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Shop the Look

Riversport OKC hosts world event

Fashion Editor Jennifer Clark helps us Shop the Look with fashions from Krista Anne’s Boutique and Cabi stylist Rebecca Thompson.

Page 11

Riversport OKC hosts the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships for the first time on July 20-25.

Sports, Page 4

OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 60, No. 9

1 Section • 12 Pages

July 10, 2026

Statue of Liberty Linda Turner and Uncle Sam Scott Georgi reign over the Quail Creek Fourth of July festivities.

People You Should Know

- Photo by Rebecca Thompson

ERIN ENGELKE President & CEO ReMerge Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory?

I was born in St. Petersburg, Fla. and moved with my family when I was six years old to a small town in southern Idaho where I spent the rest of my childhood years. Some of my most favorite memories were snow skiing in Sun Valley and camping along Lake Stanley.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

As a little girl, I thought I wanted to grow up and be a secretary or a teacher, but later in life, I aspired to be a TV news anchor. While I didn’t fall into any of those career paths, I do enjoy the opportunities I’ve had throughout my career to appear on the news, especially now with my monthly segment on News 9 called “Motivation Monday.”

What are you most passionate about professionally?

It absolutely lights my fire to see women and their families thrive and I’ve been fortunate to be in leadership roles at some of the finest nonprofits in our community…all of which have allowed me to pursue that passion.

See PYSK, Page 3

(405) 606-2727

Our neighborhoods celebrate USA’s 250th!

- Photo by Eric Oesch

Nichols Hills, Quail Creek and The Greens residents paraded their patriotism on the Fourth of July. At left: Cody and Abbi Moore with twin daughters Palmer and Mary Kate ready for the Fourth of July celebrations in Nichols Hills.

For more, see Page 2 & 9.

Downtown Oklahoma City to laud three

By Rose Lane Editor Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership is set to honor three visionary leaders whose extraordinary contributions have helped shape the future of downtown Oklahoma City at the 39th annual Dean A. McGee Awards on Friday, Aug. 28, at The Skirvin Hilton Hotel lo-

FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week

cated at One Park Ave. in Oklahoma City.

The honorees are Avis Scaramucci, Elizabeth Eickman and Chris Fleming.

Avis Scaramucci is to be honored with the Dean A. McGee Award in recognition of her lifetime of transformative leadership and investment in downtown Oklahoma City. She is a a pioneering business

Blue Moon is commonly called by either first or second name.

Blue is the best girl.

She is a mixed breed of possibly Aussie and Beagle. Her one blue eye and one brown eye lead her parents, Jesika and Austin Greer to believe she is Aussie. Her sweet temperament and floppy ears lead her parents, to believe she’s a Beagle. The intelligence and attention could be attributed to either.

She is the kindest, sweetest mutt. Her hobbies include, but are not limited to, listening to music, snacking, staring into your soul and sniffing the wind. She is simply the best dog ever.

Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@ okcfriday.com.

owner, community advocate and longtime ambassador for Oklahoma City.

Elizabeth Eickman receives the Stanley Draper Award for her outstanding contributions to enhancing the visitor experience and cultural vitality of downtown. Her legacy of advocating and leading arts See AWARDS, Page 7

It’s OK to drink water The Oklahoma City Utilities Department released its latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as the Drinking Water Quality Report, confirming that the City's drinking water had zero drinking water violations and continues to meet or exceed all standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ).

This annual publication outlines the results of water testing conducted in 2025 and provides transparency about See OKC, Page 7

Oklahoma City’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving far north OKC, Nichols Hills and The Village for 52 years • $1 per copy

News

Page 2 | Oklahoma City Friday

July 10, 2026

Nichols Hills Mayor Sody Clements with special passenger Calvin Pate, the son of City Manager Shane Pate, leads the annual Fourth of July parade.

Above: Joining the parade are, from left, Lindsay (with Coco), Mia, Max and Kyle McElvaney. At right: All decked out in their patriotic regalia are Leslie and Scott Samara.

- Photo by Eric Oesch

Nichols Hills residents celebrate family-style

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer For generations Nichols Hills residents have celebrated the Fourth of

July with music from the Nichols Hills Band, food and a hometown parade at beautiful Kite Park.

This year was no exception.

Nichols Hills Mayor Sody Clements led the procession in her infamous Smart Car while a parade of about 50 entries meandered through the residential streets of

Nichols Hills. The parade drew residents to the curb of their lawns to witness the patriotic display celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Nearly everyone was in their best stars and stripes attire while neighbors adorned antique automobiles, cars, golf carts and even some family pooches

with the red, white and blue attire for the annual event.

Children spent hours preparing their bicycles, wagons and scooters for the parade, making memories as they played throughout the park before the parade through the residential streets of Nichols Hills began.

QC parades its patriotism!

Above: The Augspurger family. At right: Hannah and Stan Evans join in the fun of the parade.

- Photos by Rebecca Thompson

At left: Jason, Demi, Coco and Chloe Cockerell celebrate the U.S.A. on its 250th birthday in Quail Creek.

The Rowland family decorated their golf cart for the Quail Creek Homeowners Association Fourth of July Parade.

From Page One

July 10, 2026

PYSK From Page 1 Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career?

Success is about so much more than a title, a salary or even the accolades that come with a career.

To me now, it’s about finding a career that fills you with joy and meaning while also giving you the freedom and flexibility to be present in mind and body with the people who mean the most to you … in my case, that’s my family!

What is a perfect day for you?

A most perfect day would be sleeping in, going for a run or lift-

ing weights at the gym, laying by (or floating in!) my pool with my kids, cooking a new recipe for dinner and then baking my world famous chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Fun fact, my cookies placed fourth overall in the Oklahoma State Fair!

What is some of the best advice you’ve received in your life?

The best advice I’ve ever received came from my mom when I was growing up and struggling to overcome the hurt with what others had done or said to me.

She said, “The best way to overcome your hurt or feeling down is to serve someone else.” Since then when I’ve wrestled with self-doubt, I

shift my focus from myself and my struggles and serve someone else. It helps every time!

I’ve carried that wisdom with me ever since. Whenever I wrestle with selfdoubt, disappointment, or difficult circumstances, I intentionally shift my focus away from myself and look for ways to serve others. Without fail, it changes my perspective. Helping someone else has a way of healing your own heart, reminding you of your purpose, and turning your attention from what’s wrong to what’s possible.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

To travel to Finland! My great grandmother and grandfather emi-

grated from there and being nearly 100% Finnish, I’d love to visit the place my family is from.

Oklahoma has had an amazing sports history, which has featured a lineup of individuals such as Mickey Mantle, Shannon Miller, Jim Thorpe, Patty Gasso, etc. Did you have any sports heroes growing up?

I was a gymnast as a little girl and absolutely admired and loved watching Mary Lou Retton, especially when she won gold at the 1984 Olympics. Seeing another woman go for her dreams was a huge inspiration for me!

How would you like to be remembered?

Fridayland students named to Dean’s List The University of Arkansas announced students who earned a spot on the Dean's List for the spring 2026 semester.

Students recognized for this outstanding academic achievement have earned a grade-point average of 3.75-3.99 during the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours required for graduation. School of Law students are named to the Law School Dean's List by earning a 3.0 grade-point average or higher for the semester.

Local students on

the spring 2026 University of Arkansas Dean's List are: • Elijah Challis of Nichols Hills, finance bachelor of science in business administration, Sam M. Walton College of Business.

• Conner Gray of Oklahoma City, supply chain management bachelor of science in business administration, Sam M. Walton College of Business.

• Taylor Schumaker, of Oklahoma City, animal science bachelor of science in agriculture, Bumpers College of

Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

“These students have worked incredibly hard to earn a place on the Dean's List this spring, and I'm pleased to congratulate them on this outstanding aca-

demic achievement,” said Provost Indrajeet Chaubey. “I also extend my thanks to the family members, friends, mentors and faculty whose encouragement and guidance contributed to this success.”

Oklahoma City Friday | Page 3

It would mean so much to me to be remembered as a mother, wife, friend and leader who empowered others … someone who loved deeply, served passionately and celebrated the dreams and successes of those around her.

And if I could be remembered doing all of that while wearing a fun and fashionable

outfit, even better!

What is one question I haven’t asked you that you would like to answer?

What is one goal you went for and accomplished that you’re most proud of?

Being crowned Mrs. Oklahoma America in 2021 and going on to place Top 10 at Mrs. America. A dream come true!

OKC Friday

Sports Weekly July 10, 2026 | Page 4

Riversport welcomes the world to OKC

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor As a precursor to the 2028 Olympics, Riversport OKC welcomes athletes from all over the world to host the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships later this month.

“This is the first time we’ve ever hosted a world championship,” said Riversport OKC Executive Director Chris Sorenson.

“We’ve had a few world ranking events over the

years but nothing this big.”

The ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, which runs from July 2025, comprises nearly 300 athletes from 50 countries who compete in a 6-day event over three different disciplines – canoe slalom, kayak slalom and kayak cross.

For canoe slalom, athletes kneel in single-bladed canoes, navigating a whitewater course through downstream and upstream gates with precision and

OKC Friday Publication No. (USPS 893-600) PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.

MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.

speed.

Kayak slalom paddlers sit in kayaks using double-bladed paddles to race a whitewater course, maneuvering cleanly through challenging gate sequences.

Kayak cross features four kayakers launching from an elevated ramp, battling head-to-head through gates and a required mid-course roll in an all-out sprint to the finish.

The event includes a large variety of attractions outside the main competition.

“We’ll have a bunch of stuff going on around the world championships,” Sorenson told FRIDAY. “There are food trucks, live entertainment and a lot of other exciting activities during each day of competition.”

The world championships are also billed as a preview of the action when Riversport OKC is the canoe slalom venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Sorenson said.

Ticket prices range from $13 for a

- Photos provided by Riversport OKC, riversportokc.org

Riversport OKC hosts the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships for the first time on July 20-25. Visit okc2026.com for tickets.

1-day pass, $31.50 for a 3-day pass and $55 for all six days.

Passes can be purchased at okc2026.com.

In addition to competitions like the world championships, Riversport OKC serves as a popular destination for summer fun in Oklahoma City.

“What a great way to cool off in this summer heat,” Sorenson said.

Riversport takes outdoor adventures to a whole new level with rowing, paddle sports, whitewater

rafting, surfing, a six-story adventure course, bike park and many more activities.

In preparation for the world championships, whitewater rafting is paused from July 11-25 to allow the athletes time to train for the competition.

Guests, however, may catch a behindthe-scenes look at training.

Riversport boasts a strong roster of camps and opportunities to participate in rowing and dragon boat

Riversport OKC, which has conducted a number of world ranking events, is the canoe slalom venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

leagues.

“Our camps are extremely popular and book really quickly,” Sorenson said. “I’ve run into parents that tell me their kids loved everything about our camps.”

Children from second to eighth grades can participate in canoe/kayak, rowing, outdoor adventure, ultimate adventure and surf camps.

Another fastgrowing program at Riversport is the dragon boat leagues.

Dragon boats are described as an oversized canoe with a dragon head and tail, and team members paddle to the beat of a drummer. It’s easy enough for everyone to participate, but competitive enough to fuel some pretty amazing rivalries.

“Our dragon boat leagues continue to grow,” Sorenson said. “A lot of companies use them as team-building activities. It also checks off your physical fitness box.”

For more information on Riversport OKC adventures, camps and boating leagues, visit riversportokc.org or call (405) 522-4040.

Sports Weekly

July 10, 2026

Oklahoma City Friday | Page 5

All-City Teams: Basketball, Swimming, Wrestling

State champions garner All-City 1st-team selections Editors Note: This is another in a series of stories highlighting Fridayland athletes on AllCity teams during the 2025-26 season.

••• Nearly a dozen Fridayland athletes earned first-team spots on The Oklahoman’s All-City winter teams for basketball, swimming and wrestling.

Basketball PC North’s Jayla Constant and Da’Nae Jefferson, along with coach Logan Martin, received first-team accolades on The Oklahoman’s All-City basketball team.

Jefferson arrived at PC North from Grind Prep alongside Constant after playing her first two years at PC West.

A Northern Colorado signee, she played a key role in the Panthers’ title run and was named Most Valuable Player at the state tournament where the senior averaged a team-best 16.6 points per game.

Constant, a UNLV signee and the nation’s 90th-ranked recruit in the 2026 class according to ESPN, helped the Panthers to a second straight Class 6A state championship.

The senior, who also won a title with PC West as a freshman, averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.

Martin was named Coach of the Year after leading PC North to a dominant 30-1 season and its second straight state title. Ranked No. 16

in the nation by MaxPreps, the Panthers went undefeated against Oklahoma opponents this season and are 59-2 over the last two years.

Heritage Hall’s Braelon Bradshaw and Mount St. Mary’s T.J. Williams received secondteam selections.

Five other Fridaylanders collected third-team honors, comprised of Braeden Buckingham from Crossings Christian, Kiana Gray and Nate Muriithi from PC North, Adriana Radinovic from Deer Creek and AceLynn Tucker from McGuinness.

Honorable mention selections included: Casady – James Elder, Kuba Malecki, Kate Naifeh, Collin Stanton; Crossings Christian – Clara Bebee, Amaya Van Zante; Deer Creek – I’mauni Carter, Darien Johnson, Paityn Jones, Cooper Witte; Heritage Hall – Timothy Young, Xzavier Mbroh, Denton Suthers; McGuinness – Mariah Conally, Kashlynn Cooper; Mount St. Mary – Maddox Hamilton, D.J. Pedulla; PC North – Tehlia Kutsoati, T.J. McNeely, Makiya Moore, Keaton Murry, Mekhi Thomas, Paige Williams.

Swimming A trio of individual state champions highlighted a group of seven Fridayland athletes to make the first team on The Oklahoman’s All-City swimming team.

Crossings Christian’s Jasper Jerni-

1ST-TEAM SELECTIONS Basketball Jayla Constant, PC North Da’Nae Jefferson, PC North Coach Logan Martin, PC North Swimming Jasper Jernigan, Crossings Christian Camryn Kanaly, McGuinness Owen McCall, Deer Creek John Nguyen, McGuinness Caroline Olszewski, Casady Beckham Shields, Deer Creek Wrestling Garon Kaiser, Deer Creek

gan and McGuinness’ Camryn Kanaly also received recognition as Swimmer of the Year finalists.

Jernigan captured her first two individual Class 5A state titles in February, winning the 50-yard freestyle (24.31) and the 100-yard butterfly (59.30).

Kanaly shined at the 6A meet, winning state titles in both the 100 backstroke (1:00.35) and the 200 individual medley (2:14.50).

Casady’s Caroline Olszewski took home a 5A title in the 100 freestyle, posting a final time of 56.59.

She also placed third in the 50-freestyle.

Deer Creek’s Owen McCall and Beckham Shields earned silver medals at the 6A state meet.

McCall placed second in the 50 freestyle in his final appearance, while Sheilds placed second in the 100 backstroke and third in the 200 individual medley.

Fellow Deer Creek teammate Harper Husbands capped off a strong sophomore season to place fourth in the 100 breaststroke.

McGuinness’ John Nguyen took second in the 200 freestyle, after winning a state title in the event a year ago, also finished as runner-up in the 100 breaststroke.

Six other Fridaylanders garnered spots on the second team, including Casady’s Thomas Gillenwater in the 50 freestyle and Max McAllister in the 200 freestyle; Deer

Creek’s Ashlyn Bucy and Crossings Christian’s Zach Lopp in the 100 backstroke; and Harding Prep’s Brooklyn Beringer and McGuinness’ Brady Mitchell in the 500 freestyle.

Honorable mention selections included (by event): 50-yard freestyle – Beckham Kerr, Casady; Max McAllister, Casady; Chapel McCollum, Deer Creek; 100 freestyle – Brody Cunningham, PC North; Colin Turbayne, Putnam North; 100 butterfly – Xander Applegate, Putnam North; Danzel Chen, Casady; Joseph Nguyen, Bishop McGuinness; 100 backstroke – Mason McAllister, Casady; Zander Pruden, Bishop McGuinness; 200 Freestyle – Grae Zedlitz, Casady; 500 freestyle – Adam

Dernaika, Heritage Hall; Chapel McCollum, Deer Creek; William Wendelken, Mount St. Mary.

Wrestling Athletes from four different Fridayland schools earned spots on The Oklahoman’s All-City wrestling team.

Deer Creek’s Garon Kaiser received a first-team selection, after beating Piedmont freshman Kingston Applebee in a 4-1 decision for the Class 6A state title and finishing the season with a 30-6 record.

Honorable mention selections included Crossings Christian’s Konrad Kosanke at 126 pounds, McGuinness’ Ayden Huffman at 132 pounds and Mount St. Mary’s Donald Sanders at 285 pounds.

OKC Friday

Calendar / Booster July 10, 2026 | Page 6

THEATRE

Aug. 14 • Born & Brewed Oklahoma Born & Brewed is celebrating its twelfth year. This annual fundraiser, pre­ sented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Sec­ ond Century young professionals board, is Friday, Aug. 14, 6:30­10 pm. The event fea­ tures breweries from across the state, pro­ viding guests with beer samples from over 10 breweries including: Angry Scotsman Brew­ ing, Anthem Brewing, Coop Ale Works, Enid Brewing Company, Iron Monk Brewing Com­ pany, Legally Brewed, Mountain Fork Brew­ ery, Prairie Artisan Ales, Roughtail Brewing Co., Skydance Brewing, and Stonecloud Brewing Co. All proceeds benefit the Okla­ homa Hall of Fame's educational and cultural programming, allowing thousands of Oklaho­ mans to have access to free Museum pro­ grams. The evening will also include live music, a silent auction, complimentary valet parking, a photo booth, catered food, and non­alcoholic options. Visit oklahomahof. com/support/ok­born­brewed for details.

July 24 • Dancer Auditions Cure­8 is an 8­week creative experience that pairs local dance makers with leading industry experts to produce new original works that will pre­ miere at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Cure­8 is pro­ duced by Hui Cha Poos and presented in partnership with RACE Dance Collec­ tive and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Dancer au­ ditions will be held Friday, July 24, from 6 ­ 9 pm in the Founder's Hall at Oklahoma Contempo­ museum.com/pro­ ducts/bloodmobile­ rary. All applicants must register prior to donation­drive. the audition at race­ THIS WEEKEND dance.com/cure­8.

BLOOD DRIVE

July 10­26 • Sordid Lives Carpenter Square July 11 • Theatre (CST) con­ Blood Drive The Bloodmobile Do­ cludes Season 42 with Del Shores’ cult nation Drive is Sat­ urday, July 11 from 10 favorite comedy Sor­ did Lives, the final – 2 pm at the SKELE­ TONS: Museum of Os­ production of the season. All perform­ teology. Run in ances take place on partnership with the Oklahoma Blood Insti­ the Inasmuch Foun­ dation Stage at Car­ tute (OBI), this drive collects critical blood penter Square Theatre, west of supplies for regional downtown Oklahoma trauma centers and City at 1009 W. Reno. cancer patients. Do­ nors receive two free Performances are on Thursday, Friday, and future admission Saturday evenings tickets to the mu­ and Sunday matinees. seum and OBI mer­ Each show has 10 chandise to reserve a performances over time visit, skeleton­

three weekends. Sec­ ond and third week­ ends include Thursday and Sunday.

Showtimes are 8 pm on Friday and Sat­ urday, 7:30 pm on Thursday, and 2 pm on Sunday. Additional information and tickets are available online at carpenters­ quare.com and by cal­ ling 405­232­6500.

July 11 • FAM Night Market Support First Ameri­ can arts and culture at the FAM Night Market. Explore First Americans Museum at night with local art, food, cultural demon­ strations and live per­ formances from Indigenous and com­ munity vendors from 6 – 9 pm.

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: Jason Aldean ­ Parker McCollum ­ Brooks & Dunn ­ Sombr ­ Zoo Amphitheatre: The Black Keys ­ John Mulaney ­

July 24 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 16 July 21 Aug. 20

Role Model ­ Civic Center Music Hall: Sister Act ­ Sweeney Todd ­ Hamilton ­ La Traviata ­ The Outsiders ­ Bluey’s Big Play ­

Oct. 10 July 7­12 July 28­Aug. 2 Aug. 11­23 Aug. 14­23 Aug. 25­30 Sept. 8­9

Rob Lake Productions Rob Lake, the award-winning illusionist from Norman who has performed around the world from Dubai to the Bahamas and played the biggest stages on Broadway and Las Vegas, is launching his own in house production company, Rob Lake Productions. Rob has always run a touring production company for his live shows.

Now, he is adding a film and video component that will extend his reach exponentially online and on social media.

Rob Lake is an Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador who has been dazzling the world with his magic for more than three decades. He was the star of a 3-year multi-million-dollar residency at the iconic Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. His appearances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent garnered more than 60-million YouTube and Facebook video views.

And he travelled with the U.S. Military for eleven years, doing shows for the troops stationed across the globe.

Rob and I first worked together during the pandemic. His military tour had been cancelled. So, he partnered with the Armed Forces Network to create television specials for the troops stationed around the world. He hired my company, McDaniel Entertainment, to produce those shows.

We booked the Visual and Performing Arts Center at OCCC for the bulk of the filming. An illusion show has gigantic sets that take multiple semi-trucks. OCCC is one of the largest stages with a huge backstage area. We also booked the historic Poncan Theater in Ponca City to get a more intimate, classic theater feel for parts of the show.

We brought on local crew members to work alongside Rob’s longtime collaborators.

We recruited and COVID tested

hundreds of people to be in the audience.

And we ultimately created a fantastic television version of Rob Lake’s spectacular live illusion show.

What I learned from working with Rob Lake is that he is one of the most focused, creative and hardworking people I ever met. He and his small team did everything. They loaded and unloaded trucks, created the programs and fliers, marketed and recruited audiences. Then they all got dressed up and became part of the show, disappearing and re-appearing, being sawed in half. It was amazing even from my close vantage point back stage.

Since our adventure, Rob has gone back to travelling with his show across the country and across the ocean. He designed the illusions for the Broadway show Aladdin. He created the floating rose pedal disappearance for Adele’s Las Vegas residency.

And last fall, he made his Broadway debut alongside the Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of Jim Hensen’s Muppets, in a special he designed and created himself.

Rob Lake is now looking for video and media creators to join the Rob Lake Production team.

If you know someone great in filming and video editing that works hard and wants to see show business up close and personal, have them apply for this job. You can find more information about the position on the Oklahoma Film + Music website. To apply, send your reel, a brief intro, your availability, and your rate to casting@roblake.com.

Rob Lake is an Oklahoma icon who is constantly building on his successes and expanding his art.

I can hardly wait to see what he does with this new film and video team. Stay tuned!

Jones Assembly ­ Houndmouth ­ Tower Theatre: Journey of a Lifetime ­ Queen Tribute ­ The Criterion: Tig Notaro ­ Amy Grant ­

Indigo Girls ­ Other Events/Shows/Awards: Sordid Lives ­ National Day of the Cowboy ­ Born & Brewed ­ Dancing for a Miracle ­ Ripples of Hope ­

July 16 Aug. 1 Aug. 2 Sept. 12 Sept. 20

Oct. 17 July 10­26 July 25 Aug. 14 Aug. 22 Aug. 22

Local musicians and dancers to perform for World Championships The 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships are coming to RIVERSPORT OKC on July 18-25. As a qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games, this is the biggest event in the sport, attracting 350 athletes from more than 60 countries across the globe. RIVERSPORT OKC has hired several local bands, musicians, dancers, and celebrities to ensure that this event is as exciting as it is massive.

The ICF World Championships will kick-off with an Opening Ceremony on Saturday, July 18, followed by six days of competition July 20-25, generally running 9 am to 5 pm. Food trucks, live music, community art, and a Route 66 Car Show will accompany the competition all week. The closing

day on July 25 will include the medal ceremony and a Closing Night Ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony at 7 pm on July 18, which is free and open to the public, will feature a fabulous range of bands and dance companies from across Oklahoma City, highlighting the diversity and quality of local entertainment.

RACE Dance Company and DJ Tony Tee will lead the athletes from all 60 countries in the Parade of Nations. OCU Opera star J. Warren Mitchell will offer the National Anthem. And select athletes from each country will kayak into the venue while others carry their national flag.

The stage show will open with Native American fancy dancers and drummers led by Boye Ladd

and the Oklahoma Native Dance Troupe and a Native rock band LABRYS featuring Penny Pitchlynn. Local R&B group Original Flow featuring Christopher Acoff will follow alongside local hip hop dancers. Latino rock band La Real Sonora will partner with Clips n’ Hips Dance Company + Motion Lab Dance Company, followed by the all-girl rock band Stepmom.

And the band You in Me featuring Al Novey and Steven Drozd will close out the show along with a massive fireworks show.

From July 20-25, RIVERSPORT will host live music on two stages throughout the competition, plus ongoing music from DJ Spencer Powers.

The Closing Ceremony on July 25 will start immediately after the

medal ceremony at 5 pm. That show will last an hour and will include music from Husbands, DJ Tony Tee, rapper Jabee, the cast of Sweeney Todd, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nadia Comaneci’s Perfect 10 at the Olympics featuring Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner, and a Red Bull parachuter dropping out of a plane and landing in the water.

The ICF World Championships provide the first major opportunity to show the world, and the athletes that will be coming back for the Olympics, that Oklahoma City belongs in the pantheon of great Olympic host cities like Rome, Paris, London, and Barcelona.

Come be a part of the action.

More information and tickets available at okc2026.com.

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

From Page One

July 3, 2026

Oklahoma City Friday | Page 7

AWARDS From Page 1 initiatives has made an enduring impact downtown.

Chris Fleming is to be presented with the Neal Horton Award for his visionary role in driving revitalization of a downtown district. His vision for Midtown has transformed a downtown area of blighted, vacant buildings and empty lots into a vibrant, walkable district while preserving the neighborhood’s historic elements and engaging in active placemaking.

The 2026 Dean A. McGee Awards is a black-tie event beginning with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and the awards program at 7 p.m., and concludes with an After-Party. This year’s event co-chairmen are Deborah McAuliffe Senner and John Michael Williams.

Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership President & CEO Jennifer Nakayama

OKC From Page 1 the safety, treatment, and sources of the public drinking water treated and distributed by the City of Oklahoma City.

“As a utility, we operate in one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards to meet those requirements every single day,” Utilities Director Chris

LIZ EICKMAN

CHRIS FLEMING

will deliver the State of Downtown Address.

“Downtown Oklahoma City has been shaped by bold visionaries, and this year’s honorees opened doors to new downtown districts,” said Senner. “Their impact continues to define our city's momentum and vibrancy that will be enjoyed by future generations.”

Williams added, “From the arts and residential to retail and commercial, the honorees envisioned an

Browning said. “The CCR reflects the exceptional work our employees do to safeguard water quality and earn the public’s trust.”

The CCR details testing results for 20 regulated contaminants, including naturally occurring organic materials as well as non-organic substances. Utilities Water Quality staff monitor the water continuously at the City's two water treatment plants and adjust treatment as necessary

AVIS SCARAMUCCI

ever-finer downtown by building communities that attract more people and innovative downtown experiences. These leaders inspire the future of downtown as a dynamic and inclusive destination.”

Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Jones Strategies at (405) 516-9686. For additional information about the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership and the Dean A. McGee Awards, visit DowntownOKC.com.

24 hours per day.

In 2025, employees collected and tested more than 200,000 individual samples from the plants and at 260 state-approved testing sites to ensure water quality remained in compliance throughout the distribution system.

“We take nothing for granted when it comes to our community’s drinking water,” Regulatory Compliance Manager Leigh Ann Kitsmiller said.

“Every sample we collect and every

adjustment we make is part of our responsibility to protect the public and uphold strict regulatory standards.”

Federal law under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires all public water providers to issue a Consumer Confidence Report annually. Oklahoma City's 2025 CCR is now available online at okc.gov/ccr.

A limited number of printed copies are available at Oklahoma City metropolitan libraries.

July 10 Addy Bell Gerald David Jerry Davis Joan Fleetwood Gretchen Hatley Katherine Heritage Ginna Kite Jim Kite Derek MacCallum Matt Miller Bethany Mize Stacey Weddington July 11 Whitney Brunner Randy Buttram Sherry Cohlmia Alice Scott Goard Bob Hancock Caroline Hosman Leigh Jones Bobby Lowe Dan Morrison Robert Reneau Taylor Sartin Sara Turpen July 12 Ray Allen Rachel Ardoin Ben Kraft Kay Gibson David Harlow Rick Mulcahy Virginia Potter Sharon Turner Margaret West July 13 Alexandria Adams Lisa Benson Rhonda Bruno Courtney Bunker Dorothy Ferguson Nancy Herzel Sarah Marshall Mike Munday Logan Nichols

Annabelle Porter Susannah Reed Sarah Rybicki Kari Watkins Diane Wittrock July 14 Earnestine Allen Nicole Black Sam Blackstock Hadley Finley Doug Ford Jay Henry Dianne Midlren Catherine Ratliff Ashley Ross Delois Sackett Stacy Seikel Carol Spruill Viola Williams July 15 Jason Buschman Mary Lou Carver Martha Coe Teresa Cole Connor Dempsey Mary Farrell Angela Fletcher Linda Gray Michelle McAuliff Kaylea Schemm Pearl Sullens Ed Wells Midge Woodard July 16 Addy Bell Mary Jane Close Jacqueline Huffman Robin Kennedy Harvey Low Bethany Markcum Kay Oliver Jodie Peters Patsy Reger Lisa Ringwald Bari Lynn Taylor

OKC Friday

Legal Notices & Classifieds

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

July 10, 2026 | Page 8

LEGAL NOTICES

OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK FOR MORE INFO CALL

1-888-815-2672

AUCTION AUCTION, JULY 16TH: 3 Garfield Co., OK Farms * Drummond/ Ames Area, Garfield Co., OK * Productive Sm. Grain/Livestock Farms * WigginsAuctioneers.com * 580.233.3066

WANT TO BUY

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE

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

Put your message where it matters most – IN OKLAHOMA NEWSPAPERS. We can place your ad in 132 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.

ONLINE AUCTION

CAT ADOPTION

AUCTIONS

Beautiful female 2 yr old

REAL ESTATE AUCTION

Blue Point Siamese

Looking for a quiet, adult home, spade, house broken, loving, playful Prefer to be only pet Call Sandy 405-720-7960

4 BDRM, 2 BA, 1,749+/- HOME: Investment Opportunity. Midwest City, Oklahoma Co., OK. ONLINE ONLY AUCTION. Thurs., July 23, 2026 RE @ 2:00 P.M. PP @ 6:00 P.M. | ’17 Volvo XC60 SUV | Coach Purses | Ebony and Precious Moments Figurine Collectables | Furniture | Appliances. WigginsAuctioneers. com

KEN CARPENTER AUCTION & REALTY LLC

PUBLIC NOTICE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 26, 2026; Friday, July 3, 2026; Friday, July 10, 2026)

KAREN AGUILAR Judge of the district Court Rick Warren, Court Clerk Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/illegible signature Deputy

ANYONE HAVING FINANCIAL INTEREST IN A 1959 CHEV VIN#3A59S104886 CALL JAMIE 580-363-3939

NAME CHANGE

DIVORCE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 10, 2026)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 3, 2026; Friday, July 10, 2026; Friday, July 17, 2026)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-1513

In the District Court within and for said County and State.

State of Oklahoma, } } ss.

Oklahoma County } Jeannie Rendon Lopez, Plaintiff vs.

Rogelio Lopez, Defendant The State of Oklahoma to the said Defendant, Greeting: You, the said defendant, will take notice that you have been sued in the above named Court in the above named and numbered cause for a divorce on the grounds of ____ and you must answer Plaintiff’s petition filed herein on or before the 29 day of July 2026, or said petition will be taken as true and judgment for said Plaintiff will be rendered against you according to prayer of Plaintiff’s petition.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/J. Pulley, Deputy Clerk

IN RE: The Name of: Lindsay Goolsby

) )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties.

Take notice that Lindsay Goolsby has petitioned to change his/her name to Lindsay Johnson.

A Hearing on said petition is set for 9:00 o’clock A.M. on the 26 day of July, 2026, before Judge Bonner in his/her courtroom 304 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/illegible signature

BY DEPUTY (SEAL)

PROBATE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 10, 2026)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 3, 2026; Friday, July 10, 2026)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

STATE OF OKLAHOMA } } ss.

COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA} NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL Notice is hereby given to all legatees and devisees of John Eric Vian, Deceased that on the 12 day of April, 2026, Produced and filed in the District Court of the County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma, an instrument in writing purporting to be the last will and testament of John Eric Vian, deceased, and also filed in said court a Petition from Probate of will praying for the Probate of said will and that Letters Testamentary be issued thereon to Virginia Nolen as Personal Representative named in said Will.

Pursuant to an order of said court made on the 17 day of June, 2026. Notice is hereby on the 14 day of July, 2026 at 9:00 o’clock A.M. Judge Monks that said day has been appointed as the time for hearing said petition and proving said will at the County Court house 321 Park Avenue, Room 313 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, when and where any person interested in said estate may appear and contest the same.

Ken Carpenter 405-620-1524

www.KenCarpenterAuction.com

ASTEC CHARTER SCHOOL (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 3, 2026; Friday, July 10, 2026) Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Fixed Price Contract for providing food service management services to the ASTEC Charter School District may be obtained by emailing the contact below. Proposals are subject to all the conditions and specifications stated in the RFP and will be received at 2620 General Pershing Blvd, OKC, OK 73107 and shall be marked on a sealed envelope “Food Service Management”. Proposals will be received until 10:00 AM, July 27th, 2026 for supplying ASTEC Charter School Food Authority with food service management services during the 2026-2027 school year. For more information, you may email Adam Wilhelm, Chief Operating Officer at coo@astec-k12.com.

NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Desirae S. Havens, as next of friend of Savanna Rae Havens has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Savanna Rae Havens to (b) Charlie Rae Havens; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Ogden of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 23 day of July, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Jamie Houston Deputy (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT

THE VILLAGE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 10, 2026; Friday, July 17, 2026)

PUBLIC NOTICE All persons having an indebtedness or claim against the City of The Village are hereby notified that a purchase order or contract must be recorded in the office of the encumbering officer on or before September 30, 2026, covering all debts now unpaid and incurred during the period beginning on July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026, or said account shall be void and forever barred.

Beverly McManus Finance Director/ Encumbering Officer

CV-2026-1497 In Re: The Name of: Helen K. Needham

) )

CASE NO: PB-2026-751 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF John Eric Vian

170 COUNTY RD. 1610, MARLOW, OK 73055 Beautiful home in Grady County on 5.67 Acres on blacktop road in Marlow school district. 2019 Solitaire 2400 Sqft, 4 bed, 2.5 Bath. 1200 Sqft metal shop has 5” spray foam, full electrical including 220 & LED lighting, 1 double car garage door with automatic opener & 1 - 10’ overhead door with electric opener.

DIRECTIONS: From Marlow Oklahoma, 6.2 Miles West of Hwy 81 on County Rd 1610 or AKA County Line. Watch for Signs!

Auction begins closing: Thursday July 16th at 9am For more information or to view the property, please call Ken Carpenter @ 405-620-1524 Dated this 17 day of June, 2026.

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION No. FD-2026-485

OF BLAKE SHANNON ~ ONLINE ONLY AUCTION ~

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties.

Take notice that Helen K. Needham has petitioned to change his/her name to Kathy Kourvelas Needham.

A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 22 day of July, 2026, before Judge Mai at 1:30 o’clock in courtroom 709 at 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/Misty Zaragoza By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

PROBATE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 10, 2026; Friday, July 17, 2026) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. PB-2026-801 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN L. MOORE, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the District Court of said County and State: To the Creditors of John L. Moore, Jr., Deceased All creditors having claims against John L. Moore, Jr., deceased are required to pres-

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 10, 2026) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-1504 In the Matter of the Application ) of Desirae S. Havens ) as next of friend of (child) ) Savanna Rae Havens ) to Change Her/His Name )

) ) ) )

Sudoku Answers

ent the same with a description of all security interest and other collateral (if any) held by each creditor with respect to such claim, to the Personal Representative, Claudette Robertson, at the place of business of her attorney as specified in this Notice, on or before the presentment date: September 7, 2026, or the same will be forever barred.

MOVING?

Take FRIDAY with you

Call 405-755-3311 Email: jennifer@okcfriday.com or visit okcfriday.com

Dated this 7th day of July, 2026.

Respecfully submitted, Erick W. Harris OBA 32004 HARRIS LAW GROUP, PLLC. P.O. BOX 32391 Edmond, Oklahoma 73003 Telephone: (405) 804-1476 Email: HarrisLawGroupOK@gmail.com Attorney for the Personal Representative, Claudette Robertson

LPXLP

Marilyn’s Sudoku

News

July 10, 2026

Oklahoma City Friday | Page 9

Northwest OKC Chamber Golf Classic

What a fantastic day was had at the Northwest Oklahoma City Chamber Golf Classic at Lake Hefner Golf Club! The weather cooperated, the competition was friendly (mostly!), and the event was filled with great conversations, networking and plenty of laughs. Above: First place, BancFirst; and at right, second place, First Bethany Bank.

The Greens residents host Fourth of July parade

Craig and Christy Delano with their kids, Charlie and Cy, decorated their golf cart for The Greens Fourth of July parade.

Vintage cars roll through The Greens neighborhood. The parade begins at The Greens Golf and Country Club, then proceeds around the development so residents can watch from their driveways.

Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077 Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,.

Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 Thriftypharmacyokc.com

BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank

First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com

First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300, Okla. City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 | fnbok.com

Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com

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

The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335

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

Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org

Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126 All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 NW 63 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com

Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500 Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com

Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-0494 navigatingmedicare.com First Liberty Bank 9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-4500 myfirstliberty.com Grand Dental Studio Michael Kirk, DDS 1057 N.W. Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-3719 DentistOKC.com

Robert Don Gifford GIFFORD LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 2682 Oklahoma City, OK 73101 (405)778-4647 giffordlawyer.com Robert.Gifford@ GiffordLawyer.com Cross Timbers Arborist 3500 S. Brunson St. Oklahoma City, OK 73119 (405) 682-4777 crosstimbersarborist.com Lewis Orthodontics Edmond - MWC (405) 330-5095 lewisbraces.com Women's Health Boutique 12062 N. May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 936-0030 Midfirst Bank (888) 643-3477 midfirst.com OCCC 7777 S. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 (405) 682-1611 occc.edu Mountain Smoke Band Hal Clifford 1004 N. 80 Oklahoma City, Ok 73114 (405) 818-5591 Brad Sullivan Tag Agency 2511 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 524-8247 Full Service Tag Agency Since 1985

OKC Friday

Opinion July 10, 2026 | Page 10

Thousands come out to support important work of Austism Oklahoma To the Editor: Following the 18th annual AutismOklahoma walk, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to lead such an impactful non-profit organization.

Thousands gathered at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City to celebrate a shared humanity.

They came in matching tshirts; the largest team, Racing for Mason, had 200plus members.

They came in all ages sporting titles like PawPaw, Memaw, big sister, mom and dad. Some walk with family members, others with a caretaker or maybe a foster parent. Some young adults don costumes or create their own matching team shirts.

They elevated autism and showed pride in

their loved ones.

They pulled wagons, pushed strollers and stood shoulder to shoulder.

It was their day to shine and be celebrated. The feeling of love and connection was palpable.

AutismOklahoma brings families together.

The center of what we do is to provide connection, information and awareness about autism.

The journey is enriched when someone walks beside you. I have witnessed the joy.

I have seen joy on the faces of our participants at Mix ‘n Mingle when someone says, “Sit with us.”

It might seem simple but if you spent years of your life sitting alone at the lunch table, the simple gesture can be life changing.

I have seen joy

in the eyes of two moms who connect at our Halloween party and talk in a corner throughout the whole event.

Nodding heads show their hunger for shared information and understanding.

But it’s more than joy. It’s lifesaving work. Autistic people are three to nine times more likely to die by suicide.

Connections provide hope and healing.

We brought more than 10,000 people together in 2025. With our new home in Chesapeake Plaza, we’ve launched a slew of new programs.

So no doubt we will serve even more this year.

Check us out at autismoklahoma.org.

Sincerely, Kelly Dyer Fry Executive Director Autism Oklahoma

OKC Friday

Member of

Nichols Hills Publishing Company 10801 Quail Plaza Drive, OKC, OK 73120 PO Box 20340, OKC, OK 73156 405-755-3311 www.okcfriday.com Vicki Clark Gourley CEO & Publisher Rose Lane Editor & Deputy Publisher Mary McCutcheon Publisher’s Assistant Gina Nichols Advertising Account Executive Jay L. Gourley Vice Chairman Emeritus

Jason Jewell Production Mgr., Web/Sports Editor Jennifer Starcevich Clark Legal Notice Coord./Circ./Classif.

Eric Oesch Staff Writer Carrie Lane Social Media Director

J. Leland Gourley

Founder

Janna L. Gourley Rousey Secretary Emerita

Editorial Policy 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: rose@okcfriday.com

Dear Wise Elder: My siblings and I live in two different states, and our parents live in yet another state. Our parents are trying to “stay independent” and “not burden us” by not communicating “little issues” such as mom being in the hospital, unreliable transportation and so forth. These are very important issues to us because we care. We are concerned that when a crisis happens, we will not have the information needed to step in and help. How can we start the conversation?

Dear Conversation: Most big accomplishments in life are completed in small increments.

When you were young, your

parents didn’t teach you life skills all in one day. Similarly, now you should start with small, non-invasive conversations. Then, quietly make notes for yourself so that you have information at your fingertips. For example, inquire about the location of important papers and who has access. In separate phone calls or visit, casually inquire about whom do they use for insurance or tax preparation.

A great time for conversation is when they are telling you about one of their friends who has experienced a crisis. Beginning is half done.

Courtesy VillagesOKC, VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637

YOUR FRIDAYLAND CAUCUS

July 10, 2026

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Oklahoma City Friday | Page 11

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July 10, 2026