Gordon Wynn

On Tuesday morning, several Edmond , Oklahoma students went on a Jungle Safari to raise money as part of the Cross Timbers walk-a-thon theme. Students were happy as they traipsed along the Jungle Safari to the tune of "The Lion King." Parents also had their fair share of fun. Some walked with their children, while some cheered and held class banners.

Students supported one another in great ways. Students mixed and mingled. Fourth graders walked with kindergartners, third graders walked with first graders, and fifth graders walked with second graders.

The safari theme helped students focus on protecting our environment and planet. Students also learned about endangered species like the golden lion tamarin monkey, and how to participate in national conservation. They will also get to participate in a national conservation organization later in the school year to raise money that will help save endangered species.

The walk was coordinated by Diane Talopana. She hoped to raise at least $30,000 for the school to purchase two ceiling-mount-projectors for the media center and cafeteria, nine smart boards, and nine sound systems.

Many students learned that walking is a healthy thing to do, and that it will allow them to be healthy when they grow up.

An event like this helps families ban together and do something other than sell products. It allows them to get exercise for donations.

Soon there will be many projects to beautify the campus. Students are totally focused on keeping our environment clean and helping the earth.

Looks like there's another great reason to be in Edmond .

Governor Brad Henry's top military adviser, Major General Harry Wyatt III, has announced his plans to the Edmond Kiwanis Club to ask the Legislature for $2 million for a new wing for the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division Museum.

Major General Harry Wyatt III, AKA Bud, is in command of units of the Air and Army National Guard and over sees the museum. On Wednesday, at a Kiwanis luncheon at the University of Central Oklahoma , Wyatt was the featured speaker.

At the luncheon, Wyatt announced that the museum on 2145 N.E. 36^th St. needs more space to grow. The museum is already extremely filled with exhibits from the Air National Guard, the Gulf War, and World War II. Most of the exhibit items are from War World II. The museum seems to have a plug in it at the moment, with no more space to grow.

The museum is one of the best state-run military museums. It stands in a 15-acre park with 27,000 square feet of exhibit space. The Legislature funds the museum through the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division Association and the Oklahoma Military Department, which is the closest thing it has to fundraising. Anyone who wants to pay the dues is eligible for membership to the association. More revenue comes from gift shop purchases and donations by patrons.

The Forty-Fifth Infantry Division was created following World War I from the four states of Oklahoma , Arizona , Colorado and New Mexico . In 1923, the division was organized. The first time the members from Oklahoma camped together was in 1924.

Before World War II, the division was used to keep order when disasters occurred. They were also used to keep peace during times of political unrest. In September 1940, the division was ordered to attend a training program. From there, the division's federal service time began at Fort Still , Oklahoma . They also trained at Camp Pickett , Virginia , Pine Camp, New York, Camp Berkely , Texas , and Fort Devens , Massachusetts . The division was in combat in World War II for 511 days, along with several other wars.

Now, the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division Museum offers exhibits from these wars and a library of documentary material that relates to the division's service. The museum is a really great place to visit for those who are interested in the Forty-Fifth Infantry Division, and for those who are not. There is an interesting piece of history for everyone.

In my opinion, the first and best reason to visit Oklahoma City is that it's the most immaculate city with over a half-million people in the nation. Residents here offer top of the line hospitality and graciousness. Everywhere you look, you will see cars stopping for pedestrians, giving them the right of way. You will also find yourself being greeted by locals no matter where you are.

While visiting Oklahoma City, you will find kindness and compassion. Visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, as heart-wrenching as it is, will let you view a tribute to the 168 people, 19 of which were children, who died in 1995 in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. News clips and testimonials truly emphasize the caring and giving that each resident possesses.

Oklahoma City holds the largest collection in the entire world of noted artist, Dale Chihuly's, blown glass sculptures. They can be viewed at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Arts and museum's abound in Oklahoma City. A visit to the Civic Center Music Hall, the Lyric Theatre, the Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Shakespeare at the Botanical Gardens, are great way to enjoy the city‘s arts life. Lavish performances can also be found throughout the year with performances of the Oklahoma Opera & Music Company at Oklahoma City University in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium.

Visitors will find history and heritage of the city everywhere they turn. The Oklahoma History Center, a true architectural masterpiece, provides the city's history, from culture and aviation, to transportation and commerce. A living-plant museum can be found at Myriad Botanical Gardens. The museum includes a paradise of plants from Australia and Thailand that you walk through in the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Other museums in the area include Museum Café, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Some of the great outdoor adventures include kayaking, dragon boating, rock climbing, and awesome rodeos. Cowboys and cowgirls compete for world championships at the Jim Norick State Fair Arena. RiverFest is held in June, a celebration of Rose Rock Regatta and the OKC Dragon Boat Challenge.

No matter where you go in the city, you are sure to find something exciting and entertaining that will make you come back again and again. I hope you enjoy each and every visit as much as I have.

Today is the Grand Opening of the Edmond Children's Learning Center at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. Kids will get to paint their way into history, enjoy the sweet singing of a children's choir, have their picture made by a caricature, and explore the new center. Children will also get to eat kid inspired treats and appetizers.

The Children's Learning Center is inspired by early Edmond and made up of a General Store, a Sheriff's Office, a Prairie house, a Train Station, and Citizens Bank of Edmond. For smaller children, the center provides a Toddler Garden. And, the fun doesn't end there. Children get to learn all about Edmond animals by exploring the Touch & Learn animal section.

The Touch & Learn animal section is full of native animal bones, skins, and other hands on activities from Oklahoma. The Center also has a Tee-Pee section for children to learn about Edmond's Native American History. And, children will learn fun facts that adorn the walls about the great City of Edmond as they walk through the center.

The Children's Learning Center is great for kids and adults of all ages. It gives the perfect opportunity for Edmond residents and visitors to have fun while learning many great things about animals and Edmond's history. And, best of all, it's free for everyone to enjoy.

Today is the Grand Opening of the Edmond Children's Learning Center at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. Kids will get to paint their way into history, enjoy the sweet singing of a children's choir, have their picture made by a caricature, and explore the new center. Children will also get to eat kid inspired treats and appetizers.

The Children's Learning Center is inspired by early Edmond and made up of a General Store, a Sheriff's Office, a Prairie house, a Train Station, and Citizens Bank of Edmond. For smaller children, the center provides a Toddler Garden. And, the fun doesn't end there. Children get to learn all about Edmond animals by exploring the Touch & Learn animal section.

The Touch & Learn animal section is full of native animal bones, skins, and other hands on activities from Oklahoma. The Center also has a Tee-Pee section for children to learn about Edmond's Native American History. And, children will learn fun facts that adorn the walls about the great City of Edmond as they walk through the center.

The Children's Learning Center is great for kids and adults of all ages. It gives the perfect opportunity for Edmond residents and visitors to have fun while learning many great things about animals and Edmond's history. And, best of all, it's free for everyone to enjoy.