03-10-23 Print Replica

Advocate

Ann and Burns Hargis during OMRF’s MS Advocate Dinner. Burns was the winner of the Advocate Award.

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www.okcfriday.com

Kids, bikes, firemen, mayors

What do you get when you take a group of Bike Club OKC kiddos, add The Village Fire Department and sprinkle in Mayor Sonny Wilkerson, former Mayor Cathy Cummings, Councilman Sean Cummings and City Manager Rick Slezickey?

You get lots of smiles, laughter and even a little dancing as well as some very important fire safety education.

Bike Club OKC students from Nichols Hills Elementary took to the streets on their bikes for a fun, educational connection with The Village Fire Department.

“This is one of our students' favorite field trips each year,” the nonprofit’s Founder and Program Director Alyssa Lutz said. “Meaningful communi-

Shop the look

Fashion Editor Jennifer Clark helps you shop the latest looks for spring from CK & Co., Krista Anne’s Boutique, Lela Rose and Pearl by Lela Rose with Cindi Shelby and the Women’s

ty connections and fire safety education are so important. When coupled with fun, these

connections and lessons are lasting.”

The club wrapped up its field trip with a

stop at Bumpas Park, ending up with an 8.5 See BIKES, Page 5

Love’s Travel Stops founder Tom Love passes away

Tom Love, who, along with his beloved wife and business partner, Judy, founded a family-owned andoperated network of more than 600 Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, passed away at 85 in his hometown of Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

A respected community and business leader, Tom was admired for his genuine humility, good-natured disposition, generosity and helpfulness toward others.

“Tom Love was a man of conviction who never wavered from the

TOM LOVE

principles of honesty and integrity in the 59 years he spent developing the company he started with his wife, Judy,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “These tenets still guide our company and will as we move forward. Tom always listened and was sincerely interested in knowing the stories of employees and customers. He wanted to hear their thoughts, ideas and hopes for them, their families and the company. He credited the company's success to the

See LOVE, Page 4

Women Who Lead is luncheon theme

By Rose Lane Editor

Fourteen ladies are to be honored during the Oklahoma Hospitality Club’s 55th Annual Ladies in the News Luncheon and Style Show set for Friday, March 31, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. This year’s honorees are:

Honorable Catherine “Catt” Burton, a member of the Judiciary, District Court of Oklahoma County; Special District Judge Virginia Calame, community volunteer extraordinaire; Perrin Duncan, Arnall Family Foundation, special projects manager; Kim Garrett, LMSW, NACP, Palomar:

Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, CVO and founder; Irene Gianos and Margo Gianos, Honestly Margo, co-owners; Danne L. Johnson, J.D., Our Work, LLC owner and Oklahoma City University School of Law Professor; Lisa Johnson-Billy, Chickasaw Nation Legislature, speaker; Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, Oklahoma City Community College president; Megan Law, Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, executive director; Alyssa Kaiser Nash, WealthTrust Oklahoma/WTO Advisors, president and owner; Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC, See LIN, Page 13

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

When Fridaylanders Ken and Gerry Bonds attend his retirement party next week, they are celebrating a 76-year financial career that began at the First National Bank of Ardmore when he was 17 years old. Ken has been a community leader in Oklahoma City for over 50 years, working alongside a Who’s Who of city leaders for the betterment of Oklahoma’s capitol city. Life has been good for Ken, but it hasn’t always been easy.

Ken was born June 4, 1929 to his sharecropper father, M.L. Bonds and his homemaker mother Esther Hills Bonds, on a small cotton farm near Kirkland, Texas. Life was hard and money was lacking during the depression so M.L. moved his family of six several times in search of a better life.

“Things were tough in Texas, so we moved to Canon City, Colo. – kind of a ‘Grapes of Wrath’ journey in a Dodge touring car piled with all our belongings,” said Ken of his early childhood memory. “Things got tougher, and we moved to Folsom, Okla. when I was about 5-years-old so Dad could sharecrop and earn a living among our relatives who were in the same boat.

“We lived in a log cabin with a dirt floor for a while before moving to a slightly better home

See BONDS, Page 2

and Ken Bonds relax over

FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week

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a cup of coffee. Ken is set to retire next week after a 76-year financial career.

BONDS

From Page 1

near Blue River,” he recalled. “Dad and mom were natural musicians and leaders in the local church. We worked hard all week and Sundays consisted of church, good food and happy boyhood times near the river.”

Ken attended school through the fourth grade at the two-room Folsom School which also served as the church. By the time he reached high school, the family had settled in Ardmore, where he graduated in the class of 1947.

“There wasn’t much time for social life in high school except for playing forward on the basketball team,” he said. “That was because I always had a part time job.”

As a teenager, the family formed a gospel quartet called the Bonds Family Stamps-Baxter Quartet and performed every Sunday on KVSO radio in Ardmore. During the week he could be found working at SH Kress Co, Safeway or as a fry cook at Doc’s Restaurant.

“There was no money either, even though my best friend and I hitchhiked to Norman with the hope of finding financial help,” he added.

They came back disappointed.

Ken didn’t let his college disappointment deter him. The day he graduated high school he found himself a job that would lead to his 76-year financial career.

“The morning of my high school graduation I walked into First National Bank of Ardmore at the suggestion of my English teacher, Mr. Byrd,” he said. “I started that day doing any tasks my boss, Robert Batis, required. I was given valuable opportunities to learn anything and everything about banking operations.

“One of my best teachers was Bill West, who not only taught me banking skills but how to be a bass fisherman,” he said. “I have many fond memories of our fishing adventures on Lake Murray.

“As a brand new high school graduate with limited resources, I was desperately in need of a job. The bottom line was ‘work or starve,’” he said. “I came to love serving people’s financial needs and helping to guide their future security. Most of my clients became valued friends. I realized that being a fiduciary, namely placing the needs of clients above my own, was my highest calling.

“My actual banking career was 42 years from 1947 to 1989,” he said. “I have spent 1989 through 2022 with investment banking firms as an investment advisor.”

Ken moved to Oklahoma City in 1951 when he landed a bank teller job at Liberty National Bank of Oklahoma City. He soon worked his way up to assistant trust officer where he was the youngest officer in the history of the bank. By 1989 he was vice chairman of the Board of Directors.

In 1990 he moved to senior

vice president and financial advisor at Stifel Nicolaus, Von Feldt & Associates and Wells, Nelson & Associates respectively. Wells, Nelson & Associates was acquired by DA Davidson Co. in 2018. Ken will retire from DA Davidson Co. next week.

“When I started at Liberty Bank it was second in size to old and settled First National and the competition was fierce,” he recalled. “Working downtown was necessary as most of the large business firms were headquartered there.

“I saw downtown Oklahoma City become an almost abandoned area as the flight to the suburbs took place and it became obvious to city leadership that a major infusion of public money investing in downtown improvement was critical to bringing private investment back,” he said. “I watched with pride as a series of very effective mayors and city council members brought the MAPS programs that built back our downtown with attractive and necessary facilities on time and on budget.

“Oklahoma City has an enormously bright future ahead. ... Mayors Coats, Norick, Humphreys, Cornett

and Holt have been tremendous leaders,” he said. “Forward thinking suggestions for improvements financed by MAPS votes and delivering on the promises make our fellow residents proud to approve ongoing projects. Now on the list of the largest 25 cities in the country, Oklahoma City has the room, energy and real possibilities to continue to grow.

“I was fortunate to work alongside many local civic and business leaders like Paul Strasbaugh who ran the OKC Chamber of Commerce where I served on the Board of Directors for many years,” he said. “R.A. Young, of TG&Y, recommended me for the Board of Baptist Medical Center where I spent 15 years as chairman and saw the heart transplant program take shape alongside my friend, the renowned Dr. Nazih Zudhi.

“I also had the privilege of working with Dr. Scott Samara as the kidney transplant program was formed,” he said. “And, it was an honor to assist Dr. Paul Silverstein with the Burn Center and Dr. David Kallenberger with the In-Vitro Fertilization Program.” Ken also served as a board member/trustee of Oklahoma City University working with his great friends Ray Ackerman and Tom McDaniel, along with many others.

“I was taught by my parents that we are here to serve and do for others, and as a banker, I had opportunities to participate in several organizations that make the community better,” he said. “A major highlight was co-founding the Red Earth Festival with Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger and working alongside wonderful Oklahomans like Allie Reynolds and Lou Kerr to make that happen.

“During lunch with my friend, Yvonne Kauger, we developed the idea of the Red Earth Festival after talking about the city’s loss of the

National Finals Rodeo to Las Vegas,” he recalled. “We discussed the idea of starting an Indian arts and cultural event highlighting our incredible Native American history.”

Betty Price, former executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council, is attributed with naming the award-winning cultural festival.

“Being on the OKC Chamber of Commerce Board at the time, I was able to convince the chamber to help with people and space and we raised $50,000 from local businesses the first year to get it off the ground,” he added. “Indian leadership in the Oklahoma Legislature, especially that of Senator Kelly Haney, and the city of Oklahoma City, were very helpful in getting the Red Earth Festival started.”

Ken worked with many other local not-for-profits including Uptown Kiwanis Club, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Lyric Center, Center for Non-profits to name a few. He chaired the United Way and Allied Arts campaigns. Leadership runs in the Bonds family as his wife, Gerry (former evening news anchor at KOCO 5), is past president of the Myriad Gardens Community Board where she still serves as a board member. She is also past president of the Harn Homestead Board, member of the Metro Tech Board and longtime board member of Omniplex, now Science Museum Oklahoma.

The couple have been married 32 years and have a blended family of six daughters, one son and 13 grandchildren living throughout the country. They have always called Fridayland home.

“Finding Gerry is my proudest accomplishment,” he said. “My much younger, pretty wife is who keeps me young.”

Up next for Ken and Gerry Bonds?

“Hopefully more travel, seeing new things and meeting new people,” he said.

Up next for Gerry and Ken Bonds after he retires: “more travel, seeing new things and meeting new people.”

Hargis named MS Advocate Award winner

OMRF President Dr. Andrew Weyrich presents the Multiple Schlerosis Advocate Award to Burns Hargis, retired president of Oklahoma State University.

During the dinner at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Dr. Gabriel Pardo presented an update at the MS Center at OMRF.

Jack and Mary Stark, founders of the Stark Family Foundation, announced a $1.5 million challenge grant in honor of their daughter, Kelsey D’Emilio, who was diagnosed with MS in 2013 at age 24. Despite aggressive treatments, D’Emilio experienced rapid disease progression until finding OMRF’s MS Center of Excellence in 2017.

In photos, clockwise, starting at left: OKC FRIDAY

Account Executive Gina Nichols and her sister, OMRF Vice President of Development Penny Voss; Beverly and Mark Funke with Harvey Sparkman; and Courtney and Tim Griffin.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Kathy and Frank Keating with Nancy Payne Ellis support OMRF.

Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation

Leadership in Arts & Education Awards honorees named

The Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation announced the honorees of the 10th Anniversary Leadership in Arts & Education Awards:

•Max A. Weitzenhoffer, John & Joy Reed Belt Award.

•Inasmuch Foundation, Community Impact Award.

•Governor Frank A. Keating, Innovation in Education Award.

•Joe Williams (1963), Outstanding Harding High School Alumni.

•Luke Wittmann (2013), Outstanding Harding Fine Arts Alumni Award.

Awards are to be presented to the honorees at a lively dinner and banquet, 6-9 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023, at the Jones Assembly, 901 W

Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City.

The Leadership in Arts & Education Awards recognizes those who have made sustainable and inspiring contributions to the arts and education in Oklahoma. This annual fundraising event for the foundation is the single largest source of income for the organization. All proceeds from the event will be used to fulfill the Foundation’s mission of supporting the activities and programs of Harding Fine Arts Academy.

The John & Joy Reed Belt Award is named in memory of John L. Belt (the Academy’s founder) and honor of Joy Reed Belt for their exemplary vision and dedication to the arts and education communi-

ty in Oklahoma City. Past honorees include Ken & Mary Ann Fergeson (2022), Chuck and Renata Wiggin (2020), Richard & Glenna Tannenbaum (2019), Christian K. Keesee (2018), Nancy Payne Ellis (2017) and others.

This year’s honorees were nominated and selected by the LAE Event Planning Committee with input from past honorees. The planning committee is co-chaired by Cyndy Hendrick Hoenig, Harding Jr. Sr. High class of 1967, and Judy Poole Phillips, class of 1965. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and tickets are on sale.

For more information about the Leadership in Arts & Education Awards, visit hfaafoundation.org/lae.

Luke Wittmann (2013) is to receive the Outstanding Harding Fine Arts Alumni Award.

LOVE

From Page 1

people who worked for us. He could relate to all employees but had a soft spot for those on the frontline at stores. In many respects, he was an ordinary person who built an extraordinary business alongside his wife Judy and his family, who he loved deeply."

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy, his children Frank, Greg, Jenny and Laura, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and two more on the way.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,” said the Love Family. “He loved people, and that was evident in how he guided our family, operated the business he started in 1964 and gave back to our community and organizations across the country that serve others. He was always committed to helping others succeed and opening the door for leaders, including his children and grandchildren, and we look forward to building upon his legacy. While the grief we feel is unmeasurable, we celebrate his life and will continue his legacy of living a life filled with integrity, honesty and faith.”

Born in 1937 in Oklahoma City, Tom attended St. Gregory's Preparatory School in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and St. John's University in Minnesota, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1954. He married the love of his life, Judy, in 1960.

In 1964, Tom and Judy Love used $5,000 to lease

an abandoned service station in Watonga, a small rural town northwest of Oklahoma City. From a modest beginning, the then-named Musket Corporation opened 40 stores in eight years in western Oklahoma.

Tom’s keen and discerning sense for business and vision to grow the company resulted in Love’s establishing a new concept – the country store – that combined existing business models for grocery and convenience stores with a selfservice gas station. In 1972, Tom’s country store in Guymon, became the first store in the nation to combine self-service gasoline and grocery items.

The original country store featured self-service gasoline, grocery and dairy items and offered extended hours, seven days a week. This new store model would help Love’s eventually emerge as one of the most successful private businesses in America.

Under Tom’s leadership, Love's opened its first travel stop on Interstate 40 in Amarillo, Texas, in 1981, catering to professional truck drivers and the motoring public who sought convenience and efficiency when traveling across the country.

Throughout the decades, Love’s has expanded its services to include hot and fresh food items, truck care maintenance and warm showers.

The company has flourished under Tom and his family's leadership – opening its 600th location in October 2022. The Love’s Family of Companies has grown to include businesses focused on truck maintenance, logistics, commodity supply and alternative

Governor Frank A. Keating is to receive the Innovation in Education Award. The Inasmuch Foundation is the Community Impact Award honoree.

energies.

In his 59 years of leading the company, Tom was adamant about serving others and putting people first. His vision for establishing a nationwide network of “Clean Places, Friendly Faces” is a company-wide motto that embodies his customerfirst approach.

Tom’s passion for serving others resonated in his personal life and friendships. Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating noted that Tom was often underestimated, which had its benefits in business.

“Tom was a dear friend who I often turned to for advice,” said Keating. “He was a visionary, innovator, inspirational leader and compassionate person. Tom was a quintessential entrepreneur long before entrepreneurialism was ever in vogue. He loved his country, having served in the Marine Corps. He loved his hometown of Oklahoma City, where he headquartered his business.

“Tom loved his state and responded with alacrity and superb skill when he accepted my appointment as chairman of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. He was devoted to his dear wife, Judy, their four wonderful children, and many grand and greatgrandchildren. He was committed to his faith, and he gave generously, but often quietly, to support education, medical and other significant initiatives. Cathy and I are heartbroken at his loss, but we are encouraged to know Tom’s legacy will live on through his family, company and countless kind deeds.”

For more, see OKCFRIDAY.com.

Joe Williams (1963) is to receive the Outstanding Harding High School Alumni Award.

Max A. Weitzenhoffer is the John & Joy Reed Belt Award recipient.

Members of Bike Club OKC visit with firemen from The Village Fire Department after they rode their bikes there last week.

BIKES

From Page 1

mile total mileage for the day.

Bike Club OKC students ride for two hours each week after school, Lutz said. During this time, these young cyclists use problem-solving skills, critical thinking and communication to navigate the bike lanes and multi-use paths, streets, intersections, stop lights, around pedestrians and more.

Each day of Bike Club offers students a fabulous boost to their mental and physical wellness. She said the break from screen time and connection with the outdoors allows these young people to expand their interest in healthy activities. After they solidify their confidence on the bike, the program guides the students on

trips to meet with local leaders as they visit parks, museums, public service departments, businesses and restaurants.

“These hard-working students must keep their school attendance, behavior and coursework in check to stay in the program,” Lutz said. “Educators often see a positive change in all three of these areas as a result of a student's participation in Bike Club.”

Bike Club OKC is creating opportunities and changing lives for young cyclists. If you like what Bike Club OKC is doing and are interested in supporting the program with a donation or through volunteering, visit bikeclubokc.com. Give @BikeClubOKC a follow on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with field trips, learning opportunities, and community connection action.

Bike Club OKC members roll into The Village Fire Department. Each day of Bike Club offers students a fabulous boost to their mental and physical wellness.

THEATRE

March 16 – Apr. 2 •

Sense and Sensibility

Jewel Box, the oldest continuously operating community theatre in Oklahoma, continues its 65th season with a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Sense and Sen‐sibility. Performances run Thursdays­Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm from March 16­April 2. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for Seniors/Military/Educators; and $15 for Students. For more information, please visit the website at JewelBoxOKC. com; or call (405) 5211786. The theatre is located at 321 NW 36th Street in Oklahoma City.

CONTEST

Through March • Travel Contest

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is excited to kick off its next travel contest.

Through March 31, anyone can participate by visiting any OHS museums and historic sites. The complete list is on the OHS website, okhistory.org. After visiting, participants can share photos on social media using the #ExploreOHS hashtag. The person who visits the most sites will win a prize pack of OHS swag and a choice of either naming a baby bison at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Muse­

March 15 • Lunch & Learn

Join NAMI virtually via Zoom on March 15 from 12­1 pm for a free Lunch & Learn presentation. This month’s presentation will be led Erin Callahan, Director of Campaign Communications at the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. Erin will lead an informative session about proposed legislation in Oklahoma. HB 2853 and SB 549 would lower prescription costs for our neighbors with chronic conditions by passing through PBM rebates at the point of sale. Learn more about this harmful and unknown practice, and how your organization and the audience you serve can take action to pass this important, lifesaving legislation. More details at namioklahoma.org.

um or riding a keelboat on April 22 at Fort Gibson Historic Site. You will find more information and the contest rules online.

FUNDRAISERS

April 21 • ARTini

Allied Arts is gearing up for ARTini, the annual martini­tasting event and art auction that raises critical funds for the arts. This year’s event will have a “Roaring 20s” theme to celebrate 20 years of ARTini. The 2023 ARTini will be held on April 21 from 7 ­ 11 pm at the OKC Convention Center. ARTini tickets are $125 and must be purchased in advance. Guests must be at least 21. For more information, visit ARTiniOKC.com or email courtney.lavender@alliedartsokc. com.

THIS WEEKEND

Send calendar

Paycom Center Events/Shows:

Ana Gabriel ­ March 16

Blake Shelton ­ March 17

Harlem Globetrotters ­ March 25

Stevie Nicks ­ March 30

Katt Williams ­ March 31

Kenny Chesney ­ Apr. 1

Walker Hayes ­ Apr. 22

2023 Oscar Predictions

The 95th annual Academy Awards ceremony takes place this Sunday, March 12, at 7 pm on ABC. Talk show host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel returns as emcee for the third time. The nominated films are bigger than ever, so it should be an exciting, uplifting affair.

March 10­12 • IndigiPopX

For the first time in history, Indigenous Pop Culture Expo (IPX) will be at First Americans Museum (FAM) in OKC. IPX is the original and only showcase of Native American and Indigenous pop culture and creative luminaries that seeks to dispel the mythologies that Natives are a people of the past. IndigiPopX is an exciting way to learn, experience and enjoy all that Native American popular culture has to offer. There will be cosplay, AR games, glow stick(ball) games, Artist Alley and more. Get tickets at famok.org.

OKC THUNDER

HOME GAMES Paycom Center

100 West Reno Ave.

Tuesday, March 14 • Brooklyn Nets 7:00 pm

Sunday, March 19 • Phoenix Suns 2:30 pm

The Kid LAROI ­ Apr. 30 Brooks & Dunn ­ May 5 Thomas Rhett ­ Aug. 17 Jason Aldean ­ Oct. 13 Zoo Amphitheatre:

Kattfest ­ May 12

Weezer ­ June 10 Matchbox Twenty 2023 ­ June 21

This year’s Best Picture nominees have grossed more at the global box office than any group in history, according to the Hollywood Reporter and Forbes. Avatar: The Way of the Water leads with $2.27 billion, followed by Top Gun: Maverick with $1.49 billion, Elvis with $287 million, and Everything Everywhere All at Once with $104 million, which is huge for an independent film.

The two biggest films, James Cameron’s Avatar and Tom Cruise’s Top Gun, are both sequels and unlikely to win the top prize. But Avatar will secure the Oscar for its mindbending Visual Effects. And, Top Gun will drown out the competition for Best Sound.

Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis boasts an impressive eight nominations, led by Best Actor Austin Butler Butler’s electric performance as the King should edge out Brendan Fraser’s thoughtful portrayal of a loner in The Whale. And, Elvis should win Oscars for Best Costumes and Best MakeUp and Hair.

Elvis cinematographer Mandy Walker was a surprise winner at the American Society of Cinematographers Awards and

would be the first woman to win that Oscar. But the award will likely go to James Friend for his devastating camera work on All Quiet on the Western Front, which will also win Best International Film.

Everything Everywhere All at Once enters Oscar night as the leading contender with eleven nominations. The film is a lock for Best Picture, Best Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Best Editor Paul Rogers, and Best Supporting Actor Ke Huy Quan. And, it appears that Best Actress nominee Michelle Yeoh has enough momentum to overcome two-time winner Cate Blanchett and her awesome performance in Tar

Everything Everywhere co-star Jamie Lee Curtis recently won the Screen Actors Guild Award and is Oscar nominated for the first time as Best Supporting Actress. But she faces an uphill battle against frontrunner Angela Bassett, an equally respected actor who would be the first to win from a Marvel Superhero movie.

Martin McDonagh will win Best Original Screenplay for writing The Banshees of Inisherin. McDonagh was previously nominated for writing In Bruges (2008) and for writing and directing Three

Young the Giant ­ June 30

Civic Center Music Hall:

The Texas Tenors ­ Mar. 17­18

Frozen ­ Mar. 22­Apr. 2

Amy Grant ­ Mar. 30

Other Events/Shows/Awards:

Big River ­ Feb.16­Mar.11

Brave Ball ­ Mar. 25

OKC Beautiful is recruiting volunteers for the annual LitterBlitz campaign, where volunteer groups across the city team up to pick up litter in the community.

LitterBlitz provides the opportunity to give back and connect with friends, neighbors, and coworkers while bettering the environment. LitterBlitz teams clean up one site, one time, during the LitterBlitz campaign. Each team selects the location and the day to hold your cleanup. If groups need a recommendation, OKC Beautiful helps identify a location in need of a cleanup. Supply kits with trash bags, gloves, and more are provid-

ed to teams.

OKC Beautiful’s litter abatement efforts began in 1962, as a commission of the City of Oklahoma City. The organization was formed into a nonprofit in 1968, and has continued litter cleanups throughout the community ever since.

In 2022, more than 5,000 volunteers teamed up to pick up litter across the city, collecting more than 125,000 pounds of trash. Studies indicate that litter has decreased 61 percent since 1968 through beautification efforts like OKC Beautiful’s LitterBlitz. When volunteers pick up litter, they are improving quality of life and civic pride, promoting

economic development, and benefiting the environment.

“When we see litter in a park or along a roadside, we should consider doing our part to help keep our community clean,” said Natalie Evans, OKC Beautiful Program & Marketing Director. “In a city with the geographic footprint that Oklahoma City has, we have a lot of ground to cover, and it truly takes a large community of volunteers to help manage the litter that accumulates.”

To register a LitterBlitz group, visit okcbeautiful.com/ programs/litterblitz or email natalie@okcbeautiful.com.

Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). He won the Oscar for Best Short Film for Six Shooter (2004).

Writer/director Sarah Polley will win Best Adapted Screenplay with her cowriter Miriam Toews for Women Talking Polley was Oscar nominated for writing Away From Her (2006). Her film Stories We Tell (2013) won Best Documentary from the National Board of Review.

The song writing category has stiff competition: recent Oscar winner Lady Gaga, 14-time Oscar nominee Diane Warren, and Superbowl halftime performer Rihanna. But, the Academy Award for Best Song will go to Naatu Naatu composed by MM Keeravani and Chandrabose for the Bollywood movie RRR, the third highest grossing film ever from India.

Best Original Score will go to Justin Hurwitz for his frenetic score for Babylon, which will also win for Best Production Design. Hurwitz previously won Best Score and Best Song for La La Land (2016).

Best Documentary will go to Navalny, a film about poisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio will win Best Animated Feature. And the short film winners will include The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse for Best Animated Short, The Elephant Whisperers for Best Short Documentary, and An Irish Goodbye for Best Live Action Short.

Western Heritage Awards ­ Apr. 14­15

Celebration of Hope ­ Apr. 15

ARTini ­ Apr. 21

Blues Traveler ­ Apr. 26

Arts Festival ­ Apr. 25­30

Angels & Friends Apr. 27

University of Central Oklahoma students pick up litter in Downtown Oklahoma City.

Volunteers next to litter they picked up at Oliver Park.

At Casady,

There is no greater anticipation than waiting for your school’s name to appear on the 6 p.m. news screen.

As the night before winter weather progresses, hope for a snow day becomes a more pressing matter in the minds of all students. The nostalgia of snow days evokes memories of sleeping in late, making hot cocoa, playing in the snow and even catching up on schoolwork.

At Casady, snow days are regarded as an invaluable gift and

National Merit Finalists

Mount St. Mary students

Daniel Brown and Thomas Doan have been named National Merit Finalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program "honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

snow days are time to decompress

by Anh Thu Nguyen

even prayed for by students and faculty alike during Chapel. If snow or severe weather is forecast for the next day, each division does the Snow Dance.

Every year we do the Snow Dance at least once due to Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather and this tradi-

tion never ceases to give the student body a gleam of hope and childlike wonder. This dance incorporates spinning and waving arms and legs in an act that brings everyone together to wish for the same thing: a day off.

In recent years, remote learning has become a key factor in continuing classes on days when the weather permits students to stay at home, but this also comes at the expense of snow days.

While many schools in the metro opt for remote learning days

instead of snow days, Casady has yet to make that substitute.

Head of School

Nathan Sheldon said, “I think that snow days are a wonderful way to have a day off to decompress. As you see from other schools that have called a snow day, they have chosen not to use remote and simply allow faculty and students a day of rest.”

Snow days provide a boost of excitement to overcome mundane school schedules and cultivate spirited attitudes in these long, wintry months.

March 10

Paige Albert

Alley Cottrell

John Davis, Jr.

Rick Fentem

Raul Grajeda

Arthur Henderson

David Holt

March 11

G.T. Blankenship

Blaire Bridges

Reuel Campbell

Anne Collins

Phil French

Kara Keeton

Teresa Villa

Troy Mize

Steve Newton

Kate Richard

Gary Shaffer

Don Smith

Sean Tullius

March 12

Betty Archer

Jennifer Battle

Mary Carter

Ruth Earnst

McKenzie Ellis

Rocky McElvany

Wilma McNeill

Glen Robards

Doug Young

March 13

Christi Coyle

Chris Heim

Dawnda Hurtt

March 14

Lynn McVeigh

March 15

Kathryn Fox

Marilyn Shirley

March 16

Taylor Allen

Leslie Baker

Richard Magann Jr.

Andrew Ruffin

Carey Sue Vega

CASADY COMMUNITY

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 24, 2023; Friday, March 3, 2023; Friday, March 10, 2023)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. FD-2022-3070

In Re the Marriage of: ) Shirley Fonte,) Petitioner,) -and-) Salvatore P. Fonte,) Respondent.)

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility. You must answer the Petition on or before the 27 day of March, 2023, or the Petition will be taken as true, and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 8 day of February, 2023.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk

By /s/Jamie Houston Deputy (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 3, 2023; Friday, March 10, 2023; Friday, March 17, 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)

ORDER AUTHORIZING SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

On this 17 day of February, 2023 the 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.

WANTED 10 HOMES

/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; Friday, March 10, 2023; Friday, March 17, 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

ABSOLUTE

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BANK SYSTEMS

OFFICE & W DOOW WAAREHOUSE

OCU exhibit takes on existential threats

child turned young adult turned mature actress was not only her physical beauty, but her style which carried her from the 1930s through the end of her career.

Elizabeth

Taylor:

The Grit and Glamour of an Icon

By Kate Andersen Brower

Oklahoma City University’s next art exhibit, “Dystopian Hope,” featuring the work of three artists, will open March 13 in the Hulsey Art Gallery. The gallery is in the Norick Art Center at 1608 NW 26th St.

Virginia Wagner, one of the artists represented in the exhibit, will give a presentation at 6 pm March 23. Sarah FitzSimons and Kyle Larson are the other two artists.

“Dystopian Hope” will be on exhibit through May 5. Gallery hours are 9 am to 5 pm Mondays through Fridays.

Curator and gallery director Heather Lunsford said the show strives to illustrate the ties between the artist’s view, the writer’s voice and the filmmaker’s perspective in the current climate of political upheaval, unprecedented weather events and deadly viruses.

“Dystopian works ask ‘What if humanity cannot be rescued from its worst impulses?’” Lunsford said. “In this way, dystopian themes allow us to engage with and face the most diffi-

cult environmental, social and political issues in our times and grant us the permission to be scared and unsure, mortal and flawed. But there is a hopefulness in dystopian storytelling and art —showing us that it is possible to fight back against systems of wealth and power with compassion or empathy and help dismantle oppression and abuse.”

Dystopia translates as “bad place” from ancient Greek, with the traditional interpretation of dystopian art forms as bleak warnings of the dangers of totalitarianism and how it leads to disaster. In many dystopian works, the viewer is presented with brutality or immoral circumstances that tend to offer an exaggeration of humanity’s fears. Dystopian narratives allow their creators to take threads of current reality and push them to their limit — apocalyptic climate change, coup, nuclear war, etc.

For more information, visit the Nona Jean Hulsey Art Gallery website at okcu.edu/art.

Senator

John

Warner always said a book should be written about his ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth, probably is the last fulltime star to come through the old time Hollywood star system having made sixty films, receiving no less than twelve awards ranging from two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Kennedy Center Honors for achievement in the performing arts and a Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001 for her ground-breaking HIV and AIDS activism.

The enchanting Elizabeth was born in London and lived to be 79 years old. Her long and interesting life included 8 marriages, and giving birth to 4 children. She was twice divorced and once widowed by the time she was 26 years old. As she moved to America to escape the beginning of WWII, she developed her movie star mode in such movies as National Velvet, Lassie Come Home, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield. Eight came later with mature movies such as Anne of the Thousand Days, Suddenly Last Summer, The Taming of the Shrew and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The wonder of this beautiful

Interestingly enough, her fans and friends never quit loving her including those who followed her birth in London through such childhood actress hits as Lassie, National Velvet and Little Women.

Hers was truly a life of grit and glamour, and those who followed her in the tabloids and on the screen would add that it was also of love and compassion for anything she loved, developing celebrity perfume, wearing diamonds. However, her health was not good. When she was 43 years old, she had already had several bouts with pneumonia, a tracheotomy, three hip operations, a broken foot, a twisted colon, thee ruptured spinal discs, acute bronchitis and several suicide attempts. By the time she was 65 she had a benign tumor removed, back surgery and a partial hysterectomy.

Kate Brower had access to her unpublished letters, diary entries and off the record interview tran-

scripts as well as interviews with 250 of her closest friends and family to tell all. One little known fact about her is that her adult height was 5’2” and her highest lifetime weight was 180 lbs during her fifth marriage to Richard Burton. Fortunately, her disciplined life enabled her to trim herself by 50 pounds in time to star in yet another film.

Her fans remained loyal and adoring whatever her role. She opened her heart to those who suffered from HIV/AIDS. She raised more than $100 million for research and patient care, personally loving those who were suffering as much as those whose donations came from her touch.

Her gifts and skills extended into business. It is a fact that she always made more money than any of her gifted husbands. She had strong relationships with Michael Jackson, Montgomery Clift and Roddie McDowell which made a life full of theater, business and philanthropies. She was a natural at charming and manipulating others for her aims, and even at the age of 12 was wellknown for being the first actor (male or female) to negotiate a

million-dollar salary for a film. She learned to adore and acquire expensive jewelry and there was a rare diamond named after her, the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, formerly known as the 33.19 karat Krupp diamond. She continued to thrive with the development and marketing of custom pricy perfume. She was known for her close relationships to those from the gay community. These exciting people charged her batteries, though they considered her a little bawdy and lewd because of her language. She relied heavily on alcohol and drugs and entered the Betty Ford Clinic twice to address addictions. The records stand. Enjoy reading very word and seeing the colorful photos. There probably will not be another one like Elizabeth for a very long time. She would always comfort for others, as one of her greatest legacies was the deep and abiding love of her large family and countless fans. She also showed Hollywood that though she was always fearful of physical pain, she was unafraid of death.

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

Locally-owned Business Directory

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

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

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 for more information.

“Lost House” by Kyle Larson

Knights looking for 2nd title in last 3 years

CLASS 4A TOURNAMENT

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

In just a decade of existence, the Crossings

Christian boys basketball team has entered the conversation as a perennial state championship contender as the Knights compete this weekend at state for the fourth consecutive season.

“This is a young team but we’ve played well,” coach Shawn Schenk said. “There has been a lot of growth

and our players have really come together as the year progressed.”

Crossings Christian (22-2) opened its quest for a second state championship in three years last Wednesday against North Rock Creek in the quarterfinals at State Fair Arena.

A win advances the Knights to a semifinal matchup on Friday at 5 p.m. against the Weatherford-Newcastle winner at Yukon.

The championship game is set for 8:30

p.m. Saturday back at State Fair Arena.

“I think (4A) is the deepest class in at least the last 10 years,” Schenk said. “Fifteen to 20 teams could easily have made the state tournament. Whoever wins (the title) will have earned it.”

The Knights won their first state title in the 2020-21 season and could have been looking for a third straight crown except for a loss to eventual champion Kingfisher in last year’s

semifinals.

“We really felt like we should have won last year,” Schenk said. This season, Crossings Christian has been ranked either No. 1 or 2 throughout much of the 2022-23 campaign and is among the favorites to reach the championship game.

One of the keys to the Knights’ success, according to Schenk, is the depth throughout the lineup.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Eagle girls make 1st appearance

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

Even from the first official practice, Harding Charter Prep girls basketball coach Latesha Woods knew this would be a special season.

“From the first week, I knew we could make it to state,” the coach said. “We had to get our players to believe it and put the puzzle pieces together.”

Her premonition proved to be true as the Eagles reached the Class 4A state tournament for the first time in school history.

Harding Prep, which was ranked in the top 10 for much of the season, faced off against Tuttle last Wednesday in the quarterfinals at State Fairgrounds Arena.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Antlers reach state for 1st time since joining Class 6A

By Jason Jewell Sports Editor

As the Deer Creek boys basketball team’s overall record hovered around the .500 mark, coach Mike Donnelly never wavered in his belief that the Antlers could make the state tournament.

That belief proved correct as Deer Creek made its first-ever berth at state since joining Class 6A.

The Antlers (18-8), which won eight of their last nine games to end the regular season, battled Owasso last

CLASS 6A TOURNAMENT

Thursday, March 9

Quarterfinals • Lloyd Noble Center, Norman Owasso vs. Deer Creek, 4:30 p.m. Norman vs. Broken Arrow, 6 p.m. Edmond North vs. Tulsa Washington, 7:30 p.m. Moore vs. Choctaw, 9 p.m. Friday, March 10 Semifinals • Lloyd Noble Center OWA-DC Winner vs. NOR-BA Winner, 6 p.m. EDN-TW Winner vs. MOR-CHOC Winner, 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 11

Championship • Lloyd Noble Center Semifinal Winners, 7 p.m.

Thursday in the quarterfinals at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.

With a win, they

advance to the semifinals at 6 p.m. Friday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

BASKETBALL | AREA TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP

Knights trounce Stillwell to claim area tourney title

Going the quickest route through the playoffs, the Crossings Christian boys basketball team cruised to a 72-49 win over Stillwell last Friday at Henryetta to claim the Area III championship and a

berth in the Class 4A state tournament.

The Knights (22-2), ranked No. 1 in 4A for much of the season, boasted four players in double figures.

Cam Parker and Phoenix Woodson led the way with 12 points each, while Cal Furnish contributed 11 points and Evan Crotts chipped in 10 points.

ANTLERS RALLY PAST MUSTANG

Down eight points with just over four minutes left in regulation, the Deer Creek boys hit four 3-pointers

by

Ky Kougl, Hudson Linsenmeyer, Mason Smith and Jeremiah Deering to rally for a 42-40 win over Mustang last Saturday night in a 6A West area consolation final at Chickasha.

girls posted three straight wins to reach the 4A state tournament.

The Eagles (25-4) rolled to a 49-32 triumph against Wagoner last Saturday night to capture the Area II consolation championship at Stroud.

Harding Charter also outlasted Locust Grove for a 54-45 win in the consolation semifinal on Friday and posted a 65-40 victory against Harrah in Thursday’s opener.

PANTHERS FALL TO BROKEN ARROW

A promising season for the PC North boys ended with a 68-52 loss to Broken Arrow last Saturday in a 6A East area consolation final at Sapulpa.

C.J. Smith scored a team-best 12 points and Anthony Leonard grabbed 10 points to lead the Panthers (243), which were ranked in the top 5 all season.

a 61-58 win over Noble to put them one win away from making the state tournament.

ANDARKO ENDS BEARS’ SEASON

The John Marshall boys (15-12) also saw

their season end with a 51-49 loss to Anadarko last Thursday in a 4A area consolation quarterfinal matchup at Noble.

Clyde Davis paced the Antlers (18-8) with 11 points and Smith added nine points as they also qualified for the state tournament.

On Friday, Deer Creek suffered a 66-56 triple-overtime loss to Norman in the area final. Linsenmeyer led three players in double figures with 14 points, while Davis and Kougl contributed 12 points each.

EAGLE GIRLS RUN OVER WAGONER

After losing the regional final, the Harding Charter Prep

PC North kept its season alive on Friday with a 63-43 win over Bixby in the consolation semifinal, as three players scored in double figures.

Smith netted 29 points, while Leonard finished with 12 points and Zander Baker contributed 11 points.

SOUTHEAST TOPS ROCKETS

With both games being decided by less than five points each, the Mount St. Mary boys suffered a 57-53 season-ending loss to Southeast in a 5A West area consolation final last Saturday at Edmond North.

The Rockets (19-6) opened on Friday with

Deer Creek’s Hudson Linsenmeyer was one of four players to hit a 3-pointer in the closing minutes help the Antlers to a 42-40 win over Mustang.

- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.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.

Regional Food Bank needs help to keep state fed

By Stacy Dykstra, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

As chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, I see and hear reminders of the importance and impact of the work we do every day.

A Backpack Program coordinator shared both the anguish and gratitude she felt the first week of school this past fall. One of the children who receives a backpack became emotional when she saw the backpacks because her family didn’t have any food at home.

Access to nutritious food impacts our mental and

physical health and our wellbeing. The last three years have been difficult for all Oklahomans, but especially families and seniors who were living with food insecurity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn. While federal aid helped, our partners in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma report the need for food assistance again increasing up to 50 percent in some areas.

The good news is that food assistance is available. Our staff works diligently to plan and keep fresh produce, protein and other nutritious food on the shelves of our partners. We

encourage anyone in need of food assistance to visit rfbo.org/get-help to find a Regional Food Bank partner near your neighborhood.

In addition to feeding our neighbors facing hunger today, we continue to innovate to provide opportunities for a more stable tomorrow. During the pandemic, the Regional Food Bank began working with The Employment and Education Ministry (TEEM), the leader of the project, and CareerTech to offer a job training program that utilizes the Regional Food Bank's on-site production kitchen. The eight-week course teaches individuals valuable preparation skills

Dear Wise Elder: It's all confusing and overwhelming. What are the important legal documents we need?

Dear Overwhelmed: There are important factors to consider for estate planning and each situation is unique. But in general the most important documents are 1) Last Will and Testament, 2) Durable Power of Appointment for Financial, 3) Power of Attorney for Medical, 4) Advanced Directive to Physicians, 5) Beneficiary Designations on all insurance policies, bank accounts and property, 6) Nomination of Guardian, 7) Revocable Trust. All

for a commercial kitchen and class members receive training for a ServSafe certification, giving them a tangible skill when seeking employment after incarceration.

Throughout the course, the students help prepare meals for the Regional Food Bank's Food for Seniors Programs, as well as meals and snacks for the Summer Feeding Program and the Kids Café' Program. The culinary training program was instrumental in helping the Regional Food Bank kick off the Senior Servings that provides frozen meals to lowincome seniors with limited mobility. Since the program started, more than 44 students have graduated.

reputable estate planning attorneys will tell you that each situation is unique so it is wise to meet with them to discuss your situation. Most will offer a 30minute consultation at no cost in order to determine if you want to proceed. Many offer flat fees for a trust when you know what you want and have documentation in hand. A list of attorneys who have been helpful to mature adults is available by calling VillagesOKC.

- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637

The Regional Food Bank can only continue to provide this assistance with the support of the community. We need passionate community members to help feed our neighbors facing hunger today and to champion the innovative work we are doing to prevent and end hunger in Oklahoma. I encourage anyone willing to help to please join our efforts by contacting us at ceo@rfbo.org or (405) 9721111.

I know that with the passion of our employees, partners and volunteers we can continue toward the Regional Food Bank’s vision of an Oklahoma where no one goes hungry.

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.

From Page 1

executive director; Erin Page, MetroFamily Magazine, managing editor; and Dr. Jeanie Webb, Rose State College president.

Oklahoma Hospitality Club (OHC) was founded in 1923 and is one of Oklahoma’s oldest and prestigious charitable organizations in Oklahoma.

“We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) philanthropic and charitable corporation whose members serve the community through volunteerism as well as fundraisers to benefit a variety of Oklahoma charities,” Tania Smith, Ladies in the News chairman, said. “We are excited to arrive at our 100year anniversary, in 2023.”

The creation of the club was the idea of several prominent ladies, including Mrs. Martin E. Trapp, who would later become a First Lady of Oklahoma. The initial goal

was to extend hospitality to distinguished visitors to the state. In the late 20s, the purpose of the club was broadened to include philanthropy, charity and education.

The Oklahoma Hospitality Club has returned over $1,500,000 to community causes plus thousands of service hours to the community.

“Women Who Lead is our (2023 Ladies in the News) theme and some of our honorees who will walk the style show are college and university presidents, an Oklahoma County Judge, nonprofit executives, a law professor, entrepreneurs, and community and business leaders,” Smith said.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit two local nonprofits. Oklahoma Project Woman is a statewide comprehensive program providing no cost mammography, diagnostic procedures and surgical services for women with no health insurance and limited finan-

cial resources.

Keaton’s Kindness Foundation was founded by 7-year old Keaton who had cancer and wanted to spread joy and improve the lives of others through kindness, courage, compassion and caring with a special emphasis on pediatric cancer patients and their families.

“Family, friends, business and community partners of our Honorees will attend the event to support our Honorees,” Smith said. “Many corporate and individuals will sponsor tables, tickets, congratulatory spots in our program book, and raffle donations, supporting the honorees and benefitting the local charities,” Smith said.

The emcees are AJ Griffin, Paycom, 2022 Ladies in the News honoree, and Bailey Perkins Wright, of Boeing. Contact Cathy Meyer at linreservations@gmail.com to make reservations.

Models in the 2022 Ladies in the News Luncheon.

OKC Philharmonic hosts luncheon with Kelli O’Hara

Lori Bosore, Jane Krizer, Linda Slawson and Karen Mayfield wait to hear from Kelli O’Hara at a special luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

Above, from left: Seth Lewis, Cacky Poarch, new OKCPHIL Executive Director Brent Hart, Kirstin Reynolds and Kindt Steven Meyers. At left: Beth Hammack and Karen Luke.

Inasmuch Foundation President and CEO Bob Ross, Tony-Award-Winner Kelli  O’Hara, OKCPHIL Board of Directors President Jane Gamble and Lil Ross, the honorary chairman of the luncheon.

Malpani is Lifetime Achievement recipient

From left: Dr. Anil Patel, Dr. Avani Sheth, Dr. Shashank Shettar, Dr. Birju Shah, Dr. Joy Kumar Patel, Dr. Nidhi Anadani, Dr. Niranjan Kavadi and Dr. Pooja Singhal during the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Oklahoma annual gala. AAPI Oklahoma was formed under the umbrella of National AAPI in 1988 and currently has over 100 active physician members. The association has strived over the years to gather and deliberate on ways to enhance physicians’ professional growth. AAPI Oklahoma has provided a forum to explore possibilities of giving back to the community.

Above: Dr. Meeta Shah, Dr. Dhiren Shah and Arham Shah.

At left: Dr. Sumitk Nanda (guest speaker).

Dr. Vijaya Malpani, Lifetime Achievement 2022 Award recipient, and Dr. Pooja Singhal.