OKC FRIDAY Vol. 56 No. 39 • One Section • 12 pages • March 3, 2023
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Ballet Ball is going west Oklahoma City Ballet is set to present Ballet Ball: The New West on April 1, at the Omni Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. All proceeds from the Ballet Ball benefit Oklahoma City Ballet’s programs and performances. Co-chaired by Kylee Claire Rainbolt and Bailey Gordon, this gala features cocktails, dinner, a live auction and dancing, plus a special performance by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers. Guests are encouraged to dress in western-inspired evening wear. “The Ballet Ball is one of the best events in Oklahoma City,” said Co-Chairman and Oklahoma City Ballet Board Member Kylee Claire Rainbolt.
Recreational marijuana is historic only issue on ballot By Rose Lane Editor
activities starting at 5:30 p.m., plus a 6:30 p.m. family dance class. Tickets or reservations are not required. Oklahoma City Ballet returns to the Civic Center Music
For the first time in U.S. history, voters in Oklahoma are going to the polls this Tuesday, March 7, with nothing but marijuana legalization on the ballot. Through the petition initiative process, the Yes on 820 campaign delivered 164,000 signatures to the Secretary of State — many more than the 94,111 necessary. While the state question was expected to have been on the November ballot, glitches within the signature-counting contractor pushed the vote until Tuesday. According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute, this is the gist of the state question: “State Question 820 would legalize adult-use recreational marijuana in Oklahoma. Adults over the age of 21 years old would be able to purchase marijuana products for recreational use from licensed sellers. SQ 820 would allow individuals to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana, six mature marijuana plants and six seedling plants. The state question also creates a licensing process for recreational marijuana dispensaries, commercial growers, processors and transporters and it directs the state to create rules for the preparation and labeling of marijuana products within 90 days after becoming law.” The state would impose a 15 percent excise tax on each sale, with surplus revenue going to
See BALLET, Page 12
See 820, Page 12
Co-chaired by Kylee Claire Rainbolt and Bailey Gordon, Ballet Ball is set to feature cocktails, dinner, a live auction and dancing, plus a special performance by Oklahoma City Ballet dancers.
“We keep the speeches short and the dance floor packed. The Ballet Ball also raises critical funds that fuel Oklahoma City Ballet’s programs year around, including free community pro-
grams and performances that benefit thousands.” The western theme is inspired by George Balanchine’s Western See BALL, Page 12
2023-24 ballet season to be ‘innovative, beautiful’ Full of variety, innovation and beauty, Oklahoma City Ballet has announced its 202324 Season. The season begins with the fourth annual “Ballet Under the Stars,” a free community performance held at
Scissortail Park on Friday, Sept. 15. Featuring excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance, the evening is to include several short works performed by professional dancers, OU School of Dance stu-
dents and students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School. Guests are encouraged to come early to Ballet Under the Stars to get a great spot on the lawn and to take part in family-friendly
OKC Beautiful to honor those helping to create better community OKC Beautiful’s annual Distinguished Service Awards is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations working to improve the beauty and environmental sustainability of Oklahoma City. The individuals and groups being honored represent those in Oklahoma City working to create a more beautiful and sustainable community. The Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon will be
Maevyn Bruemmer picking up trash in a local park.
By Rose Lane Editor Nine-year-old Maevyn Bruemmer can often be seen picking up trash in local parks. For her efforts in keeping areas clean for kids to play,
See AWARDS, Page 12
Our students up for Presidential Scholars Eleven students from Fridayland schools have been named candidates in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. They are among 5,000 Presidential Scholars from across the nation. Our students are, listed by their schools: Bishop McGuinness — Charles Rhodes and Curt Schwager. Casady School — Connor Evans, Michelle Huang, Julia Janknecht, Jenna Jiang and Olivia Wang. Classen School of Advanced Studies — Danny Ly and Semony Shah. Crossings Christian School —
9-year-old keeps local parks neat
Lucas J. Lindsey. Heritage Hall — Braden A. Perkins. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2023. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and See SCHOLARS, Page 7
Oklahoma City Beautiful is presenting her the Volunteer Spirit Award during its March 23 luncheon. Maevyn, who has autism, is the daughter of Kelli and Bobby Bruemmer. She is in See MAEVYN, Page 12
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week My name is Heidi. I’m 12 weeksold and the new addition to the Averill family. I’m a bit of a mess but enjoy playing hard and taking naps. Email nominations with a complete description to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.