The 100 Gal

“Killers of the Flower Moon” clinched an impressive 10 Oscar nominations, cementing its status as a cinematic powerhouse. Adapted from David Grann’s 2017 book, the film unfolds the harrowing tale of the “Reign of Terror” faced by the Osage Nation.

The nominations span across various categories, recognizing the film’s excellence. From Best Picture and Best Director to Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing and Best Costume Design, the movie stands poised for recognition at the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. “Killers of the Flower Moon” has proven itself to be a cinematic tour de force.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The football teams for the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University finish the season ranked No. 15 and 16, respectively, in the final Associated Press 2023 season football rankings. After both schools missed the top 25 list in 2022, this is a huge accomplishment for their football programs.

We will all miss the excitement of Bedlam next year, a rivalry that began in 1904 and annually since 1910. The remarkable streak of 113 consecutive games makes OU-OSU Bedlam one of the second-longest uninterrupted series in college football history.

Hopefully, Bedlam returns soon. In the interim, Boomer Sooner and Go Pokes!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Geography is truly no barrier to success. Beginning with a Ronco dehydrator in the back of a grocery store owned by his parents back in 1997, Britt Smith has grown No Man’s Land Beef Jerky into one of the largest brands in the meat snack category.

From its headquarters in Boise City and operations in Enid, this high protein, gluten free, low sugar product can be found in stores nationwide and has been distributed worldwide to American soldiers.

If beef jerky is not your thing, enjoy the beef sticks in many flavors. It’s a great, last minute healthy stocking stuffer.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The town of Guthrie – also known as the “Christmas Capital of Oklahoma” – was ranked No. 71 on Mixbook‘s list of the most “Christmassy” towns in the U.S., based on a poll of 3,000 families.

Guthrie enchants visitors with its festive cheer and Victorian-themed architecture. There’s no shortage of holiday events either – the Territorial Christmas Celebrations are not to be missed, from the Lighted Christmas Parade to the Distinctive Homes Tour and Victorian Walks (These events already passed so if you missed them, stay tuned for next year!).

You can still catch “A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas” – learn more here.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

My favorite gift to give this year is the 2023 Christmas ornament from Friends of the Mansion. This year’s ornament is a stunning tribute to the Oklahoma Room in the Governor’s Mansion, a timeless space born in 1928 and adorned by the unique touch of each First Lady.

This ornament, No. 27 in the annual collection, was meticulously crafted in the U.S. with a 24-karat gold finish. It symbolizes Friends of the Mansion’s dedication to preserving the beautiful, historic Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion.

The ornament is now ready for purchase; limited quantities available. Secure yours today by visiting fomok.org/ornaments.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

For many years, a young engineer at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation would physically turn around traffic signs before and after every Oklahoma State University football game to help ensure safe traffic flow.

Sometimes, traffic jams extended almost to Stillwater on Highway 51, so the young engineering mind of Gary Ridley recommended a two-lane ramp onto I-35 to increase public safety. Eventually, Ridley rose to become the Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation. Last month, ODOT recognized his innovative solution and decades of transportation achievements by naming the intersection of I-35 and Highway 51 “The Honorable Secretary Gary M. Ridley Memorial Interchange.”

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

The public relations industry recognized Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma with its top honor, the Best of Show Award, for its very successful influencer marketing campaign at the Annual Public Relations Society of America (Oklahoma City Chapter) Upper Case Awards. Goodwill was also honored for its Secondhand Sunday campaign, with the “Let’s see if this works” category among the four awards won at the gala.

988 Oklahoma’s public relations work was honored with five awards and Rose State College was recognized with awards in crisis communications, video marketing and digital advertising categories.

Congratulations to our clients for a remarkable year!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Everyone loves a good sandwich and National Sandwich Day is a great reason to honor one of the world’s most versatile and beloved culinary creations by having your favorite sammie. One of mine is the Thanksgiving Panini at Fox & Rye in Edmond – it’s a seasonal delight that reminds me of the coziness of Thanksgiving dinner.

Whether you prefer a hearty sub, a delicate tea sandwich or a vegan wrap, National Sandwich Day is the perfect excuse to honor this humble yet remarkable food item that satisfies appetites everywhere.

Click here for some OKC sammie spots and a little sandwich history.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Hear from Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Faris, who advocates for mothers in the workforce, next Tuesday, Oct. 24.

After two decades in broadcast journalism, including “Good Morning America,” Faris ditched her successful career and founded CARRY Media™ to address working mothers. Faris published “You Don’t Have to CARRY It All: Ditch the Mom Guilt and Find a Better Way Forward.”

Faris is the keynote lunch speaker at the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women Summit at 11:30 a.m. at Oklahoma City Community College. Tickets are $75 per person; available at OCSW Fall Summit or call (405) 401-6970 for sponsorship opportunities.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Sen. Darrell Weaver held an interim study on how to best educate younger students from becoming human trafficking victims. Weaver noted the average age for victims is continually lowering and is now 12 years old.

Experts from the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, Institute for Child Advocacy, The Dragonfly Home and The Demand Project testified before the Senate Education Committee.

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women has conducted research, hosted summits and published reports on human trafficking since 2012. This year, it launched the “Not Me” educational initiative aimed at reaching students in high school and college.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

With a unanimous vote, the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) re-elected its officers for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The commission traveled the state on a journey visiting 15 non-profits, tribes and colleges, listening to life stories of women on economic barriers for advancement and quality of life challenges. Their stories will be championed through recommendations for legislation and policies by OCSW in its annual report to help remove the stigmas and obstacles holding back women.

OCSW also launched the “Not Me, Not My Community” initiative to educate Oklahomans on the early signs of human trafficking.

Congratulations, ladies!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

For 90 years, the Oklahoma City Town Hall has brought national speakers to Oklahoma for its annual speaker series.

In 1933, the Junior League of Oklahoma City launched a cultural lecture series called Town Hall that was so popular it continued in the following years. After three years, organization of the series was transferred to a community-wide Board of Advisors to enrich, entertain, stimulate, inform and educate Oklahomans through a forum of nationally recognized speakers.

The 2023-2024 Lecture Series opens Thursday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Servant, with professional diver and shark whisperer Cristina Zenato.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Trailblazing Wanda Jackson, considered the first female rock ‘n’ roll singer, is a rare living Oklahoman to have a portrait permanently installed in the State Capitol. Her portrait by Oklahoman award-winning artist Tracey Harris was unveiled this week by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Jackson combined country and rock genres to become known as the “Queen of Rockabilly,” and is the only person to tour with both Elvis and Adele. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

Learn more: Wanda Jackson Fan Club.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR