09-08-23 Print Replica

John F. Kennedy Service Awards to honor three philanthropists

By Rose Lane

Editor

Community leaders Maggie Nichols, Marnie Taylor and John Kennedy are to be honored during the 2023 John F. Kennedy Community Service Awards Gala, set for 7 p.m., Sept. 21 in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center, 201 N. Walker Ave.

Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m.

Jones dives for the TD

PC North tailback Camarion Jones (5) dives across the goal line for a touchdown during last Friday night’s football game at PC West. The Panthers suffered a 27-7 loss to the Patriots in Week 1 action.

See Sports, Page 4

before the evening’s dinner and awards ceremony.

The John F. Kennedy Awards celebrate Oklahomans whose philanthropy has served the community in impactful ways. Elite gymnast Nichols and local nonprofit advocate Taylor are this year’s honorees, along with Kennedy, who is to receive the Mark Ruffin Lifetime Achievement Award.

Proceeds from the gala support

the Santa Fe Family Life Center in its mission to provide recreation and athletic programs for children who are disadvantaged, or have physical or intellectual disabilities.

“Honoring Oklahoma’s philanthropists reminds me of the tremendous difference a single individual can make for friends, neighbors and strangers in need. The John F. Kennedy Community Service Award honors individuals whose legacy of

Maestro’s Ball supports OKCPHIL programs

By Mark Beutler Special to OKC FRIDAY

One of the highlights of the social season returns as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents the Maestro’s Ball, Friday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club.

The theme for this year is The Grand Masquerade.

Maestro’s Ball is a black-tie evening of fine dining, drinks, entertainment and camaraderie. It benefits the OKCPHIL’s mission of providing inspiration and joy to the community through orchestral music and shining a light on priceless educational programs. Co-chairmen of the event are Debra and Kristian Kos.

Slavonic to direct Veterans Affairs

Fridaylander Rear Admiral, USN (Ret) Greg Slavonic is the new executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.

Slavonic, previously appointed as the agency interim executive director earlier this year, was approved unanimously by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission at a special meeting last month. Members of the Commission

The honorary co-chairmen are Yvette and Joseph Fleckinger. Committee members include Rachael Geiger, Shaye Matthews, Lisa Reed, Desiree Singer, Mark Taylor, Geetika Verma and Wendi Wilson. Tickets for The Grand Masquerade Maestro’s Ball are available at okcphil.org or by phone at (405) 842-5387.

praised Slavonic’s response over the past five months as he has worked to address and resolve several critical issues within the agency.

Slavonic earned a bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma State University and M.Ed. from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Slavonic has also served as the 18th assistant secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the under secretary of the Navy, the deputy and principal assistant to the secretary of the Navy and as chief See SLAVONIC, Page 12

service has defined their life and improved the lives of others,” said Matt Bond, executive director of SFFLC. “Our work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and sponsors.”

Business leader John Kennedy’s career has spanned more than four decades, with investment in Oklahoma’s next generation as a

See JFK, Page 3

77 for 77

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is celebrating its 77th anniversary by kicking off a statewide campaign that harkens back to the foundation’s roots.

“Over the next year, we’re going to touch all 77 Oklahoma counties to say ‘thank you’ to Oklahomans for daring to dream in 1946 and for supporting that dream ever since,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “We’re calling it 77 for 77.”

Weyrich was among several speakers during a kickoff event at the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit biomedical research foundation. Statewide chairmen for the campaign are former First Ladies Kim Henry and Cathy Keating and former Governors Brad Henry and Frank Keating. Kim Henry served on OMRF’s Board of Directors for 19 years and joined its National Advisory Council in 2022. Cathy Keating served on OMRF’s Board for two years before joining the NAC in 2011.

On Aug. 28, 1946, the Oklahoma Secretary of State granted OMRF’s charter. Shortly thereafter, the new foundation launched its initial campaign with a mission that holds true 77 years later: “That more may live longer.” Organizers divided the state into 25 districts to raise awareness and funds. Through this effort, more than 7,500 Oklahomans raised $2 million in gifts and pledges, enough to begin building and staffing OMRF’s headquarters.

Today, OMRF employs nearly 500 staff members who study cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and diseases of aging. Their discoveries have

See OMRF, Page 12

Arthur Wilcox Lane is the 8-monthold son of Elizabeth and Bobby Lane and the grandson of OKC FRIDAY Editor Rose Lane and her husband Bob.

A happy boy, Artie loves his siblings — 4-year-old Ruthie and 2-yearold Eddie. The family recently relocated to Caldwell, Idaho.

Email Dog, Cat, Pet and Baby of the Week nominations with complete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.

SLAVONIC

- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com

Cookies &  Cocktails is Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s signature tasting of unique Girl Scout Cookie-inspired treats and drinks. Above: Event Co-Chairmen Katie Long and Lindsey McCarty announce the winners of the best treats and drinks. At left: Nancy Seely, Tara Simmons, Lesli Massad, Sherry Marshall, Ashley Smith and Peggy Kates.

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma welcomed patrons to Camp Trivera, the organization’s STEAM camp, for the 12th Annual Cookies & Cocktails event. Attendees were able to tour the state-of-the-art camp. Proceeds benefit scout programs across the state.

Above: Amanda and Nathaniel Harding. At left: Jordan Dean and her mom Hilarie Blaney. At right: Fawn Sachleben, Davonna Milam, Mary Dahlgren and Sandy Ellis.

recurring theme throughout his legacy of service. As a commercial real estate developer, he began work for John Kilpatrick before founding Irish Realty in 1978. Kennedy was appointed Oklahoma secretary of state in 1991, the youngest person to hold the office. He also served as a member of the five-person State of Oklahoma Cash Management and Investment Oversight Commission and as commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation and the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.

He currently is on the boards of directors for Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School and O.U.’s Fred Jones, Jr. Art Museum. He is chairman of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and is the co-chairman of the Clara Luper Sit-In Plaza. Kennedy is a past board president of Heritage Hall School, Westminster School and deadCenter Film.

He served on the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Dean's Alumni Leadership Council and was recently named to the university’s Fund Executive Council.

Former U.S. National Team gymnast Maggie Nichols traveled the world as a top competitor representing her

country at the international level. A knee injury and being the first to speak out regarding misconduct and sexual abuse by a USA Gymnastics team doctor caused speculation when she was left off the 2016 Olympic Team.

She came forward as “Athlete A” in a subsequent investigation, the first survivor to report related abuse. Nichols participated in a 2020 Netflix documentary and established the Maggie Nichols Foundation, which offers assistance to charities aiding abuse survivors. She joined the NCAA gymnastics team at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and is currently pursuing her master’s in higher education.

Marnie Taylor has served as president and CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits since 2011. She is considered an Oklahoma leader in governance and has volunteered on more than 30 boards throughout four decades of community

work centered on children, families and the arts.

Current board appointments include Potts Family Foundation, Sunbeam Family Services and the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion. Taylor has lent her expertise as a chairperson for the National Council of Nonprofits, Oklahoma County Citizens for Juvenile Justice, Oklahoma Outreach Foundation, CASA of Oklahoma County, ReMerge, Notre Dame Club of Oklahoma City and Volunteer Center of Central Oklahoma. She has also held leadership board positions for Oklahoma Arts Institute, World Neighbors, American Red Cross and Junior League of Oklahoma City. Additional affiliations include Allied Arts Cir-

cle Club, Downtown OKC Rotary, Economics Club of OKC, Friends of OU Breast Institute, John L. Peters Society, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Annie Oakley Society and Prix de West Society, Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, Oklahoma Business Roundtable, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Chairman’s Circle, Oklahoma Women’s Coalition, Potts Family Legacy Society, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Women for Oklahoma State University, with more than a dozen community awards in recognition of her outstanding contributions throughout the state. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information can be found at sfflc.com/jfk-award.

JOHN KENNEDY MAGGIE NICHOLS MARNIE TAYLOR

Sports Weekly

FOOTBALL | WEEK 2 PREVIEW: COMMUNITY CHR. AT CROSSINGS CHR. • 7 P.M.

Knights get early test from Community Chr.

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Dominating almost from the start, the Crossings Christian football team cruised to an opening win at Hennessey.

The Knights, however, expected a tougher test this Friday as Community Christian comes to town for OKC

FRIDAY’s Spotlight

Game of the Week.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Knights Stadium.

“Community Christian is always tough,” said coach Jacob Stephenson. “It’s always going to be a battle with them. They will come ready to play.”

Crossings Christian (1-0) jumped out to a big lead in its 41-7 victory at Hennessey behind two touchdowns each from quarterback Nate Rouse and receiver Luke Olson.

“I liked how we were able to control the

OKLAHOMA CITY 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.

game,” Stephenson said. “We’re running some new schemes on both sides of the ball so it was good to see our players get more comfortable with what we’re trying to do.”

Meanwhile, Community Christian (0-2) suffered a 48-17 loss to OCS last Friday and a 24-17 overtime setback at Casady in Week 0.

One key for success on Friday, Stephenson said, is to control the line of scrimmage.

WEEK 2 SCHEDULE

Friday, September 1

Casady at Crooked Oak Community Christian at Crossings Christian Mustang at Deer Creek Heritage Hall at Clinton McGuinness at Tulsa-Bishop Kelley Mount St. Mary at NW Classen PC North at Southmoore

Note: All games start at 7 p.m., unless noted.

“It’s always crucial to be good at the line of scrimmage to come away with a win,” the coach said.

Rouse, a first-time starter, leads the Knights offense.

“Nate had good control of the game,”

FOOTBALL | WEEK 1 ROUNDUP

Stephenson said. “He getting more comfortable with the offense.”

Linebacker Bennett Bell anchors the middle of the Knights defense. Another key area is at offensive and defensive line as three senior starters returned, including Cole Taylor, Will Maschmeier, and Will Sutton.

“It’s been nice to put a game in the hands of our seniors and experienced players,” Stephenson said.

Irish dominate Clinton in shutout win

For the second straight season, the McGuinness football team dominated Class 4A powerhouse Clinton in a Week 1 road contest.

Quarterback Damon Cochran and tailback

J.P. Spanier accounted for two touchdowns each for the Irish (2-0) in a 28-0 shutout over the Red Tornadoes.

Cochran ran for a 6yard score and threw a 50-yard TD pass to Graham Nichols, while Spanier scored on runs of 52 and 69 yards.

Last year, McGuinness cruised to a 46-14 triumph which was Clinton’s largest margin of defeat since the 2014 season.

CHARGERS ROUT MILLWOOD

Heritage Hall built a big lead in the first half and rolled to a 47-24 victory over Millwood last Thursday at Pop Murray Field.

Quarterback Andy Bass was responsible for six touchdowns, including three TD passes, for the defending 3A state champion Chargers (1-0). Bass connected with Rhett Davis for 19 yards, Jordyn Harris for 89 yards and Rashaud Smith for 27 yards. The senior also scored on runs of seven, nine and 16 yards.

KNIGHTS RUN OVER HENNESSEY

Notching at least two touchdowns in each of

the first three quarters, Crossings Christian cruised to a 41-7 victory at Hennessey last Friday night.

Quarterback Nate Rouse and receiver Luke Olson scored two TDs each for the Knights (1-0). Rouse scored on a run and pass to Olson, while Olson had a TD jaunt.

Holden Manchester and Coleman Ridley also added TD runs.

MEMORIAL RALLIES PAST ANTLERS

Holding a 17-point

lead midway through the third quarter, Deer Creek saw that advantage vanish quickly as Edmond Memorial scored 20 unanswered points to hand the Antlers a 34-31 loss last Friday night.

Tailback Mason Miller ran for two touchdowns covering 13 and 66 yards to lead Deer Creek (1-1). Quarterback Grady Adamson added a 1-yard TD run and defensive player Orlando Barre recovered a fumble for a score.

See WEEK 1, Page 5

McGuinness tailback J.P. Spanier (7) runs for one of his two touchdowns in the Irish’s 28-0 shutout victory at Clinton last Friday night.

- Photo by Lance Payne, thephotograb.com

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP CROSS COUNTRY ROUNDUP

Chargers run over Lexington

With three big innings, the Heritage Hall softball team pulled way for a 13-2 win at Lexington last Monday afternoon.

Reagan Creamer batted 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Addi Thompson also was 3for-4 with a double and drove in two runs for the Chargers (16-2).

Kendall Beres and Janiyah Martin contributed two hits each, with each belting a double and combining to drive in three runs and score three more.

Thompson allowed two runs on two hits with 14 strikeouts over five innings to earn the pitching victory.

Heritage Hall visits Holdenville this Monday and Jones on Tuesday.

ANTLERS BLANK TULSA UNION

Plating 11 runs in the first inning, Deer Creek cruised to a 13-0 triumph over Tulsa Union.

Lauren Hugo batted 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored to lead the Antlers (13-2).

Bailey Nettles and Jaiden Coffey collected two hits each, as Nettles doubled, drove in two runs and scored three more and Coffey doubled with two RBIs.

Pitcher Ryan

Amorosi allowed just two hits and struck out three over five innings in the complete-game victory.

Deer Creek is set to host Bartlesville this Tuesday.

IRISH

RALLY PAST WELLSTON

Falling behind early, McGuinness rallied for eight runs over the final two innings to pull off a 14-7 win over Wellston last week.

Mya Madu led a trio with at least two hits, going 3-for-3 with a

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP

Rockets top Irish in battle of Nos. 1

Coming off a second-place effort in the Broken Arrow Invitational, the Mount St. Mary volleyball team pulled off a 3-0 sweep of Fridayland rival McGuinness last week.

The Class 6A No. 1 Rockets (16-2) needed extra points in the second set (26-24) but won the first and third frames in regulation over the 5A No. 1 Irish (12-3), which recently won the Lincoln Christian Bulldog Showdown. Mount St. Mary

competes at the TulsaBishop Kelley tournament this weekend and hosts Bethany on Tuesday, while McGuinness travels to Southmoore on Monday and Carl Albert on Thursday.

KNIGHTS OUTLAST CHISHOLM

Falling in both the first and third sets, Crossings Christian regrouped to even the match with victories in the second and fourth frames before ultimately prevailing 15-8 in the fifth and final set at Chisholm last week.

The 3A No. 2 Knights (10-1) host Community Christian

pair of solo home runs and a double and scored four times for the Irish (2-11).

Molly Milligan was 2-for-3 with four runs scored and an RBI double, while Lainey Waldo also had two hits, including a double and four RBIs.

Pitcher Molly Taylor allowed seven runs on nine hits and struck out two over seven innings for the complete-game victory. This Friday,

McGuinness is set to visit Tulsa-Bishop Kelley followed by home games against McLoud on Monday and Blanchard on Tuesday.

KNIGHTS SHUT OUT CRESCENT

Crossings Christian broke open a scoreless contest with a pair of runs in the sixth inning on the way to a 3-0 win against Crescent. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Knights 5th at Kingfisher

With four runners in the top 5, the Crossings Christian boys cross country team finished fifth and Harding Charter Prep took seventh at the Kingfisher Invitaitonal last weekend.

Trey Bishop cracked the top 10 in sixth place to lead the Knights. Zach Roberson claimed 14th, while Harry Smith was 27th and Luke McGarraugh came in 36th place.

WEEK 1

From Page 4

Kicker Adrian Arambula nailed a 26-yard field goal and all four extra-point attempts.

PANTHERS FALL AT PC WEST

PC North’s offense never got on track in a 27-7 loss at district rival

Two Harding Prep runners made the top 50, with Henry Blair in 38th and Miguel Ramirez Neal in 46th place.

Three girls from Crossings and Harding Prep and reached the top 50, as the Knights were sixth and Eagles took seventh in the team standings.

Harding Prep’s Rachel Carr higlighted the trio in 39th place, followed by Crossings Christian’s Annie Rauschkolb in 46th place and Ella Zabel in 49th place.

PC West last Friday. Tailback Camarion Jones dove in for a 2yard touchdown run for the Panthers (1-1).

OTHER RESULTS

In other Week 1 results, John Marshall suffered a 51-34 loss at Bethany on Friday and Casady held on for a 14-12 win at Christian Heritage on Thursday.

this Tuesday and visit Bethany o Thursday.

ANTLERS DOWN SANTA FE

Deer Creek ran its current winning streak to three games after a 3-0 sweep at 6A No. 9 Edmond Santa Fe.

The 6A No. 4 Antlers (11-4) have two road games this week, starting at Edmond North on Tuesday and Piedmont on Thursday.

OTHER RESULTS

OCA gets past Eagles: Harding Charter Prep split a pair of games last week, including a 3-2 loss at

Oklahoma Christian Academy and 3-0 win at Harding Fine Arts. The Eagles (7-6) battle Northwest Classen this Saturday at noon and host Santa Fe South on Thursday.

Midwest City tops Bears: John Marshall suffered a 3-0 loss against 5A No. 16 Midwest City. The Bears (46) compete at the Chickasha tournament this weekend and host Capitol Hill on Monday. Panthers fall to Bethany: PC North endured a pair of 3-0 losses at 4A No. 2 Bethany and against Ponca City. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

PC North’s Raya Schwareb readies for a throw to the infield during last week’s game against Ponca City.

- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com

CONCERTS

Oct. 14 •

All­American Rejects

Don’t miss the Rejects at the Zoo Amphitheatre with special guests New Found Glory, Motion City Soundtrack and The Get Up Kids. Visit the amphitheatre website for details.

FUNDRAISERS

Nov. 1 • Day One Luncheon

Hear Judy Woodruff speak at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Day One Luncheon from 11:30am–1:30 pm. Judy is a senior correspondent, former anchor and managing editor with PBS NewsHour. The Luncheon begins 168 days of remembrance leading up to April 19, 2024 and the 29th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Visit memorialmuseum. com for tickets.

FESTIVALS

Sept. 30 •

Plaza District Festival

The Plaza District Association has released their full music line­up for the 24th Annual Plaza District Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30, from noon ­ 10 pm, in The Plaza District, 1745 NW 16th St. The event is free, familyfriendly and open to the public. Performances begin on the Main Stage at noon. The ACM Stage will also host eight musical

Send

Paycom Center Events/Shows:

Oct. 14 • Volunteer Opportunity

The Workday exists as a ministry of RestoreOKC. To do practical deeds of justice and mercy that increase the safety, connection and physical beauty for its Northeast Oklahoma City neighbors. Every 2nd Saturday we come together to serve our Northeast Oklahoma City neighbors with home repairs and affordable housing as available at 2222 NE 27th St. from 8:30 am – 12 pm.

There is a 3­week sign­up notice for a group larger than 10 and a 2­week sign­up notice for individuals and groups smaller than five. Slot’s fill up fast, please only register people who have committed coming to the event. First/last name, email required for each adult and child participant when registering your team. Your group is okay with being split up. Please bring your own water and wear clothing that you don't mind getting paint, dirt, and sweat on. Wear comfortable and appropriate shoes to work in the garden, farm or on a home repair project. Projects: Most projects are outside and require physical labor. RestoreOKC provides all the materials and equipment for your project. Food and fellowship: Projects will reach a stopping point around 11:30 ish. Meet back at 2222 NE 27th St. for lunch. To ensure there is enough food, let them know if you'll stay for lunch in the comments section of the sign­up at volunteer.restoreokc.org.

performances. New this year, the Sofar Sounds stage joins Plaza Fest for the first time. Attendees will also find live music inside several of the Plaza District’s 50+ businesses and enjoy the artist market, food trucks and free kids area. For details, visit Plazafest.org.

THIS WEEKEND

Sept. 10 • Shining, Shimmering, Splendid: Sing Along with Phil Get ready to sing your heart out with the coolest penguin in town. Phil the Penguin is back for another great Discovery con­

PBR Freedom Fest ­ Sept. 8­10

Jelly Roll ­ Sept. 19

Koe Wetzel ­ Sept. 30

ODESZA ­ Oct. 12

Jason Aldean ­ Oct. 13

Nate Bargatze ­ Oct. 22

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks ­ Nov. 18­19

cert, and he’s bringing along the full OKC Philharmonic Orchestra and two special guest artists, Audrey Logan and Jordan Andrews, to perform all of your favorite songs from familiar classics to movie favorites. Get ready to dance and sing along with the OKCPHIL.

Sept. 10 • Darius Rucker

Former frontman for Hootie & the Blowfish comes to the Zoo Amphitheatre on Sunday. Special guest is Jameson Rodgers. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Visit thezooamphitheatre.com for tickets and other upcoming shows.

Ringling Bros Show ­ Dec. 15­17

Zoo Amphitheatre: Darius Rucker ­ Sept. 10

All American Rejects ­ Oct. 14

Civic Center Music Hall: Spider­Man, Spider Verse­Sept. 21

To Kill a Mockingbird ­ Oct. 10­15 Bluey’s Big Play ­ Oct. 17­18

Actors Take the Stage

Annie Funke, star of television, film, and Broadway, has returned home to launch the next phase of her entertainment career. Funke is an Edmond native and University of Oklahoma graduate who has worked consistently in film and television since 2014. Armed with a great reputation in the industry, the ability to audition remotely, and a desire to expand her storytelling opportunities, Funke has moved back to establish her business here in Oklahoma City.

Funke got her start with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, playing Jan in the musical Grease She earned two degrees from the University of Oklahoma before starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal off-Broadway, and then joining the Broadway cast of Hairspray. Funke made her film debut in the 2014 independent film A Most Violent Year, the same year she booked her first television show, The Affair.

Since then, Funke has played series regular Mae Jarvis in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, series regular Sheila in the Paramount Plus limited series The Offer, recurring character Ellie on the hit drama This is Us, and guest starring roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Chicago Fire. Her most recent film role is in the 2023 drama The Mattachine Family. And, she is booked for an upcoming television series called Wild Life, which should begin

production after the strike.

So why would Annie Funke move back to Oklahoma City? Because there is opportunity here.

Funke could live anywhere. Her resume and reputation ensure that she will keep working as an actress at a steady pace for the foreseeable future. But Oklahoma is her home. And, if she can live here and actually expand her entertainment business, then why not?

Funke is the latest Hollywood veteran to add their expertise, experience, and enthusiasm to the growing entertainment industry here in Oklahoma. The return of Oscar winner Gray Frederickson to Oklahoma City ignited a spark that has exploded into an industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year. It continues to attract Hollywood superstars back home, including network television star Rachel Cannon and network television writer and filmmaker Matt Payne, who now run Prairie Surf, a successful media company here and the largest studio in the southwest.

Ford Austin is another Hollywood veteran that has

Handel’s Messiah ­ Dec. 3

Tina Turner Muscial ­ Dec. 26­31

Other Events/Shows/Awards: Boots, Bandanas & BBQ ­ Sept. 8

Renaissance Ball ­ Sept. 8

Disney On Ice ­ Sept. 14­19

Oklahoma State Fair ­ Sept. 14­24

Ballet Under the Stars ­ Sept. 15

returned home and made a big impact.

Austin has an astounding 108 acting credits listed on IMDB (the Internet Movie Database) starting in 1973 with The Streets of San Francisco, Magnum P.I., Family Ties, & The Wonder Years. Austin is also a seasoned director with 39 credits and a producer with 82 credits. The diversity of his experience is astounding.

Since his return, Austin has done an excellent job integrating himself into the Oklahoma film industry. He is quick to share his expertise and always willing to listen, mentor, and collaborate with other filmmakers and creatives. Austin also does an excellent job representing the film industry to the broader business community through his participation in Leadership Oklahoma and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.

Fortunately, Annie Funke and Ford Austin are both working actors who also love theatre. Austin recently starred in the play Superstitions this spring for Oklahoma City Repertory Theater. And, Funke makes her OKC Rep debut next month in The Antelope Party, running Oct. 12-22 at Oklahoma Contemporary. Thanks to Oklahoma’s investment into the film and television industry, fabulous people are returning from Hollywood to make their magic here in Oklahoma. Welcome home.

Flight

Fashion

Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto at the Jim Norick Arena

For the first time, Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the #1 Animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA® and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before. This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can singalong to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more when Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto skates into Oklahoma City

playing from Sept. 14-19, at Jim Norick Arena, 3001 General Pershing Blvd.

Audiences will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and many more.

Narrating the captivating story of Frozen is Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer. Astounding iceskating transports families to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter.

Kristoff and Sven take fans along as they encounter wintry conditions in

a race to bring back summer.

After a very Frozen adventure, audiences will journey to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where they will meet the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita, her enchanted family home, alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and flowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and

reroute rivers. For the first time live, fans can witness Tia Pepa, who can control the weather with her emotions; her husband Felix; their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear; and Bruno, the mysterious and misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future.

In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. YOU are the magic!

Tickets can be purchased online at okstatefair.com or in-person at the OKC Fairgrounds box office.

Lotty Toddy! A month well-spent at Ole Miss

The Trent Lott Leadership Institute, headquartered at the University of Mississippi, focuses on the education and leadership development of high school and college students.

I attended the Lott Leadership Program for rising 12th graders over the summer— from June 25 to July 28. In taking college courses such as American Politics 101, Speech and Speechwriting and Leadership Perspectives, the 20 of us in the July cohort bonded together while learning about the fundamentals of becoming a leader in the United States today.

by John Hughes

CASADY COMMUNITY

I met individuals from as close to the university as Oxford, Miss., but as far away as Wiesbaden, Germany. The only student from Oklahoma and the first student from Casady ever to attend, I offered a unique perspective, including the Native American experience or what to do in the event of a tornado.

Every day, my roomate and I awoke to

ouralarm signaling that we had one hour to get across campus to the Lott building, where Dr. Elizabeth Moore, Dr. Robert Brown, and Dr. Melissa Jones—the cream of the crop of Ole Miss faculty— greeted us with smiles every class and fostered a relationship that will last a lifetime.

After class ended, the Lotties—as the counselors affectionately referred to us—went to lunch together, played card games together, watched TV together, went to the pool together and traveled off-campus together. Needless to say, the Lott cohort became extremely close during

our stay on campus from check-in to our week-long behind-thescenes trip to Washington, D.C.

Looking back, I am eternally grateful for this experience because it truly displayed right in front of my face what I value in life and in a leader. I found out it takes all kinds of people to make this world go around and in order to understand them, you must be open to learning about and observing their values.

The outstanding professors and helpful staff provided such an enriching experience that fortified my love of serving others.

Rocket pride is back on campus at Mount St. Mary

The Rockets are officially back on the Mount St. Mary campus! Excitement is in the air as the freshmen class settles in, sports teams begin their seasons, the first pep rally of the year is a great success and campus wraps up a long-standing MSM tradition, Howdy Week!

by Ainsley Greenhaw

Softball is off to a great start, Rocket volleyball is experiencing incredible success in their new 6A OSSAA

classification, cross country is experiencing a strong season start, Rocket football has a strong team this year and there is a new team on campus, the MSM pom team. The inaugural pom team at MSM is 15 members strong and looking forward to competing at OSSAA Game Day State and OSTDA State this fall.

Howdy Week is a fun-themed week where students participate in dress up days, learn school traditions and finish the week with the annual Howdy Dance!

There is something special in the air this year at MSM! The Rocket students are looking forward to a great year! Rocket pride!

ROCKET REPORT

NAME CHANGE

OF OKLAHOMA CV-2023-2103

In Re: The name of:) David LuWade Cook II) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that David LuWade Cook II has petitioned to change his/her name to David LuWade Quillen II. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 21 day of September, 2023, before Judge Ogden at 1:30 o’clock in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 1, 2023; Friday, September 8, 2023) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2-141 Vignolas Italian Kitchen, 23 W. 1st St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73003, an LLC hereby publishes notice of its intention to apply within sixty days from this date to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission for a Beer and Wine License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That it intend(s), if granted such license to operate as an Beer and Wine establishment with business premises located at 23 W. 1st St., Ste. 130 in Edmond, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, under the business name of Vignolas Italian Kitchen.

Dated this 28 day of August, 2023.

/s/Giovanni Stefano Vignola County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma.

Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Giovanni Stefano Vignola to me known to be the person(s) described in and who executed the foregoing application and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed.

/s/Jennifer Clark, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #13007871

My commission expires 08/27/2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Tom Lake

By Ann Patchett

The novel Tom Lake reads like life itself, full of surprises. Tom Lake is the name of a summer stock company and is also a theater in northern Michigan. The curtain rises in 2020, and this story begins. Production of Thornton Wilder’s beloved play “Our Town” is seen through the eyes of Lara Nelson as she tells her three daughters, Emily, Nell and Maisie the story of growing up with a love of acting and an ongoing romance with a real-life movie star, Peter Duke. Told by Lara as seen through her eyes, those of the mother, the story paints many pictures,

those of the farm, the family, the mother and daughter relationships, typical small-town life. Interesting people, neighbors, actors and stage crews give a vivid account of Tom Lake summer plays. The people tell of their lives as they lived them, each hoping to grow up normal in a world marked by the Pandemic and the past.

The author, Ann Patchett, is already appreciated for her weaving fine stories with such appeal that they have been translated into 30 languages at this time. They range in tales to non-fiction about the Amazon Jungle, family dynamics with an amazing narrative ability that blends with subtle twists in her plots. Her former work ranges in subject but promises intelligent consideration of whatever the topic. She has been the finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fic-

tion, and in 2002 both the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize for Fiction with the novel Bel Canto

The charm and fascination of Tom Lake swirls around the magic world of drama and spins off from there through the lives of Laura, the loving mother of the three girls who casually asked her to tell them about her love affair with a movie star as they were all picking cherries on the family farm in Michigan. The girls relearned what they thought they knew about the affair and the years as they delve into life, death and talents of the people involved. In the process, they learn a good deal about relationships through the story of the life of their mother before they were born.

Of course, the icing on the cake for this book is touching the friends one makes and experiencing “Our

Town” again. Uncle Wallace, Sebastian, Ripley, the Nelsons, the Holzapfels. Picturing these interesting people and feeling the vibes from Wilder as they appear in their roles from Stage Manager to national star as well as productive years on the farm is fascinating. The many heart tugs come with this beautiful book assure Patchett’s place in literature, and we applaud President Biden’s awarding her the National Humanities Medal for her contributions to American culture. The magnitude of her story -telling adds to the depth of reading Tom Lake Patchett deserves our praise for this beautiful book about what it means to be happy even when the world is falling apart. Read it and enjoy!

Thanks to Full Circle Bookstore for sharing these books with FRIDAY readers.

named a 2023 Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence nominee finalist

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City is pleased to announce it is a nominee finalist for Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Hotel (201-400 Guestrooms). Each year, the Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence honor, encourage and recognize the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers and leadership practices. The Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence are presented to historic hotels

and hoteliers demonstrating innovative leadership, stewardship and contribution to furthering the recognition, preservation, and celebration of these preeminent historic hotels and their histories.

Winners will be announced at the 2023 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala, which will take place at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona, on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 pm. The

award winners will be announced in front of an audience of owners, general managers, senior decision-makers and guests representing many of the finest historic hotels from around the world.

The Skirvin is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, for preserving and maintaining its historic integri-

The Last Night of Ballyhoo

Jewel Box Theatre will present “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” by Alfred Uhry from Oct. 5-22. Uhry is the author of “Driving Miss Daisy,” winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

“Ballyhoo” is a romantic comedy set in 1939 Atlanta. A charming Jewish family is preparing for the social event of the season, which coincides with the opening night of the film “Gone with the Wind.”

The cast includes Lilli Bassett as Beulah “Boo” Levy; Ed Spinelli

as her brother Adolph “Al” Freitag; Denise Hughes as their sisterin-law Rebecca “Reba” Freitag; Alix Golden as Boo’s daughter Lala; Caitlin Cairns as Reba’s daughter Sunny; Malachi Campbell as Al’s employee Joe Farkas; and Dillon Rasberry as well-to-do visitor Peachy Weil.

The play is directed by Jamie Brewster. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm.

For tickets go to JewelBoxOKC.com, or call 405-521-1786.

2023 Paseo Arts Awards announced

ty, architecture and ambiance.

“I can’t tell you how pleased we are to be nominated for such a prestigious award. The history of our city is written on the walls of our hotel, and it is our honor to continue that legacy of excellence in hospitality. Our history is a part of everything we do here at the Skirvin. Our history is who we are, and more so, why we are the way we are,” states Skirvin General Manager, Chase Rollins.

The 17th Annual Paseo Arts Awards Awardees have been announced. This year’s award recipients are: Louisa McCune, Lifetime Achievement Award; Ebony Iman Dallas, Artist of the Year Award; Deborah McAuliffe, Placemaking Award; Rick Lippert, Volunteer Award and Rick and Tracey Bewley, Public Art Award. “We believe that the act of recognition serves to educate the public about Oklahoma’s rich artistic community and its increasingly vibrant and robust contemporary arts culture,” says Amanda Bleakley, executive director. The Paseo Arts Asso-

ciation’s Annual Arts Awards were created to recognize and honor individuals who have contributed to artistic creativity in our state. By recognizing people through these awards, we hope to strengthen the Oklahoma art community. The awards dinner, ceremony and silent auction serve as a fundraiser for the Paseo Arts Association, helping to support arts programming and arts events year-round. Tickets will be available soon at thepaaok.org. For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 525-2688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org. Visit thepaaok.org/ paseo-arts-awards.

Locally-owned Business Directory

Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com

Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ

Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com

Boutique One 6478 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hill Plaza (405) 888-9822

boutiqueone.store

The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com

Carwin’s Shave Shop 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1197

carwinsshaveshop.com

Winter House 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1199

winterhouseinteriors.com

International Wigs 4429 NW 10th St, . Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 943-1233

Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com

23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com

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

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

Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com

Thrifty Pharmacy

10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852

230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond. com

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

Britton Feed & Seed 708 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 842-5590 britton-feed-seed.hub.biz

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

La Baguette Bistro 7408 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 840-3047 labaguettebistro.com

CK & Co.

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

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

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

Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138

Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126

All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com

Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com

Deer Clan Books 3905 N. College Ave. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 495-9005 deerclanbooks@gmail.com

First Liberty Bank 9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-4500 myfirstliberty.com

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

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

First Source Real Estate Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747

Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747

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

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

Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com

Amy Wade & Co. Real Estate Team Amy Wade - Listing Specialist 3000 E. Britton Rd. (405) 605-9195 Oklahoma City, OK 73131 AmyWadeandCo.com Renaissance Hardwood Floors 3608 E. I 35 Frontage Rd. Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 225-3044

Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500

Tim Hughes Custom Homes, LLC 7009 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 229-7504

Norma Harris Harris Realty Company 13800 Quail Pointe Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 (405) 740-0123

Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 www.pearlsokc.com

Locally-owned business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@okcfriday. com for more information.

Skirvin

“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.

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

VillagesOKC dives into podcasting

Have you heard our new podcast? I’ll admit I was skeptical at first and unsure, but after prodding by Amy Shirola, Villages- OKC administrative and finance director, I agreed to give it a try. Podcasting, that is. And, I’m so glad I did.

A podcasting pro, Amy guided me and other cohosts through a three-month, 12-episode season of “Empowering Independence,” a weekly podcast designed to educate and provide resources for aging successfully.

If you’re like me, you may not be familiar with podcasting. Amy had a simple description: “A podcast is the streaming age’s answer to radio.”

In 2004, the iPodder program was developed to let users download internet radio broadcasts to their Apple iPods. The word podcast is a combination of iPod and broadcast. While iPods are a thing of the past, podcasts are booming.

Today, podcasts are an extremely popular form of audio entertainment and have progressed beyond being downloadable radio shows. Each podcast is a series created by a host and then pub-

lished episode-by-episode online, where subscribers can then download and listen to each episode when it’s released.

Amy said, “People gain information many, many ways. To be relevant today and reach all age groups and personal preferences, VillagesOKC must appear to be everywhere and speaking in every voice.”

So, we dived into podcasting, and it’s been a wonderful addition to the ways we get the VillagesOKC message out to everyone. I am the host each week along with a co-host from another generation. The younger co-host is from the community or from the VillagesOKC staff.

Guests are VillagesOKC members whose varied and interesting careers provide 30 minutes of valuable experience just for listening. The first podcast season featured a former governor, a professional guardian, two downsizing experts for mature adults, and the CEO of a local nonprofit, NewView Oklahoma.

The recording session last week included a

physician with 20 years experience in the Emergency Room. Season two also has a teacher who raised a bobcat and wrote a book about it, a 34year-old father who is losing his sight and an episode about the GIFT, the starting point for many VillagesOKC members.

Season two of our podcast begins in early September. Empowering Independence is available on most podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and Amazon Music. We’d love it if you would leave a review to let us know how the conversations were helpful for you. For more information about Villages-OKC go to www.villagesokc.org.

‘Empowering Independence’ lineup

Here is a list of the diverse individuals featured in VillagesOKC’s first season of podcasting:

• Gov. Mary Fallin;

• Deputy Sheriff Tara Hardin;

• Dr. Paul Rothwell;

• Aging Unbounded with

Hon. Lance Robertson, Jeromy Buchanan and Karen Poteet;

• Shelley Stuchman;

• Attorney Rick Martin;

• Lauren Branch, NewView Oklahoma;

• Chris and Dr. Nikki Buckelew, Mature Moves;

• Mark and Glenn Cope,

Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics

• John Branscum, professional guardian;

• Ginny Curtis-Gillespie, Medicare specialist; and,

• Kay Stout, pet rescue consultant.

Former Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin prepares to record the initial Empowering Independence episode.

OKC FRIDAY in Australia

Whiz Kids seeking volunteer tutors

Chapel Hill United Methodist Church is looking for adults to help elementary school students with their reading, 3-5 p.m., after school on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays as part of its Whiz Kids program.

“If you can read, you qualify (must also be 18 years or older),” organizer Beth Hammack said.

Whiz Kids is a faith-based tutoring program of willing churches partnered with neighborhood schools. “We do one-to-one reading with children – predominantly second, third and fourth graders who read below their grade level,” Hammack said.

Chapel Hill’s partner school is Quail Creek Elementary. Teachers

and parents must sign their children up.

“We can have as many qualifying students as we have adult tutor volunteers,” Hammack said. “We offer a creative Bible lesson during snack time, and then the children meet with their assigned tutor to read a book of their choice.

“Tutors leave around 5 p.m. with a lot of joy of giving in their heart,” Hammack said.

Whiz Kids is looking for volunteers and subs for both the Tuesday and Thursday locations, as well as volunteer van drivers to transport the students. For more information, contact Beth Hammack at bethhammack@yahoo.com.

Erik Salazar and Christopher Lloyd took OKC FRIDAY down under to Sydney, Australia. Pictured here with the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. Be sure to pack your newspaper when you travel. Email photos to rose@okcriday.com.

OMRF

From Page 1

yielded diagnostics tests and three lifesaving drugs now available in hospitals and clinics worldwide. In the foundation’s Rheumatology and Multiple Sclerosis centers, clinicians care for more than 3,000 patients with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and MS.

“OMRF is one of Oklahoma’s crown jewels, and every Oklahoman should take pride in the work done here,” Cathy Keating said. “I hope that over the next year, thousands more Oklahomans will recognize the world-class medical research taking place right here in their home state.

The 1940s campaign to launch OMRF is a blueprint for 77 for 77. As in the ’40s, each district has local chairs who will host

events for local OMRF donors as well as legislators, educators and community stakeholders in 25 focus cities.

Kim Henry, a former teacher, announced a component of 77 for 77 designed to introduce younger Oklahomans to OMRF. The foundation has created a hands-on science experiment kit to distribute to seventhgrade classes in Oklahoma. OMRF will pilot the program in Marlow Public Schools and Putnam

City Schools this fall.

“This is a win-win for Oklahoma students,” she said. “We’ll inject critical support into our schools and open new avenues of learning for thousands of Oklahoma students.”

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who participated in cancer research fund drives for OMRF as a student in Putnam City Schools, called the foundation “a point of pride.”

“Thanks to OMRF’s incredible expansion, the foundation consistently raises Oklahoma City’s national reputation,” Holt said. “With each discovery, it draws the

attention of the world’s top researchers in cardiovascular biology, immunology, aging and genetics.”

U.S. Rep Stephanie Bice (OK-05) noted that over the past two decades, OMRF scientists have won more than $500 million in research grants from the National Institutes of Health.

“These federal dollars are fiercely competitive,” Bice said, “and they have yielded significant returns for Oklahomans and all Americans.”

OMRF’s story is unique among the nation’s more than 80

SLAVONIC

From Page 1

operating officer and chief management officer for the Department of the Navy. Additionally, he oversaw intelligence activities, intelligence-related activities, special access programs, critical infrastructure,and sensitive activities within the department.

Slavonic retired from the U.S. Navy/Navy Reserve after a 34-year career. He began by enlisting as a seaman recruit and concluded a distinguished career attaining the rank of rear admiral. During his Navy career he held four command assignments, served in combat deployments to Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His final assignment was as the Navy’s sixth special assistant to chief of information (CHINFO)

independent research institutes, Weyrich told attendees at the event.

“To the best of our knowledge, OMRF is the only one created from a statewide campaign. And 77 years later, we’ve grown to house more than 50 labs and two lifechanging clinics, thanks largely to the many Oklahomans who have continued to support our mission.”

For information about OMRF’s 77 for 77 campaign, including when Weyrich and foundation staff is to be in your community, visit omrf.org/ 77.

and director of Public Affairs Program (Reserve). He also served as the cochairman for the design and building of the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor to remember the 429 sailors and marines who served aboard the battleship and lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941.

“I am honored and humbled the Commission has confidence in the job I've done the past five months to ask me to remain as the Executive Director.” Slavonic said. “I've enjoyed leading a dedicated, committed team of professionals who are focused on the mission to ensure our veterans receive the best care possible. There is still much more work to do and problems to solve, but I look forward to the daily challenges."

Slavonic’s service awards include Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon and many other service and campaign medals.

Above: From left, OMRF Board Chairman Len Cason, Pat Schonwald, OMRF Ambassador Paul Cason and Fred Schonwald. At left: From left, Former Gov. Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry, Amy Weyrich and OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., Former First Lady Cathy Keating and Gov. Frank Keating at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 77 for 77 OKC Kickoff Event.