OKC FRIDAY
Let your tree live on by having it turned to mulch
Instead of leaving your live Christmas tree at the curb, turn it into free mulch with OKC Parks.
OKC residents can drop off their natural Christmas trees Dec. 26 – Jan. 15 for OKC Parks to mulch at one of two locations:
• Will Rogers Park, 3600 Pat Murphy Dr., in the parking lot at the center of the park south of the OKC Tennis Center and on the south side of Pat Murphy Drive.
• Wheeler Park, 1120 S Western Ave., in the parking lot on the west side of the park next to Western Avenue.
All trees must be free of lights, ornaments, nails and stands. The trees must also be unflocked, meaning they cannot have fake snow or dust on the branches.
Mulch can be picked up from dawn until dusk in designated areas through Jan. 15. Residents must bring their own shovels and containers.
Residents who drop off a tree don’t have to take mulch and those who pick up mulch don’t have to drop off a tree. Donating your tree for mulching helps reduce landfill waste and mulch benefits gardens by conserving water, maintaining soil moisture,
and keeping tree and plant roots warmer during winter. The mulching program is open to all Oklahoma City residents.
Bulky waste Residential Oklahoma City Solid Waste customers with curbside trash and bulky waste services may set their natural or artificial trees at the curbside for collection with other bulky waste no later than 6 a.m. on their assigned monthly bulky waste date. Do not put bulky waste next to obstructions such as mailboxes, trees, shrubs or vehicles. Do not cover your water or natural gas meter with your bulky waste.
Bagged trash set outside of Big Blue trash carts or alongside bulky waste is not accepted. Need an extra Big Blue cart? To order one, visit okcutilities.com or call (405) 297-2833. For residential customers with more than two Big Blue carts, there is a small monthly fee (per additional cart).
Visit okcutilities.com or okc.gov/mytrashday to see when your next bulky waste day is. For bulky waste setout guidelines, visit okc.gov/trash.
This is Mia! She belongs to Hays Nichols and is a very sweet cat. She is a 4-year-old domestic longhaired cat who loves looking out the windows, head scratches and relaxing in anything warm and fuzzy.
Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com. FRIDAY’s
The Bishop McGuinness pom squad competed at OSDTDA in Tulsa and won state in the Class 4A Jazz and Hip Hop divisions. The squad is coached by Tasha Hinex and Grace Sanchez. Members of the squad are: seniors, Julia McCasland, Peri Mossman, Mackenzie Gunter, Cali Williams, Micah Krausz and Evey Atchison; juniors, Ava Lemmon, Libby Chansolme, Bea Ward, Ale Grella, Kathryn Ison, Ashley Watts and Savannah O’Neal; sophomores, Derica Allen, Brittan Bollenbach, Katelyn Guadalupe, Madeline Hopper and McKenzie Mandes; and freshmen, Ashtyn Nguyen, Brooklyn De La Garza, Emma Brown, Eva Beasley, Halle Horton, Milan Gonzalez, Morgan Corey and Peyton Braly.
The Year in Review
Fundraising campaigns break records
Compiled by Rose Lane Editor
January
The 77th annual Charity Ball hosted by the Bachelors Club of Oklahoma City raised $40,000 for the local nonprofit Pivot, a Turning Point for Youth and presented 20 debutantes, according to tradition since 1945.
City leaders in The Village are monitoring their relationship with EMSA as Edmond and Oklahoma City leaders are looking at changes to the emergency medical services they provide to residents.
Chickasaw Nation
Governor Bill Anoatubby is named OKC FRIDAY’s OKCityan of the Year.
Robert B. Fields, Edie Roodman and David Rainbolt are to be honored during the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Snowflake Gala.
February
With its Centennial
From left: United Way Centennial Campaign CoChairmen Robert Clements and Natalie Shirley, President and CEO Rachel Holt and Board Chairman Shane Wharton celebrate the campaign total.
United Way Campaign tops $17 mil
Campaign, the United Way of Central Oklahoma raises $17,060,864 for its 52 partner agencies.
The wait is nearly over for the completion of the Civic Area project located along Vineyard Boulevard near the intersection of Hefner Road and Penn in The Village. City residents are already using the out-
By Mark Stonecipher OKC City Councilman Ward 8
As OKC FRIDAY celebrates its 50th anniversary, subscribers, business leaders and community members honor the newspaper’s incredible legacy. I think my favorite thing about reading FRIDAY is its timely news on local events in our community. While global news matters, over the years I’ve learned that what truly impacts my life is what hap -
door plaza area while city officials anticipate a grand opening ceremony toward the end of the month.
The NCA awarded the Bishop McGuinness performance cheer team a national championship at the competition in Dallas. Drivers along Hefner
See 2024, Page 12
pens here at home. I have always enjoyed the opinion pages, the reporting on our students’ academic and athletic accomplishments and the reporting on our local arts and culture. Each week, OKC FRIDAY connects us to our neighborhoods, schools and businesses with unmatched dedication.
Every year OKC FRIDAY recognizes local role models and leaders. However, today we See 50, Page 7
l’hitraot, y’all ... NOT goodbye!
l’hitraot is “Goodbye, see you later” in Hebrew. Edie Roodman and Eli Reshef hosted a party at their Grandmark condo with that phrase emboldened on the invitation as after the first of the year they close on the property and Edie is set to follow Eli to Chicago, where he has has been working as a doctor. Edie is staying on as the executive director of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange, with plans to return to Oklahoma City periodically. In photo, above, right, Jonna Kirschner, president of the OKIE board, and Edie.
Linda Anderson and Anita Barlow enjoy Edie and Eli’s party.
Above: Rhonda and David Walters. At left: Patti Lewis, Eli Reshef and Jackie Brenner.
- Photos courtesy of Jonna Kirschner
Mitchell’s Shade to award scholarships
Mitchell’s Shade – a partnership with Scissortail Park that provides trees free of charge to the surrounding community – launched Seeds for Hope, an artbased scholarship program and contest for Oklahoma City students.
Seeds for Hope awards financial scholarships to third through eighth grade students enrolled in Oklahoma City’s Title I schools for their post-high school education. To apply, participants must submit original artwork of a tree, accompanied by a creative writing essay about the tree’s significance.
Applicants can also work in pairs to submit the art piece and essay; for those students, if awarded a scholarship, the amount awarded is to be split evenly between the pair. The deadline for all contest entries is Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 at 10 a.m.
“The art and essay can be about the participant’s love of trees, nature, or simply in honor of an important person or memory. We hope the roots we put down with Mitchell’s Shade and now with Seeds for Hope continue to connect us all to nature, to this city, and to each other,” said Melanie Burns, co-founder of Mitchell’s Shade.
While the scholarship prize is only available to third to eighth graders, students in kindergarten through second grade can also participate for a chance to receive a Tree-
Growing Kit for their school. If a school has 10 or more entries into the kindergarten through second grade division, that school will receive three free trees at Mitchell’s Shade Community Tree Giveaway in April 2025.
Applicants will be divided into four divisions based on grade: K2nd; 3rd-4th; 5th-6th; and 7th-8th Grades. The K-2nd division may have up to three winners, and all other divisions will have between one and two winners.
The Mitchell’s Shade committee will judge all entries and winners will be announced in April at the Mitchell’s Shade Tree Giveaway at Scissortail Park.
All third to eighth grader grade participants, regardless of the results of the art and writing competition, are to have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship from Mitchell’s
Shade during their senior year of high school. However, winners of the art and writing competition will be strongly considered.
Each winning recipient can access this scholarship after graduating high school. These scholarships can provide as much as $6,000 or more in educational support. The money is to be sent directly to the college, junior college, or career tech of their choice for tuition and other school expenses.
The scholarship must be applied for in the student’s senior year and claimed within one year of graduation. Details and information about the Seeds for Hope initiative can be found on our website at mitchellshade.com or on the Scissortail Park website under the Mitchell’s Shade/ Seeds for Hope tab. Participants are provided with an entry form and
paper for both the artwork and the essay.
Submissions that do not use the provided paper will not be considered. The art must cover the entire paper, and the drawing must be in color. Essays should be 150-200 words and written in black ink only.
Participants in the kindergarten to second grade division may write just a sentence or two, but the students must handwrite all written submissions in each of the four divisions.
Accepted materials are: Markers, watercolors, colored pencils, crayons, colored pens, acrylic or oil paint. Unacceptable materials include: chalk, sketches and mixed media. Art must be two-dimensional and in color.
All submissions are to be displayed at the second annual Mitchell’s Shade Tree Giveaway at Scissortail Park, scheduled for April 2025.
2024: The Year in Fridayland Sports
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.
Casady’s Ace Hodges placed fourth in the 285pound division at the Class 3A state wresting tournament at State Fair Arena in OKC.
- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
Above photo, Cristo Rey’s KeiShon Graim and Keionna Tubbs earned All-State honors from the Heartland Christian Athletic Association.
Crossings Christian’s Evan Crotts (24) dribbles the ball upcourt against Del City in a Class 6A quarterfinal matchup at Lloyd Noble Center. The Knights ended their season with a 63-56 loss to Tulsa-Booker T. Washington in the semifinals.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
The PC North girls basketball team celebrates after winning a Class 6A West regional tournament. The Panthers outlasted Norman North for a 52-38 victory and sit a win away from making state. PC North is coached by Logan Martin, standing at far left. The Panthers did advance to the state tournament where they lost to Owasso in the quarterfinals at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
The McGuinness girls golf team celebrates after winning the Class 5A state championship. Team members include, from left, Grace McDaniel, Allie Justiz, Abbie Justiz, Taylor French and Brianna Rivera. The Irish posted a 41-shot victory over Carl Albert, while Allie Justiz place second and Abbie Justiz was third in the individual standings at Muskogee Country Club.
Limbs for Life Foundation hosts annual golf tourney
The Limbs for Life Foundation held its annual golf tournament at Rose Creek Golf Club where Sun Life Insurance Company presented a check for $25,000 to the organization which is based in the Village and helps amputees worldwide.
Limbs for Life Foundation recipients Richie Horvat, Dylan Riley and Liam Mealer attended the tournament,
along with special guest Derek Loccident. Loccident is a UCO graduate who won two silver medals this year at the Paralympic games in Paris. From the proceeds of generous donors, Limbs for Life Foundation is planning to fund 25 prosthetic devices to individuals in Oklahoma and beyond. Next year Limbs for Life celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Representatives from Sun Life with Randy Titony, second from left. Sun Life Insurance presented a gift of $25,000 to Limbs for Life at its annual golf tournament at Rose Creek.
Heritage Hall’s Jasmine Crain hits a return during her No. 1 singles match at the Class 6A state tournament. Crain placed fourth in No. 1 singles, as the Chargers also finished fourth in the team standings
Richelle,
- Photo by Kimberly
kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
From left, Richie Horvat, Dylan Riley, Limbs for Life Executive Director Randy Titony, and Derek Loccident.
From left, Dylan Riley, Richie Horvat, Tyler Ryan, Liam Mealer and Jeremy Mellegaard.
Dylan Riley strokes a practice putt before the Limbs for Life tournament at Rose Creek.
CALENDAR
SAVE THE DATE
April 11 • Bubbles & Blooms
Don’t miss the floral cocktail party, Bubbles & Blooms, featuring floralinspired cocktails, light bites, live entertainment, access to the Art in Bloom galleries, and skyline views from the OKC Museum of Art’s Roof Terrace. Tickets are on sale Feb. 20 at okcmoa.com.
CONCERTS
Feb. 14 • Dinner & Show
The Pollard Theatre Company presents An Evening with Patsy Cline at the Dominion House in Guthrie. Enjoy music and fine dining at the historic Dominion House for one night only, with a specially curated dinner by the talented Chef Ben Coffin, featuring a menu as timeless as your romance. Let Shelly Phelps serenade you with the classic, heartfelt hits of Patsy Cline. From “Crazy” to “Walkin’ After Midnight,” her soulful performance will set the perfect tone for a magical evening. Reserve your tickets now and make this Valentine’s celebration truly extraordinary, thepollard.org.
NEW YEAR’S
Dec. 31 •
EVE
Dec. 29 • Chanukah Festival
Join the Chabad Community Center for Jewish Life and Learning for the annual OKC Community Chanukah event on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 4:306:30 pm in Scissortail Park. The program includes the ligh ti ng of the 15 ft Menorah, live music and dancing, a fire and light show, traditional foods, treats for children, carnival entertainment, holiday blessings, Dreidel Man, and more. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit scissortailpark.org.
Noon Year’s Eve Science Museum Oklahoma is ringing in New Years with Noon Year’s Eve, a community tinkering and crafting project that concludes with a cardboard floatfilled parade from 9 am –noon.
Dec. 31 • OKC Thunder
See the Thunder take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on New Year’s Eve at the Paycom Center, 7 pm.
THEATRE
Jan. 17Feb. 2 • The Children Carpenter Square Theatre’s next show is The Children by Lucy Kirkwood. Two retired nuclear scientists reside in an isolated cottage by the sea as the world around them crumbles. Together they are going to live forever on yogurt and yoga, until an old friend arrives with a frightening request. Carpenter Square Theatre located at 1009 West Reno in Oklaho
ma City. Prices are: Adults $30, Seniors $25 – tickets are $15 Thursday only, carpentersquare.com.
THIS WEEKEND
Dec. 30 • TransSiberian Orchestra
The holidays rock a whole lot harder than they ever have thanks to TransSiberian Orchestra. To celebrate the band’s 20th year on the road, TransSiberian Orchestra is mounting an allnew production, The Lost Christmas Eve Tour! and the show that first turned them into an arenarock phenomenon. Two shows at the Paycom Center. Visit paycom.com for details and tickets.
OKC THUNDER
HOME GAMES
Paycom Center
100 West Reno Ave.
Sunday, Dec. 29 • Memphis Grizzlies 6:00 pm Tuesday, Dec. 31 • Minn Timberwolves 7:00 pm
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Paycom Center Events/Shows:
McCollum
Dec. 27 Trans
Siberian Orchestra
Jo Koy
Alan Jackson
Gabriel Iglesias Apr. 12
Nate Bargatze Oct. 16 Zoo Amphitheatre:
Dec. 30
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Dwight Yoakam Feb. 21
Harlem Globetrotters Mar. 22
Tom Segura Apr. 4
Michelle
Furrer
appointed
Top 10 Films of 2024
Challengers, the sizzling adult drama from Call Me by Your Name director Luca Guadagnino, is my favorite film of 2024. Set against the fastpaced world of professional tennis, this intense, sexy, and entertaining love triangle stars two-time Emmy winner Zendaya alongside Emmy winner Josh O’Connor, who played Prince Charles in The Crown, and Mike Faist Wicked. Director Jon Chu brings the Land of Oz back to glorious life in this note-perfect adaptation of the Broadway smash musical. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead an outstanding cast that includes Kristin Chenoweth, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and the magnetic Jonathan Bailey Conclave is a deeply satisfying drama that offers an inside, fictional look at how Catholic cardinals elect a new pope. Stunning cinematography, great direction, and an allstar cast led by Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini make this one of the year’s very best.
Timothée Chalamet is electrifying as Bob Dylan in director James Mangold’s musical drama A Complete Unknown. Co-stars Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning add emotional depth to their supporting characters, and three-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton makes a welcome
Sixtwelve Mardi Gras Ball
return, creating an overall portrait that feels both fulfilling and honest.
Twisters, the fabulous blockbuster produced in downtown Oklahoma City at Prairie Surf Studios, stirred up $370 million at the box office and proved to be a more than a worthy successor to the original.
Director Lee Isaac Chung and lead actor Daisy Edgar-Jones keep the wild ride on track, but budding superstar Glen Powell steals the show as a cocky storm chaser.
Secret Mall Apartment is my favorite documentary of the year. The story of a group of Rhode Island artists who create a secret apartment inside the Providence Place Mall and then live there for four years is made even more special by the lead artist’s connection to Oklahoma City. Michael Townsend was visiting Oklahoma when the 1995 bombing took place. He went to local hospitals to draw pictures with the kids and ended up creating murals with tape. He has now expanded that tape art mural program to children’s hospitals across the country.
Actress Mikey Madison is riveting as
the title role of Anora, a sex worker who goes home with a young Russian billionaire and gets drawn into an intense family standoff. This R-rated sexcapade from writer/director Sean Baker turns into a sharp drama with plenty of twists and turns.
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal hoist masculinity back into the film arena in Gladiator 2, a riotously entertaining swords and sandal epic from director Ridley Scott Denzel Washington gives a surprisingly fun performance as a former gladiator turned broker.
Emilia Perez is a musical drama about a drug cartel leader who undergoes a sex change to live as a trans woman. The excellent cast, led by Zoe Saldana Selena Gomez, and newcomer Karla Sofia Gason, elevates the unquestionably unique premise from festival favorite to award worthy.
Built Different, an intense documentary about Rival Boxing Gym in South OKC from director Michael Zubach, is the short film that has stuck with me the most all year long. Rival Boxing Gym owner Nikki Burleson is an exboxer and trainer who trains, coaches, and stands in the ring with kids of all ages with absolute trust, respect and tough love. She lights the screen on fire and creates champions along the way.
Jan. 4
Mar. 23
President and CEO
of Myriad
Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation
Myriad Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation have named Michelle Furrer as the new President and CEO for the organizations effective March 1, 2025. Following a nationwide search led by Phillips Oppenheim and an internal search committee comprised of foundation board members, Ms. Furrer emerged as the top candidate due to her extensive experience as Director for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She will lead Oklahoma City’s two premiere urban green spaces into their next chapter of growth and success.
“I am truly honored and excited to join the Myriad Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation as President and CEO,” said Michelle Furrer. “These two remarkable urban green spaces are essential to the heart of Oklahoma City, providing vibrant connections to nature, culture, and community. I look forward to building on their successes, fostering accessibility and innovation, and working alongside the talented teams, board members, and partners to ensure these spaces continue to thrive for generations to come."
Larry Nichols, Chairman of the Board, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, “On behalf of the board of directors, we welcome Michelle Furrer as the new President and CEO of Park Management Company, Myriad Gardens Foundation, and Scissortail Park Foundation. With her exceptional leadership experience, commitment to our mission, and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our sector, we are confident that Michelle will guide us toward an even greater impact. We look forward to the Garden’s and Park’s continued
growth and success under her vision and direction.”
Ms. Furrer brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the cultural attractions industry, marked by a passion for connecting people to nature and the environment.
As President and CEO, Ms. Furrer will oversee the management and strategic direction of both Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park. Her leadership is expected to strengthen these vital community assets, furthering their missions to provide accessible, inspiring spaces for all.
Sister Cities OKC/From
Global Vision Awards
Sister Cities International OKC hosted its Global Vision Awards, honoring three individuals for their global achievement. Above, from left: Members of the organization’s board, Christy Busch, Kitty Asberry, Mary Jane Calvey, Aldwyn Sappleton, Thuan Nguyen, Jane Abraham, Mary Blankenship Pointer, Vicki Gourley and Ron Sutor, MD. At right: Honorees Dr. Charles Grim (Global Vision Lifetime Achievement Award), Dr. Randy Kluver (Global Vision Leadership Award) and Dave Lopez, accepting for Lopez Dorada (Global Vision Award).
From Page 1
celebrate OKC FRIDAY itself for informing, uniting, and strengthening Oklahoma City.
I fondly remember my partner Jimmie Fellers’ wife’s col -
umn entitled Rambling with Randy Fellers and the photographs of FRIDAY readers holding a copy of the paper in locations all over the world.
So, to say I have enjoyed the paper for all these years is an understatement. What I have really enjoyed is the memories it has created for me, my family and friends. Congratulations on 50 years of excellence, and here’s to your continued success as a great local source of relevant news for generations to come.
Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Challenge
Have you recently upgraded to a new phone?
Clean out those old tech toys and make a huge impact by donating cell phones and other small electronics to help save gorillas.
Support the Oklahoma City Zoo in its efforts to protect wild gorillas and their habitat by donating to the Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Challenge
through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Donate a cellphone or small electronic and receive a free general Zoo admission ticket!
Recycling old cellphones and electronics raises funds to directly support gorilla conservation initiatives through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction
programs. Schools, organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to collect as many cell phones and electronics as they can in support of gorilla conservation.
Donated items can be dropped off for recycling in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the entry plaza during regular park hours.
Make an Impact on the Arts
Looking for the perfect gift that also supports your arts center?
Now through Dec. 31, enjoy a discounted membership rate when you join, renew or gift an Oklahoma Contemporary membership at the Individual level (now $40; was $65) or Dual level (now $75; was $110).
Give your loved ones – or yourself – a full year of unforgettable, unique experiences at Oklahoma Contemporary through education, exhibitions and performance, while enjoying the following benefits on all memberships:
•Personalized member card
•10% off and early access to Oklahoma Contemporary camps, classes and workshops
•15% discount at Shop Contem-
porary and Café Contemporary
•Complimentary tote bag
•Complimentary subscription to ArtDesk magazine
•Complimentary pour-over coffee at Café Contemporary
Interested in making a further impact on your arts center and our community?
Make your tax-deductible year-end donation today and directly support Oklahoma Contemporary’s ability to provide free exhibitions, accessible educational programs and community outreach initiatives that ensure art remains a powerful and inclusive force for creativity and connection across Oklahoma, oklahomacontemporary.org.
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement
By Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon, creator of Sharon Says So , has written this book through the “forgotten chapters in American history.” She thoroughly researched the lives of twelve ordinary citizens whose lives define the American national character. She writes of the very amazing ones who are not always the top tycoons but the improbable ones who challenge everything you had always believed made our country great.
You will read the true facts about a juvenile detained at a Japanese incarceration camp, a formerly enslaved woman who has set out to reunite with her daughter, a teacher who learns to live with her enemies, a poet on a train ride. Some people bomb out
while the least likely to become rich become wealthy while others become rich with things that matter more than money. You will be intrigued with their personalities and their missions as they strive to make the world more peaceful and free.
They range in life in the Rockies, Virginia, California, and participate in the exciting deeds from Booker T. Washington, William James Edwards from Alabama to teenagers in the American South of the 1830s, Philadelphia of the 1820s, and blasting through the wars with foreign powers. The difficulties among the races, the sexes and rights to life in America and others who feel equally entitled to their own views. Rights of women insisting on their right to vote, and negroes who work hard for rights to own property.
The major differences seem to be who is willing to fight stronger for these privileges, and the similar rights of not allowing or legalizing slavery. Close behind was the right for negroes to become educated,
fully integrate. Other episodes of tragic interpretation to rights and liberties, age, men, women, even that of suicidal rights as well as the dueling when Alexander Hamilton was told to “go for it” in the 1860s. The reader soaks up the history and enjoys reading of the human struggle of the “small” citizens who made such a difference.
The Small and the Mighty also led a peaceful cheer in the selection of the national anthem which reader, whether rich or not, can understand and difficulty being a part of the creation and growth of America is not a fluke. It came from work, study, research, more work, and from the mighty and the small citizens. Look what can happen when people all work together toward the same goal. It was even civil when “The Star-Spangled Banner” became the choice of national anthem instead of the easier to sing “America the Beautiful.” Good things can happen. Thanks to Full Circle Bookstore for sharing this book with FRIDAY readers.
Locally-owned Business Directory
Debbie South RE/MAX Preferred 9520 N. May, Suite 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Office: (405) 751-4848 debbiesouth.com
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
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
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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.
VillagesOKC holds ‘Be Amazing’ anniversary party
Each year, the members, board and sponsors of VillagesOKC meet to celebrate the past year with an Anniversary Party. This year, the celebration was held on a perfect Oklahoma evening at OKC’s Chicken N Pickle.
From Guthrie to south Oklahoma City, members who live in their own homes love connecting over great food. This evening, they enjoyed shuffleboard, corn hole and - of course pickleball - watching, learning and playing. VillagesOKC members who are avid pickleball enthusiasts, Carma Branscum and Gayle Veasy, helped teach others who had never played before. Pickleball is just one opportunity for mature adults to stay active and enjoy new friends.
Sharing a meal, being there and sometimes helping each other with hard conversations, are all part of the new mindset for those who are embracing their age here in Oklahoma City and
Dear Wise Elder: My neighbor is a member of the State Council on Aging. He learned at a recent meeting of the dramatic increase in demand for services from the division of DHS known as Community Living and Adult Protection Services (CAP) - basically aging services. And, I was pleased to learn that CAP was servicing these demands with no increase in staff. Why is the increase in demand happening and how has our state CAP agency met that demand with the same staff?
Dear Neighbor: The global
across the nation.
“This incredible organization’s goal is to empower adults to age with vitality and purpose,” said Alicia Jackson, Chicken N Pickle’s Community Impact
increase in an aging population is affecting Oklahoma too. There will be a 27% increase in older adults by 2034; 34% of Oklahomans are 50 and older; 29% of the workforce are 60 and older and will soon retire; 41% of Oklahomans live alone. Our state aging agencies have utilized technology to be more efficient in order to meet the needs of an aging Oklahoma. We should be proud to live in Oklahoma where state employees are committed to excellence.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
Coordinator. “We LOVE their purpose which reminds all ages that pickleball is for everyone.”
VillagesOKC members lead the way with a can-do spirit.
Gayle Veasey demonstrates pickleball to newcomer, Delilah Joiner-Martin.
At left: David Stiles is amazing at shuffleboard.
Club
OMRF President’s Christmas Party
Lotus
Jared Hutchinson, Elizabeth Farabee, John and Alexa Goetzinger, Christopher Lloyd, *Erik Salazar, Kara and *Aaron Trahan, Jen a nd Cam Enteshary, Phi Nguyen, Seth Lewis, Amy and Parker Douglas (*new Lotus Club members). The Lotus Club is one of OKC’s oldest and most exclusive social dance clubs. It promotes recreational dance through programs, including spring, fall and Christmas dances. There are over 100 members of Lotus Club.
OMRF President Dr. Andrew Weyrich and his wife Amy hosted the President’s Christmas Party at the Gaylord Pavilion inside the OMRF Research Tower. The annual event celebrates the contributions of board members, donors, staff and other supporters of the organization. In photos, clockwise, starting at left: Elaine and board member Harrison Levy; Habitat for Humanity Chairwoman and CEO and board member Ann Felton Gilliland and Mike Joseph; and OMRF’s Dr. Gabriel Pardo and his wife Cecelia and Amy and Dr. Andrew Weyrich.
OMRF Board Chairman Len Cason and his wife Donna and board member Gail Muncrief and her husband Rick.
The SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation’s Saints Ball 2024: Advance to GO! raised a record-breaking $921,251 toward establishment of the SSM Health St. Anthony Comprehensive Diges-tive Care Center.
Event CoChairmen Joe and Kim O'Connor and Dr. Tauseef and Ammara Ali.
Road near May
From Page 1
Avenue have watched as towering playground equipment is being installed and other work projects have Duffner Park looking like a war zone. City officials say the large construction project at one of the most frequented parks in The Village is to be complete this summer.
March
Nancy Anthony, the Oklahoma Arts Institute, Joyce A. Henderson, Sally Frye Bentley and Carlie Preskitt are to be honored during the Leadership in Arts and Education Awards Banquet, hosted by Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation.
When former Village Mayor Cathy Cummings succumbed to an aggressive form of gallbladder cancer her family asked that instead of flowers those who wished could donate to a GoFundMe page to eliminate school lunch debt. As of press time, more than $50,000 had been raised from over 732 donations.
As plans for the March 30 Village Easter Egg Hunt are ramping up at Bumpass Park, 10015 N. Penn., so are expectations for events at the new Civic Area along Vineyard Boulevard in The Village.
Expedition Africa, a dream destination for wildlife lovers, is now a reality for visitors to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden with the completion of its new Expedition Africa habitat expansion.
April
Four Oklahoma women are recognized for their service to the community during a luncheon as new members of The Societies of Oklahoma City University. The 36th annual Awards of Excellence luncheon honors Penny McCaleb, Sherri Lance, Lori Blumenthal and Jacque Fiegel.
For the first time in 50 years, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City welcomes babies and care for women in a new women’s center on its campus. The Love Family Women’s Center is open, offering a host of new services for families and women of all ages.
J.D. Baker once again tops OKC FRIDAY’s Most Powerful Young Professionals poll.
Filmmaking duo Melissa Scaramucci and Lance McDaniel are the co-chairmen of the 48th Annual Renaissance Ball, benefiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA).
May
Six hundred and forty-five Oklahoma City residents dropped off 250,612 pounds of ammunition, medications, computers and tires during the city’s annual Special Collection Event at the OKC Fairgrounds.
Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast came in first place in the U.S. News and World Report 2024 list of Best Oklahoma High Schools.
The Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Board of Education selects Dr. Jamie C. Polk as the district's next superintendent. Officials in Nichols Hills approve a Coyote Management Plan in case residents have issues with coyotes wandering into the city and their neighborhood.
Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the city’s new arena between the city and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.
June
A series of late-night car burglaries in The Village have police looking for suspects who stole items valued at over $3,000 from vehicles near Lakeside Drive and Hefner Road. Reports show the cars were left unlocked. Police are now asking area residents for help with the investigation.
At its Campaign Celebration event, Allied Arts announces that the organization raised $3,778,403 in support of central Oklahoma’s arts community through its 2024 fundraising efforts.
Leaders from Oklahoma City University and the Oklahoma City University School of Law announce the formation of a new institute for the advancement of tribal sovereignty.
Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby is named OKC FRIDAY’s Most Powerful Oklahoman.
July
For a city of less than two square miles, or 1280 acres, Nichols Hills has a lot of city parks. Thirty-one landscaped parks, both large and small to be exact, and many feature works of art donated by city residents. At the June City Council meeting, the city’s Public Arts Commission recommends adoption of ordinance updates amending the city’s codes related to works of art in city parks.
The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation announces its 2024 Wall of Fame inductees, including Fridaylanders Phil Busey, Sr. and L. Michael Dillard.
Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership is to honor Dick Tanenbaum with 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.
Oklahoma City’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. The Oklahoma City Utilities Department published its annual Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), for 2023 with that information. This report includes important information about the quality and safety of Oklahoma City’s drinking water.
August
In his 2024 State of the City address, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt describes the city as “determined.”
Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation is planning to commemorate 100 years of academic excellence in the building the academy calls home during a special celebration weekend.
Casady School receives a gift of $12 million for a $23 million Upper Division Dining and Engagement Center.
Oklahoma City Manager Craig Freeman announces the selection of Ron C. Bacy as Oklahoma City’s 51st police chief, effective immediately.
Heritage Hall breaks ground on construction of a state-of-the-art gymnasium as part of its Safer School, Stronger Community campaign, which focuses on the safety of Heritage Hall’s students, employees, and campus visitors.
September
The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) selects six women to be inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame (OWHOF). The inductees are Dr. Nancy Anthony, of Okla-
homa City; Marilyn Mauer Hugon, of Duncan; Edie Roodman, of Oklahoma City; Jane Semple Umsted, of Durant; Crystal Stovall, of Tulsa; and Molly Wehrenberg, of Edmond.
The results of the spring Advanced Placement exams are in, and McGuinness continues to excel with a total of 127 students named AP Scholars, the largest number of McGuinness students to ever receive the honor.
Village City Manager Dave Slezickey wants to make the city more walkable with ideas to connect all six city parks and two grocery stores through a network of sidewalks.
A portion of Lake Hefner Parkway (OK-74) between Britton Road and Hefner Road is to be dedicated in memory of Cathy Cummings, the Ward 4 council member and former mayor of The Village who passed away from colon cancer last February at age 62.
October
Lillie-Beth Brinkman and Kathye Winslow pumped up the jams and jellies and Erin Engelke brought the best brownies to win ribbons at the Oklahoma State Fair.
The Class 5A OSSAA cheerleading state champions are the Fighting Irish of Bishop McGuinness! Chickasaw Nation Lieutenant Governor Chris Anoatubby, Love’s Executive Vice President and Chief Culture Officer Jenny Love Meyer and Jenee Naifeh Lister, wealth management consultant for Merrill Lynch Financial, are to be welcomed into the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor during its 38th annual induction ceremony.
Sody and Robert Clements are to be inducted into the Maestro’s Circle during the OKCPHIL’s POPS of Color Maestro’s Ball.
November
The Village Police Department achieves reaccreditation from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, an accomplishment only 26 police departments in Oklahoma have achieved.
OKC Will Rogers International Airport is home to a prominent new work of interactive public art titled “Connections: Oklahoma City’s Global Family,” thanks to a donation from Oklahoma City’s Sister Cities chapter.
For the seventh straight year, Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest is deemed the Most Powerful Woman in OKC FRIDAY’s annual independent poll.
The SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation’s Saints Ball 2024: Advance to GO! raises a recordbreaking $921,251 toward establishment of the SSM Health St. Anthony Comprehensive Digestive Care Center.
Casady School junior Christopher Bankhead combines his passion for choir, opera and musical theatre, as well as helping the unhoused in Oklahoma City, by creating an event Caroling for Clothes.
December
After 73 years, Village Baptist Church rebrands itself.
Sally and Jeff Starling are the campaign co-chairmen for the 2025 Allied Arts fundraising campaign, which aims to strengthen and sustain the vibrant arts community throughout central Oklahoma. The honorary co-chairmen are Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin.
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, received the Council of State Governments
(CSG) 20 Under 40 Leadership Award for 2024.
Casady Middle Division students joined approximately 1,700 people who hit the streets of Nichols Hills and Oklahoma City on Sunday to compete in the Redbud Classic. From left: James Blakewell, 22nd place; Ben Currie, 27th; George Holt, 30th; and Maggie Holt, 22nd among all women.
Annie Bohanon, left, is dressed like Hollywood’s costume designer Edith Head for a luncheon she hosted with Joan Payne at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. A in-house created exhibition of 70 costumes designed by Head, 20 sketches and three Oscar statuettes was on exhibit at the Museum of Art.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, right, visits with IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco at the Olympic Games in Paris. Holt and an entourage of Oklahoma City officials spent six days observing the Paris Olympics as they prepare to host softball and canoe/ kayak slalom events during the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles.
Governor Frank and Cathy Keating, are honored by the Salvation Army during its Festival of Hope. Actor Tom Selleck was the guest speaker.