2013 December Oklahoma Magazine

MAKING AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

BROOKSIDE’S NAUGHTY LITTLE SISTER

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS IN NICHOLS HILLS

CHRISTMAS WITH TEAM GALAXY DECEMBER 2013

Great

COMPANIES To Work For Featuring QuiBids’ Matt Beckham, Bama’s Paula Marshall and 54 Oklahoma Companies

THE BEST OF

THE BEST 2014

VOTING starts December

THE

LUXE

LIFE

HappyHolidays!

Enjoy the convenient extended holiday hours

and magical holiday scenery at Utica Square, Tulsa’s finest collection of shops and restaurants. To learn more, please visit us at www.UticaSquare.com.

Utica Square gift certificates available at Commerce Bank.

Utica at Twenty First

TULSA

VOL. XVII, NO. 12

FEATURES

78

Luxury Living

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

The best things in life may be free, but the finer things will definitely cost. Luckily, we have a guide to help you spend some hardearned cash. Our notable experts offer tips on everything from how to manage wealth to the best places to look for real estate, art and fashion. Even if you can’t afford all (or one) of the items in this year’s feature, it’s nice to pretend you can.

54

2013 Great Companies To Work For

Special Section 84

Senior Living

For the third consecutive year, we bring you a comprehensive look at some of the state’s greatest employers, including leaders in a number of specialty fields. Additionally, senior editor Michael W. Sasser interviewed two very different CEOs from two very different companies: QuiBids’ Matt Beckham and Paula Marshall of the Bama Companies. With both their companies honored again this year, there’s plenty to be learned from their personal stories and business philosophies.

OKMAG.COM

Want some more? Visit us online.

ON THE COVER: OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE THIRD EDITION OF GREAT COMPANIES TO WORK FOR, FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH QUIBIDS CEO MATT BECKHAM. PHOTO

BY BENT FUCHS.

2

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 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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Contents

DEPARTMENTS The State

11

The largest movie production ever to be filmed in Oklahoma opens this month. August: Osage County brings to the big screen the saga of the dysfunctional Weston family in rural northeast Oklahoma. The production was a boon to local economies as well as to those who work in the film industry in the state.

18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 36

People 3 Qs Culture Smart Move The Insider Shout Out Scene Spotlight Living Spaces

40 46 50 52

Style Beauty Your Health Destinations

11 36

Sophisticated meets cool in this 10,000-square-foot home in Nichols Hills. Designer Jennifer Welch lent her discerning eye to the project, which provides an elegant background for unexpected pops of color.

91

Taste

Kathy Bondy expands upon the success of her Tulsa bistro, The French Hen, with The Hen Bistro & Wine, an upscale eatery that offers a French-inspired menu. A seasonal menu and daily specials mean that The Hen constantly offers fresh tastes to guests, both old and new.

94 What We’re Eating 95 3-4-1 96 Food Tour

99

Entertainment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic celebrates in style with the latest installment of The Christmas Show.

Special guests make this year’s performance especially of note. Be sure not to miss the holiday spectacular that reminds young and young-at-heart the magic of the season.

24

40

91

14

100 Calendar of Events 112 In Person

99

Michael Chang, M.D. |

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS

Pediatric specialist Dr. Michael Chang talks about kids, infections, being a department of one and why he loves his job.

Why did you choose to specialize in pediatric infectious diseases?

I loved pediatrics, and the cases I gravitated to and wanted to read more about were infection-related. The mystery of them piqued my interest.

Take us through a typical day.

A pediatric infectious diseases doctor is involved in everything. I might see an oncology patient who, because of chemotherapy, has an unusual infection.

I visit patients in the intensive care unit who have routine conditions that are more severe, such as a bone or joint infection or heart condition. I work with orthopedic surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons and general surgeons, making sure kids are not infectious before going into surgery.

What does it mean to be the only pediatric infectious diseases specialist in this region?

I hope my expertise and knowledge will help community pediatricians expand their own capabilities. They can refer a complicated case to me. My being here allows that pediatrician to keep that patient relationship and keep the family closer to home for treatment.

What can kids and parents do to help prevent infectious diseases?

Hand washing is still the cornerstone of any infection prevention program, but it’s also important for kids to eat healthy, get enough sleep and be active. Some research suggests being happy and well rested can cut down on anxiety and make the immune system more effective.

You could practice anywhere.

What attracted you to Saint Francis?

I was excited to find this wonderful children’s hospital, as well as a community of pediatricians and of residents that were all excited about having a children’s hospital. That said to me that Saint Francis had a clear vision of how to improve the care of children in this area.

Why would a parent in this community go anywhere else but The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis?

I can’t imagine. Everyone from pediatricians to support staff is here to take care of kids. The hospital is gorgeous, with beautiful spaces for the kids to feel comfortable and a welcoming environment for the family.

We have access to resources— child life specialists, surgical subspecialties, multiple other pediatric specialists—no other hospital can match.

You won’t find that kind of synergy anywhere else.

“When I trained in Dallas, I saw patients from Tulsa who came all that way for treatment. Now, parents don’t always have to travel to get the specialized care their children need.”

MICHAEL CHANG, M.D.

The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis | 6151 South Yale Avenue, Suite 1303 Tulsa, OK 74136 | 918-502-2700 | saintfrancis.com/childrenshospital SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA

BuFFalo Bill’s

OKLAHOMA

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

Wild West Warriors

PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER VIDA K. SCHUMAN EDITOR THOM GOLDEN ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAMI MATTOX CONSULTING SENIOR EDITOR MICHAEL W. SASSER CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CHRIS SUTTON JOHN WOOLEY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KAREN SHADE

Photographs by Gertrude Käsebier

GRAPHICS MANAGER MARK ALLEN GRAPHIC DESIGNER NATE PUCKETT CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS NATALIE GREEN, BRENT FUCHS, CHRIS HUMPHREY, NATHAN HARMON, JEREMY CHARLES, DAN MORGAN, SCOTT MILLER, CASEY HANSON, BRANDON SCOTT, J. CHRISTOPHER LITTLE, JOHN AMATUCCI

The exhibition was organized by the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SAMANTHA E. GRAMMER

November 24, 2013 through February 2, 2014 Title sponsor of the Gilcrease Museum 2013-14 exhibition season is the Sherman E. Smith Family Foundation.

1400 N. Gilcrease MuseuM rd. Tulsa, OK 918-596-2700 Gilcrease.uTulsa.edu

TU IS AN EEO/AA INSTITUTION.

OKLAHOMA 18326 Gilcrease.indd 1

Gertrude Käsebier, Joe Black Fox, Sioux Indian photograph, ca. 1898 Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center PG*69.236.022, 287543

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Mail checks to Oklahoma Magazine P.O. Box 14204 Tulsa, OK 74159-1204 Copyright © 2013 by Schuman Publishing Company.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

10/15/13 4:04 PM

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More than150 categories representing the best of Oklahoma

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR In this issue, we present our third edition of Great Companies To Work For. This annual special report grew from our reporting on the resilience and rapid expansion of the Oklahoma economy amidst an economic downturn. We wanted to recognize the fact that while energy booms, urban development and other factors may spur economic success, at the core of this story are employers who create workplaces where employees are engaged and the bar is consistently raised. As part of this report, we’ve previously talked with Aubrey McClendon on the rise of Chesapeake Energy, energy pioneer T. Boone Pickens and other leaders of the 21st-century energy boom.

This year, we turn to an internet entrepreneur who has spun pennies into fortune with a popular online auction site. Matt Beckham founded QuiBids in 2009 with a handful of tech-savvy friends, and the company has quickly grown into an industry leader. In a few short years, the company doubled its employment rolls several times over, but Beckham strives to maintain a work environment that one might expect of a tech startup in Silicon Valley. The strategy works. QuiBids is one of Oklahoma City’s most sought after employers, and, with a new venture poised to launch, Beckham is creating a high-tech hub in the heartland.

Senior editor Michael Sasser also spoke to Bama CEO Paula Marshall, one of Tulsa’s most admired businesspeople. Marshall is widely recognized for taking this iconic third generation family business to new heights as a global brand. She has transformed Bama into a workplace that serves as a national model of excellence in manufacturing.

She’s also built one of Tulsa’s strongest community partners and advocates and proves that big-scale operations and a family atmosphere can coexist.

These are just two of the dozens of companies listed in Great Companies To Work For that are providing positive work environments, happy employees and ultimately a healthy state economy.

2014

Thom Golden Editor

Voting begins December 1

Online voting for Tulsa and Oklahoma City The Best of the Best awards begins on December 1.

Visit www.okmag.com for rules and online ballots.

8

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Contributors

Each year our readers voice their opinions for the annual The Best of the Best issue. From burgers to banks, bike shops to brunch, you let us know who’s doing a good job, and who’s doing the best.

Megan Morgan reported on the philanthropic work that Tulsa’s Dr. Dayal Meshri is performing in his native India (“Delivery Man,” p. 28).

“Not only is Dr. Meshri warm and funny, but his perspective on his native country of India was especially interesting to me,” she says. “Two summers ago, I spent about a month traveling through India – an incredible and enlightening experience. My trip was technically a vacation, but one that required a very low budget.

So, this meant that I did not see the Taj Mahal, but I did see many of the things that Dr. Meshri described about both the urban and rural areas. He couldn’t believe it when I told him that I had been to India.

For me, knowing a little bit about what the conditions in impoverished India can be like, Dr. Meshri’s dedication to philanthropy is even more awe-inspiring.”

As part of writing Oklahoma Magazine’s 2013 Great Companies To Work For (p.

54), Senior Editor Michael W. Sasser interviewed two very different chief executives in iconic Bama Companies’ Paula Marshall and youthful Matt Beckham of tech-driven QuiBids.com. But he says he found they had similar ideas of how to foster a great work environment.

“Very different people, very different industries, but both Paula and Matt obviously value and cater to their employees and believe great companies are built on great teams of great employees,” he says.

“Both of their business models seem to be built on a friends-and-family environment, and in both cases, it’s more than words – it’s a company culture. One business is almost a century old, the other just a few years, but in how they’re managed, I felt both showed the way into the future.”

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The State ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Julia Roberts, Ewan MacGregor and Meryl Streep are among an A-list cast that stars in August: Osage County.

PHOTOS COURTESY WEINSTEIN COMPANY.

It’s A Wrap

S

The film that brought stars to northeast Oklahoma opens in theaters this month.

cene: August in northeast Oklahoma. Lights come up on the Boulanger House, a historical landmark just north of Pawhuska. Enter Benedict Cumberbatch, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis and many more stars.

Welcome to the film set of August: Osage County, which was shot in the northeast part of the state during summer and fall of 2012. The movie is based on the acerbic-yet-emotive play of the same name and chronicles the bittersweet lives of the Weston family. Oklahoma playwright Tracy Letts garnered the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for his script, and together with director John Wells, helped bring the film version to life, as well.

Jill Simpson, director of the Oklahoma Music and Film Office, was one of the most passionate advocates for August: Osage County to be

filmed on the author’s home turf.

“When I heard that the Weinstein Company had optioned the movie rights to the play back in 2009, I made it my goal to connect with the playwright, Tracy Letts, to make the case for filming in Oklahoma,” Simpson says.

Over the next couple of years as the project developed, Simpson stayed in continuous touch with her contact at the Weinstein Company, keeping tabs on the status of the production. She then flew to Burbank, Calif., to pitch to Wells and his team that they should film in Oklahoma.

“All the while, Harvey Weinstein was interested in filming in Georgia due to their strong incentives program, large crew base and well-developed infrastructure for the film industry,” Simpson DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

11

The State

says. “Georgia had even submitted a house that he was very high on. We had our work cut out for us.”

But Simpson and her Oklahoma cohorts also had found a stunning house to use as the central focus of the film’s action: the landmark Boulanger House near Pawhuska.

When Wells and his crew at last came to scout Oklahoma locations in April 2012, Simpson says, “They fell in love with many of the locations we presented in the Bartlesville and Pawhuska areas along with the Boulanger House, which happened to be on the market.”

Simpson says they made the pitch to the Weinstein Company to purchase the historic home rather than build a set. “Having the filmmakers on our side and being able to offer a good incentives package really helped seal the deal with the Weinstein Company,” she says.

The cast and crew made their home base in the nearby town of Bartlesville, where the citizens were no strangers to a large film production. Shortly before Wells and his crew came to shoot August: Osage County, filmmaker Terrence Malick had come to film To The Wonder, starring Ben Affleck and Javier Bardem.

“It helped that we had already been through it recently,” says Maria Gus, executive director of the Bartlesville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “At least the idea wasn’t completely foreign to them. I think the community felt as if we had another opportunity to show our hospitality, and we must have done something right the last time. Of course there were those that had a hard time controlling their excitement, but overall everyone was great. Our community was professional, friendly and definitely

flavor and food,” Powell says. “They reknew when to help the cast and crew let ally wanted us to take advantage of all the their hair down.”

Oklahoma kinds of things. We had stations Gus says that during the filming, which with Oklahoma comfort food and live enbegan setting up in July 2012 and lasted untertainment. We transformed the place into til November of that year, the film brought a an Oklahoma autumn feel, bringing in trees definite boom to the local economy. and shrubs and dark woods. Chef Justin “There was a significant impact on local Thompson was the caterer for the party. We business,” she says. “Not only did the cast went to local stores and purchased Oklaand crew need expected goods and services, homa props and things that would relate to but also anything else a large group would the actual time period of the movie and also need while away on a business trip. Obviwho we are as Oklahomans.” ously, hotel rooms were a necessity, but “Make no mistake: Having a large proalso local catering for parties, medical care, duction in your community is work,” Gus entertainment and grocery shopping … In says of the entire experience. “The cast and addition, the locals were out and about a lot crew work long days and are focused on getmore often. Some may have been hoping for ting a lot of work done in a short amount of a celebrity sighting, and many others were time. But at the same time, if the commujust eager to get out in the community and nity and the production have a good way to talk about the excitement. Overall, I think it communicate and a team of people working was a very positive experience for the busitogether to make sure needs are met and the nesses in Bartlesville. The electricity was public is informed, the whole contagious for the community.”

Talmadge Powell, founder of Talmadge Powell Creative, was the force behind the film’s erBenedict Cumb official wrap party in downnne batch and Julia ay town Bartlesville. Powell Nicholson portr sdy members of the says that utilizing local goods ton functional Wes and businesses was important family. y Weinto achieve the Oklahoma feel Photo courtes in comPany. ste of the party.

“We capitalized on local

The historic Boulanger House located in Osage County served as the primary setting for August: Osage County.

Photo by brandon scott.

12

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

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experience can be a fantastic success.”

“The August: Osage County production team was top notch,” Simpson says. “Not only were they talented, they were lovely to work with. Most importantly, they were mindful of our locals and our culture, and took great care of our Oklahoma crew. They left our filming locations in as good, if not better, shape as when they arrived. That is a testament to their professionalism. I would welcome any of this team back to Oklahoma any time.”

Chris Freihofer, owner of Freihofer Casting in Norman and local casting director for August: Osage County, says that while this was one of the largest productions he’d worked on in terms of star power, it also was one of the least stressful. Freihofer, who also served as the local casting director for Malick’s To The Wonder, says his team only had to cast a few principle roles and 200300 extras – small by comparison to some projects, he says. This film, however, had its own unique challenges.

“One of the things that made working on this film a bit more challenging than others was the fact that John Wells had this very careful hand in the selection of the extras as well,” Freihofer says. “He hand-selected every single extra – that never happens. He wanted the film to have a very specific look.

We held big, open casting calls across the state and took thousands of pictures. He then met with me and the producers and selected every extra, including the scene they’d appear in and the role they’d play. Even if there wasn’t a backstory for the character in the scene, he created one for each and every extra. That’s very, very rare.”

Freihofer agrees that the production was an enormous benefit for the Oklahoma economy.

“I know our office and crew and many, many vendors in northeast Oklahoma benefitted from August: Osage County being there,” he says, “including hotels, restaurants and antique stores for props. The support businesses benefitted greatly from the film.”

However, both Freihofer and Simpson note that while the production of August: Osage County was a huge success for the state of Oklahoma, we aren’t likely to see another of its kind any time soon. The Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program is set to expire in mid-2014, and if not extended by the Oklahoma State Legislature, its end could spell the death of the Oklahoma film industry just as it was getting started. While a bill to extend the program was passed by the Senate last spring, it was defeated in the House.

“It was a devastating blow,” Simpson says.

“We will be back again in the spring to make the push again. Without the incentives program, our fledgling Oklahoma film industry will likely dry up, with the crew we have worked so hard to grow in recent years packing up and moving to greener pastures.”

“We have the ball rolling as a filming destination for producers, but now we have lost our incentives,” Freihofer says. “Hopefully now we can get them back and continue to have the films here we’ve had in the past.

Boots on the ground are directly affected by not having rebates. I’m currently working on two films, one of which is the last to qualify for the rebates. Nothing will come in from out of state…Over the past three to four years, we were hired to cast an average of five to six films per year. Now there’s

(Clockwise from bottom left) Greg Williams, Rusty Rogers, Jody Burch, Stuart Gus, Maria Gus and Rosie Swindell sit on the porch that served as the family home in August: Osage County. Those pictured served as extras in the film.

nothing on the horizon. We keep in business with commercials, but films shoot for a long time, spend a lot of money and employ a lot of people.”

Simpson says that despite setbacks, she and colleagues aren’t ready to give up on Oklahoma filmmaking just yet.

“If the program can be extended and the funding increased, my goal is to grow the program so that we are not always in a position of turning down projects,” Simpson says. “With a cap of $5 million per year, we can only accommodate about five projects per year, not nearly enough to keep our hardworking crew employed full-time or truly grow our infrastructure in the state. We have a very small program compared to most of the 46 other states that offer incentives. We do, however, have a well-run, fiscally conservative program that has earned respect in the film industry. With some growth and fine-tuning, we could eventually be on par with Georgia or Louisiana, currently two of the biggest filming states in the country.”

Meanwhile, August: Osage County, one of the last films funded with the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program, is already having a positive impact on the state.

“The Oklahoma Film and Music Office has been tracking the media hits as the film has been playing at festivals around the country this fall,” Simpson says. “The coverage has been amazing. The filmmakers have positively referenced their time in Oklahoma – specifically Tulsa, Bartlesville and Pawhuska – in many of these articles and press conferences. That kind of positive PR certainly helps me market our rebate program…The timing [of the film incentive shutdown] is ironic considering August: Osage County is likely to be an Oscar contender in multiple categories. It would be a shame for our program to go away just as it is really begins to take off.”

TARA MALONE

PHOTO BY BRANDON SCOTT.

Todd Pyland, August: Osage County producer Steve Traxler, executive producer Celia Costas and Talmadge Powell are pictured at the August: Osage County wrap party in Bartlesville.

PHOTO COURTESY AMATUCCI PHOTOGRAPHY.

14

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

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The State

Miki Farris is founder of Infant Crisis Services and was recently recognized nationally for her work with the organization.

PHOTO BY J. CHRISTOPHER LITTLE.

PEOPLE

Casting A Safety Net

Infant Crisis Services provides for babies in their hour of need.

G

rowing up, Miki Farris saw first-hand the struggles of single parents in need.

“I watched my mom stretch, and I watched my mom struggle, and it was heartbreaking,” Farris says.

With that experience in her mind, Farris went on to found Infant Crisis Services, a multi-million dollar nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency services for babies in need.

The organization serves children through

referrals and will give babies a week’s worth of formula or toddler food, seasonal clothing, a bottle, diapers and more, but only five times throughout the baby’s life.

“We’re not trying to be a long term fix,” Farris says. “We’re a safety net, a place to turn when there is nowhere else.”

Infant Crisis Services started from a desire to do a service project that directly impacted the needy.

“It started as a Sunday school project at Westminster Presbyterian Church here in Oklahoma City,” Farris says. “We young par-

ents were tired of picking weeds and painting doors.”

Farris had heard of Tulsa-based Emergency Infant Services and invited some of the leaders from that organization to Oklahoma City to discuss how to start a similar project.

With the newfound knowledge from their Tulsa counterparts, the Sunday school class took over part of an old church building that served as a hub of several local nonprofits at the time. Farris and her Sunday school class began to provide formula, clothing and other needs for parents and babies in crisis.

From that grassroots effort, Infant Crisis Services has grown to two branches and a 17,000-square-foot headquarters building in Oklahoma City. It receives no state or federal funding and is entirely funded by private donations.

The organization has even recently started operating a mobile unit that travels to clinics, alternative schools for teens, WIC offices, etc., to provide services directly to those in need without a referral.

After running such a stalwart organization for 29 years, others across the country have begun to take note. Out of hundreds of submissions, Farris was recently named one of five 2013 Classic Women by Traditional Home magazine for her efforts.

“It’s really an honor that’s beyond belief,” Farris says. “And it gives us and our mission some national attention.”

With almost three decades of work under her belt, Farris is overjoyed with not only the recognition the organization that she helped to build receives, but also with the opportunity to make a difference every day.

“I absolutely, positively love everything about this place,” Farris says. “Helping babies is the reason I want to come here every day, and there is nothing I don’t like about it.”

MORGAN BROWNE

ICON

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Once known as the “Galloping Ghost of the South China Coast,” the USS Tulsa was a patrol gunboat commissioned in the United States Navy from 1923 to 1946. She spent years traveling all over the world before playing crucial roles in several engagements during World War II. The USS Tulsa was decommissioned and renamed Tacloban.

The Navy had plans for another USS Tulsa, this one an Oregon City class heavy cruiser, but plans were dashed for her construction in 1945.

Now, it seems the third time may be a charm.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced

18

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

The USS Tulsa will be a littoral combat ship, similar to the USS Fort Worth.

in June that one of two littoral combat ships (LCS) that are planned to be built will be called the USS Tulsa.

According to the Navy, the LCS is a focusedmission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments but can easily operate in the open ocean. It is designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.

Don’t expect to see the USS Tulsa on its maiden voyage anytime soon; according to Lieutenant Commander Rebecca Rebarich of the Navy Office of Information, it takes about two years to construct an LCS. Construction of LCS 8 just began, and with the USS Tulsa scheduled to be LCS 16, there are seven more to be constructed before the USS Tulsa gets its turn. – Jami Mattox

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The State

3 QS

Divided We Stand

Mickey Edwards is the vice president of the Aspen Institute, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to policy studies. He served several tours of duty as an Oklahoma Congressman from 1977 to 1992. He’s taught at Harvard, Georgetown and Princeton. He thinks up a lot of important things about government, and his new book, The Parties Versus the People, proves it.

In your book, you refer to Republicans and Democrats as “tribes.” Why is that?

A lot of people in Congress tend to hang together based on what seems to be to the best advantage of their parties for the next election. They’re not thinking of themselves as legislators first. They think of themselves first as party members. They stick together wondering, “What will help my party?” instead of, “What’s the right thing to do?”

Also in your book, you list many threats to American democracy. What’s the most pressing?

The most important is the loss of a vital part of American constitutional democracy, the separation of powers. It’s the role of the legislative branch to serve as a check on the executive branch. But when PHOTO COURTESY ASPEN INSTITUTE. you think of things in terms of

party identity, what happens is that if you have a Republican president and you’re a Republican in Congress, your instinct is to support the president unconditionally. Democrats do the same with Obama today. Legislators need to be thinking, “My job is to keep a check on that person. That’s the head of a different branch of government.”

Tribal thinking undermines one of the most important concepts of the American system of government: separation of powers.

You’re frustrated with legislators that toe the party line. What’s a good, recent example of this?

There are a lot. It happens with one issue after another. For the most part, it’s all the Republicans on one side and all the Democrats on the other side. We saw it with Supreme Court nominations.

If it’s a person nominated by our guy, we’re for him. If it’s someone ominated by the other guy, we’re against him.

What bothers me so much is that when you take the oath of office, your loyalty is to the Constitution and the country, not to a party and not to a president. You’re supposed to use your own judgment, listen to your constituents and decide what the right thing to do is.

That gets lost when party becomes paramount. – Paul Fairchild

OK THEN

Our Bright Past The neon signs in Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley are a nod to the area’s colorful past.

PHOTO BY J. CHRISTOPHER LITTLE.

20

I

t’s flashy, colorful and nostalgic – what’s not to love about neon? Jim Gleason of Superior Neon Signs says that neon has been turning heads ever since its appearance almost a century ago.

“Neon had a huge impact when it was new. Almost all signs during its heyday were made of neon,” Gleason says. “It not only impacted Route 66, it impacted the entire world.”

Shops like Superior Neon and Claude Neon opened in Oklahoma at the beginning of the craze, Gleason says.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

“Very few companies could make these signs [at the time] due to the fact that it was a very scientific process,” he says. “Today, there are still engineers in the LED field that are trying to do better than neon. So far it has not been done.”

The nostalgic value of neon causes some to collect the signs. Collector and businessman Sam Stokely has helped transform a former neon sign shop into the Stokely Event Center in Tulsa.

“All the light [at the event center] is generated by neon alone,” Stokely says. “It is hard to describe – it must be seen in person.”

Like Gleason, Stokely also believes that neon, although maybe not as widely used, is here to stay.

“Neon is just as popular and reliable today as it was in the 1950s and ‘60s,” Stokely says.

Existing examples of neon signs related to Route 66 include the Tower Theatre sign in Oklahoma City, the rehabilitated sign of Rock Café in Stroud and the Meadow Gold sign of Tulsa. The Tulsa Architectural Foundation also recently conducted a survey of the city’s 198 sign locations.

With major improvements made to neon design beginning in the ‘90s, the process is almost the same as it was decades ago but requires little maintenance, Gleason says.

“Some districts, such as Automobile Alley, are bringing these [neon signs] back,” Gleason says.

So while there might be fewer Cadillacs driving along Route 66 these days, it seems that neon’s long history in Oklahoma has not yet reached its final destination. – Megan Morgan

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The State

C U LT U R E

The State Of Estates

From upscale antiques to funeral plots, estate sales have it all.

Estate sales are like the older, wiser sister of garage sales. They matured, got an education and saw the world. When there are goods to be sold, many people call specialists like Lottie Stevens, a professional appraiser who runs Sales by Lottie, an estate sale company in Tulsa that has garnered an impressive number of followers.

“I have people who have said to me, ‘I can’t come to anymore of your sales, my house is full,’” recalls Stevens.

Stevens says that these days, people have estate sales for different reasons. “It used to be mainly death or they were moving into a facility,” she explains. “Now, it is either downsizing or moving across the country for job-related business.”

When delving into the world of lifetime accruals and collections, one may get used to seeing unique items, but some pieces cannot be forgotten. In the Oklahoma City area, Matt McNeil of McNeil Liquidations says his company specializes in large and unusual sales. He once had the unique challenge of trying to sell a collection of erotic Japanese netsukes, ceremonial ivory carvings.

“They were pretty graphic,” he says. “The

customers would have to ask to see them because obviously we’re in the heart of the Bible Belt, and there are too many people who could have been easily offended.”

Stevens says one of her most memorable finds was three pieces of Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica, dishes originally designed for the Dutch king and queen. She says it is the most expensive dishware out there, something she has searched for but never expected to find in Tulsa. Maybe it shouldn’t have been that surprising because, she considers, “We forget we have incredible roots, and we attracted money with oil and gas for so many years that there are some really cool things.”

Lottie Stevens runs It takes a lot of train- a successful estate ing to be able to identify sale and appraisal

and value the diverse array of items that are sold at estate sales. Both Stevens and McNeil have more than 20 years of experience, and they continue to educate themselves in new areas. Their vast expertise allows their clients to trust them wholly.

“It’s a trust industry, if you think about it,” says Stevens. “They’re handing me keys.

It’s probably a hard step for a lot of families that have lost their family. member” Stevens believes that being an advocate for the families is a crucial part of her job. “I do exactly what I love,” she says. “I have a passion for it in my own little weird way.”

BETH WEESE

company in Tulsa.

PHOTO BY CASEY HANSON.

S TAT S

9 45 32

23

hours,

Date in December of Festivus, a mock holiday made popular by the

minutes,

seconds

The length of daylight expected on Dec. 21, the first day of winter.

22

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

sitcom Seinfeld. The holiday parody is marked by a Festivus pole and

13

Number of ingredients in a traditional Christmas pudding.

includes an “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength.”

The State

Tulsa elementary school students learn about history and art at Gilcrease Museum. The field trip was organized by the Any Given Child program.

PHOTO BY NATALIE GREEN.

SMART MOVE

Art Smart

In a time when drama and music classes are being eliminated from schools as budgets are cut, the minds behind Any Given Child at the Kennedy Center see art as not only a way to bring culture to students but also as a valuable tool to teach them core curriculum.

“After a 2011 visit from the Kennedy Center, it was evident that our city, arts organizations and school district were all committed to the improvement of education in and through the arts,” says Jean Swanson, director of constituent and student services for Tulsa Public Schools. “Tulsa was chosen as the fifth city in the nation to participate in the initiative.”

There are three layers to the program: live arts experiences, arts integration and art for art’s sake.

For the live arts experience, each grade level goes on a field trip to a different museum or performance. Fifth graders see a Tulsa Ballet performance. Amber Tait, executive director of Any Given Child-Tulsa, says she received an email from a fifth grade teacher who said her students were not excited about the trip but ended up loving the ballet, even asking when they could go again.

Where this program really shines is in its ability to integrate arts into everyday lesson plans. “Field study trips are surrounded by extensive, meaningful arts integrated curriculum that is tied to common core standards in language arts, math, social studies and the visual arts,” explains Tait. “This curriculum allows students to form deeper connections not only to an art form, but to core academic subjects as well.”

As for art for art’s sake, it is as it sounds. “Art is a valuable asset to the lives of participating students because it expands their horizons,” says Tait. “Arts participation allows students to express ideas and feelings that can’t be communicated in other ways.” – Beth Weese

24

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

FOLLOW-UP

THE TREE CONTROVERSY

After wildfires blazed through much of Oklahoma during the 2012 summer, it became clear throughout the state that the Eastern Red-cedar tree was a large stimulant to such disaster.

Though Oklahoma politicians and business executives discussed measures to mitigate the destructive power of these trees, one year later, there is not much to show for it.

“Nothing has changed since last year. Nothing,” says State Rep. Richard Morrissette (DOklahoma City). He believes that the EasternRed-cedar has, over the years, become a “prime fuel source for Oklahoma wildfires.”

“With cedar drinking varying amounts of water under certain weather conditions – sometimes as much as 80 gallons per day per tree – and with related wildfire costs, loss of grazing land, wildlife habitat and the highest allergy rates in the nation, we will spend about $450 million taxpayer dollars in 2014 just to contend with this invasive species,” says Morrissette.

For this reason, he believes that the issue of the Eastern Red-cedar is one of the most underrated economic and conservation issues in Oklahoma’s history.

In 2011, the Oklahoma House and Senate passed the Woody Biomass Initiative, which was designed to use woody biomass from the trees’ waste wood as an alternative fuel source for the production of energy.

Shortly after its passage, however, Gov. Mary Fallin vetoed the bill. Additionally, many other individuals throughout Oklahoma still believe the trees’ impact is overrated.

The Oklahoma Forestry Services has stood by its position that poor land management plays a much bigger role than that of the Eastern Red-cedar in wild fires.

Still, Morrissette and many throughout the state believe that something must be done.

“It’s the general public and our entrepreneurs who are tired of the legislature and the governor ignoring this crisis,” says Morrissette. “Calls to my office are repeatedly the voices of incredulous Oklahomans who don’t understand why we continue to fail to get the job done.” – Nathan Porter

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2013

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The State Team Galaxy recently released its third studio album of holiday tunes.

THE INSIDER

A Galactic Holiday

D

Local legend Davit Souders forms Team Galaxy to bring holiday tunes to Tulsa.

uring this time of the year, just about anything can trigger that sudden and precious lightening of the heart known as the Christmas spirit. It can be as simple as glimpsing a window display in a mall store, hearing a holiday song you loved as a child, driving by a “living nativity scene” in a church’s snow-dusted front yard, or even stumbling across A Charlie Brown Christmas for the umpteenth time as you flip through the television channels.

For Tulsa’s Davit Souders – live-music promoter, producer and performer, as well as the host of Z104.5’s long-running Homegroan radio show – the spirit returned in the late ‘90s, ushered in on a rock ‘n’ roll beat.

“Christmas has always spoken very loudly to me, the feeling in the air and everything,” he says.

“Then, in December of ’95, my mother passed away, not long after her birthday. It’s hard to lose a parent anytime, let alone at that time of year, and for a few years, I wasn’t feeling the holiday like I have my whole life. I wasn’t trying to be grumpy.

But that feeling inside, that holiday spirit, was not there.”

At the time, Souders knew just about every rock act in the area, thanks to his work in booking and promoting shows for Cain’s

Ballroom as well as his own Tulsa club, Ikon. Those performers in turn knew him as a rock ‘n’ roll vocalist, notably with the ‘80s band Lynx. Armed with that knowledge, they’d often ask him to do a song or two when they played one of his venues.

“I sat in as a guest performer with everyone from Brian Parton to Pit Bulls on Crack – and that’s quite a variety,” he notes with a laugh. “It was nice to sit in, but I really started missing having my spot in the band, instead of being the guest. So in ’98, I mentioned to my good friend Erv Felker, from the band Difuser, that I’d really like to start playing music again. And Erv said, ‘Okay.

Be at rehearsal on Wednesday.’”

Live in, like, December of ’84, and Paul Shaefer was in the band, and Brian Setzer, and they did ‘Santa Claus Is Back in Town,’ with fake snow.

“So as long as I can remember, doing holiday music seemed really cool to me. It had always been in the back of my mind. So we said, ‘Let’s do it,’ and I remember that when we started getting into it, the spirit just flooded back into me like nobody’s business.

It was a holiday epiphany, you might say.

I’m not trying to be too cheesy, but I felt like running through the streets like Jimmy Stewart [in the classic holiday film It’s A Wonderful Life].”

Officially, that first band was named DDS, for Dave, Difuser and the Tulsa-based guitarist Sparquis, all of whom contributed to the project.

“We went into the studio and recorded about four or five holiday songs,” says Souders. “We knew we wanted it to be energetic and fun, and right off the bat it just hit. I was hooked.”

The next year around the holidays, Souders and Difuser recorded a couple more Yuletide rockers. Then, in 2000, as he remembers it, he decided to “go for broke” and hand-pick a group of Tulsa’s most prominent rockers to bring into the studio.

Felker, Jeff Graham and Greg Klaus, of the band Fanzine, played guitars; Gerald Wood, who’d been the bassist for Souders’ former group Lynx, played bass, Billy Berkenbile was on drums, and Tex Montana added her vocals and guitar to the mix, which featured Souders as lead singer.

In the time-honored tradition of musicians kidding one other about their importance, they started comparing themselves to the group of international superstars that had created the famous Quincy Jones-produced charity record “We Are the World” back in 1985.

“Quincy Jones had put a sign up [in the studio] that said, ‘Check your egos at the door.’ Our running joke was, ‘Check your snowshoes at the door,’ because there was ice on the ground and it was cold,” remembers Souders. “Tex Montana made a joke about how it was like a galaxy of Tulsa stars, and I thought, ‘Galaxy . . . Team Galaxy.’ That’s where the name came from.” (Team Galaxy, a French-Canadian animated series that ran on the Cartoon Network, didn’t begin airing until several years later.)

Sporting its newly christened name, Souders’ Team Galaxy began appearing annually on his radio show, spreading from there to local television. “Since 2004 or 2005, we’ve

26

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

The invitation just happened to come as the Christmas season was approaching. It was, according to Souders, the perfect time to go in the studio and record some holiday tunes.

“Like a lot of people, I’d been fascinated with holiday music as a kid,” he recalls. “Elvis’ holiday music, and then Bruce Springsteen’s versions and Robert Plant – he and the Honeydrippers appeared on Saturday Night

PHOTOS COURTESY TEAM GALAXY.

“Our running joke was, ‘Check your snowshoes at the door.’”

been on Channel 8; they’ve declared us their official holiday band,” he notes.

At about the same time, Souders began distributing CDs from the group – first as limited-edition giveaways containing a few songs, and then as commercial full-length holiday discs, beginning with 2004’s The Sled Chronicles and continuing with 2011’s The Acoustic Chronicles. By the time this story appears, a third one will also be available at online music stores and in Tulsa at Dwelling Spaces, Ida Red and Starship. Those CDs, Souders says, along with downloads from the discs, have sold “surprisingly well” across the country and in Mexico, Canada and Europe.

As has been the case the past few years, Team Galaxy also has a number of live seasonal gigs in Tulsa, including River Lights at River Parks on Dec. 7 and BOK Center’s Winterfest on Dec. 21. At 10 p.m. Dec. 15, this year’s version of the band appears on the annual Homegroan holiday broadcast.

Although the group’s lineup has changed through the years, Souders still attracts top area musicians to Team Galaxy. This year, the aggregation includes veteran keyboardist and engineer Hank Charles, bassist Dave Taube (formerly with Bunnies of Doom), former Lynx drummer Chris Cobb and guitarists Jeff Graham (who first came aboard in 2000) and Andy Callis. Callis is a frequent collaborator with Tony Romanello, who’s been a Team Galaxy member since the very early 2000s. This year, however, Romanello, with a new second child, is taking some time off. According to Souders, the well-known vocalist and guitarist has already committed to being a part of the Team in 2014.

“For me,” Souders says, “it’s cool to bring in people from my past and my present – from the whole history of my music in Tulsa. As the years have gone by and we’ve changed, some of Tulsa’s best musicians have been on board. It’s quite an impressive list of people who’ve come and gone through it, and I’m humbled by their participation in the project.”

It’s those musicians, he adds, who are responsible for reinfusing him with the holiday spirit, a process that began a decade and a half ago, when he was wondering if he’d ever feel it again.

“I didn’t know if it would ever come back,” he says. “But it’s been on full speed ever since. Christmas once again speaks very loudly to me.”

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The State SHOUT OUT

Delivery Man Tulsa resident Dr. Dayal Meshri started a fund that aids those in his native India.

Born in the times of British India, Dr. Dayal Meshri is a Sindhi from the province of Sindh, which is now a part of Pakistan. He came to the United States in the early ‘60s to get his doctorate and moved to Tulsa a few years later.

“I love the people and I love the city,” Meshri says. “It’s a great place for a doctor.”

But Meshri’s work – he is a flourine chemist by day – doesn’t end when he leaves the office. Meshri has started a fund for Sindhi people that helps build toilets in areas where there are only public bathhouses.

He describes the country as being divided into two distinct parts: urban and rural.

Meshri says that the urban parts of India are as modern as any part of the U.S., with hospitals, factories and anything else you can dream of.

“But you can still walk around these

28

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

modern buildings and find a straw, shaggy hut where the poor live,” Meshri says. “On one side of the street you’ll see Jaguars or Porsches roaming around, but then on the other side, there are cows and people without shoes.”

Meshri has seen a lot of change in the rural parts of India in the last few decades. Twenty years, ago, he says, there were not many roads in rural areas, and pull carts or donkeys were the main forms of transportation.

“Now a typical rural area has both farmers and craftsmen who have home industries,” he says. “Because of oil found in some of these areas, farmers have become educated, and people have moved to cities.”

He developed an idea last year at a meeting of the Global Alliance of Sindhi Associates Worldwide, of which Meshri is president.

“There were about 300 of us out having a

good time after a day at the conference,” Meshri says. “But then this one person said, ‘It’s fine that we celebrate our achievements, but what have we done for the community?’ He asked me to come with him to an area outside of Mumbai called Ulhasnagar. He wanted to show me how they lived.”

Meshri obliged. About 250,000 people live there, and about 95 percent are Sindhis – children of the original people who migrated when India was bifurcated in 1947.

“Some people got an education and left the area, but others not as fortunate are still there without much income,” he says.

During his first visit, Meshri saw the public bathhouses, which were built by the government. There are separate houses for men and women, but some people have to walk more than a few blocks just to get there, without a private bathroom of their own.

“And in the last few years, the roads have become much more dangerous,” Meshri says. “If a young girl at night had [to use the toilet], she would have to rush down the road, where she could be grabbed or molested.

There have been several dozen cases of incidents like this.”

The public bathrooms situation is also difficult for the elderly, Meshri says.

“Some older people are unable to walk three blocks,” he says. “We are blessed in this country...it’s hard to understand this need unless you see it for yourself.”

That day, Meshri visited several of the public bathrooms.

“I felt so sick, I could not stand it. People come and look at you. They don’t ask for help, but you can see it in their eyes. There is an internal message that you can read: ‘Can you do something?’ Your heart recognizes it,” he says.

Meshri met with the local government leaders and told them that he wanted to start building private bathrooms. He found three builders who said they would work for no profit – just labor and material. Meshri set up a local committee, and the project began in earnest.

In just a few months, bathrooms have already been built in five houses, and Meshri says that the next 20 will be finished in December.

This fund is unusual in one important way: Donors can be assured that 100 percent of the money goes to the cause. There is no overhead to run the fund, and many of the organizers, including Meshri, pay legal or accounting fees out of their own pockets.

“God has given you 24 hours in a day only,” he says. “When you’re not at work, the rest of the time goes to people who need your help. It’s not time to lie down.”

MEGAN MORGAN

©2013 The Williams Companies, Inc.

2013

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The State

SCENE

Super Lawyers

Oklahoma Magazine and Super Lawyers, published

by Thomson Reuters, hosted a reception honoring the attorneys named to the 2013 list. Receptions were held in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Randall Calvert, Vida Schuman and Dan Schuman.

Brad Beasley, Dan Schuman, David Litzinger and Vida Schuman.

Jeffrey Baum and Jason Glass.

Ann Keele, Kenyon Williams and Faith Orlowski.

James and Ginny Poe and Hap Fry.

Amy Miller, Roy “Skip” Teel, Ken Busby and Connor Robert Cass attended the National Philanthropy Day luncheon and conference that honored the most generous and philanthropic Tulsans.

Leanne Helmerich, Peggy Helmerich, Kayla Vaughn and Daniela Buson attended a reception for the announcement of the 2014 Tulsa Ballet Icons and Idols, which will be held Feb. 22 at Cox Business Center.

Ronda Adkisson, Chera Kimiko and Chuck Zoellner attended an annual fundraising event for Dress For Success Tulsa.

30

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Paige Morris, Lisa Stierwalt, Lori Riner and Stephanie Wilson are on the committee of the 2014 Celebrate Life Gala, an annual fundraise for Crisis Pregnancy Outreach, which will be held March 28 at the Glenpool Conference Center.

Billie Barnett, Justin Thompson and Barbara Findeiss hosted a reception for the staff at the Justice Center and Child Abuse Network to say thanks for a job well done.

Ken Duncan, Cathy Campbell, Victoria Bartlett and Mayor Dewey Bartlett were all smiles at the annual Hispanic American Foundation Gala and Silent Auction.

Melissa Cory, Steve Agee and Martha Burger attended the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor luncheon at Oklahoma City University.

Jeff and Cindy West and Julie and Greg Wood were chairpersons for this year’s Corks & Kegs event, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The State

SPOTLIGHT

Pink Ribbon Event

Hundreds gathered at Southern Hills Country Club for Pink Ribbon Event, an annual benefit luncheon and dinner that raises funds for Oklahoma Project Woman. Patrons enjoyed food, cocktails, a style show and a live auction.

Robert and Roxana Lorton.

Margaux Lippoldt, Melanie and Brent Blackstock and Deb Krumme.

Colleen Sherin and Keith Sturtevant.

John and Julie Nickel, Janet McGehee and Bryan Close.

Robin McEver and Rodger Coday.

Ellen and Carlisle Mabrey and Liz Austin.

Shelly and Alan Armstrong.

Vida Schuman, Paolo Torell-Viera and Alexandra Lapegna.

Lawrence and Cindy Field and Peggy and Charles Stephenson.

Rebekah Tennis and Raj Basu.

32

Deb Krumme, Nancy Hicks and Emily Cary.

Whitney Wiliams, J’Anna Jacobsen, Judy Claudette Williams and Georgenia Van Tuyl.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Steve and Monica Bayles.

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The State

SPOTLIGHT

Mike Keys, Toni Garner and Ty Kaszubowski.

Steve and Marla Bradshaw.

John and Michele Deerborn, Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson.

Sheila Buck, Isaac Rocha and Cassie Reese.

Cindy and Lawrence Field.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Monica Basu and Todd Brown.

Suzanne Warren and Phil Long.

Emily Cary and Vida Schuman.

Mollie Williford and Monica Bayes.

Cindy Field, Peggy Stephenson, Billie Field and Emily Cary.

Heather Van Hooser and Shelly Armstrong.

Kristin Dickerson and Chera Kimiko.

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The State

Symmetry reigns in the formal living room with facing twin sofas and matching consoles, lamps and mirrors flanking the fireplace.

Black and white grasscloth wallpaper adds elegance to an already sophisticated dining room.

L I V I N G S PA C E S

Subtle And Sexy

Soft colors and unusual textures add drama to this Oklahoma City home.

T

Photography by David Cobb

he homeowners’ renovation mandate was clear when designer Jennifer Welch was hired to give a spacious estate in Nichols Hills a fresh, new look.

“The couple wanted their home to have a transitional look – not too traditional or contemporary,” Welch says. “They wanted it light, cozy, elegant, but not stuffy.

Most important, they wanted a comfortable setting for their family, including two high schoolers and one college student.

“For me, it was like walking into a blank slate,” Welch recalls.

“The home had been completely updated when [the homeowners] purchased it. They wanted a look that would make the home their own.”

The Georgian-style two-story, U-shaped home is approximately 10,000 square feet in size. It follows this traditional style in its exterior and interior footprint. Stepping inside, a large staircase to the right of the living room leads to the children’s upstairs haven: four bedrooms and a sitting area.

“The home has good, neutral bones, and the floor plan is terrific,” Welch says. “Every room leading outside features French doors, so I had the opportunity to do a variety of cool draperies.”

Four fireplaces and mantels also offered design opportunities.

“Incorporating some of their furnishings they wanted to keep was the biggest challenge,” Welch notes. “The wife has a great eye for design. The couple travels frequently and now has a wonderful art collection. They were quite involved in the placement of certain furnishings and all the art.”

Welch began the yearlong renovation with a soft, neutral color palette of white, light cream and gray. Paintings frequently provided the color pop needed to give the rooms drama. Occasionally, Welch added bold color surprises with lamps or vases, placed to draw attention.

Texture also added to the home’s comfortable elegance. Welch used a black-and-white grasscloth wallpaper in the formal dining room and a dyed cowhide rug cut into octagon and hexagon shapes under the dark walnut sleigh bed in the master bedroom;

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

37

The State

raffia fronts enhance the custom made bedside night stands.

Two alpaca wool runners accent the floor in front of the commercial range and sink in the kitchen, adding texture, warmth and comfort. The kitchen includes a spacious family room.

This family enjoys reading constantly. Welch created a special reading area in the living room with ideal chairs for this leisure time activity – an Eames chair, ottoman and complementary side table for him; a stately, contemporary high-back chair for her.

A custom silk and wool rug in gray, cream and pale blue anchors the seating area in the living room, as does a custom made coffee table fashioned of cut marble tiles and curved antique brass legs. Custom made consoles feature matching ottomans and lamps, creating a symmetrical look.

The dining room is exquisite. Welch used the existing Chippendale table and chairs, updating with two new, oversize host and hostess chairs. Custom made chandeliers of white carved wood with silver leaf and white lacquer add a contemporary contrast.

Welch had draperies made of gray silk with a white phalange down the side for a look she calls “rather sexy.” Fresh white orchids dress the table. An adjacent bar transitions this room to the kitchen and family room.

“The family lived in the house for a year before the renovation,” Welch says. “They wanted to know the house well before we began the redecorating process. She knew what she wanted, and we worked in phases. They were very mindful that this was a collaboration. She was comfortable with every decision I made, and they trusted me to help execute their vision for their home.”

M.J. VAN DEVENTER

Twin center islands are dominant features in the kitchen, which includes a large family room, complete with comfortable seating and a fireplace.

Welch added a cowhide rug designed by Kyle Bunting of Austin, Texas, under the existing sleigh bed to soften the master bedroom.

A downstairs landing connects the kitchen to the study and leads outdoors to the beautifully landscaped grounds.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

“God is in the details”

-Mies van der Rohe

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9/24/13

5:02 PM

The State

STYLE

Here for the Party

MARC BAUWER HYBRID SEQUINED SNAKESKIN PATTERNED DRESS, $255; VC SIGNATURE PLUM SUEDE HEELS, $225; TORY BURCH BLACK CROSSBODY BAG, $365; MISS JACKSON’S FUR WHITE FOX COLLAR, $620; LORDANE JEWEL DROP EARRINGS, $78; CLAUDIA LABAO HAMMERED CUFF BANGLE, $60; CLAUDIA LABAO GOLD STRETCHCOIL BRACELET, $155; MISS JACKSON’S.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

NHA KHANH BLACK PEPLUM TOP WITH LEATHER AND RHINESTONE DETAIL, $388, AND BLACK TROUSERS, $388; SERPUI MARIE METALLIC GOLD WEAVE CLUTCH, $215, ROPE. VALENTINO BLACK PATENT LEATHER STUDDED SANDALS, $1,045, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. BLACK FACETED CRYSTAL AND GOLD EARRINGS, $25; BLACK CRYSTAL RING, $90; DONNA’S FASHIONS.

PHOTOS BY NATALIE GREEN.

Over-the-top glitz and understated glamour are keys to a great holiday look.

The State AIDAN MATTOX BLUE PARTY DRESS WITH BEADED AND SEQUINED BLACK LACE BODICE, $350; JIMMY CHOO BLACK SATIN PUMP WITH BOW, $850; JIMMY CHOO METALLIC BLACK CLUTCH, $1,195; SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. MICHAEL KORS GOLD PAVE STUDS, $75; ALEXIS BITTAR JEWELED CUFF, $375; MISS JACKSON’S.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

ASTRID HORSE-PRINT BLOUSE, $264; HOUSE OF HARLOW SEQUINED HAREM PANTS, $154; ELLA MOSS LAMBSWOOL SWEATER, $244; SILVER COIL AND PEARL STRETCH CUFF, $28; CHAN LUU PEARL DROP EARRINGS, $24; NATIVE. MICHAEL KORS CAMOUFLAGE HAIRCALF PUMP WITH GOLD TOE AND HEEL, $395, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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The State KAREN KANE CREAM LACE JACKET WITH SEQUINS AND VELVET BOW, $148; KAREN KANE ESSENTIALS CREAM CAMISOLE, $40; LISETTE CAMEL PANTS, $116; SUSAN SHAW CHOCOLATE PEARL AND GOLD TWIST CROSS NECKLACE, $62; SUSAN SHAW CHOCOLATE PEARL AND GOLD TWIST EARRINGS, $25; FRANK LYMAN GUNMETAL HONEYCOMB EVENING BAG, $85; DONNA’S FASHIONS. JIMMY CHOO ROSE GOLD SANDALS, $895, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

URSULA OF SWITZERLAND NAVY LACE DRESS WITH SEQUINS AND RHINESTONE BROOCH, $342; YOLANTA COLLECTION BEADED NECKLACE WITH CRYSTAL PENDANT, $130, AND MATCHING EARRINGS, $64; MARY RUBY APPAREL. FRANK LYMAN BLACK SATIN EVENING BAG WITH RHINESTONES AND BEADS, $143, DONNA’S FASHIONS. MICHAEL KORS SILVER ANKLE STRAP HEELS, $295, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.

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Tulsa’s beloved holiday tradition returns as Philbrook celebrates 75 years.

Putting an eye on quality makes the impossible seem possible.

Bama Companies PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE BE SUCCESSFUL

Proceeds benefit Philbrook educational programs and Museum operations.

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The State Yoana Baraschi metallic lime and black tweed jacket, $415, and metallic black trousers, $260; VC Signature black peep-toe booties, $250; Rebecca Minkoff black-and-gold weave crossbody bag, $365; Rachel Zoe gold tassel necklace, $350, Miss Jackson’s.

Style fashion.indd 46

Yoana Baraschi black and blue party dress, $395; Rachel Zoe black and gold kitten heel sandals, $295; Kate Spade gold crossbody bag, $198; Claudia Labao gold chain-link necklace, $345; Lulu Frost three-strand chain-link bracelet, $192, Miss Jackson’s.

11/22/13 10:05 AM

Lanvin red shirred dress, $1,535; Lisa Jenks pearl necklace, $865; Narciso Rodriguez black satin sandal, $795, Abersons. Coach brown leather and black sequined leopard clutch, $398, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Style fashion.indd 47

Narciso Rodriguez emerald shift dress, $1,595, Abersons. Milly iridescent clutch, $295, Saks Fifth Avenue. Michael Kors silver ankle strap heels, $295, Saks Fifth Avenue. Black faceted crystal and gold earrings, $25; black crystal ring, $90; Donna’s Fashions.

11/22/13 10:05 AM

The State John Patrick brown cable knit sweater, $485, and organic silk camisole, $105; Vince brown suede leggings, $995; Rebecca Lankford horn necklace, $375; Proenza Schouler brown suede shoulder bag, $1,285; Fiorentini + Baker brown boots, $605, Abersons.

Style fashion.indd 48

Alice + Olivia burgundy dress with black leather cap sleeves, $440; Pologeorgis black leather and rabbit fur coat, $875; Diane Von Furstenberg leopard lip clutch, $295; Jimmy Choo black cut-out booties with front zipper, Saks Fifth Avenue. Miriam Haskell gold mesh and bauble necklace, $650, Miss Jackson’s.

11/22/13 10:05 AM

Vince Camuto little black dress, $142; Ella Moss lambswool sweater, $244; Rachel Zoe gold tassel necklace, $286, and black and crystal barrel cuff, $220; Designer Details crystal clutch, $76, Native. Kate Spade black satin and gold platform heels, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Style fashion.indd 49

J Brand metallic jeggings, $240; Parker ivory beaded V-neck top, $297; Vince brown leather moto jacket, $995, Miss Jackson’s. Rachel Zoe gold chain link bracelet, $220, Native. Rachel Zoe gold tassel earrings, $84, Native.

Michael Kors camouflage calf-hair pump with gold toe and heel, $395, Saks Fifth Avenue.

11/22/13 10:05 AM

The State

Apply Fashion BEAUTY

‘Tis The Season

The beauty shelves are packed more than ever with fashion designer collaborations.

The most recent collaboration between Revlon and Marchesa couldn’t be more fabulously glamorous. These runwayinspired Revlon by Marchesa 3DJewel Appliqués are limited edition couture fashion offered in the neighborhood drugstore. Each design was inspired by a dress out of Marchesa’s archives. Revlon’s color and trend experts layered on the rich metallic, details and textures. These appliqués are a breeze to apply and last several days. Select one of the nine stickers for the size that best fits your nail. Apply and press firmly. Fold the remainder over tip and file away excess material on one direction. Beaded Couture features multi-colored gem-like details on a black background. Silk Rosette has blue lace set off by a metallic silver nail.

Not-so-bashful Blush The coming holidays signal cheerful times with family and friends that often involve hitting the road and flying the skies. Packing up all those makeup and skin care goodies can take up serious luggage real estate, and flyers face the dreaded three-fluid-ounce rule. There are a couple ways to free up some space while keeping a routine intact.

Try a multi-tasking product that can be used to wash hair and body, like Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath in festive Peppermint Stick scent. Or skip the liquid all together with a multi-tasking bar soap like Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Face and Body Soap that comes with a travel-friendly dish.

Is it a happy coincidence that this is the season holiday sets hit the shelves? These

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

product-packed palettes put everything in one neat place. LORAC PRO To Go Eye/ Cheek Palette offers six wearable eye shadows in both matte and shimmer finish. Three cheek shades – coral, pink and bronze – are widely flattering. And the palette contains a mirror and two brushes. Can’t bear to leave your favorite brands behind? 3floz (www.3floz.com) offers travel-friendly sizes from tons of brands like Dr. Hauschka, Oscar Blandi and Yes To Carrots. The company also offers pre-filled kits curated for particular needs like Men’s, Jet Lag and Hair.

Expect to see 3floz on a layover soon: The company is rolling out vending machines in airports to offer any forgotten or needed travel item in terminals.

LINDSAY ROGERS

With the drier weather, we can play with richer and more moisturizing makeup.

One of my favorite fall tweaks is switching over to cream blush. Cream formulas give that authentic cold weather flush much better than powder formulas.

Josie Maran recently debuted Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée, a cream blush with the staying power of a gel stain. This juicy pot is full of coconut water-infused pigment that is nourishing and hydrating.

Another favorite cream blush is the iconic La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush.

The shades are decidedly radiant and worth the splurge. For a drugstore option, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush has an odd and fascinating bouncy texture that works as a cream with great staying power and a wide range of shade options.

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Aesthetic Surgery Institute of America Your Beauty, in the Hands of a Woman

All surgeries are performed at Tulsa Ambulatory Procedure Center (TAP), an AAAHC accredited ambulatory procedure center, located adjacent to the clinic. You will have a board certified anesthesiologist take care of you, along with Dr. Nicole, who is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. There is no better place for all your cosmetic surgery needs.

Dr. Nicole Patel offers both surgical and non-surgical procedures to help you to look and feel your best. Dr. Nicole also supports anti-aging medicine, incorporating bio-identical hormones and nutritional supplements to your regimen for overall health, beauty & wellness. Come visit our exquisite office in midtown Tulsa, located on 15th Street, between Harvard and Lewis.

From Moroccan chandeliers to Italian glass bead wall coverings, the exquisite setting is the perfect backdrop for your private medical retreat.

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Dr. Daniel Morris Dr. Jayen Patel

Practicing a holistic approach to pain management Oklahoma Pain And Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility specializing in chronic pain management and providing the highest quality in patient comfort, care and management. The Center offers hospital-grade care at a fraction of the price. The Center's modern facility utilizes green sources of energy and an electronic medical record system while offering patients a comfortable, pleasant environment.

Treatments offered include: • Epidural Steroid Injections • Facet Blocks • Selective Nerve Root Blocks • Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials and Implants • Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty • SI Joint Injections • Radio Frequency Ablations

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Oklahoma Pain And Wellness Center Dr. Jayen Patel • Dr. Daniel Morris • Mark Hall, PA-C 2811 E. 15th St. • Tulsa 918.935.3200 • www.tulsabackcare.com

The State

Y O U R H E A LT H

Prepare For Crisis

H

Optimal health before illness or injury can make for a speedy recovery.

ere’s a quick exercise: Count the number of people you know who have experienced an unexpected illness or injury. Are you in the double digits yet? Nearly all of us, at one time or another, will have our health compromised.

What may surprise you to discover is how much your current health may dictate your recovery.

Dr. Andrea Miller, an internal medicine specialist with Mercy Clinic in Oklahoma City, shares that unhealthy lifestyle conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, tobacco use, obesity and cardiovascular disease can weaken a person’s ability to heal.

“For instance, a patient’s recovery may include the closure and healing of an incision.

An active smoker with chronic low blood oxygen levels will be impairing his body’s opportunity to deliver the right amount of oxygen to the skin tissue,” she says. “This can result in a longer healing process and can put the patient at risk for infection.”

The American Diabetes Association reports that “one of the most common complications associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is delayed wound healing.”

Miller adds that many recovery plans include physical therapy as well as occupational therapy. Being at a healthy weight can make rehabilitation easier.

“Someone with an elevated body mass index may find it difficult to complete the therapy needed for a successful recovery,” she says.

Dr. Charles Morgan, a vascular neurologist and medical director for the INTEGRIS James R. Daniel Stroke Center of Oklahoma, explains that there are several predictors that may help a patient have a more favorable outcome after suffering a stroke, including having normal blood pressure, no heart disease and being a nonsmoker.

Smoking doubles the risk for stroke when compared to a nonsmoker, and up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, according to the National Stroke Association.

In addition, being in good health can lower the odds of a second stroke.

“You can significantly reduce your risk of

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

a second stroke by keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes under control, quitting smoking and taking an aspirin every day for the rest of your life,” says Morgan.

He emphasizes how important it is to have your blood pressure checked every year, and if it’s high, to not ignore it. He believes many people may know or suspect they have high blood pressure but never take action.

“While high blood pressure can be improved through diet and exercise, there are also hereditary risk factors,” says Morgan.

He encourages patients to know their family medical history and to partner with their doctor to achieve the best course of treatment.

Whether it’s a broken ankle during a weekend excursion or a more life-threatening event, such as a stroke, being in the best health you can be before misfortune strikes is essential.

Miller stresses the importance of practicing wellness.

“Having a wellness plan of care is just as key as having an illness plan of care,” says Miller. “Your health is an investment like any other investment. If you meet with your accountant once a year to review your finances, you should meet with your physician to discuss your health.”

And while some days you may practice wellness better than others – choosing an apple over a glazed doughnut, for instance – it’s consistency that counts.

“Find a doctor you can build a mutual relationship with, someone with whom

you feel comfortable and can have open dialogue,” says Miller. “Your physician can provide you with age-appropriate options for preventive care given your personal medical history and family medical history. From there, you can work together to set goals for a healthy lifestyle.”

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DECMBER 2013

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MAKING AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

O K M AG . C O M

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10/21/13 11:52 AM

The State

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia offers small town charm and breathtaking natural beauty.

D E S T I N AT I O N S : W E E K E N D G E TAWAY

Mountain Empire Tri-Cities Region of Tennessee is the quintessential rural getaway.

L

AT A G L A N C E Access: By commercial flight, the TriCities area is serviced, regionally, by TriCities Regional Airport.

Population: Approx. 500,000 in the region.

Climate: Generally mild, with measurable differences based on altitude; cooler evenings in general and an intense fall.

Main Attractions: Fall foliage, scenic paths, parks and historical interests.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

et’s face it: Most travelers with any experience can name the great cities of the world, the American “second cities” that are equally as appealing and, of course, well-traveled specific tourist destinations.

But is Manhattan, Miami Beach or Milan the kind of place you want to head off to, with limited vacation time and a deep need to get away from the hustle of modern reality and recharge your battery, whether solo, on a romantic recharge or with the whole family in tow? Not so much.

To really escape to the quiet world – the world of Walden’s Pond and wanderlust –one must escape the tried and true and certainly abandon any list of most popular tourist destinations. The good news? The United States is full of just such places, in virtually every state and in any type of physical environment you might personally find refreshing, from desert to remote beaches to mountains

and every other green-scape. And in the TriCities region of northeast Tennessee.

While major cities and western Tennessee are better-known visitor regions in the Volunteer State, this region and its primary city, Kingsport, make for an exceptional natural getaway. Particularly in the fall, when the region turns lush and colorful, this obscure part of the state is a hidden treasure that should not be missed.

Check into your accommodations and acclimate to your environment. While three cities and land in two states technically fall into this region, Kingsport is the best bet for accommodations and access to the regional natural attractions. If a late dinner sounds good, try Braeden’s Barbeque for a delicious take on regional cooking. Walk it off in this quaint town, and you’ll be aching to see more of the area by morning.

Saturday morning, it’s time to connect to the region’s past, and there is no better way than Exchange Place, a farm that to this day

S TAY I N STYLE Marriott MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center is luxury, amenities and comfort at its best in Kingsport, and service is top-notch. The business center is well prepared for the executive and the fitness center helps you keep on routine. www.marriott.com The Fox Manor Historic Bed & Breakfast is different, a world away with quiet and comfort. Great breakfasts, personalized service and comfort pair nicely with “getting away with it all.” www.foxmanor.com

HOT PICKS Pose: Don’t show off that you’re from out of town; and know the municipal components of the Tri-Cities region are Kingsport, Johnson and Bristol – and Bristol has a twin city in adjacent Virginia.

Ride: Budding equestrian or long-time rider, check out Warriors’ Path Riding Stables for a different way to connect to the region’s past.

Kiddies: If nature and foliage bore the kids – of any age – consider the Putt-Putt Fun Center for family fun that has been known to get out of hand, in a good way.

Warriors’ Path State Park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as outstanding golf.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

reflects the reality of Kingsport’s agricultural past in a way that will fascinate historian and child alike. See period livestock, crafts and a real-world view of history here. Finish the afternoon with high-speed fun at Bristol Motor Speedway. Leaping Lizard Family Entertainment Center is an essential stop for the with-kids crowd before heading back to town for dinner at Phil’s Dream Pit for more regional barbecue or Chop House for traditional cuts of meat.

Sunday is connect-with-nature day, and this is an ideal location for that. It’s as easy as a scenic drive through the Tri-Cities region if it’s fantastic foliage season, or else choosing between Bays Mountain Park and its many ways of viewing the surrounding beauty. Warriors’ Path State Park is another good bet, particularly in the fall, as is a round of golf at Cattails at Meadowview, where you’ll want to be sure and check the seafood buffet schedule in advance. Enough with barbecue for dinner? Go for old-school fast food at Pal’s Sudden Service or Riverfront Seafood Company to complete an eclectic but relaxing escape to another green country. www.visitkingsport.com

VISIT ONLINE

VIDA SCHUMAN

DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

53

2013

2013 Great

COMPANIES To Work For

Ring Of Honor

Each year, Great Companies To Work For recognizes a handful of Oklahoma employers with such lengthy and consistent histories that they warrant the Ring Of Honor designation.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Professional Sports Employees (OK): 156 full-time/260 part-time www.thunder.nba.com

54

Devon Energy

Oklahoma City Independent Oil and Natural Gas Producer Employees (OK): 5,500 www.dvn.com

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Bank of Oklahoma

Tulsa Banking and Finance Employees (OK): 2,900 www.bankofoklahoma.com

American Fidelity Assurance Company Oklahoma City Insurance Employees (OK): 1,100 www.americanďŹ delity.com

If three years of writing this special report has revealed anything in aggregate, it is that Oklahoma’s economy, fueled by private industry, is far more diverse than many people may imagine. Yes, the fields most associated with Oklahoma make up a large portion of the state’s employers: energy, agriculture, aerospace and manufacturing. But with lower profiles are the countless other business entities, large and small, that support those major sectors, and businesses in other fields fewer people associate with the Sooner State, such as biomedical and several other branches of technologybased commerce.

Most, if not all of, these diverse aspects of Oklahoma’s economy have revealed themselves in this special report over the past three years. Either in companies that have made it into the pages of the report to follow, or in those who have been nominated and are not yet ready to be included in the lofty litany, countless businesses have been excited to participate in Great Companies To Work For. Perhaps nothing illustrates this better than the two CEOs we’ve opted to interview in conjunction with Great Companies – both of whom happen to head companies honored in this special report.

Not long ago, neither Oklahoma Magazine staff and advisors nor most in Oklahoma may have heard of Oklahoma City-based QuiBids.com. Meanwhile, Tulsa’s Bama Companies is an icon of

NORDAM

Tulsa Aerospace Employees (OK): 1,800 www.NORDAM.com

The Williams Companies

Tulsa Energy Employees (OK): 1,020 www.williams.com

almost a century known to virtually every local resident. Helmed respectively by our interview subjects, Matt Beckham and Paula Marshall, these great companies came to the attention of Oklahoma Magazine in our first Great Companies To Work For editions.

We discuss their different paths to success and what it is about their company culture makes them great places at which to work.

We’re honored to feature them this year, when once again the verydifferent QuiBids and Bama are recognized in these pages.

That diversity illustrates the ongoing challenge to evaluate employers that are very different. Once again, this year Oklahoma Magazine offers A Sample of Great Companies To Work For, in which the best effort has been made to evaluate businesses that can be relatively compared, as well as spotlight various employment sectors that rationally have to be evaluated internally because they stand out so distinctly from other sectors.

Companies selected for inclusion in all parts of this special section were selected based on evaluation of data submitted via online application, in some cases a two-step procedure, as well as automatic renomination and re-evaluation of companies who appeared in or applied for inclusion in previous Great Companies. Business and community leaders were also asked for nominations, which was followed by data collection and evaluation. In a non-scientific method based on the collection and evaluation of company data, employee perspective, public recognition and contribution to their communities, Oklahoma Magazine endeavored once again to identify the state’s great employers, in a score of sectors and sizes and present to you a little information about each.

Now in its third year, 2013 Great Companies To Work For demonstrates that our often-underexposed diversity is our strength.

– Michael W. Sasser

QuikTrip

Tulsa Gas Stations, Convenience Stores Employees (OK): 2,152 www.quiktrip.com

ONEOK

Tulsa Diversified energy company involved in the natural gas and natural gas liquids businesses Employees (OK): 2,600 www.oneok.com and www.oneokpartners.com DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

55

Build It Like Beckham

a o t n i s d i B i u Q t l i u b s a h m a h k c e B Matt . s m r e t n w o s i h n o d n a r b l a n o i t a n

By Michael W. Sasser

It took launching two successful businesses – one of which has revolutionized the online world of entertainment shopping and garnered national acclaim as both concept and workplace – but finally, Matt Beckham feels like an entrepreneur.

“That mindset has developed over time,” says Beckham, 31, founder and CEO of Oklahoma City-based QuiBids. “I never really said to myself that I’m going to be an entrepreneur. It’s not what I thought I was going to do. But when an opportunity presented itself, it seemed logical.”

Beckham says the entrepreneurial pathway was not something he necessarily learned from his parents. His father’s work, psychology; his mother’s, social work.

“There was never that kind of family interest,” Beckham says. “In the family, there was no one to really turn to for advice in what I was doing.”

But as a youngster, a budding capitalist might have taken shape. When he was 13 years old, Beckham says he enjoyed playing with graphics editing programs, which then extended to building web pages.

“The intent wasn’t to make money – when I was 13, there wasn’t

much to the internet,” Beckham says. Still, “I was kind of doing web development for clients at 15 years old,” he adds.

Beckham earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with honors from the University of Oklahoma and then spent several years working as an online marketer and media buyer.

Beckham, though, says he learned a lot from that early work experience, which he described as being similar to a start-up. It wasn’t long before he launched his own small business, and thus came the next step in his evolution towards entrepreneurialism. “I felt it was something I could do myself, so I started the company, and it worked,” he says.

Still, it was with the 2009 launch of QuiBids and the tremendous success it has enjoyed subsequently that Beckham says really drove his entrepreneurial mindset.

“Confidence from success with two businesses was definitely part of the evolution,” he adds.

For the uninitiated, QuiBids (www.quibids.com) is a web-based entertainment shopping destination with an emphasis on “entertain-

“Succeeding e m d e w o l l a s ha o t e u n i t n o c to d l i u b o t , y a l p .” s e s s e n i s u b new

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

QuiBids CEO Matt Beckham has seen his company grow from six to 140 employees.

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

57

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

2013 Great

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

Construction

Even during the lowest points of the global economic downturn, the construction industry in Oklahoma avoided the worst of the impact felt elsewhere in the United States. With an unusual employment structure including contract labor, subcontractors, collaborations and partnerships, construction companies are difficult ones to evaluate. But with construction continuing in the residential, commercial and industrial arenas, it’s clear companies providing integral and related services are thriving – and providing opportunities to work for great employers.

Manhattan Construction Group Tulsa

Approx. 750

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Construction

Yes

When Laurence H. Rooney founded what is now Manhattan Construction Group in Oklahoma Territory in 1896, he built his business and reputation for trustworthiness and dependability through consistent performance. These same timeless values have enabled Manhattan to grow and prosper into one of the most respected construction firms in the nation.

Manhattan is recognized by Engineering News-Record as a top 20 general builder and in the last two years has received 50+ industry honors for quality and safety. As an employer, Manhattan fosters a culture of bettering self and community. It offers an above-average benefit package for employees and families and strongly encourages employees to get involved in community activities. Whether it be a large-scale natural disaster relief effort or a local charity in need, Manhattan is committed to supporting communities. Manhattan team members’ involvement helps in the collective goal to make a positive and lasting impact in the communities in which they work and live.

Flintco Crossland Construction Company

342

Hiring in 2014

(OK)

Yes

Crossland Construction Company, Inc. is among the nation’s top general contractors ranked by Engineering News Record, as well as one of the top contractors in steel erection and concrete structures. A leader that has built its reputation on trust, responsibility, integrity and a passion for construction, Crossland is one of the fastest growing construction firms in the area. It is able to offer clients a wide range of construction services including general contracting, pre-construction, construction management, design-build delivery, sustainable / LEED expertise and more.

(OK)

Construction

296

Hiring in 2014

Construction

Tulsa

Employees

Tulsa and Oklahoma City

Employees

ment.” It’s a fun and often deeply strategic portal to what can be incredible savings on name-brand, top-of-the-line products. The appeal has been strong since its launch. Not only has a group of six friends expanded to a staff of 140 people in several areas of expertise, but the company has been lauded with numerous Interactive Media Awards, international news coverage and designation by several Oklahoma purveyors – including Oklahoma Magazine – as one of the great employers in the state.

So, it’s little wonder, presiding over such a successful company still in ascent, that Beckham finally began to feel that entrepreneurial spirit take hold. However, his path developing that spirit hasn’t followed the usual – if there is any usual path in today’s business environment.

“In 2009, a friend of mine and I were looking at online auction sites and looking for opportunities to start a business,” explains Beckham. “He found a website that was a spin on the eBay auction model, and we talked about something similar. We thought we could take the concept and revamp it, and then we decided to build QuiBids. That was mid-2009, and we launched in October 2009.”

At the time, Beckham was 26 years old, and his handful of business compatriots included his brother (working remotely) and long-time and college friends of Beckham and his brother.

It was in that environment of friends collaborating on a cutting-edge business that QuiBids’ company culture began to take shape.

“My [approach] is that work should be something you enjoy doing,” Beckham says.

“You work hard and you play hard. You have to work hard to achieve your goals, but you can enjoy it along the way.”

The combination of unique product and contemporary work environment clearly buoyed QuiBids’ success. “By mid-2010, [in employment terms] we just started to blow up. At this point, we have roughly 130-140 employees, and we’re looking to hire for a new entertainment shopping brand we’re launching in a few months called Shoppie,” Beckham says.

QuiBids, which has gained huge commercial popularity, was obviously also a key to Beckham’s success.

“It really is an exciting model,” Beckham says. “QuiBids is one of the business models in which when you are on the site, you are just mesmerized by it. Not a lot of sites have all of the pizazz. Sure, you can get discounts on other sites, too, but not with the bells and whistles we have. QuiBids can also obviously be strategic, and this captivates people. Is there a best time of day to be on? What’s the

Yes

Since 1908, Flintco has grown to be one of largest commercial contractors in the nation and has earned a reputation as a provider of constructive solutions.

Flintco’s operating divisions provide preconstruction, construction management, design-build, project and program management, as well as general contracting services from seven offices in Albuquerque, N.M.; Austin, Tex.; Memphis, Tenn.; Oklahoma City; Springdale, Ark.; and two offices in Tulsa. In 2013, Flintco was acquired by Alberici Corporation, a diversified construction company recognized for superior quality and customer service. The acquisition expands services for clients of both companies across a more diverse geographic market.

2013

One system. One mission.

From the day Saint Francis Hospital opened in 1960, we have been committed to one mission: to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do. His caring is the model for how we serve patients, families and each other.

The physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers of Saint Francis Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, Warren Clinic, Heart Hospital at Saint Francis, Saint Francis Hospital South, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Saint Francis Broken Arrow and Saint Francis Home Health and Hospice, are without equal in our community.

Thank you for your dedication to serving patients and making the mission of Saint Francis a reality.

saintfrancis.com Saint Francis Health System | 918-494-2200

SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW

“People show up and feel like they are there to have fun.”

Beckham says. “It started with our initial team, a really exceptional team for a start-up or even a mid-size company. Once you get past that, it might be our ability to analyze data, our marketing efforts and merchandising efforts. I look at it like a puzzle – it won’t work without all the pieces fitting together.

Every person is a puzzle piece.”

Great employers, Beckham feels, foster an environment such as the one he does at QuiBids – a place where work doesn’t feel like work.

“People show up and feel like they are there to have fun,” he says. “Not everyone is like that. You have to hire the right people and, hopefully, people who love what they do.

Ideally, an employer offers the opportunity to the right employees to do work they like to do in an optimal setting – things like having a good supervisor and fun amenities.”

Beckham says the upcoming launch of Shoppie will expand the company’s offerings in entertainment shopping. “That’s how we see ourselves, as entertainment shopping, and Shoppie is the next step in that evolution.

Ultimately, we want to expand our entertainment shopping presence, because there is a lot of room for growth there, and there is tremendous potential,” he says.

As for the personal satisfaction he’s gained with his QuiBids success, Beckham has a no-nonsense perspective.

“My personal satisfaction is not failing,” he says. “As an entrepreneur, you’re always worried about your worst day – the company fails. Succeeding has allowed me to continue to play, to build new businesses. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity if we hadn’t been successful. Then Shoppie wouldn’t be possible. My biggest success is continuing to be able to do what I love.”

A Sample Of Great

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma

Tulsa

The Bama Companies, Inc. Tulsa

960

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Manufacturing

Yes

Since the 1960s, Bama has been an innovator of wholesale bakery products that cater to the needs of the largest and most recognizable restaurant chains in the world. Today, the company supplies baked goods to the No. 1 hamburger chain, the No. 1 pizza chain, the No. 1 fried chicken chain and the No. 1 retailer. Bama serves custom-made, oven-ready products to customers in more than 20 countries.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Yes

SemGroup provides midstream oil and natural gas storage and transportation services.

Reasor’s Foods

Yes

Throughout its 73-year history, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the healthcare financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state’s oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides healthcare benefit plans for more than 720,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Montana), the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Tahlequah Grocery Stores (OK)

1,026 full-time/ 63 part-time

Employees

Full-service communications agency focusing on anything that falls under the banners of strategic planning, brand development, advertising and digital media.

209

Insurance Hiring in 2014

Yes

(OK)

30

Tulsa

Employees

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Advertising & Marketing

Energy (OK)

Acrobat Ant

Tulsa

Employees

COMPANIES To Work For

SemGroup

Hiring in 2014

aspects,” Beckham says. “It’s hard for 150 people to all know each other well. It’s one of the challenges as we grow.”

Finding just the right employees for the particular work environment has been one of the keys to the company’s growth.

“There are so many reasons we’ve been successful, it’s hard to pin just a few down,”

3,050 in 19 locations in northeast Oklahoma

Hiring in 2014

best plan to win that item you really want?

People also like that they can buy the big names out there. Traditional e-commerce can’t provide the level of entertainment and excitement. Entertainment shopping should be able to get you hooked.”

As the company grew, so too has its efforts to engage employees in a fun and productive environment. The ping pong can get intense around the office, but other uncommon pleasantries like massage Fridays and smoothie Wednesdays illustrate the kind of environment Beckham has always sought to foster.

“I don’t micromanage employees or watch if they’re on Facebook, how much time they play ping pong, when they come and go and things like that,” says Beckham. “Work hard; play hard. We encourage fun and want work to be a place where you have fun while doing something that you enjoy. We also have a lot of employees who are referrals, so there is a network of friends.”

Maintaining that atmosphere isn’t easy as the company continues to grow.

“It gets harder, with scale, to keep the work environment the same as it once was, and a lot of companies lose this when they scale, but there are ways to keep the great

Yes

As Oklahoma’s premier food retailer, Reasor’s services the greater Tulsa market and surrounding communities with full service stores that feature expanded nutritional, gluten-free, private label and gourmet products and services. With an eye to wellness and healthy lifestyles, Reasor’s fresh departments are second to none within the state and feature the highest quality produce, award winning Certified Angus Beef brand product, the finest flown-in fresh seafood and renowned bakeries featuring the highest quality cakes and desserts. Supporting these offerings are dedicated employees whose goal it is to deliver an exceptional customer experience one customer at a time, while striving to achieve Reasor’s mission of, “Depend on us the be the best place to work and shop.”

OU - Oklahoma’s Leader in Excellence

OU is the only university in the nation, public or private, whose students w have won Goldwater, Mitchell, Truman, Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright and National Security Education Program scholarships this year.

The Princeton Review ranks w OU among the best in the nation in terms of academic excellence and cost for students.

OU has produced 29 Rhodes w Scholars; no other university in

Oklahoma has had more than three.

OU’s entrepreneurship program in w the Price College of Business ranks

in the top two in the nation among all public universities.

OU ranks No. 1 in the nation w among all public universities in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled.

OU has the academically highest w ranked student body at a public university in Oklahoma history.

w OU has achieved the Carnegie

Foundation’s highest tier of research activity classification, the first time a public institution in Oklahoma has received this outstanding recognition.

w OU students from the Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama won the largest number of awards of any university in America in the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Competition.

w OU’s $250 million Campaign for

Scholarships has reached more than $230 million. The success of the campaign has allowed OU to more than double its private scholarships.

w OU is a leader among all

American universities in international exchange and study abroad programs.

One in four OU students study abroad. OU currently offers programs in over 50 countries and 100 cities in six continents. Students from 120 countries are enrolled at OU.

w The Joe C. and Carole Kerr

McClendon Honors College offers one of the most energetic and creative honors programs among public universities in the United States. More than 3,000 students participate in small classes, usually of 19 or less. More than 80 informal book clubs have been created in the past three years.

- The Pride of Oklahoma

2013 Great

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

Seminole Nation

Sovereign Nations

Seat of Government: Wewoka

(nationally)

Members of Nation:

(OK)

Employees

9,000

323,000 (globally)

Areas of Employment: Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company of the Cherokee Nation, the largest Indian Nation in the United States.

The Cherokee Nation and its businesses employ more than 9,000 people. CNB owns companies in the gaming, hospitality, personnel services, distribution, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology and environmental services industries. To maintain self-reliance and economic stability, the Cherokee Nation strives to create meaningful jobs for Cherokee citizens and develop a vibrant hub of industry and commerce in northeast Oklahoma. A recent study finds the Cherokee Nation’s economic impact continues to grow, with $1.3 billion being pumped into the Oklahoma economy. Since a 2010 study, the tribe has increased its direct economic output by 25 percent. Cherokee Nation’s direct pay to employees has increased by more than $120 million, resulting in more than $375 million in income payments to its workers. CNB reported record revenues of more than $715 million during fiscal year 2012. Along with supporting vital government services, the Cherokee Nation reinvests its business profits to create more jobs and further diversify its non-gaming businesses.

Enjoyed by Employees: Along with competitive wages and benefits, employees are passionate about providing excellent customer service and quality products that result in funding to the tribe. Employees enjoy representing a company that prides itself on giving back to the community through teams that volunteer on community projects, special partnerships with national nonprofits and helping area schools with needed supplies.

Hiring in 2014? Yes

Members of Nation (OK):

Employees

14,928

Osage Nation Seat of Government: Wewoka Head of State: Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle

540 (Tribal Government), 1,500 (Osage Casinos)

Members of Nation (OK):

Seat of Government: Tahlequah Head of State: Principal Chief Bill John Baker

(OK)

Cherokee Nation Businesses

360

Areas of Employment: Tribal Government, Gaming and Retail Enjoyed by Employees: Employees are driven by their desire to “give back” to their own people and strive to provide quality services in all programs. Seminole Nation is a good community partner, and employees volunteer for Special Olympics, Seminole Nation Domestic Violence Quilt Auction and the annual “Celebrating the Tradition of Service” Veterans Day parade and celebration as well as many other community activities. Seminole Nation also has a very rich benefits package, including 100 percent employer paid insurance premiums, paid time off and a five percent overall contribution to 401(k) plans.

Employees

Oklahoma’s sovereign nations aren’t just vital contributors to their specific communities and the economy of the state overall, but they are also significant employers in more fields than many outside the nations might be aware of. Moreover, the sovereign nations are well-known for excellent benefits and commitment to their employees and communities.

(OK)

Head of State: Chief Leonard M. Harjo

8,409

Areas of Employment: Tribal Government, Gaming Enjoyed by Employees: The seven Osage Casinos are undergoing renovations and expansions and they will be hiring additional employees to work at the two new casino hotels and to cover the expanded casino floor space. The hotel at the Osage Casino in Ponca City and the hotel at the Osage Casino in Skiatook are scheduled to open in the coming months. The fiscal year of the Osage Nation is Oct. 1 – Sept. 30. During this next fiscal year, the Osage Nation Gaming Commission, which handles surveillance for the Osage Casinos, will need additional employees. The Osage Casino expansions will create additional floor space and with it the need for additional surveillance employees. Presently, the seven Osage Casinos provide Osage Nation’s most significant source of income. The Osage Principal Chief has just signed a 10-year tobacco compact with the state of Oklahoma. Privately-owned tobacco shops are a source of tax revenue for the Osage Nation through its tax commission.

A Sample Of Other Sovereign Nation Employers (Information provided in 2012)

Choctaw Nation

Total Employees: 8,000+ Industries: Gaming, travel plazas, manufacturing and supplies for the federal government and branches of armed services overseas.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Chickasaw Nation

Total Employees: 12,000 Industries: Tourism, entertainment, manufacturing, medical technology, medical services, government contracting, banking and communications.

Muscogee Creek Nation Total Employees: 4,500 Industries: Gaming, oil and gas.

Oklahoma’s Rated Lawyers Echols &TopAssociates and Complex Family Law Firm ECHOLSContested & ASSOCIATES

E

chols & Associates Associates isis primarily primarily engaged engaged inin contested contested chols and and complex complex family family law law cases, cases, valuation valuation and anddivision division ofof marital marital estates, estates, determination determination of of marital and separate separate property, business valuations, requests property, business valuations, requests for for and and defense defense ofof requests for requests for support support alimony, alimony, contested contestedchild childcustody, custody,visitation visitation and support, jurisdictional disputes, including and support, jurisdictional disputes, including international international law issues, paternity, guardianship, probate, and domestic law issues, paternity, guardianship, probate, and domestic violence. Established in 1979, the firm has been recognized for violence. Established in 1979, the firm has been recognized for many years by the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers rated many years by the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers rated

by Martindale-Hubbell for both legal ability and adherence to by Martindale-Hubbell both legalThe ability andeight adherence to the highest professionalforstandards. firm’s attorneys the highest professional standards.

The firm’s eight attorneys have a combined experience of over 100 years in the practice of have combined experience over 100 years in the to practice of familyalaw.

The attorneys haveofdedicated themselves helping family law. The attorneys have dedicated to helping their domestic clients find their future, themselves while honoring their their domesticcompassionate, clients find their future, whileandhonoring their past, through knowledgeable experienced representation in the Family Courts of Oklahoma. past, through compassionate, knowledgeable and experienced representation in the Family Courts of Oklahoma.

M. Eileen Echols, the Managing Attorney and Senior Litigator, innovated team approach to provide exemplary service.

Each M. Eileen aEchols, the Managing Attorney and Senior Litigator, case is assigned a minimum of two attorneys, who work together innovated a team approach to provide exemplary service. Each with the firm’s other attorneys, to provide quality legal services. case is assigned a minimum of two attorneys, who work together Eileen is a former Family Law Judge, twice named Outstanding with the firm’s other attorneys, to provide quality legal services.

Family Law Judge for the State of Oklahoma, by the Family Law Eileen former FamilyBar LawAssociation.

Judge, twice named Outstanding Sectionisofa the Oklahoma

Family Law Judge for the State of Oklahoma, by the Family Law David W. Echols is a Fellow in the American Academy of Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Matrimonial Lawyers, and he has been an AV rated attorney by Martindale Hubbell for over twenty (20) years. Both David and David W. Echols is a Fellow in the American Academy of Eileen have been selected as SuperLawyers, by review of their Matrimonial Lawyers, and he has been an AV rated attorney by peers; both are former Chairs of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Martindale Hubbell for over twenty (20) years. Both David and Family Law Section, former Adjunct Law Professors, and both Eileen have selected as SuperLawyers, byofreview their are frequent been teachers and lecturers on the topic FamilyofLaw peers; both are former Chairs of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s to Oklahoma lawyers.

Family Law Section, former Adjunct Law Professors, and both are frequentthe teachers anddistinguished lecturers on the topic ofJonathan Family Law Completing team are attorneys D. to Oklahoma lawyers.

Echols, selected as a Rising Star, since 2011, by SuperLawyers, graduated first in his law school class at OCU and was named

the Outstanding Law are School Graduate of 2005; Amy L. Howe, Completing the team distinguished attorneys Jonathan D. selected selected as a Rising Star,Star, by since SuperLawyers; Lindsey W. Echols, as a Rising 2011, by SuperLawyers; Andrews, recipient of theas2013 Journal Leadership Amy L. Howe, selected a Rising Star,Record

by SuperLawyers; in Law Award from the Oklahoma County Bar Association; Lindsey W. Andrews, recipient of the 2013 Journal Record Benjamin P. Sisney, who prior to joining the firm, clerked Leadership in Law Award from the Oklahoma County Bar for U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Association; Benjamin P. Sisney, who prior to joining the Richard “Richie” E. Smalley, IV, who has received an AV firm, clerked for a U.S. District Tulsa, Oklahoma; rating from Martindale-Hubbell, by hisJudge, peers for legal ability and Richard IV,professional who has received an and AV Allyson rating from adherenceE.toSmalley, the highest standards E. Martindale-Hubbell, and Allyson E. Dow, who wasLaw awarded the Dow, who was awarded the Outstanding Family Student Outstanding Family Law Student Award for 2012, Professor Award for 2012,

by Professor Robert Spector of thebyUniversity of Oklahoma.

Robert Spector of the University of Oklahoma.

Echols & Associates (405) 691-2648 www.echolslawfirm.com 9925 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73159

2013 Great A Sample Of Great

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

Energy

COMPANIES To Work For

Cardinal Engineering Oklahoma City

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Engineering

102

Yes

Cardinal Engineering, Inc. is a consulting engineering firm providing civil, environmental, surveying and GIS services to a diverse client base throughout the Oklahoma region. Cardinal distinguishes itself by leveraging cutting-edge technology and a flat organizational structure to deliver high-quality, detailed, design, project management services, and environmental compliance solutions to its clients. Through its Cardinal Social Responsibility (CSR) program, health incentives and excellent health benefits, Cardinal places a lot of value on healthy, creative, community-minded employees.

The Charles Machine Works, Inc. (Ditch Witch) Perry

Yes

The Charles Machine Works, Inc., manufacturer of Ditch Witch products, specializes in the design, manufacture and distribution of premium, underground construction equipment. Ditch Witch is a one-stop source for trenchers, vibratory plows, electronic guidance and utility locating tools, horizontal directional drilling systems, drill pipe, downhole tools, chain, teeth and sprockets, vacuum excavation systems and mini skid steers.

Energy remains a notable component of the state’s economy and a growing one in light of new technologies, applications of those technologies and resources available today that were once considered out of reach. Companies large and small fall under the economic category of “energy,” from those that identify and extract resources to countless types of businesses that service the entire sector.

While many people know the drilling and extraction giants, many others may be less familiar with mid-size and support companies, which can also be excellent employers.

Best Well Services

SandRidge Energy

Tulsa

1,100

Hiring in 2014

Employees

Yes

Melton is an industry leader, employing more than 1,000 of the best professional drivers available. The company continues to convey an attitude and feeling of family.

The gleaming fleet of new, blue Kenworth trucks proudly serves customers from coast to coast and strives to remain ahead of the competition with top-notch drivers, customer service and safety programs, as well as stateof-the-art equipment and communications techniques.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Yes

BWS provides the most diversified oilfield services to oil and gas exploration and development companies throughout Oklahoma and beyond. With Oklahoma locations in Prague, Stillwater, Medford, Red Rock, Chickasha and headquarters in Tulsa, Best Well is able to service the well throughout its entire life span, from completion to plugging. Services include acidizing services and pump trucks, cable shop, fabrication shop, pitlining, spooling and banding, transportation services (water, hot shot, heavy haul and drilling rig transport), water transfer, well site services and workover rigs.

(OK)

(OK)

255

Energy Employees

(OK)

Transportation

Hiring in 2014

Tulsa

Oklahoma City

Energy Employees

Melton Truck Lines

1,200

Hiring in 2014

1,300

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Manufacturing

Yes

SandRidge Energy, Inc. is an oil and natural gas company headquartered in Oklahoma City, with its principal focus on exploration and production. SandRidge and its subsidiaries also own and operate gas gathering and processing facilities and conduct marketing operations.

In addition, Lariat Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SandRidge, owns and operates a drilling rig and related oil field services business. SandRidge focuses its exploration and production activities in the Mid-Continent, Gulf of Mexico, West Texas and Gulf Coast regions.

IMPACTING THE LIVES OF ALMOST 500 SEMINOLE NATION EMPLOYEES! PROUD TO BE NAMED A 2013 GREAT COMPANY TO WORK FOR! s i n o s us ! a C n io Natioi s c o n t ag 0 e l o n g Se m i e w i n n i n p e n at I- 4 r o w h e f ac i l i t y m ne w o s .c o . snoc www

asi n

THE SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA WWW.SNO-NSN.GOV - (405) 257-7200

Sem i

av a i l a n o le Nat io ble f o r t o u r n G r is s o s and M gr is s o spe c i a a n s io n m a l e ve n nsi (405) ts 382-2 o n@s n o -s n s .g o 445 v

2013

2013 Great

(OK)

1,200 +

Hiring in 2014

Colleges and Universities

Students Served Annually: 32,000 + Employees

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

University of Oklahoma Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: The University of Oklahoma attracts outstanding faculty from throughout the world as well as dedicated staff to provide the best possible educational experience for its students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity and service to the state and society.

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Students Served Annually: 2,889

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Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: RSU serves an important mission by providing educational opportunities for Oklahomans who might not otherwise get to attend school due to time, distance or other factors. Its faculty and staff find satisfaction from helping students achieve their goal of a college degree.

The University of Tulsa (OK)

176

Hiring in 2014

Students Served Annually: 1,000 (OK)

Enjoyed by Employees: Cameron University, located in Lawton, is an accredited institution that offers degrees in more than 50 programs at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree level. Cameron has become the university of choice for approximately 6,000 students throughout the state and beyond. Cameron’s faculty and staff receive numerous benefits, including employer-paid health, life and long-term disability insurance; full employee payment into the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System; and a generous annual and sick leave policy, including 20 days of holiday pay.

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Employees

Hiring in 2014

(OK)

Employees

Yes

300 fulltime/200 part-time

Students Served Annually: 4,500

Students Served Annually: 6,000 520

Students Served Annually: 4,300 (OK)

Enjoyed by Employees: MACU embraces its tradition of scholarship and service and welcomes all faiths in a culturally rich community that is dedicated to student welfare and success. Men and women pursue academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum that focuses on students’ intellectual, moral and spiritual development to prepare them to become effective leaders in service to their communities. The successful business operations and reputation of MACU is building upon the principles of fair dealing and ethical conduct of employees. MACU’s reputation for integrity and excellence requires careful observance of the spirit and letter of all applicable laws and regulations, as well as a scrupulous regard for the highest standards of conduct and personal integrity.

Rogers State University

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: The company has a caring and familial atmosphere. It is rewarding to the employees to see the difference that can be made in their students’ lives from the company caring about the students and employees. Several employee appreciation activities are held throughout the year to show gratitude for what has been accomplished.

1,150

Hiring in 2014

Cameron University

Yes

Employees

Enjoyed by Employees: NSU blends an innovative spirit with a tradition that can be traced back to its founding as the Cherokee National Female Seminary in 1846.

Northeastern State University is one institution with three unique campuses and a robust online presence.

Employees often cite the “family atmosphere” that comes from shared values and a tireless dedication to serving each student individually, meeting needs and exceeding expectations. NSU offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes health, dental and vision insurance and retirement benefits.

451

Employees

Yes

Employees

Approx. 900 full-time and part-time

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: USAO is a unique place where zeal for learning and academic ambition is rewarded; a place where students become part of a community of life-long learners; a place where they will not be asked to narrow their passions to a skill-set designed for a job that may not exist in five years; a place where their curiosity will meet a dynamic faculty who shares one occupation and preoccupation – teaching the curious mind.

Hiring in 2014

Students Served Annually: 9,000

Hiring in 2014

Mid-American Christian University (OK)

Northeastern State University (NSU) Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Public and private colleges and universities don’t just serve students around the state; they also provide diverse employment opportunities in a number of areas and are vibrant and vital employers.

165

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Students Served Annually: 1,000

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: The University of Tulsa is a forward-thinking, private university where dedication, excellence, commitment and integrity are central to its mission. With dozens of areas of expertise represented among four colleges across its campus, there are many opportunities for employees to find their niche. TU also stresses the importance of community service and allows all faculty and staff paid time each month to volunteer with charitable organizations through the True Blue Neighbors program. Employees also may receive a generous tuition assistance benefit and are eligible for several wellness initiatives aimed at keeping them as healthy and productive as possible.

“ 30 years after Express was founded, we continue to bring hope to workers and jobseekers.”

– Bob Funk, CEO and Chairman of the Board

2012 FRANCHISES ASSOCIATES

600 367,000

2011 FRANCHISES ASSOCIATES

570 341,000

2005 FRANCHISES ASSOCIATES

500 3OO,000

1999 FRANCHISES ASSOCIATES

396 256,256

1994 FRANCHISES ASSOCIATES

180 172,143

1991 FRANCHISES ASSOCIATES

156 100,528

1985 FRANCHISES STARTED ASSOCIATES

33,000

ASSOCIATES

6,000

1983

Led by Bob Funk, CEO, Express Employment Professionals began in 1983 on a dream and a prayer. Today, Express is on a mission to

™

put one million people to work each year.

ExpressPros.com

A Sample Of Great COMPANIES To Work For

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Lawton

2,850

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Tire Manufacturing

Yes

The plant manufactures radial passenger and light truck tires for the original equipment and replacement tire markets.

QuiBids

2013 Great

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

Employment Firms

Even in today’s improving economic environment, underlying employment numbers paint a portrait of many Americans still searching for jobs. A solid employment agency or firm can make the difference between continued unemployment/under-employment and finding the position of one’s dreams. In providing this important assistance, top firms deserve recognition themselves for their invaluable services.

Oklahoma City

112

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

E-Retail

Yes

QuiBids.com is a fun, exciting, fast-paced shopping and auction website where bidders save up to 99 percent on popular products.

Express Employment Professionals Oklahoma City (International Headquarters) Employment Firm Year Company Founded: Express started in 1983 and began franchising in 1985.

Services: As a full-service staffing agency, Express Employment Professionals has the employment and human resource solutions you need to alleviate any doubt by finding suitable employees for your business. From HR services and job testing and training to reporting and tracking and government staffing, Express offers tools, resources, and services designed to help your company meet its needs as an employer, its production goals, and much more. Express has more than 650 offices in the United States, Canada and South Africa and put 367,000 people to work in 2012. With 29 offices in Oklahoma, Express put more than 21,000 Oklahomans to work in 2012.

energized by our employees

With over 34 years of industry experience, Zeeco has developed a reputation for excellence in engineering, reliability, and integrity. Our success is driven by our outstanding employees worldwide and we are honored to be recognized as a great company to work for in Oklahoma.

Join our Zeeco Team and work with the industry’s best. Multiple positions are available, including: • Project Engineer • Applications Engineer • Regional Sales and Support • Welder For more information and to apply, please visit http://www.zeeco.com/employment

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©Zeeco, Inc. 2013

11/8/13 1:13 2:19PM PM 11/8/13

Your career is such a large part of your life...ENJOY IT! Be part of our growing team of professionals with a company that offers great pay and benefits, and has a culture of wellness, fun, and potennal for advancement...

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APRIL 2014 Oklahoma Magazine presents our annual survey of the state’s top young professionals: 40 Oklahomans under the age of 40 who are making

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The Unlikely Pie Maker d r i h t e h t e b o t d n e arshall didn’t int

Paula M

. s e i n a p m o C a m a B d e m a f e h t f o generation CEO

Paula Marshall never really intended to take the reins as the third generation leader of Tulsa’s iconic company, Bama.

“My favorite things to study in school were languages, and I took multiple languages,” says Marshall, one of the city’s most recognizable – and respected – business leaders today. “I wanted to go to school overseas. I thought it would be cool to work for the United Nations.”

Fate, though, had different plans for Marshall, an energetic and engaging businesswomen who, destiny aside, radiates charisma like her company’s pies emanate sweet unctuousness.

That’s a fragrance Marshall grew up very familiar with, despite her intentions to pursue other interests. As a youth, while attending Holland Hall, Marshall kept busy working at the commercial bakery and learning every aspect of the business.

“My dad and mom were intent on us learning about what we did,” recalls Marshall.

“When I was in high school, my dad would wake me up early in the morning before school to show me

the pie line.”

While the company was already a local legend, Marshall says, as a young person, she wasn’t necessarily aware of Bama’s reach. “You don’t realize how big of a deal [the family company] is until you come home from softball practice and McDonald’s [executives] are there, and your parents are traveling around the world,” she says.

Bama was already a big deal when Marshall was in high school. Her grandmother, Alabama “Bama” Marshall, started the business in her own kitchen making pies. Marshall’s father, Paul, and his wife moved to Tulsa from Texas in 1935, and in 1936, the company followed suit and was incorporated in Oklahoma. In addition to selling their pies via local route distribution all the way into the mid-1980s, Bama also has provided products commercially for numerous restaurants and restaurant chains over the many years of the company’s existence. It was always a family operation, with several genera-

“My favorite things to study e r e w l o o h c s n i languages...”

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Bama Companies CEO Paula Marshall is the third-generation Marshall to helm the famed company.

PHOTO BY JEREMY CHARLES.

DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

71

A Sample Of Great

COMPANIES To Work For

72

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Oklahoma City

901

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Oil and Gas

Yes

Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) is a Top 10 independent oil producer in the United States. Based in Oklahoma City, Continental is the largest leaseholder and producer in the nation’s premier oil field, the Bakken play of North Dakota and Montana. The company also has significant positions in Oklahoma, including its recently discovered SCOOP play and the Northwest Cana play. With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental is on a mission to unlock the technology and resources vital to American energy independence. In 2014, the company celebrated its 46th year of operation.

Zeeco Broken Arrow

550

Hiring in 2014

(OK)

Oil and Energy Employees

Yes

Founded in 1979, Zeeco is a worldwide leader in combustion and environmental solutions. Zeeco designs and manufactures industrial combustion and pollution control technologies for the refining, petrochemical, production, power and pharmaceutical industries.

Product lines include ultra-low emission burners, gas and liquid flaring systems and hazardous waste incineration systems. Zeeco has supplied some of the world’s largest combustion systems, including the largest enclosed ground flare, acid gas thermal oxidizer, and enclosed/elevated flares. It also engineered the industry’s best performing ultra-low NOx burner. With more than 34 years of industry experience, Zeeco has developed a reputation for excellence in engineering, reliability and integrity.

SMG Tulsa Tulsa Venue Management

569

Hiring in 2014

“I think a lot of people thought that my father would never retire.”

Continental Resources

(OK)

company and for a community that loved Bama’s products. Even though she had clung to thoughts of a different career early on, she embraced her new role heroically. As for her personal interests, she still pursues those too: She is also an author these days as well as a semi-professional angler. Bama is still her main focus, and the company has never been stronger.

“It was hard to find ways to grow the company within the community,” Marshall says.

First came a plant at a second location, in North Tulsa, to produce biscuits.Then came things like pizza dough and frozen dough as Bama expanded its offerings.

Both Paul and Paula Marshall believed in the value of automation and that with the right product and supervision, it could have a huge impact on productivity.

They were right.

To date, Bama has exploded under Marshall’s leadership, with plants around the world ranging from Poland to China.

“We’re exporting to more than 50 countries,” Marshall says.

A company founded in a grandmother’s kitchen has evolved today into an international player in commercial baking while maintaining the quality upon which it was built. Marshall wouldn’t name all of the international eateries that rely on Bama – name-dropping isn’t her style – but Bama’s customers include the largest hamburger chain in the world, the largest fried chicken chain in the world and the largest pizza chain in the world. Marshall smiles sheepishly and says, “We never bake and tell.”

However, good employers are something different, and there is no doubt Bama qualifies. Even though Bama doesn’t directly serve products to the community anymore, the company and its employees serve Tulsa through the astonishing rates of charitable giving, volunteerism and innovative culture that make them one of Oklahoma’s best employers.

“It’s a family environment and that’s a mission we have,” Marshall says. “Really it’s our mantra, and it’s why our work force is so stable.”

Employees

tions involved, and it’s always been a family environment for employees, which has only expanded in magnitude under Marshall’s leadership.

Ironically, perhaps, Marshall says her father “never liked the fresh pies.”

“He liked the frozen ones,” she continues.

“He wanted people to be able to eat in their cars, that was his obsession. That meant frozen, hand-held pies that were a good value.”

Fate once again intervened, and because of events in her own life, Marshall found herself in a tough personal situation. “I needed a job, so I called dad,” she says. Straight out of high school, Marshall began working on the manufacturing floor. Her dreams of the United Nations grew further away.

But Marshall refused to be a victim.

She went on exploring her own interests, earning a bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma City University in 1982 and a decade later, her Ph.D. from there as well.

Marshall’s immersion in the world of Bama continued as she moved up from the pie line, learning virtually every job, role and responsibility in the company – even as both the family dynamic and the demands of the marketplace were changing.

“I think a lot of people thought that my father would never retire,” she says.

Marhsall found herself working side by side with her mother to keep the company moving ahead after her father and brother both suffered heart attacks. “My mom was a beautiful person and loved this place,” Marshall says. “After growing up a lot, I began to share her love of the company and of the people who worked here. She felt the same, but she was also afraid of what would happen if something happened to her or my dad.”

Finally understanding that he couldn’t live forever, Paul Marshall scanned his options for a viable successor. His daughter had been a seasoned employee for 12 years, and even though it was unheard of at the time, he named her the active CEO. Marshall took over as CEO in early 1985 – when many might have least expected it.

She stepped up for her family, for its

Yes

The BOK Center and Cox Business Center are owned by the City of Tulsa. The city hired SMG, a world leader in venue management, marketing and development, to manage the facility. SMG Tulsa provides quality entertainment, superior guest service and creates positive, memorable experiences to all guests who visit the facilities.

2013

WE BELIEVE IN TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND THE RIGHT TO RUN MARATHONS.

THANKS for naming our advertising/marketing agency one of the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma.

acrobatant.com

Thank you for naming us one of 2013’s Great Companies to Work For.

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At LWSL, we believe that the scales of justice should be balanced with a healthy workplace. Because we know that happy attorneys make happy clients.

And in that case, everyone wins.

10441 S. Regal Blvd. Suite 200 Tulsa, OK 74133 918-970-2000 | lswsl.com

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2013 Great

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

Law Firms

Yes

Enjoyed By Employees: Collegiality, pay, benefits, shorter work week than other law firms, involvement in and service to the community, stellar reputation, quality of work assignments, team approach, advanced technology and solid infrastructure

Hammons, Gowens, Hurst & Associates Areas of Specialty: Our firm specializes in Employment Law on the Plaintiff’s side.

14

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Employee Breakdown: 4 attorneys, 10 support staff

Yes

Enjoyed by Employers: This firm is special because it has a family atmosphere. The firm realizes that the different positions within the firm are just as important as any other. They work together and everyone is always willing to help someone else with their work needs. Most employees have been here for several years. They don’t have a lot of employee turnover, and their work place is a great place to come every day.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Hiring in 2014

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: In the firm’s environment, attorneys, paralegals and support staff function as a team and not in competition with one another. All attorneys and staff are viewed and treated as partners in the firm’s efforts to provide for all clients. A family-friendly environment, lunches and regularly scheduled activities for attorneys and staff contribute to the firm culture.

Hall Estill Areas of Specialty: Hall Estill is a full-service business law firm with full corporate/commercial and litigation capabilities, including employment, mergers and acquisitions, energy and natural resources, tax, bankruptcy, environmental, intellectual property and Indian law.

Employee Breakdown: 111 attorneys, 14 paralegals, 92 support staff

217

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: There are many reasons Hall Estill is a great company to work for. While they could cite the wonderful benefits package or vacation policy, the people are what make the firm amazing. There is a real sense of camaraderie as you walk their office corridors. The staff loves to have fun together and to include their families whenever possible. Activities include a campaign to raise money for local United Way chapters; Halloween parties for staff children and grandchildren, complete with games, trick or treating and costume contests; annual picnics and so much more.

142

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Employee Breakdown: 80 attorneys and 62 staff

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: When surveyed, GableGotwals employees consistently cite “the feeling of family” and that “people truly care about each other” as what sets the firm apart from other employers. With a very low turnover rate, it is not unusual to celebrate a 25th work anniversary at the annual company Thanksgiving dinner. Teamwork is common amongst the attorneys and staff with people often volunteering to assist without being asked. The culture is also one of great professionalism and courtesy with the knowledge that we are here to help our clients solve problems and manage new opportunities.

Latham, Wagner, Steele & Lehman Areas of Specialty: The law firm is a full-service law firm that specializes in providing a wide array of services to businesses of all sizes, including corporate and commercial matters, employment matters, defense of medical professionals and other business casualties.

Employee Breakdown: 23 attorneys, 10 paralegals, 12 support staff

45

Hiring in 2014

85

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Employee Breakdown: 43 attorneys, 42 support staff/paralegals

14

Hiring in 2014

Areas of Specialty: Numerous

(OK)

Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson

Employee Breakdown: 8 attorneys, 6 support staff/paralegals Employees

Enjoyed by Employees: Teamwork is an important part of this firm; everyone does his part and contributes in many other ways to improve the functionality of the firm. Employees strive to maintain an efficient yet fun and energetic work environment, while remembering that family is a key point in their lives.

(OK)

Yes

Echols & Associates Areas of Specialty: family law – the firm is primarily engaged in contested and complex family law cases, valuation and division of marital estates, determination of marital and separate property, business valuations, requests for and defense of requests for support alimony, contested child custody, visitation and support, jurisdictional disputes, including international law issues, paternity, guardianship, probate and domestic violence.

Employees

14

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Employee Breakdown: 8 attorneys, 1 paralegal, 5 support staff

(OK)

Coffey, Gudgel & McDaniel Areas of Specialty: transportation, products liability, Hhealthcare, insurance defense, estate planning, construction and probate administration

GableGotwals Areas of Specialty: GableGotwals is a full-service law firm of more than 80 attorneys representing a diversified client base across the nation. Though Oklahomabased, the firm’s connections and reach are global.

Fortune 500 corporations, entrepreneurs, privately owned companies, foundations and individuals entrust the firm daily with their legal challenges. As both a litigation and transitional practice, GableGotwals handles legal matters in energy, oil and gas; environmental; water; title exam; administrative and regulatory; government relations; intellectual property; insurance; banking/corporate finance; business restructure and bankruptcy; construction; employment and more.

Employees

A distinct and distinguished field, law is also structured, in business terms, very differently than most other enterprises. However, some of the state’s significant law firms are also great places to work.

Yes

Enjoyed by Employees: LWSL strives to provide a relaxed work environment with an emphasis on family to minimize the stresses that are usually present in the law firm environment. While serving their clients’ needs is the most important job of an attorney, LWSL tries to instill that this can be done while maintaining a healthy family/work balance with the emphasis on family. Since its inception, their employees have been blessed with the birth of about 40 children. LWSL strives to accommodate the pressures of being a new parent by finding practical and flexible solutions to these challenging issues.

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Proud to be one of Oklahoma’s Great Companies To Work For a third straight year.

11/7/13 4:35 PM

A Bright Future is Dawning

2013

SemGroup® Corporation and Rose Rock Midstream® are growing midstream energy companies with offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. We 18353 Bama Companies.indd own and operate crude oil and natural gas storage, processing and transportation assets throughout North America.

Find out how you can join our growing team by visiting www.semgroupcorp.com or www.rrmidstream.com today.

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2013 Great

COMPANIES To Work For Spotlight:

Healthcare Saint Francis Health System

Employees

Number of locations/sites/affiliated institutions (OK): 1 St. John offers a work environment where employees feel welcome, respected, and have a sense of belonging to the St. John family, and it is simultaneously professionally and spiritually fulfilling. St. John associates share in the mission of quality healthcare and compassion for those in need in our community.

The core values of service, presence, human dignity and wisdom are visible every day in the actions of their healthcare professionals and support staff.

OU Medicine

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Number of locations/sites/affiliated institutions (OK): 2 The OU Medicine staff has a strong sense of pride and purpose. Of course, OU Medicine’s competitive benefits and pay as well as flexible scheduling are appealing.

But more than that is the impact OU Medicine makes caring for a diverse population of Oklahomans. They support Oklahoma with quality patient care, medical education and research. They see a full range of patients, from the tiniest premature baby to the most critically ill senior. They work alongside skilled team members of various backgrounds from across the state and world, and their team has earned an international reputation for excellence, innovation, and positive outcomes.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

8,100

Hiring in 2014

Yes

(OK)

Patients Served Annually: 2,100 Employees

3,600

Hiring in 2014

Employees

(OK)

Patients Served Annually: Inpatient – 30,669; Outpatient – 203,816; Emergency – 115,951

Yes

Number of locations/sites/affiliated institutions (OK): 1 Cancer Treatment Centers’ stakeholders most frequently cite the strength of its culture and shared mission as a driving force behind their loyalty and dedication to CTCA. The Mother Standard of Care is the heart of how they treat their patients, caregivers and each other. This provides a unique foundation and value set for those who work at Southwestern Regional Medical Center. In addition, stakeholders typically express high favorability toward the overtime pay and benefits program and highly value the specific roles and sense of accomplishment they receive from delivering care to patients.

Saint Francis Health System has a comprehensive benefits package that is competitive in the marketplace. Parents with young children utilize the onsite childcare services and appreciate the close proximity to the hospital. Talented, caring employees join Saint Francis Health System because it provides a high level of medical services for adult and pediatric patients.

INTEGRIS Health Patients Served Annually: 1,053,373 (FY12)

9,000

Hiring in 2014

Yes

(OK)

Hiring in 2014

(OK)

Employees

7,100

Yes

Number of locations/sites/affiliated institutions (OK): Founded by William K. and Natalie Warren in 1960, Saint Francis Health System is a not-for-profit, Catholic organization that consistently provides excellence in healthcare, delivered by highly skilled medical professionals. Since its inception, Saint Francis Health System has expanded to include Saint Francis Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, Warren Clinic, the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis, Saint Francis Hospital South, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Saint Francis Broken Arrow and Saint Francis Home Care Companies. Guided by the mission, “to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do,” Saint Francis Health System’s physicians, employees and volunteers are committed to the values of excellence, dignity, justice, integrity and stewardship.

With more than 8,100 employees, the health system serves as the largest private employer in the Tulsa area.

Employees

St. John Health System Patients Served Annually: Physician office visits and hospital and outpatient encounters combined, the St. John Health System cares for 4,000 to 5,000 patients every day; this would average to 1,652,500 total patient encounters annually.

8,100 (Saint Francis Health System)

Hiring in 2014

Patients Served Annually: Inpatient visits (to all hospitals) 51,397; Outpatient visits,1,000,000+; Emergency Room visits, 121,774 (OK)

Even in an era in which healthcare is undergoing tremendous change nationally, the sector remains a vibrant and significant component of the state economy. Undergoing change has also not stopped hospitals and medical centers from continuing to be among the best employers in Oklahoma.

Yes

Number of locations/sites/affiliated institutions (OK): 19 healthcare campuses; 103 affiliated clinics When asked, INTEGRIS employees most often describe a special sense of purpose they feel as an important team member of Oklahoma’s largest healthcare system. INTEGRIS employees take pride in INTEGRIS’ unwavering commitment to high-quality standards and a personal ownership in their mission: to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Employees work hard to accomplish that vision: most trusted name in health care. Long-recognized as Oklahoma’s pioneering, innovative healthcare provider – from leading-edge proton therapy to more than 3,000 successful transplants - and every service in between, INTEGRIS employees truly embody the system’s guiding values: love, learn and lead.

valuing healthy, creative and community-minded employees

Corporate Headquarters 1015 N Broadway, Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 405-842-1066 Norman Office 3226 Bart Conner Drive Norman, OK 73072 405-579-0655 Tulsa Office 7136 S Yale Ave, Suite 120 Tulsa, OK 74136 918-895-9766

Woodward Office 2220 Oklahoma, Suite 201 Woodward, OK 73801 580-254-3514

2013

www.cardinalengineers.com

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We are proud to be one of Oklahoma Magazine’s “2013 Great Companies To Work For” bcbsok.com

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THE

LU $ So you’ve won the lottery, or perhaps you inherited a fortune from great-Aunt Pearl.

Maybe you’ve earned a healthy chunk of change through good, old-fashioned hard work. But now you must decide HOW TO SPEND IT. Despite perception, spending money – SPENDING IT WISELY, that is – is not an easy task. There’s a lengthy list of things that must be done once money is obtained, including hiring an accountant or tax attorney, setting up a trust, weeding out those greedy ones who may want a piece of your newfound fortune and figuring out what the mission of your money will be. We talked to authorities in everything from wealth management to fashion to find out how to best PUT THAT FORTUNE TO GOOD USE.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

By Tara Malone, Jami Mattox and Thom Golden

XE

LIFE

MANAGE THAT MONEY

Now that you have money, how do you make sure the details of managing it keep you out of financial dilemmas? You hire someone like William C. Chevaillier Jr., of course. Chevaillier, a partner at Tulsa’s prestigious Mysock, Chevaillier & Bolden LLP, is an expert in business and corporate law, litigation, estate planning and probate, taxation and trust and estate litigation. For more than 25 years, he has helped both individuals and businesses navigate the choppy waters of financial success.

Throughout his years of practice, Chevaillier has picked up a few tricks, and recommends the following to the recently flush: • If offered a choice, take periodic payments rather than a large lump sum.

• Direct your money to a trust, with a corporate trustee. “This will keep any newfound friends from persuading the beneficiary to loan them money,” Chevaillier says. “He or she can tell them, ‘You need to ask my trustee; I do not have any control over the money.’”

• Chevaillier also advises any recipient of riches to set up a donor-advised fund with an organization such as the Tulsa Community Foundation and contribute at least one half of any money to future charitable donations.

– TM

DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

79

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Let’s face it: As great as having a huge amount of money may be, sometimes giving is as rewarding as riches. But how does one decide where or to whom a donation should be made?

And how does one go about making it?

“Anyone interested in making a charitable gift should be guided by what’s in his or her own heart,” says Kayla Acebo, vice president of institutional advancement at the University of Tulsa. “My advice would be to take some time to examine what you care about and what you want your family legacy to represent. By doing this, a donor will be naturally guided to finding the ‘right fit’ for their charitable giving, whether that be a university, a church or a nonprofit organization that aligns with their philanthropic interests.”

Acebo says the first step to donating to any nonprofit organization is to contact their development officer. If anonymity is a concern, a donor may want to engage an intermediary (such as an attorney or trust officer) to handle contact.

“Once that connection is made, the relationship – and the fun – can really begin,” Acebo says. “The donor can discuss his or her desire to help, and the charitable organization can share where their greatest needs lie. Is their interest in the area of helping students? Consider an endowed scholarship. Do the donors consider themselves builders? There may be construction projects that would be a perfect fit. Perhaps the donor wants the leaders of the organization to direct their gift to the area of greatest need. In that case, a gift to the agency’s operating fund would be ideal. The possibilities are endless.”

It doesn’t hurt that, in addition to the emotional rewards of donation, there are financial benefits as well in the way of tax deductions. Acebo recommends always consulting with an accountant or tax advisor before making any large donation. – TM

SECURING THE WEALTH

After adequately protecting a new windfall – through the help of trust attorneys, CPAs and private banking – private investigator and security consultant Gary Glanz says that those with wealth should insulate themselves as much as possible. He recommends changing telephone numbers and moving into a high-security area.

Glanz says that once friends and family find out that someone has come into a considerable fortune, they will often come knocking. He recommends not loaning money to family and friends.

“I had a client that came into money and bought a bank,” says Glanz. “He had friends and family go through the loan process at the bank” if they requested money.

“It takes no degree of intelligence to spend money,” says Glanz, who provides security advice to many well-heeled clients.

He also recommends executing due diligence on any hires or business associates to make sure that he or she does not have a history of lawsuits or previous problems. He says that obtaining a fidelity bond or insurance policy on any employee handling cash or financial accounts helps insulate against theft.

If possible, Glanz recommends claiming any winnings or obtaining funds anonymously. “Anybody they’ve ever known will come out of the woodwork, so it’s best to [be] as anonymous as possible,” he says. – JM

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

RICH REAL ESTATE

An integral piece of a luxurious lifestyle is a palatial home in the perfect location. Real estate broker Konrad Keesee, founder and president of Keesee and Company, Inc., has been catering to ritzy clients in the Oklahoma City area for nearly 60 years. According to Keesee, Oklahoma City has been home to gemstone neighborhoods since the early 1900s.

“The first luxury neighborhood in Oklahoma City was what is now known as the Heritage Hills area,” Keesee says. “A beautiful neighborhood with mature shade trees and sidewalks, its diverse architecture draws people with nostalgic longings. Many of the homes were custom built.”

While exclusive neighborhoods dot the landscape of central Oklahoma – such as Stonemill and Saratoga Farms in Edmond and Brookhaven in Norman – far and above, the most desirable area remains Nichols Hills. Keesee, author of a book about the posh community, says, “Buyers wanting newer homes will find West Nichols Hills a gem. Smaller homes on one-acre lots are being taken down in order to build larger homes priced $1 million and up.

Lot values in Nichols Hills are selling for $300,000 to $1 million.” In addition, he says that some 148 homes have sold for between $1 and $2 million, with others selling for almost $3 million.

Peter Walter, a realtor in Tulsa, says that if money were no object, he would direct a client to purchase a home in Midtown Tulsa. Maple Ridge, Forest Hills, Southern Hills, Bryn Rose and Woody Crest” are Midtown neighborhoods that Walter cites. “There are spectacular homes in this area,” says Walter. – TM

HIGH ART

A marble fireplace is accented with a diamond encrusted fireplace surround.

PHOTO COURTESY POWERS DESIGN & BUILD.

NECESSARY UPGRADES

After purchasing a house (in the most expensive zip code, of course), it’s time to transform it into a home. Tulsa-based builder and remodeler, Bill Powers, says that the two most popular rooms for renovation when it comes to upgrading a home is the kitchen and the master suite.

“What we’re seeing is more elaborate cabinetry layouts, upscale surfacing, exotic tile and glass and stone backsplashes and combinations, as well as more professional-grade appliances designed around entertaining,” he says.

As for the master bath, Powers says that luxurious amenities, such as heated floors, steam showers, towel warmers and extensive storage planning, are the most popular upgrades.

“We’re also seeing people look more at upscale light fixtures,” he notes. “Light fixtures are coming into a position of prominence in the home.”

Fireplaces are also a very popular upgrade, he says, providing a “wow” statement in living areas. Powers says that a recent project completed out-of-state provided a stunning fireplace feature that gave homeowners a desired impact.

“A marble-clad fireplace is stunning and makes a bold statement,” he says. “It’s something that people that have the means can do to upgrade the appearance of their home with that feature, and it’s not something that you’re going to see in other homes.”

And, oh yes, there’s also the diamond encrusted fireplace surround that complements the marble. – JM

DRESS THE PART A cursory viewing of The Real Housewives – any edition – quickly proves that wealth and the ability to look fabulous don’t always go hand in hand. However, there are two recurring themes among the rich and well dressed: fit and quality.

“One of the hallmarks of a well-dressed, wealthy person is that they buy things that fit incredibly well,” says Rachel Kern of Miss Jackson’s in Tulsa.

Spencer Stone, owner of the eponymous men’s store in Nichols Hills, has dressed Oklahoma City’s well-heeled gentlemen for more than a decade. He agrees about fit.

“Very wealthy men are fastidious about the fit, opting for impeccably tailored clothes in a trim fit. Everything should be custom made and made to measure,” he says.

While the uber-rich may trend toward dark colors and classic silhouettes in an effort to stay off the worst dressed list, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.

What’s a palace without astonishing décor? Nouveau riche art fans can afford to deck their halls like the Louvre. But where does one start? How can you assure that you’re buying the quality of art you deserve?

“The most important thing to keep in mind is to simply buy what you love,” says Rand Suffolk, director of the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa. Suffolk believes that education and passion are the keys to starting a high quality art collection.

“If you’re uncertain about what style, period or type of work makes you happy, then take time to educate yourself by visiting museums and galleries,” he says. “Look at as many things as possible to develop your eye and to determine what engages you the most deeply. Ask lots of questions. Use the internet. Buy the best quality you can, and then enjoy it.” – TM

Fashion Secrets of the Wealthy Invest in quality. Wealthy people often buy expensive items that will last for years. In the end this can actually save you money.

Don’t buy into trends. Stone advises his clients to dress like Fred Astaire or Frank Sinatra – you’ll never go out of style.

Black-tie Glamour

“One of the things that people associate with wealth is the ability to choose one-of-a kind-pieces, things designed especially for you,” says Kern. That may be something with a little bit of personality or eccentricity.

“I especially notice older women that add incredibly interesting, eccentric pieces to an otherwise classic wardrobe – it’s an incredibly luxe look,” says Kern.

FOR HER: Kern suggests starting with stunning jewelry, such as an incredible necklace or knockout earrings and pairing it with a simple, well-made gown – black is a great choice that looks good on most everyone – and expensive shoes.

FOR HIM: Stone is specific. The well-dressed man must have a one-button, peak lapel tuxedo; white, formal, straight-collar shirt; a white linen pocket square; a black self-tie bowtie that matches the trim on the tux; black silk socks and black formal pumps. Cufflinks and accessories should be black or sterling silver. – TG DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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BETTER WITH AGE

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in mind, you’d have to start with a classic Bordeaux.”

Some vintages see more of an increase in value than others, and some vintages hold their value extremely well.

“Right now, 2010 is a huge vintage for Bordeaux,” says Daniel. “They’re getting off-the-chart ratings from various sources.

They’re also getting and off-the-chart prices.”

Of course, if money is no object, one can head to the nearest wine auction and bid on a Bordeaux, where a bottle can fetch a price well into the six figures. – JM

PHOTO COURTESY OMNI AIR TRANSPORT.

BRING ON THE BLING

When one has a little extra pocket change, the appropriate jewelry is necessary.

Michelle Holdgrafer, manager at Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels, says that the first thing to purchase is a luxury watch.

“Obviously, the first thing for him or her is a Rolex. That’s the last watch you ever have to buy,” she says.

For women, diamond studs are also a must. Holdgrafer says that prices vary with the color, clarity, cut, style and mounting of the studs. “Studs are something every woman loves in various styles,” she says.

For formal occasions, diamond bracelets and necklaces are great accessories.

“We have beautiful pieces for a night out,” says Holdgrafer. “Something that would be unusual would be a graduated diamond, opera-length necklace.” She adds that simple pearls are appropriate for any occasion.

Above all, Holdgrafer says that when investing in staple pieces of jewelry, remember that classic pieces will always be just that.

“Go with something that is classic and will still have meaning 10 to 20 years from now,” she says. “A lot of styles come and go and are wonderful, but whatever you do get, make it a very classic purchase so that it’s always going so it will stand the test of time.” – JM

Growing a wine collection is not something accomplished overnight. Lots of time, energy and tasting goes into stocking a cellar with wines that will only grow better over time.

Damon Daniel, assistant manager at Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits, says the most important thing to do when beginning a wine collection is to pay attention to vintages.

“Certain regions and certain countries do wines that are meant to be cellared better,” he says. “They may not be at their full potential for a while. Collecting means holding them back for a while. With that

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One of the many perks of a luxurious life is getting to ride in style. Why drive yourself when someone else can do it for you, any time, any day? Companies like Oklahoma City’s Premium Car LLC chauffeured transportation services specialize in transporting the rich and famous throughout the metro area.

“If you would like classy transportation anywhere, we are the best choice for your transportation needs and are available 24 hours every day,” says Candice Smith, transportation coordinator for the company.

“Our chauffeurs can take you anywhere.”

Rates vary, but a ride will run you $65 per hour, and a ride to the airport will cost anything from $30 to $75 – chump change for most high rollers.

Serious riders can spring for a corporate transportation account, with monthly billing and transportation services available at a moment’s whim.

“We offer clean, top-of-the-line L series sedan cars; experienced, well-mannered chauffeurs and the best rates around,” Smith says. Features include roomy seating for up to four passengers, climate control and leather upholstery.

Premium Car is mindful not only of the comfort of their discerning clients, but of their security as well. Chauffeurs all undergo background checks and specialize in professionalism, discretion and class. – TM

THE JET SET

With wealth comes a completely new way to travel. Chartering private jets for business, family vacation or a girls’ weekend becomes attainable. Omni Air Transport caters to both the business and leisure traveler, and CEO Dan Burnstein says that the process of chartering a jet is pretty easy.

“Typically, someone will call or email to get a quote, then if they agree to the pricing and the quote, it’s just a matter of booking the trip. The client will sign some paperwork confirming their desire to fly and also the payment terms. It’s as simple as that,” he says.

Burnstein says most leisure travelers

request to travel throughout the Caribbean, to Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and Europe.

Each jet in Omni’s fleet will hold anywhere from eight to 13 passengers, and Burnstein says the typical charter carries three to four people to a destination.

And if the desire is to buy a jet, Omni can help with that, too. The company will walk clients through the steps of purchasing a private jet, from the paperwork to inspection.

Burnstein says that once a client purchases a jet, Omni takes over maintenance for the vehicle and will add it to its fleet of charter jets, earning the owner a little extra money. – JM

Diane Gawey Riley and Judy Claudette Williams stand among the art available for purchase at J claudette.

PHOTO BY DAN MORGAN.

ADVERTISERS’ NEWS

J

Therapeutic Brushstrokes

The owner of one of Tulsa’s newest art galleries meets hardship with paint and canvas.

udy Claudette Williams never planned on becoming a painter. In fact, if not for a series of medical hardships, she might have never put herself in front of a canvas with a palette of paint.

Eight years ago, Williams battled breast cancer twice and won. However, after beating cancer, Williams was forced to undergo a thyroidectomy (the removal of the thyroid gland), but complications from that surgery left Williams with two paralyzed vocal chords. As a result of that surgery and subsequent recovery, Williams was left with about 60 percent breathing capacity and a changed life.

“Life as I knew it just kind of came to a halt. I can’t walk and have a conversation, I don’t have enough air to do that and do anything physical,” she says.

Williams, always one with an artistic bent who also runs her own interior design business, was urged to try painting by her family as a new outlet for her now much less active lifestyle. Without any experience in the medium, (“I didn’t even know how to clean a palette knife,” she confesses) Williams put brush to canvas and never looked back.

“I started, and I loved it,” says Williams, who signs all of her paintings as “Claudette.” “I just decided to take what had happened to me and make something good come out of it.”

Williams doesn’t take her cues from contemporary or classical masters of the craft or from years of study; in fact, one instructor that saw Williams’ work said study might be the worst thing for her art.

“I was told by an art instructor that whatever I do, don’t take a lesson. Just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t start to overthink,” she says.

Williams paints in what is known as alla prima style – layering wet paint on wet paint – a style that means she paints a piece from start to finish, sometimes spending as long as 18 hours on a single work.

“When I sit down to start painting, I just start with a color not knowing where I’m going with it,” says Williams. “It’s more emotional to me. It’s more of an emotional endeavor than the act of just physically painting.”

The transition from therapeutic outlet to possible business venture happened somewhat quickly.

“People started to come see my work, then people started coming to buy my work,” she says.

Before long, Williams’ work caught the attention of Diane Gawey Riley, an art dealer with Oklahoma ties who has run galleries from New York to Australia, selling the works of such stalwarts as Andy Warhol and Jasper John.

“When I met her, I just said, ‘You have a gift; there’s something special about your canvasses,’” says Riley “We’ve been dreaming of doing a gallery since.”

That dream came true in November, when J claudette Gallery opened on Brookside.

The opening featured not only Williams’ work but also 10 other artists from around the country and world. J claudette Gallery also features one-of-a-kind artistic design items, including an 18th-century handcarved sculpture from Thailand.

Williams is still happy to be perched in front of a canvas.

“When I started, I was just painting for myself, and I never want that change,” she says. “If other people love it, that’s wonderful, but I just paint for myself.”

MORGAN BROWNE DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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SENIOR LIVING

Go with the Flow

As Oklahomans grow older, a proper understanding and evaluation of senior facilities is necessary.

A

fter a lifetime of striving to attain one’s dream home, the transition to a senior living facility can seem a bit anticlimactic at first. But with individuals living longer now than ever before, the subject of housing for this aging population is unavoidable.

In Oklahoma, the ombudsman program advocates for elders who live in licensed nursing homes, assisted living and residential care facilities. The program serves individuals throughout the state 60 years and older regardless of income and the amount of aid they receive for Medicare or Medicaid. Esther Houser is Oklahoma’s state ombudsman, and over her time working with the program, she has seen a shift not only in care for senior citizens, but also in the expectations they have for quality care.

A large reason for this is the aging Baby Boomer generation.

Though Baby Boomers are still a decade or so away from entering these senior homes, they are taking care of parents in these facilities.

As this generation of Americans became more connected to senior facilities over the years, discussions and legislative policies concerning senior living began to increase.

“I started in the state ombudsman department 35 years ago, and back then, very few of the people in the senior facilities complained because they didn’t think they had an option and they weren’t very well informed about what their rights were,” says Houser.

“Having people speaking up and knowing their rights is the best part of having the Baby Boomers involved in the process now.”

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Long-term care facilities for seniors can be broken into three distinguishable categories, and knowing which particular living facility is best for the senior is crucial to their stability moving forward.

Independent Living In addition to housing, independent living facilities – often referred to as retirement communities – offer various services, such as dining services, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, social programs and access to exercise equipment.

“Often, people go into independent living to downsize or just get into a community setting rather than live alone,” says Houser. “I think that works great for people that are independent and have a lot of family support and can get out quickly in case of a fire or some other emergency. You really are on your own in those kind of settings.”

It is also important to keep in mind that independent living facilities are not licensed.

“There might be some zoning requirements from the city, but they are not inspected like nursing homes or even assisted living or residential care facilities that are licensed,” says Houser.

Nursing Homes Nursing home facilities are the best long-term care facilities for individuals that are on the other extreme, having less independence and familial support. These facilities cater to an individual’s medical needs, in addition to providing housing.

Houser point out that “there are significant regulations about these facilities both in terms of the physical safety of the people in the building, as well as things related to the amount of staff and the staff’s qualifications.”

James Crowder is the current president of the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, a nonprofit organization that seeks to influence Oklahoma legislation concerning the welfare of elders. The alliance works with the State Council on Aging and Oklahoma AARP during legislative sessions to create various regulations that improve the living quarters for seniors, particularly in nursing homes.

“During the last session, we passed a bill that authorizes cameras in nursing home rooms as long as residents in that room authorize it and as long as the family can afford it,” says Crowder. “This ought to be

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Assisted living facilities are often seen as a blend between nursing homes and independent living communities. While the staff does cater to the disabilities of the seniors that reside there, seniors at these facilities can provide for much of their own needs and, in some cases, maintain a degree of independence.

The State Health Department licenses these facilities, and there are some regulations.

Assisted living homes are not required to have the same level of staffing as nursing homes, and they’re not required to meet the same staffing ratios. They are, however, required to address the facility’s emergency situation plan, as well basic care standards.

“It’s important for the person who wants to move into a facility to be very aware of what that facility says it does and what it actually is providing, because sometimes the two are very different,” says Houser.

For this reason, it’s imperative that persons do their homework before making a decision. “You cannot shop online for a nursing home or an assisted living facility,” says Houser. “Making a fast decision on a nursing home is a critical error in thinking.”

Houser believes it is always important to try to match the facility to the person who is going to live there and involve them in the process as much as possible.

Though no retirement community can provide a dream situation for a senior, the recent changes in policy and increase in outside support has given individuals in these communities a much more pleasant reality.

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a tremendous help, because they have already seen some of the people working there mistreating the elders.”

11/1/13 12:08 PM The organization also helped pass the Silver Alert Bill, which sends out quick alerts to find older persons with dementia that wander away.

Because of the increased legislation protecting the rights of seniors in such facilities, not only in Oklahoma but across the country, much of the power has been given back to seniors who often cannot speak for themselves.

For example, nursing homes have been changing over the last several years to try and be more 9/23/13 4:35 PM home-like and less rigid in their schedule of meals and facilities. Also, seniors are given more rights to sleep in or stay up late if they want to. This recent movement is known as person-centered care.

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Special Advertising Section

RESTORATIVE & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

I’ve noticed that my gums are slowly receding, and it really worries me. What causes this, and what can I do about it?

There are few main reasons that cause gums to recede. One of them is simply brushing too harshly. If that’s the case, Bert Johnson, switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush D.D.S. and brushing gently can make a huge difference. For some people, gum recession is a result of tooth grinding. A dentist will be able to offer options to protect the teeth from grinding, especially if it is happening at night. The last main cause of tooth recession is gum disease.

Your dentist may recommend anything from a deep cleaning to a gum graft, but the best defense against gum disease is flossing and regular checkups.

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VETERINARIAN Are you considering a pet as a gift for Christmas?

Before you surprise your family, here are some things to consider so that everyone will love the surprise. A child’s age is important. If you have small children who are begging for a new pet, you might consider a guinea pig, rabbit Dr. Rodney Robards or hamster. These smaller animals can be a great way to teach responsibility to younger children and prepare them for a new kitten or puppy.

Cost is an important consideration. Adoption is a wonderful way to acquire a pet at a reasonably low cost. Also consider the cost of yearly vaccinations and spaying and/or neutering as well. If you use a breeder then there will be additional costs to consider. Additional vaccinations, spay or neutering, microchipping, obedience classes, etc. are all expenses that will be expected with a new pet. Owning a pet is a commitment.

Pets desire lots of attention and live for many years. They will require a lifetime of care. Visits to the vet, food, supplies and time spent exercising them are all important. Pets can also be messy and may have accidents in the house or soil furniture and carpet if they get sick. So be prepared before you decide to bring a pet into your home. Overall, pets bring lots of joy and happiness, and I hope your families are excited with the new additions on Christmas morning!

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

PERSONAL TRAINER

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Should I avoid fad diets?

Yes, you should avoid fad diets because they’re generally not healthy. Only three nutrients contain calories: carbohydrates, protein and fat. If you cut one, chances are you’ll be eating too much of the other two. The current rage for low-carbohydrate has created a nation of people eating a lot of protein and John Jackson fat, and in the process inviting the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. If you choose a starvation diet of 800 calories or less per day, you can end up dehydrated and develop kidney damage. Your body has to be fueled with nutrients in order to be functional; moreover, low-calorie diets can lower your metabolic rate.

Unfortunately, when you stop dieting, your sluggish body puts the weight back on, and more often than not, more than your original weight. You’re better off avoiding gimmicks and opting for a reduced-calorie diet that feeds your body a healthy balance of nutrients.

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Infographics can make a significant impact in your marketing goals. In today’s work environment, we have become used to absorbing large amounts of information visually. Consequently, we’ve become a little lazy reading text and copy. Your audience would rather Jessica Dyer look at a photograph or a graphic illustration that represents your concept immediately. Used correctly, a smart, colorful infographic can convey your message in all of your communication materials, whether for a brochure, case study or product launch. When using an infographic, remember to keep it simple and clean. Resist the urge to inundate your client and audience with too much information and too many visuals. Keep words and graphics simple for stronger appeal. You can’t make a chart for everything, but a good infographic can sell almost anything.

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Who has the right of way in a funeral procession?

PHYSICAL THERAPY I hear “grinding” or “crunching” in my neck. What is going on?

The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebra, and all are connected together by two joints (facets) at each level.

These joints control and guide movements in our neck and are responsible Todd Petty, for the “noise” we hear during movePT/CSMT ment. As we age, the joint surface cartilage will progressively become worn and eventually begin to limit joint motion. As the cartilage breaks down, the joints may become painful and affect functional movement. Outside factors influencing this situation may be previous trauma, poor neck posture sustained over time, or a family history of degenerative joint disease. A skilled Physical Therapist can determine if your “neck noise” is an early sign of an underlying problem. Discuss this with your physician and ask to be referred to a Physical Therapist for a complete evaluation and recommendation.

Todd Petty, PT/CSMT 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.

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This time of year I want to look my best for the holidays, but between errands, shopping, relatives visiting and the kids out of school, I'm having a hard time justifying doing anything for myself.

This will be my first Christmas without my Mother, who passed away in February. I am dreading it so much, as she was the center of our celebrations. I am trying to find a way to make the holidays special, but am struggling.

Any advice?

Is seasonal depression real, and what can be done to treat it?

The holidays are a hectic time for all of us, and everyone is under time constraints. At BA Med Spa, we understand busy schedules, and that’s why we created our 12 Days of Christmas. This gives our patients the opportunity to purchase services and products at reduced prices to use now or after the first of the year when time is more readily available. If you can’t carve out time this season, reward yourself in the new year!

Whether you want to diffuse crows feet, restore volume or just refresh your skin with a lunchtime peel, we have our best pricing of the year just in time to face the holidays and ring in the new year looking your best. Call us at 918.872.9999 or visit us at www.baweightspa.com to learn more about our fantastic holiday offers.

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Ava Hancock

When you lose a loved one, you then must face a year of “firsts” without that person: birthdays, family events, and one of the biggest is Christmas. The first step, is to accept that what you are feeling is normal and part of the grief process. Make sure you express that to your loved ones. Secondly, don’t be afraid to reach out to others who can truly empathize. At Grace Hospice, we offer support groups twice a week, which will provide you the opportunity to talk with others who are going through similar experiences. Please contact us at Grace Hospice at 918.744.7223 for more information.

Ava Hancock Executive Director Grace Hospice of Oklahoma 6400 South Lewis, Suite 1000 Tulsa, OK 74136 918.744.7223 www.gracehospice.com

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The holidays are here, and I’m not sure I have enough time to clean everything in my house before the parties. What are some tips for a quick clean before holiday parties?

I keep hearing about this J.Hilburn Men's Clothier company, and I want to find out more about it. What is it?

Most people don’t have time to deep clean everything, so clean the things people will notice the most. Most formal glassware hasn’t been used for a while. Give it a quick run in the dishwasher, and take care of any leftover water spots with a microfiber towel.

It will be in people’s hands all night, so they’ll notice if it is dirty. Next, make sure the centerpieces on your table aren’t dusty. You’ll be spending much of the evening gathered around the table, so you want it to be clean.

Don’t forget to check chandeliers for cobwebs. Lastly, if you’re pulling out true silverware, give it a quick shine before quests arrive. It will make all the difference.

Amy Bates

Amy Bates Merry Maids 5656 S. Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74146 918.250.7318 www.merrymaids.com

Have you ever said to your wife or friend, "Man, I hate shopping," "I can't find anything I like," "It's way too expensive," or "It just doesn't Autumn Pohl fit correctly?" Then of course, after buying it because you need it, you more than likely will need to get it tailored, which only makes your purchase that much more expensive.

To be honest, guys have the raw end of the deal when it comes to clothing. In comes J.Hilburn, a company that is revolutionizing the way that men shop. We are a customized Italian clothing line that offers so much more than the exceptional product. The clients who seek us are searching for a better experience all together, and that's just what we give them. We make it convenient by coming to you at a time that works best for your schedule.

We design the wardrobe from many details, from fabrics, stitching, collars, pockets, etc. The fit is made just for your body based on the personal measurements we take.

Finally, once ordered and delivered, we bring the product to you and ensure the fit and satisfaction.

Autumn Pohl Independent Style Consultant J.Hilburn Men’s Clothier 918.407.4024 www.autumnpohl.jhilburn.com Autumn.pohl@jhilburnpartner.com

I believe you are referring to seasonal affective disorder, and yes, it is real.

The limbic system is the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, as well as other things, through the delivery of signals via Amy Kesner, PhD, neurotransmitters. There are many factors that can affect neurotransmitter LPC, LADC activity, including nutrition, exercise and light. During winter months, when days are shorter, we experience less exposure to natural light. There are many treatments for seasonal affective disorder, but probably most common is the use of artificial light.

If symptoms last beyond the winter season, or do not seem to improve over time, you may need to see your doctor to determine a need for medication and therapy.

As always, if symptoms are severe, contact a physician immediately.

Amy Kesner All Things Psychological 5500 S. Lewis, Suite 5505 Tulsa, OK 74105 918.691.2226 www.amykesner.com dramykesner@gmail.com

BUSINESS BANKER What is net worth, and why is it important when applying for a business loan?

One of the most important factors that our bank considers when evaluating a business loan request is whether the client has sufficient net worth to qualify for a loan. Net worth is a Sean Kouplen company’s equity or assets in excess of liabilities. This is the cushion a business uses to operate when their cash flow suffers.

This cushion can be excess cash owned by the business or owners; it can also be equity and assets that can be turned into cash in tough times. We analyze the applicant’s financial statement to determine if the cushion is adequate. Sometimes, business owners mistakenly withdraw much of a business’ cash when things are good, and there’s no cushion available when times get tough. Business owners that have an adequate cushion demonstrate discipline in their finances, making them a great candidate for a business loan.

Sean Kouplen Regent Bank 7136 S. Yale, Suite 100 Tulsa, OK 74136 918.488.0788 www.bankregent.com DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste

FOOD, DRINK, AND OTHER PLEASURES

Cabernet braised short ribs are served with plenty of crispy onions at The Hen Bistro & Wine.

PHOTO BY BRANDON SCOTT.

Brookside’s Naughty Little Sister

W

Kathy Bondy brings the best of her past to the new Hen Bistro & Wine.

hen they say it’s in your blood, literally it is.”

Kathy Bondy should know. She was born into the restaurant business, and despite the best efforts of her restaurateur father, who tried to steer her toward a “safe” profession like accounting, she’s stayed in the business all her life. Starting as a waitress at the age of 14, with time off for college and nothing else, she worked her way up, partnering with Culinary Institute of America grad and master chef Richard Clark, to open Table 10. A few years later, she became owner of the French Hen where, for the past 35 years, some of the finest haute cuisine in Tulsa has been served amidst hushed, wood-paneled elegance. A few months ago, she achieved the restaurant world’s highest statewide honor; she was chosen to be Chairman of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. Now, waifish yet intent – a lot like Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway come to life – she

surveys her latest venture, the Hen Bistro & Wine.

“I wanted to open a new French Hen on Brookside,” she says, “but this place” – she gestures toward the sleek, spare lines, glowing copper surfaces and soaring plate-glass windows – “isn’t a French Hen at all.

“And then I realized,” says Bondy, who often thinks of her restaurants in terms of blood, love and family, “it’s the French Hen’s naughty little sister. She’s hip, she’s cool, but she has the same high standards.”

Those standards mean gracious, elegant service. They mean cuisine “made from scratch. Nothing is in that kitchen that’s not made by us.” As for the menu, it’s a “blend of my two loves,” French Hen and Table 10. Table 10 featured a gourmet take on American comfort food, and The Hen has a whole menu section for the table, devoted to the sort of rich, gooey treats that bring words like “decadent” DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste

THE BUZZ

The Hen Bistro & Wine’s Kathy Bondy serves up inventive takes on American and haute cuisine classics.

PHOTO BY BRANDON SCOTT.

and “sinful” to mind. The instantly addictive Veal Meatloaf Sliders capture the shameless crave of a White Castle burger, but they are made respectable with jalapeno jus and delicately fried onions.

There’s Seafood Cheesecake, Crawfish Cakes and Sweetbread and Waffles with mushroom brandy cream. There’s also fried chicken, dressed up with gravy that’s really a French cream sauce with hints of mango and vanilla bean.

The entrees pay homage to French Hen. It’s French haute cuisine, but not quite.

Bondy never lets herself get hemmed in by tradition.

“I’m a trial-and-error chef,” she says, and she devises her recipes and menu in collaboration with her four chefs, all trained by Clark and veterans of French Hen. They talk, they experiment, they swap ideas back and forth.

Out of this collaboration emerges stellar dishes like the Berkshire Pork Chop with apple brandy cream and perfectly grilled duck breast with a sumptuous, creamy sauce of brandy peppercorn.

The menu is ever-changing, and every day there are one or perhaps two new specials. Once a month, both here and at the French Hen, there’s a special dinner designed with over-the-top creativity.

Why put in so much effort?

“I’m always learning,” says Bondy, “always trying to make things better.

‘Don’t worry,’ my friends tell me. ‘Just serve good food, and they’ll be happy.’

But they just don’t understand. I could never be satisfied with that. I may fall short, but I aim for perfection.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Amazing Hot Dogs, is giving OKC classic barbecue joints a run for residents’ taste buds.

Back Door puts its own spin on barbecue classics, offering such unique selections as smoked pork belly, deviled eggs and the Q-Ban sandwich with housemade pickles. Ever-changing is the Daily Beast, which gives mystery meat a whole new imGrandad’s Platter is a hearty favorite at Back age. Need proof? The recent DB Door Barbecue. special was smoked quail stuffed PHOTO BY J. CHRISTOPHER LITTLE. with cornbread and sausage.

Vegetarians need not feel left out, though; BACK DOOR BARBECUE Back Door also smokes a mean portabello Visitors to uptown Oklahoma City have no mushroom. shortage of dining choices available. The As a bonus, the eponymous back door area around OKC’s historic Tower Theater opens to a lot that shares another favorite has seen a flood of new eateries, mostly local back door — the one to Grandad’s Bar. local endeavors, over the past several years.

As a nod to its neighbor, Back Door offers Now visitors have something else to smack the Grandad’s Platter: brisket, pulled pork, their lips over: barbecue the likes of which sausage, ribs, and bologna with three sides OKC has never tasted. for $25. Wash down dinner with a drink next Back Door Barbecue, the latest endeavor door and a stroll Uptown, where delicious from the proprietors of popular uptown things are happening. – Tara Malone establishments Big Truck Tacos and Mutt’s FAV E S

BROWNIE’S HAMBURGER STAND

It doesn’t boast an expansive menu. The menu is straightforward: burgers, “freedom” fries, chili, eggs and bacon. Brownie’s Hamburger Stand is a quintessential lunch counter; a small dining room holds a couple dozen in small booths and a lunch counter. There’s no hostess to present you with menus. Simply glance Burgers at Brownie’s are cooked above the cooking griddle on a flat-top griddle and served with “freedom” fries and a mug of and pie cabinets and read the root beer, if you please. offerings. Burgers are juicy PHOTO BY BRANDON SCOTT. and flavorful and cooked with onions pressed into the meat.

Fries and onion rings are fried until crispy outside and tender inside. Pies are plentiful and baked daily. Portions here are not enormous – which is what some have come to expect from restaurants – and the reasonable prices reflect that.

Brownie’s does hefty breakfast and lunch business, so it’s best to come early to ensure a seat.

Most Brownie’s devotees do not leave without having a frosty mug of root beer, brewed in-house with a decadesold recipe. 2130 S. Harvard Ave., Tulsa. www.brownieshamburgers.com – Jami Mattox

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Taste

W H AT W E ’ R E E AT I N G Couscous Cafe’s lamb kabob sandwich offers a taste of Morroco.

J. CHRISTORPHER LITTLE

S I M P LY H E A LT H Y

Lamb Kabob Sandwich Couscous Café

Moroccan dishes served simply is the mission of Couscous Café, and for three years, the small eatery has made good on that promise. Tagines, kebabs and plenty of vegetarian options fill the expansive menu, and zeroing in on the perfect meal is a difficult task. The lamb kabob sandwich is one option that doesn’t disappoint.

Tender, juicy lamb is topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and a Moroccan sauce and wrapped in soft bread. Served with fries, it’s an ideal mix of the familiar and the exotic: A taste of the Mediterranean in OKC. 6165 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City. www.couscouscafeokc.com

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SPLURGE

We’ve survived Thanksgiving with turkey and all the trimmings, but Christmas is coming, and hopefully, the goose is the only thing getting fat. While Thanksgiving is essentially just one big meal, Black Friday ushers in an entire season of blissful eating and opportunities to pack on the pounds. However, with a little planning and just a smidge of willpower, you can enjoy all of your favorite goodies without feeling like jolly old St. Nick himself.

With all of the holiday parties, cooking and baking, you can easily consume way more calories than you ever intended, not to mention fat and an unhealthy dose of sodium that can lead to water retention and make you feel even more bloated.

Steamed Mussels KEO

Steamed mussels is one of the simplest dishes to master, yet few home cooks ever attempt it. But why bother when KEO serves such a tasty Asian version of the classic? Fresh mussels are steamed in a broth fortified with red curry and white wine. Coconut milk and fresh Thai basil add freshness to this dish, which is listed on the appetizers menu but could easily be consumed as a light supper. The mussels are outstanding, but the star of the dish is the broth, spicy with curry and salty from the mussels’ seawater brine. Be sure to sop or slurp every last drop. 3524 S. Peoria Ave.; 8921 S. Yale Ave., #A, Tulsa. www.keorestaurant.com Steamed mussels are served with a garnish of cilantro and charred bread at KEO. PHOTO BY NATALIE GREEN.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Even with all there is to do during the holidays, be sure to add these things to your healthy eating to-do list.

Do give your diet a break. Trying to lose weight while goodies abound will just be an exercise in frustration.

Do take time to exercise. Since the holidays can be stressful even under the best circumstances, take a few minutes to go to the gym or take a quick walk. Even if it’s cold outside, you’ll feel invigorated and will have less guilt about little indulgences.

Do eat every meal. Skipping meals will only make you prone to overeating on high-calorie treats later.

Plus, eating regularly will help maintain blood sugar.

Do have a healthy snack before going to a party.

Eating a piece of fruit or even a bowl of soup beforehand may make you less likely to over-indulge.

Do share a healthy dish. Be sure to include recipe cards as well.

Do forgive yourself. Even if you do fall off the proverbial bandwagon (or sleigh) tomorrow is a new day.

And one more: Do enjoy the holidays with family, friends and great food. – Jill Meredith

3-4-1

The Big Cheese Who doesn’t love cheese? Whether you’re a fan of muenster, gouda, Greek feta or good ol’ American cheddar, there is cheese to suit every taste. Put several together on a large plate or board, throw in meat and maybe some fruit or a drizzle of honey and you’ve got a fantastic snack or light meal. Three Tulsa hotspots offer unique cheese and meat boards that are worth immediate consumption.

Hodges Bend (823 E. Third St.) serves a cheese and charcuterie board that is seasonal and can change based on what is available at any given time. While Hodge’s Bend offers the meat and cheese boards separately, Chef Ian van Anglen says that the combo – comprised of four to five cheeses and meats – is the most popular. On the cheese side, selections often include Manchego, Danish Bleu, St. Andre (French Brie) and an aged goat cheese from Spain called Fortaleza del Sol. Meats including smoked trout rillette, fresh pork pate, mortadella, smoked pickled kielbasa and Jamon Serrano and might include a fruity garnish like quince jam, pumpkin pie jam or smoked, candied figs.

The Alley (3324 E. 31st St.) serves a cheese board that includes a wide selection of cheeses – including a few that are smoked in-house, such as cheddar, bleu cheese and gouda. Havarti and muenster are included as well. House-cured salmon, a couple of

house-made jams, peanuts, walnuts and honey are included as well. House-made crostini and focaccia round out this very thoughtful cheese plate. Owner Brian Biehl says the cheese board may vary seasonally, but for the most part, it stays the same.

Laffa Medi-Eastern Restaurant and Bar (111 N. Main St.) offers a cheese board with exotic flavors and varying textures. The Peasant’s Plate, as it is called, has feta that is marinated in lemon, sumac and za’atar – a

spice mixture of thyme, savory and sesame seeds. Creamy thyme and garlic goat cheese spread is thick and rich, while Syrian farmers’ cheese is topped with olive and sundried tomato tapenade. Grapes and apples accompany the cheese and add a touch of sweetness. Thick date-honey comes on the plate as well and can be drizzled over all.

The Peasant’s Plate is served with toasted pieces of freshly made laffa bread. – Jill Meredith

The cheese and charcuterie board at Hodges Bend offers a wide selection of meats and cheeses.

PHOTO BY CASEY HANSON.

K I T C H E N S WA G A variety of salts, such as Pink Himalayan, are great tools to have in a kitchen.

PASS THE SALT

In our health-conscious world today, seems like we try to reduce our salt intake as much as possible. But did you know that salt helps bring out other flavors in food? Used in moderation, it’s an essential part of any kitchen.

Spiceology in Tulsa, has a large selection of salts, from sea salt to more exotic varieties.

Marcy Gettys and her family have owned the shop, located in The Farm Shopping Center, for about three-and-a-half years. Of the many varieties of salt they carry, Gettys feels a few are vital for any home kitchen. Sea salt, iodized salt and a finishing salt or two are good choices.

“All salt comes from the sea, but are processed differently,” she says.

Sea salt (and kosher, too) are coarser grinds and are more mellow than the concentrated iodized. Because of the larger grind, it’s harder to use too much.

However, iodized has its place, too. Gettys suggests using it for baking because it is finer and dissolves better.

If you want to add extra flavor, texture and color, garnish your dish with a finishing salt. Pink Himalayan and black or white pyramid salts add interesting color and texture. If you’re after a final punch of flavor, smoked, balsamic, ghost pepper or Thai ginger salts are interesting options. – Jill Meredith DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste

FOOD TOUR

HOLIDAY CHEER

More than likely, you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet. And more than likely, you’re looking for some great gifts but not wanting to risk life and limb to do it. If you’d rather avoid the hustle and bustle of Tulsa’s busiest shopping areas, head south on Memorial to all of the new growth around 103rd Street. The Palazzo and Regal Point Shopping Center offer plenty of great shops, restaurants and entertainment.

When finished shopping for cute shoes, bags and accessories at Lynette’s, head over to Michael V’s (www.michaelvsrestaurant. com) for a relaxing lunch, complete with the famous coconut cream pie, Snicker Brownie Pie or another heavenly dessert. In order to have room for some of that decadence, try a fabulous salad like the Thai Peanut with plenty of noodles, chicken, peanuts and a slightly spicy dressing. The daily quiche is a delicious choice for lunch, as well.

After getting your nails done at Kagan

Nails Spa, head over to Barbee Cookies (www.barbeecookies.com), right next door to Michael V’s, for a little afternoon treat.

The Cinnamon Roll Cookie, Double Chocolate Cookie or Barbee’s original cookie: white chocolate, milk chocolate and pecan.

Be sure to pick up some cookies as gifts and for Santa, too.

With all of this indulgent goodness, you might want to stop into Body Master’s Fitness for a quick workout before dinner.

Later in the afternoon, head across the street to Regal Plaza and check out Tea and Magnolias for a potpourri of beautiful gifts.

If you love pizza, you’re in luck. You can either end the day with mouth-watering Chicago style pizza at Savastano’s (www. savastanospizzeria.com) or Hideaway Pizza (www.hideawaypizza.com), an Oklahoma original. If you’re craving something a little spicier, relax with some street tacos or fajitas and a margarita at South of the Border (www.southofthebordergrill.com) in Regal Plaza. – Jill Meredith

ON WHEELS

PHOTO BY HEATH SHARP.

Mac and Cheese is a favorite at Loaded Bowl.

PHOTO BY J. CHRISTOPHER LITTLE

VEGAN HAVEN

The Paseo neighborhood’s annual Fairy Ball or the monthly block party at Hudson and Eighth Street; the Downtown Medical Complex or the bustling corners of Uptown – no matter where they look, Oklahoma City’s vegans have an exciting new culinary option on the table. The Loaded Bowl has rolled into town, serving up “conscious comfort food” made from non-GMO, plant-based, local ingredients that are both conscientious and delicious. Choices change with the occasion and season, but the Loaded Bowl is known for such creations as the Garfield (lasagna loaded with organic tofu ricotta and local veggies) and the Barbecue Rice Bowl with brown rice and fresh peach and ginger barbecue sauce. Give the Lentil Loaf meatloaf alternative a chance, or try a fresh fruit salad made from local apples and watermelon. Vegan desserts also are on the menu, including cinnamon maple, chocolate chip, and cookies and cream cupcakes. Cards are accepted, and you can find out where this vegan palate pleaser is serving on its Facebook page. – Tara Malone 96

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

PHOTO BY HEATH SHARP.

SWEET TOOTH Barbee Cookies offers up everything your sweet tooth could desire.

Barbee Cookies offers up everything your sweet tooth could desire.

A CUP ABOVE

In the deluge of specialty cupcake shops sweeping the nation, Oklahoma has been no exception. But as anyone who has sampled the goods at BAKED Cakes and Gourmet Desserts can tell you, not all cupcakes are created equal. This relatively new establishment barely escaped the Moore tornado unscathed – several areas nearby were devastated – but the bakers keep on baking, and we’re glad they do. Without them, we wouldn’t have gotten to experience the chocolate chip cookie dough cupcake (yellow cake filled with cookie dough and topped with cookie dough frosting and cookie crumbs) or the spin on the classic strawberry cupcake (filled with strawberry jam). Recent flavors of the week have included cherry limeade, Neapolitan and Shark Week-themed cupcakes, complete with ominous fins. For those seeking to satisfy a different kind of sweet tooth, BAKED also offers massive brownies, custom-made cakes and cookie sandwiches so large they need two hands to manage. In a nice change from many local bakeries, the establishment stays open late enough for customers to satisfy a post-dinner sweet tooth. 2721 S. I-35 Frontage Rd., Moore. www. bakedinmoore.com – Tara Malone BAKED creates unusual cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes.

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.

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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

COURTESY OF OKC PHILHARMONIC.

T

OKC Phil Pops out for Christmas

The Christmas Show is back with star power and tons of sound and spectacle.

wo Broadway veterans make the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s The Christmas Show truly pop this month.

The annual holiday song-and-dance spectacular is back with four new performances at Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall’s Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, 201 N. Walker Ave. George Dvorsky and Gwendolyn Jones headline the pageantry of gingerbread, holly and elves.

A featured performer on Broadway in such theater productions as The Scarlet Pimpernel, Passion and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Dvorsky recently took a turn as El Gallo in the beloved, long-running production of The Fantasticks in New York City. Along with numerous off-Broadway credits, he has also toured across the country in musicals and as a guest artist.

Jones’ long list of credits in Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theater include roles in Hello Dolly!, Jekyll & Hyde, Grand Hotel, Mame, Chicago and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Both lend their star quotient to a pops variety show that has become a favorite activity of the holiday season in Oklahoma City, bright and delightfully decorated with images and sounds of winter celebration. Under the baton of OKC Phil Music Director Joel Levine, The Christmas Show features lively numbers with fun holiday songs from those long-ago school days as well as traditional hymns and classics of the season.

The show also features the OKC Philharmonic Pops Chorale, The Mistletoes, students of the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Sooner Theatre academies and Stephen Hilton as Santa.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5; 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $15-$65.

Watch the Phil and friends go all out again with another great blend of music, choreography and spectacle that’s sure to impress. For more, visit www.okcphilharmonic.org.

KAREN SHADE DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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IN CONCERT

SPORTS

FAMILY

ART

CHARITABLE EVENTS

COMMUNITY

Christmas in Tulsa K.O. RINEARSON AND COURTESY OF LYRIC THEATRE OF OKLAHOMA.

Entertainment

Calendar

PERFORMANCES

Dec. 13-14 Signature Symphony Pops brings you on stage for the sights and sounds of Christmas at Tulsa Community College’s VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education. www. myticketoffice.com

Christmas Concert

Dec. 14 The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas presents sounds of the season at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Ark. www. sonamusic.org

David Phelps Christmas Show

Dec. 15 David “The Voice” Phelps returns to the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center to display the abilities that made him a standout in the Gaither Vocal Band. www. thepacba.com

Handel’s Messiah Dec. 19 The Tulsa Oratorio Chorus presents Handel’s immortal work at the University of Tulsa’s Lorton Performance Center. www. myticketoffice.com Tulsa Boy Singers Dec. 20 Christmas concert at Trinity Episcopal Church. www.trinitytulsa.org Joy to the World

Dec. 20-21 Rose State Performing Arts Theatre brings back a joyful concert in celebration of Christmas. www.okcciviccenter.com

PERFORMANCES A Christmas Carol x 3 You know the story well: Ebenezer Scrooge has become frozen and miserly to the world, counting the revenue stream of his London lending shop on a wintery day as his abused bookkeeper Bob Cratchit struggles to make coherent entries while his hands shiver to avoid frostbite. For such reasons, Ebenezer gets a supernatural intervention to show him the warmth he’s averted all these years, and that it’s not too late.

Watching Lyric’s A Christmas Carol on stage every year is a tradition for many, and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s adaptation (shown in photo) of the Charles Dickens story is one of the best and most grand. Presented by Devon Energy, the production opened the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Dec. 28 at Lyric at the Plaza, 1727 N.W. 16th St. in Oklahoma City.

Tickets are $40, available at www.lyrictheatreokc.com. If you’re in the areas, also check out A Territorial Christmas Carol through Dec. 22 at Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre (www.www.thepollard.org) for a uniquely Oklahoman take on the tale and American Theatre Company’s classic musical (Dec. 12-23) at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (www.americantheatrecompany.org).

Performances Brown Bag It

Thru Dec. 4 Free lunch-hour music programs at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. www. tulsapactrust.org

The Romantic Century Dec. 5 A clarinet quintet piece and a string quartet work from Beethoven make a sumptuous pair for Tulsa Camerata’s concert at Philbrook Museum of Art. www.tulsacamerata.org The Christmas Show Dec. 5-7 Oklahoma City Philharmonic makes the holiday especially bright with the revue-style show and spectacular at Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall. www.okcphilharmonic.org

The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told Dec. 5-22 Oklahoma City Theatre Company affectionately reinterprets Bible stories through satire and an unconventional trip from the Garden of Eden with Adam and Steve to the present at the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall. www.okctheatrecompany.org

ORU Christmas Celebration

Dec. 6 Oral Roberts University invites the entire family to a free night of song and Christmas music with guest performers at the Mabee Center. www.mabeecenter.com

Deconstructing Christmas Carols Dec. 12 Look into the origins, medieval chord patters and poetic images of three classic Christmas carols at this musical and theatrical evening with Nightingale Theater’s John Cruncleton at Living Arts of Tulsa. www. livingarts.org Dec. 12-22 You’ll never see the North Pole and Santa the same after Jeff Goode’s dark comedy presented by Theatre Pops at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. www. tulsapac.com

Dec. 5-8 It’s Christmas Eve 1949, and a Tulsa radio station is on the cusp of cancellation unless a plucky intern can pull in more listeners through a miracle with Rebecca Ungerman, Janet Rutland and Playhouse Tulsa at the Tulsa Performing Art Center. www.playhousetheatretulsa.com

A Christmas Carol

Dec. 12-23 American Theatre Company is back with its original musical adaption of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. www.americantheatrecompany.com

The Tulsa Oratorio Chorus presents Handel’s Messiah

OCU Christmas Vespers Dec. 6-7 Oklahoma City University singers and orchestral musicians celebrate the season with Christmas songs at Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. www.okcu.edu Home for the Holidays

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Dec. 8 Join the Canterbury Choral Society again at Oklahoma Civic Center Music Hall for holiday bells, brass and organ in singalong favorites with the chorus. www.canterburyokc. com

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues

Tulsa! A Radio Christmas Spectacular

Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll at Cain’s Ballroom

Canterbury Christmas

Dec. 7-8 Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management bring Broadway style to the stage with a dance showcase of holiday scenes at the OCU Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. www.okcu.edu

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Tulsa Ballet: The Nutcracker Dec. 1322 The stunning vision of Christmas Eve in1920s Paris is unique to Tulsa Ballet and returns to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. www.tulsaballet.org OKC Ballet: The Nutcracker

Dec. 1222 Oklahoma City Ballet’s holiday favorite of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers returns to dance to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score at Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall. www.okcballet.com

A Christmas Cabaret

Dec. 13 Lindsey McKee and friends entertain at dinner at Trinity Episcopal Church to benefit the Trinity music program. www. trinitytulsa.org

TobyMac and friends at the BOK Center

Christmas with Kathryn Zaremba Dec. 21 Broken Arrow native Zaremba (Broadway’s Annie) returns for a holiday concert at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. www.myticketoffice.com It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Thru Dec. 21 Carpenter Square Theatre presents the 1946 Capra film adaptation using a popular format of the 1940s a radio drama with a live audience. www. carpentersquare.com

The Nutcracker

Dec. 21-22 Bartlesville Civic Ballet brings out the magic of Christmas with the timeless story, music and ballet at the Bartlesville Community Center. www.bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

Christmas Gospel Celebration

Dec. 22 The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame welcomes Joey Crutcher and the Tulsa Gospel Workshop Choir for a night of holiday and spirit. www.myticketoffice.com

A Territorial Christmas Carol Thru Dec. 22 Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre sets the Dickens classic in Indian Territory and calico on the eve of a land run. www. www.thepollard.org Lyric’s A Christmas Carol

Thru Dec. 28 Scrooge may be the star, but Christmas is the reason for this classic musical and Oklahoma City tradition at Lyric at the Plaza. www.lyrictheatreokc.com

The Drunkard and The Olio

Ongoing The melodrama continues with heroes, damsels in distress and over-the-top characters plus an entertaining revue of songs and theatrics most Saturdays of the year at the Spotlight Theatre. www.spotlighttheatre.org

In Concert Donny & Marie Christmas

Dec. 1, 3 At the BOK Center Dec. 1 and Chesapeake Energy Arena Dec. 3. www.bokcenter.com, www.chesapeakearena.com

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The Story So Far

Dec. 4 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

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Dec. 4 Vanguard Music Hall.

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Entertainment

v. Saltilio Dec. 13 v. Dallas Dec. 21 v. Texas Dec. 28

Oklahoma State University Men’s Basketball www.okstate.com v. South Carolina Dec. 6 v. Louisiana Tech Dec. 14 (@ Chesapeake Energy Arena) v. Delaware State Dec. 17 v. Robert Morris Dec. 30

Oklahoma State University Women’s Basketball www.okstate.com v. North Texas Dec. 1 v. USF Dec. 14 (@ Chesapeake Energy Arena) v. Texas Pan-American Dec. 29

University of Oklahoma Men’s Basketball www.soonersports.com COURTESY OF OU ATHLETICS

v. Mercer Dec. 2 v. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Dec. 5 v. Tulsa Dec. 14 v. UT-Arlington Dec. 17 v. Louisiana Tech Dec. 30

University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball www.soonersports.com

SPORTS Bedlam 2013 Approximately 80 miles and one-and-a-half hours separate the cities of Stillwater and Norman. Such broad yet easily traversed expanses invite familiarity on one hand while tending the roiling cauldron of competition with the other. And in the state of Oklahoma, sport is at its most pure, most golden every fall when Cowboys and Sooners meet on a field to settle the year’s biggest question: Who’ll take Bedlam? This year’s Bedlam battle between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys goes down in Stillwater on OSU’s carefully manicured turf. The final game of the regular season for both schools takes place at Boone Pickens Stadium, 700 W. Hall of Fame Ave., on the OSU Stillwater campus on Saturday, Dec. 7. Visit www.okstate.com to see about ticket availability, schedules and TV coverage.

Jimmy Buffet Robert Earl Keen cainsballroom.com bluedoorokc.com

diamondballroom.net

cainsballroom.com

bokcenter.com

Dec. 7 Vanguard Music Hall. www. thevanguardtulsa.com

Jimmy LaFave Dec. 8 Performing Arts Studio @ The Depot. www.ticketstorm.com Suicidal Tendencies www.cainsballroom.com

Arctic Monkeys cainsballroom.com

Dec. 10 Cain’s Ballroom.

Dec. 11 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

TobyMac

Michael O’Connor, Jeff Plankenhorn Dec. 13 Blue Door. www.bluedoorokc.com

18th Red Dirt Christmas

Dec. 14 Red Dirt Rangers, John Fullbright, John Moreland at Cain’s Ballroom. www.cainsballroom.com

Ian Moore com

Dec. 14 Blue Door. www.bluedoorokc.

Dec. 12 Brandon Heath, Mandisa, more at the BOK Center. www.bokcenter.com

Cage the Elephant

Dar Williams

Native Lights

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Mimosa Dec. cainsballroom.com

Dec. 12 Blue Door. www.

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Ballroom.

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Dec. 14 Diamond Ballroom.

Dec. 14 Vanguard Music Hall. www.thevanguardtulsa.com

Tribute to Woody Guthrie Door. www.bluedoorokc.com

Gloriana

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The

Dec. 15 Blue

Dec. 15 Riverwind Casino, Norman. www.

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Dec. 17 Cain’s

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Jay Z Dec. 18 Chesapeake Energy Arena. www. chesapeakearena.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Center. www.bokcenter.com

Eureka Springs on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights

Brave Combo Dec. 12 Vanguard Music Hall. www.thevanguardtulsa.com The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Dec. 13 The Joint, Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel & Casino. www. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

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Dec. 19 BOK

Asleep at the Wheel Dec. 20 “Santa Loves to Boogie” concert at the Robson Performing Arts Center, Claremore. www.myticketoffice.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec. 21 Two shows at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. www. chesapeakearena.com

30 Seconds to Mars

Dec. 21 New Politics, Filter, IAMDYNAMITE at Brady Theater. www. bradytheater.com

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

University of Tulsa Women’s Basketball www.tulsahurricane.com v. UALR Dec. 7 v. Abilene Christian Dec. 14

WWE Monday Night Raw

Dec. 2 WWE Superstars CM Punk, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan and more get the action started at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. www.chesapeakearena.com

WWE Smackdown TV Dec. 3 Pro wrestling’s showdown goes down on the mats at the BOK Center featuring Alberto Del Rio, The Shield, Dolph Ziggler, Damien Sandow and more. www.bokcenter.com Run for the Bonus

Brady Theater 2014 New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 Brady Theater. www.bradytheater.com

Liquid Nitro Arenacross Dec. 6-7 Claremore Expo Center becomes the place for BMX bikers and racers. www.motorheadevents.com Oil Capital Stampede

Sports

Tulsa Jingle Bell Run

v. Texas Southern Dec. 4 v. UALR Dec. 7 v. Grand Canyon Dec. 18

Dec. 5-8 Barrel racing at Expo Square brings out only the best for the regional competition. www.bonusracefinals.com

cainsballroom.com

Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll Dec. 7 Cain’s Ballroom. www.cainsballroom.

Dec. 28 BOK Center. www.

University of Tulsa Men’s Basketball www.tulsahurricane.com

Dec. 31 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

Stoney LaRue

Dec. 6 Diamond Ballroom. www.

Vienna Teng

Dec.

27 Cain’s Ballroom. www.cainsballroom.com

Zac Brown Band

Dec. 5 Blue Door. www.

com

Dec. 21 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

J.D. McPherson, Hayes Carll

Dec. 5 Cain’s Ballroom. www.

John Dee Graham Blue October

The Floozies

Dec. 5 BOK Center. www.

bokcenter.com

v. Creighton Dec. 1 v. Western Illinois Dec. 4 v. Duke Dec. 8 v. Maryland Eastern Shore Dec. 15 v. Samford Dec. 29

OKC Thunder www.nba.com/thunder v. Minnesota Dec. 1 v. Indiana Dec. 8 v. L.A. Lakers Dec. 13 v. Orlando Dec. 15 v. Chicago Dec. 19 v. Toronto Dec. 22 v. Houston Dec. 29 v. Portland Dec. 31 Tulsa 66ers

www.tulsa66ers.com v. Sioux Falls Dec. 5 v. Delaware Dec. 6 v. Texas Dec. 8 v. Reno Dec. 19 v. Austin Dec. 29

Oklahoma State University Football www.okstate.com v. Oklahoma Dec. 7

OKC Barons

www.okcbarons.com

v. Texas Dec. 3 v. Texas Dec. 20-21 v. Texas Dec. 31

Tulsa Oilers

www.tulsaoilers.com

v. Arizona Dec. 6 v. Arizona Dec. 8 v. Quad City Dec. 20 v. Missouri Dec. 21 v. Allen Dec. 26 v. Wichita Dec. 27

Tulsa Revolution

Dec. 6-8 The U.S. Team Roping Championships event for Tulsa takes place at Expo Square. www.ustrc.com

Tulsa Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis

Dec. 7 Here comes Santa Claus – in sneakers and jogging through downtown Tulsa with a few hundred friends to benefit Arthritis Foundation Oklahoma. www.arthritis. org/oklahoma

Mistletoe 5k Run

Dec. 7 Join the run and support Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.). www.hopetesting.org.

28th Annual Barrel Racing Futurity World Championship Dec. 9-14 More than

$40,000 in “future fortunes bonus money” will be paid out at Oklahoma State Fair Park for the sake of a barrel racing sports. www.barrelfuturitiesofamerica.com

American Finals Rodeo Dec. 13-15 The American Cowboys Rodeo Association draws the top cowboys and cowgirls to Tulsa’s Expo Square for the 2013 finals and trade show. www.acrarodeo.com SandRidge Santa Run Dec. 14 Walk or run, costumed or not, at this annual event of downtown Oklahoma City’s Downtown in December celebration. www. downtownindecember.com 78th Oklahoma City All-College Classic Dec. 14 Oklahoma State University’s Cowboys take

on Louisiana Tech University while the OSU Cowgirls challenge the University of South Florida at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. www.chesapeakearena.com

Race Into the New Year

www.tulsarevolution.com

Dec. 31 End 2013 by charging forward in 2014 at the running celebration with a new 5k course, a one-mile fun run and walk, dog jog event and celebration afterwards at River West Festival Park. www.runnersworldtulsa.com

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Entertainment

COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM.

COMMUNITY The Cowboy

Family Junie B in Jingle Bells Batman Smells Thru Dec. 18 Oklahoma Children’s Theatre brings back the hilarious story of girl who knows everything except what to give her nemesis/Secret Santa recipient for Christmas. www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

Scuba Santa Claus

Dec. 1-24 Watch as Santa takes a dip among the coral reef of Oklahoma Aquarium among the nice and naughty creatures. www. okaquarium.org

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Dec. 6-15 Those mischievous Herdman kids are back to learn the lessons of Christmas all over again with Clark Youth Theatre at Henthorne Performing Arts Center. www. cityoftulsa.org/henthornepac

Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

Dec. 13-15 Theatre Tulsa’s Broadway Bootcamp for youth stages Disney’s fun adaptation of the old Arabian Nights tale of a young thief and a magic lamp at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. www.theatretulsa.org

Christmas Ball Featuring Michael Martin Murphey On a chilled December night each year, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum becomes that cozy home on the range for Western song, spurjangling dance and holiday warmth.

The 19th Cowboy Christmas Ball welcomes back favorite country singer Michael Martin Murphey to welcome in the holiday spirit with songs inspired as well as those to get your boots scooting across the floor. The ball, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, has become a tradition in Oklahoma City with old-fashioned western flavor hearkening from the décor and fine art surroundings to the buffet dinner and entertainment.

Tickets are $60 (museum members) to $75. Children can attend for $25, which makes the annual Christmas ball a family favorite with plenty for kids, including a visit from Santa.

Dress western to get into the spirit of a night that you’ll always remember. The museum is located at 1700 N.E. 63rd St. For more, visit www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

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

Art The Sexuality Spectrum December-March 2014 The work of more than 50 international artists show an exploration of social and religious attitudes toward sexuality and the LGBT community’s influence on the Jewish and larger world at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art. www.jewishmuseum.net Small Works, Great Wonders

Thru Dec. 1 Prix de West artists and others are invited to show work for display and sale at this special event and fundraiser at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Exhibit remains up through Dec. 1. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Future Earth Thru Dec. 2 The work of New Mexico pottery artists Susan Folwell and Jody Naranjo of Santa Clara Pueblo grab attention at Lovetts Gallery. www. lovettsgallery.com

Arvest Winterfest

Santa’s Adventures on the Oklahoma River Thru Jan. 4 Watch Santa zipline while the family

takes part in the all the attractions at Chesapeake Boathouse and river adventures attractions, including mechanical surfing, rock climbing wall, inflatable bounce, kayaking and Rudolph’s Launch extreme air jumper. www.downtownindecember.com

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

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Cowboy Artists of America 48th Annual Exhibition & Sale Thru Jan. 5 The Na-

tional Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum brings the vanguard of Western art revival to its halls with work across a variety of media painting, drawing, sculpture. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale Thru Jan. 5 The National

Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum holds its 15th annual exhibit and sale of stunning artisan creations in everything from saddles and spurs to belts and jewelry. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

This Land: Picturing a Changing America in the 1930s and 1940s Thru Jan. 6 Some 45 works from a critical decade in American history showing the imagery of the Great Depression era of social and environmental change is on exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. www.crystalbridges.org

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Warriors: Photographs by Gertrude Käsebier

memorable holiday images at the William F. Laman Public Library, North Little Rock, Ark. www.lamanlibrary.org

Chuck Close: Works on Paper Dec. 13-Feb. 16 Oklahoma City Museum of Art presents work of the painter and photographer best known for his pieces in photorealism. www.okcmoa.com Come on Down

Dec. 13-April 13 Oklahoma City Museum of Art organizes and presents artist Lisa Hoke, who will create a contemporary art installation and mural at the museum using everyday materials. www. okcmoa.com

Ana Maria Hernando: The Illuminated Garden Thru Dec. 20 Paintings, drawings and prints

flesh out this exhibit of plant and insect images derived from Hernando’s Spanish background at Oklahoma Contemporary. www.cityartscenter.org

Invisible Eve Thru Dec. 22 The images of photographer Yousef Khanfar invite viewers to see into the lives of incarcerated women on their way to rehabilitation in a series of stark portraits on exhibit at 108 Contemporary. www.108contemporary.org

Lewis & Clark: Corps of Discovery

Thru Dec. 29 The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman has the 1956 Picasso masterpiece from 1956 on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum and on exhibit. www.ou.edu/fjjma

The Best of Edison Prep

Thru Dec. 29 Woolaroc Museum presents a body of work inspired by the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark across the American continent for this art exhibit and sale of paintings and bronze sculptures by contemporary Western artists. www.woolaroc.org

Four Elements

A Fresh Take: William S. and Ann Atherton Art of the American West Gallery Thru Dec. 31 Art work by Charles M. Russell,

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Jan. 5 An exhibit on how the Organization of American States advanced modern art in Latin America goes up at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman. www. ou.edu/fjjma

Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays Thru Dec. 9 Exhibition of the artist’s most

AHCT Member Organization Expo Dec. 6 The Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa showcases the work and performance of its member organizations in everything from theater and music to dance and fine art at the Hardesty Arts Center. www.ahct.org

Dec. 6-21 The four elements are the inspiration of this group show of work in clay, fiber, metal and wood at Living Arts of Tulsa. www.livingarts.org

Libertad de Expresión: The Art of the Americas and Cold War Politics Thru

Dec. 7-31 Lovetts Gallery presents vivid works by Jeff Ham (painting), Benjamin Cobb (glass) and Erika Pochybova (multimedia) with an artist reception and demonstrations on opening day. www.lovettsgallery.com

Pablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio

Dec. 6-21 Tulsa Artists’ Coalitions presents Exceptional Art by Edison Art Students, a juried show of work by students at the Tulsa schools, in the TAC Gallery. www.tacgallery.org

Thru Jan. 4 The startling sculpture pieces in this solo exhibition by the Dallas artist invite questions of the human form at Artspace at Untitled. www.artspaceatuntitled.org

Kaleidochromatic

2014 Holiday Small Works

Dec. 5-January M.A. Doran features small works by gallery artists in paintings, sculptures, American craft (including holiday ornaments). www.madorangallery.com

ern Heritage Museum. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

James Sullivan

Frederic Remington and Charles Schreyvogel, among others, are newly reinstalled in the National Cowboy & West-

Dark Light Thru Jan. 12 “The Micaceous Ceramics of Christine Nofchissey McHorse” offers viewers a look at one of the most innovative forces in Native American pottery today. This look at works by the Navajo artist opens at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. www. ou.edu/ffjma Games People Play

Thru Jan. 12 “Sports and Competition in Native American Art” is the subtitle of this event featuring images of stickball and other amusements that also taught responsibilities like hunting and warfare. www.philbrook.org

Collective Future: Gifts in Honor of Philbrook’s 75th Anniversary Thru Jan. 26 Philbrook Museum of Art commemorates its beginnings in 1938 with a special exhibition containing pieces newly donated to the permanent collection by such artists as Willem de Koonig, Edward Ruscha, Milton Avery and Andrew Wyeth. www.philbrook.org

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Warriors Thru Feb. 2 Gilcrease Museum exhibits “Photographs by Gertrude Käsebier” showing the performers who traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1898 in a series of compelling portraits taken in her New York City studio on Fifth Avenue. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu Alexander Calder: La Memoire Elementaire Thru Feb. 2 The Sherwin Miller Mu-

seum of Jewish Art exhibits lithographs by Calder, an artists best known for his sculpture and mobiles. www. jewishmuseum.net

The Artists’ Eye: Georgia O’Keeffe and the Alfred Stieglitz Collection Thru Feb. 3 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art brings the treasured collection of art work donated by artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her husband Alfred Stieglitz to its halls in Bentonville, Ark. www.crystalbridges.org

Entertainment

alumni and benefitting student scholarships. Look for a live auction and more. www.nsualumni.com

Community Metcalf Gun Show

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL OF TULSA.

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.metcalfgunshows.com

Deluxe Winter Market Nov. 30-Dec. 1 More than 100 local artists bring their wares such as handmade clothing, home décor, art, pet items and accessories to the Chevy Bricktown Events Center. www. deluxeok.net Glow on the Green 2013

Dec. 1 The Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa glows even brighter than usual for the holidays with seasonal colors, hot chocolate, musical numbers from Miracle on 34th Street, Bravo Brass and festivities. www.guthriegreen.com

Bird Identification Workshop Dec. 1 This introduction to species found in Mississippi River State Park in Marianna, Ark., will get you in the field and observing like an expert in no time. www.petitjeanstatepark.com All Nations Powwow

Dec. 1 All are welcome to the sixth annual Native American dance event at Ada’s East Central University. www.allnationsok.com

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove Re-enactment Dec. 1-2 Visit

Arkansas’ Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park and join Civil War re-enactors and other spectators in remembering this important battle. www.arkansasstateparks.com/ prairiegrovebattlefield

ART AHCT Member Organization Expo So you still haven’t visited the Hardesty Arts Center in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District? That’s okay, and your timing will be spot on when the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa presents its Member Organization Expo, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Member organizations such as the 108 Contemporary Gallery, Playhouse Tulsa Theatre, Choregus Productions, Tulsa Camerata, Theatre North and the Tulsa Art Deco Museum are just a few of the more than 20 anticipated for this new event just in time for December’s First Friday Art Crawl. The best part is visitors to the center, 101 E. Archer St., will get to see what each arts group is about. Visual and performing arts organizations as well as music and dance groups will be represented offering a glimpse of their works, discounted tickets to events and much more. Read more at www.ahct.org.

In a Glorious Light Thru March 16 Philbrook Museum of Art displays the masterworks of the Taos Society of Artists, revealing the art colony’s history and the environment’s influence on members’ art. www. philbrook.org On Assignment: The Photojournalism of Horace Bristol Thru March 16 His images of

migrant workers in California during the Great Depression brought him critical acclaim and notice, but Horace Bristol brought images from around the world to vivid reality for his audience. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art exhibits some of his best. www.ou.edu/fjjma

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

Identity & Inspiration

Thru June 29 Philbrook Downtown showcases pieces from Philbrook Museum of Art’s collection of Native American art with historic and traditional works as well as contemporary pieces. www.philbrook.org

Opening Abstraction

Thru June 29 This exhibit of abstract works in a variety of manifestations opened the Philbrook Downtown contemporary gallery in Tulsa’s Brady District. www.philbrook.org

brary Trust honors writer Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day) with its 2013 award at Southern Hills Country Club. 918.549.7366

Toast ’22

Dec. 6 Theatre Tulsa celebrates its legacy, which goes all the way back to 1922, at Topeca Coffee Roastery with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the jazz ensemble 7 Blue Trio and more great fun. www.theatretulsa. org

Fashion Atlantis OKC

Dec. 7 The Under Water Fashion Experience will be hosted by Kayla Ferrel of TV’s America’s Next Top Model at the Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market with VIP dining, a fashion show, after party and more. www.facebook.com/videojunkies

First Friday Gallery Walk Ongoing The galleries of OKC’s Paseo Arts District welcome all each month. www.thepaseo.com

Ongoing A monthly celebration of arts in Norman. www.2ndfridaynorman.com

Ongoing Free admission to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum the first full weekend of every month. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Chuck Close: Works on Paper at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Folio Editions: Art in the Service of Science Thru 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

Allan Houser and His Students

Thru May 11 The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

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Journey to Bethlehem Arctic Monkeys at Cain’s Ballroom

Christmas Tea with the Queen

Dec. 7-8 Sip tea with Queen Elizabeth at Overholser Mansion with entertainment, a silent auction and period fashion show for Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park. www. oklahomashakespeare.com

nual event features a silent auction and live auction plus a fashion show with local TV celebrities. www. coxcentertulsa.com

RSVP Annual Dinner Dec. 10 RSVP board officers and the advisory council meet for the annual meeting and holiday dinner and to hold elections. www. rsvptulsa.org

Tinsel and Tini’s Preview Party

Dec. 5 Join Junior League of Tulsa for the annual kick-off event of the annual Holiday Market with wine pull, hors d’oeuvres and designer fun at Expo Square. www. jltulsa.org

Women Who Care Share Luncheon

Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award Dinner Dec. 6 The Tulsa Li-

Emerald Ball

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Dec. 5 Experience an old-fashioned Christmas with treats and entertainment at the Harn Homestead & 1889ers Museum in Oklahoma City. www.harnhomestead.com

place at Expo Square and features more great items for gift giving and more. See website for market events schedule. www.jltulsa.org

Weekends On Us

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon Dec. 3 The 61st an-

Territorial Christmas Celebration

Junior League of Tulsa Holiday Market Dec. 5-8 The annual holiday gift market takes

2nd Friday Circuit Art

November-January 2014 The Children’s Center’s annual gift drive from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day helps families in need with basic care goods for children along with a Christmas wish. www. tccokc.org

Dec. 3 Top culinary experts demonstrate techniques and new methods to make holiday favorites even better at the Rose State Performing Arts Theatre in Midwest City. www.okcciviccenter.com

Dec. 5-8 Join Christview Christian Church of Tulsa brings back its popular living Nativity outdoor walk with a large cast, live animals and song. www.christview.org

Ongoing Stroll the Brady Arts District in Tulsa for new exhibitions as well as live music and other events. www.thebradyartsdistrict.com.

Holiday Helpers

Taste of Home Cooking School

Bethlehem Walk

First Friday Art Crawl

Charitable Events

OKC’s Downtown in December

Dec. 13 Join YWCA Oklahoma City and businesswomen in the community for an event filled with stories of survival and triumph over domestic violence. www. ywcaokc.org Dec. 14 Tahlequah’s Northeastern State University and the NSU Alumni Association host the 16th annual gala honoring the school’s distinguished

Dec. 5-8 Oklahoma City’s Forest Hill Christian Church brings the Nativity to life with an interactive, guided outdoor tour of the Christmas experience. www.fhcc.org

UCO WinterGlow Dec. 6 The University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond lights with warmth, Santa and family festivities for the holidays. www.uco. edu Christkindlmarkt 2013

Dec. 6-8 Visit the German-American Society of Tulsa for a taste of Christmas in Germany with authentic imported gift items at the market, foods and activities. www.gastulsa.org

Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant Dec. 6-8 Join the Edmond commu-

nity and visitors from across the state to this outdoor living Nativity attraction. www.obhc.org

Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award presentation Dec. 7 Kazuo

Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day) is this year’s award recipient from the Tulsa Library Trust and will speak about his work at the Hardesty Regional Library. www. tulsalibrary.org

Holiday Gift Guide Gypsy House Design

Spiceology

1960s vintage barware martini set makes a great Christmas gift! Culver Valencia with 22-karat gold set includes six martini cups and one martini pitcher, $185. Gypsy House Design, 1338 E. 41st St., Tulsa. 918.704.1982.

Find Gypsy-House Design on Facebook.

Sasha Malchi Home

We offer an amazing selection of the highest quality spices, custom rubs, exotic salts and premium teas. Corporate gifts a specialty. Create something special! Spiceology, The Farm Shopping Center, 6524 E. 51st St., Tulsa.

918.895.7838. www.spiceology.net

Tag @ Brookside Boutique

Rock on! Agate bookend set, $69; agate necklace, Great Gifts & Stocking Stuffers! Metallic Shimmer $42; agate coaster set, $38. Sasha Malchi Home, Infinity Scarf, $16; State Love Necklace, $15; Chillsner Beer Chiller, $29 (2pk); Graphite Statement 3716 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa. 918.574.2588.

Necklace, $16; Chandelier Earrings, $12. Tag @ Brookside Boutique, 3710 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa.

918.779.6131. facebook.com/tagatbrookside

Richard Neel Interiors

Celebrate All Things Wonderful. Vintage 1960’s Barware. Richard Neel Interiors, 3742 S. Peoria, Tulsa. 918.742.4777

The Dolphin

Barefoot Dreams, Covered In Prayer Live With Grace Throw 54x72,$256.00.

The Dolphin Fine Linens 1960 Utica Square Tulsa. 918.743.6634. www.thedolphinfinelinens.com

Tatermash Oilcloth

Tote Santa’s goodies in a durable oilcloth bag.

Embroidery always available!Tatermash Oilcloth, 3101 S. Jamestown Ave., Tulsa.

918.743.3888.

Nielsens Gifts

Haul in the Holly at Nielsens Nielsens Gifts, 8138-A S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, 918.298.9700; 3515 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa, 918.747.4141. www.nielsensgifts.com

DECEMBER 2013 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Entertainment

www.facebook.com/arkansastrailofholidaylights

Chickasha Festival of Light

Thru Dec. 31 Check out one of the top holiday light shows in the nation at Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park. www. chickashafestivaloflight.com

PHOTO BY KELLY KERR, COURTESY OF WWW.REDDIRTRANGERS.COM.

Christmas Kingdom at the Castle Thru Dec. 31 The lights and inflatables go on at the Castle of Muskogee. www.okcastle.com

IN CONCERT 18th Annual Red Dirt Christmas “Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus” riding into Cain’s Ballroom in a ’66 Ford pick-up hauling a truck-load of musical cheer, Red Dirt style. This Christmas show won’t be your typical collection of angelic choral work and trumpets. Rather, this Red Dirt holiday features Tulsa’s royal mounties of Okie music, the Red Dirt Rangers; Okemah’s Grammy-nominated wonder John Fullbright and favorite hometown strummer John Moreland all bearing musical gifts to the doors of 423 N. Main St., Tulsa, on Dec. 14. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 the day of the show, $22 at the door and $30 for the mezzanine. Show is scheduled for 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.cainsballroom.com online.

NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show Thru Dec. 7 The National Reining Horse

Association will give away $2 million in purse and prizes at Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.nrhafuturity.com

Stockyards City Main Street Christmas Parade Dec. 7 Santa arrives in a carriage and cowboy hat in this holiday parade through Oklahoma City’s heart of Cow Town. www.stockyardscity.org

Carols and Crumpets

Dec. 7 The Tulsa Herb Society holds its annual holiday gift market with a garden flair at the Tulsa Garden Center. www.tulsagardencenter.com

Jimmy Buffet at the BOK Center

Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights Dec. 14 The spectacular display of floats, bands and attractions is back along Tulsa’s downtown districts and avenues with surprises. www.tulsaholidayparade.com R.K. Gun Show

Park. www.rkshows.com

Dec. 14-15 Oklahoma State Fair

Two Friends & Junk Fall Market

Dec. 14-15 Architectural salvage and vintage industrial collectibles add to the mix of antique boutique “junk” at Expo Square. www.exposquare.com

Philbrook Festival of Trees

Thru Dec. 15 Philbrook Museum of Art decks the halls with décor, trees and gifts decorated and made by area artists and on sale to the public. See the website for special events (Garden Glow, member parties). www.philbrook.org

ABATE Tulsa Toy Run

Dec. 15 Hop aboard that hog and rev the motor for the annual toy run from Expo Square to Riverside Drive, which collects for Toys for Tots. www.tulsatoyrun.com

Sand Springs Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 7 Sand Springs takes to the waters of Lake Keystone for a unique parade of lights. 918.865.4991

Oklahoma City Train Show

Dec. 7-8 The event collectors and hobbyists have waited for will be at Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.okctrainshow.com

Grand American Arms Show

Dec.

Oklahoma Paint Horse Club Holiday Classic Dec. 28-Jan. 3 Show horses, breeders, horse-

men, exhibitors and more take to Oklahoma State Fair Park for a great holiday show. www.oklahomaphc.net

Thru Dec. 31 Tulsa’s Chandler Park lights up the holidays early with its displays, rides and Santa. www.chandlerparklights.com

Christmas in the Park

Thru Dec. 31 Welcome to Yukon City Park and Chisholm Trail Park, where you’ll find one of the state’s biggest and grandest holiday lights displays. www.cityofyukonok.gov

Opening Night 2014

Dec. 31 Welcome to a new year in Oklahoma City with this annual celebration near the Myriad Botanical Gardens with entertainment and fireworks. www.artscouncilokc.com

12th New Year’s Eve Powwow

Dec. 31 Cox Business Center hosts the annual sobriety powwow of Native American dancing and ceremony.

918.638.7999

Rhema Christmas Lights Thru Jan. 1 Rhema Bible Church opens the gates to guests of its stunning lights and music holiday display packed with features. www.rhemabiblechurch.com Winterfest Thru Jan. 5 Welcome to the holidays at the BOK Center with outdoor ice skating, carriage rides and more. www.bokcenter.com

Third Eye Blind at Cain’s Ballroom

Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular Thru Dec. 30 Lights transform the Joe B. Barnes

Holiday Ice Skating in Edmond Thru Jan. 5 Downtown Edmond’s outdoor ice rink is open for more winter holiday memories. www.expressice.com/ edmondok

Downtown in December

International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Ongoing Celebrate the athletic and artistic

Regional Park. www.midwestcityok.org

Thru Dec. 31 Oklahoma City’s winter wonderland begins with the SandRidge Tree Lighting Festival and activities (Santa run, water taxi rides, snow tubing, winter market, Santa’s Adventures on the Oklahoma River, etc.) downtown. www.downtownindecember.com

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 Walking Tour Ongoing Take a walking tour of historic downtown Tulsa. www.tulsahistory.org Gilcrease Films

Ongoing See various films throughout the month. www.gilcrease.org

OKCMOA Films

Ongoing Oklahoma City Museum of Art. www.okcmoa.com

Planetarium Shows Ongoing Science Museum Oklahoma. www.sciencemuseumoklahoma.org

cowboy singer Murphey is in its 19th year of family fun with music, dance, dinner buffet and Santa at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. www. nationalcowboymuseum.org

To see more events happening around Oklahoma, go to

WWW.OKMAG.COM.

Winter Solstice Walks

Dec. 21 Walk the special guided tours of the prehistoric Native American archaeological site on an important date of the season’s calendar. www.okhistory.org

Tulsa Farm Show Dec. 12-14 Find all things for farm living at Expo Square. www.exposquare.com

Thru Dec. 22 The park’s holiday special is back with holiday wonder, entertainment and Santa at the Woolaroc

108

Holiday Lights on the Hill

Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Ball Dec. 20 The yuletide dance with

Oklahoma City Gun Show Dec. 21-22 Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.okcgunshow.com

Dec. 7-8 Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.superdavesgunshow.com

attraction’s grounds glow with holiday cheer. www. garvangardens.org

metcalfgunshows.com

Caroling in the Caves Thru Dec. 16 Carols resonate through Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View, Ark., on the classic tour. www. yourplaceinthemountains.com

Super Dave’s Gun Show

7-8 Expo Square. www.exposquare.com

Garvan Woodland Gardens Lights on the Landscape Thru Dec. 31 The Hot Springs

Gun, Knife & Outdoor Equipment Show Dec. 28-29 Oklahoma State Fair Park. www.

Reno continues a tradition from German and American folklore that shooting firearms wards off evil spirits for the upcoming holiday. Look for actors in period dress, Santa, storytelling. www.fortreno.org

Dec. 7 Christmas gets plugged in for Edmond’s annual parade. www.edmondok.com

Thru Dec. 31 Muskogee’s Honor Heights Park blooms in a rainbow of holiday lights. www.muskogeeonline.org

Ranch, Museum & Wildlife Preserve. www.woolaroc. org

Fort Reno Christmas Guns Celebration Dec. 15 Cannons and guns blast as Historic Fort

Edmond Electric Parade of Lights

Garden of Lights

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

OKC Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights

Thru Dec. 31 More than 60 communities across Arkansas show the way to family memories for the 18th annual event.

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.

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IN PERSON

The Art Of Music

AS TOLD TO JAMI MATTOX

112

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

PHOTO BY BRANDON SCOTT.

I

am a graduate of Broken Arrow High School and [an alumnus] of the band I teach. I was hoping to return home and be director of my home band.

I am in my 21st year of teaching at Broken Arrow. My career has been pretty special.

[The championships are] driven by kids that are hungry to get better every single day.

There is the expectation amongst the students that they push each other to make each other better; they are amongst the most disciplined kids I’ve ever been around. It makes the education part better. I also have an incredible staff of teachers and designers that put together state-of-the-art programs for our kids. It takes a lot to make that happen.

I’ve often had people ask me which show has been my favorite over the years; they’re all very special. In 2006, when we won the national championship for the first time, we were known as a national level band, but we weren’t at that top level. This year’s group was also very special and won back-to-back regionals, and they took every minute we had to grow as a group and in their performances.

We also have an incredible community that supports its band and an administration that allows us to travel and produce at the highest levels.

We talk to our kids about how it’s not about the place you receive. What really matters is how you feel after you perform.

We hope for them that they’ll make lifelong memories and that they’ll feel good about their performance. Regardless of the results, we really don’t care because we’ll congratulate the champion and make a bunch of friends. We never go in planning to win.

It’s down to seven judges’ opinions. It’s like going to an art gallery, and each person will have a different favorite painting.

Darrin Davis is director of bands for Broken Arrow Public Schools. Now in his 21st year with the program, he oversees a staff of 15 teachers and show designers. During his tenure, the Broken Arrow Pride marching band has brought home several state, regional and national championships. This year, the Pride took first place at two super-regional Bands of America competitions as well as first in the Oklahoma Bandmaster’s Association 6A state competition.

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