OKC FRIDAY Vol. 56 No. 38 • One Section • 16 pages • February 24, 2023
$1 per copy
Medical Society dinner
Lewis wins gold medals
Dr. Mike and Jolynn Herndon and Jeanean and Jere Jones at the inaugural dinner and awards ceremony. For more photos, see Pages 2 & 3.
McGuinness’ Macy Lewis captured two gold medals in the 500-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly at the Class 5A state swimming meet. Sports, Page 7.
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Mayor touts his city’s health in letter to residents
Honored for service to OCU “Since I now have plaque, I will have to go to the dentist more often,” joked Jo Rowan as her plaque was unveiled outside her former classroom at Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of Dance which she founded with her husband John Bedford and served as the Dance Department chairman. Ann Lacy Foundation’s Chris Lawson does the honors and Ann Lacy, seated, looks on.
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
City Philharmonic. A longtime volunteer leader within the organization, Brent is the right person to step into this critical role as opportunities grow for professional orchestral music in Oklahoma.”
In his 2022 State-of-the-City Letter to the residents of Nichols Hills, Mayor Steve Goetzinger shared a large list of accomplishments made by the council during the past year including ending the fiscal year with a $1 million surplus. His letter was included in the City of Nichols Hills Annual Report for 2022 accepted by the city council during its recent meeting. The entire 35-page annual report can be found online at nicholshills.net. Goetzinger touched on projects amounting to over $12 million including $6.6 million in bonds for capital improvements projects concerning streets, water, sanitary sewer infrastructure, technology, the fire and police departments. In his letter he touted the $3 million renovation and addition to the Nichols Hills fire station completed in 2022, saying “these improvements greatly enhance the ability of our fire personnel to conduct training and facilitate optimal working conditions so we can recruit, train and retain the best firemen for our city.” In April, the council awarded a $1.4 million contract to construct Phase III improvements to the Public Works facility, which focused on covered storage facilities, parking and a wash bay. These improvements are underway and are to be completed in early 2023. “Revenue and financial stability are areas of primary focus for the City Council and ones in which Nichols Hills continues to flourish,” Goetzinger said. “In 2022, the city ended its fiscal year with over a $1 million surplus and our fund balance reserves increased to levels that make us well prepared to address challenges and opportunities in the future.” As he enters his fourth one-year-term as
See HART, Page 15
See NHILLS, Page 5
- Photos by Rose Lane
Retired School of Dance Dean John Bedford, Jo Rowan’s husband, speaks after his plaque is unveiled in the learning space he designed in the building. Both he and Rowan’s careers spanned more than four decades.
Jo Rowan recreates the pose from the picture used for her plaque.
Hart is new OKCPHIL executive director
BRENT HART
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has chosen Brent Hart to lead the organization as executive director. Hart served two terms as president of the OKCPHIL Board of Directors, and is to assume his new role March 13.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled Brent has been selected to be the next leader of our organization,” said Jane Jayroe-Gamble, OKCPHIL Board President. “He brings an impressive dose of skill, passion and dedication to the Oklahoma
OCU Dance sets spring performance Oklahoma City University premieres “MOVE! Dance for the World of Entertainment,” the inaugural spring performance of the Star Dance Company from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment on March 9-11. “MOVE!” is set for 8 p.m. March 9, 10 and 11 with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. March 11. All performances take place in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium in OCU’s Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. For tickets, go to okcu.edu/tickets or call (405) 208-5227.
Infused with vibrant energy, the Star Dance Company’s “MOVE!” honors the legacy of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment while embracing dance for the world of entertainment. More than 120 performers will illuminate the stage with vivid costumes, dynamic movement and contagious energy. A cheeky glance back to the roaring 1920s, a quick rub of Aladdin’s lamp, a hip hop nod to the weekend and a joyful tap See DANCE, Page 15
FRIDAY’s
Dogs of the Week Rhys Wheaten and Coral Cesky are Debbie South’s 2yearold roommates who seldom carry their weight. They are comedians who could take their show on the road. What one doesn’t think of, the other does. Love and shenanigans fill their home. Email nominations with a complete descrip tion to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.