OKC FRIDAY Vol. 57 No. 17 • One Section • 12 pages • September 1, 2023
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In rare split vote, council approves Habitat homes
Knights volleyball on hot start Crossings Christian volleyball player Sienna Spears, left, passes ahead to a teammate during a match earlier this season. The Knights are off to a 9-1 start so far, following a 3-0 sweep of Fridayland rival PC North last Thursday.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer There wasn’t an empty seat in the house last week as impassioned residents filled The Village council chamber to register their opposition to the construction of four Habitat for Humanity “cluster” homes in their neighborhood. Residents addressed the council for nearly an hour before a rare split 3-2 vote by council members approved the resolution for the final plat of the Habitat PUD on Major Avenue, one block south of Hefner Road. Last month city engineer Tim Johnson of Johnson & Associates recommended approval of the project to the Village Planning and Zoning
INSIDE TODAY: Learn about all our local football teams in FRIDAY’s 2023 Pigskin Preview.
- Photo by Eric Oesch
“We have met all the criteria required by law to gain approval,” said Habitat for Humanity advocate David Box at The Village City Council meeting.
Commission. The commission determined the final plat See VILLAGE, Page 12
Mathis Performance Center designed for mind, body and spirit Casady School is breaking ground this fall on the nearly 8,000-square-foot Mathis Family Fitness and Performance Center. This facility is designed to be a state-of-the-art strength and wellness complex for expanded physical fitness programs, core training, technology and wellness programming for all students in grades PreK through 12. “The Mathis family supports Casady School,” said Bill Mathis. “Their mission is to build our young citizens in mind, body and spirt. We proudly applaud their efforts and are honored to make the lead gift toward the new Mathis Family Fitness and Performance complex, benefitting Casady students, athletes, and the school’s worldclass staff and faculty.” A full wall of north facing windows allows natural light into the Mathis facility and further into the gym. The windows are to provide families and visitors the opportunity to see into an area that displays the school’s commitment to the fitness, wellness, strength, and performance of its student-athletes, Casady Head of School Nathan L.
A full wall of windows are to provide families and visitors the opportunity to see into the Mathis Family Fitness and Performance Center that displays the school’s commitment to the fitness, wellness, strength and performance of its student-athletes.
See MATHIS, Page 3
OKCPhil collaborates with Graham Colton, Lyric Theatre in first concerts By Mark Beutler Director of Marketing & Public Relations OKCPHIL The Oklahoma City Philharmonic kicks off its 35th Season with two big concerts in the span of one week. This Sunday, Maestro
Alexander Mickelthwate leads the OKCPHIL in a free concert at Scissortail Park. “Marvelous Music from the Movies” begins at 8:30 p.m., and features one of Oklahoma’s favorite sons, Graham Colton. “We love being part of the community,” Mickelthwate said. “These
concerts at Scissortail Park are so much fun. It’s amazing to feel the love coming from the audience. We feel that onstage, and we give it right back.” The Labor Day weekend concert marks the third in a series of summer concerts at Scissortail Park. Most recently an estimated crowd
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Meet Penny and Russell Voss' 12year-old schnauzer Bizzy. She got her name because she's always getting busy and moves really fast when she gets excited even at her age. She's never met a stranger and would rather be with people instead of other animals. She loves scratches and belly rubs and chasing her ball. 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.
of 20,000 came out for the Independence Day concert, “Red, White & Boom!” “We would love to have a crowd like that again,” Mickelthwate added. “And having Graham onstage with us will be so special. He has had an amazing recording career and makes Oklahoma so proud.”
Colton is an Oklahoma City native who released his first album, “Drive,” in 2004 on Universal Records. He has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and the “Today Show,” among others. See OKCPHIL, Page 11
Esther Women series is detailed As Esther Women enters its 21st season as a Christian Women’s Luncheon Series, a remarkable slate of speakers is bringing new excitement, greater relevance and inspired thoughts to the program. Usually the first Wednesday of the month from September through May, Esther Women gather at the Christian Life Center at St. Luke’s Methodist Church to share a meal, enjoy exceptional music provided by Oklahoma City University and find meaningful inspiration for Christian women of all denominations, founder Jane Jayroe Gamble said.
This year offers free access to the online community and early purchasing opportunities for special events. Only a few season tickets are available for in-person attendance, but for those who sign up on a waiting list, there are some larger events offered and the Live Streaming Pass. Cost for a season subscription of nine programs continues to be $225 for the year. A gift from Mo Anderson allows prices to stay the same in spite of inflation and enables more national guest speakers or artists. See ESTHER, Page 3