OKC FRIDAY Vol. 57 No. 15 • One Section • 12 pages • August 18, 2023
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IEEW Kim Neese, Jana Gridley, Terry Neese and Angie Byers during a reception hosted by Dr. Susan Chambers which brought together local and international supporters of Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women. Page 3.
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Burckarts go back to school at Crossings Second-grader Isabelle, kindergartener Grace and Mother’s Day Out student Blaire Burckart are ready to go back to school at Crossings Christian School. They are the daughters of Alexis and Blake Burckart. For more Back to School photos, see Pages 2 & 11. Email your photos to rose@okcfriday.com.
Casady School is putting emphasis on computer science Construction started in June on a computer science wing in the Upper Division of the Hightower Building on the Casady School campus. The project features a 4,000-square-foot expansion to the east side of Hightower, one of the first classroom buildings on the Casady campus. In addition, the existing building is to be completely renovated and remodeled, said Betty Jane Garrett, Casady’s director of institutional advancement. The job is expected to be finished next January or February, according to Jim Bonfiglio, Casady’s director of operations. At completion, Hightower will encompass 11,315 square feet with four additional classrooms “designed for today’s teaching pedagogy,” Garrett said. See CASADY, Page 12
OCU names Hall of Honor inductees The 37th annual Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor is to induct four new members during a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. This year’s honorees are Clay and Louise Bennett with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Kristin Chenoweth with the Outstanding Achievement Award; and Chuck Hoskin Jr. with the Chairman's Award.
Oklahoma City University established the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor to recognize business and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Oklahoma. It is located in the Meinders School of Business at OCU. Corporate tables and individual tickets are available at okcu.edu/ hallofhonor. Clay Bennett is chairman
Car show to roll into Duffner The Village’s Duffner Park, east of May on Hefner Road, is to be the site of the The Village Lion’s Club’s 18th Annual Car Show, set for Saturday, Aug. 26. The event begins at 9 a.m. with registration continuing through 11:30 a.m. Participant judging is 12-1 p.m. At 2 p.m., award winners are to be named. Twenty-five categories are scheduled with six Best of Show awards, five-ball judging, club participation, goody bags and a 50/50 prize.
There is also to be a participant cash drawing with three $100 winners. The registration fee is $20 per car and the show is free to spectators. The Lion’s Club Car show benefits the Oklahoma Lions EYEBank, the Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch, Coats for Kids, the BritVil Food Pantry and other projects in The Village. Bring used eyeglasses to be recycled. For more information, call David Ralston at (405) 478-4783 or Sean Ralston at (405) 209-7376.
of the ownership group of the Oklahoma City Thunder and its NBA G League team the Oklahoma City Blue. He is also chairman of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company and serves as an investor, officer and director of numerous business entities. Louise Bennett serves as manager for Bennett Group and is on the board of directors for Dorchester See HALL, Page 11
91st Town Hall Series to feature variety of speakers Editor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part series detailing the 2023-24 Oklahoma City Town Hall Lecture Series. By Annabella Potts Student Intern The Oklahoma City Town Hall Lecture Series is celebrating its 91st anniversary this year with a variety of nationally acclaimed speakers. From a professional diver and shark whisperer to a combat veteran, this year’s round of speakers have exceptional stories to share with the community. “Each year Town Hall brings a series of interesting and See TOWN HALL, Page 7
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Meet Cheddar, the exuberant two-year-old Australian Shepherd and Poodle mix whose love for his family, Linda and Mary Thompson, knows no bounds. With his striking coat pattern and boundless energy, Cheddar is a whirlwind of joy and affection. Whether he's playfully bounding around the yard or snuggled up on the couch, his family's happiness is his top priority. At just two-years-old, Cheddar has already become an integral part of the family's adventures and daily routines, Linda said. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering companionship make every day brighter, and his antics are sure to bring smiles and laughter to all who have the pleasure of knowing him. With Cheddar around, family time is always the best time, filled with love, laughter and unforgettable moments. Email Dog, Cat, Pet and Baby of the Week nominations with complete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.