OKC-area events, news: The Great Catsby; Back to School Bash; OCCC scholarship and more

Feline generous? How you can help some cats

This kitten adoption event is paws down, the best place to be for happy hour 5 to 7 p.m. July 31 at the Skirvin Hilton OKC, 1 Park Ave.

Bring your feline-fanatic friends to The Great Catsby, Kitten Happy Hour and Adoption Event for two hours of unlimited kitten snuggles while enjoying beverages and light hors d'oeuvres. No ticket required; donations accepted; "The Great Gatsby" era costumes encouraged.

The Skirvin will be offering a complimentary glass of wine (21+) to anyone who makes a donation to OK Humane, a cash bar with 10% of the proceeds going to OK Humane, and free valet parking. If a kitty steals your heart, you can adopt that evening.

For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/548166360685852.

Local charter school receives grant

John Rex Charter School is the recipient of a $40,000 grant from the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust. The competitive grant is awarded to individual schools or districts to assist with the purchase of education-targeted technology.

John Rex will use the funds to design a new science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) laboratory with the ability to do screen printing, embroidery, laser cutting, engraving and broadcasting.

The new STEAM lab is set to be complete for the coming school year. For more information, go to johnrexschool.org.

Devon opens first adaptive STEM Center in OKC

Students at Oklahoma City’s Special Care Inc. are the first in the country to experience an adaptive Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Center.

This unique program is provided through a partnership between Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

While the two organizations have installed over 100 STEM Centers together across the country, this is the first one designed specifically for children and young adults with special needs.

The experience at Special Care will help students hone their problem-solving abilities and stretch their imaginations.

The adaptive STEM Center includes innovative learning equipment like 3D printers, Snap Circuits, Ozobots and Bee-Bots.

For more information about Special Care, go to www.specialcareinc.org, follow at www.facebook.com/specialcareinc or on Twitter at @SpecialCareOKC, or call 405-752-5112.

Back to School Bash set for teachers

Teachers, school staff and their families are invited to the Oklahoma Museums Association's annual Back to School Bash from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Educators and museum staff will be on hand to answer questions about field trips, free teacher resources, special events and other opportunities for schools and students.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits. Door prizes will be presented to teachers with identification throughout the evening. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Admission to the event is free, but preregistration is required.

To register for the free event, go to https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/back-to-school-bash-educator/. For more information, contact jlodge@nationalcowboymuseum.org or call 405-839-7765.

Workforce summit set at OCCC

The Emerge Empowered Summer Summit 2023, a free and open to all Oklahoma professionals, will be an inspiring gathering dedicated to fostering multi-generational knowledge transfer, collaboration and innovation for actively shaping Oklahoma’s workforce.

The summit will bring business leaders and industry experts from companies like Google, Boeing, the Oklahoma State Chamber and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce together from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Oklahoma Community College Campus Visual Performing Arts Auditorium, 7777 S May Ave.

A complimentary lunch will be provided, registration is required. To register, go to https://nextgenunder30.com/2023summit/.

New scholarship available for OCCC students

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), in partnership with the Battison Family Foundation, announced the Battison Honda Automotive Technology Scholarship to support OCCC students pursuing a degree in Automotive Technology.

Through OCCC’s Automotive Technology program, students are primed to enter the work force upon completion of an associate’s degree or certification. The innovative automotive programs combine work in the classroom, lab activities, and practical on the job experience in industry approved work sites.

The Battison Family Foundation recognizes the importance of education and the value of skilled labor. By supporting this scholarship, the foundation continues to provide students with the resources they need to succeed in the automotive field.

For more information about Oklahoma City Community College, go to occc.edu

Greener pastures and local organizations helping beef producers

Norman — Continuing in their mission to serve and assist local beef producers, the Cleveland County Cattlemen’s Association is partnering with Cleveland County OSU Extension to host an informative beef event and ice cream social 5 p.m. Aug. 5 at Northcutt Farms, 9501 Duffy Road, Lexington. Registration is required and ends July 28.

The event will feature educational activities for all ages of producers ranging from a cow calving simulator, hay sampling, guessing bale weights, checking out technological tools on tractors, and the importance of collaborating on resources.

Burgers, hot dogs, refreshments, and homemade ice cream will be provided by the Cleveland County Cattlemen’s Association. For more information or to register, call the Cleveland County OSU Extension office at 405-321-4774.

To be considered for this column, please email news and events with photos two weeks in advance to DLindauer@Oklahoman.com

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City metro-area happenings: News and events