Education. The SA&I investigated 17 elements of the District’s financial operations and records from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021. A majority of the elements either resulted in no findings or minor bookkeeping errors. However, five elements of the investigation found significant problems. “The District spent more than one-million dollars in legal fees in just three years,” Auditor Cindy Byrd said. “This included pay for the District’s in-house attorney and legal fees to six outside law firms. Approximately $500,000 of these legal expenses were related to disputes involving the Board, former Superintendent Barnes, and the State Department of Education. This half-million dollars represents a substantial use of public funds on matters that provided little to no direct benefit to students, staff, or schools.” Among the problematic findings are: Legal Expenses The District decided to defend Superintendent Barnes against OSDE, which caused a significant increase in legal expenditures. During FY2020 and FY2021, the District failed to notice that seven
invoices provided by the law firm of Colclazier & Associates contained errors resulting in a net overpayment of $1,389. Payroll Taxes The District’s failure to file timely IRS payroll tax reports with the IRS resulted in past due amounts, with penalty and interest, of $9,984.70 for 2017 and $463,271.42 for 2018. As of October 12, 2022, the District owed the IRS $9,984.70 for 2017 and $463,271.42 for 2018. The District negotiated a reduced payment and is now current on IRS payments. Payroll Internal controls did not exist to ensure employees were properly paid in accordance with employment contracts. Of 61 employees tested, 16 overpayments and underpayments of at least $1,000 each were noted, with overpayments totaling $46,951 and underpayments totaling $20,083. Of 61 employees tested for payroll compliance, 15 lacked contracts with properly authorized signatures and one contract could not be located. Inventory The District did not maintain proper and complete inventory records in accordance with federal requirements or SDE Administrative Rules and did not perform an annual physical inventory of equipment. Of 30 technology items included in the District’s inventory records,
six could not be located. Seven equipment items, totaling $703,823, were not recorded in inventory records, nor did they have asset tags affixed. Superintendent’s Hiring & Contract(s) The District was negligent during the appointment of Superintendent Barnes, rendering his contracts and compensation void and improper. Mannix Barnes was an active Board Member during his initial appointment to the role of Superintendent on July 1, 2019. Per State law, any contract between Barnes and the District made prior to his resignation from the Board (on July 26, 2019) was and is legally void. Both contract renewals, on July 1st of 2020 and 2021, were invalid since the initial contract was void
and the renewals were never officially approved by the Board. All payments made to Barnes while Superintendent are considered improper due to the lack of valid contracts. Between August 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022, Barnes received compensation (salary, stipends, and benefits) of more than $1.13 million. “The SDE related spending decisions raise significant concerns about the Board’s management of taxpayer money,” said Auditor Byrd. “School leaders have a responsibility to act in the best interests of students, families, and taxpayers. Effective budget management goes beyond tracking expenditures. It also requires thoughtful, transparent decision-making that prioritizes student learning and academic success.”
Page 6 • December 18, 2025 • Edmond Life & Leisure
(Editor’s Note: The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) Dec. 1 John Bruce Thomas, Jr., 42 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment, two counts of failure to appear and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Sarah Anne Greco, 45 of Edmond. Public intoxication, obstruction of police officer and possession of CDS. Michelle Lynn Allen, 47 of Guthrie. Four felony warrants and a misdemeanor warrant. Samuel John Hurt, 50 homeless. Public intoxication. Kenton Samuel Bobelu, 29 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned. Dec. 2 Isaiah Lamar Coulter, 34 homeless. Trespassing. Ashley Nicole Taylor, 33 homeless. Trespassing. Dec. 3 Avarez Shemar Stevenson, 24 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and no proof of insurance. Billy Kalin Johnson, 40 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer, possession of paraphernalia, ,public intoxication and two counts of failure to appear. Alexzander Terrill Bradley, 23 of Edmond. No proof of insurance by operator, expired tag – over three months, driving while privilege is canceled,
suspended, denied or revoked, three counts of failure to appear. Anthony Calvin Wright, 51 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting – petit larceny. Jill Ann Fowler, 49 of Tulsa. Misdemeanor warrant. Dec. 4 Keith Dwayne Tubbs Jr., 48 of Oklahoma City. Felony DUI/APC and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked. Nicole Latoya Grayson, 50 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. William Arthur Simpson, 41 homeless. Transporting open alcoholic container and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more. Sarina April Kalapaca, 52 of Norman. Trespassing after being forbidden, (misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer, (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretense, trick or deception, false personation of another and possess CDS. Dec. 5 Isaiah Aaron Lee-Bolding, 19 of Edmond. Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol. Alan Lewis Craig, 63 homeless. Failure to appear. Hayden Christian Burns-Waldman, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication and illegal entrance. Britni Lauren Michaels, 27 of Midwest City. Misdemeanor warrant. Jaquez La’Shaun Villarreal, 21 of Oklahoma City.
Misdemeanor warrant. Teekaun William Ellis Atchison II, 23 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Dec. 6 Morgan Gelatka, 31 of Romeoville, Ill. Felony DUI/APC. Matthew Scott Larimore, 23 of Norman. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more. Dec. 7, Marlo Gordon Hughes Jr., 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Isacc Heath Powers, 21 of Duncan. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more. Darryl Coren Bennett, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Carlos Damian Carmona Orrantia, 21 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant. Timothy Wayne Briggs, 36 of Yukon. Public intoxication. Eugenio Jose Sunico Lizcano, 42 of Edmond. No proof of insurance. Nevan Mychel Larson, 19 of Edmond. Speeding (15-20 mph over.) Patrick James Rhodes, 47 homeless. Trespassing. Nestor Daniel Vargas, 40 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Christian Isaiah King Le, 22 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny. 34 Booking reports
Weekend calendar of events, Dec. 18-21 Weekend Calendar of Events Weekend Calendar of Events Dec. 18-21 ---- In the Gallery ---- Indoor Farmer’s Market ---- Edmond Patriot Market ---- Board Game Night ---- Weekly Game Night ---- Karaoke Thursdays ---- Karaoke Night ---- Beer + Yoga ---- Books + Board Games ---- Saturday Morning Music Sessions ---- Watch Party ---- Coffee & Guitars ---- Book Swap ---- Frenzy Magic Night: Casual Commander ---- Edmond Ice Rink ---- Edmond Electric’s Luminance ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Holidays in Downtown Edmond ---- Meet Santa at Citizens Bank ---- Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K ---- Pancakes & Hot Cocoa with Mr. Grinch! ---- Holiday Carriage Rides ---- Merry Restmas ---- PAMBE Ghana’s Global Market ---- Sample Oklahoma’s Gifting Gallery ---- Red Earth Treefest ---- The Polar Express ---- OKC Zoo Safari Lights ---- SPARKLE Holiday Walk at Scissortail Park ---- Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s “Christmas Cracker” ---- Holiday Pop-Up Shops ---- A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas ---- Storyteller Theatre OKC presents: It’s a Wonderful Life ---- Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show ---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker ---- 39th Street District Winter Market ---- Winter Solstice ---- Lights in the Flats ---- March of the Trees ---- Oklahoma City Horn Club presents: “Horns for the Holidays” Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: First Thu of every month Gallery opening: 5 – 7 p.m.; Free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; Featuring Reian Williams; edmondfinearts.com
Indoor Farmer’s Market Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Nov 1 – Sat, Mar 28; Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov Edmond Patriot Market Location: 425 Fretz Ave, Edmond Extra Info: Recurring last Saturdays of the month; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; free; facebook.com Board Game Night Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday through Sat, Dec 6, 2025; edmondokcivicrec.com Karaoke Thursdays Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com Karaoke Night Location: The Gin Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; 7 p.m.; theginok.com Beer + Yoga Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project Extra Info: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday; Free; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; americansolera.com Books + Board Games Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 7 p.m.; americansolera.com Weekly Game Night Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thu; 6 – 8:30 p.m.; visitedmondok.com Saturday Morning Music Sessions Location: Arcadia Round Barn Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Saturday; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; visitedmondok.com Watch Party Location: The Gin Extra Info: Recurring weekly every Thursday; Free; 7 p.m.; visitedmondok.com Coffee & Guitars Location: Edmond Music Extra Info: Every Saturday morning; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Book Swap Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project Extra Info: Recurring every 2 months on the first
Sunday; 2 – 5 p.m.; visitedmondok.com Frenzy Magic Night: Casual Commander Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thu; 6 p.m.; Free; Instagram.com Edmond Ice Rink Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 7 – Sun, Feb 1; $10+; Mon – Thu: 3 – 9 p.m.; Fri: 3 – 10 p.m.; Sat: 12 – 10 p.m.; Sun: 12 – 9 p.m.; edmondicerink.com Edmond Electric’s Luminance Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 21 – Thu, Jan 1, 2026; 5 – 10 p.m.; edmondlights.com Luminance: Merry Marketplace Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Dec 13; 4 – 8 p.m.; edmondlights.com Devon Ice Rink Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Fri, Nov 14 – Sun, Feb 1; Mon – Thu: 3 – 9 p.m.; Fri: 3 – 11 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; myriadgardens.org Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: Thu, Nov 13 – Sun, Feb 1, 2026; downtownindecember.com Holidays in Downtown Edmond Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Mon, Dec 1 – Thu, Dec 25; recurring daily; 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com Meet Santa at Citizens Bank Location: Citizens Bank Extra Info: Tue, Dec 9 – Sat, Dec 20; recurring weekly on Tue, Fri & Sat; mycitizens.bank Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Dec 20; 9 a.m.; redcoyoterunning.com Pancakes & Hot Cocoa with Mr. Grinch! Location: The Gin Extra Info: Sat, Dec 6, 13 & 20; $15; 8 – 11:45 a.m.; theginok.com Holiday Carriage Rides Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, Dec 6 – Sat, Dec 20; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; recurring weekly on Saturday; downtownedmondok.com
See Calendar, Page 7
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 7
Edmond State Sen. Adam Pugh welcomes students to the Capitol.
Pugh, Senate Education Committee hosts Christmas party at Capitol Senate Education Committee Chairman Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, on behalf of the Senate Education Committee, hosted a Christmas celebration last week at the Oklahoma State Capitol, welcoming students from across the state to perform music, sing Christmas carols and showcase holiday-themed performances in the fourth-floor rotunda. Students from schools representing communities across Oklahoma participated in the event, which brought together families, educators, lawmakers and members of the public to celebrate the holiday season and highlight the talents of Oklahoma’s students. Senator Pugh said the event was intended to recognize students and teachers while creating a festive atmosphere at the Capitol.
“It was a joy to welcome students from across Oklahoma to the State Capitol and watch them share their talents with everyone in attendance,” Senator Pugh said. “Events like this remind us of the importance of supporting arts and education while celebrating the spirit of the Christmas season. I’m grateful to the teachers, parents and students who made this day special.” Participating schools included Burlington High School, D.D. Kirkland Elementary, Del City High School, Eisenhower High School, Enid High School, Frontier Elementary, Lexington High School, Cheyenne Middle School, Claremore High School, Deer Creek High School, Classen School of Advanced Studies and Elgin High School.
Calendar From Page 6 Merry Restmas Location: The Yoga Spa Extra Info: Sun, Dec 21 & 28; $20 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; visitedmondok.com PAMBE Ghana’s Global Market Location: 7908 N Western Ave Extra Info: Sat, Nov 1 – Wed, Dec 24; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; pambeghana.org Sample Oklahoma’s Gifting Gallery Location: 12100 N May, OKC Extra Info: Sun, Nov 9 – Wed, Dec 24; Mon – Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; sampleoklahoma.com Red Earth Treefest Location: BancFirst Tower, OKC Extra Info: Thu, Nov 13 – Wed, Dec 31; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m..; redearth.org The Polar Express Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum Extra Info: Fri, Nov 14 – Sun, Dec 28; okcthepolarexpressride.com OKC Zoo Safari Lights Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden Extra Info: Sat, Nov 15 – Sun, Jan 4; 5:30 – 11 p.m.; okczoo.org SPARKLE Holiday Walk at Scissortail Park Location: Scissortail Park Extra Info: Fri, Nov 21 – Sun, Jan 4, 2026; Open nightly 5:30 ---- 9:30 p.m.; scissortailpark.org Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie Extra Info: Fri, Nov 28 – Sun, Dec 21; thepollard.org Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s “Christmas Cracker” Location: Paseo Indoor Theatre, 2920 Paseo, OKC Extra Info: Thu, Dec 4 – Sun, Dec
21; Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okshakes.org Holiday Pop-Up Shops Location: 399 NW 10th St, OKC Extra Info: Fri, Nov 28 – Sun, Dec 21; Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcpopups.com A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas Location: 700 W Warner, Guthrie Extra Info: Sat, Nov 29 – Thu, Dec 25; Sun – Thu: 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Fri – Sat: 5:30 – 10 p.m.; averymerryguthriechristmas.org Storyteller Theatre OKC presents: It’s a Wonderful Life Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Fri, Dec 12 – Sun, Dec 21; storytellersokc.com Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show Location: Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City Extra Info: Sat, Dec 20; 7 – 10 p.m.; thedinnerdetective.com Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Sat, Dec 13 – Mon, Dec 22; okcballet.org 39th Street District Winter Market Location: 2215 NW 39th St Extra Info: Fri, Dec 19; 5 – 9 p.m.; 39thstreetdistrict.com Winter Solstice Location: First Americans Museum Extra Info: Sat, Dec 20 – Sun, Dec 21; 3 – 6 p.m.; portal.famok.org Lights in the Flats Location: Cottonwood Flats, Guthrie Extra Info: Sat, Dec 20; 2 – 9 p.m.; facebook.com March of the Trees Location: Automobile Alley Extra Info: Sun, Dec 21; 6 – 8 p.m.; factoryobscura.com
Page 8 • December 18, 2025 • Edmond Life & Leisure
When you need to know, be AlertED New state-of-the-art notification delivers vital information From City Source Edmond Even in this mobile-connected, information-intensive world, wading through the constant cacophony of opinion and speculation to get critical updates when they’re needed the most can burn time that can’t afford to be spent. Imagine being out when threatening weather is stirring or being on the road when the safest course of action is finding shelter. Trying to find that valuable nugget of information may require panning through a mountain of memes or connections with media that aren’t available. “The worst and maybe most debilitating thing – at moments of potential crisis or emergency – is not knowing what is happening and what to do,” said Benjamin Curry, Director of Emergency Communications and Emergency Management for the City of Edmond. “When you need to know what’s happening and what you should be doing to keep you and your loved ones safe, you don’t want to have to wait. You want that vital information – now.” And that’s why the City of Edmond has invested in a way to get that information directly in residents’ hands – literally, in most cases. The City’s Emergency Management team has launched AlertED, a state-of-the-art text, email and voice messaging system that can alert residents and businesses about weather emergencies, homeland security issues, missing children or adults, evacuation orders, local criminal activity, and other situations that require immediate dissemination of crucial information. Using new technology, the AlertED system will send texts, emails, and voice calls to the numbers provided by residents when they sign up. “This system allows us to send out information within a matter of seconds, so that we can inform our residents of what’s going on,” Curry said. “And when disaster or an emergency strike, seconds really matter. “By allowing residents to know when disasters are happening or when an evacuation is taking place, then and ultimately, it helps us save lives and save property.” The mobile nature of the service means residents can be plugged in wherever they are,
using their cell phone. The nimble technology also allows Emergency Management to issue immediate and vital information to targeted areas, ensuring those who need information the most are getting the most direct path to connection. “A lot of the alerts are geographic based, meaning we’re going to go draw a circle around a certain area depending on where that disaster is, whatever the issue is,” Curry said. “Then it’ll pick up everybody that’s inside that circle. “You may see times where it’s used, where in the middle of the night we have a missing child. We can alert people in that neighborhood to be on the lookout for the child and then send that, make a phone call to 9-1-1 so that we can come locate that child.” This new technology will replace the CodeRED system previously in place. Residents who were registered with the City’s CodeRED program will need to register with AlertED to receive notifications. To take advantage of this service, residents must register with the program. Anyone interested can register online at www.edmondok.gov/AlerteEDSignup or text Alerted to 67283 to sign up directly from their cell phone. They can choose to add as much are as little information about themselves when they register, and can add additional phone numbers/email addresses, such as cell phones or out of state numbers and have them linked to your profile. Along with alerts about threatening weather, AlertED can deliver important information about the need to shelter in place, accidents or incidents that may require road closures or the need for residents to avoid the impacted area, and more. This service is free; however, message and
‘This system allows us to send out information within a matter of seconds, so that we can inform our residents of what’s going on.’ BENJAMIN CURRY CITY of EDMOND official data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services. “It’s really important for the city to offer this type of service because an informed city is a resilient city,” Curry said. “And, more importantly, it’s a safer city.” Learn more about the service at www.edmondok.gov/AlertED.
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 9
Publication honors Edmond lawmaker The Journal Record has named Senator Kristen Thompson (R-Edmond) to its 2025 “The Power List: Top Leaders in Workforce and Development,” recognizing her as one of the state’s most influential voices shaping Oklahoma’s economic and talent development. Senator Thompson has become a key voice in statewide workforce strategy through her work as Chair of the Senate Economic Development, Workforce & Tourism Committee. Her legislative efforts emphasize modernized career pathways, high-demand workforce training, childcare capacity expansion for working families, and policies that strengthen alignment between education systems and employer needs. Among her major initiatives: Senate Bill 1447, strengthening Oklahoma’s ability to attract and grow businesses. Senate Bill 324, establishing a Research and Development Rebate program designed to launch Oklahoma’s innovation economy and retain our brightest minds at home. Senate Bill 249 to strengthen the tourism and hospitality sectors — among the state’s largest and most dynamic industries. Senate Bill 758 to ensure students in traditional public schools receive consistent in-person learning, offering parents and working families the stability of a reliable school calendar. Senator Thompson emphasized her personal stake: as a business owner, wife, mother and fourth-generation Oklahoman, she wakes up every day focused on building a stronger, more
Sen. Thompson
competitive Oklahoma where hard work pays off and opportunity is endless. “Every Oklahoman deserves the chance to build a good life, raise a family, and find success right here at home. I’m honored by this recognition from The Journal Record, and I remain committed to advancing policies that support working families, grow our economy, and strengthen the long-term prosperity of our state.” Senator Thompson serves Senate District 22 (including Edmond, Arcadia, and northern Oklahoma County). Her recognition by The Journal Record underscores her dedication to job creation, workforce development, and economic growth statewide — priorities that help ensure Oklahoma’s best days are still ahead.
Automotive students wrap presents for Adopt-A-Family thanks to a recordsetting Money Wars year.
Francis Tuttle students break record to fundraise for needy Dozens of families will now have a merry Christmas thanks to the most impressive Money Wars fundraiser to date. Francis Tuttle Technology Center students in the Trade & Industrial training programs raised $4,482.13 over the last month by collecting loose change and small donations. Kareem Salim, Education Enhancement Center Instructor for T&I, said this is a record for Money Wars, and it is over $1,000 more than was raised last year. Money Wars is an annual, friendly competition between classes at Francis Tuttle to raise money for the Adopt-AFamily program. Automotive Collision Repair Technology won this year’s competition by raising $1,565.55.Auto
Collision also won the contest for best designed jug for collecting donations. Students used pieces of scrap metal to create a red semi-truck that carried their donated money. All of the money collected goes to buy presents for students and their families who are in need of some assistance. Salim said this amount of money will provide gifts for 19 families and help a total of 77 people. Francis Tuttle T&I programs include students who are training in Cosmetology, Nails, and Esthetics; Auto Service Tech and Auto Collision Repair; Aviation; Carpentry; Criminal Justice; Culinary Arts; and Service Careers in both Hospitality and Groundskeeping/Auto Maintenance.
Chamber to have banquet Feb. 5 Each year, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes businesses and individuals that have made a significant impact on our community. Winners of these awards will be recognized at the Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet on Thursday, February 5.
They announced recently the 2025 RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Year award goes to... Donatos Pizza! “We greatly appreciate their support of The Chamber and the Edmond community this past year and can't wait to see what's in store for them in 2026,” officials said. .
Powers at Law, LLC: Celebrating 25 Years of Dedicated Service Powers at Law, LLC proudly marked its 25th anniversary on November 13, 2025. Over the past quartercentury, the 2-member firm has built a legacy of dedication and service to its community and clients. Don Powers, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, brings a wealth of experience to the firm. His professional background includes service for the City of Dallas, the Kansas City, Missouri school district, and as Director of Airports in Tulsa. Don is committed to supporting businesses and business owners and reminds his clients that it is much easier to address contractual issues before signing than after. His guiding principle is “to be part of the solution and not the problem.” G. Kay Powers, Ph.D., had a notable academic career at the University of Central Oklahoma as a professor, department chair, and college dean. Outside academia, she built homes, raised Hereford cattle,
and ran an antiques store and auction. She graduated from the Oklahoma School of Auctioneering and the Fullerton Modeling and Casting Agency. Now, she advises clients on estate planning-wills, trusts, and probate-believing a well-planned estate is one of the best gifts parents can give their children. Her motto is “to achieve and inspire excellence.” Don and G. Kay are proud Edmondites and active members of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, the Edmond Rotary Club, and their church. They work together in the same office, cherishing the best parts of each day-hug breaks. To their wonderful clients and all citizens of Edmond, Don and G. Kay say, “Thank you for providing us with twenty-five of the best years a company can have. Contact us for your estate planning and business transaction needs and experience ‘the power of two working for you.”’ 1420 Bond Street • Edmond 405-359-5999 www.powersatlaw.com
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 10 • December 18, 2025 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side An ongoing problem Property tax reform “Death by Lightning” is a film/series appearing on Netflix. It’s about the 1881 assassination of President James Garfield. What’s interesting is that we forget political vioSteve Gust lence isn’t something new. We’ve had to deal with it since the founding. Don’t forget we had to fight a revolution just to get started. And revolutions aren’t peaceful events. The Netflix series is interesting but I wonder how accurate it is. For one thing everyone involved seems to curse like a sailor – even Mrs. Garfield. I’m sure in those days a few bad words were uttered but at times the characters seemed to rival an Eddie Murphy standup routine. I guess it could have happened but I wonder if the real life characters are laughing about their depiction in the afterlife. President Garfield was shot by an unstable man, who tried, and failed, to get a job in the Garfield administration. I had forgotten Garfield
only had a handful of months to his presidency. This was less than 20 years after President Lincoln had been killed at Ford’s Theater. It was about 20 years before President McKinley was gunned down in Buffalo, N.Y. What’s odd about those is that Robert Todd Lincoln — only surviving child of the Lincolns was present at the Garfield and McKinley assassinations. Sixty years later, President Kennedy was killed. It’s sad to think of the personal cost paid by people only wanting to serve their nation. I’ve read about plots affecting other presidents as well. One man tried to hijack a jetliner. He wanted to fly it into the White House when Nixon was president. Literally every modern president has faced some kind of plot. And it wasn’t all that long ago President Reagan was shot. And President Trump had two attempts on his life. It’s just crazy that these folks are subjected to that kind of threat. Everyone should pray for their safety. (Steve Gust may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com)
bill filed by lawmaker Could freeze or eliminate property tax Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, filed legislation last week to responsibly freeze or eliminate homeowners’ property taxes while shifting to a system whereby local governments and public schools are funded through adjusted sales and consumption taxes. Bullard filed the Ad Valorem Reform Act of 2026, which would eliminate property taxes for Oklahomans age 65 or older who own their primary home outright. To stop skyrocketing increases in property taxes, Senate Joint Resolution 23 also proposes freezing property taxes for all other homeowners who qualify for a homestead exemption. To ensure these changes don’t affect the stability of public schools and local governments, Bullard proposes these entities be funded through a fair tax model, where taxes are based on how much a consumer spends rather than on their productivity or success. “For far too long, Oklahomans have essentially been renting their property from the government,” Bullard said. “After all, do we really own our prop-
erty if we pay taxes on it? The Constitution is clear that no one shall be deprived of their life, liberty or property without due process. We can eliminate this unjust tax, but any changes must be implemented slowly and carefully to ensure we don’t defund our schools or counties. That’s why I’m proposing shifting to a fair tax system that funds schools and local governments through thoughtful adjustments to state consumption taxes.” SJR 23 would also move all constitutional language related to property taxes into state statute, which would make it easier and faster to reform Oklahoma’s property tax laws. “Oklahoma is long overdue for property tax relief for all homeowners, especially those who are retired and live on a fixed income,” Bullard said. “Removing that tax burden will ease the financial strain that many seniors feel every single day.” Bullard’s legislation will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Feb. 2. Because SJR 23 proposes an amendment to Oklahoma’s Constitution, it must be put before voters statewide if it is approved by the Legislature. —— Following last week announcement from the Oklahoma State Election Board that the Republican, Democratic and Libertarian parties have elected to close their primaries for the 2026– 2027 cycle, supporters of State Question 836 warned that nearly half a million Oklahoma voters will be locked out of meaningful elections. Roughly one in five registered voters — almost 500,000 independents — will be barred from participating in taxpayer-funded primaries that effectively decide the vast majority of elected offices in the state. In contrast to the competitive and meaningful primary elections held every cycle, general elections are largely uncompetitive. Of the 445 county, state, and federal races up for election last cycle, only seven (about 2%) were decided in November general elections by fewer than 10 points. The remaining 98% of November races were blowouts, determined instead in June primaries or August runoffs, or ended on filing day when candidates ran unopposed.
Should public vote on future pay rates for lawmakers? Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, is again pursuing legislation that would send to a vote of the people a question regarding future legislative pay changes. West is drafting a resolution to require a statewide vote to determine whether legislative pay increases or decreases should face a vote of the people each time they are recommended. House bills and resolutions must be filed by Jan. 15. The next legislative session convenes Feb. 2. "I made a promise to the people in my district that I would attempt to let them vote on whether or not legislators deserved a pay raise," West said. West said this would not do away with the Oklahoma Legislative Compensation Board or the Statewide Official Compensation Commission, both of which have the same members appointed by the governor, the speaker of the House and the president pro tem of the state Senate as well as non-voting members from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and the Oklahoma Tax Commission. These entities could still meet to make the rec-
ommendation for legislative pay and explain their rationale, West said, but the ultimate decision would be in the hands of voting Oklahomans. West has filed identical resolutions since being re-elected to serve his House district in 2020. None have ever advanced from committee. "I'm hopeful this will be the year this advances," West said. West declined to take a 35% increase in legislative pay that was approved by the Compensation Board for state lawmakers starting in 2019. At the time, West was not in office. But, he said he pledged to voters that upon taking his seat in 2020, he would instead donate the amount to charities in his House district. The board in 2023 voted to increase by 5% stipends paid to legislative leaders. This year, both the board and the commission voted to increase base legislative pay by $7,400 – from $47,500 to $54,900. Also approved were bonus stipends of $27,450 for leaders of both legislative chambers, as well as $18,117 for others in legislative leader-
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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.
ship positions. West said these amounts exceed the median household income of $50,027 in LeFlore County, where his House District 3 is located. —— Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, has filed legislation to reduce the administrative burden on Oklahoma schools. The Administrative Report Consolidation Act, also known as Senate Bill 1236, would establish an 11-member board to reduce administrative reporting requirements for public school districts and technology center school districts. The board would eliminate duplicative and outdated reporting requirements, consolidate reports where necessary, make legislative recommendations regarding statutory reporting requirements and create an action plan for the continued review of reporting requirements. The board would aim to consolidate the number of required annual reports to no more than 10 for each school district. A former history teacher, Bullard said he knows state reporting requirements can be a burden on school leaders. “As someone with a master’s degree in school administration, I have seen firsthand how crippling it is for administrators to be asked to constantly complete repetitive and often unnecessary reports,” he said. “Instead of supporting teachers’ professional growth and being present in the halls to address discipline issues, they are stuck filling out reports that don’t solve a single problem. The Report Consolidation Act seeks to address this by empowering a board of experts to reduce the number of required reports, giving administrators more time to foster a first-class education environment.” SB 1236 will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Feb. 2.
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 11
Top art exhibitions close to home By Elaine Warner I’m not a football fan. My husband, Jack the Flipper, is. Saturdays and Sundays are particularly bad – with him frequently changing channels to watch multiple games. Sometimes, I just have to leave the house. This happened last week – and what a good time I had. I too seldom spend time exElaine ploring my own hometown. I planned an excursion to two of my favorite art spots: JRB Art at The Elms and Oklahoma Contemporary. And I found exciting exhibitions at both places. Sorry to give you such short notice, but if you can make it to The Elms in the next few days (last day of this exhibition is December 23), you’ll see a display of metalsmithing worth your time. If you haven’t been to the gallery, it’s located on Walker on the west edge of the Paseo. The Elms was once the home of Nan Sheets, artist and civic activist credited with starting what is now the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. In the 1920s she held salons in the style of Parisian intellectuals and in 1930 opened her home to the public in what was the city’s first commercial art gallery. Today under the ownership of Joy Reed Belt, its many rooms and crannies are filled with a wide variety of works from classic still lifes to wildly colorful abstract creations, sculptures and jewelry The current exhibition, Beyond Craft: Jewelry and Metalsmith As Art, curated by artist Sheridan Conrad, features twenty national and international artists working with a variety of metals in a variety of styles. Conrad was interested in jewelry making from an early age. Majoring in art with a concentration in jewelry, she worked in the industry and
A necklace made from St. Christopher medals is an example of wearable art by artist Martha Avrett.
ELAINE WARNER
In this large mural, painted directly on the gallery wall, Costa Rican immigrant Carlo Barbosa reflects on his childhood and the blend of cultures.
trained at the Gemological Institute of America, later doing advanced study in Italy. While she once had her own studio on the Paseo, she now works on commission for private clients in her home studio in Edmond. Several of her pieces are included in the exhibit. Items vary greatly. Oklahoman James Huelsman has created three wall pins – looking like oversized antique brooches – while Stillwater artist Martha Avrett created a necklace incorporating piano key shards, antique glove and shoe buttons and silver in an impressive piece. You’ll see rings, bracelets and more, including a number of vessels. David Huang from Michigan learned the art of creating vessels from flat pieces of metal. His works on display incorporate copper, fine silver (a highly pure form of the metal, softer than sterling) and 23 karat gold leaf. Harlan Butt, Professor Emeritus from the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas has several enameled vessels with metal elements on display. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Fenwick Gallery at the Smithsonian and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts all have works by him in their collections. While at The Elms, take time to look at exhibitions of works by Denise Duong and Buck Kennedy in addition to many other pieces by artists represented by the gallery. From the Paseo, it is a short jaunt
down Broadway to Oklahoma Contemporary, the striking aluminum clad building that looks like Superman might live there. Being honest, I didn’t visit this museum for a long time – wrongly assuming that contemporary meant abstract. Yes, you’ll find abstract works here – but contemporary simply means currently working artists exploring many genres. I can always find something intriguing or appealing in their exhibitions, so now I visit regularly. The current main exhibition is titled Art Now: Materials and Boundaries. It includes 26 Oklahoma artists, several who are immigrants, others with family immigration backgrounds. Their works reflect bits of their cultures and assimilation into this place. Some are obvious – a beautiful Vietnamese altar installation by Dan Lynh Pham intimates different cultural expectations – while others, with less obvious references, tease the viewer with their obliqueness. I sometimes feel like a dummy when I read the commentaries and struggle to understand the nuances they describe. I totally failed to absorb the description of Leticia R. Bajuyo’s giant twisting tunnel of CDs – Loop: Gravity Repeated – which, according to the graphic, invites the viewer to consider the invisible forces – both physical and cultural – that shape our surroundings. I was fascinated with its construction, admired the shimmer and shine, and was im-
pressed by the shape and size. My brain, unfortunately, went no farther than that. I love the whimsy of Denise Duong’s works and got a double whammy – paintings at The Elms – and an intriguing construction at the Contemporary. Her contribution, I Give You a Piece of Me, created with her partner Gabriel Friedman, offers so many levels of enjoyment. The two accompanied the construction with a poem. The piece itself is a sort of fantasy hut made of steel, wood, fabric and found objects, which invites visitors to enter. Inside is a seat and table with a lamp, pencils, a pencil sharpener, and little squares of paper where guests can write a note – anything – then shred it, leaving the remnants in a small wooden box. I’m pretty sure an elf comes by each night to collect the scraps. The Art Now exhibition will be up until February 15. There are two other exhibitions – one, the Studio School Exhibition, is a display of works by community members and teachers who have taken a recent class or workshop. This gives visitors an idea of some of the educational opportunities, including ceramics, beading and fiber arts, available here. This collection is on display until January 25. The final exhibition is entitled The Black Land: Rituals and Rejoicing in African American Rodeo Culture. Oklahoma City photographer Jakian Parks focuses his camera on aspects of Black rodeo experience – from participants in action to fans in fancy Western attire. The Black Land will be in the third floor gallery until June 1. You’ll find Oklahoma Contemporary on Broadway at NW 11th Street. Besides being a fascinating venue, it has ample free parking and there’s no admission charge. It’s one of Oklahoma City’s coolest bargains.
Denise Duong and Gabriel Friedman created this interactive exhibit.
Page 12 • December 18, 2025 • Edmond Life & Leisure
AAA says public wants safety measures The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) released a new report that shows that while risky driving behaviors remain widespread, Americans strongly support a range of impaired-driving countermeasures that could significantly reduce fatalities. Risky driving behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, or driving while impaired contribute to tens of thousands ofdrinking and driving.png traffic deaths each year. Federal officials estimate that more than 39,000 people were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year but still a stark reminder of the persistent public health crisis on American roads. “Findings from the AAA Foundation survey give us a strong sense of what drivers see as risky, and what they want done about it,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAAFTS. “Those insights can help safety stakeholders and policymakers focus on effective solutions
with broad public support.” The annual Traffic Safety Culture Index examines driver attitudes, self-reported behaviors, and support for evidence-based traffic safety policies. This year’s results highlight a clear pattern: even as some drivers continue to take dangerous risks, most Americans want stronger safeguards that prevent impaired driving, including advanced vehicle technologies and more protective legal standards. 67% support requiring all new cars to include alcohol-impairment prevention technology. 51% support lowering the legal BAC limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Still, the survey found a troubling number of drivers still choose to drive impaired. 93% say driving after drinking is very or extremely dangerous, yet 7% say they did so in the
See AAA, Page 13
Letter to the Editor
Keeping our new teachers Retention plan a must EDITOR: The statistics on teacher retention in the Central Southwest region are alarming, and they should concern every Edmond parent and resident: only 23% of teachers remain in the profession after five years. This high rate of attrition is not just a statewide problem; it impacts our local schools, leading to instability in the classrooms where our children learn. We must support our newest educators to ensure they stay and thrive. Research shows that teachers often leave due to "reality shock," low self-efficacy, and burnout, which stem from insufficient preparation for the diverse challenges of the classroom. The clear solution is to amend the Oklahoma Induction Program (70 O.S. § 6-195) to mandate a three-year, high-quality mentor-teacher induction program. This proposed mandatory program would require a beginning teacher to work alongside the same experienced, high-quality mentor for three years. The first year would involve an intensive internship, followed by two years of teaching under continuous guidance. This multi-year support is critical because teaching mastery takes time, and continuous, on-site, expert guidance is necessary to help new teachers develop. High-quality mentoring is proven to raise teacher selfefficacy, increase the use of evidence-based teaching practices, and positively influence retention rates. Specifically, mentors help new teachers gain exposure to and practice in essential skills, such as effective classroom management strategies. While some may focus on the cost of adequately compensating mentors and funding dedicated collaboration time, this investment is manageable and essential. Furthermore, federal resources, such as Title II grants through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), are available to fund teacher mentoring and induction programs. Our state representatives, including House Members Collin Duel, Erick Harris, and Preston Stinson, and Senate Members Chuck Hall, Kristen Thompson, Adam Pugh, and Kelly Hines, who serve the Edmond area, must prioritize this legislation. By ensuring every new teacher receives three years of structured, high-quality mentorship, Oklahoma can turn the tide on attrition. We have a viable plan to secure a qualified teaching workforce and guarantee high-quality education for all our students. Let’s urge our leaders to act now. ALEXIS BOWEN EDMOND
Senators condemn attack US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), co-founders and co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, released the following statement on the antisemitic attack targeting Jews in Australia on the first night of Hanukkah: “Our hearts go out to the Australian people as they deal with the aftermath of a horrific attack that targeted Jews on the first night of Hanukkah. We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, and are praying for the full recovery of those injured. This senseless act of mass violence was motivated by a hatred of Jews and is the result of rising antisemitism left unchecked. It underscores the importance of rooting out this evil bigotry from the face of the planet. We’re committed to continuing the fight against antisemitism wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head. This is a fight that transcends politics or ideology, and we are united behind a shared goal: ensuring Jews in the United States and around the world can practice their faith openly without fear of violence.”
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 13
AAA From Page 12 past 30 days. 70% say driving within an hour of using marijuana is very or extremely dangerous — and 6% reported doing so. “These findings show that the public is ready for stronger action,” said Gene Boehm, President and CEO of AAA, Inc. “People overwhelmingly want policies and technologies that prevent impaired driving, and those tools already exist. Implementing policies like the HALT Drunk Driving Law, alongside fair and effective enforcement, could save thousands of lives each year.” December is Impaired Driving Prevention
Month, and AAA is teaming up with MADD and Waymo to remind drivers to always plan a sober ride home whenever they go out to celebrate. The survey also found risky behavior persists in other areas: Distracted Driving 97% say scrolling social media, 94% texting/emailing, and 90% reading on a hand-held phone are extremely or very dangerous — yet 28% texted, 37% read messages, and 36% talked on a hand-held phone while driving. 79% support a hand-held phone ban; only 40% support limits on hands-free use.
Reaction to closed primary news Following last week’s announcement from the Oklahoma State Election Board that the Republican, Democratic and Libertarian parties have elected to close their primaries for the 2026–2027 cycle, supporters of State Question 836 warned that nearly half a million Oklahoma voters will be locked out of meaningful elections. Roughly one in five registered voters — almost 500,000 independents — will be barred from participating in taxpayer-funded primaries that effectively decide the vast majority of elected offices in the state. In contrast to the competitive and meaningful primary elections held every cycle, general elections are largely uncompetitive. Of the 445 county, state, and federal races up for election last cycle, only seven (about 2%) were decided in November general elections by fewer than 10 points. The remaining 98% of November races were blowouts, determined instead in June primaries or August runoffs, or ended on filing day when candidates ran unopposed.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander Tony Stobbe, an independent and advocate for SQ 836, said last week’s announcement underscores why Oklahoma needs reform. “I served this country for decades, but here at home I am not able to vote in an election that actually decides anything,” Stobbe said. “It’s wrong that hundreds of thousands of taxpayers, including veterans like me, are shut out of the process. The announcement from the State Election Board means it’s more important than ever that we give Oklahomans a chance to open our primaries and ensure all registered voters can participate in our elections. SQ 836 will make sure every voter has a voice in every election.” SQ 836 would create an open primary system where all voters can participate and the top two candidates advance to the general election — restoring meaningful voting power to Independents and ensuring elected officials are accountable to all their constituents, not just a narrow slice of the electorate.
Edmond Fine Arts sets January Gallery show Edmond Fine Arts is opening the new year with the EFA Gallery featuring the Paint Pushers Group Show, Interesting Places, Interesting Faces. The show includes works by Clay Moore, Diane Goldschmidt, William Lentz, Glen Thomas, Cheryl Smith, and Charlotte New. All are invited to the opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Edmond Fine Arts. This group exhibition highlights the compelling perspectives of six Oklahoma artists who explore character, landscape, emotion, and story through diverse media and styles. Diane Goldschmidt discovered painting by chance in the 1990s and has been passionately creating ever since. Known for her joyful and humorous perspective, she has exhibited widely and organized annual emerging-artist shows. She aims to spark memory and delight through her work. William Lentz, a longtime watercolor artist and instructor at Edmond Fine Arts and Healthy Living OKC, brings decades of study and exploration to his expressive work. Having trained with multiple notable watercolorists, he continues to pursue the unique emotional range and spontaneity the medium offers. Clay Moore, a pharmacist and owner of Medic Pharmacy at Hefner Pointe, returned to art after a 30-year pause. Originally introduced to watercolor in the 1980s, he has since expanded his skills through classes with Glen Thomas, Leslie Lenau, and mentorship with Tina Garrett. Now working primarily in oil and charcoal, Moore creates realist works with a touch of impressionism across still life, landscape, and figurative subjects. Charlotte New has been creating since childhood and rediscovered her artistic path later in life after careers in the Air Force and nonprofit leadership. Trained extensively in oil painting and sculpture, including study with Glen Thomas, her work has been exhibited throughout Oklahoma and Kansas and can currently be seen at 50 Penn Place Gallery and The Studio Gallery. Cheryl J. Smith is a contemporary artist whose paintings explore the interplay of color, texture, and emotion. Inspired by nature and memory,
Photo of artwork by William Lentz.
her expressive brushwork and balanced compositions evoke movement, depth, and reflection. Glen Thomas, a sculptor, painter, and illustrator trained at USAO, works in oil, pencil, clay, bronze, and more. Known for his focus on portraiture and the figure, his work appears in numerous collections and in Oklahoma City at 50 Penn Place Art Gallery and The Studio Gallery. He teaches sculpture and painting in OKC and was honored with the 2025 Oklahoma Sculpture Society Lifetime Achievement Award. Attendees are invited to meet the artists, explore the gallery, and enjoy community during this free, public event. Artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting Edmond Fine Arts yearround arts programming. The exhibition will be on display in the Edmond Fine Arts Gallery throughout the month of January. Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. About Edmond Fine Arts: Edmond Fine Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creativity in the Edmond community. Through classes, workshops, and community events, Edmond Fine Arts aims to inspire individuals of all ages to explore and embrace the arts. The Gallery is sponsored by BancFirst. For more information, visit www.edmondfinearts.com.
Aggressive Driving and Speeding 90% view aggressive driving and 80% running red lights as extremely or very dangerous. Fewer drivers saw speeding as dangerous compared to other risky behaviors. 58% believe they’d be caught driving 15 mph over the limit, yet about half did so in the past month. Only 46% support speed cameras on residential streets. For more information on survey methodology, data considerations, and results, please refer to the full Traffic Safety Culture Index report.
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Review of film ‘Wake-Up Dead Man’
Murder mystery surprisingly good By George Gust Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man” lands on Netflix as a delightfully old school murder mystery that feels surprisingly modern. The film wears its Agatha Christie influences proudly, there’s a cozy, closed circle atmosphere and a parade of suspects that invites you to play along, yet Johnson spices the recipe with contemporary political commentary that never overwhelms the central puzzle. The result is a holiday season mystery that’s both comforting and a little unsettling. When a long serving pastor (Josh Brolin) winds up dead on Good Friday, the town and parish look for answers to a locked door murder mystery. Craig returns to Benoit Blanc with the same mischievous relish he’s shown before; he’s clearly having a blast, and his energy sets the tonal compass for the whole picture. But the movie’s emotional and narrative glue is Josh O’Connor, who turns a priestly archetype into something unexpectedly frenetic and human, a standout performance that elevates the stakes and keeps the plot humming.
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The supporting cast reads like a who’swho and delivers those delighted “oh, they’re in this too?” moments throughout. Each arrival adds texture and a new line of suspicion, and the ensemble chemistry is one of the film’s pleasures. Johnson’s script keeps the jokes and the clues in tidy balance, so the laughs never undercut the danger; instead, they make the darker turns land harder. Visually, the film outclasses much of Netflix’s usual holiday output. The cinematography leans into Gothic
flourishes and warm, tactile interiors that feel perfectly timed for winter viewing, think fireside puzzling rather than flashy spectacle. That cinematic sheen helps the movie feel like an event, not just another streaming drop. If there’s a comparison to be made, “Wake Up Dead Man” has more bite than lighter streaming mysteries like “The Thursday Murder Club” Johnson is willing to let dread and moral complexity sit alongside the jokes, which gives the film real dramatic weight. For fans of clever plotting, memorable performances, and a mystery that reads like a pageturner, this one’s a satisfying holiday watch. “Wake Up Dead Man” is rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking. 4.2 out of 5 stars (Contact George Gust for comment about this movie, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
Danie Craig and director Rian Johnson return to Netflix with an entertaining and thrilling whodunnit ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’
Busy time at OKC Fair Park The 2025 World Championship Quarter Horse Show took place at OKC Fair Park October 30 through November 19. The equine competition took place in the new OG&E Coliseum and across Barn Row. Ninety-five percent of attendees traveled from out-oftown for the event, while five percent were locals. Attendance for the event exceeded 148,000, generating more than $32.41 million in direct spending for the Oklahoma City economy. Mistletoe Market ‘25 returned to OKC Fair Park November 6 through 8. The holiday shopping event took place in the Bennett Event Center. Eighty percent of attendees were local, while 20 percent traveled from out-of-town for the event. Attendance for the event exceeded 11,000, generating more than $1.21 million in direct spending for the Oklahoma City economy. OKC Fair Park hosted a total of 18 events during the month of November.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Year in Review ACROSS 1. W.E.B Du Bois' org. 6. Rascal 9. Ho-hum 13. "Pomp and Circumstance" composer 14. Tropical constrictor 15. Forgo 16. Tequila source 17. + or - atom 18. Reason by deduction 19. *Trade war "weapon," pl. 21. *2025 MLB World Series winners 23. ____-tzu 24. C&H crop 25. Dunce 28. Western necktie 30. Catch in a snare 35. Ginger cookie 37. Master of his castle 39. Use a razor 40. British slang for donkey 41. Arch and ball locations 43. Winglike 44. March celebrants 46. *Arthur Sze, 2025 ____ Laureate 47. Dam-like structure 48. *BeyoncÈ's "Cowboy ____," 2025 Grammy winner 50. King Kong and Curious George, e.g. 52. Like a fox 53. What Pinocchio did 55. *Florida Panthers won this org.'s '25 championship 57. *"Wicked: ____ ____" 61. *Late environmentalist and chimpanzee expert 65. German submarine destroyer 66. *2025 Ryder Cup loser 68. Manuscript sheet 69. Brazilian coins 70. Roll-your-own one, for short 71. To the left, on a boat 72. Orpheus' instrument 73. Geological time period 74. They are cut by Federal Reserve DOWN 1. At room temperature, bar order
2. Algae, sing. 3. Petri dish filler 4. Raise trivial objections 5. Ready to be assembled 6. Avian wader 7. Farm sound 8. China's goodwill "____ diplomacy" 9. Collision, onomatopoeically speaking 10. *Taylor Swift's "The ____ of a Showgirl" 11. Affirm solemnly 12. Third-person possessive pronoun 15. Makes broader 20. Why do they fall in love? 22. *Aryna Sabalenka's seed 24. Auto contents 25. Pertaining to osmium 26. *2025 Academy Awards Best Picture winner 27. Faquir, alt.spelling 29. Pilot's stunt 31. Spring event 32. Pneumonia symptom, pl.
33. Be of use 34. *Blue Origin's 2025 singing passenger 36. Boll weevil, e.g. 38. *____Seek 42. Shorthand typist, for short 45. Serfs 49. 2016 Olympics host, for short 51. Ram's horn at a synagogue 54. Draw a conclusion 56. Parkinson's disease drug 57. Roll up 58. Heed 59. Lion sound 60. Dorothy's last name 61. *Lady of "The Mayhem Ball" 62. Tons (2 words) 63. Lira, pl. 64. Land parcels 67. *Gary Oldman received this honorific in 2025
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Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 15
Great Christmas stories for children December is filled with opportunities to make magical memories, particularly for families with young children. Christmas commands a lot of thought and attention, and parents know such efforts are worth it to see smiles on children’s faces. Stories help set the holiday scene and enable children to hold tight to all of the magic. Whether they are read together as a family or children read them on their own, these literary works can enhance special holiday moments. • “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: This story tells the tale of a young married couple who have to sacrifice in order to buy Christmas presents for one another. • “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens: No Christmas season would be complete without reading (or watching) “A Christmas Carol.” When three ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge, he learns an important lesson about charity, friends and family. • “The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear: A Christmas Book for Kids” by Stan and Jan Berenstain: Kids of all generations have grown up reading Berenstain Bears books. This volume has Mama and Papa showing Sister and Brother that the true meaning of the holiday is about giving. • “Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree” by Robert Barry: When Mr. Willowby’s tree arrives for Christmas, it is too tall for his parlor. He must cut off the top so it will fit, and that top is passed along again and again to spread holiday cheer. • “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern: Written in 1943, this story is about a man named George who is contemplating his life while standing on a bridge on Christmas Eve. This tale became the basis for the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” • “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss: Famed children’s writer Dr. Seuss was a master of imbuing life lessons in his stories and this book is no different. Isolated and angry, the Grinch learns to appreciate his neighbors in Whoville and comes to realize that Christmas is about being with loved ones and not material gifts. • Gospels of Matthew (1 and 2) and Luke (1 and 2): Families can read about the birth of Jesus Christ, whose birth is primarily narrated in these passages. Matthew focuses on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, while Luke speaks to the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, Christ’s birth and visits from shepherds.
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State seeks stronger consumer protections The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) last week announced a comprehensive package of 2026 legislative policy proposals designed to provide Oklahomans with stronger consumer protections, enhanced transparency, and meaningful relief from rising homeowners insurance premiums. Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready emphasized that the proposals reflect ongoing efforts to collaborate with lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and consumer advocates, with a clear goal: ensure fair treatment, handle claims faster, and improve access to affordable coverage. “Oklahomans deserve an inMulready surance market that is transparent, responsive, and accountable,” Mulready said. “This package addresses consumer frustrations—including slow claims responses, limited disclosure from insurers, and premium increases—while helping stabilize the state’s insurance market.”
“It has been a challenging few years for Oklahoma policyholders. While we can’t control severe weather or the rising cost of building materials, strengthening property resiliency, pursuing tort reform, and closing administrative loopholes in current law are the right steps forward," said Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa. "I applaud the commissioner’s commitment to ensuring policyholders receive prompt and fair treatment before and after a claim. Combined with recent anti-fraud and tort-reform measures, I believe the Legislature has taken meaningful action to put sound prevention and mitigation mechanisms in place for the market.” “Oklahoma has faced its challenges with significant weather losses, and it has taken its toll on Oklahoma policyholders," said Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks. "We cannot legislate the weather we face in this state, the losses that occur and the continual rising cost in labor and materials that affect overall claims cost. What we can do is continue to work on tort reform and put guardrails in place to stem the rising cost of litigation. We can
also focus on consumer protection measures and ensure that we are holding insurance companies accountable and expediting the claims process and any issues that may arise. I am pleased to see the steps taken by the Insurance Commissioner and his team to address these areas. I look forward to working with him and the legislature to continue our efforts to protect Oklahomans and work to stem the rising costs of insurance here in the state.” Key Components of the 2026 Legislative Package Faster Response and Claims Handling Shortened Response Deadlines for Complaints: Insurers must respond to OID consumer complaint inquiries within 14 days (reduced from 20 days). Insurers must respond to insureds’ claims questions or information requests within 14 days (reSee Reform, Page 19
AAA: More than 1 million in state will travel over holiday AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day yearend holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers. More than 1.1 million Oklahomans will be traveling during the holidays, up 0.7% from last year. Nearly 93% of them, or 1 million, will drive to their destinations. More than 49,000 Oklahomans will travel by air, while another nearly 33,000 will go on cruises or travel by train or bus. “Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Holi-
day celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.” By Car: AAA projects 109.5 million Americans will travel by car for their year-end trips, an increase of 2% compared to last year. Driving is the overwhelming favorite among all modes of transportation because of its convenience and low cost. This year, 89% of holiday travelers nationally will take road trips. Gas prices are lower compared to last holiday season when the national average was $3.04 to end 2024. For the first time in 4 years, the na-
Donors offer to match gifts to the OMRF up to Dec. 31 A group of donors is offering to match up to $300,000 in gifts to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation made by Dec. 31. Teaming to provide this year’s matching gift are Boeckman Ford of Kingfisher, Dale and Beth Matherly of Arcadia, Jake and Melissa Matherly of Arcadia, and a donor who asked to remain anonymous. Their combined gift guarantees a match of all donations, up to a total of $300,000, made by yearend to the Oklahoma City-based charity. Sylvia Zimmerman of Moore has supported OMRF for nearly two decades. For her, the matching gift offers an opportunity to amplify her donation. “I’m a smaller donor,” Zimmerman said. “I like the idea that a larger
donor is matching my gift to make a much bigger impact.” Donations to OMRF fund research aimed at healthy aging as well as preventing and treating diseases that include cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease and autoimmune disorders. “For almost 80 years, OMRF has focused on helping people live longer, healthier lives,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “The generosity of Oklahomans has fueled many life-changing discoveries, and this wonderful matching gift can provide a new spark for many more to come.” All donations to OMRF are tax-deductible, and they are also eligible for Oklahoma’s Biomedical Research Tax Credit. Find details about the tax credit at omrf.org/TaxCredit.
City workers earn professional honors & certification by passing exams Sheila Briesch, the City of Edmond Controller, has successfully completed the program for certification from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and is offiBriesch cially a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO). The program requires candidates to pass seven exams that cover the major disciplines of public finance, including Governmental Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting, Treasury and Investment Management, Debt Management, Operating and Capital Budgeting, Retirement & Benefits, Risk Management and Procurement. Benjamin Curry, Director of Emergency Communications and Emergency Management for the City of
Edmond, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority. The Oklahoma 91-1 Management Authority Curry (OK911MA) oversees and improves Oklahoma's 9-1-1 emergency systems by setting standards, managing funds, developing statewide policies for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), creating training programs for call takers, and ensuring interoperability for better emergency response across the state. They manage the state's 9-1-1 fees to fund these improvements, working with local PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) to modernize infrastructure for faster, more efficient emergency calls.
tional average dropped below $3 a gallon this month, and prices could continue dropping as 2025 comes to a close. According to AAA’s Fuel Prices tracker (https://gasprices.aaa.com/), as of December 10th, the average gas price in Oklahoma is $2.37 which is the lowest in the nation. With a record number of car travelers, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month which serves as a timely reminder to make safe choices and stay vigilant. AAA and MADD encourage holiday travelers to plan safe rides home this holiday season during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road.
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OMRF named a top place to work For the 13th straight year, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has been named one of the state’s top places to work. The 2025 Top Workplaces rankings resulted from an anonymous employee survey on factors such as job satisfaction, management quality, pay and benefits, and opportunities for growth. Each year since the surveys began in 2013, OMRF has ranked among the state’s top 10 large employers (350-plus employees). The nonprofit biomedical foundation has ranked in the top five for nine of the past 10 straight years. The Oklahoman newspaper announced this year’s winners at a Dec. 10 event in Oklahoma City, based on results compiled by Energage, a Philadelphia-based research and consulting firm. Earlier this year, the same firm recognized OMRF as one of the nation’s top 10 workplaces of its size. In survey responses, employees overwhelmingly responded that they feel empowered, respected, supported and able to grow in their role. Their collective opinion provides a sense of validation to Courtney
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Stevens Greenwood, OMRF’s vice president of human resources. “We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels both valued and connected to our mission,” she said. “These survey results tell us we’re succeeding, but we never stop trying to improve.” Lisa Nelms started working at OMRF in 1976 as a high school senior and has remained for nearly 50 years. Now the foundation’s accounting director, she credits her coworkers and the opportunities she’s been given as primary reasons for her longevity. “I spend more time with my OMRF family than my actual blood family,” Nelms said. “We are very close, and I consider myself so lucky.” Research technician Makayla Tillett, who recently earned an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma City University, hopes to follow in the footsteps of OMRF’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, Judith James, M.D., Ph.D. Both served summer internships as Fleming Scholars at OMRF, and Tillett has applied for the University of Oklahoma’s M.D.-Ph.D. program.
Edmond Life & Leisure • December 18, 2025 • Page 19
Reform From Page 17 duced from 30 days). Faster Claim Acknowledgment & Estimates: Insurers must acknowledge the filing of a claim within 14 days (reduced from 30 days). Once an adjuster’s estimate is generated, a detailed estimate must be provided to the policyholder within 7 days. Quicker Claim Decisions: Claim acceptance or denial required within 30 days (reduced from 60 days). Final claim resolution deadline reduced from 120 days to 90 days. Allows interest at 10% on untimely payments, mirroring Life & Health statutes. Strengthening Consumer Rights Homeowner Bill of Rights: Establishes, in statute, a clear set of rights and timelines for homeowners during the claims process, along with guidance on what steps consumers should take when filing a claim. Mandatory FORTIFIED Roof Discounts: Requires insurers to offer a discount for homes built or retrofitted to IBHS FORTIFIED standards, helping homeowners’ lower premiums through proven risk-mitigation upgrades. Protection from Aerial Imaging Misuse: Prohibits insurers from denying claims, refusing coverage, non-renewing policies, or reducing coverage based solely on aerial images. Roof Age Fairness Requirements: Insurers may not non-renew, refuse to issue, or reduce coverage solely because a roof is 15 years or older. Homeowners may obtain an independent inspection (at their own cost) to appeal roof-age de-
terminations. Insurers may not deny or non-renew solely due to roof age if an authorized inspection confirms at least 5 years of useful life remaining. Clarified Building Code Requirements: Updates statutory language to ensure insurers must provide coverage consistent with applicable building codes, whether local municipalities enforce those codes. Improved Market Transparency & Data Reporting Quarterly P&C Market Stability Statements: Requires insurers to submit quarterly reports— similar to data calls—on non-renewals, market with-
“WHEN YOU ARE KIND TO OTHERS, IT NOT ONLY CHANGES YOU, IT CHANGES THE WORLD” - HAROLD KUSHNER
drawals, written premium, and other key indicators affecting consumers and the state’s insurance market. Not allowed once civil litigation begins. Establishes penalties for insurers who fail to comply with mediation requirements. Mediation limits costly legal expenses passed on to consumers. Legal Reform Attorney Fees: Legislation would codify that attorney fees may not be awarded to either party. This will help disincentivize frivolous lawsuits, reduce litigation costs, and further stabilize the market.
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