Speaker’s Ball At left: Norma and Steve Curry with Cathy Costello at the 2022 Speaker’s Ball. At right: Oklahoma Treasurer Randy McDaniel and his wife Julie enjoy the event. The gala was hosted by Speaker of the House Chris McCall. For more photos, see Pages 2 & 12
OKC FRIDAY Vol. 55 No. 36 • One Section • 12 pages • February 4, 2022
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, The Village, Quail Creek, The Greens and Gaillardia for 48 years
FRIDAY EDITORIAL
Vote for Mayor Holt on Tuesday Mayor David Holt’s agenda for his next term in office continues improvements implemented during his first term. Oklahoma City Police Officers and Firefighters have officially endorsed Holt. The mayor will increase funding for police and fire and add 120 new police officers. Other items on his agenda include maintaining upgrades in core services, including streets, transit, infrastructure, police and fire protection.
He will continue the improvements in quality of life and our commitment to economic growth through MAPS 4 which passed by a historic margin and will fund many developments. Holt wants to support and improve OKC’s public education. MAPS 4, his signature achievement, includes upgrades to neighborhood parks, establishment of regional youth soccer facilities, four new youth centers and a new wellness center facility to
address mental health and addiction challenges. He cares deeply about the city and spends hours formulating plans to enrich the quality of life for all citizens. His numerous awards, include 10 Outstanding Young Americans, OKC Black Chamber Visionary Award, Outstanding Elected Official and many more. He studies and works to make Oklahoma City the best by keeping his promises and delivering on his pledges.
Cindi and Chloe spearhead Gathering of Angels It’s ok to have The Pi Beta Phi Foundation and OKC Alumnae Club is set host its 26th Annual Gathering of Angels luncheon on Thursday, March 3. Mother and daughter duo and Pi Beta Phi alumni, Cindi Shelby and Chloe Cumbie, are this year’s co-chairmen. Pi Beta Phi alum Nancy Ellis is to be recognized as honorary chair. Event proceeds go to ReadOKC, a program promoting the love of reading for students through reading challenges and by providing access to reading materials. Last year, the event’s donations supplied all of the books for the program’s new bookmobile. “We look forward to gathering to support
Chloe Cumbie and her mom, Cindi Shelvy as the cochairmen of the Pi Beta Phi 26th Annual Gathering of Angels luncheon.
such a meaningful cause - increasing literacy in Oklahoma City students,” Shelby said. “In 2022, we hope to provide even more
books and opportunities for students. Our goal is to raise $25,000 and OKC students are counting on your support!”
Classen students earn national acclaim Comets at Classen SAS High School at Northeast are celebrating excellence — and not just in academics but also in athletics. Aishwarya Swamidurai was named a state delegate to the 60th annual U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), which brings together outstanding student leaders from every state, while Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, was selected as one of the best high school basketball players in the country as she joined the team for the McDonald's All American Games. ''These two young ladies are an amazing part of the Classen
family and truly represent the hard work and dedication for which our students are known'' said Scot McAdoo, Principal at Classen SAS High School at Northeast. ''I have had the distinct pleasure of watching Aishwarya and Darianna grow into amazing leaders during their years at Classen. Their laser focus, hard work and determination to succeed have been admirable and an example of excellence for fellow Comets.'' After going through an extremely competitive and merit See CLASSEN, Page 3
International author and motivator Dale Smith Thomas is the keynote speaker to inspire and motivate attendees for a successful 2022. “We’re so thankful to be this year’s beneficiary again,” said Alison Taylor, ReadOKC on the Go! Project Manager. “The Pi Phi club is so generous and has truly made an impact in the lives of local students.” A variety of sponsorship levels are still available and individual tickets are for sale. This event is welcome for all to attend, not just Pi Beta Phi alumnae. For more information, contact Cindi Shelby at cmsstyle@sbcglobal.net or (405) 830-1138.
chickens in OKC Council members cry fowl over proposed change to ordinance By Rose Lane Editor OKC residents now can raise chickens and quail in their backyards. After more than seven years of debate, the City Council has approved the ordinance which takes effect March 4. It allows residents to raise up to a total of six chickens or quail in their backyard. Roosters are not allowed. Animal owners must maintain a clean coop that protects their hens from predators. The coop needs to have at least four-square-feet of space per animal. Food and water should always be available and the animals are to stay in the coop from dusk to dawn. Any electrical or heat sources must comply with the city’s building codes. Each chicken or quail needs to have at least
FRIDAY’s Rescue
See CHICKENS, Page 12
Dogs of the Week This Mom and baby were picked up in Nichols Hills and brought to The Village. Harper came in with trauma to her tail and has since had it docked. She is a young adult and Spud is 12-16 weeks. Both have very nice personalities and learned to sit the first lesson. Call Kadin at (405) 751-0493.
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