October Oklahoma Magazine

The Medical Issue

Investigating life-changing breakthroughs

Holiday Party Planning

Plus: Holiday Party Planning

Making festive memories

Kitchens & Baths

Relax, refresh and explore the latest trends Kitchens and explore the

Table of Contents

Health from Head to Toe

The frontiers of medicine are ever-expanding, pushing healthcare professionals to strive for excellence day after day. We sit down with leaders in their fields to discuss promising breakthroughs, staggering statistics, health do’s and don’ts, and how to live a longer, healthier life.

42

Tailored to Perfection

At home, you deserve to feel calm, refreshed, nourished and invigorated. That’s why investing in your kitchens and bathrooms is such a splendid idea. Here in Oklahoma, many are firm believers in this way of life – evidenced in their functional, luxurious and stylish spaces. They’ve opened their doors so we can explore and admire.

52

Holiday Party Planning 101

You may think it’s a bit early to start planning your holiday soirées – but the experts disagree. We talk elements to the perfect party, offer a step-by-step planning guide and suggest some etiquette to keep things flowing smoothly.

Back to you.

At INTEGRIS Health, we’re guided by our mission of partnering with people to live healthier lives From lifesaving treatments to preventive wellness, that partnership is about working together to get you back to you and what you care about most

As the state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned health care system, we know that health care is more than medicine. It’s a responsibility to provide compassionate, personalized, comprehensive and cutting-edge care close to home.

So, let’s get you back to the best and healthiest version of you.

Letter from the Editor

Sweaters. Halloween movies. Crunchy leaves. Pumpkins. No longer sweating through your T-shirts. That’s right – it’s autumn, baby! And autumn means it's also time to present the annual medical feature, in which we sit down with leading specialists in everything from pulmonology to gastroenterology to neurology to ... whatever other ‘ology’ you need info about (page 33). These physicians provide crucial information about breakthroughs in their fields, alongside offering general advice to keep in mind and the tools for a healthier lifestyle.

Where we cook meals, break bread, refresh and relax are integral to a happy, healthy life – so this means we need beautiful, functional and luxurious kitchens and bathrooms, right? Right! Take a peek into some of the state’s most beautiful spaces in our Kitchens and Baths feature starting on page 42.

While you might think it’s a taaaad too early to start planning your holiday gatherings, experts say it’s go-time. We chat with party planners, florists, designers and other pros about the best hacks to hosting the holiday party everyone will be talking about until next year (page 52).

In case you missed it, the Tulsa mayoral election was an incredibly close race. As in, the top two contenders were separated by less than 300 votes. This means we’re headed to a run off, happening Nov 5. We profile both hopefuls, Oklahoma House of Representatives member Monroe Nichols and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, on page 18.

Also explored in the October issue are the back stories behind some of Oklahoma’s most interesting school mascots (page 12); the story of a Tulsa-based baker who’s got a line down the block every Saturday morning (page 57); and where you can find the best fall foliage ... once it gets under 80 degrees (page 8). I, for one, am counting down the days!

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

If you can’t get enough of the Kitchens and Baths feature, fear not – more stunning photos await at okmag.com.

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The State

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Off the Beaten Path

Looking for a unique Oklahoma staycation this fall? We've got you covered.

If you’re hoping to connect with nature, be taken back in time, or just plan a staycation outside the norm, Oklahoma harbors several one-of-a-kind, local stays to explore.

Eufaula Treehouse Tree-Sort

Owned by Richard and Becky Shelton, the Eufaula Treehouses (aptly named treesorts) offer a nostalgic experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

“We’re definitely way off the beaten path,” says Richard. “You get to just unplug and enjoy nature and enjoy being outdoors.”

Born and raised in southeast Oklahoma, the Sheltons first got into the travel rental business in 2014.

“I really enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping,” says Richard. “So it was a natural fit.”

There are three treehouses available, all of which have running water, a bathroom, shower, air conditioning and a firepit. The smallest treehouse can accommodate up to four guests, and the largest sleeps six.

Only a 20-minute drive from Lake Eufaula, the area abounds with recreational activities and attractions outside your unique stay. Richard says that one of the most rewarding parts of hosting is seeing how families with young children react to the treehouses.

“To see their excitement,” he says, “that’s always a lot of fun.”

Birdhouse Cottages

Lounge like a bird in the Birdhouse Cottages in Medicine Park. Situated along a creek, these brightly colored, quaint cottages are located in the center of the historic resort town, allowing guests to travel on foot to many restaurants, shops and parks.

Visitors have long come to Medicine Park for its outdoor recreation. Owners Candace and David McCoy and Rainette

Situated on Lake Murray, the Floating Cabins (above, far right facing page) are perfect for onthe-water activities, from fishing to tubing to boating. Photos courtesy the Floating Cabins

Your inner child will be thrilled when staying at the Eufaula Treehouse Tree-Sort. Photo courtesy Eufaula Treehouse Tree-Sort

Located in Medicine Park, the quaint Birdhouse Cottages are an ideal getaway for a quiet weekend. Photo courtesy Medicine Park Properties

Rowland created the birdhouses, recognizing the need to expand lodging options as the city grows. The Birdhouse Cottages have received rave reviews over the years, earning the distinction of a ‘Guest Favorite’ on Airbnb.

There are four birdhouses available: the Cardinal, the Hummingbird, the Bluebird and the Painted Bunting. Each birdhouse can comfortably sleep two people and includes a mini-fridge, microwave, television, coffee maker and Wi-Fi access.

Bradford House

Constructed in 1912, the Bradford House is a boutique hotel in OKC embodying Victorian design with a modern twist. The historic house was originally built by the first Oklahoma County Clerk, William Bradford, who hosted many famous guests in his home, including President Jimmy Carter.

The hotel has since been revamped by interior designer Sarah Kate Little and real estate expert Jason Little. Inspired by their world travels, the couple decorated the space with European antiques and playful splashes of color.

Guests can book one of the 36 suites in the historic home or stay in the modern guesthouse. Onsite, the hotel features luxurious amenities. Its gilded bar offers a selection of spirits, handpicked by the sommelier. For a bite to eat, guests can stop by the hotel’s restaurant for seasonal dishes or the patisserie for fresh coffee and baked goods.

Cedar Rock Inn

Nestled on 55 acres of land, Cedar Rock Inn is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tulsa. The historic home was built in 1890 by Creek Nation allottee Tecumseh Perryman. When Sandi Dittmann purchased the home, she spent seven years remodeling it before opening its doors as a bed and breakfast in 2005.

The inn features five suites, ideal for romantic getaways. Its largest suite, the Parkview, includes a marble wet bar, vaulted ceilings, a fireplace and a private jacuzzi. All rooms are furnished with bathrobes and luxury linens, and guests are provided with a three-course breakfast during their stay.

Guests can explore the wilderness and walking trails on the property. On select dates, Cedar Rock Inn hosts public events, bringing the stay to life with live music, picnickers and food trucks.

Rebel Hill Guest Ranch

Passed through four generations, the Rebel Hill Guest Ranch is a working cattle farm in Antlers that offers a taste of life in the countryside. The ranch features seven rustic cabins, including a converted 1911 passenger train that can sleep up to six people. Situated on the waterfront, the cabins come equipped with grills, picnic tables and firepits.

Outdoor activities are abundant at Rebel Hill. Visitors can arrange for guided horseback riding, traversing up to 700 acres of land. Visitors can also swim in the ranch’s lakes or pool, go paddle-boating or try a hand at fishing.

The ranch is home to an array of wildlife, too. With a tortoise habitat, bunny refuge and exotic wildlife park, Rebel Hill offers guests the company of indigenous and exotic creatures as well, such as deer, kangaroos and zebras.

Floating Cabins

Don’t just stay by the lake, stay on it in the Lake Murray Floating Cabins.

“You can literally walk outside your front door and cast a rod in the water,” says Wendy Castleman, who has been the office manager for the cabins since 2008.

Owners Kim and James Thompson got the idea for the floating cabins after offering a houseboat cruise. Since opening the lodging in 1999, business has grown, with the Ardmore-based rentals booking up to 11 months in advance.

“To see the repeat business year after year and the family connections – it’s definitely my favorite part of the job,” says Castleman.

All cabins include kitchenware, bedding, air conditioning and cable television, with occupancies ranging from two to eight people. Guests are welcome to bring their watercraft and dock them at the cabins.

To reserve a cabin, visitors can call the office for more information.

“We can have flowers delivered or chocolate-covered cherry cake for birthdays – anything that will make your stay extra special,” says Castleman. “We want to make sure our guests get exactly what they’re looking for.”

FAITH HARL

A stylish and historic boutique hotel, Bradford House is named after the building's original owner, William Bradford. Photo courtesy Bradford House

A hidden gem in Tulsa, Cedar Rock Inn provides a three-course breakfast to guests. Photo courtesy Cedar Rock Inn

Fans of exotic animals and ranch life will enjoy Rebel Hill in Antlers. Photo courtesy Rebel Hill Guest Ranch

As the Leaves Fall

Prime time foliage viewing starts now.

While the first day of autumn is technically in September, Oklahomans know the weather doesn’t truly turn until October. Now is the perfect time to head out into the wild and see some beautiful foliage. The state has countless spots to find it – so use a free weekend to gather family and friends and make a day out of enjoying nature.

Boiling Springs State Park

Located in Woodward, the park is one of seven original entities built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp. ere is plenty of wildlife to watch, sh to catch, and hiking, biking and swimming to top o the day.

A “boiling” spring that still flows is the namesake attraction, and there’s also a golf course for those hungry for some competition. RV, cabin and tent sites are also available for online reservation.

207745 Boiling, The Springs Rd., Woodward

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Located in Sulphur, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is Oklahoma’s oldest national park. Established in 1902, the area o ers visitors biking, boating, shing, horseback riding, hunting and a variety of other activities.

There are six public campgrounds with over 400 campsites. The Lake of the Arbuckles, a 2,350-acre area, is also nearby, providing plenty of scenic views and photo opportunities.

901 W. First St., Sulphur Lake Murray State Park

ful autumn weekend getaway. ere is also horseback riding, shing, swimming, hiking and over 1,000 acres of trails for ATVs, motorcycles and bikes to ride and explore. Don’t forget the local golf clubs for 18 holes.

3323 Lodge Rd., Ardmore

Talimena National Scenic Byway

is drive in southeast Oklahoma o ers 54 miles of foliage, in addition to a variety of wildlife sightings. e route curves through the Ouachita National Forest’s hardwoods and evergreen pines, allowing for perfect fall views.

is Ardmore-based park contains 12,500 acres of forested rolling hills for your enjoyment. RV and tent campgrounds are available, along with 56 cabins for a beauti-

50800 US-271, Talihina

Robbers Cave Lodge

Located in Wilburton, this historic site has been home to ancient tribes, trappers and outlaws such as the Younger Gang and Jesse James. Years later, there’s still plenty to talk about – including ATV trails, a nature center, rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, and bodies of water for canoeing and kayaking. ere are plenty

of places to camp as well, including cabins or RV sites, along with miniature golf and snow cone stands.

2084 N.W. 146th Rd., Wilburton

Roman Nose State Park

Another of the seven original parks built in the 1930s, this Watonga-based, beautiful site has plenty of activities for the entire family. Rock cli s and three natural springs punctuate the park, alongside an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, paddle boats and horseback rides.

There are 11 cabins to rent and a plethora of campsites that can all be reserved online. If you’ve got a big group, the Turkey Roost Group Camp can accommodate up to 163 guests.

3236 OK-8A, Watonga

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

Red Rock Canyon in Hinton is a perfect place for a day trip involving scenic, beautiful canyons that are great for eyecatching photos. Hiking trails and historic wagon trails are also available – and you can always hook up the RV and spend the night. Monthly family friendly events happen year-round.

116 Red Rock Canyon Rd., Hinton

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Every sector of Oklahoma teems with fabulous foliage this month. Photos courtesy Travel Oklahoma

More Than ‘Abracadabra’

Magic classes, camps and performances teach kids tricks – and life skills, too.

As a child, did you ever wish you had magical powers?

Ever want to learn how to make things appear or disappear? Read someone’s mind? Make objects levitate?

Joe Coover, owner of Funky Monkey Magic in Oklahoma City, is not only teaching young people these kinds of tricks, he’s also teaching them skills for life through the lens of magic.

“Yes, when kids attend a camp, they get to learn more than just amazing magic tricks,” says Coover.

“We also teach eight character traits of a true magician, including: being respectful, prepared, enthusiastic, confident, creative, authentic, humble and giving. We have chosen the tricks in our curriculum to specifically highlight those skills that we hope will also roll over to other activities and other parts of their lives.”

confirms Coover. “We have them custom made and they cannot be found on store shelves. We have additional content on our website that the kids get to unlock with code words inside their top-secret magic file folders.”

Funky Monkey Magic has several program partners, like the Sooner Theatre, the Cities of Moore, Oklahoma City and Edmond, as well as others, which provide multiple opportunities and locations for camps, says Coover. Prices vary for one-, three- and five-day camps. There's even a special program for children who are involved in Boy and Girl Scouts of America.

Alongside preparing kids for successful futures, they’ll have wizarding skills in their repertoire, too.

“All our magic tricks are high quality,”

“Our camps offer a screen free, socially focused, in-person experience where the kids will be able to interact with others, make new friends and develop those interpersonal skills,” says Coover. Where and how to sign up for classes and camps can be found at funkymonkeymagic.com.

Jonathan Meyer, an Oklahoma-based magician, takes his shows everywhere from weddings and corporate events to schools, daycares and parties for kiddos. He agrees that learning how to do magic can be more than just waving a wand and saying 'abracadabra.'

“They learn things aren’t always as they appear,” says Meyer. “I tell them: ‘Always ask questions.’” A piece of advice, Meyer says, that will help them throughout their lives.

Meyer performs all over Oklahoma and advertises himself as a family-friendly magician.

“I mainly introduce magic to kids through comedy,” Meyer says. “Making them laugh throughout the show is actually more important than the magic, but only by a fraction.”

He also believes that incorporating interactive elements is great for a child's development.

“Audience participation is important,” he says. “Kids love seeing their friends on stage. They also love seeing their teachers, parents or other adults on stage. It’s very entertaining to them.”

To find out more about Jonathan Meyer’s magic, visit jonathanmagic.com.

SHARON MCBRIDE

Jonathan Meyer performs at a variety of kid-centric functions and emphasizes audience participation. Photos courtesy Jonathan Meyers

Alongside tricks, Joe Coover’s Funky Monkey Magic camps help kids to cultivate skills including respect, preparedness, confidence and authenticity. Photos courtesy Joe Coover

A History of Excellence

Oklahoma is home to some of the longest running Black rodeos in the world.

Cowboys are intrinsic to both America culture and the cattle industry, the latter of which gave rise to beloved American rodeo events. Black cowboys have been part of that world since the nation’s beginning, but covert and not-so-covert policies often prohibited them from participating in competitions. This led to the rise of all-Black rodeos, many of which are still running strong in Oklahoma today.

“In 1956, my dad, Roy, my granddad and my uncle started the Okmulgee County Roundup Club, along with other Black businessmen,” says Kenneth LeBlanc, who mentions that there are Black rodeos all over Oklahoma. “That’s how the Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo (ORLIR) got started. My dad was a calf roper, and there was an Okmulgee rodeo. But the

reason they started their club is that Blacks were only allowed to participate after the rodeo, not during the rodeo. And my granddad got there to watch, and they told him there was a colored section he had to sit in.”

As the nation’s oldest continually running all-Black rodeo, ORLIR welcomes over 1,300 spectators, cowboys and cowgirls annually, who converge on Okmulgee during the second week of August. 2024 was the rodeo’s 69th year.

A former steer wrestler, LeBlanc is retired. However, his brother, Okmulgee native Clarence LeBlanc, won the International Pro Rodeo Association steer wrestling competition three times, and is the first-ever Black steer wrestling world champion.

The historic all-Black town of Boley hosts the Boley Rodeo, which was founded in 1903 – four years prior to Oklahoma statehood. Held every Memorial Day weekend and drawing thousands of spectators and rodeo athletes, 2024 marked its 121st year.

A bull rider and steer wrestler from Tulsa, Marcous Friday is heavily involved in Oklahoma’s Black rodeo community and mentions that his grandfather was a tie-down roper. For decades, Friday has been announcing at Oklahoma’s Black rodeos – and events across the nation.

“For the second time, we’ll do the National Black Cowboy Awards and Gala at the National Cowboy and Western

Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in February 2025,” says Friday. The inaugural event was in February of this year.

Michael R. Grauer, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art, says that the museum “recognizes Black cowboys. We first inducted [legendy Black rodeo performer] Bill Pickett into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1972.”

The museum offers numerous exhibits featuring Black cowboys, and hosted a Black cowboy traveling exhibit in 2023. The museum has given awards to 13 more Black cowboys, primarily for rodeo expertise. These include Seminole native Cleo Hearn, who was the first Black student to attend college on a rodeo scholarship. Although he was a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) member, he was not allowed to compete in regular rodeos due to his race. So, Hearn founded the Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour, which continues today during tours through Oklahoma and Texas.

CAROL

A Black Cowboy of Note

Of the approximately 35,000 cowboys working the post-Civil War West, about 25% of them were Black. Some cowboys transitioned to Wild West shows and rodeos, rising to prominence, including Bill Pickett (18701932) aka the “Dusky Deamon.” A native Texan, Pickett was a rodeo-er for over 25 years with the famous Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Real Wild West Show near Ponca City. The father of steer wrestling and the first Black cowboy movie star, Pickett is buried in Marland.

MOWDY BOND

The Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo has been running in Oklahoma for nearly 70 years. Photo courtesy ORLIR

All-Black rodeos continue to thrive in Oklahoma. Photo courtesy Marcous Friday

Bill Pickett, a Texas native, was known as the first Black cowboy movie star. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society

It’s Fall, Y’all

No

matter your autumn activity preference, events exist for everyone.

Fall has arrived, and with it comes nicer weather for outdoor activities before, during and after the Halloween season. There are plenty of options – from pumpkin patches and haunted cruises to food trucks, hayrides and so much more. If you’re looking for something spooky, something family friendly, or something in between, Oklahoma has you covered.

Stillwater Pumpkin Patch

Through. Oct 31

524 N. Stallard St., Stillwater

The event offers a kid's carnival, carriage rides, bake sales, food trucks, live music and even a pumpkin catapult.

“Proceeds from the sale of 3,600 pumpkins fund various projects of the Lions Club, local service projects and church missions,” says Richard Hawkins, the event’s volunteer coordinator. Admission is free.

Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd’s Cross

Through Nov. 9

Shepherd’s Cross, Claremore

Located in Claremore, this festival takes place on an authentic working farm.

Truckloads of pumpkins are available, along with straw bales and corn stalks for decoration.

There are plenty of kid-centric activities, including a hay maze, create-your-ownscarecrow station and a petting zoo. Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to partake in certain activities.

Woolaroc Fall Traders Encampment

Oct. 3-5

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville

The Fall Traders Encampment has approximately 125 tents and teepees set up for visitors. The event will recreate pioneer life from the 1820s through the 1840s, and guests can observe these authentic lifestyles, watch craft demonstrations and check out handmade wares.

Another event, Gathering at the Roc, occurs at the museum on Oct. 12 and features a plethora of hot rod cars for guests to enjoy. Guest passes are $16 each and cover any events happening that day.

The Asylum

Through Nov. 2

304 W. Cherokee Ave., Nowata

For those in search of something truly frightening, look no further than The Asylum. Described as an “isolated experience in a 1940’s era sanitarium,” guests are admitted to the hospital just as other patients break free and take over.

You’ll need to navigate your way through the asylum to find safety and avoid the one thing the patients fear: whatever they locked up downstairs.

General admission ranges from $25-$30 depending on the day, with add-ons for fast passes and VIP options. And we’d recommend leaving the kiddos at home for this one!

Pumpkin Town Farms

Through Oct. 31

6060 S. Garnett Rd., Tulsa

Pumpkin Town Farms returns with an exciting list of offerings for the entire family.

“We have over 30 rides and attractions

included with our admission, including two train rides, a giant jumping pillow, a petting zoo, pony rides, a corn maze, slide rides, a pumpkin blaster and so much more,” says Brigette Salayta, co-owner of the attraction.

A new offering is also debuting this year – Bard Yard Skee Ball. Tickets are $14.99 for the Fun Pass, which includes over 30 rides, and $22.99 for the Ultimate Pass, which includes all rides and extra activities such as pony and camel rides and paintball.

There is also the Insanity Farms offering for $30.99, including the Field of Fear, the Chaos Maze and 4D Zombie Paintball.

Oklahoma River Cruises

Haunt the River

Oct. 11-26

Oklahoma River, OKC

Located in OKC, these specialty cruises are a fun way to change up your normal Halloween routine.

“Oklahoma River Cruises offers two Haunt the River cruises, one for adults and one for kids and families,” says Ché Loessberg, event and sales coordinator. Both events encourage guests to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes, with candy and prizes available for kids and a cash bar with light snacks for adults.

“It’s a unique Halloween event in OKC. Our kid’s Haunt the River gets more and more popular each year,” says Loessberg.

Kids tickets are purchased on the boat and range from $6-12, while the adult Haunt must be purchased online ahead of time and are $35.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Mazes, petting zoos and create-yourown scarecrow stations are found at Shepherd's Cross. Photo courtesy SC

Watch demonstrations and purchase wares at Woolaroc's Fall Traders Encampment. Photo courtesy Woolaroc

Dress in your best costume and sail the Oklahoma River at Oklahoma River Cruises. Photo courtesy ORC

School Superstars

Mascots play a pivotal role in representing schools and entertaining fans.

Amyriad of mascots stand ready to excite, engage and entertain fans of Oklahoma schools. These costumed characters bring on the cheer and build camaraderie at games, rallies, parades and community events.

Take a peek behind the mask and explore some of the most unique mascots in the state, as well as celebrate the pivotal role these characters play in school lore.

A Creative Crew

Looking for a fierce mascot? Oklahoma has plenty. Consider the Durant Lions, the East Central University Tigers and the Noble Bears. There’s also plenty of whimsical ones – the Paoli Pugs, Alva GoldBugs and Mill Creek Bullfrogs. You can mix in fantastical, folkloric and outof-this world sidekicks like the Purcell Dragons, the Atoka Wampus Cats and the Dickson Comets.

Jason Sanders, principal of Purcell High School, says he enjoys the uniqueness of the school district’s mascot.

“It’s just really cool,” he says. “I think it’s fun when you have mascots that are a little more off beat than the typical ones.”

The administrator mentions that he’s uncertain about the origin of the mascot, which was adopted in the 1930s, but the dragon itself is widely embraced by students and the community at large.

Sanders says he believes school mascots in smaller communities take on a meaningful role, since children are often attending the same school as their parents and grandparents. There’s pride in that connection of “once a dragon, always a dragon,” he says.

Miami Public Schools also embraces its unique mascot, the Wardog, says Jillian Douthit, the school system’s assistant superintendent.

“It’s the only school in the country that has that mascot, at least to our knowledge,” she says.

The history of the mascot dates back to the early 1900s when the term “wardog” originated from the local mining industry. It’s a term that was used to describe resilience and a strong work ethic, according to the district’s website. Douthit says a mascot like that plays a significant role.

“That’s the face of your district. That’s where your school pride stems from,” she says. “That’s telling everyone who you are and who you represent.”

Part of a Legacy

Students who serve as their school's mascot will tell you it's more than costumes and team cheers. There’s also endurance, showmanship and historical education.

Brayden Smith, who is one of the Pistol Pete mascots at Oklahoma State University, says he exercises in the heat of the summer to help prepare for high-temperature games. Smith says part of his work has also involved getting to know the history of Frank Eaton, the real-life inspiration for Pistol Pete.

“You’re going out and you’re representing Frank Eaton, his family, his legacy,” he says.

He mentions that one of his favorite parts about being Pistol Pete is the interaction with fans.

“You can see and feel the happiness of people when Pete comes into the room,” he says.

AJ Graffeo, University of Oklahoma’s head coach of the mascot team, says the mascots at the university, which include Boomer, Sooner and Top Daug, also work together on continuity, character work and skit building. For example, the mascots practice signing signatures the same way for autographs or striking similar poses in pics when they hold up the “No. 1” sign. They also add props and skits to entertain the crowds at games.

Ainsley Bond, co-captain of the OU mascot team, says she believes part of the appeal of the mascot is the consistency.

The mascots are “the people that you can rely on to see at every single game,” Bond says. “They’re there to support the university – and they’re there to see you.”

SHARLA BARDIN

A MEDLEY OF MASCOTS

We've got more quirky mascots around Oklahoma for you.

• Bray-Doyle Donkeys

• Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks

• Claremore Zebras

• Dewey Bulldoggers

• Eufaula Ironheads

• Grove Ridgerunners

• Haskell Haymakers

• Sand Springs Sandites

• Southmoore SaberCats

• Waynoka Railroaders

L-R: Mascots at the University of Oklahoma include Boomer, Top Daug and Sooner. Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University’s mascot, Pistol Pete, is seen not only at sporting events but also at weddings, community events and celebrations of life. “They are requested hundreds of times a year,” says Beki Jackson, OSU’s spirit coordinator and pom coach. Photo courtesy Oklahoma State University

CARING FOR ORANGE COUNTRY

From shaping the next generation of physicians to providing comprehensive care for all, OSU brings a bold vision and depth of medical expertise to Orange Country.

Our rapidly growing network of 27 clinics and ongoing improvements at OSU Medical Center downtown proves we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care to northeastern Oklahoma. In 2026, the OSU Academic Medical District will elevate our impact by expanding services to the new Veterans Hospital and Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center.

Discover why orange is the answer and learn more about how we are caring for Orange Country at orangecountry.okstate.edu/medicine.

THIS IS ORANGE COUNTRY

Cruisin’ Along

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority ensures travelers have a smooth ride.

Created in 1947, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) constructs, maintains, repairs and operates turnpike projects at locations authorized by the legislature and approved by the State Department of Transportation (ODOT). The OTA provided for construction of the state’s first turnpike – the Turner Turnpike. Today, Oklahoma has 12 turnpikes covering 630.1 miles.

“In 1947, Oklahoma did not have a paved, four-lane, high-speed highway,” says Lisa Shearer-Salim, OTA’s communications and marketing manager.

“Our leaders were looking for ways to significantly improve transportation infrastructure in the state. The legislature knew there was a need for connecting and providing the infrastructure for further development of the state. But they needed an additional funding mecha-

nism in their toolkit. That’s the genesis of how turnpikes began in Oklahoma.”

The state highway system is funded by the motor fuel tax (charged at the pump), federal funding and state appropriations. But the OTA network does not receive any tax mechanism. It is funded by tolls charged to users, and roughly 40% of those are out-of-state motorists.

“One of the most important aspects of the OTA network is that we provide a choice in travel,” says Shearer-Salim. “Typically, there is a state highway option nearby or connecting to a turnpike route.

“By introducing an alternative way to fund transportation, based on a payas-you-go model, it gives Oklahoma the opportunity to fill in the gaps in the transportation system. The turnpike network frees up ODOT to address other priorities in other areas of the state.

There’s a lot of need in our state highway system for a lot of reasons, and there’s a very large backlog of necessary updates to the system. The OTA has filled in the gaps over the years in a timely fashion.”

OTA’s long range plans are addressing issues like widening the Turner Turnpike and the Will Rogers Turnpike, and adding new interchanges.

As well, the OTA funds about $20 million annually for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers who are specifically assigned to the turnpike system. The OTA is working on increasing the number of troopers on the turnpikes.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

PikePass Updates

The Turner Turnpike predated the advent of the nation’s interstate highway system.

“It was a modern marvel at the time,” Shearer-Salim says. “It was the first four-lane-divided highway west of the Mississippi. It has served the state incredibly well for 71 years.”

OTA’s initiative, the PIKEPASS electronic toll pass system, debuted in the early 1990s as one of the first in the nation.

“Today, we are going fully cashless,” Shearer-Salim says. “We have a camera system that reads your license plate and we match the license plate to the registered vehicle owner information.

"The No. 1 reason is safety. We have seen 500 crashes inside our toll booths, just in the last six years. In May this year, a car hit and knocked one of our toll booths off its base, with the toll booth attendant inside.”

By the end of 2024, all Oklahoma turnpikes will be converted to cashless. Motorists are guaranteed the lowest toll possible by getting a PIKEPASS at pikepass.com, through which their account is charged.

Or, OTA cameras read the car’s license tag and the motorist receives an invoice in the mail through the PlatePay system, which began in 2021. Go to PlatePay.com for information.

Creek Turnpike

Kickapoo Turnpike

H.E. Bailey Turnpike

Turner Turnpike

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), created in the 1940s, constructs, maintains, repairs and operates turnpike projects across the state. Photos courtesy the OTA

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Where the Spotlight Belongs

Oklahoma's talented performers add immense cultural value to our state.

Ever wondered what it takes to join the ranks of Oklahoma’s most lauded performing arts companies? We profile three such artists from the OKC Ballet, Tulsa Opera and OKC Philharmonic to explore their day-todays, education and interests outside the world of performance.

Kara Joy Troester Blythe

Oklahoma City Ballet

Always on her toes, Kara Joy Troester Blythe is starting her eighth season as a corps de ballet artist for Oklahoma City Ballet – and her tenth season as a professional ballet dancer.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Blythe left high school at 16 to train and finished her education online. She earned her first professional contract with the

Kansas City Ballet at only 17, and danced there for two seasons before joining the OKC Ballet.

“I am looking forward to this upcoming season with OKCB where I will perform in Swan Lake for the third time in my career,” she says.

Though being a dancer is her primary job, Blythe also teaches ballet and pilates and is also completing a degree in kinesiology this year.

Leading up to a performance, Blythe starts each day with an hour and a half warm up class and then between two to five hours of rehearsal. She counts dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker as one of her most memorable experiences.

“I’ve performed in hundreds of shows of The Nutcracker, so I know the music so well that I felt like I could truly become one with the dance,” she says.

Before she steps on stage, Blythe gets her heart rate up by jumping or running in place, and uses mental imagery to get ready for whatever she's about to perform. Outside work, Blythe volunteers for her church and cheers on the Oklahoma City Thunder. On weekends, she and her husband enjoy having brunch with friends at Neighborhood Jam or coffee at Stella Nova.

“My husband and I always like to try out new restaurants around town,” she says, “but we always go to Braum’s for a burger and shake."

Stephanie Washington Tulsa Opera

Stephanie Washington, coloratura soprano, is all about hitting the high notes — in music and in life. Washington rejoined Tulsa Opera last year as a Filstrup Resident Artist, making this her third official season with the program.

“I’m happy that I’m able to sing with a company like Tulsa Opera,” she says. “They’re just so supportive of local artists.”

Washington studied at Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio, and from there, her studies and apprenticeships took her to settings like New Mexico, Colorado and Santa Barbara, Calif.

In addition to opera, Washington is a K-8th grade music teacher, and offers private voice and piano lessons. You can also find her in the chamber choir at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

While stepping into the role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet has been one of Washington’s favorites, she says performing an aria from the musical at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of a competition is her most memorable performing arts experience. With Tulsa Opera, Washington says she also loved being part of Dead Man Walking

“The composer of the opera actually came in,” she says, “so I was able to go out to dinner with him with the rest of the artists.”

Kara Joy Troester Blythe began her ballet career at 16. She is now in her tenth season with OKC Ballet. Photo by Jana Carson

Washington describes herself as “a big thrifter,” and on weekends enjoys visiting different shops around town. Lately, she’s been dabbling in gardening. She also enjoys spending time with her pit bull rescue, Jodi. With friends, she can often be spotted at Bird and Bottle.

“It’s just this restaurant tucked in the corner of a little shopping center,” she said. “They’ve got great martinis.”

Kate Pritchett OKC Philharmonic

Kate Pritchett doesn’t mind tooting her own horn – at least when she’s performing with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. She’s been playing the instrument since she was 12, joined OKCPhil in 2005 and earned the spot of principal horn in 2015.

Pritchett holds three degrees in instrumental performance and has played in orchestras in Colorado, Texas, New Zealand and Oklahoma. She has taught horn at the university level, including Oklahoma City University, and also plays a good bit of chamber music and other professional shows, she says.

“The Philharmonic comprises a lot of musicians like me – people who teach music during the day,” she says. “I start preparing music on my own for these concerts in the weeks before those rehearsals start.”

The OKC Phil performed Mahler’s Fifth Symphony a couple of years ago, which had been on Pritchett’s “bucket list.”

“The first horn is prominently featured in the third movement, with the widest extremes in dynamic level I can think of,” Pritchett says. “It was fun to be challenged in that way, and of course the piece itself is magnificent.”

Before she takes the stage, Pritchett likes to take a long walk to clear her head, and has been practicing yoga – which helps her mentally and physically.

“I always get my ‘chops’ ready to go with a good warmup routine,” she adds.

Around the city, Pritchett can often be found at Toast & Coffee on North Robinson.

“There’s a resident support dog [there],” says Pritchett, who has a Lab mix rescue herself named Hank. “I also love that they support a diverse and vibrant community in our city.”

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

Stephanie Washington, a soprano with Tulsa Opera, also teaches music and offers private voice and piano lessons. Photo by Emily Steward

Kate Pritchett, an accomplished musician with OKC Phil, joined the company in 2005. Photo courtesy OKC

A New Leader for the 918

The candidates in the Tulsa mayoral run-off election are sold on the idea that a mayor can truly make a diff erence.

Democrats Monroe Nichols and Karen Keith, who emerged from the Aug. 27 mayoral primary as Tulsa’s top two choices, face each other again during a run-off on Nov. 5.

“There is not a more consequential position in elected office when it comes to impacting people’s lives in a positive way, than that of mayor,” says Nichols, who is wrapping up eight years as a member of the Oklahoma State House of Representatives.

“I love Tulsa, and having worked the last 16 years at the county and previously for Mayor [Robert] Lafortune, I see a number of things I would like to address, and am pretty much in a unique position to do so,” says Keith, who waived her chance for another term as Tulsa County Commissioner District 2 to run for mayor.

The Key Issues

Public education, homelessness and infrastructure are among key issues identified by the candidates.

“We have to get serious about improving student outcomes,” Nichols says. “Student outcomes are, in large part, driven by socioeconomic challenges.”

Nichols says his plan includes creation of a mayor’s office of children, youth and families. He also wants to form a public-private partnership to be called the Teach in Tulsa Fund that would “incentivize teachers who are getting growth out of students to stay in the classroom.”

Keith says working to improve public education would be her first order of business.

“I come from a family of educators,” she says. “I was educated in the public school system. I want to be present for our educators, to support them.”

Keith’s agenda includes hiring more crossing guards and providing more lighting in areas “where kids are in the dark trying to get to school.”

She says she will work with philanthropic organizations to attract and retain teachers. One idea is that the down payment on a house would be covered for teachers who stay in the district for more than 5 years.

“Tulsa’s homeless crisis is getting worse every year,” Nichols says. “The role of the mayor moving forward is that we have to meet this challenge head on.”

Nichols’ ideas for achieving “functional zero homelessness” include reducing blighted properties by 60%; increasing affordable housing units by 6,000; reducing Tulsa’s eviction rate; and creating a citywide system of mental and substance abuse support. Functional zero homelessness, he says, means it’s “rare, brief and non-recurring.”

Keith says she is greatly concerned about the homeless crisis and believes affordable housing is a key factor.

“Every mayor has said they are going to fix our permitting and inspections departments, and it just hasn’t happened,” Keith says. “I’ve been working with the developers for a year now and I think we have a pretty good plan.”

For affordable housing especially, Keith says, “the process takes too long and it costs too much money. We just need to make it easier for them to do the work. And that includes Habitat for Humanity.”

A Bright Future

If elected, Nichols would be Tulsa’s first Black mayor.

“I don’t doubt that race is a part of it,” Nichols says in relation to Tulsans choosing their next mayor. “But I think people are starting to evaluate just who is best for the job.”

Keith says she has “worked across party lines for my entire career,” including state legislators and U.S. House and Senate

members with whom she partnered to bring infrastructure funding to the state.

She was also endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, “and I am really proud of that,” she says. “We have an incredible police force. They are highly educated. Tulsa has a lot to be proud of with both our police and our firefighters, and all of our first responders, including EMSA."

Nichols, who was endorsed by former Tulsa mayor Kathy Taylor and former Oklahoma governor Brad Henry, says: “Cities are where all the great innovation comes from. We have proven time and time again that Tulsa is a place where you can do things that haven’t been done anywhere else.”

To learn more about the candidates and their platforms, visit karenkeith.org and monroeformayor.com.

KIMBERLY BURK

Karen Keith, currently the Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2, says working to improve public education would be her first order of business as Tulsa mayor. Photo courtesy Karen Keith

Monroe Nichols (middle), a member of the state House of Representatives, is committed to diminishing homelessness to a “functional zero” level. Photo courtesy Monroe Nichols

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Combatting the Shortage

Healthcare worker shortages negatively aff ect entire communities, but Oklahoma's health systems are working diligently to attract and retain passionate professionals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the healthcare industry, especially when it comes to worker shortages – as these led to nationwide healthcare issues like decreased quality of care and longer wait times. On a state level, leadership in the industry is looking to hire and retain skilled healthcare workers through a variety of avenues. In fact, Jimmy Duncan, chief human resources officer for OU Health, says “the last three years have been more of an opportunity than a challenge.”

One thing the pandemic taught the healthcare industry, he says, is that “we could be more flexible.” OU Health now has remote employees living in 22 states, working in staff positions such as patient billing and telehealth.

A focus on recruitment and retention has led to enticements such as scholarships and tuition forgiveness, especially for registered nurses, Duncan says. Nurses, he mentions, are typically the most sought-after employees.

“We are always hiring RNs, techs and patient-care assistants,” he says. “They are the team members who are front-facing.”

OU Health has made a commitment to be well-staffed at its hospitals with support personnel such as nurse aides, which can allow RNs to focus on higher-level

duties. The health system has continued since the height of the pandemic to emphasize market-leading pay, help for its employees to achieve work-life harmony –and just generally making its 11,000 team members feel valued, Duncan says.

The changing nature of the field means registered nurses have options beyond the clinical setting, such as public health nursing, health administration, forensics, legal consulting and informatics. Many have become traveling nurses, which is another option that became more visible during the early days of COVID.

“Healthcare only gets about 60% of the RNs who graduate,” Duncan says.

The nursing school at the University of Oklahoma accepts every student who qualifies, and last year had its largest freshman class ever, Duncan says. The program provides clinical training opportunities for nursing students and hires a high percentage of those graduates. The health system also partners with the medical school to train interns and residents.

“We are making sure we can support any resident that wants to come into our organization, especially with OU Health Sciences Center and the OU College of Nursing. We have more than 200 nursing residents at any one time,” Duncan says. “Our goal is to provide them with a job offer at the end of their experience.”

Oklahoma City’s place as one of the most populous metros in the United States makes it increasingly easier to attract healthcare workers from border states and beyond.

“We had a new-hire orientation this morning,” Duncan mentions during a phone call in August. “We had new employees from Washington state, Maryland, South Carolina and Minnesota.”

Duncan says the health system also visits high schools to promote healthcare careers and has partnerships with Francis Tuttle, Metro Tech and other institutions that train essential employees such as radiologists, phlebotomists and respiratory therapists.

KIMBERLY BURK

Amplifying Rural Health

OU Health is not out to compete with smaller towns and systems for employees, Duncan says.

“We have partnerships with a lot of rural organizations and take a lot of our services to their communities. That’s how we address some of those workforce gaps. It’s our commitment to improve the health of all Oklahomans by touching every corner of the state. It’s not necessarily a competition for the workforce. We are all connected.”

OU Health appeals to many students and employees because of its academic adult medical center and children’s hospital, where “we take care of the sickest patients in the community,” Duncan says.

Potential employees are also attracted by the academic mission.

“We are always trying to find the next greatest cure,” he says. “The research component is so important.”

Visiting high schools, partnering up with technical schools and providing industry-leading pay are just a few of the ways

OU Health attracts top-notch healthcare workers. Photos courtesy OU Health

Snap into Focus

Photography clubs foster a love of the art form, with added bonuses of friendship and enhanced technical skills.

Taking pictures has become something many people do on a daily basis. After all, lives are defined by images. Much of the credit for this can be laid at the feet of smartphones. Many people take pictures merely to document their lives for future nostalgia or to share with friends and loved ones, but what about those who want to do more? When taking pictures becomes a serious hobby or even a profession, one way to improve skills and grow as a photographer is to join a club.

Oklahoma has several options for photography clubs, but perhaps the longest-running is the Oklahoma Camera Club (OCC). Formed in 1931 during the early days of photography and long before camera phones, the OCC holds meetings on two Tuesday evenings each month.

“[Our members] come to learn and share ideas, to develop their photographic skills, to enjoy the art of photography,” says OCC president Jaci Finch.

The mission of the club includes helping photographers, from beginning hobbyists to professionals, to advance their knowledge of photography through fellowship and sharing of information and skills. OCC is also a founding member of the national organization Photographic

Society of America, which offers a wide range of learning opportunities for those interested in art form.

Another club that supports photographic pursuits in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma City Photography Group.

“Members can expect to improve their skills, learn from experts and connect with others who share their passion for photography,” says Magee Delos Santos, the group’s event manager. “It’s a practical, hands-on approach to learning, emphasizing fun and social interaction.”

The barriers for entrance are low for these clubs – no expertise required. Everyone is welcome and membership is not typically required to attend meetings. And no fancy, high-level equipment is expected either, though many of their members do enjoy practicing with actual cameras in addition to smartphone cameras. All skill levels are welcome.

“Whether someone is just starting out or has been photographing for years, they will find opportunities to grow and enhance their skills,” says Santos. “[Our] focus is on fostering a welcoming and engaging atmosphere where all members can feel comfortable and supported in their photographic journey.”

BONNIE RUCKER

Pictured are a collection of photographs from Oklahoma Camera Club members:

1. Stanley Roth Shrine by Bryan Hapke

2. Life on the Swamp by Lyuda Cameron

3. It's Easier with Your Eyes Closed by Ward Conaway

4. Boats in the Harbor by Wally Lee

5. Capital Dome by Joy Randall

Photographic Technology

At the Oklahoma Camera Club, there is an emphasis on learning all the technology throughout the photography process, both for actually taking photos and for editing them later.

“Most of our members are hobby photographers and have a real interest in developing a high level skill – using the technology required both to use the equipment for taking the picture and the computer skills for finishing their work [and] taking pride in the finished photographic image – projected, print or both,” says Finch.

The OCC offers classes that can help photographers enhance the images they have taken.

“The club members work together with the primary goals of having fun, sharing information, and learning both the technology and the art of photography,” says Finch.

A Valiant Lady, Indeed

Oklahoma actress Flora Campbell left her mark on the entertainment industry.

If you’re ever in the mood to go looking for television pioneers, you could start right here in our state. Among those who made lasting marks in ’50s TV are Claremore native Patti Page, who had three shows on two different networks through most of that decade, complementing her numerous hit records; Tulsa’s Blake Edwards, who created the archetypal TV private eye, Peter Gunn, in 1958 (and went on to produce and direct a number of major theatrical features); and Oklahoma City’s Molly Bee, a young country-music singer who, in the early ‘50s, parlayed her status as a regular performer on a popular West Coast TV show, Hometown Jamboree, into a national career.

But before any of those folks ambled onto the small screen, there was someone else, a woman who’d left behind her native Nowata (and her subsequent hometowns of Bartlesville and Oklahoma City) for Broadway in the 1930s, where she’d ultimately scored substantial roles in such plays as Many Mansions, Foxhole in the Parlor (which co-starred Montgomery Clift, just prior to the start of his notable film career) and The Curious Savage, in which she shared top billing with famed silent-movie star Lillian Gish. Her name was Flora Campbell, and by 1950, when Curious Savage began its run, she’d also been exploring other forms of entertainment, specifically radio and television, for several years. In fact, she’d played Jo in what has to be the earliest TV adaptation of Little Women, broadcast during the 1939 holiday season, when there were only a few thousand TV sets in the whole country.

But as noteworthy as that appearance is, her status as a true trailblazer came a few years later, when she starred in television’s very first soap opera, Faraway Hill. Debuting on the now-long-defunct DuMont Network on Oct. 2, 1946, this serialized melodrama featured Campbell as a wealthy New Yorker named Karen St. John, who goes to live with relatives in the countryside after her husband’s death.

There, she meets a handsome farmer and falls for him, only to find out he’s engaged to her cousin. Uh-oh.

It was the first recurring TV role for Campbell, but not her first soap opera. That particular form of entertainment, featuring a lead female character doing her best to keep things together during an unending barrage of daily challenges, familial and otherwise, had been introduced via radio in the very early 1930s – and had taken off. At that time, housewives made up the soaps’ target audience, so the episodes were generally broadcast on weekday mornings or afternoons, prime listening times for those who did their work at home. The shows were often sponsored by soaps or detergents – which gave the genre its nickname. By the time Faraway Hill came along, Campbell was already a soap-opera veteran, having played lead roles in both NBC Radio’s Brave Tomorrow and CBS Radio’s The Strange Romance of Evelyn Winters

In addition to appearing on TV rather than radio, Faraway Hill broke some other conventions of the genre. It came

on once a week, rather than daily, and it was broadcast in the evening. And while it was the first of its kind to air on television, it didn’t last long, expiring on Dec. 18, 1948. Interestingly enough, Campbell’s Karen St. John, the show’s main character, also died in the final episode, something else that seldom if ever happened in the radio soaps. Then again, there were still only a few thousand TV sets out there to chronicle her demise, as opposed to the millions of radios available to soap-opera listeners.

Unlike her character, Campbell persevered. She continued doing radio, TV and theater work, and by 1954 she was starring in another televised soap, CBSTV’s Valiant Lady, taking over the title role of Helen Emerson from fellow stage and radio actress Nancy Coleman. That one did considerably better than Faraway Hill, running until late 1957.

An extensive article on Campbell in the August 1955 TV Radio Mirror indicates that Campbell initially had misgivings about playing Valiant Lady’s title character.

Oklahoma entertainer Flora Campbell (middle) was profiled in the August 1955 edition of TV Radio Mirror magazine.

Photos courtesy the John Wooley Collection

“She sounded so ‘noble’ that I was afraid she wouldn’t be a very interesting person,” Campbell told writer Mary Temple. “I was quite wrong about her. Helen Emerson is a warmhearted, delightful human being, a woman I admire and like.”

So did soap opera fans. By the time Campbell took over the role, there were TV sets in more than 60% of American households. Campbell appeared in a good percentage of those homes every weekday, becoming one of television’s earliest stars. In fact, according to newspaper columnist Jane Allison, she was “one of the most popular daytime heroines of all time.”

That writer’s pronouncement came in her July 18, 1957, “Hoosier in Manhattan” column, a feature of Indiana newspapers at the time. It was part of a story about Campbell’s leaving Valiant Lady. Since Campbell had taken on the role, wrote Allison, “[S]he has, in spite of the frantic communications from her fans, managed to be jilted in three most unfortunate romances, has suffered at least one major crisis a week, and many, many minor ones, and has (again with her viewers’ help) lived through a constant procession of nagging worries and fears attendant to the rearing three television children, all distinctly difficult cases.

“Two and a half years of that would tire anyone, whether he took his soap opera life seriously or not. And it has definitely tired Flora Campbell, who has lived Helen Emerson’s life almost as deeply and intensely as her own. When she goes off the air in August, she’s going off to rest, and unless she’s more valiant than she thinks she is at the moment, the next few weeks will be Flora Campbell’s swan song to the role of Helen Emerson.”

Insider | The State

could be seen at the movies and on TV in a small handful of supporting roles over the next couple of decades – notably in the long-running daytime soap Love Is A Many Splendored Thing – she appears to have devoted the majority of her time to her husband, Ben Cutler (called in his 2001 New York Times obituary “one of New York’s top four society bandleaders”), their son and daughter, and the remodeled Connecticut farmhouse where they all lived. In her TV Radio Mirror piece, Mary Temple noted that this attention to family was something both the real-life Flora Campbell and her soap opera alter-ego had in common – thanks in great part to Campbell’s Oklahoma upbringing.

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“Sharing Helen Emerson’s strong feeling about family ties, Flora Campbell finds her a sympathetic person to play,” Temple wrote. “This feeling, fostered by having a family of her own, was bred in her during her Oklahoma childhood. Although her mother passed on some twenty years ago, she has never forgotten the brave woman who always had such great drive and ambition for her children. Flo says of her, ‘She went out to Oklahoma to teach school, and there she met my father. All her life she was interested in education. She was a Browning scholar, a bird lover who lectured on the subject in our home state and taught others to love them. Even her name was beautiful and unusual – Isis Justice Campbell.’” Temple went on to note that Campbell’s father (whom sources say was a grocer in Nowata during Campbell’s early years), had retired to Coffeyville, Kansas, to be near a number of family members.

“They see Valiant Lady on television and tell her it’s like getting a letter from her,” wrote Temple. “‘It keeps us close,’ she says.”

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How might the 2024 presidential election impact markets?

While every campaign cycle comes with its unique set of circumstances, we can turn to history as an indicator of how markets typically act in an election year. Here are a few trends investors should keep in mind. 1. Historic trends in election years. In general, market volatility trends higher early in an election year as candidates are being finalized and then again as the election nears, as investors react to the ebbs and flows of the news cycle and grapple with the unknown of what is to come. 2. The impact of incumbency. The candidate pool for presidency can further impact markets and volatility trends. Typically, volatility has been higher in election cycles where there has not been an incumbent in the running. 3. Policy changes. Historically, market returns tend to be stronger in the first two years of a returning president’s term as investors have experience with the administration’s policies. 4. Bottom line: Stick to the fundamentals and invest for the long term. Political cycles can be intimidating to investors as they look to prepare for the uncertainty that comes with the election year and beyond. Regardless of the political backdrop, financial markets are principally driven by growth in the economy, corporate profits, and the direction of interest rates longer-term. Importantly, fluctuations in markets are normal, and it is usually beneficial to stick to the fundamentals.

David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime Wealth Management

Sure enough, Valiant Lady left the air on Aug. 16, 1957, with Helen Emerson finally marrying Governor Lawrence Walker (played by John Graham) who’d been after her for quite some time. The show would not return. And while Flora Campbell

On Nov. 6, 1978, Flora Campbell, Nowata-born television pioneer, died in Connecticut at the age of 67.

My thanks to Paul McSpadden for his help with this column.

JOHN WOOLEY

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial 2431 E 61st St, Suite 400, Tulsa, OK 74136 918.388.2009

David.x.Karimian@ampf.com www.primewealthmgmt.com

MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

DR. CRISTIE HAWKINS

DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

Life & Style

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

Land at the End of the World

Travelers looking for something unique and off the grid should venture to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina.

Tierra del Fuego is about as far south as you can get while still being in civilization. It’s the land at the End of the World – the extreme southern tip of Argentina, just across the mythical Strait of Magellan in Patagonia. The island is also the jumping off point for stout-hearted Antarctica adventurers. The gateway into Tierra del Fuego is its capital, Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The town of 80,000 sits on a wide bay on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and supports a lively light industrial port and emerging tourism.

It’s a place of dramatic, rugged scenery. Looking out across Beagle Channel south of Ushuaia, you know that beyond the mountainous islands you can see is the 600-mile-wide Drake Passage and then Antarctica. In between is a kingdom of sculpted snow and ice, countless colonies of penguins, pods of breaching whales, sea lions, giant petrels, great wandering

albatross and massive Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the world with wingspans of 12 feet.

Expedition ships traverse the Drake regularly for forays into Antarctica and a chance to walk contemplatively with throngs of penguins and seals, as well as to go on hikes to higher elevations for terrific views of icebergs and glaciers. For the

The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, welcomes travelers to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina.

Ushuaia against the snow-capped Andes mountains

ultimate experience, rent a sea kayak and explore these wildlife habitats silently.

There’s only one colony of charismatic King penguins on the continent, and it’s found at Pinguino Rey Park on Chile’s side of the Strait of Magellan. The Kings are second in size only to the Emperor and are wonderful divers. Visit in the summer and you may see some chicks. Over on Isla Martillo, you’re invited to mingle with genial colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins who’ve made that island their home.

It was the Yamanas more than 10,000 years ago who called the area Tierra del Fuego, named after the large bonfires they kept going to brace against the cold weather. The indigenous tribe carved long, pointed canoes made of bark and featuring small fireplaces midships.

Despite its name, the “Train of the Prisoners” is actually a delightful steamdriven chain of coaches that merely traces the same route trains took years ago ferrying convicts in Ushuaia to work nearby timber fields. Today, VIP passengers enjoy three-course dinners. The excursion train, also known as the End of the World train, is a very good way to get into Tierra del Fuego National Park out along the coast, a remote part of the island that’s unusually rich in wildlife.

Just a couple of miles outside of Ushuaia is something pretty special, the Martial glacier. Take a short hike, cross a couple of streams, catch the chairlift and viola for amazing vistas of Beagle Channel.

The 1884 lighthouse that inspired Jules Verne’s novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World still stands on a bay in Isla de los Estados, bidding sailors adios as they enter Antarctica.

In Ushuaia, many fine restaurants beckon with local specialties: Fuegian lamb (they say the dish’s nuanced flavors come from where the lambs pasture), Patagonian toothfish (aka Chilean sea bass) and the piece de resistance, king crab from the Southern Sea. Wherever you dine, follow it up with a cup of strong black Argentinian coffee cut with hot milk and see if they have some alfajores, local sweets filled with dulce de leche.

Stay at the Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa on Beagle Channel, a wooden lodge offering active adventures (like intriguing hikes) and a gorgeous setting. Also overlooking the Beagle is the Arakur Ushuaia Resort, with two heated pools and on-site stables situated in its own nature reserve.

Visit during their summer (November to March), when days are longer and the weather is mild.

CHUCK MAI

The Lighthouse at the End of the World in the Beagle Channel

King penguins

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Martial Glacier

Taking Control of Breast Health

Screening guidelines for breast cancer have changed; an oncologist explains what’s new.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer in American women, with 1 in 8 women expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes. Regular screening tests are the best way to detect cancer early, and guidelines for screenings have recently changed.

Wajeeha Razaq, M.D., who specializes in hematology and oncology at the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City, says the United States Preventive Services Task Force revised its 2024 recommendations and now suggests starting routine biennial screenings at age 40, while both the American Cancer Society and European screening guidelines recommend starting screening at age 45.

“Many expert groups encourage shared decision-making for women in their 40s because of trade-offs between benefits and harms,” says Razaq.

For women ages 40 to 44, the American Cancer Society states that women “should have the choice to start yearly breast cancer screening with a mam-

mogram if they wish to do so.” While the median age at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62, half of women who develop breast cancer are 62 years or younger when diagnosed – with approximately nine percent of breast cancers occurring in women under age 45.

Razaq says in countries with established breast cancer screening programs, most breast cancers are found due to an abnormal mammogram.

“However, up to 15% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer due to the presence of a breast mass that is not detected on mammogram – known as mammographically occult disease – and another 30% present with a breast mass in the interval between mammograms,” says Razaq. “In addition, women without access to screening mammograms and younger women under 40 years who may not be undergoing routine screening mammograms may present with a breast or axillary mass with or without skin changes – and breast cancer can be painful or completely asymptomatic.”

She says hormone positive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer, while triple negative breast

cancer makes up approximately 10-15% of cases and Her2 positive tumors make up an estimated 15% of cases.

Common breast cancer symptoms can include the discovery of a new lump or mass, swelling of all or part of a breast, skin dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction and/or discharge, nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking or thickened, and/or swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.

“For all women, I suggest that they should be very familiar with their breasts and any abnormality they see, they should report it to their primary care physician,” says Razaq, who recommends starting mammograms at age 40 and then following up with yearly exams.

“Women who have a personal history of breast, ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer, certain genetic mutations (eg, BRCA1 or BRCA2, TP53), or a history of previous radiotherapy to the chest between ages 10 and 30 years, are at high risk for developing breast cancer. For patients with a lifetime risk of greater than 20 percent, I suggest a supplemental MRI in addition to mammography.”

REBECCA FAST

Finding Support

Seeking help during times of distress via support groups is key to emotional resilience.

Life has its ups and downs – and when the downs get a little too low, reaching out for help via one of Oklahoma’s many support groups is an excellent, sometimes life-saving, choice to make.

Whether you are seeking information and guidance regarding a chronic medical condition such as cancer, grief support after the loss of a loved one, assistance with addiction, or just a place to talk with others about life’s struggles, there are likely to be other people in your area who have walked the same path you are navigating. But how can Oklahomans find relevant and legitimate support groups for the issues they face?

“There are many ways to find support groups, but I would suggest one starts by asking their primary care physician, a licensed therapist or simply [doing] an online search,” says Artisha Woody, founder and executive director of Locs of Strength,

a group whose primary commitment is to African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer – many of whom may otherwise be at a loss for finding help. “Recent studies have shown that there’s a direct link to survivorship, improved health and increased moods by participating in support groups," she says.

Support groups provide a safe space where individuals can be vulnerable about the challenges they face – while also allowing them to receive a break from everyday life and acknowledge viable solutions, all within a supportive group of peers.

Any breast cancer survivor, active patient and/or caregiver may reach the organization via email at contactus@locsofstrength.org, social media (Facebook and Instagram: Locs of Strength) or via telephone at 405-834-7980.

Josh Turzanski, director of Peer and Wellness Services at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Oklahoma, Inc. (DBSA), agrees that support groups can play a vital role in recovery.

“There are many issues people face nowadays,” Turzanski says. “Though I can’t relate to issues outside of the mental health arena, I can say that there are support groups out there for just about anything. You can always utilize the 988 and 211 resources.”

988, or the Mental Health Lifeline, is a direct line that connects callers with trained behavioral health professionals in

Oklahoma. Additionally, 211 Oklahoma is a free, 24/7 statewide program that connects Oklahomans with information and referrals to health and human services.

Turzanski says support groups are a great way to share your story with others who have been dealing with the same situation, as well as to receive and give advice on coping. To contact DBSA, call 405-254-3994.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the benefits of joining a support group include the opportunity to reduce anxiety, depression and the general sense of fatigue that comes with an onslaught of distress.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) has an Oklahoma chapter that can be reached at 1-800-850-6264 or by email at helpline@nami.org. According to their website, NAMI Connection is a resource for those seeking advice and understanding of mental health conditions. Such conditions can disrupt the ability to feel emotions, express thoughts and connect with others. Successes, as well as challenges, are explored to help afflicted individuals and their families find potential solutions to their everyday problems.

The bottom line: searching for supportive communities and asking for help are never bad decisions – and they can even save a life.

DEBI TURLEY

A Spirited City

Ponca City off ers historical sites, entertainment ... and some paranormal intrigue, too.

Goblins on Grand – Ponca City’s 20th annual free, citywide Halloween event that draws thousands to the northern Oklahoma city’s downtown – is just one reason to give the Kay County community more than a cursory glance.

Maci Graves, Ponca City’s Main Street director, says more than 80 booths are lined up for the frightfully spooky Oct. 17 festivities. Last year’s carnival drew about 3,500 people, with more expected this year. Admission is free.

Later in the year, Main Street offers up its annual ice-skating rink, beginning with a Nov. 17 holiday tree-lighting. Other major draws to Ponca City are two glorious 20th century homes built by Continental Oil Co. founder and Oklahoma’s 10th governor, E.W. Marland: Marland’s Grand Home and the Marland Mansion. Both are operated by the E.W. Marland Estate. The mansion will be the site of an annual Christmas gala, open to the public, on Dec. 14.

In addition to the Ponca City architectural gems, visitors can also find the famed Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, dedicated to the pioneering spirit of the women who helped shape today’s Oklahoma; as well as the Standing Bear Park and Museum, dedicated to the culture represented by Chief Standing Bear.

“We’re on an upward trend,” says Graves. “I anticipate it continuing in this trend for many years to come. We have new businesses [and] a decrease in vacancies.”

David Keathly, executive director of the E.W. Marland Estate and Marland’s Grand Home, says both the 43,000-square-foot, 55-room, Italian Renaissance mansion and the Grand Home, with its 16,000 square feet, 22 rooms and Mediterranean Revival architecture, represent different styles of wonderment.

Local legend holds that the place might also have an occasional paranormal visitor. Garrison mentions that “ghost hunters” occasionally rent the theater for late-night stays.

“Both of the houses are beautiful but they’re totally different,” Keathly says. “Mr. Marland was true to styles, and brought many things from Europe to north central Oklahoma that are totally unexpected.”

Interest in both homes, from Oklahomans and surrounding states’ residents, remains high due to marketing efforts and recent attention on Oklahoma spurred by the movie Killers of the Flower Moon, set in neighboring Osage County.

“We know that Oklahomans and people from the southern plains really enjoy visiting us,” says Keathly.

Topping all these draws off is the downtown Poncan Theatre, opened in 1927. Today, it continues to provide live and cinematic entertainment in the form of productions by the Evans Children’s Academy of Performing Arts as well as screenings of first-run movies.

Ashley Barringer, the theater’s marketing chair, says the Academy, with performers ages 7 to 18 from the Ponca City area, stages up to nine productions annually.

Luke Garrison, president of the Poncan Theatre board, says the theater compares with others across the U.S. in the 1920s and 1930s.

“We can show a blockbuster movie one weekend and put a musical or concert on stage the next,” he says.

“Decades ago, a young woman passed away during a show, and many have said she haunts the theater,” Garrison says. “The ghost hunters always say she is still present, as are others. That said, I have been in that theater many late nights, and she has never visited.”

Barringer concedes that speculation about an occasional spooky visitor persists. Does she believe any of it?

“No, I don’t personally,” she says, “although it can be a little spooky being [alone] in the theater.”

HENRY DOLIVE

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Poncan Theatre

580-765-0943 poncantheatre.org

Marland Mansion 580-767-0420 marlandmansion.com

Marland’s Grand Home 580-767-0427 marlandgrandhome.com

Standing Bear Park, Museum and Education Center 580-762-1514 standingbearpark.com

Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum 580-765-6108

pioneerwomanmuseum.com

Ponca City Main Street 580-763-8082 downtownponcacity.com

The Standing Bear Park and Museum is dedicated to the culture represented by Ponca Chief Standing Bear. Photo courtesy Standing Bear Park and Museum

Marland’s Grand Home boasts 16,000 square feet, 22 rooms and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Photo courtesy Marland’s Grand Home

The Poncan Theatre, rumored to be home to paranormal guests, was opened in 1927. Photos courtesy the Poncan Theatre

Amber Edwards, Katherine Schell, Dr. Sarah Land, Kara Schatz; AWARE Alois Society lunch, Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter, Tulsa

Veronica Oswald, Jenny & Brandon Birks; Meet the Comets, Bishop Kelley High School, Tulsa

Margo Gianos, Irene Gianos; community event, CARE Center, OKC

JD Younger, Carl Pendleton, Tommie Johnson III, Lee McWhorter, Ricky Jackson; 13th annual Engaging Men Luncheon, YWCA OKC

Periann Pulliam, Theresa Flannery, Alicia Terry; ribbon cutting for Catholic Charities’ Sanctuary Women’s Development Center; Upward Transitions, OKC

Brandi Burkhalter, Marilyn Anderson, Chris Anderson, Will Bain; 70th Anniversary Bash for Cash, Lake Texoma Association, Durant

Tara Mundell, Dan Simoni; Go Red for Women Luncheon, American Heart Association, Tulsa

Michelle Linn, Scott Martin, Alexa Mostrom, Paris Rain; Go Red for Women Luncheon, American Heart Association, Tulsa

Alexandra Johnson, Justin Kroll, Whitney Hollis, Sam Briggs, Maddie Breedlove, Christian Bester, Paige Dickey; Filstrup Resident Artists season preparations, Tulsa Opera

Charlene Kayiza, Katherine Vanlandingham, Amy Isaacson, Scott Cravens, Lauren Warkentine; 10th Annual Oklahoma Born & Brewed, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC

Brandie Goins, Jyl Phillips; Care Packs & Cocktails, Tenaciously Teal, OKC

Heather Gaglio, Charlotte Lankard; Ripples of Hope, Calm Waters, Oklahoma City

Tulsa Bone & Joint Main 4812 S. 109th E. Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74146

Mon - Fri 9 am - 7 pm Sat 8 am - 12 pm

Tulsa Bone & Joint Natalie Medical Building

Coming Oct. 8

6475 S. Yale Ave. Suite 201

Tulsa, OK 74136

Mon-Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm

Tulsa Bone & Joint Sand Springs 3917 SH-97 N Sand Springs, OK 74063

Mon-Thur 9:30 am - 4 pm Fri 9:30 am - 1 pm

Tulsa Bone & Joint Broken Arrow 8458 State Highway 51

Broken Arrow, OK 74014

Mon-Fri 8 am - 4:30 pm

Health from Head to Toe

The frontiers of medicine are ever-expanding, pushing healthcare professionals to strive for excellence day after day. We sit down with leaders in their fields to discuss promising breakthroughs, staggering statistics, health do’s and don’ts, and how to live a longer, healthier life.

By Rebecca Fast

The Brain

Experiencing a stroke or aneurysm is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention. To help protect yourself or a loved one, it’s important to understand the risk factors as well as the symptoms of these conditions.

Ashish Masih, M.D., a vascular neurologist at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, explains that there are two broad categories of stroke – hemorrhagic and ischemic – and they are diametrically opposite conditions.

“Hemorrhagic is characterized by too much blood within the closed cranial cavity, while ischemic is characterized by too little blood to supply an adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients to a part of the brain,” says Masih. “An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel, and an aneurysm can burst. This is called a rupture of the aneurysm and results in a subarachnoid hemorrhage – which is a type of stroke. Genetics, hypertension, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors for aneurysmal development.”

He says the risk factors for stroke can be categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable.

“Age, sex and race/ethnicity are non-modifiable risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke like aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage,” he says. “While hypertension, smoking, diet, diabetes, high cholesterol and physical inactivity are among some of the more commonly reported modifiable risk factors. I would

recommend controlling all the modifiable risk factors that one can – and please stop smoking if you are smoking.”

Unfortunately, Masih says a subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with a high early mortality rate.

“Population-based studies found that 18 to 24% of patients with a subarachnoid hemorrhage died suddenly prior to even being evaluated in a hospital,” he says. “In patients with ischemic strokes, prognosis varies from 10 to 26% in different populations.”

To help identify the symptoms of a stroke, the American Stroke Association encourages everyone to learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs.

F = Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?

Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?

A = Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred?

T = Time to call 911.

Other stroke symptoms can include numbness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking and/or walking and a severe headache with no known cause. When a person is suffering from a stroke, every minute counts. Receiving immediate medical attention can help minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and help prevent death.

F.A.S.T. warning signs for a stroke include facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty. If a person is experiencing these symptoms, call 911. Photo courtesy INTEGRIS

The Ears, Nose and Throat

Sinus infections and ear infections can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and often have similar symptoms. Jeremy Foon, M.D., M.P.H., an otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon with Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat in Tulsa, says it can be hard to tell the difference between the two infections without having a physician check the ears and nose.

Symptoms of a sinus infection can include headache, facial pressure, discolored mucus drainage, nasal congestion, fatigue and a poor sense of smell – while an ear infection can cause ear pain and drainage, difficulty hearing and tinnitus.

“The most common ear infection in adults is an outer [ear canal] infection also known as swimmer’s ear,” says Foon. “This can be related to swimming, but is also common when the ear is exposed to moisture and humid air. This is not the same as otitis media – a middle ear [behind the eardrum] infection – which is the most common ear infection in young kids. Kids in general are not more likely to get an ear infection from water exposure, despite common thinking.”

Foon says the number one ‘maintenance’ medication to help with chronic allergies and sinus infections is a daily intranasal steroid spray like Flonase or Nasonex.

“There is a common misconception that nasal steroid sprays can’t be used long-term,” he says. “This is not true! They can be used daily and for most people, indefinitely. Intranasal steroids do not spread to the rest of the body but instead stay confined to the nose. The daily nose sprays to avoid are decongestants, like Afrin. These are highly addictive and can damage the nose over time.”

In regard to the overall health of your ears, Foon stresses that the ears are ‘self cleaning.’

“That means for most of the population, leave them alone!” he says. “Q-tips, irrigations and home ear cleaning kits can often create more problems than solutions, like a blown eardrum. Q-tips are a major issue, because they push wax further in but don’t pull it out.”

In addition, he says keeping the ears dry with ear plugs or using swimmer’s ear drops is not usually necessary except in individuals who are predisposed to getting outer ear infections.

The Eyes

It’s smart to protect your eyesight at any age in order to prevent vision loss – and a few simple steps can make all the difference. An easy place to start is eye wear.

Ben J. Harvey, M.D., is a glaucoma specialist and clinical associate professor with the Dean McGee Eye Institute and the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

“Protecting your eyes from UV radiation in sunlight is important as it may exacerbate certain eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataract progression,” he says. “A brimmed hat is not sufficient; instead, polarized sunglasses are recommended.”

He also emphasizes that protective eye wear is largely underutilized.

“It’s vital to wear protective eye wear during any occupation or hobby that may create projectiles such as yard work, landscaping, woodwork, metal work, hammering and sawing,” says Harvey.

In addition, he says sleeping in contact lenses dramatically increases one’s risk of developing a vision-threatening corneal ulcer.

“Avoiding smoke and second-hand smoke can also reduce the risk of certain eye diseases progressing,” he says. “And excessive screen time is associated with development of myopia or nearsightedness in children, and it can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.”

Harvey says any time someone experiences a significant change in vision, increased redness or presence of eye pain, they should have a thorough ophthalmic examination.

“Certain conditions like diabetes require regular eye exams, and those with a family history of eye diseases should get checked by an ophthalmologist regularly as well,” he says. “For routine screening of eye diseases, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends everyone receive at least one comprehensive eye exam at least by age 40 and approximately every year after age 65.”

Harvey, who also specializes in treating cataracts, says cataract surgery has one of the highest impacts on quality of life compared to any other surgery.

“More recent advancements in specialty intraocular lens implants have the potential to further augment one’s quality of life by increasing one’s independence from glasses,” he says. “Such lenses can be tailored to individual patients to accommodate their lifestyle.”

However, he says to be sure and talk to your ophthalmologist about your options.

“Not everyone is a candidate for these specialty lenses, and some may be contraindicated in certain conditions – and no lens implant can currently guarantee spectacle independence,” he says.

Experts say the ears are self-cleaning – and to avoid items like Q-tips and home ear cleaning kits, which often "create more problems than solutions."

Photos courtesy Eastern Oklahoma ENT

Ben J. Harvey, M.D., (above), says cataract surgery has one of the highest impacts on quality of life compared to any other surgery. Photo courtesy Dean McGee

The Heart

David Sandler, M.D, a cardiologist with the Oklahoma Heart Institute in Tulsa, says “despite significant medical advances and accessible health and wellness resources, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States.” And while a family history of heart disease can increase one’s risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes are the largest contributors.

“You can reduce the risk [of heart disease] with exercise, a healthy and balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking and vaping, and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at proper levels,” says Sandler. “In our office, we offer screening tests for people to become more proactive with heart disease. These include ultrasounds, stress tests and CT scans. These tests can help predict susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, but do not negate the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.”

In recent years, studies have shown an increase of diabetes and obesity in young adults aged 20 to 40 years old, which can affect one’s overall risk of heart disease now and later in life.

“The younger you are when you develop conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, the more likely you are to develop heart disease in your lifetime,” says Khaldia Khaled, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., an interventional cardiologist with the CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma City. “Knowing you have risk factors and are predisposed to conditions helps treatment planning. Having a family history of heart disease is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease, especially a family history of premature

coronary heart disease. These are the patients that we want to catch early and optimize medically. We can’t change someone’s family history of heart disease but we can perform early screening and treat for things like hypertension and diabetes in their early stages to help prevent the negative impact they have on cardiovascular health.”

If you’re facing these risk factors, Khaled recommends finding a primary care provider that you’re comfortable with and working towards mitigating your risks.

“We should start teaching children at early ages about exercise and healthy eating,” says Khaled. “When you grow up exercising and eating healthy regularly, those habits and patterns are more likely to cross over into adulthood. These are the ‘lifestyle modifications’ we often try to implement too late in life.”

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both.

“Activities that elevate your heart rate can include brisk walking, jogging, sprinting, swimming, weightlifting, pickleball, tennis and basketball,” says Sandler. “I recommend a combination of cardio and weight training to develop strength, reduce body fat and preserve proper range of motions and mobility. Spread your activity over the week and do something every day. Ideally, find an activity you can truly enjoy, but it’s important to prioritize exercise, even if you don’t find every activity ‘fun.’”

Sandler, who also specializes in heart rhythm disorders, regularly treats patients with heart arrhythmias – meaning the “heart beats irregularly, too fast or too slow, including short-lived feelings of the heart fluttering, thumping or pounding.”

He says the complexity of arrhythmias lies in the fact that they can go undetected.

“Some experience no symptoms while others may feel one or more of the following: palpitation, skipped heart beats, heart racing, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting and shortness of breath,” he says. “Since heart rhythm abnormalities can lead to stroke, congestive heart failure, and death in severe cases, I recommend keeping track of your heart rate with personal devices, such as an Apple Watch and scheduling time with a doctor to review abnormalities you may discover. If your device has the capability, it is very useful to record an ECG strip and print it for your doctor to review.”

David Sandler, M.D., with the Oklahoma Heart Institute in Tulsa, says that exercise is key to heart health – and to prioritize it, "even if you don't find every activity 'fun.'" Photo courtesy Oklahoma Heart Institute

The Lungs

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer-related deaths.

Mark Boomer, M.D., a pulmonologist with Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa, says an early diagnosis is key to more positive outcomes.

“If a patient is in stage 1A cancer and they have surgery to remove the cancer, their five-year survival rate is 92%,” says Boomer. “Unfortunately, this past year, the national survival rate for lung cancer was 21%.”

He says there are multiple factors influencing these numbers.

“One of the reasons that lung cancer is such a silent killer is that there are no early symptoms,” says Boomer. “Once a person is manifesting symptoms, it’s often too late – the disease is at an advanced stage.”

He says with current healthcare shortages in many areas across the country, the time frame between receiving a screening, biopsy and diagnosis, can sometimes be longer than a patient should wait. In addition, local and national rates of lung cancer screenings are dismally low.

“Last year in Oklahoma, 1.7% of eligible patients were screened and nationally, only 4.5% of eligible patients were screened,” says Boomer. “I believe we can do better. One of the things that worries me about lung cancer and screening rates is that new data is showing the incidence of lung cancer in nonsmokers is going up, and we don’t know what’s causing that.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends annual lung cancer screenings for people who are ages 50 to 80 years old, have a 20 pack-year smoking history, and who currently smoke cigarettes or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.

“People under the age of 50 do get lung cancer, but it’s rare,” says Boomer.

Regarding risk factors, it’s commonly known that smoking cigarettes increases one’s risk of lung cancer, however, the effects of long-term vaping are still relatively unknown.

“The lungs were designed to breathe air,” says Boomer. “Any form of smoke, including vaping, is bad, whether it’s smoke from cooking over an open campfire, smoking meats on the barbecue, or smoking marijuana. We don’t know the long-term effects of vaping because we haven’t had a generation of people who have vaped for 30 or 40 years. We know there are products that contain noxious toxic chemicals and that even young patients have suffered acute lung injuries and ended up on ventilators; it’s rare, but it happens. Vaping was originally designed to get people off cigarettes and then in turn, get them off vaping. But it hasn’t been utilized that way, and that’s the problem.”

He says with smoking, if you smoke a pack a day and you quit smoking at age 40, it adds an average of seven years back to your life. But with vaping, there’s not enough studies to provide these types of statistics.

Despite the need for increased awareness regarding lung cancer and screenings, Boomer shares the encouraging news that within the field of pulmonary oncology, there have been significant medical advancements in care.

“In the last five or 10 years, there’s been the development of many new treatment options,” says Boomer. “There are new chemotherapies, immunotherapies, genetic therapies and new ways to diagnose lung cancer.”

To learn more about your risk for lung cancer, take a simple online screening, or schedule a screening, visit saintfrancis.com/ lungscreening.

Critical Care

Tulsa’s only ACS (American College of Surgeons) nationally verified Level II Trauma Center can be found at Ascension St. John Medical Center, which delivers advanced critical care for the community – when it’s needed the most.

On-call 24 hours a day and seven days a week, trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons make up the expansive team that saves lives. Other surgeons specializing in cardiothoracic, vascular, hand, plastics, obstetrics/gynecology and urology cases are also available at all hours.

“I am so proud to work with a team that dedicates themselves to caring for our community’s most critically-injured patients every day,” says Ascension St. John Health System CEO Bo Beaudry. “When it comes to trauma care, we strive to hold ourselves to the highest standards possible, which means we are delivering high quality care to those that need it most, when they need it most, right here in Tulsa.”

While the ACS-verification process is voluntary, it validates the resources available for trauma care at trauma centers, which ultimately provides an organized and systematic approach to the care of injured patients. According to the ACS, Level II Trauma Centers must have 24-hour immediate coverage by specialty trained trauma surgeons, as well as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care specialists. Ascension St. John has been ACS-certified since 2009.

The Trauma Center delivers advanced critical care to help stabilize, diagnose and treat a broad array of trauma, including:

Blunt force trauma, including falls and personal injuries

All penetrating trauma (including ballistics injuries and piercing wounds)

Motor vehicle crashes, including cars, motorcycles, ATVs and bikes

Multiple severe fractures

Severe falls, including broken hips

Spine injuries

All brain injuries, including the most severe

The Stomach

Approximately 10-15% of people in the United States have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and nearly twice as many women than men have the condition, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Symptoms of IBS, which include constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, can cause patients to miss out on daily activities.

“Patients with irritable bowel syndrome also frequently have nonulcer dyspepsia, also known as functional dyspepsia,” says William Tierney, M.D., a gastroenterologist with OU Health in Oklahoma City.

Functional dyspepsia refers to symptoms of an upset stomach or chronic indigestion, but with no obvious cause. It is part of the spectrum of functional bowel disease which includes irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain and functional heartburn.

“There are upper GI [gastrointestinal tract] symptoms, but when we look for signs of inflammation or disease, we don’t find any objective evidence of disease because IBS and nonulcer dyspepsia falls under the category of functional bowel diseases.”

With functional bowel diseases, Tierney explains that patients have clear symptoms of GI distress but without the inflammation that’s associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

“These patients may have an upper or lower endoscopy or perhaps a panel of blood tests, but there will be no signs of disease or inflammation,” he says. “Instead, we think there’s an alteration of the normal physiology of the GI tract – the visceral nervous system of the gut and motility of the digestive system is altered in these patients.”

Tierney notes that there’s been some improvement in understanding functional bowel disease, specifically regarding individuals whose symptoms may be caused by changes in the bacteria of the digestive tract.

“It’s a very small percentage of cases, but it’s worth investigating,” he says. “One condition in particular is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth where there is excess bacteria in the small intestine that leads to a lot of gas formation as well as diarrhea and/or constipation and bloating. We’ve found that if we treat patients with certain antibiotics to get rid of the unhealthy bacteria, then symptoms improve.”

Tierney says younger adults present the most incidents of functional bowel disease but it can occur at any age.

“While functional bowel disease can even begin in childhood, the older a patient is, especially in older adults, there’s greater concern that symptoms could be related to more serious causes such as stomach or colon cancer,” he says.

Tierney says another condition that’s gaining attention is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic [fatty] liver disease (MASLD) – previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This disease occurs when the body begins storing excess fat in the liver and is often associated with other metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.

“Over time, this accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to chronic inflammation, scarring/cirrhosis and liver failure,” he says. “MASLD is now becoming one of the most common reasons for liver transplantation in the country. With Oklahoma having very high rates of obesity, we’re seeing a large number of patients with this particular condition. The mainstay of treatment for MASLD is weight loss and exercise.”

With the many varied and complex conditions related to the body’s digestive system, individuals should never ignore symptoms.

“We are seeing more and more young people with colon cancer, patients in their 30s and 40s,” says Tierney. “As a result, we recommend even young patients take symptoms such as blood in their stools seriously and undergo a colonoscopy. It’s why it’s so important for individuals to work with their primary care physician or digestive disease specialist to determine a diagnosis and manage treatment, particularly if there are high risks signs of bleeding or weight loss.”

In regard to advances in the field of gastroenterology, he says there have been a number of very impactful innovations.

“Advancements in procedures, such as in interventional endoscopy now allow patients to undergo less invasive procedures to treat or cure disease that in the past would require a major surgery,” says Tierney. “In addition, new medications have revolutionized the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and certain liver diseases such as viral hepatitis C. In the era of artificial intelligence, we are already seeing an impact on improving the quality of care for patients undergoing colonoscopy and we will certainly see further AI advances in disease diagnosis and optimizing medical management. It’s really an exciting time to be in the field.”

Gastroenterologist William Tierney, M.D., has seen a rise in colon cancer patients in their 30s and 40s. He recommends that people take digestive issues seriously and undergo colonoscopies if recommended by a doctor. Photo courtesy OU Health

The Joints

Being active and moving freely without chronic joint pain significantly impacts a person’s quality of life. It’s estimated that more than 700,000 Americans receive total knee replacements each year, both to treat pain and stay mobile.

Yogesh Mittal, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with The Orthopaedic Center in Tulsa, says the most common reasons patients receive a knee replacement are pain, lack of mobility and a decrease in function, and the average age to have the surgery is around 65.

“However, we are seeing more younger patients because we are more active as a society and surprisingly, also older patients in their 80s,” says Mittal. “We are living longer healthier lives, so our joints are wearing out.”

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common cause of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. The AAOS reports that currently more than 90% of modern total knee replacements are functioning well 15 years after surgery.

Mittal says the continued development of robotic and computer-assisted surgery has disrupted the medical field in a good way, and other notable advances include a greater emphasis on pain control to allow for less pain during rehabilitation.

“Because we get a CT scan prior to surgery, there is a substantial amount of pre-planning and customization of the implant positioning to that patient’s unique anatomy,” says Mittal. “Intraoperatively, we can balance the knee more precisely and the robotic system helps with decision making. Also with robotics, a robotic arm assists in cutting the bone much more accurately and safely, and can also be less invasive and potentially allow for quicker recovery.”

Once a patient recovers, they can typically enjoy an active lifestyle with few limitations.

“It’s O.K. to jog, but ideally, we do not want our patients to begin running long distances,” says Mittal. “Otherwise, I allow all other activities.”

Telemedicine

Telemedicine has been around for decades, but with the shift in healthcare needs throughout the pandemic and beyond, it’s become an essential service. In recent years, at both national and state levels, legislative changes have helped progress telemedicine by increasing the scope of services offered, improving provider reimbursement, and applying new security regulations to protect patient privacy.

According to a 2022 survey conducted by Stanford Medicine’s Center for Digital Health and Rock Health – a nonprofit that supports innovations in digital health – telemedicine reached an 80% adoption mark overall, becoming the preferred channel for prescription care and minor illnesses. Other notable changes within the survey results included an increased use of telemedicine by respondents over the age 55, respondents living in rural areas, and respondents without health insurance at the time of the survey.

Yogesh Mittal, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with The Orthopaedic Center, says robotic- and computerassisted surgeries have changed the game in his field. Photo courtesy TOC

Home Care that Puts You First

At home, you deserve to feel calm, refreshed, nourished and invigorated. That’s why investing in your kitchens and bathrooms is such a splendid idea. Here in Oklahoma, many are firm believers in this way of life – evidenced in their functional, luxurious and stylish spaces. They’ve opened their doors so we can explore and admire.

By Kimberly Burk • Sidebars by Mary Willa Allen

Warm, Timeless, Inviting

New York Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and his wife, Sarah, “wanted to create a timeless, warm home that prioritized their family and entertaining,” says Oklahoma City-based designer Taylor Stallard.

Stallard, who owns the firm Blonde + Blue Design, worked with the family and Tulsa-based custom home builder SixthDay Homes for the design and build of the 4,300-square-feet project in an up-and-coming neighborhood in Owasso.

“Their family is really special,” Stallard says of the couple and their four kids and two dogs. “They bring a lot of warmth to people around them. They love opening their home up to others and serving people around them.”

A wet bar in the primary bath adds a luxurious touch. All photos of these projects by Korie Smith

Light woods with chrome and brass finishes keep this primary bathroom peaceful.

The custom-plasted hood introduces a soft finish to the kitchen.

The coffee bar in the kitchen utilizes vertical shiplap with white oak and brass.

Primary Bath

The primary bathroom features a floating tub with chrome and brass finishes. For additional visual interest, there is a wet bar in the primary suite near the bathroom.

“We really wanted to mix metals to add a layer into the design so it didn’t feel flat,” Stallard says.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, which is the busiest room in the house, the cabinets are repose gray and feature brass hardware.

“We did a custom-plastered hood to introduce a soft finish,“ Stallard says. “The white oak floors, vanities and island bring a richness and Old World feeling to the home.”

Almost every element was handselected to add a warm layer to the finishes throughout the home, Stallard says.

The kitchen’s all-black pantry displays Sarah’s family dishes. This area also features a four-seat island and quartz countertops, and it opens into the dining room, which has a double-sided fireplace shared with the living room.

“The coffee bar in the kitchen turned out really beautiful,” Stallard says. “It’s a dark vertical shiplap with a white oak base and brass accents. It added so much warmth to the space.”

In this Owasso kitchen, designer Taylor Stallard utilized the color ‘repose gray’ with brass hardware for the cabinets.

The focal point of the primary bathroom is the floating tub.

This primary bathroom project was helmed by Tulsa-based firm Kirkendall Design. “It was very important to this client that we add natural light into their bathroom and remove a garden tub that was center stage,” says Kirkendall’s Mary Lucero.

Photo by Valerie Wei-Haas

Two Dynamic Spaces

Kitchen

Space and functionality were the goals for this Edmond kitchen remodel by EKB Home.

“It was a big transformation,” says Brenda Helms, co-owner of the Edmondbased design firm with her husband, Robert.

The family’s design goal was “a neutral, California-modern space with a little bit of a rustic feel,” Helms says. “Clean layout, very straightforward, no wasted space.”

The walls were painted ‘Agreeable Gray,’ the floors are an engineered, white oak hardwood and the countertops are manmade quartz. The expanded kitchen now features “the whole package of Thermador appliances, including a paneled refrigerator and a 48-inch range,” Helms says.

Another feature Helms is excited about is “a spice ledge above and behind the range,” she says, which allows the homeowners to easily access frequentlyused spices.

On one side of the kitchen is a cabinet with glass that has a linen texture to it, Helms says.

“It’s just beautiful,” she says. “It’s casual, but has a touch of elegance.”

Helms mentions that she is also especially proud of the banquette, for which her firm designed the upholstery, and a glass shelving unit created to disguise a load-bearing column.

Countertops That Last

Quartz countertop brand Cambria offers surfaces that combine innovative design and durability for a lifetime of beauty.

A popular Luxury Series quartz, Annaleigh, offers honey accents, cool charcoal gray veins and ebony flecks to add depth. Patrons can choose either the luxe version – with high shine and a polish finish – or matte – which presents a subtle sheen and a silken feel.

Another quartz option is the Macbeth, described as having “subtle honey shading” which “adds warmth and depth to a serene, cool white background, while soft taupe veins gently melt into the organic surface.”

Photo courtesy Cambria

The floors of this stunning kitchen are white oak hardwood and the countertops are manmade quartz.

Photo by Emily Hart Photography

A recent interior design project by Tulsa Home and Design is a primary bathroom that doubles as a haven for self-care. “At the heart of this transformation is a custom-built sauna, seamlessly integrated to offer an inviting escape,” says Jennifer Hands, owner and lead designer at THD. “The modern design of the space is beautifully tempered by the sauna’s natural wood, creating a warm and luxurious ambiance.”

Photo courtesy Tulsa Home and Design

Primary Bath

In northeast Oklahoma, this primary bathroom is the gem of a new build. The Helms served on the design team for the expansive project.

“It’s a modern home, and they wanted a warm, modern bathroom,” Helms says. “We mixed very modern elements with some warm woods and warm colors, yet very luxurious features.”

The bathroom features a 12-foot vanity with ample drawer space. The medicine cabinets are by Robern, which offer integrated outlets and USB ports. The countertop is lit and the sinks are also integrated.

“All of this was done in a flush installation,” Helms says. “The walls had to be built to allow that.”

The steam shower has all the bells and whistles. There’s a Kohler DTV sound system, multiple shower heads and a chromotherapy light panel, all digitally controlled. The luxurious stone tub keeps the water warm, Helms says. The bathroom also features an ethanol fireplace and a television screen.

Helms was joined on the EBK Home design team by Megan Greve, Maureen Befort and Addie Helms.

A Shower Haven

Your shower should be an escape after a long day – or the place you can prepare for the hours ahead. Kohler believes every shower is a canvas, and offers the gadgets and design elements to make it a masterpiece. Take the Anthem digital valves and controls, which can monitor up to six outlets with a single interface. This allows the user to have complete control over water temperature, volume and so much more. Not to mention, the valves and controls are sleek, easy to use and beautiful, too.

Mixing modern elements with warm woods and colors, this luxurious primary bath is a true escape. Photos of this project by David Cobb Photography

The countertop is lit and offers integrated outlets and USB ports.

Photo courtesy Kohler

Charm and Elegance

A harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary elegance “preserve the soul of the 1970s roots while ushering in a sophisticated, modern flair” in a midtown Tulsa home, fully renovated by Tracy Huntington, owner of Huntington Interior Design in Tulsa.

“It’s a thoughtfully curated space that effortlessly connects family and friends, making every corner feel like home,” she says.

Primary Bath

“This home showcases many standout features, including the expanded primary bathroom,” Huntington says.

In this area, Huntington and her team “created a sense of spaciousness by choosing soft, understated materials that exude elegance,” she says. “The vanity, crafted from white oak with a clear finish, introduces a warm, natural element that guides the eye. A single, cohesive tile runs from the bath floor to the backsplash and up the shower walls – enveloping the space in a serene, spa-like ambiance that feels both expansive and calming.”

Cooking Made Easy

If you’re in the market for a kitchen remodel, the handcrafted ranges at Lacanche are an excellent investment.

Take the Cluny Range, which offers double ovens and dual fuel. A traditional French oven size, the Cluny helps to retain your food’s moisture by eliminating excess oven space. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the Cluny allows full customization – you can opt for two gas ranges, two electric, or one of each.

Another option is the Sully Range, which offers larger capacity ovens and a streamlined cooktop with countless configurations. Even better, the electric oven can change from static to convection with the touch of a switch.

All photos of this

In this bathroom remodel –by designer Nicole Rickey in collaboration with OKCbased The Kitchen Studio – the cabinetry features a textured laminate finish.

“Charging stations were incorporated into each of the floating vanities so items can be tucked away neatly while remaining charged up and ready for use,” says Robin Givens, principal and cabinetry maven at TKS.

Photo by Jason Pierce, Nimble Image

Photo courtesy Lacanche

Soft, understated materials help to create an elegant, peaceful atmosphere in this primary bathroom.

project by Sarah Baker Photography

Taylor Stallard

Kitchen

The remodel also included “the dramatic transformation of tearing down the wall between the kitchen and library, seamlessly connecting the two spaces,” Huntington says. “By removing these visual barriers, we created a more open and expansive feel, enhancing the flow and functionality of the home’s layout.”

The highlight of the project, Huntington says, “was working with a client who embraced the journey with enthusiasm and trust. Their willingness to explore innovative design concepts and their appreciation for the final styling touches made the experience truly rewarding.”

Timeless, Dramatic, Eye-Catching

Kitchen appliance and furniture manufacturer Nobilia North America is redefining modern kitchen design. Following the trends, Nobilia USA sees that homeowners are gravitating towards bold, dramatic aesthetics –which has spurred them to create Easytouch ranges in a graphite black matte color.

This ultra-matte finish, combined with sleek aluminum frames, offers a sophisticated, eye-catching look that transforms kitchens into visually striking spaces. Blending cutting-edge design with sustainability and customization, Nobilia ensures that kitchens are not just trendy – but also timeless and practical.

Photo courtesy Nobilia

A major element in this kitchen transformation was tearing down the wall between the kitchen and the library.

Open shelving in the kitchen allows the homeowners to display unique flatware.

Modern Flair

The clients of Bailey Austin Bird, owner of Bailey Austin Design of Tulsa, purchased a home with French Country influences, “and we were excited to update it to reflect their more modern taste,” Bird says.

Primary Bathroom

The primary bathroom is “undeniably the showstopper” of Bird's whole-house remodel for Ronak and Zena Shah, CEO and CFO, respectively, at Galaxy Home Recreation in Tulsa.

“The clients wanted a hotel-like feel and were fully on board with a slab shower,” Bird says of the couple. “We extended the stunning marble slabs from the shower to the bathtub area, creating a seamless and truly luxurious experience. It does feel very spa-like.”

For the powder bath, tucked beneath the stairs, “we repurposed remnants of the stunning green quartzite used on the formal living room fireplace to craft a mitered waterfall vanity,” Bird says.

The New Generation of Cooling

Looking for a refrigerator and freezer that will change your cooking game? Luxury home appliance company Gaggenau can help.

Consider The New Generation of Cooling. This Gaggenau line enhances both aesthetic design and performance with a furniture-like and dark toned appliance that doesn’t skimp on functionality. The meticulously crafted refrigerator-freezer blends effortlessly into surrounding cabinetry, offers warm lighting options, dark brushed stainless steel and complete elegance.

Photo courtesy Gaggenau

The clients of this home wanted a hotel-like feel in their primary bathroom, replete with marble slab and best-in-class amenities. All photos of this project by Kacey Gilpin Photography

This bathroom, created for two tween boys by Tulsa-based Kimberly Schutz of Kimberly Schutz Interiors, is accented with handmade green concrete tiles with an eye-catching geometric pattern. “The edging had a boyish feel to it and paired perfectly with the green tile wall,” says Schutz.

Photo by Vast Media

Kitchen

In the kitchen, “the hood is the gem and focal point. We wrapped the hood in brass, which beautifully contrasted with the dark green cabinets. The warm brass adds a touch of elegance, while the rich green grounds the space, creating a balanced and eye-catching focal point.”

The existing kitchen cabinets were wellbuilt, but didn’t match the client’s style.

“We refaced them and painted them in Farrow & Ball’s moody ‘Studio Green’ with a semi-gloss finish,” says Bird. “The island was updated with a full waterfall quartzite countertop and pale white oak doors,

accented by brass hardware for a modern touch.”

The family, which includes two young sons, fills up the two seating areas in the kitchen as well as the large dining room when they entertain, Bird says.

“They wanted seating that’s easy for entertaining, and fabrics and materials that are also very family-friendly.”

Bird says the contractors were Tim Yardy and Bill Benton, with cabinets by Woodstock, countertops by Surfaces and windows and doors by One Source, all of Tulsa.

A Sleek and Unobtrusive Range

Cooking aficionados can rejoice with the release of appliance manufacturer Miele’s new cooktops. Models within the KM7000 series offer the same excellent performance but with a sleek, unobtrusive look, without a stainless-steel frame that lends itself to a seamless design.

Aesthetics aside, the cooktops offer a variety of benefits including a PowerFlex area that can be used as an individual cooking space or combined to provide a larger cooking surface, a consistently cool cooking surface, auto-off and pan detection with Wi-Fi connectivity, and higher air quality without the use of heat and flames.

A focal point in this kitchen designed by Bailey Austin Bird is the hood, which was wrapped in brass to contrast with the dark green cabinets.

This custom steam shower, created by Tulsa-based Kitchen Ideas, showcases Bianco Carrara floor and accent tiles, as well as Dolo matte porcelain tile on the walls and ceiling courtesy Visions Tile and Stone.

Photo by Jess Grantz

Photo courtesy Miele

This Tulsa kitchen update included a total tear-out, but much of the original layout was left intact. “We wanted to keep the existing feel of the home but update it in a way that felt fresh, and I think we hit the nail on the head,” says Emily Davis, project lead and owner of Emily Davis Interiors.

Photo by Kacey Gilpin

HolidayPlanningParty 101

You may think it’s a bit early to start planning your holiday soirée, but the experts disagree. We talk elements to the perfect party, o er a step-by-step planning guide and suggest some etiquette to keep things flowing smoothly.

By Carol Mowdy Bond

Lance Cheney of Lance Cheney Richard Neel Home in Tulsa created this fall-centric tablescape for those looking for some inspiration. Photo courtesy Lance Cheney

A Planning Guide

Hosting a standout holiday party takes a lot of preparation. Setting your budget, choosing a date and creating a guest list are part of the mix. But the menu, party theme, decor and itinerary are equally important.

“You must pick a venue, and the venue will have a list of rules,” says Toni Garner, owner of Toni’s Flowers and Gifts in Tulsa. “Do they allow outside catering? Do they allow open flames? How will the flow of the party be throughout the whole venue, or throughout the home? Will you have enough room for all the guests? Will the seating be ample?”

Talmadge Powell, founder of the event planning company TPC Studios in Tulsa, continues: “The devil is in the details. Your invitation is the very first glimpse into your event and should give guests a taste of what is to be expected.

a holiday party for a group of young professionals, you might want to incorporate elements like a trendy cocktail or mocktail bar, interactive food stations and perhaps a live DJ mixing contemporary holiday music with Top 40 beats. On the other hand, if your guest list includes families with children, think about adding a festive activity corner, a hot cocoa station and a visit from Santa. Finding time in the holiday season is difficult for everyone, and ensuring your event resonates with the specific interests and preferences of your guests can make it a standout moment amidst their busy schedules. By crafting a personalized experience, you’re not just throwing a party. You’re creating a memorable highlight of their holiday season.”

“Consider the venue. It should complement the event’s theme and be practical for the number of guests, although selecting the right venue isn’t just about finding a space that fits your guest list. It’s about creating an environment that enhances the overall experience. Additionally, the decor, lighting and layout should align with your theme to create a cohesive atmosphere that feels intentional and immersive. Each and every thing, from a well-thought-out schedule, congruent menu and a playlist with a vibe, should add up to create a memorable experience.”

Elements to a Great Party

e holidays are a busy time, so host your soirée on a date that’s convenient for most guests. Additionally, have a clear start and end time to avoid stragglers and lingerers. Set up a smart RSVP system to track guests who plan to attend. Whether catered or home cooked, excellent food is imperative. And food should be organized and ready to eat when guests are hungry.

“Understanding your audience is key,” says Powell. “Consider the median demographic for your anticipated guest list, and try to hone in on trends and experiences that would be exciting for them. For example, if you’re planning

Lance Cheney, president of Lance Cheney Richard Neel Home – an interior design/furnishing company in Tulsa – advises to “send a printed paper invitation by snail mail one month prior to the party. As well, serve a signature holiday cocktail. Send every guest home with a wrapped gift/party favor. This could be something you purchase, like a candle or paper weight, or something more personal like your special holiday cookies or fudge. Choose a curated holiday party playlist – a mix of classics and contemporary."

Cheney suggests live holiday carolers or a performance for potential entertainment. He continues that adding a signature fragrance is a unique idea, such as having new reed diffusers through your home or the venue. As well, consider hiring a bartender, and a couple of servers who will not only serve any food but will also help clean up after the party.

Holiday Party Do’s and Don’ts

Perhaps the best piece of advice when organizing a holiday party?

“Plan ahead,” says Powell. “The best venues, caterers and entertainment vendors book up for the holiday season many months in advance. Think through your theme. Choose something that is festive and fun – but not overdone or cheesy, and then carry it throughout all of your event elements, from the invitations to the food to the decor.

Talmadge Powell, founder of event planning company TPC Studios, says the devil is in the details when planning your holiday event – and to always book your vendors far ahead of time. Tablescape by TPC Studios

Arilla Broadus, director of Running Wild Catering in OKC, says a caterer should be hired up to four months before a holiday event. All food photos courtesy Running Wild Catering

Choosing a theme that people can get excited about will elevate the energy of the event, encouraging participation. Ensure your event stands out by choosing entertainment that provides guests with an escape from seasonal frenzy.”

Other etiquette suggestions are offered by Cheney.

“Do serve a signature cocktail, wine, beer and soft drinks,” says Cheney. “Serve a buffet. Don’t serve a sit-down dinner. Decorate with flame-less candles. Don’t use real, fire wax candles. The only real fire in your home [should be] in the fireplace. Use cloth napkins, including cocktail napkins, and china, crystal and silver flatware. Don’t serve [on] paper and/or plastic. Be dressed and ready to receive your guests at least a half hour prior to start time. Don’t be late to your own party.”

When it comes to preparing the space, “don’t over decorate,” says Powell. “While festive decor is great, avoid overwhelming your space with too many decorations. Opt for tasteful touches that enhance the theme and the atmosphere – rather than clutter it. Keep in mind local events, concerts or games that might be happening in your area that would create a conflict, as well as days too close to Christmas that would prohibit people being able to attend.”

And if you’ve got furry friends at home, Cheney has some advice.

“Don’t let your dogs have the run of the house,” he says. “Having them away for a couple of hours during the party is safer for them. They won’t be fed and get sick. They won’t have any opportunity to get out of the house, and they won’t be jumping on your guests. If you must have your dogs at the party, be sure they are freshly groomed, and hire someone to babysit them in the house, keeping them on leashes.”

Choosing the Right Caterer

Food should be one of your main priorities. If you’re not keen on making it all yourself, a trusted caterer is an excellent party partner.

Broadus continues: “A lot of people don’t understand what goes into catering – especially when it’s their first time hosting an event. People don’t realize the aspect of what the caterer is going to be doing and their overhead, and that plays into the overall price.”

“Hire your caterer at least four months ahead of your holiday get-together,” says Arilla Broadus, director of Running Wild Catering based in Oklahoma City. “Vendors are also taking on weddings and corporate and private events during the holidays. Be aware of the time of year when considering budget – you get what you pay for. Going with the least expensive is not always the best option. Some people want something for $10 a head, and that’s just not possible.”

She encourages hosts to consider full service catering and ask questions before booking. Does the caterer set up everything? Does the staff maintain it and clean up after it’s over?

“Stay clear of a package deal that does not detail out what you are getting,” she says. “Possibly running out of food could be something you get into with such situations when you don’t know for sure what you’re getting. But a customizable cater is built to your type of situation. They can do anything you want – and adjust things as needed.”

Getting the Timing Right

e last thing you want is to feel you’re in a time crunch as the party approaches. at said, there are a few rules of thumb about when to get your orders in.

“Order any specialty foods and flowers, including holiday greens, six weeks prior to your party, and deep clean your home one month prior,” says Cheney. “Be sure to clean all light fixtures, paying special attention to crystal chandeliers. Have the chimney swept. Launder napkins, clean all crystal glasses, and polish silverware, silver serving pieces, trays. Wrap, bag, and gift-tag party favors.”

Cheney continues: “Two to three weeks before the party, all holiday decorations should be completed and all boxes returned to the attic. Check and replace any light bulbs. One week before, send what you plan to wear to the dry cleaners or laundry. The day prior, or morning of the party, the lawn service should sweep and blow all sidewalks, driveways and lawns to remove the last of the leaves.”

Taste

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

A Taste of the Big Apple

With big city vibes and appetizing cuisine, Two Doors Down Wine Bar welcomes one and all.

Step into Two Doors Down Wine and Bistro, opened in late August, and you might just forget you’re in Oklahoma City. The latest venture from the minds behind Symmetry, the OKC-based, high-end steakhouse, this cozy bistro brings a slice of New York City to the Sooner State, complete with iconic NYC-inspired decor and a menu that would make any Manhattanite feel right at home.

“We wanted to do something that didn’t compete,” explains co-owner Dave Osborn, gesturing around the space adorned with nods to beloved

New York-based TV shows. From the replica of Harvey Specter’s office from Suits to the unmistakable orange couch from Friends, every corner of Two Doors Down is an Instagram-worthy homage to the Big Apple.

But it’s not just about looks. This wine bar and bistro is serious about its offerings, with a curated menu that emphasizes quality ingredients and approachable price points. All of said ingredients, from the meats to the cheesecakes, were

tested and hand-selected by Osborn, cofounder Jason Pool, and chef Glenn Scott.

“We would line up four different pepperoni, and we would taste all the pepperoni,” says Pool. “The product has to be great. We can’t just go cheap, because you can taste cheap.”

This attention to detail shines through in dishes like the Tony Soprano, their take on an Italian grinder that’s quickly becoming a crowd favorite. The pizza selection, while not strictly New Yorkstyle, leans more towards a bistro approach, offering both classic combinations and a build-your-own option.

The wine list, carefully selected by in-house experts, features about 20 options by the glass, with 12 reds and eight whites, plus a few sparkling iterations to round things out. In a nod to modern wine trends, they even offer two selections on tap.

For those who prefer their libations a bit stronger, the cocktail menu reads like a love letter to the classics. Think perfectly balanced Old Fashioneds and crisp martinis that would make Mad Men's Don Draper proud.

Salads, sandwiches, pizzas and wine make Two Doors Down your next delicious hang out spot in OKC. Photos courtesy Two Doors Down

Top your evening at Two Doors Down off with a slice of New York cheesecake, replete with raspberry sauce.

At its core, Two Doors Down isn’t about replicating New York; it’s about creating a space that fills a gap in Oklahoma City’s dining scene. Osborn and Pool realized they needed to create a wine bar that was more casual – a place to hang out that had a feel-good vibe around the northern Oklahoma City area. With hours extending until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends, Two Doors Down is also quickly becoming a favorite spot for industry workers looking for a place to unwind after evening shifts.

The concept is already resonating with locals. On opening night, they had to navigate the delicate dance of a packed house.

“Opening night was crazy,” confirms Osborn. “We had our soft opening at 5 p.m., and then opened to the public at 7. From 5 to 7, it was invite-only, and we had probably sent out about 120 invitations, and we had about 80 people in here.”

Perhaps the most New York touch of all is their approach to retail. Taking advantage of recent changes in Oklahoma’s liquor laws, Two Doors Down offers their entire wine selection at retail prices.

“If we’re going to be a wine bar, why not give them something to take home, too?” Pool asks. It’s a move that bridges the gap between restaurant and bottle shop, allowing patrons to recreate their favorite pairings at home.

As for what’s next, the team behind Two Doors Down and Symmetry has big dreams.

“We want to have 20 restaurants in 20 years,” Osborn says, hinting at concepts that could bring tastes of Los Angeles, Paris and beyond to Oklahoma City. But for now, they’re focused on perfecting their little slice of New York in the Midwest – a love letter to the Empire City, crafted with Oklahoma hospitality.

HEIDE BRANDES

Getting Collaborative

If you’re looking for your next work-fromanywhere-but-the-office spot, local coffee shop obsession or just a place to get some delicious baked goods, Collab Coffee Co. in Tulsa awaits you.

At Collab, you’ll find virtually any coffee concoction you can dream of, from drips to pour-overs, macchiatos, cold brews, Americanos, lattes and cappuccinos. For in-shop sippers, there’s also a bottomless coffee option. If you are attempting to abstain from a cup of java – godspeed –Collab is still for you with its matcha and chai tea lattes, hot chocolate, iced tea, lemonade and Arnie’s Girl – equal parts lemonade and hibiscus tea.

Seasonal drinks are another major draw, ranging from wildflower lattes to iced rose matcha. For those in search of a little zen, there are a variety of calming teas available, too. Reasonably priced bakery goodies include quiche, chicken salad, and ham and cheese croissants.

And if you’re trying to get a little (responsible) buzz while you relax, Collab has wine, beer and cocktails that include the Chilled Whisky Chai, with whisky, Irish cream, masala chai and milk, the Lemonade Cooler, with vodka, club soda and lemonade, and the Lavender Mule, with vodka, ginger beer, house-made lavender syrup and lime.

Finding the Spark

Advertised as serving up “burgers, fries and cold delights,” Spark’s ambiance is as delightful as its food is delicious.

Burgers are the major draw at Spark, all served on Martin’s potato rolls. The classic Spark Burger is an excellent place to start; the delicacy keeps it simple with American cheese, lettuce, pickle, tomato and the housemade Spark sauce. But don’t worry – quirkier combinations are around every corner for the adventurous eater. Diner favorites include the Hottie Spark, with a ghost pepper cheese hot link, Swiss cheese, spicy truffle aioli and Louisiana hot sauce; the Shaka Spark, with Swiss, spiced pineapple, candied jalapenos and ‘Hang Loose’ sauce; and the BLC Spark, with pimento cheese, bacon, crispy cheddar crust, pickles and ranch.

All burgers, enticingly priced between $7.50 to $10, should certainly be accompanied by fries. Enjoy the classic crinkle, bacon cheese or queso iterations, as well as the Pink Fries – with signature pink sauce, Parmesan and parsley. A shareable option is the Rumble Fries combo – with house queso, melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, candied jalapenos, tomatoes, onions and Spark sauce.

For those who just desire a quick snack or something lighter, smaller bites include corn dogs, chicken sandwiches, burger bowls and acai bowls.

And yes, of course, we recommend staying for dessert. Choose between custard or a shake, with toppings including Oreos, M&M’s, cookie dough, strawberries and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Adults can also peruse the bar menu for frozen, canned and house-made cocktails, beer and wine.

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Alongside dine-in service, the restaurant offers its entire wine selection for purchase.

Photo courtesy Collab Coffee Co.

Photo courtesy Spark

A Dance of Timing

Cat Cox, owner of Tulsa's Country Bird Bakery, makes food worth waiting for.

Early Saturday morning, rain or shine, in freezing snow or Saharan heat, a long line forms on a quiet stretch of Utica Avenue. Regulars are there by 8:00 a.m., laden with chairs, books and coffee. Their goal? Grabbing goodies from Cat Cox’s Country Bird Bakery, which is open only on Saturday morning, and which offers the most glorious, pillowy, crusty loaves of bread known to man. (And pastries too!)

Why don’t these people just run into a supermarket and grab a loaf?

“Manufactured bread,” says Cox, the lithe, friendly, energetic woman who spends the rest of the week preparing and baking the bread, “no human hands touch it. Roller milling strips it of nutrients and flavor. It’s a dead thing. Our bread is alive It’s a community of microorganisms that create air bubbles, give it flavor, make it more digestible. Our bread has terroir.” Terroir, the taste and feel of the local land, comes from the grains Cox gets from small farms. She uses old, heirloom varieties. John’s Farm, for instance, tilled by seventh-generation farmers, has a land race of winter wheat unique to Oklahoma. Some varieties of wheat, however, just don’t grow in Oklahoma, and Cox gets these from small-scale farmers in Texas. The wheat berries are made into flour by a small mill in Enid, where they are ground between two huge rotating stones.

To make that flour into bread, says Cox, is “a lot of work; it’s relentless.”

That work begins on Thursday, when she feeds and readies the starter. She makes sourdough, perhaps the oldest bread in history (archaeologists have found 6,000-year-old loaves), made from wild yeast, and her starter, a fermented mix of flour and water containing wild yeast and lactobacilli, is at least 20 years old.

On Friday morning, she mixes the dough (flour, water, starter and later, salt), stretches and folds it, again and again. The dough spends the rest of the day fermenting in big tubs. Then, divided into loaves, it’s refrigerated overnight and the yeast

begins its work. All this requires perfect timing or the dough won't rise right.

“It’s a dance of timing,” says Cox. “And it’s never the same. That’s why I’ve loved it for so long.”

And Cox has loved it for almost all her life. She grew up in Tulsa. Both her grandmothers baked, and her mother encouraged her to give it a try. She was making pretzels and cakes by elementary school. After graduating from Booker T. Washington, she went to art school, moved to New York and later Marfa, Texas. But while there, she found her way to restaurant kitchens – baking called her back – and when she returned to Tulsa, she made it her vocation.

Saturday, the big day, begins early. Cox arrives at the bakery at 3 a.m. Her staff of four comes in by 4 a.m. There are also croissants and pastry to be done. She started making those on Tuesday, creating the many thin layers and interleaving them with butter. By 9 a.m. Saturday, the nine kinds of bread and 20 varieties of pastry are on the shelves, the doors open, and the first of the 200 customers rush in.

“It blows me away,” says Cox. “I am so grateful to the people in line, it makes me feel I’m doing something right. I think they can tell the quality of our craft, which I and my staff have spent years honing. They can tell that we care about what we’re making. I always look at what we’ve made and think: 'There’s no way we can sell it all.' But they show up every week and we sell out. People tell me that my bakery could hold its own in any city in the U.S., and that makes me feel really proud.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Cat Cox opens Tulsa’s Country Bird Bakery every Saturday at 9 a.m. – typically with a line around the block. Photos by Stephanie Phillips

Taste | Tasty Tidbits

Bún Box

Melding innovation with authenticity, Bún Box is inspired by the vibrant essence of Vietnamese food and can be found at 2600 N. Classen in OKC. Enjoy the classic bún boxes, with fillings like chicken, pork and vegetables. Other delectable dishes include lemongrass pork and rice, pan seared chicken and rice and vegan options for the herbivores. Spring rolls are a can’t-miss – choose between shrimp, pork, chicken or vegan options. You can also indulge in egg rolls, steam buns and noodles. You'll win no matter what!

Warehouse Willy’s

A lovely and lauded hole-inthe-wall joint in Poteau, Warehouse Willy’s is sure to knock your socks off. Comfort food in its many forms is the true star at Willy’s. Kick things off with starters like stuffed shrimp, fried mud bugs (battered crayfish), fried mushrooms or potato wedges. Continue on to main menu delicacies like gumbo or the steak potato – a baked potato topped with grilled steak, butter and cheese. Rib eyes, filets, pork chops, chicken breast, onion burgers and brisket sandwiches are also hot ticket items, all coming with either salad or gumbo, plus potatoes (baked, wedge or salad), and bread. If you’re not sold after all that, just check the Google reviews – over 1,000 glowing reports, averaging out at 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Gambill’s Tacos

Restaurateur Hunter Gambill is keeping things fresh with Gambill’s Tacos, with two locations in Tulsa and one in Norman. There, diners can enjoy a variety of delicious taco options served on handmade blue corn tortillas. You can imbibe housemade beers and nosh trompo tacos that come with either pork, chicken or steak.

Gambill’s has a rotating list of specialties that are sure to entice. Try the beer battered fish tacos, served kimchi style with sriracha aioli. The steak al pastor is a popular option, as well as brisket barbacoa. No matter the taco you choose, you’ll leave full and happy.

The Beet Box

Started by two young entrepreneurs, Randon Moore and Gwyneth Yvonne, the Beet Box is working hard to change the perception of vegan food. The restaurant, which once sold its dishes out of an apartment, shifted to a food truck after a rise in popularity. Now, the Beet Box has its own brick and mortar location in OKC. If you think vegan food is flavorless or boring, Moore and Yvonne are on a mission to change your mind.

The signature ‘Chickless’ sandwiches come in an array of iterations, many of which draw inspiration from other fast casual restaurant chains like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s. Honey barbecue, buffalo, hot honey and mango habanero are a few sandwich standouts. The joint also offers ‘chickless’ nuggets, alongside vegan tacos, veggie sandwiches, fried artichokes, taco pizza, fries and plenty of house-made drinks.

Photo courtesy The Beet Box

Photo courtesy Warehouse Willy’s

Photo courtesy Gambill’s

Photo courtesy Bún Box

Where & When

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA

EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA Performances

Bach-Toberfest Oct. 1 Marshall Brewing Company Experience the music of Bach and the fun of Oktoberfest with Signature Symphony while enjoying thoughtfully paired local beer. signaturesymphony.org

Vienna Light Orchestra presents: The Greatest Showman Oct. 5 Mabee Center In addition to music from the iconic musical, the orchestra will perform fan favorites from Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom of the Opera mabbecenter.com

American Theatre Company presents: Patrimony Through Oct. 6 Tulsa PAC Patrimony, a new play whose secrets never seem to end, tells the story of a troubled teenager with no father who struggles to find one. tulsapac.com

Tiffany

Haddish Oct. 10 River Spirit Casino Resort Emmy and Grammy Award winner Tiffany Haddish has established herself as one of the most sought-after comedic actresses and performers worldwide. riverspirittulsa.com

Pembroke Players present: Anne of Green Gables Oct. 10-13 Tulsa PAC This show follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with a couple she doesn't know. tulsapac.com

Nanyehi, Beloved Woman of the Cherokee Oct. 12 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Held at The Joint, Nanyehi – Beloved Woman of the Cherokee is the story of Nancy Ward, a legendary woman who was first honored in the 18th century as a Cherokee war woman, but then as a peacemaker during the American Revolution. nanyehi.com

Tulsa Symphony presents: Brahms and Bartok Oct. 12 Tulsa PAC Brett Mitchell returns to lead the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra on a musical odyssey through a captivating lineup of masterpieces. tulsasymphony.org

Celebrity Attractions presents: MJ Oct. 15-20 Tulsa PAC He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Tulsa as the multi–Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. celebrityattractions.com

PERFORMANCES

Thrilling Performances Around Every Corner

In OKC, the Civic Center welcomes a handful of exciting options. Begin with OKC Broadway’s MJ the Musical, which follows pop icon Michael Jackson on his Dangerous World Tour. The show runs Oct. 1-6, and then ventures to the Tulsa PAC, courtesy Celebrity Attractions, for a run from Oct. 15 to 20. Also at the Civic is OKC Philharmonic’s The Organ Symphony, Oct. 12, followed by the beloved tale of Peter Pan, brought to life through dance courtesy OKC Ballet from Oct. 18 to 20.

The Civic’s month closes out with Canterbury Voices’ Loksi’ Shaali’ on Oct. 27.

MJ THE MUSICAL

Tulsa is also brimming with on the stage events. First is Brahms and Bartok, courtesy Tulsa Symphony, on Oct. 12 at the PAC. Stick around the PAC for Chamber Music Tulsa’s Miro Quartet, visiting Oct. 20 with special guest David Shifrin. Lastly, get your spook on with Tulsa Ballet during Dracula, running Oct. 31-Nov. 3. At TCC’s Van Trease PACE, you can also catch Grand Voices: The Tulsa Opera Chorus in Concert on Oct. 19. And if you’re looking to spend some time in Stillwater, the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts welcomes string trio Time for Three on Oct. 4, musician Lyle Lovett on Oct. 12 and flutist Claire Chase on Oct. 22.

Grand Voices: The Tulsa Opera Chorus in Concert Oct. 19 TCC Van Trease PACE Tulsa talent is on full display when the dedicated artists of the acclaimed Tulsa Opera Chorus and Orchestra return to the stage for the first time since 2023 to deliver a musical experience of unforgettable power and passion that only a dynamic blend of voices and instruments can bring. tulsaopera. com

Chamber Music Tulsa presents: Miro Quartet with David Shifrin Oct. 20 Tulsa PAC The Miro Quartet returns to Tulsa for the first time since their triumphant Beethoven Winter Festival in 2017. chambermusictulsa.org

Tulsa Ballet presents: Dracula Oct. 31-Nov. 3 Ben Stevenson’s ghoulishly entertaining gothic ballet Dracula returns to Tulsa for the first time since 2018, with awe inspiring stunning theatrics, spooky vampire brides who soar through the air, and an exploding chandelier. tulsaballet.org

Concerts

Flogging Molly Oct. 2 Cain's Ballroom Enjoy the Celtic punk band live. cainsballroom.com

Tracy Byrd Oct. 3 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Tracy Lynn Byrd is an American country music artist. See him live at the Hard Rock. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Oct. 6 Cain's Ballroom Since its formation in the early nineties in Ventura, California, this band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year. cainsballroom.com

Experience Hendrix Oct.

12 River Spirit Casino Resort The Experience Hendrix Tour evokes the era when artists treated each performance as a unique interaction with their audience. riverspirittulsa.com

98 Degrees Oct. 17 River Spirit Casino Resort 98 Degrees is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, multi-award winning and nominated vocal group. riverspirittulsa.com

Korn Oct. 23 BOK Center Korn is heading back to Tulsa with special guests Gojira and Spiritbox. bokcenter.com

Fuerza Regida Oct. 25 BOK Center See the singer on his Pero No Te Enamores tour. bokcenter.com

Tori Kelly Oct. 28 Cain's Ballroom Singer Tori Kelly visits Cain's on her Purple Skies tour. cainsballroom.com

Art

Rose Colored Glasses: Kendall Ross & Taryn

Singleton Oct. 4-Nov. 24 108

Contemporary This exhibition features two Tulsa-based artists both working in fiber mediums but with very different techniques and concepts. 108contemporary. org

War Club: Native Art & Activism Oct. 5-June

29 Philbrook War Club is the culminating exhibition of Anita and Yatika Fields’s project delving into Native artwork and ephemera from important historical and contemporary moments of resistance. philbrook.org

Dreams: An Exploration of the Strange and Unusual Through Oct. 12 Living Arts This showcase entices the mind to explore the ideals of the “strange and unusual." livingarts.org

Beyond the Mold: Unpacking Ken Doll's Evolution Through Nov. 3 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Enter the world of American masculinity and pop culture through the lens of the iconic Ken Doll and his companions in Beyond the Mold: Unpacking Ken Doll’s Evolution jewishmuseumtulsa. org

American Artists, American Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776–1976 Through Dec.

29 Philbrook Two hundred years, over one hundred works of art, and countless stories of artists and the people, places and events they chose to represent lie within this new exhibition. philbrook.org

Here Be Dragons: Mapping the Real and Imagined Through Dec. 29 Philbrook This exhibition presents artworks from the Philbrook collection that span over three hundred years of history, and that build a sense of place, whether real or imagined. philbrook.org

Timo Fahler: Shrug Atlas Through Dec.

29 Philbrook Today, artist Timo Fahler is known for artworks that combine earth, stained glass, metal rebar, plaster and other materials to speak to the history of land and labor through material and form. philbrook.org

Jacob’s Ladder Through Dec.

31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art The Museum’s archives are home

to many imaginative winged beings. Join Sherwin Miller on a trip up Jacob’s Ladder and encounter these charming and artistic pieces from the collection. jewishmuseumtulsa.org

Curator’s Curios Through Dec. 31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Digging deep into the Museum’s massive Judaica collection, curator Sofia Thornblad displays her all-time favorites from oil paintings by Theodore Freid to fun vintage Israeli posters. jewishmuseumtulsa.org

Eduardo Sarabia: Ceiba

Sagrada Through Dec. 28, 2025 Philbrook Los Angeles-born, Mexico-based Eduardo Sarabia has become one of the better-known artistic voices of his generation for using materials and imagery associated with street culture, craft and folk history to draw connections between his personal story and the narrative of Mexico. philbrook.org

Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

Sports

Tulsa FC Soccer Matches Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 ONEOK Field Tulsa's pro soccer team takes on regular season opponents during its final games. fctulsa.com

University of Tulsa Football Oct. 5, 26 H.A. Chapman Stadium See the Golden Hurricane play at home this month. tulsahurricane.com

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Zealand Breakers Oct. 10 BOK Center Get ready to Thunder up in Tulsa! bokcenter.com

Arabian and Half Arabian U.S. Nationals Oct. 18-26 Expo Square See some of the world's best riders and their equine partners at this annual competition. arabianhorses.org

Tulsa Oilers Hockey Oct. 19-26 BOK Center Enjoy pro hockey at the BOK Center. bokcenter.com

Tulsa Run Oct. 26 Downtown Tulsa Athletes and health enthusiasts have been gathering in downtown Tulsa the last weekend in October since 1978 for a fun and competitive run. organizations.hakuapp.com

Simulcast Horse Racing Through Nov. 2 Expo Square Place your bets for one of Tulsa's most exciting equine events. exposquare.com

Community

First Friday Art Crawl Oct. 4 Downtown On the first Friday of every month, guests will be able to see a new exhibit opening and enjoy live music, a cash bar and snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu

Twisted Roots Haunted Trail Oct. 4-Nov. 2 1900 E. 62nd St., Muskogee Riddled with twists, turns, traps and terrors, this spooky stroll is not for the faint of heart. feartheroots.com

Tulsa State Fair Through Oct. 6 Expo Square The Tulsa State Fair is the city's largest family event, providing educational experiences and entertainment during an 11-day span. tulsastatefair.com

Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade, courtesy Celebrity Attractions

Tulsa Oktoberfest Oct.

17-20 River West Festival

Park Visitors to this fall celebration will enjoy delicious food, refreshing beverages, high-flying carnival rides, live music straight from Germany and much more. tulsaoktoberfest.org

Kendall Whittier Art

Festival Oct. 19 Kendall Whittier District Celebrate fall weather and the great outdoors at the Kendall Whittier Art Festival. visitkendallwhittier.com

The Price is Right Live Oct.

27 BOK Center Get ready to “come on down” and join the excitement as BOK Center brings the legendary television game show, The Price Is Right, to life. bokcenter.com

Autumn in the Botanic Garden Through Oct. 31 Tulsa Botanic Garden Usher in fall at Tulsa Botanic. tulsabotanic.org

Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd's Cross Through Nov. 9 Shepherd's Cross, Claremore Celebrate fall with pumpkins, hayrides and harvest educational activities at Shepherd's Cross, an authentic working farm in Claremore. shepherdscross.com

Charitable Events

Tatas, Tinis and Tennis Oct.

3 LaFortune Tennis Center Join Oklahoma Project Woman for a day of tennis and an evening of entertainment including live music, light bites and martinis. oklahomaprojectwoman. org

Tulsa Hall of Fame Induction

Ceremony Oct. 7 Southern Hills Country Club Celebrate the newest inductees and help to support the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. tulsahistory.org

Laps for Little Ones Oct.

12 Bishop Kelley High School This heartwarming walk event honors the incredible students and alumni of Little Light House. littlelighthouse.org

HallowZOOeen Oct. 18 Tulsa Zoo This spooky (but not-too-scary) event is suitable for all ages and attracts thousands of visitors to the zoo for trick-or-treating and Halloween fun. tulsazoo.org

Hallowmarine Oct. 18-19, 25-26, 31 Oklahoma Aquarium The Oklahoma Aquarium is excited to celebrate our 20th annual HallowMarine presented by BancFirst. okaquarium.org

Mutt Strutt Oct. 19 41st Street Plaza DVIS’s annual Mutt Strut is a dog walk and pet costume contest that brings awareness and supplies to DVIS's kennel. DVIS was the first domestic violence shelter in Oklahoma to include a kennel for dogs and cats, keeping survivors and their beloved pets together. dvis.org

Dinner with Chef Alex Figueira Oct. 24 Summit Club

Rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, Chef Alex Figueira’s rise to culinary prominence is a testament to his unwavering passion for family, Brazilian cuisine, and life itself. Join the chef and the Tulsa Botanic Garden team to raise money for the garden and its many programming efforts. tulsabotanic.org

IN OKC Performances

OKC Broadway presents: MJ Oct. 1-6 Civic Center Music Hall MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of Michael Jackson, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted him into legendary status. okcbroadway.com

Lyric Theatre presents: Once On This Island Through Oct. 6 Lyric at the Plaza This show tells the Caribbean-inspired tale of Ti Moune, a peasant girl, who rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love – despite the island’s societal norms. lyrictheatreokc.com

OKC Phil presents: The Organ Symphony Oct. 12 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy a new show from the OKC Phil with Cameron Carpenter on organ. okcphil.org

OKC Ballet presents: Peter Pan Oct. 18-20 Civic Center Music Hall Catch Peter, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, plus Wendy Darling and her brothers fly across the Civic Center stage in this family-friendly classic adapted from the famous J.M. Barrie novel. okcballet.org

Canterbury Voices presents: Loksi' Shaali' Oct. 27 Civic Center Music Hall This groundbreaking choral and orchestral composition narrates the journey of the Chickasaw-Choctaw migration. canterburyokc.com

Concerts

Sturgill Simpson Oct. 8

Criterion Enjoy the crooner for one night only. criterionokc.com

Chayanne Oct. 18 Paycom

Center Latin pop sensation

Chayanne is bringing the Bailemos Otra Vez Tour to Oklahoma City. paycomcenter.com

Josh Turner Oct. 24

Criterion Joshua Otis Turner is an American country singer and songwriter. See him live at the Criterion. criterionokc.com

SPORTS

Grupo Firme Oct. 24 Paycom

Center Grupo Firme, the Mexican music stars, are back on the road and returning to OKC. paycomcenter.com

Art

Cheyenne Ledger Art from Fort Marion Through Jan. 5 This exhibition is curated by Dr. Eric Singleton, curator of Native American Art and Ethnology and Director of Language and Culture Programs at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Gordon Ellowman. nationalcowboymuseum.org

Picasso Linocut

Exhibition Through Jan.

5 OKCMOA An exhibition of prints by Pablo Picasso, including seventeen progressive proofs and two published linocuts, this show explores his artistic process and one of printmaking’s most fascinating and demanding mediums, the linoleum cut print. okcmoa.com

Colors of Freedom Through Jan.

6 Oklahoma Contemporary This exhibition presents a collection of artworks created by young Ukrainians who want to share their fears, hopes and dreams with the world. oklahomacontemporary.org

Eva Schlegel: Multiple Voices Through Jan. 13 Oklahoma Contemporary Multiple Voices is the first public artwork in the United States by Eva Schlegel, the Austria-born and -based artist known for engineering steel and mirrors into spectacular, architectonic sculptures. oklahomacontemporary.org

Kingdom of David & Solomon Discovered Through Jan.

17 Armstrong Auditorium Artifacts from 10th-century Israel are on display at the Armstrong Auditorium through January. armstrongauditorium.org

Outré West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California Through Jan. 27 Oklahoma Contemporary Outré West: The American School of Architecture from Oklahoma to California considers the works of a group of architects who were educated and mentored in Oklahoma in the 1950s and 1960s, and later developed

A Panoply of Sporting Events

groundbreaking design practices in California. oklahomacontemporary. org

The Three Shades Through Aug. 23, 2026 OKCMOA Enjoy this single-gallery installation featuring one of the masterworks of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin’s The Three Shades, on loan from a private collection. okcmoa.com

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

Cynthia Daignault:

Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA

This exhibition features one painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia Daignault, as a tribute to the painful history of the Oklahoma City bombing from 1995. okcmoa. com

Sports

Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show Oct. 5-12 OKC Fairgrounds See equine excellent at the OKC Fairground's Jim Norick Arena. okcfairgrounds.com

Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Oct. 9, 17, 27, 30 Paycom Center The state's NBA team takes on pre- and regular-season teams at home. nba.com/thunder

OPHA Fall Color Classic Oct. 18-20 OKC Fairgrounds More horse-centric competitions can be found this weekend. okcfairgrounds.com

University of Oklahoma Football Oct. 19 Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman College football is back and better than ever this month. See the Sooners take on season opponents. soonersports.com

Send the Tulsa FC off in style during their last soccer matches of the season, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at ONEOK Field. Then, venture to H.A. Chapman Stadium to cheer on the University of Tulsa’s Golden Hurricane as they take on regular season football foes Oct. 5 and 26. At the BOK Center, the Tulsa Oilers take the ice Oct. 19-26, and you can also enjoy the highly anticipated Arabian and Half Arabian U.S. Nationals on Oct. 18-26 at Expo Square. If you want to get in on the action or just be an enthusiastic spectator, the Tulsa Run takes place Oct. 26 in downtown Tulsa.

CommunityArt

Art on Tap Oct. 4 Oklahoma

City Museum of Art Once a year, Art on Tap brings community members together over beer, food and art. okcmoa.com

Oklahoma Regatta

Festival Oct. 4-6 Boathouse

District Join the celebration of rowing, kayaking, dragon boating and stand-up paddle boarding at the Oklahoma Regatta Festival. riversportokc.org

Pumpkinville Oct. 4-20 Myriad Botanical Gardens Make your way to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City to celebrate the fall season. myriadgardens.org

Brick Convention: LEGO

Fan Event Oct. 5-6 OKC

Fairgrounds LEGO Brick Convention is the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages! The numerous play areas treat fans of all ages to a day of hands-on fun, games, and life-size LEGO models. okcfairgrounds.com

Second OHOF Saturdays

Oct. 12 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of Fame Saturdays invite families to learn about an Oklahoma Hall of Fame member with crafts and activities. oklahomahof.com

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks

Live Glow Party Oct.

12 Paycom Center Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party returns to Oklahoma City! Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the dark. paycomcenter.com

Indigenous Peoples Day Oct. 14 First Americans Museum This event will celebrate the 39 tribal nations and Indigenous communities that makeup Oklahoma with activities like stickball games, performances, panel discussions, Indigenous youth art contests and more. famok.org

Oklahoma City Town Hall presents: Joe

Theismann Oct. 17 OKC Town Hall Losing his successful football career at 35 to a serious injury, Joe Theismann learned how to think, analyze and reinvent in the face of adversity and change. okctownhall.org

Arcadia Route 66

Neonfest Oct. 18-19 13100 E. Old Hwy. 66, Arcadia During this two-day event, guests will bond over their mutual love of Route 66 and neon displays. travelok.com

The Oklahoma Mineral and Gem Show Oct. 25-27 OKC Fairgrounds Rock and mineral enthusiasts won't want to miss this exciting show. okcfairgrounds. com

Charitable Events

Fashion for a Passion Oct. 3 CK & Company The Oklahoma City Chi Omega Alumnae Association is excited to host Fashion for a Passion benefitting Hearts for Hearing. heartsforhearing.org

Harding Centennial Celebration: Gathering on the Lawn Oct. 5 Harding Fine Arts Academy The academy will be unveiling a new centennial sculpture designed by Oklahoma artist Patrick Riley in collaboration with Harding Fine Arts Academy students. harding100.com

38th Annual Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Fame Oct. 23 Oklahoma City Convention Center Oklahoma City University established the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor to recognize business and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Oklahoma and the southwest. okcnp.org

Girls Night Out Oct. 25 OKC Golf and Country Club Join the Lynn Institute for a fun evening for women of all ages, stages and walks of life. lynninstitute.org

The OKC Fairgrounds host two equine events this month: the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show, Oct. 5-12, and the OPHA Fall Color Classic, Oct. 18-20. Get ready to get back into the swing of the NBA season with the OKC Thunder; the team plays both pre- and regular-season games this month at Paycom Center, Oct. 9, 17, 27 and 30. (You can also see them Oct. 10 at the BOK Center versus the New Zealand Breakers.)

And football season is also upon us for the OU Sooners and the OSU Cowboys. See the former at Norman's Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Oct. 19 and the latter at Stillwater's Boone Pickens Stadium on Oct. 5.

Photo courtesy OSU Athletics

OSU FOOTBALL

Where & When | Entertainment

YOUR GO TO SKIN CLINIC

CATHLEEN KAREN BETH With a combined 55 years of medical experience, Utica Square Skin Care is the longeststanding skin care clinic in Tulsa for over 30 years!

THE STATE Performances

Broadway in Bartlesville presents: The Life & Music of George Michael Oct. 1 Bartlesville Community Center Experience the hits that made a man a music legend at Broadway In Bartlesville's performance of The Life & Music of George Michael this October. visitbartlesville.com

Time for Three Oct. 4 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Time For Three (TF3) defies conventions with their genre-bending excellence. mcknightcenter.org

Lyle Lovett Oct. 12 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. mcknightcenter.org

Claire Chase Oct. 22 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Recently described by The New York Times as “the North Star of her instrument’s ever-expanding universe,” flutist Claire Chase presents a concert from her 24-year initiative, Density 2036 mcknightcenter.org

Concerts

Jewel and Melissa Etheridge Oct. 4 Winstar World Casino and Resort,

Thackerville Witness two of the world’s most renowned folk stars as both Jewel and Melissa Etheridge take the stage at Lucas Oil Live. winstar.com

Megan Moroney Oct. 10 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Georgia-born country singer-songwriter Megan Moroney burst onto the scene in 2022 with her breakout single “Tennessee Orange,” which was produced by Grammy winner Kristian Bush. choctawcasinos.com

Foreigner Farewell

Concert Oct. 12 Choctaw Casino Resort, Durant With more Top 10 songs than Journey and as many as Fleetwood Mac, Foreginer features strongly in every category in Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time” listing. choctawcasinos.com

Patti LaBelle & Gladys

Knight Oct. 12 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Known as the “Godmother of Soul,” and the “Empress of Soul,” Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight (respectively) are some of the most recognized voices across genres of R&B, soul, pop and gospel. winstar.com

Sports

Oklahoma State University Football Oct. 5 Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater The Cowboys are back in action with football games galore. okstate.com

Oklahoma's Richest Rodeo Oct. 18-20 Lazy E Arena, Guthrie Watch an exciting rodeo event that will draw

COMMUNITY

Community-Based Fun Abounds

all of the top contestants from across the U.S. and Canada to compete for cash prizes and titles at Oklahoma's Richest Rodeo. travelok.com

Community

Woolaroc Fall Traders

Encampment Oct. 3-5

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville Experience living history at its best with approximately 125 tents and teepees set up for this annual Western heritage event. woolaroc.org

Pelican Festival Oct. 3-6

Wolf Creek Park, Grove The annual Pelican Festival celebrates the fall migration of the American white pelicans that return to the waters of northeast Oklahoma’s beautiful Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. pelicanfestok. com

Fall on the Farm Oct. 4-27

Red Bird Farm, Enid Celebrate the changing of the season at Red Bird Farm during the Fall on the Farm event. redbirdfarmenid.com

Hennessey Wine & Chocolate Festival Oct. 5 Memorial Park, Hennessey This annual event invites visitors to enjoy wine tastings from regional wineries as well as amateur winemakers. travelok.com

Holdenville Fall Festival & Car Show Oct. 5 E. Main St., Holdenville A tradition for over two decades, this day is full of shopping and tasty treats. holdenvillechamber.com

Red Autumn Art Festival Oct. 5 110 N. Elm St., Sallisaw The event features over 100 artists from five regional states displaying their works in businesses along Oak Street and throughout downtown Sallisaw. redautumn.art

Marland Estate Oktoberfest Oct. 5-6 Marland Mansion, Ponca City Come to Oktoberfest at the Marland Mansion in Ponca City and enjoy a wide range of activities at this family-friendly fall festival. poncacityoktoberfest.com

Adult Elephant Expedition Oct.

7 Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo Head to Hugo for an all-day adult elephant expedition, featuring a full schedule of elephant encounters. travelok. com

Oklahoma's International Bluegrass Festival Oct. 10-12 Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area, Guthrie This world-class music event supports the bluegrass industry in Oklahoma and informs visitors about bluegrass music and its history. oibf.com

Red Brick Road Film Festival Oct. 10-13 Downtown Paulls Valley This three-day celebration of movies will give audiences the opportunity to see a variety of films ranging in genre and style. washitariverfilmsociety. org

Poteau BalloonFest Oct. 18-19 LeFlore County Fairgrounds, Poteau The Poteau BalloonFest is an annual community celebration featuring hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides and glows, a mud pit race, arts and crafts booths, games, carnival rides and much more. poteauchamber.com

Robbers Cave Fall Festival Oct. 18-20 Robberts Cave State Park, Wilburton The annual Robbers Cave Fall Festival, co-sponsored by AARP Oklahoma, includes over 200 arts and craft vendors, delicious food and drinks, amusement rides and an entertainment stage. originalfallfestivalat robberscave.com

In Tulsa, one of the most anticipated events of the year returns: Tulsa Oktoberfest. Running Oct.17-20, the festival offers carnival rides, refreshing beverages, authentic cuisine, rousing competitions, live music and so much more at River West Festival Park. The same weekend, visit the Kendall Whittier Art Festival for some extra outdoor fun. Get ready to “come on down” at The Price is Right Live at the BOK Center on Oct. 27, or enjoy the Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd’s Cross in Claremore through Nov. 9. Closer to home, Autumn in the Botanic Garden runs through Halloween at Tulsa Botanic, replete with games, pumpkins, live music and more.

In OKC, get ready to cheer at the Oklahoma Regatta Festival, Oct. 4-6 in the Boathouse District. Myriad Gardens hosts Pumpkinville Oct. 4-20, or you can visit the OKC Fairgrounds for the LEGO Brick Convention Oct. 5-6. Take the kiddos to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party, Oct. 12 at Paycom Center, and don’t forget to commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 14, with events at the First Americans Museum.

Across the state, enjoy the Pelican Festival, Oct. 3-6 at Wolf Creek Park in Grove; the Hennessey Wine and Chocolate Festival, Oct. 5 at Memorial Park in Hennessey; the Adult Elephant Expedition, Oct. 7 at Hugo’s Endangered Ark Foundation; the International Bluegrass Festival, Oct. 10-12 at Guthrie’s Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area; and the Poteau BalloonFest, Oct. 18-19 at the LeFlore County Fairgrounds.

TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN

Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

Plenty to Choose From

October eschews horror for other enticing fare.

October, the month of spooky times and delicious candy, has arrived. Although I’ve sadly got no horror flicks for you this month, there are plenty of other excellent choices to get you out of the house and into a theater.

First up is Joker: Folie a Deux. Pretentious name aside, this is the follow up to 2019’s wildly successful Joker, an original background story for the famous Batman villain. The sequel takes place two years later, with Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) now residing in Arkham State Hospital – where he meets Harleen Quinzel (Lady Gaga) and a romance begins. Todd Phillips returns to the director’s chair, with this film being part musical, part psychological drama. We’ll see if a sequel really needed to happen when it hits theaters on Oct. 4.

For your biographical comedy, don’t miss out on Saturday Night. Set in 1975, the film follows the original cast of Saturday Night Live as they prepare for their premiere episode – and all the shenanigans that come with it. Directed by Jason Reitman (Juno), the trailer seems to

capture the chaos that was SNL in the early days with Lorne Michaels (Gabriel Labelle, The Fabelmans), Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith, Gotham), Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt, Dickinson), Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O’Brien, The Maze Runner), Garrett Morris (Lamorne Morris, New Girl) Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott, Shiva Baby) and John Belushi (Matt Wood, Difficult People). Hopefully it proves to be an interesting look back at how the TV staple began when it releases on Oct. 11.

If you’re into single location films, look no further than Flight Risk. Directed by Mel Gibson, his first since 2016’s Hacksaw Ridge, the film follows FBI agent Madelyn Harris (Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey) as she transports an informant played by Topher Grace (That ’70s Show) via plane. The pilot, played by Mark Wahlberg, turns out to be a hitman hired to kill them. The confined space, along with Wahlberg’s bizarre appearance, look to lend this odd story some interesting weight, but time will tell if this movie lands smoothly or crashes when it comes out on Oct. 18.

If a documentary is more your speed, Black Box Diaries should do the trick. The film tells the story of Shiori Ito, a Japanese journalist and filmmaker who was sexually assaulted by prominent Japanese TV journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi. The film is directed by Ito, telling her own story about the event and the investigation that took place in the years following the assault. Likely a tough but important watch, it releases Oct. 25.

For your historical drama, take a look at Nickel Boys. Based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead, the film takes place in a reform school in the 1960s which is notorious for its abusive treatment of students. We follow Elwood and Turner, two friends who form a bond while trying to navigate the waters of the corrupt institution. The book won a Pulitzer Prize, and the film seems to be gunning for similar awards during Oscar season. It releases Oct. 25.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Saturday Night; photo courtesy Sony Pictures/CTMG

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Closing Thoughts

Steven Jenkins

The Bob Dylan Center, located in downtown Tulsa, showcases the life and works of the prolific American singer-songwriter. The museum opened in May 2022 following the purchase of Dylan’s archive to the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the University of Tulsa.

Steven Jenkins, the museum’s director, spent extensive time in the San Francisco Bay area before taking on this role, serving in leadership positions at the University of California Press, the San Francisco Film Society, the Film Arts Foundation and the Ansel Adams Center for Photography. He is also an arts journalist, contributing articles to publications including New York Magazine, Out, and Publishers Weekly. We caught up with Jenkins and got his thoughts on ...

... what motivated him to move from San Francisco for the job.

I’ve been a devoted, often obsessed, Bob Dylan fan since I was quite young, having discovered his rst Greatest Hits album in my mom’s record collection (she had great taste) as a precocious six-year-old, already heavily into e Beatles and e Beach Boys. I didn’t understand the songs back then, but I was captivated by Dylan’s voice and by the colorful and iconic Milton Glaser poster that was included with the album, which my encouraging dad tacked up on my bedroom wall. Dylan looked down at me and in ltrated my dreams, and his music has been lodged in my consciousness and in uenced my worldview ever since.

of a lifetime, one which combines all of my personal interests and professional experience as an avid listener and veteran of the nonprofit arts field. Joined by my husband Jorge and our dog Rocco, I bid farewell to San Francisco after nearly four decades and drove out to Tulsa, mythical stomping grounds of Ponyboy and Motorcycle Boy – S.E. Hinton also had much to do with my adolescent dreaming – and now our friendly new home.

... his proudest accomplishments to date.

I hope that we’re doing full justice to Dylan’s multiplicity by presenting his life’s work within the sociopolitical contexts that have informed his songs and that he, in turn, has shaped. I’m pleased that we focus on Dylan’s creative process, asking how this one extraordinary artist does

they start to “get” Dylan as an iconoclast and tap into their own creative instincts.

... his favorite elements of the Center.

We have a letter written by Johnny Cash to Dylan that is lled with wordplay and an obvious mutual admiration, and a lm of Dylan and his band performing “Cold Irons Bound” that I can’t get enough of.

... what he wants people to know about the Center.

You don’t have to be a lifelong fan or even a casual follower to enjoy the Center; there’s so much here that speaks not only to the speci cs of Dylan’s career but also to the creative process in a much larger sense. Also, Dylan’s very funny!

...upcoming developments.

When the George Kaiser Family Foundation acquired the Bob Dylan Archive in 2016, I knew that I would visit as soon as the materials were made available to the public, but at the time had no clue that I’d end up joining the team. Some five years later, I learned of the imminent opening of the Bob Dylan Center (in May 2022), met the amazing folks behind the project and was offered the job

what he does to such a high degree of skill, beauty, erceness and cultural impact. By considering Dylan as an exemplar of fearless creativity, we’ve made room for the art and music of kindred spirits such as Elvis Costello, Shane MacGowan, Patti Smith and Mavis Staples. I also like to see students visit the Center and witness their sparks of inspiration and recognition as

We’re planning some very special events for 2025, including a multi-artist concert celebrating the ftieth anniversary of Dylan’s masterpiece Blood on the Tracks and a tribute to the Oklahoma-born musician Jesse Ed Davis. We’re also looking forward to the release of the Complete Unknown biopic with Timothée Chalamet, which should serve to introduce Dylan to new generations of fans who hopefully will be inspired to make the pilgrimage out here.

... what makes Dylan such a special artist to him.

ere’s a line in his song “ under on the Mountain” that I love: “Look into my heart and you will sort of understand.” It’s the “sort of” – the ambiguity, the fundamental unknowingness, the wide open space for interpretation, emotion and expression – that brings me back to the music and the artist every day.

... where he’ll find him in his off hours.

Lunching at Chimera in the Arts District, strolling through the galleries and gardens at the Philbrook Museum, seeing lms at Circle Cinema, up front for concerts at Cain’s Ballroom, and living on Tulsa time in our midtown backyard.

Photo by Ethan Voelkers