Judy Love served as co-chair man of the 2020 United Way Drive, which raised a record amount. She and her co-chair Mike Turpen are known as the best nonprofit fund- raisers in the state. Her generosity and enthusiasm elevate her to the

SUMMER FUN

July 7 • Movie Nights Starting July 7, the Myriad Botanical Gardens hosts Sonic Summer Movie Nights. This event is free to the public and is from July 7 – Aug. 4 every Wednesday night at 8 pm. July 7: The Great‐est Showman (2018).

Daily • Sherlock Holmes Science Museum Oklahoma’s new exhibition Sherlock Holmes will have visitors solving a mystery in a world newly introduced to Holmes’ groundbreaking methods in an interactive experience. The exhibit is showing through Sept. 6.

CONCERTS

Aug. 310 • Summer Festival X Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble is announcing a return to live concerts with its Summer Festival X Beethoven and Friends. The fourconcert festival will be offered free of charge to all season 201920 subscribers. For nonsubscribers, admission at the door is $20 per concert. A $50 festival pass for all four concerts can be purchased at the door or at brightmusic.org. First Baptist Church on N. Robinson, has generously offered their facilities to Brightmusic for the 2021 summer festival and the entire 20212022 regular season.

July 2 • The Summer Animal Enrichment Event for select Zoo animals is from 10 am – 2 pm. Watch as your favorite animals engage with tactile (touch)themed enrichment items, including bubbles, mud, ice blocks and more from their caretakers. This event is free with Zoo admission. Handouts for the event will be available at the Zoo’s Guest Services office and ZOOfriends office both located in the entry plaza. The schedule will also be posted on the Zoo’s website and Facebook page. 10:00: Small Cat Species and Tayra (Small Cat building, Cat Forest) 10:20: Bears and Otters (Big Rivers building, Oklahoma Trails) 11:00: California Sea Lions (Sea Lion Habitat) 11:30: Spider and Squirrel Monkeys plus, Galapagos Tortoises (Children’s Zoo) 12:45: Bison (Oklahoma Trails) 1:20: Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia) 2:00: Asian Elephants (Sanctuary Asia/Elephant Presentation Pavilion) The OKC City Zoo is currently in its summer hours and open daily open from 8 am to 5 pm with the last entry no later than 4 pm. Purchase advance tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines.

THIS WEEKEND

July 3 • Farmers Market The OSUOKC Farmers Market at Scissortail Park is held on Saturdays from 9am1pm at the Scissortail Park Stage Plaza. Find local produce, meats, spices, honey, plants, flowers and more all from Oklahoma vendors.

July 3 • Red, White & Boom! Join the OKCPHIL at Scissortail Park on Saturday at 8:30 pm for an uplifting musical celebration of Independence Day with music sure to bring us all together. Bring blankets, a picnic basket and enjoy a wonderful family friendly celebration with your favorite music. *no fireworks*

July 4 • Bricktown Celebration Spend the afternoon cruising the Canal with a Bricktown Water Taxi or putt your way around the 18hole minigolf course at Brickopolis. Then, cool off with a cold beverage and grab a bite to eat at your favorite restaurant. When the sun goes down the real fun begins at a block party on Mickey Mantle Drive with live music, games, food and fun from 711 pm. This will all lead up to the fireworks finale, Downtown Oklahoma City's ONLY public fireworks display.

NEW DATES 2021

Chesapeake Events/Shows: WWE Raw Aug. 30 Alabama Sept. 17 Michael Buble Sept. 19 Gold Over America Oct. 5 Kane Brown Oct. 14 MercyMe – Oct. 28 Jeff Dunham Jan. 27, 2022 Elton John Jan. 30, 2022 JoJo Siwa Feb. 1, 2022 Backstreet Boys – Sept. 14, 2022 Zoo Amphitheatre: Foo Fighters Aug. 7 Judas Priest Oct. 16 Matchbox Twenty June 22, 2022 Theatre: Master Class (Lyric) Sept. 15Oct. 3 Civic Center Music Hall: My Fair Lady (OKC Broadway) Sept.28Oct.3 Neil Degrasse Tyson Oct. 5 Alice (In Wonderland) Oct. 2224 Alton Brown Live Nov. 7 Other Events/Shows/Awards: Prix de West Through Aug.8 Goodwill Fashion Show Aug. 20 Paseo Arts Festival Sept. 46 Redbud Classic Sept. 1112 Western Heritage Awards Sept. 1718 Annie Oakley Luncheon Sept. 29 Memorial Marathon Oct. 23 Rodeo Hall of Fame Nov. 1112 Beaux Arts Ball Nov. 27

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Summer is off to a sizzling start. In June, Festival of the Arts lured thousands of people downtown to mix and mingle with the crowds from the OKC Pride Festival. Lyric Theatre lit up Bishop McGuinness’s Pribil Stadium with a massive, outdoor production of Grease. And, Robert Painter launched his new restaurant, Café Pompeii, just in time to welcome The Painters of Pompei to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. But, for film lovers, July is when things really heat up.

On July 1, the new Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 officially kicks-off. Hundreds of local and out-of-town productions are expected to apply on the first day. Authored by Senator Chuck Hall and Representative Scott Fetgatter, the new law replaces the state’s film incentive program known as the “Compete with Canada Act,” which established the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program.

Under this new legislation, the Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 offers a base rebate of 20% to qualified film and television productions working in Oklahoma with additional uplifts for filming in rural municipalities, qualified soundstages, postproduction, and television seasons. Eligible productions must have a minimum budget of at least $50,000 to qualify. The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 increases the state’s annual funding cap from $8 to $30 million with a sunset date of June 30, 2031.

All of these new productions mean more film industry jobs. The best place to find out what opportunities are out there is the Oklahoma Film + Music Office website. In addition to managing the new rebate program, the OF+MO also lists every production coming to town and posts job openings for both crew and cast under their “jobs” tab.

The most exciting crew call is for Reagan, the major movie starring Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan and

Penelope Ann Miller

as Nancy Reagan. That production returns to Guthrie for reshoots July 14-19 and is looking to hire a Production Office Coordinator, Health Safety Supervisor, and Set Medic. The most recent casting calls include jobs for current or former law enforcement or military personnel, Native American ballroom dancers, Black male teens, young ballet dancers, and male jazz musicians.

If all of this excitement makes you want to write your own screenplay, you’re in luck! Prairie Surf Media is offering their first-ever summer film course at the newly renovated Prairie Surf Studios. PSM is launching with a fourweek Screenwriting class taught by Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Prairie Surf Co-CEO Matt Payne, whose television writing credits include “Defenders,” “Memphis Beat,” and “Vegas.” Students will learn how to come up with ideas and collaborate with others as well as how to craft a story from outline to final draft. Sessions will be on Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm, running July 13 through August 3, 2021. The cost is $365 for students and $520 for non-students.

Finally, the Oklahoma filmed thriller Stillwater, starring Matt Damon, opens worldwide in theaters July 30. That film is directed by the Oscar winning writer/director of Spotlight, Tom McCarthy, and co-stars Abigail Breslin, the little girl from Little Miss Sunshine.

I’m taking off to direct a movie at Prairie Surf Studios and will return in the fall with more news about the Oklahoma film industry. Have an awesome summer.

Goodwill hosts fashion show for 85th anniversary

Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma is hosting its inaugural Work the Runway fashion show from 6-9 pm on Friday, Aug. 20. The fashion show fundraising event will celebrate the 85th anniversary of Goodwill and years of transforming Oklahoma lives since the nonprofit was founded in 1936.

“Our mission is to help people overcome challenges to employment,” Goodwill CEO Jim Priest said. “The Work the Runway fashion show is just one way we are celebrating our 85th anniversary. We are proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to continuing our efforts to provide Oklahomans with the resources they need to get back on their feet.”

Goodwill employees and local social media influencers will come together to showcase and model different styles of outfits found at a local Goodwill store. The interactive fashion show will feature music by Carte Blanche DJ and an art display showcasing recycled items. There will also be a fashion boutique with high-end items found at Goodwill’s central Oklahoma stores. Items include an Epiphone electric guitar, vintage camera and Coach purse, to name a few. The event will benefit Goodwill employment services, including the new mobile Job Connection Center.

Over the past 85 years, Goodwill has helped Oklahomans overcome challenges to employment by providing job training and skills to those in need. The Job Connection Center and Goodwill Career Pathways Institute give many community members free access to training in computer skills, money management, job applications and more. The new mobile unit will travel throughout central Oklahoma, enabling more people to receive these resources.

Oklahomans are invited to attend Work the Runway at the Oklahoma Contemporary located at 11 NW 11th St., Oklahoma City. Limited quantities of individual tickets can be purchased at worktherunway.com. Additionally, there are multiple sponsorship opportunities available. Presenting sponsors for this event are Whitten Burrage Law Firm and Mathis Brothers Furniture and additional sponsors include Jones PR, Complete Alarm Technology Systems, Enable Midstream Partners, Immediate Care OK and Insurica.

To learn about Goodwill and its mission, please visit okgoodwill.org.

THIS MESSAGE SPONSORED BY THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES:

Community-owned grocery store an endeavor of love

By Caylee Dodson Director, RestoreOKC

The Market at Eastpoint, a grocery store in Northeast Oklahoma City at NE 23rd and Martin Luther King Avenue, opened in April. It is a vital answer to a long-term aspiration of our community which was without a grocery store for almost two years.

RestoreOKC, an assetbased community development ministry, kicked into gear to respond to the overwhelming need for accessible, high-quality, affordable food options. Neighbors organized and executed emergency food distributions from the parking lot while developing a longterm solution.

The dream of a communityowned store was realized and brought to life thanks to Northeast residents and 22 RestoreOKC interns. The entire project is an endeavor of love, community and partnership, which continues to strengthen each passing day.

When you visit, you’ll see signs of heroes and history interwoven, including the names of every contributor to the store. Some of those names gave thousands, while others were neighbors that ran over a few dollars after their shifts.

It is the “hall of heroes” who made the Market a reality and continue to inspire us daily. We never cease to be blown away by the unity that’s been displayed and what this building represents.

Thanks to a partnership with Inasmuch Foundation to provide operational funding, the store will not be constrained by the financial hurdles most businesses face their first three years. This is revolutionary.

It means moving through our first three years with healthy, dynamic growth that puts the store in a good place for long-term sustainability, critical for both food access and employment as the store employs 37 local community members.

We are excited for The Market at Eastpoint’s future as an integral part of Northeast OKC.

FOURTH

From Page 1

Scissortail Park and include live music by the OKC Philharmonic to celebrate Independence Day. Guests of all ages should bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy this patriotic event.

The Quail Creek Homeowners Association is throwing a parade at 9:30 a.m., this Sunday, July 4, said Jane Cunningham, a member of Board of Directors of the HOA.

The parade begins at the country club and ends at Berta Faye Rex Quail Creek Park with free watermelon, an ice cream truck and live music performed by Edgar Cruz.

The parade is set to be led by Fire Station 15 and local Boy Scouts. To take part in the parade, guests can decorate anything from their dog to their trucks in festive wear.

Judging for costumes and decorations begins at 9 a.m.

All events are free and families are welcome to attend these celebrations.

Ellie, Lawson and Dax Daniels ride in the 2020 Ann Taylor Fourth of July Parade and Celebration in Nichols Hills.

“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

Celebrate lets us look into our future

YOU ARE READING the single largest issue of FRIDAY of the calendar year. Each year, on the edition nearest Independence Day, we bring you a cross section of Metro Oklahoma City.

It is filled with news and advertising about our community, its leaders, its predicted future, its principal businesses and other organizations.

The highlight of this issue, of course, is the revelation of the annual “50 Most Powerful Oklahomans” list, the result of a poll of statewide informed leaders.

Another important read for you is the collection of articles by our community leader guest columnists. And read the ads! We told our advertisers in this issue it’s alright to brag at least once a year.

We, at FRIDAY, our whole staff, thank all of you, subscribers and advertisers, for your support of this, your own community newspaper.

We wish all of you a happy holiday this 4th of July and a prosperous, fulfilling year ahead.

***

America, the world’s greatest, and most powerful country, is critically crippled with a white-hot polarization that has been growing in intensity for several years. It now is at crescendo level!

We’ve had enough!

History’s bitterest election is long over. If you marked every race and issue on your ballot, you won some, you lost some. We repeat, the election is over. We must end the hatred and bitterness. Now, before it consumes us.

We have reached an ultimate state of utter confusion. We think our enemy is the guy across town, not some foreign land with a dictator who would do us, and the world, harm. What’s the matter with us?

As you reflect on election results, be optimistic. Think of the ones you won, not the ones you lost. Will Rogers was right when he opined that, after all the years of trying, Democrats and Republicans have not been able to ruin this great country.

But all of us must work to repair our current serious state of damage from this awful polarization trying to take the progress and joy out of our nation life

Let’s start with you and me. One step at a time. Let’s stop hating ANYBODY. We should not hate one another.

I can truthfully say I do not have one ounce of hatred for any human being, disgusting as some of them are. This has made me a lot happier with myself.

If each of us can stop hating other persons, especially over their honest beliefs and convictions, we will have made a giant stride toward a greater America.

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

In MY Opinion by

VICKI CLARK GOURLEY vicki@okcfriday.com

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

Cox customers who have Homelife and Contour no longer have to get up from the couch while watching a show to see who’s at the front door. Cox Homelife camera viewing is now integrated into Contour TV and the Contour Stream Player.

Control your Homelife cameras from your couch with Cox

Homelife features are now integrated with other Cox products for even more convenience

You might not want to binge-watch your backyard on your TV, but Cox customers who have Homelife and Contour no longer have to get up from the couch while watching a show to see who’s at the front door. Cox Homelife camera viewing is now integrated into Contour TV and the Contour Stream Player. That means now it’s possible to see any area of the home covered by a Homelife camera on your TV with a simple voice command on the Contour Voice Remote.

The cameras join Homelife thermostats, lights and door locks already integrated into the platform, offering customers the ease of all the products working together. Customers can say “show Homelife cameras” or “view front door camera” and see an instant picture-in-picture overlay of the camera feeds over the program you’re watching.

“We’re continuing to integrate to make our services work better together to provide an even more connected experience for our customers,” said Christine Martin, director of communications. “Using your Contour Voice Remote puts the whole home at your fingertips and makes managing your home smarter and easier than ever.”

An added benefit of using the Contour voice remote to manage your smart home security system is that customers do not have to worry about security and privacy concerns associated with “always listening“ virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. And customers can also arm and disarm their Homelife security system by using simple voice commands with no control panel buttons to press or mobile screens to swipe.

Customers with Homelife and Contour TV or the Contour Stream Player will be able to enjoy the enhancement immediately, and any new Homelife Automation or Preferred Security customers receive a camera in their starter kit to immediately enjoy.

Cox customers can say “show Homelife cameras” or “view front door camera” and see an instant picturein-picture overlay of the camera feeds over the program you’re watching.

For 98 years – in times both ordinary and extraordinary –United Way of Central Oklahoma has been making a difference in our community, offering help and hope to our neighbors in need. This past year was no exception.

Our entire planet was shaken by the COVID-19 virus and every member of our community was impacted by the pandemic’s effects on central Oklahoma. Despite all of the challenges and changes of 2020, one thing that remained constant was the compassion of Oklahomans.

While we needed to stay apart, we all came together behind the banner of care. More than 19,000 generous donors and 700 workplace campaigns provided resources and support to those in the greatest need. The generosity of Oklahomans shone through in 2020 and raised a grand total of $20,428,686 to United Way of Central Oklahoma’s 2020 campaign –something truly worth celebrating.

These essential donor dollars allowed United Way and its 56 Partner Agencies to deliver critical health and human services to those most in need. From giving children without internet access an opportunity to learn remotely to providing food and shelter for those left without work and stability, United Way connected resources to combat unique local challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Although life begins to look more “normal”, the future is still unknown. United Way’s research team is constantly analyzing data on COVID-19’s longterm impact on central Oklahoma and what trends we expect to see regarding economic hardship, housing stability, food access, mental health and numerous other categories of need. United Way of Central Oklahoma will continue to fight for our neighbors and face these current and future challenges – but we can’t do it alone.

The only reason United Way is able to make an impact in central Oklahoma is because of the generous support from our community. We hope that all of us share the united empathy and compassion shown in 2020 and continue to care for our neighbors in 2021 and beyond.

NONPROFITS

By Eric Oesch

Staff Writer

The past year has been difficult for area nonprofits, both large and small. The COVID19 pandemic and the area’s most devastating ice storm in years put stains on nonprofits throughout central Oklahoma. Despite the tragic series of events, nonprofits across the board have an optimistic outlook for the future.

Large membership-based agencies tasked with providing funding for their nonprofit members found the past year challenging. Despite the challenges they faced, they were able to meet their goals to serve their members.

Unfortunately for area nonprofits the COVID-19 pandemic left some with fewer employees, empty bank accounts and even closures.

Deborah McAuliffe Senner, president and CEO of Allied Arts, said many local arts and cultural nonprofits were forced to close their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allied Arts provides financial support and other resources to over 40 local arts organizations who represent a wide range of creative areas including theatre, dance, film visuals arts and music.

“Our members continue to feel the hindering effects of the pandemic – programmatically, financially and operationally,” she said.

Allied Arts reports a total negative impact of $33.1 million this past year. It also reports 521 arts sector jobs lost, including 28 full-time, 17 part-time and 476 contract and seasonal workers.

“The pandemic greatly affected arts organizations,” said Senner in response to a survey sent to local nonprofit agencies. “Performances, classes and camps were cancelled, exhibits closed, events were postponed and full-time staff as well as part-time staff lost jobs.

“Budgets have been drastically cut to ensure survival. In some cases, arts organizations budgets have rolled back to the equivalent of what they were 14-20 years ago. Many were forced to dip into their reserves to survive. The loss has been immense and recovery will take years.

“More than 1.8 million audience members were lost,” said Senner. “Thirty-eight percent of our member agencies reported three months or less of reserves to operate. Four organizations have zero reserves while two cultural nonprofits have been forced to close.”

Senner reported arts organizations developed new ways to reach audiences during the pandemic including virtual options for classes, performances and exhibits, while outdoor events became more popular as organizations provided new screenings, performances, and classes.

“While the pandemic impacted so many areas of daily life and operations of Allied Arts and our agencies, we did not let it negatively impact our mission,” she said. “In many ways, we doubled down on support for partner organizations. We were in constant communication with them about challenges, needs and way we, and the community, could provide support.”

Despite a temporary suspension of campaign activities during the lockdown in early 2020, Allied Arts was able to exceed the announced $3.4 million goal, raising $3,464,367 for the 2020 campaign.

“Although the outlook is bright with COVID cases decreasing and vaccines readily available, our local cultural community is still suffering,” Senner continued. “COVIDrelated programming modifications including capped attendance rates, outdoor shows and fewer youth class enrollments are not sustainable. The road to recovery is projected to take three to five years. Allied Arts is currently exploring ways to restart the arts.”

President and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma, Debby Hampton, is grateful to the central Oklahoma community and donors for helping them exceed their fundraising goal in 2020. Not only did Oklahomans contribute to their general campaign, but they stepped up to help neighbors with their COVID Response Fund and Ice Storm Disaster Relief.

The organization has been a part of the central Oklahoma

- Photo by Rose Lane

Allied Arts Board President Steve Mason and President and CEO Deborah Senner present Valerie Naifeh with the Zach D. Taylor Volunteer Award during OPUS XI, the organization’s biannual fundraising gala. Many galas were put on hold or held virtually last year due to the pandemic.

See NONPROFITS, Page B2

community for 98 years and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2023.

“We’ve been responding to disasters since 1923 and COVID-19 was no different,” said Hampton. “The virus and its effect on central Oklahoma citizens, businesses and nonprofits immediately put the agency in disaster response mode.

“We quickly convened our youth-serving partner agencies to address the imminent reality of school not returning to traditional in-person setting after spring break,” she said. “That same day, our Board of Directors established a COVID-19 Response Fund so we could meet any immediate needs our partner agencies might have.

“We made PPE available to our partner agencies at no cost. We began to have weekly Zooms with our partner agency CEOs to ensure we were all connected and there was a safe place to talk about the challenges of the situation in keeping their staff safe and healthy, while also ramping up services to meet the critical needs of the community. COVID-19 challenged us to step up and serve our partner agencies at a higher capacity.”

Hampton said their partner agencies had to pivot quickly in how they delivered their services. Health care and mental health services had to quickly transition to telehealth. Those providing food distributions and other tangible resources had to switch to a curbside pickup or drive through to need the needs of those struggling.

“We heard very little about programming decreasing, instead just the opposite, there was an increased need in services across the board. COVID19 did hit our community during what the sectors know as event season,” said Hampton. “So many of our partner agencies were dependent on the funds raised through special events, galas, golf tournaments and similar fundraisers. When in-person events went away, so did a significant amount of funding for our partner agencies. Despite those challenges, our agencies were resilient in finding ways to adapt their events or fundraising models to meet the needs of the community.” • • •

Canterbury Voices

Since 1969, Canterbury Voices, formerly known as the Canterbury Choral Society, has worked to meet their mission statement to “transform lives, educate the future and inspire community through great choral music.” They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2018.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect their mission, it did affect their fundraising goals.

“The pandemic did not affect our mission, as we were able to carry out all of our programs in a modified fashion,” said Pam Mowry, executive director. “In fact, we did everything in our power to make sure the pandemic didn’t negatively impact our mission itself and with CARES Act funding, we started a new arts outreach program free to Boys & Girls Clubs Templo de Albanza members.

“We fundraised and purchased specialized singer masks from Broadway Relief Project; we socially distanced our singers; we included a virtual rehearsal option through Facebook Live for any members who were quarantined or net feeling well, took temperatures and asked screening questions. We used every tool known to us to keep singing during the past year. It was completely exhausting, but we never lost sight of our mission, and our singers thanked us for it.”

Even though they were able to stay true to their mission, fundraising proved to be difficult.

“Canterbury did not meet all fundraising goals during the pandemic,” she said, “but there were enough very generous and loyal corporations, foundations, and individuals who continued to support us who kept us solvent during this difficult time.

“Our decrease in earned revenue through tuition and tickets sales proved to be the biggest challenge last year. We experienced a loss of more than $100,000 in this area alone,” she said. “While we proudly and carefully carried out all programming, we could only sell one quarter of the seats in the Civic Center Music Hall due to safety protocols.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our singers and patrons, and multiple CARES Act grants helped to make up the difference in earned income. Thanks to PPP Loans facilitated by BancFirst, Canterbury didn’t have to lay off administrative staff or artistic personnel.”

Mowry is optimistic that arts patrons and the corporate community will return to their normal giving this season.

“I know that some sectors were affected by the pandemic more than others,” she said. “It is essential that individuals, foundations and corporations alike continue to support our charities and vibrant arts community in the coming years.

“We are extremely hopeful in planning a full season beginning in October, getting back to normal rehearsal and performance protocols,” she added. “Almost all of or adult singers chose to get vaccinated as early as the opportunity presented itself, so we are excited to proceed without hesitation.” • • •

The BritVil Community Food Pantry

The BritVil Community Food Pantry in northwest Oklahoma City has experienced a rise in new clients needing their services for the first time due to the pandemic.

Sue Butler executive director, who has worked at BritVil Community Food Pantry since 2004, said the food pantry was created in 1991 to provide food to families experiencing economic difficulties primarily to neighborhoods in the Britton and Village neighborhoods of Oklahoma City.

BritVil has an agency relationship with the Regional Food Bank with 100 percent of its funding from grants and donations from churches, schools, civic organizations, foundations and individuals.

“Our mission is to provide food to the hungry regardless of race, color, religion or creed,” said Butler, “and our primary purpose is to share the love of our Savior and Lord by treating with love and respect those who enter this pantry, giving each person the dignity they deserve.”

Butler said she has seen a rise in the need for food support in the community.

“I’ve heard so many stories of people that ‘just can’t believe’ they have a need for basic foods,” she said. “So many of our clients are new to us due to the loss of their job caused by the pandemic.”

Butler said the community has been very helpful to support BritVil and says their funding has remained “relatively stable.” She said fundraising programs will not change because of the pandemic.

“The community has rallied around us for whatever we needed to continue our mission,” she said. “Our funding has stayed relatively stable, and our fundraising efforts will remain the same.

“We were able to sustain our mission during the pandemic,” she said. “Our food providers stayed stable during this time and did everything possible to continue to serve us.”

This past year, BritVil Community Food Pantry was able to keep their three employees and 50 volunteers intact while they served over 500 families per month with monthly food support averaging $250 per family.

“The pandemic did not affect the amount of support we are able to provide our clients,” said Butler. “We have seen a need from more people from different areas of the city due to the pantries that were unable to remain open because of the pandemic. The community has rallied around us for what ever we needed to continue our mission.”

- Photo by Marcy Gray

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, center, leads groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Chickasaw Community Bank location, 7420 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, along with Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby, bank CEO TW Shannon, bank board members, Chickasaw Nation elected officials and other distinguished guests.

Ground broken on new location of Chickasaw Community Bank

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Chickasaw Community Bank location, 7420 W. Memorial Road. He was assisted by Chickasaw Community Bank CEO T.W. Shannon as well as bank board members, Chickasaw Nation elected officials and staff.

The new location will enable the bank to better serve existing customers and meet the bank’s mission of “Building Better Lives for Everyone.”

“For more than two decades, Chickasaw Community Bank has served the Oklahoma City community.

It is a business that draws from traditional Chickasaw values and a history of being a good neighbor to assist all Oklahomans working to build building a better life.”

“Today, we open a new, bolder and even brighter chapter for Chickasaw Community Bank. A chapter where we become even more engaged in the development of Oklahoma City and build upon our experience to better serve our customers than ever before,” Governor Anoatubby said.

"The bank has helped countless people buy homes, save for their children’s college tuition, build businesses and provide local residents with the financial freedom to follow their dreams,” he said.

“Chickasaw Community bank has excelled at delivering these services, and as a result has expanded in both scope and scale within this community.

Because of this expansion, our bank now requires a building of its own – a new headquarters to house our existing staff and continue growing our employee base.”

Bank CEO TW Shannon said breaking ground on the new bank headquarters celebrates hundreds of years self-determination of the Chickasaw people.

“The new facility is a culmination of Chickasaw history and a continuation of the Chickasaw story, which includes the establishment of the Chickasaw Bank before statehood, and I am proud Chickasaw Community Bank is a part of that history,” he said.

“At Chickasaw Community Bank, we really take to heart the idea of building better lives for everyone and enhancing the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. This building commemorates Governor Anoatubby’s vision, which is, we not only serve the Chickasaw people, but we are

- Rendering courtesy of Hornbeek Blatt Architects

See BANK, Page B10

MARNIE TAYLOR President and CEO Center for Nonprofits

Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector called ‘herculean’

By Marnie Taylor

President and CEO Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector is second to none. I knew that before the recent pandemic, but I have a new resolve to beat that drum wherever I go. Simply put – it was herculean. Nonprofits stood ready when rising unemployment numbers triggered a demand for social services. As many professionals retreated to home offices, the nonprofit sector stormed the frontlines of suffering. There was a need, and Oklahoma nonprofits stepped up.

My work at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits allows me to act as the connector for our state’s charitable organizations. Reflecting on the power of those partnerships underscores that we are better together. The power of one person is amplified by working in concert with others. I am proud of the nonprofit sector for supporting one another and all Oklahomans during such a critical time.

It hasn’t taken Oklahomans long to embrace life post-pandemic. People are excited about the most common activities – going to dinner, working at the office or not wearing a mask. The tireless efforts of the nonprofit sector and the generous Oklahomans who help fund it are the reason we have events to return to – galas, educational camps, ballets and festivals. Those who are still struggling will not be forgotten. Because of the efforts of the Oklahoma charities, families have food on the table; children have critical resources, and the state map is dotted with some of the country’s most beautiful parks. In short, Oklahoma is a better place because of our thriving nonprofit sector.

The impact of Oklahoma’s nonprofits cannot be overlooked as our state embraces normalcy again. Nonprofit leaders are some of the brightest, most caring Oklahomans. Reflecting on what the sector accomplished during the pandemic is proof that whatever problem comes to Oklahoma, through team work and collaboration, the nonprofit sector will ensure it’s solved.

Visionary leaders band together for the arts

Allied Arts celebrating 50th year

In 1971, a group of visionary leaders formed Allied Arts to connect the community with central Oklahoma’s cultural organizations. They believed that engagement with and support for arts organizations was vital to our region’s growth and long-term success.

Over the last 50 years, Allied Arts has embodied the mission of enriching lives through advancement of the arts by serving as a champion of the arts in central Oklahoma. Allied Arts promotes arts education, advocates on behalf of organizations and raises awareness of the vital impact of the arts on Oklahomans of all ages across our communities and state.

Allied Arts funding helps organizations develop innovative arts education programs and offer free or low-cost events so that more members of the community can experience the arts. In addition to blockbuster exhibits and performances, the network of Allied Arts agencies transport cultural experiences to underserved and rural schools, to veterans and senior center facilities and to hospitals statewide, reaching more than 1 million Oklahomans annually.

As Allied Arts celebrates our 50th anniversary, we’d like to extend a sincere thank you to all those involved in our mission. Engaged civic leaders, board members, donors, partners, friends and volunteers, both past and present. Together, we are the driving force for the arts in Oklahoma’s dynamic growth. Thank you for an amazing 50 years and here’s to a bright future! For more information, visit alliedartsokc.com.

Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, July 2, 2021, Page B4

OKC FRIDAY Sports Weekly

Fridaylanders excel on All-City spring sports teams

More than two dozen Fridayland athletes, along with a pair of coaches, earned firstteam honors, while an additional group received second-team and honorable mention selections on The Oklahoman’s spring All-City teams in tennis, soccer, baseball, track and golf.

TENNIS

Five individual state champions from Heritage Hall and Crossings Christian picked up spots on the AllCity tennis first team.

The Chargers’ Brooke Thompson paced the group as a Player of the Year finalist in No. 1 singles. Thompson completed an undefeated 29-0 season to claim her second state championship and help Heritage Hall to a share of second place in the team standings.

Lily Plaster and her partner Annabelle Treadwell rounded out the Heritage Hall trio on the first team. The duo won the No. 1 doubles title at the 5A state tournament for Plaster’s first title, while Treadwell picked up her third after winning one in No. 2 singles and another doubles crown with Ryan Thompson.

Both Crossings Christian state champions, Daniel Haley and Hunter Demunbrun, earned spots on the first team.

Haley, also a Player of the Year finalist, won his third straight No. 1 singles championship and helped the Knights to their first-ever tennis team title in school history. Demunbrun claimed his second No. 2 singles championship last spring.

Heritage Hall’s Jenny Ferguson and Crossings Christian’s Jamie Wheat were named Coaches of the Year, as Ferguson helped the Chargers to a tie for second and Wheat led the Knights to their first-ever team championship.

Both Heritage Hall boys doubles teams of Wesley Jansen and Larson Van Horn along with Gray Ferguson and Emerson Ritenour made the second team, as did Deer Creek’s Emma Turner.

Honorable mention selections included: Crossings Christian –Lauren Asbury, Ellie Grace Bond, Gavin Clark, Graham Clark, Parker Dillon, Kyle Kosanke, Anna Lepere, Aspen Minihan, Kredence Von Tungeln, Ashleigh Wang; Deer Creek – Sindhya Atturu, Jackson Gwartney, Carson Hancock, Chloe Hill, Mike Hulbert, Evan Ivester, Phu Le, Paige Ludlam, Anna Paquali, Layne Rollins, Heily Vo; Harding Charter Prep – Anna Boevers, My Vu;

Also, Heritage Hall –Duke Brim, Raya Cooper, Kali Freymiller, Armando Rosell, Gracie Shapard; McGuinness –Claire Duginski, Ashley Hill, Olivia LaForge, Peyton McCuan, Sarah Miller, Tristan Nguyen, Sam Purnell, Hutton Rhodes, Ryan Schwartz, Hailey Shanahan; Mount St. Mary – Vani Ellis, Zane Heise, Alexis Lambert, Dane Malzahn, Shelby O’Steen, Maria Roquemore; PC North – Delaney Fulp, Addison Stiger, Tyler Tran, Tiffany Ughamadu.

SOCCER

Mount St. Mary’s Abraham Garcia paced a quartet of Fridayland athletes to get spots on the first team of the All-City soccer squad.

Garcia, a Player of the Year finalist, scored the only goal for the Rockets in a 1-0 victory over Crooked Oak to claim the Class 3A state championship. The senior tallied 33 goals last season and was regarded as one of the more dominant forwards in the state.

McGuinness’ Samantha Guzman, another Player of the Year finalist, is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and helped the Irish to the 5A championship game.

Rounding out the quartet are Deer Creek’s Triston Turner and Ileanna Ferguson. Turner netted 11 goals and 11 assists in guiding the Antlers to the 6A quarterfinals, while Ferguson collected nine goals and six assists in 2021.

In guiding the Rockets to their second state championship in school history, Mount St. Mary’s Francois Boda was named the boys Coach of the Year.

Six others made the second team, including Deer Creek’s Ella Pappas, David Meacham and Kobe Truswell; Crossings Christian’s Camden Furnish; Heritage Hall’s Helen Park; and, Mount St. Mary’s Eric Jaques.

Honorable mention selections include: Crossings Christian –Lauren Bradley, Madison Joliff, Grace Moschmeier, Rachel Mulder; Deer Creek –Camryn Hasselander, Addison Roberts; Harding Charter Prep –Lenin Ayala, RaKayla Coulter, Danny DeLeon, Laken LaForce, Jake Martinez, Yamileth Ponce, Reha Warlinger; Heritage Hall – Caled Aubirini, Carter Counts, Will Mattocks, Boston Powell; McGuinness –Jeremy Gramajo, Madeline Neff; Mount St. Mary – Caden Carney, John Cervantes, Gael Rodriguez, Cody Smith, Isabel York; PC North –Diego Castillo.

BASEBALL

Heritage Hall’s Jackson Jobe headlined more than a dozen Fridayland athletes named to the All-City and AllState baseball teams.

Jobe, one of the state’s most dominant pitchers and a projected first-round pick in the Major League Baseball draft, finished the season with a 9-0 record and a 0.135 earned-run average (ERA) in making first team on both the All-City and AllState squads.

The Chargers also won the Class 4A state championship.

Deer Creek’s Ty Hammack earned a spot in the All-City first team and All-State second team. The senior batted .467 with eight homeruns and 51 RBIs, while helping lead the Antlers to the 6A state semifinals.

Teammate Jack Hill also made the All-City first team and All-State honorable mention. Hill posted an 8-1 pitching record with a 1.44 ERA and boasted a .463 batting average at the plate.

Crossings Christian’s Jonah Mahen finished his senior season with a .430 batting average from his shortstop position and helped lead the Knights to their first-ever state tournament appearance to earn All-City and All-State honorable mention honors.

Others who received All-State honorable mention selections included: Crossings Christian – Owen Crotts, Silas Ward; Deer Creek – Bryce Logan; Heritage Hall – Bowen Bridges, Brigham Evans, Austin Lemon; John Marshall – Deanthony Velez; McGuinness –Jake Kelley, Dax Joyce, Augusto Schroeder, Brett Jacobs, Brody Houser, Aiden Haworth; Mount St. Mary – Tucker Resolute, Joshua Shropshire.

TRACK

Two athletes from both Deer Creek and McGuinness earned first-team Big All-City honors in track.

The Antlers’ Rachel Neaves paced the quartet with a 6A state championship in the shot put with a toss of 43 feet and the discus with a throw of 137 feet, 4 inches. Teammate Jacob Sexton also made a winning throw of 1755 to earn a state title in the discus and took fifth in the shot put.

McGuinness’ Isabelle Scherm cleared 5-4 in the high jump to claim the 5A state title and help the Irish to second in the team standings. Gabe Grim jumped 6-6 to claim second at state in the high jump.

Mount St. Mary’s Jackson Salsman-Whitfield highlighted a group of six local athletes to make the Little All-City first team.

Story continued at okcfriday.com.

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 Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $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

With full hearts, Christ the King parishioners thank Father Rick Stansberry for his 14 years as our faithful pastor.

A constant presence in our lives, Father Rick has become family to us – celebrating our joys, consoling us in sorrow, guiding, challenging, and modeling for us the way to live as faithful Catholics and disciples of Jesus.

We thank Father Rick for what he has built at Christ the King. Under his leadership we have added Mothers Day Out and pre-school programs, built a new junior high building, renovated the church entry, our sanctuary and parish center atrium, and refurbished our wonderful pipe organ. Our surroundings are more beautiful because of Father’s keen eye and desire to honor God with beauty in all our activities.

More importantly, Father Rick has enriched Christ the King Church and School through the Masses he’s celebrated and sacraments he’s administered. Since 2007, Fr. Rick has baptized more than 1,000 infants and adults, married 400 couples, celebrated 7,000 Masses, hundreds of Confirmations and over 1,000 First Communions and laid to rest 500 of our loved ones.

His homilies resonate with children and adults alike; his humor and his humanity are at the very core of his efforts to build the Kingdom of God here on earth. We know his ministry will bless the people of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

While we are certainly sad to see Fr. Rick leave us, we are equally excited to welcome Father Rex Arnold and Father Prabhakar Kalivela to our family. We pray that their years here will be joyful in the service to God, to our parish and to our neighboring community. May God bless Father Rick, Father Rex and Father K.; and may God continue to bless Christ the King Catholic Parish.

FATHER RICK STANSBERRY

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

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

July 8

Emily Anderson Carol Blackledge Mallory Chain Megan Chain Mary Kay Druger DeAnn Elliott Garrison Glaser Bob Harward Stacy Holtmyer Don Harrison Dolly Livingston Luke Mildren Bill Mowery Shaun O’Bryant Jayci Robison Derek Turner Kenneth Waddell Ginger Weeden

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PROBATE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 25, 2021; Friday, July 02, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMACOUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Case No. PB-2021-668

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OFKENNETH VICTOR HUGHES, JR., DECEASED.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TO THE CREDITORS OF KENNETH VICTOR HUGHES, JR., DECEASED:

All creditors having claims against the above-named Decedent are required to present the same, with a description of all security interest and other collateral (if any) held by each creditor with respect to such claim, to Jessica Hendrix, the Personal Representative, at the offices of Richard Winblad of Winblad Law PLLC, attorney for said Personal Representative, at the address shown below on or before the following presentment date, to-wit: the 16th day of August, 2021, or the same will be forever barred.

Dated this 15th day of June, 2021.

Richard Winblad, 14457 Winblad Law PLLC 102 E.Thatcher St Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 Telephone: (405) 696-0422 Facsimile: (866) 712-1093 Attorney for Personal Representative

PUBLIC NOTICE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 02, 2021)

PUBLIC NOTICE

All personshaving an indebtednessor claim against the Cityof The Village are herebynotifiedthatapurchaseorderor contractmustberecordedintheofficeof theencumberingofficeronorbefore September30,2021,coveringalldebtsnow unpaidandincurredduringtheperiod beginningonJuly1,2020,andendingon June30,2021,orsaidaccountshall bevoid andforeverbarred.

BeverlyWhitener CityTreasurer/EncumberingOfficer

NAME CHANGE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Case No. CV-2021-1546

IN RE THE MATTER OF: ) Amending the Birth Certificate of, ) OBED CORNEJO ) Pursuant to 63 O.S. § 1-321 ) MARIA CONSUELO IBARRA ) ACOSTA ) Petitioner )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON BIRTH CERTIFICATE CORRECTION

TO: All interested parties. TAKE NOTICE that Maria Consuelo Ibarra Acosta has petitioned the Court for an order which directs the Oklahoma Bureau of Vital Statistics to amend the following information on Certificate of Live Birth; State of Oklahoma State File Number 135-07031161 as follows: a. Change Mother’s Name from Consuelo Ibarra-Acosta to Maria Consuelo Ibarra Acosta; b. Change Mother’s Maiden surname from Ibarra to Ibarra Acosta.

A Hearing on the petition is set for 9:00 o’clock A.M. on the 5 day of August, 2021 , at the Oklahoma County Courthouse before Judge Prince. Should you know of some reason why this Birth Certificate correction should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above and styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the Petition for Birth Certificate Correction will be granted as requested.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2021-1420

In the Matter of the Application ) of Hark Yule Bark ) as next of friend of (child) ) Ena Yoshida O ) to Change Her/His Name )

NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To Whom It May Concern:

Take notice that (a) Hark Yule Bark, as next of friend of Ena Yoshida O has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Ena Yoshida O to (b) Ena Yoshida Metta; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Ogden of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 15 day of July, 2021 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.

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RICHARD C. OGDEN CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk (SEAL) By /s/Illegible signature Deputy

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2021-1421

In the Matter of the Application ) of Hark Yule Bark ) as next of friend of (child) ) Joa Yoshida O ) to Change Her/His Name )

NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To Whom It May Concern:

Take notice that (a) Hark Yule Bark, as next of friend of Joa Yoshida O has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Joa Yoshida O to (b) Joa Yoshida Metta; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Ogden of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 15 day of July, 2021 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.

RICHARD C. OGDEN CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk (SEAL) By /s/Illegible signature Deputy

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2021-1417

IN RE: The name of: ) Danielle Nicole Elliott)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties.

Take notice that Danielle Nicole Elliott has petitioned to change his/her name to Danny Ni’Aire King Elliott.

A Hearing on said petition is set for 9:15 o’clock A.M. on the 22 day of July, 2021 , before Judge Prince at 9:15 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.

COURT CLERK /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2021-1496

IN RE: The name of: ) Latisha Sherese Thurston )

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties.

Take notice that Latisha Sherese Thurston has petitioned to change his/her name to Latisha Sherese Mackey.

A Hearing on said petition is set for 3:00 o’clock P.M. on the 29 day of July, 2021 , before Judge Prince at 3:00 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 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR OKLAHOMA COUNTY

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2021-1479

IN RE THE NAME OF: ) STEPHEN WILLIAM PFOHL, )

NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

TO: All interested parties.

Take notice that Stephen William Pfohl has petitioned to change his/her name to Stephen William Pfohl-Smith.

A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 26 day of August, 2021 , before Judge Mai in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason 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.

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DIVORCE

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021; Friday, July 9, 2021; Friday, July 16, 2021)

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION No. FD-2021-769

In the District Court within and for said County and State.

State of Oklahoma, } } ss. Oklahoma County }

Jannet Alvarez, Plaintiff vs. Santos Alisael Aguilar Maya,

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 haven’t known his whereabouts in over three years and you must answer Plaintiff’s petition filed herein on or before the 5 day of August 2021, 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/Claudia Flynn, Deputy Clerk

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021; Friday, July 9, 2021; Friday, July 16, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Case No. FD-2021-1312

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: ) Ivory Lee Scott, ) Petitioner, ) -and- ) Joyce Marie Nolan, ) Respondent. )

NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: Joyce Marie Nolan

GREETINGS:

You will take notice that you have been sued in the above named Court by the above petitioner, for a Dissolution of Marriage on the grounds of incompatibility and that unless you answer the petition filed by this petitioner in said Court on or before the 2 day of August, 2021, said Petition will be taken as true and judgment 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 15 day of June, 2021. /s/Ivory Scott /s/Jovana Johnson Petitioner Notary Deputy

SUBSCRIBER AND SWORN to before me this 15 day of June, 2021. My commission expires: 07/25/22 Commission Number: 18007370

GUARDIANSHIP

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Heard has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minor Jamie and Nikki Johnson, and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge K. Nikki Kirkpatrick Room 223 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 4 day of August 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 17 day of June, 2021.

/s/K.Nikki Kirkpatrick Judge of the District Court

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CASE NO: PG-2019-593

IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF ) ) Brittany Siguenza, Genesis Siguenza) Mariah Gorman, minors )

NOTICE OF HEARING FOR TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP

You are hereby notified that Jessica Carter has petitioned/moved this Court FOR TERMINATION OF THE GUARDIANSHIP of the person and/or estate of the above-named minors Brittany Siguenza, Genesis Siguenza, and Mariah Gorman, and that said Petition/Motion will be heard in the court room of Judge Kirkpatrick Room 223 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 18 day of August 2021, at 1:30 o’clock PM at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition/Motion should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 28 day of June, 2021.

K.NIKKI KIRKPATRICK Judge of the District Court RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Diane Watson Deputy (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CASE NO: PG-2021-248

IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF ) ) Gabrielle Carolyn Renee Boyce, ) a minor )

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN

You are hereby notified that Telicia Lewis-Lockett has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minor Gabrielle Carolyn Renee Boyce, and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge K. Nikki Kirkpatrick Room 223 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 28 day of September 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 23 day of June, 2021.

K. NIKKI KIRKPATRICK Judge of the District Court RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature, Deputy

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Emmanuel and Dyami Robinson, ) minors )

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN

You are hereby notified that Eric Robinson has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minors Emmanuel Robinson and Dyami Robinson, and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge K. Nikki Kirkpatrick Room 223 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 13 day of September 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 21 day of June, 2021.

K. NIKKI KIRKPATRICK Judge of the District Court (SEAL) RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Shawna McKay, Deputy

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CASE NO: PG-2021-429

IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF

Mikaela Pina, a minor

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN

You are hereby notified that Dalton Apple has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minor Mikaela Pina, and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge Welch Room __ in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 4 day of October 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 21 day of June, 2021.

ALLEN WELCH Judge of the District Court (SEAL) RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Jessica Rutledge, Deputy

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 2, 2021)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CASE NO: PG-2021-360

IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF ) ) Maxwell Roberts, Lailoni Roberts ) Jayde Roberts, Nicholas Roberts, ) minors )

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN

You are hereby notified that Ronald and Lynn Moon have petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minors Maxwell Roberts, Lailoni Roberts, Jayde Roberts, and Nicholas Roberts and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge K. Nikki Kirkpatrick Room 223 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 1 day of November 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 22 day of June, 2021.

K. NIKKI KIRKPATRICK Judge of the District Court (SEAL) RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Shawna McKay, Deputy

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is gliding into the 2021 Oklahoma State Fair. There will be 9 performances of Disney On Ice presents Dream Big in the Jim Norick Arena from Sept. 16 – 20.

Believing is just the beginning at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. Miguel aspires to be a musician and journeys through the Land of the Dead to unlock his family’s history. Moana and Maui bravely restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti, Anna and Elsa save their kingdom and the Disney Princesses inspire with stories of strength, determination and kindness.

Share every magical moment filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved Disney songs and stories that give everyone a reason to believe.

See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and stars from Frozen, Moana, Coco, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty.

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big tickets go on sale to the public July 20 and start at $20. Tickets include outside gate admission if purchased on or before Sept. 15. An additional outside gate admission ticket is required if the Disney On Ice ticket is purchased after Sept. 15. Outside gate admission tickets are $12 for adults (ages 12 & older), $6 for children (ages 6 - 11) and children age 5 and under are free. Special event announcements and general updates for the 2021 Oklahoma State Fair will be released as information becomes available. To stay up-todate on all the Fair fun, visit okstatefair.com, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And don’t forget to share your Fair memories and stories using #OKStateFair and #Back2FunIn21.

The Bomber Mafia, by Malcolm Gladwell

If Malcolm Gladwell’s name sounds familiar, it is probably because you are a follower of his “Revisionist History” podcast as he views major historical events and asks if we got it right the first time. You might have read some of his other books such as Outliers, or Talking to Strangers. Born in England, he grew up in Canada and lives in New York where he co-founded and is president of Pushkin Industries, an audiobook and podcast production company.

His book, The Bomber Mafia, is an outgrowth of some of the podcasts of pre-World War II years when the airplane was still a novelty, and it continues through the bombing of Tokyo and end of the war. He looks back on what happened and who the players were. The selfnamed Bomber Mafia were obsessed with air craft and its potential for use in war. They envisioned a world where forces from the air and the sea would determine the outcome of wars. Genius inventors developed more and more sophisticated aircraft, bombsights, B27 bombers and a couple of B29 bombers.

Gladwell gives more than just newsreel-type snap shots of the giants of this era. He tells of the rifts and jabs and competitions among men. One such story is that the RAF bombers believed in night scatter bombing, while the Bomber Mafia was pushing daylight bombing made possible by the accuracy of this new bombsight. The politics and dramatic differences in strategy resulted in a high-level meeting with Churchill for a decision. The Mafia Located at 301 West Reno in downtown Oklahoma City. Visit myriadgardens.org or @myriadgar‐dens on social media. For the next five Wednesdays, SONIC Summer Movies will be shown on the Devon Lawn of the Myriad Gardens. Enjoy movies, activities, food and fun beginning at 8 pm. Thanks to SONIC, these movies are completely free. Come early to get a great seat. Bring a pic‐nic or enjoy a lineup of food trucks. Blankets on one side, chairs on the other. Visit myriadgardens.org for details or @myriadgardens on social media. 2021 movies: The Greatest Showman The Croods: A New Age ‐ July 7 ‐ July 14 Labyrinth (35th anniversary)‐ July 21 Spies in Disguise ‐ July 28 Fantastic Mr. Fox ‐ Aug. 4

The Cowboy Museum is celebrating the diversity of the American West with two upcoming exhibitions spotlighting Mexican and northward migration. “¡Viva Mexico!,” on exhibit July 9 – Oct. 17 and Find Your North, on exhibit Aug. 20 – Oct. 17, use images, artifacts, maps and stories to share the influence the people “south of the border” had on cowboy and Western culture.

“The American West was and continues to be built on diversity of thought and experience,” said Natalie Shirley, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum President and CEO. “It was an embodiment of a shared hope and future, even for those for whom the west was actually north.”

This year marks the bicentennial of Mexican Independence from Spain in 1821, an event that played a significant role in the history of Central America to Western Canada.

For more information on “¡Viva Mexico!” and Find Your North, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/all-exhibitions.

pleaded that “if the British bomb by night and the Americans by day, bombing them thus around the clock, we’ll give the devils no rest” and requested that the US join the RAF in night bombing but be allowed to continue daytime bombing for a time. Churchill was not completely convinced but saw the logic and thus enabled the Americans to continue their obsession with precision bombing in hopes of victory along with the night scatter bombing which was meant to wear down the morale of the enemy. He agreed that there was value in both and informed the president of the US that he would withdraw his objection to see how it worked out.

The book touches on different wages of war as well as the sobering questions of life/death/destruction of innocent lives and cities, the will of the leaders of Japan to take no prisoners, and the determination of the Allies to use whatever means is necessary and to not look back. Other obstacles were always in the picture, changes in strategy, the weather, the high cost of life and heavy military expenses, the sudden appearance of the B29 bomber and the atomic bomb.

Such drama is spellbinding. The characters are larger than life. There were decisions that must be made concerning loss of troops, destruction of homes, and lives of innocent people from both theaters, the Pacific and Atlantic. Did they get it right? If they did not, there will be other wars of devastation and other longest nights before a tide turns to victory. There is also hope. Malcolm Gladwell speaks of obsessives as “my kind of people” and reminds us “but they get the job done.”

Thanks to Full Circle Book Store for sharing these books with Friday readers.

Locally-owned Business Directory

Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred

9520 N. May, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com

Full Circle Bookstore

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

Swiss Cleaners @ Laundry

3737 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 946-0629

LEAP COFFEE ROASTERS

44 NE 51st St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 602-5800

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

Journey Quilt Company T-shirt Quilts

16516 N. Penn Ave. Edmond OK 73012 (405) 340-0444 journeyquilts.com

23rd Street Antiques

3023 NW 23rd. (405) 943-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com

Concordia Life Plan Community

7707 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 720-7200 concordiaseniorliving.com

Coyle Law Firm

125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com

Gulfport Seafood Market

8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com

Home Care Assistance of Oklahoma

323 S. Blackwelder Ave. Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 277-0035 homecareassistance.com

Mary’s Maid Service

7009 NW 53rd St. Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 728-1805 marysmaidokcity.com

Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs

3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahomacity.com

Naifeh Fine Jewelry

6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com

Retirement Investment Advisors

2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com

Thrifty Pharmacy

10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond. com

State Farm Insurance Gary Baccus

16145 N. May Ave. Edmond, Ok 73013 (405) 844-6300 Garybaccus.com

Balliets

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

BancFirst

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

Britton Feed & Seed

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

First National Bank of Oklahoma

10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com

McBride Orthopedic Clinic

9600 Broadway Ext. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 486-2530 mcboh.com

CK & Co.

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

Chickasaw Community Bank

909 S. Meridian Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73108 (405) 946-2265 ccb.bank

Quail Creek Bank

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

James B. Lowe, DDS

2821 NW 58th Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 848-3535

Covenant Brothers

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

International Wigs

4429 NW 10th St, . Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 943-1233

Justin Beasley, DDS

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

We Pay Fast

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

Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose

333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138

Mood Party Rentals LLC

224 NE 46th Oklahoma Ci ty, OK 73105 (405) 840-2081 moodpartyrentals.com

Gas Station Coffee

P.O. Box 18527 Oklahoma City, OK 73154 (888) 542-7760 gscoffee.com

Quail Plaza Barber Shop

10940 N. May Ave. (495) 751-2126

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

All About Travel, Ltd.

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

Pirates Alley Picture Frames

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

Papa Dios

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

Deer Clan Books

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

J. Holland Photography

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

First Liberty Bank

9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-0528 myfirstliberty.com

First Fidelity Bank

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

Mathnasium of North OKC The Math Learning Center

14101 N. May, Suite 106 Oklahoma City, OK 73134 mathnasium.com/northokc (405) 412-8758

Norma Cokeley RE/MAX Preferred

9520 N. May, Suite No. 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 630-7696 (405 751-4848

Denner Roofing Co. LLC

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

Beef Jerky Emporium

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

Patio Creations

810 W Danforth (next to Hobby Lobby) Edmond, OK 4(405) 359-8200

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City is the Casady Square Shopping Center, a premier shopping experience serving the community since 1960.

With over 25 locallyowned businesses, the center offers unique shopping to Oklahoma City and beyond.

The diversity of the fashion, home décor, restaurants, fitness, and services give shoppers a reason to shop and stroll.

The variety of boutiques and businesses attracted many of the center’s local shop owners, including Allison Prescott, of Moliere Bridal. “I knew this was the perfect location for us. Not only are we in good company alongside other locallyowned businesses, but I’ve also always been impressed by the community’s loyalty to the square. It’s a regular staple in the area.” The shopping center offers history and has been part of many local family traditions for generations. George Huffman Casady Square’s Managing Owner added, “I consider Casady Square to have a timeless history that evolves, grows and settles in to serve the local community. “Those of us that have been around for a while remember the original Jimmy’s Egg and many other nostalgic stores and businesses of the past, but the center endures with grace and style – which we plan to continue building upon moving forward.”

Casady Square strives to be a pillar landmark to Oklahoma City. It is part of their mission to form lasting connections with customers and the community. They host numerous annual events that bring about excitement yearround. Community, local music, games, family fun, and more await during these special events that keep the square’s tradition alive. Shop the unique businesses in Casady Square daily, join in some fun at their upcoming End of Summer Event, August 26-28, or check out CasadySquare.com for other events.

Hall Capital celebrates 100 years

By Fred Jones Hall

Chairman & CEO, Hall Capital

In 1920, my grandfather Fred Jones embarked upon his first entrepreneurial endeavor. For the last several years, my brothers and I prepared to honor that legacy with a centennial celebration throughout 2020. You know the rest; the year 2020 was not what we expected. But at Hall Capital, we’re making the best of it, and we have enjoyed celebrating the centennial of our family-owned company for two years, instead of one.

Fred Jones spent half a century building one of the largest Ford dealerships in the United States, as well as the largest parts remanufacturing business in the world. Alongside him for that journey was his wife Mary Eddy. They and their daughter –Marylin – instilled in Boots, Kirk and I a sense of duty not just to our company, but to our community.

In 2020, Dr. Bob Blackburn and David Holt told our family’s story in their book “Here We Go: 100 Years of the Fred Jone/Hall Capital story.” Even I learned things about our family through that process and received a newfound appreciation for the example set by my grandparents. From my grandfather’s success as a self-made entrepreneur, to his key role securing Tinker Air Force Base, I was reminded that our family’s story is uniquely American and uniquely Oklahoma City. If you’d like a copy of “Here We Go,” we would love to share it with you. Just send an email to dholt@hallcapital.com.

Later this year, we will conclude our centennial celebrations when we unveil a statue of Fred Jones at the end of Fred Jones Avenue, where he can look out at the village that now surrounds the Model T Assembly Plant where he first went to work in 1916. Just across the street, inside what is now the 21c Museum Hotel, is Mary Eddy’s restaurant, honoring the other half of that amazing team.

As the state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned health care system, INTEGRIS Health is proud of the healing we provide in every one of our hospitals, specialty clinics, family care practices and centers of excellence. But medicine isn’t always about caring for the sick.

It’s about doing everything in our power to keep our friends, neighbors and every Oklahoman healthy.

The future of caring for illness is firmly rooted in wellness.

That’s why INTEGRIS Health doctors are here for you every day, with everything from the lifesaving care that can restore your health, to wisdom and guidance on staying healthy.

We encourage you to stay up-to-date with your own healthcare, getting your regular screenings and checkups – and ensuring that your loved ones do the same. We encourage you to eat well and exercise whenever you can, in whatever way works for you.

Please remember, you can now safely and confidently visit your INTEGRIS Health caregiver in person, or if you prefer, via telehealth and phone appointments. The most important thing is to reach out to us –there is no need to ignore symptoms or battle through problems alone.

We are here to help you in any and every way that we can.

That is the key to the partnerships we form with patients, businesses and communities all over Oklahoma.

We believe deeply that if we work together — and we work hard — we can all live fuller, healthier lives, and give future generations the gift of true health and well-being.

FRED JONES HALL

Naifeh Fine Jewelry helps customers look ready for sidewalk or runway

Why wait to wear your treasured diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires to an elegant affair? Strut your style and re-think how to show off your fabulous gemstone jewelry by making everyday your style day! Too often in our store we hear, “everyone’s just become so casual,” or “I wish I had somewhere to wear this…”

Well, you might have spent the last year wearing a lot of athleisure, but did you give up driving to Starbucks in your Mercedes or trickedout Range Rover? What about that Gucci or Goyard bag you’re carrying?

In today’s world, the trend of “keeping jewelry casual” doesn’t mean wearing costume jewelry or no jewelry at all. Whether

your rocks are smaller or larger, complete your look by adding on that bling-of-agemstone ring with your jeans and t-shirt and build your bangle stack to the max! Valerie’s Rule of Thumb: “Put it all on, take-one-off and it’s a perfect edit!”

Art expresses itself in many gorgeous forms, and jewelry is definitely one of them.

As Valerie expertly says, “why buy a piece of jewelry, when you can own a work of art?”

Purchasing a new piece of jewelry is an exciting investment, so highlight your inner sassy and flaunt your sparkle.

Parade your favorite carats anytime with confidence!

If you’ve inherited a bounty of gold and gemstones that don’t reflect your style, our custom design services will transform even the most woeful pieces into jewelry you will treasure.

At Naifeh Fine Jewelry, we’ll help you look ready for the sidewalk and the runway! So, you beautiful fashionista, take your pieces out on the town with your jeans, joggers and everything else and always remember to “Savor the Sparkle!”

INTEGRISpartners with state for healthier future

At INTEGRIS Health, medicine is about doing everything in our power to keep our friends, neighbors and every Oklahoman healthy.

Express enjoys record-breaking year

As Co-Founder, President and Executive Chairman of the Board for Express Employment Professionals, Bob Funk, Sr. and the Express team reached record sales of $3.64 billion and employed a record 564,000 people. Since awarding its first Express franchise in 1985, the staffing company has grown to more than 816 franchises with nearly 7,500 staff members in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa.

Bob is a true entrepreneur and owns 48 Express offices in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Kansas and stays active with Express affiliated companies: Express Ranches, The Express Clydesdales, Express Sports, Funk Companies and Express Travel Service.

Funk’s efforts in the staffing industry earned him induction into the International Franchise Association (IFA) Hall of Fame in 2010. He was recognized in 2013 as Most Admired CEO by The Journal Record and in 2014 by Oklahoma State University Division of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, with their Champion Award. In 2015 he was recognized as Man of the

Year by IMPACT OKC Magazine. Funk has helped brand the rebirth of Oklahoma City through a variety of investments including the popular Clydesdale Barn and as the co-owner of Texas Rangers' Triple-A franchise Redhawks Baseball, Oklahoma City Barons Hockey and OKC Energy FC Soccer teams. Due to his vast achievements and contributions, Funk was one of eight inductees into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2017. Actor Tom Selleck presented the honor. Funk is actively involved in the commuBOB FUNK nity and believes in giving back. He currently serves on several committees and previously served as chairman of the board of directors for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum where he personally contributed $4 million. He is a member and former chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and current chairman of the Oklahoma Youth Expo. He was named the Rodeo Gallery at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and has personally contributed $6.5 million to the Oklahoma Youth Expo.

With over 25 locally-owned businesses, Casady Square offers unique shopping to Oklahoma City and beyond. The diversity of the fashion, home décor, restaurants, fitness, and services give shoppers a reason to shop and stroll.

MLS nixes overdue, late fines

Beginning July 1, the Metropolitan Library System embarked upon a one-year pilot program of no overdue or late fines on adult and young adult materials.

In July 2022, the pilot program will be assessed for continuation based on program outcomes. Overdue fines on all children’s materials were permanently removed in 2020.

“The elimination of late fines from the Metropolitan Library System is a change that will reduce community disparities and increase access to the library and its resources for those who need it most,” MLS Executive Director Dr. Larry Nash White said. “The mission of the library is to share information – not generate revenue.”

Revenue from overdue fines currently accounts for less than 1% of the library’s annual operating budget.

Ending overdue fines for library materials does not mean library materials are free to keep. Customers will continue to be responsible for the replacement cost of unreturned or lost items and for damaged materials. If an item is not returned within 60 days of when it is due, it is considered lost and will be billed to the customer. Also, while there will be no late fees on MLS-owned books and materials, the Experience Passes, interlibrary loan (ILL) materials (items borrowed from other libraries for an MLS customer) and technology items such as Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks that can be checked out will still accrue overdue fines.

In addition to its one year fine-free pilot program, MLS is providing a one-time waiving of existing overdue MLS fines to all customers, totaling over $400,000 also effective July 1. This waiver will apply to overdue fines only; it will not apply to charges for lost or damaged items on customer accounts. It is expected that between 40,000 50,000 customers will benefit from this waiver of overdue fines.

“Our goal is to give our customers access to the library again,” White said. “If you’ve been staying away from the library because of overdue fines, we want you back.”

According to Ebsco.com, many libraries find that fines are a barrier to access, especially for low-income families, and can create adversarial relationships between customers and library staff members. Even worse, customers who are ashamed of their overdue fines or financially unable to pay them may stop using the library entirely.

“This is something we have been thinking about for years as more and more libraries have been going fine free,” MLS Deputy Director of Public Service Chris Kennedy said. “This ensures that we provide equal access to books and materials to every one of our customers.”

Oklahoma County Drug Court stepped up when the courthouse shut down

By Sue Ann Arnall

President, Arnall Family Foundation

Like nearly 4,000 similar programs across the U.S., Oklahoma County Drug Court (OCDC) gives individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system due to addiction a chance to repair their lives and avoid prison. The combination of accountability and compassion from the court along with evidence-based substance use and mental health treatment from community providers enables drug courts to provide a path to long-term recovery that has been proven to reduce crime and drug use while saving lives and money.

In Oklahoma, drug court programs are available in 73 of the 77 counties and boast a re-arrest rate of only 7.9% among program graduates compared to 23.4% for those who received traditional sentences. Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services estimates that DOC incarceration costs $19,000 per person per year, drug court only costs $5,000 per person per year.

With a graduation rate of 84%, Oklahoma County sets the standard where the statewide graduation rate is 67%. Since taking over, Judge Kenneth Stoner has worked tirelessly to expand OCDC making it one of the top drug courts in the nation. Since 1998, 4,316 individuals have graduated from the program.

What really sets the OCDC apart is their resilience.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, courthouses closed and dockets stalled nationwide, but the OCDC team pressed on and were one of the only treatment court programs that continued to meet virtually during the pandemic. Even without mandatory attendance or the threat of sanctions and jail time, 90% of the participants enrolled in the program continued and several graduated!

On average, OCDC has between 400-450 participants, but estimates show that with adequate support and funding, this program could expand and increase enrollment by as much as 50%. Reaching that goal will take the same resilience and dedication but they cannot do it alone.

As the Arnall Family Foundation and other leaders across our community work together to find innovative solutions to some of our most pressing problems, here we are presented with a rare opportunity to support and expand a program that has already proven to be efficient and effective.

Oklahoma County Drug Court (OCDC) gives individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system due to addiction a chance to repair their lives and avoid prison. The local program boasts an 84% graduation rate.

Ears of Oklahoma deeply passionate about helping people stay connected

Jeni Merrick-Baker, Au.D is a clinical audiologist and owner of Ears of Oklahoma. She completed her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma City University and received her doctorate in audiology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

From 1999 to 2020, Dr. Merrick-Baker was a clinical audiologist helping patients with vestibular disorders and hearing loss at the Otologic Medical Clinic. She recently opened her own practice in Oklahoma City, Ears of Oklahoma, which serves the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas with services including diagnostic testing, hearing aids, cerumen removal, hearing rehabilitation, hearing conservation and concierge hearing services.

In addition to her practice in Oklahoma City, Dr. Baker has enjoyed a successful practice in Ardmore for the last 18 years.

Dr. Merrick-Baker is deeply passionate about helping people stay connected to the world through their hearing. She understands there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she continues to educate herself on the latest technology and research to customize each of her patient’s needs. She knows that hearing loss can affect every facet of one’s lif as well as the lives of their loved ones.

Let Dr. Merrick-Baker help you enjoy life by hearing the small sounds that matter.

Contact her office today at (405) 673-1327, earsofoklahoma@gmail.com or Earsofoklahoma.com.

Ears of Oklahoma, which serves the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas with services including diagnostic testing, hearing aids, cerumen removal, hearing rehabilitation, hearing conservation and concierge hearing services.

Kratos: A leader for Oklahoma’s defense industry

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, including high-performance unmanned aerial systems, officially expanded into Oklahoma in 2018. From the first days of opening our Oklahoma City engineering office and, shortly after, our tactical drone production facility that officially brought back airplane manufacturing to the Sooner State, we were welcomed with open arms.

Since that time, Kratos is proud to have grown our Oklahoma presence and portfolio. We are also especially proud of our blossoming community and industry partnerships within the State.

This May, Kratos joined 10 other defense-interested organizations to launch the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association (ODIA) — a collective voice for Oklahoma’s defense industry, military installations, and national security interests, driving strategic dialogue among Oklahoma’s defense stakeholders, identifying key issues, and leveraging the expertise of our military, government, and academic members to address them. Kratos believes this group will drive policies that benefit Oklahoma’s defense industry and, therefore, expand university research opportunities, enhance the education system, develop the workforce, and improve the overall quality of life in Oklahoma.

Additionally, Kratos is supporting Oklahoma’s next generation of aerospace and defense leaders by sponsoring and mentoring Project Boom — a University of Oklahoma-based global team of student engineers working collaboratively to break the sound barrier – and two world records – with a remote-controlled jet-powered plane.

The continuing welcome Kratos received from Oklahoma left an impression on us, and we hope to do the same for Oklahoma by being a champion for the community and not only a good neighbor, but a leader in and advocate for the State. We will continue to do our part to support an ecosystem where defense installations, industry, workforce and research institutions prosper together to the benefit of the entire Sooner State.

Kratos hosts the Project Boom team at its Oklahoma City tactical drone production facility. From left: Jonathan Burgess, Minos Park, Jake Compton, Skyler Jacob, Colin Watson and Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division.

As we wish our community a safe and happy Fourth of July, Children's Hospital Foundation gratefully recognizes our friends and donors for their years of dedication, volunteer service and financial partnership.

Since 1983, CHF has focused on its mission to "improve the health of children through its support of research, education and clinical care …" of Oklahoma's greatest asset – its children.

Because of you, CHF filled its first $2 million endowed research and education chair at the OU Department of Pediatrics on July 1, 1994.

Because of you, CHF has provided critical funding to 27 pediatric endowed chair holders, with another 9 in recruitment, and provides essential financial support to specialized research and educa-

Ady is the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 2021 Champion Child. Amy Cottrell, chairwoman of GAME ON; Charlie Knight Chapter president; Kim Vanbebber, executive director of CASA; and Charlie Ludden, development manager of CASA.

tional programs.

Because of you, CHF has the opportunity to work with leaders of the OU Department of Pediatrics as they recruit and retain nationally recognized pediatric researchers and esteemed educators to Oklahoma, providing the best source of medical education to tomorrow's pediatricians.

Your support plays a valuable role in providing essential funding to critical, innovative clinical care available to children living in Oklahoma, improving the health of communities and our future. Care provided by CHF-supported physicians and initiatives allows children from all 77 counties in Oklahoma to receive quality medical care near their homes and their communities of support.

Now, CHF begins its $6 million fundraising initiative to enhance the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, ensuring the continued momentum and success of dedicated physician-researchers focusing on pediatric cancer and blood diseases.

We ask you to join us in the fight against pediatric cancer. If you are interested in learning more about the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, this initiative and matching funds available, please contact us at www.chfKids.com or call (405) 833-3437.

Sorority supports CASA

Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter hosted its General Meeting in the home of Chapter President Charlie Knight. The chapter recognized all the past presidents and inducted the new officers for 20212022.

The chapter presented a check to CASA, the national philanthropy, for $16,000 to support both its GAME ON virtual event and its Pickleball Classic event.

Kappa Alpha Theta officers: Tamara Herman, Phoebe Mitchell, Allie Dodson, Charlie Knight, LeAnn Lienhard, Jayne Clarke, Amy Parrish, Alexa Lienhard, Tabitha McCuan and Ashley Wolfe.

Impact Oklahoma ‘Making Lemonade’ during annual meeting

The theme of Impact Oklahoma’s annual meeting at “We’re Making Lemnade.”

The organization, founded in 2005, provides grants for local nonprofits. This year, the Halo Project was the recipient of the grant.

Above: Linda Slawson and Miki Farris. Below: Lily Stone and Sue Morrison. Kathy Williams, Connie Mashburn, Joyce Mauldin and Sharon Greene support the mission of Impact OK. The organization has presented more than $3.5 million in grants since its inception in 2005.

- Photos by Fran Kozakowski

At right: Candace Pahl, Rachele Browning, Christina Hiersche and Apple Saunier at the Impact Annual Meeting. Four nonprofits made presentations and members voted on the winner.

BANK

From Page B3

great neighbors to everyone,” he said.

Since Shannon began leading the bank 2017, Chickasaw Community Bank has grown 148%, from $133 million to $331 million in total assets as of May 2021.

Total Capital during the same time period grew 90% from $17 million to $33 million.

Wholly-owned by the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Community Bank has helped small businesses, homeowners and community members build better lives for almost two decades. Formally known as Bank2, the bank changed its name in 2020 to Chickasaw Community Bank to better reflect Chickasaw values and heritage, and the new four-story building will pay homage to the Chickasaw culture.

Designed to highlight nature, the building incorporates many native sustainable materials. The stone color will reflect the color palette of exterior and interior finish materials that express nature and honor colors special to the Chickasaw community. The lobby will feature a Chickasaw Warrior Statue, a symbol of the strength and resiliency of the Chickasaw people, and the unconquered and unconquerable spirit of the Chickasaw Nation.

The nearly 33,000-squarefoot building will feature 79 offices, six conference rooms and a multipurpose area for trainings and events, and serve as the bank’s headquarters. The bank employees 200 local residents.

The new location, in northwest Oklahoma City, promises to be an epicenter of commerce and trade in the years to come, said Governor Anoatubby.

“We recognize this areas potential for economic growth, for innovation and infrastructure development, and we want to be a driving force behind that development.”

Governor Anoatubby said Chickasaw Community Bank is an important part of the tribe’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 business holdings, which also include manufacturing, energy, health care, media, technology, hospitality, retail and tourism. Currently, the Chickasaw Nation supports more than 22,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and benefits as part of a $3.7 billion annual economic contribution to the Oklahoma economy.

Business revenues provide the majority of funding for more than 200 programs and services, such as health care, housing and education for Chickasaw citizens and First Americans.

Chickasaw Community Bank is a full-service financial institution that offers a diverse array of checking accounts, savings accounts, investment products, mortgages and lending services to individuals and businesses all across the region. Bauer Financial rated the institution a 5-star bank in 2021, and Seifried & Brew LLC places the bank in the top 15% of all U.S. banks.

Chickasaw Nation’s involvement in the banking business began more than a century ago when the Bank of the Chickasaw Nation was established in Indian Territory in the early 1900s in the historic Chickasaw Nation capitol city, Tishomingo.

Built on Main Street as a depository for all Chickasaw Nation funds, former Chickasaw Nation Governor Robert Maxwell Harris served as the first bank president. Banking operations began with $25,000 in capital, which doubled in a few days. The two-story Romanesque granite structure was proclaimed to be “the handsomest, most complete, and the most secure bank in the two (Choctaw and Chickasaw) territories.”

As a third-grader, Kim Garrett organized a penny drive to save the manatees and has been motivated by an innate desire to serve others ever since.

Today, she is the founder and CEO executive director of Palomar in Oklahoma City, an evidencebased national model that centralizes the vital services of 27 agencies into one building to alleviate obstacles to access resource and to help and empower victims of violence.

Kim’s path to Palomar began when she was 19-years-old working at a crisis call center in her hometown of Reno, Nevada. She became an advocate for sexual assault victims, often meeting them at the hospital to provide comfort and support in the middle of the night, and eventually become the program’s coordinator.

She ventured deeper into victim services by taking a job with the Reno Police Department where her passion for working with families and individuals in crisis ignited even more.

After earning a master’s degree and moving to Oklahoma City with her husband Bob in 2011, she was recruited by Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty to start a victim services unit in the OKC Police Department because of her unique culmination of experience in social work and law enforcement.

While building the program, Kim quickly saw how disjointed services were for families in crisis, forcing them to travel to a variety of locations to receive the help they needed. This was more than an inconvenience; it was life threatening and greatly increased the chances they would return to the violence.

From this frustration, Kim founded Palomar, the nonprofit Oklahoma City Family Justice Center which has aided more than 4,000 people since opening its doors in 2017. Drawing on the resources of hundreds of professionals and volunteers, Palomar helps OKC-area victims of violence by offering protection, hope and healing in a single location.

The myriad of agencies housed within Palomar includes advocacy, law enforcement, legal aid, support for survivors of human trafficking, children, and adult protective services, and many more.

KIM GARRETT CEO, Palomar

Most of First Liberty Bank’s clients are small, local businesses and folks that make the greater Oklahoma City their home.

Community: It’s the only way to bank

By Joey Root

First Liberty Bank President & CEO

A community is defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. A further definition of community is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

As a community bank, we appreciate the communities in which we are located. First Liberty is entirely dependent on the communities we serve – it’s where we find our customers, it’s where we find our employees, and to the extent possible, we use vendors located in our community.

Most of our clients are small, local businesses and folks that make greater Oklahoma City their home. You are our doctor, our accountant, our kid’s homeroom teacher. We are friends, neighbors, and customers of your businesses.

The largest banks are very important to the overall United States and Global economy. However, small, community banks are also critical. It is the fact that we are in your community, that we have shared interests, attitudes, and goals.

We get to know our clients – their stories, their families, their hopes and dreams. This in-depth knowledge allows us to extend credit and provide financial services to customers in ways that would be impossible for our nation’s largest banks.

Lending to small businesses is particularly important as it relates to community banks – after all, over 50% of our workforce is employed at a small business.

We hope to see you soon – some of you in our bank lobby and many others somewhere out in this great community we share.

By Elyssa Gerstel

Student Intern

Casey Cornett, chief marketing officer of Spark Creative’s knowledge extends way beyond the world of public relations, into the world of data analytics and marketing.

Casey, an Oklahoma City native, earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Central Oklahoma.

After college, he got a job at Jones PR located downtown, working with social media during a time when social media marketing had just begun its introduction into the world of advertising.

Subsequently, he began his own company, Cornett Marketing. After about three years, Cornett Marketing merged with Spark Creative in 2020.

Spark Creative was born as a collaboration between Casey and Christopher Lloyd, a friend he knew from high school. The company started with a conversation as friends and ended up as a business. Today, Spark Creative focuses on digital marketing and design.

A typical day for Casey includes producing a marketing strategy for clients and providing direction for his creative team.

“I'm involved in managing really all of the departments from the digital team, to googling social media aspects that are working; building those strategies, and helping implement the creative team,” said Casey.

As a chief marketing officer, Casey believes that the collaborative efforts of his team are really what makes Spark Creative as successful as it is. Working together with his employees and creating a well-rounded finished product is Cornett’s favorite part of his job.

“It's making sure that the creative designers are making designs that match the plans that we put together, and that the social and digital teams are correctly finding the right audiences online, following up with those audiences with the creative design and messaging that has been put together by other people,” said Casey. “It's really putting all of the puzzle pieces together.”

Outside of work, Casey is married to Marek, whom he met on Twitter. Marek also owns her a PR firm, Alaine Digital.

Together, they are parents to four young boys, Lyon, age three, and one-year-old triplets, Emmett, Logan and Ollie. Parenting four kids under the age of three presents itself with its own set of challenges. Casey said that they will usually switch off between the three-year-old and the triplets so that every child can receive the attention they need.

As a family, they like to spend quality time together like visiting the park. Casey said he is a proud father and is looking forward to seeing his sons grow up into their unique personalities and interests.

Marek and Casey Cornett with their four children, front, from left, Emmett, Lyon, Logan and Oliver.

BLAZING A DIGITAL TRAIL

Elizabeth is OKC Broadway’s first director

By Rose Lane

Editor

At 34, Elizabeth Gray is at the helm of OKC Broadway and operations of the Civic Center.

And, she has been the executive director since 2015.

Elizabeth is the daughter of Governor David and Rhoda Walters. A graduate of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, she earned a degree in engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

Upon her college graduation, she went into the family business, Walters Power International. She said she “dove” into the power side of the company, helping build and man power plants all over the world — from Pakistan to the UK and Tyler, Texas.

Steve Hill was appointed chief of staff to then-Mayor Mick Cornett and was stepping aside from the Civic Center Board of Directors.

“He called me one day and said, ‘You are artsy, you want the arts,’” Elizabeth said.

Therefore, she received a mayoral appointment to the Board of Directors.

Through what she called “a series of events,” in 2015 she became the organization’s first executive director.

Back then, it was just Elizabeth and two other employees. Today, there are 25-30 full-time staff, as well as 40-50 part-time workers.

Next, Elizabeth and her staff took over full-time management of the Civic Center from the City of Oklahoma City. And, for the ‘16-’17 season of the Broadway series at the Civic Center, they took over the management of that, too.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Elizabeth said. “No two days are alike. It’s very interesting and challenging.”

OKC Broadway has partnered with the Nederlander group to bring first-class shows to the Civic Center. Elizabeth said that Nederlander is the “royalty” of Broadway.

“We set out to partner with an organization that knew what they were doing to bring the best shows to OKC,” she said.

That organization owns nine theatres on Broadway and works in 26 markets, including Oklahoma City which Nederlander considers “top tier.”

Balancing the schedules of Broadway shows and Civic Center availability is a really complicated process, Elizabeth said.

“It’s like a Rubik’s Cube — all the stars have to align.”

While engineering seems a long way off from running the Civic Center, Elizabeth said there are many similarities between the two positions.

“I’m sort of doing the same thing, organizing and operations and the financial aspects,” she said.

“But, we are in a good groove now.”

Elizabeth is also on the board of the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, a cause that she said is “near and dear” to her heart, as well as that of her parents.

She is mom to 1-year-old J.D., with her husband of 10 years, Michael.

Her responsibilities with the Civic Center often require her time on nights and weekends. But, Elizabeth said she has an amazing support system in her husband, her parents, her two sisters, her in-laws and her team at OKC Broadway.

She said that her position is “interesting and challenging.”

“I love it!”

A BALANCING ACT

By Rose Lane

Editor

Downtown Oklahoma City’s Director of Finance and Administration Phi Nguyen says she feels so fortunate to be able to do something she loves for a living: making her community a better place.

Phi, 36, was born and raised in OKC, the first of the first generation born in the US in her family.

“My parents immigrated over from Vietnam in the late 70s separately and they met in college at OU,” Phi said. “My parents are recently retired and traveling across the US sightseeing and visiting family and friends.”

Phi is the oldest of three girls. She graduated in 2003 from PC West and earned a bachelor of science with a double major in accounting and finance from OU.

“I started my professional career late as I worked multiple jobs while completing my degree,” she said. “I spent over 10 years serving and bartending in restaurants before embarking into public accounting in 2010.

“Waiting tables is where I developed my love for food, the dining experience, and the hospitality industry in OKC.”

After five years in public accounting for a local firm downtown, she moved down the street to City Center to become the director of finance and administration for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership.

“My move to DOKC was serendipitous and a result of the relationships I built while being a part of the Leadership OKC (LOKC) LOYAL program,” she said.

“The director of finance at the time was in my LOYAL class and had decided to pivot careers back to banking/finance. He texted me one morning and asked if I was interested in having coffee and he wanted to talk to me about the post he was leaving. Over the next three days, I interviewed and was offered the position ...”

It was a drastic change from a 100-person public accounting firm to a 10-person non-profit.

“My experience in public accounting and growing involvement in non-profits and other community building organizations really provided a solid foundation to grow my career at DOKC,” she said. “This was also the first of many opportunities that presented themselves to me because of my ties with LOKC.”

At Downtown OKC, Phi oversees all the financial accounting for the six entities within the organization.

“I like to joke that I do the least fun thing at a very fun organization,” she said. “I am a total spreadsheet nerd, so I can work in Excel all day long, and sorting and analyzing data truly excites me!”

She said the best part of her job is being able to serve the community and play an active role in maintaining and building the vibrancy of downtown OKC for the people who live, work and play here.

Now, as she travels, she pays attention to the urban environment of the cities she visits and brings ideas home to OKC.

Phi said she believes in giving back to the community you live in.

“All through high school, I was active in Student Council and attended leadership conferences across the state,” she said. “I volunteered in various capacities and I realized that doing activities like that was very rewarding to me. Through college and working multiple jobs, I lost touch with that feeling.”

Then, along came Leadership OKC’s LOYAL class.

“I didn't feel like I had roots in OKC at the time and my profession in public accounting could afford me the luxury of finding a job anywhere,” Phi said. “I literally planned on moving out of state after I completed the program, but that all changed. LOKC reintroduced me to all the good and all the possibilities our city has.”

She was connected with 59 other young people who were also looking for a sense of belonging and a way to contribute.

“I met some of my best friends through that expe-

rience, but I am most grateful that Leadership OKC made this place my forever home,” Phi said. “Since the first day of my onboarding retreat, I hit the ground running, volunteering every chance I got, learning about all the different kinds of nonprofits that serve our community and always saying yes when asked to help. Nine years since LOYAL and the relationships and involvement with the following organizations are the ones she truly cherishes: The Regional Food Bank of OK tackles the issue of food insecurity in Oklahoma, providing food and resources to those in need in addition to providing advocacy and building relationships to combat the root causes of hunger. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Arts Council of OKC play the ever -important role of breaking down barriers of accessibility to the arts and enriching lives through arts education and experiences. Finally, there will forever be a place in Phi’s heart for Leadership OKC. “I have been ever so lucky to continue to serve the mission to develop leaders in OKC and I'm ecstatic to serve this year as president of the Leadership OKC Alumni board, the first LOYAL graduate to ever do so,” she said. In her spare time, Phi manages a food promotion account, Take A Bite OK. Founded in 2017, the @takeabiteok Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts document the food chronicles of Phi and her supper club of friends. “The goal of the account is to share the diverse and vibrant culinary scene of the 405 (and beyond) with others,” she said.

GIVING BACK With her “quaranteam” at Live from the Lawn at Scissortail Park: Erik Salazar, Ashley Weems, Phi Nguyen and Christopher Lloyd. When COVID hit, the foursome started happy hours on Mondays in the spring of 2020 and then pool days Friday.

Whitney has a vision for a bustling metropolis

By Elyssa Gerstel

Student Intern

Whitney Rainbolt, the chief marketing officer at the Medallion Group, is a woman who knows no bounds to her vision for a bustling metropolis in the heart of Oklahoma.

“I’m so passionate about bringing new things here …” said Whitney. “Oklahoma City is on the rise and is only going to get better. I love being a part of that.”

Whitney, an Oklahoma City native, went to the University of Georgia where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business. After she completed her undergraduate degree, she spent a few years working for Senator Tom Coburn in Washington D.C., before returning to the metro area to earn her MBA from the University of Oklahoma.

While in graduate school in 2010, Whitney began to work at the Medallion Group, a commercial real estate company that focuses on office and retail spaces in the Oklahoma City area. Whitney currently manages a variety of properties, including the Chisholm Creek shopping center, a 190-acre retail center with activities like Topgolf, as well as restaurants like Domenico and Hatch Early Morning Food.

The Medallion Group is a familyowned business, where Whitney collaborates with her dad and brother. Day-to-day, Whitney fulfills a variety of roles, including meeting with potential tenants, traveling to other sites around the country and touring the latest ideas for the real estate group.

“I get to explore, find neat things and meet really neat people,” said Whitney. “ Everybody has their story.”

While Rainbolt enjoys most aspects of her job, waiting for deals to go through requires a lot of patience.

However, the wait is most often worth the reward. Thus, Whitney believes in the power of never giving up.

“When I first started, I would call all these brokers around Oklahoma City. Nobody would answer my emails or my calls,” said Whitney. “Then, one day it just clicked. I just kept trying.”

Currently, the Medallion Group is working on a hotel, new apartments, retail spaces and an entertainment venue.

“At Chisholm Creek, every day is exciting and fun because we get to see the new things coming to the city...” said Whitney. “We get to talk to companies that would never normally talk to me about Oklahoma City, but when you tell them some statistics about the city [they are surprised with the market value].”

Outside of work, Rainbolt is married to Adam Rainbolt and they have with two active boys, ages three and five. Rainbolt said she spends a lot of time taking her boys to different sports and activities.

Additionally, Whitney and her family love to travel and go to the lake, spending quality time together as a family.

Whitney has a lot of hope for the future of Oklahoma City and believes that the progress of the city should not be overlooked.

“I think it’s so cool to be in Oklahoma City and to be a part of what Oklahoma City has become over the past 10 years,” said Whitney.

Whitney and Adam Rainbolt with their sons Ward and Thomas.

HELPING OKC GROW

By Rose Lane

Editor

North Carolina native Selena Skorman came to Oklahoma for love and has stayed because of it.

But, they are two entirely different romances.

“I followed a guy and it didn’t work out,” Selena said. “But, I fell in love with OKC.”

Selena attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York and earned a degree in liberal arts. She arrived in OKC seven years ago.

Her first position was the Arts Council OKC.

“That is where I learned everything I use today,” Selena said. “It was a very special introduction to OKC.”

Next, she served as the executive director of the Plaza District.

“It’s so wonderful, such a good cause,” Selena said. “All businesses became like family.”

“That was so fun, but gruelling. I’m sick in the head because I love doing these things.”

Selena worked with the Innovation District which she called a “cool project for the city. It’s so important.”

At just 30-yearsold, she founded Skorman Consulting.

“People kept asking for my help,” Selena said.

Her services include economic development and nonprofit management. She can also “evangelize” people for missions and strengthen retail.

Selena said she works with cities, lawyers, business associations and districts.

“I also know what I am terrible at,” Selena said. “If you want something to look pretty, I am not your person.”

She said she employs a “Field of Dreams” approach to her work. That is because there are not a lot of barriers to entry into the Oklahoma City community.

In North Carolina, it’s an “old money” mentality.

Coming to OKC made Selena a kinder person, she said. When she would look lost, someone would help her.

“I am carrying that with me and helping others in the same way.”

Selena remains passionate about the arts and continues to volunteer for the Festival of the Arts and other events.

“The planning and execution of an event is the best part,” she said. “I get high off the chaos — I feel alive.”

“I always say, if our insurance will allow it, we will do it.”

In fact, she loves to do the “heavy lifting” in volunteerism.

“If it’s manuel labor, I’m right there, I will drive a fork lift.”

Looking to the future, Selena she has already completed her 5-year plan and is now enjoying the ride.

“I don’t see myself leaving,” she said. “I just want to be a part of the story of OKC.”

If it is manual labor, Selena Skorman is all about it, such as driving a fork lift during Oklahoma City’s Festival of the Arts. She says the planning and execution of an event is the best part.

IN LOVE WITH OKC

Sonny wants to help continue betterment of Village

By Eric Oesch

Staff Writer

Except for a brief stint in Norman while attending the University of Oklahoma, Sonny Wilkinson has always considered himself a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City.

He has called The Village home since he purchased his first residence in 2013. Today, Wilkinson is serving his second term as mayor of the Oklahoma City suburb where nearly 10,000 people call home.

Since 2015 Wilkinson has represented the residents of Ward 5 during three two-year terms. He was unanimously reelected mayor by The Village City Council in May, an office he previously served in 2018.

Mayor Wilkinson is senior director of development and planned giving for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Prior to joining OMRF, he worked for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful. He is an OU graduate where he earned a BA in multidisciplinary studies in political science and nonprofit management.

He has an enthusiasm for life whether in city government, backpacking or doting on the puppies he and his wife Susan Urban adopted from the OK Humane Society — Lincoln, a shih tzu, and Luna, a lab/pit mix. He and Susan enjoy traveling the globe, baking, playing the piano and all things Olympics.

During his first term as mayor Wilkinson and the other four council members approved new design guidelines for commercial developments, developed a master plan for city parks, established a new TIF district due to the expansion of Love’s campus, approved a new ordinance to restrict parking boats and RVs in driveways and began the Britton Road construction project.

“During my second term as mayor I want to work with the council on improving every corner of the city and ensuring the city is working for everyone living here,” he said. “As a city with a small footprint like ours, but in the middle of the state’s largest metropolitan area, we have an incredible opportunity to ensure each resident is heard and benefits from the improvements we put into place.

“I’d like to continue the improvements to our parks and possibly look at creating a city park south of Britton Road. We’ve had plans for several years to improve the area around City Hall, the Love’s campus and the library – creating a gathering place for our city, and possibly a dog park.

He would also like the council to consider the creation of a Parks Commission.

“(It would be) a group of residents to make recommendations to the council about future improvements to the parks, ensure they are being maintained and used, and help plan various activities throughout the year,” he said.

Wilkinson earned his Certified Fund-Raising Executive credential in 2015, and is deeply involved in the Oklahoma City community, “especially through the Exchange Rotary Club where I serve as presi-

dent,” he said. “I’m a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class 38 and Loyal Class IX.” “I’ve been honored to serve on the council, especially during the past year,” he said. “It is clearer than ever that being neighbors and understanding, listening to someone about their fears and experiences is more important than anything. I want to continue working to make our city more inclusive and better for everyone who lives here. “

A HOMETOWN CHEERLEADER The Village Mayor Sonny Wilkinson and his wife, Susan Urban.

By Elyssa Gerstel

Student Intern

As a child, Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson could never have imagined going into law enforcement.

“I never wanted to be a cop," said Johnson. “It was not a sought-after job for me, especially where I come from.”

Johnson, an Oklahoma City native, grew up on the south side of the city. After graduating high school, Johnson played college baseball at East Central University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in exercise science.

Then, one day everything changed. At the gym where Johnson would often train, he met a police officer who encouraged him to go into the profession. After pondering it, Johnson finally agreed to shadow the police officer for the day.

“It completely changed my life,” Johnson said.“ You see policing (through television), but that’s just one small portion of what policing is about. When I went on this ride-along, I saw the other portion where it’s truly caring for the community, investing in the community and helping citizens make better decisions …”

Johnson began his career in law enforcement at the University of Oklahoma in 2012, moving to the City of Norman Police Department in 2015. In 2020, he ran for county sheriff and was officially in the office this year.

As Oklahoma County Sheriff, Johnson fulfills many roles as the head of law enforcement for the county. A typical day may be speaking at a variety of several functions like schools and neighborhood associations, managing the operations at the sheriff’s office or budgeting. Sheriff Johnson believes that immersing himself in the community and making connections is an essential part of his job.

“Being an elected official, the citizens are who put you there. So you need to invest time in them, as well,” said Johnson. “Speak about the agency, tell them about the changes, so they know they made the right decision by putting your name down on that ballot box.”

Additionally, Sheriff Johnson is enthusiastic about making a lasting impact within the sheriff’s office. Most recently, he has spoken with a vendor about body cameras for police officers.

Johnson has also created a Sheriff's Athletic League for children, which aims to build trust between youths and police officers while building relationships within the community.

Additionally, Johnson’s team has put the financial information for each month on its Facebook page, which tells residents how their tax money was spent and what account it came from.

Finally, having stakeholders in each part of the community is the goal of the Citizens Advisory Board. The goal of these liaisons is to create bonds of communication between the community and law enforcement.

“This is greater than me,” Johnson said. “This is about the office. It’s about what we offer to the community. We want to create things that last and that are successful.”

However, Johnson recognizes that there is a lack of trust between the police force and community members. Johnson says that the police force is the foundation for the community because it tries to protect people from harm.

“We provide a service that is so valuable to any community,” Johnson said.

Outside of work, Sheriff Johnson is incredibly involved with his family. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Amanda Kay Johnson, and has two boys, Tommie Johnson IV and Kyson Lee. They are expecting their third son early in July.

“You want to talk about motivation, you look at those faces every day, you are going to be motivated to do an excellent job,” Johnson said. “I want them to be proud of me.”

Johnson coaches youth sports, including his son’s football team and helps with the baseball team which occupies a lot of his time.

Johnson has a lot of respect for the Oklahoma County law enforcement agency.

“I love law enforcement,” Johnson said. “I love what we mean. I love what we do. I love what we stand for and I love the community, blending the two so I invest in our community to help them unconsciously invest in their safety.”

Mick Cornett, Sheriff Tommie Johnson, Evan Handy and Terri Cornett during the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s annual Distinguished Citizen dinner.

CARING FOR PEOPLE

T.W. made history at 34 when Speaker of the House

By Eric Oesch

Staff Writer

During his impressive and varied career T.W. Shannon has broken barriers and forged into the future with determination. He is an accomplished leader with diverse experience in business, public service and community engagement.

Shannon heads one of the most unique banks in the country. As CEO of Chickasaw Community Bank based in Oklahoma City, he leads a remarkably successful enterprise wholly owned by the Chickasaw Nation. Under his leadership Chickasaw Community Bank has grown its total assets to over $215 million.

“I often say Chickasaws are Oklahoma’s ‘original story-tellers’,” said Shannon at the groundbreaking ceremonies of the new Chickasaw Community Bank location on the Kilpatrick Turnpike and Rockwell Ave. in Fridayland. “Governor Anoatubby and The Chickasaw Nation have done a great job of telling the story of the Chickasaw people.

“At Chickasaw Community Bank, we truly believe that today marks the continuation of that story about who we are, how we are great neighbors and how we want to continue to propel the Chickasaw people in Oklahoma forward,” he added.

Prior to pursuing his business career, where he uses his financial and legal knowledge, T.W. had an impressive tenure in public service capped by his fellow lawmakers choosing him to lead the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He made history in January 2013 when, at age 34, he rose to become the youngest Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the youngest in the country.

He was the first Chickasaw and first African American to rise to the powerful position of speaker. In addition to breaking barriers in the reddest state in the union, T.W.’s selection as Speaker was also a celebrated historic achievement as he was the first African American Republican since reconstruction in America to head a legislative body.

Even before his ascension as leader of the Oklahoma House, T.W. had a record of success as a history-maker becoming the first Republican elected to the House District 64 seat.

While being heralded as a “Rising Star” by the Republican National Committee, Speaker Shannon utilized his platform to champion solutions aimed to advance minority communities across the state. He was a champion for infrastructure and produced a significant overhaul of the State’s welfare system by mandating a 24-hour work week for able-bodied adult recipients.

Before serving in the legislature, T.W. worked as one of five C-level officers in the role of chief administrative officer of the Chickasaw Nation, which generated annual revenues of over $1 billion, and employed over 7,500 employees at one time. In his role with the Chickasaw Nation, he led support functions of one of the most financially successful tribes in America and worked on governmental affairs on both a state and national level.

He has been quoted as saying, “I believe we must choose the path to faith, freedom and individual liberty. It starts with us, here today, now, working together, with God's favor, we can save the America that we love.”

Shortly after the 2016 presidential election, T.W. was invited to meet with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss issues surrounding poverty. He serves as a board member of CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education – a Washington-based think tank dedicated to culture, race and poverty. As a board member he provides strategic guidance to staff and CEO Star Parker, a nationally syndicated media contributor. In this role, he engages a national network of conservative Black pastors to advocate for policy solutions.

He is a member of the board of trustees for Oklahoma City University, a commissioner of the State of Oklahoma Transportation Commission, and a board member for the Civic Center Foundation, Leadership Oklahoma, Oklahoma Bankers Association and Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Shannon has a Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Cameron University. He is a Harvard University IOP Fellow and an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow.

He has been married to his college sweetheart, Devon (a college professor) for 18 years and they are parents of Audrey Grace and Tahrohon Wayne, II. He considers his family his greatest accomplishment and nothing is more important to him than his wife and children.

T.W. and Devon Shannon with their children Audrey Grace and Tahrohon Wayne, II.

A RISING STAR

Diamond lost to the rough

By Robert Lo

Director-General Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston

Five editors and executives of Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong, were arrested on charges of colluding with foreign powers on June 18. Something is rotten in the Fragrant Harbor, the decay of democracy. The world should keep a weather eye on Hong Kong to better prevent threats to human rights and the stability of the global economy.

Hong Kongers are being stripped of their freedoms under the guise of national security. Freedom of the press and selfexpression, once flourishing, are now on life support. The city which cultivated a free-market economy based on international trade and finance is becoming more and more constrained by authoritarian powers.

What does it mean for the future of human rights and the global economy when such a diamond can be lost to the rough? It means that freedom-loving democracies and the international business community must work together to limit the expansion of authoritarian aims so that what is happening in Hong Kong is not repeated elsewhere.

New vision. New Energy. Same Excellence.

Ed Martin has been with Ackerman McQueen for over 20 years, currently serving as executive chairman. In that time, he has seen the agency constantly building and diversifying.

“We were one of the first agencies to have our own in-house recording studio, which soon led to editors, cinematographers and our own camera and lighting equipment,” he said.

By 2010, AM was well on the way to being the largest production company in Oklahoma.

“But even after all of that growth,” said Ed, “nothing comes close to where our ongoing diversification has brought us today.”

First and most obviously, the agency moved out of its longtime home in the Valliance Tower to the Monarch building in the heart of Midtown.

“We love this city,” said Revan McQueen, AM’s CEO. “And being downtown makes us all feel more connected to the vibe and the creative energy. We plan to contribute to that like never before.”

That contribution will certainly include the recent launch of Knox Studios, AM’s independent creative and intellectual property production engine, which sees the agency diving even deeper into the film/music/storytelling world. Knox is already busy pitching feature films, recording with platinum-selling artists and developing its own range of unique intellectual property, combining original music and film.

Of course, the further diversification of the agency’s creative offering also benefits AM’s strong and growing client base.

“The more we sharpen our creative skills and capabilities, the better partners we are for all of our clients,” said Ed. “Strategic partnership and excellent creative work have been the agency’s calling card for over 80 years, our plans are only going to strengthen that.”

Ed sums it all up: “We have always been a major player in Oklahoma. We’re going to push ourselves to serve our clients and our community in new and innovative ways, to draw in more talent and to become a story engine right here in the heartland.”

A view of the OKC skyline from the fourth floor of the Monarch Buildng.

United States vaccine diplomacy is a win for the world

By Robert Lo

Director-General Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston

On June 20, Taiwan received 2.5 million doses of Moderna vaccine donated by the United States government. The donation comprises 750,000 pledged by the U.S. on June 6 and 1.75 million it added this weekend. The timing could not be more critical. Even amidst a recent surge of cases, Taiwan has exceeded the expectations of many in regards to pandemic prevention through means of science and perseverance.

In fact, the sudden spread of COVID-19 after months of diligent prevention shows how Taiwan continues to be a model for nations in the grips of this global crisis. It is not enough to be vigilant; vaccines are the only answer to achieving a post-pandemic future.

The Biden Administration is planning to donate tens of millions of vaccines globally, and that is most certainly a win for the world. We are all in this together and we must work together to overcome this common challenge.

TOURISM

OKC has much to offer for those seeking history, education, things to do or nature’s beauty

At top: A sculpture of Buffalo Bill rides into the sunset at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Above: The gate to the National Memorial and Museum grounds denotes the time the bomb went off at the Murrah Building in 1995.

By Elyssa Gerstel

Student Intern

As Oklahoma City reopens and schools are out for the season, the wide array of museums and attractions that the city has to offer are back in operation and ready for people of all ages to enjoy.

OKC museums and attractions offer a variety of educational opportunities, events, exhibits and most importantly air-conditioning for these sizzling summer months.

These organizations are encouraging all guests to see what they have to offer and to follow CDC guidelines as proper procedure, meaning that vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear masks. However, local museums and attractions still want to assure patrons that disinfecting and cleaning efforts are still occurring for everyone’s safety and health.

• The National Cowboy & Western Her-

itage Museum is open with a plethora of activities and is resuming normal hours. There is a fee associated with entrance.

Most notably, the Prix de West art sale was June 25-26 and its exhibit is through Aug. 8. Prix de West is the premier western art sale in the United States, featuring artists from all over the world, including countries such as China. This art show is recommended for adults only.

“Everyone can find something they would like in the show,” said Natalie Shirley, CEO of the museum.

The Viva Mexico! exhibit will discuss the impact of Mexican independence on the United States, as well as the story behind Spain’s rule in Mexico. This exhibit is showing from July 9 to Oct. 17.

See MUSEUMS, Page D7

Oklahoma Contemporary is proud to recognize Executive Director Eddie Walker, one of OKC Friday’s Most Powerful Oklahomans nominees.

Using expertise gained in 30 years at the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra, Walker joined Oklahoma Contemporary in 2019 to guide the arts center to its new, $30 million campus in downtown OKC. Along with leadership staff and the Board of Trustees, Walker continues to negotiate a pandemic that delayed Oklahoma Contemporary’s grand opening and closed doors for five months.

The arts center engaged the public digitally throughout the closure, with readings, studio visits, artist talks, gallery tours, DIY projects and more. Since Oklahoma Contemporary began welcoming visitors last fall, Walker has spearheaded ways to make experiencing contemporary art a safe, valuable and fun experience.

In 1999, Walker was named executive director of the Philharmonic. He directed the institutional vision of the Orchestra in partnership with the board, music director, staff and volunteers. Accomplishments include a $9 million endowment campaign and relocation from and return to the renovated Civic Center. Walker joined the Philharmonic in 1989 and served in operations and as general manager before becoming executive director.

He has a Bachelor of Music degree from OU and has completed coursework in fundraising and arts strategies at Indiana University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

“We congratulate Eddie Walker on this honor,” said Board President Robert Clements. “Oklahoma Contemporary is grateful to have his expert arts and nonprofit leadership.”

For more than 30 years, Oklahoma Contemporary has been a vital resource for contemporary art experiences. The new campus, designed to reflect Oklahoma’s skies and light, debuted to praise throughout architectural, artistic and cultural press. The inclusive center for the arts is a home for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential.

For more information, visit oklahomacontemporary.org.

EDDIE WALKER

Edmond’s Jude Flurry (center), age 19, leads the cast of “Celtic Throne” on an 11-show tour of the U.S. this summer.

Armstrong’s ‘Celtic Throne’ cast goes on national tour

The life of an Irish dancer is often hidden from public view. Hours spent in the practice room are matched by hours on the road traveling to competitions, punctuated by brief moments of competitive dancing in front of a panel of judges. A successful dancer will stand on the winners’ podium and take home a trophy. The very best progress from regional competition to nationals. And then there are those few invited to compete at the World Irish Dancing Championships.

At a small dance school based at the Dwight Armstrong Performing Arts Conservatory on the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong College in north Edmond is a group of young Irish dancers with an impressive trophy case of national and world championship placements. But until recently, like so many others across the world, their only outlet for the dance form was in front of judges or small crowds of parents and friends at recitals.

In the last year their lives have changed dramatically. They have stepped into the limelight with their own locally-produced Irish dance show called Celtic Throne (think Riverdance). Aside from landing Irish-born composer and Golden Globe-nominee, Brian Byrne, to compose the phenomenal score, the show is entirely choreographed by the dancers themselves.

And it’s a hit.

Jude Flurry, age 19, is leading his school’s Celtic Throne cast on an 11show tour across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama. A highlight of their tour is a stop at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville — former home of the Grand Ole Opry — where they performed June 21.

“We’re living the dream,” said Flurry. “Every Irish dancer I know would give their right arm to be part of a show like this and share their love of the art with audiences across the nation. It’s a blessing that we’re having this kind of success!”

The summer tour finishes at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond on July 11 at 2 p.m. It is expected to sell out.

Tickets to “Celtic Throne — The Royal Journey of Irish Dance “are $30-55 for adults and $25 for youth aged 6-17. For tickets or subscriptions visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call (405) 2851010.

By Raúl Font, EdD

President, CEO Latino Community Development Agency

Iam privileged to serve as president of Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA), a $3.6 million nonprofit organization founded in 1991 by community and business leaders to address the unique needs of Latinos relocating to Oklahoma from other countries and states. At the time, Latinos represented the fastest growing population sector in the city and state. That fact is still true today.

LCDA is the “welcome wagon” for Latinos who seek a better life for themselves and their children. We keep them on track to become productive members of the community. We accomplish this by accommodating their language needs, as what differentiates Latinos from other ethnic groups is the need to deliver programs and services in Spanish, via trained professionals who are sensitive to their culture and heritage.

We meet Latino families’ many needs so they can thrive in their new home. This outreach has a very positive economic impact on the entire region: Latinos fill from 20% to 50% of the skilled specialty sector jobs and vitally important trades in metro OKC, not to mention the roles Latinos fill in professions like public education, healthcare, government, manufacturing and business.

In 2020, our programs directly impacted the lives of 42,000 individuals who participated in one or more of our two dozen different programs that range from pediatric medicine to child abuse prevention and from senior citizen nutrition to college scholarships. We do not do this alone; instead, we collaborate with dozens of nonprofits, businesses, religious groups and government agencies to ensure that our clients receive high quality, timely and costefficient services.

As we look back on 30 years of service, we wish to acknowledge the generosity of United Way of Central Oklahoma, and hundreds of charitable foundations, corporations and individuals who have made our work possible through their donations.

Gracias!

Raúl Font, EdD

President, CEO Latino Community Development Agency

Robert Ruiz, president of the Scissortail Community Development Corporation, has helped to foster education and business development.

Leader for Hispanic community helps deliver big wins

While some people hunkered down during the pandemic to watch Netflix, that wasn’t in the cards for Robert Ruiz, OKC’s hardest working, most passionate advocate for the city’s Hispanic community. On any given day you might find him leading a rally at the Capitol, speaking at a local school board meeting, helping to start a new school, planning the state’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival, or playing in his mariachi band.

Ruiz currently serves as the president of Scissortail Community Development Corporation (CDC), where he works to increase economic investment in Oklahoma City’s underserved neighborhoods. His work has been instrumental in revitalizing South Oklahoma City, where, for instance, the Plaza Mayor mall doubled its occupancy under Mr. Ruiz’s leadership.

He also serves as the executive director of ChoiceMatters, an advocacy organization that works to empower parents and provide them with more choices in education. In the last year alone, parent groups affiliated with ChoiceMatters successfully pushed for changes in laws that increased funding for scholarship programs, made it easier to transfer between schools, and reformed the education funding formula to better compensate schools with growing enrollment.

Ruiz also helped to launch Heritage Academy, a new online charter school program geared toward Hispanic students and dual-language learners.

“The work we do in economic development and in education goes hand-in-hand,” said Ruiz. “It’s about controlling your own destiny and reaching your full potential. To do that, you need good schools, good jobs, and enough options to have meaningful choices.”

When Ruiz isn’t working to lift up his community through economic development or education reform, he does so with his music. He has been a professional musician since the age of 12, and his mariachi band, Mariachi Orgullo de America, has been enjoyed by audiences across Oklahoma.

MARK STONECIPHER OKC City Councilman, Ward 8

By Mark Stonecipher OKC City Councilman

In Sam Anderson’s book, Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, he notes that OKC “has a birthday: April 22, 1889. Noon. Precisely at that moment, history flipped a switch. Before, there was prairie. After, there was a city.”

A mere 132 years later, the US Census Bureau announced that OKC is now the 25th largest metro in the USA. More importantly, in the last year OKC has been recognized as one of the “10 coolest cities with lowest cost of living, among top cities in small business environment,” “one of the best places to live and work for moviemakers,” one of the “underappreciated American Cities you should totally move to,” and the “No. 1 place for startups to expand.” USA Today recently recognized OKC as “the best place in the country for public art.”

As I write this, millions will have their eyes glued to the Women’s College World Series played at the newly renovated USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium. This weekend OKC families will enjoy a farmers’ market, philharmonic concerts, and fitness and gardening classes at the brand-new Scissortail Park. The list of accolades and accomplishments is endless.

But none of these tremendous accomplishments happened by accident. Through ups and downs, wins and losses, joy and tragedy, OKC is and always will be a people of vision, grit, industry, energy, faith, and togetherness. It’s what is commonly known as the Oklahoma Standard!

It is so important to celebrate and recognize where the Oklahoma Standard has brought us in just 132 years. But one of my favorite sayings by Will Rogers is: “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” So let’s keep this train moving forward so we insure the best is yet to come for our children and grandchildren!

Discover new adventures at the Oklahoma City Zoo

Summer up! The Oklahoma City Zoo is the perfect place to fill your days with that sense of summer “wonder” as you enjoy all there is to see and do. Discover a variety of new experiences and family-friendly events while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Now through Labor Day, the Zoo hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance tickets at www.okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines.

DINO SAFARI

Open daily Through Oct. 31. Travel back to the age of dinosaurs with the OKC Zoo’s new immersive experience, DINO SAFARI. See several dinosaurs come to life through one-of-a-kind animatronic displays and skeleton replicas located in the Zoo’s lush pollinator garden. These amazingly life-like creations were created by Jurassic Park advisor “Dino Don” Lessem’s company Dino Don Inc. Learn how dinosaurs evolved over time and where they roamed as well as what the Zoo is doing to fight extinction of the Texas horned lizard. General admission to DINO SAFARI is $5/person for ZOOfriends members and $6/person for nonmembers plus, Zoo admission. Children 2 and under are free and do not require tickets for entry into DINO SAFARI.

Breakfast with the Animals presented by Nutella Saturday mornings in July and August

Join the Zoo Saturday mornings in July and August for Breakfast with the Animals presented by Nutella®! Watch the Zoo wake up as you enjoy a delicious morning meal with Nutella at the top of the Zoo’s Sea Lion Stadium. The breakfast buffet will feature assorted pastries filled with Nutella, fruit and pancake kabobs with Nutella, breakfast meats, biscuits and sausage gravy, a made-to-order pancake station, and an egg and omelet station. Participants will also have an opportunity to “sea” the morning sea lion presentation. Purchase tickets at okczoo.org.

Animal Awareness Days presented by Bob Moore Subaru

The Zoo also celebrates global conservation days throughout the year that include free, family-friendly activities. Mark your calendar for World Snake Day (July 15), International Cat Day (August 8) and World Elephant Day (August 12). Additional details will be shared on the Zoo’s social media.

Additionally, “Tattooing: Religion, Reality and Regret,” an exhibit that focuses on the cultural, religious and spiritual impacts of tattoos in the Western United States will be open for viewers starting Aug. 27 and ending next May.

“This is a museum where people can find themselves,” Shirley said.

For more information on upcoming exhibits and events, you can visit the website: nationalcowboymuseum.org.

• The Oklahoma City Museum of

Art has been in its current location in the center of downtown Oklahoma City since 2002, but has been a staple in the community since 1945.

Starting June 26, “The Painters of Pompeii” exhibit is open to the public. The art in this exhibit is from the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy and is exclusive to the museum.

“(The museum) is the only venue anywhere to be getting this exhibit,” said Becky Weintz, director of marketing and communication. “After this, it is going back to Italy. Especially with travel restrictions now, it’s an awesome ‘staycation’ opportunity for people.”

Additionally, there is always the Dale Chihuly exhibit, which is one of the largest collections of Chihuly glass in the world.

Throughout the museum, there are always rotating collections. Currently, there is the “From the Golden Age to the Moving Image” and some post-war abstractions. The exhibits feature art from artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Kehinde Wiley.

The museum highlights arts from all over the world. The museum is for people of all ages and backgrounds. Kids 17 and under get free admission, as well.

“The Oklahoma City Museum of Art brings the world to Oklahoma City through the visual arts,” Weintz says.

The museum was built around the historic Center Theatre, which was a theatre that was built in the 1940s. Today, the museum still has the original balcony which features 240 seats for film showings. These films range from foreign, independent and classic cinema and are shown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These films are unique and are occasionally still displayed on 35 mm film, which is the original film that was used for older movies. There is a small admission fee associated with these films.

The museum is currently open to the public, with new COVID-19 protocols which include cleaning and air-flow technologies. It is recommended that people make a reservation online or over the phone before entering the museum. However, if a person cannot do that, the museum is more than willing to accommodate different needs.

“The arts are really a wonderful way to connect us to each other and to the rest of the world,” says Weintz. By walking through the galleries with a friend, you’re going to learn something new, about not only art but that person and maybe yourself.

For more information, visit okcmoa.com. • The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is open for all visitors. The memorial and museum are meant to serve as a reminder about the horrific terrorist act that took place on the museum's site in 1995, while providing education and hope for the future. There is a fee associated with entrance.

“It’s important to understand the symbology and elegance of the outdoor site, but you meet the people on the inside (museum) and see their chairs outside. Those two go hand-in-hand,” said Kari Watkins, executive director of the Museum and Memorial.

Watkins believes that the memorial and museum are a place to learn about the role domestic terrorism has on people’s lives and how liberty and security play in today’s world.

The museum features exhibits on the events, technology, videos and tools that allow guests to experience the story firsthand. The museum is about education and remembrance.

The memorial and museum have made changes because of COVID-19, to make visitors feel more comfortable. For example, many exhibits now are videos to reduce contact and the museum is willing to accommodate the needs of the patrons. The museum is a place for children nine years and up to understand. However, families are welcome to come to the museum.

“On this sacred ground, we work to find common ground,” says Watkins.

For those looking for a more personal experience, the museum and memorial offer Eye-Witness Tours every Friday, which are given by people who saw the bombings firsthand and were personally affected by them.

“It’s meant to take you back,” said Watkins. “And then give you hope that we are all a part of the solution of the future.”

Visit memorialmuseum.com for more.

• The Myriad Botanical Gardens

opened its doors in March of 1988, in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Since then, the Myriad Botanical Gardens has been a staple destination for the city.

This summer, the gardens are offering many free events for patrons to enjoy. On Tuesday nights at 6 p.m., there are free yoga classes for people over the age of 16. On every third Thursday of the month, there is a Zumba class.

Starting on July 7, there will be free movies on the great lawn at 8 p.m. Families are encouraged to come and bring lawn chairs.

For young children ages two to five, there are Weekly Walk Ups which offer a variety of fun, but educational activities that explore botanical life.

There is the Sunday Twilight Concert Series that occurs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on the Devon Lawn. These concerts feature local bands and musicians and are a great activity for people of all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and snacks.

Additionally, Dancing in the Gardens: Salsa returns on July 9, after a hiatus due to COVID-19. No matter your skillset, Marti Rickman with Clips and Hips teaches this fun event. There will also be a DJ and alcoholic beverages.

Furthermore, on Aug. 7, there is a Cat Video Festival starting at 7 p.m., which features a compilation of the best feline videos from the internet and submissions. This event is open for cat fans of all ages.

Guests should be aware that the Crystal Bridge is closed for renovation.

“We are so happy to have people back,” said Leslie A. Spears, director of marketing and public Relations.

For more information, visit oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.

“The Painters of Pompeii: Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples” at the OKC Museum of Art highlights the rarely explored world of the ancient Roman painter and offers a glimpse into their processes, materials and

EDUCATION

By Nathan Sheldon

Headmaster Casady School

COVIDbrought unprecedented challenges and opportunities for schools to reimagine the way they delivered learning to their students. Having now turned the page on the school year, teachers and administrators alike have a wonderful opportunity to look forward and imagine what the future holds. What will the “new normal” look like in our classrooms? To that end, here are four possible future shifts we may see take shape and form in our respective schools as we return to some sense of normalcy.

Quality over Quantity. One of the things COVIDdid was force teachers to audit their curriculum and decide what were the essential skills and knowledge that students needed to know to demonstrate mastery. That meant prioritizing some content over other content. It also meant reducing the overall quantity of work to only the stuff that’s most densely packed with learning. Years ago the Lawrenceville School conducted an experiment that involved giving their students the same science exam in the fall that they gave in the spring. In the spring, the average score was a B+ while in the fall the average score was an F. In response to this learning deficit, the Lawrenceville School dropped the AP curriculum and cut half their content from the science curriculum. One wonders if in the postpandemic era more schools will heed the call like Lawrenceville to cover less content to focus on essential skills and knowledge.

More collaboration. In the newest report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the number one skill that employees are looking for is collaboration. Sixty-two percent of employees surveyed said that the “ability to work effectively in teams”' was very important. We teach this allimportant soft skill through everything from Harkness discussions in English classes to science experiments in AP Physics C. Our teachers understand that while giving ownership over to the students invites more chaos into the classroom, it has the greatest potential to pay off in the end when students learn how to partner with each other to drive the learning process forward.

Critical thinking and iteration.

Schools that place a premium on critical thinking will thrive in the future. Cognitive science has taught us that learning is the consequence of thinking. In English and history, for example, students define and defend their own thesis statements. In science, labs are set up to invite experimentation, where students can test and try and retest and re-try to get the right solution.

More remote and hybrid pathways.

Once we are fully in-person, we can continue to offer options for at-home learning for families who need them, circumstances that demand them and students who happen to learn better under those conditions. No longer will a student recovering from a surgery or other extended absence have to miss out on weeks of classroom learning because synchronous and asynchronous learning will be available to them.

In closing, the most important thing the pandemic has cemented in my mind is the fact that the teacher-student relationship is key to great learning. Hire, support and nurture the best faculty and then watch the magic of great learning and teaching come to life year in and year out.

Technology will never replace a great teacher!

In October 2014, Nathan Sheldon was named the 10th head of school for Casady School after serving as interim head of school for four months. Since Sheldon joined Casady in 2003, he has served as associate head of school and chief financial officer.

During his tenure he managed efforts to create a long-term master campus plan and participated in the successful completion of the school's $43 million Forward Focus campaign, in which he led the creation of a strategy for the financial and operational component of the campaign resulting in the elimination of debt in excess of $8 million. In this campaign, Mr. Sheldon also oversaw the construction of the first silver LEED certified K-12 building in the state of Oklahoma, the W.R. Johnston Mathematics building; the renovation and addition of the east and west transepts to St. Edward's Chapel; construction of the Dr. John W. Records

NATHAN SHELDON

About Nathan Sheldon ...

See SHELDON, Page E2

Science and Art Facility; Welcome center; as well as overall master campus plan.

During his time at Casady, Sheldon has also had the opportunity to coach, teach, mentor and advise students. He has also led the school through a comprehensive strategic academic plan which is resulting in a pedagogical shift in the delivery of the mission. He has led in the creation of a growing computer science program, led the school in articulating its Portrait of a Graduate, is excited about a new Interdisciplinary Studies Junior Class and restructured the school’s various student learning schedules to allow for more in-class time for deeper level learning.

Sheldon serves on several not-for-profit boards. He served as president and finance chair to a healthcare trust in which 19 ISAS schools participate, is a board member of the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools, serves on the Finance Committee of the Diocese of Oklahoma, is on the Finance Committee of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and has served on Standards Committee, is currently on the board of the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES), is chairing the search for a new SAES executive director and is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City - Class 35.

Sheldon was born in Brazil and moved to the U.S. when he was a senior in high school and considers Norman to be his home. Sheldon is married to Staci, a native of Norman. Together they have two grown children, Sarah and Steven.

Casady School’s Portrait of a Graduate is more than just a portrait. It’s a journey — a road map around and through the experience of every graduate. That’s what the School expresses with the Portrait of a Graduate logo.

The outline of the Casady lake, around which each grade (PK-12) resides, serves as the perfect shape from which the design of the Portrait of a Graduate was crafted.

Each outline is highlighted by a vibrant color to convey diversity and how our students Honor, Learn, Engage, Innovate, Serve, and Thrive. Each color is layered with each other to form a symbol reminiscent and in honor of our Cyclone.

More importantly, every piece comes together to build on one another — to build a portrait of a community, a portrait of a life, a portrait of a graduate who lives a life of balance, purpose and joy.

Casady helps students succeed by challenging and supporting them in every aspect of the educational experience. The result is that Cyclones are given every opportunity to realize their potential and to use it to make a difference in their local and global communities.

OKC FRIDAY’s Celebrate Oklahoma edition highlights the leaders in our Oklahoma City community and Casady is proud to honor these incredible individuals.

Here are just a few highlights from Casady’s Class of 2021:

• 70% overall acceptance rate. • 281 college acceptances to 126 different colleges and universities. • $8.2M offered in scholarships. • 100% matriculation to 38 different colleges and universities. • 95% admitted into a top choice college. • 97% admitted into two or more colleges (of students who applied to multiple colleges). • 77% received a scholarship. • 65% will matriculate out-of-state. • 35% will matriculate in-state. •15 will attend university honors colleges or programs. • 7 plan to participate in 3 different intercollegiate sports. • 3 National Merit Finalists. • 1 National Merit Scholar.

Middle Division Instructor Jake Staats and rising eighthgrader Perrin Rackley discuss an assignment during class time at Casady School.

A portrait today, a masterpiece tomorrow: Casady’s Portrait of a Graduate

June 30 marked the end of an era as Burns and Ann Hargis departed as president and first lady of Oklahoma State University after 13 years.

They led a transformation that elevated the university to new heights, ignited a campus makeover and injected new pride in all things orange.

When Hargis was named president in 2007, then-Gov. Brad Henry was strikingly prophetic, saying Hargis “has the vision and intellect to take OSU to even greater heights in the state’s second century. More than anything, Burns loves his alma mater, and he will work harder than anyone else to see that it succeeds at all levels. I think he will be a perfect fit for OSU.”

However, when the Board of Regents began the presidential search, serving as a university president was about the last thing on Hargis’ mind. But he felt called to serve his alma mater, and that call got louder.

“He said he had been thinking about that for months,” said Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents member Doug Burns. “He said that as he looked back at his career since graduating from OSU, he had been preparing to be the president of OSU the entire time. His explanation of how to connect all that past experience to what OSU needed for the future absolutely blew the whole place away. His answer convinced everyone he was the right person for the job.”

Thanks to the Hargises, OSU A&M Board of Regents chairman Rick Davis said OSU is stronger today than at any time in its 130-year history.

“We are grateful beyond words for the dynamic leadership and dedicated service of both Burns and Ann,” he said.

Visit okla.st/hargislegacy to learn more about the Hargises’ transformative impact and osugiving.com to explore how you can become a part of their legacy by supporting OSU.

First Cowgirl Ann Hargis and President Burns Hargis on the “orange” carpet for the opening of OSU’s McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

OKC’s Community Literacy Center helps adults learn to read

CLC is an Oklahoma City noprofit adult literacy organization affiliated with United Way.

For over 34 years, CLC adult students have illustrated their willingness to act upon hope as they enthusiastically attend classes, complete assignments and invite friends to join classes. This sense of hope has been even more evident this past year. The many challenges faced by CLC students included lost jobs and the need to supervise children’s distance learning.

Despite the obstacles, hope carried the day. Consider our students’ words.

CLC students acted upon hope when they encouraged each other:

“The class and teacher help me believe in myself more.”

And they acted upon hope when they used their learning to support their children:

“Class has helped me understand my children’s homework and now I work with each one of them.”

CLC classes are ALWAYS free to our adult learners!

Who we serve:

Adults who are 1) struggling with reading and writing, 2) working to learn English, 3) seeking high school equivalency certification, or 4) preparing for the U.S. Citizenship exam.

You can make a difference! Please consider making a contribution to CLC! Funds will support virtual summer class instruction for adults striving to improve in reading, learn English, or earn their high school equivalency credential.

Quail Creek Bank will currently match all donations up to $5,000 to help us reach our $10,000 goal.

If you would like to inquire about joining the CLC Board of Directors, or if you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact Dana Kelso, executive eirector: dana@communityliteracy.com or (405) 6069783.

To learn more about CLC, please visit our website: www.communityliteracy. com.

DANA KELSO

Coyle Law Firm dedicated to the success of its clients

Attorneys, John Coyle, Billy Coyle, and Brett Behenna — Established in 1988, we are accomplished criminal defense attorneys in Oklahoma City.

We are ready to apply our skills and dedication to the protection of your rights and freedom. If you have been charged with a crime in Oklahoma, your legal situation is critical.

You need a strong advocate on your side. Coyle Law Firm is committed to helping our clients obtain the most favorable outcomes. Our sole practice area at this firm is the defense of the citizen accused in the face of criminal charges.

We have the experience and passion necessary to fight for the sake of our client’s freedom and future.

John brings a wealth of experience and success in the courtroom into each case.

Billy is dedicated to the success of his clients and bettering their world. He knows that every case is different and treats each client with the individual attention they deserve.

Brett believes that the criminal defense justice system cannot work unless the accused has access to a criminal defense attorney that can stand up to the government and fight.

Coyle Law Firm in Oklahoma City handles federal criminal defense for clients anywhere in the metro area, statewide and out of state. Since the firm’s establishment in 1988, we have built a strong reputation for skillful, effective defense of people charged with crimes at all state or federal levels.

If we represent you, we will work closely with you to develop a defense strategy aimed at protecting your rights, preserving the presumption of your innocence until proven guilty, and helping to mitigate damage caused by any negative outcomes. We have the knowledge and experience it takes to get results for our clients facing criminal charges. For information and help with any criminal matter, call us at 405-232-1988 or send us a message at receptionist@ coylelaw.com.

Advisors help with all stages of life

In changing times, choosing a trusted advisor is one of the most important decisions you will make.

You’ll want someone who has your best interests in mind. You need to know that they see the big picture.

The right advisor will keep you focused on the

See RETIREMENT, Page E5

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

RETIREMENT

From Page E4

right path and not be distracted by the day to day movement of the market. They will help you develop a long-term plan that will stand the test of time. At Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. that’s how they do business.

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals at Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. can help you navigate the twists and turns of the retirement path. Through every stage of life, their seasoned professionals guide you as you make the decisions that will craft your legacy.

How do you know that the advice you’re receiving is unbiased? The fiduciary approach of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc. requires them to stay focused on your best interests first. Not only is it their business model, it’s their lawful duty. They work only for a fee, not a commission. They don’t 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 offices in Edmond and Frisco, Texas, Retirement Investment Advisors, inc. has been cited by more than 40* national publications as one of the nation’s top financial planning companies. Another factor that sets them apart is that all their advisors are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, which requires additional training and certification.

“Our goal is to help people have comfortable income for life,” said Randy Thurman, CEO.

Whether you would like 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. They will treat you with honor and respect, because you’ve earned it. 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.

A city of marvelous growth Oklahoma City: Building for the future

We all live here for many reasons, but what has always topped the list is our people.

Or more precisely, our spirit. Open-hearted, optimistic, determined. From the ruggedly individualistic and visionary pioneers who preceded us – Henry Overholser and other Land Run alums -- through generations who likewise fell under the spell of this place -- made it viable and vibrant, thumbing collective noses at naysayers lacking imagination.

From the overnight upstart of 1889 to the fastest-growing city in America (1910) … from a new state capital (and Capitol) to a cradle of jazz, to the latest oil mecca (1928) … and onward through ups, downs, more downs, ups and two global pandemics.

The people before us who stayed dug in and sent a message. Stay -and shape this place. Contribute to this community, build it, enrich it, uplift it, unite it. Time and again, a new generation did. Just as we’re doing now, in support and defense of this place, betting our lives on it. And as our next generation is doing. Because the work is never done, the world keeps turning and we can each only do so much.

Futuristic OKCbased enterprise in aerospace, biotech and energy has helped spark ever-greater civic and cultural amenities because doers like Henry O. imagined it, planned it, argued for it, led it, funded it, protected it and saved it.

With the prized arrivals of Heartland Payment Systems and Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center, OKC is already seen in a new light.

Here’s to all the arrivals envisioned, planned, argued for, invested in and made real.

Meeting the future of our city with exactly

PHIL G. BUSEY SR.

The people before us who stayed dug in and sent a message. Stay -- and shape this place.

what’s needed to fulfill its destiny.

Because someone, then many people, believe the future is here. -- Rand Elliott Architects June 2021

Our shared future is up to us

By Phil G. Busey, Sr.

Founder, CEO The Busey Group, DRG

The last year has been challenging as the COVID-19 pandemic upended what we all considered “normal.” However, the reality is that it is increasingly harder to define normal. Change is constant. Recognizing needed change in society and business helps us harness the capabilities we share and adapt to an accelerating future – one we can shape.

Change is affecting our nation and our world. In a little over 100 years, we have gone from communicating primarily by letters to instant communication via phone or computer. We are the most advanced society the world has known. However, the lack of face-to-face communication and personal relationships

See BUSEY, Page E7

Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. President & CEO Timothy J. O’Toole announced his plans to retire May 31, 2022 at theorganization’s annual Board of Director’s meeting.

O’Toole has served in his position since January 2004. Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.produces the annual Oklahoma State Fair and manages the 435-acre Oklahoma City owned OKC Fairgrounds on a year-round basis. Under O’Toole’s leadership, the OKC Fairgrounds has undergone over $150 million of renovations to its trade show, equine and livestock facilities, evolving the property into a 21st Century tourism destination.

O’Toole has also worked closely with the City of Oklahoma City on these improvements and MAPS projects at the OKC Fairgrounds, including the MAPS 3 Bennett Event Center which opened in January 2017.

He has similarly been involved in the advance planning for the upcoming MAPS 4 Fairgrounds Coliseum. Additionally, during this time, the Oklahoma State Fair has continued to prosper and be recognized as one of America’s premier state fairs.

“There is a time and a place for things in life and it is time for me to start the process of stepping aside and work with my successor to further position this great organization,” said O’Toole. “I have been honored to work with two very supportive Chairman Clay Bennett and Ron Norick during my 17yeartenure. I have also been fortunate to work with an incredible group of Board Members and fellow staff members that are extremely dedicated to our mission.

“I look forward to working with the board, staff and Chairman Norick during this transition year as the organization continues to move forward.”

TIM O’TOOLE

BUSEY

From Page E6

makes it easier to discount those of an opposing view. In a foxhole, it doesn’t matter about politics or beliefs. The person you are with is your brother or sister.

Many have sacrificed for us. Our liberty is hard won, and it is up to us to keep it. That responsibility is one we cannot shirk. Together, we have always endured. “We the People” means all of us, regardless. It is time to tackle issues before all of us with shared solutions. Polarization at all levels is jeopardizing our democracy. While we fight over issues requiring compromise, we fail to accomplish anything. We hold ourselves out as “one Nation under God.” So how can we forget the greatest commandment, “Love thy neighbor as thyself”? There is no room for judgment. We must accept everyone for who they are.

Confronting our shared history, triumphs, and failures, leads us to positive change – “Those who do not remember their past are destined to relive it.” We can and must embrace one another. Our future is up to each of us. We are a good and just people. Let’s move forward as Americans.

Phil G. Busey Sr. is founder and CEO of The Busey Group of Companies and DRG and a member of the Cherokee and Delaware Nations.