OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 52 • One Section • 14 pages • May 9, 2025
$1 per copy
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Fridaylanders explore city history in new book Parks of Oklahoma City By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Fridaylanders Dr. Bob Blackburn and Brian Dougherty have partnered to write a new 248-page hardback book entitled Parks of Oklahoma City: A History, featuring hundreds of archival and contemporary images that explore the profound impact of green space and the visionaries who shaped
the local landscape. The new book documents the evolution of Oklahoma City’s parks and public spaces, illuminating the history of iconic projects like Grand Boulevard and Scissortail Park, while equally honoring the quieter corners that have fostered community and connection across neighborhoods. “Parks are key to a vibrant city where every person can flourish,” said Christian Keesee, chairman of the
Kirkpatrick Publishing Board of Managers and president of Kirkpatrick Family Fund, who oversaw the printing of 2,000 copies. “Fresh air, majestic trees and shared community space improve quality of life for all Oklahomans.” April Marciszewski, Kirkpatrick senior editor, said the book was written for park enthusiasts, shared See BOOK, Page 7
I Can Too grant applications being accepted By Rose Lane Editor I Can Too grant applications are being accepted through May 31 by the Sam The I Can Man Foundation. Amy Weyrich established the foundation, following the death of her and OMRF President and CEO Dr. Andy Weyrich’s son, Sam, last summer. Sam was born with an extremely rare and debilitating disease due to a demyelinating disorder, Aicardi Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), which leads to inflammation and damage in the central nervous system His doctors told the Weyrichs they should expect no more than a year or so with their son. “Sam amazed his doctors by living nearly 24 years,” Lydia Weyrich, who served on the foundation’s board, said. “His life may have been short, but the list of his life adventures was quite long, because his parents ensured that Sam experienced life to its fullest. “In fact, the foundation name stems from the fact that his parents embedded in Sam the belief that he could do anything other people can do – it might just require a little help.” Sam lived each moment of each day fully, she said. He sported a huge smile, never complained and inspired others to live in the same way. See GRANTS, Page 12
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Audrey was abandoned in a house with several other dogs. Nexus Pets went to the shelter and saved her life. Rita Houch knew that Paulette Kingston was looking for a small young rescue dog. Nexus provided for her for a couple of weeks to make sure she was healthy before Paulette adopted her. She is a very sweet little terrier mix who is so grateful and full of kisses. “I named her Audrey Hepburn because she is so gentle and loving with me,” Paulette said. ”She does need training to know that not all humans are nasty.” Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
‘Listen up, Burns’
Oklahoma entertainer Darci Lynn Farmer, right, aided by one of her puppets, gives some good-natured ribbing to OMRF board member Burns Hargis during the foundation's MS Advocate dinner at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. The event honored the late Frank Merrick.
Calderon Dance Festival is set for May 18 By Rose Lane Editor A festival celebrating the life of Shannon Calderon and her vision for building an accessible
community that creates diverse and equitable opportunities in dance, the Calderon Dance takes place on Sunday, May 18, noon to 8 p.m. at the Myriad Gardens. Shannon Yolanda Calderon
Primeau graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1987. She was fortunate to study dance with Patrick Swayze See FESTIVAL, Page 3
Farrells to chair Renaissance Ball Hillary and Peter Farrell, longtime museum members and distinguished community leaders, are the 2025 co-chairmen of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s 49th Renaissance Ball. The event is set for Friday, Sept. 5, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, 7 p.m. until midnight. Hillary Farrell serves as the executive officer of marketing for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce and is an active member of several boards, including United Way of Central Oklahoma and Allied Arts. Her husband, Peter Farrell, is the CEO of Saxum and
serves on the board of Allied Arts. In 2023, the Farrells co-chaired the Allied Arts campaign, successfully raising over $3.6 million, showcasing their dedication to fostering Oklahoma’s thriving arts and culture scene. Renaissance Ball has served as Oklahoma City’s premier social and fundraising event for 48 years, traditionally held on the first Friday after Labor Day. The Ball provides critical support for OKCMOA’s exhibitions, film program, and educational initiatives, making it a cornerstone of the See BALL, Page 7