The 100 Gal

Experience the magic of the season during Downtown in December! Oklahoma City’s downtown is bustling with events, holiday lights on Broadway, ice skating and shopping.

Myriad and Bright at Myriad Botanical Gardens is hosting several classes on handmade ornaments, floral arrangements, wild bird wreaths, herbal teas to boost winter immunity and gingerbread gardens. Stop by Katiebug’s, ranked No. 2 Best Cookies by USA Today, and Yelp’s top 25 hot chocolate spots.

There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Produced by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, the generous downtown businesses sponsor of Downtown in December festivities, events and activities.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

“December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy.” Eighty-three years later, Pearl Harbor Day will be remembered at the USS Oklahoma Memorial, located at the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial on the southeast corner of the Oklahoma State Capitol on Dec. 7 at 8 a.m.

Several military organizations will observe the day when WWII began for the U.S. The USS Oklahoma immediately took three torpedo hits, plus two more as it capsized and rolled over within 20 minutes. Thirty-two sailors were rescued alive, but 429 perished.

The ceremony is free and open to the public and all veterans.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Statehood Day in Oklahoma on Nov. 16 commemorates the state’s entry into the Union in 1907. President Teddy Roosevelt played a pivotal role, signing the proclamation that moved Oklahoma to statehood at 10:16 am.

The pen used for the signature belongs to the Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Oklahoma History Center features several intriguing exhibits: “Inaugural Impressions” (learn about Oklahoma’s first First Lady Lillian Gallup Haskell), “75 years of TV in Oklahoma,” “Building Excellence at GM” and “Taking Flight: Oklahomans Explore the Skies.”

Most fascinating is “New Image for the State,” featuring Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!,” the birth of modern musical theatre.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Everyone has a mother, and if you have a wife, daughter or niece, you are aware of issues preventing them from achieving a high quality of life and prosperous economic opportunities. Now is your chance to let the state know these issues.

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women is conducting its first statewide survey on challenges facing Oklahoma women. Until Oct. 15, you can voice your concerns by completing the Oklahoma Women Survey 2024, which is short with only 13 questions.

The Commission will release a full report next month and plans to make this an annual survey.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The world-famous Tel Dan Stele archaeological artifact will be displayed for public viewing from Sept. 22 through Nov. 25 at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. This sensational 9th century BCE monument fragment was the first archaeological confirmation of King David as a genuine historical figure.

On loan from The Israel Museum, it will be featured as part of the “Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered” exhibit. A Special Grand Opening on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. will feature writer, scholar and filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza. Admission to the Special Grand Opening is free with reserved tickets; the exhibit is free.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Oklahoma Sec. of Public Safety Tricia Everest will receive the Kate Barnard Award by the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) for a lifetime of work empowering women to build healthy foundations.

OCSW will present the Guardian Award to Sen. Brenda Stanley for improving the health and well-being of women and to Rep. Tammy West for legislation licensing a cosmetology school in a women’s prison so that the women can begin a job upon release.

The awards will be presented at the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 27 at the Omni Hotel. Tickets and sponsorships available.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Many cast members of the “REAGAN” movie walked the red carpet at the premiere held in Edmond. Several members of the cast were at the premiere, including Dennis Quaid and Oklahoma’s Darcy Lynne Farmer, who portrays the damsel in distress rescued by lifeguard Reagan.

Much of the biographical drama, which opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, Aug. 30, was filmed in Guthrie. It is based on Paul Kengor’s book, “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism,” which traces the president’s life from his childhood to his presidency, as told by a former KGB agent, portrayed by Jon Voight.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership will soon honor three business and community leaders for their outstanding contributions to the downtown community at the 37th Annual Dean A. McGee Awards, which will take place at the Omni Hotel on Friday, Aug. 23.

Visionary Dick Tanenbaum will receive the Dean A. McGee Award for his lifetime contributions to downtown, the Stanley Draper Award will be presented to arts leader Deborah McAuliffe Senner for her efforts in community excellence and innovator Andy Burnett will receive the Neal Horton Award for revitalizing areas of downtown.

For tickets or sponsorships, please visit the Downtown OKC website.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

More than 15 Oklahoma cities and towns and hundreds of Oklahomans engaged with the production and filming of “Twisters,” which opens this weekend in theaters nationwide. The adrenaline-pumping, big screen thriller and blockbuster by Universal Pictures featured an Oklahoma traineeship program that provided Oklahomans with on-set experience in construction, costume and production.

In collaboration with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell stated that the movie further positions Oklahoma as a film industry destination. Many of the interior scenes were filmed at Prairie Surf Studios, which is the former convention center located in downtown Oklahoma City.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Launched last month, 1Oklahoma revolutionizes the NIL landscape at The University of Oklahoma (OU) by consolidating and enhancing previous NIL collectives into a single, forward-thinking organization that aims to advance OU Athletics.

This innovative model emphasizes a product-centric approach, offering fans unique subscription content, events, merchandise and exclusive partnerships. Unlike traditional models, 1Oklahoma provides tangible value and robust marketing ROI for brands and businesses while supporting student athletes.

OU joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC) July 1, and 1Oklahoma aims to energize and engage fans with unprecedented access and experiences. Fans can discover more as well as subscribe at 1Oklahoma.com.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

This Saturday, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) premieres ” Edith Head: Hollywood’s Costume Designer,” a retrospective that will showcase costumes worn by Hollywood stars from the 1930s-1960s.

Head was one of Hollywood’s most accomplished costume designers. With over 400 films to her credit, Head earned 35 Oscar nominations and eight Oscar wins throughout her career, more than any other woman to date.

The exhibit will include a variety of costumes, as well as sketches and insights into Head’s personal life. Presented by the Ann Lacy Foundation and organized by OKCMOA, the exhibit will be open June 22 through Sept. 29.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The first votes in Oklahoma for the 2024 election cycle will be tallied on Tuesday, June 18, the date of the Oklahoma Primary Election.

Early voting begins Thursday and Friday at designated county offices from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Saturday, June 15, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The polls will be open next Tuesday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The Oklahoma State Chamber published the 2024 Voter Guide Primary Edition, which includes photos of candidates and district maps in 52 races statewide.

State law requires employers to give employees up to two hours to vote.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

There are many Oklahoma-style ways to show your appreciation and celebrate the mom in your life this Sunday.

Downtown Oklahoma City offers options aplenty with new restaurants, and after you can enjoy a stroll in the park named after Oklahoma’s state bird – Scissortail Park. For the flower-loving mother, explore Myriad Botanical Gardens.

If you’re in the Tulsa area, check out TulsaPeople’s 5 Brunch Spots for Mother’s Day. Then, finish the special day in a relaxing way by escaping the city and relishing the natural beauty of Tulsa at The Gathering Place, named Best City Park for 2024 by USA Today!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

This week, Angelene Ripley Wright, the owner of the Ida Red General Stores in Tulsa, was recognized as the Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was hosted by the Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Guzman.

“Angelene Ripley Wright exemplifies the grit demonstrated by retail stores in Oklahoma who persevered through the pandemic and have emerged triumphantly,” said Oklahoma District Director Fernanda Pedraza-Schmitt.

Wright represents the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Oklahoma. Learn more about Small Business Week at sba.gov/NSBW.

Congratulations Angelene! You make Oklahoma proud.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Blood clot survivor Carolyn Taylor has raised over $3,000 for the National Blood Clot Alliance ahead of completing a longtime goal: running a half marathon.

Our very own Carolyn Taylor, a contributor to The Oklahoma 100, joins thousands of participants in this weekend’s Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. An avid runner, Carolyn lost the ability to walk overnight in 2021 before learning she had a pulmonary embolism and a 13-inch blood clot in her left leg.

Following a long road of recovery, she celebrates her remarkable milestones by running the half marathon.

Registration is open for events – get the details here.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The Arts Council Oklahoma City has simplified the experience for this year’s Festival of the Arts, taking place from April 25-28 in downtown’s Bicentennial Park. It is going 100% cashless, including food vendors and drink tents; plus, art can be purchased directly from each festival artist.

No matter your style of art, enjoy a lineup of 144 artists – including 80 new visual artists – with a jam-packed performing arts lineup as well.

Begin now planning your meals on International Food Row, featuring nine new food vendors, more options for dietary preferences and food trucks on the north side of City Hall.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Monday brings a total solar eclipse that will not be seen again until August 2044, so be prepared and get the correct eclipse shades to experience this remarkable phenomenon. The southeast corner of Oklahoma is in the total eclipse path, entering Oklahoma at 1:45 p.m. and departing at 1:50 p.m. Follow NASA where and when for the latest updates.

Proper glasses are available for free at each of the Metropolitan Library System branches while supplies last, or for $2.99 at the Oklahoma Department of Tourism. Secretary of Tourism Shelley Zumwalt estimates a $7.4 million economic boon to Oklahoma.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

In celebration of Women’s History Month, BMW teamed up with Jackie Cooper for the inaugural Women in Motion event at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina. The two-day event provided women with the thrill of experiencing the high performance and safety of several BMW vehicles for timed autocross, drag race, hot laps and off-roading over boulders – sometimes on two wheels. All on a wet track!

Several female professional race car drivers joined the event, including Rebelle Rally Rebecca Donaghe, Samantha Tan Racing, Maddie Aust and Sedona Blinson. The BMW Performance Driving School proves why it’s the “Ultimate Driving Machine”!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

International Women’s Day is March 8 and the theme is #InspireInclusion. On the second floor of the State Capitol is a 9 foot by 22 foot mural, “Making Her Mark,” that exemplifies Oklahoma’s progress toward gender equality.

It honors four women whose work and leadership continue to inspire generations of new leaders: Dr. Shannon Lucid, the first female astronaut; Opaline Deveraux Wadkins, who organized the first school to train Black nurses; Chief Wilma Mankiller, the first female Chief of a major Tribal nation; and Senator Maxine Horner, one of the first Black women to serve in the Oklahoma State Senate.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The month of March celebrates the vital role of women in American history. The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women recently honored former Representative Freddye Harper Williams (posthumously) by inducting her into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.

During her five terms as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Harper Williams authored notable legislative achievements, including a bill allowing women to be recognized as “head of household” and providing every Oklahoma woman over the age of 35 with no-cost, annual mammogram screening.

Nominations are open for the 2024 Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and due by April 5.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Rebecka Peterson, a math teacher at Union High School in Tulsa, has been recognized as the National Teacher of the Year.

“I get to teach in the culturally rich district of Tulsa at Union High School, where we have 62 languages represented. I get to teach kids like me who are maybe new to the country or first-generation Americans, and I feel just so very, very blessed,” Peterson shared with Live in Oklahoma.

Despite both her parents and her husband’s parents residing elsewhere, the Petersons have found a home in Oklahoma, drawn by its warm and supportive community.

Congratulations Rebecka!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR