OKC FRIDAY
FALL FASHION: Fashion editor Jennifer Clark gets the scoop on fall trends from Barbara’s, Boutique One, CK & Co., Pearl by Lela Rose and Lela Rose styled by Cindi Shelby, Krista Anne’s and the Women’s Health Boutique. Pages 12 & 13.
Cowboy launches Live the Code The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum launched the Live the Code capital campaign, an initiative to raise $40 million to modernize the museum’s guest experiences and infrastructure. Major campaign efforts include transforming the museum’s exhibits by creating best-in-the-world experiences to teach and interpret the diverse history of the West; enhancing the storage capacity and environmental conditions of the vaults that serve as the finest repository of Western and Native American art, artifacts and documents; and investing in facility and infrastructure upgrades. “This is a transformational moment for The Cowboy,” said Larry Nichols, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum board member and Live the Code Campaign chairman. “This campaign will strengthen our position as the premier institution of Western history, art and culture while also championing the values so important to the West.” The Live the Code capital campaign is to use technology to enhance the telling of the diverse stories of the West. Major exhibit projects include: • The Immersive Orientation Experience transforms the museum’s west hallway into an immersive orientation theater to give guests a preview of what is seen in the museum’s galleries. • The Code of the West interactive exhibit is designed to allow guests to see themselves through the See COWBOY, Page 7
Vol. 57 No. 19 • One Section • 14 pages • September 15, 2023
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The Hole Shebang!
Village looks to boost police recruitment with take-home cars By Eric Oesch Staff Writer City leaders in The Village hope the purchase of five 2023 Dodge Durango police vehicles will help with the recruitment of officers for the 23-person Village Police Department. Like many police departments across the nation, The Village is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit applicants for their suburban Oklahoma City department. While the department is fully staffed with 23 officers, the upcoming retirement of Deputy Chief Ron Morrow and an officer currently on administrative leave has the department in recruitment mode. The city currently has one vacancy and two projected losses for this fiscal year. The City Council recently approved $85,000 for this fiscal
year for the five new vehicles that are to be carried over for the next fiscal three years at the same cost. The city’s Capital Improvement Plan requires annual approval with the budget every year. City Manager Dave Slezickey hopes the new vehicles will provide the police with the capability to reach the goal of take-home vehicles for all patrol officers. “We currently have more officers than vehicles,” said Slezickey. “Officers share vehicles, so additional cars will extend life span with one officer per unit versus two officers per unit. “This lease purchase is a fouryear plan then we own them,” he said. “Due to our small area, the life span of patrol units is a minimal eight years. This See VILLAGE, Page 11
Lyric’s ‘Concerto’ takes the stage
- Photo by Rose Lane
Keats Calhoon throws a bag during the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s The Hole Shebang cornhold tournament. The event served as a kickoff for the organization’s 2023 Centennial Campaign and included live music, food trucks and entertainment.
Lyric Theatre returns to the Plaza Theatre to present the world premiere of “Concerto,” an exciting new play about the intriguing stories behind Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s most famous violin concerto. Opening night of the production is this Saturday. Performances run
through Oct. 1. Discover the man behind the music and one of the most celebrated composers of all time, Tchaikovsky. “Concerto,” written by Alan Olejniczak, reveals the story behind the creation of Tchaikovsky’s infamous 1878 violin concerto, considered one of the most
beloved concertos in music history. This new play is produced in collaboration with Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Lyric’s Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron, who is directing the new See LYRIC, Page 2
‘Routine patrol’ ends for beloved police officer By Rose Lane Editor The “routine patrol” is over for retired Oklahoma City police officer John L “Jack” Powell. Jack passed away on Aug. 17 at his home in Edmond, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 87-years-old. His wife Rozella, daughter Chandra, and granddaughter Poppy were by his side during his final moments. A Celebration of Life is
planned for Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 2400 W. Hefner Rd. This is a comeand-go event 1-3 p.m. in Ross Hall. In 1965, Jack joined the Oklahoma City Police Department and spent 30 years on the force as a patrol officer. He upheld the model of public service and was affectionately known as the “mayor of Britton,” where he worked his beat. Students at John Marshall
Canterbury Voices details season Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma City’s largest and oldest choir, announces its highly anticipated 2023-2024 season, featuring the debut of new Artistic Director Julie Yu. With a rich history of musical excellence spanning over five decades, Canterbury Voices continues to captivate audiences with their inspiring performances, and this season promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Under the artistic leadership of Julie Yu, Canterbury Voices will embark on a journey through a diverse repertoire that celebrates the power of choral music to uplift, connect, and inspire. “It’s a dream come true to
work with so many dedicated artists in such an honored and established program,” said Yu. “I appreciate the leadership of Canterbury Voices for their tireless work, creativity and infectious enthusiasm. We’re going to create some magic this season!” The season is to open Oct. 22 with “Modern Masters,” showcasing exquisite works of worldrenowned, modern composers. On Dec. 3, the awe-inspiring majesty of “Handel’s Messiah,” fills the Civic Center Music Hall, bringing this timeless masterpiece to life just in time for the holiday season. See SEASON, Page 7
High School remember Officer Powell fondly, as he patrolled the campus to keep students safe. Jack also wrote a long-time police beat column for OKC FRIDAY. According to a 2011 story in Edmond Life and Leisure, Jack bought a bicycle in the mid-70s “to kill time.” After retirement, he could be seen riding around the city of Edmond where he See POWELL, Page 2
JACK POWELL
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Yvette and Joe Fleckinger’s 5year-young Schnoodle, Nola, joined the family a little over five years ago. She loves walks with her dad in Quail Creek and visiting all the neighbors. Chasing squirrels in the back yard is another favorite activity. The couple’s previous Schnoodle was hit by a car on NW 122. “It was a terrible day when Joe found her,” Yvette said. Nola wears a tracking device at all times so they are always aware of where she is.