06-07-24 Print Replica

OKC FRIDAY

Vol. 58 No. 5• One Section • 12 pages • June 7, 2024 $1 per copy

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

Jan Peery to retire from YWCA

After 27 years of dedicated service and transformative leadership, YWCA

Oklahoma City announces the retirement of President and CEO Jan Peery. Peery's departure marks the end of an era characterized by significant advancements and impactful initiatives within the organization.

Under Peery's guidance, YWCA

Oklahoma City has flourished, becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals in the community. Through her strategic guidance, YWCA

Oklahoma City has expanded its reach, enhanced its services, and strengthened its advocacy efforts, becoming a trusted ally for marginalized individuals and communities.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President and CEO of YWCA

See PEERY, Page 3

Edith Head exhibition coming to OKC Museum of Art

National organization honors Judith James

The nation’s largest medical specialty organization honored the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s executive vice president and chief medical officer.

Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., received the American College of Physicians’ Harriet P. Dustan Award for Outstanding Work in Science as Related to Medicine.

See JAMES, Page 4

Late night car burglary spree hits

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

A series of late-night car burglaries in The Village have police looking for suspects who stole items valued at over $3,000 from vehicles near Lakeside Drive and Hefner Road. Reports show the cars were left unlocked. Police are now asking area residents for help with the investigation.

“The Village Police Department took reports of auto burglaries that occurred sometime between 7 p.m., May 19 and 10 a.m., May 20. Reports were made in regard to property that was stolen as a result of the auto burglaries,” said Detective Cpl. Taylor Harrill of The Village Police Department. “In total, approximately $3,000 worth of items were stolen from vehicles.”

Police reports list two laptops, a designer bag, briefcase, mini drone and $300 in cash taken during the overnight car burglaries. The department is looking for any video footage that residents in the area might have to aid in identifying the suspect(s).

“We know of two residents in the vicinity of Hefner Road and Lakeside Drive,” said Harrill of the car burglary reports. “It is believed that other vehicles were burglarized in the vicinity of that area by at least a quarter of a mile in the surrounding neighborhood of The Village.”

Police say the burglarized vehicles were left unlocked and parked in the driveway of the residences near Lake Hefner. Those who believe their vehicle was gone through or attempted to be gone through during the same time are encouraged to contact The Village Police Department.

“The Village Police Department recommends making sure to lock your vehicles and take your valuables inside,” said Harrill. “If items must

See VILLAGE, Page 3

OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50

Paper champions the community

By Linda Whittington Avid Reader

OKC FRIDAY is 50-yearsold. Since I have lived longer than that, I can easily state that I am an avid reader of the weekly for about as long.

From Ramblings with Randy to Excursions by Joy Richardson, the paper has shared the adventures, hijinks and community activities of the trendsetters across Oklahoma and beyond.

As a champion for local

non-profits, the paper has shared the who’s who and what’s what, featuring local soirees, luncheons, dances, speakers and organizational mission.

A call to Leland or Vicki would send a photographer/ reporter to memorialize what was happening in our town. Reading the paper to check out the scene around town, encouraged me to investigate organizations and become

See 50, Page 2

FRIDAY’s

Dog of the Week

This is Benji. He is a Havanese rescue and works full time at Well Preserved Advisory Group. He also volunteers at the Northwest Nursing Center.

Benji has made many friends, travels exceptionally well and has a great appetite for little Milk Bones. Benji participates in fundraising activities such as Walk 4 Water, Longest Day Alzheimer’s Walk, Christmas Sharing, etc. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.

OMRF interns named

By Rose Lane Editor

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation welcomed the largest group of summer interns in the foundation’s 77year history — seven of whom hail from Fridayland schools.

Chosen for internships were 15 Sir

See OMRF, Page 5

JAN PEERY

JUDITH JAMES

- Photo by Rose Lane

Annie Bohanon, left, is dressed like Hollywood’s costume designer Edith Head for a luncheon she hosted with Joan Payne at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. A in-house created exhibition of 70 costumes designed by Head, 20 sketches and three Oscar statuettes opens at the Museum of Art on June 22. For more, see Page 2.

Edith Head exhibit luncheon

Happy birthday Valerie!

From Page 1

invested in the missions.

Perusing the paper, I can see who is running for local office, high school sporting activities, children’s adventures, Sunday worship, and theatre production reviews. OKC FRIDAY has provided me with a calendar of events to attend and supporting photos that have created fond memories over the years. I have appreciated the 50 years of interesting opinions and vitality through photos and columns. What a pleasure to have a personal relationship with so many that have supported our community through OKC FRIDAY. I raise a glass to celebrate 50 years of OKC FRIDAY with Leland and Vicki Clark Gourley!

Above: Jeanette Elliott, Franci Hart and Betsy Berry enjoy the luncheon. The room was decorated with hats which belonged to Jeanette’s husband Rand’s mother. At left: Polly Nichols, Matilda Clements, Linda Garrett and Jane Harlow learn about the work of Edith Head. Programming for the exhibit is to include lectures, in-gallery conversations and other events. The exhibit will occupy the entire third floor of the museum.

- Photo by Rose Lane

Valerie Naifeh, right, hosted her 60th birthday party at her jewelry store in Nichols Hills Plaza. She is pictured with her husband George Catechis.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Above: Cohosts for a luncheon describing the Edith Head Exhibit Joan Payne and Annie Bohanon talk about the show coming to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art on June 22. The exhibit features the acclaimed costume designer at Paramount and Universal Studios from the early 1920s to the early 1980s.

JAMES

From Page 1

The award, presented during the group’s annual meeting, was the latest in a series of accolades for James, who last year was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

The ACP represents internal medicine physicians and counts members in more than 145 countries. Established in 1958, the Harriet P. Dustan Award recognizes an internal medicine physician for their work in science related to medicine. Physician-scientists from any country and any field are eligible.

James is internationally renowned for her research in

PEERY

From Page 1

Oklahoma City,” said Peery. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners in advancing our mission. While I will miss being part of the leadership of this incredible organization, the YWCA and the team will remain in my heart. I will still find joy in supporting as a donor (and volunteer when they let me!)

“Going forward, I am confi-

VILLAGE

From Page 1

remain in the vehicle make sure they are hidden from site.

“Always park in welllit areas,” she added. “It is beneficial to keep porch lights and driveway lights on to both deter crime and better help identify suspects if

autoimmunity, when the body mistakenly turns its immune system against itself. James has done pioneering work in the prediction and treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases, which affect an estimated 25 million Americans.

Three colleagues nominated her for the ACP honor: Michael S. Bronze, M.D., chair of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine; Mary Beth Humphrey, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean of research at the OU Health Sciences Center; and James H. Baker, M.D., medical director of the Cherokee Nation Three Rivers Health Center.

James, a board-certified rheumatologist, has brought “tens of millions of dollars” to Oklahoma in the form of National Insti-

dent that YWCA Oklahoma City will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search for Peery's successor, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of leadership for YWCA Oklahoma City. In the meantime, Peery is to work closely with the board and senior leadership team to facilitate a seamless transition process.

As YWCA Oklahoma City bids farewell to Jan Peery, the organization remains steadfast in its

a crime is committed.

“Be sure to keep a log of all serial numbers from items of value and keep in a safe place,” she said. “Lastly, call if you see a crime being committed or notice suspicious activity on camera.”

Those with information on the car burglaries can call The Village Police Department at the nonemergency number, (405) 751-9669. Those who wish

tutes of Health grants, Bronze said. He also noted her commitment to mentoring, which has helped “to ensure the pipeline of clinical scientists” in the state.

Baker cited the five-hour round-trip drive James frequently makes to his Muskogee clinic to diagnose and treat an underserved population suffering from autoimmune diseases. “Reading over her 83-page curriculum vitae,” he wrote, “I am amazed that I personally know this worldrenowned researcher.”

Humphrey noted that James holds multiple patents to help predict disease flare in lupus. James, she said, has “contributed significantly to a paradigm shift in our understanding of environmental and genetic factors that promote autoimmunity.”

commitment to providing care and hope to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in central Oklahoma.

Founded in 1907, YWCA Oklahoma City has worked tirelessly on behalf of women, children and men for over a century. Through a certification with the attorney general, YWCA Oklahoma City provides crisis intervention services, emergency residential shelter, advocacy and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For comprehensive information about this important work, go to: www.ywcaokc.org.

to remain anonymous with information may call Crime Stoppers at (405) 751-1234.

9 Fridaylanders make All-City soccer 1st team

Thanks to three berths in the state championship games, along with several others in the playoffs, nine Fridayland athletes received first-team honors on The Oklahoman’s All-City soccer squad.

Two-time defending state champion Heritage Hall boasted two players on the first team, including Tucker Austin and Carter Counts.

Austin sparked the Charger offense all season and finished with a team-best 20 goals and nine assists, while Counts helped anchor

the Heritage Hall defense which allowed just nine goals and recorded eight shutouts on the way to a Class 4A state championship.

Their coach Tommy Riley was named Coach of the Year in leading the Chargers to a 14-1 record and picking up a second consecutive state title after winning the 3A crown in 2023.

Three Casady players made the first team, including Eduardo Parra, Helen Olszewski and Molly Shepherd.

Parra scored the game-winning goal in

CITY

OKLAHOMA

FRIDAY

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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.

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the first overtime period as the Cyclones escaped with a 2-1 win over Crooked Oak to claim the Class 3A state championship in their first season as a full OSSAA member.

Olszewski, who also won a gold medal at the state track championships, used her speed in collecting 17 goals and 20 assists.

Shepherd helped solidify the Casady defense to shut out three consecutive opponents, while also scoring the only goal in a 3-1 loss to Community Christian in the 3A championship games.

Crossings Christian’s Kaiden Laisle, McGuinness’ Katie Johnston and Deer Creek’s Addison Knocke round out the All-City first-team selections.

ALL-CITY SOCCER

1st Team Selections

Tucker Austin, Heritage Hall

Carter Counts, Heritage Hall

Katie Johnston, McGuinness

Addison Knocke, Deer Creek

Kaiden Laisle, Crossings Christian

Helen Olszewski, Casady

Eduardo Parra, Casady

Molly Shepherd, Casady Coach of the Year

Tommy Riley, Heritage Hall

Laisle scored a teambest 29 goals and 14 assists, and recorded seven hat tricks, as the Knights reached the 3A semifinals where they lost to the Cyclones.

Johnston helped guide the Irish in their debut in Class 6A with 32 goals and 11 assists, along with a berth in the state quarterfinals.

Knocke anchored the

Antlers defense which recorded seven shutout victories and led to an appearance in the 6A semifinals against Edmond North.

Meanwhile, six other Fridayland athletes earned spots in the second team, including Deer Creek’s Eli Berry; Heritage Hall’s Caysen Argo, Yohonna Bell and Katerina Chrysant;

and McGuinness’ Ava Thielke and Beatrice Volger.

Honorable mention selections included: Casady – Suleiman Mansoor, Audrey Mondo, Ahn Thu Nguyen, Caroline Olszewski, Hetzli Rodriguez, Madi Salami, Jackson Stewart, Jackson Zielinski; Crossings Christian –Madison Joliff, Holden Manchester, Erin Sullivan; Deer Creek –Carter Adams, Sadie Key; Heritage Hall –Alex Alspaugh, Thad Butler, Will Mattocks, Logan Orcutt, Noah Ragozzino, Anna Walker; McGuinness – Jack Foster, Will Kilgallon, Addy Wood; Mount St. Mary – Michaela Carney, Rachel Dionisio; PC North – Flavia Mendoza, Christian Otero.

Physical activity benefits mental health

The physical changes people experience after committing to routine physical activity are visible to the naked eye. Less noticeable but no less advantageous are the mental health benefits associated with routine exercise. According to the Mental Health Foundation, physical activity releases chemicals in the brain that positively affect mood, thus making exercise a tool anyone can utilize to improve their mental health.

• Exercise and stress reduction: A 2022 Gallup poll found that 40 percent of adults worldwide experienced a lot of stress. The MHF notes that the most common physical signs of stress include difficulty sleeping, sweating and loss of appetite, symptoms that are triggered by a flood of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline released in the body. Those hormones increase blood pressure and heart rate. Exercise can help to alleviate stress, and the MHF notes that adults who are highly active have been found to have lower rates of stress than those who live more sedentary lifestyles.

• Exercise and self-

esteem: A 2022 study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness compared 352 participants between the ages of 20 and 40 who regularly exercised at least two days per week for the previous six months with 350 similarly aged sedentary individuals. The study assessed various characteristics of each group and researchers ultimately concluded that those who exercised had higher levels of self-esteem than those who did not. As a result, the authors behind the study recommended exercise as a preferred method to increase self-esteem.

• Exercise and depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized control trials found that exercise is an effective treatment for depression. That review and analysis, published in the peerreviewed medical journal The BMJ in 2024, reviewed 218 unique studies involving more than 14,000 participants. Walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training were found to be especially effective at treating depression, which the World Health Organization estimates affects about 280 million people worldwide.

– metrocreativeconnection.com

CALENDAR

THEATRE

Aug. 15 •

Bluey’s Big Play

It’s time to meet the much­loved Heeler family, who will be coming back to the Civic Center with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show! The Emmy Award­winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to the Civic Center with one performance only, Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 pm. Tickets are on sale at OKCBroadway.com, by calling (405) 5948300, or during normal box office hours at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave.).

EXHIBITS

June 22 – Sept. 29 • Edith Head

The OKC Museum of Art presents this exciting retrospective of Oscar­winning costume designer Edith Head (1897­1981). The exhibit features 70 costumes worn by stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Natalie Wood and Kim Novak. Interspersed with 20 sketches, two screening areas and three Oscar statuettes, the exhibition offers a comprehensive showcase of Head’s life

June 6 – 9 • Affair of the Heart

An Affair of the Heart is one of the largest craft shows in the Southwest featuring exhibitors from over 30 states displaying antiques, collectibles and handmade items. The show features items including quilts, antique furniture, baskets, dried flower arrangements, stenciling, wooden and painted folk art, Belgian lace pictures, antique jewelry, toys, dolls, stoneware, clothing, patio and garden items, watercolor paintings and much more at the State Fair Park.

and work. Visit okcmoa.com for details.

THIS WEEKEND

June 6 – 9 • deadCenter Film Festival Oklahoma's only OSCAR qualifying film festival returns in 2024, June 6­9 and is excited to introduce a new slate of films to passionate Okie cinephiles. In its 24th year, the deadCenter film festival is Oklahoma's largest and most celebrated film festival. The fest has been named one of the “20 Coolest Film Festivals” by MovieMaker Maga‐zine and was recently ranked “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals” on FilmFreeway. Located in the “dead center” of the U.S., the festival offers close to 200 films over four days to packed audiences of film enthusiasts. Go to deadcenterfilm.org to get your passes.

June 7 •

Art Auction

Hope Strategies presents its CHAIRity & Table Art Auction at the Shoppes at Northpark from 57:30 pm. Emcee is Colby Thelen from News9 and musical guest is Matt Blagg. An evening where local artists have transformed small furniture pieces and home décor items into unique works of art for sale with live and silent auctions as well. Cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and specialty desserts. Go to one.bidpal.net/charity2024 for tickets.

June 8 • Jim Breuer Freewheeling, comic storyteller Jim Breuer brings the laughs to the Tower Theatre stage ­ June 8. Come see the global touring sensation who made the list of Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Standups of All Time.” Doors open at 6 pm with showtime at 7. Get tickets at towertheatreokc.com. Paycom

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

A Pulitzer Prize winner, Salman Rushdie had a fatwa ordered against him by Muslim leaders in protest to his book The Satanic Verses. The ruling and starting of the hounding of him was caused by theological differences between his beliefs and those of Muslims. However, he survived, and now has credit for 15 novels, numerous literary prizes from France and other European nations. He was made a

Distinguished Writer in Residence at New Yok University at the same time his writings were being translated into over forty languages.

With his return to the scene, he began travel and lecture again, regaining the appreciation of academe and literary lovers of the world. In August of 2022, he was standing on stage of the Chautauqua Institution prior to his lecture on the need for safety for protection for authors. A man dressed in black rushed down the aisle waving a knife and attacked him by slashing his neck, chest, body, hand and most tragically, his right eye which had been stabbed and slashed all the way to the optic nerve, meaning no possibility of saving the vision. The man was so quick, and the shock so great to Salman and the bystanders that there was no move-

Farewell Albert S. Ruddy

This past week, my former boss Albert S. Ruddy passed away at 94 years old. Ruddy was a two-time Best Picture Oscar winner, the creator of Hogan’s Heroes and Walker, Texas Ranger, and the writer of The Longest Yard. I was fortunate enough to work for Ruddy twenty years ago when I lived in Hollywood. Below is my favorite recollection of our time together.

In the spring of 2004, I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse. I was sitting in a plush Hollywood office opposite Albert S. Ruddy, the legendary producer of The Godfather. He was starting pre-production on Clint Eastwood’s next movie. He had purchased the rights to the story a few years before. He owned the finished script, lined up an all-star cast, and brought Eastwood on board as the director. He wanted me to be his personal assistant for the movie.

I had just moved to Los Angeles a few months before. Oklahoma City native Gray Frederickson, the Oscar winning producer of The Godfather, Part II, had hired me to work on a movie called Cloud 9. It was the first movie produced by the Oklahoma based company Graymark Productions. It was my first job in the film industry. I was the Producer’s Assistant, which meant I was Gray’s assistant. But there were other producers that I helped out as well, including Gray’s lifelong friend,

Albert S. Ruddy. I apologized profusely when I told Mr. Ruddy no thank you. I made sure he knew how honored I was for the offer. But I made it clear that I had moved to Los Angeles to work for Gray Frederickson. I would not be taking any job, no matter how great, as long as Gray needed me on his team.

Ruddy got a big smile on his face and picked up the phone.

“Gray, Lance says he won’t come work for me because he works for you.” Gray laughed. He loved my answer, but insisted I go work for Mr. Ruddy. So, I spent the summer and fall of 2004 as the Producer’s Assistant for Albert S. Ruddy on Million Dollar Baby

The job was all consuming and awesome. I picked Mr. Ruddy up early each morning, drove him to a set somewhere around Los Angeles, ate lunch with

him, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Hilary Swank, and watched the filming for a few hours. I then drove Mr. Ruddy to his Beverly Hills office, where we both worked for a few more hours before I drove him home for the night. He was 74 years old, a work horse, and an absolute virtuoso at his craft. Mr. Ruddy provided me a master class in producing movies and one of the most enjoyable summers of my life. If you would like a fun, fictional glimpse of what it was like working with Albert S. Ruddy, check out the 2022 mini-series called The Offer streaming on Paramount Plus. The Offer stars Miles Teller as Mr. Ruddy at the time he launched his movie career and negotiated with the mob to create The Godfather I am forever grateful for my time working for Albert S. Ruddy. And I am equally grateful for Ruddy’s best friend, Oklahoma City’s Gray Frederickson, for introducing hundreds of Oklahomans like me to Hollywood legends like Mr. Ruddy.

ment at all, and no moves to protect him or deter the attacker. Eventually, however a police officer arrived and was able to lead the attacker off the stage and into custody.

At this point, Rushdie began this masterful work of telling his own account of the attack, the attacker, the KNIFE as a weapon, the support and aid in Rushdie’s choices. He gives the chilling facts as only he can do with an honesty and reminder “of literature’s capability to make sense of the unthinkable, an intimate and lifeaffirming meditation on life, loss, love, art – and the strength to stand up again.” His taste is perfection, such as his hesitancy to name the attacker in the account and calls him “the A’ (the ass) throughout the book which actually restrains the reader from developing too many judgments

and silent conversations with “the A.” The drama and trauma in the book is a crime story on many levels, especially the crime of man against man. Also, however, it reveals the strength of family and life itself. Rushdie has become two Salmans. One Salman is famous for writing books and the other is famous for what happened to him in 2022. The stinging question is “Could our happiness survive such a blow?” At the conclusion of the book while one is still trying to answer this, Rushdie speaks the words of hope and humanity that were so painfully sketched along the way toward a wounded happiness. “But it was a strong happiness.” Will it be enough? That is the question.

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

Salman Rushdie

Brightmusic to perform world premieres of young Oklahoma composers

Brightmusic chamber ensemble premieres four new commissioned works by young composers studying in Oklahoma alongside works from established composers at 7:30 p.m. on June 17, 18, 20, and 4:30 p.m., June 23, at First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City.

The young composers are Zoe Bosin, William Aceytuno, Andrew Crawford of Oklahoma City University, alongside Max Heyck of the University of Oklahoma.

Part of Brightmusic’s mission is to expand the chamber music repertoire by commissioning and premiering new works by living composers. The concerts also feature works from past composers such as J. S. Bach, Ravel, Messiaen, and Boulanger. Chamber music is one of the most accessible ways to compose as each instrument is effectively a soloist. Brightmusic also welcomes musicians Christine Harada Li and Nathaniel Pierce from

Anchorage, Alaska. The new compositions explore themes of movement through life, space and time. Bosin explores different life stages using the Texas Panhandle folk waltz “Midnight on the Water,” while Crawford leads listeners through vignettes of his mother’s hometown of Kobe, Japan. Heyck bends the rules of the universe with speeds faster than light, and Aceytuno follows “the final thoughts of 'Father Time' as the angels of heaven call for the last hour, minute and second to end.”

Concert 1, “Youthful Masterworks,” 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 17: Jean Sibelius, “Duo for Violin and Viola in C Major”; Nadia Boulanger, “Three Pieces for Cello and Piano”; Zoe Bosin (Oklahoma City University), “Freshwater Pearls,” world premiere; and Guillaume Lekeu, Piano Quartet. Concert 2, “Premieres,” 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 18: William Aceytuno

(Oklahoma City University), “The Swan Song of Time,” world premiere; Claude Debussy, “Première Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Piano”; and Olivier Messiaen, “Quartet for the End of Time,” (for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano).

Concert 3, The Virtuoso Wind Quintet, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 20:

The Mae Ruth Swanson Memorial Concert; Johann Sebastian Bach, “Choral Prelude, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (arranged for wind quintet by M. Rechtman); Andrew Crawford (Oklahoma City University), Kobe, Japan, world premiere “Bach, Choral Prelude, Christ lag in Todesbanden”; David Maslanka, “Wind Quintet No. 2” (movement 3 only) Bach, Choral Prelude, Kommst du nun, Jesu, von Himmel herunter; Eugène Bozza, Scherzo Bach, “Choral Prelude”, Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott; Carl Nielsen, Wind Quintet, Op. 43.

Concert 4, “Musical Memories,” 4:30 pm.,

Sunday, June 23:

Johann Sebastian Bach, Duetti for Violin and Cello,” BWV 802, 803, 804, and 805”; George Frideric Handel/Johan Halvorsen, “Passacaglia for Violin and Cello”; Max Heyck (University of Oklahoma), “Superluminal Motion,” world premiere; and Maurice Ravel, “Piano Trio.”

Tickets for each concert are $20 at the door and free for students and active-duty military with ID. $50 festival passes (a savings of $30) are available online and at the first two concerts: brightmusic.org/summerfestival-pass.

Musicians appearing: Parthena Owens (flute), Lisa HarveyReed (oboe), Chad Burrow (clarinet), Rodney Ackmann (bassoon), Kate Pritchett (horn), Katrin Stamatis and Christine Harada Li (violins), Shaohong "Betty" Yuan (viola), Meredith Blecha-Wells and Nathaniel Pierce (cellos), and Amy I-Lin Cheng and Sallie Pollack (pianos)

First Baptist Church

is located at 1201 N Robinson Ave. Free parking is available north and southwest of the building. Handicap Access is available through the door under the awning on the south side of the building. The elevator is just inside around the corner to the left. Go up one level to the Sanctuary. The Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble is Oklahoma City’s foremost presenter of classical chamber music. For more information, visit us at www.brightmusic.org

From left: Young composers Zoe Bosin, William Aceytuno, Andrew Crawford and Max Heyck.

CV-2024-1397

TO:

of July, 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)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 7, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2024-1390

IN RE: The Name of:) Andre Knuckles)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Andre Knuckles has petitioned to change his/her

RICK

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

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 7, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2024-1319

IN RE: The Name of:) Amy Elizabeth Johnson)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Amy Elizabeth Johnson has petitioned to change his/her name to Amy Elizabeth Sanders. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 25 day of July, 2024, before Judge Timmons 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, June 7, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2024-1298

In Re: The Name of:) Kailey Ann Emerson)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Kailey Ann Emerson has petitioned to change his/her name to Lee Howard Emerson. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock P.M. on the 29 day of July, 2024, before Judge Timmons at 11:00 o’clock in courtroom 201 at the

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.

By Joe Dorman President and CEO

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

The Second Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature officially adjourned for 2024. At best, it was a mixed bag for children; despite that, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) saw some great wins for children.

Still, there were far too many issues about which child advocates care that lawmakers refused to pass. In fact, some child advocates referred to this session as “an absolute dumpster

fire” for children’s issues.

An important win was House Bill 2102, known as The Hope Shaffer Act by Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-OKC, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, requires driver education classes to get waivers from parents of students if a youth learning to drive will be operating the vehicle with other children as passengers. The measure is named for a young lady who lost her life in a driver education car driven by a student driver.

Senate Bill 1324 by Sen. Roger Thompson,

R-Okemah, and Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, requires the state Education Department to create an optional electronic universal application for free or reducedprice meals, making it far easier and less costly for the state to process benefits for Oklahoma families.

This is important, especially since the governor refused to accept $40 million of federal summer food funding for Oklahoma families.

To partially address that loss, Senate Bill 1192 by Sen. Chuck Hall, RPerry, and Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, moved $8,085,454 from the state Commerce Department to Oklahoma Human Services to increase funds for the grant program supporting affordable and nutritious lunches for children.

It was not all good

news for Oklahoma’s children. House Bill 1028 would have banned corporal punishment for many special needs students in 10 percent of state public school districts still allowing teachers to hit special needs students. This was not brough to the floor for a vote despite having a majority of state representatives committing support, truly making this a national embarrassment. We are working with attorneys to develop a solution outside the legislative process.

House Bill 4147 by Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, would have created a modest childcare tax credit for businesses that help employees struggling to pay the prohibitive cost of childcare. The Legislature did allocate $2 million more for childcare

Dear Wise Elder: After selling my 4,500-square-foot home and moving to an 1,100 -square-foot condo, I feel so much freer without the weight of home ownership. Why do all my friends think I’m crazy for “giving up” my investment? They say, “You are too young to not own a home.”

Dear Too Young: You should be commended! Each person should create his own aging plan, his own MAP (My Aging Plan). Napolean Hill said, “You are the master of your own destiny.” The decision for each step must be based on your STAGE, not age, and your own PRIORITIES. Stages come at different times in

support services, but significantly more is needed to meet the skyrocketing statewide demand for childcare services.

OICA will continue to work on those issues which were not passed; please join us in calling on lawmakers to address these issues in 2025. Interim studies, the formal review of concepts by lawmakers, will be limited as this is an election year, but we will still seek studies on these and many other good bills which were not passed.

Please reach out to OICA at oica.org if you have suggestions for a good study which we can pass along to lawmakers. And, of course, you can be involved by taking part in this year’s elections by asking questions to candidates. Primary elections are held on Tuesday, June 18, so please exercise your civic duty and vote!

Senate Bill 1278 by Sen. Jessica Garvin, RDuncan, and Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, would have provided for paid maternity leave for higher education employees; they were unintentionally left out of last year’s bill which saw a tremendous move forward to provide for maternity leave to state and public-school employees. Senate Bill 1315 by Senator Pugh and Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, would have created an adoption leave program similar to maternity leave. Other issues lawmakers chose to not support were the Dolly Parton Imagination Book project, at-home therapeutic care services, and many of the concepts offered by Governor Stitt’s 2023 Child Welfare Task Force for improving foster care services.

life and priorities are uniquely personal; not everyone is the same. So, good for you. After getting good counsel, do what is best for you and your family with the information you have regardless of what “they” say. Good longtime friends often see the situation from their perspective, not from your situation. Their situation may not have seen the same changes as your situation. From time to time add new friends in a book club. Or consider joining a short-term interest group for “new renters.” Life is short; make every day count.

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

You can

a week.

OK Contemporary hosts inaugural Luxe Affair

Oklahoma Contemporary recently held its inaugural fundraiser, Luxe Affair: A Stylish Benefit to support educational programming at the organization.

The event, chaired by Christopher Lloyd and Erik Salazar, featured music, performances by the OU School of Dance, live sketching and an immersive balloon photobooth.

At right, event chairs Christopher

United Way honors donors at Leadership Reception

United Way of Central Oklahoma (UWCO) showed appreciation to its Leadership Giving Association donors at its annual Leadership Reception. In 2023, Leadership Giving Association members’ gifts to UWCO accounted for nearly $7.2 million of the overall campaign total — more than 40% of dollars raised. Above, from left, Ed Martin, David Thompson, Sherri Lance, Mark Funke and Nick Samarripas.

United Way supporters Polly and Larry Nichols with Linda and Steve Slawson at the annual Leadership Reception.

Supporting Oklahoma Contemporary at the Luxe Affair fundraiser are, clockwise from top left, Claudia and Spencer Browne; Cacky Poarch and Sean Murphy; Eric Toben, Karen Black and Laura Miles.

From left, Larry Keigwin, Kelley Barnes, Louisa McCune and Oklahoma Contemporary Founder and Chairman Christian Keesee.

Lloyd and Erik Salazar with a tabletop display by Trochta’s Flowers in the Christian Keesee Founders Hall. - Photo by Trent Riley

- Photo by Katya Silva

- Photo by Katya Silva

- Photo by Katya Silva

- Photo by Stephanie Montelongo

School throws a gala to celebrate its 75th anniversary

Whitney Sullivant, Gala Co-Chairman Jenny Chansolme, Jenn Sanders, Carrie Strickland, Mckenzie Akin, Joanie Merrill and Co-Chairman Carrie Leonard.

More than 900 alumni and friends of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School gathered at the Omni Hotel to kick off the year-long celebration of the school’s 75th anniversary and to honor the Love family for its dedication to BMCHS.

That evening, friends also donated more than $200,000 for the David L. Morton Scholarship Fund. The scholarship was established in honor of Morton who is to retire as school president and principal after 48 years in Catholic education.

Organized by Gala CoChairmen Jenny Chansolme and Carrie Leonard, the event broke all fundraising and attendance records of previous school galas.

“These amazing ladies put their heart and soul into this,” Morton said. “I knew from the very beginning that the evening was going to be a success. They were going to make sure it was the biggest event that McGuinness has ever had.”

The event drew alumni from every decade and from all regions of the country.

“What really warmed my heart was when they started talking about diversity, which has always been the cornerstone of McGuinness,” Morton said. “We’ve always had a diverse student population, so it doesn’t matter which part of town you are from, what grade school you went to, or what socio-economic class you’re from, eventually through four years of high school the class just becomes one.

“It was fun to walk around and see a table of ’82 graduates or a table of ’86 graduates who were just reconnecting, sharing stories and memories. It was a very special evening.”

- Photos by Peyton Matteson.

Above: Judy Love and family. At right: Principal David Morton. At left: Ann Grover with her sons Chris Grover and Rev. Danny Grover.