OKC FRIDAY Vol. 57 No. 18 • One Section • 12 pages • September 8, 2023
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John F. Kennedy Service Awards to honor three philanthropists By Rose Lane Editor Community leaders Maggie Nichols, Marnie Taylor and John Kennedy are to be honored during the 2023 John F. Kennedy Community Service Awards Gala, set for 7 p.m., Sept. 21 in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center, 201 N. Walker Ave. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m.
before the evening’s dinner and awards ceremony. The John F. Kennedy Awards celebrate Oklahomans whose philanthropy has served the community in impactful ways. Elite gymnast Nichols and local nonprofit advocate Taylor are this year’s honorees, along with Kennedy, who is to receive the Mark Ruffin Lifetime Achievement Award. Proceeds from the gala support
the Santa Fe Family Life Center in its mission to provide recreation and athletic programs for children who are disadvantaged, or have physical or intellectual disabilities. “Honoring Oklahoma’s philanthropists reminds me of the tremendous difference a single individual can make for friends, neighbors and strangers in need. The John F. Kennedy Community Service Award honors individuals whose legacy of
service has defined their life and improved the lives of others,” said Matt Bond, executive director of SFFLC. “Our work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and sponsors.” Business leader John Kennedy’s career has spanned more than four decades, with investment in Oklahoma’s next generation as a See JFK, Page 3
77 for 77 Jones dives for the TD
OMRF celebrates anniversary with statewide campaign
PC North tailback Camarion Jones (5) dives across the goal line for a touchdown during last Friday night’s football game at PC West. The Panthers suffered a 27-7 loss to the Patriots in Week 1 action. See Sports, Page 4
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
Maestro’s Ball supports OKCPHIL programs By Mark Beutler Special to OKC FRIDAY One of the highlights of the social season returns as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents the Maestro’s Ball, Friday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. The theme for this year is The Grand Masquerade.
Maestro’s Ball is a black-tie evening of fine dining, drinks, entertainment and camaraderie. It benefits the OKCPHIL’s mission of providing inspiration and joy to the community through orchestral music and shining a light on priceless educational programs. Co-chairmen of the event are Debra and Kristian Kos.
The honorary co-chairmen are Yvette and Joseph Fleckinger. Committee members include Rachael Geiger, Shaye Matthews, Lisa Reed, Desiree Singer, Mark Taylor, Geetika Verma and Wendi Wilson. Tickets for The Grand Masquerade Maestro’s Ball are available at okcphil.org or by phone at (405) 842-5387.
Slavonic to direct Veterans Affairs Fridaylander Rear Admiral, USN (Ret) Greg Slavonic is the new executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and the Oklahoma Veterans Commission. Slavonic, previously appointed as SLAVONIC the agency interim executive director earlier this year, was approved unanimously by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission at a special meeting last month. Members of the Commission
praised Slavonic’s response over the past five months as he has worked to address and resolve several critical issues within the agency. Slavonic earned a bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma State University and M.Ed. from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Slavonic has also served as the 18th assistant secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the under secretary of the Navy, the deputy and principal assistant to the secretary of the Navy and as chief See SLAVONIC, Page 12
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is celebrating its 77th anniversary by kicking off a statewide campaign that harkens back to the foundation’s roots. “Over the next year, we’re going to touch all 77 Oklahoma counties to say ‘thank you’ to Oklahomans for daring to dream in 1946 and for supporting that dream ever since,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “We’re calling it 77 for 77.” Weyrich was among several speakers during a kickoff event at the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit biomedical research foundation. Statewide chairmen for the campaign are former First Ladies Kim Henry and Cathy Keating and former Governors Brad Henry and Frank Keating. Kim Henry served on OMRF’s Board of Directors for 19 years and joined its National Advisory Council in 2022. Cathy Keating served on OMRF’s Board for two years before joining the NAC in 2011. On Aug. 28, 1946, the Oklahoma Secretary of State granted OMRF’s charter. Shortly thereafter, the new foundation launched its initial campaign with a mission that holds true 77 years later: “That more may live longer.” Organizers divided the state into 25 districts to raise awareness and funds. Through this effort, more than 7,500 Oklahomans raised $2 million in gifts and pledges, enough to begin building and staffing OMRF’s headquarters. Today, OMRF employs nearly 500 staff members who study cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and diseases of aging. Their discoveries have See OMRF, Page 12
FRIDAY’s
Baby of the Week Arthur Wilcox Lane is the 8-monthold son of Elizabeth and Bobby Lane and the grandson of OKC FRIDAY Editor Rose Lane and her husband Bob. A happy boy, Artie loves his siblings — 4-year-old Ruthie and 2-yearold Eddie. The family recently relocated to Caldwell, Idaho. 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.