Lifestyle

While many people are doing their part by social distancing in an effort to remain healthy and protect the community, there are others looking to make a quick buck.

Those fraudulent marketers are popping up and promoting various products that claim to help prevent or treat COVID-19, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Extension nutrition specialist.

“Fraudulent COVID-19 products can come in many varieties including dietary supplements and other foods, as well as products claiming to be tests, drugs, medical devices or vaccines,” Hermann said.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is awarding $338,000 in scholarships to 169 central Oklahoma students, including El Reno High School seniors Malik Boland-Pickett, Madyson Carr and Abby Jeffrey.

“My number one goal is to graduate college so I can become a reading teacher and share my passion for reading and language arts with others,” said Carr, who plans to pursue a degree in education at Oklahoma State University.

El Reno residents continue to find ways to celebrate birthdays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Above, Gideon Tinsley and his wife, Verda sit on their lawn as members of their Trinity Baptist Church family drive by during a parade for his birthday. The former county commissioner and state senator turned 93 last week. The church also celebrated the 93rd birthday of Jean Edmonson, not pictured, who lives at St. Katharine Retirement Center. The center is on lockdown due to the outbreak and does not allow visitors.

On Tuesday, state Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, delivered meals to health-care workers who are conducting drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at the Canadian County Health Department in El Reno.

“This is just a way to say thank you to these extraordinary people who are doing so much to keep the public safe and healthy during this extremely stressful time,” Baker said.

“This also is a reminder to the public that if they feel symptomatic or if they’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, we have testing sites available. Please get tested.”

The El Reno Kiwanis Club recently celebrated its 60th annual pancake breakfast. The majority of the funds raised will go to fund three scholarships to graduating El Reno High School seniors. Gina Wilkerson from the El Reno Chamber presented the club with a certificate in recognition of the 60th year of hosting the event. The breakfast was held at Wesley United Methodist Church. Pictured from left are Debbie Kauffman, Tom Avant, Gina Wilkerson, Chris Lambakis, Gary Baumwart, Karen Nance, Kae Krueger and Ronnie Funk.

Computer repair specialist Frank Bretz found a way to advertise and add a little humor to his COVID-19 mask.

The Easter Bunny paid a visit to some neighborhoods in El Reno on Sunday. Children reportedly kept their social distance but enjoyed seeing the larger than life bunny hopping through the area, leaving Easter eggs along the way.

A certain weatherman, who shall remain nameless, reported a light frost early Monday morning in the western part of the state and further predicted snow Monday night.

Sunday morning was lovely but quite suddenly in the early afternoon, a fierce north wind blew in with a vengeance, sending us scurrying to collect blooming iris, honeysuckle, late daffodils and lilacs lest they be lost.

They are comfortably residing in a vase while the outside brick walkway is littered with tiny honeysuckle blooms.  

Barbecue? Ribs? Brisket and burgers?

That all sounds great, and you can get it at Swadley’s through takeout, curbside or drive-thru.

Try the smoked brisket burnt ends with two sides and a roll for $15.79.

Or try it in sandwich form with Texas toast, one side and a drink for $11.99.

Dillard Girard turned 90 years old on Saturday, April 4, but he couldn’t have a traditional birthday party because of the coronavirus pandemic. So family and friends found a way to celebrate with the Navy veteran, retired El Reno postal worker and lifetime farmer.