March 05, 2020 Vol. 20, No. 41
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4. ND
EDMO
FAVORITES 2020 RESULTS
Look for the winners of Edmond Favorites Page 6
FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Sunny High 63 Low 40°
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Partly Cloudy High 67° Low 47°
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Partly Cloudy High 68 Low 54°
PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE
Santa Fe High School students, teachers, and guests erupted in cheers last Friday upon viewing the reveal of the total raised during Double Wolf Dare Week 2020. Many students broke down in tears seeing the outcome of their hard work to benefit the bullying and suicide prevention nonprofit, Fight for the Forgotten. The common thread-a nonprofit chosen to receive 5 percent of the total raisedis Cleats for Kids. In all $360,430 was raised, with most going toward Fight for the Forgotten. Cleats for Kids helps needy kids with shorts shoes, balls and equipment. Justin Wren, the founder and CEO of Fight for the Forgotten was bullied as a teenager and after a spiral of depression and addiction he found his faith and a purpose for living. He is addressing the problem of bullying through curric-
ula titled “Heroes in Waiting.” Reacting to the success of the Double Wolf Dare Week, was Santa Fe principal Jason Hayes, who called it one of the best DWDW events he had witnessed. “The recipient Fight for the Forgotten helped us just as much or more than we helped them,” Hayes said. “Justin Wren, Nick Santonastasso, Zach Bitter, Jordan Miller, and Generation Why helped lead our school community to a better place where we help those around us who are struggling by focusing on anti-bullying awareness, suicide prevention, and support for those around the world without basic needs (food, water, shelter, freedom).” He said the organizers’ stories gave the student body “hope and encouragement” for all of the students and staff. The Santa Fe effort comes two weeks after North High School,
in its BALTO or Bring A Light to Others, raised $568,082 for the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital. Each year the three Edmond public high schools participate in a community giving project, which benefits a non-profit group. The schools wrap up their season on March 13 with the final assembly for Swine Week at Memorial High School. Memorial is raising money for the HALO Project. That group cares for abused and neglected children in Oklahoma. The group says they help 25,000 children annually. They also train child welfare professionals and teachers on how to help the children. This will mark the 34th annual Swine Week for Memorial. When Edmond split into three high schools in the 1990s, the other two schools, North and Santa Fe incorporated the community giving projects as well.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 3
Measure would seize vehicles operated by some illegals The House Public Safety Committee late last week passed House Bill 4136, which authorizes law enforcement to seize any vehicle operated by an illegal immigrant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. House Bill 4136 was authored by State Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy), who said the purpose behind the bill was to curb illegal immigration and keep citizens safe. “Our communities are sadly forced to cover the cost of illegal immigrants who break the law,” Roberts said. “We have an obligation to keep our
PHOTO PROVIDED
Cafeteria Manager Zigo Tesfai is the Support Employee of the Year for Heartland Middle School.
EPS names its top support employees Edmond Public Schools has named its 2019-2020 Support Employees of the Year. Support employees are noncertified staff members who are crucial to the district’s success such as bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria managers. Support staff members were chosen by their peers at each school site, as well as from the district maintenance and transportation departments. In addition, a district-wide support employee finalist was chosen from among several smaller district departments. “We are thrilled to recognize these staff members who are some of the most hard-working people in our district,” said Superintendent Bret Towne. Towne said support staff members are integral to creating a positive school climate. “When a bus driver smiles at a student as they board the bus or a cafeteria worker greets a student by name and asks them about their day, they are building trust in the child and providing them with a sense of belonging which is an important component in academic success,” said Towne. The honorees are as follows: Elementary Schools: Angie Debo – Terri Smith, Registrar Centennial – Traci Gurley, Media Assistant Charles Haskell – David Barker, Head Custodian Chisholm – Mendy Massey, Registrar Clegern/Clyde Howell – Joan Rogers, Financial Secretary Cross Timbers – Maria Stegall, Head Custodian Frontier – Matthew Giudice, BAAC Director & LRM Heritage – Jamie Gilder, Head Custodian Ida Freeman – Joshua Garrett, Teacher Assistant II John Ross – Jerry McAlpin, Head Custodian Northern Hills – Angel Gaston,
Teacher Assistant II Orvis Risner – Nancy Jenkins, Teacher Assistant II Russell Dougherty – Julie Norton, Head Custodian Sunset – Ashley Corbett, Financial Secretary Washington Irving – Peggy Duncan, Financial Secretary West Field – Twila Vazquez, Head Custodian Will Rogers – Ted Kim, Head Custodian Middle Schools Central – Jackie Jones, Facility Manager Cheyenne – Cheryl Byford, Registrar Cimarron – Steve Theobald Teacher Assistant II Heartland – Zigo Tesfai – Cafeteria Manager Sequoyah- Deborah Bivins, Principal’s Secretary Summit – Stanley Gordon, Cafeteria Worker High Schools Memorial – Anthony Hopkins, Facility Manager North – Douglas Simpson, Teacher Assistant II Santa Fe – Karen Branson, Principal’s Secretary Boulevard Academy – Jan Hall, Registrar/Counselor’s Secretary District Departments Maintenance – Darren Bleakley, Maintenance Mechanic Transportation – Bennie Price, Bus Driver District-wide Support Group, Joyce Wolf, Director of Special Services’ Secretary Six of the honorees; David Barker, Maria Stegall, Ashley Corbett, Darren Bleakley, Bennie Price and Joyce Wolf were named finalists for Support Employee of the Year which will be announced March 5th during the Celebration of Excellence. All finalists and the winner will receive flowers, prizes, and a cash award. The Celebration of Excellence is sponsored by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.
citizens safe, and this is a strong step to keep our communities safe from illegal immigrants who have committed dangerous crimes.” Roberts said that Oklahoma has a database that allows law enforcement to check for criminal history and immigration status. The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (OLETS) list people who are unlawfully in the U.S. and have been convicted of a crime. The bill passed the House Public Safety Committee by an 8-5 vote and is now available to be considered on the House floor.
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From the Publisher
Edmond will miss our Dr. Paul Massad Sadly, a local hero of mine and many others passed away last week. Dr. Paul Eugene Massad, 81, fell asleep in the Lord early last week. His services were held at St. Elijah Orthodox church this last Saturday morning. Dr. Paul left so many friends and family behind but will remain a part of us always. He was an early contributor to the excel- Ray Hibbard lent medical community that has developed here in Edmond. I grew up knowing this fine man. We considered him family even before he married into our family. In 1978, he married the love of his life, Nena, in Lebanon. We were members of the same church and without a doubt he was a shinning example of a person with a strong Christian faith. He was a major contributor to the church and a mentor to many inside and outside the church. One of the things I noticed early on about Dr. Paul is that he always led with his faith. It governed so much of what he did and the decisions he made. He was a radiologist by trade. Dr. Paul was the Chief of Staff of Edmond Medical Center at one point. This was before the merger with OU Health Edmond many years ago. Dr. Paul and I served on the board of the then only hospital in Edmond. He taught me so much about administration of a hospital and the difficult decision that doctors make on a regular basis. It gave me a great amount of respect for medical professionals that serves me well today serving on the board of Integris Health Edmond. During a board meeting we were discussing a difficult medical procedure that was being done at the hospital. The discussion dealt with patients not being able to receive the procedure because of a calculated index. If they were to have the procedure the patient would most likely die. I turned to Dr. Paul and ask, “What do we do in that case?”. He looked at me and told me that they get sent home to die. That hit me like a ton of bricks. I was shocked and Dr. Paul could tell by the look on my face. He put his arm around me and said, “Ray, that happens every day in medicine. We don’t like it but it happens”.
It would be fair to say that from that point on I took my duties as a member of a hospital board even more seriously. To this day, I check the documents I am sent to review twice before each board meeting, ask more questions and pause to pray for the patients that are cared for in the hospital. I also pray for the medical staff that minister to those patients. After graduating medical school from OU in 1964 as class president and specializing in radiology, Dr. Massad dedicated his life to serving, helping, and teaching others. He started Diagnostic Radiology in 1971 and worked there until his retirement in 2006. Even after retirement, he continued to practice radiology until the day he died. The man loved that he could read digital images on a mobile device no matter where he was in the world. He was so approachable that the man could not go anywhere without getting pulled aside by a person wanting a “free” second opinion to their medical condition. He never minded or turned people away. Most times he would just help them understand what their doctor had said. His poor wife was used to it and never let it bother her. Honestly, the last time I saw Dr. Paul at his home during the holiday season found me doing the exact same thing. I had a family member I was concerned about and Dr. Paul spent time explaining what their medical condition probably meant. It just made you feel better hearing it from Dr. Paul, our trusted family member and friend. The man was proud of his Lebanese heritage as well. That is probably a big understatement. Dr. Paul was chairman of the hospital board the year before I took over as chairman. The meeting before the transition was taking place, Dr. Paul looked at me and said, “Hey, since we are handing the gavel down from a Leb to another Leb, let’s bring in a big Lebanese meal to celebrate”. We did just that. The rest of the board appreciated the change from hospital food to a catered Lebanese feast as well. His sense of humor was top notch. I think that is why he and my dad got along so well. Dr. Paul knew how to tell a joke and could take one as well. He was never inappropriate or hurtful in his
humor. He could be a little on the corny side but still funny. Lisa and I would sit next to Dr. Paul and Nena in church. A few weeks ago, when we sat down, I turned to shake his hand and he congratulated me on being named to the Edmond Hall of Fame. He immediately started bowing and asked if he should call me Royal Highness or something like it. Dr. Paul had a passion for working with the youth of our church. I remember him talking frequently with our youth group when I was a teen. He was also helpful anytime funds were needed for the youth of the church or any other need. He would so often ask groups what they needed and be the first to help. His willingness to give has always inspired me and I am sure others. The man had energy like you wouldn’t believe. It is part of the reason that even though he was 81 years of age, his death came as a shock to many in our community. He was active and I can promise you his mind was always turning. It was hard to keep up, but it also is part of what made him such an important part of Edmond and our medical community. Dr. Paul had the vision long before anyone else that Edmond could be an even better place if we encouraged great medical care. His work and those of others were important to laying the groundwork for an additional full-service hospital and several clinics that now operate in Edmond. He believed in building more medical buildings and facilities to serve Edmond. Dr. Paul leaves behind a wonderful family including his gracious wife Nena and four grown children and a host of grandchildren to carry on. I have every belief that they will do just that. The good news is that Dr. Paul will be with so many of us. He was as inspiring as he was faithful to his Lord, family and friends. Dr. Paul was one of those people that had a twinkle in his eyes. People just couldn’t help but get excited in what ever excited Dr. Paul. You hear the phrase “servant’s heart” probably more then is justified these days but in the case of our Dr. Paul, the phrase fit him like a glove. We will miss you Dr. Paul Massad.
(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! n Edmond Favorites results ..............................................................Page 6 n Obituary notice ............................................................................Page 8. n Columnist addresses free enterprise ..........................................Page 10. n Weekend Calendar of Events ......................................................Page 11. n Crossword ..................................................................................Page 15. n Lawmaker’s concern for rescue pets ..........................................Page 16. n Business news ............................................................................Page 17. n Worship directory ......................................................................Page 19.
Actor Harrison Ford returns in the film, ‘The Call of the Wild.’ Read George Gust’s review of the movie on Page 15.
MELINDA INFANTE
It was a full house at Santa Fe High School last week as more than $350,000 was raised for a nonprofit, which among other things, helps youth being bullied. Read article, Page 1.
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Account Executive Bryan Hallman bryan@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Dave Farris, Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2020 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 5
Students make Washington D.C. trek One of Sequoyah's Future City teams traveled to Washington DC for Nationals Feb. 15-18. They brought home the ‘Best Land Surveying Practices’ award. Pictured are Cary Doerflinger, Emma Cochrane, Isabel Molineros, Kaitlin Bodily, Peighton Harak and Aanya Veragiwala.
Dr. Zachary Smith
OU Medical Center now has robotic spine surgery OU Medical Center at OU Medicine has become the first hospital in Oklahoma to offer robotic spine surgery. The advanced technology allows for the precise placement of spinal hardware during complex spinal operations. “The capacity to perform robotic spine surgery is another advance in the level of care available to Oklahomans and patients in the surrounding region,” explained Ian Dunn, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dunn was instrumental in bringing this technology to OU Medicine. “This technology improves safety in the operating room and enhances patient outcomes.” In addition to the newly available technology, Neurosurgeon Zachary Smith, M.D., recently joined the faculty. Smith has specific experience in minimally invasive spine surgery. Smith completed fellowship training in minimally invasive techniques and complex spine surgery at McGaw Medical Center-Northwestern University, Chicago, and completed his resi-
dency at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, where he also earned his medical degree. Smith is a strong advocate for robotics technology. “Robotics bring greater precision to surgery,” he said. “This technology makes it possible to plan procedures in minute detail, well before stepping into the operating room. In this way, we reduce risks related to the procedure and ensure high-quality care. We look forward to bringing this technology to our comprehensive neurosurgical and orthopedic spine team.” In addition to greater precision, robotic-assisted surgeries are minimally invasive, meaning shorter recovery time for patients. “The goal of every surgery is to return people to the places and activities they care about,” said Smith. Robotic assistance in spine surgery complements the well-established use of robotics at OU Medicine in specialties including, but not limited to urology, pulmonology, oncology and general surgery.
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THE RESUL RESULTS LTS T ARE IN!
D N MO
ED
S E T I R O V FA 2020 PUBLISHERS NOTE: This is the one and only ORIGINAL Edmond Favorites. We used the same open format this year on Edmond -H]VYP[LZ 0[ PZ ]LY` SHIVY PU[LUZP]L [V OHUK JV\U[ HUK [HI\SH[L [OL IHSSV[Z I\[ V\Y Z[HɈ ILSPL]LZ P[ PZ ^VY[O [OL LɈVY[ 0[ gives us a better picture of what our readers are thinking. Our goal is to highlight and celebrate the number of quality people, places and businesses that we have in our Edmond. In many categories, two or three names received the majority of the votes and were very close but the business that received the most votes is highlighted in italic. Edmond is a community full of great choices of where to shop and places to enjoy. We thank our readers for their time and responses to this ORIGINAL Edmond Life & Leisure annual event.
FA FAVORITE F A AV VO V ORITE E FOOD FOOD / RESTAURANTS: REST TAUR TA RANTS:
( ! $ $ &+ ( ! $ $ &+ Ň? $Ň‘Äš ( ( ( ! $ $ &+ Ň?Ň? $Ň‘Äš $Ň‘Äš
Asian Food: Cafe Icon Sushi & Grill
Flooring: Don’’s Floor Floo Gallery
Bakery: Eileen’’s Colossal Col Cookies
Furniture: Edmond Furrn niturre Gallery
Barbecue: Earl’’s Rib Palace
D Gifts: Sterling’’s in Downtown Edmond,, Gourmet Gallery
Breakfast/Brunch: Arround o the Corrner n , Sunnyside Dinnerr, Eggington’s
e Fo Groceries: Crrest Foods
Burger: The Garage
/VII` :\WWSPLZ! Hobby obby To own
abl a Caterer: Millie’’s Table
/VTL +LJVY! Sterling’s in Downtown Edmond
*VɈLL /V\ZL! ,SSPZ 0ZSHUK *VɈLL Wine Lounge
Jewelry: BC Clark Jewelers, Silver
Cookies C Desserts: Eileen’’s Colossal
Leaf Gems, Barrrett e Jewelers J
Ethnic Food: Mt. Ever verrest e Cuisines
Mattresses: Sleepworld
Food Truck: Wicked Hangry
Men’s clothing: Jos. A. Bank, Bison
ogurt: Braum’’s Ice Cream/Frozen Yo Ice Crre eam and Dairy
Crreek e Clothing, Allto on’’s Clothing
Lunch spot: The Mule
Shoes: Academy Sports & Outdoor
rado’’s Mexican food: Alvarado’ New Restaurant: The Mule
Sporting Goods/Outdoor Gear: Academy Sports & Outdoor
Night Spot: UCO Jazz Lab
e Plus Auto Carre Tires: Hibdon Tirres
Pizza: Hideaway Pizza
Wine & Spirits: Edmond Wine Shop
Sandwiches/Subs: The Fixx
Women’ o e s Clothing: Bison Crreek Clothing, A Flower Place, Hip & Swanky
Seafood: Fish City Grill
Plants/Landscaping: TLC Garrden d Centers
&" "" ņ " !( " Ň? $Ň‘Äš &" "" ņ " !( !( " Ň? $Ň‘Äš Golf Course: Kickingbir ngbirrd Golf Course /HPY :HSVU! Bella Strada Salon & Spa Spa, Rumors Salon, Tangles ang a Insurance Agent: Gary Baccus, State Farm;; Dennis Chaumont, State Farm Lawn Management Lawn Care: Pitzer’’s L Live Music Ve enue: UCO Jazz Lab, Heard on Hurd, Armstrong Auditorium Massage: Therapeutic utic Touch o Massage Nail Salon: Bella Strada Salon & Spa Oil Change: Harris Automotive Park: Hafer Park Pet Grooming: Bubbles & Pets Grrooming o Salon Pharmacy: Thrifty Pharmacy Physician: Deer Crre ee ek Family Healthcarre Romantic Places to Stay the Night: Two w Hearts Inn Senior Living Community: Tealridge e Retirrement e Communityy, Villagio i of Bradforrd =PSSHNL ;V\JOTHYR H[ *VɈLL *YLLR Trravel Agency: Prime e Time Travel r Veterinarian: e Pet Medical Center
Special occasion restaurant: Signaturre Grill
BUSINESS / SERVICES: SER RVICES: RV V
OTHER: O TH HER: ER:
Steak: Boulevarrd Steakhouse St
Automobile repair: Harris Automotive Barber: Friendly Barber in Downtown Edmond Birthday Parties: Paint aint Yo our Art Out prress e Carwash Car Wash: Okie Expr Chiropractor: Brantt T. Koenig D.C. Custom framing: Framin’ Gallery Dance Studio: Star Steps, Dance Unlimited,, Dance Makers Dry cleaner: Legacy Cleaners Eye Care: Edmond Regional Eye Associates omack Investment Financial Planner: Wo Advisers -P[ULZZ /LHS[O *S\I! RESULTS Fitness & Nutrition,, YMCA Florist: A Flower Place
Best Customer Service: Citizens Bank of Edmond,, Prime Bank, House of Vacuums a Most Attractive Building: Fine Arts Institute of Edmond Civic Organization: Kiwanis Club Edmond Event or Festival: LibertyFest, Heard on Hurd, Edmond Arts Festival Locally Owned Business: Citizens Bank of Edmond,, Prime Bank, Framin’ Gallery Long Term e Business: Busines Citizens Bank of Edmond Public Art: “The Salvador Dali Mural� gill aka: Psyche by Chriss Carrg Special Event Venue: enu e Hilton Garrden d Inn & Edmond Confer errence e Center
Sushi: Cafe Icon Sushi & Grill
FAVORITE F FA A AV V VO ORITE PLA PLACE AC AC CE T TO O BUY BUY: Y: Y: Antiques: Edmond Antiques, Brroadway o Antiques, Appliances: We eathe er’’s TV and Appliance Athletic Shoes: Academy Sports & Outdoors Books: Best of Books Children’s Clothing: Cinnamon Bears Consignment/Resale: HOPEfully Yo ours
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 7
Bills before the State Senate By Sen. Adam Pugh One month down, three more to go. Our committee work is finished, and we have until Thursday, March 12 to take Floor action on the more than 400 bills that were reported out of committee along with those bills that carried over from last year. I was able to get 13 of my bills out of committee and on to the full Senate. I’d like to mention some of them. SB 1190 creates a personal income tax deduction for taxpayers that contribute to Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts. ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families. They were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or the ABLE Act. The account beneficiary is the account owner, and income earned by the accounts won’t be taxed. Under my bill, the annual deduction must not exceed $10,000 for individuals or $20,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return. Any amount of a contribution that isn’t deducted by the taxpayer may be carried forward for the succeeding five years. A deduction for the same contribution may not be taken for two different tax years. SB 1353 requires all Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to have 25% of its full-time employed peace officers receive crisis intervention training by November 1, 2023. SB 1456 directs DOC to annually review its inmate rehabilitation case plans with all parole-eligible inmates to ensure they have received or are receiving the job training, education, counseling and life skills training needed to successfully reintegrate into society.
SB 1483 creates the Edmond Public Schools Foundation license plate. SB 1525 will give DO’s and MD’s the authority to do the background checks for medical licensure reciprocity to enter into interstate and multistate compacts. SB 1709 exempts 14 state agencies from the provisions of the Information Technology Consolidation and Coordination Act. They must demonstrate cost savings to the Chief Information Officer to keep their exemption while also maintaining cybersecurity protocol and keeping up with technological changes. SB 1714 replaces the Home Bakery Act of 2013 with the Homemade Food Freedom Act. It removes the $20,000 annual gross sales limit placed on formerly-known home food establishments and requires ingredient labels. SB 1715 defines “instructor pilot” as it relates to the income tax credits provided to the aerospace industry and adds instructor pilot to the definition of a qualified employee. SB 1891 directs occupational boards and commissions to issue reciprocal occupational licenses to anyone who takes up residency in Oklahoma and holds an occupational license or certificate that has been in good standing in another state for at least one year. We were excited to have OSSM shadow student Travis Clark join us on Feb. 18 to learn more about the legislative process. This past week, we also had Edmond Memorial High School junior Lexie Evers page for us. On Thursday, I read a book to the PreK and got to teach the 1st graders at John Ross Elementary what a bill is and how it becomes law.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, poses with Edmond Memorial High School junior Lexie Evers, who was a page for the Senate last week.
Memorial junior serves as page Memorial High School junior Lexie Evers has completed a week of service as a page for the State Senate, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, announced at the Capitol this week. Evers is the vice president of FFA at her school and is a member of National Honor Society. She serves on the Infant Crisis Services Teen Associate Board. After high school, she hopes to attend Oklahoma State University. Evers is the daughter of Jim and Vicki Evers.
Reminder on Saturday Kiwanis breakfast The Edmond Kiwanis Club’s Rise and Dine Annual Pancake Day, Family Celebration and Silent Auction will be held from 7 am to 11 am on Saturday, March 7 in the Family Life Center at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 South Rankin. The Centennial Kiwanis Club is co-sponsoring this community-wide family event that benefits the children and youth of Edmond. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any Kiwanis member or at the door. For children under 12, the cost is $3. The all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast includes sausage and a beverage. Even though pancakes will be the main event, there will be a silent auction which will feature many quality items donated by local merchants, as well as a special raffle drawing. The silent auction will contain a variety of items to bid on including a framed European vineyard painting perfect for a great room, a Noah’s Ark children’s painting ready
to go into a nursery, a remote racing car for a favorite grandchild, martial arts training certificates, gift cards for fine dining experiences in Edmond, and several unique baskets. Come early to bid on your favorite items! In addition, the children’s creative center will feature coloring sheets, face painting and temporary tattoos. “Sparky the Fire Dog” (Edmond Kiwanis Club Member and Edmond Firefighter Brent Armer) will make a special appearance with fire hats and stickers courtesy of Firehouse Subs, as well as Sparky coloring sheets for the children. This fundraising event benefits activities for children and youths, including sponsoring Key Clubs at the local high schools and supporting Edmond’s Title 1 schools. Kiwanis also supports the Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF), the Edmond Hope Center and Angels Foster Family Network.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, poses with Angie Kamermayer, DNP, APRNCNS, NEA-BC, who served as Nurse of the Day last week.
‘Nurse of the Day’ at Capitol Angie Kamermayer, DNP, APRNCNS, NEA-BC, served as Nurse of the Day in the State Senate last week She is a member of the Oklahoma Nurses Association and the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Integris Health in Edmond. Kamermayer was sponsored by Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee. "Nurse Kamermayer’s services are deeply appreciated
by everyone in the Senate,” Sen. Ron Sharp said. “We want to thank her for taking time away from her busy schedule to help those feeling under the weather at the Capitol.” The duties of the Nurse of the Day include offering medical assistance, when necessary, to members of the Legislature as well as legislative staff and others at the State Capitol.
Pages serve vital functions during busy legislative sessions, attending a variety of Senate committee meetings and daily sessions of the full Senate. They also assist members and staff as directed. One of their primary duties is to shuttle messages to and from Senators in the Senate Chamber, which is off limits to the Executive Assistants and other Senate staff. She served at the Capitol last week.
Page 8 • March 5, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
Honored as a Champion of Character
Opalka & his rock solid generosity Dick Opalka received recognition as Champion of Character for generosity at a recent Edmond City Council meeting. Dick said he views generosity as, “The giving of time, talent and/or resources, with kindness” When Ron Krakowski nominated his friend and colleague for Champion of Character, he said, “There is no other person I know that is worthy of being recognized for the character trait of generosity than Dick Opalka for all the personal time and money he has spent for the good of others.” The two men have known each other for more than 30 years. Dick’s career as a petroleum geologist began at Hunt Energy and took him to Sabine Corporation. Later, Dick earned his teaching certificate at the University of Central Oklahoma. He used his talents as a geologist and educator at Edmond Memorial High School and UCO. He went back to working for the oil and gas industry for a while, but Dick said, “I found that I missed teaching.” So, he returned to his career as an educator and spent 11 years at Edmond North teaching Earth Science, Environmental Science and Physical Science. He retired in May 2019. Speaking of Dick’s generosity, Ron said, “He has spent much of his own money and resources for the benefit of his students.” Since 2017 Dick has served as a presenter for More! Rocks in Your Head. The free workshop is available for teachers no matter their previous experience with the geosciences. Its purpose is to equip them so they are able to teach Earth Science with confidence. Ron said, “Again Dick donated his time and resources for travel and geology rock kits to ensure the success of this program.” In addition to teaching, Dick has volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, helped in his church where needed and also served as president of the Oklahoma Gem and Mineral Society. Dick and his wife, Kathy, lived in Oklahoma City
PHOTO PROVIDED
Certificate presentor Emoly Walters, with Champion of Character Dick Opalka, nominated by Ron Krakowski.
after graduate school. They moved when Sabine Corporation transferred him to Houston in 1979. When they returned to Oklahoma in 1985, their family had grown to six, including three sons and a daughter. They’ve made Edmond their home for the past 35 years. On behalf of the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond, Dick Opalka was honored before the City Council as a Champion of Character for exemplifying the character trait of generosity, “carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.” The Character Council is a grassroots, nonprofit
organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a "Community of Character." The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end, the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced. To nominate a citizen as a “Champion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, visit www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box 392,
Tracking down cemeteries that vanished Many families today have chosen cremation over burial but in times past, families had family plots and many generations of family Holt members were buried in one cemetery. What if that cemetery vanished or was lost to history, along with the families buried there and their connections to the families of today? That is what happened to Sydney Clinton Holt when he went to look for the grave of his great-
Genealogy meeting great-grandfather. Working with a county historian and local residents he began the search for the lost Holt Cemetery and the graves it contained. On Wednesday, March 18, at 10:15 a.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, the Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy group will host Holt’s presentation of “Finding My Great-Great-Grandfather’s Grave.” Holt was born north of Marietta, served in the U.S. Army in Germany, Texas, France, Vietnam and Korea. Following his retirement from the military, he worked
in the oil fields of Love and Carter Counties of Oklahoma. After retiring a second time, Clinton has worked with Veterans Groups, the local school board and as a volunteer with Cross Timbers Hospice in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The OHCE Genealogy group meets at 10:15 a.m. in the third floor Fischer boardroom on the third Wednesday monthly at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zudhi Dr. in Oklahoma City. For additional information, visit the website: www.ohcegenealogy.com or find us on Facebook: ohcegenealogy. The programs are always open to the public and we invite you to join us.
Longtime local physician Paul Eugene Massad dies Dr. Paul Eugene Massad, 81, was Obituary Notice born April 12, 1938 in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Mike and gram, and the Chairman Adleada Massad and left of the Parish Council of this earth to be with his St. Elijah. He was a heavenly father Feb. 25, trusted advisor, mentor, 2020 after suffering a and consultant for many heart attack and fourstudents, aspiring medical year battle with Myasprofessionals, practitionthenia Gravis. The ers, and the community youngest of eight, Dr. at large. Massad was known for In 1978, he married his strong Christian the love of his life, Nena, faith, sense of humor, in Lebanon and they generosity, pride in his lived a happy life toLebanese heritage, and gether with their four Dr. Massad his deep love for his children in Oklahoma family. City and Edmond, Okla. After graduating medical school They enjoyed traveling, dancing, and from OU in 1964 as class president savoring life with their children, and specializing in radiology, Dr. grandchildren, family, and friends. He Massad dedicated his life to serving, is survived by his wife of 42 years, helping, and teaching others. He Nena; his son Malek Massad, wife started Diagnostic Radiology in 1971 Damiana, their daughter Mila; daughand worked there until his retirement ter Dr. Dini Homsey, husband Sam, in 2006. Even after retirement, he their daughter Zeina, and son Sami; continued to practice radiology until son Marc Massad, wife Kristen, their the day he died. daughters Sophie and Adele, and son Through his life of service, he was Oliver; son Michael Massad; sister a member of the Choctaw Board, the Neda Margy; as well as numerous Al Malaikah Shriners, the Antiochian nephews, nieces, and loved ones. Orthodox National Board, and the Services, under the direction of Oklahoma County Draft Board, Smith & Kernke Funeral Homes, were among many others. He held the po- held at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthositions of Chief of Staff of Edmond dox Church, Feb. 29, 2020. DonaMedical Center, President of Central tions can be made in his honor to Bank, Imperial Chaplain of the The Flowers that Do Not Wither Shriner’s Divan, Director of Meridian Fund at St. Elijah, 15000 N. May Technology Center Radiology ProAve., Oklahoma City, OK 73134.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 9
PHOTO PROVIDED
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physical therapist Bobbette Miller, right, treats Leah Campbell at OMRF while her parents, Theresa and Don, look on.
OMRF studies rare disorder
Searching for light in the darkness Leah Campbell remembers the day she lost her vision. She was a sixth grader, in her bedroom one morning in Altus, when she heard her mother walk in. “Will you please turn on the lights?” Leah, then 11, asked. “They are on,” said her mother. It would take 17 years before Leah and her family would learn what had caused her blindness. In that time, the little-known disease that took her eyesight would also rob her of her mobility, leaving her confined to a wheelchair. Neuromyelitis optica, or NMO, occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the spinal cord, optic nerves and, in severe cases, the brain. The illness affects about 4,000 Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. Over time, patients typically develop blindness, muscle weakness and paralysis. “NMO was initially considered a subset of multiple sclerosis and is so similar to MS that it often gets misdiagnosed,” said Bob Axtell, Ph.D., a scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation who holds a pair of grants from the National Institutes of Health to study the rare disease. “This can be devastating for patients.” That was the case for Leah. For years, doctors treated her with a common MS medication called interferon beta-1a, or Rebif. But not only does this medication fail to help NMO patients; it actually worsens their conditions. It wasn’t until 2006, years after Leah had become the first blind graduate of Rhodes College in Tennessee, that scientists developed a definitive test for NMO. The test revealed that she suffered from the disease, and her physician, Gabriel Pardo, M.D., immediately took her off the drug. Instead, he began treating her with rituximab, an immune-suppressing monoclonal antibody known to control NMO disease activity. While rituximab is not a cure for the underlying condition, in the 13plus years Leah has been taking the
medication, she’s been free of the sudden, violent attacks that had plagued her life until that point. “Her right side was fine, but on the left, she would sort of vibrate,” said Leah’s mother, Theresa. “Her foot would turn in, her leg would draw up tight, and her hand would clench. Her whole ribcage would spasm uncontrollably.” Before rituximab, Leah would sometimes experience 40 to 50 of these episodes a day. Since going on the drug, said Pardo, “her disease activity has been fully controlled.” Still, the disease had already run wild in Leah’s body for the better part of two decades. “She has deficits that date to before she was a teenager,” said Pardo, a neuro-ophthalmologist who treats Leah at OMRF’s Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, where he serves as director. “The blindness, the paralysis – unfortunately, those are things we can’t reverse.” Today, at the age of 41, Leah is confined to a wheelchair and lives with her parents in Mustang. She requires regular care at OMRF, as she is at constant risk for fractures, skin ulcers, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Still, each week, with her parents’ help, Leah also attends aquatic and equine therapy sessions and a Bible study class. This past summer, she started a new job with a company that provides voice-activated smart controls for operating lights, locks, thermostats and other home systems. She’s particularly excited about her new service dog, a chocolate lab named Seaclaid (Gaelic for chocolate) her parents are training to help her become more independent. Despite the hurdles she faces, Leah remains optimistic about her future. “I’m just a positive thinker. My cup’s always half-full,” she said. For OMRF researcher Axtell, patients like Leah drive his search for answers. “The more we understand about NMO,” he said, “the better the outlook will be for people struggling with this horrible condition.”
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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
About free enterprise Pass ‘In God We Trust’ bill
I really believe schools could do a better job teaching free enterprise. Maybe some do. If so, that's great. I suspect it probably doesn't receive a lot of attention and that's too bad. Steve Gust I base that on some of the support shown for liberal politicians. Most likely many people believe we still live in an age where a few ultra wealthy people accumulate wealth by herding poor people into their factories and forcing them to work in unclean conditions for less than minimum wage. Some folks might think children, as young as six or seven, are used in some of these factories, like was the case circa 1900. Thank goodness those days are over. Are there any abuses against workers today? Sadly yes. But it's a smart employer who values his staff and cultivates their talents. For many people this is known as capitalism. Sadly that term has gotten a bad rap over the years. People see capitalists as those exploiting others. Free enterprise is a good term. A lot of people embrace free enterprise and
don't even have any employees, other than themselves. They take their talents and offer them on the free market. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they don't. Failure isn't always a bad thing either. It give someone a chance to evaluate what went wrong. They have the opportunity to come back even stronger. I'm not a big fan of big government. Government has failed so many times with so many projects that it baffles me. It's not a good track record. And please don't get me wrong. Many times government officials and employees do good work. But we can't expect them to run everything. And when they do it costs more money, which is taken in the form of taxation. That gets back to one of my main tenets. Who can spend your money better? Can you handle your finances better than bureaucrats in Washington D.C.? We have lots of people in free enterprise who advertise in our paper as well as our special sections, such as At Home Edmond. Please consider supporting them whenever you can.
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com.)
By Roger Byron & Chris Freund In what should be a relatively noncontroversial proposal, the Oklahoma Legislature is considering a bill that would require government state buildings to post our national motto, “In God We Trust.” House Speaker Charles McCall, who introduced the legislation, told The Oklahoman, "It is important for government to acknowledge history and project the values that make America great. 'In God We Trust' is on buildings, currency and more across America because it is our motto and an important part of our history and founding principles." McCall is absolutely correct. Predictably, however, reaction from those opposed to publicly dis-
playing our national motto was swift and divisive. The American Atheists organization claimed that posting our national motto is “extremist,” “dangerous” and “exclusionary.” In truth, the national motto has long been part of our national ethos and unifies us regardless of our particular religious beliefs. As McCall said, it is minted on our currency and has been since 1864. President Eisenhower signed the law making it our official national motto in 1956. Those who watch the president’s annual State of the Union address will see the motto inscribed in gold letters above the speaker’s rostrum in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to one estimate, more than 600 cities and
counties nationwide display the national motto in some way, from office buildings to schools to police cars. These public displays simply reflect the truth that our national motto echoes values long part of the American psyche. Such was the national sentiment by the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key penned the fourth verse of our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, saying “And this be our motto — ‘In God is our trust.’” Despite the long history and tradition of our national motto, some activists go out of their way to be offended by it. Distorting the motto’s purpose and vilifying Oklahoma legislators who support the bill, they impinge the motives of those who believe the motto’s display sends a message of unity. Perhaps that is because the failed claim that the national motto is unconstitutional has no foundation in the law and has been repeatedly rejected by the courts. In fact, every federal appeals court to consider the national motto has upheld it. The U.S. Supreme Court, in Lynch v. Donnelly, described the national motto as a lawful “reference to our religious heritage,” comparable to the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The Oklahoma Legislature should ignore the divisive rhetoric of the perpetually offended and adopt the proposal.
(Roger Byron is senior counsel and Chris Freund is director of media relations for First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit law firm dedicated to defending religious freedom for all (www.FirstLiberty.org).
Lawmaker gives update on bills facing legislators By State Rep. Nicole Miller The Legislature wrapped up its first round of committee meetings last week. Committee members spent several hours considering legislation. Of the 1,361 new bills that were filed this year, almost 500 proceeded through the legislative process. Miller House Bill 1907 creates the Veterans Higher Education Priority Enrollment Act. Currently, public institutions of higher education in Oklahoma allow priority enrollment for groups such as student athletes and international students. HB1907 would give student veterans who are utilizing Veterans Affairs education benefits the same opportunity. Oklahoma has 9,780 student veterans enrolled in our higher education institutions. HB1907 will help streamline federal dollars into our institutions of higher learning. The bill passed the Higher Education
and Career Tech Committee last week with a 13-0 vote. While the House has primarily focused on committee deadlines, we’ve also heard and voted on a few bills on the floor as well. I presented one of mine, House Bill 3757, to my colleagues last week, and it passed 91-0. House Bill 3757 brings transparency to the reporting requirements of the Alzheimer’s Disease Special Care Disclosure Act. Currently, when a facility advertises, markets or otherwise promotes itself as providing special care to patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment, they’re required to submit a disclosure form. The form functions as a resource to detail the services provided and how the services and specialized programs meet the needs of residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. HB3757 effectively ensures continuity by certifying specialized memory care services and programs are adequately provided and addresses the protection of
Letters to the Editor policy We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste). Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.
residents to the highest standards. It also creates transparency of consumer information through accessibility and comparability of data for family members and other interested persons to ensure the best possible care for their loved ones. The bill amends the Alzheimer’s Disease Special Care Disclosure Act by establishing that the Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders (Form 613) will be used as the disclosure form and will be deemed as incorporated into the resident service contract. HB3757 also allows for violations of the disclosure to be made available to the public via the State Dept. of Health’s website. Last Thursday was the deadline to pass bills through its committee. A bill must pass committee before it can be considered on the House floor; any bill that doesn’t pass committee is dead for the rest of session. With the committee deadline behind us, we’ll now focus our time on the 469 bills that proceeded to the House floor. A bill that originates in the House must be voted on in the House by the next deadline, which is March 12, just two weeks away. I’ll be presenting a number of my bills to my colleagues over the next few weeks. It is truly an honor to represent the people of District 82. Please reach out to my office about any policy questions or to share your opinions. You can contact me at (405) 557-7357 or nicole.miller@okhouse.gov.
Rep. Nicole Miller, a Republican, serves District 82 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Edmond, Oklahoma City and Deer Creek.
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What’s Happening This Weekend March 5 to 8 Thursday, March 5 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- Marissa Meyer ---- Opening reception: “When Worn” ---- Oklahoma Christian University Spring Sing ---- Jake’s Birthday Bash ---- Brown Bag Lunch Series: Andy Warhol Did Western Art? ---- Educators After Hours: Andy Warhol’s West ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- OKC Broadway presents: Anastasia ---- TeamOKC Champagne & Oysters Friday, March 6 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- Oklahoma Christian University Spring Sing ---- Broadway Tonight: Tari Kelly with UCO Symphony Orchestra ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- OKC Broadway presents: Anastasia ---- Lauren Daigle in Concert ---- Oklahoma City International Auto Show Saturday, March 7 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- Oklahoma Christian University Spring Sing ---- Cold Weather Campout ---- Rivers Edge Band ---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Picturing the Past ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- OKC Broadway presents: Anastasia ---- Oklahoma City International Auto Show ---- Junior Botball Challenge ---- OKC Land Run Antique Show ---- R.K. Gun Show ---- Guthrie Maker Days ---- Thunder Run ---- Oklahoma County Junior Spring Horse Show Sunday, March 8 ---- In the Gallery ---- Little Women Tea Party ---- Cold Weather Campout ---- Empowering Girl’s Event ---- The Great Amazing Race OKC adventure run/walk 3.8.20 ---- Read the West Book Club: Drawing Fire: A Pawnee, Artist and Thunderbird in World War II ---- Drop-In Drawing: Leaders Downfall ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say ---- OKC Broadway presents: Anastasia ---- Oklahoma City International Auto Show ---- OKC Land Run Antique Show ---- R.K. Gun Show ---- Round Barn Rendezvous Extra Information on Weekend Happenings In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: 5 – 7 p.m.; Free; Gallery Opening for March featured artist Shelly Presley; edmondfinearts.com Little Women Tea Party Location: Inspirations Tea Room Extra Info: Adults: $26.95, children: $19.95; inspriationstearoom.com or email info@inspirationstearoom.com Marissa Meyer Location: Best of Books Extra Info: 5 – 7:30 p.m.; $15; Facebook.com/events Opening reception: “When Worn” Location: UCO – Melton Gallery Extra Info: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com/events OC University Spring Sing Location: OC University
Extra Info: $15.50-$17.50; Thur 7 p.m.; Fri 8 p.m.; Sun 2 & 8 p.m.; oc.edu/events/spring-sing Broadway Tonight: Tari Kelly with UCO Symphony Orchestra Location: UCO – Mitchell Hall Theater Extra Info: $25-$35; 7:30 ---- 10 p.m.; facebook.com/events Cold Weather Campout Location: Arcadia Lake Extra Info: 3 p.m. – 10 a.m.; $75/family; edmondparks.com Empowering Girl’s Event Location: NINE on 33rd Extra Info: 2-3:30 p.m.; facebook.com/event The Great Amazing Race OKC adventure run/walk 3.8.20 Location: Mitch Park Extra Info: 2-5 p.m.; $49.99-$84.99; facebook.com/events Jake’s Birthday Bash Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre Extra Info: 7 p.m.; riverwind.com Rivers Edge Band Location: Riverwind Casino, River Lounge Extra Info: 9 p.m.; riverwind.com Brown Bag Lunch Series: Andy Warhol Did Western Art? Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 12– 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Educators After Hours: Andy Warhol’s West Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 6 – 9 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Picturing the Past Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Read the West Book Club: Drawing Fire: A Pawnee, Artist and Thunderbird in World War II Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 1– 2:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Drop-In Drawing: Leaders Downfall Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: 2–3 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Lyric Theatre presents: Having Our Say Location: Plaza Theatre Extra Info: lyrictheatreokc.com OKC Broadway presents: Anastasia Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: okcbroadway.com TeamOKC Champagne & Oysters Location: Devon Boathouse Extra Info: 5:30-8 p.m.; $45 per person; riversportokc.org Lauren Daigle in Concert Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena Extra Info: 7:30 p.m.; chesapeakearena.com Oklahoma City International Auto Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: okcautoshow.org Junior Botball Challenge Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: 9 a.m.; kipr.org OKC Land Run Antique Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info:heritageeventcompany.com R.K. Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: rkshows.com
Miss Black UCO 2020 Erica Burkett, a sophomore musical theatre major from Dallas, was crowned Miss Black UCO 2020 during the annual Miss Black UCO Scholarship Pageant held on Central’s Campus Feb. 15. Burkett was awarded a $1,600 tuition waiver for her first-place finish.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 13
Edmond’s Nicole Moore serving the nation aboard USS naval cruiser U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Nicole Moore, from Edmond, monitors an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the ‘Eightballers’ of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) 8, aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Bunker Hill, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific. PHOTO PROVIDED/U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS NICHOLAS V. HUYNH
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Do you need supplements in your plan? By Brian Attebery There is no doubt that what you put in your mouth will have an enormous effect on your health, weight-loss goals and energy. The vast amount of information out there is overwhelming. What kind of diet do I eat for weight loss that can also be a lifestyle? What supplements should I take if any? Attebery What is safe or not for me versus other people? The information is mind boggling. Food needs to be your No. 1 focus with nutrition. Some people will say that all you need to do is eat a well-balanced nutrition plan and you don’t need supplements. While that may be hypothetically true, I find that no one eats perfectly well-round 365 days per year. In addition, our food is not always as loaded full of nutrients that we think it is. There is a lot of information out there that our lack of nutrients in our soil has led to depleted vitamin and mineral levels in todays fruits and veggies compared to
50 years ago. Consequently, the apples and broccoli you eat now is not as nutrient rich as they were many years ago. In addition, your individual needs and the ability to absorb your food can be inhibited by age, genetics, gender and intestinal issues that are more common today. Supplements can take on a variety of meanings but from the standpoint of vitamins and minerals there is a lot to consider for our benefit. Do you eat dark and lefty vegetables? How about nuts, brown rice and beans? If you are a vegetarian, you are missing out on the iron you can get from meat. Iron is very important. Women tend to be prone to iron deficiencies due to menstrual cycles. If you are trying to lose weight, you need iron to be able to burn fuel or fat properly. Taking extra iron will not speed up your metabolism if you are already at a normal level but it will help your metabolism if you are below normal levels. Iron is a necessary part of regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Individuals need iron to help their cells function correctly and to create certain hormones. If individuals don’t have enough iron in their body, their red blood cells can’t carry oxygen to their muscles, and they can end up with a condition called anemia. Magnesium is a mineral that I have found more and more people are needing to supplement. I have seen several studies that show athletes are especially depleted of magnesium. Everyone needs it to function. This mineral is responsible for a variety of things and helps individuals with everything from producing energy to regulating blood sugar to creating chemical reactions throughout their body. Magnesium helps transport potassium and calcium safely through the body, which helps individuals have a stable heart rhythm, contract their muscles normally, and conduct impulses through their nerves. In addition to its necessary functions, some studies indicate magnesium might help individuals lose weight, reduce water retention and bloating. The last 10 years, I have seen the largest deficiency with my clients from Vitamin D via testing performed by their Doctors. While I am not an expert on why, I know that we produce it naturally
from exposure to the ultraviolet radiation or the sun in other words. With less people going outside to work and exercise and the fear of skin cancer being promoted, I think it is quite possible that we may be over doing it with the lack of sun exposure. We need Vitamin D to optimize our health. According to a 2015 study published in Obesity Review, individuals who are classified as obese typically have low levels of this vitamin in their diet. Vitamin D plays a role in the way fat is distributed and utilized within the body. Authors of a 2009 study suggested taking extra vitamin D every day to contribute to weight loss as higher levels of vitamin D in the blood were associated with improved weight loss. There are various forms of Vitamin D but D3 is the most common recommended. Food does have vitamins and minerals and increasing certain foods can increase those vitamins and minerals. There are negatives to increasing foods for your vitamin and mineral needs. Many people may say that they will just drink milk to get vitamin and calcium for that matter but when you increase these vitamins via milk, you increase calories too. Vitamin capsules do not contain calories. A cup of milk has 12 grams of sugar in it. Drink 2-3 glasses per day and you end up drinking 4-6 cups per day at least. This is part of the reason I believe in supplements. If you increase calories to obtain more vitamins and minerals like multiple servings of fruit for more potassium and vitamin C then you decrease the benefits due to weight gain. This is not good. Find your balance by eating a well-rounded diet but also be realistic about how truly well-rounded your diet is. Do you have extra stress, health-issues, workouts that deplete you or genetic tendencies that would require you to supplement to optimize your health? I would say most do. Proceed with them as part of a sound exercise and nutrition plan in your life.
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)
OAPA Board Chair Glen Nickles, left, and OAPA Executive Director Larry Patrick, right, present OAPA Community Champion Award to Dolese Director of Communications and Community Relations Kermit Frank.
Dolese Brothers Co. wins Community Champion Award Dolese Bros. Co. has won the Oklahoma Asphalt Pavement Association’s (OAPA) Community Champion Award for organizing and hosting Rock the Block, a community-focused construction industry Touch-A-Truck event. Dolese received the award at the 2020 OAPA Asphalt Conference on Feb. 24 in Norman. “We launched Rock the Block in 2017 as a community outreach event with our construction industry partners to give the public an up-close and hands-on opportunity to learn about what our industry does and the equipment we do it with,” Dolese Director of Communications and Community Relations Kermit Frank said. “The event, which benefits Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, allows Oklahomans the opportunity to interact with the equipment that helps build Oklahoma’s roads, bridges and buildings.” Oklahoma’s leading aggregates and concrete producer held its third annual Rock the Block event in Aug. 2019 at
its headquarters in Oklahoma City and invited construction industry partners from across the state to participate. Families attending the event explored trucks, equipment and interactive displays, posed for photographs from the driver’s seat of assembled vehicles and enjoyed grilled hot dogs. The event benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as well as the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Dolese employees volunteered throughout the event to educate the public about Dolese’s operations and the impact of the construction industry on the city. The employees played a crucial part in executing the event to ensure its success. The OAPA is a non-profit trade association representing the asphalt producers operating in and for the state of Oklahoma since 1971. OAPA producer members account for approximately 90 percent of all asphalt production within the state. The 2020 OAPA Asphalt Conference was held from Feb. 24-25 at the Embassy Suites in Norman.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 15
Review of ‘Call of the Wild’ movie
Tone of film prevents it from being great By George Gust “The Call of the Wild” is the 2020 big screen adaptation of the beloved literary classic. Following the story of Buck, a domesticated St. Bernard whose life is upended when he is suddenly stolen from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the 1890s gold rush. There he crosses paths with John Thornton (Harrison Ford), who joins him on an adventure where Buck finds his true place in the wild. “The Call of the Wild” is a movie that isn’t afraid to take major risks in order to deliver an exciting frontier adventure. Some risks pay off, while others leave the audience with a disparate feeling as the tone of the film never fully seems to settle in. The major point of contention it seems with most movie-goers is the extensive use of computer-generated animals including our central dog protagonist, Buck. Much like last year’s ‘live-action’ remake of “The Lion King” there is a certain learning curve for the audience to get used to the almost uncanny expressions the animals make during the film. The major issue keeping “The Call of the Wild” from being a truly successful film is the lack of commitment to a cohesive tone. This movie wants
to be a fun family adventure, but there are some heavier moments featuring the harsh realities of life on the frontier for the younger people in the audience. At the same time some of the ‘wild’ moments feel overly sanitized and cheesy to be taken seriously by mature audiences. Adding to the cheese factor was the over-the-top antagonistic performance of Dan Stevens, which felt like it belonged in the broad children’s version of the film. However, for all its faults, “The Call of the Wild” still has much to offer for fans of adventure and for fans of Harrison Ford. There are moments in the film that make you understand why the novel has capture the imaginations of generations as the camera sweeps over the beautiful wilderness of the
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MARCH MADNESS ACROSS 1. Cutlass or Delta 88, for short 5. Passports and driver's licenses 8. Bit of smoke 12. Narcotics agent, for short 13. Type of coffee maker 14. Sashay 15. Austin Powers' antagonist 16. Creole cuisine staple 17. Designer Calvin 18. *Last year's winning coach 20. Red-encased cheese 21. Prepared 22. Drunkard's sound? 23. Source of white meat 26. They are often grand 30. "Ever" to a poet 31. Mrs. Potts of "Beauty and the Beast" 34. Cough syrup balsam 35. Russians, e.g. 37. A shot could prevent it 38. Up and about 39. Lake ____caca, South America 40. Plant disease 42. *Member of University of Utah team 43. Autumnal zodiac sign 45. Rooster, e.g. 47. Rare find 48. Campus VIPs 50. Razor____ 52. *Lowest seed 54. In good health 55. 2017 Oscar-winning animated film 56. "____ for thought" 59. Essential oil derived from iris 60. Nasal input 61. Pre-swan state? 62. *NCAA basketball team
with most titles 63. *7 seed opponent in round 1 64. Prospector's mother DOWN 1. *Top seed 2. Abbreviation on a bathroom door 3. Precedes drab 4. Part of an eyeball 5. Vexed 6. Eastwood's _____ Harry 7. Quarrel 8. *Lowest seeded team to win championship 9. Part of ideal 10. Fit for a skinny one 11. Mightier than sword? 13. Give to St. Vinny's 14. Yarn store unit 19. Does like Matryoshka 22. *An airball doesn't do it to either rim or net 23. Outdoes 24. Thing of the past 25. One of the Muses 26. *Final ____ 27. India's sacred flower 28. *Like last eight
29. More sure 32. Like Bob Ross' hair 33. Layer 36. *Cavaliers' state 38. Make amends 40. Slow-witted 41. Demosthenes, e.g. 44. Waits for approval, e.g. 46. Being of service 48. D in LED 49. Former prisoner 50. Rigid necklace 51. Catapult 52. One from Glasgow 53. Canceled 54. Olden-day French coin 57. Goes with borrowed and blue 58. Indigo extract
See Answers on Page 19
untouched Yukon. While the film isn’t wall to wall action, the sequences of peril and action are mostly good popcorn fun. And for years it felt like Ford has lost his fastball when it comes to regaining the charm and bravado from his iconic performances of the past, but in this movie, he appears locked in and really cared for his character. He delivers a warm and heartfelt performance that feels like one of his better performances in quite some time even if it is playing off a completely digitized dog. “The Call of the Wild” is a mostly fun frontier adventure centered around a cute and rugged canine that ultimately struggles to find its voice and tone. “The Call of the Wild” feels like a good movie to stream when it comes available and will undoubtedly be a helpful reference for English teachers nationwide. “The Call of the Wild” is rated PG for some violence, peril, thematic elements and mild language. 2.9 out of 5 stars
Get George Gust’s take on the latest movies each Thursday in Edmond Life & Leisure
A rejuvenated Harrison Ford stars alongside a digitally generated dog named Buck in the latest film adaptation of Jack London's iconic novel ‘The Call of the Wild.’
PHOTO PROVIDED
Answers Page 19
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Lawmaker wants to make rescue pets Oklahoma’s official animal
PHOTO PROVIDED
State Rep. Mark McBride, a Republican, serves District 53 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Moore, Norman and Oklahoma City. With him is his dog Cali.
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State Rep. Mark McBride’s dog Cali is likely none the wiser, but her kind should all be wagging their tails today after her owner secured a victory in the House to designate the rescue pet as the state animal. House Bill 3971 – now known as Cali’s Law thanks to a late floor amendment – designates as the state pet of Oklahoma any companion animal adopted from an animal shelter or rescue group. The bill passed the floor by a vote of 76-5. “I filed this bill to help bring attention to all the animals that are in shelters that are in danger of being euthanized,” said McBride (R-Moore). “Eight years ago, when I first took office, this would not have been a big deal to me, but after adopting Cali and seeing how many other animals are in shelters, and how our cities have to keep building bigger shelters and finding ways to try to keep these animals alive, I wanted to do something to help. I want people to be aware there are good pets out there just waiting for the right person to adopt them.”
Cali is an 80-pound Catahoula that McBride adopted about six years ago from the Moore Animal Shelter. He said she’s the first dog he’s ever allowed in his house, but now he’s a sucker for her company. “That dog brings me a lot of joy,” McBride said. “I might be having the worst day, and she’s happy to see me.” Nicole McKim, senior animal control officer for the Moore Animal Welfare Adoption Center, said she feels McBride’s measure could help boost adoptions at the center as well as for other shelters across the state. She said the shelter right now receives 60 to 70 dogs per month and 20 to 30 cats, with more in the spring. The shelter also receives rabbits, other small mammals, reptiles and birds among other animals. Some of those animals are strays that will be reunited with their owners, but many will be put up for adoption. “If we can get advertising from this bill, that will help,” McKim said. HB 3971, Cali’s Law, now moves to the State Senate where it is authored by Darrell Weaver (R-Moore).
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 17
Wound Care unit opens Integris Wound Care Edmond at 4509 Integris Parkway, Suite 145 in Edmond recently opened and will offer advanced wound care for people living with chronic, non-healing wounds. Integris Health Edmond has partnered with Healogics, the nation’s leading provider of advanced, chronic wound care services. Healogics is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and has a nationwide network of nearly 700 Wound Care Centers. It is estimated that chronic wounds affect 6.7 million people in the U.S. and that number is rising, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. If left untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb.
Hospital President Avilla Williams stated, “We are excited to bring this valuable clinical treatment model to our community and state. People suffering with chronic wounds often suffer in silence. Our goal is to heal their wound and allow them resume a quality of life they deserve.” Integris Wound Care Edmond offers an evidence-based, systematic approach to advanced wound care. A patient’s individualized treatment plan may include specialized wound dressings, debridement, compression therapy, advanced cellular products and topical growth factors, edema management and/or non-invasive vascular assessment. These treatments are the result of a team approach between the Center’s physicians, nurses and the referring physician. To know more, call 405657-3195.
From left are Emily Lang, Mario Figueroa and Charlie Price.
Price Lang scholarship awarded Price Lang Consulting announced University of Central Oklahoma senior, Mario Figueroa, as the Spring 2020 recipient of the Price Lang Scholarship for Communications Excellence. “With it being my final semester, this scholarship means a lot to me but also to my family,” Figueroa said. “It is an honor and will help continue my passion for communications and the wide range of possibilities that
comes along with it.” Figueroa is majoring in strategic communication with minors in leadership and political science at UCO. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding junior or senior mass communication student and highlights the importance of communications and media in shaping public policy. “We look forward to awarding this scholarship each semester,” said Charlie Price, a partner at Price Lang.
Neurologist honored for her expertise with MS treatment chronic, disabling disease that OU Medicine Neurologist steals quality of life if left unNidhiben Anadani, M.D., of treated,” said Anadani. “I’m Edmond, was recently recoghonored by this designation as nized by the National Multia Partner in MS Care with Naple Sclerosis Society as a tional MS Society, as I devote Partner in MS Care, for her my practice to helping people expertise in treating MS. manage the symptoms and As a Partner in MS Care, progression of MS.” Anadani appears on the NaThere is no known cure for tional MS Society website as Dr. Anadani MS, however, various medicaa physician specializing in tion options are available that dethe care of patients diagnosed with crease relapses and slow disease multiple sclerosis. progression. MS advances as the “We are proud to partner with Dr. Anadani to enhance quality and dedi- body’s immune system attacks the myelin, a protective sheath covering cated care for the people who live nerve fibers. Damage to this protecwith MS in Oklahoma,” said Linda tive cover causes communication Bates, National MS Society, South problems between the brain and the Central. “In earning this recognition, rest of the body. This attack on the Dr. Anadani has demonstrated excentral nervous system, which intraordinary leadership in MS care, cludes the brain, spinal cord and making a tremendous impact on the optic nerves, may cause permanent nearly one million people living with damage or deterioration of nerves. A MS in our country.” wide range of neurological symptoms Anadani, an assistant professor with the University of Oklahoma Col- may occur, varying in type and severity among people with MS. lege of Medicine, Department of Most people are diagnosed with Neurology, completed fellowship MS between the ages of 20 and 50 training in neuroimmunology and and the disease affects three times as multiple sclerosis at the University of Rochester, New York, and completed many women than men. A recent study led by the National MS Society a neurology residency at Rutgers estimates that nearly one million peoNew Jersey Medical School, Newark. She earned her medical degree in the ple in the United States are living with MS - twice as many than previRepublic of Mauritius. ously thought. “The causes of multiple sclerosis For an appointment with an OU are unknown, but there are environMedicine neurologist, call (405) 271mental and genetic risk factors for 3635. developing multiple sclerosis. It is a
Some strong signs from first real estate report of new year By Brian Preston January 2020 is like most Januarys. It is a slow start compared to the rest of the year. There were 225 closed transactions, of which 53 were new homes. That is slightly up from last year with 14 more closings. Pendings are up to 622 contracts waiting to close. The previous four years have run between 540 and 570 for January. Hopefully that is a sign. Of those pending, 41 are between $500,000 and $700,000, a strong start. There are 11 pending contracts on homes worth more than $1 million, including four of those being new homes. That may the highest we have had for new homes in seven figures. But even with four pendings, our active inventory did not change from new ones coming on the market, or a price change to move them into that category. Here is the big news. This is start-
ing the 21st year of doing this report, and the active inventory for January is the lowest it has ever been, with 1,003 active listings. The lowest month before this was January 2005 with 1,051. It has been hard to find homes in the lower price ranges and will be more so this year. It will be interesting to see what inventory does as the year rolls on. Even with the drop overall in active listings the top five price ranges did not change much. For instance the $500,000 to $700,000 range, even with the jump to 41 pending contracts I talked about, only saw the active listings go up by three. So enough new homes came on the market to replenish the ones we sold plus a couple of extra.
(Brian Preston is an Edmond realtor and also tracks real estate information, which he includes in his online Preston report.)
Page 18 • March 5, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure
‘Eat Right, Bite by Bite’
Make best use of garden space By Melinda Myers Growing on a deck or balcony is a great way to bring the garden to your backdoor. You can attract butterflies and hummingbirds into easy view and grow edibles within close reach when cooking. For some, it may be the only available space to garden. Make the most of every square foot by growing vertically. You’ll not only save space but also create privacy, make harvesting vegetables easier and create a garden that’s at eye level as you enjoy your outdoor space. Train pole beans, like the Seychelles, up a decorative trellis, teepee of bamboo stakes or other creative support. You’ll be able to harvest these delicious five- to six-inch stringless beans without bending. Pick and enjoy a healthy treat of Snak Hero edible podded peas right on the deck. If any of these tasty peas make it into the house, you can add them to a relish tray, stir fry or freeze a few to enjoy later. Plant a few Green Light Cucumbers and enjoy the abundant harvest of forty 3- to 4-inch fruits. Put away the peeler, slice and enjoy these smooth seedless cucumbers. Be sure to include a few tomatoes. Apple Yellow’s fruit are shaped like a small apple, colorful and ornamental. You’ll have plenty to enjoy as each plant can produce up to 1,000 tomatoes. These bright lemon-yellow tomatoes have a sweet citrusy flavor and firm exterior, making them perfect for stuffing. Grow some flowers for added color and don’t forget the herbs. You’ll enjoy the evening fragrance of Perfume Deep purple nicotiana, the bold leaves and bright orange flowers of South Pacific Orange canna and the vibrant red flowers of Holi Scarlet zinnia. Mix in a few of your favorite herbs to add texture and color to the garden and flavor to your meals. These All America Selections (AAS) winning varieties (all-americaselections.org) are tested nationally for their flavor, beauty, and performance in home gardens. This non-profit trialing organization names
National Nutrition Month observed
Plan now for gardens.
only new, non-GMO varieties as winners. Gardening on decks and balconies offer many advantages, but also a few challenges. Winds can be brutal, toppling over or launching tall, leafy plants into flight. Use a heavier pot to help anchor plants or tether the container to a post or railing mounted on the deck or balcony. Drainage is critical to container gardening success but can be a problem when you inadvertently shower your neighbor below when watering your plants. Consider using a self-watering container and be careful not to overfill the water reservoir. Another solution is to place containers on a saucer to capture excess water instead of allowing it to seep to the deck or balcony below. Elevate the pot in the saucer with a commercial or homemade device. You’ll be able to monitor the water level to avoid overflows and keep the pot above the water to prevent root rot. With proper plant selection and adjustments in your gardening style, get ready to enjoy a season full of tasty vegetables and gorgeous flowers.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” gardening DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments.
Since 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has encouraged people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits. What started as National Nutrition Week 47 years ago became a month-long celebration in March 1980. For National Nutrition Month in March 2020, the theme is Eat Right, Bite by Bite, and promotes eating a variety of nutritious foods every day. Each March, the Academy focuses on healthy eating all month long, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Extension nutrition specialist. “National Nutrition Month is a great time to focus on healthy eating, and it’s something we should continue all year long,” Hermann said. “We know what an important role fruits and vegetables play in a healthy diet. You can build a healthy plate by making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great way to add vibrant color, flavor and texture, not to mention the vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.” A goal to strive for is to consume two cups of fruits and two ½ cups of vegetables every day. While that might sound like a lot, it really can be quite simple. Hermann suggests starting your day with a breakfast smoothie made with low-fat milk or yogurt. Add frozen strawberries and a banana and you are well on your way to meeting that goal. Dress up a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries, raspberries or strawberries. “As the weather begins to warm up and you start barbecuing, grill some colorful vegetable kabobs packed with tomatoes, colored bell peppers, zucchini and mushrooms,” she said. “Instead of snacking on chips, satisfy your need for crunch with baby carrots, celery and other crispy veggies. Use your favorite low-fat salad dressing for dipping.” A turkey sandwich is a quick and easy lunch, but you can kick it up a notch with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber slices or even bell pepper strips. If you want cheese, add a slice in a low-fat variety. For a quick and easy side dish, keep your freezer stocked with frozen vegetables. These easily can be steamed or microwaved. Cut fruits and vegetables are a great addition to your child’s lunchbox or to take to the office for a quick and healthy afternoon snack. Broccoli or cauliflower florets, snap peas, baby carrots, cucumbers, bell pepper strips and radishes are some great go-to choices. They also work well if you need a little snack when fixing dinner. “You’ll find your family is likely to consume more fruits if they are easy to grab. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit such as apples, bananas and oranges on the kitchen counter or table,” stated Taylor Conner, Oklahoma County Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and Registered Dietitian. “Wash and store grapes or strawberries in single-serve containers in the refrigerator.” Remember those vegetable kabobs that were mentioned earlier? Try fruit kabobs on the grill using pineapple, peaches and bananas. Grill on low heat until the fruit is hot and slightly golden. Another idea to increase fruit consumption is to puree apples, berries, peaches or pears and use this on pancakes, waffles or French toast. This sweet sauce also can be used on grilled or broiled seafood or poultry. Stuff an omelet with vegetables. You easily can turn an omelet into a heart healthy and satisfying meal by adding broccoli, squash, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and onions, along with some low-fat cheese. If you have picky eaters in your home, it is easy to hide some vegetables in other foods. Add grated, shredded or chopped vegetables such as zucchini, spinach and carrots to lasagna, meat loaf, pasta sauce, pizza and even rice dishes. They will never know the difference. For those who like dessert after a meal, consider slicing a banana lengthwise and topping it with frozen yogurt for a tasty, yet healthy treat. “It really can be easy to get the recommended amount of fruits and vegetable on a daily basis. Take some time this month to develop a plan and incorporate it into your family’s mealtimes,” Conner said. For more information about healthy eating and nutrition programs, contact the Oklahoma County OSU Extension office at 405-713-1125 and ask for Taylor Conner.
Edmond Life & Leisure • March 5, 2020 • Page 19
Masonic Foundation donates to Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. Funds donated will be used to purchase medical equipment, and to support the Hospital’s Field of Dreams. The field will be an adaptive sports complex for inpatients and outpatients allowing them to participate in recreational sports on campus. “We are pleased to contribute to the success of The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital, and the care they provide to the children of Oklahoma,” said John Logan, executive director, Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma has been a longtime supporter of The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital. Over the last few years, the foundation has made generous contributions to the Hospital for specialized medical and therapy equipment. “We are humbled by the generosity of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. This amazing donation is a blessing to patients, families and staff alike, as it will help support medical equipment purchases as well as the Hospital’s new Field of Dreams,” said Albert Gray, chief executive officer, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our Field of Dreams will be built for patients and the community. The field will be designed to meet the needs of patients, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities and games, as well as enhance the Hospital’s physical therapy program.” To learn more about The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital or how to donate, please visit www.miracleshappenhere.org
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma presents $100,000 grant to The Children¹s Center Rehabilitation Hospital. From left, are Albert Gray, chief executive officer, The Children¹s Center Rehabilitation Hospital; Bob Peters, grand master, Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma; Heidi Russell, senior Vice President of communications and development, The Children¹s Center Rehabilitation Hospital; John Logan, executive director, Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.
Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi Good Shepherd Anglican Church (Traditional Episcopal) 1000 N. Broadway, Edmond •314-8715 Sundays - Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00am Animal Friendly Parish “If you have people who exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have those who deal likewise with their fellow human being.” St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
www.anglicancgsedmondok.com 1928 Book of Common Prayer • anglicancgesedmondok.com
SCRIPTURE • TRADITION • REASON
Page 20 • March 5, 2020 • Edmond Life & Leisure