Get into the Holiday Spirit during November’s First Friday Gallery Walk
Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. All of the Paseo galleries have reopened, some with abbreviated hours, and most will be open late for First Friday. Restaurants will be open for dining, patio seating and takeout.
All guests are required to wear a mask, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer when shopping. This month’s First Friday is November 6, 6-9 p.m.
The Paseo Arts & Creativity Center (PACC) presents two new exhibitions – in Gallery One, the Oklahoma Sculpture Society’s (OSS) Annual Winter Sculpture Show, and in Gallery Two, the PAA’s SmallArt Show. Both will open with a reception during First Friday and be on display through December 23 in the PACC at 3024 Paseo.
The Oklahoma Sculpture Society (OSS) will host more than 20 sculptural artists members and over 50 pieces of art. This annual three-dimensional show will premiere for the first time in the Paseo Artist District. “Having begun a conversation almost two years ago about bringing this show to Paseo, it took moving into a bigger space to accommodate them and we couldn’t be more honored,” says Amanda Bleakley, executive director of the Paseo Arts Association.
Established in 1979 as a non-profit devoted to the education, appreciation and creation of three-dimensional art, the OSS members are from Oklahoma’s communities who wish to involve themselves in an artistic atmosphere focused on three-dimensional art in numerous mediums. Mediums include stone, wood, clay, bronze, ceramic, polymer, paper mache, mixed media, metal and more.
Need to get started on your holiday shopping? Get even the hardest people to shop for checked off your list and give the gift of original art this season. The PACC presents the Annual SmallArt Show, featuring 80 works by artists from across Oklahoma, all smaller than 15” and priced between $25 and $199. From serene landscapes and natural prints, to vibrant abstracts and unusual sculptures, there’s a little bit of everything to be found in this exhibit curated by juror Brian Payne, Yukon High School art teacher. “You’ll not only find the most memorable gifts to give your loved ones, you’ll be supporting Oklahoma artists when you shop in the Paseo this holiday season,” said PAA Program Manager Paige Powell. Award recipients will be announced at 7 p.m. during the opening reception.
Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between N.W. 27 & 30 Streets and Walker & Hudson. Each First Friday, Paseo galleries offer special themed exhibits, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment -- all within walking distance. Ten restaurants and a handful of other shops round out the Paseo’s distinctive atmosphere.
For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 525-2688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org. Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.
Get into the Holiday Spirit during November’s First Friday Gallery Walk Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
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Give leaders in three of Oklahoma’s Indian tribal nations – the Creek, the Choctaw and the Seminole – some credit.
They want to keep the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of ‘McGirt v. Oklahoma’ case of ‘McGirt v. Oklahoma’ in place and unencumbered by hidden agendas.
Even those who disagree with the result in that decision can recognize a principled stance based on law and (recent) precedent.
But do not doubt for a minute what’s going on with the Chickasaw and Cherokee leaders. And, to be crystal clear: This is not a surrogate for partisan political issues. People in both parties have come to covet the largesse of the Big Two.
The Chickasaw and the Cherokee want an outcome that affords ‘cover’ for a slow motion dubious (many say illegal) land-grab engineered over the last few decades. That particular taking of precious real estate was ostensibly for agricultural purposes, but promptly as possible it was converted into casino lands – approved under-the-table or after-the-fact at the U.S. Department of Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Now, the agenda here seems apparent: They want to slowroll re-establishment of their reservation holdings by buying back large swaths of their territories and carving in stone their dubious reservation boundaries while squashing economic competition from neighboring and less powerful tribes.
Without getting too bogged down, here it is important to realize that the Cherokee and Chickasaw boundaries were never formally adopted for those two tribes. The Cherokee were not the original Tribe recognized under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act (OIWA) – the United band of Keetoowah Cherokee (UKB) were.
The Chickasaw were actually placed on the Choctaw reservation and given 25 percent rights therein rather than formal boundaries established by Congress.
Over time, dozens of casinos were created at those locales, becoming the steady, methodical basis for dominance of the Oklahoma gaming industry by a handful of players, empowering operators with close ties to the Chickasaw.
In a few days, Oklahoma’s executive weakened a stance on tribal-related issues, including acquiescence in a legal power grab pre-McGirt to declare compact agreements renewed, although the state wanted and needed to renegotiate terms.
Hopefully, the weakening will not be prelude to abandonment of smaller tribes who have begun to assert themselves through their own compact negotiations.
Had the Choctaw, Creek and Seminole cut a deal with Governor Kevin Stitt they could have vastly improved their positions by grabbing Chickasaw and Cherokee market share. At the same time, they could have reduced vendor fees driven by Chickasaw monopoly power.
They might, thereby, have offset any increase in fees the state may have while keeping the increase in market share and diffusing the monopoly power of the Cherokee and Chickasaw. That did not happen, but in the recent volatile atmosphere, who knows what comes next?
In perhaps-foolish hearts, hope springs eternal, like a glimmer of light in the dark night and a swirling mist.
As Halloween neared, came news that a non-spooky fellow named James Lankford,
Oklahoma’s junior senator and a statesman-in-the-making, wants hearings on the impact of McGirt – which should include a fresh look at casino deeds.
A mission that might seem impossible: Watch that space, along with everything else.
Hope in the swirling, darkening mist – Signs of principle and a glimmer of light Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
The incumbent in House District 93 is state Rep. Mickey Dollens.
He is a moderate liberal who advocates for education funding, better mental health programs, workforce readiness, economic development, better infrastructure, pubic safety, retirees and military veterans. He is a measured advocate, a serious man: good to work with on matters great and small.
The Republican challenger is former state Rep. Mike Christian, about whom the publisher of The City Sentinel reflected (when Christian ran for county sheriff) on “top 10 reasons” to oppose his election to anything, let alone a job in law enforcement.
Christian’s checkered record includes reprimands for conduct during his time as a State Trooper, absence from nearly half of the state House floor votes in 2015 and 2016, and close ties to a Republican legislator who pressured others not to run for the seat Christian wanted.
And, recently Second Amendment advocate Don Spencer, known for plain speaking, told friends (in a public setting), Christian “screwed us over so bad.” And he said, Christian “lied to us about bills he would hear and wouldn’t do it.” Spencer endorsed the Democrat: Mickey Dollens.
The City Sentinel respects Mickey Dollens, the Democratic incumbent in House District 93, and endorses him for reelection.
House District 93: For Mickey Dollens Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
Brian Maughan, the incumbent, is seeking another term as Oklahoma County Commissioner.
1. At a time of stress and challenge for local governments, Brian Maughan has practical experience, and a thorough knowledge of how county government works. His opponent has zero experience in government. District 2 should retain a capable commissioner, not trusting to slow motion on-the-job training for Maughan’s challenger.
2. Maughan’s SHINE (Start Helping Impacted Neighborhoods Everywhere) was on the cutting edge of reform, offering a positive ‘diversion’ program for offenders – sentenced to community service and productive activity. Commission Maughan put criminal justice reform into action long before others began to even talk about it. Neighborhood- and constituent-oriented, SHINE is a bright spot in Oklahoma.
3. Maughan has such solid electoral name identification (I.D.) and understanding of governance that he could stick to essential job requirements and probably get by for years to come. Instead, a servant’s heart has led him well beyond the basics, creating programs like red cedar and graffiti removal. Maughan understands government, and understands service.
4. Brian was the first to propose an independent jail trust. Without rehearsing past differences about the best way forward, he had the brightest of ideas – taking a new approach to thorny issues of jail governance and management. He is the right man to assure that this vital work is finished.
5. Brian’s opponent is part of a group claiming to search for “social justice” – while Maughan has been seeking it all his tenure. His critics want power in county government, but know little or nothing about the operations of government.
6. From day one Brian has been a stalwart defender of all taxpayers. Years ago, as a brand new commissioner, he stood against other officeholders who sought raises during a recession.
The City Sentinel endorses Brian Maughan for reelection as District 2 Oklahoma County Commissioner.
Brian Maughan for Oklahoma County Commissioner, District 2 Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
In the upcoming election, voters in Oklahoma County are reminded to look ‘down-ballot’ to vital offices impacting our communities and collective quality of life. Since entering office,
David B. Hooten has totally automated the Oklahoma County Clerk’s Office with Twenty-First century technology.
Hooten built an ALERT system so that if your name is on a document filed in the County Clerk Office you are automatically notified free of charge.
Hooten placed all documents online so they can be viewed from anywhere and downloaded. No need to come downtown and pay to park.
Hooten has all forms online in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Hooten created a nationally award-winning program called YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT. Students come to the county and are taught civics and tour the building as well as the OKC Museum of Art. Three elected and others speak to the students about their future In government! This program is partnered with Junior Achievement, OKC Public School Foundation, and OKC Museum of Art.
As Oklahoma County Clerk, David Hooten has placed all deeds online (OKCC.Online) for easy access and timely service.
The City Sentinel endorses David Hooten for another term as Oklahoma County Clerk.
David B. Hooten for Oklahoma County Clerk Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
In November, participating Fresh stART program artists who are experiencing, or have experienced, homelessness will display their work in art show at Paseo Plunge. The exhibit will be available throughout the month.
An opening reception will be held during the Paseo Arts District First Friday Art Walk, on Nov. 6, from 6 - 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
COVID-19 precautions are being taken. Masks are required inside the gallery and distancing will be encouraged.
The featured artists are participating in “Fresh stART,” a program of the Homeless Alliance designed to provide people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City with a supportive environment for creating art.
In addition to providing a potential source of income, open studio art programs enable people to express themselves creatively, manage emotional issues, develop social skills through positive interaction. with a peer group, develop
confidence and skills transferable to employment, according to Dan Straughan, executive director at the Homeless Alliance. “Art keeps me driven and
keeps me focused,” said Donato, a Fresh stART artist. “It keeps me out of trouble. I’ve been coming to Fresh Start for three years, and each year I’ve gotten better and better.”
The artwork covers a variety of mediums including mixed media, collage, water color, acrylic and colored pencil. Participating Fresh stART artists receive the proceeds from the sale of their artwork.
In addition to providing a potential source of income, open studio art programs enable people experiencing homelessness to express themselves creatively, manage emotional issues, develop social skills through positive interaction with a peer group, and develop confidence and skills transferable to employment.
“Art allows people to temporarily escape their difficult situations and provides an opportunity to interact with peers in a positive environment,” said Straughn. “And when an artist sells something that they created, it really helps build their confidence knowing that someone else values their work.”
The Homeless Alliance is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, that helps coordinate and improve services for people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City. The organization has several housing programs for families with children, veterans and people who are chronically homeless.
“I like to make art,” said Lee, a Fresh stART artist. “It takes my mind off everything else going on in my life. It is nice and peaceful here.” Lee took an art class with her mom in high school and realized that she loved to paint.
After getting married and having children she didn’t paint for some time until she experienced homelessness. She found her way to the Homeless
Alliance’s Day Shelter where she began attending the Fresh stART studio and has been painting ever since.
As noted on the Paseo Plunge website, Fresh stART hosts studio time twice per week at the Homeless Alliance’s Day Shelter, which serves an average of 350 people each day. Located on the Westtown Homeless Resource Campus, it relies on the community to donate art supplies and funding to operate the program.
For the Day Shelter supply drive, drop off spots at retailers across the Paseo will be accepting only new items from this list: cleaning supplies, pots and pans, bath towels, plastic plates and bowls, silverware, cooking utensils, can openers, trash cans and bags, coffeemakers, crockpots, microwaves, shower curtains and hooks, laundry bags and baskets, rag mops and buckets.
Donations will be rewarded with a coupon for discounts and other items at participating retailers.
The Paseo Plunge, located at 3010 Paseo in Oklahoma City, is open Tuesday through Sunday.
To learn more about the gallery and hours of operation, visit PaseoPlunge.com.
The Homeless Alliance also publishes and provides support and employment opportunities to people who are experiencing homelessness through the sale of its local magazine, The Curbside Chronicle.
For more information about how to help, call the Homeless Alliance at 405-415-8410 or visit homelessalliance.org.
Fresh stART art show features work by artists experiencing homelessness Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK Cliff Hudson Sonic pioneer discussed his new memoir Master of None at Oklahoma History Center10/26/2020
OKLAHOMA CITY — Cliff Hudson, former longtime CEO and chairman of the board at Sonic: America’s Drive-In, joined Dr. Bob Blackburn on stage to discuss his new book, “Master of None” (Harper Collins), at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) on Friday, October 23.
This event was held both in person and virtually.
In this new memoir, Hudson challenges established thinking, offering counterintuitive career advice essential for every professional at all levels, whether just starting out or in the middle of a career. Hudson asks whether or not mastery is even necessary to succeed.
According to Hudson, most people do not need to be experts in their field. He believes the successful may know more than the average person about a particular topic, and they often possess a better-than-average ability with a particular skill set; but in his book, he makes clear that not everyone who is successful is an expert.
Hudson writes, “In today's technology-driven environment change is the only constant, including the nature of work and the skills required to do it. Over-investing in expertise is often riskier than learning to be adaptive and open to new knowledge, ideas and skills. Experience can also lead to overconfidence, yet we continue to deeply value the expertise ideal.”
According to a press release, in “Master of None,” Hudson “turns expertise on its head and shows that, by embracing variety and becoming more versatile, anyone can succeed and become more open to different opportunities in life.”
An attorney at Crowe & Dunlevy law firm, Hudson serves of counsel in the firm’s Oklahoma City office. In addition to leading the publicly held Sonic Corp. as CEO, he previously served the organization as general counsel, chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
During his tenure as CEO, Sonic’s systemwide sales increased from $861 million to $4.5 billion. In that time, he has been a frequent guest on Bloomberg News, CNBC and Fox Business News. In 2019, Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of Franchise 500 ranked Sonic as the #3 franchise opportunity in the country.
From 1994 to 2001, Cliff served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), a presidential appointment. His nomination was approved unanimously by the Senate Finance Committee and by acclamation of the United States Senate.
Hudson is a former trustee of the Ford Foundation (New York) and is a past chairman of the board of trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Cliff received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma with Phi Beta Kappa and President’s Leadership scholarships. His many honors from the University of Oklahoma, include the University’s Regents Award and an honorary doctoral degree in humane letters.
A graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, Cliff served as an editor of the International Law Journal (a publication of the Association of Student International Law Societies) and was a member of the legal honor society Phi Delta Phi.
He previously served as chair of the board of visitors for Georgetown University Law Center and was honored with its Paul Dean Award. He has also been awarded with the Georgetown Alumni Association’s highest honor — the John Carroll Award.
Hudson has supported the Oklahoma History Center since 1998, when it was in its planning stages. He served as the first president of the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center, donated funds to restore an original Sonic sign, funded a base for the bronze statue Unconquered, and agreed to donate the Sonic corporate collection to the museum.
The story of Sonic has been featured in the Oklahoma History Center for the past decade.
Pre-signed copies of the book will be available for purchase through the Oklahoma History Center Museum Store.
The current Oklahoma History Center opened in 2005 and is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. For more information about the OHS, visit okhistory.org.
Publisher's Note:
I regret that due to website challenges, this story – which was prepared in time for the original event – is posted late. Time references have been updated. Cliff Hudson, Sonic pioneer, discussed his new memoir, “Master of None,” at Oklahoma History Center Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
I recently spoke to a grassroots organization about why OCPA is encouraging Oklahomans to vote yes on State Question 805. After I spoke, the organization gave the county sheriff time to express his opposition to S.Q. 805. I don’t mind a debate, but I do think arguments should be expressed in good faith.
In his pitch, the sheriff began by acknowledging that something needs to be done — that some reform is necessary. He then pivoted and said he doesn’t think S.Q. 805 is the right reform.
I was left to wonder what reforms the sheriff and so many like him are willing to get behind. To be sure, plenty of individual law-enforcement officers and prosecutors (particularly those who aren’t elected) do favor — or at least don’t actively oppose — criminal justice reforms like S.Q. 805.
Still, when it comes to law-enforcement lobbying organizations, is there any substantive reform they have written, introduced, and lobbied for? Is there a policy that would decrease Oklahoma’s over-reliance on prisons that they wouldn’t fight at every turn?
These law-enforcement officials would have us believe they don’t make law, but just enforce it as written. But they are some of the most vocal and active lobbying groups in the state. How many criminal justice reforms have we seen fought by the District Attorneys Association, Sheriffs Association, and Fraternal Order of Police?
Here’s the thing: law enforcement can bring valuable insights to the table. Reformers should seek input from police, prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, the Department of Corrections, advocacy groups, and policy experts. Every group brings a different perspective. But some also have powerful incentives — they benefit directly from particular policies. Those within government (prosecutors and police) may see their power diminish with measures like S.Q. 805. As a think tank advocating limited government, OCPA’s goal is that government wields only as much power as is necessary to support public safety in accord with the moral cause of justice.
To the sheriff’s credit, he did mention that he would like to see front-end reforms designed to keep people from offending or re-offending. Presumably, he was referring to diversion courts or other programs designed to keep young people out of the criminal justice system. While I also support these programs, the legislature has a hard enough time passing criminal justice reforms that will save money. It is much more challenging when a reform requires significant investment.
Criminal justice is like a machine with many moving parts. The fact that S.Q. 805 only addresses one part of the system is not an argument against it. No reform, including S.Q. 805, is a magic wand that will fix everything about our criminal justice system. Should S.Q. 805 pass, other reforms will follow. I hope those who work in state and local government law-enforcement agencies will join us in shaping and advocating for those reforms.
It is easy for the local sheriff to voice support for reform. But unless such officials put their money where their mouth is, no one should give them the benefit of the doubt. I want to work with law enforcement to push reforms that promote public safety and limit government and that are fair for all Oklahomans.
Those who actively oppose State Question 805 owe it to the public to explain what substantive reform proposals they do support — and to champion them.
Note: Ryan Haynie serves as the Criminal Justice Reform Fellow for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. Prior to joining OCPA, he practiced law in Oklahoma City. His work included representing the criminally accused in state and federal courts. Ryan is active in the Federalist Society, serving as the Programming Director for the Oklahoma City Lawyer’s Chapter. He holds a B.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He and his wife, Jaclyn, live in Oklahoma City with their three children. This commentary was first posted at the OCPA website: https://ift.tt/35oYO0V. It is reprinted here, with permission. The commentary is also featured in the November 2020 print edition of The City Sentinel, an independent, non-partisan newspaper based in Oklahoma City.
My questions for law-enforcement opponents of State Question 805: A Commentary Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience was signed into law on December 19, 2014. Oklahoma launched the OKSTABLE Program on May 31, 2018.
An OKSTABLE Account is an investment account available to eligible individuals with disabilities. OKSTABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. OKSTABLE accounts are kind of like a savings account, kind of like a special needs trust and kind of like a 529.
How are 529 accounts and ABLE accounts alike?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account that can be used to pay for qualified education costs, including college.
An ABLE account is a tax advantaged account and can be used to pay for qualified disability expenses which can be related the person’s disability helps maintain or improve health independence or quality of life.
Some kids with 529 plans who have a disability may not go to college.
Tori is a Norman resident and a mom of a son who attends Norman High School. Tori’s son recently turned 18 and has a diagnosis of autism. Tori was asked why she would think about using OK STABLE accounts when her son currently has a 529 college savings plan.
“When we first got his 529 plan, he was a youngster and we had ambitions of him attending college.”
Tori continued, “As he got older and was approaching 18, his disabilities were still pretty significant, and we started investigating other plans that wouldn’t impact his services like his SSI and Medicaid.”
She said, “We were told to look at OKSTABLE accounts.”
With the STABLE account option, Tori’s son can pay for college if he still chooses to go or he can pay for any other expense that is qualified – which includes anything for health, independence and quality of life.
The STABLE program outline
“529 College Savings Account and 529A ABLE accounts are similar in that they both help to achieve financial readiness for future expenses, both have investment options, and both have unique tax advantages” explains STABLE Account Deputy Director Doug Jackson, “both are good tools.”
For a person with a disability, an ABLE account allows money to be used for broader spending, which includes all expenses related to health, independence, and quality of life. This is especially important if a person with a disability has money in a college savings account but does not plan on spending money in ways the college savings account allows.
“If this is the case”, states Jackson, “a rollover from a college savings account to an ABLE account allows the money to be used on a broader range of expenses without being penalized.”
Jackson reflected, “The ability to rollover a college savings account into an ABLE account provides one more way to make money work for the person with a disability.”
For information about OKSTABLE accounts, go to okstable.org
OKSTABLE minutes are videos about OKSTABLE accounts. To view a video on 529 rollovers go to youtube.com. You may also contact Ellyn Novak Hefner ChSNC at 405-640-9408 or ehefner@financialguide.com
OK STABLE accounts and 529 College Savings Plans Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma— The National Indian Health Board has recognized Muscogee (Creek) citizen, Lieutenant Commander Amanda Wyatt, as one of this year’s ‘Heroes in Health.’
The NIHB annually honors outstanding individuals, programs and organizations from across Indian Country whose service and work make a major contribution to improving American Indian and Alaska Native health.
Wyatt is an Advance Practice Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist who was selected for her leadership and contributions to the development of a COVID-19 emergency response hotline for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation [MCN] Department of Health.
She served as the sole point of contact for the hotline, providing real-time instruction and guidance on evidence-based practice recommendations, triage, consults, coordination of care, and community services directly related to the effects of COVID-19.
“It is with great respect as a Muscogee (Creek) citizen to receive this incredible honor from the National Indian Health Board,” Wyatt said. “I am grateful for my opportunities to serve Indian Country.”
Wyatt has since transferred into a new position with Indian Health Service as the Director for the Diabetes Center at the Mid-Atlantic Tribal Health Center in Richmond, Virginia.
MCN would like to congratulate and thank Wyatt for her service to all citizens within the Muscogee (Creek) Reservation and Indian Country.
Muscogee (Creek) citizen recognized for COVID-19 efforts – National Indian Health Board names Wyatt ‘Hero in Health’ Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK |
Pat McGuiganThe dean of all Oklahoma Journalism, Mr Patrick McGuigan; has a rich history of service in many aspects of both covering the news and producing the information that the public needs to know. Archives
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