02-17-23 Print Replica

Family lived with bated breath as loved one

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

hid from Russians

For eight months Quail Creek resident Dee Morales lived with bated breath, worried about the well-being of her brother, Tim, caught behind enemy Russian lines and fearing for his life in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. Now, as her brother has survived the harrowing experience of war, Morales can share what she and her mother, Joyce, experienced from halfway across the globe.

Morales, a former KWTV news reporter and freelance field producer for Good Morning America, ESPN and World News Tonight, lived throughout the world as part of a US Air Force family stationed in Holland, England, Italy, Colorado Springs, Co. and eventually Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. She has called Fridayland home for decades, while her sister, a retired RN, lives in the Yorkshire Moors and brother Tim in Ukraine for the past 19 years.

“I’m incredibly close to my siblings,” said Morales. “My brother and I share a love of writing and travel.”

Timothy J. Morales, PhD., 56, a former University of Central Oklahoma college professor, lived in Oklahoma City for 20 years from

1983-2003 — except for a three-year stint at Purdue University in Indiana where he lived while working on his Ph.D.

He moved to Ukraine after a colleague introduced him to his first wife who was a Ukrainian citizen. The couple had a son who is currently a student at the University of Kyiv. Morales and his second wife have a 10-year-old daughter.

Morales ran a successful English school in Ukraine before the Russian invasion one year ago upended the lives of an entire nation. Although he had done nothing wrong, being

See UKRAINE, Page 7

Our nonprofits are on the national radar

Zoo nominated for award

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has been nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards in two categories, Best Zoo and Best Zoo Exhibit, Oklahoma Trails. OKC Zoo fans near and far are encouraged to show their support and vote daily for both of the Zoo’s award nominations, Best Zoo and Best Zoo

See ZOO, Page 2

Pivot’s on Kelly Clarkson

OKC’s Pivot: A Turning Point for Youth was invited to share information about its Tiny Home Community on last Monday’s edition of The Kelly Clarkson Show.

See KELLY, Page 2

Chick-fil-A presents grants to Hearts for Hearing, ICS

Two Oklahoma nonprofits have been named recipients of grants through the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program. Hearts for Hearing is being awarded $200,000 and Infant Crisis Services is to receive $50,000.

Grants are awarded each year from Chick-fil-A to organizations working to better their communities. Oklahoma City is the only metro area with two recipients this year.

Hearts for Hearing teaches babies born deaf to listen and talk by providing the first set of hearing technology to chil-

INTEGRIS: 35 years of transplants

INTEGRIS Health is celebrating 35 years of kidney transplantation.

Surgeons with the INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute have performed more than 2,200 kidney transplants since the program began.

The INTEGRIS Health Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center offers superior outcomes for kidney transplants from both living and deceased donors. It

E.N. SCOTT SAMARA, M.D.

consists of one of the largest and most experienced transplant teams in the United States.

E.N. Scott Samara, M.D., is the surgical director of kidney transplant at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. He conducted the first kidney transplant at the facility and still practices today. He is proud of what the See INTEGRIS, Page 3

dren with hearing loss across Oklahoma at no cost to families. Research indicates that ages 0-3 are critical for auditory and language development; therefore, Hearts for Hearing covers all out-of-pocket expenses for families of children with hearing loss aged three and under in addition to the first set of hearing technology. After age three, Hearts for Hearing offers financial assistance for audiology and specialized speech therapy services. The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing provides highquality hearing care to adults

FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week

Chanel is a Bichon­mix, rescue dog that has been at the heart of the Senner family for four years.

She’s a bit of a diva, likes lots of attention, long walks, treats and toys. Email nominations with a complete description to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.

and seniors who wish to hear better - or hear again. A portion of proceeds from the adult clinic helps off-set the cost of the services and technology provided to babies and children who receive care at Hearts for Hearing.

“This generous gift from Chick-fil-A allows our organization to expand our Newborn Hearing Screen services and grow the number of children receiving their first set of hearing technology and speech therapy

See GRANTS, Page 3

Tim Morales standing in front of a Russian tank. This is set to be the cover of the book he’s writing about his experiences in Ukraine.

Tim Morales with his 95-year-old mom, Joyce, a Quail Creek resident.

PIVOT

From Page

CEO Jennifer Goodrich, Senior Director of Extenal Affairs Chandy Rice and “D,” one of the Tiny Home residents, shared about the community of small homes located on the Pivot campus.

Each Tiny Home is complete with a bed, small kitchen, eating area and a bathroom, equating to a manageable living space.

Pivot’s goal is not only to house youth, but to provide a community atmosphere, encouraging interactions with others that have had similar life experiences building good neighbors and competent citizens. For more, see pivotok.org.

Allied Arts kicks off 2023 campaign

More than 300 guests convened at the Yale Theater to celebrate the public launch of Allied Arts’ 2023 fundraising campaign.

Donors, sponsors, volunteers and government leaders came together to celebrate the arts.

“Oklahoma City is proud to have top-notch arts organizations that pivoted to stay afloat during the pandemic. But, three years of dramatically altered operations are still negatively impacting our arts community,” Maynard said. “We must unite for the arts to ensure Oklahoma City, and the entire state remains a thriving arts scene. This is exactly what we aim to accomplish with the funds raised during our 2023 campaign season.”

Hillary and Peter Farrell, 2023 campaign cochairmen, announced Allied Arts had raised more than $1.68 million to date.

“On top of world-renowned exhibits and Broadway-caliber productions, our arts groups are committed to making art accessible to all,” said Hillary Farrell.

“Throughout the 2023 campaign, Allied Arts will also recognize the philanthropy and vision of Sherri and Bill Lance as honorary chairmen. Bill Lance is secretary of state for the Chickasaw Nation and Sherri Lance is president and managing Partner of Gaming Capital Group. This husband-wife team has been a long-standing supporter of Allied Arts and several other charitable organizations throughout Oklahoma.

The campaign kickoff event featured performances by a variety of nonprofit organizations supported by Allied Arts, including Lyric Theatre and Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma. The kick off event also featured the reveal of the Allied Arts

See ALLIED ARTS, Page 13

ZOO

From Page 1

Exhibit, Oklahoma Trails, through Monday, March 6.

“Vote by vote, we can move the OKC Zoo to the top of both leaderboards to become America’s best,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director/CEO.

Cast votes for the OKC Zoo and Oklahoma Trails here:

• 10best.com/awards/travel/bestzoo/

• 10best.com/awards/travel/bestzoo-exhibit/

“It’s an incredible honor to be nominated for this year’s 10Best awards,” Lawson said. “Achieving accolades of this caliber would not be possible without the continuous support of all those who visit and care about the OKC Zoo and, of course, vote for us to achieve this top ranking.”

Above: Allied Arts Board Chairman Glen Maynard welcomes guests to the kick off event. Center: Allied Arts President and CEO Sunny Cearley speaks on the importance of the arts. At right: 2023 Campaign CoChairmen Peter and Hillary Farrell announce that $1.68 million has been already been raised.

Above: Campaign Honorary Co-Chairmen Sherri and Bill Lance. At right: Paula Love with Lyric Theatre Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron.

Lonnie Green and Anita Crites.

- Photos by Rose Lane

GRANTS

From Page 1

services,” said Founder and CEO Joanna T. Smith, “which is a game-changer for the families we serve.

“Our research - and that of other expertsstrongly Indicate the earlier a child with hearing loss Is diagnosed and receives hearing technology and therapy services, the better the outcome. Our goal Is for a child born deaf to enter school-age listening and talking at the same level as their typical hearing peers.”

Infant Crisis Servic-

INTEGRIS

From Page 1

program has accomplished through the years

es exists to ensure that no baby goes hungry. Four times per year, babies and toddlers under 4 years old can visit Infant Crisis Services to receive a week’s worth of formula, food, diapers, and other life sustaining necessities. Statistically, 1 in 4 babies born in Oklahoma is born into poverty, putting them at risk of malnutrition. With 80% of brain development happening in the first three years of life, even one missed meal can have detrimental impacts on a baby’s physical and cognitive growth.

Infant Crisis Services has ensured full bellies and dry diapers for

over 350,000 infants and toddlers since 1984. Clients can receive services at their office in Oklahoma City, or at any of the 54 partner locations across 23 Oklahoma counties their BabyMobile program serves.

“Infant Crisis Services is humbled to be a recipient of such vital funding from Chick-filA,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director Miki Farris. “By supporting our unique BabyMobile program, Chick-fil-A will play a major role in ensuring that our state’s rural communities have access to life-sustaining formula and diapers. The tiniest victims of

“I have been grateful to see over 2,000 patients be able to avoid or stop dialysis and live normal productive lives,” says Samara. “In the last 15 years, I have even been able to work

poverty now have a chance to thrive, and their caregivers can rest easy, knowing that their little ones will be fed and diapered.”

Hearts for Hearing and Infant Crisis Services are two of 46 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2023 that are receiving a collective $5 million. To be selected for a grant, organizations must work to address key issues that align with Chick-fil-A's corporate social responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for our Communities and Caring for our Planet, a new category added this year.

with my son, Dr. Shea Samara, and Dr. Jose El-Amm, who is the medical director of kidney transplant and like a son to me, which has been both professionally and personally fulfilling.”

From left: Katie Kastl, development manager (ICS), Allison Parker, director of development and communications (ICS), Kelsi Jones, development manager (ICS), Joanna Smith, CEO (H4H), and Sierra Abbot, development manager (H4H).

- Photo by Alexa Masters, Hearts for Hearing, 2023.

Sports Weekly

OSSAA PLAYOFFS

4A district tourneys set for this weekend

Five Fridayland schools begin their quest for a state championship as Class 4A district tournaments are staged this weekend.

None of the squads have home games, as two play on Friday and the other three take to the court on Saturday.

Crossings Christian travels east to Tecumseh for its district tournament on Friday and John Marshall visits Bridge Creek.

Meanwhile, McGuinness heads to Bethany, Heritage Hall is at Perkins-Tryon and Harding Charter Prep visits Douglass.

The girls’ games are set to tip off at 6 p.m., with the boys to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Regardless of the results, all teams move on to regionals on Feb. 23-25.

Brackets are available at ossaa.com.

OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY

Publication No. (USPS 893-600)

PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com

Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, PO aBox 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 $30. elsewhere in Oklahoma $40, elsewhere U.S. $40. Newsstand price $1.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, PO 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. Represented regionally by Central Oklahoma Newspaper Group (CONG), OKC. Phone 405-752-2664

SPC WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cyclone boys net hoops title

Each season, the Casady boys basketball team’s goal is to win the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship.

In their last year as a charter member, the Cyclones went out with a bang by cruising to a 74-60 victory against Oakridge last Saturday in the title game.

Casady becomes a member of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) starting with the 2023-24 academic year, but will maintain a non-voting membership in the SPC for field hockey and boys volleyball.

“We are elated,” first-year coach Cade Davis said of winning the SPC title. “We started out kind of slow but I liked how our guys progressed and peaked at the right time.”

Kaden Leache paced a trio in double figures with 21 points to lead the Cyclones (14-10). Davis Currie scored 15 points and Zac Dunn added 11 points.

Third-seeded Casady held on for an 83-72 tri-

umph in overtime over John Cooper in the semifinals on Friday behind 38 points from Leache and 16 from Dunn.

The Cyclones also dominated Fort WorthCountry Day, 71-48, in Thursday’s opener as Leache grabbed a teambest 24 points and Dunn added 12 points.

“With this being our last year (in the SPC), what a great way to go out,” Davis said. “I thought our guys played to their potential and persevered through some rough patches.”

Along with leading scorers in Leache and Dunn, the Cyclones relied on players such as Currie, a sophomore, and junior Payton Mitchell-Johnson.

The only other seniors on the squad included Cole Phillips and Jack Morgan who Davis credited with showing “good senior leadership.”

Meanwhile, the Casady girls squad suffered a 45-21 loss to John Cooper on Saturday to finish fourth in the SPC standings. Reagan Prestidge and Lili Tran scored seven points each to lead the Cyclones (4-17).

BOYS SOCCER FALLS TO CISTERCIAN

As a No. 2 seed, the Casady boys soccer team rolled through the

first two rounds but fell 2-1 in overtime to Cistercian on Saturday to claim the runner-up trophy at the SPC Championships.

Eddy Para scored the only goal for the Cyclones (8-5-3).

The top-seeded Casady girls squad settled for third place after a 2-0 win against John Cooper in the thirdplace contest.

HODGES CAPTURES

WRESTLING TITLE

Thanks to five athletes placing fourth or better, including an

WRESTLING ROUNDUP

individual championship, the Casady wrestling team finished sixth at the SPC Championships.

Ace Hodges captured a gold medal at 285 pounds with a 10-1 victory over St. John’s Dax Garza.

LU WINS GOLD IN SWIMMING

Casady’s Maddy Lu won a gold medal in the 100-yard breaststroke and took silver in the 50 freestyle at the SPC championshps. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Grapplers head to regionals

Six Fridayland wrestling teams embark on their journeys toward a state championship as they compete in regional tournaments this weekend.

In Class 6A, Deer Creek and PC North stay pretty close to home for a West regional tournament at Piedmont.

McGuinness and John Marshall

travel to Midwest City for a 5A West regional at Carl Albert.

Heritage Hall ventures southwest for a 4A West regional at Tuttle, while Crossings Christian heads north for a 3A West regional at Perry.

The state wrestling tournament is set for Feb. 23-25 at State Fairgrounds Arena in Oklahoma City.

Casady’s Kaden Leache (11) averaged more than 27 points per game in helping the Cyclones win the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship.

- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com

GIRLS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Bears hold off Santa Fe South

Keyed by three players in double figures, John Marshall held off Santa Fe South for a 5041 victory last Friday to end the regular season.

Kayla Geretta led the Bears (11-11) with 15 points, followed by Jaliyah Young with 12 points and Laylonie Staley with 10 points.

Earlier in the week, John Marshall suffered a 76-27 loss at Class 4A No. 12 Classen SAS.

EAGLES DOMINATE

CROOKED OAK

Ending the season on a high note, Harding Charter Prep rolled to a 72-12 win over Crooked Oak last Friday night.

The 4A No. 8 Eagles (20-3) also dominated Community Christian in a 58-42 decision.

IRISH TAKE DOWN LAWTON IKE

McGuinness earned a split in last week’s action against both Lawton schools.

The Irish (8-13) cruised to a 60-40 triumph over Lawton Eisenhower last Friday but endured a 74-50 loss at Lawton

Royal girls fall to HFC

Getting a split last week, the Cristo Rey girls basketball team suffered a 36-16 loss to Hoops for Christ last Friday.

Hatziry Garcia led the Roayls (14-10) with six points.

During the game, Cristo Rey also honored three seniors including Bresly Rivas, Mariana Morales and Ahtziri Maciel.

Meanwhile, the Royal boys (11-11) endured a 57-27 setback to the Shawnee Shockers homeschool team. Juan Diego Morales paced Cristo Rey with 12 points.

This weekend, both teams compete at the HCAA regionals.

SWIMMING ROUNDUP

MacArthur.

CHARGERS RUN OVER KNIGHTS

In a battle of Fridayland teams, Heritage Hall came away with a 46-25 victory over Crossings Christian (10-10) last Friday.

The Chargers (8-12) also posted a 55-40 win at Star Spencer on Tuesday.

OTHER RESULTS

Panthers fall to PC West: PC North split a pair of games against rival Putnam City schools as the Panthers (8-11) took a 48-46 loss to PC West on Friday but opened with a 5632 victory over Putnam City on Tuesday. They end the regular season this Friday with a road game at Choctaw.

Yukon too much for Antlers: Deer Creek endured a pair of losses last week, including a 50-39 setback at Yukon on Friday and a 41-19 defeat at Mustang on Tuesday. The Antlers (713) host Stillwater this Friday at 6 p.m. in their regular season finale. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

BOYS BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Panthers run over PC West

Keyed by three players in double figures, PC North dominated district rival PC West in a 69-55 victory last Friday night.

KeJuan Payne netted a team-best 20 points to lead the Panthers (20-1). Khai Brown and Anthony Leonard chipped in 12 points each.

On Tuesday, PC North held off Putnam City for a 49-41 triumph behind 16 points from C.J. Smith and 13 points each from Zander Baker and Payne.

This Friday, the Panthers travel to the east side of the metro for their season finale at Choctaw.

KNIGHTS OUTLAST CHARGERS IN OT

In a battle of Fridayland rivals, Crossings Christian came out on the positive end of a 71-67 overtime win against Heritage Hall.

Three players scored in double figures for the Class 4A No. 2 Knights (18-2), includ-

Irish squads eye top-5 finish at state

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

With at least three athletes favored to win individual gold medals, the McGuinness swimming teams hope to crack the top 5 at this weekend’s Class 5A state swimming meet.

The preliminaries open at 10 a.m. this Friday and the finals are set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Edmond Schools

Aquatic Center. Class 6A started the meet at 2 p.m. Thursday with preliminaries and end at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the finals.

“I feel like we’ve had a successful season for both teams,” said coach Mark Veneklasen. “If our relay teams can swim faster than we did at regionals, we hope to get into the top 5 or 6 (at state).”

Three Irish girls are

among the favorites to walk away Saturday evening with gold medals.

Macy Lewis has dominated the 500yard freestyle and 100 butterfly this season, including regional titles in both events.

Allie Lewis showed well in the freestyle sprints with a gold medal in the 50 freestyle and a silver in the 100 freestyle at the

5A West regional earlier this month.

Victoria Whitebeck captured the 200 individual medley title at regionals and also finished second to Macy Lewis in the butterfly.

“These girls provide stability and leadership to our team,” Venklasen said. “They have been dedicated to the sport from a young age and it shows.”

The Irish boys have

ing Phoenix Woodson with 20 points, Cam Parker with 15 points and Cal Furnish with 12 points.

The Chargers (8-12) also boasted a trio in double figures, led by Orie Walker with 22 points. Kyle McLaughlin finished with 17 points and Rashaud Smith had 16 points.

Last Tuesday, Heritage Hall opened the week with a 56-38 win at Star Spencer. McLaughlin netted 25 points and Smith added 10 points.

ANTLERS TROUNCE YUKON

Finishing off the final full week of the season on a positive note, Deer Creek cruised to a 65-45 win at Yukon last Friday.

Ky Kougl scored 13 points and Clyde Davis added 12 points to lead the Antlers (13-7).

Earlier in the week, Deer Creek pulled off a 65-62 triumph at Mustang as three players scored in double figures. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thursday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb. 18

Edmond Aquatic Center

Thursday, Feb. 16

Class 6A Preliminaries, 2 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17

Class 5A Preliminaries, 10 a.m. Class 6A Finals, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18 Class 5A Finals, 2 p.m.

also relied on a trio of solid swimmers, including John Nguyen and Jacob Moad that medaled at regionals.

Nguyen took second in both the 200 and 500 freestyle, while Moad finished third in the

500 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Max Bunnag also cracked the top 10 for the Irish with an eighth-place effort in the 100 breaststroke. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

PC North’s KeJuan Payne scored 20 points to help the Panthers to a win against PC West.

- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com

CONCERTS

Feb. 24­25 • Kelli O’Hara

Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee Kelli O’Hara performs with the OKCPHIL, including an exciting 80th Anniversary tribute to Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Tickets at okcciviccenter.com.

March 9 •

Canterbury Voices

Canterbury Voices will reprise jazz legend Dave Brubeck’s To Hope! A Celebration for the first time in 15 years, with guest artists The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, culminating in a celebration of Artistic Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson’s final performance at the Civic Center Music Hall on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 pm. To Hope! artfully combines elements of pure jazz with a setting of the Roman Catholic Mass, a sacred expression of joy and hope and possibility. Go to canterburyokc.com for ticket info.

BLOOD DRIVE

March 19 •

Blood Drive

Every year, the Paseo Arts Association partners with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to host their annual blood drive. This year's blood drive will be held in the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center. If 50 donors are reached, or more, Six­

March 27 • Young Artist Applications

Applications are now being accepted for Arts Council Oklahoma City's Youth Art Sale, which gives young local artists the opportunity to showcase their creative works of art. The Youth Art Sale is a one­day event allowing Oklahoma’s emerging young artists to display and sell their artwork during the Festival of the Arts. All artists ages 8 ­ 18 are eligible to apply. This year ’s sale will be located on the east lawn of City Hall on Saturday, April 29, from 11 am ­ 5 pm. Applications are being accepted until 5 pm on March 27. To apply, visit artscouncilokc.com/youthartsale.

Twelve will receive a donation of $750 from OBI. Donors will receive a free Paseo themed t­shirt designed by artist Jerry Bennett. OBI will also provide one free admission to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Register at yourbloodinstitute.org /donor/schedules/driv e_schedule/413064.

EXHIBITS

March 10­11 •

Momentum

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) is excited to announce the return of Momen‐tum for two nights of entertainment, live music, and ART. This event promotes emerging Oklahoma artists ages 30 and under in an exhibition representing a variety of artistic media, including sculpture, painting, photography, performance and more. The event is at 617 W. Sheridan Ave. from 7 – 10 pm in partnership with Sailor and the Dock, an up­

Paycom Center Events/Shows: Monster Jam ­ Feb. 18­19

and­coming creative collective on historic Film Row in the West Village district of Oklahoma City. Get tickets at momentumoklahoma.org.

THEATRE

Through Feb. 19 • Jesus Christ Superstar Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical returns to the stage. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethse‐mane and Superstar Performing at the Civic Center, presented by OKC Broadway, tickets at okcciviccenter.com.

Desmond Mason in Action Short

Artist and former Oklahoma City Thunder player

Desmond Mason is the star of a new short film that launched this week on Valentine’s Day. The film, called The Guard, is an action short about a professional basketball player whose home gets invaded the night before a big game. The movie is written and directed by me, produced by Hui Cha Poos, and co-stars Desmond’s wife, Rebecca Mason. The Guard is now available for free on the Newman Springs YouTube page.

Desmond Mason is a professional artist and former Oklahoma State University basketball player who won the 2001 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and played key roles for the Bucks, Hornets, and our own Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mason made his film debut in the 2002 basketball movie Like, Mike. He made his acting debut in the 2012 Chris Kattan comedy, Crazy Enough, which I also directed and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

The Guard is the first movie to star both Desmond and Rebecca Mason. The action sequences required the

couple to train together for weeks, which was an extra challenge for Rebecca, who had recently given birth to their baby boy. The couple also worked with fight choreographers and safety coordinators to map out each shot and position during the action scenes.

Luke Thomas Eddy, a local actor who costars in the film, worked on-set with Desmond, Rebecca, and the fight choreographer to optimize each of the fight moves for safety. Eddy teaches movement and stage combat at Oklahoma City University.

The film was choreographed and produced by Hui Cha Poos. Poos is the founder of the RACE Dance Collective, the creator of RACE’s HipHop Nutcracker, and a professor of hip-hop and modern dance at the University of Central Oklahoma for the past twenty years.

Coincidentally, Poos was Rebecca Mason’s

dance teacher when she was growing up.

This is the fifth film that Poos and I have produced together. In addition to The Guard, we have created two short dance films, SWIRL and The Homecoming Trilogy, and a magical realism short called Odd Sense that will premiere this summer. We also produced the feature film Finding Carlos along with Melissa Scaramucci, who co-wrote the screenplay with me based on Hui’s HipHop Nutcracker. Finding Carlos is currently available on Apple TV, iTunes, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

The Guard is based on the WB Powers, Jr. novel from Newman Springs Publishing. The short film highlights one key moment from the novel in order to hint at the larger story. Newman Springs is a full-service publishing company that works with thousands of authors across a variety of genres.

For the past four years, I have worked with Executive producer Chris Rutherford to write screenplays and produce short films based on novels from Newman Springs, Christian Faith Publishing, and a variety of book publishing companies. In 2020, I launched McDaniel Entertainment to manage all of the publishing projects and bring on collaborators like Poos and Scaramucci to create new projects. To check out this latest short film, please go to YouTube and type in Newman Springs The Guard

Kyle Dillingham to headline 36th Celebration of Hope

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Central Oklahoma

announces plans for its 36th annual Celebration of Hope. The event will be held Saturday evening, April 15, at the Oklahoma City Petroleum Club and will feature Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road Band with a special appearance by Caleb Freeman and his family. The emcee for the evening will be sports photojournalist/reporter for Oklahoma’s News 4, Dylan Buckingham.

Proceeds from this event will allow the Women’s Auxiliary to reach the lives of thousands of

Oklahomans through its active participation in The Salvation Army’s programs and projects. The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma oversees many programs ranging from feeding programs through its food pantry and community meals; emergency shelter for single men, single women and families; emergency assistance through social services; senior centers to provide meals and socialization for individuals aged 55+; The Salvation Army’s Boys & Girls Club to offer a safe, fun and educational place for atrisk children after school and during the summer; Christmas

assistance; and disaster services and spiritual care.

Individual reservations are $100 and sponsorships are available, visit celebrationofhopeokc.com to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the event begins at 6 pm. For more information about the event, please contact event co-chairs: Kathy Rhodes, 405-202-9140, or Susan Russell, 405-204-5301.

About Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road Band: Dillingham, an Oklahoma native, has electrified and energized audiences in 41 countries. He picked up the violin when he was nine, and eight years

later, he gave two featured performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Dillingham was selected as a recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Arts Award, acknowledging his life’s work as a violinist, vocalist, musical ambassador for the state of Oklahoma and for his gift to connect with people throughout the world.

With an eclectic musical style ranging from Blues to Bluegrass, Gypsy Jazz to Western Swing, Country, Rock and Gospel, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road blend them into an earthy genre they call Heartland Americana.

Hui Cha Poos, Luke Thomas Eddy, Desmond Mason, Rebecca Mason, Lance McDaniel, and Executive Producer Chris Rutherford.

an American in Russian occupied Ukraine was a dangerous situation.

“Tim came back to Oklahoma to visit us a year ago last January and when he returned to Ukraine the tension and threat of war became real,” said Dee about her brother’s experience. “We were all incredibly worried while Tim tried to play it down as long as he could.”

Russia invaded Ukraine on three fronts on Feb. 24, 2022. Both Dee and her mother visited Tim in the eastern European country prior to the war.

“Ukraine is like an aging dowager. Beautiful buildings but crumbling. The people were shy but friendly. Fascinating,” she said. “Tim started a successful English school and liked the slow pace of life Ukraine offered.”

As patrols of Russian military and the Russian Federal Security Service roamed the streets of Kherson following the invasion, Morales was forced to hide in two tiny apartments - his own apartment and one belonging to his former wife. Both were void of electricity, heat and running water.

He spent his time watching movies downloaded onto his laptop before the invasion. In the beginning he would occasionally walk the streets, but feared meeting friends who would sometimes yell out friendly greetings that could have put him at risk of being found.

Concerns for his safety became even more elevated when a Russian, possibly a civilian administrator in the occupation government, moved his family into an apartment abandoned by a fleeing Ukrainian family into the building across the street from his apartment. The risk of being discovered was always top of mind.

For eight months he hid inside

the apartments as Americans were targeted by Russians as enemies of the state. On occasion he was able to steal secretive walks in a small courtyard next to his apartment building filled with cherry and walnut trees and hidden from view by high walls.

Once, as he entered his small courtyard retreat, he was met with Russian soldiers pointing rifles through the wire mesh of the gate. He ran back inside and locked the doors behind him, but soon a search party of soldiers arrived and knocked on the door.

Since his Russian wasn’t good enough to pass as a local his neighbor an older woman helped Morales explain to the Russians that he was an Irishman named Timothy Joseph who taught English in the city but had lost his passport. He didn’t return to the secret courtyard until after the city was liberated, for fear the secret police would return.

By then, his now former wife and 10-year-old daughter had already fled the country. He, too, tried to flee Ukraine, traveling a highway to the north, but Russian tanks firing on the road ahead forced him to retreat to Kherson and his tiny apartments.

Dee said they were always in communication with her brother but worried about their communications being seen by Russians and giving him away.

“We talked on Viber,” she said.

“Sometimes Tim’s son would communicate with us. Tim was very savvy about keeping under the radar and used a burner phone (a cheap, prepaid mobile phone that can be destroyed when no longer needed).

“We talked to Tim every day. Sometimes he could talk to us. Sometimes he couldn’t,” she said. “We developed a system to communicate with a morning and evening Smiley Face so we knew he was okay.”

Dee said she talked with her brother often about leaving Ukraine.

“That was our main focus,” she said. “He needed to get out of there. Men weren’t allowed to leave … even American men. Tim tried to escape and was met with Russian soldiers at every turn.”

As his experience of being trapped behind enemy lines was nearing its end, Morales noticed something very interesting. Russian soldiers were stealing expensive cars and whisking them away from Kherson and farther from the front line. He could tell the Russian invasion of Kherson was falling apart. It gave him hope that the Russian soldiers were giving up.

He realized the city had been liberated when he saw a car traveling the streets with the Ukrainian flag flying from the antennae of the vehicle. He knew then the Russians were gone. Morales soon joined celebrations in the city’s central square to greet Ukrainian soldiers as they returned to the city unabated.

Dee said she was frustrated during efforts to get her brother out of Ukraine.

“We tried everything. Politicians. The US State Department. Rebel groups. Nothing,” she said. “Eventually ABC News and the international news agency, Reuters, got him safely out of Kherson.”

Today Morales is living in the city of Odessa and authoring a book about his experiences. His main wish is to be reunited with his children, but has yet to be reunited with his daughter.

“We don’t know when he will be able to return to Oklahoma City,” said Dee about her brother. “We’re excited about his book. Who else has a story like this to share?”

Morales and her late husband Dr. Sam Musallam have three children, Sami, Morgan and Mallory. She also has a three-year-old grandson named Asher.

She has lived in Quail Creek for 43 years. Her mother, Joyce, also lives in Quail Creek.

February 17

Jessica Fox

Tanner Hanstein

Karen Killam

Gary Longaker

Khaleesi MacDonald

Matt Manoles

Craig Owen

Tom Roe

Rose Rahal

Mark Shreve

Jim Williston

February 18

Karen Arms

Jayna Blackburn

Glenda Carnes

John Hankins

Zach Hunter

Gale Mueller

Glenda Rollins

Hunter Stack

Brooks Walker “Bee” Workman

February 19

Otis Danielson

Karen Gallagher-Reed

Genevieve Lienke

Matha Pat Upp

Donnie Webb

February 20

Aimee Baysinger

Barbara Jett

Blake Keeton

David Kennedy

Donald L. Miller

Michael Romero

February 21

Toni Conrady

Mary Ann Harroz

Clark Hibbard

Wallace Latham

Lance McCasland

Parker Sturm

Sean Turpen

Jennifer Witherby

Scott Witherby

February 22

Andrew Cook

Willie Gauthier

Jason Lepak

Kambi Madd

Susan Martin

Christy Theisen

Dr. Bob Van House

Stevanna Wolfard

February 23

Mallory Black

Jane Helms

J.D. Helms

Peggy Horinek

William Hunzicker

Lisa Morgan

Kelly Stiles

Kevin Stiles

David Thomas

Angela D. Thorson

Marguerite Vogt

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 10, 2023; Friday, February 17, 2023)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. PB-2023-74

In the Matter of the Estate of ) DORETHEA MAE ELLEN ) CHATMAN,) Deceased) COMBINED NOTICE

CREDITORS AND HEIRS OF DORETHEA MAE ELLEN CHATMAN: DORETHEA MAE ELLEN CHATMAN died testate on 6th day of April 2010, and resided in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

Preseldia Adams has been appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate. The heirs of the decedent are Preseldia Adams, who resides in OKC, OK and NAMEADDRESS Tonda FisherOKC, OK Matthew BeattyKaty, TX Ivana BeattyMoore, OK

The value of the estate of the decedent is less than $40,000.

Any person receiving notice must file objections to the Petition for Summary Administration and Final Accounting herein at least ten (10) days before the hearing and send a copy of said objection to Petitioner’s Counsel or it will be deemed to have been waived. If any objection is filed, the court will determine at the hearing whether the decedent’s estate shall be admitted to probate, whether summary proceedings are appropriate, and the appropriate distribution of the estate.

All creditors having claims against the deceased are required to present the same, with a description of all security interests or other collateral (if any) held by each creditor with respect to such claim to the undersigned Administrator at the office of her attorney, Melissa Elaroua, at PO Box 7868, Edmond, OK 73083, on or before the 21 day of February, 2023 which date is at least (30) days following the filing of this Combined Notice.

This matter will be heard on the 13 day of March, 2023, at 1:30 pm in the Oklahoma County Courthouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

/s/ Melissa Elaroua, OBA #32774 TRINITY LEGAL CLINIC OF OKLAHOMA PO BOX 7868 Edmond, OK 73083 Telephone (405) 410-4544

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 10, 2023; Friday, February 17, 2023)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No: PB-2023-113

In the Matter of the Estate) of Charlene A. Lutke,)

NEWSPAPERS. We can place your ad in 146 newspapers. For more information or to place an ad, contact Landon Cobb at (405) 499-0022 or toll-free in OK at 1-888-815-2672.

Full‑Time Employment

Candid Color Photography is an established photography company with over 50 years in busi‐ness.

We photograph many photography markets, including League, Middle School and High School Sports participants, as well as social events, such as fraternity/sorority parties, weddings, etc.

We are looking for a person who has experience with social events, as well as sales experience.

The job duties of this person is to call on venues to market our photography services, so that they will be inclined to use us for photographing their social events.

February 17, 2023) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2023-231

In the Matter of the Application ) of Noelle Coulter) as next of friend of (child) ) Zori Alexander Threats ) to Change Her/His Name ) NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Noelle Coulter, as next of friend of Zori Alexander has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Zori Alexander Threats to (b) Zori Alexander Coulter; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Ogden of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 9 day of March, 2023 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Jamie Houston Deputy (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT

Base pay of $40‐45K/year depending on experi‐ence, plus a 10% commission on new business and a 5% commission on rebookings. Commission is paid monthly after event completion.

The job is full‐time with some weekend work compensated by time off from regular week. Normal workdays are Monday to Friday ‐ hours dependent on nature of booking. Record keeping must be done in a data base con‐currently with sales effort.

• Job Type: Full‐time

• Salary: $40,000.00 ‐ $45,000.00 per year

• Benefits: 401(k) and 401(k) matching Dental insurance, Vision insurance Health insurance, Life insurance Flexible schedule, Paid time off Professional development assistance

• Schedule: 8 hour shift, Monday to Friday

• Supplemental pay types: Bonus pay, Commission pay

• Ability to commute/relocate: Oklahoma City, OK: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

• Application Question(s): In a few words, please describe why you believe you would be a good fit for this position.

• Experience: Direct sales: 1 year (Required)

• Work Location: One location

Contact: Bryn Edwards, Human Resources Candid Color Systems, Inc. 405‑328‑7191 bryn.edwards@candid.com

as Personal Representative and that the Court determine the identity of all heirs, devisees and legatees. Pursuant to an Order of this Court made on the 22 day of March, 2023, notice is hereby given that on Wednesday at the hour of 9 AM, 2023, the Petition will be heard at the Oklahoma County Courthouse, Courtroom #223, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, when and where all persons interested may appear and contest the same. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my had this 27 day of January, 2023.

THOMAS C. RIESEN Judge of the District Court By: /s/Teresa Becker (SEAL) DEPUTY COURT CLERK

Prepared by the Attorney for the Estate: Todd W. Arnold, OBA #31467 ARNOLD & SMITH LAW, PLLC 115 East California Avenue, Ste 370 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Phone (405) 673-7645 Fax (310) 773-9568 tarnold@arnoldsmithlawfirm.com (Published in OKC Friday, Friday,

Age of Vice

By Deepti Kapoor

The rights to Age of Vice were sold in fifteen territories and a bidding war for the film rights was won by VX and Fox 21. Readers who like thrillers, mind blowing social conscious novels with crime, romance, fast moving action have been eager for this book to arrive and it is now in Oklahoma City. It is indeed a crime thriller of ‘Godfather’ proportions written about violence and corruption in India written by Deepti Kapoor who grew up in New Delhi, worked as a

journalist for several years and now lives in Portugal with her husband.

Kapoor is the skilled author of this story about the country itself in its year of 2007. This remarkable epic is already being hailed as a probable 2023 Book of the Year. The underlying theme of the novel is of what Kapoor calls India’s “losing age, the age of vice” a story of corruption, excess, of ruthless people and family infighting while at the same time getting a taste of friendship, romance and the energy of New Delhi.

The people are as diverse and interesting as the descriptions of the massive country itself. The primary circle is the Wadia family whose huge estate and influence feeds family jealousy, forbidden

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romance as well as riveting tales of competitive land acquisition scams between the farmers and the wealthy landowners who drive Mercedes and wear high fashion. Friends of the Wadia family include a journalist, Neda and her colleague Dean Saldanha who give fire and brimstone to the stories of these farmers who are forming to fight the private investors focused on acquisition. Aja, the faithful servant of the family is obvious on most every one of some 550 pages of conflict. Woven throughout the story, there is an underlying tale of those who are the weakest and their fight for their well-deserved last breath of dignity.

The story unfolds as a crime thriller and family saga which makes it as magnetic in

the shocking, final pages as it was gripping in the puzzling beginnings. Believable people. Bad motives and intentions of cheating family and partners cause a gasp and a tear along the way.

The Women’s Review of Books review says that Kapoor’s prose is electric and that the reader will “find yourself sympathizing with all the damaged protagonists right until the end.” That promise will keep you breathless at times and horrified at human cruelty to others. This book guarantees to keep you on the edge of your chair as you read and promises the Age of Vice will be an addictive and thought- provoking thriller.

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

LARGE ABSOLUTE AUCTION MUEBLERIA LA

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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

Swiss Cleaners @ Laundry 3737 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 946-0629

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

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

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

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

carwinsshaveshop.com

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

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

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

Journey Quilt Company T-shirt Quilts 16516 N. Penn Ave. Edmond OK 73012 (405) 340-0444 journeyquilts.com

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

Concordia Life Plan Community 7707 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 720-7200 concordiaseniorliving.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

Home Care Assistance of Oklahoma 323 S. Blackwelder Ave. Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 277-0035 homecareassistance.com

Mary’s Maid Service 7009 NW 53rd St. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 728-1805 marysmaidokcity.com

Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahomacity.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

State Farm Insurance Gary Baccus 16145 N. May Ave. Edmond, Ok 73013 (405) 844-6300 Garybaccus.com

Balliets

6443 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 848-7811 Balliets.com

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

Bancfirst.bank

Britton Feed & Seed

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

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

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

McBride Orthopedic Clinic 9600 Broadway Ext. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 486-2530 mcboh.com

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

Chickasaw Community Bank 909 S. Meridian Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73108 (405) 946-2265 ccb.bank

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

James B. Lowe, DDS 2821 NW 58th Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 848-3535

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

We Pay Fast 2239 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (800) 937-2932 wepayfast.com

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

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

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

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

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

J. Holland Photography 1130 W. 15th St. Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 341-5088 jhollandphotography.com

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

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

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

Beef Jerky Emporium 810 W Danforth (next to Hobby Lobby) Edmond, OK (405) 359-8200

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

CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS

ORDINANCE NO. 1223

AN ORDINANCE DELETING CHAPTER 48 OF THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE AND REPLACING

IT WITH A REVISED VERSION OF CHAPTER 48 RETITLED “TREES AND VEGETATION;” REPEAL-

ING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

EMERGENCY ORDINANCE

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA:

Section 1. Chapter 48 of the Nichols Hills City Code is deleted in its entirety and retitled and replaced with the following, with new language underlined, to wit: Chapter 48 – Trees and Vegetation Sec. 48-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Crew means one or more persons engaged in servicing Trees at any one location, residence or business.

Landscaped Area means any area containing Trees, shrubs, or groundcover that are intended to meet the requirements of these regulations.

Landscape Service means any work performed by a Landscape Serviceman in maintaining the Landscaped Area of a property that consists of work on shade or ornamental Trees and including Tree removal, shade and ornamental Tree trimming and cavity work, and/or spraying for pest and disease control, and/or fertilizing of shade and ornamental Trees.

Landscape Serviceman means any Contractor servicing Trees and Vegetation and providing other Landscape Services other than on such person’s own property.

Property Owner means the owner of record of real property as shown by the most current tax rolls of the County Treasurer, or the occupant of such property, or the Person listed as the water customer of the City for the subject property.

Public Trees means Trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation on public property in the City, including the City’s parks.

Shrub means a living self-supporting woody deciduous or evergreen species no less than eight inches in height, and no greater than 15 feet in height, that is ornamental and is full and attractive throughout the year.

Sight Triangle has the meaning given it in Section 50-300.

Significant Tree has the meaning given it in Section 50-300.

Tree means a living self-supporting woody or evergreen plant that normally grows to a minimum height of 15 feet, and which has one or several self-supporting stems or trunks and numerous branches.

Vegetation means all Shrubs and living plants, including turf, except Trees.

Sec. 48-2. City list of Tree species to be planted.

The following list (the “City Tree List”) constitutes the City’s official suggested tree species list for species recommended for planting in the City. The City Tree List below also includes a list of Trees that are not recommended for Nichols Hills due to their proven inability to withstand Oklahoma weather and other deficiencies. Also note that Section 48-3 lists certain Trees that are prohibited.

finding, report and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.

Sec. 48-22. Organization, rules.

The City Tree Board shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep minutes of its meetings. A majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.

Sec. 48-23. Review by City Council.

The City Council shall have the right to review the conduct, acts and decisions of the City Tree Board. Any person may appeal from any ruling or order of the City Tree Board to the City Council which may hear the matter and make final decision.

Secs. 48-24—48-34. Reserved.

ARTICLE III. TREE AND VEGETATION MAINTENANCE; THE CITY’S RIGHTS

Sec. 48-35. Overhead lines, utility lines, and traffic ways must be kept clear

Trees that reach a mature height of more than 15 feet may not be planted within ten feet of an overhead utility line; provided however that this requirement may be waived by the Code Official if the Property Owner submits a letter stating no objection from the utility company. Property Owners are advised that Trees under electrical conductors or within a utility line easement should be pruned only by an arborist qualified by the local electric utility company issued a franchise by the City. Landscape Servicemen who are not qualified by training and experience to work within ten feet of electrical conductors must maintain a minimum approach distance of ten feet from the electrical conductor at all times.

Sec. 48-36. Trees and Vegetation overhanging Streets and interfering with light and visibility.

Property Owners must keep all Trees and Vegetation on their properties clear of trafficways. Every Property Owner of any Tree or Vegetation overhanging any street or right-of-way within the City shall prune the branches and shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection. All Trees and Vegetation must be kept trimmed to a minimum height of eight feet above any street or sidewalk.

Sec. 48-37. Dead and diseased Trees; limbs.

Property Owners shall remove from their property all dead, diseased or dangerous Trees or Shrubs, and any broken or decayed limbs that constitute a menace to public safety within 30 days. Any storm-destroyed Trees must be removed within 30 days after the storm occurrence. Failure to do so will be cause for the City to initiate procedures for removal of such Trees, as set out in Section 48-42.

Sec. 48-38. Diseased or infested Vegetation

Property Owners shall treat any Vegetation on such Property Owner’s property for any disease or insect pest affecting or infesting such Vegetation in such a manner as to kill and control the disease or insect pest.

Sec. 48-39. Distance from curb and sidewalk.

Trees may not be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following: small Trees, six feet; medium Trees, six feet; and large Trees, eight feet (with size of Trees using the information set out in the City Tree List).

Sec. 48-40. Distance from street corners and fire hydrants.

Trees may not be planted closer than 17 feet to any street corner, measured from the point of nearest intersecting radius of curb or curbline. Trees may not be planted closer than 15 feet to any fire hydrant.

Sec. 48-41. Larval moths (bagworms).

Permitting or allowing the bags of the larval moth, commonly called “bagworms,” to remain upon or attached to any Tree or other Vegetation within the City is declared to be a public nuisance. The City recommends treating for bagworms around Memorial Day each year.

Sec. 48-42. City’s and City Tree Board’s rights regarding Trees and Vegetation on private property. The City’s right to prune on private property. The City has the right to prune any Tree or Vegetation on private property when it interferes with the proper spread of light along the street from a streetlight or interferes with visibility of any traffic control device or sign.

City and City Tree Board’s right to order Tree removal. The City may remove or cause or order to be removed, any Tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines, or other public improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. Further, the City Tree Board has the right to cause such Tree removal.

Secs. 48-43—48-53. Reserved.

ARTICLE IV. STANDARDS FOR LANDSCAPE SERVICE

Sec. 48-54. Compliance mandatory.

It shall be unlawful and an offense for any Landscape Serviceman engaging in the Landscape Service business to engage in, operate or perform such Landscape Service in violation of this Article. All Landscape Servicemen performing Landscape Service in the City, whether for residents or businesses in the City or for the City, must comply with the following standards, which are the City’s Code of Forestry Standards.

Sec. 48-55. Standards for pruning Trees.

(a) All final cuts made on Trees will be made flush with the remaining limb or trunk.

(b) All cuts will be painted with a wound dressing if over the size of one inch in diameter, and all cuts on the main limbs and trunks of Trees will be painted.

(c) Limbs which are too large to hold with the hand while sawing shall first be cut from one to two feet beyond the final cut. Such cuts shall include an under cut to prevent stripping and tearing of the bark.

(d) There shall be no removal of more than one-third of the Tree from the top downward, which type Tree branch removal is commonly referred to as dehorning. Dehorning of any Public Trees requires written permission from the City Tree Board.

(e) There shall be no complete thinning and removal of leaf branches from the center of the Tree so as to keep leaf branches on the ends of the main branches only, which type of cutting is commonly referred to as muletailing.

(f) There shall be no removal of lower limbs that adjoin the trunk of the Tree to more than one-third of the height of the Tree.

Sec. 48-56. Standards for filling Tree cavities.

(a) All tree cavities must be well drained so they will not catch water, will be open to air and avoid rotting and will not need filling.

(b) All cavities filled in Trees shall be traced out in an elliptical design and shall run parallel with the grain of the wood.

(c) When filling a Tree cavity, all decayed matter shall be removed and the cavity cleaned out up to and beyond the healthy wood.

(d) All cavities shall be disinfected with a standard wood disinfectant prior to installing filling.

(e) All large size cavities shall be lip bolted a maximum of 12 inches apart.

(f) All filling containing cement shall not contain more than three parts sand to one part cement.

(g) The concrete in all Tree cavities when finished shall be in sections.

(h) All Tree cavities shall first be reinforced with nails, wire, etc., as needed to hold filling firm in the cavity.

(i) The filling in all Tree cavities shall be installed with the outer edge of filling resting behind the cambium layer of the Tree.

(j) All Tree cavities shall have a drain tube located at the lower edge of the cavity.

Sec. 48-57. Tree removals.

Sec. 48-3. Certain Trees are prohibited.

Planting or permitting the planting of the following Trees is prohibited for the purpose of protecting the public health and to prevent destruction of other plants by spread of disease:

(a) Black locust, seed-bearing female cottonwood (but not the male non-seed-bearding cottonwood

(b) Eastern Red Cedar (c) Mimosa (d) Silver Maple (e) Any other Tree condemned by the City Tree Board.

The City Tree List also includes certain tree species that the City discourages.

Sec. 48-4. Significant Trees should be preserved and protected.

The City encourages the preservation of Significant Trees. Property Owners should take all steps necessary to reasonably preserve and protect Significant Trees

Sec. 48-5. Entry on private property by the City.

The provisions of this Chapter may not be construed as authorizing the City personnel to make entry onto private property beyond the City right-of-way unless the Property Owner’s written permission is first obtained.

Sec. 48-6. Public Trees; unlawful to injure; topping of Public Trees.

(a) City’s rights in streets and public grounds. The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove Public Trees and other Vegetation within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.

(b) Unlawful to injure Public Trees. It is unlawful for any person to injure any Public Tree; provided, that this shall not prohibit the lawful and proper care and removal of such Public Trees.

(c) Topping of Public Trees prohibited. It is unlawful as a normal practice to top any Public Tree. Topping means the severe cutting back of a Tree’s limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the Tree’s crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the Tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain Trees under utility wires or other obstructions, where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this Section at the determination of the City Tree Board.

Sec. 48-7. Minimum Sight Triangles.

Nothing in this Chapter permits reduction of required Minimum Sight Triangles. The Minimum Sight Triangles are 25 feet for street intersections and 20 feet for all driveways and alley access points. Plantings within a required Site Triangle may not exceed a height of 24 inches.

Secs. 48-8—48-18. Reserved. ARTICLE II. CITY TREE BOARD

Sec. 48-19. Creation; members.

There is hereby created and established a City Tree Board for the City. The members of the City Tree Board shall be those persons who are then members of the Board of Park Commissioners of the City and/or no more than three additional citizens with expertise regarding Trees as may be appointed by the City Council on at large basis.

Sec. 48-20. Compensation of members.

Members of the City Tree Board shall serve without compensation.

Sec. 48-21. Duties and responsibilities.

It shall be the responsibility of the City Tree Board to study, investigate, council and develop and/or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of Trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. Such plan will be presented annually to the City Council and upon its acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive City Tree Plan for the City. The City Tree Board, when requested by the City Council, shall consider, investigate, make

(a) All large Trees shall be topped before felling.

(b) When possible, Tree stumps shall be pulled over away from the street.

(c) Large limbs shall be laid on the sidewalks and street to break the impact of the fall when pulling a Tree on the parking area toward the street.

(d) All limbs, three or more inches in diameter shall be lowered by ropes or by other approved methods.

Sec. 48-58. Tree cabling and bracing.

(a) Cables shall be used only to meet definite needs indicated by the existing condition of the Tree or by the nature of the environment.

(b) Each cable shall be located and attached so that it serves its purpose as nearly independent of other cables as is possible.

(c) As a general principle, cables shall be placed as high as approximately two-thirds of the distance etween the crotch and branch ends.

(d) The ends of a cable shall be attached to hooks or eyes of lags or bolts securely set in the branches in the line of pull on the attachments.

(e) Rods to support a weak or split crotch shall be placed above the crotch and be supplemented by one or more cables above the midway point on the branches.

(f) Nuts and washers on the ends of a rod shall be sufficiently countersunk, and the exit holes of wood screw rods and bolts shall be reamed and otherwise treated to permit rapid healing of the area. All exposed bracing rods and pipe shall be completely covered with rustproofing material.

(g) All cables shall be of a galvanized material of sufficient tensile strength to support the limbs to which it is attached.

Sec. 48-59. Tree Fertilizing.

(a) The use of Foliar applied elements for treatment of deficiencies are approved for use only when soil or other suitable tests indicate their need.

(b) The use of Foliar applied fertilizers may be used in lieu of or in combination with soil fertilizers if the chemicals contain nutrients needed for plant growth and are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(c) The amount of fertilizer applied shall be based on the volume of vegetation which will be served and percentage of ingredients used.

Sec. 48-60. Insect and disease control.

A Landscape Serviceman hired to spray trees shall use only chemicals approved by the City Tree Board for control of insects and diseases. A list of approved chemicals shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

Sec. 48-61. Removal of Tree stumps.

All stumps of Trees shall be removed below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground.

Sec. 48-62. Proper Precautions.

Proper precautions and safety measures to protect life and property must be taken at all times by all persons engaged in Landscape Service.

Secs. 48-63—48-72. Reserved.

Sec. 48-73. Registration required.

Thank you OKC FRIDAY for story about McDaniels

To the Editor:

Thank you for the article, “Going to work, family, faith are secrets to McDaniels long marriage," which ran in the Feb 10 issue of OKC Friday.

When so much of the news today is discouraging, reading about the qualities of these individuals and their values was very encouraging and uplifting. The consistency of their work, faith and family have not only ben-

efited their family but have also been a guiding influence on hundreds of Oklahoma City families. What a wonderful example. The McDaniels exemplify the results of a recent Harvard University study which validates the

correlation between long life and long marriage. And, from the smiles in the McDaniel family photo, we suspect there is a lot of happiness there as well. The members of VillagesOKC congratulate the McDaniels and

ALLIED ARTS

From Page 2

2023 campaign video made by Prairie Surf Media. Organizations represented in the video include Metropolitan School of Dance, Arts Council OKC’s Creative Aging program and Canterbury Voices. Donations to Allied Arts are taxdeductible and can be made at alliedartsokc.com. Just $10 provides a pair of ballet slippers for an afterschool program, while $25 under-

writes 50 quality music lessons for financially disadvantaged students. A $100 donation provides visual arts programming for 15 seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some donation levels provide benefits for the donor.

Individuals donating $50 or more receive the OKCityCard, a premier entertainment discount card offering year-round savings at more than 400 arts events and activities, local retail stores and restaurants. Those donating $1,000, $1,500, $2,500 or more will receive additional benefits and donor group membership.

CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS

From Page 12 in charge, hereinafter designated as the foreman of the Crew, need be registered.

Sec. 48-74. Requirements for Crew foreman.

Every Crew must have a foreman. It shall be the duty of the foreman to properly supervise and direct the work of the Crew of which he is in charge and he shall be responsible for any violations or infractions of the provisions of this Article committed by himself or any member of the Crew.

Sec. 48-75. Suspension or revocation.

In addition to the provisions for suspension or revocation of the registration certificate stated in Chapter 8 of this Code, the Code Official or his designee shall have the authority to suspend or revoke the registration of any Landscape Serviceman who does not comply with this Chapter, including the City’s Code of Forestry Standards.

Secs. 48-76—48-87. Reserved ARTICLE VI. LAWN AND LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

Sec. 48-88. Purpose.

Failure to implement certain lawn and landscape irrigation practices results in the waste of valuable water resources within the City, especially during high-demand summer months, and can create dangerous conditions in the winter. The purpose of this landscape water management regulation is to provide a consistent mechanism for preventing the waste and dangerous use of water resources supplied by the City in addition to the water use restrictions the City may impose under Section 46-54 of the Nichols Hills City Code.

Sec. 48-89. Rain and freeze shut-off and compliance with state regulations.

(a) Any new irrigation system installed on or after January 1, 2017, shall be equipped with rain and freeze shut off functions, which functions shall be in use.

(b) Any new irrigation system installed on or after January 1, 2017, shall be in compliance with state design and installation regulations.

Sec. 48-90. Lawn and Landscape Irrigation Systems: Water Use Management.

No person shall: (a) Overwater a lawn or landscape such that a constant stream of water overflows from the lawn or landscape onto a Street or other drainage area; or (b) Allow water from an irrigation system to pond in a Street or Parking Lot to a depth greater than one inch.

Any violation of this Section is hereby declared a nuisance. Such nuisance or nuisances shall be corrected or abated by the Property Owner from which the water emanates. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Section shall also be guilty of an offense, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in Section 1-17. The imposition of penalties hereby proscribed shall not preclude the City from instituting appropriate action to restrain, correct or abate a violation of this Section. Secs. 48-91—48-101. Reserved.

applaud OKC Friday for choosing to run this heartening story. May their story be replicated by hundreds of other couples.

Marilyn Olson Executive Director Villages OKC

ARTICLE VII. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 48-102. Enforcement.

The provisions of this Chapter shall be enforced by the Code Official, and it shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with or hinder the Code Official and his/her duly appointed representative(s) in the exercise of their duties under this Chapter. Notwithstanding any provisions contained herein to the contrary, the Code Official and his/her duly appointed representative(s) are hereby granted the authority to issue immediate citations to persons violating any provision of this Chapter.

Sec. 48-103. Nuisance declared; violation.

Any condition of any Tree or Vegetation prohibited by this Chapter is hereby declared to constitute a nuisance. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Chapter shall also be guilty of an offense, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in Section 1-17. The imposition of penalties hereby proscribed shall not preclude the City from instituting appropriate action to restrain, correct or abate a violation of this Section as provided for in this Code.

Section 2. Section 8-5 is hereby amended, with deleted language stricken through and new language underlined, to wit:

Sec. 8-5. Contractor defined. Contractor as used in this chapter Code means any person who in the course of an independent occupation undertakes to do work in the City for another person. Contractors include electrical contractors, general contractors, gasfitting contractors, mechanical contractors, plumbing contractors, and subcontractors. Contractors also include all Landscape Servicemen as set out in Chapter 48

Section 3.All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.

Section 4. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions hereof.

Section 5.EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Council it is necessary for the preservation of the peace, health, welfare and safety of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and of the inhabitants thereof that the provisions of this ordinance be put into full force and effect immediately, and therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason whereof this ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage as provided by law.

PASSED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 8th day of February, 2023.

APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 8th day of February, 2023.

ATTEST: Steven J. Goetzinger Mayor Amanda Copeland

- Photo by Rose Lane

Mike Turpen, Celina Harrison, Carlos Johnson and Cliff Hudson at the Allied Arts kick off event.

“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.

By Marnie Taylor President and CEO Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

Scissortail Park. The Oklahoma City Ballet. The Tiny Homes Community. We can thank a nonprofit for all of those – and more. From the arts to mental health to housing and food, the charitable sector not only stands in the gaps of our community, it also contributes to the vibrant city we all love. The impact they make and resources they provide are one of Okla-

homa City’s greatest assets.

Make no mistake, nonprofits are grateful to the thriving business community. Its support fosters and champions the work of thousands of nonprofit employees who work daily to better our communities, help those in need, educate our children and create a state where each of us can thrive.

In terms of economics, the sector drives growth. The 1,374 organizations in Oklahoma County that filed income with the IRS

created $6.6 billion in revenue last year. They hold $18.2 billion in assets. Nonprofits’ fiscal wealth is not only impressive but also a very important part of our city’s economy.

Beneath these statistics are our neighbors and friends – people who sacrifice and work for the benefit of others. Driven by a greater purpose and outfitted with a servant’s heart, they confront some of society’s darkest corners with compassion and grace. Nonprofit employees open their hearts to those they serve in

Dear Wise Elder: I know I should plan ahead, but I’m so busy with ordinary life.

When is there a good time to plan?

Dear Busy: Do it BEFORE. And since there is no way to know for sure when an accident or a crisis will come, you must be ready in advance –BEFORE. Think about your future self, “What would I do if?” “What will I do when?” Pretend and play the “what if” game. Fortunately life sends many signals to remind us all

exchange for fulfillment and the comfort of knowing they made a positive difference. Oklahoma City is better because of their altruism.

Although many see the glamour of charity fundraisers in the society pages, the day-to-day impact of the nonprofit sector sits with those on the frontlines where reality looks different. They see the people many overlook – homeless, impoverished, hungry and addicted – and they choose to make their life’s work about serving them. If

of to take steps to prepare.

1) When a friend has a crisis, think what can I do now to prepare for that happening to me. 2) When you see a news story, think if that were me, would I do?

Evaluate, what could they have done to prevent or prepare for that crisis? Then look at your own situation to evaluate. Your future self will thank you!

- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org

(405) 990 6637

these Oklahomans are not considered one of our state’s greatest assets, we need a new measuring stick.

We talk a lot about the “Oklahoma Standard,” a service-centric culture that thrives on kindness and goodwill. Those working for and with nonprofits personify the standard in every way imaginable, and each of us benefits.

Every Oklahoman enjoys the fruits of their labor. Their untold impact is a unique, homegrown resource that helps our state flourish.

if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault.

Knighton Meade, this year’s Green Tie Ambassador, with his daughter Liz. Meade was honored for his unwavering support of Catholic Charities and its mission. For more photos, see Page 16.

Above: Matt and Jeanine Grimes with Shelly Lambertz. At left: Luis Hidalgo and Steffi Silvera.

Green Tie Gala Co-Chairman Tim and Peggy O’Connor. The event benefits the Catholic Charities of OKC’s Sanctuary Women’s Development Centers. The event had a jungle theme.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Above: Benchmark Food Group was the recipient of the Mosaic Award, given to an organization that demonstrates, through partnership or direct program involvement, its commitment to helping Catholic Charities fulfill its mission. From left: Matt Jackson, Chris Fuhrman and Brian Ferguson and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley.

Green Tie raises $460,000 for Women’s Sanctuaries

Supporting the mission of Catholic Charities, above, are, from left: Franci Hart, Sharon Partlo, Kathy Payne, Marka Acton and Kim Horsman.

At top right, the left: Kevin and Patty Trosper with Susie and Doug Fuller.

The Ross family comes out to support Benchmark Foods’ Mosaic Award presentation. In front: Lill Ross and Kathy Lambert; in back, Catherine, Alan and Becky Roten, Benchmark’s Chris and Molly Fuhrman and Bob Ross.

- Photos by Rose Lane