ArtNow 2025
Cindi Shelby and Allied Arts President and CEO Sunny Cearley at the kickoff, Party with a Purpose, for Oklahoma Contemporary’s biennial exhibition. Page 2
Home Tour
This year’s beloved tradition opens the doors to some of the city’s most remarkable homes and invites attendees to celebrate the living legacy of Heritage Hills. Page 13
OKC FRIDAY
Vol. 59 No. 21• One Section • 14 pages • September 26, 2025 $1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday
OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news
Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills & The Village for 51 years
Habitat for Humanity begins construction on homes in The Village
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
After more than two years of preparation, volunteers for Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity began framing two of three homes scheduled for construction on land donated by Our Lord’s Lutheran Church, 2900 W. Hefner Rd. in The Village. However, construction of the homes came with considerable debate from neighbors worried about flooding, additional street traffic and curbside parking.
Neighboring residents filled The Village council chamber in August of 2023 to register their opposition to construction of what were then four proposed homes on the property. Residents addressed the council for nearly two hours, citing their opposition before a rare split vote by council members approved the resolution to accept the final plat of the
Habitat PUD on donated property owned by Our Lord’s Church in The Village.
Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity collaborated with the City of The Village to extend sewer lines and implement other improvements to address concerns raised at city council meetings.
Johnson & Associates LLC, a civil engineering firm that works closely with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, made the required changes to the final plat to address residents’ concerns.
The firm offered its services free of charge to the non-profit organization dedicated to building homes for lowincome families who otherwise would not be able to afford a home of their own.
The firm’s employees and owners contributed more than $43,400 to construct a retention
See HABITAT, Page 7
Johnson & Associates LLC’s professional land surveyor Jason Harvey lifts and sturdies a house frame while volunteering and helping to frame a new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity home in The Village. Harvey joined over 30 dedicated volunteers from the civil engineering firm where he works, as well as volunteers from various churches, to help the nonprofit build affordable housing in Central Oklahoma.
Author tapped to write NHills book
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
The City of Nichols Hills celebrates its 100year anniversary in 2029, and to mark this milestone the city’s centennial committee has commissioned historian and biographer Michael J. Hightower, PhD. to research, write and publish a book about the history of Nichols Hills. During its September meeting, the Nichols Hills City Council approved a contract to compensate Hightower up to $115,200 to write the book, or $4,800 per month Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027. Beginning in 2028, Hightower’s primary role is to take part in marketing the book. The contract says he is to invoice the city at a
See NHILLS, Page 7
Fridayland students are named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
By Rose Lane Editor
Thirty-three Fridayland students are among more than 16,000 to be named semifinalists in the 71st
annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
These academically-talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National
Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semi-finalists must fulfill several requirements to
FRIDAY’s
Lucy is excited about the Greek Festival coming up! OPA. The event is set for this Friday, today, through Sunday, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2101 NW 145. For more information, visit greekfestokc.com
Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
advance to the finalist level of the competition.
About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists win a National
Let’s do the time warp again! Back by popular demand, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma proudly presents the return of “The Rocky Horror Show!”
A cult favorite with loyal fans and newbies alike, Lyric is bringing its Texas-themed live production back to glorious life, promising to have audiences shiver with antici … –pation! “The Rocky Horror Show” is directed by Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron, and runs Oct. 2 - Nov. 1 at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16th St. Tickets are now on sale at LyricTheatreOKC.org and by phone at (405) 524-9312, from 12-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
Our semifinalists, listed with the high school they attend, are:
See MERITS, Page 11
In this cult-classic musical, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire in a storm, seek assistance at the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter. Surrounded by an eclectic group of house guests, the scientist unveils his newest creation, a Frankenstein-esque monster in the form of a physically perfect muscle man named Rocky. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet are introduced to a houseful of wild characters, who lead the audience in the iconic dance, “The Time Warp.” Lyric’s production stars
See LYRIC,
ArtNow 2025: Party with a Purpose
Oklahoma Contemporary’s ArtNow: Party with a Purpose serves as the opening night of the gallery’s biennial ArtNow exhibition. The 2025 “Materials and Boundaries” explores identity, place and experimentation through boundary-pushing practices and material innovation, offering a fresh and nuanced vision of contemporary Okla-
Co-Chairman of the ArtNow 2025: Party with a Pur pose event Collins Peck and Megan Gelmers.
homa. At left: From left, Rex Urice, Oklahoma Contemporary Founder and President Chris Keesee, Annie Bohanon and Becky McCubbin, who was celebrating her birthday.
- Photos by Rose Lane
At left: In black and white are Cindi Shelby and Allied Arts President and CEO Sunny Cearley. Above: Oklahoma Contemporary Executive Director Trent Riley and Mary Ellen Gumerson. At right: Riley Forbes and Sydney King.
TASTE celebrates Mexican heritage
Andie and Larry Schwab help celebrate Mexican heritage during the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine’s TASTE 2025 event, which included a variety of Mezcal, margaritas, and Mexican beers, along with mouthwatering al pastor meats marinated with chilies and garlic, served with fresh tortillas and an array of fiesta favorites. Entertainment was provided by the
The shrine serves two missions: promote devotion to Blessed Stanley Rother and serve the growing Hispanic population in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, especially in the Oklahoma City metro area. Above: All in the family — the Shrine’s Father Don Wolf, center, with his brother, Roy Wolf, left, and nephew, Adam Wolf.
Above: From left, Manny and Anne Sanchez and Veronica Regan.
Norahua Mexican Folkloric Dancers.
- Photos by Rose Lane
FOOTBALL | WEEK 4 PREVIEW: MARIETTA AT CROSSINGS CHRISTIAN • FRIDAY, 7 P.M.
Knights entertain Marietta in district home opener
Coming off a bye week, the Crossings Christian football team kicks off district play this Friday night.
The Knights (2-1) host Marietta in the District 2AI-2 opener for both teams, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. in OKC FRIDAY’s Spotlight Game for Week 4.
Crossings Christian suffered a 48-0 loss to OCS in Week 2, following opening wins against KIPP-Tulsa and Dallas-Greenhill.
Marietta also boasts
a 2-1 record in non-district play, including wins at Madill and Rush Springs sandwiched around a 28-7 home loss to Healdton.
The Knights are the only Fridayland team with a home game in Week 4.
Undefeated McGuinness hopes to continue its early-season winning streak with a trip to Classen SAS in the District 5A-1 opener.
The Irish (4-0) scored 31 points over the second and third quarters
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.
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to pull away for a 38-14 win at Bishop Carroll (Kan.), as quarterback Gage Chance accounted for four touchdowns.
Mount St. Mary rides a wave of momentum into a District 2AI-1 opener at Crooked Oak.
The Rockets (3-0) dominated Casady in a 66-3 victory last Friday night. Quarterback
Roman Manella threw four TD passes to three different receivers.
Heritage Hall puts its 80-game district
WEEK 4 SCHEDULE
Friday, September 26
Casady at Alva
Marietta at Crossings Christian Deer Creek at Enid Heritage Hall at North Rock Creek John Marshall at Guthrie McGuinness at Classen SAS Mount St. Mary at Crooked Oak PC North at PC West Note: All games kick off at 7 p.m., unless noted.
winning streak on the line at North Rock Creek in Shawnee in District 3A-1.
The Chargers (2-1) cruised to a 43-6 win over Millwood last week, behind four total
FOOTBALL | WEEK 3 ROUNDUP
TDs from quarterback Teagan Lawson. Deer Creek (0-3) opens District 6AI-1 at Enid after home losses to McGuinness, Edmond Memorial and at Norman North. In other games, Casady (0-3) travels to Alva in District 2AII-1; John Marshall (0-3) heads to powerhouse Guthrie in District 5A2; and PC North (0-3) visits district rival PC West to open District 6AII-2 play.
– By Jason Jewell
Rockets’ offense overpowers Casady
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Dominating almost from the start, the Mount St. Mary football team overwhelmed Fridayland rival Casady in a 66-3 victory last Friday night at Glass Family Field.
“Our players accepted the challenge 100 percent,” second-year
coach J.D. Runnels said after the game. “We made some mistakes, but we’re feeling pretty good.”
The Rockets (3-0), which completed a second straight undefeated non-district schedule, scored on their first three possessions.
Quarterback Roman Manella tossed an 11yard touchdown pass to Zechariah Robinson and nine yards to Jake Allison bracketed around an 8-yard run by running back Christian Tschudy.
Manella ended the first half with TD passes to Zach Wiley for 13 yards and 51 yards to Allison. Wiley also broke free for a 65-yard punt return with just under a minute left in the half.
Casady (0-3) got on the board in the first quarter with a 45-yard field goal by Frank Ross.
CHARGERS RUN OVER MILLWOOD
Heritage Hall jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 43-6 win over Millwood last Friday at Pop Murray Field.
Quarterback
Teagan
Lawson accounted for four touchdowns in the first half for the Chargers (2-1). Lawson threw three TD passes to Jerrod Williams for 43 yards, Porter England for 17 yards and Rhett Davis for nine yards to go along with a 9-yard run.
IRISH DOWN BISHOP CARROLL
McGuinness completed its perfect nondistrict schedule with a 38-14 victory at Bishop
Carroll (Kan.) last Friday night.
Quarterback Gage Chance led the Irish (40) with three touchdown passes to Braydon Splitt for 20 yards, Nick Pitman for five yards and Jacob Husen for 12 yards and a 1yard run. J.R. Harris returned a interception 85 yards for a TD. Kicker Robert Lehr connected on a 27-yard field goal and converted all four extra-point attempts.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Mount St. Mary tailback Christian Tschudy (4) gets tackled by Casady’s Kyler Tice (1) and Jozeph Pikula during last Friday night’s football game.
- Photo by Angela Boulware, @44thstphotography
VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP
Rockets shut out Cyclones
Dominating from the start, the Mount St. Mary volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 sweep over Fridayland rival Casady last week.
Isabella Williams paced the Class 5A No. 3 Rockets (18-9) with 10 kills, five digs, four service aces and a block.
Annabel Hedrick recorded eight digs and was a perfect 18-for-18 in serves, while Cheyenne Denwalt added seven digs, two aces and one assist.
The 3A No. 3 Cyclones (13-9) also endured a 3-1 loss at 4A No. 8 Christian Heritage.
Kherington Lane collected a team-best 18 kills and eight digs. Amanda Mullen boasted 10 kills, five aces and
13 digs, and London Le chipped in 27 digs.
Mount St. Mary competes this weekend at the Yukon Invitational and visits Christian Heritage on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Casady ended its season last Tuesday against Millwood.
IRISH SWEEP TULSA WASHINGTON
5A No. 1 McGuinness raised its winning streak to five games with a pair of sweeps last week at 5A No. 6 Tulsa-Booker T. Washington and Tulsa-Bishop Kelley. The Irish host PC North on Oct. 2.
ANTLERS OUTLAST NORMAN NORTH
CROSS COUNTRY ROUNDUP
Charger girls run to 2nd at Jones
With a combined eight runners in the top 25, the Casady girls cross country team finished second and the Heritage Hall boys took third at the Jones Longhorn Run last weekend.
The Charger girls also grabbed third place, with the Cyclone boys in fourth and Harding Charter Prep boys in sixth place.
Casady’s Billy Mathis led a large group of Fridaylanders in the top 25 with a runner-up finish at Jones. Mathis completed the 5-kilometer course just about nine seconds off the winning pace in 18:02.93, as teammate Isaac Heide-
brecht came in third place in 18:28.42.
Hope Fahler paced the Cyclone girls with a fourth-place effort in the 2-mile race.
Four athletes from Heritage Hall grabbed spots in the top 10, including Dylan Orcutt in sixth place, Kaylee Norman in eighth, along with Finn Martin and Brooklyn Moore in ninth place.
Harding Charter Prep’s Andy Sac also cracked the top 10 in seventh place.
ANTLERS
TAKE 3RD AT SANTA FE
Keyed by four athletes in the top 25, the Deer Creek boys claimed third place and the girls were fourth at the Edmond Santa Fe Pack Run last weekend. Mason Storozyszyn
Deer Creek recorded a pair of victories last week, including a 5-set marathon win at Norman North and a 3-0 sweep at 6A No. 12 Mustang.
The Antlers (6-16) hosted 6A No. 3 Edmond Santa Fe last Thursday.
CHARGERS FALL AT BETHANY
Heritage Hall split two games last week, highlighted by a 5-set loss at 4A No. 3 Bethany and opened with a 3-1 victory over 4A No. 8 CHA.
The 3A No. 4 Chargers (14-8) visited Fridayland rival Mount St. Mary last Thursday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
led the Antlers with a sixth-place finish in the 5K race. Quinten Hoogs garnered 15th place, while Aiden Taylor came in 16th and Drew Reed in 18th place.
Graycie Lucas and Emily Clark also cracked the top 25 for the Antler girls in 13th and 15th place, respectively.
PC North’s Toni Ibarra ran to 36th place and Noah Warfield grabbed 72nd for the Panthers.
ROCKETS PLACE AT TECUMSEH
Three Mount St. Mary athletes cracked the top 25, as the Rocket boys placed fifth at the North Canadian Conference meet at Tecumseh.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Chargers take down Cyclones
Breaking open a close game with a pair of runs in the fifth inning, the Heritage Hall softball team pulled away for a 4-0 victory over Fridayland rival Casady last Monday.
Addi Thompson and Amelia Smith recorded two hits each to lead the Chargers (19-0), as Thompson belted a double and drove in a run and Smith doubled and scored twice.
KeKe Jobes and Kenzie Wells accounted for hits for Heritage Hall.
Thompson also picked up the pitching victory, striking out 10 Cyclones and allowing just a hit over four innings.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Wells and Deede Douglas collected hits for Casady (5-13). Wells surrendered four runs on four hits, and struck out four over six innings in the pitching setback.
Heritage Hall hosts Crossings Christian this Monday in a doubleheader, and the Cyclones entertain OKC Bronchos home school team.
PC North pitcher Jayda Stevenson threw a no-hitter with eight strikeouts in a win over Southeast.
PANTHERS DOWN SOUTHEAST
Jumping out to an early lead, PC North cruised to an 8-0 win against Southeast last Monday afternoon.
Savannah Martinez batted 3-for-3 with a double, drove in three runs and scored another to lead the Panthers (518). Presley Standridge recorded a pair of hits and three runs scored.
Kayleigh Andrews, Kayla Orton and Mikala Coats accounted for the other hits, as Andrews scored twice and Orton drove in two runs.
Pitcher Jayda Stevenson tossed a no-hitter over three innings with eight strikeouts in the victory.
PC North visits Lawton Eisenhower this Friday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
- Photo by Richard Clifton,
CALENDAR
FESTIVALS
Oct. 319 • Wings Fall Festival
This familyfriendly Fall Festival raises funds for the programs at Wings Special Needs Community. The festival is three weekends in October, Fridays and Saturdays 10 am – 6 pm and Sundays 1 – 6 pm at Wings’ new location, 1349 E. Wilshire Blvd. For $8, the festival features a play patch with bounce houses, petting zoo, pumpkin train, inflatables and yard games as well as a pumpkin market, and membermade handcrafted goods. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Wings Day Program. Visit wingsok.org for more information.
FUNDRAISERS
Nov. 3 • Day One Luncheon
The OKC National Memorial Museum presents its Day One Luncheon, beginning 168 Days of Remembrance exploring reconciliation, healing and forgiveness while looking back on a day of darkness, years of light and our journey of hope across Oklahoma. For more information visit memorialmuseum.com/dayone.
THIS WEEKEND
Sept. 2628 • Greek Festival
The St. George Greek Orthodox Church 39th Annual Greek
Sept. 27 • Fiestas de las Américas
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Plaza Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill, 319 SW 25th St. Fiestas de las Américas Parade & Street Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Historic Capitol Hill District and celebrates the beauty, flavors, and talent of the Américas. The celebration kicks off at 11 am with the Grand Parade of the Americas, featuring nearly 100 entries from schools, community groups and cultural organizations. Then, enjoy an unforgettable day filled with food trucks, mercado artisan markets, artist exhibition, kids zone, live music and dance performances on two stages.
Festival is Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm at 145th and N. Pennsylvania. Enjoy authentic Greek dinners and a la carte favorites, live Greek music, dancers, church tours, as well as shopping, art, face painting and inflatables. Visit greekfestokc.com for details.
Sept. 27 • Plaza District Festival
The 26th Annual Plaza District Festival will take place on Saturday, from noon11 pm with live music, art, family fun and more. The festival coincides with the 10th Annual Plaza Walls Mural Expo and highlights a wide array of Oklahomabased performing artists, visual artists, a robust Kids' Area with free activities for kids of all ages, and over 60 awardwinning local businesses. Visit plazafest.org for details and entertainment lineup.
Sept. 27 •
Michael W. Smith
MultiPlatinum singersongwriter, Michael W. Smith, is excited to come to Rose State College Performing Arts Center with his Beyond the Far Horizon Tour. Smith’s is bringing a reimagined live show to this tour featuring brand new music that ventures into new creative ground, while still resonating with longtime fans through beloved hits and uplifting worship moments. Visit okcciviccenter.com for tickets.
Sept. 27 • ShakestoberFest
This free, funfilled gettoknowus, indoor/outdoor festival is from 2 – 6 pm at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, 2920 Paseo. There will be live music, stage combat demos, improv classes, face painting, book sign
ings, food vendors and a tavern.
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Imagine stepping inside a giant pop-up book where larger-than-life animal relatives greet you and the seasons change around you. Last week, First Americans Museum (FAM) debuted the FAMily Discovery Center (FDC), a two-story, 5,000-sqft attraction that transforms the wonder of a pop-up book into a full-scale adventure.
Designed for children, families and learners of all ages, the FDC combines STEAM-inspired activities, hands-on play, immersive storytelling and groundbreaking visuals to create a first-of-its-kind experience.
“There is nowhere else like the FAMily Discovery Center,” said Dr. Kelli Mosteller (Citizen Potawatomi
Nation), FAM Executive Director. “It creates an important opportunity for all who visit to experience how deeply our Indigenous cultures are interwoven with the lands we call home –whether these are our ancestral homelands or not.”
At the heart of the FDC are The Fab Six, animal relatives inspired by traditional clan systems. Grandma Turtle, Rabbit, Deer, Coyote, Grandma Spider, and Red Tail Hawk welcome visitors into a vibrant forest filled with activities, scavenger hunts and cultural stories that celebrate the 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. Special lighting and soundscapes transform the space as the seasons shift and day turns to
Thunderbird Drone Festival
The Thunderbird Drone Festival touches down in Tulsa next month to celebrate its fifth anniversary as Oklahoma’s only drone festival and one of the premiere drone festivals in the world. The two-day celebration takes place on Oct. 9-10 at the OSU-Tulsa Conference Center at 700 N. Greenwood Ave., offering a comprehensive exploration of drone technology across a variety of business sectors.
For film lovers, opening night is the best night to attend. The drone film festival starts at 7:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 9, and features drone films from around the world and across Oklahoma. More than 150 films were submitted. The very best in each category will screen at the festival. Categories include Documentary, Landscape, Sports, Showreel and other technical categories like FPV or First Person View.
At this point, you may be wondering what a drone film is. A drone film is simply a short film that is filmed using a camera that is attached to a drone. Some of the films include a story, like documentary films about the effect of a volcano eruption in Hawaii or the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, while others offer a collection of amazing aerial footage
from a specific location like Bangladesh or Shanghai. The sports films are typically the most exciting, capturing big wave surfers in action or following race cars around a track.
As a festival judge for the past five years, I can confirm that the films are extraordinary. But drone films are only a small part of what makes this drone festival so fascinating.
The Thunderbird Drone Festival is equally known for its Sky High Shootout FPV Races, a competition where participants operate radio-controlled drones equipped with onboard cameras and race them through obstacle courses. The operator is only able to see what the drone camera sees. Teams from around the world travel in for these races.
Most arrive wearing full team racing gear covered with sponsor logos.
Another fan favorite is the 200-drone light show from Dynamic Skies out of Edmond.
Dynamic Skies is Oklahoma’s leading drone entertainment company founded by aviation veteran and aeronauti-
night, allowing visitors to experience a full year in the forest within the span of an hour.
Visitors can discover 114 Oklahoma plants, animals and ecosystems while experiencing Indigenous values of respect, resilience, stewardship, and community – values that connect everyone.
As they wander through the forest, visitors will hear the voices of acclaimed artists, including Joy Harjo, (Muscogee) the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, and actor, writer, singer, and prolific audiobook narrator, Commander John Herrington (Chickasaw), NASA astronaut who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in 2002 and actor Shaun Taylor-
cal researcher Brad Snelling and entrepreneur Will Clay. This dynamic duo creates the drone shows you see at Thunder Fan Fest, Scissortail Park, the Oklahoma Cross Project and every year as the opening night finale at Thunderbird. If you need a drone light show at your event, check out dynamicskies.com. The Thunderbird Drone Festival always includes outstanding speakers and panel discussions with aviation experts from NASA, FAA, U.S. Air Force, and the fabulous aerospace program at Oklahoma State University led by Dr. Jamey Jacob. This year’s keynote will be delivered by David Zahn; a NASA Ames Research Pilot and Principal Investigator for NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility research located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. David served as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in the U.S. Army and is an Air Medal recipient for MEDEVAC missions flown in Iraq. Make plans to attend the fifth annual Thunderbird Drone Festival in Tulsa on Oct. 9-10. It is the perfect opportunity to witness how Oklahomans are leading the way into the future. For tickets, schedule, and additional information, please visit thunderbirddronefestival.com
Corbett (Blackfeet), among others. Traditional motifs and cultural values are woven throughout the space, reflecting the stories of many different Indigenous cultures. By embedding these perspectives into every design choice, the FDC ensures that Indigenous families see their stories come to life. At the same time, non-Native visitors recognize the natural world and learn something new about the stories, values, and traditions that connect people across cultures.
Timed-entry tickets are on sale at famok.org, and entry into the FDC is included in the general admission price. Families should reserve their tickets now to be among the first to experience this brand-new space.
NHILLS
From Page 1
rate of $80 per hour for hours committed to the project.
“With deep family roots in Nichols Hills, Mr. Hightower is personally invested in preserving and sharing the story of our city,” said Shane Pate, Nichols Hills city manager. “This book, designed in a coffee table-style format, will be available for public purchase. A portion of the proceeds received by the city will be used to support projects and events celebrating our centennial.”
Hightower is the son of Frank and Dannie Bea Hightower and grew up in Heritage Hills. He is a 1973 graduate of Casady School.
His father owned the Hightower Building in downtown Oklahoma City where he operated The Cellar Restaurant and The Hightower store. His mother, nearing her 101st birthday, is well known as a supporter of the arts in Oklahoma City.
Hightower and his family moved to Charlottesville, Va. in 2002 where he earned a PhD in sociology at the University of Virginia and taught there until launching his writing career in 2009. Virginia is where is where his blended family of five children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren live. He bought
LYRIC
From Page 1
Dallas-based actor Lee Walter returning to the role of Frank ‘N’ Furter, Logan R. Wright (last seen in Lyric’s “Waitress”) as Brad, and Sierra Sikes (last seen in Lyric’s “Oklahoma!”) as Janet.
“It’s the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and what better way to celebrate than at Lyric Theatre,” said Baron. “We’ve been performing it live on stage for almost 20 years, where we’ve set the show in a ‘50s drive-in, a
HABITAT
From Page 1
pond to address concerns of potential flooding raised by neighboring residents during public meetings.
“We are thrilled to begin the construction of two of the three homes we plan to build on the lots of land donated in The Village by Our Lord’s Luteran Church,” said Ann Felton Gilliland, Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Chairman/ CEO. “I guess you could call it a ‘blessed event’ because building these affordable homes has been a long time coming.
“We are grateful to our volunteers and supporters from Our Lord’s Lutheran Church, Johnson & Associates and the City of The Village,” said Felton Gilliland.
“Thanks to them, three new families will soon be able to call this small, affordable housing community home.”
a second home near Lake Hefner when he started to find book-writing opportunities in Oklahoma.
Hightower said he learned of the opportunity to write a book focusing on the 100th Anniversary of Nichols Hills from his friend Nick Berry.
“My good friend Nick is a well-known artist and great grandson of G.A. Nichols,” said Hightower in a recent interview. “Nick told me that Nichols Hills residents were interested in publishing a history of their community as part of its centennial celebration.”
G.A. Nichols, an early day Oklahoma City real estate developer, is the founder of
sideshow, an ‘80s glam/rock club, and a southern gothic mansion. For our 2022 production, we took our cue from a line the narrator shares early in the show: ‘It seemed a fairly ordinary night when Brad Majors, and his fiancée Janet Weiss ... two ordinary healthy kids...left Denton that late November evening…’ Jeffrey Meek, our fabulous resident costume designer, proposed that we set the show in Denton, Texas … because what’s scarier than Texas! It was such a huge hit with audiences we decided to bring it back with a few
Nichols Hills. He planned and developed the upscale residential community which opened in 1929.
“I’ve written lots of articles and several narrative histories and biographies,” he said, “but I’ve never written a booklength history of a community using contemporary oral history interviews, so I was grateful and excited to take on a new challenge.”
Since 2009, Hightower has authored nine books with Oklahoma-related subject matter. His three most recent books are 1889: The Boomer Movement, The Land Run and Early Oklahoma City (2018); At War with Corruption: A Biography of Bill Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma (2021); and Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer and Common Man’s Congressman (2025).
Hightower is currently doing background reading in preparation for launching his Nichols Hills project in January. He said sources for this next book include published books, articles and reports about the community; the Oklahoma Historical Society and Nichols Hills archives, the Library of Congress and oral history interviews.
“I’m aiming for publication in 2029, or maybe late 2028 if all goes smoothly,” he said. “I want this to coincide with the Nichols Hills centennial celebration.”
new surprises! It has everything you love about ‘Rocky Horror,’ but with a Texas-sized twist!”
Lyric’s live production is fully participatory. Patrons are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters from the show, and audience participation prop boxes will be available to purchase in the theatre lobby. (Outside props are not permitted.)
The original production of “The Rocky Horror Show” premiered in London in 1973 and ran for a total of 2,960 performances. In 1975, the production opened on Broadway
at the Belasco Theatre; that same year, it was adapted into the cultclassic film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” starring Tim Curry and featuring Meatloaf and the show’s writer, Richard O’Brien.
MICHAEL HIGHTOWER
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 19, 2025; Friday, September 26, 2025; Friday, October 3, 2025) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. FD-2025-1267 In Re the Marriage of: JeMarcus Fleming, ) Petitioner, ) and ) Desephanie Fleming, ) Respondent. ) NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility. You must answer the Petition on or before the 27 day of October, 2025, or the Petition will be taken as true and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 12 day of September, 2025. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Lisa Stephens Deputy (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 26, 2025; Friday, October 3, 2025) 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,
Quick Stop LLC, 1501 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK
(SEAL)
by publishes notice of its intention to
this
/s/Thrivikram N. Lekkala County of Collin, State of Texas.
Before me, the undersigned notary
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 26, 2025; Friday, October 3, 2025) 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 Britton
Quick Stop LLC, 1501 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73120, 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 Retail Wine License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That it intend(s), if granted such license to operate as a Retail Wine establishment with business premises located at 1501 W. Britton Rd. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, 73120 under the business name of Bison Xpress.
Dated this 18 day of September, 2025.
/s/Thrivikram N. Lekkala County of Collin, State of Texas.
Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Thrivikram Lekkala 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 08/27/2029
Alcohol BeverAge license
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA PC-2025-05
Notice is hereby given that an Ordinance amending the final plats of (a) Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed of record on October 8, 1929, in Book 22 of Plats, Page 44 (“Nichols Hills”), (b) Business Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed of record on March 21, 1931, in Book 23 of Plats, Page 72 (“Business Section”), (c) Amended Plat of Blocks A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, 3 & 26, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed of record on May 15, 1933, in Book 23 of Plats, Page 49 (“Amended Plat of Blocks A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, 3 & 26”), (d) Re-Survey of Block 37, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed of record on January 15, 1936, in Book A, Plat Survey Book, Page 20, (e) Buttram
Estates Section to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, recorded February 11, 1938, in Book 32 of Plats, Page 22 (“Buttram Estates”), (f) Section 2 Buttram
Estates Section to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, a Subdivision of a Part of Block 84, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, filed of record on May 25, 1964, in Book 44 of Plats, Page 18 (“Buttram Estates 2”), (g) Resubdivision of Lot 3, Block 86, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, recorded July 28, 1969, in Book 42 of Plats, Page 25 (“Resubdivision of Lot 3, Block 86”), (h) A Resubdivision of Lots 2, 4, 5 & 6, Block 86, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma , filed of record June 20, 1968, in Book 42 of Plats, Page 71 (“Resubdivision of Lots 2, 4, 5 & 6, Block 86”), (i) Section 3 Buttram Estates Section to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, a Subdivision of a Part of Block 84, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, recorded March 2, 1971, in Book 43 of Plats, Page 68 (“Buttram Estates 3”), (j) Replat of Lot 4, Block 35, Nichols Hills to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, filed of record on February 1, 1972, in Book 43 of Plats, Page 11 (“Replat of Lot 4, Block 35”), (k) Blocks 36A and 36B Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, a Replat of Part of Lot 1 and all of Lot 3, Block 36, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, filed of record on March 28, 1973, in Book 44 of Plats, Page 18 (“Blocks 36A and 36B”), (l) Block 36C, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, a Replat of Lot 2, Block 36, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, filed of record on December 31, 1984, in Book 52 of Plats, Page 53 (“Block 36C”), (m) Replat of Fee Section Buttram Estates, a Subdivision of a Part of Block 84, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and a Replat of Lot 37, Section 2 Buttram Estates Section to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, filed of record on November 1, 1993, in Book 55 of Plats, Page 28 (“Fee Section Buttram Estates”), and (n) the Final Plat of Cumberland Court, being a replat of Lots 1-11 Block 4 and Cumberland Drive as shown on the Plat Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma (also referred to as the Business Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma) recorded in Book 23 of Plats, Page 72 and being a replat of Lots 14-25 Block 5, and Cumberland Drive as shown on the recorded plat of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed of record in Book 22 of Plats, Page 44, being filed of record on July 27, 2017, in Book 75 of Plats, Page 77 (“Cumberland Court”), all in the office of the Oklahoma County Clerk, will be considered at public hearings to be held by the Nichols Hills Planning Commission and the Nichols Hills City Council. The public hearing for the Nichols Hills Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., and the public hearing for the Nichols Hills City Council will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Both public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma 73116. The final plat of Nichols Hills and the final plat of the Business Section are located within the boundaries of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, as depicted below:
The real property within the final plat of Nichols Hills and the final plat of Business Section is located in a part of the SE/4, a part of the NE/4, the NW/4, and a part of the NE/4 of the SW/4, all being a part of Section 5, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, and the S/2 of the SW/4 of Section 32, T13N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, all in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. An individual plat is sometimes referenced herein as a “Plat” and one or more or all plats are sometimes referenced herein as the “Plats”. The purpose of the Ordinance is to remove from each plat identified herein an illegal discriminatory restrictive covenant which in part contains the following or similar language:
Ownership Or Occupancy By Negroes Prohibited: None of the lots shown on said plat shall be conveyed, leased or given to and no building erected thereon shall be used, owned or occupied by any person of African decent (sic), commonly known as Negroes.
Both the final plat of Nichols Hills and the final plat of Business Section contain such discriminatory language. While the discriminatory language varies somewhat from plat to plat, any reiteration of such language in any plat is referenced herein as “Discriminatory Language”. Although the Discriminatory Language is no longer legally enforceable pursuant to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Shelly v. Kraemer, 334 U.S. 1 (1948), the provisions of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 3601 et seq., and 11 O.S. § 42-106.1(E), such language remains part of the Plats identified herein. Title 11 O.S. § 42-106.1(E) provides a process for the removal of the Discriminatory Language by means of an Ordinance amending a plat or plats (“Amendment”) after consideration by the Nichols Hills Planning Commission and approval by the Nichols Hills City Council. Except for the Discriminatory Language, the remainder of each of the Plats shall remain enforceable and effective.
The Amended Plat of Blocks A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, 3 & 26 is located entirely within the final plat of the Business Section as depicted below:
There is no evidence that the Discriminatory Language contained in the final plat of Business Section was ever voided or otherwise nullified by the Oklahoma County District Court; therefore, the Discriminatory Language continues to run with the land. In addition, the Amended Plat of Blocks A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, 3 & 26 separately contains Discriminatory Language. Therefore, the removal of the Discriminatory Language from the Amended Plat of Blocks A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, 3 & 26 requires the Amendment of both the final plat of Business Section and the Amended Plat of Blocks A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, 3 & 26.
The final plat of Cumberland Court is located, in part, within the final plat of Nichols Hills and, in part, within the final plat of Business Section as depicted below:
There is no evidence that the Discriminatory Language contained in the final plat of Nichols Hills and the final plat of Business Section was ever voided or otherwise nullified by the Oklahoma County District Court; therefore, the Discriminatory Language continues to run with the land. The removal of the Discriminatory Language from the final plat of Cumberland Court requires the Amendment of both the final plat of Nichols Hills and the final plat of Business Section.
The Re-Survey of Block 37, Buttram Estates Buttram Estates 2 Resubdivision of Lot 3, Block 86 Resubdivision of Lots 2, 4, 5 & 6, Block 86 Buttram Estates 3, Replat of Lot 4, Block 35, Blocks 36A and 36B, Block 36C, and the Fee Section Buttram Estates are located within the final plat of Nichols Hills as depicted below:
There is no evidence that the Discriminatory Language contained in the final plat of Nichols Hills was ever voided or otherwise nullified by the Oklahoma County District Court; therefore, the Discriminatory Language continues to run with the land. The removal of the Discriminatory Language from the Re-Survey
written protest to the proposed Ordinance may be filed with the office of the City Clerk, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, not less than three (3) days before the public hearings. Dated 16th day of September, 2025. Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Locally-owned Business Directory
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
Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One
7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store
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
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
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.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
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
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
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 North 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
OPINION OPINION O O UR UR S S TAND TAND
“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.
Broadband Office is putting Oklahomans first
By Mike Sanders
Executive Director Oklahoma Broadband Office
Monica Granstaff and her family waited 12 years to get highspeed internet access to their farm near Okemah. In early September, the Oklahoma Broadband Office joined her family to witness their first fiber connection.
The Granstaff family represents the hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans that will be connected by our grant programs, improving their lives by providing better access to education,
health care and job opportunities. In my time as executive director, I have had countless conversations about the importance of bring -
ing high-speed broadband to all of Oklahoma. Watching families like the Grandstaff’s receive life-changing opportunities motivates my team and me to get the best deal for our state.
With our latest broadband expansion program, the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the office plans to award projects in all 77 counties. Families throughout the state will have access to internet they never had before.
The plan awards grants to connect all remaining unserved and underserved homes, businesses and community anchor institutions. Of the tentatively awarded organizations, nearly all are Oklahoma companies and cooperatives, regional compa -
nies, or Tribal nations. The partners we have for this program know Oklahomans better than anyone. BEAD was enacted in 2021 under the Biden Administration with a focus primarily on fiber-optic technology. However, after four years of bureaucratic obstruction not a single location was connected across the country.
On June 6, the Trump administration updated the program guidelines by stripping out red tape, removing the fiber preference, requiring all technologies be treated equally and prioritizing cost savings. If states wanted to receive any funding, they needed to open a new application round and follow the new rules.
The office did
Dear Wise Elder: I’m beginning to feel like my grandpa who once said, “I know more people in the cemetery than I do in town.” Grandpa is long gone, but his words ring true for me today. One by one the number of my close friends is shrinking. Many of my long-time friends have moved away, are no longer able to get out, or are caring for a spouse. For others, we simply don’t have much in common anymore. I need more friends. What is the solution?
Dear More Friends: The solution is to intentionally expand your friendships. Join a new volunteer group; get to know new
everything the administration mandated, and our plan is the best deal for Oklahoma. The new BEAD application process, known as the Benefit of the Bargain round, resulted in two-thirds of locations being served by fiber-optic technology, with highcost locations going to less expensive technologies like satellite and fixed wireless.
Our plan is now in the hands of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which has authority to make modifications before they approve it.
But BEAD is just one piece of the broadband expansion puzzle.
In 2024, the OBO awarded over $500 million in ARPA grants to kickstart the
people. Networking will improve your mental and physical health. According to neuroscientist Wendi Suzuki, “The number of face-toface connections with people each day is the number one indicator of successful longevity.” To find likeminded connections, regularly attend and get involved in your faith community or volunteer weekly at a local charity. There are millions of people who are having the same challenges. Who knows? You may be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, VillagesOKC.org (405) 990-6637
effort to connect every remaining unserved and underserved Oklahoman. With the help of our partnering internet service providers, the state will have 95 percent access to high-speed internet by the end of 2026.
The Granstaff family and thousands like them are beneficiaries of those grants. Between ARPA and BEAD, we will close the digital divide in Oklahoma.
As a son of rural Oklahoma, I have seen firsthand how our people have been left behind for far too long, with fewer opportunities than our urban peers.
That ends now. This plan delivers for all Oklahomans, ensuring their success is not limited by their zip code.
MIKE SANDERS
MERITS
From Page 1
Casady School: Christopher Bankhead, Danzel Chen, Hope Fahler, Raymond Jiang, Jolie Jimenez, Lauren Kim, Suleiman Mansoor, Pippa Netreba and Angelina Stidham.
Classen School of Advanced Studies: Aalay K. Kolli, Sean A. Patton, Amasha I. Samaraweera and Benjamin S. Waugh.
Crossings Christian School: Stacy Harris, Jillian Hatch, Maisie Hill, Hayden Neumann, Praise Vasantha and John Wall. Deer Creek High School: Xavier Knutson, Aryahi Singh and Zachary White.
Heritage Hall: Stavros G. Chrysant, Audrey K. Flynn and Kenneth F. Martin.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School: Nguyen Chow, Anna LaForge, Samuel Margo and Joseph Zacharias.
Mount St. Mary High School: Kim Doan.
Putnam City North High School: Omar Hassan, Avery Stone and Ava Tu.
Casady School National Merit semifinalists, from left: Angelina Stidham, Danzel Chen, Chris Bankhead, Raymond Jiang, Pippa Netreba, Hope Fahler, Jolie Jimenez, Lauren Kim and Suleiman Mansoor.
Above: Bishop McGuinness National Merit semifinalists, from left: Anna LaForge, Sam Margo, Joseph Zacharias and Nguyen Chow. At left: Crossings’ semifinalists, from left: Top row, Stacy Harris, Jillian Hatch and Maisie Hill, and bottom row, Hayden Neumann, Praise Vasantha and Jack Wall.
The United Way Campaign was kicked off with an event at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. At right: United Way of Central Oklahoma Board of Directors
Chairman Mark Funke, President and CEO Rachel Holt and campaign Co-chairmen Suzanne and Lee Symcox.
Campaign kick off
National Memorial names Teen Board
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum welcomed 59 students from around Oklahoma to its third annual Teen Board — 29 of whom attend Fridayland schools.
The Teen Board offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage with the Memorial & Museum’s mission of remembrance, education, and service. At monthly meetings, Teen Board members delve into the lessons learned from the response to the Oklahoma City bombing.
They’ll hear from community, state, and national leaders that connect history with the challenges of today. The program fosters leadership skills, encouraging teens to become ambassadors for the Memorial & Museum and spread the values of the Oklahoma Standard – service, honor, and kindness – throughout their communities.
By blending education, service, and leadership, the Teen Board empowers young people to honor the past while shaping a brighter future.
Fridayland members are: Jack Dunn, Heritage Hall; Sophie Henderson, Crossings Christian School; Katherine Bonnell, Classen SAS; Hattie Bradford, Heritage Hall; Abby Buckelew, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School; Maggie Harding, Casady School; George Holt, Casady School; Pooja Naik, Casady; Ashtyn Nguyen, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School; and Asher Reed-White, Casady School.
Also, Sonia Sumar, Deer Creek High School; Hunter (Jon) Trudgeon, Heritage Hall; Lily Warren, Casady; Carson Byrnes, Bishop McGuinness; Kinley Randolph, Bishop McGuinness; RoseMerrie Smith, Harding Fine Arts Acad-
emy; Megan Starling, Casady School; Rory Brewer, Bishop McGuinness; Kira Brown, Classen School of Advanced Studies; Maggie Brown, Casady School; Lottie Fares, Casady School; and Yehoshua Graham, Mount St Mary.
Also, Gabriella Gross, Heritage Hall; David Lawler, Casady; Eve Moen, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School; Cash Riley, Crossings Christian School; George Robley, Heritage Hall; Leo Sweet, Casady School.
The 2025-2026 Teen Board by the numbers:
• 24 are returning members, 13 of them are seniors.
• There are 35 new members.
• 59 members total, the largest Teen Board yet.
• 37 schools are being represented.
• Kremlin Hillsdale is the school traveling the furthest (1 hour and 42 minutes).
Nonprofit leaders, from left: Upward Transitions President and CEO Perriann Pulliam, Positive Tomorrows President and CEO Margaret Creighton and United Way of Central Oklahoma Chief Development Officer Ashleigh Rose.
- Photos by Rose Lane
Heritage Hills Home Tour to benefit neighborhood parks, beautification
Pictured are some of the details of the homes along the Heritage
PAYING THEIR RESPECTS. Members and visiting guests of the Oklahoma Society of Daughters of the American Revolution gathered at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. They assembled to pay their respects and honor the life of Doris Adele Mattox Higginbottom, DAR National Number 552229. Adele joined the NSDAR in October of 1970 as a junior member under her ancestor, Captain William Glover. Oklahoma Society Regent Grace Ellsworth brought greetings. Samuel King Chapter Regent, Dr. Mary Meritt read Adele’s obituary. Honorary State Regent Teresa Cales offered a prayer and former National Vice President General Sue Allen placed the wreath on Adele’s chair. Sally Nichols Starling spoke on behalf of Adele’s family. It was an honor to remember a DAR member whose life was taken that fateful day on April 19, 1995. From left: Mary Meritt, Grace Ellsworth, Sally Starling, Kristen Ferate and Teresa Cales.
The 59th Annual Heritage Hills Historic Homes Tour is set for 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.
This year’s beloved tradition opens the doors to some of the city’s most remarkable homes and invites attendees to celebrate the living legacy of Heritage Hills — a neighborhood where history, architecture and community come together in extraordinary ways.
“This year, we are especially proud that proceeds from the tour will benefit our neighborhood parks and beautification projects;
initiatives that nurture the charm, vibrancy, and livability that define our community,” Chairman Heather Busey said.
The homes on tour are
• The Hudson Home, 825 NW 15.
• The Hansen Home, 224 NW 18.
• The Smith Home, 414 NW NW.
• St. Luke’s Mansion/The Hefner Mansion, 201 NW 14.
• Overholser Mansion, 405 NW 15.
Tickets are available now online and day of event at any tour location for $25, plus tax. For more information, visit heritagehills.org.
Hills Home Tour.
