OKC FRIDAY Vol. 56 No. 43 • One Section • 14 pages • March 31, 2023
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Six throw hats in ring for Village Council
Fridaylanders show well at Bethany meet Seven Fridayland track athletes ran to gold medals at the 60th Annual Ed Forester Invitational in Bethany. In addition, the McGuinness boys finished second in the team standings and the Irish girls were third, followed by Heritage Hall in fourth, Casady in fifth and Crossings Christian in sixth place.
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Since that time, Head of School Nathan Sheldon said Casady has been accepted for membership in the OSSAA and is to become an associate member within its current conference,
Six candidates are on the ballot when voters in The Village go to the polls this Tuesday, April 4 to elect councilmen for Wards 1, 2 and 3. Incumbent candidates in Wards 1 and 2 drew opponents for the non-partisan election, while the race for Ward 3 replaces David Glover, 59, who was appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of former Councilman and Mayor Adam Graham who resigned his position unexpectedly last year. The seats for Wards 4 and 5 are not up for reelection. The race for Ward 1 councilman pits incumbent Vice Mayor Wynter Griffis against former Mayor and longtime Councilman David Bennett. Griffis, 33, was first elected to the City Council in 2020 and was named vice mayor in 2022. She is a single mother of one daughter and is currently the only woman on the council. Her website says she has “spent the past two years using her passion and determination to create a better and more equitable community for all.” Bennet, 69, lost his seat to Griffis in 2020 after serving 12 years on the council. He was first elected in 2007. Bennett held the office of mayor and vice mayor of The
See CASADY, Page 11
See VILLAGE, Page 5
Casady’s Addison Starling takes part in the 100-meter hurdles event at Bethany.
Above, McGuinness’ Mary Loftiss competes in the long jump at the Forester Invitational in Bethany. Loftiss finished fourth in the event.
- Photos by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Heritage Hall’s Jackson Fowler finished second in the 1600 meters and fourth in the 3200 meters at the Ed Forester Invitational in Bethany.
OCU Societies honor four during Awards of Excellence Four new members of The Societies of Oklahoma City University are to be honored at the organization’s 35th Annual Awards of Excellence Luncheon on Tuesday, April 11, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. “The Societies of Oklahoma City University’s recognition of Hilarie Blaney, Christina Mallory Chicoraske, Patsy Homsey and Sally Starling as new
members of this exceptional group of leaders is a point of pride for our institution,” said Ken Evans, OCU president. “These four women’s contributions to our community and beyond makes them not only role models to our students but changemakers within our network of alumni and friends. We are proud to work with them and congratulate each on their well-deserved honor.”
Hilarie Blaney, senior vice president and lending officer in private banking at BancFirst, is receiving the DulaneyBrowne Library Society Award which was established in conjunction with the library on OCU’s campus. She is a graduate of OCU, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 1976 See SOCIETIES, Page 5
Casady School to improve upon athletic facilities By Rose Lane Editor Casady School announced that the Mathis family has committed a significant lead gift toward the construction of a new strength and performance facility that allows
for expanded physical fitness, core training and wellness programming, prioritizing healthy habits for all Cyclone student-athletes. And, the Payne family has generously offered a lead gift toward constructing a worldclass, water-based turf play-
ing surface for field hockey. Casady School’s athletics program has experienced significant change over the past 15 months beginning with the announcement the school would apply for membership in the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
Private Reserve is set for April 11 Community Literacy Centers (CLC) announces a ducky take on their signature fundraising gala, Private Reserve. Private Reserve-The Speakeasy is to be held at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, April 11, beginning at 6 p.m. Private Reserve benefits adults in the community who seek literacy and language services through Community Literary Center. Guests of the event should get dolled up to attend the Juice Joint and partake in a festive night of giggle water, small bites and dancing. The evening features a silent and live auction and musical entertainment by the Dave Washburn Jazz Band. Mary Blankenship Pointer, event chairman, is the creative force behind
the annual gala. “It is an honor to once again chair Private Reserve, and we are particularly thrilled this year to have the Honorable Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation in attendance,” Pointer said. “We believe that supporting adults in their endeavor to further their reading and writing skills fosters a literate family culture, having a positive impact on the lives of many citizens and children in our community.” Private Reserve began in 1992 when Vicki Gourley and the late Wayne Hirst had a vision for bringing wine and culture to Oklahoma in support of adult literacy. Throughout the years, Private See CLC, Page 3
FRIDAY’s
Dogs of the Week Sasha and Sadie are both fun, very playful 4yearold Labradoodles. They live with Gregg and Janis Heitzmanon Elmhurst. Email Dog, Cat, Pet and Baby of the Week nomina tions with complete descrip tions to rose@okcfriday. com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.