06-05-20 Print Replica

OKC FRIDAY Vol. 54 No. 4 • One Section • 12 pages June 5, 2020

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 46 years

OSU vets save Oklahoma’s CODIV-19 testing

By Vicki Gourley Publisher Oklahoma State University’s manager of the veterinary diagnostics lab emailed the state health department that his lab was already setup to do coronavirus testing in animals. They would help if Oklahoma needed it for human testing.

He didn’t know he would be saving the state.

Dr. Akhilesh Ramachandran, organized and runs 30 percent of Oklahoma’s coronavirus testing. He is head of the OSU vet school’s infectious disease microbiology group. With the help of volunteer faculty and staff, he is running 1,300 human COVID-19 tests a day.

The coronavirus is different in pets and livestock.

OSU Vet School is running 1,300 human COVID-19 tests a day for the state, from left, Dr. Akhilesh Ramachandran, Dr. Jerry Saliki, OADDL director; OSU President Burns Hargis, and Dean Dr. Carlos Risco, Veterinary Medicine College.

See TESTING, Page 5

Lucy Rose is rescued!

AIDS Care Fund transitions to a donor-advised fund

By Rose Lane Editor Lucy Rose is healing nicely after spending at least three days wandering The Village and being rescued by The Village Animal League.

A larger, brown, very skinny dog was first noticed last Wednesday outside the OKC FRIDAY Newspaper’s office on Quail Plaza Drive.

Animal Control and Cheryl Steckler, a VAL board member, were called.

Cheryl said she followed the dog for an hour and a half and could not get her to come to her.

Sightings of the dog continued on Thursday and into Friday, often times she lay in the shade on FRIDAY’s island. Others also tried to approach her to no avail.

Cheryl brought a trap on Friday when finally the stray dog was found in the courtyard of a nearby building. Cheryl and volunteer Ann Hopkins were quick to shut the gates. By this

Above: Cheryl Steckler rescues the stray dog and names her Lucy Rose.

At left: Britton Road Vet’s Molly Ann Mauldin leads Lucy Rose into the clinic.

See DOG, Page 3

The Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund was founded in 1991 by Barbara Cooper following the death of her son to AIDS. She enlisted the help of her husband Jackie and a small group of friends and organized what would become the state’s single-largest annual fundraiser, Red Tie Night.

Over the past 30 years, OACF has raised more than $25 million for the HIV community in Oklahoma, enabling the organization to provide grants to community agencies as well as direct financial assistance for individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are most in need.

During that time, the HIV/AIDS epidemic changed dramatically. What was once considered a death sentence is now a chronic illness that can be controlled with access to the right combination of medication and supportive services. In response, the OACF board of directors has been thoughtfully considering See AIDS CARE, Page 12

Local builder donates time, raises funds for new animal shelter

By Vicki Gourley Publisher Jim Abernathy, a home builder, who lives in The Village and loves animals, volunteered to donate supervision of the new Village Animal Shelter (VAS) and raised $47,000 from his

friends in the construction industry.

Last week he met with City Manager Bruce Stone and Village Animal League (VAL) board members Tom Wolfe and Cheryl Steckler at the site to review progress and finalize plans.

Abernathy reported

they are making significant progress.

Wire fencing kennels and all the existing concrete around the enclosures have been removed. All wiring was removed in advance of the new electric service, which will have new wiring and lighting.

FRIDAY’s

Dog of the Week Meet Moose, a 3-month-old Pomsky from Edmond. Moose is an enthusiastic puppy who loves playing outside, digging in the garden, receiving belly rubs and chowing down on kibble and treats.

He loves his toys and even more, gnawing on his toy basket and human Laura Ellyn Kunc’s furniture. She can’t stay mad for long though when he’s so cute.

Sponsored by Paulette and Leo Kingston of WePayFast.com

“Existing plumbing was disconnected and removed and we are preparing to rough in the new plumbing in the next week or so,” Abernathy said.

Also, workers removed the entire ceiling was removed and placed shoring in advance to install the

new heating and air conditioning system.

“This alone will be a real game-changer regarding the comfort of these animals while they wait for a new home,” Abernathy continued.

The large steel frame roof structure between the kennel

and building to the south is set to be reinstalled with metal roofing panels that will keep the dogs under a roof when inside the outside portion of the enclosures. The inside part should be completed in early June.

See SHELTER, Page 3

HH student is U.S. Presidential Scholar Heritage Hall’s Sukanya Bhattacharya was one of two Oklahomans to be named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school students by the White House Commission of Presidential Scholars.

The award recognizes students See SCHOLAR, Page 2

SUKANYA BHATTACHARYA

Class of 2020

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 2

SCHOLAR From Page 1 annually for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Selec-

tion is further based on students’ essays, school evaluations, transcripts, community service, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

In announcing this year’s 161 scholars, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said, “It is my privilege to

congratulate the Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership.

These exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out. And, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as

they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.”

“This is a great honor for

me,” said Bhattacharya. “I could not have earned this recognition without the support of my teachers and mentors at Heritage Hall.

I’m extremely grateful for the life skills and lessons they’ve taught me that I will carry with me to Dartmouth and beyond.”

From Page One

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 3

Home builder Jim Abernathy, left, walks Village Animal League’s Tom Wolfe and Cheryl Steckler and The Village City Manager Bruce Stone, right, through his plans for the new Village Animal Shelter.

SHELTER From Page 1 Abernathy plans to begin plumbing work reconfiguration and installing new water and drain lines for the kennel within a week or two.

This project requires a substantial new drainage system for the indoor and outdoor kennels that will tie directly into the city sewer system.

Sometime in June, openings will be cut through the concrete block walls in the existing six kennels and the four new kennels to accommodate the modern Mason Kennel Doors.

These allow the dogs to be inside, outside or both.

“This is another essential component of the project for

DOG From Page 1 time, the dog apparently was tired enough to let them take her to the Britton Road Vet Clinic.

In the meantime, Cheryl named her Lucy Rose. Dr. Todd Mauldin and his daughter Molly

the dog’s well-being,” Abernathy said.

New chain link exterior kennels will be added. A new roof structure over the north outdoor dog runs and preparing for the new pet play yard come near the end of the project.

“My first-time projection for the VAS Kennel Rejuvenation Project was 90 days,” Abernathy said. “We intend to do all we can to beat that and get these terrific animals a nice new temporary home.

“There are many folks responsible for making this happen, and we want to thank everyone who has given their time, talent and treasure to make this a reality.

“There are items on the ‘Wish List’ for this project that are not yet wholly funded. We would ask and encourage any-

Ann are taking care of her.

Lucy Rose had twoweek-old deep infected bite wounds through the muscle which required stitches. She was found to be heartworm negative, but had a heavy infestation of fleas and ticks, Cheryl said.

The dog weighed 43

one who can to help with this project financially to send donations to The Oklahoma Humane Society, Memo: The Village Animal League,” Steckler said.

The list of donors who have contributed time and materials to the Village Animal Shelter includes: Jim Abernathy Construction, subcontractors; Evolve Design-Build, Trek Electric, Mid-West Wrecking, Oklahoma Decorative Concrete Assoc., Oklahoma Air Conditioning Company, Moon Decorative Concrete, Jenco Roofing, McConnell Masonry, All Commercial Openings, Pella of Oklahoma, Keith Bailey Plumbing, Builders Insulation, Taylor Brothers Construction, Edmond Paint Company, and Absolute Waterproofing Company.

pounds and needs to gain at least 10. Cheryl said Lucy Rose ate and slept well all weekend.

She had a bath on Monday and spaying and chipping will take place after she heals up some.

“Dr. Mauldin said she is doing great,” Cheryl said. “She's skittish, but doesn't seem

to want to bite anybody.”

Tom Wolfe, also of The Village Animal League, is paying for Lucy Rose’s care.

Cheryl said others have expressed an interest in helping out.

She asked them to call the Britton Road Vet at 751-8007 to donate.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 4

okcFRIDAY

Sports Weekly NO MORE GAMES TO PLAY McGuinness seniors enjoyed impressive careers

McGuinness senior golfer Taylor Due walks off the green during a tournament last season.

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

Editors Note: This is the final in a series of stories highlighting seniors in Fridayland schools who are not playing this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. This week, we are profiling seniors from Bishop McGuinness.

••••• Golf Coaches: Gary Savely and Mark Veneklasen • Baily Abrams: new to the team, great potential and an asset to the team.

• Cole Bardell: placed 3rd in regional, 6th at state in 2019; 4 career top-10 finishes, 1st at Newcastle, 2nd at El Reno tournament.

• Cooper Bates: valuable member of team.

• Brooks Coats: finished 6th at regional, 27th at state in 2019; 4 top-10 finishes, 4th at El Reno, 5th at Newcastle.

• Taylor Due: 4year player; no tournaments this year; has been No. 1 player for 2 years.

• Alexandra

Haworth: 4-year team member.

• Charles Huff: valuable member of team.

• Emma Mossauer: 4-year team member.

••• Soccer Coach: Steven Cummins • Katelyn Fitzgerald: played in 4 games this season.

• Grace Grimes: played in 4 games this season.

• Sydney Salomon: played in 4 games this season.

••• Tennis Coach: David Gilpin • Katherine Hill: 4-year team member; placed 3rd at regionals in No. 2 Doubles in 2017 & 2018; placed 3rd at regionals in No. 1 doubles in 2019.

• Sterling Senner: 1-year team member; played in junior-varsity matches.

••• Track Coach: Mark George • Lolo Cunningham: 4-year team member; state champion in 4x800m relay;

3-time state qualifier; competed in 400m, 800m, 1600m, 4x400m relay.

• Sunni Foster: 1year team member; competed in pole vault, 4x100m relay.

• Mary George: 2year team member; competed in discus.

• Emiline Henderson: 4-year team member; state champion in pole vault in 2019; 3-time state qualifier; also competed in 300m hurdles.

• Sara Lau: 4-year team member; compet-

ed in 800m, 1600m, 3200m, 4x400m relay, 4x800m relay.

• Caroline Russell: 4-year team member; 2-time state qualifier; competed in 1600m, 3200m, 4x800m relay.

• Riley Ufolla: 1year team member; competed in high jump, long jump.

• Emiley White: 3year team member; state qualifier in 3 events; competed in 400m, 800m, 1600m, 4x800m relay.

– Compiled by Jason Jewell

McGuinness senior Lolo Cunningham, left, awaits her turn during the 4-by800 meter relay race at the Class 5A state championships. Cunningham helped the Irish to a state title in the event.

OSSAA sets plan for reopening high school sports by July 15 Beginning this week, high school athletes can begin strength and conditioning workouts and have face-to-face interaction with coaches, according to a reopening plan established by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA).

Although individual students can exercise at school facilities, no team practices, camps, clinics or leagues are allowed in the first phase of reopening from June 1-26.

The second phase, which runs from July

6-15, also doesn’t allow any team practices, camps, clinics or leagues cut continues to permit individual strength and conditioning activities.

Beginning on July 15, all restrictions are lifted and teams can begin practices for fall sports, including fastpitch softball, baseball, volleyball and cross country.

During the first two phases, several protocols have been put into place to avoid potential infections of COVID-19 among athletes and coaches.

• Each person

entering a facility must have their temperature checked upon arrival, with anyone registering a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher being asked to leave the facility.

• Hands must be washed or hand sanitizer used prior to entering a facility and touching any equipment.

• Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

• No shared hydration bottles, towels, gloves, or any other personal equipment.

The official guidelines are at ossaa.com.

From Page One

TESTING From Page 1 The method of testing and equipment is the same. A nasal swab is amplified and tested in machines that are the same for humans and animals.

Dr. Carlos Risco, Dean of Veterinary Health Sciences said, “the testing is the result of a confluence of good leaders beginning with Gov. Kevin Stitt.”

The effort saved the state, said Associate Veterinary Dean Jerry Malayer.

“A partnership between OSU Center for Health Science Animal Disease Lab at the Vet School, the OSU Medical School in Tulsa and Gov. Stitt gained immediate FDA approval,” Malayer said. “We were the first vet school in the nation to do human testing.”

According to an article in the Washington Post, “only a handful of other veterinary labs across the country are running human tests.

Labs running human coronavirus tests must be certified by a group that accredits human labs and have equipment approved by the FDA.” OSU President Burns Hargis was able to make that happen quickly by bringing together the partnership. Gov. Stitt amended an emergency order in March to allow academic labs to conduct testing.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 5

Dr. Ramachandran sent out the call for volunteers, and the lab is doing its regular work of animal tests, then working until 3 a.m. to run the human tests.

“We are working long hours and are hiring more people with support from state and federal governments,” Dr. Malayer said.

Nichols Hills’ Dr. Joe Howell said veterinarians have routinely been giving coronavirus immunizations to dogs for more than a dozen years.

It is not the same virus as COVID-19, but the testing procedure and equipment is the same — coronavirus is a general term.

The Merck website says, “The Enteric Canine Coronavirus (CCov) & Respiratory Canine Coronavirus (CRCoV) are not the same virus as SARS-CoV-2, that is responsible for causing the COVID-19 infection.“ “There are several vet schools around the country that have explored it. We were the first one with a combination between vet school and the medical school and the Governor’s office,” said Dr. Malayer.

“Oklahoma State University is looking to expand our ability to do more of that kind of testing.”

Dr. Risco also credited OSU’s Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa President Dr. Kayse Shrum and COO Johnny Stephens for taking quick action to obtain accreditation for human testing.

Kaitline Coffey to graduate from ECU Kaitline Coffey of The Village is among 356 bachelor's degree candidates for East Central University's Spring 2020 graduation.

The traditional commencement ceremony

for graduates has been postponed this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. After a campus-wide survey, ECU students voted to attend the December commencement ceremony.

While ECU proudly announces its 2020 Spring graduates now, it plans to honor them again as they will have the opportunity to participate in a special ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Booster

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 6

CALENDAR NEWS ARTS Online Now • Neighborhood Arts Neighborhood Arts, a collaboration between Arts Council Oklahoma City’s All Access Arts program and the Metropolitan Library System, is online this summer. Neighborhood Arts provides performances for families across the metro that are fun, free and interactive. The summer program includes a variety of musical styles and performance arts from June through July. The theme for Neighborhood Arts is Imagine Your Story.

Every day families can tune in to see improvisation, theatre, folk music, puppetry, and more. Performances began Monday, June 1 and can be viewed from Arts Council OKC and the Metropolitan Library Facebook pages. Visit artscouncilokc.com or metrolibrary.org/neighborhoodarts for a full performance schedule.

June 27-28 • OK Art Crawl The Oklahoma Visual Artists Coalition is organizing the OK Art Crawl, a statewide event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which has shut down many summer festivals and arts events in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma artists are invited to put their work on public display—in their windows, on their driveways, on their porches (or on their friends’ porches, with permission). The participating artists’ images and addresses are published on a Google map on its website.

From 5-8 pm, Oklahomans can drive to

Please email your calendar submissions to jennifer@okcfriday.com, at least two weeks prior to event.

COVID‑19: REOPENING • PHASE 3 White House and State of Oklahoma guidelines for this phase require it to last at least two weeks. Mayor Holt intends to continue evaluating criteria defined by the White House as he gauges Oklahoma City’s readiness for the state of emergency to end, will continue to listen to local public health officials and will stay in touch with Gov. Stitt and state public health officials.

The following businesses are encouraged to consult and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preven‐ tion (CDC) protocols and Oklahoma City‐County Health Department (OCCHD) guidelines, which are available at occhd.org/reopen:

• restaurants, breweries, wineries, taverns, shopping mall food courts, food halls, cafeterias, bars, night clubs, hookah bars, cigar bars and vaping lounges • athletic gyms, recreation centers, exercise facilities, indoor sports facilities, indoor climbing facilities, bowl‑ ing alleys, skating rinks, trampoline parks, whitewater rafting facilities and similar recreational facilities • businesses where people gather for presentation or entertainment, like movie and live theaters, concert halls, bingo halls, sporting venues, amusement parks, places of worship, wedding venues, event venues and funeral homes • personal care businesses including salons (hair and nail), barber shops, cosmetology facilities, esthetician facilities, laser hair removal facilities, spas, massage facilities, tattoo parlors and piercing facilities

✅ Continue practicing social distancing including staying 6 feet away from other people. ✅ Wear a face mask in public. ✅ Workplaces should comply with all general & industry‑specific distancing & hygiene guidelines.

the area of their choice to safely view the art on display. To sign-up please complete the form online at okartcrawl.org. The final submission date is June 12.

NOW OPEN Through June 7 • Science Museum Oklahoma is making plans to reopen its doors on June 1 with comprehensive new safety precautions, ticket processes and changes to the way guests will explore SMO. New procedures now in place include dozens of sanitation stations throughout the museum where guests will have access to disinfecting wipes, antimicrobial films on hightouch surfaces, enforcing social distancing, requiring all staff to wear masks and nowfamiliar sights like barri-

ers at all transactional stations. Tickets for June 1-7 are available online at sciencemuseumok.org. The museum is open with limited hours June 1-7: 10 am to 3 pm M-F, 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday.

Ticket availability and hours for June 8 and beyond will be announced at a later date.

AWARDS Aug. 31 • McGee Awards Three business and civic leaders are honored each year at the Dean A. McGee Awards hosted by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership (DOKC). This year’s awards are Monday, Aug. 31, at 6 pm at the Skirvin Hilton. If interested, contact (405) 516-9686.

deadCenter’s 2020 Virtual Film Festival June 11‑21, 2020 1.

2.

3.

4.

Log on to Chrome on your computer/phone Go to deadcenterfilm.org Click on Get Your Pass Now Register, Buy Pass, Create a Password

1.

2.

3.

4.

Go to deadcenterfilm.org and sign in Check out the Schedule or the Film Guide Select the Film, Class, or Panel Start Watching

1.

2.

3.

4.

Select the film, class, or panel online Set your computer/phone to “airplay” or “cast” Select your tv Start watching

How to Sign Up

How to Watch Movies

How to Watch Movies on TV

OPENING WEEKEND SCHEDULE THURSDAY, JUNE 11 Chickasaw Nation VIRTUAL CINEMA 10:00 am Films Launch OKC Thunder Films WORLD PREIERE 10:00 am The Everyday Saint Downtown OKC, Inc. THE ART OF PODCAST 12:00 pm Wafti 1:00 pm Localites Show 2:00 pm Okie Show Oklahoma Film + Music Office FILM DISTRIBUTION FORUM 3:00 pm Distributor Panel Bank of Oklahoma SCREENPLAY SESSIONS 4:00 pm Jamal Garcia Screenplay Workshop 5:00 pm Land of Light Screenplay Workshop

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Oklahoma Film + Music Office INTRO TO FILM CLASSES 10:30 am Screenwriting Matt Payne 11:30 am Production Nathan Gardocki 12:30 am Stop Motion Animation Kyle Roberts 1:30 pm CGI Animation Stephanie Roach 2:30 pm Virtual Audition Ricki Massler 3:30 pm Scouting Locations Alison Naifeh Cherokee Nation FILM PANEL SERIES 11:00 am deadCenter Early Years 12:00 pm Programming deadCenter 1:00 pm Future of Film Festivals 2:00 pm Documentary & Protests 3:00 pm Women Creating Content 4:00 pm Music for Film

9:00 pm Shifter 10:30 pm Robot Riot PASSHOLDERS ONLY BYO Chairs

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 MidFirst Bank ICON PANEL SERIES 10:00 am Journalist Brandy McDonnell 11:00 am Director Ryan Bellgardt 12:00 pm Actor Ryan Merriman 1:00 pm Studio Executive Elaine Paul 2:00 pm Director Sterlin Harjo 3:00 pm Actress Megyn Price Oklahoma Film + Music Office INTRO TO FILM CLASSES 10:30 am Costuming Jack O’Dell 11:30 am Post Production Jacob Snovel 12:30 am Make‐Up & Hair Toni Marlo 1:30 pm On Set Etiquette Richard Janes 2:30 pm Producing Films in OK Tava Sofsky 3:30 pm Art Dept Sean Lynch Bank of Oklahoma SCREENPLAY SESSIONS Saturday, June 13 7:00 pm Land of Light cast table read with Oscar nominee Bruce Davidson The Chickasaw Nation OKIE SHORTS 20th ANNIVERSARY 10:00 am Okie Shorts in Virtual Cinema 5:00 pm Okie Shorts Q&A 9:00 pm Okie Shorts Screening Free Outdoor at Scissortail Park

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Helen Keller Foundation FEELING THROUGH EXPERIENCE 3:00 pm Film and Panel Discussion

Oklahoma Hall of Fame THIS IS OKLAHOMA PODCAST 7:00 pm The Outsiders Gray Frederickson

OG+E OKIE FILM REUNION 5:00 pm I Can Only Imagine Cast & Crew Reunion

Tapstone Energy OKIE DOUBLE FEATURE Tower Theater Parking Lot

deadcenterfilm.org

34th Red Earth Festival announces new dates at Grand Casino Hotel Resort The award‐winning Red Earth Festival, recognized as one of Ameri‐ ca’s top art festivals, has been rescheduled to Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5‐6, at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort located minutes east of Oklahoma City on I‐40 near Shawnee. During the first weekend of September, Oklahoma City will be the center of western and Native art and culture as people gather to cele‐ brate the Native cultures that make Oklahoma unique.

The 34th annual Red Earth juried art market features original art by Native artisans in the beautiful Grand Casino Event Center. Festival guests will experience the artistic creations of some of America’s most

celebrated artists as they offer for sale exquisite examples of contem‐ porary and traditional paintings, beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pot‐ tery, sculpture, graphics and culture attire. Native dance presentations, storytelling, musical performances, and consultations with art experts are featured throughout weekend celebrations.

For those interested in learning more about the Native American artwork in their private collections, popular “Ask the Expert” sessions are scheduled Saturday, Sept. 5 from 1‐3 pm offering guests the opportu‐ nity to get an expert opinion on treasured American Indian pieces.

Experts in the fields of beadwork,

basketry, pottery, cultural items, jewelry, painting, rugs and blankets will be available for private consul‐ tations included with the price of admission. Guests are encouraged to bring up to three items for review.

Red Earth has garnered numer‐ ous accolades through its 40‐year history – setting the standard for many of today’s Native art shows.

Red Earth was a finalist for the 2018 ONE Award for the Arts presented by the Oklahoma Center for Non‐ Profits, and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association has twice named Red Earth Oklahoma’s Out‐ standing Event. A recent USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Poll named the Red Earth Festival one of the Top Ten Art

Festivals in America.

The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association has awarded its Redbud Award for Oklahoma’s Outstanding Event to previous Red Earth Festi‐ vals, and USA Today has named the Red Earth Festival one of 10 Great Places to Celebrate American Indian Culture. The American Bus Associa‐ tion has listed the Red Earth Festival a Top 100 Event in North America placing it alongside such greats as the Indianapolis 500, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Calgary Stampede as one of the very best events.

Visit RedEarth.org or call (405) 427‐5228 for additional informa‐ tion.

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

Religion

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 7

Happiness is not about oneself

By Daris Howard Columnist As Steven climbed into his van, he thought a lot about Ben. Ben was slightly mentally slow, and some high school kids made fun of him. But Ben was always happy.

No one ever saw him without a smile.

Steven had seen some senior boys make fun of Ben, and Ben just rolled with it. Steven could see the hurt in Ben's eyes, but his happy smile never faded. Steven was sure everyone liked Ben, even the boys who teased him. They just got caught up in the teenage group mentality.

Steven thought about a particular day in his English class. The assignment had two parts. They first had to write about what they liked, and then they had to write about what they would change if they could.

As the students started reading their papers, they were all much the same. They liked their smartphones, their gaming systems, fancy cars, and expensive dates. What they would change was always others. They would change how this group or that person would act, how this teacher would grade, or how their parents would deal with them.

After many of these, it was Ben's turn.

Ben struggled to read what he had written, and at first, as he did, there were lots of snickers.

But as he continued, the class grew quiet. Ben said he loved to rock his baby brother and feed him his bottle. Ben liked it when the baby fell asleep in his arms.

He liked hot cookies fresh from the oven, rainbows, and sunrises and sunsets. He liked to see baby animals born in the spring. He liked Christmas lights and seeing the family gathered together on Christmas morning. Nothing in Ben's paper said anything about expensive presents, but everything was about family and the joy of life around him.

When Ben read his part about what he would change, a person could have heard a pin drop.

Never once did he mention someone else. He said if he could, he would change himself. He would be a better son, a better brother, a better friend. He wished he could read and write better and be smarter. But the reasons he gave were not for his own benefit, but so he could be a help to others, especially his younger siblings.

Never once did he mention that he wished others would treat him better, nor did he complain in any way.

Steven was called on next.

After hearing what Ben had said, Steven was embarrassed about what was in his paper. Steven knew Ben's simple list was far more important in what really mattered. Steven couldn't even read his essay. He put it away and spoke from his heart. All who followed did the same, and Steven knew that Ben, in his simple way, had changed them all.

That night Steven went home and asked his mother if he could feed his baby sister her bottle. His mother looked surprised. Steven had always acted annoyed at having a noisy baby around the house, and indeed, he had been

annoyed. But as he cuddled the sweet baby in his arms, and she smiled up at him, he felt closer to heaven than he had ever felt before.

Steven's thoughts came back to the present, and he watched all the other students climb into his van. When the van was packed with students, he drove them to his house. He went inside, and his mother handed him some hot cookies fresh from the oven. He and his friends then drove to the hospital. The same ailment that made Ben struggle mentally was taking his life. The group hoped to bring some cheer to him.

Ben greeted them with his usual smile. Other than the fact that he looked weak and pale, a person would not know his life was ending. He was happy, as always. He loved the warm cookies and insisted on sharing them with everyone. His happiness and laughter were contagious, and those who had come to bring Ben cheer found themselves the ones that were cheered.

Ben passed away the next day.

The funeral was much like Ben, full of happiness for the kind of life Ben had lived. His family didn't have a lot of money, and Ben's many friends donated to defray funeral costs. They also created a fund for the tombstone.

When Memorial Day came, Steven went to the cemetery specifically to see what had been written on the headstone. When Steven read what was written, he felt nothing could be more appropriate. It simply said, "He was always happy and made others feel happy too."

June 5 Karen Cuellar Jeremiah Gress Ruth Bertholf Mary Elisabeth Browne Brenda Craiger Megan Estep Louise Hickey Kevin Ridenour Diane Sanger Betty Steel June 6 Jack King Wells, IV Lori Bailey Richard Clifton Nancy Gilstrap Shane Jones Cherry Kerbo Cindy Kerbo Dorothy Newcomb Rachel Holt William Mills, IV Mary Lynne Portman Owen Roberts Chris Strecker N. Martin Stringer Bill Vassar, IV June 7 Les Blackmore Reagan Bratcher Paula Cathey Emily Denner Christy Elliot Josh Hallman “Boogie� Harris Jett Bryan Isaacson Joey Brayden Isaacson Allen Marlin Debbie MethEny Debbie Pyle Joey Sager Jerry (Hammer) Smith Cynthia Stone

Janice Trigg Clay Walker Bryson Webb June 8 Mary Aycock Charli Bullard Mary Cardin Jon Carpenter Alexis Fanshier Marian Hauck Gibson Jennifer Graham Don Harrison Nita Miller Ceci Noble Margaret Schwartz Lisa Smith June 9 James Borders Carly Collins Colin Corp Howard Crow Lauri Culver Mike Kelley Salley Kern George Nigh Jacob Trotter June 10 Rachel Boaz Bill Davey Marsha Dunford Evelyn May Flesher Phyllis Laws Madeline Monet Lamirand Brooks Richardson Mike Samis Kathy Seay Carolyn Simmons June 11 Margaret Allison Blake Mills Melissa Skinner

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 8

okcFRIDAY

LEGAL NOTICES & CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES Sheriff Sale

NOTICE

(First Publication)

(Second and Third Publication)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 5, 2020; Friday, June 12, 2020)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 29, 2020; Friday, June 5 2020; Friday, June 12, 2020)

SECOND ALIAS NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE CJ-2019-4834 Notice is given that on the 9 day of July, 2020, at 2:00 PM, at the Oklahoma County Courthouse, 320 Robert S. Kerr, First Floor, Room 101, in the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, the Sheriff of said County will offer for sale and sell, with appraisement, for cash, at public auction, to the highest and best bidder, all that certain real estate in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, to-wit: Lot Ten (10), Block Thirteen (13), of Replat of Section Three (3), Casady Waverly Addition, to the City of the Village, in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, according to the recorded plat thereof; less and except the following described tract; beginning at a point which is the farthest Northwest Corner of Lot 10, Block 13, Replat Section 3, Casady Waverly Addition, to the City of The Village, (such point is also known as the Northwest Corner of the E/2 of the SW/4 of Section 29, Township 13 North, Range 3 West; thence South for a distance of 31.5 feet; thence in a Northeasterly direction for a distance of approximately 44.5 feet to a point on the North line of such Lot 10, being 31.5 feet, East of the of beginning; thence West along the North line of such Lot 10 to the point of beginning;

This vehicle is in the possession of Truong M. Phung 1999 Honda CRV VIN #JHLRD1744XC064015 Contact: Truong M. Phung Phone: (405) 808-0936

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CUPS WANTED

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 29, 2020; Friday, June 5 2020; Friday, June 12, 2020)

Looking for

Ackerman McQueen

This vehicle is in the possession of Sean Southerland 1994 Nissan 300ZX VIN #JN1RZ27D6RX010900 Contact: Sean Southerland Phone: (405) 534-9331

Coffee Cups 1974‐2020 Call or Text (405) 314‑8683

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 22, 2020; Friday, May 29, 2020; Friday, June 5, 2020) This vehicle is in the possession of N.W. 10th AUTO BODY 2000 Acura Integra VIN # JH4DB7668YS002545 Contact: TONY LE Phone #405-789-0310

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subject to unpaid taxes, advancements

by Plaintiff for taxes, insurance premiums, and expenses necessary for the preservation of the subject property, if any, said property having been duly appraised at $90,000.00. Sale will be made pursuant to a Second Alias Special Execution And Order Of Sale issued in accordance with judgment entered in the District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, in Case No. CJ-2019-4834, entitled WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF UNPLAND MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST A, Plaintiff, vs. Unknown successors of Barbara Albert, if any, Spouse of Barbara Albert, if married, United States of America ex rel., Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and State of Oklahoma, ex rel Oklahoma Health Care Authority, being all of the Defendants and persons holding or claiming any interest or lien in the subject property.

P.D. Taylor, Sheriff of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/P.D. Taylor Don Timberlake - # 9021 BAER & TIMBERLAKE, P.C. P.O. Box 18486 Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0486 Telephone: (405) 842-7722 Facsimile: (405) 848-9349 BT File No.: 118487

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WANT TO BUY OLD GUITAR$ WANTED! LARRY BRING$ CA$H for vintage USA guitars, tube amps, banjos, mandolins, etc. Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, others. Call or text 918-288-2222. www.stringswest.com FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE Put your message where it matters most – IN OKLAHOMA NEWSPAPERS. We can place your ad in 155 newspapers.

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(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 29, 2020; Friday, June 5, 2020) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. PB-2020-426 Judge James M. Siderias

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(Second Publication)

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LUTHER HINES, Deceased.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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COMBINED NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION, FINAL ACCOUNTING, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, DISTRIBUTION AND DISCHARGE

Sudoku

To: All persons interested in the Estate of Luther Hines, Deceased YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 19th day of May, 2020, Crystal Hines(“Petitioner”), a resident of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County, a Petition for Summary Administration of the above-referenced Estate pursuant to 58 O.S. § 245-46, in which Petitioner alleges and states that Luther Hines, died on February 14, 1994 as a resident of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma; that at the time of his death, the Decedent was 85 years old; Petitioner has diligently searched for and failed to find a Will belonging to the Decedent and that said Decedent died intestate; that the probable value of the Decedent’s estate is less than $200,000.00; and that the names and addresses of the heirs of Luther Hines, Deceased, are as follows: Name Crystal Hines

Age Adult

Relationship Daughter

Address 706 NE 18th St Oklahoma City, OK 73105

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a hearing on the Petition for Summary Administration and a Final Accounting, Determination of Heirship, Distribution and Discharge of the Estate of Luther Hines, will be held on the 14th of July, 2020 at 2:00p.m., in the courtroom of the Honorable James M. Siderias of the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma. You may file objections to the petition at any time before the final hearing and send a copy to the attorney of record for Petitioner at the following address: Erick W. Harris, Pierce, Couch, Hendrickson, Baysinger & Green, P.O. Box 26350, Oklahoma City, OK 73126.

If you have no objections, you need not appear at the hearing or make any filings with the Court. In the absence of any objections, you will be deemed to have waived any objections to the Petition. At the hearing, the court will determine whether summary proceedings are appropriate and, if so, whether the estate of the Decedent will be distributed and to whom the estate of the Decedent will be distributed.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that in accordance with the provisions of 58 O.S. §246, the claim of any creditor will be barred unless the claim is presented to the Special Administrator, Crystal Hines, by and through her attorney of record at the above-stated address, no more than thirty (30) days following the granting of the order admitting the petition and combined notice, or the same will be forever barred.

Dated this 20th of May, 2020.

Respectfully Submitted, /s/ Erick W. Harris ERICK W. HARRIS, OBA # 32004 PIERCE COUCH HENDRICKSON BAYSINGER & GREEN, LLP P.O. BOX 26350 1109 North Francis Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 Telephone: (405) 235-1611 Fax: (405) 235-2904 Email: eharris@piercecouch.com Attorney for the Petitioner, Crystal Hines

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Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Answers

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MOVING? Take FRIDAY with you Call 405-755-3311, x301, Email jennifer@okcfriday.com, or visit www.okcfriday.com

News

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 9

CASA of Oklahoma County launches Jog in June Virtual 5K Event CASA of Oklahoma County will hold a “Jog in June” Virtual 5K the week of June 24‐30.

Event organizer Charlie Ludden says CASA sup‐ porters from around the county can run, jog, or walk the 5K at their convenience, with all proceeds benefiting the child advocacy organi‐ zation. Runners can visit okcountycasa.org/ jog to find details or register.

“With our two major fundraisers both can‐ celled due to COVID‐19 concerns, CASA has been working on sev‐ eral web‐friendly fundraisers to continue

raising operational funds,” said Ludden, CASA’s Development Manager. “Virtual 5Ks are inexpensive, fun to run with your family or self‐isolation buddies and best of all, you get a commemorative t‐ shirt!”

Ludden said staff will be issuing challenges to the community in exchange for donations – such as adding miles for staff runners and one staff member offering to run in a cos‐ tume if she meets her goal. In addition to 5K registration fees, “friend‐raising” through social media is

the major goal of the run, said Ludden. One recent social media fundraiser from CASA raised over $10,000 for the organization.

Organizers hope to repeat that success with Jog in June.

The registration fee for the virtual race is $35, with discounts available for groups and teams. Sponsor‐ ship opportunities are also available. Runners also have the opportu‐ nity to donate addi‐ tional funds during registration. The entirety of the pro‐ ceeds of the event will fund CASA’s continued

OKC Navy Days celebrates 15 years of support Sailors and their fami‐ lies include the Gard‐ ner Tanenbaum Hold‐ ings Navy Golf Classic, OKC Jazz Festival, Will Rogers Comedy Tour and the annual Christ‐ mas Show on the Okla‐ homa River. OKC Navy Days also provides Oklahoma State Fair tickets for sailor’s chil‐ dren every year.

The Gardner Tanen‐ baum Holdings Navy Golf Classic is different from other golf tourna‐ ments as organizers secure sponsors to hosts as many as 100 active duty sailors for a day of golf and Oklaho‐ ma City hospitality.

Sponsorships for the golf outing are avail‐ able and includes an opportunity to play golf with the sailors.

OKC Navy Days part‐ ners to date include Chickasaw Nation, Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings, Greens Coun‐ try Club, Midlands Management, OG&E, Anheuser‐Busch, Okla‐ homa City Navy League and MindsEye Adver‐ tising.

For additional infor‐ mation about becoming a sponsor for OKC Navy Days and the Navy Golf Classic contact Mike McAuliffe at mike@okc.events or visit okcNavyDays.com.

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The annual OKC Navy Days will cele‐ brate its 15th anniver‐ sary with a variety of special events planned for Sailors and their families. The mission of OKC Navy Days is to recognize the United States Navy’s presence and investment in our community, as well as providing support for Sailors and their fami‐ lies stationed in Okla‐ homa City.

Oklahoma City is home to 1,200 active duty sailors assigned to the Strategic Communi‐ cations Wing One “TACAMO” at Tinker Air Force Base. There are also Navy recruiters and Navy reservists throughout the metropolitan area.

The annual economic impact of the United States Navy in our community is estimat‐ ed to be well over $100 million.

“Thanks to the sup‐ port from individuals, organizations and com‐ panies we have been able to host a variety of events for our Sailors and their families the past fifteen years,” said Mike McAuliffe, founder of OKC Navy Days. “Oklahoma City is a great Navy town!”

The 2020 OKC Navy Days activities for

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mission to provide trained volunteer advocates to be cham‐ pions for the best interests of children in foster care.

“As cities and states lock down to flatten the curve of the virus, the consistent, watch‐ ful eye of a CASA vol‐ unteer is as important as ever. Our volunteers help ensure children’s needs are being met and they are in a safe, secure, and loving home. CASA volunteers

need the community’s support so they can have the training and resources needed to continue serving even in these difficult times,” Ludden said.

Virtual 5K partici‐ pants can sign up any time between now and June 30 to run or walk their 5K. The designat‐ ed race week will be June 24‐30, but partici‐ pants can run any time after registration. Lud‐ den said that CASA would love runners to

tag their @casaofokco social media accounts with hashtag #JogIn‐ June to share their vir‐ tual 5K photos online.

Runners can also “friend‐raise” by shar‐ ing their race page on social media to broad‐ en the impact.

For information on other CASA programs around the state, visit oklahomacasa.org.

CASA of Oklahoma County is a proud Unit‐ ed Way Partner Agency.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 10

Editorial Page

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.

M EMBER OF

ON THIS OKC FRIDAY EDITORIAL OPINION PAGE: 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

Former chamber head reflects on bombing Terror in America’s Heartland…25 Years Ago: Oklahoma City a look Back/Forward April 19, 2020… the 25th Anniversary of a terrorist's bomb that killed 168 people in America's Heartland! However, the bombing did not kill the spirit of the citizens of Oklahoma City who impressed the world with their courage and resiliency...and the Oklahoma Standard was born!

By Charles H. Van Rysselberge, CCE, IOM The fourth floor of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce building, is where I was, when the explosion went off with such force, that I thought it was an earthquake. It wasn't an earthquake, as all the world would soon know, but it was a terrorist bomb that destroyed half of Oklahoma City's Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, just four blocks away, where 550 people worked and 20 small children attended day care.

As head of the Oklahoma City Chamber, at that particular time, one of my first thoughts was to get to the site of the explosion. But police stopped me less than a block from the federal building, and when I returned to my office, I was told we would have to evacuate because of possible gas leaks in the downtown area.

None of us knew how high the death toll would

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 ASHLEY HALEY, Staff Writer -------------------------KELLY CLARK, CIO/CISO --------------------------JAY L. GOURLEY, Vice Chairman Emeritus JANNA L. GOURLEY ROUSEY, Secretary Emerita J. LELAND GOURLEY, FOUNDER

ultimately climb. But judging from the severity of the explosion, the news was sure to be bad. To make matters worse, scores of businesses were crippled and journalists from all over the world were about to descend on Oklahoma City, making it clear that at a time when we were hurting badly and our infrastructure was at its worst, we somehow needed to be at our best.

What is amazing, judging from what I saw and heard, at that time, is that I think we were definitely at our best! In fact, the term…“the Oklahoma Standard”…was coined as a result of that period!

The bomb went off at 9:02 AM on the morning of April 19, 1995, and within 24 hours our Chamber of Commerce had set up a news media center, dealt with conventions that had to be canceled, and organized an emergency business assistance center with a relief fund that early on generated, from unsolicited contributions, nearly $250,000 to help business owners restore service. Included in those donations was a very generous $500 check from a very small Chamber in Three Rivers, Texas (pop.

3,000, chamber staff: of one). One of our roles, we felt, was to minimize the disruption of payrolls, for impacted businesses.

In addition to the cash, phone calls made from our emergency business assistance center generated in-kind contributions of furniture, equipment, and temporary office space which totaled over $400,000 in value. So, we became a clearing house for needed business resources.

I don't know how many cups of coffee or dozens of doughnuts we served, beginning at 5 AM every day in the makeshift media center we set up in the lobby of the Medallion Hotel! However, it had to be a lot, considering that everyone from Geraldo to the Swedish News Service came to Oklahoma City to cover the worst terrorist act committed on American soil in history, at that time. We recorded that our Chamber Staff dealt with 800 of the 2,000 news media folks who came to town over the weeks that followed.

For example: ABC sent in seven private planes and 100 people to produce segments for Good Morning America, World News Tonight, 20/20, and Nightline. CNN, sent in more than 100 people from six bureaus all over the country, was still there weeks later, and had plans to stay on the story for

the rest of the year.

Fire fighters and federal rescue teams came there from New York, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, Washington, California and Maryland, and team members said their experiences there were most unusual. They recalled that at the scene of disasters in other parts of the country, they had to buy their own coffee and the price of bottled water tripled on them.

Whereas, in Oklahoma City, our goal was to prevent rescue workers from spending any of their own money. This culture and attitude is what caused us to be known as the Oklahoma Standard!

Long distance calls to their families were free.

When combing through the wreckage of the federal building depleted their supply of work gloves, droves of people went to hardware stores and bought batches at a time. The same was true for knee pads, underwear and portable heaters. When rescue workers' clothes got dirty, they were washed; when they ripped, they were bought new ones, etc.

When the Rescue Teams left OKC, they gave Governor Keating a One Dollar Bill they signed, and said that “this is the dollar we never had to spend here!”

For inspiration, they were given thank you notes from school children. And when they laid their tired heads down for the night on cots set up in our convention center, they found a mint or a rose on their pillow. Exhibitors from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, whose convention had just been cancelled, stayed on to cook meals for the rescue workers! It may sound corny to some, but we wanted these rescue workers to know how much we appreciated them risking their lives to save some of ours.

The final death toll from the federal building bombing was 168, including 15 children at the day care center. In addition, nearly 600 were injured by a bomb made from fertilizer and fuel that weighed nearly 5,000 pounds. One very generous rescue worker was killed in the recovery, and therefore, the final toll was 169 people who lost their lives in this tragedy. Over 300 buildings and 2,000 cars sustained some kind of damage! One thousand fire personnel were rotated through the disaster area over 15 plus days, and it was reported that it would have taken a typical fire fighter 15 years to generate that volume of experience, from the degree of exposure they received!

News

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 11

Heritage Hall Class of 2020 Jagger Creed Nico Ables, Cole Lee Allen, Max Franklin Baetz, Maya Joy Banks, Ryder Powell Bates, Sukanya Bhattacharya, Alexandra Rowan Black, Hardin Christopher Bowers, Carson Brady, Nathaniel David Branscum, Maire Blair Brawley, Avery Kaetlyn Brown, Baker Cole Burns, Sean K. Chopra, Carter Steven Cole, Heidi Ann Cook, James Edward Brooks Cook II, Kenneth Emmanuel Daughty III, Kylee Taryn Deer, Will Dunn, Lale Adella Edil, Matthew Louis Egger, Jake Douglas Ephraim and Amaris Elise Esaw, Tyler Brooks Fahringer, Range Drake Faulkner, Madyson Fischer, Genesis Junia Franks, Avery Elizabeth Freeman, Camryn Ann Fulkerson, Thomas Meloy Gehr, Rhodes Byron Haggard, Brink Franklin Hall, Caitlyn Brooke Hanna, Nicholas Zane Hermen, Alexandria Grace Hickey, Elliott Fletcher Horton, William Gray Jackson, Jalen Rae Johnson, Parker Scott Kays,

Connor Hogan Keith, Landry Watts Kyle and Laryssa Christina Leite.

Also, Dylan Vern Lewis, Ellie Grace Lewis, Logan Elizabeth Longacre, Edwin Lorne Jr., Henry C. Lowry, Mary Katherine Magness, Kayla MorcheĂŠ Marshall, Kennedy Michelle Mattocks, Dylan Ethan Mayo, Noah Glen McAdams, Matthew McClintock, Grant Harrison McLain, Blake Oakley Miller, Skylar Alexis Mooneyham, Alexander Minh Nguyen, Ella Elizabeth Owen, Kaitlyn Alexandria Palmer, Lauren Morgan Paque, Madison Nicole Parduhn, Nicholas Patel, Audrey Katherine Payne, Evan William Pearson, Aidan Don Pezold, John Emmerick Pitman and Paul Allen Plowman.

Also, Pierce Rappaport, Cathryn Tabby Ross, Safia Layan Salim, Saif-Ullah Kamran Salim, Hayden William Schraad, John William Shapard III, Cooper Charles Shelton, Abigail Margaret

Saitkowski, Kayla Anne Sing, David Collin Smith, Phillip Smitherman, Joseph John Sumner Bacon Spanier,

James Roebling Stiglets, Drue Elizabeth Taylor, Trudie Spybuck Taylor, Benjamin Thionnet, Leilah Noe-

lani Thomas, David Benjamin Turner, Rip Francis Turrentine, Jake Reynolds Wilhelm, Hugo Conrad

Williams, Matthew Evans Williams, Reagan Nicole Williams, Anna Lee Young and Jiaxi Yuan.

News

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, June 5, 2020, Page 12

Cooper led the way in changing stigma of AIDS in Oklahoma

By Mark Beutler Special to OKC FRIDAY One Monday morning around 1985 I went to my college humanities class as usual and sat next to my friend Helen.

She looked visibly upset.

“Is anything wrong, Helen?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied. “John committed suicide this weekend.”

I noticed the desk next to her was empty, and her friend John wasn’t in class.

“Why?” I asked. “He found out he had AIDS,” Helen replied, in a whisper.

And she began to cry.

That was my first experience knowing someone with HIV/AIDS. That’s also the way the world responded to the disease—in a whisper. It was something no one wanted to think about or talk about, especially in Oklahoma.

But Barbara Cooper changed that.

On a June morning in

1988, Barbara answered the phone to hear her son tell her he had been infected. At that point, her world changed forever.

I first met Barbara on a cold winter’s day in 2004. Her husband Jack and I had met a few years earlier when I worked at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and he was one of our commissioners. He commented on my work for the department and asked if I would consider helping on the Red Tie Night committee. I gladly accepted and soon found a new passion.

The night before Red Tie Night, I sat at a table with Joan Gilmore while she cut endless spools of red ribbon. As she cut, I pinned. Next, I moved to a table with Bill and Mary Ellen Gumerson as Sheryl Colton taught us the proper way to fold napkins. I worked with Sam Blackstock and Chrissi Mangrum setting up the silent auction and finally joined David

AIDS CARE From Page 1 the organization’s role in the everchanging epidemic to ensure OACF can continue to support the HIV/AIDS community in Oklahoma for the next 30 years and beyond.

Beginning July 1, OACF will transition from a standalone 501(c)(3) charity organization to a donor-advised fund under the management of the Commu-

Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund Founder Barbara Cooper with Mark Beutler, her daughter Cathy Colton and David Leader.

Hooten and all the volunteers in rolling out the tables and setting up the great hall. It was a volunteer-driven event and a room full of generous, loving hearts.

On that winter day in 2004, I was writing for a local publication and had been assigned a story on Red Tie Night. I had met Barbara in passing but had not yet become wellacquainted. She agreed to sit for the interview, answered my questions in detail about the origins of the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, Red

nities Foundation of Oklahoma. This will allow OACF to continue providing financial support to front-line HIV service organizations while also reducing our internal overhead.

“The Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund is not just the legacy of our family, it is the legacy of Oklahoma’s brave fight against a devastating disease,” said Graham Colton, the Cooper’s grandson and OACF board member. “This new organizational structure will allow OACF to continue our fight for a world without AIDS.” Founder Barbara Cooper agrees

Tie Night and her son, Jerry.

As we sat by the fire in her beautiful Nichols Hills home, I was taken aback at not only her compassion, but also her bravery.

“Back then, I hardly knew anything about AIDS and I really didn’t want to know anything about it,” she said in that interview. “But when Jerry told us he was ill, I was devastated by what I saw. I tried to educate myself about what was happening with AIDS in Oklahoma. It was some-

thing no one talked about here. I knew I had to make our son’s life mean something.”

Over the next 30 years, Red Tie Night became the most-anticipated social gala of the year and the state’s single-largest fundraiser.

Thanks to our generous patrons, we raised more than $25 million in nearly 30 years — all of which stayed in Oklahoma helping our neighbors living with HIV/AIDS. Besides the fundraising aspect, one of Bar-

that changing with the times is the best course of action.

“My son Jerry told me once that he would read obituaries of his friends who had died of AIDS and it would list some other cause of death,” said Barbara Cooper. “‘We are never going to be rid of this disease until we quit doing this,’ he said. When I founded OACF, one of my goals was to bring awareness and help reduce stigma. Over the last 30 years I think we have done that.

“I am very proud of the work we have done and humbled by the generosity of those who have worked so

bara’s goals was to create awareness and education and reduce stigma. She set up an education committee and asked me to join. We did some great work, and it continues today.

In 2011, I was tasked with chairing Red Tie Night. It was a big job and I had some large shoes to fill, following great leaders like Lela Sullivan, Mary Streich, Paula Love and Michael Laird. Joining the OACF board was part of my mission to do whatever was asked to help further Barbara’s mission.

Today, we live in a new world. Medications transformed HIV/AIDS into a manageable illness. It is no longer the death sentence it was in the ‘80s. Much of the stigma is gone as well, thanks in part to the work of Barbara Cooper, Jackie and that original group of volunteers who established OACF. Barbara has notoriously avoided the spotlight, not wanting publicity for the work she has done. But all of us owe her a rousing standing ovation for what she has accomplished over the past 30 years.

Job well done, Mrs. Cooper.

hard and contributed so greatly,” Cooper added. “On behalf of Jack, and all the volunteers who worked alongside us, and to all the patrons of Red Tie Night, I want to express my heartfelt thanks. I think our son would be proud of what we have accomplished. I am grateful the work we started so many years ago will continue in this new chapter.”

Those wishing to support the mission of the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund can send donations to the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma at cfok.org/oacf.