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OKC FRIDAY

www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday

OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years

National champ hoopster!

Village resident Ayden Birch won the national Elks Hoop Shoot competition, earning the honor of having his name inscribed on the Elks trophy in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Ayden was sponsored by the Midwest City Elks Lodge and had previously won the Southwest Regional Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest. At nationals, he scored 29/30 free throws, 24/25 and then 5/5 in a tie-breaker. Ayden attends Grind Prep Academy, a new basketball prep school in OKC.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was six years old, Ayden said. “I practice every day. If you want to be good at something, practice it a lot.” He is the son of Jennifer Birch and Gary Birch.

Hazardous waste event a resounding success

Six hundred and forty-five Oklahoma City residents dropped off 250,612 pounds of ammunition, medications, computers and tires during the city’s annual Special Collection Event at the OKC Fairgrounds.

Residents delivered 227,268 pounds of tires, 22,000 pounds of computers,

600 pounds of ammunition and set a new record of 744 pounds of medications.

“This was our 47th Special Collection Event since 1995,”

Environmental Protection Superintendent Derek Johnson said. “We are always excited to see increased community participation, and we are already

planning for next year’s event.”

Oklahoma City partners with the Department of Environmental Quality to provide environmentally friendly tire disposal options. The Oklahoma City Police Department and See WASTE, Page 7

FRIDAY’s Dog of

Greta is a 5-year-old German Shepherd, adopted from Angels Bark Rescue. She's a seasoned traveler, having lived in California, New York and Oklahoma with her family, Madison Patterson and Barak Federman.

Greta's favorite pastime? Enjoying car rides and accompanying her parents to the office every day. With her loyalty and loving nature, she's captured hearts as the ultimate companion Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.

Village looks at options for Cathy Cummings memorial

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

Councilmembers in The Village are considering several options to memorialize former mayor and councilmember Cathy Cummings who passed away from cancer in February. While no action was taken, the council did ponder the pros and cons of five options.

“I think the general consensus is that we want to do something around the Civic Plaza in memory of Cathy and we have multiple options,” said City Manager Dave Slezickey. “I have a feeling that Sean (Councilman Cummings) would prefer the city formally takes action after he is off the council.

“I think we will probably defer to what he thinks is most fitting (to honor Cathy),” Slezickey said.

“There are a lot of opportunities for signage or a plaque, but we want to do something of long-term benefit that both locals and visitors will appreciate.”

One option would create the Mayor Cathy Cummings Corridor along Vineyard Boulevard and Manchester Drive with the placement of signage at the intersection of the two streets. Signage would also be considered for the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard and Pennsylvania. The pros for this option include no impacts of renaming a street for address changes. Cons include the possibility signage could obstruct visibility for traffic.

Option two proposes renaming South Vineyard Boulevard from Manchester Drive to Pennsylvania as Mayor Cathy Cummings Boulevard. The pro of this proposal

Nearly $90k

in lunch debt paid

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

Village City Councilman Sean Cummings has given away nearly $90,00 to eliminate school lunch debt across Oklahoma in memory of his wife Cathy who passed away last February after a brief battle with cancer.

When Sean’s wife, former Village Mayor Cathy Cummings, succumbed to an aggressive form of gallbladder cancer her family asked that instead of flowers those who wished could donate to a GoFundMe page to eliminate school lunch debt.

Since he first announced his intentions on Facebook to

See DEBT, Page 3

is the passing traffic on Pennsylvania would visibly observe the honor. Cons include the Love’s Event Center, the only addressed property of Vineyard Boulevard.

While Love’s is the only addressed property on Vineyard Boulevard, it does receive mail and deliveries at this address. Love’s has shared their support for honoring Cummings but said it would be an inconvenience if a new address is generated.

See VILLAGE, Page 3

OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50

By David Bennett Village City Councilman

I first heard of FRIDAY newspaper when I was just out of college, having completed my military active-duty obligation, and I returned to Oklahoma City to pursue my desired career. My degree was in advertising/public relations from Oklahoma State University and I was fortunate to have joined David Tarpenning at Tarpenning Associates. And one of our clients was Nichols Hills Bank. At that time, I didn’t know

FRIDAY was just 2-years-old but I did know it had a well-defined audience and did not compete directly with the Daily Oklahoman. Instead, it served the northwest area of Oklahoma City - “Fridayland” - with stories of specific interest to its target audience. It had stories that didn’t seem significant enough for the much larger Oklahoman territory to cover, but were, indeed, important stories for Nichols Hills, The City of The Village, northwest Oklahoma City

Fans and supporters of Oklahoma City Ballet filled the Omni Hotel for Ballet Ball: Coastal Cruise. The Ballet Ball raises critical funds for Oklahoma City Ballet programs, and this year, more than $500,000 was raised setting a new record. The nautical-themed evening included cocktails, live music, a seated dinner, live auction, dancing, and special performance by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers. Above: OKC Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Ballet Ball Honorary Chairman Annie Bohanon and John Kirkpatrick Executive Director Jo Lynne Jones. Ballet Ball Chairpersons are Natalie Fitzpatrick and Bailey Gordon.

At left: Event Co-chair Natalie Fitzpatrick and Ashford Thomson. Above: Latisha and Jonathan Heinlen (left), Susan and Steve Lobsinger (middle), Michael and Niki McClintock (right).

- Mel Drake Photography

Above: Seth Lewis with Cindi and Mike Shelby. Seth is a Board of Trustees member.At right: Corp de Ballet dancer Alex Schooling and Mary Dahlgren.

Page 1

and as the metropolitan area grew, Edmond and other expanding communities on the northwest side of OKC.

Homer Paul and Nichols Hills Bank loved having FRIDAY newspaper as one of its major platforms of communication in its growth in Nichols Hills

DEBT

From Page 1

and the northwest OKC community. And we, at Tarpenning Associates, loved having a happy client.

Of course we had other clients through the years who took advantage of the focused audience of FRIDAY newspaper and enjoyed our relationships with the Gourleys and the FRIDAY team. And as my personal career led me

eliminate school lunch debt, Cummings has been able to wipe out most if not all of school lunch debt at over 40 school districts in central and western Oklahoman. OKC FRIDAY was one of the first publications to report on his school lunch debt elimination efforts.

Since then, national media has taken notice with reports of his philanthropic efforts broadcast on NBC Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, CNN and FOX.

VILLAGE

From Page 1

A third option is to name the new Civic Plaza the Mayor Cathy Cummings Civic Plaza, Gathering Space, Community Area, etc. Pros for this option include honoring Cummings’ vision for the new Civic Area. Cons include finding an appropriate space on the Pavilion for signage. Option four would

to multiple military deployments and later into a position of political leadership in The City of The Village, OKC FRIDAY has always been there covering the issues of the day for our community.

Its combination of focused local news, community political activities, social and philanthropic events, community profiles of Oklahoma City area

“We usually see an uptick in donations every time there’s a news story,” said Cummings, “but the national news stories would bring in $7-10,000 each time.

“Today we’re probably sitting on less than $10,000 to give away,” he said. “As money comes in, I will keep doing the job. Actually, I’d like the problem to be solved by our state legislature.”

Cummings said his smallest lunch debt elimination check went to Sweetwater Public Schools near the Texas Panhandle in the amount of $364. His largest went to Jones Public Schools in eastern

name the fountain between the Pavilions in the Civic Area as the Mayor Cathy Cummings Memorial Fountain with a plaque and base added near the fountain. A con for this option is the fountain will not be in use during winter months.

The final option is to rename Kavanaugh Boulevard Mayor Cathy Cummings Circle. If this option is selected there is no need for readdressing. The con is that Kavanaugh Boulevad is

(and state) leaders and businesses impacting northwest Oklahoma City and beyond has shown itself to be the perfect mix of information for its targeted audience.

My wife Suzy and I have enjoyed our subscription to OKC FRIDAY since shortly after our marriage in 1978 and we look forward to its continued success in the years to come.

Oklahoma County with a donation of $4,224.

Cummings and his dog Ruthie have traveled to over 40 different school districts to deliver the debt assistance checks in person since they began their efforts two months ago.

“Ruthie Bader Ginsbark is our dog that stayed with Cathy the entire time she was sick,” said Cummings. “So, I can’t leave her at home. She gets very scared if she’s by herself and is afraid nobody is going to come back. She’s in my truck with me everywhere I go.”

a small street with limited use.

The council was also informed that a section of OK 74 (Lake Hefner Parkway) from Britton Road to NW 122 could

possibly be renamed in honor of Cummings.

“I’ve been told some of our local legislators and friends of Cathy initiated this,” said Slezickey.

Sports Weekly

Heritage Hall’s Kaeden Woods belted three hits, including a 2-run home run, in the Chargers’ 11-1 victory over Chisholm to claim a regional title.

CITY

OKLAHOMA

FRIDAY

Publication No. (USPS 893-600)

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

Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.

MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.

BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Antlers, Panthers face off in regional

Fridaylanders Deer Creek and PC North faced off in the first round of a Class 6A regional baseball tournament last Thursday at Edmond Memorial.

A win advanced either team to battle the winner of Edmond Memorial against Yukon, while the losers played the final game on Thursday.

Friday’s action opens with a consolation final at 4 p.m., with the regional championship game at 6:30 p.m. and the “if-necessary” game at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile, John Marshall took on host Carl Albert in the opener of a 5A regional on Thursday. Shawnee and Altus played in the second game, as the winners and losers both competed later in the final two contests.

The regional consolation final is set for Friday at 4 p.m., with the title game at 6:30 p.m. and the “if-necessary” game at 2 p.m. Saturday.

PC North and Deer Creek also played in the final regular season

game last week, with the Antlers posting a 14-3 victory over the Panthers.

Ashton Hartwig batted 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, two RBIs and three runs scored to lead Deer Creek (19-17). Caden Allen and Logan Hedrick recorded two hits each, as Hedrick belted a solo home run and Allen doubled and drove in two runs.

Drew Lyles also added a 3-run home run in the first inning.

Allen picked up the pitching victory, striking out three and allowing a run in two innings.

PC North’s Mitchell Taylor, Austin Guererro and Cayden Swart accounted for all three hits for the Panthers (824). Pitcher Jonathan Lopez surrendered seven runs on six hits over 1/3 inning in the setback.

CHARGERS, ROCKETS HOST AREA TOURNEYS

Coming off regional championship victories, Heritage Hall and

Mount St. Mary hosted 3A area tournaments this weekend.

The Chargers entertain Idabel in a best-of3 series with two games on Thursday and the “if necessary” game on Friday.

The Rockets also took on Kansas in their best-of-3 series following the same format.

Winners of the eight area tournaments advance to state, set for May 9-11.

REGIONAL RESULTS

Chargers run over Chisholm

Heritage Hall blew the game open with six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and erupted for 17 hits on the way to an 11-1 victory over Chisholm last week to claim a 3A regional championship.

Kaeden Woods batted 3-for-4 and drove in four runs, including a 2-run home run in the fourth inning to lead the host Chargers (235). Whit Thomas also collected three hits with an RBI double and scored twice.

Pitcher Ben Thomas struck out five and allowed a run on six hits in the 5-inning complete-game win.

In earlier regional games, Heritage Hall rolled to an 11-1 victory against Chisholm and a 12-2 triumph over Lindsay.

Rockets clobber

Lexington

Jumping out to an early lead, Mount St. Mary cruised to a 23-4 win against Lexington to capture a 3A regional tournament title.

The Rockets (20-9) plated 10 runs in the bottom of the second inning, highlighted by Jason Joseph’s 2-run home run, along with solo shots by Harry Tesio and Maddox Ellis. Tesio led the way with three hits and three RBIs, while Will Grayson had two hits and scored four times.

Pitcher Maddox Stanley allowed two runs on five hits and struck out two over three innings in the victory.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Charger girls net regional title

Thanks to three division wins, the Heritage Hall girls cruised to a Class 6A regional title last Monday in Yukon.

McGuinness also secured second place in all four divisions to finish as runners-up in its 5A regional at Claremore.

Both teams qualified for the state tournament this Friday and Saturday at OKC Tennis Center.

Jasmine Craine and Avery Shouse swept the No. 1 and 2 singles titles, respectively, for the Chargers.

Tokara Henderson and Ellie Nasr added another gold medal to their trophy case in No. 1 doubles. Elin Johnson and Ainsley Trice took third in No. 2 doubles.

McGuinness’ Juli Abbott placed second for the Irish in No. 1 singles,

while teammate Paige Griffith endured a tough, 3-set loss in the No. 2 singles title match to settle for second.

Both doubles teams also came in second place, including the No. 1 team of Lauren Potter/Jenny Do and the No. 2 team of Chelsea Le/Kate Thomas.

BOYS REGIONALS SET FOR MONDAY

With girls’ squads competing at state this weekend, it’s the boys’ turn as nine Fridayland tennis teams compete at regionals on Monday.

Heritage Hall, Deer Creek and PC North have been assigned to Class 6A regionals.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com

Irish girls take lead in 5A tourney

Through the first round of the Class 5A state tournament, the McGuinness girls golf team enjoyed an 18stroke advantage last Monday with 18 holes which remained on Tuesday.

In warm, calm conditions, Irish senior Allie Justiz carded a round of 70 at Muskogee Country Club to sit in second position and sister Abbie Justiz was three shots back in fourth place.

Teammates Grace McDaniel and Taylor French also cracked the top-25, as McDaniel tied for 13th with a 93

and French shot 97 in a tie for 21st place. In 3A, Casady sat in 7th place and Heritage Hall was 9th through the first day.

Crossings Christian’s Eloise Coulter, placing as a single qualifier, carded the best round among Fridaylanders with an 82 at Lincoln Park East in OKC to tie for ninth place.

Casady’s Drue Love shot 82 in 11th place, while Heritage Hall’s Gabriella Gross is in a tie for 16th after an 85.

Chloe Kim also cracked the top 25 for Casady with a 90 for 23rd place.

IRISH BOYS WIN BLUEJAY

BASH

With four players in the top 15, the

SOCCER ROUNDUP

Irish, Antlers advance to 2nd round

Thanks to big wins last Monday night, the McGuinness boys and girls soccer teams, along with the Deer Creek girls, advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.

The McGuinness boys (6-3) escaped with a 3-2 overtime victory at Westmoore, and hosted Owasso last Thursday in a quarterfinal match.

The Irish girls (6-3) posted a win over Piedmont in the opening round. They visited Norman North on Thursday in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, the Antler girls cruised to a 4-0 triumph over Mustang, and hit the road to Jenks on Thursday.

The Antler boys (7-

7), however, saw their season end with a 5-0 loss to Edmond North. Semifinal rounds are set for this Tuesday, with the championship game on May 10 or 11. Meanwhile, Fridayland teams from Class 3A and 4A opened their postseason last Tuesday, as both Heritage Hall squads, along with Crossings Christian and Casady hosted first-round playoff contests.

The Charger girls took on OCS, while the boys battled Newcastle in 4A. With a win, the girls would face the Victory ChristianCatoosa winner this Friday, and the boys advance against the Wagoner-Stillwell winner.

In 3A, both Casady squads took on Christian Heritage on Tuesday. A win puts the Cyclone girls against the Regent Prep-

McGuinness boys captured the Custom Dental Bluejay Bash title last week.

Heritage Hall finished in fifth place and Deer Creek came in 13th place.

Ben Jones posted a 4-under 68 at Lake Hefner North to win the individual championship for the Irish. Ryan McLanahan was two shots back in a tie for fourth, while Aiden Lozano tied for 12th at 74 and Harris Greene tied for 19th at 75.

Heritage Hall’s Roger Smith carded 3under 69 in a tie for second and Drew Kenney fired a 71 to tie for sixth place.

Deer Creek’s Landon Graham cracked the top 50 with an 81 in a tie for 44th place.

Sequoyah Claremore winner this Friday, and the boys could face the Heavener-Commerce winner.

The Crossings Christian girls opened on Tuesday against Kingfisher and the boys took on Classen SAS. With a victory, the Knight girls advance to face the Summit Christian-Regent Prep winner this Friday, while the boys could battle the Inola-Porter Consolidated winner in the second round.

Both Mount St. Mary teams hit the road for the first round, as the Rocket girls traveled to Bristow with a potential second-round contest against the Summit Christian-Locust Grove winner on the line.

The Rocket boys stayed closer to home and visited Crooked Oak in the first round.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Cyclone squads run to 2nd place at 3A regional

Keyed by four gold medalists, both the Casady boys and girls track teams finished second at a Class 3A regional meet last Monday at Madill.

Severe weather on Saturday forced all 3A and 4A regionals to be postponed to Monday.

Along with the event champions, more than a dozen other Cyclone athletes qualified for the state meet set for this Friday and Saturday at Catoosa.

Helen Olzsewski, Sam Rhoades and Ethan Nedio paced the Cyclones with gold medals in two events.

Olszewski swept the 100- and 200-meter races, winning the 100 in 12.31 seconds and the 200 in 25.41 seconds.

Rhoades picked up a pair of gold medals in the 800 and 1600 meters. Rhoades finished about three seconds ahead of the field with a time of 2:02.02 in the 800 and posted a 4:38.70 mark in the 1600 to win by just under four seconds.

Nedio set a new Casady school record in the shot put with a throw of 52 feet, 3.75 inches to capture a gold medal. Cruz Uhland set the previous record of 51-09.5 in 2021. Nedio also threw 161-04 to win the discus title.

Meanwhile, Caroline Olszewski rounded out the quartet with a title in the 400 meters. She completed the course in 1:02.04 for a 1-second victory and finished third in the 800 meters.

In addition, both Casady squads captured gold medals in the 4-by-800 relay. The

5A, 6A regional meets set for Saturday

Four Fridayland schools begin their quest for a state championship as they compete at Class 5A and 6A track regionals this Saturday.

Deer Creek and PC North participate in 6A regionals, with the Antlers at Norman and PC North at Tulsa Union.

In 5A, both McGuinness and John Marshall travel to a regional at Edmond Memorial.

The 5A and 6A state meets are set for May 10-11 at Western Heights.

girls won in 10:13.75, while the boys finished in 8:37.66.

The Cyclone girls also placed second in the 4-by-400 relay and the boys were third in the 4-by-100 relay.

Other Casady girls state qualifiers included: Hope Fahler, second in high jump and third in 1600 meters; Eva Scheer, second in 3200; Sophia Stidham, third in 3200 meters; Adeline Hanneman, fifth in 3200 meters; Cami Matthews, sixth in 800 meters; Claire Anderson, sixth in 100 hurdles; and, Caroline Naifeh, sixth in discus and shot put.

Cyclone boys qualifying for state included: Billy Mathis, third in 3200 meters; Jude Dunlevy, fourth in 110 hurdles and 300 hurdles; Micah White, fourth in 100 and 200 meters; and, Joshua Goggins, fifth in 800 meters.

KNIGHTS’ BEBEE, MEEK WIN GOLD

Crossings Christian boasted two gold medalists and three others in the top 10 at a Class 3A regional at

Moore, which was moved from Plainview following last Saturday’s severe weather outbreak.

Savanna Meek paced the Knights with a pair of gold medals in the hurdle events and took fifth in the 200 meters. Meek outdueled teammate Grace Staton in the 100-meter hurdles, winning in 15.15 seconds compared to 17.87 for Staton.

Meek also posted a time of 45.45 for a title in the 300 hurdles, and Staton placed third in 51.99 seconds.

Clara Bebee cleared 16 feet, ¼ inch in the long jump to capture a gold medal and also grabbed seventh place in the 100 meters.

Nate Rouse qualified for state with a secondplace effort in the 300 hurdles, missing a gold medal by just under a half-second in 42.22 seconds.

Two other Knights cracked the top 5, highlighted by Zac Roberson in third in the 3200 meters and Stacy Harris in fourth in the 800 meters.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

CALENDAR

THIS WEEKEND

May 3­4 • Bernadette Peters

The legendary Bernadette Peters is coming to the Civic Center bringing her sparkling song and personality to the OKCPHIL. Friday and Saturday night at 8 pm. Buy tickets at okcciviccenter.com.

May 4­5 • Orchid Show & Sale

See hundreds of orchids on show and for sale at Oklahoma Orchid Society’s “Close Encounters— with Orchids” Spring 2024 Show & Sale, the Society’s AOSsanctioned event of the year. This two­day Show & Sale will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 & 5, from 10 am to 4 pm at Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th St. Admission and parking are free and the event is open to the public.

May 4 • Cowboys of Color

The Cowboys of Color Rodeo—the largest multicultural rodeo in the world comes to the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds from 5 –10:30 pm in the Jim Norick Arena.

May 4 • World Turtle Day

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden continues the fan­favorite Animal Awareness Days with

May 10 • May Night Market

Support local vendors while celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Scissortail Park from 5:30 – 10 pm. Be sure to visit the new Kids’ Studio Under the Stars at this season’s Night Markets. Located at the Play Pavilion Patio, kids are invited to stop by for make­and­take crafts, storytelling and more. Market is at the Promenade, Upper Park.

World Turtle Day on Saturday, May 4, from 10 am to 1 pm. Guests are encouraged to visit the Wetlands Walkway habitat at the Zoo for a spate of fun and educational activities. One focus of World Turtle Day will be Max, a Galapagos tortoise who has made the Zoo his home for fifty years. Guests who make a $50 donation to the Oklahoma Zoological Society in support of tortoise and habitat conservation will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a four pack of tickets for a Galapagos tortoise Wild Encounter worth $200. Other raffle items available as well. All donations will go to the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Radiated Tortoise SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Program, which seeks to prevent the extinction of the species through strategic conservation and public engagement activities. Arrive

early for giveaways. Get tickets at okczoo.org/tickets.

May 5 •

The Ritchie Boys

The Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City presents The Ritchie Boys at McGuinness High School, for Holocaust Remembrance Day, 2 pm. The Ritchie Boys is a term used for American soldiers who trained at Camp Ritchie during WWII. Visit jfedokc.org for details.

May 5 •

Cinco de Mayo Fest

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents Cinco de Mayo Fest at Scissortail Park from 3 – 10 pm. It’s a holiday celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. Come enjoy a series of music and dance performances, together with the most delicious food the Oklahoma City Hispanic community has to offer.

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Paycom Center Events/Shows:

AJR ­ May 4

Nicki Minaj ­ May 13

Zach Bryan ­ May 17 & 18

Janet Jackson ­ July 26

Olivia Rodrigo ­ July 27

Luke Bryan ­ Aug.

21­26

Thunder Premiere at deadCenter

BISMACK, a new film about Oklahoma City Thunder player Bismack Biyombo, will make its world premiere at the 2024 deadCenter Film Festival in June. The short documentary is produced by OKC Thunder Films, a collaboration between the Thunder’s broadcasting and basketball communications departments led by Executive Producer Dan Mahoney

BISMACK tells the story of Bismack Biyombo, the 6’8” center signed by the Thunder in February, who donated $1 million dollars to people in his home nation of the Congo during COVID. It’s the ninth short film created by OKC Thunder Films and the seventh to screen at the deadCenter Film Festival.

The first film to premiere at deadCenter was Mr. Thunder, an inside look at the lasting impact of Nick Collison, the first Thunder player with a retired jersey. That film attracted 3,000 people to the Myriad Gardens lawn and launched a wonderful partnership with deadCenter that flourishes to this day.

In 2022, OKC Thunder Films premiered Seeds of Greenwood at deadCenter, a short documentary about the Thunder’s after-school program in Tulsa. That film explored how today’s Black high school students in

Tulsa were being inspired and supported 100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre. The film ultimately screened at the White House, accompanied by the players, coaches, and students from the Tulsa program.

The diversity of topics and film styles from OKC Thunder Films has made each of the film premieres unique. The roster includes Growing Up George, an animated short about Paul George and his sisters; The Everyday Saint, a biography about a 40-year franchise employee Marc St. Yves; Pause the Game, a wild look at the night COVID shut down the NBA; and STEPS, an inspiring journey to the Paralympic Games for former UCO Football player and para-athlete Derek Loccident. All of the OKC Thunder films are available online for free at okcthunder.com/films. Michael Zubach, a long-time OKC Thunder employee and Creative Broadcast Lead, is debuting a film of his own at deadCenter this summer. His new movie, Built Different, is a behind the scenes look at Rival Boxing, a

Mary Poppins ­ June 25­30

Jersey Boys ­ July 9­14

Cinderella ­ July 30­Aug. 4

Tower Theatre: Cannons ­ May 4

My So Called Band ­ May 10

Jim Breuer ­ June 8

Other Events/Shows/Awards:

gym on the southside of Oklahoma City that has produced four national champions. Zubach has won multiple Emmy Awards for directing and editing OKC Thunder Films. My latest film as director and producer, Chasing Thunder, has also been selected to screen at deadCenter this summer. Co-Produced by Michel Baron, Producing Artistic Director for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and co-written and filmed by Zach Burns, Chasing Thunder tells the story of how Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma launched the first Native American musical in partnership with the First Americans Museum. The musical, Distant Thunder, stars an all-Native American cast and is written by Shaun Taylor-Corbett, his mother, theater legend Lynne TaylorCorbett, and Chris Wiseman

The deadCenter Film Festival is Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying film festival. This year’s dates are June 69, with screenings at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Harkins Bricktown Cinemas, Rodeo Cinema, Scissortail Park and a new homebase at the fabulous Fordson Hotel. Sponsorships, passes, schedules and film information are available at deadcenterfilm.org.

Celebration of Hope Gala with Tom Selleck

The excitement builds for The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma’s Celebration of Hope Gala. Set on May 17 at 6:30 pm at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, this gala promises a delightful evening in support of our community’s most vulnerable.

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma, in collaboration with our esteemed Advisory Board and dedicated Women’s Auxiliary, is thrilled to announce the return of the Celebration of Hope Gala. This event not only cele-

brates our collective spirit of compassion but also serves as a pivotal fundraising opportunity to propel our mission forward.

“We are honored to welcome acclaimed actor and philanthropist Tom Selleck as our special guest speaker. Mr. Selleck’s commitment to humanitarian causes resonates deeply with The Salvation Army’s ethos of providing hope and assistance to those in need.” said Mary Pointer, Celebration of Hope Gala chair. Join the company of community leaders and compassionate

individuals as we unite to make a difference. Sponsorship opportunities abound, offering the chance to align with our mission and gain exposure to a diverse audience. Sponsors such as The Chickasaw Nation and Jasco Giving Hope Foundation play a crucial role in supporting our initiatives, and we invite you to join them in this noble cause.

Your sponsorship directly fuels The Salvation Army’s vital programs, including emergency shelter, disaster relief, food assistance, youth empowerment through the

Boys & Girls Club, and senior care. Together, we can transform lives and uplift our community. In recognition of their generous support, major-level sponsors and above will have the exclusive opportunity to attend a VIP reception where they can meet and capture a moment with Mr. Selleck.

For those interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities or securing their seats, please visit Celebrationofhopeokc.com or contact our Special Events Manager, Amanda Lester, at 405-246-1109.

Breaking ground

Saint Eugene Catholic Church broke ground on its new $6 million Early Childhood Center. The 12,694 squarefoot center opens new spots in pre-k and kindergarten and designed with the “newest school safety features and a nurturing environment in mind.” From left: Dcn. Tom Goldsworthy; Steve Cooper, Cooper Project Advisors; Molly Goldsworthy, principal; Jenn Taylor, teacher; Kim Attaway, librarian; Nicole Hughes, committee member; Bob Rapp, committee member; Fr. Jim Goins, pastor; Matt Thomas, Quad Construction; Chris Cooper, Coope Project Advisors; Ross Powell, committee member; Sharon Blakely, business manager; April Stewart, committee member; and Britton Howerton, Narrate architect; Corey Wagoner, Quad Construction.

From Page 1

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics provide disposal of ammunition and medications through incineration. Sensitive computer parts are shredded, and any precious metals and recyclables are recovered.

Oklahoma City residents are encouraged to start saving their hazardous waste for next year’s

event, which is typically scheduled on the first Saturday in April. Residents needing to dispose of a variety of household hazardous waste, including gasoline, automotive fluids, batteries, pesticides, weed killers, swimming pool chemicals and paint-related products can drop them off at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 1621 S Portland Ave. The facility is open from 9:30 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Bring your water bill as proof of residency. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is operated by the Storm Water Quality Management Division of the Public Works Department.

Visit okc.gov/hhw for a list of materials the facility accepts. For more information, call (405) 682-7038.

- Photo by Eric Oesch

(918)810-3277

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-1077

IN RE: The Name of:) Anetra Nicole Johnson) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Anetra Nicole Johnson has petitioned to change his/her name to Anetra Nicole Petties. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 16 day of May, 2024, before Judge Ogden in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Jamie Houston By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 3, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-277

In Re: The Name of:) Roger Wayne Montgomery Jr) Amended NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Roger Wayne Montgomery Jr has petitioned to change his/her name to Wayne Amonte Rose. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 16 day of May, 2024, before Judge Timmons at 11:00 o’clock in courtroom 201 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Sonya Pudmore By: DEPUTY (SEAL) (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 3, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-1053

IN RE: The Name of:) Xzaiver Izaiah Dunkin) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Xzaiver Izaiah Dunkin has petitioned to change his/her name to Xzaiver Izaiah Canales. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 29 day of May, 2024, before Judge Bonner in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Diane Watson By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 3, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-998

In Re: The Name of:) Myla Elizabeth Daniels)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Myla Elizabeth Daniels has petitioned to change his/her name to Myles Eli Daniels Harris. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 13 day of June, 2024, before Judge Timmons at 11:00 o’clock in courtroom 201 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Hannah Boyd By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 3, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-990

IN RE: The Name of:) Dajuan W. Wilson) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Dajuan W. Wilson has petitioned to change his/her name to Dajuan William Madriaga. A Hearing on

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, April 26, 2024; Friday, May 3, 2024) SOLICITATION

Sealed

and date indicated below. The bids will be opened and read aloud after the time indicated. Digital copies of the plans and bid documents may be obtained from CAP website at: https://omes.ok.gov/services/construction-and-properties. Digital copies of the bid documents are on file

Bid

By: Andrew Denton Assistant

struction-and-properties.

CAP Project Number: CAP24-0287 Project Name: OFM On-Call Painting Services Project Location: Oklahoma State Capitol Complex Cost Estimate: N/A Using Agency: OMES – Office of Facilities Management

Bid Documents Available: April 19, 2024 Fee For Bid Documents: See Website Pre-Bid Conference: Mandatory Refer to “Instructions to Bidders” in Project Manual. In case of adverse weather

Location: Online Bids Only

Bid Opening Time: 2:00 PM Contact Person(s) Darin Brinson – darin.brinson@omes.ok.gov Patrick Bowers – Patrick.bowers@omes.ok.gov Andrew Denton – Andrew.denton@omes.ok.gov

Sealed bids, in the form of Online Bidding only, will be received by the Capital Assets Management, Construction and Properties (CAP) up to 96 hours prior to the time and date indicated below. The bids will be opened and read aloud after the time indicated. Copies of the plans and bid documents may be obtained from the CAP’s Online Plan Room accessed from: https://omes.ok.gov/services/construction-andproperties Copies of the bid documents are on file at the Construction and Properties office and are available for public inspection.

CAP Project Number: CAP24-0290

Project Name: HVAC Water Treatment Program

Project Location:

call 405-521-2112 prior to Pre-bid Conference.

Date and Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2024 1:00 P.M.

Location: 3515 Military Circle, OKC, OK 73111

Bid Opening Date: Thursday, May 7, 2024

Location: Online Bids Only

Bid Opening Time: 2:00 PM Contact Person(s):OMES PM: Mario Leonard – ario.leonard@omes.ok.gov

If the bid exceeds $100,000, a cashier’s check, a certified check or surety bid bond in the amount of five percent (5%)

James By Percival Everett

Percival Everett, a prolific author, has delighted readers with over 33 books and novels and been the winner of several prestigious awards including being a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize and the PN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. Among these are Dr. No and I Am Not Sidney Poitier In 2023 a feature film was released based on his novel Erasure. He also is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California.

James, copywritten in 2024, is already being tagged his best novel yet. It Is Everett’s version of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the point of view of Jim, a slave friend who has been told his wife and daughter are going to be sold to a man in New Orleans. Jim has heard that Huck is eager to escape from a violent father; Huck has even faked his own death to join Jim’s dangerous mission. The two decide to hook up, make a plan to steal a boat or make a raft, and float down the Mississippi River toward the Free States. Following the Mark Twain pattern, the plot is full of adventure, life and death chances, friendship, dialects of black and of white songs, music and funny episodes. Everett does an amazing job of writing about serious

things like identity, race and sexuality in such a way to make the reader laugh while addressing them. However, Everett does not consider himself a funny writer. “I don’t know if I write humor as much as that I’m pathologically ironic. And so, things become funny when irony is involved. It’s just work,” Everett says. “I don’t take it all that seriously. This is the American culture. How much impact can a literary novel have on the thinking of the people of the United States? We’re not a reading culture.”

As a matter of fact, that first warning in Twain’s original tale did read “Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.” That works for James, too.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is one of the most celebrated and controversial books in American literature. It has actually been removed from many schools because of the fear of messages of bigotry and of their fellow man that Huck has shown throughout the trip.

Among the most humorous sections of the book James is that of dialect. This is the first novel that really showed America’s regional language to itself. Luckily in the book, Jim teaches the kids how to talk in front of white people. “Translations,” he calls it. He sets them up as

hypotheticals. The translations showing black kids how to answer situations so the whites will understand them is hilarious as are many other examples of cultural differences warmed over.

It is obvious that Jim is the hero of this book not because he can read and write, which he does in several dialects, but because of his intelligence and ability to understand and figure out difficult problems along with his innate love of mankind.

If he were reading James, Mark Twain would enjoy this version of the float trip down the Mississippi, and even be proud of Jim and Huck for their values and choices in life as they continue to face what comes next. James should be on the shelf of every school library by the first day of EACH semester. Thanks to Full Circle Bookstore for sharing these books with FRIDAY readers.

Luxe Affair is an evening of sartorial swagger where guests are encouraged to flex their individual artistry in a salute to personal style. Luxe Affair is a cocktail celebration of creativity, personality and contemporary fashion design, benefiting the educational programs of Oklahoma Contemporary. Mix, mingle and pose with designers, influencers and art enthusiasts while enjoying an evening packed with performances and dancing!

WHAT TO WEAR: This is the opportunity to showcase your show-stopping attire — dress to impress! Whether you are stepping off the runway or adding an exciting accent to a timeless classic, from creative cocktail to avant-garde, we are excited to see what you create!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Start the evening off with live DJ sets from KORA WAVES in the Te Ata Theater and DJ Yuchiboy on the North Lawn, accompanied by delicious passed and tabled hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Local artist Jenny Elton will be sketching fashionable attendees with an opportunity to walk home with your iconic outfit memorialized forever, and the University of Oklahoma School of Dance will showcase two performances. Local band TWIGGS is set to perform a lively show, a perfect preface

into the Late Night vibe for the remainder of the evening.

WHAT THIS IS FOR: Luxe Affair acts as both a celebration of art and fashion, as well as a fundraiser for Oklahoma Contemporary’s Educational programs. Donations from the event will impact its community in a variety of ways, from offering Camp Contemporary scholarships and supplying art-making materials to keeping most of its public programs free to all. Learn more at okcontemp.org.

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

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

Boutique One 7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (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

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

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

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

Bancfirst.bank

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com

Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500

Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 www.pearlsokc.com

Laura Lynn’s Home Care 9801 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 418-2961 lauralynnshomecare.com

Uptown Grocery 9515 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 242-6080 1230 W. Covell Edmond, OK 73003 (405) 509-2700

Chelle Greene Real Estate RE/MAX First 1000 W. Wilshire, Ste. 428 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 818-91931 Chellegreene.com

Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717

baseysroofingjs@gmail.com

Cornerstone Home Health, Inc. 8370 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008 (405)354-5454 www.cornestonehomehealthservices.com

OPINION OPINION O O UR UR S S TAND TAND

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (quoting Jesus).

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke paraphrase, 1767. If you want it in the paper, it’s advertising. If you don’t want it in the paper, it’s news.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb

“Without, or with, offense to friends or foes, We sketch your world exactly as it goes.” – Byron, 1818.

“Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1878.

“We must always stand – alone if necessary – as the conscience of this community.” – J. Leland Gourley, 1959.

our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

What a weekend! Who says there’s “nothing to do” in Oklahoma City? You don’t hear that phrase much anymore. Last weekend was a prime example of how our fine city has come of age. And that makes us happy!

Oklahoma City a travel destination?

Heck yes! We live in a vibrant city that welcomes people from all

over the world who visit us to experience arts, sports, fine dining, beautiful venues and family activities. We’re home to some of America’s best events. And that makes us proud. For the first time in five years our OKC Thunder are in the playoffs showcasing, on national television, our beautiful city, ravenous fan base and a young basketball team ready for the big time. And that’s just the begin-

ning.

The nation’s eyes were focused on Oklahoma City’s Riversport Whitewater Center as nearly 100 water sport athletes from throughout the nation participated in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for canoe/kayak slalom and kayak cross. Hundreds of spectators attended the event at the $45.2 million jewel of a facility on the Oklahoma River to cheer on Olympic hopefuls as they competed to represent the USA at the Paris Olympics this July.

Whitewater sports in Oklahoma City? Absolutely!

Simultaneously on the west side of downtown the 58th Annual Festival of the Arts drew 144 artists hailing from around the world. The Arts Council of Oklahoma City contends nearly 750,000 people attend the event each year, and we know why. Beautiful art, amazing food, a stunning venue and the camaraderie of family and friends.

Do we like that? Yes, we do!

And finally, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon –A Run to Remember. It is called a signature event in Oklahoma City for it brings together athletes and

Dear Wise Elder: I am 62, hold a full-time job and check regularly on my active 85-year-old mother. So, it was a shock to me to learn that 50+ is considered “senior” by AARP, The Healthy Living Center, VillagesOKC, and even McDonalds. Seriously? When is the culture going to wake up and reframe aging? I have a lot yet to give.

Dear Have-A-Lot-To-Give: You are absolutely correct about the “ageism” in the culture. And, you are not alone; thousands in this city are just beginning their years of prime at age 60 and have a lot to give. You also are the solution to changing the way everyone

spectators from all over the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the tragic events of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

The first race drew just shy of 5,000 participants in 2001. Last weekend the event grew to more than 25,000 runners and walkers representing every state and 12 foreign countries.

What does this all mean? It means we were right. It means that if we build it, they will come.

Last weekend proved that what we did in 1993 to approve the first

views aging. Here are some suggestions: Use positive, upbeat words like learning and serving. Don’t use words that are negative like “I’m having an Alzheimer moment.” Instead, commit to taking care of yourself with diet, exercise, doing something new and doing something challenging at least each week. Have more dates for learning on your schedule than doctor appointments. Be sure and help someone else each week. These are the things that change a boring old person to an interesting life of wisdom and joy.

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

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

MAPS one-cent sales tax to improve our city with a series of paid for in advance upgrades to our hometown did what it was supposed to do. It reinvigorated a tired city. It means that last weekend hotels were full throughout the city, the downtown trolleys were full of tourists, restaurants were doing a vigorous business, our retail stores had extra shoppers and out of town guests were helping us pay towards completing our current list of MAPS projects. Does this make us proud? You bet it does!

included an after-party with bootscooting dancing.

On the calendar

Community Leadership Luncheon Thursday, May 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gaillardia Country Club Event recognizes the Leadership Northwest Class of 2024

Northwest OKC Golf Classic Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. Lake Hefner Golf Course For more information on events, visit kown c.com.

David and Debbie Morton at the Trail Blazing Mercy Gala. The Omni Hotel was turned into a western city with the Trail into Town, Main Street and Neo Moon Saloon and Town Square areas. David is the principal of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Chad and Jamie Smith and Dana and Brian Haynie stop and take a rest against the backdrop of an old western city. The Trail Blazing Mercy Gala raised funds for for support services for Mercy Coletta Oncology patients.

At left: Jake Merritt and Father Rick Stansberry. The event

Above: Mercy Gala Co-chairmen Joseph and Chloe Krenger. Joseph is a cancer survivor, having received his treatment at Mercy. At right: Dr. Fred and Dr. Mary Delafield.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Above: Donna and Glen Hunter enjoying Saturday night dinner and award show. At left: Keith Carradine receiving his award and his placement in the Hall of Great Western performers.

Awards dinner delights western star fans

By Joe Fallin Special to OKC FRIDAY

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Awards is nearly as big as and is much friendlier than the Academy Awards in Los Angeles. No fighting allowed here!

Attendees come from all over the United States and the world who love the western culture. As the museum’s printed quarterly magazine states: “FIND YOUR WEST.” The friendliness of Oklahomans makes this event become an early sell-out every year. That friendliness is the “Code of the West!!!”

This year, 2024, was no exception. The first night’s event was the kickoff for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Award’s two day event. The first night’s dress was western casual and Pendleton Whisky was the popular cowboy drink of the evening.

The Kyle Dillingham band and his famous fiddle kicked off the music while one of Oklahoma’s favorite singers and actors, Reba McEntire started greeting people with that Oklahoma friendliness, shaking hands and signing autographs while her sister helped organize photos for her beloved fans. The line wound around the Great Sam Noble Hall of the museum and out the door and lasted nearly two hours.

For the second evening’s event, creative western black tie was the dress and there was a reception throughout the massive halls followed by a seated dinner and the award presentations in the Great Hall.

After dinner, the award presentations started with famous western entertainers announcing the winners such as musicians, Red Steagall, and Michael Martin Murphey along with actors Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Babylon 5:The

Road Home), Mo Brings Plenty (Yellowstone TV series), Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove, The Ranch), Patrick Wayne(11 films with his father including, True Grit, The Alamo, The Searchers, The Quiet Man, Rio Grande) and Anita LaCava Swift (The Alamo), the son and granddaughter of the famous actor John Wayne (THE DUKE). John Wayne came to Oklahoma City for the grand opening of the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in 1965 and his family has returned many times to honor other artists in the entertainment business like this year’s honorees, Reba McEntire and Keith Carradine.

Reba McEntire was born and raised in McAlester, Oklahoma on an 8,000acre cattle ranch before she became a famous singer and actor. Her father was a champion calf roper and her mother was a well-known singer and a strong influence on Reba’s life and future career. At the awards dinner on the seond night Reba received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in front of 500 - 600 dinner guests and cheering fans. She is currently starring on the TV show, The Voice, along with Keith Urban on NBC.

Keith Carradine, one of the Carradine brothers and an actor of stage and film, was inducted into to the Hall of Great Western Performers, which was presented to him by his brother Bobby Carradine, also an actor. Their father John Carradine was in over 200 films during his career. Keith was known for his role in the Western movies such as, Long Riders, Last Stand at Saber River, Monte Walsh, Deadwood, All Hat and Wild Bill. He won an Oscar for writing and performing the song in the film, Nashville. See you next year at the Oklahoma Oscars or rather the Oklahoma Wrangler Awards!!!

“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act

of infinite optimism.”

Gilda Radner

“When you are looking at your mother, you are looking at

the purest love you will ever know.”

—Charley Benetto

“Mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her, there seems to be no heartthrob.”

—Leroy Brownlow

“Mothers are like glue. Even when you

can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.”

—Susan Gale

“My Mother: She is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her. ”

—Jodi Picoult

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”

—William Makepeace Thackeray

“The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.”

—James E. Faust

“It may be possible to gild pure gold, but who can make his mother more beautiful?”

—Mahatma Gandhi

“There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood.”

—Elder M. Russell Ballard

“Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother’s secret hope outlives them all.”

—Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Motherhood is the exquisite inconvenience of being another person’s everything.”

—Unknown

“Only mothers can think of the future because they give birth to it in their children.”

—Maxim Grosky

“My mother was my role model before I even knew what that word was.”

—Lisa Leslie

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.”

—Maya Angelou

At right: Ann Krob corralled by actor Patrick Wayne, John Wayne’s son who starred in numerous movies with his famous father (left) and Barry Corbin (right) who has the lead role in “The Ranch,” a TV series with Sam Elliot and Ashton Kutcher.

Above: Dr. Joe Fallin and actor Mo Brings Plenty who received the WH New Horizon Award. At left: Sherri MacKain meeting up with Reba McEntire along with Pam Cox for the Friday night dinner and band.