OKC FRIDAY
Browne family donates $500k to NHills park
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Nichols Hills residents Robert and Karen Browne have donated $500,000 to the City of Nichols Hills to adopt Redbud Park along Grand Boulevard in the Oklahoma City suburban community. The adoption includes payment for the construction and ongoing maintenance of improvements to be installed in the park.
A Park Adoption Agreement Resolution detailing park improvements and financial responsibilities was unanimously approved by the Nichols Hills City Council in December.
“This will eventually be a $2.3 million park improvement project,” City Manager Shane Pate told the council. “The Brownes have generously donated a large portion of the funds required for the project. We also want to acknowledge Clay and Jamie Farha for their generous donation of $100,000 toward the project. We are most appreciative of both families.”
See NHILLS, Page 3
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week
This sweet boy is Tripp, who was recently adopted by OKC FRIDAY Deputy Publisher Rose Lane and her husband Bob, also known as the “Arm Candy’’ in social settings.
Six-year-old Tripp is 118 pounds of pure Golden Retriever who just wants to be with his people.
Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Village for 51 years
Panther squads net Bank 7 Holiday title
Gene Rainbolt leaves legacy of love for Oklahoma
By the late Gene Rainbolt
Chairman Emeritus BancFirst Corp.
The circle of my life closed on Jan. 2, 2025, and the only person who can write an obituary from the perspective of the deceased is, obviously, the deceased. This is my story of what was important to me.
I was born on Feb. 20, 1929, as Harry Eugene Rainbolt, son of Bertie and Clark Rainbolt, of Norman and the youngest of four children. All my life I was called Gene.
Having an adoring, but detached mother, and a distant father, at 5 or 6 years of age it was clear to me that whatever my life was to become was up to me. Consequently, I became a life-long serial entrepreneur,
answering to myself. Because of my parents’ decision to be
By Rose Lane Editor
A chance encounter with the late President Jimmy Carter is still a favorite story of Marie Cole’s family. The story made the front page of OKC FRIDAY on June 17, 1977.
The President, who was known for his community service, particularly with Habitat for Humanity, died Dec. 29, 2024 at the age of 100.
Marie’s family lived in the
close to a university, I had the extraordinary luck of living in Norman, giving me access to the University of Oklahoma, where I grew up in, on, or nearby the campus, one of the paramount factors in my development.
As in most lives, there were important people in my life, but the most profound of all was my closest and incomparable friend, Jeannine Tuttle, who for many decades provided strength, support, tolerance, guidance and love. Beginning in the sixth grade at McKinley Elementary School, she became my friend and advisor, confirmed by the note I later wrote in her Norman High School
See RAINBOLT, Page 3
Stonegate neighborhood in Fridayland.
Just 8-months-old, there is a photo of little Marie wearing a Plains, Ga., t-shirt emblazoned with a peanut. Marie, her mom Ronnie Peddycoart and a friend Dana Littlepage had traveled to Plains, Ga. to visit Marie’s uncle Richard Gilbert. He took them to Plains to see the town, not knowing the President was there. Richard was pushing Marie in a stroller and took her to an area
See CARTER, Page 2
GENE RAINBOLT
Af left, the PC North girls basketball team poses with the championship trophy after claiming the Bank 7 Holiday Classic title. The Panthers cruised to a 68-42 victory against Bixby over Christmas week in the final at Mustang High School.
Af right, the PC North boys basketball team celebrates after capturing the Bank 7 Holiday Classic title over the Christmas week. The Panthers held off Choctaw for a 67-64 win in the championship game at Mustang High School.
- Photos by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
CARTER
From Page 1
away from the crowd to be in the shade of a tree, while Ronnie and Dana waited with the press and a crowd of people in front of the peanut factory waiting on President Carter to leave through the front door.
Ronnie decided to check on her infant daughter and her brother. She saw the President, who had left by a side door of the building, talking to her baby and then shaking hands with her brother.
The President told Richard, “You have a pretty baby,” Ronnie said in the original story.
Of course, Marie doesn’t
remember the incident.
“I just remember the story being told,” Marie said.
“Apparently, the story was told a lot because my brother Troy remembers it very well.
My mom always enjoyed talking about it because it was with her best friend and her brother that are both passed away now.”
Ronnie still has the newspaper clipping.
“They just thought it was really neat experience,” Marie said.
But Carter isn’t the only president Marie has seen. She said she also listened to President Ronald Reagan speak when she was in kindergarten and he was in OKC. Marie is a stay-at-home mom. She has two children, a 13-year-old son and a 16year-old daughter. She has been married to Jacob Cole for 19 years. He works for the Oklahoma City Police Department.
MARIE COLE
RAINBOLT
From Page 1
yearbook: “I have had much advice this year, and most of it was from you.”
Jeannine and I were married August 29, 1950. She was my wife and partner for the next 57 years until the circle of her life closed on September 30, 2007. Joyfully and without question, the most important accomplishment of the two of us was the birth, growth, and character development of our children, David, born in 1956, and Leslie, born in 1958. David’s family, his wife, Kim, whose nurturing parenting I have always appreciated, sons, Adam and his wife Whitney, Sam and his wife Kylee, Jake, and my three great-grandsons, Ward, Thomas, and James; and Leslie’s family, daughters Katherine and her husband Joe, Sarah, Caroline, Eleanor, and great-granddaughter, Rose, compounded our accomplishment and provided many years of pride and delight. Adding to that pleasure was witnessing the warm relationship between our children and grandchildren with their respective cousins.
While being extremely fortunate to have a most competent, considerate and compassionate son as a partner, I must also acknowledge that, like daughters can be, Leslie
NHILLS
From Page 1
A citywide fundraising campaign raised an additional $425,000 for the project. Pate said the City of Nichols Hills will also contribute to the park improvements. The Browne’s $500k donation is to be recog-
was very special to me in so many ways. She is extremely intelligent, passionate in her loyalties, caring deeply and loving as only a daughter can be.
After graduation from OU, I received an ROTC Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in Korea in the 981st Field Artillery Battalion in 1953 and 1954. In mid-1954 I transferred from Korea to Okinawa, Japan, where Jeannine joined me as we continued our maturing process. This was an exceptionally happy time of our lives, with the entire world opening its doors.
In 1955 I returned to OU and ultimately received an MBA. In 1959 Professor James Murphy facilitated my entry into the banking business. Consequently, Professor Murphy came to be the most impactful external person in my adult life, setting the stage for a career that lasted 60 years.
Soon after beginning my banking career, and over many years, I employed my entrepreneurial spirit, taking advantage of a consolidating industry. With a group of investors and the support of helpful lenders, we acquired a number of small banks located in towns across Oklahoma.
My son, David, joined me in 1982 and became the co-founder and strategic force of United Community Corp. in 1984 and its successor, BancFirst, in 1989 through the merger
nized in Redbud Park on a plaque installed by the city in a Donor Plaza. The plaque is set to also include a summary of Maimee Lee Robinson Browne’s contributions in making the Redbud tree Oklahoma’s State tree.
“The Nichols Hills Board of Park Commissioners has unanimously approved a site plan and agreement,” said Pate.
of several banks throughout Oklahoma. The fact of the matter is, he assumed my quest, expanded it exponentially, and then exceeded any expectation I ever had. The success of him and his team allowed me to pursue my passions outside the company for many decades.
Every day of my life until the last day, there were many people, especially close associates I worked with for many years, who aided me and my efforts. Though not named, I specifically recall the importance of each and appreciated their loyalty, belief, friendship, and commitment.
The help of my “village” also supported my commitment to work to build a State in which every child has the opportunity to be all he or she can be. Anything less diminishes our State! But, so very much remains to be accomplished with an enormous gap between actual and possible.
Over the years I received a number of honors that were important to me. The nonprofit sector, the business community, the academic community, and the medical community were each generous in according me leadership positions, as well as giving me what I considered to be excessive recognition.
I, a fourth generation Oklahoman, focused the bulk of my energy on my beloved state, always being an extremely proud
“Once we receive the final set of drawings for approval we will go out for bid. Ideally, we can go out for bid in January or February and start the project soon after.”
Howard-Fairbairn Site Design, Inc is creating conceptual drawings and specifications for the park improvements as architect for the project. The plans are to be submitted to the
“Okie.” I have realized that Oklahoma needs far more than my efforts and the efforts my generation could give. I encourage my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and their respective generations to not give up and to carry forward my passion for this place. I enjoyed telling people that metaphorically, I was a cousin of Tom Joad, the John Steinbeck character, which may also explain my delight in the soulful music of Willie Nelson and Woody Guthrie.
After Jeannine’s death, I wandered many miles to remote areas of the earth seeking to witness the circumstances under which humans survive and ecosystems evolve. My travels included my grandchildren, as well as, Charlotte Lankard, who became my best friend and with whom I shared many enjoyable experiences over the years.
In summation, my specific philosophy of life was: Change the world. Have some fun. Make some money. Give it away. Believing the tragedy of death has to do entirely with what was left undone, mine ended with my having done all I could do, but with so much more needed!
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial contribution, I suggest the OU Foundation, 100 Timberdell Rd., Norman, OK 73019, for the Jeannine Rainbolt Scholarship Fund sup-
Browne family for approval. After approval from the city the conceptual drawings are to be used to bid the project.
Councilman Sody Clements said she hopes other residents are encouraged to donate to the park improvement project once a “coming soon” sign announcing the park transformation has been installed on the site.
porting Oklahoma students who want to be teachers but need financial support. For, after all,
is the powerful lever that can give Oklahoma children the opportunity they deserve!
BASKETBALL | TOURNAMENT PREVIEWS
Irish host 65th Annual McGuinness Classic
After enjoying a long break, Fridayland basketball teams tipped off the unofficial second half of the season with many of them competing in tournaments across the state this weekend.
McGuinness highlights tournament weekend in hosting the 65th Annual McGuinness Classic on Thursday through Saturday.
The Irish opened at 6 p.m. on Thursday against Edmond Santa Fe, while Fridayland rivals Deer Creek and Harding Charter Prep faced off in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m. Choctaw took on Edmond Memorial in the opener and Norman followed against Del City to complete the afternoon session.
Friday’s action begins at 2 p.m. with the Choctaw-Edmond Memorial loser against the Norman-Del City loser. The nightcap losers battle at 3:30 p.m.
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.
with semifinal games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.
The seventh-place game tips off Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by the consolation final at 3:30 p.m., the thirdplace contest at 6 p.m. and championship game at 7:30 p.m.
Several other Fridayland teams are set to compete in tournaments this weekend.
The Deer Creek girls venture north for the Enid New Years Classic, as the McGuinness
girls play at Weatherford and Crossings Christian is at Ripley.
Both boys and girls squads from Mount St. Mary head south for the Noble tournament, while John Marshall heads to Ada.
Meanwhile, both PC North teams visit Douglass for a doubleheader starting at 6 p.m. and Heritage Hall travels to Norman for a matchup against Community Christian also starting at 6 p.m.
Irish dominate Harding Charter Prep
Dominating almost from the start, the McGuinness boys basketball team returned from Christmas break on a high note with a 74-40 victory against Fridayland rival Harding Charter Prep last Friday.
Brady Parks paced three Irish players in double figures with 17 points. Cooper Bradley
collected 16 points and Hudson McCormick added 12 points.
McGuinness (5-2), ranked No. 7 in Class 4A, hosts the McGuinness Classic tournament this weekend and Fridayland rival Heritage Hall on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
ROCKETS RUN OVER CACHE
Jumping out to a quick lead, Mount St. Mary rolled to a 66-41 win at Cache last Friday in its first game since Christmas break.
Maddox Hamilton recorded 18 points and Jamarie Dubose chipped in 11 points for the Rockets (3-4). Zechariah Robinson and Jerome Lyones also contributed 7 points each.
Mount St. Mary participates in the Noble Classic this weekend and hosts McLoud on Tuesday.
CYCLONES FALL TO PEMBROKE
Casady endured a pair of losses at the Holland Hall Hoop Fest last weekend in Tulsa.
The Cyclones (1-9)
fell behind early en route to a 55-33 loss to Pembroke Mills, Mo., on Saturday. Beckham Kerr led the way with 10 points and Davis Currie added 6 points.
On Friday, Casady came up a bit short in a 46-42 setback to 4A No. 11 Tulsa-Victory Christian. James Elder netted a team-best 15 points, as Currie collected 9 points and Jack Lee and Cade Vesta chipped in 8 points each.
The Cyclones are set
to host 3A No. 1 Millwood this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
KNIGHTS GRAB CONSO AT TOC
Overcoming an opening loss, Crossings Christian cruised to pair of win over top-5 ranked opponents to claim the consolation title at the Tournament of Champions over Christmas week. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
PC North’s Khai Brown (3), left, receives the Most Valuable Player award at the Bank 7 Holiday Classic hosted by Mustang High School.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
Panthers swim to 3rd at Stillwater Invitational
Thanks to a pair of individual champions, along with several others in the top 5, the PC North boys and girls swimming teams finished third at the Stillwater Invitational late last month.
Scarlet Mathis earned a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle to lead the Panthers.
Mathis outlasted the field by just under a half-second in 5:19.88 and also came in about 3 seconds off the winning pace in 2:52.95 for a runner-up finish in the 200 individual medley.
Teammate Xander Applegate secured another gold medal in the 100 freestyle.
Applegate finished more than 2 seconds ahead of the field in 58.95 seconds and added a fourth place finish in the 200 IM.
Three other Fridaylanders secured gold medals at Stillwater, including Crossings Christian’s Jasper Jernigan and Zach Lopp along with McGuinness’ John Nguyen.
Jernigan won the 50 freestyle by nearly 2-1/2 seconds in 29.4 seconds and the 100 backstroke by three seconds in 1:14.54 for the Knights.
Lopp took the 100 backstroke title in 1:05.55 and the 200 individual medley by more than a second in 2:24.55.
Nguyen secured a rare tie with Alex Kim from host Stillwater for first in the 100 butterfly in 1:04.33. Nguyen added a runner-up finish in the 100 breaststroke for the Irish.
PC North also placed second in two relay events.
The Panther girls, including Ava Tu, Jordan Lent, Aaliyah Wilkin and Mathis, captured second in the 200 freestyle relay, as did the Panther boys team of Luke Engelmann, Colin Turbayne, Applegate and Bobby Cunningham.
Three other PC North boys secured top 5 finishes.
Cunningham led the trio with a secondplace finish in the 50
WRESTLING ROUNDUP
freestyle and Engelmann was just behind in third place.
Turbayne also grabbed fourth place in the 100 butterfly.
Teammate Jordan Lent was the only other Panther girl inside the top 5 with a third-place effort in the 50 freestyle and fourth in the 200 freestyle.
Along with Jernigan and Lopp, Crossings Christian’s Roxy Podoba finished second in the 100 butterfly and third in the 200 freestyle.
McGuinness also boasted several athletes in the top 5.
Kaylin Fedor took fourth in the 100 freestyle. Zander Pruden placed fifth in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, while Brady Mitchell was third in the 100 backstroke and fifth in the 100 freestyle. Jackson Hill also was fourth in the 200 freestyle.
Nguyen joined Brandon Mai, Hill and Mitchell to take second in the 400 freestyle relay.
Rockets take down Cache
Jumping back into the unofficial second half of the 2024-25 season, the Mount St. Mary girls basketball team hold off Cache for a 35-29 road win last Friday night.
Jasmini Jessie led the way for the Rockets (34) with 9 points. Sienna Easly and Lundyn McGilbra contributed 7 points each.
Mount St. Mary is set to compete this weekend at the Noble Classic and host Class 4A No. 20 McLoud on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
IRISH CLOBBER HARDING PREP
Dominating from the start, McGuinness cruised to a 55-37 victory against Fridayland rival Harding Charter Prep last Friday.
Mariah Conally netted a team-best 17 points and AceLynn Tucker contributed 15 points for the Irish (34). Kaylee Perkins also chipped in 7 points.
This weekend, McGuinness participates at the Weatherford Classic before traveling to Fridayland rival Heritage Hall on
Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Harding Prep (4-5) visits Crossings Christian this Tuesday.
HOLLAND HALL TOPS CYCLONES
Casady split a pair of games last weekend at the Holland Hall Hoop Fest in Tulsa. The Cyclones (7-4) suffered a 63-51 loss to host Holland Hall on Saturday but pulled off a 46-44 victory over
Tulsa-Victory Christian on Friday.
They host 3A No. 16 Millwood this Tuesday at 6 p.m.
CHARGERS TAKE DOWN OCA
Heritage Hall opened the New Year with a dominating 6526 win at Oklahoma Christian Academy last Friday in Edmond. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
PC North’s Nykaiya Dillard (22) works inside for a layup against Bixby during the Bank 7 Holiday Classic championship game. Dillard was named the tournament’s most valuable player. - Photo by Richard Clifton,
Knights’ Kosanke, Antlers’ Youmbi grab gold medals
Two Fridayland wrestlers earned gold medals in tournaments just before the Christmas holiday break.
Crossings Christian’s Konrad Kosanke added to his trophy case with a championship at the Kingfisher Invitational.
Kosanke took down Hennessey’s Westyn Hopkins for the 120-pound title as the
Knights finished in the bottom half of the standings.
Three other Fridayland athletes placed fourth or better at the prestigious tournament.
Crossings’ Paxton Dunn led the trio with a fourthplace effort at 165 pounds after a loss to Edmond Memorial’s Brody Bowman in the consolation final.
Casady placed two wrestlers as Andrew Fitzpatrick finished fifth at 175 pounds and Liam LaGroue took sixth at 157 pounds.
YOUMBLI WINS TITLE AT KC STAMPEDE
Deer Creek competed at the KC Stampede in Kansas City, Mo., as three different
Antlers placed in the top 4 of the Hard Luck division.
Junior Youmbi pinned Bryan Wilson of Ark City, Kan., to secured the 190pound title.
Graeden DeMario suffered a loss to Owen McCracken from Francis Howell Central, Mo., to finish second in the 165-pound division.
Giovanny Acero rounded out the trio with a fourthplace effort at 215 pounds following a 7-4 sudden-victory loss to Garo Sams of Francis Howell Central in the consolation final. In the lower division, Deer Creek’s Garon Kaiser finished seventh at 157 pounds and Brady Brewer was eighth at 175 pounds.
CALENDAR
HOME SHOW
Jan. 1719 • OKC Home + Garden
The 43rd annual Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show will be at the OKC Fairgrounds Jan. 1719. The show is presented by Communication Federal Credit Union and offers guests a myriad of ideas on everything for the home and garden spaces, land features and guest speaker Craig Conover from Bravo’s hit reality series Southern Charm. The show welcomes guests Fri
day 12
8 pm, Satur
day 10 am 8 pm and Sunday 11 am 5 pm in the Bennett Event Center at the OKC Fairgrounds. See details at oklahomacityhomeshow.com.
COMEDY
Jan. 28 • Tom Green
See the multitalented Canadian comedi
an, actor, director, and broadcaster at the Bricktown Come
dy Club at 7 pm. Get tickets and info at bricktowncomedy. com.
BALLET
Feb. 716 • Swan Lake
Experience the world’s most famous ballet for two weekends in a row. Swan
Jan. 20 • MLK Jr. Day Events
The opening program, 7:30 am, celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and unity. The event culminates with a powerful silent march held in the style of the early civil rights movement marches ending at the Oklahoma History Center. The National Bell Ringing Salute will be at approx. 10:30 am with the Holiday Program and the MLK Parade following. The parade begins at approx. 2 pm. Visit okcmlkalliance.org for event details and information.
Lake is the epitome of ballet with elegant ballerinas, chivalrous princes, and heartwrenching music by Tchaikovsky, performed live by OKCPHIL at the Civic Center Music Hall. A sensory friendly version of this production is Feb. 15. For tickets and details visit okcballet.org.
THIS WEEKEND
Jan. 1012 • Boat & RV Show
The OKC Boat & RV Show is your destination for special show prices on new Boats and RVs from dealers across the state. Come see pontoon/ tritoon boats, fishing boats, competition ski boats, wake boats, personal watercraft, luxury boats, travel trailers, diesel & gas motorhomes, toy haulers, Class C motorhomes and much more. Along with outdoor and cooking products, lifestyle items, ATVs and more. Ticket is
good all 3 days at the OKC Boat & RV Show at the OKC Fairgrounds Bennett Event Center, okcfairgrounds.com.
Jan. 11 • Vintage 405Fest 405Fest is the home of OKC’s largest indoor festival with 50+ local vendors, seven local musicians, food trucks and the best fashion show OKC has to offer. Located in the historic Farmer’s Market building from 6 pm to midnight. Get tickets and event info at 405fest.com.
OKC THUNDER
HOME GAMES
Paycom Center
100 West Reno Ave.
Sunday, Jan. 19 • Brooklyn Nets 6:00 pm
Wednesday, Jan. 22 • Utah Jazz 7:00 pm Thursday, Jan. 23 • Dallas Mavericks 7:00 pm
to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Feb. 21
Mar. 22
Harlem Globetrotters
Tom Segura
Gabriel Iglesias
Nate Bargatze
Apr. 4
Apr. 12
Oct. 16 Zoo Amphitheatre: TOTO/Men At Work/Chris.Cross
Aug. 17 Teddy Swims Aug. 24
The Golden Globe Effect
The Golden Globes swept into the Beverly Hill Hotel this week, disrupting the already competitive Oscar race and adding some very long and very scary films to the Oscar watch list. Despite its controversial past and recent transformation, the Golden Globes still play an oversized role in shaping the Oscar race in all the major categories.
The Brutalist, a threeand half-hour drama about an architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States to pursue the America Dream, jumped into Oscar pole position by winning Golden Globes for Best Drama Motion Picture, Best Director for Brady Corbett, and Best Actor for lead Adrian Brody Critics groups love this movie, and the supporting cast is excellent, featuring Felicity Jones, Guy Pierce, and Taylor Swift’s British exboyfriend Joe Alwyn Unfortunately, audiences have so far avoided it, bringing in less than $1.2 million since its December 20 release. But this is exactly the kind of film that a successful award season can re-launch to the world. The Brutalist opens internationally on January 23 and should return to local theaters soon after that.
Demi Moore won her first award ever, Best Actress Musical or Comedy, for The Substance, a controversial, modern horror film about body issues.
Moore was once the highest paid actress in Hollywood, with leading roles in giant blockbusters like Ghost, A Few Good Men, Disclosure, Indecent Proposal, and G.I. Jane. She is the perfect person to bring this dark, scary story to life and is receiving the best reviews of her life. Her chances for a first Oscar nomination just improved significantly, but the path to victory is far from assured. Be forewarned that this film is very graphic and gory. Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in A Real Pain, a buddy comedy about cousins who travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Culkin recently racked up tons of awards for his role on the television smash hit Succession, including the Primetime Emmy, and he will be a leading challenger for the Oscar this year.
Emilia Perez, the Spanish language, French made, musical drama about a cartel leader who transitions into a woman, solidified its standing as an Oscar contender. The film entered the Golden Globes with a leading
ten nominations after earning $9.7 million at the international box office and landing a plum spot on Netflix in November. At the Golden Globes, Emilia Perez took home awards for Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Original Song for “El Mal,” and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for Zoe Saldana. Saldana is well known for her leading roles in the Avatar films, where she is blue, and Guardians of the Galaxy, where she is green. All that makes her normal appearance in this weird and wild low budget drama so much fun to watch. Saldana is likely to repeat her victory at the Oscars. And the film is likely to take home Best Foreign Language Film.
Golden news closer to home, my amazing mother, Brenda McDaniel, turns 85 this week. Mom has served as First Lady of Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma’s Mother of the Year, special education teacher, elementary school teacher, university alumni director, real estate agent, church secretary, scout leader, PTA President, track coach, and a million more unpaid jobs as the world’s most active and engaged mother. To this very day, no one works harder to make the world a better place for everyone she meets. Please wish mom a Happy Birthday next time you see her.
YWCA Oklahoma City to host 7th Annual Galentine’s Day event
Did you know that Oklahoma is 2nd in the nation for women killed by men in single-victim, singleoffender homicides? YWCA Oklahoma City is determined to take a stand against domestic violence in our community.
The 7th annual Galentine’s Day event is right around the corner! Inspired by Leslie Knope, a charac-
ter played by actress Amy Poehler on the television series “Parks and Rec,” Galentine’s Day is a day we set aside each year to celebrate the smart, kind and beautiful women in our lives. As Leslie explained it: “Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfaststyle. Ladies celebrating ladies.” Different from other YWCA fundraising events, there will be no program or auction at this event. The primary goal of this event is to raise awareness of YWCA’s mis-
sion while giving women the opportunity to socialize in a fun and welcoming environment. Breakfast will be served, mimosas poured, and a photo booth will be on hand to capture the fun. There will be several girlfriend-focused items to raffle as well as a swag bag for each Galentine to take!
Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ticket: $45
Location: Embassy Suites, 741 N Phillips Ave.
To learn more visit ywcaokc.org/ events/galentines-day/.
Kirkpatrick Medal Awards
The Kirkpatrick Foundation presented its first class of Kirkpatrick medal recipients, which included five members.
The honorees are:
• Harvey Payne, wildlife photographer, presented by Drew Edmondson.
• Nan Sheets (posthumously) painter, printmaker, museum director and creator of the Oklahoma City art community, presented by Dr. Joy Reed Belt.
• Angela McKenna, music educator, presented by Liz Eickman.
• Ed Brocksmith, co-founder, Save the Illinois River, presented by Susan Grossman.
• Melvenna Heisch, deputy state historic preservation officer, State Historic Preservation Office, retired, presented by Dr. Bob Blackburn.
• Governor Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation, presented by Christian Keesee.
From left: Ann Johnstone, Joan Maguire and Debbie McKinney at the inaugural Kirkpatrick Awards ceremony at Oklahoma Contemporary.
At right: Representative Cyndi Munson, D-85, and Collin Waller.
Above: OKC Zoo President and CEO Dwight Lawson and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Snyder. At left: Kirkpatrick Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Christian Keesee presents the Kirkpatrick medal to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby.
From left: Henry Browne, Annie Bohanon and Miles and Molly Tolbert. Molly is the president of the Oklahoma Contemporary Board.
- Photos by Rose Lane
PUBLIC NOTICE
CROSSWORD
chAnge
17th Annual Wish Luncheon & Holiday Market raises record $250,000
A NNOUNCING THE 41 ST S EASON !
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s historic 2025 Season includes the Oklahoma premiere of the brand new musical, Penelope; a new version of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]; Shakespeare’s “sit-com,” The Merry Wives of Windsor; a fresh new staging of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, for the first time in twenty years at OSP; The Lion in the Winter, never-before produced by OSP; a return of the one-man vaudeville Christmas clown show, An Actor’s Carol; and the perennial holiday favorite, Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker! Get your tickets, okshakes.org/buy-tickets.
The 17th Annual Wish Luncheon & Holiday Market, held at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, raised a record-breaking $250,000 for Make-AWish Oklahoma. The event brought together 430 attendees to support the organization’s mission of granting life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.
The Holiday Market featured 16 local small businesses like Sara Kay Art, Refinery and more.
The day was filled with inspiring moments, culminating in a heartwarming surprise for local wish kid, Teryn. During the program, Make-A-Wish Oklahoma granted Teryn’s long-awaited wish to receive assistance for his tuition at the University of Oklahoma. In a truly unforgettable moment, representatives from OU were on hand to surprise Teryn with addi-
tional scholarships totaling over $28,000, ensuring his dream of attending OU would be a reality.
The celebration was made even more special by the presence of the OU Spirit Squad, who joined in the surprise to help make the moment even more thrilling for Teryn and all in attendance.
In a bittersweet announcement, MakeA-Wish Oklahoma revealed that this year’s event is to be the final Wish Luncheon & Holiday Market. Going forward, the organization will transition to a new signature event, Night of Wishes, which is set for Saturday, Nov. 15.
This exciting new event continues the tradition of bringing the community together to raise critical funds for local children’s wishes, while introducing a fresh and dynamic format.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming suc-
cess of the 17th Annual Wish Luncheon & Holiday Market,” said Deborah McAuliffe Senner, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. “This event has been a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts for nearly two decades, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of our community. As we transition to our new event next year, we look forward to creating even more impactful experiences for our supporters and continuing to grant wishes for children like Teryn.”
The funds raised through this year’s event go directly to Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, helping to grant more wishes for children across the state. The organization thanks all attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and small business vendors who helped make this year’s luncheon such a success.
Locally-owned Business Directory
Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred 9520 N. May, Suite 110
Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com
Full Circle Bookstore
1900 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
Junior’s Supper Club
2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One
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
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
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
La Baguette Bistro 7408 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 840-3047 labaguettebistro.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Covenant Brothers
5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com
First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222
Website: ffb.com
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
First Source Real Estate Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
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
Laura Lynn’s Home Care 9801 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 418-2961 lauralynnshomecare.com
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com
Niroula Law 511
(405)
niroulalaw.com
Make-A-Wish Oklahoma President & CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner and Director of Program Services Katie Iannazzo present a check for tuition to Wish Kid Teryn.
Edie Roodman & Shannon Presti enjoying the Wish Luncheon.
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.
vicki@okcfriday.com
Banking legend Gene Rainbolt left legacy of generosity
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
We lost another of the Greatest Generation with the passing of Nichols Hills resident and Oklahoma banking legend Gene Rainbolt at age 95 last week. Tributes have poured in from throughout the state. He is being honored as a kind person, banking genius, generous philanthropist and outstanding civic leader. We want to humbly add Fridaylander to his list of tributes.
Rainbolt told the story of his life in a poignant obituary he wrote himself. See Pages 1 & 3. Although he led a highly
successful life, he didn’t have success handed to him. He worked for it.
He was born the youngest of four children in Norman at the precipice of the Great Depression and was raised by “an adoring, but detached mother, and a distant father.”
He married his sixth grade sweetheart, Jeannine Tuttle, in 1950 and together they had two children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They were married 57 years “until the circle of her life closed on September 30, 2007.”
Rainbolt is lauded for revolutionizing Oklahoma’s bank-
Tributes to Rainbolt:
Oklahoma City lost one of the greatest men I’ve had the privilege of knowing. Gene Rainbolt was a brilliant businessman, cared deeply about his community and loved big, especially for children. I was incredibly fortunate to get to know him decades ago, early into my career. Over the years, I became so close to him I considered him the grandfather I never had in my life. He was a huge champion of me, and I called him often for advice and support. Gene, I am going to miss you. As will this community. Thank you for being a light in my life. — Erin Engelke, President & CEO, Remerge I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gene Rainbolt, my dear friend and constituent. Oklahoma has lost an incredible leader—an incredible human being. Gene Rainbolt believed in the best of all of us. He invested his time and treasure in organizations and programs that helped all Oklahomans. He knew his influence and leadership would make a true difference, so he spent his life making sure we all knew about the real needs of Oklahomans. He always looked out for the marginalized and those who needed extra help. He was a true friend to me—always providing a listening ear and giving of his time to mentor me, especially as I began my journey in public service. I will never forget our first meeting. When very few people believed in me, he helped me to see what I was capable of. I have always admired—and been inspired by—his dedication to improving our criminal justice system, our public education system, and ensuring that every Oklahoman had an opportunity for economic prosperity. He believed in bettering the lives of every person, and he put his belief into action. His deep care for the future of our state was—and will continue to be—unmatched. “I am sending my love and condolences to the entire Rainbolt family, who have also become dear friends of mine over the years. I will miss you, my dear friend. May you rest in peace.” — Representative Cyndi Munson, Democratic Leader, D-85
ing system, that at the time was often referred to as outdated and backward. It took him 30 years to achieve. Along with his son, David, he built BancFirst into the largest statechartered bank in Oklahoma with assets of over $12 billion and branches throughout Oklahoma and into Texas. FORBES listed BancFirst as America’s 16th Best Bank in 2024. He loved Oklahoma and said, “I enjoyed telling people that metaphorically, I was a cousin of Tom Joad, the John Steinbeck character, which may also explain my delight in the soulful music of Willie
Dear Wise Elder: For the last 33 years I’ve dealt with several service companies who became my friends and gave great service – clothing, car, and cleaning. But now those folks are retiring. And the new owners are NOT giving anything close to the previous service. Just when I find a company that gives good service, they sell.
Dear Sold Out: You have just described what has always been true. Local is better. Local government, local schools, locally owned auto dealerships and locally owned healthcare. When leadership of any entity
Nelson and Woody Guthrie.”
In fact, Willie entertained at Rainbolt’s 80th and 90th birthday parties for the benefit of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, an organization that he was very dedicated to.
He loved the University of Oklahoma and was a staunch supporter. After his wife Jeannine’s death, he donated $8 million to the College of Education at OU so, “every child has the opportunity to become all he or she can be.” The University renamed the college the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education in her honor. Rainbolt’s list of accolades is
gets more removed from the people they serve, it become impersonal. A business has two sides – the financial side and the relationship side. When a corporation buys out a locally owned profitable company, they always say “nothing will change,” but it always changes. Having corporate leadership allows for cookie cutter consistency in appearance and possibly pricing, but equation is not balanced when it loses the personal touch. Local is better; local is life.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
impressive and long and his philanthropic efforts were even longer. His commitment to education, healthcare and the arts left a profound impact upon Oklahoma City and the state.
In his obituary he wrote, “In summation, my specific philosophy of life was: Change the world. Have some fun. Make some money. Give it away. Believing the tragedy of death has to do entirely with what was left undone, mine ended with my having done all I could do, but with so much more needed!”
Well said, Mr. Rainbolt. Thank you.
