OKC FRIDAY
Vol. 58 No. 37 • One Section • 14 pages • February
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 51 years
By Rose Lane Editor
Letting each other set boundaries, respecting your spouse and just having fun are the secrets to Joy and Jerry Richardson’s nearly 62year marriage.
Most Fridaylanders know Joy and Jerry. Joy wrote a long-time column, Excursions for OKC FRIDAY where she would cover events and offer her signature Travel Tip. Jerry was at the helm of the Dub Richardson car dealerships.
They have been fixtures in the community for a very long time, giving of their time, talents and treasures to many charitable organizations.
Joy and Jerry raised their three kids here, all of whom have followed their parents’ example of community service.
Now, Joy is concentrating on her art and Jerry is into acting and investing, all the while traveling around the world.
“Having something to
be excited about is what keeps us going,” Joy said.
Joy went to Edmond High School and Jerry to Harding. They met junior year of college at the University of Oklahoma on a blind date. The date was going to the drive-in to see “The Parent Trap.”
Jerry asked Joy out on a second date, but she already had a date. He asked her for a third and again, she already had a date.
“I really liked him,” Joy said. “But, I really did have a date.”
They finally found a time that worked for both of them. Jerry was a Beta Theta Phi and he took Joy to a Beta swim meet.
Bice named to West Point Board of Visitors
Congresswoman
Stephanie Bice has been appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson to serve on the Board of Visitors of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The Congresswoman and her fellow board members are to examine the morale,
See BICE, Page 7
The pair stayed together. Jerry was in the ROTC so he was required to serve two years in the military, choosing the Navy.
Joy and Jerry graduated from college on Sunday and he was commissioned that afternoon. They became Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Richardson the next Friday, May 31, 1963.
The honeymoon was a driving trip to San Francisco, Calif., where Jerry was to be stationed. They settled into a small apartment near the Naval base.
As Jerry was out at sea a lot, Joy started working
See JOY AND JERRY, Page 13
NHills
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Sanitation trucks in Nichols Hills are to get an “artistic facelift” as one of two public art projects announced by the city. Nichols Hills is currently soliciting bids from area artists for both projects.
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Voters in both Nichols Hills and The Village are to elect council members following candidate filings last week. Voters in The Village will elect a new councilman to represent Ward 2, while in Nichols Hills the Ward 2 seat sees a contest for the first time in many years.
In Nichols Hills, 18-year incumbent E. Peter Hoffman, Jr. surprised many by not filing for reelection. He is the current mayor of the city and has served six terms as councilman representing the constituents of Ward 2.
Colin M. FitzSimons (51) and Ford Austin (54) filed last week with the Oklahoma County Election Board to replace Hoffman on the Nichols Hills city council.
FitzSimons is a 20-year-resident of Nichols Hills. He is president and CEO of Corytus, LLC and is on the board of Dorchester Capital Corp. He has 15 years of service on the Science Museum Oklahoma Board of Trustees including five years as chairman of the board. He also sits on the boards for Casady School and Allied Arts.
Austin is an award-winning Hollywood motion picture producer and business owner. He has been president and CEO of
Councilpersons in Village, NHills do not seek reelection
APCO Oil Corporation in Oklahoma City for 16 years and serves as acting CEO of The Private Office of Anderson Family Investments located at 1000 W. Wilshire Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
In The Village, Ward 3 councilman and current vice mayor Melodie Moore did not file for reelection. She previously announced her intention to seek reelection. When Moore ran for the Ward 3 seat two years ago, she was elected the first Black person to serve on The Village City Council.
Keith Spangler (43) is the only candidate to file for Moore’s vacant Ward 3 seat and was automatically elected to the council. He is the registered agent on file for Offensive Entertainment Management LLC, an Oklahoma Domestic Limited -Liability Company. He has not run for previous office. The Ward 2 seat in The Village is the only seat to draw a competitive race, pitting current 20-year council veteran and former Mayor C. Scott “Bubba” Symes (78) against Village Arts Association board chairman Jon Sousa (33).
Symes is the most tenured councilman in The Village, having served 22 years on the council and four terms as mayor. He
See ELECTIONS, Page 2
sanitation trucks to get an ‘artistic facelift’
The first project is an art wrap that is to adorn the city’s four sanitation vehicles. A second project creates a “rotating” work of art for placement in the Love Family Park along Grand Boulevard.
Elemental Ball to offer unique fun
Science Museum Oklahoma hosts its second annual Elemental Ball at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, supporting the museum’s nonprofit mission to spark curiosity and expand knowledge.
Unlike traditional fundraising galas, the Elemental Ball offers handson experiences that intertwine interactive science and elegance. While guests enjoy cocktails and a chefcurated gourmet dinner, they also participate in unique activities, such as indoor mini go-kart racing, fire throwing, champagne sabering, walking on broken glass and exploring a massive ball pit.
As a 501c-3 that receives no public assistance, the evening is to help Science Museum Oklahoma raise
essential funds to support programs that reach underserved communities and add new educational exhibits that bring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) to life.
Individual tickets are still available, but limited, until Feb. 14 at sciencemuseumok.org/elemental.
“Elemental Ball is more than just a night of excitement — it’s a celebration of curiosity and discovery,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick CEO at Science Museum Oklahoma.
“Every experience, from throwing fire to exploring the science behind sabering champagne, fuels our mission to inspire future innovators and expand access to hands-on learning.”
The city recently announced the invitations for proposals in the public notice section of OKC FRIDAY.
“To my knowledge, this is the first solicitation for art proposals in the city,” said City Manager Shane Pate. “Historically, residents have donated art themselves through park adoption or city council donation acceptances.”
Pate said the City Council has budgeted a collective $25,000 for the Art Commission to add pub-
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week
Tetra is an especially spunky twoyear-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi. She lives in Oklahoma City with Leah and Micah Fryslie where she enjoys spending much of her free time playing outside.
Tetra loves stealing toys from her sister and eating all the snacks, but just wants to cuddle with her humans in a warm blanket at the end of the day.
Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
lic art in the city. The city plans to use operating funds set aside for each project.
“Our Public Arts Commission is dedicated to making art accessible to all residents in Nichols Hills,” said Melissa Scaramucci, chairman of the commission. “The commission will manage the selection process, including public input, and will make a final recommendation (for both projects) to the City Council for approval.
See NHILLS, Page 7
STEPHANIE BICE
Joy and Jerry Richardson on their wedding day, May 31, 1963.
Chocolate Decadence a sweet evening
Automobile Alley is the bene fi ciary of Chocolate Decadence, a tasting event incorporating chocolate. Below: Cher and Kyle Golding sample goodies for local restaurants.
ELECTIONS
From Page 1
has lived in The Village since 1959 and is a graduate of John Marshall High School. He has been employed with Price Edwards & Co for more than
35 years where he is currently vice president of construction. His challenger, Jon Sousa, 33, is a professional software architect in the non-profit sector who has lived in The Village for more than 10 years. He is married to Audrey Sousa, a lifelong resident of
The Village.
Mayor David Bennett, 71, drew no opponents to represent Ward 1 and was automatically reelected to his seat on the council. He has represented his constituents on the council for 14 years and is retired after 30 years in the
Army Reserve. He has taught college-level business courses at the University of Central Oklahoma. Council candidates in both Nichols Hills and The Village must live in the ward they seek to represent. Registered voters in both municipalities, regardless of which Ward they reside, may vote as residents vote at-large to elect council members. Councilmen in Nichols Hills are elected to a three-year term while councilmen in The Village serve a two-year term. Voters will go to the polls on April 1.
Hoffman pens farewell letter to residents
Dear Friends,
Being a Councilman for the wonderful City of Nichols Hills for the past 18 years has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Thank you for trusting me with this important mission. Nichols Hills is a special place - a rare and wondrous treasure, and it has been both an honor and privilege to lead and serve you all.
G.A. Nichols had a vision for our community…beginning with a virtually blank canvas in 1929. Amazing! And I have done my best to uphold that vision - helping to apply new and beautiful brush strokes on this magnificent, living masterpiece that we call home.
But now, I have decided to step down. After these almost two decades of daily obsessing with adding value to our beloved City, I am no longer running for public office.
So, thank you, good people, for believing in me. And thank you to all our incredible Nichols Hills staff, commissions, committees and volunteers. You are remarkable and we are fortunate to have you on board.
To my fellow City Council members, Steve and Sody…it has been great working with you. We have done much good together. To my good friend and City Manager, Shane Pate, there is no finer operational leader anywhere. And I especially want to thank my wonderful wife, Susan, who has been with me all the way - always supportive in both good times and bad.
Take care, all, and choose wisely your next councilman. It is an important choice - one which will have far reaching implications for our city. Your friend and mayor, Peter Hoffman
Above: The directors of the 2025 Oklahoma Senior Follies — Michael Pone and Gina Bramlett. Below: Sarah Frank, Cassie Enriquez and Kermit Frank. Below, center: Downtown Oklahoma City President and CEO Jennifer Nakayama with Meg Salyer.
Above: Travis Mason and his wife Dominique are fans of the Automobile Alley District. Below: Travis’ dad Steve and his wife Lisa with Rowdy Gilbert.
- Photos by Rose Lane
Casady’s Davis Currie (22) shoots a jumper over Heritage Hall’s Roman Welch (11) during their basketball game last Friday.
OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY
Publication No. (USPS 893-600)
PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com
Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.
Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.
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BASKETBALL | BOYS ROUNDUP
Knights hold off Chargers in win
In a battle of Fridayland teams last Monday night, the Crossings Christian boys came out on top with a 60-47 road win at Heritage Hall.
Cal Furnish paced the Class 4A No. 3 Knights (19-3) with 15 points, as Cam Parker collected 11 points and Braden Buckingham contributed 9 points.
The Chargers (8-11) boasted three players in double figures, led by T.J. Williams’s 20 points. Xzavier Mbroh grabbed 11 points and Denton Suthers chipped in 10 points.
Both teams also enjoyed busy weeks with two other games.
Crossings Christian cruised to a 71-56 victory over Newcastle last Friday, with four players in double figures. Furnish netted a teambest 21 points, followed by Rylen Sykes with 20 points, Buckingham with 12 and Parker with 10 points.
The Knights opened the week on Tuesday with a 54-49 win at 3A No. 2 Crooked Oak. Parker scored 22
points, while Furnish collected 17 points and Buckingham had 11 points.
Meanwhile, Heritage Hall escaped with a 7976 double-overtime triumph at rival Casady on Friday.
T.J. Williams secured a team-best 20 points, as Mbroh scored 13 points and Suthers added 10 points for the Chargers.
Sam Edwards and James Elder led the Cyclones (2-19) with 19 points each and Davis Currie chipped in 18 points in their only game of the week.
Heritage Hall endured a 72-49 loss at 3A No. 1 Millwood last Tuesday as Williams finished with 20 points and Mbroh added 7 points.
The Chargers host Fridayland rival McGuinness this Friday in their regular season, while Crossings Christian visited 5A No. 7 Carl Albert on Thursday as did Casady at 3A No. 9 Community Christian in Norman.
ANTLERS CLOBBER U.S. GRANT
Jumping out to an early lead, Deer Creek cruised to a 70-52 victory against U.S. Grant last Friday night.
Caison Robinson paced the Antlers (17-3) with 15 points, as Pierson Vanlandingham contributed 10 points and Kaden Leache added 7 points.
On Tuesday, Deer Creek pulled off a 47-46 triumph at Mustang behind three players in double figures. Robinson netted 14 points, while Leache and Clyde Davis chipped in 10 points each.
The Antlers play a pair of road games this week, starting Friday at Norman North and ending on Tuesday at Southmoore.
BEARS RUN OVER MIDWEST CITY
John Marshall enjoyed a pair of double-digit victories last week, including a dominating 73-55 win at Midwest City on Friday and a 75-63 triumph over Altus on Tuesday.
Deion Robinson led three players in double figures with 21 points against the Bombers.
Tony Green collected 13 points and Jamarion Bolding chipped in 12 points for the Bears (12-9).
lected 18 points, as Hudson McCormick scored 14 points and Jackson Stone grabbed 8 points for the 4A No. 11 Irish (13-8). McGuinness travels to Heritage Hall this Friday and Ada on Tuesday.
ROCKETS GET PAST JONES
Splitting a pair of games against ranked opponents last week, Mount St. Mary held on for a 41-35 road win at 3A No. 17 Jones on Friday.
Kelston Young and
Bolding and Zuo Kpogba netted a teambest 16 points each against Alva and Green contributed 13 points.
John Marshall visits Lawton this Friday and hosts Harding Fine Arts on Tuesday.
IRISH TAKE DOWN GLENPOOL
McGuiness made the most of a light week with a solid 56-48 triumph over Glenpool last Friday night.
Cooper Bradley col-
Syler Maxwell finished with 13 points each and Jamarie Dubose had 7 points for the Rockets (14-7).
Mount St. Mary opened the week with a 73-61 loss against 4A No. 4 North Rock Creek. Dubose led the way with 16 points, while Eli Jones grabbed 11 points and Young collected 8 points. The Rockets host OKC Storm this Friday and Cache on Monday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
Heritage Hall’s Denton Suthers guards Casady’s Jack Lee (10) as he tries to pass to a teammate during last Friday’s 79-76 overtime loss to the Chargers.
- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
Cyclone boys claim 2nd, girls 3rd at 5A regionals
Keyed by an individual champion and several others inside the top 5, the Casady boys swimming team claimed the runner-up trophy and the Cyclone girls took third place at the Class 5A West regional last weekend.
The McGuinness boys finished just behind Casady in third in the standings and the Irish girls came in fourth at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center.
All four squads, along with a number of other Fridaylanders, reached the 5A state meet set for Feb. 21-22 at Jenks.
Casady’s Ayden Kerr, along with four local athletes, earned gold medals in two different events at the regional.
Kerry swept the 50and 100-yard freestyle events, winning the 50 freestyle in 22.98 seconds and the 100 freestyle in 51.18 seconds over teammate Denzel Chen.
Harding Charter Prep’s Jack Powell dominated the distance events, outlasting McGuinness’ John Nguyen in the 200 freestyle in 1:50.07 and also downed McGuinness’ Brady Mitchell in the 500 freestyle with a winning time of 4:57.48 for the Eagles.
Crossings Christian’s Rory Podoba also captured titles in the 200 and 500 freestyles, claiming the 200 by just over a half-second in 2:09.71 and the 500 freestyle in 5:53.44 over Heritage Hall’s Coraline Harrison in second place.
Meanwhile, McGuinness’ Camryn Kanaly and Crossings Christian’s Zach Lopp earned gold medals in the same two events.
Kanaly outdueled Crossings’ Jasper Jernigan for the 100 backstroke title in 1:02.32 and Harrison from Heritage Hall in 2:22.66 in the 200 individual medley.
Lopp secured a 1second victory in the 100 backstroke in 55.70 seconds and topped McGuinness’ Brady Mitchell by less than 2 seconds in the 200 IM in 2:07.86.
In addition to her runner-up finish, Crossings’ Jernigan topped the podium in the 50 freestyle in 25.35 seconds as Casady’s Caroline Olszewski finished second and Casady’s Susannah Brown was third.
The Casady boys, composed of Chen, Max McAllister, Thomas Gillenwater and Kerr, also cruised to an 8-second win in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:23.79 and placed second in the 200 freestyle and 200 medley relays.
The Cyclone girls finished second in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays, while the McGuinness girls were third in both events.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Antler girls take 3rd in 6A
Two Deer Creek girls captured gold medals in helping to lead the Antlers to third place and the boys finished fifth in the 6A West Regional last weekend at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center. Harper Husbands led the way with a pair of event championships. Husbands finished just over a second ahead of the field for the 100-yard breaststroke title in 1:05.66 and captured the 200 individual medley by a
half-second in 2:11.47 for the Antlers.
Ashlyn Bucy escaped with just a two-tenths second advantage in the 100 backstroke with a winning time of 58.47 seconds, also grabbed second place in the 100 butterfly.
Owen McCall, Jason Hull and Beckham Shields reached the top 5 for Deer Creek.
McCall placed second and Shields collected third in the 100 backstroke, while Hull took third in the 50
freestyle and fourth in the 100 freestyle.
Meanwhile, the Antler girls finished second in the 200 medley relay and third in the 400 freestyle relay.
The Deer Creek boys placed second in the 200 freestyle relay and third in the 400 freestyle relay.
PC North’s Brody Cunningham boasted a top-5 finish with a fifthplace effort in the 100 breaststroke for the Panthers.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Antlers run over U.S. Grant
Buoyed by three players in double figures, including two near double-doubles, the Deer Creek girls basketball team cruised to a 74-45 victory against U.S. Grant last Friday night.
Adriana Radinovic netted a team-best 18 points and 9 rebounds. Kayleigh Steele collected 17 points for the Antlers (11-7), while Nadia Traylor grabbed 16 points and 9 rebounds.
Deer Creek opened the week with a 67-53 loss at Mustang on Tuesday.
Traylor led the way with 18 points, as Radinovic scored 11 points and Darien Johnson chipped in 8 points.
The Antlers travel to Norman North this Friday and Southmoore on Tuesday.
MIDWEST CITY TOO MUCH FOR BEARS
John Marshall endured a pair of difficult losses last week, including a 70-17 setback at Midwest City and a 63-13 defeat
against Altus.
Kandace Brown and Jessenie Brown scored 6 points each to lead the Bears (1-20) against the Bombers.
John Marshall visits Lawton this Friday at 6 p.m. and hosts Harding Fine Arts on Tuesday.
CHARGERS TAKE DOWN KNIGHTS
Jumping out an early lead, Heritage Hall cruised to a 75-35 victory against Fridayland rival Crossings Christian last Monday night. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com
WRESTLING ROUNDUP
Antlers compete at Dual State
As the only Fridayland team competing, Deer Creek participates as one of 8 teams at the Dual State wrestling tournament this Saturday.
The Antlers take on Sand Springs at 10 a.m. in the quarterfinals at inside Tulsa Union’s Multipurpose Activity Center.
With a win, Deer Creek would advance the semifinals at 2 p.m. against the Piedmont-Stillwater winner.
In the other quarterfinals, Edmond North faces Mustang and Bixby battles against Broken Arrow.
The championship match is set for 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS REGIONALS SET FOR MONDAY, TUESDAY
Three Fridayland girls wrestling teams embark on their quest for a berth at state by competing in regional tournaments this Monday and Tuesday.
Deer Creek and PC North take part in the Class 6A West regional at Shawnee, while McGuinness ventures southeast to McAlester for the 6A East Regional.
The girls state tournament is set for Feb. 27-March 1 at State Fairgrounds Arena in OKC.
Casady’s Kate Naifeh (34) shoots a layup over Sophia Leclercq from Heritage Hall during their basketball game last Friday night.
- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
CALENDAR
EXHIBITS
Through May 4 • ‘Cowboy Boots’ Cowboy Boots: From Roundups to Runways, presented by Lucchese Bootmaker, will transport visitors on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of cowboy boots from their 19thcentury origins to their modernday status as a cultural icon. Running through May 4, this exciting temporary exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship, history and enduring appeal of these timeless boots at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
CONCERTS
Feb. 21 • Dwight Yoakam Country music legend, Dwight Yoakam, is bringing his Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo Tour 2025 to the Paycom Center. See details at paycomcenter.com.
Feb. 22 • Symphonies East & West Oklahoma City Philharmonic welcomes Sitarist and Composer Arjun Verma, 8 pm on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets are available now at okcphil.org or by calling (405) 8425387.
March 1 • ‘The Sacred Veil’
May 9 •
Katy Perry
Global pop icon Katy Perry is bringing her global Lifetimes Tour to the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Experience her most iconic hits LIVE in OKC for the first time ever. The Lifetimes Tour is in support of her seventh studio album and the set list will change and alternate and sometimes include some deep cuts from her discography. Get tickets through Ticketmaster and other sites.
Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma’s awardwinning chorus, invites audiences to experience The Sacred Veil, a deeply moving 12movement collaboration between composer Eric Whitacre and poet/lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri. The concert event will be Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 pm at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets for The Sacred Veil are available through the Civic Center Music Hall box office or online at CanterburyOKC.com.
THEATRE
March 29 • ‘Best in Ten’ Carpenter Square Theatre is excited to once again host “Best in Ten,” a tenminute play contest, festival and fundraiser. The special event will take place on Saturday, March 29, at the theater located at 1009 W. Reno in Oklahoma City. Fundraiser includes staged readings by local actors of awardwinning tenminute plays, tributes to guests of honor,
international cuisine buffet and cash bar, silent auction, wine pull, vocalists and free valet parking. Tickets are $50 at carpentersquare.com.
Apr. 29 May 4 • ‘& Juliet’ Created by the Emmywinning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical gives Juliet a second chance at life after Romeo. & Juliet is set to an epic playlist including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That's The Way It Is,” “It's My Life,” and “Can't Stop the Feeling!” Eight performances at the Civic Center.
OKC THUNDER
HOME GAMES
Paycom Center
100 West Reno Ave.
Monday, Feb. 24 • Minn. Timberwolves 7:00 pm Monday, March 3 • Houston Rockets 7:00 pm Friday, March 7 •
Portland Trail Blazers 7:00 pm
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Happy Valentine’s Day
This past weekend, my family and I drove back home to Alva, Oklahoma. My dad, Tom McDaniel, was inducted into the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Sports Hall of Fame. Dad was a two-sport scholarship athlete: he played quarterback on the football team and point guard on the basketball team. He was voted best allaround student in 1959. And, in 1960, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college.
The sports luncheon was held in the NWOSU cafeteria. Dad remarked that when he was a sophomore on campus, he was asked to speak in that very cafeteria to the incoming freshmen class about getting involved in school. While speaking, he noticed a cute freshman girl. He made eye contact. She smiled back. After the meeting, he walked over and introduced himself.
The girl’s name was Brenda Bockelman. She was a freshman from Slapout who had graduated from Laverne High School and was at NWOSU on an academic scholarship. He asked her out. She eventually said yes. They got married two years later. She became Brenda McDaniel. And this
June, they will have been married for 67 years. It all started in the cafeteria at NWOSU in Alva.
During the ceremony, dad was joined by an outstanding group of fellow inductees.
Selina Lamar-White was the first woman to receive a soccer scholarship to the university. She came to NWOSU in 2001, played in 80 matches until 2004, and earned Defensive Player of the Year and AllAmerican honors. She stayed on as an assistant coach and helped launch the NWOSU soccer program into the national spotlight. Fred Slaughter was a two-sport athlete from 1990-1993. He won the 400-meter national championship twice, started on the football team as their leading defender, then returned as a coach to help lead the football team to its national title in 1999. Shannon Frascht was part of the NWOSU rodeo team from 1985 to 1989. He became a professional rodeo national champion after graduation, earning 8 team roper
national titles, then returned to NWOSU to lead the rodeo team program as the coach. Every one of the former students going into the sports hall of fame had a different life story. But every one of them were the same in that they were only able to attend college because they had been offered a scholarship. And every one of them returned to the university at some point to give back to the school that had given them so much. Dad also returned to Northwestern, becoming the first student athlete to serve as President of the university.
This Valentine’s Day, I am grateful for the generations of people in Oklahoma who have donated scholarship money to help other people’s kids go to college. Their generosity allowed my dad and mom, Selena, Fred, and Shannon to attend college at Northwestern, change their lives for the better, and change the lives of the people all around them. This spring, I hope you will consider donating to your favorite university, school, or education nonprofit. If we all pitch in, we can ensure a bright future for the next generation of leaders across Oklahoma. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Salvation
Army’s 2025 Celebration of Hope Gala to feature Terry Bradshaw
The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma announces its annual Celebration of Hope Gala set for Friday, May 2, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. This evening will honor The Salvation Army’s 135 years of dedicated service to Central Oklahoma.
The evening will feature Terry Bradshaw, the legendary former NFL quarterback, Emmy Award-winning sports analyst, and philanthropist, as the guest speaker. The program will also
include testimonials from community members whose lives have been transformed through The Salvation Army’s services. Sponsorship opportunities and individual seat reservations are now available. Sponsors will receive recognition throughout the evening, with select sponsorship levels offering an exclusive meet-and-greet with Terry Bradshaw. All proceeds from the event will help sustain vital programs, including emergency shelters, youth services, and community outreach.
“This year’s Celebration of Hope Gala is a milestone event for The Salvation Army as we celebrate 135 years of service in Central Oklahoma,” said Major Jamie Clay, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma. “We are honored to have Terry Bradshaw as our guest speaker, and we invite the community to join our mission of meeting human needs right here in Central Oklahoma.”
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to
reserve your seat for the Gala, please contact Amanda Lester, Special Events Manager, at 405246-1109 or Amanda.Lester@ uss.salvationarmy.org.
Fry takes reigns of AutismOklahoma
AutismOklahoma has named Kelly Dyer Fry as its new executive director.
With a legacy of compassion and dedication, Fry steps into a role that continues the transformative work of AutismOklahoma’s founder, Melinda Lauffenburger, who created the organization more than 20 years ago as a safe, loving space for individuals with autism and their families.
what AutismOklahoma needs. Her passion and leadership will further our mission of empowering autistic individuals and their families through creativity, connection and hope.”
NHILLS
From Page 1
Fry brings a wealth of experience to AutismOklahoma, including her tenure as editor and
“It is an honor to lead such an incredible organization,” said Fry. “AutismOklahoma’s mission has always been about fostering love, joy and opportunity for those impacted by autism.”
“Making public art accessible to all residents is a top priority for us,” said Scaramucci. “Having public art come directly to each street and home in the city on our sanitation vehicles seemed like a fun solution.”
Scaramucci said there have been similar projects in other cities, but none quite like this.
“When looking at which vehicles were owned by the city and viable to be wrapped, the sanita-
BICE
From Page 1
discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters related to the academy that the board decides to consider. The Board of Visitors is the gov-
publisher of The Oklahoman and director of communications for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
“We are so excited to welcome Kelly Fry as AutismOklahoma's new executive director,” leaders of the organization said. “Kelly is exactly
tion trucks felt like the most fun and unexpected,” she said.
“Artists have wrapped city buses or other public transportation, but I don’t know of any who have done sanitation trucks. We want to wrap as many trucks as possible.”
The city’s four sanitation trucks are on the streets four days per week.
The Love Family Park project calls for a “rotating” piece of art for placement on the existing plinth created especially for this project.
“The intention in the gift of
erning body at West Point and was established in 1815.
“I am honored to accept this appointment from Speaker Johnson,” Bice said.
“The United States Military Academy at West Point recruits, educates, and trains leaders of character nationwide, including cadets from
In 2024 alone, AutismOklahoma served more than 4,500 individuals through 73 diverse programs. These initiatives provided joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging, embodying the organization’s mission to improve quality of life, for life.
the park to the city was for a non-permanent piece of art to be installed in Love Family Park,” said Scaramucci. “Having an artwork that is temporary in nature allows for multiple artists to have an opportunity to showcase their work over the years.”
The city of nearly 4,000 residents has over a dozen works of public art featured in its 31 landscaped parks.
Nichols Hills has set a March 10 deadline to submit proposals. The full request for proposals can be found at nicholshillsok.gov.
Oklahoma’s Fifth District. We must ensure that our service academies provide students with the resources and training they need to succeed in serving and defending our nation.
“I look forward to serving alongside my fellow board members in this important endeavor.”
Speaker Johnson said the appointment is his pleasure.
“Congresswoman Bice is a friend to America’s servicemen and women and will be an asset to the West Point leadership in helping to educate and train the next generation of military leaders,” he said.
Ashley Nicole McDonald, ) Petitioner ) and ) Pedro McDonald, ) Respondent. ) NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: Pedro McDonald
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 17 day of March, 2025, 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 4 day of December, 2024.
/s/Ashley McDonald /s/Angela Smith Petitioner Notary SUBSCRIBER AND SWORN to before me this 4 day of December, 2024.
Notary: /s/Angela Smith (SEAL) My commission expires: 7-4-2026 Commission Number: 22009046
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 14, 2025; Friday, February 21, 2025; Friday, February 28, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Case No. FD-2025-115
IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: Alejandro J. Valdez, ) Petitioner, ) and ) Carol Lynn Valdez, ) Respondent. ) NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Carol Lynn Valdez
You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility. You must answer the Petition on or before the 7 day of February, 2025, or the Petition will be taken as true and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 7 day of February, 2025.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/L.Bell (SEAL)
Probate
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 14, 2025; Friday, February 21, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CASE NO: PB-2025-129
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Aurelia Prado STATE OF OKLAHOMA } }ss. COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA } NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL
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City of NiChols hills
HILLS, OKLAHOMA CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:
Applicant: Sam Gresham BC-2025-03
(Published
Notice is hereby given to all legatees and devisees of Aurelia Prado, Deceased, that on the 21 day of July, 2024, Christina Poos, personal representative to the estate Produced and filed in the District Court of the County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma, an instrument in writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Aurelia Prado, deceased, and also filed a Petition for Probate of will praying for the Probate of said will and that Letters Testamentary be issued thereon to Christina Poos as Personal Representative named in said Will. Pursuant to an order of said court made on the 3 day of February, 2025, notice is hereby on the 27 day of February, 2025, at 10:00 o’clock a.m. Judge Oakes that said day has been appointed as the time for hearing said petition and proving said will at the County Courthouse, 321 Park Avenue, Room 217, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, when and where any person interested in said estate may appear and contest the same. Dated this 3 day of February, 2025.
MARTHA OAKES Judge of the District Court Rick Warren, Court Clerk Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/J. Salas Deputy
the full application and supporting documents will be posted at www.nicholshills-ok.gov.
This Application will be considered at a public hearing to be held by the Nichols Hills Building Commission on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116.
Any person objecting to or supporting this Application may appear before the Nichols Hills Building Commission on the above public hearing date and show cause why the proposed Application should be approved or disapproved. Further, written support or protest regarding the Application may be filed with the City Clerk at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, provided it is received by the City Clerk not less than three days before the public hearing.
Dated this 4th day of February 2025
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
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.
not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com
Children’s legislation begins moving at Capitol
By Joe Dorman President & CEO
Oklahoma Institute for Childen Advocacy
As the first full week of session has ended, the lawmakers at the Oklahoma State Capitol are hard at work with shepherding their legislation through the committee process.
The legislature has implemented a new committee deadline system which has extended the time for hearings by committees; in the House of Representatives, they have established that most bills will be heard by two sepa-
rate committees. This is an attempt to front-load much of the work to go over the bills and have them in better shape when they move the full House of Representatives for discussion. This idea has a great deal of merit.
Lawmakers are also continuing the effort to improve the transparency of the budgetary process. This is something advocates, and every Oklahomans, should applaud as we see similar conversations at the federal level.
As the legislation moves forward, the Oklahoma Institute for
Child Advocacy (OICA) works with lawmakers to promote ideas and to stay connected with others who are moving their own agenda items forward.
In this column and in subsequent weeks, I will highlight some of the House bills I hope you will also review and encourage lawmakers to support.
Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, has filed legislation to modify the process for awarding child custody to parents going through the court process. OICA worked with him, along with other advocates, to attempt to shorten the long, drawn-out process of costly legal battles in the court system and attempt to establish a more solid opportunity for parents to have 50/50 custody of their children. This arrange-
ment is something social science has shown will most benefit children. House Bill 1082 is currently in Civil Judiciary/Judiciary & Public Safety Oversight awaiting consideration.
Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, sat down with advocates to develop a new concept to ensure that children are safe when in custody of the state or housed in other children’s institutions which receive state or federal funding.
The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth would have the ability to investigate complaints, review inspection reports from other government agencies regarding the facility, and interview residents (children) within the facility to ensure that they are safe.
This is in direct response to the issues
Dear Wise Elder: My husband and I are in our early 80s, doing well and are taking good care of each other. What are some steps we can take to maintain good health and prevent issues?
Dear Ms Prevention: Some of the keys to good health include managing weight, blood pressure, reduced sugar intake and good flow of oxygen to the brain. Maintaining an appropriate weight allows increased mobility. Reduced sugar lowers risk of diabetes or pre-diabetes. Improved blood flow to the brain reduces the likelihood of dementia. To monitor all this we recommend a calendar on the wall with a pencil hung just above the
seen with the Tulsa Juvenile Detention Center and that mirrors issues from the 1980s that led to a massive overhaul of the way Oklahoma cares for justice-involved youth. House Bill 1574 is in the Children, Youth & Family Services/Health & Human Services Oversight committees.
House Bill 2921 by Rep. Ajay Pittman, DOklahoma City, seeks to allow dental therapists to operate in Oklahoma. With the increased need for dental care in our state and a limited number of dentists, this would create and authorize the practice of training these health care providers. They would be able to apply specific care to patients which will help in decreasing issues with dental problems before they escalate. If the bill passes, den-
scale in the bath area. For consistency, just out of the shower, record your weight daily on the calendar. Using a transdermal device called a high precision noninvasive glucose and oxygen monitor, record your glucose and oxygen levels on the calendar as well. Invest in a good quality blood pressure cuff and record blood pressure on the calendar. Do all these at the same time every day. Recording the numbers are a diary and give a picture of daily health which will guide you and your healthcare provider. You won’t regret it.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
tal therapists will have to receive university training and the therapists could be hired under dental practices to work throughout Oklahoma. The bill is in the House Public Health/Health & Human Services Oversight Committees. Finally, some sad news to report: two excellent lawmakers with whom I served passed away last week.
Former Reps. Bill Nations, D-Norman, and Ryan Kiesel, D-Seminole, both did exemplary work to make our state better for all Oklahomans. Bill was Ryan’s mentor in the Legislature. Ryan had helped Bill win his first legislative election, and then a few years later, Ryan was elected and joined him. Our state is better for them having served, and I will miss them both.
John Marshall Bears celebrate Homecoming
John Marshall High School had its homecoming week with dress-up days and lunch activities planned for each day.
This year’s theme was “Mean Girls” and students had fun dressing up to match different iconic moments from the movie. On Monday, they wore their favorite Christmas apparel to represent Regina George’s winter talent show performance, and the lunch activity was coronation karaoke.
Tuesday’s theme was “So Fetch,” inspired by Gretchen Wieners, where students dressed their best,\ and the lunch activity was a photo booth with props. On Wednesday, everyone wore pink to match the well-known quote, “On Wednesdays we wear pink,” said by Karen Smith, and during lunch, students played an Athletes vs. Mathletes trivia game.
Thursday’s theme was Plastics vs. Emos, representing the popular group and the outcasts, while the lunch activity was a schoolwide rock, paper, scis-
By Toluwalase Aderonbi
JM JOURNAL
sors game.
Overall, the dress-up days and activities were a success, with students participating and enjoying the homecoming spirit throughout the week.
“I think homecoming was a great week of expression and excitement. I had fun doing the activities and dressup days with my friends,” exclaimed Amber Banks.
We also celebrated our homecoming court and crowned our royalty. Our homecoming court was as follows: Parrish Carter and Khanaya Battle-Smith, freshmen representatives; Malcolm Edd and Violet Perez, sophomore representatives; Quincy Jones and Sofia Gutierrez, junior representatives; homecoming queen candidates, Aaliyah Lucas, Misha Shaw, Mya Smiley and Chloe’ Threatt; king
candidates, Andre Caldwell, Mekhi Edd, Abdul Hussaini, Keith Lewis and Derek Shaw; homecoming king Osvaldo Gutierrez; and homecoming
queen and De’Shanae Johnson.
“I was excited to just be nominated and was thrilled when I found out I won,” said king Gutierrez.
Homecoming king and queen, De’Shanae Johnson and Osvaldo Gutierrez
Miller opens his pool house for OKC Ballet Season Reveal
On Feb. 2, National Tutu Day, OKC Ballet Board Member Ken Miller opened his pool house for Oklahoma City Ballet’s Season Reveal party. Artistic Direc-tor Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye revealed the incredible season the Ballet has planned for 2025/26 to more than 125 guests on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The 2025/26 lineup includes:
• Ballet Under the Stars, Sept. 12.
• Dracula, Oct. 17-19.
• The Nutcracker, presented by Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation, Dec. 13-22
• Romeo & Juliet, Feb. 20-22, 2026
• Future Voices, March 12-22, 2026
• SHORTS: A Night of Premieres, May 8-10, 2026, featuring the North American Premiere of Radio & Juliet (with music by Radiohead), A World Premiere Otis Redding Ballet, and A World Premiere by Serkan Hasanusta.
More information about the 2025/26 Season can be found at okcballet.org
Host Ken Miller with Jill and Sean Trauschke, and OKC Ballet Artistic Director Ryan JolicoeurNye.
Above: Host Ken Miller, T.W. Shannon, and OKC Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. At right: Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, OKC Ballet Director of Development and Communications Whitney Cross, and Ken Miller pose with legendary OU Football Coach Barry Switzer.
JOY AND JERRY
From Page 1
as a fashion model for print ads.
She then invited a high school friend to come live with her. When the two-year commitment was up, the Richardsons returned to OKC.
Building their first house in Camelot, their first child Brad was born. They had a big white dog, Taj (Mahal).
Jerry worked in his father Dub’s car dealership.
When Brad was 2-years-old, they packed up and moved to Duncan where Jerry bought a Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car dealership. A series of tornadoes hit the area and soon the family was on its way back to OKC.
“I cried all the way (to Duncan),” Joy said.
And, as the community had been welcoming, “I cried even harder coming back.”
Brett and Robin came along, as well as nine grandchildren, who are now ages 12-28. Each of Joy and Jerry’s children have three children.
Joy said she has taken the grands on trips to London and Paris.
“It’s wonderful to see them away from their parents,” she said. “I love having relationships when they are old enough to be on their own.”
Joy said the granddaughters are real go-getters.
“I talk to them a lot about the women they are,” she said, as back in the day women could be a nurse or secretary.
Philanthropists and just kind,
good people, Joy said their children check on them all the time, in addition to working for the betterment of their communities.
Joy and Jerry instilled in their children a love for travel.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, not go to war,” Jerry said. They have been around the world several times and returned last month from exploring the west coast of South Africa down to Cape Town and onto Zimbabwe and Zambia, culminating in Victoria Falls.
It’s adventure travel they really enjoy. Once, they came out of their hotel room to what they thought was a tree trunk when it was actually a giraffe.
Three major overseas trips a year are the norm for Joy and Jerry.
Letting one another explore their individual interests, Joy and Jerry said that is one of the secrets to their long union.
Joy’s art, which is at galleries in Oklahoma City and Santa Fe, is “compelling and financially gratifying.”
“We let each other have boundaries,” Jerry said. “We each have our own activities.
But, we take the courtesy of tell ing each other where we are going.
“We respect each other. She makes living with her fun.”
Joy said there’s more to come and she’s looking forward to the future.
“I didn’t know there would be so many years after having children,” she said, “that there would be so much time left.
“But, we are taking advantage of it.”
The Richardsons, from left: Brad, wife Lisa and children Riley, Reid and Jordan; Joy and Jerry; daughter Robin and Dan Gedman and their children Elle, Zach and Alex; and Katie, brothers Will and Chris and their parents Brett and wife Liz.
It's FRIDAY in Casablanca! Joy and Jerry Richardson spent a month exploring the west coast of South Africa down to Cape Town and onto Zimbabwe and Zambia, culminating in Victoria Falls.
