Oklahoma Magazine April 2022 by Oklahoma Magazine

APRIL 2022

PLUS: TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS LISTING REMODELING AND RENOVATION Making a dream home Reproductive OF DEVELOPMENTS HA WORLD E A LT H Progress in our major metros

Introducing the Class of

2022

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Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life® Adding Third Parties Into a Divorce Proceeding the father of the child. In those cases, the actual father of the child will need to be added to the divorce if it is proven that the husband is not the father through a DNA test. By adding the natural father, the court can divorce the parties, make a finding that the husband is not the father and can name the third party as father of the child for custody and support purposes.

A divorce proceeding can be complex enough. Where parties do not agree on one or more matters, it can turn a divorce into a contested legal proceeding. Whether the differences be on child custody, child support, spousal support, property and debt division or any other issue, if there is not a complete agreement, a judge often has to resolve the dispute after a trial. However, in some cases, matters may even be more complex. For example, in some cases, third parties may need to be added to the divorce itself for jurisdictional purposes. In addition, third parties can hire legal counsel, call witnesses and present evidence at trial. Thus, the dispute between the two parties to the marriage can become broader and complex. Many are confused at the notion of a third party being added to a divorce proceeding. But in some cases, the third parties have to be added to ensure the court has jurisdiction to address all relevant issues. Without their addition, the court lack may lack jurisdiction to address essential matters regarding property and debt division and child custody. Here are some examples of times where third parties are necessary: Third Party Fathers: When children are born of the marriage or a pregnancy, there is a presumption that the husband is the father of that child. However, in some cases, that is in dispute or not true. It might be alleged that the wife had an extramarital affair and that another individual is

Trust Assets: In some marriages, there are trust assets that can come into the dispute as to marital property and debt division. The exact type of trust can vary. However, many of these trusts can be irrevocable trusts where neither party to the divorce is a trustee. Yet, one party to the divorce argues that trust assets or income is marital property in some regard. When this is the case, the trustee of the trust often needs to be added as a third party to the divorce for matters relating to the trust in the divorce resolution. Jointly Held Property: Parties who are divorcing can sometimes hold property jointly with other third parties who are not their spouse. For example, it could be real estate, vehicles, bank or investment accounts and various assets. Sometimes, this is done innocently. But in other cases, the property is jointly held in an attempt at shielding it from the divorce court. When one spouse alleges that the jointly held property is martial property, the third party who holds title to this property often needs to be added into the divorce as a third party. Otherwise, the court would have no jurisdiction to order this third property to do anything relative to this jointly held property. Business Interests: If a business interest is at issue in a divorce, the business or corporation may need to be added to this litigation as well. Adding the business or corporation into the litigation as a third party gives the court jurisdiction over the entity. It also gives the entity the ability to defend their interests. Adding a third party entity into litigation is often more important where there are

other owners besides the divorcing parties. When a third party is joined, the third party generally has a right to file legal pleadings and motions to protect their interests. These third parties may also opt to issue discovery, take depositions, call and examine witnesses and president evidence at trial. Thus, the addition of a third party can delay the divorce proceedings in certain respects. It might also make the litigation more complex and costly. At the same time, the addition of third parties is sometimes a necessity. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.

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WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Stange Law Firm, PC is respsonsible for the content. Principal place of business is 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

APRIL 2022

O K L A H O M A M AG A Z I N E

40 Under 40

Today’s young professionals consistently push the envelope. Some work full-time while operating their own businesses on the side. Others spends hours volunteering to make Oklahoma a safer and more inclusive place to live. Others still are creative pioneers, helping to spread the word about the magic that lies in the Sooner State. Regardless of their passions and livelihoods, the 40 young professionals honored stand out in more ways than one. Philanthropic, driven and sharp, this group is one to watch. Welcome to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2022.

State

State agencies, offices and commissions produce and enrich Oklahoma’s culture and legacy.

8 10 12 13 14

16 20 21 22 24 26

73 74 75

76 66

79 80

A Fresh Start for Spring

It’s no secret that the Tulsa and OKC metros are booming with new projects. These include major headquarters, multi-use buildings, apartments, historical renovations and even an indoor waterpark. See what’s on the Oklahoma agenda for 2022 and beyond.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Life and Style

Interiors The See name remains relevant and respected in OKC through the work of a skilled family team. Health FYI Destinations Outside the Metro Scene

Taste

Patio weather is here, and Oklahoma offers plenty of restaurants to enjoy it.

Local Flavor Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits

Where and When

Spring events are around every corner this month.

Film and Cinema Closing Thoughts

APRIL 2022

A World of Developments

Industry Infrastructure Makers Music Insider

APRIL 2022

Remodeling and renovation projects are kicking off as the weather warms. Contractors, architects and designers explain how the industry has shifted since the pandemic, discuss the components of a ‘dream home,’ and help hopefuls get the most bang for their bucks.

VOL. MMXXII, NO. 4

PLUS: TOP REAL ESTATE

AGENTS LISTING REMODELING AND RENOVATION

Introducing the Class of

2022

Making a dream home Reproductive OF DEVELOPMENTS HA WORLD E A LT H

Progress in our major metros

Cover 0422.indd 5

3/30/22 10:09 AM

ON THE COVER: ONE OF OUR BIGGEST ISSUES OF THE YEAR IS HERE – 40 UNDER 40! MEET THE IMPRESSIVE CLASS OF 2022 STARTING ON PAGE 28. FROM DOCTORS TO BUSINESS OWNERS, LAWYERS, ARCHITECTS AND CREATIVE DIRECTORS, THIS CLASS IS ONE TO WATCH.

WHO BUILDS OPPORTUNITY IN TULSA? OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY’S VISION FOR TULSA IS BOLD, EXPANSIVE AND INNOVATIVE. We’re hard at work developing a world-class workforce for tomorrow’s industries and educating the next generation of health care professionals. Our groundbreaking research addresses society’s most pressing needs, while our mission of service gives us purpose. With two medical school campuses, an urban academic campus, 26 clinics, multiple research centers, and a downtown academic health care campus — including a veterans hospital, teaching hospital and psychiatric hospital — OSU is impacting lives every day, in every corner of our community. When it comes to investing in Tulsa’s very bright future,

ORANGE IS THE ANSWER.

OKLAHOMA LET TER FROM THE EDITOR April – the greatest month of the year in my opinion, which has absolutely nothing to do with it being my birthday – has arrived! That means one of our biggest stories is finally available to you: the 40 Under 40 class of 2022. The young professionals we highlight this year are, to put it lightly, quite impressive. We’ve got physicians, mental health advocates, community leaders, architects, business owners and creative masterminds. See the group starting on page 28. It seems that as soon as the weather begins to warm, people start to get jazzed about home improvement projects. Luckily, you can peruse our remodeling and renovation feature for inspiration starting on page 66. The pros discuss how the industry has changed, plus the best projects to maximize that sneaky ROI and ways to vet your contractor before signing on the dotted line. Moving away from Tulsa and OKC’s downtown hubs, this year’s city spotlight brings attention to new developments all over town. From mixed-use buildings to apartments, groceries stores and even a waterpark, there’s so much on the horizon (page 61). Our state section is full of goodies, including a dive into Oklahoma’s many offices of community and culture (page 6) and a profile on skilled artist LaQuincey Reed (page 12). We tour a gorgeous OKC home in our Life and Style section (page 16) and, in our Taste section, offer a variety of outdoor dining options to celebrate spring (page 72). Get the sunscreen out, Oklahoma, it’s finally warm! Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

™

OKLAHOMA

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER VIDA K . SCHUMAN

2022

MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JOHN WOOLEY

GRAPHICS MANAGER MARK ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

What’s HOT at

NATALIE GREEN, NATHAN HARMON, SCOTT MILLER, STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, DAN MORGAN, DAVID COBB, SCOTT JOHNSON

OKMAG.COM

COMING IN APRIL In conjunction with our annual 40 Under 40 feature, we sit down with the class of 2022 to discuss a broad range of topics –from what they love about their jobs to their volunteerism efforts and favorite stress relievers. See the bonus video content now at okmag.com.

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Oklahoma Magazine is published monthly by Schuman Publishing Company P.O. Box 14204 • Tulsa, OK 74159-1204 918.744.6205 • FAX: 918.748.5772 mail@okmag.com www.okmag.com Subscriptions are $18 for 12 issues. Mail checks to Oklahoma Magazine P.O. Box 14204 Tulsa, OK 74159-1204

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Copyright © 2022 by Schuman Publishing Company. Oklahoma Wedding, The Best of the Best, 40 Under 40, Single in the City, Great Companies To Work For and Oklahomans of the Year are registered trademarks of Schuman Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All photographs, articles, materials and design elements in Oklahoma Magazine and on okmag. com are protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws, and are owned by Schuman Publishing Company or third party providers. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution without the express written permission of Schuman Publishing Company is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to Oklahoma Magazine, c/o Reprint Services, P.O. Box 14204, Tulsa, OK 74159-1204. Advertising claims and the views expressed in the magazine by writers or artists do not necessarily represent those of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Company, or its aﬀiliates.

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Culture and Community Combined State agencies, offices and commissions enrich Oklahoma’s artistic legacy.

“rich and diverse artistic landscape” is essential to the state’s ability to attract and retain business and industry, says Amber Sharples, executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council. “In rural Oklahoma, the arts provide economic opportunities and an enhanced quality of life,” she says. “In urban areas, the arts can provide a distinct cultural feel for a community and help it flourish. As cities and the state look to diversify their economies, the arts must be part of that strategic effort.” Oklahoma taxpayers invest in culture through agencies, offices and commissions that help provide enrichment and recreation for state residents and visitors alike.

Will Rogers Memorial Museums

Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese’s newest film, was shot on location in Osage County and Tulsa. Photo courtesy Apple

In 1937, shortly after the death of “Oklahoma’s favorite son,” the Oklahoma legislature created the Will Rogers Memorial Commission, a state agency that managed the memorial until 2016. “We are now partnered with the Oklahoma Historical Society, and it’s been really good for us,” says Tad Jones, executive director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore and the Birthplace Ranch in Oologah. Will Rogers was a world-renowned humorist, radio

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

personality, movie star, public speaker and newspaper columnist. But the museum also “focuses a lot on his character as a great role model and citizen,” says Jones. “He treated people with respect. He saw the good in people. He worked really hard to be good at everything he did. And he had fun.” The memorial has a long-term plan in place to keep his legacy alive, including books, a documentary, and “a lot of ways to share Will Rogers with future generations. A lot of things he said 100 years ago are just as applicable today,” says Jones.

Oklahoma Film and Music Oﬀice

The sense of pride that a television or movie production can bring to a community “is really priceless,” says Tava Maloy Sofsky, director of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, a division of the State Department of Commerce. When the movie Minari was filmed in the Tulsa area, “that community wrapped their arms around the production and wanted to be a part of it. They will talk about that forever,” she says. The state offers a cash rebate program to filmmakers, and communities, in turn, benefit when the productions hire technical and artistic workers and use local vendors.

T H E S TAT E | S TA R T I N G O F F The state has hosted 65 productions in the past two years, Sofsky says, including the highly-acclaimed series Reservation Dogs. Staffers attend film festivals to promote Oklahoma’s scenic and diverse terrain, the work ethic of its residents and the state’s “heartland hospitality.” Sofsky’s office is also involved in building infrastructure, such as sound stages, and nurturing the Oklahoma music scene, an important component of filmmaking.

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum oﬀers guests a stunning garden along with historical artifacts. Photo courtesy Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Oklahoma Travel and Tourism

Everything from an historical timeline to the lyrics of the state song can be found on TravelOK, Oklahoma’s travel and tourism website. You can book a night’s stay at a state park, learn the name of the state reptile, plan an antiques shopping trip or find out more about the State Fiddlers Winter Convention.

Oklahoma Arts Council

State tax dollars are OAC’s primary funding source, says Sharples. The state agency for the arts also awards grants that provide seed funding for fine arts, theater, film and art installations. It additionally takes care of the 400-plus works of art that are stateowned and tell the story of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Historical Society

Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS is now a state agency that collects, preserves and shares the history and culture of the state. The Oklahoma History Center, which opened in 2005, welcomes genealogists and historians to its research centers, maintains permanent and revolving exhibits and offers live programming. Museums, historic homes and military sites partner with the OHS to bring the state’s history to life.

The popular TV series Reservation Dogs is filmed in Okmulgee, Tulsa and Sand Springs. Photo by Shane Brown/FX

Oklahoma State Textbook Committee

Every year, publishers provide samples of new materials for review by the committee, which is comprised of parents, teachers and community members appointed by the governor.

First Americans Museum

The American Indian Cultural Center Foundation operates the First American Museum, which opened last September in Oklahoma City. FAM originated as a state project and was completed through a partnership between the state of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, with help from the Chickasaw Nation and numerous donors. Each of the 39 tribes are represented in the state-of-the-art facility.

Capitol-Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission

The 11-member body maintains a land-use plan for the district surrounding the state capitol complex and the Oklahoma University Medical Center. The 950-acre district includes historic preservation, residential, commercial, retail and industrial uses.

Historical film The Chickasaw Rancher shot on location in Davis and Fort Gibson. Photo courtesy The Chickasaw Rancher film

Oklahoma Educational Television Authority

“From humble beginnings in a basement classroom, OETA is now a statewide network that provides a diverse fare of television programs to viewers across Oklahoma and in surrounding states,” according to its website. With more than 650,000 viewers tuning in every week, OETA is supported by public and private funds and is American’s most-watched Public Broadcasting Service network. KIMBERLY BURK

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | I N D U S T R Y A pilot touches down in El Reno. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission

Eyes to the Skies

Despite a pilot shortage, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission works to make the career appealing to younger generations.

ver the next 20 years, according to a recent study by Boeing, there will be a worldwide demand for 763,000 commercial pilots. In North America, the projected number of pilots is 208,000, representing 27% of the global demand. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) is looking for innovative ways to meet that demand with several programs and strategies to build the aviation workforce. State Director of Aeronautics for the OAC, Grayson Ardies, says that “for every one pilot in the air, there are eight to nine people on the ground to keep that plane in the air.” So while pilots may be the most visible members of the aviation workforce, there are a multitude of other roles that are essential to keeping our commercial planes flying. In addition to supporting the development of the pilot workforce, OAC’s efforts include addressing the demand for skilled labor roles such as mechanics, avionics technicians as well as air traffic control technicians, and also filling important positions in engineering and airport management. Piloting an aircraft for a living can be a lucrative and reward-

TO BE A PILOT

There are various levels of training and certification required to move into commercial aviation. Commercial Pilot Certification is the base level for any of the following certifications or ratings. • Can cost $12,000 • Takes about three months to complete • 190 to 250 flight hours

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

ing career. Currently, a pilot with an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) rating can make, on average, about $120,000 per year. However, despite the lure of this field, the industry still struggles to meet demand for pilots for the growing number of aircraft in the skies. According to Ardies, the current demand for pilots and other aviation industry roles is the result of a series of ebbs and flows in the travel industry dating back to 2001. Several events such as the September 11th attacks, the recession of 2008-2009 and the recent coronavirus pandemic have all wreaked havoc on the stability of the air travel industry. These events, coupled with an aging workforce, have left a serious shortfall in pilots and other aviation professionals. This demand is what the OAC works to address. One example of their work is providing funding for Oklahoma schools to offer the “You Can Fly” curriculum, developed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. This program launched at Ada High School in 2017 and, according to Ardies, has grown to over 30 schools statewide, including five “Schools of Excellence” which have been certified in their delivery of this program. The OAC also offers day camps, and 10-day immersion experiences to expose young people to industry opportunities, which now include robotics training to address the growth of the UAS (unmanned aircraft systems, i.e. drones) industry. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission’s work is vital to the state’s economy, and to keeping the industry fed with qualified professionals to carry Oklahoma into the future. JEFF THOMPSON

COMMERCIAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS • Requires about 90 days of training and 10 additional flight hours • Can cost $10,000 • Average salary is about $38,000 a year CORPORATE JET / CHARTER PLANES: • IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating required • Additional ratings depending on aircraft size and power • Pay range varies widely from $38,000 to $138,000, depending on the type of aircraft

COMMERCIAL AIRLINE PILOT: • ATP Certification (includes instrument and multi-engine rating) • Training usually paid for by airline once hired • Usually three months training, plus 1,500 flight hours • Average pay is $120,000 a year

Before

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T H E S TAT E | I N F R A S T R U C T U R E

Heading to The Half

Opened in January 2021 at The Half, Chicken N Pickle oﬀers 10 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Photo courtesy REES/ Hogan Property Company

A new destination located between OKC and Edmond beckons with options for live, work and play.

he inspiration for The Half came to Bill Cameron one warm summer evening. As he watched the sun set on Lake Hefner from the patio at Redrock Canyon Grill, the CEO and Chairman of the Board at Cameron Enterprises thought about the view outside his own office. “Man,” thought Cameron, “I’d sure like to have something like this for our office.” The concept began to crystallize as he talked to other executives and developer Randy Hogan of Hogan Property Company. They agreed it would be great to build out the area with entertainment, employment and housing options near the three ponds sparkling in the grassland outside the American Fidelity Assurance headquarters. Today, The Half is a growing, 52-plus-acre development near Broadway Extension and Britton Road. The name reflects the location – about halfway between Edmond and Oklahoma City. The project has already grown into a more than $120 million investment. And The Half is just about .... halfway complete. “I hope we can tie a bow on it in five years,” says Hogan.

What to Expect

The newest development is a more than $65 million, 324-unit apartment complex planned for occupancy between the summer of 2023 and the following February. Work has just begun on the apartments that will look out on the east pond. The homes will be built around a structured garage. “Very similar to what you’d see in downtown Oklahoma City and downtown Tulsa,” says Hogan. A 150-room boutique hotel may also move into The Half, says Rick Amon, American Fidelity’s real estate development director. Several hotel developers and restaurateurs are talking to leaders about The

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Half, he says, “specifically because this is a destination location.” Developers say The Half ’s work, live and play concept is on fire. “At this point, there’s two very successful destination retailers in place, Chicken N Pickles and Flix Brewhouse,” says Amon. “There’s just such a sense of excitement and entertainment. You just want to be there.” Flix Brewhouse says its the world’s only first-run cinema with a fully operating brewery. The nine-screen movie theater became the first destination retailer in late 2020. Flix, also located in eight other states, features comfy seats with small cinema-side tables where movie goers can enjoy flicks, food and hand-crafted brews. “It’s unique to our state for now,” says Hogan. “They brew their beer on site.” The second destination retailer opened in January 2021. Chicken N Pickle is a local-farmer-focused restaurant with 10 courts for pickleball, a sport resembling tennis, badminton and ping pong. Amon says he was amazed at his first Chicken N Pickle visit. “Every court was filled,” he says. “I saw people lined up and there’s a whiteboard waiting list for all of these courts … I thought, I’ve never played but I have to figure it out.” Between the pickleball courts and the theater is One Core Health, offering specialties such as orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. This medical facility could be just the first of several, Hogan suggests, because other doctors have also expressed interest in The Half. With The Half anchored to the north by the American Fidelity tower and Dolese’s headquarters to the south, Cameron’s vision is coming together. “It’s a great opportunity to help the community, as well as really ignite the site itself,” says Amon. “The Half is truly going to be one of those destination locations for many, many years.” SONYA COLBERG

Virtual College Credit in High School Now Available for High School Students Statewide

Virtual College Credit in High School Tulsa Community College’s High School Plus One is now available virtually to all Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors to start college while in high school. High School Plus One students can earn up to one year or 31 credit hours of university transfer college credit from Oklahoma’s third largest college. How does it work? Plus One students start college in the Fall of their junior year and attend college classes during the regular school year (summers are not required). By the end of their senior year, participating students will have completed most of the Oklahoma required general education credits that transfer to any state school and many area colleges and universities. What are the benefits? > Access to college events and staff -- from college advising, orientations, and dual credit liaisons all tailored to help students reach their academic goals. > Free tuition for 30 credit hours of the total 31 earned college hours. That’s a year of college for just over $100 in tuition.

Learn more at TulsaCC.edu/DualCredit or contact dualcredit@tulsacc.edu or 918-595-4705.

T H E S TAT E | M A K E R S

About the Work

Sculpting the Unexpected

LaQuincey Reed, Skirvin Hotel’s new artist in residence, seeks out unique subject matter for his creations.

Above: Sculptor LaQuincey Reed has received commissions from schools and organizations around the U.S. Right: By Blood, bronze; by Jones. Photos courtesy Jones

culptor LaQuincey Reed’s passion swirls around art as it intertwines with history. He gravitates toward creations “of things people don’t know a lot about. I want to get a monument dedicated to the Black cowboy. The West was diverse, and a lot of cowboys were Black. “I’ve been drawing since I was a kid,” he continues. The Lawton native studied both painting and sculpture, earning a BFA in studio art from the University of Oklahoma. That’s where his talents and preferences leaned heavily into sculpting. After graduation, Reed worked as a sculptor assistant on Oklahoma City’s Oklahoma Land Run Monument. Then he spent 16 years as a middle school and high school art teacher. “I noticed a lot of Black students involved in rodeo sports,” he says. “So I wanted to look into Blacks in The West in general.” Now a full-time artist, Reed creates bronzes as well as plasters and cast stones. He often sculpts Black cowboys, but his work is diverse. An Oklahoma City resident, Reed completed the submission process for the Skirvin Hilton Hotel and Paseo Arts Association Artist

in Residence SPACE program, and he nabbed the spot. As Oklahoma City’s oldest hotel, the iconic Skirvin Hilton opened in 1911, and is an Art Deco masterpiece. Reed now has full use of a one-of-akind, window-wrapped studio space on the hotel’s first floor. So, passersby may watch Reed as he sculpts, and they are already popping inside to interact with him and his creations, and discuss art. Reed looks forward to more commissioned works on his schedule, and he is sitting on a big surprise. New York City’s Salmagundi Club, one of America’s oldest art organizations founded in 1871, asked Reed to participate in a competition. Plus, he’s taking his work to the Whitefish Arts Festival in Montana, and the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Wyoming. “I’m finishing pieces on the Congo Cowboys,” he says. “I like things that are different. My sculptures tell stories, and I hope people form emotional relationships with them.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

An elected member of the National Sculpture Society based in Oklahoma City, Reed has a long, impressive list of commissioned and completed works. They include reliefs and a life-size, full figure portrait for Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee; a bust of Cheyenne Peace Chief Black Kettle for Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford; the U.S. President Grover Cleveland bust for the Cleveland County Courthouse in Norman; the Eugene B. Adkins portrait bust for the Fred Jones Jr. Museum at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, which includes the 3,300-object Eugene B. Adkins Collection; and works for the State of Oklahoma. His catalog of exhibitions and awards is already too long to list. He exhibits his artwork across the nation, and his work was included in the Brookgreen Gardens’ juried exhibit on Emerging Stars in American Sculpture. You may interface and chat with Reed in his studio through September 2022 at the Skirvin, One Park Place in Oklahoma City, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

T H E S TAT E | M U S I C

Going to (the) Church

A major piece of Tulsa music history opens to the public after five years under construction.

A commissioned statue of Leon Russell welcomes guests to the newly renovated Church Studio in Tulsa. Photo by Mary Willa Allen

t took more than half a decade to restore and renovate Tulsa’s Church Studio. And while that may sound like a long time, five years is really just a fleeting moment in the life of that historic building, which is now once again open to the public. Consider that the Church Studio was constructed at its 304 S. Trenton location 107 years ago, first seeing life as the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Or that it’s been exactly 50 years since rock-music star Leon Russell, triumphantly returning from the West Coast to his hometown, bought it and turned it into a recording studio for the Shelter Records label he’d formed with British music figure Denny Cordell. And while it may seem like yesterday to many veteran Oklahoma music fans, it’s actually been 35 years since Steve Ripley moved in, launching his multiplatinum-selling country-rock group the Tractors from that very same location.

Owner Teresa Knox bought the property in 2016 with the intention of restoring it to its former status as a top-flight recording studio as well as making it, along the way, a destination for music-minded tourists, scholars, performers and aficionados. With the restoration, she says, “we were attempting to accomplish three critical goals simultaneously, and they were often at odds. “First, after uncovering the early church’s history from 1915 and its role in our then-new city, we wanted to preserve the early architecture and heritage that identified the structure as a living church. Second, our period of significance is from 1972 through ’74, and because of our designation on the National Register of Historic Places, the building had to reflect that iconic 1970s studio aesthetic that made it Leonesque. “A lot of advancements in electronics and acoustical design and

engineering have occurred since that time,” she adds, “so the third thing we had to do was meet those current industry standards so that the studio would be relevant to today’s artists.” Knox readily admits that her initial impetus for acquiring the building had mostly to do with “celebrating the trailblazers” who came to be known as the creators of the original Tulsa Sound – people like Russell, JJ Cale and David Gates, along with many others. But once she got into it, she realized there was much more there than nostalgia. “The building quickly took on a life of its own,” she says. “It was apparent that it not only needed to honor the past, but to do so while ensuring that new music was also being created.” In doing her best to make sure all of that happens, Knox continues a tradition begun by Russell himself, whose Church Studio attracted rock and pop artists from all across the globe and Tulsa became, for a brief and shining moment, an international musical crossroads. The Church’s significant influence on America’s popular arts extends through the Ripley era and beyond – with at least one big contribution coming from its more obscure years. “I learned that after Leon’s ownership, the Indian Council for Drug Abuse and Addiction purchased the building and turned it into a rehabilitation center that offered counseling services, dance lessons, and acting classes,” says Knox. “I was starstruck when I discovered that the Church was where Wes Studi took acting classes.” JOHN WOOLEY

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | I N S I D E R

An Auditory Snapshot

Levon and the Hawks Recorded Live at the Fondalite Club gives us a glimpse back in time.

L-R: Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Robbie Robertson went on to tour with Bob Dylan after an electric performance at Tulsa’s Fondalite Club. Photo courtesy Connell Miller

e’ve all seen them, in books or museums or maybe in someone’s collection: snapshots from bygone times, capturing forever via an amateur’s lens something of great historical importance. It might be a political figure at a microphone, barely recognizable above the heads of the listening crowd. It could be a little black-and-white candid of a kid at play, taken by a friend or family member, well before the youthful subject grew up to be a familiar superstar. It might even be a shot snapped in a smoky club, the feeble light of the flashbulb illuminating a few members of a now-legendary band, onstage in a forgotten venue, playing for a crowd of youngsters who are now old or dead. I don’t know about you, but I love those sorts of photos. Granted, they’re not professional, and sometimes their clarity and focus aren’t the best, but in a way that’s a part of their charm. They’re the only lasting record we have of something that needs to be remembered, and we should be grateful they exist at all. Which brings us to Levon and the Hawks Recorded Live at the Fondalite Club, a brand new CD whose source material was a 56-year-old reel-to-reel tape. The disc is, in many ways, the aural equivalent of one of those old photos, an auditory snapshot that gives us a fascinating glimpse of a big event. In this case,

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

it’s the final Tulsa appearance of a group that would soon become famous as Bob Dylan’s electric band and then, in 1968, as simply The Band. Under that name, the members would record Music from Big Pink, one of those albums that changed the face of rock music forever. Three years before Big Pink’s ’68 debut, Connell R. Miller was a young rock ‘n’ roll guitarist based in Arkansas, playing the college circuit in and around his home state and also doing some work for a music figure named Dayton Stratton, who was not only a busy booking agent but also the co-owner of a Fayetteville club with rocker Ronnie Hawkins. Hawkins and Stratton were Arkansawyers as well; however, by the early ‘60s Hawkins had become such a draw in Canada that he had moved north of the border with his drummer Levon Helm and hired a new group of musicians from Ontario: pianist Richard Manuel, guitarist Robbie Robertson, bass-

I am looking for a more permanent solution for dermal fillers. What would you recommend? In a recent survey, Harris Poll revealed that out of the 9 million adults who are treated with dermal fillers, 8 million are looking for a semi-permanent solution. Bellafill®, the only FDA approved filler with lasting results for 5, would be a great option in this case. Bellafill® offers a new level of filler rejuvenation. In addition to immediately adding volume to smooth away facial wrinkles, it also helps your skin recreate its own firmer structure for beautiful, younger-looking skin and lasting results. It restores rather than just fills. There is also no down time with istsoRick Danko, organist Garth Hudson. along Stratton. Bellafill®, you can returnand to your normal day activities immediately. IfTh youen, would like came to learn Randy more about Bellafill® orTh schedule complimentary consultation, please call us at 918-872-9999. en, in alate ’64, wanting to stretch “I’ve known about this thing for 20 years,

their wings, those players broke away from and about a year ago, I got to thinking, ‘I Hawkins, going out on their own as Levon wish there was a way to clean it up a little and the Hawks. bit, to make it more presentable,’” StratHow can I untap income from my second home? That’s where Tulsa comes in. ton says. “So I went to my friend Darren It’s worth taking the time to understand value of renting property. Before makedrummer, any decisionwho has a Dayton Stratton’s sonthe Randy, who fol-your secondNovotny, a realyou good to become a “vacation landlord,” remember that some decisions are worth careful consideration. Do-it-yourself or lowed his father into the music business, and Renting has done a lot of hire a team: First, consider how much of the burden you want to take onstudio for yourself. a property maygood cre- work for ate an income opportunity, but it requires work. Tax considerations to keep mind:Brothers How much[Band] do you plan to use explains: theinCate and other people. your vacation home? are tax‘em ramiﬁ cations based here on the and amount of time you live in the home versus the time “My dadThere brought back down He’s the one who digitally restored The you rent it out. Be prepared to share: When you rent your vacation home, the space is no longer just your own. ‘emwith on others a little he says. Malibu Sessions, Sharing booked your property willmini-tour, undoubtedly” lead to additional wear-and-tear on your where home. the Cate Brothers “First they were at the Rockwood Club [in played with Garth Hudson and Bonnie Raitt Fayetteville], which my dad and Hawkins back in ’83. He restored that in 2014. owned, on Christmas Eve. He booked “So I took it to him, and he started tweakthem for about three dates over in eastern ing it here and there, and the next thing you Arkansas, Levon’s home area, where they know, he’s cleaning it up and doing some were well-known. Then he put ‘em down pretty neat stuff. When you’ve got a twoat Dallas Memorial Auditorium at the track [tape] like that, you don’t want the Cotton Bowl, where Arkansas was playing crowd noise all the way up, but you want Nebraska for the national [college football] some of that authentic live sound with the championship. Of course, all the students audience. When you take the crowd noise were there, and the Hawks were the band out, you lose the music, too. But he found a for the University of Arkansas, so that was way to bring the crowd noise down some, an easy sell. where you could hear the music better, and “They did shows at Dallas on New Year’s he just kept tweaking it, enhancing it. And Eve and New Year’s day. After that, they when he digitally restored it, it came out were going to head back to Canada, and decent enough for us to say, ‘Well, what the they started thinking, ‘Well, heck, it’d be hell. It’s a piece of history. It’s not perfect. great if we could pick up one more date on It’s a little rough. But it also gives you an our way back.’” inside look at the way things were back in They found it at a place they’d often those days.’ ” played with Hawkins: Tulsa’s Fondalite “You know that old expression, ‘exciteClub. Dayton Stratton booked the gig, with ment in the air’?” asks Miller. “I think evan assist from Connell Miller, who got erybody was really pumped and ready that permission from Stratton to record the night. They were really on. I’ve heard other show on his 47-lb. Wollensack reel-to-reel live recordings [of Levon and the Hawks], recorder. a few with maybe a song or two of better “The place was packed, and I really had a quality, but I think mine stands out because hard time setting the two mikes up,” he rethey played better than on any other of calls. “Obviously, it’s in a club, with glasses their live recordings I’ve heard. They’re tinkling and people talking. It’s not the best playing cover songs, like they’d been doing quality in the world, but it is what it is. I got for years, and Robbie is nothing like he was 18 songs, and then I flat ran out of tape.” with The Band. You listen to him with The That frigid January night in 1965 would Band, and it’s just good fills that fit into the be the last time Levon and the Hawks songs. But when you listen to him on this – played in this part of the world. By the end he had a style all his own, and the tone he of the year, they’d be touring as Bob Dylan’s got out of his guitar and amps was really band. something.” Meanwhile, Connell Miller held onto the Miller also singles out Garth Hudson’s tape he’d recorded that night at the Fondalorgan-playing on an original instrumental ite, not quite sure what to do with it. called “Home Cookin’.” “I’ve kept that thing under strict lock and “I can’t imagine anyone’s fingers moving key and made sure it went with me wheras fast as his did on that song,” he notes, ever I moved,” he says. “It was recorded “and I have not heard him play like that on to cassette many years ago by my brother, anything else ever.” at a little too fast a speed, and since then Copies of Levon and the Hawks Recorded it’s been replicated a few times, dubbed to Live at the Fondalite Club are $19.70, other cassettes, so a few people have heard postage and tax included, via PayPal at it. I always kind of wanted to do something TheHawks1965@yahoo.com. Cost outside about it, but I just never really did anything the U.S. is $21.00. to put it out.” JOHN WOOLEY

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THE PROFESSIONALS FINANCIAL ADVISOR How can I untap income from my second home? It’s worth taking the time to understand the value of renting your second property. Before you make any decision to become a “vacation landlord,” remember that some decisions are worth careful consideration. Do-ityourself or hire a team: First, consider DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® how much of the burden you want to take on for yourself. Renting a property may create an income opportunity, but it requires work. Tax considerations to keep in mind: How much do you plan to use your vacation home? There are tax ramiﬁcations based on the amount of time you live in the home versus the time you rent it out. Be prepared to share: When you rent your vacation home, the space is no longer just your own. Sharing your property with others will undoubtedly lead to additional wearand-tear on your home.

David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial 7712 S. Yale Ave. Suite 240 Tulsa, OK 74136 918.388.2009 • David.x.Karimian@ampf.com www.primewealthmgmt.com WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST I am looking for a more permanent solution for dermal fillers. What would you recommend? In a recent survey, Harris Poll revealed that out of the 9 million adults who are treated with dermal fillers, 8 million are looking for a semi-permanent solution. Bellafill®, MELODY HAWKINS the only FDA approved filler with lasting results for 5, would be a great option in this case. Bellafill® offers a new level of filler rejuvenation. In addition to immediately adding volume to smooth away facial wrinkles, it also helps your skin recreate its own firmer structure for beautiful, youngerlooking skin and lasting results. It restores rather than just fills. There is also no down time with Bellafill®, so you can return to your normal day activities immediately. If you would like to learn more about Bellafill® or schedule a complimentary consultation, please call us at 918-872-9999.

Melody Hawkins, Chief Financial Officer BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center 510 N. Elm Place Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012 918.872.9999 www.baweightspa.com

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

LIFE & STYLE

A M A P TO L I V I N G W E L L

The Legacy Continues

The See name remains relevant and respected in OKC with two generations of aesthetic experts. By M.J. Van Deventer

This sitting area oﬀers a bronze statue and great view of the north-facing patio. Photography by Skyler Smith

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

L I F E & S T Y L E | I N T ERIOR S

Described as “high-end with non-industrial finishes,” the kitchen acts as an extension of the living area.

Eye-catching art pieces draw guests into the home.

t seems only natural that brothers Corbin and Ross See would follow in their father’s footsteps to become successful interior designers in today’s contemporary lifestyle market. They grew up in a creative environment with their father, Carson See, a wellknown and respected Oklahoma City designer and founder of Sees Design. Corbin and Ross say they’ve learned everything they know about interior design from their father. “We’ve learned space planning, the importance of lighting, how antiques create soul in a project, how to mix new and old successfully and eclectically, how to sell your vision to the client, the importance of becoming friends with your clients, and ultimately that interior design is about living well,” says Corbin, who is now a Principal and Partner at Sees along with his brother. Growing up, the brothers lived in Oklahoma City’s Heritage Hills area located near downtown. The homes in that neighborhood still have an early day design character and architectural image. The company now maintains design offices close to home in Oklahoma

A rock quartz textured halo light draws attention upward Cutline in the entry area.

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

L I F E & S T Y L E | I NT ER I O R S

Clockwise from top: The primary bedroom is located downstairs and is connected to the primary bath. This bathroom boasts an antique crystal chandelier as a stunning accent piece. No detail in this home was forgotten – evident in the powder bath with its unique lighting and art piece. A calm color palette helps to enhance the serenity in this OKC escape.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

City and in Dallas, but their talents are evident in projects across the southwest, including Colorado and New Mexico. This new Oklahoma City home, located in the Elmhurst Court neighborhood, was a perfect collaborative project for the firm. The team was led by Carson with support from Ross, Corbin and Corbin’s wife, Sara, who was responsible for all fabric selections. The group had worked with the owners on their previous house, so they were familiar with the homeowners’ appreciation for certain traditional design styles. In turn, the homeowners were keenly aware of the well-studied contemporary flair the firm could provide. “We started this project from the ground up,” says Corbin. Call it a clean slate. While it is a classic home in a developing residential area, it still has that aura of history, adding style and character. The long, expansive entry hall, with its colorful couture fabric mural, is merely a teaser for the unusual design elements that follow the home’s welcoming introduction. The mural acts as an enticing asset for the architectural and design surprises that follow. The entry hall features a dramatic curving staircase with a custom glass railing leading to the second floor balcony, which overlooks the area. The staircase window reveals the garden, bringing a rich touch of nature to the stairs. A stunning textured halo light, made of rock quartz, completes the space. Large, contemporary-style paintings are a major design motif in this home. They are located in strategic areas for the enjoyment of the family and their guests, especially prevalent in the living and dining areas. Because the family enjoys casual entertaining, the living room – designed by architect Pfeffer Torode from Montgomery, Ala.– has been arranged into petite conversation areas. This part of the home is also just a step away from the kitchen, although the food preparation areas are discreetly concealed. The pristine kitchen features the necessary center island for food prep and casual dining. Storage areas and the refrigerator and oven were purposely located within easy reach of the island. “The design of the kitchen is very highend, with non-industrial finishes to marry well into the living space,” says Ross. Visitors also spot an eye-catching statue in this room, which is 19th century French bronze. Another plus for the kitchen: it is located near the back lawn’s covered patio, ideal for seasonal outdoor entertaining. Dining in this area is a special treat for the homeowners and their guests, especially as the Oklahoma spring rolls in.

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L I F E & S T Y L E | H E A LT H

An Elusive Disease

Fibromyalgia patients suffer debilitating symptoms, but relief can be found.

ften called an ‘invisible disease,’ fibromyalgia patients may not always look ill but they can be experiencing intense pain and mental distress. “Fibromyalgia is a frequently seen clinical condition where the patient has widespread pain in multiple areas, sleep disturbance, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and depression,” says Joysree Subramanian, M.D., an associate professor and medical director with the department of anesthesiology and pain medicine at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. She says the exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown; the disease is more prevalent in females, and 75% of fibromyalgia cases remain undiagnosed. “Diagnosis is not based on radiologic or laboratory tests,” says Subramanian. “Four core areas have to be assessed initially: pain intensity, emotional function, physical function, and overall well-being. Seventy to 80% of patients also experience fatigue and sleep disturbance.” While primary fibromyalgia is idiopathic, Subramanian says secondary fibromyalgia can be seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome. “Infectious and inflammatory conditions like Lyme disease, syphilis, tuberculosis and hepatitis C can also be associated with fibromyalgia symptoms,” she says.

How to Help

With no single test or exam to definitively diagnose fibromyalgia, it can be very discouraging for those suffering with symptoms. To help individuals along their journey, Subramanian encourages patients to keep a pain journal and track the daily activities that they can or cannot do due to pain or fatigue. “Share this with your doctor so they can have a bet-

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

ter understanding of your symptoms and limitations,” she says, adding that a team consisting of a therapist, physical therapist and pain physician is ideal in helping patients. “A multimodal approach to treating the pain, sleep, fatigue and associated mood swings will help decrease the symptoms,” she says. “Recently studies showed Tramadol, Naltrexone and Lidocaine infusion can safely decrease pain.” At this time, she says the role of cannabinoids is inconclusive. When questioned, many patients on cannabis have reported improvement in pain and quality of life, but more research is needed as some studies have shown no improvement in pain. “Mindfulness, acupuncture, physical therapy and Kinesio taping, TENS and electrotherapy, pilates, Zumba dancing and aerobics, functional training programs, and music therapy have all been studied for fibromyalgia,” says Subramanian. “Any type of aerobic exercise, pilates or functional training has shown to improve symptoms – better pain control, quality of life, better sleep and less depression.” She says dietary changes have shown variable results, with a gluten free diet helping irritable bowel syndrome with fibromyalgia symptoms and a study showing a low calorie and vegan diet improving sleep, pain symptoms and depression. “In some severe cases of pain where a patient has tried multiple medications, we do offer trigger point injections, acupuncture, dry needling and in some cases, ketamine infusion to decrease pain,” says Subramanian. With so many varying approaches to offer patients relief, she encourages individuals to not delay in seeking help. REBECCA FAST

L I F E & S T Y L E | F YI

Allergy Season Looms

As a rise in allergens becomes apparent, experts advise on ways to stay relatively sneeze-free.

t’s that time of year in Oklahoma when itchy, watery eyes Diﬀerentiating Between Allergies and Illnesses and sneezing sneak up on us. Allergies can range from minor “An allergen is defined by its capability to elicit an allergic rediscomfort to much worse, depending on the individual. sponse,” says Brandon Humble, M.D., of the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa. “The most common allergens in Oklahoma during the spring “Put differently, it’s not something that the molecule did wrong, are grasses and trees,” says board-certified allergist Dean Atkinbut rather that the immune system has learned, rightly or wrongly, son, M.D., of the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic in Oklato see it as a threat and respond accordingly.” homa City. “Grasses include fescue, Johnson, bahia, timothy, This type or allergen usually causes symptoms like runny nose, bluegrass and orchard, which will pollinate in the early spring, itchy watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and post nasal drip. The whereas Bermuda will pollinate in the late spring and summer.” easiest way to tell the difference between allergies and a different Atkinson recommends avoidance of the allergen as an effectype of sickness such as a cold or flu is a fever. tive measure to cut back on symptoms. “Seasonal allergic rhinitis, the most common “This would include keeping windows closed type of seasonal allergies, will never cause fever during the spring and the fall or when pollen outside the setting of an infection like a sinus counts are high,” he says, along with “allergy-proof infection,” says Humble. “If you have a fever, there is encasements for the mattress and pillows and, if something else going on.” possible, washing pets once weekly and keeping Humble agrees avoidance can work for some them out of the bedroom and off the bed.” people, depending on the allergens with which According to Atkinson, the triggers of allertheir bodies react. gies include exposure to allergens as well as a “An allergy to cats or peanuts can be more easily person’s genetic makeup. avoided by staying away from cats or peanuts,” he • Grasses “Families that have parents with allergies says. “But it’s much harder to stay away from grass • Trees are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis or pollen in the air.” • Weeds asthma,” he says. “You must be exposed to an According to Humble, his mother recommended • Cockroaches allergen to develop sensitivity. Once someone is a highly effective remedy to him as a child: saline • Animals (particugenetically predisposed, repeated exposures are nasal rinses using boiled or distilled water only. larly household required in order to develop sensitivity.” “The best first person to talk to is a primary pets such as cats He recommends antihistamines to be used as care doctor,” he says. “They can help determine if and dogs) needed or on a daily basis to help with allergy an allergist/immunologist might be of help to a • Mold symptoms. Immunotherapy can also help reduce particular patient with allergies.” • Dust Mites or eliminate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. DEBI TURLEY

MOST COMMON ALLERGENS IN OKLAHOMA

APRIL 2022| WWW.OKMAG.COM

L I F E & S T Y L E | D E S T I N AT I O N S

Swiss Bliss

A Swedish village called Lungern offers tourists plenty of history, activities, shopping and breath-taking views.

Hiking, biking, dining, snow-shoeing, scenery ... Switzerland’s coziest village of Lungern oﬀers it all.

igh in the Swiss Alps north of Lucerne lies a jewel of a village called Lungern, gracing the shores of a shimmering emerald lake of the same name. Lake Lungern offers incomparable scenery amid the imposing peaks of central Switzerland. Its appeal is legendary. Hikers, skiers, fans of water sports and lovers of nature have journeyed to the area for centuries. Its crisp, pure mountain air is at once recuperative and invigorating. “I want to go about like the light-footed goats,” wrote Johanna Spyri in her book Heidi. The seasons are well-defined in the land of cheese, chocolate and cuckoo clocks. December through March, Lungern becomes a handy base camp for hiking and snowshoe tours. The trail from the summit of Brünig Pass via the Chäppeli mountain restaurant down to Lungern is easily traversed and rewards hikers with breathtaking picture-postcard views. 3,800 feet above Lungern, the snowy slopes of Mörlialp, Melchsee-Frutt and Hasliberg serve up endless miles of runs from easy to difficult for snowboarders and skiers, both alpine and Nordic. In the summer, a patchwork quilt of hiking and biking trails and themed routes cross-cross Lungern and its environs. One of the most popular is the six-mile loop around the lake, punctuated by a dozen waterfalls. Another is a shorter family-friendly hike through the woods from Lungern up to the Chäppeli restaurant. Signs along the route describe what kinds of plants and animals you’re seeing.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

On the Brünigstrasse from Lucerne to Interlaken, high above Lungern, you’ll come to a bend in the road and suddenly, there it is – the famous Viewing Point Schoenbuehel. Stretching out before you are jaw-dropping vistas of Lungern, the lake and the magnificent valley beyond. The “new” Catholic Church of Lungern was built in 1893, replacing a church destroyed by a thunderstorm. The striking sandstone columns, the colored church windows by painter Albert Schweri and the crucifixion group created by Lungern sculptor Beat Gasser are remarkable. The often-photographed remnants of the old church tower, the Alter Kirchturm, was built in 1383. Lake Lungern’s amazing viridian water is clean and pure and about 70 degrees in the summer, inviting swimmers to enjoy the 180-foot water slide, diving tower and fine sandy beach. Two-person paddle-wheel craft called pedalos can be rented, the fishing is quite good and a sailing school has popped up thanks to reliable winds, attracting yachters and windsurfers alike. If the weather is inclement, check out the Brünig underground shooting range. Rentable weapons include crossbows, blowpipes, bows and arrows and small caliber firearms. While there, stay for dinner at Cantina Caverna, which as the name implies, is built inside a mountain just off Brünig Pass Road. Fine dining with a decent selection of European wines. In Lungern, the Restaurant Bahnhofli serves traditional Swiss cuisine in an ambiance steeped in Swiss hospitality with a scattering of antiques and artifacts. The Cordon Bleu gets rave reviews, as does the Schweinsschnitzel. Suggested accommodations include the Hotel Kaiserstuhl, located on the lake, offering simply-decorated rooms, a rustic restaurant and bar and sun terrace. Views of the mountains and the lake are ubiquitous. Another noteworthy option is Emma’s Hotel Bed & Breakfast. Quite close to the train station with stylish rooms, superb mountain panoramas and an outstanding breakfast buffet. Getting to Lungern is easier than you’d think. Rent a car in Zurich. It’s about an hour’s drive to Lungern. Or take the train from Zurich airport to Lungern, which takes about two and a half hours. Better yet, fly into Lucerne. It’s even closer – just 22 miles to Lungern; about 45 minutes by train. CHUCK MAI

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

LIFE & ST YLE | OUTSIDE THE METRO

A Place to Breathe

Woodward offers outdoor recreation, shopping, rodeos and everything in between.

Boiling Springs State Park attracts about 120,000 visitors a year. Photo by Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism

rom its earliest days as a rowdy, late 1800s Cherokee Outlet trading and cattle-shipping outpost, Woodward has grown to be a most busy place. Indeed, organizers are at work preparing to stage two major events – one, among the oldest of its kind in Oklahoma, and the other only in its second year. The 92nd annual Woodward Elks Rodeo, a professional adult rodeo sponsored by the Woodward Elks Lodge 1355, will be held June 8-11. Rachael Van Horn, executive director of Woodward’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the rodeo is one of the state’s oldest and largest, and will be followed by several youth rodeos. It’s one of several events throughout the year that highlight Woodward’s rich history in agriculture, energy and tourism, she says. Among them, in August, will be the city’s

second Thunderbird Drone Festival. The growing popularity of drones as a tool of industry and recreationseekers prompted city leaders to stage the first drone festival last year, says Van Horn. Like 2021, the commercially-sponsored festival will feature a drone film fest, photography contest, a drone technology expo, a speaker and other events surrounding the use of drones for business and recreation. “We knew this was an area to be highlighted, and we wanted to be the first city in Oklahoma to stage a drone festival,” says Van Horn. The 2021 event drew about 250 people, which she said was good for a firsttime event. Those events are part of a full slate of activities in Woodward. A city of just over 12,000, Woodward began as an 1880s shipping post, with military

FOR MORE INFORMATION City of Woodward 580-256-2280 cityofwoodward-ok.gov

Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum 580-256-6136 nwok-pipm.org

Woodward Chamber of Commerce 580-256-7411 woodwardchamber.com

Boiling Springs State Park 580-256-7664 travelok.com/state-parks/boiling-springs-state-park

Woodward Convention and Visitors Bureau/ Woodward Conference Center 580-256-9990 visitwoodward.com

Hal and Fern Cooper Wildlife Management Area 580-334-0343 wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/wma/northwest/ cooper

supplies going to Fort Supply to the north, and cattle headed for eastern markets. According to the City of Woodward’s website, it was known as one of the wildest and woolliest towns in the Cherokee Outlet, with 23 saloons and 15 brothers in operation at one time. It was described once as a place “that combined eastern aggressiveness with western hospitality.” Today’s Woodward offers a robust economy, plenty of outdoor recreation, a dive into the area’s history – plus that full calendar of events. But even with all that going for it, Van Horn cites another draw. The Woodward area, with its wide-open spaces and attractive scenery, is just a good place to unwind, she says. Her organization is touting Woodward as “a place to breathe.” A short way northeast of Woodward lies the 820-acre Boiling Springs State Park, one of Oklahoma’s original state parks, and the Hal and Fern Cooper Wildlife Management Area. Boiling Springs State Park Manager Tucker Heglin says the park draws about 120,000 visitors a year, offering five miles of hiking trails, two seasonal group camps, a seasonal swimming pool and even an artesian spring that bubbles from the ground, giving the illusion of boiling water. “We don’t advise drinking it,” Heglin says. “It’s hard water; lots of calcium.” Just west of the park is the independently-owned Boiling Springs Golf Course. An interesting stop for a Woodward visitor is the Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum. Its executive director, Robin Hohweiler, says the museum houses numerous items depicting Northwest Oklahoma’s rich and colorful historical and colorful heritage. Among items housed in the museum, she says, are a hatchet reportedly used by Carrie Nation in her raids on saloons in Territorial Oklahoma days, and several items once owned by Temple Houston, the colorful attorney who was also renowned for his gunmanship. Temple Houston was the youngest child of Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas, and made Woodward his home late in life. HENRY DOLIVE

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Laura Arrowsmith

Bishop-Baldwin, Barton & Phillips Civil Rights Advocacy Award: Joshua Payton, Esq.

Lynn Riggs Performing Arts Award: Pat Hobbs & John Orsulak

Nancy McDonald Advocacy in Education Award: Dr. Al Carlozzi

Rev. Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion: Rev. Amy Venable

Workplace Inclusion Award: Kuma Roberts

Carolyn Wagner Youth Leadership Award: Ember Pereira & Evan Snyder

Serving LGBTQ+ Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, Oklahomans for Equality is home to a diverse, vibrant, and engaged community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, knowledgeable staff, and dedicated volunteers.

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L I F E & S T Y L E | SCENE

Jenna Worthen, Hayley Iago, April Belt, Jessica Dark; Brave Shave, Tenaciously Teal, OKC

Jennifer Porter, Heather Duncan, Joe Franco; Champagne and Chocolate, Living Arts, Tulsa

Karen Keith, Marla Bradshaw, Tim Lyons; Live United Awards, Tulsa Area United Way

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Stacey Scott, Jordan Park, Heather Warfield, Erin Engelke, David Holt, Abby Sholar; Calm Waters tour, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, OKC

Sara Fariss, Nick Buettner, Lynn Redwine; “Blue Zones: The Making of a Healthy City” event, Tulsa Town Hall

Evan Handy, Hayley Moore, Aeriel Akers, T. S. Akers; The Perfect Shot opening, OKCMOA; Courtney DeSpain Photography

Richard Ranne, Alejandro Gómez Guillén, Alicia Ranne; First Chair Society reception, Signature Symphony, Tulsa

Alexandra Towler-Bliss, Shelby Ford; Hope Society Luncheon, Sunbeam Family Services, OKC

Monica Townsdin, Lisa Harper, Daniela Acacio; Giveaway event, DCCCA, Edmond

Marty Quinn, Logan Jones, Cate Campbell, Bart Taylor; Claremore Day, Will Rogers Memorial Museums, Claremore

Susie & Doug Stussi, Terri Cooper; “Mahler’s First Symphony” performance, OKC Phil

Caroline Ikard, Judy Love, Francie Koop; United Way’s Women’s Leadership Society Holly Jolly Gathering, United Way of Central Oklahoma, OKC

2022

Congratulations! Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40 Class of 2022

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2022 Today’s young professionals consistently push the envelope. Some work full-time while operating their own businesses on the side. Others spends hours of free time volunteering to make Oklahoma a safer and more inclusive place to live. Others still are creative pioneers, helping to spread the word about the magic that lies in the Sooner State. Regardless of their passions and livelihoods, the 40 young professionals honored here stand out in more ways than one. Philanthropic, driven and sharp, this group is one to watch. Welcome to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2022. By Mary Willa Allen

40 Under 40 honorees are unranked and presented in no particular order. All photos courtesy honorees

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Nina Williams, M.D.

TULSA Cardiologist, Warren Clinic Cardiology of Tulsa – Saint Francis Hospital It was a personal connection that pushed Nina Williams into becoming a cardiologist. “When I was 13, I had the privilege to aid in providing care for my grandmother who had congestive heart failure in her final months of life,” she says. “It was my direct experience with my grandmother and her physicians which introduced me to the field of cardiology,” she says. Mixing her love for people and for science, she says, is “the perfect blend.” As a non-invasive cardiologist, Williams focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of simple and complex cardiac issues. “My interests lie in preventative medicine, cardio-obstetrics, women’s cardiovascular health and cardiac critical care,” she says. Along with enjoying time with patients and the complexities of the job, Williams says what makes her proudest is when “a patient or family member expresses their excitement and appreciation to have a physician who looks like them and understands them,” she says. Off the clock, Williams is heavily involved in the Tulsa-based non-profit Badoe Family Foundation, which builds children’s libraries in Ghana. “Being a part of and contributing to the Badoe Family Foundation has reignited my passion for service outside of medicine,” she says.

Aaron Stoops

EDMOND Vice President, Crossland Construction Co., Inc. Overseeing all operations for Crossland’s OKC division, Aaron Stoops handles everything from project acquisitions to business development and operations management. “I love that, in construction, no project is the same. Each one is unique and comes with new challenges, making every day an adventure,” he says. For Stoops, his regard for construction started early. “I have always been interested in buildings. I chose to go to school for architecture, but quickly realized that my mind works better in the concrete than abstract. Construction engineering seemed to fit this perfectly.” Stoops’ favorite aspect of his work at Crossland is “changing communities for the better,” citing his involvement in projects like schools and senior wellness centers. In his spare time, Stoops – who attributes his success to hard work and innovation – volunteers for Habit for Humanity and the United Way of Central Oklahoma. He enjoys golf, and is looking forward to the 2022 PGA tournament. When asked what the best thing was that happened to him in the last year, Stoops’ answer is one that resonates with many: “A year of a happy, healthy family.”

Andrew Snyder

BROKEN ARROW Civil Engineer and Project Manager, Garver New construction and the rehabilitation of existing highways, interchanges and arterial streets is the technical description of Andrew Snyder’s role at Garver. But to him, it’s far more magical. “As a consultant, I get to work on some of the most unique and complicated projects in my field, which is extremely rewarding for someone who geeks out about stuff like that,” he says. The job of a civil engineer, Snyder explains, is ideal for him because it’s “the perfect combination of my love of math and science and my passion to serve others from behind the scenes.” Speaking of, Snyder takes the duty of philanthropy seriously. “Since 2013, I have organized and/or participated in an Adopt-A-Highway partnership with ODOT. Through Garver, I have also been able to put together STEM kits for Key Elementary kids.” He and his family additionally volunteer with John 3:16 and Arms Around Broken Arrow. His greatest achievement at work was being honored with the peer-nominated Spirit of Garver award. “There are so many great employees at Garver,” he says. “To be named one of the top among my peers was one of the most humbling and rewarding achievements of my career.”

FOR BONUS VIDEOS of our 40 Under 40 honorees, visit okmag.com /40under402022 APRIL 2022| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Samantha Strealy 2022

James C. O’Brien, M.D.

EDMOND Neuro-Ophthalmologist, Dean McGee Eye Institute; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Recognizing how much people value the sense of sight, James C. O’Brien pursued a career in opthalmologic healthcare and now serves his community and trains the next generation of physicians as a neuroophthalmologist. “My job allows me to help my patients by educating and informing them of their problem, and when able, I have the privilege of providing interventions to solve them. There is a lot of satisfaction in arriving at a diagnosis and helping my patients achieve relief of their problems.” In his spare time, O’Brien volunteers his talents by offering eye exams to underserved communities, and has spent time with Project Bravo to help immigrants for citizenship examinations. One key to O’Brien’s success comes from advice he got as a medical student. “I was told to ‘never skip meals’ as a doctor,” he says. “The meaning behind this advice was that as a physician, I cannot forget to take care of my own health as well so that my ability to take care of patients is not compromised.” O’Brien spends time out of the office with his wife, daughter and two dogs, and enjoys reading, brewing, barbecuing and video games. 30

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY Business Development Representative, Tinker Federal Credit Union Samantha Strealy says the secret to her success is pretty simple: “Loving what you do.” And she does. Strealy is responsible for promoting TFCU – helping to increase membership “by creating top-of-mind awareness and attraction for TFCU in the community,” she says. This means meeting and interacting with lots of people, which, as an extrovert, she enjoys. Her favorite part of the role is “being involved in the communities I help support and being able to be part of the growth of those cities.” In her spare time, Strealy is devoted to making the world a better place. “I support the Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Humane Society, Downtown Edmond Business Association, Downtown Edmond Art’s Festival and Cavett Kids Foundation,” she says. “The Alzheimer’s Association is a cause that is close to my heart, and I feel they are helping to make major strides in finding a cure.” A surprising tidbit about Strealy? She’s an athlete. “I played basketball in college for Oklahoma City University,” she says.

Dan Kaiman

TULSA Rabbi, Congregation B’nai Emunah Rabbi Dan Kaiman sees his work as “creating a home for serious social activism, engaging educational experiences, essential cultural connections and innovative thinking that will shape the next hundred years of Jewish life in Tulsa.” Along with his mentor Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman, Kaiman navigates life’s complexities with his congregation, enacting “the values of our tradition, learn[ing] from one another, and explor[ing] ways to make this world a better place.” This year, his synagogue did something major. “We opened a refugee resettlement agency and have taken part in the resettlement of nearly 60 Afghan men, women and children,” he says. “We anticipate working with over 100 people this year and are committed to this expression of welcome and assistance for the long-haul.” Outside work, Kaiman enjoys spending time with clergy from other faith traditions. “I know more about myself because I know more about others,” he says. He also cooks, spends time with his kids, embroiders and plays sports – one in particular. “I’m probably the only rabbi in the world who also plays NCAA Division 1 lacrosse,” he says.

TIMOTHY ROGERS, ESQ. Congratulations on Your 40 Under 40 Recognition SHAREHOLDER | BARROW & GRIMM BUSINESS, CONSTRUCTION & SURETY LAW

www.barrowgrimm.com 110 W. 7th, Suite 900 | Tulsa, OK trogers@barrowgrimm.com 918.584.1600

2022

Karissa Pickett 39

2022

STRATFORD Undersecretary of Content and Production, The Chickasaw Nation Overseeing a multitude of multimedia offerings, including video production, graphic design, photography, web development, broadcast productions and creative solutions, Karissa Pickett has a big job. To her, the work has one goal: “To help share the stories of our people and help create educational opportunities that engage our audience and instill a sense of pride in being Chickasaw.” Pickett is happy she can give back to the tribe that gave her so much, including “a college education through scholarships, and employment while I was in college,” she says. Having a mindset of hard work, plus adaptability and the ability to learn from mistakes, says Pickett, are major reasons for her success. In her off hours, she enjoys spending time on her cattle ranch with her family. In fact, if she weren’t involved with the Chickasaw Nation, she’d be “writing or full time ranching.” Pickett is also part of the Chickasaw Nation Violence Prevention Advisory Committee. Her hidden talent – which serves her well in communications – is her impeccable spelling. “During elementary school, I represented Oklahoma twice in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.,” she says.

What are you looking forward to?

Continuing to watch my daughters, Addleigh and Ryleigh, grow and explore the world around them. – Karissa Pickett

Kenny Reinbold

EDMOND Digital Branding Manager, Express Employment International Kenny Reinbold’s job, he says, is split into “two distinct perspectives. First, it’s to support our franchise owners with coaching on digital marketing best practices for recruiting. The other half of my job is in providing advertising and marketing support for our franchise sales team, to help them find candidates interested in owning an Express franchise.” It keeps his days busy, but he says his co-workers make it all worthwhile. “They are supportive, talented, creative and motivated to help each other succeed,” he says. He loves working for Express because the company is “made up of small business owners who have often invested everything they have to step out on their own. I love that I can play a part in helping their dream of entrepreneurship come true.” In his off hours, Reinbold can be found with his family, at church, running or playing golf. He is also involved in OKC’s philanthropic network, serving on boards for the Red Bud Classic and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Both of these organization allowed me to see the impact that can be made when people in a community gather together to support a specific cause,” he says. 32

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

2022

CONGRATULATIONS

TO OUR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, ROBERT TEHEE, FOR BEING SELECTED AS ONE OF OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE’S 40 UNDER 40! APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Rebecca Benham

PADEN Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, CORE Hospital Rebecca Benham, as the chief nursing officer and COO of CORE, oversees clinical operations for the hospital, including accreditation, risk management and business development. “I love our team and the amazing quality of care that we provide to our patients,” she says. Initially, Benham was drawn to nursing for its stability. “I knew early on that healthcare was a stable, undying profession,” she says. “This led me to it, but the fulfillment, gratitude for life and team have retained me.” She’s most proud of making a difference in people’s lives, and of the people she works with daily. “Although remaining passionate in such a demanding field and climate is sometimes challenging, I am proud of the perseverance that our team exudes daily,” she says. Outside work, Benham is passionate about youth development and community enhancement. She cofounded the Paden Youth Foundation, coaches little league athletics, and was recently elected a board member for the Paden Public School system. “The lifelong relationships that I have developed through mentoring and my volunteerism have changed how I move through life,” she says.

2022

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?

I believe I would have gone into law, likely spending my days advocating for what is right, fair and just. – Rebecca Benham

Paige Archambo

BIXBY Program Director, Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs As a program director, Paige Archambo supports and mentors program managers and ensures all their services “are carried out in accordance with Cherokee Federal policy,” she says. Archambo is dedicated to her job; she’s worked for Cherokee Federal since 2013, and she still loves it. “As a Cherokee citizen, I was privileged to have received a Cherokee scholarship to attend Oklahoma State University, and my family makes use of the Cherokee Health facilities,” she says. “I love working for a company whose profit goes back to the Cherokee citizens, towards healthcare, education and job creation – all of which provide better lives for Cherokee citizens.” Helping animals is a major passion project outside work, “whether that’s through donating food, toys, bedding and time to a local animal shelter or donating to and patronizing zoological parks. I’d like to think we are making a small impact and bettering their quality of life,” she says. In the last year, Archambo says the best thing that’s happened to her is having her daughter. “She has been such a blessing to my husband and I and has taught me how to enjoy the moment and learn to be patient.”

What do you do in your leisure time?

I love spending my time outside of work with my husband and our 1-year-old daughter. Recently our favorite thing to do has become taking our daughter to the zoo and watching her look at all the animals in awe. – Paige Archambo 34

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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Lindsey Callery

CLAREMORE Tax Partner, HoganTaylor Lindsey Callery says she’s not your traditional accountant. “I tend to be little more right-brained in how I operate,” she says. “Thankfully, our firm operates under a ‘one fits one’ approach. This has allowed me the freedom to be myself in the firm and explore other ways to add value outside of my responsibilities as a tax professional.” Along with helping people file their taxes, Callery assists clients with trust and estate planning, along with technical tax buy/sell transactions spanning across multi-state jurisdictions. She’s also dedicated to community service, something aided by HoganTaylor. “Each employee is given 24 hours a year to get out and serve others in our communities,” she says. Along with volunteering for the United Way and helping at food banks, Callery serves on the board of New Hope Oklahoma, which has given her great perspective. “We are all just one bad day, one mistake, one accident, one natural disaster away from needing the help from one or more of these amazing nonprofits in our state, instead of volunteering to serve them,” she says. Callery is also an avid music fan and loves heading to concerts around Tulsa.

2022

Tell us something interesting we didn’t ask about.

Scott Andrews

TULSA Chief Operating Officer – Commercial Division, BOK Financial Leading a team responsible for executing strategic initiatives on behalf of BOK Financial, Scott Andrews says his co-workers are the best part of his job. “I’ve had the opportunity to assemble a truly remarkable team,” he says. “Every single one of them is a leader across our company and focused on making BOK Financial a better place to work and serve clients. Bringing together this powerful team is my proudest accomplishment.” Financial services, Andrews says, are the “life blood of communities,” and he’s excited about the work he’s doing. “We are building a platform that will allow us to optimize scale over the next 10-15 years,” he says. “Transformational work is hard, but meaningful.” When asked about success, Andrews says that “having the right definition is crucial. Success is working hard for things you care about and always prioritizing people ahead of things.” Andrews has his hands full in his off hours; along with spending time with his wife and three kids, he supports Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and serves on the board of 108 Contemporary.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

I love to go to concerts of all kinds! I have met John Mayer, Clarence Greenwood (Citizen Cope), James Blunt, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Taylor Swift even brushed up against me during one of her concerts so I’m going to count that – ha! – Lindsey Callery

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing? Something with my hands. I daydream about woodworking for a living. – Scott Andrews

We are excited and honored that David Karimian has

been named to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 under 40 class of 2022!

2022

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Tim Rogers 2022

Shanese Slaton

TULSA Community Relations Manager, ONE Gas As a community relations manager, Shanese Slaton gets “to invest in the Tulsa community through relationships and financial support,” she says. “I have the opportunity to meet with community organizers, government officials, business leaders and community advocates to ensure Tulsa continues to grow and serve its citizens responsibly.” Essentially, forging bonds with others is her job – and she loves it. “What drives me is my heart to serve. I love helping others make their vision a reality. In all my roles, I saw the bigger vision of the impact the project or development was making for the community.” Prior to her role at ONE Gas, Slaton was instrumental in the development of the upcoming Mid American Industrial Park. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such an incredible team of architects, engineers, contractors and staff to see the project from conception to completion.” Off the clock, Slaton serves on the board for the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. She’s the mom to a two-year old and also enjoys get togethers with her friends. “I always look forward to ending the week with the people I love,” she says.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

TULSA Attorney and Shareholder, Barrow & Grimm, P.C. With a focus on business law in the construction industry, attorney Tim Rogers helps his clients in topics ranging from strategy and risk management to contracts, transactions and dispute resolution. Along with the competitive nature of the business, Rogers loves his job because of “the people – my colleagues and clients.” Rogers began his career at Barrow and Grimm as an intern in law school. Now, he works with “some of the most innovative and entrepreneurial people in the industry. I never take for granted the trust my clients have placed in me. It is very humbling to know that these companies and individuals value, respect and rely upon my opinion.” Off the clock, Rogers is involved in Leadership Tulsa and the TU College of Law Alumni Association. “Without the education and support I received at TU, I would not be where I am today,” he says. Rogers is also an avid soccer fan. “I love to kick back with some coffee and cheer on the Tottenham Hotspurs and watch the English Premier League,” he says. “My 4-year old son, Charlie, is really getting into it now, so it has become a neat bonding opportunity for us. We even have matching jerseys.”

2022

Congratulations,

DR. NINA WILLIAMS Cardiologist

Saint Francis Health System congratulates Nina Williams, M.D., cardiologist with the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis and Warren Clinic, on being named among Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 for 2022.

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2022

Beyond the design Garver’s Andrew Snyder knows dedication goes beyond transportation infrastructure. Because we're not just laying the groundwork for a new generation of roads, bridges, and thoroughfares across Oklahoma – we're inspiring the next generation of engineers. Congratulations on being named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Andrew!

Andrew Snyder, PE | Transportation Project Manager

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APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Wanas Jasim

TULSA Architectural Designer, KKT Architects, Inc. Wanas Jasim sees as her job as “designing the connection between people, culture and place,” she says. “Architecture has just the right mix of creativity, collaboration, leadership and fulfillment to make for an enjoyable career and journey.” Logistically, Jasim’s job has a lot of moving parts, from handling multiple projects at a time to leading presentations, tackling architectural design components and interfacing with clients. “I love that it gives me the opportunity to employ my strengths and overcome my weaknesses,” she says. “The architectural mindset of problem solving and the level of open-mindedness it requires have enhanced my perspective, which was the key to many successes in my life.” Jasim harbors a soft spot for one particular facet of her job. She says what makes her proudest about her work is “the humanitarian aspect of healthcare design and the ability to design healing environments,” she says, citing her first healthcare project with Saint Francis Muskogee as her greatest achievement thus far. Jasim recently completed her master’s degree and spends time outside work at YWCA and exploring the area with friends and family.

2022

Wayne Allen Coldwell 32

FORT GIBSON Healthcare Administrator and Deputy Executive Director of Internal Operations, Cherokee Nation Health Services Wayne Coldwell supports the 11 healthcare facilities of the Cherokee Nation Health Services. “We work hand-in-hand with the local management team to produce optimal outcomes in everything ranging from day-to-day management to the innovation of new service lines,” he says. “I love my job because it allows me to give back to my tribe and my hometown. I have witnessed the advancement that Cherokee Nation has brought to this community throughout my lifetime, and I am proud to be a part of their continued progress.” Coldwell was always interested in the healthcare realm, but when he discovered the administrative side, he knew he found the right match. Passionate about bridging gaps, fixing socioeconomic inequities and dissolving healthcare disparities, Coldwell says his job allows him to make “sustainable, positive changes in our tribal communities.” Outside work, Coldwell is active in the Tahlequah Rotary Club and enjoys boating, professional baseball (he was a collegiate athlete), remodeling and investing. He is also recently engaged and working on his M.B.A., which he’ll finish in May of this year. 40

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Sarah Stisser

BROKEN ARROW HR Generalist, The Ross Group Construction Corp. As a human resources generalist, Sarah Stisser handles “benefits administration, employee relations, training, performance management, onboarding, policy implementation, recruitment/employment, affirmative action and employment law compliance,” she says. “Being in HR gives you the opportunity to be involved with everything and everybody in the company. HR is always evolving and gives me the opportunity to constantly learn new rules/regulations, create new policies/ procedures and the opportunity to help employees develop professionally.” Aside from loving the work, she also loves her co-workers. “I look forward to being here each day,” she says, “getting the opportunity to impact my coworkers, whether it be just a simple question, personal issue or advice, or contributing to company culture by increasing morale.” Off the clock, Stisser enjoys life with her kids. “I have two 9-year-old boys, so my time is always spent with them when I am not at work,” she says. “Whether it be on the baseball field, taking small weekend trips or hanging out at home.”

Scott Andrews: going above A leader in our company and our community, Scott Andrews never stops re-envisioning better for our clients and our teams. As chief operating officer for our commercial division, Scott has built a remarkable team whose tenacity and collaborative spirit are helping to reshape how we serve our commercial and corporate clients. And, his commitment to giving back as a board member for Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and 108 Contemporary inspire us all to make a difference. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Scott!

bokfinancial.com 2022

BOK Financial® is a trademark of BOKF, NA. Equal Housing Lender

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Whitney Wakefield

2022

TULSA Director of Operations, AAON, Inc. Leading AAON’s supply chain efforts, Whitney Wakefield’s day consists of scheduling, purchasing, shipping, engineering operations and oversight of the company’s warehouses. What she loves most about her job is “managing people and solving complicated problems,” she says. Wakefield mentions that while her job’s the perfect fit, she didn’t necessarily choose it. “I would say it more chose me. I started in an entry-level position in drafting and design. As time passed, it became clear to me that coordinating, organizing and managing people were where my strengths lay,” she says. Highlights on the job happen when Wakefield is able to “mentor or help someone move forward in their career,” she says, and her greatest achievement at work is being asked to join the senior leadership team. In her spare time, Wakefield enjoys social sports like volleyball and kickball, going to concerts, and creative endeavors like painting. She’s also passionate about animals. “I support a variety of animal shelters and animal charities,” she says. “I absolutely love all animals, and it’s really rewarding to know that I’ve even made a small difference in the quality of their lives.”

Andrea Pemberton

TULSA Executive Director, TYPROS Tulsa Young Professionals – or TYPROS – is “one of the nation’s largest and most active young professional organizations,” says Andrea Pemberton. And she leads it. Along with creating events, programs and opportunities for connections, Pemberton works to develop leaders, build a strong and inclusive community, and make Tulsa the ideal spot for young professionals to thrive. “Tulsa is a special place that offers young people unlimited opportunities to be successful,” she says. “My job is to empower young people to realize and achieve their goals – it is the best job there is.” Pemberton is especially interested in voter engagement, spending time outside work volunteering for the League of Women Voters. Additionally, she helped support the launch of 918 Lead, which trains young Tulsans to run for office. “Building a pipeline of informed young candidates is one of the best ways we can support our community,” she says. In her off time, Pemberton enjoys traveling, live music, and visiting farmers markets and museums. “I am looking forward to traveling more again in 2022 and beyond,” she says. “I have a few bucket list trips planned for this year.” 42

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

BerThaddaeus Bailey

BROKEN ARROW Director of My Brother’s Keeper, ImpactTulsa In partnership with ImpactTulsa, BerThaddaeus Bailey leads a local effort of the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance initiative to “mobilize and convene a cross sector coalition to focus on improving outcomes for boys and young men of color in Tulsa,” he says. “This job is deeply rooted in bolstering proven strategies and data-driven processes to achieve positive outcomes for boys and young men of color who look like me and come from similar backgrounds. I am also able to utilize my skills of policy, research, convening and strategy in my job.” As long as he can remember, Bailey says, he’s been interesting in politics, public service, philanthropy and policy. “I am proud to be working with organizations who are deeply engaged in systems change work to remove structures that perpetuate inequities in our community,” he says. Off the clock, Bailey’s schedule is full. When he’s not volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or helping the less fortunate through food banks and mentoring, Bailey spends his leisure time with his wife and daughter, doing DIY projects, watching Netflix and enjoying home renovation shows.

Congratulations to Rebecca Benham for being named as one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40! CORE Hospital is proud to have you as part of the team.

CORE For more information, contact us at 918.701.2300 www.corejenks.com

2022

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Jennifer N. Lamirand

2022

OKLAHOMA CITY Shareholder and Director, Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C.; Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Jennifer Lamirand knows how to balance. While she’s a practicing attorney with Crowe & Dunlevy, specializing in federal Indian law, tribal law, gaming, securities litigation and general litigation, she is also an associate justice for the Supreme Court of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her jobs combine assisting clients in a range of disputes and upholding the laws of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. “I love having the ability to fight for the rights of my clients, to 37 help them navigate our legal system, OKLAHOMA CITY and to do my part to keep justice Dean of Students, Langston University available and attainable,” she says, As Langston’s Dean of Students, Joshua Busby views citing that what makes her proudest his main mission as “providing opportunities for our about her work is “representing students to grow and develop their skillset to make women and Indigenous people in an impact in the world,” he says. Offering strategic the legal profession so that their leadership to a variety of Langston offices, Busby voices do not go unheard in enjoys “working with a dynamic administrative team conversations about the law, its apled by our president, who is a bold and innovative plication and its effects.” Lamirand, leader who cares about each and every one of our who graduated from Notre Dame students.” Busby finds satisfaction in watching Law School, spends her off hours students walk across the stage at graduation. “I have traveling, enjoy the performing arts, the opportunity to think back to when that student visiting museums and spending time with her husband. She also supports a vafirst arrived on campus as a freshman, and can riety of nonprofits including Oklahoma Shakespeare, Camp Fire, and Oklahoma reflect on their journey and know that they entered Alumni and Associates of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. Langston to learn, but now they are exiting to serve,” he says. When he’s not spending time with his wife and three kids, Busby volunteers his services as a licensed minister at the Greater Mount Olive Baptist 32 Church, where he is also the director of the Social OKLAHOMA CITY Justice Ministry. Additionally, he is a member of Project Manager and Structural Engineer, FSB Architects + Engineers Lions Club International and serves the fraternity Phi Christopher Harlan sees himself as “the primary advocate” for his clients as Beta Sigma in various leadership roles. “I truly live a project manager and engineer. One may not picture engineering as a social by the quote from Marian Wright Edelman who said, job, but Harlan says his favorite aspect is “working with people – whether ‘Service is the rent you pay for being,’” he says. “It is they are clients or colleagues – to bring their ideas to life in a successful my hope that I never have a past due balance.” project.” When it comes to what drew him to the industry, it all started with LEGOs. “As I progressed through my formative years in education, that concept transformed into wanting to make a lasting impact and influence on the built environment in my community,” he says. Now, his greatest achievements at work include designing the structure for the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization Complex Project and the new terminal addition at Will Rogers World Airport. Harlan is passionate about advocating for the prevention of child abuse through the Downtown Exchange Club of Oklahoma City. He’s an outdoor enthusiast and says his favorite stress reliever is “a warm, sunny day on the lake in the boat with my family.” He’s also an avid OSU football fan and tailgating enthusiast. In fact, “I even met my wife while tailgating,” he says.

Joshua A. Busby

Christopher G. Harlan

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Congratulations! Congratulations to Andrea Pemberton on being selected for the 40 Under 40 Young Professional Class of 2022!

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

congratulates

Dr. Kelly Dunn Executive Director, Clinical Treatment National Center for Wellness and Recovery

2022 2017

Assistant Clinical Professor Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 2022

TYPROS.ORG

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Congratulations! SAMANTHA STREALY We’re proud of TFCU Business Development Representative Samantha Strealy, who was named as one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Young Professional Class of 2022. Thank you for everything you do for Tinker Federal Credit Union and the communities we serve.

2022

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David Thacker

OWASSO Controller and Director of Accounting, Cowen Construction From financial reporting to job costing, overhead, budgeting and payroll, David Thacker is the one to ask at Cowen Construction. He also serves as a member of the executive leadership team and is involved in the company’s strategic planning. “I work with a very diverse group of people who are mostly construction managers,” he says. “I enjoy helping them understand the numbers and how I can be a support mechanism to help them gain efficiency.” As a kid, Thacker describes himself as analytic. “This profession gives me the opportunity to provide value with this skillset,” he says. Thacker says his favorite moments on the job are “seeing a project change from raw land to a finished building. The challenge of coordinating different people with vastly different skillsets to overcome obstacles and reach a common goal is rewarding.” In his off time, Thacker volunteers with the United Way and is part of Leadership Tulsa Class 66. “Tulsa has given me so much in my career, and I can’t imagine starting my working career anywhere else,” he says. He also enjoys playing tennis and guitar, as well as spending time with his family.

2022

What’s the best advice you’ve ever given?

Don’t be afraid to make the wrong decision, almost everything can be fixed. – David Thacker

Kate Petrilla, D.O.

OKLAHOMA CITY Emergency Physician, Norman Regional Health System; Assistant Medical Director, EMSStat Kate Petrilla describes her job, an emergency physician, as a privilege. Along with helping patients, she is also the assistant medical director for Norman Regional’s EMS system. “Norman Regional also sponsors an emergency medicine residency program,” she says. “This gives me the opportunity to help train the next generation of emergency medicine physicians.” She loves her profession because there’s “never a dull moment,” but also because of the accessibility to patients. “I felt emergency medicine gave me the chance to serve as broad of a population as possible,” she says. Describing emergency medicine as a “team approach,” Petrilla says her greatest achievement at work is “helping my team succeed on a daily basis.” And as it pertains to her career, the best advice she’s ever received is to “become comfortable being wrong. That mentality has allowed me to try without fear of failure and has opened me up to more success than I could have imagined,” she says. Off the clock, she volunteers her medical skills at the Gomer Jones Medical Clinic. She also enjoys staying active with snowboarding and mountain biking. 46

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Congratulations Lindsey Callery! We join Oklahoma Magazine in saluting our colleague Lindsey Callery and all of the other young leaders recognized as 2022 “40 Under 40” honorees.

C PA s + A DV I S O R S

Lindsey Callery, CPA HoganTaylor Tax Partner

2022

Tulsa 918.745.2333 | Oklahoma City 405.848.2020 | Little Rock 501.227.5800 | Fayetteville 479.521.9191 | www.hogantaylor.com

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Congratulations Kenny Reinbold!

Express is honored to employ such a deserving recepient of the 40 Under 40 award!

Digital Branding Manager,

Marketing and Communications Express Employment International 2022

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Deirdre Shepherd

2022

EDMOND Manager of Air Compliance, Chesapeake Energy Leading a team of experts in the environmental, health and safety department at Chesapeake, Deirdre Shepherd and her team manage “everything related to compliance with air regulations, including greenhouse gas emissions,” she says. While Shepherd enjoys interacting with a variety of people each day, she also appreciates the technical details of her job. “It gives me the best of both worlds for an extroverted engineer,” she says. It’s safe to say that Shepherd is a strong advocate for the environment – something that’s integral to her job. “The world needs energy, and I am passionate about providing our product with the least impact possible to the environment,” she says. “CHK is openly and aggressively focused on being a good neighbor by protecting the environment and being a good employer with a focus on diversity, inclusion and equity. It is easy to come to work every day when your company’s values align with your values.” In her spare time, Shepherd volunteers with the United Way and the American Heart Association. She’s an avid fan of Or34 angeTheory and TULSA often spends her Director of Programs and Community Impact, Leaderweekends at her ship Tulsa two daughters’ Marcia Bruno-Todd credits her chosen professoccer games. sion in part to her parents, who “came to the U.S.

Marcia Bruno-Todd

mainland to provide a life of opportunities for my brother and me,” she says. “The more skills and resources they amassed, the more they had to share with the community.” The value of community service guides her in her role at LT, where she designs the company’s programming and workshops, striving to “make space for more seats at more tables, to have more voices that drive meaningful change in our community,” she says. “We have hundreds of everyday heroes who look to serve and support when confronted with complex issues such as systemic inequity and institutional racism. I get to support them in their work.” Bruno-Todd also helped to launch LT Represent, a non-partisan leadership program for those interested in learning more about appointed and elected positions in Tulsa. Off the clock, she’s involved in MetCares, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund of Tulsa, and the mayoral-appointed Sales Tax Overview Committee. A married mom of three, BrunoTodd is also working towards her doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership. 48

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Trey Thaxton

TULSA Owner and CEO, Goldmill Co. Oddly enough, it was getting nixed from his high school basketball line-up that led Trey Thaxton to his career as a creative consultant. “I got cut my senior year and had to pick up a sixth hour class, which happened to be graphic design,” he says. “The year ended with industry pros coming in to view our portfolios, and they all said that I had ‘a good eye and good balance,’” he says. Now, he owns and operates Goldmill Co., a creative consultancy that assists companies with branding, film and visual communications. “The best way I can explain it is: I create custom solutions to unique problems,” he says. “It may be a logo, merch, a coffee shop build out, a film, or a new business idea.” Along with time volunteered at church, Thaxton started a brand called Greenwood Ave., which he describes as a “celebration of Black entrepreneurship based on the Tulsa Race Massacre.” The proceeds from the project’s T-shirt line are used to help building efforts in North Tulsa. He also created a video series highlighting Black entrepreneurs around the world, and recently produced the opening film for the Tulsa museum Greenwood Rising. His (rare) off-time is spent with his wife and two kids, Emery and Phoenix.

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2022

Congratulations, Chris Harlan, on being named to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40! Your FSB family is proud of you and your work making a positive impact on our communities.

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Congratulations, Paige Archambo Cherokee Nation Businesses celebrates your well-deserved recognition as one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40. In demanding operational environments, facing America’s most complex challenges, you continually find ways to adapt and innovate. Thank you.

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Businesses

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2022

Robert Tehee

COLLINSVILLE Director of Marketing, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa – Cherokee Nation Entertainment Robert Tehee’s days are jam-packed, focusing on the daily operations of marketing, the box office and the call center at Tulsa’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. He also manages inventory control, profit loss statements, and daily marketing mediums. Along with the nuts and bolts, he loves his job because he’s “able to inspire my teams to connect with casino guests using creative innovations, while promoting their professional growth within the company. I started with Cherokee Nation Entertainment at a very young age with little to no knowledge of the gaming industry,” he says. “It wasn’t until a few months in that I realized there was so much opportunity within the company for professional growth.” As a Cherokee Nation citizen himself, Tehee is grateful for the opportunities the Nation has given him and countless others. “Having great professional leaders and mentors over the course of the last 16 years has had a huge influence on my professional growth to where I am today,” he says. Tehee participates in the company’s philanthropic efforts, which include Toys for Tots, blood drives and adopt-a-highway programs. Tehee can also be found enjoying family time with his wife, kids and dogs.

Morgan Smith

TULSA Attorney, Jones, Gotcher, & Bogan, P.C. While being an attorney often seems like a one-man show, Morgan Smith says Jones, Gotcher & Bogan offers “mentorship and camaraderie. At JGB, we are a team, and I could not do my job without them.” Smith’s day-to-day consists of assisting and representing clients – who range from individuals to national companies – with issues including commercial litigation, disputed trusts and estates litigation, guardianships and family law. She says her proudest moments on the job come when she achieves “satisfactory outcomes for my clients.” Smith is involved with the Family and Children’s Services Young Professional Advisors Committee and its Adopt-A-Family Program. “The program matches donors with families in need to help make the holidays a little brighter. I adopted my first family while I was in law school, and have continued the tradition by adopting a large family each year with my firm.” In her leisure time, Smith enjoys concerts, home projects, hiking, rock climbing and traveling around the globe ... where she once encountered a world leader. “In 2017, I met Ireland’s President, Michael D. Higgins, and his two Bernese Mountain dogs,” she says. 50

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

ven as a young child, Chelsey Gilbertson, D.O., Vice President for Clinical Programs at INTEGRIS Health, knew she was destined for medicine. As an emergency department physician, she works to make a difference in the lives of her patients and feels honored to be able to provide compassionate care on what is often the worst day of their life. In her role leading Clinical Programs, Dr. Gilbertson is responsible for aligning strategies and performance of key service lines across INTEGRIS Health. Her responsibilities have also included leading INTEGRIS Health Graduate Medical Education by ensuring quality training for medical students and residents.

Congratulations, Dr. Gilbertson, for being named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40!

2022

“I am so grateful to work with amazing people. My work would not be possible without an incredible team.“

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David Thacker on your nomination to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40.

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Janel Bales

2022

Norman Markland

OKLAHOMA CITY Licensed Therapist and Independent Living Services Director, Pivot – “A Turning Point for Youth” To say Norman Markland’s plate is full would be an understatement. Along with being a licensed therapist and founder of Markland Motivates – a nonprofit that provides mental health, financial literacy, mentorship and scholarships to African American men graduating high school – his career at Pivot revolves around the Supporting Kids in Independent Living program. There, he works with at-risk youth and families who are in crisis to “gain access to resources that will help them transition into adulthood as successfully as possible,” he says. Additionally, he coordinates OKC’s Safe Place program and leads the Teen Service Board. “Growing up, I always wanted to work in the community,” he says. “In college, I developed a passion for working with at-risk youth. It was then that I knew I wanted to commit my life to service.” He cites one of his greatest achievements at work as being Pivot’s Housing Navigator, helping OKC residents find short- and long-term housing solutions. He’s also involved with the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education, the Community Cardinal House and the Man Up program. Markland enjoys spending time with his daughter and family, as well as traveling.

Lou Hofmeister

TULSA Marketing Coordinator, Wallace Design Collective After enjoying her marketing classes in college, Janel Bales was hooked on the industry. Now, at Wallace Design Collective, Bales develops strategies on project-specific marketing activities, coordinates marketing materials, writes proposals and helps plan special events. “I love the people I work with,” she says. “I work with the best A/E/C marketing department around – I might be slightly biased.” She says what makes her the proudest about her work is how well the employees collaborate. “I believe working well as a team encourages personal growth, increases job satisfaction and makes happier employees,” she says. The company is big on philanthropy, Bales says, citing the company’s 40 Acts of Service campaign to celebrate their 40th anniversary. She was specifically moved by her work at Iron Gate on Archer’s new soup kitchen and pantry, which Wallace helped to create and volunteered for during its opening week. “That day was exhausting but so rewarding; I learned so much about Tulsa and the incredible respect for humanity that exists here,” she says. Along with serving as president of the Society for Marketing Professional Services, Bales is also an avid golfer.

TULSA Entrepreneur and Owner/Instructor, Kumon Kumon – the educational network focused on mathematics and reading – has been a part of Lou Hofmeister’s life for as long as he can remember. “I grew up as a Kumon student and was an employee throughout my high school years,” he says. “It felt right when the opportunity presented itself to own and become a Kumon instructor.” He now spends his work days running a business that provides supplemental curriculum to students from preschool to high school. “I love working with a diverse body of students who are actively working towards individual goals,” he says. “I enjoy seeing a student’s attitude change towards math or reading as they build confidence through the direction and planning I provide.” His hard work has paid off; his greatest achievement, he says, is “becoming a top 50 center in the United States and top 100 in North America.” Outside Kumon, Hofmeister has a soft spot for animals; he and his wife “frequently foster puppies and kittens through local pet adoption agencies,” he says. The couple recently welcomed their first child, and Hofmeister also enjoys ice hockey and golfing. 52

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Congratulations Kate Petrilla, DO

Congrats to Dr. Kate Petrilla on being named to the 40 Under 40 Young Professional Class of 2022. Dr. Petrilla is an emergency medicine physician at Norman Regional Health System. While completing her residency at Norman Regional Health System she was chief resident. Thank you for all you do for our patients and community, Dr. Petrilla!

CONGRATULATIONS!

WANAS JASIM ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER ASSOCIATE AIA

2022

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S , WAYNE COLDWELL. Cherokee Nation celebrates your recognition as one of Oklahoma’s top professionals. Thank you for your dedication to greater health care access for tribal citizens, families and communities. Your vital work ensures the story of the Cherokee people may continue.

2022

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Jake Elliott

EDMOND ESG Product Director, TBS Factoring Service Leading TBS’s technology product teams, Jake Elliott oversees two homegrown software applications, all third-party integrations, plus data and analytics. He loves his job for a variety of reasons. “TBS is a very quickly growing company that is constantly having to come up with new ideas, products and approaches to maintain that growth,” he says. “As someone who has gone through starting and running a technology company with lots of ideas and little money, having the opportunity to innovate like a start-up, but having the resources of an established company, is a dream come true.” A computer fanatic since childhood, Elliott’s career decision was easy. “When it came time to choose a degree program after high school, I was between MIS and computer science, with computer science ultimately winning out because it was in the College of Engineering at OU.” Off the clock, Elliott harbors a passion for education, serving on different boards at OU. He also coaches youth sports at the Edmond YMCA. He enjoys family time, woodworking and playing video games. “For the sake of saving face, I’ll add ‘with my children,’ but let’s be honest...” he jokes.

2022

Sydney Levine

COWETA Midstream and Domestic End User Manager, Zeeco Sydney Levine’s love of animals brought her to the engineering realm. “I originally wanted to go to veterinary school and thought it would be advantageous to get an engineering degree,” she says. “Once I completed my internship at Zeeco I began to understand the many opportunities and avenues available within the engineering field from a global perspective.” Now, Levine works as part of the thermal oxidizer division, analyzing customer inquires and developing solutions for her clients. “I love being a part of a company that truly values their customers, the quality of their product and the growth of employees,” she says. Levine is busy outside work. Along with participating in Zeeco Younger Professionals, Catholic Charities, leadership forums and other philanthropic opportunities, she is an expert equestrian. “I started riding as a young child and fell in love with it. I have competed in national and world level competitions on and off since I was a teenager, but more consistently after graduating college,” she says. She loves spending time with her husband, son and her new 2-yearold Morgan horse. “I am looking forward to our first horse show season together,” she says. 54

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Shane D. Aaron 37

TULSA Architect and Partner, Selser Schaefer Architects Shane Aaron says his childhood imagination facilitated his career as an architect. “I have always been driven by creativity, organization, form and order. As a child, most of my playtime occurred in my imagination, and when it manifested itself physically, it was through drawing and building.” Once his parents suggested architecture, he says, “I started drawing concepts for the offices of my future firm.” Today, Aaron leads his team in designing a variety of facilities and assists with finance, HR and business operations. “First and foremost, I am a facilitator,” he says. “It is my primary objective to clear the path and create the space my team and my clients need to thrive.” Outside the office, Aaron is involved with the American Institute of Architects and was recently named the organization’s 2023 president. “I am driven by advocating for the work architects do to shape the built environment,” he says. Aaron also enjoys reading, landscaping and writing. “I started writing a novel,” he says. “In a lot of ways, it feels like an extension of my profession – creating an environment and shaping people.”

Crowe & Dunlevy Congratulates Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40 Honoree Jennifer N. Lamirand A leader in the firm and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Jennifer’s dedication to client service and her commitment to advancing the arts community, make her a fitting honoree. We applaud Jennifer on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued success.

crowedunlevy.com 2022

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LANGSTON UNIVERSITY CONGRATULATES

DEAN JOSHUA BUSBY Honoree for Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40

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David Karimian

2022

TULSA Private Wealth Advisor, Prime Wealth Management – Ameriprise Financial Services David Karimian helps his clients mold their futures through his work as a private wealth advisor at Prime Wealth Management. “I love seeing my clients live and enjoy the life they envisioned for themselves,” he says. After getting a degree in business administration from OU, Karimian became a certified financial planner, chartered retirement plan counselor, and an accredited portfolio management advisor. “I chose my profession as it allows me to pursue my passion of helping clients design a plan to help them accomplish their long-term financial goals,” he says – whether those goals are retiring early, going on a bucket list vacation or leaving a family legacy. In his spare time, Karimian stays involved through volunteerism at the Tulsa Boys’ Home and sitting on the board of Tulsa Ballet. He enjoys spending time with family, camping and exercise. When it comes to his work, his best advice is imperative: “Financial discipline leads to financial freedom. Do what your future self will thank you for.” As for a hidden talent, Karimian can bust a move. “I won a ballroom dancing award in college!” he says.

Chelsey Dee Gilbertson, D.O., M.B.A. 39

EDMOND Vice President of Clinical Programs and Emergency Medicine Physician, INTEGRIS Health Chelsey Gilbertson’s childhood made it a simple decision for her to choose medicine as a livelihood. “I was hospitalized a lot as a child and spent time in an oxygen tent – back when that was a treatment,” she says. “I vividly remember being five years old and my parents giving me a Fisher Price Doctor’s Kit through a window of the tent.” The rest is history. Now, Gilbertson is responsible for “aligning strategies and performance of key service lines across INTEGRIS Health,” including everything from intensive medicine to neurosciences, women’s health and oncology. She’s also helped to train and lead medical students and residents. What she loves most about her job, though, are the patients. “I come to work every day to make a difference for patients. In the emergency department, I have the honor to provide care on what is often the worst day of a patient’s or family member’s life. I love teaching residents to focus on details and have compassion.” Off the clock, Gilbertson spends time with her husband and son, teaches a Sunday School class and attends OSU sporting events. She also starts her day “at 4 a.m. with a work-out; exercise is my stress reliever.” 56

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

CONGRATULATIONS

MARCIA BRUNO-TODD The entire LT family is thrilled for you to be named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40!

2022

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Congratulations

VP / Division Manager, Oklahoma City

Shanese Slaton Community Relations Manager

named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40.

Thank you to Aaron and all the leaders for your impact on the Oklahoma City community!

For a Better Tomorrow onegas.com

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Brittany Lee

YUKON Director of Child Care Services, Oklahoma Human Services Brittany Lee spends her days “assuring Oklahoma families have access to licensed, affordable, high-quality child care,” as well as assisting child care facilities in achieving supreme standards. She plans, organizes and develops the implementation of statewide child case service programs to meet the standards of the Federal Child Care Development Fund. In short, she helps Oklahoma kids thrive. “I love ensuring Oklahoma’s children have exceptional early education programs and services that make a difference in their lives and our community,” she says. Her career path, she says, feels predestined. “I have always had a passion for early childhood education. I had a gift with young children when I was growing up – children would often gravitate towards me,” she says. “There was something about pouring into children and watching how they were positively impacted. Simply put, working with children brings my heart joy.” In her off time, she supplements her enthusiasm for helping Oklahoma youth through Loveworks Leadership, Crossroads Youth and Family Services, and Infant Crisis Services. She also enjoys family time with her husband and daughters.

2022

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? To give people their flowers while they’re living. – Brittany Lee

Kelly Dunn, M.D.

TULSA Psychiatrist, Addiction Medicine Physician, Assistant Clinical Professor, Executive Director of Treatment, National Center for Wellness and Recovery at OSU Medicine; Medical Director of Wellness, OSU Center for Health Sciences Kelly Dunn works each day to push the envelope. “I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo if it means more people get the help they need,” she says. Dunn practices in what she describes as “the most stigmatized areas of medicine and culture” – mental health and addiction. “I knew that had to change, and that I could unite the best science has to offer with kindness and empathy in a way that would change the way the world views them, so that people could access the help they need to lead rich and full lives.” Dunn’s day-to-day consists of executive initiatives to “expand gold-standard addiction medicine treatment to the state of Oklahoma, treat substance use disorders in OSU’s Addiction Medicine specialty clinic, and support our wellness department in creating programming, curriculum and culture.” Her newest endeavor is supporting mental healthcare for collegiate athletes. “It has been enjoyable to expand my knowledge of the world of sports psychiatry and be a part of the development of these young adults,” she says. In addition to family time with her kids, Dunn also speaks at community events on topics like addiction, mental health and healthcare worker burnout. 58

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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UNDER

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IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO FITS THE BILL for 2023’s 40 Under 40 class, tell us about them. Vist okmag.com/nominate40under40 to fill out the form.

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HUMAN SERVICES

2022

would like to congratulate BRITTANY LEE on her designation as one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees in the Class of 2022. As the Director of Child Care Services, Brittany assures Oklahoma families have access to licensed, affordable, high quality child care. She also assists child care facilities in achieving supreme standards and works tirelessly to direct the development and implementation of a statewide child care services program. Simply put, Brittany ensures Oklahoma children have exceptional early education programs and services that set them up for success in the future. “Brittany is a transformational leader with a deep passion to serve in her community. We are proud that her dedication to early childhood education has garnered this welldeserved honor and grateful for her service to Oklahoma’s families. Congratulations, Brittany!” - Secretary Brown

World

It’s no secret that the Tulsa and OKC metros are booming with new projects. These include major headquarters, multi-use buildings, apartments, historical renovations and even an indoor waterpark. Read on to see what’s on the Oklahoma agenda. Tulsa by Debi Turley • OKC by Kimberly Burk

The BMX Headquarters Photo by Tim Chambers courtesy Tulsa Regional Tourism

The BMX Headquarters

Tulsa For everything “bike,” head to the newlyopened BMX Headquarters in Tulsa’s Greenwood District. A combined national headquarters and BMX museum, the facility will hold national BMX competitions and will be open for use to Oklahomans for recreational programs and races for young riders. The project was funded through the Economic Development Infrastructure Fund and Vision Tulsa.

Bar K

OKC “We like to say it’s a dog park, bar, restaurant and event space, in that order,” says David Hensley, owner of Bar K, which is coming to the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City with a planned December opening date. “It really celebrates that special bond that we have with our dogs.” Dogs won’t be allowed inside the full-service bar and restaurant, but leashed canines and their owners can enjoy meals on all the patio space, with a dog food menu in addition to human food and drink. The

property will be surrounded by an off-leash and fully staffed dog park, plus a stage for live music and speaking events, two bars built from shipping containers and unique play features for the pups. As a nod to sometimes-fierce Oklahoma weather, the park will include a 10,000-square-foot indoor play space. Bar K has been a big hit since it launched in 2018 in Kansas City, and it branched out to St. Louis in November. Oklahoma is the first location outside Missouri.

Developments

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Santa Fe Square

Rendering courtesy CRTKL

Santa Fe Square

Tulsa This monumental mixed-use project, spearheaded by Elliot Nelson, will cost $125 million and include office, retail, residential and parking space when it is completed in the next year. Located in downtown Tulsa’s Blue Dome District, the new development is sure to stand out with its 12-story tower, 30,000 square feet of retail space, and close access to the Tulsa Arts District and Greenwood. The project is led by local architecture firm Selser Schaefer.

First National Center

OKC Developers are calling it “an oasis of luxury, elegance and historic flair.” What was previously known as the First National Bank building in downtown Oklahoma City has been transformed into apartments, restaurants and retail spaces and a full-service upscale hotel. The Art Deco skyscraper is now known as the First National Center and is located on the corner of Park Avenue and Robinson Street, at the epicenter of the Central Business District. The restoration included repairs to the murals, decorative painted ceilings, stone columns and metal finishes in the 1931 building, which is on the Historic Register and was once the largest building in Oklahoma. The First Residences at First National offer 193 units including studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes and penthouses. First Residences amenities include a fitness center, 14-story parking garage, rooftop deck with heated infinity pool and valet and concierge services.

First National Center

Rendering courtesy Akseizer Design Group

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

The Sinclair Building

Photo by Doug Henderson courtesy Ross Group

The Sinclair Building

Tulsa Historic preservation is the name of the game for this building that was one of the first skyscrapers to grace Tulsa’s skyline. With a planned opening in the spring of 2023, the building will house 60 multi-family apartment units. Owned by The Ross Group, tenants will enjoy all the perks of the downtown culture and atmosphere.

Davenport Urban Lofts Rendering courtesy Doug Schram

The Cheairs Furniture Co. Building Tulsa New plans for this historic building at the eastern edge of the Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL) will have the building dispensing cold beverages instead of the furniture it was once known for. The ice-house type bar will feature tall ceilings and an abundant open space. Added recently to the National Register of Historic Places, the Kenosha Street building will again draw people – and up to 100 different types of beer. The East Village structure was once a piece of NORDAM’s headquarters.

OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark

OKC In October, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby unveiled plans for a resort-style development adjacent to the First Americans Museum, which opened in September with joyous ceremony after a decades-long wait. “With this world-class First Americans Museum now in operation, we are ready to turn our focus to what we believe will be another significant tourism and hospitality venue,” said Anoatubby. Situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City, the $300 million OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark will include a riverfront hotel, spa, outdoor adventure lagoon, restaurants and retail outlets, according to the Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office. Site work got underway in March, with completion scheduled for late spring of 2024. The first phase of the project is to develop about 40 acres of the total 140 acres held by AICCM Land Development, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation. A Native American market and amphitheater will augment museum programming with local artist performances, festivals and lectures.

OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark

Rendering by David Walker Architectural Visualizations courtesy Chickasaw Nation

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The Annex – Downtown

Tulsa Parking won’t be a problem for those seeking to shop for groceries at a new mixeduse area associated with the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The Annex – spearheaded by Indiana-based Flaherty and Collins Properties – will house a grocery store and 636 parking spaces in a multi-story garage. Enjoy an event and pick up groceries as you leave? Perfect! Those who shop can park free by showing a receipt from the store.

The Annex – Downtown

Rendering courtesy Flaherty and Collins Properties

Davenport Urban Lofts

Tulsa If you enjoy truly urban living with food, night life and the Arts District just paces away, Davenport Urban Lofts might be your kind of home. Luxury living with a contemporary feel, the lofts feature floor-to-ceiling views, state-of-the-art kitchens and master suites that remind one of a spa. Private balconies and a shared rooftop terrace add to the attractions found here.

The Midland

Tulsa Once again, the Ross Group steps in to give an historic Tulsa property new life. Formerly another storage facility for NORDAM, the structure is slated to become the home of creative office spaces. The building will be named The Midland after the railroad that operated near the structure. Historic tax credits will be used to complete the $8 million project.

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

OKC Boomer and Pete, the 5-year-old cheetah brothers, are among the stars of Predator Pass, the 61,000-square-feet habitat for cheetahs and African painted dogs that opened in October at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The $1.9 million habitat consists of four distinct habitat spaces, two indoor climate-controlled spaces and panoramic viewing opportunities for guests. Construction is underway on Expedition Africa, the zoo’s latest and largest habitat expansion project to date. Located in the heart of the zoo and slated to open in the spring of 2023, the 14-acre project will provide zoo guests with more immersive wildlife experiences and larger habitat for animals native to Africa including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, ostriches, meerkat, lemurs and honey badgers.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

The View

Tulsa Aptly named by developers of American Residential Group, The View will have amazing vistas of the skyline of Tulsa and ONEOK Field. Featuring two swimming pools (including one that will sit six stories up on the rooftop), this 198-unit complex is a sister property to The Edge, which opened its doors in 2016 in the East Village. ARG also developed Tribune Lofts and Renaissance Uptown, among others.

The Reunion Apartments

Tulsa Standing proudly on East 4th Street in downtown Tulsa, the Reunion Apartments give new life to a 1917 structure that started out as the First National Bank of Tulsa. With 10 stories stretching into the skyline and 79 apartments, the building now offers tenants a dog park, a gym and a breathtaking rooftop lounge.

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Photo courtesy OKC Zoo

The Chicken Shack

Arcadia “I just want people to eat chicken,” says Eddie Gochenour, owner of The Shacks Family Restaurants. “It’s always about chicken. I can turn any conversation into chicken.” Gochenour is bringing his broasted chicken to Arcadia, with a goal of opening on April 23, the sixth anniversary of launching his restaurant chain in nearby Luther. The venue on Route 66 in Arcadia will feature indoor and outdoor dining and a recreation area with volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, cornhole, bocce ball and a sand feature. Visitors can stretch their legs on a walking path around the perimeter of the property. A second restaurant at the complex will be called Arcadia Pizza. The Luther restaurant will be rebranded as The Shack on 66 with a new food concert, Gochenour says. “Luther was the beginning,” he says. “I don’t want to lose the home base.” Gochenour also has restaurants in Guthrie and Harrah.

Universal Ford Building

Tulsa The George Kaiser Family Foundation brought two historic buildings in the Tulsa Arts/Greenwood District back into the spotlight in the form of affordable living space for service workers, teachers and artists. Built in 1917, the Ford building sold Ford and Model T vehicles. The project was funded with the hope of attracting businesses and residents to this prominent northside neighborhood. At 37,000 square feet, the renovation resulted in 23 apartment units, 6,5000 square feet of restaurant space and 11,000 square feet of office space, including 36 Degrees North, according to Erin Conrad, the Community Engagement Lead at Tulsa-based Lilly Architects, which handled the project.

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A Fresh Star Remodeling and renovation projects are kicking off as the weather warms. Contractors, architects and designers explain how the industry has shifted since the pandemic, discuss the components of the elusive ‘dream home,’ and help hopefuls get the most bang for their buck.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

rt forSpri By Tracy LeGrand

A Changing Industry

Low interest rates and pandemic-related changes mean the public has put more emphasis on their homes, spending more there, thus creating pent-up demand. “There have been price upticks for sure,” says Kent Hoffman, general contractor and owner of Kent Hoffman Construction in OKC. “Lumber skyrocketed in the summer of 2020, up six or seven times previous cost six months earlier, and all framing material became extremely expensive. Gradually, we’ve seen it retreat some over two years, but [prices] are still more than pre-pandemic. “Availability is also tricky, and for some products, we’re seeing extended delivery time; custom windows and doors have gone from six to ten weeks to 20 weeks. With appliances, production dropped way off when factories closed, and the lack of production for many months and slow comeback mean it takes much longer to get these. The time to build these homes has been extended

considerably because of the pace, and the availability.” Inflation is part of the equation over the past two years, says Bill Powers, owner of Tulsa’s Powers Design and Build. “This is due in part to the pandemic and delivery issues caused by the labor shortages across the board. This, in turn, has caused prices to escalate dramatically. The National Association of Homebuilders provides us with extensive information regarding the market, pricing, inflation and supply levels, so builders can plan effectively. It has been a scheduling and management headache, as well as testing the patience of our good clients. For the most part, people have been understanding and cooperative.” Rand Elliott, architect and owner of OKC’s Rand Elliott Architects, says his company copes with changes by assessing the ingredients before starting a project. “We talk about project contents and ask the residents if we APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

could price brick versus stone versus stucco, for example, and we evaluate the conditions and include the price and availability of both,” he says. “We have contacts with people all over the industries – for example, with Jay Cox at Acme Brick, where they can control their own product as they excavate their own clay to make bricks. That is an advantage over ordering from China or someplace with no control evaluating these factors. These are all very important first step to control labor shortages.”

Commercial vs. Residential

Some major differences occur between commercial and residential construction and renovation projects, experts say. “Customers for most of our residential projects come from an architect, or the owner of a home, and we secure an architect to get a set of plans,” says Hoffman. “We also like to have a decorator to help make decisions and expedite the process. We deliver a budget and sign a contract and off you go. “For commercial projects, it depends on the type,” he continues. “We typically do office and retail build-outs with the structure in place, and the process is faster because it is often not as subject to weather. For permits, we often submit our application online, and this can take 68

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

time, considering the pandemic, and it also depends on the municipality. Another difference with commercial projects is that it’s not someone’s home and therefore not as emotional. This can generally expedite the process.”

Getting Bang for Your Buck

Putting your money into the practical aspects of a project first, before considering the bling, is common sense building advice offered by Hoffman. “With escalating energy prices, energy efficiency is worth every dollar spent on it, especially in the home business,” he says.

“Most office buildings are existing, but you can still be energy efficient with LED lighting. Good investments are high efficiency heating and air, all lighting to be energy efficient, plus insulation and windows. A good investment is an impact resistant roof, where the insurance company will give you a premium reduction because it withstands hail better. “When you spend money to save money, some aspects are more expensive going in but are long term savings that will pay off,” he continues. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ... you can spend money in a hurry building a high-end home, and what

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I think is frivolous is not what the owner thinks. In the custom world, we build as instructed.” Elliott says: “Everyone wants the best bang for buck. I have a very different perspective as an architect, and we tend to work hard to communicate with clients to ask themselves: ‘What is your lifestyle?’ ‘What is it that makes life special and unique?’ And we then design to those unique features, and not to the notion of a fast return ... although that may be in the back of their minds. It’s about quality of lifestyle. You can’t do a universal house that applies to everyone. Real estate holds value over a long time, and that’s a good thing about living in and improving a home.”

The Contractor Check List

Hoffman says that choosing a contractor is key to a successful project, and to look for experience. “Track record goes hand in hand,” he says. “Get customer references and architectural references, because architects know who does a good job. Financial security is important so you can see their credit report. They should be an established company with a banking reference.” Finding the right contractor for a home project, says Powers, is “the second most

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

important part of the effort. The most important factor is to have really well developed plans and specifications that accurately spell out everything a homeowner wishes to accomplish. “With good plans, people can then interview prospective builders. The builder’s experience record for the type of work being requested is important. Check references, at least three if you do not already know the contractor, or know people who have worked with them and can confirm reliability, honesty, integrity, professionalism and attention to detail. Check with local suppliers like lumber yards for credit rating and references, Homebuilder’s Associations for members in good standing, the Better Business Bureau, and so forth.”

The Dream Home

For a homeowner to embark on the journey to remodel or build from the ground up, establishing their ‘dream home’ has many moving parts, says Elliott. “Accurate, detailed plans are imperative. Too many people do not understand this, and builders in a hurry to get started don’t demand thorough plans. To get to the dream home plans, and getting them to come true, requires significant due diligence, sound decision making and adequate funding.”

When it comes to trends, Hoffman says, “efficiency is trending but it’s not a trend – it’s reality and very important and must be factored in from the foundation to completion. The things we get asked to do to upgrade older homes are typically bathrooms and kitchens, including utility rooms, so I’d say those two areas are important to the dream home theory. Also, having an entertainment area with an indoor/outdoor component. And the home office is now a reality. Another consideration for tornadoprone Oklahoma is a safe room. Home gyms have also seen more demand when it comes to making a dream home. “In commercial trends, employers want nice things for their employees, typically kitchens and often a workout facility and an outdoor space,” Hoffman continues. “The pandemic impact does mean that commercial projects are using new HVAC systems to clean and transfer air more efficiently.” Elliott continues: “We don’t follow trends and are not interested in the latest color or stove or sink that’s out there. That’s not what drives what a dream home is. It’s really about what it is that makes this home feel good. What is it about this place that has certain spirit? Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Build what fits you.”

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TASTE

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

Outdoor Dining Awaits Patio weather is here, and Oklahoma offers plenty of restaurants to enjoy it.

here’s a beautiful but brief time in Oklahoma when the weather is, dare we say it, perfect for outdoor dining. The following is a collection of spots in Tulsa and OKC to soak up the sun.

Lowood, Tulsa

Great for a full meal or just some wine and appetizers, downtown Tulsa’s Lowood is prime patio real estate. Photos by Stephanie Phillips

Comfy overstuffed sofas around a brick fireplace. Big armchairs surrounding an outdoor fire pit. Behind it, a tiny bocce ball court waiting for a leisurely game. “You don’t need to order a meal to enjoy Lowood’s outdoor garden,” says T.C. LeRoy, managing partner. “You can bring your friends for wine and conversation.” It would be a shame to miss out on Bobby Benjamin’s exquisitely crafted

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

dishes, though, and for that, there are sturdy pine tables under a big wood pergola, surrounded by grapevines and leafy gardens. They’ve just been replanted, so you are eating next to where some of your food is grown, including thyme, basil and jalapenos. It’s a secluded spot, hemmed in by junipers and quaint brick and stucco walls. “It feels like this patio transports you to a wine valley,” says LeRoy. “You just forget you’re in downtown Tulsa.”

Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, OKC

I absolutely love a late afternoon sitting on a patio in an Italian piazza, sipping

an Aperol Spritz or a glass of wine. While I can’t run off to Italy, I can enjoy an aperitif on the patio at Lori Burson’s midtown fixture, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, before choosing from a beautiful selection of lunch or dinner options. Oak-fired pizza, housemade pasta, sandwiches, entrées and desserts (including their can’t miss Limoncello and ricotta cheesecake) offers something for everyone. Follow facebook.com/stellaokc for special events, winemaker dinners and hunger-inducing food photos.

Prossimo Ristorante, Tulsa

Chef Scott VanTuyl and sommelier William Rosser were sitting in the sun behind Prossimo discussing spring

flowers for their bright wood planters. “We wanted a Mediterranean feel,” says VanTuyl, gesturing towards the sleek teak tables and big, rattan-like chairs. “We wanted to make you think of outdoor cafe dining on the Italian coast.” Rosser adds: “We did weeks of research on Italian plants and furniture.” They’ve already planted junipers and bright red nandinas. “We tried to find plants that looked Mediterranean but would survive the Tulsa winter,” says VanTuyl. “It will be great to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather on days we have it.” And to get you in the mood, they will have $10 mimosa carafes at brunch.

Bar Cicchetti, OKC

Nothing pairs better with a spring or summer evening than a varied spread of small bites to share with friends. At Bar Cicchetti, you can welcome our incoming patio weather, enjoying chef Jonathon Stranger’s many options. “Cicchetti” are essentially Venice’s answer to Spanish tapas. Tucked alongside the canals, there are actually bàcari (Cicchetti bars) that have been open for hundreds of years. Traditionally, diners come and order drinks and then share a wide assortment of hot and cold small plates. My recommendation is to choose your libation and let your server suggest your dishes while you watch the sunset.

Polo Grill, Tulsa

Hemmed in by half-timbered walls, paved with brick cobblestones, shaded by big oaks, and lit by gas lamps, the garden courtyard of Polo Grill looks more like a quaint London byway than a part of Utica Square. There’s even a vintage bright red London telephone box. “There’s something about being away from the hustle and bustle,” says director of operations Kelsey Israel. Veteran guitarist Mark Bruner (he’s been at it since the 1970s) plays five nights a week. Wine dinners are held outside throughout the warmer months. Polo Grill is a James Beard national semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program, and the convivial and festive wine dinners will show you why.

The Pump Bar, OKC

If you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere open seven days a week with daily menu specials and events, The Pump Bar has you

TA S T E | LO C AL FL AVOR Photo courtesy Oakhart Barbecue

TA S T E | F I R S T BI T E

covered. Enjoy karaoke on Mac Monday with rotating pasta specials; Wing Wednesdays come with a side of open mic comedy nights; and Veggie Thursdays pair delicious vegetarian specials with trivia. Classic or house specialty cocktails and Tiki drinks are great for unwinding on the patio. Bar bites like chips and salsa, tots and Frito pie are great for snacking. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stonehorse Cafe, Tulsa

A sidewalk café in a bustling plaza, Stonehorse and its outdoor dining is replete with tulips, purple wisteria and throngs of Utica Square shoppers strolling by. “When you can throw in ambiance like that with great food, that’s why people come,” says general manager Matt Ellicott. “We have a solid core of regulars here; our pleasant, effervescent servers know most of the guests, and most of the guests know one another. We like to have a sense of community.” There are romantic tables for two and larger group tables, and just about everyone has fun. Sometimes laughter even echoes across the square.

Paseo Grill, OKC

In the heart of the Paseo Arts District, the Paseo Grill serves classic American fare in a stylish atmosphere. Soups, salads and sandwiches are perfect for a quick but satisfying lunch. A wide variety of appetizers and entrées makes this an excellent spot for lingering over a casual yet sophisticated dinner. There are flavors for any palate, with American staples like meatloaf and pot pie alongside prime steaks, seafood, duck and house specialties such as vegetable moussaka. A substantial wine list, classic and house cocktails, beer and spirits offer the perfect libation to round out your meal. BRIAN SCHWARTZ (TULSA) AMANDA JANE SIMCOE (OKC)

OAKHART BARBECUE

Oakhart Barbecue’s hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but if you get there any time after 1:30, chances are you’ll find a locked door and a big “sold out” sign. Sometimes there’s even a line at the door long before opening time. Oakhart’s ribs and brisket are crazy good, and the word has spread. What’s their secret? Well, there are a lot of them. Oakhart’s owners, who once played in the heavy metal band The Agony Scene, are now part of the band of young barbecue enthusiasts who, inspired by famed Austin pitmaster Aaron Franklin, have rethought every step of the barbecue process. Their offset smoker, a custom-built beauty from a small family business in Texas, burns post oak in a firebox on the side, and the smoke cooks low and slow. They use USDA Prime brisket and they start cooking it – a long, intricate, hands-on process – at 3:00 a.m. They wrap the brisket in butcher paper (and ribs in foil) about midway through cooking. That trick keeps juices in, and perhaps that’s why their brisket and ribs are, as Anthony Bourdain said about Franklin’s, “insanely moist and delicious.” Or maybe it’s simpler. “We make everything from scratch,” says Brian Hodges, one of the owners along with Chris Emmons. “We put in a lot of care.” BRIAN SCHWARTZ

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TA S T E | CHEF CHAT

Embodying Cocina de Autor Chef Erick Del Valle left his home country of Venezuela to take a leap of faith at Doc’s.

Chef Erick Del Valle shares his recipe for pistachio-crusted halibut. Photos by Stephanie Phillips

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

ome chefs are born with a love of food and cooking and their earliest memories are of perching on a chair or ladder helping mommy cook. Erick Del Valle wasn’t one of these; infatuation hit him late and hard. So there he was, a high school student in Caracas, Venezuela, about to graduate, become a college major in economics, a business career carefully planned, when his father invited him to go along on a business trip. Software was the business, more specifically P.O.S. software for high-end restaurants. “I walked into a restaurant kitchen in the middle of the dinner rush,” recalls Erick, “and it was amazing. The chef offered me a part time job and I said ‘Okay, let’s try it out.’ And the next day, there I was cleaning a chicken and I just fell in love. My parents told me, ‘Do what you want to do, just try to do your best,’ and so I went off to cooking school at La Casserole du Chef, which was the best in Venezuela. And there, as I saw how everything fit together, I fell in love, totally and completely.” There was a chef named Nino Graziano, whose restaurant in Sicily earned two Michelin stars. Somehow he ended up in Caracas and Erick ended up working for him. “One of the best chefs I ever worked for and I learned techniques I use today,” says Erick. “I would have stayed there forever, but the restaurant suddenly closed.” At a restaurant called DOC (no relation to Doc’s), which used only produce grown in Venezuela, Erick learned the value of fresh and local. He then moved to Argentina, worked at a sushi place, founded a catering company (he made great food but business in the slow months wasn’t enough to live on) and moved on to work at Oporto Almacen. That was a trendy, upscale, see-and-be-seen place in Buenos Aires that happened to serve excellent food. Erick continued to learn, and all that time he was going to college.

Then came 2016. An economic collapse in Venezuela left his family unable to pay tuition, so he was forced to leave college just 8 credits short of graduation. Erick has a brother named Frank Cedeno who grew up in the United States and is well-known in the Tulsa food scene. “Come to Tulsa,” Frank always told him, “you’ll work hard but it’s a good life.” Erick wanted to finish college first, but it didn’t happen. In October of 2016, he flew to Tulsa. Three days later, he was working at Doc’s. “When I first came I was like a sponge,” he recalls, “soaking up knowledge, learning Cajun, learning Creole, getting inspiration from everything I saw.” Tim Richards was executive chef at Doc’s then. He’s known for spotting talent and fostering it, and that’s exactly what he did. Erick slowly rose in the ranks and, in 2020, became executive chef himself. It’s a glorious promotion, but it meant more work, not less. “There are no days off for me,” he says. He creates dishes, orders produce, and most days, you can still find him working with the other line cooks. If he ever gets a vacation, he wants to travel ... to eat at other restaurants. “I want to visit New York and Chicago,” he says. “The food scene there is amazing. That’s how I get inspired to create my own dishes.” In Argentina, Erick learned the term “cocina de autor.” That means, Erick explains, to learn from all cooking styles but not to get trapped by any of them. To create dishes that respect the ingredients, using simple techniques that let the meat and produce shine, yet also express the chef ’s unique personality. That’s what Erick does. And he loves it. If you’d passed by the kitchen a few minutes later, you would have seen Erick dicing potatoes, a big smile on his face, relaxed and happy, trading jokes with the other cooks on the line. BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Cafe Antigua

Photo courtesy Little J’s

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City, Café Antiqua features authentic Guatemalan food. Start with an appetizer like enchiladas das chapinas – only available on weekdays – with a dish of three mini tostadas layered with spring mix lettuce, beef picadillo, escabeche, chirmol and queso fresco. Anytime is a good time for the most popular dish on the menu, huevos motuleños, a hand-made corn tortilla with refried black beans, two eggs sunny side up or scrambled, topped with chirmol, avocado slices, feta cheese, parsley and queso fresco with the optional addition of chorizo, longaniza, asada or chicken. Beverage choices include espresso offerings, café con leche, smoothies, juices, sodas, Guatemalan drip coffee, tea, chai, artisan hot chocolate and more. Dessert choices are ample and include sweet fried plantains served with horchata cream sauce. 1903 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City; cafeantiguaok.com

Photo courtesy Chicken Salad Chick

Photo courtesy Cafe Antigua

TA S T E | TA S T Y T I D B I T S

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

Invented by stay-at-home mom Stacy Brown in her quest for the perfect chicken salad, Chicken Salad Chick uses this savory treat as the base for many of the from-scratch craveables. Menu choices include chicken salad as a scoop or part of a sandwich – or you can make a trio of a scoop, cup of soup and delicious side dish options. Varieties include Fancy Nancy, a dish dressed up with Fuji apples, pecans and seedless grapes, or try the Kickin’ Kay Lynne with buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños and Sriracha. Not in the mood for the restaurant’s namesake? Your options include the egg salad and pimento cheese – a yummy concoction of freshly grated sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses combined with creamy house dressing. Side dish choices include broccoli salad, macaroni and cheese, pasta, fruit, grape salad and more. Soups are made daily and include loaded potato, broccoli cheese and tomato bisque. Finish your meal with a daily-made buttercream frosted flower cookie. 4820 E. 61st Street, Tulsa; chickensaladchick.com

FLOWER CHILD

For wholesome cuisine, Flower Child delivers groovy, from-scratch entrees on the spectrum of vegetarian, vegan, paleo, keto and gluten-free with an array of customizable menu items including bowls, wraps, salads, mix-and-match veggies, grains, fruits and healthy proteins. Start your meal with a savory salad like the butternut squash and organic pear adorned with brussels sprouts, arugula, organic kale, candied pecan, ricotta salata, cranberry, puﬀed wild rice and house-made sherry dressing. Try a wrap like the Rebel with grilled steak, charred onion, port salut cheese, arugula and horseradish yogurt, or nosh the Glow Bowl with spicy sweet potato noodles, bok choy, zucchini, onion, jalapeño, shiitake mushroom, coconut milk and sunflower butter. Side dish options are plentiful and include BBQ heirloom carrots, yuzu Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, red chile glazed sweet potato and more. 1144 N.W. 63rd St., Ste. 1003, Oklahoma City; iamaflowerchild.com

Check out Little J’s Bakeshop for curated fine coffee and sweet treats. The brew is locally roasted, and you can choose among espresso creations, all crafted with Nordaggios espresso or a Topeca drip coffee option. Also available are an Americano, mocha latte, chai latte, espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, cortado, café ole, hot cocoa and various frozen concoctions. Choose from an array of cookies like peanut butter oatmeal, sugar, chocolate, shortbread, brownie and more. For a savory treat, peruse the house specialty egg burrito, cooked to order and wrapped in a flour tortilla. For the gluten free options, there is quiche, blondies and scones. Pastries include blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, cheese and cherry Danish choices and a mixed berry scone. 10032 S. Sheridan Road; littlejsbakeshoppe.com TRACY LEGRAND

Photo courtesy Flower Child

Little J’s Bakeshop

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

WHERE & WHEN G R E AT T H I N G S TO D O I N O K L A H O M A

COMMUNIT Y

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

TULSA SYMPHONY PRESENTS: THE TITAN April 2 Tulsa

PAC Esteemed conductor James Bagwell leads the TSO in this commanding performance featuring Beethoven’s Leonore Overture. tulsasymphony.org

OSU-TULSA BUSINESS FORUMS PRESENTS: MARTHA STEWART April

6 Tulsa PAC Enjoy a conversation with Martha Stewart, American business woman. tulsapac.com

BBI: CYNTHIA SIMMONS TRIO April 6 Tulsa

PAC Join the Tulsa PAC for the return of the Brown Bag It free noontime concert series in the Westby Pavilion. tulsapac.com

TULSA TOWN HALL PRESENTS: HENRY LOUIS GATES JR. April 8 Tulsa

PAC Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar and journalist Henry Louis Gates Jr. visits Tulsa. tulsatownhall.

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, RUNS AND MORE Discover the magic of times past at the Medieval Fair, running April 1-3 at Reaves Park in Norman. Delicious food, fun activities and eye-catching costumes await. Don’t forget about the annual Azalea Festival from April 1-30 at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee. Held since 1968, the festival boasts 40 acres of manicured gardens with over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties. Along the same line, the Tulsa Botanic Blooms event wraps up April 17 – make sure to tour the Tulsa Botanic Garden before all the bulbs bloom! To celebrate the start of spring, visit OKC for the opening weekend of the Oklahoma River Cruises on April 1-3. You can also celebrate life and honor the fallen at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 2224, beginning at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

com

SIGNATURE SYMPHONY PRESENTS: AMERICA – AN ERA OF OPTIMISM April

9 TCC Van Trease PACE Guest

WORLD STAGE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: THE REVOLUTIONISTS April

conductor Ryan Shirar leads the Signature Symphony in a concert of America’s favorite compositions highlighting our country’s energy and optimism with guest vocalists Joseph Bias and Joel-lyn McCormick.

21-May 1 Tulsa PAC Four

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA PRESENTS: VERONA QUARTET April

Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Anjelah Nicole

signaturesymphony.org

10 Tulsa PAC Acclaimed for

its “bold interpretive strength, robust characterization and commanding resonance,” the Verona Quartet has firmly established itself amongst the most distinguished ensembles on the chamber music scene today. tulsapac.com

TULSA BALLET PRESENTS: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK April

15-16, 22-23 Studio K/Zarrow Studio Tulsa Ballet is excited

to announce the second installment in the Hardesty Family Foundation Children’s Series: Jack and the Beanstalk! tulsaballet.org

beautiful women lose their heads in this irreverent, girlpowered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. tulsapac.com

ANJELAH JOHNSONREYES April 22 Hard Johnson-Reyes is an American actress, comedian and former NFL cheerleader.

hardrockcasinotuslsa.com

SAL VULCANO April

23 Cox Business Convention Center Staten Island native

Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit Impractical Jokers. bokcenter.

com

TULSA OPERA PRESENTS: SALOME April 29-May

1 Tulsa PAC Prepare for

an immersive audience experience as conceived by Thaddeus Strassberger, the Tulsa-born and raised opera director whose productions

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

have been acclaimed the world over. tulsaopera.com

THEATRE TULSA PRESENTS: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN April 29-May

15 Tulsa PAC You’ve never

seen a local theatre show like this. Join Theatre Tulsa for one of the most joyful, exuberant and memorable American musicals of all time. theatretulsa.org

CONCERTS

TULSA BOTANIC BLOOMS

FOREIGNER April 14 River Spirit Casino Resort One

of America’s most beloved rock bands visits River Spirit. riverspirttulsa.com

JOE NICHOLS April 14 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Joseph Edward Nichols

is an American country music artist. hardrockcasinotulsa. com

JIMMIE ALLEN April 21 River

Spirit Casino Resort James

AIR SUPPLY April 7 River

Edward Allen is an American country music singer and songwriter. riverspirittulsa.com

Russell and Russell Hitchcock return to Tulsa for a one-night only event. riverspirittulsa.

MARCO ANTONIO SOLÍS April 29 BOK

Spirit Casino Resort Graham

com

BOYZ II MEN April 8 BOK

Center Boyz II Men remains one of the most truly iconic R&B groups in music history. riverspirittulsa.com

KOE WETZEL April 9 BOK Center The Texas-born

singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Koe Wetzel, brings his tour to Tulsa. bokcenter.com

Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

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

Center Five-time Latin Grammy Award winner Marco Antonio Solís has announced his latest trek across the U.S. bokcenter.com

MEGADETH + LAMB OF GOD April 30 BOK

Center Following the enormous success of their 2021 co-headline tour, metal titans Megadeth and Lamb of God will be making their way to Tulsa. bokcenter.com

OAK RIDGE BOYS April 30 River Spirit Casino Resort Theirs is one

of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. riverspirittulsa.com

ART SHENEQUA: WOVE April 1-May 22 108 Contemporary An Afro-Caribbean

multi-disciplinary Textile Artist, Shenequa’s family’s cultural background, conversations with others, and Ghanaian experience influence her art practice. 108contemporary.org

THE BIG SHOW: WORK BY YOUNG ARTISTS Through May 8 Philbrook The BIG

Show highlights the creativity of young people across Tulsa and Oklahoma, with drawings, paintings, sculpture and more by artists ages 4-18. philbrook.org

SPORTS TULSA OILERS April 1-2, 8 BOK Center See

Tulsa’s home hockey team play against the Wichita Thunder and Allen Americans. bokcenter.com

PROFESSIONAL BULL

RIDING April 15-16 BOK Center For the 18th

consecutive season, the PBR’s elite Unleash The Beast will buck into Tulsa. bokcenter.com

XFN 379 April 22 River Spirit Casino Resort Xtreme

Fight Night returns to the Cove with an action-packed heavyweight kickboxing tournament. riverspirittulsa.com

SMOKE AND GUNS April 23 BOK Center Oklahoma

firefighters take on Oklahoma police oﬀicers in the seventh annual Smoke and Guns Charity MMA and Boxing event. bokcenter.com

COMMUNITY FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL

April 1 Downtown Tulsa Since 2007, the Tulsa Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays as part of the First Friday Art

GREEN COUNTRY SPRING FLING ARABIAN HORSE SHOW April 1-3 Expo Square See this exciting

equine showcase at the Ford Truck Arena. exposquare.com

AQUARIUM RUN April

2 Oklahoma Aquarium The

Aquarium Run in Jenks welcomes all runners and walkers to take part in this annual event promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. okaquarium.org

OKLAHOMA DRESSAGE SOCIETY SPRING SYMPOSIUM April 2-3 Expo

Square Horse around at

the Ranger Arena as the Dressage Society comes to town. exposquare.com

OKLAHOMA QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION SPRING SHOW April

6-10 Expo Square The

BEATLES April 19 Civic Center Music Hall In celebration of the anniversary of the release of Abbey Road, Rain will bring the greatest hits to life in addition to all your early favorites. okcciviccenter.com

CELTIC WOMAN April 27 Civic Center Music Hall Grammy nominated global music sensation Celtic Woman is thrilled to return in 2022 with a brand-new show Postcards from Ireland. okcciviccenter.

com

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: OKLAHOMA STORIES April

30 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy Rod Ackmann on

the basoon with works from Jack Kilpatrick and Jerod Tate. okcciviccenter.com

CONCERTS

Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association offers Tulsans the chance to see these beauties up close. exposquare.com

ELI YOUNG BAND April

ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES EXPO April

BOB DYLAN April 14 Civic

16 Expo Square See fun

and exciting items you won’t find anywhere else at the Oddities and Curiosities Expo. exposquare.com

TULSA BOTANIC BLOOMS

Through April 17 Tulsa Botanic Garden Revel in the arrival

of spring at one of the largest spring bulb displays in the state. tulsabotanic.org

SPRING HOME AND OUTDOOR LIVING EXPO April 22-24 Expo

Square Prepare your home

for the warmer months at this exciting expo. exposquare.com

IN OKC

PERFORMANCES

OKCPHIL PRESENTS: SCHEHERAZADE! April

2 Civic Center Music Hall See

Rei Hotoda as guest conductor, with arias from Dinuk Wijertane and Rimsky-Korsakov. okcphil. org

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: MUSICAL WHIZKIDS April

3 Civic Center Music Hall Join

the OKC Phil to celebrate musicians young and old alike! You’ll love Night on Bald Mountain, Superman March, and more with several surprise guests! okcphil.org

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: STAR WARS, EPISODE IV - NEW HOPE April 8-9 Civic Center Music Hall Join the OKCPHIL

as they present the seven time Academy Award winning movie and perform the exciting John Williams score live with the movie. okcphil.org

LYRIC THEATRE OF OKLAHOMA PRESENTS: HEAD OVER HEELS April

2 Tower Theatre See this popular country crew at the Tower. towertheatreokc.com Center Music Hall Bob

Dylan’s career has lasted the better part of fifty years now. He has never gotten by on sentimentality or nostalgia. He has never repeated his successes. Dylan has always pushed his work ahead. okcciviccenter.com

PRIMUS April 15 The Criterion Primus is an

American rock band formed in El Sobrante, California in 1984. criterionokc.com

CASEY DONAHEW BAND April 16 The

Criterion See this country band live at the Criterion. criterionokc.com

CASTING CROWNS April 26 Paycom Center Don’t

miss the worship event of the spring as Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship, and We The Kingdom all share the stage for a powerful experience that will inspire and encourage all who attend. paycomcenter.com

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE April 27 Criterion See the indie

band live for one night only. criterionokc.com

ART WESTERN WARES

Through May 1 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Through

clothing, furniture, tableware and more, Western Wares shows how designs with roots on the range came to occupy fashion runways. nationalcowboymuseum.org

SANTA FE TRAIL Through May 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Using material

culture and art objects from the museum’s collection this exhibition will recognize the bicentennial of this most important National Heritage Trail. nationalcowboymu-

13-30 Lyric at the Plaza A fearlessly fresh new musical is a mash-up of posh and punk! This unpredictable Elizabethan romp follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction. lyrictheatreokc.com

seum.org

OKC BROADWAY PRESENTS: RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE

tographs, rare book illustrations, maps and

MOTHER ROADS Through May 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Through pho-

ARTS

PERFORMANCES AROUND EVERY CORNER

Theatre and symphonic showcases rule the April calendar. In Tulsa, visit the Tulsa PAC on April 2 for The Titan, where you can enjoy esteemed conductor James Bagwell as he leads the Tulsa Symphony in this commanding performance featuring Beethoven’s “Leonore Overture.” Visit the TCC Van Trease PACE on April 9 to enjoy Signature Symphony’s America – An Era of Optimism. Guest conductor Ryan Shirar presents some of America’s favorite compositions highlighting our country’s energy and optimism. Tulsa Opera returns with Salome from April 29-May 1 at the PAC. Described as an “immersive audience experience as conceived by Thaddeus Strassberger,” this opera is a can’t-miss. Finally, Theatre Tulsa offers Singin’ In the Rain at the Tulsa PAC from April 29-May 15. In Oklahoma City, the OKC Phil gives fans three shows this month: Scheherazade! on April 2; Star Wars, Episode IV – New Hope related ephemera, visitors will explore some of the country’s most famous thoroughfares. national-

spanning 50 years of Iooss’ career. okcmoa.com

PERCEPTION AND TECHNIQUE IN ABSTRACT ART Through July 24

OKC THUNDER BASKETBALL April 1, 3, 5 Paycom

cbowymuseum.org

OKCMOA Perception and

Technique in Abstract Art presents long-standing Museum highlights. okcmoa. com

EXPRESS MAIL Through July 24 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum When artists

put pen to paper, the result is not always art – sometimes it is friendship, advice, inspiration, or congratulations.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

POP ART AND TEXT

Through July 24 OKCMOA Ed

Ruscha, Robert Indiana, and Andy Warhol will be the focus of a new Pop Art gallery on the second floor of the Museum. okcmoa.com

ASCENDANT: EXPRESSIONS OF SELFDETERMINATION Through

Aug. 14 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman The

decades following World War II were rife with change on a global scale, no less so for Native American artists at the University of Oklahoma. ou.edu/fjjma

THE PERFECT SHOT Through Sept.

4 OKCMOA The Perfect Shot:

Walter Iooss Jr. and the Art of Sports Photography includes over 80 photographs

SPORTS Center See Oklahoma’s NBA team play regular season games. paycomcenter.com

BETTER BARREL RACES WORLD FINALS April 20-24 Oklahoma State Fair Park Better Barrel Races

brings its World Finals competition to the Oklahoma State Fair Park for five days of hard-hitting barrel racing action. travelok.com

COMMUNITY FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK April 1 Paseo Arts

District Visitors can enjoy

art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. thepaseo.org

OPENING WEEKEND AT OKLAHOMA RIVER CRUISES April 1-3 Various

locations Celebrate the

arrival of spring during Opening Weekend at Oklahoma River Cruises in downtown Oklahoma City. okrivercruises.com

JUNIOR BOTBALL CHALLENGE April 2 OKC

Fairgrounds Students

interested in STEM should visit the Junior Botball Challenge. okcfairgrounds. com

2022 OKLAHOMA CITY

THE TITAN

Photo courtesy Tulsa Symphony

Crawl. travelok.com

on April 8-9; and Oklahoma Stories on April 30. All are presented at Civic Center Music Hall. Lyric Theatre returns to Lyric at the Plaza with its show Head over Heels from April 13-30. The show “follows the escapes of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their kingdom.” And for lovers of the Fab Four, OKC Broadway presents Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles on April 19 at the Civic Center, celebrating the anniversary of the release of Abbey Road. FARM SHOW April 7-9 OKC Fairgrounds Get

the Performing Arts, Stillwater For more

great discounts on fair equipment and meet with vendors at this show. okcfairgrounds.com

than 50 years Tower of Power has set the standard for funky horn bands. mcknightcenter.org

OKC BIRD BAZAAR April

SOUTH PACIFIC April 23 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Love transcends the harsh

9 OKC Fairgrounds Visit the bazaar for a variety of exotic birds and bird supplies available for purchase. okc-

fairgrounds.com

OKLAHOMA CITY MEMORIAL MARATHON April

22-24 Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum The

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon honors the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing tragedy and celebrates the gift of life. okcmarathon.com

BUCHANAN’S VINTAGE FLEA MARKET April 23-

24 OKC Fairgrounds Enjoy a quaint flea market experience with plenty of fun vendors to speak with. okcfairgrounds.com

NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL April 28-30

Main Street, Norman The Norman Music Festival features over 100 bands on multiple stages, offering everything from indie pop to classic folk rock. normanmusicfestival.com

THE STATE

PERFORMANCES

TOWER OF POWER April 9 McKnight Center for

realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. mcknightcenter.org

CONCERTS TRACY LAWRENCE AND TRACY BYRD April

1 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Two

beloved country crooners visit Durant for one night only. choctawcasinos.com

LOVERBOY April 8 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Loverboy is a Canadian

rock band formed in 1979. They were established in Calgary, Alberta, but are currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia. choctawcasinos. com

SPORTS TOTAL ARCHERY CHALLENGE April 1-3 Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Visit one of the most

beautiful outdoor recreation areas in Oklahoma and try something new at the Total Archery Challenge. totalarcherychallenge.com

APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

FILM AND CINEMA

A BIT OF EVERY THING

SPEAKERS, ART AND COMEDY

SWOSU RODEO April 7 Don Mitchell Rodeo Arena, Weatherford Watch top collegiate

For fans of forums and speakers, both OSU-Tulsa Business Forums and Tulsa Town Hall have just the thing for you. First, Martha Stewart visits Tulsa April 6 at the PAC, courtesy OSUTulsa. Then TTH offers up Henry Louis Gates Jr. – an awardwinning filmmaker and scholar – on April 8, also at the PAC. If you’re looking to laugh, the lead prankster on Impractical Jokers, Sal Vulcano, visits the Cox Business Convention Center on April 23. Art enthusiasts have a few options this month. Philbrook presents The BIG Show through May 8, which highlights the creativity of young people across Oklahoma with drawings, paintings, sculpture and more. And at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman, enjoy Ascendant: Expressions of Self-Determination through Aug. 14. For a little bit of harmless fun, the Cimarron Territorial Celebration and Cow Chip Throwing Contest runs April 9-16 at the Beaver County Fairgrounds.

cowboys and cowgirls from across the region compete in traditional rodeo events at this year’s SWOSU Rodeo in Weatherford. swosuathletics.com

COMMUNITY DOGWOOD DAYS FESTIVAL April

1-2 Downtown

Idabel Celebrate springtime blooms in Idabel with a visit to the springtime Dogwood Days Festival. theidabelchamber. com/dogwooddaysfestival

APRIL FOOLS MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL April 1-3 E. Lake Dr., Medicine Park Prepare for

adrenaline-inducing bike rides and good times during the April Fools Mountain Biking Festival in Medicine Park. travelok.com

MEDIEVAL FAIR April 1-3 Reaves Park, Norman Discover the

magic of times past at Reaves Park this April as you are transported to an age of kings, queens and knights in shining armor at Norman’s Medieval Fair. medievalfair.org

AZALEA FESTIVAL April 1-30 Honor Heights Park, Muskogee Held since 1968,

Muskogee’s Honor Heights Park boasts 40 acres of manicured gardens with over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties. muskogeeonline.org

CIMARRON TERRITORIAL CELEBRATION

Photo courtesy Cimarron Territorial Celebration

TRAIL OF TEARS

ART SHOW April 2-30 Cherokee Springs Plaza, Tahlequah This art

show presents authentic Native American art in one of Oklahoma’s oldest art shows. travelok.com

CIMARRON TERRITORIAL CELEBRATION AND COW CHIP THROWING CONTEST April 9-16 Beaver County Fairgrounds,

Beaver Come to the Cimarron Territorial Celebration and Cow Chip Throwing Contest in Beaver to enjoy activities commemorating the pioneers of the Oklahoma Panhandle. travelok.com

APACHE RATTLESNAKE

FESTIVAL April 14-17 123 E. Evans Ave., Apache Get

up close and personal with Oklahoma rattlesnakes at the annual Apache Rattlesnake Festival. travelok.com

PayMe Checking

STILLWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL April 15-16 City

of Stillwater Community

Center Enjoy two days of free music, great food and plenty of fun at the Stillwater Music Festival. travelok.com

get real money back with every purchase

comfedcu.org

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

April brings with it plenty of horror, plus an animated sequel for the family.

e enter April filled with anticipation and hopefulness for a normality we have not felt in a long while. This month brings a lot of atmospheric and horror-centric films, so grab the popcorn and a hand to hold – we’ve got some wild ones! Starting with the spooky, we have You Won’t Be Alone. A directorial debut for Goran Stolevski, who also penned the script, the story concerns a young witch who has gone feral in the woods. After she accidentally kills a peasant, she finds she is able to take that person’s shape and, out of curiosity, decides to try and live among humans. The plot seems to take place over a long period of time, with the witch changing forms and actors throughout. Noomi Rapace plays one version of her, and the film’s primary language will be an old Macedonian dialect. It release on April 1. Next up, the fastest thing alive gets a sequel with Sonic the Hedgehog 2. A follow-up to the financially successful first entry, the second introduces fan favorites Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles

FOR MORE EVENTS IN TULSA, OKC AND AROUND THE STATE, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM.

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the Echidna, along with bringing back Jim Carrey as the evil Dr. Robotnik. Tails will be voiced by her video game voice actor, Colleen O’Shaughnessy – something of a rarity in Hollywood films to cast actual voice actors. Knuckles will be voiced by Idris Elba, which I’m sure will be a delight to behold. The family friendly flick will zoom into theaters (and your heart) on April 8. For a complete genre shift, strap in for The Northman. Directed by Robert Eggers, who also gifted us with The Witch and The Lighthouse, the third of his “the” films takes place during the tenth century in Iceland and features a Viking prince out for revenge after his father’s murder. With a cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, it’s sure to be a treat to see them speak eraappropriate dialog with all the fervor the story demands. It hits theaters on April 22. For your second horror this month, check out Hatching. A Finnish film, the story follows a young girl, Tinja, who is desperate to please her mother, a woman obsessed with perfection and the image of her family. After finding a mysterious egg, Tinja brings it home ... and it hatches into something of her doppelganger, which acts on her repressed emotions. The trailer gives off an insanely creepy body horror vibe, along with some truly wonderful puppetry, so prepare to make several grossed-out faces throughout this chilling nightmare. It comes to theaters and on demand on April 29. Lastly, as a quick aside, I recommend that you don’t watch The Book of Boba Fett. It’s a jumbled mess of plot and characters, with an unhealthy dose of nostalgia and a wholly stagnate “protagonist,” lacking any true motivation, who is upstaged by literally anyone with a pulse. Bring the hate: I’ll die on this hill!

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APRIL 2022 | WWW.OKMAG.COM 8/4/21792:41 PM

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Cliﬀ Robertson, M.D.

Photo by Shane Bevel

ith more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and private business, Cliff Robertson, M.D., M.B.A., is Saint Francis Health System’s new president and chief executive officer. Before taking the helm in July 2021, Robertson was CEO of CHI Health and senior vice president for CommonSpirit Health’s Midwest Division. He received his M.D. from Ohio State College of Medicine and completed his residency training in family medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash. He later received his M.B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University. We caught up with Robertson and got his thoughts on ...

... life lessons, and how they’ll apply at Saint Francis.

... short-term goals.

First of all, the only thing I can really do is to begin to create a leadership culture that sets Saint Francis up for success as we move into what will be a rapidly changing and disruptive healthcare environment. As COVID fades, those of us in healthcare delivery will need to be laser-focused on providing the absolute best value for the patients and employers we serve. We are doubling down on our investments to ensure the quality and safety of our hospitals and clinics are the best in the country. We are also investing to ensure the patient experience at all of our hospitals and Warren Clinic locations is on par with the best in the nation. With that, we also have to find ways to deliver high-quality care at lower costs for patients in the future.

... long-term goals.

I truly believe that Saint Francis Health System can be a nationally-recognized place to receive care. We are already 80

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

known nationally for the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) and the Laureate Eating Disorders Program, but we can and should be nationally recognized for our role as a leader in healthcare quality, safety and education.

... what drew him to Saint Francis.

I spent 27 years with the organization that is today called CommonSpirit. I was blessed with the opportunity to work in different health systems over the years but there was something about Saint Francis that truly called me to Tulsa. Part of it was that Saint Francis is not connected to a large corporate bureaucracy but instead locally owned and founded as part of the legacy of Tulsa’s Warren family. The other aspect is that the health system has a local Board of Directors that truly cares about Saint Francis and the communities we serve here in Oklahoma. So it is a combination of things that make Saint Francis truly unique and a place I felt called to join.

... what he’s looking forward to.

Professionally I am looking forward to the great things that the Saint Francis “family” will do over the next few years. Personally, I have three adult children and am looking forward to the day that I get to hold my first grandchild!

... getting his M.B.A. after his M.D. After being given the opportunity to take on a few leadership roles early in my career, I realized that it would be helpful

to learn the language of the administrators. It took me a few years as I could only take one class a term but it was a great decision because it opened my eyes to how other industries solve similar problems. I was in classes with Boeing and Target executives and got to see healthcare through their eyes. It made me recognize how insular healthcare was in terms of innovation and technology.

.... what’s surprised him on the job thus far.

Photo by Stukenborg Photography

As simple as it may sound, the biggest lesson I have learned is that people are good. They want to do the right thing for the organization and the people the organization serves. I have learned to trust people by giving them the information and framework within which they can operate and then get out of their way. At Saint Francis Health System, we have an incredible group of caregivers and support staff that care about the community and strive every day to do their very best. I just try to do my best in supporting them by creating the environment within which they can thrive.

At Saint Francis I have been pleasantly surprised that all the staff and leaders are 100% committed to carrying “The Torch.” You don’t find that in every organization.

... the beauty of Saint Francis.

All of us that live in eastern Oklahoma are blessed to have a locally-governed, faith-based, regional health system in our backyard. Saint Francis is the health system that can both respond to changing needs in the region and can do so with the community’s best interests in mind.

... his legacy.

I am not personally big on legacy, and quite frankly I don’t even think about that. If I had to answer I would hope that there were waiting lists of people – staff, clinicians and leadership – who want to come here to work for Saint Francis. I would hope that the health system continues to be a valued employer, provide healthcare leadership and be a trusted member of the community.

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Oklahoma Magazine April 2022

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