Community Spirit APR / MAY 2018

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Contents

APR / MAY 2018 PUBLISHER & editor  Tom McCloud 918-625-5324

FEATURES 8

CREATIVE Director  Ben Allen

Oklahoma Renaissance Festival Starts April 28

www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com

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Is YOUR Church Dying?

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Tulsa Hope Academy

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Can You Really Afford that Old Car?

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Augustine Christian School

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Political Endorsement - Sheila Dills for State House

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“The Brain and Central Nervous System Point to a Creator”

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Regent Christian Academy Moves High School to

Distribution Community Spirit Magazine is distributed to churches, schools, restaurants, Christian bookstores, and other businesses. Call us today to deliver to your church. Community Spirit Magazine is published monthly by McCloud Media.

Channel 47 Building 25

An American in Paris Comes to Tulsa

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Good Samaritan Health Services to Hold Gala

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Dr. James Webb, Healing Backs and Broken Hearts

Healthy Smiles Dentistry

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ACT Financial Services

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Premier Financial Services

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Claims by advertisers and the opinions of writers within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of Community Spirit Magazine or its publisher, Equipment Publications, Inc. Philippians 2:1-2 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Our Mission: 1. Build Community – Develop a sense of community among all local believers in Christ 2. Inspire Good Works 3. Support Families 4. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CommunitySpiritMagazine

COLUMNS 22

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom McCloud, Randy Cowell, Justin Cowell, Kristy Hicks-Hill and Lori Frazee, DDS

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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My Life is Here in Tulsa

Karen Larsen, News Anchor for Channel 2

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aren Larsen is just like you, someone you would enjoy meeting for a cup of coffee. Surprised? Neither was I. Somehow, after seeing her on the news for the last 30 years, I sensed she would be just as friendly and sincere in person as she appears to be on camera. I was right. It is not always that way. Within the broadcasting world packed full of ambitious, scratch-for-the top television personalities, it is refreshing to find someone like Karen, “your next-door neighbor” type of person. Just as comfortable talking about the latest DYI project she has just tackled at home, as she is talking journalism, Karen is delightfully “normal.” You would like her. In her early college days, she thought she wanted to be a veterinarian She loves animals and jokes that she has always taken in every stray that ever showed up at her doorstep. But after taking all the Latin, all the sciences, and all the math, during a visit at a local vet’s office, she suddenly found that she was more of a people person. This career plan was just not going to work. Instead, she found her calling one day when she tagged along with her father to a meeting at a television station in San Francisco. “I walked into the news room. There was breaking news going on and the room was full of excitement. They had the teletypes going, the room was full of the clickity-clack of type writers, shouting voices and I tell you, I just felt the unbelievable feeling of belonging. I wanted to be there. I looked at my father and said, ‘Dad, I don’t know what I want to do here, but I know I want to work in a news room. It gave me chills all over. I went home, researched it and never looked back.” Karen jumped in with both feet, studied hard and received her Journalism degree (Telecommunication with an emphasis in Radio and Television) from San Diego State University. After graduation, she took her first on-air job in Palm Springs. A short eighteen months later, she moved to a larger market in Sacramento where she worked as weekend anchor for three years. “I wanted to be a main anchor and there was no upward mobility there, so when my contract was up, they asked me if I would be interested in moving to Tulsa. I jumped at the chance. When I told my grandfather about the job, he said, ‘You know you are going home, don’t you?’ He went on to explain that our family first arrived in Oklahoma about 1895, years before statehood. Two brothers and two wagons came, one stayed in Kenwood– Peggs area, another to Southwest Oklahoma, Mountain View, Fort Cobb area. My great grandmother was born here and my grandfather and all siblings lived here until 1931. The typical ‘Dust Bowl’ family, they moved to California to find work. In

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fact, my grandfather and his brother missed Oklahoma so badly, they ran away and rode the rails all the way back here… at the ages of only 7 and 11. The two of them stayed with relatives for the summer, before going back to California.” “Going home,” Karen instantly loved Tulsa. In fact, she remembers one of the first things she said about Tulsa was that it looked like the perfect place to get married and raise a family. She didn’t know how prophetic that statement would turn out to be. She did just that. “I met my husband about ten months after I arrived. I wanted to do a story and he was working as an undercover officer at the time. He agreed to meet me. So, when I walked into the lobby of the station, there was a homeless person on one side and a uniformed officer on the other. I walked up to the uniformed officer and said, ‘Hello I am Karen’. He stood up and introduced himself as Police Chief, Drew Diamond. You can imagine how shocked I was when the homeless person stood up and said, ‘I am Officer Larsen’.” “It was not love at first sight by any stretch of the imagination. He had been stabbed in the arm by a drug dealer the night before, had this big bandage, and his hair was straggly. No, he was not my type… at all. So, we ended up doing two stories together. He kept asking me out and and I told him repeatedly that I do not date people I work with. ‘That is my personal line in the sand. I won’t do it,’ I insisted. Then, he invited me horseback riding. That was my weakness! So, I told him that If we went, we could ever work together again. He said, ‘I am good with that.’ We have been together ever since.” “Through the years, I have turned down some great offers, including one from CNN. Each time I would say, I am so honored by your offer, but I have married a Tulsa man and my life is here. Indeed it was. The entire Larsen clan lives within about a 2-mile square mile of each other.” Her husband, Dennis serves Tulsa as a Deputy Chief of Police and has been on the Bomb Squad for over 25 years. When I asked whether she worried about him, she said, “My husband is very smart and very well-trained. But perhaps most importantly, I believe that God holds our lives in His hands. And if it is your time, there is not one thing any of us can do to change that. I have a faith in God and in Dennis and that gives me a peace.” “I had two goals when I was a 20-something…to have a fulfilling career and a great marriage. That is why I chose to stay here in Tulsa because I could have both, and nurture both.”


Karen and Dennis have three, highly successful kids. Garrett is about to earn his PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Tulsa, Erin is a third-year medical student at the University of Oklahoma, and Micah is second-year medical student, also at the University of Oklahoma. Karen’s faith is very important to her. She describes her mom as being a very traditional who grew up Methodist. Karen was baptized in the Methodist Church as a child, but from the age of eight to eighteen, she describes her mom lovingly as “the eternal seeker.” “She took us to literally every church in town. I guess I have been to almost every church there is from Mormon, to Church of Religious Science, to Church of Christ, you name it. She was constantly trying to find a home. It gave me an appreciation for different faiths and when Dennis and I were married at Sharp Chapel, we knew we had to find a faith home. We decided to return to the Catholic Church, where he grew up…Christ the King.” Karen says, “Faith is one of the best qualities of Tulsa. The fact that you have that rock on which to stand makes us a stronger city. It allows us to weather disasters. It allows us to show compassion towards each other. Every time we have a tornado or a fire, or heaven-forbid a Police officer loses his life, to see the faith community rally around that family and community is the best part of us, the best part of Oklahoma. Our willingness to be open and loving and kind and generous to others whether they are of your

faith or not, is my favorite part of Oklahoma. At each of the tornados in Moore, I watched how the Salvation Army responded and how the Southern Baptists showed up with their trucks and chain saws. They just came up to a home and asked if they could help. Living their faith…it is absolutely God’s grace. Of all the people Karen has interviewed, one especially stands out. During her college years, she working as an intern at a local morning show when she met Louis L’Amour. “He was a big bear of a man who was just so warm and so kind and humble. I remember meeting him and thinking, ‘here he is the most famous Western writer in the world and yet he is one of the most kind, humble men I have ever met.’ That is how to live with success.” “You can be a success in this business without it going to your head. Early on, I decided that when people introduced themselves at my table or whatever, I would take it as a compliment. I reach out to them every day, but I don’t always get to hear back from our viewers. Now, every now and then, when I am at the grocery store with no makeup and just back from the gym, it is very tempting to say… Oh no, Karen Larsen is my cousin. But I don’t. I fess up and apologize for my appearance.” I was impressed with her answer. Tulsa is blessed to have Karen Larsen bringing us the news. For in good news or bad, it is great to have someone we can trust, someone who understands Tulsans. Karen Larsen is that kind of someone.

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Six Weekends of Merriment!

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klahoma is blessed with many things, but as Springtime is finally in full bloom and the warmth of Summer begins to show itself, one Oklahoma delight is the Annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival held in Muskogee. For eighteen years, Community Spirit has written about this fun event and for eighteen years, they have never failed to deliver exactly what we promised you…a creative good time for all. Where else can you let your imagination frolic back into such an interesting period of history? Where else can you pretend, with the help of an excellent cast of characters, that you are in England in the year 1569? We invite you to join us as we travel through time to the days of Knights and fair ladies as The Castle of Muskogee hosts a festival featuring the royal quest for knighthood, a fullcontact Jousting Tournament, Birds of Prey exhibitions, as well as travelling Acrobats! Unlike any festival you have ever attended, the Renaissance Fair embodies the science and arts of the times so ‘tis of no surprise that Queen Elizabeth has invited nobles, merchants, pirates and most importantly... YOU to celebrate! There is fun for the entire family and the folks at The Castle of Muskogee always have something new up their royal sleeve. This year, you are encouraged to prepare yourselves for the energy and entertainment of the Celtic corner! The Castle has several new entertainers inside the Cave for 2018. Groups include The Craic, who is back for the ENTIRE SEASON and Pictus, whom will set the beat for Scottish Weekend. Music the Gathering will also be joining the Cave lineup. Looking for entertainment for the entire family? Scotty Fox will delight and entertain the crowds from the Red Ram Stage. In addition to the newest performers, you will find all your favorites appearing on 1 of the 15 stages on the Castle grounds. Each weekend will host a special theme to celebrate the visiting Kings. To honor the history of 1569, Queen Elizabeth shall entertain royal suitors seeking her hand in marriage. Check out www.OKCASTLE.com for themes and events to coordinate with each weekend. Then, be prepared to play along. This is a fantastic opportunity for your entire family to dress the part and have some fun! The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival is proud to include new artists in Castleton! Located in the tournament area of the village, Siren Song Art creates beautiful pieces of Stained Glass. In the Castle Keepe, our newest masonry artist, Stone Wick, provides guests of the festival with a unique collection of statues, furniture and wall décor. With over 135 Merchants, there is truly something for everyone in Castleton. Hand carved toys and games

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to drinking chalices made of horns. The clothing is unique, the food is delicious and most importantly... the memories made are once in a lifetime! We hope you will join us for a great time at this year’s Renaissance Fair. For years, we have been raving about the entertainment value of this great festival. Maybe you have gone, but it has been a while and it’s time to go again. But, especially if you have never taken us up on the suggestion, we hope you will load up family and friends and head down to Muskogee for this grand affair. It will be a day you won’t soon forget. Dates and Hours: Saturdays & Sundays: April 28th-June 3rd, plus Memorial Day, Monday, May 28h, 10:30am-6pm (*Student Day May 4h, 9am 3pm*)
For more information on discounts & purchasing online tickets: okcastle.com
Like them on Facebook as The Castle of Muskogee or call them at 918-687-3625.


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Will YOUR Church Survive? By Tom McCloud

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anger: Please be advised that the world has suddenly changed. If your church doesn’t adapt, and adapt now, it probably won’t be here in 5 years.

Sound harsh? I mean for it to. Working as the publisher of Community Spirit for the last 18 years has put me in the unusual position of interfacing with churches of all brands, sizes and colors. As I have watched, surveyed and interviewed leaders, I have had a front-row seat to view all the changes to our local church culture. The Christian community is crazy different than when I first started the magazine in the year 2000. If you will remember back to that time, we were all wearing Christian T-shirts, had Christian bumper stickers, and couldn’t wait for the next Christian concert. I remember people actually jumping for joy to hear Tulsa had its own Christian community magazine. Every month, we would go through 20,000 magazines within the first week of delivery and people complained for more. Eighteen years later, the church landscape looks dramatically different. The big churches have gotten bigger and have already, or are in the process of, gobbling up the smaller ones, establishing satellite locations and spreading their “brand” even into communities outside Tulsa. Responding to the music and church model first made popular by LifeChurch, but now being mimicked by other large churches, members, especially young families, have left the traditional churches where they were raised. Putting away their denominational loyalties and traditions, they have left by the scores, embracing the “55-minute church service, no Bible class, but an occasional life group” model. And with their departure, they have left gaping holes in the traditional pews. As one minister recently told me, “All the young families have left. We have no way to compete. We try, but are down to around 100 mostly elderly members. It is just a matter of time until this once thriving church of 800, is forced to hand its keys over to one of the large brands.” Is your church in a similar position? Is this storm on your horizon?

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What can you do to fight back, to become “relevant” again? I interviewed Rodney James, Vice President of Business & Design, as well as a partner at Churches by Daniels Construction. Rodney served as a pastor for over twenty years before taking on the challenge of helping churches all over the country construct and/or redesign their buildings. He is considered to be an expert at helping churches adapt to the ever-changing church climate. This mass exodus of members from the smaller churches is something Rodney says has been happening for the last decade and a half, but is now changing at an exponential rate. He routinely pleads with church leaders to consider the following things to do if they want to survive. Our Methods Must Change “Paul said, ‘I have become all things to all people that we might win the more.’ It is not that our message should change, but rather the methods by which we reach this culture that must change. And, quite frankly, some of many of the smaller churches are just not willing to make those changes,” said Rodney. “I am currently working on a project in Texas where a very traditional church is selling to a more progressive one with a young pastor and a contemporary worship style. Down to sixty to seventy people, the traditional church just can’t manage the facility anymore. They don’t want to stray from their traditions and have said, ‘We are who we are and that’s what we will be until we are gone.’ It is sad, but their future is set. They will in fact, ‘be gone’ if they don’t change their methods.” Explaining this reality, Rodney says that the only way to reverse this trend is to learn from another church he is working with who recently purchased an older, traditional, mainline building. “They know they can’t leave that church building the way it is and reach today’s generation. They must update if they are going to reach families. The children’s ministries are in a basement and there is poor security… two issues that churches are facing from a facilities standpoint that have to be addressed if they have hope of reaching this generation.


Committed to Principle or Purpose? Rodney contends that when we grew up, we went to church on principle. “We went to church because we were committed to that church. We grew up in that church and our parents were still in that church. Today’s culture doesn’t do anything based on ‘principle.’ Instead, they do everything based on ‘purpose.’ So, why do they go to LifeChurch instead of a First Baptist, First Methodist, or First Presbyterian that hasn’t made the transition? Because churches like that have learned to minister to their children as a first priority. Two decades ago, churches put the focus on reaching adults and the kids got drug along. Today, kids are reengaged every twenty-two seconds when they are on their phone or iPad. We expect to be able to put them in a room and listen to twenty minutes of a Bible story, but today’s kids will not do that. In comparison, these new, thriving churches have created spaces full of color and life. The kids have an experience and want to get up and go to church.” Five Facility Musts for YOUR Church to Compete for Young Families 1. Create Curb Appeal – The most basic and inexpensive thing to do is to make sure your building is clean and well maintained. Nothing you do will be good enough if your paint is peeling and your grass isn’t mowed. 2. Gathering Space – Make sure you have plenty of space to connect. Churches today are not designed for the way they “look,” but rather are designed for how they “feel.” Is your space somewhere people feel like they can connect or want to hang out? 3. Children’s space – It depends on your situation, but normally, this should be the highest on the priority list. It must be clean, children-friendly…well-themed, with good security. Today’s parents will grade you tough on these points and are not likely to return if these needs are not met.

cation space we found so important two decades ago. We recently worked with a church that was an anomaly in this area and was holding tight to their Bible classes. The consultant told them they were not going to be able to sustain this model. Thus far, they are doing great, but it is unusual. In fact, their classroom building was the first we have built in seven years.” Small Group Space “There does seem to be small blip of a trend for churches to create spaces for small groups to meet…a living room type area with a glass wall leading into a playroom for the kids. This facilitates the challenge of a place for families with children to meet during the week and have sufficient room for children.”

4. Platform – The platform or stage communicates a lot about who you are as a church. You must create a warm, inviting space where people will feel like they are involved with the worship. The lighting and décor must be up-to-date and engage the congregation.

Time to Do Something! In the business world, the old adage is… “Change or Die.” It is harsh. It is sad. We want to hold on to our traditions and style. However, look around and examine the culture. Then, schedule a time to talk with the experts at Churches by Daniels Construction. They can help you chart a new path to ensure that your kids and grandkids will want to continue attending your church.

5. Restrooms – This is the last place churches want to spend money, but it can be one of the most often areas where you are judged most. Redecorate with new counter-tops, flooring and maybe new toilet partitions. Often, you will need to update to ADA standards. “As wrong as it seems, the bathrooms need to be just as warm and inviting as the worship space.”

For more information on how your church can meet the challenges of today’s changing culture... Contact: Churches by Daniels Construction www.churchesbydaniels.com 918-872-6006

Today’s Bible Class Rodney explained that it is a rare exception to find growing churches that still hold Bible classes. “With mom and dad both working and juggling soccer and all the other things, young families can rarely commit the 8-10 hours per week towards church activities like our parents did. Instead, churches have more like 2-3 hours per week to invest into the lives and make disciples. Because of this, most churches have moved to having worship…plus Life Groups. This model doesn’t require the 20,000 square foot of eduC ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Turning Potential Drop-outs Into College-bound Superstars Tulsa Hope Academy Fills the Gap

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evan Hopson was in crisis. As a 9th grader at Booker T. Washington, the world was crashing in on him. Suffering with severe asthma, multiple allergies, and stomach issues, he missed so many days of school, catching up seemed impossible. He repeated the 9th grade twice, yet still lacked the credits to move forward. The 17-year-old ninth grader thought, “Maybe I should just quit.” His mother, Vicki, recalls the situation like a bad dream. “Devan is a smart kid, but it was impossible for him to keep up when he was spending so much time in the hospital or doctor’s office. Living outside the district, Devan was on a transfer. However, Tulsa Public School policy states that if you miss ten consecutive days, they will revoke your transfer. We just didn’t know what to do. We begged for leniency and provided stacks of letters from doctors, but he was going to have to leave Booker T.”

Debra Mann (left). Vicki Hopson (right)

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“It wasn’t like he was being incorrigible. Devan is a well-mannered young man. He was just caught in this cycle, unable to dig his way out. It would be such a waste if he didn’t continue his education. I come from a family of educators. My mom taught school for 40 years and my grandmother and uncles were all educators. The standard for our family was that you graduate high school and then you go to college. I was heartbroken to think that my son, so smart


Vicki Hopson, Devan Hopson 18, Lee Turner 15, Adrienne Turner 15 and with such a beautiful spirit, was giving up,” said Vicki. Then, Devan’s counselor suggested Tulsa Hope Academy. “I had never heard of it before, but I agreed to check it out. I met with Miss Debbie (Debra Mann, the Executive Director) and was immediately impressed. Her spirit is so positive, it just knocks you over. After meeting her and seeing the school, I was convinced. THA wasn’t like any school I had ever seen. Instead of desks and traditional classrooms, it has couches, restaurant-style booths, and even a pool table. But it was more than that. The climate of the place was welcoming, encouraging and uplifting. I knew instantly, this is where my son needed to be. I began to think there was indeed hope on the horizon.” “But then, the reality hit me. This is a private school. How in the world am I going to be able to pay the tuition? I wasn’t working outside the home and I had 5 kids. I was crushed. I needed him to go here, but how? Miss Debbie told me about the Opportunity Scholarship Fund, a unique program the Oklahoma legislature passed which allows people to receive tax credits for donating to the scholarship fund. It was designed exactly for kids like Devan…kids who needed more individual help than they can typically get in the public school, but who can’t afford a private education. The OSF has turned out to be a miracle, not only for Devan, but also for his brother, Lee and sister, Adrienne. So now, three of my children go to THA and my youngest is begging to someday go there. We couldn’t do it without the Opportunity Scholarship Fund. I am so grateful the program exists so my kids can continue their education. They are smart, good people. They are going to be part of this community in the future and I want them educated. Productivity, creativeness, character…THA fosters all those things and OSF provides the financial pathway for them to be here. Tulsa Hope Academy + OSF = Success for my Kids!”

completely catching up over 2 years of credits in only 12 months. Miss Debbie helped him test out of some of the credits and class by class, subject by subject, he gained his confidence back. Now, he is scheduled to graduate in May and he plans to attend Tulsa Tech’s Sound Engineering program. It is an amazing story, especially when you understand that all of this success came during a year of difficult challenges for the family. A house fire destroyed their kitchen. Without insurance, Vicki and her family had no idea what to do. But the school and the community stepped in to help. God worked through the hearts of people to be “the hands and feet of Christ” to hurting people. “The kitchen is the heart of our home. In rebuilding it, you might say that God ministered to the heart of our family. Tulsa Hope Academy is a special place. We have “hope” to move forward again,” Vickie said with a tear in her eye. Tulsa Hope Academy is a faith-based, non-profit 501c3 committed to bringing excellent educational opportunities to urban youth in the greater Tulsa area. It is a technology-driven, teacher facilitated, student-centered secondary school founded in 2005 as the “Hope4Kids” pilot program to address the escalating dropout rates in the Tulsa community. In June 2009, just four years later and a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to the cause, Tulsa Hope Academy hit a major milestone by achieving full accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation (NCA/CASI) and the Oklahoma Private School Accreditation Commission(OPSAC). Learn more about the school and about the Oklahoma Scholarship Fund at www.TulsaHope.org. The school is located at 223 E. 8th Street, in the PowerHouse Building of First Presbyterian Church. The phone number is 918-398-8192.

After only one year at THA, Devan was able to make huge strides, C ommu n ity sp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Can YOU Afford Your OLD CAR? Still Driving Old Technology? Here’s a Look at what You are Missing…

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ob Dylan said, “The Times, They Are A-Changin’. I should have pulled up his old song as I drove my 2002 Yukon up to visit with long-time Community Spirit Magazine supporter, Kevin Grover GMC/Buick in Wagoner. As I drove through the lot full of the beautiful new vehicles, I thought about what a great vehicle my GMC Yukon has been. At 250,000 miles and still going strong, it has probably been the best purchase I have ever made. However, maybe it is time to replace it, not because of anything mechanical, but rather because of what I am missing. After all, automobiles have come a long way in sixteen years and with all the new technology… Could it be true that maybe I really can’t afford to drive my old car? So, if you are like me and have been in a time warp and resistant to upgrade your vehicles, here is a brief view of just some of the things we are missing. Kevin Grover just grinned when I asked him what all had changed since I purchased my GMC Yukon from him sixteen years ago. “Have you heard of the Apple iPhone™, he asked with a chuckle? That probably ushered in the greatest change for today’s vehicles. We are a connected society and the automobile companies want to help you stay connected. For instance, all GM vehicles are now Wi-Fi capable. That means you can operate up to seven devices at the same time to check your email, surf the web, download music and videos, all without eating up your phone’s data. In fact, you have the ability to purchase unlimited data plans for around $20 per month.” “But that is just the beginning. You can also use either Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™, so your phone screen is displayed on the color touch screen in the dash. This makes it really easy to use your maps from your phone or you can also purchase the navigation system. You can plug in your smartphones, tablets and/or laptops, or go Bluetooth™ and audio stream.” Kevin explained that the connectivity also allows you to be completely hand-free for calling and voice control. Make calls while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. With just the push of a button, say the name of any contact from your phone book and the system will dial the number for you. And, natural Language Voice Recognition also allows you to access radio stations, play your music and more with simple voice commands.

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Want the security of knowing someone is there should you ever have a wreck or service problem? Check out the OnStar that gives you access to live advisors 24/7 who can send help your way, give you turn-by-turn directions and maneuver around traffic jams before you get stuck. “Our Buick and GMC vehicles have mobile apps which allow you to control many of the car’s features from your mobile device. You can locate your vehicle, remote start your engine or do weekly or monthly maintenance checks such as assess your oil life, review your tire pressure or keep an eye on your fuel economy,” he said. New Safety Features: Kevin explained that not only are today’s vehicles typically safer, with better crash resistance and increased safety bag protection, there are plenty of new gadgets which could help avoid accidents altogether. Adaptive cruise control and front crash avoidance technology uses front radar sensors to automatically slow you down if you are coming up too fast on another vehicle or obstruction. There is also a pedestrian breaking feature which automatically applies the brakes should a pedestrian begin to step in front of you. Other safety features include alerts on your side view mirrors when someone is coming up on your blind spot, and lane departure alarms when you are drifting out of your lane. Even before you get out of the parking lot, technology is making you safer. In many vehicles, cameras provide not only a clear backup view, but also a 360-degree surround vision. Guidance lights even show you which direction you are turning the wheel. And in some cars like the Buick Lacrosse Premium 2 level model, the car will actually self-park, allowing all of us who never mastered that parallel parking maneuver to never have to sweat parking downtown again. And, of course, for all the technology features you see, there are a dozen more improvements under the hood. New 8, 9, and 10-speed auto transmissions are increasing fuel mileage and performance; push button electronics are replacing cables and linkages; and push-button technology is even eliminating the gear shifter, allowing you more room and making the ride dramatically quieter. Finally, there are increasingly more options should you be interested in the advanced fuel mileage of hybrid vehicles. Available even in some large pickups, hybrid technology is proving to be a hit in the GMC Sierra 1500.


So, with all the features that will improve communications, safety and enjoyment for my family, can I really keep driving 2002 technology? Maybe it really is time to invest in something new. Now, the only problem is making a decision on which great GMC and Buick model to purchase. Thankfully, I can trust Kevin Grover to help “steer” me toward the best choice for me and my family. He can help you too! I highly recommend him. Kevin Grover Buick|GMC is located in Wagoner, OK . Visit grovergm.com or call (800)375-9464 for more info or to setup a test drive today.

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A Place to Call “Home” Augustine Christian Academy Receives High Marks on Love

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n this world where brand loyalty often gives way to “it’s all about me” consumerism, it is refreshing to encounter someone overtly passionate about “their place to call home.”

Meet the Jennings’, a family not just proud of the emblem on their school uniform shirt, but instead, totally committed to the “school family” they do life with at Augustine Christian Academy. The Jennings are “all in.” Not only do all four kids attend, but mom and dad are involved as well. Cole is a Sophomore, Levi is in 8th Grade, Shurabe is in 7th Grade, and Hope is in 2nd Grade. Their mom, Beth, now heads up a group of hard-working volunteer moms, affectionately called, “The Hen House,” that continually works to bless the teachers with fun snacks, special “thank you” luncheons, and Thursday morning meetings to lift up the school in prayer. Their dad, Brian volunteers as well. As the lead minister at Highland Park Christian Church and as a respected author of books on how to spiritually lead your family, Brian brings wonderful pastoral perspective and experience as he volunteers to do everything from serving as a Charger Roundtable chaperone (an annual school retreat), to volunteering to help behind the scenes at ACA’s incredible musicals. Brian says he first heard about Augustine Christian Academy while officiating the wedding for Julie (Mains) Likins, one of the school’s graduates. “We got to talking about where Shurabe should attend school. I remember Julie saying, ‘You ought to check out ACA.” And so, I decided to follow her suggestion. Brian remembers that first tour at ACA like it was yesterday. “We took our youngest daughter, Hope, with us. She was probably 2 or 3 at the time. When we walked in, Mr. Post or somebody gave us a little tour and talked to us, and that was all good. But, what I remember most is that one of the high school students got down on their knee and talked to Hope. We left there thinking, ‘What high school kid does that and shows interest in our little kid?” “Impressed, we made the decision to have Shurabe attend ACA for her 2nd Grade year. A few months into the school year, her teacher, Mrs. Ahrens, came to us and asked, ‘What would you think about Shurabe hanging out with me once a week for some tutoring?’ When we asked how much that would cost, she responded with ‘Oh, nothing, I just want to do it.’ And again, we were like…’who does that?’ ‘Of course. Yes! That would be great!,’ we responded. At that point in our lives, life was so chaotic. Any help we got was such a blessing, like a glass of water. Trying to help her academically felt overwhelming for us. ACA was already blessing our lives.” After Shurabe finished that first year at ACA and was doing great, the Jennings started thinking. Their oldest, Cole, was getting ready to hit 6th grade, so his schooling was going to change, no matter what. They felt that maybe this was the time to transition all of their children over to ACA.

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To move from public to private all at once is a pretty big financial leap. But a blessing from a family member made it possible to consider the move to placing all of their children at ACA. The decision was life-changing for the family. “ACA feels like home. You could probably package a lot of things under that umbrella, so that would include the teachers who have invested in them in more ways than just a teacher giving them a B+ when they may have deserved a B-. They are much more than that. They have actually spoken into the lives of all of us in some way.” There are many special advantages to attending ACA, Brian explained. “The performing arts is one of them, especially for Cole. It has provided a way of building confidence and giving him some hands-on ability that at least he can have fun with later in life. He would have never had the courage to get up in front of people without that prompting.” Five years into their journey at Augustine, the Jennings are more committed than ever. “We are very happy with the academics and our kids are on a really good learning track. We love that they are learning scripture and scriptural values. We love that they are learning how to think. But maybe what we love most is that they/ we have “a family” here.” Maybe you too, should…Check it Out?


Our Mission To assist Christian parents in fulfilling the Biblical mandate to educate their children for the glory of God. To train young minds to learn, reason, and persuade from a distinctively Christian perspective. To examine the world and all human endeavors in the light of Holy Scripture. To provide for the development of all staff members for the purpose of achieving our educational goals. Augustine Christian Academy is located at 6310 East 30th Street in Tulsa. You may learn about the school at www.acatulsa.org. Call 918-832-4600 to schedule a tour or to have your student shadow at this amazing school.

To be used of God to reclaim our culture for His Kingdom and Glory.

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Community Spirit Endorses Sheila Dills
A “Get Something Done” Candidate for House District 69

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t the time of this writing, the big story on everyone’s mind is the massive public school walkout teachers are planning and the other state employees are planning to strike. The average citizen grows impatient, as they particularly watch the Oklahoma House of Representatives to see if any agreement can ever be reached to pass a budget that would prevent this disaster from happening. Catching most of the blame, are a group of legislators who voted “No” on a package of reform and revenue raising measures called “Step Up Oklahoma.” Chuck Strohm from House District 69 is one of those members, who are seemingly unwilling to put Oklahoma first. Meanwhile as we head deep into the second year without a budget, state agencies continue to cut critical services and scream for someone “to do something!” Sheila Dills, a community activist and founder of a non-profit for At-Risk Youth says she watched from the sidelines until she just couldn’t stand it any longer. Like the teachers, the state employees and seemingly, the majority of the voters (we will see anyway), she is willing to serve and use a mixture of common sense and effective people skills to break this deadlock that continues to send Oklahoma’s services even further into a downward spiral. Running against the 2-term incumbent, Representative Strohm, she is pledging to raise the bar on true representation, to politely return phone calls and emails, accept differences of opinion with graciousness, and work to build consensus. It is not about my opinion, it is about what this district values and wants,” she insists.

Determined to help solve the education crisis, Sheila notes the importance of common education to our community. “There are 38,000 people in the district and a very high percentage of folks are touched by education. There are 20,000 students, teachers and administrators attending or working at the Jenks and Bixby Public School systems. We are blessed with strong parental and community involvement in the Jenks and Bixby school systems and this has enabled them to do things that other school systems don’t have the resources to do. Still, we are losing teachers because of the low teacher pay and school administrators are concerned that if these cuts continue, they won’t be able to sustain the high standards our district has enjoyed.” “It is amazing to me how politician’s justify a position. One such bit of propaganda I hear repeatedly is that schools in our district are inefficient. At Jenks, a recent audit came back with no requirements and a disbursement contracts review came up with only a small $350 finding out of $144 million for Fiscal Year 17. By state law, school districts the size of Jenks must hold under a 5 percent administrative cap. Jenks currently spends only 3.15 percent on administration.” Pro-business and desperate for growth, Sheila Dills contends that we must have a highly educated workforce to compete. Dedicated to getting Oklahoma off high center, she pledges to use her strong communication skills, passion for efficiency, and respect for others, to make a lasting difference at the State Capitol. Oklahoma needs people like Sheila Dills. Community Spirit Magazine is proud to endorse her as our next State Representative to District 69. You can learn more about Sheila Dills at www.VoteSheilaDills.com or on FaceBook at Sheila Dills for State House District 69.

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“The Brain and Central Nervous System Point to a Creator”

Local Neurologist Opens Practice with a Christian, Holistic and Effective Listening Approach to Health Care

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ithin the medical community, Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez MD is admired for his medical knowledge, training and diagnostic ability, but ask his patients, and they are probably more likely to tell you about how they admire the way he sits and listens to them, hanging on every bit of information while gathering, considering, diagnosing and helping them with their medical challenges. His office is not typical of this normally fast-paced, see-as-manypatients-as-you-can medical world. Instead, it has a warm atmosphere, maybe reminiscent of the office of that family doctor you had when you were a kid. After years of the fast pace, Dr. Gonzalez “down-sized,” in order to offer a more holistic approach to neurology. Wanting to offer a full arsenal of treatment options for his patients, he longed for the ability to try naturopathic solutions before automatically prescribing the more traditional, allopathic drug regimens. “I want to be holistic in my approach because there are a lot of things that have been developed in the form of nutrition therapy that have excellent therapeutic advantages. The problems we have with natural methods is that they don’t have the research support of the pharmaceutical industry. But, I assure you that in certain categories, many come very close and should be formally studied by the FDA for clinical use. For instance, within the National Parkinson’s Foundation, back as far as the early 90s, we have been using amino acids as a first step in treating tremors.” Amino acids are metabolized into inhibitory neuropeptides in the brain are effective at reducing tremor. For example, amino acids like L-Threonine can be converted into GABA in the brain which can produce an inhibitory effect which suppresses tremor. “In mild tremor, it was often our first treatment option. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it is worth trying,” he explained. Dr. Gonzalez is fascinated with the intricate workings of the brain. But when he became a Christian, he understood those intricate details had to be the result of a Designer. “It is such a unique system. Just to give you an idea, consider this. There about as many nerve cells in our brain as there are stars in the Milky Way Galaxy…around 10 to the 11th power. Now, the male brain is about 14 percent larger than the female brain. In fact, it weighs about 200 grams more. However, each brain is designed for a different purpose. Yes, the male brain is larger, but the female brain is more interconnected and runs more efficiently. I find this curious. I think it explains how well designed we are and what specific purposes and roles we have. It takes a very special force to be able to do something like that. It just could not happen by coincidence. If I have as many cells in my brain as there are stars in the galaxy, and keep in mind that there are trillions of galaxies not bil-

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lions, my little brain cannot fully understand creation. I must avail myself of a higher power to be able to surmount these gaps. To me, this automatically states that there is a God.” Dr. Gonzalez is in a position to see spectacular advances ahead in the field of neurology. “We are learning a lot about genetic diseases and how to adjust our treatment to specific genetic problems and disorders of metabolism. We are going to learn a lot more about how the basic bio-chemical structure of our metabolism affects how our genes work and what we can do early on to prevent diseases from developing that are more driven by congenital factors. Also, we are understanding more about the epi-genetics of how the environment and nutrition can affect how our genes work and


how our body functions. We are also learning more about head injury, not only to prevent them, but also to treat when it does occur. There are great advances in the development of medications that can suppress seizures and even more advances in our ability to do surgeries with lasers… basically with light intensity, knock out disease once we have located it. There are treatments which have been around for at least two decades, but which have in recent years, been greatly enhanced. For instance, the way we handle stroke today, compared to just ten years ago, has improved by great magnitudes. Today, we can remove certain strokes when they deform certain vessels and we are getting better at reaching out to strokes in smaller vessels using treatments that are very effective at helping to dissolve clots, provided we intervene within a certain time limit. I also think there have been great advancements in the treatment of migraines since the time of my career. Today, I have many more options to treat patients with migraines right from my office. I don’t even have to use the emergency room as much as I did before.” Dr. Gonzalez says that it is always best for your Family Practitioner or Internal Medicine doctor to refer you to a neurologist. When asked what he wishes people would stop ignoring, he quickly answered, “To control their Diabetes, high blood pressure and to quit smoking.” To learn about this unique neurology office, visit www.tulsaneurospecialists.com or ask your doctor to refer you to Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, Tulsa Neurospecialists, behind Mahogony’s and Old School Bagel at 5010 East 68th Street, 918-236-5881.

OUR AIM is to serve the neurological needs of persons with: • Migraines including vascular and muscle tension headaches • Seizures • Traumatic brain injury • Neuropathies • Neck and back pain • Movement disorders • Dementia • Neurological manifestation of stress • Multiple sclerosis • Trigeminal neuralgia

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“I Only Want What My Dental Insurance Pays!”

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oo often as dentists we hear patients say, “I only want what my dental insurance pays!” My goal with this short article is to help you better understand how dental insurance works and to illustrate that dental insurance does not have your oral health in its best interest. If the dentist was to base his or her treatment recommendations solely on what dental insurance covers, the result would be detrimental to the overall dental health of patients. The first term to understand is insurance maximum. An insurance maximum is the agreed upon total amount that the insurance will pay for your dental needs in a given year. On average, insurance maximums cover just enough to keep a healthy mouth healthy. If a patient shows up to the dental office with existing oral health problems, he or she will most certainly have to go outside of their benefits package to return their mouth to a healthy state. Having dental benefits can make receiving the dental care you need easier, but it is important to realize that most dental plans will not cover all of the dental procedures that may be recommended to you. It is imperative to understand what your dental benefit plan will cover, but ultimately it is most important that your treatment be determined by you and your dentist and not by the amount of dental benefit coverage you have.

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Your dentist does not play a role in the amount of dental coverage you receive. The majority of dental plans share treatment costs with you, and the amount of those costs are typically determined by what your employer and the plan provider agree upon. Employers will generally choose to cover some but not all of employees’ dental expenses. The dentist’s job is to diagnose and inform you of your dental problems and the solution, but not every aspect of the solution will be covered by your dental insurance. In sharing costs with you the patient, insurance plans will put cost control measures in place. These may include deductibles, co-payments, pre-existing condition clauses, least expensive alternative treatment options and plan frequency limitations. All of these will affect the out-of-pocket cost for your dental treatment. Although you may be tempted to base your dental treatment decisions on your benefit package, it is important to make your dental health the top priority. Talk with your dentist to make sure you are getting the full amount of necessary treatment to return your mouth to optimum dental health.


Regent Preparatory School Adds New High School Building Remodeling the Channel 47 Building

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xciting things continue to happen at Regent Preparatory School. What started as a 60-student Pre-K through 3rd grade school in the year 2000 has grown year by year, now graduating top-ranked, college-bound seniors. Continuing to grow into its beautiful campus at 86th and Memorial, they have recently purchased what once was the KWHB-TV 47 building (now partially hidden behind the new Jackie Cooper Infiniti dealership). The 36,000 square foot building was originally built by the Christian music star, Carmen, back in the early 80s. Approximately 125 high school students, Grades 9 through 12, will call the building home by the start of the 2018-19 school year. “This acquisition allows us to continue our growth and it will be renovated in a way that reflects the classical, Christian education that we pursue,” explained Andy Shapleigh, Regent’s Headmaster. Shapleigh outlined the school’s plans to build a sidewalk and lowwater crossing uniting the building with the beautiful 26-acre campus. The building will overlook the baseball diamond, football/ soccer field, science building, and 25,000 square foot gym. “The building will provide 12 new classrooms along with administrative space, coffee bar, outdoor patio, and a large studio space that will not initially be renovated. The studio area will be used as gather-

ing space during the first year as we see how best to utilize it.” Shapleigh said. Regent has developed a strong reputation in academics, arts, and athletics, providing students opportunities in all areas in which they have talent. They joined the OSSAA in 2014 and now compete in various classes depending upon the sport. Scoring well on and off the field, you can count on any Regent Ram to do his/her best to show excellence in everything, often quoting Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Congratulations from Community Spirit! Continue to grow, listening to God’s calling and dreaming BIG dreams!

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I Take Thee

Financial Advice for Those Starting Out in Marriage

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aving three decades of experience counseling couples, here is a little fatherly financial advice to those about to embark on the journey of marriage. There are several steps a couple can take during the engagement period and even into their marriage that can greatly increase their chances for success. COMMUNICATE FOR A SMOOTHER TRANSITION

“Approximately 31% of all couples—even the happiest ones—clash over their finances at least once a month.”

Communication is, in my opinion, the most important ingredient in a successful marriage. Speaking from Ameriprise study on couples nearly 30 years of experience, and money (June/July 2016) I can honestly say poor communication has caused me to spend more than one night on the sofa. In Gary Chapman’s book Covenant Marriage-Building Communication and Intimacy he discusses the importance of engaging in quality “intellectual communication” with your spouse. When it comes to finances, extra attention should be paid to “Discussions on household the level and type of comfinances lead to argumunication being used. In ments among 45% of the Larry Burkett’s book Money general population, 44% Matters for Newlyweds, in of affluents, and 72% of the first chapter entitled young professionals” Communication (you can see the importance he places TD Bank Love & Money Study on this subject), he writes, (June 2015) “Many couples talk at each other about money but few really talk about money in a way that allows both to voice their true feelings.” For many years, money and financial matters have been the number one culprit mentioned as the leading cause of divorce. I highly recommend “Couples who regularly both books for those contalk about money are haptemplating marriage, or for pier in their relationships anyone recently married. than those who discuss finances less frequently.” DON’T BE NAÏVE TD Bank Love & Money Study When two individuals come together to unite as (June 2015) one, it is sometimes a challenge to get their finances coordinated. Remember, when the marriage certificate is official there are legal responsibilities attached. Understanding the other partner’s debt situation ahead of time might reveal a red flag or at least send up a caution signal. To fully understand the financial circumstances, each fiancée should request a credit report. Since opposites do attract, it is not uncommon for one person to be a saver and the other to be a spender. Because of these propensities, one individual might have acquired an inordinate amount of debt that needs to be addressed prior to

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marriage. I have witnessed extreme cases of debt that caused a delay in the marriage. One was so sever the marriage was eventually called off completely. Each individual should underTD Bank Love & Money Study stand what they are about to (June 2015) acquire in the way of assets and liabilities. Don’t be naïve and remember for any relationship to last it must be built on a foundation of honesty. If either party is reluctant about sharing their “More than a third of mildebt picture, perhaps counlennials in relationships seling could help. Proverbs (36%) fight about money 10:9 puts it this way, “He at least once per week, who walks in integrity walks compared with 15% of securely, but he who pergen Xers (ages 35-54), verts his ways will be found and 7% of baby boomers out.” The saying “love is (ages 55+).” blind” seems to be magnified when finances are concerned. TD Bank Love & Money Study Communicate and know the (June 2015) facts before you embark on a lifelong plan of commitment. If there is a problem, it is always better to discover it sooner than later. BE HONEST “83% of millennials believe their significant other overspends in some way, compared with only 63% of all respondents.”

“American couples typically bring the largest levels of debt into relationships (51%) while most couples in Italy and the Netherlands say they have no debt.” Recession Ignites Financial Discord Among U.S. Couples (Jan. 27, 2009)

A study by scientist Jay Zagorsky suggests that “money is consistently cited as one of the biggest areas of concern for married couples born between 1957-1962.” The news is bad, but what makes it more alarming is that many couples don’t want to admit there is a problem.

Additional information concerning budgeting, debt management, or any of the other areas discussed in this article can be obtained by contacting Randy by email at rcowell@htk.com or by phone at (918) 664-0081.

RANDY C. COWELL, M.S., LUTCF, CFP®, CRPC® ACT Financial Services, Inc. Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the author of “God GoodDebt Bad”. Randy welcomes your thoughts and prayers. He can be reached at 918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com. “Randy C. Cowell is a registered Representative of and Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Hornor Townsend and Kent, Inc Registered Investment Advisor. HTK is a member of FINRA/SIPC and does not offer tax, legal and credit service advice. The views expressed are not necessarily those of HTK. ACT Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with HTK.”


Friday, April 13 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased via phone 918.596.7111 or 800.364.7111, in person at the Tulsa PAC Box Office, or online at MyTicketOffice.com. Groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 918.796.0220. Ticket buyers are reminded that for Celebrity Attractions’ productions, the Tulsa PAC Ticket Office and Celebrity Attractions are the only official retail ticket outlets and the only way to guarantee that you are paying face value for legitimate tickets for all performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should also be aware that the Tulsa PAC Ticket Office and Celebrity Attractions are unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and are unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

NATIONAL BROADWAY TOUR OF AN AMERICAN IN PARIS TAKES THE STAGE JUNE 19 – 24 AT TULSA PAC ***TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 13***

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elebrity Attractions brings the most awarded new musical of 2015, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for eight performances only June 19-24. The Tony® Award-winning production’s tickets go on sale to the public Friday, April 13 at 10 a.m. Inspired by the Academy®-Award winning film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Directed and choreographed by 2015 Tony® Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and a book by Craig Lucas.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS concludes the Celebrity Attractions’ 20172018 Broadway Season. Celebrity Attractions is proud to have KOTVNews on 6 and Tulsa World as sponsors for this amazing season. Celebrity Attractions is pleased to announce its 35th Anniversary 20182019 Broadway Season in Tulsa. The season includes the return of Tulsa’s most popular musical, WICKED, the spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera with LOVE NEVER DIES, Broadway’s funniest and longest-running play THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, an irresistible slice of musical theatre heaven with WAITRESS, the joyous classic to raise a cup to with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and the season concludes with HAMILTON, making its Tulsa debut. For more information, please visit www.CelebrityAttractions.com and www.AnAmericanInParisBroadway.com.

The score of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.” AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four 2015 Tony® Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Best Musical, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and two Theatre World Awards. The musical was included on the Year’s Best lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, the Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy® Award. About Celebrity Attractions Celebrity Attractions is a Tulsa based company that has become a nationally recognized leader in the Broadway industry by presenting six Broadway Seasons in a four-state region, serving in key roles in Broadway trade organizations and associate producing 30 Broadway Shows. Celebrity Attractions has built one of the nation’s most highly successful Broadway Seasons in Tulsa and is proud to have an average annual impact on the local economy of more than $40 million. Celebrity Attractions is committed to presenting the Best of Broadway and more and enriching the communities they serve. Welcomed by ONEOK and presented by Celebrity Attractions, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for eight performances only June 19 – 24. The performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale C ommu n itysp ir itma ga zin e.c om

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Protecting and Preserving Your Business for the Future— The importance of business succession planning

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uilding a successful business takes commitment, dedication, and a lot of hard work. And like anything of value, it must be protected – but not only against current risks such as fire or theft, but also against less tangible hazards such as the loss of an owner or key employee. Let’s face it, at some point in the life cycle of every successful business, one or more of three things will happen: an owner or key employee will die, become disabled, or simply decide to retire. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t take the time to plan for how their business will be run – or liquidated – following such an event. But without this kind of planning – generally known as business succession planning – even successful companies face the threat of failure. Planning for the sale or transfer of a business or business interest should begin as soon as possible - while the business is successful and while the owners are healthy. In many cases, the foundation of effective succession planning is a buy-sell agreement, which should address: • How the buy/sell agreement will be funded. Will the money come from the owners themselves, or will the business fund the arrangement? • What kind of event will trigger the sale – death, disability, retirement? Maybe all three? • Who will actually buy the business interest – the remaining owners, a key employee or the business itself? A properly structured – and funded - buy/sell agreement can help answer these questions. What is a buy/sell agreement? A buy/sell agreement spells out the process by which a business or business interest are transferred following a “trigger” event – usually the death, disability, or retirement of one of the owners. Most buy/sell agreements take one of two forms – either they are “entity plans,” where the business agrees to purchase an owner’s interest in the business, or they are “cross-purchase plans,” where the business interest is purchased by the other owners. But while there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of plan, in many cases, neither arrangement fully meets the owners’ expectations or objectives. Tax issues, administration headaches, funding inequities, multiple insurance policies – just to name a few – can take much of the luster out of both types of buy/sell agreements. That’s where a Partnership

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Administration Success Strategy (PASS) can help. Under a PASS Plan, the benefits of both entity and cross-purchase plans can be made available, but without the drawbacks associated with either method. How can a PASS plan assist in buy/sell planning? The business owners enter into a cross-purchase buy-sell agreement, and the owners form a general partnership with all owners as general partners. Each partner acquires a life insurance policy on himself and transfers it to the partnership as a capital contribution – the partnership becomes the owner and beneficiary of the policies. Policy premiums can be paid by the business by paying additional salary or bonus to the insured. The insured, in turn, transfers the cash to the partnership as a capital contribution, or the business itself may become a partner in the partnership and pay premiums directly to the partnership as a capital contribution. The general partnership structure allows the partners the flexibility to allocate items of income, profit, gain and loss between themselves in a manner that meets their business objectives. This allows the partners to equalize cost and fairly distribute life insurance proceeds. Following the death of a partner, the life insurance proceeds from the policy covering that partner would flow into the partnership and be allocated to the surviving partners. The partnership would use a portion of the proceeds to purchase the deceased partner’s interest in the partnership. The balance of the proceeds would be distributed to the remaining partners. The remaining partners would then use those proceeds to purchase the deceased partner’s interest in the primary business. Using a general partnership to manage a buy/sell agreement can also be advantageous following the retirement or disability of an owner. In such a case, the partnership can distribute the disabled or retired owner’s life insurance policy to him or her in exchange for his or her interest in the partnership. The departing owner would assume ownership of his or her own policy income tax-fee. Over-funding of the life insurance policy(s) – a common strategy - would allow the remaining owners to access cash values in their policies as a resource to help them fulfill their obligation to purchase the departing owner’s interest in the business. Could a PASS plan be right for you? The benefits of using a buy/sell agreement to transfer a deceased, dis-


abled, or retiring partner’s share of a business to the remaining owners are many. Unfortunately, the traditional methods don’t always work in the best interests of the business or business owner. Utilizing a general partnership to manage your buy/sell planning, however, could help mitigate the disadvantages presented by entity and cross purchase plans. The general partnership approach: • Requires only one life insurance policy per owner; • Avoids the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax; • Minimizes, through special allocations, inequities among partners in the cost of insurance coverage; • Provides a full basis increase to the surviving partners after a partner’s death; • Allows the surviving partners to distribute the insurance proceeds to themselves, generally free of income taxes, in order to accomplish the business buy-out and; • Permits the transfer of the policy insuring a departing partner to that partner income tax-free. As a planning vehicle, PASS combines the benefits of both entity and cross purchase plans – as well as additional benefits not present in either – while avoiding the disadvantages inherent in both. For all of these reasons, a Partnership Administration Success Strategy could be just what you, your partners, and your business needs to accomplish your goals and objectives. This information should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice applicable to your situation. Please consult with a qualified advisor regarding your individual circumstances.

Content prepared by Penn Mutual. © 2011 The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Philadelphia, PA 19172 03/14 A4YK-0313-01E2

Justin Graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in business Administration from John Brown University in 2007. For over 30 years, Justin witnessed his father, Randy, approach his financial planning practice as a ministry. This inspired Justin to pursue a career where he could help families and business owners achieve their maximum financial potential. Registered Representative of and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent Inc. Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC (918) 664-6511. ACT Financial Services, Inc. is independent of Hornor, Townsend & Kent Inc. Justin C. Cowell - Partner ACT Financial Services, Inc. 4111 S. Darlington Ave., Ste. 800 Tulsa, OK 74135 O: 918-664-0081 C: 918-810-7239 jcowell@htk.com

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Good Samaritan Health Services to Celebrate 20 Years at Annual Gala

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hey have been serving our communities for the last 20 years bringing high quality health care to the unemployed and underserved. And, along the way, God has used the works of their hands to also provide ways for his servants to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Bodies and souls have come in sick and walked out whole. Twenty years is indeed something to celebrate and we invite you to join the Community Spirit staff as we enjoy a night of fun and inspiration at the beautiful Renaissance Tulsa Hotel. There will be lots of laughter, as well as a chance for you to bid on some amazing gifts during the live and silent auctions. Not only will you get an update on what God is doing at the Good Samaritan Health Clinics, you will also enjoy this year’s keynote speaker, Senator Tom Coburn M.D. Mark your calendars and then get online to order your table. This is a charity event that is as much fun as it is worthwhile. Go to www.GoodSamitanHealth.org and click on the Gala banner. Or, you can simply call 918-710-4222.

Saturday, April 28th Renaissance Tulsa Hotel 5:30 – 9:30 pm Good Samaritan Health Services, (GSHS) a registered 501c3, has been working to meet this need for the last 20 years. You might say they have put their “doctor’s office” on wheels. Currently serving 54 monthly clinics around the Tulsa metropolitan area, they see thousands of people every year. Staffed by a few full-time doctors and nurses, as well as over 300 volunteers, they provide FREE doctor visits and FREE medications. And, in the same way

that Jesus healed both the body and the soul of those who came to Him, GSHS works alongside 12 churches (of varying denominations) who look after the patient’s spiritual needs by sharing the love and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Good Samaritan Health is 100% funded by donations from the public and grants. All services are provided free of charge.

“Our Core Purpose is to minister physical healing and spiritual renewal for the underserved in our community. Would you like to help us?” Dr. John Crouch

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Healing Backs… and Broken Hearts Local Doctor Heals with Medicine and Song

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ames Webb is equally comfortable in the operating room and on the stage. Most days, you will find him helping people in his role as a musculoskeletal radiologist who, among other things, uses his interventional pain management skills to treat osteoporosis. But in his “spare time,” he is back and forth to Nashville where he writes music, performs and is part owner in Banner Music, a successful Music Row agency which develops artists and songwriters. James grew up on a 10-acre farm near Kellyville. His mom was a school teacher and his dad was a sheet metal worker. Like most of his friends, he grew up taking care of animals, hauling hay, and doing 4-H projects. His family taught him a strong work ethic and affirmed him with what he calls “Never give up whit-isms” such as… “Are you going to have stick-ability?” And, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” He attended Oklahoma Baptist University where he met his wife, Tiffany. While she did her student teaching and pursued a Master’s in Education, he went to four years of medical school, later followed by a one-year internship in Internal Medicine, a four-year diagnostic Radiology residency and a one-year fellowship of muscular skeletal radiology. The couple now lives in Tulsa, where they are raising three children, Lola (13), Zane (10), and Ella (7). James runs his own practice, Dr. James Webb & Associates, just east of 71st and Sheridan. He specializes in the toughest back problems; the ones other doctors haven’t been able to figure out. His methods have proven to be highly successful, including Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive medical procedure that can repair spinal fractures (vertebral compression fractures) and restore structural integrity to spinal vertebrae. In fact, he was a principal investigator in the EVOLVE trial, the largest ever on-label study of kyphoplasty in Medicare patients with vertebral fractures with 350 patients enrolled over 24 sites across the US. The study verified kyphoplasty to be an effective treatment for the spinal fractures associated with Osteoporosis. “I see people all the time who have lost all hope of feeling better, people who have been told to live with it, or that they were too old or in too poor of health to be treated. Everything we do

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is minimally invasive with only IV sedation (no general anesthesia), and it is done as an outpatient,” he explained.

Doubly Blessed “They say if you find something you love doing, you will never work a day in your life. I have been blessed to find two things. As a doctor and as a songwriter and entertainer, I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. What once was just a side hobby has become a serious business and a major part of his career. Although he says he has no interest in becoming a star, he continues to head down the path towards playing and writing more and more music. Check out his songs on YouTube or on his website, www.JamesRobertWebb.com. You will be impressed. Gifted with a great voice and the ability to write a mixture of Country, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Western Swing and Contemporary Christian, James reaches a broad audience. His company, Banner Music is also doing well. In fact, they just scored their first Gold Record with Kane Brown’s Grand Daddy’s Chair, written by Banner songwriter, Josh Johnson. Only God knows what is next for James. His popularity and success continue to grow and he is open to God’s calling no matter what. But meanwhile, with the full support of his wife and family, he is loving every minute of having one foot in both worlds, yet always focused on Jesus.

Dr. James Webb & Associates has helped thousands of patients restore mobility to live stronger and healthier lives. Their mission is to help you find freedom from pain without invasive surgery or pain medications. They do this by helping patients optimize bone health and treating the underlying conditions that cause pain.




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