02-26-21 Print Replica

Find the shamrocks

Students The Bishop McGuinness welding workshop class, along with the stagecraft classes, have been hard at work this semester preparing the set for “Chicago: High School Edition.”

For more, see Irish Items, Page 3. For Heritage Hall news, see Page 2.

Count the shamrocks hidden in the March 12 edition of OKC FRIDAY. Email the number you find to rose@okcfriday.com. If there is more than one correct answer at the end of the day on Thursday, March 18, we will draw for

- Photo by Nathan Coomes '22

OKC FRIDAY Vol. 54 No. 42 • One Section • 12 pages • February 26, 2021

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 47 years

The Village approves $538k in park improvements

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Heavy snow and treacherous roads caused the last Village City Council meeting to be conducted via Zoom as the council authorized the city manager to execute a

contract amounting to $538,400 for park improvements in four of the city’s seven parks.

All five council members participated remotely via teleconference.

The city received four bids from general contractors and

selected the bid from Jenco Construction of just over a half million dollars for Phase II of park improvements.

Proposed completion date for hardscape is July 15, while the city plans to wait until the fall to plant trees to avoid the hot, dry summer

months. Completion of landscaping is set for Nov. 1.

In 2018, voters approved a ballot measure authorizing the city to issue general obligation bonds of $8.5 million for street improvements and $1.88 million for parks and recreational facilities. Last

FRIDAY’s

See VILLAGE, Page 2

It IS okay to drink the water

Crossings’ academic team takes state The Crossings Christian School’s Class 3A academic team is the state champion.

2021 marks the 10th year for the CCS Academic Program to participate at the state level and fifth year to take home the gold.

For the first time in program history, the team is comprised of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, but being young hasn’t stopped the team from breaking records as evi-

week’s City Council action will complete the $1.88 million park enhancements.

“The total general obligation bond money available for this project is $804,000,” said City Manager Bruce

By Rose Lane Editor

weaknesses in different subject areas,” Klossner said. “And, clearly, that hard work paid off!”

Go ahead and quench your thirst right from the faucet — Oklahoma City and Nichols Hills have deemed their water safe.

The Village buys its H2O supply from OKC. In the aftermath of record low temperatures which caused water mains and pipes to freeze and burst, Oklahoma City performed water quality testing from 55 sites affected by water services interruption, Utilities Director Chris Browning said. The Utilities Department voluntarily conducted additional bacteriological testing in areas impacted by extremely low water pressure or no water service.

“Oklahoma City’s water is safe,” Browning said. “Our water is continuously tested in accordance with EPA and DEQ standards. As an extra precaution, we voluntarily tested 55 sites in areas within our system where there was extremely low pressure or no water service this week.

“The test results confirm our water meets

See CCS, Page 2

See WATER, Page 2

Crossings Christian School’s Class 3A Academic team with its state championship trophy and winning bracket.

denced in their 4-0 run at state with a statewide high score of 320. After winning districts and coming in second at regionals, coach Katie Klossner

talked about the team’s growth.

“They were determined to get better each tournament, learning and studying to fill in any gaps or

Dog of the Week

Layla is a shelter dog with a mix of lab, dalmatian and whippet.

Whatever she is, she is a cute bundle of energy. She loves to play fetch with her human parents, Linda and Russell. Her brothers are Milo, Noah and Kitty.

Send Dog, Baby and Cat of the Week nominations with complete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com.

Submissions are used in the order they are received.

Sponsored by Paulette and Leo Kingston of WePayFast.com

Lyric to go ‘under the stars’ for 2021 Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s 2021 season kicks off next month under the stars in downtown Oklahoma City with the first of five, fully-staged, outdoor productions planned over the coming months.

The season features three productions at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage — “Denise Lee: Pressure Makes Diamonds,” “Nunsense and Master Class.” “Grease” follows at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School’s football stadium.

In its 11th year, Lyric’s “A

Christmas Carol’’ will close the season, with a return to the historic Harn Homestead just in time for the holiday season.

After having to postpone much of the 2020 season due to the pandemic, Lyric was among just a handful of professional theatres in the nation to resume shows last fall. With safety protocols in place, Lyric moved its productions outdoors and will maintain that stance this year.

Subscribers’ tickets from last See LYRIC, Page 12

News/From Page One

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 2

Oklahoma City University community mourns loss of Florence Birdwell The Oklahoma City University community mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, the legendary voice professor Florence Birdwell.

As an alumna, then later as one of the longest-serving faculty members in OCU’s history at 67 years, Birdwell earned a reputation first as a gifted performer and then as a trainer and mentor to hundreds of other performers on Broadway and opera stages around the world, including stars such as Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara.

Birdwell earned a bachelor of fine arts in 1945 and a master of arts in teaching in 1969, both from OCU. As an undergraduate, she worked parttime for the university as a vocal instructor. In all, she taught full-time at the university from 1946 until her retirement in 2014.

“The Oklahoma City University community mourns the passing of a true treasure of our campus,” OCU President Martha Burger said. “Flo-

Kelli O’Hara, Florence Birdwell and Kristin Chenoweth.

rence Birdwell’s impact is felt far beyond the studios and classrooms where she helped so many students develop their talents over her nearseven-decade career. It extends to stages and theaters around the country and world and to the hundreds of musical careers she has helped shape.

“She is a true icon of Oklahoma City University and today we honor her legacy and remember all she contributed to our students.”

Mark Parker, dean of OCU’s Wanda L. Bass School of Music, described

Birdwell as a “master teacher.”

“Florence Birdwell has had a great impact on the world of singing, a master teacher who shaped the careers of hundreds of students who passed through her studio at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music,” Parker said.

“As she often said, she taught voice and she taught life. A rarity in the profession of voice teaching, she was equally passionate about opera and musical theater.”

Soon after retiring from OCU, Birdwell travelled to New York in 2015, when perhaps her greatest professional achievement materialized. She became one of the world’s only professors to have two alumni nominated for a Tony Award in the same category in the same year.

Chenoweth (BM ’91, MM ’93, and LHD ’13) and O'Hara (BM ’98), who coined Birdwell’s affectionate nickname, “The Bird Lady,” earned Tony nominations that year for best leading actress in a musical. O’Hara won the

WATER From Page 1 safety and quality standards.”

Nichols Hills City Manager Shane Pate said the city does not purchase water from Oklahoma City but rather has its own water

VILLAGE From Page 1 Stone. “The Jenco bid of $538,400 left us with $265,600 that allows us to do additional improvements to be determined later.”

Four city parks including Meeker, Johnson, Harrison and Duffner Parks will receive improvements incorporating off street

award for her role in “The King and I.” During her acceptance speech, O’Hara announced to the world her appreciation for Birdwell’s training.

“I love what I do and I don’t need this, but now that I have it, I’ve got some things to say,” O’Hara said in her speech. “I come from a place far away and there’s a little teacher there, and two of us tonight, Kristin and I, share her. Florence Birdwell, thank you.”

Chenoweth on her Facebook page on Monday said she was lucky to have Birdwell as an instructor.

“If you’re lucky, you get one teacher who is YOUR PERSON,” Chenoweth wrote. “Mine is Florence Birdwell.

Your voice rings in my ear forever, Florence. RIP Mrs. Birdwell. I will miss you as long as I live.” OCU awarded Birdwell with an honorary doctor of musical arts in 2016.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert & Florence Birdwell Endowed Vocal Scholarship at okcu.edu/birdwell.

wells.

“Our water is also safe to drink as we never had any water line breaks,” he said. “We have a note on our website letting people know we are not on a boil order.”

Nichols Hills residents did experience some water pressure issues briefly. But, those were

parking, new play areas and landscaping. Completion of a walking path at Duffner Park will also be included.

Stone suggested projects to consider for the remaining funds could include remodeling of the stage at Duffner Park, tennis court backboards, additional equipment for the Duffner Park splashpad, additional trees, a pickle ball court or additional playground equipment.

The 2.56 square-mile city has nearly 12 acres devoted to city parks.

Ward 1 is the only one of the city’s five wards without park. There has been informal talk of adding an additional park at the former Johnson Elementary School (now Pre-K Center at Johnson), 1810 Sheffield Rd., in Ward 3.

Other business and

due to a module on the city’s blending tank malfunctioning causing the system to believe the tank was full when it was not, Pate said.

“We addressed this issue and have had no issues since,” he said. “The water pressure issue did not impact the safety of our water for drinking.”

information: • The council accepted the audit of the city financial statements by HBC CPA’s for the period ending June 30, 2020. At the end of FY 2019-20 the General Fund cash balance increased by $237,014 over the beginning balance on July 1, 2019.

The report shows net assets decreased from the previous year by $3,808,562. Stone said it was to be expected as the city expended the remaining amount of bond Series 2018 proceeds for the various bond projects.

• The monthly sales tax check was $628,275, an increase of $130,721 or 20.81 percent over the same period last year making it the largest sales tax check ever received. Use tax was $173,960 for an increase of $87,349 or

CCS From Page 1 Team captain Garret Baumert, CCS junior, agreed.

"It was a good season, and I'm really proud of everybody on the team,” she said. “We have all improved dramatically since the first tournament.”

Coach Helen Denman said that these young Knights have “exempli-

50.21 percent over the same period last year.

• Casady School notified residents who abut the school’s east campus boundary that it has contracted with Smith & Pickel construction company and civil engineer/urban planner Johnson A& Associates, to upgrade their campus road and install new fencing along its property line.

Neighborhood homes on the west side of Nichols Road will be impacted. Residents will be notified of a community meeting to share plans in the coming months.

• The January 2021 monthly Police Patrol Report included 545 calls answered, 9,614 miles patrolled, and 45 arrests. Hefner Road received the most activity with 260 citations and 96 warnings.

fied hard work, perseverance, and integrity.”

“And with a record of earning first place for half of their state appearances, look to see more from the CCS Academic program in 2022,” she said.

The team includes: Team captain Garrett Baumert, Coleman Bixler, Allison Hickey, Garrett Hunt, Lucas Lindsey, Jacob Mash, Abbey Steelhammer and Reagan Tollefson. The coaches are Katie Klossner and Helen Denman.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 3

Students

Chargers practice ‘bee’ing kind L

ast school year, in an effort to be uplifting and make people smile, I placed sticky notes with compliments written on them on the girls’ bathroom mirrors along with a sign stating “take one; leave one.”

The mirror note idea turned out to be a success as girls seemed to enjoy reading them and many left their own notes of encouragement.

Earlier this year, my friend Romello Nicholson and I began brainstorming ways to

by Campbell Leiterman

HALL HAPPENINGS

expand this type of positivity to include the entire school. We discussed our feelings about kindness and what kindness really means. We concluded that there should be a club focused on kindness.

The club would be a place where students

could receive unconditional support and gain the tools to show kindness to others. Thus, the Kindness Club was born.

Ideas for activities started flowing, including flower grams for Valentine’s Day, team building exercises, positive informational meetings and a blood drive. Although COVID-19 caused us to put some plans on hold, we are still off to a great start.

Our club holds twice-monthly meetings, has sponsored

two blood drives and helped plan parts of Kindness Week.

The Kindness Club is finding its groove.

With new members signing up regularly, we hope to expand our message –“Bee Kind, Bee Positive, Bee You!” – and create even more ways to positively impact our school and community.

To quote author Kevin Heath, “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.”

Weather forces Irish back to distance learning

O

klahoma is no stranger to extreme weather, but we usually expect it in the form of big thunderstorms and tornadoes, not blizzards.

Sub-zero temperatures and almost a foot of snow are bound to put a halt to things, but fortunately, the last year has prepared us all for adapting to new circumstances. In the spring, COVID-19 kickstarted distance learning at Bishop McGuinness and now the weather has students returning.

While it may not be as exciting as an oldfashioned snow day, Bishop McGuinness students were still able to enjoy their time at

by Thomas Raglow IRISH ITEMS

home, and have fun in the winter weather. We were able to get some in-person events in, like basketball Senior Night – although wrestling regionals were delayed.

• The Bishop McGuinness theatre program is in the final stages of preparing for its latest production, the famous musical “Chicago: High School Edition.” The inclement weather brought in some

unique challenges, as play recitations were held via Zoom and opening night has been pushed back a week.

The play is to be staged this weekend instead.

However, the cast and crew have adapted to the circumstances, and the musical should be excellent as always.

Tickets are $10 online.

Buy them soon, as seat-

ing is limited for each show! Masks and social distancing are required.

• Next week we welcome the Class of 2025 to campus for a chance to learn more about the clubs and sports the school offers, ask questions, purchase spirit wear and finish up their registration.

Call 755-3311 today to subscribe!

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 4

OKC FRIDAY

Sports Weekly BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

5A, 6A teams tip off postseason

- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com

Deer Creek’s Sam Battle (3) helps lead the Antlers this Friday in a Class 6A West regional at PC North.

They open at 6 p.m. against Mustang.

OKLAHOMA CITY

FRIDAY

Publication No. (USPS 893-600) PHONE 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, PO 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 $30. elsewhere in Oklahoma $40, elsewhere U.S. $40. Newsstand price $1.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, PO 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. Represented regionally by Central Oklahoma Newspaper Group (CONG), OKC. Phone 752-2664

Three other Fridayland schools begin their quests for a state championship as Class 5A and 6A regional tournaments get underway this weekend.

In 6A, the PC North boys host a West regional tournament on Friday, with Deer Creek also participating in the 4-team event.

The Antlers open at 6 p.m. against Mustang and the Panthers follow at 8 p.m. against Putnam City.

The winners meet at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Class 6A girls’ action started last Thursday.

Deer Creek faced Westmoore in a West regional at Choctaw, and PC North battled Lawton in a West regional at Moore.

With a win, either team could move into the regional final at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The Antlers would face the Choctaw-Southmoore winner, while the Panthers could battle the Moore-Del City winner.

Both McGuinness squads, meanwhile, compete in 5A East

regionals.

The Irish boys play Pryor this Friday at 7 p.m. at Tulsa Memorial, and, with a win, could move on to the regional final at 7 p.m. Saturday against host Memorial.

The Irish girls faced Claremore last Thursday at Coweta. With a win, they move to the final at 1:30 p.m. Saturday against the Coweta-Glenpool winner.

A loss by any team in either Thursday or Friday’s opening rounds ends their season.

CHARGERS SWEEP KNIGHTS In the final game of the regular season, Heritage Hall outlasted Fridayland fival Crossings Christian for a 4538 win on Feb. 12.

Trey Alexander paced the Class 4A No. 2 Chargers (15-5) with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

The Knights (19-2), ranked No. 1 in 3A, got a team-best 17 points from Cooper Gudell and 13 from Reid Lovelace.

The Charger girls also posted a 51-43 over the Knights in the opener.

Lainey Portman netted 24 points to lead the Chargers (9-11) and Macy Moore chipped in 17 points.

IRISH FALL TO CASHION McGuinness ended its regular season with a 53-40 loss to 2A No. 4

Cashion.

Graham Tawwater led the way with 9 points and 7 rebounds, while Luke Chansolme chipped in 8 points for the Irish (12-9).

Earlier in the week, McGuinness edged OKC Storm for a 57-52 win. Tawwater led a trio in double figures with 17 points, followed by Chansolme with 13 points and Mike Taffe with 11 points.

Weather delays 3A, 4A district tourneys Last week’s winter storm forced the Class 3A and 4A district tournament to be rescheduled from last weekend.

Four teams were slated to host their district matchups in Classes 3A and 4A last Tuesday. As results weren’t available at press time, check okcfriday.com for scores.

John Marshall is slated to entertain Harding Charter Prep in an Area 1, District 6, tournament and Heritage Hall hosts Tecumseh in Area 3, District 2.

Mount St. Mary rounds out the games in 4A when Plainview comes to town for an Area 3, District 5 doubleheader.

Meanwhile, Crossings Christian plays host to Chandler in Area 1, District 2 in 3A.

BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Antlers, Rockets open Monday A handful of Fridayland baseball teams open the 2021 season this week.

Deer Creek is scheduled to visit Piedmont on Monday with the first pitch set for 5 p.m.

The Antlers then host Fridayland rival Heritage Hall on Thursday, also to start at 5 p.m.

Mount St. Mary kicks off its campaign with a home-and-home series against Harrah.

The Rockets visit the Panthers Monday and host them at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. They also are slated to entertain Fri-

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE Monday, March 1 Deer Creek at Piedmont, 5 p.m.

Mount St. Mary at Harrah, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2 Carl Albert at Heritage Hall, 5 p.m.

Harrah at Mount St. Mary, 5 p.m.

Thursday, March 4 Luther at Crossings Christian, 4:30 p.m.

Heritage Hall at Deer Creek, 5 p.m.

John Marshall at Mount St. Mary, 4 p.m.

dayland rival John Marshall on Thursday at 4 p.m.

In addition to its trip to Deer Creek on Thursday, Heritage Hall is scheduled to

host Carl Albert this Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Crossings Christian doesn’t open its season until a home game against Luther on Thursday.

Sports Weekly

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 5

SWIMMING | 5A CHAMPIONSHIP

Locals in contention for gold medals Nearly a dozen Fridayland athletes are within striking distance of medaling after the preliminary rounds at the Class 5A state swimming championships last Monday at Jenks Aquatic Center.

Medalists were determined in Tuesday’s finals but results weren’t available as of press time. Check okcfriday.com and next week’s edition of OKC FRIDAY for coverage.

Heritage Hall boasted three swimmers in contention for gold medals, while McGuinness and Mount St. Mary both have two

with a shot at first place.

Gracie Shapard paced the Chargers with a pair of firstplace finishes in the preliminaries on Monday. The junior edged the field by just a tenthsecond in 54.19 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle and won the 100 backstroke by a half-second over McGuinness’ Macy Lewis in 58.93 seconds.

Dylan Beeson earned a pair of seconds in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke with times of 24.87 seconds and 1:10.78, respectively.

Owen Flynn also took

second in the 200 individual medley (IM) in 2:08.90 and four in the 100 breaststroke.

McGuinness’ Victoria Whitbeck is among the favorites to win gold in the 200 and 500 freestyle events, as the sophomore finished first in the 200 freestyle and second in the 500 freestyle in the preliminaries.

In addition to her second in the backstroke, Lewis won the 100 butterfly by a halfsecond in 59.00 seconds.

Mount St. Mary’s Keegan Lassiter cracked the top 5 at

WRESTLING ROUNDUP

STATE TOURNAMENT Due to COVID-19 protocols, state wrestling tournaments this weekend follow a different format.

Class 3A and 6A are scheduled to compete this Friday, while 4A and 5A teams battle on Saturday at State Fair Arena.

The first session opens at 10 a.m. on both days, with the medal matches to start around 7:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule, visit ossaa.com.

McCracken at 145 pounds and Omari Smith at 220 pounds.

Meanwhile, Landon Lahodny captured a consolation title for third at 182 pounds and Gunner McCracken claimed fifth place at 126 pounds.

KNIGHTS’ JOHNSON MAKES 3A STATE Two Crossings Christian wrestlers

- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com

McGuinness’ Victoria Whitbeck is one of nearly a dozen Fridayland swimmers in contention for gold medals at the Class 5A state championships.

itage Hall’s Beeson, Shapard, Toll and Whitney Goodman finished second in both the 200 medley and 400 freestyle, while McGuinness’ Whitbeck and Lewis teamed up

with Lilianna Gavula and Katharine Elbow for second in the 200 freestyle relay.

The Irish boys took fourth and the Rockets followed in fifth in the 200 medley relay.

SWIMMING | 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

Heritage Hall takes 2nd place at 3A West regional With nine athletes making the podium, including three indvidual champions, the Heritage Hall wrestling team finished second at the Class 4A West regional at Clinton last weekend.

The Chargers are among the favorites to claim a team championship this Saturday in the state tournament at State Fair Arena.

K.J. Evans was one of a trio of Heritage Hall grapplers to earn a gold medal at regionals in the 152-pound division.

E.J. Beloncik picked up a title at 160 pounds, while Gannon Allen took the crown at 170 pounds.

Silver medalists for the Chargers include Davis Park at 113 pounds, Boston Powell at 138 pounds, Michael

third in the 100 butterfly and fifth in the 200 IM. Sydney Brown finished in the top 8 in two events, including fifth place in the 500 freestyle and sixth in the 100 butterfly.

Others in contention for medals include Heritage Hall’s Adelaide Toll in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke; Harding Charter Prep’s Kaitlyn Marshall in the 500 freestyle; McGuinness’ David Hernandez in the 500 freestyle, Jacob Moad in the 100 backstroke and Max Bunnag in the 100 breaststroke.

In the relays, Her-

earned spots on the podium to qualify for the 3A state tournament this Friday at State Fairgrounds Arena.

Weston Johnson paced the Knights with a fifth-place finish in the 160-pound division at the 3A West regional in Plainview.

Wesley Patterson also took sixth at 120 pounds for Crossings Christian.

Antlers, Panthers ready for state Eight Deer Creek swimmers, along with two others from PC North, were slated to compete last Wednesday and Thursday at the Class 6A state championships at Jenks Aquatic Center.

Results were not available as of press time, so look for them at okcfriday.com and in next week’s edition of OKC FRIDAY. Following is a list of Fridayland competitors organized by school: Deer Creek – Jate Anusornpanich,

50- and 100-yard freestyle; Eastyn DeYoung, 200 and 500 freestyle; Jillian Hull, 50 freestyle; Olivia Lounsberry, 200 individual medley (IM) and 100 breaststroke; Halle McFarlane, 100 and 200 freestyle; Landry Mendoza, 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke; Jordan O’Hare, 100 breaststroke; Cameron Sine, 50 and 100 freestyle.

PC North – Joey Batts, 50 and 100 freestyle; and, Andrea Hoang, 100 breaststroke.

Booster

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 6

CALENDAR CONCERTS Feb. 27 • Shostakovich OKCPHIL's Shostakovich: Concerto for Piano No. 2 is a 60-minute program presented at the Civic Center without an intermission, a socially distanced setting both on and off stage, and paperless tickets and program books to help prevent the spread of COVID19. Saturday’s program is at 8 pm. Digital Stream: Bring the magic of OKCPHIL straight into your home with a digital stream of the live concert. The digital stream is available for 2 weeks after the live event.

March 5-6 • Ragtime & All That Jazz Both OKCPHIL performances are at the Civic Center at 8 pm and available for digital streaming from March 7-21.

AWARDS March 25 • Partners in Progress The 36th annual Dis­ tinguished Service Vir­ tual Awards is Thurs­ day, March 25 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Honorees arrive at 11 am and guests livestream at 11:45 am at okcbeau­ tiful.com/luncheon.

Ready for Your Close Up

March 6 • Green Tie Gatherings On March 6, Catholic Charities of the Arch­ diocese of Oklahoma City will host a Face­ book Live event to raise money in place of their annual gala fundraiser. Local news anchor Amanda Taylor will host the unique event. Green Tie Gatherings is a way for our donors to step up and help homeless women by making donations, bidding on auction items and changing a life. Auction items this year include: Three­night stay at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona; a two­night stay at Hidden Hills Cab­ ins in Broken Bow, Oklahoma; a signed Keith Urban guitar; a David Yurman bracelet cour­ tesy of BC Clark; beer for a year package courtesy of Capital Distributing; and exclu­ sive travel packages through AmFund includ­ ing destinations to Ireland, Sedona, Key West, and Iceland valid for 3 years with no blackout dates, roundtrip airfare for two, and deluxe accommodations. Sponsorships with dinner options from Hal Smith Restaurants are still available. Open bidding for the auc­ tion items will begin on March 1 at greentie­ gatherings.org.

Sept. 17­18 • Western Heritage The Western Heritage Awards honors indi­ viduals who have made significant con­ tributions to Western heritage through cre­ ative works in litera­ ture, music, television and film that share the great stories of the American West.

Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 2.

ZOO NEWS The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gar­ den announces that it is ending its seasonal winter schedule early.

The Zoo is open daily

N EW D ATES /C ANCELLATIONS Chesapeake Events/Shows: Jeff Dunham ­ April 9 Maroon 5 – Aug. 14 Backstreet Boys – Sept. 12 Michael Buble ­ Sept. 19 MercyMe – Oct. 28 Lyric Theatre: Distant Thunder ­ March 31­April 18 Matilda ­ June 22­27 Grease ­ July 6­11 Kinky Boots ­ July 20­25 Head Over Heels ­ Sept. 22­Oct. 10

from 9 am to 5 pm.

Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends mem­ bers and are available online at okczoo.org/ tickets. Stay connected with the Zoo on Face­ book, Twitter, Insta­ gram and TikTok.

BETTER CONVERSATIONS Join the Oklahoma City National Memori­ al & Museum in online facilitated conversa­ tions, on Zoom, every Tuesday night from 7­ 8 pm in March. It’s free to participate.

Register at memorial­ museum.com. March 2 is with Dr. Susan Chambers.

2021 Other Events/Shows/Awards: OKC Beautiful Service Awards March 25 Sunbeam Shine a Light ­ May 13 Chuck Wagon Festival ­ May 29­30 Wes Welker Golf Tourney ­ June 21 Prix de West ­ June 25­26 Paseo Arts Festival ­ Sept. 4­6 Redbud Classic ­ Sept. 11­12 Western Heritage Awards ­ Sept. 17­18 Memorial Marathon ­ Oct. 2­3 Rodeo Hall of Fame ­ Nov. 11­12 Beaux Arts Ball ­ Nov. 27

O

ne of the greatest stories in modern sports is being filmed in Oklahoma right now. American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story started production in February and released a call for extras earlier this week. They are seeking people to play big, beefy football players as well as coaches, trainers, security guards and press corps. If you are interested, please visit www.freihofercasting.com for more information.

Kurt Warner is a quarterback from Northern Iowa who was never drafted by the NFL. He played three seasons of arena football after college before finally getting his NFL shot. Once there, he rose to great heights, becoming a two-time Most Valuable Player award winner, Superbowl MVP, Superbowl Champion, and NFL Hall of Fame member.

American Underdog is the latest film from Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin, the Alabama based brothers currently dominating the Christian and inspirational film market.

The Erwin brothers first came to Oklahoma in 2017 to film I Can Only Imagine, a $7 million movie that became an $86 million global blockbuster. The success of

Imagine. More recently, Quaid was filming in Guthrie as the lead in the Ronald Reagan bio pic.

that film prompted Lionsgate Studios to launch a Christian film division with the Erwin Brothers in the lead. It also inspired the brothers to return to Oklahoma to produce more of their movies.

American Underdog stars Zachary Levi, an actor with several television and movie credits, ranging from the superhero lead in the Shazam! movie series to supporting roles in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure. Levi’s most recent starring role was another Erwin brothers production made in Oklahoma, Unbreakable Boy, directed by Jon Gunn, the writer of American Underdog.

In addition to Levi, American Underdog boasts a stellar supporting cast that includes Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid (Far From Heaven), Oscar winner Anna Paquin (The Piano), and Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen (Sideways). Like Levi, this is Quaid’s second outing with the Erwin brothers. He played the abusive father in I Can Only

This is a wonderful time to live in Oklahoma if you are an aspiring actor. More than 30 feature films have been produced here since the beginning of the pandemic.

Another 30 productions have applied with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office to film here in 2021.

The question is, how do you get started?

My recommendation for aspiring actors is to sign up with Freihofer Casting. Chris Freihofer is the most prolific casting director in the southwest. As an actor, he has costarred in Breaking Bad and several major movies, which gives him access to top tier actors when casting.

As a casting director, he has more than 60 credits as the lead, plus several more providing local casting for major films like American Underdog, Reagan, and the Oscar hopeful Minari.

Freihofer also runs The Actor Factory, a school for learning how to create a resume and headshot, audition, act, and act on camera. You can sign up for an email alert about upcoming movies and find more information about acting at freihofercasting.com.

Send your calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Down Syndrome Association seeking crazy sock donations WHAT: Down Syndrome Asso‐ ciation of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) is gearing up for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 and is calling on the commu‐ nity to donate crazy socks to the nonprofit for the annual “Knock Your Socks Off” campaign.

As part of the campaign, DSACO sends crazy socks to leg‐ islators, news anchors and local celebrities to invite the commu‐ nity to join in on the initiative to be #Crazy4DSACO. This initiative helps spread awareness of the 21st chromosome for a day of

acceptance and inclusion by wearing crazy socks on March 21 and posting photos of the crazy socks to social media with DSACO tagged and the #Crazy4DSACO hashtag. This year’s luncheon will be virtual and held on Monday, March 22.

Learn more about DSACO at dsaco.org/.

WHEN: Donations are gladly accepted leading up to World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

WHERE: Brand new socks can be purchased online or through

the DSACO Amazon wish list and mailed to the DSACO office. The Amazon wish list can be found at amzn.to/2NlOb9B.

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma 521 W. Wilshire Blvd. Ste 130 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

T HIS M ESSAGE S PONSORED B Y T HESE L OCAL B USINESSES :

Religion

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 7

It is because ‘For God so loved’

By Walker Moore The Baptist Messenger Growing up, I didn’t do well when I was in school. My poorest subjects were English, math, history, geography and science.

School was never easy for me, but if you gave me a job or task, I excelled in it.

I was much more of a handson learner. I have always joked that I graduated in the top half of the bottom third of my class, and my parents were proud of me. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered I am dyslexic.

When I entered junior high, I had a choice of what classes I could take. Our art class offered pottery, leather work, painting, etc. I excelled in all the things you could make with your hands.

But I have a problem; I have a habit of my confidence outweighing my abilities.

Let me give you several examples. I took three years of shop in high school. I made my first small project, a small mahogany desk with iron legs that I bent and welded. The desk was beautiful, but the legs weren’t even and required something under them to keep the desk from wobbling.

My second project? A sevendrawer bedroom dresser for my parents. It was solid maple with four big drawers on the bottom and three smaller ones across the top. It was a good-sized dresser, and my mom used it until she went home to be with the Lord.

I am glad the dresser was in the bedroom because the door fronts weren’t exactly straight.

One drawer face went slightly uphill while the other headed south. Again, my confidence outweighed my abilities.

In the seventh grade, I took a leatherworking class. For my first project, I chose to make a personalized handmade belt. I spent hours working that leather, wetting it down, using a swivel knife to trace over a pattern and stamping a beautiful edge and my name across the back. That wasn’t hard at all.

For my second project, I chose to make my mom a leather overthe-shoulder saddle handbag. It was a pretty big project with a picture of a horse’s head on the front and a stamped background.

I spent the rest of the semester pounding away on that cowhide and then stitching the pieces together.

Everyone else was making a bookmark or another belt, but not I. I was making a purse that could carry a newborn. I gave it to my mom, and she carried that leather weight around for years.

As I got older, I could see how childish the work was; it was downright ugly. I was embarrassed that my mom was walking around in public with that hideous purse, and I told her she didn’t have to use it anymore.

But she kept it for a long time.

It took me years to understand why she would carry around something so ugly. She didn’t see the ugliness; she saw the love behind it. To her the beauty was not in the creation but the love of the creator who created it.

Many years later, I finally get it. I am now the proud owner of

the ugliest stuff in the world.

Things my children and grandchildren have made for my wife and me adorn our home. They cover our refrigerator, hang on our Christmas tree and walls, and are displayed on our T-shirts.

One of these days, our grandsons will recognize the ugliness of their early scribbling, but to me, their efforts will always be beautiful. I look past the scribbling and only see the love of the creators who created it.

You see, it is the love of the Creator who gives you and me our beauty. Why do you think that John 3:16 is the most loved and quoted Bible verse in the world? Because it starts out, “For God so loved.”

This is why I view myself as ugly. Yep, I am just like you. But when I look through the eyes of the Creator Who created me, only then does my beauty come forth.

For all the questions I have asked myself — “Why do I look like this?” “How come I have no athletic ability?” “Why do I struggle with trying to write something?”

I hear “For God so loved.”

He made me this way because He loved me. What we call ugly, God calls beautiful. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Ps. 139:14).

Whether it is a wobbly table, a dysfunctional dresser, an ugly purse or even one’s own self, all of these were called beautiful because someone recognized the love of their creator. This means you and I are beautiful — because “God so loved.”

February 26 Daisy Baker Linda Beebe Matt Beebe Gwen Hughes Bell Erica Blaschke Margaret Collins Jodi Dodson Cindy Homsey Peter Kierl Robyn Satterfield Katy Small Whitney Ward February 27 Wilma Drisdale Hayden Evans Cameron Meyers Joy Richardson David Talbot, Jr. February 28 Ken Adams Bretta Berger Beau Blackstock Sheryl Colton Jim Franklin Aaron Hall Lesa Huff Richard Jagger Leigh Newcomb Nora Newcomb Sibyl Overstreet Bob Thorpe Lori Winter

February 29 Natalie Broughton Kerstin Hunzicker March 1 Sue Adams Donna Bozalis Theresa Lepak Monica Marino Pam Newman Mark Schwartz Dixie Stewart Jane Sutter Ann Tullius March 2 Jennifer Contreras Chad Homsey Melinda K. Medley Les Tolbert March 3 Norma Borders Ross Brunner Nick Cudjo Krystian Hamilton Cyndi Williams Brian Zahn March 4 Marle Abshere Harry Anderson Destiny Brown Blair Elder A.V. Peoples, Jr. Julie Ruffin

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 8

okcFRIDAY

LEGAL NOTICES & CLASSIFIEDS LANDSCAPE SERVICES

LEGAL NOTICES

OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

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Put your message where it matters most – IN OKLAHOMA NEWSPAPERS. We can place your ad in 148 newspapers.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Landon Cobb at (405) 499-0022 or toll-free in OK at 1-888-815-2672.

FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

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(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021; Friday, February 26, 2021; Friday, March 5, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case Number FD-2020-2516 In Re the Marriage of: Patricia Marie Sanchez, Petitioner, and Faustino Sanchez Garcia, Respondent.

) ) ) ) ) )

THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Faustino Sanchez Garcia You are hereby notified that the Petitioner in the above styled action has sued you for a Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility and or ___. You must Answer the Petition on or before the 8 day of April, 2021, 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 29 day of January, 2021.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Shawna McKay Deputy (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021; Friday, February 26, 2021; Friday, March 5, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case Number FD-2020-2638 IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: Lidia V. Suarez Padilla, Petitioner, and Perla C. Dominguez Suarez, Respondent.

TO: All interested parties.

Take notice that Suzanne Adele Reeves Blair has petitioned to change his/her name to Suzanne Reeves Blair.

A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 18 day of March, 2021, before Judge Timmons at 11:00 o’clock in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse.

Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Jessica Rutledge By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

GUARDIANSHIP

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

) ) ) ) ) )

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Perla C. Dominguez Suarez You are hereby notified that the Petitioner in the above styled action has sued you for a Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility and or abandonment. You must Answer the Petition on or before the 25 day of March, 2021, or the Petition will be taken as true and divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 8 day of February, 2021.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature

PUBLIC NOTICE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 26, 2021; Friday, March 5, 2021)

In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans a new pole at 200 S OKLAHOMA AVE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73104.

Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-898-4866 regarding site CRAN_ROAR_OKCDT_053 _17G. 2/26, 3/5/21 CNS-3442688# OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY

NAME CHANGE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 26, 2021) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2021-337 IN RE: The name of: ) Suzanne Adele Reeves Blair )

Landscape design and installation, flowers, clean-ups and landscape renovations. Degree in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, 30 yrs exp, References, Free Consultation and Estimates. Call Charlene: 405-517-1665 Garden Design

PUBLIC NOTICE You benefit from public notices. Public notices are required because a government body or corporation wants to do something you need to know about.

When government is about to change your life, or your property or assets are about to be taken, newspaper notices are there to keep you informed.

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

DIVORCE

Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 26, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

www.oklahomanotices.com for free access to public notices in Oklahoma newspapers

COLLECTOR CORVETTE FOR SALE

1998 Chevrolet Corvette 16K Miles • Torch Red Duel Removeable Roof Panels $37,500 405‐370‐9771

PUZZLE SOLUTION

CASE NO: PG-2021-59 IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF Shaylynn K. Stovall, a minor

) ) ) )

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN You are hereby notified that Tiffany C. Garcia has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minor Shaylynn K. Stovall, and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge Welch Room 315 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 5 day of April 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 22 day of February, 2021.

ALLEN WELCH Judge of the District Court RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Jamie Houston, Deputy (SEAL)

CROSSWORD

Business Directory

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 9

Oklahoma Hall of Fame nomination deadline approaching The 94th class of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame will receive Oklahoma’s highest honor on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 18 in Tulsa. Since the first induction in 1928 more than 700 Oklahomans have received the honor. As only those nominated for induction are considered, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame needs your help. Please visit OklahomaHoF.com to view nomination guidelines and nominate the Oklahomans worthy of induction by the March 1 deadline for the Class of 2021.

“Each year we are proud to honor Oklahomans who have contributed to our state’s rich heritage

by making strides in their industry and bettering mankind,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Museum.

“Being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is the single-highest honor an individual can receive from our state,” Rich continued.

Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame preserves Oklahoma’s unique history while promoting pride in our great state. Through each of its programs and the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame honors our state’s rich tradition by telling Oklahoma’s story through its people.

Locally­owned Business Directory A&T Mechanical Heat & Air Services INC 1015 Waterwood Parkway Suite I-100 Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 810-8891 Keedo Clothes 12100 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 607-0887 Denner Roofing Co, LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 842-2900 Kathryn Vaught Interiors 1807 Guilford Lane, by appointment only Nichols Hills, OK 73120 (405) 843-1410 Cheek Ranch Black Label Beef CheekRanch.com (405) 236-5175 Chiki Chiki Boom, LLC Habanero Vodka Hot Sauce 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Route 66 Tire and Automotive 1815 E. 2nd St. Edmond, Ok. 73034 (405) 503-4707 Swiss Cleaners @ Laundry 3737 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 946-0629 Dr. Kenneth Plank, O.D., Visual-Eyes 9648 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 749-2002 LEAP COFFEE ROASTERS 44 NE 51st St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 602-5800 The Beef Jerky Emporium and Gourmet Foods 810 W. Danforth Edmond, OK 73003 (405) 359-8200 FA Highly Countertops 3800 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 943-1988 Ketch Design Centre 4416 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 525-7757 Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com Boutique One 6474 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hill Plaza (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store

The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com Carwin’s Shave Shop 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Plaza (405) 607-1197 carwinsshaveshop.com Winter House 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1199 winterhouseinteriors.com 23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd.

(405) 943-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com Concordia Life Plan Community 7707 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 720-7200 concordiaseniorliving.com

BancFirst 101 N. Broadway, Suite 950 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 270-1009 Bancfirst.com Britton Feed & Seed 708 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 842-5590 britton-feed-seed.hub.biz 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 McBride Orthopedic Clinic 9600 Broadway Ext. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 486-2530 mcboh.com

Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com

CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com

Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com

Chickasaw Community Bank 909 S. Meridian Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73108 (405) 946-2265 ccb.bank

Home Care Assistance of Oklahoma 323 S. Blackwelder Ave. Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 277-0035 homecareassistance.com

Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank

Mary’s Maid Service 7009 NW 53rd St. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 728-1805 marysmaidokcity.com Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahomacity.com 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 Dani Lynch 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond. com State Farm Insurance Gary Baccus 16145 N. May Ave. Edmond, Ok 73013 (405) 844-6300 Garybaccus.com Balliets 6443 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 848-7811 Balliets.com

Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com International Wigs 4429 NW 10th St, .

Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 943-1233 Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com We Pay Fast 2239 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (800) 937-2932 wepayfast.com Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Suite F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138 Jane O’Toole RE/MAX Preferred Properties 9520 N. May Ave. No.110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-4848 (405) 620-7543 Metro Gymnastics 7420 Broadway Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-5308 Metrogymokc.com Mood Party Rentals LLC 224 NE 46th Oklahoma Ci ty, OK 73105 (405) 840-2081 moodpartyrentals.com To be included, email your business name, address, phone number and website to rose@okcfriday.com.

Editorial Page

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 10

OPINION OUR STAND “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

Successful politicians are also funny Reprinted from OKC Friday, Friday, September 27, 2002 ALL POLITICIANS are not crooks, no matter what you think.

Some are, and they usually get caught and have to pay an unpleasant price.

But most politicians really do want to perform a public service. They enjoy their work and, most of all, they love camaraderie with their peers.

I like being around them.

That’s why I never miss an opportunity to attend events where there will be a group of old-time pols. I went to George Nigh’s birthday bash a few weeks ago and had a ball.

More recently, I attended the book-signing reception of Judge Lee West. I knew there would be a great cadre of political hacks like me there. I was not disappointed.

Leo Winters, for instance, is alive and he was there.

The Best of J. Leland Gourley Reprinted from OKC FRIDAY

Judge Bill Myers, one-time tennis ace for the University of Oklahoma was still there and he’s still playing tennis with the same vigor he attends to public service in his semiretirement status.

If you have any doubts that pubic servants are funny, you need to read the book “Law and Laughter, the Life of Judge West.”

Two of my old buddies from the days of the “Big Red E” Howard Edmondson administration were there.

In the Edmondson campaign, this pair of rock-ribbed Democrats were the kingpins of Little Dixie politics.

Bill Christian and Jackie Cornelius. What a pair!

Christian is now a respectable big city attorney right here in the State Capitol City and Cornelius is a retired U. S. State Department diplomat with years of service in Africa.

During the Edmondson campaign for Governor, Howard’s best friend John Kilpatrick invited a bunch of us to the Tower Club and served “brandy ice” drinks.

Christian took a big sip and said, “Why can’t they make a milk shake like this at Ferrells Pharmacy in Broken Bow?” Cornelius was a big-time dairy farmer in Push County so when Edmondson was elected Governor, he made Jackie President of the State Board of Agriculture, where he served on weekdays. On weekends he would go home to check up on his dairy farm.

One Monday he came back to the Capitol and reported that his key farm hand, Roosevelt, was missing when he went back home for the past weekend. He had been there the previous weekend.

Seems like the neighbors caught Roosevelt stealing cattle. In that one week, they had arrested him, tried him, convicted him and sent him to prison. They have speedy justice in Push County when dealing with cattle thieves.

Christian came to the rescue in a crisis in the Edmondson administration.

The local big city papers carried a story about the hiring of a social secretary for Jeanette Edmondson, the State’s First Lady.

Some of the citizens of Little Dixie started questioning whether that was a legitimate expense of taxpayer dollars.

Bill Christian went back down home to Broken Bow and told the folks there: “Don’t you know you can’t have Social Security without a Social Secretary?” That cleared it up for the recalcitrants.

Your Fridayland Caucus

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 LOVINA MORGAN, Senior Advertising Account Exec.

JASON JEWELL, Production Mgr., Web & Sports Editor JENNIFER CLARK, Legals Mgr./Circulation/Classifieds JOY RICHARDSON, Social and Travel Contributor -------------------------KELLY CLARK, CIO/CISO --------------------------JAY L. GOURLEY, Vice Chairman Emeritus JANNA L. GOURLEY ROUSEY, Secretary Emerita J. LELAND GOURLEY, FOUNDER

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 11

From Page One

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 26, 2021, Page 12

LYRIC From Page 1 year will be honored for the new productions and the singleticket on-sale date soon will be announced.

Opening Lyric’s 2021 season is “Denise Lee: Pressure Makes Diamonds” (March 24April 3). They say diamonds are forever. A girl’s best friend. And, the process to unearth their true beauty takes a tremendous amount

of pressure. The quality of a diamond is determined by the Four C’s: Color, Cut, Carat, and Clarity, and Lee will shine bright the light on its similarities to life in this original production. Lee and her band will

regale audiences and touch souls with a collection of songs from such artists as Kirk Franklin, Carrie Underwood, Bonnie Raitt, Martina McBride and spoken word from poets Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman.

Lyric patrons may remember Lee from her role in the 2019 banner-raising production of Disney’s “Newsies” or from the gospel celebration “Crowns” during the preceding season. This new production is a collaboration with Monique Midgette, who also will direct.

Passing along that spiritual torch, Lyric will present the everpopular musical “Nunsense” at the Myriad Gardens (April 21-May 9). This hilarious spoof follows the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, after the deaths of the rest of the sisterhood from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared

by Sister Julia (Child of God), the remaining nuns stage a talent show to raise money to bury their dearly departed. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Sister Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-incommand Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world's first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.

This sinfully funny musical hit will have you shouting “Ha-Halleluia!” Written by

Dan Goggin, the production will feature direction from Lyric’s Associate Artistic Director Ashley Wells.

In June, Lyric invites audience members to hand-jive the summer night away with the hit musical “Grease” in an all-new production at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School’s Pribil Football Stadium (June 15-27). A secret summer romance between the new girl in town and the school’s coolest cat finds its way into Rydell High’s school year. These were “the good times” where hula-hoops, bouffants and hot rods were all the rage and rock ‘n’ roll was king.

“Grease” will feature all of the unforgettable songs from both the stage production and the movie, including “You’re the One that I Want,” “Grease is the Word,” “Summer Nights” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” You’ll be fans in the stands when Lyric’s production hits the field in a spectacular, new '50s musical experience! With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the production will be directed by Lyric’s Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron.

The season returns to the Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage in the fall for “Master Class” (Sept.15 - Oct. 3), a Tony Award-winning play by American playwright Terrence McNally. It is presented as a fictional master class by larger-than-life opera singer Maria Callas near the end of her life, in the 1970s.

Alternately dismayed and impressed by the students who parade

before her, Callas retreats into recollections about the glories of her own life and career. Featuring excerpts from famous operas sung live by her students, Callas shares with us the rewards and sacrifices taken in the name of art. “Master Class” will be directed by Baron.

Closing the year, Oklahoma’s favorite holiday tradition, “Lyric’s A Christmas Carol,” returns for its 11th year – Nov. 17 to Dec. 23. In Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, three magical ghosts whisk the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge away on an unforgettable adventure of transformation and redemption. Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, The Fezziwigs and a host of unforgettable characters spring to life in Lyric’s spectacular production sparking the holiday spirit in audiences of all ages. You’ll go from humbug to happy in one magical night under the stars.

As featured in The New York Times and BBC News. Co-directed by Baron and Wells, the immersive production returns for its second year at the historic Harn Homestead.

Due to social distancing restrictions, tickets to all performances are limited.

While performances are outdoors, a number of safety precautions will be in place, including temperature checks and face mask requirements for all patrons.

Hand sanitizer and other safety equipment will be available throughout. For more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.org or call the Box Office at 524-9312.