OKC FRIDAY Vol. 57 No. 34 • One Section • 12 pages • December 29, 2023 $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 and The Village for 49 years
New OKC chamber chairman outlines priorities By Rose Lane Editor During the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Greater OKC Chamber, new Chairman Teresa Rose identified several areas of emphasis as she begins her two-year term. Outgoing Chairman Sean Trauschke, president and CEO of OGE Energy Corp., passed the gavel to Rose, who is the executive direc-
tor of the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. A priority is the establishment of a strategic plan. “This is crucial work,” she said. OKC must keep an eye on the competition. Other cities are also pursuing businesses and industries as their headquarters. “We cannot take a rest,” she said. Partnerships are also critical to the growth of
Oklahoma City. Like OKC has joined forces with Tulsa, the city should be seeking to form relationships with surrounding states and even as far away as Canada in bioscience, aerospace and energy, Rose said. Advocating for OKC is also very important as she urged members to stay informed and to reach out to get the word out about the city. Oklahoma City has
become a “visitation destination” and annually, the impact of the tourism industry is upward of $4.3 billion. Rose said she is very grateful the community is stepping up with the development of an Education Committee. Education and workforce development are vital to the continued growth of Oklahoma City. Members are also inportant to the momentum of the Greater Oklahoma City
Year in Review
Snowball fight!
2023 was a very good one for Fridayland
Heritage Hall’s Emmy Watkins ’33 during the glow-in-the-dark snowball fight in PE class. For more on how Heritage Hall students wrapped up the fall semester, see Page 11.
Compiled by Rose Lane Editor
Community Literacy Center to honor Mellow Patti Mellow is to receive the 2023 Gourley Leaders in Literacy Award during the 2024 Private Reserve Gala, The Journey to Literacy. The Community Literacy Center empowers adults in the community by providing them with essential literacy skills that open doors to a brighter future. In a world that demands continuous learning and adaptability, the CLC recognizes the critical importance of literacy for adults, who may have faced challenges accessing education
Chamber, she said. “Our success is not just the work of volunteers and staff,” she said. “Join a committee. “When you are proud of our city, share it on social media. Our role in this community is critically important and your membership matters.” 2024 can be a watershed year. “I can’t wait to see where we go together,” Rose said.
earlier in life. The Community Literacy Center endeavors to bridge the knowledge gap, instilling confidence and fostering self-sufficiency among participants. The gala is set for April 16, 2024, at the Phillips Pavilion at the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion. The event promises to be a celebration of both the spirit of learning and the strong sense of community support that lies at the heart of the Center's mission, event Chairman Mary Blankenship
Pointer said. “We believe that literacy is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress. Our program provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for adults to enhance their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills,” Pointer said. Attendees can look forward to captivating testimonials, inspiring success stories and a deeper understanding of how literacy can break barriers and
OMRF scientist earns national award The American Society of Hematology (ASH) presented physician-scientist Rod McEver, M.D., with its 2023 Henry M. Stratton Medal for his pivotal discoveries over a 36-year career at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation during its 65th annual meeting in San Diego. The medal, one of the field’s top honors, recognizes investigators who have made outstanding contributions to hematology. The society selected McEver for his pioneering work that led to the discovery and characterization of Pselectin, a protein in the blood that plays a crucial role in inflammation and blood clotting. His work gave
birth to the first FDA-approved treatment for the pain crises associated with sickle cell disease. The condition affects an estimated 100,000 Americans and 5 million people worldwide. OMRF scientist Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., nominated his longtime mentor and colleague for the honor. “Dr. McEver’s dedicated focus on basic research has led to major clinically relevant results – the ideal outcome for any physician-scientist,” Xia said. “He exemplifies the spirit of the Henry M. Stratton Medal.” ASH presents the Stratton medal annually to two people – one each See OMRF, 3
See CLC, Page 7
FRIDAY’s
January When voters in The Village approved a General Obligation Bond measure last February to update Duffner Park, 10801 Victoria Pl., they were expecting a $1.6 million price tag to renovate one of the city’s most popular parks. Yet when the city received four bids last December, Rudy Construction submitted the lowest bid, coming in nearly $600,000 over budget, forcing the City Council to look at ways to reduce costs and still meet the standards it proposed when the project was presented to the citizenry for approval. OKC FRIDAY’s Cityan of the Year Sue Ann Arnall says she wants to fix one problem and move on to the next. The Nichols Hills City Council voted to accept a donation of $42,500 from the Nichols Hills Fire and Crime Prevention Board for the purchase of eight Vigilant Solutions license plate reading cameras. The United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) celebrated the close of its annual fundraising campaign with the United Way Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where the organization announced that a grand total of $19,055,547 million was raised. February Oklahoma City initiated a pilot program to see if beet juice and brine can’t be beat as a way to treat bridges and overpasses for snow and ice. Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of Oklahoma City Community College, has been named by Forbes a Top 10 Black Higher Ed CEO to Watch in 2023. See 2023, Page 2
Dog of the Week
This is Marty. He’s a 2 yearold Golden Retriever whose human is Presley Rasmussen. He loves to play with any animal or human that will give him attention. Marty is a 100pound lap dog for sure and loves to swim. Email Dog, Cat, Pet and Baby of the Week nominations with com plete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Year in Review
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 2
At a reception hororing the retirement of Downtown OKC Inc., President and CEO Jane Jenkins, left, and artist Farooq Karim, here presenting her with his “Queen of the City Blossom.” Jenkins had served DOKC for 14 years.
2023 Campaign Co-Chairmen Peter and Hillary Farrell announce that $1.68 million has been already been raised during the Allied Arts Campaign kick off.
2023 From Page 1 INTEGRIS Health is celebrating 35 years of kidney transplantation. Surgeons with the INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute have performed more than 2,200 kidney transplants since the program began. In his 2022 State-of-the-City Letter to the residents of Nichols Hills, Mayor Steve Goetzinger shared a large list of accomplishments made by the council during the past year including ending the fiscal year with a $1 million surplus. Goetzinger touched on projects amounting to over $12 million including $6.6 million in bonds for capital improvements projects concerning streets, water, sanitary sewer infrastructure, technology, the fire and police departments. March For the first time in U.S. history, voters in Oklahoma are
going to the polls this Tuesday, March 7, with nothing but marijuana legalization on the ballot. Through the petition initiative process, the Yes on 820 campaign delivered 164,000 signatures to the Secretary of State — many more than the 94,111 necessary. Tom Love, who, along with his beloved wife and business partner, Judy, founded a familyowned and -operated network of more than 600 Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, passed away at 85 in his hometown of Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt maintained the importance of running the state like a business in his presentation before those attending the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s State Spotlight Breakfast. Police in Nichols Hills thwarted two residential burglaries in progress last month leading to the arrest of two men and the recovery of stolen property from homes in Nichols Hills, The Village and Oklahoma City, according to a report by Police Chief Steven Cox submitted to
the Nichols Hills City Council. Casady School announced that the Mathis family has committed a significant lead gift toward the construction of a new strength and performance facility that allows for expanded physical fitness, core training and wellness programming, prioritizing healthy habits for all Cyclone student-athletes. April This spring, after hosting dozens of fundraising events and soliciting donations, the Quail Creek Homeowners Association will oversee a project to upgrade the most trafficked entrance to the two-square mile neighborhood that features hundreds of the city’s most prominent addresses. Voters in The Village made history when they elected the first Black woman to serve on the City Council in the 73-year history of the city. Only one vote each separated the top three spots, with a tie for the third position, in OKC FRIDAY’s fourth annual ranking of See 2023, Page 12
From Page One
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 3
basic science and OMRF for clinical/translational research. It was named for Henry M. Stratton, who co-founded the medical publishing house that first published the society’s flagship journal, Blood. “Dr. McEver has left a lasting mark on our field. His unwavering dedication to the betterment of patient care, research and education in hematology has significantly enhanced the lives of those afflicted with blood disorders,” said ASH President Robert Brodsky, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “ASH values the opportunity to acknowledge visionary leaders who are tirelessly advancing the field of hematology.” McEver has served on several ASH committees and was its Scientific Program co-chair in 2008. At OMRF, he mentored more than 40 postdoctoral researchers and graduate students over his career. A graduate of John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City, McEver first came to OMRF as a Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar at age 17. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and attended medical school at the University of Chicago before returning to OMRF to open his lab in 1987. McEver had considered becoming a historian until writing his first research paper on a historical event. “I learned that writing a compelling narrative based on examining diverse primary historical materials is very difficult! I retreated to science and medicine,” Dr. McEver said. The hematologist and cardiovascular biologist served the foundation as a principal investigator, program chair and vice president of research. McEver retired in March but continues to support OMRF in an emeritus role as a Distinguished Career Scientist. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “Dr. McEver’s contributions to hematology are monumental. He represents the most noble aspects of science, medicine and OMRF.”
From Page 1
OMRF Distinguished Career Scientist Rod McEver, M.D., right, receives the 2023 Henry M. Stratton Medal during the 65th annual American Society of Hematology meeting in San Diego on Dec. 12, 2023. At left is AHS President Robert Brodsky, M.D., director of hematology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 4
OKC FRIDAY
Sports Weekly 2023: The Year in Sports
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
Baker joins 1,000-point club PC North basketball coach Ryan Wagner, left, presented a ball to Zander Baker who became a member of the Panthers’ 1,000-point club. Baker scored 20 points Feb. 7 against Putnam City to reach the milestone.
Cristo Rey’s Keionna Tubbs, left, was named to the Metro Athletic Conference first team and Ahtziri Maciel received a spot on the second team. - Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
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.
Deer Creek’s Clyde Davis skies for a layup over an Edmond Santa Fe defender during the McGuinness Classic championship game. The Antlers held off Santa Fe for a 59-50 win to claim the tournament title.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
John Marshall’s Jayla Lawson (23) scored 15 points to help lead the Lady Bears to a 44-36 victory at Bridge Creek in a Class 4A district tournament.
At right, Casady’s Kaden Leache (11) averaged more than 27 points per game in helping the Cyclones win the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship.
- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
McGuinness’ Macy Lewis swims a leg of the 500-yard freestyle at the Class 5A swimming championships last year. Lewis won a pair of gold medals in the 500 freestyle and 100 butterfly in helping the Irish girls to third in the team standings.
Sports Weekly
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 5
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Heritage Hall’s K.J. Evans (in dark singlet) secured a 6-2 decision over Shawn Rounsaville from Tuttle to win the 150-pound state championship match for his third state title.
The Crossings Christian tennis team celebrates after winning the Class 4A state championship, as they scored runner-up finishes in all four divisions.
Heritage Hall’s Tokara Henderson, left, blasts a return during a state championship doubles match last spring. Henderson and her partner Jasmine Crain didn’t lose a set to capture the No. 1 doubles title.
Look for more Year In Review photos next week! The McGuinness girls golf team – includeing, from left, Allie Justiz, Grace McDaniel, Taylor French, Abby Edwards and Abbie Justiz – captured a regional title and placed second in state last spring. Allie Justiz also claimed the individual state title, while Abbie Justiz earned the runner-up trophy.
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Heritage Hall’s Olivia Walker pushes the ball upfield during last Friday’s Class 3A championship game against OCS. Walker coverted the opening goal on a penalty kick in the 58th minute and Yohanna Bell added another to give the Chargers a 2-0 win and their second straight state title. - Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Heritage Hall’s boys tennis team is all smiles after claiming the Class 5A state championship. The Chargers earned titles in three of the four divisions.
Heritage Hall’s Tucker Austin (6) chases down a loose ball during the Class 3A championship game. Austin scored two goals and Noah Ragozzino provided the game-winning goal with four minutes left for a 32 victory over Crooked Oak and the fourth title in school history. - Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
John Marshall’s James Allen ran to two gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters at the Class 5A state championships last spring in Yukon.
Booster
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 6
CALENDAR NEW YEAR’S Dec. 31 • Gatsby’s NYE OKC Nightlife pres ents Gatsby's House NYE 2024! Spend your New Year's Eve at the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City with 5 hours of pre paid drinks, tops DJs, casino games to play and more. Ticket packages start at $95. Party perks include DJ, prepaid drinks, party favors, casino night, VIP area with added perks and massive ballroom countdown experi ence. Get tickets at vipnightlife.com.
Jan. 6 • Warriors vs Lone Star The 2023 Robertson Cup defending cham pion Oklahoma Warriors are on home ice against the Lone Star Brahmas at Blazers Ice Centre, 8000 S. I35 Service Rd. Come on down and have some fun with Okla homa's championship team. Blazers Ice Centre Box Office opens at 5 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. Prepurchase tickets for quick entry, oklahomawarriors.com/tick ets.
Through Dec. 31 • Tina Turner Musical An uplifting come back story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulsepounding Dec. 31 • soundtrack of her NYE at The Jones The Jones Assembly is most beloved hits, this electrifying sen ringing in 2024 with sation will send you Oklahomabased My soaring to the rafters. So Called Band and One of the world’s their iconic 90s bestselling artists of sound. Dance to familiar favorites from all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy the decade ranging Awards and her live from rock, grunge, shows have been country, to hip hop seen by millions, with until the ball drops! more concert tickets TJA’s New Year’s Eve sold than any other dinner menu will be solo performer in available to booth ticket holders offering music history. Featur ing her much loved menu favorites and songs, TINA – The festive items a la Tina Turner Musical is carte. For those with at the Civic Center GA tickets, the con Music Hall. cert walkup window will serve various food options until 11 Jan. 5 – Feb. 29 • pm. All tickets include JRB Gallery JRB Art at the Elms is a midnight cham delighted to present pagne toast to con its exhibit, “Cowboys clude the evening, and Indians,” an exhi thejonesassembly. bition of the history com. and glory of Western culture. Exhibit opens THIS WEEKEND
Jan. 5, 2024, from 5 to 9 pm at the award winning art gallery, JRB Art at The Elms, in the historic Paseo Arts District. This blockbuster show fea tures the bronzes of Western sculptor, Harold Holden (1940 2023); Native Ameri can painter, muralist, and sculptor of histo ry, Mike Larsen; and Jack Fowler, an accomplished painter of contemporary landscapes. Gallery is open Tues. – Sun., closed on Mondays, 2810 N. Walker Ave.
OKC THUNDER HOME GAMES
Paycom Center 100 West Reno Ave. Sunday, Dec. 31 • Brooklyn Nets 6:00 pm Tuesday, Jan. 2 • Boston Celtics 7:00 pm Thursday, Jan. 11 • Portland Trail Blazers 7:00 pm Saturday, Jan. 13 • Orlando Magic 7:00 pm Tuesday, Jan. 23 • Portland Trail Blazers 7:00 pm
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: DRAKE Jan. 25 Disturbed Jan. 27 TobyMac Feb. 1 TOOL Feb. 3 Fall Out Boy Mar. 11 Zoo Amphitheatre:
Civic Center Music Hall: Tina Turner Muscial NYE Follies Rachmaninoff! Les Miserables Mariachi Los Camperos OKCPhil Brahms
Dec. 2631 Dec. 31 Jan. 13 Jan. 1621 Jan. 2627 Feb. 3
Top Films of 2023 A
merican Fiction is my favorite film of the year. Written and directed by Cord Jefferson, the Emmy-winning writer of HBO’s The Watchmen, the film is a sharp satire about a black novelist confronting expectations from publishers and society while navigating life with his family. An all-star cast led by Jefferey Wright (Angels in America) and Sterlin K. Brown (This is Us) tackle hilarious, challenging characters talking about race, God, gay people, sexuality, basically every topic politicians are trying to erase from the conversation right now. It’s the most timely and insightful film of the year and it happens to be hilarious. Barbie, the biggest film of the year, is a cotton candy colored triumph, anchored by an emotionally resonate exploration of identity. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, the surprise breakout star from this altar to feminine power is Ryan Gosling, who’s turn as Ken hit a nerve and drove his song onto the global pop charts. With Oppenhemier, director Christopher Nolan takes a serious, historical topic and turns it into one of the most visually dazzling thrillers of the year. Nolan’s demands are met with full force by his tremendous cast,
led by Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey, Jr. Oppenhemier is my early Oscar favorite for Best Picture and Best Director, with all three actors in serious contention for the gold as well. Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is a beautiful, poetic telling of a very violent story, created by hundreds of Oklahoma filmmakers and actors alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Co-star Lily Gladstone is likely to become the first Native American nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour offers a front row view of the biggest star of the year in the middle of the biggest concert tour in history. Taylor Swift is a dazzling songwriter and performer. This nearly three-hour concert film shows the superstar at the very height of her powers. Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper shines as both director and star of Maestro, the gorgeous biopic about legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. Carey Mulligan is spectacular as
OKC Ballet Giselle Feb. 911 Wicked Feb. 21Mar 10 Chicago Apr. 914 Other Events/Shows/Awards: Polar Express Train Ride through Dec. 27 Red Earth TreeFest through Dec. 30 Safari Lights through Jan. 1
his wife Felicia. Emmy winner Coleman Domingo delivers a searing performance as the title character in Rustin, the openly gay leader of the civil rights movement who overcomes constant prejudice to organize the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech.” Wonka, the origin story of Willie Wonka, is the most magical movie of the year. Timothee Chalamet eases into the gigantic shoes of his predecessors with a charm and selfconfidence that breathes new life into the wonderful world of chocolate. Saltburn is a twisted and wild British melodrama from Oscar winner Emerald Fennell, who wrote and directed Promising Young Woman. Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan is captivating as the friend coming to visit the English estate and Australian heartthrob Jacob Elordi proves to be an enchanting host. Nebraska’s Alexander Payne returns in fine form with The Holdovers, an emotional comedy about a teacher stuck watching the kids who are left at boarding school during Christmas break. It’s bleak and funny, poignant and thoughtful, and lead actor Paul Giamatti is absolutely perfect.
First Day Walk Paseo First Friday Walk
Jan. 1 Jan. 5
OCCC partnering with Hyundai, Genesis to train technicians Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is partnering with Hyundai and Genesis Motor America to train the next generation of automotive service technicians. “With Hyundai and Genesis becoming one of the fastest growing automotive manufacturers in the world, there is a deficit of service technicians qualified to service and repair the technologically advanced vehicles,” said Brad Walker, department chair for automotive technology at OCCC. “Our program helps meet the workforce demand for these
skilled automotive technicians.” Beginning in Spring of 2024, OCCC will incorporate Hyundai and Genesis specific curriculum into the existing Automotive Technician Internship Program (ATIP) so students can earn Hyundai and/or Genesis factory specific certifications which will better prepare them to work in Hyundai and Genesis service centers. OCCC’s ATIP is available for students to start at any time of the school year and is offered with day and night classes. Classroom and lab experiences emphasize hands-on training, and students
are required to work in an independent shop, a franchise, fleet shop or dealership to fulfill the on-the-job training part of the program. “Automotive technology is one of many programs here at OCCC working to meet the industry demand for a skilled workforce,” said John Claybon, OCCC
dean of business and information technology. “Our programs are flexible and affordable, our instructors are top-notch, and our facilities are state-of-the-art.”
T HIS M ESSAGE S PONSORED B Y T HESE L OCAL B USINESSES :
FURNITURE T DESIGN T SUPPLIES T PRINTING
Oklahoma City T (405) 947-5676 T www.warrenproducts.com
10301 North May Q The Village Q (405) 752-2265
Locally Owned & Operated since 1983
Member F.D.I.C
From Page One
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 7
December 29 Emily Button Cache Daneshmand Natalie Gonce Kathy McCracken Caroline Mitchell Phyllis Munsell Scott Pauley Reese Wilmoth Janis Wilson December 30 David Dawkins Allison Floyd Neva Johnson Carrie Kippenberger Glenda Nigh Bill Shapard, Jr. Carl P. Smythe Christy Thompson Nancy Ann Tompkins Hardy Watkins December 31 Susan Barton Karen Braver Jim Cowan Susie Ellegard Kelly Hancock Cheryl MacDonald, Bev Woods, Sharon Glover, Mary Blankenship Pointer, Patti Mellow and Bob Nelon celebrate literacy in advance of the 2024 Private Reserve Gala benefiting the Community Literacy Center.
unlock endless possibilities. “We are honFrom Page 1 ored to collaborate with community leaders and volunteers who share our vision of a literate and thriving society,” Pointer said. “Together, we can create a brighter future for all indi-
CLC
viduals, regardless of their past educational experiences.” The Community Literacy Center provides essential resources, one-on-one tutoring and personalized support to every participant, ensuring that no one is left behind on their journey towards literacy. “Together, let us embark on
this transformative journey and pave the way for a stronger, more vibrant community,” she said. For more information, contact Cheryl MacDonald at (405) 473-2616 or cheryl@communityliteracy.com. The CLC’s website is communityliteracy.com.
Thomas Rhodes Pixton Paula Wade Christine York January 1 Lisa Douglas LaShanda Jones Gayle Mock Etta Pennington Fletcher B. Williams Kraig Willis January 2 Brian Affolder Jacque Dean Dana Lopez January 3 Judd Beck Alice Ford J.R. Homsey Paul W. Matthews Christie Miller Sarah Roberts Marilyn Wood January 4 Jenny Baysinger Helen Lankford Melissa Rhodes
Email updates for the birthday list to rose@okcfriday.com.
FRIDAY Fumble In the December 22, 2023 edition of OKC FRIDAY, Jim Gepphart was identified as being with SSM Health. He is actually community president of Mercy Oklahoma. The newspaper regrets the error.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 8
okcFRIDAY
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OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK
Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311
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DIVORCE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 22, 2023; Friday, December 29, 2023; Friday, January 5, 2024)
In the Matter of the Application of Tion Grant as next of friend of (child) Gabriel Zion Grant to Change Her/His Name
) ) ) ) )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Tion Grant, as next of friend of Gabriel Zion Grant has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Gabriel Zion Grant to (b) Gabriel Zion Ben Israel; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 15 day of February, 2024 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.
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/s/illegible signature CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Diane Watson (SEAL) (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 29, 2023)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. FD-2021-2417 IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: Kalese Carter, ) Petitioner, ) and ) Melissa Bell Kim Carter, ) Respondent. )
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
METAL ROOFS
CV-2023-2976 IN RE: The Name of: ) Adrienne Wilson Grant )
$4495*
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: Melissa Bell Kim Carter GREETINGS: You will take notice that you have been sued in the above names Court by the above petitioner, for a Dissolution of Marriage on the grounds of incompatibility and that unless you answer the petition filed by the petitioner in said Court on or before the 15 day of January, 2024, said Petition will be taken as true and judgement granting to the petitioner a Dissolution of Marriage, annulling, canceling, setting aside and holding for naught the marriage contract with you and for other relief and orders rendered according to the prayer thereof. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 13 day of November, 2023. /s/ Kalese Carter /s/ Venita L. Hoover Petitioner Notary SUBSCRIBER AND SWORN to before me this 13 day of November, 2023. Notary: (SEAL) My commission expires: 09/09/2026 Commission Number: 22012296
NAME CHANGE
DECEMBER ONLY TM CONSTRUCTION
CALL NOW! 800-664-4856 Sr/Military Discounts *Call for details
COURT CLERK /s/Teresa Becker BY DEPUTY (SEAL) (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 29, 2023) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2023-2977
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 29, 2023)
COMPLETELY INSTALLED
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Adrienne Wilson Grant has petitioned to change his/her name to Zariyah Bhat Israel. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 15 day of February, 2024, before Judge Stinson in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
In the Matter of the Application of Guona Song as next of friend of (child) Sherry Wu to Change Her/His Name
) ) ) ) )
Marilyn’s Sudoku
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2023-2918 IN RE: The Name of: Tion Lamont Grant
) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Tion Lamont Grant has petitioned to change his/her name to Zaccai Eli Yahn-Ben Israel. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 15 day of February, 2024, before Judge Bonner in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Diane Watson By: DEPUTY (SEAL) (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 29, 2023) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2023-2919 In the Matter of the Application of Tion Grant as next of friend of (child) Salem Zaire Grant to Change Her/His Name
) ) ) ) )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Tion Grant, as next of friend of Salem Zaire Grant has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Salem Zaire Grant to (b) Salem Zaire Ben Israel; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 15 day of February, 2024 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. ANTHONY L. BONNER JR. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Diane Watson (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (Published in OKC Friday, Friday,
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Guona Song, as next of friend of Sherry Wu has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Sherry Wu to (b) Sherry Song; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 30 day of January, 2024 at 9:00 o’clock a.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. /s/Teresa Becker CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT
PUBLIC NOTICE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 29, 2023; Friday, January 5, 2024: Friday, January 12, 2024; Friday, January 19, 2024) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY TENNESSEEE AT CLARKSVILLE NON-RESIDENT NOTICE CASE NUMBER: CC-20-CV-1380
TO: PAULA DENE HURT You are ordered to appear and defend a civil action filed against you entitled Scott Elliott Nichols VS. Paula Dene Hurt which has been filed in Circuit Court, Montgomery County, Tennessee, and your defense must be made within thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication of this notice, which shall be published for four consecutive weeks in the Leaf Chronicle. You are further directed to file your defense with the Clerk of the Court and send a copy to the Plaintiff’s attorney at the address listed below. In case of your failure to defend this action by the above date, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Issued: 12/18/2023 Wendy Davis, Clerk By: /s/J. Jackson Deputy Clerk Attorney for the Plaintiff: Madeleine Kurtz, Esq. 101 N. Third Street Clarksville, TN 37040 931-647-5242
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Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 9
The Berry Pickers
By Amanda Peters The Berry Pickers is a bestselling debut novel about race and forgiveness written by Amanda Peters, a Canadian from Falmouth, Nova Scotia. She calls the genre “Domestic Fiction” and claims the stories in it are “fiction inspired by true stories, family secrets of the band of mixed-race Canadians and Mi’k-
maq Indians who pour into Maine to pick berries every year.” Amanda is from a literary background and has become a popular author already as a finalist for the 2024 Andew Carnegie Model of Excellence in Fiction as well as short listed as a 2023 Atwood Gibson Writers Trust recipient. She is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Theater at Acadia. She herself is of mixed blood and has borrowed heavily from Mi’kmaq ancestry for facts. The story begins when a Mi’kmaq fami-
ly rolls into Maine in 1962 from Nova Scotia for its annual berry picking summer. Several weeks after their arrival, the youngest of five children in the family, age four Ruthi, disappears from the evening singing around the fire. She is last seen by her beloved 7-year-old brother, Joe, who is resting on their favorite boulder when he loses sight of her. Ruthie is gone, and Joe feels guilt for years. Ruthie is renamed “Norma” by the wellto-do family who grabbed her. They were hoping to integrate her into their
OCCC eSports team member placed 2nd in national competition Oklahoma City Community College student Daniel Harrison won second place in a national Fortnite build tournament on Nov. 4, earning a $3,000 scholarship prize. Harrison joined the OCCC eSports team this semester and competes in the game Valorant. He’s played Fortnite since “the day it came out,” he said. At OCCC, Harrison is a computer science major and anticipates completing his associate degree in May. He’s planning to continue his education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Harrison said he has been interested in software engineering and cybersecurity since he was in high school, where a teacher at Westmoore turned him on to the idea. He said he
enjoys the “wide range” of what computer science involves. “It’s interesting and I’m not going to get bored with it,” he said. Harrison, who games as Cromzy, had nine eliminations and 72 placement points for a total of 81 points in the BragHouse Golden Royale Cup tournament. He was bested by bluzro from California State University, Long Beach, who finished with 24 eliminations and 65 placement points for an 89-point total. OCCC eSports coach Gerardo Thompson told Harrison about the Fortnite tournament and encouraged him to enter. Thompson has been OCCC's eSports coach for just over a year. Currently, the eSports program competes with teams in two games and
plans to grow to upwards of six game teams. “Oklahoma City Community College is known for providing students with opportunities, and our eSports team is another example,” said Thompson. “Through eSports, students can compete nationally at something they love and have opportunities to earn scholarships by playing video games. Daniel is a prime example of that – he’s earning his associate degree in computer science while doing something he loves to do, and it also helps him pay for school." The OCCC eSports program competes nationally in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) and Oklahoma Association of College Esports (OACE).
family in Maine and bring her up with countless privileges. The kidnapping was traumatic to Ruthie and Joe’s entire community. At this point of the story, Joe becomes the narrator and the story relates to the characters not on the plot. The attention turns to family separation, race, brutality and the search for forgiveness. Clues did not turn up and the survivors were haunted by an unsolved mystery for years. Only once is Ruthie spotted in a crowd but swallowed up immediately. Norma began to real-
ize that her parents were withholding some parts of stories of her growing up. She had dreams until finally she was able to erase the knowledge of her Mi’kmaq Indian ancestors. Only slowly does the novel become the tale of love, race, brutality and truth. The stories between Ruthie’s disappearance and reappearance are very moving, based on the facts of their heritage and ancestry as they have been passed down through the years. The Berry Pickers is a sensitive novel about this indigenous family that is blown apart by grief and
searching for solutions about their ancestors. It will appeal to those who enjoy family sagas and tales steeped in other cultures or locales as well as the mystery that surrounds them. Even before the deathbed regrets and revelations, there is hope of the rebuilding of family bonds. No matter what their race, readers can relate to some of the fears of erasure of identity, devastating events and the emotional climax of the novel. Thanks to Full Circle Bookstore for sharing these books with FRIDAY readers.
Support the Department of Wildlife Conservation As the final seasons of 2023 come to a close and outdoor enthusiasts reflect on their year in Outdoor Oklahoma, they can take steps to make sure the state’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities endure. Supporting the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation can be an easy way to achieve those conservation-minded goals. As the state
agency charged with managing and protecting Oklahoma’s fish and wildlife, the Wildlife Department also manages habitat, grows a community of hunters and anglers, partners with those who love the outdoors, and fosters stewardship with those who care for the land. Though a state agency, the Wildlife Department does not receive any state tax appropriations. Instead,
hunting and fishing license sales and federal conservation grants are the main funding sources. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, the nonprofit organization that works alongside and provides support to the Wildlife Department, or be earmarked for specific projects through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma shop.
Locally-owned Business Directory Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred 9520 N. May, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com
Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Boutique One 6478 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hill Plaza (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.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
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
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.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
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
First Source Real Estate Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
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 Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
Amy Wade & Co. Real Estate Team Amy Wade - Listing Specialist 1508 W. Edmond Rd. Edmond, OK 73131 (405) 605-9195 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
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Tim Hughes Custom Homes, LLC 7009 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 229-7504
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 405 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Norma Harris Harris Realty Company 13800 Quail Pointe Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73134 (405) 740-0123
Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
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
Editorial Page
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 10
OPINION O UR S 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.
MEMBER OF 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
My barbershop; no frills - just a community gathering place By Eric Oesch Staff Writer I went to get my hair cut last week even though there’s not much left on top. I just always feel better after getting a haircut. For the most part, I’ve been going to the same barbershop since I was a kid. My family moved to Camelot in 1971 and I’d ride my 10speed bike to the barbershop in Quail Plaza for haircuts. I think it cost a buck or two back then. My barbershop was one of the very first tenants when Quail Plaza opened in 1965 at the intersection of May Avenue and Hefner Road. The shopping center was about as far north as the city went back then. It was really on the edge of town. Builders in Quail Creek and Camelot had just begun construction of beautiful new homes that would continue Oklahoma City’s march northward. I remember Puddin’ Lane IGA and the big
car giveaway they promoted every summer. I must have filled out hundreds of those entry slips trying to win that Chevy Vega. I was never a winner. The drive-through Fotomat was in the middle of the parking lot steps from Pizza Planet who promoted itself as the “Pizzaful Place.” Zorba’s had fancy ladies’ clothes and Quail Plaza Drug had a soda fountain in the back. TG&Y is where I bought, with my own money, a live miniature turtle complete with plastic tray and palm tree for him to live. They banned those turtles long ago as health hazards. The huge movie auditoriums that were once the Quail Twin Theatre are now a laser tag place, or something. Been there once – and wasn’t very good at it. There’s just something I like about my old school barbershop. It brings back memories that make me warm. Like the red and white striped barber pole beside the front door and
Dear Wise Elder: I’m 70, single and lonely. I’m looking for ways to connect with others my age and reduce the loneliness. Dear Lonely: There are plenty of ways to connect nowadays. But it's still easy to feel lonely. Making meaningful connections with others can help. And even small steps add up. Here are five things you can try to feel more connected and less lonely. One: Try helping someone else. Even helping just one person one time is a way to connect. Two: Think about getting a pet. A pet can
the friendly banter inside. My barbershop has changed very little since I was 11-years-old. Same magazines are there and sports are on the television. Everything’s the same, including the spirited conversations. The one exception would be the new barber chairs they installed about seven or eight years ago. And smoking. Barbers and their clients no longer smoke during haircuts. The fact that my barbershop has had only three owners since it opened in 1965 also impresses me. Tyler and his crew are continuing the traditions well. Their predecessors set a high bar. For 68 years my barbershop has been where politicians, newspaper publishers, television personalities, grandpas and 11-year-old boys have gone for a good haircut. It’s like stepping back in time. No frills, just a great community gathering place. Still the same. Nostalgia. Makes me happy. Happy New Year.
be a great friend. Three: Take care of the relationships you already have. Four: Find new connections. Think about your hobbies and interests. Are there groups that get together to do those things? Five: Consider talking with someone. These are just a few ideas for connecting more. Maybe one of them will work for you. At VillagesOKC, we have events every month that provide opportunities to connect. Check the Events tab on our website. - Courtesy VillagesOKC www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990-6637
YOUR FRIDAY CAUCUS
OKC FRIDAY OKC FRIDAY Nichols Hills Publishing Company PHONE 405-755-3311 www.okcfriday.com 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, OKC PO Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 VICKI CLARK GOURLEY, CEO & Publisher ROSE LANE, Editor & Deputy Publisher MARY McCUTCHEON, Publisher’s Assistant GINA NICHOLS, Advertising Account Exec. JASON JEWELL, Production Mgr., Web & Sports Editor JENNIFER CLARK, Legal Notice Coord./Circ./Classif. ERIC OESCH, Staff Writer APRIL SANDEFER, Advertising ---------------------------------------------------JAY L. GOURLEY, Vice Chairman Emeritus JANNA L. GOURLEY ROUSEY, Secretary Emerita J. LELAND GOURLEY, FOUNDER
You can have your ad here! $20 a week. Call (405) 755-3311 for details.
Variety Care
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 11
Albers host Variety Care Foundation Diamond Donors
- Photos by Fran Kozakowski
Above: Paul and Leigh Ann Albers hosted a reception for the Variety Care Foundation’s Diamond Donors. At right: Enjoying the event are John and Jenny Meyers and Tim and Jacquelyn Berney.
At left: Mayor David Holt and Camden Maxwell. Below: Karla Stinnett, Debby Hampton andDave Carpenter. The Variety Care Foundation is committed to uplifting the health and wellbeing of the Oklahoma community. Its mission goes beyond raising funds; it's about cultivating community involvement and raising awareness for Variety Care's indispensable role in the healthcare community.
Above: The Honorable Judge Jerome A. Holmes, Gene Rainbolt and Charlotte Lankard. At right: Mandy Powers and Amy Birdwell.
Chargers wrap up their fall semester
F
Reese Renegar ’31, above, and Ryland Kaler ’31, right, present their “personal” solar systems.
Parent Chelsea Jones joins in on the fun during the glow-in-thedark snowball fight in PE class.
or the past week, Chargers across campus have been pushing through the final stretch of the semester before winter break, striking a balance between academic focus and a decent amount of fun. • In the Middle School, the eighth graders closed the semester by hosting a Civil War reception that included presentations about central historical figures from the Civil War era and food prepared from typical recipes from the Civil War era. Fifth graders also put their work on display by crafting planets with gathered materials for an exhibit of their personal solar systems. Participating in the Oklahoma Department of Libraries My Favorite Book contest, seventh graders wrote heartfelt letters to their favorite books’ authors. Additionally, the sixth grade art students got to hang out with their Upper School buddies in metal design class, designing and creating their own rings. On top of these cele-
by Atala Johnson
HALL HAPPENINGS brations of learning, the seventh and eighth graders took their final exams this week. • Lower Schoolers wrapped up their busy semester by hosting a glow-in-the-dark snowball party (featuring Bingo!) with their parents during PE class to celebrate the beginning of winter break. Second graders performed their musical “On with the Snow!” for their proud parents, marking the final performance of 2023. •Congratulations to the eSports Rocket League team on its state championship and to the varsity pom team on its state runner-up title earned at the OSDTDA State Championship. • Chargers of all ages have had a very busy and successful semester worth celebrating. Happy Hall-idays to all!
Year in Review
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 29, 2023, Page 12
Nichols Hills Councilman Peter Hoffman, Laura Love, Caroline Ikard, Eli McCarty Ikard, Melia Love, Julia Love, Frank Love, Mayor Sody Clements and City Manager Shane Pate, standing; and Judy Love and Cameron James Ikard, seated, at the grand opening celebration to commemorate the completion of Love Family Park, an 18-month, $1.5 million project that transformed five-acres of property into a beautifully-landscaped park along the north and east sides of Grand Boulevard between Huntington Avenue and Bedford Drive.
2023 From Page 2 the Most Powerful Young Professionals in OKC. Just 28-yearsold, J.D. Baker, platform manager with Cortado Ventures, soared to No. 1 in this year’s poll from No. 6 in 2022. Mo Anderson, Patricia Fennell, Kim Garrett Funk, Ann Felton Gilliland, Donna Grabow, Cathy Keating and Representative Freddy Harper Williams (posthumously) have been selected by the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) to be inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame (OWHOF). OMRF President Dr. Andrew Weyrich presents the Multiple Schlerosis Advocate Award to Burns Hargis, retired president of Oklahoma State University. During the dinner at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Dr. Gabriel Pardo presented an update at the MS Center at OMRF. Jack and Mary Stark, founders of the Stark Family Foundation, announced a $1.5 million challenge grant in honor of their daughter, Kelsey D’Emilio, who was diagnosed with MS in 2013 at age 24. Despite aggressive treatments, D’Emilio experienced rapid disease progression until finding OMRF’s MS Center of Excellence in 2017.
Heritage Hall President Aaron Fetrow, Lauren and Leo Mingee, with baby Wilder, and Heritage Hall Board President Cathy Tompkins at the Leadership Donor event hosted by Heritage Hall. School officials announced a $2 million matching gift from the Mingee, of Edmond, to launch the first phase of a capital campaign for the construction of a Lower School gymnasium on the school’s NW Oklahoma City campus.
AWARE Luncheon Co-Chairman Karen Delaney, speaker Dr. Heather Snyder and Co-Chairman Christy Holland. Delaney and Holland spoke of their experiences as caretakers for loved ones. Holland detailed the latest research.
May Called an “Oklahoma civic giant” Carl Edwards was among five Chickasaws inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. They were chosen for their selfless leadership, civic endeavors and unparalleled accomplishments. Induction into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon citizens of the Chickasaw Nation. Positive Tomorrows has been named as a Cognia School of Distinction for excellence in education. Cognia selected 96 schools in the United States and Puerto Rico and nine in other countries across the globe as Schools of Distinction. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has been selected as the next dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law and will continue to lead Oklahoma City, university officials announced. Three seniors from Heritage Hall's class of 2023 and two members of the Class of 2022 — Hunter Boyer ’23, EJ Beloncik ’23, Davis Park ’23, Zac Krablin ’22 and Tyler Offel ’22 — received appointments to the nation’s top military academies – the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy. June OMRF Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Judith James and Chickasaw Nation Secretary of State Bill Lance, Jr. are to receive the state’s highest honor — induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Heritage Hall Middle School faculty and staff collaborated with Goddard Youth Camp in Sulphur to honor former Middle School Head Ron Allie through the dedication of the Ron Allie Activity Center on the camp’s grounds. At its campaign celebration, Allied Arts announced that the organization raised $3,617,292 in support of central Oklahoma’s arts community through its 2023 fundraising efforts. The Nichols Hills City Council/Municipal Authority approved a $34.56 million budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24, which starts July 1, and voted to raise water and sewer rates and solidwaste collection fees. OKC Mayor David Holt is named the Most Powerful Oklahoman in an independent poll conducted by OKC FRIDAY Newspaper.
July Carrie Leonard of Oklahoma City has been confirmed to the Oklahoma Arts Council by the Oklahoma State Senate. Appointed by Governor J. Kevin Stitt, Leonard’s term began immediately following Senate approval. Price Collier, a senior at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, was the final round champion and third overall in humorous interpretation at the National Speech and Debate Association competition in Phoenix, Ariz. Nichols Hills residents are to vote this fall on a $40,850,000 bond issue that would produce funds dedicated to improvements of local streets, the water system, sanitary sewer lines, parks, traffic control and the Public Works Complex, technology upgrades, and new vehicles for the police, fire and public works departments. According to Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, the State of the City is “confident.” But, to continue the upward trajectory, the city needs to build a new NBA arena. August The purchase of a fire training tower, a new refuse collection truck and a security camera were authorized by the Nichols Hills City Council, as well as bonuses for the city’s 76 employees. With a new worth of $10.2 billion, Judy Love, together with her family, was named the second richest self-made woman in the United States by Forbes Magazine. Construction started in June on a computer science wing in the Upper Division of the Hightower Building on the Casady School campus. Mayfair Church of Christ and Crossings Community Church are embracing their shared love for the people of Oklahoma City and the things they hold in common to serve the community as one. Mayfair Church of Christ and Crossings announced that the current Mayfair is to become the next Crossings Community Church location. September There wasn’t an empty seat in the house last week as impassioned residents filled The Village council chamber to register their opposition to the construction of four Habitat for Humanity “cluster” homes in their neighborhood. 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.” City leaders in The Village hope the purchase of five 2023 Dodge Durango police vehicles will help with the recruitment of officers for the 23-person Village Police Department. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has been named by TIME to its 2023 TIME100 Next List. Keeley White, director of
community health programs at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, has been recognized as one of the country’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health in recognition of her work. October On Nov. 1, Rachel Holt becomes the 11th president in the 100-year history of The United Way of Central Oklahoma. The announcement was made by Board Chairman Shane Wharton. She replaces Debby Hampton who announced her retirement this summer from that position after 13 years. The Irish performance state cheerleading team added its seventh state title to its collection. Nichols Hills United Methodist Church celebrates 75 years. For months, the Nichols Hills City Council has grappled with the issue of underage children driving golf carts recklessly on city streets. Following action taken by the council, drivers of golf carts must have a valid motor vehicle driver’s license from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety before they can drive on city streets. November As a place to live, work, raise children, visit and retire, Oklahoma City is significantly above the national average in terms of satisfaction. The ETC Institute administered the city’s annual survey of residents to determine their feelings on OKC. Tricia Everest is named the Most Powerful Woman in OKC as determined by an independent poll conducted by OKC FRIDAY. For promoting and deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, the City of Nichols Hills received the Association of Central Okla-homa Governments’ Zach D. Taylor Jr. Clean Cities Vision Award. Lester Claravall, child labor officer with the Oklahoma Department of Labor, is among eight individuals honored by the National Safety Council with the Distinguished Service to Safety Award, the highest award given to safety professionals by the council. December Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein has earned the highest honor for Oklahoma Assessors— the George Keyes Award named for former Oklahoma County Assessor George Keyes who started and was the first president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers to promote professionalism in the industry. OKC Beautiful’s Executive Director, Lisa Synar received Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Environmental Excellence Celebration. The Village City Council has voted to join Nichols Hills and conduct council meetings only once per month starting next year. Longtime United Way of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Debby Hampton, who is now retired after 13 years of service, was feted during a reception at Remington Park.