OKC FRIDAY Vol. 57 No. 37 • One Section • 14 pages • February 2, 2024 $1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years
United Way Campaign tops $17 mil
Broadway producer with Fridayland roots reimagines ‘The Outsiders’ By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
From left: United Way Centennial Campaign CoChairmen Robert Clements and Natalie Shirley, President and CEO Rachel Holt and Board Chairman Shane Wharton celebrate the campaign total.
- Photo by Rose Lane
By Rose Lane Editor With its Centennial Campaign, the United Way of Central Oklahoma raised $17,060,864 for its 52 partner agencies. The announcement was made during last Friday’s 23rd Annual Snowflake Gala. The United Way also honored three community leaders with the organization’s volunteer awards — Roberta Fields, Edie Roodman and David Rainbolt — who exemplify compassion for others. Natalie Shirley and Robert Clements were the 100-year
anniversary campaign co-chairmen. “We are simply amazed by our community’s support,” Shirley said. “We are incredibly grateful to wrap up our United Way’s 100th anniversary with this outstanding success. “Thank you to our generous donors, volunteers and partner agencies for sharing compassion with our neighbors who need it most.” Roberta B. Fields, a trial lawyer with McAfee & Taft, is the recipient of the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award. This honor recognizes those who share Ackerman’s tireless efforts
Focus on Home is Redbud beneficiary The Redbud Classic, Oklahoma City’s esteemed running and cycling tradition, celebrates its 41st year of bringing fun, fitness and philanthropy to the community in 2024. Registration is now open for all Redbud events set for the weekend of Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. Each year, the Redbud Foundation Board of Directors selects an Oklahoma City nonprofit organization with whom to partner and serve See REDBUD, Page 7
and devotion to United Way’s mission and set the standard for volunteering, leadership and caring. Fields has been involved with United Way for many years and currently serves on the Board of Directors, as well as the Human Resources Committee’s chairman. She has been a loyal contributor for the past decade and is a member of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Society (WLS). Another honoree is Oklahoma Israel Exchange Executive
Hans and Torrey Butzer, Melody Johnson, Solarize OKC, Plaza Walls, Fertile Ground, BancFirst, Sharon Reeves and JB Schuelein are to be honored during OKC Beautiful’s annual Distinguished Service Awards, set for 11:30 a.m., March 28, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Tom and Brenda McDaniel, active volunteers in the Oklahoma City area, are serving as the honorary chairs of the Distinguished Service
‘If you ain’t givin’, you ain’t livin’’ Editor’s note: Turpen is known for coining the phrase, “If you ain’t givin’, you ain’t livin’.” In high school journalism the first thing that I learned is that NAMES MAKE NEWS! And the FRIDAY newspaper has kept me in the know on all of the names in the news for See 50, Page 12
A caricature drawing depicts Mike Turpen and his love for OKC.
See UNITED WAY, Page 2
See GALT, Page 3
OKC Beautiful announces award winners
OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50 By Mike Turpen Nonprofit Community Advocate Extraordinaire
Tony-nominated and Drama Desk-winning Broadway producer Laura Galt is making waves in the entertainment industry with the highlyanticipated theatrical production of “The Outsiders,” a new musical. LAURA GALT This reimagination of the timeless classic is destined for a March 16 opening on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre in New York City. Galt is a Fridayland native with deep roots in Oklahoma. Her passion for youth-oriented stories, Oklahoma narratives and for her home state led her to join the producing team of the beloved S.E. Hinton novel and Francis Ford Coppola film. The production promises to captivate audiences and pay homage to the bestselling novel and Academy Award-winning film for Best Picture. Galt’s latest producing project is set to breathe new life into the iconic coming-of-age novel and she hopes the musical version will transport audiences back to the turbulent 1960s, capturing the raw emotions and challenges faced by the novel’s beloved characters. “Being on the producing team of the musical adaptation of this iconic Oklahoma narrative is a dream come true,” Galt said in a recent interview. “As a teen, this story shaped me. It allowed me an opportunity to empathize, taught me to persevere and ‘stay gold’ through difficult times. As S.E. Hinton says in the book, ‘Maybe the two worlds we
Awards this year. The event is is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations working to improve the beauty and environmental sustainability of Oklahoma City. “We look forward to recognizing this outstanding group of honorees for their exemplary efforts, setting a commendable standard in beautification and environmental stewardship and inspiring positive change,” said Lisa Synar, executive director of
OKC Beautiful. Receiving the Mayor’s Award are Hans and Torrey Butzer for their visionary architectural designs that have shaped many of Oklahoma City’s landmarks and buildings. Designs of note include the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Skydance Bridge, SLIVR Coworking Space, Scissortail Park Pavilions, as well as several works internationally. See AWARDS, Page 12
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Katie James and her husband Casey found Shadow on New Year’s day. She is an 8-week-old Aussie and a ball of furry fun. She loves her new big sister Daisy. She has a stuffy llama she takes everywhere. Shadow loves to show how smart she is with sits and stay and, of course, she loves her treats too. She loves to chew on her chewy toys. “I am still getting to know this little girl, but she has already stolen mine and my husband’s hearts,” Katie said. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 2
United Way of Central Oklahoma
OKIE Executive Director Edie Roodman, center, with the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award. She is flanked by United Way Board Chairman Shane Wharton and President and CEO Rachel Holt. For more photos, see Page 12. - Photos by Rose Lane
Above: From left, Campbell Fields, Larry Fields, Ray Ackerman Leadership Award recipient Roberta B. Fields, Kathy Fields and Phil Fields. At left: Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award honoree David Rainbolt and his wife, Kim.
UNITED WAY From Page 1 Director Edie Roodman. Roodman received the John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals who share the Rexes’ vision in finding long-term solutions to community needs. Roodman serves on more than a dozen nonprofit boards throughout the central Oklahoma community and has been a WLS member for the past several years. BancFirst’s Executive Chairman, David Rainbolt, is the recipient of the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have a lifelong dedication to volunteering, leadership and philanthropy not only to United Way but to the community as a whole. Rainbolt is a long-time supporter of UWCO and chaired the organization's fundraising campaign in 2017, raising more than $16 million. He and his wife, Kim, are Platinum donors to UWCO, giving to the nonprofit for more than 20
Centennial Campaign Co-Chairmen Robert Clements and Natalie Shirley with replicas of the bell which is rung when donations come in. years. “Roberta, Edie and David exemplify leaders in our community who dedicate their time and resources to building a stronger, healthier and
more compassionate community. It was an honor to celebrate them this evening along with all of our generous donors, who truly make an impact in addressing the critical needs of central Oklahomans,” President and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma, Rachel C. Holt, said. “Thank you to our Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs, Natalie Shirley and Robert Clements, for leading a successful campaign and to our dedicated board and Board Chairman Shane Wharton for all they do to support United Way.” During the event, other award winners, volunteers and partner agencies were recognized for their efforts throughout 2023, as well. ReMerge received the Doug Stussi Financial Stewardship Award for advocating for mothers and families through affordable housing initiatives. Moore Youth & Family Services was awarded the Wharton Family Mental Health Award for putting the mental and physical wellbeing of Oklahomans first. It was also announced that Jenee Lister and Jenni Love Meyer are the 2024 campaign co-chairmen.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 3
GALT From Page 1 lived in weren’t so different. We saw the same sunset.’” Galt, who has two daughters and currently calls Austin, Texas home, was born and raised in Oklahoma City, living in four different Quail Creek homes during her childhood. Her journey into the world of entertainment began with a profound love for the arts at Lyric Theatre, Ballet Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. “Some of my best childhood memories revolve around living in Quail Creek,” said Galt about her formative years in Fridayland. “My mother, Joan Davidoff, always dreamed of living on Brownes Lake and saved her money from her teacher’s salary to buy a lot. My stepfather, Jeff Davidoff, was a homebuilder and built our home. It was a contemporary showpiece at the time.” She attended Bishop McGuinness Catholic High
School and says she, “graduated before the painted bridge on Western was torn down!” “At age 4, I asked my mom if she would rent out the Myriad Convention Center for my birthday. She enrolled me in dance instead,” she remembered. “At 12, she asked if I wanted to audition for ‘The Sound of Music’ at Lyric Theatre. I auditioned and landed the part of Louisa. “In high school I became an apprentice (at Lyric) and performed in ‘Brigadoon,’ ‘Evita’ and ‘42nd Street,”‘ she added. “With Ballet Oklahoma, I studied intensively from sixth grade through 10th grade and performed various parts in ‘The Nutcracker’ and was in ‘Coppelia.’ “By the time my junior year rolled around, I yearned for a less intense schedule and to have more time to do typical high school things,” she said, “so I started taking ballet with Yvonne Chateau and Kay Sandel once or twice a week and studied with CeCe Farha for jazz.” Galt was also accepted
into the prestigious Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute held annually at Quartz Mountain State Park in southwest Oklahoma. “My experience at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute was tremendous,” she remembered. “I went there three times and studied mime, ballet and acting with William Fisher, Edward Verso, Irene Connors and Denise Nichols.” She attended Southern Methodist University, but said she was, “burned out from intensive study in high school and wanted a typical college experience, so I did not pursue acting or dance as a major.” She did, however, audition to take dance classes at SMU with the dance majors and participated in plays, musicals and reviews that were outside of the theatre department. Her junior year was spent in London where she saved her lunch money to take dance classes at Pineapple studios and pay for voice lessons. While there she auditioned for the German production of “CATS” and was cast as Syllabub but,
“sadly my parents made me come home to finish my senior year at SMU.” “I still don’t feel like I have had a big break, because I have worked extremely hard for everything I have accomplished,” she said. “I often feel like I have to fight for everything I’ve achieved.” She was Tony nominated and received the Drama Desk Award for “The Prom,” a musical for which she was co-producer. Galt has produced and acted in numerous short films, had a recurring role on television’s “Saved by the Bell, The New Class, “and was a performer in “Sing Out” with Austin Artists Project – Jazz at Lincoln Center, which she listed among her favorites. Galt joined the producing team for the musical “The Outsiders” in 2018 and has worked to get other Oklahomans and Texans involved. “Being an Oklahoman has allowed me to give notes on the show in an authentic way, help with work pronunciations and guide the New York team, Oklahoma
agencies and entities to think about how they can partner for the benefit of all,” she added. “I believe there is something for every generation and gender to relate to. There are so many relatable messages. “Different people will take away different things from this show,” she said. “The importance to ‘stay gold’ during difficult and challenging times. That we are more alike than different (we all see the same sunsets). Fighting is a ‘hopeless war.’ Lean on your family/found family.” She quoted from the book, “We often have great expectations and stories that we want to write for our life, but sometimes life gets in the way and the story writes us.’ ‘The Outsiders’ makes me reflect on how to persevere through those times.” The musical adaptation features a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Jonathan Clay, Zach Chance and Justin Levine. The show is directed by Danya Taymor with choreographers Rick and Jeff Kuperman.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 4
OKC FRIDAY
Sports Weekly BOYS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Knights hold off 3A No. 1 OCS
- Photo by Caleb Williams, photosbycaleb.com
Crossings Christian’s Cal Furnish scored 11 points in the second quarter as the Knights pulled away for a 67-56 victory against Class 3A No. 1 OCS.
OKLAHOMA CITY
FRIDAY Publication No. (USPS 893-600) PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156. MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.
After a back-andforth first quarter, Crossings Christian used a 12-0 run in the second quarter to pull away for a 67-56 victory against rival Class 3A No. 1 Oklahoma Christian School (OCS) last Friday night. Cal Furnish, who scored 11 of 12 points in the run, finished with a team-best 20 points to lead the Knights (13-3). Evan Crotts collected 11 points, as Braden Buckingham and Cam Parker chipped in 9 points each. Three players also scored in double figures as Crossings Christian cruised to an 82-30 triumph over Western Heights. Phoenix Woodson led the way with 16 points, followed by Crotts with 14 points and Parker with 13 points. The Knights host a pair of home games this weekend, including Shawnee this Friday and Fridayland rival Heritage Hall on Saturday, before visiting Altus on Tuesday.
CYCLONES DOWN KINGFISHER Last Friday, Casady stopped a short 4-game losing streak with a 4034 victory at powerhouse Kingfisher. Kaden Leache netted 15 points to lead the Cyclones (8-10), as Payton Mitchell-Johnson contributed 9 points and Bryson Buckingham chipped in 6 points. Buckingham posted a team-best 25 points in a 70-63 loss to 4A No. 5 Bethany on Tuesday. Leach collected 15 points, while MitchellJohnson and Davis Currie had 7 points each. The Cyclones have two road games this weekend at Riverfield on Friday and Cascia Hall on Saturday, followed by a home contest against Luther on Tuesday. EDMOND NORTH TOPS ANTLERS Deer Creek ended its season-best 7-game winning streak, dating back to the McGuinness Classic in early
January, with a 59-52 loss to Edmond North last Friday night. Hudson Linsenmeyer scored 18 points to lead the Antlers (14-4) and Clyde Davis Jr. added 15 points in the setback. Jeremiah Deering also contributed 6 points. This week, Deer Creek visits Moore on Friday and hosts Mustang on Tuesday. PANTHERS FALL TO MUSTANG Dropping a game below .500, PC North suffered a heartbreaking 61-58 loss to Mustang last Friday. Khai Brown paced the Panthers (8-9) with 24 points, while Anthony Leonard contributed 15 points and D’Karin Johnson had 9 points. PC North plays three games this week, starting Friday at Capitol Hill, followed by Saturday at Edmond North and Tuesday against Piedmont. ARDMORE GETS PAST IRISH
McGuinness endured a pair of losses in last week’s action, including a 52-47 setback against Ardmore on Friday and 67-63 defeat at Destiny Christian. Hudson McCormick collected 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Irish (6-11) against Ardmore, with Cooper Bradley scoring 11 points and Jett Schafer grabbing 8 points. McCormick also recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds at Destiny as Schafer and Bradley had 14 points each. McGuinness hosts Glenpool this Friday and travels to Kingfisher on Tuesday. OTHER RESULTS Rockets down Garden City: Mount St. Mary cruised to three double-digit wins during a busy week. The 3A No. 10 Rockets (115) won 61-31 against Garden City, Kan., 6841 over Tulsa-Nathan Hale and 47-33 against Harrah. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Royals take 2nd in MAC In just its sixth year of competition, the Cristo Rey boys basketball team made history. The Royals reached the Metro Athletic Conference championshp game for the first time, where they lost 59-36 to host Mid-Moore and placed second. Victor Munoz led the way with 13 points. Juan Diego Morales collected 8 points and Chris Pratt had 6 points. The Cristo Rey girls, meanwhile, endured a 42-17 loss to Life Christian Academy to finish fourth in the tournament. Keionna Tubbs scored a team-best 15 points and Arlem Escobar chipped in 8 points the Royals. Cristo Rey also boasted four AllConference players. KeiShon Graim and Tubbs received first-team honors, while Nyrie Mason and Munoz were named to the second team. Story conitnued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Keionna Tubbs and Nyrie Mason
KeiShon Graim and Victor Munoz
Sports Weekly
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 5
WRESTLING ROUNDUP
GIRLS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Ardmore gets past Irish
Heritage Hall’s Carter Harris, at right, captured a runner-up trophy last weekend at the Chickasha Classic. Harris lost to Canaan Brummett from host Chickasha in the championship match at 106 pounds.
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Chargers’ Harris, Irish’s Gowens grapple to 2nd at Chickasha Five wrestlers from Heritage Hall and McGuinness combined to make the podium last weekend at the Chickasha Classic. Heritage Hall’s Carter Harris and McGuinness’ Brock Gowens captured runner-up trophies at the prestigious tournament. Harris lost to Canaan Brummett from host Chickasha in the 106-pound championship match, while Gowens fell to Chickasha’s Dylan Bratt at 138 pounds in the final bout. Peyton Park and Owen Burns rounded out the Chargers’ trio
as Park placed third at 132 pounds and Burns took fifth in the 113pound division. McGuinness’ Cohen Rich also reached the podium with a fifthplace finish at 144 pounds. ANTLERS PLACE 7TH AT BIG 4+4 With seven athletes placing sixth or better, including an individual champion, Deer Creek finished in seventh place at the Big 4+4 tournament in Ponca City. Jace Province led the Antlers with a gold medal, pinning Bixby’s Gabe Blanken-
ship for the 138-pound division title. Nash Neeley suffered a loss to Blanchard’s Landon Wolfe in the championship match to finish second at 113 pounds, and Gairon Kaiser lost to Bixby’s Thoryn Hausler in the 144pound consolation match to place fourth. Meanwhile, Keegan Sullivan finished fifth at 128 pounds, while Braedon Horn (106 pounads), Hayes McNeill (132 pounds) and Zeke Groom (285 pounds) finished in sixth place for the Antlers. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Playing close for most of the game, the McGuinness girls basketball team ultimately suffered a 64-58 loss to Ardmore last Friday night. Mariah Conally led the Irish (11-7) with 20 points, while Victoria Ososanya scored 12 points and Elliott Jones chipped in 6 points. Earlier in the week, McGuinness cruised to a 50-37 victory at Destiny Christian. Conally netted a team-best 22 points and Ososanya contributed 16 points. The Irish host Class 4A No. 7 Glenpool this Friday at 6 p.m. and visit 4A No. 11 Kingfisher on Tuesday. KINGFISHER RUNS OVER CYCLONES Hitting the road against a top-10 opponent proved to be too much as Casady endured a 71-38 loss at 4A No. 6 Kingfisher last Friday night. Kate Naifeh paced the Cyclones (5-11) with 15 points. Trinity Boone collected 11 points and Reagan
Prestidge had 6 points. On Tuesday, Casady posted a 49-36 victory over Hoops for Christ homeschool team. Boone scored a teambest 22 points, followed by Naifeh with 10 points and Mattingly Bird with 7 points. The Cyclones have a busy week ahead with home games against Riverfield on Friday and Luther on Tuesday bookended around a trip to Cascia Hall on Saturday. ROCKETS FALL TO GARDEN CITY Salvaging a split for the week, Mount St. Mary suffered a 46-36 loss to Garden City, Kan., last Friday but opened with a 53-42 victory over Harrah. Kylie Ross paced the Rockets (5-12) in both games, scoring 18 points against Garden City and 21 points against Harrah which put her over 1,000 points for her career. NOBLE TOO MUCH FOR BEARS John Marshall took a couple of double-digit losses last week, including a 63-34 setback at Noble and a 5129 defeat at Del City.
Jayla Lawson collected 15 points to lead the Bears (3-14) against Noble, with Cyriah Roberson scoring 8 points and Jameria Washington adding 4 points. John Marshall visits 5A No. 7 Lawton MacArthur this Friday and hosts Southeast at 6 p.m. Tuesday. OTHER RESULTS Panthers take down Mustang: PC North ran its current winning streak to five games with a 47-32 victory over Mustang last week. The Panthers (14-3) travel to Capitol Hill this Friday and entertain Piedmont on Tuesday. Knights lose to OCS: Crossings Christian split a pair of games last week, including a 52-33 loss at OCS and a 63-33 win over Western Heights. The Knights (7-9) host Shawnee this Friday at 6 p.m. and Heritage Hall on Saturday at 1 p.m., before visiting Altus on Tuesday. Eagles run over OCS: Harding Charter Prep evened back up its record with a 46-30 win at OCS last week. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
SWIMMING ROUNDUP
Regional tourneys set for this weekend Athletes from seven Fridayland schools begin their quest for a swimming state championship as they compete in regional tournaments this weekend. Casady, participating for the first time in OSSAA, joins Harding Charter Prep, Heritage Hall, Mount St.
Mary and the McGuinness boys in the Class 5A regional on Friday at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center. Deer Creek and PC North, along with the McGuinness girls, participate in the 6A meet on Saturday, also at Edmond Aquatic Center. The meets start at noon on both days. The 5A and 6A state championships are set for Feb. 15-17 at Jenks Schools Aquatic Center.
PANTHER BOYS TAKE 4TH AT BIG 8 With 10 athletes placing in the top 10, the PC North boys finished fourth and the girls were fifth at the Big 8 Conference meet last week at Edmond Aquatic Center. Bobby Cunningham paced the Panthers with a pair of silver medals in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Cunningham finished just
over a second behind the winning pace in 23.77 seconds in the 50 freestyle and ¾-second off the lead in 1:04.55 for the breaststroke. Colin Turbayne grabbed fourth place in both the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, while Noah Goggs was fourth in the 100 freestyle. The PC North boys also finished third in both the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays, while the girls took fourth in both events.
Meanwhile, Kayla Kock led the PC North girls with a fourth-place finish in the 100 freestyle and a sixthplace effort in the 50 freestyle. Other Panthers in the top 10, included: 50 freestyle – Brody Cunningham, 6th; Jordan Lent, 10th; and, Ramazan Kamsayer, 10th; 100 freestyle – Luke Engleman, 6th; Jordan Lent, 7th; 100 backstroke – Luke Engleman, 5th; Noah Goggs, 8th; Aaliyah Wilkin, 8th.
Booster
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 6
CALENDAR AWARDS March 22 • Founders Day Honorees Every year in March for Founders Day, Oklahoma Contempo rary recognizes indi viduals whose sup port has made its work possible. The honorees are Robert and Sody Clements, Rand and Jeanette Elliott, Laura Warriner and Jabee Williams. It is their efforts and belief in the mission that allows OK Con temporary to make the arts accessible to the community. A reception is from 4:306:30 pm on Fri day, March 22, cele brating these incredi ble individuals who further the work of Oklahoma Contempo rary's vision. Visit oklahomacontempo rary.org for details and tickets.
THEATRE Feb. 1525 • Small Presented by Lyric Theatre at Lyric at the Plaza, Small is a one man show written and performed by Robert Montano, a former horse jockey. Small is about a boy transforming into a man by following his heart … and his feet. Performances are 7:30 pm Thursdays; 8 pm Fridays and Satur days; and 2 pm Sun days. Get tickets at lyrictheatreokc.com. Feb. 22 – March 10 •
Feb. 16 – March 17 • World of Orchids The Myriad Botanical Gardens hosts its annu al winter orchid show, "The Curious World of Orchids," from Feb. 16 March 17, returning at the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory renovation. Prepare to be transfixed as you step foot into the Curious World of Orchids. The Orchid Show returns to the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Con servatory after its extensive renovation. This show will display hundreds of peculiar orchids with fascinating, unique, and wildly beautiful shapes. You’ll learn more about these exquisite flowers and what makes them such a unique and diverse plant family, which is the second largest. Make this show a stop to brighten up your winter. For more informa tion or to plan your visit, go to myriadgar dens.org or call (405) 4457091. Twelfth Night Oklahoma Shake speare in the Park announces “Twelfth Night” as the opener to their 40th anniver sary season. The show opens Feb. 22 and continues through March 10 in the newly renovated Black Box Indoor The atre, located in the historic Paseo Arts District, 2920 Paseo. One of Shakespeare's most beloved come dies of crossdressing, crossgarters and mis taken identities, it is sure to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. The production will mark the kickoff to a Shakespearefilled season including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, Hamlet and the perennial favorite (Jane Austen) classic, Jane Austen’s Christ mas Cracker. Tickets are on sale on the website okshakes.org.
Feb. 23 – March 16 • Ben Butler Carpenter Square Theatre presents this historical comedy drama by Richard Strand (lso an Educa tional Outreach show) is part comedy, part historical drama and part biography, often all at once. When an escaped slave shows up at Fort Monroe demanding sanctuary, General Benjamin Butler is faced with an impossible moral dilemma—follow the letter of the law or make a gamechang ing move that could alter the course of U.S. history? Get info and tickets at carpen tersquare.com.
THIS WEEKEND Paseo First Fridays Thunder vs Hornets Devon Ice Rink Tool Concert OKCPhil Brahms Thunder vs Raptors
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: TOOL Feb. 3 Fall Out Boy Mar. 11 Katt Williams Mar. 15 Drake *NEW DATES* Mar. 18 & 19 AJR May 4 Nicki Minaj May 13
Zach Bryan Janet Jackson Olivia Rodrigo Civic Center Music Hall: OKCPhil Brahms OKC Ballet Giselle Wicked
May 17 & 18 July 26 July 27 Feb. 3 Feb. 911 Feb. 21Mar 10
Oscar Preview at Museum of Art
T
he Oklahoma City Museum of Art has launched their wildly popular Oscar preview. Starting this weekend with Best Animated Feature nominee The Boy and the Heron, the museum will present highlights from various categories of Oscar contenders throughout the month, including Best Picture nominee Anatomy of a Fall, Best Documentary Four Daughters, Best International Feature The Teacher’s Lounge, and all fifteen Oscar-nominated short films. The Boy and the Heron is the latest feature from Japanese animation master Hayao Miyasaki. Miyasaki started his animation career in Japan in 1963, working on many of the early classics of Japanese animation. He eventually broke out on his own to establish Studio Ghibli. Under that label, he released his biggest hit, the 1997 blockbuster Princess Mononoke, which grossed $150 million globally and became the biggest film ever made in Japan. Miyasaki’s first Best Animated Feature Oscar came in 2003 for Spirited Away, followed by nominations in 2006 for Howl’s Moving Castle and in 2014 for The Wind Rises. He was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2015 for his contribution to the art of animated film. The Disney Princess Chicago The Musical Harry Potter In Concert Bernadette Peters OKC Ballet Shorts Mamma Mia! Mary Poppins
Boy in the Heron recently won Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes and is considered the front runner for the Oscar. Anatomy of a Fall is the intense French, German, and English language drama that is nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Editor, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Justine Triet, and Best Actress for Sandra Huller, who some believe replaced Barbie’s Margot Robbie since the rest of the nominees were the same as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Anatomy is a great screenplay with ramped up drama and great acting all around, including from the child actor Milo Machado Graner. The feature documentary Four daughters is a Cannes Film Festival winner from Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, who also directed the 2020 Oscar nominated documentary The Man Who Sold His Skin. Four Daughters is about two missing sisters in Tunisia and the family that mourns them. The
March 17 Apr. 914 Apr. 2627 May 34 May 1012 May 2126 June 2530
film is a blend of documentary and live action as actors recreate scenes from the missing women’s lives. The international feature being highlighted is the German entry to the Oscars, The Teachers’ Lounge. This acclaimed drama is about an idealistic school teacher who starts investigating a series of thefts at her school. Given the strength of international films at the Oscars this year, including three Best Director nods, this film is sure to be a scorcher. The Shorts Programs are always awesome. Best Animated Short nominees include Letter to a Pig, Nine-Five Sense, Our Uniform, Pachyderme, and War is Over! Best Documentary Short nominees include The ABC’s of Book Banning, The Barber of Little Rock, Island In Between, The Last Repair Shop, and Nain ai & Wai Po. And, the Live Action Shorts include The After, Invincible, Knight of Fortune, Red, White, and Blue, and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. The Museum of Art’s Head of Film Lisa Broad and Projectionist Dudley Marshall oversee the most gorgeous movie theater in town. This fabulous collection of Oscar-nominated films is the perfect reason to stop by and enjoy a movie. See you there.
Jersey Boys July 914 Cinderella July 30Aug. 4 Other Events/Shows/Awards: Immortal Jellyfish Girl Feb. 810 Lunar New Year Feb. 10 Craig Ferguson March 8 & 9 Ballet Ball April 6
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful launches statewide cleanup An estimated 14,000 volunteers in Oklahoma will join millions nationwide to participate in the 2024 Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma. The statewide litter remediation and beautification program engages individuals, community groups, civic organizations, municipalities and companies in all 77 counties in Oklahoma. In 2023, the program, which runs from March 1 through May 31, resulted in 2.3 million pounds of trash collected, including 4,900 acres of public land cleared and 31,000 trees, flowers and shrubs planted. “We welcome communities across the state to join us. You can partici-
pate with friends, family, your office or civic group,” said Dillon Wehba, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Programs Director. “Every small area cleaned is one big step in making your community more beautiful.” Any group that wants to participate can register through Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s website at keepoklahomabeautiful.com are eligible to receive free trash bags, gloves, vests, bottled water, t-shirts and promotional banners. Supplies are picked up at local county Oklahoma Department of Transportation offices or at Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s Oklahoma City headquarters.
Once groups have registered, completed their cleanup and submitted a wrap-up report, they qualify to receive a cash prize and be recognized at the Environmental Excellence Celebration, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s signature fundraising and recognition event in November. Registered groups also have access to cash grants, sponsored by OG&E Energy Corp., and equipment grants, sponsored by Lowe’s. OG&E #GACinOK Cash Grant applications and Lowe’s Equipment Grant applications and open now through Feb. 21, at linktr.ee/keepokbeautiful. The Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma is sponsored by the Okla-
homa Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Other inkind sponsors include: Pepsico, OG&E Energy Corp., Lowe’s and Warren CAT. Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is a statewide nonprofit with a mission to empower Oklahoma citizens to preserve and enhance the state’s natural beauty and ensure a healthy, sustainable environment. To register for the Great American Cleanup in Oklahoma, visit keepoklahomabeautiful.com. For more information, contact Dillon Wehba at dillon@keepoklahomabeautiful.com.
T HIS M ESSAGE S PONSORED B Y T HESE L OCAL B USINESSES :
FURNITURE T DESIGN T SUPPLIES T PRINTING
Oklahoma City T (405) 947-5676 T www.warrenproducts.com
10301 North May Q The Village Q (405) 752-2265
Locally Owned & Operated since 1983
Member F.D.I.C
From Page One
REDBUD From Page 1 as the beneficiary of event proceeds. Annually, multiple agencies apply to Redbud Classic as potential beneficiaries. Focus on Home, a nonprofit organization with a mission to create a furniture/furnishings package of gently used donated items to families in need, was selected to serve as the 2024 beneficiary. “Embrace the thrill of race season with the Redbud Classic, where every registration isn't just a commitment to run, but a pledge to empower. By joining our events, you're not only challenging yourself but also championing the cause of community wellbeing.” Redbud Classic Race Director Kristin Hersom said. “Your registration directly supports Focus on Home, ensuring that families in need find comfort and support through essential home furnishings.” Focus on Home fills empty home spaces with the essentials
families need. Things that bring them dignity and comfort, so they can focus less on survival and more on moving forward. Healing only starts with four walls and a roof. It finishes when our neighbors find home. The organization serves families experiencing domestic violence, going through treatment and recovery programs and families who are experiencing homelessness for a variety of reasons. “We are delighted to be selected as the 2024 Redbud Classic beneficiary. The opportunity to partner with the Redbud Foundation is exciting because of the ability to help spread the awareness of furniture poverty in our community," expresses Joli Sanders, Founder and CEO of Focus on Home. "Our organization is dedicated to furnishing empty houses with the necessary items that families require to make a ‘home’—items that restore dignity and provide comfort. This enables them to shift their focus away from mere survival and toward progress.”
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, January 26, 2024, Page 7
The 2024 Redbud Classic features events for the whole family starting on Saturday, April 6, with 10- and 30-Mile Bike Tours, a 50-Mile Fondo, and a 1-Mile Kids’ Fun Run, in addition to a 1-Mile Woof Walk. The events continue on Sunday, April 7, with 5K and 10K timed runs, 5K Wheelchair and Pushchair Event, 2Mile Walk, and 2-Mile Baby Stroller Derby. The Redbud Classic events continue past the finish line with the Redbud BASH. The BASH is set for Sunday, April 7, at 1 p.m. in the finish area at Nichols Hills Plaza. There is to be a variety of food from some of Oklahoma’s premier food trucks, beverages from COOP Ale Works and other sponsors, free family-friendly games and activities,
music, and other entertainment. Interested participants can register online today. In-person registration is available at the registration office between April 47. By registering early at redbud.org, participants are more likely to receive the lowest available registration prices, their choice of T-shirt size as well as a timing tag. “Together, through fun, fitness, and philanthropy, we're making a lasting impact on the Oklahoma City community. Run with purpose, make every step count, and join us in creating a healthier and happier community.” Hersom said. For complete event details including start times, course maps, and registration information, visit redbud.org.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 8
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DIVORCE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 19, 2024; Friday, January 26, 2024; Friday, February 2, 2024) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. FD-2023-2513 In Re the Marriage of: ) Yvonne Estrada, ) Petitioner, ) and ) Jacinto Estrada Estrada, ) Respondent. ) NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Jacinto Estrada Estrada You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage. You must answer the Petition on or before the 29 day of February, 2024, or the Petition will be taken as true and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 8 day of January, 2024. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Diane Watson DEPUTY CLERK (SEAL) (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 19, 2024; Friday, January 26, 2024; Friday, February 2, 2024)
Case No. FD-2021-2703
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Tori Leshay Dotson You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage. You must answer the Petition on or before the 17 day of February, 2024, or the Petition will be taken as true and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 3 day of January, 2024.
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RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Teresa Becker DEPUTY CLERK (SEAL)
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GUARDIANSHIP (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 19, 2024; January 26, 2024; February 2, 2024) IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. PG-2023-875 IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF: Angelica Conway, a minor child.
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NOTICE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, TO: The Natural Father, unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that you have been sued and that Petitioners, Zipporah Edwards and Benjamin Edwards, have filed their Petition for Guardianship, which is incorporated by reference and available for review in the offices of the Oklahoma County Court Clerk, in the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, for the guardianship of Angelica Conway, born to Shaquanda Conway on August 22, 2016 in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, of whom you are the natural father. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that this Court will hear the evidence in support of and in opposition to the granting of the Final Decree of Guardianship on the 2 day of April, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the courtroom of the Honorable T. Riesen of the District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that you have the right to intervene in the proceeding and present evidence that the Guardianship of your minor child is not in the child’s best interest; that is unable to afford counsel, counsel will be appointed to represent you: Failure to appear at the hearing shall constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in the termination of your parental rights and in the child’s adoption. If you have any cause to show why the above-mentioned Petition should not be granted by the Court or why said guardianship should not be granted, you should appear and present the same at the above-stated time and place. You are hereby apprised that you have legal rights including, but not limited to, the right to appear and contest the Petition for Guardianship.
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IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
In the Marriage of: Reginold Lamont Benton Jr., Petitioner, and Tori Leshay Dotson, Respondent.
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ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 2, 2024; Friday, February 9, 2024) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2-141 JIA YI, 2035 S. Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, an/a LLC hereby publishes notice of their intention to apply within sixty days from this date to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission for a Beer and Wine License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That they intend(s), if granted such license to operate as an Beer and Wine establishment with business premises located at 2035 S. Meridian Ave. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, under the business name of China Fu. Dated this 24 day of January, 2024. /s/Huaxin Ve County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma. Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Huaxin Ve to me known to be the person(s) described in and who executed the foregoing application and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed. /s/Elizabeth Eddy, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #22013265 My commission expires 09/30/2026
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 26, 2024; Friday, February 2, 2024) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
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In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2141 Taqueria Rafitas LLC, 1222 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107, an/a Limited Liability Company hereby publishes notice of its intention to apply within sixty days from this date to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission for a Mixed Beverage License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That it intend(s), if granted such license to operate as an Mixed Beverage establishment with business premises located at 1222 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, under the business name of Taqueria Rafitas LLC. Dated this 16 day of January, 2024. /s/Karina Juarez Velazquez County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma. Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Karina Juarez Velazquez to me known to be the person(s) described in and who executed the foregoing application and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. /s/Benecia Amundsen, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #19000825 My commission expires 01/23/2027
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News
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 9
The Fortunes of Jaded Women By Carolyn Huynh The Fortunes of Jaded Women is a debut novel from an American Vietnamese author that is an interesting presentation of the life and scandals of Asian women in various parts of the world with relationships that reflect the families and cultures of each. The novel expertly reveals the dynamics of a Vietnamese family through a couple of generations, all hinting at the same humorous fussing and fighting females who love each other as family but are strongly competitive in their relationships.
Their fights, their reconciliations and the humor of both capture the whimsey of white Americans and the sense of strangeness of different cultures. The characters are from separate families and there is laugh-out-loud humor about how the daughters, mothers and sisters living under a curse of having no boys in the family attempt to destroy the curse and to have a better life for the daughters. The use of jade in the story through jewelry and tradition brings a touch of mystery. Readers learn about superstitions and beliefs and lives through their interactions in first and second marriages, of two lines of people, the Nguyens and the Duongs. The girls were bright and beautiful and had done nothing to cause the curse. The
“jaded” women had active lives but were aware they constantly carried the curse. Auntie Hua is consulted for her psychic prediction which this year is that Mai’s family would suffer a funeral, a marriage and the birth of a son. Does this mean the curse had been lifted? Would that heal the anger so that the estranged mothers, daughters, aunts and cousins could be reunited as family? The action kicks in and the episodes are as numerous as the relatives. The author claims that it reveals how far mothers will go to help make a better life for their daughters as they try to reconnect with them. There are several chapters dealing with relationships of particular family members which add to the gossip, snickering, fake
designer purse stories and matchmaking even if there is a shortage of males. The intrigue of the comedy continues, but nothing reveals what the outcome of the search for unity will be. Readers choose sides and pull for their favorites. Trauma, drama, misunderstandings and clever plots fill the pages. This book “about messy Asian women who never seem to learn from their mistakes” written in any language, in any country brings delight to the reader as the answers unfold. Carolyn Huynh has lived all over the West Coast and now resides in Los Angeles. Everyone can appreciate her story-telling skills and will be looking forward to her next release. Thanks to Full Circle Bookstore for sharing these books with FRIDAY readers.
So much happened Giselle, a love story for the ages before Dorothy heart. Audiences will lose Get your tickets now for dropped in themselves among the mist the ultimate love story just Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emeraldgreen skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story. See Wicked from Feb. 21 – March 10 at the Civic Center.
in time for Valentine’s Day. Giselle is the most famous of Romantic ballets and is a love story for the ages. Steeped in jealousy, passion and revenge, Giselle is considered by many to be the greatest ballet of all time. Don’t miss this iconic ballet about the lasting power of true love. Love, betrayal and forgiveness are woven together through the story of Giselle. From the time of its 1841 premiere in Paris, this dramatic ballet has inspired generations of dancers with its tale of a young peasant girl who has a passion for dancing but dies of a broken
and supernatural beauty of the fascinating scenery, story and music. Adolphe Adam's vivid score will be brought to life by the OKCPHIL in this, the quintessential ballet of the romantic era. Performing at the Civic Center, Feb. 9 – 11. Run time is 130 minutes including one intermission. A sensory-friendly performance of Giselle will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 pm in partnership with AutismOklahoma. For more information including tickets, visit okcballet.org, okcciviccenter.com or by calling (405) 848-8637.
Carpenter Square Theatre partners with Paseo Arts Association Artists from the Paseo Arts Association now have another local venue to display their art thanks to a collaboration with Carpenter Square Theatre. Exhibits are scheduled through the current season in the Glenna and Richard Tanenbaum Gallery at Carpenter Square. Currently on display through Feb. 4, during the run of “Sheepdog,” are mostly monochromatic abstract paintings by MtnWoman Silver. These pieces started as sketches while listening to Sunday morning sermons in church prior to the recent pandemic. “I hope the paintings evoke the same peace in viewers as I experienced creating them,” said Silver. Future PAA artists exhibiting at CST include Chandler Wilson, April 5 - 27, during the run of “Fireflies” and Vikki McGuire, May 17 June 8, during the production of “Hope and Gravity.” The June 28 - July 20 run of “The Lifespan of a Fact” will feature a two-person show of brother and sister-in-
law Mark Brudzinski and Stephanie Brudzinski. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Carpenter Square as they continue to offer opportunities to local visual artists,” said Paseo Arts Association executive director Amanda Bleakley. Separate from the PAA collaboration is the art of Albert Bostick that will hang in the gallery during the production of “Ben Butler,” Feb. 23 - March 16. Bostick is also directing that play. “Having Carpenter Square Theatre partnering with the Paseo Arts Association to provide exhibition space for their artists is a win-win relationship where we both benefit,” said CST board chair Rick Allen Lippert. Carpenter Square Theatre is located at 1009 W. Reno in Oklahoma City. The Tanenbaum Gallery opens one hour before show time of CST productions. All of the art on exhibit is for sale. More information about the artists can be found at carpenterquare.com.
Locally-owned Business Directory Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred 9520 N. May, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com
Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Boutique One 6478 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hill Plaza (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com
Carwin’s Shave Shop 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1197 carwinsshaveshop.com Winter House 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1199 winterhouseinteriors.com International Wigs 4429 NW 10th St, . Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 943-1233
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com
Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond. com BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com La Baguette Bistro 7408 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 840-3047 labaguettebistro.com CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
First Source Real Estate Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Laura Lynn’s Homecare 9801 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 418-2691 lauralynnshomecare.com
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Uptown Grocery 9515 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 242-6080 1230 W. Covell Edmond, OK 73003 (405) 509-2700
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126 All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com Deer Clan Books 3905 N. College Ave. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 495-9005 deerclanbooks@gmail.com First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 405 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500 Norma Harris Harris Realty Company 13800 Quail Pointe Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 (405) 740-0123
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 www.pearlsokc.com
Chelle Greene Real Estate RE/MAX First 1000 W. Wilshire, Ste. 428 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 818-91931 Chellegreene.com
Locally-owned business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@okcfriday.com for more information.
Editorial Page
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 10
OPINION O UR S TAND “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (quoting Jesus). The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke paraphrase, 1767. If you want it in the paper, it’s advertising. If you don’t want it in the paper, it’s news.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb. “Without, or with, offense to friends or foes, We sketch your world exactly as it goes.” – Byron, 1818. “Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1878. “We must always stand – alone if necessary – as the conscience of this community.” – J. Leland Gourley, 1959.
MEMBER OF We urge courtesy in disagreement. We view with favor wise public choices and view with alarm flawed public choices. We give good advice to public officials at federal, state and local levels, and society in general, on what to do right. So, if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com
We’re proud of our Fridaylanders recognized at Arts Awards By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Earlier this week hundreds of people filled the state Capitol Rotunda to join Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Arts Council as they honored 14 individuals and four organizations for their contributions to the arts this past year. This is the 45th time the Oklahoma Governors Arts Awards ceremony has been presented by the Oklahoma Arts Council. Oklahoma hometowns from Guymon in the Panhandle to Hochatown in the bayous have folks who work year-round to advance the arts every day. The arts are a vitallyimportant aspect of our quality of life. We salute all the statewide honorees and couldn’t be prouder of our hometown Fridaylanders recognized for their contributions at
this prestigious event. Bill Cameron’s American Fidelity, a fourthgeneration family-run business based right here in Oklahoma City, was recipient of the Business in the Arts Award. For over 40 years this hometown company has donated nearly $1 million to central Oklahoma’s cultural landscape. Fridayland’s Tom McDaniel is president of the American Fidelity Foundation. Susan E. Brackett received the Community Service Award for her volunteer service and generous philanthropic support providing enduring legacies at the Oklahoma City Ballet and OU School of Dance. In 2016 Brackett and her husband, Gregg Wadley, provided generous funding that gave the Ballet a beautiful new world-class facility right here in Fridayland. Village resident Marcelle Sharron Ahtone Harjo (Kiowa) was honored with an Arts in Education Award. Sharron taught middle school art in Edmond for years. I’ve known Sharron a long time through my work at the Red Earth Festival and Red Earth Arts Center and have seen firsthand how she has dedicat-
Dear Wise Elder: I’ve lived in the same house for 40 years, and I don’t want to move. What can I do to make sure I’m able to grow old in my own home? Dear Home: As we age, the desire to remain in the comfort of our own homes often becomes a priority. With thoughtful planning and adjustments, it's possible to make this desire a reality. Firstly, consider home modifications for safety and accessibility. Installing grab bars, ramps and adequate lighting can prevent accidents and make navigation easier. Seek professional advice to tailor these modifications to specific needs. Building a support
network is crucial. This includes family, friends, and possibly professional caregivers who can assist with daily tasks. Financial planning is essential. Investigate long-term care insurance options and consider budgeting for potential home care services. Lastly, staying mentally and physically active promotes independence. Engage in hobbies, social activities, and exercises suitable for your abilities to maintain overall well-being. With these proactive steps, aging in place can be a fulfilling and viable choice. - Courtesy VillagesOKC www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
OKC FRIDAY OKC FRIDAY Nichols Hills Publishing Company PHONE 405-755-3311 www.okcfriday.com 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, OKC PO Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 VICKI CLARK GOURLEY, CEO & Publisher ROSE LANE, Editor & Deputy Publisher MARY McCUTCHEON, Publisher’s Assistant GINA NICHOLS, Advertising Account Exec. JASON JEWELL, Production Mgr., Web & Sports Editor JENNIFER CLARK, Legal Notice Coord./Circ./Classif. ERIC OESCH, Staff Writer ---------------------------------------------------JAY L. GOURLEY, Vice Chairman Emeritus JANNA L. GOURLEY ROUSEY, Secretary Emerita J. LELAND GOURLEY, FOUNDER
ed her life to educating children and adults. She was celebrated for her work in reviving and ensuring the practice of ledger art, a pictorial style of Native American painting. Fridaylander DWe Williams has spent decades using storytelling, music and dance as an education tool to inspire students of all ages and abilities. She also received an Arts in Education Award for her lifetime of work. Through her versatile talents as a teaching artist and playwright, DWe has enriched the lives of many while leading programs in libraries, parks, schools, daycares and senior facilities. Amber Sharples, who leads the Oklahoma Arts Council, said, “Our slate of honorees exemplifly the potential for the arts to impact a broader spectrum of areas and sectors than ever before, increasingly serving the needs of Oklahomans and propelling our state to greater heights in education, economic and workforce development, and quality of life.” We couldn’t agree more, Amber, and we applaud the Fridaylanders who are contributing to the deep level of commitment to the arts in Oklahoma.
You can have your ad here! $20 a week. Call (405) 755-3311 for details.
Students
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 11
The Heritage Hall Pep Club announced its Belle and Beau Court. The court includes, from left: Front row, Katerina Chrysant, Natalie Beams, Nevaeh Johnson, Anya Birch and Leah Hughes; and back row, Evan Hulse, Carson Beam, Gray Keller, Kalen Sirls and Braden Vogel.
Chargers combine honors, spirit and service
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hilanthropy, hard work and school spirit were consistent themes for Chargers last week. • Second graders gathered diapers and baby supplies for Infant Crisis Services (ICS) before taking a field trip to ICS to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission to serve infants and toddlers in need of basic nutrition and baby supplies. By understanding the significance and the process of giving back to their community, Charger second graders are living the tenets of The Charger Code: “To Learn with Honor, To Lead with Courage, and
by Esha
Venkataraman
HALL HAPPENINGS To Serve with Compassion.” • Middle School girls had an exemplary week in choir and basketball. Congratulations to Annabelle Jackson ’30, Andre Kochelek-Geurts ’30, Bella Mier ’30, and Westley Ferguson ’31 on attending the Children's All-State Choir Rehearsal and Festival in Tulsa in
celebration of their talents and commitment to their passion for singing. Seventh grader Kynley Jones attended the Junior High All-State Choir Rehearsal and Festival in recognition of her impressive vocal talent. Congratulations to the eighth grade girls for winning the 27th Bishop Carroll basketball tournament! Finally, kudos to all middle schoolers for completing ERB testing this week! • In the Upper School, the Pep Club Belle and Beau Court was introduced, ahead of the Pep Club dance which is set to take place in early Feb-
ruary. This court represents the spirit of Heritage Hall, as these seniors were recognized for their participation in school events, community service accomplishments, and overall Charger pride. Five senior boys were honored with nominations for Pep Club Beau: Carson Beam, Bladen Vogel, Kalen Sirls, Evan Hulse and Gray Keller. Five senior girls are nominated for Pep Club Belle: Nevaeh Johnson, Anya Birch, Leah Hughes, Natalie Beams and Katerina Chrysant. Congratulations to the court!
February 1 Emily Bender Jordan Brown Misty Garrett James Grantham Matthew Houston Bryce Hurtt Jeanne Chancellor Kelley Robert E. Lee Marie Maguire Stan Metzger Frank Wade Gordon Walker February 2 Suzanne Briscoe Chad Dunlop Philip Isaacs Gina Jones Carl V. Manion Chip Newman Brent Stovall Ronald Waddell February 3 Janet Akers Daniel Allen Patrick Ryan Ford Endo Jezek Thomas N. Lynn, III Joe McDonald Andy Penney Ronald White February 4 Marcy Courtney Clay Farha Sabrina Lee Lauren London John Semtner February 5 Julie Carver Jennifer Dilbeck Stefan Dolese
Barrett Fuller Terry Harryman Norma Leslie Jeanine McFall Mike Pennington Brian Rosman Abigail Sanders Michelle Smith Marilyn Vandever February 6 Lisa Trice Dean Elizabeth Hines February 7 Laura L. Fentem Chenee Gary Fleur Fisher Aimee Harlow Claire Hendee Lauren Hutton Van Lafferty Emily Machala Rose Rose Joshua Walker Megan Walker February 8 June Abbott Pierce Albert Mollie Bennett Shannon Bizzell Barbara Brou Ralph Cook Paula Root Cudjo Emma Grace Gauthier Tyler Hattler Ben Housley Bernard Ille Heather Imes Melissa James Julie Myrick Cheryl Neal Chris Palmer
Email updates for the birthday list to rose@okcfriday.com.
News/From Page One
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 12
AWARDS From left: Heather Buckmaster, Oklahoma Beef Council executive director; Jonna Kirschner, president of CNI Manufacturing LLC at Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc.; and Blake Wade, executive director of the First Americans Museum, support the United Way.
From Page 1 The President’s Special Recognition Award honoree is Solarize OKC, an initiative championed by the City of Oklahoma City Sustainability Office and involving numerous stakeholder groups. This program was a crowdsource campaign to make solar infrastructure more accessible to residents and businesses through bulk purchasing. At the time the campaign concluded, it was the largest solar crowdsource campaign, with 1,472 kW of new clean energy capacity and 152 contracts signed to add solar projects in the community. BancFirst is the recipient of the Aubrey McClendon Corporate Award. The company is being recognized for its revitalization of the BancFirst tower, an inside and outside transformation of the 36-floor office tower originally constructed in 1971, changing the image of the Oklahoma City skyline. Melody Johnson is being recognized with the Pendleton Woods Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades-long career at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), where she serves as Beautification Coordinator. Johnson has been an ODOT staff member for more than 50 years and runs multiple beautification programs including the highway wildflower disbursement, litter abatement and the annual trash poster contest. JB Schulein and Sharon Reeves are sharing recognition for the Volunteer Spirit Award. Schuelein is a resident and volunteer of the Mesta Park neighborhood and has organized volunteer groups for decades to help care for Mesta Park. His efforts have included art installations, landscape improvements and more. Sharon Reeves is a long-time Crown Heights resident and has dedicated much of her time to caring for Crown Heights Park and the medians throughout the neighborhood. Receiving the Community Spirit award is the Plaza Walls, a program of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate. The Plaza Walls is an outdoor mural gallery, rotating new murals each year. Located in the Plaza District, this project brings together dozens of muralists each year to add their creativity to walls throughout the Plaza District. The Visionary Award recipient is Fertile Ground, for its more than 12 years as a composting and recycling cooperative in Oklahoma City. The company’s services keep sustainability centered, with zero waste event management, recycling, and composting services offered to residents and commercial entities. “Brenda and I are excited to be a part of this year’s event to support OKC Beautiful’s commitment to continue their impactful initiatives for a green and environmentally conscious community,” said Honorary Chairman Tom McDaniel. To learn more about these honorees of the 39th Annual Distinguished Service Awards and purchase tickets, you can visit okcbeautiful.com/distinguished-service-awards. OKC Beautiful is an environmental beautification and education nonprofit with the mission to lead Oklahoma City’s beautification and environmental stewardship through collaboration, education, and advocacy. You can learn more about the organization at okcbeautiful.com.
- Photos by Rose Lane
Snowflake Gala toasts volunteers, announces campaign total From left: Clay and Jamie Farha and Meg Salyer visit during the reception hour at the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Snowflake Gala. In addition to honoring three community volunteers, it was announced the organization’s Centennial Campaign raised more than $17 million for its 52 partner agencies. For more on the event, see Page 2.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Tara Scott and Kerrie Booher.
almost 40 years! In my life I have learned the difFrom Page 1 ference between VOCATION and AVOCATION and the OKC nonprofit community has been the avocation of my life. FRIDAY has covered all of the
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Former United Way of Central Oklahoma Debby Hampton and her husband Michael attend the event.
activities and fundraising campaigns of the United Way, Allied Arts, Lyric Theatre, OKC National Memorial & Museum, the Aubrey McClendon Whitewater Center, the Contemporary Arts Center and so many other worthy projects. I learned from my favorite fundraising partners
About the NWOKC Chamber We are the catalyst for community connections by growing relationships, sharing resources, and creating results. Thriving businesses keep our community strong. For more information, visit nwokc.com.
Judy Love and Governor Bill Anoatubby that fundraising must be fun and FRIDAY has always been there to capture that fun. Thank you FRIDAY. Send your thoughts and/or memories of FRIDAY to rose@okcfriday.com.
Oklahoma Contemporary
Winter Ball a very elegant evening The Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club was transformed into a picturesque scene of swans and flowers as committee Chairman Susan McPherson and Co-Chairman Leigh Bentley, right, led a group of 40 women to plan the event, which benefited Oklahoma Contemporary. - Photos by Rose Lane
Above: Russ and Kathy Walker with Susan and Gary Homsey. At right: Whitney and David Hooten. Guests dined on champagne camembert soup en croute, beef tenderloin filet with red winedemi-glace, caramelized onion and herb potatoes, roasted mushrooms and glazed baby carrots. The dessert was cinnamon ice cream with salted caramel sauce and swan profiterole.
Karen Browne with Mark and Lea Sullivan. For more photos, see Page 14.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 13
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 2, 2024, Page 14
Oklahoma Contemporary
- Photos by Rose Lane
Pretty ladies at the Winter Ball, from left: Katherine Buxton, Becky Taylor, Callie Merritt and Katty Gasbarra. Benefiting Oklahoma Contemporary, attendees danced the night away to the music of the Hunter Sullivan Band.
Winter Ball sparkles
Above: Steven Agee and Sue Ann Arnall. At left: Don and Carol Kaspereit.
Committee members Margot McCann, Holly Healey and Carol Troy.
The committee: Marilyn Black Balyeat, Barbara Butcher Beeler, Connell Sullivan Branan, Kathy Payne Brown, Karen Waltz Browne, Kristine Partridge Browne, Katherine Walker Buxton, Sody Mccampell Clements, Kellie Currie, Amy Mueller Douglass, Peggy Gordon Duncan, Lara Leigh Ellis, Elizabeth Alspaugh Farabee, Joan Mach Frates, Lindsay Hightower Graham, Aimee Robb Harlow, Holly Healey, Seyan Raulston Hefner, Millie Farmer Hightower and Whitney
Browne Hooten. Also, Katie Blaik James, Carol Franklin Joullian, Susie Smith Kemp, Sherrie Mathis Kite, Sally Ames Lenz, Bebe Bolen MacKellar, Margot McCann, Marilyn Mee Meade, Susan Hayes Parker, Libby Berry Payne, Meg Weir Payne, Karen Raupe, Marianne Brown Rooney, Sarah Vaughn Shugart, Sally Nichols Starling, Marion Joullian Story, Lela Bennett Sullivan, Carol Craven Troy, Katherine Walbert Walker and Casey Harding Williams.
Larry and Cynda Ottoway with Kathy Brown. The Winter Ball began in 1957 as an elegant event to benefit the OKC Symphony.