The Heritage Hall girls tennis team, at left, held off rival Tulsa-Cascia Hall to win its second straight Class 5A state championship last weekend at OKC Tennis Center. Senior Tokara Henderson, holding the trophy, earned her third career state title in No. 1 doubles, with her partner Leila Williams. Hattie Bradford and Ellie Nasr also teamed up to win the No. 2 doubles championship. Sports, Page 4
LYNANN STERK-BROOKS
Regional Vice President Philanthropy and Foundation
SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation
Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory?
I was born in Janesville, Wisc. but my family moved to Norman after my father transferred with General Motors when I was very young. Growing up in Norman during the 1980s was idyllic. It was the best community, full of caring neighbors and excellent educators, while providing children with the freedom to roam. I still greatly value my childhood friends and the values I learned growing up in Norman.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I recently found a childhood diary that said I wanted to be marine biologist! Science wasn’t my best subject so that dream wasn’t meant to be. I also wanted to be a teacher or an attorney.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am passionate about serving others 11especially those in need. I believe whole-heartedly in our SSM
See PYSK, Page 11
(405) 606-2727
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City welcomed over 100 community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new North Side YMCA facility.
The name of the new facility was unveiled as the Tom and Judy Love North Side YMCA.
The current North Side YMCA, which has been a community hub since it opened in 1960, will be acquired by Casady School, who will ensure the space continues to be a valuable community resource for its students. Once complete, the See YMCA, Page 12
Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma has named its 2026 Gold Award recipients.
Sage Ralls of Nichols Hills is among 15 Girl Scouts recognized for
See RALLS, Page
Heritage Hall’s Ashley Adams is one of 45 James Madison Foundation Fellows.
The foundation is located in Alexandria, Va. The teachers are members of the 34th annual class.
See ADAMS, Page 3
FRIDAY’s
Otis is a 4 year-old Irish doodle and he loves to play with other dogs. His favorite things to do are sit in the back yard, bark and run around chasing one of our kids. His mom is Senka Stevenson. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Lester Claravall, who is responsible for Oklahoma’s child labor law enforcement and young worker safety outreach programs, is being recognized with
See SAFETY, Page 3
By Rose Lane Editor
Four Fridayland students have been named finalists in the 2026 KelliO’Hara Awards, sponsored by OKC Broadway.
The finalists for Outstanding Performance by an Actress are Chloe Davis, Crossings Christian School; Kaylie Fitzpatrick, Crossings Christan School; and Stella Gebard, Heritage Hall. See KELLI, Page 3
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Kim Hiddleston is a big Oklahoma City Thunder fan. And so was her son Stone Smith. The Hiddleston family are longtime Nichols Hills residents who are known for decorating their home and yard for the holidays and during last year’s OKC Thunder championship run.
Kim and Stone were passionate Thunder fans and attended
See STONE, Page 12
From left at OMRF's 2026 MS Advocate Award Dinner are the center's founding director, Gabriel Pardo, M.D.; Pete Dillingham; Patrick Evans; Kay Dillingham; Chad Dillingham; Jed Dillingham; and OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D
This year’s MS Advocate Award Dinner raised $660,000 to fund patient care and research for multiple sclerosis at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
OMRF’s Vice President of Philanthropy Penny Voss announced the total to conclude the annual event, which was held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
The event honored the late Lori Dillingham of Enid, a longtime patient of OMRF physician-scientist Gabriel Pardo, M.D., at the foundation’s Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence. She died at age 56 in 2023.
“Lori was an advocate simply by the way she lived with MS — graciously,” said Pardo, a neurologist who treated Dillingham for more than two decades. “She remained resilient throughout her journey, and it was admirable to witness.”
Above: Attending the MS Advocate Award Dinner were OMRF Board member Gail Muncrief and Rick Muncrief. At left: To commemorate the 2026 MS Advocate Award Dinner, OMRF Board member Jim Morris, left, had a customized suit created from the likeness of Dr. Gabriel Pardo, founding director of OMRF's Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence.
Attending OMRF's 2026 MS Advocate Award Dinner were Donna Cason and OMRF Board Chairman Len Cason.
In OMRF’s MS Center, Pardo and his colleagues care for more than 3,000 patients each year from across Oklahoma and the region. All live with MS, a progressive disease of the central nervous system.
At OMRF, patients receive comprehensive, team-based care that includes neurological consultation and disease management, neuro-ophthalmology, infusion services, clinical trials, physical therapy, spasticity and mobility evaluation, and wellness education, regardless of their ability to pay.
Members of Dillingham’s family accepted this year’s MS Advocate Award on her behalf.
“OMRF and Dr. Pardo were an incredible part of Lori’s journey,” said her brother Chad Dillingham. “He was not just a doctor to her. He was a friend and a spiritual leader for the entire family.”
Jed Dillingham said his sister understood that she wouldn’t live to benefit from improved treatment options resulting from MS research conducted at OMRF. “But she knew that her journey would improve the lives of others.”
Jim and Lou Morris served as event cochairmen.
Providing entertainment were The Evasons, a husband-and-wife team who combine telepathy and magic.
“This dinner has become a highlight for so many people,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “It reminds us of how far we’ve come in helping improve the lives of those with MS – and how much more remains to be done.”
From Page 1
Austin Rindler, Casady School, is a finalist for Outstanding Performance by an Actor. Additionally, in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble category, Crossings is a finalist for “Seussical” in 4A. In 6A, Deer Creek High School is a finalist for “The Addams Family.”
For Outstanding Music Performance in 4A, Heritage Hall is a finalist for “Oliver.”
The 2026 Kelli O’Hara awards are set for May 29.For more information, visit okcbroadway.com.
From Page 1
this year’s Alice Hamilton Award, one of the nation’s top awards to be presented at this year’s American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) national convention to be hosted in New Orleans.
Alice Hamilton was an American physician, researcher, and author who pioneered the fields of industrial toxicology and occupational health.
The Alice Hamilton Award is an honor that distinguishes individuals who have recognized and addressed the diverse needs of the workforce by developing and advancing the practice of social welfare and responsibility through public service, community service, and non-traditional social reform, thereby making a major impact on and improvement of public welfare.
For nearly three decades at the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Claravall has been a driving force in protecting working children. He pioneered innovative partnerships, programs, and publications to educate employers, schools, parents, and teens about workplace rights and safety. C Claravall’s leadership in research, legislation, and national organizations has driven major reforms in child labor laws and workplace safety education. As a state partner with National Institute for Occupational and Health, he helped revise the Talking Safety curriculum for nationwide use and spearheaded the passage of the first law requiring workplace
From Page 1
Adams teaches middle school history at Heritage Hall. The foundation awards James Madison Fellowships to outstanding graduate and undergraduate students committed to a career teaching about the development and history of the United States Constitution.The fellowship recognizes promising and distinguished teachers and it aims to strengthen their knowledge of the origins and development of American constitutional government, and thus to expose the nation’s secondary school students to accurate knowledge of the nation’s Constitutional heritage.
From Page 1
her outstanding leadership and community impact achieved through a hands-on project.
“The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn,” said GSWESTOK CEO Stacy McNeiland Edmonds. ”It acknowledges the passion, creativity and time commitment behind each recipient’s dedication to changing their local communities. By identifying the root cause of an issue and implementing effective action to solve the problem with longterm benefits, these girls are changing the world.”
Turbayne serves as page
Rep. Marilyn
the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
safety education for all Oklahoma students in grades 7–12. Active with the National Young Worker Health and Safety Network, Claravall contributed to helping the U.S. Department of Labor reform the federal child labor laws to increase protection against hazardous occupations.
Claravall served two terms as national president of the Interstate Labor Standards Association, a network of labor officials from each of the 50 states.
Active with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization, European Network Occupational Safety and Health Organization, GIZ, Vision Zero, and OSHAfrica, Claravall has traveled throughout the U.S. and four continents (North America, Europe, Asia and Africa) to speak at conferences in 12 different countries advocating for children’s rights.
The 45 James Madison Fellows were selected by an independent academic committee in a competition with applicants from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the nation’s island and trust territories. Fellows were chosen for their scholarly achievements and their demonstrated interest in pursuing a course of graduate study leading to a master’s degree emphasizing the U.S. Constitution. Fellowships were awarded only in states and territories where resident applicants met the James Madison Fellowship’s criteria.
Named in honor of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, who is acknowledged as “the father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” a James Madison Fellowship funds up to $24,000 of each fellow’s course of study towards a master’s degree. A fellow’s graduate program must include a concentration of courses on the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution.
Recipients are required to teach American history, government, or civics full-time in a secondary school for at least one year for each year of fellowship support.
Sage’s project advocated for the removal of the state sales tax on diapers in Oklahoma. Addressing the financial burden that "diaper need" places on low-income families, Sage collaborated with Infant Crisis Services and state legislators to draft and promote House Bill 2935. While the bill did not pass during the 2026 session, its authors plan to reintroduce it next year.
Gold Award recipients, along with Bronze and Silver Award recipients, were recognized at Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s Highest Awards Ceremony at Church of the Servant in OKC.
Placing second or better in all four divisions, the McGuinness boys tennis team won a Class 6A regional last Monday at Yukon.
The Irish qualified for state this weekend at OKC Tennis Center.
T.J. Shanahan captured the No. 1 singles title and Bailey Griffith took the No. 2 singles crown.
Noah Dell’Osso and Jack Griffith teamed up to win No. 1 doubles, while Carl Amaya and Harry Loeffler claimed second in No. 2 doubles.
Crossings Christian also won its 5A regional at Edmond Center Court, and host Heritage Hall claimed third in its regional.
See full story at OKCFRIDAY.com.
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The Heritage Hall girls tennis team captured its second straight state championship, and 25th overall, last weekend.
Senior Tokara Henderson, holding trophy, also earned her second straight No. 1 doubles crown with partner Leila Williams.
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Saturday turned out to be a big day for the Heritage Hall girls and its two doubles teams, as the Chargers held off Tulsa-Cascia Hall to claim their second straight Class 5A tennis championship at OKC Tennis Center.
“The key for us was building good team chemistry,” said coach Jenny Ferguson. “All the girls fight for each other. It’s all about the team.”
Tokara Henderson earned her third career No. 1 doubles state title, teaming up with freshman Leila Williams, for a 6-3, 6-1 victory against Booker T. Washington.
Henderson, a senior, also set the school record for doubles victories in her career.
“I think Tokara is the best doubles player in the state, regardless of class,” Ferguson said. “She has great hands and really developed her doubles IQ. She’s like a second coach out there.”
Hattie Bradford, who won state last year with Henderson, and Ellie Nasr picked up their second state titles with in No. 2 doubles. Nasr won No. 2 singles last year.
Casady’s Larissa Goodman outdueled Heritage Hall’s Ella Jacob for a 6-2, 60 victory to secure the No. 1 singles title.
Camryn Cunningham fin-
ished fourth in No. 2 singles for the Chargers.
“Ella and Camryn did exactly what we needed them to,” the coach told FRIDAY “They both won some critical semifinal matches which gave us the points to win state.”
Casady’s Lila Garabelli and Ruby Ridley also finished fourth in No. 2 doubles for the Cyclones
In 4A, Crossings Christian boasted a doubles title and runner-up in No. 1 singles to finish third in the standings.
Campbell Cryer and Kate Lovelace outlasted won Ada a 3-set battle to claim the No. 2 doubles championship.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Heritage Hall’s Ben Lathrop and the Chargers surged to the early lead after Day 1 of the Class 4A state golf tournament last Monday.
Lathrop carded an 8-under par total of 136 (70-66) over 36 holes at Winter Creek in Blanchard to open a 4-stroke lead heading into the final 18 holes which were played on Tuesday.
The Chargers held a 9-shot lead in the team standings, with Nate Seres (146) tied for eighth and Everett Strickland (147) tied for 12th place.
Crossings Christian sat in sixth place after the first two rounds, led by Harper Nance in a tie for 12th place at 147 (72-75).
Jackson Magness (151) joined Heritage Hall’s Wyatt Herndon (151) in a tie for 19th place.
Casady’s Ethan Evans carded
a 2-over 146 (75-71) at The Coves at Grand Lake in a tie for first at the 3A state tournament. McGuinness boasted two players in the top 20 in 5A at Shangri-La Resort. Byran Ott (154) sat in 17th place and Parker Robertson (155) occupied 19th position for the Irish.
Chargers’ Gross tied for 2nd Battling cold, windy conditions, Heritage Hall’s Gabriella Gross shot a final round of 81 last Tuesday at The Territory in Duncan to finish in a tie for second in the individual standings at the 3A state girls tournament.
Gross carded 78 in the first round to hold a 1-shot lead in helping the Chargers to seventh place in the final team standings. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Both Deer Creek and Mount St. Mary baseball teams qualified for state tournaments this weekend, following regional and area tournament championships.
The Antlers opened the 6A tournament last Thursday against Yukon at Tulsa Union.
A win puts them in the semifinals on Friday against the Bixby-Edmond Santa Fe winner.
Semifinal winners meet for the gold ball at 1 p.m. Saturday at ONEOK Park in Tulsa.
Mount St. Mary stayed closer to home in 4A, as the Rockets took on Verdigris in the quarterfinals last Thursday at Noble.
With a win, they advance to Friday’s semifinals against Berryhill or Elgin at 1:30 p.m.
The state championship game is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Shawnee.
Deer Creek reached the state tournament with a 6-2 win over Broken Arrow in a reginal final. Mason Phillips batted 3-for-3 with a run scored to lead the host Antlers (26-13).
Three others recorded two hits each, highlighted by
Thursday, May 14
Quarterfinals • Tulsa Union HS
Game 1: Mustang vs. Jenks, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Piedmont vs. Sapulpa, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: Deer Creek vs. Yukon, 4 p.m.
Game 4: Bixby vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 15
Semifinals • Tulsa Union HS
Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, 11 a.m.
Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16
Championship • ONEOK Park, Tulsa Semifinal Winners, 1 p.m.
Thursday, May 14
Quarterfinals • Noble HS
Game 1: Tuttle vs. Lone Grove, 11 a.m.
Game 2: Blanchard vs. Sallisaw, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: Mount St. Mary vs. Verdigris, 4 p.m.
Game 4: Berryhill vs. Elgin, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 15
Semifinals • Noble HS
Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, 11 a.m.
Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16
Championship • Shawnee HS
Semifinal Winners, 10 a.m.
Kai Horne with a 2run home run in the top of the first inning and Mason Mayhew also had a 2-run home run in the fourth inning. Pitcher Keagan Skluzacek tossed a 5-hit shutout and struck out three over five innings in the victory.
Deer Creek
Four Fridayland boys’ soccer teams reached the semifinals, as three squads hosted games last Tuesday night.
Three-time defending
opened a regional with a 12-0 win over Putnam City, followed by a 2-0 triumph against Broken Arrow. The Antlers fell 5-0 to the Tigers in the regional final before winning the “if necessary” game to reach state. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
state champion Heritage Hall entertained Holland Hall in Class 4A. The winner advances to face Clinton or Sallisaw/Newcastle for the gold ball on Friday or Saturday, likely at Taft Stadium.
McGuinness took on Tulsa Booker T. Washington in 5A, with the victory to play Tulsa-East Central
With a pair of athletes in the top 5, the Casady boys track team finished third and the Heritage Hall girls took fifth at the Class 3A state championships last weekend at Catoosa.
Beckham Kerr fell short of a gold medal by just over a tenth-second in 22.22 seconds to claim second in the 200 meters to lead the Cyclones.
Jude Dunleavy grabbed fourth in the 300-meter hurdles and seventh in the 110 hurdles.
Kynley Jones and Zeffie Ellenburg medaled in two events each for the Charger girls.
Jones posted a time of 25.58 seconds for second in the 200 meters and 12.16 to take third in the 100 meters.
Ellenburg added a pair of silver medals in the 1600 (5:16.04) and 3200 meters (11.34.71).
Casady’s Hope Fahler cracked the top 5 in three different events, highlighted by a second-place finish (2:20.39) in the 800 meters. Fahler also collected fourth in the 1600 meters and a tie for fifth in the high jump.
Crossings Chris-
or Edison Prep in the final on Friday or Saturday.
Casady, meanwhile, played host to Fridayland rival Mount St. Mary in 3A, with the winner to battle Fort Gibson or Crooked Oak for a state title.
Heritage Hall cruised to a 7-1 victory over Hilldale last Friday in the quarterfinals.
tian’s Clara Bebee added a third-place effort in the long jump for the Knights.
In addition, the Heritage Hall girls took third in the 4by-400 relay as did Casady in the 4-by800 relay.
The Casady boys placed second in the 4-by-200 relay, third in the 4-by-100 relay and fifth in the 4-by400 relay.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Hall boys boasted four athletes in the top 5 at the 4A state meet also at Catoosa.
Jerrod Williams finished just a tenthsecond off the pace for third place in the 100 meters in 10.39 seconds and just ahead of teammate Kline Reuter in fourth position.
Landon Gaske collected fourth in the pole vault, while Harrison Murphy grabbed fifth in the 110 hurdles.
The Chargers also took fourth in the 4by-100 relay.
Harding Charter Prep’s lone qualifier Jayden Owens earned a point for the Eagles in eighth place in the 3200 meters.
Antler girls win 6A regional
Noah Ragozzino netted three goals to lead the Chargers (12-1). Landon Gaske added two goals and two assists, while David Griffin recorded a goal and an assist.
McGuinness (14-2) secured a 3-0 win against Tulsa-Bishop Kelley on Thursday.
Casady (11-2) also ran
The Deer Creek girls boasted five individual gold medalists to win a 6A regional last weekend, and the boys added three more event champions in taking second at Edmond North.
Both teams qualify for state this Friday and Saturday at Western Heights.
Emmory Carter dominated the sprint events for the Antler girls, winning the 100 meters in 11.83 seconds and edged PC North’s Madyson Williams by just over a half-second in the 200 meters in 24.26 seconds. Williams finished in 25.06 seconds.
Arabella Allo also earned gold medals in the 300-meter hurdles and the long jump. Allo outlasted teammate Brooklyn Davis to win the 300 hurdles in 44.96 seconds and cleared 18 feet, 6 inches in the long jump.
Davis claimed gold in the 100 hurdles by three-hundredths second in 15.60 seconds. Barritt Lord cleared 4 feet, 10 inches for a win in the long jump.
The Antler girls cruised to a 7-second win in the 4-by400 relay in 3:56.75. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
away with a 5-0 triumph over Regent Prep in the quarterfinals, while Mount St. Mary (12-3) outlasted Tulsa-Metro Christian in a 4-2 win. In addition, five other Fridayland girls’ teams saw their seasons end with quarterfinal losses. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
May 1924 •
The WIZ
The Tony Awardwinning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an allnew tour, direct from Broadway. Its iconic score is packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk. This dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. See it at the Civic Center Musica Hall, okcciviccenter. com.
Sept. 89 •
Bluey’s Big Play
Bluey's Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy awardwinning children's television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you've never seen it before, brought to real life at the Civic Center. For tickets visit okcciviccenter. com.
May 16 • Calderón Dance Festival
May 2224 • GalaxyCon
GalaxyCon Oklahoma City is more than a Comic Con. It ’s a 3day festival of fandom with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, and panelists. Join fans from across the galaxy and celebrate comic books, pop culture, scifi , fantasy, Anime, gaming, cosplay, and more at the OKC Convention Center. Event hours are Friday, 2 pm – 1 am, Saturday, 10 am – 1 am and Sunday, 10 am –8 pm. Visit galaxycon.com/pages/galaxyconoklahomacity for tickets and details.
The Calderón Dance Festival, with leadership support from OK Let’s Dance, will celebrate movement, music and community in downtown OKC. This free, allday event honors the legacy of local dance teacher Shannon Calderón and her vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive space. Attendees of all ages can enjoy interactive dance classes, dynamic live performances and artful vendor booths. The Festival is at the Myriad Botanical Gardens from 11:30 am – 8 pm.
May 2324 • Chuck Wagon Festival The Annual Chuck Wagon Festival is a celebration of Western and Native American history, art and cuisine for all ages. The festival will include Liichokoshkomo’, the Cowboy Museum’s interactive outdoor addition showcasing the diversity of the West with intertribal native
dwellings, a pioneer village and interactive natural history features. Native American food samples will be available. Cooks will provide visitors with a taste of cowboy cooking. There will also be Western reenactors, craft stations, live music and more. Visit nationalcowboymuseum.org for event details.
Through May 17 • Shucked Shucked is the Tony Award–winning musical comedy about an unlikely hero, a lovable con man, and an amaizeing battle for the heart and soil of Cob County at the Civic Center. Visit okcciviccenter.com for tickets.
May 15 • OKC Zoo Sip & Stroll May 15 • Scissortail Park Night Market
May 16 • Scissortail Park Farmers Market Paycom Center Events/Shows:
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Dunn
Sombr
Zoo Amphitheatre: Lupe Fiasco
The Black Keys
Oct. 1
Oct. 16
June 20
July 21
Allied Arts kicks off the summer season in style with its first-ever Club Bubbly on May 30 at The Jones Assembly Patio from 11 am to 2 pm. The event is a coastal-inspired day party where brunch, champagne and glamour come together in support of the arts.
Co-chaired by Derek Cohlmia and Cooper Tate, guests can expect flowing bubbles, two open bars and a fashion-forward crowd dancing the day away. Brunch will be served on guests’ own timeline, allowing attendees to mingle, sip and savor at their leisure while enjoying a vibrant, effortlessly chic scene.
“We have been involved with Allied Arts for many years and are honored to plan a unique, exciting way to raise awareness and support for our local arts,” said Cohlmia and Tate. “We look forward to uncorking Club Bubbly as part of our community’s official kickoff to summer in Oklahoma City for years to come.”
With limited seating available, guests are encouraged to secure tickets together to allow for group placement. While every effort will be made to accommodate seating requests, advance group ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
deadCenter Film Festival is partnering with Rose State College this summer to host their award-winning education program, deadCenter University. deadCenter University is a free film program for high school students that was started in 2012 to inspire students that were interested in film. Since then, the program has evolved into a hands on, comprehensive filmmaking seminar. It is one of the most impactful programs that deadCenter offers.
roles for deadCenter, including Director of Operations, and he has helped run other festivals for more than a decade. But Victor’s passion is education. He loves creating opportunities for young people in the film industry.
deadCenter University 2026 will take place on campus at Rose State College a month after the film festival, the week of July 13-17. The program is designed for students who live outside the Oklahoma City metro area and includes free housing on campus.
This will be the first version of deadCenter University that includes overnight housing for all the students. The goal is to give the students more opportunities to network and get to know each other like professional crew members who work together for months at time, sometimes staying on location in motels.
During the week, the students will be given an overview and assigned crew roles. They will prep, film and edit for three days. Then they will watch the finished film and make a festival and distribution plan. By the end of the week, the students will work through the entire process of making a short film.
deadCenter University is led by Victor Caballero, Director of Education and Outreach for deadCenter Film. Victor is an award-winning filmmaker and the co-founder of both the Cine Latino Film Festival and the Oklahoma Latin American Film Festival.
Victor has served in various
deadCenter University was launched in 2012 to provide an entry level look at the filmmaking process and film industry to Oklahoma high school students. The first few years were set up as a series of interactive discussions with outstanding filmmakers from Oklahoma or visiting from elsewhere. Oscar winning producer Gray Frederickson, actress Alfre Woodard, location manager Alison Naifeh, and casting director Chris Freihofer all shared their first-hand experiences.
Things kicked in to high gear when deadCenter partnered with the film and digital media team led by Harry Wolohon at Metro Technology Center. Metro Tech pushed for more hands-on film training. They hosted the program and set up production teams led by local filmmakers so the students could produce actual scenes from movies. Those scenes eventually included special effects, green screens, stop motion animation, and CGI. Since Victor Caballero has taken over, the scenes have evolved into full short films. deadCenter University has produced nine films in the past few years. Most of those films have gone on to festivals around the state and country.
If you know a high school student who wants to learn how to make movies, there is no better place to start than deadCenter University. The program is free but requires registration at www.deadcenterfilm.org/deadcenter-university
Tickets for Club Bubbly are $250 per person. Celebratory upgrades are available at the time of ticket purchase or at the event, including premium champagne, swag bags and espresso martini towers. For those seeking an elevated event experience including reserved seating, inquiries may be directed to sarah.frank@ alliedartsokc.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Visit tinyurl.com/clubbubbly to purchase tickets and learn more. This event is 21+ only, and all guests must present a valid ID for entry.
About Allied Arts
As a United Arts Fund, Allied Arts works to broaden support for the arts by raising financial support for cultural organizations, encouraging participation and attendance, advocating for arts education, and promoting excellence in the arts and arts management. Since its founding in 1971, the organization has raised nearly $100 million to advance the arts in central Oklahoma. Learn more at www.alliedartsokc.com. Allied Arts has more than 40 nonprofit cultural organizations under its umbrella. For more information, contact Allied Arts at 405-278-8944 or visit alliedartsokc.com.
Ginger Clark Langston 1945-2026
Ginger Clark Langston passed on May 6, 2026 after an extended illness. She was born in San Luis Obispo, Calif. on Oct. 24, 1945 to Floyd and Lorraine Dunning. Floyd was from Newcastle and Lorraine was from Chandler and they had met at Central State University. During World War II, the couple traveled the country while Floyd served in the Coast Guard. They ended up in California, where Ginger was born. She and her brother Kelly and later Tom grew up traveling frequently between California and Oklahoma and there were many tales of the family trips.
Ginger graduated from Santiago High School in Garden Grove, Calif. in 1963 and again traveled to Oklahoma to attend Central State University. It was there that she met Robert Alden Clark. The two were married in 1964 and the first of her two sons, Robert Jr. was born later that year. The couple lived in northwest Oklahoma City and Ginger lived most of her life in that area. The couple’s second son, Thomas Jeffrey was born in 1969. They moved to Wichita, Kan. briefly, back to Oklahoma City, then to Arlington, Texas for a year and back to Oklahoma City again where Ginger lived the remainder of her life.
While raising a family interrupted her education, she never gave up on getting her degree and in May 1978, she
completed her bachelor of science degree in early childhood development. With her degree in hand, she began her life’s work at the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services Childhood Development branch. She became a well-respected child development specialist for the state and had many cherished coworkers. She earned her masters degree from Central State University in 1984 and continued to work for the state until her retirement in 2006. She married her second husband, J.D. Whisenhunt in 1995. They enjoyed traveling, cruising, and camping in their motorhome. Ginger loved him and the family that he brought with him. J.D. passed away in 2006. Ginger married again in 2016 to Maurice Langston. The couple enjoyed going on cruises, going to musicals, and spending time with their grandchildren. Ginger really
enjoyed traveling and saw much of the world. She particularly enjoyed going on trips with her brother Kelly and his wife, Cyndi, who she loved dearly.
Ginger had a close circle of friends that filled her with joy. She loved playing bridge and cherished her players group and she always looked forward to monthly lunches with her former co-workers. She loved and was so thankful for her dear friend Susan who has been so helpful while she dealt with her illness. She was a devout member of The Village United Methodist Church and loved her church family.
Ginger was preceded in death by her mother and father and her brother Kelly. She is survived by her husband Maurice; her sons Robert Alden Clark, Jr. and wife Kelli and Thomas Jeffery Clark and wife Kristen; two granddaughters Hayley and Courtney Harris, three grandsons Alden, Colton, and Cayson Clark and great grandson Auggie; her sister-inlaw Cyndi Dunning and her son Patrick Dunning and her brother Tom Dunning and wife Judy, and his sons Evan and Michael Dunning. She also leaves behind scores of friends who will miss her dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Village United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026.
All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Positive Tomorrows or a charity of your choice.
Banks, as next of friend of Keenen Clipper has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Keenen Chikeh Kyrie Clipper to (b) Keenen Chikeh Kyrie Banks; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Mai of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 17 day of June, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.
CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2026-1088
In Re: The Name of: ) Katelyn Lawrence )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Katelyn Elizabeth Lawrence has petitioned to change his/her name to Jasper Ferdinand Oakwyn.
A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 28 day of May, 2026, before Judge Ogden at 1:30 o’clock in courtroom 325 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/J. Pulley By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2026-1149
IN RE: The Name of: ) Sharon Holford )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Sharon Holford has petitioned to change his/her name to Sharon Burns.
A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 16 day of June, 2026, before Judge Palumbo in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/J. Pulley BY DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2026-1155
In the Matter of the Application ) of Kendrea Banks ) as next of friend of (child) ) Keenen Chikeh Kyrie Clipper ) to Change Her/His Name )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Kendrea
The following items will be offered for sale at public auction on 5/15/2026, with Car Cab Wrecker Service at 8 am. For more information contact Todd Reid at (405) 670-6114
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IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-979
In the Matter of the Application ) of Zola Oakley-Morales ) as next of friend of (child) ) Liliana Zombeth Oakley ) Morales ) to Change Her/His Name )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Zola Oakley-Morales, as next of friend of has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Liliana Zombeth Oakley Morales to (b) Liliana Zombeth Morales Oakley; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 24 day of June, 2026 at 9:00 o’clock a.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-1170
In the Matter of the Application ) of Dakota Chase ) as next of friend of (child) ) Cordelia Turner ) to Change Her/His Name )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Dakota Chase, as next of friend of Cordelia Valley Turner has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Cordelia Valley Turner to (b) Cordelia Valley Chase; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Palumbo of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 25 day of June, 2026 at 11:00 o’clock a.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature Deputy CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2026-1146
In the Matter of the Application ) of Janoa Uribe ) as next of friend of (child) ) Lunay Edward Zambrano ) to Change Her/His Name )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Janoa
2021 MINI BIKE TRAILMASTER L1UGCJLA8MA002609 MINI BIKE 232286 MINI BIKE 232324 BICYCLE233392 MOPED 235991
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. BOA 2026-04
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an application has been filed seeking a variance from the Nichols Hills City Code on the following described property:
Lot Twenty-four (24), in Block Forty-eight (48), of Mayfair Park Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, according to the recorded plat thereof.
The property is also known as 1416 Sherwood Lane. Current zoning is R-1-60.
The applicants desire to construct a new dwelling on a vacant lot. For the proposed dwelling, the applicant is seeking a 15’0’’ front yard setback, leaving a 35’0’’ front yard setback.
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD on said application by the Nichols Hills Board of Adjustment in the Council Chambers, City Hall 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma 73116 on the 20th day of May, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
ALL PERSONS, OWNERS, OR RESIDENTS within the above-described area are hereby given notice that they may appear at said hearing or file a petition within the Board of Adjustment and offer arguments and evidence for or against the granting of said application as they deem proper in the premises.
Dated this 4th day of May 2026.
Amanda Copeland
City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Uribe, as next of friend of Lunay Edward Zambrano has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Lunay Edward Zambrano to (b) Lunay Edward Uribe; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Andrews of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 25 day of June, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature Deputy CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2026-1092
In the Matter of the Application ) of Solly Daza )
as next of friend of (child) ) Lennox Jean Dulaney ) to Change Her/His Name ) NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Solly Daza, as next of friend of Lennox Jean Dulaney has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Lennox Jean Dulaney to (b) Lennox Jean Daza Dulaney; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 6 day of August, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk
By /s/illegible signature Deputy CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (SEAL)
Road projects, public contract bids, eminent domain, tax seizures and more can be found as public notices in your newspaper. It’s the law.
Oklahomans want to keep it that way.
68% of Oklahomans believe government legal notices should be printed in newspapers.*
70% think legal notices should not be posted only on government websites.*
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 15, 2026)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUILDING COMMISSION – CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:
Applicant: Sam Gresham BC-2026-05
Proposed project: Construction of an addition to an existing main dwelling.
Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1113 Park Manor St
The Application and supporting documentation may be inspected in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours. No later than the Friday preceding the hearing, the full application and supporting documents will be posted at www.nicholshills-ok.gov.
This Application will be considered at a public hearing to be held by the Nichols Hills Building Commission on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116.
Any person objecting to or supporting this Application may appear before the Nichols Hills Building Commission on the above public hearing date and show cause why the proposed Application should be approved or disapproved. Further, written support or protest regarding the Application may be filed with the City Clerk at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, provided it is received by the City Clerk not less than three days before the public hearing.
Dated this 4th day of May 2026
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUILDING COMMISSION – CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:
Applicant: Rose Hill Builders BC-2026-06
Proposed project: Construction of an addition to an existing main dwelling
Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1112
Wilshire Blvd
The Application and supporting documentation may be inspected in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours. No later than the Friday preceding the hearing, the full application and supporting documents will be posted at www.nicholshills-ok.gov.
This Application will be considered at a public hearing to be held by the Nichols Hills Building Commission on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116.
Any person objecting to or supporting this Application may appear before the Nichols Hills Building Commission on the above public hearing date and show cause why the proposed Application should be approved or disapproved. Further, written support or protest regarding the Application may be filed with the City Clerk at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, provided it is received by the City Clerk not less than three days before the public hearing.
Dated this 4th day of May 2026
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUILDING COMMISSION – CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:
Applicant: Dream Investments BC-2026-07
Proposed project: Demolition and construction of a main dwelling
Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1811 Guilford Lane
The Application and supporting documentation may be inspected in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours. No later than the Friday preceding the hearing, the full application and supporting documents will be posted at www.nicholshills-ok.gov.
This Application will be considered at a public hearing to be held by the Nichols Hills Building Commission on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116.
Any person objecting to or supporting this Application may appear before the Nichols Hills Building Commission on the above public hearing date and show cause why the proposed Application should be approved or disapproved. Further, written support or protest regarding the Application
may be filed with the City Clerk at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, provided it is received by the City Clerk not less than three days before the public hearing.
Dated this 4th day of May, 2026
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUILDING COMMISSION – CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:
Applicant: Sam Gresham BC-2026-08
Proposed project: Demolition and construction of a main dwelling
Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 6805 Avondale Drive
The Application and supporting documentation may be inspected in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours. No later than the Friday preceding the hearing, the full application and supporting documents will be posted at www.nicholshills-ok.gov.
This Application will be considered at a public hearing to be held by the Nichols Hills Building Commission on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116.
Any person objecting to or supporting this Application may appear before the Nichols Hills Building Commission on the above public hearing date and show cause why the proposed Application should be approved or disapproved. Further, written support or protest regarding the Application may be filed with the City Clerk at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, provided it is received by the City Clerk not less than three days before the public hearing.
Dated this 4th day of May, 2026
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square
The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.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
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, Okla. City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 | fnbok.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
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 NW 63 St. 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
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
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com
Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521 N. MacArthur Blvd. Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek
Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-0494
navigatingmedicare.com
First Liberty Bank 9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-4500 myfirstliberty.com
Robert Don Gifford GIFFORD LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 2682 Oklahoma City, OK 73101 (405)778-4647 giffordlawyer.com Robert.Gifford@ GiffordLawyer.com
Cross Timbers Arborist 3500 S. Brunson St. Oklahoma City, OK 73119 (405) 682-4777 crosstimbersarborist.com
Lewis Orthodontics Edmond - MWC (405) 330-5095 lewisbraces.com
Women's Health Boutique 12062 N.May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 936-0030
Midfirst Bank (888) 643-3477 midfirst.com
OCCC 7777 S. May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73159 (405) 682-1611 occc.edu
Mountain Smoke Band Hal Clifford 1004 N 80th Oklahoma City, Ok 73114 (405) 818-5591
By Eric Oesch
Staff Writer
After more than 70 years, Covenant Presbyterian in The Village has closed its doors. Dwindling church attendance at traditional churches has claimed another victim. We hate to see it go.
For seven decades, thousands of people have called Covenant Presbyterian their church home. It was a neighborhood church on a sleepy street. A beautiful midcentury church designed to look like Noah’s Ark. The church conducted their first services in a dance studio at the new Casady Square Shopping Center when it first opened its doors at Christmas time in 1955.
Church member and architect Harold Hite designed the neighborhood church building. At the time it was sitting alone on the Oklahoma prairie. Surrounded by oil derricks and future homesites. It would be four years before The Village would incorporate as a city.
Architect Hite designed the spectacular art glass windows of the church with fiery red flames to portray the burning bush though which God spoke to Moses.
At one time, hundreds of congregants filled the beautiful sanctuary for Sunday church services. Boy Scouts met there for years. And generations of children attended Mother’s Day Out programs. The church website says over 2,700 members and others have served God, each other and The Village during its 70 years. But, today, people are gravitating to the more modern churches where people wear cargo shorts and contemporary music has re-
placed traditional hymns.
The church sits on 3.7 acres currently zoned as Single Family Residential. Real estate agents want a lot of money for the property. They tout a building with high ceilings, open sanctuary space, classrooms, offices and a kitchen. They say the building has several possible uses such as a community center, event venue, daycare, nonprofit headquarters or a senior activity center.
The city says there’s a lot of senior living housing in the area from independent living to nursing care, so that could be a good fit for the property. The area just east of the church property has been developed into beautiful homes. The city says they would support any developer wanting to grow and improve the community.
City officials know the congregation has strong feelings about the building, and so do we. But newer churches have different campuses than older churches.
City Manager Dave Slezickey says he respects the attachment but isn’t sure if another active church would best utilize that campus verses building new construction.
He says residential development would fit the area but doesn’t want to suggest he church needs to be torn down.
Now the closest Presbyterian Church is in Edmond while the Grand Dame of Presbyterian Churches in Oklahoma City is First Presbyterian Church seven miles away at 1001 NW 25.
We care about what becomes of the Covenant Presbyterian church site on that sleepy street in The Village. It will be hard to replace.
Dear Wise Elder: My uncle never married but is very close to our family and our children. I have the Power of Healthcare Attorney and live nearby. He is 85, has stage four kidney disease, does not want dialysis and wants to live out his days in his own home. What advice would you give to our family to be the best support for him?
Dear Close Family: Continue staying close, seeing him in person at least twice a day. Take care of the stress — taking the lead on decisions while still involving him. This includes decisions for healthcare, home maintenance and daily living. Make sure you carefully monitor — even dispense — medications and provide prepared meals. Engage the services of a local home health agency who provides all three service lines — personal care, Medicare home healthcare, and hospice. Get a transport chair so that when his energy is low, friends and family can take him out for a drive, out to church or a movie. Being a loving family at this stage of life is very important and you are setting a great example for your children. Courtesy VillagesOKC, VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
Health
From Page 1
Oklahoma Vision to provide peace, hope and health to every person, family and community, especially those most in need. Equal access to exceptional healthcare is my driving professional mission.
Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career?
Absolutely. Success to me now means the privilege of doing purposeful work alongside leaders and an organization that values its employees. I no longer equate success with titles, recognition or status, but rather, the joy of waking up each morning and believing, with your whole heart, in the Mission and character of the organization and community you serve. That is the embodiment of joy and true success.
What is a perfect day for you?
Waking up somewhere in Italy, meandering to an outdoor café with a terrific view, eating fresh pasta and drinking some outstanding wine. This would be followed by leisurely explora-
The Class of 2026 recognized their upcoming graduation and transition to higher education at the annual Senior Celebration Chapel and College T-Shirt Day. Casady's 73 seniors received 341 college acceptances to 152 different institutions and will matriculate to 38 di fferent colleges across the United States and Canada. Following the celebration, seniors paraded through the primary, lower, and middle divisions, marking this exciting milestone with the entire Casady community.
tions, likely involving art or the ocean and an afternoon nap!
What is some of the best advice you’ve received in your life?
The best advice I received was from a career coach when he was working with students in the OU MBA program. He told me that your trajectory for success in life, both personally and professionally, is directly correlated to your ability to have hard conversations. That advice has stayed with me and is something my husband and I regularly come back to.
What is No. 1 on your bucket list?
My dad’s family immigrated from a small town outside of Ljubljana, Slovenia and I am determined to make a visit. I am particularly determined to stay a night at the hotel, Penzion Šterk!
Oklahoma has had an amazing sports history, which has featured a lineup of individuals such as Mickey Mantle, Shannon Miller, Jim Thorpe, Patty Gasso, etc. Did you have any sports heroes growing up?
Nadia Com ă neci. Full stop! For me, no one else even comes
close. I was a gymnast growing up and was thrilled when she married Bart Connor and moved to, of all places, Norman, Oklahoma!
How would you like to be remembered?
I hope to be remembered as leaving the planet better than I found it. I hope I have lived a life of service. That I have loved deeply and dared greatly, all while still embracing joy and the fullness of life. I want to be remembered for leaving it all on the playing field at the end of my life, and my family, friends, and loved ones know the love I held for them.
What is one question I haven’t asked you that you would like to answer?
What are you excited about and what keeps you up at night?
I continue to be overwhelmed by the tremendous generosity we have witnessed at SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation and the profound impact our donors are having on the future of healthcare in our community. Their commitment is transforming our facilities and ensuring that Oklahomans, especially those who rely on care in downtown Oklahoma City, continue to
have access to exceptional, compassionate healthcare.
In true Oklahoma Standard fashion, our donors have stepped forward in extraordinary ways. Because of their support, we are building the Love Family Entrance, renovating Floors 6 to 11 of the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital patient tower, fully updating the cancer center at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital-Shawnee, and advancing many other important projects. These transformational gifts ensure that SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital — the first hospital in the state — remains a place where exceptional, patient centered care thrives. Oklahomans truly are some of the most generous people in the world.
Even with this incredible progress, one concern weighs heavily on me: the growing gap in access to healthcare in our rural communities. When a rural hospital struggles or closes, the effects touch far more than healthcare. They impact the entire community. We must stand together to ensure that every Oklahoman, no matter where they live, has access to the level of care they deserve.
From Page 1
Tom and Judy Love
North Side YMCA continues the North Side YMCA’s longstanding presence in a uniquely diverse area of the city, located at the heart of the intersection of Oklahoma City, The Village and Nichols Hills.
"We’re grateful to the organizations, community leaders, and YMCA staff whose dedication and collaboration continue to make projects like this possible and strengthen our impact every day," said Kelly Kay, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City President & CEO. "We also acknowledge the years of stakeholder meetings thoughtfully hosted by Love’s Leadership, which helped create a strong foundation for engagement and shared vision.”
Tom and Judy Love, who believed in the importance of improving the quality of life for Oklahoma City residents, were honored by their daughter, Jenny Love Meyer, who spoke about her parents’ enduring legacy of leadership and community.
"When my dad opened the first Love’s in 1964, his goal was simple: create a stop that provided a welcoming shopping experience for motorists. For
more than 60 years, my parents built not just a business, but stronger communities. The Tom and Judy Love North Side YMCA is a strong reflection of that legacy, one that will provide lasting resources for families and kids for generations to come,” said Jenny Love Meyer, Tom and Judy Love Foundation Board Chair.
The new facility will expand access to wellness resources, youth development programs, and community services, including a fitness center with smart circuit strength training equipment, group exercise studios, and an indoor walking track. Additional features will include a community and commercial kitchen, intergenerational gathering spaces, and dedicated space for community partners to provide services. Expanded school-age and teen areas will support both structured programming and free time.
Supported in part by ARPA funding, the project also allows the YMCA to expand early childhood offerings and out-of-school feeding programs. In addition, the facility is to include a 130-seat early childhood center, ensuring access to affordable, highquality child care for generations to come.
From Page 1
many games at the Paycom Arena. The pair even celebrated downtown during last year’s OKC Thunder Championship Victory Parade, but three days later, on June 25, 2025, tragedy struck. Stone died from Fentanyl poisoning.
To say the family was devastated is an understatement. Kim and her family chose not to grieve but rather move forward and commemorate her beloved son’s life by celebrating one of the things he loved best – the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As the OKC Thunder entered the 2026 NBA playoffs, Kim placed three basketballs on the lawn of her Nichols Hills home – each one emblazed with the words “Love Stone” written upon it. Then neighbors caught on and started placing basketballs on their lawns to show their support.
A community groundswell of support ensued and what began as a goal to place 500 basketballs on Nichols Hills lawns has now surpassed 3,000 basketballs and counting.
“This story needs national attention because ittouches every family,” said Spencer Stone, Stone’s uncle and Kim’s brother. “Our goal today is to place ‘Love Stone’ basketballs on the lawn of every Nichols Hills home.
“It’s uncanny how Fentanyl poisoning has touched our family and so many others,” he said. “I lost two nephews within 30 days to Fentanyl poisoning last year. It’s more dangerous today than it’s ever been.”
Stone, who was the proprietor of Spencer Stone Co. men’s clothier at Nichols Hills Plaza, has started the Stone’s Thunder Balls Foundation along with a GoFundMe page to pur-
chase more basketballs and to raise awareness of the dangers of Fentanyl poisoning and other drugs. The page has raised over $24,000 to date.
Stone said the Oklahoma City Thunder has reached out to the family after hearing of their Love Stone project.
“Clay Bennett has even reached out to our family with his condolences and support for our project,” he said.
“Our new goal is to place 3,000 basketballs around town, each with Love Stone written upon it,” he said. “We could either go hide and take it on the chin or instead of dreading the NBA finals we can embrace the community. We chose to embrace Stone and the community.”
To support Stone’s Thunder Balls Awareness Campaign, go to gofundme.com/f/stone-thunder-ballsawareness-campaign.
