Oklahoma Magazine December 2024

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Table of Contents

Great Companies to Work For

The businesses spotlighted in this feature rise above and beyond for both their employees and Oklahoma at large – truly earning their places in Oklahoma Magazine’s 2024 Great Companies to Work For listing.

How to Holiday

Whether you prefer quiet observances at home or want to celebrate with other Oklahomans, we offer a comprehensive guide to holiday happenings, plus some how-to yuletide tips, movie recommendations, boozy recipes and more.

Most Popular Burbs: Retirees

Choosing where to spend your golden years is a big decision. Access to healthcare, recreational activities and affordable housing are important considerations that play a role in the quality of life. Find out which Oklahoma suburbs are popular for retirees, and what they have to offer residents, in our fourth and final feature installment, Most Popular Burbs: Retirees.

are a joyful time, with plenty to do and see in Oklahoma – but now is also the moment nonprofits need our help the most.

port city of Alesund, Norway, beckons travelers with its stunning architecture, great

Cafe –an OKC mainstay for southern cuisine – will soon open a Tulsa location on Cherry Street.

holiday gatherings, sporting events, performances and more help us wave goodbye to 2024.

Getting you 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

Buckle up, readers – we’ve got a whole ‘lotta holiday content for you this month! If you’re itching to get out of the house and explore festive community events, or just want to curl up and watch a Christmas movie with your fam, I’ve got you covered; turn to page 56 for the How to Holiday feature. Inside, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive collection of holiday happenings, alongside tasty recipes, gift wrapping tips, cocktails to try and ways to transform yourself into a bonafide Christmas elf.

One of our biggest features of the year, Great Companies to Work For, returns this month. As its name suggests, GCTWF spotlights Oklahoma businesses that are changing their respective industries for the better. Not only are they positively contributing to our economy and culture, they’re also taking excellent care of their employees. We highlight almost 180 of them, as well as sit down with some of their leaders to discuss company culture, starting on page 26.

The last in our four part series, the Most Popular Burbs: Retirees feature dives into some cities around the state that are perfect for those heading into life’s third act (page 60). From community gatherings to affordable housing and entertainment options galore, these suburbs are top-notch for retirement.

Other goodies include a look at an OKC culinary mainstay that’s opening a Tulsa location this month (page 63); a deep dive into the many volunteer opportunities you can find this month (page 7); and a chat with a prolific Oklahoma artist who splits her time between Tulsa and Mexico (page 13).

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

If you can’t get enough of our Great Companies to Work For spotlight, see additional photos at okmag.com.

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The State

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Gathering & Giving

The holidays are a joyful time, with plenty to do and see – but now is also the moment nonprofits need our help the most.

The season of gathering and giving is here — and Oklahomans have myriad opportunities to celebrate and give back.

Decking the Halls

Bundle up and head to our major metros for two winter wonderlands that bring a bit of the North Pole to Oklahoma.

More than 600,000 twinkling lights will illuminate Oklahoma City as Downtown in December dazzles community members with ice skating, festive food, shopping, entertainment and more.

“Downtown Oklahoma City is the place to celebrate the holidays,” says Phi Nguyen, CEO of the Downtown OKC Partnership. “Downtown in December presented by Devon promises to delight locals and visitors with more than 30 festive events and attractions.”

The annual tree lighting in Bricktown is followed by Lights On Broadway in

Automobile Alley on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Merry Midtown began on Nov. 30 – Small Business Saturday – and runs through Christmas Day, offering promotions and special holiday decor.

The Saints Santa Run takes off Dec. 7 from the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital campus with a competitive 5K and onemile Kids’ Dash; costumes are encouraged.

Alongside spreading holiday cheer, keeping things affordable is important to Downtown in December’s organizers.

“We believe in maintaining a downtown for everyone,” Nguyen says. “Many of our events are offered to the community free or at a low cost through generous sponsorships and partnerships of corporations and businesses.”

Nguyen continues: “Whether it’s getting your annual pet photo with Santa at Merry Midtown’s Santa Paws Photo Op or strolling down Broadway Avenue to enjoy the

Downtown in December is OKC’s holiday extravaganza, with ice skating, community events, festive treats and more.

Photo courtesy the Downtown OKC Partnership

Tulsa’s Family and Children’s Services operates a Santa Shop annually that provides no-cost gifts for children, teens and adults.

Photo courtesy Family and Children’s Services

Starting

holiday light displays in Automobile Alley, we are proud to offer accessible opportunities to experience downtown during the holiday season.”

For a schedule of events and more information, visit downtownindecember.com.

In Tulsa, the 17th annual Arvest Winterfest presented with Ascension St. John has two new attractions to get Tulsans into the spirit: An exhilarating 60-foot ice slide and festively decorated igloos that can be rented for gatherings with family and friends.

On weekends throughout the month of December, enjoy free entertainment outside the BOK Center, hop on the Winterfest Express Train and get a photo taken with Santa. Additionally, a special ‘Breakfast With Santa’ event is set for Saturday, Dec. 21 and includes a warm meal, face-painting, inflatables and, of course, a chance to share last minute wishes with Saint Nick. You can also enjoy the ice rink outside the BOK Center, plus festive carriage rides, through Jan. 6.

For a schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit tulsawinterfest.com.

Spreading the Cheer

Amid the joy of the holiday season, many Oklahomans struggle just to make ends meet, even more to provide toys and gifts for their families.

In Tulsa, Family and Children’s Services (FCS) works with people in crisis, supporting them through the compassionate care of caseworkers and a slew of comprehensive programs.

“Family and Children’s Services has seen a combined 19% increase in the number of clients that we serve since last year in both our children programs and our adult programs,” says Tom A. Taylor, chief development officer with FCS. “Most of our client needs are basic needs versus what most people think of as traditional for holiday gifts.”

FCS operates a Santa Shop that is stocked with gifts for children, teens and adults. Caseworkers can shop for their families and, hopefully, bring a smile to the faces of people who are experiencing a difficult time.

Donations of toys, books and games for kids of all ages; gifts for teens; clothing, coats, pajamas and HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves and socks); small household items and toiletries; and grocery gift cards can be dropped off through Dec. 11 at the FCS Lapidus Children’s Center at 650 S. Peoria Ave. in Tulsa.

“We rely heavily on the generous support from the community in helping us meet our client’s needs during the holiday season, as well as year-round,” Taylor says.

More families than ever are facing

homelessness, and City Rescue Mission (CRM) in Oklahoma City acts as a place of refuge.

“It’s not just single individuals anymore,” says Erin Goodin, president and CEO of CRM. “Entire families are struggling to find stable housing because of rising costs, job insecurity and unexpected life events. Many of the families coming to City Rescue Mission are parents with young kids, often facing homelessness for the first time.”

Currently, CRM serves around 350 people each night, including more than 50 families, 120+ children and 200 single adults, Goodin says.

CRM’s ‘Wish Workshop’ offers parents of children experiencing homelessness an opportunity to shop at no charge for their kids. The greatest donation need is toys for kids of all ages, as well as stocking stuffers of personal items like toiletries, socks and underwear. The Wish Workshop opens Dec. 16, so organizers are looking for donations beginning Dec. 1 all the way to Christmas Eve.

As winter weather arrives, the need for warming agents also increases.

“Cold nights make it dangerous for anyone without a warm place to stay, and as temperatures drop, more families and individuals will look for somewhere safe,” Goodin says. “For parents with kids, the stakes are even higher; they need a place where their children can be warm and secure through the freezing months.”

Donations of coats and winter clothing are accepted all year long and can be dropped off at 800 W. California Ave. in OKC.

“A simple donation to City Rescue Mission can truly change lives,” Goodin says. “We couldn’t do this work without the support of people who care and want to make a difference.”

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

Photo courtesy the Downtown OKC Partnership

Those looking for holiday cheer in abundance can visit downtown Tulsa for Arvest Winterfest. Photo by Phil Clarkin

City Rescue Mission, based in OKC, helps those experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit currently assists 350 people each night, many of whom are children.

Photo courtesy City Rescue Mission

Firearm Safety 101

Since many in Oklahoma have firearms at home, we explore best practices for responsible ownership.

Firearms safety is paramount for responsible gun ownership. To ensure it, individuals must adopt specific practices in handling, storing and using firearms, as well as obtain training and continuing education from certified professionals.

Safe Storage

Proper storage is important in preventing unauthorized access and accidents. Firearms should always be stored unloaded in a secure location, such as a locked safe or cabinet. It’s advisable to use a gun lock for additional security.

Ammunition should be stored separately, and both firearms and ammunition should be kept out of reach of children and unauthorized users.

Handling Firearms Safely

When it comes to handling a firearm, most experts point to what they call the four golden rules:

1. Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded;

2. Point the firearm in a safe direction;

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire;

4. Identify the target and what is around it.

“Anytime you’re going to handle a firearm, you have to check it for yourself and make sure it’s unloaded,” says Dan’niel McKnight, owner and lead instructor for American Firearm Training in Broken Arrow. “If a person doesn’t properly know how to do that, I recommend they never touch [the firearm]. Keep it in the box or a safe and have someone help them.”

These fundamental rules underscore the importance of maintaining a safety first mindset. In addition, when transporting a firearm, use a case to prevent accidental discharge, and always ensure the gun is unloaded.

Education is Key

Instructors can provide essential safety information, such as the importance of firearm maintenance and understanding how different types of guns operate.

“Get professional training,” McKnight urges. “A lot of people in Oklahoma have

been raised around guns and are under the impression that they don’t need training, but everyone needs training – at every level.”

Educational sessions should include practical exercises on safe handling and the use of safety mechanisms. Awareness of the legal responsibilities of gun ownership, including laws pertaining to concealed carry licenses and transport are also critical.

“Training is not a one day, eight-hour class,” says Matthew Moulton, co-owner of OKC Tactical, a firearms academy in Yukon. “When our clients train with us, they do it for an hour a week and for months at a time. So they get a lot of repetitions and a lot of real world scenario training. It’s not just about shooting the pistol. It’s about how to maneuver the pistol, understanding how it works, and keeping it functioning properly [to] keep yourself effective and safe.”

Behaviors to Avoid

Certain behaviors can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

“When it comes to pointing the firearm in a safe direction, I try to get my students to visualize something like a lightsaber,” McKnight says. “So I tell them, ‘Every time you handle a firearm, in your mind you need to pretend and visualize that long lightsaber coming out the end of the gun.’ This is especially important for handguns because they are so short and easy to point in the wrong direction.”

Never engage in horseplay around a

firearm. Do not use alcohol or drugs before or while handling guns. Additionally, avoid altering or bypassing safety features on firearms, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Responsible firearm ownership involves a commitment to safety through proper storage, careful handling and ongoing education. By adhering to these guidelines and fostering a culture of safety, gun owners can ensure their own protection and that of others.

ROCCO GEPPI

At American Firearm Training in Broken Arrow, gun owners and those interested in gun safety can take educational courses with hands-on training.

Photos by Dan’niel McKnight courtesy American Firearm Training

Yay or Neigh

The equine industry is a major economic driver in Oklahoma.

Of the fifty states, Oklahoma ranks No. 2 for the economic impact/ gross domestic product of the horse industry – sitting at 0.64% with 252,700 horses, right behind Kentucky.

Within the sector, horse breeding – a science-focused effort on producing genetically superior horses – requires a large financial investment with, typically, a strong ROI. Foals are raised for racing, competition, riding and other business endeavors.

Oklahoma’s oldest ranch under continuous family ownership, 7S Ranch or the Stuart Ranch, was founded in 1868 in Caddo, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory. Now located in Waurika, the ranch is managed by its fifth generation of family leadership, Terry Stuart Forst, who assumed the role from her father in 1992.

“I think to start in the horse business, you go to work for someone you respect and want to train under,” says Stuart Forst. “This is a business full of hard work, long hours and dedication.”

An acclaimed 2007 Oklahoma Cattleman of the Year, Stuart Forst runs the 7S Quarter Horse Breeding Program, and has produced winning horses in many disciplines. The equine program produces and raises 30+ foals every year.

With an eye on the future, Stuart Forst and her sons have diversified and expanded the 7S Ranch for maximum longevity.

“Horses are raised in Oklahoma for ranch work, for show purposes in many disciplines, and for racing. Some are also raised for pulling feed wagons and other equipment,” she says. “Our horses primarily are used for ranch and show purposes. Our outfit uses horses everyday in ranch work, but those same horses have won numerous awards in the show pen.”

Oklahoma State University in Stillwater has a prestigious equine breeding and foaling program, with a state-of-the-art equine teaching facility.

A January 2020 OSU white paper, excerpted from the American Youth Council’s Horse Industry Handbook, says a successful horse breeder is “able to select superior horses for mating, and manages

the environmental effects, such as nutrition, healthcare, training and injuries, to maximize the horse’s genetic potential. Since breeding for quality horses is not a simple matter, breeders must understand basic genetic principles and their applications to the horse business.”

Within the industry, it is understood that the most important aspects of a good breeding program target genetics and pedigree. They involve selecting outstanding breeding stock, with identification of individual records, pedigree records and progeny (offspring) information. In order to get desired physical characteristics and temperament, breeders consider an array of traits, characteristics and lineage.

“Our goal is to raise a versatile, athletic horse that is capable of doing his job,”

Stuart Forst says. “Our broodmare band

is generational, with sixth and seventh generations competing today in several disciplines.”

The OSU white paper says that breeder progress depends on four things: “consistent goal, heritability, selection intensity and generation interval. The plan should be to produce three to four foals out of each mare and then replace the mare with her best filly.”

Breeding requirements include maintaining the appropriate facilities and having the right people on hand. Those include facilities for mating and foaling with spacious turnout areas, safe breeding stalls and proper veterinary care. Also, breeders need to be aware of market demands and potential returns on investment.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

At the Stuart Ranch in Waurika, horses are bred to be “versatile, athletic ... and capable of doing their jobs,” says manager Terry Stuart Forst.

Photos courtesy the Stuart Ranch

Making Connections

Artist and Tulsan Jeanie Gooden hits another milestone in her rich career with her new book, Findings: Translations.

Finding beauty in the details of ordinary things: that is the theme of Tulsa artist Jeanie Gooden’s new book Findings: Translations, released in November.

“I love the small things,” Gooden says. “I love to encourage people to look around them. Somebody might be looking at a waterfall and I might be looking at a rock in the other direction because I like the pattern on it. I’m very attuned to details.”

Gooden has been living and working between Tulsa and the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, for the past 20 years. She says it’s the vibrant people, music, colors, food and culture – but also the earthy, even gritty imperfection – that have made the Mexican city a place of inspiration for her work.

“I love the vibrancy of Mexico,” Gooden says, “and the simple things about it. It’s a very innovative country, but juxtaposed to that is the very simple, basic idea that everything’s useful. Take care of it. Patch

it up. Use it again. Mexico is so rich in the old ways of re-purposing and salvaging. That’s what you’ll see in my work, examples of these inspirations.”

Old mops leaning against a wall and rusted trash cans sitting in an alley are transferred by Gooden’s hand to canvases in art galleries. Patches of metal, stitching and layering canvases and textiles are all things that influenced the artist, but her often large scale mixed media works actually started stateside.

“Years ago, I sold a painting called Torn to a designer in Tulsa,” Gooden says. “It fell off the wall at a party in her home and tore the canvas. I was already living down here [in Mexico] at the time, and I started remembering markets and how they sometimes crudely sew things together. So I just pulled [the painting] together with a bunch of cotton thread and stitched it up, and I’ve never stopped stitching.”

Gooden says the piece even became an analogy for healing and repair.

“There’s always some reason for the things I do,” she says.

Delving into new forms of art requires a bravery that Gooden says she tries to embody and impart to others.

“As long as you’re fearful, you’re going to stay safe in anything,” Gooden says. “I happen to be a painter. But you’ve got to be willing to fail in art or anything. I think you have to be willing for it to be rotten. You can’t get good at anything unless you are bad at it first. I’ve taken a lot of risks in my life, so I guess that’s just the way I look at things.”

While her 240-page book of full color images and photographs reflects her own creative process, Gooden says she hopes to inspire others to find their passion.

“Look around you,” she says. “Your inspiration is waiting just beside you. It’s the simplest message in the world. I just happen to have a visual story that unfolded over 20 something years that makes it easier to see. You may cook or make music or you may be a computer programmer –but you’re making connections no matter what.”

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

Artist Jeanie Gooden, who lives between Tulsa and Mexico, recently released a new book. You can also find some of her works – like the one behind her in this photo – at Tulsa's M. A. Doran Gallery.

Photo by Stephanie Phillips

Training in the Trades

Students in Oklahoma are showing interest and aptitude in a variety of skill sets. Alongside attending a university, trade and vocational schools help students secure a strong future.

Awelding career opened up a world of opportunities for Chris Schuler.

Schuler attended the Central Tech welding program in Drumright, and his career has included becoming a pipe welder, business owner and consultant. He has also worked as an instructor, regional director of training and now campus president at the Tulsa Welding School.

Schuler shares these experiences with his students to show the many paths that a career in the trades can take them.

“I know how the skill trades have helped me,” he says. “There’s so much opportunity out there.”

And students are seeking out jobs in the trades at high levels.

Schuler and Michelle Keylon, superintendent of Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, say they are seeing significant interest among students, who are enrolling in programs centered around welding, the automotive industry, manufacturing and carpentry.

“We’re always going to have a need for this kind of trained workforce,” Keylon says.

Francis Tuttle offers programs in trades fields including advanced manufacturing, automotives, cosmetology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, programming and software development, practical nursing and pre-nursing programs. The center serves both high schoolers and adults, helping prepare students for continued education at colleges and universities, entering the workforce, career changes or additional training needs, Keylon says.

At the Tulsa Welding School, students can enroll in programs outside of welding, including refrigeration technologies, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical programs. The school also

offers an associate’s degree of occupational studies in welding technology.

Schuler says the enrollment includes a mix of students just out of high school or adults looking to increase their training or make a career switch. He believes the interest in trade jobs stems from the fact that there are always jobs available there. For example, there are steel and welding fabrication shops in Tulsa that need trained employees now. In addition, plumbers and electricians are always necessary, he says.

As more people retire from positions in the trades fields, new employees will be needed. Schuler and Keylon say that along with programs to train students, there are

also initiatives to help them become job ready, such as with interviewing skills and networking.

Schuler says the Tulsa school works closely with employers about training needs and brings employers onsite to meet students and show them the training in place. He says the school also hires instructors with diverse skill sets and experience to help prepare students for jobs and tasks they’ll see in the workforce.

Students at Francis Tuttle have opportunities for instruction in personal leadership, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, creating a resume or participating in mock job interviews, Keylon says.

“We absolutely try to make sure that the students are very well-rounded in their knowledge and experience before they leave,” she says. “Our goal is to really have them both work and life ready by the time they complete our programs.”

Billy Vega is a student in the welding program at Francis Tuttle, and says he appreciates the knowledge he’s gaining from instructors – and the opportunities to practice the craft. Vega got interested in welding after working on farms and ranches and getting some experience on smaller projects.

“I wanted to take it to a further level and learn a little more, get more comfortable and get certified in it,” Vega says. His career plans include becoming a pipeline welder and having his own welding truck one day.

“I think [welding is] something different than going to college,” he says. “It’s more hands-on.”

SHARLA BARDIN

Welding is one of the programs offered at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City.

Photos courtesy Francis Tuttle Technology Center

Programs at Francis Tuttle Technology Center include practical nursing and pre-nursing programs.

Up, Up and Away

Flying private offers luxury and convenience in equal measures.

Commercial airports are a part of people’s lives on a regular basis. One of the fastest ways to travel, these hubs of transport are also generally crowded and overbooked. Smaller airports, as well as the luxury of flying private, are alternative for those looking for something a bit more upscale – and convenient.

“Private airports offer exclusive amenities and a more personalized experience,” says Darrah Callen, regional vice president for Jet Linx, a private flight membership/ aircraft rental company. “Our members gain access to our private terminals and executive lounges, allowing for a relaxed and seamless transition from ground to

air – without the crowds and long lines of commercial terminals,” she says.

When flying private, everything is tailored to the customer, with heightened security, quick boarding, ground transportation, restaurant and hotel reversions, and even preferred snacks and beverages at the ready, says Callen.

“We know our clients by name and their travel patterns,” she says.

If, instead, you already own an aircraft and are looking for an easier way to fly without the hassle of big airlines, Sundance Airport in Oklahoma City is a go-to, hidden gem destination. While not considered private, Sundance is categorized as general aviation, meaning it does not cater to the general population with

commercial flights.

“Sundance is an anomaly in terms of general aviation airports; it is the only public-use airport in Oklahoma that is not funded by taxpayer dollars,” says CEO Jerry Hunter. “It is owned by a single individual and makes its money by selling aircraft fuel, renting hangars, renting a fleet of small aircraft to individuals and students, and from its flight school,” he says. The airport also provides maintenance, a weather information system and no security checks for those flying.

“In general aviation, there’s no TSA,” says Hunter. “No security. No delays before takeoffs. No long lines.”

Gaining access to these places requires different things. For Jet Linx, the only thing you need is the financial means to become a member.

“Owning a jet is not necessary,” says Callen. “As a Jet Linx Jet Card member, you enjoy exclusive access to private airports and our Members-only terminals across the country, as well as 5,000 domestic airports.”

As for Sundance, the ownership of any aircraft is enough to gain you access.

“Whether you own a small propeller aircraft or a large corporate family jet, it doesn’t matter,” says Hunter. “You can rent hangar space for your aircraft and keep it at Sundance. Even if you’re based at a different airport, you can land, refuel and continue your journey,” he says.

Sundance also offers a flight academy.

“There are also active chapters of EAA [the Experimental Aircraft Association], offering airplane rides for kids, and CAP [Civil Air Patrol],” says Hunter.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Jet Linx, which provides a private flight membership as well as aircraft rentals, has offices around the U.S., including in Tulsa.

Photos courtesy Jet Linx

The only public-use airport in Oklahoma not funded by taxpayer dollars, Sundance offers hangar rentals, aircraft fueling and a flight academy. Photo courtesy Sundance Airport

Finding Peace

Mike Peace releases his first album as an ode to his family and to the songs that shaped him.

As most of us grow older, we nd that certain songs cling to us and ultimately become a part of us – coloring how we see the world, those around us and ourselves.

ey may be well-known hits. ey may be obscure releases like album cuts from the golden days of LPs. For whatever reason, we accumulate them and absorb them into our lives forever.

at’s as far as it goes for the majority of us. But if you’re a veteran musician with a recording studio, like Tulsa’s Mike Peace, then you have the wherewithal to take things a little farther by bringing in some musical friends, putting several of your special songs on a disc, and sending them back out in your own voice.

at’s what the singer-guitaristharmonica player has done with Peace Grocery, his rst solo CD. It comes after decades of working steadily as a musician, most notably with the Tulsa-based rock ‘n’ roll group the Dinosaurs, and the early ’80s country-rock band Cactus Jack. Now, he’s crafted a disc full of songs whose wisdom and insight remain close to his soul.

“As I was sitting down and picking tunes, I thought, ‘ is is kind of a lookingback, you know, at stu that has stuck with me over the years,’” he says. “ ese are songs that mean a lot to me. For instance, ‘Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues,’ with those lines about how everybody’s leaving town. All the Okies I grew up with left and went to California. ey moved away, just like in the song.”

song,” Peace says of “Willie and Laura Mae Jones.” “I grew up in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, during Jim Crow. A couple of my best friends in high school were Black. I played ball with ‘em, and I’d take ‘em home from games and practice, but they couldn’t go to a restaurant and eat with me.

“ en, when I was in the Army and got transferred to Troy, Alabama, it was another step back in time. I had a couple of good buddies who were Black, and we couldn’t even go out to a bar and have a beer. It was the song. It was 'Willie and Laura Mae Jones.’”

During his time in Alabama, Peace’s interest in music took o . It was a passion that came along relatively late in his life.

“My brother and I took voice lessons in grade school and did recitals,” he recalls. “But when we got to be teenagers, we wanted to play football. My mom wanted me to take piano, but, it was, ‘No, we can’t do that stu . at’s sissy stu .’ So I never really got back to it until I was at Troy. I lived in a little trailer park, and I only worked half a day in the air-tra c control tower at the little [Army] airport there. So I had lots of time, and I had my Bob Dylan albums, and I said, ‘I’m going to learn how to play guitar. I’m going to be Bob Dylan.’”

“Don White had his gigs around town, and he’d heard me sing in the studio. When I’d go out to one of his gigs, he’d get me up to sing. So Don White ruined my life,” he adds with a laugh.

From there, Peace began playing and singing with di erent bands, leading ultimately to the Dinosaurs, which laid the groundwork for a second career.

As is the case with “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues,” a Top Ten pop record for its writer, Danny O’Keefe, in 1972, some of the Peace Grocery cuts will be familiar to baby boomers. ere’s Peace’s in nitely more melancholy version of the 1966 James and Bobby Purify soul-music single, “I’m Your Puppet,” as well as the classic Tony Joe White composition “Rainy Night in Georgia.” But there’s also the Muddy Waters/Little Feat tune “Why Are People Like at”; another from his friend, the late musician Danny Timms; an original Peace wrote when he and his wife were living in Costa Rica; and a second, lesserknown Tony Joe White tune, the subtle but powerful indictment of segregation called “Willie and Laura Mae Jones.”

“I’ve always wanted to record that

He chuckles. “So I drove to Montgomery and got me a really nice little Gibson acoustic guitar, bought a couple of harmonicas and a rack; luckily, I had a really good friend who was going to college and lived in the same trailer park. He was a local guitar player and singer, and his name was James Brown. He’s still alive. I nally looked him up on Facebook, and we reconnected.

“He’d come over, and we’d drink beer, and he’d show me chords. Like I said, I was going to be Bob Dylan – or James Taylor."

However, he didn’t start performing in front of audiences until he got his discharge papers and moved to Tulsa. It was the very early ’70s, before there were many recording studios in the area, and Peace gravitated to one of the few, Derrick Studios, which had a subsidiary record label.

“I was hanging out there, drawing my unemployment from the Army, and trying to learn how to be an engineer,” he recalls. “ at’s when I got acquainted with Don White and a lot of the Tulsa guys. [J.J.] Cale used to come in and record. Steve Ripley would come over.

“In the Dinosaurs, I was playing harmonica with two electric lead-guitar players, and they were drowning me out,” he explains. “So I was always blowing reeds, ruining harps by trying to out-loud them.” en, in the late ’90s, Peace met a Vermont-based player named Jimmy Gordon at a harmonica convention. Gordon, as it turned out, was also an expert at working on the instruments. ey became friends, and Peace himself learned the intricacies of harmonica repair. Since then, he’s been one of the major repairmen in that eld, with clients from all across America. at’s a long way from the business depicted on the cover of his new CD, Peace Grocery in Uniontown, Ark., about a mile from the Oklahoma border. But like the songs he’s chosen to feature on the disc, that old grocery store is something that’s stayed with Mike Peace, although it’s been gone since 1987, when it was destroyed by what he believes was an electrical re.

“My great-grandfather established it around 1895, and after he passed, my grandfather took it over, during the Depression,” Peace says. “He raised six kids with the proceeds from that old store. en, after my dad came home from World War II, he and my grandfather were partners, and then Dad started his own little store in Short, Oklahoma, which is just across the Arkansas border."

“Dad would always go back into the [original] store. He owned the building. He was kind of in and out, taking other jobs, but in the ‘80s, when that picture [on the CD cover] was taken, he still had it and was getting ready to retire.

“So,” he concludes, “using that name for the record is kind of a tribute to my family, my dad and grandfather and great-grandfather. ey were stalwarts of that little rural community, very well known in the county. It was a nostalgic thing, I guess. I just wanted to honor them.”

JOHN WOOLEY

This image depicts Peace Grocery, owned by Peace's family. It also serves as the album cover art. Photo courtesy Mike Peace

Life & Style

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

Norway’s Art Nouveau Seaport

The port city of Alesund beckons travelers with its stunning architecture, great food and outdoor activities.

Millennia ago, huge glaciers carved deep, narrow ruts into the wild Atlantic coast of Norway, leaving behind placid, U-shaped fjords hemmed by steep cliffs. Right in the middle of all this natural splendor is Alesund, a port city of 44,000, exquisitely located on seven islands near the mouth of the 68-mile-long Stor Fjord.

The town is actually an archipelago, so it is not so much on the ocean as it is in the ocean, with docks, canals, bridges and buildings constructed right along the water – not unlike a certain city in Italy.

After a devastating fire in 1904, Alesund was rebuilt using native stone in the popular architectural style of the time, Art Nouveau, with towers, arches and elaborate ornamentation. In the dense central core, more than 300 Art Nouveau structures were erected by artisans between

1904 and 1907 using grand urban plans following the Viennese model.

Town park statues pay tribute to two notable men: German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who stepped in to assist after the 1904 fire, and a Viking named Gange-Rolf, also known as Rollo, founder of Normandy and forefather of William the Conqueror.

Alesund is definitely walkable – in fact, the Art Nouveau district is best seen up close and on foot. This way, you’re also free to slip into a glass art gallery or one of the little shops that sell wool sweaters, liquorice and troll figurines.

It’s great fun to sea kayak down the Brosundet canal through the center of Alesund for special views of this stylish city. Then head right out into the tranquil inner harbor and nearby fjords, like the fairytale-like Geiranger with its abundant waterfalls and wildlife or the less-visited but equally charming Hjorund.

When your restaurant is sitting right on top of the water, you know the seafood is fresh, and when you’re in Alesund, that means cod, crab, Norwegian lobster and crayfish. Complement it with farikal, a local dish made of boiled mutton, potatoes and cabbage. Drink like a Norwegian and add a glass of aquavit, the country’s national spirit, made from potatoes and flavored with caraway or dill.

Art Nouveau is so predominant in Alesund, the national Art Nouveau Center is located there in the spired Swan Pharmacy building (built in 1907). The KUBE art museum is in an adjacent bank. The

big fire is chronicled along with the resulting birth and development of the city’s trademark art and architecture.

Just outside Alesund, down by the swim beach, is one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Scandinavia. The Atlantic Sea-Park (Atlanterhavsparken) was founded in 1951 and is full of playful seals, otters and Humboldt penguins. The daily feedings featuring divers in the water are a big hit.

Hikers and skiers will be glad to know the Sunnmore Alps are right outside of town with some peaks stretching 5,600 feet straight up from the fjords. Just for fun, head to the town park and take the 418 stone steps to Mount Aksla, Alesund’s very own town mountain. Up top, there’s a restaurant and some impressive big sky views of the islands and the Alps.

Book early and you can overnight out at the end of the jetty in Norway’s oldest lighthouse, the Molja, whose automated beacons still warn mariners approaching the harbor. Inside, there’s a two-story suite with a custom-fitted circular bed. Breakfast is delivered the next morning, courtesy the nearby Hotel Brosundet. Several airlines fly into Alesund and there’s a ferry that comes in from Geiranger, a picturesque town at the head of the Geiranger fjord. The 90-minute boat ride offers hard-to-catch angles and unique perspectives of these sublime rock-bound bodies of water.

CHUCK MAI

Alesund, a port city in Norway, offers stunning Art Nouveau architecture, along with stunning views and fresh seafood.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis, a relatively common disease worldwide, affects millions of Americans.

Millions of Americans live with the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of the disease; the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), alongside rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis.

Mary Beth Humphrey, M.D., Ph.D., is a rheumatologist with OU Health as well as a rheumatology professor and associate dean for research at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in OKC.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 32.5 million U.S. adults have osteoarthritis,” says Humphrey. “Although men and women get osteoarthritis, 62% of women will develop it. Osteoarthritis may begin in the forties but peaks between ages 55 and 64.”

She explains that osteoarthritis is a condition of joint damage that occurs as we age or after joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

“The most common joints in which osteoarthritis occurs are the knees, hips and fingers,” she says. “Knee osteoarthritis is often associated with pain in the joint that is worse with activities like walking or running, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair or car after sitting a long time.”

She says x-rays are needed to diagnose osteoarthritis and treatment plans may include physical therapy and medications such as acetaminophen, non steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen, diclofenac gel, capsaicin cream and duloxetine.

“Weight loss is effective for knee and hip osteoarthritis and may prevent the need for total joint replacement,” says Humphrey. “At this time, we do not have therapies that stop the progression of osteoarthritis.”

In contrast, Humphrey says rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints of the body.

“It often causes pain, stiffness and swelling of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, feet and sometimes the neck,” she says. “It is frequently seen in many joints on both sides of the body, whereas osteoarthritis is often one side, such as one knee. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause eye inflammation and lung disease, and osteoarthritis does not cause these problems. Rheumatoid arthritis pain is usually worse with inactivity and improves or loosens up after some activity—and it may be associated with autoantibodies like the rheumatoid factor or the anti-CCP antibody.”

She says rheumatoid arthritis is treated with immunosuppressive medications that are tailored to each patient’s condition.

“By controlling the inflammation, successful treatment will prevent disabling arthritis and joint deformities,” says Humphrey. “Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1.5 million Americans…and women are two to three times more likely than men to get rheumatoid arthritis—which can occur in children or into old age, but it usually starts between 30 and 60 years of age. A family history of rheumatoid arthritis, smoking, obesity and poor dental hygiene increase the risk of rheumatoid

arthritis—and similar to osteoarthritis, Native Americans have the highest risk of rheumatoid arthritis.”

Unfortunately, Humphrey says there are no sure ways to prevent osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

“Both occur as a combination of age, inherited risk and environmental triggers,” she says. “Exercise and maintaining ideal body weight can lower the risk of both conditions.”

How Osteoporosis Differs

While individuals with osteoporosis may experience joint pain, it’s important to recognize the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

“Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones that leads to increased risk of fractures,” says Humphrey. “The spine, hip and wrist are most sensitive to osteoporosis and have the highest risk of fractures. At the time of menopause, typically 45 to 55 years old, women rapidly develop osteoporosis – this is the most common cause of osteoporosis. Men may also develop osteoporosis, but usually not until their 70s.”

She says other causes of osteoporosis include the use of prednisone or other glucocorticoids, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, low body weight, and other conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic liver or renal failure.

“We can help prevent osteoporosis by taking adequate vitamin D and dietary calcium, regular weight-bearing exercise and modifying other factors like stopping smoking or decreasing alcohol consumption,” says Humphrey.

REBECCA FAST

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– William G.

*All photos are actual patients of UTICADENTAL.

Dr. Brian Gosnell

Dr. Matthew Walker

William before FM Restorations

Plenty to Talk About

Small but mighty Pawhuska offers entertainment options galore.

Aperson could be excused for thinking that in a town of just under 3,000, most days will produce little to talk about, much less chronicle. But in the case of the north-central Oklahoma town of Pawhuska, they couldn’t be more wrong.

Pawhuska, county seat of Osage County and the longtime location of the Osage Nation tribal headquarters, features a bevy of activity year-round. In between, several static attractions bring in visitors, too – not to mention that just last year, Pawhuska’s downtown became an outdoor movie set for a major motion picture.

Traffic into Pawhuska picked up over the last decade or so with the increasing popularity of the Pioneer Woman Mercantile, owned by television cooking show personality Ree Drummond and her husband, Ladd, and described by its website as “a destination restaurant, bakery and store.”

“Things have changed over the past ten years, that’s for sure,” says Mike McCartney, manager of the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce, who says a downtown construction project currently underway is proving to be only a minor hindrance.

“We’re still open for business,” he says.

The downtown Streetscape construction project is a joint effort by several

government entities.

“It’s kind of got things a little torn up,” McCartney says, “but things will be fine, and really nice, when it’s finished.”

Completion is expected by next spring, says Carol Jones, assistant city manager.

The construction might make things a bit confusing as the Christmas holidays approach, but McCartney says it shouldn’t interfere completely with the annual transformation of downtown into what he described as “kind of like a little Hallmark Christmas.”

The annual downtown Christmas Parade of Lights is set for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Meanwhile, the community is looking ahead to the Ben Johnson Steer Roping event in June at the Osage County fairgrounds south of town.

“We’ve just had a lot of stuff going over the past few years,” McCartney says. “We’ve become a destination, to say the least.”

Not hurting that destination status was the western crime epic Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2023. The film, set in Osage County, ushered in a bevy of production crews and actors to Pawhuska. And curiosity tourism spawned by the movie is ongoing, McCartney says.

Adding to Pawhuska’s draw are two noteworthy museums – the Osage Nation Museum that features art, artifacts and other tribal lore, and the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum, dedicated to Oklahoma’s western heritage.

The latter museum is the namesake of a Pawhuska native who became a famed western actor and champion rodeo performer, while the former, according to its website, is the oldest tribally-governed museum in the U.S., opened in 1938.

Pawhuska lies at the entrance to the 39,650-acre Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, operated by the Nature Conservancy and proclaimed by its website as “the largest protected piece of tallgrass prairie left on earth.” Now only 4% of its original size, the fully-functioning ecosystem nevertheless holds more than 700 plants, 300 birds and 80 mammals, plus a herd of about 2,500 free-ranging bison.

HENRY DOLIVE

For More Information

Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce 918-287-1208

City of Pawhuska 918-287-3040 pawhuska.org

Osage Nation Museum 800-320-8742 osageculture.com

Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum 918-287-9922 benjohnsoncowboymuseum.com

Pioneer Woman Mercantile 888-506-0078 themercantile.com

Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve 918-287-4803 nature.org

Osage County Historical Society Museum 918-287-9119 visittheosage.com

Pawhuska Western Swing Festival 580-761-5712 pawhuskawesternswingfestival.com

The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, found in Pawhuska, offers food, drink and wares created by Oklahoma native Ree Drummond.

Photo courtesy the Pioneer Woman Mercantile

Pawhuska’s Ben Johnson Museum is named after the famed western actor and champion rodeo performer. Photo courtesy the Ben Johnson Museum

Chris Sighinolfi, Devon Chatley, Lindsay Hutchison, Barb Stanley, Patrick Bardsley; WALTZ World Tour, Tulsa Zoo

Laura Raphael, Sophie Blackall; Books to Treasure presentation, Tulsa Library Trust/The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation, Tulsa

Paul Pressey, Sue Ann Arnall, Kimberly Johnson, Stuart Price; Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony, The University of Tulsa

Lindsey & Jordan Helmerich, Peggy Helmerich, Fr. Greg Boyle, Leanne Helmerich; Father Greg Boyle speaking event, Tulsa Town Hall

Major Carlyle, LeAnne Taylor, Major Charlotte; Angel Tree Kick-Off, Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command

Rick Salmeron, Cameron Carpenter, Lois Salmeron; The Organ Symphony premiere, OKC Philharmonic

Larry & Shana Tate Darter, Dianne Darter; Shell Shaker Opera premiere, Canterbury Voices, OKC

Becky Lowe, Tawni Herd; Kaleidoscope Ball, Emergency Infant Services, Tulsa

Spencer Bowen, Laura Sheriff, James Arnold; Members’ meeting, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, OKC

Faith Bewley, Kara Swyden, Allison Meyer, Glenda Bullock, Laura Bailey, Janis Taylor; Pink Ribbon, Oklahoma Project Woman, Tulsa

Kara Pasqua, Stacy McNeiland; Meeting with National Native Children's Trauma Center, CARE Center, OKC

Marnie Taylor, Jan Peery; Retirement party, YWCA, OKC

Exploring Senior Living Options

Whether it’s independent or assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice or memory care, ample options exist for seniors.

Caring for a friend or family member as they age is a labor of love, and it is essential to have quality information to make the best decisions possible. Many would argue that nothing is more important than the decision about where to live. As a person ages, there are many options for living arrangements, and it is important to know the difference between things like independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care and hospice.

“Independent living works best for seniors who are self-sufficient in daily tasks but may want to transition out of home ownership,” says Gary Frias, the executive director at Cedarhurst of Woodland Hills, which provides independent living options for seniors in the Tulsa area. This option includes relief from concerns such as home and lawn maintenance, as well as meal planning. Frias also mentions that many seniors enjoy the convenience of having various bills for services consolidated into a single monthly expense.

The independent living space offers many variations at Covenant Living at Inverness (CLI), a senior living community in the Tulsa area.

“Independent living residents choose from sixteen different floor plans of apartments, cottages and garden homes,” says Jacob Will, the community’s executive director.

Another important aspect of independent living is the availability of activities and opportunities for social interaction. Cedarhurst offers seniors access to amenities such as a heated saltwater pool, screenings in the private movie theater, a beauty shop and serene outdoor spaces. CLI offers a campus with walking trails, fishing ponds, a pickleball and tennis court, a dog park and garden areas.

“Independent living is ideal for seniors who feel that their current home environment doesn’t provide enough ease, community or resources for their active lifestyle,” says Frias. “From housekeeping to dining plans, we ensure convenience is woven into every day so residents can focus on what they love in a vibrant, engaging and socially connected environment.”

A senior living community with an

assisted living component can be an excellent option for those needing some help with daily routines. In an assisted living situation, there are still many options for living arrangements, amount of care given, and access to activities and social interactions.

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), assisted living accommodations serve those who need some help with daily living, but not as much as a nursing home would provide. Some services that may be provided include up to three meals per day, assistance with personal care, help with remembering and taking medications, laundry and housekeeping services, round-the-clock supervision and security, and social and recreational activities.

At CLI, the Red Bud Court offers this type of assistance to residents.

“Red Bud Court is staffed 24 hours a day with certified caregivers prepared to assist with medication management, bathing and more,” says Will. Residents can take advantage of three meals per day, too.

Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing accommodations, focus more on medical care than assisted living and provide 24-hour supervision and help with activities, according to the NIA. Residents may need this level of care on a shortterm basis or for an extended stay. For those recovering from an injury or illness, rehabilitation services, including physi-

cal, occupational and speech therapy, are available.

For patients who need this type of assistance, Heather Hall at CLI provides intensive care, 24 hours a day in private rooms.

Another term that is often used when planning for end-of-life care is hospice. This option has been more often utilized in recent years and can be a very comforting service for those with serious illnesses – and their loved ones. This care option can be used in a variety of settings, including a hospital, nursing home, hospice center or even at home.

According to the NIA, “hospice care focuses on the care, comfort and quality of

What is Memory Care?

Memory care assisted living is another living option that has gained popularity in recent years. These communities offer unique resources and accommodations for those with memory loss. CLI offers this type of care in its Red Bud Circle community. According to Will, residents are enrolled in SAIDO Learning, a daily cognitive therapy program that includes training from CLI staff members from across its campus, independent living residents and community volunteers.

Covenant Living at Inverness in Tulsa offers independent living options, as well as skilled nursing and memory care.

Photo courtesy CLI

life of a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. At some point, it may not be possible to cure a serious illness, or a patient may choose not to undergo certain treatments. Hospice is designed for this situation.”

There are many decisions to make as a loved one ages. The choice of living arrangements and type of care needed is essential and can change as time passes. There are many options available, as well as many avenues to get high-quality information about those options, including a trusted physician, a local area agency on aging, and the NIA. Gather information from these trusted sources and spend time discussing their preferences with the senior family member to make the best decision.

BONNIE RUCKER

Home Care that Puts You First

Surrounded by 190 stunning scenic acres, yet only 15 minutes from downtown Tulsa, Covenant Living at Inverness offers you every opportunity to live your best life. Choose from an array of elegant residences and enjoy amenities you won’t find elsewhere— including the added security of priority access to high-quality, on-campus care if ever required.

So go ahead: set new goals and find renewed purpose—we’ll help you every step of the way, letting you live life with promise.

He hasn’t seen his brothers since they were all removed from their home.

He feels scared and alone.

Great Companies to Work For

In an oversaturated market, it takes a lot for a business to stand out from its competitors. Sure, you’ve got flexible PTO packages and ample snacks in the break room – but for many, that just doesn’t cut it.

Today, truly great companies are taking a holistic approach to business. Alongside embodying their mission statements in day-to-day operations, they cultivate a healthy and positive work culture, grant time off to employees for philanthropic endeavors and strive for true work/life balance – all while rewarding innovation and creating a better world for future generations.

The businesses listed in the next few pages do all of the above and more –truly earning their places in Oklahoma Magazine’s 2024 Great Companies to Work For feature.

Listing by Tracy LeGrand and Mary Willa Allen

Profiles by Kimberly Burk

Employees & Community First

As president of the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer in the world, Steve Green of Hobby Lobby still ensures his employees enjoy true work/life balance.

Hobby Lobby shoppers are usually on a fun outing, says company president Steve Green, so the company stocks its inventory accordingly.

“Shopping at Hobby Lobby is not a chore, like going to the grocery store,” he says. “This is about things people enjoy, their hobbies and their crafts. We continue to try to find and provide the products they love, to do their crafts and decorate their homes.”

That’s one thing that keeps him excited about his job. Another is the continued growth of what is already the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer in the world. Hobby Lobby has stores in all the contiguous 48 states, and opens about 30 new locations every year, Green says. The company envisions expanding to as many as 1,500 stores.

And that goal isn’t far off. Hobby Lobby opened its 1,000th location this year on Staten Island, and recently signed a lease in Manhattan.

“We are excited about our first store in Manhattan,” confirms Green. “It’s a different environment, living in high-rise apartments. It will be interesting to see the product mix that they buy there.”

Green’s parents, David and Barbara, founded Hobby Lobby in 1972. Green says he knew by the time he finished high school, when there were just five Hobby Lobby locations, that he wanted to join the family business. Today, David continues on as CEO, and Green’s two siblings – Darsee and Mart – also hold leadership positions.

Hobby Lobby is known for its generous pay. In 2009, it was one of the first retailers to establish a nationwide minimum hourly wage well above the federal minimum, and has raised that amount thirteen times over the last fifteen years. As of October, the minimum full-time hourly wage was

bumped to $19.25.

“We know that we are only as good as our employees, so as we have been able to increase our own internal minimum wage, it’s been exciting to be able to do that,” Green says, who mentions there is also a cost of living increase to wages annually. “We love doing that for our employees.”

Among Hobby Lobby’s 46,000 employees are many who have been with the company 30 or more years, Green mentions, including a couple of people who have logged half a century with the business. The retailer is closed on Sundays, and managers frequently mention that the schedule is a morale-booster, Green says. “We are only open 66 hours a week,” he continues. “Many employees are attracted to the fact that they can spend time with their families on Sunday, and go to church.”

Alongside opening that 1,000th store, milestones during Green’s tenure as president have included expanding the

Oklahoma City warehouse space to 13 million square feet. It’s still the company’s only warehouse, and the state’s central U.S. location has served the company well since its humble beginnings.

“Every store will get a truck every week from Oklahoma City,” he says, and most delivery trucks are company-owned. “We have team drivers for those long hauls. We provide nice rigs for them. The drivers are a key part of the whole system.”

Looking ahead, “there is always the opportunity to be bigger and better,” says Green. “There’s a certain amount of excitement, to keep up with the trends and what the customer is looking for. That’s always fun, as is the continual opportunity to grow.”

Green says carving out time for his six children and eight grandchildren helps him achieve that work/life balance.

“They all live in Oklahoma,” he mentions. “We love taking trips and doing things together.”

Steve Green, who became Hobby Lobby’s president in 2004, has worked to grow the brand to over 1,000 store locations in the U.S.

Photo courtesy Hobby Lobby

The Beauty of Giving Back

Lee Symcox leads First Fidelity Bank with a focus on community enrichment and an eye on the future.

To put it simply, Lee Symcox is crazy about his job as CEO of First Fidelity Bank. His clients and his employees bring him joy, and he admits to work/life balance being a challenge, “because my personality is one to be driven,” he says.

But after more than 50 years in the banking business, personal time is becoming increasingly more important to him, he says – “particularly now that I have grandchildren.”

One granddaughter, he mentions, recently had a role in a school production of Frozen. The entire family attended, and afterward, went out to dinner together. The memory brings a smile to his face. Symcox, it seems, has a fulfilling life both in and out of the office.

“It is very rewarding being a community banker,” he says. “You have a chance to help local people and businesses pursue and realize their dreams. It is fulfilling to see how much our employees care about our clients; they make me proud every day. I regularly hear from our clients about how our staff goes above and beyond to help people.”

First Fidelity Bank, headquartered in Oklahoma City, has branches in Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado, with nearly 400 employees across the three states. The bank has been recognized by a variety of publications as a top place to work in Oklahoma, Symcox says, and this year was recognized as the No. 1 Best Place to Work in Arizona by AZCentral

While the accolades are lovely, the proof is in the employee retention.

“We have many colleagues that have been with FFB for ten, 20, 30 or more years, and they are all leaders within the organization,” Symcox says. “Over half of our colleagues have been with the bank for more than five years.”

As for his role in that corporate success?

“I seek to be a servant leader, showing

empathy, humility and focusing on encouraging others to grow and be successful,” says Symcox. “I also try to be collaborative and involve everyone in the process –which also allows them to grow.”

Symcox says he encourages others to “think outside of the box and try new things. It is OK to fail if you are trying new things.”

But what’s most important, he says, is leading by example.

“Even though I am CEO, I let our colleagues know that I don’t expect anything from them that I don’t expect of myself,” he says.

An important cornerstone of company culture at FFB is an emphasis on community service.

“FFB sponsors over 6,600 youth soccer players in the OKC metro area, investing in their futures and strengthening communities by promoting teamwork, personal growth and healthy lifestyles,” says Symcox. “We encourage all of our colleagues to participate in various nonprofits by giving them paid time off for volunteer work.”

When Symcox thinks about important company milestones, what comes to mind most prominently are times when the bank dealt with challenges head-on – while also helping the community.

“During the oil bust of the 1980s, our bank was the only bank in Norman that did not fail or require recapitalization,” he says. “This was important, because during that tumultuous time, people needed a safe, stable bank, and we were able to provide that.”

And during the COVID-19 pandemic, “FFB participated in the PPP [Paycheck Protection Program] to provide emergency funding to help businesses survive. We immediately set up a web page for applications and were able to process 3,105 loans totaling $273 million,” Symcox says. “And we accepted applications from anyone, anywhere. Most banks limited it to their customers only. Our staff literally worked in shifts for 24 hours a day to process those applications.”

Looking to the future, Symcox says, is exciting – and FFB has always been on the frontiers of banking technology.

“We were one of the first [banks] to offer services such as electronic statements and mobile deposit,” says Symcox. “My son, John, serves as our chief innovation officer, and his primary function is to be looking at new and innovative ways to do things. We are utilizing automation and robotics to streamline manual processes. AI is also on the road map.”

Lee Symcox, CEO of OKC-based First Fidelity Bank, has been in the finance business for over 50 years.

Photo courtesy First Fidelity Bank

Developing People

One of Paycom’s first ten employees, chief operating officer Randy Peck helps his staff reach new heights.

Oklahoma City-based Paycom has grown to serve more than 36,000 clients since its founding in 1998, and witnessing that trajectory has been “nothing short of enjoyable and exciting,” says chief operating officer Randy Peck. “Being one of the first ten employees, I’ve seen this organization’s innovation and exponential growth firsthand.”

Paycom has simplified businesses – and the lives of their employees – with human resources and payroll technology that allows direct access to data. The nationally recognized company has more than 7,000 employees in locations across the United States, with a secondary operations facility in Grapevine, Texas.

Enjoying his work, says Peck, “comes down to believing in the impact of what we are doing here. If you think about it, efficient HR and payroll technology directly connects to people’s livelihoods – ensuring checks are error-free and paying people on time to meet their wants and needs. That matters.”

Peck’s career journey at Paycom has taken him through many different teams, from operations to client service, product management and sales.

“Each role I’ve held and each team I’ve worked with influenced my leadership perspective and understanding of our mission, potential and people,” he says. “We continue to set the standard in our industry because of our award-winning client service, automation and our focus on helping clients achieve full return on investment with our products. Every department I’ve worked with pushes us toward those achievements.”

There’s always something new to get excited about at Paycom, Peck says.

“Time-off requests featuring GONE is a game-changer for business leaders and employees,” he mentions. “GONE manages employee time-off requests with software that includes automated decision-making, solving for a myriad of

business needs and situations, reducing administrative burdens and giving employees peace of mind.”

Paycom products and features work seamlessly together in a single database, Peck says.

“With the rise of automation across industries, our products – which have incorporated automation since the beginning – are that much more transformational, as we’ve seen with GONE. For instance, GONE automates decision-making based on guidelines employers set. That approved time-off submission seamlessly flows to other HR functions like payroll, scheduling and accruals, which are part of the Paycom system.”

Paycom gives generously to communities and causes that impact employees, and makes it easy for team members to plug in and give back.

“Our employee giving program and company dollar-for-dollar match initiative offer employees a chance each month to opt in to contributing to a wide range of nonprofits that help with hunger, literacy, veterans and mental health, to name a few causes,” says Peck. “Paycom then matches the contribution. We also have employee resource

groups that drive volunteerism, involvement and support for various causes.”

Servant leadership is how Peck most succinctly describes his style.

“My faith, too, has influenced the way I lead: ‘Do unto others’ is a very applicable part of my leadership strategy,” he says.

“‘We serve’ has been a part of Paycom’s ethos from the beginning, and it’s a value I believe in personally and professionally.”

Another element of leadership Peck values is seeking, providing and implementing feedback.

“I love to give and receive feedback – it is integral to innovation, and at Paycom, we’re all about innovating,” he says. “We create ample opportunities for our teams to share with and learn from one another.”

To help make Paycom a great place to work, “we focus on developing people,” Peck says. “We offer opportunities that help people expand their skills, ideas and capabilities, which keeps people engaged and our product and solutions top notch.

“We promote from within often, and many have seen first-hand how their careers can grow to new heights with the right support system.”

Paycom, led in part by COO Randy Peck, offers best-in-class HR and payroll technology. Photos courtesy Paycom

Driven by Innovation

President and CEO Pierce Norton understands the intrinsic value of each and every employee of ONEOK.

ONEOK president and CEO Pierce Norton has always believed that field workers are the foundation of the Tulsabased energy provider.

“I had the privilege of meeting a ONEOK employee, Jose, in Weatherford, Texas, who wears a hard hat with the bold words ‘I LOVE YOU DADDY’ written across the brim. I had never seen anything like it in my 43 years in the oil and gas industry,” he shares. “That moment struck me deeply – it was a powerful reminder of how much it matters that we perform our work safely and return home to our families and loved ones every day.”

Norton, who started his career in the field, is motivated by everyone on the ONEOK team.

“Seeing the dedication and positivity of the men and women who show up every day, no matter the challenges, motivates me to give my best,” he says. “If you want a career with real impact, there is no better place to work than the oil and gas industry. Our work is essential – it keeps people warm, powers their homes as well as businesses, and makes everyday life possible.”

Milestones during his time leading ONEOK include “continuing to expand and extend our base assets while concurrently announcing three strategic acquisitions – Magellan, EnLink and Medallion. It’s an incredibly exciting period for ONEOK, especially as we’ve seen significant consolidation across the industry,” Norton says.

The acquisitions have bolstered the company’s position in the Permian, which is the leading hydrocarbon basin in the United States, he says.

“As a result, today’s ONEOK is stronger, more diversified, and better positioned to deliver even greater value moving forward.”

But, Norton says, “what’s important for people to understand is that our acquisition strategy has never been about simply getting larger. We take a very intentional and disciplined approach to these opportunities, always focused on how we can best position the company to generate long-term value.”

ONEOK’s Core Value of Service, says Norton, is central to its culture.

“Our community investments programs support nearly 300 communities where employees live and work. In 2023 alone, ONEOK contributed $9.6 million in combined ONEOK Foundation and corporate contributions to charitable organizations and initiatives, with nearly $7.5 million right here in Oklahoma,” he shares. “Nearly 20% of our corporate giving in 2023 was dedicated to supporting childhood development, literacy and STEM initiatives.”

ONEOK offers a robust volunteer program, Volunteers With Energy, which provides employees with community engagement opportunities. Last year, 977 employees spent 13,577 hours volunteering within communities across the company’s

footprint.

“Culture can be our greatest strength – or our greatest weakness. It’s up to us to ensure it strengthens us, and that starts with cultivating trust, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute,” says Norton.

“This is a key priority for me and our leadership team. These principles guide my approach to leadership and are the cornerstones of how we make ONEOK not just a great place to work, but a company capable of long-term success and positive impact.”

Norton says the future of ONEOK is bright.

“This is an exciting and transformative moment in the energy industry,” he continues, “with rapid changes driven by technological advancements and shifting market dynamics driving a changing future in the energy sector. ONEOK is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in this transformation, driven by our innovative spirit and dedicated focus on safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations.”

ONEOK, led by Pierce Norton, recently acquired Magellan, EnLink and Medallion, helping the company to become stronger and more diversified. Photos courtesy ONEOK

Accounting

Eide Bailly LLP

Statewide

Serving major industry sectors including manufacturing, distribution/logistics, private equity, healthcare and government, Eide Bailly LLP has provided expertise in tax, advisory and assurance, outsourced and managed services, wealth management and digital services since 1917.

HoganTaylor

OKC and Tulsa

With more than 350 personnel in four locations, HoganTaylor offers services including assurance, accounting, wealth management, employee benefits plans and technology, helping businesses move forward with confidence. The firm, which offers personal attention and commitment to client success, was recently ranked No. 82 on INSIDE Public Accounting’s Top 100 List.

Aerospace/Aviation

Boeing Co.

OKC

A multinational entity, Boeing Co. services and manufactures defense products, commercial airplanes and space systems as a U.S. exporter with more than 170,000 employees across 65 countries. Boeing also provides 90% of the worldwide dedicated freighter capacity and harbors almost half of the world’s fleet of commercial jetliners.

Omni Air International

Tulsa

Founded in 1993, Omni Air International serves as a strategic capacity partner and offers customized charter programs, with services ranging from aircraft management to airline start-up and development. Over the last three decades, Omni has built a reputation of safety, reliability and flexibility.

Private Jets, Inc.

Bethany

FAA-approved Private Jets, Inc. provides charter flight services for private and business travelers. Chartered aircraft include a

selection of top-of-the-line jets, and additional 24-hour services include arrangements for in-flight catering, ground transportation and lodging. A constantly expanding fleet includes light, mid, super mid and heavy jets.

Sundance Airport

OKC

Sundance Airport boasts a 5,001-foot concrete runway, terminal facility, tie-down facility and nearly 200 hangars. A public-use airport that is not funded by taxpayer dollars, Sundance sells aircraft fuel, rents hangars and aircraft, and has its own flight academy. The airport also hosts fly-ins and other specialty events.

Tulsa International Airport

Tulsa

Tulsa International Airport connects Oklahoma to the world with direct flights to Chicago, St. Louis, New York, Washington D.C. and, in 2025, Nashville. The airport, which will soon receive FAA funding to replace its air traffic control tower, aims to provide a safe, efficient, self-supporting airport system for Tulsans.

Will Rogers World Airport

OKC

Serving the OKC metro and beyond, Will Rogers World Airport offers multiple direct flights to locations including Atlanta, Denver and Miami. The airport, which serves millions of passengers annually, will be part of a five-year airport construction plan that includes over $300 million in funds from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.

Architecture (Commercial)

1Architecture

Tulsa

1Architecture is a full-service architectural design firm, with a portfolio that includes the Eufaula Indian Health Center, projects at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Cherokee National Capitol Building and Gilcrease Museum. Founded in 2005, 1Architecture is a proudly Native-owned and woman-owned small business.

FSB Architects + Engineers OKC and Tulsa

Honored five times by AIA Central Oklahoma as Firm of the Year, FSB Architects + Engineers offers an array of architectural services including master planning; mechanical, electrical and structural engineering; interior design; construction; fire protection; and administration. The firm, founded in 1945, serves the civic, federal, Native American and education sectors, among others.

KKT Architects, Inc.

Tulsa

A full-service architecture, interiors and engineering firm, KKT serves the civic, education, healthcare, historical renovation and multi-family housing sectors, among others. With core values that include character, creativity, collaboration and community, KKT touts projects including the Tulsa City-County Library on Brookside, Blue Sky Bank and the Saint Francis Cancer Center.

FSB ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS, OKC AND TULSA

HOGANTAYLOR, OKC AND TULSA

Prime Architects

Norman

Founded in 2013, Prime Architects specializes in commercial and government architectural services. A CVE verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business, Prime has developed a track record of dependability and believes collaboration between the business and the client is key to success.

Rand Elliott Architects OKC

Founded in 1976 and having amassed nearly 400 awards for architectural excellence to date, Rand Elliott Architects is driven by a passion for light and fine craftsmanship. The firm offers professional services in architecture, historic preservation, lighting design, master planning and sustainability.

TriArch Tulsa

Founded in 2004, TriArch is a Native American-owned architectural firm with projects in the commercial, residential, tribal, educational, religious and wellness sectors. A client-focused firm, TriArch exists to facilitate the growth of a person’s character and experiences through the spaces they occupy.

Banking, Finance and Investing

Ameriprise Financial Statewide

A longstanding leader in its field, Ameriprise Financial offers wealth management services alongside estate planning, retirement planning, asset management and more. The goal at Ameriprise is to help every client reach their unique financial goals, with a 130+ year history, experienced advisors, digital tools and comprehensive financial advice.

Arvest Statewide

A community-focused bank offering mortgages, banking services, wealth management and more, Arvest has served Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri for over 60 years. Alongside its business offerings, Arvest performs extensive public outreach – including the Million Meals campaign, benefiting 85 food partners and providing 2.6 million meals to neighbors in need.

Bank of America Statewide

For wealth management, credit cards, checking and savings accounts, mortgages, small business loans and investment services, about 68 million people turn to Bank of America – making it one of the largest financial institutions on Earth. The bank is committed to growing the economy while creating value for the business, its clients and the communities it serves.

BOK Financial Tulsa

With roots in Tulsa going back to the early 1900s, BOK Financial has grown into a banking behemoth, offering customers an array of banking, loans and wealth management services. Despite its size, BOK presents its clients with relationships, not transactions – helping to balance technology and human connection and make finances easy for all.

Charles Schwab

OKC, Norman and Tulsa

A full-service brokerage firm, Charles Schwab is a trusted resource for investments, wealth management and trading with transparent pricing and lost costs. Recent industry accolades include being named as U.S. News & World Report’s Best Investing Platform Overall in the 2024 U.S. News Money Awards.

Commerce Bank Statewide

With myriad brick and mortar locations along with digital banking, Commerce Bank offers personal and business financial services as well as credit cards, loans, mortgages and more. For more than 160 years, Commerce Bank has operated with a singular mission: help all customers plan for the big stuff as well as navigate life’s financial surprises.

Fidelity Investments

Statewide

Recent accolades for Fidelity Investments include a No. 1 rating by Stockbrokers.com and the designation as the Best Online Broker for Beginning Investors by NerdWallet. Serving more than 3,700 advisory firms, the company boasts 8.2 million brokerage accounts and $100+ billion new net assets averaged over the last 7 years.

First Fidelity Bank Statewide

First Fidelity Bank has served communities in Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado since 1920 by offering personal, business and commercial banking services as well as wealth management. The award-winning institution operates with values that include financial responsibility, curating a caring place to work and fostering lasting client relationships.

First 1 Oklahoma Bank Statewide

As a locally owned community institution with over $1 billion in growth over 13 years and more than 10,000 customers, First Oklahoma Bank is committed to providing the best possible customer service. Passionate about convenience and client success, the bank offers multiple locations in Tulsa, Jenks, Glencoe and OKC.

JPMorgan Chase Statewide

Among the largest financial institutions in the world, JPMorgan Chase serves individuals as well as corporations in over 100 global markets. Founded over two centuries ago, the company was recently recognized as the Fifth Most Admired Company in the World by FORTUNE

Merrill Statewide

When it comes to investing and wealth/ financial management, Merrill – a Bank of America company – offers tailored advice from 14,000 financial advisors nationwide. Merrill aims to help each client make more informed financial decisions with personal tools, tracking and access to the most upto-date information.

MidFirst Bank Statewide

Began in 1954 when banker W.R. Johnston purchased a 50% share in Midland Mortgage Company, MidFirst Bank has grown to become the largest privately owned bank in the country with assets totaling around $37.9 billion. Committed to client success, MidFirst Bank’s return on equity has earned it a place among the top 5% of its peers.

Morgan Stanley Statewide

A leader in financial services for nearly a century, Morgan Stanley offers assistance in personal and family banking, business banking, wealth management, investment banking and more. The global financial services firm now operates in more than 40 countries with over 80,000 employees.

SCOTT & MARY VROOMAN; TRIARCH, TULSA ARVEST, STATEWIDE

Regent Bank Statewide

With numerous locations in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas, Regent Bank is consistently voted as one of the top workplaces – both in statewide and nationwide polls. Offering concierge-style banking, tailored financial solutions and company values that include going above and beyond for customers, Regent Bank aims to be a cornerstone in the communities it serves by empowering individuals every day.

UBS Wealth Management OKC

For more than 160 years, UBS Wealth Management has offered comprehensive banking services, and today, it is among the world’s largest entities specializing in wealth management. The company offers an array of fiscal tools and planning services benefiting individuals, families, companies and specialized client segments.

Wells Fargo Statewide

Since1852, Wells Fargo has served financial and banking service needs with offerings like wealth management, corporate and investment banking, and personal and commercial banking. Focused on making a positive impact on its community, Wells Fargo is committed to supporting a sustainable and inclusive future.

Communications

AT&T Statewide

An American multinational telecommunication holding company and one of the largest wireless carriers in the nation, AT&T offers 5G to data consumers as well as bundled phone and internet services and accessories. With AT&T, home internet reliability is at 99% and the company employs nearly 150,000 people.

Cox Communications Statewide

As the largest private broadband company in the nation, Cox Communications offers digital cable television, home automation and security systems, as well as telecommunication services. With 6.5 million total residential and commercial customers, Cox employs over

18,000 people and, in the last ten years, has invested more than $15 billion in community infrastructure upgrades.

T-Mobile Statewide

With unlimited phone plans and an array of service options, T-Mobile offers among the largest 5G coverage in the nation. For the 17th time, the company has been named as No. 1 in the J.D. Powers’ U.S. Wireless Full-Service Customer Care Study.

U.S. Cellular Statewide

U.S. Cellular provides 5G internet and telephone services with offices nationwide. Among its many accolades, U.S. Cellular recently received recognition from Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Women. The company is also dedicated to closing the STEM education gap with programming for K-12 students.

Construction

Ashton Gray OKC

With an emphasis on healthcare real estate development, Ashton Gray helps make clients’ dreams into realities, with services ranging from site selection to construction. The company currently has more than 40 projects in process, everywhere from Oklahoma and Arkansas to Florida and North Carolina.

Cowen Construction OKC and Tulsa

The Oklahoma landscape is dotted with projects helmed by Cowen Construction and its vast, 125+ year portfolio. The award-winning company offers services including design and bid development, construction management, general contracting and preconstruction.

Cowen additionally partners with nonprofits and community organizations to better the community.

Crossland Construction OKC and Tulsa

Family-owned and operated Crossland Construction aims to build beyond what you’d think possible in the civic, industrial, medical and retail sectors, among others. Shaping skylines, services offered at Crossland range from carpentry to steel erection and earthwork, with recent projects including 21 North Greenwood and the rehabilitation of Tulsa’s Cherry Street.

Flintco OKC and Tulsa

Founded in 1908 with headquarters in downtown Tulsa, Flintco is registered/licensed in 34 states as a full-service general contractor with services including construction management, general contracting, preconstruction planning and project/program management. Industries served include aviation, higher education, healthcare, leisure, performing arts and more.

G.E. Johnson

OKC

With more than half a century of construction experience, G.E. Johnson offers its services to the advanced technology, commercial, education, healthcare and life sciences sectors. Local projects include the new Positive Tomorrows headquarters in OKC. In 2025, the company will move under the DPR Construction brand and name.

J. E. Dunn Construction Group OKC and Tulsa

For over 100 years, and now with more than $6 billion in revenue, J.E. Dunn Construction Group is the eighth largest general contractor in the nation. Industry sectors served include

NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION CORP., STATEWIDE

SOLUTIONS & PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST.

aviation, education, healthcare, science and technology, with services ranging from design and preconstruction to manufacturing.

Manhattan Construction Group Statewide

Family-owned and privately held, Manhattan Construction Group o ers services including design/build, project management and pipeline integrity and maintenance. With a 125+ year history, the company has helmed projects in the U.S., the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. The group recently won four Build Oklahoma Awards courtesy the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma.

Credit Union

Allegiance Credit Union

Oklahoma City

O ering an industry-leading array of banking services including checking/savings accounts, loans, credit cards, insurance policies and digital and video banking, Allegiance Credit Union has served the Oklahoma City area since 1963. The union currently serves nearly 25,000 customers.

Communication Federal Credit Union Statewide

including concern for the community and democratic member control.

WEOKIE

Federal Credit Union

OKC

With more than $1.5 billion in assets, WEOKIE Federal Credit Union o ers several branches in the Oklahoma City metro and boasts more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs and shared branches. The company was founded in 1969 by Western Electric Plant employees and is now federally insured through the National Credit Union Association.

Nabholz Construction Corp. Statewide

With locations in seven states, Nabholz Construction o ers services including construction, custom fabrication and millwork, crane and equipment rental, as well as facility management and repair. Founded in 1949, the company is employee- and family-owned, with more than 1,100 industry-leading professionals working together to best serve clients.

Ross Group OKC and Tulsa

Begun in 1979, Ross Group provides services including construction, engineering and development with a commitment to quality, safety and customer satisfaction. Industry sectors served include aviation, education, government, healthcare, historic preservation and more, with more than 125 employees in three o ces.

Thompson Construction OKC and Tulsa

An award-winning and minority-owned company, Thompson Construction was founded in 1997. Services include construction management, design-build, general contracting and preconstruction in the commercial, education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, multi-family, Native American, nonprofit and religious sectors, among others.

Bettering Oklahoma since 1939, Communication Federal Credit Union is a full-service credit union providing financial services to individual consumers and business partners like ONEOK, ONE Gas and Goodyear Tire. Serving more than 120,000 members, CFCU employs almost 300 people with 22 branches in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Oklahoma Central Credit Union

Tulsa

Founded in 1941, Oklahoma Central Credit Union o ers banking and checking accounts, auto loans, financial planning and mortgage assistance, as well as money management resources. OCCU is actively involved in a variety of local nonprofits and was a presenting sponsor for the 2024 Dancing with the Tulsa Stars event benefiting San Miguel School.

Red Crown Credit Union

Tulsa

With roots dating back to 1938, Red Crown Credit Union continues to serve consumers with services including banking, insurance, technology and loan payments. Aiming to bring personalized member services to your financial life, Red Crown has five Tulsa locations with over 20,000 members.

Tinker Federal Credit Union Statewide

As the largest credit union in Oklahoma with nearly half a million members and assets over $6 billion, Tinker Federal Credit Union has continued to grow and serve the community since its founding in 1946. The credit union o ers 32 branches across the state, with services and o erings ranging from online and mobile banking to insurance and military rewards.

TTCU Federal Credit Union

OKC and Tulsa

With 21 branch locations, TTCU Federal Credit Union serves the Tulsa and OKC metros with o erings including credit assistance, loans, online and mobile banking and more. Founded in 1934 by Oklahoma educators, TTCU operates with principles

Distribution

Fabricut Tulsa

A stalwart Oklahoma-based institution and one of the largest wholesale and decorative fabrics distributors in the world, Fabricut o ers thousands of varieties of trimmings and fabrics to a global audience. Founded in 1954, Fabricut is a family-run, employee-owned company with an extensive showroom network and a knowledgeable sales force.

Harrison Energy Partners Statewide

For more than four decades, Harrison Energy Partners has provided commercial HVAC solutions to clients in both Oklahoma and Arkansas through its partnership with Daikin, the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer. The company boasts an average ten-year employee tenure and has been honored numerous times for its positive working environment.

Locke Supply Co.

OKC

Locke Supply Co., a plumbing, electrical and HVAC distributor based in OKC, has over 200 convenient locations. Services range from lighting and project manage-

ROSS GROUP, OKC AND TULSA

ment to final delivery and project staging. Locke Supply’s core values include character, customer service and remaining 100% employee-owned.

180 Medical OKC

180 Medical offers the highest quality ostomy/catheter supplies available as well as customer education and personalized service in fulfilling specific medical supply needs. The company, founded in 1994, operates with a mission to provide education, unparalleled service and a wide variety of products to its myriad customers.

Energy

Alliance Resource Partners OKC

The largest coal producer in the eastern United States, Alliance offers reliable and affordable baseload energy for domestic and international markets. With seven underground mining complexes, Alliance produces a diverse range of thermal and metallurgical products and serves utility, industrial and steelmaking clients.

Continental Resources OKC

Founded in 1967, Continental Resources is a top ten independent oil producer in the U.S. and is the largest leaseholder and producer in the Bakken play in Montana/North Dakota. The company, which went private in 2022, operates with a focus on the exploration and production of oil, utilizing the newest technology and resources.

Devon Energy OKC

Founded in 1971, Devon Energy is a leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations focused onshore in the U.S. Devon’s second quarter 2024 daily production was approximately 335,000 barrels of oil, about 182,000 barrels of natural gas liquids and more than 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas.

Expand Energy Corporation

(Formerly Chesapeake Energy)

OKC

Following an October 2024 merger with Southwestern Energy Company, Chesapeake Energy is now Expand Energy Corporation – the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. With a mission to safely and responsibly deliver critical energy to markets in need, Expand Energy operates with core values including stewardship, collaboration and character.

OG&E OKC

Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company has been keeping the lights on in Oklahoma since 1902, and today is the largest electric utilities company in the state. Modern times see OG&E as a vibrant community partner with an emphasis on stewardship – most recently exemplified by the deployment of restoration crews to hurricane-torn Florida and Georgia.

ONE Gas Tulsa

ONE Gas provides dependable gas distribution services to 2.3 million customers in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors and is one of the largest publicly traded, 100% regulated natural gas utilities in the country. Founded in 1906, ONE Gas employs more than 2,000 people and boasts 20,000 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline.

ONEOK Tulsa

ONEOK capabilities include the gathering, processing, fractionating, transporting, storing and marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquid systems, making it a leading midstream service provider. The company, which maintains an extensive network of natural gas gathering, processing, storage and transportation assets, has closed nearly $25 billion in acquisitions since 2023.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Tulsa

Employing nearly 1,800 people, electric utility provider Public Service Company of Oklahoma aims to redefine the future of energy. The company, which recently sent employees to Florida in the wake of hurricane devastation, invests millions of dollars annually to maintain, improve and expand its system, ensuring reliable electric service to Oklahomans.

Summit Utilities

Statewide

Summit Utilities provides natural gas energy services to 525,000 homes and businesses with 17,000 miles of pipeline. Markets served

include Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. In 2023, Summit employees logged 8,800 hours of volunteer services, and the company donated $317,000 in community sponsorships and charitable contributions.

Williams Tulsa

A FORTUNE 500 investment grade corporation, Williams is responsible for about one third of the natural gas in the nation, working to provide the necessary infrastructure to serve growing markets and safely deliver natural gas products. Williams participates in extensive community giving efforts, with a focus on education, environmental stewardship, arts and human services, among others.

Engineering

BKL, Inc.

Tulsa

Founded in 1946 to provide transportation, civil and structural engineering services to Oklahomans, BKL added architectural offerings in 1969. To date, landmark projects include Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa and the original roadway and bridge designs for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

Burns & McDonnell

OKC

With offices nationwide, Burns & McDonnell provides planning, design, architecture, technology and science services to build critical infrastructure projects. Founded in1898, the firm serves the aviation, commercial, government, manufacturing, and telecommunications sectors, among others.

GARVER, OKC, TULSA AND NORMAN

CEC, OKC, NORMAN, TULSA AND DUNCAN

CEC

OKC, Norman, Tulsa and Duncan

A multi-service engineering firm, CEC is privately held and provides specialized assistance for private developers and public entities. Meeting needs in civil engineering, construction management, land surveying, materials testing, remote sensing and more, CEC also has a team-led corporate giving program that serves over 50 nonprofits.

Garver

OKC, Tulsa and Norman

Garver, founded in 1919, offers engineering, planning and environmental services, focused on aviation, transportation, water services, surveying, construction engineering and more. The employee-owned firm has more than 1,300 staffers across 20 states. Recent accolades include being named the No. 1 Best Firm to Work For (200+ employees category) by Zweig Group.

Olsson

OKC and Tulsa

Established in 1956, Olsson is one of the 75 largest engineering and design firms in the U.S. and employs over 2,000 people. The employee-owned company has won a slew of awards for its workplace culture and employee benefits, and serves the government, transportation, water, energy and telecommunications markets, among others.

Parkhill

OKC, Norman,

Woodward and Tulsa

More than 500 employees strong in offices across Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas, Parkhill offers services including comprehensive architectural and engineering design for the government, commercial and institutional sectors. The firm, founded in 1945, operates with values including innovation, personal ownership and work/life balance.

Smith Roberts Baldischwiler OKC and Norman

Smith Roberts Baldischwiler offers specialized services including surveying, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design, right-ofway services, highway/roadway and bridge design, and stormwater management. The

locally owned company, formed in 1981, is focused on communication, collaboration and commitment.

Wallace Design Collective OKC and Tulsa

A consulting firm offering structural and civil engineering alongside landscape architecture, surveying and more, Wallace Design Collective operates with 275+ employees, seven offices and licensed professionals in all 50 states. The firm has designed well over $100 billion in construction nationwide and won an American Architecture Award in 2023 for its work at Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center.

and resort, Choctaw Casino Resort Durant aims to raise the bar for what a world-class resort can be. Alongside an RV park, movie theater and ample food and drink options, Choctaw Casino Resort Durant also offers live entertainment, with upcoming shows including Rascal Flatts and Dancing with the Stars: Live

Civic Center Music Hall OKC

Since opening its doors in 1937 as the Municipal Auditorium, the Civic Center Music Hall has offered world class entertainment ranging from Broadway shows to rock concerts and

Entertainment

BOK Center

Tulsa

An award-winning beacon on the Tulsa skyline, the BOK Center is Tulsa’s premier entertainment and sports venue that acts as ‘home ice’ for the Tulsa Oilers hockey team. The 19,199-seat venue hosts over 50 ticketed events annually, with an overall mission to grow the economic and community infrastructure of Tulsa for future generations.

Celebrity Attractions

Tulsa

Thanks to Celebrity Attractions, northeastern Oklahoma is treated to year-round, worldclass Broadway performances as well as other theatrical, musical and family entertainment. Founded in 1983, Celebrity Attractions’ upcoming shows include Clue, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, and The Outsiders, which will open its North American tour at the Tulsa PAC in the fall of 2025.

Choctaw Casino Resort Durant

Durant

From a state-of-the-art poker room to ample slot machines and a AAA Four Diamond hotel

arts festivals. Managed by the Civic Center Foundation, the music hall hosts national entertainment offerings as well as local events from partners including the OKC Philharmonic, OKC Broadway and OKC Ballet.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Tulsa

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is a premier destination for golf, luxurious lodging, a resort-style pool, dining and, of course, gaming and world-class entertainment. Boasting more than 2,600 electronic games, a poker room and 36 table games, Hard Rock will again be a circuit stop in the 2025 World Series of Poker.

Oklahoma City Thunder OKC

Formed in 2008 after a move from Seattle, the Oklahoma City Thunder is part of the NBA’s northwest division of the Western Conference. Alongside providing critical economic boosts for the City of OKC, the organization also offers the Thunder Cares platform, which invests in sponsored programs, donations and player engagement efforts to better the community.

WALLACE DESIGN COLLECTIVE, OKC AND TULSA

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT, TULSA

Osage Casino Hotel

Tulsa

Osage Casino Hotel, perched on the north edge of Tulsa, offers high-end hotel accommodations, dining and gaming options along with the Skyline Event Center. Revenue from all Osage casinos are used to fund tribal government programs, promote tribal economic development and support charitable organizations.

Paycom Center

OKC

Opened in 2002, downtown OKC’s Paycom Center hosts world-class entertainment including concerts, televised events, family shows and NBA games as the home court of the OKC Thunder. The 581,000-square-foot venue is owned by the City of OKC, and has organized more than 1,200 events since its opening.

River Spirit Casino Resort

Tulsa

River Spirit Casino and Resort has become a must-visit entertainment venue in Tulsa, with over 3,000 high-tech electronic games, alongside numerous poker tables and table games. The resort also offers nearly 500 luxurious hotel rooms, a salon and spa, a meeting space, a resort-style pool and a 2,500+ seat showroom theatre for live entertainment.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Tulsa

Presenting world-class entertainment for decades, Tulsa Performing Arts Center is also a nonprofit entity with a mission to bring arts education and access to all Tulsans, evidenced in its participation in the Kennedy Center’s Any Given Child program. Founded in 1977, the TPAC offers national tours as well as local performances from Tulsa Ballet, Theatre Tulsa and Tulsa Town Hall.

Food/Beverage/ Convenience Industry

Bama Companies

Tulsa

Founded in 1927, Bama Companies now produces two million pies, 1.5 million biscuits, 1 million hotcakes and 1 million pizza crusts

daily. Headquartered on Route 66 in Tulsa, Bama operates with four pillars: people, customers, continuous improvement, and smart, fun growth. The company has won a slew of awards for its products and workplace culture, including the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Statewide

Whether topping off the gas tank or grabbing a bite to eat, family-owned Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is a traveler’s resource at more than 510 locations across 41 states. The company, founded in 1964, is also passionate about community giving, with local partners including the United Way of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation.

Oklahoma Beef Council OKC

The Oklahoma Beef Council works to amplify awareness, promote value and increase general trust of Oklahoma beef production. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1975 and operates with the mission to be a positive difference for Oklahoma’s farming and ranching families, as well as the greater beef community.

Oklahoma Pork Council OKC

Whether advocating for Oklahoma pork production or giving away hams in charitable community fundraisers, the Oklahoma Pork Council serves the state with resources, education, advocacy and support. More than pig farmers, the OPC is dedicated to the wellbeing of Oklahoma’s animals, people, communities and land.

QuikTrip Statewide

With over 1,000 locations, QuikTrip is a major convenience store and fueling chain founded in 1958. The company, which now has locations in 17 states, is privately held, boasts over $11 billion in assets, and employs more than 31,000 people. With a passion for community impact, philanthropic focuses include at-risk youth, early childhood education and military families.

Healthcare

Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma Tulsa

Comprising specialty trained doctors in every area of orthopedic and sports medicine, Advanced Orthopedics offers exceptional care from exceptional providers. After a merger in 2017, Advanced Orthopedics became the largest orthopedic practice of fellowship-trained orthopedic/sports medicine experts in northeastern Oklahoma.

Ascension St. John Health System Tulsa

Serving Oklahoma for nearly 100 years, Ascension St. John operates seven hospitals and more than 80 healthcare clinics and facilities, employing nearly 4,500 associates. In fiscal year 2024, St. John provided more than $66.5 million in total community benefit. The health system is also investing in new technologies and upgrading facilities, recently introducing state-of-the-art Intuitive da Vinci 5 robots; St. John is now home to the region’s largest surgical robotic fleet. St. John recently opened its newest surgical facility in Jenks; this growth follows the expansions of

BAMA COMPANIES, TULSA

cardiovascular and intensive care services in Broken Arrow, Owasso and Tulsa.

Dean McGee Eye Institute OKC

One of the country’s largest and most respected centers for eye care, Dean McGee Eye Institute serves patients from all 77 Oklahoma counties. A stand-out element at Dean McGee is the range of services provided – from general optometry to cataract surgery, ocular prosthetics and laser vision correction. The institution is also consistently involved in a variety of vision-related research projects.

Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat Tulsa

Offering the only fellowship trained neurotologist and rhinologist in Tulsa, Eastern Oklahoma ENT specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and adult ear, nose and throat diseases. Creating long-standing relationships with patients, the team combines precision and compassion, resulting in excellent patient outcomes.

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Tulsa

Providing quality healthcare for American Indians in the greater Tulsa area, the Indian Health Care Resource Center utilizes a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. The center’s goal is to improve health and reduce the incidence/severity of chronic disease by engaging the Native community in ongoing health promotion.

INTEGRIS Health OKC

Striving to help Oklahomans live fuller, healthier lives, INTEGRIS Health is the state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned healthcare system with the goal to be Oklahomans’ most trusted partner for health. Values within the health system include integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, and services range from breast health and cancer care to neurology, primary care and surgery.

Mercy Health OKC

Aiming to serve patients with dignity, excellence, justice and stewardship, Mercy Health was founded in 1986 and now has a vast network of hospitals, clinics and urgent care centers. Additionally, the health system is focused on sustainability and aims to reduce its carbon footprint and recycle materials whenever possible.

Norman Regional Health System Moore/Norman

Delivering personalized healthcare with compassion and excellence, Norman Regional Health System is anchored by Norman Regional Hospital, a 775,000-squarefoot, acute-care facility with services ranging from cardiovascular care and orthopedic surgery to labor and delivery, emergency care and more.

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic OKC

A contractor of Indian Health Services, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic provides culturally sensitive health and wellness services from devoted providers. Serving children and adults, the clinic’s offerings range from dental care to optometry, radiology, physical therapy and preventative care.

Oklahoma State University Medical Center

Tulsa

OSU Medical Center is one of the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching facilities with 11 residency and nine fellowship programs. With 195 licensed beds and Oklahoma’s

top-ranked wound clinic, OSU Medical Center excels in cardiovascular medicine, respiratory services, maternal child health, emergency medicine and more.

The Orthopaedic Center

Tulsa

Combining orthopedic excellence and empathetic care, the Orthopaedic Center employs physicians who continually strive to improve through research programs, continuing education and the utilization of the latest technology. The team’s specialties range from treatments of the foot and ankle to hip surgery and spine and pain management.

OU Health OKC and Tulsa

With a mission to advance healthcare, medical education and research for the region, OU Health provides top-quality care while also teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals. OU Medical Center is the state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, and the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is recognized as one of the top 50 children’s hospitals in the nation for pediatric cardiology, heart surgery, gastroenterology and GI surgery.

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center OKC

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is the state’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center, one of 72 in the nation. All types of cancer can be treated at Stephenson, ranging from adrenal and kidney to lung and uterine. There are additionally 250+ ongoing original biomedical research projects at Stephenson, aimed at exploring cancer and developing more effective treatments.

INTEGRIS HEALTH, OKC

THOMPSON CONSTRUCTION, TULSA

Saint Francis Health System

Tulsa

Saint Francis Health system offers a vast healthcare network that includes a children’s hospital, heart hospital and psychiatric clinic. Specialties within the system range from cancer care to women’s health and orthopedics. This year, all four of the system’s major hospitals were awarded four stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Southern Plains Tribal Health Board OKC

The Southern Plains Tribal Health Board serves the 44 federally recognized American Indian tribes in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas through partnerships, advocacy, education and training. At SPTHB, leadership believes a healthier life is possible by improving access to health services, preventative care and disease management.

SSM Health St. Anthony OKC

Founded in 1898 with just 12 beds, SSM Health St. Anthony has grown to become a leader in Oklahoma’s healthcare landscape with a nationally certified stroke center and cutting-edge robotic-assisted surgery. This year, Modern Healthcare magazine named SSM Health to its list of Diversity Leaders.

Tulsa ER & Hospital

Tulsa

The team at Tulsa ER & Hospital is aiming to eliminate the frustrating elements of the ER by offering concierge-level emergency care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tulsa ER & Hospital’s state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot facility offers the most advanced equipment on the market, and the team is able to treat both major and minor injuries.

Higher Education

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah

NSU offers its students 59 undergraduate and 26 graduate programs, with popular fields of study including criminal justice, accounting and nursing. The university’s strategic plan operates with a core mission to build upon its Cherokee heritage, help students succeed and create a sustainable future for its diverse community.

Oklahoma City University OKC

Combining the feel of a tight-knit campus with the academic options of a large school, Oklahoma City University is a private institution that offers 70+ undergraduate and 20+ graduate degrees.

Programs include the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment and the Meinders School of Business.

Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell

With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a designation as the first and only public Hispanic Serving Institution in the state, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success. The university offers three distinct colleges: Business and Technology; Arts and Education; and Agriculture, Science and Nursing.

Oklahoma State University Stillwater

Ranked No. 1 in 2024 by Niche for best value and best academics in Oklahoma, OSU offers 300+ majors and minors, plus 200+ masters and Ph.D. programs. A five-campus system, OSU has graduated more than 264,000 students and was recently included in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges, which highlights universities that foster a culture of environmental responsibility and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Tulsa

OSU Center for Health Sciences includes the College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a variety of graduate programs and medical residency and fellowships offerings. Aiming to transform care in downtown Tulsa, OSUCHS educates and trains osteopathic physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals with an emphasis on helping underserved and rural communities.

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Tulsa

OSU-Tulsa offers highly trained faculty mentors, tailored programs and financial aid/scholarships for graduate students. OSU-Tulsa recently paired up with Emerson Elementary for the Partners in Education initiative, enhancing the educational experience for Emerson students to encourage them to attend college.

Rogers State University Claremore

Known for its high-quality academic programs, strong scholastic atmosphere, distance learning opportunities and investment in the newest technology, RSU’s mission is simple: ensure student success. Additionally, RSU was recently named the No. 1 university in Oklahoma for online business degree programs by Research.com.

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa

With an emphasis on affordability and accessibility, TCC builds success through education. The proof is in the numbers: 71%

AMERICAN FIDELITY ASSURANCE, OKC

KEY PERSONNEL, OKC AND TULSA

of graduating students complete TCC debt-free, and 96.1% of graduating students say they would choose TCC again. Additionally, the school offers dual credit programs, continuing education, university transfer paths, professional certificates and more.

University of Central Oklahoma Edmond

Empowering students to turn ‘one day’ into ‘day one,’ UCO has academic colleges including business; education; fine arts and design; liberal arts; math and science; forensic science; and graduate studies. University resources that encourage student success include a career development center, free peer tutoring and a focus on transformative learning.

University of Oklahoma Norman

The state’s flagship university, OU offers 170 academic programs and boasts over $416 million in research expenditures. In October, the school launched an Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program within the OU School of Aviation; the program is currently the only four-year Bachelor of Science degree program of its kind in the nation.

University

of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Chickasha

Recently ranked No. 7 in Great Value College’s 100 Most Affordable Small Colleges West of the Mississippi, USAO is the state’s only public liberal arts college. Leadership at USAO believe the best path to a meaningful life is an education that integrates multi-disciplinary knowledge to equip individuals for the 21st century.

University of Tulsa Tulsa

With over 80 undergraduate, 41 masters and 17 doctoral programs, TU boasts an average class size of 13 and offers financial aid to 94% of its students. The school has the most National Merit scholars per capita and was ranked in the Top 100 private research universities by U.S. News & World Report

Human Resources and Staffing Agency

Express Employment Professionals

press has empowered over half a million individuals annually since its founding in 1983.

Statewide

A valuable resource for both job seekers and employers, Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing agency in the U.S., with additional offices in Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Aiming to create opportunities and build futures, Ex-

Key Personnel OKC and Tulsa

A pillar of quality employee recruitment in Oklahoma since 1978, Key Personnel’s core values include authenticity, dependability, integrity and passion. With local ownership and community focus, Key Personnel is a fully certified, woman-owned business that believes diversity and inclusion are the keys to success.

Robert Half OKC and Tulsa

Helping businesses find quality candidates and candidates find in-demand jobs, Robert Half has grown from a small operation founded in 1948 to a specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm with offices around the world. The agency specializes in everything from finance to administration and marketing.

Insurance

American Fidelity Assurance OKC

More than an insurance company, American Fidelity Assurance also offers benefits strategies to help employers create the best possible atmosphere for their organization and employees. American Fidelity serves the education, public, automotive and healthcare sectors, with the goal to act as an extension of a company’s HR department.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Statewide

A local, trusted name for health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma offers individual, family, Medicare and group plans tailored to specific needs and budgets. Additionally, BCBSOK offers a vast, statewide network of trusted doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, plus access to health management tools.

CommunityCare

Tulsa

CommunityCare’s mission is simple: to serve Oklahomans with local, personalized services in pursuit of every member’s optimal well-being. Offering individual, family,

group and Medicare plans, CommunityCare is owned by two of the region’s premier health systems: Ascension St. John and Saint Francis Health System.

CompSource Mutual Insurance Company

OKC and Tulsa

A leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance for over 85 years, CompSource Mutual protects people above all else. Services range from safety and loss prevention to underwriting, claims and audit support, and the company serves the construction, agriculture and electrical sectors, among others.

Delta Dental Statewide

Connecting members with a vast network of dentists nationwide, Delta Dental offers quick answers, personalized service and a focus on protecting your smile. Delta Dental serves more than 90 million Americans, providing coverage in all 50 states and supplying quality, cost-effective dental insurance.

GlobalHealth OKC and Tulsa

Staffed with local, dedicated team members, GlobalHealth serves 26 counties across Oklahoma. The company, founded in 2003, is committed to quality care and optimum health for the community, and offers a variety of insurance plans to fit different health needs and budgets.

INSURICA Statewide

Among the top 50 largest insurance brokers in the U.S., INSURICA employs more than 800 people and is focused on finding quality and experienced partners to better serve its members. Offering solutions for both individuals and businesses, INSURICA handles personal plans, employee benefits, alternative risk and more.

Mid-Continent Group Statewide

With a passion for mutual success, Mid-Content Group aims to help small- and medium-sized businesses with their difficult-to-place or unique commercial insurance needs. A member of the Great Ameri-

MARK E. HAMMONS, SR., AMBER L. HURST; HAMMONS, HURST AND ASSOCIATES, OKC

LATHAM KEELE LEHMAN, OKC AND TULSA

Group, Mid-Continent

Rich & Cartmill

OKC

and Tulsa

A leading insurance provider since 1922, Rich & Cartmill offers 200+ affiliations across the U.S., allowing employees to meet clients’ specific requests at an affordable rate. The company serves a variety of sectors, ranging from construction and energy to education, retail and manufacturing.

State Farm Statewide

Founded in 1929, State Farm now has more than 7.8 million life insurance and annuity policies in force. No matter the insurance need, State Farm can help – from auto to home and property and small business. Additionally, State Farm offers banking and investment services with thousands of agents around the U.S.

Law Firm

Barrow & Grimm

Tulsa

Established in 1976, full-service law firm Barrow & Grimm handles cases involving tax law, business services, labor and employment, business litigation and more. Of Barrow & Grimm’s 25 highly trained attorneys, 15 have been named in prestigious listings including Super Lawyers and AV Preeminent Lawyers

Brewster & De Angelis Law Offices

Tulsa

With a skilled team and stellar reputation, Brewster & De Angelis provides experienced representation in personal injury, criminal defense, medical malpractice and civil litigation. Utilizing a personalized approach, the firm has a storied history of successful case results across the state and aims to provide clients with the best possible guidance to navigate any and every legal matter.

Chubbuck Duncan & Robey, P.C. OKC

The personal defense counsel option for Oklahoma, Chubbuck Duncan & Robey tackles cases ranging from insurance defense to wrongful death, and has provided services to some of the nation’s largest Fortune

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OSU Foundation WORK FOR US!

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500 companies. What sets the firm apart is its collaborative approach, where a senior lawyer and team of associates/support staff come together to work each case.

Hammons, Hurst and Associates OKC

Specializing in employment law, Hammons, Hurst and Associates represents individuals across a variety of industries who have become the subjects of illegal discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation. The firm offers a proven track record of holding employers accountable, and owner Mark Hammons’ also founded the Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association.

The Handley Law Center El Reno

The team at Handley believes you have a future worth fighting for – and back that claim by offering comprehensive representation to ensure clients get the compensation they deserve. Utilizing a client-first mentality with expansive courthouse experience, Handley Law Center practices in areas including personal injury, criminal defense and wrongful death.

Jones Gotcher

Tulsa

Known for its premier practices in civil litigation, construction, family law and estate planning, Jones Gotcher is dedicated to creating a client-focused, integrity-first, results-driven practice. A mid-sized firm, Jones Gotcher can handle cases for For-

tune 500 companies, local businesses and individuals alike.

Latham

Keele Lehman Ratcliff Carter & Clarke P.C.

OKC and Tulsa

With experience surpassing 300 jury trials, the team at Latham Keele Lehman excels in areas including labor and employment, real estate, medical malpractice defense and banking. The practice, which was recently recognized by Best Law Firms, strives to create an inclusive and prosperous environment for both employees and clients.

McIntyre Law OKC

Committed to improving the lives of individuals and leveling the playing field against insurance companies, McIntyre Law believes in one-on-one client interactions to garner the best possible results. Specialties at McIntyre range from personal injury to car accidents, products liability and drug liability.

Stange Law Firm

OKC

and Tulsa

Specializing in family law, divorce and separation, child custody and more, Stange Law Firm is dedicated to helping its clients with responsive, diligent and communicative representation. Combining the resources of a large firm with the personal attention of a small one, Stange attorneys will guide clients through tumultuous family law cases with compassion and expertise.

White & Weddle, P.C.

OKC

White & Weddle, a full-service civil litigation firm, offers 35+ years of combined experience in cases pertaining to wrongful death, bad faith insurance, education law and workplace injury. Over the years, the firm has obtained numerous settlements for their plaintiffs, ranging from $500,000 to more than $15 million.

Manufacturing and Industrial Supply

AAON

Tulsa

Providing highly configurable HVAC solutions to commercial and industrial clients, AAON is committed to driving its industry forward to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The company, founded in 1988, manufactures rooftop units, split systems, air-source heat pumps, condensing units, geothermal heat pumps and more.

Airgas

Statewide

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading supplier of industrial, specialty and medical gasses, alongside hardgoods. The company is also the leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals, helping more than 1 million customers advance their business performance with reliable products and services.

Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc.

Tulsa

A leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, Brainerd serves industries including oil and gas, metal manufacturing, water treatment and animal health. Safety, government compliance, environmental protection and outstanding customer service are the cornerstones of Brainerd, founded in 1959.

Delco Electric, Inc.

OKC

Delco Electric, a commercial electrical service provider, offers decades of experience in everything from new build construction to general service calls. Taking a personalized approach to each bid proposal, Delco believes the true measure of its achievements is the expert completion of a project.

Ditch Witch Perry

Ditch Witch is a trailblazer in the manufacture of underground construction equipment, with products including directional drills, vacuum excavators and stand-on skid steers. Ditch Witch’s brand is centered around true partnerships with customers,

AAON, TULSA

and the company recently won an OPE+ award for its newest product, the Ditch Witch SK1750.

Hilti OKC and Tulsa

Developing, manufacturing and distributing products for the construction, building maintenance and energy sectors, Hilti aims to make every client’s job easier and safer. Hilti – a family-owned company founded in 1941 – creates products that are built to last, with an emphasis on precision and advanced safety.

Kimray, Inc.

OKC

A principal manufacturer of oil and gas control equipment, Kimray has created simple, effective solutions for its clients since 1948, with a mission to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Recently, the company partnered with environmental organization Kathairos to offer customers a sustainable methane elimination system.

Matrix Service Co.

Tulsa

A premier provider of engineering, fabrication, infrastructure, construction and maintenance services to the oil, gas, power, petrochemical, industrial, mining and minerals markets, Matrix Service Co. is consistently recognized nationally for both its products/ services as well as its workplace culture.

Sigma Stretch Corp.

Tulsa

A plastic fabrication company, Sigma Stretch Corp. operates with a mission to produce quality, reliable products at affordable rates, and has become an industry leader with its innovative and environmen-

tally conscious solutions. Founded in 1993, Sigma has grown to harbor over 700 million pounds of capacity.

Webco Industries

Sand Springs

Creating the future of the tubing industry is paramount at Webco Industries, a pioneer in the manufacture and distribution of steel tubing. Founded in 1969 as Southwest Tube, Webco now boasts 2.2 million square feet of facility space, 13 locations and 1,400+ team members. The company recently acquired the Sea-Cure brand – which produces a strong, highly corrosion-resistant, super-ferritic alloy.

Zeeco

Broken Arrow

Zeeco, founded in 1979, excels in the design and manufacture of advanced combustion and environmental solutions. The com-

pany, which aims to create a workplace culture that challenges and rewards its employees, also seeks every opportunity to create positive impacts on the community, with consistent outreach, charitable events and disaster relief efforts.

Miscellaneous

Alert360 Tulsa

Offering security systems for both homes and businesses, Alert360 employs highly trained expert consultants who work with each client to identify tailored solutions. Alert360 also provides 24/7 alarm monitoring with an emphasis on premier customer service, with custom packages, smart devices and cameras for every need.

Hobby Lobby

Statewide

An arts and crafts retailer headquartered in OKC, Hobby Lobby boasted $7.9 billion in revenue in 2023. Hobby Lobby is serious about taking care of its employees – evidenced in the decision to raise its minimum full-time hourly wage to $19.25 in October. The company was also one of the first to establish a nationwide minimum hourly wage well above the federal base back in 2009.

Oklahoma State University Foundation Stillwater

The private fundraising arm for Oklahoma State University, the OSU Foundation touts core values including authenticity, partnership, integrity, intentionality and service. Funds donated to the foundation help provide the most advanced educational opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni of OSU.

Real Estate

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

OKC and Tulsa

With 15 offices and 700+ associates around Oklahoma, Chinowth & Cohen has grown since its founding in 2004 to become the largest independent real estate company in the state. Alongside ensuring client needs are consistently met, C&C helps its team members succeed through training programs and other helpful resources.

Coldwell Banker

Statewide

With offices in 40 countries and over 100,000 total agents, Coldwell Banker offers a powerful network and world-class guidance for all real estate needs. Founded in 1906, Coldwell Banker has accrued $234

TINKER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, STATEWIDE

Keller Williams Realty Statewide

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty has grown to become the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, and operates with the purpose to “be the place where entrepreneurs thrive.” Recently, the international division of KW, Keller Williams Worldwide, expanded operations in Central America with a new master franchise in Guatemala.

McGraw Realtors Statewide

Working to make real estate simple since 1938, McGraw Realtors is one of the nation’s top ten fastest-growing real estate companies with 21 offices across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado. Committed, loyal and tenacious, McGraw’s agents tout extensive experience and knowledge of cutting-edge technology to help close any real estate deal.

Technology

InterWorks

Tulsa

InterWorks, a people-focused tech consultancy, provides IT and data strategies, solutions and support to myriad clients – viewing themselves as partners, not vendors. Committed to curating a positive working environment, InterWorks’ culture highlights the passions and skills of each employee.

Paycom

OKC

Paycom is a cloud-based human resource and payroll software provider based out of OKC, operating with the goal to simplify life for employees and businesses alike. Paycom employs over 7,300 people and has nearly 37,000 clients. Recently, the company was named as a 2024 Top HR Product by Human Resource Executive magazine for its automated time-off request tool, GONE.

Tourism/Recreation

Discover Durant

Durant

A division of the Durant Tourism Economic Development Authority,

Discover Durant helps tourists and locals alike to dig deep into the City of Magnolias and its many offerings – from general attractions to outdoor recreation, landmarks, hotels, restaurants and arts and culture fare.

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Statewide

With a goal to drive domestic and international visitation through marketing and outreach, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation department promotes state parks, local businesses and other entertainment. The department also functions in an advisory capacity for the governor, state legislature and other elected leaders on matters pertaining to tourism/recreation.

Poteau Chamber of Commerce Poteau

The Poteau Chamber of Commerce is the information hub for the Le Flore county seat, offering literature, business information, history and attraction recommendations. Annual events hosted by the chamber include a membership banquet, career day, citywide clean-up, the Poteau Balloon Fest and a Christmas parade.

Visit Bartlesville Bartlesville

Encouraging tourists to eat, play, shop and stay, Visit Bartlesville provides all the information one could need about the Washington County seat, from history to outdoor offerings and museums. The goal? Help Bartlesville become a premier destination for leisure travel, film productions, conventions and more.

Visit Broken Arrow Broken Arrow

Marketing Broken Arrow as “adorable, explorable and downright affordable,” Visit Broken Arrow provides information surrounding entertainment, hotel, sports, shopping, venue and restaurant offerings in BA The mission of Visit BA is to enhance the city’s economic opportunities and bring in steady and strong tourism numbers.

Visit Claremore Claremore

With a mission to promote the city’s rich, diverse history and culture, Visit Claremore bolsters tourism numbers and boosts the city’s economy. Alongside its marketing efforts, Visit Claremore promotes and hosts a variety of events throughout the year and partners with local businesses to ensure the city’s continued success.

Visit Oklahoma City

OKC

Oklahoma City, recently named one of the Best Places to Visit by Travel + Leisure, is passionately promoted by Visit OKC. Alongside touting the city as a first-class visitor destination, Visit OKC also contributes to the economic fabric of the city through the solicitation and servicing of conventions and other related group business.

Visit Ponca City

Ponca City

Promoting Ponca City as a location rich in history, culture and community, Visit Ponca City markets its ample art galleries, outdoor

offerings, entertainment and more. With an emphasis on preserving natural treasures for a greener future, Visit PC aims to consistently improve the lives of its residents and the state at large.

Visit Tulsa

Tulsa

A branch of the Tulsa Regional Tourism department – which also houses the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Tulsa Sports Commission; and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture – Visit Tulsa promotes leisure travel to the 918. Touting the city’s museums, music, nightlife and outdoor recreation, Visit Tulsa ensures that tourists and residents know “what’s booming in Boomtown.”

Transportation

Melton Truck Lines

Tulsa

Melton Truck Lines, a leading over-theroad flatbed trucking company, cultivates a family-first atmosphere with a dedication to customer satisfaction. In business for 70 years, Melton provides flatbed deliveries with accuracy and safety and is known for its competitive base and tarp pay, plus its excellent benefits and recognition programs for drivers.

Tribal Enterprise

Cherokee Nation

Catoosa

The Cherokee Nation – 450,000 members strong with 141,000 of those citizens residing within the tribe’s borders in northeastern Oklahoma – operates Cherokee Nation Businesses, the board-governed holding company for the tribe’s business portfolio. CNB offers subsidiaries in entertainment, federal contracting, cultural development, hospitality and more.

Chickasaw Nation

Ada

Aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for the Chickasaw people, Chickasaw Nation presents a diverse economic portfolio, with enterprises ranging from gaming centers and casinos to gift shops, banks, cultural centers, hotels and spas. Funds from these businesses are funneled directly back into the Nation for education, healthcare, youth, aging and housing.

Choctaw Nation

Durant

Operating with a focus on providing continuous opportunities for growth and prosperity, the Choctaw Nation offers a multitude of enterprises in hotel operations, retail, tribal business, hospitality and gaming. Within

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, STILLWATER

the Nation’s businesses, every individual matters –from the highest levels of corporate leadership to those working quietly behind the scenes.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Shawnee

Muscogee Nation

Okmulgee

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Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s enterprises span vast industries – from banking and finance to shopping, dining, entertainment and gaming. Finances from these and other business subsidiaries help to fund services to CPN’s citizens, including programs for the elderly and for veterans, alongside housing, workforce development and social services.

The Muscogee Nation’s Department of Commerce aims to foster, serve and promote the Nation’s economic development and technological advancement. Funds from enterprises – ranging from gaming to business and higher education – are then reinvested into the Nation to support the tribe’s general welfare, develop new businesses and better serve Oklahoma at large.

Osage Nation Pawhuska

With a focus on education, economic prosperity, civic engagement, culture, language retention, natural resources and overall health, the Osage Nation is over 25,000 members strong. Tribal services bolstered by Osage Nations’ business enterprises include childcare, housing, employment, crisis assistance, education, and health and wellness.

Seminole Nation Wewoka

With a determined 21st century narrative, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma offers its Division of Commerce and its gaming enterprises to strengthen the fabric of the Nation and state at large. Funded tribal services include everything from vehicle maintenance and mental health programs to housing, childcare and education.

How to Holiday

While you may feel like you’re crawling to the finish line of 2024, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: A sweeping, joyful, full-tothe-brim holiday season. Whether you prefer quiet observances at home or want to celebrate out with other Oklahomans, we offer a comprehensive guide to holiday happenings, plus some how-to yuletide tips, movie recommendations, boozy recipes and more.

By Mary Willa Allen

Put it in a box. Don’t try to wrap a bottle of wine, a power tool or a toy. Put it in a box, then wrap the box. (You’d think this would be common knowledge, but, alas...)

Get sturdy wrapping paper. Use the Goldilocks method –none of that easily rippable stuff, but also nothing too thick. Juuuust right.

So you’ve gotten your holiday shopping out of the way early, snagging Black Friday deals galore. Good for you! However, unless you’re a cranky curmudgeon, you’ve still got one more step left: gift wrapping those bad boys. Here are a few tips to help you wrap like a pro.

Acquire sharp scissors. You know that feeling when you’re cutting paper and the blade just starts gliding? Heaven.

Measure your paper. Your paper, once cut, should be large enough to wrap around your box with a little overlap, as well as a little overhang on the sides. Too much and you’re wasting paper. Too little and your recipient will be able to see what’s inside before you

Keep it tight. If you want your present to look like it’s wrapped by a pro, make sure to pull it tightly around the box before taping.

Hide the tape. Speaking of tape, try the double-sided kind to make your wrapping look even sleeker.

Less is more. No, not when it comes to paper. We’ve covered this! We’re talking about embellishments. Consider one beautiful bow or an artful pairing of ribbons to accompany your present, not six. (Unless your recipient is, in fact, six. Then go hog wild –they’ll love it.)

If all else fails: Get on YouTube. If that fails, just buy bags and tissue paper. You’ve done your best. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

GINGERBREAD GLEE

Whether you’re attempting to create a gingerbread house for the first time this year, or are entrenched in an all-out war with your extended family to decide who can make the most beautiful house of them all, try these tips to win the day. Sketch your design concepts on paper first. Does this seem excessive? Maybe. But approaching your clean gingerbread slate with a pre-approved design will help keep things moving smoothly.

Use fine tipped brushes and small piping bags. The devil’s in the details, after all. Smaller piping and finer tools will allow you more freedom to decorate how you please.

Decorate everything before assembling. I mean, this is gingerbread house construction 101, but we’ll reiterate: only finishing touches should be applied after the house is glued together.

Be patient. It will take time for your designs to dry, as well as time for the house pieces to meld together with the icing. Don’t touch it until you’re sure it’s dry!

Make sure your icing is stored correctly. Perhaps your gingerbread decorating takes more than one sitting – that’s A-OK, pal. If the icing is going back into the fridge, make sure storage is airtight. Then, when round two begins, allow the icing to warm back to room temperature before using it again.

SPREADING

THE

JOY

Ready to be a festive Christmas elf? Here are some random (and not so random) acts of kindness to try this season:

Volunteer. Head to the homeless shelter, ring some donation bells or spend time with seniors at the nursing home. You will get just as much out of the experience as the nonprofit you’re helping. Deliver presents in person. Nothing beats seeing someone’s face light up right in front of you – not on a tiny screen.

Write holiday letters or greeting cards. The holidays can be lonely, and this will ease that feeling for many. Plus, it’s a chance to brag about what a great year you had and reconnect with old pals.

Connect with your neighbors. Whether that means bringing over a pie or shoveling show off their driveway, a little goes a long way.

Donate. Be it clothes, food, time or money, it’s always a good idea to help those in need.

Be patient. The holidays can be a time of stress for many. Take a few deep breaths if someone shoves past you at the mall or cuts you in line. (I’m suggesting this one just as much for me as for you.)

WHAT’S ON THE

MENU?

There are plenty of great things about holiday food. But the best, we’d wager, is that you aren’t tied to a certain meal or, more importantly, a specific protein come Christmas. (For example – my family does brisket mac n’ cheese every year. Traditional? Nope. Delicious? You bet.)

Media brand Taste of Home released survey results this year that outline America’s favorite Christmas dishes. The poll, which involved 1,140 people, offered head-to-head match-ups of a variety of food items. The top five match-up champs include:

• Roasted potatoes

• Mashed potatoes

• Turkey

• Bread/rolls

• Stuffing/dressing

Talk about carbo-loading!

And bottom of the barrel?

• Cabbage

SIP, SIP, HOORAY!

Maybe you need a little liquid courage to brave a chat with your extended family ... or you just like to sip on spirits during the holidays. Either way, here are some festive cocktails to whip up. (Remember, these will be just delicious without the booze if you’re alcohol-free!)

The Cranberry Ginger Mimosa

2 oz. Ginger beer

2 oz. Cranberry juice

Champagne to top

Sugared cranberries to garnish

Combine the ginger beer, cranberry juice and champagne in a glass.

Garnish with skewered sugared cranberries.

Goose

Turnips • Plantains

• Tofu

No matter what you bring to your table, you can’t really go wrong. (Unless you serve me tofu. Sorry. Just no.)

The Brandy Alexander

1.5 oz. Cognac

1 oz. Dark creme de cacao

1 oz. Cream

Grated nutmeg to garnish

Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice; shake well.

Strain into a glass.

Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Pear Martini

1.5 oz. Pear vodka

1.5 oz. St. Germain liqueur

3/4 oz. Lime juice

1 dash Angostura bitters

Pear slices to garnish

Add vodka, liqueur, lime juice and bitters to a shaker filled with ice; shake well.

Strain into a glass.

Garnish with pear slices.

Hot Toddy

2 tsp. Demerara/brown sugar

1/4 oz. Lemon juice

2 oz. Whiskey

4 Cloves

1 Lemon peel

Boiling water to top

Fill a mug with boiling water and let stand until warm. At the same time, stick cloves into the lemon peel.

Empty the mug and fill again, about halfway, with more boiling water.

Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.

Add the prepared lemon peel and stir.

Add the lemon juice and whiskey. Stir again.

Made with help from Liquor.com.

So, you don’t want to watch The Polar Express for the fourth year in a row? We present a few other options, both classic and atypical. (Read into these before viewing; some aren’t quite kid-friendly.)

Elf

Home Alone

A Christmas Story

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Love Actually

The Family Man

LIGHTS ON LIGHTS

Let it shine at free and ticketed light displays around the state.

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights

Through Dec. 22

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville

Myriad & Bright Through Dec. 24

Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City

Philbrook Festival Through Dec. 28

Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa

Festival of Lights Through Dec. 30

Regional Park, Ardmore

Festival of Angels Through Dec 30

Various locations, Ponca City

Botanic Garden of Lights Through Dec 30

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Fantasy Land of Lights Through Dec. 30

Johnstone Park, Bartlesville

Chickasha Festival of Light Through Dec. 31

Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha

OKC Zoo Safari Lights Through Jan. 1

Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Bixby’s Winter Wonderland Through Jan. 1

Charley Young Event Park, Bixby

Edmond’s Electric Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Through Jan. 1

Mitch Park, Edmond

Rhema Christmas Lights Through Jan. 1

Rhema Bible Church, Broken Arrow

Garden of Lights Through Jan 1

Honor Heights Park, Muskogee

Holiday in the Park

Through Jan. 1

Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton

GET YOUR TICKETS

Holiday-related performances abound.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker

Dec. 5-22

Ok Shakes’ Blackbox Theater, OKC

Canterbury Voices presents: Sing We Now of Christmas

Dec. 6

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 6

BOK Center, Tulsa

OKC Philharmonic presents:

A Very Merry Pops with Tony DeSare and Ashley Brown

Dec. 6-7

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

American Theatre Company presents: A Christmas Carol

Dec. 6-22

Tulsa PAC

Deck the Halls featuring Red Steagall & the Boys in the Bunkhouse

Dec. 8

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, OKC

Tulsa Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

Dec. 8-22

Tulsa PAC

Festival Bell Ringers

Dec. 11

Tulsa PAC

Hanson’s Christmas Ball

Dec. 13-14

Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa

Signature Symphony presents: Christmas in Tulsa Dec. 13-14

TCC Van Trease PACE, Tulsa

Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Dec. 14-23

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol Through Dec. 22

Pollard Theatre, Guthrie

Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 27

Lyric at the Plaza

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 30

Paycom Center, OKC

GLIDE AWAY

Ice rinks beckon for active fun.

Ice on the Plaza Through Dec. 31

323 E. Grand Ave., Ponca City

Arvest Winterfest Through Jan. 6

Downtown Tulsa by the BOK Center

Christmas in the Ville Through Jan. 4

201 S.W. Keeler Ave., Bartlesville

Holidays on Ice Through Jan. 4

301 S. Independence Ave, Enid

Yukon Ice Rink Through Jan. 5

500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon

BA Ice Rink Through Jan. 6

418 S. Main St., Broken Arrow

Crest on Ice Through Jan. 6

2550 Mt. Williams Dr., Norman

Edmond Ice Rink Through Jan. 20

Mitch Park, Edmond

Devon Ice Rink Through Feb. 2

Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC

TRADITIONS, EXPLAINED

GATHERINGS GALORE

Community events can help get you in the holiday mood.

Saints Santa Run Dec. 7

535 N.W. Ninth St., Oklahoma City

Tulsa Christmas Parade Dec. 14

Downtown

Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village Through Dec 21

Har-Ber Village Museum, Grove

Holiday in the Ark Through Dec. 23

Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo

OKC Community Chanukah Festival

Dec. 29

Scissortail Park

The Polar Express Through Dec. 29

Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City

Depot Green Christmas Train Through Dec. 29

205 Elgin St., Muskogee

Route 66 Christmas Chute Through Dec. 29

101 E. Dewey Ave, Sapulpa

Red Earth Treefest Through Jan. 3

BancFirst Tower, Oklahoma City

Arvest Winterfest Through Jan. 6

Downtown Tulsa

Downtown in December Through Feb. 2

Downtown Oklahoma City

You may catch yourself setting out cookies for Santa and wondering, well, why the heck am I doing this? Don’t worry – there’s reasoning behind many of our quirky holiday traditions.

Christmas tree: These beauties date back to the Middle Ages, with Germany being the first country known to decorate pine trees for winter celebrations. A 2019 survey by the American Christmas Tree Association (yes, that’s a real thing) says that today, 77% of U.S. households display trees. Perhaps more wild? 81% say theirs is fake!

Yule log: Burning logs during the holidays dates back to ancient winter solstices. Although once a necessity to keep celebrants warm, now lighting a fire is more for coziness and ambiance than anything else.

Cookies and milk: Ancient Norse mythology saw people leaving treats for Saint Nick and his reindeer. But the cookies and milk trend was born during the Great Depression as a sign of gratitude during struggle.

Poinsettias: Poinsettias were brought back to America by the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett, in the 1820s. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Made with help from History.com

Most Popular Burbs: Retirees

Choosing where to spend your golden years is a big decision. Access to healthcare, along with ample recreational activities and affordable housing, are important considerations that play a role in overall quality of life. Find out which Oklahoma suburbs are popular for retirees, and what they have to offer residents, in our fourth and final feature installment, Most Popular Burbs: Retirees.

By Faith Harl

TULSA

Bartlesville

Bartlesville may be known as a historic oil town, but this city has been expanding steadily and revitalizing its downtown, too.

“People that come here are always so pleasantly surprised with how clean and cute our downtown is,” says Maria Swindell Gus, executive director at Visit Bartlesville.

In 2020, the city opened the Tower at Unity Square, a voter-approved green space, which acts as a gathering place for community events. Residents can enjoy fitness classes, bingo and live music year-round. “It really has become the heart of this community,” says Swindell Gus.

Within walking distance of the square are several attractions, including the Bartlesville Public Library, the Phillips 66 Museum, the Frank Phillips Home and Theater Bartlesville.

“Twenty years ago, downtown was mostly empty storefronts,” says Swindell Gus. “Now it’s really a thriving, bustling area.”

Residents can also take part in outdoor recreational activities. The city’s expansive system comprises 17 parks featuring amenities like swimming pools, walking trails and dog parks. At the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, visitors can spot more than 30 species of wildlife roaming 3,700 acres.

Retirees may find Bartlesville particularly attractive for its size, nearby metropolitan cities and affordable housing. According to Zillow, the average home value is $174,117.

Swindle Gus notes that the community is very welcoming, too. For instance, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Bartlesville offers courses to adults of all ages. Retirees can acquire new skills and learn about topics ranging from history to cuisine.

“My mom is 89, and she’s super active,” Swindle Gus shares. “She goes to classes [at OLLI] all the time. She’s taken a film class and a wine-tasting class. There are a lot of opportunities to meet other people and explore a diverse range of interests.”

Muskogee

Situated 50 miles west of the Oklahoma-Arkansas state line, Muskogee prides itself on a rich, diverse history. The Three Forks Area, which encompasses Muskogee county, was a hub of settlement for Native American tribes and European settlers. In 1905, several Indigenous tribes gathered to create a constitution that would recognize Indian Territory as the State of Sequoyah. At this historic convention, Muskogee was elected as the proposed state capitol.

As such, retirees with a special interest in history will appreciate Muskogee’s attractions. From the Three Rivers Museum to the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, there’s an abundance of institutions and historic sites that aim to preserve the city’s unique heritage.

Muskogee has established several parks in honor of its military history, too. At the War Memorial Park, residents and guests can tour the U.S.S. Batfish, a War World II submarine manned by a highly decorated crew.

Deemed the “crowned jewel” of the city’s parks system, Honor Heights Park was established in memory of World War I soldiers. The park spans 132 acres, featuring picnic areas, fishing docks, tennis courts and the Papilion Butterfly House. Honor Heights Park is also the hub for many

Lawton; photo by Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism

of Muskogee’s most beloved festivals. In April, Honor Heights Park holds the Azalea Festival in celebration of the blooming of 30,000 azalea bushes. During the winter season, the park transforms into a twinkling wonderland for the Garden of Lights.

To promote health and wellness among the senior community, the city holds the Muskogee Senior Games every year. The event draws people over the age of 50 from across the region, giving them the opportunity to compete in athletic activities, including golf, bowling, swimming, pickleball and more.

Okmulgee

Flowing springs and scenic views are the mainstays of Okmulgee. Although the city is less than an hour drive from Tulsa, residents enjoy a slower pace of life. As of 2023, Okmulgee had a population of 11,367 with 16% of its residents over the age of 65.

Retirees can unplug from the hustle and bustle of major cities and connect with the great outdoors. Established in 1927, the Okmulgee and Dripping Springs Lake and Recreation Area features two parks with lakes, camping sites and hiking trails.

Another outdoor destination is the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, which was established to protect one of the only bottomland hardwood forests in Oklahoma. Stretching 34 miles along the North Canadian River, the refuge is home to more than 149 species of birds and other indigenous wildlife. The park also has several hiking trails and fishing spots.

Beyond outdoor recreation, Okmulgee has preserved a bevy of historic spots. Over 140 buildings in the Okmulgee Downtown Historic District have made their way onto the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown area hearkens back to the city’s ties to the Creek Nation Capitol and a thriving African American business district.

The Creek Nation Council House also holds historical significance. Founded in 1868 by the Muscogee Nation, Okmulgee remains the home of the tribe’s legislative body, executive branch and tribal court system.

For entertainment, retirees can try their luck at One Fire Casino, which boasts a selection of more than 350 electronic games. During the holidays, residents can gather their loved ones for the Annual Festival of Lights Parade, which includes festive floats, hot cocoa and elaborate light displays.

Ponca City

With a storied past tied to the oil boom and the 60-mile wide Cherokee Outlet, Ponca City offers residents a variety of cultural and historic attractions. The city has built a reputation as “the jewel on the prairie” for its sprawling natural landscapes and enduring pioneer spirit.

Ponca City’s small-town charm may appeal to retirees who are looking for a tight-knit community. Not too small and not too big, the population in Ponca City sits at 24,306.

Ponca City has been recognized as a City of Character, a nationwide program led by the International Association of Character Cities. The program encourages citizens to embody positive traits in their daily lives, such as respect and resourcefulness.

Locally owned operations, such as the Blubaugh Angus Ranch and Big V Ranch, preserve Ponca City’s roots in agriculture. At Silvertop Farm and Vineyards, visitors can observe historical reenactments, tour the grounds, and take wine-tasting lessons.

Another draw is the E.W. Marland Mansion and Estate. Founded in 1928 by an oil baron who once controlled a tenth of the world’s oil reserves, the mansion has become a historic and architectural attraction. The Marland family originally built the Italianate residence for $5.5 million. In the 1940s, the mansion was operated by the Felician Sisters as a nunnery before it was acquired by the City of Ponca City.

Residents can also learn more about women’s impact on Oklahoma history at the Pioneer Woman Museum. Built in 1957, the museum

features interactive exhibits and educational programming. Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities, such as quilting, knitting and spinning.

Other popular attractions in the area include Standing Bear Park, Conoco Museum and Poncan Theater.

OKLAHOMA CITY Ardmore

Located in south Oklahoma, Ardmore offers small town charm and big city amenities.

“Ardmore has been a center of commerce,” says Bill Murphy, president and CEO of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce. “It’s history in the cotton and oil and gas industries created generational wealth that afforded people to bring resources and amenities to the community.”

The combination of cultural, outdoor and community-based activities has made the growing city a hotspot for retirees. Approximately 23% of residents are over the age of 60.

Oklahoma’s first and most expansive park, Lake Murray State Park, is located in Ardmore. The park spans 12,500 acres of wooded land, offering a robust trail system and sport facilities for adults of all ages to enjoy. Plans to develop the parks and recreation even more are underway.

“The work that the City of Ardmore is doing for its parks and recreation is commendable,” says Murphy. “They’re not only investing in our parks, but they’re working on the walk-ability of the community.”

One area ideal for strolling is the Depot District, which has been revitalized into a flourishing commercial zone. From salons to clothing boutiques, it provides plenty of restaurants, entertainment and shopping. For retirees who have a passion for the arts, the Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts brings rotating exhibits and live performances to the local scene. Situated on the same grounds is the Ardmore Little Theater, which recreates classics like Midsummer Night’s

Bartlesville; photo courtesy Visit Bartlesville

Dream and The Wizard of Oz for season ticket holders.

Residents also benefit from easy access to healthcare. Constructed in 1898, the Mercy Hospital Ardmore is a 190-bed facility that offers a network of 2,300 primary and specialty medical providers. The hospital has been recognized as a top 100 rural and community hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Ada

Founded in 1891, Ada is a progressive community situated in southern Oklahoma. The city acts as the headquarters for the Chickasaw Nation, which has long promoted the area as a destination for tourism and leisure.

Ada’s Main Street highlights the city’s vibrant past through historical landmarks and a lively arts district. Residents can find plenty of entertainment at the 100-year-old McSwain Theatre, which was built in the 1920s as a venue for vaudeville performances and silent movies. Ada Main Street is also used as a gathering place for pop-up markets and food trucks. In the winter, residents can gather for seasonal festivals that include craft shows, carriage rides, parades and pictures with Santa.

Year round, retirees can find several things to do in town. Soak in picturesque views and sip on hand-crafted wines at Waddell Vineyards, a family owned and operated seven-acre vineyard. Throughout the year, the vineyard hosts fun events, like “Sip and Swirl” painting classes.

Make a splash at one of Ada’s aquatic centers or grab a drink at Ada’s Gaming Center. In the summer and winter seasons, the Ada Shakespeare Company puts on outdoor performances of Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar, and other plays at Wintersmith Park.

Deemed one of the best racing facilities in the state, the Oklahoma Sports Complex provides spectators with an evening full of thrills and excitement. Races are held on select dates starting at 7:30 p.m.

Seasonally, residents can gather fresh produce, including watermelon, jalapenos and blackberries at the Peach Tree Farms Orchard and Fruit Stand. The farm also sells locally crafted goods, ice cream and pies.

For its beautification and environmental efforts, Ada was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2022.

Lawton

Chock-full of history and cultural destinations, Lawton is an excellent place to retire. One of the biggest tourist attractions in the area is the Museum of the Great Plains, which showcases archaeological artifacts from the Paleo-Indian cultures. The museum also offers self-directed activities and temporary exhibits for visitors to explore. Retirees can support the entity by becoming a “Friend of the Museum.” These volunteer opportunities range from assisting with the archive and collections to helping with fundraising efforts and special events.

Another cultural and historical landmark is the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, which is located three miles north of the city. The fort was originally constructed between 1869–1870, serving as a cavalry post for controlling the Indigenous tribes of the southern plains.

The fort is made up of 26 historic buildings, and the grounds contain the burial sites of Chiricahua Apache leader, Geronimo and Comanche leader, Quanah Parker. The fort currently serves as the home of the United States Army Field Artillery School.

About 22 miles northwest of Lawton is the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which spans 59,000 acres. Attractions in the refuge include the Holy City of the Wichitas, Parallel Forest, Mount Scott and Quanah Parker Lake.

Seniors that are looking for opportunities to connect with their community can join the AmeriCorps Seniors in Lawton. This volunteerbased organization provides a plethora of community-focused activities, from clean-up programs to community drives.

The Center for Creative Living also serves people over the age of 55 by providing a dedicated space for seniors to meet their social, physical and intellectual needs. Group activities, including quilting, aerobics and painting classes, help members build a social network thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Chickasha

Originating from a railroad stop in the late 1890s, Chickasha has steadily grown into a small city of its own. Although it has accumulated a population of nearly 17,000 people, the city preserves its historic charm.

In the last decade, Chickasha has focused on revitalizing its depot, which sat empty for several years. It has since become a destination for community events.

“When you see our historic Santa Fe Depot, you literally feel like you’re walking back in time,” says Jim Cowan, president of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Chickasha Economic Development Council.

Chickasha’s main claim to fame is its Festival of Lights. The annual light show features 3.5 million twinkling lights and draws over 250,000 people from across the region annually.

“People have been coming here and building their holiday traditions around the festival,” says Cowan. “We believe we’re the kind of town that you’d see in a Hallmark Christmas movie.”

No matter the time of the year, retirees can enrich their lives with nearby activities. Home of the longest-running golf tournament in Oklahoma, the Chickasha Golf and Country Club is a popular spot for leisure and social activities. The Chief Drive-In is a favorite among locals, too; the drive-in presents many releases and old classics for families to enjoy.

With eight distinct residential areas in development, retired folks can find affordable housing options, from apartments to homes in gated communities. The average home value in Chickasha sits at $135,610, which has increased by 3% since last year.

Posed for continued growth, the community continues to prioritize making the city attractive for residents and tourists alike.

“This place will always be very special to me,” says Cowan. “Here I am, at age 61. I have an opportunity similar to my dad in terms of [his legacy] and making the town I grew up in better prepared for the future.”

Ardmore; photo courtesy Ardmore Chamber of Commerce

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

Three Cheers for Cheever’s

An OKC mainstay for southern cuisine will soon open a Tulsa location on Cherry Street.

An Oklahoma culinary institution for more than two decades, Cheever’s Café serves up southwestern and southern cuisine, plus cocktails and wine, to hungry OKC diners. But Tulsans needn’t worry – a brand new, 95-seat location will soon open on Cherry Street, within a 4,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Q Clothier.

Keith Paul, chief executive officer and co-founder of Cheever’s parent restaurant group, A Good Egg, reflects on the restaurant’s storied history.

“We opened in 2000 and are now in the middle of our 24th year,” he says. “The space we chose [in OKC] had originally been for a French Creole café, and we

made changes that eventually and gradually grew to our current concept of contemporary comfort food with southwest U.S. influences. To us, the food is simple, and that makes it approachable. The majority of the menu items have been with us since day one.”

Paul was the original Cheever’s Café chef while his wife, Heather – A Good Egg’s co-owner– ran the front of house operations. The pair kept expanding, and now A Good Egg Dining Group boasts nine restaurant concepts, including OKC gems like Red Primesteak, Kitchen No. 324, The Drake and Tucker’s Onion Burgers.

Menu highlights at Cheever’s run the gamut, but favorites continue to be the chicken fried steak with jalapeno gravy and the mixed seafood tamales, says Paul.

“There are also the chicken strudel and ice cream pecan balls that are big sellers,” “My personal favorite changes from working in the kitchen and trying and tasting so many things, but in general, my favorites lately are the Italian kale salad or the Alaskan halibut with shrimp risotto.”

Cheever’s offers brunch, lunch and dinner menus, with options ranging from shrimp and grits to house-smoked brisket hash with roasted sweet potatoes, red onions, yellow bell peppers, two sunny side up eggs and barbecue hollandaise. Other must-tries include the spicy Caesar salad, the grilled ribeye and the ‘Brie-LT,’ with pepper bacon, heirloom tomato, brie, arugula and red pepper chutney. Diners can round out their meal with coconut

The mixed seafood tamales, one of Cheever’s most famous dishes, come with ancho cream and cilantro rice.

Photos by Choate House

Along with brunch, lunch and dinner menus, Cheever’s offers craft cocktails plus beer and wine.

cream pie, carrot cake or the chocolate layer cake, or indulge in one of several craft cocktails. Highlights include the Lavender Haze, with purple cucumber gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup, as well as the Blood Oath, made with Banhez mezcal, lime, agave syrup, blood orange and soda.

The holidays will find the team at Cheever’s in a jolly spirit and the restaurant will be well-adorned.

“We love to decorate,” says Paul. “It’s a small space, but looks fantastic and it’s just a cozy space in the cooler weather. It’s our busiest time of the year.

As for the food, Paul mentions that seasonal specials will include “potatoes, squash and maybe some wild game.”

More than anything, the team is excited to bring their cuisine to Tulsans.

“We just love the historic area on Cherry Street and the historic building we’re in,” says Paul. “It’s just a great demographic there, a wonderful restaurant scene. We’re excited to be offering brunch, lunch and dinner.”

TRACY LEGRAND

Dos Panchos

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine plus more tequila offerings than you'd believe, Dos Panchos in Tulsa is the place to go.

Starters include traditional favorites, like queso with chorizo, guacamole, nachos and shrimp ceviche. If you’re gunning to eat a bit healthier, good on ya – try the tortilla soup, the taco salad or the chicken fiesta salad, with grilled chicken, avocado, black bean pico and cheese.

Fresh off the grill are entree choices including chicken, steak and shrimp fajitas, plus carne asada and pollo a la parrilla – marinated grilled chicken breast with onions, peppers and melted cheese. Other traditional fare ranges from birria tacos to flautas, enchiladas, steak burritos and chimichangas. Perhaps the most enticing options, however, are on the specials section of the menu. Try the bisteca ranchera – beef skirt steak sauteed with fresh ranchera salsa. The camarones habaneros is another winner – sauteed shrimp in a spicy habanero sauce. And don’t miss the chili verde with carnitas, with tender pork, fresh tomatillo sauce, and rice and beans. If you’re got little diners with you, the kid’s menu offers tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, chicken strips and burritos.

Finish your meal off with some churros, flan, sopapillas or tres leches. And of course, with all that tequila, you can find or create virtually any margarita option you’re craving.

Palo Santo

Sleek, stylish, and always bumping the latest tunes, Palo Santo is a trendy yet welcoming watering hole in OKC. For those looking to try something different in a cocktail, Palo Santo is the perfect place to venture out of your comfort zone. For example, the Oaxacchiato mixes mezcal, sherry, Oaxacan hot chocolate, vanilla, foamed milk and cinnamon. If you’d prefer your cocktail cold, try the Habanero Pisco Punch, with pisco, habanero pineapple shrub and lime. Others may be enticed by the Banana Nacional, with rum, creme de banana, pineapple, lime, Demerara and nutmeg.

And, while Palo Santo is known primarily as a bar, their food menu has some tasty gems. Start with complimentary popcorn, then venture to other options including Korean or barbecue wings, black bean hummus, taqueria chips with guacamole, salsa or ceviche, plus the okonomiyaki tots, with mayo, Okonomi sauce (think a sweeter version of Worcestershire sauce), bonito flakes, togarashi (Japanese spice blend) and scallions. Other goodies include green chili chicken pozole, street tacos, burritos and a slew of handhelds including the Katsu chicken sandwich –with chile aioli, shoyu cabbage slaw and pickles on a potato bun.

If you’re still hungry, try the Oaxacan chocolate mousse – with toasted pistachio, sea salt, chartreuse whipped cream and nutmeg – or a classic chocolate chip cookie.

MARY

WILLA ALLEN

Cheever’s, which serves up southern food, will soon open its second location in Tulsa.

Cheever’s owner Keith Paul says the chicken fried steak with jalapeno gravy is a tried-and-true diner favorite.

Photo courtesy Palo Santo

Photo courtesy Dos Panchos

A Beautiful & Winding Journey

Hope Egan, both a private chef and farmer, is focused on feeding the soul.

All of Hope Egan’s ancestors, as far back as she can remember, were farmers. They ate what the land provided, so that farm to table concept is in her blood.

“My grandmother taught me how to cook,” she recalls. “My earliest memories were of standing on a stool helping her roll out biscuits and pie crusts. I remember once, when I was so little, I sat on the counter top as she was making strawberry jam. I was grabbing strawberries as fast as I could and eating them. I wish I’d paid closer attention to how she cooked, but I took it for granted. I just enjoyed being with her.”

Egan went to work at a restaurant when she was sixteen. Her childhood training came to the fore and, though she often worked as a server, she fell in love with cooking. She watched the chefs with admiration, held little dinner parties so she could experiment on her friends, and even started a small catering company. She also worked at a bevy of Tulsa mainstays, often behind the bar.

“Her inventive tastes, sharp cocktails and cunning service know-how,” one reviewer wrote in 2016, “have been a beloved fixture in the Tulsa food scene for more than twenty years.”

And it was about then that Egan decid-

ed it was time for a change.

She started a new, bigger catering outfit, Red Thistle, still in business today. (Visit redthistlecateringtulsa.com to see how to enjoy an Egan creation.) She bought a little house on Harvard Avenue, a magical place where, behind a quotidian exterior, a dining room of farmhouse tables and

country chairs overlooked a kitchen. Egan held dinners there, the kind where you sit next to strangers and end up with friends. Everything on your plate was grown or raised by a farmer who was also Egan’s friend.

“Now the beets are from Three Springs Farm, that’s Mike and Emily,” she’d say. “I’ve pickled them for 30 days. You can eat them after a week, but they keep getting better.”

Then she’d bring out a dish of chicken from 413 Farms, marinated overnight in Lebanese toum then pan-seared, and it would be so good you’d stop talking.

In 2018, she moved to a farm and, a few years later, closed the house on Harvard. She became a farmer, like her grandparents.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she says, though some of her most dreadful days become comic when she retells them years later.

“We used to have a pig,” she recalls, “and she was big – big and wild. She’d break into our cooler and drink the beer. One day I got shocked on our electric fence and fell flat on my butt in the pig wallow. The pig thought I was playing and jumped on top of me, so there’s me rolling around in the mud wallow with a 300-pound pig.”

Sometime in 2021, Egan caught COVID-19, and it didn’t go away. The lingering effects of long COVID changed the way she lived her life.

“I couldn’t cook eighty hours a week, and I needed to make my soul happy,” she says. “I’ve always been an artist, but there was no time for it. I decided I’d paint every single day. I started with whimsical paintings of goddesses and farm life. Later, I did big abstracts. They made me push myself, trying to express emotion as color.”

In January of this year, one of her best friends, the sculptor Lisa Regan, put a house up for rent. Egan moved in. It’s a little wood home surrounded by big, leafy trees right near a low-slung building housing artists’ studios.

She’s started cooking again, doing occasional socials as well as pop-up dinner parties. At one recently, the courses included melon gazpacho with a hint of onion, sweet corn hushpuppies, a shrimp cocktail with the shrimp perched on a corn pudding as delicate as a souffle, a biscuit with chicken and curry-spiced molasses butter, a salad with fresh peaches she bought in Porter, and, the high point, shredded pork from a pig Egan raised on her farm.

“You have dinner surrounded by my paintings,” she says. “If it’s a paint workshop, I make food as you paint and I feed you. I’m lucky enough to have a clientele of wonderful people, so my dinners have the coolest, most fun people ever.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Chef Hope Egan hosts pop-up dinners in Tulsa, alongside painting workshops and other social events. Photos courtesy Hope Egan

mismatched

Taste | Tasty Tidbits

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Looking to dine out, enjoy delicious food and get as festive as possible while doing so? Here are just a few places in Oklahoma that decorate to the max for the holidays. In Tulsa, perhaps the most well-known (for good reason) is Roosevelt’s on Cherry Street. Enjoy New American cuisine while glancing up at a ceiling that is covered – literally – in holiday baubles and greenery. Other Tulsa pit-stops include Bird and Bottle, Valkyrie, Smoke, Ti Amo, Mondo’s, the Chalkboard and Charleston’s.

In OKC, visit Tellers in the old First National Bank building for all things Christmas. Not only will you get delectable Italian cuisine and gorgeous holiday decor, but also specialized events like afternoon teas, a Christmas tree lighting, and a Breakfast with Santa event. Other heavily adorned OKC joints include Bricktown Brewery, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Cheever’s Cafe, FLINT and Cafe Cuvee.

Holiday Desserts

If you want to try your hand at a sweet treat for your next gathering, we offer a few suggestions. (Recipes can be found with relative ease online.)

The Shortbread Cookie: With a short list of ingredients that include flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar and pure vanilla extract, simple yet delicious shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit.

Millionaire’s Bars: Combining sugar, butter, almonds, flour, condensed milk, brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, chocolate and sea salt, the Millionaire’s Bar is a rich, chocolatey confection that will have your guests hankering for more.

White Chocolate Truffle: Heavy cream, white chocolate chips, cream cheese, Biscoff cookies and sprinkles are all you need for these light, festive treats. You can also flex your design

skills by adding festive imagery to the treats!

Eggnog Pudding: Mix condensed milk, half-and-half, nutmeg, molasses, brandy, salt, eggs, cornstarch, gingersnap cookies, heavy cream and sugar for this tiered pudding that will stun – both in taste and in aesthetics.

Made with help from Country Living.

Apps Galore

While we can all enjoy a nice holiday ham, turkey, quail or whatever main dish you

Roosevelt's, Tulsa; photo courtesy Roosevelt’s

enjoy on Christmas, the apps can often be the true stars of the show. If you’re in charge of bringing an appetizer to your next gathering, try one of the following. (Recipes can be found with relative ease online.)

Asiago Cheese Biscuits: Already sounds delicious, right? Mini asiago cheese biscuits filled with thinly sliced prosciutto? Yes please.

Spiced Cashews: Blending sweetness, spice and salt, these warmed cashews are easy to make and easy to eat, too!

Pimento Cheese Bar: Perfect for those who want to avoid the oven, the pimento cheese dip just requires mixing cheese with mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Dippables are a must – try crostinis, olives, crackers or fruit.

Skillet Spinach Artichoke Dip: Deliciously savory, spinach artichoke dip is a fun and easyto-make dish for large groups. Consider bringing toast points or fresh bread to dip. Made with help from Country Living.

The Professionals

What should I consider when planning to retire early?

If you are intrigued by the idea of retiring early, read on for some suggestions. 1. Define your dream retirement. A realistic early retirement plan doesn’t happen by chance. It takes careful planning and deliberate action. 2. Quantify your goal. Many retirees find they spend more money in the early years of retirement because they have more time to travel and pursue hobbies. If this aligns with your retirement vision, be generous in your estimate of how much money you need each year. 3. Decide which income source to tap into first. Once you know how much your early retirement will cost, you’ll want to line up the order in which you will tap into your investments. 4. Adjust your saving and spending today. Once you have a clear idea of how much your dream retirement will cost, you can evaluate the potential tradeoffs and sacrifices necessary to make it happen. 5. Continue investing for growth. It’s common for retirees to adjust their investment allocation to be more conservative in order to protect their principal from potential market downturns or increased volatility. While this may make sense for some, it’s important for your portfolio to at least keep on pace with inflation. 6. Don’t overlook health care expenses. Many retirees are surprised by how much of their budget goes toward medical expenses. 7. Be flexible. In life and investing, there are no guarantees.

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

Can you recommend a laser treatment that treats fine lines and pigmentation with no downtime?

At Fig Med Spa, one of our most popular procedures is the ClearLiftLaser. This laser is virtually painless, requires no downtime, and is entirely safe for all skin types. The ClearLift is a non-ablative, Qswitched laser that firms and tightens the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and treats pigmentation while avoiding damage to the skin’s outer layer. ClearLift is quick and easy and can be performed on the face, neck, chest, and other sensitive areas of the body such as the hands, elbows, and knees. This procedure stimulates collagen and when used consistently, is an excellent option to help rejuvenate, maintain, and improve the skin.

Where & When

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA

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

IN TULSA Performances

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec.

6 BOK Center Trans-Siberian Orchestra is bringing The Lost Christmas Eve Tour to BOK Center. bokcenter.com

American Theatre Company

presents: A Christmas

Carol Dec. 6-22 Tulsa

PAC Written by Robert Odle and Richard Averill, this show is a real Tulsa tradition - created, designed and acted entirely by Tulsans for nearly 50 years. tulsapac.com

Tulsa Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Dec. 8-22 Tulsa

PAC Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker, which premiered in 2021, features exciting choreography, colorful costumes, larger-than-life moving sets and live accompaniment by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. tulsaballet.org

Festival Bell Ringers Dec.

11 Tulsa PAC This holiday classic is free to all! Just reserve your seat and join the PAC crew for Christmas magic. tulsapac.com

Signature Symphony presents: Christmas in Tulsa Dec. 13-14 TCC Van Trease PACE Experience the magic of the holiday season with Signature Symphony during its annual Christmas in Tulsa celebration. signaturesymphony. org

Concerts

Styx Dec. 5 River Spirit Casino Resort The seven men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by entering their second decade of averaging 100 shows a year. riverspirittulsa.com

Billy Strings Dec. 10 BOK Center Don't miss Billy Strings at the BOK Center. bokcenter.com

American Aquarium Dec.

12 Cain's Ballroom See this folk band live at Cain's. cainsballroom. com

Hanson's Christmas Ball Dec. 13-14 Cain's Ballroom Get into the holiday spirit with Tulsa's homegrown band, Hanson. cainsballroom.com

Alan Parsons Dec. 14 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa See the crooner and musician live for one night only. hardrockcasinotulsa. com

Sexxy Red and Friends Dec.

15 BOK Center Sexyy Red is coming to BOK Center with

PERFORMANCE

Something for Everyone

You can stay warm and cozy while enjoying some on-stage entertainment this month.

In Tulsa, the PAC beckons for offerings galore. First, enjoy American Theatre Company’s rendition of A Christmas Carol, running Dec. 6-12. Stick around for the Festival Bell Ringers, which offers a free performance on Dec. 11. Finally, Tulsa Ballet welcomes back the beloved Nutcracker, with engaging costumes, choreography, sets and live music by the Tulsa Symphony, from Dec. 8-22. Other Tulsa goodies include the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the BOK Center on Dec. 6, as well as Signature Symphony’s Christmas in Tulsa, Dec. 13-14 at the TCC Van Trease PACE.

In OKC, the Civic Center Music Hall is the hub for all things festive. Start out with OKC Philharmonic’s A Very Merry Pops on Dec. 6-7, with special guests Tony DeSare and Ashley Brown. Next, Canterbury Voices brings Sing Now of Christmas on Dec. 8. Lastly, OKC Ballet offers The Nutcracker, created in partnership with Devon Energy and the Chickasaw Nation, from Dec. 14-23. Other must-sees in OKC include Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker, Dec. 5-22 at OK Shakes’ Blackbox Theatre; Deck the Halls featuring Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse, Dec. 8 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum; Lyric Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, running through Dec. 27 at Lyric at the Plaza; and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, visiting the Paycom Center on Dec. 30.

Around the state, enjoy A Celtic Christmas performance on Dec. 6 at Duncan’s Simmons Center, as well as Miami’s Coleman Theatre for a screening of It’s A Wonderful Life on Dec. 12. You can see The Oklahoma Nutcracker on Dec. 14-23 at Nancy O’Brien Center for the Performing Arts in Norman, or head to Pollard Theatre in Guthrie for A Territorial Christmas Carol, running through Dec. 22.

friends BossMan Dlow, Rob49 and CuhDeeJah. bokcenter.com

Jon Pardi Dec. 19 River Spirit Casino Resort Since first hitting the country landscape, Pardi has separated himself from the pack, carving a lane that was all his own by producing, writing and singing songs he created from the melodies up, and earning praise for it. riverspirittulsa.com

Pentatonix Dec. 19 BOK

Center Pentatonix’s holiday tradition returns with their biggest Christmas tour yet. bokcenter.com

Cliffdiver Dec. 27 Cain's Ballroom Enjoy the band with special guests the Tokyo Smash and Sunfo. cainsballroom.com

Midland Dec. 28 River Spirit Casino Resort Enjoy the Grammy Award-nominated country band Midland. riverspirittulsa.com

VisionMakers

2024 Dec. 6-Jan. 25 108 Contemporary VisionMakers2024 is 108 Contemporary’s signature-juried biennial exhibition for contemporary fine craft-based artists in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. 108contemporary.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

Modern Day Hatred Through Feb. 28 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Modern Day Hatred examines how racism, antisemitism, homophobia and other forms of hate have manifested in Oklahoma from the past to the present. jewishmuseumtulsa.org

War Club: Native Art & Activism Through 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

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

USA BMX Grand Nationals Through Dec. 1 USA BMX Headquarters Known as the greatest race on Earth, the USA BMX Grand Nationals take place in Tulsa. usabmx.com

Tulsa Oilers Hockey Dec. 7-22 BOK Center Enjoy pro hockey at the BOK Center. bokcenter.com

Tulsa Toy Run Dec. 8 Expo Square During the annual Tulsa Toy Run, bikers donate thousands of toys to help kids celebrate the holiday season. exposquare.com XFN 397 Dec. 13 River Spirit Casino Resort The MMA main event features undefeated lightweight champion Ryan Hoover taking on UFC veteran Luis Pena in a collision that could be XFN fight of the year. riverspirittulsa.

com

8th Annual Pride Invitational Dec. 13-15 Expo Square Started by former OU gymnast David Finning, Pride is home to Tulsa's leading USAG boys and girls competitive teams. See the annual competition at Expo Square. pridegymnasticsacademy. com

The Nutcracker; photo courtesy Tulsa Ballet

TULSA BALLET

snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu

The Nutcracker Festival Dec. 6-7 Expo Square The Nutcracker Festival offers a distinctive and enchanting holiday experience. This brand-new annual event will seamlessly integrate a variety of holiday-themed activities, avenues for the acquisition of delectable culinary offerings and confections, live presentations featuring local performing arts groups, as well as a preeminent holiday marketplace. tulsaballet.org

Tulsa Dog Training Club Agility

Trials Dec. 6-8 Expo Square TDTC exists to promote the training of dogs, to conduct dog training classes, and to promote sportsmanship in the training and exhibition of dogs. tulsadogs.com

Tulsa Farm Show Dec. 12-14 Expo Square As Oklahoma’s largest indoor farm show with over 400,000 square feet of exhibits, the Tulsa Farm Show is a great endof-year opportunity to view all the latest in agricultural and ranching equipment. tulsafarmshow.com

Philbrook Festival Through Dec. 29 Philbrook Enjoy thousands of holiday lights, music, and fun for the whole family at Festival Nights, an unforgettable indoor and outdoor holiday experience. philbrook.org

Tulsa Botanic Garden of Lights Through Dec. 30 Tulsa Botanic Garden Reconnect with family and friends in the garden illuminated with colorful lights. tulsabotanic.org

Rhema Christmas Lights Through Jan. 1 Rhema Bible College, Broken Arrow Join thousands of visitors at the annual Rhema Christmas Lights and witness over three million shimmering lights synchronized to Christmas music. rhemalights.org

Winterfest Through Jan. 6 Downtown Tulsa Downtown Tulsa is transformed into a festive wonderland during Winterfest, an annual holiday tradition. Bring friends and family together for holiday festivities and share the joyful spirit of the season. tulsawinterfest.com

Charitable Events

Christmas Luncheon and Fashion Show Dec. 3 Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center We need a little Christmas! Start your holiday season at the annual Tulsa Salvation Army women's auxiliary luncheon, fashion show and silent auction. salvationarmyaok.org

Peggy V. Helmerich

Distinguished Author Award and Reception Dec. 6-7 Tulsa City-County Library The Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award is an annual award given by the Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa City-County Library. Its purpose is to give formal recognition, on behalf of the Tulsa County community, to internationally acclaimed authors who have written a distinguished body of work and made a major contribution to the field of literature and letters. tulsalibrary.org

Jingle Bell Run Dec. 7 River West Festival Park Come out and run for a great cause: the Arthritis Foundation. arthritis.org

Bunco with a Cause Dec.

10 Baily Education Foundation For $20, you can roll the dice to support a local non-profit or cause and the Bailey Education Foundation Scholarship program. baileyeducationfoundation.com

Coffee with a Purpose Dec.

12 Pathways Adult Learning Center Enjoy a cup of coffee with Pathways staff, tour their classrooms, and learn how you can help make an impact in the disability community. pathwaysok. org

IN OKC Performances

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker Dec. 5-22 OK Shakes' Blackbox Theatre It is the year 1796, and you have been invited to a holiday celebration at the home of Jane Austen and her sister, Cassandra. The guest list includes some of Ms. Austen's most beloved characters, who invite you to dance, sing and feast on sweet treats amongst wonderful company decked out in their finery for the Christmas holidays. okshakes.org

OKC Philharmonic presents: A Very Merry Pops with Tony DeSare and Ashley Brown Dec. 6-7 Civic Center Music Hall Experience the magic of the holiday season as Ashley Brown and Tony DeSare unite to ignite your festive spirit. okcphil.org

Canterbury Voices presents: Sing We Now of Christmas Dec.

8 Civic Center Music Hall Join

COMMUNITY

Canterbury for an eclectic evening of holiday music, including the Oratorio de Noël by Saint-Saëns, Gustav Holst’s Christmas Day, traditional standards like O Holy Night and Silent Night, and newer works by Dan Forrest, Shawn Kirchner and Michael John Trotta. canterburyokc. com

Deck the Halls featuring Red Steagall & the Boys in the Bunkhouse Dec. 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Saddle up and join the National Cowboy Museum for an evening dinner event brimming with joyful Western melodies. As the winter chill sweeps across the plains, we are heatin’ things up with Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse. travelok.com

Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Dec. 14-23 Oklahoma City Ballet is delighted to unveil a reimagined version of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker made possible by the generous sponsorship of Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation. okcballet.org

Lyric’s A Christmas

Carol Through Dec. 27 Lyric at the Plaza Go on a magical journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future! lyrictheatreokc.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec.

30 Paycom Center TransSiberian Orchestra is bringing The Lost Christmas Eve Tour to OKC. paycomcenter.com

Concerts

Los Tigres Del Norte Dec.

1 Paycom Center Grammy Award-winning legends of

Merry & Bright

norteño, Los Tigres Del Norte, will be live in concert in Oklahoma City! paycomcenter.com

Justin Timberlake Dec. 2 Paycom Center Renowned musician, actor and entertainer Justin Timberlake is bringing The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Oklahoma City! paycomcenter.com

Lindsey Stirling Dec. 4 Paycom Center Lindsey Stirling is bringing her magical blend of electronic violin and captivating dance to Oklahoma City with her Snow Waltz Tour! paycomcenter.com

Beat Dec. 13 The Criterion Enjoy Andrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin and Danny Carey performing the music of King Crimson. criterionokc. com

Parker McCollum Dec. 27 Paycom Center Multi-platinum selling and award-winning country superstar Parker McCollum is returning to Oklahoma City with his Burn It Down Tour. paycomcenter. com

Art

Land Use: Humanity's Interaction with Nature Dec. 20-Sept. 28 OKCMOA This gallery features modern and contemporary paintings, photographs, video art and digital art that relate to humanity’s use of and interaction with the environment. okcmoa.com

Cheyenne Ledger Art from Fort Marion Through Jan. 5 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum 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 groundbreaking design practices in California. oklahomacontemporary.

org

The Three Shades Through Aug. 23 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 history of the Oklahoma City bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com

Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Dec. 3, 6, 10, 13, 15, 23, 29, 31 Paycom Center The state's NBA team takes on regularseason teams at home. nba.com/ thunder

Oklahoma City Blue Basketball Dec. 6, 10, 13, 15 Paycom Center See the OKC Blue take on foes in December. paycomcenter.com OKC Futurity Dec. 11-15 OKC Fairgrounds Enjoy this equine event in the Jim Norick Arena. okcfairgrounds.com Bedlam Basketball Dec.

DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER

It’s no time to be a Scrooge – so make sure you venture to a community event this month to get into the holiday spirit. In Tulsa, the brand new Nutcracker Festival kicks off Dec. 6-7 at Expo Square. Helmed by Tulsa Ballet, the event offers holiday-themed activities, food and drink, live presentations and performances. Winterfest, running through Jan. 6, can be enjoyed in downtown Tulsa with ice skating, ice slides, carriage rides, tasty treats and more. Can’t-miss light displays in T-Town include the Philbrook Festival through Dec. 29; the Tulsa Botanic Garden of Lights through Dec. 30; and the Rhema Christmas Lights, at Rhema Bible College, through Jan. 1. Non-holiday events include the Tulsa Dog Training Club Agility Trials, Dec. 6-8 at Expo Square, and the Tulsa Farm Show, Dec. 12-14, also at Expo Square.

In OKC, start feeling merry and bright at the Holiday Wine and Palette in the West event, Dec. 6 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. There, you can sip on cocktails while creating a guided painted masterpiece with help from experts from A Good Space studio. Visit Scissortail Park on Dec. 29 to experience the OKC Community Chanukah Festival, led by the Chabad Community Center. Other must-visits include Earth Treefest, through Dec. 31 at the BancFirst Tower; the OKC Zoo Safari Lights display, through Through Jan. 1; Edmond Electric’s Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll, through Jan. 1 at Edmond’s Mitch Park; and the expansive Downtown in December event, running through Feb. 2 in downtown OKC with a slew of light displays, community gatherings, performances and free boat rides.

Around the state, you can enjoy a bevy of other Christmas programming, including the Kiddieland Express Holiday Experience, Dec. 6-7 at Kiddieland Park in Duncan; the Thompson House Victorian Christmas, Dec. 6-8 at the Thompson House in Tahlequah; the Minco Honey Festival, Dec. 7 at Minco High School; the Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights, through Dec. 22 at Bartlesville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve; the Route 66 Christmas Chute, through Dec. 28 in downtown Sapulpa; and the Chickasha Festival of Light, through Dec. 31 at Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park.

Photo courtesy the Downtown OKC Partnership

Where & When | Entertainment

14 Paycom Center One of college basketball’s longest running rivalries celebrates a milestone and a new beginning on Dec. 14 when the University of Oklahoma Sooners take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. paycomcenter.com

Community

Art

Oklahoma Beauty and Hair Expo Dec. 1 OKC

Fairgrounds Learn from the hair and beauty pros at this event. okcfairgrounds.com

Holiday Wine and Palette in the West Dec. 6 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Sip on cocktails while artists from A Good Space Studio guide you in the creation of a masterpiece reminiscent of dusty and starry nights. nationalcowboymuseum. org

Dinosaur Adventure Dec. 7-8 Kids won't want to miss this extravaganza. okcfairgrounds. com

Second OHOF Saturdays

Dec. 14 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

Thunder Holiday Assist Blood Drive Dec. 27 OKC Fairgrounds Give the gift of life at the annual Thunder blood drive. okcfairgrounds.com

OKC Community Chanukah Festival Dec. 29 Scissortail Park Join the Chabad Community

Center at Scissortail Park as they present the OKC Community Chanukah Festival this holiday season. jewishokc.com

Red Earth Treefest Through Dec. 31 BancFirst Tower Celebrate the holiday season by viewing Christmas trees created and decorated by Oklahoma Native Tribes during the annual Red Earth Treefest. redearth.org

OKC Zoo Safari

Lights Through Jan. 1 Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden This winter, go wild and fill your holiday season with the magic of light. okczoo.org

Edmond Electric's Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll Through Jan. 1 Mitch Park, Edmond Embark on a delightful 1/4-mile stroll through the park and take in the glittering lights, 3D lighted displays and picture-worthy sets with the whole family. edmondlights.com

Downtown in December Through Feb.

2 Downtown OKC The hustle and bustle of the holiday season comes alive in downtown Oklahoma City. downtownindecember.com

Charitable Events

Positive Tomorrows

Gold Star Luncheon Dec.

3 Embassy Suites Downtown Medical Center Gold Star Luncheon is Positive Tomorrows' annual luncheon held each year on Giving Tuesday where its students will perform, the nonprofit will

debut its latest annual video and a Positive Tomorrows parent will deliver a message of hope. positivetomorrows.org

Fundraising with Boards Dec. 11 Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Elevate your fundraising with a comprehensive 6-hour course designed for frontline fundraisers and board members. okcnp.org

Deck the Hall of Fame Dec.

14 Oklahoma Hall of Fame At Deck the Hall of Fame, families and friends can take pictures with Santa, make reindeer food with Mrs. Claus, and spend quality time together learning about extraordinary Oklahomans. oklahomahof.com

Nutcracker Tea Dec.

21 Civic Center Music Hall The Nutcracker Tea will include a short performance by OKCB II, wonderful photo opportunities, seating for all guests, and crafts for all ages. okcballet.org

THE STATE Performances

CTAC presents: A Celtic Christmas Dec. 6 Simmons Center, Duncan The Chisholm Trail Arts Council presents a series of seasonal concerts hosted at the Simmons Center in Duncan each year. You won't want to miss this entertaining night of music as live musicians take the stage. chisholmtrailarts.com

Rose State Performing Arts Center presents: Edmond's

Nutcracker Dec. 7-8 Rose State Performing Arts Center, Midwest City This timeless holiday tradition is filled with enchanting music, dazzling costumes and captivating choreography. Bring the whole family for this spectacular ballet performance. okcciviccenter.com

Coleman Theatre presents: It's a Wonderful Life Dec. 12 Coleman Theatre, Miami Celebrate the holidays with a special showing of the classic 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life at the historic Coleman Theatre. thecolemantheatre.org

The Oklahoma Nutcracker Dec. 14-23 Nancy O'Brien Center for the Performing Arts, Norman For nearly two decades, the ballet company has been putting on this unique production with young actors and dancers from Norman, Oklahoma City and Austin. normanballetcompany.org

Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol Through Dec. 22 Pollard Threatre, Guthrie Watch this beloved adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic come to life on the Pollard stage in the heart of Guthrie. The whole family will enjoy this production adapted by Stephen Scott. travelok.com

Concerts

Styx Dec. 6 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant The seven men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by entering their second decade of averaging 100 shows a year. choctawcasinos. com

Cole Swindell Dec.

7 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Cole Swindell is well known as a songwriter for some of country music’s biggest names, including Luke Bryant and Scotty McCreery. choctawcasinos. com

John Legend Dec.

13 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville This world-famous crooner comes to Oklahoma for one night only. winstar.com

Nelly with Tiera Kennedy Dec.

13-14 Choctaw Casino Resort, Durant Ranked as the fourth best-selling rap artist of all time by the Recording Industry of America, Nelly has

become a symbol of rap’s crossover success in mainstream pop music. choctawcasinos.com

Maren Morris Dec. 14 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville The country/pop crossover success Maren Morris visits Oklahoma. winstar.com

Creed with Sevendust Dec.

28 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Creed is a multi-platinum rock band formed in Tallahassee, Florida in 1994. choctawcasinos. com

Miranda Lambert Dec.

28 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville A legend of country music takes the stage. winstar.com

Riley Green with Ella Langley Dec. 31 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Country singer Riley Green is just about as Southern as Southern gets, and the Alabama boy lets it all come through every time he hits the stage. choctawcasinos.com

Sports

Flint & Steel Trail Run Dec.

7 160 New Life Ranch Dr., Colcord The Flint and Steel Trail Run spans the diverse trails over 1,000 acres on the New Life Ranch Flint Valley property in Colcord. newliferanch.com

Red Nose Run Dec. 7 Heritage Trail, Duncan Wear your best holiday gear and head to Duncan's Heritage Trails to participate in this year's Red Nose Run. travelok.com

Merry Mitchmas Dec. 21 Mitch Park, Edmond Join Red Coyote for the family-friendly Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K. travelok.com

Community

Chocolate Festival Dec.

3 Frisco Ave., Clinton Taste test decadent chocolate creations at the annual Chocolate Festival held in Clinton. While shopping for holiday gifts, visitors are invited to make a pit stop at chocolate centers, featuring homemade chocolates in many forms, shapes and sizes. travelok.com

Epagneul Breton National Field Trial, Conclave and Specialty Show Dec. 4-7 E960 Rd. & 3380 Rd., Wellston The National Field Trial, Conclave and Specialty Show for the Epagneul Breton (French Brittany) gun dog will be held in Oklahoma this December. travelok.com

Henryetta Mistletoe

Market Dec. 5-21 Get your Christmas shopping done and enjoy a festival atmosphere at the Henryetta Mistletoe Market this holiday season. travelok.com

Kiddieland Express

Holiday Experience Dec. 6-7 Kiddieland Park, Duncan Hop aboard the train and listen to exciting stories, meet Santa, sip on hot chocolate and savor seasonal treats while enjoying a magical ride around the holidaythemed Kiwanis Kiddieland Park. visitduncan.org

Thompson House Victorian Christmas Dec. 6-8 Listen to Christmas favorites played on the old pump organ and piano during this special holiday shopping extravaganza at the historic Thompson House in Tahlequah. travelok.com

Pat Taylor Memorial Parade of Lights Dec. 7 Downtown Ada Kick off the Christmas holiday season with a trip to Ada's annual Pat Taylor Memorial Parade of Lights. adamainstreet. com

Minco Honey Festival Dec. 7 Minco High School Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Minco Honey Festival with pure Oklahoma honey. During this celebration, tour the Ross Honey Plant, Oklahoma's largest honey processing facility. minco-ok. com

Distinctive Homes

Tour Dec. 7 Historic Guthrie, Guthrie Enjoy an exclusive look inside some of Guthrie’s most distinctive homes and historic buildings, decorated for the holiday season. guthriesterritorialchristmas.com

"A Quilter's Christmas"

The Sod House 130th Anniversary Celebration Dec. 14 Sod House Museum, Aline Christmas trees throughout the museum will be decorated with quilt blocks such as log cabins, yo-yos, stars and Christmas tree blocks. okhistory.org

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights Through Dec. 22 Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Barlesville Embark on a winter adventure to the Woolaroc Ranch, Museum & Wildlife Preserve near Bartlesville for the annual Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights. woolaroc.org

Route 66 Christmas Chute Through Dec. 28 101 E. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa The Route 66 Christmas Chute is a unique experience in downtown Sapulpa. You will arrive and be amazed as you are walking under blocks and blocks of Christmas lights and decorations. route66christmaschute.com

Chickasha Festival of Light Through Dec. 31 Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha Recognized as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, the Chickasha Festival of Light features over 3.5 million twinkling lights in Shannon Springs Park. travelok.com

Yukon Ice Rink Through Jan. 5 500 W. Vandament Ave. Part of Yukon's Christmas in the Park event, the Yukon Ice Rink welcomes skaters of all ages.

A Unique End to 2024

Gothic horror, music biopics and historical dramas overtake typical holiday fodder to round out the year.

The holidays are here! Ironically, I’ve got no festive films for the December list, but there are plenty of other great looking choices for the winter season. So grab a coat and head out to the theater – it’s time to see some movies!

First up, a slasher comedy film called Get Away. Starring Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) and Aisling Bea (This Way Up), the plot follows a family vacation to a remote Swedish island. Things begin to go awry when the family finds out a serial killer is on the loose ... gasp ... on that very same remote Swedish island! The trailer depicts a bloody fun time with some great comedy to go with all that violence. It hits theaters on Dec. 6.

For your animated fix, check out The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Based on the popular J.R.R. Tolkien books made even more famous through Peter Jackson’s adaptations, this story looks back 183 years before those events with Frodo and the gang. Instead, the movie focuses on Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox, Succession), a king who must defend his land from an invading army. Beautifully animated, the film draws from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings without involving Sauron or the One Ring, focusing on war and its effects in the land of Middle-Earth. We’ll see if it can add to the wonderful lore when it releases on Dec. 13.

If you want a historical drama, look into The Brutalist. Starring Adrian Brody (The Pianist) as an architect and Holocaust sur-

vivor, the film focuses on his move to the U.S. and his attempt to live the “American dream.” Critic reviews are positive, calling it a wonderful portrait of the immigrant experience. The film also stars Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) and Guy Pearce (Memento), and will likely be a tearjerker when it releases on Dec. 20.

For a biopic about a titan of the music industry, take a look at A Complete Unknown. Starring Timeothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, the plot follows the controversy surrounding his change from acoustic to electric, something that caused a huge divide within the folk music community.

Directed by James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari), the film also stars Edward Norton, Elle Fanning (The Great) and Scoot McNairy (Speak No Evil), and looks to be beautifully shot and edited, with Chalamet looking the part to a T. Fun sidenote: I filmed a scene as a background pedestrian for this, so maybe you’ll catch me crossing the street when it releases on Dec. 25.

Lastly, a gothic horror film to really get into the holiday spirit!

Titled Nosferatu, the film is a remake of the 1922 silent German expressionist movie of the same name, based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Much like the original, the 2024 movie concerns a vampire and his infatuation with a young woman, culminating in untold horror. Bill Skarsgard (It) stars as the vampire Count Orlok, with an ensemble cast including Nicholas Hoult (Renfield), Lily-Rose Depp (The Idol), Aaron

Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy) and Willem Dafoe (Poor Things). Directed by Robert Eggers (The Northman), the movie looks to maintain his attempts at historical authenticity combined with absolutely stunning camerawork and set design. Here’s hoping it’s a perfectly spooky way to end the year when it creeps into theaters on Christmas Day.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

A Complete Unknown; photo courtesy Searchlight Pictures December Ad Watermark 1224027 Richard Neel Interiors.indd 1

Closing Thoughts

Ken Busby

Executive director and CEO of the Route 66 Alliance, Ken Busby has been heavily involved with Tulsa’s art and nonprofit scenes for decades. He previously served as executive director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa; the director of development for Tulsa Zoo Friends; and the director of communication for Gilcrease Museum. A Tulsa native and University of Tulsa alum, Busby also chaired the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust and the Arts Education Advisory Council of Americans for the Arts, alongside serving on the executive committees of the Tulsa Symphony and Workforce Tulsa. We caught up with Busby and got his thoughts on ...

... the mission and objectives of the Route 66 Alliance.

The Route 66 Alliance, headquartered in Tulsa, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 2009 by Michael Wallis, the voice of “The Sheriff” in Disney/Pixar’s Cars. It is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enhancement of historic Route 66 – past, present and future. The Alliance supports the efforts of organizations and people in each of the eight states through which Route 66 travels to preserve and promote historic sites, architecture, institutions, merchants and attractions that touch the lives of thousands of people from around the world who travel the 2,448-mile historic highway each year.

... what drew him to this job.

I have spent my career in nonprofits. Having established the Any Given Child arts education program at the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa and having overseen the design of, fundraising for and construction of the Hardesty Arts Center in the Tulsa Arts District, I was ready for my next adventure. Michael Wallis asked if I would be the executive director of his Route 66 nonprofit, and the timing was perfect.

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

As a small nonprofit with a large presence, it’s a lot of work managing the day-to-day operations. We have a dedicated board of directors, but even with a

mission as engaging as it is, fundraising is always a challenge with so many needs in the community. Fortunately, we do have a very generous community. And we have incredible partners like VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Regional Chamber that have totally embraced Route 66 as a tourism and economic engine for Tulsa. That helps us do our work even more successfully.

... his proudest accomplishments to date.

Two in particular were at Gilcrease Museum and the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa. At Gilcrease, it was the Thomas Moran Exhibition in 1997 when I was communication director. We completed a major renovation of our special exhibition galleries to accommodate three large Thomas Moran paintings in particular: – “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” “Chasm of the Colorado” and “Mountain of the Holy Cross.” These three paintings, originally conceived as a triptych, had never been displayed together on one wall as Moran had envisioned. We accomplished that in Tulsa – along with welcoming 149,414 visitors over the 13-week run of the exhibition. It was incredible!

My second favorite moment was the nine-year effort from concept, to design, to programming, to fundraising, to construction of what would become the Hardesty Arts Center in the Tulsa Arts District. Amazing board, staff, architects, construction team and donors made this an exhilarating effort that created an incredible facility that is fulfilling its original purpose today under the auspices

of The University of Tulsa. 101 Archer is delivering on our vision and serving this community as originally intended.

... an average day on the job.

My day-to-day routine is never the same twice, which I love! This position allows me to work across the country to celebrate the most iconic road in America with a truly international appeal! Every day I’m meeting tourists, making connections, giving presentations and working closely with Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, the best advocate our state has ever had, to showcase Route 66.

... Route 66’s centennial.

I serve on the Tulsa Route 66 Commission and the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. Coordinating with these entities, the Route 66 Alliance is working on several Centennial projects, including the annual AAA Route 66 Road Fest and the closing festivities on November 11, 2026 – the actual 100th birthday of Route 66. I’m chairing this event where we will be honoring Veterans with a motorcycle rally, celebrating the key movers and shakers behind Route 66’s success and launching the next 100 years of the Mother Road!

... his love of T-Town.

It’s an honor to serve my community through my work and volunteer efforts. I love Tulsa! And I love sharing Tulsa with the world!

Photo courtesy Ken Busby