Creativity for a Cause. A new homespun documentary, A Day in Our Shoes, is coming to Cox Communications. The purpose of the documentary is to help assist homeless individuals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa to regain their independence.
The highlights one very ordinary day in the lives of the homeless as they engage in normal day-to-day activities. A Day in Our Shoes allows for the world to relate to homeless as they partake in activities, and witness firsthand the survival methods bestowed upon the homeless.
The film is the brainchild of Antwone Taulton, who spent several weeks living the homeless lifestyle in search of the root of the homeless epidemic. The documentary is an up-close and personal portrait of some of the people Antwone encountered on his journey.
The film examines the inner workings of a community of homeless people who do not live in shelters or missions but rather make their homes on the streets. A Day in Our Shoes is available on the On Demand feature for all Cox Communications customers. Proceeds from the On Demand viewing and DVD sales will go to assisting the homeless in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Under New Management. The St. Gregory's University Board of Directors have chosen to hire D. Gregory Main as its 15th president. He replaces David Marker, Ph.D., who has been serving in the role on an interim basis since November 2009. Main, an SGU board member since 2008, will begin his duties as president on July 1.
Main is a Michigan native with Oklahoma ties. He has more than 40 years of experience in economic development, and comes to SGU after a two-year stint as president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. From 2003 to 2008, Main served as president and CEO of i2E, Inc. of Oklahoma City, a technology commercialization company focused on assisting entrepreneurial start-up businesses. From 1998 to 2002, he was a general partner with Chisholm Private Capital Partners, a $66 million venture capital firm in Oklahoma City, and beginning in 1994, a partner in Intersouth Partners of Research Triangle, N.C.
Main was appointed Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce in 1991, serving as the state's chief economic development officer. He designed and implemented initiatives including the award-winning Oklahoma Quality Jobs program and Quality Jobs Investment Act.
Much was accomplished in Marker's short tenure at St. Gregory's. This fall, new student enrollment increased by 31 percent -- a five year high. Five business programs (accounting, finance, management, marketing, and information system management) were added to the curriculum. The university also completed several improvement projects, including numerous landscape upgrades, a renovation of Benedictine Hall's west entrance area, and a refurbishing of the student residence halls.
Further information regarding St. Gregory's University can be found at stgregorys.edu or by calling 1-888-STGREGS.
Best of the Best. The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has awarded the BOK Center the 2011 Venue Excellence Award. This prestigious award is given annually to only one arena in the world and recognizes the best arena based on four criteria used to demonstrate the ways in which the venue has excelled in the management and operation of a public assembly venue. The criteria for the award includes: Operational Excellence, Teambuilding/Professional Development, Safety and Security, and Service to the Community.
Grand Land. Discoveryland!'s award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! has returned to the great outdoors for its 36th season in Sand Springs.
Named the "National Home of OKLAHOMA!" by the children of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Discoveryland!'s 2011 production boasts a cast of some of the most talented singers and dancers from all across America.
In addition to presenting OKLAHOMA! each evening, Discoveryland! also offers audiences a "Cattlemen's Ranch Dinner," free pony rides for the children, Indian dancing, a Tribute to the Pony Express and an exciting "Western Musical Revue."
OKLAHOMA! is performed nightly, Tuesday-Saturday, through August 3. For additional information or ticket reservations, visit discoverylandusa.com or call 918-245-OKLA. Children under 10 years of age admitted free.
  Oklahoma Dance Film Festival |
Movement at the Movies. The Oklahoma Dance Film Festival is accepting submissions for its 2011 festival, held October 13-16.
The only festival of its kind in Oklahoma, this unique screening series returns to Circle Cinema for the 5th year. The Oklahoma Dance Film Festival features choreography for the camera, dance documentaries and experimental shorts that emphasize movement. Dynamic short films that use movement as a medium for storytelling or visual spectacle should submit. Submission deadline is August 15. Visit okdancefilms.com for more information.
Life Lessons. In an effort to create safe, stable and happy families, Family & Children's Services (F&CS) will offer a free, six-week workshop series for couples and parents of children ages birth to 8. The "Within Our Reach" workshop series will be held Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm from July 20 to Aug. 24. Saturday sessions are offered July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10 from 9am-5pm.
"Within Our Reach" builds on couples' existing strengths to preserve and enhance love, commitment and friendship. Attendees will learn to work as a team to build a foundation for a strong relationship, practice communication and problem solving skills, explore the importance of fun and friendship and discover the power of their identity as a couple.
Couples will receive $50 cash if they attend all six sessions of the six-week workshop. Dinner and child care will be provided free of charge.
Saturday attendees will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 cash prizes, provided they attend the entire day. Light breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge, and $30 cash per family for child care is available upon request.
Engaged couples will receive a $45 certificate toward their Oklahoma marriage license upon completion.
Registration is required for the classes. Call 918-560-1377 or visit fcsok.org for more information.
Sweet Reminiscing. This summer, audiences can join the Downtown Country cast and honor a great tradition in country music -- the Grand Ole Opry. A Grand Ole Celebration retraces the Opry's beginnings as the WSM Barn Dance relives days spent at the historic Ryman Auditorium, rejoices in its renovation after the recent Nashville flood and revels in its continued success as the world's longest running live radio program.
River City Players will take music fans on a trip down a doo-wop memory land with their production of River City Classic: Hits of the '50s and '60s. The cast will revisit favorites from the golden age of rock 'n' roll. Audiences can also rock to River City Retro: Hits of the '70s and '80s. The Players pay tribute to bellbottoms and legwarmers, salute icons like Queen, Michael Jackson and the Bangles, and bring back cult classics like "Kung Fu Fighting" and "YMCA."
Shows runs June 16--Aug. 6. Shows are at the University Playhouse at 300 N. Muskogee Ave. in Tahlequah. The River City Players venue is the Shawnee Street Theatre at 124 W. Shawnee St. To reserve tickets call 918-458-2075. For more information visit nsuok.edu/si.