YMCA supports ‘Zumbathon’ for Christmas Connection

The Edmond YMCA is hosting a “Zumbathon” on Saturday to benefit the Christmas Connection. The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the big gym at the Edmond YMCA, 1220 S. Rankin St.

Bring comfortable shoes, water, friends and $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Christmas Connection.

Zumba is all about having fun and dancing. It’s a cross between Latin dance and aerobics.

The Christmas Connection, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, provides necessities to nearly 7,700 children, adults and seniors annually. Beyond its title program, Christmas Shopping Days, the Christmas Connection offers programs throughout the year including school supplies, clothing and crisis relief. The Christmas Connection is modeled after a department store, allowing the families it serves the dignity to “shop” for items that fit their own unique taste. Instead of being given a hand out, the Christmas Connection strives to provide a little bit of normalcy in the lives of families who are otherwise facing difficult, stressful situations. For more information about the Christmas Connection or how to help, call 634-2006 or visit www.christmasconnection.org.

OCCC to give English civics classes at Edmond library

In response to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recent changes to the naturalization test, the Oklahoma City Community College Adult Learning Center will offer a free English Language Civics Class from 1-4 p.m., beginning June 1. This class is intended for immigrants seeking information on the naturalization process, the citizenship exam and the benefits of becoming an American citizen. The course also will incorporate English as second language lessons and activities.

The class will focus on the English and civics portion of the test, and include trips to the state Capitol and the Oklahoma History Museum.

The class will meet for eight weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Edmond Library, 10 S. Blvd. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. For more information or to enroll, call the OCCC Adult Learning Center at 682-7873.

Bush joins U.S. Air Force

Mason W. Bush has joined the U.S. Air Force under the Delayed Entry Program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to enlist and delay going into basic military training for up to one year.

Qualified men and women are eligible to receive skill training, experience and up to $20,000 in education benefits.

After completing basic military training, airmen receive specialized technical training in one of more than 125 job career fields.

Bush, a 2009 graduate of Edmond Santa Fe High School, will report to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, for basic training in June 2009.

He is the son of Jacque and Michael Bush of Edmond.

Ford awarded Army Commendation Medal

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Lorence A. Ford has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

Ford received the medal for meritorious service while assigned to numerous demanding leadership positions, culminating with his current role as a training supervisor and acting executive officer with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, Lawton. He has served in the military for 10 years. He is the son of Anthony and Lisa Ford of Edmond. The staff sergeant is a 2000 graduate of Killeen High School, Texas.

Wright graduates from basic military training

Air Force Reserve Airman Jordan Wright graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of David Wright of Edmond. The airman is a 2008 graduate of Christian Heritage Academy, Del City, Okla.

Ombudsman volunteers needed

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program serves residents in nursing homes, assisted living centers and residential care homes. An Ombudsman helps improve the quality of care and quality of life for the residents. As a friendly visitor and advocate for the residents the volunteer has many opportunities to be of service and enrich the lives of the residents.

Areawide Aging Agency’s Ombudsman Program recruits and trains prospective volunteers who have an interest in making a difference in the lives of those residents. The next two-day (10 hr.) training session is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, June 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Areawide Aging Agency, 3200 NW 48 St., Oklahoma City.

Attendance at training does not obligate you to become a volunteer. Useful information is provided for family members/caregivers, as well. If you are interested in attending the training please call Patricia Shidler at 942-8500 to make a reservation to attend.