OKC FRIDAY
Oklahoma City University School of Law Dean David Holt is congratulated upon his investiture into office by Oklahoma City University Board Chairman Gary Homsey. Holt became the 14th dean of the School of Law.
Vol. 57 No. 40 • One Section • 16 pages • February 23, 2024 $1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years
Duffner Park transformation project eyes summer completion By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Drivers along Hefner Road near May Avenue have watched as towering playground equipment is being installed and other work projects have Duffner Park looking like a war zone. City officials say the large construction project at one of the most frequented parks in The Village is to be complete this summer.
City parks have been center stage this winter with the completion of the Linear Park in the Civic Area and the massive project to totally transform Duffner Park has the park closed and under construction. Inclement weather earlier this year put a halt to all work at Duffner Park, but recent good weather has allowed contractors to make considerable progress as they work to meet the summer
deadline. Both Duffner Park and Wayne Schooley Park, on the shore of Lake Hefner and Britton Road, are being renovated with funds from the 2022 General Obligation Bonds. The city sold half of the $1.58 million bonds for the Duffner and Wayne Schooler Parks projects. Duffner is the largest and most comprehensive of the park plans. When reopened to the
public this summer, Duffner Park is to feature massive upgrades including extensive landscaping and sidewalks, a soccer field, tennis court backboards and pickle ball court, and three separate but connected play areas with large colorful play apparatuses for children. Each children’s play area is designed for specific age groups. Work on Duffner Park began last June, but the city experienced material supply
See VILLAGE, Page 2
OKC Beautiful to host awards
Leap Year baby celebrates 11! By Rose Lane Editor While Christy Delano has been on this earth nearly 44 years, next Thursday she celebrates her 11th birthday. Christy has the distinction of being born on Leap Day, Feb. 29 so her “birthday” only comes around once every four years. She is the daughter of Ces and the late Dr. Hal Vorse. Ces went into labor on Feb. 27 and on Feb. 29, doctors delivered Christy. Christy’s own
chain issues with much of the playground equipment. “We paused construction at Duffner Park until most of the components we needed arrived last September so the park could still be enjoyed this summer,” said City Manager Dave Slezickey. Slezickey says the park has been designed so, “Parents will be able to watch their children at all three play
Christy Delano blows out the candles on her 10th birthday cake. Christy has the distinction of being a Leap Day baby and celebrates her 11th “birthday” on Feb. 29.
daughter was born on March 11, 2016 — another Leap Year — and she was hoping to
have her on Leap Day, too. “There’s about a one in a billion chance that
a Leap Year baby would have a Leap
OKC Beautiful’s annual Distinguished Service Awards luncheon is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations working to improve the beauty and environmental sustainability of Oklahoma City. The individuals and groups being honored represent those in Oklahoma City working to create a more beautiful and sustainable community. This year’s honorees are Hans and Torrey Butzer, Melody Johnson, Solarize OKC, Plaza Walls, Fertile Ground, BancFirst, Sharon Reeves, and JB Schuelein. The Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon is set for March 28, 11:30 a.m., at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. “We look forward to recognizing this outstanding group of honorees for their exemplary efforts, setting a commendable standard in beautification and environmental stewardship and inspiring positive change,” said Lisa Synar, executive director of OKC Beautiful. Tom and Brenda McDaniel, active volunteers in the Oklahoma City area, are serving as the honorary chairmen of the Distinguished Service Awards this year. “Brenda and I are excited to be a part of this year’s event to support OKC Beautiful’s commitment to continue their impactful initiatives for a green and environmentally conscious
See LEAP, Page 7
See AWARDS, Page 7
Ballet season promises to be fun and classic with new ‘The Nutcracker’ Oklahoma City Ballet announces its 2024/25 Season, full of family-friendly fun, classic favorites and an exciting new version of “The Nutcracker.“ Oklahoma City Ballet’s season will begin with the fifth annual “Ballet Under the
Stars,” a free community performance held at Scissortail Park on Friday, Sept. 13. Featuring excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance, the evening includes several short works performed by the Ballet’s professional dancers as well as students from the
Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School. Guests are encouraged to come early to “Ballet Under the Stars” to get a great spot on the lawn and to take part in family-friendly activities starting at 5:30 p.m., including a 6:30 p.m. family dance class.
OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50
Paper’s contribution ‘incredible’ By Darla and Bill Zuhdi Longtime FRIDAY friends OKC FRIDAY Newspaper has a very special spot in the hearts of the Zuhdi family. The incredible contribution FRIDAY has made to the Fridayland community in supporting local businesses, the arts, individuals and families, has allowed our community to grow, not only in commerce, but in human understanding and relationships. Nazih Zuhdi, M.D. and FRIDAY
had a truly unique bond. Dr. Zuhdi’s close relationship with Vicki and Leland Gourley lasted for years. When Dr. Zuhdi was alive, every week we read Mr. Gourley’s published “truisms” or pearls of wisdom. We miss those articles and nuggets he gave us. We have wonderful memories of being with FRIDAY’s founders, Leland and Vicki, and also with OKC FRIDAY’s outstanding Editor Rose Lane and her husband, Bob. See 50, Page 7
Tickets or reservations are not required. Oklahoma City Ballet returns to the Civic Center Music Hall for Jorden Morris’ ”Peter Pan,” Oct. 18-20. Audiences will adore seeing their favorite characters like Tinkerbell, Wendy Darling
and her brothers, Michael and John, fly across the Civic Center stage. There are to be, of course, appearances by Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, Tigerlily and even Nana the dog. See BALLET, Page 14
FRIDAY’s Dogs of the Week This is Roo (left) and June bug (right). Roo loves hopping around the house, and June bug loves excited kisses and playing fetch. When June bug isn't enjoying a sip of her favorite beer, she likes to listen to her Pappa Joshua Adkisson sing and play guitar. Roo loves upside down belly rubs! Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.