03-03-23 Print Replica

Ballet Ball is going west

Oklahoma City Ballet is set to present Ballet Ball: The New West on April 1, at the Omni Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

All proceeds from the Ballet Ball benefit Oklahoma City Ballet’s programs and performances. Co-chaired by Kylee Claire Rainbolt and Bailey Gordon, this gala features cocktails, dinner, a live auction and dancing, plus a special performance by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers. Guests are encouraged to dress in western-inspired evening wear.

“The Ballet Ball is one of the best events in Oklahoma City,” said Co-Chairman and Oklahoma City Ballet Board Member Kylee Claire Rainbolt.

“We keep the speeches short and the dance floor packed. The Ballet Ball also raises critical funds that fuel Oklahoma City Ballet’s programs year around, including free community pro-

Recreational marijuana is historic only issue on ballot

By Rose Lane Editor

For the first time in U.S. history, voters in Oklahoma are going to the polls this Tuesday, March 7, with nothing but marijuana legalization on the ballot.

Through the petition initiative process, the Yes on 820 campaign delivered 164,000 signatures to the Secretary of State — many more than the 94,111 necessary.

grams and performances that benefit thousands.”

The western theme is inspired by George Balanchine’s Western

See BALL, Page 12

2023-24 ballet season to be ‘innovative, beautiful’

Full of variety, innovation and beauty, Oklahoma City Ballet has announced its 202324 Season.

The season begins with the fourth annual “Ballet Under the Stars,” a free community performance held at

Scissortail Park on Friday, Sept. 15.

Featuring excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance, the evening is to include several short works performed by professional dancers, OU School of Dance stu-

dents and 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., plus a 6:30 p.m. family dance class. Tickets or reservations are not required. Oklahoma City Ballet returns to the Civic Center Music

See BALLET, Page 12

While the state question was expected to have been on the November ballot, glitches within the signature-counting contractor pushed the vote until Tuesday.

According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute, this is the gist of the state question:

“State Question 820 would legalize adult-use recreational marijuana in Oklahoma. Adults over the age of 21 years old would be able to purchase marijuana products for recreational use from licensed sellers. SQ 820 would allow individuals to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana, six mature marijuana plants and six seedling plants. The state question also creates a licensing process for recreational marijuana dispensaries, commercial growers, processors and transporters and it directs the state to create rules for the preparation and labeling of marijuana products within 90 days after becoming law.”

The state would impose a 15 percent excise tax on each sale, with surplus revenue going to

See 820, Page 12

OKC Beautiful to honor those helping to create better community

OKC Beautiful’s annual Distinguished Service Awards 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. The Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon will be

See AWARDS, Page 12

Our students up for Presidential Scholars

Eleven students from Fridayland schools have been named candidates in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. They are among 5,000 Presidential Scholars from across the nation.

Our students are, listed by their schools:

Bishop McGuinness — Charles Rhodes and Curt Schwager.

Casady School — Connor Evans, Michelle Huang, Julia Janknecht, Jenna Jiang and Olivia Wang.

Classen School of Advanced Studies — Danny Ly and Semony Shah.

Crossings Christian School —

Lucas J. Lindsey.

Heritage Hall — Braden A. Perkins.

The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2023.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and See SCHOLARS, Page 7

9-year-old keeps local parks neat

By Rose Lane Editor

Nine-year-old Maevyn Bruemmer can often be seen picking up trash in local parks.

For her efforts in keeping areas clean for kids to play,

Oklahoma City Beautiful is presenting her the Volunteer Spirit Award during its March 23 luncheon.

Maevyn, who has autism, is the daughter of Kelli and Bobby Bruemmer. She is in See MAEVYN, Page 12

Co-chaired by Kylee Claire Rainbolt and Bailey Gordon, Ballet Ball is set to feature cocktails, dinner, a live auction and dancing, plus a special performance by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers.

Maevyn Bruemmer picking up trash in a local park.

Juliette Low Leadership Society lunch raises $400k

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s Juliette Low Leadership Society raised $398,785 during its 19th annual luncheon at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Proceeds from the event, which this year was themed “Building Brighter Futures,” help fund programming and scholarships to enable Girl Scouting across central and western Oklahoma.

Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of the award-winning children’s multimedia company GoldieBlox, served as keynote speaker.

Known for disrupting the pink aisle in toy stores globally, GoldieBlox challenged gender stereotypes with the world’s first girl engineer character. Since launching in 2012 as a prototype on Kickstarter, the company has sold more than one million toys through 6,000-plus major worldwide retailers.

In 2014 alone, GoldieBlox was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and received the Toy Industry Association Educational Toy of the Year honor.

Sterling, who earned her engineering degree from Stanford in 2005, is widely acknowledged as a leader in getting girls involved in STEM, having partnered with Girl Scouts to create badges for accomplishments in STEM fields.

Sterling’s mission to empower girls made her the perfect choice to deliver the luncheon message, said Janienne Bella, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma.

“Her passion mirrors Girl Scouts’ goal to introduce more young women to science, technology, engineering and math,” she said. “We hope to inspire our youth to become the next generation of female leaders in these fields.”

Nedra Funk, a co-founder of Express Employment Professionals, was recognized as this year’s honorary chair. Funk has been active in the Juliette Low Leadership Society since its founding.

Co-chairmen for the luncheon were Brooke Haneborg and Kathy Frankenfield.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Luncheon CoChairmen Brooke Haneborg and Kathy Frankenfield.

Above: Keynote speaker Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBox, talks about her company. At right: Honorary Chairman Nedra Funk is recognized.

Above: Becky Roten and Catherine Armitage support the mission of the Girl Scouts.

At left: Aimee Harlow and Gail Huneryager catch up during the luncheon.

Above: Ally Glavaz Olson with her mom Stacia Glavaz. At left: Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma President and CEO Janienne Bella and the organization’s Vice President of Volunteer Services Stephanie Deal sell raffle tickets with a Girl Scout.

Awards presented at annual Evening of Accolades

Shawn Houk is named the 2022 Ambassador of the year at the NWOKC Chamber’s Evening of Accolades.

Individual and business awards were presented during the NWOKC Chamber’s annual Evening of Accolades. Above: Outgoing Chairman Brian Hancock, right, accepts the past presidents plaque from incoming Chairman Mike Redwine. At left: Warr Acres Mayor Jim Mickley is inducted into the Hall of Honor.

- Photos by Jim Felder

Joe Bynum Health and Life Insurance Broker was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding New Member.

Gaylene Stiles receives the Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Nikki Lloyd, mayor of Bethany, is the recipient of the Leadership in Action Award.

Sybil Couture Hale was presented the Chairman’s Award.

Outgoing board members Lawrence Ross and Abigail Cabello with their plaques for service to the chamber.

Tim Brown, Anna and Carl Hamilton accept the Vision Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Small Business.

Abrianna Drake and Hillary Blackburn with the YMCA’s Business of the Year Award.

Sports Weekly

BASKETBALL | CLASS 4A PLAYOFFS

Knights sit 1 win away from state

Thanks to an unbeaten run through the first two rounds of the Class 4A playoffs, the Crossings Christian boys basketball team sits one win away from making the state tournament.

The Knights (21-2) take on Stillwell this Friday night in the Area III championship game at Henryetta. The winner advances to state, while the loser gets one more chance in the consolation final at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Both the Harding

Charter Prep girls and John Marshall boys retain a chance to reach the state tournament through the area consolation bracket.

The Eagles (22-4) battled Harrah last Thursday in a consolation matchup at Stroud.

With a win, they would advance to the semifinals against the Ada-Locust Grove winner on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and possibly the consolation final on Saturday against the Lincoln Christian-Wag-

OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY

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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.

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oner loser.

Meanwhile, the Bears (15-11) took on Anadarko on Thursday in a consolation game at Noble.

A win pushes John Marshall into a semifinal tilt against the Inola-Byng winner at 3 p.m. Friday and it could reach the consolation final on Saturday against the KingfisherNorth Rock Creek loser at 7:30 p.m.

The 4A state tournament is set for March 711 at State Fairgrounds Arena in OKC.

REGIONAL RESULTS

Knights run over Tuttle in final

Continuing its strong season, the Crossings Christian boys cruised past Tuttle for a 53-42 win last Saturday night to claim a regional championship.

Phoenix Woodson netted a team-best 17 points to lead the way.

The Knights also cruised to a 72-45 victory against Broken Bow on Thursday in the semifinals, behind four players in double fig-

ures. Cal Furnish scored 15 points, followed by Woodson and Mack Gudell with 13 points each and Cam Parker with 12 points.

• • • Bears down Bridge Creek for conso title

After suffering a tough loss in the regional semifinal, the John Marshall boys regrouped and picked up two straight wins including a 66-64 victory over Bridge Creek to capture the consolation title on Saturday.

Derrick Lawrence led a trio in double figures with 23 points. Daniel Ramahn followed with 19 points and Jalil Abdullah added 15 points.

Lawrence also grabbed a team-best 27 points in a 77-55 win over Dewey in the consolation semifinal.

The Bears opened with a 60-44 loss to Kingfisher in a regional semifinal, behind 14 points from Ramahn, 11 from Lawrence and 10 from Pecola McLoud.

•

• • Eagle girls fall to Wagoner in final Harding Charter Prep fell to the consolation round after suffering a 58-48 loss to Wagoner in the regional

John

title game last Saturday in Checotah.

The Eagles cruised to an 84-21 win over Hilldale in the regional semifinal on Thursday at Douglass.

• • •

Bethany tops Irish in consolation final

With its back against the wall, the McGuinness boys almost made an unlikely trip to the area tournament but endured a 60-51 season-ending loss to host Bethany in the consolation championship game last Saturday.

Price Bradley paced the Irish (13-13) with 22 points and Jett Schafer chipped in 18 points.

On Friday, McGuin-

a

ness held off Cushing for a 66-54 win in the consolation semifinal, behind 13 points each from Bradley, Schafer and Marcus James.

The Irish opened with a 57-47 triumph over Community Christian on Thursday as Price Cooper scored 19 points and Cooper Bradley had 16 points.

• • • McLain ousts Chargers in consolation final

The Heritage Hall boys saw their season end with a 67-63 loss to Tulsa-McLain last Saturday in a regional consolation final at Harrah.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Royals honored on all tourney team

Mashall’s Derrick Lawrence (0) scored 23 points to help the Bears to

66-64 win over Bridge Creek in a regional consolation championship game.

- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com

Cristo Rey basketball players Ahtziri Maciel and KeiShon Graim were named to the All-Tournament team last weekend at an end-of-season tournament hosted by Mid-Moore Christian Homeschool.

Antlers need win to make 6A state tournament field

Thanks to capturing a regional championship, the Deer Creek boys basketball team is one win away from reaching the Class 6A state tournament.

The Antlers (17-7) venture southwest to Chickasha this Friday to take on Norman in the West area final at 6 p.m. with the winner to earn a berth to state.

A loss would drop Deer Creek down to the consolation final at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Lawton-Mustang winner, also at Chickasha.

Meanwhile, the PC North and Mount St. Mary boys need to win twice for a shot at winning a gold ball.

The Panthers (23-2) battle Bixby this Friday at 7:30 p.m. in a 6A East area consolation semifinal at Sapulpa. A win advances them to

the final against the Broken Arrow-Owasso loser, while a loss ends their season.

The Rockets (18-5) face a similar scenario in the 5A West area tournament as they play Noble at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Edmond North.

The winner moves to the consolation final at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Carl Albert-Southeast loser to make the state field.

Both 5A and 6A state tournaments are scheduled for March 8-11 at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.

REGIONAL RESULTS

Antlers hold off Westmoore for title

The Deer Creek boys stayed undefeated in the postseason with a 61-54 win over host Westmoore last Saturday night to claim a 6A

West regional championship.

Hudson Linsenmeyer paced a trio in double figures with 14 points. Mason Smith scored 13 points and Isaiah Wilks added 12 points.

The Antlers also cruised to a 59-47 victory against Edmond Santa Fe on Friday in the regional semifinal. Clyde Davis netted a team-best 19 points, while Wilks collected 13 points and Smith contributed 11 points.

• • • PC West upsets Panthers in final

A top-5 team through most of the season, the PC North boys dropped to the consolation round after suffering a 60-57 loss to PC West last Saturday in a 6A East regional championship game.

C.J. Smith led the Panthers with 19 points, as Khai Brown grabbed 11 points and Zander Baker had 10 points.

On Friday, PC North rolled to a 105-65 win against Ponca City behind 26 points from Smith, 18 by Baker and 14 from Anthony Leonard.

• • • El Reno too much for Rockets

The Mount St. Mary boys also must navigate an extra step to reach the state tournament after enduring a 75-53 loss at El Reno last Saturday in a 5A West regional final.

The Rockets escaped with a 54-49 win over Altus on Friday in El Reno to reach the championship game. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Chargers’ Evans grapples way to 3rd state title

Capping an impressive season, Heritage Hall wrestler K.J. Evans left State Fairgrounds Arena last Saturday night with his third state wrestling championship trophy.

Evans, a senior, posted a 6-2 win over Tuttle’s Shawn Rounsaville in the 150-pound title match to finish the season with a 32-1 record.

Teammate E.J. Beloncik, also a senior,

finished second at 165 pounds after a 6-4 loss to Tucker Waitman of Tuttle, while the Chargers placed sixth in the Class 4A team standings.

Davis Park was the only other Heritage Hall athlete to reach the podium with a 13-4 major decision victory against Zylan Johnson from Harrah to claim the consolation title in third place.

Meanwhile, Peyton

Park reached the consolation semifinals at 120 pounds for the Chargers where he lost to Cushing’s Izaiah Tusler.

IRISH’S GOWENS MAKES CONSO SEMIS

Both McGuinness’ state qualifiers saw their seasons end in the consolation rounds at the Class 5A state tournament last weekend inside State Fairgrounds Arena. Brock Gowens reached the consolation semifinals at 132 pounds after a 15-7 loss to Izaiah Furra from Tulsa Edison.

Teammate Kazeyn Bird lost his first-round consolation match to El Reno’s Ryan Sigler for the Irish.

Meanwhile, Deer Creek boasted four qualifiers and PC North had three in the 6A state tournament. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Heritage Hall’s K.J. Evans (in dark singlet) attempts to gain position on Shawn Rounsaville from Tuttle during their 150-pound state championship match. Evans secured a 6-2 decision over Rounsaville for his third state title.

- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com

Heritage Hall’s E.J. Beloncik wrestles against Tuttle’s Tucker Waitman for the state championship at 165 pounds.

- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com

Mount St. Mary’s Braeden Lloyd (2) skies for a breakaway layup during last Saturday’s Class 5A West regional final against El Reno.

- Photo by Mary-Ellen Wolf

THEATRE

March 3­19 • Harvey 3rd Act Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 nonprofit theatre company in Oklahoma City presents Harvey, written by Mary Chase and directed by Caprice Sorg as their third Mainstage production of Season 4: REGENERATE. Performances are each Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now at 3rdacttheatreco.com/ productions/harvey.

FUNDRAISERS

March 21 •

Pickleball Fundraiser

Play for a Purpose is Parent Promise’s Pickleball Fundraiser at Chicken N Pickle OKC on March 21 from 6­9 pm. This family fun event will include open play pickleball, bingo, outdoor games, 50/50 jackpot, appetizers and more. Additionally, event sponsorships for this event are still needed so that family participants and partners can attend this event admissionfree. For questions or sponsorship information, please contact Raegan Mach, Community Relations Director, at raegan.mach@parentpromise.org. See details at parentpromise.org.

March 11 • St. Patrick’s Parade

Come to Historic Stockyards City, in OKC, on Saturday, March 11 for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade. It is a celebration of Oklahoma Irish heritage and the western culture of Stockyards City. This family­friendly event begins at 10 am and it is something you won't want to miss. The parade will be led by the Slash O Ranch Longhorns. You can see St. Patrick, bagpipes, Irish dancers, the Shriners, cool cars, community groups, equestrian entries and much more. Former Governor Frank Keating and Cathy Keating are the grand marshals for the parade. Following the parade, there will be food trucks, a photo booth, activities, and some games. McTeggart Irish Dancers will perform at 11:30 am. Oklahoma Native, Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road will be performing from 12:30­2:00 pm. Visit stockyardscity.org for more information.

April 6 • Shine a Light

Please join Sunbeam

Family Services at the 9th annual Shine a Light event, which includes dinner, drinks, and inspiring stories of hope. Celebrating 2023 Aspire Award

Recipient Kelly Gray, chaired by Kristen and David Griffin at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 6 pm.

EXHIBITS

Through July •

ARToons

The new exhibition, ARToons, presents the playful nature of cartoons and comics created by Western artists Duane Bryers and Tom Ryan, while emphasizing cartooning as an art form. Some of the highlights of the exhibition

Film Festival Weekend

Three Oklahoma film festivals are lighting up screens across the metro area this weekend: the Clean Shorts Film Festival in Norman, Simply Indie Film Festival in Edmond, and Oklahoma Cine Latino Film Festival in Oklahoma City. All three festivals program very different movies for very different audiences. But all offer great selections of films from around the world, across the country, and right here in Oklahoma.

include never­before exhibited images of Bryers’ beloved pinup cartoon, Hilda, as well as childhood comics created by Ryan. ARToons will be on exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western History Museum through July 26. See the website for details.

The Clean Shorts Film Festival in Norman is the most family-friendly of the bunch. Hosted on the campus of Moore Norman Technology Center, the festival presents 48 short films across three screening rooms, allowing multiple opportunities to see the films you like best. As the name implies, all of the films are appropriate for all audiences, so no profanity, nudity, gore, or adult situations. It is a perfect film festival to bring young kids.

Clean Shorts was launched in 2015 by Oklahoma filmmaker Ben Hlavaty while he was leading the film program at Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw. He wanted to provide his students with an opportunity to network and compete with filmmakers at different stages of their careers. Because of the familyfriendly guidelines,

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Paycom Center Events/Shows:

Winter Jam ­ March 4

Ana Gabriel ­ March 16

Blake Shelton ­ March 17 Harlem Globetrotters ­ March 25

Stevie Nicks ­ March 30

Katt Williams ­ March 31

Kenny Chesney ­ Apr. 1

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma encourages the public to dine out and fight hunger during OKC Restaurant Week March 7-12. The event is being presented by Bank of Oklahoma and features more than 40 locally operated restaurants who are donating a portion of sales to fight hunger in Oklahoma.

“At Bank of Oklahoma, the communities we serve are where we live and raise our families,” said Greg Wheeler, Bank of Oklahoma market president of Oklahoma City. “We’re deeply focused on being good partners with our nonprofits as well as local businesses which is why OKC Restaurant Week was the perfect fit for us to

support.”

OKC Restaurant Week features establishments from across the metro with a wide variety of cuisines ranging from burgers to brunch to fine dining. Restaurants will offer special menu items for $20, $40 and $60 and a percentage of those proceeds will be donated to the Regional Food Bank.

“We invite the community to dine for a cause and support our amazing metro restaurant scene,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

“Our friends in the restaurant community have always cared about our neighbors and providing meals for Oklahomans facing food insecu-

the festival immediately attracted a wide variety of filmmakers, from high school students to seasoned professionals.

Last year, Hlavaty moved the film festival to Moore Norman Technology Center, where he is an instructor of Digital Cinema and Television Production. That program, led by Amy Smith, is one of the strongest high school film schools in the state, sending several students directly into jobs at television stations or into college film programs at local universities. The Clean Shorts Film Festival runs this Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is free and open to the public.

The Simply Indie Film Festival is the newest of the three, but has found a perfect home in downtown Edmond.

Founders Marisa Carlson and Lynzi Carlson honed their festival skills working with the Red Dirt film Festival in Stillwater for several years before launching their own festival in 2020. Since then, the festival has quickly grown into a filmmaker favorite on the festival

Matchbox Twenty 2023 ­ June 21

circuit and a feather in the cap of Visit Edmond and Edmond Fine Arts Institute, both of which have adopted the festival as a great way to attract more artists, filmmakers, and tourists.

Simply Indie Film Fest offers nine programs of short films that will screen from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm this Friday and Saturday at Showbiz Cinemas in Edmond. The short films include comedies, dramas, music videos, experimental films, thrillers, animation, and horror, which makes Simply Indie the best festival option for teens and young adults. The festival also includes events and parties at The Patriarch, Hilton Garden Inn, and Frenzy Brewing Company. Visit simplyindie.org for a full list of films and schedule.

Finally, the 9th annual Oklahoma Cine Latino Film Festival, which I wrote about last month, takes the stage this Saturday from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at the Yale Theater in Capitol Hill and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Capitol Hill Library. Cine Latino is Oklahoma’s only film festival dedicated to Spanish language films and films about Latin culture. Tickets for Saturday are available online. Sunday films at the library are free. I’ll be stopping by all three festivals, so hopefully I will see you there.

rity.”

A full list of participating restaurants and their menu items can be found at restaurantweekokc.com.

Oklahoma is the one of the hungriest states in the nation. On average, each year the Regional Food Bank distributes 50 million pounds of food throughout 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma.

Proceeds from OKC Restaurant Week will help Oklahomans like Fred and his wife who receive food each month from a Regional Food Bank partner. He says the food he takes home for the weekend helps the couple stretch their budget.

“I really appreciate the extra meals,” Fred said. “A lot of us

don't have much of an income and these meals on the weekends make a big difference.”

OKC Restaurant Week is made possible thanks to Love's Travel Stops, CCSA Insurance and other generous sponsors.

Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of communitybased partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet.

Casady School’s 2023

U.S. Presidential

Scholar Candidates: (left to right) Julia Janknecht, Michelle Huang, Connor Evans, Jenna Jiang and Olivia Wang.

SCHOLARS

From Page 1

school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students

demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.

A distinguished panel of educators reviews these submissions and select approxi-

mately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, selects the finalists and the U.S. Department of Education announces the Scholars in May.

U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June. To commemorate their achievement, the scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

Brejon Dean graduates from Graceland University

Brejon Dean, of Oklahoma City, graduated with a bachelor of arts (psychology) from Graceland University. Graduates from around the country and

around the world have been recognized for earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Graceland University between May 31 through Dec. 17, 2022.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, is more than just a school. It is a community of passionate,

caring and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. Campuses are located in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri.

Court, after review of the file and being fully advised in the premises, finds that it is impracticable to make personal service of summons upon the minor child’s Father, Arturo A. Argueta, for the reason that his present whereabouts are unknown despite Plaintiff’s due diligence to locate him. THE COURT FINDS AND IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that service be had upon Arturo A. Argueta by publication. Done this 17 day of February, 2023.

/s/Thomas C. Riesen JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT

BY: Attorney for the Petitioner Cesar I. Cano Pascual, Esq.

OBA #33480 Michael Brooks-Jimenez, PC 5708 S. Western Ave. Okla. City, OK 73109 Phone: (405) 272-9393 Cesar: c@brooksjimenez.com (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 3, 2023) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case Number: PG-2023-148

In the Matter of the Guardianship of:) KATHERINE TATIANA) ARGUETA PORTILLO) SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION NOTICE State of Oklahoma To: Arturo A. Argueta TAKE NOTICE that Aldo Longoria Campos has filed a petition for appointment of guardian of a minor child in

ls, Welders, C Toorch, Air Tools, Herbicide, Tires &

In accordance with the provisions of State law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location(s) listed below. Life Storage:

Life Storage #1061 – 15505 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Edmond, OK 73013 (405)735-5722.

119 – Adam Underwood 15937 Katie Ridge Dr, Edmond, OK 73013

Hsld gds/Furn, Off Furn/Mach/Equip, Lndscpng/Cnstrctn equip, Tools/Applnces, Other: Grill, Boxes

612 – Rathveasna Heing 4720 se 25th st, Del city, OK 73115

Tools/Applnces, Other: Weight Bench, Childrens Toys, Gas Can, Christmas Tree, Bike Trailer

Due notice having been given to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of at a public auction to be held online at www.StorageTreasures.com, which will end on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 10:00am.

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 3, 2023)

Given under my hand and seal this 21 day of February, 2023.

Rick Warren, Court Clerk Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/illegible signature Deputy (SEAL)

BY: Attorney for the Petitioner Cesar I. Cano Pascual, Esq. OBA #33480 Michael Brooks-Jimenez, PC 5708 S. Western Ave. Okla. City, OK 73109 Phone: (405) 272-9393 Cesar: c@brooksjimenez.com

NAME CHANGE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 3, 2023) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

In accordance with the provisions of State law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location(s) listed below. Life Storage: Life Storage #1060 – 1401 NW 122nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405)652-0880.

#714, Candace Bierig, 9209 SW 30Th St, Oklahoma City, OK, 73179, Hsld Gds/Furn. #719, India Williams, 1270 N Pennsylvania Ave, Okla. City, OK, 73120, Hsld Gds/Furn, TV/Stereo Equip, Tools/Applnces. #442, Leontez Arbertha, 812 Nw 190Th St, Oklahoma City, OK, 73012 Hsld Gds/Furn. #741, Hollie Sanchez, 5305 N Harmon Dr, Oklahoma City, OK, 73122, Hsld Gds/Furn, TV/Stereo Equip. #613, Kimberly Grant, 1301 W Hefner Apt. 3703, Okla.City, OK,73114, Hsld Gds/Furn, TV/Stereo Equip. #334 Eugenia Earlene, 12701 N Penn Apt #40, Okla. City, OK, 73120, Hsld items/Furn.

Due notice having been given to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of at a public auction to be held online at www.StorageTreasures.com, which will end on Wednesday, March, 22, 2023 10:00am.

The return of Bob Wills Day

One of the state’s most significant figures in music history will be celebrated at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Monday, March 6. The Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Historical Society have announced the return of Bob Wills Day, a celebration returning to the Capitol after a hiatus of nearly a decade. The event commemorates the life and legacy of the “King of Western Swing” who helped popularize the music genre during the 1930s and 40s. Wills’ band, the Texas Playboys, had a daily program on the Tulsa radio outlet KVOO and were regular performers at the venerable Cain’s Ballroom.

Bob Wills Day will feature a special recognition of Wills—who passed away in 1975— in the Oklahoma State

Senate and Oklahoma House of Representatives. Wills’ daughter, Carolyn Wills, will be in attendance.

A slate of performances by Western swing musicians will fill the Capitol rotunda throughout the afternoon, and Bob Wills memorabilia will be on display. The Oklahoma Historical Society will host a live evening recording of A Very OK Podcast: The Bob Wills Story about the iconic musician at Ponyboy, located near the Capitol.

Free and open to the public, performances will take place in the second-floor Capitol rotunda from 1 - 5 pm. Performers will include Jana Jae, Jay Steagall & The Part-Timers featuring Danny Steagall, Kyle Dillingham, Oklahoma Opry, and Cowboy Jim Garling.

The live recording of

A Very OK Podcast: The Bob Wills Story will take place at Ponyboy, located at 423 NW 23rd St. in Oklahoma City. Hosted by Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Executive Director Trait Thompson, the show will feature a panel discussion with former OHS Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn, OKPOP Executive Director Jeff Moore, Carolyn Wills, and authors Brett Bingham and John Wooley whose book Honky-Tonk tells the story of Cain’s Ballroom.

Bob Wills Day at the Capitol was started in the 1980s by state Senator John Dahl. The celebration took place every spring until the Capitol restoration project began in 2014. In 1988, Bob Wills’ song “Faded Love” was designated as Oklahoma’s official country and western song by the legislature.

Gardening School hosts Blooms for Birds

Birds add a delightful element to any landscape and play a crucial role in creating healthy gardens and natural ecosystems by helping to control pests, pollinate plants and spread seeds.

Myriad Botanical Gardens’ gardening school program features speakers who will showcase a range of birds to attract to your garden and how to design and plant gardens to attract and sustain them. You will learn how

to be an active participant in helping birds and wildlife thrive in urban, suburban and rural home gardens.

Presented by the Meinders Foundation, Blooms for Birds is March 11 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Kerr-McGee Auditorium at OCU. The cost is $40 for members, $70 nonmembers, $25 students and a $15 lunch. To register go to myriadgardens.org.

The Oklahoma Gardening School is the state’s premier annual

horticultural symposium that brings together hundreds of gardeners of all levels to learn from experts. Topics presented by renowned naturalists, authors, and horticulturists are timely and applicable to the cultivation of plants in Oklahoma and your own garden.

Speakers include author David Mizejewski, wildlife biologist Mark Howery, horticultural consultant Eva Monheim and landscaping specialist Adam Sarmiento.

Pandora

a historical novel

By Susan Stokes-Chapman

The suspenseful novel Pandora is a mixture of all things that make a great mystery of the 18th Century, that fascinating romantic era of history. Characters tell their haunting story in a novel of three parts. Susan Stokes-Chapman chose the form to blend the period, the Grecian art antiquities, and attractive characters from elite families, thieves, robbers, obnoxious relatives and events with realistic combining of facts and mystical “could be,” to make the three sections of this novel become a reader’s delight.

Pandora is the first novel written by Stokes-Chapman, a writer who grew up in a Georgian city of Lichfield and four years in Aberystwyth

and graduated with a

BA in education and English literature and creative writing. This novel burst onto the scene as a smash #l bestseller and has gathered acclaim for fiction prizes as well as the London Sunday Times Historical Book of the Month. The subject matter is only part of the reason for its success. The fascination for the period and the accuracy of description and vivid references add to the facts and mental pictures the author has as she searches the references of Hermes, the magpie, and the myth of Pandora’s box.

The emporiums for expensive items that were owned by the Blake couple who live there with their daughter, Dora, a young specialist in Greek drawings of jewelry. These turn into a rage ‘must have’ a few years after the couple has died, and the untrustworthy Uncle Hezekiah steps in to make false claims. Fortunately, a handsome lad named Edward Lawrence appears and soon has earned a place in the plot as well as in

Dora’s heart.

The respect that the author has for research and mystery gives the overall sense of magic throughout, and makes each section a source of detail and dreams for all the people involved in their secrets. Even the drawings of the Diving Machine Suit worn to retrieve a submerged artifact add to the authenticity of the tale.

The clothes, hair styles, dancing steps at an evening affair attest to the good taste and dangers facing the Blakes and the members of the Society of Antiquaries, as well as the health hazards attached to antiquities that have been out of circulation long enough to become suspect for diseased but valuable stones.

What a rare book! Stokes-Chapman prepares you for the suspense ahead by her kick-off nod to John Milton (Paradise Lost) “The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.”

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

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

Locally-owned business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@okcfriday.com

“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.

‘Big River- — A really fun show for all audiences

“ Big River”

Lyric Theatre

Based on Mark Twain’s Classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”

Book by William Hauptman

Music and Lyrics by Roger Miller

Directed by Michael Baron

By Franci Hart

Theatre Critic

Fun! Joyful!

Lyric Theatre’s “Big River” is a delight! This Theatre for Young Audiences production has

something for everyone: broad comic gestures, pantomime, lively action, and most of all Roger Miller’s wonderful music.

This new version of the Tony Award winning “Big River,” as a way to relate to younger audiences, has Huck (Alex Rodriguez ) and Jim (Maximus White) as teenagers. And, it is more music than narrative, which is just fine because the music is so good.

Huck is fed up with the Widow Douglas (Elizabeth Dragoo) telling him

what to do. So he runs away. Jim is also running away because the Widow Douglas has decided to sell him. The boys take a raft up the river, hoping to reach Cairo, Ohio, where Jim will be free. Along the way, good natured Huck allows two scoundrels, the Duke (Joshua Morgan Thompson) and the King (Mariah Warren), to join their adventure. But the Duke and the King prove to be too much for the boys and even sell Jim to a farmer. However, all ends well.

Dear Wise Elder: There is an older couple next door to me whose driving is honestly unsafe, especially at night. And yet they persist, digging in their heels to continue as if they were 15 years younger. Of course their driving is just one of many obvious signs of decline. I know the grown children well. Should I reach out to these now 50-yearold professionals? What would I say? How can I open the conversation?

Dear What to Say: “Hello, Johnny. This is Sue, your parents’ next door neighbor.

Rodriguez’s Huck is charming, naïve and most of all likeable. He carries the show and can sell a song with the best. Yet, he is a true ensemble player, playing nicely with the other players.

White’s Jim is the antithesis of Rodriguez’s Huck: serious, practical and realistic. His “Muddy Waters” and “Free at Last” are show stoppers.

Thompson and Warren as the Duke and King bring broad physical comedy to the production. Completing this compe-

Although this is a difficult call to make, you need to know that your parents are in danger and need your help making some changes. Please come and spend 24 or 36 continuous hours with them, and I think you will want to help take some action. I’m happy to visit further after you come. I know they will love having you home again and you will learn a lot. After all, they took really great care of you; now it is your responsibility.”

- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org

(405) 990 6637

tent ensemble are Emma Lee Hamilton ( Mary Jane), Nia Sier (Alice), and Greg Gore (Judge Thatcher). The music is the show! And this fast-paced production leaps from one musical number to the next. One hardly needs a story to enjoy Roger Miller’s songs.

Lyric’s “Big River” is a coproduction with Adventure Theatre Maryland, in association with Rogers and Hammerstein Theatricals and First Stage Milwaukee.

You can have your ad here! $20 a week. Call (405) 755-3311 for details.

if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to:

75th Anniversary Founders Day filled with satellite parties, festival, gala

Casady School celebrated the culmination of its 75th Anniversary with three exciting events for the Casady Community during Founders Week.

Casady’s Founders Day on Friday, Feb. 17, marked the occasion in 1947 when then Casady Hall’s Board of Trustees met for the very first time, setting in motion a legacy of outstanding education that has endured and grown for more than 75 years. On Thursday, Feb. 16, Casady Alumni around the United States gathered in 10 major cities for Cyclones Coast to Coast. These satellite parties provided an opportunity for Alumni across the country to celebrate their alma mater’s anniversary by gathering in friendship and fellowship.

Friday, Cyclones of all ages attended the Cyclone Festival in Bennett Athletic Center. The Casady Community enjoyed bounce houses, a cake/bake walk, face painters, balloon makers, popcorn, concessions, and more in a family friendly carnival atmosphere.

Finally, the Casady Community gathered Saturday evening at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City for the 75th Anniversary Gala, which was a sold out event with nearly 1,000 guests. Attendees viewed displays of alumni artwork, perused artifacts from Casady’s past, took a walk down memory lane to see Decade Tables that showcased the school’s history, and ate fresh popped popcorn at a tailgate area that included the Jimmy’s on the Go Concessions Cart. Hunt Lowry, a member of the class of 1973, Distinguished Graduate in 2013 and a film producer in Los Angeles served as the emcee. During the program, theater students in Middle and Upper Division performed excerpts from recent Casady Theatre productions “The Casady Chronicles” and “The Music Man,” while orchestra students and fourth grade and Upper Division choirs debuted a special arrangement of “The

Casady Hymn.”

At the gala, Head of School Nathan L. Sheldon and Board of Trustees Chair Jenee Naifeh Lister ’82 delivered keynote remarks, illuminating the Vision for Casady School and its commitment to staying faithful to the past while moving bravely into the future. Lister announced Casady’s $38 million comprehensive campaign that includes capital projects; support for faculty, programs, and financial aid; continued growth in the annual fund; and legacy and planned giving.

After the conclusion of the program, galagoers danced the night away to “The Wavetones.”

“To all our faculty and staff, thank you for believing in our vision and creating relationships with our students that allow them to reach their full potential,” Sheldon said during his remarks. “To all our trustees, past and present; your leadership and support have

allowed this School to thrive and continue to be the premier educational institution in Oklahoma. And, finally to our parents, grandparents, and friends; thank you for believing in and supporting great learning and for helping us create a strong sense of community and belonging. Let’s never rest on the past, let’s continue to seek new ways to positively impact students today and into the future.”

Casady School’s founders envisioned a school focused on children’s intellectual growth, physical health, and spiritual formation. Small classes and personal attention from faculty cultivate the students’ intellectual life, a healthy sense of competition improves their physical prowess, and religious instruction deepens their understanding of spiritual reality.

In September of 1947, Casady Hall opened its doors to 36 students and a faculty of four. In May of 1948,

the school was renamed Casady School, and today boasts more than 1,000 students, more than 200 faculty and staff, and more than 4,500 alumni worldwide.

Bishop Poulson Reed, Rev. Kirsten Baer, Rev. Tim Sean Youmans and Vicar Emeritus John Marlin at the gala.

Lisa Millington, Christine Lowry and 1973 classmates Kim DeAngelis, Kathy White, Hunt Lowry and Lisa Pierce. Lowery was also the emcee.

Board of Trustees Chairman Jenee Naifeh Lister ’82, above, and Head of School Nathan L. Sheldon, right, delivered keynote remarks, illuminating the Vision for Casady School and its commitment to staying faithful to the past while moving bravely into the future.

- Photos by Johnny Holland

Director of Institutional Advancement Betty Jane Garrett, Gala Co-Chairsmen Mollie McCurdy and Rachel Bolen and 75th Project Coordinator Emmi Kobs.

The joy of learning at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Do you know why and how Oklahoma City became the home of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum? VillagesOKC members who took the February tour with General Ben Robinson can answer – in detail.

VillagesOKC members experienced a VIP tour of the museum and learned that and much more. Our tour leader was one of the museum’s own – Ben T. Robinson, Brig Gen, USAF, Retired – a longtime, very knowledgeable docent at ‘The Cowboy.’ He’s also a VillagesOKC board member.

Attired in a Western vest, “10-gallon” hat and boots, he started the tour with the stagecoach. It continued through the entire museum as he shared lots about cowboy culture, Western history and American heritage.

AWARDS

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on March 23, 11:30 a.m., at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

This year’s honorees are the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for their Liichokoshkomo’ Exhibit, Winter on Western, American Fidelity, Fenton Rood, 8th Street Urban Farm and SSM Health, Maevyn Bruemmer, and Sharina Perry.

Receiving the Mayor’s Award is the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for its Liicho-koshkomo’ outdoor learning exhibit. This exhibit fosters a space focused on purposeful play, with Liichokoshkomo’ being a Chickasaw phrase for “Let’s Play.”

Liichokoshkomo’ offers STEAM activities, guided learning and expert-led classes to give families a different way to experience history, culture and diversity.

Receiving the President’s Special Recogni-

“He made me feel I was in the stagecoach tightly squeezed between two others and across from three more,” said new member Lisa Rodriguez of Piedmont. “And those were the premium seats. We were told we could not chew tobacco or spit while in the coach. This was more interesting and captivating than any history class. Everyone should have the VIP tour.”

The general says he is passionate about Western Heritage and does a tremendous amount of reading. “I love helping my groups feel the

tion Award is Winter on Western, a communityled initiative to beautify the Western Avenue corridor during the holidays with a light display. After the holiday light display was discontinued by Chesapeake Energy years ago, a group of community volunteers came together to raise funds to continue the light display.

American Fidelity is the recipient of the Aubrey McClendon Corporate Award. The company is being recognized for their beautification and open space enhancements at their corporate headquarters off of Interstate-235 and Britton Road.

Fenton Rood is being recognized with the Pendleton Woods Lifetime Achievement Award, for his decadeslong career in creating a more sustainable Oklahoma. His career in environmental programs for the State of Oklahoma began in the 1970s, and he worked for the Department of Environmental Quality until 2020. His extensive com-

responsibilities of cook, wrangler or trail boss as if they were there on a cattle drive.”

When in the Cowboy Hall of Fame, members called out names of their bigger than life childhood favorites. Many on the tour knew the answer to, “What cowboy performed in Madison Square Garden?” Tour leader Robinson constantly asked the members questions about history and the heritage of the Southwest. This included talking about the hundreds of Western movies which often featured stars who were

munity involvement included volunteer roles with the Oklahoma Recycling Association, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, The Tree Bank Foundation, Sierra Club, and more.

8th St. Urban Farm and SSM Health are sharing recognition for the Community Spirit Award, in honor of the extensive community garden added at the corner of NW 8th Street and Lee Avenue. The collaboration between SSM Health and 8th St. Urban Farm has led to a productive urban farm on SSM Health St. Anthony property, with produce grown provided to patients experiencing food insecurity.

Receiving the Volunteer Spirit award is a young but mighty volunteer, Maevyn Bruemmer. Maevyn is a nine-yearold student at Nichols Hills Elementary, where she spends much of recess cleaning up on the playground. She takes great care of our planet, and spends many weekends cleaning up litter in Oklahoma City.

The Visionary Award

never part of a working ranch or cattle drive.

General Robinson’s love of country and passion for our Southwestern Heritage came in part from his own childhood. Horses, cattle, boots and living in New Mexico on a ranch enhances his colorful descriptions on this VIP tour. He put in perspective how it may have felt

recipient is Sharina Perry of Utopia Plastix, for her groundbreaking work in creating a plant-based plastic alternative. Utopia Plastix’s revolutionary material is being used by manufacturers across the county, producing goods such as straws, bags, containers, and more. Their product aims to reduce petroleum-based plastics with a plant-based alternative.

Cathy Keating, active volunteer in the Oklahoma City area, is serving as the honorary chairman of the Distinguished Service Awards this year.

“OKC Beautiful works tirelessly every day of the year to beautify our city,” Keating said. “Without the help of these very special businesses, individuals and organizations, their job would be almost impossible. Please join us to celebrate the differences these wonderful people are making in our community.“

To learn more about these honorees of the 38th Annual Distinguished Service Awards and purchase tickets, visit okcbeautiful.com.

to be part of the Old West.

Jan Rey, who organizes tours for VillagesOKC, said the description of the exploration of the West after the Louisiana Purchase painted a vivid picture. This detail included the story of a pregnant woman and how her child ultimately played a part in history three decades later.

MAEVYN

From Page 1

third grade at Nichols Hills Enterprise elementary.

Keeping things organized and tidy is an unique trait of her autism, Kelli said.

General Robinson said extensive training was required to initially become a docent, and in addition to his own reading, he attends a week of updated education each year. He shared this passion and learning on each VIP tour for VillagesOKC. These one-of-akind tours at The Cowboy are offered quarterly for VillagesOKC members and soon to be members.

These kind of outings often foster friendships and attract new members. Lisa has already brought another Piedmont resident to be part of this network of mature adults across Oklahoma City who find value in VillagesOKC membership. This is how the grass roots organization is growing. For more, please visit OKCFRIDAY.com.

“She doesn’t always understand the ‘yuck’ factor that can come with litter, but we’re working on that with gloves and hand sanitizer,” Kelli said. “We talk about how keeping our parks and playgrounds clean means that all kids get to have fun.”

While her mom can’t remember when Maevyn started focusing on cleaning up litter, Kelli said it has been a long while.

“Once we really started encouraging her in those efforts, it got more frequent and more thorough,” Kelli said. “She will pick up the park completely before we start playing!

“Other kids have seen her picking up trash and joined in, too. That was a fun day.”

They try to stop by a park or playground once a week. When the weather is nice, it’s more often.

Most of her work is in The Village, since Maevyn’s Mini, two aunts and an uncle live there.

Kelli said the awards is “huge.”

“It’s so great that OKC Beautiful is recognizing efforts of all sizes - big corporations AND a single kiddo who just wants parks to be clean,” Kelli said. “That means a lot. When people do a little bit, and other people see it and recognize it and join in, those little bits become a lot. It’s really exciting.

“I’m hopeful that her recognition will not only encourage more kids to keep OKC clean, but will also encourage people of all ages to see and include people of all abilities in their daily lives.”

BALL

From Page 1

Symphony, which is to be presented May 5-7 as part of Oklahoma City Ballet’s “Shorts” production. Like its name, “Shorts” features three short ballets by some of the most iconic choreographers: Gerald Arpino’s “Birthday Variations”; Twyla Tharp’s “The Golden Section”; and Balanchine’s “Western Symphony.”

“As far as I know, there are only two westernthemed ballets and Western Symphony is one of them. It was the perfect time to celebrate our Oklahoma heritage with Ballet Ball: The New West,” said Jo Lynne Jones, executive director of Oklahoma City Ballet.

Usually a black-tie affair, this year’s Ballet Ball attendees are encouraged to sport their finest western accessories paired with anything from a ball gown to dressedup jeans. Live music is to be

presented by The Bread & Butter Band and DJ Navi for late-night dancing. A highlight of the evening is to be a performance by Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional dancers, who will perform a special piece choreographed by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye.

“Oklahoma City Ballet is a major contributor to our city's arts and cultural landscape,” said Co-Chairman Gordon said. “With ‘The New West’ as our theme, we are excited to bring the ballet's modern approach to connecting our community through dance together with our state's western heritage.”

Tickets are $250 per person and sponsorships are available starting at $1,000.

To purchase tickets to the Ballet Ball, visit okcballet.org/balletball, call (405) 208-8836, or email events@okcballet.org.

Checks can be mailed to Oklahoma City Ballet, 6800 N. Classen Blvd..

820

From Page 1

student services, drug addiction treatment programs, courts, local government and the state General Revenue Fund.

Those in support of the question and those who are opposing it, have made their feelings known.

According to Michelle Tiley, of the Yes on 820 Campaign, legalizing marijuana would generate millions of dollars in new state funding — increasing rev-

BALLET

From Page 1

Hall for Stephen Mills’ “Hamlet,” Oct. 27-29. A contemporary ballet with Shakespearean roots, “Hamlet “features minimal sets, modern costumes inspired by designer Giorgio Armani and an emotionally driving score by American composer Philip Glass. Filled with sleek sophistication and lots of action, audiences will be surprised by this updated version of a classic story.

“The Nutcracker,” presented by Devon Energy, will return for 11 performances Dec. 8-18, which includes a sensory-friendly version of the family-favorite tale. Artistic Director Ryan JolicoeurNye’s very popular version of “The Nutcracker,” which debuted December 2022, is sure to enchant audiences once again. OKCPHIL is set to play the familiar Tchaikovsky score along with vocal accompaniment from Canterbury Voices.

Feb. 9-11, 2024, Oklahoma City Ballet presents the quintessential

enue for schools, healthcare and public safety.

“And, it will create jobs, generate economic grown and offer common sense criminal just reform,” she said.

Opponents have formed Protect Our Kids No 820. Governor

Frank Keating is the chairman of the organization.

“We simply must protect our children.” Keating said. “This state question goes well beyond the ballot summary voters will see.

“Just one example is that hid-

den inside this question is a clause that expressly lowers the legal threshold for child endangerment. It includes a prohibition on our court system from considering marijuana usage in child custody and visitation cases. These are just a few of the problems.”

The Policy Institute website says that supporters also believe passage of State Question 820 would help address a significant cause of racial imbalance in the state’s criminal justice system, in which a disproportionate num-

ballet of the romantic era, “Giselle.” This hauntingly beautiful story is full of romance, tragedy, and revenge. On Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m., a sensoryfriendly version of “Giselle” is set in partnership with AutismOklahoma.

Sensory-friendly performances are for children and adults with sensory sensitivities or for anyone who may benefit from being in a more relaxed environment. Changes to this performance include: no live music and lower volume for recorded music; adjusted house lighting; no pyrotechnics or strobe lights; and very relaxed theater rules, allowing guests to use electronic devices, talk, and leave their seats as needed. Tickets to this performance are deeply discounted.

“Future Voices: A Choreographic Showcase” returns for its fifth year, March 7-10, in the Inasmuch Foundation Theater at Oklahoma City Ballet’s Susan E. Brackett Dance Center.

Featuring several world-premiere short works created by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers and staff, this audience favorite

ber of Black Oklahomans have been charged with marijuanarelated offenses when compared to white residents.

Supporters say that adults should be able to use medical marijuana as a matter of individual freedom. They believe the potential for abuse of marijuana is low compared to alcohol, opioids and many other prescription drugs.

As marijuana is illegal on the federal level and in 29 states, opponents say Oklahoma should wait until the federal

celebrates the process of choreography and dance in its purest form. With no sets or complicated costumes, audiences get a close-up view of dancers in the intimate setting of the world’s most iconic dance studio.

The 2023/24 Season concludes at the Civic Center Music Hall with Shorts, featuring three short works in one program: Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye’s “Carmina Burana”; Jerome Robbins’ “Fancy Free”; and Alexander Ekman’s “Cacti”, May 10-12, 2024.

Season subscriptions to Oklahoma City Ballet’s 2023/24 Season are available now by calling (405) 848-8637 or visiting okcballet.org. Season Subscribers receive extra benefits like discounts, first choice of seats, free exchanges, and more. Single tickets to all performances go on sale Sept. 5.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Oklahoma City Ballet 405848-TOES (8637), online at okcballet.org, or by calling the Civic Center Box office at 405297-2264.

Follow Oklahoma City Ballet on social media @okcballet.

government changes the law.

Opponents believe that legalizing marijuana might encourage greater abuse of the substance and the American Medical Association opposes the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.

Legalization of medical marijuana encouraged criminal enterprises to come to the state to participate in black-market operations and loosening the state’s marijuana law further would make those problems worse, the opponents say.

VillagesOKC members take a tour of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum with General Ben Robinson.

Maevyn on the litter trail.