Send us photos of your favorite Veterans by Nov. 1. We will include them in our Nov. 8 edition. Email rose@ okcfriday.com.
OKC
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years
Focus on
Home strives to turn houses into homes
Fridayland teens help families in need
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
For Fridaylander Joli Sanders, helping families in need has become a mission that has changed the lives of hundreds of families.
Sanders first became aware of the need for furniture for fami-
lies through her personal experience of having a baby and facing the challenge of having no furniture or the means to buy. The experience enlightened her of the importance of having a comfortable and supporting environment, inspiring her to found Focus on Home.
Focus on Home is a 501(c)3
non-profit organization which for 10 years has provided furniture and other household essentials to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness or other challenging situations. Sanders is both founder and CEO of the organization.
See FOCUS, Page 2
The Clements are going into Maestro’s Circle
By Rose Lane Editor
Sody and Robert Clements are to be inducted into the
Maestro’s Circle during the OKCPHIL’s POPS of Color Maestro’s Ball.
The event is set for Friday, Nov. 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the
OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50
Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. The ball’s co-chairmen are Terri Cooper and Farooq Karim. The dress is black tie
It’s like a weekly letter from home
By Tom McDaniel President American Fidelity Foundation
Growing up in rural Oklahoma, the local weekly newspaper was always a big part of our family’s life.
Everyone knew the publishers and they knew the community. The paper reported births, deaths, weddings, vacation trips, traffic accidents and everything that happened in the churches and schools, especially the schools. From music concerts and cakewalks to basketball games and track meets, there were always pictures and lots of them. They seemed to be perfectly sized for scrapbooks and
frames for moms like my Brenda.
Then there were the editorials opining on local issues and endorsing political candidates in local elections. Letters to the editor were welcomed and often entertaining. It was a weekly highlight to see if a picture or story of family and friends “made” the paper.
Brenda’s oldest sister, Miriam, and her husband, Dale Colbert, were the publishers of the Northwest Oklahoman, a local weekly in Shattuck. We heard a lot about the importance of local advertising and legal publications necessary to keep subscriptions affordable for all.
See 50, Page 5
with a colorful twist. The Clements are civic leaders, having chaired campaigns for
See CIRCLE, Page 12
2025 bond election
The City of Oklahoma City is seeking input from residents as it plans for a general obligation (GO) bond election in fall 2025, in which voters decide to fund major infrastructure projects across the city.
GO bonds are the city’s most important tool to fund major infrastructure projects like building or rebuilding streets, bridges, parks, police and fire facilities, sidewalks and more. Bond projects have been used since before statehood to pay for the city’s critical infrastructure and are determined by street and bridge ratings, planning studies, the City Council’s priorities, operating impact and resident survey results.
There are many ways people can provide input on what should be included in the 2025 bond package:
• Visit okc.gov/GO. People can visit okc.gov/ GO, drop a pin on the interactive map to show locations where improvements are needed.
• Organize a meeting. Gather your neighborhood, club or group and use the City’s downloadable tool kit to collect, share and submit ideas about what you think should be included in the bond. Email public.info@okc.gov to get your toolkit.
•Attend a bond engagement workshop. OKC Councilmembers will host come-and-go workshops in each ward, where people can speak directly with city staff about their needs and priorities. One workshop is be offered in Spanish. Residents who need accommodation during a workshop can contact public.info@okc.gov. People can attend any workshop they want.
See BONDS, Page 5
FRIDAY’s
Alley is a 12-year-old feline that Lauren Dockrey found in an alley, thus her name. She loves cat treats. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@ okcfriday.com.
Teen Board members, from left, Elliott Jones, Grace Grimes, Grace McDaniel and Blair Houser prepare to decorate a home.
FOCUS
From Page 1
Since its inception, Focus on Home has helped over 900 families by creating comfortable, functional and dignified living spaces, transforming houses into homes and offering stability and a sense of belonging to families in need.
Sanders worked with her first family 10 years ago this month. She estimates that Focus on Home has shared nearly $1.3 million in donated goods and services to families in need.
Nearly 90 teenagers have joined Sanders on her mission to help others. They serve as volunteers on a teen board for Focus on Home.
Teen board supervisor Debbie Margo first learned about Focus on Home a year and a half ago after seeing a post on social media, “As an interior designer I thought it would be an interesting place to volunteer,” she said.
“The Focus on Home Teen Board is made up of students in ninth through 12th grade who are interested in serving our community,” said Margo, who also serves as a volunteer family coordinator. “The students participate in installing homes, organizing the warehouse, painting art for homes and fundraising.
“Our teen board has grown from 10 mem-
bers last fall to 86 members this year,” said Margo. “Many members have become interested after hearing about our mission and service experience from their peers.”
The teens range in age between 14-18 and represent high schools from throughout Fridayland, including Bishop McGuinness, Casady, Crossings, Deer Creek, Edmond and Heritage Hall.
“They really enjoy going into homes and decorating or installing a house and sharing with the family,” she said. “They often lead the family through their newly furnished space and celebrate the end result together."
The Focus on Home Teen Board has its own executive board that includes Ashlyn Dolan, Sam Margo, Lily Cunningham, Parker Rice, Evey Atchison and Isabelle Letcher.
“Our teen volunteers do one home installation a month,” said Margo. “They meet the family-in-need to assess their space, select home furnishings from our warehouse and install curtains, beds and furnishings.
“It takes about four hours to do a home, and we usually take four to six teens per installation,” she said. “The kids often talk
after an installation about the perspective they gain. I hear a lot of them repeat over and over how grateful they are for their own beds and homes.”
It costs nearly $1,500, from start to finish, to work with a family. A typical home package includes essential furniture and household items to create a comfortable and functional living environment.
“We provide new beds for each family member including bed frames, mattresses, pillows and bedding,” said Sanders. “Home packages include living room and dining furniture, kitchen essentials and storage solutions like shelving units and other furniture to organize their belongings.
“Every home gets wall art, rugs and decorative items to create a welcoming and personalized space,” she said. “Towels, washcloths and other linens ensure families have what they need for everyday use.
“Prior to founding Focus on Home I spent nearly 30 years in the interior design industry,” said Sanders. “We believe a well-furnished home is a crucial foundation for families to thrive, and we work to ensure that every family we serve has a supportive envi-
ronment where they can rebuild and grow.
“A vast majority of our families are led by single mothers,” she said. “We have three typical paths to our program — unhoused families transitioning out of homelessness or facing financial hardship; individuals and families escaping domestic violence; and individuals and families participating in recovery programs who need a stable, supportive home environment as they work toward recovery and independence.”
Focus on Home works with five main partner agencies including ReMerge, Palomar, YWCA, Hope House and Positive Tomorrows. The organization also works with and accepts families from other agencies like the Homeless Alliance, City Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Sanders remembers Eric, a single dad who found himself living in a shed with his boys, Brayton and Landon.
“The friend who let them live in their shed was an electrician and trained Eric until he was able to get his license,” she said. “Since working as an electrician, he has been able to work toward providing a more dignified home environment.
“Eric and his family were referred to us by one of the kids’ teachers who knew there was hope for them,” she continued. “She was right! They just needed a space that they could call home, filled with a few comforting items, and they would find stability.”
Focus on Home relies upon donations to do their work and accepts gently used furniture and household items from community members who want to support their mission. Partnerships with local businesses and furniture stores provide new or slightly damaged furniture, floor models and discontinued pieces to help the families. Online donations can be made at focusonhome.org.
Caroline Regier, left, and Olesya Rodgers turn a house into a home for a deserving family.
Parker Rice is a member of the Focus on Home Teen Board.
Fashion for a Passion
Lawrence is flanked by waiters Hardy Watkins and Adam Taylor. Over the past 16 years, this fun-filled
The Oklahoma City Chi Omega Alumnae Association’s Fashion for a Passion was hosted by CK & CO. and benefited Hearts For Hearing. A favorite event for ladies, Fashion for a Passion featured food, drinks served by male waiters, a style show and shopping. Above: Event Co-Chairman Cassie Bowen, CK & CO. owner Kathy Brown and Co-Chairman Jane Webb. At left: Maddie Bambace, Erica Courtney, Valerie Naifeh and Callyn Jump.
- Photos by Rose Lane
Judge Heather Coyle models fashions by CK & CO.
Fridayland’s Rebecca Thompson walks the runway.
Above: Quail Creek Bank girls — Lacey Biffell, Pam Duran and Erin Batey. At left: Karen Mayfield and her good friend Terri Hare.
2024 Halloween Coloring Contest Winners!
Thank you to our sponsors! Casady School
Sloane McCormick, age 5
Facebook People’s Choice Winner
Brynn Baumann, age 9
Thrifty Pharmacy Winner
Marin L., age 71/2
Lewis Orthodontics Winner
Lawson Shelley, age 6
Sylvester Eye Care Winner
Luke Evans, age 91/2
Casady School Winner
Remaining workshops include:
Oct. 28, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ward 6, Downtown Library
Friends Room
300 Park Ave.
Oct. 29, 6 – 8 p.m.
Ward 8, NW Library
5600 NW 122
Nov. 4, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Latino Community Development Agency
So, when we moved to Oklahoma City in 1982, and soon thereafter discovered OKC FRIDAY, it was like a weekly letter from home.
Leland Gourley was a widely-known public figure in political and banking circles, as well as being the publisher. His idea to use the local weekly to create a culture of community, in the midst of our state’s largest metropolitan area, quickly caught on. His wife, Vicki, was all in on the big dream that has now continued for five decades.
Leland’s quotes are still included in each edition and are as timely as they are timeless. His stated goal of being the conscience of the community and standing up for beliefs, ,even if it meant standing alone, inspired dialogue in the community as they were intended to.
Time, technology and economic circumstances have swept away many of the valued institutions of our generation.
This workshop is to be offered in Spanish.
420 S.W. 10.
Nov. 12, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wards 4 and 5, Pete White
Health and Wellness Center
4021 S. Walker Ave.
Nov. 19, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ward 2, Oklahoma City University Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center
2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.
“The 2025 bond package will fund basic needs and critical infrastruc-
But FRIDAY has survived and thrived. Perhaps it is because of its adherence to its roots.
Perhaps it is the willingness to try something new, like our son Lance’s column on film and entertainment. Or perhaps it is our society’s commitment to a free and independent press that has sustained this voice in our community for these 50 years.
So, congratulations to Vicki, Rose and the FRIDAY team for continuing to fill our scrapbooks with memories and our hears with hope. Here’s to 50 more years.
ture every community needs for stability, growth and safety,” City Manager Craig Freeman said. “Since 2017 when the last bond program was approved, we have been gathering input from residents in a variety of ways to learn about neighborhood and community needs. While we can’t meet every need across OKC’s 621 miles with a single GO bond election, we’re asking residents to help us identify priorities.”
CALENDAR
THEATRE
Oct. 25 – Nov. 10 • Dial M for Murder Carpenter Square Theatre’s Season 41 continues Oct. 25 –Nov. 10, with Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of “Dial M for Murder.” Film buffs may remember Hitchcock’s 1954 thriller with Grace Kelly and Ray Milland, but playwright Hatcher gives the thriller’s plot a new twist. All performances are at the theatre’s rather new venue located at 1009 W. Reno in downtown Oklahoma City with ten performances scheduled over three weeks. For tickets, visit carpentersquare.com or call 4052326500.
HALLOWEEN
Oct. 28 • BrickOrTreat
The Bricktown Association is excited to host the 10th annual BrickorTreat event for kids in costume on Monday, Oct. 28 from 4 – 7 pm at various locations throughout the district. Parents and guardians are invited to bring their kiddos to Bricktown to enjoy a familyfriendly evening that includes spooky tunes, roaming characters, photo ops, and trickortreating at participating businesses. Attendees can pick up an event map from the information booth on the Mickey Mantle Plaza of the
Nov. 1 2 • The Music of ABBA
Prepare to be dazzled by the world’s greatest and most authen ti c ABBA show when, ARRIVAL From Sweden: The Music of Abba performs with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8:00 pm at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets are on sale now at okcphil.org. Dancing and music will continue in the Civic Center Music Hall, so come prepared for an after party. This production has all the features a great ABBA show needs: lovely costumes, extremely talented musicians, and breathtaking singers. Tickets range from $24 to $109, with student pricing available at $11 with a valid ID. For tickets, contact the OKC Philharmonic box office at (405) 8425387 or purchase online at okcphil.org.
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark to plot their route. The event is free and open to everyone. Trickortreaters must be under the age of 14 and be in costume, or with a guardian, to receive free candy and giveaways.
THIS WEEKEND
Oct. 25 • Chili Cookoff
For a $15 minimum donation to the United Way of Central OK, you'll get your ticket to Carne Diem and three bowls of hearty chili. With 60+ flavors on the menu, cold brews, and live music, a culinary adventure awaits from 11 am to 1:30 pm, 125 Park Ave.
Oct. 26 • Festival of Freaks This event is sure to have something for every boil and ghoul. This event features local vendors selling their spooky wares, a costume contest,
trickortreating for the kids (while supplies last), and much more! All ages are welcome at this event, but there will be art featuring nudi
ty and possibly violence/gore. Sponsored by Strange Earth Studio at the OKC Fairgrounds from 11 am – 6 pm. Admis
sion is $5 with kids under three free.
Oct. 26 • MercyMe
Grammynominated band MercyMe is bringing their fall 2024 “Together Again...Again Tour” to the Paycom Center along with Crowder and Cochren & Co. beginning at 7 pm.
OKC THUNDER
HOME GAMES
Paycom Center
100 West Reno Ave.
Sunday, Oct. 27 • Atlanta Hawks 6:00 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 30 • San Antonio Spurs 8:30 pm
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
McDaniel Entertainment
McDaniel Entertainment, the film and media company that I run, is celebrating a major milestone this month. We just delivered our 40th screenplay to a paying customer.
Forty different stories. Soldiers heading to war. Preachers answering their call. Spies escaping cartels. Co-workers falling in love. Most have been feature films. But we have also written short films, virtual reality experiences, and a Bible-based mini-series.
To celebrate this milestone, McDaniel Entertainment is offering two screenwriting seminars in November. We are pulling back the curtain to show you how we outline, prep, and write original screenplays and how we adapt existing works like novels or autobiographies into screenplays.
The seminars will include three group classes and two individual consulting sessions. The expected output for each participant will include a short screenplay and the beginning of a feature length screenplay.
McDaniel Entertainment launched in 2020 with the feature film Finding Carlos. I co-wrote the screenplay with Melissa Scaramucci, directed the film, and produced it alongside Scaramucci and choreographer Hui Cha Poos. Poos created RACE Dance Collec-
tive’s Hip Hop Nutcracker, on which the movie is based. We produced the film during the heart of COVID, providing safe jobs for more than a hundred local actors, dancers, artists, and filmmakers. Finding Carlos is still available on Apple, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
After that, McDaniel Entertainment focused on production. We produced two television specials with Rob Lake Magic for the Armed Forces Network; short films for Christian Faith Publishing, Fulton Books, and Page Publishing; and a short documentary with Lyric Theatre called Chasing Thunder about their launch of Distant Thunder, the first all Native American musical. We created a virtual reality experience for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation that allowed donors across the state to look inside the labs and meet the doctors. And we partnered with Boiling Point Media to create a virtual reality experience about the Bible for St. Luke’s Methodist Church.
As the lead writer, I write a hundred pages or more every week. It keeps me glued to a computer eight hours a day, several days a week, unless I have meetings. It also makes me anxious to get out in the evenings just to be around other people.
Sara Thompson, my co-worker on the film Heaven’s Rain and former director of programming at deadCenter, is one of my screenwriting partners that takes the lead on several screenplays. And University of Oklahoma student Campbell Walker Fields is our excellent screenwriting intern. The McDaniel Entertainment screenwriting seminar is open to people interested in learning more about the art of screenwriting, getting work as a screenwriter, or adapting a particular book or idea into screenplay. The seminars will run the week of Nov. 11 and the week of Nov. 18. If interested, send me an email at lancemcdaniel@hotmail.com.
Two years ago, we forged a partnership with a publishing company that transformed our business. Page Publishing hired us to partner with their authors to adapt their novels into screenplays. Because Page Publishing oversees a variety of publishing imprints, the books came from every genre and category. Since then, screenwriting has become our bread and butter.
OKC Zoo Sarari Lights sensory-friendly night returns
The holidays can be a lot for anyone, but for those with sensory issues, the intense atmosphere of lights and sounds can be overwhelming. The STAR Institute for Sensory Processing estimates that at least 5% of the general population have symptoms associated with sensory processing challenges.
Understanding this, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is hosting a Sensory-Friendly Night on Friday, Nov. 8 for its popular winter attraction, OKC Zoo Sarari Lights.
“The Zoo is committed to making both our daily and special event experiences accessible to guests,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo’s events manager. “Providing a Sensory-Friendly Night ensures that every guest can enjoy OKC Zoo Sarari Lights, which has become one of the state’s most popular
holiday traditions.”
Presented by OG&E, OKC Zoo
Sarari Lights is a drive-through and walk-through holiday experience open nightly starting Saturday, Nov. 9, through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The Zoo is decorated with more than 70 light sculptures representing larger-than-life animals and holiday themes, photo opportunity spots, and interactive exhibits. During the Sensory-Friendly Night on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 9 pm with the last entry at 8 pm, the lights are modulated to be more comfortable, music is quieter, and there are fewer people in the park.
New to the OKC Zoo is the addition of an all-new KultureCity Sensory Room specially designed to offer guests with sensory issues a safe and
calming space. Located off the Zoo’s entry plaza, the quiet area provides a cool, dark space with relaxing furniture, textured wallpaper, and a collection of sensory soothing activities.
Advance reservations are required for the Sensory-Friendly Night at okczoo.org/safari-lights
Reservations are now open for OKC Zoo Sarari Lights occurring nightly with drive-thru and walk-thru experiences from 5:30 to 11 pm with the last check-in at 10 pm. OKC Zoo Sarari Lights will be open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Online reservations are required for OKC Zoo Sarari Lights and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights. Drive-up purchases will not be accepted. Tickets are limited to ensure opti-
mal guest experience. Admission for the drive-thru experience is $60-$75 per vehicle (ZOOfriends members receive a $10 discount) and includes up to 4 walk-thru admission tickets. Admission for the walk-thru only is $14-$18 per guest ages 3 and older ZOOfriends members receive a $2 discount). Supporting OKC Zoo Sarari Lights sponsors include Devon, MidFirst Bank, and Homeland. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all yearlong, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at okczoo.org/ membership
Bears name homecoming queen and king
For John Marshall High School’s homecoming game, the student council had a fun dress up week, a powder puff game, coronation ceremony and pep assembly.
The Bears played against Alva, and though they lost the ballgame, memories were made and spirit was raised. Our homecoming court consisted of freshmen representatives, Andre Blake and Marica Tillman; sophomore representatives, Adam Torralba and Laila Robinson; junior representatives, Aedren Clayton and Kandice Brown; king candidates: James Allen, Noah Belton, TJ Fisher, Dai’Drien Parker, Shawn Powell and Derek Shaw; queen candidates: Tyreonna Ellis, Anjeanna Freeman, Aaliyah Lucas, Heaven Savage, Misha Shaw and Chloe Threatt.
After the votes were in we were excited to announce Noah Belton and Heaven Savage as the 2024 fall sports homecoming king and queen.
By Toluwalase Aderonbi
JM JOURNAL
• John Marshall students went on a field trip to Langston University. The purpose of this field trip was to help students get a chance to see the campus and learn about campus life at Langston. They got to tour the whole campus and learned about the courses, scholarships, and the Greek life at the school. They also got to socialize with students from the university.
Senior Tristian McAuthur said, “The Greek life is really good, they have a bunch of fraternity events. They have a lot of scholarships for different majors. Everyone was nice and I will consider going there”.
• The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) Teen Leaders program
provides group activities, panel discussions with foundation scientists and state civic leaders and time in the foundation’s labs. Students leave with the leadership skills and tools to be change-makers in their communities. They also learn how to become advocates for medical research and improving human health. I was chosen as a member of the program and recently they held their second meeting of the year. In this meet-
ing we got to talk with the researchers and we learned about skeletal muscle. We also got to see the laboratory and how everything works. After that, we learned how to create our own donation accounts. All the teen participants will develop an advocacy and fundraising project with supervision and assistance from OMRF philanthropy staff. I am learning so much, and can’t wait to see what more the OMRF will show me.
Despite start, Bears have outside chance for playoffs
Although statistically eliminated from a winning season, the John Marshall football team could have an outside chance with three wins against teams in the bottom half of the district standings.
The first step is this Friday night against El Reno, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. at venerable Taft Stadium.
Currently, the Bears are 0-7 overall and 0-4 in District 5A-2 following a loss at powerhouse Carl Albert last
Thursday night. El Reno (2-5, 1-3) is coming off a 33-20 loss at Lawton in Week 7.
John Marshall’s final two opponents – at Western Heights in Week 9 and Noble in Week 10 – are a combined 2-12 overall and 1-7 in district play.
Crossings Christian gets a second straight home game against Lindsay.
The Knights (4-2, 3-1 2A-I-2) pulled off a 16-7 victory over Lexington last Friday night,
OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY
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PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com
Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.
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behind a strong defensive performance, highlighted by two safeties.
Bennett Baker caught a 67-yard touchdown and kicker Kaden Laisle hit two field goals.
McGuinness looks for its second straight win in hosting Southeast. The Irish (5-2, 2-1 5A-1) overpowered Duncan in a 60-7 victory, behind quarterback Damon Cochran’s five total touchdowns.
On a three-game winning streak, Casady travels to Stroud. The
WEEK 8 SCHEDULE
Friday, October 25
Casady at Stroud
Lindsay at Crossings Christian Deer Creek at Norman Heritage Hall at Pauls Valley El Reno at John Marshall Southeast at McGuinness Jones at Mount St. Mary PC North at Sapulpa Note
Cyclones (3-4, 3-1 2A-II1) outlasted Meeker for a wild 68-46 triumph. Quarterback Ethan
Hamilton accumulated more than 500 yards of offense and nine total touchdowns.
Heritage Hall (6-1, 40 3A-1) puts its perfect district record on the line at Pauls Valley. PC North (6-1, 4-0 6A-II-2), which also boasts an undefeated mark in district play, travels to Sapulpa. Meanwhile, Deer Creek and Mount St. Mary hope to get back on the winning track after losses last week.
The Antlers (6-1, 3-1 6A-I-1) travel to Norman, while the Rockets (4-3, 1-3 2A-I-1) host Jones on Friday.
Knights’ defense holds off Lexington
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Coming into last Thursday’s game against Lexington, Crossings Christian football coach Jacob Stephenson emphasized a need for the defense to limit the Bulldogs’ running attack.
Mission accom-
plished as the Knights held Lexington to less than 200 yards of offense and forced two safeties on the way to a 16-7 victory last Thursday night.
“Our defense really took the game over, especially in the second half,” Stephenson told FRIDAY after the game. “I think (the first half) is about as bad as we can play but we still won the game.”
A blustery south wind and cool temperatures greatly affected both teams, especially on punts and kickoffs.
Crossings Christian got on the board late in the second quarter, after both teams exchanged multiple turnovers in the opening minutes.
Bennett Baker took a swing pass from quarterback Tristan Berglan and scampered 67 yards for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead for the Knights (4-2, 3-1 District 2A-I-2) at halftime.
The Knights responded to a Lexington touchdown late in the third quarter with 10 unanswered points to close out the game on two field goals by
Kaden Laisle covering 41 and 37 yards and the defense collected a pair of safeties after pinning Lexington inside the 5yard line on punts with the wind.
four other scores in leading the Cyclones (3-4, 3-1 2A-II-1) to their third straight win.
Dyson Fay collected a team-best 158 yards receiving on 10 catches and three TDs.
CYCLONES OUTLAST MEEKER
Erupting for more than 600 yards of offense, Casady continued its midseason surge with a wild 68-46 win at Meeker.
Quarterback Ethan Hamilton passed for 267 yards and five touchdowns along with 157 yards rushing and
IRISH RUN OVER DUNCAN
McGuinness overcame a tough first quarter to score seven times over the second and third quarters to pull away for a dominating 60-7 triumph at Duncan in Week 7.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Casady quarterback Ethan Hamilton (14) accounted for over 500 yards of offense and nine total touchdowns in a wild 68-46 win at Meeker last week.
- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
VOLLEYBALL | 3A STATE ROUNDUP
Chargers fall to CHA in semis
Playing in its first state tournament in a half-decade, the Heritage Hall volleyball team advanced to the Class 3A semifinals before suffering a 3-1 loss to eventual champion Christian Heritage last Friday at Sapulpa.
Elle Zenner collected a team-best seven kills and Kash Cooper added six kills for the No. 4 Chargers (17-12), which were the only team to win a set against CHA.
Taylor Smith also chipped in 21 digs from her libero position.
Heritage Hall split the first two sets with Southwest Covenant but won the final two on the way to a 3-1 win in the quarterfinals on Thursday at Sand Springs.
Heritage Hall’s Raegan Ferris had 12 kills and 13 digs in the quarterfinals against Southwest Covenant.
Raegan Ferris led the way with 12 kills and 13 digs. Brookelynn Gofton contributed 11 kills. while Reece Foster collected seven kills and 14 digs.
METRO CHRISTIAN TOPS CASADY
Meanwhile, Casady endured a 3-0 loss to Metro Christian in the 3A quarterfinals last Thursday at Sand
CROSS COUNTRY ROUNDUP
Regional meets set for Saturday
All nine Fridayland cross country schools embark on their journeys to a state championship as they compete in regional meets this weekend. Four teams compete in Class 5A and 6A meets, as Deer Creek competes at Owasso and PC North is at the Moore-Norman Tech Center in south OKC in 6A.
McGuinness and John Marshall take part in the 5A meet at Owasso.
The 6A girls open the day’s competition at 9 a.m., followed by the 6A boys at 9:45 a.m., the 5A girls at 11 a.m. and 5A boys at 11:45 a.m.
In 4A, Harding Charter Prep has been assigned to a 4A meet at North Rock Creek in Shawnee, while and Mount St. Mary travels to Waurika. Boys’ squads from Crossings Christian and Heritage Hall compete
Springs.
Sutton Fraley recorded six kills and an ace, along with London Le’s five kills, for the Cyclones (14-18), which competed in its second straight state tournament since joining OSSAA in 2023.
in a 4A meet at Henryetta but the girls are in 3A also at Henryetta. Meanwhile, Casady takes part in a 3A regional at North Rock Creek. The 4A regionals open with the girls at 9 a.m. and the boys at 9:45 a.m., followed by the 3A girls at 10:45 a.m. and boys at 11:30 a.m. State meets for all classes are scheduled for Nov. 2 at Edmond Santa Fe.
ANTLER BOYS RUN TO COAC TITLE
Keyed by all five runners in the top 20, the Deer Creek boys cruised to the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference (COAC) championship last weekend.
Micah John and Ian Chang cracked the top 10 for the host Antlers as John finished in sixth place and Chance came in 10th place. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
VOLLEYBALL | 5A, 6A STATE PREVIEW
Irish, Rockets poised for possible rematch at state
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Sitting on opposite sides of the bracket, Fridayland rivals Mount St. Mary and McGuinness could be a on a collision course to meet for the Class 5A state volleyball championship this weekend.
The Rockets (36-1), which are seeded No. 1 in the eight-team, single-elimination tournament, opened against Shawnee in the quarterfinals on Thursday at Moore, while the third-seeded Irish (2212) took on Duncan.
A win pits Mount St. Mary against the Oklahoma Christian School (OCS)-Claremore winner on Friday at 1:30 p.m., and McGuinness would face the Carl Albert-Tulsa Washington winner at 3:30 p.m.
The championship match is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Moore High School.
As defending state champions, McGuinness coach Kelli Miller started the season with some trepidation as her team was hit hard by graduation.
CLASS 5A TOURNAMENT
Thursday, October 24
Quarterfinals
Game 1: Mount St. Mary vs. Shawnee, 9:30 a.m.
Game 2: McGuinness vs. Duncan, 11:15 a.m.
Game 3: Carl Albert vs. T. Washington, 1 p.m.
Game 4: OCS vs. Claremore, 2:45 p.m. Friday, October 25
Semifinals
Game 1 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 1:30 p.m.
Game 2 Winner vs. Game 3 Winner, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26
Championship Semifinal Winners, 1:30 p.m.
“We felt pretty confident but had to rebuild half of our lineup,” Miller said. “We made some upward progress but I don’t think we’ve peaked yet.”
While a rematch with Mount St. Mary might be their goal, the Irish aren’t looking ahead or taking an opponent for granted.
“We very much think one day at a time,” Miller told FRIDAY. “We’re just trying to stay focused on the next step.”
Sophomore Kenzie Smith heads a relatively young lineup as libero, a defensive spe-
CLASS 6A TOURNAMENT
Thursday, October 24 Quarterfinals
Game 1: Edmond North vs. Deer Creek, 9:30 a.m.
Game 2: Ed. Memorial vs. Broken Arrow, 11:15 a.m.
Game 3: Jenks vs. Ed. Santa Fe, 1 p.m.
Game 4: Moore vs. Westmoore, 2:45 p.m.
Friday, October 25 Semifinals
Game 2 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 9:30 a.m.
Game 1 Winner vs. Game 3 Winner, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26
cialist that doesn’t rotate, as the Irish boast seven seniors on their roster. Junior Emma Gardner, who stands 6foot-3, is the team’s leading hitter and recently committed to Long Beach State.
Other major contributors include sophomore middle Arielle Yapi and junior Charlotte Nelson, along with seniors Greer DeLeon and Olivia Metz. Meanwhile, Mount St. Mary players have “been on a mission” since its season ended last year.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Antlers
open as No. 2 seed in 6A tourney
No. 2 seed Deer Creek opened against Edmond North last Thursday in the 6A volleyball quarterfinals. A win puts the Antlers (25-9) in the semifinals at 11:30 a.m. against the JenksEdmond Santa Fe winner at Moore. The final is Saturday at 11 a.m.
- Photo by Tina Walker, tinawalker.pixieset.com
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.
The upcoming “Positive Aging: Inflammation” workshop will address the topic of inflammation and its debilitating effects on older adults. It is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 10 am to 2 pm in the Business Conference Center of the Metro Technology Center, 1900 Springlake Dr. Sponsored by VillagesOKC and CompleteOK Home Health & Hospice, the workshop features two local experts on the topic.
The morning session will feature Paul Rothwell, MD. His topic is “Inflammation: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.” In the afternoon, Keith Bishop, B.Sc., Clinical Nutritionist, presents “Prevailing over Cancer.” Between the sessions, attendees will be served a Swadley’s box lunch and have time to visit supporting vendors.
“This great day of information will empower people to make choices that can
really help their lives be better, and not just take another pill without understanding what or why,” said VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson.
Dr. Rothwell is a family medicine specialist with more than 40 years of experience caring for Oklahoma families. He earned his medical degree from the University College of Medicine, is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice and board certified in functional medicine by
the Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also a published author and national lecturer on functional medicine, as well as an associate professor of family medicine at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. In addition to his family practice, Dr Rothwell is the founder of Wellness and Longevity, providing cutting-edge IV therapies and USAmade pharmaceutical quality supplements which serve as a bridge
Dear Wise Elder: I don’t want to be one of those older adults who continues to say, “They issued me a driver's license, so therefore I can drive” when the family is wondering how and when to “take the keys away.” How do I know when is the right time to stop driving?
Dear Right Time: Write down the kinds of negative driving behaviors you read about or notice in others. Initiate a family meeting to discuss your desire to “not be one of those older adults.” Together establish some written guidelines for unsafe behaviors. Behaviors such as frequently not
between providers of natural medicine and traditional medical doctors.
“Dr. Rothwell speaks clearly on the steps adults can take to prevent the bad inflammation, as well as nurture the good inflammation,” Olson said.
Bishop is a clinical nutritionist, cancer coach, author, and retired pharmacist with
parking between the lines, repeatedly running over curbs, new scratches on the auto when pulling into the garage are signs that vision, judgment, or depth perception have declined and action needs to be taken in order to continue driving safely. AARP offers a Smart Driver Course to refresh driving skills. Learning to enjoy using Uber and Lyft may also offer safe transportation alternatives. Bottom line is that taking action in advance allows you to be in control of the decision.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
a deep commitment to cancer prevention and treatment through integrative approaches. Bishop’s journey into the world of natural health began after witnessing the impact of cancer on his family. He and his wife both have family histories of early onset prostate cancer, brain cancer
See AGING, Page 12
PAUL ROTHWELL, MD. KEITH BISHOP, B.Sc.
Tommy James and Shondells perform for
the benefit of medical
research
Page 10
and neuroendocrine cancer, which led him to extensively
CIRCLE
From Page 1
Allied Arts and served on various nonprofit boards.
Sody is a long-time Nichols Hills city councilwoman and has served five terms as mayor. Robert is the president of
review medical research in 1997 to find ways to reduce his and his wife’s risk. This pivotal moment inspired him to sell his pharmacy in 1998 and focus on natural health. He has a clinical practice where he
Clements Foods. “Support of the Maestro’s Ball colors the lives of Oklahoma students with music education,” the organizers said.
In the 2023-24 school year, 106 schools participated in free music programs orchestrated by the OKCPHIL.
During the last school year, 7,347 students attended a youth
assesses a person’s challenge and customizes cancer prevention and treatment recommendations.
“Mr. Bishop is a very strong clinical nutritionist,” Olson said. “His passion and expert-
ise are in teaching people how nutrition can help you win over cancer, whether you’re in the middle of it now or trying to prevent it. He does a lot of private consultation. He has a wonderful presentation.”
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation raised a record $852,500 from a golf tournament and a concert by Tommy James and the Shondells. Proceeds will support medical research at the Oklahoma City nonprofit.
A wine and food festival accompanied the band’s performance at OMRF as the first part of the foundation’s annual 241 fundraiser – two events for one great cause. Tommy James and the Shondells performed from their catalog of hits from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, including “Crimson and Clover,” Mony Mony” and “Draggin’ the Line.”
A golf tournament the next day at the Territory Golf & Country Club in Duncan concluded 241. The country club is owned by OMRF Board Member Barbara Braught and her husband, Rick.
This was OMRF’s 11th year to hold the benefit since 2012. During that time, 241 has raised more than $7.5 million for medical research at the foundation. The amount raised from this year’s fundraiser exceeded the previous record by more than $20,000.
Funds raised through 241 will help recruit and retain scientists while also helping fund research projects in areas that include cancer, heart disease and stroke, multiple sclerosis, and diseases of aging.
“For more than a decade, donations resulting from 241 have provided OMRF scientists with critical resources as they seek new treatments for a wide range of diseases,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “We are extremely grateful for our supporters’ generosity, which will make a huge difference in our mission to help more people live longer, healthier lives.”
This year’s event involved 148 sponsors. Sponsorship chairs were Sherri and Bill Lance Jr. of Sulphur.
concert at the Civic Center and 46 schools were visited by OKCPHIL musicians.
Other members of the committee include Rachael Geiger, Mady Hendry, Daniel Karami, Debra Kos, Desiree Singer, Geetika Verma and Wendi Wilson. For tickets, visit okcphil.org/maestrosball.
The “Positive Aging: Inflammation” workshop is free for VillagesOKC members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required. Register at LoveYourAge.org or call (405) 990-6637.
Tommy James, left, performs with The Shondells at OMRF.
-Photos by Rose Lane
Above: Amy and Dr. Andrew Weyrich, president of OMRF, dance to the tunes of Tommy James and The Shondels. At right: Steve Umde, Barbara Butner and Linda Weeks.
Above: Meg Salyer with Larry and Polly Nichols. Below: Lonnie and Jane Childress.
Penny Voss, OMRF vice president of development and Sherri and Bill Lance, 241 sponsorship co-chairmen.
Above: Marion Paden and her husband Rowell Sargeant. Below: Chris lee, Mark Funke and Ken Kronenberger.
Neighbors pull out the stops for annual Guilford Lane block party
The 1700 block of Guilford Lane continued its beloved tradition this year with the annual block party, a celebration that has grown over the past decade. Neighbors gathered for a day of food, fun, and community bonding in what many affectionately call their block “Mayberry.”
The event featured Craig’s Sloppy Joe food truck and The Freezing Cow Express ice cream truck. The kids had a blast bouncing in the large bounce house and running freely through the street. A special highlight was a surprise visit from the fire department, which delighted both children and adults.
This annual gathering started over 10 years ago and has only grown in participation each year, further strengthening the already tightknit group of neighbors on Guilford Lane. Everyone looks forward to this event as a way to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy the simple pleasures of neighborhood life.
In attendance were Robert Jarman and Jennifer Nelson, Louie and Linda Almaraz, Aamir and Ashlee Mahmood, Michael and Ashley Ford, Sean Olmstead and Tim Rasmussen, Michelle Woford, Brad and Becky Johnston, Allison and John Currie, Dean and Carolyn Higganbotham, Brian and Camille Jackson, Sean Corbett and Allyson Pinkley, Bryan and Katie Gordon, Dan Cowden, Caleb and Mollie Dilbeck, Elzabeth Wilson, Brian and Lauren Lowry, and Weneva Edge along with many kids and other families.
Swifty birthday
Elizabeth Taylor turns 10 with a Taylor Swift party! Elizabeth celebrated with friends and family as she had a Swifty pool and party bash. Our Taylor Swift (Gabrille Williams) was the main event of the party. At right: Taylor Swift (Gabrille Williams) and birthday girl Elizabeth Taylor.
Scholarship winners from the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma pictured with gold medal winner Dan Wessler who directs Westminster, a men’s barbershop chorus out of California. Westminster is the 2024 BHS International Chorus Champion. Dan directed this year’s TTBB chorus at HU and was slso one of the HU instructors on staff.
Barbershoppers earn scholarships
Three barbershoppers from the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), were awarded scholarships to this year’s BHS Harmony University at Denver University this summer.
Kobe DeChurch was awarded a full scholarship from the BHS. Joining Kobe at HU were two board members of the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma who were awarded full scholarships by the Southwestern District of the BHS. This included Lester Claravall, who serves as chapter president, and Caleb Henderson, who serves as member-at-large.
HU is an international week-long event that provides energizing general sessions, educational electives, private voice lessons, networking opportunities, and training when it comes to barbershop 4part harmony in a cappella. Barbershop harmony is
a truly American art form that originated in Tulsa back in 1938 and then went international from there.
Aside from class sessions, Kobe was a member of the Next Gen Chorus and Lester and Caleb were members of the TTBB Chorus. The Next Gen Chorus and TTBB Chorus performed at the HU weekend show before a live audience.
“Attending HU is a phenomenal experience for all ages and all barbershop levels to develop a craft that we all enjoy,” said Lester Claravall who serves as president of the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma.
“Not only did we learn from the expert instructors and gold medal winners from past barbershop international competitions, but we also learned from the 400 participants who came to this year’s HU from all over the world to engage in barbershop harmony!”
Bryan and Katie Gordon, Caleb and Mollie Dilbeck, Allyson Pinkley and Sean Corbett, Ashley Ford and Michael Ford, Michelle Woford, Sean Olmstead, Ashlee and Aamir Mahmood, Camille Jackson, Tim Rasmussen and Linda and Louie Almaraz at the block party.
Tim Rasmussen, Michelle Woford and Sean Olmstead.
Evelyn Almaraz takes the wheel of a fire truck during the block party.
Reknowned audiologist joins Hearts for Hearing
R
ené H. Gifford, Ph.D., CCC-A is joining Hearts for Hearing in Oklahoma as chief of research and audiology beginning January 2025. Gifford currently holds the Fred H. Bess Chair in Audiolo -
Readers Choice
gy, is a tenured professor of hearing and speech sciences, and director of the Implantables, Hearing Enhancement, & Amplification Research (I HEAR) Laboratory at Vanderbilt University in the School of
“50 Most Powerful Women” Ballot
VOTE FOR UP TO 25 WHO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN OKC Which OKC women do you think exercise -- through position, ability or wealth -- the most influence in overall decision-making affecting Oklahoma’s present and future?
o MO ANDERSON
Co-Owner, Keller Williams Realty
o SUE ANN ARNALL
Lawyer, Arnall Family Found.
o KITTI ASBERRY
Exec.Dir., Comm. Status of Women
o BRENDA JONES BARWICK Chairman, OK Status of Women
o VICKI BEHENNA OK County District Attorney
o JANIENNE BELLA
Pres., CEO, Girl Scouts
o STEPHANIE BICE 5th District, U.S. Representative
o CARRIE BLUMERT
CEO, OKC Mental Health
o KATY BOREN Market VP, Cox Communications
o CINDY BYRD Oklahoma State Auditor
o LOU CARMICHAEL
CEO, Variety Care
o JILL CASTILLA
Pres. & CEO, Citizens Bank
o SUNNY CEARLEY
Pres., CEO, Allied Arts
o KRISTIE CHANDLER
CEO, YWCA Oklahoma City
o SODY CLEMENTS
Nichols Hills Councilwoman
o TERRI CORNETT
Allied Arts Consultant
o HEATHER COYLE
District Judge
o WHITNEY CROSS
Director of Development, OKC Ballet
o KIM DAVID
Vice Chair, Corporation Comm.
o KAREN DULANEY
Community Volunteer
o ANN-CLORE DUNCAN
Duncan College Consulting
o STACY DYKSTRA
CEO, Regional Food Bank OK
o LIZ EICKMAN
Dir., Kirkpatrick Family Fund
o NANCY ELLIS
Volunteer, Philanthropist
o ERIN ENGELKE
CEO, ReMerge
o CHRISTY EVEREST
Philanthropist
o TRICIA EVEREST
Secretary of Public Safety
o HILLARY FARRELL
Exec. Officer Market., Chickasaw
o MIKI FARRIS
Exec. Dir., Infant Crisis Services
o TRISHA FINNEGAN
Pres., CEO, OKC Community Found.
o KAY FLOYD
State Senator
o KELLY DYER FRY
Dev. Dir., OKC Mental Health
o JANE JAYROE GAMBLE
Author, Volunteer
o KIM GARRETT
Founder, Vision. Officer, Palomar
o ANN FELTON GILLILAND
CEO, Habitat for Humanity
o CHRISTY GILLENWATER
President, CEO, OKC Chamber
o ERIN GOODIN
Pres./CEO, City Rescue Mission
o A.J. GRIFFIN
CEO, Potts Family Foundation
o NOMA GURICH
OK Supreme Court Justice
o JOBETH HAMON
OKC Councilwoman
o BROOKE HANEBORG
Dir. Bus. Devel., Manhattan Const.
o AIMEE HARLOW
Community Volunteer
o JUDY HATFIELD
Pres., Equity Commercial Real Estate
o MANDY HEAPS
Exec, Dir, OK Zoological Society
o KIM HENRY
Exec, Dir, Sarkeys Foundation
o CARRI HICKS
State Senator
o RACHEL HOLT
Pres./CEO, United Way of Cen. OK
o RHONDA HOOPER
Pres.,CEO, Jordan Associates
o DR. JUDITH JAMES
Chief Medical Officer, OMRF
o MAUTRA STALEY JONES
President, OCCC
o JEANEAN YANISH JONES
Exec Dir. Health Alliance Uninsured
o YVONNE KAUGER
OK Supreme Court Justice
o CATHY KEATING
Community Volunteer
o JONNA KIRSCHNER
Pres., CNI Manufacturing, Chickasaw
o JULIA KIRT
State Senator
o SHERRI LANCE
Pres.,Gaming Capital Group
o AYANA LAWSON
VP, Social Impact, OKC Thunder
o JODI STEPHENS LEWIS
o JUDY LOVE
Pres./CEO, Leadership Okla.
Founder, Love’s Travel Stops
o STACY MCDANIEL
Exec. Dir., OK Cleats for Kids
o LIZ MCLAUGHLIN
Fields & Futures Co-Founder
o NATALIE MAI
District Judge
o MARY MELON
CEO, OKC Public Schools Found.
o DR. KELLI MOSTELLER
Executive Director, FAM
o JENNIFER NAKAYAMA
Pres./CEO, Downtown OKC Inc.
o NIKKI NICE
OKC Councilwoman
o NICOLE MILLER
State Representative
o CYNDI MUNSON
State Representative
o VALERIE NAIFEH
Owner, Naifeh Fine Jewelry
o TERRY NEESE
CEO, Institute for Empow. Women
o POLLY NICHOLS
Community Volunteer
o CATHY O’CONNOR
CEO., COAlign
o LESLIE OSBORN
OK Labor Commissioner
o AJAY PITTMAN
State Representative
o CACKY POARCH
Exec. Dir. deadCenter
o MARY B. POINTER
Sr. VP, Frontier State Bank
o JAMIE C. POLK
Superintendent, OKCPS
o PAT POTTS
Founder, Potts Family Foun.
o TAMMY POWELL
President, St. Anthony Hosp.
o SARAH RAHHAL
CEO, Sunbeam Family Services
o SHANNON RICH
Pres./CEO, Okla. Hall of Fame
o SARAH ROBERTS
VP Programs, Inasmuch
o EDIE ROODMAN
Exec. Dir., OK Israel Exchange
o TERESA ROSE
Exec. Dir., Comm. Foundation OK
o MELISSA SCARAMUCCI
Filmmaker
o MEG SALYER
Community Volunteer
o DEBORAH SENNER Pres./CEO, Make a Wish Okla.
o MELANIE SHELLEY
Dean, OCU School of Dance
o NATALIE SHIRLEY
o KAYSE SHRUM
Regent, University of Oklahoma
President, OK State University
o BECKY SWITZER
Founder, Ground Zero SAR Dogs
o SALLY STARLING
Community Volunteer
o SARAH STITT
Oklahoma First Lady
o MARNIE TAYLOR
Pres./CEO, Center for Nonprofits
o ALETIA TIMMONS
District Judge
o LASHAWN THOMPSON
Assistant OKC City Manager
o VALERIE THOMPSON
CEO, Urban League
o PENNY VOSS
OMRF VP Development
o KARI WATKINS
Pres. & CEO, OKC Nat. Memorial
o JEANIE WEBB
President, Rose State College
o VICTORIA WOODS
o DARLA ZUHDI
CEO, ChapelWood Financial
Singer/Songwriter
Please VOTE and return to our office at 10801 Quail Plaza Dr., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73120 or P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73156 by November 1.
Medicine. “We are thrilled to have a hearing healthcare expert of Dr. Gifford’s stature bring her significant talents and leadership to Hearts for Hearing,” said Jennifer Burton, president and CEO, who adds, “She is choosing to join one of the country’s largest teams of audiologists, researchers, and listening and spoken language specialists at Hearts for Hearing who are providing advanced hearing care to more than 40,000 patients each year.”
Hearts for Hearing is recognized across the country for its dedication to teaching deaf babies and children to listen and talk and their comprehensive adult clinic services, ensuring that all patients achieve their best hearing and communication potential.
“I am thrilled to make this move to Hearts for Hearing,” said Gifford, “I never thought I’d leave the university medical setting, but the opportunity to join Hearts for Hearing as chief of Research & Audiology was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I wasn’t going to miss! Hearts for Hearing is a truly special place – it’s our field’s best example of how integrating cutting-edge research into clinical practice can directly enhance patient outcomes across hearing, balance, speech, and language. It’s an exciting time of rapid advances in hearing technology and scientific discovery—and just like the entire Hearts for Hearing team, I am committed to staying in front.”
Gifford’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for over 20 years, she’s delivered 100s of invited talks around the world, published over 160 peerreviewed articles, multiple book chapters, two textbooks, and enjoyed a distinguished career at Vanderbilt actively involved in teaching, research, clinic leadership, clinical practice, and graduate student mentorship.
Gifford has received multiple awards and honors for her clinical research including the 2015 Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Recent Clinical Achievement from the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association, 2017 Vanderbilt University Chancellor’s Award for Research, the 2021 Jerger Career Award for Research in Audiology from the American Academy of Audiology, and she was a featured scientist on the National Public Radio Science Friday broadcast entitled “Breakthrough: Portraits of Women in Science –Hearing a Whole New World.”
Gifford is to complete the Fall semester at Vanderbilt before joining the team in Oklahoma.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the winner of the 18th Annual Paseo FEAST was selected. Amber Andersen was the community’s choice from the five presentations given at City + State Venue + Events on 19 NE 6th St. in Oklahoma City. Thirteen applications submitted were for the opportunity to pitch their art projects to a crowd of eager art supporters.
FEAST is a unique community-grant program for artists hosted by the Paseo Arts Association.
FEAST stands for Funding Emerging Artists with Sustainable Tactics. A selection committee of art professionals review project proposals from local artists and five finalists are selected to present their projects to an audience after they enjoyed a deli-
cious meal. At the end of the evening, audience members voted on their favorite projects and Andersen received a grant generated from FEAST ticket sales. Andersen’s proposal, The Grand Unseen, is an exhibit where insects will be the central theme.
Grants from FEAST range from $700-$2,000 and have been used to fund diverse projects, including public art displays, studio space, book productions and more. “By shining a light on the diverse styles of art and interactions with creatives, the public can support local arts in a meaningful way, said Amanda Bleakley,” executive director of the Paseo Arts Association.
To support these artists further, please go to thepaaok.org/ feast.
Family-friendly story that inspired ‘Frozen’
The Grand Kyiv Ballet presents its Christmas ballet on Oct. 30. “The Snow Queen” is based on the worldfamous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This fascinating romantic story set to the music of Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart and Vivaldi, will bring unforgettable happiness to adults and children at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Kai and Gerda are sitting in their garden among roses when a
shard of a witch’s mirror gets into Kai’s eye. His heart becomes hard and cold. One winter day, a whirlwind of snow rises around him, and he disappears. He is taken by the Snow Queen, who lives in a world of ice and snow. Guided by love, Gerda goes in search of Kai to free him from the spell of the Snow Queen. See the familyfriendly story that inspired “Frozen.” Get details and tickets at app.ticketsage.net/ occc-tickets.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) announced an upcoming exhibition in celebration of the Museum’s eighty-year history. From the Vault: The 80th Anniversary Exhibition will be one of the largest displays of the Museum’s permanent collection to date, highlighting its depth and strengths by showcasing more than 150 works that have either never been displayed or have not been on view in the past five years. This original exhibition will open Feb. 8 and run through April 27, 2025.
“This exhibition will highlight the various paths that our collection has followed the past eighty years,” said President and CEO Michael Anderson, PhD. “We
hope the community feels a sense of ownership in the Museum, a sense of belonging, and that we all consider what we’ll leave behind as our collective legacy for the next eighty years.”
From the Vault will include recent, neverbefore-displayed acquisitions by Preston Singletary and Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as rarely seen works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Alfred Stieglitz, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and Carlos Mérida.
Visitors and social media followers will have an opportunity to experience the exhibition before it opens in February.
“We’re inviting the community to join our 80th anniversary cele-
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, October 18, 2024; Friday, October 25, 2024; Friday, November 1, 2024)
NOTICE OF SALE OF BONDS
In accordance with Title 62, Oklahoma Statutes, 2021, Section 354, as amended, notice is hereby given that the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, will receive sealed or electronic bids on November 12, 2024, until 11:30 a.m., local time, at the City Clerk’s office at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, for the sale of $7,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, dated January 1, 2025, of said City, which Bonds will mature $580,000 on July 1, 2027 and $580,000 annually each year thereafter until paid, with the last maturity on July 1, 2038 to be $620,000.
The General Obligation Bond, Series 2025 maturing in the years 2027 through 2031 are not subject to redemption prior to maturity. The General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025 maturing in the years 2032 through 2038 are subject to redemption at the option of the City on any date on or after July 1, 2031, at the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.
Bids filed with the City Clerk shall be opened and read in the City Clerk’s Office at the time stated above and shall be awarded thereafter on said date by the City Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma in Council Chambers, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. Bids received after 11:30 a.m. on the above mentioned date will not be accepted and will be returned to the bidder unopened. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
The General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025 shall be sold to the bidder bidding the lowest interest cost which the Bonds shall bear and agreeing to pay par and accrued interest for the Bonds. Each bidder shall submit with its bid a sum in cash, cashier’s check, or electronic (wire) transfer payable to the Treasurer of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma equal to two percent (2%) of the principal amount of the Bonds. The right is reserved to reject all bids. The General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025 is a combined purpose bond issue composed of $4,870,000 Streets Bonds, $815,000 Water System Bonds, $250,000 Sanitary Sewer System Bonds, $400,000 Public Works Facility Improvements Bonds, $150,000 Parks Bonds, $135,000 Police Bonds, $130,000 Fire Bonds, and $250,000 Public Works Vehicles and Equipment Bonds from an October 10, 2023 election authorization, all of which
bration and help us choose three of the works that will be on view in the exhibition,” said Curator of Exhibitions Jessica Provencher. “Selections will be made between two O’Keeffe prints, two Donna Ferrato photographs, and two paintings by Oklahomabased artist Oscar Brousse Jacobson.”
Voting will take place online at okcmoa.com.
Additional programming for the full anniversary year will be announced in the coming months.
Before From the Vault opens on the third floor,
visitors will have the opportunity to see two new installations drawn primarily from the permanent collection. Opening Dec. 20, Land Use: Humanity’s Interaction with Nature is an original single-gallery installation that will feature modern and contemporary photographs, video art, digital art, and paintings—including a work by Ed Ruscha— that relate to humanity’s use of and interaction with the environment. For more information on memberships and to purchase tickets, please visit okcmoa.com.
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
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 cornestonehomehealth services.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521 North MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779
Creek
Locally-owned business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@okcfriday.com for more information.
Amanda Copeland Amanda Copeland (SEAL) City Clerk
city of Nichols hills
ADMIT WILLS TO PROBATE, APPOINT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, AND DERTERMINE THE IDENTITY OF HEIRS-AT-LAW, DEVISEES AND LEGATEES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all persons interested in the estate of Irene Irmtraud McPheron (Wife) and Robert Lee McPheron, II (Husband), both Deceased, that on the 10th day of October, 2024, Christa Leigh Hillhouse produced in the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, two separate instruments, in writing, one purporting to be the Last Will and Testaments of Irene Irmtraud McPheron and other of Robert Lee McPheron, II, both Deceased, and has also filed a Petition in this Court praying for the probate of the Wills, asking that Letters Testamentary be issued to Christa Leigh Hillhouse upon the Estate of Irene Irmtraud McPheron and Robert Lee McPheron, II, both Deceased, and requesting this Court determine the identity of all the heirs-at-law, devisees and legatees of Decedents. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that 7 day of November, 2024, at the hour of 9:30 o’clock A.M., of that day, has been appointed as the time for hearing the Petition in Courtroom of the undersigned judge
In
petition is set for 4:00 o’clock P.M. on the 12 day of November, 2024, before Judge Dishman at 4:00 o’clock in courtroom 315 at 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/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, October 25, 2024)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Case No: PG-2024-828
In the matter of the Guardianship of ) Kaylie J. Frost ) A Minor Child )
NOTICE FOR HEARING PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANSHIP
You are hereby notified that Aubri Frost has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person and estate of the above-named minor Kaylie J. Frost, and that said Petition will be heard in the courtroom of Judge Riesen Room 313 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 320 Robert S. Kerr Ave. on the 21 day of October 2024, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. 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 ___ day of ___, 2024.
THOMAS C. RIESEN JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/ illegible signature Deputy
(Published in OKC Friday,
