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OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years
Lyric closes season with special Cinderella
Lyric Director Michael Baron announced a special collaboration with Deaf Austin Theater, ZACH Theatre and Lyric Theatre with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
In an innovative approach performed simultaneously and seamlessly in English and American Sign Language (ASL) by a cast that includes hearing, Deaf and hard-of-hearing actors, this produc-
Cooling off
The Andres sisters, Brook, June and Alyx, enjoy an ice cold hot chocolate freeze. With high temperatures lately in Fridayland, country club pools and local splash pads have been full as people try to find a way to cool off.
tion showcases your favorite tunes, including In My Own Little Corner, Impossible and Ten Minutes Ago.
“It’s a funny, modern adaptation of the delightful Broadway revival,” Baron said.
This is Lyric’s third musical featuring Deaf artists and Baron said “We are truly excited to be able to tell this story in two languages.”
Co-director Brian Cheslik, the Artistic Director of Deaf Austin Theatre, brings his fresh perspective to this classic fairy tale, and Rachel Hollis, who has been teaching the Lyric staff and performers American Sign Language received special praise from Baron.
Sandra Mae Frank and Chris Tester star in the show from July 30 to Aug. 4.
OCCC details 2024-25 Performing Arts Series
Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has announced the 2024-25 Performing Arts Series. Five shows are to be offered in the OCCC Visual and Performing
Arts Center Theater. Ticket sales are open to the public and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
“The Oklahoma City Commun-
OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50
By Clayton Taylor Principal The Taylor Group
When thinking about OKC FRIDAY newspaper, I first think of the importance of all the non-profit/charity work it covers.
Secondly, I think of the fun events that it covers that benefit these non-profit/charity groups. And then third I appreciate that it recognizes those leaders in our community who
put forward so much effort through both leadership and hard work to benefit these nonprofits.
The amount of impact and influence that FRIDAY newspaper has in promoting support for non-profits is so important. And so often these people doing all the work do not get much recognition.
Many thanks to Vicki, her beloved Leland and all of the See 50, Page 5
ity College 2024-25 Performing Arts Series offers world-class performances, promising to broaden
See OCCC, Page 5
FRIDAY’s
This is Milo, a Scottish Fold. He loves to be the center of attention and is hanging out on the kitchen table at the Hopps house. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Dean A. McGee Awards honor three leaders
Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership will honor three business and civic leaders for their outstanding contributions to the downtown community at the 37th annual Dean A. McGee Awards to be held on Friday, August 23, at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, located at 100 Oklahoma City Blvd. Dick Tanenbaum is to receive the Dean A. McGee Award for his lifetime contributions to downtown; the Stanley Draper Award is to be presented to Deborah McAuliffe Senner for her efforts in community excellence; and Andy Burnett is to receive the Neal Horton Award for the revitalization of downtown.
The 2024 Dean A. McGee Awards is a black-tie event that begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner and awards program at 7:00 p.m., and an After-Party. The 2024 event co-chairmen are Marva Ellard, owner of Sieber Holdings, and Jim Couch, former city manager of Oklahoma City. Downtown
See McGEE, Page 12
Splendor in the Gardens
Splendor in the Gardens was a farm-to-table dinner on the Devon Lawn with the beautiful downtown Oklahoma City skyline as the backdrop benefiting the Myriad Gardens. The evening began with cocktails on the South Plaza at the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory followed by a seated dinner. At left: Dick Tannebaum, Larry Nichols and James Pickel.
Above: Steve and Lisa Mason and Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park President and CEO Maureen Heffernan. At right: Alexis Stephenson with a lemur. The food, wines and ambiance of the rainforest were featured. Gail Huneryager was the event chairman and Jim Loftis was the honorary chairman. For more photos, see Page 13
- Photos by Randy Nichols
Purple Sash benefits YWCA
CEO Jan
greets audience members during her final
benefit
announced her retirement after nearly three decades of service to the organization.
YWCA
Peery
Purple Sash
gala. Peery
YWCA hosted its annual fundraising gala Summer Sash at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The event included a fashion show with fashions by Boutique One, as well as live and silent auctions. Above, from left, Mikela Rhodes, Sami Grega, Angela Beatty, Tamatha Mosier, Anita Rydberg and Brandon Pasley enjoy the photo booth. Purple Sash helps raise money for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In photos from left, YWCA Director of Retail Operations Becks Hinson and Director of Public Engagement Stephanie Bryce; Hanah Moore with YWCA CEO Jan Peery; YWCA Vice President Angela Beaty explains the organization’s mission.
Sports
Fridayland trio honored at All-Sports Awards ceremony
Three Fridayland athletes received Jim Thorpe High School Players of the Year honors during the 2023-24 All-Sports & Scholar Athlete Award ceremony hosted by the the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
John Marshall’s James Allen and Chloe Threatt were named track athletes of the year, while Heritage Hall’s Carter Counts was the top soccer player.
Former OU football star and congress member J.C. Watts served as the keynote speaker.
OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY
Publication No. (USPS 893-600)
PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com
Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.
Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.
MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.
How to help young athletes cope with defeat
The value of athletic competition for children who like to play sports is undeniable. Though not all kids will want to play sports, those who enjoy competing in organized athletics can benefit in myriad ways.
Doctors with the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness note that interest in sports should start with the child, not the parent.
Such an approach can ensure kids are playing sports because they want to, and not solely because their parents want them to. The AAP notes that when kids are playing sports because they want to, they can take the lessons learned from competition and use them throughout the rest of their lives. When competing, some young athletes may have a hard time handling defeat. In fact, even professional athletes routinely acknowledge how much they struggle after a loss. But there are ways parents and coaches can help young athletes cope with defeat.
• Reward effort
The College of Education at Michigan State University recommends coaches and parents put an emphasis on effort and allow athletes to bring up the outcome of a particular competition on their own. Encourage maximum effort during competition and spend time after the game discussing with athletes how they performed and the effort they gave. Remind them that their best effort is all anyone can
ask for, which shifts focus from a loss to the effort they gave.
• Communicate privately if effort is lacking. Parents and coaches who feel their child or player did not give maximum effort can communicate those feelings privately without putting the athlete down. Emphasize that the next game is a great chance to show improvement and give maximum effort.
• Encourage a healthy perspective
The COE at MSU also urges parents and coaches to encourage young athletes to keep a healthy perspective on their participation in sports. Encourage kids not to sacrifice other aspects of their life, such as academics and their social life, to improve their athletic
performance. When young athletes focus too heavily on a sport, that can create an unhealthy situation that makes it that much harder to cope with defeat in a positive way.
• Emphasize the individual, not the athlete. Coaches can speak with their players about their lives outside of the sport. Such conversations can show athletes that thereÕs more to life than just sports and that theyÕre more than just athletes, which can make it easier to handle defeat.
Many successful athletes insist they learn more from defeat than they do from victory. Helping young athletes cope with defeat in a healthy way can benefit them throughout their lives.
John Marshall’s James Allen receives the boys track athlete of the year award.
John Marshall’s Chloe Threatt receives the girls track athlete of the year award.
Heritage Hall’s Carter Counts receives the soccer athlete of the year award.
New Village Arts League to plan family events for new Civic Area
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
When Village resident Brent Scovill created an innocent Facebook post sharing his idea to create a community arts council tasked with planning events for the new $8 million Civic Area in The Village, little did he realize that in just four short months his idea would result in the formation of The Village Arts League with officers and a host of eager volunteers.
The Village Arts League is now planning to host live music events, one or more outdoor movies in October and a Village Arts Festival while working to obtain their 501(c)3 non-profit sta-
tus. Jon Sousa, a Software Architect at Francis Tuttle Technology Center and 10-year resident of The Village, will lead the new organization as President.
The group has been meeting at a local coffee shop in Casady Square since March discussing the logistics it will take to organize successful events for the city. They are working to identify funding sources and the need to recruit volunteers.
“We have four board members so far,” said Sousa. “We’ll discuss adding a fifth board position at our next meeting. We have other members who are not in leadership roles, but who still attend the meetings and offer
Audrey and Jon Sousa are longtime residents of The Village. Jon is the new president of The Village Arts League.
their valuable insight and suggestions.”
The Arts League has already elected four board officers. They include Jon Sousa, president; Krysia Sharp, financial officer; Brent Scovill, opera-
tions officer; and Sunshine Hahn, administrative officer.
“We are establishing our non-profit status, and it should be complete by the end of the summer,” said Sousa. “We are still in the process of developing an official mission statement.”
Sousa said the group wants to begin by planning a free live music event and one or more free outdoor movies starting this October in The Village Green, an outdoor space next to The Village Library. If all goes as planned an arts festival could be held soon at the Civic Plaza next to Village City Hall, 2304 Manchester Drive.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Girl Scouts to host annual Cookies & Cocktails
“Cookies & Cocktails” an annual event benefiting Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma will be held Aug. 16 at Camp Trivera, 2508 NE 50th Street.
Local restaurants and bars create one-of-a kind sweet of savory bites and drinks featuring Girl Scout Cookies.
VIP tickets are $80 and provide early access to the event, and a Cookies & Cocktails tasting glass from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. General admission tickets are $60. Guests must be 21 to attend.
Volunteers will receive free admission to the event and an
It is a night of delicious food and drinks, community, music and activities to help raise money for Girl Scouts’ highest award and programing.
OCCC
event t-shirt.
For questions about tickets and sponsorship opportunitys go to info@gswestok.org or call 405-528-4475.
Major sponsors include Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas, OERB, Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, American Solera, Continental Resources, Devon Energy, Corner Energy and Polly Nichols.
cultural horizons and bring new opportunities to our region,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. “All are welcome to join us in our vibrant and innovative Visual and Performing Arts Center, a 1,049seat theater space that embodies our collective passion for the arts, our dedication to educational excellence, and our commitment to serving the community.”
On Sept. 20, charttopping jazz/R&B sax player Boney James performs in “An Evening with Boney James: Detour.” During his 30-year career, James has earned four Grammy nominations, two NAACP Image Award nominations and a Soul Train Award, while a dozen of his albums have landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart.
“Peabo Bryson: Missing You” is scheduled for Oct. 5. Bryson has established a career
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FRIDAY team for all that they do that enables non-profits to help so many of our fellow citizens. And finally FRIDAY Newspaper is lots of fun. It’s always fun to see who is celebrating and who is impacting our town!
Keep up the good work!
as one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music of the last quarter-century. Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, this two-time Grammy Award winner has survived and prospered despite the passage of time and changes in popular musical trends.
In 2025, “Dragons & Mythical Beasts: A Spell-Binding Adventure” appears on stage Feb. 26. Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastic show for the family. From the creators of the international smash hit “Dinosaur World Live,” who bring spectacular puppets to life, this award-winning show is back in the U.S. by popular demand, direct from London’s West End.
On March 7, the new side-splitting musical “Spamilton: An Ameri-
can Parody” comes to OCCC. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit “Forbidden Broadway,” this singing, dancing comedy revolution is performed by a versatile cast of eight.
The season concludes on April 12 with “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Tribute Concert Like No Other,” an electrifying celebration of the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This concert experience takes audiences on a journey of love, tragedy, courage and triumph. Starring a live band and supreme vocalists, experience a night of music by one of the greatest artists of all time.
Tickets can be purchased online at occc.edu/pas or by calling the OCCC Box Office at (405)682-7579.
For sponsorship information, contact The Foundation for Oklahoma City Community College at GiveToOCCC.org or (405) 6827591.
CALENDAR
FUNDRAISERS
Aug. 16 • Cookies & Cocktails Cookies & Cocktails partners with local restaurants and bars who create one-of-akind sweet or savory bites and drinks featuring their famous Girl Scout Cookies. Enjoy a night of delicious food and drinks, community, music, activities and more all while helping raise money for Girl Scouts' Highest Awards and Girl Programming at Camp Trivera, 2508 NE 50th St. Food, wine, beer and cocktails are included in the price of the ticket. Guests must be 21+ to attend. Find more information and purchase tickets at gswestok.org.
CONCERTS
July 25-28 • Painted Sky Opera Solveig Neseth returns to Oklahoma City to star in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor for Painted Sky Opera after having just performed Lucia internationally at Brent Opera in London. She has been lauded for her crystalclear vocal tone as well as her powerful dramatic performance and heads up a stellar cast. Performance is at the Civic Center Little Theatre, okcciviccenter.com.
THIS WEEKEND
July 20 & 27 • Dance Festival
Join Oklahoma International Dance Festival for a dynamic celebra ti on of movement, artistry and the profound connections that dance fosters. As part of their 2024 Summer Intensive, OIDF will be hosting several dance workshops. The Community Dance Day free workshops will cover various dance styles, including Ballet, Modern and Broadway Jazz for ages 9-16 and African Dance for all ages at Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th St. Go to okcontemp.org/oidf to reserve your spot.
July 20 • Blood Drive
Help save lives with Oklahoma Blood Institute's Back the Brave, Boots & Badges 2024 Block Party and Blood Drive. The event will feature first response vehicles, food provided by OK Pork Council and various vendors and the opportunity to donate blood. This event will run from 7:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Paycom Center.
Link to register at paycomcenter.com.
July 20 • Isley Brothers
The OKC Zoo Amphitheatre presents the The Isley Brothers with special guests The Commodores and The Spinners beginning at 7:30 pm.
July 20-21 • Unicorn World at the OKC Convention Center.
Bowl locally, strike globally with OKC Zoo’s annual fundraiser for wild rhino conservation.
Shine those rented shoes and spare an evening for a great cause as Bowling for Rhinos returns! Once again, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and sponsors Western Door & Plywood Inc., Blue Rhino Restoration, and Curbside Apparel are inviting Oklahomans to score a win for wild rhino conservation at the annual Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser at Bowlero in Edmond.
Let the good times roll during this in-person bowling event on Friday, July 19 at Bowlero, 3501 S. Boulevard Street., Edmond, from 6:30 to 10 pm. Since 1995, the OKC Zoo’s AAZK chapter has hosted this beloved bowl-athon, inspiring Oklahomans to protect rhinos and their habitats by hitting the lanes. Since its inception, Oklahoma City’s AAZK chapter has raised more than $373,000 for the cause and remains in the top ten fundraisers among more than 85 AAZK chapters in North America.
Bowling for Rhinos is perfect for wildlife fans of all ages. Families, teams, and individuals are welcome to participate. Coming together for the common goal of rhino conservation, bowlers across the continent are taking the unique opportunity to help protect and secure habi-
tats for rhinos and other wildlife in Asia and Africa. This iconic species has inhabited our planet for more than 50 million years, but the future of rhinos is uncertain unless conservation efforts are made to protect them. All five rhino species–Black, Indian, Javan, Sumatran and White–are endangered making fundraising and awareness efforts such as Bowling for Rhinos critical.
The OKC Zoo is home to two female Indian rhinos; Shanti, 36, and Niki, 16, who reside at Sanctuary Asia. Native to India and Nepal, Indian rhinos, also known as greater one-horned rhinos, can weigh more than 3,000 pounds. These impressive animals are known for their single horn and tough skin that resembles body armor.
The fee per individual bowler is $40 (plus fee) which includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, a T-shirt, and pizza. There is also a spectator ticket available for $25/person (plus fee) that includes a T-shirt and pizza. Participants will also enjoy opportunities to win raffle prizes. For more information or to purchase event tickets, go to e.givesmart.com/events/ Cev/. Can’t make it in person?
Wildlife fans are encouraged to make a donation to Bowling for Rhinos through the website.
OCCC holds tuition rates flat for the seventh straight year
Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) tuition will remain the same for the seventh consecutive year.
OCCC is one of the lowest-cost institutions for higher education in the state at $135.29 per credit hour for instate tuition and fees ($100.84 tuition, $34.45 mandatory fees).
“Oklahoma City Community College is keeping tuition rates the same for the seventh consecutive year,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. “Affordability is a priority for OCCC. While we are the most costeffective institution in the state, affordability still remains a challenge for many of our students. We aim to remove barriers to education so anyone who desires to attain a degree can
achieve that dream.”
OCCC serves more than 18,000 students in credit-earning courses and another 5,000 in non-credit-earning programs annually.
The college is the state's largest provider of micro-credentials, offering nearly 60 options and awarding more than 13,300 to individuals in the last year.
OCCC is an emerging HispanicServing Institution (HSI). Through a partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City, OCCC operates an Educational Guidance Window (Ventanilla de Orientación Educativa) within the Consulate, which welcomes over 200 daily visitors.
In recent months, OCCC has received numerous recognitions and accolades, including:
The online associate degree in psychology was named a top 10 program nationally by Forbes Advisor.
The cybersecurity program continues to be recognized as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
The Gray Frederickson Digital Cinema Program is ranked in the top 25 across the U.S. and Canada by “MovieMaker” magazine.
The nursing program has an NCLEX pass rate higher than the state and national rates and ranks 6th overall in the region.
For the 13th consecutive year,
OCCC has been honored with the Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its dedication to creating a sustainable and healthy campus learning environment.
In addition to low tuition, OCCC offers many scholarships and provides ample financial aid opportunities.
“Many of our students receive scholarships and financial aid,” said Dr. Jason Johnson, OCCC vice president for Student Affairs. “Opportunities like the Access Advantage Scholarship, Reach Higher, OKC Go and Oklahoma's Promise are just some examples of the multiple options available, all of which can be found at occc.edu/scholarships.”
OCBA
donates over $8,000 to eight
organizations
At the final meeting of the 2023/24 term, the Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary donated over $8,000 to local children and family organizations. They are: Pivot, Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and Families, Infant Crisis Service, CASA of Oklahoma County, Legal Aid for Western Oklahoma, Remerge, the Regional Food Bank, Mock Trial Team Winner and Law Day OCBA is taking a summer break and plans to resume meetings in September.
Diane Burgland, Janet Rayburn, Adra Cheek, Karen Berry and Ceci Nobel, president of the Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary.
Kathy Kirk, Randi Green and Jo Jones at the May meeting of the Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary.
Estates By The Pink Lady
July 19‐20 • 8am ‐ 5pm Men are going to love this sale. We have a garage and a large workshop full of tools. A few rifles, bows and arrows. A lot of motorcycle and car parts. Beautiful Decor!!! Commercial sewing machine and lots of decorator fabric. It’s a must see!!!
The
Antique
Hunter’s Guide to Murder
By C. L. Miller
This is the debut novel for C. L. Miller, but her life story was the road to success. She had long hoped to become an author after child care years were behind her. She was named An Unclaimed Voices 2022 winner and featured in the UV 2022 anthology as she achieved this dream. The book was written in consultation with Judith Miller, specialist on BBC’s “Antiques Roadshow.”
The novel has it all ~ interesting delightful characters, facts and tantalizing views of careers involving the world of antiques.
Freya Lockwood is the major figure, and along with her aunt, Carole, she reenters the world of her past of Crockleford Antiques Shop with its memories and life of antiques that she had sworn to leave. She receives a letter from Arthur Crockleford from this past asking her to return to the manor house of old for an antiques enthusiast’s retreat. Her relationship with relatives and former friends reveals a certain urgency in his letter.
Freya Lockwood and her aunt return to that manor house that is the center of a former thriving antiques business, but she finds an uneasiness as she begins to
look at the antique pieces and suspects some are fakes and reproductions, not to mention “poor reproductions.” Arthur, her former mentor was also involved with some activity in Cairo where she reached out to a young man, Asim, who became a love interest.
The plot thickens, Asim is found murdered, Arthur’s connections become intertwined, and the scene switches back to the manor house, with the many unusual, threatening fellow guests. When Arthur, too, is found murdered and the one antique of very high financial value cannot be found, the attention turns to retrieving them as well as trying to solve the murders.
There are many angles to uncovering the mysterious murders, and Miller achieves the difficult task of making each of the characters seem real. Though dead, Arthur continues to play a role with his hidden clues for solving the problem of escaping from the locked Vault 4 where she, Freya, found she was locked.
Indeed, this novel covers it all - the fascinating world of antiques, intrigue and puzzlements, believable characters in an unbelievable scenario, and even some murders to be solved. It will undoubtedly leave the reader eager to read more novels coming from C. L. Miller. Thanks to Full Circle Bookstore for sharing books with FRIDAY readers.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the birth of five new Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises. OKC Zoo is the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo in the nation to breed this species of Galápagos tortoises.
11 extant species of Galápagos tortoises. We’re the only AZAaccredited zoo in the U.S. with a breeding group of Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises.”
ipates in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan® program for giant tortoises which made the recommendation for Max to breed with the females.
Galápagos tortoises do not parent their young, so keeping them separate from the adult tortoises ensures their development. The sex of the hatchlings will not be known for 10 to 15 years. Galápagos tortoises sexually mature at between 20 and 25 years old. In human care, these tortoises can live to be up to 200 years old. Miss B, the oldest at the Zoo, is estimated to be between 115 and 140 years old. OKC Zoo announces birth of
“We have five hatchlings that have moved out of the incubator,” said OKC Zoo’s Senior Herpetology Caretaker, Katie Porth. “There are
The Zoo cares for four adult Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises ranging from 80 to 120 years old—females, Miss B, Isabela (Isa for short), and Ellie and male, Max—ensuring the new hatchlings are from the same subspecies. The Zoo partic-
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, July 19, 2024)
ORDINANCE NO. 1258
The new hatchlings will reside in a new habitat inside the Zoo’s Herpetarium as they grow and where guests can see them. The currently palm-sized tortoises will take 10 to 15 years to get about as big as footballs, Porth said.
City of NiChols hills
AN ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NO. 1259
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-147 OF THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR CITY PURCHASES; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA:
Section 1. Section 2-147 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 2-152. Competitive Bidding; exemptions.
(a) The City shall adhere to the provisions of 61 O.S. § 101 et seq. when determining when Competitive Bidding is required and the manner in which competitive bids will be obtained.
(b) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a) of this Section, public trusts created pursuant to 60 O.S. § 176, of which the City is beneficiary (each a “Public Trust”), shall also follow the Competitive Bidding provisions of 60 O.S. § 176(g).
(3) The City and any Public Trust are authorized to enter into performancebased efficiency contracts pursuant to 62 O.S. § 318, as such statute may be amended from time to time, which contracts are exempt from the Competitive Bidding provisions of 60 O.S. § 101 et seq.
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.
Section 3. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions hereof.
Section 4. EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Council it is necessary for the preservation of the peace, health, welfare and safety of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and of the inhabitants thereof that the provisions of this ordinance be put into full force and effect immediately, and therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason whereof this ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage as provided by law.
PASSED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of July, 2024.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of July, 2024.
ATTEST: E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor
Amanda Copeland City Clerk
Reviewed as to Form and Legality:
John Michael Williams City Attorney
Locally-owned Business Directory
Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred 9520 N. May, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One 7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Carwin’s Shave Shop 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1197 carwinsshaveshop.com
Winter House 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills Plaza (405) 607-1199 winterhouseinteriors.com
International Wigs 4429 NW 10th St, . Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com
23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com
Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com
Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com
Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond.com
BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com
La Baguette Bistro 7408 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 840-3047 labaguettebistro.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com
First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
First Source Real Estate Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Steam It Klean It LLC
Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com
Laura Lynn’s Home Care 9801 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 418-2961 lauralynnshomecare.com
Chelle Greene Real Estate RE/MAX First 1000 W. Wilshire, Ste. 428 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 818-91931 Chellegreene.com
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com Cornerstone Home Health, Inc. 8370 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008 (405)354-5454 cornestonehomehealthservices.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
Locally-owned business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@okcfriday.com for more information.
OPINION OPINION O O UR UR S S TAND TAND
“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (quoting Jesus).
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke paraphrase, 1767.
If you want it in the paper, it’s advertising. If you don’t want it in the paper, it’s news.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb
“Without, or with, offense to friends or foes, We sketch your world exactly as it goes.” – Byron, 1818.
“Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1878.
“We must always stand – alone if necessary – as the conscience of this community.” – J. Leland Gourley, 1959.
A triumph for religious liberty
By Gentner Drummond Attorney General
Oklahomans are celebrating a tremendous victory for religious liberty after a recent ruling by our state Supreme Court.
At issue in the case was a fundamental question: Should taxpayers be forced to fund religious teachings that violate their own deeply held beliefs?
I do not believe that to be constitutional, which is why I filed a lawsuit challenging the establishment of a religious public charter school.
As a committed Christian, the last thing I want is for my tax dollars to be used to fund the radical teachings of Sharia or the demonic worship of
Satan. Thankfully, the Court agreed with my position and our religious liberty is protected — for now.
The case was not without controversy. Some politicians, including our own Governor, expressed open support for funding a Muslim school with our tax dollars. Gov. Stitt’s support of a Muslim school seemed to be based on a false impression of what “religious liberty” actually means.
Let me be clear: Religious liberty means every citizen is free to worship as he or she believes. Religious liberty does not mean that the government should fund religious indoctrination with our tax dollars.
Most Oklahomans cherish
their freedom to worship, which is a right enshrined in the First Amendment. Only eight years ago, Oklahomans reaffirmed their opposition to using tax dollars for religious purposes when 57 percent of voters soundly rejected State Question 790. Protecting that right is why I asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to reject the proposed religious school that would be funded exclusively by our tax dollars.
To avoid any confusion, I am very supportive of private religious schools. I sent my own children to a private Christian school for middle and high school. I believe every family should be free to choose private religious education.
Dear Wise Elder: What bathroom modifications do I need to make to remain in my home as I age?
Dear BathMod: You are so smart to think and act in advance. Making bathroom modifications can significantly improve safety and accessibility for individuals who wish to remain in their homes. The key is taking action before an incident or crisis. And, safety has no age limit. Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower can provide stability and support for sitting and standing. Make sure supports are anchored in the studs. Suction handles are not reliable. Consider replacing tra-
In fact, Oklahoma now has a tax credit available for families who choose this type of education. This credit belongs to all parents who wish to claim it when they choose private school education, without regard to their religious beliefs. This is an important distinction. Parents, not the government, make the choice and decide for themselves what school is worthy of their own tax dollars. That is freedom at its purest. Religious liberty is among the most fundamental pillars upon which our nation was founded. We may worship however we see fit – or not worship at all – unfettered by any threat of government-
ditional bathtubs with walk-in showers equipped with non-slip flooring and built-in seating to reduce the risk of falls. Again use a reputable company to make these changes. Adjusting the height of toilets and sinks can also enhance comfort, accessibility and independence. Adding handrails along staircases leading to the bathroom can further improve stability and prevent accidents. A simple night light can prevent a nighttime fall in the hall or bathroom since that is when and where 90% of accidents happen.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
backed religious indoctrination. I swore an oath to uphold the United States Constitution, and I believe our Founding Fathers knew best how to protect religious liberty: by preventing the government from funding any religion at all. I do not want Oklahoma school children indoctrinated in public schools — I want them educated. While Oklahoma’s Supreme Court has sided with my efforts to protect religious liberty, the case is sure to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Rest assured that I will continue fighting to uphold our Constitutional rights. The protection of religious liberty depends on it ... and my oath requires it.
Oklahoma Bicycle Society celebrates its 50th year anniversary with OKC Friday celebrating 50 years. From left: Beverly and Frank Hedges, Tammy Crawford and Ellen Reeder. They were in Majorca Island, Spain on a cycling tour with Fit4Adventure. When you travel, be sure to pack OKC FRIDAY. Email photos to rose@okcfriday.com.
Touring Special Care
United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Women’s Leadership Society recently hosted a Community & Conversations event at its Partner Agency, Special Care, Inc.
WLS members received a tour of Special Care and listened to a panel of UWCO Partner Agency CEOs, which included Girl Scouts – Western Oklahoma’s Janienne Bella, Special Care’s Pam Newby, Neighborhood Services Organization’s Stacey Ninness, Metropolitan Better Living Center’s Jacquelyn Parks and Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City’s Dr. Valerie Thompson.
The panel discussed central Oklahoma’s most pressing needs and how their agencies are addressing them. More information about UWCO’s WLS can be found by visiting UnitedWayOKC.org/Giving.
At left: Tiffany Maddox gives a tour of Special Care to members of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Society.
Oklahoma City Partnership President and CEO Jennifer Nakayama is to present the State of Downtown address.
“This year’s honorees exemplify the vision to dream big,” said Co-Chairman Ellard. “Their achievements will have long-lasting significance for downtown continuing to be a destination for future generations to enjoy the arts, live, work, and raise a family.”
Co-Chairman Couch added, “The leaders we honor this year have helped shape and mold today’s downtown for all of Oklahoma City to enjoy. Whether a person lives, works or is visiting downtown, you can see their mark on making the greater downtown area an exciting core to our city.”
The Dean A. McGee Award recognizes individuals for a lifetime of contributions, ensuring that Oklahoma City has a strong, energetic core. The award is named after Dean A. McGee, an Oklahoma City business leader who led efforts to construct the Myriad Gardens and was passionate about developing downtown as a gathering place for future generations.
Dick Tanenbaum, the 2024 Dean A. McGee Award recipient, chose downtown as the global headquarters for Gard-
ner Tanenbaum Holdings and as home with his wife, Glenna. As part of the company’s $500 million in development, his most recent downtown project is The Harlow, which is to transform two historic buildings, The Tradesman National Bank Building, built in 1921, and The Medical Arts Building, built in 1924, that are connected underground, into a 1920s Hollywood theme. The 202,000- squarefeet of vacant office space will be transformed into 265 luxury Class A apartments with robust amenity packages for residents. He recently broke ground on Convergence, a mixed-use project in the Innovation District connecting downtown with the Health Sciences Center. Tanenbaum introduced downtown’s first luxury residential apartment building when he revitalized the historic and iconic Montgomery Ward department store that had been vacant for decades. It created a vibrant community on the western edge of downtown that spurred additional economic
development with shopping and fine dining. He is a major investor in downtown Oklahoma City, including Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Scissortail Park, and The Skirvin Hilton and The Colcord historical hotels.
The Stanley Draper Award is presented to an outstanding nonprofit staff member, volunteer or non-elected government employee who has made an enduring impact on downtown. The award is named after city visionary Stanley Draper, who inspired everyone to dream impossible dreams and was known as the country’s greatest “city builder.”
Deborah McAuliffe Senner, the 2024 Stanley Draper Award honoree, led the downtown-based Allied Arts organization for two decades that helped fund many downtown arts and cultural organizations, such as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Ballet, Arts Council of Oklahoma City, Canterbury Voices, and Okla-
homa City Museum of Art. Senner led efforts to raise over $60 million for the arts community, served as consummate convener of arts groups and built strategic public-private partnerships, resulting in additional funding. She was one of several arts leaders who assisted nonprofit arts groups in navigating recovery efforts during the pandemic and in securing an additional $10 million in ARPA funds for the arts. Her passion project was always arts education and raising much-needed dollars for underserved and marginalized communities to create greater accessibility to the arts for all. Allied Arts established the Deborah McAuliffe Senner Excellence in Arts Education Award in her honor, and the award is presented annually. The exclamation point to her career was spearheading efforts for a 25-foot public art piece by Oklahoma artist Joe Slack entitled “Together, Together.” It was installed last December in front of the Oklahoma City Convention Center and marks 50 years of Allied Arts serving the community. Senner retired in 2022; however, in 2024, she returned to nonprofit leadership as the interim president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Oklahoma.
The Neal Horton Award is presented to a visionary who sparked a renaissance in a downtown area. It is named after Neal Horton, who dreamed of revitalizing the decaying red brick warehous-
es east of downtown into an entertainment, dining and retail district known today as Bricktown.
Andy Burnett is to receive the 2024 Neal Horton Award as an early partner in revitalizing several projects in downtown areas that had declined, beginning with The Steelyard in east Bricktown which required overcoming significant environmental issues. He later teamed up to develop the $70 million West Village Apartments along Film Row, restored the Pioneer Telephone Building at the gateway to Automobile Alley, developed the Heartland Building, and renovated Bricktown’s historic Mideke Building. Burnett specializes in downtown mixed-use properties that contribute to attracting suburban and traditional neighborhood dwellers to a downtown lifestyle by creating urban neighborhoods where everything a resident needs in daily living is within walking distance. He serves on the Myriad Botanical Gardens community board of directors, served as the chairman of The Bricktown Association and was a founding member of the former Urban Neighbors.
Presented by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, tickets to the Dean A. McGee Awards are available to the public. Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling (405) 5169686 or emailing beverly@ jones.pr for sponsorships.
It is important for seniors to maintain strong credit, too
The benefits of maintaining good credit include looking more reliable in the eyes of prospective employers and securing lower mortgage interest rates when buying a home.
Those rewards can benefit anyone, but they're especially enticing to young people. But what about seniors? Do individuals stand to benefit significantly from maintaining good credit into their golden years?
According to the credit reporting agency Experian, senior citizens tend to have the best credit scores of any consumer demographic. That could be a byproduct of years of financial discipline, and there are many benefits to maintaining that discipline into retirement.
• Home buying and borrowing:
Buying a home is often considered a big financial step forward for young people, but that doesn't mean aging men and women are completely out of the real estate market. In its 2020 State of the Nation's Housing"report, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reported that the share of homeowners age 65 and over with housing debt doubled to 42 percent between 1989 and 2019. In addition, 27 percent of homeowners age 80 and over were carrying mortgage debt in 2019. Maintaining strong credit after retirement can help homeowners who still have mortgage debt get better terms if they choose to refinance their mortgages. Even seniors who have paid off their mortgages can benefit from maintaining good credit if they decide to downsize to a smaller home but cannot afford to simply buy the new home outright.
• Rewards: Retirement is often associated with travel, recreation and leisure. Such pursuits can be more affordable when seniors utilize rewards-based credit cards that help them finance vacations, weekend
There are many benefits of maintain good credit scores into retirement.
getaways and other expenses associated with traveling. Seniors who maintain strong credit ratings into their golden years may have more access to the best travel-based rewards cards than those whose credit scores dip in retirement.
• Unforeseen expenses: No one knows what's around the corner, but savvy seniors recognize the importance of planning for the unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly came out of nowhere, and among its many ripple effects was the sudden job loss experienced by seniors. The JCHS report found that 21 percent of homeowners age 65 and over had reported loss of employment income related to the pandemic. Unforeseen medical expenses also can compromise seniors' financial freedom.
Maintaining a strong credit rating into older adulthood can help seniors navigate such financial uncertainty more smoothly. Such a strategy can help seniors secure low-interest loans or credit cards that can help them pay down sudden, unforeseen expenses without getting into significant debt.
The importance of a strong credit rating is often emphasized to young people. However, a strong credit rating can be equally beneficial for seniors.
Splendor in the Gardens
Proceeds from Splendor in the Gardens benefit the Myriad Gardens’ mission to sustain and operate a world-class public garden that offers horticultural education and diverse cultural programs for all to enjoy.
At right: Beth Shortt and Polly Nichols.
Above: Sunny Cearley, Aimee Harlow and Lauree Dash in the art gallery at the Myriad Gardens.
- Photos by Randy Nichols
