07-01-22 Celebrate Oklahoma by okcfriday

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Vol. 56 No. 7 • Five Sections 48 Pages July 1, 2022

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans

Mayor almost tops Governor By Vicki Clark Gourley Publisher

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt continue to be voted the Most Powerful Oklahomans in OKC FRIDAY’S poll of state leaders. Governor Anoatubby beat the OKC Mayor by nine votes when the final ballots arrived. #1 The Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby administers all the Nation's programs and businesses and, indirectly its more than 13,500 employees. There are more than 200 tribal programs and services and more than 100 tribal businesses. #2 OKC Mayor David Holt is finishing the last of the MAPS 3 projects and is already moving to implement MAPS 4 projects. He is constantly on the move overseeing and running the city’s business. #3 Clay Bennett owns the OKC Thunder basketball team and is the CEO of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company. #4 David Rainbolt is the executive chairman of BancFirst Corp. The bank was founded by his father Gene Rainbolt, who is also ranked among the most powerful. #5 Judy Love and Larry Nichols share the number five ranking. Both are active as chairmen and board members of many of the city’s most visible and largest nonprofit organizations. #7 Tricia Everest is secretary of public safety and one of the founders of Palomar, which provides services for women. #7 George Kaiser tied with Tricia. The Tulsa billionaire is one of the top 50 American philanthropists. #9 U.S. Senator James Lankford was the director of student ministry for the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp before going to Washington for four years in the U.S. House then elected to the Senate in 2014. See POWERFUL, Page 2

2. DAVID HOLT Mayor, Oklahoma City

1. BILL ANOATUBBY Governor, Chickasaw Nation

3. CLAY BENNETT OKC Thunder Chairman, CEO, Dorchester Capital

4. DAVID RAINBOLT Executive Chairman, BancFirst Corp.

5. JUDY LOVE Philanthropist, Community Volunteer

5. LARRY NICHOLS Co-founder Devon, Civic Leader

7. TRICIA EVEREST Attorney, Sec. of Public Safety

7. GEORGE KAISER Chairman, BOK Financial Corp.

9. JAMES LANKFORD U.S. Senator, State of Oklahoma

10. GOV. KEVIN STITT Governor, State of Oklahoma

Fridayland set to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and Quail Creek are busy preparing for Fourth of July celebrations. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s “Red, White and Boom” summer concert kicks off the fun on

Sunday. This event begins at 8:30 p.m. in Scissortail Park and is completely free to the public. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket or both to be as comfortable as possible for the concert. The first 5,000 guestsreceive a free fan, and limit-

ed edition OKCPHIL tshirts which are to be for sale at the concert. Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate is the music director for OKCPHIL and encourages everyone to join in the patriotic summer fun. Mickelthwate said orchestra members love

giving back to the OKC community and he hopes it allows everyone celebrate not only our nation’s independence, but as a community and a family. At the end of the concert, there is going to be a fireworks display to light up the OKC night and celebrate the nation's birthday

as a community. The day of the Fourth of July celebration begin in Nichols Hills at 9 a.m. Monday with its annual Ann Taylor Fourth of July parade in Kite Park at the intersection of Bedford and Huntington. See FOURTH, Page 7

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 2

11. SUE ANN ARNALL CEO, Arnall Family Foundation

12. JOSEPH HARROZ JR. President, University of Oklahoma

13. TOM COLE U.S. Representative, 4th District

14. HAROLD HAMM CEO, Continental Resources

15. GENE RAINBOLT Chairman Emeritus, BancFirst

16. WILLIAM ‘BOB’ ROSS President & CEO, Inasmuch Foundation

16. TOM LOVE Chairman & Founder, Love’s Travel Stops

18. BILL G. LANCE JR. Sec. of Commerce, Chickasaw Nation

19. STEPHANIE BICE U.S. Representative, 5th District

19. CHRISTY GAYLORD EVEREST Philanthropist

19. SAM PRESTI General Manager, OKC Thunder

22. DEBBY HAMPTON CEO & President, United Way Central OK

Most powerful top 20 From Page 1 #10 Governor Kevin Stitt is personable and popular. He will likely be elected for a second term this fall #11 Sue Ann Arnall’s foundation partners and invests to make transformative improvements in criminal justice reform and youth and welfare justice in Oklahoma. #12 Joseph Harroz Jr. is the president of the University of Oklahoma. He formerly served as dean of the OU School of Law. #13 Tom Cole is serving this 10th term as the 4th District U.S. Representative. He served on the House Appropriations Commit-

tee and several other powerful committees. #14 Harold Hamm is CEO of Continental Resources. It is an oil and gas exploration and production company, operating exclusively in the United states now. #15 Gene Rainbolt is the founder and now chairman emeritus of BancFirst. #16 Bob Ross, president and CEO of the Inasmuch Foundation, which was founded by the late Edith Gaylord Harper. There was a record number of tie votes this year including five for #33 and nine for #50. Although many faces will be familiar to you, there are several new ones including

the presidents of both the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Christian Keesee makes his second appearance on the list. The grandson of Eleanor and John Kirkpatrick, he not only heads the Kirkpatrick Foundation, but is spending much more time in Oklahoma since he founded and heads the Oklahoma Contemporary Museum. His grandparents were among the founders of the Oklahoma Museum of Art, now OKCMOA. Women continue to be ranked in the Top 50, although not as many as last year. Polly Nichols and Judy Hatfield missed by three votes.

Most Powerful Oklahomans

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 3

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans

22.CHRISTIAN KEESEE Chairman Kirkpatrick Bank, Founder, OK Contemporary

24. DAVID GRIFFIN Chairman, Griffin Communications

24. DAVID HARLOW CEO, BancFirst Corp.

26. JOY HOFMEISTER Superintendent of Public Instruction

27. DAVID GREEN CEO, Hobby Lobby

28. CHAD RICHISON Founder, CEO Paycom

29. SEAN TRAUSCHKE CEO, Chairman, OG&E Energy

30. NATHANIEL HARDING Managing Partner, Cortado Ventures

31. MARK BEFFORT CEO, Newmark Robinson Park

32. BARRY SWITZER Former Football Coach, OU & Dallas Cowboys

33. FRANK KEATING Former Governor, State of Oklahoma

33. RUSSELL PERRY Founder, CEO, Perry Publish. & Broadcst.

33. GEORGE RECORDS Founder, Midland Group.

33. T.W. SHANNON Candidate U.S. Senate Past Speaker, OK House

33. GREG TREAT President Pro Tem, Oklahoma Senate

38. MIKE TURPEN Attorney, Partner, Riggs, Abney

39. KARI WATKINS Executive Director, Oklahoma Nat’l Memorial

40. TOM McDANIEL President, American Fidelity Found.

50 Most Powerful Oklahomans

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 4

41. CRAIG FREEMAN City Manager, Oklahoma City

42. FRED JONES HALL Chairman, CEO, Hall Capital

43. KAYSE SHRUM President, Oklahoma State Univ.

44. ROBERT A. FUNK Co-Founder, President, Express Employment OK

45. JANE JAYROE GAMBLE Author, Speaker, Former Miss America

46. CHARLES McCALL Speaker, OK House of Reps.

47. G.T. BYNUM Mayor, Tulsa

48. TERESA ROSE CROOK Exec. Director, Communities Foundation

49. LEE ALLAN SMITH CEO, Oklahoma Events

50. SEAN MCDANIEL Superintendent, OKC Public Schools

50. MARY B. POINTER Senior V.P., Frontier State Bank

50. RAND ELLIOTT Founder, Principal, Rand Elliott Architects

50. LEE SYMCOX President & CEO, First Fidelity Bank

50. RICHARD MUNCRIEF Pres., CEO, Devon Energy

50. PHIL G. BUSEY SR Founder & CEO, DRG

50. MARNIE TAYLOR CEO, Center For Noprofits

50. ED MARTIN Chairman, Ackerman McQueen

50. MARK STONECIPHER Ward 8 Councilman, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 5

Top 100 most Powerful Oklahomans in alphabetical order MICHAEL ANDERSON Exec. Director, OKC Museum of Art BILL ANOATUBBY Governor, Chickasaw Nation BOB ANTHONY Corporation Commissioner JOHN ARMITAGE CEO, Oklahoma Blood Institute SUE ANN ARNALL Arnall Family Foundation MARK BEFFORT CEO, Newmark Robinson Park CLAY BENNETT Chairman, OKC Thunder STEPHANIE BICE U.S. Representative, District 5 CARRIE BLUMERT Oklahoma County Commissioner DALE BRATZLER M.D OU Chief COVID Officer PHIL G. BUSEY SR. Delaware Resource Group G.T. BYNUM Tulsa Mayor KEVIN CALVEY OK County Commissioner BILL CAMERON CEO, American Fidelity TOM COLE U.S. Representative, District 4 TERESA ROSE CROOK Exec. Dir., OK Communities Found. NICK DELL’OSSO Pres., CEO, Chesapeake Energy WILLIAM DURRETT Sr. Chairman, American Fidelity STACY DYKSTRA CEO, Regional Food Bank RAND ELLIOTT Architect KENNETH EVANS Pres., Oklahoma City University CHRISTY GAYLORD EVEREST Philanthropist, Community Leader TRICIA EVEREST Secretary of Public Safety BUTCH FREEMAN OK County Treasurer CRAIG FREEMAN Oklahoma City Manager RAUL FONT Pres., CEO Latino, Comm. Develop. CHIP FUDGE Chair., Claims Manag.. Resourses DOUG FULLER Pres., CEO, Quail Creek Bank

ROBERT A. FUNK Civic Leader, Pres., Express Employment ROBERT A. FUNK JR Owner, Prodigal LLC MARK FUNKE Pres., CEO, OK Business Round Table JANE JAYROE GAMBLE Author, Speaker KIM GARRETT Founder, CEO, Palomar JIM GEBHART Pres., Mercy Hospital ANN FELTON GILLILAND Chair, CEO, Habitat for Humanity WADE GOURLEY OKC Police Chief DAVID GREEN Founder & CEO, Hobby Lobby DAVID GRIFFIN Pres., CEO, Griffin Communications STEVE HAHN Pres. AT&T Okla. FRED HALL CEO, Hall Capital HAROLD HAMM Exec. Chair., Continental Resources DEBBY HAMPTON Pres. CEO, United Way Central OK NATHANIEL HARDING Managing Partner, Cortado Ventures DAVID HARLOW Pres.,CEO, BancFirst Corp. JOSEPH HARROZ JR. Pres., Oklahoma University JUDY HATFIELD Founder, Equity Commercial Realty MAUREEN HEFFERNAN JOE HODGES Pres., SSM Health, St. Anthony Hosp. JOY HOFMEISTER Superintendent of Public Instruction DAVID HOLT Mayor of Oklahoma City DAVID HOOTEN OK County Clerk GRANT HUMPHREYS President, Humphreys Capital TOMMIE JOHNSON OK County Sheriff GEORGE KAISER Chairman, BOK Financial FRANK KEATING Former OK Governor, Author CHRISTIAN KEESEE Chairman, Kirkpatrick Foundation

JULIA KIRT OK Senate District 30 BILL G. LANCE, JR. Chickasaw Nation Sec.of Commerce JAMES LANKFORD U.S. Senator DWIGHT LAWSON Exec.Director, CEO, OKC Zoo RYAN LEONARD Special Counsel to Governor JUDY LOVE Philanthropist, Community Leader TOM LOVE Founder, Chair, Love’s Travel Stops ED MARTIN Chairman, Ackerman-McQueen STEVE MASON Developer TRAVIS MASON Director, Cushman & Wakefield BRIAN MAUGHAN Oklahoma County Commissioner CHARLES McCALL Speaker OK House of Representatives LANCE McDANIEL Producer, film maker RANDY McDANIEL Oklahoma State Treasurer TOM McDANIEL American Fidelity Foundation SEAN McDANIEL OKCPS Superintendent TIM McLAUGHLIN OKC Energy, Fields & Futures RICK MUNCRIEF Pres., CEO, Devon Energy CYNDI MUNSON Minority Caucus Chair, OK House of Representatives VALERIE NAIFEH Owner, Naifeh’s Fine Jewelry NIKKI NICE Oklahoma City Councilwoman LARRY NICHOLS Chairman Emeritus, Devon Energy POLLY NICHOLS Philanthropist, Community Leader BOND PAYNE Governor’s Chief of Staff JOHN O’CONNOR OK Attorney General TIMOTHY PEHRSON CEO, Integris JAN PEERY CEO, YWCA Oklahoma City

RUSSELL PERRY Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Co. MATT PINNELL Oklahoma Lt. Governor MARY BLANKENSHIP POINTER Senior V.P., Frontier State Bank SAM PRESTI General Manager, OKC Thunder DAVID PRATER District Attorney, Dist. 7 DAVID RAINBOLT Exec. Chrm., BancFirst Corp GENE RAINBOLT Chairman Emeritus, BancFirst GEORGE RECORDS Founder of Midland Group CHAD RICHISON CEO, Paycom ERIC ROBERTS State Representative Distrist 83 ROBERT ‘BOB’ ROSS Pres., CEO, Inasmuch Foundation T.W. SHANNON CEO, Chickasaw Comm. Bank KAYSE SHRUM Pres., Oklahoma State University LEE ALLAN SMITH CEO, Oklahoma Events LARRY STEIN OK County Assessor KEVIN STITT Governor of Oklahoma MARK STONECIPHER Oklahoma City Councilman DAN STRAUGHAN Exec. Dir., Homeless Alliance BARRY SWITZER Former OU Football Coach LEE SYMCOX CEO, First Fidelity Bank CLAYTON TAYLOR The Taylor Group MARNIE TAYLOR Pres., CEO, Center for Nonprofits SEAN TRAUSCHKE Chairman, CEO, OGE Energy GREG TREAT Pres. Pro Tem, OK Senate MIKE TURPEN Attorney RICK WARREN OK County Court Clerk KARI WATKINS Exec. Dir., OKC National Memorial CHUCK WIGGIN Pres., Wiggin Properties

Booster

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 6

CALENDAR CONCERTS Sept. 24 • The Beach Boys The iconic group are bringing their Sixty Years of the Sounds of Summer tour to fans at the Civic Center Music Hall at 7 pm. Sept. 27 • Shawn Mendes In concert with special guest Tate McRae on his Wonder, The World Tour at the Paycom Center. Sept. 30 • Keith Urban Fourtime Grammy Award winner in con cert with his The Speed of Now World Tour at the Paycom Center.

THIS WEEKEND July 1 • Print on Paseo This annual printmak ing juried exhibition has its opening recep tion Friday, July 1 from 6 – 9 pm with awards presented at 7 pm in Gallery II, 3022 Paseo in the Arts and Cre ativity Center. Through July 2 • Red Earth The 36th Annual Red Earth Festival is a cele bration of Native art and culture for all ages at the beautiful National Cowboy Museum & Western Heritage Museum. Festival guests will experience the artistic creations of some of America’s most cele brated Native artists as they oﬀer their cre

Oklahoma Film Family

July 3 • Red, White & BOOM! Join the OKCPHIL at Scissortail Park on July 3 for an uplifting, free, musical celebration of Independence Day with music sure to bring us all together with joy, while building the spirit of community. In a program led by Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, the 60 minute concert offers a variety of music sure to bring joy to the whole family. Concert begins at 8:30 pm. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and the whole family to enjoy a lovely evening outside with beautiful and inspiring music as well as a brilliant fireworks display. Paid and free parking are available surround ing the park. Bring your own family picnic or purchase food from the food trucks. ations for sale with artist demonstrations, live music and special presentations of tribal dance throughout the weekend. Go to redearth.org for event schedule. July 2 • Block Party Riversport’s Stars & Stripes Block Party begins with Doga (dog yoga), surfing and whitewater, dog dock diving exhibition, live music and much more Fourth of July activities into the evening. Enjoy a watermelon eating contest, yard games, traditional hot dogs and burgers cooked on a grill, lots of ice cream and fireworks at dusk. More info at river sportokc.org.

largest ﬁreworks dis play blasts oﬀ at 9:30 pm at Hafer Park. See a schedule at liberty fest.org. Through July 10 • A Streetcar Named Desire Jewel Box Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’ play consid ered to be one of America’s best written pieces of the 20th Century. Show time is 8 pm and general admission is $25 at 3700 N. Walker Ave. More details at jewel boxokc.com.

Through July 24 • Pop Art and Text This exhibition, high lights works from some of America’s ﬁrstgeneration Pop artists, such as Andy July 24 • Warhol, whose Camp LibertyFest bell’s Soup II series Edmond’s LibertyFest turns an everyday celebrates its 50th product into high art, Anniversary with many as well as Robert Indi daily events this week ana, who referred to end. On July 4, the himself as a “sign parade begins at 9 am painter.” See it at the in downtown Edmond OKC Museum of Art. and what's billed as Visit okcmoa.com for the metro area's info.

amily Camp, the hilarious feature film from Oklahoma based Christian comedy team The Skit Guys, is now available for rent or purchase on all major streaming services, Red Box, and On Demand. Family Camp just finished a successful theatrical run at the end of June, raking in nearly $4 million from 1,057 theaters and reaching the box office top 10 three different times during its two-month run, according to Box Office Mojo. Family Camp’s quick move to the rental market is a perfect strategy for an independent film. It is nearly impossible to break through the noise when marketing an independent movie against the studio blockbusters storming theaters all summer. But the positive word of mouth, great press, exuberant reviews, and 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes from the theatrical run give Family Camp a perfect marketing boost to succeed in the rental and purchase markets before they land on a major streaming service this fall. Skit Guys, the production company who created Family Camp, was founded in high school by Tommy Woodard and Eddie James, the comedic duo who star in the film and have been performing together

for decades. Skit Guys is now a full-fledged production company that employs several Oklahoma filmmakers to create scripts, skits, short films, and videos that are used in churches all over the world. One of the Skit Guys frequent collaborators is Woodward based filmmaker Chris Castor. On Family Camp, he is credited with creating the story boards, visual effects, music, and behind the scenes video. He is also listed as the drone pilot, a role he knows very well. Castor is one of the premier drone filmmakers in America. Chris Castor fell in love with creating and storytelling as a student at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. He joined the film industry after graduation and became fascinated by drone technology. In 2017, Castor and his 5year-old son created a drone movie called Cardboard Cadet, about a boy who builds a cardboard airplane that comes to life when he sits in it. The film became a world-

wide sensation, winning awards and nominations for Best Narrative Drone Film from Los Angeles to New York and beyond. And, it established Castor as a leading filmmaker in the drone industry. Inspired by the community excitement he witnessed at the different drone festivals he attended, Castor and his production partner Nathan Holiday launched the Thunderbird Drone Festival last year in Woodward, Okla. The inaugural festival drew 150 film submissions and attracted hordes of people to Woodward to demonstrate drones, watch drone movies, and compete in drone races. The city council, the arts council, and volunteers from all walks of life welcomed hundreds of people from 25 different countries to Woodward, all because of a drone film festival. The 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival returns to Woodward on August 12 and 13. Submissions for this year have doubled to 300. Attendance is projected to double as well. If you want to see how the growing film industry is positively affecting communities across Oklahoma, make plans to attend the Thunderbird Drone Festival in Woodward. I will see you there.

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: Kendrick Lamar July 19 James Taylor July 21 Kevin Hart Aug. 14 My Chemical Romance Aug. 20 Pitbull Sept. 4 Backstreet Boys Sept. 14 Pearl Jam Sept. 20

Shawn Mendes Keith Urban Greta Van Fleet Luke Combs Zoo Amphitheatre: Third Eye Blind The Black Crowes Goo Goo Dolls

Sept. 27 Sept. 30 Nov. 4 Dec. 910 Aug. 1 Aug. 24 Sept. 17

Civic Center Music Hall: Carousel July 510 Kinky Boots July 1924 Vince Gill Aug. 12 Pretty Woman The Musical Aug.1621 Weird Al Yankovic Sept. 4 Hairspray Sept. 611 Other Events/Shows/Awards:

Sip and Stroll Red Earth Festival Cookies & Cocktails

Apr.21 Sept.15 June 30 July 2 Aug. 12

Experience an evening of culinary excellence at Odyssey de Culinaire Odyssey de Culinaire is ready to set sail at 6 pm July 7 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City and July 19 at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. This ever-popular event is back for its 19-year celebration! Odyssey de Culinaire is a fundraising and awareness dinner to benefit the Oklahoma ProStart® Program, which is a schoolto-career program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The Oklahoma ProStart Program includes over 900 students across 20 schools and career technology centers throughout the state. “Odyssey de Culinaire is my favorite event to be a part of each year,” said Chef Ben Alexander, Vice President of Culinary Operations with

the McNellie’s Group. “It’s fun watching the young chefs interact with us “seasoned” chefs. Our knowledge is useless unless we teach someone else what we have gained through our successes and our failures.” The theme for 2022 is “Chef’s Playlist,” presenting attendees a fivecourse culinary experience, each course inspired by the chef’s song of choice, accompanied by a wine selection provided by Republic National Distributing Company. On Thursday, July 7, OKC chefs Gaetan Croisier, Skirvin Hilton Hotel; Kevin Lee, Birdies; Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der Lao Kitchen; Jonathan Krell, Patrono; Zach Hutton, Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails - Paseo, will create amazing dishes for attendees at the

Skirvin Hilton Hotel. Then, on Tuesday, July 19, Tulsa chefs Audrey Long, McNellie’s Group; Devin Levine, BOK Center; Ben Alexander, McNellie’s Group; Jonathan Moosmiller, Shangri La Resort; and Joel Bein, The Meat & Cheese Show will prepare a fabulous dining experience for attendees at the River Spirit Casino Resort. This year, student participants come from seven ProStart programs across Oklahoma. “Odyssey de Culinaire is an experience like none other,” said Roberta Helsley, ORA Manager of Education and ProStart coordinator. “Our guests not only receive a one-of-a-kind culinary experience prepared by Oklahoma ProStart students, but they are sup-

porting the future of the Oklahoma Hospitality industry by showing up and believing in these students.” This annual event is presented by the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation, and Oklahoma ProStart. A champagne reception will begin both evenings at 6 pm. Dinner will follow at 7 pm. The event is open to the public and seats are $145 per event and there is a full table discount for those who purchase seven seats and receive a complimentary eighth seat. Those wishing to attend may register online at okrestaurants.com or by calling 405-942-8181. It’s an opportunity to experience an energetic evening and make an impact on culinary education in Oklahoma.

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From Page One

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 7

Alex Marshall, Hayden Tribbey, Chris Bayless, Erich Bayless and Carly Wilson (Troop 168) during the Quail Creek Fourth of July festivities in 2021.

Above: The Beasleys in the 2021 Quail Creek Parade: From left, Hazel, Eva, Vivian, Layla and Ashlyn. At left: Ryder Flesher and Marlee Jandebeur at the Nichols Hills Parade in 2021

- Photos by Fran Kozakowski

Above: Nichols Hills Parade Chairman Wiley Hugos with Uncle Sam (Russ Walker.)

FOURTH From Page 1 Organizers highly encourage residents to decorate bikes and drive their antique and classic cars with costumes to the festivities to lead the parade. Drivers of the antique and classic cars are to be lined up and ready to go by 8:30 a.m. After the parade, there are lots of activities planned for family and friends. In the evening, Nichols Hills is continuing Fourth of July celebrations with an outdoor band concert performed by its band. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Kite Park with what are said to be nostalgic performances. They ask attendees to bring a blanket, lawn chair or both to relax in the park listening to the band per-

form. There is also another performance of the Nichols Hills Band on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and both concerts are expected to be about an hour long. The Fourth of July celebrations in Quail Creek begin with a parade at 9:30 a.m., Monday, starting in the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club parking lot and ending in Quail Creek Park. This parade has been an annual occurrence for over 30 years carrying out community traditions in the neighborhood. There also is a kids at the park parade and

celebration, along with the normal parade to allow the kids to celebrate their community as much as everyone else. The overall parade is led by a fire truck from the local Station 15 in Quail Creek. The parade is expected to have over 300 people attending with awards following in Quail Creek Park. In continued celebration of the Fourth of July, there are going to be flags lined up all along Quail Creek Park with free watermelon. The Boy Scouts of America plan to offer a salute for the Fourth of July celebrations.

Editorial Page

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 8

OPINION O UR S 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.

MEMBER OF We urge courtesy in disagreement. We view with favor wise public choices and view with alarm flawed public choices. We give good advice to public officials at federal, state and local levels, and society in general, on what to do right. So, if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com

Fridaylanders flock to see Andrea Bocelli A

ndrea Bocelli filled the Paycom center with adoring fans and every other one was a Fridaylander. Cindi and Lance Ruffle, Darlene and Larry Parman, Patsy and J.R. Homsey, Mucki and Dr. Harlan Wright, Chris Morriss, and Mary Pointer were all seated close to me. The 6’2” Bocelli is an Italian operatic tenor. He was born visually impaired with congenital glaucoma, and at the age of 12, Bocelli became completely blind, following a brain

In MY Opinion by VICKI CLARK GOURLEY hemorrhage resulting from a football accident. After performing evenings in piano bars and competing in local singing contests, Bocelli signed his first recording contract with the

Sugar Music label. He rose to fame in 1994, winning the 44th Sanremo Music Festival performing “Il mare calmo della sera.” He opened with “Toreador” from “Carmen,” and “O Sole Mio.” The OKC Philharmonic and the Canterbury Choral Society played and sang with him. They were magnificent. For his encores Bocelli performed “My Prayer” and “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot.

Lyric returns to the Civic Center After a two year hiatus during covid Lyric Theatre returned to the Civic Center for its three big summer shows. It opened last week with “Matilda.” Matt Brown starred as the villan “Mrs Trunchbull” and Elaina Dobey played

Matilda. Matt Brown was hysterical. Padded from neck to knees, the mean Mrs Trunchbull’s chest was the size of laundry bags and hung to the waist! “Carousel” opens on July 5.

Send your letters to the Editor to: Editor, OKC FRIDAY, PO Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156 or email: vicki@okcfriday.com

YOUR FRIDAY CAUCUS

OKC FRIDAY OKC FRIDAY Nichols Hills Publishing Company PHONE 405-755-3311 www.okcfriday.com 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, OKC PO Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 VICKI CLARK GOURLEY, CEO & Publisher ROSE LANE, Editor & Deputy Publisher MARY McCUTCHEON, Publisher’s Assistant LOVINA MORGAN, Senior Advertising Account Exec. JASON JEWELL, Production Mgr., Web & Sports Editor JENNIFER CLARK, Legals Mgr./Circulation/Classifieds JOY RICHARDSON, Social and Travel Contributor -------------------------KELLY CLARK, CIO/CISO --------------------------JAY L. GOURLEY, Vice Chairman Emeritus JANNA L. GOURLEY ROUSEY, Secretary Emerita J. LELAND GOURLEY, FOUNDER

Downtown OKC, Inc.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 9

Downtown OKC, Inc. presented its 35th Annual Dean A. McGee Awards. The honorees, from left: Marva Ellard, Neal Horton Award; Rand Elliott, Dean A. McGee Award; and Debi Martin, Stanley Draper Award. The three were hnored for their contributions to downtown OKC.

Downtown OKC, Inc. honors three Downtown OKC, Inc. Director of Finance and Administration Phi Nguyen, Christopher Lloyd, Howell Felsenthal and Cindy Convery.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Above: Lolly Anderson, Brenda Jones Warwick and Mike Anderson. At left: Chris and Kayla Copeland and Pali and Thorne Stallings.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 10

Celebrating Buisness

JANE JAYROE

Jayroe new president of OKCPHIL An entire generation of Oklahomans grew up watching Jane Jayroe on television deliver the nightly news. Before that, she was known as the charming young lady from Laverne, Oklahoma, who won the coveted “Miss America” title. Through it all, music has played an important role in Jayroe’s life. “I love the way music goes inside, leaving nothing empty,” she said in a 2017 interview. “Music has a way of enhancing every situation, good or bad. It touches me in a way that nothing else does.” Today, Jayroe’s passion for music has led her to serve as President of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Board of Directors. “We are thrilled Jane is part of our Philharmonic family,” said Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev, OKCPHIL Executive Director. “Our mission is to provide joy and inspiration through orchestral music, and I know Jane’s exceptional leadership and commitment will lead us to new heights.” Jayroe and her husband Gerald Gamble have been long-time supporters of the OKCPHIL, dating back to its inaugural season. In 2016, Jayroe joined the Board of Directors,

assuming the role of President on July 1. “I am amazed at the depth and breadth of musical knowledge Jane brings to this role,” said OKCPHIL Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate. “I was actually just at her home where she has a frame of conducting batons, as conducting was her passion. She clearly loves music, and to have someone with her enthusiasm for the arts is so incredible for us. How exciting that she has been Miss America, and a news anchor and is now leading our beautiful Oklahoma City Philharmonic.” The upcoming 2022-23 OKCPHIL season begins Sept. 17, and has an exciting lineup of concerts. Violinist Joshua Bell will perform, as well as a 90th birthday tribute to composer John Williams, and an all-new Christmas extravaganza. Other shows include a centennial commemoration of civil rights pioneer Clara Luper, and an 80th Anniversary tribute to Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “OKLAHOMA!” “On behalf of the Maestro and everyone at OKCPHIL, we want to say ‘Thank you, Jane,’” Rakhmatullaev said. “Our community is a better place because of you!”

Celebrating the Arts

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 11

Meyers Theatre showcases Lego art Meyers Theatre for Young Audiences is showcasing a one-ofa-kind, 8 x 12 Mount Rushmore Lego sculpture created by artist Joseph Kraham. The art is being exhibited at Leadership Square for the entire month of July. It is free and open to the public. Meyers Theatre for Young Audiences, a 501(c)3, was founded in 2005 by Sandy and Stewart Meyers. The organization’s purpose is to educate, inform and entertain first through fifth grade students with live theatre. Meyers Theatre has entertained thousands of students free-of-charge with the support of foundations, companies and individuals. “Our latest endeavor is a commissioned original musical written and directed by Oklahoma City University’s Professors Jan McDaniel and David Heredeen entitled, Taken by Granite,” Sandy Meyers said. The musical is set to premiere in 2023 at OCU’s Kirkpatrick Theatre and is open to students all over Oklahoma. Joseph Kraham is an Oklahoman engineering artist who combines Lego

pieces, acrylic lacquer paint and technology to create oneof-a-kind art sculptures. “The average piece takes approximately 10 hours per square foot and there are over 1,400 Lego pieces in a square foot of artwork,” Meyers said. “His work is featured exclusively at the White Room Gallery in the Hamptons.” The original artwork is available for

purchase and all funds benefit Meyers Theatre for Young Audiences. It consists of over 150,000 pieces and took over 1,000 hours to complete. For more information regarding the sale or regarding the upcoming world premiere of Taken for Granite, contact Sandy Meyers at (405) 641-0690. Leadership Square is located at 211 N. Robinson, downtown Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 12

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B1

Celebrating Education

INSIDE: • OCCC, Advances in Dentistry, Page B2 • Variety Care, OKC Zoo, Page B3 • CK Church, Page B6

• Rand Elliott, Cortado Ventures, Kratos, Page B5 • Casady School, Remerge, Page B8 • Lyric, Page B11

Education in a post-pandemic world: Focus on well-being By Aaron L. Fetrow President Heritage Hall If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that our school community’s well-being is paramount to our mission’s success. If students don’t feel emotionally and physically safe, are riddled with anxiety and fear, and are unable to find purpose or joy in their lives, we cannot effectively do our jobs. Of course, on some level, we already knew this. Still, the global pandemic compelled nearly all of our institutional attention to these physical and mental health issues, and most of us were less than shocked to discover that we weren’t doing enough and probably never had been. And in those conversations we’ve all had about pandemic “takeaways” and the things we will carry into life beyond Covid, that new awareness always tops my list. Many schools have redoubled efforts to address student wellbeing, from new counseling strategies to campus nutrition to character development. We still have work to do, but the evidence is clear that our students' mental and physical health continues to be a focus in education. But to focus solely on our students would be a grave mistake – it’s easy enough to do given that, as educators, our first instinct is to care for children. But to assume that our teachers aren’t also in desperate need of support would be like getting new tires for your car when the “check engine” light has been flashing at you for months. And the teachers-as-engine metaphor isn’t an accident – they are, without a doubt, the driving force behind every positive outcome students experience at our school and every school. My mother was a teacher and my wife’s mother was a teacher. They both fit the image that most of us

envision when thinking of that first-grade teacher who helped advance our arithmetic or that thirdgrade teacher who taught us to write in cursive. But they would agree that 2022 asks so much more of teachers; in addition to curriculum and classroom management, today’s teachers are expected to be everything from social workers to tech support to protectors. They must cope with students’ shrinking attention spans and walk the tightrope of

what is perceived as acceptable and unacceptable subject matter for the classroom. And all that for a salary that barely allows ends to meet. According to the National Education Association’s April survey results, Oklahoma now ranks 33rd nationally in public school teacher pay; in this way, independent schools are very similar to their public school counterparts. We can do better and we will. We must push our leaders to increase teacher pay to reflect

the crucial role they play in our society. And while we’re waiting, we must be cautious in our criticism of these gifted and noble individuals. We can offer them our trust and partnership as they nourish our children's minds, bodies, and spirits. The idea of a holistic approach to education isn’t new, but it is becoming increasingly essential. And as deeply as we are committed to our students’ prosperity, we must be equally committed to those who deliver it.

About Aaron Fetrow Aaron L. Fetrow is beginning his second year as president of Heritage Hall. Prior to leading the Charger community, Mr. Fetrow served as vice president for resource development, vice president for student affairs, and dean of students at Roanoke College in Salem, Va. He holds a doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law (Knoxville, Tenn.), a master of arts in history from Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo,) and a bachelor of science in history from Manchester University, North Manchester, In.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B2

Celebrating Education

OCCC THE option for higher ed In March of this year, Oklahoma City Community College’s Board of Regents announced Dr. Mautra Jones as it’s 11th president. With a vision of exceptionalism, Dr. Jones expects OCCC to be great in all pursuits such that OCCC isn’t simply AN option, but it is THE option for those seeking to pursue higher education. “This will take time, but it starts by engaging the campus community and key stakeholders to better appreciate where we are,

DR. MAUTRA JONES

where we want to be, and what it will take to get there,” Dr. Jones said. OCCC is the beginning of a journey and bridge to opportunity. It is breaking down the barriers that used to

exist. There is a great diversity in the OCCC student body – which includes those seeking an associate degree before a four-year institution or the workforce, high school students in concurrent classes, those seeking a GED, college students enrolled elsewhere wanting intersession or summer credits, working adults looking to finish a degree or start a new career or a company’s employees needing certificate See OCCC, Page B9

Local dentist enjoys second career as a successful artist

Dentist Dr. Corbyn Rhodes was commissioned by Paycom Center to do a series of paintings depicting musicians performing at the OKC venue.

As a teenager in Yukon, listening to The Who on his Sony Walkman, Corbyn Rhodes never dreamed Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend would someday sign a painting he created. This larger-than-life scenario recently became reality when a now Dr. Corbyn Rhodes was commissioned by Paycom Center to do a series of paintings depicting musicians performing at the OKC venue. “To have a musical icon appreciate something I created, is a little unbelievable, but extremely motivating for me to continue to create.” Back in the early 90s, Dr. Rhodes fast tracked his way through undergrad and OU School of Dentistry to start a solo-practice in northwest Oklahoma City focusing on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. See DENTIST, Page B9

Celebrating Nonprofits

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B3

Variety Care names Bertha Levy Award honorees The Variety Care Foundation announced Steven A. Crawford, MD, and Nancy B. Anthony as recipients of the Bertha Levy Memorial Award for Service. Award winners were named at Variety Care Foundation’s Annual Diamond Donor Event at the Nichols Hills estate of Leigh Ann and Paul Albers. Diamond Donor is an annual expression of gratitude for their donors and partners and previous Bertha Levy honorees. Awards for health or community service are in memory of Bertha Levy, MD, who was a long-time volunteer and board member before her death at 92 in 2007. The award acknowledges and recognizes an extraordinary individual or group contribution that has had a significant impact in their community. Dr. Steven A. Crawford is the recipient of the 2021 Healthcare Advocacy Award. In 1989, Crawford established family medicine departments at both the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

in Oklahoma City and Presbyterian Hospital. In 1998, he accepted an appointment as chair of the OU Department of Family & Preventive Medicine and chief of family medicine at OU Medical Center, a position he held until 2020. Crawford currently serves as Senior Associate Dean at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Director of Healthcare Innovation and Policy. “Dr. Crawford’s medical contributions to our city has positively impacted the lives of thousands,” Variety Care Board Chair Andrew Lasser said. “His work in practice, teaching and various voluntary roles have benefited hundreds of students through his dedication to quality, mentoring and care.” Nancy B. Anthony is the recipient of the 2022 Community Impact Award. Anthony joined the Oklahoma City Community Foundation as executive director in 1985 when it had assets of $20 million and one other full-time employee. She has helped direct the growth of the Commu-

BRICKLIVE comes to Zoo Connect with wildlife through brick-built art as you experience the all new, seasonal BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Debuting for the first time in Oklahoma at the OKC Zoo, BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise, features See ZOO, Page B10

nity Foundation to assets of more than $1.6 billion during 2021.The Community Foundation now has 45 fulltime employees and makes average annual distributions to the Oklahoma City community of $46 million. In 2015, she was named the president of the

organization. “Nancy B. Anthony’s work has made a significant impact on our community,” VC Foundation Board Chairman Leigh Ann Albers said. “For over 40 years, her service to our city has been categorized through extraordinary action, loyalty and serv-

ice.” Past award recipients include Dr. John H. Stuemky, Jean and David McLaughlin and The McLaughlin Family Foundation, H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Sally Bentley, Mike Dover, Good Shepherd Ministries of Oklahoma,

Mike Fogarty, Dr. Robert Mannel, Kim Henry, Dr. Jay Johnston, Cassie Bowen, and the Sarkeys Foundation. Many past recipients were present to congratulate the new honorees. For more information, visit varietycare. org.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page 4

OKC FRIDAY

Sports Weekly Bockus sets new records at swim meet

- Photos provided by Suzanne Bockus

Fridaylander Jim Bockus celebrates with his wife Suzanne and granddaughter Suzie Mack at the U.S. Masters Spring Championship swim meet.

OKLAHOMA CITY

FRIDAY Publication No. (USPS 893-600) PHONE 755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, PO aBox 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $30. elsewhere in Oklahoma $40, elsewhere U.S. $40. Newsstand price $1. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, PO 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. Represented regionally by Central Oklahoma Newspaper Group (CONG), OKC. Phone 752-2664

Fridayland architect Bruce Bockus placed 15th or better in six events and set new state records in five of them at the U.S. Masters Spring National Championship swimming meet in San Antonio, Texas. Bockus finished fifth in both the 1650-yard and 400-yard individual medley, with new record times of 21 minutes, 6 seconds in the 1650 and 5:28 in the 400 IM. The OKC native and former University of Oklahom swimmer posted sixth in the 200 IM with a record-set-

ting time of 2:30 and 200 backstroke in 2:29. Bockus also captured a record in the 100 backstroke in 1:08 to come in ninth place, and added a 12th-place finish in the 100 freestyle. He competed with nearly 1,850 participants from nearly two dozen states at the annual event and the Oklahoma Masters Swim Club took 45th out of 78 teams in the final standings.

At right, Jim Bockus gets a hug from his granddaughter Suzie Mack.

OKCGCC’s Fleming makes cut at Sr. PGA

Tim Fleming, club pro at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, made the cut at the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

Fridaylander Tim Fleming became one of just a dozen PGA club professionals to make the cut at the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in early June in Michigan. Fleming, the club pro at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, shot a 4-round score of 293 at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Mich. The former All-American at Oklahoma State posted rounds of 71-74 on the par 71 layout to make the cut at 3-over par. He carded 71-77 over the weekend to finish 9over in a 4-way tie for 66th with fellow club pro Neal Lancaster from North Carolina and touring pros Scott Parel and Jeff Sluman. Fleming made the tournament field after firing a stellar 62 in the final round to finish 14th at a qualifiying tournament in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

OKC Dodgers to open 6-game series against Las Vegas on July 4 After ending a series at El Paso on Sunday, the OKC Dodgers return home to open a 6-game homestand on July 4 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Monday and features a Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks and other festivities. Each of the remaining five games is set to start at 7:05 p.m. On July 8, the Dodgers celebrate OKC 89ers Night and their regular Friday night fireworks. Single-game tickets are available at the Chickasaw Bricktown

UPCOMING SCHEDULE Friday, July 1 OKC Dodgers at El Paso, 7:35 p.m. Saturday, July 2 OKC Dodgers at El Paso, 7:35 p.m. Sunday, July 3 OKC Dodgers at El Paso, 7:35 p.m. Monday, July 4 Las Vegas at OKC Dodgers, 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 Las Vegas at OKC Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.

Ballpark box office and okcdodgers.com. In its last outing on Sunday, Oklahoma City scored a run in the bottom of the fifth inning to secure a 2-1

victory over Round Rock. Ryan Noda batted 3for-4 and drove in a run to lead the Dodgers (45-27) at the plate. – From okcdodgers.com

Celebrating Business

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B5

Architect Rand Elliott is 2022 Dean McGee Award recipient “Let’s make downtown a people place.” --- Dean A. McGee

Architect Rand Elliott is committed to Dean McGee’s vision to make downtown a place for the people.

Dean McGee was a giant of Oklahoma oil, early to use geology to find it. He then rose as a driving force for OKC’s downtown. In the 1960s, as cities across the country scrambled to revive their flagging urban centers, McGee became deeply committed to reviving ours. He believed in green spaces for urban areas and teamed with city leaders to build Myriad Gardens. Inspired by Denmark’s Tivoli Gardens, it took years to realize, but has shaped downtown development for decades. McGee also knew what a world-class tower would do

for OKC. His choice of architect Pietro Belluschi to design the 1972 Kerr-McGee Tower (today’s Strata Tower) delivered. At the nearby Hightower Building, a new generation of downtown believers had joined the cause. Architect Rand Elliott and James Pickel founded Elliott + Associates just as a grim, oil-bust decade stalled OKC’s rebound. Myriad Gardens’ opening in March 1988 was a rare bright spot, and one McGee lived to see. He died in 1989. The ‘90s brought waves of MAPS momentum. As the River Restoration expanded downtown’s footprint, as rowers Mike and Tempe Knopp proposed making it a rowing venue. Aubrey McClendon

Advantages of venture capital in the Midcontinent With a record $128 billion raised by venture capital (VC) funds in 2021, startups have more access to venture capital than ever before. While more than 70 percent of U.S. venture capital goes to California, New York, and Massachusetts, the current economic downturn is drawing investors from the coasts to take a fresh look at the advantages the Midcontinent has to offer. VC funds in the Midcontinent—particularly those that focus on legacy sectors—are outperforming prominent VC funds on the coasts. In fact, Oklahoma City’s Cortado Ventures is performing in the top 10 percent of all VC funds in the nation, according to data from Pitchbook. Midcontinent economies, which primarily includes Oklahoma, Missouri, north Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, and Kansas, have largely been built on legacy industries. This long history uniquely positions Midcontinent venture funds to be great partners for B2B startups in legacy sectors, such as logistics, transportation, aerospace, and energy. Here are just a few of the advantages of venture capital in the Midconti-

nent that investors are seeing: 1. These sectors are ripe for innovation and have a significant impact on real communities through the creation of jobs, efficient supply chains, sustainable food sources and leading healthcare research. 2. Talent is well-distributed, but capital is not. The Midcontinent is vastly undercapitalized, which bolsters against inflation and creates an arbitrage opportunity: better starting valuations but the exits are the same. 3. There is plenty of opportunity for technology to innovate legacy sectors, including energy, life sciences, logistics, aerospace, agriculture, and finance. Inno-

vators in the Midcontinent build companies to last, not just for growth’s sake or vanity metrics, but to solve real problems for the long-term. 4. In the Midcontinent, capital is relatively scarce, yet great investment opportunities increasingly a-bound, which means that Cortado can maintain a high level of discipline and back only the best opportunities. At Cortado Ventures, we invest in preseed and seed stage startups with a focus on energy, logistics, life sciences, and the future of work. If you are a Midcontinent startup or looking to invest in these startups, contact us at www.cortado. ventures.

had commissioned the work to set a high standard, starting with Chesapeake Boathouse. And Elliott’s Boathouse District architecture made headlines. Compounding the impact of a Myriad Gardens makeover was Project 180, funded by the construction of the spectacular Devon Energy tower. Its streetscapes would make the city more walkable – i.e., a people place. Elliott’s Heartland building and Oklahoma Contemporary now bookend Automobile Alley. His Bicentennial Park redesign hosts our Arts Festival. All are joined by countless additions to the vibrant downtown Dean McGee envisioned -- and continues to inspire.

Last August, Kartos’ Air Wolf flew the inaugural flight at the Burns Flat, Oklahoma Air and Spaceport.

Kratos: Partnering with Oklahoma to keep our homeland and warfighters safe By Steve Fendley President Kratos Unmanned Systems Division Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., an industry leader in the rapid development, manufacturing, and fielding of technology and national security solutions, officially expanded into Oklahoma in 2018, proudly bringing back airplane manufacturing to the Sooner State. In the years since, Kratos has proudly grown our presence, portfolio, and partnerships within the state—bringing the production of multiple target and tactical unmanned platforms, complete aircraft systems, to our Oklahoma facility, including most recently, the Air Wolf tactical drone.

Last August, the Air Wolf flew the inaugural flight at the Burns Flat, Oklahoma Air and Spaceport—the latest example of the teaming approach we routinely take with government partners to accelerate technology development and focus on science, technology, and engineering advancement. Oklahoma is a prime example. The Air and Spaceport is a key strategic asset for Oklahoma and for Kratos that accelerates our drone testing, demonstration, and development locally, therefore increasing our ability to produce and deliver our unmanned systems for the U.S. warfighter. As our in-state capabilities and the demand for Kratos’ unmanned See KRATOS, Page B9

Religion

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B6

High schoolers from Christ the King serve the children of RISE in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. July 1 Riggs Affolder Julie Benson Everet Ernst Rita Fitzgerald Peggy Hale Linda Hancock David Harmon June Honeycutt Jyle Jedlicka Kathi Lineback Kimberly Massey Ryan Nelson Maren Pickering Pattye Reily Bill Suratt David Verebelyi Chad Vose July 2 Joan Dale Cunningham Ed Deupree Melissa Edwards Lissa Gumerson Billie Hodges Durren Kristen Lee Robert Neville July 3 Lynda Acker Laura Brawley Barbara Jolley Durren Christopher Gilbert Daron Houston Kay Miller Lee William Liedke III Vivian Sheperd Trevor Stafford JaNell Verebelyi July 4 Katie DeFehr Opal Ellis Kenneth Finley Tom Gray III Deborah Meyers Les Miller

Kelly Marie Mulcahy Phil Patterson Kelly Schnebel Marsha See Jeanne Seehorn Jody Snowder Lynne Trigg Coleman Walker July 5 Georgia Anderson Ike Bennett Beverly Busch Ken Delashaw Mary Dyer Craig McBride Gayle Miller Christopher Talkington Don Timberlake Kerry L. Wood July 6 Klee Black Kevin Crowley Cindy Francis Katherine Guthrie Laura Imel Courtney Mason Katherine McCraw Ethel Thompson Chuck Turci Colton Williams July 7 Helen Armstrong Mary Conover Kristen Culver Randy Felton Kylie Fleetwood Jamie Hart Clinette Leonard Kate McCutcheon Margaret Mier Gregory Probst David Sutter Nell Townsend Joyce Gannon Wood

Christ the King takes mission trip to Mexico Christ the King Catholic Church successfully led its fourth annual high school mission trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to serve at a Carmelite-run shelter for children over spring break. High school students and chaperones from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School and Mount Saint Mary spent a week serving the children of RISE, a Spanish acronym that roughly translates to Children’s Shelter of Hope. The shelter provides a refuge for 29 children, ages 1-14, who are homeless, orphaned, or at risk in their own home. The mission trips began in 2017 under the direction of Christ the King's former

pastor, Fr. Rick Stansberry. Mornings were spent in service around the facility and included painting and light building repairs, sorting donations, cleaning, and working in the garden. Once the children returned from school in the early afternoon, the remainder of the day was spent playing games, helping with homework, and participating with the kids during their physical education class. The missionaries spent one day organizing and clearing out the chapel, and Christ the King's pastor, Fr. Rex Arnold, was able to celebrate a mass with RISE President and pastor, Padre Luis. The missionaries kept a

positive attitude even though much of the work was done in the hot sun. The trip concluded with the CK group assisting with a fun field trip to the river and a farewell celebration with a small bonfire and roasted marshmallows. The missionaries returned to Oklahoma City having experienced the joy they brought to these children who live without the many comforts that people sometimes think are necessary. But most importantly, they learned to see God in the face of others. If you would like to learn more about RISE or opportunities to help, visit https://risepv.com/.

News/Legals

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B7

OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden, helping wildlife beat the heat and stay cool

PUBLIC NOTICE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022; Friday, July 8, 2022)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FREDDIE DON LITTLE, DECEASED.

Case No. PB-2022-822

COMBINED NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS; NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR ADMISSION OF WILL TO PROBATE, PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION, HEARING ON THE FINAL ACCOUNTING, AND THE PETITION FOR DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE AND DISCHARGE NOTICE IS HEREBY given to all persons interested in the Estate of Freddie Don Little, Deceased, that on this date, Marita Stout, who may be contacted through counsel at the address below, filed a Petition for Summary Administration in the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, attaching thereto an instrument purporting to be the Last Will and Testament (“Will”) of said Deceased and naming Marita Stout as Personal Representative, praying for the probate of said Will, that Letters of Special Administration issue to Marita Stout, that Letters Testamentary, if necessary, issue to the same. Said Petition further prays that the heirs at law, devisees and legatees of said Decedent be determined; that the final accounting be approved; that the property of the Decedent subject to the jurisdiction of this Court be distributed; and that the Special Administrator be discharged, and for other relief as prayed for in said Petition, which Petition you may refer to for further particulars. The names and addresses of the heirs-at-law, legatees, devisees and nominated or previously appointed Personal Representatives of the Decedent so far as known to the Petitioner are: Age Name Belva Upman Adult Christina Little Adult Earl Little Adult Vickie Wylie Adult Michael Little Adult Keith Little Adult Troy Little Adult Becky Brown Adult Denise Little Adult Tony Little Adult Marita Stout Adult

Residence Relationship to Decedent 724 South 127th East AveTulsa, Oklahoma 74128 Sister 1837 W. WileyShawnee, Oklahoma 74804 Niece 1211 E. 10th St.Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801 Nephew 1101 E. ChandlerShawnee, Oklahoma 74801 Niece 901 M. Minnesota Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801 Nephew 720 NW 140thEdmond, Oklahoma 73013 Nephew 171 Pepperbush LnAledo, Texas 76008 Nephew 1958 Glenbrook Dr.Shawnee, Oklahoma 74808 Niece 1300 N. Jones Ave Apt. B4 Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464 Niece 31149 Waco RdMcLoud, Oklahoma 74851 Nephew 3625 N WESTMONT STOklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118 Niece/Devisee Individuals or Entities Nominated in Will

Name Marita Stout

Address 3625 N WESTMONT STOklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118

The probable value of the estate of Freddie Don Little, Deceased, so far as known to the Petitioner is unknown. The above named Decedent died on the 14th day of April, 2022, at which time the address of the Decedent was 3625 N. Westmont St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118. Pursuant to an Order of said Court, notice is hereby given that the 30th day of August, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in the Courtroom of the undersigned Judge, or the Judge to whom this cause is assigned on said date, in the Oklahoma County Courthouse in the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, has been appointed as the time and place for hearing said Petition, proving said Will, and considering all relief prayed for in the Petition presented to the Court on said date. All persons interested may appear at said hearing. Any person receiving this notice or any interested party may file objections to the Petition at or before the final hearing. All objections to the Petition and/or any relief requested must be made in writing, with such objection to be filed herein, with a copy being provided to the Petitioner and the attorney for the same, and if an objection is not made within the allowed time, all persons will be deemed to have waived any objection to the Petition and the relief prayed for. If an objection is filed on or before the hearing date, on the hearing date the Court will determine whether summary proceedings are appropriate, and, if so, whether the Estate will be distributed and to whom the Estate will be distributed. The Special Administrator shall present the final accounting at the final hearing. TO ALL CREDITORS OF THE ABOVE NAMED DECEDENT: All creditors having claims against the above named Decedent are required to present the same, with a description of all security interest or other collateral (if any) held by each creditor with respect to such claim, to Richard Winblad at the offices of Winblad Law PLLC at the address shown below, within thirty (30) days following the filing of the Petition and Combined Notice herein, or the same will be forever barred. Dated this 14th day of June, 2022. ALLEN J. WELCH SPECIAL JUDGE Richard Winblad, 14457 Winblad Law PLLC 102 E. Thatcher St Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 Telephone: (405) 696-0422 Facsimile: (866) 712-1093 Richard@WinbladLaw.com Attorney for Petitioner

LPXLP

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gar‐ den is helping wildlife beat the heat and stay cool with an animal enrichment day on Fri‐ day, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy watching a variety of the OKC Zoo’s wildlife interact with summer inspired enrichment prepared for them by their care‐ takers, encouraging them to use their envi‐ ronment to stay cool. Utilizing treats and toys, guests will see animals interact with items like a giant ice block, sprinklers and more. This event is free with Zoo admission. The summer enrich‐ ment event schedule will be posted in the entry plaza and on the Zoo’s Facebook page. Experience the all new BRICKLIVE Ani‐ mal Paradise at the Zoo. BRICKLIVE fea‐ tures 45+ life‐sized animal statues made with almost two mil‐ lion toy bricks, now through Oct. 30. The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424‐3344 or visit okc‐ zoo.org.

Four Treasures of the Sky Debut novel by Jenny Tinghui Zhang In 2014 Jenny Tinghui Zhang and her father were driving through Pierce, Idaho, when he glimpsed a road marker with the inscription “Chinese Hanging.” They were curious and pulled over to read from the marker how vigilantes hanged five Chinese men whom they suspected of murdering a white store owner in Pierce in the 1800s. This was the time when Chinese swarmed to the U.S. for work as cheap labor in building railroads, and they came in such numbers that the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in the 1880s. Such an anti-Chinese act could only cause horrible violence and hatred. Jenny’s father pointed to his daughter who was already at the University of Wyoming working on her Master of Fine Arts and suggested there might be a good story there. Jenny agreed and spent five years searching and researching before she completed the novel Four Treasures of the Sky, the tragic tale of Daiyu, the child of loving parents and grandparents who doted on her and filled her head with stories of Chinese culture. Her grandmother assumed full charge of Daiyu when her parents were arrested, never to return. She was loved and learned to care for all living

things, but fear for her life led her grandmother to send her out to establish her Self. She combined many Selves into a young man she named Jacob Li. The spirit of Master Wang helped to maintain a balance of Self in order to create good calligraphy as well as Self. Daiyu immersed her many Selves in survival methods and reinvented her own Self numerous times in order to survive being kidnapped, shipped to San Francisco in a barrel, and life in a San Francisco brothel, as well as a shop keeper in the mountains of Idaho. She kept thinking of the words of her former instructor Master Wang who helped her understand “painting the right strokes in the right order, the artist also must maintain a balance of Self in order to create good calligraphy not only for writing, but at the same time cultivating one’s character…You must have respect for what you are writing, who you are writing for, but above all, you must have respect for yourself.” Whatever the reason for the historical marker of the hanging, the message throughout the book speaks to the same unfounded distrust of others today as in the 1800s. The Four Treasures of the Sky is as haunting and intriguing as it would be if Daiyu were from any other culture because of its spoton portrayals of fear, hatred, jealousy, race or nationality. A good session or two with Mr. Wang might be needed for the good in our people to attain monumental unity between all of us. Thanks to Full Circle Book Store for sharing 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

Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com

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

Journey Quilt Company T-shirt Quilts 16516 N. Penn Ave. Edmond OK 73012 (405) 340-0444 journeyquilts.com

Swiss Cleaners @ Laundry 3737 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 946-0629 Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com Boutique One 6478 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hill Plaza (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com Carwin’s Shave Shop 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1197 carwinsshaveshop.com Winter House 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1199 winterhouseinteriors.com International Wigs 4429 NW 10th St, . Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 943-1233

23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com Concordia Life Plan Community 7707 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 720-7200 concordiaseniorliving.com Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com Home Care Assistance of Oklahoma 323 S. Blackwelder Ave. Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 277-0035 homecareassistance.com Mary’s Maid Service 7009 NW 53rd St. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 728-1805 marysmaidokcity.com

Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahomacity.com Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond. com State Farm Insurance Gary Baccus 16145 N. May Ave. Edmond, Ok 73013 (405) 844-6300 Garybaccus.com

First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com La Baguette Bistro 7408 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 840-3047 labaguettebistro.com McBride Orthopedic Clinic 9600 Broadway Ext. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 486-2530 mcboh.com CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com Chickasaw Community Bank 909 S. Meridian Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73108 (405) 946-2265 ccb.bank Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank

We Pay Fast 2239 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (800) 937-2932 wepayfast.com

First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com

Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138

Mathnasium of North OKC The Math Learning Center 14101 N. May, Suite 106 Oklahoma City, OK 73134 mathnasium.com/northokc (405) 412-8758

Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. (495) 751-2126

Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com

All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com

Beef Jerky Emporium 810 W Danforth (next to Hobby Lobby) Edmond, OK (405) 359-8200

Pirates Alley Picture Frames 2733 W. Britton Road (405)751-4395 1700 NW 23 (405) 525-0091 piratesalleyokc.com

Norwalk Furniture & Design 12100 N. May OKC, OK 73120 (405) 919-3847

Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com

First Source Real Estate Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747 Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747

Balliets 6443 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 848-7811 Balliets.com

James B. Lowe, DDS 2821 NW 58th Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 848-3535

Deer Clan Books 3905 N. College Ave. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 495-9005 deerclanbooks@gmail.com

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

Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com

J. Holland Photography 1130 W. 15th St. Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 341-5088 jhollandphotography.com

Britton Feed & Seed 708 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73114 (405) 842-5590 britton-feed-seed.hub.biz

Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com

First Liberty Bank 9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-4500 myfirstliberty.com

The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B8

okcFRIDAY

LEGAL NOTICES & CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES

OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK FOR MORE INFO CALL

WANT TO BUY OLD GUITAR$ WANTED! LARRY BRING$ CA$H for vintage USA guitars, tube amps, banjos, mandolins, etc. Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, others. Call or text 918-288-2222. www.stringswest.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE: 4,000 SQ FT HOME ON 154 ACRES M/L. Four ponds, two tractors, some implements. One older dozer, two side-X-sides. Beautiful view. Would separate. More information call 918-695-0344.

LEASE YOUR LAND OWN TILLABLE AND TIMBER LAND? Earn $3,000 – $5,000 every year. #1 Hunting Lease Company in America. Upfront payments from hunters. Base Camp Leasing. (888) 871-1982

DIVORCE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 17, 2022; Friday, June 24, 2022; Friday, July 1, 2022)

Case No. FD-2020-3493

) ) ) ) )

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: Michael Anthony Williams Jr GREETINGS: You will take notice that you have been sued in the above names Court by the above petitioner, for a Dissolution of Marriage on the grounds of incompatibility and that unless you answer the petition filed by the petitioner in said Court on or before the __ day of ___, 2022, said Petition will be taken as true and judgement granting to the petitioner a Dissolution of Marriage, annulling, canceling, setting aside and holding for naught the marriage contract with you and for other relief and orders rendered according to the prayer thereof. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 13 day of June, 2022. SUBSCRIBER AND SWORN to before me this 4 day of October, 2022. Petitioner: /s/Alex Rodriguez Notary: /s/Cecelia Spain (SEAL) My commission expires: 09/15/25 Commission Number: 09007717 (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022; Friday, July 8, 2022; Friday, July 15, 2022)

State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma County Kathrine Bizzell, vs. James Bizzell,

} } ss. } Plaintiff Defendant

The State of Oklahoma to the said Defendant, Greeting: You, the said defendant, will take notice that you have been sued in the above named Court in the above named and numbered cause for a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences and you must answer Plaintiff’s petition filed herein on or before the 16 day of July 2022, or said petition will be taken as true and judgment for said Plaintiff will be rendered against you according to prayer of Plaintiff’s petition. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk (SEAL) /s/illegible signature, Deputy Clerk

NAME CHANGE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE

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Put your message where it matters most – IN OKLAHOMA NEWSPAPERS. We can place your ad in 146 newspapers. For more information or to place an ad, contact Landon Cobb at (405) 499-0022 or toll-free in OK at 1-888-815-2672.

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(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2022-1157 IN RE: The name of: Ashlee Bratcher

) )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Aimee Mariah Vance has petitioned to change his/her name to Alex M. Vance-Williams. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 4 day of August, 2022, before Judge Timmons at 11:00 o’clock 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/L.Bell By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

LAYAWAYS WELCOME

(405) 850-1049 ONLINE & ONSITE ESTATE AUCTION Thursday, July 7 • Starts @ 8:57 AM | 15596 S. 273rd E. Ave, Coweta, OK 74429

For more info & pictures, visit chuppsauction.com | Running 1-2 rings!! Sky Trak, Tractors, Trailers, Campers, Boat, Welders, Wood Splitter & Chipper, Farm Implements, Side by Sides, Saddles & Tack, Fuel Storage Tanks, Air Compressors, Shop Tools, Woodworking Tools, Platform Scale, Tool Boxes, Lawn & Garden Equipment, Windmills, Household Items and Furniture, Exercise Equipment, Old Trucks and Earth Mover.

Estate of: Jack & Mary Rothrock Owners: Rothock Trust Dale & Maria Chupp, Coldwell Banker Neokla Select (918) 630-0495

Is your home in need of Roof, Siding or Windows?

D E A L E R #21 AT 23RD ST ANTIQUE MALL

Live OnSite & Online Bidding on Lots 1-71 Starts at 11:31 AM

) )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Ashlee Lauren Bratcher has petitioned to change his/her name to Ashlee Bratcher Carlin. A Hearing on said petition is set for 9:00 o’clock A.M. on the 9 day of August, 2022, before Judge Bonner at 9:00 o’clock 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.

Dakil

AUCTIONEERS, 405-751-6179

www.dakil.com

ABSOLUTE AUCTION REAL ESTATE • TON WOODWORKING EQUIPMENT • COMPLETE GUN RELOADING ROOM

THURSDAY, JULY 7 • 10:00 AM ITEMS LOCATED AT: 14909 METRO PLAZA BLVD., EDMOND INSPECTION: WED. JULY 6TH FROM 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM AND STARTING AT 8:00 AM DAY OF AUCTION

AUCTION HELD AT: DAKIL AUCTIONEERS, INC. 200 NW 114TH ST, OKLA. CITY, OKLA. (W. Side Service Rd of the Bdwy Ext. between 122nd & Hefner) CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE AUCTION, BID LIVE ONLINE AT

WWW.DAKIL.COM REAL ESTATE SOLD FIRST AT 10:00 AM OPEN HOUSES FOR REAL ESTATE: SAT. JUNE 25TH & JULY 2ND FROM 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM Excellent Building. Approx. 6,230 SF Light Industrial Manufacturing Building. Setting on Approx. 0.46 Acres MOL. TERMS ON REAL ESTATE: 5% down, 45 days to close. Closing cost & title insurance split 50/50. 10% Buyers premium. Must be present to purchase real estate.

ALL EQUIPMENT IN EXCELLENT AND LIKE NEW CONDITION. WELL MAINTAINED Complete Woodworking Shop. Complete Reloading Room Sold for One Price. For detailed listing please see web site. Buyers premium will apply

Dakil

ABSOLUTE AUCTIONS

AUCTIONEERS, 405-751-6179

WED., JULY 6 • 10 AM

www.dakil.com

SANDROS PIZZA & PASTA ITEMS LOCATED AT: 914 W. MAIN ST, NORMAN INSPECTION: Tues. July 5th from 8 AM to 5 PM and Starting at 8 AM Day of Auction

MCNABBS GRILL PIZZA, SUBS, HAMBURGERS & MORE

ITEMS LOCATED AT: 112 W MAIN ST, CANTON INSPECTION: Tues. July 5th from 8 AM to 5 PM and Starting at 8 AM Day of Auction

AUCTIONS HELD AT:

DAKIL AUCTIONEERS, INC.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/L.Bell By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

200 NW 114TH ST, OKLA. CITY, OKLA. (W. Side Service Rd of the Bdwy Ext. between 122nd & Hefner)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022)

Can’t make it to the auction, bid live online at

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

COMPLETE RESTAURANTS. Please see web site for detailed listing & pictures. Buyers premium will apply.

www.Dakil.com

Dakil

CV-2022-1220 IN RE: The name of: Andrea Eliese Wilson

AUCTIONEERS, 405-751-6179

www.dakil.com

) )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Andrea Eliese Wilson has petitioned to change his/her name to Elijah Unole Wilson. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 16 day of August, 2022, before Judge Bonner at 11:00 o’clock 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/Shawna McKay By: DEPUTY (SEAL) (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2022-1212 IN RE: The name of: ) Abel Rodriguez-Estrada )

CV-2022-1146 IN RE: The name of: Aimee Mariah Vance

thru July 30 on Entire Inventory of

Includes a large variety from the movie

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION No. FD-2022-353 In the District Court within and for said County and State.

ANTIQUES – 40% DISCOUNT

CALL NOW! 800-664-4856

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: Alexandria Paige Rodriguez, Petitioner, and Michael Anthony Williams Jr, Respondent.

ANTIQUES FOR SALE

OILFIELD EQUIP. AUCTION

1-888-815-2672

Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Abel RodriguezEstrada has petitioned to change his/her name to Abel Rodriguez. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 17 day of August, 2022, before Judge Mai 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, July 1, 2022) DISTRICT COURT OF

LARGE ABSOLUTE AUCTION OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2022-1223 IN RE: The name of: Jade Taylor George

) )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Jade Taylor George has petitioned to change his/her name to Jade Taylor Rodriguez. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 4 day of August, 2022, 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/Teresa Becker By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

GUARDIANSHIP (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA PG-2022-337 In the Matter of the Guardianship ) of Larriyah Sims ) Minor Child. ) DUE DILIGENCE FINDING AND ORDER ALLOWING PUBLICATION NOTICE PUBLICATION NOTICE (DUE DILIGENCE FINDING – Rule 16, Rules for District Courts of Oklahoma) The Court, having conducted an inquiry regarding Petitioner’s efforts to secure the physical location of the Respondent Biological Father and having reviewed the Petitioners’ Application for Publication and Affidavit of Due Diligence regarding said efforts, finds that a diligent and meaningful search of all reasonable

available sources at hand was conducted and said efforts failed to yield the information necessary to establish the whereabouts or mailing address of the named defendant and the Court approves the publication service given herein as meeting both statutory requirements and the minimum standards of the state and federal due process. Dated this 23 day of May, 2022. /s/illegible signature JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT

* LUXURY VEHICLES * EQUIPMENT * SKID STEER & ACC * TRUCKS * TRAILERS * AUTOMOTIVE ACC & LIFTS.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 • 9 AM DAKIL AUCTIONEERS, INC. 200 NW 114TH ST, OKLA. CITY, OKLA.

Approved as to Form /s/ Zachary Wright Zachary N. Wright OK Bar#33644 Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma 2915 N. Classen Blvd. Ste #200 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (P) 405-266-3191 (F) 405-557-0023 Zachary.wright@laok.org Attorney for the Petitioner

(W. Side Service Rd of the Bdwy Ext. between 122nd & Hefner)

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE AUCTION, BID LIVE ONLINE AT

WWW.DAKIL.COM Consignments now being accepted. Contact Dakil Auctioneers Inc. Buyers premium will apply.

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 1, 2022) IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA PG-2022-377 In the matter of the guardianship of Larriyah Sims, Minor Child

SUMMER 2022 HEAVY EQUIPMENT

) ) )

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COGUARDIAN BY PUBLICATION To: Whom it may Concern You are hereby notified that Lashara Tingle and Larry Sims have petitioned the Court to be appointed coguardians of the person and estate of the minor child L.S. DOB 04/2022. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTICED THAT if you do not file a written objection within 20 days of the first publication of this notice judgement may be entered in the above case. /s/ Zachary Wright Zachary N. Wright OK Bar#33644 Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma 2915 N. Classen Blvd. Ste #200 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (P) 405-266-3191 (F) 405-557-0023 Zachary.wright@laok.org Attorney for the Petitioners

LPXLP

Dakil

AUCTIONEERS, 405-751-6179

www.dakil.com

check out our website

okcfriday.com print replica • sports • photos articles • and more!

MOVING?

Take FRIDAY with you Call 4057553311, x301, Email: jennifer@okcfriday.com or visit okcfriday.com

Celebrating Business

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B9

Casady’s American Design Program partners with community Casady launched its Interdisciplinary Studies program this year with its flagship course, American Design. Juniors take the course, which counts as an English and history credit. Students put the interdisciplinary approach into action through Design Thinking, a non-linear continuous process that allows teams to understand users/clients, define and redefine problems and areas of improvement, ideate innovative solutions, generate prototypes, and test them toward a final product/solution that is desirable, feasible and sustainable. “The design process challenges students to think critically, problem solve, collaborate, research, ask relevant and deep questions, strengthen argumentation skills, organize a process, evaluate multiple sources and put knowledge into tangible action,” said Dr. Janet Hubbell, who leads the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. “The class integrates multiple disciplines into a more complete framework of analysis, driving an inquiry-

Team Four partnered with Crossings Community Clinic to design a five-year plan for art installations in the clinic’s prayer room. The Crossings Community Clinic serves the medical, dental, and vision healthcare needs of uninsured persons in the OKC area.

based methodology, which encourages questions and collaboration, ultimately leading toward a student who is intrinsically motivated.” For their final project, the Citywide Design Challenge, each class was given an umbrella topic. ● Home and Family ● Nature and the Environment ● City Planning/Infrastructure ● Health ● Education

● The Arts These topics provided a foundation for all six teams to identify what direction they wanted to pursue. Students contacted and worked with community clients who presented their real-world problems for the team to analyze and address. As part of the course’s culminating festival, each of the six teams outlined their design process, their challenges, and their solutions with video and photo documentation.

“The students were meticulous in their research, participation, and presentation,” said Nathan L. Sheldon, head of Casady School. “They displayed critical thinking skills, teamwork, and collaboration with each other and with the organization they worked with in the community. I’m proud of their development, and I’m especially excited about the foundation the American Design course has provided for them.” Team One worked with Shiloh Camp, a 40-acre summer and adventure camp for intercity youth. The team redesigned the camp’s art shed and helped to create an art activities binder. Team Two teamed up with OKC Beautiful to rebrand their youth outreach Teen Board. OKC Beautiful is a nonprofit organization formed in 1962 that leads the city’s beautification and environmental stewardship efforts. Team Three set its sights on Period OKC, a volunteerrun organization dedicated to providing free menstrual

OCCC From Page B2 training. Recognizing the challenges of this time and for its students, OCCC has success built into its strategic plan. One of its goals is to strive to close the academic achievement gap that persists with lowincome, first-generation and minority students. OCCC’s Students Connecting Mentors for Success is a

products. The students designed infographics for the group to help raise awareness about period poverty in the metro. Team Four partnered with Crossings Community Clinic to design a five-year plan for art installations in the clinic’s prayer room. The Crossings Community Clinic serves the medical, dental and vision healthcare needs of uninsured persons in the OKC area. Team Five and Healthy Schools OK, an organization created to help combat Oklahoma’s declining health status, worked together to create social media content that highlights the organization's five pillars. Those pillars are Physical Activity, Nutrition Education, Tobacco Use Prevention, Safety and Injury Prevention and Oral Health Education. Team Six designed an art activities booklet and instructional videos for OU Children’s Hospital’s Artist-inResidence program. The program helps critically ill children cope through selfexpression and hands-on art.

program designed to provide students with mentors and resources to facilitate successful academic achievement, higher retention rates and graduation completion, open to all students. The goal is to prepare students for life after OCCC, whether that’s transitioning into the workforce or transferring to a fouryear academic institution. “I am honored to be the 11th president of OCCC,” said Dr. Jones, “and I believe that together we will accomplish exceptionalism in all that we do.”

“I believe that together we will accomplish exceptionalism in all that we do.” — Dr. Mautry Jones, President, OCCC

Frost Yourself hostesses, from left: Valerie Naifeh, Kristen Peck, A.J. Griffen and Robin Krieger.

Frost Yourself benefits ReMerge The Frost Yourself event, sponsored by Paycom Cox Communications, the largest private broadband company in America, took place at Naifeh Fine Jewelry in Nichols Hills Plaza. The event raised over $65,000 for ReMerge, a local nonprofit focused on rehabilitating mothers facing nonviolent felony charges in Oklahoma County. “I am so proud to live in a community where women have chosen to link arms with our organization and help us change the course of countless lives,” said Jenna Morey, executive director of ReMerge. “Frost Yourself gave women in Oklahoma City a chance to create transformative outcomes for mothers, their children and future generations. We are so grateful to Cox and Paycom for making this event possible.” The fundraiser raised money for ReMerge to extend its mission and provide wraparound, comprehensive support to meet the individual needs of their families. Participants were able to view and model jewelry brought in specifi-

DENTIST From Page B2 “I have always enjoyed creating things: from a business to a beautiful smile and now original artwork. I think that is what I love about my day job. I am free to practice with my own standard and expectation of excellence. Thankfully, I have been able to spend the last 28 years treating people with compassionate and uncompromising care, creating beautiful smiles and relationships that will last a lifetime. It is just a bonus that art has become another creative outlet and that other people seem to be appreciating it.”

Valerie Naifeh with Erica Courtney, the guest designer at Frost Yourself. Guests were encouraged to try on jaw dropping colored stone jewelry, model it and be photographed wearing it at the event.

cally for the event, courtesy of Naifeh Fine Jewelry. “Supporting women in our community is a cornerstone of Paycom’s commitment to service,” said AJ Griffin, director of government and community affairs at Paycom. “This event champions our next generation of philanthropists and supports a cause that impacts generations of Oklahomans. It is an honor to be one of the presenting sponsors of such an impactful event, and we are proud to play a part in

providing resources that support Oklahoma mothers and children.” “Cox was honored to partner with Paycom and Naifeh Fine Jewelry to bring this evening of women supporting women to life," said Kristin Peck, vice president of public affairs for Cox. "It was incredible to see the women of Oklahoma City come together for such a deserving cause. We are proud to support ReMerge and bring light to the critical services they provide to women in our community.”

KRATOS From Page B5 aerial systems continue to increase, so too will our investment in Oklahoma. Employing more than 140 Oklahomans today, we expect our facility to continue growing to employ between 350-550 in the next few years to support all aspects of our unmanned systems production. To sustain and fuel our growth, we have partnered with several Oklahoma universities, trade

Some of Dr. Rhodes recent accomplishments are: being voted Best Dentist (OKC area) six years in a row and voted Favorite Cosmetic Dentist in OKC. On his artist side, Dr. Rhodes has sold paintings in London, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Montreal, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and many other cities across the US. He has been selected to participate in many local art shows, winning the Merit Award at Paseo Arts juried show. If you are looking for a compassionate and accomplished dentist, he is currently accepting new patients. Advances in Dentistry, Dr. Corbyn Rhodes and Associates Lake Hefner Parkway and NW 122nd St.

schools, STEM education centers at all levels, and K-12 education programs to support Oklahoma’s next generation of aerospace workers and defense leaders. We look forward to our continued partnership. Together, we will build technologies that will keep our homeland and our warfighters safe and grow Oklahoma’s ecosystem of collaboration between defense installations, industry, workforce, and research institutions to prosper together for the benefit of the entire Sooner State.

Friday Fumble On Page C4 of this edition in the article, “Hard work, knowing people leads to

Andre’s success, Mikael Clayton’s name is misspelled. Also, Andre’s 10-

year-old son is actually Ethan. The newspaper regrets the errors.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B10

Celebrating Business

ZOO From Page B3 endangered animal statues made with more than 1 million toy bricks! This one-of-a-kind exhibit will be located within the Zoo’s butterfly garden area and is designed to connect wildlife fans to many of the planet’s endangered species while “building” an appreciation for conservation and biodiversity. BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise remains on display through Sunday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Purchase a BRICKLIVE Bundle ticket and receive general Zoo admission plus unlimited admission to BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise and Stingray Bay plus all-day rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and Elephant Express Tram. Bundle tickets are $28 for adults ages 12-64 and $25 for children ages 3-11. General admission for BRICKLIVE and seasonal ZOOfriends membership pass options are also be available at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Children 2 and under are free and do not require tickets for entry into BRICKLIVE.

This African Painted Dog is included in the oneof-a-kind BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. More than 1 million bricks are included in the exhibit.

Henry joins OMRF The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has named Kevin Henry as the foundation’s senior director of major gifts and campaigns. Henry arrives at OMRF from the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department, where he served as senior director of principal giving. At OU, he was instrumental in planned giving as well as fundraising for major facility projects and scholarship endowments. “Kevin comes to OMRF with several years of major gift fundraising experience,” said OMRF Vice President of Development Penny Voss. “OMRF has exciting plans for the future, and his skills will be key to generating the increas-ed community support our scientists need.” Henry received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree from Baylor University. Also the color analyst for the OU men’s basketball radio broadcasts, Henry said he felt called to OMRF after meeting with foundation leadership. “Everyone I’ve met has shown a passion for their work, and I can see why,” Henry said. “Medical research improves our collective understanding of disease, ultimately leading to longer, healthier lives. How can you not get excited about that?”

Lyric Theatre

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B11

- Photo by Miki Galloway

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma will open Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel Wednesday, July 5, at the Civic Center Music Hall. It will star Joe Caskey as Billy Bigelow and Julianne Reynolds as Julie Jordan

Lyric to open ‘Carousel’ Wednesday Carousel is the second musical by the team of Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics). The 1945 work was adapted from Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play Liliom, transplanting its Budapest setting to the Maine coastline. The story revolves around carousel barker Billy Bigelow, whose romance with millworker Julie Jordan comes at the price of both their jobs. He participates in a robbery to provide for Julie and their unborn child. After it goes tragically wrong, he is given a chance to make things right. A secondary plot line deals with millworker Carrie Pipperidge and her romance with ambitious fisherman Enoch Snow. The show includes the well-known songs “If I Loved You,” “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You'll Never Walk Alone.” Richard Rodgers later wrote that Carousel was his favorite of all his musicals.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page B12

Celebrating Next Generation

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page C1

Young professionals full of energy, drive

BRIAN BUSEY President/CEO Delaware Resources Page C3

PHILIP BUSEY, JR. Executive Vice President Delaware Resources Page C3

ANDRE CALDWELL Sr. Counsel for Mobility, Surveillance Boeing Defense and Security Page C4

MARGARET CREIGHTON CEO Positive Tomorrows Page C5

JEREMIAH DAVIS Director Oklahoma Contemporary Page C5

CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CEO Flight Page C6

MAREK CORNETT Owner Alain Digital Page C4

SHANNON LOCKWOOD Manager, Workplace Giving Allied Arts Page C6

Celebrating Business

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page C2

Stonecipher: Commend a police officer By Mark K. Stonecipher City Councilman Ward 8 As we read the daily headlines about the rise in violent crime in the United States and with recent calls to defund our police force, I believe it is vitally important that we recognize and support our professional and dedicated police officers. I recently had a shooting in my ward and was able to observe our police officers at work. It was amazing to receive reports about the Violent Crime Team and crime analysists at work. In less than a day, with no eyewitnesses, the team was able to identify the suspect. This is not your Andy Griffith police station of the past. This is a state-of-the-art, modern day, high tech, police force that

makes life safer every day. We must express our gratitude to the officers and support personnel who protect us. Recently, the department added a section on its website that allows residents to “Commend an Officer.” Mark Twain once said: “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” So, I’d encourage everyone to go to okc.gov/departments/ police/contact-us and simply let an officer know he or she did a good job. In a world so hyperfocused on negativity, let’s spread a little positivity by making a sincere effort to thank our hard-working, dedicated, and professional police officers. Finally, we need to continue to help the police department with increased funding for realtime crime center equipment, a wellness center, new lab facili-

ties, additional training facilities, a new emergency management facility, and better salaries and benefits to compete with other agencies. Please let your city council know whether you support these measures. However, the most important thing you can do as a resident is simply tell our officers and police support staff “thank you for your service.” Mark K. Stonecipher is the Oklahoma City Councilman for Ward 8, which is in northwest Oklahoma City. He was first elected to the council in 2015 and currently serves as vice-chairman of the Water and Utilities Trust, chairman of the Judiciary Committee and serves a member of the Economic Development Trust, Riverfront Authority, the Civic Center Foundation and Sister Cities.

MARK STONECIPHER City Councilman, Ward 8

Hall Capital enters second century focused on real estate and automotive It is probably the real estate side of our business that gets the most attention in Oklahoma City. Over the last Our developtwo years, Hall ment work comCapital celebratmenced two ed its centennial decades ago as a company, with the East culminating in Wharf developthe placement ment on Lake of a statue in Hefner, which West Village still hosts our depicting my corporate headgrandfather, quarters. About Fred Jones. My a decade ago, we grandfather saw opportunity spent decades around the old as one of the Ford Model T world’s most plant in west successful Ford downtown dealers. To where our Fred Jones Hall make his busigrandfather got Chairman & CEO ness work, he his start. In Hall Capital needed two 2016, that buildthings above all else – automobiles ing became the 21c Museum Hotel, and land on which to sell them. Our the catalyst for the West Village company pivoted away from dealer- development that now includes ships long ago, but when you conJones Assembly, apartments, and sider Hall Capital’s investment purnumerous small retail businesses. In suits today, you could say we’re still Nashville, we have developed two focused on two things – cars and major buildings on Music Row and real estate. are expecting to do more. And We continue to operate our through our real estate funds, we grandfather’s legacy company, Fred have industrial and suburban office Jones Enterprises, now a parts distri- holdings across the country. bution business for Ford and FCA. My brothers and I have been the Fred Jones Enterprises is still headcaretakers of Hall Capital’s legacy quartered right here in Oklahoma for four decades now, and as we City. Hall Capital is also partners in enter the company’s second century, two automobile parts manufacturers we have no plans to slow down. If – JAC Products and Modineer. If you want to learn more, visit hallyour car has a roof rack or an assist capital.com and feel free to reach out step, there’s a very good chance it’s to us if you see ways we can work a JAC product. together. By Fred Jones Hall Chairman & CEO Hall Capital

Next Generation of Most Powerful Oklahomans

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page C3

BROTHERS IN BUSINESS By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern Taking on the family business right out of college, Brian Busey, has taken a new approach to leadership with his role as president and chief operating officer of Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma (DRG), a defense and aerospace contractor. Brian attended the University of Oklahoma on a fullride scholarship for football and graduated with a degree in finance. Banking and finance are something Brian has always been interested in thus he took on an internship at a bank. It was not long after he started when his father asked him to come and fill a position at his company, DRG. Having just finished college, Brian had little experience in the field and position which entailed leading those more experienced than him. Busey said he was an operations person and he dealt with a lot of various kinds of people all throughout the company. “I'll be honest, I struggled a lot with ego and trying to have the on top of the world mentality,” Brian said. “I have learned to put the employees first. We also have a lot at stake because everyone in my family is involved in some way to the business as well.” Brian saw a need for a

change within his father’s company and he had to pick up a mess left by his predecessor. He said he had a lot of mentors around to guide him through the first 10 years of his position as it took time to gain momentum. “I have seen a lot of people, younger and seasoned, who have had success and failures,” Brian said. “I have made just as many mistakes as I have success stories.” Brian said he is now 20 years into his career and carries the title of a mentor to others. This has allowed him to organize the priorities of the company and his personal life in a well-balanced manner. “I feel like my job is more of a motivator rather than a worker,” Brian said. “You really have to be empathetic and there should be humility involved. I try to trend that in everything I do.” Brian’s leadership style has been emulated by his experience and how he always makes sure to put the employees first. He cited time and patience as keys to success. “I think with today's generation, because of the speed of everything going on, everyone wants to grow up too fast,” Brian said. The biggest advice I can give is to slow down and take it in. You may get burned but that is part of life, the consistency will get you far.”

SLOW DOWN, TAKE IT IN

Brian says time and patience are keys to success

Brian and Janie Busey with their childen Owen and Avery.

These are qualities Brian looks for when he is meeting prospective employees. He said he values long-term

commitment and loyalty. “A sprint lasts only seconds, a marathon takes hours,” Brian said. “You

have to earn it all the way through. Slow down and take it all in. You don’t want to kill the spirit.”

PROUD TO BE OKLAHOMAN

Phil wants to help develop the next generation of aerospace workers By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern As executive vice president and president of commercial entities for Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma (DRG), a defense and aerospace contractor, Philip Busey, Jr. turned his weakness into a strength in his career path. Phil was born and raised in Oklahoma City, graduating from Putnam City North High School and attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He began studying graphic design, but was urged by his mentor to pursue what aligned with his weakest skills in college. As writing was his weakest attribute, Phil said he switched his degree program to mass communication and journalism. While in college, Phil was offered various opportunities in photography and photojournalism with the PR office at SWOSU, SWOSU’s school newspaper and the Weatherford Daily News. After graduating from SWOSU, he began working in Washington, D.C. with his wife Heather Busey. A few years later, Busey’s father, Philip Sr. asked him to join the family business as it was growing. Busey accepted the job offer and moved back to Oklahoma City. “While it was created by my father, my brother (Brian) and I work together with my father to run the business,” Busey said. “The three of us work daily to ensure that DRG continues to grow. Our goal is to reach the target market which is in the defense industry.” He then went on to earn a masters degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in communication leadership from Oklahoma City University. Busey said he has been working with his father’s business ever since he moved back to Oklahoma City and watched as DRG grew.

Heather and Phil Busey with their sons Griffin and Beau.

“We’re a global company, we have global operations,” Phil said. “Being headquartered in OKC is something we are very prideful of. We have a very strong and rich heritage in Oklahoma being Cherokee and Delaware.” DRG is an aerospace and defense industry which works with engineers to create a healthy defense system for the aeronautic world. Phil said being headquartered in Oklahoma City contributes to the success of the mission DRG carries in the aerospace industry.

Phil and DRG are concentrating on reaching the next generation of aerospace engineers and workers. He said the industry needs more employees and he wants to help schools promote these career opportunities to students in high school and college. “There are lots of options for all avenues for all age groups,” Phil said. “Learning and discovering what you can do is so important. I don’t know how to fly a plane, but I am in the aerospace and defense industry.”

Pride for Oklahoma is something Busey said carries closely to him and tries to embody at DRG. From working and promoting students at SWOSU to providing internship programs for those in the Cherokee nation, Busey wants to offer the most opportunity he can to the next generation. “I really do think Oklahoma City is moving in the right direction on many fronts when it comes to attracting talent while also making it a great place to live and work,” Busey said.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page C4

By Rose Lane Editor Relationships and hard work have propelled Andre Caldwell to his new position of senior council for mobility and surveillance at Boeing. A native of South Carolina, Andre, 39, attended Wofford College and came to Oklahoma in 2005 for law school at OU. It was a relationship that brought him to the Sooner State – Dean of Students Stan Evans was like a second father. “I’ve been here long enough now to own a pair of cowboy boots,” Andre said. His first job out of law school was as an assistant U.S. attorney. “I was very fortunate,” Andre said. “No one goes from law school to the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Andre said. “That shaped a lot of where my career is today.” Another relationship afforded him that opportunity. Liesa Ritcher was one of his professors and her husband, John, was the U.S. attorney. “This unique position came open,” Andre said. The U.S. Attorney’s Office had a 14-month position as Mikail Clayton was off to help find Osama Bin Laden. Andre had been offered a position with Crowe & Dunlevy. “I thought, ‘I’ll be here

14 months and will be a better attorney when I go to Crowe,” Andre said. He ended up staying four years and tried 25 federal jury trials of violence and organized crime. “Having only done criminal law, I felt I needed some civil experience,” Andre said. He went to Crowe & Dunlevy in 2012 where he worked in civil litigation and helped build the firm’s white collar criminal defense practice group. “It really shaped civil practice for me,” Andre said. “I got to work with some of the best and brightest lawyers in the state.” He made partner in 2016 and in 2017 an opportunity arose at Ogletree Deakins. Andre said the firm specialized in employment law and was the second biggest in the world to do that. Ogletree was moving into the metro. “I jump off one ladder to the next,” he said. But, again, it was a wonderful opportunity. “I got to help lead and build the OKC office,” Andre said. At Ogletree, he helped establish a work place investigation group and co-chaired an international arm of the company. He became a shareholder in 2020. Then the position at Boeing arose. He very recently began working

RELATIONSHIPS

Hard work, knowing people leads to Andre’s success

Andre and Mary Caldwell with their children, Mahala, Etan and Lincoln.

there. It’s another “once-in-alifetime opportunity” that Andre said he couldn’t pass up. At Boeing, he is to be involved in “very big defense projects.” This move has brought his career full circle. He worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office with John Ritcher, Sandy Coats, Jeb Boatman and Mikael Clayton. Ritcher received a political appointment and Coats became the U.S. attorney. Coats, Boatman and Clayton all went to Boeing and have been promoted

out of Andre’s new position. “I’m filling this position because of relationships and hard work,” he said. Andre is married to Mary, an adjunct law professor at Oklahoma City University. They have three children, Etan, 9; Lincoln, 7; and Mahala, 4. “(Mary’s) the smarter of us,” he said. Andre said his typical day begins at 4:30 a.m. Often he rides his bike for 30 miles in the early morning. On the weekends, he tries to cycle 70-100 miles. “That’s my mental

health, how I get clarity and time to myself,” he said. Andre has run 13 marathons and is on the boards of or is involved with the Hall of Fame, Urban League, Positive Tomorrows, Leadership OKC and the Inasmuch Foundation. He is the past president of the Downtown Club. In between chauffeuring the kids to various activities, the Caldwells flip houses. “Time is fleeting,” he said. “We try to set an example for the kids to be active in the community.”

By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern Marek Cornett wears many hats. She is an entrepreneur and small business owners and mom of four little boys (including triplets). Now, she is putting her hat in the ring for the Ward 6 OKC City Council position. Marek graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s in finance after switching from studying civil engineering. She said she still thrives in the understanding of civil engineering even though she graduated with a different degree. “My career path went one direction but I still became really interested in urban planning,” Marek said. “My whole career doesn't have to be my life and now I have gotten to the point where I have my business and it allows me to be able to swerve in a different way.” After college, she moved onto more non-profit work with Southwest Airlines in Dallas and then moved back to Nor-

man and worked in Oklahoma City. There, she did more fundraising, social media management and human relations. She met her husband, Casey, through Twitter. Marek said she has worn many hats in her professional career, especially leading to her position in Mayor David Holt’s office as the Oklahoma City traffic commissioner. “I have always really been interested in how cities are formed and how they are serving the people,” Marek said. “I have been really outspoken in public transportation. I wanted to make sure all the plans were lined up.” After several runins with infertility, her first son Lyon was born. While he was still a toddler, the triplets, all boys, came along. She said her kids were a huge life chapter change and she hopes to share what she learned with her kids one day. “I grew up in a time where I was pushed really hard to be perfect in everything that I did (and)

DOING WHAT SHE LOVES

With four kids and a business to run, Marek wears many hats

Marek and Casey Cornett with their sons Emmett, Lyon, Logan and Oliver.

to be involved as much as possible,” Marek said. “Once you get to that point, you’re going to want the next thing and the next thing. Find the happy point where you are content in where you are at.” Marek started her own company in 2020, Alaine Digital.

She said she used her former career and life experience to truly discover what she really loves to do. Marek said running for City Council is a unique leadership opportunity through which she hopes to meet new people and make change to inspire the next generation. She

said she enjoys talking to people and discovering what makes them tick, which she implements into urbanism. City planning and organizing is Marek’s passion and she said she hopes to use it to better the Oklahoma City community. “I really do want to serve in some way so

I think City Council really is my best fit and I finally decided that now is the time to take this duty on,” Marek said. Elections for city council will take place in February of 2023. Throughout Marek’s campaign, she said she hopes to show her passion for the city and its organization.

Next Generation of Most Powerful Oklahomans

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At Positive Tomorrows, Margaret brings people together For Positive Tomorrows President and CEO Margaret Creighton, the community in Oklahoma City has helped drive the school’s mission. Creighton grew up just outside of Atlanta, Ga. and made her way to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma City University where she received her degree in dance management. After graduating, she went to New York City for dance but found a passion in nonprofit work with the Ballet Corp Organization. She then moved back to Oklahoma City where she pursued her master’s degree in marketing at OCU. Soon after, she found her place at Positive Tomorrows as the development director. “I wanted to give back in a different way and on a different impact level. I just started looking around and found Positive Tomorrows,” Margaret said. After nine years, Margaret was promoted to president and then CEO in February when the previous CEO retired. Creighton said she has felt fulfilled in the position and being able to serve her community through the Positive Tomorrows mission. Positive Tomorrows is the only elementary school and social services agency in Oklahoma. Its mission is to provide education and support to families who are struggling with homelessness and poverty. “Homelessness can be scary and it can be something we don’t necessarily want to talk about so we just have to show up,” Margaret said. “Our families are in more dangerous situations than a single individual would.” Creighton said she feels like the people who show up to help out are a big part of a strong community. While serving at the helm of Positive Tomorrows, Margaret watches the community coms together. “Wrapping around our families is just one more way our community can get better as a whole,” Creighton said. “Someone has to start that and someone has to be able to get better to make sure our community is moving forward.” Creighton was tired of all the auditioning for dance and said finding Positive Tomorrows has been much more rewarding. “Watching them be so proud of each other as a family and to see them be so proud of each other is the best part,” Creighton said. “As humans we all want to keep growing and I think

DRIVING THE MISSION

By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern

Shaun and Margaret Creighton with their children, Liam, 11, and Lyla, 9.

that watching people achieve goals is pretty amazing.” Creighton said she loves being around the kids and seeing them grow and achieve the littlest but most significant things. There are many groups of volunteers which come through at Positive Tomorrows and Creighton said she loves witnessing the impact they have on the children and their families. “This is a community as a whole and we just need to show up for our community,” Creighton said. “They will tell you that their favorite part is

you showing up for them just by showing up in whatever ways that you can.” After being with Positive Tomorrows for over 10 years and having a family of her own, Creighton said she truly admires all the work put into the kids and their families at Positive Tomorrows. “I am so proud of where we are run and I am so proud of the staff that has worked so well where we are now,” Creighton said. “I am so grateful for the staff and the community that has empowered us with the tools we needed.”

Jeremiah is working to advance the arts in OKC Jeremiah Davis is the director of Oklahoma Contemporary and he uses this opportunity to advance the arts for Oklahoma City’s economy and experience. Jeremiah attended Bennington College in Bennington, Vt. where he received his degree in theater and social science. Upon graduation, he earned extensive theater and production experience when he lived and taught in Turkey and New York City. Jeremiah also received his master’s in dramaturgy at Columbia University while in New York. With a love of theater and the arts growing up, Davis brought that to the education world and now carries a passion for teaching, especially within the fine arts. Davis said he really loved teaching and being around those who truly want to learn and grow in the arts. After 10 years of teaching in New York, Davis moved back to Oklahoma where he began as artistic director at Oklahoma Contemporary in 2016. He moved into the director position as his predecessor decided to retire. Jeremiah said the mission of Oklahoma Contemporary is of high regards. His love for teaching others about the arts is now on a more amplified scale with his position as director. “The mission is to encourage artistic expression through all of its forms and as director I am the keeper of that mission,” Jeremiah said. The arts have grown in popularity around Oklahoma City in recent years. This has been seen through

the advanced food culture, sculpted and painted art, music and theater. “I see my role as being a key liaison in a triangle form of art,” Jeremiah said. “The first point being art in all forms, the next being the audiences and the third being our community.” Oklahoma City’s growth in the fine arts has boosted the economy and Jeremiah said though Oklahoma Contemporary hopes to continue this growth. He said every place needs to integrate the arts in order to be successful. “You have seen so many creative developments throughout the city,” Jeremiah said. “The city is being thought of as a destination for food culture and arts and there are so many, we have opened their doors in the last five years or so.” Jeremiah Davis, right, with his family sister-in-law Evie and brother Stephen Proud of the Thomas, their daughter Hailey and Jeremiah’s wife Annie. growth within his Oklahoma City community, Jeremiah why reaching out to the next generwho you are, it is imperative to looks to the next generation to conations is important. experience different artist experitinue this growth within the city. “Collaborate with whoever you ences and to ask questions about “The most important thing peocan in the world of ideas to get those experiences.” ple can do is expose themselves as together and influence one another Oklahoma Contemporary’s goal much as possible to art and culwhich facilitates these periods of is to promote the creative and eduture,” Davis said. “It doesn’t matter cational arts in Oklahoma which is cultural flourishing,” Davis said.

LIAISON IN TRIANGLE OF ART

By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern

Next Generation of Most Powerful Oklahomans

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page C6

By Rose Lane Editor At just 38, Christopher Lloyd is the CEO of a company that employs 20+ people. He said he hopes to use his experience to help those who are coming up behind him. Christopher is a 2002 graduate of Putnam City North High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma to study film and religion. At Crossings Community Church, Christopher was able to help the organization build its film team. In 2016, Christopher said he decided to do his own thing. With Kris Murray, he started Spark Creative. In 2018, they acquired Scissortail Media and in 2020, Casey Cornett joined Spark through a joint venture. In 2021, Spark acquitted Studio Flight, the agency of record for clients like OU Health and former owner of Orange Leaf. The company sold Orange Leaf and was left with a marketing company with nothing to market. Christopher said at the time, Spark had five staff openings and with the acquisition, they got some great employees. Spark, Scissortail and Studio Flight brands were all doing different things. But, with the acquisitions, the company could do everything in-house and didn’t need to contract work. Thus, the company became Flight. “It really changed us,” Christopher said. “We want-

ed our people to know their clients.” Flight’s offerings include branding, strategy, film and web. Christopher said the company’s growth has been tremendous. “It is a lot bigger than we expected,” he said. “As one of the younger CEOs in the this city, I have the opportunity to help young professionals.” His role at Flight is to understand perspective. He said his door is always open. “Let’s talk,” Christopher said. “Everyone has a valuable perspective.” Flight’s clients include OU Health, the Thunder and Heartland Payment Systems. “We don’t say yes to anything we can do internally if we can’t do it well.” he said. Christopher has won two Emmys from the Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. “My passion has always been the arts,” he said. He has served or is serving on a number of nonprofit boards. His time with the OKCPHIL Board was a glimpse into how boards operate. He is the treasurer of the OKC Ballet Board. Christopher serves on the boards of Lyric Theatre, OK Contemporary, Leadership OKC YLX and Downtown OKC Bricktown District. Christopher is also vice president of Limbs for Life. “Oklahoma City is blessed by the theatrical talent we have, through organizations like Lyric Theatre,” he said. With a long-time goal of being a part of a show that

MENTORING YOUNG PROS

Christopher hopes to help those coming up behind him

Christopher Lloyd, right, and his partner Erik Salazar at The Tony Awards.

opened on Broadway, Christopher got involved with the American Theatre Wing (the organization that puts on the Tony Awards) in 2017. “Through an interaction at the Tonys in 2018, I joined a producing group that puts on both original and revivals on Broadway,” he said “In

2018, I was a part of a new musical starring Marilu Henner that opened at the Belasco Theatre. “Since then, I have continued my supporting role with The Wing and also had the opportunity to celebrate the best of theatre at the Tony Awards several times, including this current year."

As he sat down to write his goals for 2022, one that came to mind was to finish that college degree he started in the early 2000s. Christopher already had over 100 credit hours. “I just finished my first class in the Business/Organizational Studies program and I got an A,” he said.

By Rachel Dallalio Student Intern Allied Arts employee giving manager Shannon Lockwood has a deep passion for the fine arts in Oklahoma City. Shannon is from Edmond. She received her degree from the University of Oklahoma in music education. With a love of music, Shannon was a band and choir director for 12 years at Deer Creek Schools. She said she had always been surrounded by music and art. Soon, Shannon was offered a new opportunity. A friend of her’s was leaving Allied Arts and asked Shannon if she would apply for her position. Lockwood said she was sad to be leaving teaching, but excited about being an advocate for the arts. “A lot of people don’t realize the true value of art,” Lockwood said. “We need leaders in the arts to be advocates and to have access to the arts to be. If we don’t have leaders, the arts will disappear.” In her position as employee giving

manager, she helps companies and organizations to plan and organize their Allied Arts campaigns. “We need every kid to have access to the arts,” Lockwood said. “We need to make sure we are supporting others with access to all the things they need, the things that make it like when you have a strong arts community, that is a huge deal to the economy.” While working with these campaigns, Lockwood gives presentations to advocate for the fine arts with Allied Arts and the campaigns it hosts. She said this gives her the opportunity to share how strong the community can be with the arts at the center. “Quality of life is a major driver for the arts,” Lockwood said. “Not every community has that (the arts). We need leadership in the arts to make sure every one of those organizations doing those arts is advocated for. We simply cannot afford to lose the arts.” While working with Allied Arts and various other companies during their campaigns, Lockwood

ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS

Shannon believes everyone should have access to the arts

Shannon Lockwood and her husband Jeff.

met a neurologist who started learning the violin at age 60. His message gave Lockwood the strive to continue her advocacy for the arts in Oklahoma. “He said that ‘music is one of the best ways to create

new neural pathways in the brain,’” Lockwood said. “Performing on a musical instrument is one of the best ways to improve your brain as you’re older.’ Creative problem solving is a very human thing the arts create.”

Lockwood advocates for the arts in all ages because it is important for all aspects of life. “I am just one person and I sometimes get 15 or 45 minutes and I use every second for advocacy,” Lockwood said. “I am

one voice and if I can help people understand the importance, then it benefits everyone else.” For more information on Allied Arts or how to support the arts in Oklahoma, visit alliedartsokc. com.

Celebrating Business

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page C7

Judge Kenneth Stoner addresses the attendees at the Oklahoma County Drug Court Spring 2022 Celebration of Graduates. Treatment courts support positive futures in our community and contribute to lower crime rates. Also on stage: Assistant District Attorney Kelly Basey and Assistant Public Defender Madison Mellon.

Reforms contribute to declining crime rates in OKC Violent crime is surging across the nation, yet Oklahoma City’s violent crime rates have dropped over the past several years. The positive momentum we are witnessing must be met with continued investment from a variety of stakeholders. When law enforcement, city leadership, diversion integrators, activists, and residents share an understanding of a path to success, we all benefit. Over the past several years, our nation’s violent crime rates have steadily grown. This increase may be in part due to the rise in political, social, and economic tensions, which have been intensified by the pandemic. Contrary to the national trend, Oklahoma County’s violent crime decreased from 2018 to 2020, according to OSBI’s crime statistics reports. Key initiatives in achieving crime reduction goals include the use of diversion programs, which help

decrease jail time and connect individuals with resources proven to decrease the appeal of committing offenses. Oftentimes, the level of criminal activity in which an individual is involved does not warrant the punitive action taken against them. In fact, it is often counterproductive. Oklahoma County’s decreasing incarceration rate helps demonstrate that levels of criminal activity and jail populations can and should decline at the same time. TEEM, ReMerge, Mental Health Court, Drug/DUI Court, Misdemeanor Diversion Court and Veterans Court are examples of programs that not only support positive futures for members of our community, they also help reduce crime through providing better options. Oklahoma City’s crime levels still remain higher than ideal, indicating there is still important work to be done. We must commit to ensuring progress continues.

Brittani Hunter takes helm of district The Oklahoma City Adventure District (OKCAD) announced the hiring of Brittani Hunter as executive director. Hunter will be responsible for leading and managing the OKCAD including bolstering fundraising activities, marketing its members as well as promoting the area’s momentum and opportunities for economic development. A Tulsa native, Hunter earned dual bachelors of science degrees in sport management and marketing from Oklahoma

State University and a master of business administration with a focus of management from Southern Nazarene University. Her experience with the Oklahoma City Thunder created a passion for community engagement and as owner of Spiked. A Coffee Concept, located on NE 23rd Street, Hunter has further strengthened her business skills and local community ties. Using her entrepreneurial background, Hunter plans to work closely with the OKCAD Board to build relation-

ships in the district and across the city to foster sustainable change in northeast Oklahoma City. “We are excited to welcome Brittani in her new role,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director and OKCAD Board Chair. “Brittani brings incredible experience and enthusiasm to this position. Through her leadership, we are confident she will continue to propel the District forward while building on our mission and connections with our members, visitors and the community.”

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Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page D1

Celebrating Nonprofits INSIDE: • Center for Nonprofits, Page D2 • OMRF, Page D3 • United Way of Central OK, Page D4

• Latino Community Develop., Page D5 • Neighborhood Services, Page D5 • Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, Page D7

Nonprofit leaders praise their patrons for unwavering support By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Oklahoma City’s two major umbrella nonprofit organizations report a vast improvement post pandemic with record-breaking fundraising campaigns and strong community support for their member agencies. Both United Way and Allied Arts praise their central Oklahoma supporters for unwavering support during the pandemic and economic downturn. United Way of Central Oklahoma has a network of 55 partner agencies while operating United Way of Canadian County and United Way of Logan County for a total of 83 social service partner agencies who benefit from their efforts. Throughout its 99-year

Kathy and Jeff Yinger volunteer for Upward Transitions’ Hello Austin American Tourister event which included jewelry and wine pulls, silent and live auctions and performances by the DRIVE Band.

history United Way of Central Oklahoma has raised $657 million in support of their partners. Allied Arts’ mission of enriching lives through advancement of the arts benefits more than 40 member agencies and grantees. Since its founding in

1971 Allied Arts has infused more than $86 million into the central Oklahoma cultural community. Last week nearly 300 Allied Arts donors, art administrators, artists, volunteers and friends marked the end of the See PATRONS, Page D4

Celebrating Nonprofits

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page D2

MARNIE TAYLOR

The pandemic is not over for nonprofits By Marnie Taylor President & CEO OK Center for Nonprofits Many Oklahomans are happily moving on from the pandemic and embracing a return to their pre-pandemic routines. Nonprofits do not have this option. We will be unraveling the pandemic’s impacts for years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 47 million Americans voluntarily quit their jobs last year. The unprecedented mass exit left nonprofits in competition with the private sector to retain and recruit top talent. The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) found that 34 percent of Oklahoma charitable organizations lost staff last year. Attempts to fill those vacancies have been largely unsuccessful, with 54 percent of Oklahoma nonprofits reporting that job applicants turned down an offer because the salary was not competitive – leaving nonprofits with fewer employees to confront the increased demand for social services. Sixty-one percent of Oklahoma non-

profits say their services are needed more now than before the pandemic, and most are struggling to keep up. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that the economic downturn disproportionally impacted people of color, women and undocumented workers, many of whom are reliant on nonprofits. Housing instability for renters skyrocketed. On average, students emerged from the pandemic five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading. Domestic violence, drug use, eating disorders and mental health issues also increased. The cumulative effects of these statistics result in Oklahomans needing more support and social services, which the nonprofit community provides. The services the charitable community provides Oklahomans are essential for our state’s wellbeing. We are still unraveling the pandemic’s impacts. We will be in recovery mode for years to come, but as our sector has proven time and time again, we will not waver. We are here to help all Oklahomans.

Celebrating Nonprofits

Maj. Gen. Stan Newman made his first donation to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in 1948. Today, he is one of OMRF's longest-time individual donors, with a streak of 49 consecutive years of giving.

Major giver: WWII veteran, Fridaylander one of OMRF’s longest-running donors The Fourth of July calls veterans to mind. And at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, staff members have known one longer than any other: Nichols Hills’ Maj. Gen. Stanley Newman. Newman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. He flew 57 missions as a tactical reconnaissance pilot by the war’s end. Soon after returning to his native Illinois, his father offered him a job managing a building in downtown Oklahoma City. He jumped at the chance. It was 1948, and an early stroll through the hallways brought Newman to Hugh Payne, OMRF’s first employee, who was leasing office space. The first impression was a lasting one. “I just knew OMRF would be the key to finding cures,” Newman said, and he soon donated to a campaign to build the nonprofit foundation’s first labs. He’s been a supporter ever since and currently counts a streak of 49 consecutive gifts.

Much has changed since Newman’s first contribution. OMRF is now a leading independent research institute, and discoveries in its labs have yielded a trio of life-changing drugs. Meanwhile, Newman found his way back to the cockpit, joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, served in Korea and Vietnam, and retired as a general after 41 years. “Having donors like Maj. Gen. Newman, who give year in and year out, is about the highest seal of approval a nonprofit can receive,” said OMRF President Dr. Andrew S. Weyrich. “Their faith reminds us that we are stewards not just of their money, but of their hopes and dreams. And that’s not something we take lightly.” Newman takes pride in OMRF’s achievements. Supporting science, he said, has made him feel as if he has a stake in each discovery that comes from its labs. “I get a great deal of satisfaction from the knowledge that we helped when we could.”

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Celebrating Nonprofits

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WayFinder Grants encourage creativity among nonprofits By Debby Hampton President & CEO United Way of Central OK When people in our community think about Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector, United Way of Central Oklahoma wants them to think of innovation. Raising funds is a significant part of who United Way is, but growing our impact and how we support nonprofits is equally important to us. Innovation that steps out of the box for Oklahoma is where we’re headed. Since 2019, we have witnessed innovation that has moved more than mountains. The WayFinder Innovation

DEBBY HAMPTON Grant was established three years ago to encourage local nonprofits to develop ideas to

resolve health and human services challenges within our community. So far, nine nonprofits have launched programs to address stubborn issues that our neighbors face. We’re proud of the work these nonprofits are dedicated to: • City Care’s The Samaritan App; • The Homeless Alliance’s Curbside Apparel; • Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Homeless Street Outreach OKC and Mobile Medical Intervention; • ReMerge’s Catalyst Cookies; • YWCA Oklahoma City’s Raise the Bar; • Urban League of Greater

Oklahoma City’s Real Talk, Brother; • NewView’s Mobile Low Vision Clinic; • Goodwill Industries of Oklahoma’s Simulated Forklift Operations and Virtual Reality Employment Training; and • Youth & Family Services’ Intergenerational Impact at Intrada. The 10 programs these nonprofits created were made possible by WayFinder Innovation Grant funding in the range of $10,000 to $250,000, and they meet genuine community needs that were wellresearched by each nonprofit. And the most significant aspect of all — they did not yet exist in Oklahoma.

PATRONS From Page 1 2022 campaign. At the celebration event held at Oklahoma Contemporary, campaign chairmen Sody and Robert Clements announced the organization raised a historic $4,823,790 for central Oklahoma’s cultural community through the 2022 campaign and American Rescue Act Plan funds. United Way of Central Oklahoma kicks off its campaign on Sept. 8 at the Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. During its annual meeting in February, it was announced that the 2021 campaign raised a total of $17.8 million to support social services agencies in central Oklahoma. “Our communities constantly step up to the plate for our partner agencies,and the duration of the pandemic has been no differen,t” said Debby Hampton, president, and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. “The many organizations and companies that support our fundraising efforts are more lively than ever with their dedication to making our communities a better place to live.” Deborah McAuliff Senner, president and CEO of Allied Arts of Central Oklahoma, mirrored Hampton’s sentiment. “Allied Arts is fortunate to have a network of steadfast and generous supporters, many of which have been donating since Allied Arts’ founding in 1971,” said Senner. “Our corporate, foundation and individ-

We’re on a journey to give the gift of innovation, and all central Oklahoma nonprofits are welcome. To apply, nonprofits must be a registered 501(c)(3) and located within our service area. Collaborative programs are encouraged, and agencies should have a plan for measurable outcomes. Projects should serve diverse populations and be non-restrictive. Finalists will go through a “Shark Tank-style” panel interview process. WayFinder Innovation Grant applications will open later this year. For more information about program requirements, visit unitedwayokc.org/wayfindergrant.

ual donors have stepped up in tremendous ways to support us and our arts groups. Projections reveal that it will take three to five years for nonprofit cultural agencies to recover from pandemic-related losses and increased expenses, so Allied Arts will continue to fight for additional dollars.” Upward Transitions is a United Way partner agency which serves families and individuals who are homeless at risk of becoming homeless or stranded by providing case management and stabilizing resources to meet basic social needs. It was founded in 1925 as Travelers Aid and is one of the oldest non-profits in Oklahoma City. Upward Transitions was one of the first to become a partner agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma. “We cannot say enough about our supporters,” said Periann Pulliam, CEO at Upward Transitions. “As you might imagine, there was an increase in homelessness following the pandemic, but our donors were aware of the need and stepped up this year financially to support our mission. Our supporters helped us serve over 5,500 people in our 2021 fiscal year.” Pulliam is optimistic about the future, saying the organization has set new records in fundraising for both its annual campaign and American Tourist fundraising event. “We believe in our community which steps up whenever its citizens are in need,” she said. “We trust our donors and volunteers will continue to support the most vulnerable in our community

and address the challenges of homelessness. However, we are concerned about the financial impact the economy and inflation may have on our supporters.” Canterbury Voices, an Allied Arts agency, was founded in May 1969 as Canterbury Choral Society and first met at Fridayland’s All Souls Episcopal Church with 60 singers. Its first concert outside was a sold-out performance held at the Stage Center in downtown OKC. Canterbury now performs in Oklahoma City’s premier performance venue, the Civic Center Music Hall. In 1997, Canterbury took the reins of the Children’s Choral Society of Oklahoma and grew into a four-choir, 200-voice, educational organization. The non-profit arts organization collaborates with other arts organization including the OKC Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Ballet and Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra, as well as talented musicians from throughout the US. Canterbury joined Andrea Bocelli in concert at the Civic Center Music Hall recently. The 160member Adult Chorus is the flagship program – the largest of its kind in Oklahoma. Pam Mowry, executive director of Canterbury Voices said its patrons are “coming back in record numbers, we have full choirs and continue to thrive in delivering our mission. “Our experience during the pandemic was inspirational,” said Mowry. “While it was challenging to sing in masks for long periods of time, we saw great success and made beautiful music happen in Oklahoma City.” The group’s innovative world premiere performance of Edward Knight and MJ Alexander’s composition, “Of Perpetual Solace” in remembrance of the Murrah Building bombing, has earned Canterbury finalist positions in several categories for the American Prize. “Fundraising during the pandemic and after has been challenging,” she added. “While some corporations have cut funding for various reasons, some foundations are redirecting and refocusing their funding priorities, while others are emerging as supporters of the arts. “Some sectors have become more reticent in their giving, while others are doing well and have become more eager to contribute,” she said. “Fortunately, individual contributions have remained steady. Our patrons have risen to the moment by recognizing Canterbury’s need during this time.”

Celebrating Nonprofits

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The Tony Reyes Bilingual Child Development Center program is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This program is important to all central Oklahomans because it cares for nearly 100 children each weekday while their parents work in some of the region’s most vital employment sectors—healthcare, hospitality, food processing and construction.

Latino Community Development Agency

Celebrating 25 years of investing in kids By Raúl Font, EdD President & CEO Latino Community Development Agency Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) celebrates a major historic milestone this year. Among our two-dozen social service, education and healthcare programs, the Tony Reyes Bilingual Child Development Center program celebrates its 25th anniversary. This program is important to all central Oklahomans because it cares for nearly 100 children each weekday while their parents work in some of the region’s most vital employment sectors—healthcare, hospitality, food processing and construction—as examples, and it prepares the youngest among us to get a jump on education so when the time comes, they are prepared for their very first day of school. This major investment in people who speak a different language, are hard workers and vital to the region’s economy and future is a win-win. Of our two south OKC program sites, one provides Early Head Start services for up to 48 children, ages

zero to three, and the other site provides early child care and education services for children ages three to five, for an additional 45 children. Both sites have accreditation from the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services, and National Association for the Education of Young Children. Tony Reyes Bilingual Child Development Center, established in 1997 in memory of Antonio "Tony" C. Reyes, a child advocate who mentored LCDA kids, was borne out of one man’s desire to see every child have the same opportunity affluent children had, but in a bilingual setting that was culturally and linguistically age-appropriate. Mr. Reyes died in the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing, but his niece, Nina Gonzales, turned his vision into the program that bears his name. And our child development program is growing! We recently unveiled two new Nature Explore® outdoor classrooms, a nationwide, curriculum-based education program that seeks to help nature become an integral, joyful part of children’s daily learning.

NSO changing lives of Oklahomans Neighborhood Services Organization has been serving our Oklahoma City community for more than 100 years. Through transitional and permanent housing programs, Oklahoma’s only low-cost dental clinic, the state’s

largest WIC clinic and more, NSO is changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans every year. We’re working quietly within our communities to empower our neighbors, restore their dignity and inspire hope for their future.

By giving these individuals the tools they need to be successful, we can create significant change today and impact future generations of tomorrow. But we cannot do this alone. Matilda See NSO, Page D6

Celebrating Nonprofits

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page D6

Matilda Clements, former Neighborhood Services Organization Board member and longtime supporter, inset, and resident Victoria and her two children can attest to the work of the organization.

NSO From Page D5

Clements, a former NSO board member and longtime supporter, can tell you just how impactful your support is for the people NSO serves. “Many times, you look at organizations and you think “if I write this check will these dollars really reach directly to the clients that are served?” and I have seen that firsthand [with NSO]. The programs directly benefit from those dollars immediately. If I was telling a friend or family member what is the biggest impact that you could do with those dollars, it would handsdown be go to NSO.” Your support helps mothers

like Victoria and her children. After being abused and then abandoned by her birth mother in 5th grade, Victoria spent the next 13 years moving from couch to couch, battling depression and enduring abuse from those who should have been helping her. At just 20 years old, Victoria gave birth to her son, and they couch surfed together. Finally, after giving birth to her second child three years later, Victoria reached out for help one last time and found NSO. "I don't feel hopeless. My children are five and two, and I am so thankful that my oldest won't remember couch surfing and my youngest won't ever have to experience it." You can help Victoria and so many more. Visit nsookc.org/ give today!

Celebrating Nonprofits

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Mural Syndicate provides a safe haven for art By Kris Kanaly Oklahoma Mural Syndicate In 2016, a group of artists and like-minded individuals banded together to create the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate (OMS), a nonprofit dedicated to funding the Plaza Walls mural project with an expanded focus on creating public art throughout the entire state. Since its inception, OMS has facilitated over 400 murals and given rise to six annual events, with another 100 murals slated for creation in 2022 alone. These murals create jobs, generate commerce, and drive tourism. As a result, Oklahoma City has been reinforced as a top tourist attraction, being named one of the top 10 cities for street art in the United States by USA Today for the second year in a row. OMS events served roughly 40,000 people in 2021, generating an economic impact of over $1.5 million. Collectively, OMS has raised over $350,000 for these events, with $104,000 going to pay artists in 2021. The economic impact is a byproduct of the work of OMS because its ultimate goal is to improve daily lives and enhance communities by creating art that inspires the next generation. OMS is also known for providing safe places for self-expression and increasing Oklahoman’s appreciation for the arts. Through festivals and special projects, communities are united by intentionally including and highlighting the talents of diverse artists. With over 400 artists from all over the world applying to paint murals in Oklahoma this year, the future of public art in Oklahoma is very bright. The economic and cultural significance of OMS is immense and a worthy investment. OMS encourages all Oklahomans to foster this vital work, by attending events and funding the arts.

Photos are examples of murals facilitated by the Oklahoma Mural Association.

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Celebrating Tourism

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page E1

INSIDE: • DRG, Page E3 • Generator Supercenter, Page E4 • The VillagesOKC, Page E4 • Laura Lynn’s Homecare, Page E5 • Retirement Investment, Page E6 • Allergy, Asthma Center, Page E7

Post pandemic, museums enjoy strong attendance By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Two prominent Oklahoma City museums are reporting strong attendance figures following pandemic restrictions that closed one down for six weeks and restricted attendance during the grand opening of the other. People are flocking to the First Americans Museum, located along the Oklahoma River downtown, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, situated upon Persimmon Hill in northeast Oklahoma City, during a start of a summer season full of events, activities and exhibitions. Oklahoma City’s First Americans Museum (FAM) opened Sept. 18, 2021, at a time CDC rules and guidelines were changing frequently. During the pandemic, the museum capped attendance to 3,500 people each day and sold out every day of its grand opening celebrations. Since opening nine months ago, the museum has attracted more than 90,000 visitors. “We spent a lot of time creating a strategy that would allow us maximum participation within the CDC guidelines for group gatherings,” said Ginny Underwood, marketing and communications manager at First Americans Museum. “Keeping our community healthy and safe was a top priority. Ultimately, we required advance event ticket purchase online and timed entry to the galleries.” Underwood attributes strong media coverage and travelers from across the United States and the state for its attendance figures. “We launched our education program that often draws large crowds and our Indigenous Peoples Day event in October had grand opening size crowds,” she said. FAM has now lifted COVID restrictions and reports, “everyone has been eager to get back to a sense of normal.” “We get both local visitors and out of town guests,” Underwood said of the museum located at the intersection of two of America’s most traveled interstate highways. “Right now, you only pay admission when you visit the galleries. The FAM Mound, Thirty Nine Restaurant and the FAMstore are accessible for free. We want local folks to come back again and again.” July is loaded activities at FAM with special camps offered for children and adults, including Teen

Empowerment, Stickball 101, Music Composition 101 and special weekend Coffee with the Curator events. The museum has announced upcoming events for Indigenous Peoples Day and their FAM Gala in September. While FAM is building its constituency, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has a nearly 70-year history of attracting visitors from throughout the world. The pandemic and COVID restrictions caused Oklahoma City’s museum icon to close to the public for six weeks starting in March 2020. “Thanks to our viral social media campaign with Tim, our director of security, we had a 74 percent increase in following for Facebook, 508 percent for Instagram and 3,043 percent for Twitter,” said Seth Spillman, chief marketing and communica-

tions officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, or The Cowboy as it is commonly referred to. “We were able to grow our digital audience significantly during that time, which increased awareness of the museum and helped with admissions when we reopened.” Spillman reported attendance for 2021 was up 6 percent over 2019. “Attendance continues to be strong,” he said. “We had strong attendance in the spring of 2021 with our popular Spiro exhibition and the return of our annual Chuck Wagon Festival. 2022 is tracking closely to 2021.” “With our 50th Annual Prix de West Exhibition & Sale up through Aug. 7, plus special events like the Red Earth Festival and National Day of the See MUSEUMS, Page 2

Since opening nine months ago, the First Americans Museum has attracted more than 90,000 visitors. FAM opened Sept. 18, 2021, at a time CDC rules and guidelines were changing frequently.

Celebrating Tourism

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page E2

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum enjoyed a large social media following during the pandemic, thanks to the efforts of its director of security. Now, a need to get out and visit attractions has driven attendance numbers up.

MUSEUMS From Page 1 Cowboy, we expect to have a busy summer here at The Cowboy,” said Natalie Shirley, president and CEO. “We are expecting to see thousands of people come through our doors this summer.” Shirley noted a pent-up need to get out and visit attractions again. “Our strong attendance both at the museum and for our special events since reopening shows people are excited about having the experiences back in their lives that only attractions like ours can bring,” she said. The Cowboy has a full summer calendar including hosting the annual Red Earth Festival, which contin-

ues through Saturday, and summer camps through July 22. “Colter’s Hell: Yellowstone National Park at 150 opens June 25 and will allow visitors to experience the art and history of the national park using works from the museum’s permanent collection and two paintings currently on loan from the Gilcrease Museum,” said Spillman. “While Looking Through the Windows to the West will open July 29, exploring the art of Wilson Hurley, the painter of the five enormous triptychs that grace the walls of The Cowboy’s Sam Noble Special Events Center. The First Americans Museum and The Cowboy have launched a joint ticket that provides admission for one adult to both museums for $25. Additional ticket information can be found on their websites, nationalcowboymuseum.org and famok.org.

Celebrate Business

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Busey family members at ribbon cutting of new headquarters building in 2016. Phil G. Busey Sr. is seated. Others pictured from left to right are Philip Busey, holding his son Griffin; Cathy Busey, Brian Busey and Emily Busey.

A 20-year journey By Phil G. Busey Sr. Chairman and CEO DRG and The Busey Group of Companies It is an honor to be named to the Oklahoma’s most powerful leaders. This year marks the 20th year of operation for Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC (DRG) as a recognized aerospace and defense contractor based in OKC. . Our story has been one of perseverance, resilience and gratitude. Awards mark milestones. What matters is how we use them. I had practiced law in Oklahoma City and nationally for 20 years, representing large financial institutions. In the late 1990s, I was trying to refocus my career. I had lost my job and didn’t know exactly what I was going to do. Fraught with worry about how we were going to pay our bills, I had to get up from the dinner table. Cathy followed me to the hall. She placed her hand's on my shoulders and asked “what was wrong.” I told her. She said is that all? Look back into the kitchen at our children. “That is what is

important.” It was like an epiphany. I began to turn things around. What is important is not to give up. Adversity can lead to finding the ability, faith and courage to achieve things you didn’t think you could. DRG began to provide a contracting solution by forming a Native American-owned minority company to support Boeing. A chance meeting at a trade show with a Boeing buyer led to the creation of DRG as an aerospace and defense contractor and a business relationship that has lasted decades. Throughout the years, we have added countless additional contracts and serve the USAF, USN, Lockheed,Boeing and others. Training pilots on all major military aircraft. We have grown over 8,000 percent since 2002, from two of us to nearly 900 employees worldwide at over 130 locations. We are truly a family business now with our children in the business, too. Our sons Brian and Philip, who started with DRG after college and have earned significant See DRG, Page E7

Celebrate Business

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With Generator Supercenter showrooms in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton, generator needs can be met with ease and confidence.

Generator Supercenter quick to address questions, concerns Generator Supercenter of Oklahoma is the company for all your generator needs. We provide highquality models, have factory certified technicians for repairs and maintenance, and offer turnkey installations. We are the number No. 1 Generac dealer in North America. Our employees have extensive training to provide a professional experience every step of the way. Generator Supercenter of Oklahoma, is Oklahoma’s No. 1 Generac dealer. Our staff of knowledgeable, dedicated professionals takes pride in providing outstanding, personalized service to our customers and our community. Generator Supercenter of Okla-

homa is locally-owned and operated. Austin Partida is an Oklahoma native from Southwest Oklahoma. His business partner, Scott Kirkland, is from Tulsa. These two owners work diligently to improve the life of Oklahomans by providing a home standby system for their homes and businesses. With showrooms in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton, your generator needs can be met with ease and confidence. When you work with the professionals at Generator Supercenter of Oklahoma, you can rest assured that you will have all of your questions answered and concerns addressed before your project even begins.

GIFT Workshop provides peace of mind for participants By Kris Rush VillagesOKC Member The older I get, my biggest challenge is getting – and staying – organized. There are just way too many other FUN things to do! Thankfully when it comes to planning for the future, VillagesOKC – a dynamic, energizing organization connecting mature adults 50+ to resources fostering independence, active living and graceful aging – came to my rescue! Gathering Information for Transitions (The GIFT) is the answer. The GIFT is an

interactive workshop led by trained VillagesOKC facilitators. Participants in these confidential small-group sessions complete their own step-by-step workbook capturing detailed personal, legal, medical, financial, and real estate information, passwords, personal preferences, emergency contacts, a crisis plan and much more. It’s exactly what spouses, children or caregivers need in stressful family times. Together the class talks through tough questions, challenges and options – and captures solutions for their own “what if’s” in the

future. Materials are easily updated. Most importantly, when they’re done, participants are encouraged to talk through their new plans with key family members. Before he passed away, my beloved husband, Dick Rush, and I gathered all the key info we thought our families might need. But The GIFT revealed things we missed: Invaluable info for anyone stepping in during a crisis. Peace of mind for me as a potential care receiver, today. Things like: • What’s your daily See VILLAGES, Page E5

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Laura Lynn’s Home Care

KRIS RUSH

VILLAGES From Page E4 Laura Lynn’s mission is simple; provide the highest quality, private-duty and in-home care.

A legacy of caring, 20 years in the making Caring for aging or ailing loved ones can be the hardest job anyone will ever have. Long hours, constant worry and neverending tasks can quickly become overwhelming. Laura Hicks knew that feeling all too well. For years, she was the sole caregiver for her mother, who was battling a terminal illness. “Most of my time was spent doing work and I wasn’t able to really be there with her. It was not the best situation for her or me,” says Laura. Following the passing of her mother, Laura set out to help families across Oklahoma City who were struggling with the same challenges.

Taking all that she had learned during her years as a caregiver, Laura opened Laura Lynn’s Home Care in 2002. The mission was simple; provide the highest quality, private-duty and in-home care. She quickly found that families across the area were desperate to find qualified, compassionate caregivers to provide dependable assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, light housework, transportation, errands and more. Twenty years later, Laura Lynn’s Home Care has grown from just a handful of caregivers to a team of nearly 100 Certified Nursing Assistants. In 2019, the company celebrated the opening

of a new company headquarters on May Avenue in The Village. Laura’s steadfast vision to serve others has never wavered. That same commitment is shared by her daughter, Courtny Steward, who operates the company alongside her mom and longtime team member turned co-owner, Lori Brasel. Despite all the successes and growth since those early days, it’s still the little things that mean the most to Laura. “My greatest pleasure is having a family call and say thank you,” she says. For more information, visit LauraLynnsHomeCare.com or call (405) 418-2961.

living routine? • Who are emergency contacts? • If you’re in the hospital and unable to speak, what do you absolutely need staff to know? Well, it sounds crazy, but I go nuts wearing those hospital socks – unless the toe seams faced out. But without notes in my GIFT binder, who would tell a hospital helper? • Who are my closest neighbors and friends – and how to reach them? • My kitty has bad allergies and specific meds. Who’s his vet? His caretaker when I’m away? Food and other care routines? My GIFT binder is complete, easy to update, organized. And, thanks to The GIFT facilitators and terrific folks in my class, it was so much fun. To learn more about The GIFT, go to www.thegiftworkshop.org. Call (405) 990-6637 or email info@villagesokc.org.

Celebrate Business

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RIA keeps clients on track

From left: Carol Ringrose Alexander, CFP®; Chad Rudy, CFP®; Brenda Bolander, CFP®; Andrew Flinton, CFP®; and Randy L. Thurman, CFP®.

Throughout life, you will come to many decision points. Traversing these forks in the road can be challenging, such as getting married, having children, saving for retirement, buying a home, paying for college, changing jobs, caring for your parents, preparing for your own retirement, and ensuring that your money will last through your lifetime. The choices you make at these critical decision points can impact the rest of your life. One false move can set you back. Finding a

trusted advisor to help you navigate every life stage is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right advisor will keep you focused on your true north through every decision point. The day-to-day movement of the market will not distract them. At Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. that’s how they do business. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals at Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. can help you navi-

gate the twists and turns of the retirement path, through every stage of life. The fiduciary approach of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. ensures that they stay focused on your best interests first. They work only for a fee, not a commission. They do not sell products or accept incentives to represent financial products. This eliminates many potential conflicts that do not contribute to a client’s financial goals. Based in Oklahoma City, with an office in Frisco, Texas, Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. has been cited by more than 45* national and local publications as one of the nation’s top financial planning companies. “Our goal is to help people have comfortable income for life,” said Randy L. Thurman, CEO. Whether you would like to find a trusted advisor to guide you, an assessment of your retirement readiness, or would prefer to take a second look at your current portfolio, Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. is pleased to offer a complimentary consultation with one of their CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals. Allow them to show you why so many choose Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. as their guide on the path to retirement. *Criteria available upon request

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Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page E7

Dr. Nalin U.G. joins the staff of Allergy, Asthma Center We are excited to announce that Dr. Nalin U.G., DO, a board-certified allergy and immunology physician, will be joining the Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Research Center. Dr Tarpay has been treating allergy, asthma and immunology patients in Oklahoma for decades. She established the Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Research Center in 1987 as she saw a great need for the specialty in Oklahoma. She has remained current on the newest and most innovative treatment modalities while providing patient-centered care and the best treatment for the individual patient. Like Dr. Tarpay, Dr. U.G. also practices a patient-centered approach. Joining the Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Research Center is a homecoming for Dr. U.S. as he was born and reared right here in Oklahoma City, OK. He attended Classen School of Advanced Studies and was awarded the Gate Millennium Scholarship. He attended Knox College in Illinois for his Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry before returning to Oklahoma where he obtained his medical degree from Oklahoma State University. He was invited to join Sigma Sigma Phi, the osteopathic honor society. He completed training in Internal Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, and went on to specialize in both pediatric and adult allergy, asthma and immunology at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, Mo. We are now accepting new patients. Please call our office at (405) 7520393 or email us at receptionist@mtarpay.com about new patient visits.

DRG From Page E3 positions in the company, and our daughter, Emily, with Cardinal Point LLC. Never in our wildest dreams did we anticipate growing into the largest Oklahoma-based defense and aerospace contractor in our field. Our success is due to a great team. We foster that spirit daily. Coming from humble beginnings we strongly believe in giving back to the community. Our mantra is a profit with a purpose. Helping others. Changing one life is important.

Cathy founded El Sistema in 2013, an after school program for underserved kids. They need hope and support. Since, we have provided over $4M in support of these 200 kids annually. Our first 22 seniors graduated the last 2 years and received over $1.4 M in scholarships. The first in their families to go to college. Some to graduate HS. Every child deserves a chance. As Native Americans, we are committed to inclusion and cultural partnerships for Oklahoma’s success. We see Oklahoma as a national aerospace and defense center. With our blended cultures and perseverance, we can achieve this – together. If we try.

From left: Front row, KC Chansombat, Linda Cutter, Dr. Martha Tarpay and Anika Nahar; and back row, Grace Sumrell, Lorena Narvaez Nunez, Amy Witte, Dr. Nasir Ali, Dr. Nalin U.G., Taylor Richardson, Mackenzie Martin and Aiza Marrero.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 1, 2022, Page D8

07-01-22 Celebrate Oklahoma

Articles inside

DEBBY HAMPTON

BILL G. LANCE JR

BILL ANOATUBBY

TOM COLE

GENE RAINBOLT

HAROLD HAMM

SUE ANN ARNALL

GOV. KEVIN STITT