Thunder center welcomed faith accommodations
Arriving at Chesapeake Energy Arena in February and donning a Thunder jersey for the first time, Enes Kanter felt at ease.
At his request, the Oklahoma City Thunder organization had prepared a prayer room at the downtown arena specifically for him — an observant Muslim whose Islamic faith calls for obligatory prayers five times a day.
The Thunder center talked about the Thunder’s efforts to make him feel welcome during a recent reception held in his honor at the Oklahoma City home of Clayton and Marnie Taylor.
“They have really welcomed me here. The first thing the team did for me was they did a halal meal for me,” Kanter said. Halal foods are foods that are allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines.
“That was the first thing, and the second thing they did, where we play and where we practice, they gave me a praying room so I can go and pray. They were really respectful.”
COMMUNITY
WALK WILL BENEFIT FIGHT AGAINST MELANOMA
EDMOND —
Miles Against Melanoma Oklahoma Chapter will host its second annual 5k and onemile fun run and walk Sept. 12 at J.L. Mitch Park, 1501 W Covell Road. The event will raise funds and awareness for melanoma research. There will be activities for all ages and families, including raffles, refreshments, entertainment, vendors, giveaways and food trucks. To register, go to www. mamok.org or www. active.com.
PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE KIDS TO READ
NORMAN —
Norman Public Library West, 300 Norman Center Court, is bringing children and reading together in many ways. Story Time, for children up to preschool age and their caregivers, takes place at 10 a.m. each Tuesday the library is open. It features stories, music and games. The library’s “Sit, Stay, Read” program brings therapy dogs into the library to listen to young readers practice in a nonthreatening environment, with the goal of boosting the child’s confidence in reading. The dogs are at the library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. most Thursdays. For more information, call 701-2644 or go to pioneerlibrary system.org/home towns/norman-west.
ZOOFRIENDS TO GET PREVIEW
The Oklahoma City Zoo will treat ZooFriends’ members to a fun-filled day from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday. The day will include a preview of the new Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital, free admission to Stingray Bay, various rides, sea lion presentations, elephant presentations, Keeper Chats and more. Purchase or renew a ZooFriends membership during Appreciation Day and get a $5 discount. For more information, call 4250618.