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August 2 0 1 3 O K L A H O M A M A G A Z I N E

VOL. XVII, NO. 8

FEATURES

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46

keeping a legacy Tribes across Oklahoma are working to preserve their native cultures and educate future generations on customs, language and history in order to keep traditions alive. We profile three of Oklahoma’s tribes and their efforts to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Digital Classroom global leaders Scoring Success The master Plan Private matters going Places

BRENT FUCHS

Education

66 70 76 80 82 84

Passing The Torch What does it mean to be Native American today? We pose this question to five individuals from all walks of life. A former tribal chief, a working actress, an artist, a traditional dancer and an environmental activist share their perspectives on today’s tribal culture and its changing role in the state and nation.

OKMAG.COM

Want some more? Visit us online.

On The COVeR: ThORPe Sine OF The hOChUnk naTiOn DOnS hiS FUll Regalia. PhOTO

BY SCOTT milleR.

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

m O R e g R e aT a R T i C l e S : Read expanded articles and stories that don’t appear in the print edition. m O R e P h O T O S : View expanded Scene, Fashion, Taste and Entertainment galleries. m O R e e V e n T S : The online calendar of events includes even more great Oklahoma events.

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On The Go!

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Contents

DEPARTMENTS 11

The State

Nearly three decades ago, frustrated with a stagnant tourism economy, the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation began a campaign to build the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum – the largest and most important showcase of American Indian history outside of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Now, the project sits half-finished, bogged down in budgetary battles and lack of funding. Will this spark of Oklahoma tourism ever become the bright flame its advocates believe it will be?

14 16 18 20 22 24 28

People Culture The Talk The insider Scene Oklahoma Business Office Space

32 34 40 42 44

home Trends Style Trendspotting Your health Destinations

Recreating an historic office to how it appeared nearly a century ago seems a daunting task, but it is one Margaret Ferrell took on. Transforming oilman Waite Phillips’ office in the Philtower to its splendor was a labor of love for Ferrell, and the result is a functional office space that pays homage to Tulsa’s oil boom days.

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11 36

Taste

98 What We’re eating 99 Food event 100 local Flavor

Personal chef Scotty Irani grew up with one foot firmly planted in Persian culture and the other in Pennsylvania Dutch. From saffron to shoofly pie, he learned to love the flavors provided by both sides of his family. That love transfers to the dishes he makes for clients as well as into his line of spices and rubs and a podcast that celebrates his love of cooking.

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Entertainment

Bruno Mars’ influences were clear even from an early age. A former Elvis impersonator, Mars has developed the grandeur of music from an earlier era, adapting R&B, Motown and doowop, into contemporary music and crowdpleasing songs. He’ll take the stage at the ‘Peake for one night that will surely have concertgoers boogying in their seats.

104 Calendar of events 112 in Person

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100

DRQ&A Doug Ensley, M.D. |

cardiology Warren clinic cardiology oF tulSa

Heart specialist Dr. Doug Ensley talks about medical breakthroughs, new projects and less invasive routes to heart repair.

Why did you choose cardiology as a specialty?

Which advancements interest you the most?

In medical school I liked taking care of the most critical patients. There is so much a cardiologist can do to make someone better. You save lives. Also, cardiology is a fast advancing field with mountains of research and I like learning new things.

Every year I take on a new project. This year’s focus was a valve replacement procedure for patients who are too sick or too frail for open heart surgery.

In short, we can replace the valve through a catheter. For example, this procedure can allow a patient who used to require a week in the hospital and a two- to three-month recovery to leave the hospital three days later.

How has cardiology changed since you began practicing medicine?

It’s mind boggling. In the late 1980s, if you had a heart attack the protocol was to put you in ICU, give you aspirin and beta blockers, then watch you.

Back then angiograms, balloons, heart transplants and heart pumping devices were in their infancy. Today we can perform so many life-saving procedures without open heart surgery.

What do you see as the next big breakthrough technology?

How does Saint Francis factor into these advancements?

Cardiologists have to continue to read medical journals and go to conferences or we’re ten years behind. We make it a point to stay abreast of new techniques and technologies in the field. Saint Francis Health System invests its time and effort, heart and soul, into the advancements that are most beneficial to patients.

Today the mitral valve is still repaired through open heart surgery. But there is technology being developed— maybe a decade away—that would “As a doctor, there are only two reasons for doing something—to make someone allow surgeons to repair the mitral feel better or live longer. That applies valve through a catheter. Also, to everything from giving aspirin to doctors in Europe are already performing open heart surgery.” using radio frequency to control Doug EnslEy, M.D. hypertension. This approach will be a huge benefit for patients who take multiple medications and still can’t get their blood pressure under control.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WANTED!

Growing up in Arkansas, I didn’t have much exposure to Native American people or culture. Many around me claimed to have a great-great-grandfather who was from this tribe or that, but I didn’t know anyone who maintained a tribal affiliation or identified as Native American. So, of course, matinee westerns, Gunsmoke and the like shaded my perceptions – the usual stereotypical representations.

That changed when I moved to Oklahoma to attend The University of Tulsa. Soon, I was attending powwows and examining Native culture from an academic perspective.

Multiculturalism and the meaning of culture were a big deal in academia at that time – dating myself here – and there was a lot of highbrow discourse going on that often referenced Oklahoma’s Native population.

But it was a Sunday afternoon drinking beer on the back patio of my fraternity house that snapped things into focus for me. A small group of us were quizzing one of our brothers, who is Kiowa, about his tribe and what it means to be Native American. He was very good-natured, but finally ended the conversation by saying, “Guys, my tribe is just like your family.”

I haven’t entirely learned my lesson, though. When we decided to focus an issue on Native Americans, I knew that one of the things I wanted to include was a piece that examined cultural identity – in a world where any kind of identity is nebulous at best, how do modern Native people think of themselves? We ultimately decided to address the question through the words and experiences of five Native Americans from a range of backgrounds. Feature writer Meika Yates Hines worked very hard to honor her subjects – only one told her the question “What does it mean to be Native?” was ridiculous. Sometimes you have to ask that ridiculous question, though, to get at a truth. Not to say that we’ve quantified the Native experience – that would be ridiculous – but some commonalities emerge about a group of people that are part of Oklahoma and American culture, yet retain something all their own – something that makes us all richer.

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Sightings and collect more information, editorsr@okmag.com

2012

8

Contributors

REPORT

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

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Oklahoma Citybased feature writer Meika Yates Hines spoke with five Native Americans about culture and identity in Oklahoma and, to a larger extent, in the United States (“Passing The Torch,” p. 46). “…I learned that to define oneself by culture is to limit identity as a whole, and that although culture plays an important role, there are no limits to what it means to be a Native person, today or any day,” she says. “I think that says a lot about groups from all walks of life.

“Each of the six I spoke with have his or her own perspectives and make contributions to society; yet what they all have in common is a history of survival and perseverance that gives them incredible pride for where they come from and a strong dedication to family and traditions. Be it expression through acting, activism, art, dancing or public service, they share the universal desire to make the world a more balanced and more har-

monious place for future generations.”

Contributor Paul Fairchild has covered topics ranging from karaoke to the soft drink industry for Oklahoma Magazine.

His assignment to tell the history of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, however, proved to be one of the most challenging assignment yet (“A Destination In Limbo,” p. 11).

“The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum [is perhaps] the most important project to come along in decades.

It’s a one-stop shopping, world-class opportunity for us to see – the good, the bad and the ugly – our place in American Indian history,” he says. “Seeing clearly in the present makes it possible to understand the past and look to the future. This museum will give Oklahoma muchneeded answers to the question of what it means to be home to American Indian culture as the state continues to grow, develop and evolve.”

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The State ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

architectural elements of the aiCCm are impressive, but the project has yet to see completion.

A Destination In Limbo

PHOTOS BY BRENT FUCHS.

I

almost 30 years in the making, the american indian Cultural Center and museum still lacks funding for completion.

n 1986, the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation kicked off a quiet, largely unnoticed exploration of opportunities to pump up the state’s then-lackluster economy by boosting tourism. Its final conclusion – unsurprising at best, completely obvious at worst – pointed right at Oklahoma’s rich and textured American Indian culture as something that might pull in a lot of paying customers. Almost 30 years later, the very bold and loud answer to that first, quiet question sits along the Oklahoma River just south of Oklahoma City’s central business district. The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum (AICCM) is a world-class steel, glass and concrete tribute to the culture, art and history of Oklahoma’s 39 tribes.

It’s also unfinished.

Over the years of its planning and development, the Center has morphed into something far bigger than a tourism paycheck. It will be the largest and most important showcase of American Indian history and culture outside of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Its exhibits, fully interactive and capable of making a more lasting

impression than the usual static museum displays, walk visitors unabashedly through the good and the bad of tribal history in Oklahoma. From the horrors of the Trail of Tears to the bright future of Natural Democracy, it’s all there. It’s a standing, permanent cultural reconciliation of sorts. Oklahoma’s been looking for something like this for a lot longer than 30 years.

With a vitally important cultural statement and $4 billion of tourism dollars over 20 years at stake, why aren’t the doors opening? Tens of millions of dollars have been sunk into the center, and the majority of con-

“When completed, the Center will deliver an authentic, world-class cultural destination.”

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

11

The State

struction is complete. “We’re on the first-yard line at the beginning of the fourth quarter,” says Sen. Kyle Loveless (R-Oklahoma City), once a skeptic but now a tireless champion of the AICCM. Since its celebratory Groundblessing in May 2005, the Center’s construction’s proceeded in fits and spurts, frustrated by changing economic conditions and pitfalls in funding. The 2012 Oklahoma Senate’s refusal to issue $40 million in bonds to help bridge the final $80 million gap to completion is only the latest in a series of setbacks. The remaining $40 million in matching funds from tribal, private and other supporters is ready to go, contingent upon the state’s buy-in.

For the last decade, the AICCM’s executive director, J. Blake Wade, has found himself constantly reminding Oklahomans of the importance of the Center’s completion.

“When completed, The Center will deliver an authentic, world-class cultural destination with a remarkable visitor experience,” he says. “No other state can share the collective history of

such as the Sydney Opera House and Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, both of which took considerably longer to develop than originally anticipated. But both have been well worth the wait.”

Wade and his colleagues and supporters at the AICCM aren’t the only ones tearing their hair out. Plenty of Oklahoma legislators are tired of going to the well for the Center. They want to see the Center completed. They support the Center and its mission. But the well might be dry.

The Center’s original funding plan was built on an assumption of federal assistance.

Two U.S. senators and four U.S. congressmen assured the state that Uncle Sam would pick up one-third of the tab. The state put its chips down. Private contributors, tribes and the City of Oklahoma City pulled seats up to the table.

Construction began. Three years passed, and it became clear that the federal government had no interest. By 2008, the waiting got old. The Oklahoma senate approved $25 million in bond funding to keep the project going.

“Critics say that the Devon Tower was built for less and in a fraction of the time.”

J. Blake Wade, executive director of aiCCm; Shoshana Wasserman, director of communications and cultural tourism; and Sen.kyle loveless (ROklahoma City) stand at the partially finished site of the american indian Cultural Center and museum.

39 distinctive nations. The development of exhibitions and construction that meet Smithsonian standards requires diligence and an unyielding commitment to quality, to ensure the full vision is realized. When completed, this place will stand with other cultural institutions

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Then there’s good, old-fashioned caprice.

Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf of Mexico, blowing construction costs through the roof across the nation. In 2008 the country began a long slide into the deepest recession since the Great Depression. The cost of everything

rose, and funds fell short.

Critics have levied charges of fraud, abuse and wastefulness against AICCM. Accusations of suspect bid selection popped up here and there. In an effort to quash rumors and end the finger-pointing, Gov. Mary Fallin called in the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspectors Office.

The final verdict: the AICCM is squeaky clean.

It’s shown complete fiscal responsibility while dealing with uncontrollable outside forces and setback after setback with funding.

“Critics say that the Devon Tower was built for less and in a fraction of the time. It’s true,” says Loveless. “Funds for the entire building were in place before construction started. That makes things move quicker and cheaper. The AICCM didn’t have that, and it’s a project shared by three levels of government, several tribes and outside contributors. Funding shortfalls, coordination of so many agencies, and some bad luck. It’s not hard to see why it’s taken so long.”

Loveless and Wade are hopeful. They used the 2013 legislative session productively, capturing lost ground. The newest proposal in front of the legislature calls for a funding package split over three years. It was scheduled for a vote at the end of the recent legislative session, but once again the AICCM found itself at the mercy of outside forces. The tornados in Moore and Shawnee hit, and the legislature rightly gave the matter its full attention. Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman and House Speaker T.W. Shannon, however, have agreed to postpone the vote until early in the 2014 session.

The move is a little unconventional, but the bill has made its way through committees and is ready to go.

For now, the only visitors the Center sees are the maintenance men that routinely check the facility’s core systems and security guards that stand watch around the clock. Bitter AICCM supporters point to the uncompleted facility as another broken promise. Those willing to fight on do so without rancor, tirelessly explaining the importance –economic and cultural – of AICCM and carefully putting the pieces in place to ensure its survival. And many legislators that opposed the Center’s funding in the past are comfortable with the new plan or are at least willing to approach it with an open mind.

The smart money says, despite the arduous road getting there, the doors of the AICCM will swing open, Oklahoma will see an unprecedented tourism windfall and the state’s rich Native American legacy will be have a fitting monument.

PaUl FaiRChilD

Born To Serve

Chickasaw nation ambassador at large neal mcCaleb has dedicated his life to public service.

L

ike many teenagers who grew up in the ‘50s, Neal McCaleb had a summer job, but his was a little bit different than most. He spent his summers working with highway engineers.

“My dad was with the highway department for all of his adult career,” recalls McCaleb. “So I was raised around the concept of public service, and he involved me in what he was doing.

He took me on what the engineers called plan hands, when they took the preliminary plans into the field and tried to verify them. So I got to run around with him and the other highway engineers, and I grew to appreciate what they were doing. I started my career in highways at the age of 16 when I went to work for a small bridge contractor.”

Those early experiences led McCaleb to return each summer to work with the highway department, and ultimately, to Oklahoma A&M College, where he graduated in 1957 with a civil engineering degree. The year before, the interstate highway system had been approved

by Congress. Some college grads may not know exactly what they want to do after graduation; for McCaleb, the choice couldn’t have been any clearer.

“I went right to work consulting with the same firm, working on the development of the designs and construction plans for the interstate.

I did that for two years and then had an opportunity to go to work for the City of Oklahoma City in the engineering department, which involved more personal contact with users.”

The personal contact McCaleb enjoyed from his time there would become a hallmark for the work ahead of him. After two years with the City of Oklahoma City, McCaleb left to start a private consulting firm and ultimately a side business developing and building residential subdivisions in the area. But the idea of public service was always on his mind.

“I’ve always had an appetite for public service,” McCaleb says. “I served in the legislature; I was elected in 1974, began service in 1975 and served eight years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, half that time as the Republican floor leader.”

McCaleb returned to public service in 1987, serving as Oklahoma’s first Secretary of Transportation under Gov. Henry Bellmon, a position he would fill again in 1995 under Gov. Frank Keating. He left that position in 2001 when President George W. Bush appointed him as Assistant Secretary of the Interior. After leaving government service in 2003, McCaleb became a special advisor to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, ultimately assuming the position of Ambassador at Large for the Chickasaw Nation, following the death of Ambassador

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Charles Blackwell earlier this year.

“The role is just really beginning to develop,” McCaleb says, “I’m still doing a lot of the same things I did before. I’m in contact with various government agencies, including the Department of Transportation, and on the federal level as well.”

McCaleb serves as Chairman of the Board of Chickasaw Nation Industries, while also serving as a board member of Chickasaw’s wholly owned bank, Bank 2.

“I’ve enjoyed my service everywhere I’ve been,” McCaleb says, “And there’s always more to be done.”

Regan henSOn

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

The State

PEOPLE

A little more than five years after launching a transformative fundraising campaign to support OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, we surpassed our $1 billion goal nearly two years ahead of schedule. However, there is more work to be done. We will continue through the campaign’s scheduled conclusion in December 2014.

We thank the tens of thousands of loyal and true alumni and friends who have given to Branding Success: The Campaign for OSU. This is the boldest higher-education campaign in Oklahoma’s history, and the university is stronger because of you.

TO LEARN MORE about the campaign and the many ways you can support OSU, visit OSUgiving.com or call 800.622.4678.

The State

C U LT U R E

For The Birds

Quail Forever strives to conserve quail and other birds, as well as their habitats.

T

The grassroots organization Quail Forever is aptly named.

Since its 2005 launch, the Oklahoma chapter of this international organization, one of the first in the country, has worked to save and protect the game bird and preserve its habitat – not just in the short-term, but forever.

Quail Forever’s mission is to improve habitat, increase public awareness and advocate sound land management policies for quail, and all upland birds, on a local scale.

But why are these creatures, somewhat diminutive and mostly flightless, so crucial to protect?

Laura McIver, president of the Central Oklahoma ‘89ers Chapter of Quail Forever, says that these birds are more important to Oklahoma than many might realize.

“Quail actually represent a much larger ecosystem that is sadly disappearing from our plains,” McIver says.

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Bobwhite quail and other prairie birds, she adds, could easily become threatened species unless action is taken.

“We are in a critical stage for quail,” McIver says. “The drought exacerbated population loss, but so many other factors are also threatening their future. There has been a tremendous loss of habitat due to things like urban sprawl, intensive farming practices, a takeover of prairie grasses by forests and grasses that don’t benefit quail.”

Luckily, Quail Forever, with its unique grassroots structure, is here to help.

McIver says that the group’s fundraising model is one big reason why she spends so much time with Quail Forever. Unlike other wildlife conservation groups, the local volunteers who raise money have control over the funds.

“So, they have a major say in where their fundraising dollars are spent,” she says.

What began as a group of only six or so dedicated group members in 2005 grew into a regular, core group of 17 board members and volunteers. Fundraising events also became larger and more involved, beginning with just one banquet a year; the group now hosts numerous events.

Founding chairman, James Dietsch adds that these events are critical to help the group reach their goals. “[Our chapter] has already spent over $125,000 on conservation efforts and education in Oklahoma,” Dietsch says. “Our goal is to help bring back quail populations in order to preserve the heritage that has been established since the 1930s.”

One such conservation effort was the recent project in the Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area in Ellis County. McIver says that funds were used to remove several miles of fencing in order to facilitate a controlled burn, causing a wider variety of grasses and vegetation mixes

to grow – a beneficial move for quail.

“The fence removal also helps hunter access and contributes to a more positive hunting experience,” McIver says.

It might seem ironic to some, but McIver says that most of the Quail Forever group are hunters.

“Hunters are actually our greatest conservationists,” she explains.

McIver points out that hunting is a great management tool, and that through the Pittman-Robertson Act, an excise tax on hunting equipment means that hunters fund most environmental conservation throughout the country.

Dietsch also says that the quail hunting heritage is a big part of Oklahoma’s history.

“Quail are native to Oklahoma and are a symbol of a healthy prairie and environment,” Dietsch says. “Quail and quail hunting in Oklahoma is a tradition that has been shared by many families for many years and it would be very disappointing to lose that tradition.” megan mORgan

The State T H E TA L K

Hollywood Bound

S

amantha Isler knows a little something about being on stage and camera. After all, the 15-yearold Oklahoman began performing for her family as a small child before honing her skills in theatrical stage productions. Parlaying talent and experience, Isler went on to appear in several short and feature films. This fall, she will be welcomed into the homes of many Americans, co-starring in NBC’s Sean Saves the World alongside Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Linda Lavin (Alice) and Megan Hilty (Smash), among others. The comedy centers on a father (Hayes) who must catch up to speed when his teen daughter (Isler) moves in. Sean Saves the World premieres on Oct. 3.

Oklahoma Magazine: When did you know that you wanted to be an actress?

Samantha Isler: Growing up, I always was doing skits around the house, and I watched and enjoyed movies. It took a while to realize that these were all individual men and women acting, and I thought it was fun. I began taking classes, made contacts and here I am now.

I always knew I wanted to act – it just took a while to figure it out.

OM: What do you consider to be your big break so far?

SI: Probably when I did the film, Home Run. It was a small role, but it was on the big screen, and I got to be in the acting environment and learn a lot.

OM: How did this role come about, and how did you feel when it happened?

SI: Initially, I was asked to audition – I had met the casting director previously. I sent a videotape; I didn’t even audition in person.

About three hours later, I got a call and they wanted me to do a screen test. A couple of weeks later, I went out for the screen test and met the writers. They called a little later to say that I had gotten the role. It was great. I was familiar with the people in the show because I watch them. As the process went on, I realized what could happen and tried to process and manage my excitement – and I still am.

OM: What do you think of your co-stars?

SI: They are all so great, and I was amazed that these were

18

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

all people who I had watched.

At first, I was nervous working with such experienced actors.

But they helped me a lot and I am learning a lot. It’s okay for me to forget a line or to accidentally laugh at one of my co-stars. They have been so helpful and made me feel more confident.

OM: How does your acting work affect school?

SI: I went to private school through the eighth grade. This year, I will be doing home schooling in California. It will be different, but I will be able to maintain my grades that way...but it will be different.

OM: Where would you like to see your career go from here?

SI: Before I did this show, I did a few films, and I love that as well.

I would like to do different things, to experience all of the different types of acting and genres. miChael W. SaSSeR

PHOTO BY SCOTT MILLER.

Oklahoma teen actress Samantha isler co-stars in a new nBC comedy this fall.

The State

THE INSIDER

The Name Game

Shelby eicher and sons team up to form mischievous Swing.

Did you ever consider how tough it must be to come up with titles for songs that don’t have any words? While some great instrumentals are blessed with names that describe them perfectly – Santo & Johnny’s “Sleepwalk,” Link Wray’s “Rumble,” Leon McAuliffe’s “Steel Guitar Rag” and Count Basie’s “One O’Clock Jump,” for instance – many others are named for arcane references or obscure in-jokes and don’t really indicate musical content.

In his long and impressive career as a

so good at naming tunes; the name always sounds like what the music sounds like.’

I said, ‘Yeah. You know when I wrote that tune “Mischievous Swing,” I named it that because it just had a kind of mischievous sound.’

“He said, ‘That’s the name of your band right there.’ I said, ‘But that’s the name of a tune.’ He said, ‘That’s okay.’”

So Eicher returned to his bandmates – sons Isaac (mandolin) and Nathan (bass) along with their contemporary Ivan Pena

KEN AMES

mischievous Swing members from left: nathan eicher, ivan Pena, isaac eicher and Shelby eicher.

fiddle, mandolin and guitar player, Tulsa’s Shelby Eicher has written more than his share of instrumental numbers. He’s also good at coming up with titles that describe the sound.

Naming his new band, however, was a different story.

“When you name a group, it’s like writing a song,” he says. “Either you have the spark idea, and it flows right out, or you say, ‘Okay, I’ll keep working on it,’” he explains.

“So we spent six months or so just hammering on it: ‘No, that sounds too cheesy. No, that one doesn’t work.’

“Then, I was talking to [fellow Tulsa fiddler] Rick Morton, and he said, ‘You’re

20

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

(guitar) – and related what Morton had told him.

“They said, ‘Well, yeah,’” recalls Eicher with a chuckle. “So I’m not going to say we were named by default, but it took a long time to figure out that, ‘Hey, we already have this name, it’s really cool, and it’s what the group sounds like.’”

The fact that the term also conjures up, in some music lovers’ minds, images of the sly gypsy-jazz virtuosos Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and their revered ‘30s outfit, the Hot Club of France is also appropriate. One listen to Mischievous Swing’s new eponymously titled CD is all you need to hear the connection. As was the case with

the music of guitarist Reinhardt and violinst Grappelli, this is high-energy string-band jazz and swing, complex and arresting, fiery and sure-handed. It’s the kind of sound that comes from people who have been playing together for years, taking off into different musical directions, exploring new horizons.

Eicher, who grew up in Ohio playing square dances and other events with his parents and grandmother, got to string jazz via bluegrass, with stops in-between for western swing and Dawg music, the musical fusion created in the ‘70s by mandolinist David Grisman and his quintet.

“They used bluegrass instruments – two mandolins, a fiddle, guitar and bass – but they had jazz sensibilities,” he says of Grisman’s group. “They fused gypsy music, Latin music, klezmer and really created something unique. Around 1978, I got turned onto [the Grisman album] Hot Dawg, That had some Stephane Grappelli on it and I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh. Whoever this is, he’s way above everyone else. That was my first exposure to him – and to jazz, really.”

Eicher ultimately went to work in Roy Clark’s band, a position he would hold for many years. But his love for jazz continued unabated.

“Even when I was with Roy, I’d go play with [legendary Tulsa jazz guitarist] Randy Crook,” he remembers. “And I was studying Charlie Parker, you know. I’d meet up with the guys in the band and they’d ask me, ‘What are you listening to?’” He laughs.

“They’d be listening to the commercial music, which is fine, but it was like learning to make McDonald’s hamburgers. The other way, you’re trying to be like a gourmet French chef.

“I think it was just the jazz music itself that intrigued me,” he adds. “Of course, Janet sings jazz, you know, so we always had that kind of thing going on.”

“Janet” is the well-known area vocalist Janet Rutland, who’s been married to Eicher for many years. They are the parents of Nathan and Isaac and a third son, Paul, who plays guitar as a sideline while holding down a full-time job as an academic advisor at Tulsa Community College.

“The boys and I used to just play around the house, and every now and then, as they got older, we’d do some shows with Janet,” Eicher says. “Over the years, we had kids in football, in debate tournaments, and I was working full-time with [guitarist] Mark Bruner, so there really weren’t a lot of opportunities for us to work shows together.

Then the kids went off to college and we started playing together less. It’d only be on a holiday or something, or two of us would play and the others wouldn’t be here.”

PHOTO COURTESY SHELBY EICHER.

mischievous Swing will hold a CD release party in late august for its first CD.

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Then, bassist Nathan finished his education by getting a master’s degree in jazz from the University of Central Oklahoma, and Isaac, a national championship mandolin player, returned from a stint at a college in Spain, where, his father notes, “he really started focusing on people like the Rosenberg Trio, gypsy guys who play like Django.”

Isaac also began playing regularly in Norman with guitarist Pena.

“After Isaac got back from Spain, we were kind of talking about this whole thing,” Eicher says. “Nathan’s really into jazz now, and we had 11962 Jim Norton.indd a real focus, something that we really wanted to do. And we thought if we were going to do something gypsy-esque, maybe Ivan would like to do it.”

It turned out that he would indeed, and the members of Mischievous Swing began working together in earnest the last couple of months of 2012. Since then, the group has played a number of engagements, including a well-received appearance at the East Coast Django Gypsy Fest in Pennsylvania, and recorded the Mischievous Swing CD, which features one Isaac and four Shelby Eicher originals along with versions of jazz and swing classics ranging from “Honeysuckle Rose” to Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” and Chick Corea’s “Spain.” A release party is planned for later in August at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in Tulsa.

“I think the other influence we have besides swing and gypsy music and modern jazz, whatever that is, is Latin,” says Eicher. “Isaac’s tune, ‘Valencia,’ is somewhat Brazilian, and then we’ve done a bossa nova.

And when you get to ‘Spain,’ that’s a samba rhythm. We really like the mixture of grooves.”

Although the players who make up Mischievous Swing are working musicians with other regular gigs – Shelby, for instance, continues his 17-year association with Mark Bruner in a trio with vocalist Annie Ellicott, along with leading the western-swing band the Tulsa Playboys – they can see the potential this act has to be something special. So can Roy Clark, to whom the group gave a private show in his Tulsa office.

“Roy called me the next day, and he was so excited,” Shelby says.

“He said, ‘I was absolutely blown away. The musicianship and the music – I have no words to say how great it was.’ I thought that was a really nice compliment.

“I think our show’s exciting,” he concludes. “I think it’s fun to watch.

And, you know, it’s always fun to play with your kids.”

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The State

SCENE

adrian Peterson, Swin Cash, Seth Davis and John Calipari enjoyed the festivities at the 20th annual henry P. iba Citizen athlete awards.

Paula huck, Dr. Joe Cunningham, Dr. Dan Duffy and Brian Day were on-hand for a check presentation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma to the OU School of Community medicine in support of the addiction medicine fellowship housed at 12 & 12.

matt eidson, Tracy anquoe, emily Rohleder and karen Smith enjoy the views at Top of the Town, a fundraiser for Child Care Resource Center. heidi Braver, karisha Wagoner and Jesse Boudiette, all members of the Tulsa area United Way’s emerging leaders Society, recently attended the organization’s inaugural meeting.

amanda Viles, Paolo Torello-Viera, alexandra lapegna and Vida Schuman attended an exclusive showing of the Fall 2013 collection of les Copains at Saks Fifth avenue.

Charlotte lazar and Pattie Bowman enjoyed the Fall 2013 Collection showing of les Copains at Saks Fifth avenue.

anne Bogie receives a check from Peggy helmerich and kevin gross from Tatas & Tinis, a benefit hosted by The Peggy V. helmerich Women’s health Center at hillcrest to benefit Oklahoma Project Woman.

Shelly armstrong and karen Weidner are flanked by models donning designs from les Copains’ Fall 2013 collection.

The Junior achievement Classic will be held Sept. 9 at The Patriot golf course. Pictured are tournament committee members larry moylan, lori Pumphrey, John hewitt and Chris Cardoni.

22

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

harold and Billie Barnett, eric gibson and erika and aaron massey enjoyed light Opera Oklahoma’s STaRS patron party.

Sandra Lewis, Brian Darrough, Yvonne Woodfin and David Poarch attended the grand opening of the Hudson Villas, a newly constructed housing complex that will serve as a permanent supportive housing initiative to cure chronic homelessness.

CHICKASAW NATION

The State

The Bedre Chocolate shop is a big draw for the Chickasaw nation.

cutline

OKLAHOMA BUSINESS

More Than A Game

Oklahoma’s tribes continue to diversify economic development.

In the lyrics to the song, “The Lower 48,” by alternative country band The Gourds, singer Kevin Russell assigns brief, one or two sentence descriptions to each of the 48 contiguous states. When he comes to Oklahoma, he sings “Oklahoma is a dirty red mean/Native American slot machine.” As with most songs by the band, Russell sings the lyrics with a twinkle in his eye and his tongue planted in his cheek. But the line also reflects a wider perception of Oklahoma, that of a state that is heavily populated by American Indians and whose economy is primarily fueled by casinos.

Data from the 2010 U.S. Census shows 321,687 Oklahomans identified as Native American, or about nine percent of the state’s total population, good for third among the state’s racial groups, after white and Hispanic/Latino. Not bad, but not exactly as the song would suggest. As for casinos, they are definitely becoming a more common sight across the state, and they are an increasingly vital component to the

24

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

state’s economy. But they are only one part of the growing network of Native American tribal businesses that are helping to make Oklahoma’s economy one of the healthiest in the nation.

Diverse interests “We’re much more than just a gaming tribe,” says Judy Allen, public relations director for the Choctaw Nation. “We’ve got a tremendous focus right now on culture and heritage job development and diverse markets. For instance, one of the things that we’re doing is a large print business here in the Choctaw Nation. We were named one of the top 400 printing businesses this year with Texoma Print Services.”

The idea of expanding beyond established economic opportunities has become a routine practice among Oklahoma tribes. It’s a practice that is benefitting the individual tribes and their surrounding communities, as each business entity creates jobs for Oklahomans.

“One of the things we’re doing is looking really hard in the areas of government contracting, especially with 8A,” says Creek Nation Chief George Tiger, referring to the federal business development program. “We haven’t been as aggressive as we should be. And we’re certainly going to be doing that because I believe we’ve missed out for too long. 8A is something that a number of tribes are getting involved with.”

Oklahoma Native American tribes are diversifying. Health care has always been a major focus of tribal economies, but tribes are now expanding into telecommunications, manufacturing and production, aerospace and oil and gas services. Any industry that gives a tribe a chance to grow economically is a target. Even sweets.

“We have a chocolate, confectionary business that decorates chocolates. We just built a new plant, relocating from our site near Pauls Valley to a brand new plant at the intersection of I-35 and State Highway 7,” says Neal McCaleb, Chickasaw Nation Ambassador at Large and Chairman of the Board of Chickasaw Nation Industries. “The tribe has other economic enterprises besides gaming, like our bank, which has been very successful.

We’re the second largest lender through the FHA 184, which is a special FHA program for Native Americans. We are second only to Wells Fargo, which is a huge bank, and ours is just a little community bank.”

“In our other businesses (besides gaming) we had a 60 percent increase last year,” says

grand Casino, operated by the Citizen Potawatomi nation.

Cherokee Chief Bill John Baker. “We are diversifying, we are doing a better job at our outside businesses. We averaged over a million dollars a day in our 8A businesses and outside contracts last year alone.”

major impact In October 2012, Oklahoma City University’s Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute published The Statewide Impacts of Oklahoma Tribes. According to the study, the 38 federally recognized Native American tribes in Oklahoma combined to generate $10.8 billion to the state’s economy, or roughly seven percent of the state’s $148 billion in economic production. Tribal entities employ more than 50,000 Oklahomans, both tribal members and non-members, with

CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION

OSAGE NATION

payroll figures in excess of $1.5 billion. These figures represent tribal entities, but not privately owned Native American businesses, such as TERO contractors, who are largely Native American owned and who largely employ Native American The Osage nation workers. continues ot improve upon its “We’ve got a new several casinos. housing program that we’re literally trying to build 100 percent with Cherokee contractors, Cherokee materials, Cherokee everything,” says Baker. “And it’s going to have a huge economic impact that is really outside of the government.”

“We don’t count those TERO dollars in our economic impact, but clearly that’s Native American in a ripple effect,” adds Amanda Clinton, Cherokee Nation communications director.

tribal industries combined.

“We’re taking the next $100 million from gaming, and we’re going to build a new hospital, add on to two clinics and build two brand new clinics that won’t be financed, and there will be no payback on,” Baker says.

“And we can make health care in the Cherokee Nation world class by making this $100 million investment.”

Across the state, Native American-owned

gaming Pays Off Still, in the end, the largest economic impact remains the gaming industry, which includes the casinos, casino hotels and resorts.

According to the Steven C. Agee report, gaming generates an estimated $4.8 billion in revenue, more than six times that of all other

TRIBAL JURISDICTIONS IN OKLAHOMA 3

325

136

95

287

3

325

83

270

287

64

HARPER

46

34

412

136

54

3

45

23

CHILOCCO INDIAN SCHOOL LANDS

81

GRANT

35 177

18

KAW

99

NOWATA

10

10

OSAGE

60

TONKAWA

64

60

MODOC

10C EASTERN SHAWNEE

OTTAWA

TURNPIKE

60B

SHAWNEE 10 60

152

6

54 6

60

WYANDOTTE

40

55

44

152

42 54

183

15

146

92 62

44 RS

60

59

9

HARMON

281

19 19 54

6 34

183

115

85A

125

DELAWARE

5

10

49

277

9

CADDO

FT. SILL APACHE

49 115

MCCLAIN

74

19

3W

277

39 59

ABSENTEE 177 102 SHAWNEE

59 133

GRADY

76

19

17

COMANCHE

19

29 7

29

39

9A

84

150

141

MCINTOSH 71 9

59

3E

PITTSBURG

113

HUGHES 270

71

59 271

120

31

112

1

270

2

3

63

131

128

LATIMER 63

63

31

COAL

270

270

31

1

48

83

271

2

31

270

75

1

1

9 26

82

2

69 48

56

3W

29

112

HASKELL

9

9

177

PONTOTOC

GARVIN

65

56

40

KIALEGEE

377

59

24 74 35

75

ALABAMA QUASSARTE

270

59

77

39 8

62

58

62

69 59

60

115

44 283

125 62

44

GREER

SEMINOLE

POTTAWATOMIE

9

9

76

99A

ON TI NA

W

GE RO ILL

CHEROKEE

KIOWA 9

30

44

27

40 3E

CITIZEN 102 POTAWATOMI

CLEVELAND

62

THLOPTHLOCCO

62

270

240

4

281

9

SENECA CAYUGA

40

92

35 81

6

10

152

37

8

58

55

BECKHAM

59

37

WICHITA & AFFILIATED CADDO - DELAWARE

WASHITA 152

IAN

34

40

CANADIAN

8

IND

COURTESY OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

44

E

10

C R AI G

412A

88

PEORIA

OTTAWA

125

25

20

66

266

137

25

10

125

66

20

PIK RN TU

44

59

25

85

82

28

TURNPIKE

QUAPAW

MIAMI

44

60

125

CIMARRON

69A

69A

69

59

CHEROKEE

99

88

69

PIKE

OTTAWA

60

28

75

123

OSAGE

18

RN

137

59

C R AI G

60

11

77 177

PONCA

58

Inset of Northeast Corner

69

TU

2 25

11

MIAMI

59

10

169

11

74

64

281

77

KAY

11

38 8

14

50

183

270

132

ALFALFA

149

95 385

58 11

64

BEAVER

171

64 56

8

281

34

183

WOODS

94

CIMARRON

283

64

270

64

64

69

23

54

TEXAS

56

43

1 271

82

LEFLORE 1

59 270

1

63

69

25

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

25 APRIL 9, 2008

G:/V6/TRIBAL/TRIBAL_JURISDICTIONS.gws

The nine18 Bar in Bartlesville’s Osage Casino.

CHEROKEE NATION

casinos have emerged as leading Cherokee nation Busidestinations for visitors from ness operates in a wide variety of businesses. around the country. Major gaming facilities include the Cherokee Nation’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa, Winstar World Casino in Thackerville and Riverwind Casino in Norman operated by the Chickasaw Nation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Downstream Casino & Resort operated by the Quapaw Tribe, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Grand Casino in Shawnee and the Osage Nation’s Osage Casinos. And there are dozens of smaller gaming facilties throughout the state.

As gaming has become the most vital fuel in the economic growth of Oklahoma’s Native Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos American tribes, the tribes themselves have recently announced a $250 million dollar become experts in the gaming industry. deal with Margaritaville to bring that brand “The Cherokees, we’ve always tried to be to its Arkansas River property in Tulsa. The top of the market,” says Baker. “We’ve tried project will dramatically transform the area to be in front of everybody else. We always with a new casino and 22-story, 500 room try to have the absolute best entertainment hotel and a theater and event center among experience. We try to have the best hotel other amenities. rooms. If folks are going to come, and it’s Osage Casinos, which contributed a record going to say Cherokee, then we want it to be $38 million to the tribe in 2012, has adopted the absolute top of the market.” a plan to expand all seven of its casinos, That quest for excellence drove the Cherospending around $9 million on each facility kees to adopt the Hard Rock brand in 2009 over the next several years. The flagship along with a host of upgrades to the Catoosa Tulsa location has received upgrades, while location. Other tribal governments are also the Sand Springs facility got a major makedoing their homework and strategically over, including a new bar and dance floor and expanding gaming operations in ways that sit-down restaurant. Construction is under make the most economic sense and serve way in Skiatook and Ponca City to dramatito expand, rather than saturate the gaming cally reinvent those properties with expanded market.

26

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

casinos, and full-service hotels.

The Quapaw Tribe recently completed expansions to Downstream Casino, which straddles the Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas borders and draws customers from a broad geographical region. The Kappa Tower expansion added 152 rooms, including 16 luxury suites to the casino’s inventory, along with a new spa and indoor swimming pool.

Just north of the Oklahoma-Texas border, the Chickasaw Nation is rapidly expanding what is already the world’s third largest casino, continuing to play on the luxury global travel theme that has already served it well.

The Winstar World Casino unveiled a new entry, Paris-themed casino and several new amenities late last year, and construction of an additional, 18-story, 500-room hotel is in the final stages.

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has also upgraded its major casino property just outside of Oklahoma City in Shawnee. The tribe rebranded the facility as the Grand Casino Resort last year and opened the full-service, 262-room Grand Hotel in July. Construction is also underway on new dining options, a pool and lounge and a 2,500-seat event center.

These are only a few examples from some of the larger facilities around the state.

There have also been significant additions at smaller casinos and gaming centers in every corner of Oklahoma. The growth of gaming and the bullish expansion in a broad spectrum of industries point to a bright outlook for Oklahoma’s native tribes and likely a growing share of the state’s economic output.

Regan henSOn anD ThOm gOlDen

OSAGE NATION

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Grab a bite, catch a movie, or enjoy live entertainment at the Riverwalk family entertainment district on the Arkansas River in Jenks. Three state parks are also worthwhile destinations within the tribe始s jurisdictional boundaries in east central Oklahoma. Visit Okmulgee in June for the ANNUAL MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION FESTIVAL where there始s something for everyone!

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The State

Ferrell found antique phones and wired them so they are now functional.

O F F I C E S PA C E

Fit for an Oil Baron Waite Phillips’ private Philtower offices are recreated with stunning detail.

I

Photography by nathan harmon

n 2002, Mathew Brainerd bought and renovated the 1200 N. Peoria building that originally housed Waite Phillips Oil Company for his Brainerd Chemical Company corporate headquarters. A decade later, when his company needed more space, Brainerd started looking around Tulsa.

“I went to the Philtower just out of curiosity because of the Waite Phillips connection,” says Brainerd. “After seeing some of the lower floors, I was taken to the penthouse, and when I saw Waite Phillips’ office, I immediately knew this is where I wanted to be.”

Brainerd secured a 20-year lease on the top three floors and started an 18-month renovation. The space had been occupied by other notable Tulsans over the decades and had undergone numerous renovations that demolished most of the original finishes. Architect Danny Mitchell was hired to get the office space up to code, but when it came to reconstructing the space, Brainerd turned to Margaret Ferrell, owner of Margaret Ferrell Design.

“Our main goal was to make the lobby and Waite’s personal office on the 21st floor as close as possible to the black-and-white photos provided

by Philbrook Museum,” explains Ferrell. The other two floors were designed in the spirit of that era, but they still needed to function as a working space with office cubicles.

28

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

David huglin, owner of Tile by Dave, installed the tile in the office. The installation was very difficult because of the complicated patterns as well as the irregularities of the walls and floors. The fireplace screen was replicated by metal crafter Tom Barber.

Ferrell commissioned Bill lawrence of William & Wesley in Dallas to hand-carve the walnut furniture pieces in the office. She designed the office desk to allow Brainerd’s two computers to lower into the desk.

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

29

The State

The lobby of Brainerd Chemical Co. was transformed to represent how it would have looked nearly a century ago. Designer margaret Ferrell contacted a taxidermist in montana to find a buffalo bust similar to the one that once hung in the lobby.

Tile in the lobby was recreated by Walter zanger, but with one change: The original tile featured native american “Whirling log” design, but because of Waite Phillips’ dedication to the Boy Scouts, the organization’s symbol was added to the tile.

The ornately carved walnut furniture pieces were commissioned by Bill lawrence of William & Wesley Company, based in Dallas.

Waite’s office was the least changed, according to the photos, although wood paneling covered a wall of tile surrounding the fireplace, and there was wall-to-wall carpeting. Ferrell was thrilled when she discovered a small piece of original floor tile hidden under the wall-enclosed radiator, allowing her to have matching tile custom made with an old world finish by Walker Zanger.

Dale Gilman, owner of Antique Warehouse

by Dale Gilman, used the existing office chandelier design to create wall sconces as well as additional chandeliers throughout the space. “What impressed me the most was the reproduction of the fireplace screen,” says Brainerd. The detailed copper and bronze screen, painstakingly created by metal crafter Tom Barber, was based on a faded black-andwhite, 85-year-old photo.

Ferrell searched for matching furniture but ultimately hired Bill Lawrence of William & Wesley Company in Dallas to reproduce

30

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

the hand-carved walnut pieces. “Obviously, Waite didn’t have a computer on his desk, so we put Mat’s two computers side-by-side on a mechanical lift that lowers into the desk,” says Ferrell. Brainerd also requested a television; it was framed with distressed wood, and it loops historic photographs of Waite Phillips’ life and early-day Tulsa.

Some of the original items from the office were relocated to the Philmont Scout Camp or given to family members. “I looked for a reproduction of the bronze bust on the fireplace mantel, assuming it was a Nubian bust, popular during that period after the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb,” explains Ferrell. She discovered the bronze on display at Philbrook Art Museum. The bust is of Waite’s wife Genevieve and was sculpted by their daughter.

There was no way to match the lobby tile exactly since the photos were in black and white, so Ferrell used the same color palette

as the tile in Waite’s office. She commissioned Zanger to produce the base tile and had tile artist Ronda Roush hand-paint each of the designs with one change. The classic Native American “Whirling Log” symbol was included in the 1928 tile design. However, in the 1930s, the symbol was flipped and became known as the Swastika used by Nazi Germany. “In good conscience, I just could not use that design,” says Brainerd.

So, because of Waite Phillips’ support of the Boy Scouts, the organization’s symbol was substituted.

Brainerd’s goal was to recreate the historic space as a gift to Tulsa and has welcomed visitors. Recently, a national group of Boy Scout officials toured the office, including Waite’s granddaughter and great-grandchildren.

“I still refer to it as Waite’s office,” laughs Brainerd who says he is honored to be the caretaker.

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The State

ge has created an entire suite of appliances designed to appeal to the millennial generation, one of the largest demographics of current homebuyers.

HOME TRENDS

Driving Kitchen Style ith a population of more than 80 million, Generation Y, also known as the Millennial Generation, is driving current trends in kitchen design. Russ Pippin, CKD, owner of WoodStone Home Design Studio, sees trends leaning toward transitional to contemporary-style kitchens.

While granite is still a popular countertop material, it is losing ground to the simpler patterns of quartz countertops. Stuart Harle, AKBD, designer and owner of Carriage House Design, agrees that today’s consumers are trending toward selecting quartz. “It is anti-bacterial, and the color is more consistent,” Harle says.

Concrete countertops are also gaining popularity, with endless color options and the ability to shape the surface as required. Plus, materials and designs can be imbedded in the top. The use of tempered glass countertops that are heat and impact resistant as well as antibacterial is also surging.

Pippin also sees quartz countertops becoming a bigger trend. “Textured or laser [patterns] offer various patterns,”

says Pippin. “[Quartz is] also available as transluscent, so it can be underlit.

“LED lighting has improved,” he continues. “It is more affordable and can be used to backlight and underlight both glass and transluscent quartz countertops and backsplashes.”

Harle also cites new technologies in energy efficient LED lighting as offering exciting options in kitchen design. “We utilize lots of low voltage accent lighting,” says Harle.

Stainless steel appliances might never go out of style, but today there are more options. GE’s new Slate is warm, gray metallic with a low-gloss finish. Jenn-Air offers an Oiled Bronze appliance finish but not everyone is a fan. “It might quickly look dated, like the copper-tone finish of the ‘60s and ‘70s,” warns Harle.

According to Harle, his company is seeing a consistent increase in concerns about water quality and frequently includes reverse osmosis and whole house systems in their projects. “Several plumbing fixture companies now offer integrated or matching faucets for various water systems,” says Harle.

TamaRa lOgSDOn haWkinSOn

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

PHOTO COURTESY GE.

W

a younger generation is advocating lean and green kitchen design.

e c n e i r e Exp s s e n t e e Sw

See why our Farmers’ Market was recently voted “America’s Favorite.” Savor the taste of locally grown fruits and vegetables and take in the aroma of hundreds of fresh flowers. Engage all of your senses in one place.

Stuart Harle, AKBD GTXTOTQuarter.qxd:GTX

The Farm Shopping Center 5217 South Sheridan Road 918.949.9017 7/16/13 2:56 PM Page 1 www.chdkitchenandbath.com

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Going Local is Just a Text Away

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WOOD-STOnE, InC.

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KITChEn & BaTh DESIgn STuDIO

Learning about the local offerings is just a simple text away with a new community program through Oklahoma Magazine. Top of the Town highlights local businesses and provides residents with an easy way to stay connected with local merchants.

DREam. DESIgn. InDulgE.

For more information, text “OKMAG” to 90947 or visit OKMag.com or scan:

ThanKS TO OuR lOyal ClIEnTS.

Russ Pippin, CKD Certified Kitchen Designer

www.okmag.com/Top-of-the-Town

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1303 East 15th Street • Tulsa, Ok 74120 918.584.3710 woodstone@tulsacoxmail.com • www.wood-stone.com

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3:36 PM

The State

STYLE

Back In Style

On elizaBeTh: VINCE NAVY SILK SHIRT DRESS, $325; TORY BURCH BROWN LEATHER LOGO BELT, $195, CARAMEL SUEDE BOOTIE, $385 AND TAN LEATHER TOP HANDLE HANDBAG, $475; ALEXIS BITTAR GOLD AND GUNMETAL, ZEBRA MOTIF BRACELET, $275; ALL FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. On JOnaThan: MICHAEL KORS BLACK LEATHER MOTORCYCLE JACKET, $895; DIESEL BLACK JEANS, $198; SAKS FIFTH AVENUE MAGENTA SWEATER, $168; SAKS FIFTH AVENUE DARK PURPLE SUEDE BOOTS, $348; ALL FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. On leSlie: IVY & BLU BLACK FAUX LEATHER SHIFT DREES, $150; ALICE + OLIVIA BLACK AND WHITE SHEER BLOUSE, $286; REBECCA MINKOFF COPPER CROSSBODY PURSE, $275; MICHAEL KORS COPPER WATCH, $225; MISS JACKSON’S. JIMMY CHOO BLACK LEATHER PUMPS WITH STUDDED CAP TOE, $795, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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PHOTOS BY NATALIE GREEN. MODELS COURTESY LINDA LAYMAN AGENCY.

Fashion inspiration to get you back to school with a touch of class.

Woolaroc p r e s e n t s

the

Lewis CLARK & “ corps of discovery”

Art Exhibit & Sale

Sept. 27 & 28 Interpreting the Journals of

Lewis & Clark Charles Fritz & Michael Haynes Sculptures By: Richard Greeves Paintings By:

Exhibit open to the public Sept. 28 through Dec. 29, 2013

Our lead sponsors: Hale Family Foundation • Osage Casinos/Osage Nation ABB • William S. and Ann Atherton Foundation 888-WOOLAROC • WWW.WOOLAROC.ORG

BARTLESVILLE, OK

The State On leSlie: GOLDSIGN BLACK RAYON LEGGINGS, $195; TRACY REESE PLATINUM SILK BLOUSE, $298; REBECCA MINKOFF GRAY SNAKESKIN PRINT PEEP TOE WEDGES, $385; MARC

BY MARC JACOBS TEAL CROSSBODY PURSE, $278; ROSENA SAMMI GOLD BEADED NECKLACE, $60; MICHAEL KORS STRETCH BRACELETS, $65-$125; ALL FROM MISS JACKSON’S. On elizaBeTh: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG BLACK AND WHITE GEOMETRIC PATTERN KNIT SKIRT, $275; ALICE + OLIVIA BLACK AND WHITE BLOUSE, $275; STUART WEITZMAN BLACK POLISHED LEATHER LOAFER, $365; MILLY RED LEATHER CLUTCH WITH BLACK STUDS; IPPOLITA FACETED HEMATITE AND STERLING SILVER EARRINGS, $495; ALL FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. On JOnaThan: MICHAEL KORS GRAY HOODIE SWEATER, $175; HUGO BOSS LIGHT BLUE DRESS SHIRT, $198; HUDSON JEANS, $198; SAKS FIFTH AVENUE BLACK LEATHER LOAFERS, $298; ALL FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

OKLAHOMA

Anyway You Want It!

You want options? We’ve got ‘em.

Grab Oklahoma’s No. 1 magazine on a newsstand near you or get the improved digital edition on your mobile device.

W W W. O K M AG . C O M

The State On elizaBeTh: EDITH MILLER RED AND WHITE STRIPED KNIT DRESS, $128; RODEBJER NAVY LEATHER BELT, $95; FRYE COGNAC LEATHER BOOT, $298; VINTAGE GOLD CHAIN NECKLACE WITH RED BEADS, $125; ALL FROM ROPE; TRUE RELIGION JEAN JACKET, $208, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. On JOnaThan: BURBERRY BRIT KHAKI TRENCH COAT, $895; DIESEL CAMO SWEATSHIRT, $298; 7 FOR ALL MANKIND DARK JEANS, $178; MARC BY MARC JACOBS CAMO COTTON SCARF, $98; SAKS FIFTH AVENUE BROWN WINGTIP OXFORDS, $298; ALL FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. On leSlie: BCBGMAXAZRIA KHAKI LEATHER JACKET WITH STITCHED DETAILS, $368; ALICE + OLIVIA SHEER WHITE BLOUSE, $263; RAG & BONE BLACK DENIM LEGGINGS; $187; STUART WEITZMAN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS WITH SILVER STUDS, $550; DAVID YURMAN MULTI-CHAIN NECKLACE, $1,500, AND SILVER AND DIAMOND HOOP EARRINGS, $1,400; ALL FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

TEAM LEADER THETHE TEAM LEADER THE TEAM LEADER WHO SAW DISEASE WHO SAW AA DISEASE WHO SAW A DISEASE STEAL HER MOTHER’S PAST STEAL HER MOTHER’S PAST AND IS DETERMINED STEAL HER MOTHER’S PAST AND IS DETERMINED NOT TO LET IT TAKE AND IS TO DETERMINED LET IT TAKE HER NOT DAUGHTER’S FUTURE.

NOTTEAM TO LETLEADER IT TAKE HER DAUGHTER’S FUTURE. THE HER DAUGHTER’S FUTURE. WHO SAW A DISEASE

©2012 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

©2012 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

©2012 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

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©2012 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

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The conversation starts here.

Remainder

through Sept 29 Seven up-and-coming female sculptors work with fractured, abstract forms. Are you ready to expand your expectations?

alz.org/walk

alz.org/walk 800.272.3900

alz.org/walk 800.272.3900 STEAL HER MOTHER’S PAST 800.272.3900 TO RECLAIM THE FUTURE. AND ISA TEAM. DETERMINED BE A PART OF THEJOIN MOVEMENT START A TEAM. NOT LET TAKE TO RECLAIM THEIT FUTURE. Tulsa - 8.24.2013 - TO tulsaWalk.org WALKJOIN NAME | LOCATION | DATE | TIME START TEAM. TEAM. OklahOma CiTy -A 9.21.2013 -A okcWalk.com HER DAUGHTER’S FUTURE. alz.org/walk BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT TO RECLAIM THE FUTURE. BE A PART THE MOVEMENT STARTOF A TEAM. JOIN A TEAM.

Rachel Foullon, Installation view of Clusters, 2011 Mixed media, Courtesy of the artist and ltd los angeles.

Remainder is supported in part by The Andy Warhol Foundation For The Visual Arts.

WALK NAME | LOCATION | DATE | TIME

WALK NAME | LOCATION BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT TO RECLAIM THE FUTURE. START A TEAM. JOIN A TEAM. 13538 Alheimer's Association.indd 1

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| DATE | TIME

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4:45 PM

Life

Trendspotting

Cutesy Cotton and Crepe Flattering,

A round-up of things that you cannot live without.

versatile dresses make life so much easier. Iris & Ink’s cotton crepe mini dress can take you from your desk to drinks. It comes in a variety of colors, and with inverted pleats and slant pockets, it’s the perfect dress for many occasions. Shop Iris & Ink at www.theoutnet.com.

Be The light

Be The Light New York by Petra Nemcova candles not only smell incredible and look beautiful, but each is inspired by Nemcova’s travels around the world.

From Czech Holiday Cookie to Haitian Hibiscus Breeze, you’ll be transported from your living room to an exotic destination. Nemcova’s candles are found at www.bethelightny.com.

Beautiful Bird light Sleeping

Eberjey’s lightweight PJ short sets are simple, adorable, perfect for summer and the material couldn’t be softer. Sleeping has never been so chic. Shop Eberjey at Muse Intimates in Tulsa.

J.Bird jewelry is a line of beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that are inspired by nature and all things gold. Taking on an edgy-meets-modern feel, each piece is unique and will complement any outfit. Shop for pieces at www.shopjbird.com.

green With agate

Yes coasters are practical, but why not make them decorative? The green agate coasters from AERIN are stunning for any room in the house. They’re almost too pretty to put drinks on – almost. Shop for these green agate beauties and other AERIN products at www.aerin.com.

holy hari mari

Flip-flops are essential for summer travel, whether that includes exploring, laying on the beach or a mix of both. Hari Mari flip-flops can handle it all. These shoes are comfortable enough to walk in for hours and come in an array of colors to add fun to any ensemble.

Find Hari Mari at Spencer Stone and Teena Hicks in Oklahoma City and Ascent and Travers Mahan in Tulsa.

JUlie BORTniCk

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Paint The Town

Phone, wallet, keys, files, a change of clothes, shoes: you need a big bag to tote around the essentials. Kelly Wynne’s “Paint the Town” tote is the perfect carryall for any time of year. The sturdy bottom and ample pockets make this tote fabulous and functional. Find Paint The Town and more designs at www. kellywynne.com.

17006 National Cowboy Museum.indd 1

6/20/13 12:19 PM

Now open.

116 East Brady Street Tulsa, OK 74103

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6/28/13

4:48 PM

The State

NUTRITION

MONEY IS THE MOTIVE

Y O U R H E A LT H

Support The Girls

Y

The right bra can improve overall health.

es, it’s true shopping can be good for you, especially if you are shopping for a proper fitting, supportive bra. After all, a poorly fitted bra affects more than just your looks; it can affect your health, as well.

“A poorly-fitting bra can result in extra physical work when moving and walking,” explains Dr. Sarah Elneser, a family practice doctor with Hillcrest Health Systems.

That extra strain can wreak havoc on back, shoulders and neck. A poorly fitted bra can even cause headaches, says Elneser. A properly fitting bra can also help maintain good posture and abdominal fitness, she adds.

“Around 80 percent of women wear the wrong bra size, generally with a band that is too large and a cup that is too small,” says Deborah Croisant of Muse Intimates.

“People misjudge cup size or choose a pretty bra rather than supportive,” says Elneser. “You can find both. You just have to look. Your best option is to find a place that will offer a personal bra fitting.”

“If you are having challenges with the bras in your wardrobe, let the fitter know, and these can be addressed as part of your fitting,” offers Croisant. “It is important to focus on the fit and not the size written

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

on the tag. Bras can vary in fit based on designer and style.”

“A bra should not gap in the middle. The band should not ride up,” adds Elneser. “The straps should not dig into the shoulders or slide down over the shoulders. Breasts should not spill over the cups.”

“Look for spillage, puckering or gaps in the cup,” agrees Croisant. “A bra that rides up in the back or one that lifts away from the torso is generally a little too loose in the band, and we typically suggest a smaller band size and a larger cup size.”

“Replace your bra when it is showing signs of wear such as discoloration, loose thread or elastic, or cups that are no longer in original condition,” adds Croisant.

And, lastly, what once worked won’t always. Our bodies change all the time as we gain or lose weight, as we gain or lose muscle tone, during pregnancy or nursing, and simply as we age. Those changes can often result in a change in your bra size, cautions Elneser.

“Bra size can change six to seven times in a woman’s life,” says Croisant. “We suggest getting measured one time each year.”

Embrace those changes. The right bra will help you look thinner and feel better. linDSaY CUOmO

The sound of the words “overweight” and “obese” leaves an uncomfortable feeling in the minds of Americans all over the country. According to the American Heart Association, 154.7 million Americans over the age of 20 are overweight or obese.

This growing figure sparked new ideas and ways to promote weight loss, and a powerful motive is rising above them all: money.

This year the Mayo Clinic, a well-respected nonprofit organization of doctors, revealed their findings on the connection between weight loss and money. Their study lasted for one year and involved 100 of their employees ranging from ages 18 to 63. Participants were divided into four groups. Two groups were given the ability to gain financial rewards while the other two groups were were not. Despite this difference, both groups were given the support of a dietitian, lifestyle coach and trainer.

Financial motive proved to be a strong force. A target goal was set for each individual, while the monthly goal for participants was four pounds. Those who met their goal received $20 dollars each month. A nice $20 bill sounds great, but those who failed to shed the poundage paid $20 to a pool for a drawing only available to participants in the incentive groups.

Most participants – 62 percent – who received or lost money completed the study. Money motivated this group to lose an average 9.08 pounds and caused them to complete the program. That’s quite a difference to 26 percent of the non-incentive groups that completed the year with an average of 2.34 pounds.

Studies like this show that the competitive nature of humans can be a tool used to drive weight loss and brings a new meaning to putting your money where your mouth is. – Jessica Turner

The Executive Entrepreneur, A new book by Jim Stovall and Paula Marshall.

Now available on Amazon.com, Kindle store and iBookstore.

The Tulsa Sports Commission and its community partners bring us major events to build visits and increase traffic. The PGA and the NCAA are just two examples. When it comes to driving business, we’re all about winning.

Jim Stovall

Stronger. Together. Join us.

Paula Marshall

tulsachamber.com

17035 Tulsa Chamber.indd 1

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According to Jim Stovall, Hamlet was wrong. For business owners, the question isn’t, “To be or not to be?” The question is “To grow, or to die?”

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43

The State

The Jackson hole area is a popular base for adventures in grand Teton national Park.

aT a g l a n C e access: Jackson is serviced by Jackson Hole Airport and by several major carriers. Note that some flights are seasonal.

Population: Approx, 9,600 (Jackson) Climate: Jackson experiences generally mild summers and cool to cold winters with considerably more precipitation, usually in the form of snow, than the rest of Wyoming. main attractions: Warm-weather and winter outdoor sports including skiing and hiking, access to two national parks, arts and culture.

D E S T I N AT I O N S : W E E K E N D I N T I N E R A R Y

West World

S

Wyoming’s Jackson hole is a gateway to western beauty and adventure.

ettle into your accommodations in the quaint, scenic town of Jackson, Wyo., and stroll to the heart of town and Town Square. Uniquely appointed with arches made of hundreds of elk antlers, this true heart of town is also the civic center of Jackson, and many of the eclectic and interesting shops are immediately adjacent to the Square. While much of your Jackson Hole adventure will take place outside of town, exploring Jackson itself is worthwhile.

Saturday morning, you will want to consult your individual itinerary. Two of the world’s most spectacular parks are within easy travel, so you will want to have planned how to see your preferred aspects of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in the most efficient time frame possible. Pick up a picnic lunch, or pack your own, and take to these unique and famed American settings. Both parks offer incredible outdoor sporting, hiking, wildlife watching, photography and more, and your park itinerary should reflect weather conditions and season. Alternate spectacular outdoor sites that might make your agenda include the National Elk Refuge with its fantastic DecemberApril horse-drawn sleigh rides. You will have worked up an appetite by the time you return to town from

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

the parks, so consider a hearty burger from The Bird or enjoy the upscale American cuisine at The Kitchen.

If more outdoor adventure is appealing Sunday, consider visiting Jackson Hole Ski Resort for skiing, paragliding or any of several other fun seasonal activities. Alternately, visit the Jackson Hole Museum where more than 12,000 artifacts help tell the story of the town, region and nearby national parks. The National Museum of The picturesque town of Jackson, Wyo. offers unique shopping and galleries, fine dining and accommodations and access to the Jackson hole region.

hOT PiCkS hold the “hole”: Remember while speaking to people in town that you are in Jackson, Wyo. Jackson Hole refers to the greater valley area. llama: Wildlife and nature lovers might enjoy a day trip with Jackson Hole Llamas for a unique look at the spectacular countryside.

Spa: The Jackson area is home to a number of day spas that offer pampering and wellness in between or in lieu of vaunted local outdoor recreation. an archway made from elk antlers marks the entrance to Jackson Town Square.

Jackso n outdoor hole offers a w adventu ealth o back rid res, from hors f ing to p e araglid ing.

at this beautiful mountain setting. Incredibly attentive service pairs with comfort, a beautiful pool and some of the best wildlife watching of any hotel or resort in the region. www. amanresorts.com/amangani Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa is a beautiful boutique setting just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Jackson, but also seemingly miles removed from the world. Luxury and pampering abound in each of the individually appointed rooms, including the finest linens, plush towels, soft terry robes and slippers,

deep tubs, L’Occitane bath amenities, flat panel satellite television and free wireless internet. www.rustyparrot.com miChael W. SaSSeR

ViSiT Online www.wyomingtourism.org

Wildlife Art is another terrific possibility, and the RARE Gallery Jackson Hole Arts houses western contemporary art from some of the greats of the genre. Spend the rest of your day strolling the town’s galleries and shops, and complete the visit with dinner at The Spur Restaurant & Bar at the Teton Mountain Lodge or at the quaint Café Genevieve in downtown Jackson.

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole’s 124 guest rooms and suites in a mountain retreat atmosphere provide an evocative setting, complete with a gas fireplace, residentialstyle furnishings, dark wood and natural stone finishes with leather insets. The ski-in, ski-out environment is amenable yearround to easily accessible outdoor sports, while scenic rooms are also equipped to permit guests to stay in touch with business interests. www.fourseasons.com Amangani is a luxurious resort sporting spectacular views and providing a famed level of service to guests of the 40 rooms

Four Seasons Resort Jackson hole

FOUR SEASONS

S TaY i n S T Y l e

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

45

Pass

The

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Oklahoma Magazine | August 2013

h c r to

sing

The past and future keep the meaning of “native” grounded in the present.

By meika Yates hines

whenever you make a stand, you are never standing alone. All your ancestors are there with you. Always.’”

Studi’s memory is personal and unique to her, but the essence of her experience and her father’s words seem to ring familiar when asking someone of Native American heritage what it means to be Native today.

Each individual has a different perspective of course, and with 39 sovereign nations in Oklahoma, there are different cultures, traditions and languages that go with them – but it’s the passing down of a particular kind of torch that unites a

collective spirit of Natives as a people.

Upholding a strong understanding and appreciation for history and traditional roots while being mindful of generations both past and future keeps ties to family and community grounded very much in the now – and it’s the devotion to these core values and ideas that seem to be at the center of the culture.

Through various forms of expression –whether art or activism, acting, dance or public service – tradition and contemporary culture synergize to create meaning in the present day, and these Native Americans share what that means to them.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT MILLER.

When DeLanna Studi was a senior in high school, she had to make a stand against injustice in front of her school board.

She walked to the podium and tried to talk but was so terrified that her knees shook and she couldn’t speak. From the back of the room, her father stood up, and as soon as she saw him, she says she found her voice and was able to make her speech.

On the way home from the meeting, her father explained why he stood up.

“What he said has always stuck with me,” Studi says. “He told me, ‘As a Native person,

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

47

Native identity is all about the passing down of culture to the young people.

Teaching the ways of life and rites of passage from the past and involving the entire family in bead and feather work to build tribal regalia for one another is something he says not only helps pass tradition on to younger generations, but keeps the culture rich as well.

Like everyone else, Sine and his family wear street clothes and go to work and school during the week – but on the weekends, the family of dancers gets together for powwows and celebrations – and with the beautiful regalia they wear, they have the unique ability to physically perform history that was created for them by the hands in their lineage.

Although people who come to powwows are rightfully amazed and fascinated by the picture-perfect colors, beadwork and feathers that adorn tribal dancers, Sine explains that there’s a lot of meaning passed down from generations in tribal regalia that most people don’t know about.

“For example, on one of my outfits there is beadwork that my grandmother made for me when I was an adolescent.

It’s been around a really long time, so it’s a heartfelt time for me when I put an outfit on,” he says.

“It reminds me of all of my relations that I grew up with dancing as a little kid.

I take a lot of pride in that – and my kids are the same way when they put their outfits on. They know that they’re putting them on for their family members – past and present. To me, all the memories of family and reminders of the tradition I was taught growing up are part of a transformation that’s an important part of keeping my culture thriving.”

As part of Ho-Chunk Nation tradition, Sine was given his first traditional clothing at one year old

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Oklahoma Magazine | August 2013

and has danced in arenas ever since, just as his father and grandfather did before him.

Having raised his own children to dance since the same age, he says he gets great joy from seeing them make and take care of their outfits, and that his 2-year-old granddaughter, who has also started dancing, will be raised in the same way. The Ho-Chunk Nation is headquartered in Black River Falls, Wis., and Sine and his family make the trip once a year for the annual powwow.

“I’ve always thanked my grandparents for giving me the opportunity to dance in powwows and learn our traditions. I’m blessed that they did that for me. I pass that gratitude on to my kids.”

DELANNA STUDI Having grown up in rural Liberty Okla.,

DeLanna Studi says she jokes about never having had an identity crisis until moving to Los Angeles 15 years ago to pursue acting – because prior to that, no one ever questioned if she was Indian “enough” or white “enough” in Oklahoma.

With her father being full-blood Cherokee and her mother being of German/Irish

descent, she says that she’s a full-blood Oklahoman and feels fortunate to have been a bridge between the two groups of people in her family.

“Growing up in a multicultural family, my Native culture is very prominent. My father instilled in me at a very young age that I am a proud Cherokee citizen – so I’ve learned to introduce myself as, ‘Hello, my name is DeLanna Studi and I’m a proud Cherokee person,’” she explains.

“At home I would go to a Native gathering and no one would be like, ‘Oh, she’s only half.’ I was always accepted and welcomed.

It was the same with my white family, so I didn’t realize that you had to be ‘enough’ to be out here (in LA).”

Although Studi, who has acted in films such as Edge of America, Dreamkeeper and Skins, has been to auditions where casting directors have questioned the authenticity of her heritage, she is an optimist that believes people are inherently good.

As chairwoman of the National Native American Committee for the Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, she plays an active role in raising awareness and safeguarding Native rights, roles and interests within the industry.

In an age in which digital media is such a powerful influence over society, she believes that Hollywood has the opportunity to help move beyond the stereotypes that perpetuate outdated, period piece ideas of who Native people are.

“It’s really hard to find TV shows and movies where Native people are not predominately dressed in leather and riding horses. We are almost always portrayed as some exotic creature sealed behind museum glass – particularly Native women, where when we are actually visible, we’re victims being raped or murdered or both,” Studi says.

“I think ultimately for people – and I’d say that this holds true with every minority across the board – you can be proud of your heritage, but as an actor you want to be able to just play a person that has nothing to do with your race or your gender or your culture. You just want to be a human being and be seen for who you are now.”

PHOTO BY PAUL SMITH.

THORPE SINE To Thorpe Sine of the Ho-Chunk Nation,

CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT of a Nation and its People L A B O R

D AY

W E E K E N D ,

2 0 1 3

TAHLEQUAH, OK I Children’s Events I Parade I Powwow Softball Tournament I Traditional Food & Games I Entertainment I Rodeo Arts & Crafts

about anything, Enoch Kelly Haney is both a modern-day Renaissance man and a true “Native son.”

But the term “Native son” is referenced somewhat ambiguously here because as a member of the Seminole Nation and a native Oklahoman, it wouldn’t be accurate to limit the definition of the phrase to his cultural upbringing alone.

He has provided his strong leadership and service to make meaningful contributions to the community on both tribal and state levels in the areas of art, business, education, government, military, Native tradition and beyond.

The first and only full-blooded Native American in the Oklahoma State Legislature, Haney’s focus on funding for alternative education program for at-risk students has ultimately seen thousands of young people – from all walks of life – who would have otherwise dropped out of school go on to graduate.

“For me, I felt like I was qualified to be in the Legislature more than the other guy, so my position was that I was running not because I’m Indian, but because I was the best person for the job,” he says.

An internationally acclaimed, awardwinning Master Artist of the Five Civilized Tribes, Haney now works exclusively as a sculptor. His work can be seen throughout the state, from inside the State Capitol to his newest piece, a Chickasaw horse and rider, to be revealed on Labor Day at Remington Park.

One piece that strikes a particular chord is the 22-foot bronze warrior sculpture that stands atop of the Capitol dome, for which Haney waived his commission as a gift to Oklahoma from his family.

The Guardian has swayed many of those who didn’t initially like the idea of a dome on the capitol, and, serving as a positive icon overlooking the state legislature, it upholds the challenging task of representing all Native culture.

“On pieces like this, people ask for some general things they want, so in this case I was asked that it be done a ‘generic Indian.’

Well, I don’t know what a ‘generic Indian’ is. There are 39 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma – and almost without exception there are differences in the clothing and so forth. After extensive research, what I decided to do was a Native person who existed prior to the coming of the Europeans.

What would that person look like? They were all basically similar in dress – with simple breechcloths, leggings of some sort, and as a general rule, they held a lance and

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Oklahoma Magazine | August 2013

shield. That was pretty much standard for early day warriors,” Haney explains.

“There’s a circle on the shield that’s symbolic of the general theology of most Native tribes – and that circle is important to

me because I believe it says that all people are within that circle – so there is no person that is better or worse than anybody else. I keep that in mind in my own daily living – that all people are the same.”

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

ENOCH KELLY HANEY As a man who has proven he can do just

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BRENT GREENWOOD In recent years, there has been a noticeable

shift towards Native-inspired design in the mainstream. From trends in art, décor, hairstyle, fashion and jewelry, what is fresh and different in pattern, color and style feels very much rooted in the culture.

Award-winning contemporary Native

American artist Brent Greenwood’s work is very much a breath in this wave of artistic fresh air.

“I think people generally want more than run-of-the-mill type stuff, and our people have always been very design-oriented. I think that by others gravitating towards these Native trends, it’s honoring and recognizing the culture in a good, positive way,” he says.

By blending early tribal history and design elements with modern context, his paintings express depth and emotion through multiple layers of drips, paint, washes and splatters, conveying the rich traditions passed down to him in a way that is both approachable and relatable to a wide range of people.

Greenwood, who is a member of the Chickasaw and Ponca nations, aspires for people to take something away from his work that makes them think.

“When I was first finding my voice as an artist, I would take catch phrases like, ‘There goes the neighborhood,’ and my play on that was Indians in the foreground watching the Land Run,” he explains.

“History can be an eyesore for a lot of people. It’s tragic, and although I’ve never

wanted to make political art, I do want to portray a message. I’ve tried to do it in a way that people can digest and take something away from it, and that’s been my whole thing.

By doing this they may realize something new that they didn’t know before.”

Greenwood says his parents immersed him in tribal culture and activities and encouraged his artistic drive, and by doing so, he says he found a calling that is a vital part of who he is today.

Carrying on those same family traditions, his 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter participate in tribal activities through dancing, singing and beadwork, with his daughter making her own handcrafted dolls.

“They’re caught up in all the same things the other kids are doing, but at the same time, we encourage our culture. I’ve never pushed them to be artists, but I’ve hoped they would take interest. I think sometimes the best teaching is to teach by experience.

I’ve always made art available to them.

Being an artist is going to come out in their own ways and I’m glad to see that materialize for them.”

Chickasaw and Ponca artist Brent greenwood is the painter of several works that comment on the heritage of native americans.

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Oklahoma Magazine | August 2013

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

CASEY CAMP-HORINEK Activist Casey Camp-Horinek of the Ponca

Nation has been a long-time champion at the forefront of grassroots community efforts to educate and empower both Native and nonNative community members on environmental and civil rights issues.

A seasoned actress who has served as a mentor and advisor for aspiring Native American filmmakers, actors and actresses in venues like the Sundance Film Institute, she says that for her, the forum serves as another opportunity for activism that can make a significant impact on breaking negative stereotypes and maintaining cultural identity.

“I am the sum of the experiences that not only have I walked in this life, but that my mother and father walked in theirs, and my grandparents and great grandparents walked as well. My ancestors’ experiences are recognized in the stories that they told and the holocaust that they survived, and those are the things that I pass on to my children and grandchildren,” she says.

Working tirelessly to fight environmental injustices that affect her community, CampHorinek wears many hats, but at the end of the day, being a family member is her favorite and most important.

With 21 grandchildren, a husband of 44 years and children and siblings that she sees or talks to on a regular basis, she lives a very healthy, strong and rich family life.

“That is the Ponca way. That’s part of who we are as a people,” she says.

“We all live locally and follow our traditions and make contributions to one another. We have constant huge gatherings, and that’s what makes it difficult when you see the pollution and devastation that is going on with us environmentally here. It’s not just random people being affected – it’s family in an intimately connected community.”

In 2007, Camp-Horinek worked with the Indigenous Environmental Network by presenting to the United Nations to help contribute to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which was recently passed.

The declaration helps allow the ability of Native people to say what is correct on their land as far as pollution goes and enables them to better live within the natural laws that are their sacred way of life.

“We have been raised to understand our traditional values of living within the natural laws the best way that we know how – those being the laws that are set up by the Creator and by the forces that the Creator put into place in the beginnings of time where there is harmony that the biosystem lives within. For us, it is a very deep relationship that we feel for the nurturing of the Earth herself. It is an ability to share life itself.”

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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THE

CHICKASAW NATION

B I L L A N O A T U B B Y , G O V E R N O R • www.Chickasaw.net

Keeping A Tommy Wildcat, member of the Cherokee nation.

Legacy

By Jennie lloyd

Tribes preserve history, culture and values for future generations.

Osiyo.

Ha’-We. Chokma.

JEREMY CHARLES

Of the 38 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma, these are three – Cherokee, Osage, Chickasaw – of their indigenous greetings. To ensure future generations won’t ever have to say goodbye to their history, culture and language, many tribes have launched meticulous preservation efforts.

These efforts include teaching, archaeology, archiving, renovation – and a lot of persistence. Currently, 566 federally recognized tribes exist in the United States, though full-blooded Native Americans (and Alaska Natives) compose only 1.2 percent of the population, per 2012 Census Bureau estimates. In the wake of conventional American society, instructing new generations about their distinctive heritage and culture is more important than ever.

Text me in Cherokee The Cherokee Nation, spread out like a blanket among 14 counties in northeast Oklahoma, comprises the largest tribe in the U.S. Cherokee is a word that has been spelled August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

55

CHEROKEE NATION

Cherokee national Supreme Court museum.

allysun Skye Coffel, the drum keeper’s sister; and Jessica Rosemary moore harjo and erica Pretty eagle moore, the drum keeper’s cousins, wearing traditional, handmade Osage wedding clothes that are worn and then given when the new drum keeper pays for the drum at grayhorse Village near Fairfax.

OSAGE NATION

many ways and has been infused with many possible meanings and origins. Currently, Cherokees call themselves Aniyvwiya, which translates to the “Real People.”

These Native Americans never lived in teepees; instead, Cherokee dwellings were historically houses created of mud and clay with roofs of brush and river cane. By the 1700s, many Cherokees lived in log cabins and even clapboard houses.

In the early 1800s, Cherokee statesman Sequoyah developed the first written language of any Native American tribe. The Cherokees “come from a rich tradition of innovators,” says Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

“We published a newspaper, written in both Cherokee and English,” Baker says. “We created a legislature and a strong sense of self-governance that persists today.”

To protect the Cherokee language, the tribe has kept pace with new technology. “We have worked with Apple to incorporate our language into the operating systems for Macs, iPods, iPhones and iPads,” Baker says. In the past year, Cherokee also was integrated into Windows 8 and Gmail.

“Our Cherokee children can text faster than they can speak oftentimes, and entirely in Cherokee,” says Baker. “To watch them use their native language on modern devices is really something to see.”

The nation created the Cherokee Language Immersion School to teach children how to speak this well-developed tongue. “Beginning in kindergarten and advancing through the sixth grade, children speak, read and write their lessons, only in Cherokee,” Baker says.

“It’s amazing to watch our young people grow up bilingual.”

In addition to preserving its language, the tribe has preserved its historic buildings. One such is the 1844 Cherokee Nation Supreme Court building, the oldest government building in Oklahoma.

Back then, the building housed the tribe’s Supreme and District courts; it also held the printing press for the Cherokee Advocate (now called the Phoenix), the official publication of the tribe and the first newspaper in Oklahoma. The historic building is now a museum that educates future generations about the Cherokee judicial system, language and newspapers.

The tribe’s most recent projects include renovation of the Cherokee National Capital, which currently houses the judicial branch of government, and the Cherokee National Prison, according to Baker.

Four themed tours – Cherokee History Tour, Cherokee Old Settler Tour, Civil War History Tour and Will Rogers History Tour – help people explore their cultural heritage at historic sites. In the program’s first year, 1,700 people took these tours, says Baker.

Tours are offered every Saturday to the general public.

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Three-year-old twins antwine and Cutlinehamilton dance at the Osage William Sovereignty Day Celebration.

OSAGE NATION

The Osage Nation, composed of WahZha-Zhi people originally known as “Children of the Middle Waters,” is headquartered in Pawhuska, the heart of Oklahoma’s largest county – Osage.

During historic times of war, the Osage were feared as tall, fierce warriors by neighboring tribes. They were highly ranked among the old hunting tribes of the Great Plains. However, as hunterfarmers, the Osage people did not conform exactly to the lifeways of either woodland or plains tribes.

The Osage Nation became the only (at the time) American Indian nation

PHOTOCREDIT

Imparting The Arts

IN WINTER 2013

a highly developed ruling system, laws and religion. Chickasaws built some of the first schools, banks and businesses in Indian Territory.

Chickasaw people have relied on oral storytelling to pass down their history, culture, beliefs and traditions through generations. Their

Children particpate in demonstrations of traditional farming at the Three Sisters Spring Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

CHICKASAW NATION

PHOTOCREDIT

to purchase its reservation in 1870. Today, the Osage is preserving its customs and art forms through the Osage Cultural Center, which opened in 2004. Vann Bighorse, who became the Pawhuska center’s director in 2007, says he is proud of his tribe for being able to assert its sovereignty in 2006. At that time, the tribe established a constitution with a three-branch form of government, which is in place today.

The 2006 Osage constitution “opened the door” for culture and language preservation, says Bighorse. “They created a language and cultural department with the vision to teach Osage people and the community about our tribal ways of life,” he says. “Since then, that’s what we’ve been doing.”

From fall through spring, the cultural center holds free cultural art and traditions workshops and lectures. Here, Osages can learn how to create “our clothing and other intricate art forms that were getting to be very much endangered,” says Bighorse.

Fingerweaving classes teach the tricky but beautiful art of handweaving more than a hundred strands of dyed yarn (buffalo hair was used in “the old days on the prairie,” says Bighorse) into a patterned belt. Some classes teach the history and ceremony of the Osage woven baby board. Still others teach the art of ribbon work, where ribbons in “traditional Osage colors” of turquoise, purple, green and red are cut and folded into patterns.

Workshops also instruct people on how to make Osage moccasins and headdresses. The center has generated a lot of interest and classes fill up fast, Bighorse says. All the materials are provided by the center, and participants are able to keep their finished products.

For the past four years, the Osage Nation has also held an annual cultural walk, which commemorates the tribe’s movement from Kansas to Oklahoma, “to the reservation here,” Bighorse says.

This year, the Osage Nation Tribal Museum Library and Archives celebrated its 75th anniversary. Established in May 1938, it is the oldest tribe-owned members of the Chickasaw nation learn museum. and preserve their customs during Though the center programs such as Cultural evening. slows its schedule during the summer months – to focus on Osage ceremonial dances – they’ll gear up again in fall to keep their tribe’s art forms and lifeways alive for generations to come.

The Chickasaw, one of the last tribes to move during the “Great Removal,” have called south-central Oklahoma its homeland since the mid-1800s.

Historically, the Chickasaw people – one of the Five Civilized Tribes – were revered as “Spartans of the Lower Mississippi Valley.”

This tribe of “unconquered and unconquerable” warriors lived an agrarian lifestyle in sophisticated towns with

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

CHICKASAW NATION

Archiving And Thriving

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma The last 30 years have seen a resurgence in efforts to preserve and strengthen the Choctaw Nation’s culture and heritage. Language programs to learn Choctaw are provided from elementary school through college, as well as online programs for adults.

Historical games like stickball and traditional native dances are taught to the youth. A registry of Choctaw artists who have preserved traditional skills, such as beadwork, making baskets, gourds, pipes and wood sculptures to list a few, is maintained by the tribe.

The Choctaw Nation Headquarters is located in Durant, Oklahoma.

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CHICKASAW NATION

The recently constructed Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

CHEROKEE NATION

legends explain natural phenomena, printer in early July. describe one’s place in the universe The stories were compiled and encourage virtues. Chickasaw

by Chickasaw storyteller and elders believe passing on ancient tribal elder Glenda Galvan, knowledge was and is a sacred who graciously agreed to write obligation. down the vital tales. “Normally, One important legend tells about oral tradition – particularly for the beginning of the Chickasaw traditionalists like Glenda – people, and how they found requires that (stories) be spoken The John Ross museum in Park hill, homelands in the Mississippi River orally,” Barbour says. “You Okla. is one of many historic properties Valley with the help of a big white preserved by the Cherokee nation. don’t ever write them down. dog and a sacred pole. Another tale, Most tribes sort of hold to that called No Lost Children, speaks rule.” of the Chickasaw children’s knowledge and surefootedness in the When a tribe loses an elder, “you lose a lot,” Barbour says. wilderness.

“Especially if they were language speakers. There was a concern we The Chickasaw Nation Archives is where these stories and other were losing too many of these stories. So it was decided maybe we documentary materials are collected and maintained to preserve should write them down.” tribal history. The archives keeps – and accepts – a vast array of These ancient stories are important teaching tools for new photographs, film, slides, negatives, microfiche, video and other generations of Chickasaws. “I believe the stories are just as documents related to Chickasaw research, achievements, arts and meaningful today as what they were 200, 300 or 500 years ago,” language. Some of the archives are kept in the Chickasaw Nation Barbour says. “They are very old and they’ve been passed down all Library in Ada; other archives are stored at Holisso: the Center for this time with a purpose.”

Study of Chickasaw History and Culture.

Barbour has studied the tribe’s history and culture for the past 25 This new research center is on the sprawling campus of the years.

Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur. The center focuses on the study, scholarship and research of Chickasaw and southeastern tribal cultures and histories. The Holisso Center features state-of-the-art artifacts storage, a library reading room and a rare book collection.

Most Oklahoma tribes have made cultural preservation a priority. Due The center also hosts genealogy and oral history workshops, to their history of forced removals by the U.S. government, many educational spotlights, digitization events, lecture series, conferences tribes have diligently focused on retracing their movements across and book signings.

America, while marking, honoring (or repatriating) their cemeteries, funerary objects and other sacred sites. One of the most unique and One Chickasaw artist and historian, Jeannie Barbour, recently valuable parts of each tribe’s culture is its language. Not all tribes completed the final drawings for a three-book series about the history have language programs as advanced as the Cherokee Nation’s, but and stories of the tribe. most tribes strive to sustain their native tongue. Every tribe has an The first book is called Chickasha Stories, Volume One: Shared intricate universe of beliefs and beauty and ideas about life. And Spirit; the second is Chickasha Stories: Shared Voices; the third that’s worth holding onto. installment, Chickasha Stories: Shared Wisdom, was sent to the

Protecting The Sacred

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

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Oklahoma’s

NATIONS The Sooner State is home to 39 sovereign nations.

Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma George Blanchard, Governor 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee 405.275.4030 • www.astribe. com Population: 3,896

Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town

Tarpie Yargee, Chief 101 E. Broadway, Wetumka 405.452.3987 • www.alabama-quassarte.org Population: 390

Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Donnie Cabaniss, Chairman 511 E. Colorado, Anadarko 405.247.9493 • www.apachetribe.org Population: 2,530

Caddo Nation of Oklahoma

Brenda Edwards, Chairman U.S. 281, Binger 405.656.2344 www.caddonation-nsn.gov Population: 5,081

Cherokee Nation

Bill John Baker, Chief 17675 S. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah 918.522.6170 • www.cherokee.org Population: 315,000 notable Tribe members: Will Rogers, Wilma Mankiller, Sequoyah Special Facts: First written tribal language/alphabet; Cherokees fought on both sides of the Civil War; the statues of Sequoyah and Will Rogers can be found in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington D.C.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Janice Prairie Chief Boswell, Governor 100 Red Moon Circle, Concho 800.247.4612 www.c-a-tribes.org Population: 12,232 notable or Famous Tribe members: Chris Eire, Virgil Franklin

Chickasaw Nation

Bill Anoatubby, Governor 520 E. Arlington, Ada 580.436.2603 www.chickasaw.net Population: 65,700 notable Tribe members: Douglas Johnston, Jared Tate Special Facts: The first European to come into contact with the Chickasaw was Hernando de Soto, who sailed from Spain. He introduced horses, guns, metal and clothing made out of cotton and wool to the Chickasaws. This was the beginning of modern world economic trade.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Gregory E. Pyle, Chief 529 N. 16th, Durant 800.522.6170 www.choctawnation.com Population: 200,000+ Special Facts: Third largest tribe in the country

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

John A. Barrett, Jr., Chairman 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee 405.275.3121 • www.potawatomi.org Population: 30,653 notable or Famous Tribe members: Woody Crumbo, Mary Killman, Robin Wall Kimmerer Special Facts: The Potawatomi Nation owns Firelake Discount Foods, the largest grocery store owned by a tribe, and First National Bank, the largest bank owned by a tribe.

Comanche Nation

Wallace Coffey, Chairman 584 NW Bingo Rd., Lawton 580.492.4988 • www.comanchenation.com Population: 15,191 Special Facts: Comanche has a college (Comanche College) that is integrated with Cameron University.

Delaware Tribe of Indians

Paula Pechonick, Chief 170 N.E. Barbara, Bartlesville 918.336.5272 www.delawaretribe.org Population: 10,500 notable Tribe members: Tamanend, Teddyuscung, White Eyes, Charles Journeycake, Chief Paula Pechonick Special Facts: On Sept. 17, 1778, The Delaware tribe was the first tribe to sign a treaty with the United States.

Delaware Nation

C.J. Watkins, Acting President, Vice President 31064 State Highway 281 Bldg. 100, Anadarko 405.247.2448 • www.delawarenation.com Population: 1,456 Special Facts: The Delaware Nation has a museum and an archive and is the oldest known nation in the Northern Hemisphere.

Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Glenna J. Wallace, Chief 12755 S. 705 Rd., Wyandotte 74370 918.666.2435 • www.estoo-nsn.gov Population: 3,036

Euchee Tribe

Andrew Skeeter, Chairman 804 E. Taft Suite H, Sapulpa 918.224.3065 • www.eucheetribe.com Special Facts: The Euchee Tribe is not federally recognized but is considered part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; tribal members call themselves the “Children of the Sun.”

Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

Jeff Houser, Chairman 43187 US Highway 281, Apache 580.588.2298 • www.fortsillapache-nsn.gov Population: 700 notable or Famous Tribe members: Geronimo, Mangas Coloradas, Allan Houser

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Bobby Walkup, Chairperson Address: 335588 E. 750 Rd., Perkins 405.547.2402 • www.iowanation.org

Kaw Nation

Guy G. Monroe, Chairman 698 Grandview Dr., Kaw City 580.269.2552 • www.kawnation.org Population: 3,267 notable or Famous Tribe members: Charles Curtis, Chris Pappan Special Facts: Kaw Nation’s territory was previously in Kansas. The state receives its name from the Kaw word “Kanza.”

Kialegee Tribal Town

Tiger Hobia, Chief 100 Kialegee Dr., Wetumka 405.452.3262 • www.kialegeetribaltown.net Population: 439

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma

Gilbert Salazar, Chairman 407 N. Highway 102, McCloud 405.964.7053 • www.kickapootribeofoklahoma. com Population: 2,687

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Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma

Amber Toppah, Chairman 100 Kiowa Way, Carnegie 580.654.2300 • www.kiowatribe.org Population: 11,487 notable or Famous Tribe members: N. Scott Momaday, Arthur W. Hill, Paula Wayne

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Thomas Gamble, Chief 202 S. Eight Tribes Trail, Miami 918.542.7260 • www.miamination.com Population: 4,267

Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma Bill Gene Follis, Chief 418 G Southeast, Miami 918.542.1190 • www.modoctribe.net Population: 273 Special Facts: General Edward Canby is the only U.S. general killed in an Indian war. He was assassinated at a peace talk with the Modoc in 1873.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

George Tiger, Principal Chief 1007 E. Eufaula St., Okmulgee 800.482.1979 • www.themuscogeecreeknation. com Population: 75,941 notable or Famous Tribe members: Justice Doug Cones, World War II Lt. Col. Ernst L. Childers, Alexander Posey, Dana Tiger, Joy Harjo, Will Sampson Special Facts: The Creek Nation is one of three tribes in Oklahoma to have a college, is the fourth largest Native American tribe in the United States and the first tribe in U.S. to begin tribal gaming.

Osage Nation

John D. RedEagle, Principal Chief 627 Grandview, Pawhuska 918.287.5555 • www.osagetribe.com Population: 16,725 notable Tribe members: Maria Tallchief, Chief Justice Charles Lohah Special Facts: Tribe keeps up the Osage Museum and is also active in road construction in Osage County.

Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians

John R. Shotten, Chairman 8151 Highway 177, Red Rock 580.723.4466 • www.omtribe.org Population: 3,027 Special Facts: The states of Nebraska and Missouri get their names from the Missouria culture. In 2013, the tribe celebrates 132 years of Oklahoma encampment.

64

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

Ethel Cook, Chief 13 South Highway 69A, Miami 918.540.1536 • www.ottawatribe.org Population: 2,500+ notable Tribe members: Bronson Edwards Special Facts: Chief Pontiac, Ottawa chief in 1700s, was a leader of rebellion against the English in the Great Lakes area.

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

Marshall Gilbert, President 881 Little Dee Dr., Pawnee 918.762.3621 • www.pawneenation.org Population: 3,321 Special Facts: There are four bands to the Pawnee Nation: Chaui, Pitahawirata, Skidi and Kitkehahki.

Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

John P. Froman, Chief 118 S. Eight Tribes Trail, Miami 918.540.2535 • www.peoriatribe. com Population: 2,925 notable or Famous Tribe members: Chief Illiniwek

Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Earl S. Howe, III, Chairman 20 White Eagle Dr., Ponca City 580.762.8104 • www.ponca.com Population: 3,600 notable or Famous Tribe members: Brent Greenwood Special Facts: The Ponca language is still spoken.

Quapaw Tribe of Indians

John Berrey, Chairman 5681 S. 630 Rd., Quapaw 918.542.1853 • www.quapawtribe.com Population: 4,518 notable or Famous Tribe members: Lewis Ballard, Kuge Supernaw Special Facts: The 141st annual Quapaw Powwow was held this past July; the Quapaw still teach the language and have an online audio dictionary of the language; the Tar Creek Superfund Site is on Quapaw land.

Sac & Fox Nation

George Thurman, Principal Chief 920883 S. Highway 99, Bldg. A, Stroud 918.968.3526 • www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Population: 3,947 notable or Famous Tribe members: Jim Thorpe Blackhawk Special Facts: Sac & Fox Nation was the first tribe to have a Boys and Girls Club on Indian land.

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Chief Leonard M. Harjo 3645 Hwy. 270, Wewoka, OK 74884 405,257,7200 • www.sno-nsn.gov Population: near 19,000 notable or Famous Tribe members: Chief Enoch Haney Special Facts: Seminoles have an immersion school where students are taught the Seminole language.

Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma

Chief Leroy Howard 23701 S. 655 Rd., Grove 918.787.5452 • www.sctribe.com Population: 2,343

Shawnee Tribe

Rob Sparkman, Chairman 29 S. Highway 69A, Miami 918.542.2441 • www.shawnee-tribe.com Population: 2,435

Thlopthlocco Tribal Town George Scott, Town King I-40 & Clearview Exit 227, Okemah 918.560.6198 • www.tttown.org Population: 845

Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Donald Patterson, President 1 Rush Buffalo Rd., Tonkawa, OK 74653 580.628.2561 • www.tonkawatribe.com Population: 665 notable or Famous Tribe members: Johnny Allen, Anthony Waldrup

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma George Wickliffe, Chief 2450 Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah 918.431.1818 • www.keetoowahcherokee.org Population: 15,200 notable or Famous Tribe members: Chief John Hair, Chief George Wickliffe, Virginia Stroud

Wichita and Affiliated Tribes Terri Parton, President 1 Mile North of Anadarko on Highway 281, Anadarko 405.247.2425 • www.wichitatribe.com Population: 2,655

Wyandotte Nation

Leaford Bearskin, Chief 64700 E. Highway 60, Wyandotte, OK 74370 918.678.2297 • www.wyandotte-nation.org Population: 5,100 Compiled by Jessica Turner Ed. Note: The information compiled in this directory was derived from tribal websites and officials.

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The Digital Classroom as more higher education programs move online, classroom doors are opening for students of all stripes.

By Tara malone

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or decades, the intersection of achieving a college education and taking care of other priorities was murky at best. Young undergraduates who attended college full-time were expected to devote the majority of their waking hours to pursuing their degrees and were lucky to find part-time work that also would fit schedules for lectures and accompanying classwork. For working adults, pursuing a college degree was often the stuff of dreams, with precious few classes available that would not interfere with the responsibilities of fulltime careers and family life.

The recent revolution in online learning has changed that for aspiring students. From liberal arts to nursing, criminal justice to freshman history and political science, the scope and flexibility of online education has expanded quickly with the technological sea change, and Oklahoma’s students are reaping the rewards.

A Growing Trend Recent studies show that over the past 10 years, online course enrollment has outpaced overall higher education enrollment by nearly 20-fold – a trend closely reflected in Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education. The flexibility and accessibility of a quality online education have opened new avenues of opportunity for traditional and non-traditional students alike, and changing the way Oklahoma’s colleges and universities approach their methods of academic delivery.

“At MACU, we have experienced unprecedented growth in our online learning programs – a 295 percent growth in just the last six years alone,” says Kathaleen ReidMartinez, university provost for Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City. “We

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anticipate continued growth of student enrollment and expansion of the degree programs people need to keep moving ahead personally and professionally.”

Larry Rice, president of Rogers State University in Claremore, says his institution was the first in the state, and one of the earliest in the nation, to offer online bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. RSU’s online bachelor’s degree programs were ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report and have earned other national accolades for digital education initiatives.

“Over the years, we’ve seen online classes grow to become an integral part of our academic offerings,” Rice says. “Today, about 30 percent of all RSU students are enrolled at any one time in an online class as part of their studies, whether they are exclusively online or are using online courses to supplement traditional ‘on-ground’ classes to complete their degree program. Approximately one-in-five RSU courses last year were offered online.”

Other Oklahoma colleges and universities – including Tulsa Community College, Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City – now offer as many as 25 percent of their courses online, and the numbers continue to increase.

The Online Learner Initially, many of the online course offerings at Oklahoma’s colleges and universities were developed with the non-traditional learner in mind. When MACU first began providing online classes in 2000, Reid-Martinez says the university’s courses were developed specifical-

ly for working adults in the Oklahoma City area who were looking for two crucial factors in their education: flexible scheduling and point of access.

With an eye toward helping this demographic, MACU developed a program that now serves not only non-traditional students in the Oklahoma City area, but also across the nation as well. The secret to success?

Every single class in the MACU College of Adult and Graduate Studies is offered online.

“One can easily imagine the challenges a single mother or father would face when attempting a return to traditional classes two or three times a week for a few years,” ReidMartinez says. “Online education changes everything. An advanced degree that can be pursued anywhere, anytime truly opens the door of possibilities to these moms and dads, as well as to others who have equally challenging demands on their time.”

Ric N. Baser, vice president and chief academic officer at Tulsa Community College, agrees about the benefits of a digital education. “Flexibility and access are the two key components of online classes over traditional classes,” he says.

“The biggest benefit of online courses is the flexibility of being able to fit the course work into your schedule,” says Susan Tolbart, director of recruitment and student development for OSU-Tulsa. You can work on it early in the morning, during your lunch hour, or after you put the kids to bed. Additionally, you save travel cost and time. With the use of technology and networking tools, students are better able to connect with

classmates or be more interactive with their instructors.”

While the impetus for many of Oklahoma’s online education programs might have been prompted by the needs of non-traditional learners, it’s not just the strapped-for-time who are taking advantage of digital academics.

“We see a variety of students on our campus involved in online learning,” Tolbart says.

“Younger and older students as well as undergraduate and graduate students participate in online classes. Some students enjoy that particular learning format, so they may choose online over a campus-based course.”

“Today, both blended and online courses are taken by students of all types, including traditional-aged students, working adults, those who are place-bound and unable to reach campus, as well as those who live on campus in dorms,” says Pamela Fly, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. “There is no typical age or major or demographic group that

characterizes online learners – only the desire to achieve and progress toward a degree.”

In addition, online classes can offer a more comfortable experience for some students – an experience not always available in traditional lectures.

“Online learning provides for a more personalized learning experience for students,” says Fly. “Some students might hesitate to participate in class discussions or other activities because they are shy and do not want to call attention to themselves. In an online environment, students are on a level playing field and more likely to participate fully in discussions and offer differing points of view. A welldesigned course in an online environment requires that students participate and engage with the instructor and one another since they cannot rely on a vocal classmate to monopolize or direct the discussion. Faculty can monitor that participation through discussion threads and wiki tools.”

“Over the past 10 years, online course enrollment has outpaced overall higher education enrollment by nearly 20-fold.”

PHOTO COURTESY OSU-TULSA.

Susan Tolbart, director of recruitment and student development at OSU-Tulsa, believes that despite an increase in online learning, face-to-face courses will continue to play an important role on her campus.

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Digital Divides

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A Future for Face-to-Face?

With the dizzying growth in online enrollment and avenues of technological access, some have claimed that Deaudre Ridley, a the traditional on-campus lecture graduate student at mid-america will go the way of the landline.

Christian University, Officials at Oklahoma’s colleges takes advantage and universities, of online learning courses to complete however, disagree. his mBa. Pink believes that the growth of one form of education does not mandate the extinction of the other. “I firmly believe that for the immediate future, face-to-face courses will be needed by many students who do not feel comfortable with online learning,” he says. “If common education (K-12) continues to be mostly delivered in a face-to-face format, many of those students will want to continue with that form of delivery. We’re seeing more and more online high schools popping up, and if that continues to be the trend, we may On the Horizon see a shift across the board, but for now, there is room for multiple modes of deliverWhile administrators agree that in-person ing high quality education to our students.” lectures will remain a touchstone of the higher “Face-to-face courses will continue to education experience, the growth in online play an important role on our campus. Not education shows no sign of slowing down and everyone experiences success in online plenty more changes will likely take place in learning,” says Tolbart of OSU-Tulsa’s curthe near future. riculum. “Some students find the structure “I think it has matured to a point where the and regularity of campus-based courses student consumer is becoming more savvy beneficial to their success as a student. Plus, with the learning modality of online classes,” the social interaction and spontaneity that is says Baser. “They are beginning to demand a part of a dynamic learning environment is better instructional design, interactivity and more difficult to achieve in an online enviquality learning components that address each ronment. For most of the public universities individual’s learning style, such as video/audio/ in Oklahoma, students will still find more animation and not just text-only-based classes.” programs offered through on-site or a combiPink says that regardless of the current nation of on-site and online.” changes, it’s important not to get hung up on Baser also believes that more and more the method, and instead focus on the needs of classes will be offered in a combination Oklahoma’s students. of digital and on-campus modes. “Many “Those of us in higher education must never [face-to-face courses] will use online course get comfortable with how we service our technologies to expand their flexibility and students,” he says. “We must be constantly exstrengthen content delivery,” he says. “We amining the needs of our state, which includes currently call these ‘blended courses’ since students as well as business and industry. If we they are blending a significant portion of the get stuck in doing the same old thing without class online but still require on-campus leckeeping an eye on the changing needs of the tures and discussions. While there are many state, including alternate forms of delivering technologies that permit engaging discuseducation and training, we will find ourselves sions online, live face-to-face discussions are irrelevant to arguably the most important still an engaging part of academia and one function of state government – educating our which should be experienced by all college population.” level students.”

PHOTO COURTESY MACU.

For some potential students, online learning can initially be intimidating, especially for older students with limited technical capabilities. For these individuals, the amount of tech know-how needed to succeed in today’s digital education environment can be daunting. In addition, students who come from lower-income or rural households may not have access to computer equipment, software or internet access at home.

To mitigate these issues, Oklahoma’s colleges and universities all provide on-campus computer labs with extended hours for students who are unable to connect at home, as well as resources for locating places in students’ communities where they can access equipment and the internet. But Bill Pink, vice president of academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, says the roadblocks to online education can include more than simple issues of connectivity.

“Online learning isn’t for everyone,” Pink says. “Some students need, and desire, the face-to-face contact that traditional classrooms provide … Again, students who decide to enroll in online courses must be aware that a high level of self-discipline is a must. Without it, online courses can be much tougher than traditional courses.”

According to Pink, OSU-OKC has taken steps to assist online students in assessing and fine-tuning their digital educational abilities.

“This is still a developing process that I hope will prove helpful to our students and our faculty who teach online courses,” Pink says.

MACU also is providing hands-on guidance for online students who might feel lost in the rapidly changing digital education environment. “While many students benefit from the flexibility of online learning, they may not have the natural ability of being autonomous learners,” says Reid-Martinez.

For those who are motivated to learn, MACU becomes an educational partner and provides a strategic network of support to help keep the adult learner moving toward his or her goals. Each adult student is assigned a Student Success Coach who helps them navigate the college experience and to grow more familiar with the digital learning environment.”

Baser feels that with the rapid advances in connectivity and the ubiquity of mobile technology, digital divides in education will shortly be neutralized. “The divide is narrowing considerably due to the plethora of internet-enabled smart phones, tablets and low cost PCs,” he says. “Many younger students now have tablets and smart phones before owning their first computer. Mobile access to online classes is becoming more and more popular and the software and technology are beginning to mature to meet those needs.”

Scholarship. Unrivaled.

The University of Tulsa congratulates its 2013 winners of nationally competitive awards.

Fulbright Grants

Cara Dublin, history (’13) Jake Turner, economics and sociology (’13)

National Science Foundation Research Fellowships

Tricity Andrew, mathematics (’13) Logan Brooks, computer science graduate student Caitlin Clancy, mechanical engineering (’10) Casey Davis, mechanical engineering (’11) Ahmed El-Kishky, computer science and mathematics (’13) Maria Holland, mechanical engineering (’11) Shreela Palit, psychology graduate student Rebecca Bedford Pollet, biochemistry (’11) Kirby Smithe, engineering physics (’13)

The University of Tulsa has won more nationally competitive awards than all other Oklahoma universities combined.

TU’s commitment to academic success has made it one of the nation’s Top 50 private universities and the highest-ranked research university in Oklahoma and 19 other states.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships

Conor Fellin, computer science junior Weston Kightlinger, chemical engineering senior Caleb Lareau, biochemistry and mathematics senior

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship John Tindle, biology sophomore

Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship Taber Hunt, business (’13)

Critical Language Scholarship

Lauren West, history and Russian studies (’13)

Office of Admission 1-800-331-3050 918-631-2307 www.utulsa.edu/admission TU is an EEO/AA institution.

Global Leaders Oklahoma schools look to the future to create some of the most innovative programs on the planet.

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cademia can be every bit as competitive as Wall Street or pro sports. To stay competitive, some universities have shored up and radically retooled existing programs. Others are spinning up new, best-in-class programs that can’t be found anywhere else.

meteorology With its broad curriculum, the University of Oklahoma’s meteorology program reaches into every corner of weather science, from tropical and urban meteorology to cloud physics and lightning. With more than 300 undergraduates and 100 graduate students, it’s the largest program of its kind in America. The Chronicles of Higher Education regularly places it in the top 10 around the nation.

The School of Meteorology popped up on Oklahoma’s academic landscape in the 1950s. Two Texas A&M meteorologists, Walter Saucier and Yoshi Sasaki, needed a better lab.

They looked north to Oklahoma and saw the best available natural lab in the nation. For hotshot meteorologists, Oklahoma was – and still is – the best place to be. They made the move to OU and spun up a world-class program within two decades, in the process securing important academic partnerships with institutions such as the National Severe Storms Laboratory. From there, the school expanded into every arena touchable by its professors, researchers and students.

It takes Susan Postawko, the Associate Director for the School of Meteorology and the first female professor to join the school’s ranks, less than 10 seconds to call up four reasons why the school lands in the top 10 every year.

“The program is academically rigorous,” she says, “Our students graduate with a terrifically strong foundation in the fundamentals of meteorology. Our faculty is constantly on

the world’s best weather scientists. Membership in student organizations that plan professional events year round comes with the price of admission. Student computer labs and classrooms are state-of-the-art and no expense is spared to keep them that way. And, being on the cutting edge, the school is home to some of the coolest toys and gadgets to ever make a meteorologist’s Christmas list. And students are free to lay hands on them.

Many graduates go on to be broadcast meteorologists, researchers and academics. The field of meteorology offers numerous solid career paths.

Some also go on to be forensic meteorologists, performing severe weather risk analysis for insurance companies.

NASA is always looking for good meteorologists that can forecast launching and landing conditions. Not to mention, it’s Oklahoma, and energy is king. The industry needs good weather scientists because weather has everything to do with energy consumption.

“The nature of the business requires that almost all of what we teach be immediately applicable. i like to tell people you can’t be a surgeon unless you practice surgery.”

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the forefront of cutting edge research. The presence of the National Weather Consortium and the exchange of ideas it brings between university and federal government researchers makes us all stronger.”

The program stretches far beyond classroom work. Students have unprecedented opportunities to participate in research programs with

Cyber Corps “Working at the National Security Agency isn’t sexy,” reports an anonymous source. Graduates of The University of Tulsa’s Cyber Corps who work at the NSA disagree. They love their jobs

ONLY ONE University in America (public or private) has produced – A Rhodes Scholar, a Marshall Scholar, a Mitchell Scholar, a Goldwater Scholar, a Truman Scholar, a Fulbright Scholar and a National Security Education Program Scholar this year.

IT IS THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA The University of Oklahoma

Setting a National Standard of Excellence The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

students are interning there this summer.

“Ours is the largest and most intense program of its kind,” says Dr. Sujeet Shenoi, the program’s director. “We do a lot more hands-on stuff in a lot more areas, including offense. The nature of the business requires that almost all of what we teach be immediately applicable. I like to tell students you can’t be a surgeon unless you practice surgery. The same is true for a cyber warrior.”

The curriculum covers heady stuff.

Hacking. Computer viruses. Digital forensics. But the field work reflects the day-to-day the fine art of efforts of WATCHMAKING cyber-ops. Planting bugs. Cyberstalking.

Even rifling trash where needed.

The program, the best of four like it in the nation, admits roughly 25 students a year out of about a thousand applicants.

Precision craftsmanship. Exquisite Artistry.

Shenoi likes students with science and engiTimeless Quality. neering backgrounds, but they’re not necessary. Students from The OSU Institute of Technology School of Watchmaking is all sorts of academic among the leading watchmaking degree programs in the world. backgrounds are Join an elite caliber of luxury watchmakers backed by eligible. the exclusive Rolex brand.

The most unusual prerequisite: be an upstanding U.S. citizen with the ability to Find out more at osuit.edu/watchmaking. obtain a Top Secret clearance. The most and they’re very good at them. Other graduates have joined the CIA, FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

In 2001, the NSA awarded a grant to TU. It was accompanied by a short statement, something along the lines of “Go train some cyber warriors.” TU did. Since 2003, TU has placed more than 150 graduates at the NSA. Fifteen

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energy management Oklahoma City University’s Master of Science in Energy Management is so new it’s still only a proof of concept. Launched in 2012, the program grew organically out of conversations between Steve Agee, Dean of the Meinders School of Business, and Oklahoma City’s leaders in the energy industry. A large pool of specialized talents to draw from is a necessity for success in the field. But competitive companies want to see business acumen showing up in the skill sets of more employees, regardless of their specialties.

“Over the years, energy companies approached me and explained that they’ve got professionals such as engineers and geologists on hand that are great at what they do but need to shore up their business skills. That kind of knowledge just isn’t available in the programs they typically graduate from,” says Agee.

He and his and colleagues answered the problem with an intense, two-year program explicitly geared toward educating scientists and other specialists on the ins and outs of running an energy business. Custom-made for working students, courses are offered one night a week in nine-week cycles. It’s is the only program of its kind in the nation offered at a business school and the only one of its kind accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen.

“My world changed when I was promoted from senior landman to supervisor last year.

My responsibilities as a supervisor demanded an entirely different skill set, and thankfully, I’d been cultivating it every Tuesday night in classroom 117,” says Linsey Miles, a professional landman at Devon Energy, “What could have otherwise been an overwhelming and difficult transition was quite smooth. My successful transition is more than partially attributable to the program.”

The school smartly leverages one quality no other school can offer: location. With its tight concentration of leading energy companies,

PHOTO BY NATALIE GREEN.

Spartan School of aeronautics students work on a prop plane. The school has trained students in flying and maintenance of aircraft since 1928.

important prerequisite: a fearless and relentless drive to learn.

Dream internships are available. Students don’t make the cut if they’re not willing to train side by side with experienced agents in the intelligence biz. The United States Secret Service probably looks pretty good on a resume. A group of students recently scored national headlines after working with Tulsa police to crack a triple homicide.

It’s an incredibly demanding program, but graduates don’t have to worry about future employment. There’s a line of intelligence agencies waiting to recruit them.

And intelligence skills will never go out of vogue.

Most of all, they are helping keep America safe and secure.

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RISE. Schedule your campus visit today!

okcu.edu 800-633-7242

AD21313 - Oklahoma City University pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons.

a student of TU’s Cyber Corps works on a project

mechanical and aerospace engineering Oklahoma State University’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers the only graduate program in the nation with a program specific to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – also known as drones. The program, spun up in 2011, is too new to be ranked, but it has several features that put it far in front of its competitors.

“Our purpose here has always been handson. This works to our strengths because with unmanned aircraft there’s only one question that needs answering: can you do something nobody’s done before? It’s not good enough to do something on paper. It’s got to fly,” says Dr. Jamey Jacobs, professor of Aerospace and Engineering. “Our students have the chance to create, design, build and test their vehicles from scratch. That’s not found in a lot of other programs.”

Almost all of the program’s competitors focus on pilot training. UAS pilots get trained at OSU, but they’re expected to know more than just how to fly a drone. They’re expected to know how to make the drone work – regardless of its end function.

The program was a natural outgrowth of the research done by professors and students over the last two decades. Unmanned drones were on the school’s radar long before they

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instance, a three-hour theory class.

One is taught in the aircraft and the other in the classroom using a traditional, instructor-led approach. There’s very little tie between the flight instructor and the theory instructor,” says Ryan Goertzen, vice president of Education at Spartan.

To bridge the gap between theory and practice, Spartan uses 12 different teaching modalities, including online lessons and a variety of simulations.

The average student spends only one hour in the classroom each day. What they learn there is translated directly into a flight plan for use later in the day. Instructors closely monitor flight performance to make sure the lessons make it directly from the classroom to the cockpit. For the student, this means less failure, less repeat training and a higher firsttime pass rate for Federal Aviation Administration testing.

The curriculum includes all the fundamentals of pilot training and more. Potential pilots learn how to take the stick, but not before they learn the ins and outs of FAA regulations, meteorology, navigation, communication and aerodynamics. With these topics under their belts, students take to the air three times a week to earn the minimum 350 flight hours needed for graduation.

Students train on dual runways owned by the schools. It also maintains a fleet of 50 aircraft, something that can’t be found in other programs. Spartan keeps single and multi engine planes fueled and parked on the runway.

Before training with planes, students rack up time in two cutting-edge simulators.

Spartan’s been training pilots since 1928.

More than 100,000 pilots have graduated from the program. At the time of its founding, it was also an aircraft manufacturer. It was the birth place of the first side-by-side flight trainer, as well. Those innovations are expressions of the school’s desire to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the challenges future pilots will face.

Spartan’s pilot training program is the most comprehensive in the industry. With its large fleet, pilots can train on the widest available array of planes. The school is certified by everybody and anybody that matters, meaning pilots won’t have to go through additional training right after graduation.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

Oklahoma City is home to one of the largest collection of energy experts in the United States. Agee pulls from that collection for instructors with a laser-like focus on application. The professorial bullpen also holds academics with an average of more than a decade of real-world experience. Agee and his colleagues are no slouches, either. Before going into academics, he accumulated 24 years in the business as the president and CEO of a local oil and gas company.

Students can look forward to an impressive lineup of guest speakers including top government and regulatory officials, industry professionals, veteran executives and business owners. Devon Energy’s CEO, John Richels. Access Midstream Partners’ J. Mike Stice. They’ve all stopped by the school with more than a few tips for students, and they’ll be making more appearances in the future.

became widely deployed in combat. In the 1990s, professors started teaching students how to use drones to test larger aircraft designs. It’s less expensive, more convenient and far less dangerous.

About 30 students enter the program each year. After graduation, their opportunities aren’t limited to combat applications. The agricultural sector is looking at drones for cost-effective crop-dusting. Their miniature scale makes them ideal for geological surveys.

If something needs to be airborne, drones are always the better way to do it. Weight’s the only limit. Most students find themselves in the Air Force or at aerospace companies such as Boeing. A few take positions with smaller companies where it’s convention for engineers to construct drones from scratch.

It’s engineering. Students will spend a lot of time in classrooms. But they’re also frequently found out in the field, testing their inventions at OSU’s UAS airfield or at the school’s University Multispectral Laboratories in Fort Sill.

aviation Flight Oklahoma and flight go together like peanut butter and jelly. Tulsa’s Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology offers an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Aviation Flight that puts pilots in the cockpit faster than any other program in Oklahoma. It also employs an unconventional but highly successful teaching approach that removes the traditional separation of the classroom and the cockpit.

“Traditionally, a student in a flight program takes a flight class that’s associated with, for

PaUl FaiRChilD

228

Degree & CertifiCate options Yes, that really says 228 options.

Tulsa Community College has a program of study to meet almost any career interest. Choose TCC to prepare for careers in high demand fields like nursing, allied health, engineering, information technology, computer information systems, veterinary technology and many others.

now enrolling. Classes begin August 19, 2013.

To schedule a campus tour call 918.595.7834 or visit tulsacc.edu

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Standardized testing in Oklahoma schools is always evolving.

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hey are some of the indelible images of youth for generations of Americans educated in public schools: sharpened-but-not-toosharp No. 2 pencils, “bubbling” score cards and long, mysterious booklets filled with daunting questions. Standardized tests are as much a part of the school experience as Homecoming and mysterymeat lunches. Oklahoma is no different, and in recent years the Sooner State has adopted an evolving program of standardized testing aimed at measuring student proficiency and progress. However, testing today is different than in decades past – and it is continuing to evolve.

“There is no national testing like there used to be,” says Dr. Maridyth McBee, Oklahoma’s assistant superintendent for Accountability and Assessment. She adds that although some school districts might utilize standardized tests available nationwide, they are individual district decisions. “The companies still sell those tests; they just aren’t used statewide.”

Instead of old-time standbys like the Stanford Achievement Test, Oklahoma employs the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests (OCCT) for students in elementary and middle school.

For the OCCT, Reading and Math tests are administered in Grades 3-8; Science, Social Studies, and Writing are given in Grade 5; Geography is given in Grade 7; and Science, U.S. History and Writing are given in Grade 8.

“An education reform bill in the mid1990s established the testing requirements,” McBee says.

According to the Oklahoma State Testing Program (OSTP), two variations of the test are available for students that meet certain requirements and criteria.

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High school students’ progress is measured in the other primary round of standardized testing in Oklahoma.

ACE English II, ACE English III, ACE Algebra I, ACE Algebra II, ACE Geometry, ACE Biology I, and ACE U.S. History are given as End-of-Instruction (EOI) tests in high school.

“There are also comparable tests for students in special education,” McBee says.

Available evidence demonstrates that student achievement is improving, according to McBee. “Every time we give the tests, a certain number of students score proficient or advanced and that number goes up every year except for those years when the standards are changed. You can’t compare some of the original tests with those today because the standards have been raised,” she says.

McBee also cites results from the ACT, the most common test in Oklahoma for students seeking college admission.

“We’ve been looking at ACT scores and they are trending upward,” McBee adds.

“The

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improvement isn’t dramatic in all subgroups.

Native American student scores are up quite a lot, for example. We think we can validate the testing because of these scores.”

While McBee says that there is no movement to adopt additional tests, change is coming in the evaluation of student progress and

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their classroom experiences. In the near future, student scores will be contextualized through a process still in development, to reflect the fact that, as McBee says, “Not all students come to school as prepared as others.”

Additionally, teacher/leader evaluations are on the horizon, in addition to test-score based evaluation.

“Down the road, Oklahoma is going to have teacher/leader evaluations made by

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various criteria,” McBee says. “This will include personal evaluations by their supervisors.

Test scores will be looked at, too; not the raw scores, but rather the value-added scores that take other factors into consideration.”

The coming new evaluation process is dictated by legislative requirement – and McBee points out that other states are also moving in the same direction. Implementing the process remains underway as education leaders identify ways to quantify factors that can impact test scores. “We requested a delay of full implementation until we are able to find ways to include all academic measures,” McBee says.

Classroom and teacher evaluation is one of the several controversial aspects related

to monitoring the effectiveness of Oklahoma schools. Generally, labor unions representing educators push back against using standardized test data to evaluate individual or groups of teachers. McBee says she is aware of this and that she tries to communicate with teachers so that they understand test scores will be evaluated in context and not in a uniform fashion.

Still, McBee says, “Until everyone is able to internalize how we are going to progress, I think there will be some consternation.”

Another controversial aspect of mandatory standardized testing is many educators’ claims that it forces teachers to “teach to the test,” instead of a broader, more nuanced approach. McBee, however, says that perspective does not reflect what the state’s testing program actually requires of students. “’Teaching to the test’ is just not the case,” she says. “The tests don’t just ask for facts.

Students are asked to evaluate facts and to come to conclusions. They are application based. They don’t require students to just know a lot of straight facts.”

McBee believes overall that standardized testing helps ensure that students in all regions, in often very different communities and from different economic backgrounds are provided the same opportunities.

“Having been in education for quite a while, I was around when there was no testing,” McBee says. “I saw disparity in classrooms. Schools with a great deal of poverty were vastly inferior to those that did not.

Being able to test all students, to see where they start off at, where we need to work and perform better, is progress. It concerned me that not every student was having the same experience and opportunity.

“I strongly believe that standardized testing in Oklahoma serves a very good purpose,” McBee adds.

For more information on standardized tests in Oklahoma, visit the state Department of Education website, www. ok.gov/sde. miChael W. SaSSeR

Ed. note: Oklahoma Magazine requested comment from the Oklahoma Education Association, Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma City Public Schools and Broken Arrow Public Schools representatives. At press time, officials were unavailable for comment.

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The Master Plan

Demystify the college search process.

M

ost of us have a picture of how it will work. First, determine your life’s passion, then get accepted to the perfect college, graduate in four years and finally, score that perfect job and live happily ever after.

That ideal scenario is often unrealistic and creates massive amounts of pressure, leaving high school students totally overwhelmed, says Marty O’Connell, executive director of Colleges that Change Lives, a nonprofit group dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process.

The true goal of your college years is to gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s jobs and those in future industries.

“We are no longer in a society where you get a degree, get a job and then retire in that job,” says Andy Roop, executive director of recruitment services with the University of Oklahoma. “You want a degree that can move with you.”

Successful college graduates come from a diverse background. They must be creative, critical thinkers and excellent communicators, shares O’Connell.

“This idea that you have to find the right college couldn’t be further from the truth,” says O’Connell. “There are probably several colleges that can help you achieve your goals.”

Focus instead on finding a good fit, a place where you can succeed, says Bruce Perkins,

dean of enrollment management at Oklahoma Baptist University.

“Motivation is a very strong factor in a student’s success,” explains Perkins. “If a student is in a place they want to be and where they feel they belong academically, economically, socially and spiritually it is quite conducive for success.”

Many students and their parents base their college search on national rankings. Yet,

numbers might seem.”

It’s also important to have a realistic and accurate view of your financial situation and the out of pocket costs involved.

“Be real about what you can do financially,” shares O’Connell. “Use real time financial information to help you accurately plan.”

“Take a hard look at those expenses you are responsible for and the payment plan options available so there are no surprises later,” offers Perkins. “ The federal Department of Education website offers a school-to-school comparison worksheet to help you fully understand the varying costs.

“This guide helps you compare apples to apples,” says Roop.

Once you have narrowed down your search to a few good options, take the time to visit the campus.

“There is only so much you can understand from a website or publication,” explains Perkins. “How many of us would buy a house sight unseen? It’s going to be for home for a few years so you need to get a true feel. You need to interact with the campus, the students and the teachers.”

“This idea that you have to find the right college couldn’t be further from the truth.”

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these rankings provide a limited picture, say Roop and O’Connell.

“Rankings shouldn’t be the only thing making your decision,” says Roop. “Use them as a guide.”

“Instead, rank colleges based on you and your needs,” advises O’Connell.

Another common misnomer is that size matters.

“Students think they have to go to a college bigger than their high school,” shares O’Connell. “Colleges tend to be very diverse with students from all around the world. A small school can feel very different than the

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Private Matters Choosing the correct private school for your child is vital in achieving the best education.

P

rivate schools offer a variety of environments, methodologies and philosophies. How do you choose which school will best meet your needs?

“We call it the gut response. You immediately feel at home, and you should honor that response,” says Liz Anderson, communications director at Tulsa’s Holland Hall School.

A few things that play into that gut response include a school’s particular mission, areas of emphasis, culture and the way a school fits a child’s individualized needs, goals and talents.

The Child Some find that one benefit of private school is a holistic approach to the development of a child guided by a philosophy that not all ability can be measured by tests.

“There are different types of intelligence,” says Anderson.

Considering the needs of an individual child is key in selecting a private school where he will thrive.

“Get the fit right, and your child will be happy,” says Robert Kennedy of Private School Review. “Other considerations are secondary.”

Some children need a very structured environment, while others students do best where they are given a lot of opportunity for independent study.

“They need to be around kids who have that same level or style of learning,” says Matt Vereecke, school director at Monte Cassino in Tulsa.

Capitalizing on a child’s gifts and passions is another component of private education.

It is important to find a school that will tease these out of a child.

“Does the school’s curriculum inspire your child?” is a critical question, says Anderson.

Kennedy says some of the top reasons for choosing to pursue private education are to find particular academic programs

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5

not available at a local public school or a strong sports program that will push a child’s talents.

“Some schools are labeled the art school or the athletic school,” Anderson says.

Other schools, like Holland Hall, require students to participate in a number of activities including sports, arts, theater and social service.

Mission And Philosophy Private schools often tout a comprehensive approach to education that goes beyond academics.

In addition to academic development, you are evaluating a social development program and moral development program says Vereecke.

“It’s very values-based education even if you aren’t at a religious school,” he says.

Anderson says it is important that the mission and philosophies of the school align with a family’s values. That is not to say that you should not go to a Catholic school if you are not Catholic.

Monte Cassino is founded on Benedictine values such as balance, simplicity of life, community and service. The core ideas, he says, are concepts that many people agree with and want, including the students from Jewish, Hindu and non-Christian backgrounds who attend his school.

Community and Culture “Education at its root is social,” says Vereecke.

Private schools are not made up of chil-

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Does the mission and philosophy of the school align with your family values?

Do you feel at home in the culture and climate of the school?

Is there a good fit with the child’s personality?

Does the school offer curriculum to build on the child’s talents and passions?

Who do you want your child to be at an adult?

dren who live in the same neighborhood. The community is built around academic, social and moral goals and priorities. It is important the community and culture are a good fit for the child and for the family.

In this atmosphere people have instant and natural connections, says Vereecke. Get to know some parents and students, he says.

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Going Places if these 2013 graduates from Oklahoma high schools are any indication, the state’s future will be very bright.

By Beth Weese Photography by Dan morgan

Angela Chang Jenks High School Attending: University of Oklahoma Intended major: Undecided A realist with a passion for writing, Chang’s dream is to divide her time between science and the arts so she can have a better chance at a successful future. However, she has not quite decided which she wants to pursue as a career.

She credits her mother for giving her the space and encouragement to explore as long as she left time for education.

“I work hard in order to secure a better future for her as well as myself,” Chang says. “Her very presence, essentially, is my motivation.” Chang does volunteer work through Key Club, participated in the History-International Club and also does some filmmaking. For now, writing is just a hobby, but a very valuable one.

“The years I spent discovering various writing styles were also the years that I learned the most about myself,” Chang says.

While at college, she hopes to learn Chinese more fluently so she will be able to study abroad in Taiwan, where she was born.

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Adelson’s interest in neuroscience stems from her grandmother’s struggle with ALS, which she died of in 2011. She remembers her grandmother being strong and loving despite her loss of speech and limited mobility. “Her incredible strength and optimism have inspired me to live my life in the same light that she did,” Adelson says. Though she isn’t quite positive neuroscience is what she wants to study, she is sure where she wants to end up. “I love New York City, so I’d like to base my career out of there,” she says. Adelson says what makes her stand out is her ability to balance academics, arts and athletics. In addition to doing independent study through The University of Tulsa, she participates in field hockey and track. Her hard work is paying off, too – she made it onto the Cornell track team after only two years of high school track. In her downtime, she enjoys socializing, traveling, solving puzzles, reading and cooking.

She says the best advice she has received is, “Don’t look to others for happiness; find it within yourself.” While at Cornell, she hopes to get a good education, learn more about herself and have some fun.

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Caroline Adelson Holland Hall School Attending: Cornell University Intended major: Neuroscience or psychology

“I knew RSU’s medical/molecular biology degree was the right path to prepare me for pharmacy school. RSU also provides me the opportunity to be active on campus. I’ve taken a leadership role for a number of campus organizations, where I’ve served as social chair for the honors program, chaired the Campus Activities Team ‘Big Week’ and even won homecoming king this year. RSU has been a great fit for me.”

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Jade Rodriguez thomas edison preparatory high School Attending: university of oklahoma Intended major: Microbiology, minor in political science

Josh Votruba union high School Attending: holy trinity Seminary at the university of Dallas Intended major: philosophy and theology

a born leader (and now certified national Student leader), rodriguez has managed to keep busy. as a senior at edison, she served as Student council president, oaSc District 7 president, co-owner of the nonprofit becca’s closet and varsity cheer captain. She is also involved in several other organizations and still finds time to read, run and spend time with her friends. Someday, she wants to be an oncologist and state-elected official. her career goals are ambitious, but if her record so far is any indication, she will accomplish them. “i have learned to face and overcome challenges that are thrown my way,” she says. “i have the ability to always persevere and keep working towards my goals.”

She became passionate for oklahoma government through paging for the State Senate and participating in girls State, where she was elected lieutenant governor. rodriguez says if she could trade places with someone for a day, it would be one of the top philanthropists in the country so she can experience the joy of helping a great number of people. She says the best advice she has received is, “not to stress about the little things and let god handle it.”

Votruba is following the plan of a higher power. he says the best advice he has received is, “Do not seek your own ambitions. instead, listen to god, and follow his plan for you because true happiness only comes from god.”

Votruba is doing just that. he plans on becoming a catholic priest so he can live a life dedicated to community service. he says father Joe townsend has been the biggest influence in his life because of the cheerful role he plays in everyone’s live. his biggest achievement is developing friendships that have grown into a family-type bond. he hopes to make more friends at college that will allow him to grow in his faith. at union, Votruba participated in cross country, track, church of St. benedict’s Youth group, Dead theologians Society and frassati club, and he played the bassoon. he says if he could switch lives with anyone for a day it would be pope francis so he could experience the busy, holy life that he has.

Lauren Grace Thomas Metro christian academy Attending: the university of tulsa Intended major: biomedical engineering biomedical engineering sounds very intense, but it does not reflect thomas’ attitude toward life. She was told to not take life too seriously, and she is doing her best to follow that advice. She works hard to be successful in academics, even earning the title of valedictorian. “i love my high school, and to get to speak my vision for the class of 2013 was a huge accomplishment for me,” thomas says. however, she does save some time to spend with friends and family at the lake or playing sports. thomas is not one to take the opportunities in her life for granted. if given the chance to trade lives with one person for a day, she says she would trade with someone living in complete poverty. “it would be a great way to learn how to appreciate everything i have and all the incredible opportunities i have been given,” she says.

She says the biggest influence in her life has been her mother, who she says is a “true, godly role model.”

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Lota Ezenwa bishop kelley high School Attending: Dartmouth college Intended major: Mathematics, minor in economics ezenwa loves to learn, and it extends beyond the classroom. he studies in his free time for subjects he is not enrolled in. “i feel that i place a greater emphasis on learning, understanding, applying and remembering the concepts taught in class as opposed to worrying about my grades,” he says. he believes if you truly understand a subject, the good grades will come naturally. his life goal is to work on Wall Street as an investment banker. at bishop kelley, he participated in academic bowl, football, wrestling, robotics club, speech and debate, comet ambassadors and link crew. he also enjoys playing the saxophone and piano. “after a long day of learning new things, it’s nice to experience the manifestation of practice, dedication and hard work,” he says. he is ready to apply those skills when he goes off to college as well. he looks forward to testing his ability to adapt. Who would he want to trade lives with for a day?

“You, reading this, right now, because all of our stories are unique and are just as beautiful as the next person’s,” says ezenwa.

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Summer, a Holland Hall eighth grader, is on a competitive power tumbling team. In talking with her teammates who attend larger schools, she’s come to value the closeness of her smaller school family.

“It’s hard to explain, but you just get to know people so well,” Summer says. “Older kids, younger kids, parents … it’s really one big community. When new people come, kids always come up and talk to them. It’s not awkward.

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Olivia Panchal heritage hall Attending: university of Southern california Intended major: biology “You are no more special that anyone else.

You might be brighter or more accomplished than others, but it’s what you do with those skills that will make you special.” panchal says that is the best advice she has been given, and she’s doing what she can to make herself stand out, with a bit of encouragement from her parents. “they are always encouraging me, but also challenging me to set higher, more ambitious goals for myself.” panchal plans on pursuing a medical degree, as her father did, but she says it was the independent study she did on cardiac disease that made her desire a career in medicine. She wants to be a surgeon and use her skills to help others, possibly through Doctors Without borders. She says her biggest achievement is getting a full ride to uSc. She is relieved she will be debt-free, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t get stressed from time to time. “i would trade places with 5-year-old me, so i could remember what it was like to have no worries,” says panchal.

Rachel Stromberg booker t. Washington high School Attending: harvard university Intended major: undecided it may not sound flattering, but when Stromberg hears herself referred to as a “troll” in the hallways, she welcomes it. “[it] is an ironic booker t. colloquialism that expresses respect and admiration for my intellect, good humor and work ethic,” she explains. She plans on putting those qualities to good use as she pursues a career writing for television comedies. “i’ve always loved telling stories and making people laugh, and over the last few years i have been fortunate enough to have several of my short screenplays and stage plays produced,” Stromberg says. “those experiences really solidified my desire to use words to engage and amuse audiences.”

She says her biggest accomplishment is completing the 2013 oklahoma city Memorial half-Marathon. Stromberg began running to get healthy. “finishing this half-marathon underscored how far i have come,” she says.

Alyssa Rudelis oklahoma School of Science and Mathmatics Attending: Stanford university Intended major: physics

Rachel Lynn Burchett u.S. grant high School Attending: university of oklahoma Intended major: undecided

rudelis’ passion for physics is her driving force. She has excelled during her time at oSSM, thriving under the challenging curriculum. She raves about the benefits of the school, defending it tirelessly in the face of severe budget cuts. over the last year, she spent her time researching muon-catalyzed fusion with one of her professors. She earned the 2013 Dr. arne troelstra award for physics, an annual award that is given to one oSSM senior. She is the first female recipient. because of her parents and “bill nye the Science guy,” she understood the value of science from an early age. “it was always simply a part of life, and i didn’t discover my personal love and enjoyment of physics specifically until i completed my first science fair in middle school,” says rudelis. “i felt, for the first time, the joy of being able to discover knowledge about the world.”

She makes a point not to limit her world to just physics, however. She also enjoys writing, dancing, public speaking, rowing and playing the violin. She believes being well rounded will make her a better person and someday a better physicist.

an unstable home life made high school challenging for burchett, but she excelled despite it all, earning her place as valedictorian of her class. now she wants to spend her life helping others with their struggles. “all my life, the thing that gives me the most happiness is seeing someone else being happy as well,” she says. She hasn’t chosen a major yet, but she is considering counseling as a career option. She says if she could trade places with one person for a day it would be her counselor, Mrs. hill, a woman who is able to keep her cool no matter how crazy life gets. “i would like to see if i could play the part of ‘Superwoman’ as well as she can, because that would be the ultimate accomplishment for me,” burchett says. in 10 years, she hopes to have a home filled with family, and in 20 years, she hopes she can send her children to college. Most of all, she wants a struggle- and stress-free life that will make up for having to take on so much responsibility at a young age. “i know it is my will to press on no matter what the circumstance is or what obstacles stand in my way that makes me stand out,” says burchett.

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013 In the class of 99 students, 40 were named Oklahoma Academic Scholars; 17% were recognized by National Merit Scholarship Corporation; 12 senior athletes received All State honors; 9 will play sports at the college level; class members performed more than 10,000 community service hours in four years.

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Ryan Jones bishop Mcguinness catholic high Attending: university of oklahoma Intended major: undecided

Tia Le broken arrow Senior high School Attending: university of oklahoma Intended major: undecided

Jones is involved in many things, but he says he is best known for his deep voice.

While that may be true, surely it is just because his classmates can’t keep up with everything he does. he is a volunteer: vacation bible school, mission trip to peru, feed the poor, altar Server, Make-a-Wish and the oklahoma city public Schools foundation. he is a member: film club, caMino club, clancy club. he is a teammate: football, track and field and cross country. he is a leader: Student council homeroom representative and kairoS Spiritual retreat leader. in what free time he does have, he enjoys running and reading. While he hasn’t decided what he wants to do, he believes a business degree may be a good foundation for whatever he may decide down the road. he says his parents have been the biggest influence in his life. “every day, they tell me never to give up and that hard work will always pay off in the end,” he says. if he could trade places with anyone, Jones says it would be bill gates, just to see what he would do with that money in a day.

With a nickname like “overachiever,” you would expect le to be bright, involved and ambitious – and you would be right. She is an accomplished musician who plays the piano and violin; she even earned a spot in the 2012 all State orchestra. at ba high School, she was also a member of environmental club, jazz band and future Medical professionals. le does, in fact, want to be a medical professional someday.

“My constant struggle with acne for years has inspired me to pursue a career in dermatology,” she says. “knowing firsthand how scarring acne can be, i would love the satisfaction of being able to help someone conquer their skin problems and smile again.” le is also a film lover. She says if she could trade lives with anyone for a day, it would be christopher nolan. “i would just love to get a glimpse of his intricate thought process,” she explains. She says her biggest accomplishment was getting accepted to her top two colleges, ucla and berkeley. it is easy to see that le is a talented individual, but this may be best expressed by what one classmate wrote in her yearbook: “You’ve got mad skills, so go forth – do amazing things. if you don’t, who will?”

Abby Gore riverfield country Day School Attending: colorado college Intended major: psychology and neuroscience following in the footsteps of her mother and aunt, gore wants to pursue a career in psychology. She is taking it a step further, though, with career plans to work as a clinical neuropsychologist, helping patients recovering from stroke-related brain damage. gore believes learning how to deal with her dyslexia and dysgraphia has afforded her opportunities she would not have had otherwise. now a bookworm and self-proclaimed anglophile, she has developed an interest in english history, and she says would trade places with Jane austen for the day if given the chance.

“She is one of my favorite authors, and i would love to see the world in which she lived,” says gore. her love for adventure led her to spend three weeks in india for charity work. in her free time, she enjoys playing piano, horseback riding – she is a barrel racer – and reading. She says the best advice she has ever received is to avoid looking back so she can enjoy the present. She is currently looking toward the future – a future of meeting new people and pursuing her degree in colorado.

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Abrm McQuarters cascia hall preparatory School Attending: Dartmouth college Intended major: economics football plays a large role in abrm Mcquarters’ life. having played for the cascia hall commandos, he’s now prepping to play the sport in the big leagues, or ivy leagues, to be exact, as part of the Dartmouth football team. if he could trade places with anyone for one day, McQuarters says, “i would trade places with one of my football coaches so i could make them run as much as i do.” his goal in life is to enter the ministry, and in 20 years he would like to lead his own church. “i love god and i love people,” he says. “i want to share what i believe is the truth with as many people as i can so they can experience the joy in life that i have.” he cites his father as the biggest influence in his life. “he’s taught me everything i know, from sports to the classroom to how to treat people. i really try to model myself after him,” he says. the first person in his family to be accepted to an ivy league school, McQuarters feels he has already accomplished quite a bit. “i hope to get a degree and to have as much of an impact [at Dartmouth] as i did while i was in high school,” he says.

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Brown Mackie College is a system of over 25 schools. See BMCprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info. © 2013 Brown Mackie College 3147 Accredited Member, ACICS Licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools (OBPVS), 3700 North Classen Boulevard, Suite 250, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Telephone: 405.528.3370.

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THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE THROUGH CHRIST

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013 Prepared to go into the world, equipped to change it.

At Metro Christian Academy, we believe excellence is measured not only by academics, but also by character. Accredited education. Christian principles. College preparation.

Promising futures. We’re Metro Christian Academy.

SENIOR HIGHLIGHTS • Average ACT Score of 25.6 • Two National Merit Finalists & One Commended Scholar • 29 Oklahoma Academic Scholars

• Over $8 Million in Scholarships • State Champions or State Runners-up in Boys Cross Awarded • Performed over 10,900 Hours of Country, Girls Tennis, Cheer, Girls Track & Field and Swim Service to the Community • Six AP Art Students Received • Two Academic State the State Superintendent Championships Award for Excellence in Art

METRO CHRISTIAN www.MetroCA.com • 918-745-9868

Now Enrolling 7th – 12 Grade Students. Call for information.

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Special Advertising Section

the professionals RESTORATIVE & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

PHD LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

I have heard that at-home teeth whitening systems can be bad for your teeth. Is that true, and if so, what can I do to get whiter teeth?

What is the association among depression, stress, nutrition and lifestyle?

Doing at-home teeth whitening can have damaging effects on your tooth enamel. Many people do not follow the directions fully, or have sensitive Bert Johnson, teeth, and experience pain and sensiD.D.S. tivity after whitening. A preventative solution for whiter teeth is to avoid things that stain your teeth like coffee, tea and berries. If you want to have your teeth whitened, we suggest coming in for professional whitening. Our professional whitening is a simple process and is much safer on enamel. It can even last as long as five years.

Bert Johnson, D.D.S. 4715 e. 91st St. Tulsa, Ok 74137 918.744.1255 www.cosmeticdentistintulsa.com

Depression causes myriad difficult human emotions often characterized as a feeling of helplessness or hopelessness. Depression accelerates the aging process, increasing the likelihood of Courtney Linsen- one developing heart disease, diabetes, meyer-O’Brien, cancers, osteoporosis, alcoholism, drug PhD, LPC, MHR addictions, dementia, autoimmune diseases and a weakened immune system. Research in exercise physiology consistently demonstrates that exercise is beneficial to those suffering from depression. Additionally, many of the neurotransmitters involved with feel-good hormones, such as serotonin, nor-epinephrine and dopamine, are controlled by food.

Ninety percent of one’s serotonin is found in the intestines, and an unhealthy diet leads to a dirty colon and less happy hormones. Often, as those who are being medicated due to depression, as exercise and healthy eating habits are taken as a lifestyle, there is often a reduction in medications.

The research on the positive effects on depression related to balancing mental and physical health should not be ignored on one’s journey to healing.

Courtney linsenmeyer-O’Brien, PhD, lPC, mhR 1723 e. 15th St., Suite 250 Tulsa, Ok 74104 918.639.0570 www.drcourtneyobrien.com drobrien@drcourtneyobrien.com

PERSONAL TRAINER I’m happy with my weight; can I change my diet now?

Yes, you can now start moving towards your maintenance phase, which will help you stay at your target weight. Start allowing yourself 100 more calories a day until you stop losing weight. For example, if John Jackson your caloric intake was 1,500 a day while you were in your slim-down phase, you should increase it to 1,600 a day for the next week. As long as your weight stays the same, continue with the same amount of calories. You will also need to stick with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (jogging, zumba, spin) five days a week. Moreover, if you are fit enough to participate, do 30 minutes of vigorous exercise like basketball, tennis or BOOTCAMP offered at St. John’s Health Plaza. Ballistic exercise should not be done more than three times a week and rarely in back-to-back workouts.

John Jackson Personal Trainer St. John Siegfried health Club 1819 e. 19th St. Tulsa, Ok 74104 918.902.4028 jljackson70@hotmail.com

VETERINARIAN

PR & MARKETING CONSULTANT

PHYSICAL THERAPY

I have a dog that typically is outside during the day and enjoys it. Is it safe to keep him outside during the August heat?

Why should I be shifting more of my budget to content marketing, and what does my audience want to see?

When my son dove for second base playing baseball, he hyperextended his thumb. His doctor called this skier’s thumb. Why?

There are steps you can take to make sure your dog is safe and comfortable.

First, have plenty of water – several bowls if necessary. You may want to Dr. Rodney Robards include a bowl with frozen water that can melt throughout the day. Make sure there is a shady area to rest. A big plastic pool and/or sprinklers are also great additions and fun for pets.

Know the signs of a heat stroke.

• Panting • Pet appears disoriented • Pet collapses and gums appear bright red or blue

In the past, creating a catchy jingle or clever commercial would be enough to sell your product. Today, content is king and your prospects are Jessica Dyer seeking advice online and on social media sites. This alone is why content marketing is so crucial to your brand, and the reason why marketers should spend close to 25 percent of their resources on it. The 3 R’s for good content? Real.

Relevant. Resource. For your potential customers to care, you have to say something worth hearing. Be informative when you update your websites, positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Attract and engage your readers with persuasive headlines and conversation-centered communications. Interesting content is one of the reasons people follow brands to begin with.

It is important to note that being concise is as important as being informative. Include infographics and data, and use search engine optimization tools like InboundWriter. Having great photos can be the biggest bang for your buck, because a picture is still worth a thousand words.

If you believe your pet is having a heat stroke, apply cool tap water, not ice. Wrap the dog in a wet towel and take the pet to your veterinarian.

Rodney Robards, DVm Southern hills Veterinary hospital 2242 e. 56th Pl. Tulsa, Ok 74105 918.747.1311 www.southernhillsvet.com

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Oklahoma Magazine | August 2013

Jessica Dyer emerge marketing & PR 11063-D S. memorial Dr. #445 918.925.9945 Jdyer@emergempr.com www.facebook.com/emergePR

Skier’s thumb originally gained its name due to the injury that occurs when falling on hard snow with a ski pole in hand, which hyperextends the Shelly Walentiny, thumb. However, this injury can occur OTR/L, CHT with a simple fall on an outstretched hand during any activity, including baseball. The ulnar collateral ligament is at the base of the thumb in the web space and maintains the stability of the thumb. Symptoms associated with this problem include pain, swelling, instability and weakness with pinching. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgical intervention may be required. If the ligament is intact but sprained, then Occupational Therapy performed by a hand specialist is often necessary and beneficial to recovery. If the individual requires surgery, they are often seen post-op to rehabilitate the thumb.

Shelly Walentiny, OTR/l, ChT excel Therapy Specialists 918.398.7400 www.exceltherapyok.com Views expressed in the Professionals do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Co. or its affiliates.

Special Advertising Section

To be included in the Professionals, call 918.744.6205.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

HOSPICE CARE

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

The back of my hands look at least 10 years older than they should. What options are there to restore fullness and firmness?

My grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease, and her health has been declining recently. My parents have been discussing hospice care, but we really don’t know if he is ready for that, and we are worried it will look like we are giving up. Do you have any advice?

My children have left home to pursue their own lives. I know this is normal, and expected, but I just can’t seem to function. I have empty nest syndrome and I don’t know how to get over it.

We use a highly effective treatment combining IPL (intense pulse light) therapy and filler. The filler is administered using a cannula instead Malissa Spacek of a needle. This delivery system ensures an even distribution of filler throughout the surface to “plump” the back of the hands and less bruising versus using a needle. The laser is used to treat age spots and other skin discolorations and to tighten the skin. The combination of these treatments results in returning “aging” hands to a more youthful appearance.

Dr. James R. Campbell D.O. and malissa Spacek, Founder Ba med Spa & Weight loss Center 500 South elm Place Broken arrow, Oklahoma 74012 918.872.9999 www.baweightspa.com

Ava Hancock

First, let me assure you that pursuing hospice care certainly does not mean you are giving up on your loved one. It simply means you are refocusing the care, as hospice focuses on caring for a patient instead of curing. My advice, is to first meet with your grandmother’s physician to discuss her care, prognosis and level of comfort. If the physician determines that there is no cure, then our hospice team works together on medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support for you, your grandmother and your family. One of our trained staff members would be happy to meet with your family to answer any questions.

Please contact Grace Hospice at 918.744.7223 for further information.

ava hancock executive Director grace hospice of Oklahoma 6400 South lewis, Suite 1000 Tulsa, Ok 74136 918.744.7223 www.gracehospice.com

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE

MEN’S STYLE CONSULTANT

Now that the kids are back in school, I’m noticing all the little handprints on nearly every window in the house! What is the best way to clean windows without streaks?

How can I dress like a CEO with a low-dollar budget?

Windows can be hard to keep clean, but a few simple tips can make it easier to get it done. Using paper towels can leave fuzz on the windows, so a great way to quickly clean windows and not leave residue is to use a squeegee. You can clean a large surface area with one swipe, and it will leave your windows shining. I suggest a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Just be sure not to use too much cleaning solution, or it could leave streaks.

Amy Bates

amy Bates merry maids 5656 S. mingo Road Tulsa, Ok 74146 918.250.7318 www.merrymaids.com

First of all, know that you can look like you spent a lot by spending very little. There are too many men out there who have fallen into the trap of paying thousands of dollars for one suit. Now men feel as if that is the Autumn Pohl unreachable standard. Fortunately, with the help of a personal style consultant, you can prevent yourself from overindulging and overpaying. High prices do not always equal high quality. My number one rule, for whatever suit you chose, is choose the fit that makes you look as if it was made for your body. Taking your wardrobe to the tailor to achieve that fit is the best thing you can do for yourself, plus it’s inexpensive in comparison to buying designer. Your perfectly tailored suit will get much more attention and credibility from the boss than any high-priced suit made for the masses. The right fit and confidence will put you at the top, right where you need to be!.

autumn Pohl independent Style Consultant J.hilburn men’s Clothier 918.407.4024 www.autumnpohl.jhilburn.com autumn.pohl@jhilburnpartner.com

This is a very common problem among those who were able to stay at home to care for their children.

Usually this parent starts to identify themselves as the role instead of an individual who is providing that role. You never stop being a parent, you just change how you function in that role.

Your children will always need their parents, but instead of that need being to feed, clothe, transport etc., the role is more as confidant, adviser, support, guidance, friend. Remember what you enjoyed before you had children, or pick up a new hobby. Take pride in the parenting you provided through the success and happiness of your children. If you are extremely stuck, therapy may be able to assist you in changing your perspective, your internal dialogue, so that you have increased motivation to engage in activities and enjoy the proverbial fruits of your labor.

Amy Kesner, PhD, LPC, LADC

amy kesner all Things Psychological 5500 S. lewis, Suite 5505 Tulsa, Ok 74105 918.691.2226 www.amykesner.com dramykesner@gmail.com

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Esther M. Sanders

I was hurt in a wreck when another driver pulled out in front of me. I started seeing a doctor for treatment, but now I received a certified letter that has a copy of the bill and a lien for his services. Is it necessary for the doctor to file a lien against me?

The doctor has to file a lien to assure that he will be paid when the insurance company or at-fault party pay for your damages, if you are not paying your bill as treatment is received or through your own health insurance. The lien requires the insurance company to include the medical provider’s name on the check. The lien is only against the funds in your claim for damages, as opposed to a lien against your home or other property.

attorney at law Sanders & associates, P.C. 1015 S. Detroit ave.

Tulsa, Ok 74120 918.745.2000 Telephone 918.745.0575 Facsimile 800.745.2006 Toll Free August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste

FOOD, DRINK, AND OTHER PLEASURES grilled mahi mahi is served fresh at Bodean Restaurant & market.

Fresh Faces

Bodean, Tulsa’s gold standard for seafood, looks to the future while celebrating the past.

PHOTOS BY NATALIE GREEN.

M

ore than 40 years ago, in a long, low, slouching building, were a series of somnolent shops and two packed, dimly lit bars where cowboy hats and beehive hairdos were the norm. Next to one of those bars was a tiny restaurant and fish market, Bodean Restaurant & Market, staffed by a group of young men who went on to become the top chefs in Oklahoma.

Trevor Tack, a young man from Chickasha, has the glowing good looks of a matinee idol and the stunned bemusement of a man who suddenly finds himself in paradise. Already an experienced chef, he’s the new executive chef at Bodean. “I’m in heaven,” he exclaims. “I’m surrounded by the world’s best ingredients and people who love food.”

Every morning he walks through a glass door in a white, modern building – the new Bodean – just across the road from that nowdemolished mall. Past the lobby, with its ceiling of blown glass in the shape of waves and tank of colorful tropical fish meant to simulate

an undersea cavern, through the spacious, elegant dining room where platoons of waiters lay crisp, white tablecloths, into a vast and spotless kitchen, rows of disciplined sous-chefs set up their mise en place.

Just beyond is a heavy steel door that leads to the fish cutting room, where fresh, whole salmon, their eyes still glistening, await their fate. Beyond that, through a tiny portal, is the market. Long rows of display cases each hold scores of gleaming filets. “The fish is completely different from yesterday,” Tack marvels. “Just today we’ve got shipments from New Zealand, California, Alaska and Massachusetts,” confirms Kieron St. Ledger, the dapper New Yorker who is Bodean’s general manager.

The market is the heart of Bodean. Twice a day, every day of the year, flights arrive at Tulsa’s airport bearing fish caught only hours before. There’s an employee whose only job is to pick up that shipment and deliver it. If you’ve eaten at any of Tulsa’s better dining establishments, you’ve probably tasted that fish. Bodean supplies almost all of August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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VILLA RAVENNA The dining room is cool and pleasant, its wood-paneled walls a soft, aquatic green reminiscent of the sea that washes the shores of the owners’ home town of Ravenna, Italy. Look toward the ceiling and you’ll see a row of splashy exotic glass vases hand-blown in Murano, small islands near Venice. Each is one of a kind, the product of many hours of painstaking labor, made by skilled artisans using techniques handed down from generation to generation. Every dish served at Villa Ravenna is like that, too. “My grandparents owned a restaurant near Ravenna,” says Sergio Orioli, “and so we have been in business for three generations. We do the same thing the same way as many years ago.” The food here is not Italian-American, but Italian. The Fettucine al Nero di Seppia could be served in a beachside trattoria in Ravenna’s sun-kissed marina. Homemade pasta made with squid ink imported from Spain accents a vibrant mix of seafood and

BRian SChWaRTz Chef Trevor Tack has worked at several restaurants in the Tulsa area. he is excited to now head the kitchen at Bodean, which has produced some of the city’s most wellknown chefs in its four decades.

NATALIE GREEN

F AV E S

THE BUZZ

The Chicken Cacciatore at Villa Ravenna.

spice. For the less adventurous, the menu offers zesty versions of familiar dishes found throughout Italy: chicken cacciatore, spaghetti carbonara. But Villa Ravenna also, Orioli says with pride, “has items no one else in Oklahoma has.” These aren’t on the menu.

They are seasonal. Fresh figs topped with gorgonzola and prosciutto. Irresistibly tender osso buco made from wild boar. Aged venison filet in Grand Marnier sauce. Enormous grilled shrimp, each one half a pound. 6526 A E. 51st St., Tulsa. www.villaravenna.com – Brian Schwartz Seafood combo is given a gourmet twist at guernsey Park.

GUERNSEY PARK Tucked away behind a swath of local eateries along 23rd Street, Guernsey Park isn’t necessarily hidden, but a few wrong turns are de rigueur in finding this new gem. An Asian fusion restaurant helmed by local chef Vuong Nguyen, who trained under Chef Kurt Fleischfresser in The Coach House Apprenticeship Program, Guernsey Park marries the traditional flavors of Asian cuisine with accessible food: think Chinese five-spice chicken legs served with mashed potatoes and oxtail ravioli. Curry salmon, sauerkraut fried rice and seared scallops are popular menu items. Guernsey Park also offers traditional Asian dishes with a distinct, gourmet spin.

The Thit Kho Tau, a pork-and-egg dish that is traditionally braised in a caramel

BRENT FUCHS

Taste

them. “Bodean is a name synonymous with quality of fish,” says St. Ledger. But if you eat at Bodean, you get the best of the best. That’s why Tack is in the market now. Each day he visits the market and finds the best and brightest. “I hand-pick the best for the restaurant,” he says.

Though respectful of Bodean’s long and proud tradition, Tack is not paralyzed by it. “They didn’t hire me to stay the same,” he declares. “We’ve got an eye on the future. My cooking style is straightforward. Just give me the best ingredients possible, and I’ll let them speak for themselves. But you can’t pigeonhole my style because I’m still growing. I want to get better at everything.”

And the future? We might offer a few more land-based items, Tack says; make sure the wealth of the sea remains sustainable. We must keep abreast of changing times, he adds. “We intend to be relevant for a very long time.”

Meanwhile, as Tack takes over the kitchen, Taurus Faulkner, son of original owners Bob and Mary Faulkner, takes over the business. “As good as we were before,” says Mary Faulkner, “Taurus has brought so much more. I’m proud of how they are leading Bodean’s next generation.” She sounds energetic and confident, as well she should. “Our train track is laid down and well-traveled,” she says.

“No one is gonna stop that train.” 3376 E. 51st St., Tulsa. www.bodean.net

sauce and served with white rice, is given a modern makeover, the dish deconstructed and served with pickled vegetable garnish.

The flavors perfectly represent Guernsey Park: bright, unexpected and fearless.

2418 N. Guernsey Ave., Oklahoma City.

405.605.5272 – Jami Mattox

What do you want to eat?

Check out our online restaurant guide at www.okmag.com

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

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Palta Rellena Inca Trail

It’s not often that one gets to take a trip to Peru and enjoy the country’s culinary heritage without leaving the country, much less the state. That’s exactly what happens at Inca Trail, a Peruvian restaurant lauded in Oklahoma City for producing authentic cuisine. South American staples like ceviche and churrasco are plentiful, but no meal at Inca Trail should start without the palta relleno, an avocado stuffed with a salad of shredded chicken, corn, green peas and mayonnaise.

This Peruvian staple is hearty, refreshing and a perfect way to begin the Trail. 10948-A N. May Ave., Oklahoma City. www.incatrailokc.com

BRENT FUCHS

IT’S IN THE BAG

School bells will soon be ringing again, changing parents’ thoughts from what the kids do all day to what they will eat for lunch. While fewer kids are taking their lunches to school, there are definite advantages to it By packing a lunch, you can better control what your child is eating and the cost.

Coming up with creative lunches may be quite a challenge though, especially if you have a picky eater.

Also, since most schools only allow a short time to eat, children need foods that are appealing, filling and easy to handle.

One key to getting kids to eat their lunch instead of trashing it is to involve them in the process. If it seems there’s no time to do that, make time. It’s a fact that kids are more likely to eat what they help prepare.

Talking to them about their preferences and providing healthy options can make them feel involved and more likely to actually eat and enjoy their lunch.

Make lunch interesting by presenting their favorite foods in a new way. For example, instead of sending an ordinary peanut butter and jelly sandwich, wrap it up in a tortilla and then slice to make pinwheels.

Another idea is to make quesadillas or even crepes with favorite fillings.

One last tip is that kids eat with their eyes first, just like adults. If food is colorful and attractive, they are much more likely to give it a try. – Jill Meredith

W H AT W E ’ R E E AT I N G

COURTESY MI COCINA

Taste

S I M P LY H E A LT H Y

DiY Pasta Salad Makes 4-6 servings

1 lb. pasta, cooked and drained 2 c. diced meat 2 c. diced cheese 2 c. diced veggies 1 c. low-fat salad dressing (Italian, Ranch, etc.) or more, if needed Salt and pepper to taste Fresh or dried herbs (optional) In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; toss to coat everything well.

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Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Tacos mi Tierra Mi Cocina

The Dallas-based Tex Mex restaurant opened the doors to its first Oklahoma location two years ago, and there’s rarely been an open table since. Mi Cocina is popular with those who frequent Cherry Street; the restaurant’s menu offers standard Tex Mex fare as well as modern spins on classics. From enchiladas and quesadillas to the Cocina Changa, the

dishes at Mi Cocina are inventive and tasty.

The Tacos Mi Tierra, street-style tacos – soft corn tortillas topped with grilled fajita beef, serranos and onions served with guacamole and pico de gallo – are authentic as they come. Enjoy the tacos with a classic margarita or the Mambo Taxi, a frozen margarita combined with house-made sangria. 1342 E. 15th St., Tulsa. www.micocinarestaurants.com

OKLAHOMA CHAMPIONSHIP STEAK COOK-OFF.

Participants from 2012’s steak cook-off pack the streets of downtown Tulsa.

high Steaks

Carnivores will unite on Saturday, Aug. 24 for the fifth annual Steak Cook-off. According to Tripp Haggard, founding chairman of the Oklahoma Championship Steak Cook-off, the event has raised more than $100,000 in its first four years, with proceeds benefiting nonprofit organizations.

Anyone can enter the cook-off. There are even two age categories for kids. Each team prepares two 16-ounce, hand-cut ribeyes and then picks the best to present to the judges.

“We usually start with 50 teams, but then they get narrowed down to 10. The winner is chosen from those 10,” says Haggard. “The steaks are judged on taste, tenderness and appearance.”

In the afternoon, the contestants prepare more steaks for a dinner held in the evening. At 5:30 p.m., hungry ticketholders fill their plates with an array of sides and decide which team will cook their

steak.

Prizes include more than $6,000 in cash and trophies for the top five winners. The overall winner in the two kids’ divisions is awarded a gas grill.

Last year’s winner was Road Trip Inc. from Sanger, Texas. For Road Trip, the journey began when Tim Canterbury was watching a steak challenge on Food Network. It inspired him to form a team and enter cook-offs himself. He built a smoker out of scrap iron and traveled all around Texas participating in various competitions.

Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with the kids’ competition, inflatables and live music. Later, there will be a car show and a pretzel cart provided by Food Network’s Guy Fieri in conjunction with his Cooking with Kids Foundation.

“In the past, some of the charities that benefited (from the cookoff) were New Hope, Iron Gate, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Tulsa and Community Food Bank,” says Haggard.

Proceeds now benefit Our Garden Project. With the goal of promoting a spirit of community Tim Canterbury, part of the winand giving, this organization ning team of the 2012 Oklahoma offers fresh produce to those who otherwise might not be able Championship Steak Cook-off, offers tips for grilling a great to afford it. Our Garden Project plants gardens all around the city, steak: • Let the meat come to room with the understanding that the produce will be given away – not temperature.

• Season on both sides prior to sold. grilling.

The cook-off promises great fun for a great cause. Tickets are • Allow meat to rest 5-10 min$25. Visit www.oksteakcookoff. utes before serving.

• Ribeyes are ideal for grilling com for more information. because of the marbling.

– Jill Meredith • If unsure, use an instant read meat thermometer to ensure desired doneness of meat.

Taste

FOOD EVENT

DIVES

Scour Campus Corner in Norman, and a wide array of eateries offering everything from chili to pancakes will likely overwhelm hungry diners. But in the 700 block of Jenkins Avenue sits a Greek eatery that has fed hungry students, game day-goers and locals for more than three decades. Greek House was one of the first ethnic eateries in Norman. When it opened its doors in 1979, it was considered exotic, a different taste and ambiance from the standard burgerand-pizza joints. Owners Angelo and Helen Dimas left their native Greece for America in the 1970s and, upon opening Greek House, cemented their place as culinary pioneers in Norman. The Dimas sold the business late in 2012, but the food remains the same. Gyros stuffed with meat, lettuce, tomato and tzatziki served with a generous

The gyro platter is served with a heaping helping of French fries.

BRENT FUCHS

greek house

portion of crispy fries is the popular meal at Greek House, though the limited menu also includes Greek salad and lamb kebabs.

Be sure to bring the green, however; Greek House is a cash-only joint. 768 Jenkins Ave., Norman. 405.364.6300 – Jami Mattox August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste

L O C A L F L AV O R

In The Kitchen,

In His Element

I

Personal chef Scotty irani shares his heritage and love of food with others.

magine walking into a kitchen and immediately smelling the aroma of a glorious meal being lovingly prepared by your very own personal chef. This is exactly what Chef Scotty Irani’s clients experience on a daily basis.

A Sapulpa native, Irani has catered to the culinary whims of Oklahoma City residents for the last seven years as a personal chef.

Before that, he owned Scotty’s, a neighborhood gourmet breakfast and sandwich shop in Nichols Hills. Although he sold the restaurant in 2006, he credits that experience, plus his supportive upbringing, with making him the chef he is today. Not only does he cook for Oklahoma City’s elite, he also has a line of spices, rubs, sauces and a podcast, called “In the Kitchen with Scotty.”

Growing up in a multi-cultural home exposed him to a wide array of food experiences. Since his father is Persian and his mom is Pennsylvania Dutch, Irani encountered everything from saffron to shoofly pie.

His father cooked more savory dishes,

while his mom did the baking. He credits both of them with teaching him how to cook with love.

From an early age, he learned the art of cooking low and slow to make meat tender and bring out wondrous flavors and aromas. “My father always told me to take my time and be patient when cooking,” he says. When he cooks, Irani can hear his dad saying, “Don’t rush it.”

Irani recalls the day that he realized he wanted to be a chef. “One day when I was 5 years old, I was watching my father make breakfast. He pulled my little red step-stool up to the stove and asked me to stir the scrambled eggs. While we were cooking, I told him that I wanted to cook when I grew up. That was the first time I ever heard the word ‘chef.’

“I wrote down recipes on a Big Chief tablet. While other kids were outside playing, I was inside watching Julia Child on PBS,” he

Scotty irani is a personal chef and host of “in the kitchen with Scotty.”

fondly remembers.

His parents further nourished his developing passion by encouraging him to make grocery lists and cook dinner.

He never wavered from the decision he made that one fateful day in the kitchen.

He eventually graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in hotel and restaurant administration and then continued on to Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Providence, R.I. Before returning to Oklahoma, he worked and studied in Paris, Boston, San Francisco and Destin, Fla. “When I cook, I am constantly thinking about the people for whom I am cooking and what they would like to eat,” Irani says.

Jill meReDiTh

Irani’s products are available for purchase at New Leaf Florist in Oklahoma City or through Irani’s website, www. inthekitchenwithscotty.com.

kookoo Sabzi with Walnuts and Barberries (Persian Herbed Frittata) 1 c. walnuts, toasted and finely chopped 1/3 c. barberries, soaked in water for 10-15 minutes and rinsed a few times (if you can’t find barberries, dried cranberries are a good substitute) 5-6 large eggs 2-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. flour 1/3 tsp. turmeric A good pinch of In the Kitchen with Scotty’s Cook’s Line Seasoning, or salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In an oven-proof, nonstick sauté pan, add olive oil to coat. Lightly sauté everything green with turmeric and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the mixture to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, barberries, flour, sautéed greens and remaining olive oil and pour the well-beaten egg over the ingredients. Mix thoroughly until combined. Pour the mixture back into the sauté pan and place in the middle rack of the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Place the slices on a platter and serve with warmed flat bread or sesame “barbari” bread, cucumber-mint yogurt and lime wedge for a little tartness.

2 magazine • March 2007 100 Oklahoma Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

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August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Birthday Do’s and Don’ts It’s back-to-school season, and for parents of young children, this can mean an onslaught of birthday party invitations.

With sites like Pinterest making parents feel the pressure to go the distance for even the smallest of gatherings, The List is here to help. The List has scoured the web to come up with our own list of ways to throw stress-free (or stress-reduced) birthday parties for kids. ü Give a date on the RSVP and allow for a few stragglers. ü Ditch the décor. Or at least simplify it.

Most kids just want to play, anyway. ü Stick to cake and ice cream. ü Set a start time as well as an end time. ü Skip goodie bags.

Some of our favorite birthday party advice from parents includes: ü Start small. As your child ages, they will expect something different every year. Don’t start out their childhood with a three-ring circus. What will they expect by their Sweet 16? ü Consider waiting until the child is at least five to begin large parties with friends. ü The age-plus-one rule is genius, but rarely followed (6 friends for a five-year-old, 7 friends for a six-year-old, etc). ü Keep in mind: it is the birthday child you want to impress. Children are simple. If you are trying to impress the neighbors, it may become more stressful and less fun for everyone.

Some fun birthday facts you might see on The List in the month of August : ü The music genre hip hop was born at a birthday party in the Bronx on August 11, 1973, by DJ Kool Herc. ü The birthday of MTV is August 1, 1981. ü French fashion designer Coco Chanel was born August 19, 1883. ü Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States on August 21, 1959.

Join Shack Shackelford this August on The List, weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on 2 Works for You.

Entertainment G R E AT T H I N G S T O D O I N O K L A H O M A

J

Bruno Beckons Don’t find yourself locked out of heaven – get the ticket.

ust hearing the name “Bruno Mars” sparks a teenage squeal inside of all of us. It’s hard to deny the smooth voice and seductive dance moves of the popular heartthrob. Since his debut in 2010, Peter Gene Hernandez, a.k.a. Bruno Mars, has taken over pop music, and now he is about to take over Oklahoma.

Mars’ sound stands out among the dance music frequently played on mainstream radio. While electronic beats and synth tweaks rise in popularity, Mars brings back old-school charm and qualities to blend into his new-school style and sound. His music stretches beyond the category of pop, encompassing rock, doowop, funk, R&B, blues and even jazz. Musical influences of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Prince and Motown

era are evident in his ability to create a wide range of songs – from upbeat singles to heartbreaking love songs.

It’s hard to believe that this Hawaii native has only released two studio albums. Doo-Wops & Hooligans brought us the platinum-selling sing-alongs “Just The Way You Are” and “Grenade.” Mars’ second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox, takes his artistry to the next level. Released in December 2012, the album soared the charts with the first single “Locked Out of Heaven.” His current single, “Treasure,” sits at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mars produces hit after hit, and on Saturday, Aug. 10, anyone seated in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., in Oklahoma City will experience them live. His Moonshine Jungle World Tour promises good times, which shouldn’t be difficult to come by – Britain’s indie pop sweetheart Ellie Goulding opens the show as the night’s special guest.

Showtime is set for 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64 and can be purchased at the arena box office or by calling 800.745.3000. They are also available for online purchase at www.ticketmaster.com.

Visit www.chesapeakearena.com for more about this show and about other events to come.

JeSSiCa TURneR

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Entertainment

Calendar

PeRFORmanCeS

in COnCeRT

SPORTS

FamilY

PERFORMANCES

aRT

Bruno mars Aug. 10 Chesapeake Energy Arena. www.chesapeakearena.com

brant nation with a long, storied history.

That past and its present are expressed in dance when Wahzhazhe, An Osage Ballet plays in Tulsa and Bartlesville.

Produced by Osage descendent Randy Tinker Smith in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, Wahzhazhe, pronounced with emphasis on the middle syllable (“-zhaw-”), shares the people’s history and identity from historic homelands in Kentucky to the present. A ballet about the Osage would be incomplete, indeed, without tribute to Maria and Marjorie Tallchief, Osage sisters who became two of the world’s greatest ballerinas. The ballet, which premiered in 2012, was presented at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., in March. It next plays at the Bartlesville Community Center, 300 S.E. Adams Blvd, Bartlesville, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9-10 and 2 p.m.

Aug. 11. Tickets are $12-$18, available at www.bartlesvillecommunitycenter. com. The ballet moves to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center the following weekend with shows at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16-17 and 2 p.m. Aug. 18. Tickets are $12-$18, available at www.myticketoffice.com.

ter. www.myticketoffice.com

Wahzhazhe, an Osage Ballet

murder mystery Aug. 1-10 While you enjoy a fine dinner with wine or beer, figure out “The Gatsby Murder Case: A Felonious Flapdoodle,” this year’s fun murder mystery comedy presented at Harwelden Mansion benefiting the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa. www.acht.org

Aug. 1618 Contemporary ballet and original music tell the story of the Osage people, from the tribe’s historic home in Kentucky to removal to the legacy of dancers Maria and Marjorie Tallchief and the present-day nation at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. www.myticketoffice.com

Rankin Brothers

Aug. 23 Favorite local singers and musicians share the stage at the DoubleTree Hilton at Warren Place for the annual benefit cabaret and auction event raising funds for H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc.) and its work to prevent HIV and hepatitis. www.hopetesting.org

harwelden

Aug. 3 The Rankin Brothers bring their award-winning Branson revue show to the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center filled with comedy and cover songs played tribute-style a la impersonation. www.myticketoffice.com

Big River

Aug. 6-10 Huck Finn and Jim live out their adventures on the Mississippi in this musical based on the Mark Twain story presented by Lyric Theatre at Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall. www.okcciviccenter.com

narrow View? Try a Broad Way!

Aug. 16-17 Rebecca Ungerman’s Spinning Plates Productions presents a new show at the Tulsa Performing Arts Cen-

2013 h.O.P.e. Divas

mischievous Swing

Theodore Roosevelt: Champion of Conservation at gilcrease museum

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Chevy metal

diamondballroom.net

Ongoing The melodrama continues with heroes and damsels in distress. Most Saturdays of the year at the Spotlight Theatre. www.spotlighttheatre.org

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Casey Donahew Band

room. www.cainsballroom.com

Jon Dee graham bluedoorokc.com

Center.

Aug. 15 Cain’s Ball-

Aug. 16 Blue Door. www.

gary allan Aug. 17 Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel & Casino. www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com Cold War kids cainsballroom.com

Aug. 21 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

lil’ Wayne Aug. 21 Chesapeake Energy Arena. www.chesapeakearena.com Jimmy laFave

Aug. 23 All Soul Acoustic Coffeehouse. www.allsoulcoffeehouse.com

Journey Aug. 23 Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel hardrockcasinotulsa.com

&

Casino.

www.

Jeff Dunham

Aug. 23 Stand-up comedy at First Council Casino, Newkirk. www.ticketstorm.com

easton

Corbin

www.frontiercity.com

Seether room.com

Aug.

24 Frontier

City.

Aug. 25 Cain’s Ballroom. www.cainsball-

merle haggard

Aug. 28 Buffalo Run Casino & Resort. www.buffalorun.com

Reckless kelly

cainsballroom.com

Aug.

Aug. 1 Diamond Ballroom. www.

Randy Rogers Band www.cainsballroom.com

Tony lucca

com

k.C. Clifford com

Steely Foals

com

Aug. 2 Cain’s Ballroom.

Aug. 2 Blue Door. www.bluedoorokc.

The monkees

bradytheater.com

The Drunkard and The Olio

10 BOK

Aug.

room. www.cainsballroom.com

Bill Burr Aug. 1 Stand-up comedy at Brady Theater. www.bradytheater.com

Theodore Roosevelt: Champion of Conservation Aug. 24 Famed Theodore Roosevelt

Thru Aug. 29 Utica Square brings back its popular outdoor concert series featuring favorite hometown acts in a variety of genres appearing Thursdays all summer long. www.uticasquare.com

Flatts

lecrae Aug. 10 Frontier City. www.frontiercity.com Reverend horton heat Aug. 15 Cain’s Ball-

1 Cain’s Ballroom. www.cainsballroom.com

bradytheater.com

Summer’s Fifth night

Rascal

www.bokcenter.com

Aug. 29 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

in Concert Slightly Stoopid & atmosphere

Aug. 23 With a sound rooted in tradition and an ear for jazz of Latin America, French cafes and gypsy camps, this rhythmic quartet swings at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. www.myticketoffice.com

re-enactor James Foote brings the 26th U.S. president to Gilcrease Museum in this theatrical presentation filled with anecdotes about Roosevelt’s efforts in federal wilderness conservation and about Yellowstone National Park. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu

COmmUniTY

line-up of musical acts at River West Festival Park. www.wunderfest.com

Wahzhazhe,

An Osage Ballet The Osage tribe is a vi-

Performances

ChaRiTaBle eVenTS

Dan

Aug. 3 Brady Theater. www.

Aug. 3 Blue Door. www.bluedoorokc.

Aug. 4 Brady

Theater.

www.

Aug. 5 Cain’s Ballroom. www.cainsballroom.

Taylor Swift

Aug. 7 BOK Center. www.bokcenter.

Bill kirchen

Aug. 8 Blue Door. www.bluedoorokc.

com

com

John anderson

Aug. 8 Buffalo Run Casino & Resort. www.buffalorun.com

Ron

White Aug. 9 Stand-up comedy at Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel & Casino, the Joint. www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Wunderfest Aug. 9-10 The “end of summer beach party” celebrates music, art and food with a

gaston’s Fly Fishing School, lakeview

Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival

Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Down Home Blues Club, Rentiesville. www.dcminnerblues.com

Volbeat, him, all That Remains, airbourne Aug. 31 Tulsa Convention Center. www. bokcenter.com

Sports OU Football

www.soonersports.com

v. Louisiana-Monroe Aug. 31 Tulsa Shock www.wnba.com/shock v. Los Angeles Aug. 2 v. Phoenix Aug. 20 v. San Antonio Aug. 23 v. San Antonio Aug. 30 OkC Redhawks www.okcredhawks.com v. Reno July 30-Aug. 2 v. Colorado Springs Aug. 3-6 v. Albuquerque Aug. 16-20 v. Nashville –Aug. 26-29 v. Memphis Aug. 3-Sept. 2 Tulsa Drillers www.tulsadrillers.com v. Midland Aug. 6-8 v. Frisco Aug. 9-11 v. Arkansas Aug. 20-23 v. Springfield Aug. 24-26 T-Town Twilight Run Aug. 2 It’s easier to conquer the heat at this evening 5k race at the Tulsa River

COURTESY OKLAHOMA CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Of heaven and earth: 50 Years of italian Painting from glasgow museums Aug. 22-Nov. 17 Featuring work by some of the

greatest names in European art, the exhibit examines the thematic and stylistic developments in Italian art from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance through the secular neoclassical and genre paintings of the 19th century from the collection of Glasgow Museum.

Look for it at Oklahoma City Museum of Art. www. okcmoa.com

Fiberworks 2013

Thru Aug. 23 Works in textiles, basketry, soft sculpture, beading, paper, knitting, felting and other artisan crafts by members of Fiber Artists of Oklahoma take the spotlight at the Hardesty Arts Center galleries. www.ahct.org

Cherokee homecoming art Show

Aug. 24-Sept. 15 The annual juried art show of work by Cherokee artists includes pieces in traditional forms (weaving, pottery, painting) and contemporary interpretations of those disciplines at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah. www.cherokeeheritage.org

adolph gottlieb: Sculptor Thru Aug. 25 The expressionist artist better known for his paintings also

ART Arts Festival Oklahoma If you’ve ever been curious about buying art, you’re sure

to run into a few primed collectors willing to teach you how at Arts Festival Oklahoma, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, at the Oklahoma City Community College campus, 7777 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City. The annual festival has been running strong since 1978 and made quite the name for itself among artists and patrons alike. The juried show showcases original artwork by regional artists attracting thousands of browsers looking for a bargain on a budding de Koonig – and if one exists, you’ll find him or her there. This year marks the festival’s 35th anniversary, and activities include a free concert by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, performing arts, a children’s creative center and work by some 120 artists selected to participate. Admission is free, but parking is $5. For more, go online to www.occc.edu/afo.

Parks and benefiting the organization T-Town Basic Needs. www.ttowntwilightrun.com

City arts midnight Streak

Aug. 13 Runners take to the Oklahoma State Fair Park grounds with Edmond Running Club in the 5k run and 1-mile walk events. www.okstatefair.com

and explore their own abilities at Gilcrease Museum every Tuesday and Friday. Go online for details and complete schedule. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu

kids Dig Books: Viva méxico!

Aug. 2, 9 Storybook hour is fun as children learn about Mexico’s culture, history, animals and more Fridays at Gilcrease Museum. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu

imagination Day

Aug. 17 Spend every third Saturday at the Hardesty Arts Center for hands-on arts activities for children and the family. www.ahct.org

art adventures

Ongoing Children 3-5 experience art every Tuesday morning at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman, with special guests. Go online for schedules and other information. www.ou.edu/ fjjma

Big River at OkC Civic Center music hall

PBR Tulsa invitational

Aug. 16-17 It’s man versus bull all over again with the top 35 riders in the sport going into competition against the bulls, the clock and each other at the BOK Center. www.bokcenter.com

Shootout Barrel Racing

Aug. 16-18 Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.okstatefair.com

green Country Cowboys of Color Rodeo Aug. 24 All the rodeo action goes down at Expo

Square, Tulsa. www.kjmm.com

Oklahoma Cattlemen’s association Range Round-up Aug. 23-24 Teams from 12

historic Oklahoma ranches compete in saddle bronc riding, team sorting, wild cow milking, penning and many other events at the six day round-up to show who’s tops on the range at Oklahoma State Fair Park. www. okcattlemen.org

Conquer the gauntlet

Aug. 24 Tulsa gets its jab at this obstacle-loaded course at Tulsa Raceway Park. www.conquerthegauntlet.com

Family mini masters: life in the Wild West Aug. 2, 6, 9 Little ones study the basics of art

Second Saturdays Ongoing Families enjoy the Philbrook Museum of Art and participate in art activities for free on the second Saturday of every month. www.philbrook.org Tiny Tuesdays and Drop-in art

Ongoing Guest artists at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Education Center help families with young children create together and understand the museum artworks the third Tuesday of each month through May. Drop-in Art is open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. www.okcmoa.com

24 Works on Paper Thru Aug. 3 Oklahoma Visual Artists’ Coalition’s annual traveling exhibit of work

by Oklahoma artists is back with an opening at OVAC’s Gallery. Go online to see the exhibition schedule, which will tour through early 2015. www.ovac-ok.org 40th Prix de West Thru Aug. 4 The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum celebrates a milestone in its prestigious invitational art exhibition. This year’s event includes more than 300 works in painting and sculpture by contemporary western artists for the big opening weekend and sale. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Folio editions: art in the Service of Science Aug. 4-March 30 Gilcrease Museum brings

the works of artists created for research following scientific expeditions to show the places, people, plants and animals encountered in this exhibit. www. gilcrease.utulsa.edu

Pablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio Thru Aug. 15 The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman has the Picasso masterpiece from 1956 on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum. Also look for the work to be displayed along with Picasso pieces from the FJJMA permanent collection. www.ou.edu/fjjma

art

heavy metal

Aug. 2-31 The Tulsa Artists’ Coalition Gallery presents an exhibition of iron sculptures by Rob Key and abstract paintings by Melissa Key. www. tacgallery.org

america in ink 2

Aug. 2-Sept. 29 The Zarrow Center for Arts & Education exhibits its second installment of The Visual History of the United States series with work by artists in printmaking each illustrating a year between 1810-1843. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu

worked in three dimensions as this exhibit at Philbrook Downtown demonstrates. www.philbrook.org

allan houser and his Students

Aug. 30-May 11 The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum honors the late Apache artist Allan Houser on his 100th birthday with an exhibit of his work from the permanent collection as well as those by artists he mentored. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

arts Festival Oklahoma

Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Original artwork and fine crafts pieces are the big attraction of this large festival and juried art show with an equally impressive reputation at Oklahoma City Community College. www.occc.edu/afo

halo amok

Thru Sept. 1 Wayne White’s interactive puppet installation at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art touches on cubism and his characteristic whimsical vision of a day at the rodeo. www.okcmoa.com

The exodus Thru Sept. 1 The exhibit at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art looks at 3,400 years of the Jewish Diaspora as it explores the migrations of Jewish communities throughout history. www.jewishmuseum.net Yellowstone and the West: The Chromolithographs of Thomas moran Thru Sept. 8 Gilcrease Musuem welcomes an exhibit of 15 chromolithographs of watercolors by Thomas Moran that were published in 1876 in the first color publication about the West. The prints are recognized as the finest chromolithographs ever produced. www.gilcrease. utulsa.edu

Frank lloyd Wright’s Samara: a mid-Century Dream home Thru Sept.

8 The 1952 home designed by Wright for Catherine and Jon Christian in West Lafayette, Ind., is explored as art in an exhibit at the Price Tower Arts Center. www.pricetower.org

hopituy: kachinas from the Permanent Collections Thru Sept. 15 The Fred Jones

Oh Tulsa! Biennial

Aug. 2-23 What you love or dislike about Tulsa is on exhibit in this Living Arts of Tulsa juried art show event that celebrates and critiques a town always worth exploring under art’s eye in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, photography, video, jewelry, performance art and more. www.livingarts.org

allan houser and his Students at the national Cowboy & Western heritage museum

Jr. Museum of Art at The University of Tulsa exhibits more than 175 objects in woodcarving, basketry and painting from its collections to study Hopi kachina figures. www.ou.edu/fjjma

50 Years of italian Painting from glasgow museums at Oklahoma City museum of art

[Un]bound Thru Aug. 17 This exhibition features installations by Laura Berman, Tim Dooley, Aaron Wilson, John Hitchcock, Emily Arthur Douglas, Jenny Schmid and Curtis Jones in which artists use printmaking as a foundation for three-dimensional work at Artspace at Untitled. www.artspaceatuntitled.org

Remainder Thru Sept. 29 Philbrook Museum of Art exhibits the recent work of seven young women sculptors to watch. See the abstract pieces by Diana Al-Hadid, Rachel Beach, Rachel Foullon, Kate Gilmore, Heather Rowe, Erin Shirreff, and Allyson Vieira along with drawings, video, prints and photographs. www. philbrook.org The new Frontier

Thru Sept. 29 Gilcrease Museum brings back its show of Native American history and culture previously on display at the Palazzo Pitti museum in Florence, Italy. The show contains 200

August 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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COURTESY OU ALTHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS.

Entertainment

SPORTS Football … it’s back! It’s

works from George Caitlin, Woody Crumbo, Edward S. Curtis and others. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu

angels and Tomboys: girlhood in 19th Century american art Thru Sept. 30 Crystal

Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., hosts the exhibit of 80 masterworks by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt and others that looks at how girls emerged as individuals in art portrayal after the Civil War. www.crystalbridges.org

Dreams and Visions

Thru Oct. 19 The Gilcrease Museum exhibit explores artists’ views of the American West as land, myth and history that makes up the American story of western expansion. www.gilcrease. utulsa.edu

alexander kanchick: Jewish life & Folk Tales Thru Nov. 3 The Moldovian-born artist’s

been seven months since the Oklahoma Sooners lost to Texas A&M in the 2013 Cotton Bowl, and since that game-ending whistle sounded, Bob Stoops and the Sooners have been training mentally and physically for their season opener.

The Sooners look forward to the opportunity of grabbing the title of BCS National Champions, but to achieve that eighth national title, the team must take the season one game at a time. On Saturday, Aug. 31, the Sooners host the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, 180 E. Brooks St., in Norman. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Tickets for the home opener are $59 each at www.soonersports.com. Season tickets are also available. Look for The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane’s first home game on Sept. 7 against Colorado State University (www. tulsahurricane.com).

Oklahoma State University’s Cowboys get its first home-field advantage when the team plays Lamar on Sept. 14 (www.okstate.com).

location will showcase the museum’s modern and contemporary art as well as one of the “most significant surveys of 20th century Native American art.” www. philbrook.org

americana

Collection Ongoing National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Dickinson Research Center. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Scissortail gallery

Ongoing Fritz White, Clark Kelley Price, Jim Gilmore, Linda Besse and Jim Smith are just a few of the artists with works on display. www.scissortailart.com

First Friday gallery Walk Ongoing The galleries of OKC’s Paseo Arts District welcome all each month. www.thepaseo.com

paintings and sculpture of village life in Russia and its stories go on exhibit at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art. www.jewishmuseum.net

37th annual hope Watermelon Festival in arkansas

2nd Friday Circuit art Ongoing A monthly celebration of arts in Norman. www.2ndfridaynorman.com Weekends On Us

Ongoing Free admission to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum the first full weekend of every month. www. nationalcowboymuseum.org

identity & inspiration

Thru June 29 One of Philbrook Downtown’s inaugural exhibits, this show brings pieces from Philbrook Museum of Art’s collection of Native American art to the forefront with historic and traditional works as well as contemporary pieces following tradition. www.philbrook.org

Opening abstraction

Thru June 29 This exhibit of abstract works in a variety of manifestations marks the premiere and opening of the new Philbrook Downtown contemporary gallery, located on Brady Street between Cincinnati and Boston avenues. The satellite

106

engaging men Breakfast

Aug. 16 Men make a difference in the lives of women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through this second annual event of YWCA OKC at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in OKC. www.ywcaokc.org

Bartlett Regatta

Aug. 17 Supporters of the Cen-

Taylor Swift at the BOk Center ter for Individuals with Physical Challenges set sail on Grand Lake and the Arrowhead Yacht Club for the organization’s biggest fundraiser. www.tulsacenter.org

The Big Taste 2013: a night in new Orleans Aug. 17 Enjoy delicious food from your fa-

vorite Norman restaurants along with the silent and live auctions and live entertainment at Embassy Suites in Norman to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. www.bbbsok.org

marlin Oil golf Classic

Aug. 19 Oil company representatives play through on the Twin Hills Golf and Country Club greens to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. www.cff.org

Festival of hope

Aug. 23 The Heartline organization dinner and auction at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum honors community leaders making significant contributions to central Oklahoma communities. www.heartlineoklahoma.org

melody lane, a night for Children

Aug. 24 Dinner, dancing and a silent auction are some of the highlights of this fundraiser to prevent child abuse in Oklahoma through Parent Promise at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. www.parentpromise.org

Swing for Sight golf Tournament

Tour de Palate Aug. 24 This culinary and wine tasting event at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum pairs food from OKC’s best restaurants with beer and wine from around the world. The night benefits the Go Mitch Go Foundation for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. www.tourdepalate.com

art gone Wild Aug. 2 The animals of the Oklahoma City Zoo release their inner artists, and their paintings will be on display for purchase in the Paseo Arts District to benefit the zoo. www.okczoo.com

habitat Fore humanity golf Classic Aug. 26 The annual game moves to the Patriot Golf Club in Owasso www.habitat-tulsa.org

Aug. 2 The tournament benefiting Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, which provides vision screening and vouchers for free eye exams and glasses for children, will be at Cherokee Hills Golf Club at the Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel & Casino. www.preventblindnessok.org

mustache Bash

Aug. 3 The annual pub crawl event benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Sooner Chapter and takes place in the Blue Dome District in downtown Tulsa with great prizes, special beers and yummy food. www.cff.org/chapters/tulsa

cludes more fun, music, games and food to benefit the Bridges Foundation and its goal to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to meaningful employment. www.thebridgesfound.org

Thru Nov. 10 The transformative works of women artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Gina Knee, Ila McAfee and Margaret Lefranc, each of whom went to New Mexico to continue their work are under the lense at Philbrook Downtown. www. philbrook.org

Russell, Frederic Remington and Charles Schreyvogel among others are newly reinstalled in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

annual tournament raising funds to help youth and children make better choices at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow. www.operationaware.org

ninth annual Bridging the gap Walk and Festival Aug. 3 The indoor walk this year in-

Sirens of the Southwest

a Fresh Take: William S. and ann atherton art of the american West gallery Thru Dec. 31 Art work by Charles M.

Oklahoma Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Career Initiative. www.okrestaurants.com

Operation aware Charity golf Tournament Aug. 12 Operation Aware of Oklahoma holds its

Charitable events Uncorking the Cure

Aug. 1 Winning wines, delicious hors d’oeuvres and silent and live auctions make an ordinary night special at this fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in downtown Tulsa. www.nationalmssociety.org

Odyssey de Culinaire Aug. 1 OKC chefs serve up their best for the Tulsa crowd at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Warren Place in this fundraiser event for the

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

Dancing for a miracle gala

Aug. 3 This special gala aiding the Children’s Hospital Foundation features local celebrities paired with professional dancers in a ballroom dance competition along with special treats for guests at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. www.okchf.org

Folio Editions: Art in the Service of Science at gilcrease museum

Community

Smarty Pants Trivia

Tulsa County Free Fair

The mane event

Women of Character with Julie hadden Aug. 1 Hadden, a previous winner on NBC’s The

August 8 Trivia buffs team to play at this fundraiser event that features entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction and prizes at the Oklahoma History Center to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. www.nationalmssociety.org Aug. 10 A genuine horse whisperer visits the Tulsa Boys’ Home ranch to share secrets to horse training as well for a lifetime of learning. www. tulsaboyshome.org

Spin Your Wheels Bicycle Tour

Aug. 10 The Children’s Center Take a turn around the city, state or region on this non-competitive bicycle tour features 12 to 100-mile courses and benefits the center’s programs. www.spinyourwheels.org

Aug. 1-4 This is what county fairs are all about ice cream events, children’s activities, 4-H agriculture exhibits, petting zoos, dancing and community talent on display at Expo Square. www. oces.tulsacounty.org

Biggest Loser, speaks about positive self image at the Lorton Performance Center at the University of Tulsa. www.myticketoffice.com

SalsaFest

Aug. 2 All things hot and spicy are celebrated at Elote Café’s street party complete with salsa tasting, art booths, salsa dancing and music and chihuahua races and costume contests at Chapman Centennial Green Park in downtown Tulsa. www.elotetulsa.com

Entertainment

COURTESY CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

vorite food day in downtown Tulsa complete with live music and entertainment. www.oksteakcookoff.com

COMMUNITY It’s powwow time! Anyone who has attended a powwow in the past

knows there are a few rules to follow. First, you do not enter the dance circle unless you’re a dancer or invited in. Second, be sure to bring your own bottle of honey for fry bread in case the concession stand runs out. Actually, there is a third rule, and that is to have fun, something always encouraged at the Intertribal Indian Club of Tulsa’s Powwow of Champions. The 36th annual festival of Native American art, dance, food and music will be Friday, Aug. 9-Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa.

Admission is $7-$15 at the door. Visit www.iicot.org for schedules and more details.

Looking for more? Check out the Oklahoma Indian Nations Powwow in Concho Aug. 2-4; the Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival & Powwow in Tuskahoma from Aug. 29-Sept.

2; the Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah from Aug. 30-Sept. 1; and the Ottawa Powwow & Celebration, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, in Miami. See event listings for more details. eleRwanda entrepreneurship Summit Aug. 2-3 The Emerging Leaders and Entrepre-

neurs of Rwanda, a student organization, hosts its second annual conference at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond with guest Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and Rwanda Ambassador to the U.S. Mathilde Mukantabana. www.elerwanda.com

working event at Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.okchispanicchamber.org

R.k. gun Show

Aug. 3-4 Oklahoma State Fair

gaston’s

Fishing

Park. www.rkshows.com

Fly

School

Aug. 5-6 Learn new fishing techniques during this two-day course on the beautiful White River, Lakeview, Ark. www.gastons.com

37th annual hope Watermelon Festival Aug. 8-10 Hope is a town in Arkansas where giant watermelons are the main attraction along with arts and crafts, seed spitting contests, watermelon weigh-in, entertainment and fun. www.hopemelonfest.com

36th annual Powwow of Champions Aug. 9-11 The Mabee Center becomes the center

Just Between Friends

Aug. 18-24 Consignment sale of children’s and family clothing, furniture and related items at Expo Square, Tulsa. www.jbfsale.com

anne V. zarrow award for Young Readers’ literature Aug. 23 Gilcrease Mu-

seum hosts the Tulsa City-County Library and its event recognizing nationally-acclaimed authors in the field of books for children and young adults. Jim Murphy (The Long Road to Gettysburg) will be honored. www. tulsalibrary.org

midsummer nights’ Fair Aug. 23-24 The 37th annual Norman attraction is back with more local artwork, art demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities and more late summer fun at Lions Park near the Firehouse Art Center. www.normanfirehouse.com

of powwow culture and Native American dance at the big arts and crafts market and dance competition hosted by the Intertribal Indian Club of Tulsa. www.iicot.org

Oklahoma indian nations Powwow Aug. 2-4 The Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma welcome all to Concho Powwow Grounds for the annual celebration of American Indian dance and cultural festivities. www.c-a-tribes.org

aQhYa World Championship Show Aug. 2-10 The American Quarter Horse Youth

Association holds its biggest event at Oklahoma State Fair Park with competition across all age groups in multiple disciplines, riding and showmanship. www. aqha.com

greater OkC hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business expo & Career Fair Aug. 3 The chamber invites you to be a player

in Oklahoma City’s business community with this net-

108

Fifth annual Tulsa Pipeline expo

Aug. 27-28 The eyes of the energy industry fall on Tulsa and Expo Square for the trade show highlighting ways to make business thrive, networking with suppliers and potential clients, and feature events such as a golf tournament, benefit dinner and industry speaking engagements. www.tulsapipelineexpo.com

ariat Tulsa Reining Classic Aug. 28-Sept.

1 These horses know how to stop along with some other cool moves, all on display at the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association event at Expo Square. www. okrha.com Choctaw nation labor Day Festival & Powwow Aug. 29-Sept. 2 Choctaw culture goes on

exhibit with powwows, the arts fair, stickball games, Ronnie Dunn, Neal McCoy and more in Tuskahoma. www.choctawnation.com

Cherokee national holiday

Aug. 30-Sept.

1 Oklahoma’s largest Native American tribe celebrates its 1839 constitution with a three-day holiday of stickball games, blowgun shooting, powwow dancing, art, music and more at various locations in Tahlequah. www.cherokee.org

Ottawa Powwow & Celebration

Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Celebrate summer’s last splash in Miami with the Ottawa Tribe’s celebration with gourd dancing, camping, arts and crafts traders show and more. www. ottawapowwow.com

Choctaw Oktoberfest Aug. 30-Sept. 7 The town of Choctaw outside of Oklahoma City brings out authentic German food, beer, wine and music for visitors to this annual festival with games and entertainment. www.choctawfestival.org Theatre Tulsa: 90 Years in the Spotlight Thru Aug. 31 The collection of photos and memo-

rabilia looks at the history of the “oldest, continuallyoperating theater (group) west of the Mississippi” in an exhibit the Tulsa Historical Society. www.tulsahistory. org

grieving the loss of a Spouse

Ongoing Support group taking place every Monday at Grace Hospice. www.gracehospice.com

Walking Tour: Blanchard Springs Caverns Ongoing Wednesdays through Sundays,

9:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. One-hour guided walking tour through the upper level of Blanchard Springs Caverns in Little Rock, Ark. 501.975.7230. www.blanchardcavetours.com

international gymnastics hall of Fame Ongoing Celebrate the athletic and artistic

elements of the sport while honoring its most accomplished athletes at Science Museum Oklahoma. www. sciencemuseumoklahoma.org

Destination Space

Ongoing Revealing the amazing science that allows us to travel beyond the confines of earth. www.sciencemuseumoklahoma.org

national Snaffle Bit association World Show Aug. 9-18 Horse and rider teams

Bill Burr at Brady Theater

Just Between Friends Aug. 24-30 The children’s and family clothing, furniture and toy consignment sale will be at Oklahoma State Fair Park. www. jbfsale.com

Walking Tour

Ongoing Take a walking tour of historic downtown Tulsa. www.tulsahistory.org

put on a show of skill and discipline to dazzle in a variety of sporting categories at the association’s biggest show of the year, happening at Expo Square in Tulsa. www.nsba.com

gilcrease Films Ongoing See various films throughout the month. www.gilcrease.org

Super Dave’s gun Show

Aug. 10-11 Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.superdavesgunshow.com

www.okcmoa.com

42nd annual Bluegrass Festival – aug. 15-17

various films. www.philbrook.org

This three-day bluegrass festival in Harrison, Ark., includes jam sessions and performances by great musicians. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy. www.harrisonarkansas.org

U.S.S. Batfish living history Days

Aug. 16-17 Learn more about the World War II submarine, its service and those who served aboard it at this special tour event with historians dressed in period uniforms. www.ussbatfish.com

grand american arms Show

Aug. 1718 Expo Square, Tulsa. www.grandamericanarmsshows.com

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

OkCmOa Films

Ongoing OKC Museum of Art.

Philbrook museum Films

merle haggard at Buffalo Run Casino & Resort

Oklahoma County Free Fair

Aug. 2324 The 99th annual show will be at the Oklahoma State Fair Park exhibiting the best in home goods and agriculture to arts and crafts by Oklahoma County residents. www.oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma

Oklahoma Championship Steak Cook-off Aug. 24 Whether you’re a competing

grilling team or a sampler, everyone wins at this fa-

Ongoing See

Planetarium Shows Ongoing Science Museum Oklahoma. www.sciencemuseumoklahoma.org To see more events happening around Oklahoma, go to

WWW.Okmag.COm.

Submissions to the calendar must be received two months in advance for consideration. add events online at WWW.Okmag.COm/CalenDaR or e-mail to events@okmag.com.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Join the Alzheimer’s Association for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

T

he Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest walk benefiting the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, nearly 40,000 teams raised more than $51.8 million to fund vital research and caregiver support programs.

The funds raised by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s support more than 74,000 people affected by Alzheimer’s disease at no cost to the recipients, thanks to the generous support of our donors.

In 2012, the Oklahoma chapter hosted

506 support groups, 320 annual conference attendees, and nearly 5,132 community education participants.

We gave 2,240 care consultations and 6,117 information referrals, signed up 650 public policy advocates and promoted clinical trials throughout the United States.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is an athletic event that unites communities to show support to those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families and to raise awareness for the cause. The day features events for the entire family to enjoy. Highlights include a moving

ceremony honoring those with Alzheimer’s, sponsor giveaways and more!

The 2013 “Why I Walk” campaign invites participants to share their reason for joining the effort to end Alzheimer’s disease. The new customizable t-shirt design allows Walkers to pin a picture of their loved one to their shirt or display their reason by writing it right on the shirt. T-shirts are earned by registering and fundraising or donating at least $100 for the Walk.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association or the disease, go to alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Tulsa

Saturday, Aug. 24 CityPlex Towers Registration: 7 a.m.

Untimed 5K: 7:30 a.m.

Walk Ceremony and 1.5-mile Walk: 8 a.m.

Quarter-mile Walk: 10 a.m.

100-yard Kids Dash: 10:15 a.m. www.tulsawalk.org

Oklahoma City

Saturday, Sept. 21 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Registration: 8:30 a.m.

Ceremony and Walk: 9:35 a.m. www.okcwalk.com

Southwest Oklahoma – Lawton Saturday, Nov. 2 Elmer Thomas Park Registration: 10 a.m.

Ceremony and Walk: 10:40 a.m. www.swokwalk.com

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IN PERSON

Equality Advocate

after a successful career in the advertising and nonprofit sectors in new York City, Scott J. hamilton moved to Oklahoma to become executive director of Cimarron alliance, an Oklahoma City-based organization that works to educate and advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Oklahomans. in march, the organization opened the Cimarron alliance equality Center, an education center and meeting place for lgBT Oklahomans.

112

Oklahoma Magazine | AUGUST 2013

things are not like they have always been.

In 20 years I hope there’s no longer a need for someone to be in my job. I hope there is great enough acceptance and assimilation of gay people into the fabric of life in Oklahoma that there may simply not be a need for an organization like ours in its present form.

However, it’s going to take a lot of work and be a challenging road to get to that place. We have so many folks in Oklahoma that are ignorant about gay people in Oklahoma. There is a lot

of fear, and in some ways the church affords people license to beat up, figuratively, on gay people, and some of that goes to a physical side. While we make progress, we’ll continue to be vigilant in advocacy and activism but also on the education side. aS TOlD TO Jami maTTOX

Ed. Note: This interview was conducted prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act. For reaction to the decision by Hamilton and others, visit www.okmag.com.

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

C

imarron Alliance has been around for almost 20 years.

It began as a political action committee and moved into a nonprofit organization about four or five years after its founding. One of the big challenges for Cimarron over the years was that people knew it was a PAC and assumed it was expensive to be a part; there was a perception that Cimarron was an organization for rich, white, gay men. The work shifted, but the perception remained a difficult one to change.

In December 2009 I left New York and came to Oklahoma to do work (as executive director) in what has proven to be at times a very volatile political landscape, but the work is very rewarding. In the three years I’ve been here, we as a community have moved the ball down the court and have educated about the needs of the community and introduced a sense of normalcy about who the LGBT community is.

I’d been here about a year when talks began about opening an equality center. We prepared a way to do that, then looked at 2014 as a target opening year. Things happened at the end of 2012 that forced our hand, and we had to move with greater speed than we had planned. We raised our flag and opened our doors to the Cimarron Alliance Equality Center in March.

In the short time since we’ve opened our doors, the number of people coming in with ideas for services and programming has been truly astounding. One of the defining goals of creating the space was to provide a space where people can come and talk about issues affecting their lives.

Nationally, we are in the midst of more rapid change than has ever existed for the LGBT community. In the last few months, three states and two countries have legalized marriage equality. Many of us would not have thought there would be that much forward movement in such a short amount of time.

What we’re seeing in Oklahoma is a ramping up of anti-gay rhetoric and physical attacks on people because of their sexual orientation.

When the majority feels like they’re losing their grip, these are the things that happen: rhetoric and violence. This is what happened when women were closer to gaining the right to vote and with the Civil Rights Movement.

It’s what happens when the majority feels like

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