05-10-24 50th Anniversary Edition

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

FRIDAY: FABULOUS AT 50!

Founder

By Vicki C. Gourley Publisher

Leland Gourley published first issue on May 10, 1974

On May 10 1974, J. Leland Gourley published the first issue of FRIDAY He was the owner and publisher of the Henryetta Daily Freelance. He left his general manager in charge of the Freelance to travel the state to campaign for gubernatorial candidate J. Howard Edmondson.

After Edmondson’s election, Gourley moved his family to Oklahoma City so he could serve as Edmonson’s chief of staff.

Edmonson, 33, was and still is the youngest governor in the history of the state.

After Edmonson was elected to the U.S. Senate, Gourley bought State Capital Bank. But he longed to be back in the newspaper business.

He started FRIDAY in 1974 with news content covering Nichol Hills government and social scene. Jane Van Cleef was his first social column writer.

Fridaylanders are set to direct Ziegfeld-inspired Senior Follies

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

In 2010, Fridaylander Bobbie Burbridge Lane came up with a unique idea to present an annual Ziegfeldinspired variety show featuring talented seniors aged 55 and over. She called it the Oklahoma Senior Follies and her goal was to stage an elaborate production to entertain, uplift and energize senior citizens.

The Oklahoma Senior Follies was originally at the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center on the campus of Oklahoma City University. It was an instant success.

Today, the Senior Follies are scheduled for June 8-9 at Mitchell Hall Theatre on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma. The show has morphed into a non-profit organization that benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. The aim is to raise $55,000, all while keeping the original goal to offer an entertaining show for seniors.

Through the years the Oklahoma Senior Follies has attracted some of the

area’s most talented entertainers and community leaders including Jane Hall, Charlotte Franklin, Vicki Gourley, Kerry Robertson, Jody Miller, Leona Mitchell, Rose Lane, Linda Wright, Barbara DeMaio, John Ferguson, Kevin Ogle and Edgar Cruz.

“Only at the Follies can you see the Beauties,” said Dot Liles, marketing chairman and an entertainer for the 2024 edition of the Senior Follies. “They are women well-known for their public service. They wear Ziegfeld-style elegant gowns, elaborate hats or hairdos and wow the audiences!”

Beauties featured in the 14th edition of the Senior Follies include Jackie Short, Barbara McMullin, Dot Liles, Fran Kozakowski, Billie Rodely, Barbara DeMaio, Pamela Holzberger, and Victoria Young.

“On several occasions at least one Beauty nearly lost her hat on stage,” Liles recalled. “It’s a real balancing act especially if you’re dancing!

“In the past our Beauties were introduced, but last year was the first time

See FOLLIES, Page 3

After reading this first issue, Vicki Clark – president of The Village Jaycees – visited Gourley’s office, saying “your newspaper is all Nichols Hills news and Village advertisers.”

Gourley hired Clark to write a Village column paying her $10 a week.

The newspaper thrived,

but within the year, Gourley was threatened with a lawsuit from an Asian newspaper which had registered the name FRIDAY. Gourley quickly changed the name to OKC FRIDAY Now, as we celebrate our 50th year of all local news, we want to thank all of our readers for your support.

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

For the 30th consecutive year, the National Arbor Day Foundation recognized Nichols Hills as a Tree City USA. The honor was celebrated with the planting of a

FRIDAY’s Cat of the Week

Jessica (kitty girl) is a 7year-old patched tabby cat, whose mom is Sarah Laing.

“I rescued her in 2018 from OK Humane Society and we have been besties ever since,” Sarah said.

Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.

Redbud tree in Grand Boulevard Park by Mayor Sody Clements, Vice Mayor Peter Hoffman and Councilman Steve Goetzinger during Arbor Day festivities.

“Since I’ve lived in Nichols Hills since 1959, I’ve seen

Parks take center stage as NHills named Tree City USA for 30th

how lovely our parks and trees are,” said Mayor Sody Clements. “It’s thrilling to think that a national group would recognize our dedication. And being a Tree City USA helps us keep our commitment to nurturing trees.”

Although the City of

consecutive year

Nichols Hills is just 1.98 square miles, it boasts 31 landscaped parks, both large and small.

Arbor Day festivities called attention to the upcoming renovation of the south end of the Spark, to be known as Redbud Park, in honor of the

Oklahoma state tree.

The recent Arbor Day event was organized by Nancy Herzel, chairman of the city’s Environment, Sustainability and Health Commission. Members of the

See NHILLS, Page 3

Classen is No. 1 in Oklahoma

Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast came in first place in the U.S. News and World Report 2024 list of Best Oklahoma High Schools.

Harding Charter Prep was ranked No. 8 and Harding Fine Arts Academy took No. 16 in rounding out the top 20.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the exceptional efforts of each and every one of our staff members,” said Dr. Misti Tope, Classen School of Advanced Studies (SAS) High School at Northeast principal. “Thank you for your continued commitment to

our students and our school. Together, we are making a difference in our students’ lives and shaping our community's future. I couldn’t be prouder of our collective accomplishments.”

U.S. News and World Report ranks schools based on college readiness, math and reading proficiency, math and reading performance, performance of underserved students, college curriculum breadth and graduation rate. Classen SAS High School at Northeast eclipsed other

See CLASSEN, Page 3

- Photo by Fran Kozakowski

Senior Follies directors Gina Bramlett and Michael Pone show off their ballroom-dancing skills.

Elemental Ball takes science to a new level

- Photos by Rose Lane

Andrew Brooks, Larry Nichols and Sunny Cearley at the Elemental Ball.

The inaugural Elemental Ball gave attendees a chance to experience science with fire throwing, walking on glass and daring to eat bugs. Above: Daniel and Vivian Tokarz enjoy learning during the event. At left: Polly Nichols and Walt and Ann-Clore Duncan. The menu included Neon & Argon Electric Beet Salad; Hydrogen and Oxygen, a creative take on surf and turf; and Terra Terrarium, layers of nuts, avocado mousse and edible mushroom soil.

Photos, clockwise, starting at left: Bob Lane throws fire; Lee Beasley, event Co-Chairman Peggy Kates and Sherry Beasley; and Jeff and CoChairman Sally Starling.

NHILLS

From Page 1

commission include Caroline Patton, Allison Petersen, Charis Ward and Andrew Thomas.

For the past year, Jamie Farha and Nancy Herzel have spearheaded a resident-driven fundraising effort to complete the beautification of Redbud Park which includes a bridge and creek that run through the property.

The beautification project has drawn enthusiastic support and raised more than $800,000 in private donations from local residents to complete the $1.26 million project.

Nichols Hills City Manager Shane Pate said the city plans to help pursue grants to fund the project. He said the City Council may opt to use some city money to fund a portion of the project.

CLASSEN

From Page 1

Meanwhile, an application by Joan Maguire to adopt a park at the corner of Bedford Drive and Trenton Road was approved at the most recent City Council meeting. The park currently named Roy Devero Park is to be renamed the Mac Maguire Family Park.

“The Maguire family has long contributed to this park. The board of commissioners reviewed the application to adopt the park and recom-

Oklahoma high schools with an overall score of 94.76 out of a possible score of 100. The school has an enrollment of 743 students and serves grades 9-12.

“Oklahoma City Public

FOLLIES

From Page 1

they entertained on stage,” she said. “This year they’ll sing around the piano.”

In addition to the cast of the Oklahoma Senior Follies, the production features Barbara DeMaio, an acclaimed opera star and founder of Oklahoma City’s Painted Sky Opera Company.

She is to be accompanied by 30 members of the award-winning OK City Chorus Sweet Adelines and 25 Lynda Tarpley Tap Dancers in two fun-filled tap numbers.

Directing the 2024 Senior Follies are Fridaylanders Gina Bramlett and Michael Pone. They join an impressive list of past directors that include David Herendeen, OCU director of opera and music theater; Terry Runnels, Broadway and Lyric Theatre actor; Sheridan McMichaels, OCU graduate and Lyric Theatre actor; Billy Thrash, UCO professor, director choreographer and professional actress; John Peebles, music director and actor; and Scott Guthrie, theatre director and stage and movie actor. Bramlett and Pone have worked together for the past 42 years with vast experiences performing and creating ballroom dance shows. The pair have been cruise ship entertainers and choreographers and have performed in ballroom dance competitions. They hope to bring new and fresh ideas to the 2024 edition of the Senior Follies.

mended approval,” said Pate at the meeting. “The Maguire family will provide a one-time $15,000 donation to Nichols Hills Parks Inc. to set up an endowment and will provide $1,500 toward an annual park maintenance fee.”

Vice Mayor Peter Hoffman thanked the Maguire family for “taking care of the park for all these years.”

During the meeting, residents Suzy and Chip Morgan shared their con-

Schools strives for greatness in all we do, and seeing Classen SAS High School at Northeast at the top of this prestigious list is a reflection of that,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel.

“Classen SAS High School at Northeast has two strong pathways for students; performing arts and international baccalau-

“Gina was selected as a 2023 Beauty and after the show was over was asked to apply for 2024 directorship,” Pone said of his directing partner.

“This year’s edition of the Senor Follies is our first time directing, but we’ve attended most all Follies shows since the first one in 2010.

“The Senior Follies features live music throughout the show,” he said. “The band consists of five musicians under the direction of our musical director Matthew Jones.”

Rehearsals have already begun.

“So far, getting all the performers ready has been a lot of fun and we are enjoying the creativity, “ he said. Pone said enhancements to Mitchell Hall Theatre have “really elevated the theatre.”

“Mitchell Hall has seen some extensive changes. They’ve replaced the continental seating and created new

cerns that mature trees near their home have been removed during new home construction.

“An applicant submits a landscape plan when filing a building permit and sometimes a builder removes a tree that they said they were going to keep. We have a few remedies including planting a tree of equal size,” said City Manager Pate. “We really don’t have a fine mechanism.”

Mayor Sody Clements

reate which draws students from across the Oklahoma City area. This recognition not only highlights the dedication of our staff and students but also reaffirms our commitment to providing top-tier educational opportunities across our district.

“Congratulations to the staff and students at Classen SAS High School at Northeast! ”

left, center and right orchestra seating,” he said. “They changed out the main curtains and replaced with a beautiful blue one, and new light and sounds have been added.”

As one of the first institutions of higher education in Oklahoma, UCO has a colorful history and some fun myths. While Mitchell Hall Theatre has hosted many guests over the years, according to the UCO Inside Central Blog, the most notorious guest might not be so much a guest but a permanent resident –Thornton, the Mitchell Hall ghost.

Legend has it Thornton is the tormented spirit of a maintenance worker who long ago fell from the lighting gridiron during the production of a Thornton Wilder play. Patrons of the 2024 edition of the Oklahoma Senior Follies will have to see for themselves.

agreed, “The trees in our city are precious. We may want to discuss this further.

“Being a long-established neighborhood, much of Nichols Hill’s charm, character and tradition can be attributed to the mature trees and landscaping homeowners have nurtured through the years,” she said. “When an existing house is torn down, not

only is the history of the house removed, often the builder thinks it would be easier to build a new house without having to maneuver around existing trees.

“I suppose in some cases it can’t be helped,” she added, “but keeping existing trees would help the new-build blend into the neighborhood faster and make the action less startling.”

Performances include a Saturday, June 8 evening show at 7 pm, and a Sunday, June 9 matinee at 3 pm. For tickets visit uco.edu/cfad/ mitchell-hall.

Rendering shows Redbud Park after the beautification project has been completed.

Sports

TENNIS ROUNDUP

Irish girls net 2nd at 5A state tourney

Grabbing fourth place or better in three of four divisions, the McGuinness girls tennis team came up eight points short of Holland Hall to finish second in the Class 5A tournament last weekend at OKC Tennis Center. Paige Griffin grabbed the runner-up trophy in No. 2 singles, after suffering a straight-sets loss to Carl Albert’s Georgia Masher.

Boys regionals postponed

Due to severe weather in the area last Monday, officals postponed the boys’ tennis regional tournaments to Tuesday morning. Results were not available at press time but are posted at OKCFRIDAY.com.

State tournaments are this Friday and Saturday at OKC Tennis Center.

Teammates Chelsea Le and Kate Thomas also placed second in No. 2 doubles.

The Irish’s Julia Abbott placed fourth in No. 1 singles, while Jenny Do and Lauren Potter took sixth in No.

CITY

OKLAHOMA

FRIDAY

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

Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, 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.

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

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2 doubles. Meanwhile, Casady and Heritage Hall made the most of their first years in different classes by finishing third and fourth,

respectively, at state. Competing in their first season as a full OSSAA member, the Cyclones placed fourth or better in three divisions of Class 4A to end up just three points behind first-place Ada and one shy of Christian Heritage in second.

Lily Ross led the way with a runner-up finish in No. 2 singles, after a tough, 3-set loss to Oklahoma Bible’s Reagan Miller. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Chargers, Rockets earn spots in field

Thanks to big wins in area tournaments, the Heritage Hall and Mount St. Mary baseball teams qualified for the Class 3A state tournament this weekend.

The Chargers opened on Thursday against Perry in a quarterfinal matchup at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond. A win advances

them to the semifinals at 11 a.m. Friday against the Salina-Community Christian winner also at Oklahoma Christian.

Meanwhile, Mount St. Mary competes in the bottom half of the 8-team bracket with an opening contest against Lone Grove on Thursday.

With a victory, the Rockets would move on to face the Washington-Silo winner at 1:30 p.m.

The championship game is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Shawnee High School.

CHARGERS RUN OVER IDABEL

Erupting for eight runs in the top of the fifth inning, Heritage Hall cruised to a 15-4 win over Idabel last week to clinch a Class 3A area title and a spot in the state tournament.

Kaeden Woods batted 3-for-3, scored three times and drove in another run to lead the Chargers (25-5).

Andrick Golden, who was one of three others with two hits, collected a pair of hits,

CLASS 3A TOURNAMENT

Thursday, May 9 Quarterfinals at Oklahoma Christian Univ., Edmond

Game 1: Salina vs. Community Chr., 11 a.m. Game 2: Perry vs. Heritage Hall, 1:30 p.m. Game 3: Washington vs. Silo, 4 p.m. Game 4: Mount St. Mary vs. Lone Grove, 6:30

including a 3-run home run in the fifth inning.

Julius Ejike-Charles belted a solo home run in the fifth frame to go along with another hit, three runs scored and two RBIs, while Rhett Davis drove in three runs for The Hall.

Davis also picked up the pitching victory, throwing a 2-hit shutout over six innings with six strikeouts in six innings.

Heritage Hall also rolled to an 11-0 victory against the Warriors in the first game of the best-of-3 tournament.

ROCKETS TAKE DOWN KANSAS

Leading by a 3-1 advantage after five innings, Mount St. Mary scored six runs over the final two frames to pull away for a 9-1 win over Kansas in a 3A area tournament.

Harry Tesio and Maddox Ellis collected three hits each for the Rockets (22-9). Tesio blasted 3-run home run in the sixth inning, while Ellis had two doubles and drove in a run.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Heritage Hall’s Jasmine Crain hits a return during her No. 1 singles match at the Class 6A state tournament.

- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com

Charger boys run to 2nd at 4A state championship

Heritage Hall boasted an individual gold medalist and two relay titles on the way to second place at the Class 4A track championship last weekend in Catoosa.

Demarion Dean secured a 1-second victory in the 800 meters in 1:55.19 to earn a gold medal and took sixth in the 400 meters to lead the Chargers.

As a team, Heritage Hall cruised to titles in the 4-by-100 relay in 42.19 seconds and the 4-by-800 relay in 8:05.14.

Despite breaking a state record, the Chargers settled for third in the 4-by-200 relay. They finished in 1:28.07 ahead of the previous record of 1:28.39 but more than a second behind Ada’s 1:26.63 for the new record time.

Three other Heritage Hall boys finished inside the top 5. Zavier Freeman led the trio with a third-place effort in the discus, while George Robley took fifth in the 200 meters and Will Blalock was fifth in the 1600 meters.

In addition, the

5A, 6A state meets set for Friday, Saturday

Athletes from Fridayland schools Deer Creek, PC North, McGuinness and John Marshall are slated to compete this Friday and Saturday in the Class 5A and 6A state track meets at Western Heights.

Results from the 5A and 6A regional meets are posted at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Chargers also grabbed fifth in the 4-by-400 relay.

Addy Washington was the only Charger girl in the top 5 with a silver medal in the 100meter hurdles and fourth place in the long jump.

CHARGER GIRLS TAKE 3RD IN 3A

In just their first season as a full OSSAA member, the Casady girls finished in a tie for third at the Class 3A championship in Catoosa.

Helen Olszewski swept the sprint races to earn a pair of gold medals. The junior edged the field by just over a tenth-second in 12.19 seconds to win

SOCCER ROUNDUP

6 Fridayland teams reach semifinals

Of the dozen Fridayland teams to begin the soccer playoffs, six squads advanced to the semifinal round played last Tuesday.

Both Casady squads were the only ones to host Class 3A semifinal matches, as the girls played Fridayland rival

the 100 meters and picked up a half-second triumph in the 200 meters in 24.63 seconds.

Ethan Nedio medaled twice in the throwing events for the Cyclone boys, with a runner-up finish in the discus and a thirdplace showing in the shot put.

Hope Fahler and Eva Scheer placed fifth in the 1600 and 3200 meters, respectively, while Fahler also was ninth in the high jump.

Crossings Christian’s Savanna Meek continued her domination of the hurdle events, as she won the 100 meters in 14.93 seconds and the 300 meters in 44.14 seconds.

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Mount St. Mary and the boys took on Crossings Christian.

A win for either girls’ team moves them to the championship game against the Inola-Community Christian winner this Friday or Saturday. The boys’ victor could face the Crooked OakCommunity Christian winner for the gold ball.

In 4A, the Heritage Hall boys traveled to Hilldale for a semifinal contest. The Chargers could face the Fort

GOLF ROUNDUP

Irish girls cap season with title

After opening a lead in the first round, the McGuinness girls golf team more than doubled its advantage on Day 2 en route to claiming its fourth state championship last week.

“I’m extremely pleased with how we played,” said coach Mark Veneklasen. “It’s a mentally and physically tough course but my girls worked hard and pulled through.”

The Irish, which also won titles in 2007, 2010 and 2011, boasted all five players in the top 50, including two in the top 5, in posting a winning score of 690, as Carl Albert took second at 731 and Duncan was third at 733 in the Class 5A tournament.

Senior Allie Justiz carded a 4-over par 152 at Muskogee Country Club, with rounds of 77 and 75, to finish second in the individual standings.

Sister Abbie Justiz fired a 158 (8078) to place third, while teammates Taylor French (97-93) and Grace McDaniel (93-97) both shot 190 to tie for 17th place.

Brianna Rivera rounded out the Irish in a tie for 37th place.

“I was really happy with the way our No. 3-5 players held on to help

Gibson-Clinton winner on Friday or Saturday in the championship game.

Meanwhile, the Deer Creek girls were the only Fridayland team to make the 6A semifinals. The Antlers visited Edmond North on Tuesday, with the winner to battle the Norman NorthYukon victor for a state championship.

As semifinal games are played after press time, check out OKCFRIDAY.com for com-

plete results.

CHARGERS BLANK STILLWELL

Chargers, Knights 2nd after Day 1

With a combined three players in the top 5, the Heritage Hall and Crossings Christian boys golf teams sit in second place after Day 1 of the state tournaments on Monday.

The Chargers’ Ben Lathrop fired even par rounds of 70-70 at Winter Creek in Blanchard for second in the Class 5A individual standings.Teammate Drew Kenney shot 76-74 and occupied fifth place ahead of the final round on Tuesday.

Jackson Magness shot 71-71 at Shangri-La to grab second at the 4A tournament for the Knights. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

us get the win,” said Veneklasen. “Brianna also had a good start to her career as a freshman.”

Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

The Heritage Hall boys cruised to a 10-0 victory over Stillwell in the 4A quarterfinals last Friday. Alex Alspaugh, Noah Ragozzino and Will Porter netted two goals each for the Chargers (12-1), while Caysen Argo had two assists and Tucker Austin added a goal and two

assists.

ROCKET GIRLS CLIP SUMMIT CHRISTIAN

The Mount St. Mary girls secured a 4-3 overtime victory at Summit Christian in the 3A quarterfinals. Michela Carney led the Rockets (9-4) with a pair of goals, as Josie Peterson and Paisley Shannon added a goal each. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

The McGuinness girls golf team celebrates after winning the Class 5A state championship. Team members include, from left, Grace McDaniel, Allie Justiz, Abbie Justiz, Taylor French and Brianna Rivera.

CALENDAR

THEATRE

May 10 – 26 • Inherit the Wind 3rd Act Theatre Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company based in Oklahoma City, is proud to present “Inherit the Wind,” written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E Lee and directed by Rodney Brazil with assistant director Kris SchinskeWolfe. “Inherit the Wind” marks the final production of Season 5 for 3rd Act Theatre. The theatre is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Northpark at NW 122nd and N. May Ave. Additional information is available on their website and Facebook page. For inquiries, please contact info@ 3rdacttheatreco.com or call the box office at 405­593­8093. Tickets are available at 3rdacttheatreco. com/production/inhe rit­the­wind.

FUNDRAISERS

May 18 •

Luxe Affair

You’re invited to Luxe Affair: A Stylish Benefit for Oklahoma Contemporary, May 18. Be prepared for an evening of sartorial swagger where guests are encouraged to flex their individual creativity in a salute to personal style. This cocktail celebration will feature live DJs

May 25­26 • Chuck Wagon Festival Families and foodies alike will delight at the 33rd Annual Chuck Wagon Festival, a celebration of Western and Native American history, art and cuisine for all ages. The Chuck Wagon Festival will include Liichokoshkomo’, the Museum’s interactive outdoor addition showcasing the diversity of the West with inter­tribal native dwellings, a pioneer village and interactive natural history features. Native American food samples will be available. Visitors can chat with the chef and learn more about the histories and traditions of Native foods. Chuck Wagon cooks, several of whom are long­time festival participants, will travel from around Oklahoma and surrounding states to provide visitors with a taste of traditional cowboy cooking. Enjoy artisan demonstrations, Western reenactors, craft stations, country and western dancing, live music and more. Purchase your advance tickets and save $5 per ticket at nationalcowboymuseum.org.

and music, a local sketch artist capturing guests’ fab fits, dance performances, hors d’oeuvres and more. Whether you are stepping off the runway or adding an exciting accent to a timeless classic, we are excited to see what you create. Event is at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center from 8 pm – 12 am, creative cocktail or avantgarde attire. Visit okcontemp.org for tickets.

May 16 • Splendor in the Gardens Indulge in a farm­totable feast on the Devon Lawn at the

Myriad Botanical Gardens, set against the stunning Downtown OKC skyline. Delight in the flavors, wines and atmosphere inspired by the rainforest. Cocktails kick off at 6 pm in the South Plaza and Visitor Lobby at the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, leading into a seated dinner. Your participation supports the Gardens’ mission to maintain a top­tier public garden, offering educational and cultural programs for everyone. Tickets are $175 each and can be purchased online at myriadgardens.org/ splendor.

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Paycom Center Events/Shows:

Nicki Minaj ­ May 13

Zach Bryan ­

Support Local Film

Iremember the first time I felt like a filmmaker. It was a hot summer night in 2006. I was bathed in the colored lights of Nonna’s Purple Bar in Bricktown sitting next to a friend that I had not seen since high school. A booming voice from across the room yelled, “Ladies and gentlemen, that man right there is a filmmaker!”

Everyone looked around to see where the woman was pointing as she made her way around the bar. When she arrived at my seat, raised her hand, and put it directly over my head, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Executive Director Cacky Poarch leaned over and said, “Welcome to deadCenter.”

As she walked away towards the live music on the balcony outside, my friend looked at me and asked, “So, are you a filmmaker now?” I replied, for the first time, “Yes, I am a filmmaker.”

This summer, June 6-9, the 24th annual deadCenter Film Festival will take over downtown Oklahoma City with more than 100 films from around the world and across the country. As an official Oscar qualifier for live action shorts and animated shorts, deadCenter will screen the most talked about and celebrated independent films alongside the best

features, documentaries, music videos, and short films from Oklahoma filmmakers like me.

The first movie I screened at deadCenter was a short film called The Gymnast in 2006. I directed and produced the film with my college friend Jennifer Sey, who wrote the screenplay based on her experience as the retired 1986 U.S. National Champion. She later won a Primetime Emmy Award for producing the Netflix documentary Athlete A

The most enjoyable film I screened at deadCenter was Crazy Enough, a 2012 family comedy starring Chris Kattan from Saturday Night Live. That film featured music by Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips and a smorgasbord of fabulous local actors like Jonathan Beck Reed Jason Padgett, and OSU/NBA alum Desmond Mason Crazy Enough was cowritten and produced by Sean Lynch, who is now a professor of film at the award-winning OCCC digital cinema program.

In the years since then, I have screened

fifteen films at deadCenter, partnering with a variety of inspiring artists. RACE Dance Collective founder Hui Cha Poos has choreographed and produced six of the films, deadCenter programmer and filmmaker Melissa Scaramucci has cowritten five of the films, and former Prairie Surf CEO and actress Rachel Cannon has starred in and produced two of the short films.

The Oklahoma film industry is a wonderful tapestry of interconnected writers, directors, producers, investors, and artists of all types coming together to tell stories and create magic. If you attend the deadCenter Film festival, you get to meet and mingle with those people alongside visiting filmmakers like Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone, who chatted with passholders at deadCenter last June. The deadCenter Film Festival is the best place in Oklahoma to meet actors, filmmakers, investors, and distributors; find out what is going on in the Oklahoma film industry; learn how to get involved in the film industry; and see the independent films people will be talking about for the next year. It’s only one weekend a year, June 69. Get your passes now at www.deadcenterfilm.org. See you there!

OKCMOA among prestigious museums to receive B of A Grant

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) is pleased to announce that a work in its permanent collection will soon be conserved thanks to a generous grant received through Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project. Bank of America chose the Museum’s 1965 acrylic painting on canvas, Khufu, by Sam Gilliam as one of 24 pieces selected to receive funds in 2024. Other notable grantees this year include Claude Monet’s Waterlilies (1914-15) at The Portland Art Museum, Edgar Degas’ Dancer with Bouquets (c. 1890-95) at The Chrysler Museum, and Paul Cezanne’s The Large Bathers (c.1895-1906) at The

National Gallery in London.

“Art is a form of self-expression that gives the viewer insight into what was taking place at the time it was crafted. Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project aims to conserve the historical and cultural context that these pieces provide,” said Tony Shinn, president of Bank of America Oklahoma City.

Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, artist Sam Gilliam (1933-2022) moved to Washington, D.C., in 1962 and quickly became close with members of the Washington Color School. In 1966, Gilliam gave Khufu to the Washington Gallery of Modern Art (WGMA), helping to fill a major gap

of Black artists in that collection.

OKCMOA’s predecessor, the Oklahoma Art Center, purchased the WGMA’s 154-piece permanent collection, including Khufu, in 1968. The work was last on view in 2018 in the exhibition The New Art: A Milestone Collection Fifty Years Later, which celebrated 50 years since the purchase. Today, Khufu needs conservation due to dents, soiling, and several scratches.

“We hope to have the work sent to the conservator in Houston before June 30, and it will be about a sixmonth process,” said Maury Ford, OKCMOA’s director of collections and exhibitions.

Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project is a global program that provides grants to nonprofit cultural institutions to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art that are in danger of deterioration. Khufu was the first contemporary artwork created by a Black artist in the original WGMA collection. After its conservation, Khufu will once again become a highlight of the Museum’s permanent collection galleries.

For more information about OKCMOA’s permanent collection as well as upcoming exhibitions, like Edith Head: Hollywood’s Costume Designer, please visit okcmoa.com.

Recipients of the 2023-24 Rainbolt Family Library Lifelong Learner Award, from left, Madi Williams ’24, Tucker Austin ’25, Roger Smith ’24, and Emilee Chard ’25.

Chargers celebrate year-end achievements

As the final few weeks of school approach The Hall, end-of-the-year festivities and achievements are being celebrated across campus.

• On Friday, April 26, “Lifers” from the Class of 2024 returned to the Lower School for a final Charger Shine assembly to reminisce about growing up as a Charger and to visit the teachers who have supported them. While sporting t-shirts indicating their chosen colleges, the senior Lifers enjoyed a morning of fond memories, life-long friendships, and song.

• As the semester wraps up, the Senior Peer Leaders are pursuing

by Atala Johnson

their Passion Projects with the help of their classmates. Upper schoolers wrote letters to the students and teachers of Special Care in support of a Passion Project by Amanda Davis ’24 and Whitney Goodman ’24, whose goal is to change the stigma surrounding children with disabilities by showing their community that they have

supportive friends nearby at Heritage Hall.

Reagan Creamer ’24 and Addy Toll ’24 showcased their Passion Project to students in the ECC Orange Room to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.

• Each April during school library month, Heritage Hall’s Rainbolt Family Library honors two students from the senior and junior class who have demonstrated an appreciation of the alibrary, its services, and environment. Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023-24 Rainbolt Family Library Lifelong Learner Award: Tucker

Austin ’25, Emilee Chard ’25, Roger Smith ’24, and Madi Williams ’24.

• In athletics, sophomore Gabriella Gross won her fourth consecutive golf tournament, making her the regional champion! With a third place finish at regionals, the girls’ golf team is state-bound!

Likewise, it’s been a big week for the varsity tennis lady Chargers, who followed a successful championship run at the HH Braver Tournament with their 42nd regional championship title (and their first 6A title) in girls’ tennis. Next stop: state! Good luck, Chargers!

HALL HAPPENINGS

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-1213

In Re: The Name of:) Yvette Santillan)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Yvette Santillan has petitioned to change his/her name to Yvette Salinas. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 30 day of May, 2024, before Judge Ogden at 1:30 o’clock in

Should

the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/R Valle By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 10, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2024-1208

IN RE: The Name of:) Kimberly Robin Weston)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Kimberly Robin Weston has petitioned to change his/her name to Princess Kimberly Robin. A Hearing on said petition is set for 2:30 o’clock P.M. on the 18 day of June, 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.

ANTHONY L. BONNER JR. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 10, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-1132

IN RE: The Name of:) Jill Keeney Marsili)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Jill Keeney Marsili has petitioned to change his/her name to Jill Lynn Keeney. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 1 day of August, 2024, before Judge Andrews 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/Teresa Becker By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

Carpenter Square Theatre to present remarkable Civil War era comedy

“Ben Butler” by Richard Strand continues Carpenter Square Theatre’s 40th Season May 18 – June 8. Set in the early days of the Civil War, Strand mines comedy and witty banter out of a very serious subject— an escaped slave seeking asylum at a Union Army fort. All performances are on the Inasmuch Foundation Stage at the theater’s new venue located at 1009 W. Reno, just east of the intersection of Western and Reno.

Attorney Ben Butler is just settling into his war-time assignment as a Union Major General at Fort Monroe when Lieutenant Kelly hesitantly informs him that Shepard Mallory, a runaway enslaved man is demanding asylum. This being a time prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, General Butler is faced with an impossible moral

dilemma—follow the letter of the law or make a game-changing move that could alter the course of U.S. history. A New York Times critic called it “part comedy, part historical drama and part biography, often all at once… Just call it splendid… [Strand’s] comic voice is…clever without being glib, meaningful without being pretentious. It’s a funny and impressive mixture.”

Director Albert Bostick leads a cast of four metro area actors in telling the unique story. Chris Crane stars as the infamous Ben Butler who was as controversial in real life as in this dramatized tale. Making his Carpenter Square debut is Britton Adams as the fearless Shepard Mallory, the runaway who faces off with Butler. Sean Spencer portrays Lieutenant Kelly, Butler’s

assistant, and David Burkhart is Major Cary, a Confederate officer who comes to retrieve Mallory. The production team includes stage manager Janey Gunter, with set design by Ben Hall, light design by Brayden Pogson and costumes by Rhonda Clark.

Specific performance dates and times span four weekends: May 17-18, 24-25, May 31June 1 and June 7-8 are at 8 pm. Thursday shows are May 23 and 30 at 7:30 pm and the one 2 pm matinee June 2.

The production is supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Inasmuch Foundation, Kirkpatrick Family Fund and Allied Arts. Other supporters for “Ben Butler” include Schwab Meat Company, Mel

and Cindy Ables, Hank and Joanie Batty and John Schenberg. Flexible passes are on sale throughout Season 40 and good through July 2024, offering a variety of options. Individual adult tickets are $30 with $25 tickets available for seniors aged 62 or more, military, and groups of ten or more. Educator tickets are $10 and students are only $5. Halfprice adult tickets may be purchased when presenting the Allied Arts OKCityCard or when attending Thursday evening performances. Reservations are highly recommended for the intimate theater. For more information and tickets visit carpentersquare.com or call 405-232-6500. The public may also download the new Carpenter Square Theatre app from their app store and make purchases from there.

FREE, Family-friendly Carnival comes to Infant Crisis

Come one, come all to a free carnival for the entire family hosted by Infant Crisis Services. Celebrate 40 years of feeding and diapering infants and toddlers with the agency on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am to 1 pm. Infant Crisis Services has a morning of fun planned including a pancake breakfast, games and activities, a petting zoo, art and music. All festivities will take

place at Infant Crisis Services, 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City. The fun does not end there, though. The first 100 event registrants will receive a free swag bag with a special 40 Birthday t-shirt, coupons from Nothing Bundt Cakes and more!

Sponsorship opportunities are available for anyone who wants to help this exciting

community event come to life. Current sponsors of the special celebration include Westminster Presbyterian Church, SSMHealth St. Anthony, Gulfport Energy, Kenny and Gail Kautz, Shawna and Mike Berryman, Midge Woodward and Christine and Jimmy Miller.

To learn more, register, or become a sponsor, visit infantcrisis.org/carnival.

Table For Two By Amor

Towles

Amor Towles, bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow, The Lincoln Highway and Rules of Civility is once again delighting readers with Table For Two, which he classifies as, “fictions” and explains as 458 pages of shorter fictions (six short stories and 1 novella). Those first three novels have sold more than five million copies and been translated into thirty-five languages. The term fictions is fitting in that it is a collection of six short stories which ‘sets the table for things to come.’ This of course prepares you for a variety of subjects from New York plus picking up the delightful novella of Eva (Evelyn Ross) in California adventures. The time period for the complete collection is from the early years of Bolshevism through New York City and on through the “Golden Years of Hollywood.” The six short stories are written in the same style throughout the 458 pages of the entire book. Towles obviously believes that if you set the mood and give a table the characters will pontificate accordingly. They do not disappoint. Their topics include references from art and classical music, the Renaissance and Christian imagery. In addition to the novella Eve In Hollywood, the six short stories from New York are aptly titled: The Line, The Ballad of Timothy Touchett, Hasta Luego, I Will Survive, The Bootlegger and The Didomenico Fragment Every tale is complete within itself. Just as Towles delivers characters, events and delight from these fictions from different viewpoints, each is guaranteed to be welcomed as a worthy literary achievement and a pleasure to read. Thanks to Full Circle for sharing these books with FRIDAY readers.

Locally-owned Business Directory

Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred 9520 N. May, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com

Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ

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

Champions of Youth

Bubbles and Blooms

Bubbles and Blooms was a rooftop cocktail party at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art celebrating its “Art in Bloom” exhibit. “Art in Bloom” featured floral sculpture installations by local florists. At left: Shirley Crawford and Michael J. Anderson, PhD, president and CEO of the OKC Museum of Art. Below: Ashley Wells and Jim Reynolds.

At left: Mucki Wright, Hayley Wright and Baillie Phillips in the giant balloon-filled snow globe. At right: Tea Harper and Lestari Kusumawardani.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Enjoying the Bubbles and Blooms cocktail party on the rooftop of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art are, from left: Angela and Brad Steele, Christopher Lloyd and Erik Salazar.

From left: Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County VP of Development Carly Johnson, Bob Mills accepting the Corporate Champion of Youth award for Bob Mills Furniture and emcee Amanda Taylor. The mission of Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma is to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential through programs and safe spaces.

From left: Brenda and Tom McDaniel, who were honored with the Aubrey K. McClendon Lifetime Achievement award, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County President and CEO Teena Belcik. The presentation was made during the organization’s annual Champions of Youth awards dinner.