OKC FRIDAY Vol. 54 No. 13 • One Section • 12 pages August 7, 2020
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Allied Arts raises $3.4 million, tops allocation record Allied Arts announced a campaign total of $3,446,573 was raised for central Oklahoma’s arts and cultural community through its 2020 fundraising campaign. Additionally, Allied Arts expended more than $153,000 through its Central Oklahoma Arts Relief Fund and secured $300,000 to be granted through its Community Development Block Grant partnership with the City of Oklahoma City. These combined dollars represent the highest amount allocated in the organization’s 49-year history. “We are ecstatic to have exceeded our $3.4 million goal, particularly amidst the current economic climate,” said Deborah McAuliffe Senner, Allied Arts president and CEO. “Each and every donor proves vital to our mission.” Steve Mason is the Allied Arts Board chairman. “Over 5,400 donors joined together to support increased arts
accessibility for our state — from arts education in low-income school districts to healing arts programming for veteran and elderly populations,” he said. Campaign funds reach over 40 local nonprofit arts organizations annually, providing resources vital to their operating, programmatic and educational budgets. Allied Arts agencies also utilize campaign funds to provide innovative arts education to schoolchildren across the state. James Pickel, who has dedicated decades of service to the arts, served as honorary chair and Julie and Mark Beffort served as campaign co-chairs. “It has been an honor to serve as co-chairs of the 2020 Allied Arts Campaign,” the Befforts said. “We have learned so much about the diverse cultural groups Allied Arts
OCU President Martha Burger plans to retire Oklahoma City University President Martha Burger announced that she will retire at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. After retirement, President Burger will continue to serve OCU in a new role as an active volunteer to help lead a strategic fundraising effort for the university. The university’s 18th president, Burger took the helm at OCU on July 1, 2018. During her tenure, the university was able to recapitalize its debt structure and add valuable assets to its balance sheet, providing a solid base for long-
MARTHA BURGER President, OCU
term financial sustainability. President Burger added the university’s first vice president for diversity and inclusion and set into action dynamic plans for diversity, equity and inclusion. “President Burger’s See BURGER, Page 2
See ARTS, Page 2
Allied Arts Campaign Co-Chairmen Julie and Mark Beffort (in back), Board Chairman Steve Mason and President and CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner blast Silly String at Honorary Chairman James Pickel.
Village agrees to Casady rezoning By Rose Lane Editor The Village City Council approved a resolution to rezone the Casady School campus from A-1 Single Family to A-1 Single Family Planned Unit Development. City Manager Bruce Stone said going to the PUD was suggested to Casady School as it has ongoing projects. “Casady School, from time to time, will come to us with a project that doesn’t fit under code restrictions,” Stone said. “This will give them the flexibility they need.” Several restrictions, however, were put into place. New structures on the Casady campus cannot exceed 35 feet in height. There is also now a 25foot setback requirement and any delivery before 7 a.m. must come through the school’s Pennsylvania Avenue
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Piper is a Maltipoo puppy. Her human is Quail Creek resident Toni Freeman. Toni calls the energetic little dog “Hyper Piper.” Toni bought bells for the door and rings them with Piper’s paw before taking her out. So far Piper only rings them when she comes in. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions used in the order received.
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entrance. Councilmen said that some of their constituents express concern that some of the school’s building projects might impede on their property. Councilmen said they want to protect the homes bordering the east side of the Casady campus. “People are extremely worried about an indoor tennis facility,” Councilman Adam Graham said. Casady’s Director of Operations Jim Bonfiglio said a tennis facility is way down the road for the school. “Our No. 1 priority is to build the primary division,” he said. The Cyclones want to move out of temporary buildings and into something permanent. Bonfiglio said primary division improvements will go into the design stage, but then everything will be paused until the
money to fund the project is raised. In addition, he said there is only one two-story building on the Casady campus and, it is “not very tall.” Bonfiglio said the school is cognizant of residents’ concerns. “We try to work with people and be good neighbors,” he said. Stone said if indeed in the future Casady wants to build a taller structure, school officials will have to come back before the City Council. “As long as our neighbors are being looked out for, I am good with it,” Councilwoman Cathy Cummings said. The City Council also approved a resolution to rezone 9400 May Ave. to a Planned Unit Development. The property was formerly a Circle K. Plans are to build an AT&T Store which might also house a smoothie operation.
Girl Scouts need volunteers to help clean up Camp Trivera By Vicki Clark Publisher The Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma are seeking volunteers to do manual labor to clean the grounds at the new Camp Trivera, which will open in September. They are looking for hard working volunteers to help them clean the grounds so the camp will look its best for its grand
opening. The work schedule includes two full days of trimming trees and bushes, and picking up trash. The beautiful wooded area is on the south side of the OKC Zoo lake. The dates of the cleanup are Aug. 14-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Sign up for one or both. Volunteers are asked to See SCOUTS, Page 2